Ms Cellania

Fun Monday

2011-09-12T13:59:00.000+01:00

I dropped off the radar as far as Fun Monday and blogging in general was concerned. After I did a random FM post by myself last month and Jill commented that there was to be a summer break, yesterday something drew me to finding out if there was a challenge. Imagine my surprise when I checked out Sayre Smiles to see she had set us this task:=

What is a typical day for you? Follow yourself around for one day and make note of what you do and when. It can be a workday, a weekend day... whatever you want.

Well this got me thinking (yes I still have a little of the grey matter working!)
It suddenly occurred to me that I will have been retired FIVE years at the end of this month-where has the time gone and what do I do with myself as I never seem to have enough hours in the day to get all the simple tasks completed.

So down to one of my days (I warn you it is very very boring so I shan't mind if you leave now)....Lets take yesterday well it's recent so I won't have forgotten anything! Embee was away over night in Great Yarmouth so the house was quite peaceful no sport blaring on the TV or channel hopping...wonderful!

I got up around 8am, you might think that is quite late, but it was Saturday so I treated myself to a little lie in. First thing I did was go to the local Tesco to collect the daily papers, on the way I met a neighbour and had a little chat. One of the papers was giving away a free CD (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis JR) my kind of easy listening--- reminder to self...load it into itunes!

Having loaded the washing machine, I prepared my usual breakfast of muesli, yoghurt and fresh fruit I sat at the computer to catch up on Facebook. Yes I'm hooked on some of the games so had to keep the cafe and farm going, take my turn at scrabble and lexulous (I play with some of my blogging buddies and one of my daughters).

Next task was to make the soda bread so Embee would have something for his Sunday morning breakfast. After this a few chores I won't go into details, you don't want to hear about cleaning bathrooms, making up beds, vacuuming etc but it all has to be done. Laundry put out to dry hoping the rain would stay off long which luckily it did.

My coffee break taken at the computer however did we manage before the age of computers!!!!

Some of you will know that my mother lives with us and recently she has become very frail, after a few falls. This has resulted in me having to cook her lunch every day and she likes it on the dot of 12MD. Yesterday was a simple meal- fish, mashed potatoes and broccoli-followed by apple pie and a cup of tea.

Quick salad wholemeal pitta bread for my lunch and a browse of the paper.

Spent a little time in the garden feeding tortoises, picking beans and enjoying a little sunshine which wasn't out for very long.

Then tried to tune in a new radio for my mother (she will insist on fiddling the knobs so as you can imagine this is problematic) I thought the solution would be a radio that had push buttons for the few stations that she listens to. I found one that gave an option for only 4 channels and a favourite button. It was a bit of a slow process going through all the channels so decided to leave it for Embee to do when he got home and would you believe she still manged to mess it up even with so few buttons and a heart on her fave :(

In the evening I watched TV I'm a huge tennis fan and we had a Brit playing in the semi-finals (disappointing Andy Murray lost but he played well and fulfilled his ranking status). We did rather better in the boys singles a Brit did become champion, knocking out the world number one. So well done to Oliver Golding.

Oh and as Embee didn't need a meal when he got home I was able to have a jacket potato (he's not too keen on these now me I love them) with fresh beans and fish.

What a humdrum life I'm leading. When I read of all the exciting things other people manage to achieve I know why I've lost the motivation to blog. However on the plus side I'm off to San Fransisco next month so hopefully I'll have some pictures to share and some stories to tell when I get back!!

Wonder how Embee and my mother will get on by themselves might be some more blogging material there.

Just to finish off a picture of my tortoises actually taken when they cam out of hibernation and now they are winding down getting ready for another long winter. I sometimes wish I could hibernate and wake up in the spring.

Birthday Boy!!!!!

2011-08-08T14:25:00.000+01:00

He says he can have what he fancies for breakfast at his age!!!!!!

It is diabetic choc biscuit

This card suits Embee as he is not a computer expert! He found it funny and had a good laugh

A very apt card from Beccy as she gave him the Sat Nav holder.

Happy Birthday Embee

Saved by Sam

2011-08-05T10:53:00.001+01:00

I have the best daughters in the world. As soon as Sam heard my camera was busted she sent me their old (her words) Cannon Powershot SD200. It arrived by Fedex this morning. Just to try it out, I quickly charged the battery and sneaked a picture of my mum relaxing and reading the paper.

All I have to do now is learn how to use all the settings. This is a 3.2 mega pixels my old one was 8.1 does that mean I won't get such a sharp picture-you can see I know nothing about cameras!
Thank you Sam and Fred xxxxx

Thursday's Thought

2011-08-04T16:36:00.001+01:00

(if you want a better view click to enlarge)
I wasn't quite quick enough to get a good shot of this splendid old Bentley car as it was being towed away a few days ago.
My thought at the time was; wouldn't it be nice to take a ride but then it wouldn't do many miles to the gallon! Also hope whatever the problem was that it can be repaired. Guess I'll be on the look out to see if it's back in the neighbourhood!

Witty Wednesday # 126 Maxine

2011-08-03T00:07:00.000+01:00

Maxine can always bring a smile to my lips and I hope she does the same for you!

Camera demise

2011-08-02T17:23:00.000+01:00

Every year they hold a Balloon Fiesta in Bristol and this, it's 33rd year, it runs between the 11-14th Aug. So in the days leading up to the fiesta we often see balloons in the sky. Yesterday evening we had one flying fairly close to our house. I took the picture from my dining room window.

This might well be the very last photo taken from my little point and shoot camera! It has been ailing for a few weeks and today it won't turn on.

This camera has served me well for the past few years: (I got it when I last went to the US in 2007). Since then it has travelled to quite a few countries, furthest being China, and taken thousands of pictures and quite a few videos. Although I'm keeping my fingers crossed (the local camera shop wanted to charge £50 + to try and mend it and I didn't think it was worth it) I think I should really be saying RIP little camera.
I now need to think about a replacement....already I'm missing it as today there have been things I wanted to photograph! (sigh)

Fun Monday

2011-08-01T19:52:00.000+01:00

Sad to say I don't even know if Fun Monday is still running. However, today, decided I would create my own bit of fun.

So calling all grandmas you need a pair of these!

If anyone has their own little bit of fun how about sharing it to brighten up this Monday. You have a blank canvass so anything goes!

Very Long Time Away--Garden Produce

2011-07-31T15:30:00.000+01:00

I keep starting post and then I get distracted!!!

In fact this one was started several weeks ago (originally saved on July 19th) after I was inspired by the amount of produce we are managing to get from the various planters we are using in our non-existent garden.
Our back garden really is a yard as some of you may remember from those long ago Fun Monday posts when we put our homes and gardens on show.

We had another good crop of Loganberries from just one vine and I made around fifteen pots of jam. Now this might not seem like many to most of you; but much as I love it I don't want to eat too much jam, so Beccy took a few pots back to Dublin and I am saving some for Sam when I visit San Francisco in October.

All the potatoes are grown in a bag or plastic pots and if you haven't tasted new potatoes freshly dug and cooked then topped with a little butter and parsley you have missed a treat!

We have been eating runner and french beans for the last couple of weeks it's wonderful to have such fresh veg.

After a poor start (due to weather) we had a good crop of rhubarb and one of the things I used it for was Rhubarb Crumble Muffins. I found the recipe in one of the Sunday Mags and although I say it myself they were delicious.

After last year's disaster we used a plastic frame to cover the tomatoes and Embee created a watering system which seems to have worked perfectly. The first ones we picked were eaten by my grandson.

Below I am picking them quicker than we can eat them!

This is the first year we have grown beet; only one row but I have already given quite a few away ad Embee likes them hot as well with salads. I've still got to cook and bottle some for the winter.

Last year we produced enough onions to use throughout the winter. This year I asked for some red ones as well as white and they are currently drying out-well I have used a couple already!

The first carrots we picked were very poor standard they had been eaten by carrot fly (or some bug-you can tell I'm no gardener). However these later ones are a good size and no sign of being eaten. I love raw carrots.

Cabbage is another veg we are trying this year and I'm using one of these for dinner this evening. I can hear both my girls groaning they do not like beans,beets or cabbage. If they get to read this I'm sure there will be comments about boiled cabbage!

Not sure why but I didn't take any pictures of my Blueberry bushes (I have 4) and they also produced a good crop- have been having some on my muesli every morning for breakfast for past couple of months. They are coming to an end so must make the most of the ones currently ripening.

Hope you enjoyed this little trip around veggie plots.

Icy Boxing Day Walk

2010-12-26T23:46:00.001Z

Ornament Exchange 2010

2010-12-23T23:43:00.000Z

For the past few years I have participated in an ornament exchange, more recently organized by Emma. This year my ornament came from Emma's friend, Natalie. It is really lovely. I'm afraid that my photos do not do it justice!

Nathalie wrote that Canada is a peace keeping, and peace loving nation so she sent me the Dove of Peace.

The ornament is delicately hand painted on glass and it is beautiful.

So thank you Natalie I really do love it.

Marvellous Marmite

2010-09-23T20:11:00.001+01:00

We've had Guinness Marmite and Champagne Marmite. Then back in February or March, I read an article about a new Extra strength Marmite. You might recall there are some members of my family who absolutely love Marmite. So no prizes for guessing my latest mission.

Back then I tried all the local supermarkets and had friends checking when they went shopping but had no luck in finding this new version of Marmite. Eventually I let it slip to the back of my mind.

So, when I did my weekly shop last Monday, imagine my surprise when I saw the manager's special!!

You can see I bought three jars, one each for Sam and Beccy and one for us.

We haven't tried it yet so I can't report on the taste, I'm wondering if other Marmite 'lovers' have an opinion!

Tatton Park

2010-05-30T20:38:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with friends in Alderly Edge, Cheshire. It was a lovely weekend and the weather was perfect so on the Saturday we visited Tatton Park which, in the 1958, became a National Trust Property.

The house has a very interesting history. You are not allowed to take photos inside the house which is a great shame as it was full of wonderful artifacts.

Above is a view across the park....and below are some of the deer which you see roaming freely.

This is one of the secluded little lakes which is home to some ducks.

The other side of this lake is a Japanese Garden, that is reached via the bridge below.

Another view of the lake surrounding the Japanese Garden.

I was not expecting to see an African Hut in the middle of garden. It was built during the war to remind Maurice Egerton of his estate in Njoro, Kenya.

The gardens are so colourful and all the spring flowers were begining to bloom.

There were plenty of butterflies and bees to be seen...not sure if you can see the one I tried to get in my shot!

I'll save the photos of the kitchen garden for another post.

Archives:
2009: Silent Saturday-end of the day
2008: Meme- Music
2007: Witty Wednesday-8

Happy 14th Birthday Mollie

2010-05-17T09:05:00.045+01:00

Happy Birthday to my granddaughter Mollie who is 14 today.
You might not be able to read what she is holding, but it's her present from her mum and dad which is a 'flying lesson'. She was delighted as she told me she didn't think she would get it! I had no idea you would be able to learn to fly before you are able to learn to drive. I clearly am behind the times!

This photo was snapped on Friday evening when Mollie and Beccy were ready to go out for dinner.

Mollie I hope you enjoy your birthday despite all the disruptions-the icecream cake your mum made looks fabulous. Love you lots Grandma x

Update on the 'ash cloud' I still don't know if I will be getting home today, so far the flight hasn't been cancelled but they are updating every hour so time will tell. Beccy is currently driving to the catch the ferry, so I wish her a safe journey.

Long time no 'see'!!

2010-05-16T22:03:00.000+01:00

Thank you to all my blogging friends for all the nice comments and emails to check that all is well with me. After being a dedicated blogger for three years, I suddenly felt that I had very little to say. I found the winter months so depressing and I virtually went into hibernation- a bit like my tortoises!!!
Currently I am staying at Beccy's Killiney (Dublin), where I have been for 10 days. The idea was that I looked after the grandchildren so that Beccy and Joules could pop over to Bristol, for 2 weekends, to help two of Beccy's oldest friends celebrate their big birthdays.
We were all rather worried about about the volcanic ash but the first weekend ran smoothly.

