Just a quick blog to let you all know how my head is doing.
The issue I was having with sleepyness is now non-existant, and the sharpness has gone from the pain. We are working on the assumption that it was - or still is - a concussion, and have been treating it with rest, pain killers, and someone checking on me regularly (especially when I'm sleeping).
If there weren't any signs of improvement then we would have gone to the other hospital, but since it does seem to be sorting itself - and since there don't seem to be any other effects - we aren't going to. I think we'll go to the A and E at the other hospital next time though.
Enjoy your day! :)
Tori
Author and book news for children's author and poet, Victoria Zigler, as well as general news from the life of the Zigler family; furry and otherwise!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wintersmith
I recently listened to "Wintersmith" by Terry Pratchett.
It's the story of a young witch named "Tiffany" who accidentally ends up dancing with the Wintersmith in the place of Summer. The Wintersmith ends up falling in love with her and trries to make himself human for her, but since Tiffany has now replaced Summer she needs to find a way to stop him and bring an end to Winter. Because, if she doesn't, then Winter will never end. Not to mention the fact that Summer herself needs to be found, and have her powers - some of which Tiffany now has - restored to her in order to return the world to the way it should be.
It was a good book. Quite amusing in parts, but I wouldn't expect any less from a Terrry Pratchett book.
This is another of the books I borrowed from the library. But, unlike the book I reviewed this morning, this one made it on to my "books I want" list. And, on a scale of 1 to 10, this one gets a9.5! :)
It's the story of a young witch named "Tiffany" who accidentally ends up dancing with the Wintersmith in the place of Summer. The Wintersmith ends up falling in love with her and trries to make himself human for her, but since Tiffany has now replaced Summer she needs to find a way to stop him and bring an end to Winter. Because, if she doesn't, then Winter will never end. Not to mention the fact that Summer herself needs to be found, and have her powers - some of which Tiffany now has - restored to her in order to return the world to the way it should be.
It was a good book. Quite amusing in parts, but I wouldn't expect any less from a Terrry Pratchett book.
This is another of the books I borrowed from the library. But, unlike the book I reviewed this morning, this one made it on to my "books I want" list. And, on a scale of 1 to 10, this one gets a9.5! :)
Paris Summer
"In the hottest summer in living memory, Judith Flatland, together with her two children, leaves Boston and the Museum of Fine Arts to follow her husband, Jordan, to Paris, where he is about to finalise a high-profile business deal. Bored with her role as corporate wife, conscious of her age and suddenly aware that she has become sexually invisible, forty-two-year-old Judith feels jealous of and threatened by her nubile daughter. Has life passed her by? Cheating on her marriage and unable to help herself, Judith is drawn into a passionate affair with Felix Dumoulin, an urbane young artist. And so, what begins as curiosity on her part leads to a poignant denouement: Judith must choose between her husband and her lover."
The above was taken from:http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/rosemary-friedman/paris-summer.htm
This is one of the books I got from the library last week. The author's name is Rosemary Friedman. It wasn't too bad of a book. Not great, but good. It wasn't overly graphic, or overly mushy, as many stories like this often are. I don't think it's one I'd be in any hurry to go out and buy though.
I read most types of books... Mystory, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, childrens' fiction, general fiction, even some non-fiction... I'm not picky! And enjoy the bulk of the books I read. But some of them fall in to the "it was good, but..." catagory. This means that I enjoyed the book, but wouldn't be all that bothered if I didn't read or listen to it again. Nothing against those books, there are just others I enjoy more than them. This is one of those books. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being favourite books, 1 being least favourite books) this one gets a 6.
The above was taken from:http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/rosemary-friedman/paris-summer.htm
This is one of the books I got from the library last week. The author's name is Rosemary Friedman. It wasn't too bad of a book. Not great, but good. It wasn't overly graphic, or overly mushy, as many stories like this often are. I don't think it's one I'd be in any hurry to go out and buy though.
I read most types of books... Mystory, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, childrens' fiction, general fiction, even some non-fiction... I'm not picky! And enjoy the bulk of the books I read. But some of them fall in to the "it was good, but..." catagory. This means that I enjoyed the book, but wouldn't be all that bothered if I didn't read or listen to it again. Nothing against those books, there are just others I enjoy more than them. This is one of those books. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being favourite books, 1 being least favourite books) this one gets a 6.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Snow Buddies
Just as we got to the hospital yesterday someone's kid had put a DVD on. The DVD was called "Snow Buddies" (I know this because Mam asked him). And we were in the waiting room more than long enough to watch the entire movie, which it turned out was about five little yellow Labradors who ended up going from Washington to Alaska by plane, and helped another puppy (I think it was a Husky) to win a sled race across ice.
It was a cute and funny movie, and my Mam obviously enjoyed it too, since she now wants the DVD herself.
It was a cute and funny movie, and my Mam obviously enjoyed it too, since she now wants the DVD herself.
