I’m Back
Paul your Barista
Welcome to Willow’s weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul, I’ll be your barista today and I’m happy to be here once again. Please come in and make yourself comfortable. Willow has plumped the cushions and started a cozy fire so we can warm ourselves while we have a cuppa and chat. As usual, I’d be pleased to bring a pot of whatever beverage you prefer – we have a wide range of teas and coffees to satisfy our world-wide readership. Also available is a large selection of spirits for addition to your cuppa or in its place. We can relax while we discuss the affairs of the week both personal and/or worldwide. How has your week been?
I’m back after missing last week for medical reasons. I thank you my readers and Willow for your patience. Dialysis did not go well and I ended up with two hematomas when they tried to needle me; which meant I did not get dialysis and had to wait for the hematomas to heal before I could get dialysis again. This took a few days. It is possible to needle through the hematomas after a day or two but it is very painful and I’d had enough. So I missed a few sessions until I was healed and then went back. This lead to a number of temporary medical issues (now all cleared up), including the inability to mentally focus enough to write. So I apologize for missing last week – that’s my story.
Would you like another cuppa and a sweet? The weather here has been very warm – 50’s to 60’s F – and sunny. It is great for the spirit. How has the weather been where you are?
I see our banks here in Canada have formed a consortium to address “Apple Pay”. This hasn’t arrived here yet but apparently is flourishing in places in the US. It allows customers with iPads and Apple watches, to have their credit cards and debit cards stored on those devices and used directly through Apple. Apple charges the banks between 15 and 25 cents per $100 purchase for the use of their technology. Apparently our banks are not overly enamored of this idea as it puts a vendor (Apple) between the bank and their customers. There are also security concerns that are surfacing in the US that the Canadian banks want to address up front. It is a mark of our technology that we are finding more and more ways to store and use data. What is your opinion on this coming technology? How long will it be before we have a chip embedded under our skin with all our info and credit/debit info? Is this a good idea?
Would you like a refill of your drink? Perhaps a piece of cake or a sweet? They are all calorie free here you know. To our British readers, a piece of Canadian history in England will soon be sold by the British MOD. The military base at Stonecliffe in Folkestone was where Canadian forces were marshaled and trained in World War 1 before going on to the European front. This military base had its start back in 1794 when the crown began buying land in the area to establish a military presence in preparation for war with France. The base now only houses one of the British Army’s few remaining Nepalese Gurkha units. There is a trust fund that is trying to raise money to establish a museum and education center on the site. However the British government is making progress towards selling the land for use by a housing developer. Will you be sad to see this piece of military history fall to housing developers? What are your thoughts on this?
On that note, that’s about all we have room for this week, so it’s time to settle in with another cuppa and watch the fire. Sweets anyone? Please join me in thanking Willow for her invitation to tea. We are all honored that you dropped by today to visit. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself and the conversation and please look around at Willow’s other posts while you’re here. Willow is over there serving her guests and chatting it up. Let’s go see how she is today. Have a great week. We look forward to seeing you back here for sweets and beverages of your choice again next week.
The Royal Horseguards Afternoon Tea
If we were having Coffee Original idea from http://parttimemonster.wordpress.com/
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE
over at Part Time Monster and Gene’O’s
willowdot21 
Apr 18, 2015 @ 18:14:19
Thank you very much for having me guest post Willow. It is great to be back. I hope all is well with you and yours . Have a great week!
Apr 18, 2015 @ 18:21:59
I am surviving thanks Paul!
Apr 18, 2015 @ 22:52:06
Yay Paul is back! i think technology overall is a good thing as long as there is transparency and both parties understand the terms. If gov’t agencies like the NSA violate public privacy and trust, then we should rethink this, because we should stand up for our innate human rights. BTW, have you ever given any thought to the Constitution? Ideally, countries that are fair and just, rule for the good of all people, have no need for a “constitution”. Theoretically, these fundamental principles, or rights of the people, should constitute a covenant between government and the governed. US founding fathers drafted our Constitution to keep checks and balances on gov’t entities due to inevitable corruption. It is our job as conscientious citizens of the world to stand up for our rights and the rights of the oppressed.
