Enjoying an evening with friends

Anyone who read my blog a few years ago may remember the trip I took (with my friend Tina)  to Canada to visit a friend who returned to live in Toronto. 

These last few days Kim (on the right) has been on a very quick visit to see her family and yesterday we met up for the evening. I always marvel at the way one slips right back and it feels like we only saw each other yesterday! We had a lovely evening and as you might guess we didn't stop talking. Kim has issued us with an open invitation to visit again and see a little more of Canada so I'd better get saving!

Now why didn't they tell me my collar needed straightening before the waitress took this snap!!!!

Witty Wednesday # 101

I would like to state the jokes are not meant to offend anyone and nor is the language so I'm apologising in advance.

Daffy forwarded me these:

Friends:



Englishman v Frenchman:

An Englishman is having breakfast, in Paris , one morning (coffee, croissants, bread, butter and jam) when a Frenchman, chewing bubble-gum, sits down next to him. The Englishman ignores the Frenchman who, nevertheless, starts a conversation.

Frenchman: 'You English folk eat the whole bread??'

Englishman (in a bad mood): 'Of course.'

Frenchman: (after blowing a huge bubble) 'We don't. In France , we only eat what's inside. The crusts we collect in a container, recycle it, transform them into croissants and sell them to England .' The Frenchman has a smirk on his face.

The Englishman listens in silence.

The Frenchman persists: 'Do you eat jam with the bread??'

Englishman: 'Of Course.'

Frenchman: (cracking his bubble-gum between his teeth and chuckling).

'We don't. In France we eat fresh fruit for breakfast, then we put all the peels, seeds, and leftovers in containers, recycle them, transform them into jam, and sell the jam to England.'

After a moment of silence, The Englishman then asks: 'Do you have sex in France?'

Frenchman: 'Why of course we do', he says with a big smirk.

Englishman: 'And what do you do with the condoms once you've used them?'

Frenchman: 'We throw them away, of course'

Englishman: 'We don't. In England, we put them in a container, recycle them, melt them down into bubble-gum, and sell them to France.'
******************************
From Embee (not sure if I've used this one before!):

The hair cut:

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he
asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money
from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was
pleased and left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a
'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door..

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his
bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm
doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the
shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank
you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when
he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept
money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor
is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank
you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve
Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then, a Member of Parliament comes in for a haircut , and when he goes
to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from
you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Member of Parliament
is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen
Members of Parliament lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between
the citizens of our country and the Members of Parliament
****************************
This made me chuckle:


Have a good day, we are having some exceptionally hot weather at the moment so it feels like summer is here at last.

Archives:
2007: Few words needed

Visit from an old School Friend

Imagine my surprise, last week, when I got a telephone call from an old schoolfriend. Her husband still has a lot of relatives living in the area and they were planning an overnight visit on their way to Devon. They wanted to call in and see me on route.

During my teenage years I spent quite a few weekends at her home and she came and stayed with me. I could never understand why she liked coming to my house because my father was so strict. I, on the other hand, loved the freedom she had; that doesn't mean her mother didn't have rules, but she allowed us out and we didn't get an inquisition when we returned home! We could actually talk to boys-my father would have had a fit if he'd known. After all you can get pregnant from talking to boys can't you!! LOL.

I haven't seen my friend for many years, although we do email occasionally and write at Christmas. It was really strange because as soon as they arrived it was like going back in time and we chatted non-stop for a couple of hours. It really was lovely to catch up.
Now have a look at the photo taken when we were 16....
.....I think you might be able to pick us out.....if you compare it to the photo, below, taken this morning.
I now need to keep my fingers crossed for some good weather over the next few days, as my friends are staying in Ilfacombe, which is on the coast, and they will also visit Lundy Island for some birdwatching.

Archives:
2008: Fun Monday-67 Collections
2007: Surprise Parcel

A Forlorn Friday

In many ways today has been rather depressing. I got up early and did a few things for my mother and then made a lemon cake. I had been invited to meet up with some of my ex-work colleagues (who are also friends) for a sort of American lunch, and the cake was my contribution.
Me being in my own kitchen to cook the cake, did not please my mother because it meant she had to have her lunch a little later than normal. I may have mentioned before that it is not easy sharing a kitchen, but I won't go there again.

