As you know I have a Boxer dog and he is now in his 12 year and has of late been under the weather. Over a period of time my wife and I have carefully monitored his health and had a suspicion that he may have Cushings.

He had a number of the symptom, thirst, hair loss, loss of power to the hind legs, appetite etc. Two weeks ago we saw a decline in his well being and he was getting us up ( the wife if I’m honest)during the night more than once and he was just finding it difficult to get around.

We had taken him to the vet in January and he did blood tests which all showed negative for kidney problems, diabetes and liver problems. We indicated our concern about Cushings and he suggested that when the snow had gone we bring him back and he would do a set of blood tests. before that we should bring in a urine sample.

Because of this sudden apparent decline I took him down the vet who on seeing him first did a general check of lymph glands etc and then his hind legs. Poor fella was suffering from arthritis and was in pain. A course of pain killers and then a urine sample sorted out his problem. The urine sample indicated a urinary infection ( hence the drinking ) and no apparent indication of Cushings, although it was not a definitive test.

Now the old fella is nearly back to normal and my point is? Get expert help and advice when you need it and the earlier you get it the less problems for you. That’s why I am doing John Thornhill’s $1 four week trial save a lot of heart ache and frustration by getting expert help and it’s cheaper than the vet!

A few weeks ago I mentioned that John Thornhill was one of the few people that I considered went the extra mile for his clients and has quality products as well.

I have now found out that he is offering a 4 week trial of his Master Class  programme for $1. Now this programme has had very good revues in the past and a number of John’s past pupils are now earning money from their mentoring and guidance from John Thornhill.

So I have taken the plunge and joined for 4 weeks for a $1. If you then go on to the full programme you will be charges $49.99 per week for 32 weeks. It’s not cheap but already from weeks 1 and 2 I have learnt a lot.

Each month on this blog I will let you know how I am getting on. I will also get a link to enable you to try it yourself and see if it’s for you. Now some of you may think that it’s never going to work for you. You know what your right it not because you need to get into the right mind set.

John has written a short report on while you will nor succeed on the Internet and I would strongly urge you to read it. The link will be on my blog shortly and it’s free so read and take note. I did and it was an eye opener to me, I hope it will do the same for you.

Look out for the links on my blog shortly until then enjoy the Easter eggs and what’s left of the holiday.

It’s not official everywhere but a small amount of chocolate is good for you.

As you know I love good chocolate, especially with over 70% cocoa solids. The dark and rich sort is my liking. Not too keen on milk, although some of it is very palatable if for me it has a good percentage of cocoa butter in it.

Making Easter eggs can be done at home, using care and a few materials. Every year good quality eggs are often to be found with a rigid plastic outer protective case. Usually this is in the shape of the egg and in two halves. That is you basic egg mould! Now you need some good quality chocolate of your choice and some patience.

To assist with coating the mould you can use a clean dry egg wash brush. You can, if you prefer, just swirl the molten chocolate around the mould. It’s up to you.

Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a stainless steel bowl or a thick plastic one. Find a pan in which the bowl will site and rest on the edge of the pan. Fill the pan with water, just enough that it does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Place on a low heat source and stir the chocolate making certain that the water does not boil. This is very important because we don’t want the chocolate to get too hot.

To get chocolate to have a clean snap and a high sheen requires the chocolate to be tempered. Whilst not a complex operation it does take practice and for the moment we can with care still keep the chocolate tempered. To do this we need to keep the temperature low, and when the chocolate has just melted with stirring that’s about right.

Keep stirring the chocolate to prevent any hot spots until it has just melted.I f you put a little dab on your lower lip it should not fell hot, just warm.

The molten chocolate should now be carefully brushed or swirled around the moulds to get and even coat. At this stage the chocolate should be starting to cool and get thick. Place in a cool place or in a fridge for a short period. I you have not heated the chocolate too high within a short while the chocolate should shrink away from the mould.

If it sets and you can see lots of streaks in it the temperature was too high and you will need to temper the chocolate to get it to work.

Hopefully, with care and patience you will have got you two shells to set and come away from the mould. You can then fill them with whatever you like and seal together by warming some more chocolate or any you had left over, carefully to the same degree as before and brush a little on one mould before carefully pressing the 2 halves together. This is best done using cotton gloves to prevent any finger prints appearing on the outside of the egg.

Have a go once you have done it a few times you will find a method that works for you.

Happy Easter and enjoy

One of the constant frustrations of my life is the apparent single minded way governments and corporations will spout on about the environment and how this and that should be done to save or improve it and how we all should contribute. On the other hand they still exploit the workforce in other countries where there are less controls over the impact of production on the environment and the sustainability of the ecosystem.

