Wednesday 11th February 2026
An accumulation of appointments and bad weather have conspired to prevent me from walking anywhere for weeks, and if I'm honest, advancing old age imposes a reluctance to face the COLD.
My son W. has oftrn lampooned me with his perception that I am at my happiest when I voluntarily go out into lashing rain and wind to do a walk at the limits of my endurance, but I reckon those days are over.
On top of all that, blogging seems to have more or less died a death with few posts from bloggers I follow and a sobering absence of comments from those who were previously literarily vocal. Hateful banal social media (a hateful term in its own right,) seems to have taken over.
Ok, so no walking as I await spring and watch from my window the birds on my feeder compelled to brave the rain for their survival. I think of my past, undertaking my own masochistic enjoyment, which in some ways has helped to keep my "mental health" under control...
...yes, everybody has "mental health" these days, so why not me? I'm a bit cynical about the indiscriminate use of that term which every "celebrity" and the rest seem to have something to say about, but I in no way detract from those who do seriously succumb to its various medically diagnosed forms.
In some ways the link to an article in today's Guardian encapsulates a namby-pamby approach which these days seems to be prevalent, with excessive health and safety, much of youth expecting everything to be done for them, and global politics kowtowing to dictatorial regimes.
After reading the review I felt unable to watch this programme which I had recorded because the tv résumé indicated that it had something to do with mountaineering in the sense that I understand that activity.
I do feel guilty sounding off about this, not having watched it myself, but hopefully I may have saved some readers the waste of time in doing so?
You did well to avoid that article.
ReplyDeleteRoll on Spring.
I read the article but didn't watch the film. It was the article that instigated the post.
ReplyDeleteI dont mind you speaking your mind. As for the Guardian, i never read it. As for news, i find it biassed politically. I love watching Parliament though, it reminds me of trips to the zoo. I havnt blogged for a while because i have been working at our Hall. I will post about it soon but i have a walk coming up on Friday which will take preference.
ReplyDeleteAlan R - I agree with you about Parliament. I often wonder what other countries must think when they see what appears to be bunch of naughty children having tantrums and making lots pf noise. That is a pity because there are MPs there who are conscientious and hard working and who get on with the proper purpose of running the country and making things better. There is far too much. blame culture and personal sniping which dilutes the efforts of those who are trying to be constructive. My mention of the flippant use of the expression "mental health" has similar connotations. It is especially used amongst melodramatic diva type celebrities which, as with those genuine politicians, dilutes the important need for awareness and respect for the genuine, as with those who have a real medical problem.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog with interest and get concerned for your welfare if there is a long gap between posts, but have not commented before, though I did once send an e-mail of appreciation. The poems always make me chuckle particularly the Charles Causley. Your comments about "mental health" rang a bell with me, it seems to be the latest trend, whereas I think it should be just like physical health, kept an eye on and dealt with as necessary.
ReplyDeleteAnn H - Thanks for your comment. It is encouraging to see a new commenter and I do appreciate that. Are you the same Ann H I had corresdpondence with perhaps a couple of years ago with husband retired from BBC?
ReplyDeleteYes I am, we live in West London
ReplyDelete