Good Friday

Hello Everyone,

Today is Good Friday in the Christian Religion. It is the day when Christians remember how Jesus died on the Cross outside the Jerusalem City Wall. 

"And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall; and when he had tasted thereof he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; and set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then there were two thieves crucified with him , one on the right hand, and another on the left." (Matthew Chapter 27 vs 33-38).

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On Sunday the church  will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. That first Sunday morning, when the women went to the tomb where Jesus had been hastily lain only to find the stone removed and the body missing, is celebrated. Christianity stemmed from Judaism; Jesus, himself was Jewish and the Jewish holy day or Sabbath is on a Saturday. The beginning of the Sabbath is sunset on a Friday evening and is marked by a synagogue service and meal. It is a day of complete rest and worship; no work is done. Consequently, there was a tremendous rush to pronounce Jesus dead and remove Him from the cross.

The women were anxious to anoint the body, in accordance with Jewish tradition, at the earliest opportunity.  Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and other women arrived at the tomb, expecting to find it secured by a stone. Imagine their surprise, the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Inside, a young man, wearing a white robe, spoke to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go tell his disciples and Peter, that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him as he told you."( Mark ,Chapter16, vs 6 & 7.)

Later, we read of several appearances by Christ to the disciples and others. The belief in the risen Christ was enough for some very frightened Jews, scared of prosecution, to become the first followers, or Christians. The Eucharist/Mass became the main service, where bread and wine were received by the congregation, in memory of the bread and wine at the last supper on the Thursday evening, and having the extra symbolic significance of the body and blood of Christ. Services were held in secret, and the early Christians identified themselves to each other, not by the cross, but a fish, after Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, the disciples who were fishermen.

Christians remember that first Sunday morning and rejoice. It is proof, that there is an eternal,  afterlife or new life. Chickens, eggs, rabbits are all symbolic of new life and new hope. However, you spend this Covid Eastertide, have a very HAPPY EASTER!

Lady M 

Lockdown 5

Memories! A beautiful Paphos sunset!

Hello Everyone, 

The world is still a disaster zone. Some countries are easing restrictions but this pandemic is far from over. Please stay safe and well. I know they are all like Groundhog Days but with positivity we will get through this. One day, we will be able to look back and smile, I hope. 

This week, I would like to share my thoughts from last weekend, Easter weekend, with you.

Day 26,

Well, I was thinking that it would be better if lockdown were through the dark, dreary winter months as opposed to the spring and summer until this morning. It’s raining, wet and drab and that just adds to the misery. However, I observed how clean my stair carpet was as I sauntered down the stairs earlier. Looking out, there seems to be more traffic on the roads than usual although our little street still only has the residents’ cars parked on it. I’m beginning to feel as if I’m in a movie where time is standing still or stagnant. Thinking back to Thursday evening. Yes, that was two days ago when we all came out onto the street, practising social distancing, while clapping and chatting. Afterwards, we all went back into our little homes saying, “See you next week”. We were rather like the cuckoo clock; the cuckoo comes out heralds the time and disappears again until the next time.


I’m enjoying my excitement of today and that is watching “The Phantom of the Opera”. This production was the 25^th Anniversary performance, in 2011, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Like so many things when you reach soixante-neuf it brings back memories. I can’t believe it’s more than twenty years since I saw the stage production at a London Theatre. I still recall the electric part of the drama when the chandelier came down into the auditorium above the heads of the audience in the stalls. I can’t even remember which theatre, but I remember that and the music. Just looked it up. It was “Her Majesty’s Theatre” in the West End. Deffo memorable. Isn’t that what life’s about? Memories.

So, today. Another weekend. I’ve looked at the figures. Not impressive. China is constant at 80,000+ cases which is debatable. UK has passed the 100,000 mark which is alarming and we’re still on target to have more deaths than any other European country. USA is well ahead of everyone at 712,000 cases. President Trump is talking of easing restrictions; he has a strategy and is leaving it to each State Governor to decide when to put it into operation. Globally, 2,256.000 cases.

What’s everyone planning today? I’m about to attack a mountain of ironing and make my phone call. Then, I’ll ponder and fritter away some time. Be back later.

It’s late afternoon and I’m listening to the latest update. My main interest is in Captain Tom. He’s raised £23,000,000 now and he’s making a record with Michael Ball of “You’ll never walk alone”. Inspirational. It just shows you are never to old to achieve something great. I think he will become the stalwart figure of this pandemic in the same way Dame Vera Lynn has become associated with the second world war as the forces sweetheart.