This weekend I think we got a bit complacent, Beccy was actually staying here . Her friend booked the castle for the weekend, complete with swimming pool! All went well until we heard this morning that her flight home this evening was cancelled. She tried to get on an earlier flight but that was full. She has now heard that there is no morning flight tomorrow so they are going to book a car and drive to Hollyhead and catch the ferry across. Well, that's the plan.....
Now I'm due to return home tomorrow evening and I won't know until the morning whether my flight will be operating. If it does then I will have to leave for the airport before Beccy gets home. You see it's beginning to get complicated and the sad thing is it's my grandaughter's birthday tomorrow and quite naturally Beccy is very upset she won't be home when the children get up. Mollie was actually very good about it and thought it was funny her parents were stranded....or maybe she was just being brave!

Ben and I went down to the beach this morning for a walk, it was very pleasant and the sun did shine, although you wouldn't think it by the photo (my bad photography!)

My eldest grandson, who turned 17 in March, had his first driving lesson this afternoon. I was amazed when the instructor told me he would get Dillon doing 'hill starts, reversing, and turns' I certainly don't remember doing that in lesson one! Anyway he came back after a 2 hr lesson, having thoroughly enjoyed it. The instructor thinks he will need about 3 weeks of lessons before he can practice with his parents, so I'm looking forward to the time when he can drive his poor old grandmother about...that won't do his street cred any good whatsoever!!!

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Dillon sitting the car (sadly not too clear) and that's the instructor standing by the door.

I'm not allowed to put it on Facebook but I thought I would risk it on my blog as he doesn't read it!

Well that all my most recent news, time will tell whether I manage to get home tomorrow. I know my mother will not be too happy as she has a hair appointment on Tuesday, but hopefully Embee will be able to take her! Are you reading this Embee???

Witty Wednesday # 125 Maxine and Pantyhose

2010-02-24T20:37:00.000Z

In case you wondered I'm still alive and kicking!!!

When I opened an email from Daffy and read this I burst out laughing. Embee wanted to know what had amused me and I told him he would need to wait for WW to see what Maxine has been doing!

I was in the restaurant yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately  needed to pass gas. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my  gas with the beat of the music.  After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my coffee,  and noticed that everybody was staring at me............  

........Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod!!!!!!!!

*****************************

Pantyhose Riddle

Q: How many animals can you fit into a pair of pantyhose?
Now, think about it...
Ready?

Scroll down,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Answer:
10 little piggies,

2 calves,

1 ass,

And an unknown number of hares,

Keep Smiling :)

Archives:
2009: Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day
2008: Memories
2007: Requiem for an old friend

Barbara's Oat Biscuits (Cookies)

2010-02-04T17:07:00.000Z

Last month my friend Barbara, winosandfoodies who is a brilliant cook and just happens to have been featured as 'Cook of the Week' in the Courier Mail, Taste magazine section,

mentioned a recipe for Oat (Cookies) Biscuits and how easy they are to make. I'm always looking for easy recipes so I decided to give them a try. My first mistake was not taking another look at Barbara's picture of the biscuits to remind myself not to over cook them. Also I think I might have been a little generous with the golden syrup as it was the end of a tin!!!

However, even overcooked they make a delicious crispy snack with a cup of coffee!!

I should mention they are not for those on diets, except maybe for the oats!!

OAT COOKIES (BISCUITS)

150 grams sugar

2 tablespoons golden syrup

150 grams butter

2 tablespoons milk

150 grams porridge oats

150 grams self raising flour

METHOD:

Heat oven to 180C

In a saucepan - melt sugar, syrup, butter and milk over a low heat until dissolved.

Add oats and flour, stirring well.

Place teaspoons of mix onto baking paper lined tray.

Bake 10 - 15 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from tray.

So Barbara, sorry not to have done your biscuits justice, I will make them again and hope to get it right next time. You can see why I would never, ever, be featured in a food magazine. I might, just, get a mention in something like this though !!!!

Archives:
2009: Witty Wednesday-83
2008: Fun Monday-52 What's in my Bucket!
2007: Despondent

Witty Wednesday #124 Maxine Tip and Signs for Modern Woman

2010-02-03T20:38:00.001Z

Daffy sent me another Maxine Tip and it's one I must remember! LOL

Always keep several

get well cards on the mantle...
So if unexpected guests arrive,
They will think you've been sick and unable to clean.

I should get some cards up quickly-I could write my name in the dust on my glass shelves!!!
*********************
These signs 'For the Modern Woman' made me chuckle (also from Daffy)

Have a fun day and keep smiling Spring will soon be here!

Archives:
2009: Travel Thursday
2008: Comfort Food for a cold Day
2007: Top 20 Toys of all time

Remembering the Sun

2010-02-02T20:39:00.024Z

A couple of days ago we had some much needed sun and a lovely sunset.

Archives:
2009: Fun Monday-101 Bookworms
2008: Hooray for Integrity
2007: Good Neighbours

Witty Wednesday # 123

2010-01-27T22:59:00.001Z

I haven't posted a WW since before Christmas and I was thinking about dropping it altogether. However, I just opened an email from my friend Daffy and I decided to share a few of the cartoons she sent me.

....and with that it's goodnight from me.

Archives:
2009: Hotter Comfort Concept your service sucks!
2008: de Young Fine Arts museum
2007: Shopped til we dropped

There's an old mill by a steam.....

2010-01-26T12:02:00.000Z

I took this view of an old mill on one of our family walks over the New Year.

Archives:
2009: Fun Monday-100 Diets
2008: I nearly didn't join the party. + Keeping Sam Company
2007: A huge thank you

Fun Monday # 153 Do I have a favourite room !!!!

2010-01-25T10:09:00.112Z

Some of you may not have been around at the beginning of Fun Monday back on 22nd January 2007. In fact it wasn't even called that on the first Monday when we all posted the view from our front doors. Who would have believed it would still be running all these years later. It was intended to be an easy show and tell and I think you would agree this has been achieved, even if we have re-visited quite a few topics.

Now for today's task that has been set by Janis who says:

...here is what I dreamed up! The big question is ....What is the favorite room in your home? Tell us why and show us a photo if you can.

I'm not sure I really have a favourite room, well actually that is not true but I'm not showing you a picture as it's my mothers bedroom and it wasn't fit to be photographed. This is a room that overlooks the back of the house, is quiet, and catches the afternoon and evening sun. Originally I planned to use this room as my retreat and a cosy sitting room in winter.

Our sitting room is where I tend to sit and watch TV during the evenings.

I did not tidy up so I apoligise for the room looking messy.

I also spend a lot of time in my dining room at the main computer, (you might have noticed I keep my laptop by my chair in the sitting room!)

No prizes for guessing that I enjoy playing Farmville, Cafe World, Fishville and Lexulous!!!!
When we downsize, I'm hoping to have a conservatory and that would definitely be my favourite room!

Anniversary Links
22/1/07
21/1/08
19/1/09

Archives:
2009: I'm so excited
2008: Fun Monday-51-My Bedside Drawers
2007: Who's the Birthday Girl!

What's for Breakfast!!

2010-01-21T22:04:00.002Z

Yummy Yummy Yummy
Who's got Cranberry in their tummy!

It may not be jam but it tasted good as a topping to my breakfast this morning!
It's not poetry either LOL!

Archives:
2009: Witty Wednesday-81 + Fishworks Demise
2008: Fun Monday-50 1st Anniversary
2007: None

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-20T21:28:00.019Z

These are my last few snow pictures (well I hope we've seen the last of it!)

These first two photos were taken from our top bedroom, some 50 feet from ground level. You get a good view of the neighbourhood from here.

Below virgin snow, the postman soon made it look messy!

We saw quite a few animal prints in the snow, some were clearly birds, but not sure if this was made by a cat or fox. As we have walls and fences around the back it had to be a good climber!

We thought we'd seen the last of the snow after a mild weekend, but this morning we woke up to a snow storm which left a dusting of the white stuff. It soon turned to rain and is now completely disappeared.

Will this be the last of it I wonder????

Archives:
2009: Worm Works
2008: Electronic Arts Redwood City
2007: Don't you just love Garfield

Jam Disaster!!

2010-01-20T00:15:00.002Z

Having bought just over three pounds of cranberries for just over £1.00 I thought I was going to make some Cranberry Jam. I found a recipe on the internet but sadly for me it didn't work well and the jam wouldn't set properly.

Embee very kindly went off to the supermarket to get me some liquid pectin. I ended up using the whole bottle and it still, in my opinion, remained too runny. I decided to bottle it and let it cool and see what it's like tomorrow.

After advice from friends on FB I might even try boiling it up again tomorrow. The stupid thing is that if my memory was better I could have used a very good recipe from Barbara and I would have ended up with good jam instead of the goo in the jars above.

Anyone fancy some tasty cranberry sauce! I think it would go very well with vanilla icecream, I might even try this tomorrow!!

Archives:
2009: Fun Monday-99 2nd Anniversary
2008: Crouching Spider Sculpture
2007: Pink Saucepans

Fun Monday # 152 Chores I love to hate

2010-01-18T09:50:00.147Z

I had every intention of joining in the last three Fun Mondays, and if you could see my drafts I have half finished post languishing there but somehow I didn't get around to completing them. Now that Embee is home, having retired at Christmas, I haven't quite been able to get into a new routine but I guess that's another story!!
Anyway back to the task in hand which has been set by Jill aka Lil Mouse and this is what she wants us to do:

This week’s Fun Monday post will be about chores. What is your least favorite chore? Vacuum get you down? Dust bunnies saying, “oh yeah, you and what army?” Is there a chore that you neglect doing it until the absolute last minute when guests arrive? Do you just pray they won’t look ‘there’? Are you going green with your cleaning? Top tips? If you have any ideas for anyone on Monday, post them in their comment box, because we all know that we LOVE comments!

Where do I begin I'm not keen on any sort of house work. When I was younger I used to take a real pride in maintaining a very high standard. I used to practically Spring clean every room each month-I must have been mad! I foolishly thought I could keep this up even when I had children but I quickly learned it was not possible.

Working full time meant I had to cram housework into the weekends and evenings. Once I retired I imagined that I would soon have the house neat as a new pin; however, after an initial onslaught, somehow in the three years I've been home I've come to resent spending my life clearing up after other people so all my chores are hated.

Now don't get me wrong that doesn't mean I don't do them but it is often with a bad grace. Although having said that I love it when everything is clean and tidy, sadly by the time I've put the cleaning materials away and look around there are muddles everywhere. So beware it's not only children that make a mess, elderly people are equally messy ...well they are in this house!!!!

If I had to name one thing I really dislike that would be ironing. My mother likes a lot of things ironed that I wouldn't bother to iron if it was for me. However, all the cotton things, including cotton bedding do get ironed and I usually wait until I have a full basket before I get the ironing board out.

One exception... I refuse to iron Embee's white shirts.... he complained once so I said never again. For a while he did wash his own but for many years he's taken them to the laundry. I haven't actually asked him what he intends to do now he's retired. He certainly can't say he doesn't have time or he's too tired to do them himself can he!!!!!
I'm not really going to give any cleaning tips but I will say vinegar is a good natural cleaner. I did run a series of blogs on the uses of vinegar taken from a very useful little book I have!
The photo below is my laundry basket (actually I believe it was my mother's basket and it's positively ancient) as it looks today; only one item waiting to be ironed it would be better if it were empty but I can live with this as it will be several weeks before I fill the basket and need to get the iron out!!

I'm rather hoping to pick up some good tips from everyone else and then housework might not be such a chore!!

Archives:
2009: Unusual Playmates
2008: Surprize
2007: Gale Force Winds

More Snow and more on the way!

2010-01-06T16:33:00.102Z

A good few inches of snow fell over night. I got up to have a look around 4am and it looked beautiful. By the time I got up at 8am my good neighbour, John, was out clearing the road again.

