Another year draws to a close, and I find myself thinking back over the events of the year.
It has been a year of change in many way. If anyone had told me at the start of the year, just how much my life would change in 2008 I wouldn`t have thought it possible.
It hasn`t all been smooth sailing, there have been some rough and turbulent times, times of worry and upset, but following all these storms, calm came.
In the course of just a few months, I was promoted to a job (within the same firm) which is far more fulfilling and enjoyable to me, the type of work I`ve always wanted to do; I found the strength to stand up to getting my parent living in a place more suitable for her decreasing mobility; and took on the responsibility for organising a large event at our church.
I feel I`ve grown in confidence during the year; I`ve made some new friends; I`ve got the freedom of living on my own; and I`ve even given my blog a new look ready for the new year!!
All in all, it has been a good year for me.
What I wonder, will 2009 hold?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Contents
To round up a "loose end", if anyone wondered what on earth I was talking about in this blog post the other day, I`ll explain.
I don`t know what brought it back to mind, except seeing one word..... it goes back many, many, many, many years, to when I was a small child. Well, perhaps not so many! I remember my Dad one day picking up a milk bottle - yes milk came to the doorstep in glass bottles in those days!, and from it he read aloud "Cows ought not to eat nasty turnip stalks".
"Where did you see that", I remember asking
"On the bottle" was his reply, with a smile.
I took the bottle from him and scrutinised it all round. I can`t see that written on there, I said to him puzzled "where does it say that?"
After teasing me a bit longer, he took it from me, and pointed to a word - "there" he said, pointing to the word.
Cows Ought Not To Eat Nasty Turnip Stalks
or, if you look at it another way....
Sam Takes Nancy Every Tuesday Night Out Courting !!
Yes, it was the word - Contents.
I don`t know what brought it back to mind, except seeing one word..... it goes back many, many, many, many years, to when I was a small child. Well, perhaps not so many! I remember my Dad one day picking up a milk bottle - yes milk came to the doorstep in glass bottles in those days!, and from it he read aloud "Cows ought not to eat nasty turnip stalks".
"Where did you see that", I remember asking
"On the bottle" was his reply, with a smile.
I took the bottle from him and scrutinised it all round. I can`t see that written on there, I said to him puzzled "where does it say that?"
After teasing me a bit longer, he took it from me, and pointed to a word - "there" he said, pointing to the word.
Cows Ought Not To Eat Nasty Turnip Stalks
or, if you look at it another way....
Sam Takes Nancy Every Tuesday Night Out Courting !!
Yes, it was the word - Contents.
Monday, December 29, 2008
29th. December 1969
I wonder how many people can remember what they were doing on this day thirty nine years ago?
I know I certainly can.
It was 39 years ago today that I walked nervously as a teenager into the place where I was to work. How big that building seemed on that morning. How strange it felt. Little did I know then that I would still be there all these years later, having gone from being the junior, to now the longest serving member.
What changes I`ve seen in those intervening years too! Some good, some not so good, some bad. The premises have been altered with major building work at least twice. The warehouse when I started being further down the alley, so that in the winter when it was icy it was a perilous job with a sack-barrow bring stock into the store, - what Health and Safety regulations today would have said to that, I shudder to think!! The position of the main entrance door being changed twice.
I`ve gone through at least 8 different managers as well as a few temporary ones! Been in the employ of 6 different companies as the business changed ownership. As to how many colleagues and staff members I`ve worked with, I couldn`t possibly count them all up, so many have come and gone, yet there are a core 4 or 5 who have also been there now for over 15 years, so in a way are a bit like another family as we know each other well.
Yes, I`ve had times during those 39 years, when I`ve felt like walking out, but I`ve stuck it, and am now very happy in the position and work which I am doing.
I know I certainly can.
It was 39 years ago today that I walked nervously as a teenager into the place where I was to work. How big that building seemed on that morning. How strange it felt. Little did I know then that I would still be there all these years later, having gone from being the junior, to now the longest serving member.
What changes I`ve seen in those intervening years too! Some good, some not so good, some bad. The premises have been altered with major building work at least twice. The warehouse when I started being further down the alley, so that in the winter when it was icy it was a perilous job with a sack-barrow bring stock into the store, - what Health and Safety regulations today would have said to that, I shudder to think!! The position of the main entrance door being changed twice.
I`ve gone through at least 8 different managers as well as a few temporary ones! Been in the employ of 6 different companies as the business changed ownership. As to how many colleagues and staff members I`ve worked with, I couldn`t possibly count them all up, so many have come and gone, yet there are a core 4 or 5 who have also been there now for over 15 years, so in a way are a bit like another family as we know each other well.
Yes, I`ve had times during those 39 years, when I`ve felt like walking out, but I`ve stuck it, and am now very happy in the position and work which I am doing.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Presents
Thought I`d share with you today a look at the Christmas Presents I received. As you can see there are a lot of chocolates and biscuits!
These are a close up of some of my favourites from the presents.
I think the present that surprised me most was when I went into the office where I work on the Friday before Christmas and found a box of chocolates and a box of biscuits with a Christmas card from my boss. That really made my day as it was so unexpected.
I think the present that surprised me most was when I went into the office where I work on the Friday before Christmas and found a box of chocolates and a box of biscuits with a Christmas card from my boss. That really made my day as it was so unexpected.
And, below is the oddest present I received. I still can`t work out, why the chap gave me a ball of string and a set of record cards!, along with 2 hand warmers and a set of playing cards. - very odd.
Wonder what other bloggers favourite, surprise, and oddest presents were?
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Twelve Days of Christmas
A friend sent me this, which I didn`t know, and found interesting, so I`ll share it with you all today.
"There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffles us.
"There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffles us.
What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol.`"
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Today`s the Day!
Happy Christmas Everyone!
I`ve written before about my love of stained glass, especially stained glass windows in churches and cathedrals, so, when I spotted this hand crafted stained glass nativity at a craft fayre just before Christmas, I couldn`t resist treating myself to it.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Views of Christmas (2)
My Mum bought me this lovely poinsettia last week. I`ve never had one before, but it`s a real sign of Christmas coming, isn`t it.
It got me thinking - why do we seem to associate the colour Red with Christmas?
is is just because it`s a nice cheerful warm colour for winter, or is there more to it than that?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Views of Christmas
One of the things that always says "Christmas" to me, is a Christmas tree, so here is a photo of mine. As I unwrap all the decoratons from their tissue papger and hang them on the tree, they bring back so many happy memories. Some of the ornaments must be about 50 years old. Gosh - until I wrote that I didn`t realise just how many years we`ve had some of the baubles andearly plastic decorations. And, even older is the little doll which my Dad was given in the 2nd. world war in Belgium, which always has pride of place on the tree.
I discovered that taking a picture of a Christmas tree with it`s lights on, isn`t easy to do (or is it just me?!). After numerous attempts, with results of fuzzy picture of the lights, this one was the best I could come up with. If anyone has any tips on how to take a better photo of a Christmas tree I`d love to hear how to do it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Santa & Jesus
Time to celebrate!.... no, it`s not Christmas Day, ...yet, ....
but this is my 1,000th post!
How shall I celebrate that?
It surprises me to realise that it`s four years since I started sharing my thoughts here. My first one was written on Boxing Day in 2004, because I had nothing to do that afternoon, little did I realise when I did that, that I`d still be scribbling away (or should I say typing away?) in 2008, and aiming to continue into 2009.
So here`s something I was sent which I think is worth sharing as my "special" 1000th. post.
but this is my 1,000th post!
How shall I celebrate that?
It surprises me to realise that it`s four years since I started sharing my thoughts here. My first one was written on Boxing Day in 2004, because I had nothing to do that afternoon, little did I realise when I did that, that I`d still be scribbling away (or should I say typing away?) in 2008, and aiming to continue into 2009.
So here`s something I was sent which I think is worth sharing as my "special" 1000th. post.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name,
JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only does He know our name, He knows our history and future
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you".
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts and repairs broken homes.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.
Remembering words
Isn`t it strange the things that spring into ones mind without consciously thinking about them.
Doing something at work this afternoon I suddenly got this phrase jump into my memory from many, many, many years ago, - "cows ought not to eat nasty turnip stalks"!
And then later today another one came back to me "Sam takes Nelly every Thursday night out courting" !
No, I`m not going mad (or at least I don`t think I am) - there was a purpose behind those phrases, and there`s a link between them too - wonder if anyone can work out what it is? Answer in a few days time, but my next post needs to be a special one.
Doing something at work this afternoon I suddenly got this phrase jump into my memory from many, many, many years ago, - "cows ought not to eat nasty turnip stalks"!
And then later today another one came back to me "Sam takes Nelly every Thursday night out courting" !
