Nattys ramblings

What an evening....

2009-09-14T21:17:00.003+01:00

Gods it has been the evening of all evenings. It all started at 6pm when I went to let the dogs out and realised that my eldest cat, Ollie, had been outside since I let him out at 3pm. Not so bad you would say, but this is a cat that only goes outside for 10 mins maximum a day. Poor lamb was not a happy chappy when he stomped indoors. I had to placitate him with a nice bowl of kitty biscuits. Although I imagine he has got my card marked tonight..I don't think he will be coming for his evening cuddle.

Later I went to put some stuff away in the cupboard and as I opened the door out fell an unopened glass bottle of extra virgin olive oil. Ack this went everywhere, all over the kitchen floor/the shopping in the cloth bag on the floor and my feet!! Oh what joy!! The floor got a complete and thorough mop over - it is looking really clean and sparkly and the added bonus is that it has had a feed of olive oil. Wouldn't be so bad if it was a cheap bottle but it wasn't..

Then to complete the disaster I found out that I had a sliver of the glass bottle in my foot, oh great!! So that was a bit of a messy job getting this out, but after a thorough wash my feet have now been totally moisturised with Olive Oil.

To top it all D came home early from work. I had totally forgotten he was at an client appointment in the afternoon so he would be on the early coach. Thankfully it was a Monday and it is stir fry day :-)

Oh and guess what? Asda boxed pizzas have shrunk!! The last pizza I had from them was the size of my dinner plate, well it actually went to the edge. This one is a good inch smaller all round.. Not far at all..

Think I will have an early night with my new book, "How to Clean Your Home FAST", tonight.

I'm back..

2009-08-24T21:27:00.001+01:00

Hello campers, yep I have returned..lol. I hadn't forgotten about the blog I just kept forgetting to write in it..lol. So as part of my new regime I am going to be a good blogger and try and keep this blog as uptodate as much as possible. Yeah I know my life can be rather boring, but hey it's my life and I like it..

Wednesday's witterings..

2009-01-14T06:58:00.002Z

Ugh it's 6.15am and I'm wide awake for some reason. It also seems two cats are wide awake too!! D goes off to work in the icy weather - the two dogs go back to sleep and the cats start chasing each other around the house, it sounds like a herd of elephants so I dread to think what it sounds like to the neighbours.

Well at long last the decorating, in the lounge, is finished - bless D, it has only taken him since March of last year!! Now I've got to deep clean the carpet and empty one of the dressers, and then put stuff back to where it belongs that I packed up before we started decorating. Although I might just send everything that is in the boxes down to the charity shop in town.

Also the kitchen is almost finished now. P put all the units in for us, although we did have a dilemma when the new F/F arrived - it wouldn't fit in the alcove allowed!! So P had to cut the worktop down a bit, after it was fitted, to accomodate the fridge freezer but it was definately worth it. For some reason the kitchen now looks bigger, how I don't know as there are more units than the old kitchen. All that's left is to paint the walls, make the curtain blinds and curtains and then strip the floor and relay the new one.

Thankfully the really cold weather spell has gone, it's finally normal temperatures. My poor little house couldn't keep up with the temperature even though we had the heating on 24 hours. I wish I had got a fancy fire fitted during the redecoration of the living room but you can't have everything can you? Still hopefully we won't get weather like that for awhile.

Ooooh something strange happened after Christmas - a couple of the children I was in my childrens home with, back in 1984, got in touch with me. I hadn't heard from them for 25 years - weird!!! But it was good as I found out one of them only lives 5 miles away from me - now how weird is that?

I met up with T the other friday and it was fantastic - those 25 years just disappeared and we chatted for England over lunch at her place. It was a shame to have to say goodbye. But the good news is that we are going to make it a regular thing to meet up, well there's no excuse really is there as she only lives up the road from me.

Also I've been talking to L as well, from the childrens home, so we hope to meet up as well.

How weird is this, last year it was my old friends from my old school that got in touch, this year it's my old childrens home - what will it be next year???

Oh well better get dressed so I can get to Asda early - need to pick up the ingredients for dinner tonight - Balsamic glazed lamb chops with asparagus and mash, mmmm!!!

Has it really been that long...

2008-12-18T22:43:00.002Z

Yikes I just checked the last time I updated this blog and realised it was September..eeeps!!! What the heck happened to the time?, it seems to have flown by.

Well not a lot has happened really, we've been on holiday to Dorset in a lovely cottage, in a lovely little village called Burton Bradstock. Amycat has turned 9yrs and Jetty (dog) is fast approaching his 5th birthday (20th December). My health has been up and down like a yoyo, had a bad bout of flu about 6 weeks ago which left me with a terrible cough that I just couldn't shift, and still can't. I've now got a horrible cold/bug/lurgy thing that is dragging me down..ugh!!!

The living room has finally been decorated after D started it back in March of this year, and I have my new kitchen that I have waited 16 years for. Although that didn't come with it's problems - various leaks in the sink area, kitchen units not turning up on time and then when they did arrive we got two lots (kind of like a buy one get one free!). They had lost our original order, it had got lost in transit somewhere so they sent a replacement kitchen and lo and behold when that was delivered the original kitchen was delivered as well..oh joy!!!

I am now looking forward to next year being a little bit uneventful..

Nothing worth writing about so here you go:

2008-09-07T20:38:00.002+01:00

a meme, that I borrowed off of Belinda. Hope you don't mind hon..

What is in the back of your car? A couple of plastic reusable bags, a road atlas, a jacket and a pair of shoes.
Name one person that made you smile today? My two cats while they were playing chase with each other this morning.
What where you doing at 8am this morning? I was still asleep :-(
What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Reading emails and watching t.v. with DH.
What is your favorite candy bar? Green and Black's White Chocolate.
Have you ever been to a strip club? No
What is the last thing you said aloud? No Jet!
What is the best ice cream flavor? Vanilla.
What was the last thing you had to drink? A cup of tea.
What are you wearing right now?Skirt, t-shirt and a cardigan.
What was the last thing you ate?Roast turkey, cabbage, carrots and peas.
Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Nope.
When was the last time you ran? I can't remember :-(
The last sporting event you watched? The 2009 Olympics on t.v.
What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Toffee
Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on my space? I don't do myspace I'm afraid.
Ever go camping?I have only been once when I was a teenager - never again. I prefer my home comforts!!
Do you take vitamins daily? Yes
Do you go to church every Sunday? Nope.
Do you have a tan? Nope.
Do you like Chinese food over pizza? I like both, obviously not together though.
Do you drink your soda with a straw? Only when I make an ice-cream cola float, then you have to drink it with a straw!!
What did your last text message say?"Thinking of you" from me and Peanut!
Are you some-one's best friend?Yes, I would like to think she thinks of me as her best friend.
What are you doing tomorrow? Posting a couple of parcels, putting some more fuel in the car, baking a cake and some ironing.
Look to your left, what do you see?My dog Bear fast asleep on the sofa next to me and DH in the armchair.
What color is your watch? Pink strap with a silver oblong face.
What do you think of when you think of Australia? Kangaroos, Neighbours and Home and Away - I know Sad!!
Do you use chap stick? Yep
What is your birthstone? Amethyst.
What is your favorite number? 11
Do you have a dog? I have two, Jet who is a border collie cross and Bear who is a foxhound cross.
Last person you talked to on the phone? My best friend N.
Have you met anyone famous? Noel Edmonds when I was younger. He was opening a BP garage near where I live.
Any plans today? Today is almost over so I don't have any plans for the rest of the day.
How many states have you lived in? No states, but I have lived in three counties.
Ever go to college? Yep.
Do you dye your hair? Yes, I have gold and copper highlights put in every three months or so.
Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Trying to sort out my mother's will - she has been dead nearly 2 years now.
Last song listened to? Doctors Orders by Jane McDonald.
Can you say the alphabet backwards? Nope.
Do you have a maid service clean your house? Gods I wish..
Are you jealous of anyone? Nope, not that I know of.
Is anyone jealous of you? Couldn't say, although a couple of people have said they know of someone who is jealous of my life..not sure how true this is though.
Do you love anyone? Yes
Do any of your friends have children? Yes
Do you eat healthy? I try to.
What do you usually do during the day? It depends on the day and what it brings, it could be anything from housework to cooking to going into town, or even visiting friends.
Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Nope, hate is a strong emotion to deal with, and very negative. I feel sorry for a couple of people though.
Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.
What color is your car? Green, and DH's is Silver.
Have you ever been to Six Flags? Don't even know what Six Flags is.
Do you like cats? Yes, especially as I have two of my own.
How did you get your worst scar? I came off my bike when I was 16 and cycling down a hill in Strood, near the station. I braked too hard and went rolling over the handlebars. I have a nasty scar on my knee where the gravel went in and they couldn't get it out. As the other knee has the same thing too.

A - Z of Homemaking..

2008-09-06T22:32:00.002+01:00

I borrowed this little meme from Somerset Seasons blog.

A ~Aprons--y/n. If y, what does your fav. look like? Oh definately yes, I am a sucker for a preety apron! My favourite is a 100% cotton one which is white with small pink rosebuds on.

B ~ Baking--Favorite thing to bake? Lemon drizzle cake, chewy oaty cookies - basically anything that is good old traditional food.

C ~ Clothes line? Yep, I just bought a new one a couple of months ago funnily enough, a pink whirly line, and an indoor airer, which I have literally just bought as my other one was too small. The new one takes about 4 loads of washing...

D ~ Donuts--Have you ever made them? Nope although I have often thought about making them.

E ~ Everyday--One homemaking thing you do everyday? I am forever feeding cats or dogs, well it seems like that..lol. And trying out new recipes for D to try when he gets home from work.

F ~ Freezer--Do you have a separate deep freeze? I have a chest freezer which is full, and an upright freezer which is also full!! I am also planning on getting a fridge/freezer when my kitchen is done soon - woah that means I will have 3 freezers..eeps!!

G ~ Garbage Disposer? I compost the veggie peelings, flowers etc, recycle anything that can be recycled - the rest gets put out for the bin men once a fortnight.

H ~ Handbook--What is your favourite homemaking resource? I don't have ak favourite book I tend to use several that I constantly refer to - Kim and Aggie's Cleaning Bible, Home Comforts are just two of them. Plus I use the internet too.

I ~ Ironing--Love it or Hate it? Or hate it but love the results? Well I don't hate it but I don't do it as often as I should do, but I absolutely love seeing everything all freshly ironed when it does get done :-)

J ~ Junk Drawer--y/n? Where is it? Ooops now my guilty secret is out - I have one in every room!!

K ~ Kitchen--color and decorating scheme. At the moment it is a delapitated white kitchen with falling apart units, but as of next month it will be brand new. I am going for a white shaker design, chrome sink, black worktops and pink and white accessories :-)

L ~ Love--what is your favorite part of homemaking? The whole keeping house, cooking etc..

M ~ Mop--y/n? No, kitchen floor is too small.ds

N ~ Nylons, machine or hand wash? I prefer to machine wash my clothes where possible.

O ~ Oven--do you use the window or open the oven to check? The oven is a double oven which has windows both doors.

P ~ Pizza--What do you put on yours? BBQ chicken, pineapple, ham and roasted onions.

Q ~ Quiet--What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? Sit at the dining table with a cup of tea watching all the birds feeding in my garden.

R ~ Recipe Card Box--y/n? What does it look like? Nope, I have several recipe books instead which I constantly refer to.

S ~Style of house--What style is your house? 1970's semi detached house in a small close where everyone knows each other.

T ~ Tablecloths or Placemats? Depends what mood I am as to whether I use a tablecloth, but I definately use placements.

U ~ Under the kitchen sink--organized or toxic wasteland? Kind of organised but could be improved on, but definately non-toxic. i have got rid of all the chemical cleaners and use all natural homemade ingredients - bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, borax and washing soda crystals.

V ~ Vacuum--How many times per week? Every other day - upstairs one day then downstairs the other day. Have to do it like this as we have two dogs and two cats.

W ~ Wash--How many loads of laundry do you do per week? Normally one a day, sometimes two - and there's only two of us!!

X's--Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? I have to otherwise I forget what needs doing. Even my DH emails me a list of things that I have mentioned to him that need doing, when he gets to work in the mornings.!!

Y ~ Yard--y/n? Who does what? We have a garden as it's the UK, but it's a joint thing although DH mows the lawn and trims the bushes/trees/shrubs. I plan what plants we are going to put in where, I am also in charge of the vegetable area. But the garden is being redesigned over the winter and I am in charge of this most definately..lol

ZZZ's--what is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Wash up the cups from our pre-bedtime drink, pick up odds and ends around the living room, put the dogs toys away in their box and just generally a quick plump up of cushions.

It's time to say goodbye to my 20yr old cat..

2008-09-04T07:04:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I had to make a heartbreaking decision, and one I was hoping I wouldn't have to make. Sadly my darling 20yr old cat Smudge is telling me that it is time for her to pass over to Rainbow Bridge. She hasn't been ill or anything, which is what is making it really hard.

I noticed yesterday that she wasn't eating as quickly as she normally does, and was looking a bit thinner but nothing unusual. Anyway she was creating for me to let her out the front door in the morning, so I let her out and she trotted off to lay in her favourite spot - under my small willow bush. This was at 10am, and by 2pm I hadn't heard anything from her - normally she creates for me to let her in. I went out to investigate and found her lying on the grass looking rather the worse for wear. She was drooling, her eye was weeping big time and she had literally lost what weight she did have. You could see her pelvis bone and shoulder bones. I carried her in and bathed her as best as I could, bless her she never even grumbled at me. That was when I knew something was wrong big time.

I managed to get her to eat a wee bit of food, but not a lot as she couldn't open her mouth on one side too well. She then asked me to let her outside in the back garden, so off she went into her favourite spot out there - the herb garden - to lay down. She loves it there and she is also close to her sister Barney, who died 3 years past and is buried there. I am so thankful it was a nice day yesterday otherwise she wouldn't have been able to go outside. Anyway I went to get her in after an hour as she was just laying there. Got her to eat something, once more and then layed her down in the living room.

After a heart wrenching phone call with DH, who was at work, I had to make the decision to let my darling cat go. So a phone call was made to the vet and an appointment was made for today at midday.

We've had a peaceful night with her, but on closer inspection this morning it appears that she has had a stroke and is paralysed down one side of her face. She cannot close one eye, it is wide open and fully dilated, and can not take food down as she is having difficulty opening her mouth to take food in. The stroke hasn't affected her walking though as she still bunny hops up the stairs, but unfortunately she hasn't been to the toilet for two days now - well she did have a little wee yesterday.

The weird thing is that my normally grumpy, cantankorous cat is happy for me to lay her in my arms and rock her.

It's also weird that the other cats in the house have left her alone the past 24 hours, even the dogs have been keeping away from her. It's funny too that none of the other animals are playing - normally the younger dog likes to play with his toy all the time he is awake but he hasn't even been doing that.

While I am typing this my younger cat is curled up with me, as though she is trying to offer me some comfort. And the old girl is wandering around aimlessly..

I know I am doing the right thing, especially when I saw my DH this morning before he headed off to work. I have only seen him cry once over an animal, and that was when his beloved dog died 5 years ago. But he was sobbing his heart out while getting ready for work..

Trouble is it doesn't make it any easier as I have had Smudge since she was 8 weeks old and she is now 20 years old. But I know I am doing the right thing and now she can be with her sister Barney, my other cat Fred, my dog Patch and my mum. So today I am making the hardest choice and having her put to sleep rather than see if there is anything we can do regarding the stroke. I want her to go with some dignity rather than prolong her life. Doesn't make it any easier as I am a physical wreck at the moment and have been for over 24 hours now.. :(

2008-08-25T10:22:00.000+01:00

An early start this morning - got up at 6am when Jet bounced on me while I was sleeping. Oh the joys of having dogs :-)

Had a productive weekend although I didn't do anything on Saturday except finish my needleroll piece. That is now ready to be posted to my partner for the exchange.

