I Ain't Afraid of No Daleks

Well, it's humid and cloudy and pouring down rain--hey, just like England. Who needs a plane ticket and wads of cash. I can just walk home with my eyes closed--well except at the crosswalks, and pretend I'm walking the banks of the Thames.

So, I watched the Doctor's Daughter while laid up, last night. I'm left wondering if there's to be a spin-off in our future? Something, perhaps, to fill the gap while Mr. Tennant deprives us fans this summer, of Who gossip and rumour, while he is away treading the boards, being a great Dane, the dirty dog.

Going to be a quiet evening at home, I suppose, only this night I'll have the internet to make the time go faster.

I went out last night, walked around the corner and down the street a short way to Antonio's restaurant, for dinner...nothing posh, mind. But wasn't up to cooking. Well, got there and found only two customers in the whole place: me, and an elderly couple finishing their meal. One waitress, that seemed to be doing everything but waiting, if you know what I mean. Threw a menu at me, and disappeared--I mean that almost literally...vanished into thin air--as did the boys behind the front counter, when they wait on take-out customers. After ten minutes, I threw in the towel and left, without ever getting to place my order. Don't want to know what the lot of them were doing.

Wow, it's really coming down, out there. Not a good kind of rain, either. What we want is a good, gentle soaking. This is a raging downpour. It'll just wash off and not get to do much good, unless it settles in and slows down for a few hours. We've a borderline drought, here, after a long snowy, wet winter. Weather's certainly getting odd.

Well, back to work. See you tonight all.

"No, Russel, there's nothing wrong with the script. I stopped the take because there is a spot on my screwdriver. You haven't been doing something naughty with it, have you?"

Well, I finally got back online, after a bit of a wait, last night, though I didn't spend all that much time on it. I went to bed fairly early, but as I posted before, didn't quite manage to sleep.

The stomach's better, thankfully. Suspect a bit of food poisoning. Had a cheap steak Thursday night, and thought it tasted a bit off, but supposed it was just my imagination, as my sense of taste isn't quite what it used to be. I've noticed that since I had that dental abcess that put me in hospital back in January, that I can't taste things quite as well as I used to. Don't know if it's related, or if it's something else

The cats are fed and so am I. I was too tired to cook, so I had a tun-fish sandwich already made in the fridge, and a tin of microwavable soup, so I had lunch for breakfast. Probably the only one on the planet who will have lunch for breakfast, and breakfast for dinner. But, my schedule sometimes is so wonky, that I don't think my stomach knows the difference, any longer.

Flame just hissed at her brother, Charlie. She does that. She'll hiss at him one day, lick him on the head lovlingly another day--kids, what ya' gonna' do with 'em? Charlie came over to me, mewling, feeling sorry for himself and looking for some sympathy, giving me those big, sorrowful eyes of his. Mind you, half the time she's right to hiss and bat at him, as he does like to provoke and tease Flame.

Flame's a smart little biscuit. With the boys, I'll wiggle my fingers under the quilt (counterpane) and they'll attack, thinking it great fun to get at whatever's under there. Not Flame. She'll simply try to lift up the quilt, and then give me a look like, "Yeah. That's nice. You're wiggling your fingers under the blanket, how rubbish is that? Now quit messing about with the boys, and throw me my toy mouse, mum."

The cats are demanding, yes. But, they also give, and give and give. What too many non-animal people will never realize, is that 80 percent of the time, if you love a cat or dog, that pet will love you back, unconditionally, 110%. Of course, some pets won't. They're just like people, personality-wise. Some animals--like some people, are just...there. Hard to describe, but trust me, some have character, and some...just exist.

I guess it would be foolish to expect everyone to be receptive to animals. And, in fact, some pet owners (and some parents with their kids as well, sadly) see their pets as nothing more than living knick-knacks. Bric-a-brac with fur. A walking, breathing status symbol.

Other people just aren't made for pets, for whatever reason....a fussy, controlling neat-freak, a person who doesn't like commitments, or someone who is constantly on the move. Perhaps a busy person with no time for anything else but his or her own wants/needs, or someone whose lifestyle wouldn't suit pet ownership. Then, sometimes, a person might not comfortable with loving and/or caring about animals, someone who's never been blessed to spend time with animals--or perhaps someone who is either afraid of, or uncomfortable with cats, dogs, whatever. And, that's fine.

But I bless my pets. They love me, they make me laugh. Sometimes they make me angry, or sad, as well. But, they are always happy to have me around--as I am to have them.

Well, off to work.

"Awww--bugger! I wanted to wear the gold dress. Pantyhose looks horrible under a kilt."

OMG! I don't believe this!!!

I haven't slept a wink all night--I was exhausted at 7pm, you can imagine how I feel, now, at 4am in the morning. It's only one smigen lighter than pitch-black out there, but hey, the birds are up and singing their little hearts out.

I have to be in my chair at work in exactly six hours. Geez---it's going to be one very, very, very long day. I'm just going to have to go into denial. Hope they put me on an easy programme, tomorrow, because if I have to sell or get peldges...dear heaven, I'm going to bomb. Oh, I'll still work the script with all I got, but...man. It's not going to be pleasant.

I've tried and tried to sleep--really, I'm incredibly tired...and still sick as the proverbial dog. Wish those birds wouldn't sound quite so cheerful.

I'm trying to look on the bright side---next week is my last Saturday work-day, for a while...after next week, I'm strictly a Monday through Friday person. I'm thinking that I may be in this other department (the one where you are supposed to get a dollar more and hour when you work there), for a while more, yet. I go back to my old department for a week, than back to this new one, again. Well, it's not a new department---just that when they're short-handed, they sometimes stick me and a few other reps from my regular department in there. It's a bit easier (less pressure) work, getting leads, as opposed to straight out selling, collections and pledge drives.

Anyway, I'm about to give it another go. I've re-set my alarm to allow me an extra 45 minutes sleep--means I'll be running around like a loon, with only 35 minutes to shower, change, do myself up, feed the cats and bolt down breakfast, before I walk to work...but, supppose I'll manage--heck, I used to get ready for the high school bus, back in the late 70's, in less than half that time.

With the loss of my internet service, I took up writing fan fiction as my main past-time.

My most recent fiction--totally naf tho' they are, (trust me, the BBC will never be ringing me up to write any scripts or books), I did enjoy writing them.

http://www.davidtennantsdoctor.wordpress.com

SAMPLE CHAPTER OF MY MOST RECENT STORY (completed this past weekend):

DOCTOR WHO: RAIN OF TERROR

CHAPTER ONE

Little Mary Perkins kept her face plastered to the window of the lounge. In the background, the television burbled out the drone of voices from some morning talk programme. Through the doorway, Mary could hear her mum clattering dishes in the kitchen. She turned and cast the briefest of glances in that direction. Her mum had promised her that they’d go for a walk to the park, after she’d done the washing up. Sighing, Mary turned back to the window and watched as a trickle of rain ran down the pane of glass. Another chased after it, as if they were racing each other to get to the bottom.

The child sighed again, impatiently stamping one of her blue wellies on the carpet. “Mary, stop that at once!” Her mum shouted. “Making a fuss won’t get you outside any sooner.” She added in a softer tone, “You could always help me with the dishes, sweetheart. That would be much more productive than sulking the morning away, in there.”

The little girl didn’t reply. She looked at the photo of her dad on the fireplace mantle. He’d left home last month, without even saying goodbye to her. She remembered overhearing her mum telling one of the neighbours that he’d said that he didn’t want to deal with family responsibilities, any longer. Mary sometimes wondered whether her mum and dad would still be together, if they would have been happier, if she hadn’t ever been born. After a long silence, her mother asked, “Is it still raining, dear?” But again, her daughter didn’t answer. Finishing up in the kitchen, Mary’s mum never heard the sound of the front door, opening and closing.

Mary had gone back to watching the rain and thinking of her dad, when suddenly a yellow balloon came down from the sky and landed in the little front garden. Well, at least it looked like a balloon. Not bothering to put on her anorak, she went outside to investigate. She walked over to the object, which was lying on the grass. On second look, it seemed less like a balloon and more like a bouncy ball. Like the one she used to bounce in front of her parent’s garage, causing the old lady next door yell at her for making so much noise.

