The ILLNESS...

In my blog list is a blog called OPOBS (or opobs - lower case - to be exact), run by a fellow called MIKE.  He's been kind enough to comment a few times, and I've likewise left a few comments on his site.  Mike's blog hasn't had any new posts for some months, though one appeared recently to explain his inactivity.  Alas, Mike has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and, unfortunately, nothing can be done as he had a violent reaction to chemotherapy and he's decided to accept whatever time is left to him without trying to prolong it.

It strikes me that Mike might appreciate people visiting his blog and wishing him the best, letting him know that, even though they might not know him, he's in their thoughts and prayers at this trying time.  Why not take a moment to leap over to his site (here) and say something nice to a chap who must be feeling pretty low, though I'm sure he's doing his best to keep a stiff upper lip in the best British tradition.  Go on, reach out to a stranger who's in a bad spot and let him know you're touched by his plight.  (Remember, a stranger's just a friend you do not know.)

******

Update: Sadly, Mike passed away on October 23rd 2017.

JADA CLASSIC TV SERIES BATMOBILE...

Look at this little beauty - a 1/32 scale diecast model of the 1966 TV series BATMOBILE, manufactured by a company called JADA TOYS.  It's similar to the MATTEL ELITE version from 2009, but not quite as detailed, but at only £7.99 via eBay, plus £2.99 p&p (£10.98 in total), it comes in at quite a bit cheaper than the Mattel model (which I've also got).

Well, that's not quite true in all cases - it very much depends where you buy it from.  I've seen it advertised at various prices, ranging from around £18 right up to £40.  You can buy one from a seller in the States, going for a mere £5.24, but p&p is £41.54.  Then there's one from Australia, selling for (gasp) £31.13 - plus postage at a whopping £49.01.  I think some sellers just make their prices up as they go along.

So I was very lucky to get an absolute bargain from JACKSON MODELS & RAILWAYS, but I think I bought their last one.  Don't despair if you can't find one at a reasonable price, 'cos I've decided to share mine with you - even if it's only in the form of photos.  (I gave the car a wipe, but the second I placed it on the carpet it attracted a few specks of dust - try and overlook 'em.)