For us older ones the world has and is changing rapidly. Not just in the social interaction and attitudes of the younger generations or the fact that the world population is getting near to full. Its how life and landscapes have changed and how we live today.

In The UK so many fields, that once were the focus of farmers, ramblers and keepers of the earth, have been concreted over and had unimaginative boxes placed on them. These boxes are small, over-priced, cheaply constructed and the bare minimum of technology put in them.

Compare our homes to our cars, computers, phones and any other aspect of our lives and they are still in the middle ages apart from the fact that they are smaller and worse built.

Why do we put up with it? Why buy these faceless cardboard eyesores?

The fact is that life really could be so much easier and simple if we demanded technology and forward thinking in our homes. Our homes also could be made so we could enjoy them for longer without being forced out because we no longer can cope.

For example:- Voice activated sockets and switches not only allow one to control lighting they can control anything that is plugged into the mains or can interact using Bluetooth. Doors and windows can be locked, ovens turned on, lights dimmed or brightened (along with on  and off), alarms set, music played on  demand and heating adjusted.

Just imagine if you were a bit unsteady on your feet or just were recovering from a broken leg. Being able to turn lights on, lock doors, close curtains and adjust the heating either by voice or via a smart phone or pad. Less having to get up and fewer chances of falling or being in pain.

Smart alarms to notify important bookmarks for the day like medication, walk the dog, water plants or change the bed.

Sadly, most new homes don’t even get equipped with WiFi or broadband let alone Smart technology. The New housing estate near me didn’t even have fiber broadband until the residents got together and campaigned for it to be retrospectively installed and even then it was only to the cabinet.

The government keeps banging on about making us world equals but we live with technology which is worse than some Third World countries.

Yet there doesn’t seem to be any way of improving things.

I’m not saying we all need robots and full automation. Far from it. Many live very happy lives (possibly happier) without modern technology. However, many more could not live without light, heat, WiFi, Bluetooth and the modern trappings offered by our ever-growing automation providers.

Robots could help again with the sickly, disabled, old and dependent ones in society and automation could delay having to go into a nursing home but more importantly take away the demands levied on carers and family members who struggle to cope from day-to-day. They would also ensure a decent level of care was given even when not being watched.

For the modern generation smart devices and automation are common place and they have grown up knowing little else as nearly every home has a smart phone, tablet, computer and tv. But take us older ones and the modern home (equipped at the expense and efforts of the owner not the huge rabbit warren estate builders) is a far cry from the houses we grew up in before the millennia.

So I for one am looking forward to being able to live in my little house, on my own, in relative comfort with my robot “Frank” and labour saving devices (that hopefully are labour saving and not just  faddy gadgets) with the knowledge I am safe and cared for.

Just like the office or home the PC or laptop needs cleaning every so often but we seldom take the time to do a thorough job or dismiss our machine as old and time for replacement. My laptop was becoming slow and unresponsive at times so I sought some help and gave my old tech a spring clean and check up and this cost me nothing.

I am pleased to say things are running a lot smoother and quicker.

It took a while but I hadn’t properly sorted things out for two or three years so things were a mess.

Firstly, I went to a site called “ccleaner” and downloaded their software.

Once this has downloaded allow the software to run a check and remove the rubbish from the hard drive.

By going into the tools section of the program one can see a list of all the programs on the computer. Here you can delete any that are not needed. The less crap means more space and speed.

Secondly, I found a defragmenting site called “Auslogics defrag” and downloaded this too.

Again follow the instructions and run the defragmention program. This should reorganise files and bits of programs that have been left scattered around the memory and hard drive.

Thirdly, find a site called “Driver Booster 4.2”. It is free for a 30 day trial so one can delete it once the system has been updated.

This updates all your drivers and deletes unused or outdated drivers which can speed up your system. Once you have completed this then I suggest you delete the software using the ccleaner application so you don’t forget its there and get charged. Your drivers won’t go out of date in any hurry.

Lastly, download the free version software for “Spybot”

This will scan for malware, cookies, Trojan Horses and unwanted spyware which can slow and impair the workings of any computer.

I am now in the process of cleaning up my ancient laptop that i thought was defunct and it appears I can save it.

It’s a good idea once a month to run a ccleaner test, spybot and antivirus check and the defragmentation every six months or so.

Unless you run an antivirus package a good free one is “AVG free”.

So there we are a little work of three to four hours is well worth the time and it cuts out big bills and costs of buying new machines when they are just not needed.

