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Keep Britains Beaches Clean and Safe!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 31 Jan 2024, 19:22

I was watching something on the news this morning about the water being polluted at some beaches around the country.
The latest report I heard was from Blackpool where
Swimmers are being urged to avoid a stretch of coast after sewage was released during a storm. (bbc news)

People should not swim off Blackpool after raw sewage was released into the Irish Sea on Monday evening during a thunderstorm, Blackpool  have Council said. (1 day ago bbc news)
This is so annoying to know and especially with the school holidays not far away on the horizon.

Yes,  while the well off amongst us, are flying off on holiday to lovely clean beaches,  and sunnier climes abroad, spare a thought for the rest of us,  who have to suffer from the indignity of filthy beaches and sewage filled waters it's a disgrace!

There was some really nice beaches in this country I remember as a child,  with soft golden sands and lovely clear waters. I have enjoyed these  many times as a child.  

But come on this is letting the (Brits) side down a bit isn't it?

Raw sewage being released into the sea thats disgusting!

How can we hope to build up our country's economy with the tourist industries,  having such filthy sea waters.

My worst experience was at a Yorkshire beach a few years back  (but I don't like to say which one)  but this was particularly disgraceful!   I set out for a little paddle in the sea one day,  only to find myself surrounded by floating condoms, plastic bottles, ear buds, used baby nappies and
sanitary items (Yes it was shocking, but true!)

So just what is going on with these water companies? They are supposed to be the custodians of our waters. They should  be taking action to keep our waters clean, and our childrens health safe. That's what people are paying their bills for.
The public should also take responibility,  and not put such objects in the toilets or the sea. Put it in a bag and put it in the bin!

Please keep our beaches and waters clean, for the sake of the health and safety of our children!

Another pollutant is that Fish are also being poisoned by boats that empty their tanks directly into the water. There should be much tighter rules and regulations against this practise. It is extremely damaging for the environment.

The Great British sea side holiday, so lets all keep it clean for the childrens sake !

🌊💧🏖🏕🏝🏞🏕🏄‍♀️🤽‍♂️

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Il est difficile d'être soignant!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024, 01:50

Je travaille toujours sur mon projet de jardinage mais je devrai peut-être prendre du recul. J'ai également dû solliciter l'aide d'amis et des membres de ma famille pour m'aider.

Mon mari a pris un mauvais tournant en ce qui concerne sa santé avec sa hernie (qu'il a depuis environ 7 ans) et il va maintenant être envoyé à Cambridge pour voir un consultant.

Il y a eu une série de catastrophes avec le NHS, y compris le moment où mon mari qui devait subir une opération, a été placé dans une pièce et complètement oublié! Puis ils l'ont renvoyé chez lui Sans même avoir été opéré !

Depuis lors, sa santé a décliné avec d'autres complications. NHS fait de son mieux mais il est sous-financé et le moral est bas. De plus en plus de fiducies privées doivent combler les lacunes pour soutenir le NHS.

Cette semaine, nous voyageons à Cambridge, un ami a gentiment accepté de nous y conduire pour voir un consultant, j'espère que ce sera un résultat favorable.

Le NHS a toujours été un service merveilleux, nous avons toujours été fiers de notre NHS, mais malheureusement, il a été négligé par ceux qui étaient au pouvoir. Ce gouvernement doit prendre le NHS au sérieux et améliorer les conditions dans le NHS pour le personnel et les patients

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Being a Carer is not easy!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 23 Feb 2024, 13:05

I am still working on my gardening project but I may have to take a step back. I have also  enlisted help from a friends and family members. (Sadly I can no longer do any gardening, my caring duties are now taking priority!)

My husband took a bit of a turn in regards to his health with his hernia that he has had for about 7 years, and will now be sent to Cambridge to see a consultant there. 

It has been a series of disasters with the NHS, including the time when my husband who was due for an operation, was  placed in a room and completely forgotten about. Then they sent him home without his operation!

