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Martine before her recent delivery

It's been a while I know, but believe it or not,

there have been a few distractions here in 'paradise'.

Now where to start?

I guess it would be as well to start with 'today'

then at least we are up to date,

otherwise I won't have caught up for another 18 months.

It's a grey, rain sodden day and looking out the window,

just about as far removed from 'paradise' as you could be.

Both 'Minky' and 'Martine' the resident cats,

have produced litters within the past couple of weeks,

the latter, only a matter of 2 days ago,

however, she (Martine) decided (through a little bit of jealousy I feel,)

to present one of her 2 day-old off-spring on the mat by the front door.

So, we have 'Minky' with 3 of her original 4

(sadly, one was found dead in the pond this morning)

and still unable to see, a single representative of Martine's brood

all curled up on the front door mat, trying to brave the cold.

(It's around 25 degrees C!)

Curled up inside, is Peter, my house-mate,

who has just turned off the fan

and who has returned for the weekend from Sarasin area (north end of the island)

where he has been recently placed for his first contract as a school teacher.

I'm proud of this guy, as it is a highly respected profession,

particularly here in Thailand and quite difficult,

by all accounts to qualify.

Around a year ago,

whilst he was working full time at Cape Panwa Resort as a bell-boy,

he spent all of his spare time

(which is very little if you know the working hours expected in Thailand)

studying for his teachers exam.

He took 3 weeks off work, with no pay,

immediately before the exam and studied throughout the day

and most of the night in preparation for what,

to him would be a turning point in his life....to pass the teachers exam.

Despite passing the exam it was months before the Education Authority

finally contacted him to give him his placement.

He was given 2 days notice to get his shit together,

give his notice to quit at Cape Panwa Resort

and start work as a School Teacher.

Now, despite losing quite a considerable amount of money

through his being unable to give sufficient notice at his former employment,

he is totally happy with his new life

and particularly as his family (mother, father, brothers, sisters)

all benefit from the national health care,

due to his revered and respected position.

He is now considering studying (at weekends) for his 'Masters Degree'

to improve his position even further,

which would take at least 2 years.

I'm trying purposely, especially in view of the lousy weather we're experiencing,

to keep to the positive side of life here in Thailand.

Freda (a former school teacher/master in UK)

is also deserving of a mention.

I met Freda (not his real name) maybe around three years ago

as he is a regular swimmer at my/our favourite haunt, Nai Harn Beach.

He has been a resident in Thailand, I think for around 10 years,

the first 5 being on Phi Phi Island, until the Tsunami. Since the Tsunami, five years ago,

Freda has worked endlessly on Phi Phi Aid, which he established

and along with his many contacts has raised considerable amounts of money

to try to give relief to those (particularly children)

who suffered greatly as a result of that fateful day.

Freda hasn't just given money,

he has given considerable moral and physical support and continues to do so.

Freda is now 75 years young

and began 'diving' the same year he gave up smoking,

at the tender age of 60.

He has completed upwards of 777 dives around Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia

and is hoping to reach 800 before the end of this season.

Freda still has time to give private English lessons,

many of which are conducted in the privacy and comfort of his classic car

with tinted windows and reclining seats.

What will you be doing at 75 ?

A Royal Swedish Cross

is deserved for a dear friend Gypsy Rose

who has gone way beyond the call of duty

to cement Sea Gypsy / Farang (foreigner) relations.

Sponsored by Chang Beer

Gypsy Rose has given a consumate amount of joy

to most of the Sea Gypsy Village in Rawai

and of course to those of us who are lucky enough to be in his life.

He is Nurse, Gardener, Chef Extraordinaire, Wood Designer,

Tour Operator and Diplomat (not his strongest point).

We all look forward to whatever he has in store for the future

(and none of us know what that is likely to be)

but it will be interesting and entertaining.

Anyway, more to come, now that my fingers are working again

and next time I'll try to furnish some photographs.

Best regards

The beachbum

So, to continue........

Today, Sunday and the weather front is still upon us.

With rain throughout the night

we had a brief respite this morning but now back to more of the same.

It is coming down from China,

apparently and is likely to continue until early next week.

No excuse under the circumstances to do a bit of catch-up on the blog.

Martine (the most recent mother-cat)

has now felt it safe to bring her litter of 3

to the box I've placed under the bench outside the front door.

At only 3 days old, they are still unable to see or walk.....

and how cute they are!

This morning they were curled up (8 of them),

with Minky and her more advanced 3.

Queen Mary 2 is meant to be anchored off Patong today,

although with the weather the way it is at present, they could have diverted.

Richard (a former Concorde pilot) and his wife Carole (an old friend of 35 years)

are onboard, so maybe I'll get a phone call

and be able to meet up with them later in the day.

It's now 12noon and finally, the sun has come out! albeit briefly I feel.

The beachbum