D spent the day at Kemsley Light Railway. I should have used the day productively but well I didn't :-) I caught up on sleep..

Ack just had to move the living room chair. Amycat is playing with her playmouse and somehow batted it under the chair. Ooops now she is annoying Ollie by jumping on the chair where he is sleeping, patting him and jumping off. She'll get battered by him if she isn't careful, then Jet will want to join in. Oh fun and games lol!!

Sunday was spent pottering in the morning and then D and I watched the closing ceremony of the Olympics. I will admit I got quite emotional, especially when they handed the flag over to our Mayor of London - Boris Johnson. I also sniffed when the flame went out. Gods I'm getting sofe in my old age!!

After watching the party in London, on the t.v. I persuaded D to book tickets to go and see We Will Rock You in London for next month. Got a good deal on the tickets too, so that pleased him. He has been wanting to see this since it came to London 7 years ago. I just haven't been able to face London - well I thought I would bite the bullet so to speak. This will be my first trip to a show since 10 years ago - oooh scary!! I haven't been on a train for over 15 years - ooh that should be fun!. Still it will be worth it to see the concert, and D will be happy. That's the main thing :-)

Then in the evening D and I sat and watched "The Simpsons Movie" on one of the movie channels. We laughed all the way through.

Monday was a Bank Holiday here in UK and it was a typical Bank Holiday - iffy weather!!

N spent the day with us as it was her wedding anniversary and I didn't want her to spend it on her own. She would have only sat at home brooding on why her marriage ended with no warning last year. So she came to us instead.

I must admit I spent a manic couple of hours in the morning tidying and cleaning the house before I picked her up at midday. I was shattered before the day had even started :-)

Picked N up at midday, went to Asda for the potatoes I somehow forgot to get with the shopping Friday evening. Dropped D's prescription off and then come home to two bouncy dogs and a nice clean and tidy house. Although it didn't last as D clumped in grass from where he had been cutting grass outside, and the dogs took all their toys out of their box, and bedding, and just proceeded to make a mess everywhere. Why do I bother :-)

After a late lunch of homemade fish pie, we settled down to watch our Olympic athletes arrive home on the t.v. It was emotional watching, especially when they all posed for a photo wearing their medals. Team GB had got 47 medals - it was the most we had got in a fair while. Now we until 2012 to get our athletes to top form to beat this when we host the next Olympics.

Drove N home at about 6.30pm, stayed for a chat and a cuppa and got home just before 9pm.

D and I both had a reasonably early night as we were shattered, plus he had to get up for work at 4.45am in the morning - ugh!!

Have to make some of my cherry cookies today as D will be taking them into work tomorrow. So think I shall make some wholemeal rolls too, as the breadmaker is still out and the oven will be in use.

Must remember to defrost some stewing steak for tomorrow. I fancy making a steak and ale pie for tea tomorrow. Might also make a coconut cake seeing as the oven will be on today. Oooh I have sultanas in stock, might add some of them too :-)

Have a couple of loads of washing to do, plus some ironing that needs doing today.

Just watched Mrs Dove have her morning bath :-) She looked like she was having fun.

Oh all the birds have scattered - I think next doors cats have been let for the day. That'll please Olliecat. He has taken a dislike to all 3 of them for some reason. He'll be sitting indoors behind the babygate making his presence known. Smudge doesn't mind them and Amycat just stays away from the door. She likes to watch them from the back bedroom windowsill.

Blugh day..

2008-08-21T23:22:00.000+01:00

Horrible miserable wet day and I think my mood matched it. Amd I glad i did the housework yesterday. Definately not in the mood for it today.

Some more sad news on the news - a horrific plane crash in Madrid with 150 passengers killed. Some were children, others holiday makers. It's apparently on the same scale as the Lokherbie Air disaster many years ago. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones in this crash.

The rest of the day passed with nothing eventful happening.

Life is so strange..

2008-08-20T23:02:00.000+01:00

Had a late start to the morning, which was nice.

Sat and watched The Matthew Wright Show while eating a late breakfast. Checked emails, wraote a brief begging email to D at work.

Then found oud the sad news that Adrian from Baldy's Blog had passed away. This was sad as I didn't realise he was so close, although readers of his blog knew it was going to happen, just not so soon. Although I have never had the priveledge of meeting Adrian I felt like I knew him from reading his blog. He had campaigned relentlessly for a bone marrow campaign. Sadly he wasn't able to benefit from this. This is so much more hard hitting for me as I have a very close friend who suffers from a rare blood cancer and everything Adrian writes/wrote about in his blog, my friend has been through all this. Obviously I hope my friend doesn't go the way Adrian did as I have already lost one friend to cancer - can I cope with another friend dieing?

After a few quiet momements I decided to make some home made bread. I dragged the bread machine out of storage, cleaned it and put the mix into cook. Mmmmm had a lovely smell of baking bread around the house.

While the bread was cooking I did the housework and popped out for a bit of shopping at Asda.

Checked email, had lunch then did some stitching.

Early evening A popped round for a coffee and a chat. She caught me with my head in the Dyson. One of the cats toy mice had got sucked up the dyson while hoovering, so I had to get that out from underneath. Thankfully it didn't take too much effort. Said toy is now back in the middle of the living room.

If it's not the dogs trying to kill/maim me with their toys in odd places it's the cats - lol I had forgotten what it was like having youngish cats - mayhem when they aren't asleep.

Did a nice toad in the hole for dinner, had a lovely chat about getting older with N. Then settled down to watch t.v. with D. No late night cooking tonight.

A pottering we will go..

2008-08-19T23:02:00.000+01:00

Woke up at 5.30am coughing, and try as hard as I could I just couldn't get to sleep. Then the dogs figured out that I was awake so I had to get up in the end. I think D is beginning to wonder if he is ever going to eat his breakfast in peace again.. Probably doesn't help that I didn't really stop pottering about when I was up. Cat tray needed emptying, washing put on, D's breakfast things to wash up, two cats wanted feeding - Amycat didn't bother to get up though!!

Waved goodbye to D as he headed off to work and I then sorted out my repeat prescription to take to the Doctors. I then decided to drive to the surgery to pop it into the post box outside the surgery. Not many people around at that time of the morning!!

It was a pleasant drive, even though it is only 5 mins away.

Stopped and watched the old sow in the farm along the route. I don't normally see her when I am going there for eggs, she's normally fast asleep in her shelter. The geese, goats and chickens were all feeding, so I guess the farmer hadn't long fed them.

I then sat and watched the rabbits playing in one of the fields. Then as I was driving back noticed the grouse were out in the hay fields. Wow never realised there was so much wildlife activity, in all the fields, at this time of the morning.

Then as the crematorioum was open I poppedto say hi to Mum and dead head her rose bush. Saw a few other people in there too - perhaps they pop in on the way to work.

Then it was time to drive home to get a cup of tea, and breakfast of cereal of warm milk.

After breakfast I tackled the mound of ironing that I had sorted out yesterday.

Think I will do a bit of baking later - I am going to have a go at Jenny's boiled fruit cake, plus some cherry oat cookies.

Didn't do the cooking unfortunately, I ended up doing some more on my needleroll exchange piece while watching a weepy film on t.v. Still it was a nice enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

In the evening after dinner and while D was walking the dogs I decided to make those cherry oat cookies. So there I was at 9.30pm baking, and I took the last batch out of the oven at 10.30pm. Still they come out lovely and we had a couple with our bedtime drink.

A Day in my Life posted a day late..

2008-08-15T21:24:00.009+01:00

We are celebrating again this month with dear Jenny. If you would like to participate, here is where the details are posted on her blog. Here is my post for yesterday :-)

Another early start - Bear woke up at 5am just as D was getting in the shower, so I had to get up and let him out. Then Jet woke up so of course he had to go out as well. I've decided I might as well get up with D in the week, that way the dogs are happy and don't come and wake me up. If I start getting tired I can always catnap on the sofa during the afternoon.

So anyway as I was up I put a load of washing on, watered my veggies. I didn't go out and water the veggies at the front as I only had a short nightie on.

Ollie managed to sneak past me as I went to water out back. The little horror - but thankfully he came back in after 15minutes. It was too early for him, not much wildlife for him to stalk!!

I did pick my first two courgettes (zucchinis) from my courgette plant. They are only small but kind of cute. I think I'll use them in a courgette cake.

Managed to dry the load of washing inbetween the showers but unfortunately the bedding washing I had to drape indoors. Ironed the rest of the washing in basked and added another 5 shirts to D's work clothes. He must have enough shirts for every day for a month when they are all ironed!!

Oh we had a mini emergency here today - Amycat got out over the baby gate at the back door again!! She must have sneaked out while I was putting the washing out. I didn't notice until I went to feed some kibble the cats and only Smudge and Ollie turned up. Didn't really think anymore of it, checked upstairs but couldn't find see Amy but that's nothing new as she likes to sleep in strange places.

Anyway about 2ish as I was just locking up the back door I heard Amycat out in the garden. She was just scrambling the fence between me and neighbours. What a shock I got as I wasn't expecting to see her out there. She wouldn't come in though just went and hid under the currant bush and mewing for me to get her. Just that everytime I went near her she mewed and buried deeper underneath the bush. In the end I left her, come indoors and sat at the table. I think she realised I wasn't playing so she came running in mewing. She then went upstairs where she got plenty of fussing from me and a bashing from her brother Olliecat!!

The rest of the afternoon was spent pottering around the house picking up and generally tidying up.

Decided to take advantage of the library being open late on Thursdays and popped in to change my books. Had a lovely chat with one of the assistants in there, think they are getting to know me now as I am a regular, plus I am forever reserving stuff on the net and then going into collect piles of books at once.

As I was driving home caught up with D walking along the road, after he had got off the coach. I really didn't realise it was that late..oops!! We both arrived home at the same time!

I then cooked a lovely meal of lamb steaks in balsamic vinegar with a herb crust, courtesy of Aldi. With new potatoes and
green beans. Mmmm it was scrummy if I say so myself :-)

I think it's Thursday.

2008-08-07T14:49:00.000+01:00

Had a disturbed night in the early hours of this morning. About midnightish the heavens opened and then we had the most horrific storm. I've not heard one like that for a good while. The lightening was so bright it was dazzling, and the actual thunderstorm was rather loud. It was actually two thunderstorms merging into each other. Why can't I have a camera handy at times like this, oh yeah I forgot I don't make it a habit to take the camera to bed with me..

I had a very frightened Amycat, who everytime it thundered would shoot off the bed and hide in the hallway. When it had stopped she came back until another clap of thunder. Jet barked at the thunder and Bear just grumbled at it. Only Smudge and Olliecat didn't seem bothered!! Eventually after two hours it was just raining and I could finally settle down to sleep. Only to be woken up again at 5am with a pounding headacheA. So I decided to get up and potter around the house, see D off to work and do some washing up - exciting eh?

Looking out at the garden a few things needed tidying up. The tomatoes are growing nicely and the peppers are a lovely size. I've even got a couple of cucumbers starting to grow.

The rhubarb is taking over again even though I picked a good 10oz to freeze the other day. I think it likes the pot I planted it in.

Need to weed the front garden and cut back my Salix and Angels Trumpet plant as it is getting harder to walk past them, down the front path, again.

A semi lazy day today after spending a good 2 hours decluttering the main bedroom yesterday. What with a major decluttering of the living room on Monday, and I mean a major decluttering, I'm shattered. The only trouble is I can't find my slippers!!

When A gets back of her holidays next and pops over for a cuppa she won't recognise the place.

Tomorrow is decluttering the kitchen - shouldn't be too bad as the main cupboards were done recently. Panning around I couldn't believe how many people had trampolines in their gardens. I even found someone who had a swimming pool. D wanted to check out our holiday destination - oooh looks nice and villagy. Even looks like there is a farm opposite our cottage.

Life and all that!!

2008-08-02T14:32:00.000+01:00

Nice leisurely lie in followed by a leisurely day. Wanted to put the washing out but after listening to a weather forecast I had decided not to. But boy do I wish I had in the end as it actually turned out a gorgeous day in the end. The washing ended up being hung up around the house. That's the last time I listen to a weather forecast, I think I shall just stick my head out the window in the end!!

D did a bit more of the living room wall and I packaged up some of my nic-nacs in a box ready to move the dresser in the morning.

The living room is looking a bit minimalistic - still less dusting for me!!

The dogs were fast asleep most of the day but boy did we know it when they woke up. They were litle horrors, plus it had cooled down which makes it worse for us. Two dogs running around chasing each other is definately something you want to stay out of the way of!!

Spent the evening watching an "Evening of Dad's Army 40 Years Old" on BBC2.

An early start yet again !!

2008-07-28T14:11:00.000+01:00

Up early this morning. The boys jumped all over the bed at 5.30am waking me up. So there was nothing for it but to get up. Even Olliecat was up and about. He sat and watched the wildlife with me.

We had a good weekend this past weekend. On Saturday we drove over to Sutton Valence to pick up D's new car. He is really pleased with it - you could almost see him grinning when he drove it. And me being me had to fiddle with all the buttons - well a girl has to know what the car does..lol

I really wanted to get myself a new car while we were picking up D's one. I really am going to have to chase up Mum's money now and get it all sorted.

Then on Sunday we went to D's parents as D's brother C was there and our niece T had come down with him. Blimey she's a livewire, she has so much energy for a 9yr old. It's exhausting watching her

We all went out for a meal at a restaurant that we had been to before. The food was nice but the service left a lot to be desired. Trouble is I think the owners had tried to change the running of this restaurant but it wasn't quite working. But it was a nice meal and we all had a laugh.

Spent the afternoon back at D's parents and got totally exhausted watching T playing in the garden with D and C. T didn't even stop talking when we all sat down for tea. It was lovely to see T but boy I don't think I could have her full time .

The animals didn't seem to notice that we had gone for the day. I was a bit worried as we are dog sitting my friend S's dog Beth. But my worries were unfounded - all the dogs and cats slept all the time we were out. Although it was bedlam when we did get indoors - Bear and Jet bouncing around and Beth jumping around the dogs. She's a lovely dog and considerably smaller than my two. The cats aren't bothered at all by Beth being here, in fact Olliecat is being even more of a little sod. He loves nothing more than sitting on the living room window sill and staring at poor Beth. It's almost as if he's saying "it's my house and I have let you stay here". Daft cat!!

Tattybird was here again this morning. He was making sure the starlings didn't fly to the ground. He's getting very territorial over the garden now.

Thankfully the heatwave is supposed to break today according to the weather experts. I don't mind the heat it's the humidity that is too much to bear. Also the pets aren't happy either in the heat and the birds are really complaining too.

The plants are flourishing but that's probably because I am wathering them eveyr day in the evening and morning as well. They could do with a good dose of rain though.

Dead headed my roses and various other plants this morning, checked the baby pumpkins are growing okay. Hopefully they won't get munched on.

Picked a nice bunch of rhubarb from the plant outside, which I will make into a pie to freeze.

Popped to Asda for a couple of things but didn't stay long, it is too hot outside and definately too hot for driving. My little car doesn't have the luxury of air conditioning like D's car.

Caught up with the second half of the BBC Proms Dr Who special. The first half we were listening to while driving to D's parents, and didn't hear the 2nd half. I did my ironing to it while blasting the surround sound out. Thoroughly enjoyed it and it certainly made the time ironing pass quicker.

A quiet day..22 July 2008

2008-07-22T14:08:00.000+01:00

Had a very quiet Monday - I think the weekend/Friday was catching up with me.