I just can't stay away (Kinda R/WP)
I swear I just can't stay away from hospitals. Even when I don't have appointments I seem to end up at the hospital for one reason or another. This weekend it was because I banged my head. I bang my head a lot, so mostly I just mutter a few choice words, then pay attention to the pain and make sure it goes away after a bit. Plus, I always make sure to stay awake for a couple of hours afterwards... Even if I'd been planning to go to bed right before it happend. Seriously, if I went to A and E (accident and emergency) every time I hit my head I'd have to live there!
Anyway, because I hadn't been feeling too well since Friday I put the lingering headache and sleepyness down to that. That is, until I slept from around 12:30 pm Saturday until around 6:00 am Sunday, then was already getting sleepy about half an hour after getting up. That's not normal for me. I mean, a 4 hour sleep is considered a good night for me, and I'd just slept almost18 hours? Not good! And the fact the headache was worse when I got up as well... Definately not good!
To cut a long story short - since my head is really hurting after spending the past couple of hours listening to Jaws read blog posts to me -I spent most of yesterday at A and E waiting to get my head looked at.
No, no! I don't mean in that way... I don't think I want details of the state of my mind thanks! ;)
Seriously though...
We finally got seen around 11:00 pm, only to find the doctor was much more interested in what the reason for my artificial eyes and lack of eyesight was. He considered that information "interesting" and worth discussing, but announced that I had "just a minor head injury" and that he didn't see "any signs of serious damage or brain damage," so I was to just go home and take pain killers, because it wasn't anything to worry about. Had he said this after doing xrays or scans or something I'd have no issues. But since he literally checked for visible signs of cuts or bruises, asked where it hurt, then closely examined my artificial eyes... I wasn't impressed. I mean, I was under the impression head injuries were to be treated as serious until proven not serious?
If it hadn't been so late, we'd have gone to another hospital not too far from here and got a second opinion. But we'd spent so much of the day at the one that we were reluctant to go through that long wait again just to get the same response. So we did the only thing we could. We came home.
We can only assume it was - or is - a concussion. At any rate, despite the pain still remaining, my night was more normal (normal for me, I mean). If things were worse today my Mam would have taken me to the other hospital, but since there is a small improvement... *Shrugs*... Why put ourselves through that again when it can be avoided?
So, today I'm on pain killers and not allowed to go anywhere. I had to cancel my mobility lesson, but she wasn't 100% sure she could make it because of a meeting anyway. And there's no walkies with his Mami for Kero. But other than that it's just a typical Monday. Yep! Life goes on... Splitting headache or not! I wish the dogs (Kero and the dogs upstairs) would shut up... It's killing my head!
Hope you had a better weekend than I did!
Tori
Anyway, because I hadn't been feeling too well since Friday I put the lingering headache and sleepyness down to that. That is, until I slept from around 12:30 pm Saturday until around 6:00 am Sunday, then was already getting sleepy about half an hour after getting up. That's not normal for me. I mean, a 4 hour sleep is considered a good night for me, and I'd just slept almost18 hours? Not good! And the fact the headache was worse when I got up as well... Definately not good!
To cut a long story short - since my head is really hurting after spending the past couple of hours listening to Jaws read blog posts to me -I spent most of yesterday at A and E waiting to get my head looked at.
No, no! I don't mean in that way... I don't think I want details of the state of my mind thanks! ;)
Seriously though...
We finally got seen around 11:00 pm, only to find the doctor was much more interested in what the reason for my artificial eyes and lack of eyesight was. He considered that information "interesting" and worth discussing, but announced that I had "just a minor head injury" and that he didn't see "any signs of serious damage or brain damage," so I was to just go home and take pain killers, because it wasn't anything to worry about. Had he said this after doing xrays or scans or something I'd have no issues. But since he literally checked for visible signs of cuts or bruises, asked where it hurt, then closely examined my artificial eyes... I wasn't impressed. I mean, I was under the impression head injuries were to be treated as serious until proven not serious?
If it hadn't been so late, we'd have gone to another hospital not too far from here and got a second opinion. But we'd spent so much of the day at the one that we were reluctant to go through that long wait again just to get the same response. So we did the only thing we could. We came home.
We can only assume it was - or is - a concussion. At any rate, despite the pain still remaining, my night was more normal (normal for me, I mean). If things were worse today my Mam would have taken me to the other hospital, but since there is a small improvement... *Shrugs*... Why put ourselves through that again when it can be avoided?
So, today I'm on pain killers and not allowed to go anywhere. I had to cancel my mobility lesson, but she wasn't 100% sure she could make it because of a meeting anyway. And there's no walkies with his Mami for Kero. But other than that it's just a typical Monday. Yep! Life goes on... Splitting headache or not! I wish the dogs (Kero and the dogs upstairs) would shut up... It's killing my head!
Hope you had a better weekend than I did!