The death toll in the UK is now more than 15,000. There’s great concern over PPE. For the ignorant, like you and I, that is personal protective equipment; special gowns, gloves and masks to protect those on the frontline from catching the disease. Many health workers have already paid the ultimate price for working on the frontline. I don’t think the epic words from Charles Dickens' novel, “A Tale of Two Cities” is of much comfort when they go onto shift not knowing if they will be safe or not. Are they putting their own families at risk? Those words, “It’s a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done.” Spoken by Sydney Carton  as he prepares to face the guillotine in the place of another man. It has been suggested that they can wash and reuse their present personal protection equipment. There has been much disgust at this suggestion. It looks like Turkey is coming to the rescue by sending supplies tomorrow. Now, why are Turkey sending them? Don’t they need them? Is there anything wrong with them? Or were they just better prepared for the emergency than we were?

Further, our government have ordered that all cemeteries are to remain open enabling peeps to visit those relatives already six feet under. Some are closed in accordance with social distancing rules. This reminds me of my father’s words when leaving the church many years ago. He looked at the graves and pointed out that any of those would be happy to swap places. I think my mother had been doing much of her complaining at the time. She was indeed a miserable, unhappy and stone-faced person. I recently looked at the pic of her on the thanksgiving service sheet. There was something strange and then I realised she was smiling. I don’t recall in my sixty-eight years ever seeing her smile. The lesson there is that we need to remain happy, smiling and positive.

There is concern over mental well-being. I don’t recall it existing in my youth. You just got on with it. Personal problems went on the back burner while you got on with work and life. However, to that end there has been a rethinking over funerals and parks. Different authorities are interpreting the new rules differently and some have closed parks and green areas preventing exercise and walks. My local council have left the parks open but closed the car parks so you can only use them if in walking distance and sitting and resting is forbidden. All seats have tape over them. Now, all councils have been instructed to open parks and while social distancing remains relatives must be allowed to attend funerals. I guess that means the restriction on numbers is lifted although there cannot be any form of wake afterwards.

This furlough thing where the government pay peeps to stay at home has been extended until the end of June. Alas, Councils are running out of dosh and in danger of becoming bankrupt, so the government is sending in another £1.6 billion. Dare I ask where it’s coming from?

The Spanish Flu pandemic lasted for two years. This has only been going for four months. What will happen globally if we all stay in lockdown for another few months or longer? Will dosh continue to fund peeps from nowhere? Are we going to see social disorder? There’s already been panic buying. Will we have looting, burglaries and a rise in crime as oppose to the recent drop. As people see their business or employment gradually disappearing are we going to see a tremendous rise in suicide numbers?

Be back soon.

It has just been announced that the Queen has cancelled the traditional gun salute that normally occurs on her birthday which is next week.


Day 27, Sunday!

Hey, today is a special day not just an ordinary Groundhog Day. It’s Sunday and I was downstairs watching the morning service on the goggle box. I sang along to the hymns though I can’t remember what they were now. Remember, I’m ancient at soixante-neuf and my brain has restricted memory capacity. Right now it’s 1.15 and I’m watching “Songs of Praise” with Aled Jones and recorded before lockdown so it is possible to see peeps socialising. He’s at Strawberry Fields in Liverpool. Just gonna sing along to “God be the Glory.” Back later.

Well, here I am again. The sun is out today. It’s still a little chilly, only 13̊ not 22̊ like Thursday or Groundhog Day 24. But I have been outside and finished giving my waste bins the spring clean. Guess, I should make more effort in the house…one boring Groundhog Day and there are plenty more to come.

I have made my phone call today. Alas, no reply. Guess the recipient was out in the garden. I tried a second number but to no avail. Two peeps do not wish to have discourse with me today. Oh well, you can’t win them all.

On Andrew Marr’s programme this morning Andrew interviewed Michael Gove who denounced any hope of schools reopening next month. He also confirmed that the most likely last places to open again would be in the hospitality area. I guess that info tells us that there is a strategy for easing restrictions gradually but only after the peak of the pandemic, and deaths begin to fall. What is even worse news this morning is that the PPE supplies from Turkey have not arrived. They have been delayed for several days. Well, there’s certainly no problem at airports these days is there? So, why are they not here? Also, there is great controversy over the fact that we sent some supplies to China earlier in this pandemic. Why? The answer was given that those particular PPE supplies were not earmarked for the pandemic here. What? Are we just trying to curry favour with foreign countries since our so-called departure from the EU?

Let’s move on to positivity. I just love the pictures of rainbows everywhere. They brighten the place up and are decorative and pretty, particularly when drawn by young children. They have become symbolic in this crisis, a beacon of hope. Wherever there is fear hope follows. That is the human way of coping with dire situations.

Just made that phone call and this time I got a reply. If at first you don’t succeed…

There’s much concern over domestic abuse at present both physical and mental. Although the latter didn’t exist in the days when I would have been considered a victim. Incidents are soaring as lockdown continues. Tensions and tempers are rising as peeps are confined in homes. Some parents are discovering the horror of having to look after their own children. If your children are out of control and undisciplined who’s fault is it? Please do not look over your shoulder and blame the state, society or the school. Children are your responsibility until they become adults. Then there’s this new thing called home schooling. Parents, on this score, if you’re attempting to do a proper job you have all my sympathy.