Thanks readers. So long for now and I hope this is of some help.

The older I get the more diverse and eclectic is my taste in music.

This is a good thing but it wasn’t always like that. It should have been but it was a sad sign of the times.

When I was younger, a lot younger, music was almost a tribal thing and it was one’s peers that moulded one into which tribe was your thing.

I liked rock music from the 70s and 80s and so found myself sporting long hair, leather jackets and jeans so became a rocker. If one so much as stated that you liked new romantic, mod, pop or new soul music then you were ridiculed and laughed at. It was tough and music was aimed at different groups socially and one found themselves in rocker or mod pubs. It was often dangerous to venture into the foreign tribal venues.

It was easy to identify the different clubs. Walk down any 80s’ high street and there were punks, rockers, mods, new romantics and trendies all of whom had their official style of dress and with it there were club rules and music styles.

Today the youngsters don’t seem to care. If one takes a look at their playlists on the phones or ipods then they will see tracks of all sorts from dance to rock, easy listening to solo singers and pop to grunge. Its all about what they like without the boundaries of club rules. They all pretty much look the same too so gone is the “club Tie”.

Its fantastic. Music is for all and so what if you like Abba, ACDC, The Sex Pistols, Snow Patrol, Madonna, Elastica, Ministry of Sound, Pavarotti, ELO and Pink floyd on the same playlist? Who cares if you download The Spice Girls, Motorhead, The Cure, Neil Young, Hot Chocolate and Elvis? Its healthy now to buy CDs of George Michael, Earth Wind and Fire, Coldplay, The New Cranes and Dolly Parton from the same store.

Maybe its because music is so accessible today and can be so personal being played through headphones. Or maybe its just because the younger generation have baulked the stereotype genres of society. Maybe peer pressure is less or the ability to be acceptable whatever your taste is the reason. Who knows?

What is still a common factor though is there is one hell of a lot of music out there and it wears many a different hat so there is something for everyone and more.

There is no such thing as brilliant or bad music in my mind. One person’s love is another’s hate. What is important is that if what you listen to, play, sing along to or just enjoy as a group,  evokes emotion and a response then it has done its job.

Listen to what you like not what you think others should want you to listen to.

We are all different and not just in our physical appearance but mentally and emotionally but what most of us have in common is that we need or like companionship and love. There are those who don’t but I am guessing they are very much in the minority.

Today we live such chaotic and random lives and it is hard to balance our emotions and share our homes with other human partners. Long and hard work hours lead to stressful relationships where communication can break down and things can become irreparably damaged.

Humans by nature can be selfish, deceitful and controlling and at times we don’t make good companions.

Our pets by contrast seem to be able to put up with our strange habits, mood swings and life baggage and in turn require very little back. Yes they need feeding, shelter and the occasional stroke or clean but on the whole they just are there. They become part of the home and family and can be depended on to give love and comfort whenever we need it.

Some pets are better at this than others and it also depends on who or what we humans find endearing. A dog for one is an abhorrence where as for others the cat is the devil incarnate. Be it feathered, scaled, furred or shelled we all have our preference. Yes again there will be those who find animals an anathema or only have love for them when served with chips but on the whole I am confident that most like pets.

They can make an empty house fun, a lonely person happy, an ill child well.

I have a dog. He is very anti-social, aggressive maybe, and nervous and there are many times I find him too much. However, he is there when I leave the house and always at the door when I return with a wag of the tail and a sniff of my trousers. He sits with me and just wants my happiness (oh and a tin of food and his bonio) and its these small acts that make it all worth while.  Yes he helps me through the rough and the smooth and he has become my little friend in a furry suit.

How anyone can abuse or mistreat an animal is beyond me and they should be exterminated.

So spare a thought for the pets and keep them warm and well. They will give so much more in return.

Woof woof, meow, tweety tweet, oink, moo, barr, neigh, trumpas, chirp, oooh, squark, quack, roar, bleat, ribbit, whoo, tawit-tawoo, growl, boing, screach, pretty-polly, bark, mew, woola-wooola, gobble-gobble.

For many life gets busy, complicated, confusing and at times very dark. It can seem as though there is little to look forward to and there is nothing one can do to help make life better.

Everything is getting more expensive and demanding and loved ones can become increasingly worrisome and its hard to adapt and accept these changes and burdens.

Work doesn’t seem to care about one’s personal situation and the balance can appear never to be in one’s favour.

