AUGUST 15

 Those who have been in the habit of visiting my websiie must have concuded long ago that it had died an unnatural death. I am happy to say that it has had a resurrection.
I changed computers some weeks ago. Friends had been extolling the virtues of apple mac, and I was persuaded to go the way they were suggesting. It had its pronlems, mostly due to my inability to come to terms with what was different. Having ironed out most of the problems related to change, I was faced with the knowledge that the new computer could not accommodate my website. What to do? An advertisement was placed on the student notice board at Melbourne University. There were six who responded - one including an impressive list of his attaiments. He was passed over. The decision not to use him but a student who lived in my district proved to be the correct one. Josh has been a great help. I was impressed by his computer skills. Even more was I impressed by his courtesy and desire to be of assistance. The last thing in his mind was payment for the tasks undertaken. I had almost to compel him to accept what I had concluded was a fair rate an hour for the time he spent. The website you are now looking at was his work. Now that problem has been resolved I may find time to visit the site from time to time. I will be having a cataract removed in a few days time, and will no longer have to peer at the computer screen. May I add WATCH THIS SPACE' FRIENDS



June 8, 2008

Within a matter of a few days, I had the privilege of nursing the two latest to our family clan. Alexander John was welcomed by Tim and Emily, and few days later Lydia Kathryn came as the Joy of Anna and Paul. Both babies and mothers are doing well. For that we thank God. Holding one's great grandchildren is an emotional experience. It also provides much room for thought. The atmosphere and ethics of the world we live in move the mind into the area of much debate of later years - that of abortion. I have strong feelings over the matter, and I have expressed them in the page Contemporary Issues. If you care to do so, you can read the page and understand my own thinking on the matter.

June 2

My absence from the website is due to the tact that I am in the process of changing my computer, and the one I hope to possess has a website installed. It only needs to be edited and made as I wish. As soon as the procedure is over, I will return. Whatever the format at this end, it will be still accessible as George Lazenby Commentary.



May 5

I realise that my website is not functioning as it should. A letter from abroad indicated that the person sending it explained that he had tried the feed back, but without success, My granddaughter's husband who is on furlough from Malaysia will endeavour to bring the site up to date. Please accept my apologies.

April 29

No doubt the goings on at Griffith University have caused many to raise serious questions concerning the inroads of Islam. I have aired my opinion on this latest charade on the page Contemporary Issues.

April 18

I have added to the page on Missions

March 31 2008

For some weeks I have been unable to add to my webpage. The most serious one has been a change in the ownership of the domain sites. Changes of this nature often become tricky and time consuming. Apart from that my health has not been such as to encourage me to sit before the computer screen. Approaching my 95th birthday I accept that the aches and pains that one would normally take in one's stride, are not so easily ignored. Let me take up what I intended when mentioning Islam a couple of months ago. I refer readers to the page on Missions and Missionaries.

January 31 2008

I intend as soon as possible to return to the issue of Christianity and Islam. See Missions and Missionaries

February 13 2008

The fact that I have added little by way pf commentary during the past four or five weeks has been due to a wearying bout of arthritis.

The Situation in Sudan

I have discussed this on the page Missions and Missionaries - and reflected on its Implications.

November 28

Beckham mania

The back page of my morning edition of The Australian was almost exclusively given to the performance of Beckham who, watched by 80,000 spectators who had paid up to $85 to watch him. played less than a couple of hours with an American soccer club at the Telstra stadium last night. He had flown into Sydney by his private jet, and earns millions a year, not only for his soccer skills, but through the many endorsements which contribute overwhelmingly to his wealth. It made me wonder. Is this a measure of our priorities? To what extent are we the dupes of the marketing world? Sir Ronald Ross, who exposed himself to multitudes of mosquito bites, in order to discover the cause of malaria, and died almost penniless. We have foisted upon us through an all too eager media, those whose contributions are minimal in terms of the benefits to humanity. We fall for it. Who are the real dupes?

November 24

Where did we read of wars, rumours of war, and times of distress'?

