An Update on My Thoughts on SagaZone

I am writing this blog to balance things from my first one about manners and attitudes on this site, possibly I was being unfair to people, although I was only going off my own experiences at the time and it was a new site, arranged differently, with a mixture of reasons for people to join.

Unfortunately since joining, the site has had problems regarding access and all sorts of things have been added and taken away, and by the look of it, some of the people who used to use the site, whether this is a good thing or a bad thing we have yet to see.

I have to start on a positive note and say I have met some really lovely people whilst on this site, who've been patient, guided me through the strange layout of the site, supported me in my initial contacts, both in relation to my blogs, but also when I have gone into the various chat rooms and forums, trying to find my way round, as well as integrate in the SagaZone community.

One of my most interesting and enjoyable finds was the Owl's, I don't know how to describe this group, apart from saying what a bunch of kind friendly supportive yet wacky set of people, (wacky may be the wrong word), if any of the owls read this please give me your own suggestions so long as their not rude.

The only difficulty with the Owls, is that they only come out late at night, when most people have gone to bed, to make it worse they actually live in a large tree which appears to be quite cold and draughty at the moment, so how they maintain their humour I'm not really sure of, but they have welcomed me as a mere fledgling, my dilemma, is that keeping them company is quite addictive, despite the fact that often they carry on until early in the morning.

I feel I have to mention certain people who belong to the Owls, first of all Sue who first introduced me to this group, Brenny, who has supported and advised me as well as Clabby who has quietly been there for me, should I mention people such as Dan, ICE or TBL, well now I've done that, gosh I nearly forgot Tipples or should I say Tips who has advised me on all manner of things (ironing was the most useful).

Moving onto my blog and others, because people have been kind enough to read my blog and pass comment, it seemed only fair to go and have a look at theirs, well that was the best thing I could have done, from the unpredictable of HoneyCook and her various adventures, to WilfulWoodpecker and Mallu and their fascinating stories, to the newly found blog of Janet Humphreys, which is so very touching, it is unfair not to mention all the blogs I have read and their authors, but it would take forever to list them all and why they have been so enjoyable.

So how to sum up where we've reached now, well are some lovely kind considerate people on this site, who will go out of their way to help and support others, with a sense of humour, despite some of the difficulties they experience themselves in their day to day life, but very sadly I have personally come across a small number of people who seem to have very strange, not very nice agendas, and in fact can be quite rude, but even worse as I have flitted about the site, and read some of the statements people have made about each other, I feel there are people on the site who use it as a weapon to attack others who do not agree with their thoughts and opinions, my hope is that there are enough of us nice people out there to balance out them others.

Well now it's time to shut up, I hope you enjoyed the read, comments both positive and negative are welcome.

For any of my new found friends that read this, thank you for your support over the last couple of months.

Happy Christmas to you all

Confirmed the Concert

Hello, sorry been quiet recently, it seems to of got very busy, last week went to see Affetside Choir & Bessess o the Barn band, doing a christmas carol event locally, I really enjoyed it.

Sadly never found a holiday abroad & wasent willing to pay the price over here for nothing, so just using leave to waste the time away.

Last saterday was invited to a friends home for a party, well you know I am very wary of these things so, was happy that this time there were going to be nice people there that I knew so should not be such a problem.

Well had been told to get there 7pm so arrived 7.30 to be met by hostess in dressing gown & nobody else there, well it seems I got the timing wrong but a least got a comfortable seat. Others that I knew arrived & then was introduced to some really nice people, then it happened man arrived with Kareoki , but luckily had problems setting up.

Eventually he set it up only for me to realise I was in line with loudspeakers, no problem but cannot hear well when it is quiet, so now had to lipread conversations, not sure I always said yes to the right things or vica versa

Well after the last party thought here we go again, but no, people could actually sing in tune & it was music I could relate to, amongst the people there were some a little bit diverish but generally very enjoyable, then she came & sang, sadly I did not know her name but boy did she have a voice, having said that I mentioned this to the hostess only to be picked up, oops was her voice not as good, sadly no.

