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June 2021

Phrase Paras 2

Diary Day 9 - Peckham Rye Park

Soggy Day Out

Jack & Josh Idioms

Phrase Paras 2 (4 June 2021)

These practice paras are all 100 words

As I was reading two or three* books on shorthand, I had to stop to consider* if what I was doing was the best way* of going on. I felt that this matter needed careful consideration* at some time* in the near future.  My shorthand buddy Tom told me, we have just been* given our first exam certificates by the authorities and I hope that you* realise how far we have been able to get, but, at the same time*, I agree that it is important to reconsider our point of view* on the subject* of the best way* forward. (100 words)

* Omission phrases "two (or) three" "to (con)sider" "bes(t) way" "careful (con)sideration" "I (h)ope that you" "point (of) view" "on (the) subject"

* "at some time" "at the same time" Halving to represent the T of "time"

* "just been" On their own, this could be an omission phrase "jus(t) been" but here it would go too far below the line

In reply* I said that it would be very good at some time* to find other ways of improving. The book said, it is necessary on your part to pay careful attention in regard to the* various forms, so they are of the best quality*, even if you have been writing for several years. You will improve much more* if you write correct forms in the margin at the side of the page, and practise them in such a way* that you can write them at once*. There was much more* advice on how to get ahead in other ways*. (100 words)

* Omission phrase "In (re)ply" "in (re)gard (to) the" "bes(t) quality" "much m(ore)" "in such (a) way" "at (wu)ns" "in oth(er) ways"

* "at some time" Halving to represent the T of "time"

For the most part Tom and I intend to start following their* advice as soon as possible. We will be doing extra practice on the most important* words and all those which were* in need of correction. In our opinion these are reasonable requirements and we hope that*, as a result*, we will very shortly be able to keep up with the speaker and not be too many words behind. Tom said, you must be* doing more than I am, as it is clear your improvements are greater than mine at the moment*, so how are you doing all this? (100 words)

* Omission phrases "for the mos(t) part" "mos(t) important" "which (w)ere" "we (h)ope that" "as (a) result" "you mus(t) be" "at (the) moment"

* "following their" Doubling to represent "their"

We have come to the conclusion* we would be better off doing our practising at the same time*, in order to* have a friendly competition. It was most important* to take pieces down at a speed more or less* above our present one, and if there were* certain forms we did not know*, we must give them more consideration* before the attempt. We found a passage that had many words that were easy and several words that were a little more unusual. We would see whether or not* we were able to write all the many forms without making mistakes. (100 words)

* Omission phrases "come (to the con)clusion" "in ord(er to)" mos(t) important" "more (or) less" "more (con)sideration" "whether (or) not"

* "at the same time" Halving to represent the T of "time"

* "if there were" Doubling to represent "there"

We set out* our materials, and each recorded half the passage. It would appear that Tom had put in a very considerable* amount of effort and finished writing at the same time* as the recording stopped. I was lagging behind a few seconds, but I said to Tom, we shall have to see whose note has the fewest errors. We each read out our shorthand note while the other marked against the text. I am very glad to say that* we came out even. After that we had to mark each other’s outlines, to see if they were properly* formed. (100 words)

* "set out" Halving to represent the T of "out"

* Omission phrases "very (con)siderable" "I am very glad (to) s(ay) that"

* "at the same time" Halving to represent the T of "time"

* "properly, appropriately" Insert the first vowel, or diphone, as these are similar in outline and meaning

I joked to Tom, I have to call to your attention that this outline could have been several different things, I think that you are relying on memory for that! He said, in my opinion your so-called outline for that long word is not what they would have given in the book! So we went on with our efforts and we found that once more* we were more or less* on target to grab a success at a hundred. But at the same time* we knew that it would most certainly* take a very considerable* amount of extra practising work. (100 words)

* Omission phrases "wu(n)s more" "more (or) less" "mos(t) certainly" "very (con)siderable"

* "at the same time" Halving to represent the T of "time"

Tom said it is a very important part of our plan that we find more time* in the day, in order to* get to our goal. As a rule* we had just enough time for our studies but to become even better we had to think of ways and means* of finding more minutes here and there*. Tom said that it is possible* as long as we pay more attention to what is going on at all times*. I said we must also be sure we have our materials ready at all times* and make use of them without delay. (100 words)

* "more time" Halving to represent the T of "time"

* Omission phrases "in ord(er to)" "as (a) rule" "ways (and) means" "here (and) there" "it is poss(ible)"

* "at all times" Halving to represent the T of "time"