The news to day is that there is a state of urgency in Lebanon. Politicians in Beirut have failed to elect anew president.. There is an unwritten agreement in Lebanon that its president must be a Maronite. There are many Christians in the Maronite sect, and it is this that is the sticking point. The government has failed to elect such, and the pro-Syrian president has declared a state of emergency and handed power to the army to as he said, ' preserve security all over the Lebanese territory'. The divided population consists of Maronite Christians and Shia Muslims. Now without a president the influence of Syria increases, and the risk of a pro-Syrian Hizbollah being set up threatens the whole of that region in the Middle East. More than ever Christians must pray that peace may yet come to a land which has known so many years of brutal war.

November 23 The Commonwealth have expelled the Pakistan government. It will be interesting to watch developments

November 20 I have just heard a news flash indicating that Imran Khan the test cricketer, now politician, is starting a hunger strike from his place of detention. Not a great day for democracy in Pakistan.

November 15

My absence from this page is due for the most part, in that I have arthritis in the neck . Being in one position for too long aggravates the pain. However, I have added to what I had said about the situation in Burma. During the past few weeks there has been much diplomatic activity, and the United Nations has sought to bring things to a conclusion favouring a democratic government. These resolutions and appeals, and the threat of sanctions against Burma have had little result. Now the situation has moved to Pakistan, and we can but await to see what changes may be made to what is in effect a military dictatorship. With the arrival of Ms Bhutto and the activities of former cricket test player the situation does not appear to have improved. The former has been under house arrest, and Imran Khan, if we accept the latest report has been taken into custody. The UN is making the usual noises and the USA is issuing threats, but time alone will tell the effect these may have.

October 18

I have added to the situation in Burma - The Burgundy Revolution

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October 15

The fact that recently 3000 gold miners in South Africa were rescued when there was a collapse in the mine did not make front page news. Nor did the fact that some hundreds of miners were lost in a mine accident in China. Having once worked in a colliery company and having been down a mine, I appreciate what the conditions are like. Fortunately gold mining in Australia has of recent years almost been free from fatal accidents. That does not lessen the risks that underground miners face. I am reminded of a phrase by Livy the Roman historian, who said of gold mining, "many hands are worn down that one little finger may be adorned". It's worth thinking about.

Those of you who wear rings on the third finger of the left hand may know that the ancient belief was that the vein from that finger led to the heart. Another piece of useless trivia, I hear you say!!

The Burgundy revolution

Many of us have been shocked by the news and pictures of the situation in Burma, or as it is called Myamar. The sight of tens of thousands of monks joined my thousands of ordinary civilians, speaks volumes as to the extent of the desire for democracy in a land which for decades has been in the grip of military junta. Thanks to the internet the dictatorship can no longer keep secret the extent of the oppression in that land.

The scenes of Buddhist monks being subject to gunfire and tear gas, illustrate the passionate desire of the people of Burma for democracy. The United Nations special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, was kept waiting by the junta, but according to a news flash at 4p.m. Australian time he has been given an interview. There is no news as to what maybe the outcome. There is the plea for anonymity, citing protocol. If history is anything to go by the intervention of the United Nations will achieve nothing but the usual empty and for the most part meaningless resolutions. When did the United Nations take a clear unequivocal stand on any situation during its history. If ever there was a toothless tiger, the United Nations takes pride of position. Unless the international community puts the screws on the junta in Burma, precious little will change. Our only weapon at this stage is to pray for millions of Christians in Burma

The story of the Karen people is well documented, they have been, and especially now, a shining example of loyalty to Christ to believers everywhere. If ever they needed our prayers it is now.

One cannot but admire the fierce national desires of the Buddhists. Even now their burgundy robes are being stained with blood - a testimony to their ardent desires for their country.