This apparent dichotomy exists because companies must make profits to satisfy their share holders and governments must appease their supporters whilst still increasing the overall prosperity of the country they govern.

In Germany and the UK there has been a successful car scrappage programme designed to re stimulate the car industry, which has been hard hit by the world economic recession. If your car was of a certain age you could claim a set discount off the purchase of a new car. The old car then was destroyed and the metal no doubt recycled. Leave aside the fact that the tax payers where contributing to these schemes, what about the eco-impact?

The old car had already left it’s carbon foot print. It was argued they where less fuel efficient and added to air pollution. New car still add  to the carbon foot print and in the early years would be possibly more fuel efficient. If it was bio fuel that was possibly an advantage and if it was battery powered even better.

Two facts still persist in my mind and they are that the car industry had had boom years prior to the recession so why had they not prepared themselves for the inevitable because it had happened before at least 4 or 5 times over the last 60 years and what about all the spare parts for the cars still available that were being scrapped?

In the case of cell or battery cars how do the batteries get recycled or do we end up with huge piles of spent batteries being set to certain countries for disposal where they pollute their environment?

Would it not be better to look at improving the efficiency of older cars, true there is not so much profit in it and the workforce in the car industry may suffer, but as it is mostly automated so we are led to believe, then re-skilling would be an option. Older cars will need new body panels and parts which have been made already so their use will shift items off stock room shelves which will need replacing and the supply companies will still meet a demand.

It’s a simplistic view I know but it does led me onto another area where we in the West have contributed to the problems of developing countries by our charitablecontributions. As a result of our desire to be clothed we have an insatiable desire for cloths many of which are made with man made  fibres. The good aspect of these garments is that they are hard wearing, the down side is they take years to biodegrade.

Because they are hard wearing after their initial period of being worn they migrate to the back of the wardrobe or cupboard to be eventually replaced by other garments. In a quest to be socially aware and our desire to help others we give these garments to charity shops or organisations that ensure people in other counties and situations are clothed. The net result is that many countries, in Africa for example, end up with vast piles of clothing that can not, once it had been discarded, be reprocessed. It ether remains to slowly decomposed over the centuries in tips or it can be burnt to release toxic fumes into the environment.

Are ther alternative? Yes but they cost money, they are ethically produced and have less impact on the environment where they grow and where they finally end for disposal. But and it’s a big but consumers have to take responsibility for creating the demand. We created the demand for drip dry shirts and cheap fashion cloths so why not more eco- friendly clothing?

Yesterday despite having a positive outlook and doing what I had been taught my world was going pear shaped.  I had finished my studies and found a job in a college and my wife of just  18 months got a job locally too. Now remember I had been told to work hard and that’s what I did spending hours at college writing lesson plans and integrating onto the department I worked in at seamlessly as possible.

All this time at college meant my wife saw less of me and within a short period of time we separated, amicably but separated. Divorce followed and we have only spoken a couple of times since.

Now fully up to speed I took on responsibilities and continued to broaden my knowledge. At weekends I passed the time customizing a Ford 100E  by putting a 1300 cc cross-flow engine coupled to a three rail Ford 2000E gearbox and Classic 375 front struts and disc brakes with a Ford Anglia 105E rear axle all in a body shell I got for free. I was also study for a degree based on society and education.

Now sorting out how to customise the car was easy compared to doing the essays and assignments for my degree. I suffer from dyslexia and have problems to this day. You may have spotted that already? Along the way I met my future wife and got engaged on her 21st birthday. Now that seems to me pretty good so far, right? Been doing all these things, got divorced and then engaged, and in work what more could a guy want?

Despite all that was going on in my life I was still looking for something. My problem was I hadn’t a clue what it was. I eventually got married and got promoted at college and even became a staff governor as well as a visiting assessor for an awarding body. I also finished my degree with honours having done a dissertation on learning styles and teaching styles in the classroom. Believe me it was a long hard slog but I got it.

Now you may be thinking, what’s his problem got a wife, career a degree. On the face of it nothing like many people we had little money after paying the rent on our flat, but we had food and a roof over our heads. It was one evening during  a walk  with a long time friend and his wife that it struck me what the problem was I had. It had been with me since I first left school. Money pure a simple. You see Dave had thought that when we worked together that I was earning a lot more than what I told him I was earning. That was it, I had always undervalued myself and in doing so had created a lack of money or wealth. This was further reinforced when the company we had both worked for was sold someone sent me my personnel file as a memento and within that folder was a note indicating that the company was willing to go at least another £1000 more than they got me for.

How long had I being subconsciously sabotaging myself?  All my life and it was only a year ago that I finally came to term with it. Yes it took one hell of a long time to admit I had been shooting myself in the foot for years.