Prince Harry is suddenly back in the news from Los Angeles. He’s praising the British spirit and Captain Tom. Is he missing home? On their last appearance here I felt he looked annoyed and as if he had been forced into a decision he didn’t really want to make while Meghan looked happy to be escaping from Britain to Canada. Now, she is back home in LA near her mother. Was this all part of her plan? Or have I got it completely wrong?

It’s 6.30 here and I’m about to have a pizza. I’ve been playing and working this afternoon. Tonight, I’ll be watching that box or should I say screen in this day and age? Then, I’ll retire and tomorrow I’ll do it all over again.

However, you’ve spent this special day. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Until tomorrow stay safe and well.

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Love and blessings to you all, Lady M xxxx

Lockdown 4

Hello Everyone,

These are challenging times. We all need to support each other and get through it the best we can. There was never a better time to say Love You Forever. You cannot give anyone a hug. Many are losing elderly relatives who are in care homes. Sadly, they passed over alone leaving relatives distraught. I am continuing to keep busy and writing my lockdown log. Our first three weeks of lockdown in the UK have come to an end but we continue for an indefinite period. Your guess as to how long is as good as mine. This week I wish you all well and would like to share with you my log for Easter Sunday.

Day 20, EASTER SUNDAY

Good morning and a Happy Easter to one and all.

Right now I’m in front of the box. Where else would I be?  I’m watching the Pope’s Urbi Et Orbi, his Easter message to the world. This year he is not standing on the balcony but inside with only his staff around him and practising social distancing. I have a candle burning and still hold on to the hope and positivity of which the Pope talks. He talks of the new world, a changed world, normality will be different after this pandemic. He mentions the apocalyptic challenges. Is he, too, thinking of the end of time, as I am? I recall standing on the road in a Jerusalem years ago looking across at the tombs in front of the city wall. It is believed that when the end of the world comes, the dead will rise and it would begin on that spot outside the Holy City. How close is it? This is certainly a message with a difference.

Now, I’m watching an unusual Easter church service from Bangor Cathedral. A service of readings and hymns, a compilation from previous services. This is deffo the most unusual Easter Day I have ever experienced. One thing about this peculiar time is that I seem to be roaming down memory lane far more than usual. Today, I recall fifty years ago. Yes, half a century when I was just nineteen, a young student at a teacher training college. I had a month’s holiday from college and hopped on the train to the south coast where I’d taken a temporary three week post as a waitress in a hotel. I remember the Easter Bonnet parade at Battle, near Hastings. It is not possible to acquire such work even when it’s possible to work these days.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has posted his Easter message from the kitchen at Lambeth Palace. He, like the Pope, states that the world will never be the same again. I’m now trying to imagine the Archbishop cooking in his kitchen wearing his clerical attire including mitre scrambling eggs. My mind is clearly capable of working overtime.

The news is really depressing. Someone has just stated that statistics or whatever are now indicating that the UK may well have more deaths from this pandemic than any other country in Europe. I hope the next bulletin doesn’t say more than USA or we really are in the proverbial.

Songs of Praise time and from Birmingham but recorded before lockdown.

Back later.

Well, another programme which took me down memory lane. Not sure if it’s this pandemic or my age. This Easter they used an Easter hymn from last year sung at St George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem. I was privileged to receive communion in that cathedral from the Bishop of Jerusalem in 1975 on my first pilgrimage to the Holy City. Guess I’ve reached that age (soixante neuf I refused to be 69 and the latter options sounds younger and nicer) of being grateful and thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had and taken in my life. They say you regret the things you didn’t do. Well, I don’t remember them only what I did do. Anyway, I digress. I know I’m good at that but back to communion in Jerusalem. That made me think of all of my excursions to the Holy City and my memories. There’s one that stands out. Not the Wailing Wall, the Mosques, gates, market, Gethsemane, or the Via Dolorosa but the Holocaust Museum on Mount Zion.

It was my third visit out there and as a tour leader. I had a Jewish guide who didn’t really want to go in. “Oh fine”, I said, “I’ll take them in.”. Well, I didn’t really understand until I came out. A museum is a museum or is it? This one was an horrendous experience but one I feel everyone should experience. I truly understood why Paul, the guide didn’t want to visit. The whole place was in dimmed light with masses of pictures of the camps. There were the mass graves of scores of unidentified, naked, extremely thin bodies. One could only imagine the stench. Then, pics of humans screaming as gas poured out of the showers. Pics of the gold and belongings taken from the victims who believed they were being given the luxury of a shower. The lampshades which the Nazis had had made from human skin. What could be worse than any of that? The pics of the humans shabbily dressed, starving and thin with haunting faces, or more specifically, the eyes of those poor humans. The eyes were piercing yet hollow and distant. The eyes spoke of the hopelessness and fear they were enduring. Where was God? Why were they suffering? Yes, eyes are the window to the soul and they can speak volumes and be far more meaning than a dictionary of vocabulary. I remember bringing that party out of there. We all stood by a wall, speechless, somber, sickened, sad. It was not really a holiday experience yet no one complained or regretted witnessing it.