I have been waiting to ascertain what action if any has been taken by the International Community concerning recent events in Burma. Apart from a United Nations Resolution calling for a cessation of the crackdown on those seeking democracy, there has been little follow up. At least I have seen none in the Australian and British press. The UN Security Council did condemn the junta and urged the regime to open talks with opposition leader Aung San Sun Kyi, but one doubts the strength of such resolutions. The most significant action has been on the part of Japan. During the recent riots a Japanese video journalist was murdered. TV footage showed him to have been shot at close quarters by security forces. The Japanese government has cancelled millions of dollars worth of grants to Japan. The US government has urged the International community to step up pressure on Burma's rulers. President Bush has called for "enormous international pressure" to make it clear that the generals will be isolated unless action is taken. History demonstrates that resolutions and threats by the U N make little difference. The EU have taken a firmer stand and approved new sanctions against the junta, including an embargo on the export of wood, gems and metals, and threatened further penalties. One feels that unless such measures are punitive, there will be little change.

All this means that as Christians our prayers for the many thousands of Christian in Burma and those along the Thai-Burma border must be intensified.



It has come to my attention that some readers of this website may have used the section for comments. They may wonder why questions have not been answered. The fault must be with the provider. A change was made and the new provider may have missed something. All comments come to my email address. I will look into the matter, and meanwhile apologise to any who may have thought that what they had noted by way of comments, had not been addressed.



August 26

Perhaps you would like to know more of George Abbott, that is if you don't already know about him. If his name is unfamiliar I have added some information on George Abbott, on the page 'Growing old'.

August 22

Yet again

Anything to do with Nursing Homes catches my attention. I suppose since my wife and I reside in one that is inevitable. Some nursing homes leave a lot to be desired. The scene in Melbourne lately has provided proof of that. Now another has surfaced. The Belvedere Park Aged Care in Sydenham has been ordered to close by the federal government. A recent audit revealed that 42 out of the 48 set care standards had been breached. One might make allowances if the number was four - but 42 out of 48 is an alarming number. The four day audit found the home had serious and widespread problems. Residents were not receiving appropriate clinical care, and staff lacked skills and knowledge to meet residents needs. The report states that "The level of non-compliance is unprecedented". The home should have been closed before this. This is not to overlook the fact that nursing homes are under pressure. One of the obvious needs is to have sufficient trained staff. In a day of skill shortages, many homes have to get by with insufficient and even untrained staff. The pay for staff is such that it is unlikely that those with the skills will necessarily be attracted to nursing homes. It must not be overlooked that nursing homes have to make a profit, and cost cutting may often be in the region of staff numbers. I do not pretend to have the answers but the problem is not likely to go away. All the evidence provided by an aging population indicates that more must be done - and that quickly.



August 13

I have added to this page.......scroll on

August 10

Echooonomics

That is a new one. John Howard used it to describe the policies of his opponents. It made me reflect. I have, for most of my life, been a keen follower of politics both here and in the U.K. Some things become very obvious - that is if one thinks deep and long enough. The one certainty is that what politicians offer can sometimes be completely reversed very soon after. If not reversed they can be dramatically changed.

There was a time, and some of those who read these comments may well remember, when those of us who lived in England were promised that there would be 'blood, toil, tears and sweat.' Churchill's prediction was true. I suppose we imagined that with the end of hostilities things would turn to normal. Yet, two years after victory the very people who had been given that dire prediction were left standing in queues holding damp ration books. March 1947 was one of the coldest I can remember. We had the worst snowfall of the century, which was followed by the worst floods on record. Rivers split disastrously across the countryside, swamping roads and railways - to say nothing of countless carpets. I suppose we could not be blamed for being disgruntled. However one needs to have a sense of perspective. England was bankrupt. The debt owed to America was astronomically high. Many towns retained most of the evidences of German bombing. There had been widespread disruption of industry. When, soon after the end of the war, the people threw Churchill and his government out - with a huge landslide, they may have done so in the expectation that things would soon be put to right. It was a false hope. All the evidence was against it. Which brings be back to what politicians of all persuasions offer. They need to be taken with a large grain of salt........to be continued

I intended to say more but came across the following before I added it. The following is part of an article by Peter Saunders, who is social research director for the Centre for Independent Studies, and appeared in The Australian. Although the artic is set in an Australian context, what he says has far wider areas of influence.

