Stomach Bug

I have been feeling unwell these last few days since Saturday, very restless, bloatedness, stomach pains and diarrhoea. I went into work today and a colleage said that this bug has been going round the island recently. So I guess it's not something I've eaten. I am feeling a little better today, so the worse is past.

Glaucoma

Another visit to the eye clinic revealed that my eye pressure is still high in both eyes at 24. The consultant wants that to come down to 20. 24 would be ok in normal eyes but as I have already received damaged to my optical nerves he wants to get the pressure down to 20. So now I have had my prescibed eye drops changed to Xalacom from my previous drops of Xalatan.

And it's goodbye to the Tooth

Well that tooth won't be bothering me anymore. My appointment with my local NHS Dentist came and went, along with my tooth. It was definately showing its age and I'm surprised it lasted this long.

It's goodbye to the Co-Op

After much family discussion Jeep handed in her notice and the Co-Op and she finished today.

There was a short while when she might have stayed but the conditions where not favourable.

Jeep will now stay at home for a while and concentrate on getting her driving license and taking on further studies at the Isle of Man college.

Star of India

I often walked past the plinth on the West Quay of Ramsey harbour commemorating the building of the 'Star of India' formerly 'Euterpe', built and launched in Ramsey in 1863. She now resides in San Diego, California, USA as part of the San Diego Maritime Museum. The 'Star of India' was built not only as an expetimental iron hulled ship, she is also now the "...oldest active ship of any kind in the world..." and sails at least once a year. For more on the 'Star of India' visit the San Diego Maritime Museum . There is a great online documentary as well as additional information and photos.

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.