Roland

Yes, had all my appointments cancelled. Some by Phone, others by letters. Some by both. The only on still on is my Wufu (Rat Poison lol) tests... Moved to the Council offices next Monday. Don't mind as there are 000's more important than me being taken to Hospital. Will phone the Respiratory Consultant's secretary in regards will - after the reduction of the Steroid tablet course - be continued after I get down to one a day? Must say, at last, something has had a betterment effect.

Thanks, just been diagnose with Legions on the liver. They feel it isn't cancer. Was actually supposed to be in hospital today for M.R.I. AND MORE INVESTIGATIONS ETC. I feel better already Billt lol True, but just joshing for it matters not whatever it is... it is/ will be whatever, so nowt to do, but accept and get on with life eh! ^_^

For those that think it isn't so, I suggest you google it. You will find that they DO attract Viruses and germs. That they are also good to eat. But not - obviously - Kept for long. even in a fridge.

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu... Many of the farmers and their families had contracted it and many died. The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy. Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser. She said that several years ago, many of her employees were coming down with the flu, and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions: Thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmer's story... but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia, and, needless to say, I was very ill. I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put it into an empty jar, and place the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties. This is the other note. Lots of times when we have stomach problems we don't know what to blame. Maybe it's the onions that are to blame. Onions absorb bacteria is the reason they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu and is the very reason we shouldn't eat an onion that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open. LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS! I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, Makers of mayonnaise. Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist. Ed, who was our tour guide, is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. Ed said that all commercially-made mayo is completely safe. "It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the summer picnic, with the bowl of potato salad sitting on the table, and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick. Ed says that, when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not home made mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the ONIONS, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES. He explained onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hot dogs at the baseball park!). Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down. Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions. Please remember it is dangerous to cut an onion and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess bile secretions and even food poisoning Also may be of an interest. The most common cause of death among small children at the turn of the twentieth century used to be dehydration caused by diarrhea. Professor Ernst Moro, a paediatrician, found that he could lower the death rate dramatically about 1908 by feeding the children a simple carrot soup and this recipe became the standard regimen until the development of antibiotics at about 1940. By far the major cause of diarrhea is an infection by micro-organisms that multiply in the intestines and excrete various toxins. This scenario causes an increase in intestinal motility and massive excretion of semi-digested food and fluids. Dr. Moro had no idea why this simple soup was so beneficial. It took modern science to uncover the secret: Various pathogenic micro-organisms attach to receptors on the intestinal wall. The preparation of the carrot soup splits the sugars present in the carrots into very small oligosaccharides which in turn are very similar to the intestinal receptors. The pathogens attach to these oligo-saccharides and are safely excreted before they can cause any problems. Although no longer used against diarrhoea in children this soup finds application against diarrhoea in various livestock and chicken. It may be beneficial to prevent "young bird sickness" and even treat it in its very early stages. It may also be used again against infections by antibiotic resistant micro-organisms. Recipe for 40 pigeons: 1 kg diced carrots 2.5 l water 3 tsp. salt Let the above simmer for 1.5 hrs. (this time is important) and divide the liquid into 3 equal portions. Use one portion in the drinker (mixed with the appropriate amount of water) for 3 consecutive days. Should the birds already be sick it may be best to feed just some rolled oats for a few days instead of grain that may be too hard to digest.

Lol, Brill the both of you … But how did you know :emoticon-0136-giggle:

In all honesty, Joyce is a very, very good and excellent wife. I couldn't get better, and no need to try and wish in that regards - and my standards Are very high lol - I couldn't write or sing her praises high enough. We have never ever been apart in over the 20 odd years we've been together. We are still able to converse regularly. Always, but always have time to talk to converse. Yes! She doesn't like religion etc. But hey, then there isn't very many that do in this day and age. I find it easy to be flippant and take a rise. Indeed once I start it just dribbles on and on and on. I would have to spend quite a lot of time trying, to tell the truth, and singing her virtues! Honestly, Joyce is a great wife, wonderful mother and an incredible Gran!