Mary picked the bouncy ball up and hugged it to her chest. It was somewhat soft and translucent, and rather heavy. Just then, it began to slowly pulse with an inner glow, and Mary stiffened. Her head cocked, as if she was listening to someone’s voice. Yet, there was only the sound of the rain, dripping from the eaves and falling on the pavement.

Several minutes passed, but Mary didn’t even seem to notice coldness of the rain, as it plastered her hair, ran down her face and soaked her jumper and jeans. Abruptly, she nodded and said woodenly, “I understand.” With the ball grasped against her diminutive frame, she purposefully walked a short ways down the street, and around the corner. Seconds later, Mary’s mother opened the front door and called out for her daughter. There was no answer.

The Tardis was heading backwards through the time vortex. Inside, the Doctor was leisurely monitoring the controls, grinning with the delight of yet another journey with one of his human friends. In this case, they were headed into the Earth’s not-so-distant past.

On a whim, he’d allowed his latest human companion, Donna, to choose their next destination. The Doctor waited with mild impatience, as she tried to decide. “I have well over a million years to choose from, Doctor. Give me a chance to think about it, yeah?” She’d retorted. The Doctor recommended such events as the signing of the Magna Carta, the opening of the first World’s Fair, or even better, going back to ancient Egypt, to view the building of the Great Pyramid. “You might be in for a few surprises, there.” He said suggestively. Donna shook her head. “Construction? That’s a bit boring, isn’t it?” She replied. “I’m thinking something much more exciting. Like one of those haute couture fashion shows, in nineteen-fifties Paris.”

The Doctor raised an eyebrow, looking at Donna askance. “A fashion show!” He exclaimed, “All the wonders of Earth’s past, and you want to look at clothing?” Donna nodded, indicating the fifties-style casual attire she’d picked out from the Tardis wardrobe. “What do you think I changed into these togs for?” She said, “A stroll through some drafty, smelly medieval castle? I’m not havin’ that again!” The Doctor suddenly looked a tad contrite. “Erm–yeah, sorry about that. But look on the bright side, those few minutes on the rack did wonders for your back.”

Donna shot him a look that was less than amused, muttering, “I knew I shoulda’ stayed home, that time.” The Doctor gave a deep sigh, looking down at his scruffy white trainers. Then he shrugged good-naturedly. “Oh, alright, Donna, I’ll take you to the…fashion show.” He said, pronouncing those last two words as if they left a sour taste in his mouth. “After all, I did say anywhere you want.” Under his breath he added, “Times like this, I almost miss having Mickey on board.” Donna gave him a look. “What was that?” “Oh, uh–I just was saying that it’s lucky I’m not easily bored.” He said innocently. “Right, then,” the Doctor smiled, “Oleg Casini, here we come.” He confidently flicked a switch, banged something with the hammer, and then the Tardis’ central column lit up and slowly began to rise and fall. The Doctor’s face glowed with delight, as he stood staring lovingly at the machinery, groaning and shuddering into time and space.

The Tardis hadn’t been in flight for more than five minutes, when suddenly, something blew. It sent a shower of sparks cascading around the Doctor. He backed up, coughing and waving away the smoke. “Now what?” Donna shouted. The Doctor frantically waded in, fingers stabbing at the controls with lightning swiftness. He looked mildly disconcerted as two parts of the console broke off. For a moment, he simply stood there, staring at the pieces lying in the palm of his hand. “Whoops.” He said, mildly disconcerted, “Oh dear, that’s not a good sign, is it?”

Just then, the ship gave a sharp lurch, nearly throwing him into Donna’s arms. “Sorry.” He mumbled, as he sprang towards the console again. The Doctor caused the metal decking to thunder, as he ran around the console in a frenzied state, trying to bring his ship back under control. “What in the blazes is going on?” Donna shouted. “The dimensional stabilizers have failed!” He called out through the smoke, “Something is interfering with the Tardis’ navigational equipment.”

His face a mask of worry, the Doctor spat out, “The stabilization adaptor has short-circuited, the antediluvian torque arrestor is completely off-line, and,–oh no. Look at that. The helmlick regulator has been fried until it’s extra-crispy!” He shook his head and gave a frustrated sigh, “Can’t blame that on Harry, this time.” The Doctor muttered. “Who?” Donna asked. “Old friend of mine, it’s not important.” He said dismissively, glancing at the monitor. Shaking his head even more, he stepped back suddenly and stared at the still-moving central column, for once completely at a loss for words.

The Doctor looked at Donna, seemingly flummoxed. Scrunching up his face, he ran his fingers through his hair, muttering, “It can’t be! It just can’t be!” “What? What is it, Doctor?” Donna asked anxiously. He just shook his head, speechless for a moment. When he finally found the words, he said, “I don’t know how or why Donna, but we’ve been hijacked! We’re being pulled back to your own time period.”

Yeeee-ha! After being forced to abandon my home service during my long and difficult rough patch, I'm back online, folks.

Had a glitch with my computer--a hiccup in the internet service, but, it's sorted, everything's good, and ready to go.

Did'ya miss me?

Now I can bore you everyday with my blather...and pick on David Tennant, as well. What can I say? I can't have caffine, salt, sugar, fats, starches, or carbs. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs or have sex. Picking on Mr. Tennant's 'bout the only "sin" I have left to me now, ha-ha.

I can't go on holiday, and have no mates to hang with. Gotta' do something to pass the time.

Well, it's been an couple of firsts I've had, of late. First off, there was that half-hour coach trip down to good ol' posh Saratoga, Sunday. My first day away from the tiny chav Glens Falls, very literally since November of 07.

On top of that, today a co-worker asked me if I'd like to go out to lunch with her, to that new Chinese buffet place, over across the Cooper's Cave Bridge. It has--again, very literally, been almost two years since I've had someone else besides the cats, eat with me--no, not kidding, I'm dead-serious. I gotta' tell ya', I don't mind so much, having to go places by myself all the time, don't really mind being alone at home every day--you really do get used to it. But eating alone, day after day, year in and year out...that's a real drag, trust me on this.

I do sometimes get so I'm starved for conversation. Very probably, I make a moron out of myself, when I do speak.

I did have a nice chat with a total stranger, this afternoon--that's what I love about the Adirondacks, you can sit any chat with anybody, without them thinking it the least bit odd or unusual. I was sat at the taxi stand, next to this yuppie/trendy health-nut type of woman-a very nice lady, mind. But, she kept going on and on, fussing at me about her suddenly high cholesterol rating--how she's so health-conscious and all that palaver. You know, I wish that's all I had to worry about.

Anyway, bitterness aside--sorry, I am getting a bit more tetchy these days, don't like it, but, that's just the way it is---anyway, back when I could eat anything I wanted and weighed over 17 stone (as opposed to my approx. 15 stone, now)--but still walked to get places all the time...anyway, there I was, my pizza and McDonald's eating self, and back then (mid-late 1990's) my colesterol was lower than my skinny, fit doctor's! Go figure that one out!!! Now that I've lost weight and am more nutrition aware, my colesterol is up. Sheesh!

Had a rubbish morning. My loo broke. Can't get a man in until next week, sometimes--supposedly. This is the same landlord who was the last on the street this spring to mow his lawn, and whom hasn't changed the hallway lightbulbs (this would be our hallway that has no windows) in about six months. So...not exactly holding my breath, but...we'll see. He may surprise me.

So, until it's fixed, in order to flush, I have to stick my whole hand down into the tank (God, that water's cold!) and pulled the chain manually. I do lead a fun life, don't I? It's disgusting, but not the worst thing I've ever had to do---I'd say changing my late mum's nappies and washing her off after she'd done a really messy poo, would take the number one spot. Of course, I never let mum know how I felt, that would have been just plain wrong.

Well, I have a long shift, tomorrow. Have to be up early, and it's the wee hours of the morning here. Spent the day slogging through work and shopping with a stomach bug, and feel like rubbish, but have Sunday off, and work nights, next week, so hopefully I'll catch up on my rest in a day or two.

Little Flame is sitting on the dresser, beside my chair, behind the computer monitor, waving her paw at me, bending it so it's in front of the screen. She's got the brains of the outfit--the boys are just passed out on the carpet. Flamey is very particular--she expects me to go to bed by a certain hour, and if I don't, she gets quite put out about it--used to nag mum too, when she was a kitten, when mum stayed up past her usual bed-time, or fell asleep on the sofa, instead of going to her bed.