It’s not to the same degree yet but it is a fear that I’ve see in people’s eyes when I have been out in the last weeks since lockdown. They can wear masks as protection but the eyes are talking in shops and on the streets. It is fear and a hopelessness because this Covid 19 is out of our control. It is among us and knocking us down like skittles in a bowling alley. That is why we need to remain positive and optimistic. We cannot allow our fear to control us.

The figures are not good. The UK death toll is now over 10,000 and we’ve leapt up to 6 in the league table.

I am trying to look forward to projects I had planned for this year which have been put on hold. My Antonio will come again, eventually I will savour one of his ice creams again. I will be able to drive to the coast, put a message in a bottle and throw it in the sea. The libraries, theatres and cinemas will open again. Shops will become hives of activity. Life will go on but it will be different. Next year we will look back at this unusual Easter and while remembering those we’ve lost we will be praising ourselves for the way we got through it. To use one of my favourite phrases through all dark days, the glass is always half full.

Our Queen has given an unprecedented Easter message online. This evening I tuned in online to a beautiful concert from Andrea Bocelli in Milan.

Right now, I’m watching tv “The Good Karma Hospital” having finished a bottle of wine and enjoyed a nice turkey and roast dinner. Going to crack another Easter egg soon. So, sleep well my friends. Remember, in years to come you will be able to tell your children and grandchildren how you survived this Easter and this war.


Stay positive and strong until next week, all my love Lady M xxxx

Lockdown 3

Hello Everyone,

Well, we are now in our third week of lockdown. Sadly, some have not survived it and I send my sympathy and condolences to those who have lost loved ones. It is our Easter weekend and normally we would be excited and looking forward to sunny days ahead and much activity. Churches will be empty this Friday morning, the time for remembering Christ's crucifixion, and on Sunday for his resurrection. If there was ever a time to look after or look out for each other it is now. If there was ever a time to be positive, smiling, happy and hold on to hope it is now. My pics this week are of my book showing the apt title and a candle. I would like to ask you all to join me this Eastertide and light a candle for all those who are suffering. We must also remember those front line soldiers who are still working and putting their lives at risk for the rest of us. They deserve our respect and our weekly applause. I am going to post a section telling the Easter story and two of my Lockdown passages. I hope they will help you or maybe even inspire you to do something positive through these Groundhog days.

The Easter Story

Today is Good Friday in the Christian Religion. It is the day when Christians remember how Jesus died on the Cross outside the Jerusalem City Wall. 

On Sunday the church  will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. That first Sunday morning, when the women went to the tomb where Jesus had been hastily lain only to find the stone removed and the body missing, is celebrated. The women were anxious to anoint the body, in accordance with Jewish tradition, at the earliest opportunity. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and other women arrived at the tomb, expecting to find it secured by a stone. Imagine their surprise, the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Inside, a young man, wearing a white robe, spoke to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go tell his disciples and Peter, that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him as he told you."

(Mark ,Chapter16, vs 6 & 7.)

Lockdown

Day 14,

Hey, we are almost at the end of week two in the UK. Other countries are further into this. After our monarch’s inspiring address yesterday we can do a few more if we have to. Maybe, we should see each day as an adventure. This is different from anything we’ve ever known before, horrendous as it is, if we look at it as something exciting and with new opportunities it will seem easier to endure.

It’s 12.19 and I’m on my second cuppa. Yep, late today but I was reading until the small hours and was still awake at 3.00 am. These things don’t matter now do they? Night and day have become kinda synonymous. Oh it was a Sophie Kinsella book.

I know some peeps are getting bored. Well, bored peeps are boring. If you’re bored you need to do something about it. Take this time to learn a new language, take up a new hobby, catch up on reading, catch up on odd jobs. The choice is yours and with the Internet you don’t even have to go out.

I’ve just been sent a message about prayer. If ever there was a time for prayer it’s now. Whatever your religion or beliefs never underestimate the power of prayer.

What am I doing today? Not sure yet but I will not be bored.

Now, let’s take a look at the figures. Be brave. Locally, the number has risen to 316. Not good. The UK number of cases is 48,000 where as USA is at 336,000+. Worldwide the figure is 1 ¼ million. Deaths 70,000+. It wants me wanna have a lot of duvet days but we must be positive. Always remember good will conquer evil. We will win this war.

Will watch the goggle box for a while and then maybe face the mounting dishes in the kitchen. Have fun. Normally, I would be going to the library for afternoon tea on Monday. Yes, it’s deffo Monday, yesterday was Sunday! Routine had disappeared but not down the black hole. It’s just taking a rest and will return. I’ve also noticed that library books have all been dated for return on June 30th. Do they know something we don’t?