But then a real suprise amongst the guests was a young lady actress who is going for an interview for American Idol, interestingly she cannot sing but is a good actress, they want people who cannot sing to promote the programme, but to act over the top.

I discussed this with her, her view is any chance of a break will do because she has been training as an actress for 8 years, well best of luck.

Later a pleasant young woman came in on crutches & we were introduced, but I did not quite catch what had happened, but I thought I nodded my head at the right times, later we ended up sitting together & started talking, guess what, how to obtain a Blue Badge & benefits due to disability, I have a feeling I am a little rusty on chat up lines, having said that I did in the course of conversation explain that I was not looking for new relationships at present(door firmly closed)

Having said that we then chatted about all sorts including spiritualism which I am unsure about, but it kept the conversation going & the time flew, suddenly I realised it was way past my bedtime in fact 2am, what a nice night it had been, so I said goodnight to the young lady after giving her the contact details for claiming benefits & my work number if she wanted help.

It seems from talking to the hostess I was not supposed to of done this she was trying to do some matchmaking, well never mind it really was a lovely night & I was stone cold sober from start to finish.

I must of done something right I have been invited to the next party in february

Update on the concert & dating sites & other stuff

Well while in the mood I just thought I would give a quick update on the concert, which is that a date has now been confirmed apart from when I contacted the venue to tell them today, they were to busy to put it as confirmed in the book, so will try again tomorrow

I thought I had my lineup all sorted out, but sadly Pams People cannot appear they have other commitments, but instaed Affetside Choir are possibly willing to perform again with a different selection of music, plus we may be able to ask some other local talent to join in.

Jean the beatiful singer from last year is offerring to perform again, so we must be doing something right. Plus at the moment we have a talented young man willing to play the piano for us, his mother is willing to supply a group of young dancers, including some really young ones to give us the aah factor. Plus I have asked one of our volunteers if he will do a couple of sketches to cover up any of my mistakes during the performance & the lovely Jackie has offerred to compere again.

Now all I have to do is get some photos & info on the acts, get someone to sort out the design of the posters, find people to distribute information & posters to the public, find prizes for the tombola & someone to run it in time for early early March, plus late on Brian the elusive one on my photos wants me to find a school choir as well.

Well you can see I have to much time on my hands & a brilliant social life so I thought it was time to venture out & try to make social contact as described in my previous blog. Well I had been a member of Friendsreunited for some years as some of you will know, which had helped me to track down a range of long lost friends, so why not have a look at their companion site to chat, well sadly not quite what I wanted.

In conversation with someone at work they said, why not try their dating site you can just meet up & chat or make friends, so off I went, this is not good for my back, but I will try anything once, Joined up Had a look & there seemed some pleasant people going from their profiles & photos, although others had said be wary people can tell lies (surely not on the internet) plus people appearred to have looked at my profile. so jump straight in thought I & guess what , I got stuck on a page saying they wanted MONEY before I could access anything, well I thought about it & decided being tight & looking for a holiday(more of this in my next blog or maybe later in this one) decided not to bother.

Well yesterday I got a message to say someone was trying to contact me, well being the sad person I am curiosity got the better of me so I decided to contact them, with bated breath I clicked on the link to BE TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY MONEY FIRST, well what should one do.

I felt if someone after reading my profile was that desperate, then I should at least read their message, although friends keeep telling me how I dont look my age, maybe that actually means I am older than I look, must check this out.

Finally curiosity got the better of me so I paid the money & clicked on the link, the message was quite brief & sadly the lady although maybe a very nice person from her profile did not seem to have anything in common with me, plus she lives a considerable distance away from me, so right or wrong I have not yet contacted her but thinking of crititism I have made I now think that I should aknowledge her at least for making the effort.

Whilst browsing through the other members interestingly I came across someone I know & again am not sure whether I should say hello(but would it embarrass her) I suppose she could of contacted me if she wanted.