I had a chat with him when I went to get the papers, and I cleared a pathway out to the front gate. I decided to leave the back, as my blister has only just healed from the last time.

I was supposed to be driving Embee to the clinic for an eye test but the snow had drifted against the gate so my car was stuck in the yard. Another reason for not clearing the snow as I'm not keen on driving in these conditions! Embee re-arranged the appointment for next week, and to be honest I don't think he was that keen on venturing out as he's still recovering from a chest infection and he has a nasty cough.

My little bulbs were beginning to peep out but now they are covered in a cosy white blanket!

Now if it had been like this over Christmas the plant below would have been pretty!

This is a fun time for the children who don't have school but it's less fun for those trying to go to work and for the elderly who are trying to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures. My oil gauge is dropping at an alarming rate so I hope it warms up soon.

Archives:
2009: Snow
2008: Meme-7 things about me
2007: Using up Beef

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T01:16:00.002Z

Created by Dillon for his grandma (click to enlarge)

I'm very happy that Beccy and the family are here helping us celebrate the New Year. I'm feeling very mellow after a few glasses of champagne.

My daughter, Sam is still in Fiji and I send my love to her and Fred. I know they are having a good time in the sun, but will be heading for home quite soon.

I wish all my blogging friends and their families, a very Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Best wishes
Chris x

Archives:
2009: Happy New Year 2009
2008: Happy New Year
2007: Hello and Goodbye

The Day After!

2009-12-26T13:32:00.059Z

We spent a very quiet Christmas Day, it did seem very strange sitting down to lunch without Beccy and the family. I had a text from Sam so I know she arrived safely in Fiji.

Now I have a new problem to concentrate on. For the past week I have been storing my vegetable down in my cellar which is fairly cool. I went down to get some today and noticed that the top of a cauliflower, the bottom of a parsnip and an aubergine had been nibbled. I can only think that a rat has somehow managed to get into the cellar.
I've removed everything, but now I'm worried it will creep into the house. I won't be able to get the rodent officer to call until after the holidays. It makes me feel very uncomfortable just thinking about it. I wonder if leaving the lights on would act as a deterrent! I must go and see if google can help me!

Archives:
2008: Sharing some Christmas Day Photos
2007: Boxing Day
2006: Boxing Day Traditions

Christmas Greetings to Family and Friends Across the World

2009-12-25T00:04:00.005Z

I just want to wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas. May your homes be filled with joy and laughter and I hope Father Christmas made it down all the chimneys!!
with love from
Chris and Embee xx

Archives:
2008: Christmas Greetings
2007: Christmas Day
2006: Happy Christmas

Christmas Eve I Spy

2009-12-24T16:33:00.005Z

Like everyone else I had a very busy day doing bits of last minute shopping and getting the house ready for the big day. It was a lot warmer here today and most of the snow has melted, although there was still a lot of ice on some of the pavements. As we drove up a road called Backboy Hill I noticed a huge dog sitting in the back of a tiny car.
The poor thing was surrounded by luggage and parcels. You might have to look hard to see the dog because every time we got close it turned it's head away. I felt rather sorry for it and hoped that the driver of the car was close to her destination.

Today Sam is travelling to Fiji for her Christmas break and I hope she has a wonderful time. I was able to have a little chat to her as we won't be able to speak tomorrow.

Better get back to wrapping a few more presents.

Archives:
2008: Let Fun Begin
2007: Christmas Eve Police Spy
2006: Christmas Eve One day to go

Witty Wednesday # 122 + Surprise Surprise My Secret Revealed!!!!

2009-12-23T14:30:00.006Z

.

As it's almost Christmas I thought I'd share the Health and Safety guide to 'Festive Songs sent to me by Daffy

HSE Guidance - the singing of 'Festive Songs'

The Rocking Song

Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir;
We will lend a coat of fur,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you:

Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative.
Please note: only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus.
Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences.

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow -
In a one horse open sleigh,
O'er the fields we go -
Laughing all the way

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered Safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields.
To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

While Shepherds Watched

While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around ...

The union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches Health and Safety Regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via CCTV cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.
Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his /her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows ...

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

Little Donkey

Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road;
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load ...

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an
infringement of his equine rights.

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar -
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star ...

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher. We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will Require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.

*********************************

You might remember this post. All your guesses made me laugh not quite sure where all the pregnancy ideas came from !!!!!

WELL ALL CAN NOW BE REVEALED

I was a bit sad to see this little car go it has served me well for nearly 13 years but the government have been putting money into a replacement scheme for cars over 10 years of age. The VAT tax has been reduced by 2.5% and is going back up in the new year so I felt that I had to take advantage of a pretty good deal. Oh and my annual Road Tax will drop to £35, I will get better mileage per gallon and no MOT testing for 3 years; so a bit more saving there. I know this is nowhere near the cost of the car but having adjustable front seats and extra doors will make it easier for my mother and any other passengers.

There are a few features that I will miss such as foot rest and boot opener from inside the car, but I can live with this.

I did not have a lot of choice on colour, I didn't want silver and I didn't like the grey so that left me with Black, I wonder how many times I will go around the car park looking for my old car!!!!

Archives:
2008: Waiting for Christmas
2007: Countdown Panic
2006: Two Days and Counting

Some more snow photos

2009-12-22T23:27:00.057Z

My daughter Sam wanted to see some more snow photos. I don't think this is what she really means but I took a few more around the house.

I thought these looked just like crowns.

It might not look very deep but it had drifted against the gate.

The blueberry plants look very forlorn!

An early morning shot of the front garden while it was still dark.

I won't be using the washing line for a while!

Nor do I think we'll be sitting out any time soon!

It took me ages to clear a path to the gate but I'm glad I made the effort as I was able to drive my car today. I'm less pleased about the huge raw area on the palm of my right hand where a blister burst!

Archives:
2008: Look at My Belly Flops
2007: Winter Solstice
2006: Last Celebration Meal

Fun Monday # 148 What's in the Christmas mail!

2009-12-21T12:36:00.121Z

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date! The snow we had last night had to be cleared and it took me about three hours and I now have backache so I'm glad to be sitting down and taking a rest. Oh and today is the Winter Solstice so it's the shortest and darkest day of the year. Roll on the lighter evenings not that we'll notice it for a couple of months!

Right down to FM.

Today Faye is our hostess and she says:

Your assignment, should you decide to play, is to share some of your favorite holiday mail that you've received this year. Possible categories:

Best All Around Card

Most Meaningful Message

Best Kid/Pet Holiday Photo

Best Family Newsletter

Most Humorous Card

As it's Christmas this is what I'm going to concentrate on...
For the best kid picture I've chosen this one of my youngest grandson. I pinched it from Beccy who posted it on facebook and I thought it would make a perfect Christmas Greeting. I just love the expression on his face!

Although I get news letters from friends I don't get any family newsletters; however, I do get some hand made cards which I love...

Ben made me smile...look what he has written in his card....now when I was staying with them last month he actually told me he wanted to stay in Dublin for Christmas and he's got his wish as his dad has some work commitments and they can't come until 28th. I think this might count as a meaningful message!

The other card I'm going to show came from my blogging buddy Daffy I love her blog and she supplies me with a lot of my material for my Witty Wednesday posts (not that I can share everything she sends ;))

I was thrilled to get this card so thank you very much Daffy.

Well that's all I can come up with today. I'll come visiting soon.

Archives:
2008: Winter Solstice
2007: Christmas Greetings
2006: Winter Solstice

It's snowing

2009-12-20T23:26:00.018Z

I saw on Facebook that less than an hour ago my niece's daughter had commented that it was snowing. She lives less than 2 miles from me so when I looked out of the window this is what I saw. So instead of going to bed I had to try taking a couple of photos.

Not very good but hopefully I'll get more tomorrow in daylight.

Archives:
2008: Music for Granny
2007: Hand Art
2006: Menu for Hope -3

Not exactly Turtle Doves

2009-12-19T23:41:00.001Z

Saw these two sitting in the morning sun.

Archives:
2008: Forlorn Friday
2007: Witty Wednesday-30
2006: I'm losing the plot

My brother's new home

2009-12-17T20:46:00.046Z

On Monday I took my mother to see my brother's new bungalow, my sister-in-law is brilliant, she has already started decorating one of the bedrooms and they were very well organised considering they haven't been there very long. My brother has started to cut back some of the trees and he has plans for the terraced garden, come the spring.

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-77
2007: Fun Monday-46 + Menu for Hope 4th Year
2006: Catching Up

Witty Wednesday # 121 Maxine Cartoons

2009-12-16T22:09:00.036Z

A few more Maxine cartoons from Daffy

Ha ha I can relate to these!!!!!

Archives:
2007: Evening to Remember
2007: Silent Sunday
2007: None

Clumsy me!

2009-12-15T21:50:00.009Z

I had a little mishap this week and broke the lid of the egg container. I've had this for about 22 years so I'm rather sad.

Now I'm wondering what sort of replacement to get. I think I might need to wait until the January sales!

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-95 Random Acts of Kindness
2007: Cool Award
2006: None

Can you guess my secret???

2009-12-13T10:47:00.021Z

I've got a secret that will be revealed within the next couple of weeks. I'm not giving away any prizes but have a guess!

Archives:
2007: Saturday Squirrels
2007: Ubuntu in Napa
2007: Celebration

What Happened to ' Rocky'.

2009-12-12T10:42:00.000Z

Does anyone remember this post. Probably not as it was written back in 2008! The last picture I showed you was of Rocky and it was sponsored by Hydrock the company Embee has worked for during the past 13 years. Sadly, or not, depending how you view it, this pig along with a few others did not reach the reserve price when they were being auctioned for charity. So for the past year it has been sitting in one of the buildings on the work site. OK it's not one of the prettiest pigs but it's quite interesting and kind of cute, dressed in his miner safety helmet and with a Bath Stone Building on his back. The significance of this is the reason the company were working in the area

Back in 2007 we were taken down into the mines and this was the picture taken at the time. So guys you have been where no one else will ever walk again. The bats will be the only creatures to frequent the mines. All the tunnels are now filled with concrete making it safe for all the buildings above.

I was concerned that with everything closing down the pig would somehow vanish along the way when the site was being cleared and I wondered how much the boss would accept for us to buy the pig and give him a good home. I sort of knew it might be beyond our pocket especially as Embee was finally retiring. Anyway on Friday what arrived home in the back of his car...yes you're right the pig! The boss had very kindly given it to Embee.
Thank you very much Brian, we appreciate the gift and, as I'm sure you are aware, Embee has been very happy working for you and he's delighted to have been able to see the project successfully completed.

As for the pig at the moment it's living in the cellar but I'm hoping that my eldest grandson might use his artistic talent to add a little more decoration. If he does I'll let you know.

Archives:
2008: Three Ladies who Lunched
2007: Witty Wednesday-29
2006: Anxiety

Made with love!

2009-12-11T18:23:00.010Z

Sam made her granny a necklace for her birthday and it arrived yesterday.

These photos don't do it justice. It's a very pretty little pink heart with a chain of little silver, pink, blue and gold beads with a magnetic clasp to make it easier for my mother to secure.

Archives:
2008: Secret Ornament Swap
2007: My secret ornament surprise
2006: Well done Sainsburys

A December Sky 2009

2009-12-10T22:16:00.020Z

As I went outside to put the recycling for collection on Tuesday morning at around 7am the sky was looking very pretty. I rushed back inside to get the camera, and hoped the neighbours wouldn't think I was mad if they saw me outside in my PJ's on a cold December morning.

It didn't last within an hour the sky was cloudy and we had some rain!

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-76
2007: Fun Monday-45
2006: Lunch a la barbara (winosandfoodies)

Witty Wednesday # 120

2009-12-09T09:24:00.009Z

I purloined these from Peter

It's Raining, It's Pouring
Oh sh!t, it's Global Warming.

Jack and Jill went into town
To fetch some chips and sweeties.
He can't keep his heart rate down
And she's got diabetes.

Mary had a little lamb
Her father shot it dead.
Now it goes to school with her
Between two chunks of bread.

