Sunday Musings: Still Becalmed

~ beetleypete

I have still not been posting much, awaiting some inspiration, the return of my blogging mojo, or just a change of mood. I have no idea why I feel so ‘unsettled’ at the moment.

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Ollie’s groomer appointment has been put off until Friday now, because of staff problems. One day won’t make much of a difference I suppose.

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If I have missed any of your posts this week, or failed to comment on them, my apologies. The same goes for Twitter, which I have not really been following for a while now.

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The weather has been quite good. In fact on Friday it got to 22C and very sunny. It felt like Summer, despite some torrential downpours the night before, and rain early on Saturday.

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It interests me to look at my blog stats when I am not posting. I have often advised new bloggers that ‘Content is king’. No posts = no views. I have gone from around 375-450 views a day, down to 70, then 50, then 21. I have never had 0 views of my blog since it started in 2012, but could be heading in that direction. This is not a complaint, just an observation.

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After all this time, I was finally contacted by the DVLA about my driving licence. They rang me the other day, and it was not good news. They want to send me for an ‘independent’ eye test. I told the lady that my Opthalmology Consultant at Norwich Hospital is happy for me to drive, and I have been told I am safe to do so. That was of no interest to her, and she told me that “We do not accept that, only the opinion of our nominated optician”. So they disregard the opinion of a qualified doctor, and take the word of an assistant in a high street Optician’s shop. More bad news followed. She advised me that if I fail their ‘designated eye test’, my licence will be permanently revoked.
Perhaps that is why I feel ‘unsettled’? Never being able to drive again would impact my entire wellbeing.

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I hope you all have a peaceful Sunday. If you have a driving licence, make the most of it while you can.

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79 thoughts on “Sunday Musings: Still Becalmed”

  7. Pete, I completely understand why you are feeling unsettled. I am, too, with my driver’s license. I’ve spent too many phone calls to help me get answers, and I’m always redirected. I’m a mess over this. You’re not alone. Fingers crossed that the bureaucratic eye exam will suffice.

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  8. Keeping my fingers crossed for your eye test. Sending you to an “nominated optician” looks like quite some officialdom. Do you think they might have a German bureaucrat responsible fir that?

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  11. All will be good Pete, summer is on the way😀 and I’m sure your consultant would have a lot to say if a decision (unlikely I feel) went against their advice and judgement.

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  13. My viewership ism down as well…..I think it because of the nicer weather these days…..still little luck with the DMV…sorry……Ollie will be okay as long as he gets his groom on…..chuq

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  15. Sorry to hear Pete. You know my thoughts on British Buarocracy. Chin up Mate. You are “Paying Interest on a Debt you haven’t taken out yet. . .

    Few things:
    1. Just because you are parinoid, doesn’t mean they are not out to get you! 🙄 I’ve a feeling, based on multiple data points that there is something subtle going on, globally in regards to ‘trimming’ individual independence where ever and when ever. Seniors are an easy target, and one with value. The quicker they can assume the right to our assets, put us in ‘institutional housing’, quit funding our pensions, then ‘get rid of us’ the better. The more dependent on the Government, the better for control. The energy behind the evil of it all has no regard for you, me or the geezer down the lane. We are sucking on the system, and the system is going broke. We, the “Useless Eaters” senior class are responsible for all the world’s problems to them, Simple as that.

    2. A thought? Get your opthalmologist from Norwich to give you a hard copy of your eye exam documentation that he/she performed and bring it with you to the bureaucracy’s nominated “optician”. Ask the optician to consult with the actual doctor you have seen before deciding on your visual competence. That should take any nefarious intentions down a notch. Nothing to loose here.

    3. How’s it going for booking those 3 seats on Easy Jet to the Algarve? (Yes the dog can come. For God’s sake, it’s Portugal! They love dogs! 😉
    https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights/uk/pt/220513/220520/?adults=3&adultsv2=2&cabinclass=economy&children=0&childrenv2=12&inboundaltsenabled=false&infants=0&outboundaltsenabled=false&preferdirects=false&ref=home&rtn=1

    Chin up lad! With Ollie’s smiling face one the Go Fund Me campaign titled “Ollie’s Last fling abroad” it will come together like a bacon and tomato sandwich on a 🎵🎶🎵 Sunny Sunday afternoon, in the summer time🎶🎵🎶. https://youtu.be/o9QczCdt2WY

    You never know? Ray Davies is a dog lover. He might get wind of it all and offer his villa for a fortnight! 😉