Well, you offer a well-meaning hand. I decided to cook the excellent lady her dinner. Well actually substitute the Pastry etc. I even cut the Pastry off for her! I, put a part of a Walnut cake. Even in pieces. Then poured the custard over it—all for her! Talk about biting the hand that feeds them, eh! Finished eating she moved away saying 'well you started so you can finish. I first off thought she was bragging in regards to hearing 'Master Mind' once and was showing off. But no! She expected me to do the washing up and drying off. I told her point-blank not to exceed her station and to get on with it1 Some folks eh! Give an inch, and they demand a mile, eh! Sometimes she amazes me with an answer. Like this morning, I came in the house after about half-hour. I'd been talking to a neighbour, putting him right band wise over a few things. I think he was impressed because he couldn't wait to go in and tell his son and family what I said. Well, I took my cap off and sat in my favourite chair. Its where I always sort the horse out there. Well, the good lady asked if I'd like a cuppa of tea. I thought but didn't say that that was obvious and the norm. Instead, I replied 'That would be nice.' Then the silly asking came 'Where o you want it'! 'In the cup, I said, 'I'd thought that that was obvious.

No Walter … 3RD! Between us, hate for her to know, as that could mean a 'Tugging at the Heart strings' which could lead to 'Emotional Black Mail' eh! But she is a first class lady and the best thing that every happened to me. (Joking apart, that is very true). For I love her dearly, as my post show. How I look after her and find little things to keep her happy eh"

This one Walt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oNdfbZ3TDs

Well was one on the Tele this week regards Kennedy's shooting. Maybe this was the one that shown. The most / best, was the one actually showing the shooter. He was in the car behind. He was a C.I.A man at that. Was there to supposedly protect etc. Also how he stayed standing up to take two shots.

I'm not moaning, Gosh, may that never be the case. I am proud of that fact. As you will all realise now, I am nothing if not a peaceful and caring fellow. Only always too pleased to help. To put matters right in a loving, very patient,and a helpful way. However, sometimes, sad to say, I feel the response falls well short of respect. Unbelievable, to say the least. Now, as I mentioned only a couple of days ago, how helpful I am in considerate ways—always trying to find the excellent lady things to do! Though I may say at times, I feel, Joyce doesn't appreciate it. No matter how nicely I put it to help her! To stop her from getting bored. We all well know the adage 'Idle hands' etc. Well, yesterday I knew, just knew she was on a crusade. One, if not nipping in the bud, would be a 'Warcry. For something was on her mind. Something she wanted to mention, whatever that was. Firstly I heard the clanging and bumping about in the bedroom— the weight of her on the bed. Curtains being opened. I could have got mad then, because it was only 20 to eleven in the morning! But, lovingly I didn't. I just tried to roll over and get back to much-needed shut-eye! Then, you won't believe this; she started hoovering the bedroom! True! I kid you not. Well, I asked her politely to turn the ***ING THING OFF! As any rational person would. But I couldn't get back to sleep, so deciding to get up, asked her to pop down and make me breakfast and have a cuppa ready. Well, I like peace and quiet, as most of us do when enjoying a full English breakfast and a pott of tea. Yet! I made a mistake. I knew it as soon as I said. 'Thanks'! For the flood gates nigh opened. Well, would have if I allowed it. Firstly having a go at me for moaning about her hoovering up, saying I often told her to do as such! – Which, I agree I do sometimes when she has nothing to do, say 'Go and do some hoovering'. It helps her pass the time of day. So the good lady was partially right. But, as I told her 'No flipping reason to turn it on in the morning in the bedroom when folks are trying to get a decent sleep.'. Then the knees. Oh them knees she moaned. Moaned that they were so sore, so tender, even to the touch Especially between the knee joints, I said 'Well, What do you expect gallivanting around rooftops cleaning out weeds. On old planks at that! It's a wonder you didn't get splinters'. I further explained it was what most women got scrubbing doorsteps for 2/6 a time weekly—called 'House Maid knees'! Millions of women get it! That it would ease and get better. 'I've got splinters too' she moaned. As if it was a medal of honour! 'Well' said I 'Bread and milk is a simple solution to draw them out … Or better still, save money and dig them out with a needle'! You can see how helpful I am, besides being practical! I'm all heart! Well, a bit of peace came, for I decided to do some cooking. I do enjoy that. The good lady was somewhere else, popping in to say, or ask something. I said 'Can't you see I am busy'! To give her, her due, she left me in peace for a while. I baked a beautiful loaf of bread: a meat and potatoes pie with onions, with the odd dash of herbs etc. Then I made an apple and blackberry pie. You would think she'd happy with me doing things for her! Saving her time to do other things she liked—something or other she wanted to do eh! I had made a list in this regards, but somehow she failed to find it. Unbelievable, I know. So I put it on the arm of her favourite chair where she likes to sit - if having time. But, I often think 'Idle Hands etc. Feeling she may be thinking up things to moan about. Or to give me grief. She picked on me stating 'I don't know why you have to make pies, nor so many at once? I replied 'because I like them. I would have thought it was obvious'. 'Well I don't like pastry, as you well know, it upsets my stomach.' 'So? I like pastry'. I replied. 'They upset me, besides, you shouldn't be having pastry either as you well know'! She continued. 'Ah, but I can cut the pastry off yours for you can't I.' 'You still won't eat all the pastry even then will you. So Its goes to waste'. 'Well it wouldn't go to waste if you ate it, now would it'! I retaliated. Thus expressing that it wasn't me wasting it, But her! Because if she ate pastry, it wouldn't be wasted! Simple that, but it seems it always falls on deaf ears.