Since then his health has declined with other complications. He has been passed about from pillar to post. The NHS are doing their best but are underfunded and morale is low. More and more private trusts are having to fill in the gaps to support the NHS.

 This week we are travelling to Cambridge a friend has kindly agreed to drive us there  to see a consultant, hopefully it will be a favourable outcome. 

The NHS has always been a wonderful service we have always been proud of our NHS but sadly it has been neglected by those who have been in power. This government needs to take the NHS seriously and improve the conditions in the NHS for both staff and patients.


Permalink 3 comments (latest comment by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 14 Jun 2023, 10:42)
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Gardening week

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 16 Jun 2023, 17:06

After no mow May, I now look around in my back garden, and I realise it is time to do something with it, but where to begin?

There is strimming of the grass to do now of course,  but first removing all the dead wood,  fallen branches that have landed on the lawn. I can't remember where the grass strimmer actually is! It is possibly in the downstairs store cupboard hidden away behind all the old plant pots disused furniture and other junk!

Somewhere In the garden the bench has completely disappeared under some forget-me-nots, a crop of yellow flowers( not sure what they are!) and nettles galore!

I have a picture in my mind's eye of how I would like the garden to look like. Such as, the well trimmed tall trees surrounding  a well manicured  green elegant lawn, a few colourful flowers in pots dotted here and there. 

A bright green bench overlooking the lawn, french window and the patio area with picnic table and chairs, and a few well chosen tropical looking plants around. 

Then there is the shed area with my hideaway in the shade all tidied up with the paddling pool filled. Two white chairs under the overhanging trees at the far corner,  the little green flowing fountain, that badly needs cleaning, that is full of dead slimy leaves. Yuk! That is the reality!

Oh well with my EMA finished I now have no excuses!
So off I go! Lovely summer garden, here we come! But first maybe a glass of fizzy lemonade to get me started!

🌞🌳🌲🌼⚘🦋🐞⛲🏡

Permalink 4 comments (latest comment by Gill Burrell, Sunday, 16 Jul 2023, 00:26)
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Reflections

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Saturday, 12 Aug 2023, 14:38

I have enjoyed being a student at the Open University for the last 6-7 years. This was my last and final year and I feel I have learned so much about the French language and French culture, also modern European languages in general, including the English language.

I came from very humble beginnings, from a working class background. Nothing was expected from me.I started off as a care assistant working in a nursing home where I quickly gained a few certificates and became a senior carer. I also cared for my mother, when I was only a young girl. I learned to talk to and care for others. This is the skill of communication that I have learned.

Communicating is an important skill,  and it is good to converse with each other and learn from each other.  I have learnt a lot from my studies at the OU, in  English language, in reading the forum posts and how to express my thoughts and feelings appropriately into words. This has been beneficial for me too, as well as a very enjoyable experience.

I am really looking forward to my results whatever they are! I wish every student here the best for their end of module assignment and for their future projects! 🙂👍👋

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No Mow May!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Sunday, 13 Aug 2023, 18:32

I was very pleased to see that "No Mow May" was being put into practise in my neighbourhood last month and It was a big success! Well done to our local councils!  and to everyone in our local communities who remembered to leave their grass to grow long! 

 It was well needed after a cold start to the spring, it gives the insect population a chance to grow, to thrive and so to provide a well balanced regeneration of the ecosystem.  I know it is tempting to cut the grass and keep the garden tidy,  but I just think of the environment and how much it will benefit from being allowed to regenerate and thrive for a month!  

I hope every year people will remember to observe this very important month and leave their grass to grow for the sake of the environments in which we are living.

Already nature is benefitting from this important action, as we see more butterflies and other insects,  also more birds are appearing in the neighbourhoods and the nearby parks. Please lets keep up the good work!

🦋🦋🕷🦗🐛

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Mixed blessings!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Sunday, 24 Sep 2023, 17:48

It has been like a rollercoaster ride lately with the EMA all written up and sent off. I feel free! 

