Not Dead Yet - Forum

Does anyone Buy the Magazine -- "The Best of British" ??

Or Attend any 1940s weekends ??

OR Any 'Classic' Motor Car/Motorcycle Meetings ??

OR Any 'Air Shows' --- All Starting Soon!!

Another wave of nostalgia Phoenix  -- were you involved in any of those in your youth ?

Hi Ken,  Nostalgia??  I live for it!! There is not very much, that I like about Todays Living!!

I was nine when The War broke out,we was living at Deal in Kent, before moving here.-- The 1940s was hell! (perhaps that is why I enjoy reading all war books I can get)
Classic Cars and Classic Motorcycles??-- Those Machines was The Machines that we had owned(small and Large)----
Air Shows?? Well, I feel for ALL Those who Flew at that Time,-- I have scale models of The Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire --- The Big Three, to Remind Me!! I went into Thje Army in 1949, March 17th. and did my 'stint' of 18 months:

Ok Phoenix I understand where you are coming from and  went hrought those experiences myself and remember the events and artifacts vividly. I lived in the north of course so did not see the battle of Britain actually happening over head but what I did experience was the war from the perspective of being surrounded by bomber bases  --Dishforth , Leaming , Topcliffe , Catteric . Croft  etc! As kids and villagers we counted them out and counted them back in. We also had plenty of marauding enemy aircraft activity too trying tom destroy these bases,
We also had the RAF military Hospital In Northallerton with its leading burns and plastic surgery unit. Some of the lads went through hell and they were amongst the lucky ones I suppose because many did not come back at all !

I think the times we have lived through have ben quite unique !
Fortunately  after a spell in the Regular Army  with the Green Howards ,I have spent my working life with young people, and with their help , together with close association with two wonderful grandchildren  I think I have kept abreast of the times and am not so pessimistic  about the present , nor fearful of the future !

Like I keep saying when I closely examine nostalgia   I still say -- "It aint what it used to Be"

Hello Kes, Thank You so very much. I really enjoyed Your Story. -- As You perhaps realise, I am not one for The Games on Forums. More into general Chat and how other people adjust to the Life of Today. The everyday Interests -- Yes, I am sad that the way of life has changed so Dramatically --- and of course, gone downhill so very fast. I really do trust that, sometime, life for our people will progress and deeply improve, but there is a very long way to go to reach an acceptable standard for ALL!!

I Trust You keep Your Health Well and will enjoy seeing Your Posts!!

Thanks PHoenix  I think we could swap many a yarn together and with many shared opinions and experiences  ---    and at the end of the day agree to disagree on a few points.  Thats what forums should be about !

I have always seen the 50/50%  whiskey bottle as half full as opposed to half empty !
Ever the optimist !
Perhaps that is why I happily go Game fly fishing !
Today was a great day -- caught mi limit of 4   --- best 4 and a half pounds !

Next time I go will be even better !

Hi Pheonix, I read with interest concerning "the big tyhree". I live about 3 miles from where they are based and see them often in summer,in fact they have been flying today along with the Dakota.We also  have the Euro fighter here.When the fighters fly over we tend to swear at the noise, but let any of the big three fly over and people will stand and watch them, even the youngsters.

Kes, I am Knocked for Six!! -- Have just answered Your last Post -- But somehowI was SIGNED OUT ?? --Answer Time Expired?? How and Why ??? No IDEA??? Suffice it to say: Like Your Ideas. The 50/50% whisky -- If You will Accept The Top Half?? -- I Will Share The Bottom Half With YOU!!

Hi William, Yes, The Jet planes of today 'create' a LOT of Noise!! -- But When The Big Three (prop.planes) fly over -- The Whole world --STOPS!! Just Gotta see them This Year!!

Sorry  aout the top half Phoenix ! I supped that Last night !

Never mind  I am happy to share the bottom half as you suggets!

Hi Kes, Bet The Top Half was ALL Froth!!

