Gadgets

Gadgets here, gadgets there, gadgets everywhere;

platforms here, platforms there, platforms everywhere.

 (I don't mean railway platforms though they do take you places and keep you in touch with friends and family).


The recent technological advances have resulted in a new digital age.  This is all very confusing, especially for us older folk who, on the whole, have managed very well up to now.   Associating with with youngsters helps people learn what technology can offer. 

This happened to me with regard to the ipod. 

My introduction to this new piece of technological equipment opened up a whole new experience for me.  It was not so much the amount of music I could carry around with me as the huge number and variety of "podcasts" I could download and listen to whenever I wished. 

The best way to describe a podcast is as a "dialogue feature", thus many podcasts are converted or re-issued radio programmes.  The "podcast" world is remarkable, quite mind-blowing. 

Are you a inhabitant of this world?

Do check it out; it is entertaining, amusing and informative.

Most of us probably adhere to the adage "necessity is the mother of invention" first noted in Roman times, supposedly by Plato.  As technology becomes more main stream so it becomes necessary for people to become more savvy technologically.  Unfortunately tutors in modern technology are rare so coming to grips with all things digital is usually rather a hit and miss affair.  This too I have had experience of.

The switch to digital cameras resulted in a huge learning curve for me not only to maximize the full potential of these elaborate gadgets but also in learning how to manipulate an image.  It is a similar situation with mobile phones and the plethora of sophisticated software now easily available. (I'm still trying to get to grips with the potential of smart phones). Then there are drones.  Seeing the fun it gave a friend I was encouraged to add one to my list of digital devices.  However I had second thoughts partly due to the recent incidences at various UK airports which highlighted the complications and also my lack of time.

Attending courses sometimes with the dogs

I am always looking for tutoring of some kind and as a result I have been on several courses. Some have been excellent some less so but I have always managed to garner some benefit. 

I needed enormous help to master digital cameras.  Fortunately I had opted for a Canon camera so was able to access the courses run by EOS Training Academy (www.eostrainingacademy.co.uk) which is dedicated to Canon cameras only. 

Another extremely useful course was a blogging course organized as part of the Guardian Masterclass scheme. 

Next week I am going on another course where I am hoping to learn more about Instagram and thus use this platform and my phone more efficiently.

Read of the Month (Jan 2019)

So it is the start of a New Year;  2019.

St. Mark's Venice

Typically newspapers, magazines et al are awash with  holiday advertisements.  In keeping with the commercial calendar I thought that January's Read of the Month should also reflect holidays.

The mention of holidays means different things to different people.

Given the title of this blog it is as plain as a pikestaff  or at least the clue is obvious the type of holidays I like;  outings in a motorhome.   Even so there are different types of motorhome outings. As my forthcoming book indicates I prefer unassuming places where I can walk and appreciate the amazing countryside.

What kind of holidays do you like?

The Read of the Month (Jan 2019) is not a travel book in the conventional sense.  It is not about a journey or holiday and it is not about a specific place.  It is more about the history of holidays in Britain. Hence the title;

     Cream Teas, Traffic Jams and Sunburn by Brian Viner.

It is entertainingly written; funny, witty and acutely observant which made it easy to read. Many of the traditions Brian Viner explores chime with my personal experiences.  It is also informative: I learnt about the introduction of bank holidays and weekends.  His inclusion of personal anecdotes and lack of righteousness was an excellent blend.  He also references other books which invites one to seek them out. 

An engaging and enjoyable read.

Winter Solstice

For me, travelling in my motorhome is not at all pleasant once the clocks go back in late October until several weeks after the winter solstice or "midwinter" as it is sometimes described. 

On occasions trips in early November are possible if the weather is especially sunny.  Such was the case this year.

I had a wonderful outing to Warwickshire. I stayed at a campsite attached to a pub with a very distinctive name;- Cottage of Content.   From here I took a bus to Stratford-on-Avon. 

