Beau Peep Notice Board => Outpourings => Topic started by: Roger Kettle on October 09, 2009, 10:55:45 PM
Title: Apologies.
Post by: Roger Kettle on October 09, 2009, 10:55:45 PM
Sorry I've been a bit quiet lately but, with my week's holiday starting next Thursday, I've been trying to get ahead with the stupid stuff I do for a living. This time next Friday, I hope to be finishing off a delightful meal in my favourite restaurant in Sao Raphael (Cue Rob Baker to illustrate this with a photograph---he loves this part of the Algarve as much as I do). It's one of the few downsides of my business that holidays are difficult to take. If I want to take time off, then I have to make sure my scripts are suitably in advance---nobody else writes the strips I'm involved with. Hey, I'm not complaining! That's just the way it is and I've been doing it long enough to realise this. What else has been happening? Well, there is the possibilty of an interesting Beau Peep commercial outlet which is in its embryo stage. I'm not going to say too much at the moment because these things have surfaced before, and then disappeared without trace, but some positive talks have been held. You lot will, of course, be the first to know if anything concrete happens. By the way, I tried that "art test" on the other thread and notched up the standard two out of ten. I have absolutely no idea what "art" is. It's certainly not what I produce----I pride myself in writing trivial nonsense---but there's an argument that the finished product by Andrew and Roger Mahoney comes into that category. Who knows? For dinner tonight, I had spare ribs, baked potato and salad. That's all, folks.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 10, 2009, 12:06:25 AM
And how are your bowel movements?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on October 10, 2009, 12:13:10 AM
As Roger said, Diane - we will be the first to know if anything concrete happens.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Joan on October 10, 2009, 12:36:46 AM
Morning, Roger. Well, it will be your morning, or at least Saturday when you read this. I, too, have been quiet recently, (no doubt you all noticed the lack of wittering on around here, or maybe not) but not for reasons of productivity. Unless you count shoveling and shifting about a tonne of topsoil in a wheelbarrow with a flat tyre productive. Just been a bit busy with one thing and another, so shock, horror! not much time spent on the computer, or at least socialising on the computer.
I'm sitting here on Saturday morning, with my second cup of coffee, waiting for Elaine to call so that we can go for a walk and maybe coffee afterwards - at this rate, it'll be lunch. We're going down to the beaches this time, as they've been doing hazard reductions in the bush and it's not very nice, not to mention can be dangerous (falling branches, etc). Here's a picture of where we're going:
except it won't look like that today. We've gone back to winter here. It's only 12C at the moment - cold for the middle of spring - and there's a strong southerly wind chill factor as well. Threatening rain as well, so not looking promising. Maybe we'll just go for lunch like we did last week when it was pouring and blowing a gale.
I would never describe what you do for a living as 'stupid', Roger. In fact, quite the opposite - don't know how you come up with a new one every day. My brain feels quite scrambled just thinking about it. Hope you have a lovely time in Portugal - I'm very jealous. As I said somewhere else, I've got very itchy feet at the moment - will just have to be content with what I've got, unless we win Lotto.
Hope there will be some photos. ;D
Just had a message - looks like after lunch for our walk. Maybe it will have warmed up by then.
1pm - WRONG! The heavens have now opened. I know we need the rain, but why can't it fall at the appropriate time, ie the middle of the night. Ah well, I suppose we'll just have to settle for a nice warm cafe somewhere. You can tell I'm being very productive today. ..0 I did prepare dinner - drumsticks and wings in special bbq sauce and I'm now going to start scanning in some more of my Contiki photos. Is it a sign of age that I'm becoming so nostalgic?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Joan on October 10, 2009, 12:39:34 AM
;D ;D ;D
Oh God, I've missed you lot! Peeps has already made me laugh out loud this morning with a video he posted on Facebook and now you two made me cackle. Good for the soul. :)
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on October 10, 2009, 12:43:19 AM
We missed you too, Joan. Lovely picture. Looks a bit like St Andrews. Did you notice there's a dead man on the beach who's been killed by a wayward football? Was Malc in the area at the time by any chance?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Joan on October 10, 2009, 01:21:24 AM
We missed you too, Joan. Lovely picture. Looks a bit like St Andrews. Did you notice there's a dead man on the beach who's been killed by a wayward football? Was Malc in the area at the time by any chance?
Not that I know of, TT. Maybe it was a very good kick - think you could manage 900 and something km, Malc?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Malc on October 10, 2009, 02:39:41 PM
With my osteoarthritis I can't kick 19m never mind further. I have to say the old bad back has really become a bit of a bind this year. I've put on weight since I can't run any more. When I take a running step now, it's like my spine is made of wood blocks with no padding inbetween. The vertebrae seem to clack down on each other.