Tori
Topic(s):
Battling Blindness,
Computers And Internet,
Family,
Inside My Head,
Medical Mutterings,
Pets
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Extremely short note
Just stopping by to quickly say sorry for not visiting blogs over the past couple of days. Not feeling 100% this weekend. Probably due to going so long not doing a lot, then suddenly starting to do a lot. If that makes sense. Anyway, will catch up with posts and comments soon.
Hope you're enjoying your weekend! :)
Tori
Hope you're enjoying your weekend! :)
Tori
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Half way around the world
I recently signed up to a giveaway with Styxie and Iggy (you may remember the post I did about it).
Well, on Thursday morning I received a package, which had made its way half way around the world in about a week. The package was from Styxie, and this is what the package contained:

The card behind the items was atatched to the outside of the package, and inside were six little animal friends for me. A Westie with a collar on that has a star shaped tag. A Black Lab wearing a red bandanna and holding a bone in its mouth. A Bulldog with a spiked collar. A Spaniel type dog with a pink ball. A unicorn. And a Pegasus type winged horse.
They're all very beautiful... Thank you Styxie! :)
Styxie has done such a good job on them that I was even able to identify what they were for myself! :)
Also, she included something really fun in the package, which I didn't get a photo of. Something most people wouldn't consider to be worth calling a gift, but which can keep me happy for quite some time.
Bubble wrap!
What? Bubble wrap is fun! :)
Thanks again, Styxie!
Tori
Well, on Thursday morning I received a package, which had made its way half way around the world in about a week. The package was from Styxie, and this is what the package contained:
The card behind the items was atatched to the outside of the package, and inside were six little animal friends for me. A Westie with a collar on that has a star shaped tag. A Black Lab wearing a red bandanna and holding a bone in its mouth. A Bulldog with a spiked collar. A Spaniel type dog with a pink ball. A unicorn. And a Pegasus type winged horse.
They're all very beautiful... Thank you Styxie! :)
Styxie has done such a good job on them that I was even able to identify what they were for myself! :)
Also, she included something really fun in the package, which I didn't get a photo of. Something most people wouldn't consider to be worth calling a gift, but which can keep me happy for quite some time.
Bubble wrap!
What? Bubble wrap is fun! :)
Thanks again, Styxie!
Tori
Topic(s):
Giveaways And Contests,
Online Friends,
Thank You
Friday, September 11, 2009
Kero's korner: red collar
Hi humans! It's Kero here!
Just before my Mami went away to a place she calls "Grandad's" with Mamgu, she got me the red collar and lead to match the red harness Dadi fetched for me after my blue one broke. I would have posted about them sooner, but I had other photos I wanted to post first. Anyway, here are a couple of photos of me in my new collar. Dadi and Mamgu say it looks good on me... What do you think?
A close-up...
There aren't any photos of me using my new lead or anything though, because it's been too wet for Mami to risk taking the camera out for walkies with us. I'm sure there will be photos of me while out on walkies in the not too distant future though. After all, Mami rarely waits long before pulling out the camera!
Licks and sniffs,
Kero
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mini story: Running - Part 2 (fictional)
Tilting her face upwards, she allowed the sunlight to bathe her face in its warmth. The feel of it gave her renewed energy, which allowed her to climb to her feet. Forgetting the pain in her legs for a moment, she turned and putt one hand on the trunk of the Oak she had been leaning against. Its bark felt rough beneath her hands as she gently stroked the old tree.
The old Oak's strength seemed to flow through her fingertips. It travelled up her arm, and coarsed through her body. Its strength became hers, and she smiled to herself as she stood there with the rough bark beneath her hand.
Placing both palms flat on the trunk of the old tree, she tilted her head upwards once more to expose her face to the beam of sunlight shining down on her through the tree's branches. She stood like that for a while, feeling her strength renewed by the old Oak, and by the warmth of the sun.
Finally, she rested her forehead between her hands, still smiling, and whispered, "thank you, my friend," to the tree. Then, without another word, she turned back the way she had come, and headed home.
The old Oak's strength seemed to flow through her fingertips. It travelled up her arm, and coarsed through her body. Its strength became hers, and she smiled to herself as she stood there with the rough bark beneath her hand.
Placing both palms flat on the trunk of the old tree, she tilted her head upwards once more to expose her face to the beam of sunlight shining down on her through the tree's branches. She stood like that for a while, feeling her strength renewed by the old Oak, and by the warmth of the sun.
Finally, she rested her forehead between her hands, still smiling, and whispered, "thank you, my friend," to the tree. Then, without another word, she turned back the way she had come, and headed home.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Mini story: Running (fictional)
She ran until her legs ached, and her chest felt as though it would burst. Running helped. Not because it got her anywhere special, but because the effort involved helped her to clear her mind. When your mind is full of thoughts about getting more oxygen, and thoughts about the pain you're in, there isn't room for other thoughts inside your head. That was why she was running. That was why she didn't stop until she was in so much pain, and had so little air in her lungs, that continuing would be as impossible as suddenly sprouting wings and flying to the moon.
