Livelytrish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Livelytrish

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 15:22
Claudia Roden's Arabesque............lots of lovely recipes with a touch of local flavour.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 20:58
Well.............a long time ago, when I first arrived in Dubai, a friend and member of EW offered me the services of her maid. It seemed the perfect arrangement, until I discovered it was illegal. In those days "everyone" did it, but I didn't want to take the risk, neither for me, nor for the maid. To be absolutely blunt, the laws of UAE are quite opaque in so many areas, and it's all very well for some oldhand posters on here to trot out the old mantra "it's the law, ignorance is no excuse " etc etc......... but for newcomers to the region it is a huge learning curve. It would be a VERY good idea if EW were to put together a sticky..........or even better a wiki attached to the register page.........to inform people about the most obvious pitfalls. It would of course deny some people an opportunity to parade their moral superiority, but it would be a real kindness to newcomers.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 17:46
We got Scraps back thank to the power of EW......and to chasing up every single stray/found cat lead. He was finally found in Springs 7, having gone from 15 to 6 (in the back of a neighbour's convertible). He had been spotted by Jilp (xxx) the night of his disappearance so we had at least some idea he was alive, a couple of weeks later in Springs 10 and then the trail went cold. Months later, and only a couple of weeks before we were due to leave Dubai for Cyprus, there was a post on here regarding a lost ginger and white cat, but another poster mentioned a stray white and ginger cat being fed in Springs 7. It was a very long shot.but it turned out to be the young fellow in question. He was living rough in some bushes by the lake............he had gone completely bush and had forgotten me, and in the end it took a cat trap and some greasy Spinney's chicken to catch him. Don't give up hope.......and check out every found cat poster/thread........we must have had so many false alarms, but as we speak, the cause of all the worry is sleeping very happily on the sofa next to me. Thinking of you, I know how you feel xx
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 20:54
Huh? What's with the new found mellow? IAMVP took over on the night nasty shift? PPPPfffffffff thanks:\: ;);)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 20:47
I've had two phonecalls today, one saying a cat had been seen at entrance to Meadows 6 (very close to me). So I've searched there this afternoon and evening, although there is a ginger/white cat that lives near us that keeps teasing me as I keep thinking its Jasper :( I can't discount any sightings though! The other one was in Springs 15 - a fair distance but not impossible given the time he's been gone. Please if you live in Springs 15 and see a ginger/white cat with a wonky leg please let me know. We drove round Springs 15 and walked around the parks but no sign. But it could be him, he could have crossed the road when it was quiet at night and can't get back. I woke up to day feeling very hopeful and having two phonecalls even though it wasn't him has made me happy in one respect because our flyers are working and people are being kind enough to call. Loopyloo............do not give up. My Dubai bincat ginger and white special (who was also special needs) went missing on Dec 4th 2008 from Springs 15. He was finally located on April 10 2009 in Springs 6 where he had been living rough. Miracles do happen x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 20:12
Huh? What's with the new found mellow? IAMVP took over on the night nasty shift?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 19:27
One does wonder about declining IQ and common sense levels worldwide when such stupidty just keeps repeating. Cousins my dear, cousins.........
