Internet Identity Theft

Bummer! I have been the victim of an Internet Identify Theft. I just got paid and decided I needed new ink cartridges for my printer, so lunch-time I went to my local computer shop to buy some cartridges only to have my card declined! I went to the ATM and though it was showing a healthy balance neither the ATM or the shop would let me use my card.

I telephoned my bank (via the usual call centre in India - that was no fun!) and they told me the card had been blocked and referred to their fraud department. I then spoke to a member of the bank's fraud department and he confirmed my card had been used in several attempts to make purchases online ranging from £1,000 downwards. Fortunately, for me, being just before payday my account was looking a bit anaemic and all the transactions were refused. It was at this point fraud was suspected and the card was blocked. Had the fraudster(s) waited until the end of the month and I could have lost this month's salary!

Now all I have to do is wait for a new card (about a week) and the inconvenience that entails. C'est la vie! A lesson learnt. I have a pre-pay debit card and I will use that in future for my online purchases and keep my bank card well away from the Internet! Phew! That was close.

Summer Ails

Mum, Eve & Jeep all have colds. Mine only lasted a day (Tickly throat). Instead I developed a raging tooth ache. It seems to be a an old problem with one of my teeth and I think it's days are numbered. I have managed to get an appointment with my local NHS dentist in three weeks time. For now I have an infection to contend with. It has been very uncomfortable this weekend and if the pain and swelling hasn't subsided tomorrow I will visit my doctor for some anti-biotics to fight the infection.

It's been that long?

Time flys. We're near the end of June. I thought we were at the start of a long hot summer but the weather quickly turned. Last week I thought we were back to winter! I even had the central heating on again! Now it is just muggy.

Work has settled down and we're as busy as ever. Jeep is still working hard at the Co-Op. We have just received a mountain of forms, notes and todos from PJ's school ready for him starting his foundation year in September. It will be strange not taking him to school every lunchtime. a change of routine in taking him to school before work. William has started nursery two afternoons a week. He seems to enjoy himself though he is in tears every time I take him.

My Mum and Eve will be visiting us in just 4 weeks time now for a 4 week visit. We are all looking forward to that.

Having bought the aerolite boat plans I have still to make a start. Though I have been collecting mini-clamps, I now have about 20. It has been recommended that I have about 50. I have sourced these clamps on the island at only £1.50 for a set of 4. So not very costly at all. Every time I visit Douglas I clear the shop out!

I have slipped on the apple diet and resorted back to my presciption. It is so much easier in combating my acid problem.

And then they are off to China

Last night we had the pleasure of the company of a wonderful young couple and their new baby daughter - Matthew, Jenna and Tabitha.

They are members of the local Elim Church in Ramsey. In three weeks time they leave the Isle of Man for an adventure and complete change of life when they migrate long-term to China. After a few months in Canada visiting family, they will continue their journey to China.

They will be studying the language and culture for a couple of years and from there on they will be working closely with the Chinese Church in the local community.

Jeep and I wish them luck and a safe journey. If you would like to keep up with their experiences and learn more about what they are doing they you are welcome to visit their blog at http://thedolmans.blogspot.com/

G.E.R.D

Following on from a previous post in my other blog a couple of years ago, I have for a long time now suffered with GERD and the effects, i.e. heartburn.

My doctor has prescribed a proton-pump inhibitor - Lansoprazole. This has had an immediate effect. If I stop taking these tablets for a couple of days though, the heartburn returns.

I have for a long time been looking for an alternative solution to this age old problem without the need for prescribed drugs. I am concerned about any long-term effects of these acid blockers.

I found on the Internet a possible solution. It involves eating a specific variety of apple and a specific type of honey. I am sceptical too, but I'll try just about anything in search of a cure.

I stopped taking the Lansoprazole on Saturday 7th April 2007. So far it appears to be working. whenever I get a hint of heartburn I eat a slice of this apple and the heartburn dissipates. I haven't tried the honey as yet. The honey is meant to sooth and protect the esophagus giving it a chance to heal and become better resistent to the acid.

I will keep you posted on my progress and if I have to return to my Lansoprazole.

Geodesic Airolite Boats

How about a boat that only weighs a mere 8lbs (3.5 Kg)?

I found recently Geodesic Airolite Boats - http://www.gaboats.com/ . What a revelation! I have ordered two sets of plans. One for the Sweatpea (The 8lb boat!). This I have to see. And one for the Westport Dinghy 8.

I'll keep you posted when I receive them and my progress in building them.

Boats

I miss my Wharram. I used to own a Hinemoa designed by James Wharram - http://www.wharram.com/hinemoa.html. I think I would like to get another one. At some time in the future I want to build a Wharram Tiki 30, but that will have to wait.

Resolution for this year

We are saving hard this year for our planned trip later in the year (maybe early next year) to visit Thailand. Jeep has been away from home for almost three years now and this is also her first absence from Thailand. We are planning to take my Mum and Aunt, so there will be 6 of us in this trip. I am sure when we finally arrive back in Ban Phue, in Udon Thani province there will be a big family reunion. It will not just be Jeep's long absence but my Mum and Aunt's first visit to Thailand as well as their first meeting with Jeep's family.

