The best of times, the worst of Times

Since working for over three years at Senate House Library, I've had the good fortune to work with someone called Jim Callaghan. Jim opened the library, sorted the tills out, moved the books to there area and other jobs. Not the most glamorous job, but one he'd done well for 27 years. In that time he'd seen the library change from having a tea urn and bar, to a streamlined machine. He'd seen people come and people go.
In July he was to retire, with a new gran daughter to take care of and time with the family. We'd already organised his last birthday present (a London Irish rugby shirt, a bottle of whisky and a book). When we gave it to him, he had tears in his eyes. He was going to miss this place on retirement.
We were organising a leaving do for him in July. To hear his stories and to see him smile. Unfortunately, Jim passed away on Saturday in his sleep. It's amazingly sad, but I'm so glad he had that birthday and to see him smile. Sometimes when I blog I forget works not all about gadgets and talk. Its often about the people you interact with. You'll be sadly missed Jim.

Thoughts with Phil Bradley

Many of you will know Phil Bradley's blog. He had said in previous blog post that his wife was ill. Unfortuntely, she seems to be worst by his last entry. There's not really much I can say, except my thoughts are with you and your wife.

My great gran passed away

I had some sad news when my Great Gran Vodden (bottom right), passed away in her sleep in hospital. She was aged 107 and had only recently been to hospital, caring for herself in the same house for over 60 years. She was going blind and deaf, but her mind still sharp. She had 3 children, 12 grandchildren, numerous great and great grandchildren. She also had a great,great,great gran child born 101 years exactly after her own birth. Although it was time for her to go its still sad to hear the news, and doubtful i'll make the funeral to give her the good bye she deserved. I'll always think of you fondly gran.

Brothers court case

Most of may know of my brothers murder. Well the accused has pleaded 'not guilty'. I can't say much more on the because of due process. We know await the trial. this will be the 30th of march (3 weeks after my brothers birthday and the day before my mums). Tomorrow will be the first anniversary of my grandfather passing away. Life don't seem so good. Thank god I have my girlfriend.