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 19:15
Yup.......what is it about people and Huskies? These dogs are working dogs..........for the Arctic circle. They don't/can't do heat. And they are not pets. The same thing happens here.............in Cyprus, not nearly as intemperate as UAE but still above 40c in summer. Is it some kind of status symbol? How many abandoned Huskies do we deal with here? At least two a month. Grrrrrrr. PS Kylie........remember how I thought Cyprus would be less heartbreaking than the Gulf? xx Two a month? Good Lord! On average.....island wide........YES. And this is a very small island.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 18:44
Yup.......what is it about people and Huskies? These dogs are working dogs..........for the Arctic circle. They don't/can't do heat. And they are not pets. The same thing happens here.............in Cyprus, not nearly as intemperate as UAE but still above 40c in summer. Is it some kind of status symbol? How many abandoned Huskies do we deal with here? At least two a month. Grrrrrrr. PS Kylie........remember how I thought Cyprus would be less heartbreaking than the Gulf? xx
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 21:58
How does she keep her job? I have no idea? :\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 21:29
I first ran into the lovely Ms B in 1987 when we were covering the Piper Alpha disaster. Her behaviour then led to a joint apology on behalf of the press to the staff of Occidental Petroleum. She shocked the guys from the redtops..............need I say more? And she hasn't improved. Crass, coy, self serving and thick as mince.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 20:00
Am I alone in thinking this woman is so hideous? Her report that H.R.H. Prince William will be mobilised to the Falklands next year for 6 weeks and she asks "Is the Missus going too?". Please Sky News get rid of this woman. You are not alone!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 21:51
how in heavens name did we ever manage to get our kids thorough in the olden days..Teddy in washing maching, line drying.....done and dusted I have NO idea,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,how on earth did our kids survive!:):)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 22:08
both my grandfathers were killed in the "Great" War, and several uncles in WW2. And the shadow of their loss darkened our young lives.............and just to put it into a very personal perspective, when my parents' house was cleared out after their deaths a few years ago, I found in a drawer the purse my grandmother had been using in the years before her death. In it was an envelope, postmarked 1966......inside that was a much leafed fragile telegram, from the front, telling her of her husband's wounds...........not expected to live. Tucked inside was a poppy petal. She carried that, changing the envelope how many times over the years to keep it safe........from October 20th 1918 until her death in 1971. That is the meaning of the poppy...........for my grandfathers, their lost dreams, the lost dreams of their wives and children.............and the lost young men and dreams of every generation..........of every country..........wasted by the tragedy of war. We shall not forget them. Livelytirsh while reading your post couldn't stop the tears. We shall not forget them. I wear my poppy proudly for my dear gentle POP. Fought in the battle of De Ville Wood (WW1) badly wounded one of the few hundred to march out,thousands marched in....... I wear it for my lost uncles from WW2 and I wear it to honor those who are touched by the tragedy of war today. I feel it is up to each generation to pass on the lessons and meaning of the poppy. Indeed x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 21:57
Maybe time for an Ex/Expatwoman section on EW!!! I met one of the loveliest ladies from Dubai here in Cyprus.....also an EW er ...........how about it Admin?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 21:42
Such a touching story Livelytrish... Thankyou x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 21:04
I'm completely outraged by this article I read recently: http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-do-those-who-flaunt-the-poppy-on-their-lapels-know-that-they-mock-the-war-dead-6257416.html I think he's got it completely wrong. My daughter, who has never lived in England or a Commonwealth country, knows enough to have brought back a poppy for me when she went to a Rugby Club in Sharjah the other day. My parenting may be bad, but at least she has learned to respect the fallen soldiers of WWI and WWII and the sacrifice they made. Wearing a poppy is a way to manifest this respect, nothing more, nothing less. Robert Fisk is a very clever, very angry little man. I read that too, it's a shame he allows his own inadequacies to pervert his otherwise astute insights.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 21:01