When she could run no more, she collapsed onto a patch of grass beneath a tall Oak tree, and lay there for a while, gasping for breath, while the sun peered down at her between the leaves of the tree. As she lay there, her breathing slowly becoming more normal, all the thoughts she had been running from came rushing back into her mind. Flooding her brain like a river that has burst its banks.
Sighing deeply, she pulled herself up to a sitting position, and moved enough so that she was leaning back against the Oak's trunk. She had hoped the run would clear her mind. Or, perhaps, that some flash of insight would occur while she ran. But it seemed she hadn't had any luck with either of these. And now she was miles from home, and wondering if her legs would carry her back.
When she could run no more, she collapsed onto a patch of grass beneath a tall Oak tree, and lay there for a while, gasping for breath, while the sun peered down at her between the leaves of the tree. As she lay there, her breathing slowly becoming more normal, all the thoughts she had been running from came rushing back into her mind. Flooding her brain like a river that has burst its banks.
Sighing deeply, she pulled herself up to a sitting position, and moved enough so that she was leaning back against the Oak's trunk. She had hoped the run would clear her mind. Or, perhaps, that some flash of insight would occur while she ran. But it seemed she hadn't had any luck with either of these. And now she was miles from home, and wondering if her legs would carry her back.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ghost Hunter
That is a super cool title! At least, I think so. Mind you, all the books in this series had cool titles... That was how they came to our attention in the first place. I was trying to find a new audiobook, and the titles from this series jumped out and said, "read me! You know you want to!" And I'm glad I listened. If I hadn't then I'd have missed out on reading a fantastic series of books.
I'm talking, as some of you may know, about Michelle Paver's Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness series, which I reviewed back in January (click here to read that post, and to find out what the series is actually about).
"Ghost Hunter" is the sixth - and final - book in the series. It was released on September 3rd, and I was lucky enough to be able to get hold of an audio version that same day! It was the following day before I listened to it, because I made a promise not to start it until Mam did so that we could start the book together. But I ended up finishing the book that same night. Well, at 4:00 am Saturday morning, but let's not be picky. LOL!
Anyway, this one was just as good as the first five books in the series, and was worth the wait to find out what happened. It didn't disappoint - as some series finales do - and I loved the ending!
Also, Ian McKellen did a fantastic job of reading this series out loud. Good call Michelle Paver on agreeing to let him do so! He definately helps to bring the characters to life, and make you feel that you're there, which is something a lot of people fail to do when reading a book out loud.
Tori
I'm talking, as some of you may know, about Michelle Paver's Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness series, which I reviewed back in January (click here to read that post, and to find out what the series is actually about).
"Ghost Hunter" is the sixth - and final - book in the series. It was released on September 3rd, and I was lucky enough to be able to get hold of an audio version that same day! It was the following day before I listened to it, because I made a promise not to start it until Mam did so that we could start the book together. But I ended up finishing the book that same night. Well, at 4:00 am Saturday morning, but let's not be picky. LOL!
Anyway, this one was just as good as the first five books in the series, and was worth the wait to find out what happened. It didn't disappoint - as some series finales do - and I loved the ending!
Also, Ian McKellen did a fantastic job of reading this series out loud. Good call Michelle Paver on agreeing to let him do so! He definately helps to bring the characters to life, and make you feel that you're there, which is something a lot of people fail to do when reading a book out loud.
Tori
Monday, September 07, 2009
Sunflower

The above photo is of one of the Sunflowers I planted as seeds shortly after Easter. As you can see - despite all the weird weather that's been thrown at them - they're doing quite well, and are flowering. :)
Here's a close-up...

The next one was taken to see if a flash made the photo better, since it was starting to get dark when Mam and Dad were here taking photos of the Sunflowers. I'm told it looks "washed out" but that effect often makes for good shots, so I figured I'd share it anyway. If nothing else I figure that those of you who enjoy the effects you can do with photos may like the photo. :)
The top couple of photos were taken with one of my parents' cameras, but these others were taken with my camera. We only figured out how the flash worked after taking them. Yeah, I know, it's taken us long enough to figure the flash out on my camera. I've only had it about 2 months, that's all. LOL!
Anyway, these final photos were taken with my camera just on its normal photo taking setting. My camera doesn't have all sorts of settings like the old one... It's just a point and click type camera. Still, I'm told these photos look as though they were made to look like paintings of Sunflowers rather than real ones, and I thought that was pretty cool. So, that's why I'm posting these too.
Enjoy your day! :)
Tori
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Stormy skies
These two photos were taken on the way to my Grandad's at the end of last month, but they could easily have been taken at any point during August, since the weather on our way to - and during our time in - Devon was no different to the weather we had here in Wales throughout most of August. Yes... Storms, storms, and more storms! Oh, and... Did I mention the storms? ;)
Hope you're having an enjoyable and storm free Sunday! :)
Tori
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Me and Grandad
As I mentioned last weekend, Mam and I went to visit my Grandad during the last week of August. And, as I also mentioned, some photos were taken during the trip. Not many, but a couple. So, now it's time for me to share those photos with you, starting with one taken of me in the room Mam and I stayed in. I was sat on the sofa bed, which I'd slept on the previous night.