Politicians talk down to us like children assuming (rightly in many cases) that they can buy our votes with handouts rather than win our support with arguments. And on TV, they try to act dumb. Before he got the Labour leadership, hacks speculated that Kevin Rudd was too clever to be elected, but larking around on Friday mornings on Channel 7 with Mel and Kochie helped him over come that obstacle. On Channel 9 recently Tony Abbott, Health Minister ridiculed himself for using the phrase "supping with the devil" after he realised nobody else in the studio had heard the term before. The worst thing for a politician is to stand out from the mob and set a standard. American research finds that candidates in presidential debates are increasingly using simple, child-like language as the years unfold. The Gettysburg address cannot compete with a 10-second sound bite.

It is said that we get the politicians we deserve - which makes many of us look stupid.

July 26

It's Tax Time

I guess most of us have been either contemplating filling in those endless forms, or have actually commenced the task. Mind you the computer has made the chore less demanding. I have no need to add up. just press the appropriate button and all that is taken care of. That does not mean that I can afford to be careless - it's up to me to put the correct amount in the first place. And that's where the trouble often is to be found. I need another pair of eyes to make sure that I have done the correct thing. Colin Lynch provides the extra eyes, and amazes me with the speed with which he takes care of these things. I am grateful for his competence so gladly shared.

But thinking of taxes made me reflect. The American War of Independence was waged over the matter of a tax. The English Parliament, egged on by King George 111 - of whose sanity most historians have had doubts - decided the colonies should pay their way. There had been the paper tax, and then a sugar tax, both of which had been initially resisted - and then came the tax on tea. That was taking things too far, and the colonists didn't like it. You can go today to a replica of the little ship at Boston where the tea was first thrown overboard, and re-enact the scene. The outcome was the war the English lost and the colonists gained their independence. It was all over the matter of a tax. Taxes are never popular and governments need to consider what they may lead to before imposing them

Then it was the turn of India.

The English rule over India was widely disliked - for good reasons, one of which was the vexed question of taxation. If you run a country, you need the cash necessary for the job. And in India one way of getting it was by taxation. It was when they decided to tax salt that the trouble began. Salt, like fresh air and clean water were essential for everyone, and the poor were not an exception. When the law to tax salt was imposed, Ghandi decided to oppose the measure. He along with thousands of his supporters marched 240 miles to the coast, where Ghandi raised a lump of salty mud, and declared "With this, I am shaking the foundations of the British Empire" He urged his followers to make salt by the seashore. India soon after gained Independence in August 1947. The salt tax was a contributory factor.

Margaret Thatcher, leader of the British parliament made the mistake of introducing a much-opposed tax - a poll tax. When four out of every five people refused to pay the tax, she dropped the idea. It was too late. Her party was divided, and she was challenged for the leadership in 1987, and resigned in 1990. The unpopular poll tax was the beginning of her troubles.

Tax has always been unpopular. The temptation to avoid it is present with most people. A prominent Australian entrepreneur has recently been sentenced to prison for deliberately avoiding tax. It was Benjamin Franklin who said, In this world nothing can be more certain, except death and taxation. It's wise to pay out cheerfully, and count the benefits that come through wise taxation. It was the emperor Augustus who ordered a census, for the purposes of taxation, which required that the people of Palestine had to return to the place of their birth So Jesus was born at Bethlehem. As the prophet Micah had predicted the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. Peter speaks of having 'the sure - or certain word of prophecy''. The Word of God makes promises and offers benefits, but we need to accept the terms.

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June 30

A bout of pneumonia and a fall necessitating constant physiotherapy over the past month may explain why I have been unable to add to the website. I hope that will soon change.



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June 11

Islam and women



The attitude 0f Islam to women is so well-known that one hesitates to mention it. But when a Moslem woman draws attention to it, the facts still need to be repeated. If you are interested turn to Contemporary Events

May 31

Islam shows the way to evangelise.

