beware reflex moves: Some CONS of moving for the elderly

<BODY TEXT="000040" LINK="ff0000" VLINK="7080f0" ALINK="ff0000" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><IMG SRC="images/cons.gif" ALT="CONS" WIDTH="166" HEIGHT="44"></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><A NAME="A"></A> <BR> <BR></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><A NAME="A"></A> <BR> </P> <TABLE WIDTH="100%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="29"></TD> <TD WIDTH="90%"> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>A is for</B></FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Juice ITC"><B>... anxiety</B></FONT> <FONT FACE="Verdana" SIZE="+1">Just a state of life? Some anxiety is natural when faced with change, but if you feel too anxious will you manage everything, stay in control? You can get help if needed.<A NAME="B"></A> Talking things through with family or seeking specialist help, such as anxiety management groups, relaxation tapes can help you break or at least 'upset' the anxiety circle.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>B is for</B></FONT> <B><FONT FACE="Cottage" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#408080">... better shops</FONT></B></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" SIZE="+1"><BR> Better? Better what? "Better do as you're told?" What is it - that is actually 'better? <BR>What use are better shops if you've nothing to spend?</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS"><FONT SIZE="+1">Better Dr? "He may have had his moments, but when push comes to shove he's pulled out all the stops for me!"</FONT><A NAME="C"></A> <BR> <BR></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>C is for</B></FONT> <FONT FACE="ErieContour" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF0080">... closeness</FONT> </P> <P><FONT FACE="Verdana"><FONT SIZE="+1">'Closer' It will be nice and cosy, but for who? Closer in a crisis? <BR>'C' also stands for 'convenience'.</FONT> <BR></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Alto" COLOR="#008040">... crisis!</FONT> <IMG SRC="images/manshark.gif" ALT="man and shark" ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="220" HEIGHT="108" HSPACE="15" VSPACE="10"></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">We all have them - but who decides what constitutes a crisis and what action will be taken should (when?) one occurs?</FONT><A NAME="D"></A></P> <TABLE> <TR> <TD WIDTH="901" BGCOLOR="#004080" ALIGN="CENTER"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><B><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#FFFFFF">D is for</FONT></B> <FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Pipeline">... disorientation</FONT></P></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana" SIZE="+1">Don't take anything for granted. Moving house can confuse some vulnerable people especially if they have memory problems. They may give the impression they can cope at home due to the famililiar environment. Often when family take mum, or dad to stop with them for a weekend they then recognize the true extent of the problem. Taking such a person out of their home can be very traumatic for everyone concerned. <BR>Someone once described it to me as the mental equivalent of breaking a femur.</FONT></P> <TABLE WIDTH="98%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER"><IMG SRC="images/depress.gif" ALT="depression" ALIGN="TOP" WIDTH="74" HEIGHT="160" HSPACE="10"> </TD> <TD WIDTH="58%" COLSPAN="2"> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><B><FONT FACE="Impact" SIZE="+4" COLOR="#808080">... depression</FONT></B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">The likelihood is that the people who most need to read this won't be. So if you have a friend or relative who may be depressed try to find out are they merely "fed-up", or 'sad', or are they depressed. Be prepared to listen. Why does it matter here? Well firstly it can be treated - and if it isn't and someone is moving, they may may be unable to even if mild lack insight into what is happening. <BR>Depression can seriously hamper ones ability to make decisions.</FONT> <BR>And own them afterwards!</P> <A NAME="E"></A> <BR></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>E is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#808080">... <FONT FACE="Hollow"><B>EMPTY</B></FONT></FONT></TD> <TD WIDTH="58%" COLSPAN="2"><FONT FACE="Verdana"><FONT SIZE="+1">"What's the point in staying here? It's too big for you now."<A NAME="F"></A> </FONT> <BR></FONT></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P><BR> <FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>F is for</B></FONT> <FONT COLOR="#FF0000"><FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Impact" COLOR="#FF0000">... fear</FONT></FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">"Making decisions alone that's when you miss them most." <BR>There are two contrasts here: being used to making joint decisions on the one hand, and other being used to ones own company, but being 'leaned on', 'cajoled' persuaded to do the right thing. Actually I suppose there are three: being left to make up your own mind. Which in way you cannot blame people for, especially if they have had a negative experience before. They may be scared of influencing any decision only to have it thrown back at them.