After a brief explore of the city I then walked back to the campsite via The Shakespeare Way. 


What a fabulous excursion. 
The views, though not spectacular, were pleasing and relaxing and the Trail was really easy to follow.

My only concern was to reach the campsite before it got dark.  This would not have been a problem if:-

• At the start of the trail, in Stratford, I had begun the walk on the right path.
• If Pearl had not been so large with the impending litter and we could have walked faster. 

Anyway we did manage to make it back to the motorhome before it was too dark.  Short days (long nights) hugely limit walking options.  This is why I am disinclined to take the motorhome out in the winter. 

For me celebrations begin at the Winter Solstice or "midwinter".  The days may lengthen by only a few minutes each day but somehow it seems much more.  I can at last begin to make plans for outings.

First I have to prepare the motorhome:-

• Get it serviced
• Wash the outside. (A difficult job becasue it is so big)
• Polish it.
• Clean the inside
• Purchase equipment if necessary.
• 
  

Once this has all been done off I go chasing the sun.

Hooray.

Time to plan.

Protecting the Green Belt

I should imagine like me you believe getting permission to build on the Green Belt is extremely difficult nigh impossible. Well you are mistaken.  The report  State of the Green Belt 2018 commissioned by the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) uncovers some appalling  facts and figures:-

• The Green Belt has never before faced such serious threat as large sections of land disappear under new developments.
• There is a worrying trend of increased proposals for housebuilding on the Green Belt rising from;-                

                         81,000 proposed houses in 2012

                         275,000 proposed houses in 2016

                         460,000 proposed houses in 2018

• Planning inspectors continue to sign off significant releases of Green Belt for development around major cities.

As I have learnt, not only from personal experience but , whilst researching for my next book, from people all over the UK, once plans are “proposed” in due time they materialize despite any objections from the local populace.  Yes consultations are held but any views expressed are totally ignored.  The consultations are only held as a tick box exercise and to make it more difficult to challenge the plans on legal grounds.

So the question is how to become more “active” in protecting the Green Belt. As an individual this is difficult.  One way is to become a member of the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England).  This is what I have done.  Membership is only £3.00 a month; less that a cup of coffee or pint of beer.

Feeling passionate about our countryside I felt it was important to support the work of the CPRE so I also joined my local group.  The committee members (all volunteers) are extremely hardworking and very knowledgeable about planning application, engineering, town planning, policy making etc.  The CPRE uses any monies they receive on fees needed to legally challenge various applications.

One important thing I have learnt is that the only objections given any consideration are those which challenge the reasons for the application.   So for example if public transport is not mentioned as a benefit of a specific application then any concerns about public transport the general public may raise are totally ignored as being irrelevant.  Another significant lesson I have learnt is the power of the law and money.  Any application which is carefully scrutinized by a lawyer (which usually costs a lot of money) is more likely to be modified if not rejected.  Oh to have won the lottery!!  

So if you value our wonderful countryside and want to help protect the Green Belt join  NOW the Campaign to Protect Rural England   https://www.cpre.org.uk/

Read of the Month (Dec 2018)

The news for sometime now has been dominated by Brexit.  I find the whole sorry scenario incomprehensible; like looking into a muddy pond. As the waters swirl so gradually a shape appears and then slowly disappears. The longer one stares at the pond the less one sees.

What disappoints me most about the whole sorry Brexit saga is the behaviour of the politicians.  Brexit is the most important episode in the UK's history since World War II.  So rather than squabble amongst themselves like children in a playground they should take a leaf out of WW II history books.  The politicians should put aside their differences and form a coalition to resolve the thorny problem of Brexit.  This would then show Europe a strong united country; something we could all take pride in.

If you have read this far no doubt you are asking what has Brexit got to do with Read of the Month;

"23 Things They don't Tell you About Capitalism" by Ha-Joon Chang

Well it is a commentary upon current political thinking.  I read it long before Brexit and Trump but it seems even more relevant now.