Well last but no means least I noticed a pleasant looking person so looked at her profile, which if correct meant she was not looking for someone like me but for reasons I am not sure of I e mailed just to say what a lovely person she seemed, what a nice suprise she e mailed back just to thank me, but my feeling is thats the end of that conversation, so lets see what happens on my next visit, I will try to remember to keep you posted

These brilliant photos I came across from a new aquaintance the other day & she was willing for me to put them on, I hope you enjoy them as much as me

My Adventures On Sagazone

Well Readers, I have been spreading my wings & exploring the delights of the web site for us over 50s, I quickly signed up & started to explore.



Quite soon after joining after reading a couple of the posts I decided maybe I should change my photo from Merlin to one of me when I was a little(well a lot younger), well a couple of people contacted me, including a lady, well thought I surely this is a good sign & promptly replied to her, well as usual nothing goes as we want, I am still waiting for a response from her.



Well I have explored different parts of the site now, had a look at the forums, where actually people seem to chat, some seem quite friendly, but I do have to say there are also sadly some people on there as on all sites who are not so pleasant in fact they seem bent on being unpleasant, to each other.



But now the good news, there are some really really nice people on the site & I have to name a few of them in the hope that those of you who I may of tempted to join will go & have a look at their profiles & then blogs, so here goes

Daisiepo Rose58 Honeycook V Goty Funkyfarmer Wilfulwoodpecker



I have just realised I need to say their blogs are an interesting mixture & well worth a visit.



The site does not have the facility yet if ever to upload photos to the blog or create interesting templates, but you can find some wide ranging subjects quite easily as well as follow others involvement in forums you have joined, but also announce your latest blog.

PS just to say this is another photo from my collegue at work



Well thats all for now folks will keep you updated on my adventures in Sagaland

The Next Concert

Sorry about the delay in posting but life has been busy but not particularily interesting recently, but all this will now change

We are starting to plan the next concert for early next year, with a new cast of performers, including Pams People(that is Pams,) Whitefield Operatic society, performing some of their work from musicals, a talented young pianist, a dance troupe, sketches from one of our members & any other people we can rope in.

All we have to do now is to agree on a suitable date, possibly late February early March, we have provisional booking, I have just remembered, we also have our own sound person hopefully and yet again I will most probably have the most important role that of opener of the curtains

The nice photos of the woods are ones taken by a collegue that I noticed as a background on her computer.

I am still seeing my physio & she is still telling me that my back is one of the tightest she has ever seen, I am still trying to to make light of it, but the pain is not abating yet,(you should see the exercises she has me doing, could put them on UTube if i knew how) so is now suggesting I be referred to a consultant by my GP, I feel we have been here before, lets see how quick this happens this time round.

I forgot to say have heard from Zorro who has totally confused me by going to Spain instead of South America, you would of thought he would of known the differance by now, so I feel this could be fate because I am debating whether to go over to Spain for a week before xmas, so am now looking for a flight & accomodation in the next week or two if possible

Our Day in The Country, Viewing Viaducts

Well readers this story goes back some weeks ago, possibly even months ago, when my friend Geoff suggested that it may help him, if we went on a trip to take a photograph or photographs of a couple viaducts of outstanding beauty.

Of course I agreed this was acknowledgement of my photographic skills, as well as a nice ride in the country, I had initially suggested that he take my camera to save me the trip, but he felt I would do more justice to the subject, how could I refuse.

Time passed and we never seem to quite get round to it, so in the end we agreed on a specific date, because another friend of mine was feeling down I asked if it was possible for her to come along for the trip, which he was agreeable to.

On the day he was ready, flasks, biscuits, all sorts of walking gear, two walking sticks and there was still room for me and him, I explained I only had my normal walking shoes but he felt this was not a problem, so of to Anne’s we went, she was as sensibly dressed as me, in that she had high-heeled shoes which she felt would help with her walking, but otherwise was dressed for the day.