  "All Good Friends And Jolly Good Company"

   But You will Enjoy half of The Bottom Half with Me??

Yes Phoenix  --no fun drinking on ones own  --sorry I supped the top half  - it was pretty good  though
! However we shall take the rest at our leasure and enjoy a good yarn shall we ?

Kes, Ah!! To Talk, To Converse, To Chat, To pass the time of Day, To enquire how friends are -- Or even Idle talk??
 Helps Us ALL to get through OUR Day and Hopefully gives us a Laugh!!

Fine words Phoenix  --what it should be about !---- Here !  Have another swig !

Gee! Thanks Kes. -- That 'swig' was just what I needed!!

"Great Minds Think Alike" --- so it is said???
 Tomorrows another Day and I am going back to playing Carpet Bowls after 13 weeks and Snooker on Thursday Too. Well I have done a lot of jobs this week to 'push' myself, so now feel like -- giving it a GO!! ::) ::) ::)

Glad to hear that you are up to your old interests again Phoenix !

I look forward to a good bridge session n Thursdays !  Then there's the  fishing
and gardening and caravanning  and bird watching  and u lot on here -- what more could a fella want ?

"The world is so full of such a number of things
I;m sure we should all be as happy as Kings ! "

Hi Kes, Just How do You Fit it ALL In?? -- I sure am Pleased for You. Keep going while You Can!! We have not been up to much these last two years,just 'ticking over' -- so the legs get weary and tired. It becomes a struggle to get going again. Above ALL!! Keep Happy in What You Do!!
Is there a Mrs.Kes to help share those Joys with you:

Yes Phoenix `I do feel very fortunate to still be sound in wind and limb.  This weekend I am to attend a reunion that I, as part of a "Gang of Four" , as they call us, have orgnised over the past three years. It will be a joyous occasion. Alas the "departed friends list " will give us all some thought.
It is chilling that one in five of my schoolboy chums have "Shuffled off their mortal coil". Happily the girls are so far all with us !

My wife keeps her self very busy too ,  apart from  our shared activities  she leads an active social life  involving  associates and former work colleagues. She needs the company of people more than I . Being a country lad at heart I am more drawn to solitary activities , preferably in the "great outdoors "

You behave this weekend Kes ... no pratting about with them young lads, think about ya reputation ::)

Young lads Joe ?  Its mi school reunion weekend !

The star attraction is the handicap zimmer race  and no I do not qualify to take part -- I am the trainer !

anyway -- 20% of the  "young  lads " are singing up there with the angels !

Kes, It seems You take a serious outlook on life, as I used too.(i've mellowed a lot)-- I trust Your re-union goes Well and that as trainer, You have consulted The Health and Safety regulations ?? --It also appears that You and Your Wife are quite happy in Your Isolated Ventures, I am so Happy for You Both: I used to have a realbig yen, for the outside, but sadly that has now gone,as my Eve suffers from bad health and She is my priority, at all times. Not that I know anyone who likes The Outdoor life, to team up with. If I am to attend any events, like classic cars/motorbikes/plane shows, I will have to go on my own. Not that I mind, because one can always 'chat' to othere's!!

Serious outlook Phoenix -- well maybe when it matters-- for the most part I find what life throws at me to be quite hillarious most days !

Kes, Do I Really Believe In What I See??
     A Man After My Own Heart!!-- That for me is a 'Rare' thing indeed, on Both Aspects !!-- I must put one of my Poems in here.  "If Only" -- It was published too.

Do You Really Laugh at some of the Articles one reads in The Daily Press???  ???  ???  ???

Sure do Phoenix  --and gnash my teeth at others.

Interested in your poetry though  -- are we to get a sample ?

Poetry, Are!! why not have a section?? Anything to keep The Forum Going?? -- Shucks?? I have not looked at The Jokes yet?? -- Don't gnash your teeth at what you read?? I do know what you mean though. -- I strongly suspect The mentality of some things that people do/state in the press. Why is there so little 'Common Sence' around Now ?? We Both have a Laugh!!   "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT"  Daily Mail!!