I found it a VERY interesting book.  Though I did not always understand the points, his explanations were well thought out and logical.  The book provoked a range of strong emotions.  It should be read by everyone, especially those involved in politics.

I really like the way it was set out so clearly and simply;

• Instead of chapters each section was entitled "Thing....." (a number)
• The first part of each chapter was always "What they tell you".
• The second part was "What they don't tell you".
• The final part expanded on various statement further debunking current policy.

The Conclusion itemizes 8 ways to improve the current system.

December's read of the Month is informative and excellent.

It might help clarify the Brexit issue 

Excited

I am so excited. 

As the publication date, February 2019, approaches for my second book "Wonderful Walks from Campsites with your Dog" so the manuscript has undergone various stages for publication. 

Seeing the proofs including the layout proofs has been really exciting.


Then there is the complete cover; front and back.


It all now seems a reality as besides the book being in the publishers online shop;

http://www.hubbleandhattie.co.uk/shop/HH5045/

I also have an entry on the Author's page.

http://www.hubbleandhattie.co.uk/authors/Anna-Chelmicka/

I am so excited.

CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) 1

One of the results of my research for my forthcoming book "Wonderful Walks from Campsites with your Dog" is the realization that the UK countryside is awesome; it is remarkable, picturesque and inspiring, 

It needs safeguarding from developers and the government. 


As an individual I am able to do very little so I decided to join the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England).  As I was serious about trying to make a difference I decided to join my local group and am now the membership secretary. 

I find the meetings depressing because just in our local area there are so many plans for various developments and buildings on the Green Belt.  The people who read the detail plans and then make them comprehensible to the likes of me are amazing. (They are all volunteers).  However money is needed for legal fees in order to challenge these plans,

As membership secretary I am on a quest to increase membership numbers, especially in my local group.  Having a larger membership means there will then be more funds for legal fees.

PLEASE PLEASE join the CPRE.  It is only £3.00 a month; the price of a cup of coffee or glass of beer.


Help protect our countryside.


Like advertisers this request will be repeated several times over the year.

Me and my Dogs

It may seem odd writing about dogs in a blog entitled Motorhome Musings but for me "motorhome and dog" is synonymous. 
I travel about in my motorhome with my dog; just me and my dog.

How did this come about: well it was a bit like the chicken and egg scenario.   Did we get a dog because we were thinking of getting a motorhome or did we get a motorhome because we could then travel with the dog.

Without doubt the recent acquisition of a dog was a significant factor as was the newly introduced Pet Passport Scheme.  This now allowed us to travel to mainland Europe if we wished.

The dogs I have had (as an adult) have been an important part of my life, especially Ruby; the first dog.  She was not only a comfort to me when I was ill but was also hugely instrumental in life after retirement.  It is because of her I now write and take photographs.  It was only when she went that I fully realized just how special she was. I thought it would be a good idea to write about her for several reasons;-

• It would help me deal with loosing her.
• It would keep memories of her alive.
• It would prove whether or not I could be a writer of books as well as articles.

So it was I wrote my first book "My Friend Ruby".

Because Ruby was such an extraordinary dog I looked into the possibility of her having a litter.  I know it was very selfish as there are a lot of unwanted dogs about but somehow it felt important that her genes did not die out.  I did consult my vet.  I found his advice encouraging but then again I think that depends how you look at things.  

In the end Ruby had 2 litters.  I kept the darkest bitch from the second litter and called her Amber because that was the colour of her coat.  She too had two litters (I did not keep any of the puppies as I did not want 3 dogs).  Now I have Pearl who is Ruby's great grandaughter and Amber's granddaughter. 

Just last week she had her second litter. They are all gorgeous.

This is going to keep me busy for several weeks.

Hard work but fun.

Fabulous Synopsis

This has been a busy and exciting week;  preparing for the arrival of the puppies Pearl is due to have in early November and checking the proofs of my second book.

