Getting Rid of Dad's Boredom By Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility - Home - Landscaping

If there is any state of being that my dad absolutely can not stand, it is boredom. All other emotions are perfectly acceptable, but not boredom. The man was always active. Growing up in my family, we did not just watch TV. Dad had to constantly talk about what was happening on the screen. I missed a lot of TV shows as a child because my dad was talking about them rather than watching them. Even if he was just reading the morning paper, Dad had to talk about the news. It did not seem to bother him that we had no idea what he was talking about as we had not read the paper.

That's what made me so sad after my dad had his hip replacement. He was bored. The only time he got out of the house was for physical therapy sessions. The doctor said the therapy would never be able to give him back his full mobility, not at his age and in his health. As cliche as it sounds, my dad really did become one of those old people who sit around all day blankly watching reruns of Matlock and Wheel of Fortune. He was bored. Things might have been different it was football season, but it was spring. I could not stand to see my dad bored.

I had to work so I could not be there all the time to talk to him, not that he wanted to talk to me at that point. With his hip being the way it was, he needed help with little things like putting his pants on too. I hated to do it, but I decided that I needed to find an assisted living facility for my dad. I just hoped that I could find one where he wasn't bored all the time.

I toured what seemed like hundreds of facilities. The residents in most seemed either as bored as my dad or way too active for him. Sure, before his hip replacement, he might have loved an independent living facility that was full of other seniors taking dance classes and going on long walks, but that would not work now. Even though I told my them about my dad's situation, so many facilities insisted on telling me how active all of their residents were.

Finally, after a long search -- it seemed endless -- I found an assisted living facility that got my dad's unique situation. Sure, they showed me lots of seniors dancing and bowling and doing all sorts of other extremely active things. It was also an independent living facility so that was to be expected. However, they also took the time to show me their assisted living residents who were in similar situations as my dad's. What really got me was the movie screening room where a group of residents were watching some old John Wayne film and talking about it just like my dad used to do. They even let me talk to the assisted living and the independent living residents to see how they liked the place. Turns out they all loved it.

Now, I just had to convince my dad to go into a retirement home. As you might expect, he resisted and threw a fit. I think I heard him say, "No, retirement home" at least one hundred times in the space of two weeks. I'm not sure how I did it, maybe it was the nagging, but I finally got him to just go with me to visit the place. He started the visit in a bad mood and was predictably determined to hate the place. Then, something happened. The same group of residents that I had seen in the movie room, whisked my dad away from me and the tour guide.

To this day, I do not know what those residents said to my dad or what they all did. All that I know is dad returned a couple of hours later and said, "I'm staying." Of course, it was not that easy and it took a couple of weeks to get everything arranged for dad to move in. But once he did, that assisted living facility became his new home and I got my old dad back. He wasn't bored any more.

Sarah Dowling has been working for several retirement communities in Downey, CA. If you are looking for assisted living facility or retirement homes in Downey, CA, visit Lakewood Park Manor community website, a fully licensed independent and assisted living facility located in Downey minutes from shopping centers, restaurants, medical offices and hospitals.

Community Rail Designation In The ?Heart Of Wessex? - Business - Public Relations

The Parliamentary Information Office of the Parliamentary Yearbook is currently gathering news items for major features on transport and the environment in the next edition

Passengers in the South West will see a greater community involvement with the designation of the Heart of Wessex Line between Bristol and Weymouth as a community rail service, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced today.Designation allows train companies to work more closely with community rail partnerships to better design services to meet local need.

Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said:

"I am delighted to be able to make this announcement on the day of First Great Western's Community Rail Conference which will consider ways to develop the concept of Community Rail in the South West of England.

"Designation means that local communities can become even more involved in how these services run and encourage train companies to provide the services local people want."

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of First Great Western, which runs services on the route, said:

"First Great Western really values the excellent work that is done by theCommunity Rail Partnerships in our region, helping to boost passenger numbers to record breaking levels and increasing the value of our local lines to the communities that they serve. We very much welcome the designation of the Heart of Wessex line services, and the benefits that will bring, further assisting the Partnership in the valuable work that they do."

Eric Egar, Chair of the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership said:

"The Bristol to Weymouth 'Heart of Wessex' line is a vital regional route connecting major employment, retail and leisure destinations in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. Designation is an endorsement of the substantial benefits we have already achieved as a partnership of local authorities working with community and volunteer groups to enhance and promote this route, its destinations and local economies, and an opportunity to take this work to the next level."