Weather was glorious but I didn't take advantage of it. Afraid I spent the whole day either sleeping or watching Big Brother on t.v.

So today was a better day. An early start and the bed stripped, bedding washed and hung out on the line. Then a nice cup of tea while watching the wildlife and planning my day ahead.

Mr and Mrs Dove came and had a bath in the bird bath and Tattybird popped in the garden during the morning.

Sunday 20th July

2008-07-20T22:15:00.000+01:00

The reunion on Friday evening went really well. I had spent the afternoon with N chatting and watching t.v. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for the reunion.

We left at 7pm to go and pick up and old school friend who was going to the reunion as well. We got to the pub at 7.45pm and met up with several other old school friends. It was great to catch up with everyone. Finally the stragglers arrived and we had a full compliment of 18 from the "Class of 84". After a couple more drinks we all moved down to the S's 40th birthday celebrations at Palm Cottage down the road from the pub. A lot of dancing, drinking and general chatting was done by all.

It was so weird seeing everyone after 24 years. Obviously we had all aged - but one of the group still looked exactly the same. You could definately tell who it was I, where some of the others you had to think about who they were. The really weird thing was that the girls that had bullied me at school were so friendly, although I think they had been drinking a fair bit. Actually I got on better with them than the girls I was friends with at school. Strange how time changes things. N got chatting to her ex K nearly all evening - or let's just say he was very attentive to her. Shame my ex R never showed up, he must have bottled it!!

Then all too soon we got booted out of the club and all staggered down to the local nightclub. That was an experience for me - my first time in a nightclub. Don't think it will be my last either if a couple of the girls have their way later on in the year. Who would have thought it - 40 and clubbing!!

I left the club at 1.30am so N and I walked back to Palm Cottage to pick my car up. Drove back to N's for a cuppa and a late night chat. Finally got home at 3am. Then to bed only to annoy D by being so bouncy. I wanted to keep talking, I must have eventually fallen asleep though!!

Saturday I felt like I had been up all week and I hadn't been drinking either, but my head was pounding. Thankfully D went out early to take his car to be serviced in Maidstone. I must have fallen asleep as next thing I knew D was back home with a courtesy car. Thankfully I was feeling more human by then :-)

At about 1ish we went to pick uphis car and price up a new Citreon C1. Funnily enough I preferred the C2 Cachet. So we took one out for a test drive. I loved it - it was a gorgeous car to drive. So guess what - 3 hours after going to pick up D's old car he had signed, sealed and bought a brand new Citreon C2 Cachet in silver. He wasn't intending on doing this just I kind of talked him into :-) We will be collecting it in a weeks time all being well.

And when mums comes through I am going to treat myself to a new Citreon C1. I fell in love with this one, but I will go for a 1.4 instead as I am used to a 1.4 and I don't want to drop engine size.

So all in all Saturday was a hectic day.

Sunday was more sedate thankfully. We only popped out to buy the paint and bird food/seed from our new Wilkinsons in Sittingbourne.

Came home, filled the feeders up and watched the bird population re-appear in our garden.

Also my mouse family are back - Mr and Mrs Mouse were spotted on the peanuts in the evening. I have no idea where they have been but they are back.

And we have a new resident - a blackbird. I think he is a semi-grown one but looks so tatty. We have called him "Tattybird" and he has been around a bit.

I have 4 pumpkins growing which I am pleased about. I am worried abou the courgette plants - the leaves are turning yellow. Will have to keep an eye on them. Everything else is doing really well amongst the veggies :-)

Made a start on Shepherds Bush "Baby Bug Ball" while watching t.v. tonight. Got confused with the colours though, as they are so close together. Will have to sort them again tomorrow in the daylight, either that or phone B to see if she can help me sort them out.

D came home with his new Blackberry which he got from work, so I aquired his old one. Now I have to sort out a new sim card for it as he has to take the original card. Also I have to sort out a wireless network so I shall be exploring Virgin Media's package for phone.

Tuesday 15th July 2008

2008-07-15T22:18:00.000+01:00

5.50am - another early start this morning. Yep the dogs woke me up again, so I had to get up to let them out in the garden. Then poor Jet wouldn't come in so I had to go out and get him in. He was fine until he got to the back door then he heard the smoke alarm charging up. Well that was funny, if anyone could've seen me - I had to get behind Jet and physically push him on his rump. Okay if he was a smaller dog but not a 3stone collie!!! He eventually got indoors and then proceeded to play with his ball as though there was nothing wrong - daft mutt!!

It was the Kent County Show at the weekend so we along and took N with us as well. We got their nice and early and somehow we managed to bypass the traffic going up the A249 by going off the Bredhurst turn off. We parked in a back carpark and we actually got near the entrance which was a bonus. The weather was fantastic - not too hot and not too cold. And the crowds were minimal. I think most people thought they would go on Sunday when it was supposed to be hotter. We ended up spending a good 5 and a half hours there before we left. I treated myself to a gorgeous handmade mouse doorstop. I also got some more of my aprons that I like - I think D has given up with me and aprons. At this rate I'll soon have one for each day of the week and some extra days. I was then drawn to a beautiful crystal stone called "Goldstone" which I treated myself to.

Yesterday was mum's 61st birthday so I took some lillies up to the crematorium and put them on her plot. I also tidied up her rose bush and cut a couple of budding rose blooms to put in a wee vase home here.

I can't believe this is the 2nd birthday that Mum isn't here. It really doesn't seem possible that she has been gone nearly 2 years this coming November.

I did notice, while I was at the crematorium, that I am the only one that visits mum and takes flowers. I thought this last year when it was her one year anniversary but dismissed it. But yesterday just made me realise if I didn't go up there she would have no visitors. So much for all her friends and relatives - they can't even be bothered. And they do know where she is as I sent out letters telling her friends and family. Oh well just goes to show we may have had a bad past together, yet I don't forget her up there at the crematorium. I find I can be close to her when I am there - if she only knew!! For all my faults, according to her when she was alive, I'm the one that is there for her. None of the rest of the family and her friends seem to care. I think it's a case of "out of sight, out of mind" for them. As they say "There's nowt as queer as folk" and this is so true!.

Mr and Mrs Dove have been down for their morning bath, and Mrs Thrush has been snail bashing by the front door outside.

Still no sign of my mouse family thought :-( Lots of baby sparrows though - I love to see them in the garden waiting for their parents to finish feeding so they can feed next.

Beer in ale for dinner tonight, with plum pie afterwards. The beef went in the slow cooker not long after D left at 6.30am. And I shall use the plums that have been ripening off in the fruit bowl Plenty of sugar, a cinammon stick and lovely squishy plums all stewed together. Then homemade pastry to make the pie with.

I also want to make some cherry flapjacks, to make use of the oven while the pie is cooking.

The afternoon will be spent packaging up some parcels that need to be posted and then settling down with my stitching.

A Day in my Life

2008-07-15T13:22:00.010+01:00

It's that time again, although I am a day late. Feel free to pop over to Jenny Wren's blog to find out what it is all about. In the meantime here is my contribution.

My day started at a reasonable time for a change. As soon as I woke up I just knew it was going to be one of those days. You know where you just don't feel like doing anything at all. So that's what I did, nothing!! Oh yes I obviously did the necessary chores to keep the house looking tidy and clean but nothing else!!

The added factor was that it was my mother's 62nd birthday, so I had to take a wee trip to the crematorium up the road to place some flowers on her plot.

So anyway I got up, pottered around upstairs before going downstairs to get my first cup of tea of the day. Unfortunately the cup that D had made me, before he left for work at 6.30am, had gone cold. The dogs wanted to go out so I let them out in the garden, and then Olliecat wanted to wander around his territory - all of 10 ft of earth at the back of the garden.. While they were exploring the garden I sat down and pondered the day. Made plans in my head as to what I was going to do and just generally watched the wildlife going by in my garden.

After getting dressed, tidying upstairs and then doing the washing up downstairs I spent a good hour or so watching Big Brother 9 and chatting to some friends online.

After lunch of hoisin duck in a wrap, bought from Asda - I'm not that good at making wraps..lol, anyway after lunch I popped to Asda and bought some lillies to take to the crematorium. They were beautiful and even had 20% extra.. :-)

Drove to the crematorium, saw several magpies along the route - not bad considering the crem is only a 5 minute drive from my house. It was really weird as I was the only one in the carpark, but was so tranquil and plenty of birds singing.

Tidied up mums rose bush and placed the lillies in the vase I had bought recently especially for her plot. I also placed a little plaque by the rose bush saying "Mothers are angels in training". And then took a couple of rose buds from the bush to put in a small vase at home.

I also kept back one of the lilly stems to put in a glass vase to have on the table at home as well.

I stayed at the crematorium for a while just sitting there listening to the birds and being watched by two magpies. Funnily enough I didn't get upset which I was quite surprised at. Maybe it will hit me another time.

I drove back and noticed that the gypsies had finally moved on from along the main road. Thank gods they have gone, but they have left the most awful mess. I am sure they will be back again within the next few weeks. That is what they did last time they were moved on from the same area.

I decided rather than go home I went and visited my friend who lives opposite for a natter and a cuppa :-) So we put the world to rights and her husband and I discussed our school days. It was quite odd really as I didn't know he was even from the same area as me - Gillingham, Kent. He knew of all the old places where I grew up.. We had a lovely time remember the old haunts!!

Had to get home though as I had to feed the animals and D was due home from work. Didn't have to cook dinner as D was doing his stir fry and I can't have the sauces, so my dinner was a ready meal of Jambalya and a chicken and pesto pasta thing.

After dinner I sat down with D and we watched the t.v. and chatted about our days.

And there you have it, that is a day in my life :-)

Thursday 10th July 2008

2008-07-10T22:10:00.000+01:00

I am getting up earlier and earlier - today it was 5.05am. I know it's precise but D was in the shower and I remember looking at the clock, because the news and weather had just come on the radio. Had to get up to let the boys out in the garden. Then when I got back in the smoke alarm started to beep, telling us it needed recharging. Well that was enough for young Jet. He hates that noise, so proceeded to make himself as small as he could up against me while I was laying on the bed, after getting back in. I gave up after 10mins as one trembling dog and one demanding Amycat do not go together!!

Thankfully Jet calmed down and proceeded to play with his tennis ball for a while - daft dog!!

The rain, that had been going all night and all yesterday, had stopped and we even had a blue sky this morning. Still mustn't complain as it has been a welcome relief to all my veggies and plants.

Jet played solidly for half an hour with his tennis ball. He was just running up and down the living room with it. At one point he tried to give it to Olliecat - to say Ollie was not amused was perhaps an understatement :-) Ollie gave Jet one of his famous frowns so Jet tried giving it to Bear then. Poor Bear was trying to sleep. In the end Jet finally gave up and went to sleep in his bed.

Where does the washing come from? I haven't been able to do any washing for a couple of days due to the rain. Now it's a nice day I thought I would try and clear the basket. But I am sure it has been breeding - there is more than three loads. Oh well I might have to give and use the airer if it rains again :-(

Not a long going on in the bird population in our garden. Although I did only fill the feeder up again this morning. It will take them time to realise there is food. Mr and Mrs Dove have been around nearly every day for a bath - except for yesterday when they probably didn't move from their cosy home.

Still no sign of the mouse family, but Mr and Mrs Thrush have obviously been around. I keep finding battered snail shells in neat piles in the garden.

Wanted to make some oat and cherry flapjacks today but on checking the cupboard there are no oats. So that is on hold until I go shopping!!

Friday 4th July 2008

2008-07-04T22:05:00.000+01:00

Had a lay in this morning which was nice. The animals could obviously sense that I didn't feel well so they stayed asleep, bless them.

We had no sign of the thunderstorms here in Kent, that the rest of the country had been having yesterday.

Thursday 3rd July 2008

2008-07-03T12:12:00.000+01:00

5.15am - Very early start for me this morning. D came up to get me as poor Scruffy had been ill over the chair. So it was my job to clean it up while D carried on getting ready for work. Not a nice start to get up to especially as I hadn't been feeling too well the past few days. Anyway Scruffy kept going out in the garden to eat grass and after about half an hour of doing this he came in and settled down to sleep.

Can't believe how cooler it is today, especially after the heat of the past few days. I think the rain all day yesterday did some good to not just my veggies - it cleared the air finally!!

It's funny sitting here at 6.30am, with the clouds in the sky, I notice how the birds aren't so active as they are as to when it's a lovely sunny morning.

There must be more food around for the birds at the moment as the peanuts aren't going down so quickly this week.

Mr and Mrs Dove have been down for an early morning bath and a peck around, but still no sign of my mouse family. Good news is that Mr Pigeon seems to have found a new haunt as he hasn't been seen in just under a week now :-)

And would you believe it, the window cleaner turned up yesterday. Blooming typical!! Still the upstairs and downstairs windows all got washed as well as the front windows and door. That's when it rained after they were cleaned.

Comments..

2008-07-02T18:00:00.006+01:00

Unfortunately due to problems with Haloscan and for some reason it keeps coming up as a blocked site on my firewall I have had to revert back to Blogger comments.

I don't know what's happened to all Halascan comments and I'm not sure how to import them over here for Blogger to pick up. So it looks like I may have lost all comments going back to the beginning of this blog.. :-(

Wednesday 25th June 2008

2008-07-02T12:46:00.002+01:00

Up at 6am today, though I have no idea why as I didn't settle down until 1am. I got engrossed in my library book and had to finish it before turning the light off.

Spent 2 hours from 6.30am till 9.30am ironing, where does all the ironing come from I want to know, there's only me and D.

Still no sign of the mouse family in the garden.

Tuesday 24th June 2008

2008-07-02T12:38:00.002+01:00

Early to rise this morning. It was lovely to wake up with the sun coming through the bedroom window. Put a load of washing on and sorted out another two loads ready to be washed.

Ollie and Smudge went out as soon as I opened the back door. The two dogs stayed asleep in their lazy beds. Thought about tea tonight and it will be nice and lazy as I already have the bolognese prepared in the freezer.

Decided to repot the vegetables that needed doing while it was reasonably cool out the back. I am a wee bit worried about one tomato plant – for some reason the stem is suffering. I am going to have to keep an eye on this plant.

Had a look at the rest of veg planted – the cabbages in the front garden are growing nicely. The two rhubarb plants, also in the front garden, are flourishing which I am pleased about.

The pumpkin out the back has also flourished, as are the courgette plants. I even have small flowers starting to grow. The other rhubarb plant, that was planted out in its own pot, is really growing lately.

As I write these observations down Amy has found a lovely sunny spot near me, and is stretched out to full length on her back. I imagine I'll see her tanned before long – she is definitely a a cat that is a sun worshipper!! I have noticed on sunny days she follows the sun around the house via the windowsills – this is definitely a side of her I didn't know she had before she came to live her. When she was with me up north she was a totally different cat. Amazing what a stable and loving home can do to a nervous cat. She loves being around Ollie, and occasionally tries to beat Sumdge, the geriatric cat, up but normally loses! She is also starting to voice her opinion when she wants some cat biscuits or food. I think she has got this idea from Smudge who is a very verbal cat!!

Had to cancel Dr's appointment today, my body let me down again. So I now have to wait a week or so and ring for another appointment where Michelle will fit me in straightaway as my body is so unpredicatable.

Noticed while watering the plants and vegetables that I actually have two tiny courgettes starting to grow.I'm keeping an eye on this pigeon that has taken a liking to our garden for some reason. D says it is because I am growing a few more vegetables than previously I have done. My Pigeon had better behave himself otherwise he could find himself in a pigeon pie!!

Tuesday 1st July 2008

2008-07-01T11:53:00.000+01:00

6.30am - Got up early this morning. It was probably something to do with the sun streaming through the bedroom window. I do like it when I can wake up to sun, it makes my day begin really well.

