Di, a "talking computer" is basically what Win XP's 'Narrator' programme gives you. There are also many other free 'text-to-speech' programmes available. The big problem is in getting software that works the other way, a Voice Recognition' programme that will let you talk into a microphone and convert your speech into text. There are a very few such programmes and most are not very good. The good ones are expensive. 'Dragon Naturally Speaking' (DNS) is recognised as being one of the better, if not the best of the voice recognition programmes. The cheapest version of DNS is priced at $300 USD or $400 USD with a microphone although it may be cheaper at some discount stores. Although a good quality mic. is required I'm sure they are available for very much less than the $100 USD that DNS ask. IBM used to have a programme called ViaVoice which was considered by many to be almost as good as DNS and quite a bit cheaper too. When they stopped marketing it (circa 2000 I think) they made it free to download but it seems it is no longer available, probably because IBM now have another Voice Recognition programme which is intended for Business use and is very expensive. I'm not sure what programme Tracy uses but it occurs to me that if Johno is now 'legally' blind, i.e. severely vision impaired, which he may well be, perhaps he may be able to get Social Services to pay for it. It would be worth asking. The Royal National Institute for the Blind has info. on degrees of blindness here; http://tinyurl.com/ecjpw Geo. What about a talking computer......would this be just a matter of buying software?? I am thinking like Tracey has DiDi http://photobucket.com/albums/d100/didi_45 G'day, Johno. I'm sorry to hear that your sight has not improved but happy that you are at least regaining your usual positive outlook on life. Always look on the bright side, eh, mate? In case you weren't aware of it, Windows has 'Accessibility' options available to assist folk with impaired vision, etc. and you can also increase the size of text and objects (icons, pictures, etc.) on the screen via the display properties. I expect Cathy can find them for you if necessary but if not, I can send instructions on how to access them. Geo. Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno

Hi Sue, Nick and I will be coming on Sunday only and would like lunch...the Corner Cupboard looks OK... will go along with what everyone wants. Gwen >I need numbers .... > > I was hoping to get to Cheltenham to do a "recky" of the place - but Andy > is > now working straight through to at least the 26th May - so don't know when > we're going to be able to spare the 8 hours it'll take us ... It's a 2.5hr > drive there - & 2.5hr back - & that's not counting things like rush-hours > & > roadworks ... But we'll do our best to get there .... > > On our way to the Sarf last weekend - we did manage to take in a detour to > Winchcombe - and - to be honest with you all - there does not seem to be > too > much in the way of decent eating establishments - except one called :- > > "The Corner Cupboard" http://www.cornercupboard.co.uk/index.html ... We > called in and spoke to a member of staff ... We do have to book - and of > course - this would mean knowing exactly who is intending to be around for > the SUNDAY - & who would want to eat lunch ... Their last sitting is 2pm - > and they said that if we pre-ordered our meals (£7.95 for a roast meal - > whatever meat we wanted, as long as they know) - they would have them on > the > table for us for 2pm .... Seeing as most of you want to be away by 4pm - > this seemed suitable ... > > They have a fair sized restaurant - and also a side room - which they said > we could have - (it used to be the darts room) ... It doesn't have direct > access to outside - but it does have windows - & would certainly be better > than nothing if the weather wasn't good & dry (how dare it not be, he) .. > There is a good sized car-park - & a beer-garden outside if it's hot ... > There's only one problem - and that is there is a slope down to the pub > from > the car-park - and a few steps up to the beer-garden - but I managed it > okay > .... > > The trouble with most of the other places in the village - was that they > seemed to be lacking car-parking spaces - but it was late when we got > there > - & we didn't really have a very long look ... IF we manage to get there > again - we can look around - if you don't want to go to the Corner > Cupboard > .. > > Sooooooo - I need NUMBERS --- of A. Who will be joining us on the SUNDAY - > and B. Who will be wanting to eat lunch ... > > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > > As for the SATURDAY > > WELL - - - How does "Bourton On The Water" grab you .. ? ... > > - http://www.cotswolds.info/places/bourton-on-the-water.shtml ... > > - http://www.places-to-go.org.uk/Bourton_on_the_Water.htm ... > > As you'll see - if you go to these sites - &/or do a Google search - > > There is PLENTY to do and see here - ranging from :- > > A "Model Village" of itself ... > > A large model railway - largest in the UK ... > > A Motor Museum (beside the river) ... > > Birdland Zoo ... > > Plus lots of other things ... > > I would suggest - as we're eating our main meal in the evening - at the > Beefeater (attached to the hotel) - that we self-cater for lunchtime on > the > SATURDAY ... We can either buy what we want from Sainsbury's before we > go - > (shop opposite the hotel) - - - or we can buy when we're there ... Andy > can > take our large 'fridge-box' - if needed .... > > BUT - I do need numbers - - - so would appreciate your responses .... You > all know which weekend it is - so - although there's no real hurry - we do > need to sort this out - as ASAP .... > > Thank you ... > > Sue > > > ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== > RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST > If a subject has already been discussed - there is nothing wrong with > refreshing our memories. Lest we forget. :-) >