But mustn't grumble.....
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 10, 2009, 03:48:35 PM
I had a letter in the post this morning from the NHS saying I'm going to be sent a kit for doing a bowel cancer test!
The NHS is Scotland is amazing. They phone me up to check that I'm still a non-smoker, invite me to have regular blood-pressure tests at the local clinic, and the other day they wrote enclosing a form for me to complete. letting them know my daily alcohol intake!
I never had all this in England.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 10, 2009, 03:51:35 PM
Oh God, I've missed you lot! Peeps has already made me laugh out loud this morning with a video he posted on Facebook and now you two made me cackle. Good for the soul. :)
Here's the video I posted:
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on October 10, 2009, 05:26:32 PM
I'll give that ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Roger Kettle on October 10, 2009, 08:04:38 PM
Excellent, Nige!
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Malc on October 11, 2009, 07:53:38 AM
It is funny. Here's an interesting point, though: If it featured a young couple (or two young men) doing the same thing, would we find it funny? I think not. Why? Because we could conceive of young people doing precisely that, perhaps influenced by the video.
We know that old people wouldn't do it, it's the juxtaposition of youthful actions and old characters that makes the gag work.
Do I overthink these things?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Roger Kettle on October 11, 2009, 09:51:39 AM
That's a good point, Malc. It WOULDN'T be funny if the stunt was being pulled by a couple of young guys. Having said that, it might still work if it was done in an intentionally sick-humour way by the likes of Rik and Neil from "The Young Ones". You're right. We DO overthink these things.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Vulture on October 11, 2009, 09:58:01 AM
I had a letter in the post this morning from the NHS saying I'm going to be sent a kit for doing a bowel cancer test! I had this about two years ago! Sending the completed test through the post seemed a bit vulgar, though!
The NHS is Scotland is amazing. They phone me up to check that I'm still a non-smoker, invite me to have regular blood-pressure tests at the local clinic, and the other day they wrote enclosing a form for me to complete. letting them know my daily alcohol intake!
I never had all this in England. I have a battery of tests every six months or so. But then again, my family history is rife with heart attacks/thyroid/diabetes/anaemia!
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 11, 2009, 12:54:24 PM
I had a letter in the post this morning from the NHS saying I'm going to be sent a kit for doing a bowel cancer test! I had this about two years ago! Sending the completed test through the post seemed a bit vulgar, though!
Oh gawd! If I have to send something through the post in an envelope, I might put it in a bag first, or maybe wrap it in clingfilm.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Vulture on October 11, 2009, 02:04:39 PM
I had a letter in the post this morning from the NHS saying I'm going to be sent a kit for doing a bowel cancer test! I had this about two years ago! Sending the completed test through the post seemed a bit vulgar, though!
Oh gawd! If I have to send something through the post in an envelope, I might put it in a bag first, or maybe wrap it in clingfilm.
It's not exactly like sending a dog turd in an envelope! I won't say what you have to do - it'll be more interesting (or do I mean 'fun'?) if I leave it until you get your instructions. :D
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Rob Baker on October 13, 2009, 10:36:11 PM
A box (5 bottles worth) was only about 8 or 9 Euros when I was there last!! At that price, sod being a connoisseur - it's very moreish and makes a change from the Super Bocks. Can't remember if you can get it in Tommy's though.
Anyway, have a great holiday Roger !
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Roger Kettle on October 14, 2009, 09:21:35 AM
That's the place! Now picture it at 8 in the evening...the sun has just gone down and the lights of the sardine boats are twinkling on the Atlantic...the waves roll up to the deserted beach as I sip some red wine and try to hit my wife in the eye with an olive stone. (I'm quite the joker on holiday). See you next week.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on October 14, 2009, 09:47:18 AM
The sardines have boats? There's posh!
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 14, 2009, 10:03:23 AM
I wonder where he is. Peter's absent too... Maybe they're one and the same person... Or maybe they're away with the gay young blades of the Royal Hussars. Who knows?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Max on October 14, 2009, 08:20:34 PM
Jings, the Royal Hussars must have dropped their standards. ;D
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Vulture on October 14, 2009, 08:37:12 PM
That's the place! Now picture it at 8 in the evening...the sun has just gone down and the lights of the sardine boats are twinkling on the Atlantic...the waves roll up to the deserted beach as I sip some red wine and try to hit my wife in the eye with an olive stone. (I'm quite the joker on holiday). See you next week.