Managed to do 2 hrs of ironing before it started to get too hot downstairs. And also got two loads of washing out on the line. I am definately sure the washing pile is breeding.

Waited for the sun to move off the front of the house, then cleaned the downstairs front windows outside and the front door. Have given up waiting for the window cleaner.

If the weather holds up I shall do the outside back kitchen windows and french doors tomorrow.

Bear doesn't like this hot wather and all he does is sleep on the sofa but Jet doesn't seem to stop playing with his toys. He does grab 40 winks now and again but wakes up and starts all over again.

Mr and Mrs Dove were back early again, this time taking a bath in the water bowl outside, twice I had to fill it up for them.

I've noticed the wood pigeon has gone away - thankfully!! Don't want him around eating all my bean plants. I have enough trouble with the snail population here.

Monday 30th June

2008-06-30T11:46:00.000+01:00

Earlyish start this morning. A really pleasant morning just watching the birds feeding and various other wildlife. Sadly still no sign of my mouse family. But Mr and Mrs Dove have made a welcome return.

Over the weekend C had her baby and they have called her Sara, so my 8 year old niece T has got a baby step sister. While we were out shopping at the weekend we picked up a wee gift to send up to Sara.

I've also finally got all of my outfit, including shoes, for the reunion on the 18th July.

Had to bury a grown up thrush this morning. Poor thing must have flown into the french doors while I was upstairs. The poor bird wasn't there before I went up, and I was gone a matter of minutes. Still at least she died instantly. Poor wee thing.

Spent the morning mending items of clothing and gernerally pottering around.

Made a couple of crumbles with the rhubarb bought at the weekend. Now just to find room in the freezer for them.

Several small wash loads on the new pink whirly gig line in the garden. Yep it is pink - Argos is doing a new "Pink Lady" range and I just had to buy the washing line. Quite fortunate the old whirly gig broke friday!!

Must sontact the solicitors re Mums' will sometimes this weekend as well as my cousins. Hopefully now the house is sold we can come to a satisfactory closing of Mums' estate.

Monday 23rd June 2008

2008-06-24T12:59:00.003+01:00

Didn't get up until quite late this morning, well 9am. It's later than my early starts have been. Had a leisurely breakfast while watching a consumer programme on t.v.

Watched the birds fighting over the water bowl and seeds in the garden. A bit worried as I haven't seem my mouse family for a few days.

Noticed yesterday that the rose I planted in mums memory is breaking out of bud and it also has another 6 buds. This is its first full year and it has done me proud.

I also noticed that the rose bush on mum's grave, at the crematorium is also about to bloom. Must go up there again in a few days, with my camera, and take a photo. It would be lovely if it was still blooming for her birthday in July.

The rose I planted for nan has got one more bud on it left to flower, can't complain though I managed to get 3 rose buds cut and put in vases for a while.

Managed to wash the dog beds today – blimey I didn't realise how bad they were until after they were washed. They came out a lovely white rather than a dull grey they went in.

The vegetables in the garden are growing lovely now. I even have small beans growing on one of the bean plants I rescued from the slugs. I also notice another bean plant is recovering so maybe we will get a reasonable crop later.

The potatoes in the front garden will need digging up in the next week or so.

Tomorrow I have a few chores that must get done – prescription from Dr's, repot the small tomatoe plant, ironing pile to clear, small load of washing to do – making the most of the lovely weather. Clean the chairs outside so that I can sit out and have lunch on the patio.

Today I am thankful for my cats and their unconditional love, especially Amycat.

Tuesday 17th June 2008

2008-06-24T12:23:00.003+01:00

Had a leisurely lay in, although when I did wake up I had a horrible sneezing fit. Hayfever season has started for me – ugh!!

Got a lovely surprise late this morning, a courier came with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from D. 19 years ago today we were married in out local church. Thankfully the weather wasn't has hot today as it was then. We have been through some rough times but we are still together and sort of going strong!!

We had a leisurely day at a shopping centre in Essex and for a change I treated D to some new shirts. I am slowly weedling out his old t.shirts.

I also went a bit mad and had a small spend up on some more Yankee Candles.

Came home and found out we won't be getting the new car after all – oh well D said not to worry, he'll get a new one next year.

This evening D and I tried out our local Indian restaurant in the village. We chose to have the "all-you-can-eat" buffet and I would certainly recommend it to anyone. It was a thoroughly enjoyable meal and a lovely finish to a nice day.

Today I am thankfuly I have a good life, a good husband and good friends.

Sunday 15th June 2008

2008-06-24T12:18:00.002+01:00

8.00am – Finally a normal time to get up – although it was helped a bit by two dogs jumping all over me.

Put some new bird feed in the various feeders for the birds in the garden. My gods it was like an invasion – birds from all directions. Mr Dove came, without Mrs Dove, and helped himself. And Baby Thrush appeared and had a nice feast. Then it was the turn of the starlings and sparrows – now they are greedy!!

Glorious summer day so I planted out a couple of rhubarb plants in the front garden, and then potted up the rest of the plants in their new homes. Am thinking about repotting the courgettes into much bigger pots – I'll think that one over.

Saturday 14th June 2008

2008-06-24T12:13:00.002+01:00

Had a reasonable leisurely start to the morning – thankfully it wasn't 6.30am.

Sat and had a cuppa while listening to the radio, and D walked the dogs. Hoped it wouldn't rain which thankfully it didn't.

We went to Bexley just before lunch, where D bought his new car. Couldn't believe how long it took though – by the time we came out we had been in there for over 2 hours. But during this time D got himself a new car in silver, and a wee bit bigger than his one at the moment. So at the moment it is somewhere on a boat being shipped over. We pick it up in about 10 days time. Bet I don't get to drive this one either – he's had the one he's got at the moment for 3 years and I haven't driven it once. So the new one won't be any different. Maybe if I hadn't got my own car!!

We then had a pleasant afternoon mooching in Bexleyheath. I picked up some more Yankee Candle wax tarts – Sparkling Lemon, French Vanilla, Good Morning and Home Sweet Home.

I also got "Eating for Victory", a book with repoductions of official second war instruction leaflets. And I think I have found the outfit to wear to my school reunion next month. I'll try it on and if it's ok I'll buy it next time I am near the shop.

Then the evening was spent doing nothing but watching a film together and catching up on a couple of Tivo'd House episodes.

Thursday 12th June 2008

2008-06-14T08:53:00.002+01:00

Up early again 6.00am. Not sure I'm that keen on these early starts seeings as I'm not sleeping until midnight each night, and that's by going to bed at 11pm. I normally read until I start to fall asleep. Have tried going earlier but that seems to make it worse. Still I'll hopefully lie in next week as D has a week off so he won't be up and about early. Which also means Jet gets up too early and wakes me up by bouncing around with his favourite toy, a stuffed choggy.

Sat watching the birds feeding this morning in the early morning rain. It doesn't seem to deter them, although mousey hasn't been to feed this morning. Mr and Mrs Dove never came down earlier but I did seem them later during the day.

Hoping to plant the cabbage seedlings out. I have decided to plant them in the front garden – that should confuse the neighbours when they seem them growing.

I might plant a couple of rhubarb plants out the front too as I have a big enough gap between the recently planted Red Robin and the Forsythia. Now that will really worry the neighbours, although if I know them they will probably take it in their stride – know me from old!!

Mousey did come back this afternoon, and he had brought his family, Mrs Mouse and Baby mouse to feed on the bird feeder. It was lovely to watch them feeding. Then they went scuttling off to their home in the compost heap behind the forsythia bush at the back of the garden.

We have gained a new resident in the garden – a Wood Pigeon. I am now wondering if this is who is eating my poor bean seedlings. I am going to get some pea netting I think. Gods I never thought it was so fraught growing vegetables..lol

Absent garden birds..

2008-06-03T22:00:00.001+01:00

An early start this morning. It wasn't intended to be early but Jet decided to bounce all over me. It's very difficult to sleep when you have 3 stone of dog bouncing around on the bed with his favourite toy!! Why can't he bounce over D I don't know, nope he would rather do it to me.. So I got up!

Washing will have to wait another day as the weather was forecast for another wettish day. It's now I regret not getting a combined dryer and washing machine. Who would believe it's June though. To tell you the truth it feels like Autumn!

Can't believe it's technically 6 paydays till Christmas as someone pointed out yesterday –where has the year gone?

We had a mini tragedy last weekend – Ollie caught a baby starling. Now I have no idea how he did this as he isn't the brightest of cats – he stares at the poor birds giving them a complex normally!! He came running into the house amid a lot of squawking. We investigated and found him at the top of the stairs with this starling in his mouth. After a bit of coaxing he did give it up to D – I think the lure of his food was too tempting!!! Anyway D took the bird outside and it flew off, but not after pecking D. Now there's gratitude for you!! I think I'm going to have to keep an eye on Ollie, he certainly seems to pack it all in during his hour excursions outside in the garden. So we've had birds, mice I wonder what the next prey will be – the frog!!

Wow all this rain has certainly made everything grow in the garden. I can't believe my veggies are so advanced – I had to transplant my tomatoes during the week. The rest of the veg was all transplanted at the weekend. Although my beans are providing a source of food to something – the leaves had all been eaten, darn slugs and snails!! Fingers crossed they grow as I have cut all offending leaves off.

Haven't seen Mr and Mrs Dove for a couple of days, wonder if she is nesting. Mr and Mrs Starling brought their babies down for a bath. I counted 7 baby starlings lined up on the fence all waiting for the bird bath.

I have seen two new additions in the garden, Mr and Mrs Wren and Mr and Mrs Coaltit. These are unusual to our garden but a welcome addition never the less.

While having my 2^nd cup of tea I pondered what to do today – I need to make some more cake and biscuits for the snacking tin, plus I have a lemon to use up. I also need to go through the downstairs cupboard and clear it out of the junk in there. Do I really want to do this? It really does need doing especially as we are climbing over gods knows what to get to the freezers.

I have spent the best part of the morning ironing, ugh!! I sent D off to do the shopping this morning so I could make a start on it.

Big Brother 9 has sstarted – oh my god I can't believe the contestants this year. They are certainly a motley crew. Still it makes compelling viewing, but I really must curb my viewing of it. The other night I didn't get to bed untill 3am!!

I’m bored tonight..

2008-05-30T22:32:00.002+01:00

Not a lot to put the past couple of days I'm afraid. I have had a bit of a slow time doing nothing in particular, so I will post a meme that I saw on Yvestown's blog today.

What time did you get up today? 9.00am
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.
Latest movie in a movie theater? I can't remember .. oops!!
Favorite TV series? House
What did you have for breakfast? A bowl of malted shreddies and a cup of tea.
What's your middle name? Alice.
Favorite food? Traditional English cooking, for example jam roly poly, meat pie, stews etc..
Which food don't you like? Gypsy Tart and Butterscotch Tarts, as well as Liver..ugh! Remind me too much of school!
What's your favorite CD at the moment? I haven't got a favourite one I'm afraid.
What car do you drive? Daewoo Lanos
Favorite sandwich? Fried Egg.
Which human traits can't you stand? Jealousy, arrogance, ignorance.
What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and a cute top.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Alaska..
Favorite clothing brand? I haven't got a particular favourite.
Where would you like to retire? The Cotswolds in the UK.
Favorite time of day? Sunset..
Where were you born? Farnborough, UK
Which is your favorite sport to watch? I don't watch sports :-(
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke
Soccer or hockey? Neither
Are you a morning person or a night owl? A night owl.
Pedicure or manicure? Manicure, I can't stand anyone near my feet.
Any exciting news to share? I'm going to a 25 year school reunion in July!
What did you want to become as a child? I always wanted to be a nurse, no good now as I can't stand the sight of blood.
Best childhood memory? Sitting outside my grandma's bungalow, in the garden, shelling peas and drinking homemade lemon barley.
Ever been to Africa? No but I would certainly like to go one day.
Ever rolled anybody in toilet paper? No
Have you ever been in a car accident? I've had one serious one where I wrote my car off after a nasty accident
Favorite day of the week? Every day is a favourite for me..
Favorite flower? Lillies, sweet peas and roses.
Favorite - Hot dog or Chinese food? Chinese food.
Do you own a bike? No
Who was you latest e-mail from? An old school friend.
Where would you like to shop more if you could afford to? New York if I could afford it.
Bed time? Between 11 and 11.30pm
Latest person to share dinner with? My husband D.
What are you up to now? Chatting to old school friends on Facebook.
Favorite color? Pink, silver, peach, purple and all pastel colours.
How many tattoos? None!

To be a caring friend..

2008-05-28T11:53:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was spent being there for a friend. Although it was a quiet day it was a day I was glad that I could do.

Early in the morning I had a Dr's appointment at my local hospital to look over my moles that I was a wee bit worried about. Thankfully they weren't anything to get worried about. I was so relieved that I really felt like crying for some strange reason.

Then it was on to my friends house. I had to sit in the car outside her house for a while as I knew she was at a meeting in town. It was quite a pleasant day considering the dreadful weather we had that night.. Anyway I sat and read my wartime diary book while awaiting my friend. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long as she turned up quite quickly after me getting there.

We then spent a lovely afternoon just doing nothing except chatting and relaxing. We put the world to rights and various other things. Lunch was pleasant, she had got some lovely cheese and onion pastry rolls in which I thoroughly enjoyed. And we drank copious amounts of tea :-)

Unfortunately the afternoon went too quickly and I had to make my way home :-(

It was then a trip to Asda to pick up some cat litter and various bits and then fill up with petrol. I couldn't believe how much petrol had gone up in the space of two days – before the weekend it was 111.9p per litre, and yesterday it was 112.9p per litre. Although when I drove past a couple of other petrol stations near my home petrol ranged from 111.9 to 114.9 – ack!! And if it goes up too much I am going to have to start rethinking whether I can justify using my car as often as I do. I will always make sure that I have enough petrol in the car to get me to my friends' house at least once a month for our girlie day out :-) But I think the days of just popping to the supermarket or the library for a wander around are gone now, I am going to have to go out and combine my trips to the supermarket/library when they are necessary. And this is mainly due to the petrol rise..

Late evening I decided to plant up my seeds that I bought at the weekend – cucumber, carrots and spring onions. I think D thought I had gone mad suddenly going outside at 9.30pm to plant out some seeds.. But then he should be used to the mad things I do by now. :-)

I have to sort out my beetroot seeds, as I am sure I had some of them somewhere, so that I can plant them out today/tonight.

It was a bit of a disturbed night as well as we had terrific thunderstorms and lightening during the night. Bizarrely it was only me and D that woke up, the dogs and cats never stirred.!

Miserable Monday..

2008-05-27T09:42:00.002+01:00

The day started wet, and I mean wet!! The wind was howling almost all of the night, and also rained nearly all the night too. I certainly had some flooded empty plant pots – thankfully the plants we bought at the Garden Show on Saturday, were okay. I had visions of opening the curtains and seeing all the veg floating across the lawn!!

It was a quiet day in all. D did some more stripping of wallpaper and I caught up on some TiVo'd programmes.

A friend called round for a cup of tea and a natter this afternoon. She also bought her dog, Beth, round. She is a right little pickle but absolutely loves my dogs, and they love her too. Beth often comes and stays with us while her mum/dad go away overnight or on holiday. She treats our house like a second home now, even to the point that she came and sat in front of the fridge waiting for a piece of ham, as she knows she has a slice when she normally stays here. Cheeky little dog!!

D cooked a nice roast beef dinner, which was a nice change.

An hour was spent ironing in the evening and then I settled down to watch t.v. for a while.

A very quiet Bank Holiday but a wet one!!!!

Garden show..