It’s 6.30 pm and the day has sort of drifted by. I went out for a walk. Well, to be more precise I walked about two hundred yards round the block. There was not a soul in sight. A helicopter hovered above. I’m assuming they were monitoring the situation particularly in the nearby Park and Sandwell Valley ensuring peeps were not congregating or sunbathing. I can’t believe peeps are actually doing that. I did notice a change on our Tesco’s car park . No cars. It looks like it’s been set up as a Covid19 testing centre.

I’ve just had the great experience of the week…I put the bin out. I waited all day until 6.00 pm. I took my grey household waste bin out of my back gate and my neighbour brought her bin out at the same time. It was really exciting. I never thought the day would come when putting a bin out would be so exciting or the highlight of the week. Garden rubbish and food waste collections have been suspended so we only have recycling and household rubbish collections now and for the foreseeable.

What next? I shall watch the soaps and then the last episode of 'Liar'.

So, stay safe folks.

Day 15,

Oh dear, our PM, Boris is in intensive care. His symptoms persisted while in isolation and now it’s serious. Should we all learn from this? The virus is demanding. He insisted on working and leading the Government while in isolation. Should he have rested?

Something has just been delivered. Dare I pick it up off the mat? I’ll put gloves on first. Well, it was the letter from the Government on Coronavirus. I guess in about a hundred years time one or two of these remaining letters will be sold for a fortune on a kind of eBay equivalent unless we have destroyed the world by then.

The weather is brill and we’re having a kinda mini summer leading up to Easter. So, this afternoon I’ll be in my little garden working on my potting plants.

I keep feeling my forehead. Do I have a temperature? Well, I could only guess as I don’t have a thermometer. If I tried to buy one they’re probably scarce or cost a fortune now. Anyway, I don’t have a dry cough. Curiosity has got the better of me. Just had a quick look at thermometers at Boots online.. not only expensive but many out of stock, coming soon. We are not only a country in chaos but a world in chaos.

Normally, I would be planning day trips and listening for Antonio’s melodic sound heralding the arrival of ice cream at this time of year. Many would be packing ready to hit the skies for holidays in foreign climes. Recently, a relatively new word became popular…staycation. The idea of holidaying at home as opposed to abroad. People would take a holiday somewhere in the UK rather like the days of my youth when a holiday was an annual event, not a monthly one, and a trip to the seaside. Usually, it was a week. If you could afford two weeks you were really lucky. Now, a holiday or staycation means stay in your home!

Yesterday, I saw an article by Simon Calder on travel. He predicts that overseas travel will take around five years to get back to where it was before this pandemic. Many are still stranded abroad as flights were cancelled and borders closed last month. Are peeps going to want to fly abroad or go on a cruise after this? How many airlines or businesses, hotels, restaurants etc will survive?

So, let’s look at the figures for today. Note, I’ve put it off today. Worldwide, 12,000 new cases. USA well ahead of any other country at 360,000+. Alarming. We have had more than 5,000 deaths.

On that sobering note it’s time for my second cuppa.

Back for the news at 1.30. No, it’s not good. Tremendous noise in the skies… two helicopters going round today. Have sorted some of my plants out this morning. Relaxing for a while. Thinking about what to do next.

Listening to the update on BBC and learn that I shouldn’t take much notice of the statistics. The listed ones here are hospital deaths only. They do not take into account care homes where many are losing their lives to this virus or deaths elsewhere like homes. So that may mean twice the number shown. Also, the case figures may well be fiction. So, I guess when all this is over we’ll just round it up to the nearest million or so.

Something exciting to report today. I’m learning how to post on Instagram. How many people will acquire new skills during this sad time? Ingenuity and creative skills? Afterwards will peeps have learned never to take things for granted particularly as they look at the mountain of toilet rolls stored in the corner of the lounge (the only room in their property large enough to accommodate them).

A car came round today. I rushed to the window. Movement outside. It was only a council van.

Only one soap opera on the box tonight. Then I shall have my third game of Scrabble and attempt to beat my score. Finally, a nice relaxing bubble bath before I retire. Stay safe peeps and well.

And stay safe my friends. Have the best Easter you can and please light a candle.

Lady M xxxxx

World War Three

Hello Everyone,

Lady M hopes you enjoyed her holiday post last week. She was rather alarmed, like the rest of the world, when she watched the Pope's Easter message and learned of the horrific suicide bombings in Sri Lanka. Clearly, Easter Sunday was selected for maximum effect. The location? Who knows? Maybe, they just put a pin on the world map. During the last years these attackers have taken over the world. Is Lady M the only person who believes we are in World War Three... a war which the whole world is fighting against terrorism? Two years ago in 2017 she was writing the introduction to her little booklet, "Life is..." while watching the Ariana Grande tribute concert. This week she would like to share that introduction with you.