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS"></FONT> </P> <TABLE> <TR> <TD> <P><B><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Verdana">Moving <B>AND</B> making friends? Moving any distance often involves saying goodbye to friends, although for friendships that count distance will not extinguish. Mention of day care, luncheon clubs, and such like is like swearing to some people, the start of the slippery slope. Day care can be a very good way to get out of the house, be that day care with social services or day hospital (usually shorter term when you have a specific clinical problem - that may need tests for example). </FONT></B></P></TD> <TD> <P><B><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Verdana">Do you know what you are turning down? Really know? Have you been? I often take people to have a look around our local facilities. If then they say no, I'm just grateful they have tried. Others find it really isn't what they expected, and after six months are very pleased to have a day out. </FONT></B></P> <TABLE WIDTH="54%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="478"><IMG SRC="images/Friends.gif" ALT="friends (c) logo acknowledged" ALIGN="RIGHT" WIDTH="434" HEIGHT="121"></TD> </TR> </TABLE></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD COLSPAN="2"> <P><B><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Verdana">It may not be a complete bed of roses. Do you remember school - those first days? Yes it can be that bad for some. Don't let any cliquish group or person put you off - there shouldn't be reserved seats. Many centres have notices to that effect so have a response ready (just in case) you're sure not to need it. Today with phones, WWW.thingymejig.com, etc.. there is less excuse not to keep in touch with old friends and as ever new friends beckon...</FONT></B></P></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE WIDTH="92%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="164" ROWSPAN="2"><IMG SRC="images/furn.jpg" ALT="furniture" ALIGN="LEFT" WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="230"></TD> <TD WIDTH="768"><FONT FACE="Charlesworth" SIZE="+4" COLOR="#FF8040">... furniture</FONT></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH="768"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">When can you move? How much room will you have? Off to storage for some furniture, what about the rest? <BR>Sold, given away. "Items I love no room - it really is a shame my daughter doesn't value that chest of drawers like I do."</FONT><A NAME="G"></A> <BR></P></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>G is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Cooper Black" COLOR="#0000A0">... gate</FONT> </P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">You know all those years, I never closed the gate - I wanted to be sure I was coming home. Are you going to close it this time Dad?</FONT></P> <P><BR> <FONT FACE="Arial Rounded MT Bold" SIZE="+5">... G.P.</FONT> <IMG SRC="images/capsule.jpg" ALT="capsule" WIDTH="117" HEIGHT="97"></P> <P><FONT FACE="Verdana">If you have had a good relationship with your GP (family physician) then your move may mean finding a new one, which can be difficult, given a relationship that is essential especially in the later years.</FONT><A NAME="H"></A> <BR></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>H is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Copperplate Gothic Light" COLOR="#FF8000">... hypnotics</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Another name for sleeping tablets. If you take these - don't stop without seeking medical advice - just be aware that they may affect your ability to think clearly. <BR></FONT></P> <P><BR> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#804000">... <FONT FACE="Cottage" COLOR="#FF8080">homesickness</FONT> <IMG SRC="images/oldtown2.gif" ALT="old town" WIDTH="454" HEIGHT="73"></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Comic Sans MS">If people help to make a home, then when we lose a loved one do bereaved people suffer homesickness? It rather depends on your definition of 'home'! Whatever your age though - the pain is the same.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Comic Sans MS"> </FONT></P> <TABLE WIDTH="78%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="191"><IMG SRC="images/beach.jpg" ALT="Beach scene" WIDTH="132" HEIGHT="76" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="10" ALIGN="TEXTTOP"></TD> <TD WIDTH="279"><FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Kids" COLOR="#FF0000">... holidays</FONT></TD> <TD WIDTH="416"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Holidays can still be magical even if the sun doesn't shine all the time. With the right company people render their own sunshine, and get attached to specific destinations national and even international. Holiday destinations hold a nostalgia for us, and are tempting locations to move and retire to.</FONT></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Do take care though. If you are contemplating this do consider how you would each cope without the other. It's sad but true, people move to Blackpool, Southport, Dorset, Spain and further, a spouse dies and that familiar sunny locale suddenly seems unnerving, and at worst threatening. How could you cope on your own? Have you agreed (not a nice topic of conversation) what you each would do if alone?