No, I`m not going mad (or at least I don`t think I am) - there was a purpose behind those phrases, and there`s a link between them too - wonder if anyone can work out what it is? Answer in a few days time, but my next post needs to be a special one.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Move along please!
I had to be a "traffic warden" this evening!......
I collected my Mum early this evening to go to a carol service at our church, and with it being a bit of a foggy evening left early to give us plenty of time so got to the church about 6.05 p.m On approaching the road to turn down into the church car park, it looked to be blocked by an enormous, and I do mean enormous, lorry.
Turning in, I found there was just room for me to squeeze my little car past it. We drove onto the car park and sat there for several minutes and although the lorry had a few lights on, it didn`t show any signs of moving. So, I thought, I`ll go and put the church lights on to show we`re using the church and need the road clear. Having done that, the lorry began to move.... good I thought, he`s going.
But he didn`t he just shifted a few inches nearer the kerb. Then stopped the engine and put the lights out.
So, I plucked up my courage and went out and over to him - it was an enormous vehicle stretching over half the length of the road opposite the church door, and the bottom of his window was above my head height. Anyway, he put the window down when I went over to it. "You`re not going to be stopping there all evening are you?" I asked him "only we`ve a carol service on and they`ll be lots of cars needing to get up and down here". "Yes, I was going to", he said!
He was very polite and reasonable though and said that he`d take it along the road, there is a parking place along there isn`t there, he asked. To which I replied yes, there is a car park very near, [I don`t know why he didn`t go there in the first place!] I said, "you can come back after 9.30 with it if you want, we`ll be gone by then", or, park it and come back to the carol service!
I know it is a public road, and we can`t stop anyone parking there, but I thought I`d better try and do something about it.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
About me meme
Having nothing much to write about today, I thought I`d have a go at this, which Dave had put on his Blog the other day - but, it`s much more difficult than I thought. (most section answers are not in any particular order of preference!)
7 things to do before I die
Difficult one this, as I`m not into films, tv (very little), sports, etc...etc... but here goes....
7 things to do before I die
- Relearn to play the piano
- Have time to "be me" and enjoy life with no work and no ties
- Make a will
- Learn to say "no"!
- Become a better flower arranger
- Complete a needlecraft picture I started a few years ago
- Take a last breath
- Work!
- Photography (not expertly)
- Cook
- Clean the house
- Feed my pet bird
- Enjoy driving
- Try and write a daily blog
- Draw or paint (wish I could)
- Pick up a spider (or any creepy crawly!)
- Stand the sight of blood
- Speak in front of a large group of people. I can read aloud to a group, but not stand and speak.
- Swim
- Be in a confined space
- Push a wheelchair up a hill
- Gentle strength
- Nice hands
- Sense of security emanating from them
- Kindness
- Sense of humour
- Thoughtfulness
- Quiet spoken
- Hello
- Please
- Thank you
- Is it?
- Did you?
- Yes
- Morning
Difficult one this, as I`m not into films, tv (very little), sports, etc...etc... but here goes....
- Cliff Richard - for the way he is so open about his faith
- Alan Titchmarsh - for his way of imparting knowledge and information in such an easy way
- those who genuinely help charities, without it being a big publicity stunt
- those who don`t brag about themselves
- Jimmy Saville
- Lifeboatmen - who become "local celebrities" for a short time after they`ve gone out of their way to save lives in difficult seas and conditions.
- Fish & Chips
- Jacket potatoes
- Toad in the hole
- Roast goose (at Christmas)
- Ice-cream
- Steamed ginger syrup sponge pudding
- Chocolate orange trifle
Pearls of Wisdom
Having written those two quotes at the end of yesterday`s post, it gave me the idea for my next post!
I`m looking for "Pearls of Wisdom" - No, not literally pearl (stones) but wise sayings. I don`t mean the well known sayings like "Too many cooks spoil the broth", as that can be opposed by "many hands make light work".
What I`m looking for, for a particular purpose, are Pearls of Wisdom. You know that kind of thing I mean, sometime in conversation a person will say something, and you think "that`s a little gem", it could be good advice, inspiration or practical good advice.
Anyone got any ideas?
I`m looking for "Pearls of Wisdom" - No, not literally pearl (stones) but wise sayings. I don`t mean the well known sayings like "Too many cooks spoil the broth", as that can be opposed by "many hands make light work".
What I`m looking for, for a particular purpose, are Pearls of Wisdom. You know that kind of thing I mean, sometime in conversation a person will say something, and you think "that`s a little gem", it could be good advice, inspiration or practical good advice.
Anyone got any ideas?
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Mind blank
My mind has been a complete blank on what to write on here the last few days - and I`m still stuck for inspiration.
Wonder what that says about me?...
...maybe that my life is uninteresting? - yet, I don`t feel that it is, well not to me anyway. I`m very contented with it. Maybe I just feel its too "ordinary" to write about; that it wouldn`t make interesting reading.
....What have I been doing over the last few days?...... well, I had friends here for lunch and tea on Sunday, which was nice, but it doesn`t really give much to write about, does it? It`s actually nice being able to have people here and "entertain" now, something I`ve never been able to do before in that way.. and since I`ve had the lounge redecorated, I feel comfortable to have people in too - the room is not now a "furniture warehouse" in the way it used to feel and look.
....I also met a blog friend, Lorna, for a short time on Sunday, and that was really good.
...I`ve been working each day - so not much to write about there. Except,- I`d like to know why it is that when I`m checking lists of figures against others on the computer screen that have to match, that if there`s a mistake in them, its almost always towards the end of the last page - which means that I have to close the computer programme, correct the wrong figure and then go through the whole sheets again! Why can`t the mistake (if there has to be one I`ve made previously) be in the first few lines of work?!
I`ll see if I can "do better" with something to write in a day or two.... or maybe even tomorrow - but as they say "tomorrow never comes" - maybe that`s why they also say "don`t put off till tomorrow what you can do today".
Wonder what that says about me?...
...maybe that my life is uninteresting? - yet, I don`t feel that it is, well not to me anyway. I`m very contented with it. Maybe I just feel its too "ordinary" to write about; that it wouldn`t make interesting reading.
....What have I been doing over the last few days?...... well, I had friends here for lunch and tea on Sunday, which was nice, but it doesn`t really give much to write about, does it? It`s actually nice being able to have people here and "entertain" now, something I`ve never been able to do before in that way.. and since I`ve had the lounge redecorated, I feel comfortable to have people in too - the room is not now a "furniture warehouse" in the way it used to feel and look.
....I also met a blog friend, Lorna, for a short time on Sunday, and that was really good.
...I`ve been working each day - so not much to write about there. Except,- I`d like to know why it is that when I`m checking lists of figures against others on the computer screen that have to match, that if there`s a mistake in them, its almost always towards the end of the last page - which means that I have to close the computer programme, correct the wrong figure and then go through the whole sheets again! Why can`t the mistake (if there has to be one I`ve made previously) be in the first few lines of work?!
I`ll see if I can "do better" with something to write in a day or two.... or maybe even tomorrow - but as they say "tomorrow never comes" - maybe that`s why they also say "don`t put off till tomorrow what you can do today".
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Snowy Day
It looks as if I`m going to have a white birthday, tomorrow, instead of a white Christmas!
Or, as I asked a few days ago, have we skipped a moth and this really is December?
This was the scene in my back garden an hour ago, after it had been snowing constantly since I got up this morning.
Pretty isn`t it? But I wonder where all the poor little birds have managed to get to keep warm and dry out of it?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Alone and Scared
I`ve been awake nearly all night and feeling very alone, worried and scared. Now thankfully it`s morning.
Since Monday, I`ve had a bit of a pain in my left side and my chest, but last night in bed, it got really bad. I couldn`t lay on my side, my front, nor very comfortably on my back. I nearly got up to write this at 2 a.m. this morning but daren`t move. I lay there, thinking: did I ought to ring someone?, should I ring for a medic? is it my heart? is it cancer? is it just a muscle?
My first job this morning, as soon as the surgery opens will be to go and make an appointment to see the doctor and try and find out what it it - although I`m scared of what he might say it is.
UPDATE
Going into our Health Centre as soon as they opened at 8 a.m. the receptionist was very helpful, and said there were 2 emergency doctors on duty and that one of them would ring me in the next couple of hours. So home I went.
About half an hour later the phone rang - it was the doctor. After trying to describe where the pain was, etc., he assured me he didn`t think it was anything too serious and nothing for me to worry about, but would I like to go up and he would check it out. Appointment made for 9.10 a.m.
I duly went up, saw the doctor chap, he did several tests and examinations, and is fairly sure that the pain is coming from my somehow damaging the muscle around my ribs. How I`ve done it, I don`t know. Still at least it`s none of the life-threatening things I was fearing. Painkillers were prescribed, and I`m told it could take at least 2 weeks to clear.