If you are interested in the way missions work, especially the methods of Islam, you may read my comments on Missions and missionaries.

May 24

The Latest News

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The fact that I have been inactive as far as the website is concerned, is due to a lingering condition subsequent to a fall, and a bloodied skull. The doctor has advised xrays to determine if there is any damage to the neck and spine. Through these days Adrian and Stella - Stella is Mona's niece - have been a tower of strength. In adversity one soon discovers who will go the extra mile.

Mona continues to be cheerful, and shames me for having the nerve to occasionally complain when things go wrong.



May 15



I have added comments on Coping with Cancer, and a final word on nursing homes - see below on Nursing homes

May 1st



Mona's health continues to give us grounds for thankfulness. She asks questions and makes comments - "Isn't it a blue sky", or "Have you a headache?". Since maintaining a conversation with her tends to be demanding, I have started to read to her. She follows over a sustained period what I read. The selection as far as book is concerned needs some care. I have started with a book for young people I wrote many years ago. The background is familiar to her, and the place names she recalls very clearly. I will keep friends posted....

I have added a paragraph on books. If you are interested turn to that page.



April 25

Nursing Home News.

If any who read these pages envisage the day when they will need nursing home care, may I give some advice - born out of experience:



1. Read the terms of the contract very very carefully.

2. Have a robust solicitor who will take care of your interests.

3. Do not depend on verbal statements. Always ensure that what is being conveyed to you, is in written form.
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I had wrongly assumed that the state of things at the nursing home in Melbourne where 5 elderly residents had died during an outbreak of salmonella had been finalised. I was wrong. The results of an investigation determined that the nursing home was in breach of standards of care covering key areas including infection control, clinical care, nutrition, hydration and staff training. In all, Broughton Hall, an Anglican Home, had been in breach 0f 12 accreditation requirements. The Federal health minister stated that these failures "go directly to the outcome of five deaths at Broughton Hall".

Fortunately most residents at this home would not be alert enough to know what was going on. It demonstrates how vulnerable the elderly are. It also proves that the accreditation Agency is not functioning properly if it takes the death of five elderly residents before it springs into action. Surely these deficencies ought to have been discovered long before they were eventually brought to light. It gives no cause for confidence for those in residential homes, and it ought to ensure that those responsible for running them need far greater vigilance than has been displayed at Broughton Hall.

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April 23

Today is St. George's day. My parents saw my birth as the day before, and decided that George would be the most appropriate name. And who was St. George? If you wish to know more turn to the page Missions. I have added to the comments on Nursing Homes. see Contemporary Issues.

April 17

Nursing homes in the news

With the death of five residents in a Melbourne Nursing Home, the media spotlight has turned on the kind of care that elderly people are given. If the subject interests you I have made some comments on the page Contemporary Issues. These comments are continued......

April 20

Further developments .....



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April 12

"I felt that Jesus was with me every step of the way"

So Zach Johnson was reported to have said after winning the US Golf Masters at Augusta. He won by one shot from Tiger Woods. I suppose I am meant to be impressed by this testimony, but I have reservations. You may not share them, but you can see how the news affected me if you turn to Contemporary Issues.

Maundy Thursday April 5

If you wish to know more turn to the page Contemporary Events

The occasion has given me the opportunity to mention to some of the residents the meaning of the names given to certain Lenten days.

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March 31

I must not wait another day - tomorrow is April the first, and whatever I may say tomorrow may be misinterpreted. At least as an exile from England I can say with Browning, "Oh, to be in England now that April's there... nostalgia prevents me from continuing with what Browning says.

