Random Musings: Health Update, The UK, The Rat Race, Theatre Adventures, and Other Thoughts...

[@pipkins1972]

Completely agree with you about this country. It’s been allowed to fall apart. Not being able to question agendas is very concerning yet many don’t see this.

[@annaak7849]

Same in my country Sweden. It's very sad.

[@marks-0-0]

Lying media, politicians and wokeness is all over the western world, where could you go to escape it.

[@BionicRasta]

People question agendas all the time, Rick just did it in this video, nobody says you can't. Theres a minefield of conspiracy theory being spread online. Some of it plausible, some more outlandish, increasingly having a more sinister motive than the moonlandings being faked, often defined by paranoid hysteria, people who are deeply mistrusting of authority or seeded by political groups hostile to the west where the goal is to incite discontent / political upheaval. To divide a nation or political grouping is to weaken it.

[@tomservo75]

Even in the US. I thank God for our First Amendment. Even with that, you'll still be bullied into giving only "correct" opinions. I'm fairly lucky in that I work for a small company and am not in any academic or government circles so I've been largely able to escape the extreme political correctness and DEI that's ravaged the West. So I just say what's on my mind and if people are offended by my opinion that's their problem. But people are really scared for their livelihoods, I wonder if they may agree with , because they truly believe it or if they're scared of the consequences of giving an incorrect non-approved opinion. How did we come to this? This issue is uniting people across the political spectrum. It's only a small % of nutters who, because they're so vocal and skilled in social media, believe they can bully the rest of us into submission. I for one will not be bullied :)

[@tomservo75]

I'll even add this. On the surface, it might appear that Rick is being rather vague about it and if I had been in a time bubble the last 10 years, I'd be thinking, "What the heck is he waffling on about, what is happening?" But I think many of us can read between the lines and we know what "the country's falling apart" means. It ain't just NHS :)

[@seanjamescameron]

Once you get your health sorted jump in the van and come to visit South Wales. Brecon Beacons are only 40 mins away for a day trip.

[@rickvanman]

I’m hoping to take you up on that offer at some point soon 😊👍

[@carolynchristy]

You are not being political when you share the everyday thoughts that we are all having. I live in the US and have friends in Canada and we share the same grief you do about the downward spiral our respective countries. The thoughtful commentary about where we find ourselves in life made me think of the early videos of The Honest Guys. It would be fun to hear about how that channel came about, the people involved, and how things changed over the years. The meditations have helped me more than you'll know. Thank you for that.

[@WormsEyeView]

Thanks for had walk Rick. I listened to this while I was on my dog walks. And I'll be honest. My walk was as swampy as yours 😅 it was like you were in the field with me 😆

[@tomservo75]

It's not that people are becoming more political, it's just that politics has crept into so many areas of life such as health care, where it never had any business being. So that, you can't talk about most things without going into political discussion. I think that's how the powers that be like it. That's why they scared everyone to death with COVID. It can be used as a wedge political issue, and the happier, wealthier and more content a population is, the harder they are to control. Creating chaos and turning things topsy-turvy is the way they want it.

[@EA-58]

The older i get (58) the more i embrace nature and quietness. And i love that little church 🙏 Very nice vid Rick.

[@ApteraPioneer]

You have this great van you can take anywhere you are interested in going and stay long enough to determine, if you want to move there, without having to make any decisions in advance. The world is your oyster.

[@chowceo]

I LOVED this video Rick. I’ve been wondering how you are feeling. What a “happy accident” that you in fact know how your diet affects you and what you need to do. I hope your appt goes well and you get on with what you decide to do and “dust it off” 😅 the walk and chat was so good. I myself have created a life where I have the freedom as do you. I also live in a place where the winters are exactly like yours and no sunshine and lots of snow ❄️. The grey skies can be very depressing. I have been contemplating a place to live that has the blue sunny skies ☀️Life is too short ❤ I hope your walk and chat was uplifting to you as it was for me 😊

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the kind comments! Glad you enjoyed 😊👍❤️

[@josiethornton7049]

I am In West Yorkshire. This time last year I had my gallbladder removed in a private hospital, on the nhs, because our local hospital was busy. Same with cataracts. Lots of people getting treatment this way, round us. Re state of our land, there are a lot of people think the same as you.Fingers crossed things will get better, in the word.

[@furiousgriz]

What a wonderfully raw and deep video Rick. Really giving us a broader insight into Rickworld in this one. You’ve definitely got a lot to consider and I’m sure regardless of what you do you’ll end up making the right choice. Maybe you should go visit Spain for a week or two when you sort your gallbladder issues. Maybe something will click for you? Really excellent video Rick. More of this. 🎉

[@veeveeisallyouneed]

I agree.

[@SeaShoreAnnie]

I so respected you sharing these thoughts on our once great nation Rick. I believe your thoughts are the same on almost every street throughout the land right now. As an introvert, i have by choice just a small circle of lifelong friends mostly, all hardworking decent honest people & i can honestly say every one of them is now living in fear. Full time well paid work that once paid all the bills & plenty left over for a nice quality of life now just won't stretch to survive comfortably at all. Friends getting older & health issues growing but no safety net re the once brilliant NHS. The days of smiles & laughter between us all are few now. Our conversations mirror all you have just talked about😔 I hope you won't mind me mentioning living in Wales (I think Sean is absolutely amazing btw, i love his videos & his channel has fast become one of my favourites. It took real guts to do what he has done & i pray all will work out perfectly for him) The weather in Wales is very different in the North. Yes of course we get rain, just like England & Scotland does. Where there are mountains there will of course be rain at times. I live in the North, 10 minutes from the lovely long coast with the A55 expressway, 15 minute drive to the English border to the east & a half hour drive to the beautiful Snowdonia National Park to the west. It is a stunning location to live, so many mountains, rivers, lakes, castles etc however our primary healthcare trust that covers the whole of the North is in absolute crisis & in special measures for the umpteenth time. Most of my medical appointments apart from local GP i now go to England as it feels skightly safer. The beautiful city of Chester in England is only half an hour away by road. It most certainly doesnt rain here all the time, although there is one village/town in the national park that is one of the wettest places in the UK. What many folk don't realise is from the coast in the north of Wales down to Cardiff the capital city is around a 4.5 - 5 hour drive! I think there is good & bad wherever you live Rick & i am sure your heart will lead you to the right place for you at the right time. I was born & bred in the north of wales & i have lived & worked down in the south of England too but my heart truly belongs in Wales & i hope & pray i never have to leave this wonderful land. I am 60 & retired early on ill health grounds & al.ost all my savings have gone on private healthcare because i am too scared to go back in an NHS hospital due to a few terrifying experiences.The dr's & nurses are wonderful on the whole & they do an incredible job under extremely difficult conditions. I apologise for the very long comment Rick. We, the public are basically all in it together & we must keep talking about the circumstances we as individuals find ourselves in, even though it feels like a crime to talk at times. Good will always prevail over bad in the end. All the best, Annie🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments, Annie, and thanks for sharing 😊👍❤️