I now seem to have become a carer for my husband Accompanying my husband to hospital appointments, he now has cataracts in both eyes and he is still awaiting a double hernia operation.

 I still have bursititis on my knee-  but it isn't getting worse but my ankle is swollen on that same side. Hopefully a few more good walks might help me to get back into  good condition again.

Going to hospital ophthomology dept with him tomorrow about his cataracts. The good news is it is 5 minutes from the hospital to the beach so we could  have a little stroll on the beach!
Hope the weather will stay fine! 🌞

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Submitted!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Saturday, 7 Oct 2023, 22:31

I have submitted my final EMA assignment earlier than I had intended to.I should have really checked it again one more time but I had a panic attack and sent it off!

I hope I did everything right that I should have done.
Well it is too late now I have submitted it! 

I have completed it and I did my best, but in the end I had to submit it because family caring commitments were starting to impede upon my studies! 

Good Luck to everyonetaking their EMAs!  👍

Permalink 5 comments (latest comment by Gill Burrell, Friday, 26 May 2023, 18:37)
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Proof reading!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 24 May 2023, 19:01

Well, I managed to finish the synthese last night. I was also able to write the conclusion. 

Today I will be typing it all up and arranging it better, checking the spellings, checking for errors and just seeing if it all makes sense grammatically, and  if it flows well enough.   I will do this by reading it out loud. Next step make a reference list.

It is a beautiful day outside today. If I finish early I might take myself off for a walk.

☀️   🙂  🚶‍♀️🌳🌲🏡

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A Steep learning curve

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Sunday, 24 Sep 2023, 20:05

I am stuck on the synthese at the moment, it is so hard to think from a new angle on the subject. And write 800 words in french.

I have already put a lot into the these 800 words and anti these.800 words. Now I have to come up with another angle for the synthese. What do you write in a synthese? I will have to rack my brains for this one but this will be leading up to the conclusion.250,-300 words but I am going to be cutting it fine !
I have put on about 2 stone this year I think! 

Looking forward to going out for a long walk after this week is over for my morale, and sanity!  maybe a trip to the beach if I am lucky!

I can't wait to finish my degree! The studies were more difficult than I thought this year (but very interesting too!) with a steep learning curve. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! I don't know if I will ever manage to pass or not,  but feeling quietly confident, anyway I will give it my best shot!

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The Last EMA!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Sunday, 24 Sep 2023, 20:03

It took me far longer than I thought it would to write out the anti-these in french science  for AI. It is a fascinating subject with lots of material to write about,  both from the module, TV and internet.

Just finishing off the anti-these before I embark on the synthese tomorrow. Fortunately someone can help me look after the house tomorrow, while I am busy working away on the synthese. Another 800 words for that one I think!

👩‍💻 😖 😟💨🤔😊

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The last hurdle! 🏃‍♀️

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Tuesday, 1 Aug 2023, 18:23

The weather has been dull lately with only the occasional dry sunny spell. Since the weekend I have been battling away all the time at my dissertation! The EMA came so quickly after TMA4, that I hardly had time to prepare for it, and not only that,  but I changed my mind so many times about the topic!

 Anyway I chose AI, Artificial Intelligence for my final EMA because I think there is a lot to write on that subject. I have now wrote the introduction, the these and at the moment I am writing the anti- these (all in the french language of course.)

I feel so tired and overwhelmed,  but I am determined to finish
this dissertation. I just have to keep on going until the end! 🤪

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Writing up the Dissertation

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 10 Nov 2023, 16:15

J'ai décidé de rédiger mon EMA en français sur l'IA (Intelligence Artificielle). J'allais écrire sur le changement climatique et l'environnement, car cela m'intéresse beaucoup, mais ensuite je me suis dit que j'étais un peu technophobe, alors pourquoi ne pas écrire sur quelque chose que je trouve plus difficile, juste pour le défi !
         