This has caused me to ask questions and read up on what to do. It’s a slow process but gradually small seedlings of hope are beginning to poke their heads through the ground.

One thing is to try to clear the mind of thoughts. It’s not that easy I grant you but its possible. Quietness and being on one’s own are a must.

Stop..Sit in the garden..Pause when out on a walk..Park the car and step outside..Look out of the window and watch the world.

Leaning on a gateway the other day, when out walking, I just took some time to look at what was around. Not just a casual glance but an actual look. It’s certainly clears the mind and nature can be an amazing place. I didn’t see anything unusual. On the contrary. I saw a robin hopping about in the hedgerow, dormant plants, horse shoe prints in the mud, puddles and life. I felt so relaxed and peaceful in those few moments and it was brilliant to spend the time.

It made my day just stopping to look and listen and I was amazed that such a simple act could evoke such emotion.

I recommend this to all as you suddenly realise how fast the world spins and time flashes past without noticing. Its nuts watching a squirrel so busy but relaxing too for the watcher.

I’m not turning into some happy-clappy new aged dick or trying to put across some tree hugging ideals. It’s just an observation that I found “nice”.

I guess sitting in a comfy chair and listening to some meandering music or staring at a painting can have a similar effect or watching a cake or loaf of bread bake can be relaxing.

Whatever it is; just stop and do it. Find that place and time to think of nothing and relax till the bills grab your attention, the kids come bursting in or the boss rides your back to get more out of the day from you.

And stopping is free.

Is it really 2017? Doesn’t time fly?

I saw a fox on my post round yesterday. It was literally a couple of feet away and appeared to be free of the cares of the world and happy to mooch about and sniff the bushes. Time was something that he paid little or no attention to. Oh the cunning and sly fox. It was a beautiful thing. We stopped at looked at one another for a few seconds and it was brilliant just to stop and wonder. It made my day. So simple but so cool.

So a new year has started and what does that mean? Is it just another year, a bigger number, a time for change or will it just be more of the same?

I’m guessing but it all has to do with how one thinks and the attitude that one takes on.

I am determined to try to make this year a change for the better. I’m not saying that my life is complete crap and no one  cares but things have got a bit rubbish and the sad thing is that I couldn’t see it even with being told things were not right. So I sought help.

I’m not saying that there will be an amazing change and everything will be rosy and perfect. Far from it but I do hope that by changing a few things, doing some mind exercises and taking some medication that a more positive and fun outlook will prevail.

One trick is to try to do something new. My perception is that this is going to be quite hard and that it will cost too much but should it?

No it should not. Many museums are free or cheep to visit. A cycle ride or walk in the countryside is free. An occasional beer with friends can be offset against not having to buy and prepare a meal at home. The price of happiness is affordable; just re-assess and budget accordingly. I can do that.

Here is my plan. Once or twice a month I shall try doing or going somewhere new, meet up with the friends that have eluded me for many a year and learn how to say yes more often.

It is time to tidy and clear out my house and with that I hope to clean up me. I am not making any stupid new year resolutions or promises to make massive changes as this would be silly and counter-productive. What I am promising is that I shall do a little light dusting and body housekeeping thus try to improve my lot.

How hard can that be?

Hip, Hip, Hip, Hooray and all that.

If I can do it then so can you.

I wonder how many of us actually sit down regularly to read a book or is the reality just to sit in front of the television and watch the stories being acted out?

“I watched the film but the book was better”. Is something that one hears quite a lot but some films actually compliment the written counterparts but this is an opinion.

A good writer will create the scenes, characters and actions in a way that will ignite an imagination and bring the story to life. One can interpret those descriptions as they feel fit and the animation can glide from scene to scene as quickly or slowly as the reader wants it to.

A  film, however, is the interpretation of the director, actors and special effects crew and is very much subject to their abilities to turn words into actions and those can be very different to the images conjured up by the reader through the writer and they also dictate the speed of the story.

That said which medium is the better? Can they be equal contenders? Does it depend on the subject matter?

My guess is all of these can ring true.

For some, though, it is (in my opinion) very sad that the books will remain unread and the camera view will be the only perspective that will be experienced and this would be my same view if the roles were reversed.

I love reading ( I love real books but sadly they take up room which is at a premium in my one bed house so the Kindle is the logical option) and can immerse myself into anything from a high-octane guns and violence novel to a twisting tale of deceit and conspiracy of the historic nature. Books aimed at kids can be a fascinating journey of entertainment such as Harry Potter.