[@SeaShoreAnnie]

I hope you don’t mind but I checked out the UK climate averages on the Met Office just out of interest really & the differences in rainfall in our counties. Your area ish gets 132 days of rainfall & up here near the mid section of the North Wales Coast & inland gets 146 so on average approximately 14 days a year more rainfall according to the Met Office. However😂the wettest area in North Wales is around the Blaenau Ffestiniog/Capel Curig area of Snowdonia National Park gets a whopping 206 days of rain, now that is depressing🥴 I can’t find any data for The Rhondda Valley where Sean is, however Cardiff, our Capital City gets 153 days of rainfall on average & Swansea (Mumbles Head) gets 152 days. Mid Wales, Aberystwyth area gets 162 days on average. London Hampstead area only 119 days. Sorry Rick, I’m on a roll now😂 Edinburgh in Scotland only gets 128 days which is a huge revelation, my best friend lives here & for the last 30 years I swear he has said everyday it is raining, I’m going to have to pull his leg over this😂 The Highlands Of Scotland, Oban 204 days. Inverness 147 days. Orkney 190 days Lastly back down south, Weymouth only 117 days. Cornwall (Newquay Airport) 158 days, wow I wasn’t expecting that😳 So, depressingly we really are a pretty wet nation all in all ☀️🌤️🌥️⛅️🌦️🌧️🌧️⛈️☔️

[@louiselage7740]

I really enjoyed this, Rick. Wonderful, calm, insightful, honest....Loved that you were out and about in Gwenevere, and had a chat with us while walking. I completely understand where you are coming from as I find myself in the same mind this past year. My feelings about my current neck of the woods mirror yours, and my plans for retiring to your country have sadly been dashed from my mind, as I realized exactly the same things as your sentiments.... Incompetent and dishonest politicians have regressed my country to where living well and safely is only for the extremely wealthy. Your disillusionment with your current environment is not unfounded from what I've heard, and I agree that although you live in a very beautiful country, it doesn't seem to have much to offer anyone anymore in terms of living well and living safely (no thanks to Brexit and incompetent politicians, but we won't go there)....You know, I've always envied it when people live in places where they can just step out there front door and go to a lovely place for a walk or a picnic far from the madding crowd..... I'm also sure that once you get your gallbladder sorted, you will feel better and be able to make choices towards a brighter and warmer future. I've looked into Portugal myself as an option. But I've heard that the summers can also be as blisteringly hot as Spain. I'm Canadian. We don't do well in heat! Ha ha ha...Well, I'm not born here, but like you, I've lived here since age 6 and never moved, although I too had plans when I was in my 20s to move to a coastal location. Never happened because life happened while I was busy making plans...( a nod to Lennon)... Anyway, I was just mentioning to Sean James that you should go for a visit and lo, look at that...he has extended an invitation! lol....

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments, indeed it does seem this is not just isolated to the UK but I’m folding across so many nations. I’m hoping to visit Sean in the very near future 😊👍

[@GeorgeMonaghan]

The state of the nation Rick is just you voicing what so many of us think about what we have become. You medical problem is a great example of either going private or suffering for many months, or possibly years before being dealt with. As we move into spring I am sure the mood will get better with the sun rising and seeing it shine upon us. Keep your chin up the vast majority of us I am pretty sure feel exactly the same as yourself.

[@RoonerTheLooner]

Totally agree with you. I am also 54 and I figure I am lucky if I have about 20 years more where I am still fit enough in body and in mind. After 75 there is not so much fun to be had except for enjoying the comforts of one's home i think. At the moment I am spending six weeks in Thailand. Life here is in High definition Technicolor, but in Sweden where i live it is just a dark scale of grey. The people here is also so wonderful and friendly, I would love to spend the winters here. Thank you for the video and the inspiring words.

[@TeamStephenson]

Glad you got the blood tests Rick, I was worried. I had my gallbladder out and felt so much better afterwards. It was making me so sick.

[@veeveeisallyouneed]

Same!

[@richardd9634]

Hey Rick. I've been a follower of your adventures since the allotment days and, though we've never met and probably never will, your videos always bring me the same sense of comfort that come with catching up with an old friend. I myself am English but grew up in Wales, and have recently moved back there after spending the best part of 10 years living in Gloucestershire. Like you, we were noticing how much more crowded and over-developed a lot of the areas near us were becoming, and the effects from all the added people were slowly impacting and degrading our quality of life. It's definitely more rural here and the pace of life is a lot slower, but weather-wise it's part of the same land mass on the map so we shouldn't expect it to be too much different :) I think you would really love it here, especially somewhere like Pembrokeshire where you don't feel out of place if you only speak English (they call it "Little England Beyond Wales" here). There are definitely a lot of drawbacks living here instead of England (the NHS for one thing is even WORSE!), but on the whole I wouldn't change it for the world. If, like me, you enjoy adventures out in the countryside among nature, it's a perfect place to live. It's also only about 3 hours drive away from where we used to live, so trips to see friends and family are easily doable. Sometimes it's easy to forget how small the UK is compared to other countries! Take care of yourself and all the best.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for sharing, I still haven't completely rules out Wales :)

[@desertplantsofavalon]