I was early for the cinema yesterday, so I stayed on the bus for an extra couple of stops, getting off at the top of Roseangle i.e. Seabraes. They've tarted up the viewing point there and the view over the river Tay towards your side of the river, Roger, was stunning. The light of the dying day fair took my breath away. I turned to a young lady nearby. "Takes your breath away, doesn't it?" I ventured.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Malc on October 16, 2009, 10:12:25 PM
So Seabraes is a good place to meet girls then...
Maybe it should be Seebras.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Joan on October 17, 2009, 01:23:48 AM
Don't leave us hanging, Fyodor, what was the reaction? You can make it up if you want ...
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Fyodor on October 17, 2009, 10:00:57 AM
She smiled and said, "Yes, doesn't it?" At least I think that's what she said, for 'twas in some foreign tongue. So off I went to the pictures to see Darwin killing God.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 22, 2009, 03:06:44 PM
The bowel testing kit's arrived in the post this morning!
I haven't read through the thing, but I'm a bit apprehensive as there appear to be about 4 pointed sticks I have to use. I'm not usually squeamish, but I cant help thinking this might be painful.
Trying to pluck up the courage to read the instructions...
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 22, 2009, 04:33:55 PM
Poor Nige. Be careful!
You know when I first joined the Beau Peep forum I didn't have a clue that one day we would be talking about bowel cancer tests.
My grandmother (who was old enough to be my great-grandmother) died of bowel cancer because she was too embarrassed to go to the doctor. I sure wish there had been home tests available in the '70s
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 22, 2009, 05:19:13 PM
It's just precautionary, Diane. Don't worry about me. I was just a bit anxious about the pointed sticks, which it transpires are really pointed bits of cardboard, and you don't actually have to stick them in you, they're designed to be used as "tools" during the various processes. I have to get bowl, or a dinner-plate or something like that as well, to help matters, and it all has to be done three times.
It's occurred to me that, in effect, I'm being commissioned to do all this, as I didn't ask for it. Being freelance, maybe I should invoice them...
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 22, 2009, 05:51:37 PM
PLEASE tell me you plan to use styrofoam disposable plates!
(I wasn't worried you had cancer - I was worried that you were going to perforate your bowels)
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 22, 2009, 06:00:28 PM
I too have a medical story.
I got the flu shot on Friday – for the next four mornings I woke up with a huge swollen eyelid – sure enough when you read possible reactions to flu shots eyelid swelling is one of the rarer symptoms. I phoned the Health Nurse to report on the Monday and they phoned me twice to encourage me to see a doctor. Now it takes 2 -3 weeks to get in to see a doctor for an office visit so if you have something like this you need to wait at the hospital outpatients. I sat and waited for three and a half hours as there was only one doctor on call and he is an idiot – he never decided if he wanted to be a doctor or a stand up comedian; his patient visits take up to 50% longer than they should whilst he is ribbing the poor sods who have waited to see him. His first words to me for example were: “You’ve got two days to live” – I gave him the stink eye which wasn’t hard under the circumstances. Turns out I have a pimple INSIDE my eyelid. Three and a half hours for a pimple!
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Tom on October 22, 2009, 06:47:54 PM
I take it you don't like that doctor, Diane?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Tom on October 22, 2009, 06:50:35 PM
Oh, and I hope your eye is better soon. Was the pimple a reaction to the flu jab then?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 22, 2009, 07:02:50 PM
PLEASE tell me you plan to use styrofoam disposable plates!
I'll rinse them off thoroughly before entertaining guests, Diane - don't worry about that!
I may have sounded a bit churlish when I suggested I would invoice them. That bit was a poor attempt at a joke.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 22, 2009, 07:11:20 PM
Tom, I've never had a pimple inside my eyelid before but the doctor said it was nothing to do with the flu shot - just a coincidence.
The teenage boy being seen by the doctor before me tripped and burned his belly on a woodstove - he got ribbed mercilessly by the doctor about being out drinking and chasing after girls.
The woman before the teen was in needing three sleeping pills - he was joking around with her (waiting room overflowing) then he called in a nurse and an ambulance guy to "vote" to see if she should get the pills!
When I took my son in with a badly bleeding split finger a couple of years ago he said that we would have to amputate! I just didn`t find that funny as it was so mangled that may have been the case for all I knew.
I was mad enough and about ready to walk out and report him when he was dealing with the teen Tuesday night but then he came through and was thorough enough to make sure the kid had had his tetanus.