Well, I'm off to bed, I guess. Working is going to be hell, tomorrow. But, Sunday I can sleep to my heart's content--if the kids upstairs don't throw any more wild parties, that is.

Have a great morning, all. Cheers, Nancy G.

And...I will be back online on a regular basis, in about 4 hours from now--providing Time-Warner doesn't mess things up, again.

Another lovely spring day, here. I was told by some guy in Chicago this morning (I have to make up my day off for the national holiday on Monday, but working today, on my usual scheduled day off), anyway, he says their expecting tornados. Well, that's, I think, almost a thousand miles from here, so no worries for me. The nearest a tornado ever got from Glens Falls, NY, was a good 30 miles away. We've had a couple of minor earthquakes, though...which would probably worry me more, as my building is falling apart (literally--there's a 1 inch wide jagged gap in the brick wall adjacent to my balcony).

Had a not so fun morning, dealing with a broken loo, just minutes before leaving for work...made me late, but got it sorted--sort of. Well, I can flush it, but it definitely needs a plumber or someone. I'm not exactly an FYI person. More like a "DOH" person, ha-ha.

Well, back to work, then out for the week's shopping, after. Can't go anywhere this weekend, as I'm a bit ill (nothing serious as far as I know), but that's okay. The apartment wants a good scrubdown and tidying, anyway. And, the cats'll be happy to have me around.

See you all tonight. Cheers, Nancy G.

Just a quick blub before shift change, and I have to turn over my seat to someone else.

Another lovely day. I'm off home soon--it's just past two in the afternoon, and I'm blinking famished, because I couldn't eat my breakfast this morning (darned ol' wonky stomach).

I was just over the moon, last night. That's because I got a couple more Dr Who episodes in the mail---what a lovely surprise!!!

Of course, they're brilliant.

I hear that the current head writer--the great Russell T., is leaving Who next year, and Steven Moffatt (sorry if I've mis-spelled that at all) will be taking over--lovely, I think he's fantastic.

And of course, I'm getting my internet back at half-past four in the afternoon (EST) on Friday---hoo-ray!!!!

I can live without tele for years, without radio or newspapers for a time as well, I suppose. But gosh, these last five months without the internet have been hard. I've felt so terribly isolated (not to mention bored, at times).

One of the first internet projects I will do, is post some random blog entries that I wrote at home, but was unable to post. And, I will be setting up a new blog somewhere (because unlike all the other blog sites, blog.co.uk only allows for one single blog, unless you pay to go pro--which would be impossible for me, of course)....so, it's a blog hunt, this weekend.

I'm setting up the new blog for the second round of my Dr Who fan fiction stories. Not that I expect to get much traffic, of course. But, if my computer crashes (even forbid) I will at least not lose the work forever.

I can't save stuff to CD, because, 1. I haven't a clue how to, and 2. A classmate tried it once, back in '04, and my computer wouldn't let her.
In fact, if I want to save a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk, I have to click on 5 1/4 floppy, in order to get my computer to save it, because according to my computer, there's no such thing as a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk--got hit with a bug years ago, and it's not been the same, since. Floppy disks are rubbish, so I save the stuff to the internet, when I can.

Anyway, not much to say, have I? Sorry. But, maybe that's not a bad thing, in light of all the erm--bad things, that have happened.

After Saturday, I go back to night shift for a week, so I can get some doctor's appointments under my belt, without having to fuss about missing work or being late, then it's back to day shift the week after that.

I'm thinking of doing something this weekend, again--nothing like last Sunday, that was pretty much a one-shot deal. I'm not that well off, financially, that I can afford to go out on the town every week...or even every month, for that matter.

Still, nice weather and all that, has left me toying with the idea of buying a license and a pole and some tackle, and taking up fishing again--here in the city I can go down on the banks of the Hudson River, or Crandall Pond, which is at the park about a quarter mile up the street from me. Or, come the end of June when they start running more regularly, take the trolley-bus for some fishing on Lake George.

The cats made me laugh last night...well, Flamey did. I sometimes play music of course, and have been playing CD's around the apartment (I now have a sum total of 7 CD's). Flame hangs out with me and sort of listens. She loves Kylie, but seemed to have a bit of a negative reaction to The New Pornographer's Electric Verson, last night. Basically, she stared at the speakers, made a face, and ran away. Everyone's a critic.

Quick hello,

Going through a bit of a rough patch, health-wise, but financially I'm on much better footing than I was two months ago. So, it kind of evens out, I suppose.

Lovely cool sunny May day, here in this little city in the Adriondack mountains. Not a cloud in the sky--tho' we need the rain. Tourists went home on Monday, so all is back to normal now, in my neck o' the woods, as they say.

I'm working of course--made a bad error which may or may not get me into hot water---a hyper yuppie lady, one of my co-workers, literally got her face into mine, badgering me with questions about a campaign she wasn't even on, while I was typing some important notes, and I totally lost concentration and messed up--and, now I'm likely in for some hot water...and, rightly so, I suppose.

Well, gotta' go. Have a better day then me, I hope, ha-ha.

CATHERINE: "David, you're stopping the scene to ring up someone?"

DAVID: "Yeah, I'm phoning my agent. There's not enough snogging in this scene, and I have a 1000 pounds per kiss bounus clause in my contract."

This has gotta' be quick, as I only have four minutes left on break.

I didn't get to Lake George--long story, well...long wait for the local bus, really. Wound up taking the coach to the posh city of Saratoga Springs. My recession incentive tax rebate cheque came, and, after putting 70 percent of it aside to pay past-due bills, and another 10 percent into the emergecy fund, I took the rest and had my first day out in over a year and a half. Really lovely day, weatherwise, and I bought a few things, a New Pornogpraphers Electric Verson CD on sale, and a Dr Who book, and a cheap tourist Tee Shirt. Had a hamburger in my favourite diner--passed up all the very posh street cafs, pubs and ethnic resturants for the only place left in that city, where you can still sit down and order a hamburger and crisps for under $4.

So, the internet will be turned back on...whenever Time-Warner decides to get around to it, of course.

Watched the Memorial Day parade from my balcony again, this year--much better than last year, far more bands...the high school and junior high school's marching band, the Air National Guard's band, and the Elks Club band, plus the Adirondack Pipes and Drums and the Galloway Galic Pipe Band..there was even a lovely 19th centurty style coronet band, dressed in authentic Civil War gear. Very nice.

Break's over, gotta' go now. See you on Tuesday. Cheers, Nancy G.

Sorry for my absence--holiday weekend and all that blather. Will update that later.

Good news: I should be back online at home, sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Didn't get to Lake George Sunday, but opted for the city of Saratoga Springs, some 15 miles distant, with it's posh cafes and quaint boutiques and victorian-style park...and a big Borders book sellers.

So, I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, date, have sex, party, go on holiday, hang with mates or have a proper hobby/sport to indulge in.

Now I can't have salt, caffine, sweets, carbs or starches. So....what's the point????

Wrote this at 2am last night, in about 5 min, and can safely say that it's likely the worst Dr Who story ever written. Nancy G.

The Doctor ran down the streets of Cardiff, towards his Tardis, chased by a big slimy monster and one hundred screaming fan-girls. Fishing out his Tardis key, the Doctor fumbled to get the Tardis door open, but it wouldn't budge!

Meanwhile, inside the Tardis, the Doctor's latest companion was totally engrossed in listening to the latest Kylie Cd, while busily dusting the console. She didn't notice that she'd accidentally triggered the dead-lock switch.

Outside, the Doctor fingered his sonic screwdriver, and put it on it's monster repellant setting, chasing the nasty beastie away. Yet, the hoarde of screaming fan girls kept coming on.

The only way for the Doctor to save himself, was to do a strip-tease in front of the Tardis. Loudly singing "The Stripper" theme, the Doctor did a bump and grind routine, gyrating his thin, ribby body. Slowly he removed each article of his clothing.

The Doctor threw each piece of his attire at the screaming fan-girls to appease them. When he finally got down to his red ladies' Doctor Who underpants, officially licensed by the BBC--the one's with David Tennant's face on the crotch--the bug-eyed fan girls were frozen to the spot. "Do you really think it's ten inches?" One of them whispered.