According to the lists we had made in the next few days*, in regard to the possible savings of time, we were each able to find more than twenty minutes extra practising every day, during our breaks, travelling times and various delays. Some other persons might say that they would not be able to do more and that it has never been at all possible to make their day longer. The other side of the argument is that in some cases they would have been able to succeed if they had been wishing to get further in their business careers. (100 words)

* Omission phrase "ne(k)s(t) few days"

Tom said, our writing is not anything like it used to be* at first*. We have not only found but made our own opportunities here and there*. If at the beginning we had been able to see ahead to the future, we would have been most surprised* at how far we have come in just a few months. I said to Tom, you must remember* that these requirements for speed are most certainly going to carry on forever, as I will be right behind you making sure I can do as much as I can to keep up with you. (100 words) (Total 900 words)

* Omission phrases "use(d to) be" "at (fir)st" "here (and) there" "mos(t) surprised" "you mus(t) remember"

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Diary Day 9 - Peckham Rye Park (14 June 2021)

After a very wet and chilly month of May, June has given us consistently warm sunny days so far. We are continuing our “park perambulations” and, having the entire capital to choose from, there is no shortage of places to visit, although recently we have kept to the south, to keep travelling to a minimum. We went to Peckham Rye Park which is in the London Borough of Southwark. The name originally derives from peak meaning hill, and ham meaning homestead. The River Peck which used to flow freely through the area is thought to have been named after the original village. The word Rye comes from an old English word for watercourse.

* "and," As a comma follows, this is not phrased with the following word

Although our aim is to spend our time in green and pleasant surroundings, there are always the train and bus journeys to get through. That is a different type of entertainment for us, and I like seeing the back end of London from the train window or from the top deck of the bus. Starting off in the suburbs, we get to see the ends of all the gardens that back onto the railway line, some neat, some rubbishy, and many with tall evergreen* trees to block the view and noise of the trains. On the bus I find it fascinating to see all the unusual* road names, reflecting people, places, topographical features or, with the more modern ones, variations on a chosen theme. House names are quite entertaining and it seems that many of them are designed to improve the appearance of the address on the envelope, and thus the desirability and saleability of the house.

* "evergreen" "overgrown" Insert the last vowel, to help distinguish

* "unusual" Helpful to insert the first vowel, as this is similar to "English"

We arrived at our destination with the day getting hotter by the minute and we walked fairly briskly over the wide common to the park. People were lying around on the grass soaking up the sun, but we were more eager to reach the shade and leave the heat and surrounding traffic. We walked to the small lake at the east end of the park. As we approached the low railings that surround the water, we became the instant focus of attention from all the park pigeons who, up until that moment, had been lazing around, preening and either wooing or escaping from each other. Some of the ducks remained in their sleeping poses, but with enough energy to open one eye at intervals to check on safety and the possibility* of food.

* "possibility" Optional contraction

We went round the lake and at the far end we saw a lone black carp fish, well protected by the murkiness of the green water and later on a grey carp with orange tones, a little more visible when he came near the surface. More ducks were snoozing on the banks, also opening one eye as we passed by. Reactions tend to be different if one pauses and hesitates, as that is generally the signal that something will be forthcoming from the bag. So, photos are taken quickly so as not to disappoint the waterfowl and disturb their repose.

We moved on to the Sexby Garden, an ornamental area named after the London County Council’s Chief Officer of Parks, circa 1907. It is laid out in geometric shapes with straight paths and pergolas, and a small fountain pool. The beds are packed with large herbaceous plants and shrubs, but I did get itchy fingers when I saw the amount of weeds they were competing with. But as all the clumps of plants are large, robust and well-established, clearly they can hold their own against the weeds and do not need to be fussed over. The long pergolas are covered in mature wisteria, with a very sweet perfume, especially the one tangled branch that was hanging down at face height, ready to accost the unwary* visitor who is busy looking to the right or left. We found a shaded seat in a corner and watched a robin fly from one singing perch to another and back, several times. A small dunnock came quietly hopping by along the path, totally unconcerned by our presence. An inquisitive squirrel came up to us but a quick noisy scrape of my foot on the paving sent him on his way.

* "unwary" Insert the last vowel, so it is not misread as "unaware"

We wandered on to the woodland area, cut through by a little stream emerging from drainage pipes between the rocks. Here we saw another black carp lazily roaming around the large pool, and lots of tiddlers in the shallows. Finally we came back to the lake and walked around it again in the reverse direction. The pigeon area now had a heron standing guard by the water’s edge, and an irritated crow sitting on a branch above him. Several times the crow dive-bombed the heron, who ducked his head down but did not leave. The crow finally gave up and strode off in a huff.