</FONT><A NAME="I"></A> <BR></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>I is for</B></FONT> <B><FONT SIZE="+3" FACE="Desdemona">... insecurity</FONT> </B></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><A NAME="J"></A><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">To counter insecurity find some information. What info? Well .....</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#400080" SIZE="+1">How do you cope now?</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#FF8000" SIZE="+1">What help could you use to cope better (there's that word again :-) )?</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#0080FF" SIZE="+1">What are you moving to - in terms of facilities, shops, amenities?</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" SIZE="+1" COLOR="#FF0080">What services do you reasonably need now or in the near future?</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS"> WARNING!: Beware of too much information - information overload.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>J is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#0080FF">... J.I.T.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT FACE="Verdana">This is a game that industry and commerce play. Everyone plays it to some extent - leaving things until the last minute. JUST IN TIME - trying to leave something till the last minute (or second) then take action. In commercial terms this means ordering stock only when necessary, then redundant stock is not held which takes up space, etc.. Can you do the same running the risks, staying put only to move - JUST IN TIME?<A NAME="K"></A> <BR></FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>K is for ...</B></FONT> <FONT COLOR="#FF0000" SIZE="+4" FACE="Lucida Handwriting">KNOWLEDGE <IMG SRC="images/3greekhds.jpg" ALT="greek thinkers" WIDTH="140" HEIGHT="48"></FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">There are many types of knowledge, some of which are vital to our being able to live our everyday working, retired and personal lives.</FONT></P> <UL> <LI><FONT FACE="Verdana">KNOWLEDGE OF <FONT COLOR="#FF0080">SELF</FONT></FONT></LI> <LI><FONT FACE="Verdana">KNOWLEDGE OF <FONT COLOR="#0080FF">FAMILY</FONT></FONT></LI> <LI><FONT FACE="Verdana">KNOWLEDGE OF <FONT COLOR="#008000">HOME AND WIDER ENVIRONMENT</FONT></FONT></LI> </UL> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">If a semi-confused person moves they immediately render a large part of their knowledge base redundant. Trying to replace this with new facts, experiences can be too much.</FONT><A NAME="L"></A> <BR></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>L is for</B></FONT> <FONT COLOR="#FF0FF0" SIZE="+4" FACE="Lucida Bright">... labour<IMG SRC="images/hammer.gif" ALT="hammer knocking in nail" ALIGN="RIGHT" WIDTH="108" HEIGHT="100" HSPACE="15"></FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">We are generally less adaptable as the years roll by. And everyone would surely agree that when getting a new home, whether a smaller bungalow, sheltered housing, or council house, that not everything will be "just as we want it". Viewing the property inside and out various jobs are spotted, things that could be fixed, re-done. We impose our own ideas, and plans on the new home. The sideboard will sit just nice there. the suite won't fit here. Those bathroom tiles will have to go.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Of course in the "wonder years" jobs are easy for YOU to do, or organise someone else to handle,</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">when we're older people are forced (but not always!) to rely on others, very often family.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">The links below describe pointers in connection with 'labour', some are obvious others possibly less so.</FONT> </P> <CENTER> <TABLE WIDTH="86%" BORDER="1"> <TR> <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#0080FF"><A HREF="youmove.htm">YOU ARE GOING TO MOVE</A></FONT></TD> <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+1" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#FF0000"><A HREF="nok.htm">YOUR RELATIVE NEEDS TO MOVE</A></FONT></TD> </TR> </TABLE></CENTER> <P><A NAME="M"></A></P> <TABLE WIDTH="95%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="321"> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#FF0000"><B>M is for</B></FONT></P></TD> <TD WIDTH="584" ROWSPAN="2" COLSPAN="2"> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Moving is of course expensive. Quality of life is obviously about people, a fact that comes all too clear to a bereaved husband or wife. Things that (almost!) looked after themselves before now prove a financial struggle. Maintaining the house, paying the rent, spending time away with family or friends - up north or down south. Running the car - petrol (gas) doesn't get any cheaper.</FONT></P></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH="321"><FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Copperplate Gothic Light" COLOR="#408080">... Money</FONT> <P><IMG SRC="images/euro.gif" ALT="EURO SYMBOL" WIDTH="67" HEIGHT="69"> <FONT SIZE="+4" COLOR="#004080">$</FONT><FONT COLOR="#FF0000" SIZE="+4">£</FONT></P></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH="266" ROWSPAN="2" ALIGN="RIGHT"><IMG SRC="images/wedngday.GIF" ALT="wedding" WIDTH="195" HEIGHT="221"></TD> <TD WIDTH="318" ROWSPAN="2"><FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Frankenstein" COLOR="#FF8000">... memories</FONT> <P><FONT FACE="Verdana">Happy, sad, even those that make you cry can be worth having.