2008-05-25T22:22:00.002+01:00

Not such an early or leisurely start today. Had to be up at 7.30am due to going to the garden show. We also had to get to my friends house, to pick her up, for 10ish.

I'm not sure I like these mornings where I have to rush about. I'm not the world's fastest person in the mornings..

Weather was glorious all day

We got to the show just after 11am and I couldn't believe how busy it was. And people were already leaving with plants at this time of the morning.

We were very lucky with a parking space – right next to the entrance. I think next time we go to an event at Detling we'll go at this time again.

I was totally overwhelmed with all the plant stalls and we went round once, then had lunch, then it was onto serious spending !!!!

We came home with the following plants:

3 x Patio French Beans
3 x Sweet Peas (10 plants to a pot)
8 x Onion plants
3 x Rhubarb plants
1 x Jasmine plant
1 x Red Robin plant
1 x Acer (Atropupureum) – Red Japanese Maple
1 x Weigela – Bristol Ruby
1 x Pumpkin plant
2 x Courgette plants
1 x Aubergine plant
1 x Leptospermum (Red Dwarf)
1 x Prunus Cistena (Red in colour)
1 x Calycanthus Floridus (Red flowers)

Can you see a colour scheme showing here??

It was a long day but a happy day. Although I did catch the sun on the back of my shoulders and chest rather heavily and that is with a sun hat on too.

Dropped N off home and then drove to Homebase to buy a new lawnmower and some outdoor Cucumber, Carrots and Red Spring Onion seeds.

Did battle with Asda then drove home.

After a leisurely tea we settled down to cheer on Andy Abrahams in the Eurovision Song Contest. Well that was a total farce!! I will admit some of the other countries entries were great for a laugh. The voting was a farce – unofortunately UK got 14 points in total and came last. Russia came first with 172 points although it was almost determined that Russion, or one other Eastern European country would win. The sad thing is that the great institution of Eurovison – Terry Wogan is considering pulling out of commentating. It has also been announced that Italy and Austria have pulled out totally of the competition.

I also think it may be the last year we watch it. And to think they didn't put Dr Who on because of this..

Thank crunchie it’s Friday!!

2008-05-23T21:35:00.001+01:00

Another early start – 6am. I'm quite liking these early starts. I'm amazed at what I can get done.

Washing in machine, sausages browned and already in the slow cooker on low.

Thinking about jobs to do today – I would like to make some lemon and sultana bars, hoover upstairs and do a couple of hours of ironing. No sign of my blackbird or dove couple this morning. But I did see Mr Mouse having his early breakfast feast! My lettuces have picked up from their transplant the other day – that is a relief. I was so worried about whether they would take or not.

I've lost a cheque that D wrote to pay for one of my bills. I can't figure out where it has gone. It can't be far unless it got caught up with some papers threw away – I do hope not!! Sorted out my fabric to make apron. If it isn't too hot this weekend I would like to make that. Extra long weekend th weekend as its Whitsun Bank Holiday.

Wrote my list out for the plants I would like to get at the garden show tomorrow. Hopefully I can pick up some vegetabes and herb plants as well.

Heard on the radio today about a labrador called Bella who is 29 years old. Yikes and I thought that my old dog, Patchy, living to 17years was good for a dog. I imagine Bella doesn't do too much being that age.

Sat and repaired one of my tops while having my third cup of tea this morning. This has been waiting to be repaired for a while now, so I am glad that it is finally done

The day was spent pottering around, checking emails, making phone calls and just general housework duties.

After tea was eaten I made some of my Lemon and Sultana Bars for Saturdays trip to the Garden Show.

Another early start..

2008-05-22T23:38:00.001+01:00

The morning started at 6am. I got up when D was getting ready to go to work. Although it probably didn't help that I had Amycat mewing in my ear. I spent a pleasant hour sitting watching the birds in the garden while drinking copious amounts of tea and planning what to do during the day.

I never realised how much I liked this time of the morning. Everyone – man or beast just waking up.!

Mr Blackbird seemed really active this morning, running in and out of the redcurrant bu. I there there maybe the beginnings of a nest in there I have noticed that Mr and Mrs Dove aren't early risers although I did see Mrs Dove fly down to the bird bath but she didn't stay long.

Sat and watched this little sparrow spend a good 10 minutes trying to get a twig off the fence. I think its part of last years dead growth from the passion flower. He was determined to get this twig. He did get it in the end, although there was a lot of flapping of wings and moveing around. If birds could smile I am sure he would have been when he flew off with this huge twig in his beak.

Decided on a takeway for dinner as it was too hot to cook.

Popped to the library to pick up another 8 books – D reakons I should get a season ticket to there the amount of times I am popping in and out. Either that or free reservations for a month, I am keeping them in business with the amount of online reservations I do..

Couldn't believe how hot it was just going from the car to the library. Was going to have quick look around town but decided against it.

Had a nice chay on the computer with some old school friends.

D came home and we had a nice walk to the village, with the dogs, to get our takeaway. The boys loved their early walk and Jet was especially happy as I let him off his lead to play fetch for a while.

We then came home and settled down for the day.

My thought for the day – there is nothing nicer than freshly laundered sheets on the bed

A late start..

2008-05-21T22:21:00.000+01:00

After a very late start – I overslept. I didn't even hear D go at 6.15am. And all the animals stayed asleep. It wasn't until Jet barked at the postman delivering the mail that I woke up and went downstairs. I sat and checked emails, fed the cats some biscuits, watered the indoor plants and watched the bird life in the garden while having a late breakfast.

Duing the day I pottered around the house tidying up. I also sorted out my banking, paid a few bills online and then I looked into changing my blog design.

Late afternoon I planted up my lettuce seedlings. I hope they grow now, they were quite big in their nursery pots!!.

We had a lovely chilli and pasta for tea, when D got home. It was one I had made a couple of weeks ago and had frozen what we didn't eat. With the additon of a handful of frozen peppers it turned out well.

The evening was spent relaxing in front of the t.v. and chatting to D about the day.

The mouse was feeding later this evening.

The start of a new change..

2008-05-21T13:44:00.003+01:00

This is an idea that I have borrowed from The Simple Woman blog..

I am hearing...the latest BBC lunchtime news.

A Thought Crossing my mind...It's so nice that the sun is out and the washing is drying on the line.

A Few Plans Today...Write letters, drink tea, tidy up, bake some biscuits, make dinner, do some sewing, plant up my lettuce seedlings, plant some flower seeds in my old teapot.

On My Table...a hot cup of steaming tea and a cookie.

What’s For Supper...Homemade spaghetti bolognese and fruit and ice cream for dessert.

The Animals are...asleap in their various hidey holes.

I Awoke to...My dog Jet barking as the postman was delivering some letters.

Tomorrow In Brief...I want to get outside early tidy up my overgrown pots ready for new plants.

Here is a picture I am sharing of a delightful photo that a friend sent me. I thought it was so cute..

It's time for a change..

2008-05-21T13:43:00.001+01:00

I have been thinking about a few things lately and one of these things is that I am going to be changing my blog concept. Over the next week or so there will be a change of colour scheme etc, plus there will be a subtle change in the contents of the posts. This will be to reflect my interest in creating a simple and plentiful homelife.

Yep I know it sounds a bit hippy, but I think this may be the way I am heading at the moment. I have had enough of taking things for granted and doing nothing for this. I want to have something to show for what I do at home as a housewife. I suppose you could say it's another spiritual awakening - crumbs I do have a lot of these..!!

I have been reading a lot of "simplifying life" blogs and it almost feels like "I have come home" so to speak!!

There will still be stitching, my crafts (when I do them) plus my cooking. But I am hoping that there will be a better content to my blog that will appeal to many readers.

So without further ado my next post will be the first of my new posts.. I do hope you enjoy :-)

A Day in the Life of me…

2008-05-20T22:00:00.001+01:00

Up early this morning – before 6am. Washing in machine, one load ready to hang on line outside. Next load in machine. Checked on vegetable seedlings. Need to plant out lettuces, they are too big for their seed pots.

Peppers and tomatoes are growing, cabbage plants are getting stronger.
Sat and watched the birds feeding on the feeder in the garden. Noticed the garden is really springing to life. My sambucca plant has got lovely pink flowers on – just about to burst out of bud.

Have noticed how quiet it is in the early morning in my area.

Listened to the radio while having my 2^nd cup of tea and mind wandered to what I have to do today. I fanced trying a new dish for tea, the only trouble is I need to get raw king prawns. Have you ever tried to find raw prawns? They are a rarity here in my town for some unknown reason. All I can find is cooked ones. This may be a trip out of area to the bigger supermarket.

Not much of a lunch – it was rather a hit and miss affair. I just rummaged in the fridge and came out with picnic pork pies and some cucumber. So with a bit of salad cream, cucumber and the pork pies it was quite an enjoyable impromtu meal.

After washing up lunch things and a quick tidy around I decided to go and pick up my library books that I had reserved. I also spent a happy hour browsing the war/history section for wartime diaries. I did find a couple and then got chatting to a very nice pensioner who told me a few stories about the war here in Kent. Oh the tales he told. If I could bottle them I would have done.

Then it was onto find these prawns. Well funnily enough I did find them and a few other bits needed to make this curry – although it was the most I had spent on making a curry - £12.00 eeks!!!

So then home to make a couple of phonecalls, check emails and prepare the curry. It wasn't as hard as I thought to make, although it doesn't need a couple of tweaks!! It was thoroughly enjoyed by D and me. And then we both had a relaxing evening watching t.v. together. Even our resident field mouse came out for a late on the bird feeder.

Sunny Sunday..

2008-05-18T14:54:00.007+01:00

Haven't really had a lot to say lately, plus the stitching is almost non-existant..but I am in the process of rectifying that matter. In the meantime here are a few photo's that I took of some flowers in bloom in my garden at the moment.. Enjoy!!

This is mum's clematis that I rescued from her garden. This is the first year since I have had it that it has flowered :-)

This is the aquilega plant that is growing with mum's clematis. This was planted in the same pot when I got it.

The pansie and small lilac plant are in the flower in the garden at the moment.

And finally a lovely picture of my dog Jet with his favourite toy - Choggy!!

Blessed Beltane

2008-05-01T23:05:00.002+01:00

Just wanted to wish Beltane blessings as it's the 1st May today. Although it will nearly be 2nd May if I'm not careful..

Here's a poem which I would like to share:

Embrace the purifying flame,
throw off the cloak of inhibition.
Stoke the good fires of Beltane
and let the flames fuel love’s fission.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun climbs high to summer glory,
unfolds the leaf and swells the bud,
delivering all of nature’s dowry
and a promise, now misunderstood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From atom’s heart to human heart
spring passes the vitalising flame
and in each nucleus a spark
sets passion’s ardent torch aflame.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Goodfellow lies with Queen of Mai,
the goddess smiles on merrybegot.
Fires of love join earth and sky,
reaching where men and gods cannot.

written by Ian R Thorpe

Can you tell I'm bored..

2008-05-01T17:42:00.000+01:00

I know exciting title eh?

I have been playing around on Facebook today and found some old school friends, one of them was even my old ex from many years ago. Sheesh how scary those days were. I also didn't realise how addictive Facebook was..ooops. Before you know it the whole day has disappeared and all you have done is literally play around. So I decided to be constructive and get my astrological chart done.. Yep really constructive eh?

Planetary Positions

Sun: 22°05' Aquarius
Jupiter: 02°01' Virgo
Moon: 20°47' Cancer
Saturn: 09°08' Aries
Mercury: 00°01' Pisces
Uranus: 28°34' Virgo
Venus: 19°37' Capricorn
Neptune: 26°28' Scorpio
Mars: 25°52' Pisces
Pluto: 22°17' Virgo

N.B
Sun, Feb 11, 1968 5:55 PM
Time Zone: 00:00 (UT)
Bromley, United Kingdom
Latitude: 51d N 24m
Longitude: 000d E 02m

Rising Sign is in 01 Degrees Virgo

Your ascendant or rising sign which tells you about the image you project is Virgo, so on first meeting you appear neat, tidy, hard working, rather understated and modest. Appearances can be deceptive and your inner nature may be somewhat different as your long term friends realise but you do come across to others as well organised, genuine if a little critical at times. Helping others is one of the most important thing in your life. You want to be seen to be caring and compassionate. You do sweep a good deal of the untidiness in your life out of sight.

Sun is in 22 Degrees Aquarius

With the Sun in Aquarius you are a communicative, detached, strongly independent personality with a witty, inventive mind, and a quirky outlook on life. Safety in numbers is often your motto since you are wary of too much intimacy. Large groups of people around make you much more relaxed than claustrophobic twosomes. Your airy, chatty approach to life at times can make you appear emotionally cool or detached, but you prefer it that way. Close relationships do try your patience so you need an independent mate who gives you space, ideally another Aquarian. That way you can blow kisses across a crowded room and feel connected. You will keep your own friends even after you have committed yourself to a long term relationship. Domesticity is not your ideal, since you loathe drudgery and are not inherently practical. Basically a hippie at heart, you care little what others think and blithely walk your own path. You are a born radical, pioneer or rebel. Despite a really stubborn streak you are often seen as amazingly tolerant since you are humanitarian at heart and exceptionally good with friends. You have a real sense of the great brotherhood/sisterhood of mankind and want to make a better society in which independence and freedom are the keynotes.

Moon is in 20 Degrees Cancer

With the Moon in Cancer so the family are your most important support. Nurturing for you is having your nearest and dearest around in large numbers in your familiar, intimate surroundings. You are deeply sensitive and easily hurt so you protect your feelings often by withdrawing into your self rather like an oyster into its shell. Leaving the past behind is never easy for you, so situations of emotional change and transition can be painful. Your sentimentality often stops you seeing the past clearly, since you permanently wear rose-tinted glasses. You can be moody and over judgemental. But you gain great comfort from creating a beautiful home, to which you can invite elegant friends, who over time become part of the family.

And now I am spooked as to how accurate this is. But it also explains why I am very much like a Cancer when I read my stars. So now it looks like I will have to read Virgo as well to get a more accurate picture.

Oh how I wish I could have a proper astrological report drawn up but they are way to expensive, and I wouldn't even know which one to choose from. So for now I shall stick with the freebies.

A pondering on nails...

2008-05-01T15:22:00.000+01:00

How come nails only grow a certain length before they blooming snap or break.? My nails don't seem to get very far on the growth stage at the moment. Oh don't get me wrong I do actually have reasonable length nails now. Which is surprising considering for 39 years I used to bite them down to nothing. And now I haven't bitten for over a year. But I have now got two nails that have broken down to nothing within the past two days. I wouldn't mind if I bit them still but I file them regularly and put nail strengthener on them every other day..grr!!

Ok that's my rant over..

Eeeks too many posts..

2008-04-29T22:24:00.000+01:00

Thank gods for Google Reader, although it isn't my favourite piece of programme at the moment. I have over 850 blogs to read but it is also telling me there are at least 3360 odd posts to get through..

Gods knows how I am going to do this and I do so want to read everyone's blogs. I think I shall have to take a whole day or two to read them all..

So please bear with me if I haven't read your blog or commented, I will read them all I promise - although I can't say I will comment on every single one, I will end up with writers cramp if I do :-)

Randomness...feed your mind and your blog.

2008-04-29T11:20:00.001+01:00

Finish the Sentence

Fill in the blanks for meme....

1. I always wanted to ... go on a snow cruise (if they do one!)
2. I really hate it when ... someone can not tell you the truth to your face.
3. My best friend is ... N
4. In high school I was ... a loner.
5. My greatest fear is ... not being able to do everything I want to do before I die.
6. My dream job is ... oooh that's a hard one!
7. Some people really should ... think before they speak!
8. My favorite author is ... M.C. Beaton

till next time....

