Monday, 9 July 2007
I'm loving it
Can't tell you how excited I am - have been looking for AGES for a piece to fit the bay in our main room and I have found it...HER...to be precise. A lovely bronze ballerina standing maybe five feet tall, arms flung high, looking like she is LOVING life. Second hand rooms in Leith Walk- brilliant street. A shoppers paradise: the nearest thing to Portobello Road the city has.
Central Police are great
Holiday fortnight and things get much busier at PEP. Every summer we run a month long summer programme for older or vulnerable people who wouldn't otherwise enjoy a holiday: as usual the programme comprises a mix of day trips & picnics (Peebles, The Safari Park, Haddington, Culross, Stirling etc.) , learning classes (Ikebana, Fit n'Fun, Edinburgh's Old Town) and social occasions (Strawberry Tea, It's a Knockout, Mystery Tour etc.) Nothing costs more than £3 and everything is always oversubscribed. Last year over 200 people took advantage of the opportunity and this year it looks like there will be a lot more - the staff have to work extra hard but it feels worth it when you get phone calls saying as one old lady did, 'I have never laughed so much - it was the best fun.' We 'lost' a passenger last week: the first ever and it certainly caused a stir - she thought she had missed the rendezvous time and jumped on a bus back to Edinburgh. Meanwhile, we report her as a missing person. Central Police and Stirling's traffic wardens are brilliant, checking CCTV, birling round the town centre in police cars looking out for a 75 year old lady, short, with white hair, dressed in navy (I ask you - anybody could fit that description). They couldn't be faulted: she turned up safe and well: and we have revised our policies so that all passengers carry details of our emergency number so if they get separated they can always reach us...who said getting old made life any less exciting?
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Reviewing current positions
More progress with the damp kitchen: EBS have really got the finger out - they've sourced the leak (a neighbour's washing machine), got my constituent temporarily re-housed and have promised to have the kitchen replastered, repainted, rebuilt and the old man back at home by 16 July...I am holding them to their promise.
Read Cardinal O'Brien's call in yesterday's Scotsman for a political review on the Abortion Laws and some of ther responses today. It is a difficult one isn't it? We have become a secular society - quite uniquely really - governed by secular law based on assumptions about shared morality yet there is plainly a point where those with firm faith find that public morality clashing with their personal viewpoint. Even those of us with no faith reach a point where public and private morality bump. Abortion is one of those areas, I think.
I can well remember the debates in the 60's when David Steele's bill was going through parliament. At the time I was firmly pro-choice, convinced by the medical arguments, by the reality of botched backstreet abortions, by the opinion that women had the right of choice over their own bodies. I guess those practical reasons have real force for me still. But, where once there was only certainty there is now creeping doubt.
I look at the ultra sound images of friends' and family babies in the womb and know I am seeing a real human being: I know too that human being is utterly dependent on its mother (and her medical team) for continued survival at least till birth and I wonder what's the difference between the womb and the maternity ward: science has completely blurred the boundaries of ante and post natality.
I know too I don't buy into arguments about life being random or casual or easily disposable. If my life's important so is every other one. The politican willing to compromising that principle has no place in democratic politics.
The reason for favouring abortion was principally about the life & well being of the mother and I don't resile from that. But as UK society grows wealthier and science changes medical realities it gets harder to make those arguments. I am reminded of, (I think, though I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong) Albert Einstein who said, 'when the facts change so does my opinion.' Of course, that doesn't address the dilemma of the woman who been been raped, or the girl who is still a child herself and is pregnant or the many, many other exceptions that will prove a rule...but on balance, yes. I do think we need to review the current position.
Read Cardinal O'Brien's call in yesterday's Scotsman for a political review on the Abortion Laws and some of ther responses today. It is a difficult one isn't it? We have become a secular society - quite uniquely really - governed by secular law based on assumptions about shared morality yet there is plainly a point where those with firm faith find that public morality clashing with their personal viewpoint. Even those of us with no faith reach a point where public and private morality bump. Abortion is one of those areas, I think.
I can well remember the debates in the 60's when David Steele's bill was going through parliament. At the time I was firmly pro-choice, convinced by the medical arguments, by the reality of botched backstreet abortions, by the opinion that women had the right of choice over their own bodies. I guess those practical reasons have real force for me still. But, where once there was only certainty there is now creeping doubt.