Since Monday, I`ve had a bit of a pain in my left side and my chest, but last night in bed, it got really bad. I couldn`t lay on my side, my front, nor very comfortably on my back. I nearly got up to write this at 2 a.m. this morning but daren`t move. I lay there, thinking: did I ought to ring someone?, should I ring for a medic? is it my heart? is it cancer? is it just a muscle?
My first job this morning, as soon as the surgery opens will be to go and make an appointment to see the doctor and try and find out what it it - although I`m scared of what he might say it is.
UPDATE
Going into our Health Centre as soon as they opened at 8 a.m. the receptionist was very helpful, and said there were 2 emergency doctors on duty and that one of them would ring me in the next couple of hours. So home I went.
About half an hour later the phone rang - it was the doctor. After trying to describe where the pain was, etc., he assured me he didn`t think it was anything too serious and nothing for me to worry about, but would I like to go up and he would check it out. Appointment made for 9.10 a.m.
I duly went up, saw the doctor chap, he did several tests and examinations, and is fairly sure that the pain is coming from my somehow damaging the muscle around my ribs. How I`ve done it, I don`t know. Still at least it`s none of the life-threatening things I was fearing. Painkillers were prescribed, and I`m told it could take at least 2 weeks to clear.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Autumn colour
I`d always thought of spring as my favourite time of year, with the new growth and fresh green everywhere, but this year the wonderful colours of the autumn trees is making me really appreciate and enjoy the autumn too.
Just take a closer look at some of those leaves - what a variety of colour there is in them
Both on the trees and on the ground!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Different Sunday
Today, for the first time in weeks and weeks - no longer than that, months and months, I didn`t go to church. Yet, today I experienced a time of worship, that was very touching.
Let me expand on that.
I didn`t even get up until later than normal this morning, because I`d agreed to go over and have Sunday Lunch with my Mum in the care place she is at, because they were having a visit this afternoon by a visiting Young Peoples Salvation Army band.
Knowing that our morning service wouldn`t finish in time to enable me to do that, I decided not to go. So I spent a bit of time at home, trying out playing a few hymns on the piano before setting out for Mums. The Sunday Lunch, (served in her room) was very good - roast pork and all the trimmings, followed by a delicious chocolate trifle.
I then pushed her into the Communial Room where the Band were to play. There was a few other residents there when we arrived, and Mum soon transferred from her wheelchair into one of the easy chairs, and I had one beside her. As we sat there, more and more residents gradually made their way into the room, and all the seats began to be taken. I then gave my seat up to another lady, and sat the other side of the room to the side of where the band were to be.
The local Salvation Army captain, (who I knew) and one or two other officers from the local corps came with the youngsters of the band, and the afternoon started. Hymn sheets were given out to everyone, so that we could join in singing. We sang about 6 or 7 different hymns, listened to a reading and a very good short talk on the reading and the afternoon concluded with a prayer.
That may not sound `out of the ordinary`, but to me, from where I was sitting, I could see all the residents, and just to see the way they knew the hymns and were joining in singing along with them, and the look on the faces of some of them as they did so, was so moving, somehow. And so inspiring to see the youngsters aged from 9 upwards, really committed to the band.
And, in that room with that group of people, I really felt a sense of God`s presence there with us. It was a unique time. During the prayer, I for some unknown reason, felt tears come to my eyes. Not tears of sadness or distress, but of being somehow deeply moved by just being there.
So, although I didn`t go to church today, I found a real place and time of worship.
Let me expand on that.
I didn`t even get up until later than normal this morning, because I`d agreed to go over and have Sunday Lunch with my Mum in the care place she is at, because they were having a visit this afternoon by a visiting Young Peoples Salvation Army band.
Knowing that our morning service wouldn`t finish in time to enable me to do that, I decided not to go. So I spent a bit of time at home, trying out playing a few hymns on the piano before setting out for Mums. The Sunday Lunch, (served in her room) was very good - roast pork and all the trimmings, followed by a delicious chocolate trifle.
I then pushed her into the Communial Room where the Band were to play. There was a few other residents there when we arrived, and Mum soon transferred from her wheelchair into one of the easy chairs, and I had one beside her. As we sat there, more and more residents gradually made their way into the room, and all the seats began to be taken. I then gave my seat up to another lady, and sat the other side of the room to the side of where the band were to be.
The local Salvation Army captain, (who I knew) and one or two other officers from the local corps came with the youngsters of the band, and the afternoon started. Hymn sheets were given out to everyone, so that we could join in singing. We sang about 6 or 7 different hymns, listened to a reading and a very good short talk on the reading and the afternoon concluded with a prayer.
That may not sound `out of the ordinary`, but to me, from where I was sitting, I could see all the residents, and just to see the way they knew the hymns and were joining in singing along with them, and the look on the faces of some of them as they did so, was so moving, somehow. And so inspiring to see the youngsters aged from 9 upwards, really committed to the band.
And, in that room with that group of people, I really felt a sense of God`s presence there with us. It was a unique time. During the prayer, I for some unknown reason, felt tears come to my eyes. Not tears of sadness or distress, but of being somehow deeply moved by just being there.
So, although I didn`t go to church today, I found a real place and time of worship.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Christmas already?
Today IS the 15th. November, isn`t it? Or have I lost a month somewhere?
Why do I ask?.......
...........Because......
...opening my mail, brought by the postman a few hours ago, I find my first Christmas card! I couldn`t believe it.
And, no, it didn`t come from abroad, it came from someone in a village about 6 miles away from here!
I`ve not even had my birthday yet, that`s still 9 days away. I definitely don`t expect to receive Christmas cards, before I`ve received Birthday cards. (That`s of course assuming I`ll get some birthday cards!)
So, what am I going to do with the Christmas card? - stick it in a drawer until a lot nearer the time, I`m certainly not going to stand it on the mantlepiece yet, it would look ridiculous so early.
Why do I ask?.......
...........Because......
...opening my mail, brought by the postman a few hours ago, I find my first Christmas card! I couldn`t believe it.
And, no, it didn`t come from abroad, it came from someone in a village about 6 miles away from here!
I`ve not even had my birthday yet, that`s still 9 days away. I definitely don`t expect to receive Christmas cards, before I`ve received Birthday cards. (That`s of course assuming I`ll get some birthday cards!)
So, what am I going to do with the Christmas card? - stick it in a drawer until a lot nearer the time, I`m certainly not going to stand it on the mantlepiece yet, it would look ridiculous so early.
Friday, November 14, 2008
An Orange Scene
It was such a beautiful sunset this evening, that even the water at this beauty spot turned orange! Isn`t it a beautiful world we live in.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Tinkling the Ivories
So, what was it I was doing the other evening?..... here`s the answer.....
I felt strongly urged somehow to rekindle my efforts of piano playing.
My earliest memories of first touching the keys on a piano, the same one as still stands in my room, go back many years to when I must have been about 5 or 6. My Mum used to sit and play hymns on the piano, and as a little child I wanted to have a go too, so she used to show me one note on the keyboard and each time she had to play that note, would say "now", and I would hit the note my finger was on (an octave higher than she was playing). I realise now how hard it must have been for her to play and keep saying "now" every time it was that note. And then as I got a bit older she would show me the one note on the line of music and I began to recognise it and so, when to hit it.
Anyway, from there I went on later, I suppose from the age of about 8 - 10 or round about then to have piano lessons at the home of one of my school teachers after school. How well I remember that house - it always smelt strongly of boiled fish! (The teacher had lots of cats, and cooked fish for them.)
As I got older, I did less and less practice and playing and eventually none. How I wish now that I had kept it up.
Sitting down at the piano the other day, I found that I can still read to some degree the right hand music, and so long as I know, in my mind, how it should go, I can make a fair stab at playing an easy hymn tune or two. As for the base notes of the left hand.... that will need a great lot of practice! But now that I`ve the house to myself, I really think I will try and master playing it again and particularly getting the left hand for the base notes working again. There`ll be no one to hear all the awful discordant sounds that come from the instrument whilst I do so, so I shan`t feel self-conscious trying them out.
I`ll report in due course how things progress....if they do!
I felt strongly urged somehow to rekindle my efforts of piano playing.
My earliest memories of first touching the keys on a piano, the same one as still stands in my room, go back many years to when I must have been about 5 or 6. My Mum used to sit and play hymns on the piano, and as a little child I wanted to have a go too, so she used to show me one note on the keyboard and each time she had to play that note, would say "now", and I would hit the note my finger was on (an octave higher than she was playing). I realise now how hard it must have been for her to play and keep saying "now" every time it was that note. And then as I got a bit older she would show me the one note on the line of music and I began to recognise it and so, when to hit it.