Mary had a little lamb
It ran into a pylon.
10,000 volts went up its @rse
And turned its wool to nylon.
**************************

Thanks to Daffy for Maxine

Archives:
2008: Fun Christmas Meme
2007: I'm not singing in the rain
2006: Mijas

Another Happy Birthday

2009-12-08T13:06:00.001Z

Today my mother celebrates her 86th Birthday, she had a lovely lot of gifts to open and I was trying to get a picture of the pretty hair slide that Beccy sent. As you can see I didn't do a very good job! Beccy it was a perfect colour match for what she was wearing today.

Archives:
2008: Happy Birthday to my Mother on Fun Monday-94
2007: My Mother is Celebrating her Birthday
2006: Birthday Girl

Fun Monday # 146 Worst Christmas Songs

2009-12-07T20:01:00.001Z

This week Cynicalgirl has set us this task as she asks:

What Christmas (or other holiday) song would you prefer never to hear again, and why? It could be one song in particular, or songs by a certain singer, or a version of a song you usually enjoy that grates on your nerves.

The first and probably only song that came to my mind is Madonna's 'Santa Baby'

Sorry if you like this one but it's a big NO NO from me!

Archives:
2008: Visitors on Two Wheels
2007: What's Not Fare!!
2006: Ronda

Christmas Ornament Swap 2009

2009-12-06T23:57:00.069Z

I have been very remiss in getting this post up. The main reason being that I"m trying to shake off a nasty virus and have not been well for almost a week now. Emma a blogging buddy organised a Christmas Ornament swap and I eagerly joined in as I've enjoyed adding new ornaments to my tree in similar swaps for the past couple of years.
When I returned from visiting my daughter and the grandchildren I had a card from the Royal Mail to go and pick up a package and I guessed it might be my ornament.
Imagine my delight when I found this lovely little snowman ornament in my package.

I also had a lovely letter from Jennifer, who is actually a friend of Emma's in Edmonton in Canada. Jennifer said that she had chosen the ornament in a store in Newfoundland and although she had no idea of my colour scheme, she made a perfect choice because many of my ornaments are red and gold.
I don't put my tree up until much closer to Christmas so I took the ornament into my back yard and hung it on the Bay tree to get this picture.

A big thank you to Jennifer for her lovely gift and letter; and I also want to thank Emma for organising the exchange as it's such fun to get a surprise in the post and I now have another memory on the tree.

Archives:
2008: Sending Hugs Across the World
2007: Memories of my first thanksgiving
2006: Gibraltar (The Rock)

Fun Monday # 145 The season for giving

2009-11-30T17:13:00.029Z

This week Sayre asks:

How will you express your inner-Giver this season? Do you donate to a major charity? Do you serve food in a soup kitchen? Is your generosity something private that you do without recognition or do you hand the guy on the corner a dollar whenever you drive by?

Not only do I want to know what you do, but how you do it, why you do it, and a story about your activity and how it made you feel.

I have always thought that charitable acts are not really something I would talk about. Then I realised that I have blogged about 'Race for Life" which I participated in for the past three years year. This is to fund raise for cancer research.

For a couple of years now I have been supporting 'Operation Christmas Child' which is an initiative of Samaritan's Purse. It's all about packing shoe boxes with gifts for a child. I collect items all the year round, it's very easy to go down the aisles in the supermarket and pop something into the trolley each week. It's amazing how quickly you gather up the small toys and craft items. For example, soft toys, crayons, paper, pencil cases, that will make a child happy; as well as much needed things like toiletries. It's often more difficult to get the actual shoe boxes! I probably get as much fun collecting things as the children do opening their presents.

Every Christmas we give a couple of sort toys to a charity Embee supports providing gifts for children who, with their mothers, are in refuges after suffering domestic violence.

I have a small box that I use to collect coppers and when it's full I send it off to the Life Boat Association. It's not much in monetary terms but every little helps.

I always sponsor my three grandchildren when they are raising funds for different charities.

Then I tend to give to all the local collections often outside the supermarket or the ones that come knocking at the door. Having been a volunteer collector in the past I know it's not an easy task.

I'm very late getting this post published, even though I started it on Monday, so as I'm not on the FM list I realise none of the regulars are likely to read it. I'll try and do better next week!

Archives:
2008: Corfu-6 Vidos Island Part 1
2007: Twin Peaks at Sunset
2006: None

Now we are nine!

2009-11-29T18:34:00.013Z

Just thought I would share my grandson playing with the present he had from his parents. Sam listen carefully to what he says!

Archives:
2008: Marmite is Spreading
2007: Homeward Bound
2006: None

A Birthday Boy

2009-11-26T06:57:00.003Z

Now I wonder who this is trying on some winter warmers!

You probably guessed that it's my youngest grandson and today he's celebrating his 9th Birthday.

He is always very reluctant to let me take a photo, but yesterday evening his mother had to attend a meeting and I was left in charge at home. So after a bath and hair wash, which he does himself, I managed to snap this picture just before he got into bed. For once he went straight to sleep, instead of finding reasons to come back downstairs. He thought today would come more quickly if he went to sleep early!

Happy Birthday Ben
I hope that you are going to enjoy your special day
Lots of Love Grandma xxx

I would also like to wish all my blogging friends a very Happy Thanksgiving

and

I also hope Sam and Fred enjoy their weekend in Las Vagas.

Archives:
2008: Now we are eight
2007: Birthday Boy Ben
2006: Happy Birthday Ben

Post from Dublin: Avoca Handweavers

2009-11-25T23:50:00.001Z

Today Beccy and I decided to take a trip to Avoca Handweavers to have a look around the shop and visit their cafe where we had the most delicious hot chocolate.
In the picture below Beccy is posting to Flook on her new iphone!

A not very good picture of the entrance

A random shot in one area of the store.

I noticed this cute little sheep under one of the tables.

Beccy did a little shopping, and as we walked back to the car I took a couple of pictures of a little stream that looked quite pretty.

Archives:
2008: Getting Worried
2007: Postcard from San Francisco-5
2006: None

Fun Monday # 144 Thankful

2009-11-23T11:52:00.099Z

Our hostess this week is Wendishness and she says

I thought we could consider Thanksgiving Day which will be the following Thursday in the USA. Though I know a lot of us aren’t in the US so don’t celebrate this, it might be nice to share some of the things we are thankful for in our lives.

I haven't had much time to prepare a post this week, as I'm in Dublin, but I am thankful for many things in my life.
It will be of no surprise that the most important thing in my life is my family.
I'm so thankful to have a close and loving family who are willing to support each other. Many of you will know that Sam and Fred, flew all the way to Dublin from the USA just to be with us for the weekend. This was arranged by Beccy's husband. I'm very thankful he can cheerfully put with me as a mother-in-law! I'm also thankful to have three wonderful grandchildren who always seem pleased to see me.
I didn't really managed to take a family photo this weekend everything was so hectic but I did take one of the girls together.

I'll try and get round all your posts over the next week or so, but I don't go home until Saturday.

Archives:
2008: Did I do the wrong thing!
2007: Postcard from Stinson Beach
2006: OrganOrganic Recipes ' Little Red Goosberries' Daphne Lambertic recipes

23's

2009-11-23T10:02:00.002Z

This is for my friend Rantz who always posts 23's on the 23rd of the month. I haven't joined his group (they are all brilliant photographers) but that still doesn't stop me looking for unusual 23's; I rarely seem to find any! However when I was in Tunisia I did see this on one of the houses.....

The other 23 is also a puzzle. I saw this singer being interview on TV the other evening and my eyes kept getting drawn to the tattooo on his wrist as part of it was 23. I just had to take a picture.

No prizes for naming the singer! Do you recognise him??

Beccy's Big Birthday

2009-11-21T11:48:00.016Z

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY BECCY

LOTS OF LOVE XXXXXX

Archives:
2008: Happy Birthday to my baby
2007: Beccy's Birthday
2006: Hidden Talents

Surprise Surprise

2009-11-20T11:43:00.065Z

This morning we were waiting in, supposedly, for a package that was arriving from Sam before 10.30am. When the doorbell rang at 10.42am, Beccy answered the door and shrieked "what are you doing here" and guess who was standing on the door step? It was Sam and Fred who had travelled all the way from San Francisco to spend the weekend with us. My son-in-law had done all the arranging and unbeknown to us had taken the day off work to collect them from the airport.

It was the best of surprises as you can imagine.

Archives:
2008: Am I the oldest swinger in town!
2007: San Francisco here I come!
2006: Goodbye Dublin

On my travels again!!

2009-11-19T11:42:00.001Z

This evening I'm leaving this to spend about 9 days with Beccy and the family in Dublin. We will be celebrating a couple of birthdays while I'm there (more of that later).
I am taking my laptop so I might manage to write a couple of postcards to let Sam, Embee, my mother and you, my blog friends, know how we're doing.
The only problem being there is a weather warning for high winds, so hope this doesn't affect flights! I was in Dublin around this time last year and, if any of you remember, we were grounded by snow. So please keep your fingers crossed that I have a safe journey. Thank you x

Archives:
2007: Witty Wednesday-73
2007: Fun Monday-42
2007: None

Witty Wednesday # 119 Brooms and Playing Hookey

2009-11-18T17:00:00.002Z

It seems ages since I published a WW post and I don't think anyone has really noticed. This one came from my friend Daffy

Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, 'I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!'

'IMPOSSIBLE !' said the groom broom.

'WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!'

Sounds to me like she's ........been ....sweeping around!!!

OK I can see you groaning.
*******************************
So how about this one from Pamela.......

Three employees who work in the same office notice that their boss has started leaving work early every day. One day they decide that after he leaves, they'll take off early, too. After all, he never calls or comes back, so how will he know?

The 1st was thrilled to get home early. he does a little gardening, watches a movie and then goes to bed early.
The 2nd is excited to be able to get in a quick workout at her health club before meeting a dinner date.
The 3rd is also very happy to be home early, but as he goes upstairs he hears noises coming from his bedroom. he quietly opens the door a crack and is mortified to see his wife in bed with HIS BOSS! Ever so gently, he closes the door and creeps out of his house.

The next day, the other two talk about leaving early again, but when they ask the 3rd if he wants to leave early also, he exclaims, "NO WAY! Yesterday I almost got caught!"

Hope you are smiling!

Archives:
2008: Cheesy Vegetable Hotpot
2007: Ladies Lunching Organic
2006: At the end of the day

Tunisia # 11 Desert Rose

2009-11-17T22:35:00.025Z

A piece of Desert Rose

I carried this lump of mineral back from Tunisia.

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-91 Jewellery
2007: New Office Junior
2006: Diabetic Food Blogs

Fun Monday # 143 My Oldest possession

2009-11-16T16:23:00.104Z

This week Ari is hosting and she asks this question:

What is the oldest possession in your house or flat? Describe it or show us a picture. Where did it come from? Why do you hang on to it?

I thought this one was going to be easy but actually it wasn't because although I have a few things that could be classed as antique, (including Embee LOL), I don't have dates for all these items.

So I'm just going to show you a couple of things:

I know I've mentioed in a previous FM post that we live in a Victorian house that was built in 1851 and we found this hay basket in the cellars. It was probably for the horses that used to live in the stable attached to the rear of the house.

Below is a half sovereign dated 1898 it belonged to my father and was given to me on my 21st birthday.

Below is one of a pair of Victorian ornaments. Sadly the other one fell from a shelf and got damaged and I've never had it repaired (actually not sure it can be repaired) and of course the value would have been in the pair). Originally these belonged to my grandmother and I don't know the date.

The Bristol Blue bowl belonged to EmBee's mother and he understands it to be from 1875.

The collection below is of two ginger jars (Crown Derby) and one of two large ornamental jugs; I have no idea of the dates but I guess 1800's

I really don't know if these are the oldest items I have but I think you've probably seen enough. The reason I keep them is because they belonged to family members who loved them as much as I do.

Sorry I'm a bit late getting this post published. Looking forward to seeing your treasures.

