Friday 11 January 2013

Does it all have to be doom and gloom?


Why is it that the newspapers - the Tabloids in particular (yes I am prejudiced) - always have to hit on a doom and gloom headline rather than choosing something cheery?   This is especially true in mid-Winter.   As I queued at the checkout of our local supermarket this morning with my top up groceries for the week-end, I was facing the newspaper racks and every paper had something along the lines of "The Big Freeze is Coming!!" or "Ice and Snow set to hit the UK by the Week-end".   Outside the sun shone as it has been doing all the week and the weather was really lovely for early January.  Tess and I have enjoyed some of the best walks for a long time in almost perfect conditions.   Alright, maybe things will change by tomorrow and the world will be white, but we shall know that when we open the curtains in the morning, without being forwarned by the newspapers.

Having our coffee in The Golden Lion brought a much happier touch to the morning.   One friend, E, who happens to be allergic to chocolate, brought some of her Christmas chocolates to share as we had our coffee.   And another friend, W, bought us all a bunch of daffodil buds - that real harbinger of Spring to come, even if it is a long way off.    Which made us feel better - the newspaper headlines or the chocolates and daffodils?   Do I need to even ask the question?

We need to keep a positive outlook on life to get us through the Winter and even a small amount of doom and gloom can plunge some folk into the slough of despond - so I for one am making a determined effort to keep cheerful - especially after my visit to the Specialist yesterday.   He was very hopeful and has referred me to a Cardiologist to look into having a 24 hour heart monitor as a start to the investigations.   Other than that I shall continue as normal apart from no longer being able to drive.   But the farmer is wonderful for ferrying me around, bless his heart.

He took me to see friend M this afternoon.   M has been recently widowed and her family have been absolutely wonderful to her.   She should be very proud of the way they have all rallied round and given her their support.   Now, after a month, she is on her own during the week and is doing very well, with lots of friends and neighbours calling in to see how she is.   If you are reading this M - well done - it was lovely to see you looking so well.

On the way back from my walk with Tess I found that the aconites in my garden are out now, as is the bush (I have forgotten its name) by the front door - two more signs of Spring to come.  

16 comments:

MorningAJ said...

Back in the 70s somebody launched a good news paper, but nobody bought it, and it went bust. Sadly, human nature makes people want to gloat over other people's misfortune.

Elizabeth said...

Recognize the bush which smells lovely --brain freeze as to name.
Headline in NY Post (tabloid) in giant letters today
FLU YORK CITY ---
they like puns too....

angryparsnip said...

News is news and the doom and gloom headlines catch our eyes.
I just saw a re-programer (?) on TV who talked about re-setting our brains triggers, he was talking about food but it applies to other things. I think I will look up his book. Anyways I think some times we are programed to just grab headlines.
I had to wear the heart monitor and had to write down what was happening through out the day.

Your friend is very lucky to live in a caring village/town that she does.

Even though I am not a chocolate person the chocolates and daffodils sound lovely !

cheers, parsnip

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

There is a goodnewsnetwork.org online which I subscribe to because I want to hear about good things happening and people doing things that make my heart sing rather than plunge into depths of icy dark water. I take a new magazine and read once a week or so. I don't let myself be battered daily or hourly!

I had that heart monitor test and an echo cardiogram plus several other tests and they found nothing wrong. And so I hope it will prove for you.

You have spring much earlier than we do in northeast Ohio, and I am happy to look at pictures of things in bloom in your world, Weaver.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I meant a news magazine!

George said...

Glad to here that the doctor is very hopeful, Pat, and I salute your cheerful spirit. Thing will be what things will be, and the best that we can do it to move forward with the best attitudes we can muster.

Anonymous said...

You certainly have the right attitude Pat. Wishing you all the best for your recent health issues.
It certainly comes across in your posts how you are all there for each other- wonderful and heartwarming.

Heather said...

Each time my husband brings the papers in I ask him if there is any good news!
I have also been looking for little patches of colour in the garden and have found primroses, hellebores, violas and snowdrops just showing white, and there are a few tufts of pink blossom on our mad cherry tree! I love those blossoms on your shrub and can't remember it's name either.
Hope your new treatment is helpful.

Hildred said...

Is your lovely little bush a Daphne? Fragrance is gorgeous.

I am going to investigate Kristi's goodnews network, - I am constantly on the look-out for good things to raise my spirit.

Hope all goes well with your test results, Pat. Think positively!

mrsnesbitt said...

Well Pat Bing has his final vaccination on Monday - a week after he is free as a bird to visit....soooooooooooooooooo we will pop over and visit eh? How does this sound?
Take care my dear xxxx

Pondside said...

We're having a lovely, mild winter here, and on my walk yesterday I was so happy to see some early rhodos, plum blossoms and lots of wall flowers. It's hard to pay attention to the gloom and doom with all that going on!

Arija said...

I like your attitude Pat. With all the fires we have had here in Australia during our heatwave. Many homes were destroyed and people hurt. One fireman, while tending a raging blaze with his crew, someone stole his car! A day later, a Mitsubishi dealer sent him a brand new, beautiful 4x4 Jeep. Best news item I have seen in a long time.

Cloudia said...

a friend allergic to chocolate! The very best sort of friend one could imagine!

And you have a friend who broadcasts the bright side daily: ME! LOL

You are doing pretty good (and have found a fine hound too!)
Aloha from Honolulu-
Please enjoy a Free Peak at my Hawaii Novel!
Aloha Where You Like Go?

Rachel Phillips said...

It's what sells newspapers.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thank you for all your messages of support - they are so much appreciated.

ArtPropelled said...

I too salute your cheerful spirit, Pat. So glad your specialist is positive. xox