tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post3342435336271638194..comments2024-03-29T00:11:30.648+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Brain Rambler - another year gone ... Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-37945431066842520452022-01-25T14:38:32.750+00:002022-01-25T14:38:32.750+00:00Hi Susan - time does seem to rush along ... with a...Hi Susan - time does seem to rush along ... with all its vagaries and challenges it sends us. I agree the blogosphere certainly provides support and encouragement, and really does help through thick and thin.<br /><br />I can imagine the USA with deep snowfalls - but am so pleased we're through that period ... it was often snowy, cold, thick fog et al ... and that it's now in the history books, or the techie archives! I'm happy I'm in the south of England ... and that we're decades further on with our infrastructure and more modern systems to see us through times like that.<br /><br />You too - just have the most amazing time ... sounds so much fun - I'm so happy for you - cheers and with lots of hugs - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-43892689818594327942022-01-23T16:05:52.468+00:002022-01-23T16:05:52.468+00:00Wow, 15 years already? My, how time does fly! I...Wow, 15 years already? My, how time does fly! I'm glad you're still going strong and are still enjoying the blogosphere. It certainly has been an important part of my life for the past dozen years or so, too. There are so many wonderful people here. So much kindness and caring. <br /><br />I remember having some miserably deep snowfalls that lasted for months and months when I was a kid, but I don't recall any 20' drifts. Wow, that must've been something. Glad it's in the history books, but let's hope it stays there. Don't want to experience that kind of winter again.<br /><br />Take care, sweet lady! Cheers!Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-86213089902730858492022-01-22T09:53:18.080+00:002022-01-22T09:53:18.080+00:00@ ACIL - 15 years ... I know it's quite a long...@ ACIL - 15 years ... I know it's quite a long time isn't it? - but you were a writer before that ... but like you I can't believe it ... and also like you still enjoying it ... <br /><br />@ Raj - thank you ... I do hope you start a blogging experience and build up some blogging friendships and enjoy your journey - all the best.<br /><br />@ Nick - it was an incredible winter ... a 'good' memory to have, though post war families must have really struggled, another hassle for them ... <br /><br />Yes ... I probably was getting a bit frustrated after ten days of spending the isolation time in bed ... I am a good sleeper, or dozer - that probably helped. Oh like you, I'm so glad this present virus isn't as appalling as the first one ... I so feel for those who have suffered, and particularly all medical personnel ... <br /><br />@ Lee - you are so right about the contrast ... in fact I don't remember weather as bad as that - even in Canada! - yet now we have all the modern technologies to help ... and we have advance knowledge about the weather ... <br /><br />I think I was probably quite a good patient ... in those days you did what you were told ... <br /><br />Blogging probably has been one of the best things that's happened to me - helped enormously by being a part of this group ... <br /><br />@ Sandra - actually it was 10 and a half weeks - it was a long, long winter ... and life is fine ... <br /><br />Thanks to you all for visiting and commenting - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-59343276339569694342022-01-22T00:56:21.527+00:002022-01-22T00:56:21.527+00:00Hope your meetings were fun and went well.Hope your meetings were fun and went well.Sandra Coxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814573408898140885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23098748821577049082022-01-21T16:35:21.739+00:002022-01-21T16:35:21.739+00:00That snowstorm was quite a contrast to this year&#...That snowstorm was quite a contrast to this year's weather in the UK. We're experiencing the same kind of shift in our January days, and I really wish we could see some of the weather from those earlier days.<br /><br />It seems you had a preview of today's isolation due to a virus. You were already a pro when all of this started. <br /><br />You've had a long and remarkable blogging life! And it's clear why. I love reading your stories, your bits about history or food or climate. I'm so glad you're doing what you're doing. cleemckenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05614478740889477584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-74219196098934494612022-01-21T06:18:53.231+00:002022-01-21T06:18:53.231+00:00Sounds like a memorable winter. It's funny to ...Sounds like a memorable winter. It's funny to hear that self-isolation is nothing new. I wonder if they thought this virus would turn into something severe - luckily it didn't "snowball" like the one we've been living with for two years!Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-61965860958976462812022-01-20T22:54:22.610+00:002022-01-20T22:54:22.610+00:00Two and half weeks of snow. Good grief (says the ...Two and half weeks of snow. Good grief (says the Southern girl:)Sandra Coxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814573408898140885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-64166058054933811542022-01-20T12:55:00.507+00:002022-01-20T12:55:00.507+00:00Hi
I visited your site. I read some blog. Beautifu...Hi<br />I visited your site. I read some blog. Beautiful write up for your memories for blog. You write blog for above 15 years. Beautiful your writing experience. I like. Iam so happy.<br />Congratulations blogging experience.!Rajhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14834806278501320422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-54111115368936510102022-01-19T22:28:49.843+00:002022-01-19T22:28:49.843+00:0015 years, too? :-) I started blogging in 2007. Som...15 years, too? :-) I started blogging in 2007. Sometimes I can't believe I'm still at it. :-)<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-8500078231239234452022-01-19T15:26:28.767+00:002022-01-19T15:26:28.767+00:00@ Friko – oh my gosh … it must have been almost un...@ Friko – oh my gosh … it must have been almost unbearable – heating wasn't really around much in those days. I too am glad our winters are much milder and many of us have better heating.<br /><br />I'm sure you're not far behind me in blogging years. We haven't started a full social life – we meet up when we're happy to do so. The Hydro hotel has a wonderful conservatory – which is big and spacious; while where we hold the dinners is a large, equally spacious, room – so, so far it seems we each do our own thing relative to family (or not in my case) around us … <br /><br />Sadly I'm unlikely to be up in your neck of the woods – I certainly wll make a plan if I ever get nearby … thanks for the invite … <br /><br />@ Deniz – yes for a few days it was beautiful, especially as we were kids … but it must have drained the life out of so many – how they coped I really don't know.<br /><br />Interesting – yes … so I've too noticed people are remembering things – but fascinating to see Enid Blyton talked about it in her books … and that the kids had to bring their vaccination and health cards … <br /><br />@ Rosey – thank you to both. We're always drawn in to seeing challenging natural events … so I understand your draw to see the snow drifts. Thanks for confirming that enormous icicles can be around in late Spring/Summer in continental America … <br /><br />@ Nila – many thanks for the wishes; while … just very happy to read that you enjoy my rambles - always encouraging. I do hope we can get some normalcy back in our lives – I have a 'horrid feeling' we're going too fast here (as of today) … <br /><br />Yes – let's all stay safe and do what we feel we need to do – to stay that way … thanks for noting the 'Narcissus' runner-up award.<br /><br />@ Deborah – delighted you enjoyed the remembrances – I was fond of the igloo – chocolate bunnies in the igloo … a good thought. I didn't think much about the isolation … something was obviously wrong – and surprisingly I was a well-behaved child.<br /><br />I'm sure I'll be around the blogosphere for a while yet … and am always grateful for the support.<br /><br />@ Debby – it was very chilly – but am so glad now it isn't so frosty! Oh yes – the snowstorm you've been having – sounds really terrible … <br /><br />@ Anabel – thanks for your wishes … and for us all I hope 2022 eases up … <br /><br />@ Sandra – they were 'fun' times?! As you say … I hope we're all taking special care … <br /><br />Thanks so much to you all – that winter was particularly eventful … it's interesting to read our thoughts though … cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-63635750674681584262022-01-19T04:54:39.306+00:002022-01-19T04:54:39.306+00:00Driving through 20 ft high snow drifts...I can'...Driving through 20 ft high snow drifts...I can't begin to imagine.<br />YOU take special care.Sandra Coxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814573408898140885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29228624800688199272022-01-18T21:29:44.312+00:002022-01-18T21:29:44.312+00:00It’s a bit late to say happy birthday, but I hope ...It’s a bit late to say happy birthday, but I hope it was a good one. And that 2022 is much better for us all.Anabel Marshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15643196773717977697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-92082075554563678072022-01-18T19:23:16.407+00:002022-01-18T19:23:16.407+00:00Those are some chilly remembrances Hilary. Glad to...Those are some chilly remembrances Hilary. Glad to hear your current winter, so far, isn't brutal. We had a huge snowstorm here yesterday wreaking havoc and closing down what's left of our already locked down city. Crazy times! <3D.G. Kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04292901895982357952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-46896069342045683762022-01-18T15:30:15.092+00:002022-01-18T15:30:15.092+00:00What a fun post Hilary! I laughed at the Easter ig...What a fun post Hilary! I laughed at the Easter igloo. That might have been a perfect storage area to keep the chocolate bunnies from melting. How strange about your virus and isolation - you had early practice for these times indeed. Congratulations on blogging longevity - I hope you'll keep at it for at least another 15 years. Deborah Weberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971869506007671786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-90837673893622486442022-01-18T12:53:39.249+00:002022-01-18T12:53:39.249+00:00Congrats Hilary on 15 years! and belated happy bir...Congrats Hilary on 15 years! and belated happy birthday to you! Your rambles are always so fresh and informative. Always enjoy my visits here. I too hope that 2022 will be the turning point and we can get back to normalcy down the year, though at the present moment it seems kind of dire...<br /><br />You take care and stay well. Hugs. <br /><br />PS Loved the new Narcissus badge on your sidebar - congrats on that too!Nilanjana Bosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08656370320322301943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87862019958790870552022-01-18T11:50:31.938+00:002022-01-18T11:50:31.938+00:00Happy Birthday and Happy 15 years bloggging!! I re...Happy Birthday and Happy 15 years bloggging!! I remember huge snow piled up and driving a narrow row to see it. I also remember wearing a coat at night to watch fireworks in July (in Michigan) so I understand you seeing big icicles so late in the season while you were visiting New York!mail4roseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-46106743349943477832022-01-17T10:25:51.126+00:002022-01-17T10:25:51.126+00:00Love all that snow! It must have been so nice and ...Love all that snow! It must have been so nice and quiet...<br />Funny, I notice references to quarantines and isolation a lot more now -- my daughter and I were reading the Mallory Towers books by Enid Blyton; every term they had to appear at school with their vaccination and health cards!Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-38362934478142876622022-01-16T13:47:01.850+00:002022-01-16T13:47:01.850+00:00I remember that winter, bitterly cold and moving i...I remember that winter, bitterly cold and moving into a new house without heating. Brrr, no thanks; I am glad that a) our winters are much milder and b) I live with convenient heating.<br /><br />15 years of blogging! I must see what my tally is, I can't be far behind you.<br /><br />I haven't started a full social life yet, too many round here have covid - the milder strain - and I am still rather concerned about catching it in spite of being fully vaxed.<br /><br />If you are ever round this way again, let me know and pop in.Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-3425335532136742222022-01-16T10:26:54.079+00:002022-01-16T10:26:54.079+00:00@ Donna - thanks so much ... it's made a great...@ Donna - thanks so much ... it's made a great difference to my life - and yes I do hope 2022 releases us from the space we seem to be inhabiting at the moment ... but we can all stay in touch over the air waves.<br /><br />@ 21 Wits - great to see you here ... and thanks for coming by ... yes I hope to make it another 'few + ' years of blogging. Words for Wednesday is a fun challenge to do each week ... <br /><br />@ Truedessa - thanks for coming by after Sandra's jog and her birthday wish on her blog ... she seems to catch us all on the appropriate day ... <br /><br />@ Val - I think any of us who were here in the UK in 1962/3 - that year was pretty monumental. Interesting - I hadn't heard about the 'Hong Kong flu' - but I'd left school by then and was living in the country. <br /><br />Well ... I suppose no-one knew how things were passed around - and 'masks' hadn't become commonplace ... we just got through it - or not - in those days: as you imply either because of good genes, or because any underlying disease wasn't known about and people succumbed.<br /><br />Thank you so much for commenting and being here - always fun to read your thoughts - cheers Hilary<br /><br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-76067539599746355802022-01-16T08:31:58.412+00:002022-01-16T08:31:58.412+00:00Gosh, Hilary, yes! I remember that winter all too ...Gosh, Hilary, yes! I remember that winter all too well, but I think it still ranks as the longest cold winter of the century, so maybe that's not surprising. I had the Hong Kong flu in 1969 and was the 'illest' I've ever been in my life. What's odd is that we had quite an outbreak of it at my boarding school, but there was little in the way of isolation, and as I remember it, there were no lockdowns or masks for the greater public. Things like viruses were just accepted in those days, I suppose.Vallypeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08309284606572565277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-27357443927498172482022-01-16T00:56:42.600+00:002022-01-16T00:56:42.600+00:00I saw that it was your birthday over at Sandra'...I saw that it was your birthday over at Sandra's place so I came over to wish you a Happy Birthday!. Congratulations on 15 years.Truedessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09079953417572207613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-32632843201721913222022-01-15T17:24:25.206+00:002022-01-15T17:24:25.206+00:00What a wonderful post so many exciting adventures ...What a wonderful post so many exciting adventures too, and congratulations on 15 years of blogging it's a marvelous journey as well. Thank you too for stopping by my blog, and your lovely comment, I try to do Words for Wednesday as often as possible. Looking forward to the next set of words! Enjoy your weekend.21 Witshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00071361755673253230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-66607574146162469742022-01-15T15:54:41.539+00:002022-01-15T15:54:41.539+00:00Congratulations on your 15th year of blogging, Hil...Congratulations on your 15th year of blogging, Hilary. That is VERY impressive. I join you in your hope that 2022 brings more light into our lives!retirementreflectionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03256842249783275416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-73730310608903198682022-01-15T15:54:20.390+00:002022-01-15T15:54:20.390+00:00@ Keith - oh so good to know the snowdrops are out...@ Keith - oh so good to know the snowdrops are out ... but snow is lovely for a brief time - such different colouring. Spring feels like it's there ... some of the blossom is out. Looks like the blog will keep on being there ... I've 'a few' more subjects I could write up - so thanks for the thumbs up.<br /><br />@ Jo-Anne - thank you ... <br /><br />@ Hels - remember I was isolated next to the matron's room ... so no tv up there - we'd only got one tv in the school house I was in - and that was in the house-mistresses' sitting room - not upstairs. But we'd only recently got tv at home ... so for me it wasn't the norm - I was happy - not much else I could do.<br /><br />But of course I so agree being 'self-isolating' all this time I'm so grateful for the computer, tv, radio, phone etc - even for me without children or grandchildren ... <br /><br />Cheers to the three of you ... snowdrops - wonderful to think about ... all the best - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-74837415891922470612022-01-15T12:11:12.739+00:002022-01-15T12:11:12.739+00:00When you had a virus and were isolated for 10 days...When you had a virus and were isolated for 10 days, you survived by playing cards, books, listening to the radio and reading the daily newspaper. I would have done exactly the same things, except if the virus was after 1962, I could have added tv.<br /><br />But now being isolated for 10 days is a crisis. So I am totally grateful that since Feb 2020, we have had the computer, tv, radio, the grandchildren on zoom and blogging. Helshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02849907428208235392noreply@blogger.com