Archives:
2008: Holiday Reunion
2007: Secret Ornament Exchange
2006: Coffee with Clare

The work of a fox maybe!!!

2009-11-15T18:52:00.017Z

Now if you're squeamish don't look any further. Today we have found another decapitated hedgehog left on our front lawn. Last week I found one on our back lawn, and we are wondering if this is the work of an urban fox. There was also quite a large hole dug in the border under a bush. My friend (the one with the chickens) says that her neighbour had three ducks killed in a similar fashion and the bodies just left. I just hope that we don't find any more I rather like the hedgehogs even if they are flea ridden!

P.S. Talking to my brother he wondered if the culprit might be a rat; however I've seen no evidence of rats. What do you think!

Archives:
2008: None
2007: My plants don't know it's winter
2006: None

An afternoon sky

2009-11-13T22:50:00.001Z

Taken last week during the afternoon

Archives:
2008: Thurday Thoughts
2007: Spicy Pumpkin Soup
2006: None

My mother loves her new coat

2009-11-12T21:15:00.055Z

On Tuesday I took my mother shopping to buy a warm jacket for the winter. We did eventually find a warm padded jacket and she decided to wear it out the next day.

It was quite expensive, and when I came downstairs that morning my mother was in a panic because she thought she had spent too much money and as she put it 'be in trouble with the bank'. Everything was fine but I've now tried to convince her to write everything down when she does telephone ordering so that we can keep a record.

Here she is posing for a photo.

I teased her and called her "Michelin Man" do you remember the advert for the tires.

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-72
2007: Fun Monday-41
2006: Oliver

The world remembers

2009-11-11T11:11:00.052Z

At 11.11 this morning The Queen led the two minute silence at Westminster Abbey

Armistace Day

Archives:
2008: Give these a try
2007: Armistice day Remembrance Sunday
2006: Saturday Saunter

Tunisia # 10 Sahara Desert (part 2)

2009-11-10T22:58:00.016Z

We headed out into the desert, some riding camels and the rest of us in our horse drawn 'carriages'.

In the distance we could see ruined buildings and a few palm trees and that was where we were headed.

As we got closer to the palm trees we saw a herd of goats appearing out of the sand dunes.

I'm not quite sure what they find to eat but they looked in good condition.

I think I imagined that we would see sand dunes that were much higher, but that was to come later in the day when we visited Nefta and Ong Jemel.

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-90 We must never forget
2007: PFriendship Award
2006: Traditional Champ

Fun Monday # 142 Another day in my life

2009-11-09T16:37:00.061Z

When I saw the topic Grace chose for this week, I went back to look at the first time I wrote about my day. This was not long after Fun Monday started, week 9 to be precise. As I read through the post it made me laugh because today was very similar to my Monday way back on March 19th 2007 A day in my life or my life in a day. I lead a very dull, day-to-day existence....

For example, this morning I got up and showered really early, well that is if you call 6am early, remember I am supposed to be retired!

The reason I was getting up earlier than usual was because I had an appointment with my Doctor at 9am and I wasn't too sure how long it would take me to get there given the early morning traffic (if I'd been energetic I could actually have walked there and back as it's only about a 2 mile round trip but I'm lazy and the reason I was going is because I have a problem with my foot and it's painful to walk).

Also before I set out I had to do a few household chores, have breakfast, check my emails and check out my farm and cafe (on Facebook). I was home by 10am, walked to local shop to collect the daily newspaper and then it was coffee time as I listened to a music quiz on the radio.

I then had to drive to the Council Offices in Thornbury to make a delivery, this took me another hour (17 mile round trip), on the way back I went to the bank and Post office for Embee, and then on to the supermarket to do the grocery shop for my mother as well as ours.

Oh just remembered, I deposited some things for recycling in the containers at the supermarket.

I really don't like shopping over the lunch hour, it's far too busy, the queues at the deli and fresh produce counters are long and getting through the checkout takes ages. I finally got home just before 2pm, unpacked the groceries (not my favourite job), my mother likes to do her own and she is so slow, so by the time I made myself some lunch it was 3pm.

I ate my lunch at the computer, then did a bit of tidying up, vacuuming and mopping floors, sorting laundry and it was then time to think about dinner for Embee (actually knowing I had a busy day coming I prepared a pasta dish yesterday). He always comes home from work and is starving.

I try to sit down and watch a couple of 'soaps' on TV around 6pm and my evenings are taken up reading the paper, doing the crossword, a couple of on line quizzes, reading blogs, plurking and facebook. I usually read in bed before settling down and often don't turn the light off until around midnight.

Tomorrow will be a slight variation. I have to take my mother to the hairdressers and then I have to take her clothes shopping, that will be quite an ordeal! Oh and I have to fit in a visit to the local hospital to have an x-ray on my foot. And so it goes on and on...........

yesterday I put the tortoises into their boxes for their winter hibernation and they are now safely on a shelf, in the garage, where they will stay until around the end of February. I think I'd like to hibernate, or better still move to a warm climate until the spring. Instead I have 10 days in the Emerald Isle coming up soon and as I'll be with Beccy and the grandchildren the weather won't matter.

Well that's it for today folks. I'm now off to me bed to read, I'll catch up with you all tomorrow.

Archives:

2008: Armistice Day-Remembrance Sunday
2007: How to survive a heart attack alone
2006: Recycling

In Remembrance

2009-11-08T11:11:00.042Z

Today throughout the country there have been services to remember all those brave, men and women, who have lost their lives in the many conflicts of the last century.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

Archives:
2008: Silent Saturday
2007: Ladies Lunching
2006: Get that car clean...

Tunisia # 9 Sahara Desert (part 1)

2009-11-07T22:21:00.095Z

Douz,is the largest of the oases in western Tunisia and driving through it looked quite shabby. It was from here that we were going to get our experience of the Sahara Desert. It was all geared for the tourists and very contrived, however you could still imagine what it must have been like for the early camel trains crossing the desert.
When you go out into the desert you really do need to dress for the occasion.

It seemed a bit of fun but when the wind whipped up a bit of a dust storm we were very glad to be dressed appropriately!

I was very tempted to take in the view riding on a camel, but decided my back might not like the experience.

I know I've already shown you a close up, but camels really do have the sweetest faces and these were very well behaved-no spitting or kicking.

So this is how Anna and I got out into the desert.

In places it was quite a bumpy ride, but the driver stopped frequently to let us take pictures and I'll show you some of these tomorrow.

Archives:
2008: Whats happening today!
2007: Witty Wednesday-26
2006: Sams Toulouse Sausage, Bacon and Green Lentils

Tunisia # 8 A trip to a desert oasis (Chebika part 2)

2009-11-06T11:25:00.001Z

Chebika is a small mountain oasis town surrounded by a dry and arid desert region, just north of the salt lakes or Chotts. It is said to the least famous of these oasis towns yet it's quite spectacular with its rugged rocks and steep-sided ravines. Having driven through houses we arrived below....

After walking through 'the obligatory shopping area' the visitor begins to get a view of the area.

There are two routes to reach the base of the ravine, the most difficult being up the terraces between the rock and then down, the easy route is a winding path down. Guess which route I took!!

The more difficult route (actually it wasn't too bad and you could climb at your own pace) gave some great views. Below parts of the ruined village.

Looking across to the mountains.

The Holyman's retreat.

Looking back...

Hmm will I squeeze through that gap and I wonder what's on the other side...

Looking down into the ravine, it is actually a deeper drop than it looks in this picture.

A closer look at the mountains.

At the bottom of the steep climb down (there were some steps).

This is where you find a pool of water.

In the mud at the edge of the pool were hundreds (well maybe dozens) of these little fellows.

Looking back up from where we came (what can you see carved in the rocks??). For some reason I didn't take a close up, silly me!

We followed the stream, and yes it was narrow in places and you had to negotiate stepping stones, but I managed it without getting my feet wet.

We passed a very pretty little waterfall.

Then it was back to where we started.

Archives:
2008: Meme-6 things about moi and awards
2007: Fungi Forage
2006: Echo Lake

Look what I won!

2009-11-05T22:17:00.000Z

I had a lovely surprise today when a parcel arrived from Karisma. You can see below that it was a T-shirt and I must confess I'd forgotten I'd won it in a draw for commenting on one of Karisma's posts.

I will be taking it to Dublin when I go in a couple of weeks time and I'm sure it will fit one of my grandsons. If necessary I'll have to toss a coin!

So thank you very much Karisma it will be going to a good home x

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-71
2007: Fun Monday-40 Holiday Traditions
2006: Beautiful Sunset

Witty Wednesday # 118

2009-11-04T16:53:00.001Z

I borrowed this one from my plurking friend MysticFirefly

(click to enlarge)

Not really feeling jovial today, having attended the funeral of an ex-colleague and friend.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Introduction to Yield Wine Bar
2006: How I got my dose of exercise

Tunisia # 7 A trip into the desert (part1)

2009-11-03T16:30:00.009Z

On day three of our holiday we headed out into the desert in a four-wheel drive vehicle. We were visiting the mountain oases of Tamerza and Chebika
Tamerza is the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia, known as Ad Turres by the Romans. It has a pleasant canyon and has an abandoned old town. The town was abandoned after the river flooded for 22 days in 1969. It is located north of the salt lakes and receives fresh water from the nearby hills. It is in the hill country near the border with Algeria.

The first couple of pictures are quite close to where we saw the camels crossing the road.

We passed a lot of derelict buildings along the road.
We then began to see the mountains.

Below you might be able to see how the road winds up into the mountains.

We then stopped to get the views back down into the valley.

>
Surrounded by mountains.

Of course there were a few stalls where we stopped.

Oh and a toilet block! Do you wonder what I was looking at lurking behind the toilets, I'm always nosey!

I couldn't believe my eyes. It was the last thing one expected to see in a remote area of Tunisia!

I now rather regret not buying one of these scarves they were perfect for protecting you against the sun and more importantly the dust.

u>Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-89 Remind me why I blog!
2007: Kernewek Teapot
2006: Frosty Friday

Tunisia # 6 Tozeur an oasis

2009-11-02T22:41:00.051Z

Tozeur is an oasis town on the edge of the Sahara, we only spent a couple of nights here, we arrived late afternoon and this is my first view of the pool at our hotel. I managed to fit in a swim the following afternoon. In fact one of the things that we found frustrating was there was never enough time to use all the facilities in the hotel, because of the planned visits.

Our first morning was spent taking a carriage ride into the oasis. It was interesting to see dates, bananas and pomegranates growing, but it was pretty obvious this was another money making venture for the locals. It was very small scale compared to the hugely productive business where most of countryside is covered in olive and palm trees. We drove for hours and that was all you could see on either side of the road.

The young lad gave a demonstration of how they climbed the trees bared footed.

The bananas grown here are much smaller than the ones from other parts of the world and they are not as sweet.

We did get pomegranate in the hotels.

I have never really been fond of dates but these small fresh dates are so delicious I was eating a few every day and I brought some home. We were told that in the fridge they would last until Christmas but I don't somehow think ours will be around that long. In fact there are only a few left!

Archives:
2008: Ben's Tune
2007: New Awards for Moi
2006: Window Repairs

Tunisia # 5 Kairouan cont.

2009-11-01T17:53:00.083Z

The Aghlabid Pools
To the north of the Kasbah in Kairouan, are the Aghlabid Basins which were built in the 9th century and restored 1969. These two pools (originally there were more) stored water for the Aghlabid palace which occupied the site of the present-day cemetery. The water was brought by an aqueduct from Djebel Cherichera, (22 miles) away. The smaller basin was a settling tank, from which the water flowed into the larger one which had a capacity of about 11 million gallons. In the center of the larger pool is the base of a pavilion in which the Aghlabid rulers used to relax (not actually this one).

Below thew Islamic cemetary.

We didn't have very long to explore the medina but explored a couple of the narrow streets just inside the walls of the city.

Barber shops were busy, giving customers an extra close shave and were open to the street as you can see from the photo below.

Below 'hubble bubble pipes' for sale, alongside some hats and clothes.