On the other side of the* lake, beyond its perimeter path, is a little trickle of a stream that is all that can be seen of the River Peck, flowing along a tree root lined channel under the trees. At the edge of the park it disappears into a culvert, later joining Earl’s Sluice which empties into the Thames at Deptford Wharf. Many of London’s old rivers are lost to sight, diverted into sewers and drainage culverts, but this one at least* gets to be in the open for a short stretch, on its way to the Thames. Thoughts of cool trickling watercourses were very welcome on the rather warm bus and train journeys home. (919 words)

* Omission phrase "On the oth(er) side of the"

* "at last" "at least" Always insert the vowel

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Soggy Day Out (19 June 2021)

Part of Crane Street mural, Greenwich

In the last couple of days we have had very heavy rain, after several weeks* of hot summer weather. Summer rain and storms normally happen in July and August, but it seems to have come a month before its usual time. I always welcome rain, as I don’t have to travel in it and it refreshes the gardens and parks. Despite the downpours, it is still very mild and so we were not willing to stay indoors once the storms had subsided. Our train was delayed by about a quarter* of an hour and eventually the announcer said that, because of this, it would not be stopping at the in-between stations, just fast all the way. This was good news, as it meant a quick journey to London Bridge Station. From there we took another train to Maze Hill Station in Greenwich*. We walked along the main road to a particular shop to see what books they had, but all this was really just an excuse to get out in the fresh air, despite the showers. The narrow high street was full of noisy traffic, so we made for the riverside, a short walk along some of the back roads.

* Omission phrase "several wee(k)s"

* "quarter" Optional contraction

* "Greenwich" Pronounced "grinnidge"

Canary Wharf from Thames Path Greenwich

We were familiar with the road names from when we lived near Greenwich decades ago, but now many of the old riverside buildings are gone, replaced by high rise apartments. Greenwich has many very old features, roads and lanes as they were a long time ago, and old buildings, both historic and ordinary. The apartments are all built on ex-industrial land, providing modern housing with desirable river scene views. We reached Enderby* Wharf and the view over the Thames was rather bleak, as the rain was settling in and all the tall buildings across the river were half obscured by the mist. I have never felt any desire for an apartment, being a garden, birds* and fishpond person, but today their cosy dry interiors began to seem a little more inviting, where one could watch and listen to the rain pattering on the windows, while snuggling the toes into a fluffy rug.

* "Enderby" Full strokes to represent the sounds exactly, therefore not using doubling for this place name

* "garden, birds" Leave a space to signify the pause for the comma, as it is not "garden birds" which has a different meaning

Greenwich Power Station and jetty

We walked along the Thames Path, passing the old power station and its huge cast-iron pier. This is a standby gas and oil powered station, which today provides electricity for London’s underground train system, with plans to improve output. The jetty was used to deliver coal and transport away the ash, in the days when the system was coal powered. We continued along the path and came to Crane Street. The back of the Trafalgar Tavern had several interesting features, a long printed mural picture of the entire Greenwich riverfront, and the back wall covered in lots* of very flowery window boxes, going several storeys up.

* "lots" "masses" Insert the vowel, as these are similar in outline and meaning

Crane Street, Greenwich

Turning left, we passed the buildings of the Old Royal Naval College and proceeded to the lower part of Greenwich Park. We went along “Anchor Walk” a display of huge and very old iron anchors, also including the enormous cutter head that was used in dredging. We were aiming for The Queen’s House*, intending to sit* in one of the covered walkways between the buildings, as it was still raining. Unfortunately on arrival we found that all the wooden benches had been relocated to the paths that cross the grassy areas. We passed through the walkway to look for a dry seat under a tree, but at the corner of the building I noticed a few steps leading up to a small door. It was dry and sheltered from the rain, and so we sat there and had our sandwiches. The wide puddles on the gravel path in front of us continued to jump with the raindrops and we had a misty view of the Royal Observatory up on the hill. After the sandwiches we consumed our special drizzle survival rations - chocolate flavoured biscuits.

* "The Queen's House" Using Dot The, as it is part of the building name

* "to sit" Insert the vowel in sit, seat, stay, as these are similar in meaning

Anchor Walk, Greenwich Park

We then walked along the avenue of trees and up the steep hill to the Observatory. This is usually thick with tourists but today very sparse although there was a group of schoolboys enjoying their science day out. We are always glad that we don’t have to write an essay after our outings, though! We finally returned to Maze Hill Station and took the train back to London Bridge Station. We still had plenty of time, so we went to the river front. Despite the drizzling rain, the fountains in the paving were in operation, but today with no overheated children playing and sitting* in them. We walked upriver, crossed London Bridge and found the little alley by the side of St Magnus the Martyr Church, where there are several masonry fragments from an earlier version of the bridge, and a big chunk of timber from Roman times, almost two thousand years ago.