Then, with a final bump and a florish, the Doctor's pants came off. One by one, some of the fan-girls fainted. The rest of them lay on the floor, convulsing with gales of laughter. The Doctor made good use of this diversion; Grabbing a discarded newspaper, he held it in front of his meat and two veg, making a quick getaway down the Torchwood lift. When he got to the bottom, Captain Jack was terribly excited to see the Doctor, and gave him a very special salute.

The End.

So, walking home from work, yesterday afternoon, minding my own buisness. When up strides my in-bred city hillbilly neighbour's sister--the one that was sharing a bed with him. Well, she's moved her bed into his lounge/kitchen, and apparently, now her drug-dealing son, recently relessed from jail, has also moved into the tiny apartment, and is sharing her brother's bed. Lovely.

Anyway, she strides up to me, all teary-eyed, and says, "Oh, I'm so glad I ran into you." This is nearly a literal statement, as the woman tends to put her face about 1 inch from yours, when she talks, which isn't fun, as she's a heavy smoker--bleh.

So, seems brother dear had an agreement to make weekly payments to National Grid (don't get me started about the chav-bast*ards that run National Grid), and they shut his power off.

So, I get the pleading, sobbing request for them to use one of my outlets to plug a light in, so they can see, until they can get the power turned back on, in a few days.

Well, I am not completely a soft touch, but I wouldn't want someone to be in the dark (apparently they'd never heard of candles or kerosene lamps). Anyway, I run my utility lead from my bathroom outlet, out into the hall--then, as she's thanking me, sister says, "Oh, I'm so happy. Now I can watch American Idol." Huh?

She had told me it was for a lamp....I guess they use the telly as a lamp? Ah well, guess there's a sucker born every minute, ey? Gosh, am I living in a sit-com world, or what?

A stormy Wednesday, but not too bad...tho' my phone at work's being a bit cranky.

Spent the morning at the health centre, getting poked and prodded because my BS levels suddenly went through the roof. Got tested and lectured and my test results gone over--some good news, some not so good. The brain scan is fine, btw. I have to restrict my diet even further--bummer. I already don't smoke or drink, now I can't enjoy eating, either-- and having even more meds being thrown at me. Did get a new blood sugar testing monitor, though, for free. And, a nice one, too.

Good news, as well, on the expenses front: Got a new perscription plan. My ID card came by post, yesterday. Now instead of 10 or 20 or 50 dollars for meds, I flip the pharmacy my card, and my cost is under $2 for some of the meds. Very cool. Nancy G. is smiling, today.

Of, course, the downside to today's visit, is that I didn't have enough cash to pay my co-pay on the spot, so now I have to have them bill me, for which they charge and extra 10 dollars on to your bill.

Well, back to the old grind. Hope you all are having a grand day. Cheers, Nancy G.

DONNA: "I wear the trousers in the Tardis now."

DONNA: "I'd rather they didn't know that, thanks."

Well, I'm off to home shortly, to my tuna sandwich and clam chowder..and three cats bugging me for a bite. You see, they've decided that they're bored with their current choice of wet food.

Health centre called, said I may need to go for another MRI of my brain--think it's just a shadow, they reassured me, let's hope so, ey?

Well, someone needs my station, so I can't write any more today. Hope you all have a lovely day. Cheers. Nancy G.

I was reading the local paper the other day, the articles about the earthquake in China and the typhoon in Mylasia.

It struck me that in the last two weeks, over 150,000 men, women and children suddenly had their lives taken from them.

And how many countless more, have had their everyday, normal existence, totally shattered? How many will never lead the same life, ever again?

What really struck me tho', was under a photography of a long line of hungry women and children, waiting for a handful of rice and some water to drink, was an advert for a local restaurant, touting their all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

Tens of thousands of people die, millions more never get back the things that made them who they are, the comforts you and I take for granted---yet, our lives go on, same as always. We order our pancakes, pour on the syrup, read the newspaper and shake our heads, "Tsk-tsk, what a shame."

CORRECTION:

A Mr. Smith very kindly took the time to correct me on where the cyclone took place. I can't afford to get regular newspapers as a rule, and have no tele or internet, so it's hard for me to keep abreast of what's going on in the outside world, except when co-worker's lend me their papers or discuss stuff. I only saw the one article a few days ago, and my mind got a bit confused as to the facts. Sorry, and no offense intended.

Blog UK was having a case of the hiccups, yesterday, and wasn't allowing me to write anything.

Seems to be back, today.

Cool day, yesterday. Snowed for about 5 minutes, last night. At this time of year, after over five months, this winter, of seeing the white stuff, even five minutes of snow, was five minutes too much.

Well, have to start telemarketing. See you all later, have a grand Tuesday.

Well, I'm off work in about 45 minutes, so I'll wish you, my friends, a good Sunday.

I was tired last night, to be sure, but no naps for me, because of noisy neighbours. So, I wrote a chapter in my Dr Who story, with the working title of "Rain of Terror." I'm enjoying it. The Doctor/Donna combination is really fun to write, because unlike his teenage companions, I can truly relate to the adult companion, Donna--so it's naturally easier to write her character, than Rose or Martha.

Got another PM going on about the sexual attraction some girl has for Mr. Tennant. I don't know. I don't see him like that. He's just...a guy. I really don't even think of him as a celebrity...famous, yes, but...really, he just reminds me of a shoe salesman or some guy I'd share a ride in the lift, with. Well, until he starts acting, of course. Gosh, he thrills me to my toes, when he does his stuff. He's got one heck of a presence--even his professional voice is really right on the mark.

But, I don't know why I keep getting these PM's from fan-girls..I find it rather strange. Am I writing something on here, that's being mis-interpereted? Haven't a clue.

Anyway, feeling a bit iffy, suddenly, had a dizzy spell in the ladies. Guess I'll have to book on home at 3, make sure I have lunch right away. Have to go to Target in the mall, to get a phone card tonght. I'd go tomorrow, but then I'd have to spend 12 dollars on a cab, whereas the bus runs to the mall on Saturdays (no bus on Sundays here until the holiday season in two weeks' time). Anyhow, have a lovely weekend all, and I'll try to do the same. Cheers. Nancy G.

"Nose pickings? I thought you said this was a jelly baby, Donna! Umm--tasty."

As some of you know, it's been a rough two-plus years.

Essentially, my life stopped. Stopped cold. Less than five years ago, the world was, maybe not my oyster, but at least my clam, ha-ha.

After crapping out of college at 19, and going for two decades of struggling with temping, dead-end office jobs and low-wage hard labour, life on the dole, and a couple of flirtations with genuine poverty--even a month of being literally homeless, at the tender age of 39, I finally realized (albeit a bit naively) that the only one keeping me back, was me.

So, it's a long story, but yeah, I enrolled in the local 2-year college to get my associate's degree--and perhaps go on to a second school for my 4-year BA.

And, in my early 40's, everything suddenly came up roses. I was doing things I'd dreamed of, but never realized that i could actually do (not always well, mind, but i threw myself into it, anyway).

I went out of the country for the fist time, acted for the first time, got my first straight A's ever and became a Phi Theta Kappa (hounour society), won an academic award and a small scholarship, bought my first home (a caravan), my first new car...felt like I could take on the world, I did.

Then, late in 2005, for various reasons--most of them not anything I had much, if any, control over-- it all unraveled. And, eventually, little by little, over the last couple of years, I lost just about everything--including most of my immediate family. There was nothing left, except for three of my seven cats, and about a quarter of my possessions.

By the autumn of 'o6, I was totally alone and overwhelmed and ready to just throw in the towel. Then, I found that I did have friends--lovely friends, who've stayed by me through the horrors and the brief bouts of good news, and the few blessed times when nothing bad was happening/about to happen.

Never met these friends, perhaps never will. But, they keep me honest, they give me an obligation, I suppose to return the favour by not giving up--which sometimes I so desperately want to do. Sometimes, the pain, the hardship, dealing with that on your own, can get so bad, you just want it to stop, to go away and give you some peace.

It's hard to care about yourself, when you no longer have anyone there in your life, whom cares about you. So, these friends who've come into my life in the last year and a half or so, have made a difference for me, let me tell you.