My Joyce eh! Such a lovely wife and good.... Mind, when I get a hour or so to write regards her antics and moaning yesterday, I will. Then you will perhaps see what I have to contend with eh!

Yes all, Very moving just to read in regards of their' loyalty and braveness. A credit to all and sundry. Yes to the nation(s). Makes me proud. No not for being one as such, but just see their' tributes!

Might well take you up on that Walter .. Wife, family. kids, and grand kids and friends mates and old uncle tom Cobbley and all. Maybe some will give us bed for a few days. Wouldn't want to have a wasted journey … Long way there and back just for a good nosh up eh! :emoticon-0140-rofl: Indeed look for to the well known Scottish welcome! Indeed I suppose asking for a collection for fuel would be an ask to many! Seriously Walt, do and enjoy mate. However regards racing. This 12 week lock up etc. is just the beginning I fear. I think it will be a few months more than that. Indeed China once stated that some had caught it again! Those getting over it... will they be carriers? etc.

I have a few feral PIGENS ROOSTING AND NEST IN THE STREET AND NIEGHBOURS BACK YARDS HERE about . A couple of doors up a new neighbour has a dove cote … lost some to cats but … Any way they all are up and around flying. Good to see. Plus I don't have to spend money to feed them and clean them out lol :emoticon-0127-lipssealed:

Another thought is that living huddle up and on top of each other … Nah no sexually lol - it takes a mite of patience I guess' So I agree with what many are saying in this regard. Best to keep the ladies busy and happy, eh! Mind that doesn't often work. Well, not for long anyway. Take the first couple of days here. Joyce, the lady who 'must be obeyed', moans she is bored! So I suggest finding chores to do, especially any that may need an update. Mind you, that didn't go quite as planned. Golly she drabbles on, with many innuendo's and uttering like 'Are you saying I don't'! and 'If you're not satisfied, do it your self'! I try to put a point across, that I was trying to help, to put forward ethical reasoning etc. Of course, I did, after all, if nothing else I am all heart! But the come back was 'You mean to do your' chores while you sit on your fat bum doing nothing'! 'Not true,' I replied. All to no avail. On Monday, I tried to help her by suggesting she got the scissors out – which I bought her – and cut the grass as it will be a mite drier! Gosh, you would think I had opened her purse! Anyway, to give the lady her due, she did go out and start doing it. Yet, the cheeky (Person) wanted ME to sharpen them! I soon put her straight. I told her she was being very ungrateful. That I had spent good money getting THEM scissors for her! So, like the calm, tranquil and caring master I am, I put my arm around her and took her into MY 'Work shed'. I explained how to put the scissors in the vice, and NOT to over tighten it. Then with a file, to lightly smooth over a couple of pushes. But not to touch the faces as that would ruin them. Gosh, I sometimes feel my caring attitude is wasted. That it is of no account. Yeah, she had the audacity to ask if I was going to do it for her! 'No'! I said. 'I've shown you how to do it so you will be able to do it, as and when, needed in the future'! You can't please some folks! Next morning I caught my finger somehow, and a speck of blood showed. So I naturally took out a plaster and covered it over some Sudo crème. Guess what! She complained that her fingers were so sore from all that use of scissors cutting the grass, and asked if she could have a couple. 'What'! I told her I bought them for myself, not to give around. That she should have bought herself some when she purchase MINE! Still, they did look badly chaffed, so being the nice guy I am, I lent her a couple. But! You've guessed it, in no time at all, she moaned about being bored. I suggested, nicely, 'You could weed the garden. I'll lend you a screwdriver to help dig them out'! To give due, where warranted, she did do a decent job. Of course, I did take the lady around and point out some weeds she had missed. I don't think she even appreciated that! Then a couple of hours later, she asked me if I was going to clear the weeds on top of the tiled roof of my pigeon loft. Cheeky git! I explained we have some scaffold planks in the shed. That if she placed a few across the roof, from the bottom- gutter end, then carefully putting the other end at the back end on top of the coving, it would clear the tiles and do no damage. then moving them carefully as needed she could do the weeding in between the planks. She looked at me a mite perplex. Well I think she was. So I explained it again. Well three times in all actually. Anyway, after staring and nodding at me, she stormed off and got the ladders out and placed them up aside the loft, asking if I was going to stand on the bottom. Yeah, I know you wouldn't believe it would you eh! 'No, No, love' I smiled, 'you don't weigh all that much, so no need, besides I've got other things to do'! 'Like what' she wanted to know, raising her voice. Now that is uncalled for, and I told her so. Indeed I said 'No need for that tone and attitude. I have plenty of things to do that are not your concerned'. Then she dared to ask again 'Yeah yeah Like what'. That was it. I told her straight. 'Look just get up the ladder and clear the weeds'. I had to leave then, or I would have told her some home truths. Which from time to time I have had too. Though to be honest, she struggles to accept them sometimes. I went in to have a nice cuppa of tea. About two hours later, she came in. I feel she was being sarcastic, with her questions and innuendos, like 'Right, Ok I've done that! What's next'! and 'I see you have had a cuppa and read the papers per usual. Did you think to make me a cup of tea'! 'No'! I replied you were busy upon the roof. 'I didn't want to disturb you'. Oh, some looks you get from ungrateful persons some time, eh! I said 'Now you're here, you could put the kettle on and make us both a cuppa … By the way, have you put the ladders and planks back in the shed'? I think she is still peeved off having to stay in! For she stormed off into the living room shouting 'Yes! Of course, I have! Keep them lean mean and hungry, they say. Might have to try that!