Anywhere on the Saturday is OK with us, as long as there aren't too many steps & it isn't too far to drive from the hotel for his nibs. Three weeks to go !!! Pat.xxx :o)) A Maid of Kent As for the SATURDAY WELL - - - How does "Bourton On The Water" grab you .. ? ... - http://www.cotswolds.info/places/bourton-on-the-water.shtml ... - http://www.places-to-go.org.uk/Bourton_on_the_Water.htm ... As you'll see - if you go to these sites - &/or do a Google search - There is PLENTY to do and see here - ranging from :- A "Model Village" of itself ... A large model railway - largest in the UK ... A Motor Museum (beside the river) ... Birdland Zoo ... Plus lots of other things ... I would suggest - as we're eating our main meal in the evening - at the Beefeater (attached to the hotel) - that we self-cater for lunchtime on the SATURDAY ... We can either buy what we want from Sainsbury's before we go - (shop opposite the hotel) - - - or we can buy when we're there ... Andy can take our large 'fridge-box' - if needed .... BUT - I do need numbers - - - so would appreciate your responses .... You all know which weekend it is - so - although there's no real hurry - we do need to sort this out - as ASAP .... Thank you ... Sue ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST If a subject has already been discussed - there is nothing wrong with refreshing our memories. Lest we forget. :-)

I need numbers .... I was hoping to get to Cheltenham to do a "recky" of the place - but Andy is now working straight through to at least the 26th May - so don't know when we're going to be able to spare the 8 hours it'll take us ... It's a 2.5hr drive there - & 2.5hr back - & that's not counting things like rush-hours & roadworks ... But we'll do our best to get there .... On our way to the Sarf last weekend - we did manage to take in a detour to Winchcombe - and - to be honest with you all - there does not seem to be too much in the way of decent eating establishments - except one called :- "The Corner Cupboard" http://www.cornercupboard.co.uk/index.html ... We called in and spoke to a member of staff ... We do have to book - and of course - this would mean knowing exactly who is intending to be around for the SUNDAY - & who would want to eat lunch ... Their last sitting is 2pm - and they said that if we pre-ordered our meals (£7.95 for a roast meal - whatever meat we wanted, as long as they know) - they would have them on the table for us for 2pm .... Seeing as most of you want to be away by 4pm - this seemed suitable ... They have a fair sized restaurant - and also a side room - which they said we could have - (it used to be the darts room) ... It doesn't have direct access to outside - but it does have windows - & would certainly be better than nothing if the weather wasn't good & dry (how dare it not be, he) .. There is a good sized car-park - & a beer-garden outside if it's hot ... There's only one problem - and that is there is a slope down to the pub from the car-park - and a few steps up to the beer-garden - but I managed it okay .... The trouble with most of the other places in the village - was that they seemed to be lacking car-parking spaces - but it was late when we got there - & we didn't really have a very long look ... IF we manage to get there again - we can look around - if you don't want to go to the Corner Cupboard .. Sooooooo - I need NUMBERS --- of A. Who will be joining us on the SUNDAY - and B. Who will be wanting to eat lunch ... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * As for the SATURDAY WELL - - - How does "Bourton On The Water" grab you .. ? ... - http://www.cotswolds.info/places/bourton-on-the-water.shtml ... - http://www.places-to-go.org.uk/Bourton_on_the_Water.htm ... As you'll see - if you go to these sites - &/or do a Google search - There is PLENTY to do and see here - ranging from :- A "Model Village" of itself ... A large model railway - largest in the UK ... A Motor Museum (beside the river) ... Birdland Zoo ... Plus lots of other things ... I would suggest - as we're eating our main meal in the evening - at the Beefeater (attached to the hotel) - that we self-cater for lunchtime on the SATURDAY ... We can either buy what we want from Sainsbury's before we go - (shop opposite the hotel) - - - or we can buy when we're there ... Andy can take our large 'fridge-box' - if needed .... BUT - I do need numbers - - - so would appreciate your responses .... You all know which weekend it is - so - although there's no real hurry - we do need to sort this out - as ASAP .... Thank you ... Sue