Take note and make certain you are not doing the same thing. Oh! it’s subtle but the pointers are there if you want to find them. Then you have to face up to the devil before you can move on. But that’s another blog entirely.

So I was at the edge, what to do next as work in the building trade was becoming more difficult to find. When you found it often the price was cut to the bone and there was no profit, just working to pay the taxman.

I decided my first priority was to earn some money to pay for my keep as I lived at home. I got a job working in the kitchen of a restaurant in a large departmental store. The work was interesting and it did not take long to get into the swing of things.

An ad appeared in the local paper, of all places, for a job working in a confectionery company in East London. The post was for a trainee production manager and the wage was good too. I applied,was given an interview and along with 3 other people joined the company.

As part of the training I had to attend college one day a week to gain a formal qualification, this was for 4 years. Whilst at college one of the outside lecturing staff, as they all where from the Cocoa and Sugar Confectionery industry, offered me a post as his assistant working for a flavour company.

I went for an interview and was accepted and joined as the assistant confectionery technologist. The work was very interesting and covered all aspects of cocoa and sugar confectionery. After 2 years my boss moved on and before I was 21 I was in charge of the department with it’s 3 staff. I was also salaried now and travelled for the company in Europe, Scandinavia and of course the UK.

All this time I had a positive mind set and did what my parents had said, and it seemed to be working. Up at 5 a.m. walk to the station, or bike then train to East London then walk to work. Life was good and even when my bike was stolen from the station, I still got it back.

I was head hunted to start an applications laboratory for another flavour company which I did and had a great time. I also expanded my learning to include bakery and ice cream making, whilst honing my other skills and experiences.

Whilst working for this company, I was on a trip to Finland and was offered a job with a company we supplied to in the confectionery industry. Eighteen months later I was back in the UK as my work permit was not renewed due to the oil crisis.

On the train from Heathrow airport to home I picked up a discarded paper and saw an ad for people required to teach in colleges. I eventually embarked on a one year course at the London University and become a lecturer for some 20 years. But that’s for another blog.

My main point is that throughout all this time I had maintained a positive belief in myself and in my future. I was of course still working hard just like my parents had told me. But things where not going to plan. I’ll tell you more another day.

Odd sort of question when you think about it. Unless your like Einstein and believe that reality is what you make of it. I must admit to going along the same track, you create your world as a result of your experiences.

Take for example my parents, when I was young they always instilled in me a work ethic of doing well at school, working hard and diligently and getting goods grades. Then when I was at work doing my best and I would reap my rewards. Now my parents heard that from their parents and peers and at one time it did seem to work, to a degree.

Two world wars seemed to have made little difference to the belief and when I was young we were told we “had never had it so good” Now credit in the form of mortgages was about the only thing most people had on credit. There was the “tally man” who allowed you to buy cloths and some household goods on credit or tic and then you paid him weekly, usually on a Friday as it was payday.

Luxury items like fridges, washing machines and cars were only for the wealthy or people who could afford it. We never had a TV until I was a teenager and then it was from Radio Rentals as a hire per week or month. I remember an American programme called “Wagon Train” was very popular and I could only watch it every other week as it finished at 20.30!

We moved from our semi-detached house to a semi-detached bungalow when I was 14 and the year before JF Kennedy died we had central heating installed and Mum got a spin drier, a baby Burco I think, to help her with the washing; still done by hand. We also brought a second hand colour TV just before they changed to 625 lines. Although my Dad had learnt to drive during the war he never owned a car, cycling everywhere. I cycled or walked the 2 miles each day to the station when I worked in the City and walked or cycled 2 miles back every night ,6 days a week. It was normal so no one seemed to question it.

We had hippies and other trends until the Beatles then life seemed to change. The Mersey sound was it and for many it was the seed of discontent with life and the work system expressed through the music.

It was at this stage that I remember thinking to myself, despite the money I have a future of working for some one else until I retire. To me that was not a comforting thought and with a friend we started a sub-contracting carpentry business doing first and second fixing on house build sites.

There seemed to be new houses being built everywhere and we wanted some of the action, and the money too. We could work the hours we wanted, within reason, so long at the work was done. I brought my first car a Morris 8 series 1 1937 era, it was great and we could go further a field for work.

Then the bubble burst and the houses where no longer being built and work was hard to find. That’s when I realised that what I did next would create my future. I was on the brink of creating my future world.

I’ll tell you about it in my next blog.

I briefly mentioned in my last post about our boxer dog. Well on Saturday he was looking most down, his tail was down and he was restless. He was also walking like a crab so down to the vet we went.