See how close the houses are built.

Below a spice stall.

It was interesting to see the local people out buying from the stalls.

The pottery was very colourful and we would have loved to bring back a Tagine because they were really inexpensive but quite bulky for the suitcase.

Another carpet shop, but not the one we actually visited.

Archives:
2008: Hokey Pokey
2007: I might be in trouble
2006: Curried Pumpkin Soup

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T17:39:00.019Z

Archives:
2008: Happy Halloween
2007: Witty Wednesday-25
2006: Halloween

Tunisia # 4 Visiting a Carpet Shop

2009-10-30T22:13:00.059Z

If one had wanted a hand made carpet you could certainly have picked one up a lot less expensive than you would find them in the shops at home.

There were plenty of different sizes, colours and designs on show.

Below the lady weaving this carpet is working from behind and she has the pattern in her head, which is amazing when you look at the intricate patterns being produced.

I don't think anyone in our party actually bought a carpet. We were speculating on what the families were actually paid to produce these carpets, and decided it was probably very little for the hours of work involved in producing the finished item.

Archives:
2008: I'm home from the Emerald Isle
2007: London Bridges
2006: Making the most of my bramleys

Tunisia # 3 Camels Crossing!

2009-10-28T23:00:00.024Z

When we travelled in a 4x4 into the desert, we passed a few places where they had signs for Camels crossing. We had a maniac of a driver so I wasn't able to get a picture of the signs. However he did actually stop to let camels cross the road and I did manage to get some photos.

Just look at the face above. It's like he knows he's holding up the traffic and loving it!

They wanted to get at the water.

The baby camel was so cute.

Archives:
2008: Postcard from Dublin-3 Orphans
2007: Summertime Ends
2006: It's not my birthday!

Tunisia # 2 Great Mosque of Kairouan

2009-10-27T22:39:00.000Z

We arrived in Tunis at dusk and the sun was just setting as we boarded the coach and left the airport to head to our hotel at Gammarth.

The following day we were up early to travel to Kairouan. Everywhere we went we had to pay to take photos, it was only 50 pence for each place but over a week this mounted up. The flag was on the top of one of the ticket offices, where we climbed up to look at the view.

First we visited the Great Mosque of Kairouan (Mosque of Uqba). Erected on the site of the first Islamic oratory built in the Maghreb by ‘Uqba ibn Nafi, the Great Mosque of Kairouan was later renovated by Hassan ibn Nu’man before being entirely rebuilt by the Aghlabid prince Ziyadat Allah I.
It is the oldest and most prestigious place of worship in the Muslim West, and was used as the architectural model for most of the mosques built in Ifriqiya before the arrival of the Ottomans. With its variety of forms and the wealth of its decorative repertoire, which combines Byzantine and Mesopotamian influences, it embodies most facets of the Kairouanese school.

These pictures show the massive minaret of the mosque (8th-9th century). You can just see the sundial in the courtyard.

Below the facade of the prayer hall.

Below The Prayer Hall.

Below you can see the magnificent Chandeliers in the central nave of the prayer hall (we were not allowed inside but could look from the door). Women have a separate entrance and have their own area at the rear of the mosque.

Colonnade abutting the prayer hall (not sure if you can see the bike that was parked by one of the pillars.

Arches in a gallery below.

Beautiful wooden doors at the entrance to the prayer hall.

Below the rainwater collector.

School children were visiting and they were very friendly and wanted their pictures taken.

Archives:
2008: Postcard from Dublin-2
2007: Childhood Book
2006: Do you serve cocktails

Fun Monday # 140 Not a pretty sight

2009-10-26T21:00:00.031Z

Our hostess this week is Gattina and she wants to see.....

What we are wearing when we get out of your bed on a Sunday morning. Of course she wants to see a picture of what we wear, with us inside or not.

There was no way you were going to see me first thing in the morning in my 'jim-jams/p-j's' so I had to find another model. Probably not a very clear photo as it was still fairly dark when I got up and I took this on my phone camera for speed.
By the way I'm not really someone who normally wears pale pink but I got these reduced in a sale and there was no colour choice. I rarely get showered and dressed until I've had breakfast, read my emails, plurked and done my farming. As it's getting cooler I would probably wear a dressing gown over the top.

Archives:
2008: Postcard from Dublin
2007: I-spy
2006: Post title

Tunisia # 1 Where am I ?

2009-10-25T10:17:00.041Z

Having just returned from my trip to Tunisia I somehow think it might take me a while to look at and edit the 685 pictures I have just downloaded from my camera.
So, as a taster, I thought I would let you guess where I had this taken.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Open Letter to guest next door
2006: Cape Cod

So much to do and so little time

2009-10-15T09:23:00.058+01:00

My bags are almost packed, as tomorrow, I'm off to Tunisia for a week. This is another sight-seeing trip rather than a relaxing by the pool type holiday. We have a lot to pack into eight days and I hope to take a few photos to share with you when I get back.
I need to do some deep breathing and relax, because I still have lots to do before I can go to bed. I think I know just the thing to help me...this song by Susan Boyle

See you all when I get back.

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-68
2007: Fun Monday-37
2006: None

Witty Wednesday # 117

2009-10-14T07:00:00.013+01:00

I borrowed this from Grannymar
PARROT TALK
A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, ‘Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, but they only know how to say one thing.’ 
‘What do they say?’ the priest inquired. 
They say, ‘Hi, we’re hookers! Do you want to have some fun?’ 
That’s obscene!’ the priest exclaimed d, Then he thought for a moment.
‘You know,’ he said, ‘I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we’ll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter. 
My parrots can teach your parrots to praise and worship, and your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase in no time.’ Thank you,’ the woman responded, ‘This may very well be the solution.’
The next day, she brought her female parrots to the priest’s house.

As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. Impressed, she walked over and placed her parrots in with them. After a few minutes, the female parrots cried out in unison: ‘Hi, we’re hookers! Do you want to have some fun?’
There was stunned silence. Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and exclaimed, ‘Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!’
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Now what is Embee thinking about sending me this!

Guess The Nationality

American?
Brazilian?
Swiss?
Spanish?
French?
Italian?

All wrong....... POLISH!!!

Don't believe it?

Okay, take a look....

So, what were you thinking?

Archives:
2008: Corfu-Kerkyra-4 Holiday Companions
2007: None
2006: None

It's ok to be different

2009-10-13T13:50:00.008+01:00

I don't know about you but I love surprises. My daughter, Beccy, has been asking me if I'd had a parcel arrive, which of course, until now, I hadn't. Today the postman knocked and I guessed it might be more than junk mail or bills.

Many of you will know (probably sick of me wittering on about it) I've recently become addicted to Farmville on Facebook. So I'm delighted with the pressie Beccy has sent me and it will become my new favourite mug for when I'm at the computer.

For those of you who are not familiar with this farming game, the black sheep is often found wandering on farms of neighbours and you can adopt them. I've managed to gather quite a few.

Now what Beccy doesn't know is, that with Christmas in the not too distant future, I'd had my eye on buying some of the items in the FV shop but she has pipped me at the post.

Anyway I love my mug so thank you very much Beccy xxxx

P.S. If anyone out there is looking for a new neighbour let me know!!!!!!!

Archives:
2008: Details of secret ornament exchange
2007: Blog action day is October 15th
2006: None

Fun Monday # 138 Gadgets

2009-10-12T00:01:00.017+01:00

This week our hostess is Wendy (as an aside I first met Wendy through plurk and she is great fun). She has chosen gadgets for the topic and she wants to know......

what gadgets we can’t live without and those we could get rid of.

My daughters often say I'm a gadget person but when I actually looked around the house wondering what to choose for this post I couldn't really see much.

So what do I use most and would just hate to be without; well it has to be the computer. I probably spend more time on this than I do on anything else. Especially as I've recently joined Facebook and got myself addicted to Farmville. Yes it was on the screen when I took the picture yesterday.

Alongside the computer my camera is the other thing I would be lost without. I almost always have it in my bag just in case I find something interesting to capture for my blog.

I haven't really come up with anything I would get rid of, what I tend to do is shove it out of sight just in case...not a good practice.
Sorry this is a bit dull and uninspiring but it's the taking part that counts.

Archives:
2008: A Sunday Drive
2007: Yolks on me
2006: Leaving on a Jet Plane

Rescued Hens

2009-10-09T20:55:00.014+01:00

About a month ago a friend of mine gave a home to four rescued hens. They have been settling into their new home, and getting used to the garden. They are being very well cared for and are clearly happy because they have been laying eggs on most days.
Sadly one is being bullied by the others, and my friend has been giving her special treatment to make up for it. This is apparently normal behaviour, to have one that is picked on by the others.
They have a hen house with a bedroom.

They quickly learned to go up the ramp to sleep.

As soon as we went out into the garden they were quickly assembling ready to be fed.

Below is the one who is bullied, but she still managed to get enough food, and her extra treats ensures she continues to thrive. Her feathers are beginning to grow back quite well so all seems well.

The hen below looks very healthy and is the main bully.

They now have an outside pen and they really enjoy scratching about on what used to be a grassed area.

Although I enjoyed seeing them I'm not being tempted to get any for myself, but I'll happily use any spare eggs. I forgot to mention my friend is actually allergic to eggs!!

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Jonny did it
2006: Tyntesfield House

National Poetry Day Heroes and Heroines

2009-10-08T15:51:00.001+01:00

Today is National Poetry Day and the theme is Heroes and Heroines. I don't know abut you but at school we had to learn a lot of poetry and try and write some. I was absolutely hopeless at this and used to hate it.

Skip a generation and when my own daughters were young they were both quite good at poetry and Sam in particular often wrote poems some I still have. This is why I think she was very good at writing slogans, for competitions, that used to win her some very good prizes.

Skip on another generation and I now have grandchildren who have written poetry for school projects. What I now realise is that this is all part of the creative process and maybe it missed out in me, although when push came to shove I did manage a few feeble attempts when I did some of the 40 or less photo challenges that Robin organised last year. This event focused on a picture and you had to write a caption or poem in 40 words or less.

I am thankful the rest of the family have a much better gift of language and poetry than I do. There are many poems that I enjoy and I wouldn't actually say I have a favourite but I will leave you with this little reminder as it seems apt, given that so many of our young men and women are fighting a futile war and they are all heroes and heroines:

IF by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Kipling is said to have written the poem 'If' with Dr Leander Starr Jameson in mind, who led about five-hundred of his countrymen in a failed raid against the Boers, in southern Africa. The 'Jameson Raid' was later considered a major factor in starting the Boer War (1899-1902).
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Now the brain is very clever so just for fun see if you can read the same poem when the words are jumbled........

The jmbleud wdros torhey datrmneeosts jsut how caalbpe the biarn is at arnboibsg mneaing far mroe qilcuky tahn msot wrietrs wuold eevr iaimnge.

And a fnail daioertomstnn of how celver yuor barin is - can you raed tihs?...

'If' by rrdayud kipilng

If you can keep yuor haed wehn all aobut you

Are lnsiog thiers and bianmlg it on you,

If you can turst yusrleof wehn all men dbout you,

But mkae alanowlce for tehir duontbig too;

If you can wiat and not be tierd by wntiaig,

Or bineg leid auobt, don't dael in leis,

Or benig htead, don't gvie way to hiatng,

And yet don't look too good, nor tlak too wsie:

If you can darem - and not mkae dmaers yuor msater,

If you can tihnk - and not mkae ttghhous yuor aim;

If you can meet wtih Tpumirh and Dtseasir

And traet thsoe two iortmspos jsut the smae;

If you can baer to haer the trtuh you've spoekn

Tesiwtd by kevnas to mkae a tarp for floos,

Or wtcah the tinhgs you gvae yuor lfie to, breokn,

And sotop and bluid 'em up wtih wron-out tolos:

If you can mkae one haep of all yuor wininngs

And rsik it all on one trun of ptich-and-tsos,

And lsoe, and sratt aiagn at yuor bniiggnens

And nveer baerth a wrod aoubt yuor lsos;

If you can froce yuor hraet and nrvee and sniew

To svree yuor trun lnog afetr tehy are gnoe,

And so hlod on wehn trehe is nhontig in you

Epxcet the Wlil whcih syas to tehm: "Hlod on!"

