Apparently Not, if you drive for Aqua Cars of Portsmouth !!!

Twice a day, Monday thru Friday, I visit the hospital site to drop off and pick up my wife who works there.

To get her to her workplace I enter the hospital grounds from Southwick Hill Road and have to pass the QA’s North Entrance. Between the hospitals North Car Park and the North Entrance there is a Pedestrian Crossing with the usual zig-zag markings. There are also designated drop off zones and a bus stop.

Pretty much without fail, on a daily basis, I encounter vehicles stopping between the zig-zag markings for the pedestrian crossing.  A high proportion of those vehicles belong to Aqua Cars whose “professional” drivers should know better.

I firmly believe that the layout of this area is just plain wrong. However, it is what it is so drivers should take care not to make this any more dangerous than it already is.

I wonder if there have been any accidents here ?

And just the other morning I was invited to “Piss Off” by a member of the public just because I had the temerity to point out their misuse of the crossing. And this after their small child had exited the vehicle on the offside i.e. The opposite side from its mother and directly in front of me.

These inconsiderate drivers are creating a blind spot on the crossing and don’t seem to care.

Anyway, I am going to write to the hospital administration and will also enquire of the police to see if this road falls within their jurisdiction.

And lastly, for now, just as I arrived on site for my afternoon pickup, there was a woman parked on the zig-zag lines of the crossing at the opposite end of this road. She was on my side of the road and facing me. Words fail me.

More on this later

Another bright, sunny and, a bit chilly, morning. I am watching a Grey Squirrel making the most of some bread crusts that I have just thrown out. I plodded out with bare feet and the dew on the grass was very cold, borderline ice cold.The crusts are from a nice seeded batch loaf and have been enhanced with a small amount of peanut butter. The squirrel has now been joined by a single Carrion Crow. I wonder where it’s partner is. From here I can also see a Robin, or is it a pair of Robins, making regular trips carrying nest-building materials. Looks like they are homemaking in the ivy that covers our back fence.

I am viewing all this through very bleary eyes as yesterday turned into a very long day. Or rather I should say that yesterday evening turned into one of the longest I have experienced. My 14-year-old granddaughter had chosen not to go home, not to face her mum and the expected row over yet another lost or stolen mobile phone.

Rather than go home she chose to roam the streets of Portsmouth. As the evening drew on the rest of the family began to worry as there was no way to contact her. We have all become so dependent on mobile phones, with the almost 24/7 availability that they provide, that when we can’t contact someone the fear factor is very much heightened. Add to this the instant media coverage of the slightest mishap anywhere in the country that seems to make every incident a local one and the imagination can drive stress levels to incredible levels.

So last night we toured the streets trying to find her. The police had been informed and they were also on the look out. They even stopped and interviewed a man carrying a pink, ladies style, bag. Just in case it belonged to my granddaughter. Just because he was walking down a street in one of the last areas that we knew she had visited.

We were also trying to find her by contacting some of her “friends”. They turned out to be less than helpful and it transpires were even lying. Though misguided, they probably thought they were helping my granddaughter. But all they did was add to the concern we already felt. Isn’t it amazing how most teenagers are never without their mobile phones. And yet, when you try to contact them they don’t answer. Either your texts or direct calls. Suddenly they have no signal, the battery just died or it mysteriously was switched to silent so they didn’t know you called.

Anyway, much to everyone’s relief, my granddaughter opted to go home, walking through the front door at around ten.

Needless to say, after the relief, there were the recriminations. And, she still had to confront the row that she had been dodging all day. Unfortunately, as she now realises, she had also thrown fuel onto that particular fire due to the choices she made throughout the day.

So I’m guessing that my bleary eyes are matched by those of her Nan, Mum and Step-Dad. Probably none of us are looking forward to work today. Least of all her Mum who has meetings in Basingstoke today.

As I type this the bread crusts are nearly all gone. A very satisfied looking crow is sitting in a tree and the squirrel is perched high on the back of our garden seat busily nibbling a crust. And the Robin ? Well it’s taken up a sentry position chasing away the various tits that have dared to enter its territory and that are trying to grab some seed from the feeders.

And so begins, another day full of possibilities.

My granddaughter has managed to get pink nail varnish on a brand new bath. Never mind that she was told not to use nail varnish upstairs in the house.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove the nail varnish without damaging the nice shiny surface of the bath ?

This may not be the most engaging of articles but Rachel Jones does capture the salient points.

I would encourage anyone, who is perhaps intending to visit Portsmouth or  Southsea for a few hours, to read this article and also the comment posted from Gerry Oates.

Rachel says ….

It’s easy to take the waterfront at Southsea and Old Portsmouth for granted. But a point at the start of the Millennium Promenade reveals exactly why it’s something special.

Face inland and layer upon layer of history reveals itself. Straight ahead is the 13th century Garrison Church with the roofs of Old Portsmouth and the tower of the Anglican Cathedral rising behind it. And stretching up to the sky beyond those are the mighty modern structures of the Spinnaker and Lipstick towers.

Face out to the busy surrounding waters and modern ships and ferries sail past that 15th century fortress the Square Tower, standing on the shore as if still ready to defend the harbour ……

And special it is. A walk along this historic sea front is never boring at any time of the year.

If you can’t come visit then follow the link and read on

A place of contrasts – A Weekend With – The News.

Come on folks – Dig Deep For A Good Cause – Not Asking For Money – Just A Bit Of Land

 

Who, in the Lovedean area, has a field that they can lend / rent to Jillian Hall and her horses ?

Horses are threatened by planned land sale – Politics – The News.

I would love one of these new properties. Gilkicker is an iconic location with fabulous sea views right across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.  There is always something going on here with commercial shipping passing through, the continental ferries running in and out of Pompey, Royal Naval vessels based in the port and of course the Isle of Wight ferries and hovercraft. Then of course there are the myriads of sailing and other pleasure craft buzzing around.

There is only one fly in this perfect ointment, one spanner in these well oiled works, just one minor problem.

I can’t afford one !!!

I have no real idea of what the price might be but one thing is for sure I’ll just have to put more effort into winning the lottery.

As long as these properties don’t have ownership of the beach area below the fort I can live with the disappointment. This is a favourite walking and fishing area.

Controversy as luxury homes at fort site are put on sale by agents – Politics – The News.

Today is my sister Sue’s Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE