On Sunday it was Polly's birthday. For some reason she decided to spend it at an Israeli dance afternoon, held in the church hall. As it turned out, the session was led by a group of messianic Jews called the New Jerusalem Dancers, and although there were quite a lot of dances there was also an awful lot of exposition of “the bible says this and so it must be true” kind. Leviticus seemed to feature prominently. The dances were fun and there were lots of opportunities for audience participation and even a buffet of typical Israeli food. I do feel I now know everything I will ever need to know about the festival of Simchat Torah though.
At one point a demonstration of the blowing of a Shofar (a rams horn) brought about my favourite comment of the afternoon. “Bring me the anti-bacterial wipes!“ Such is a time of the times.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, the boys and I gave Polly perfume (Flower by Kenzo), some books, including a replacement copy of Delia's Complete Cooking Course, a pair of boots (not wellies), and a set of allen keys.
This morning we had a visit from a number of people from the housing department who came to look at our flat with a view to extending it. It took them less than thirty seconds to conclude that unless we open a portal to another dimension our home is as big as it will ever be. They've all gone away now to see if they can think of anything else.
Interestingly, on the corner of our street a new housing development is to be built. To mollify the local planning department the developers promised to build a disabled accessible house on the site. Perfect! But then, you will be astonished to hear, they had to make some changes to the plans and the house morphed into a small flat once the contract was signed and sealed. Almost like magic.
And finally, Matty was regaling Polly at breakfast with details of a dream he had had about slipping into another dimension and having to live dressed as a teddy bear. Sam, not to be out done, announced that he too had dreamed. He had been stung by a bumble bee and slipped into another Dalmatian.
Until next time. . .
That sucks about the housing (the bastards).
ReplyDeleteYou know, in NYC the authorities have found some interesting solutions to sneaky tricks like that. I remember a qualified architect who switched careers to driving a taxi (yes, really) telling me the story of my own (at that time) apartment building:
They had approval for 30 stories, but built 36, thinking that no-one in authority would actually count. Well, surprise, suprise: NYC HAS got some people in authority who can count (I know!) and one of them did. Well, it is much more difficult to remove six stories from a high-rise than to sneakily add them (and place a swimming pool on top), so the authority simply designated the additional stories (i.e. the top six and most lucrative ones) as social housing, to the chagrin of the management, and the delight of some underprivileged families.
Not that that would help you, but I'm just saying: It is a much more *punishing* punishment than a slap on the wrist and a fine.
OSM
OSM makes an excellent and interesting comparison. The rightousness of the decision made me smile, but he didn't mention if it were he who got the penthouse in the reshuffle.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, couldn't that small flat be knocked through into the next small flat to make one large accessible flat for a needy family. No sledge hammer needed as it hasn't been built yet? Speak to the council's disability people asap so they can get on your case, they were very helpful when I contacted them about a heating problem. Link them to the housing department, you will be amazed but they often don't talk to each other unless they are prompted.
Don't forget to mention you need osp with easy access and it would be easier for your care workers to swing you in and out of a heated swimming pool rather than bouncing you off the walls in a small bathroom. If not then Jacuzzi's are used by physio's and are a common upgrade in most council properties. Teddy Bears, Clown Doctors and Dalmatians might like it too.
Oh and by the way, may the peace of Yerushalayim be with you.
ReplyDelete(may those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels)
A little late but...............happy Birthday to "my" lovely Polly. read the blog all the time so that I know how you you all are,
ReplyDeleteToby