Still, last year I reached the point where I could no longer be in denial: I'd lost more than family, pets and possessions. I'd lost my confidence, my faith, my hope and my dreams. My beliefs were shattered to their very foundations. I'd forever lost my ties to the past, and my chances for a better future. I'd landed in the life I'd tried 30 years to avoid...and I was stuck there, forever.

My life came to a shattering halt, and the more it got harder to supprort myself on the most minimal level, to keep the barest of human basics (needs), the more I questioned whether my life was worth anything, the smaller I felt myself shrinking, down and down, until I felt somedays, like I was becoming totally invisible.

So, my unstable life halted yes, but now that I've a small measure of stability back, I can see that I need to move forward--not into a better future, I really have given up on that...I've given up the notion that I will lead a "normal" life.

No, I am moving forward in baby steps--just trying to take care of myself, a little bit at a time, maybe address some health and other issues, over the course of the next year, that have long been neglected.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to put my life back together. That remains to be seen, but...I'm finally in a place where I can start...sort of.

Hi blog pals,

It's Saturday and I'm busy, telemarketing away, here.

Oh, it's gorgeous out there--one nice thing about my new desk, is that I can see outside, towards downtown..the bank, the traffic, new-green trees, the Episcopal (America's version of Anglican) church, the mountains along the Hudson River. A very nice day, indeed.

Got a note from the health centre in the post, yesterday. Told me my blood sugar was way up, and that I needed to come in for some new meds. Of course, I'm sitting here drinking coffee and eating a vanilla biscuit.

Can't go to the doctor's until after the 3rd May, due to budget contraints. The bill I HAVE to pay before the end of the month, is bigger than my entire week's salary, so I can only pay it in installments--half my pay cheque this week, half my pay cheque next week--which leaves me nothing for the Doctor's, which typically costs 30 to 50 dollars per visit.

Telemarketing is interesting, sometimes. I had to speak to a "Mr. Farht," the other day--thankfully he wasn't in. I would have corpsed all over the place, if I had to say that in my "working voice," out loud.

We get these recordings, from the phone company?

Yeah, there's two different one's:

A very nice, apologetic, "We're sorry, the number you reached is no longer in service. Please check the number and try again." Translation: (I'm ever so sorry that I had to tell you you dialed wrong, please have a nice day.)

Then, there's this snooty lady's recording, "The number you have reached is NOT in service! THIS, is a recording." Translation: (How DARE you dial wrong! DON'T do it again! Hurrumph!)

I guess which recording you get all depends on what phone company you use.

"Nahhh--I'm not drunk. I'm Scottish, ya'know we never drink!"

Well, here I am, at work, today.

Last night I bit the bullet and went to the laundromat. On the way home, in the cab, we went past the local tattoo parlor. I looked in the window as we went by, and noted the line of guys waiting their turn to get...well, whatever these guys get to make them think they're actually manly. (Ha! As if.)

Anyway, looking at the fat, slovenly dressed customers in there, I made a mental note to never-ever-ever look for my next date in a tattoo palor. In fact, I made a note never to look inside a tattoo palor, ever again.

Anyway, carried my washing upstairs last night--only two short flights, no big deal, normally...but wow, my heart beating out quite a rythym, last night, ha-ha. Need to get back into shape, methinks.

Well, after work I'm off the big Price Chopper super centre to do my week's shopping, then it's home to...well, probably to nap...for some reason I'm rather tired again, today. Need to eat more spinach, maybe.

"Okay people, who wants to play Frisbee with my award?"

Did I just wax romantic in that last blog entry?

My God, now I know I'm getting on in years.

It's not that I don't want to ever date, mind you. I'd love to date, but...God just had other plans for me, I guess. There will never be a partner for me, in this life, and truly, I have indeed accepted that. In the real world, sometimes for some of us, we are just alone and that's the end of it.

There's no Romeo for this old maid--heck, there's not even a Tom or David or Johnny.

I can't really blame the guys. I'm not exactly easy to look at, and, I really don't have much experience with dating...well, who wants to date a 47 year old that's never even been kissed and can't be...intimate? No guy I know of.

I probably don't help things any, I suppose. I've never been a cuddling and kissing type--tho' I do like a nice hug, ha-ha.

Truth is, I hate being nice to guys. Well, let me re-phrase that, I like being friends with guys...except that somehow they get it all backwards and mistake my simply being nice, as me coming on to them. No. I'm just being polite and friendly...but, when your ugly and awkward...you can't just be friendly to a man, it seems.

Plus, most nice guys don't look once at women like me, let alone twice.

But, that's okay. No, really. I will never be one of these women who has to have her man around her, all the time, or needs constant attention. I can go days, weeks, months even, without hearing from a close friend or family member, and I'm totally okay with it. If someone is too busy to hang with me...fine. I totally get that other people have their own lives to live. In fact, I'm often taken aback when one of my friends makes time to call me, or write me, or send me something. I have become totally used to being on my own--or I guess I should say, un-used to, getting attention.

I've never had a relationship...not even a long-distance one, and I probably never will.

I'm a bit like a desert plant, I suppose. One of those plants you can just put on the windowsill, and more or less forget about, until it needs watering once every few weeks. And, that's okay. That's me, that's my life. It's who I am.

But...sometimes I know that I'm missing something. And yeah, it saddens me--but, then I just shrug it off and forget about it, get on with my life, same old me.

Hi all,

Well, it's Thursday, hoo-ray. Yeah, whatever. They made us move our desks at work today--a process which can take a half-hour, while you find an empty space elsewhere. I had to disinfect this desk--the night kids..ugh, sticky, stained nasty desktops do not make you want to sit at them. Teenagers don't just not clean their room's, they also make a mess in the workplace. Anyway, got moved, with the loss of some paperwork, and then..the system went down for 20 minutes. Ah well.

Anyway, it was a lovely night, last night. A soft spring breeze, heralding in some rain--so far only a few sprinkles, the moon lurking behind some thin clouds. Not too warm, but not at all chilly. A romantic breezy night, a wind that would make lovers want to waltz under the moon, and Romeo woo Juliet on her balcony.

And me, I spent the night looking at the cars and people going by, down below, watching the wind playing with the petals of the colourful pansies, and the bats wheeling in the pale skies. Sitting petting Flame and listening to Kylie and wishing for the first time in a long while, that I too, had someone wooing me below my balcony.

Well, while I am presently unable to view the rest (episodes 2-13) of Series 4, I'm making up my own stories. Got about half a dozen stories, either finished or works in progress, under my belt, since January.

My current story features the Doctor and Donna in a rainy Cardiff--oh, I know that's not a very realistic scenario, is it? I bet it hardly ever rains in Cardiff.

Anyway, they encounter slimy worm-like creatures, snake people and a Dalek, while of course, trying to save the entire world.

Just your usual Dr Who story. Meh, I'm no professional writer, but it does give me something to look forward to, those long days/nights alone. Makes my wonky brain get some excersise, if nothing else.

Someone left a blog comment about a tee shirt that I sent a certain person as a birthday gift.

The tee-shirt was from a collection that was out in the chain department stores this past spring. The theme of the collection is "Music Sets You Free."

The collection comes in browns, and blues and greens--nature colours. It features such motifs as trees growing guitars, guitars and peace symbols, and birds in flight carrying musical equipment. I have the guitar-tree and birds in flight one's. They're cheap (around $5 ea.) and they're comfy and I loved the theme.

Yeah, I really agree that "Music can set you free."

It's especially true for me, because when I start singing, I'm utterly free--everyone clears the room.

Hello all,

Well, the MRI of my brain was...interesting. Good thing I'm not claustrophobic, though. Being squeezed, arrow-straight, flat on your back and motionless, into that tight space with hard plastic around your head, for nearly half and hour--well, I don't know how anyone with claustrophobia could handle that. Afterwards, I was a bit woozy for some reason. I don't know what they injected into my hand, but I was awfully tired afterwards. Slept like a rock last night, for a pleasant change.

The weather's been gorgeous here, but rain's on the way for the weekend. We never got the big rainstorm that was supposed to come in last weekend, so maybe this time we'll be getting our due. We could use it, been an unsusually dry spring, so far.

I spent part of the evening listening to Kylie, the cats and me on the balcony, watching the traffic go by. There were two huge turkey buzzards

soaring over Glens Falls last night. Despite their ugliness up close, in flight they are really quite graceful and beautiful.