"It is June 4^th, 2017. I am writing this introduction while listening to the melodic tones of Take That singing ‘Manchester we are strong’. They are performing at the tribute concert, One Love Manchester. Yes, I’m a woman so I can multitask! Thirteen days ago a suicide bomber detonated a homemade bomb at the Manchester Arena as people were leaving the Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-two innocent people, including many children and teenagers, were killed and more than a hundred injured. The attacker was Salman Abedi, born in Manchester, with parents of Libyan origin. Ariana’s reaction was to return to Manchester for this tribute concert.

Terrorism is the scourge of the twenty-first century and with the advent of social media the world was aware of the Manchester attack within minutes. Foreign leaders all made their customary speeches to ‘stand with Manchester’. The world unites on these horrific occasions and this was the worst in the UK since the London bombings on July 7^th , 2005 when four Islamist extremists detonated three bombs on the London Underground and a fourth one on a bus. This attack resulted in fifty-six deaths (including the attackers) and over seven hundred injured people.

This was the second attack in the UK in two months. On March 22^nd, Khalid Masood drove a car into people on Westminster Bridge. He ran out of the vehicle into New Palace Yard and stabbed an unarmed police officer before he was shot by a police officer. The incident resulted in six deaths and forty-nine injured people. Then, the rest of the globe supported London.

This morning, I, on auto-pilot, switched on the television to see a ‘BBC breaking news’ on the screen.  Another terrorist attack at 10.08 yesterday evening on London Bridge. The third attack on British soil within three months. A white van had been driven into crowds crossing the bridge. Three males emerged, carrying knives, and moved toward restaurants stabbing as many people as they could saying, ‘This is for Allah’. At 10.16 pm their reign of terror was over. After eight minutes of freedom the police arrived and shot the three attackers. During those few minutes they succeeded in causing eight deaths and forty-plus injured people, some critical.

Have these ISIS people, who claim to be of the Islamic faith, ever read the Koran? Each Surah begins by stating that Allah is compassionate and merciful. Allah does not condone merciless killings. How often have we heard Muslims claim that these terrorists do not belong to their religion? Islam is a religion of peace.

At the moment I can see Robbie Williams singing ‘Angels’ and a crowd of fifty thousand people smiling and singing along with him. This is defiance. Some of the audience were present on that fateful night but are not prepared to surrender to terrorism. President Trump has called terrorists ‘losers’. I compare them to the classroom bullies who are basically cowards and can never be allowed to win. As Friedrich Nietzsche stated, ‘That which does not kill us makes us stronger’. This audience are strong and united.

At present the UK seems to be the terrorists’ main target. At this sad time I am sure the people of France feel the emotion with us as they remember their attacks through 2015- 2016 in Paris, Nice and Normandy. Who could ever forget the slogan ‘Je suis Charlie’ after the attack on January 7^th, 2015 at the Charlie Hebdo magazine office when twelve people were killed? Germany and Belgium, our other close European neighbours, have suffered from ISIS attacks in Berlin, Wuerzburg, Ansbach and Brussels. Iraq, Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Canada, Australia and America…yes, it is a global problem. Tunisia… a prominent and memorable attack by a lone assassin on western tourists at a hotel in Port El Kantaoui in June, 2015. This shooting was at one of the most unlikely places… a beach where people were relaxing and enjoying a holiday. It resulted in thirty-eight deaths and thirty-nine injured people. The assassin was killed by the police.

I am sure Americans shiver with horror at each new attack as they remember their horrendous attackson The Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, and The Pentagon on September 11^th, 2001. Three planes were successfully hijacked and hit their targets. A fourth plane did not reach its destination, thought to be Washington, as the passengers attempted to overpower the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. This was the work of another extremist Islamic group, al-Qaeda. Total fatalities were 2,996 and over six thousand injured people.

When will our leaders actually admit that terrorism is not just a global phenomenon but our third world war? One hundred years ago The Great War, later to be termed World War 1, was coming to an end. It had been fought in various places in battles and by man against man; by soldiers on horseback or on foot using weapons of the era. Twenty years later in 1939 the world was at war again. It was a still a war with battles and fought by soldiers on battlefields, those men were fighting for freedom and a better future but it was a different type of war using new weapons of the time… aeroplanes and bombs. In addition to battlefields, it was a conflict fought from the air. Bombs could be dropped from above destroying buildings and causing maximum damage to both life and infrastructure. World War 2 was declared the war to end all wars but it does not seem to have worked. I believe there has only been a short period of time, (I read somewhere – fifteen minutes) when no country has been at war. There was Vietnam, Chinese Civil War, Arab-Israeli War, Indo-Pakistani War, Korea, The Falklands… to mention a few! All fought for a purpose, whether it be land, religion or freedom.