If you can tlak wtih crdwos and keep yuor vturie,

Or wlak wtih kngis - nor lsoe the cmmoon tcuoh,

If nheeitr feos nor liovng fdriens can hrut you,

If all men cunot wtih you, but nnoe too mcuh;

If you can flil the uigrnonvfig mnuite

Wtih stxiy snceods' wotrh of dinstace run,

Yuros is the Etrah and envyeirthg taht's in it,

And - whcih is mroe - you'll be a Man, my son!

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Fun Monday-36
2006: On a clear day

Witty Wednesday # 116

2009-10-07T06:36:00.058+01:00

I cannot remember who I borrowed this one from so my apologies for not giving you a mention. It could be one of three people and I don't want to get it wrong. If you let me know I'll add a PS.

I thought it was rather funny!
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Borrowed from Merle

"When to start cussing."

A 6 year old and a 4 year old are upstairs in their bedroom. The 6 year old asks, "You know what? I think it's about time we started cussing."
The 4 year old nods his head in approval. The 6 year old continues, "When we go downstairs for breakfast, I'm gonna say something with 'hell' and you say something with 'a*s'. The 4 year old agrees with enthusiasm.

When the mother walks into the kitchen and asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast. he replies, "Aw hell Mom, I guess I'll have some Cheerios."

WHACK ! He flies out of his chair, tumbles across the kitchen floor gets up and runs upstairs crying his eyes out with his mother in hot pursuit, slapping his rear end with every step. She locks him in his room and shouts, "You can stay there until I let you out."

She then comes back downstairs, looks at the 4 year old and asks with a stern voice, "And what do YOU want for breakfast, young man?"

"I don't know," he blubbers, "but you can bet your fat a*s it won't be Cheerios."
<><><><><><><><><><><>

'Blonde'

A blonde gets home from shopping and hears strange noises coming
from the bedroom. She rushes upstairs only to find her husband
naked lying on the bed, sweating and panting.

"What's up?" she asks. "I think I am having a heart attack." cries
the husband.

The blonde rushes downstairs to grab the phone, but just as she is
dialling, her four year old son comes up and says, "Mommy, Mommy,
Auntie Shirley is hiding in your wardrobe and she's got no clothes on."

The blonde slams the phone down and storms back upstairs into the
bedroom, right past her husband, rips open the wardrobe door and
sure enough, there is her sister, totally naked and cowering on the floor.

"You rotten Bitch," she screams. "My husband's having a heart attack,
and you're running around naked playing hide and seek with the kids."
<><><><><><><><>

Archives:
2008: Corfu-Kerkyra-2 New Fortress
2007: Pussycat pussycat where have you been
2006: Well I never knew that

Local News

2009-10-06T22:37:00.024+01:00

I've just been listening to the local news and some bones that were found in a bag by a motorway workman, clearing vegetation on the slip road at junction 14 on the M5 yesterday lunchtime, have now been confirmed as human bones. I pass this junction when I go to visit my brother and I guess it's about 10 or 12 miles from where I live.

The police have now got to try and discover who it is. No easy task, it would be very easy to come off the motorway dump something and be miles away in a very short time. On the other hand it could be be a local crime!

Archives:
2008: Corfu Kerkyra-1
2007: None
2006: Elderflower Champagne

Fun Monday # 137 A love of Autumn

2009-10-05T18:06:00.001+01:00

This week Hoosier Girl over at The Coffee Table has set us the task of......

Showing or telling what we love about fall (or as we would call it Autumn) - images, smells, sights, activities.

So what does autumn mean to me:

Animals get ready to hibernate, well my tortoises do and I watch the squirrels gathering food for the long winter months ahead.

Umbrellas come out for rainy days- actually this is something I don't like about autumn

Trees change colour and lose their leaves. I love walking at this time of the year.

Unpredictable weather- it can be warm, frosty, foggy, cold, or damp, rainy, and windy.

Mid-day sun is a real pleasure on some autumn days. Last week I was still able to sit outside and enjoy the warmth. When it gets too cold and we have frosty mornings I still hope for some sun to help the day along.

Nights draw in, and whilst I'm not that keen on the long dark winter, there is something quite nice about being indoors, with the curtains closed, tucked up and cosy. I've even been thinking about having a real fire this year.

I leave you with an autumn picture of my garden which I have used before but it looks very much the same every year.

Archives:
2008: Sundays Sunset Sunrise Meme
2007: Le Creuset
2006: Animal Farm

Shine on Harvest Moon

2009-10-04T13:50:00.000+01:00

This morning my mother woke me up well before 7am to look at the Harvest Moon. I haven't done it justice in these photos but it was beautiful.

We've been in the garden, this morning, doing a few jobs. I've been putting away the furniture for the winter, there was a chill to the air and it felt very autumnal. Embee has been doing some pruning and he's extended the planter ready for next year.

It might not look much different but it's a lot deeper and, although, it will only give us a few more feet, hopefully the extra space will be enough to grow a few more vegetables.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Sadness at Cadbury's Somerdale
2006: Visiting

One for my collection

2009-10-03T21:40:00.001+01:00

I don't have anything to write about today so I just thought I would share a magnet Beccy and the children bought me when they were here in the summer.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Witty Wednesday-22 Boobicon
2006: Bearing Gifts

Oolite Ale for a celebration

2009-10-02T17:44:00.097+01:00

Embee has been working here for the past 8.5 years. They are coming towards the end of the project and it is likely Embee will be out of a job before Christmas. He's really well past retirement age but wanted to see this project finished as he's been there since the day after it started.

Last Saturday BANES (Bath and North East Somerset-the council) hosted a celebration party for the citizens and employees, for a job well done and the safety of the village that is built over the stone mines.
Apparently they had a jazz band, dog show, Morris dancers, children's pageant to name just some of the activities. We didn't actually attend because Embee was out for the day, but one of his work mates saved him a couple of bottles of this ale which was bottled, specifically, to commemorate the event. The Oolite Ale is a traditional bitter brewed by Box Steam Brewery

(Click to enlarge and read)

Just look at some of the names of the beer they produce.
We have decided that as this was brewed and bottled for the occasion it might well become a collector item in years to come so at the moment Embee is not planning on drinking it. Of course he might change his mind!

Archives:
2008: None
2007: California Dreaming + Dingo 11 Award
2006: I decided to give myself a treat

Good Gadget

2009-10-01T12:07:00.002+01:00

For sometime now I've been thinking about buying a small timer that I can carry about the house and garden. My kitchen is quite a long way from where the computer lives and often I don't hear the timer on the cooker so things get over cooked.
Last night Embee came home with a timer, it can sit by the computer or clip to my waste band and I can keep track of cooking times. This morning I used it and I have perfectly baked soda bread.

So thank you Embee, glad you spotted that little gadget.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Fun Monday-35 These boots are made for walking
2006: Nothing Special

Witty Wednesday # 115

2009-09-30T10:50:00.001+01:00

My youngest daughter, Beccy, is responsible for this one!

Better than a Flu Shot!

Miss Beatrice, the church organist, was in her eighties and had never been married.
She was admired for her sweetness and kindness to all.
One afternoon the pastor came to call on her and she showed him into her quaint sitting room.
She invited him to have a seat while she prepared tea.
As he sat facing her old Hammond organ, the young minister noticed a cute glass bowl sitting on top of it.
The bowl was filled with water, and in the water floated, of all things, a condom!
When she returned with tea and scones, they began to chat.
The pastor tried to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and its strange floater, but soon it got the better of him and he could no longer resist.
'Miss Beatrice', he said,
'I wonder if you would tell me about this?'
Pointing to the bowl.
'Oh, yes,' she replied, 'Isn't it wonderful?
I was walking through the park a few months ago and I found this little package on the ground.
The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the flu All winter.'

Hope you all have a good day, I'm lucky enough to be going out for lunch.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Running out of space
2006: Decorating is Dull

Old Comics Revisted

2009-09-29T20:12:00.001+01:00

Embee buys The Guardian Newspaper everyday so he has the crossword to do in his tea break! Recently included with the paper was a re-print of some of the children's comics from the 70's and 80's. I wonder who will remember any of these. I know my daughters will remember Tammy and Bunty, so very different from the comics produced for children these days. Just look at the price of Tammy back in 1971 7d (=3p today) and then it seemed quite pricey.

I remember having comics like Sunny Stories, Girl (first published in 1951), School Friend, and Girls Crystal when I was in my early teens. I couldn't find info about my other comics but I did find this site so you might find your favourite there.

I still have all the annuals (in fact I have all my childhood books) that I used to get for Christmas back in the 50's. All were well loved and re-read many times so they are not all in good condition. I can't bring myself to part with them but I know I'll have to sooner rather than later. I wonder if others have kept childhood books?

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-85 Dare I show my closet
2007: Michaelmas Day
2006: What is today?

Fun Monday # 135

2009-09-28T22:13:00.009+01:00

I'm sorry I didn't join in with Fun Monday today, but if you want to see this week participants just visit Ari who wanted to know:

'If you could click your heels three times, and change lives with any character from any film, who would it be and why?'

I think my brain went into melt down and I couldn't think who I'd like to be.

This afternoon I was in my back garden when the Red Arrows zoomed over. I keep trying to get a photo and they keep escaping me. You might just see one of the planes if you enlarge the picture.

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Casamia
2006: Party Time

Sunday is not a day of rest!

2009-09-27T18:22:00.023+01:00

I made sure Embee took a bag with him when he went to get the Sunday papers. The rest of the day he spent laying some more paving slabs to give my blueberry plants more room. There are still six more to go down.

He also put the gogi bush (haha I hear you laughing it looks like a few trailing twigs but I assure you it has grown a lot in a year) onto a stand he knocked up from some spare pieces of wood.

You might be wondering if I helped, I bagged up the old turf and generally did some tidying up. It's also my job to paint/treat the stand to help preserve it! Eventually it will be hidden by the branches ...well that's the plan anyway!

Archives:
2008: None
2007: When in Bath do as the Romans did
2006: None

China # 19 Bejing Forbidden City

2009-09-26T16:53:00.122+01:00

The Forbidden City has so much interesting history. Built between 1406 and 1420 it was the home of the Emperor and his household for five centuries and since 1987 it has been a world heritage site.

There are large pots all around the buildings...what do you think was their purpose?

There are so many visitors trying to get a view through the door can be quite difficult. To get the picture of the throne I held my phone camera up and hoped for the best, so I'm quite pleased with the result.

Just look at the colour and detail on the building it really is spectacular.

Hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into the city.

Archives:
2008: I'm off to Corfu today
2007: Witty Wednes-21 Wise Words
2006: Aching Legs

China # 18 Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City

2009-09-25T09:18:00.105+01:00

I don't think anyone will ever forget the awful images of the fateful demonstration that took place in Tiananmen Square back in 1989, when hundreds of protesters lost their lives.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, and from these pictures it's difficult to capture just how vast an area this square covers.
Below is the first glimpse we got as we walked across from where our coach was parked. This is looking across towards an entrance to the Forbidden City.

It's quite a sombre place even with the sun shining on it.

Below is a Monument to the Peoples Heroes and behind is the Great Hall of People

Walking towards one of the entrance gates of the Forbidden City (will tell you about that in another post).

Just to give you a taster below is one of the Watch Towers that are positioned in each corner of the Forbidden City. There is also a moat with Willow trees growing alongside.

I'm pleased to have seen it but out of all the places we visited, Tiananmen Square, is one place that I would not want to visit again.

Archives:
2008: Goji Bush
2007: Catching up
2006: Manic Mondays

Naked=Advertising ploy!

2009-09-24T12:00:00.026+01:00

Standing in the queue at the garden centre waiting to pay, Embee notice these crisps (chips) on sale.............

....and no we didn't buy any but I guess it's one way to get some attention!!