both my grandfathers were killed in the "Great" War, and several uncles in WW2. And the shadow of their loss darkened our young lives.............and just to put it into a very personal perspective, when my parents' house was cleared out after their deaths a few years ago, I found in a drawer the purse my grandmother had been using in the years before her death. In it was an envelope, postmarked 1966......inside that was a much leafed fragile telegram, from the front, telling her of her husband's wounds...........not expected to live. Tucked inside was a poppy petal. She carried that, changing the envelope how many times over the years to keep it safe........from October 20th 1918 until her death in 1971. That is the meaning of the poppy...........for my grandfathers, their lost dreams, the lost dreams of their wives and children.............and the lost young men and dreams of every generation..........of every country..........wasted by the tragedy of war. We shall not forget them.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 19:20
Ours came from the shop where we bought the fridge...the Westinghouse shop in Bur Dubai, a couple of streets from the Hilton hotel............but they are not brand specific and we bought another of the same make seven years later here in Cyprus, ......it's out in our studio and its dark now but will go look for the name in the morning.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 18:32
Not sure if this is 100% accurate but....... When the time came to get dd vacinated a friend told me that the drug companies wanted to start giving the immunisation in 3 seperate jabs as it would actually be more lucrative for them so they hired a well-respected doctor to carry out tests which 'surprise surprise' found a link to the mmr jab and autism. When subsequent tests disproved the theory, that doctor was actually struck off and for the past 2 decades they've been giving the mmr! Once again, not 100% sure if its true! The doctor involved was not in the pay of drug companies.............he was quite simply a publicity seeking maverick and a charlatan who faked his evidence and exploited the misery of families trying to come to terms with their child's condition. He was quite rightly struck off and in fact is lucky not to be facing criminal fraud charges in the UK. Sadly the damage he has done lives on.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 18:16
you make your ice from tap water? Couldn't you just stick it in a bottle of water? You need to buy a pump kit which then feeds the water out of the water bottle. It's a lot simpler than plumbing in, you use pure water and the fridge can go anywhere.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 17:59
I'm dreading having my cataracts done cos I just know I'm going to look in the mirror a few days later and realise I do look every one, and probably more, of my 54 years. Oh DR.......wait till you hit 64............:(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 17:47
Boots protect and perfect is clinically proven and I have definitely noticed results. It was recommended on an episode of Doctors over here in the UAE and was also featured on a lot of UK shows.;) I second that..........and when it's three for two in Boots.........even better!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 20:24
Suzyduzy you live in DSO right? Well your maid has sold your table bass or done a deal with someone as there is no way anyone would take it from outside the front of your house without asking and unless you paid DSO headquaters to move it they would not have taken it and the rubbish guys certainly would not take it, so your maid is not telling you the truth. No one would take anything like this in DSO unless they had permission to. Just because she's a maid doesn't mean she isn't cash savvy, these girls know how to spot a Dirham a mile away! Better invest in a safe for all your valuables sounds as if you have a shrewd maid. I agree with your DH i'd be docking her pay big time or demand she gets it back asap! : now the cameras are up you could always ask security to take a look at footage of the time it went. edited by Lolacat on 07/11/2011 That post is just so depressing. There is a huge difference between being realistic.............and aggressively paranoid. :( I feel it's more realistic knowing the compound and that new western madams can be easy pickings for some. To quote your words "These girls/women mostly come from extremely deprived and limited backgrounds, and a plane ticket and a visa do not equate to a[b'> brain [/b'>and culture transplant. Everything NEEDS to be explained, over and over.....sometimes to the point of seemingly[b'> insane [/b'>repetition." LOL Yes, so glad you read my post.............however- nothing I said reinforces your paranoia. And just to clarify, I am well aware that many maids are devious and manipulative and dishonest..........but it should not be the default assessment in situations of which neither you nor I know anything...........other than a brief account of an accident and a subsequent misunderstanding. And to put things into perspective............ I am pretty sure the retail cost of the table would have gone completely to the wicket keeper........the base probably looked to the maid like broken junk. On the otherhand, she may well be part of a major maids' mafia salvage scam............