Today's puzzle is: Black Bug http://www.jigzone.com/z.php?13EIFG002278564 Enjoy! Maggie Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Having a pretty quiet time so far Val, mainly shopping with Linda, although at the weekend was up in the Telford area [Shropshire] with Linda and G'dau Maria [last year's bride], spending time with Linda's long time friends [my 'adopted dau and son'] Pat and Dave. Hence on Tues when B D said there had been a big Quake in Wellington my reply was "Which One ??" as there is a Wellington in the Telford area . On the way back we stopped and spent the night at Maria and Andy's home in Milton Keynes, and going back to Chesham very early Sunday morn, saw Wallabies and Deer in the lovely area between Dunstable and Berkhampstead, and baby rabbits ..that were dicing with their lives glad we were the only car on the road at that time, so they were quite safe. Have to catch up on family visiting and some research up in London. Will pass on Hugs to any Trivvies that I meet up with, and I'm sure if I do forget they will ask why I haven't done as you have asked :-))))), being a keeper of the Elephants I'm sure I won't forget though Hugs Marlene ```````````````````````````````` Thanks for the hugs Marlene, hope you are having a good time. When you see Sue give her a hug from me please, also all the Trivvies that you see! Val xx

Was out at sea Roz and caused no damage :) Was felt widely and a bit of a worry bout a tsunami but I think that was just being cautious DiDi http://photobucket.com/albums/d100/didi_45 ] Mag. 7.1 earthquake, NE of New Zealand region, New Zealand we're not getting any reports..or at least, i've not heard any on the news channels i get. the big geotechnic thingy right now is that volcano. loads of political stuff from all over. that was a pretty big quake tho..did you feel it at all? it was pretty deep in the earth..about how far was it out to sea from land/nz? roz On Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:16 AM, Diane Kirby [SMTP:graceland@xnet.co.nz] wrote: > Wellington has JUST had this big shake.......got no reports yet of > any > damage etc........keep our fingers crossed all is ok > > > DiDi > http://photobucket.com/albums/d100/didi_45 > > -----Original Message----- > From: eqnews-bounces@futura.geonet.org.nz > [mailto:eqnews-bounces@futura.geonet.org.nz]On Behalf Of > eqnews@futura.geonet.org.nz > Sent: Wednesday, 17 May 2006 11:07 a.m. > To: eqnews@futura.geonet.org.nz > Subject: [GeoNet] Mag. 7.1 earthquake, NE of New Zealand region, New > Zealand > > PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT > > GNS SCIENCE > GeoNet Data Centre > Lower Hutt, New Zealand > http://www.geonet.org.nz > > > The following earthquake has been recorded by GNS Science: > > Reference number: 2568629/G > Universal Time: 16 May 2006 at 10:39 > NZ Standard Time: Tuesday, 16 May 2006 at 10:39 pm > Latitude, Longitude: 31.98?S, 177.21?W > Location: 750 km north-east of Te Araroa > Focal depth: 33 km > Richter magnitude: 7.1 > Web page: > http://www.geonet.org.nz/x2568629g_l.html > > Location very approximate at this stage; felt widely > in the North Island. > > > GeoNet is core funded by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and is being > designed, > installed and operated by GNS Science on behalf of EQC and all New > Zealanders. > > GNS Science accepts no liability for any loss or damage, direct or > indirect, > resulting from the use of the information provided. GNS Science does > not > make > any representation in respect of the information's accuracy, > completeness or > fitness for any particular purpose. > _______________________________________________ > Eqnews mailing list. > You may unsubscribe from Eqnews or manage your account by visiting: > http://lists.geonet.org.nz/mailman/listinfo/eqnews. > This is an announcement list only, for further assistance please > email > info@geonet.org.nz > > > ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== > RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST > Pure Fiction messages are frowned upon - Elephants do not travel in > balloons - please use the Adventure List. > ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST Today's Memories will be of interest to our Descendants. But for this to happen they need to be told. This List is here for just this to happen.