Anyway, from there I went on later, I suppose from the age of about 8 - 10 or round about then to have piano lessons at the home of one of my school teachers after school. How well I remember that house - it always smelt strongly of boiled fish! (The teacher had lots of cats, and cooked fish for them.)
As I got older, I did less and less practice and playing and eventually none. How I wish now that I had kept it up.
Sitting down at the piano the other day, I found that I can still read to some degree the right hand music, and so long as I know, in my mind, how it should go, I can make a fair stab at playing an easy hymn tune or two. As for the base notes of the left hand.... that will need a great lot of practice! But now that I`ve the house to myself, I really think I will try and master playing it again and particularly getting the left hand for the base notes working again. There`ll be no one to hear all the awful discordant sounds that come from the instrument whilst I do so, so I shan`t feel self-conscious trying them out.
I`ll report in due course how things progress....if they do!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Magnetically drawn
I`ve been magnetically drawn over the last few days, towards something in this room, something that I`ve not touched for years (other than to dust it)! But, since having the room decorated and decluttered of furniture, so that I don`t need to move anything to get to it, it`s been beckoning me for days.
I`ve sat here tonight, with work I should be doing, but the thing I can see out of the corner of my eye, keeps somehow trying to draw me to it. Could I still do it, I wondered? Dare I try? At least there`s no-one else in the house to know if I make a mess of it and fail.
I got up, and went over to it. Lifted the lid. Picked a book up. Sat down. Thumbed through the book. Set the book on the stand. Then, tentatively with my right hand touched it.
In fact, I became so engrossed in it, that looking at the clock expecting to see I`d been there about 10 minutes, I discovered that over an hour passed! And, I`d actually enjoyed it.
So, I`m feeling quite pleased with myself this evening.
What was I doing?.... if you can`t guess, I`ll tell you tomorrow... or the next day!
I`ve sat here tonight, with work I should be doing, but the thing I can see out of the corner of my eye, keeps somehow trying to draw me to it. Could I still do it, I wondered? Dare I try? At least there`s no-one else in the house to know if I make a mess of it and fail.
I got up, and went over to it. Lifted the lid. Picked a book up. Sat down. Thumbed through the book. Set the book on the stand. Then, tentatively with my right hand touched it.
In fact, I became so engrossed in it, that looking at the clock expecting to see I`d been there about 10 minutes, I discovered that over an hour passed! And, I`d actually enjoyed it.
So, I`m feeling quite pleased with myself this evening.
What was I doing?.... if you can`t guess, I`ll tell you tomorrow... or the next day!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Autumn time
Well, I found out the mystery of my clock...... we`d had a power cut in the night, so that explains everything. Yet, now having put all the other flashing clocks right yesterday, I realise I`ll have to change them all again tonight when summer-time ends.
Never mind, the sun`s shining and it`s a nice autumn day. I spotted these beautiful berries on a tree the other day and just had to take a picture of them. Not sure what they are, but I just liked the colour against the blue sky.
Never mind, the sun`s shining and it`s a nice autumn day. I spotted these beautiful berries on a tree the other day and just had to take a picture of them. Not sure what they are, but I just liked the colour against the blue sky.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Problem with Time
I laid in bed a short time ago, listening to the clock radio which had woken me up at the usual time. The young (?) lady doing the programme went on to a regular feature which is included in the format. That`s early this morning, I thought glancing at the time, strange. Still I`ve a bit longer before I need put my feet out and get up.
Very, very shortly after that feature she said, now to the news - but it can`t be I thought looking at the clock part of my clock radio, it only says 6.20, not 6.30. I hurridly put on a light and looked at my watch. Yes it was 6.30. Very strange, I looked back at the clock radio, which had come on at the normal time, but it still said 6.20. I sprang out of bed still trying to puzzle it out.
I`ve reset the clock, so will watch and see what it does today.
Very, very shortly after that feature she said, now to the news - but it can`t be I thought looking at the clock part of my clock radio, it only says 6.20, not 6.30. I hurridly put on a light and looked at my watch. Yes it was 6.30. Very strange, I looked back at the clock radio, which had come on at the normal time, but it still said 6.20. I sprang out of bed still trying to puzzle it out.
I`ve reset the clock, so will watch and see what it does today.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Amusing shots
Enjoy another couple of photos from the other day!
A new breed of Crane?? two heads and three legs!
Balancing act!
(and, it`s not camera or editting trickery, the duck really was up there.)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Beautiful !
I went to one of my favourite places yesterday afternoon for a leisurely stroll round in the autumn sunshine, and ofcourse took my camera with me. It seemed to be bath day for a lot of the birds as they were all splashing away cleaning and preening their feathers. And, as you`ll see in the last photo, one in particular seemed to want to show himself (or herself!) off, as, as I stood there he/she extended its wings to the full extent - beautiful.
"Having a splashing time!"
"Is the water cold?"
"Aren`t I beautiful?"
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Flying time
It`s Saturday already, I`m sure the hours and days of this week have been shorter than normal! It seems almost impossible that I`m at the last day of my weeks holiday. I`ve still got so much that I wanted to do, places I wanted to go, that I`ve not got done.
Apart from one day, which was drizzly rain, I`ve been lucky and had a week of sunshine - yes, sunshine and warmth (by day at least) in October. I don`t normally holiday in October, but circumstances made me cancel a week last month and have this week instead, I`m glad I did.
In the meantime, enjoy another photo the sunset.
Apart from one day, which was drizzly rain, I`ve been lucky and had a week of sunshine - yes, sunshine and warmth (by day at least) in October. I don`t normally holiday in October, but circumstances made me cancel a week last month and have this week instead, I`m glad I did.
Have I really had 5 days holiday - let`s see......
- On Monday, I went shopping with a friend (1 day gone)
- On Tuesday, I took my mother out (2 days gone)
- On Wednesday, I emptied a cupboard, spring cleaned my bedroom (3 days gone)
- On Thursday, I had a friend here for the day (4 days gone)
- On Friday, I collected my Mum, cooked fish & chips for our dinner, then took her shopping (5 days gone)
- Today....... ??????
In the meantime, enjoy another photo the sunset.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Holiday time
I`m on holiday this week, and enjoying it The weekend was very good for weather - sunny and really warm, so I made the most of it, by trying to be outdoors as much as possible. On Saturday, I wandered round a local market and bought myself a couple of skirts. Then returning home, I still felt it was too nice to be indoors, so I got to work setting some heather plants and tulips and daffodil bulbs in pots, before in the afternoon, going to a National Trust property - Felbrigg Hall, which, although fairly close to where I live, I`ve never been to before. I first went on the tour round the house - plenty of old paintings filling all the walls, which I don`t find particularly interesting, I prefer in these old houses/halls to see how people lived and especially love visiting the kitchens. This building was ok, but not very exceptional. I still prefer Blickling Hall.
It was nice though wandering round the walled garden when I came out of the house, and seeing all the unusual plants - like a 100 year old "headache tree" (can`t remember its proper name), and seeing a huge cactus and other plants, whilst enjoying the feel of the sun warm upon me. Yes, warm in October - no coats needed!
I spotted this beautiful waterlily in a small pond set the middle of the formal beds, which were all surrounded by neat box hedging.
One amusing feature of the garden was this seat which had been made to look like a barrow.
Chickens and a couple of cockerels were wandering freely around the garden. The only problem about that, said the person I`d met who was showing me round, was that they eat the plants, especially the vegetable ones before they can grow.
It was nice though wandering round the walled garden when I came out of the house, and seeing all the unusual plants - like a 100 year old "headache tree" (can`t remember its proper name), and seeing a huge cactus and other plants, whilst enjoying the feel of the sun warm upon me. Yes, warm in October - no coats needed!
I spotted this beautiful waterlily in a small pond set the middle of the formal beds, which were all surrounded by neat box hedging.
One amusing feature of the garden was this seat which had been made to look like a barrow.
Chickens and a couple of cockerels were wandering freely around the garden. The only problem about that, said the person I`d met who was showing me round, was that they eat the plants, especially the vegetable ones before they can grow.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Orange Sky
The sun began to go down yesterday as we sat in the car at a local beauty spot, and we soon realised that it was going to be a fantastic sunset, so out came my camera!
As the sun sank further down, the sky turned more and more orange, and the clouds shone around their edges as if they were really aglow. It was a stunning scene. We just sat and watched and watched.
(The answer to the church picture, of the last post, is that it is Sandringham church, where the Queen and Royal Family go on Christmas Day)
As the sun sank further down, the sky turned more and more orange, and the clouds shone around their edges as if they were really aglow. It was a stunning scene. We just sat and watched and watched.