I was really looking forward to a couple of hours with old friends but as I caught up on what had been happening in their lives this is when I realised I should count my blessings.

Our hostess has been having a very difficult time with her teenage son, I won't go into detail, it was quite serious at the time, but things are improving.

Another person who had adopted children from a very difficult background (when they were young) and had recently helped them be reintroduced to their birth mother. As a result they quite suddenly decided to go and live with her. You can imagine how distraught this has made their mother. Again I can't go into all the details but this is likely to end in tears. The young people are 17 & 18 so technically they can make their own choices.

The twin brother of someone else is being treated for Leukaemia and he is seriously ill. The brother I know had donated bone marrow and blood and was explaining the process he had to go through. There's still no certainty that his brother will pull through but today, apparently, he showed a little improvement.

Another friend who was treated for cancer of the colon earlier this year had only just returned to work after a period of stress related illness.

Another person I had hoped to see had fallen down the stairs and injured her shoulder so couldn't come.

Another person had been out of work for a while but just managed to get a temporary post until March, so is still looking for for something permanent-not easy at the moment.

That left three of us with no major problems.

So instead of the lighthearted gathering I was expecting it actually turned out to be quite a sombre one. It did, however, allow people to express their feelings in a safe environment, which is a good thing. As most of us had been social workers at some point in our lives, one could say we were well equipped to cope with so much sadness in a small group of people.

So tonight I will be saying a prayer for my friends and I will be hoping better things for them in the coming year.


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

An evening to remember.

Yesterday I was invited to a small social gathering at my friend Anna's. There were only eight of us but Anna is a wonderful hostess. She is one of those maddening people who does everything with ease. Her home is always perfect, she is an excellent cook and she never has a hair out of place. When we go swimming, my other friend, Tina, and I go quite casually dressed and we don't worry about our hair. Anna always dries and styles her hair, while we just run a comb ours through and let it dry.

Anyway I digress, on arrival at Anna's house, we were welcomed with several glasses of Glogg, (Swedish Christmas Punch-I wasn't driving so it was OK). This went down very well as it was a cold misty evening. Anna then tempted us with trays of delicious Smørbrød. There was such an array of beautifully presented little slices of rye bread with wonderful toppings such as prawns, pork, salami, herring, salmon, cheese, siting on lettuce and garnished with herbs and there were some Swedish meat balls, which I love.
I really cannot describe how lovely it all looked and tasted and I only wish I had remembered to take photos. This will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.
It was a very enjoyable evening and I arrived home just before midnight-it's usually Embee who is out late not me but this time he was home tucked up in bed.

Archives:
2007: Silent Sunday

Flowers from a Friend....

A friend popped in for coffee today and brought me these pretty flowers to brighten up my day. She is going off to India for three weeks on Thursday. Her itinerary includes a safari and a visit to the Taj Mahal so I can't wait to see all the photos when she gets back. In the mean time I'm going to help keep the greenhouse plants watered.

ALSO CAN ANYONE NAME THE FLOWER BELOW? Embee cannot remember what it is called! The blooms look very much like a tulip.
Postscript~ thanks to House of Purple Worms I now know that this flower is an Imperial Crown Lily.

Archives:
2007: Doggy Sitting

A Special Friendship

Sheena was a wife, a mother of two boys, a daughter, a sister, a daughter-in-law and a special friend to my daughter Sam.


Back in May on Livestrong day I asked you to say a prayer for Sam's friend Sheena.
Last Friday I got the call I was dreading to tell me that Sheena had passed away peacefully in her sleep during the night. It was not unexpected, we knew she had slipped into a coma, but it was still very upsetting to hear the words. I am pleased that Sam was able to see her friend one last time on her recent trip to England.

This little group of five have shared a friendship that had lasted since they were in Junior School together and became stronger when they went on to attend the same secondary school. They all lived within half a mile of each other so shared many leisure activities as they were growing up. As parents we shared transport to various guiding events and over the years there were a host of birthday parties. There was the time after their exams when they spent a week in a caravan, I worried myself sick but they had a great time and probably had no idea how worried we were back home. Beccy was always on the fringes of the group because she was younger and you might like to read what she has to say about the friendship. This was taken in 1984.