I will no have that rag mentioned in my company!
Although sometimes I pick one up if I wish to stir myself out of morning lethargy , shouldi  I wake up feeling "bloody minded " and want something to clear my bile !

News papers?? I find they are all much of the same, Vieing for Sales!! We only have The Mail for Eve to do The Crosswords. That and The 'Funnies' is Enough!!

Get mi Guardian crossword off the net daily

Kes, Thank You!! Have never thought about getting Crosswords from the Net, for my Eve??  Saves buying a 'Paper' too !!

Best of British cock-ups !

A leading heart specialist can finally return to work - after a five year suspension which cost the NHS nearly £4million.
He was suspended in Feb `02 after a junior doctor accused him of bullying !!!!!
What a waste  :o

Do you think we should ditch useless degrees
and bring back apprenticeships ?

No doubt about that Mac, in those days you left school at 14, served 7years apprenticeship. at the end you were fully qualified.I think 6to bring that back, coupled with dat release would be the answer.I speak for joinery,not sure if 7 years applied to other crafts.

  As a Machine Tool Engineer, it took me approx: 9 years to achieve all my exams to reach the top. I don't regret one moment of  all that time spent burning the proverbial candle at both ends.--- Should there be even one regret?? I should have moved abroad, when a position was offered, instead of watching our beautiful country, going down the drain!!

I was just wondering about degrees thats all !
once you had to go to university for one.Now you dont,I cant get my head round it all.
Maybe someone can explain it,

Hello Mac, If a person wants something so important to them, then 'they' have to be prepared to give up things to achieve that position. I actually did, it was not easy to say the very least, but I did  pass all those exams to qualify and reached my target.  Unfortunately, none realised that our engineering would be dissapearing so fast at the end of the 60s to mid 70s. I along with othere's were heartbroken. the country was being soldout!!
Progress it was called?? maybe it was, because the same thing is still happening. What is left to ---Sell??

only people  ;D

Phoenix I've worked just for a long time in the machine tool sector (not as engineer, but in the sales department) - if this sector disappeared in the UK, your manufacturers must have slept. We had a regression in the 70s and in the 90s, that's true but they said that we had to change to modern sophisticated technology and now the machine tool industry is booming again. It's true, computer controlled machines are now in demand and there are no longer many people required for the production, but for designing them we need engineers and at present good engineers lack in Germany. There was a time when German machine tool manufacturers thought it would be much cheaper to produce these machines in Asia, but they soon discovered that these countries are not yet "ripe" for manufacturing high-quality machines. There are still some manufacturers that produce in Asia, but they send one or two qualified Germans to Asia to supervise the production.

 Hi Teri,  Having read and digested your post. I am really suprised that Germany, would follow the same path as Britain. What a very hard way to learn. --- My thoughts, would have been that Germany and Japan, would lead the world for Machine Tools!! -- Our manufactures did Sleep!! They failed to progress while other countries, marched forward and overtook them!! Without Machine Tools, there is nothing, everything needs them, as you are surely aware.
For many decades now, everything we use (well almost) is made by the Japanease or their subsideries. --- I still feel, totally ashamed that this could have happened!!

Phoenix, no longer the Japanese, they encounter the same problems as we at present. Eastern Europe, the Coreans and Chinese are sort of a thread to our industries. Many German firms have works in Eastern Europe - see Nokia. They are closing a big factory in Germany (about 9,000 workers) and go to Roumania, because it's much cheaper to produce there. Didn't you hear of the discussion going on in this respect in Germany lately?

That sure comes as a great suprise!! -- It is said The Chinease Tiger is waking up?? - We hear so little about Germany and I wonder Why?? -- I know it's a far cry from the 60s and even in 87, when last there (21yrs ago)???
 The picture appears to have changes Immencesly, I never thought possible?? -- Will those 9,000 people find other work??