Thanks for sharing that little piece of British/ Canadian history. Glad u’r feeling better Paul, have a nice week Willow!
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:28:11
Thanks and you have a good week too. Paul is on his way have a chat to Mark and Tess
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:59:41
Hello 1EU! Thanks so much for dropping by for a read and a comment. It is wonderful to have you here. I am a Canadian and we have a constitution as well – although it is not as front and center in daily discussions as the US constitution is. To me the important US document is the Declaration of Independence. Have you read it? it says quite clearly that when the gov’t ceases to serve the people that it is not only the right but the obligation of the people to remove the gov’t and replace it with a system that does serve the people. I’m afraid that would be a bloody process as those who have power seek to retain it. Anyway, best of luck.
Thanks so much for dropping by 1EU. I am honored. Please come by again.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 10:49:52
Xx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 00:03:21
I do not like the news of you missing your dialysis for any reasons, Paul. Missing a Cuppa session, I can get over. You with symptoms that include not being able to focus enough to read or write, that I cannot handle. Because they can’t get the needle in correctly and give you a such a bad and painful bruise? How can that be with professionals in that department? OK, I must get off my soapbox now.
Now, onto Apple and iPay and critical data and security. I’ve yet to use it although I have the technology. I don’t see the advantages other than it’s faster. I can pay by cash or credit or debit card with no worry for the first and less worry for the second methods. I’m old-fashioned enough to not want the added hassle of worrying that somebody is going to hack my Apple account and rob me of all my bank funds!
Have a better week, Paul.
And thanks, Willow, for having us all over for a Cuppa! Happy Sunday to you, too, my friend.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 06:31:17
Welcome Mark great to hear from you here’s a cuppa Paul is on his way. 🙂 xxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:28:52
Hi Mark! Thanks for dropping by for a cuppa , a read and a comment. The fistula that they needle for dialysis is a living piece of vein that they grafted in place (inside my arm) so that they can needle without damaging the actual vein. It acts like a railroad siding, shunting a flow that they can access. It works very well and has a lot of advantages. But it is alive and as such it has good and bad days. I get a lot of gastro-intestinal issues because of the damage done by radiation treatment for cancer. That means there are days when i am dehydrated. Dehydration causes blood vessels to contract – which makes them smaller and harder to needle and tougher. So the other night, they missed the first needle, which was fine. The fistula will roll away from a needle . especially when it is dehydrated. They got the second needle in, and actually started dialysis when the fistula pushed the needle out and, of course blood pooled quickly under the skin – causing the hematoma. I am sensitive to this happening and we got it shut down quickly (2 or 3 seconds). This is fine and happens sometimes. We just put the machine on recycle and pull the needle and reneedle further up the fistula, hook the machine back up and are back in business/ We used a different nurse and all went well – and the fistula did the same thing – it pushed out the needle and created another hematoma, this one bigger. This was unusual and looked like a theme to me.
I am an unusual case for dialysis nurses. my previous cancer history and colostomy means i am sometime dehydrated – which is very very rare for a kidney patient. Too much fluid is the most common dialysis patient problem. My fluid levels are hard to anticipate and cause a whole set of challenges that the nurses have not seen before – including needling issues and fistual performance. i personally direct them on how much fluid to take off (or even sometimes add) based on a bunch of internal factors (if i have any edema, muscle cramping, thirst, gatsro-intestinal issues, heart rate, blood pressure, etc).
Anyway, it isn’t the nurses fault Mark, and I know from experience that there are times when it is better to surrender peacefully than suffer the pain and end up no further ahead. When i was new at this, I have seen myself spend hours being needled – have 9 dialysis needles and 9 freezing needles and one blood sample needle – that’s 19 needles stuck in a two inch section of my arm in two hours and have to leave because they could not get the fistula. That’s a lot of pain Mark and to no gain. Honestly, I learned the more misses, the less chance of getting the next needle in (tissue swelling and fistula shrinking). i stop after two or three now. I have never had a successful dialysis after three needles have failed. I just go home and nurse my wounds and come back when I am healed.