Next, one of Grandad.

One of me and Grandad.

Another one of me and Grandad.

There is a photo of my Mam in the room, and a photo of my Mam with Grandad, but she wants to post those ones on her blog, so I've let her do so. If you want to check them out then you'll need to go to her blog.
Enjoy your day! :)
Tori
Next, one of Grandad.
One of me and Grandad.
Another one of me and Grandad.
There is a photo of my Mam in the room, and a photo of my Mam with Grandad, but she wants to post those ones on her blog, so I've let her do so. If you want to check them out then you'll need to go to her blog.
Enjoy your day! :)
Tori
Friday, September 04, 2009
Kero's Korner: Comfort and treats
Hi humans!
This week I've got some photos to share that Mami took a couple of weeks ago. But I wont just shove them up here like I often do. No! This time I'll actually give you some details about the photos.
On the days when it doesn't rain, it sometimes can get quite warm. But I've got it all figured out. Yep! If I lay in front of that thing the humans call a fan, then pant a lot, the humans will turn the fan on for me. They're getting very good at that trick! Of course, sometimes they just have to be awkward and stop to take a photo first... They obviously didn't finish their courses at human training school.

While I'm making myself comfortable on the big bed, I often like to have a treat or two with me. I have to keep a close eye on the treats though, because the humans are terrible for picking up unattended treats and putting them away in my box. They don't seem to have figured out that treats are much easier to find if they're in the middle of the bed, or in the middle of the floor.

Of course, sometimes the treats I'm offered aren't actually what I wanted. But I accept them anyway... Even though doing so doesn't cheer me up like getting a treat I really, really wanted. This next photo was taken after one of the times I was forced to have a different treat to the one I wanted.

It's nap time for me, so this will do for now.

Licks and sniffs,
Kero
This week I've got some photos to share that Mami took a couple of weeks ago. But I wont just shove them up here like I often do. No! This time I'll actually give you some details about the photos.
On the days when it doesn't rain, it sometimes can get quite warm. But I've got it all figured out. Yep! If I lay in front of that thing the humans call a fan, then pant a lot, the humans will turn the fan on for me. They're getting very good at that trick! Of course, sometimes they just have to be awkward and stop to take a photo first... They obviously didn't finish their courses at human training school.
While I'm making myself comfortable on the big bed, I often like to have a treat or two with me. I have to keep a close eye on the treats though, because the humans are terrible for picking up unattended treats and putting them away in my box. They don't seem to have figured out that treats are much easier to find if they're in the middle of the bed, or in the middle of the floor.
Of course, sometimes the treats I'm offered aren't actually what I wanted. But I accept them anyway... Even though doing so doesn't cheer me up like getting a treat I really, really wanted. This next photo was taken after one of the times I was forced to have a different treat to the one I wanted.
It's nap time for me, so this will do for now.
Licks and sniffs,
Kero
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Jayde turns four
Today - September 3rd - is my Grandma's little Yorkshire Terrier's birthday. She's now four years old!
Happy birthday Jayde Bramblerose!
Happy birthday Jayde Bramblerose!
Meme from Wifey's blog (FD)
Got this from Wifey's blog about a week ago, and thought I'd do it today.
____
1. Why are you here right now, at my site? Don't be cute, tell the truth.
My blog list thing on my links page said there was a new post, so I came over to check it out.
2. What is something you left undone today? Why did you leave it and what is the consequence?
Well, I didn't put away the laundry I washed yesterday even though I should have. Only consiquence is that I have to do it later. I've done everything else I was meant to so far today. :)
3. If you saw a child about to lick a cut lemon, what would you do? Again, don't be cute.
Watch, then laugh at the faces the child pulls. Isn't that what most people would do? It's what we all did the first time Shireen (Mam's Goddaughter) tried things like that.
4. Willie Nelson-Backwoods Redneck or God Among Men?
I don't know. Does it really matter?
5. If I asked your Momma "what is the greatest thing you taught your child"? What would she say?
She'd probably say something like: "I taught my children to show respect, and that when I say no it's for a good reason." Though she did teach me a lot of other things too. Things like "it's inner beauty that matters," and that a lie can get you in more trouble than it's worth, so it's better to avoid telling them in the first place.
6. Recently you saw something fabulous. What was it?
The last thing I actually "saw" was the sunrise the morning of my op last year (it was too bright in the hospital to see anything else). That sunrise was pretty fabulous, and I'm glad I made sure to get up to watch it.