It will not be easy and perhaps some of them have to move in other towns or regions - it always depends on age. If you are older than 50 it's rather difficult to find a new job in Germany, although our government started different programmes to promote this group.

Older than 50?? one is way over The Hill = TOO OLD!!
But what a terrible waste of Skills!!  The Days of The Craftsmen!! -- Generally, the people of today, no doubt have their 'THEORY' via Paperwork?? But do they have any 'Hands On working experiance ?? ------NO!!

They could migrate to the Uk Teri everyone else does.........................sorry being flippant !
this place makes you like that

THERE IS NO HOUSING OR ANY GETTING WORK PROBLEMS!!

THERE IS JUST TOO MANY PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY FOR WHAT 'LITTLE' IS OBTAINABLE -- INCLUDING ALL THE HEALTH SERVICES!! -- THE SEA IS STILL ERODING OUR COASTLINE, SO OUR COUNTRY IS 'SLOWLY' GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER??
DON'T PULL THE PLUG OUT??   OR THIS COUNTRY WILL 'SINK' BENEATH THE WAVES  ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

 
  I STILL WEAR MY "BEST OF BRITISH" TEE - SHIRT!!

  WHICH I BOUGHT FROM A 1940S WEEKEND, RE- ENACTION !!

Phoenix, what about being a bit less British and more European?
I know you don't like the idea of belonging to Europe, but there's no denying you belong to it, above all since the tunnel under the channel you are no longer an island lol

Hi Teri, No! I am English and proud!! -- The Reason ??
This country is being Divided, as some 'things' apply to England, but Not Scotland etc: Many Health services and Medicine's are Free in scotland But Not Here, for our own people, that badly need them?????

I have no desire to be called a european and since the channel was finished, has only been an easy means, for those?? coming in without passports!!

Phoenix don't forget that since the tunnel has been built more and more European tourists visit England and leave a lot of money there, because Britain is not really a cheap country for making holidays lol

And to think once the only thing the brits worried about when  the tunnel was completed was "rabies"
I happen to think its a good thing and it does work both ways we can go there too !

I hope you will do it - perhaps we will then understand each other much better.

To Everything!! There Is Alway's a Positive and a Negative Answer!! Personally, I would still prefer The Hydrfoil ao Ship!!

Why Phoenix - don't you like us - the Continental Europeans? What's wrong with us? I have never understood why the Brits prefer to be "Islanders".

I am not sure we do Teri its just the way it has always been here,we have always had migrants from way back,I think it might be to do with the fact that we have to share our country now and this is fine but it is a great cost to everyone here.There are no houses not enough schools no dentists,not enough hospitals etc etc,so they tax us more to pay for all this either directly or indirectly like VAT and RATES.The Brits know only too well Teri that if anything changes its us that will pay for it !
have a nice day
sunny here at last  ;D

Mac I already told William yesterday that when I was first in England I had the impression the English had a much easier life than we on the continent - last year when I was in Scotland I saw that now they have the same life as we. Perhaps we are complaining a little bit less, because we never have been spoilt. On the other side you mustn't forget the demographic factor - people get much older nowadays than 50 or 100 years ago and pensions, health care etc. has to be paid for a much longer period and it's a fact that older people are more often ill. In Germany they wrote in the paper some days ago that a 93 years old German got an articial cardiac valve. You know every thing has two sides.

Here in some 'cases' once over 60 years young?? can be too old for some operations ?? Not forgetting In Scotland, many Medicines are Free!! -- Because of so many people here, Waiting for NHS. takes Longer?? -- Last Thursday, a friend of our's went to a Private Hospital, to have a SCAN, Total Cost = £80.50p. less than one hour!!
Work that Out!! -- We have paid £100.00p. for Eve three years ago, to be told She has 'Dry Eye's' ???????
 There are Too Many People Here For The Services of Health!!

I'm not acquainted with your health system, but thee most be more wrong than in Germany lol
My daughter has lived for some years in the Netherlands and she always came to Germany to visit the doctor.