Finally movement on Mum's estate..

2008-03-31T06:09:00.001+01:00

At long last we have some sort of movement regarding Mum's estate. I cannot believe it has been nearly 18mths and we are only just at the selling of Mum's house. But the good news is that the property has sold, obviously subject to contract. And it has gone for more than any of us even envisaged. The property above went for just under £40,000 more than myself or my stepbrother had guessed at..who would have believed it. I mean the house is falling down inside, and it also has major dry rot and damp. Hat's off to whoever has bought it as they are going to have to spend a good £20,000 on it, if not more.

Now onto finding out what happens next and that means I have to talk to the solicitor that is handling the estate - oh that should be fun NOT!! There is all Mum's furniture and belongings still to be disposed of, and I am not letting a total stranger near them. Mum would hate to think that a stranger is going through her personal bits.

Who knows by the time we get to the 2nd anniversary of Mum's death it might finally have all been sorted out..

The cat that has got the cream..

2008-03-28T09:13:00.000Z

My darling geriatric cat, she's nearly 20, caught a mouse the other night. I couldn't believe it when I heard her outside doing that awful growling noise that cats do. I stood there in disbelief looking at her. Bless her though she did drop it at my feet, what on earth she thought I was going to do with it I have no idea. So I gave it a wee funeral, buried it in the garden and then stuck the birdbath on top of it. Well I didn't want the dogs digging it up.

And I will say that for two days I have wondered whether she got one of the harvest mice that are living in the compost heap. Although this morning I did see one of them eating the peanuts out the bird feeder, so one is alive. They just might only be a family of two now instead of three. :-(

I still can't believe that Baba caught it, I mean she is all bone and doesn't like going away from her warm radiator. Well it just goes to show she can show the younger ones in the household that she is still top cat..bless her.!!

And she has been walking around the house looking like she has got the cream, bless her!!

Ack I've been terribly remiss..

2008-03-28T08:30:00.001Z

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since my last post - where has the time gone? Oh yep I know, I've been ill on and off. Maybe April will be a better month healthwise, it better be I have so much I need to do - housework, decorating (oh wait that's D's job!) and planting up my seeds for the garden.

I have been productive though. I have read Elizabeth Bunce's A Curse Dark As Gold. It arrived in the 9am post and I was still reading it at 2pm. I just couldn't put it down. I thought it was very well written and certainly had me gripped. It also helps that it is written by the lovely Greensleeves over at one of the stitching forums. Oooh I can say I know a real life author, even if it is through an online community forum :-) Hey it's better than nothing.

And if you haven't already read Curse, I sincerely suggest you get yourself over to Amazon and place an order for one.

March sunshine..

2008-03-05T13:31:00.000Z

Oh how I love the spring. The weather outside is a glorious day - the sun is shining and the sky is as blue as can be. But boy is there a bite in the air..lol. I had to wear a scarf while I was doing various chores in town this morning. But it was lovely to see everyone's spirits were happy, it's almost as though the sorrows of winter had been wiped away from everyone in town today. I even found myself smiling to people and shock horrors I even got smiles returned, unheard of in this day and age in town..lol

I have freshly cut daffodils, from my garden, on the dining room table and washing blowing on the line in the garden. You couldn't ask for a more perfect day :-)

Cupcakes galore!!

2008-03-03T07:37:00.001Z

I have been browsing the web the past few days and have found these wonderful pictures of cupcakes. Aren't they absolutely adorable? I didn't realise there were so many different variations - this is only a wee selection of cupcakes that I have found.

clickable

I have promised D that I would make him some cupcakes this week, so with the ingredients indoors I have decided to do lemon and blueberry cupcakes and also cherry cupcakes. Now all I have to find is the cake cases as stupid me forgot to buy some while shopping on Saturday..doh!!

A new way of life..

2008-02-25T16:19:00.001Z

I think that the term "Shabby Chic" is definately a life I should have been born into. I have inadvertedly been doing my kitchen out in this way for a while. Specifically choosing the pink dotted dinner service and pink storage jars.

I have now found a gorgeous dish drainer from Next: clickable

Isn't it just adorable :-) I have also just discovered that Next also have some wonderful pink bits and bobs for the home. Oooh I am in heaven :-)

Gift of stitching is back..phew!!

2008-02-25T15:58:00.001Z

I thought I was losing the plot, with this darn cold, when I tried to log into The Gift of Stitching to download the past two years magazines due to my hard drive dying on me. I kept getting this really weird site that was in way anything to do with Kirsten's site. Then I finally found this while checking through google. It is an article that I found posted on Independant Needlework News blog.

Hello everyone,

Well… this is very embarrassing and I’ve been up since 4am trying to fix the problem. Basically our domain thegiftofstitching.com has expired, we didn’t know it was going to and now we have to negotiate and buy it back from a parking domain business that likes to profit out of people wanting their expired domains back. OK, lesson learnt the hard way. Buy this domain back is going to take sometime - up to 2 weeks.

In the meantime we have bought www.thegiftofstitching.com.au and are currently working with the hosting company to get it attached to our account so we can get the website up and running again. This will take up to 72 hours to travel around the world and update all the servers. Hopefully most will see it in the next 48 hours. Keep coming back and press refresh to see if it has started to work.

Once the domain is working for me, I will be sending out extensive emails so all subscribers/retailers/designers so they know what is going on.

Thanks for your patience, I am really sorry this has happened. We are working as quick as possible to get this fixed.

Kind regards,
Kirsten
–
Kirsten Edwards
Editor
The Gift of Stitching
www.thegiftofstitching.com

Weird weather forecast..

2008-02-13T21:38:00.001Z

Just checking the weather for our area and I seriously think the weather people have gone barmy. There is no way the "real feel of -17 this is correct..

Flowers of spring..

2008-02-13T13:06:00.000Z

The spring flowers are in an abundance in the front garden - daffodils and crocuses aplenty. The red robin bush is almost in flower, it's absolutely full of new shoots and buds. And the pink rose bush is creating new shoots galore. Everything else is still a wee bit dormant, they take a little bit longer to come into life.

Here's a photo of the daffodils that I picked from the front garden, as well as in the corner of the picture my birthday pressie - a weather station gadget which I am absolutely smitten with. Oh and the meerkat ornament was D's birthday present as he is gaga over meerkats ever since he saw Meerkat Manor and The Lion King's Timon..lol

And here's the bouquet that D had sent to me on Monday - it's a bit squashed as it hadn't long been unpacked. It is in full bloom glory now on the dining table and smells gorgeous.

I think I might sit in the sun on the sofa, this afternoon, and do some stitching while watching a film on the t.v.

40 today..

2008-02-11T12:15:00.000Z

Well I turn 40 today, an age I thought was a long time away when I was in my late twenties. You know it doesn't feel possible as I don't even feel 40. Wonder if this is how everyone feels when they reach this age.

Have had a lovely start to the day - DH spoilt me rotten as did my inlaws and D's relatives. I have also got an abundance of that 40 confetti everywhere in my house. I think D had a mad half hour and just put it anywhere. I have some on the bed, on the bedside table, in my card and in the present wrapper paper. I even found some in the bath!! And he has got me one of those age badges. Do you know I have never had a badge like that before, or not that I can remember. Isn't that sad!!

Just had the most special surprise delivered. My DH, who is not one for romantic gestures or gesture of anykind really, had arranged for a bouquet of flowers from M&S to be delivered to me.

What a surprise that was I can tell you, I bawled my eyes out and rung him to thank him and told him off for doing that.. What am I like..lol

Just goes to show even the most unromantic person can surprise you.. I mean my Dave is not tactile or anything, he even finds it difficult holding hands in public.. After 21 years of being together he can still surprise me. Ack I have just realised that we have been married for 19 years if we have been together 21 years..omg!!

The end of an institution..

2008-02-08T11:49:00.000Z

It was a sad day on Wednesday when it was announced that the BBC is going to axe a childrens t.v. programme called Grange Hill. This programme was part of my childhood, I grew up watchng the likes of Tucker Jenkins, Tricia Yates and Benny Green getting up to who knows what while at school. For 3o years this programme has been going and now the powers to be have decided that our schools are too hard hitting and Grange Hill cannot cope with trying to show real life school dramas.

Click on link to find out all about Grange Hill

Ok I know in the scheme of things it isn't that major but hey to this 40year old *well nearly 40* it is the end of a childhood institution.

Yet on another note I have had a happy evening going through a lot of my old childhood programmes on You Tube. The likes of The Tomorrow People, The Ghosts of Motley Hall, Pipkins, Pinky and Perky and Animal Magic. Oh those were the days..

Shoot me now...

2008-02-06T07:30:00.000Z

I don't believe it - ooh why does this sound like a Victor Meldrew (One Foot in the Grave) moment, hmm!!!

Well the third thing has happened - they say things happen in threes and this was a biggy. My 300gb external hard drive has died!! I don't know how as it was working last time I used it , one minute it was working happily and the next "dead".

As you can imagine I am not a happy bunny, especially as I had a lot of word documents and emails saved on there. I also had over 8gb of music which I had downloaded onto there.

But the most annoying thing is that I had over 2 years (2006 and 2007) worth of "The Gift of Stitching", which is really made me mad as I didn't burn them onto a cd at the end of each year. But I have just looked at their website and you can purchase a year's bundle of back issues for $18.00. So I shall have to buy the two years bundles - $36.00. And this time I will make sure I copy them onto a cd. So now I have to creep to D to see if he will let me borrow the CC, although I think he might be a bit hesitant especially as I have the laptop payment on there at the moment.. Oh well at least I can download the back issues as a whole bundle so that is something I suppose.

Is this it now - they say things happen in threes and this has certainly been the case recently.

I don't do things by half..

2008-01-31T12:26:00.000Z

About a week or so ago I stupidly managed to damage all the nerves down the right side of my back.. And you will never guess how I did this? Well even I can't believe it - I got a pint of milk out the fridge and was putting it back and then voila! One gods awful scream later and I was in the most excruciating pain imaginable. I was in that much pain I had to get D to come home from work early and get my neigbour opposite to help me get dressed. I even thought I would have to go to A&E but after speaking to my lovely Dr and then D picking up some strong prescription painkillers I managed.

As you can imagine this laid me up for over a week and just as I was starting to get feeling back and able to do things, albeit in a limited way I go and get this bloody awful sickness and diarrhea bug that is going around the UK.

How I got it I have no idea but believe me I do not want it again. This is the same bug that D had back in end August/early September of last year. Now why I couldn't have got this then I don't know but nope I get it now. I haven't even been near anyone that has been ill so I have absolutely idea how I got it. But this has laid me up since Monday and I have managed to lose half a stone in weight since then.

Poor D has even had to cook his own dinner when he comes in from work at night, bless him he hasn't complained but it can't be any fun as he gets in from London at 7ish, then has to cook a full dinner for himself and then even has to walk the dogs at 9pm. Hopefully by next week he will be able to pass the cooking back over to me to do as per normal. Still saying that I haven't even felt like eating anything - I mean there are only so many Rich Tea biscuits one person can eat when that is all they can keep in. And I have lost count of how many glasses of water I have drunk,, and here's me who doesn't even like plain water..ugh!! That's how D knows I am not well as I am willingly drinking water.

I have just had a cup of tea with a smidgen of milk and right now I can feel my stomach starting to gripe. Oh well still not ready for tea just yet, or I should say milk/dairy products.

Fingers crossed that I am feeling better at the weekend as we are having dinner with D's parents and I'm not sure I could face sitting there with everyone else tucking into a lovely roast dinner and all I have is a couple of rich tea biscuits. :-(

Snow

2008-01-03T14:19:00.000Z

This is what we are supposed to be getting but as of 2.30pm today bothing has materialised.

Had a strange experience today but in a good way..

2007-12-31T19:16:00.000Z

I have to tell you all about this strange experience that I had today. It was a kind of surreal moment but it brought tears to my eyes in some way.

I was sitting on the sofa watching t.v. and I could see some birds playing in the rather bedraggled forsythia bush that is touching the front window. When all of a sudden I saw a flash of red. I looked closely and a beautiful robin came hopping out of the branches and sat on one of the outside branches and looked straight at me. This may not be a strange experience to some but it is when another robin suddenly comes from nowhere and sits right next to this robin. The proceeded to look in the living room window for a good 5 mins. Then with a bob of their heads they flew off. What really was strange is that we have a resident robin in the back garden but in all the years we have lived here we have never ever seen one robin round the front, let alone two.

Now me being me had a lovely thought when I saw these two robins, and I would like to think that they were possibly my mum and my nan come to let me know that they are looking over me and wanted to wish me Happy New Year! It may have been utter nonsense but I have a gut feeling about this and we do get strange things happen, for example seeing a squirrel in our garden for three days then totally disappearing when my cat Barney died a couple of years ago. Bearing in mind we have never seen a squirrel in our garden in the 14 years we have lived here, and have not seen a squirrel since.

I had a lovely warm feeling once the robins had gone, although I will admit I did have a wee cry to myself.

Who's a special little polar bear???

2007-12-05T14:22:00.000Z

Knut, the polar bear that was born 5 November 2006 celebrates his first birthday today. He's a wonderful looking bear now, weighing in at a whopping 17 stone. It's so hard to believe that animal activists wanted him destroyed because Knut was going to be hand reared by his keeper. But because of world attention etc, Knut did indeed get hand reared by his owner and he has turned into a lovely polar bear, although he could do with a wash as he is definately not the lovely white fluffy baby he was once :)

And I promise there will be some stitching updates posted very soon, well once I have finished some stitching that is..lol

A pretty little plant..

2007-12-04T06:27:00.000Z

I finally found out what this little plant is called - "Hoya Bella" I inherited it from Mum's while I was sorting her house out before the funeral. It's a really sweet little plant, but knowing my mum's penchance for the weird and wonderful I had no idea what it could be. Then it flowered, wow is all I could say..the flowers were wonderful. So armed with a picture of the flowers I then went to hunt it down in my mother in law's flower books, and this weekend I found it..woohoo!!

May I present the year old addition to our family:

One very old cat..

2007-12-03T00:14:00.000Z

Pussywillow, a semi feral cat has reached the grand old age of 26yr old. She is still sharp in mind and eyes according to her owner Lin Brown. She survived a fox attack four years ago, and is still going strong.

Apparently a healthy cat can live to 18yr and some cats do live to 20yr but living to 26yr is almost unheard of. Pussywillow may have even reached the Guiness Book of Records by living this long.

What a lucky cat she is.

Full story can be found here: Pussywillow

What a lucky cat..

2007-11-16T20:46:00.000Z

This lucky 13yr old cat has certainly landed on his feet.. He is now an honoury PC at Kings Cross Station catching the mice.

For full story go here: PC Tizer recruited to patrol station

Christmas comes early..

2007-11-02T07:52:00.000Z

I can't believe it, the other night (31st October) I actually saw the first Christmas advert of the year. It was for Argos Direct, and they were telling you not to worry about rushing around in the hustle and bustle of the shoppers and just order all your Christmas presents online and have it delivered to you at your own convenience. I mean seriously it was the end of October, heck November hadn't even arrived by then!! I swear Christmas comes earlier each year, either that or I am becoming a "Scrooge" - Bah Humbug!!!

A small meme for your enjoyment..

2007-11-02T07:17:00.000Z

I shamelessly stole this meme from Barbara

1) Go to Wikipedia
2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3) List three events that happened on your birthday.
4) List two important birthdays and one death.
5) One holiday or observance (if any).

Three Events:-

Pennsylvania Hospital, 1st hospital in the United States, opens.
University College London is founded under the name University of London.
Nelson Mandela, a political prisoner for 27 years, is freed from Victor Verster Prison outside Cape Town, South Africa.