So much to do:-

1. Winterize the van as freezing nights were forecast.  I did not want water to freeze in the pipes and so have to deal with the fallout.
2. Check the proofs of my book "Wonderful Walks..."
3. Begin compiling an index for my book
4. Waiting anxiously for the arrival of Pearl's puppies. She is getting very big.  Not long now.  She still likes going out but is very slow.  This is especially noticeable when she goes out with her aunt Lucy.                  

Reading the proofs is tedious; trying to spot any errors; typo or just my ineptitude.  I find it best to do it is small blocks in order to remain focused.  Despite this it is so incredible seeing my work set out in book format.

I read some of it and think "this sounds amazing"; presumably the editor's input.  However when I compare it with the manuscript I find the proofs the same; word for word - exhilarating and for a split second unmitigated pleasure.     JK Rowling must have felt much the same when her first book was eventually approved for publishing and she saw the proofs.  I wonder if she still felt the same when the seventh book was published.

Even though my book is not being published until February it has now been included in the new Hubble and Hattie catalogue; a whole half page.  There is a photo of the book cover but also the one above of my motorhome and dogs.

The synopsis is fabulous;-

"This unique book combines the joy of camping with the delights of walking with your dog. A variety of campsites, all of which welcome dogs, located very close to footpaths and walking trails, provide the opportunity to explore the area and appreciate the diverse environments to be found in Britain.
If you like camping and love taking your dog, this book will help you find the perfect location for a weekend jaunt and the facilities you need to explore a region or even tour the UK".


What a fabulous synopsis!  I did not write this!!!!!!!

Read of the Month (Nov 2018)

And the read of the month for November 2018 is..................................................

     
The Secret Life of Bletchley Park by Sinclair McKay


This seems an appropriate book for November.  Although it is not about WW1, which ended 100 years ago on the 11th November it is about WW2; specifically the work done to break the codes used by the Germans



This wonderful book explains the origins and function of Bletchley Park as recorded in documents and according to the memories of some people who worked there.

The book caused me to reflect upon:-

1. The huge number of people who put their lives on hold when summoned so mysteriously  and knowing nothing of what they were going to do.   I wondered how many people today would act in a similar manner.
2. How amazing it was that the work and the place remained shrouded in secrecy for so long.  Would this be possible today with mobile phones and social media?
3. The huge number who worked there in addition to the "code-breakers" such as drivers, cleaners and cooks etc.  At one stage as many as 8000 people were associated with Bletchley Park.
4. Would such an enterprise be possible today?  It was initially a private compromise pushed through on a shoe string from network connections.  A typical British fudge but brilliant.

All those involved with Bletchley during its period of operation were amazing.  It was satisfying to realize  so many people were ready to give their all especially without any kind of reward or recognition.  

This read of the month is extremely interesting and thought provoking.  If the opportunity arises do go and visit Bletchely Park. It is an amazing place.

Because this is the first "read of the month", I thought it apposite to launch a special offer; a sort of BOGOF(buy one get one free).

Keeping to the same theme (WW2) the second book is especially personal to me. It is:-

Quiet Heroes by Rita Cosby.

 It recounts some of my father's experiences during the war.  I did not know of this until I read the book.  Rita Cosby, is a well known journalist in the States.  She was writing about her father's life in Poland and his war-time experiences.  My father came into the book because her father and my father met up in a "hospital" and became buddies doing everything together until peace-time.

This is a personal account of a traumatic event; Warsaw uprising. 

It raises the question "what is it that makes some people withdraw and others to become intensely involved even when the outcome is likely to be catastrophic". Hence the title.

I hope you enjoy reading in as much as I did.

Buying the books

I would appreciate it if you did not buy them from Amazon; on the grounds of dubious business practices.

The Secret life of Bletchley Park can be purchased directly from

www.awesomebooks.com

www.waterstones.com

www.worldofbooks.com

Quiet Heroes is not published in the UK.

Copies from the States are very expensive.  

However I have some copies available for sale via my website www.annachelmicka.me at the special price of £5.00 including postage