No Snow

Well, the snow of the last few days passed us by. PJ was a little disappointed - "No snowman this year". I guess we have the "advantage" of a small island being surrounded by all that water keeping the extremities of our variable weather at bay.

First Winter Snow

We had our first snowfall today. It was very light and only lasted a couple of hours. PJ was disappointed that the snow did not lay. No snowmen so far this winter.

Thai Culture

It's nearing Christmas and we are nearly ready. PJ is a little older now to understand more about Christmas. I am not religious and Jeep is very much Buddhist. It is difficult to teach the way of Buddha to PJ, with him attending a largely Christian school and Christian community.

There are no Buddhist temples on the island, and Jeep is concerned about keeping her Thai culture alive. To that end we are looking to build a Thai community here on the island commited to keeping their Thai culture and beliefs alive. We are at the planning stage but hope to make great strides in the New Year.

"Slug in my mouth"

We're all just getting over a summer cold. It hasn't been too bad, sore thoat followed by a phlegmy chesty cough. PJ described his chesty cough as having a "Slug in my mouth". Hmmm! That pretty much sums it up!

William's first steps

News has been slow coming. Jeep and I are both working hard. I take over the child care in the evenings when Jeep goes out to work. Consequently, we both feel tired very often. Sitting myself down and updating my blog can be a challenge. William managed to walk a few steps for my birthday, in early July. He also speaks a few discernible words and improves everyday. He is always a joy. A very happy baby. I say baby, he is fast becoming a toddler! PJ is growing fast and I often have a fight on my hands as to which of us gets onto the computer first! His speech is improving and he seems to be coping well with both English and Thai. Jeep tells me he speaks Thai like a non-Thai.

William's First Birthday

William celebrated his first birthday on Friday. He is still not walking and only his two bottom teeth are showing. I guess he is taking his time and in no hurry, unlike PJ.

Chickenpox

PJ has got Chickenpox and he is not too happy about it. His playmates have been banned from calling round. I first noticed the spots on Saturday, so he probably has already infected the other children at the nursery. I will find out on Monday. William is showing no sings of infection but in all probability he will get it soon.

Snowy Ramsey

The last few days has seen frequent snow showers over Ramsey. Sometimes there was a significant amount for it to lay, but this amounted to no more than 1cm. Our first snow this winter, well I say winter but it is now spring! I doubt whether we will see any more snow until next winter, maybe not even then.

Coughs and Sneezes

I've finally got to the bottom of why I have been continually catching chesty coughs, colds, flu and chest infections - Asthma!

The winter of 2004/5 saw me with a very bad viral infection which took many weeks to clear. After this I was noticeably asthmatic. I was prescribed a preventer and a reliever, though I had little understanding of asthma or of the use of these inhalers in controlling it. During the rest of the year I felt ok. I had an irritating cough but then I have had this for years. I put it down to my heavy smoking in my youth.

Thinking back over those years now, I believe that it was not the smoking that gave me this cough but asthma. It would seem that I have been suffering from asthma for decades! Now with proper use of both the preventer and reliever inhalers my cough is finally under control. Hopefully, I can look forward to future years with fewer colds and sneezes.

William is now crawling

Today William finally got the hang of crawling. I sat him down and turned my back and when I turned back he had moved several feet. So I thought I'd test him. I sat him down again. I moved to the other side of the room and called to him. He again crawled the few feet towards me. I think he will improve rapidly now. He can also climb up to a kneeling position. Soon he will be climbling to a standing position. In a few months I am sure he will be taking his first steps unaided.

Jeep and the Co-Op

Jeep has finally got the job that she wanted. Jeep was invited to an inteview at a Co-Op mini-market a couple of weeks ago and was very excited to have been offered the job of Sales Assistant. It is working part-time about 30 hours per week. The hours compliment mine, so that when I am working Jeep is at home and when I come home Jeep is working. Jeep works 3 evenings per week and on Saturday and Sunday. It works well for us and saves us a lot of money with child care costs.

Two weeks into her new job, Jeep is enjoying the experience very much. It gets her out of the home. It gives her a break from the boys. She meets new people daily. Is able to practice her English in a real environment. She also gets on well with her colleagues. Just like my job, it is only a few minutes walk from home. So we can reveal that Jeep is extreamly happy with her new job at the Co-Op.

More Winter Whoes

I don't believe it! More time off work.

Last week I was struck down with a cold. Not too serious, I could cope with that. Four days into my could and I was hit with a fever, which lasted all of last Sunday afternoon. By evening my chest was sore and I had an earache. I didn't sleep much that night and by morning the pain in my ear was unbearable. I contacted the surgury, and was diagnosed with an ear infection and a chest infection. More antibiotics for me!

My ear has cleared up now but I still have a chesty cough. This should clear up by next week. William has cought the viral infection that has been going round the island. PJ had this too, but his cleared up a week ago, so I am expecting William's infection too follow the same path. Hopefully, we will all be well again after the weekend. Roll on the spring!