The fact that I have not added to the website for ten days I can explain in two ways. I have not enjoyed the robust health that would otherwise have made it easy to sit before a computer screen. I have mentioned the fact of my visit to the hospital a few days ago for x rays which may reveal the cause of much of the pain. I await the doctor's interpretation of the x rays

It has given Mona a great deal of pleasure to be able to visit the coffee shop on the Strathalan site. Whenever a visitor who appears to have sufficient pushing strength calls, I have suggested that Mona be pushed to the coffee shop. We have had three visits in the past week. Which would indicate that Mona is much better. Anyone who has not seen Mona for some months, is aware of the difference. As I have said before, it may be due to the insertion of a new pacemaker. Much depends on what the next few weeks/months reveal. We must not presume, nor must we be tempted to an arrogant acceptance of the improvement.

Arrogance - now there is a word which has been bandied about by our politicians recently. It is a word which sits easily upon the shoulders of many a politician. I was reminded of this fact when I came across a statement by Paul Johnson in his book Napoleon. He says, "We have to learn again the central lesson of history: that all forms of greatness, military and administrative, nation and empire building, are as nothing - indeed are perilous in the extreme - without a humble and contrite heart". But just think for a minute as to what those of us who have lived over many years have witnessed. Those with eyes to see have witnessed the evils of what Johnson calls Bonapartism. We have seen it on a gigantic scale in Mussolini that mountebank dictator, and the megolomaniac of Germany until it was snuffed out in a bunker in Berlin. But they were not alone. No dictator of the twentieth century from Lenin, Stalin, and Mao Zedong, to pygmy tyrants like Kim Il Sung, Castro, Peron, Mengistu, Saddam Hussein, Ceausescu, and Gadhafi - and now we can add Mugabe -was without echoes of the Napoleonic prototype. Paul Johnson concludes "We have seen the deification of force and war, the all powerful centralized state, the use of cultural propaganda to apotheosize the autocrat, the marshalling of entire people which came to hateful maturity in the twentieth century, which will go down in history as the Age of Infamy.

Friday 23 March



The reason for the delay in giving news is due to the fact that the provider of the web website changed ownership. One expects that any change where computers are concerned means 'trouble'. So it was. My good friend Alan Lynch took many hours trying to get back to normality. He has succeeded, and I am very grateful.

Mona went down to the coffee shop yesterday afternoon. Laurie pushed the large wheel bed and I followed with the aid of the walking frame. Mona had a cappuccino and a piece of cake, and said to me "This is great" - meaning of course the fact that she was having a change of scenery. This marks another stage of her recovery. The fitting of the new pacemaker has been responsible it would appear. Laurie Simpson suggested that the new pacemaker was stimulating the heart, and in turn the heart was pumping more blood to the brain. That is the most probable explanation for the change in Mona's condition. It remains to be seen how permanent this will be.

I need to demonstrate the same improvement in my health. After some time enduring pains in the joints the doctor thought that I should have x rays to determine the cause. One thing the doctor ruled out was that the pains were due to the cancer. I will be at the hospital on Tuesday, and hopefully we will be able to ascertain the causes of the pain. Living on pain killers may give some relief, but they do not point to the source of the trouble. I will keep those of you who read this site informed as soon as the doctor has looked at the x rays. We are thankful for your prayerful concern.

 Sunday 11 march

I have given no news of Mona for some days. I have discovered it is not wise to come to conclusions as far as her health is concerned, for fear of having to revise what I have said. The new pace maker which was fixed recently, has made a difference, and it has been so obvious for some days, that I can be optimistic. The nurse informed me that she had seen the speech therapist and that Mona might have more substantial meals than she has been used to. On Friday she had fish and chips, and I was in formed later that she had done justice to the meal. Where we are it is always fish and chips on Friday, and I wait to see what next Friday reveals.

Church of England in disarray

I have added some comments on the above on the page 'Contemporary Issues. I found the debate not only critical but amusing. For those ecclesiastical minded you may read my reactions.

February 28

Mona continues to improve, and enters quite spontaneously into conversations. I have googled as many articles as I can on 'pacemakers' but can find no suggestion that a replacement will have any noticeable effects. Let's believe that 'payer changes things'.