Teri, It is really very Easy, to be Confused!! -- The standards, are Not the same all over as one would expect!!
 Apparently, It depends on your Doctor Initially as to what/when you are sent for 'futher' treatment??-- Eve missed out, because her doctor would Not refer her to The Hospital!! -- A Friend had to go private  after 12 months of NHS. could not find The Problem!! Another friend after Years of Pain, was sent by another Doctor To the same Private Hospital and The Problem was found!! -- Both are waiting to go In for Treatment!!Make of this as you will ??
 There is more, where not enough TIME had been spent to find The Cause????? -- ALL DOWN TO MONEY!!!!!

It#s ture, sometimes it's difficult to find the right doctor and hospital - in Germany, too. And for many treatments that formerly were free of charge you have to pay lately here.

Hum!! Looks the same all over europe ?? Standards are Falling, unless one can Pay!!-- It is now 60 years since The NHS. Started and  36 years since The EEC. started??
 Does not say much for The progress or The decline ??

Don't forget in the EC are rich and poor countries and it certainly will take decades to reach a uniform standard in all countries. At the moment I have the impression the rich countries have to support the poor countries.

Hi Teri,  Quite Correct!! Britain is Helping, somewhat IMMENSLY!! -- At the expence of it's Senior's !!

We are told we contribute more than most.....how true it is we dont know they dont give us commoners the figures they get in and what goes out..................odd that since its our money !

I  understand that WE?? are The largest Contributor to the E.C.(note,minus the First 'E' = Non economic)?? -- Surely you don't expect us 'peasants' to be told, just what 'they' want to spend OUR Money on  ::) ::) ::)
we would all ask for a refund!!

Phoenix, you are wrong, the Germans are and have alwas been the largest payers in the EC and it's only since the fall of the wall that we get a more substantial part of it back. However, we were always told that we do it for Europe!

Just maybe all the countries say they pay the most !!!!

Teri, I really do hope that I and othere's are Wrong??
 That is The picture that is 'projected to us via the media!! --- What ?? and Who ?? Do we all believe  ::) ::)
Whose country accepts ALL the rules issued bt The E.U. ---  'Britain!! -- Will not say "BOO" to a goose ??

I wonder why that is phoenix,its the same with the recycling,they want us to recycle our stuff in different coloured bags stored in our own homes and sometimes smelling,and lug it down the stairs for them,all this and my rates have just gone up 4.75 % to 1,300 for a small flat ? actually I am going to querie it.!Do you know anyone who has been successful in doing this,well does anyone ?
have a nice weekend

The Powers to be say!!  "Don't Do As I Do, Do As I Say"
 It almost comes down to extorsion?? The way so many things have gone UP?? -- Am not sure which County, you live in, but here in cambs: Eve said She pays about 900 in council tax??  Seems to depend on the county one lives in and the Band of tax?? A - B - C  ----  Have you watched The Money Expert on TV ??(forgot name) He was Talking about this a few weeks ago!! - See if you can bring Him up on your computer!! --- "THE MONEY EXPERT"   there is also a Programme, you can download to Computer, that will allow you to 'watch' TV programmes, in the last week??  Maybe Helpful to You, I Hope??

Germans started very early with recycling, but it's sort of a flop. As I told in our town we have a plant burning rubbish - when there's not enough rubbish to be burnt the "yellow bags" (containing material to be recycled) are just burnt together with the rubbish to fully use the plant. So I ask myself sometimes why do we collect this material and put it in yellow bags.

Thanks for that phoenix he is called Martin Lewis
and I will look on his website for the info.

Teri,  This 'recycling system, is not easy to understand. Has been 'tried' in the past, but was said?? It was Too Expencive ?? As there are 'spy's' in our Wheelie bins, we all have to be very carefull, or get 'Fined'!! ::) ::)

Mac, Thank You!!  Fancy me forgetting, Martin Lewis ??
 Terrific programme and he helps so many people!!

    NO CHARGE!!   Hope you find he can help??