I look at the ultra sound images of friends' and family babies in the womb and know I am seeing a real human being: I know too that human being is utterly dependent on its mother (and her medical team) for continued survival at least till birth and I wonder what's the difference between the womb and the maternity ward: science has completely blurred the boundaries of ante and post natality.
I know too I don't buy into arguments about life being random or casual or easily disposable. If my life's important so is every other one. The politican willing to compromising that principle has no place in democratic politics.
The reason for favouring abortion was principally about the life & well being of the mother and I don't resile from that. But as UK society grows wealthier and science changes medical realities it gets harder to make those arguments. I am reminded of, (I think, though I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong) Albert Einstein who said, 'when the facts change so does my opinion.' Of course, that doesn't address the dilemma of the woman who been been raped, or the girl who is still a child herself and is pregnant or the many, many other exceptions that will prove a rule...but on balance, yes. I do think we need to review the current position.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Edinburgh - palaces and poverty
Garden Party yesterday and though plenty thunder not a drop of rain - a dry Garden Party in every sense. Caught up with lots of people I haven't seen for a while and had a good time. Just as I was leaving I bumped into Campbell Christie, holding a very fetching cream hat (for Betty who was in the loo). He told me he's just recovering from treatment for bowel cancer. 'Snap,' I said and we fell into a discussion on the relative merits of our respective treatments. We have both been very lucky. One in two people who contract it, die of bowel cancer: it was a sobering moment - two lucky survivors. Oh yes, and I did see the Queen and Princes Philip and Edward too...
And today, an elderly constituent contacted me - his kitchen is riddled with dampness and some months ago EBS arranged to visit to pull the ceiling down and remove the damaged plaster from his kitchen walls. Then, it seemed like they forgot about him 'cos several weeks later he asked me to visit to see the ruin he's been left with...
If you can imagine it, all his kitchen equipment is stacked in his livingroom, his kitchen ceiling has a gaping hole, perhaps a metre square, and the plaster that's left on the walls is riddled with dampness and black spores. Immediately, I get on his case but for some reason my email/letter goes missing so another month drags by before he comes back to ask what's happening and at last - easily 3 months after the first work started we see some action by the Council (and a very fulsome letter of apology citing mixed dates, missed appointments etc etc). Today I receive another phone call from him (elderly and on a low, fixed income) : a humidifier has been installed to dry the dampness but it's running away with his electricity card and he's had to switch the machine off - so my office gets involved in explaining the problem, looking for an answer. Now, I am pleased to say that the housing officer dealing with the case shows some understanding of the old fellow's dilemma and agrees to find out how he can be helped with the cost of running the machine...however, it takes a lot of energy, time and money to sort out what is, in effect, a problem of poverty and the casual assumptions that go on day in, day out about people and their circumstances.
Once again, I am struck by the immense contrast in our great city: palaces and poverty - three miles apart yet may as well be on different planets.
And today, an elderly constituent contacted me - his kitchen is riddled with dampness and some months ago EBS arranged to visit to pull the ceiling down and remove the damaged plaster from his kitchen walls. Then, it seemed like they forgot about him 'cos several weeks later he asked me to visit to see the ruin he's been left with...
If you can imagine it, all his kitchen equipment is stacked in his livingroom, his kitchen ceiling has a gaping hole, perhaps a metre square, and the plaster that's left on the walls is riddled with dampness and black spores. Immediately, I get on his case but for some reason my email/letter goes missing so another month drags by before he comes back to ask what's happening and at last - easily 3 months after the first work started we see some action by the Council (and a very fulsome letter of apology citing mixed dates, missed appointments etc etc). Today I receive another phone call from him (elderly and on a low, fixed income) : a humidifier has been installed to dry the dampness but it's running away with his electricity card and he's had to switch the machine off - so my office gets involved in explaining the problem, looking for an answer. Now, I am pleased to say that the housing officer dealing with the case shows some understanding of the old fellow's dilemma and agrees to find out how he can be helped with the cost of running the machine...however, it takes a lot of energy, time and money to sort out what is, in effect, a problem of poverty and the casual assumptions that go on day in, day out about people and their circumstances.