FANTASTIC video Rick and so wonderful to see you out and about in the van, and I LOVED the walk and talk around the church, its a shame that they may be building on the wonderful green fields, awwww Spain sounds like a dream, I love N.Ireland but the weather really sucks here as we get so much rain and its always a few degrees colder in summer than when I lived in England, I agree too that the U.K is going so downhill, thats brilliant you had a wonderful time at the Theatre, thanks so much for sharing another awesome vid Rick and have a wonderful new week ahead XXXX

[@rickvanman]

Thanks Lyn, appreciate the great feedback & comments :)

[@LenaGus2728]

I always enjoy listening to you, whatever subject you choose. The main thing with you is that you are so nice and calm, and so pleasant to listen to. I actually like your natural voice better than the Honest Guys voice. ☺️ I hope you will get your health issues sorted out soon! Lots of love from a cold, grey and rainy Sweden. ❤️🌷

[@philmarsh5593]

That village you walked around looks similar to the village we lived in, a few miles north of Milton Keynes - until 5.5 years ago. Rural but being developed. We had similar thoughts about being dissatisfied. Brexit just made moving abroad far more difficult. Visited various parts of the UK but once we came to southern Scotland, we fell in love with the place. It has its own issues of course but DOES feel separate from Westminster and England. And so rural where we live now that the village you visit in this video looks pretty urban in comparison. This biggest plus is the space. Small villages with enormous amounts of rural space where you struggle to see another house, or even hear a pin drop. Weather isn't any better or worse really where we are than (say) the lake district and we rarely get the humidity of England when it is warm. Not been back over the border to England since we moved and love it here. Natural beauty all the year round and when the sun shines there's no part of the UK as beautiful (to us). Happy to have holidays for prolonged heat if we want it. But not regretted leaving England at all. There really are better places to live out there. Don't grow old regretting you didn't act on your feelings.

[@davidwilkins3595]

The grass always looks greener. We live in the rural farming belt. Zero crime; zero noise but zero life. The beach is twenty minutes away but we do hanker after shopping malls (that is now our holiday destination criteria). What I am trying to say (without sounding depressing) is there is no 'one size fits all' solution. You can always find an issue; it will simply be a different set of problems. I am a great believer in 'try before you buy' and never burn your bridges. You fancy the idea of Spain? Rent out your property to always have a base as you have worked too hard to get it. Rent A place in Spain in the cooler months. Holiday somewhere else for three months. If you can work online, your whole world can become your office and you are only one day away from anywhere by aeroplane. Most follow the sun, but like you, I would have to move locations when it became unbearably hot. Our best journeys have been not knowing where we will end up but enjoying the journey there. We love our 'should we turn left or right?' days. If you are concerned about being unsure, don't rent out your house for the first three months and enjoy some amazing time but live in the van. That way you have an exit strategy. Personally, I would worry about the Spanish heat getting too hot as each year sees more and more climatic changes. As for the mice... We lost our camper as they chewed through everything twice! It was not economical to get fixed again! Rural life problems!

[@rickvanman]

Some great insight there, thanks for sharing😊👍❤️

[@annaak7849]

Quality of life in Spain is 10/10. Health system there is amazing and people, food and weather superb. If you have family there I would move no questions asked. Northern Europe/UK is in serious dangerous decline. I moved from Sweden to South Aftica. I am so much happier here.

[@chorkiesinavan2738]

I've been having the same thoughts as you about this country, the only thing keeping me here is my mum, she's 96 and needs me at the mo. When mums gone I think I will be searching for the sun, too depressing here. Good luck with your gallbladder, hope you get it sorted sooner rather than later. 🐾🐾🐕🦓

[@irenepotter2709]

Hi Rick, remember it’s different for Sean as he has gone home and has history there so immediately fits in. I went to visit a friend in Georgia USA for a week in February and liked it there so went again in August and hated the heat, I felt like I couldn’t breathe and missed England so much, even the television programs. I know England has gone downhill and the weather makes us miserable at times but like this video you can still go out, but you can’t if it’s very hot. We moved from the South East to South Devon and are much happier.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for sharing, some good points there 😊👍

[@23Prospero37]

Yew trees were significant during medeaval times as they were used for English long bows and were often planted in Church yards for that reason

[@rickvanman]

Nice! I’ve heard multiple different theories on the yew trees being in churchyards, but not this one, I’ll add it to the collection 😁👍

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

How interesting a strolling across that field and seeing that bench sitting there overlooking towards the far hillside. The stone wall the opening, and that path. Seems so very familiar to me ❤

[@alisonspink7217]

Very interesting listening to you Rick. Especially the food pyramid turned on its head, I’ve been saying that for the last few years. Cannot wait for the warmer weather to come I really don’t like the dull grey winters we have living in the U.K. and the news is just so depressing. Nice to see you back 😊

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

Well I watch your fellow countryman, Dr. John Campbell, on KZbin so I am very concerned about what is coming next in society. And so many other things that are destroying our world. I am defintely glad to have American healthcare over any other country however; as bad as it's become. On a seperate note, I eat carbs to SETTLE my bowel and think I might have IBS, & I've had bad bouts of divertuculitis (hospital) in the past. So I"ve been afraid of keto diet but want to try without screwing up my digestion. You've inspired me to look into it. // You spend your free time like I do. Relaxing to watch. Thank you.

[@longhunter1951]

Feel your pain Rick; I left Dorset many years ago although many of my family are still there and confirm all of your expressed sentiments in our own conversations, its so sad how the country is in rapid decline! Good luck on the health front from a fellow IBS sufferer. Please say Hi to young Ted on the Sofa. Cheers Steve

[@AaronTheHumanist]

Well Rick, that was a great video. Deep topics and outdoors, a winning combination. Welcome more. I moved to Bournemouth in 2011, and wished I had done it years ago. I'm a year younger than you. It can be a busy place, but I don't drive so I need local stuff. State of the country - well each country has its pluses and minuses. There ‘have’ been management issues in the UK, but given the obstacles of austerity, brexit, covid, fuel crisis, ukraine and now cost of living, there are issues no super management could have navigated with any better outcomes. Various countries across Europe are enjoying the same issues or worse, with increased crime rates, immigration, unemployment etc. They too have similar fuel issues and food has gone up globally. UK winters are a struggle for all of us, but spring is just around the corner, we had 14°c here today. I was sat on a bench on the seafront taking in the rays after my Sunday Carvery for one. So the gallbladder creates bile to breakdown fats - if it's removed will you then have to reduce fats to near zero? I'm imagining you've given this lots of thought and research, but I'm not sure I would be in a rush to remove an organ. But I don't know what level of pain that causes? It's the one way procedure thing? Anyway good luck, and very well done for going for a walk in scenic surrounds. Try and make this at least weekly? Goal?