However, we are now in the twenty-first century and we have freedom, social media, technology and materialism in a way never known before. Maybe the pendulum has swung too far towards liberty and a tolerant society. As the last weeks have proved it is not safe to cross the road or go to a concert. Looking back to 2015, 2016, neither is it safe to go on holiday, travel on public transport, go shopping in the market, go out for a meal, sit on the beach or really do anything. We have become prisoners of war in a world where terrorists are the enemy. It is a different kind of war; a war where ‘attacks’ have replaced battles. Not a war where planes drop bombs from the skies or soldiers fight battles in fields. It is a war using twenty-first century knowledge and weapons. Knowledge of how to make simple bombs capable of great destruction is easily available on the Internet. Guns and knives are equally easy to purchase. Our enemies are Islamist extremists who believe that martyrdom is the will of Allah or maybe their heroes are the kamikaze pilots of World War 2. They are just using different methods to find their divine wind route back to Allah.

In these sad times we may ask what life is about. It is easy to be miserable and afraid. It is easy to change our routine but we need to be strong and continue with our plans. If we do that our enemies will not win. I, like most people on the planet, have become a great fan of social media and in particular, Facebook. During the last six months I have been posting daily. Firstly, it was Words of Wisdom and then I moved on to Life is…  Some of my thoughts were philosophical, others humorous. Sometimes I added photographs and emojis or I dedicated certain sayings to individual people. On a couple of occasions I even added a short story telling the inspiration behind the quotation, for example…Life is about turning left instead of right and having an adventure!

I noticed that I was getting a lot of those like clicks and friends seemed to be enjoying my humble daily offering. I had an idea… put all of my posts into a short book and publish them. I have placed one of the Words of Wisdom after every five or six Life is… quotations; some Life quotes have illustrations, either photographs from my albums or downloads from the Net under creative commons licence. All the acknowledgements may be found at the end of the booklet after information on my books.

I hope that those of you who have downloaded this will delve into it on the dark days and find that it puts the smile back on your face.

How would I describe it? Humorous, philosophical, satirical, stimulating, inspirational, illuminating, intriguing, thought-provoking, fresh, invigorating and delightful.

Enjoy!

Post Script

Since writing this the world has experienced more disasters both of terrorism and nature. More lives have been lost. There have been raging forest fires in Portugal, a fire which was like a ‘towering inferno’ at Grenfell Tower in Kensington, London and an attack on Muslims leaving the Finsbury Park Mosque, London after evening worship. London is certainly getting its share of misfortune this year. The question, ‘Why?’ is usually paramount but it is without an answer.

It is hard to be positive or see anything good when these sad situations occur but light always comes after the darkness and hope from despair. What I see is an outpouring of human kindness and love. Even, at the mosque, the Iman protected the assassin from being attacked before the police could arrest him. After fires those who survive have nothing left. All their possessions have gone in the blink of an eye. However, while the flames were still in charge and the smoke pothered out of Grenfell Tower people were arriving with donations of food, clothing, toys, essentials and luxuries to help the unfortunate ones start again. Things take time and time is supposedly a great healer. Although I am not sure about that.

What is a certainty is that there will be more atrocities and natural disasters. All we can do is stay strong and look after each other.

Marilyn L. Rice, June 20^th, 2017"

Whether  you agree or disagree with Lady M be happy and safe wherever you are and whatever you are doing this week.

Lady M xxx

Hazy Halcyon Holidays

The day thou gavest..

 Hello Everyone,


At the moment in the UK we are recovering from Easter eggs, fun and excitement as we herald the approaching summer days and are celebrating the warmest Easter in history. Yes, it's a holiday time. What are holidays all about? This particular one is of religious significance for the Christian religion and commemorates the time when Jesus was crucified and then rose from the dead three days later on the Sunday. Although, in today's society the significance is often lost despite the fact that the word derives from 'holy day' and a time when all holidays revolved around religious festivals.

 Generally, holidays are times for relaxation and to charge the batteries. How do people spend them? In the days of my youth we were lucky if we had one week's holiday a year and extremely fortunate if we had two. It was a time to visit the seaside. I recall such happiness over a week in a caravan in Cleethorpes and a week in Devon. They were always in the summer months and then the seaside life and activities seemed to die for the winter as holidaymakers returned to their normal life resigned not to take another holiday until the next summer. This was in the days before package holidays abroad became fashionable. Now, it seems like people take more holidays than work days. The nature of the break varies from travelling abroad to participating in various activities.

 I recently heard a new word, 'staycation'. I discovered it means staying at home as opposed to travelling abroad. I believe it originated in America although a few days after I heard it, I heard it again on our news as many peeps were spending this warm Easter on UK territory as opposed to rushing to the airports and heading for foreign shores. They gave the main reason as Brexit uncertainty but they certainly got the last laugh as our weather was warmer than most of Europe. Times and the climate are changing fast.