</FONT></P></TD> <TD ROWSPAN="2"></TD> </TR> <TR> </TR> </TABLE> <P><A NAME="N"></A> </P> <TABLE WIDTH="90%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="20%"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>N is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#008040">... NEAR</FONT></TD> <TD WIDTH="80%" COLSPAN="2"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Near and yet so far. Because you're only three miles away as opposed to one hundred, don't be surprised if you may as well be back where you came from.</FONT></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P><A NAME="O"></A></P> <TABLE BORDER="3"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="532" BGCOLOR="#004080"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT COLOR="#FF0000" SIZE="+2"><B>O is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Britannic Bold">... orientation</FONT></P></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana" SIZE="+1"><B>Don't take anything for granted. Moving house can confuse some vulnerable people, with memory problems, they may be better staying in <FONT COLOR="#FF0000">their</FONT> current home. Repetition I know, but confused people are moved - this happens!</B></FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Footlight MT Light" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#8000FF">... ornaments</FONT> </P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">You can't keep them all. There's no mantle piece to put them on. No room for your display cabinet. <BR></FONT></P> <P><A NAME="P"></A></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>P is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Engravers MT" COLOR="#FF0000">... past</FONT> <IMG SRC="images/hourglass.gif" ALT="sand timer" WIDTH="60" HEIGHT="60"></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Past experiences - bad ones - can seem to outweigh the good.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">It's not easy then to spot a good opportunity for what it is.</FONT> <BR></P> <P><FONT FACE="Cupertino" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#C0C0C0">... pessimists</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Don't worry - be happy - if you are 'getting on a bit' and are contemplating a move, you can't be an aternal pessimist - You wouldn't have got this far - would you.</FONT> <BR></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Cosmic" SIZE="+4" COLOR="#00FF00">... promises </FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Be wary of promises that people make to you, not that they don't mean it (at the time!), especially if in a bit of a crisis situation. You should be careful of promises you make too!</FONT><A NAME="Q"></A></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>Q is for</B></FONT> <FONT FACE="Castanet" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#008040">queue</FONT> <IMG SRC="images/trafik.gif" ALT="red, green amber lights" WIDTH="39" HEIGHT="99" HSPACE="20"></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Being caught in a queue can be a problem. <BR>If you've sold you own home but stuck moving in your next this can place immense pressures on you and family. <BR></FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Timpani" COLOR="#0080FF">... quiet</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana">Don't agree to change just for a quiet life, you may regret it. IT IS YOUR DECISION - OWN IT</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana">you may throw it back at someone later and kick yourself too.</FONT><A NAME="R"></A> <BR></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>R is for</B></FONT> <FONT FACE="Frugal Sans" SIZE="+4" COLOR="#FF0000">... risk</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">If you actually consider the risks of moving you can turn a con into a pro. <BR></FONT></P> <P><FONT COLOR="#FF0080" SIZE="+5" FACE="Amy">... reflex(es)</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Verdana">YES, they can save lives, or land you in deep water. If it is so easy to sell your home - should you be leaving so soon?</FONT><A NAME="S"></A></P> <TABLE WIDTH="98%"> <TR> <TD> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>S is for</B></FONT> <FONT FACE="Courier New" SIZE="+3"><B>... storage</B></FONT><IMG SRC="images/openbox.GIF" ALT="an open box" WIDTH="179" HEIGHT="113"></P></TD> <TD> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"> <FONT SIZE="+3" FACE="Engravers MT">... solicitor</FONT><IMG SRC="images/BUSE10FL.jpg" ALT="feather pen and inkwell" WIDTH="162" HEIGHT="188" HSPACE="15"></P></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Can be expensive if needed for longer than expected</FONT></FONT></TD> <TD ALIGN="RIGHT"> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Pray you don't need one if the unexpected happens.</FONT></P></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE WIDTH="44%" BORDER="3" BGCOLOR="#0000A0"> <TR> <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Flexure" SIZE="+5">... seasons</FONT></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <TABLE WIDTH="91%"> <TR> <TD> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Verdana">The new flat, house, bed-sit, may seem fine in June, but what will it be like in January, or February with a foot of snow?