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments and observations, Aaron 😊👍

[@FilmPunk]

Been there done that Rick. Have a look at Derbyshire. Loads of nice villages that are affordable. I'm in Chesterfield and no matter where you are you're 5 minutes from fields. A 10 minute drive and you're in the middle of nowhere.

[@veeveeisallyouneed]

That's what I love about where I live in southern Ontario Canada. But it's turning into a shithole, the Trudeau government is ruining Canada with its globalist agendas. Not at all the same country I grew up in.

[@rmolaver]

Come to Spain Rick, you know you are more than welcome!!! i don't know, but i think you would like northern more than southern. Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, País Vasco, Navarra, Aragón, La Rioja...

[@MarleneCurrie-j5e]

A contemplative Rick today without the naughty Vicar to keep him in line. Perhaps your friend Sean has unsettled you and made you think more about your future but remember the grass is not always greener on the other side. There are always pluses and minuses wherever you go. Having said that only you can decide what you want to do. Hope you give it a lot of thought and come to the right decision for you. Wishing you all the best and hope your health improves. Take care.

[@Snowsea-gs4wu]

Take a lot of vitamin D, mega dose vitamin D Rick! Your country is great and your town is also great! Also get back to the carnivore diet ASAP, the new food is affecting your thoughts. Thanks for the video!

[@user-zj9ow6vl1m]

What causes more gallstones is actually not having enough fat to break down, causing the bile to concentrate and make stones. So despite the discomfort, it’s actually best to stay on fat if you have gallbladder issues. Now you’ll be back to accumulating gall bladder issues. Hope you can get it resolved soon!

[@Ratrom2]

I've worked with a lot of expats from Briton here in NZ.. They shared the same sentiment about your home then, some went back to England but by in large many have stayed. Good vid.. Move to NZ..

[@Liofa73]

NZ is very expensive, as is Australia and it's along way from anywhere if you want to travel. The weather isn't much better than the UK! I visited NZ in early spring and it was pretty much the same as the UK. :)

[@Ratrom2]

@@Liofa73 A $6.50 steak and cheese pie is expensive so I concur.. Four seasons in one day especially throughout the Spring Season, maybe Summer and Fall. Winter is cold but not as cold as Briton, unless you're in Queenstown or mainly South of Blenheim.

[@gabrielmagister6072]

Great video! Thanks.

[@jeanetteswift1]

Yes, I agree with you 100%. This country has fallen. How long will it be before we have no country houses, manors, churches, or any heritage at all? Not long. But yes, where do we go? I don’t feel like I belong here anymore.I too am 54 and having the same thoughts. But I have just started an integrated masters degree in Environmental Science as I’m bored with teaching Piano and singing. I’ve been a musician for over 35 years. I needed a change, hope I pass my first module.😊

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for sharing, good luck with your first module 😊👍❤️

[@jeanetteswift1]

Cheers Rick!

[@andyrobinson326]

HaHa seeing the 2 photos of the uk and Spain is so true, my wife and I left the Isle of Man (born in Sheffield) after 17 years there 3 years ago and moved to France in the Vendee to a detached house with no close neighbours a friendly farmer a complete different way of life so more relaxed, people are more satisfied with a more simple life and not appearing to be trying to outdo their neighbours. People here are so much more friendly and caring and more family orientated, I recently started working in a local business all French (although the boss speaks good English) but everyone was so welcoming and never feel left out even with my limited French. The move wasn't easy especially during covid but when the weather changes and it shorts and t-shirt everyday from late spring to autumn and sat having a beer out on my decking, I will never go back to the uk. And did I mention how smoooooooth the roads 😉

[@rickvanman]

I keep pondering France, like a happy medium between too hot and just right. Thanks for sharing :)

[@andyrobinson326]

Where we are in the south Vendee we get the 4 seasons in winter it is cold and get a lot of rain but the wind isn't bad but then in summer I would say 28 average but even when its cloudy it's still warm so still shorts and t-shirt. I think the uk weather makes you feel depressed. Our move happened really quick like when we moved to the Isle of Man and both times has worked out for the best don't waste time thinking about it too much or it will be too late, hope this helps 🙂 @@rickvanman

[@andyrobinson326]

You should do a road trip in your camper through France especially down the west coast thats how we fell in love with France and it's so camper friendly with free aires or for a small charge which you can use for 1 or 2 nights and you could get a feel for it 👍

[@LaVidaConBryan]

Fwiw, your thoughts on the UK are also how my wife and I feel about the US. We’ve been looking at southern Spain as well. Alicante seems like a good spot. Long stay visas don’t seem too difficult to get if you own a place there.

[@WaterGirl49]

rick, if you have a stone blockage n thick bile ... 2 things. (1) your stones can be shattered in water with sound. (2) lecithin can thin out fats make it More liquid to pass easier. Just put lecithin in a pot of lard, stir it up, you'll see how it works. You might make the lard slightly warm as your body might be. But if I remember correctly it also works on counter standing grease. L9ve your content.

[@JoshsWeightLossDiary-zs8bq]

I'm glad to hear you're doing OK. Keep it up and keep making videos. It's good to hear about where you're at with things. You're always welcome here by the way. Come and see me, we'll have a good time! LOL

[@rickvanman]

Cheers Josh, and thanks for the offer, who knows, I may end up across the pond one day 😊👍

[@mblaine012015]

Similar feelings about the U.S. Where ever you decide to move to (if you do), I hope that you will continue to make these videos. Cheers to you, Rick.

[@cottonfoo]

Don't think about it too much, just do it. We only get one chance at life. If you fancy a move, go for it. I have to admit, after watching this video I thought, "I wish I hadn't left Denmark. Or Norway." That was 25 years ago for me, so hindsight, etc. If I had the means, I'd probably leave too. Best wishes!

