[Kevin67]

There was one year where it affected me really badly. Then I discovered a 'cure' that works for me.

Not only do I make sure I get to physically see the sun on the days when it can be done but the period of clocks going back and darkness is only now until 22 Dec - when it starts getting light again. This works out at around 92 days or so. I find I can manage this better and it has worked for other people.

The clue is physical and mental - I changed my perception of darkness and try to work outside.

I hope it helps people here.

[Madame Cholet]

yes being outside helps i'll be ok in a couple of weeks its the actual change why can't we just stick to BST?

[cadalot]

Nope for me it the reduced hours of daylight that makes me less energetic, I feel better for the other 3 seasons but Winter really drives me mad, it's like being caged. I guess I may be solar powered 

[Mrs Bee]

The dark really affects us too.  I have to keep a special eye on Mr Bee during the winter or he can take a nose dive . Really don't like winter anymore.

We both try to work outside as much as the weather allows, and in the dark evenings light lots of candles to make it cosy with regular evenings with friends playing cards and games.

Depression is a nasty thing.

However morning all. We have been up since 4 this morning and I have a load of fish to gut from Billingsgate.
I do like Billingsgate.
A box of herring for £8, not to mention the skate wings, bass, bream, mackerel, salmon that will need filleting.
And some turbot for a change.

And a busy day tomorrow smoking the herrings.

ANd to cheer us all up the weather for the next few days looks promising with some sunny days.

[Kevin67]

OOooh...smoked fish! I wish you were my neighbour! 

[Mrs Bee]

OOooh...smoked fish! I wish you were my neighbour! 

That would be lovely but I am not moving up North.  Sorry.
Although I do love Alderly Edge.


You could move down here if you like.  We live on the edge of Epping Forest in a small quiet little road with lovely neighbours all along the road and friends across the way and round the corner. Not too far to stagger after  a good night until the very early hours.

You would fit right in.

[Kevin67]

I was an Essex boy!

Clacton, Jaywick and other villages in that area.

[mumofstig]

Holidays were spent at Jaywick when I was little  Now it's the most deprived place in England 

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/mar/29/jaywick-essex-resort-most-deprived

[Mrs Bee]

I was an Essex boy!

Clacton, Jaywick and other villages in that area.

So what are you doing in the cold North.

I was at teacher training college in Warrington which is in the North.

[Kevin67]

It was deprived in the early 70's when I was there. It was my first experience of trailer parks and families living in disused London double decker buses (the Routemaster).

All my family are Northern, except for me!

[wighty]

We camped over a bank holiday weekend at the camp site at the far end of Jaywick Sands and Paul asked the security guard what the club house was like.  All he was told was 'it's a Friday, so 'fight night'' we decided not to go and stayed in the caravan.

[Kevin67]

Yes, I look back with sadness and fondness.

I've no idea why it became so, only that the economics in the town are very poor.

[pigguns]

Back to school we go!
How is it that I can sleep in during the hols but on a work day get up before the alarm??-is it the excitement I wonder....(no) 

[Mrs Bee]

Well good morning all from 2.30 am Tuesday morning. I considered giving you all an early morning call this morning when I finally got back from A and E for the second time, at 6.30 but decided to get my head down.

Nightmare on legs since Tuesday 2.30am. No sleep from then until this morning when I finally got to bed at 7 am. 4 hour sleep in about 36 hours.

Poor DIL had no sleep in about 38 hours.
I am surprised more people do not die between A and E and getting the treatment they need.

Left hand right hand comes to mind, interspersed with lack of care interspersed with wonderful people and care.
Still finally got my son sorted out and operated on for  an infected appendix. Thank heavens I am an assertive sort of person, but even tho' I am, one is left feeling totally powerless when dealing with the NHS.

I think my assertiveness ensured him getting the operation before the damn thing burst.

Everything works so slowly!!!!! And seeing your son writhing in agony while things grind exceedingly slowly is the most awful thing on this earth. God only knows what would have happened if DIL and I had  not been there organising and caring for him. Mr Bee has just looked over my shoulder and said second rate service.

Thank heavens for the care and humanity of the staff on the surgical ward while we were waiting for news from theatre. The nurses and doctors in the main were wonderful; it is the procedures that need shaking up.

Rant over; under the shower and make myself feel human. 4 hours sleep in 36 is enough for to get me through today.
Won't be posting on the what's for tea as it will probable be more toast.  Which will be marginally better than the apple and half a bar of white chocolate I had yesterday.

[devonbarmygardener]

Feel free to rant about the NHS Mrs Bee - I see it everyday. Some great care and treatment, other lousy treatment and very little care.
I am one of the caring nurses (and bl00dy proud of that fact) but I have a patient today who thinks we're all trying to kill her
It's both sad and horribly frustrating as we're doing all that we can.

Hope your son is better soon xxxx