(The answer to the church picture, of the last post, is that it is Sandringham church, where the Queen and Royal Family go on Christmas Day)
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Day Out
My friend didn`t bring very good weather with her for her holiday - it rained and the wind blew, but this is where we went on Friday. Anyone recognise where it is? It`s quite well known for one particular reason!
And walking up the path to it, we spotted these plants, which we didn`t know either, does anyone know what they are?
Monday, October 06, 2008
Holiday guest
All my rushing around was worth while. My friend arrived as planned and we have a very enjoyable 4 days together - except that the weather decided to change from the nice sunny days of the previous week into cold wind and rain. The gas fires had to be put on for the first time this year. But the weather didn`t stop us going out.
On the first morning we went to a nearby small town where she`d also previously lived (as well as having lived in the same town as I`m in year`s ago), then from there we went on to another largish town, where wandering round the large store there, I saw a Coffee table which I liked. and it had the bonus of two drawers in it - ideal for concealing all the clutter that at times builds up on surfaces in the room I thought. I`d been feeling that my newly decorated lounge just needed something in the middle as when one person sat in the armchair anyone sitting on the settee looked a mile away! So, we measured the table and brought the measurements home.
Next day we went back to purchase the table, as it was the ideal size. Whilst doing so my friend spotted that there was also a small square table in the same design - your tv would look good on that she said! I agreed with her, so have ordered both - they`re coming on Friday.
So we enjoyed our first two days. More about what we did the next day, tomorrow
On the first morning we went to a nearby small town where she`d also previously lived (as well as having lived in the same town as I`m in year`s ago), then from there we went on to another largish town, where wandering round the large store there, I saw a Coffee table which I liked. and it had the bonus of two drawers in it - ideal for concealing all the clutter that at times builds up on surfaces in the room I thought. I`d been feeling that my newly decorated lounge just needed something in the middle as when one person sat in the armchair anyone sitting on the settee looked a mile away! So, we measured the table and brought the measurements home.
Next day we went back to purchase the table, as it was the ideal size. Whilst doing so my friend spotted that there was also a small square table in the same design - your tv would look good on that she said! I agreed with her, so have ordered both - they`re coming on Friday.
So we enjoyed our first two days. More about what we did the next day, tomorrow
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Rushing around
I`ve had a busy few days. I`ve been trying to catch up with all the jobs that haven`t got done in the last few weeks -
- like filing papers,
- catching up on housework, not the routine, but things one only does occasionally!
- sorting out my parents bedroom now that she`s no longer needing it. What a lot of items I binned from there!
- Shopping
- thinking of menu`s
- making things I`d promised people that I would
- posting off cheques etc...
Why the sudden rush to do all this?......
I`ve got a friend coming to stay from tomorrow for a few days. The first time in my life that I`ve ever had anyone to stay. I`ve not been able to, for various reasons, so now that I`ve the house to myself I can. I`m looking forward to seeing her. No doubt it will call for some late nights as we sit and chat and catch up on all each others news!
It`s a great feeling today too, to be on top of all the jobs.
- like filing papers,
- catching up on housework, not the routine, but things one only does occasionally!
- sorting out my parents bedroom now that she`s no longer needing it. What a lot of items I binned from there!
- Shopping
- thinking of menu`s
- making things I`d promised people that I would
- posting off cheques etc...
Why the sudden rush to do all this?......
I`ve got a friend coming to stay from tomorrow for a few days. The first time in my life that I`ve ever had anyone to stay. I`ve not been able to, for various reasons, so now that I`ve the house to myself I can. I`m looking forward to seeing her. No doubt it will call for some late nights as we sit and chat and catch up on all each others news!
It`s a great feeling today too, to be on top of all the jobs.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Last Saturday
After a good day on that Friday, we had a shock and upset on the Saturday evening. My Mum`s man-friend (can`t say boy friend at that age) didn`t go to see her as she epected on the Saturday afternoon. So after she`d made numerous phone calls to his and got no answer, I went round to see if there were any lights on at his in the evening. There weren`t.
Thankfully I didn`t have a key. So I rang the bell of the person the in flat above as I knew them, and luckily they were there (their`s is only a holiday type flat), they came down, but they didn`t have a key either. So he went and got a big torch from his garage to look through the windows. Looking through he could see that Mum`s friend was lying dead on the floor. So that was a shock. Then I had to go and phone my parent and tell her. Surprisingly she seemed as is she expected to hear that and didn`t burst into tears at the time.
In a way, it`s a relief to me that it happened the way it did for him. It would have been so much worse if he`d had had an accident on the way to or from Mum`s, or been at hers. And, to be honest it`s something I`ve always dreaded would happen if he was here or with me in the car, as he was quite elderly.
Although I liked him as a person, I have always resented the way Mum seemed to be putting him in my Dad`s place. And no-one could replace my Dad. So I`ve not shed any tears over this, at the moment, and I don`t think I will.
Thankfully I didn`t have a key. So I rang the bell of the person the in flat above as I knew them, and luckily they were there (their`s is only a holiday type flat), they came down, but they didn`t have a key either. So he went and got a big torch from his garage to look through the windows. Looking through he could see that Mum`s friend was lying dead on the floor. So that was a shock. Then I had to go and phone my parent and tell her. Surprisingly she seemed as is she expected to hear that and didn`t burst into tears at the time.
In a way, it`s a relief to me that it happened the way it did for him. It would have been so much worse if he`d had had an accident on the way to or from Mum`s, or been at hers. And, to be honest it`s something I`ve always dreaded would happen if he was here or with me in the car, as he was quite elderly.
Although I liked him as a person, I have always resented the way Mum seemed to be putting him in my Dad`s place. And no-one could replace my Dad. So I`ve not shed any tears over this, at the moment, and I don`t think I will.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A Sunny day off
It was my day off work yesterday, and surprisingly the sun shone all day.
I went to get myself a piece of fresh fish from the fishmonger to cook for my dinner. Looking at the display of fish in the fishmongers window I spotted that they had got some of my favourites - Dover Soles, they looked very fresh and enticing. Knowing that my Mother also enjoyed them, I bought two, then rang her up to say I would pick her up and bring her home for lunch. That pleased her!
I had intended taking her shopping in the afternoon to a supermarket, but the sun was so inviting to be outside that it seemed that it would be a waste of a beautiful day to do that, so instead, driving to a car-park in our town, I got out the wheelchair and pushed her round some of the older narrow streets and to sit and look out at the sea. We couldn`t get down onto the promenade because there were far too many steep hills and slopes to tackle. But at least we could sit on the top and look down. And, have an ice-cream!
Later in the afternoon we then went back into the town and did her shopping in some of the shops there before I took her back to her home for tea.
A really good day - unplanned. I think things done on the spur of the moment are often more enjoyable than the planned!
I went to get myself a piece of fresh fish from the fishmonger to cook for my dinner. Looking at the display of fish in the fishmongers window I spotted that they had got some of my favourites - Dover Soles, they looked very fresh and enticing. Knowing that my Mother also enjoyed them, I bought two, then rang her up to say I would pick her up and bring her home for lunch. That pleased her!
I had intended taking her shopping in the afternoon to a supermarket, but the sun was so inviting to be outside that it seemed that it would be a waste of a beautiful day to do that, so instead, driving to a car-park in our town, I got out the wheelchair and pushed her round some of the older narrow streets and to sit and look out at the sea. We couldn`t get down onto the promenade because there were far too many steep hills and slopes to tackle. But at least we could sit on the top and look down. And, have an ice-cream!
Later in the afternoon we then went back into the town and did her shopping in some of the shops there before I took her back to her home for tea.
A really good day - unplanned. I think things done on the spur of the moment are often more enjoyable than the planned!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Rescue mission!
As I may have said on my blog before, I don`t like creepy-crawlies, and especially not spiders. This is the time of year when there seem a lot of webs on the shrubs and bushes in the garden. I appreciate the beauty of them, especially when the dew is on them first thing in the morning and they shine in the sunlight, but I don`t like the creatures that make them.
There is one particularly large one across the outside (thankfully the outside, and not the inside!!) of the window near my dining table. Whist I was having my lunch today I became aware of something large flapping near the window. At first i thought it was a leaf blown into the web, then I realised it was a butterfly.
After watching it for a while, I saw that it wasn`t managing to get out of the web, and the spider hadn`t appeared. I couldn`t bear to see it struggling there any longer, so knew I had to go on rescue mission! Not that I`m particularly fond of being near butterflies either but I couldn`t bear seeing it suffer, so out I went with a small piece of stick and managed to get it out of the web and onto the stick... but then, I couldn`t get it off the stick. It still seemed to be stuck by some of the stickiness from the web, although it was vigorously flapping its wings, so with the aid of a second twig I eventually managed to get it off onto the grass.
As it sat(?) laid(?) there on the grass I saw how beautiful it was, so came and got my camera to take these photos to share with you all. What kind of butterfly is it, I don`t know..... but perhaps someone does.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Modern art?
