Families

Move Closer?

~ beetleypete ~ 14 Comments

A dilemma for those with grown-up children. Stevie asks the question many of us think about.

Stevie Turner

As we get older a question that often surfaces is … ‘should we move closer to our children?‘ (this could be changed to brothers, sisters, nieces or nephews for those who are not parents). It’s a tricky one indeed, and I’ve seen evidence that it doesn’t always turn out the way that was originally planned.

Sam and I are still thinking about whether to retire to the Isle of Wight. Neither of us want to be a burden to our sons or daughters-in-law, who are all at work during the week. The move is rather tempting, especially as we’ve found that some couples who moved closer to their children and grandchildren have now regretted it. Okay, it’s nice to have back-up in case of emergencies, but then again there’s the guilt at calling a relative out in the middle of the night or possibly feeling the relative’s resentment…

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Behind Closed Doors

~ beetleypete ~ 46 Comments

I recently came across this article. It is very long, and very upsetting to read.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/munster-abuse-trial-it-was-the-quietest-house-there-was-nothing-1.4641077?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

**Be warned**
This is very disturbing, and contains many ‘triggers’ for some people, including child abuse and neglect.

However, I think it has to be read. This is not Victorian England. This is modern-day Ireland in the 21st century, as recently as 2018.

If you think it is incredible. I agree.
If you think it is appalling. I agree.

I worked as an EMT in london for 22 years, and I never ceased to be amazed at what happens ‘behind closed doors’.

This is proof that it is still going on, and sadly is unlikely to ever go away.

Houseproud: People and houses in old photographs

~ beetleypete ~ 64 Comments

When paying for photographs became more affordable in the early 1900s, it seems that the first thing many people wanted a picture of was their own house. And they wanted to be seen standing outside it too. Some of the better off even managed to buy their own cameras, and took similar photos of their families outside the house.
On the Internet, there are literally thousands of such photos, and I have selected just a few, all taken in Britain, from 1899-1902. I think these are a fascinating part of social history, and I hope you will think so too.

I lived in a house just like this one, from 1978-1985. It was built in 1901

This couple lived in a rather sloping house, which seems to have been built on a steep hill. They were sure to get their little dog included in the photo.

The family members outside this house appear to have worn their best clothes for the occasion of the photograph.
Or perhaps they were just back from Church?

The two women look uncomfortable, posing for the photograph. But the baby doesn’t mind too much.

The man appears to be more proud of his bicycle, than his wife and children. He has ensured that the bicycle is prominent in the photo.

A large family, standing proudly outside their house. At that time, many women had a child every year!

In the countryside, we see two ladies outside a substantial country house. No doubt they were proud of the topiary that had been done on the hedges.

Another country home, with the man of the house wearing his Navy uniform for the occasion.

Perhaps we should revitalise this tradition? All have a family photo taken outside our houses.
In another 120 years, someone somewhere will be fascinated by the images, just as I was.