I'm really enjoying Kylie's music. It makes me long for the freedom of the open road--good tunes blaring away, driving through back roads of the hills and valleys. Ah well, have to settle for watching other people drive down Glen Street. I can look down at people sitting inside their cars--and hope I don't see something I shouldn't, ha-ha.

Well, driving weather is here, despite the gas (petrol) crisis. The classic cars and duded up hot rods are out, all nice and shiny after being garaged for the winter, and also there's people in convertables, driving with the top down, as well.

Well, off to home in a bit. Wonder what bills will be waiting in the post for me today? Lately, it's been nothing but bills and junk mail I can't even use--coupons for car washes (just rub my carlessness in, why don't they?) and posh restaurants I can't possibly afford. Although, I did get some rather nice KFC vouchers, good until mid-June. Haven't had fried chicken in a while.

So, it's a tight week, financially. I have a big 150 dollar medical bill that absolutely must be paid--or no more services from that office, which leaves me only 20 or 30 dollars left over, afterwards--which the cat food, bus fares, laudromat money and cab fare to the laundromat, has to all come out of. I still have about 30 dollars left in food vouchers, so at least I don't have to buy food out of the leftover funds, thank God. I tell you though, the more money I have coming in, the more the bills start pouring in--you pay one thing, and suddenly you've got five more bills in the post the next day. Can't win for losing.

You know, I find it rather strange, that I get two to three hundred more hits to my blog site, on days when I am offline, then when I'm actively writing. What's with that, I wonder?

"He's not dead, Donna. He's just making a snow-angel."

Well, I just can't win for losing, with the American health care system.

I went back on disability, so I could regain my health--or, at least find out what the hell is actually wrong with me, why I am feeling so rubbish, these days, and why I keep getting ill, of late.

Yeah, well, now that I've finally begun seeing a doctor/going for tests regularly, it's costing me a small fortune, so I'm pretty much in the same financial boat now, as I was before I was on social security.

The money's going out, faster than it's coming in. Not just medicine and cab fare and co-pays, but the hospital bills from this past winter...ouch! In my bill drawer, I have from the local hospital, a $1000+ bill, a $300 plus bill, a $234 bill and Saturday got a $160 dollar invoice. And that's just for the hospital/ER!

I also have bills from the orthopedest from last year that I'm still trying to pay, bills from specialists and from the health centre where I go for my general care.

The cab fare to all these visits (and cab fare has gone up a dollar or two in the last month alone) runs between ten and twenty-five dollars, per. Add in $20 to $40 in co-pays, and $10 to $50 and up for each medicine, not to mention the cost of over-the-counter meds (such as my iron pills) that the doctor prescribes....can't move for all the bills.

I make too much for state public health insurance, I don't work enough hours for the new (and rather expensive) emloyer-provided insurance, and don't qualifiy, because I work part-time, for New York state's private health insurance plan. I don't even qualify for the health centre's sliding fee plan! All I have is medicare, which Bush and Congress has cut-cut-cut to pay for their precious war and other nonsense that has nothing to do with providing Americans with a decent quality of life.

NHS may have its problems, but at least you don't go without to pay for it. Too many Americans have to give up things they enjoy--even food and other basic necessities, just to pay for medical care. One wonders why we even bother, because if we can't afford to enjoy even the simplilest things in life, what's the purpose of even living, any longer?

America is no longer about freedom and democracy. It's about greed and selfishness.

Just noticed an advert on my blog's homepage, that read, "Beautiful, sexy nylon legs." Okay, is that just bad grammar, or are they offering to replace my aging legs with a sexier nylon pair?

Oh, I'd be the envy of my office walking in with a new pair of sexy nylon legs...although, being an old tree-hugger, I prefer cotton, myself.

Well, you can get silicon boobs, and plastic hips, so why not nylon legs?

I am told that DT once again is voted sexiest guy on tele. Um--okaaay. I suppose it's a British thing, ey?

Maybe there's hope for an old maid like me, afterall, he-he.

Whoa. Sitting next to a co-worker, when she bent over to retreive something that fell to the floor--she's got two studs situated right over her, erm--crack. Call me old fashioned, but, what the heck is with that???

Cracks are no more attractive on a woman, than on some hairy plumber, so why would anyone want to accentuate that part of his or her body?

I guess I'm living in the wrong century, 'coz I just don't get it.

Well, here I am, at work on a Monday morning. I'm told I'm to be trained on..something, this morning, so I've some down-time for a few, chillin' while they get 'round to me.

This isn't a bad job, really. I mean, at least you're not doing the same thing all day long, month after month--well, sometimes you are, and that's a bit of a drag, but it's always going to be better than walking and climbing stairs nine miles a day, for 8 1/2 hours, cleaning loos and emptying bin bags into skips for a living, trust me.

Anyway, Sunday turned out to be a bit..bleh. Had the stomach bug, but better today. I also smashed my bad knee, climbing out the sliding window onto my balcony--still don't know whose brilliant idea that was, taking out the door to the balcony, and putting in a large sliding window that's several feet off the ground, instead--brillant! Getting onto the balcony is now somewhat like trying to straddle a pony.

Anyhow, smacked my bad knee on the metal sill, and wound up on the floor holding my knee, rocking back and forth and groaning-- and saying some rather rude things about the window, my knee and life in general.

Using a crutch today, but it's improving, thankfully. Think I hit it on the part where the cartilege is missing.

Anyway, spent Sunday not cleaning and going for a walk to the park as I'd planned, but mostly in bed--when I wasn't lying swearing on the floor or in the loo, that is, ha-ha. Yuck. Well, I did some writing on my latest Who story---figure if I can't see Series 4, I can solace myself by making stories up, and it sort of works. The stories aren't of RTD's caliber, of course, but..meh, something's better than nothing.

I figure maybe, if I ever get the internet back at home, I might publish these stories on the web, like I used to, the past two years on.

I've been making blog entries sometimes and saving them to Word. Don't know if, like the Dr Who stories, anyone will ever read them, but again, it's something to occupy me.

Watched some DVD's yesterday, listened to some Kylie and The Proclaimers and Robin Ella. Actually got 'round to making dinner--my appetite's way, way off, lately, and some days I have to force myself to eat--which is strange, as I always used to be hungry, now, even when I'm hungry, I'm having a hard time wanting to eat.

Well, have to sign off now. See you all maybe tomorrow, maybe Wednesday. Cheers. Nancy G.

Well, it's going on half-past 3 in the afternoon and I'm famished, having not had a bite to eat since 8am.

I go for my brain scan on Tuesday morning, before work...being that I'm an American, I'm guessing they won't find much in there, ha-ha.
The imaging centre rang me up Friday night to do the pre-MRI survey. One of the queries was wheter I had any bullets or schrapnel in me. You know, the writer in me was tempted to say something like, "Oh, well, there was this time when I was a private investigator searching for the Empress' jewels..." or, "Yeah, once when I was with the CIA...oh wait, if I tell you about that, I'd have to kill you."

So, off home to some leftover pizza and a diet rootbeer. I'm told it's getting chilly out, but tomorrow's supposed to be warm and sunny, which is always nice, on one's day off, isn't it?

Cheers, all. Nancy G.

Heaven knows I love my cats. Heck, they're basically my only "family." (Except when sis wants something or is feeling sorry for herself and suddenly has an ephiphany to ring me up, ha-ha.)

Sure, they give me companionship and love...and the occasional headache. But also, they make me laugh, sometimes.

Yesterday afternoon, before going out, I was sitting on my bed making out my shopping list, and listening to the Kylie CD that my good friend so kindly sent along to me. This is my first experience with Kylie's music. She may be some big international pop star, but she's basically unknown in my part of the world. I certainly had never heard of her, until Dr Who's Voyage of the Damned. But, I gotta' say that I mostly really like the songs that I've heard. And...so do the cats.

I'm serious!

I was sitting up going over the list, when I put kylie on, and started wriiting away, and when I glanced up, Boots (see photo above) was lying with his head tilted all the way back, staring at the player with this utterly blissful look on his face. And this morning, he did it again!