</FONT></P></TD> <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><IMG SRC="images/winterSmWHT.gif" ALT="winter" ALIGN="TOP" WIDTH="150" HEIGHT="60" HSPACE="15"></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD COLSPAN="2"> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Hard to imagine in summer, but what would that path be like; </FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Verdana">the distance to town; the heating; getting to the station - bus / train?</FONT></P></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Flexure" SIZE="+5">... STRESS</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">A little stress when faced with important decisions or change is natural. But prolonged stress can be very debilitating.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Flexure" SIZE="+4" COLOR="#0080FF">... standards</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Do standards matter to you? Which and whose standards - just your own, what about others around you? </FONT><A NAME="T"></A></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><B><IMG SRC="../PJ Webs/spinpill.gif" ALT="spin pill">T is for</B> <FONT FACE="Britannic Bold" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#808080">... tranquillizers</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Easy now. Yes they can help, but not for months on end.</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Arial Rounded MT Bold" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF0000">... temptation</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Allsorts of temptations! Especially to over-do everything, don't try to do everything at once. Keep an eye on the family too!</FONT><A NAME="U"></A> <BR></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>U is for</B></FONT> <FONT FACE="Eklektic" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#008040">... uncertainty</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">The spice of life - and quantum cats. The things we can be certain about are best left to occasional contemplation or discussion? <BR></FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="CopperPot" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#008040">... utter</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">CHAOS and CONFUSION <BR></FONT><A NAME="V"></A></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>V is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#FF0000">... Vulnerable</FONT> </P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Open to suggestion....? To burglary if you stay put? <BR> <BR> </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF80C0" FACE="France">... visits</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">If no one visits now, will they really call after a move.</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">If they will visit then, then that suggests you are moving for their convenience? <BR><A NAME="W"></A> <BR></FONT></P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>W is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Unicorn" COLOR="#FF0000">... w<FONT COLOR="#0000A0">o</FONT>r<FONT COLOR="#0000A0">r</FONT>y</FONT> </P> <P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT FACE="Verdana">Some people are 'born worriers' it doesn't matter where they live, near or far, they will worry. Be realistic in your expectations. <A NAME="X"></A> <BR> <BR></FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>X is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="Comic Sans MS" COLOR="#FF8040">e<B><FONT FACE="Cooper Black">X</FONT></B>pect<IMG SRC="images/twister.gif" ALT="{short description of image}" WIDTH="118" HEIGHT="91" HSPACE="25"></FONT></P> <P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">always but always - eXpect the uneXpected (worriers please ignore this message). </FONT><A NAME="Y"></A> <BR></P> <TABLE WIDTH="98%"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="30%"><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>Y is for</B></FONT> <BR> <FONT FACE="Dom Casual" SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF0080">... y</FONT><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#0000FF">u</FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#008000">l</FONT><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF0000">e</FONT><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#0000FF">t</FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF8040">i</FONT><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#008000">d</FONT><FONT SIZE="+5" COLOR="#FF0080">e</FONT></TD> <TD> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS" SIZE="+1">Yes I know I'm stretching a bit - give me a break please - Seriously though what will happen at Christmas, and other holidays? Long winter nights - what will you do with them? How much company do you need - are you a loner? Is the radio and your pet your best friend? </FONT></P></TD> <TD><IMG SRC="images/xmas_b.gif" ALT="Christmas image" WIDTH="70" HEIGHT="250"></TD> </TR> </TABLE> <P><A NAME="Z"></A> </P> <P><FONT SIZE="+2" FACE="Comic Sans MS"><B>Z is for</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="+5" FACE="BravoEngraved" COLOR="#008040">... ZOO</FONT></P> <P><FONT FACE="Comic Sans MS">Too many cooks...? It may get to feel like you are in a zoo, or a goldfish bowl with every one peering in and passing judgements on what you should do? Just when you want people to say what they think you want to hear - they don't say it!.</FONT></P> <P ALIGN="center"><IMG SRC="images/bar.jpg" ALT="rule" ALIGN="MIDDLE" WIDTH="418" HEIGHT="47"></P> </TD> <TD WIDTH="34"></TD> </TR> </TABLE> </BODY>