Although Geoff told me where we were going, I had never actually pinned him down to the location of these two viaducts, so after a while, I started to wonder just how far we were travelling, it was about two hours before we finally reached our first destination, New Biggin, he then told us that we now had a long walk, mainly over flat ground, but to reassure us he provided us both with a walking stick, being fair to him, he provided us with a warm drink of coffee and a biscuit.

We seemed to walk and walk and walk, apart from three walkers, the only other things we met were a group of sheep, who initially ignored us, but then on closer inspection decided to run off into the distance never to be seen again.

Along the way, Geoff pointed out the drovers Bridge and the path up the hill that they used to use, which now I would imagine people would go up on quad bikes, finally in the distance we saw it, Smardale viaduct, I have to admit it was very impressive from a distance, which prompted me to take a couple of photographs, but putting myself at great risk of falling down the hill, the things we do for others.

Well now we were well on our way, and found extra strength for the last lap, as we approached Geoff explained about how the trains used to go along the path we were walking, across the viaduct, but I cannot remember where the train went after that, we crossed the viaduct and I took a series of other photos, to show the magnificence of the viaduct.

When we checked the time, Geoff announced that we needed to make progress if we were to look at the other viaduct, now at this point I should have realised if it took two hours to get to this viaduct plus the walk maybe it was going to take some time to get to the other one, plus we now had to walk back to the car, which when we were going didn't seem too bad but now, we realised how far we had walked, but never mind hey every day is a new adventure.

Off we set in the car, after another drink coffee, now it gets really complicated, because I was exhausted, and quickly fell asleep, so I am not really sure where we went or how far we travelled before we reached our next destination, I do remember waking up and seeing miles and miles and miles of narrow country lanes, also that the Sun was dipping which may create problems, when I tried to take photos.

Finally we reached our destination, sort of, as far as I can make out we were at Lambley, wherever that is and that we were heading for the Duke of Carlisle's viaduct at New Biggin, Geoff it said that it was not a long walk so we should be okay, well I have to be honest, it wasn't a long walk compared to the other, but it was up and down, over slippy leaves damp soil, plus the light was fast deteriorating.

I have just realised I had not mentioned Anne so far, she seemed to cope remarkably well up to now, but on this path I did get quite concerned, because she had one or two falls, she explained that she was okay going downhill, because high heels helped to balance her out, but the problem was going uphill and that was when she was falling. Despite this she still wanted to continue on the adventure.

Well it got darker & slippier until finally there we were there on top of the viaduct, now you would think this was a good thing, no you cant take a good photo from on top because you cant see the sides very well. I looked over the top to see a bdide in the distance, so said how do we get there so I could get that brilliant photo I was looking for.

Geoff took us off on another trip through the woods, slipping & sliding until we finally got back down to the ground, all the time Geoff was explaining more of the background to the railway line & the viaduct, until we finally reached the bridge, by the way I forgot to say I had taken my digital & SLR cameras to get the best photos, but the SLR had decided to play up, so these are from the digital.

Well now it was getting quite dark, but I tried my best, this is the product of my hard work, it was decided that we needed to come back in the summer on a proper trip, & to explore better places to get a view of the bridge, so finally we slipped & slid back to the proper path & the main road.

It suddenly occurred to me that apart from 2 cups of coffee & 2 chocolate biscuits I had not eaten all day, so we set off on the path home, Geoff said it wasent far to the motorway & then back home for a meal. I thought this was a positive thing until I saw the sign for Hexham, which I know is in Northumbria.

I then asked Geoff where we had been, he explained we had been to Cumbria as well as Northumbria, no wonder I had fallen asleep on the drive, the short trip to the motorway was over the tops & far away, but yes we did eventually reach the motorway & began the long trek home, never was I so pleased as when we finally got to our turnoff.

When I spoke to Anne later in the week she was happy about the day out & felt quite refreshed, in fact she did not have any bruising from the falls, I spoke to Geoff & he also siad he did not understand why I was so tired, having said that he admitted we had done 3oo miles that day, but was looking forward to the next trip in the new year.