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 20:10
DH,DS,DD,AWESOME, GOOD JOB,OMG, CRIMBO,BLIGHTY Just out of interest...........why does Blighty offend?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 20:08
Suzyduzy you live in DSO right? Well your maid has sold your table bass or done a deal with someone as there is no way anyone would take it from outside the front of your house without asking and unless you paid DSO headquaters to move it they would not have taken it and the rubbish guys certainly would not take it, so your maid is not telling you the truth. No one would take anything like this in DSO unless they had permission to. Just because she's a maid doesn't mean she isn't cash savvy, these girls know how to spot a Dirham a mile away! Better invest in a safe for all your valuables sounds as if you have a shrewd maid. I agree with your DH i'd be docking her pay big time or demand she gets it back asap! : now the cameras are up you could always ask security to take a look at footage of the time it went. edited by Lolacat on 07/11/2011 That post is just so depressing. There is a huge difference between being realistic.............and aggressively paranoid. :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 18:57
She's a maid............and that's it. If you are trusting your children's well being and safety.....wholly to her judgement, then hire a Norland nanny .at the appropriate rates. Yes, there are maids out there who are absolute gems, with intelligence and experience far above the norm........but they are rare. These girls/women mostly come from extremely deprived and limited backgrounds, and a plane ticket and a visa do not equate to a brain and culture transplant. Everything NEEDS to be explained, over and over.....sometimes to the point of seemingly insane repetition. In this case, the poor woman probably feels really dreadful about a mishap "on her watch " and thought that by disposing of the detritus (in her eyes) was doing everyone a favour. How you OP progress this situation, only you can tell, but lack of common sense (in a Western/developed world meaning of the word) is, I'm afraid an all too "common" trait. But...it can be taught.........just takes time and patience!!! <em>edited by Livelytrish on 07/11/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 18:12
vile? would you tell a South African the boer wars are vile or tell an Italian that 'traditional' mortadella is vile ?? Odd comparisons. Not really...I think SK means a particular type of sausage much loved by Saffers.........not a military engagement. ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 21:34
We're going to UPGRADE you.......... ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 19:37
A "provisional" license is just a learner's permit, can only be used with an accompanying qualified driver. Best the OP checks out the DVLA website, but my understanding is that if she obtains an Int'l license in the country where she holds her license she can drive for up to a year which would give her the chance to pass the UK test. If she holds another license from a qualifying country then she can of course just exchange licenses, but as i said, UAE is not one of those countries.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 19:08
We were here when irak invaded Kuwait. A lot of expats left some for good in the summer of the invasion, others were evacuated by their embassies. We decided to stay and it was OK. We were here also during the entire war between Iran and irak. I also know people who left here during the first war with Irak Also people saying nothing will happen. A couple of years ago someone told me that Bahrain was one of the most peaceful places in the world.... Where did you grow up? Was it completely safe? Terrible things happen all over the world, sometimes in the "safest" environments.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 18:37
From which country is your original drivers' licence? I know you mention UAE licence, but is that your only licence? The reason Ii ask is that if you have a valid (or one you can renew) licence from certain countries you can exchange licences, but unfortunately UAE is not on that list. You would need an international DL (unless a temporary visitor) which would be valid for (I think ) one year, thereafter you would have to sit a UK drivers test. <em>edited by Livelytrish on 04/11/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 19:48
I just feel sorry for the poor lunk she lured into the deal...........sorry to sound callous, but he does look like the "Missing Link". He may be a great athlete...but does the lift reach the top story there?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 18:02
I think you mean Bickiepegs...........no idea where you'd find them in Dubai but you can buy over the net. Wonderful things.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 20:58
And to think that there was a spat on here recently about her business abilities!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 21:44
No, no more naive than your friend is paranoid.........not to mention totally ignorant of the way the world works in places outside "home". In many many parts of the world it is perfectly normal to have home help of either ***...... for these chaps it is economic necessity, not a sign of possible perversion. Was just discussing with DH today the tragedy of Western society which has condemned a generation of children, especially boys, to a lack of the role models in their everyday life which previous generations enjoyed. Today any non parental male interaction with children is viewed as risky, so sad. We have had some wonderful houseboys over the years.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 21:29
Personal opinion only, but I found it clunky with wooden characters, and painful to watch. But there again..........I can actually remember the 60's;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 21:10
