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eric byrne

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Posts posted by eric byrne

    Saturday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Hi JudyMI,

    I agree about posting here,I do enjoy reading the daily posts,days that have no daily posts are just not the same,even though thats partially my fault for not posting either.Some days because of routine,I dont have much newsworthy to offer so I may not post,however even on those days,someone else may post something that inspires me to reply.

    This beautiful weather in Scotland continues,temps towards the eighties,where you would take that for granted in the USA,we here have to relish this while it lasts,as the rain can return at the drop of a hat,eg, if you have an intention for inviting friends to a B.B.Q,say, next Saturday,its no use inviting them until at least next Saturday morning,to see how the weather is.

    Well, at the bank this morning, clearing the bill on my credit card following my USA visit,like to do this timely before the interest charges kick in, LOL. Heading out to what I think will be a really enjoyable evening tonight,Quiz night, at the bowling club,our questionmaster, my buddy Bill, is famed for compiling some really difficult questions,so its thinking caps on,funnily enough my ability to answer correctly diminshes as the night wears on,do you think the Scottish medicine I take on nights out, impairs the brain cells?surely not?.

    ABC tomorrow morning,then up to my sister Dots,we plan to take the grandkids to the local park for fun and games,provided this spell of weather holds,its looking good though.

    I hope the sun is shining where you are,have a great weekend,bye for now.

    Friday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Hi Everyone,

    Just on midnight here in Scotland,so perhaps I should call this Saturday's Air LOL.We have been having a super spell of sunny blue skies this week,with temps higher than in Italy.Spent today after my yoga this morning,relaxing in my lounger reading Randy Broads book,"Its an Extraordinary Life" extraordinarily good too,given the authors name,I must reassure you all,its not in the slightest bit racy.

    Yesterday following the gym and swim,off to the Horseshoe Bar for lunch with the buddies,3 course meal for approx $7,generous portions to boot.It was then to the shops to fund a suitable T-shirt for a week on Saturday,its the Noreen Davies Hikers and Bikers Charity walk around the Isle of Millport time again,Eric and approx 400 women walking the 11 miles around the Isle.Last year a draw was made for each bus occupants to dress up in a costume,drawn from a hat containing the names of several countries of the World,our bus, Sumo,drew the UK,so everyone has to wear Red,White and Blue,I did find a white T-shirt with a Union Jack on the front,so with my blue shorts etc,I will fit the bill.Its Olympics year and the Queens Diamond Jubilee,so its all very patriotic here just now,mind you the Scots are bit less enthusiastic monarchists than the English,given the statistic in England applications to the councils for permission to hold Jubilee street parties currently number over 6500, in Scotland about 100,with the greatest proportion being held in Edinburgh.

    Hi Janet,Do have the most wonderful weekend with the three kids at home,dont forget to relax and let the kids take a good share of the chores.

    Hi Susan,I hope you dont mind me saying,I just love your avatar,your happy smile is so infectious,another one looking forward to a super weekend-enjoy.

    Hi JudyMI,like you a noticed the number of postees to todays air,and thought what a great turnout,alas not,I so hate these spammers, have they no thought of shame considering who this website is for?.Good to see you have completed your chemos,time now to get back to simply enjoying life again,have a great weekend.

    Bedtime beckoning,good night everyone.

    All We Have Is Right Now / by Randy Broad

    in LC SURVIVORS

    Posted

    Hi Randy,

    Thanks for signing my copy of Its an Extraordinary Life,no, I did not read it on my flight back home to Scotland,today,with the sun beating down on Scotland and all my tasks for the day complete,I decided to set up my lounger in the rear patio,ice cold drink in one hand and your book in the other,what bliss,to read such a cracking tale (still a few pages to read)I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page,thank you.I am a bit of a thespian myself you know,so is my daughter,you can google her credits,Jennifer Byrne (she is the actress from Glasgow).

    Since my dx,I have stopped reading fiction,I much prefer biographies and history books.You mentioned David Niven in passing,I can recommend his books, The Moons a Balloon and Bring on the Empty Horses,if you have'nt aready read them.

    Best Wishes,by the way when does the sequel get published?

    Bryan Hinson

    in GRIEF

    Posted

    Hi Bruce,

    Sorry to hear about the passing of your best friend Bryan to lung cancer,it has claimed the lives of far too many wonderful people,we can only hope,the sooner the better,that there will be a cure one day.