Well I am glad they are happy I am still recovering, but pleased with the digital photos & hope the film ones turn out as well.

Whats the lesson I have learnt, next time ask the location & distance we are travelling & make sure I am fed properly on the way.

Life has become a Little to Quiet

Welcome back, sorry but life has been busy, but not the sort of things that are worth recording for you to read since Italy.

Apart from the fact I was asked to open a a local version of "Kiss Me Kate" the musical, that is they wanted me to come on stage to sweep it whilst singing "the opening song " well I explained I am well qualified to sweep the stage i have swept stages in all sorts of interesting places like, Sharston Secondary School, The Broadway night club in Manchester, various bingo clubs in Birmingham, so if anything I am over qualified for the job, but so far have resisted the temptation of singing or acting on stage, for the benefit of the audience.

Sorry I tell a lie, when doing stage work in Birmingham many years ago, I was involved in a production of a play called "Our Town" in which the stage is set & cleared with the curtains open as part of the show, I had to carry step ladders & chairs on & off, the stage, I feel under the circumstances, walking on "live" was really stressful, but I made no mistakes in my role, or at least none that were commented on.

Unfortunately, singing or dancing I do not do, operating sound & lighting equipment I have done, including the old sound desk from Strawberry Studios (used for Jonathan King's session singers such as 10cc)back in my youth, with the likes of the Drifters, Stan Kentons Band, Gene Pitney, The Coasters (sorry all you young readers it was in the 70s after all)

It has always fascinated me that give people a microphone & they have to either sing , often out of tune or say "testing 1, 2, 3" neither of which did I ever do.

In the same way that if they walk past a drum kit they have a need to hit it usually quite hard causing chaos for the poor drummer on their return.

Well I kindly saved the local population, by my act of kindness, hopefully the show was a success.

This week, I went for a hearing test as us Toggs do, only to be told that my hearing was no worse than 2 years ago, so in discussion with the technician, we eventually agreed that local background noise was increasing, as was my tinnitus.

Balanced against that someone at work actually was suprised to find I was age 60, not sure if they thought I was older or younger, so accepted the statement in the hope it was the latter.

I have been reading that Melanies, blog about her trip to America, part 3, dont they make you jealous, going off on these adventures, meeting all these interesting people & places, having said that please have a read of her blog, it gives a very different insite into the people she has met as well as the places she has been.

If you are reading this & want to help my blog become more interesting I am quite willing to travel & describe in facinating detail where I have been & who I have met along the way.

A trip to Italy by a Togg

Well at long last my last holiday this year to a place with such a strange name Malcesine (pronounced malchesney I am told) which is on the banks of Lake Garda in Italy, with the mountains behind & the lake in front.

It is a pretty little town, but sadly full of tourists like me, with little cafes & shops & a local ferry to other picturesque towns also on the lake.

The accomodation was good(if you are interested go to Tripadvisor for my comments in the next few days) with a terrace overlooking the lake views & beautiful views of the mountains at the rear.

One of the places to go to had to be Venice & the decision was go for a tour because it was so complex to use public transport for the trip.

Going for the afternoon trip seemed a good idea because it would mean a later rise & hopefully within a short time most of the tourists would of departed, plus there would be the opportunity to take photos of Venice by night.

On the day the trip was quite boring, mostly by motoway, although it was interesting to see their fast food at the service area. But when the coach finally arrived it was a trip across the bay to the main landing stage by ferry, then off to look at the sights.

First to St Marks Square making sure not to sit down, eat or drink, remembering how much it would cost, took a few photos & could not believe how many people there were there, then off to the Doges Palace for the next few hours to look round.

Sadly could not take photos of beautiful rooms & paintings inside but was facinating to see, also there were plenty of seats to rest which were definatly needed with all the stairs & corridors, the ticket enabled vists to other museums, but already was flagging after the first, so decided to have a wander round.