What about a talking computer......would this be just a matter of buying software?? I am thinking like Tracey has DiDi http://photobucket.com/albums/d100/didi_45 G'day, Johno. I'm sorry to hear that your sight has not improved but happy that you are at least regaining your usual positive outlook on life. Always look on the bright side, eh, mate? In case you weren't aware of it, Windows has 'Accessibility' options available to assist folk with impaired vision, etc. and you can also increase the size of text and objects (icons, pictures, etc.) on the screen via the display properties. I expect Cathy can find them for you if necessary but if not, I can send instructions on how to access them. Geo. Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST Today's Memories will be of interest to our Descendants. But for this to happen they need to be told. This List is here for just this to happen.

So good to see mail from our dear Johno. :) Have missed you but realise it is not easy for you to talk to us as before Johno. Thank you Cathy for letting us know that Johno is showing some improvement. Loves ya Johno!! DiDi http://photobucket.com/albums/d100/didi_45 -----Original Message----- From: Johno [mailto:john@connolley.co.uk] Sent: Wednesday, 17 May 2006 2:43 a.m. To: GEN-TRIVIA-ENG-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [TRIVVIES] Greetings from Johno Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST Pure Fiction messages are frowned upon - Elephants do not travel in balloons - please use the Adventure List.

Today's puzzle is: Charles III http://www.jigzone.com/z.php?167HFG0022785B0 Enjoy! Maggie Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

I remember we had a pond once, but the Kookaburras ate all the fish! Val xx Johno Lovely to hear from you again and glad to hear that you are up and about now and trying to be positive. A couple of years ago when we remoddelled our back garden we built this largish fish pond - Peter wanted it deep enough for fish in winter(about 30")and wanted a shallow "beach" end so that it was wildlife friendly. We have worked quite hard to get it well planted and matured and the other day I was hand clearing some of the algae when a little frog about the size of a 50p jumped out just in front of my hand. The next day I was doing more of the same task and saw a pair of newts on the gravel just in the water. We are so chuffed that we have got the balance right and we are creating a home for these creatures - I wonder what we will find next? Love and hugs Liz Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST Pure Fiction messages are frowned upon - Elephants do not travel in balloons - please use the Adventure List. -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.3/316 - Release Date: 17/04/2006

Hi Johno Glad you are keeping the chin up, please continue to do so! Val xx Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST Pure Fiction messages are frowned upon - Elephants do not travel in balloons - please use the Adventure List. -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.3/316 - Release Date: 17/04/2006

Thanks for the hugs Marlene, hope you are having a good time. When you see Sue give her a hug from me please, also all the Trivvies that you see! Val xx Hi Everyone, Sorry for the long gap in my answering your "Welcome to the UK" letters, but a few hours after resting and eating, I upped and left the building to spend some time with my daughter in Chesham who had 12 days holiday from work, a luxury that we seldom get to enjoy together. We had planned to do quite a few things, the main one had to be postponed for the time being; and the next really important one that had worried me since just after Easter was trying to find my cousin who I had been trying to phone from back home since Easter Friday. After trying various neighbours doors in her area in St Albans found out she had been in hospital for weeks and still has a couple or so weeks left to go, we, that's Linda,Tony [my S-in-L]& I surprised her and hopefully cheered her up with an unannounced visit, and I was relieved to see that she was coping OK with the enforced bedrest, we then went off shopping: like a lot of you Trivvies Linda also has the Card Making bug big time :-)))) Sorry for those with Birthday Greetings that I have missed on Gen Triv..... Peter, Shaun and Irene, and also Glennis and Otto's WA ... hope you all had a good time. Sorry that your 89th birthday Johno was a very wet one and not a good one for you ... but I'm awaiting that lovely hug with you and promise it will be a Gentle Comfy one. Calling John up in the Liverpool area on the canal hope you are having a good time sorry the weather is also letting you down. Sharla ... hope your plans to the UK and Italy are going well and hope you get your wish to meet up with the Trivvies. Hope your back is better Sue, and that you had a fairly restful weekend. Big HUGS to anyone who needs them >>(((((HUGS))))))<<. Marlene back among the Trivvies Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST If a subject has already been discussed - there is nothing wrong with refreshing our memories. Lest we forget. :-) -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.3/316 - Release Date: 17/04/2006