Driving back the other evening after visiting my parent I was enchanted by the view of the full moon. It was so huge and bright in the sky ahead of my all of my journey. So arriving home I dashed in doors to grab my camera before it disappered from view behind a cloud.
Here are the results of my pictures, they aren`t as good as I hoped, but on looking at the one above, I thought it looked almost as if it could be a painting and I quite liked the fuzzy effect so thought I`d share it.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
A Special Moment
I was sitting in our church service on Sunday evening for a special service, when the Town Mayor got up to speak to welcome a new Minister.
He (the Mayor) started by saying that he was going to tell us a little of his background. Not very interesting I thought!! but how wrong could I be!
He went on to say that he had very strong memories of being taught by Mr.Xxxx xxxx in the boys class in the old chapel (the one before the current church was built). And how the influence of the nature and teaching of that gentleman had stayed with him all his life.
That teacher, was my Dad.
It was so lovely to hear someone remember and speak about my Dad, someone that I didn`t even know had known my Dad, and even more so because of the sincere way he thought of and spoke of him.
It was a truly Special Moment
He (the Mayor) started by saying that he was going to tell us a little of his background. Not very interesting I thought!! but how wrong could I be!
He went on to say that he had very strong memories of being taught by Mr.Xxxx xxxx in the boys class in the old chapel (the one before the current church was built). And how the influence of the nature and teaching of that gentleman had stayed with him all his life.
That teacher, was my Dad.
It was so lovely to hear someone remember and speak about my Dad, someone that I didn`t even know had known my Dad, and even more so because of the sincere way he thought of and spoke of him.
It was a truly Special Moment
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Changing Rooms 2
And... here it is.... the finished look.
I don`t know what my decorator friend did - he seems to have pushed the walls out somehow! The room seems and feels twice as big as it did before.
I`ve just got one thing left to do, and that is to decide what, if anything, to hang on the wall above the fire place. We used to have a mirror there. I`m not hanging that one back, as it`s beginning to look `worse for wear`, but can`t decide whether to go for another mirror, or a picture, or to have one of my photo`s blown up to picture size, or to leave the wall blank! Decisions... decisions!!
And, I think I`ll in a few months or so change the carpet too, I`ve never been really keen on it ever since we had it years ago.
I don`t know what my decorator friend did - he seems to have pushed the walls out somehow! The room seems and feels twice as big as it did before.
I`ve just got one thing left to do, and that is to decide what, if anything, to hang on the wall above the fire place. We used to have a mirror there. I`m not hanging that one back, as it`s beginning to look `worse for wear`, but can`t decide whether to go for another mirror, or a picture, or to have one of my photo`s blown up to picture size, or to leave the wall blank! Decisions... decisions!!
And, I think I`ll in a few months or so change the carpet too, I`ve never been really keen on it ever since we had it years ago.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Changing Rooms
On Monday my lounge looked like this......
On Tuesday it looked like this.....
Now it looks.....
....... you`ll have to wait till tomorrow to find out!!!!
On Tuesday it looked like this.....
Now it looks.....
....... you`ll have to wait till tomorrow to find out!!!!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Clever Creatures
I know some people might call them rodents and nuisances, but I love to see them... what am I talking about - squirrels.
Outside my parents window is a tree, so we decided to hang some peanuts, fat balls and seeds out for the birds. They hadn`t been hanging there long, when a squirrel appeared.
.
Now, how people can call animals dumb creatures, I don`t know. This little chap (or maybe chapess!!) soon worked out a way to get to the fare it wanted. We watched with interest as it climbed the tree, then seemed to look and think out which way to go about getting into the container of peanuts. Very quickly it decided that the only way was to reach out, hanging on by the very tips of its rear legs and it`s tail, while it stretched across to feed.
Then, getting a nut out of the wire container, it hung there upside down to eat it. before repeating the operation many more times.
It wasn`t long before another one joined him, this one though decided to go for the wild bird seed,
After a short while of trying to find out how to eat what he could see, but which was behind plastic, he found the small hole at the bottom where the seed comes out, and put his two front paws (are they paws in a squirrel?) pulled the container to him and got his head into the hole and ate the seed.
What wonderful clever creatures!
Outside my parents window is a tree, so we decided to hang some peanuts, fat balls and seeds out for the birds. They hadn`t been hanging there long, when a squirrel appeared.
.
Now, how people can call animals dumb creatures, I don`t know. This little chap (or maybe chapess!!) soon worked out a way to get to the fare it wanted. We watched with interest as it climbed the tree, then seemed to look and think out which way to go about getting into the container of peanuts. Very quickly it decided that the only way was to reach out, hanging on by the very tips of its rear legs and it`s tail, while it stretched across to feed.
Then, getting a nut out of the wire container, it hung there upside down to eat it. before repeating the operation many more times.
It wasn`t long before another one joined him, this one though decided to go for the wild bird seed,
After a short while of trying to find out how to eat what he could see, but which was behind plastic, he found the small hole at the bottom where the seed comes out, and put his two front paws (are they paws in a squirrel?) pulled the container to him and got his head into the hole and ate the seed.
What wonderful clever creatures!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Surprising flower
I promised a few days ago that I would show you a view from my window. Well, here it it....Not exactly a view, but something I spotted from the window and then went out to have a closer look at. How this plant came to be there I do not know. It it growing completely out of the paving in my drive.
What plant it is, I do not know either, but it is so dainty and pretty that I just had to try and take a photo of it. So opening the front door a crack I peered out to see if anyone was around, and seeing no-one was I took out my camera, walked to the edge of the drive by the pavement and got down almost on my hands and knees to try and capture a picture of this beautiful little flower. If anyone had seen me I`m sure they`d think what a mad woman I must be!
And, it`s still flowering even after about 4 or 5 weeks. And, as wonderful is the fact that no-one has trodden on it, postmen, dustmen (sorry - waste disposal operatives, I suppose I should call them?) and anyone else who has been to the house.
What an emblem of delicate strength.
(if you click on the picture it will come up larger)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Off...
By this time today there should have been a flurry of activity going on in the house, of last minute jobs as we (or I should say I!) packed the car with cases, coats, bags and all the paraphernalia for going off on holiday, checked that windows were shut, rubbish put out and all the hundred and one jobs one does before such an event.
The sun`s shining and it looks the perfect morning for a long drive to the South Coast.
But... it`s cancelled.
For as long as I can remember from a child, we`ve always gone on holiday the first week in September/or first week after the Bank Holiday Monday. And we`d booked to go that week again this year. But, having got my Mum into a place of Housing with Care, because of the way she has become unsteady on her feet, I just dare`t take the risk of taking her away on holiday on my own. So, I cancelled the holiday. I know I could perhaps have gone on my own, but it didn`t seem fair to do that. So, I`ve cancelled it at work too, and will take a week later in the year.
But seeing the sun and beautiful morning that it is today....... no, I must stop thinking along those lines....
I have, however, "treated" myself to something else.... but more about that next week!
The sun`s shining and it looks the perfect morning for a long drive to the South Coast.
But... it`s cancelled.
For as long as I can remember from a child, we`ve always gone on holiday the first week in September/or first week after the Bank Holiday Monday. And we`d booked to go that week again this year. But, having got my Mum into a place of Housing with Care, because of the way she has become unsteady on her feet, I just dare`t take the risk of taking her away on holiday on my own. So, I cancelled the holiday. I know I could perhaps have gone on my own, but it didn`t seem fair to do that. So, I`ve cancelled it at work too, and will take a week later in the year.
But seeing the sun and beautiful morning that it is today....... no, I must stop thinking along those lines....
I have, however, "treated" myself to something else.... but more about that next week!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
3,333
If three thousand, three hundred and thirty three is the answer, what was the question?
I remember as a youngster looking at our canary and asking my parent "How many feathers does it have?" and that was her answer. Now, whether that was the true answer of just her guess at it, or her answer to stop me asking more questions, I don`t know.
But, having just had our newest canary go through his first moult, I seem to think she might have been right! There have been feathers flying for weeks. From the large long wing and tail feathers (yes, he looked quite cute even without a tail for a few days until it quickly grew again) to cute tiny soft curly ones. As soon as I`d hoovered them up, there were more on the carpet. And, ofcourse he stopped singing while he was moulting. And it has gone on for weeks.
Now, yesterday evening, after having a flap of wings and little fly round in his cage, he started tweeting in a different tone, as if finding his voice, and then started to give a few little trills. I was thrilled to hear that again, I`d begun to think he wasn`t going to sing again. Hopefully now he`ll soon be back to full song - a beautiful sound.
What wonderful creatures birds are.