Little Flamey, my girl cat, when I put the CD on the other day, suddenly jumped up and starting running around like mad (it was an upbeat number Kylie was singing), and then Flame went over to the CD player and stared at it in utter fascination.

As for big ol' Bonnie Prince Charlie, he pretty much snoozed through the whole thing. But...that's what Charlie does. I can vacuum him and he'd sleep through it...as a matter of fact, I have.

Well, here it is, another Saturday in Glens Falls. Whoo-hoo! Yeah, real exiciting here, on Saturdays, I can walk down to Davidson's pub and watch them turn yeast into beer, and then watch the cars go 'round the new roundababout. Who needs New York, London or Paris, ey?

Yeah, I'd hate to say that this city's a bit dull, but the recent big news stories in the local paper included a quarter page about the very first parking garage being built in the city, and a bear sighting in the nearby town of Fort Ann.

(This IS part of New York's Adirondacks, 40 million acres of mountains and forest, there's gonna' be bear and moose and deer and turkeys here. Nice to see, but no big deal.)

So tonight I'll watch Partners in Crime again, play some cribbage on the computer, write a few paragraphs in my latest DW fan fiction story, have supper and go to bed. But, that's fine. I've a roof over my head and food in the cupboard and my electricity/gas is still on, so no complaints from me, no way.

Tomorrow's Mother's Day over here. If I'd the money, I'd take a bus down to Albany and put some flowers on mum's grave. Can't afford the bus or the flowers, so I'll just look at her picture and think about her. Maybe I'll write her a poem or something. She always liked my naf' little poems.

Just kidding...he's really just seriously into bondage.

I was passed on a blub about David Tennant's upcoming role in Hamlet. In the interview, was a quote to the effect that Mr. Tennant "doesn't look good in tights."

As I was reading this, a co-worker walked by and wanted to know why I was laughing so hard.

I dunno' about the tights thing--that's one image I'd rather not have in my mind before my lunch time--anyway, I will say that I do know the guy doesn't look half-bad in panty-hose, ha-ha.

WHAT THE DOCTOR SAID...

"Oh no, not the mind-probe! I just finished watching the Miss Scotland competition! Rose will kill me when she see's where my mind was wandering."

"Oh no, not the anal probe! Oh wait, I rather like that."

"Oh no, not the wardrobe! I love my suit--Colin Baker's costume terrifies me!"

I've watched all the Torchwood episodes, and I must say that while the jury was still out on the show last year, this year I think was a vast improvement. Still a bit sappy and soap opera-ish sometimes, but far, far less than last year--in fact, this year's episodes actually made me a little teary-eyed a couple of times, which seldom happens with me and sci-fi programmes. The acting and directing and scripts seem to have all been much improved this time around, and now I do believe that the Torchwood is beginning to show some real promise.

So, I'm off until Saturday morning. No plans for tomorrow. Last couple of Fridays I went to the local mall in Queensbury, but that "thrill" wore off rather quickly. I'm not really a mall/trendy name brands kind of person. I'm more the quaint little shops/consignment stores/farm & tack shops sort, myself.

Although, after months and months of poverty/uncertainty, my life is slowly becoming more stable again, still, of late I feel uneasy, and I can't explain why. I've been having bad dreams, but everyone has those. No, I guess I've had so very many emotional cliff-hangers and near-misses with homelessness and loss, that somehow my sub-conconscous refuses to believe that the bad things have stopped. At least, that's my take on the situation. But, though I tell myself I'm just being silly, I still feel afraid and uneasy, worried that the floor is going to drop out from under me--yet again. Am I being stupid? I dunno'. It's hard to just turn it off, I guess.

One of my co-workers was showing me photos of beaches and the seaside. Beautiful! I've not seen the ocean much, in my lifetime. My first two impressions of the sea, as a youngster being dragged to places like Hampton Beach, New Hampshire and New London Conneticuit, were less than thrilled. "Oh yeah, lots of boring gray water and yellow sand and noisy people. Great. Can we go home now?" That was more or less the Cliff Notes version of my attitude. In my mid-twenties I got dragged to Atlantic City, and my impression of the sea didn't change much. Hopelessly dull, the sea...or, so I thought.

And then I went to Europe. I saw emerald-coloured seas crashing against black lava rocks in Iceland, and was entralled. Three years later, in Alexandria, Egypt I saw the Mediteraainan (or however you spell it, no time for dictionary's today)...anyway, there for the first time I glimpsed turquoise coloured seas, and was just taken away with it. In the Netherlands in the spring of 2001--tho' it was on a meer and not the sea, I sailed on some wooden sailboats for the first time, and fell absolutely in love with it. Of course, I'll probably never get to sail again, (heck, I'll probably never have a holiday again, for that matter) but...for the first time, in my 40's, I learned just what some people see in the...well, sea. It really can be lovely, can't it?

Anyway, have a good weekend, all. I'm off home to a lunch of leftover chilli con carne and cornmeal muffins, and a night of DVD watching and some story writing.

Well, I've got a day off tomorrow--I think a sleep-in is in order, as I seem to be unexplicably lethargic today...to the point of being feeling like ten different kinds of stupid. I didn't even know what day it was, at first, when I came into work this morning. I feel like I've had all my energy drained from me, and I've no clue why I feel that way.

Anyway, it's another nice day, but the last one for a while. Cold front's coming in, bringing us back to late March or early April-ish type of weather...and rain, which we sort of need. Figures. Let's not have the gorgeous weather on the weekend, oh no. Let's give have it during the work week, and make the weekend utterly rubbish.

Well, break's over, so I guess I'll finish blogging later. Oh, and if I am ever back online at home, it looks now like it won't be until June or July, at the earliest, just to give you a heads-up. Cheers, Nancy.

While at the laundromat last night, while waiting for my machines to finish, I took a wander 'round the Everyting for a Dollar store at Mid-town Shopping Center.

Hmmm--the things you find there..and wonder who would ever buy them.

Okay, books section. There's was a book titled "America's Love Affair with Air Conditioning." I-kid-you-not. Someone actually wrote a whole long book on the history of air conditioning in America. Judging by the large number of unsold copies--even at one dollar (that's 50 P, if you're British), I'd say that not many people care about the history of air conditioning in America.

In the socks and underpants section, there were ladies' athletic socks that read "Property of Jesus." Oh, I bet the Almighty is lovin' that, ey?
And, again I must ask myself, who the heck would buy those?

And, the male shoppers had their choice of camoflague or tiger-stripped pants to choose from! Won't their partner's get a surprise when they drop their drawers on Saturday night, ey?

There was a DVD on caring for begonias. Oh, bet that's an exciting 50 minutes of viewing. Great cure for insomia, I imagine you'll be snoring into your popcorn watching that one. Well, if you're a begonia fan, I suppose it might be riveting. Nahhh.

And, let's not forget the lavendar-musk scented candles...to go with the tiger-striped undies, I suppose.

Ah well, another nice spring day, temps in the 70's F. Supposed to dip back into the 40's F, later in the week though, sadly.

So, had to go to more lab tests this morning, make myself into human pin cusion yet again. Not as bad as when I was in hospital, back in January, where they were sticking me with needles literally every two to three hours for 24 hours straight. Can't say I reaaallly enjoyed that much.

Did my laundry last night, so I could sleep in on Friday. I'm utterly knackered and have no clue why, but I figured a little extra sleep won't hurt. When did I get to the point where I start liking to take naps???? Next thing you know, I'll be wearing adult nappies and leaving my teeth in a glass alongside my bed at night. Sheesh.

Would you believe? I got ANOTHER PM asking for David Tennant's phone number? What the blazes is going on? I think maybe some false information is going 'round the internet or something. I don't know the man and never will know the man, and even if I did, I wouldn't ever give some person on the internet his phone number. Wow, what a headtrip some of these kids are...but, they're nice kids, so I don't have a cow or anything like that when I respond to them. Just tell them politely but firmly to bugger off, ha-ha. (Just kidding).

Well, break's over. This is my blog entry for today. I have no life. Have a nice day.

"I'm really not sure this pendant will go with my tie--but it will match my golden thong beautifully!"

Well, I've about four minutes left online, so I'd better get typing.

I have to go for yet more lab tests after work--and one more tomorrow morning, before work.