I always feel that there are three parts to every holiday. The preparation and glorious anticipation of good times. The actual event and finally the memories which last a life time. I thought this week, while it's school holidays and everyone is in holiday mode I would share some of my memories and pics of my recent holiday in Paphos with you. Lady M is a great believer that if you don't enjoy your holiday whatever it brings it's your own fault. There are obvious exceptions to this rule like if you fall seriously ill or are involved in a terrorist attack.

Anyway, I recently spent twenty-one nights at The Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Paphos where I am well-known, (best not to ask why!) and always receive a warm welcome. During the period we had one week of dreary, dismal weather which was a joke because I knew they were enjoying an unusual heatwave at home. However, those days prevented me from sunbathing but did not spoil my fun. There were still activities to enjoy in the hotel like skittles, bowls, Uno card game, cocktail  and flower demonstrations... all good fun.

When the days are glorious and sunny, which is the norm in Cyprus, what is my routine do I hear you ask? It's like this. On the first morning before breakfast I tootle down to the pool and reserve my sun lounger. Now, I may be thought of as bonkers but if I am going to have the same sun lounger for three weeks I'm going to get intimate with it and I always give him/it a name. This last one was number E19 and I christened him Lupin or better known as Loopy. I also do regular postings on FB as several of my friends online seem to want to enjoy my holiday at my expense and I'm such a kind person I share it with them. My previous loungers have been Laurie and Lenny. Peeps seem to look forward to reading about my relationship with this inanimate item which develops an identity during my sojourn.

The main job done I go into breakfast (wearing shades cos I travel incognito) I like a table looking at the harbour and I usually get one. I try to avoid a cooked breakfast and stick to fruit, salad and yogurt because I eat too much there and put weight on. Alas, I'm usually tempted by the aroma of bacon and wander over to the hot buffet... bacon, eggs, sausages, pancakes... Once I've eaten more than I usually eat in a whole day at home, I take my second cup of coffee outside and enjoy it while seated on the lounger. It is so beautiful and relaxing listening to the lapping water in the pool and admiring the view. The rest of the world and it's problems do not seem to exist. Then, I count my blessings that I can actually afford to do this.

I decide what I am going to do for the rest of the morning. My usual trip is a saunter down to the harbour for coffee or ice cream and possibly shopping. Other options are taking the bus up to the old town where I can shop and meet friends or If it's Wednesday possibly visit the Duck Pond market and find  a bargain. I'm good at that. Alternatively, I may venture to the Kings Mall and take my weekly exercise... a stroll round the Jumbo store. Another option is a bus ride to Coral Bay. Or maybe, if I'm feeling lazy just stay in the hotel sunbathing or participating in the morning activities. However, I like to be back at the hotel before 1.15 in time for my pre-lunch drink... white rum, orange and Grenadine known as Caribbean sunrise which is where I first enjoyed it... in St Lucia.

Next, lunch is on the agenda with vino. Then, mid afternoon it's time to lounge by the pool and wait for the sun to go down. The sunsets are spectacular out there. I go back to my room and have a snooze in preparation for the evening. Now, I like to dress appropriately for dinner. I despair when I see peeps in the restaurant looking like they're dressed to do the gardening. Maybe I'm Dickensian in my outlook or you could say I have standards. I have scented tealights in my room which glow while I'm enjoying my bubble bath and then I'm ready to dress for dinner.

I leave my room at 8.00 pm and take the lift down to the restaurants. No, I seldom use the stairs. I usually dine in the Roxanne and enjoy the buffet whatever the theme is for that night. Sometimes, there's a pianist playing beautiful music which adds to the atmosphere. Occasionally, I may dine in the Asian or Italian Restaurants but these require booking in advance and that is a lot of hassle. I, usually, can't be bothered. However, on this last holiday I did enjoy the Greek meze. I didn't book. They were short on numbers on that Saturday night and just offered me a reservation at 8.00. It was fantastic but I was relieved when other diners  shared my embarrassment as to the amount of food which is returned to the kitchen. The meze, by it's nature, is a massive selection of dishes and is extremely filling but delightful.

After dinner I go to the Saga lounge and collect my coffee and amaretto drink. I take them into the bar and wait for the evening entertainment. usually, a cabaret show like Jersey Boys, (my fav one) or an artiste singing. Before that, if I get there in time, there's a quiz or bingo. All exciting.

Yes, I book with Saga. I'm so lazy these days that I book taxi, insurance, flight and the all-inclusive hotel deal with Saga. That way, I'm there responsibility from leaving my home until I return. In addition to what I've already mentioned I did visit Limassol this time on a Saga excursion.

An additional bonus this time was that I was there for the carnival and Green Monday celebration. I had fun flying my kite... well, trying to!

So, folks, that is a typical hols for me. You may cringe or leap for joy at the thought of opulence, laziness and luxury which I define as hazy, halcyon days.

Whatever type of hols you choose... enjoy it and count your blessings.

I'm leaving you with some of the pics!

Lady M

Tyler sporting my hat!