Well.......that is the joy of EW .......you learn something new every day!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 20:37
If you really, really can't bear to leave them with even your mother.........then a nice family picnic seems the only option. There will be plenty of chances to have more romantic anniversary celebrations in the years to come. At the end of the day, it's only a date in the calendar, don't feel pressurised into feeling you have to make a big deal out of it.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 20:29
How old are your children?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 19:10
Sorry but what do you mean by "vellery"? Not a term I know........what does it look like?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 19:52
And to think we always called it Quainta@se............;);)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 18:47
So how would one stand if they have a labour card obtained from sharja free zone ,my friends cleaner has this ,she paid for her own visa .I have seen photo copy it is legit. The poor maid got caught up in a scam run by unscrupulous locals. (You cannot pay for a visa, you must be sponsored by your sole employer). Not legal and very sad.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 19:17
Going from average temps of 55f to 55c with NO sun protection.........equals sunburn. Sunburn is allegedly the most important risk factor for skin cancers...I rest my case. edited by Livelytrish on 25/10/2011 <em>edited by Livelytrish on 25/10/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 18:57
I am sure this is an extreme case but I remember reading this a while ago so just dug it out as it seems relevant here.... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1348235/Tyler-Attrill-12-risk-rickets-mother-used-factor-50-suncream.html i never knew sunscreen interfered with vitamin D, thanks for posting that... so basically it's a choice between ricketts and skin cancer then... No, I disagree. We lived in Miami as children, out in the sun every day - no sunscreen. My husband is from Australia, a surfer and an athlete - no sunscreen either. I think the whole skin cancer scare is a bit overblown, probably by the sunscreen industry. People who are genetically at higher risk of sun cancer, people who use tanning bed and people who tan religiously are at risk. The rest of us should have nothing to fear - after all, people all around the world in the hottest countries are outside all day (indians, anyone?) and aren't dropping en masse from skin cancer. Totally agree with you guinness. The question I always ask the skin cancer zealots is this............given that huge swathes of the population of the UK were dumped into the deserts of North Africa during the war.........many of whom had never been out the the smog of Glasgow/Manchester etc.........and had ZERO protection.......and became seriously sun blackened........and yet, no epidemic of skin cancer post 1945. Yes, skin cancers do exist.......and I use the plural advisedly, because there is a distinct difference between the types...Melanoma appears to have a genetic rather than environmental link and the more minor cancers may well be due to sun exposure......but, as I said, minor, if cosmetically unpleasant, even distressing, but non life threatening. However.............that wouldn't make money for the pharmaceutical industry, which continues to get rich on the fears of the worried well. <em>edited by Livelytrish on 25/10/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:20
So sorry to hear this.......it is a very scary diagnosis.......I cannot give you any info about treatment in Dubai, but I can tell you that i was diagnosed with the same condition age 29. I had surgery (ovary removed) and radiotherapy, and am now edging up to my 64th birthday, totally symptom free. Wishing you a similar outcome.........all the very best to you.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 19:34
France played their hearts out............a real treat for rugby fans world wide, and a great reminder of the reasons we all just love the game. Well done both teams.......you are BOTH winners!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 16:11
We live 7km up in the hills above Pissouri......always cooler up here but temp today with us is a glorious 26c. This is my favourite time of year in Cyprus, there could be the odd thunderstorm but only occasionally. On the whole, great weather for sightseeing, or just relaxing in a pleasantly warm sun. Pissouri is really a very peaceful little resort, a few nice restaurants, a bit of beach and lovely scenery all around.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 19:21
Why don't you just buy your usual pill otc from the pharmacy.......no script or permission needed.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 16:50
Personally I would give the owner of the store a chance to respond first, before you put it on their FB page. The owner may well be as horrified as everyone else on here when she learns what happens. Playing the Devil's Advocate here, do we know how long the staff had been working that day? Maybe they/she was absolutely exhausted that day and desperate to finish work and get some rest. It's not really her fault if people don't get to the shop until close to closing time. Just my opinion... I am glad you said this..........the staff obviously did not handle the situation well, but how many of us would expect an hotel/supermarket/hairdressers/bank to stay open after hours, just because we get there too late? It is the OP's big day, but for the staff it is just their job........and their lives to go home to. Not saying Bridezilla.........but to the ladies saying the staff should be sacked......would you really consider that to be fair? I have a feeling that if it happened to you ladies at work.... you would be posting on EW screaming blue murder.