I see it is now thought that 50% of the population actually have this virus. Not surprised there none personally. If out, and have a hand or such to touch... When out last, a week over, I carried a nigh wet rag soaked Disinfectant. Put my card in the hole in the wall. Paid the bills and took out some cash. Then taking the card out via the cloth I well wiped it! Some looks did I get eh! But the card before mine going in could have been put in by a hand having the virus!

I suppose, one needn't breed their own. Could it be a good chance to buy in and give them a year- or so - to bask in a happy atmosphere get contented. Have a natural love of home? Next season then, maybe, out crossing and getting some vital vigour back into the birds!

Sorry, not true! Can often be thought, and even taken as a fact, certainly by so many. However, the simple truth is that it simply isn't true. Indeed far from it. Did post up a few weeks or so ago the findings in two clubs, a Federation, and their' results. Natural youngsters do, do better actually. Certainly later in the season at that! Also many say losses less, Again certainly against Natural youngsters. A youngster born second round where the First round was from a late March/early April more than held their own. Just another myth thought to be a fact, because in the main a 'Certain Fancier' says it, or is paid to write a feature of his success. Where much is also Codswallop and untruth. Yet relished by the ones not doing so well regards results and trying anything to gain better results. (Naturally better results eh! No pun intend. Sorry yes a Pun is meant lol

Know a good fancier who said Youngsters need to be by 4:30 in June into a dark loft... Just light enough to feed and take water. I've never done it or tried it so ...

I feel, belief, that many thoughts are set forth with a happening(s) related or not. Valid reasons or not as the case may be. Of course, they are. For instance, nigh every year now, many fanciers are devastated with losses. Especially with Y'b's! Many say I bred 60 or even a hundred and finished up with 12 or 219 etc. Now one must take that on board as a fact! So one could beg the question, would the results be the same if never trained or raced! The quick and straight forward answer, off the cuff, would be 'Weer they would be worse'! I ask then 'Why'? So those trained are also lost in vast numbers! ; as I stated in the first post. Yes when I started just sending yearlings and two years old, - though losses to be fair and honest weren't too bad. Indeed I would wager better than most over fanciers by far! Was a return to past proven days, when hardly anyone ever trained, yet flew the programs with distinction. Yes, some, like today were better flyers. But the worse thing - or in reality the best - was the deciding what had to make room. Sorry but a fact. Likewise, and truthful, my losses got less each year! Indeed 5-10% tops. Like I say, it sorts the chaff from the corn. Soon only birds that like the system, and want to be at the place they love, where they feel warm safe and above all, contented, besides and satisfied and even unbeknown Thankful lol. Yes then are always there. Remember, the more times sent, obviously the more chances of losses. Whether around the loft now too.