Once again, I am struck by the immense contrast in our great city: palaces and poverty - three miles apart yet may as well be on different planets.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
blessings in disguise
As if Ann hadn't enough to worry about with 3 bairns she phoned me today in a panic. A magpie flew down her chimney into her livingroom causing soot, mayhem and panic - flew about, shat everywhere till eventually, they managed to get it out the window. She wanted a loan of my carpet shampooer to clean up the mess - a blessing in disguise. Housework is not one of my lovely daughter's priorities or strengths.
I wonder what my eldest son will make of it. Had he lived centuries ago he would have been the village shaman: he sees omens in small, unusual events and has a certain level of intuition that is uncanny. For instance, he can predict who will be on the phone when it rings; intuits events; has instincts about people which, once shared, seem harsh but always come true. He can spot a phoney a mile off. On occasion it makes him very intolerant - it is a family trait.
I wonder what my eldest son will make of it. Had he lived centuries ago he would have been the village shaman: he sees omens in small, unusual events and has a certain level of intuition that is uncanny. For instance, he can predict who will be on the phone when it rings; intuits events; has instincts about people which, once shared, seem harsh but always come true. He can spot a phoney a mile off. On occasion it makes him very intolerant - it is a family trait.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Worries
A sample of the curtain fabric (Romo Poppies Terracotta, if anyone is interested) arrived today and we matched it to the paint cards. Celtic green (which despite its name is the palest, muted shade of green) was the clear winner. We are agreed. A small step for domestic harmony...but still to decide whether it's silk or eggshell, matt or satinwood...these things take time...other people seem to manage these decisions easily but never us.
An interesting meeting this morning at Royston Mains: the Council proposes to sell a cleared plot of land to Dunedin Canmore where they will build a supported housing facility of 60 homes for older or vulnerable people. Initially, the idea was mooted by the community since the present sheltered housing complex is built at the foot of a steep hill which makes it difficult for older or disabled residents to get out and about. Today's event was aimed at testing opinion for what the new complex should contain: a shop, a hairdresser, a bar, some health facilities, a drop-in room for other agencies such as the police were all suggested. I think it is unlikely many of these ideas will survive the planning stages since they seem aimed more at isolating older people as opposed to encouraging them out into the community. There were also some good ideas about community meeting rooms etc. I made the point that several older people have recently contacted me for advice regarding their housing options: they bought their homes during Thatcher's housing revolution and now need to downsize or find homes more suited to their deteriorating mobility: they want to stay in North Edinburgh where their social ties exist and want to maintain some capital investment in property but can't afford what's available. I asked whether it was intended to include some shared equity properties in the new development. I am pleased that Dunedin and the Council seem willing to explore this as an option.
The latest information emerging about the suspects in recent terrorist incidents is deeply worrying. I should think if I were a Muslim working in the NHS I would be extremely concerned about what my colleagues are thinking. Suspicion and fear will be difficult to avoid - it is impossible to see how it could be otherwise.
An interesting meeting this morning at Royston Mains: the Council proposes to sell a cleared plot of land to Dunedin Canmore where they will build a supported housing facility of 60 homes for older or vulnerable people. Initially, the idea was mooted by the community since the present sheltered housing complex is built at the foot of a steep hill which makes it difficult for older or disabled residents to get out and about. Today's event was aimed at testing opinion for what the new complex should contain: a shop, a hairdresser, a bar, some health facilities, a drop-in room for other agencies such as the police were all suggested. I think it is unlikely many of these ideas will survive the planning stages since they seem aimed more at isolating older people as opposed to encouraging them out into the community. There were also some good ideas about community meeting rooms etc. I made the point that several older people have recently contacted me for advice regarding their housing options: they bought their homes during Thatcher's housing revolution and now need to downsize or find homes more suited to their deteriorating mobility: they want to stay in North Edinburgh where their social ties exist and want to maintain some capital investment in property but can't afford what's available. I asked whether it was intended to include some shared equity properties in the new development. I am pleased that Dunedin and the Council seem willing to explore this as an option.
The latest information emerging about the suspects in recent terrorist incidents is deeply worrying. I should think if I were a Muslim working in the NHS I would be extremely concerned about what my colleagues are thinking. Suspicion and fear will be difficult to avoid - it is impossible to see how it could be otherwise.