Ms Cellania

Fun Monday

Birthday Boy!!!!!

Saved by Sam

Thursday's Thought

Witty Wednesday # 126 Maxine

Camera demise

Fun Monday

Very Long Time Away--Garden Produce

Icy Boxing Day Walk

Ornament Exchange 2010

Marvellous Marmite

Tatton Park

Archives: 2009: Silent Saturday-end of the day 2008: Meme- Music 2007: Witty Wednesday-8

Happy 14th Birthday Mollie

Long time no 'see'!!

Witty Wednesday # 125 Maxine and Pantyhose

Archives: 2009: Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day 2008: Memories 2007: Requiem for an old friend

Barbara's Oat Biscuits (Cookies)

Archives: 2009: Witty Wednesday-83 2008: Fun Monday-52 What's in my Bucket! 2007: Despondent

Witty Wednesday #124 Maxine Tip and Signs for Modern Woman

Archives: 2009: Travel Thursday 2008: Comfort Food for a cold Day 2007: Top 20 Toys of all time

Remembering the Sun

Archives: 2009: Fun Monday-101 Bookworms 2008: Hooray for Integrity 2007: Good Neighbours

Witty Wednesday # 123

Archives: 2009: Hotter Comfort Concept your service sucks! 2008: de Young Fine Arts museum 2007: Shopped til we dropped

There's an old mill by a steam.....

Archives: 2009: Fun Monday-100 Diets 2008: I nearly didn't join the party. + Keeping Sam Company 2007: A huge thank you

Fun Monday # 153 Do I have a favourite room !!!!

Anniversary Links 22/1/07 21/1/0819/1/09

Archives: 2009: I'm so excited 2008: Fun Monday-51-My Bedside Drawers 2007: Who's the Birthday Girl!

What's for Breakfast!!

Archives: 2009: Witty Wednesday-81 + Fishworks Demise 2008: Fun Monday-50 1st Anniversary 2007: None

Winter Wonderland

Archives: 2009: Worm Works 2008: Electronic Arts Redwood City 2007: Don't you just love Garfield

Jam Disaster!!

Archives: 2009: Fun Monday-99 2nd Anniversary 2008: Crouching Spider Sculpture 2007: Pink Saucepans

Fun Monday # 152 Chores I love to hate

Archives: 2009: Unusual Playmates 2008: Surprize 2007: Gale Force Winds

More Snow and more on the way!

Archives: 2009: Snow 2008: Meme-7 things about me 2007: Using up Beef

Happy New Year 2010

Archives: 2009: Happy New Year 2009 2008: Happy New Year 2007: Hello and Goodbye

The Day After!

Archives: 2008: Sharing some Christmas Day Photos 2007: Boxing Day 2006: Boxing Day Traditions

Christmas Greetings to Family and Friends Across the World

Archives: 2008: Christmas Greetings 2007: Christmas Day 2006: Happy Christmas

Christmas Eve I Spy

Archives: 2008: Let Fun Begin 2007: Christmas Eve Police Spy 2006: Christmas Eve One day to go

Witty Wednesday # 122 + Surprise Surprise My Secret Revealed!!!!

Archives: 2008: Waiting for Christmas 2007: Countdown Panic 2006: Two Days and Counting

Some more snow photos

Archives: 2008: Look at My Belly Flops 2007: Winter Solstice 2006: Last Celebration Meal

Fun Monday # 148 What's in the Christmas mail!

Archives: 2008: Winter Solstice 2007: Christmas Greetings 2006: Winter Solstice

It's snowing

Archives: 2008: Music for Granny 2007: Hand Art 2006: Menu for Hope -3

Not exactly Turtle Doves

Archives: 2008: Forlorn Friday 2007: Witty Wednesday-30 2006: I'm losing the plot

My brother's new home

Archives: 2008: Witty Wednesday-77 2007: Fun Monday-46 + Menu for Hope 4th Year 2006: Catching Up

Witty Wednesday # 121 Maxine Cartoons

Archives: 2007: Evening to Remember 2007: Silent Sunday 2007: None

Clumsy me!

Archives: 2008: Fun Monday-95 Random Acts of Kindness 2007: Cool Award 2006: None

Can you guess my secret???

Archives: 2007: Saturday Squirrels 2007: Ubuntu in Napa 2007: Celebration

What Happened to ' Rocky'.

Archives: 2008: Three Ladies who Lunched 2007: Witty Wednesday-29 2006: Anxiety

Made with love!

Archives: 2008: Secret Ornament Swap 2007: My secret ornament surprise 2006: Well done Sainsburys

A December Sky 2009

Archives: 2008: Witty Wednesday-76 2007: Fun Monday-45 2006: Lunch a la barbara (winosandfoodies)

Witty Wednesday # 120

Archives: 2008: Fun Christmas Meme 2007: I'm not singing in the rain 2006: Mijas

Another Happy Birthday

Archives: 2008: Happy Birthday to my Mother on Fun Monday-94 2007: My Mother is Celebrating her Birthday 2006: Birthday Girl

Fun Monday # 146 Worst Christmas Songs

Archives: 2008: Visitors on Two Wheels 2007: What's Not Fare!! 2006: Ronda

Christmas Ornament Swap 2009

Archives:
2009: Silent Saturday-end of the day
2008: Meme- Music
2007: Witty Wednesday-8

Archives:
2009: Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day
2008: Memories
2007: Requiem for an old friend

Archives:
2009: Witty Wednesday-83
2008: Fun Monday-52 What's in my Bucket!
2007: Despondent

Archives:
2009: Travel Thursday
2008: Comfort Food for a cold Day
2007: Top 20 Toys of all time

Archives:
2009: Fun Monday-101 Bookworms
2008: Hooray for Integrity
2007: Good Neighbours

Archives:
2009: Hotter Comfort Concept your service sucks!
2008: de Young Fine Arts museum
2007: Shopped til we dropped

Archives:
2009: Fun Monday-100 Diets
2008: I nearly didn't join the party. + Keeping Sam Company
2007: A huge thank you

Anniversary Links
22/1/07
21/1/08
19/1/09

Archives:
2009: I'm so excited
2008: Fun Monday-51-My Bedside Drawers
2007: Who's the Birthday Girl!

Archives:
2009: Witty Wednesday-81 + Fishworks Demise
2008: Fun Monday-50 1st Anniversary
2007: None

Archives:
2009: Worm Works
2008: Electronic Arts Redwood City
2007: Don't you just love Garfield

Archives:
2009: Fun Monday-99 2nd Anniversary
2008: Crouching Spider Sculpture
2007: Pink Saucepans

Archives:
2009: Unusual Playmates
2008: Surprize
2007: Gale Force Winds

Archives:
2009: Snow
2008: Meme-7 things about me
2007: Using up Beef

Archives:
2009: Happy New Year 2009
2008: Happy New Year
2007: Hello and Goodbye

Archives:
2008: Sharing some Christmas Day Photos
2007: Boxing Day
2006: Boxing Day Traditions

Archives:
2008: Christmas Greetings
2007: Christmas Day
2006: Happy Christmas

Archives:
2008: Let Fun Begin
2007: Christmas Eve Police Spy
2006: Christmas Eve One day to go

Archives:
2008: Waiting for Christmas
2007: Countdown Panic
2006: Two Days and Counting

Archives:
2008: Look at My Belly Flops
2007: Winter Solstice
2006: Last Celebration Meal

Archives:
2008: Winter Solstice
2007: Christmas Greetings
2006: Winter Solstice

Archives:
2008: Music for Granny
2007: Hand Art
2006: Menu for Hope -3

Archives:
2008: Forlorn Friday
2007: Witty Wednesday-30
2006: I'm losing the plot

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-77
2007: Fun Monday-46 + Menu for Hope 4th Year
2006: Catching Up

Archives:
2007: Evening to Remember
2007: Silent Sunday
2007: None

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-95 Random Acts of Kindness
2007: Cool Award
2006: None

Archives:
2007: Saturday Squirrels
2007: Ubuntu in Napa
2007: Celebration

Archives:
2008: Three Ladies who Lunched
2007: Witty Wednesday-29
2006: Anxiety

Archives:
2008: Secret Ornament Swap
2007: My secret ornament surprise
2006: Well done Sainsburys

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-76
2007: Fun Monday-45
2006: Lunch a la barbara (winosandfoodies)

Archives:
2008: Fun Christmas Meme
2007: I'm not singing in the rain
2006: Mijas

Archives:
2008: Happy Birthday to my Mother on Fun Monday-94
2007: My Mother is Celebrating her Birthday
2006: Birthday Girl

Archives:
2008: Visitors on Two Wheels
2007: What's Not Fare!!
2006: Ronda

Archives:
2008: Sending Hugs Across the World
2007: Memories of my first thanksgiving
2006: Gibraltar (The Rock)

Archives:
2008: Corfu-6 Vidos Island Part 1
2007: Twin Peaks at Sunset
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Marmite is Spreading
2007: Homeward Bound
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Now we are eight
2007: Birthday Boy Ben
2006: Happy Birthday Ben

Archives:
2008: Getting Worried
2007: Postcard from San Francisco-5
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Did I do the wrong thing!
2007: Postcard from Stinson Beach
2006: OrganOrganic Recipes ' Little Red Goosberries' Daphne Lambertic recipes

Archives:
2008: Happy Birthday to my baby
2007: Beccy's Birthday
2006: Hidden Talents

Archives:
2008: Am I the oldest swinger in town!
2007: San Francisco here I come!
2006: Goodbye Dublin

Archives:
2007: Witty Wednesday-73
2007: Fun Monday-42
2007: None

Archives:
2008: Cheesy Vegetable Hotpot
2007: Ladies Lunching Organic
2006: At the end of the day

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-91 Jewellery
2007: New Office Junior
2006: Diabetic Food Blogs

Archives:
2008: Holiday Reunion
2007: Secret Ornament Exchange
2006: Coffee with Clare

Archives:
2008: None
2007: My plants don't know it's winter
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Thurday Thoughts
2007: Spicy Pumpkin Soup
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-72
2007: Fun Monday-41
2006: Oliver

Archives:
2008: Give these a try
2007: Armistice day Remembrance Sunday
2006: Saturday Saunter

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-90 We must never forget
2007: PFriendship Award
2006: Traditional Champ

Archives:

2008: Armistice Day-Remembrance Sunday
2007: How to survive a heart attack alone
2006: Recycling

Archives:
2008: Silent Saturday
2007: Ladies Lunching
2006: Get that car clean...

Archives:
2008: Whats happening today!
2007: Witty Wednesday-26
2006: Sams Toulouse Sausage, Bacon and Green Lentils

Archives:
2008: Meme-6 things about moi and awards
2007: Fungi Forage
2006: Echo Lake

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-71
2007: Fun Monday-40 Holiday Traditions
2006: Beautiful Sunset

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Introduction to Yield Wine Bar
2006: How I got my dose of exercise

u>Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-89 Remind me why I blog!
2007: Kernewek Teapot
2006: Frosty Friday

Archives:
2008: Ben's Tune
2007: New Awards for Moi
2006: Window Repairs

Archives:
2008: Hokey Pokey
2007: I might be in trouble
2006: Curried Pumpkin Soup

Archives:
2008: Happy Halloween
2007: Witty Wednesday-25
2006: Halloween

Archives:
2008: I'm home from the Emerald Isle
2007: London Bridges
2006: Making the most of my bramleys

Archives:
2008: Postcard from Dublin-3 Orphans
2007: Summertime Ends
2006: It's not my birthday!

Archives:
2008: Postcard from Dublin-2
2007: Childhood Book
2006: Do you serve cocktails

Archives:
2008: Postcard from Dublin
2007: I-spy
2006: Post title

Archives:
2008: None
2007: Open Letter to guest next door
2006: Cape Cod

Archives:
2008: Witty Wednesday-68
2007: Fun Monday-37
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Corfu-Kerkyra-4 Holiday Companions
2007: None
2006: None

Archives:
2008: Details of secret ornament exchange
2007: Blog action day is October 15th
2006: None