Thursday 23 March 2017

Thursday 23/3/17 - the day after

I feel like I've been MIA again!  

Pulling my back and being out of action didn't do much for my mood which hasn't been great recently.  The weather and dark nights do not help and looking around seeing all the things I want to get done not being done just compounds the whole thing.

And then stuff happens that makes you realise how lucky you are and that you really shouldn't be whining.

Like a nice sunny day that means getting out and about with hubby.





These pictures were taken at Three Mills and the nearby park in Stratford.  The mills were originally working mills and one of the oldest examples of tidal mills.  More info on them can be found here.


Having all the family together and meeting the newest members Joe and Ness.



Surprise packages in the post:



And the knowledge that although some might want and try to damage our basic beliefs, our democracy and our freedom by committing acts of terror, we will not be terrorised.  We will stand together against such acts, and will not be defeated.

The events in London yesterday were awful and I've just watched on TV a minute's silence being held in Westminster and outside the police headquarters, Scotland Yard.  Fortunately none of our family were caught up in it, although hubby's building, which is a Government building was locked down for a while initially.  Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones or have loved ones injured by the events.  Their lives will be changed forever.

It was shocking, but I wasn't shocked.  For months now, having seen similar events happening elsewhere, it really did feel like it was not if, but when would it happen here?  Living in a major city you are aware that the city is a target.  I think it is a testament to our police and security services that we have not seen more attacks.  

I'm sure that additional security measures will be implemented and some will no doubt say these should have been in place before.  That the attack could have been prevented.  But how do you stop an individual who decides to hire a car, drive to London, plough into innocent people and then go on a rampage with knives?  

I know it's not as simple as that.  The threat of terror attacks is scary but more scary is the state of the world today.  Even beginning to think about the big questions facing us in the future is too scary to contemplate.  As individuals though we can aim to do our best to not make problems worse.  To be kind to one another.  To be tolerant of our differences.   To respect our planet and its resources.  To raise our children with love and provide them with an understanding of right and wrong.  To make the right choices.  To understand that sometimes we get it wrong.  We make mistakes.  The important thing is to learn from those mistakes and ensure that we don't repeat them and to show those who try to terrorise us that we will not be cowed. 



6 comments:

  1. Excellent post, Wendy. We were horrified, but not surprised, to hear of yesterday's events in London. It is the world we live in today. But certainly not without hope. And we keep striving to be the people God meant us to be, treating one another with kindness and respect.

    The greyhounds? are beautiful! I met a couple greyhounds in Cirencester once. I was told that they are very sweet 'couch potatoes.' So dear. And, I have to complain that Cadbury sold here in the States is not the same as the delicious Cadbury sold in the UK. It's so annoying. Woe to anyone who thinks they can give me a Hershey bar as a substitute. LOL The mill in the photos are so interesting. The cone shaped tops remind me of the oast houses photos I've seen.

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  2. Good post, Wendy...I agree with you and with Judy (Cranberry)---however, can I just put in my two cents? This is what happens when folks are radicalized and not assimilated into their host country...even when they are born in that country, as I just read on SKY & BBC news. Unfort...this is the sign of the times...I'm not too keen on folks not calling it what it is...I'm a little dismayed by the London Mayors comment. ANYWAYS, just my 2 cents...

    The Greyhounds are just so pretty...love them, smiles. I also agree that your Cadbury is not the same as it is here...we have friends who live in Switzerland and sent us the real Cadbury...smiles

    I also loved the visit you took us on...your neck of the woods (or should I say across the pond, giggling) is beautiful...smiles

    I hope you get to feeling better.

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  3. Your new family members are beautiful! Greyhounds are so graceful and really do make great pets!! I was so sad to hear about the attack in London and immediately thought of you. It is so sad that we aren't surprised when horrible things happen. It says so much about our times. :(

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  4. I thought about you yesterday!! It is sad that big cities have to stay on guard. I'm afraid all of us need to. I hope we will learn from all these episodes. It is just a scary world we now live in. God Bless you!! Good post!

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  5. Hello,
    Sending hugs.
    A well done post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, very well done.
    I will admit I worry for my boys. Our world seem so angry.
    Sending prayers,
    Carla

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  6. Yes, I agree. And good to hear you and yours are alright.
    Wonderful pictures! Great to see how well those historic buildings are holding up.

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