I'd love to see a photo of that please, it sounds lovely. I love azaleas and wisteria Wolfie...................the quiet one -----Original Message----- From: Jennifer [mailto:slyfoxx@shaw.ca] Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 10:24 PM To: GEN-TRIVIA-ENG-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [TRIVVIES] Greetings from Johno I love a "smelly" garden. The weather today is perfect. I've been sitting on the sundeck under the grape arbour with its just-opening leaves. The fragrance from three blossoming azaleas, (firey orange, sunshine yellow and creamy white) plus the purple Chinese wisteria, two lilacs (mauve and white), a bank of multi-coloured wallflowers, and my pink fragrant clematis (smells like vanilla) is absolutely fantastic. Whichever way the breeze wafts, I get a different scent. Mmmmm ...Delicious. Wish I could bottle it and save for later LOL Jennifer Maggie wrote: > That sounds lovely and I bet the smell is gorgeous. The blooms seem to be > smelling better this year than others. When I was on the train the other > day the smells were coming in the carriage. Some, like the Oilseed Rape and > the Lilac are very strong and pungent. > Maggie > > > ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST Before you sent your mail - Please cut out as much of previous messages as is appropriate - and Please change the Subject Line if the Topic has changed. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.6/340 - Release Date: 15/05/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.6.0/341 - Release Date: 16/05/2006

I too was surprised like you Roz, that there was no write up, couldn't even see one when I went to the Aus/NZ Yahoo pages. When Big D said there had been a big quake in Wellington ... I asked which one ..... as I had been up in that area of Shropshire at the weekend with Linda and Maria, Marlene ```````````````````` > i'm still surprised the major news sources aren't > carrying the story. that was a big quake. > we frequently hear about smaller ones in asia > especially since the tsunami. i'd suspect the nz quake was on the same or very near fault line/plate. > roz Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

wow Liz, that's wonderful for you. If I manage to hang on to this house long enough to do it, having a pond in the garden is something I would love though not top priority just yet. My garden is kind of small though so I doubt I'd be able to have one big enough to attract too much - and right now with the West Nile Virus, carried by mosquitoes, around I guess standing water of any kind is frowned upon anyway, so maybe I'll just have to have a little fountain/waterfall.... I can dream about it anyway! mary Liz Graydon wrote: >Johno > >Lovely to hear from you again and glad to hear that you are up and about now >and trying to be positive. > >A couple of years ago when we remoddelled our back garden we built this >largish fish pond - Peter wanted it deep enough for fish in winter(about >30")and wanted a shallow "beach" end so that it was wildlife friendly. We >have worked quite hard to get it well planted and matured and the other day >I was hand clearing some of the algae when a little frog about the size of a >50p jumped out just in front of my hand. The next day I was doing more of >the same task and saw a pair of newts on the gravel just in the water. > >We are so chuffed that we have got the balance right and we are creating a >home for these creatures - I wonder what we will find next? > >Love and hugs > >Liz > > > Hello Dear Friends > > I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a >note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere >near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). >Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate >slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of >bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a >blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were >one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not >easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet >but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. > > I hope you are all well. > > Love and hugs > > The Old Boy - Johno > > > > >==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== >RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST >Pure Fiction messages are frowned upon - Elephants do not travel in balloons - please use the Adventure List. > > >