👩‍💻🦿🦾📱

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C'est juste que j'aime la cuisine française !

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Monday, 8 May 2023, 21:47

J'ai toujours aimé la cuisine française! 🥐🥖
🍄🍅🧅🍆🥒 🍷🥞


J'ai décidé que j'aimerais étudier la langue française lorsque mon mari m'a dit de commander notre repas en français dans un restaurant, pendant nos vacances.🏖 ⛲🌄

Je ne connaissais qu'un peu de français à cette époque, pourtant j'ai commandé nos deux repas, desserts ainsi que les vins qui vont avec ! Après cela, j'ai été accro à la langue française.
🇨🇵 🗼
Pourquoi ne pas prendre un diplôme français? a-t-il dit.

Et voila je suis ici !


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Spring Tulips

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Monday, 8 May 2023, 17:31

       Colourful assortment of Tulips

The Tulips look good in the garden this year.

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Une promenade en mois de mai

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 22 Nov 2023, 19:13

A long green grassy lawnLe Cimetière

Aujourd'hui j'ai été me promener avec mon fils dans les environs. Nous avons visité le parc, Le cimetière, Les jolies ruelles bordées d'arbres et dans le petite ville avec ses petites  boutiques pittoresques. 

Nous avons remarqué que dans certains jardins, les gens n'ont pas coupé leur herbe car il est le mois  " il n'y a pas de coupe (l'herbe) en Mai,"  les gens y laissent l'herbe plus longtemps pour permettre aux insectes de prospérer et d'aider l'environnement.

Quelle merveilleuse

 idée !!

Charming little old country chapel

'La petite église Sainte-Marie'
Crois en Dieu et tu seras sauvé!
Obéir à la loi de Dieu  suivez le Christ.

Translation

'The little church of St Mary'

Repent of sin, Believe in God and you will be Saved!

Obey Gods law, follow Christ.

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Je prend beaucoup de notes pour l'EMA!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 10 Nov 2023, 16:44

Cette semaine, je prends beaucoup de notes pour l'EMA. Je me lance ! J'ai dû mettre la première ébauche à la poubelle, car j'ai trouvé encore plus d'informations sur le site Internet au sujet de l'IA. Je suis donc de retour à la planche à dessin, pour changer et intégrer ces nouvelles connaissances dans ma deuxième ébauche. Au train où vont les choses, je pense que j'aurai bientôt 3000 mots !


Vivid red flowers in sunshine

Les fleurs rouges de mon voisin sont très jolies aujourd'hui !

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I Passed French TMA 04!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 10 Nov 2023, 16:49

I was so pleased to recieve the results for my TMA 04.oral exam. Very happy with that !

I had been dreading this exam and really pushed myself hard with it. I never thought that I could even do it, because  I had no confidence.  Then just before the oral exam, I had a moment of inspiration from listening to some of the audios and I suddenly found my 'french voice!'

Thank you for the audios that the Open University provides!

   🎙📼📚👩‍💻

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Writing Final EMA !

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 10 Nov 2023, 16:00



Je rédige mon premier copie, pour l'EMA, ce sera mon examen final ! je prends maintenant les notes de mon cahier, avec des informations et des puces, pour souligner les points principaux de la thèse. Après cela, il s'agit de l'étoffer dans un essai en français lisible, en suivant mon plan de rédaction que j'ai rédigé hier. Je dois trouver 3 000 mots en français.
pas de transpiration ! très facile!

Assortment of colourful roses. Rose d' hiver

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Nous parlons en français

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 26 Apr 2023, 19:38

Quand j'ai commencé ce cours, je ne savais pas que toute ma famille serait impliquée dans l'apprentissage !

Mon fils aîné et moi nous envoyons des SMS tous les jours en français. Mon fils cadet répète ce que je dis dans un français presque parfait ( bien qu'il ait probablement oublié le sens ! )   Mon mari et moi nous avons de courtes conversations ensemble en français. C'est comme si on disait " Éduquez une femme et vous Éduquez une famille !"