He wastes time and is very unprofessional. His jokes are so bad that you think he is an idiot which doesn’t engender patient/doctor trust.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Vulture on October 22, 2009, 07:18:33 PM
It's just precautionary, Diane. Don't worry about me. I was just a bit anxious about the pointed sticks, which it transpires are really pointed bits of cardboard, and you don't actually have to stick them in you, they're designed to be used as "tools" during the various processes. I have to get bowl, or a dinner-plate or something like that as well, to help matters, and it all has to be done three times.
It's occurred to me that, in effect, I'm being commissioned to do all this, as I didn't ask for it. Being freelance, maybe I should invoice them...
A couple of things occur to me; 1. I used a little plastic bowl that I reserve for bleaching things in. Place it in the toilet bowl, line it with toilet tissue...... do the necessary...tip contents down loo.
2. Don't forget it has to be done on separate DAYS over a period of not more than two weeks.
3. There is a proviso given that a negative result in no way guarantees that you do not have bowel cancer!
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 22, 2009, 07:48:14 PM
I'll have to read the letter that came with it. Not sure if there's an entry date on the envelope.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 22, 2009, 08:29:41 PM
I wonder why we don't have many teens posting here anymore?
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Joan on October 22, 2009, 09:59:18 PM
A friend told me that if we had all the tests we were supposed to have annually at our age, we couldn't fit them in in a year. I've just drunk a litre of fluid (supposed to be water, but had to include my morning coffee in it) and in about an hour and a half (I hope not longer), somebody is going to put pressure on my tummy with a wand thingy and I won't be allowed to go to the loo until she's finished. Not comfortable! Don't worry, Diane, I'm not pregnant - just a check up.
They sent out all the bowel cancer tests here a while ago, then discovered that they were getting false readings, so are going to send them out again.
Better go - the sooner I get there the better. <-
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Vulture on October 22, 2009, 10:07:28 PM
A friend told me that if we had all the tests we were supposed to have annually at our age, we couldn't fit them in in a year. I've just drunk a litre of fluid (supposed to be water, but had to include my morning coffee in it) and in about an hour and a half (I hope not longer), somebody is going to put pressure on my tummy with a wand thingy and I won't be allowed to go to the loo until she's finished. Not comfortable! Don't worry, Diane, I'm not pregnant - just a check up.
They sent out all the bowel cancer tests here a while ago, then discovered that they were getting false readings, so are going to send them out again.
Better go - the sooner I get there the better. <-
I had one of those tests a few years back, but I had to drink the fluid 2 hours before the test. By the time I got to the hospital I was busting but I had to wait twenty minutes while they finished with the previous appointment. THEN I was told I was too FULL and to nip down the corridor to the nearest loo and 'let a bit out'...... ! Three times I had to do that before they could finally do the test!
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Joan on October 23, 2009, 02:42:31 AM
It's much better now, Vulch, as far as the loo bit's concerned. That scan only took about a minute (although I did have to wait about twenty to be taken), then I could go to the loo and she did the rest another way. Maybe we should rename this topic, 'Not for the faint-hearted - delicate subject matter'.
I sympathise with you over the doctor situation, Diane - he sounds like a right eejit. Except he's an intelligent eejit who should know better. Hope the pimple has healed up now. Sounds painful.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 23, 2009, 06:41:17 AM
Thank you for your concern over my pimple. What a caring community this is. :-*
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Jack on October 23, 2009, 01:50:28 PM
My little finger on my right hand hurts a little bit.
Not much.
Just a bit.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Roger Kettle on October 23, 2009, 07:52:09 PM
A box (5 bottles worth) was only about 8 or 9 Euros when I was there last!! At that price, sod being a connoisseur - it's very moreish and makes a change from the Super Bocks. Can't remember if you can get it in Tommy's though.
Anyway, have a great holiday Roger !
Excellent wine, Rob! On your recommendation, we picked up a couple of bottles at the Algarve Shopping Mall (1.99 euros. each) and enjoyed the stuff greatly. You done well, my boy.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 24, 2009, 12:15:54 AM
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: The Peepmaster on October 24, 2009, 05:10:14 PM
"Jack fell down and broke his crown", or so I was told as a child.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Roger Kettle on October 24, 2009, 05:44:43 PM
Sorry, I was being a bit obscure as this nursery rhyme has many interpretations. I think it was Fyodor who told me that originally Jack broke his "nob"---but this meant "head" at the time. I have no idea why I brought this up. Blame post-holiday madness.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Jack on October 24, 2009, 05:49:56 PM
Typical NHS. I come in with a slightly poorly finger, and suddenly I'm leaving with a broken... well, never mind.
Title: Re: Apologies.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on October 24, 2009, 06:49:12 PM