February 22

Iti s a month since gave any news. The main reason is my fear of being either apprehensive or overly optimistic as far as Mona is concerned. Two weeks ago she had a minor stroke, and her responses were adversely affected. Last week she spent 24 hours in hospital having the battery of her pace maker replaced. I was surprised that she seemed much better when she returned, and since then has given clear evidences of an improvement. When I went to see her this morning she was in a physiotherapy group doing simple exercises. She participated as well as most, and better than some in the group. I don't think that the replacement of the battery in her pace maker has anything to do with her improvement. We thank many of you for your prayers. I am trusting that she will continue to improve and will keep friends posted.



Thursday January 25

Mona's condition remains much the same. Some days she can speak a few words, on others a nod or shake of the head is the only response. The doctor has arranged for her to go to a local hospital in order to recharge the battery in her pace maker. I was told some time ago that there was only three months' supply left in the battery. It will be a simple procedure. At least there are those who give her an expectancy of life needing the pace maker.

Tomorrow is a public holiday - it is Australia Day. Monica will at last be taking Australian citizenship. We did that twenty years ago. It reminds me of the illuminating translation of Paul's words to the Philippians, when he wrote to them reminding them that 'our citizenship is in heaven'. Moffatt, I think it was, who rendered the words, 'We are 'a colony of heaven'. Philippi was a Roman colony. The Romans were adapt at planting 'colonies' - made up of those who had served in the legions. They were given land, and it was their privilege to live as Romans, and convince the people among whom they lived of the privilege of being a Roman. There were four colonies in Britain during the Roman occupation. Paul himself could boast that he 'was born free' - a Roman. The first convert in Europe was Lydia - not a Roman. She had moved to Philippi from Thyatira for business reasons. She traded in purple cloth. Where better to find customers than in Philippi, where there were always those ready 'to take the purple', a step up in the social ladder. So too, Christians are to live so as to persuade others of the benefits of being Christian.



I will keep those who read these pages up-to-date.

Monday January 15

I have not been commenting on Mona's health. A daily bulletin is not necessary. Mona has days when she is unable to talk, and some when she can make statements. When there is any noticeable change, I will give details. Many thanks for your prayerful concerns.



I have added to the page 'Coping with Cancer.

There was a error in my comments yesterday. It should have been headed Monday January 8: I had inserted the wrong day. Let me correct that...

Tuesday January 8

Monday was not a good day for Mona. I saw her throughout the day and failed to evoke any response, apart from the words "I want..." several times, but she was unable to get beyond those two words, save later to say "thank you" to Glenys who brought her a bunch of roses. Peter and Glenys have been to see her several times and we are grateful for their help. Perhaps the efforts of her birthday had exhausted her.



Tuesday January 8

Yesterday was Mona's birthday. It was good that so many family members could get together. Tim's family was well represented, and Martin and Ana, with Monica and Laurie joined with me and Mona. She was able to join with us in that she was brought in a special chair. As part of our coming together was the dedication of Henry James. He was very well behaved throughout and smiled as I offered him to the Lord. Mona was alert and smiling through all this. Her eyes for the most part were on the baby. Monica had catered for afternoon tea, and did so splendidly. Mona had to watch, and I indulged in a mince pie. The rest of the fare was tempting enough, but good sense indicated that I needed to show restraint. Monica had also prepared a cake but Mona had not the strength to blow out the candle.

I have just left her after seeing her in the last stages of a bed bath. It was so exhausting for her that I was unable to get any response, and concluded that she need a sleep more than anything. I will go again later in the morning. She is so frail that one can see the pace maker in her chest - there is barely enough skin to cover it. I am concerned that she is not eating, although a tray of food is brought to her. She needs to be spoon-fed, and that takes time. I will give more news later.

Thursday January 4

The past two days have been sufficient to realise that Mona is under the kind of care she needs. She appears better for the change, and today was able to communicate. There was colour back in her cheeks. Along with all the residents she was 'wheeled' to church. I wasn't sure what took place, but she nodded when I mentioned 'hymns'. It is a case of a day at a time, which means that there will be no need to comment. She is certainly better than a few days ago. It will be interesting how she reacts to the birthday celebration we are arranging for her this coming Sunday. The fact that James Harry will be there will a great help: she responds each time she sees him. I swill keep those who share our concerns posted.