Thanks so much for your concern Mark. I am honored that you care.
Please drop by again.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 10:53:07
,xxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 11:57:47
Thank you for educating me on your process, Paul. It is individual, specific, and quite difficult for all involved. I’m so sorry you must suffer and endure. You know your body best. I will be less vocal against the nurses there, commiserate more internally, and worry for and about you in my own more private ways, be assured. Have a good Sunday, my friend in Ottawa.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:33:58
It is a challenge Mark and when it works right – which is most of the time – it gives me a lot of energy and new and positive attitude. I thank you very much for your concern. You are a kind and caring soul. The nurses worry a lot about needling me – my fistula makes them nervous as it can be finicky. I try to be as upbeat with them as i can. Thanks again for dropping by Mark, I am more than happy to explain anything about my health.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:55:58
xxxxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:14:27
Greetngs all and especially to Paul . good to have you back.
Your troubles at the Hospital revived memories for me when I was not allowed home after having a ‘stent’ fitted as I had a small heamatoba. However we wont dwell on that!
A mocha would be great for me this morning but no cakes! calories or not!!
I was really interested in your mention of Shorncliffe barracks.
In the late 70’s my eldest son was there as a recruit to the Army.
My daughter and I also took part in an Assault Course challenge there to raise money for charity!!
We lived in Ashford Kent which is about 20 minutes drive from Folkestone where the barracks are situated
As you mentioned the barracks were set up in the late 1700s in anticipation of an attack from the French under Napoleon. There are also martello towers all along the south coast as far as Rye in Sussex. My children were all very familiar with the coastal resorts. Rye is no longer on the coast as the river mouth silted up.
Thank you for drawing my attention to the fact that Canadian troops were billeted there before joining the hostilities in WW1.
I can imagine the local residents would not be happy that the MOD is proposing to sell the land to a developer.
I know that the Banks here have set up systems whereby people can access their accounts by phone. I would not be happy to do that. I do use the banking facility on my computer and buy online using a Credit card but not without a little trepidation owing to the fact that my account has been compromised a few times!!!
If we were having coffee I would tell you I have had a busy week with two trips to the Theatre! One in Nottingham where I went to a concert given by Michael Ball. I am not sure if he is known in Canada but he is a great star of Musical theatre eg Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera and several more.
Then the next night I went to an Amateur production of ‘Sister Act’ at the Riverside Theatre here in Peterborough. Now I have seen the show in the West End with big stars but this was every bit as good. I started laughing from the moment the Nuns appeared singing horribly off key and practically never stopped laughing. The singing, dancing, costumes etc were all superb. A terrific production.
Earlier in the week I did my Storytime session at the Library. It is a challenge as the little tots are not good at sitting still for very long. We had 3 Mums, 2 Grandmas sitting listening and 3 little girls running about getting books off the shelves!!!!…
Well that’s about all from me have a good week!
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:25:26
Hi Tess lovely to see you here again you have had a busy but enjoyable week. Paul is on his way, it is nice to have him back isn’t it?
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:48:29
Welcome Tess! Please make yourself comfortable and i’ll pour you a cup of mocha. It is great to hear from someone who knows Folkestone and Shorncliffe. It was an important base for Canadians in WW1 and many here who trace their family history find members who spent time there in that period.
Yes hematomas can be very painful and annoying issues at times. I’m sorry that you had that problem when you had a procedure.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time at the theater this week. It is so great that you attended the amateur production – it so encourages the actors.
It must take a lot of energy to keep track of the little ones when you are reading to them. You have my admiration for your patience.
Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment Tess. I was amused that you did an assault course for charity. How does that work? Do you get sponsors that contribute of you complete the course?