Notes:

1. The Community Rail Development Strategy looks at innovative ways of operating local branch lines, through a programme of cost management, a drive to increase passenger numbers and direct community involvement via local authorities, community rail partnerships, and other stakeholder groups

2. To date, 18 lines with their services have been designated as Community Rail lines:� St Ives Bay Line: St Erth to St Ives June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Abbey Line: St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Esk Valley Line: Middlesbrough to Whitby June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot lines.� Tamar Valley Line: Plymouth to Gunnislake September 2005. Linked with Looe alley as one of the six pilot projects.� Looe Valley Line: Liskeard to Looe September 2005. Linked with Tamar Valley as one of the six pilot projects.� Penistone Line: Barnsley to Huddersfield September 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Island Line: Isle of Wight (Ryde to Shanklin), March 2006.� Tarka Line: Barnstaple to Cowley Junction Exeter, September 2006.� Maritime Line: Falmouth to Truro September 2006.� Derwent Valley: Derby to Matlock September 2006.� East Lancashire Line: Colne to Gannow Junction Burnley N ovember 2006.� Gainsborough Line: Marks Tey to Sudbury November 2006� Barton Line: Barton-on-Humber to Ulceby N. Junction January 2007� Bittern Line: Norwich to Sheringham September 2007.� Lakes Line: Oxenholme - Windermere April 2008.� South Fylde Line: Blackpool South - Preston April 2008.� Lymington Line: Brockenhurst - Lymington July 2008� Preston to Ormskirk Line: Preston to Ormskirk September 2011

3. Additionally, 11 services have been designated as community rail services whilst not designating the lines on which they run. These services are designated when there are reasons why the infrastructure cannot be included in the designation - because it carries non local traffic or heavy freight or has previously been designated as part of the Trans European Network

4. This latest designation will be officially announced at First Great Western's Community Rail Conference in Cornwall on the 10th October 2011. FGW hold a Community Rail Conference each year with delegates from community rail partnerships, local authorities, rail user groups, station volunteers and industry partners

This was submitted by the Parliamentary Information Office.

Web Expert provides views on parliamentary information office.

Community Rail Designation In The ?Heart Of Wessex? - Business

The Parliamentary Information Office of the Parliamentary Yearbook is currently gathering news items for major features on transport and the environment in the next editionPassengers in the South West will see a greater community involvement with the designation of the Heart of Wessex Line between Bristol and Weymouth as a community rail service, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced today.Designation allows train companies to work more closely with community rail partnerships to better design services to meet local need.Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said:"I am delighted to be able to make this announcement on the day of First Great Western's Community Rail Conference which will consider ways to develop the concept of Community Rail in the South West of England."Designation means that local communities can become even more involved in how these services run and encourage train companies to provide the services local people want."Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of First Great Western, which runs services on the route, said:"First Great Western really values the excellent work that is done by theCommunity Rail Partnerships in our region, helping to boost passenger numbers to record breaking levels and increasing the value of our local lines to the communities that they serve. We very much welcome the designation of the Heart of Wessex line services, and the benefits that will bring, further assisting the Partnership in the valuable work that they do."Eric Egar, Chair of the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership said:"The Bristol to Weymouth 'Heart of Wessex' line is a vital regional route connecting major employment, retail and leisure destinations in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. Designation is an endorsement of the substantial benefits we have already achieved as a partnership of local authorities working with community and volunteer groups to enhance and promote this route, its destinations and local economies, and an opportunity to take this work to the next level."Notes:1. The Community Rail Development Strategy looks at innovative ways of operating local branch lines, through a programme of cost management, a drive to increase passenger numbers and direct community involvement via local authorities, community rail partnerships, and other stakeholder groups2. To date, 18 lines with their services have been designated as Community Rail lines:� St Ives Bay Line: St Erth to St Ives June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Abbey Line: St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Esk Valley Line: Middlesbrough to Whitby June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot lines.� Tamar Valley Line: Plymouth to Gunnislake September 2005. Linked with Looe alley as one of the six pilot projects.� Looe Valley Line: Liskeard to Looe September 2005. Linked with Tamar Valley as one of the six pilot projects.� Penistone Line: Barnsley to Huddersf ield September 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Island Line: Isle of Wight (Ryde to Shanklin), March 2006.� Tarka Line: Barnstaple to Cowley Junction Exeter, September 2006.� Maritime Line: Falmouth to Truro September 2006.� Derwent Valley: Derby to Matlock September 2006.� East Lancashire Line: Colne to Gannow Junction Burnley November 2006.� Gainsborough Line: Marks Tey to Sudbury November 2006� Barton Line: Barton-on-Humber to Ulceby N. Junction January 2007� Bittern Line: Norwich to Sheringham September 2007.� Lakes Line: Oxenholme - Windermere April 2008.� South Fylde Line: Blackpool South - Preston April 2008.� Lymington Line: Brockenhurst - Lymington July 2008� Preston to Ormskirk Line: Preston to Ormskirk September 20113. Additionally, 11 services have been designated as community rail services whilst not designating the lines on which they run. These services are designated when there are reasons why the infrastructure cannot be included in the desi gnation - because it carries non local traffic or heavy freight or has previously been designated as part of the Trans European Network4. This latest designation will be officially announced at First Great Western's Community Rail Conference in Cornwall on the 10th October 2011. FGW hold a Community Rail Conference each year with delegates from community rail partnerships, local authorities, rail user groups, station volunteers and industry partnersThis was submitted by the Parliamentary Information Office.