Tuesday January 2

Mona was transferred today to the High Care part of part of the complex. I was able to speak with one of the carers, and was reassured when told that the staff to patient ratio was 6/32 whereas in the care section she has left it is 2/32. Mona will be under much closer attention than formerly. She spends her days in bed - that is unless they move her for a time to the armchair. Tim, Emily and the baby with other family members will be here on Sunday 7th January, which is Mona's birthday. We are arranging for the family to be together in the afternoon, and will use the occasion for the dedication of James Harry. He is a little over three months old now. They return to Kyrgyzstan on January 13. More news later.

Sunday December 31 2006



The last day of the year, and a time for recollecting. Sunday morning; Mona is in my room on a portable bed which can be pushed to wherever one may wish. She has not spoken since she came here about half an hour ago. Lapsing in and out of consciousness has been the pattern of these past days There have been occasions when she has spoken, but they are few and far between. She smiles at me as if to indicate she knows what is going on. Tim, Emily and James Harry - 4 months old - are joining me for lunch. Mona may be revived when she sees the baby. We live a day at a time. 2007 will be marked by even greater change for us than the year that will soon close. "our times are in His hands".

Mona is being moved to another section of Strathalan where the residents are for the most part confined to their beds. I understand that the carers have the skills required to care for cases such as Mona.

To those I know who read this page -Thank you for your concerns

 Boxing Day Tuesday 25 December

Mona's condition these last two days is not markedly different, although no attempt is made to place her in a chair. Most of the time I spend with her she is asleep. I am told this is due to the morphine they are administering. I am sure she is no pain. She does take a little specially prepared food.

Christmas eve

The past 24 hours have been strange. Yesterday morning and this morning Mona was wheeled in her bed to my room. The idea perhaps was that she might respond to familiar things. Both occasions she was asleep and did not respond. This afternoon Tim, Emily and baby James Harry called unexpectendly, I took them to see Mona and the response was remarkable. She smiled and made as if to talk to the baby. The changes was quite noticeably to me who had watched through the morning and afternoon and elicited little more than a squeeze of the hand. The carer also told me that she had eaten some dinner. I can only explain the change due to the administration of morphine. The nurse told me that they gave her the painkiller before lifting her in a frame from the large chair and into her bed, and vice versa. It may be that I have been with her when the effects of the drug were more pronounced. Tim and Emily are to look in on Christmas morning, it will be interesting to see what her response will be then. We live day at a time. Many thanks to concerned friends.

Saturday December 23

Mona shows no improvement The carers very thoughtfully wheeled her into my room for an hour. She was in a bed/settee arrangement. The idea was that she might respond by being in my room where she spent so much of her time. I am not sure that it registered with her. She soon fell asleep holding my hand until it was time for her to be returned - "to her bed" the carer told me. One can agree mentally with Paul when he tells the Philippians that 'to be with Christ is far better'. In our present circumstances we long that it should be true for Mona. No more suffering and no more pain. Such is His promise.

Thursday December 21

Mona is weaker by the hour. She does not eat, and takes little interest in what takes place. It is apparent that her strength cannot be regained, and I can do little but sit by her and hold her hand. Laurie Simpson saw her and she responded to his prayer. A little while ago when the chaplain asked if she would like a prayer, she said "Alright". I will keep those who read up-to-date.

Tim and Emily called with baby James Harry. Between them they sorted out the problem of the gap in this page. They spent some time with Mona who had been transferred from the Austin at noon. She brightened up when she saw her visitors and was quite talkative. The difference between what she was yesterday and today was remarkable. Perhaps now she is back here she may begin the road to recovery.

For a reason I am unable to correct a gap has opened on this page.. Please scroll down until I am able to get things to normal.