    Tuesday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    I checked what the problem with accessing my e-mail account from my netbook in the USA,apparently my "Cookies have been disabled" fancy that,I would have never guessed.

    Tuesday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Afternoon Everyone,

    Well back home in Scotland,thanks for opening Paulette by the way,I do hope everyone will flock back,it has been such a difficult time here recently.

    Just clearing my back log of e-mails in my lap top,I could'nt access my email account from my netbook in the USA,due to ?gosh I have forgotten the technical term,I contacted my daughter,to see if she could help me,she said it would be too difficult for me fixing it remotely,better leave it until I come home,well I did,nearly 300 posts to work through,thats more than the backlog I would get on my works computer after a holiday.

    Well settled back into my routine,gymming swimming,yoga-ing and outdoor bowling,phew this retirement lark is such hard work,seems I have never been away.

    I am off to Liverpool next week,I have been invited to attend a award ceremony on the 31st,sponsored by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation,I have been nominated for an award along with two others in a category called, wait for it, "Unsung Heroes",just one person will get the award, goodness, its not really me in all seriousness,I know of so many others that actually pile in the hours,fundraising and working 50 hours/week online disseminating lung cancer information,and seem to be forgotten about,I have nominated a girl called Lyn Barrington,so hopefully she will get the recognition she deserves.

    Coming up this week,more gym etc,lunch with Jim and Co at the Horseshoe Bar on Thursday oh and a Quiz night at my outdoor bowling club on Saturday evening,there are still places available,if you wish to attend LOL.

    Well I guess that's all folks,nothing more I can think of to bore you with.Bye for now,keep posting.

    Living your Life with Cancer!

    in LC SURVIVORS

    Posted

    Hi Susan,

    Gosh reading of your lifestyle just sounds so ideal,loved your descriptions.My keep fit regime includes on Tuesdays and Fridays , 90 minutes sessions of yoga,something until recently I never attempted before,I am also in a class with approx 16 women,who have accepted me without any problems.Its the perfect compliment to my gymming and swimming,all about relaxation,breathing and stretching muscles you never even knew you had,look this up in your local area,think you will enjoy attending these classes.

    Living your Life with Cancer!

    in LC SURVIVORS

    Posted

    Hi Susan,

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts,they make so much sense to me.I returned to my work as a college lecturer in March 2009 following my surgery in January.I had visited my doc to get "signed off" from sick leave,he was'nt impressed,told me I'd be better taking some quality time out with my wife,since I had only two years left-max.He did go on to say,he once had a patient that had lung cancer that survived five years-what a character-but,you are not him.

    I did return to work,on the day I returned,I entered my classroom,another lecturer was in the room with my third year students,whom I had,nt seen for nearly six months.One of my students ventured to ask "Are you visiting us?" "No",I reply,next minute theres a round of applause from my class,that I still hear now.Work to me at this time was absolutely essential to break my circumspection of being a lung cancer survivor and all its inherent problems,I returned back to the land of the living,my work restored me,three years later,my college is informed by the government that due to the economic climate their funding for next term would be cut by 10%,which in effect meant that a 10% in staff and students would have to be cut.I eventually accepted a package called voluntary severance.So after a teaching career of almost 40 years I entered retirement with some apprehension last April.

    This is where we converge,what on earth will I do with all this new found time?.

    Usually retired lecturers if they are interested,can get plenty of part time work,supply teaching, absence cover etc,but at this moment in time,my subject of Design and Construction is in the doldrums due to the economic situation in the Construction industry.So I have found loads of alternative "distractions",gyming,swimming and yoga daily,avocating work,on-line activities etc,really I dont have much room in my life to dwell on being a "survivor" I just get on with enjoying myself.One of my favourite sayings I picked up on my cancer journey was "Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair,it gives you something to do,but it dos'nt get you anywhere".

    I know,I do ramble on a bit,I hope you might find something out of what I have been trying to say.Best wishes.