I remember as a youngster looking at our canary and asking my parent "How many feathers does it have?" and that was her answer. Now, whether that was the true answer of just her guess at it, or her answer to stop me asking more questions, I don`t know.
But, having just had our newest canary go through his first moult, I seem to think she might have been right! There have been feathers flying for weeks. From the large long wing and tail feathers (yes, he looked quite cute even without a tail for a few days until it quickly grew again) to cute tiny soft curly ones. As soon as I`d hoovered them up, there were more on the carpet. And, ofcourse he stopped singing while he was moulting. And it has gone on for weeks.
Now, yesterday evening, after having a flap of wings and little fly round in his cage, he started tweeting in a different tone, as if finding his voice, and then started to give a few little trills. I was thrilled to hear that again, I`d begun to think he wasn`t going to sing again. Hopefully now he`ll soon be back to full song - a beautiful sound.
What wonderful creatures birds are.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Bank Holiday
It`s Bank Holiday Monday..... and.... the sun`s shining! Quite unusual isn`t it?! And this year for the first time ever, I`ve not had to work on the last three bank holiday Mondays. So, I`m off out for a while shortly, and then will probably enjoy the luxury of sitting in the garden with a good book this afternoon for an hour or so.
What a lovely feeling to have a whole free day stretching ahead of me. So I`m not going to spend any more time at the lap-top now, I`m off!!!!
What a lovely feeling to have a whole free day stretching ahead of me. So I`m not going to spend any more time at the lap-top now, I`m off!!!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Games waste money
So, Team GB has won some gold medals at the 2008 Olympics - what good really is that to any of us? Or to the starving, homeless and sick people of the world?
It makes me so mad, to hear of the millions of pounds being spent on training a few individuals so that they can run, swim, cycle or whatever just to get a medal for themselves, ok, so it`s for their country you might say - but what actual good does it do their country?
And that`s without the millions, about £900m I`ve just read, that this country is planning it will cost to host the 2012 games. Just think how much suffering in the world that could alleviate. And, why suddenly can a government find this sort of money to waste on this, yet not find money to support the Health service, education and basis necessities of people.
It`s certainly a mad, crazy world and times that we are living in.
It makes me so mad, to hear of the millions of pounds being spent on training a few individuals so that they can run, swim, cycle or whatever just to get a medal for themselves, ok, so it`s for their country you might say - but what actual good does it do their country?
And that`s without the millions, about £900m I`ve just read, that this country is planning it will cost to host the 2012 games. Just think how much suffering in the world that could alleviate. And, why suddenly can a government find this sort of money to waste on this, yet not find money to support the Health service, education and basis necessities of people.
It`s certainly a mad, crazy world and times that we are living in.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Back - but for how long?
I can`t work this out. My connection which had been down for several days suddenly came back on again on Friday. Well, I say normally - I`d unplugged everything (as instructed when I rang the ISP provider the previous week) dozens of time, left it unplugged, reconnected all the leads into their various sockets at least once, and usually more times than that, every day all with nothing happening.
Then having unplugged it and left it unplugged all Thursday night, on Friday morning I plugged it in yet again..... and it worked. I`m still waiting though for the MAC code which I requested from my supplier last Monday Three to five working days they said. I make it over that now. So I think another phone call is called for tonight.
I haven`t had time to blog though until this morning. I had a guest to entertain on Sunday, so Saturday was spent trying to get the house a bit tidier. Having moved furniture out to my parent`s new place the other week, I`ve still got piles of items that came out of the drawers, desk etc.... all stood about waiting to be found homes.
Then last night I had a lovely suprise visit from another friend who`s moved nearer to here. So, it`s been a good weekend for me.
Then having unplugged it and left it unplugged all Thursday night, on Friday morning I plugged it in yet again..... and it worked. I`m still waiting though for the MAC code which I requested from my supplier last Monday Three to five working days they said. I make it over that now. So I think another phone call is called for tonight.
I haven`t had time to blog though until this morning. I had a guest to entertain on Sunday, so Saturday was spent trying to get the house a bit tidier. Having moved furniture out to my parent`s new place the other week, I`ve still got piles of items that came out of the drawers, desk etc.... all stood about waiting to be found homes.
Then last night I had a lovely suprise visit from another friend who`s moved nearer to here. So, it`s been a good weekend for me.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Gone again
Well, I can`t after all show you what`s out of my window - that will have to wait for another day. My connection at home went down again yesterday. I think maybe I should change Provider? I`m getting fed up with it constantanly cutting out on me.
And, Yes, I have paid my bill each month!!
And, Yes, I have paid my bill each month!!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
What can I see?
I came across this while trying to think what to write....
I might show you what I saw from the window, tomorrow!
Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
I might show you what I saw from the window, tomorrow!
Friday, August 08, 2008
A cautious Yippeee!
After receiving the new plug and lead, to try and get me back on line, I dutifully plugged it all in and waited expectantly...... nothing.
So, another phone call to the ISP company. After a half hour on the phone, unplugging USB lead, ethenet lead, connecting them the opposite way to what they had been (not that they were wrong because they`d worked that way for years!), pressing this key and that key and still nothing working, the phone cut me off! (I looked at the time I`d been on it for 30 minutes and got nowhere)
I dialled the number again, went through all the "Press 1 for...." "press 4 for...." "press....." "press...." until I got a human being!. Then had to give all the details again. Got told to do exactly the same things as the previous person had told me..... I said I`ve already done that several times before I got cut off a few minutes ago. Just do it again, so that we can go through the whole process... I was told. So I obeyed. Still the red light flashed quickly and nothing happened. "I`ll have to go and ask someone else" said the voice at the other end. The phone went quiet.
Whilst waiting for her, I noticed that the light had now changed and become steady on the Livebox, so I thought I`ll just try clicking to open my emails..... and..... it worked. I tried one or two other web sites, all ok. So, waiting another few minutes and the `Voice` hadn`t come back, I put the phone down. That was another 20 minute phone call.
So, at the moment I`m back online..... hurrah!
So, another phone call to the ISP company. After a half hour on the phone, unplugging USB lead, ethenet lead, connecting them the opposite way to what they had been (not that they were wrong because they`d worked that way for years!), pressing this key and that key and still nothing working, the phone cut me off! (I looked at the time I`d been on it for 30 minutes and got nowhere)
I dialled the number again, went through all the "Press 1 for...." "press 4 for...." "press....." "press...." until I got a human being!. Then had to give all the details again. Got told to do exactly the same things as the previous person had told me..... I said I`ve already done that several times before I got cut off a few minutes ago. Just do it again, so that we can go through the whole process... I was told. So I obeyed. Still the red light flashed quickly and nothing happened. "I`ll have to go and ask someone else" said the voice at the other end. The phone went quiet.
Whilst waiting for her, I noticed that the light had now changed and become steady on the Livebox, so I thought I`ll just try clicking to open my emails..... and..... it worked. I tried one or two other web sites, all ok. So, waiting another few minutes and the `Voice` hadn`t come back, I put the phone down. That was another 20 minute phone call.
So, at the moment I`m back online..... hurrah!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Still Here
Incase anyone wonders where I`ve got to.... I`m still here, but, I lost my internet connection on Friday night and still haven`t got it back.
It just cut off suddenly about 9 p.m, and I thought, oh, well it will be back in the morning - but Saturday it wasn`t. I had a lot to do that day, so didn`t bother, just thinking there was a problem with the ISP provider or that they were updating systems or whatever they say they do from time to time. But, when by Sunday evening it wasn`t back, I began to get both annoyed and frustrated. So, I rang them. They told me to do, what I`d already tried doing (but I didn`t tell them that, I dutifully did as I was told), unplugged the Livebox and then reconnected it... but nothing except still the quick flashing red light, which shouldn`t be quickly flashing.
So, he said, it must be to do with (and I can`t remember what he called it - not being techincally minded in that way). I`ll send you a new one out. The plug thing arrived today, and at lunch time I quickly plugged it in..... and waited expectantly.......and......... still the red light flashed quickly and nothing connected. I hadn`t time then to fiddle around with it, but will tonight. But I suspect that it`s going to mean another phone call, because I don`t think that`s going to solve the problem. grrrrrrrrr.
I got permission from one of my bosses to use the work computer after I finished my work, so that I could so some church work that I needed, and so as I`ve time to spare I`m updating you on what`s happened.
I didn`t realise how much I used the Internet, until I hadn`t got it!
It just cut off suddenly about 9 p.m, and I thought, oh, well it will be back in the morning - but Saturday it wasn`t. I had a lot to do that day, so didn`t bother, just thinking there was a problem with the ISP provider or that they were updating systems or whatever they say they do from time to time. But, when by Sunday evening it wasn`t back, I began to get both annoyed and frustrated. So, I rang them. They told me to do, what I`d already tried doing (but I didn`t tell them that, I dutifully did as I was told), unplugged the Livebox and then reconnected it... but nothing except still the quick flashing red light, which shouldn`t be quickly flashing.