That's quite true, this programme is difficult to understand, but fortunately we do not yet have a "spy". However, in my opinion refuse disposal is much too expensive. Much garbage could be saved if the industry contributed to reduce the garbage to a minimum. Look at all that unnecessary large packing of goods. Formerly many goods were just packed in paper.

Teri,  How I laugh at all that!! -- Why is it that it's always The public that is blamed ??  When The Full Responcibility, lies with The Companies, that incist on 'using all packaging'  ::) ::) ::)  Is it really neccessary to have everything Prepacked as it is Today?? More so as so very much is Plastic and will Not Rot down??

Oh!!  Please 'Common Sence' Please come back and Re-Educate The People to Eliminate Plastic ::) ::) ::)

My son bought some haddock  in the supermarket, and it said on the lable "may contain fish"the person that thought opf thay, would make a good MP

Quite true, I hope there was fish inside tha packing.

Ah! So!  Don't forget 'The Label' only said -- Maybe ??
Political Correctness, has to allow for Human Error??
 The FISH may well have been -- Left out!!
T'is only there for 'our' protection?? ;D ;D ;D ;D
example?? But a tin of baked beans!!  what guarantee is there that baked beans, are actually -- inside the tin??
 Just because the label states there IS    100% ??
It actually has happened before, when the Contents have 'differed' from The Label ;D ;D ;D  --- They?? are only really, --- Trying To Help Us ALL!! ;D ;D ;D

Up to now I never have bought a tin containing something different than written on the label - but maybe I only was lucky!

Glad to hear it!! -- Possibly a 'rare' occurance, but has happened some while ago with us. Took the tin and contents, back to the shop ::)Manager said "Impossible" untill we showed him, The Tin etc:
The old saying?? "What cannot Speak, cannot Lie" ::) ::)
 We sure had a laugh about it -- Everything just IS Possible ;D ;D ;D

That's a very good saying, Phoenix.

Teri, Just happens to be True!! -- There was also one --
"The Camera Cannot Lie" -- Today??  Untrue!! So much can be 'Altered' with a Picture!! -----
 Have you done any downloading of Photo's  Everything really can be changed around. I have seen it done, yet, seems quite impossible:

Its ok to come out now Phoenix,we all miss you !
let the garden go and come back.!

'ere I be Mac!! Still around and been busy  ::) ::)
Couple of friends, been at the Hospital and now, a closer Friend has been Diagnosed with Terminal cancer. What with our own Doctor's and hospital Appointments, life has been and still is, a little shattering -- Nothing seems to be fair, does it ??? --- have not been into my Songs, lately??
Thinks???  Better go for "LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY" ::) ::)
  Any Better Suggestions Offered ::) ::) ::)

Nearly Forgot!!  I still wear my "BEST OF BRITISH" SHIRT???
Just to remind Me of how Good, Yester year really was ;D ;D
 The 50/60s  of course!!  Happy Days!!!!!!!

Hope all went well with your appointments!

Hi Mac, Thank You for your support!! -- Have three Appointments this month and two next month -- and i am slightly frightened of the results. That is without Eve's problems. (still don't want to be young again)--Two friends are bad and One has terminal cancer -- Guess it all comes with age and never thought it would be like this. There are so very many, far worse off than we are and makes us wonder just what help they receive, to have a reasonable quality of life????????????????????????

There are many many worse off than you Phoenix,you have each other for one.Not a lot of help I know when you both have bad health but it would be worse if you were alone.

Hi Mac, Am only too well aware that many people are worse off. Being on one's own with Ill Health!!  Our friend with Terminal Cancer, is now in that position and we shall be 'there' giving our support, as and when possible (She is now in 'Wheelchair Mode') We are unable to visit every day:

It is shameless she is alone phoenix
after all what we fought for ! and paid into.