Two important birthdays and a death:-

Mary Quant, English fashion designer (b.1934)
Leslie Nielsen, Canadian actor (b.1926)
Frank Herbert, American author (d.1986)

One holiday:-

National Inventors' Day in the United States.

I borrowed this from the Guardian..

2007-10-25T22:13:00.000+01:00

Bong! News at Ten is back. Again

Is Sir Trev the only newsman worthy of our trust?

Copywrite - John Plunkett

I have got my diary out to check the date. Yes, it's 2007, and yes, Sir Trevor McDonald is about to return to ITV1 to present a resurrected News at Ten. No offence to Sir Trev, but isn't he a bit of an analogue bloke in a digital world?

You can see why ITV chairman Michael Grade might want to bring it back. News at Ten is one of the great TV brands (although it remains to be seen how much it has been damaged in its absence).

Ever since the 10pm bulletin was first axed back in 1999 - yes, it was that long ago - ITV has struggled to fill the slot. Remember Mr and Mrs with Julian Clary? Not many people do.

But a glance at the last few weeks' schedules suggests they are still having a problem, with the likes of Don't Call Me Stupid and Police, Camera, Action! padding out the 10pm slot.

These are probably not the sort of ratings winners ITV bosses had in mind when they axed it all those years ago, and the channel is regularly walloped in the ratings by Huw Edwards' 10pm news bulletin on BBC1.

News at Ten will also get beaten in the ratings, but at least it will free up the network to play some half-decent comedy, drama or documentaries in the 10.30pm slot. Providing they can find the commissions, of course.

But the bulletin's return will also bring with it all the scheduling issues that prompted the channel to axe it in the first place. What will happen to ITV1's successful 90-minute dramas such as Rebus and its season of Jane Austen adaptations?

A 30-minute break for the news at 10pm? Eugh. An 8.30pm start? Watershed issues. Move the 10pm bulletin? It's "News at when" all over again. And what about when the football - an increasing part of the ITV portfolio - runs over?

Still, as Channel Five's Chris Shaw noted on this website six months ago, bring back News at Ten would be "exactly the kind of loud, splashy statement Michael Grade would love to make. It would be confident, bullish, and underscore his determination to bring back the glory years of ITV."

It may also serve to shift attention, for a moment at least, from the devastating fallout from the Deloitte report into ITV's premium phone line abuse.

Now Grade has finally made the move, all he has to do is fit the rest of the ITV primetime schedule around it.

News at Ten's return also caps a triumphant return for the 68-year-old newsman, only two years after his "last ever" bulletin.

Is it me, or is there something faintly depressing about the fact that the nation - or at least, that part of it that watches ITV News - appears only to trust Sir Trevor to read the news. What's his secret? And why haven't any other newsreaders got it?

A reality engagement - can it get any worse!!!

2007-10-25T21:41:00.000+01:00

I have just read on The Daily Mail online that Chanelle and Ziggy (or Chiggy) from the last Big Brother 8 are now going to get married a-la Posh and Becks style..and Chanelle possibly thinks she could be pregnant. Ye gods can it get any worse. This couple are as volatile as a volcano, and are on and off like a light switch. They have only known each other for 5 months and they are already declaring undying love for each other, well she is to him. I'm not sure about him, he doesn't look that pleased to me:

This sounds very similar to another reality couple that met on a celebrity Big Brother the other year. Well she was a normal person off the street type girl and he was from a boyband. And guess what? They got married and split up after a short amount of time...

Oh well I suppose they have to fill the papers with something other than news..

The world has gone weird!!

2007-10-24T11:25:00.000+01:00

I was having a nosey on the BBCi website and came across this picture:

Apparently this poor dog is modeling a rain coat and a rescue jacket, designed to be used in emergency situations, at a Security and Safety Trade Expo in Tokyo, Japan.

Now I wonder if either Bear or Jet would be able to wear something like this, and do they do it in pink?

Ugh @ Royal Mail..

2007-10-10T13:35:00.000+01:00

And it still continues. Royal Mail are holding the country to ransom, as per usual. This is getting ridiculous, how can one company do this. Well it seems that RM can..

I am not going to go into the whys and wherefores and my feelings on the RM strike, but one thing I will say is if they worked in any other environment then they would not be allowed to do this. I mean if my D left work early because he had done his job he would not expect to be paid for the time he was not at at work, yet this is one of the points that RM are striking over- they want to be paid for going home early. Hmmmm

Now I am off to try and post a parcel while the strike is on one of its days off, until Monday of next week. Fingers crossed it gets delivered.

A sad day..

2007-10-01T23:48:00.000+01:00

Today has felt so unreal.

After waking up to an email from a very close friend S to say that her mum was in hospital and would I send positive vibes. I get a phone call to say that she is now in ICU on a ventilator and the Dr's think she has a blockage or something in her abdomen. So of course I wait by the phone for the day. S rings me, I ring S and get updates that way.

Then tonight I make that phone call. How I wish I hadn't. Sadly S's mum S has passed away. OMG how can this be I ask myself, she only went in with stomach pains and coughing up blood. S has been like a mother to me since my mum died last year, and here we are nearly a year later..

My thoughts are with S and her family.

*it doesnt help that S's mum also has the same initial..ahhh!!*

10 years ago today..

2007-08-31T12:01:00.000+01:00

Diana Princess of Wales died in a horrendous car crash in Paris. She was a lovely person, the Peoples Princess as they called her, and a sad loss to those that loved her.

Today, 10 years on, there is a service to celebrate her life at the Guards Chapel in London, and which is being televised on t.v.

It is so wonderful to see how her sons have grown up into strong and well adjusted young men.

The service is being attended by those that loved Diana, by people that have been touched by her one way or t'other in their lives and many dignataries and celebrities are also there. The princes are there, as is the Prince of Wales and the Queen and Prince Phillip are attending too.

It is sad to see but the service is almost like a "who's who" when you see the camera panning across the chapel. But it's nice to see that her brother and his family are there, as are the Princesses Euginie and Beatrice. Camilla, the Prince of Wales new wife, is not there though - she thought it would be disrespectful to Diana's memory and apparently the Queen didn't want her there anyway.

It's quite sad to watch though but in some way if Diana hadn't died our royal family would not have shaken off the restraints of many years of pomposity and finally shown themselves as more human.

One woman - Diana, Princess of Wales, touched the hearts of so many people - she will be remembered with such love for many years to come.

Where do the days go?

2007-08-31T11:56:00.000+01:00

I seem to lose track of the days for some reason. I have no idea how they go by so quickly - is this what they mean by as you get older the days go by quicker? Although I must admit I kept thinking yesterday was Friday and got totally confused when DH was still going into work today..doh!!

And I still haven't uploaded the pictures I took yet, I will do that I promise!!

I am still stitching, although not as much as I would like to be doing. Hopefully now the nights are drawing in I will feel more like stitching.

I have to make an appointment with my Dr for next week or the week after - I am sleeping so much it is unbelievable. I am so tired all the time. And then when I am awake I am just so exhausted that all I want to do is sleep!! Well something isn't right so it's off to Dr I go - hopefully we can pinpoint what the problem is. It could either be my ME coming back out with a vengenance or I need a tonic or something. We will see, I am sure that it will be nothing but I will probably look like a pincushion by the time we get to the bottom of it. More blood tests again..ugh I hate those damn things.

Woohoo it's sunny..

2007-08-25T14:28:00.000+01:00

Ok so it's a daft title but hey it's true.. It is sunny outside, in fact it's actually quite hot. I could feel the sun burning the back of my neck earlier while I was hanging the washing out on the line.

Aah to see the washing on the line again..what heaven that is. :-)

It's the last bank holiday of the year and finally the gods and goddesses are shining on us - the sun is out. And they are even forecasting a nice bank holiday for a change. Gods help those out driving on the motorways the next couple of days, I can imagine it will be mayhem.

D is off playing choochoo's, I am hoping he will be fine and doesn't do too much. I'm not sure if he has fully recovered from his recent bout of sickness yet. He'll probably come home and flake out in front of the t.v. for the evening.. :-)

I am going to pop up to the farm to pick up some bits and pieces, I might even have a mooch around the animal section. Who knows I may even buy some feed and be "young" again and feed the goats. :-)

*must load the photo's that I have taken of my vegetables grown in the garden before I forget*

In a funk..

2007-08-22T16:10:00.000+01:00

What on earth is the matter with me.. Since D has gone back to work from his sick leave I cannot get myself going. I have not been getting out of bed until gone 3pm, sometimes not even until D is due home. Then it's a mad rush in the shower so that I am dressed etc before he gets home.

I can see myself heading for another funk again, that's if I have even got out of my last funk... It's funny really as I was talking to D last night about what my Dr had put in my notes regarding when he keeps seeing me - I have good self care.. I was wondering whether I had to turn up with dirty hair and unkempt clothes or whether it was normal for me to take a bit of care when I was seeing the Dr. Then D hit it on the head - it's a mask!! When I dress myself to look nice when I go out or see people I do hide behind my clothes etc. It's as though looking nice detracts away from how I am really feeling. Oh sometimes I am doing okay and other times I am just hiding.

Maybe it's just the weather...

Is it really August...

2007-08-21T12:59:00.000+01:00

What revolting weather it is outside, it has been getting blacker and blacker all morning and now the heavens have opened and it is pouring down. Looks like I will have to turn the computer modem etc off as it looks like it will thunder pretty soon..ugh!!

Looking outside I am really beginning to wonder whether we have seen the last of summer. I am convinced that winter literally lept into a weak summer, and our summer has now lept into an early winter - has England decided to join Australia and have the seasons topsy turvy..

Thankfully the horrible stomach bug that knocked both me and D out for over 10 days seems to be on its way out. Although poor D doesn't seem to be able to shift it completely. We are now on the third week with it and it doesn't want to leave D regardless of the tablets the Dr has given him. Well all I can say is blimey it must have been one heck of a stomach bug, and where the heck did we catch it from.. Still at least it wasn't food poisoning as I was starting to worry it must have been either the chicken we had for that Sunday or even the KFC I decided to treat us to on the Friday.. Maybe this was some way of saying no more takeaways..lol

I am slowly getting the house back to some sort of order, although it is taking forever for some reason. Well I suppose that's what you get when you do absolutely nothing for a good 10 days.

We have had a new addition to the house the past week - Beth. I am looking after my friends dog for her while her and her family are away camping at Soul Survivor in Somerset for a few days. Beth is a lovely little dog, she is a westie cross we think now and is about 11 years old. Thankfully she gets on with my boys, but the cats have been a bit wary the past few days. But they are now getting braver and are starting to wander back downstairs. Typical just as she is on her last couple of days..lol At the moment I have Jet asleep in Beth's dog bed, Beth asleep on Jet's chair and Bear asleep on his own chair. He was asleep next to me but I think he got the hump with me trying to get comfy on the sofa so got off and went on his chair. It is certainly doggy heaven in this house at the moment..

I have a few photo's of the pets and the flowers outside to upload to another post later on today. So mustn't forget..

Off to see the Dr later today for a Mental Health Review whatever one of those is.. Seem's like a pointless excercise seeing as I am seeing a psychiatrist on a regular basis as well as awaiting therapy to start. Oh well obviously my Dr's know what they are doing. I imagine it will be a quick hello and this is what I am taking etc..and then out again. I will probably have a longer conversation with the receptionist than the Dr..lol

Meme...

2007-07-13T08:38:00.000+01:00

I shamelessly "borrowed" this meme from The Negligent Mommy

Two Names You Go by:

Natty
Oggy

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:

T-shirt
Chocolate - I was making brownies and the chocolate spilt down my top while I was licking the bowl..

Two Things You Would Want (or have) in a Relationship:

Love
Respect

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:

Reading
Sleeping

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:

To be able to talk to my mum and tell her I love her and miss her so very much
To be able to say no more often

Two people who will fill this out:

I have no idea..

Two things you did last night:

Watched Big Brother on t.v.
Played on the internet

Two things you ate yesterday:

Slice of apple pie
Marinated Chicken

Two people you Last Talked To:

D (my DH)
H (my neighbour)

Things You're doing this week/weekend:

Going to the cemetary (it's mum's birthday on Saturday and I want to put flowers there)
Going to the annual County Show

Two longest car rides:

Gretna, Scotland
Cornwall

Two Favorite Holidays:

Yule
Samhain (Halloween)

If you borrow this for your blog then let me know in comments so I can be nosey..

Councils and British Weather..

2007-07-12T18:08:00.001+01:00

Yep I know not a very exciting title but for the life of me I couldn't think of anything witty so stuck with the obvious..lol

Firstly can I say thank you to those that have left me personal comments to my previous post, they are truly appreciated.

And now on to the post.. Well first of all our stupid council couldn't organise a p** up in a brewery if they tried. They have been making noises for several months now about issuing everyone with separate recyling bins, and talking about a fortnightly rubbish collection. Well guess what they have finally got around to it. But it hasn't gone smoothly, nope this one has not been thought out very properly at all.

So anyway last week we have had our gorgeous (not) blue wheely bins delivered so we can happily recyle everything. We had instructions in it as to what we can and what we cannot recycle - blimey that is a military operation in itself. Now preparing dinner, washing up or even opening up a bag now takes twice as long as you mentally think "can I recycle it or is it binnable?" So off you trot to consult the sheet of paper that came around with the bins, that you have dutifuly pinned to the kitchen notice board, and then you have to wash the damn recyclable thing before you throw it away.

Anyway we thought that this weekend was going to be "blue bin" day as we have nicknamed it on our street, and this is also what it says on our lovely little calender sheet that the council have delivered with the bins. Oh no, it turns out that it isn't "blue bin" day. Nope according to the council we should have all had letters telling us that the official recycling day is in three weeks time.. Now where is this letter I can hear you asking, well gods knows. I am sure it is probably still sitting in some secretarys' intray waiting to be typed. Oh and the good bit is not everyone knows this little snippet..I only found out because I rang a friend up the road earlier and she told me. So I have been wandering around the road letting those that are at home know to put their green bin out. It should be interesting tomorrow morning, we will end up with a multi-coloured road of blue and green bins out by the side of the road.

And what is it with this blooming british weather we are having.? One day it is freezing cold, blowing a gale and hail stones the size of golf balls coming out of the sky, the next the winds are blowing and there is lightening and thunder and then the following day it is scorching hot with a blue sky.. Earlier today I was sitting indoors with a jumper and jeans on and all the doors and windows shut because it was blowing a gale and cold, and now this evening I have every window and door open, the fan on and the blinds down on the windows facing the back garden because it is scorching..Oh and the jumper and jeans have been discarded for a summer top and skirt.. I wouldn't mind but you can't really serve up stew and dumplings in a heatwave can you?..

Oh well that's life I suppose.. Oh how I wish we had seasons again not winter straight into summer like we are having nowadays. Ack that is making me sound old..lol

Depression ..

2007-07-05T10:31:00.000+01:00

For anyone that doesn't know I suffer from clinical depression and also bipolar.

Now these two conditions can be very debilitating as other sufferers know, but I think to those that aren't aware of what it can be like they tend to see it as someone is just having a bad day, we all have bad days so why can't she pull herself together. You know how I wish it could be shrugged off as having a bad day, but to me when the "black dog" hits it can end up being a bad day, week or even several weeks. It's hard to explain but you don't want to do things, you don't do your normal activities. Things that you used to enjoy just don't hold that enjoyment for you anymore. You know that it will all come back eventually but for some reason you try and con yourself and others that it is there and hasn't gone away. You commit yourself to things, in and outside of the your comfort zone, in the hope that it will kick you back into gear. You don't have a cut off point where you are able to say "no more". Then you feel really bad because you just can't do this. You feel that you have let yourself down and let others down.