7. Have you ever 'almost died', how?
Where do I start? Let's see: I was born in the bag, and was bright blue, and they didn't know if I'd make it. I drank a bottle of bleach when I was 2 (which Mam still can't understand how I got hold of) and the doctors weren't sure what would happen with that... That could have killed me. I've almost died during a few of my ops. Plus, I nearly drowned when I was about 11. Oh, and about four years ago I had a combination asthma and panic attack that resulted in me being rushed to hospital in an ambulence while being given oxygen. I think that's all of them. That's all the ones I remember anyway. A few too many, I think. ;)
8. Halloween or 4th of July?
Halloween... Especially since we don't have 4th of July here. And since our firework night is so close to Halloween we often get the fireworks going on by Halloween anyway.
9. Everyone has something memorized. What do you have memorized? Your PIN is not an acceptable answer.
I've got a lot of things memorized. Can you be more spacific? Pick a topic, maybe?
10. If you had to be homeless in a US city for a year, which city would you choose and why?
Personally, I'm not a fan of cities. But, if I had to be homeless in a city then I'd ask if it can be one over here instead. If I could, I'd pick Swansea, because at least I know it (sort of) and I know there are events going on there often enough that I could manage to get enough food to live on without any law breaking issues. If I couldn't, then I'd have a hard job choosing, because I have no idea what half the states in the US are called, let alone what their cities are called. And since I don't know what most of the cities are called, I don't feel I could make a fair choice.
___
If you want to do this too... Go for it! If not... Well, that's up to you! :)
Tori
____
1. Why are you here right now, at my site? Don't be cute, tell the truth.
My blog list thing on my links page said there was a new post, so I came over to check it out.
2. What is something you left undone today? Why did you leave it and what is the consequence?
Well, I didn't put away the laundry I washed yesterday even though I should have. Only consiquence is that I have to do it later. I've done everything else I was meant to so far today. :)
3. If you saw a child about to lick a cut lemon, what would you do? Again, don't be cute.
Watch, then laugh at the faces the child pulls. Isn't that what most people would do? It's what we all did the first time Shireen (Mam's Goddaughter) tried things like that.
4. Willie Nelson-Backwoods Redneck or God Among Men?
I don't know. Does it really matter?
5. If I asked your Momma "what is the greatest thing you taught your child"? What would she say?
She'd probably say something like: "I taught my children to show respect, and that when I say no it's for a good reason." Though she did teach me a lot of other things too. Things like "it's inner beauty that matters," and that a lie can get you in more trouble than it's worth, so it's better to avoid telling them in the first place.
6. Recently you saw something fabulous. What was it?
The last thing I actually "saw" was the sunrise the morning of my op last year (it was too bright in the hospital to see anything else). That sunrise was pretty fabulous, and I'm glad I made sure to get up to watch it.
7. Have you ever 'almost died', how?
Where do I start? Let's see: I was born in the bag, and was bright blue, and they didn't know if I'd make it. I drank a bottle of bleach when I was 2 (which Mam still can't understand how I got hold of) and the doctors weren't sure what would happen with that... That could have killed me. I've almost died during a few of my ops. Plus, I nearly drowned when I was about 11. Oh, and about four years ago I had a combination asthma and panic attack that resulted in me being rushed to hospital in an ambulence while being given oxygen. I think that's all of them. That's all the ones I remember anyway. A few too many, I think. ;)
8. Halloween or 4th of July?
Halloween... Especially since we don't have 4th of July here. And since our firework night is so close to Halloween we often get the fireworks going on by Halloween anyway.
9. Everyone has something memorized. What do you have memorized? Your PIN is not an acceptable answer.
I've got a lot of things memorized. Can you be more spacific? Pick a topic, maybe?
10. If you had to be homeless in a US city for a year, which city would you choose and why?
Personally, I'm not a fan of cities. But, if I had to be homeless in a city then I'd ask if it can be one over here instead. If I could, I'd pick Swansea, because at least I know it (sort of) and I know there are events going on there often enough that I could manage to get enough food to live on without any law breaking issues. If I couldn't, then I'd have a hard job choosing, because I have no idea what half the states in the US are called, let alone what their cities are called. And since I don't know what most of the cities are called, I don't feel I could make a fair choice.
___
If you want to do this too... Go for it! If not... Well, that's up to you! :)
Tori
Topic(s):
Awards/Quizzes/Polls,
Computers And Internet,
Family,
Food And Drink,
Holidays,
Honorary Family,
Inside My Head,
Medical Mutterings,
Music,
Nature,
Online Friends,
Visiting Memory Lane
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Braille writing equipment (LBE)
A couple of weeks ago - I believe it was when I posted the article about Louis Braille - Deanna asked me what equipment I had for writing braille. I decided it would be easier to answer in a separate post rather than in the comments section of that post, so that's what I'm about to do.
There are four ways that I know of to write braille. One is with some kind of writing frame (two examples of which can be seen above). Another is with a Perkins Brailler (also shown above). Another is with a braille label maker (not pictured). And the final way is with a braille embosser, which is a braille printer (and which is also not pictured above). I don't have the means to afford a braille printer, because they're very expensive. But I do have at least one version of each of the other three pieces of equipment you can use for writing braille.