Jenny Smith shares possible guidance parliamentary information office.

Community Rail Designation In The ?Heart Of Wessex? - News - Current Affairs

The Parliamentary Information Office of the Parliamentary Yearbook is currently gathering news items for major features on transport and the environment in the next editionPassengers in the South West will see a greater community involvement with the designation of the Heart of Wessex Line between Bristol and Weymouth as a community rail service, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers announced today.Designation allows train companies to work more closely with community rail partnerships to better design services to meet local need.Rail Minister Theresa Villiers said:"I am delighted to be able to make this announcement on the day of First Great Western's Community Rail Conference which will consider ways to develop the concept of Community Rail in the South West of England."Designation means that local communities can become even more involved in how these services run and encourage train companies to provide the services local people want."Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of First Great Western, which runs services on the route, said:"First Great Western really values the excellent work that is done by theCommunity Rail Partnerships in our region, helping to boost passenger numbers to record breaking levels and increasing the value of our local lines to the communities that they serve. We very much welcome the designation of the Heart of Wessex line services, and the benefits that will bring, further assisting the Partnership in the valuable work that they do."Eric Egar, Chair of the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership said:"The Bristol to Weymouth 'Heart of Wessex' line is a vital regional route connecting major employment, retail and leisure destinations in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. Designation is an endorsement of the substantial benefits we have already achieved as a partnership of local authorities working with community and volunteer groups to enhance and promote this route, its destinations and local economies, and an opportunity to take this work to the next level."Notes:1. The Community Rail Development Strategy looks at innovative ways of operating local branch lines, through a programme of cost management, a drive to increase passenger numbers and direct community involvement via local authorities, community rail partnerships, and other stakeholder groups2. To date, 18 lines with their services have been designated as Community Rail lines:� St Ives Bay Line: St Erth to St Ives June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Abbey Line: St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Esk Valley Line: Middlesbrough to Whitby June 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot lines.� Tamar Valley Line: Plymouth to Gunnislake September 2005. Linked with Looe alley as one of the six pilot projects.� Looe Valley Line: Liskeard to Looe September 2005. Linked with Tamar Valley as one of the six pilot projects.� Penistone Line: Barnsley to Huddersf ield September 2005. Selected as one of the six pilot projects.� Island Line: Isle of Wight (Ryde to Shanklin), March 2006.� Tarka Line: Barnstaple to Cowley Junction Exeter, September 2006.� Maritime Line: Falmouth to Truro September 2006.� Derwent Valley: Derby to Matlock September 2006.� East Lancashire Line: Colne to Gannow Junction Burnley November 2006.� Gainsborough Line: Marks Tey to Sudbury November 2006� Barton Line: Barton-on-Humber to Ulceby N. Junction January 2007� Bittern Line: Norwich to Sheringham September 2007.� Lakes Line: Oxenholme - Windermere April 2008.� South Fylde Line: Blackpool South - Preston April 2008.� Lymington Line: Brockenhurst - Lymington July 2008� Preston to Ormskirk Line: Preston to Ormskirk September 20113. Additionally, 11 services have been designated as community rail services whilst not designating the lines on which they run. These services are designated when there are reasons why the infrastructure cannot be included in the desi gnation - because it carries non local traffic or heavy freight or has previously been designated as part of the Trans European Network4. This latest designation will be officially announced at First Great Western's Community Rail Conference in Cornwall on the 10th October 2011. FGW hold a Community Rail Conference each year with delegates from community rail partnerships, local authorities, rail user groups, station volunteers and industry partnersThis was submitted by the Parliamentary Information Office.