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

It's interesting to see that we here in the United States are not the only ones who are feeling let down for the way things have turned, However you want to put it. That's very sad. Austria, Germany, also struggling.

[@sir.reelcinema]

Rick for being honest with us. I really appreciate you speaking your mind. I live in the United States, and I also feel as if our country is becoming a Third World country as well. The government is trying to bring in refugees from all over the world to raise the population, I think healthcare here is extremely expensive and the cost of living is going through the roof.

[@Johnjoe321]

That front view is great. Rick you are a lot sharper and more lucid, once you have that gallbladder sorted back on the meats but a tiny bit of carb and fruit just for balance.

[@GrahamRoche]

A lot of British have been digging up the floorboards looking for an Irish granny just for an EU passport for free movement around Europe, could also move over to Ireland for 5 years or marry an Irish person... Some other countries also have retirement visas etc...

[@MotoGoYo]

Hello Rick. Just wanted to take a little time and share my thoughts - may be useful, may not. Re Gall bladder/diet... Having watched you, forever, I may be right in thinking that you reinforce your approaches to things quite vividly. And then you repeat those thoughts to further lock-in your perspective. This becomes a mantra - when I do this, I get this etc. That can be both beneficial but also not serve you well in some situations. Once we have a paradigm we fix our eyeline to, we find it much harder to shift that paradigm, to see any scope beyond its boundaries. We find it hard to see other opportunities. There's some psychology and some emotion that provides support and anchors to this and naturally where there's support, there's resistance. As a result of these additional factors, we reassure ourselves further that we are on track and just have a temporary dip to overcome. We see all the positive signals and reaffirm further. The power of the mind and consequent implications on health, mental and physical can be unbelievably profound. So, why am I saying all this..? Mainly because there 'may' be an opportunity to re-think your firm reaffirmed position that a high-fat diet is the only thing that works for you and anything else brings a series of problems. I can't, won't try to suggest anything that you could or should do when it comes to your or anyone else's health. I can tell you that a dark green vegetables, no tea drinking, less salt and fewer fats together with moderate, not overdone, exercise has had significant benefits for me and others I know. Hard to stick to and not an overnight sweeping change but after 3 months, sticking with it including some green juicing (which I know is not enjoyable), in my experience, can have equally profound results. I don't want to appear to be suggesting you do this specifically or anyone else follow this path but rather planting a seed for you to consider whether or not you have room to review your current paradigm. I'll leave it there and if you see this, perhaps you can reflect on it...

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments. Bottom line is, I've taken every conceiveable approach to diet and lifestyle over the past 40 years but none of it worked out for me. This is the first time I've found something that actually seems to work :) The only thing I've learned for certain is that there's no one-size fits all. :)

[@janewaring2913]

I think you have to eat what suits your body. I had been doing keto for a year. Went for blood test, everything was looking good and I felt really well. The only thing that came back not right was my Uric acid level which had shot through the roof. The Dr said that diet is dangerous, come off straight away. I panicked and followed his advice but as soon as I started eating the carbs again all my old ailments came back and I felt terrible so I’ve been back on it for the last 3 months and feel good again. I’m not telling the Dr I’m back on it. 👍

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for sharing, I believe there are a number of good videos on KZbin addressing high levels of uric acid and low carbohydrate diets, I saw one recently, which seemed to imply that it was only problematic if there was inflammation as well, but on a low-carb diet Inflammation tends to not be a thing. Anyway, worh having a little look around 😊👍

[@janewaring2913]

Thanks! I’ll do some research. Interestingly, I’ve had gout symptoms a couple of times while eating carbs but when doing keto I don’t even know my levels are high as no symptoms of gout whatsoever.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

In AZ where I live summers are like a blast furnace at 117F. For months.

[@annaak7849]

I highly recommend you jump down the rabbit hole of the healing properties of castor oil and see if it can help your liver/gallbladder in anyway.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the tip, I actually gave it a go recently with a pack, not sure if it did anything or not. I might have another go with it 😊👍❤️

[@annaak7849]

@rickvanman Yea some people say minimum a couple of days or longer is needed for the pack. Fingers crossed you will not need surgery.

[@Patsagilitybits]

I've had occasional thoughts about going to join my family in Australia, but my niece said it gets so hot that you can't really do anything during the day. They tend to sit around indoors with the air conditioning on. There is a popular song that we sing here in Cornwall, and the last two lines of the chorus go, 'For this is my Eden, and I’m not alone, For this is my Cornwall and this is my home.' I would really miss the community here if I left, and my support network. You have to think about how you would feel if you left it all behind. All thing things and people you kind of take for granted would suddenly be gone. I think I might stay.

[@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854]

Hi rick great vid our daughter had her gall bladder removed just befor christmas she only waited a month and recoverd very quick all the best donny

[@JerryCollins101]

That service soon light is just a reminder to change the oil. I just reset it (instructions in manual) and change the oil when it is time.

[@munchkinheaven7877]

I am similar to you with my liver, had my gall bladder out (big mistake) but still can’t tolerate too much fat and I love my carbs. I take milk thistle which helps with that upper right quadrant pain and I got rid of my IBS by taking 300 billion probiotic and prebiotic, tablets, by Omnymune ebay and Amazon both about £18, but free delivery by ebay. I add a few other supplements per day which keep me ticking over. I hope you find a balance that helps you.

[@charliesgrl2]

This has been lovely. Thank you.

[@beck5787]

I have family who have had their gallbladder removed and they’ve reported trouble with high fat meals. Just something to keep in mind.

[@jmsonl]

I waited until today to comment.... Day 100 completed :) (No brain fog, feel great, no more migraines, stronghair and nails, skin better, over 2 stone lighter) It works. Thanks Rick for pushing me towards giving this a proper go.

[@rickvanman]

Wonderful! Congrats for hanging in there! I'm so glad it helped :)

[@xondominique2602]

tudca takes a while to work, rick. at least a month of consistent use but we're planning on using for about a year.

[@mariepaulegauthier]

Thanks!