So, he said, it must be to do with (and I can`t remember what he called it - not being techincally minded in that way). I`ll send you a new one out. The plug thing arrived today, and at lunch time I quickly plugged it in..... and waited expectantly.......and......... still the red light flashed quickly and nothing connected. I hadn`t time then to fiddle around with it, but will tonight. But I suspect that it`s going to mean another phone call, because I don`t think that`s going to solve the problem. grrrrrrrrr.
I got permission from one of my bosses to use the work computer after I finished my work, so that I could so some church work that I needed, and so as I`ve time to spare I`m updating you on what`s happened.
I didn`t realise how much I used the Internet, until I hadn`t got it!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Moving Day
The moving day wasn`t without one or two hiccups!
It started well. The moving van and men to move the two big chairs arrived 10 minutes early, so that was a really good start to the day, and meant that I had time to go over to let them in and still be back here for the time I needed to be.
I`d left the staff to see the bed in when it arrived. On going over after an early lunch I found - yes the bed had arrived, but it was still all wrapped in its protective polythene coverings with no legs on it and not assembled up. Normally when this firm deliver to us they unpack everything, take the packaging away and see that items are installed in place. I stood there for a few minute beginning to panic as to what to do, as shortly my parent would be expecting to be collected and see a bed ready for the night. I knew I couldn`t get it in place on my own. I went looking for a member of staff and they quickly found a male member of staff to help me.
Problem solved.
Now just to wait for the man with the van with the fridge, tv and maybe the cooker. He arrived on time. I was impressed. I directed him to the best place to unload and he efficiently got the fridge out of the van, unpacked it outside, and carried the fridge in. It fitted into the allocated space, was plugged in and that was fine. Next he did the same with the cooker, it again fitted the space. He plugged it in to try in, and nothing happened. He tried various controls on it, but no sign (or feel) of life to it. Maybe its the socket, so he tried the plug in a different socket. Still nothing. Then I noticed that the light had gone off of the clock radio in the bedroom. A fuse had gone. So, whilst I went off the find a member of staff to sort that out (and anyone knowing me, will know that I don`t like having to do things like that and bother people and especially that day as they had a party going on), he went to get the tv in and unpacked.
Having done that he plugged the tv in and it worked. So, trying also the clock radio again we found that the power was back on. He tried the cooker again, yes, the light came on and one of the plates started to heat. Trying the switch for the other plate on it, the tv went off! so too did the clock radio! and the cooker!
Something to do with the cooker was blowing the fuses!! He said "I`ll go and phone my boss, while you find someone to put the power back on". I didn`t relish having to do that at all ! Anyway I found a different person this time and again, without any trouble, she found the key and did the necessary to reinstate the power.
Now we`ve to wait for an engineer to come out from the cooker manufacturers this week to sort it out. We could have ordered a replacement cooker from the shop (which could take a couple of weeks) or else have the engineer. I opted for the engineer, incase it did the same again with a replacement one, at least with the engineer he would see what happened with his product and could then if necessary replace it.
So, something that should have taken about half an hour to get done had ended up taking about three times that long. And although Mum would have a fridge and tv, she`d not have a cooker yet. And a BT telephone line will take another couple of weeks - but that`s another long story!!
Still, she moved in later that afternoon, and seems happy with the flatlet, which is a great relief.
It started well. The moving van and men to move the two big chairs arrived 10 minutes early, so that was a really good start to the day, and meant that I had time to go over to let them in and still be back here for the time I needed to be.
I`d left the staff to see the bed in when it arrived. On going over after an early lunch I found - yes the bed had arrived, but it was still all wrapped in its protective polythene coverings with no legs on it and not assembled up. Normally when this firm deliver to us they unpack everything, take the packaging away and see that items are installed in place. I stood there for a few minute beginning to panic as to what to do, as shortly my parent would be expecting to be collected and see a bed ready for the night. I knew I couldn`t get it in place on my own. I went looking for a member of staff and they quickly found a male member of staff to help me.
Problem solved.
Now just to wait for the man with the van with the fridge, tv and maybe the cooker. He arrived on time. I was impressed. I directed him to the best place to unload and he efficiently got the fridge out of the van, unpacked it outside, and carried the fridge in. It fitted into the allocated space, was plugged in and that was fine. Next he did the same with the cooker, it again fitted the space. He plugged it in to try in, and nothing happened. He tried various controls on it, but no sign (or feel) of life to it. Maybe its the socket, so he tried the plug in a different socket. Still nothing. Then I noticed that the light had gone off of the clock radio in the bedroom. A fuse had gone. So, whilst I went off the find a member of staff to sort that out (and anyone knowing me, will know that I don`t like having to do things like that and bother people and especially that day as they had a party going on), he went to get the tv in and unpacked.
Having done that he plugged the tv in and it worked. So, trying also the clock radio again we found that the power was back on. He tried the cooker again, yes, the light came on and one of the plates started to heat. Trying the switch for the other plate on it, the tv went off! so too did the clock radio! and the cooker!
Something to do with the cooker was blowing the fuses!! He said "I`ll go and phone my boss, while you find someone to put the power back on". I didn`t relish having to do that at all ! Anyway I found a different person this time and again, without any trouble, she found the key and did the necessary to reinstate the power.
Now we`ve to wait for an engineer to come out from the cooker manufacturers this week to sort it out. We could have ordered a replacement cooker from the shop (which could take a couple of weeks) or else have the engineer. I opted for the engineer, incase it did the same again with a replacement one, at least with the engineer he would see what happened with his product and could then if necessary replace it.
So, something that should have taken about half an hour to get done had ended up taking about three times that long. And although Mum would have a fridge and tv, she`d not have a cooker yet. And a BT telephone line will take another couple of weeks - but that`s another long story!!
Still, she moved in later that afternoon, and seems happy with the flatlet, which is a great relief.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Today`s the Day
Yes, today`s the day we`ve been waiting for. A bed arrives and my parent can move into her new home.
But, why, or why does it always fall that everything happens on the same day?
To start the day, I`ve some removal men coming to move Mum`s two big electric chairs (no not to electrocute her!) from here to there. That was ok, because I can still get back here for something I want to go to later this morning. But then I`m told the bed will be delivered between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. - now that`s the problem - we desperately want the bed, but I also want to be able to attend the service I attend on a Friday, because its a special one today in a way. The fridge and tv and the little cooker (if its arrived at the shop), will be delivered this afternoon. I was going to get Mum to move her mid afternoon - but the place she`s going to has a big retirement party on for a member of staff from 2 p.m., so will be packed and there won`t be much likelihood of parking there. Then there`s event at our church in the evening which I need to be at, as I`ve partly been responsible for arranging it. -
What a day it`s going to be. I feel tired before I start!
I`ve (I hope), worked out solutions......The Care place is kindly going to let the furniture delivery men in. I`m getting them to let the chairs in too, because if I go to let them in and the bed arrives before I get away, I could be stuck for getting back here for the service. Then I`ll go over there after that, take myself a picnic lunch and stay until the fridge and tv arrive. Then collect my parent, but not take her there till about 4.30-5p.m. Then either stop and have tea there, or go back and collect her for the evening event and take her back after. She doesn`t have to be in by a certain time, I have checked that out.
Wish me luck that all goes to plan.
But, why, or why does it always fall that everything happens on the same day?
To start the day, I`ve some removal men coming to move Mum`s two big electric chairs (no not to electrocute her!) from here to there. That was ok, because I can still get back here for something I want to go to later this morning. But then I`m told the bed will be delivered between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. - now that`s the problem - we desperately want the bed, but I also want to be able to attend the service I attend on a Friday, because its a special one today in a way. The fridge and tv and the little cooker (if its arrived at the shop), will be delivered this afternoon. I was going to get Mum to move her mid afternoon - but the place she`s going to has a big retirement party on for a member of staff from 2 p.m., so will be packed and there won`t be much likelihood of parking there. Then there`s event at our church in the evening which I need to be at, as I`ve partly been responsible for arranging it. -
What a day it`s going to be. I feel tired before I start!
I`ve (I hope), worked out solutions......The Care place is kindly going to let the furniture delivery men in. I`m getting them to let the chairs in too, because if I go to let them in and the bed arrives before I get away, I could be stuck for getting back here for the service. Then I`ll go over there after that, take myself a picnic lunch and stay until the fridge and tv arrive. Then collect my parent, but not take her there till about 4.30-5p.m. Then either stop and have tea there, or go back and collect her for the evening event and take her back after. She doesn`t have to be in by a certain time, I have checked that out.
Wish me luck that all goes to plan.
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