Sam and Sheena were particularly close, they went through a hippy phase together, long skirts, different hair styles, large hoop earrings, all part of developing independence and their own style. I remember the time they drove to Devon in Sam's first car a Morris Minor to go camping (1984). I don't think I slept a wink thinking of all the dangers that could befall two young girls alone and camping. Luckily we all survived and as far as I know nothing too disastrous happened. I'm sure they wouldn't have told us if it had. Although I like to think my children would confide in me, I'm sure I didn't know every thing that went on!! (and there were some things I knew but chose to ignore!)
After they left school they all went their separate ways to college and university but still managed to meet up occasionally. Back in 1992 Sheena stayed the night with us when Vicky got married.
A few years later they all brought their children to my house one time which was great fun.I think the last time all five were together was that Christmas when they all came here to see Sam on one of her visits home. I believe this is one of the last photos taken of these five friends together.
Sheena cared for the environment, she loved nature and she was devoted to her family. Today I go to help celebrate her life and say farewell but it will be tinged with sadness that she will not around to see her sons grow into the fine young men I know they will become due to her influences. She was a very special person to so many people and she will be greatly missed. Please think of Sheena's family today.

Archives:
OCTOBER 10th 2006: Apple Crumble

Fun Monday# 26

Willowtree is our host this week and he asked us:

"Tell us about your best friend. Particularly things like: where you first met, how long you've been friends and why you think you are best friends"

OR

"Who is the TV character that most makes you want to put your foot through the screen (it must be a character, not a person in reality TV). And why."

When I first read this I thought I don't think I can play this week because I don't really have a best friend.
I could, however, just write one sentance and say I have always felt that my daughters are my best friends as they are the ones who love me no matter what but I didn't think I could get away with that!!

Anyway it got me thinking!! How do you define a 'best' friend. For me it's a confidente, someone with whom you can share your innermost thoughts, someone who will laugh and cry with you and be there in your hour of need. You feel comfortable with them and you know they won't judge you because your house is untidy and your life is a mess. If you call a friend just as (s)he are settling down to a favourite TV programme they turn if off to listen rather than say I'll call you back (days later!). A friend may have traits that you don't like and they may enjoy different interests but you can speak your mind, disagree and debate on issues without fear of being judged and found wanting. A true friend is someone you may not see for a long time but when you meet it's like you only met yesterday.
At different stages in my life I have enjoyed some very good friendships. I am still in contact with several (but now only at Christmas when we catch up on the past year). I have one friend I met back in the early 50's at Junior school. I have many stories I could tell from our teenage years (hmm I might tell sometime!), oh and I was her bridesmaid which was a great thrill.

Another friend I met the day I started at Secondary School (aged 11) remained a close friend until she moved away when our children were toddlers but I'm still in touch with her, more recently we have started emailing which is lovely.
When I was a nursing student seven of us became good friends. Six of us eventually shared a flat and the other person lived at home which was only over the road so she spent a lot of time at or flat. We all went our separate ways after completing our training but I still kept in touch mainly through my one friend. She made her home in South Africa and is Godmother to Sam. A few years ago we (all 7 of us) had a reunion and it was just like turning the clock back.

When my first marriage failed, not long after we had moved house, I was surprised that it was two new friends (who moved to the area not long after me) who supported me and listened to me feeling sorry for myself and helping with the girls (between us we had 7 girls). It was a very sad time for us when these friends moved to different parts of the country. I will be forever grateful to them for all their love and friendship, sadly one of them lost her daughter in a riding accident a few years later.

All through my working life I didn't really have time to forge, what I would call a 'best' friendship, life was too hectic caring for the family and any spare time was spent playing tennis which was my big passion. During this time my dog Tamsie was my best friend, she loved going to the Tennis club with me. She was always there welcoming me home, comforting me if I was sad, slinking away when I was cross with her but really delighted when I forgave her. So I think I will leave you with a photo of Tamsie reclining in the dining room. I should just add Tamsie is no longer with us but I still miss her even after 14 years.

I don't think this is quite what Willowtree had in mind but heho it's the best I could do! I'm now off to visit everyone else.