[@rickvanman]

Thank you 😊👍❤️

[@grumpy_poo]

The only difference with Sean is, he has actually gone back to his roots, so the community is 'home' and he has family there. I moved abroad many years ago... I rented for a year to see if the life suited me.. new language, food neighbours etc. I refused to live in a British ghetto... I came back for work and went back out regularly ... eventually the Govt there changed and the bureaucracy was unbelievable, nothing was straightforward. You needed the language , translations were at your own cost. You learned pretty quickly . That's why integration doesn't work here.. People come and expect everything on a plate ... I came back in the end, my UK house sale fell through and I lost my job due to ill health so couldn't sustain the life.. but the experience was great.. I learned a lot about myself.

[@aneweratas3932]

Rick, we can relate here in the states also. I'm in Florida and so many people in the northern states are moving down here to Florida thinking that the policies and "leaders" are better here. (maybe they are in some ways) But i think if we have to be realistic --so many people are stuck in their mindset of not thinking outside the box for sensible and positive solutions. It's a defeatist and depressed mindset and that's sad to me. You know, I must say, that there is a lot of chatter here about the "old system" being dissolved and a "new better system" underway,(worldwide.) Is this true and what does that mean for us as a planet? I don't know.. but I'm seeing clues of these changes everywhere and it's not all doom, However, my skeptical side worries about how this will affect the future and if it's some sort of trap that looks good now but won't be later....Anyway my spiritual side prays to God that He will help us down here. I think if He sees a majority of people trying to do the right thing and our part, then He will help. 🙏 i think as people we all tend to forget that and get caught up in the problems. (including myself.🙃)❤ Love these chats Rick.❤

[@brianreynolds4627]

it’s been many years since I last watched any of your content…last time you were fitting a Solar Panel at an allotment if I remember rightly!…that was while back for sure!…anyway I thoroughly enjoyed this Video and I’m glad your still going strong…will try and get around to watching some more too…btw we moved to Wales just over 5 years ago now…to a village…moved from near Manston in Kent…sadly my partner has passed away since then…but she enjoyed the move and her time here…certainly get more for your money property and garden space where I am, compared to Kent…and the Sun does occasionally come out…it’s very nice too when it does …anyway hope your health issues resolve ok…take care…Brian.

[@rickvanman]

Welcome back, Brian. Thanks for sharing your story. So sorry to hear about your wife ❤️

[@69Phuket]

Interesting thoughts Rick. We're the same age.

[@nevmalc]

At 30.55 In the background the flat top hill is part of the Ridgeway to the right Is Liddington castle an ancient hill fort, to the left a group of trees known as Liddington clump. A welcome sight sight on the M4 coming from London that your almost home. The service light might be for annual service rather than on millage.

[@rickvanman]

I might have to do a video there at Liddington 😊👍❤️

[@sadtosuccess]

Welcome to the rabbit hole ! The problem is when I learned how awful 'nutrition science' is, I then found myself questioning various areas of science I had always trusted... As for Wales, love it, lived here all my life, but don't forget the 20mph speed limit, it's painful.

[@veeveeisallyouneed]

Your thoughts echo those of many western countries' citizens. Where to go? Lots of Canadians are moving to Mexico and Costa Rica.

[@bsmith6646]

Great vid. I'm interested in the gall bladder issue. How about more seafood, particular salmon, mackerel and Sardines ( Waitrose do good value wild Alaskan salmon and Marks do cheap mackerel and sardines line caught). That might negate the more saturated fat whilst still adding fats alongside the fatty red meat? Interesting to hear about Taurine for digestion, people take it for various reasons especially for longevity, nerves and exercise benefits too. Anyway keep going mate 👍💪

[@stewved]

Looking forward to hearing the outcome of Friday's consultation. Hopefully slowly ramping up fat intake will be fine for the gall bladder - giving it time to adapt to greater demands. As for IBS and anxiety, this may sound a bit silly but anxiety in of itself can partially shut-down the digestive system though whether it can do enough to cause IBS I am not sure. Now for the anxiety! Does it come and go through the day? For example an hour or two after a meal? If so it might be a glucose-low. Insulin is produced to lower blood-glucose when it gets to high... like what always happens after a high-carb meal. This is actually an emergency to the body so the body reacts by pumping out the storing homone, insulin to get the glucose out of the blood. This insulin is reactive though, so if loads was produced, once the glucose in the blood has been successfully stowed away, the insulin is still there in the bloodstream causing even more glucose to be stored... causing low blood suger! Symptoms of low blood sugar are basically anxiety, faintness, confusion, weakness because when blood glucose drops too low that is another emergency to the body! This time it reacts by producing Adrenalin and cortisol to raise the blood-glucose back to safe levels - I'm sure you know what else they do (fight or flight) !!! There are two good ways of lowering a glucose-spike that I know of. 1: eat veggies and protein first, eat slowly, and have the carbs right at the end of the meal. This makes the digestive system deal with the fibre and protein so the carbs are almost an afterthought and get digested a little slower. 2: around half an hour after the meal, the glucose will be getting into the bloodstream. A great idea is low-intensity movement for a short while - say walking for 10 minutes or something like that. this encourages more glucose to be "sucked" in to the muscles in an insulin-agnostic mechanical way! As I understand it it is like a sponge - squeeze the sponge and it sucks up liquid when released. Because glucose is taken out of the bloodstream while it is still coming in, less insulin is produced, so hopefully less of a sugar spike. OMG that is a huge amount of text! Sorry about that 😅

[@rickvanman]

Some great insights and information there, thanks for sharing 😊👍❤️

[@onlytm981]

“Where you are in your life right now has come about from every choice and decision you have ever made." Although I think this is sound life advice which I follow myself, it is an illusion, but that is on a whole other level.

[@BionicRasta]

Its typical motivational type talk, quite cliched, its a nice line for a social media meme but soon falls apart under deeper scrutiny where nothing is so starkly black & white. Everybody is dealt a different hand from birth. We can adapt to challenges but are not always able overcome them, such as limitations defined by disabilities & discrimination. Where to define success isn't a measure of wealth & security but happiness & contentment. People chase wealth thinking it brings happiness. If that was true then why do celebs like Robin Williams & Kurt Cobain who despite having made it were still deeply unhappy to the point of committing suicide? They could afford to travel to live in a place of paradise yet still be living in a ghetto of dark thoughts within their mind.