I hope you and your family have a great week. Thanks again for dropping by.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 10:52:38
Xxxxxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 11:53:57
Yes Paul, we were all sponsored to complete the assault course which involved getting over an 8 foot high wall, crossing a watery ditch on a log, rope climbing, crawling through a tunnel. Almost all the Ladies in the group were married with children so there was plenty of support and encouragement. Lots of fun too.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:18:46
My how brave you are Tess xxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:35:41
Wow Tess. That is amazing. Kudos to you and your friends for taking on such an endeavor – and to raise funds as well – awesome. 🙂
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:55:35
She is rather special isn’t she! xxxxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 11:59:07
Good to have you back, Paul. Sorry about your bad week. I don’t like needles so I give you kudos for how you handle yours. Rousing conversation here this morning. Indeed the temperatures are more spring-like and I am grateful after a long, dark winter. Must get out to enjoy the weather more.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:17:37
Xxx xxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:44:45
Hi LCTC! Great to have you here and great to be back. It is a lively conversation today. I hate needles too, but I don’t have much choice. This is the best way to do dialysis – better and cleaner blood exchange, less chance of infection, better speed and control. They do give me freezing before inserting the needles but that is not always effective and if they hit a nerve (God forbid) it can be very painful. Of course the freezing itself is in a needle – albeit a small one. ha! No way around that one. i just look the other way.
Yes, I have the back door ajar as i write this – the sun is out and it is about 12 C (mid 50’s F) The fresh air is wonderful.
I hope your week goes well LCTC. Thanks again for dropping by for a cuppa.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 17:54:56
xxxxx
Apr 20, 2015 @ 03:01:08
The weather gives us a lift, doesn’t it? Makes life — no matter how yucky — so much more fulfilling. Have a wonderful week, Paul.
Apr 20, 2015 @ 04:35:50
Xxxx
Apr 19, 2015 @ 20:15:59
Glad you’re feeling better! Sorry to hear that you’ve been so ill, though. Hope you have a restful week and continue to feel better!
Apr 20, 2015 @ 04:40:05
Hear hear!
Apr 20, 2015 @ 05:11:56
Thanks so much for dropping by and for the good wishes Diana. I am feeling much better and continue to improve. Ii too am hoping this week is restful. May your week be fun and restful as well.
Apr 20, 2015 @ 07:03:38
Xxx
Apr 20, 2015 @ 17:49:52
Glad you’re feeling better!
Apr 20, 2015 @ 19:42:53
😀
Apr 23, 2015 @ 20:20:43
So glad you are doing better Paul! Enjoyed the post and am honored to spend time with you & Willow 🙂 Had NO idea all the sweets & drinks were calorie-free – hmmmm . . .
Regarding the Apple Pay – I find it sad and disturbing that most of my kid’s life & her kid’s lives are digitally-tracked from the day they are born. If I could live off the grid, I certainly would. I’ve thought a lot about it since I was about 19 – before the digital age of surveillance. But I’m sure the Apple iPhone will get quite a reception!!
Hope it’s been a good week – weekend is almost here!! 🙂
Apr 23, 2015 @ 20:22:38
Welcome Sadie Paul is on his way!! xxxx
Apr 23, 2015 @ 20:39:31
Hi Sadie! So glad you dropped by. yes we are becoming more and more tracked in our lives. After a while one just gives up and hopes that the info is not abused. I try to keep personal info away from everyone as much as possible but often now it is required or one cannot participate in services offered. Such is life . This week has gone good so far Sadie – thank you. How is yours going? Congrats on the new licence. yep, everything here is calorie free – just let us know what you want to drink and for sweets and we shall supply. Pleasure to have you visit, please drop by again.
May 07, 2015 @ 16:03:26
Amazing blog and layout. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Bring on the coffee any day!
May 07, 2015 @ 16:46:54
Welcome take a seat Paul will be with you ASAP 😉
May 07, 2015 @ 22:46:45
Thanks very much Anne for dropping by and for the compliment. I’m usually here every Sunday at Willow’s behest. She has kindly invited me to do a weekly spot. This week I will be over at Mark Bialczak’s http://markbialczak.com/ Would you like a refill of your coffee? Perhaps a sweet? All e-sweets are calorie free. 😀
Thanks again for the visit. Please drop by again.
May 08, 2015 @ 06:10:13
Sounds good, Paul. I look forward to that cup of coffee and a sweet.