The braille embosser/printer works the same as an ordinary printer. The difference is the price tag, the fact it doesn't use ink, and the fact you need to be able to read braille to read what it prints. And you have to use a spacific type of paper for it.
The Perkins Brailler (my one is that red thing that looks like a typewriter with less keys) is basically a braille typewriter. It has a key to represent each of the six dots, it has a key to leave a space, it has a key to go to a new line, and it has a key that will take you back a space. It even has a bell so that it makes that "ding" sound when you're almost at the end of the line. You can even adjust the bit that makes the "ding" noise if you're using narrower paper and need a warning about the line ending sooner. The main differences between a brailler and an ordinary typewriter are the number of keys, the fact it needs no ink, the size of the paper it uses, and the weight of it. Take it from someone who's owned both... Typewriters - even the old fashioned ones - are a LOT lighter than braillers! And, if you're wondering... No, that backspace key doesn't rub out the braille. It just takes you back a space if you press the space button too many times. The only way to rub out braille is to scratch it out with either your fingernails or a special braille rubber (personally I find fingernails work better). The special rubber is basically a piece of wood shaped in to an easy shape to hold while using it to rub out braille. You can use almost any size of paper in a brailler, but there is a standard size, which is about the same height as an A4 sheet of paper, but is a bit wider so that it's almost square. That's the size most braille books are produced in. The brailler is what I learned to write braille on. I've had this one for about 15 years, and it's lucky they last a long time, because they cost around £400 ($800) to buy. Not a price you want to be paying out on a regular basis. At least, not if you have any sense!
The braille label maker is the thing I mentioned on here loads of times before. It's the thing I used when labeling all my movies and music. It works the same as an ordinary labeling machine, but you have to use special tape in it, and it obviously prints braille labels rather than print. Hence being called a "braille" label maker. ;)
As for the writing frames... You can see two examples among the photos at the top of this post.
One of them is a pocket sized version of the original design for a braille writing frame. It's based on the one that Louis Braille actually invented and used originally. I'm afraid I'm not sure exactly how alike his first one and this one are, but I know they're simular at the very least. That one is hard work to use if you're not familiar with braille, since you have to use a stylus to create the braille from behind. This means you have to not only remember the correct placement of the dots, but also have to figure out what they'd be backwards. Not an easy task, let me tell you. I have two different versions of a stylus for this frame. One is the standard version that comes with it, the other is a safety stylus that I brought separately. The idea of that one is that you can unscrew the sharp point, turn it over, and screw it back on with the point safely out of the way. It makes it much safer to have in your pocket.
The other one is a new type of frame that they've recently started selling, and which I've only had for a couple of weeks. They call it a Braille King Pocket Frame and it's special because it allows you to write braille from the front rather than from the back. The new type of stylus allows you to write the braille from left to right like it's read. This means you only have to figure out how to do each letter, and you don't need to worry about figuring it out backwards too. As an added bonus - for sighted people using this to write notes or cards for blind friends - the alphabet is written on the outside of the case they give it to you in.
Braille frames are the cheapest equipment to buy for writing braille, since they average around £10 ($20) - give or take, depending on the size you want - which is much more affordable than the price of a brailler. Even the braille labeler is around £30 ($60). So, like I said, the braille frames are definately cheapest. They can be hard on the wrist if you use them for long periods at a time though, which is why I use the brailler for long pieces of writing.
Anyway, you can use these frames with most sizes of paper, though the frames do come in various sizes so as to allow you to get the closest size to the size of paper or notebook you'll be using it with. You need to buy a proper braille notebook, or some proper braille paper though, because most normal paper is too thin to be used successfully for writing braille. Especially if you intend keeping whatever you've written. Ordinary paper can work in a pinch, but I wouldn't trust it. It's too easily torn while you're producing the braille, and the braille is too easily flattened on it, which makes keeping whatever you've written for any length of time difficult to say the least. On proper braille paper though it's often difficult to fully erase the braille, meaning it's easier to avoid making the mistake in the first place, and if you can't... You're better off either starting a new piece of paper and beginning again, or doing the braille equivellent of crossing it out, then moving on, because reading braille that's been written over the top of some rubbed out braille is often quite difficult.
Anyway... The equipment I have for writing braille is what you see in the photos at the top of this post, and a braille labeler, which isn't pictured because I forgot to get a photo of it... I think I already said I forgot to do that, didn't I? Well, if I didn't then I did now! ;)
Tori
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Time for tea
I'm a big fan of tea. I think it might be at least partly due to being British. ;)
I love a nice cuppa when I get up, and - most days - drink several more throughout the day. I don't do coffee, only tea. But my drinking habits aren't actually the reason for this post. Nope! The reason for this post is for me to have the oppertunity to show you the kettle I got a couple of weeks ago. To me it's my new kettle, but many of you will consider it an old kettle. After all, technically, that's what it is. It's one of those whistling kettles that you put on the cooker.