    Monday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Afternoon Everyone,

    Thank you Ann for initiating todays air,I really have'nt found the mood to do these last days,seems out of place me here in New York continuing my holiday break.I am enjoying my stay,I met up with Alisa and her friend,enjoyed a meal to-gether.I am doing all the tourist things I missed on my visit last year,World Trade Centre,Central park.I did the sightseeing bus tour,I was very Scotland, upstairs on a open top bus,it started to rain,got windy and cold,glad when the trip was over,well I would'nt want to get off the bus early having paid my full fare LOL,I am not Scottish for nothing.Weekend weather was lovely,sunny 76 degrees,today I tok myself and a book for a lazy read lying in Central Park,no luck Scottish weather returns,rain stop play.Wishing you all a brill day,catch you later,Bye.

    Tuesdays Air.

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Afternoon Everyone,

    Just arrived in New York,shared my journey on the Amtrak train with a young mother and child,hey not only did she know I was Scottish,but that I came from Glasgow,how amazing was that?,she tells me her best friend is from Glasgow and knew my accent well.Another strange one,waiting to be served in a cafe,before I said a word to the cashier,she asked me where in the world did I come from,and no, I was'nt wearing my kilt,I asked why she considered I was'nt from these parts,"Your face looks different to all the Americans faces here",well knock me down with a feather?,what could she mean?.

    Booked into a Hotel just across from Penn Station,its hugh,I am on the 14th floor,but the room is much more comfortable than the Seton I stayed in New York last year.Downside,there's no wi fi in the Hotel other than the lobby area,which is really uncomfortable,not even a seated area with tables,to rest my netbook,they are even charging for the wi fi service,so I am occupying a table in a adjacent cafe that provides free access,I really resent paying for a service that should be universal and free.In the UK,hugh swathes are wi fi "hot spots" in our cities to allow free internet access,where ever you are.USA take note.

    I dont think I will be posting in any pics of my visit until I return to Scotland,its too time consuming (well for me) I dont like to sit in cafes too long on line,mind you if I have to buy a pasta etc,each time I want to go online,my waistline is going to expand somewhat.

    Hope to take in a show or two,like to see Wicked,another one I have heard about is the Book of Mormon,anyone seen this of heard of any crits?.Time to move on,I will post later,when I am hungry LOL.Bye for now.

    Sundays Air.

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Morning Everyone,

    Greetings from the Hope Summit,just gone 7.30am,I am sitting at the lobby bar waiting for breakfast at 8.00am.Sorry about lack of posting,just spare time is in short supply,having so much fun,just wishing you all could be sharing with us.Wonderful day yesterday,the conference went like a dream,KatieB and her team really have got it all together,cannot but admire the effort they have put in,to ensure everything went well,think they deserve a wee holiday on Monday at least to recover.We had a super night out at ten pin bowling,it was such fun,dont play this game very often in Scotland,again Katie and her team did a splendid job,setting everything up,food, raffles etc,much appreciated everyone,thank you.Photos to follow.Looking forward to day two,I will keep you posted.

    Off to New York on Tuesday,so normal communications will be restored,stories and pics.Well off for brekkies,catch you all later.Bye.

    Fridays Air.

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Eric Byrne

    Good Morning Everyone,

    Its Friday,hooray,just waiting for all the arrivals,really exited.Thursday,just discovered the breakfast room I shared with all the schoolkids and their teachers was private,but no one told me or corrected me,in fact one of the teachers came over to have a friendly chat with to me,are,nt Americans so nice?.

    Well it was off the Washington harbour and the Gaylord Hotel,first to navigate the the Metro system,one of the Metro staff assisted me with getting my ticket out of a vending machine,the machine refuses to give me my $5 change,I was offered a hugh document to complete to have my money posted to Scotland LOL,please forget it.

    Enjoyed my walk through the Gaylord Hotel,its the biggest hotel I have even been in,and some,then a explore along the harbour and the shops.

    Decided to take the Metro to the Smithsonian,got to put on my news reporter hat on now,trains on the yellow line will be delayed due to a man on the line being struck by a train.Just short of my alighting station L'Enfant,suddenly theres a rush of passengers into my carriage from the carriage in front,everyone in a high state of anxiety,I ask one person whats happened,he told me there was some kind of gas released in that carriage which made breathing difficult,he could'nt explain what type of gas it was.The train pulls into the station,and everyone evacuates the train,I wait for a short time to watch some police offices entering the effected carriage,just another ordinary day on the Metro?.