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The Best UK Breaks - Travel

The UK is one of the most visited places on the world. Being a nation of such diverse geography, you can have everything from relaxing beach vacations to extreme adventure holidays right here. A wide range of world class tourist facilities means that everyone can plan a holiday to suit them. The list of holiday destinations in the UK is very long, but here are some ideas for short breaks, that give a glimpse into what's on offer!

As a tourist, think UK and you first think of London, the sprawling megacity and capital of the country. It is home to world famous attractions like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the historical Tower of London. Nor is there a lack of tourist accommodation - from some of the swankiest hotels in the world to budget hotels and hostels, it's all here. London is also the entertainment capital of the country, with a variety of concerts, shows and performances happening all the time, all over the city.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland may be a little less known compared to London, but by no means does it lag behind in terms of excitement. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The annual Edinburgh festival is the largest festival featuring art and cultural events in the world, and the city is a thriving international hub for the arts, music and culture. The Scottish countryside is not a long distance away, so you can experience the city as well as get a taste of the beautiful and often dramatic Scottish landscape.

Now that we have covered two cities, we can look at some more rural destinations in the UK. The English countryside evokes images of babbling brooks and gently undulating meadows. The Peak District is a National Park to be found in central England, comprising of a stunning, unspoilt landscape, with some mountains thrown in! Towns such as Ashbourne or Matlock are nestled in the Peak District, and offer the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy and explore this picturesque region.

The UK is very diverse as far as landscape is concerned, from mountain peaks to sandy beaches. A popular beach holiday destination is Cornwall. Cornwall has everything, from stunning views of dramatic coastlines, to golden beaches. Cornwall is world famous for its landscape as well as its water sports scene. In fact, the north-eastern Cornish town of Newquay is the surfing capital of the UK. Being a peninsular county, there is no shortage of quaint sea side towns offering fresh and delicious sea food. Cornwall is especially famous for its cuisine - both traditional as well as modern.

The UK has an impressive variety of holiday offerings, so there is something to suit everyone. Add to that a well connected transport network, and a wide range of top notch tourist facilities, and it is not difficult to understand why the UK is so popular among tourists the world over.

The author regularly writes articles on the subject of travel, leisure and family holidays. For more information on this matter, please visit these resources holiday park Cornwall and holiday parks Cornwall

Fashionable Pearl Jewelry For Stylish Woman/ Pearl Jewelry - Shopping - Jewelry

Women today want to idolize and look just like their favorite athletes, musicians, celebrities, actresses, and royalty. Pearls are a great way for women to express her fashion style. Pearl Jewelry will definitely increase her beauty and elegance without a doubt. The style today is fun and exciting full of pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

There is many great styles and designs throughout the world and can be owned today. Today in the Olympics many United States female swimming athletes are seen wearing their favorite pearls jewelry. Even under extreme pressure they look amazingly beautiful. Many of the female athletes won many gold medals and their pearls enhance their beauty as they stood on the first place podium.

The national anthem can be heard in the background, while such swimmers such as Missy Franklin have their exotic white south sea pearls on. The pearls are just gleaming in the light, it is impossible not to notice them. South Sea pearls come from the Pacific Rim in countries such as Australia and Burma. The classic golden south sea and the white south sea are the hardest pearls to produce with great A quality. Women may feel a sense of pride and glory with amazing golden pearls shining off them.

Ladies may also find that pearl necklaces are extremely appealing and will catch everyoneEUR(TM)s eyes as you walk pass them. Tahitian pearls are another famous type of pearl. Tahitian pearls are extremely popular in the Pacific countries and give a sense of elegance and calmness. Tahitian pearls are called the islandEUR(TM)s diamonds in certain parts of the world. In Hawaii, Tahitian pearls are the most fashionable and are a great way to look stunning at the beach. Pearl Jewelry is so broad that it is important to focus on what makes the individual feel stylish.

The peacock Tahitian pearls is the most sought after of the lot. The peacock pearl is a mix of luster from many colors. Green, blue, pink, purple, all mixed together gives it a crazy look and can be seen from a far distance. Freshwater pearls are another creative way to stay ahead of the fashion industry. Freshwater pearls have the classic colors such as white, and pink. Freshwater pearls of all colors that have been treated. This allows for a broad choice of pearl colors and can be mixed and matched to make a truly custom design.

Everyday someone should wake up and think about how pearls affect the lives of so many individuals. Personally my extravagant necklace locked up in my safe is my favorite. I only wear it when its cloudy outside, and when Matlock is on. People always give me solid compliments on my pearls and I am extremely proud of them. I treat my pearls like my children with kindness. All over the world it is easy to see how much pearls have impacted society.