I like my new kettle. I enjoy hearing it whistling away happily to itself when the water is hot enough for me to make my cup of tea. I've wanted one of these kinds of kettles for a little while, so I'm glad I was able to find one without paying too much for it. And Kelly likes it too, so that's a plus. :)
This mug though isn't new. It's far from new. I've had it since when I was in Canada. I'm not sure where it came from... It may have belonged to my mother-in-law originally. All I know is it came back from Canada with me, and I've used it regularly ever since. Bearing in mind it's been almost six years since I left Canada and came back home to Wales. Like I said, it's far from new.

There are often disputes about what the face looks like. Some people say it looks like it's screaming, others say it looks shocked. Either way, I always liked it, and I can always tell which mug it is, because the nose sticks out, so it usually gets refered to as either "the face cup" or "the one with the nose" if - or when - I ask for it, or someone is asking me if that's the mug I want to use. Whichever you think it should be... It's a mug with a mug on it. LOL!
So, here's the kettle. Here's my mug... It's time for tea... Who's making it?
Tori
I love a nice cuppa when I get up, and - most days - drink several more throughout the day. I don't do coffee, only tea. But my drinking habits aren't actually the reason for this post. Nope! The reason for this post is for me to have the oppertunity to show you the kettle I got a couple of weeks ago. To me it's my new kettle, but many of you will consider it an old kettle. After all, technically, that's what it is. It's one of those whistling kettles that you put on the cooker.
I like my new kettle. I enjoy hearing it whistling away happily to itself when the water is hot enough for me to make my cup of tea. I've wanted one of these kinds of kettles for a little while, so I'm glad I was able to find one without paying too much for it. And Kelly likes it too, so that's a plus. :)
This mug though isn't new. It's far from new. I've had it since when I was in Canada. I'm not sure where it came from... It may have belonged to my mother-in-law originally. All I know is it came back from Canada with me, and I've used it regularly ever since. Bearing in mind it's been almost six years since I left Canada and came back home to Wales. Like I said, it's far from new.
There are often disputes about what the face looks like. Some people say it looks like it's screaming, others say it looks shocked. Either way, I always liked it, and I can always tell which mug it is, because the nose sticks out, so it usually gets refered to as either "the face cup" or "the one with the nose" if - or when - I ask for it, or someone is asking me if that's the mug I want to use. Whichever you think it should be... It's a mug with a mug on it. LOL!
So, here's the kettle. Here's my mug... It's time for tea... Who's making it?
Tori
Monday, August 31, 2009
August 2009 craft update: hat & scarf
It's time for August 2009's craft update. :)
I haven't done much work on the clay dragon I've been working on, though I have managed to get it to the point where it just needs a few finishing touches to be finished. I'm planning on sorting it out this coming weekend, so should have a photo of it for September's craft update. All being well I should also get it - and the ducks - painted before the end of September too. Kelly's going to help me do that part. I'd like them painted, but that part is obviously quite difficult for me to do by myself.
Anyway... I finished knitting the scarf I was making just a few days in to the month - as I said I would - so here is a photo of it.
As I said, it's part of a set I'm making. I also said I would be making a start on the hat this month. As it turns out though, I've already finished the hat. So, here's a photo of that too.
I'm now working on the gloves for the set, and am actually quite pleased with how they're going. I've already almost finished one of the gloves. I'll be working on finishing the gloves over the next week or so, and am hoping to be well on the way with the next item before September is over.
I still have a small list of items I want/need to get done for people for Christmas, and when those are done I'll be starting the items for those of you who signed up for the handmade giveaway thing. So, it looks as though I have plenty of craft projects to keep me busy for some time. :)
I'm actually ahead of the schedule I set myself for craft projects though, since I didn't expect to even have the hat done yet, let alone be so far with the gloves. And the gloves are easier than I expected them to be. Going to have to get someone to take me to the library so I can get some audiobooks to listen to while I work on the items... I always seem to do more when I have something to listen to, and I'd like something new to listen to. There's nothing wrong with the audiobooks I have, but it would be nice to have something I haven't already listened to. I haven't had anything new to listen to for a couple of months, so I think I've been plenty patient.
Anyway, I'm starting to get off the topic this post is meant to be about, so I think it's time for me to end this post and hit that "publish" button. So... That's it for this month's craft update. :)
Tori
Topic(s):
Books And Magazines,
Clay Creations,
Giveaways And Contests,
Holidays,
Knitting,
Online Friends
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Only me
I took these of myself when I had the camera out on a walk with Kero recently. I don't remember what day it was, but whenever it was I think it was the same day I took the couple of shots that were in his post on Friday. I'm also not entirely sure why I decided to take the photos... I think I just wanted to see if I could. *Shrugs* Anyway, just thought I'd share these photos.
Hope you're enjoying your weekend! :)
Tori
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)