Roads and causeway's that lead to Rome Eh Walt. I feel, that one or two, or many changes may, and perhaps should be thought in this enforced break. Indeed and some put to the tests. Folks get comfortable with habits, good or bad. They also, then, hate change. Of course, adages abound either and anyway. If we are to lose this season's racing or most of it, I say and ask Can thoughts, aimed for the better in both the sport and it's well being be a way forward? Is there reasoning for the betterment of our birds and their'welfare, that … We have a close season in as much we can't and don't race in the close season. Events, sadly now are on the wane. Again attending meeting etc. is via sparse numbers only. Thoughts and practices are then paramount to gear the birds for the next season. Could there be new thoughts, in this enforced break to help the pigeons and us? Perhaps forward an opinion, a thought I certainly don't think it would hurt, let alone be a waste of time.

Well done. It shows forethought and another way forward.

Doohead, that is a fact for sure. Sadly. But maybe, just maybe, they will move over and give up on the local lofts... well for a short time. Am afraid that they will soon be back.. I know, if the birds are out, most wouldn't be bothered where they got the breakfast eh! Yet, many birds would be there next season to race. Now I know for sure, that 'Just racing' and no training, even letting out will and does have very beneficial results. Dal12 I certainly don't disagree that that may have been the case. However, as I stated, a new system does take a season or two for the birds to adapt. When in Canada, lofts I visited often had their birds in for months at a time. Indeed till two weeks or so before the first race. Others longer or shorter. Hence a proof that 'Holding up' and what not has no detrimental harm in the least. Of course one must, and does as they feel fit Of for the very best for their birds! That said, to keep and interest will be the key for Next season and the seasons after, hopefully. As a 'Soothsayer' I fear that this season will by and large be lost. Maybe a little saved... However I'm sad to say I fear no racing whatsoever will be the outcome. Will some or many disband the sport? I, again, fear there will be many packing up. Sadly. We must take in hand just what we can and can't do. How to keep an interest and vested way of moving on and forward. 'The Fife Federation Y/B Sale which was cancelled due to restrictions imposed by the SHU will now go ahead on Pigeon Basics. The Fife Federation Officials would like to thank Archie and Pigeon Basics for allowing us to do the Sale online. It will run from 18.00 on Sunday the 5th April and finish at 21.00 on Sunday 12th April with the 5 minute rule applying, with the site clock having the final say. The sale list has been moved to the Auctions Topic. Once payment has been received donors details will be passed to the winning bidder. Yes another way forward thinking. Well done. I believe, hope that this id just the tip of an ice berg in our endeavours to combat and get over many obstacles. A way forward. Many other good ideas will -I hope and believe - will show their heads! J.M.O.

I don't personally believe every cloud has a silver lining. However, often feel that certain happenings can bring about change—both for the better, or not so good. Now in the unlikely event, racing will be curtailed to a smaller, or more likely a greater extent, this will - maybe - give sway to new thoughts and happenings. Now, what could I do differently? Is there reasoning, a blessing that could happen. Maybe one formerly enters the head. Perhaps some adages are no more than 'Old adages'. Could I - now having time - put reasoning of new thoughts into action? One thing I found, personally, and very helpful, indeed good was letting the y/b's just be themselves. No training - none needed - left to own devices and contentment. Gaining a natural love of home. Indeed Territory! Happy to enjoy the 'Hotel of Safety' I provided. Yes, another good thing - first off - there will be losses off the top of those not liking or taking to your system. That's for sure, but then losses will become well less over the next year or two, even none! Yes, you will gain by having birds wanting to be there. Yes, want to be there and having a 'Love of Home'! The need to let out?! Well, not needed, and can / will mean B.O.P. is going hungry. Now that in its self is a bonus! Agreed the youngsters first off will need letting out. To gain where they are and Building love and protection is of the most all-important 'Pecking order. Just for a starter, eh! Off the top of my head granted, but! How much and many other thoughts can be put forward, too in this enforced lay off. It is an ill wind that blows no good, that's for sure!