Walked to Rialto bridge through the streets packed with both locals & tourists, there seemed much more posh shops than on previous trip there some years ago. On the way took more photos of the streets & canals, then back to the landing stage on oner of the local water buses.

Met up with the rest of the coach party then off for a meal which was quite pleasant, then a short time to take a few night time photos, sadly no sunsets, that had happened whilst in the restaurant, then back to the coach & off to the resort, finally arrived back at 1am in the morning.

The following morning went down for breakfast then back to bed for the rest of the day totally exausted so much for thinking I was this new fit healthy person.

Also went on a trip to Riva on another day it was a nice little town & very picturesque but it seemed to be undecided in relation to the weather.

The other big trip was by local transport to Verona, unfortunatly the bus was full so I stood for over half the trip before finally getting a seat.

On arrival it was another busy resort (see other blog re fast food), went to see amphitheatre but because there was concert on that night there was a huge stage & modern seating covering the old stone steps.

What a climb to the top of the steps & what a long way down, it must hold an awful lot of people when its full, plus what a depessing place the area down below was.

Next a trip round the local gardens whilst listening to a couple of musicians playing, it was very relaxing, before going off to see the famous balcony where Juliet was supposed to of been, a little difficult because she never existed, it was nice that so many people were romatic enough to make the trip & to pose with the statue of Juliet, not sure what had happened to Romeo.

Then off to the castle but ran out of time so did not have time to explore inside, then back to the bus, luckily got seat on trip back but slept most of the way.

At the hotel met a lovely couple he had been in the police force & was facinating to listen to about the past when he worked in Manchester & his wife had gone to school just down the road from me, I hope one day he puts this to paper recording this information that soon will be lost.

There were good days and bad in relation to the weather on the last day it was again overcast, I had thought of going up in the cable car, but again it was overcast so only went to the base station which was in a beautiful setting, would i go back again not sure was a little bit to busy for me.

Latest Trip To Ireland

Yet again sorry about the delay to all you readers, but I seem to of started with my Man Flu again which has slowed me down.

Having said that here goes with the trip to Ireland for Grand daughters birthday, first suprise was that she was there at the airport to great me, it must be the new improved communication with her through BEBO, having said that I still have not figured all of it out & struggle to understand the text speak they use.

The other bit I find about e mail with youngsters is that they can speak at incredible speed & have views on everything until I get an e mail then its "how are you grand dad" "what you doing cheerio" but my daughter in law informs me that the problem is that they are sending 100s of e mails daily so do not have time for long messages.

Well back to the plot, I was informed that they had planned to take me to see Shrek 3, sadly I had to inform them I had presumed they would of already seen it so had gone already, I was good enough not to tell them anything of the story.

We spent a lot of time chatting & I explained to my grand daughters that I would like to help with their school trips, to improve their chances of seeing more of the world, the older one told me that possibly she will have a chance to see Zambia this year through the school, so this will improve her chances to go for this once in a lifetime experiance.

On the sunday we went out for a family meal & sitting down together was an enjoyable experiance, at the end of the meal great pleasure was enjoyed by all of us when we spent time making funny faces with the bits left on the plate as you can see from the photo.

So it was an enjoyable trip for me & a happy time for the family

Sad Death Of Dave

For a change I felt it was right to tell you about the sad death of my friend Dave last week, he had health problems from when I first knew him but he never gave up.

He was my inspiration in consumer issues over the years & I admired the time he spent quietly helping other people & the problems in their lives.

As his walking abiliy decreased, he found it harder to get out, until I realised that he could use my electric scooter, which gave him a new lease of life until finally his body started to give up.

Sadly it was a slow deterioration, but I admired, the way in which he continued to fight in his own way, still considering others needs, whilst in hospital.

Unfortunatly, he died in hospital which he had always feared, but I have to admire the way Anne visited daily & the hours she spent during that time seeing to his needs, as well as the care & compassion that she showed him right up until his life ended

Dave you will be sadly missed