G'day, Johno. I'm sorry to hear that your sight has not improved but happy that you are at least regaining your usual positive outlook on life. Always look on the bright side, eh, mate? In case you weren't aware of it, Windows has 'Accessibility' options available to assist folk with impaired vision, etc. and you can also increase the size of text and objects (icons, pictures, etc.) on the screen via the display properties. I expect Cathy can find them for you if necessary but if not, I can send instructions on how to access them. Geo. Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno

Wellington has JUST had this big shake.......got no reports yet of any damage etc........keep our fingers crossed all is ok DiDi http://photobucket.com/albums/d100/didi_45 -----Original Message----- From: eqnews-bounces@futura.geonet.org.nz [mailto:eqnews-bounces@futura.geonet.org.nz]On Behalf Of eqnews@futura.geonet.org.nz Sent: Wednesday, 17 May 2006 11:07 a.m. To: eqnews@futura.geonet.org.nz Subject: [GeoNet] Mag. 7.1 earthquake, NE of New Zealand region, New Zealand PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT GNS SCIENCE GeoNet Data Centre Lower Hutt, New Zealand http://www.geonet.org.nz The following earthquake has been recorded by GNS Science: Reference number: 2568629/G Universal Time: 16 May 2006 at 10:39 NZ Standard Time: Tuesday, 16 May 2006 at 10:39 pm Latitude, Longitude: 31.98°S, 177.21°W Location: 750 km north-east of Te Araroa Focal depth: 33 km Richter magnitude: 7.1 Web page: http://www.geonet.org.nz/x2568629g_l.html Location very approximate at this stage; felt widely in the North Island. GeoNet is core funded by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and is being designed, installed and operated by GNS Science on behalf of EQC and all New Zealanders. GNS Science accepts no liability for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, resulting from the use of the information provided. GNS Science does not make any representation in respect of the information's accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose. _______________________________________________ Eqnews mailing list. You may unsubscribe from Eqnews or manage your account by visiting: http://lists.geonet.org.nz/mailman/listinfo/eqnews. This is an announcement list only, for further assistance please email info@geonet.org.nz

Lovely to hear from you again Johno...sorry you weren't able to see the bluebells, but glad you sound to be in better health otherwise. ((((((((((((((((gentle hugs))))))))))))))) and love to Mary and Cathy. Gwen. > Hello Dear Friends > > I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a > note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is > nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and > Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to > deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some > photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see > anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells > in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive > however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my > dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week > sometime. > > I hope you are all well. > > Love and hugs > > The Old Boy - Johno > > > > ==== GEN-TRIVIA-ENG Mailing List ==== > RANDOM TAGLINE - GEN-TRIVIA-ENG - MAILING LIST > Pure Fiction messages are frowned upon - Elephants do not travel in > balloons - please use the Adventure List. >

Johno Lovely to hear from you again and glad to hear that you are up and about now and trying to be positive. A couple of years ago when we remoddelled our back garden we built this largish fish pond - Peter wanted it deep enough for fish in winter(about 30")and wanted a shallow "beach" end so that it was wildlife friendly. We have worked quite hard to get it well planted and matured and the other day I was hand clearing some of the algae when a little frog about the size of a 50p jumped out just in front of my hand. The next day I was doing more of the same task and saw a pair of newts on the gravel just in the water. We are so chuffed that we have got the balance right and we are creating a home for these creatures - I wonder what we will find next? Love and hugs Liz Hello Dear Friends I have not been in touch for a while but I thought I had better send a note to say that I am still in the land of the living. My number is nowhere near ready to come up yet apparently (according to Cathy and Mary). Healthwise I am about the same. The eyesight continues to deteriorate slowly so that I cannot pick out detail now. Cathy took some photo's of bluebells in nearby woods but I really wasn't able to see anything except a blue and green blur. That is a great pity as bluebells in springtime were one of my favourite sights. I am trying to be positive however but it is not easy. I haven't even been able to say hello to my dear friend Marlene yet but I am hoping to meet up with her this week sometime. I hope you are all well. Love and hugs The Old Boy - Johno