[@onlytm981]

@@BionicRasta All that is illusory - just story. No-one is happy or unhappy

[@BionicRasta]

@@onlytm981 Well yes, in as far as mood is a shifting plane of thought subjected to negative & positive thoughts or experiences. It isnt static, we may sometimes be happy & sometimes sad or float somewhere in-between. That's why i say nothing can really be defined in black & white terms.

[@normatrodd6666]

Hi Rick, well I did enjoy that and at the same time didn’t because the things you said and the thoughts you expressed about life in the UK have been exactly mine for a few years, very depressed about the way the country is going the corruption in high places etc etc. In a way I’m luckier than you because I’m in my early eighties and feel I’ve had the best of living in the UK. I can remember a very free childhood playing in the fields and catching lizards in the hedgerows, seeing wildlife in the forests, staying out all day on my bike, very little traffic. The post war patriotism and feeling Britain was great. Not now tho. I fear for the future ! I see Hitler re emerging in Putin, it’s unbelievable that someone like Trump can even be considered as president of America. I think if I was young now I’d probably move abroad. I was lucky enough to be in Florida with my Granddaughter recently and the feeling of space and vast countryside was incredible the world just felt so huge. I also went to Spain and loved it I can see the temptation of that it was lovely. Well I’d better stop this now as I’m going on a bit but I do agree with you so much about our country. Take care. Oh btw you were luckier than me in the boggy field as I got sucked down and fell into it. but it was a soft landing 😂 xx

[@murkydepths181]

Be good if you could get into Dr Anthony Chaffee’s Q and A chat and find out what his advice is. He is a top athlete as well as a doctor and has been full carnivore for quite a while.

[@MrRocksoil]

My sister tried living in Spain for several years but had to come back to uk because the Spanish summers were far too hot.

[@Foxhillfarms]

I live at foxhill near Swindon but always drive to Newbury now along the back Rd as Swindon makes me depressed. Anyway nice update.

[@caroljeanscholl7370]

Not long ago I heard somebody say, " Do not waste the youth of your senior years" Step out into all the adventures we possibly can.

[@hitchjack]

Rick like I said to Sean, he was talking about moving for the longest time. I said to him, just do it, move, and if you don’t like it? You can always move back again. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[@neiluk78]

You are lucky Rick, you have the best of both Worlds. You can rent your house out and take your van down to the south of Spain.

[@st33pd87]

Excellent vid, thanks. Liked the contrasting images of Spain/Wales. For what it's worth: same nonsense occurring here in Canada, very disappointing though not unexpected (agendas of the cr33p-oids). May just be 'hopium' but i think things will be 'made right' in the not too distant, i.e., lots of exit visas imminent. ✅ 👍

[@xondominique2602]

great video, had a bit of many things, i was greatly entertained!

[@selbermachenguru]

Friends of mine left the UK for france, they didnt regret this so far. As much as I would love to invite you to Germany, it cannt be better over here, people grumpy, constantly complaining and its getting worse.... maybe we can all meet in Denmark or any scandinavian country. Eating more vegetables and fish over there could be worth a try, and people seem to be much nicer there. Or is it the gras in the distance looking greener? (oh oh, just wrote that before you said it yourself, lol)

[@lion-gc5rh]

UK is finished ,most of us know that ,The few that do not seem to run the country , Have been visiting Riga in Latvia and lithuania, the difference is amazing, Clean orderly and food so much better, Now dread coming back to UK ,Just feel its going down hill so fast, depressing to think what has happened ,

[@sparkyprojects]

I have also thought about moving to anotheer country, but, the baltics can be too cold, australia is too hot, the med area may also be too hot, america is too hot, too cold, too windy, too wet, and too many guns America also has expensive healthcare, not sure about other countries. England is too crowded, housing is more expensive Here in South wales outside the cities is great, housing is cheap (ideal for a home buisness), very quiet, friendly, not just free healthcare, but prescriptions are free, and i even get mine delivered. Unless one of the family comes down, i only leave the house to get milk once a week, food is delivered. It's a bit of a myth that wales is always raining, the warm air from the west rises over the mountains where it cools into rain, and that usually falls over england, it get's a little damp overninght, not exactly rain, and not a mist. And of course there's all the history we enjoy.

[@rickvanman]

Wales is still on my radar :) Although I do get the impression there are many in the North who are not particularly fond of the English moving there

[@sparkyprojects]

@@rickvanman The south is so much friendlier, especially in the valleys I remember first coming over the severn bridge, even the tolls at the time gave you genuine smiles, not like the forced smile of england You can walk down the street and strangers will say hi. I would suggest if you decide to move, spend at least a year here. btw, today the sun is shining :D

[@Chris-mn7yy]

The country has gone to the dogs Rick. We teach our young to hate their own land, no pride or respect. Everyone is taught to be a victim, not a survivor. Every public service is at bursting point, too many users. You get ripped off everywhere and it's just accepted. We pay for everything twice, like you pal, potentially paying for a private operation when you're paying tax every month. I lived in Spain for 3 years from 2003, my lad was born there, good healthcare. Wife is from there so we'll get back eventually.

[@hotsonaj]

My advice to anyone thinking of moving to another country is to try it for 6months to a year before you make the final move that was my mistake and I really regret it

[@patrickaalto]

Sounds like you are having a bit of a midlife crisis. Nothing to worry about, happens to all of us I suppose. I'll turn 58 this year, though I still feel like a young adult most of the time (well, besides the aches and greying hair). Your musings are pretty familiar to me as well. We got a week of -35 C temps, made me seriously consider moving to south of Spain or some such place! I live in Finland, by the way. Anyways, thanks for the always entertaining (in a nice calming and thoughtful way, not the haha way) videos, and hope you get your health problems sorted! I'm familiar with IBS, a gluten-free and lactose-free diet helps me with that.