We saw the vet and her first suggestion was that on observing him walking into the examination room he was having problems walking due to swelling in his back leg joints, most likely caused by arthritis.

Having giving him a through examination she confirmed that his joints were swollon. His heart and lung were fine and his lymph glans were OK too. A course of treatment was prescribed and an injection given. At all times the vet checked that I understood the course of treatment and what may need to be done later and offered reassurance.

On Sunday he was much brighter and wanted to go for a walk and went the whole route only slowing down towards the end. So that was encouraging and the rest of Sunday was resting and helping out in the garden.

I am always amazed at the total unconditional trust our Boxer has in us to get him sorted. Although in some discomfort or pain he did not moan just slowed down and was restless. Because he has a tail and it was not up I had a good indication that all was not well and was able to take action.

Today, Monday he is much better and is able to go up and down the stairs much better. The tail is up most of the time and he is eating well and being his old self. Not bad for a 12 year old Boxer who only 18 month ago had testicular cancer, requiring castration to save his life.

So there you have another facet of me – dog lover- especially Boxer dogs with tails. Talk again soon

As I have indicated in my previous blog I believe that giving the customers what they want and more is what it’s all about. Don’t get me wrong I think that” the customer is always right” is not always the right way to view every interaction. Because in my opinion it leads to a force foundation for building a relationship between the customer and the provider.

It’s the small things that make all the difference be it a friendly smile and a genuine wish to be helpful to just doing that little extra. This of course doesn’t just refer to sales but our every day interaction with the world at large. Better to let some one in  your line of traffic than be so close up the car in front to not let them in, regardless.

We have established I like chocolate so what better than when purchase to be offered a sample before hand or a new centre or chocolate. What does it cost in the bigger picture? Very little and it may mean repeats sales for years to come. That is what I get at Hotel Chocolat and that’s what John Thornhill provided too. Without going into to much detail he sorted out my payment and then came back to check all was OK. Because of the content it was not an auto responder reply; either.

My local Renault garage on the other hand just wants your money and even when it went in for a recall were less than helpful on a problem I highlighted to them. I now take my car to a one man garage where he listens and then he phones to let me know if he has found anything else that might need attention. Not difficult and not a lot of effort, but I recommend him to other people. For him it’s free advertising for me I get my car serviced and those I recommend have also found him to go just that bit extra.

Enough on that for the moment.

I have a fantastic Boxer dog who has been part of the family for nearly 12 years. Although he is not feeling too bright at present and gets us up at least once or twice during the night it’s worth it to see him greet the family on their return.

Most Boxers in the USA and at one time in the UK had their tails docked, for what ever reason. Let me tell you that when our boy is pleased you know it because of his tail. Also it’s our first indication if he is not well, because it’s down instead of up like a scorpion’s sting.

Although he has not blogged for a while he has a blog and a link is on this site for you to take a look.

We have been fortunate to have had two really great vets, both go out of their way to be helpful and when treatment is needed charge a fair price. Again I recommend them to everyone, when the opportunity arises.

So there you have another side to who or what I am. Next time I will give you some more insights into me. Take care.

Well we know I love chocolate and just as important good quality confectionery at a fair price. One of my pet dislikes it when I see people getting ripped of with either a poor quality product or poor customer care; even worse is both.

I can’t find any reason, other than to rip people off , for anyone not providing a quality product and exceptional customer care. However, I believe that we as customers have to take some of the blame, because we just don’t raise our expectations or complain.

As a so called “boomer” I have had the misfortune to become a “bloomer”. By this I mean that products I have brought on and off the web had not been as good as the sales page content. In many instances I have not even bothered to asked for a refund, believing that it would be to much hassle based on my past experiences. Also many products I have brought have had “money back guarantees” that either never got fulfilled or never got replied to when a request was made for a refund.

Now days there are more defined systems in place to prevent this through such providers as PayPal and Click bank, but not in the early days.

I remember purchasing some memory for a PC on EBay and it was faulty and all I ever got was a reply from the seller saying it was OK when he sent it? My only option was to give a detailed negative feedback. Did it make any difference? None at all he still was on EBay years after. Incidentally, when EBay changed their feedback system he was gone.

I believe that people and companies that have been offering quality and a customer focused service will survive the current world economical situation and be better placed to grow when the world economy starts to grow.

Now if the product doesn’t live up to my expectations I request a refund and will keep on doing it until I get it, especially if it doesn’t do “what it says on the tin” What do you do?

Recently I purchased a product from John Thornhill and was pleasantly surprised that when I asked a question it was replied to by John within a few hours and he even went the extra mile too. Now that is putting your customer first in my eyes and I brought the product. More about that in a later blog.