    Cheers,

    CT

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    1. (I had to rescue this from Spam because of ‘too many’ links, Chris.)
      The last time I was in the Eye Clinic, I asked for a copy of my results to send to the DVLA. They told me I would have to approach the Consultant privately, asking him to write a support letter on my behalf. They would not give me a copy, citing ‘Data Protection’. So if it comes to it, I have to pay the Consultant a fee to offer his ‘opinion’. Bureaucracy is getting me from both sides!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  16. (1a) “I have no idea why I feel so ‘unsettled’ at the moment.” We need to settle this situation as soon as possible!
    (1b) Might be a good time to do some reading? (Hint! Hint!)
    (2) “One day won’t make much of a difference,” said no mayfly ever.
    (3) “If I have missed any of your posts this week, my apologies.” The cattle rancher didn’t appreciate the sarcasm of the open range advocate.
    (4) The weather in Southern Nevada is proof that Mother Nature must like it here. She always has a sunny disposition.
    (5) Diminishing views could mean the demise of a popular blog. That last single view could very well be a view to a kill. Because it breaks a bond with followers.
    (6) One-Eyed Willy was told he couldn’t sail the open seas again until he passed an “independent” eye test. The pirate’s crew immediately dispatched him to an optician’s shop. #Goonies
    (7) I watched Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof” last night. I plan to follow the film’s driving instructions.

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    1. Thanks, David.
      1b) I am only on page 16, but my mind had sadly been focused on the prospect of not being able to drive. Concentration levels are below 1%.
      5) Perhaps I need to take more photos of Ollie? Or Roger Moore instead?
      7) I thought that film was ‘okay’.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  19. I’m sorry to hear you’re still entangled in bureaucracy to regain your driver’s license, Pete. Funny that you mention blogging ennui. I’ve noticed for the last week that the people I follow seem to be posting less. I thought maybe the WP unfollow bug was back

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  20. How frustrating Pete! YOU WILL PASS THE EYE TEST! Just to throw it back in the DVLA’s face! I’ll send up some prayers, Jesus will help you even if you don’t believe in him, he’s that sort of dude! No worries about the blogging, this malady will pass, just like the winter, your summer is coming! Sending love and hugs your way, C

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  21. That is shocking Pete…not that they did it – par for the course for bureaucracy, but to issue it with a threat of such magnitude….as for the blogging “ennui”, I think I have it as well…we’ll see how long I go on.

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    1. Thanks, John. I feel sure the driving licence issue is making me feel low. If I can get it resovled, I trust my mood will improve overnight.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. Not according to the DVLA. But if that happens, I might try to take them to court, David. My life here would be next to impossible if I could not drive because of their pettiness.
      Cheers, Pete.

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  23. I’m sorry but not surprised to hear about the DVLA. Their policies and procedures make no sense, and I don’t think they ever improve matters, although they often create an unnecessary hassle. I hope your mojo returns soon, but I am feeling a bit unsettled as well. Perhaps it’s spring… Love to Ollie.

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    1. Thanks, Olga. I am sure this worry over the driving licence has upset my natural balance, and is making me a bit depressed. Living in a small village, driving is such a big deal, and I never want to have to rely on people giving me lifts, not even my wife.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  24. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You have kept us entertained with your countless stories. You might be in a slump, but you will come out of your mood. Maybe you need a rest to recharge. Good luck with the eye test.

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  27. That sounds on a par with the pips assessments disabled people are forced to undergo. They’re not interested in doctors, only their own designated people. Hope you pass ok

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    1. I am still worried about why they won’t accept my hospital records. It feels like they are sending me for a test to deliberately refuse my licence. That might sound paranoid, but it is getting to me!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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      1. My cynical self says it might be something to do with money, as it’s an optician of their choice. My cynical self cogitates on the thought that they might split the proceeds of your ‘independent eye test’. Life has made me cynical, and everything is to do with money one way or another.

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      1. If you passed the tests at the hospital than I would hope that you will pass them at the opticians. Fingers crossed Pete 🤞 Do you have a date for the appointment? Or do you have to book it yourself?

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  33. Pete, I can empathise entirely with you. As you know, my husband had this problem too but his was not over eyesight. However for myself, when I had to give updriving due to my sight issues my whole world fell apart and to this day I still become very depressed over it. I still grieve and cry regularly. I loved my car and my independence. I took my dogs everywhere with me and then suddenly I became tied to my husband which is not working for me. I feel like I am in prison and I well know how catastrophic this is in ones life.But I hope that in your case they decide in your favour. My situation was totally different in that I went blind lets hope that they see sense. It might come out right in the end for you. I am always here to vent to if you need to and you know I will understand. You have been a good friend to me and now it is my turn to be one to you. You always have my email address and you can always come to my blog and catch me. Good luck Pete xx

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