    Arrived at the Smithsonian,decided to visit the American History Museum,think its the smallest museum in WashingtonDC,sorry folks could'nt resist that one,I really enjoyed the visit,exhibits were very interesting,I did'nt know Robert E Lee's estate was Arlington,where at the end of the civil war the land was confiscated and turned into a cemetary for Unionist soldiers,isnt that amazing?.

    Back to the hotel,all that walking and the heat has left me feeling exhausted,oh boy,a ice cold Bass beer certainly had the power to revive me,had a nice light meal,returned to my room,boy I am tired,think I will have a nap before going back out tonight to explore the night life,I awake,its dark outside,my hall light is on? theres a blue bag hunging on my door handle?I check the time,well call me rip van winkle,its 5.30am and its Friday-what happened?,by the way, the blue bag was full of goodies from LUNGevity,the fairies had been.Bye,see you soon guys.

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    Thursdays Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Morning Everyone,

    Well I am now in sinc with most of you now as far as time zones go.Arrived at Key Bridge last night just after 8pm.Hotels really nice as well as are the staff,we have a large party of High School Kids and Teachers with us,so it was a bit busy in the breakfast room this morning,what are kids doing up at 7am?.Fortunately, the kids move out tomorrow,not that I really mind their boisterous antics.

    Hi Judy,isnt it just typical,after all you are going though these last weeks/months you have to go and catch a cold also,there's nothing quite so miserable,so I can understand your feeling down.I do wish you well and hope for a quick recovery.Just know we are all here thinking about you.

    Sightseeing today of course,Washington Harbour has been recommended to me,so its camera at the ready,ipod and I am off,will keep you updated on my day.

    I am looking forward to everyones arrival at the weekend,cannot believe I am going to meet so many online friends for the first time after years of blethering together,my thoughts are also for those who for many reasons cannot share in this upcoming wonderful event.

    Saddest of all of course is JudyKW,her absence will be felt by everyone.Thoughts and prayers are for Judy and her family,just wishing for some miracle,that Judy can return to us,that this is all but a bad dream. Bye for now.

    Monday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Evening Everyone,

    Well my suitcase is just about packed,I went into Glasgow today for a final shop,I have arranged with my friend Bill to pick me up on Wednesday morning to run me to Glasgow airport,unfortunately direct flights to WashingtonDC dont start until the end of May,so I have to fly to Heathrow in London to get the connection.

    I am making a short presentation at the Hope Summit on Saturday,I have written my script,my daughters boyfriend Chris came to my home on Saturday to read it through and make a powerpoint presentation that runs parallel with it,he is so talented,so it should make me look good.

    Busy day tomorrow,I am off to Edinburgh,just my luck the SIGN committee arranged to meet,I have completed my guidelines element,so its up for presentation and discussion,it is a first draft,and I have still two weeks after I come home from the USA to make any alterations or additions to it before final submission.

    Its just a shame the excitement of the meeting everyone is dulled somewhat by Judy's absence,but I know Judy would want us to relish every minute of each others company,so heres to a wonderful weekend,may we all leave the conference feeling uplifted.

    Good night everyone,its just about bedtime for me.Bye.

    Tuesday's Air

    in JUST FOR FUN

    Posted

    Good Evening Everyone,

    Well actually I should say good morning since its almost 1.00am on Wednesday here.I cannot believe how quickly the days are passing,its been a week since I have last posted.Weather here still very unsettled,wet, windy and cool,still waiting for some warm sunshine to re-visit us.

    Well some good news,I played my second game of outdoor bowls on Monday night,it was a pairs night,I was drawn with a lady called Joan,we played against seven other pairs throughout the night and won every game,we shared a grand monetary prize of £8,I am still thinking how best to spend my £4?,or should I invest it?LOL.

    Hope Summit about a week away,I am going into Glasgow to-morrow to do a bit of shopping for odds and ends to put into my suitcase.I am really starting to feel excited,its going to be amazing, thinking about meeting so many of you in person for the first time,just wishing the event would last for more than the weekend.I am supposed to be at this moment writing a short presentation I will deliver at the Hope Summit,gosh I will need to be disciplined,I could talk for Scotland in the Olympics,I can imagine exceeding my allocated time,KatieB intervening to pull me away using one of these shepherds crooks they used in the olden days for removing rotten actors from the stage.

    Nice to see the return of Dawn here,loved the pic of Hopscotch, Janet,what a super job you have,time to go,bye for now,enjoy the rest of Tuesday everyone.

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