Mac, Sometimes things can only get worse?? --A friend,Died Today, riddled with cancer!! ---- Our Close Friend,now in wheelchair mode(Terminal Cancer) has to decide, whether to accept the 'Treatment' or not?? Eve, getting all stressed and me?? I shall be using a wheeled walker from next week (same as last year) But it sure is Better than a 'Stick'!!
Don't i sound a right misery?? -- I am still in 'laughing mode'even though I fell twice in the garden. -- Well?? Goes with Olde AGE and 'maturity' --- Maybe  ::) ::) ::)

Phoenix it's really hard to lose a good friend - I share your grieves.
As to the wheeled walker, I always propose my mother to use one - walking would be much easier for her, but she refuses. She always says she will have problems to get with it in the bus.
Yes, in Germany buses are far from being suitable for old and handicapped people although the number of senior citizens increases continuously.

Hi Teri, Thank You!! guess we both feel, bitter and hurt, with so much stress. At least we have been trying to 'work it off' by gardening.--- If your Mother tried a 'wheeled walker' to see how easy it is than a 'stick'- Less strain on the legs too, She would possibly say - "Should have done this before" -- I believe all Buses here have low steps to assist the Elderly-Surely someone would 'Fold' the frame for Her ??? ON and OFF???

Get your wheel walker phoenix and get a move on lol
better than nowt mate ! are you taking orders for the shopping ?  ;D

Ah! Mac, I asked her 'owner' can i attach 'reins' so She can pull me to go to shops ??? Chuckle!!  -- How does one make 'em turn the right corner  ;D ;D

Have now got my 'wheels' a'going!! What a boon??
 Should have remembered just how much easier it was last year?? --- Bonus??   I can walk a little faster and in a straight line!!

New lease of life now Phoenix lol

New lease of Life. That is a nice way of putting it.
Yes! I do have more different interests now, though slowly changing. I am trying to 'close down' about our 'society' it just is not worth even thinking about, anymore.----
 I may possibly leave this forum and look for 'lighter' subjects, for more creative way's:

Nah Phoenix,who else will we moan to lol

Keep on moaning. Sometimes?? it really does help, either to give one a laugh or simply to become angry, at the way this country is run. -- more top secret files missing?? been left on a train -- not once HA! Ha! but twice????
never has there been so much 'incompetence' shown by this government and it's servants!!can it really get worse??
 I truely believe it will!! -- I have come to accept, that there really is a 'party' calling itself ----
"common purpose" and that it's basic fundemental purpose is to 'Disrupt' and never mind the feelings of the people.
Am happy to say this is not just my opinion, otherwise i would doubt more strongly, that which I read:

they should be called
ME MYSELF AND I !

Mac, Think I will Pass, on that one ??
 But should go for "ME AND MY SHADOW" meaning 'Misty' and Me, -- Follow's me almost everywhere ???

Same here Phoenix,my sons 2 `shitzus` follow me everywhere too I will miss them !

Hello Mac, Do you carry plenty of Dog Poo Bags, when you take them out??  --- I Do!!  Normally I wait untill 'Misty' has been, in The Garden -- Guess I am Lucky with her walks?????

Only one goes out Phoenix,the other is too young,and yes everyone takes a doggie bag lol,compliments of the supermarket !

Mac, surely you don't take a large plastic Bag when 'walking' the dog ?? -- I have 'noticed' some people don't even 'clean up' after their dogs??  I hardly call that being, 'respectful' to othere's, which has come as a suprise to me?? ---- Misty, only barks in the garden, when she hears a noise, but cannot see anyone?? -- When out 'walking' she takes no notice of people ??? -- SO??
I am going to try to take her out more (if my legs let me) and get her closer to people and their Noise -- Hoping that will stop her barking so much ?? -----
 Have You any suggestions ??????

Take her for shorts walks so you can get used to it,this way you wont get so tired.
I dont think you will stop her barking it comes with the dog thats what they do lol,all I did was go and give her some reassurance if she barked too much.
One of the days she was barking for quite a while and when I went to check it was a fledgling fell from its nest it was almost there too,but alas it died, I think the dogs had played with it too long before I got there.