Had a dream about my mum, last night. She was really an amazing person. She went through so much, as an epileptic and also as a kidney failure patient. She managed to go out and do things--until the last year or so, even tho' she was often weak and in pain. She was so utterly patient with all the stuff the doctor's put her through. And, she was kind. She was always trying to help others...she loved being a librarian, especially when she was able to help a child find something for his or her school research, and most especially, when she was able to spark the kid's interest in something new. She always tried to encourage me to try new things, and encouraged me to do what I enjoyed (as far as hobbies, careers, etc.). Well, she put her foot down when I signed up for skiing lessons. She probably was right, too, in hindsight.

And animals? Oh, mum was always resucing animals--or, adopting animals. I've never known a year of my life without a pet--through the companionship, and the joy, heartaches and problems that all these pets have given over the years, I've always been grateful to her for passing her love of all living creatures, on to me.

Well, have to go back to work. Last night I vacuumed the bedroom carpet and watched Torchwood. I had a good night's sleep, Bush's honey-baked beans on toast for breakfast, and yet another viewing of Partners in Crime again, on a lovely spring morning. Tonight, I'll sit out on the balcony and listen to Kylie and Robin Ella, and chill with my cats...watch some more Dr Who. I'm such a hopeless Whovian.

Well, the end of another work day. I can't say I enjoyed my weekend. Oh, I wasn't really all that ill, outside of feeling a bit run-down. But, the doctor seemed to think I should stay home--what a drag! I've BEEN staying home for months and months.

Anyway, off home to lunch...tuna sandwich, I suppose. Anyhow, I just saw a pic of David Tennant as "Hamlet." Wow! He looks awsome. Very sorry I'll never get to see his performance...well, maybe some day, I will actually get to see A live Hamlet performance, but, it will never be Tennant's, I'm afraid...more's the pity. But, I gotta' say, as an actor, the man knocks my socks off, just clean blows me away. I bet he'd make a fantastic drama coach...but, maybe not, if he ever had to teach someone like me, ha-ha.

So, spent the weekend mostly in bed, but did tidy my room a bit...even found my passport--thought I'd chucked it in the rubbish, long ago. Found out it's still good for another 2 1/2 years, yet. Of course, if I can't get out of flippin' Glens Falls for nearly 2 years, I don't think there's much chance of me ever using my passport again...but, at least it's good as an extra I.D., if I need one, so I decided to hang on to it, after all.

Been getting a lot of weird PM's lately. Not sure what to make of it. One girl was once again asking me for David Tennant's phone number--what the heck is with that????? I don't know the man, never been in his country, and I'm absolutely sure the man wouldn't even give someone like me the time of day...why in heaven's name do these girl's think I know David Tennant? Where do they get this from???? Weird! Anyway, even if I did know the gentleman (which I DON'T), I very jealously protect my friend's personal and private info, so I would never give it out (if I had it) anyway...as in absolutely never-ever-ever.

Another PM was referring to an old post I'd made--as a joke--about being adopted (along with my cats and a few possessions) so I could become a British citizen. Apparently, this person was taking me seriously (well, I seriously do wish to be British, but the adoption thing really was meant in jest)...anyhow, this person sent a lengthy e-mail about getting myself sponsored and all sorts of other blather...wow. It was just a JOKE people! If I can't afford to travel 30 or 50 miles away, how would I ever get to a country that's over 3000 miles away? Wow.

I got one other PM, about applying for a job, with some UK company--apparently, this particular person didn't notice that I live in northeastern New York state?

So, I'll browse my PM's and see what else has cropped up today. Anyone else getting odd Personal Messages, of late?

Have a brilliant week, all. Cheers, Nancy G.

"Thanks for my 200th BAFTA award. I almost wasn't able to be here tonight. My head got so big, that I couldn't fit through the doorway. But, it's okay now. The BBC paid for me to have some cosmetic surgery."

For a Monday, it's as fine a day as anyone can ask for; the sun is shining, the trees are in bloom, with pink and white and yellow blossoms scenting the air....

Which is a good thing, because, what with the paper mill and the auto exhaust and the micro-breweries, Glens Falls often smells more like a sweaty construction worker's armpit.

Yes, if there's one jewel in the vast green towering crown that is New York's Adirondack mountains...the city of Glens Falls (population 15,000) isn't it. It's more like the jock strap.

Ah, but life in Glens Falls isn't all dull, ya'know. There's a new bakery down on South Street. So, not only can you watch the drunks lurching out of the bars at night, now, in the mornings, you can visit the bakery and watch the buns rise! How cool is that?

Downtown Glens Falls (all of two short blocks of it) just lost its pool hall. There's still the night club, that's open two days a week. I hear that they'll be putting in a replacement for the pool hall, though. Yeah, sounds really exciting too. They're putting in it's place, the National Museum of Used Chewing Gum. Exciting stuff, ey? Bet they'll have no trouble filling all those new hotels they're planning to build with that!

Hello all,

Sorry for my prolonged absence. The Doctor told me off work for a couple of days. More lost equilibrium, and a test came out iffy, so I was ordered to rest for roughly 48 hours, before returning to work.

So...according to the various doctor juniors I've seen, It's either my heart, my ears or my brain. Do I hear a bid for the nose, ha-ha?

Be back online later today, until then, cheers.

"See, Catherine? They did teach me how to count in drama school!"

Well, I have tomorrow off, sort of.

I can't sleep in like I'd planned, 'coz I have to return the heart holter monitor by 10am--now there was a pricy thing...and I haven't even got the medical bill, yet! I'm referring to the fact that going to the cardiologist twice in one week, is costing me $25 dollars in cab fare, because the one bus that goes by there, has a bus schedule that doesn't coincide with my appointments at all.

I also have to go for some lab tests, mail some things at the post office and do my weekly shopping. Nice restful day off, ey?

So, long day at work. Here in the office, due to theft and loss of telephone headsets, the business has implemented a scheme where employees are now asked to buy their own, at a cost of $20 per, to be deducted from their pay packets the following week. There's now only about 15 free headsets for about 35 employees.

Next thing you know, they'll be asking us to buy our balls and chains...the advantage being the one's you buy will be lighter in weight than the one's the office has to supply, ha-ha.

Fell out of my chair at work, this morning. No really, I did. Had a bad dizzy spell, couldn't stay upright. Guess I still have that ear infection, despite the medication. Bit embarrassing though...thankfully no one here noticed me sitting on the floor. I was afraid if they did, they'd want to send me home.

So, I've been enjoying the DVD's my friend sent me, doing a bit of writing and just puttering about the house. It was in the mid-20's F (about -4 C) this morning, but it's turning out to be a nice, sunny day. I'm told it might get as warm as 70 F, by the weekend. Maybe Sunday I can go for a walk to the park. It's only about a half mile or so, give or take.

I got a call from the local health centre. They'd sent me an application for their sliding fee (tailored to your income) programme. The woman told me not to put down that I get social security disability, because if I do, I don't qualify. I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with that idea. Actually, I am not at all happy with that idea, if you must know. But then, I have the dilema, of having to decide whether to see a doctor or not, based on how much cash I have on hand, on that particular day or week. So, I have to think about this, for a few days. I'm not sure whether treating my illnesses, is worth the scarring of my conscience.

I still have virtually no hospitalization coverage. Sadly, like many Americans without good health insurance, if I'm told I have to be hospitalized, I will likely simply have to refuse--unless I'm literally given no choice in the matter. It costs thousands--even tens of thousands, for Americans to be treated as an in-patient here. I am so hopelessly in debt now, I really don't need the stress of more debt, that's for sure.

So, not much to say, I'm afraid. Yes, Nancy is a very dull girl, these days. Ah well. Hope you all have a good Friday, ey? Cheers, Nancy G.

You are an unmanly spamming pig.

What's the matter, not man enough to hold down a REAL JOB??

I'm a sick disabled woman, and I go out to work at a REAL JOB every day. Guess I'm more of man than you are, ey?

Maybe, jerkhead, you should try buying some viagra, or, if your too terrified to work for a living, istead of bothering bloggers---oh, by the way, I will in fact contact that website, and tell them that I will start a blog campaign urging people to STAY AWAY from their website--I've done it before, succesfully, and will be sure to mention YOUR NAME to them.

In other words, you stupid git, GO AWAY.

Every comment you make will be deleted, forthwith, so KISS OFF!