Monday, 2 July 2007
Floods, War and Royal Garden Parties
I bet Gordon Brown is wondering if someone up there has it in for him: four days in - floods and war...he only needs pestilence and famine to complete the hand!
Had a good weekend despite the weather. Babysitting in Musselburgh on Friday - Ann's three are all very young and are great fun. Took them out for a walk (in between showers) to Luca's. The ice creams were so big the kids couldn't finish them, then home for bath and bed. It was a gentle, slow- paced evening and I enjoyed it. Wee Hollie is a sweetheart: she has captured my heart - big debate about nappy pants -'No granny. Mummy says I don't need them anymore.' 'Are you sure?'
Big solemn green eyes, 'Yes granny.'
I didn't argue the point. Soaking wet bed later. Two years old and she has me round her finger.
Then on Saturday Mike and I went shopping for rugs and curtains - we went to a wee shop in Haddington (Norman Craig) for the curtain fabric . They measure the windows and make the drapes up for a fraction of the price at John Lewis. That's our next DIY challenge: redecorating the main room. Oh joy...big argument in B&Q at the Dulux paint machine: he fancies lime zest, I want celtic forest. In the end we agree to disagree and leave without anything. How we're going to ever get the room done is anybody's guess. It'll be a stand-off till the rug arrives (in September - amazing thing this rug: ordered in Leith, woven in China, shipped to USA to be made to bespoke requirements, then back to Leith to finally be laid on a floor in Granton: think of the carbon footprint involved in that - Andrew Burns will have a lot of cycling & Mike Maginnis a helluva lot of recycling to offset that... I almost feel guilty) when we will be forced to make a decision and get on with painting the walls...in a rush, as we do most things...then we'll nark and moan and be sorry we ever started the damned thing in the first place. I can see it all unfolding before me. But it is 10 years since this room was touched and it can't be left for much longer.
Wednesday is the Garden Party - 4th July: American Independence Day; my parents' wedding anniversary - if my dad still lived it would be their 54th - he died on my 50th birthday and I miss him still. My mother misses him much more. I am going to the Party though the forecast is poor. Nothing different there, though. Every Royal Garden Party I've ever attended it has chucked at some point in the afternoon.
Had a good weekend despite the weather. Babysitting in Musselburgh on Friday - Ann's three are all very young and are great fun. Took them out for a walk (in between showers) to Luca's. The ice creams were so big the kids couldn't finish them, then home for bath and bed. It was a gentle, slow- paced evening and I enjoyed it. Wee Hollie is a sweetheart: she has captured my heart - big debate about nappy pants -'No granny. Mummy says I don't need them anymore.' 'Are you sure?'
Big solemn green eyes, 'Yes granny.'
I didn't argue the point. Soaking wet bed later. Two years old and she has me round her finger.
Then on Saturday Mike and I went shopping for rugs and curtains - we went to a wee shop in Haddington (Norman Craig) for the curtain fabric . They measure the windows and make the drapes up for a fraction of the price at John Lewis. That's our next DIY challenge: redecorating the main room. Oh joy...big argument in B&Q at the Dulux paint machine: he fancies lime zest, I want celtic forest. In the end we agree to disagree and leave without anything. How we're going to ever get the room done is anybody's guess. It'll be a stand-off till the rug arrives (in September - amazing thing this rug: ordered in Leith, woven in China, shipped to USA to be made to bespoke requirements, then back to Leith to finally be laid on a floor in Granton: think of the carbon footprint involved in that - Andrew Burns will have a lot of cycling & Mike Maginnis a helluva lot of recycling to offset that... I almost feel guilty) when we will be forced to make a decision and get on with painting the walls...in a rush, as we do most things...then we'll nark and moan and be sorry we ever started the damned thing in the first place. I can see it all unfolding before me. But it is 10 years since this room was touched and it can't be left for much longer.
Wednesday is the Garden Party - 4th July: American Independence Day; my parents' wedding anniversary - if my dad still lived it would be their 54th - he died on my 50th birthday and I miss him still. My mother misses him much more. I am going to the Party though the forecast is poor. Nothing different there, though. Every Royal Garden Party I've ever attended it has chucked at some point in the afternoon.
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