* "sitting" "staying" Insert the vowel, as these are similar in meaning

Fragments of old London Bridge

We returned to the station by a more direct route. The top of the Shard was now missing, hidden in the low cloud. Our train arrived quickly, as did our bus at the home end of our journey. I was pleased to see that the rain had washed the mud off the garden paths, which I had purposely left, so that the downpours could do the work for me. I don’t think I have ever disliked a rainy day, at least not when it is as mild and fresh as today has been. (889 words)

Tower Bridge

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Jack & Josh Idioms (21 June 2021)

The paras are all 100 words

Last year we met brothers Jack and Josh who were learning shorthand together. They became rather tired of the very useful but very dry passages in the book, consisting of flat and uninspiring business letters*. They decided to send each other shorthand messages written the exact opposite of how one would write a letter or report, including as many clichés as possible. For a beginner, this would be a real test of how readable the shorthand is, as it is not so easy to “worry out” a badly written outline unless you are familiar with the idiom and its meaning.

* Omission phrase "bus(iness) letters"

Dear Jack, We seem to be at a bit of a standstill with our shorthand, as we have read through the revision book several times now. It’s all useful but some of it is really dull. Why don’t we write to each other using the phrases they tell us to avoid, that would be much more* interesting, as the individual words don’t make sense until you read them all together*. After all, we might need to write exact quotes at uni, and if we don’t learn some of them*, life is not going to be a bed of roses! Josh

* Omission phrases "much m(ore)" "some (of) them"

* "all together" Separate words. "Altogether" means "very, wholly, quite"

Dear Josh, What a great idea, absolutely music to my ears. Yes, that would be a knotty problem but also a great plan to get ahead of the curve. It would be miserable trying to keep our heads above water, smack dab in the middle of a lecture, so let’s turn over a new leaf and get our skills in apple pie order. Getting really good is on my bucket list, but it goes against the grain to practise when I would rather have forty winks. But let’s both fan the flames of enthusiasm and go with the flow. Jack

Dear Jack, I’m glad you agree it’s not just a pipe dream. We can’t let our shorthand studies descend into hit and miss, and we must not make light of the effort required. We need plenty of old school determination to be up and about at the crack of dawn, fighting tooth and nail to improve. Mark my words, we’ll soon be walking on air and certainly not just treading water. We will never play second fiddle to anyone, and far from my suggestion being famous last words, we are going to be tooting our own horn at last*. Josh

* "at last" "at least" Always insert the vowel

Dear Auntie Sheila, It’s a while since we wrote but we are throwing down the gauntlet and hope you can come up with some nippy phrases, like a blast from the past. The shorthand book did exactly what it said on the tin, we bravely took the challenge fair and square, and kept you in the loop with our progress. Sometimes we felt like square pegs in round holes but we took it on the chin and we are now both riding high. Our achievement has really knocked our socks off, or is it just the calm before the storm?

Dear Jack and Josh, I don’t suppose it matters which of us replies, it’s really six of one and half a dozen of the other. I hope* I didn’t get the wrong end of the stick, but anyway I am glad you are following in Auntie Sheila’s footsteps. I’m glad you didn’t freak out or get into hot water, you dug your heels in and worked through, come rain or shine. You went the extra mile and now it’s all a piece of cake. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but you two are always on the ball. Uncle Bill

* Omission phrase "I(h)ope"

Dear Jack and Josh, I don’t want to rain on your parade or throw a spanner in the works, but I am also* sending this as a hundred and twenty words a minute* sound file. So far, so good, but it’s time to get off the fence, raise your game and spice things up. The ball is in your court and I expect you to throw caution to the wind, bite the bullet and hang in there to get it all down. You’re not really getting into deep water, as I know you boys are full of beans. Auntie Sheila

* "I am also" The joined vowel sign in "also" is omitted in a phrase

* Omission phrase "words (a) minute"

Dear Uncle Bill and Auntie Sheila, Thanks for your replies and for supporting us through thick and thin. We started with our heads in the clouds, then we felt we had bitten off more than we could chew, but finally we found our feet. Our initial doubts were just a storm in a teacup and in no time at all we were as right as rain. It seems many moons ago that we started on our shorthand, and we are definitely going to stay on the straight and narrow. Time flies when you’re having fun! Love from Jack and Josh (800 words)

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