The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on akoya pearl earrings, freshwater pearl necklace, please visit on /

The Peak District National Park - Family

The Peak District National Park consists of 550 square miles in central and northern England. Parts of the park encompass Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire. About 38,000 people have homes within the boundaries of the park. Most of these are in non industrial villages and small towns, however one third of the city of Sheffield lies within the park. Those sections of western Sheffield that are part of the park are mainly residential. Sheffield residents can be in the park in a matter of minutes, and many have great views of it from their homes.

Much of the area of the Peak District National Park is uplands, however there aren't many real peaks, mainly rounded hilltops with some grit stone edges, particularly in the northern most areas of the park. Most of the population live towards the southern end of the park. Many of the people, fortunate enough to live in the park work there as well. Tourism is the number one industry within the park and just under a quarter of the residents are employed in tourism jobs. Manufacturing and rock quarrying combine to provide about 31% of the jobs. The Cement Works at Hope is the largest employer in the park, and some other minor industry jobs such as bottling mineral water, a cutlery factory, and a brake lining producer can be found within the park. For the most part the boundaries were drawn to keep industry out of the park.

The limestone that is quarried in the park is vital for roads and cement in the area. Shale and gritstone for construction are also quarried. Lead isn't economically feasible to mine any more, but fluorspar, barites and calcite are still extracted from the park. The northern part of the park is known as Dark Peak and the gritstone and shale support moorland and blanket bog environments. Sheep pastureland and grouse hunting are the most common land uses to the north. The South is White Peak, and has more agricultural uses and contains the bulk of the park's residents. The White Peak has pasture land more suited to dairy operations.

Touring the park can be done in a number of different ways. The Peak District National Park is said to have the best public transportation system for touring in the national park system. The Peak Rail Society was formed by railway enthusiasts in 1975 to reestablish the rail line from Matlock to Buxton through the park. The project has been going on over 30 years, and the Matlock to Darley Dale line opened in 1991. To the north, passenger service resumed in 1997 with the Rowsley depot seeing its first passengers. Steam and diesel locomotives drive tours through time, as passengers are transported back to the heyday of railroads. There are many speciality journeys available.

Another great way to see the park is by renting a bicycle. There are several places within the park where you can do this. Most are in the villages and towns in the park. If you plan to ride slowly and take in all the sites, hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast, and cottage rentals are available in many locations and price ranges.

On the fourth Tuesday of each month you can hop on the 7:14 Folk Train at Dore, Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, or Hope. The Folk Train takes you on a musical trip through the Peak District countryside while musicians aboard the train perform an informal session. Food is available, and all in all this is a nice scenic tour with a short stop at an area inn before returning in the evening. The Edale Rambler Folk Train from Sheffield has been in operation for about five years.

If you prefer a more up close and personal experience with nature in the park, ranger guided walking tours may be for you. These hikes are led by knowledgeable rangers and most have a theme. Civil War: Battlefields and Bloodshed will have you walking across a Civil War battlefield and visiting a murder scene of a prominent local royalist. The subject matter will include the impact of the Civil War on life in the 17th century in the Peak District. The Fungus Foray sounds disgusting, but is merely an educational look at identifying fungi that grows in various areas of the park, and viewing autumn colors. The Peak District National Park is a geologist's dream. Slightly porous and soluble limestone allows water to carve caves and caverns deep in the ground. Hiking and caving are very popular activities in the park along with rock climbing on the many rock formations. Some of the caves have been found to contain stone tools, and the skeletal remains of now extinct animals.

If rock climbing is not adventurous enough for you and you would like something a little more extreme, hang-gliding and para-gliding may be your cup of tea. Some areas of the park are ideally suited to these aviation activities because of they catch the wind from all directions, and have the required updrafts. To fly in the park the Civil Aviation Authority requires any hang-glider or para-glider pilot to join an association that they oversee. This is to make sure the proper training has been provided before leaving the ground.

The park has been a popular location for movies. Haddon Hall in Derbyshire was recently transformed from a Medieval and Tudor manor house, into Thornfield, Rochester's house for the recently aired BBC production of Jane Eyre. Haddon Hall, with the help of special effects and sophisticated pyrotechnics burned to the ground for the purposes of the movie. So realistic was the fire, that many locals called the fire brigade. They eventually had to park fire trucks outside the set to comfort the locals. Pride and Prejudice, The Dam Busters and several other films have been shot in Peak District National Park.

Article by Susan Ashby of Leeds Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Leeds visit