This is when the paranoia sets in, you then convince yourself that everyone thinks you are a bad person. Someone who doesn't fulfill what she has committed herself too. You even feel that about yourself, this is when you start to blame yourself. Now this can manifest itself in two ways, you either end up self harming yourself or you shut yourself away from everyone and only have contact with those closest to you. These people know you inside out and would never judge you, and know that eventually you will get yourself back on track and know it will take time but it will happen. These are the people that hold you up, they are in fact the bouys in the deep sea that you are floundering around in just trying to hold yourself up above the water.

Because of this paranoia you are unable to face up to things, this is why you hide away. Like the "ostrich in the sand" syndrome, we often think that if we hide ourselves away it will indeed disappear. But unfortunately it doesn't and sometimes our hiding ourselves away it can indeed make a situation worse. Then the paranoia really takes a life of its own, you are controlled by this paranoia. This is when you start thinking those closest to you are now thinking you are indeed a bad person. The "black dog" really doesn't want to be put to bed until the next time. No he wants to be around and the more you pet this "dog" the more the paranoia maintains a strong hold on you.

Then after a time of letting the "black dog" take control it decides it has had enough. It wants to be "put to bed" until the next time. This is when you finally start to surface, I suppose you would call it, from the paranoia. You can control the paranoia, say no to the "black dog" and finally stop floundering around.

But the damage has been done, people still have their perception of you that they formed while you were being controlled by the "black dog" and paranoia. And no matter how much you try this "black dog" still has some form of control and will keep tapping away until it has full control and you end up going through the same thing over again.

The paranoia will always be there as will the "black dog", and neither will be happy until they have complete control and have destroyed whatever you are clinging to just to get through each day. You just get better at hiding it from others....

I'm finally back..

2007-05-28T18:10:00.000+01:00

Life at Chez Bears is now returning back to some normality finally, and the tumbleweed is now starting to blow away..lol

Thank you for bearing with me everyone, and the little nudges in the right directions from some.

Well we seem to be on a spending phase at the moment which isn't a bad thing for me, especially as I like spending someone elses money..

The new double glazed windows have been ordered and they are going to be done at the end of June while D is on holiday from work. All that needs doing when they are done is the front of the house needs to be repainted and the wee fence at the front painted too.

We are also redesigning our garden too this year, one half of it is going to be part lawn and a veggie patch, and t'other half is going to be semi mediteranean with gravel and drought resistant plants. We are getting new patio furniture too, and D has got two new sheds which he can put all his bits and bobs in that are cluttering p the patio at the moment. The patio is looking like a flower display at the moment as I have all the plants and seedlings on there. Mainly because I have nowhere else to put them..

We went to a our local garden show this weekend and brought some more specific type plants for the garden. I wanted to get a rose bush to remember mum by, and found this beautiful rose bush called "Remember Me"

Also I got a rose called "Twice in a Blue Moon" which mum absolutely adored when she was alive.

I also managed to get a couple of other plants for the garden too which I was pleased about.

And then yesterday the washing machine died on me. Well I say died, it hung on for grim death but I had to put it out of its misery. We had soap suds everywhere, and the programmer thingy had died too. Still it meant the floor in the kitchen had a good wash.. Anyway poor D had to dig deep for his credit card and we ended up ordering a washing machine online. But at least I got the one I wanted and I didn't get any arguement either..so that was an added bonus.

While I have been absent from here I have been catching up with my exchanges, which unfortunately I had got behind on. But I can say now that they are going into the post this week and will be with their respective partners very soon. Now I can breathe a very large sigh of relief and make a start on D's mum and dads Golden Wedding anniversary present.

Now back to the stitching..

Normality..

2007-05-15T18:37:00.000+01:00

Pushing my way through the tumbleweeds, and the cobwebs taking root in every corner this is just a post to say that life at Chez Bear's blog will return to normality soon.

The usual ramblings about life will be blogged about...

Tarot reading..

2007-04-27T11:29:00.000+01:00

How you feel about yourself now (The Lovers)

You want love or a new love in your life and a new relationship is in the offering. Even if you are not thinking about love, you’re in for a surprise. If faced with a choice this is an important one and could affect the rest of your life.

What you most want at this moment (Temperance)

The cards suggest Natty, that what you most want at this time is some peace and harmony, a sense of control and to feel that life is flowing again. Perhaps you have been, or still are, going through some tough times regarding a relationship, financial worries or some other kind of loss. Take heart that peace will be restored - this is a time for you to be calm and patient and life will soon have a sense of normality again.

Your fears (The Tower)

You are afraid your world is falling apart, you're experiencing sudden changes and disruption and you don’t quite know what to do. Perhaps subconsciously you’ve wanted a solution to an issue but didn’t quite expect things to have turned out as they have. Use this change as an opportunity for a new beginning. If you have been planning to move home you will be experiencing setbacks.

What is going for you (Judgement)

Brand new potential, an opportunity which once given must not be ignored, a new project, decision or relationship that could affect the rest of your life. You will enjoy success and enjoyment for past efforts, events will pick up a pace and the outcome will be quicker than expected.

What is going against you (The Magician)

Someone, most likely male, isn’t quite what they seem. Trickery and deception cleverly disguised as charm and friendliness, so be sure that this person really does have your best interests at heart. If someone who you feel wary of is presenting you with a business opportunity, be cautious and trust your instincts.

Outcome (The Hermit)

This is a time for you to be alone or may herald a time of loneliness. Take this time for quiet introspection and rest. Don’t worry you will find the answers, but the Hermit signals a warning not to make hasty decisions. If you have been unwell this is a time for rest and recuperation.

Tarot online..

How true is this horoscope for today..

2007-04-27T11:20:00.001+01:00

Having to talk about your emotions is enough to make you want to retreat, but avoiding issues today just won't work. Old hurts can drag back memories that you believed were already gone. Now you realize how hard it is to let go, and these feelings can get in the way of the present situation. Be fearless; brush up against your edge of discomfort. It is there that you can discover your emotional center.

Friday, April 27, 2007 more from tarot.com

OMG I am behind..

2007-04-24T22:12:00.000+01:00

Oh b****** I have just checked my list for when my exchanges have to go out and I am now up the creek without a paddle..eek!!

My House with a Landscape Needlework exchange piece was supposed to be out on the 16th of this month - what the heck happened. Gods know what I was thinking of and what date I was thinking of. Oooh b*******. I think someone is going to have to get her act together VERY quickly and invest in some smoking needles... But first I think emails to the organiser and recipient of this exchange deserve emails from me. I think they might be wondering what has happened to the exchange piece from me. All I can say is I AM SO SORRY!!!

At least the other one that is due at the end of the month is almost done. That one is going to be able to go out on time..

Samplers..

2007-04-20T18:43:00.001+01:00

Small post to say my wishlist has been updated :-)

I won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-14T16:39:00.000+01:00

Ok nothing major..definately not the lottery.. :-) Nope it was the winning horse on the Grand National today. The atmosphere at Chez Bear's while the four horses were coming in to the win was electric. And then when Silver Birch ran over the winning post I literally jumped out me seat shouting the house down. :-)

Let's hope Silver Birch has the same run as Red Rum did - I picked him when I was a wee lassie and it was his first Grand National just like Silver Birch's first National this year.

D's horse came in about 6th..lol

Just to pass the time.. (graphic intensive)

2007-03-16T14:57:00.000Z

I got these most gorgeous pics from a yahoo group I belong to and I thought they were so irresistable that I wanted to share.. I have no idea who they are but I want them all.. lol

Sun is shining, birds are singing and I had a horrible meeting..

2007-03-09T13:50:00.000Z

Sorry couldn't think of anything else to go in the title..

Have just come back with a good half hour's session with my psychiatrist - ugh!! Finally I have a permanent psychiatrist who I will be seeing on a regular basis so can build up my trust issues at long last.

The session was not very good I am afraid, there was quite a lot of talk of hospital admission which I was very anti. You are going to have to drag me back there kicking and screaming if he wants me to go back. We have come to a compromise - he has increased my medication again and has given me three months to see if my therapy comes through in that time. If it doesn't then he is going to have review the situation.

Basically the upshot of the session was that I am very close to where I was 13 years ago when I was admitted to the psychiatric ward for my own safety and health.

The bipolar has also reared it's ugly head again, which we thought we had got under control before, which is why he has doubled the dosage of that medication - he wants to get on top of the extreme low that I have hit.

I also got a good talking too for "putting on my mask" What else am I supposed to do, not everyone wants to see me when I am "down" so I hide it. Although it does give the impression that I am doing really well.

So basically I am not going to do anything today. Can't even ring D as he is off seeing a client in Stevenage for the day and is uncontactable. Typical when I need him he isn't around.. :-(

I shall probably go quiet on here and in my stitching communities while I am just adjusting to the increase in meds as well as just generally getting myself back together again, but normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. Plus think of all that stitching I will be doing.. :-)

Ok now I have rambled on I am going to settle down with a cup of tea and try and watch a film on Channel 5 that has just come on.

"I'm Free"

2007-03-08T13:07:00.000Z

The most famous saying from an actor, and especially an actor I grew up watching on t.v.

John Inman who was most known for playing Mr Humphries in "Are You Being Served" has sadly passed away today, aged 71.

Source - John Inman

Fancy nails..

2007-03-05T18:37:00.000Z

On Friday I went out with my friend A to Dartford for the day to have my nails professionally done. Not a major achievement for some people but one for me, especially as I have a fear of going out to crowded places and new areas, and with someone that isn't a close friend or family.

We had a great time and I treated myself to a new handbag as well as having my nails done. I loved them although I find it hard to type and do various things, like stitching, with them but I will get used to them eventually..

*Photo's clickable*

Some good news finally...

2007-03-05T18:26:00.000Z

DH came home the other day with some fantastic news. He has got promotion at his bank. He has finally got the recognition that he deserves after nearly 30 years at HSBC bank.

D is going to be a Corporate Account Manager and gets all the perks that come with it too, like payrise, a Blackberry (no I don't mean the fruit kind either..), executive business lunches etc.. I won't recognise my DH after a few weeks. Although he was bouncing around like Tigger when he came home with the good news. I was so pleased for him, he has worked so hard for the bank and never got any thanks so to speak for all his work he does. And now it has all paid off..

Maybe now things are starting to look up and this is the start of a new life for both of us.

Car update..

2007-03-01T12:24:00.000Z

Aaaah the car cost me just under £90.00 to get MOT'd and two new windscreen wipers fitted because she failed the original MOT yesterday. I tell you that's the most expensive windscreen wipers I have ever bought..lol

Still she's now legal for another year and has a years car tax on her too. And bless D he paid for the car tax and the difference between the MOT price and repairs needed. Well basically he didn't really have much choice as I didn't have that much money to pay both..lol Although he had already said he would pay my car tax for me before the MOT, but then the repairs came in and I couldn't afford them so it was left to him. He's a good old soul really, bless him. He does see me well and even if it costs him he wants me to keep my car on the road. Not that I use her much, about once a fortnight to go to Asda now and again..

Also took the dogs for the walk to the garage to pick the car up. Wow that was a long walk, its about a mile and half. So imagine it two bouncy dogs and me in high heels .. it made a picture to see..lol And Jet actually behaved himself around other people, he only did his usual growl greeting - no snarling or anything from him. I do think he might be improving, slowly but surely.

Ack its 10.30am..(ish!)

2007-02-28T10:37:00.000Z

And guess who hasn't had a shower or anything yet..oops

My car has to go for its annual MOT at noon and I am nowhere near ready yet. I wanted to go to the library, pick up a prescription for D and also go to Asda BEFORE I took the car into the garage. Think it will be a hurried visit to the library as I need some new books and I want to read while I am waiting for the car.

Talking of D..guess who left all their credit cards at home today..hehehe. Well actually it was my fault as I had been in his jacket checking the number on his credit card for the online postage I was ordering last night, and somehow or other the wallet they were in didn't go back into his jacket pocket, it slipped down into the wardroble. Ooops, so guess who wasn't popular when I get a call from D to say he had no cards to get any money out.. Plus he had already had a horrendous 3 hour journey into work due to a major accident on the M20 which caused chaos on all the surrounding roads..

And on another bit of news, I received my redwork exchange from the SBBEB board. All I will say is wow... I love it.. Thank you so much Barbara, and thank you for the little P.I.F. gift too. You know me so well..

Piccies to follow in another post, I must go and get showered and get to the library.

Move over rubber ducks ..

2007-02-26T20:52:00.000Z

Meet fluffy teddies..

My dog Jet has a new slant on the old rubber duck for when you are in the bath.. This is what he decided to put in the bath...

And this is poor Jet looking at the fluffy teddy..

Wonder if there is a market for them..lol

Not a lot to say..

2007-02-26T13:37:00.000Z

Things have been a bit quiet here for me lately, mainly because I haven't really been doing a lot, well apart from sleeping and watching t.v.

Sorry if it's a bit dull at the moment in the life of Chez Bear's, normal service will resume shortly. I do have some receipes and piccies to post - I have tried a couple of new receipes out and they have turned out really well so I thought I would share them. I've also been finishing a couple of outstanding exchanges but unfortunately I cannot share them as they haven't been received yet, but as soon as they are I will share the pictures.

So until normal service is resumed I just want to say thank you to everyone that has left comments recently, they do mean so much to me.

Barbara (mainleystitching) I will pop a letter in the post to you later this week

Divorcing duvet...

2007-02-19T15:58:00.000Z

Before I go any further with this post, a warning - this is not a pity me post but it could be construed as one, so I want to apologise if anyone feels that this is what the post is about... I just need to put it down.

Afraid I have only just woken up after having absolutely no sleep last night. I basically sat downstairs all evening, wide awake, watching all the programmes that I had Tivo'd until D got up at 5am for work. I also spent a good three hours stitching on one of my projects and I am paying dearly for it at the moment with a pounding headache.

Anyway I went to bed at 6am and promptly fell fast asleep until about half an hour ago, 3.00pm, when I got up and staggered downstairs and promtly drank two cups of tea one after t'other.

I am basically going to write today off as a very bad day and a complete no-no with regards to flying.

Yesterday was a bad day, this then led to me and D having a horrendous row yesterday which left me shaken. We basically slung insults at each other and he hit the nail on the head when he said he had noticed that I had slipped back into my old ways again, when I was heading for my breakdown. I am burying myself in everything except my own life, if you see what I mean. I am snapping at him, have taken no interest then when I do I get manic over it. He also said that he had noticed I was on automatic pilot when it came to the house and cooking etc.. Trouble is no-one else really sees this as I have got very good at putting on that "face" that I had all those years ago when I had my breakdown, and poor D is the only one that seems to be able to break through this "face". And yes we do know what has sent me spiralling downhill big time - it was Mum's death. It has taken its toll on me harder than I ever imagined it would. Trouble is I can't explain why because of our turbulous relationship over the years.

It also doesn't help that my psychiatrist appointment keeps getting changed for various reasons and I haven't seen them properly for a while now. My medication isn't working so we need to look at another form of medication. I have also had to get my Dr to renew my prescription for my sleeping tablets as I am not sleeping properly again. That is a major factor in my depression and I am hoping once I can get that sorted out again I will start to head upwards. The other thing is I am having to wait for my next round of councelling - I could go private but at the moment it is not an option to consider. I know the mental health team here from my last round of councelling and would like to stay with them if I could. Trouble is it will take a long time and as I know from the last round it will get worse before it gets better.

There are things that I need to tackle in the house and the trouble is until I do this I can't move forward, but it is also these things that are making me avoid the issues. Its like a viscious circle :-(

Anyway I am off to shower and do the washing up.

Thankyou for reading this if you have got this far and haven't been driven to sleep..lol