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Un concert classique 🎹

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 2 Aug 2023, 17:24

Je me suis promis, que si je réussis mon prochain  TMA 4 , je me récompenserai en allant voir un concert classique, de Bach a la ville prochaine, avec
mon épouse.
C"est "La passion de saint Jean"  de Johann Sebastian Bach.
Bach est l'un de mes compositeurs préférés de musique classique!

Permalink 2 comments (latest comment by Gill Burrell, Sunday, 30 Apr 2023, 11:29)
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Fascinating Science!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday, 26 Jul 2023, 07:48

This Science unit has been fascinating for me.There is so much in there to learn and explore, that it has kept me up at night, as I set about doing my own research on the internet.   👩‍💻
Space exploration, Artificial Inteligence, computers, smartphone, genetic research, climate change, biotechnology,  genetically modified organism, foods.🍅🌽
There was so much to read up about. I think the family think I have gone bonkers! With Dictionaries, 📚📙📘📖 encyclopedias library books and scientific books spread all over the table.  They look at each other in disbelief and shake their heads!
"I thought you were studying french" they say. I shrug my shoulders and say "so did I!" I laughed.

📱💻🐑🐖🌾⚘🦟👨‍🦲🔬📚

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primevères jaunes et roses

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Saturday, 15 Apr 2023, 18:06

Yellow and pink primroses

Ce matin il pleut mais maintenant il y a un peu de soleil et il commence a retour de normalité apres la fete du paques. Christ est mort, Christ est ressuscité et Christ reviendra.  Vie, mort et renaissance. Cela me rappelle le printemps qui survient après l'obscurité de l'hiver. Le printemps apporte l'espoir, tout comme foi en Dieu.

j'étudie maintenant et passe en revue la révision du chapitre 5. J'ai un livre électronique interactif que je lis en ce moment, donc je travaille juste sur les exercices qu'il contient et je pratique de courts paragraphes de discours prêts pour TMA 04.(oral)

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A Cheerful Collection!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 11 Aug 2023, 15:40


Yellow and orange flowers


This years flower display in the village hall, was as spectacular as ever, with delightful daffodils, pretty primroses, ravishing roses, heavenly hyacinths, beautiful begonias and amazing anemones!


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Join together in a peaceful march!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Friday, 20 Oct 2023, 11:05

This morning I woke up with the birdsong. The weather was lovely outside and I wondered if it was too good to be true.Has the winter really gone yet? so I went to look outside and yes, it felt a little bit warmer! However I felt cautious and put my warm navy coat and red beret and scarf on just in case.

             ✝️
I looked at the calendar and it saw that today was good friday. I just had time to get my shoes on and join in the Walk of Witness a walk  following the Cross of Christ through the village and singing "The old rugged cross" well I do love singing!

I had not been to a public gathering since before the pandemic so a bit nervous!  Saw some ladies I know and we had a quick chat before setting out on the walk. The walk itself was mostly silent with hymns at the begining and at the end of walk, but silent during the walk, as a mark of respect for "Our Lord". 

 The vicar as usual went on ahead to hold up the traffic as all the congregation crossed over the main road together.  A lot of the walkers waved to people they knew along the high street. We came to a halt outside the Methodist
Church. Each year the Easter friday service is held in different churches or villages, we are very multi -faith here. I believe It is good to get together with others  to show strength of feeling for something important. This includes protest marches too!

I think people of all faiths everywhere should visit each others churches from time to time, and join together with other faiths, instead of having all this fighting in the world! 

 It was nice to have a cup of tea and cake afterwards and a chat to some of the lonely old age pensioners of the communiry, some who have suffered,  struggled and survived the Covid pandemic, as well as the on- going cost of living crisis. It was a great social occasion as well as a time of deep reflection.

Time now to get back to earth and  home, to get down to some serious TMA studying!

✝️☮🕯📖🕊✅

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