[@MPGaurhier]

😇

[@MillerTheOfficialFitness]

Hahaha 😂❤

[@TomSykesMedia]

SPAIN VAN MAN!!! Do it

[@tomservo75]

I gotta say, Rick you're becoming a bit of an expert on the diet, keto, health thing. This sounds like it would be a full time job in of itself to keep track of all this. I know health care sucks right now, it's no different in the US. But it is good you're getting some kind of workup because this sounds like there are so many factors, that some expert advice is needed. Maybe you're seeing that there is no perfect diet, you're going to have to give up something, but maybe there's a treatment for the gall bladder so you can stay ketogenic. I don't know.

[@dadosaurus]

Rick, there is a negativity in the world at the moment that I cannot put my finger on, and it's been here for a few years now. It's like all of the joy people used to have even when they were struggling to get by has just been sucked out of the air. I hope it improves. I thought I was just getting a bit older and bitter about things but I don't think it is. It just feels "off".

[@rickvanman]

Totally agree!

[@CampervanTales]

Why don't you think about renting your house out for a year and travelling in the van. See where you like, be it Europe or somewhere in the UK that you think you could lay down roots in. Keith and I are trapped in the house we live in as the rent is so cheap. We are in a 3 bed detached house and it costs less than a bedsit. We couldn't afford to rent anywhere else at our age. Keith is 68 now and I'm 60 in a couple of weeks. Just bite the bullet and do it while you are in a position to do so. Nothing ventured nothing gained and all that.

[@BionicRasta]

If carbohydrates are causing you ibs then it still cannot be ruled out that you have an unidentified food allergy or intolerance, maybe gluten, thats if it isn't linked to your gallbladder issue. The anxiety issue is probably linked to your ibs, as you have mentioned before about the need to not be caught out. I've had gallbladder stones & cholecystitis but never had any issue with the liver. It could well be diet related if its non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, eating too much red meat & fats are hard on the liver. Which to me only reinforces that the hi fat low carb diet isn't as good for you as you think it is. You should try going to visit your family in Spain for a couple of weeks, is it your sister? If your pasty British family can handle the climate then there's no reason you can't once you get use to it. That way you can test the waters. It Sounds like your a bit susceptible to winter gloom, given the downbeat tone regarding the UK. Goverment incompetence aside as to the running of the country. British weather has never been great, altho there was more of noticeable difference between the seasons than what we get thesedays, where it rarely snows or gets cold like it did 50 years ago. There is autumn & warmer autumn with the odd cold spell & heatwave.

[@1GuinnessPlease]

Might have to Escape to the Country,as the TV show goes

[@charliesgrl2]

We live in Montana, USA. it use to be the Last best place… but now because of legalized marijuana and a stupid tv show, people are pouring into our state, bringing the reason they left theirs, with them. Instead of embracing what attracted them here, they are making it the same slums they left! …. My husband and I are always talking about where we could move. We actually thought of moving to a castle on a small island in Shetland! But I monitored the weather for a few months and dropped that idea! Then, having stayed in Skye, for a week, we considered moving there. We love the folks in the highlands. We love the UK! But in reality, we couldn’t afford the taxes! And I am NOT a fan of the NHS! We lived in London for 2 years and loved it so much, oddly. We are rural loving people who frankly value our right to own firearms. Yet here we were living in one of the largest cities in the world without any personal protection, and loving it! We felt perfectly safe in the streets and safe allowing out teenager to wander all over! But, 10 years later, I don’t think that is true anymore.😢 We also lived a few years in Australia for my husbands job, and really considered moving to New Zealand. We had friends there and really loved the beauty. (And lack of deadly animals!) We love the life in Aus.. but the Pandemic ruined that! No way we would subject ourselves to that kind of Tyranny! Canada the same…Rick I just don’t know where we can live free, safe, and healthy in this world.

[@rickvanman]

I feel your frustration! I’ll let you know if I ever find somewhere that ticks all the right boxes 😊❤️

[@nevmalc]

Did you notice that the church has both a tower and spire, one of only 3 in the country i think.

[@rickvanman]

I didn’t at the time, but yes you are right! 😊❤️

[@FilmPunk]

00:00 Went a bit Mr Rogers there Rick 😂

[@rickvanman]

😂

[@selbermachenguru]

27:50 I prefer the left one 😛

[@xondominique2602]

would you share what kind of carbs you're having now? i hope not chips and cookies ;)

[@rickvanman]

Avocado, salad, yoghurt, rice etc 👍

[@tomservo75]

It's not un-patriotic to be concerned about where your country is going, so don't think, "Well I used to be patriotic toward the UK..." I think you still are or you wouldn't have that talk, you just wouldn't care where it's going. The rot you're seeing is very familiar to us in the US as well, and many other places. And the line about unquestionable answers sums it up beautifully. But you also seem to have a quandary about moving. Your issue with England and Wales seems to be the cloudy weather. But then you also talk about not wanting it too hot because you're not used to it. Well, something's gotta give there. If you could find a cool sunny place that would be good but I don't know where in the world those exist. I'm the same in a lot of ways, I just can't stomach hot weather and strong sunshine.

[@MichaelEdwards2]

Do you really want to have to go out with sun glasses and sun screen on all day. No, so move to Wales lol, get lush green grass, meadows, mountains and stunning landscape. Take a bar of soap and larther up while your out. Drink the nector from the sky. Driving is safer at 20MPH (lol) the welsh goverment really thinks about you as a human. Go to new places every day that you cant pronounce, what an adventure.

[@rickvanman]

Some surprisingly good points here 😊👍❤️

[@MichaelEdwards2]

@@SoupDragon63 Luckily I dont have to drive far but as they say 20 is a maximum and not a target. So I travel around 7 miles in a day and 90% of that is 20. In third I can let the van just use the torque to pull me along at around 17. But if I drop to 2nd then I have to rev it and it uses more fuel and only confortable at around 15mph. I usually have very large line of vehicles behind and just chuckle as theres nothing we can do about it. But I guess as the line is so long then they dont stick to it normally.

[@MichaelEdwards2]

@@SoupDragon63 hopefully the more people i piss off by sticking to 20 then they can put their vote on the ballet paper

[@janealdinger2235]

Great to see you back, follow your heart….go on an adventure! 38:21

[@mariepaulegauthier]

👃❤

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

What if something outside your control is blocking you.