What are we not being told?

What is interesting are the reports on what intelligence the west has on the chemical weapons attacks. One of the papers, OK it is the Daily Mail, quotes a US "official" saying that it is no slam dunk that Assad authorised the attacks. There are quotes from the JIC report given to David Cameron which asserts that there are 14 previous attacks by Assad and that in all probability this latest one was from him as well. It makes me wonder if we knew about 14 previous attacks why we did nothing then and suddenly feel the need to do something. I do not normally believe in conspiracy theories, governments are generally too incompetent to arrange anything remotely sophisticated, but I am beginning to wonder about what we are not being told.

Syria

Sadly I have come to the conclusion that we are being governed, if that is the right word, by a coalition of deluded idiots. They somehow think that we are the world's policeman. What is taking place in Syria is awful beyond belief. Both the government and the rebels appear to have committed terrible atrocities. Our wondrous leaders solution to this killing is yet more killing.
No matter who did what and to whom in Syria we must stay out. There is enough senseless killing taking place without us joining in. The only logic for us going in is that when everybody is dead there will be no further killing!

More Wedding Photos

We are still awaiting the official photos - here are more of the ones taken by friends and family.

Thank you presents from Helena

As a thank you present Helena gave Julia a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.

And a fabulous Bob Crooks vase - Bob is one of my favourite glass artists. This is something that we will treasure.

 

Even the youngest joined in!

Henry had a great time!

Mr and Mrs Samuel Dugdale

After a traumatic week Helena and Sam were married on Saturday 17 August at St. Joseph's RC Church Bromley. The reception was held at the adjoining Parish Centre. The trauma was caused by the refurbishment work that was taking place to teh toilets. The builders eventually left at 6.30pm the day before the wedding - thisi was not good for the nerves to say the least.
Then there was an issue with the wedding car, the car that took Helena and I was 45 minutes late - for once being late was not Helena's fault. However despite this the day was great. Our Parish Priest, Father Tom, conducted the most marvelous service the food was great as was the music.
We are still awaiting the official photos, but here are a small selection of "amateur" ones:

A special moment

The deed is done!

Sorting out the family!

Great British Budget Menu

Just watched a recording of the Great British Budget Menu. Three top chefs went to stay with three families, a single mum with one child, a pensioner and a family of five who are all struggling to survive on a very limited food budget. If nothing else it made me very thankful for waht I have.
The programme did not go into (it may have done but I missed the opening) of how or why they had so little. Suffice it to say they had very little. Food banks were one source of supplementing the food budget. But it seems incredible that in this day and age working families, as they did all work apart from the OAP, have to live in food poverty.
There are no easy answers as we are in the middle of a recession, but as a country we need to do something. As an individual I need to do something, we do give currently to our local foodbank, but more needs to be done. Food for thought as they say.

Ueli and Patti Wahli - RIP

I have just learnt the awful news that two American friends of ours Ueli and Patti Wahli have died whilst trekking to "The Wave" in Utah. They were a fantastic couple, really lovely people. We were due to see them next year at a major reunion of those IBMers who worked in the ITSO in San Jose. For once words fail me. May they Rest in Peace.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56554140-78/alldredge-heat-wahli-wrote.html.csp