I also love films and TV dramas. There is something quite magical about watching class A actors doing their job to the full. Schindler’s List is a fine example. A brilliant read but (again in my humble opinion) a far more powerful screen adaptation only because of the quality of the director and actors. The TV adaptation of Father Brown is  far easier to follow and is more humorous  to watch than the novels written by P G Wodehouse which need much more scholarly learning than I have.

I know quite a few people who have never read a book in their life but it by no means makes them dull or stupid. I cannot recall, on the other hand, anyone who has never seen a film or watched a TV show. Are these folk any better? No, not in my mind. They are just different and have an alternative way of thinking.

I look at it like this. Travelling by car one can either drive or  be driven. The destination is the same its just the interpretation of the journey is different and up to whether one wants to drive or not.

I find reading and writing to help with dark moods as my limited mind can only concentrate on one job or task at once ,whereas, watching the Television is easy to get distracted from.

So; conclusions? Well it depends who you are and how you think. Books are great and wonderful form of entertainment but if reading is a weak point or dislikable  then the moving picture is the choice for you but you can enjoy both, honestly you can.

Merry Christmas everyone and This will be my last Blog for 2016 but I shall return for 2017 to add more to your boredom and wasted time.

If you did enjoy them then please feel free to share of comment.

My guess is that many people suffer from some sort of depression during their lives and its something that one may find hard to accept, talk about or even realise.

Hopefully, for the majority its just a blip in their lives and not something that rules them for decades.

When one has Cognative problems for many years without knowingly being aware of the symptoms or signs but puts it down to other influences then life with problems becomes the norm. Then it only takes little things to push one over the edge into the blackness of despair.

Its not easy to live the majority of a life feeling like this especially when faced with the pressures of modern living, responsibilities, economic instability, bullies and age. It can mould one into a person that isn’t who they want to be or needs to be.

All these things niggle away at one’s confidence, ability, health and well-being and unless you are a sufferer then you have no idea what its like.

Few employers  have any thought or support for people with mental health issues and one can often be labelled as a lead swinger or problem if the illness arises. There is all this talk of help from doctors, work and colleagues but in the cold light of day there is really very little help on offer when one truly needs it. Waiting lists, time off and being shunted from place to another seldom helps and often leads to even more stress.

Taking the first steps to recognise there is indeed a problem and then talking to someone certainly is a bonus and being honest to yourself is a must. Only then can one muster the confidence to seek help from the professionals. Seeing a GP and asking for help and just being able to talk about things has a dramatic effect and medication?; Why not? If one has a headache or virus doesn’t one take pills? Why shouldn’t a chemical imbalance be treated in a similar way? It can certainly help and then allow one to focus on addressing the problems previously hidden by the flood-waters of mentalism.

Help can come from places like the http://www.moodgym.au or the book manage your mind. These can often be seen as common sense but can have the desired ability to reprogram the brain.At times common sense is the last thing one can see and a small reminder is what is required. After all sometimes crossed wires can cause electronic equipment to malfunction but when rerouted the things work just fine.

The desperation of feeling alone and that nobody can help or understand can be crushing and its so hard to find a way out of the black but even a tiny pinpoint of light is all that is needed to focus on to gradually draw one out. It takes more guts to give up than to carry on. I mean that if one really thinks there is no way forward and suicide  is the only answer then that takes far more grit and determination than just giving up and wallowing in self pity, drink or despair. The other monumentally hard thing is to ask for help but one can and should. No one walked a mile without taking the first step and this is all it takes. One step and stage at a time and gradually things will get that little  bit easier.

I guess its self confidence building.

Mental health is real; just like tonsillitis, flu, cancer and any other illness and the more its spoken about and realised in our societies then the more that can be done to help and banish it from lives.

So talk about it, look out for signs in others and support them, take time to think about what others are carrying in their lives and remember that they may not be as confident or as tough as you.

Just like health and safety it is all of our responsibility to guard and fight against depression, stress, bereavement, loss, disability, addiction and abuse.

I know I have only just touched on this subject but its something I wanted to raise.

I’m happy to talk about my own personal feelings and with help I hope to  be able to find a way to kick my own demons out of my muddled mind.

I am always open to discuss or read comments from others and any pointers of where to find free psychiatric help or self help places will be warmly welcome; especially in the Oxford area.

Merry Christmas One and All and a Happy New Year.

Thank You.