Pay, Pension and Strike Action

Born into a socialist family, my dad was passionate about Labour and the working mans rights. No wonder because he and my mam were born during times where there was no National Health Service, no benefits - NOTHING.  If you didn't work you had no money, if you were ill you couldn't afford health care, indeed my mam and her village called upon the services of a "struck off" doctor who was nicknamed Dr Pink because he was "always in the pink!" - its little wonder that czc supported this political party and what it stood for back then.

When I started work I ended up as a senior shop steward and company council rep. This and the fact that I was a woman in the 90's had a detrimental affect on my career but the union was there to support me if I wanted...... I followed these paths because I felt strongly about fair play and treating the work staff well.

Industrial action is a last resort and is something not taken lightly.

I was happy to see John Smith take the lead of the labour party and extremely sad at his premature death. When Tony Blair took over the leadership I had hope for a good future but it was not to be.

Labour died with John Smith as far as I am concerned. He was the last of the true socialists who did what he did because because he believed in it. 

With Tony Blair came "new labour" and that heralded the death of all that I knew and held dear. 

So.... here we are..... 2014 and living during troubled times where some people get benefits while others can't,the rich have pay rises and bonus payments and the people in the middle who form the majority are bled dry. Disabled people are being treated like frauds as are the very vulnerable in society. The education and national health services are on their knees.

How is it right to cut a persons pay so that they are earning LESS than they did years ago when the cost of living is higher? 

How is it right to change the conditions and terms of work half way through their career?

How is it right to expect workers to work longer in jobs which are physical and if they are not at their young, physical peak - could cost lives?

How is it right that from my point of view, having worked since the age of 17 and obtained my qualifications while I worked, had cancer in 2009 and had to fold my business but was not entitled to any help?

I am angry!!!!

Can you tell?

I am an ordinary housewife and mother with autistic children who have been LET DOWN by the health service, LET DOWN by the education system and just generally LET DOWN by the government who should be protecting and helping us. WE ARE THE FORGOTTEN FAMILIES.

So today when those who can are taking industrial action - I SUPPORT YOU!

You are standing up for those who are not allowed to take industrial action and for those of us who are not represented.

Enough of pay rises and bonuses for FAT CATS! Enough of benefits and perks for those who should be doing a job FOR US.

Its time to stand up for what you feel is right.

Apathy is not an option.

YOU can make a difference if only in a small way - heck - I did.

When my dad was a councillor he didn't get paid for what he did and he didn't claim expenses either - he did it because he wanted to help to make a better and fairer world!

I am disillusioned and saddened by our country and I feel extremely let down.

Garden Fences and Super Husbands

I am always in awe of my husband, no matter what he turns his hand to he does an excellent job and is a thorough perfectionist.

Jason can turn his hand to anything, here he is showing our Fell pony Cola

We have lived in our home for 18 years and the fences have been up for 20. They were impractical things really with the top foot of fence comprising of trellising. It looked nice initially but as the fence began to age and weather the trellising disintegrated along with alot of the fence.

He can play guitar & violin

The fence was propped up, tied up and we were constantly amazed at how it continued to stay upright, even after the worst storms. The thought of replacing the fencing was daunting, not only the cost but the actual work involved in fitting it. Paying for somebody to come in and do it was a nice idea but not something we could afford. Luckily, its a shared boundary so our neighbours paid half.

Patient with the children

I was worried about the dogs escaping and how the whole project would be managed but my husband had a plan and over the course of three weekends he bit by bit took out fencing and poles and replaced them. Luck was on our side because only two posts had to be removed and just taking them out took him an afternoon on each one!!!

Finally the fence was finished and now I can't believe how we survived so long with the old one!!

The old fence panels are waiting to be chopped up for use on our chiminea.

So really this post is just to say how proud of my husband I am and a huge thank you for doing this and not giving up even when the going got tough.

If I Was an Animal.....

I have been plagued by what I think is, a trapped nerve on my left side. I think its around my hip or sacral area where the fracture is and it shoots down my leg.

Is it painful? yes.

As painful as my existing back pain? yes.

More painful as my existing back pain? nope.

Its on the same pain level as what I live with every day but it feels funny and is more annoying, or agrivating like toothache or a headache.

Its worse when I get up in the morning and turning over during the night.

I have been for a run this morning and I know you will be thinking what a silly thing to do that is if I have these pains but honestly, I find that running helps the pain and loosens me up. I am no Olympic athlete, my pace is very slow compared to what I was before 2009 but I plod along and it makes me feel better.

I ran this morning without music because I wanted to do some thinking.

The sun was shining and everywhere looked green and lush and fresh. 

As I was running I thought about my ailments and realised that if I was an animal I would have been put to sleep a long time ago because I do feel broken.

I feel like a broken toy. 

My parts have been glued back together and great attempts have been made to fix me but you can still see the crack lines and I no longer run efficiently..... I am rather slow with the odd cough and splutter then I stop working for a bit......

I honestly feel like a reject. I feel as though nobody would ever find me remotely attractive ever again.

I am working through these feelings and I am sure that with time will come acceptance but at the moment I feel just like this.

some images courtesy of google search engine