LUNCH
Avocado
Lettuce
Mature Blue Cheese crumbled
Organic Beetroot
Prawns
Tzitziki (yoghurt cucumber and mint)
Pine nuts
French Dressing
All mushed up in a bowl, absolutely delicious!

DINNER
Aubergine Casserole with green pepper, courgette, onion, garlic and tin of tomatoes
Rice
Salad a la Moi

I'd like to share about a tv programme I saw called 'Honey you're killing the kids.' It's a documentary based on finding a family who have a bad diet and trying to help them change. There were 4 kids and a single mother in this one. The kids were 13, 10, 8 and about 4 or 5. My god! What a family! When we first see them, the kids are fighting, swearing, creating chaos - and that's normal for them. The 10yr old boy seemed very dysfunctional, completely out of control and hitting the others a lot of the time. So, they met with this child psychologist who showed the mum a projected picture of what her kids would look like at the age 40yrs. They all looked about 60! She was so shocked that she agreed to obey the rules that they wanted to try. First week was cut out all sweets, chocolate and anything that could be labelled junk food. These kids were used to lots of sugary stuff, the 8yr old had about 50 tablespoons of sugar a day in the snacks she had. So, mum went shopping with a prepared list of healthy foods. The other rule for the first week was installing a routine. So now they had a time to get up and bedtimes.
It was really hard going for the mum, these kids would yell at her, call her names etc. Her 13yr old smoked and was out most of the time with her friends.
The 2nd week rules were structured activity, the 2 eldest went to St Johns first aid, the 8yr old drama class and the little 'un Tai Kwando. The other rule was to have respect at meal times, meaning that everyone had a chance to say something without being interrupted. Usually the meal times were full of shouting and tantrums.
The 3rd week was mum having one on one time with each of her kids in a planned day out. The other rule was to stop smoking for mum and 13 yr old by visiting and helping out in a hospice.
The last week was a family day out and kids helping out in the house with housework, something they'd not really done before.
The changes were amazing. The 10yr old who seemed uncontrollable became really sensitive and apologised for his behaviour. It was like a different person. Each child changed into becoming more tolerant of the others more helpful and generally nicer. The mum, who was quite young herself really put 100% into it and even stopped smoking. This new life style was not something she'd ever done before, especially the cooking, but she stuck with it, even giving up smoking. I don't know if she'll stick to it once the cameras have left, but her eyes were opened as to how important her kids diet was. In the beginning she said her she wanted to live as a normal family, but it was clear that each one of the kids seemed dysfunctional. By the end of the programme, there were big noticeable difference in their behaviour, they were calmer, not arguing, and enjoying their family day out together.

This programme reenforced the fact that it is so important what kids eat and how it affects their behaviour. Parents who let their kids have any amount of sweets and junk food are being irresponsible and not thinking about the effects that such a bad diet will have.

We had a fabulous sing on Wednesday and have heard that we are booked for Pontedawe festival as well this year. Anyone living in travelling distance, come along and say hello. We will also be singing at the Small Nations festival next weekend.

Mr A is back from working away for the week, watching the footie. He had a long drive home and looking forward to a relaxing footie filled weekend.

DINNER
Fresh Broad Beans from the garden done Turkish style - cooked a little then leave to go cold. Add a little chopped onion, olive oil and lemon juice
Quinoa with tamari

A little supper for me before going singing. The traditional wedges foregone as Brenda needs to sleep before rehersal, having just got back from Morrocco!

The veg in the garden are coming up a treat. Can now eat spinach, broad beans and the shallots and onions are firming up nicely.
Dusky is looking really mangy, but eating well. She comes in once a day to eat then disappears.

DINNER
Freshly caught Mackerel
Home grown Spinach

Green and Blacks Dark Chocolate

Mr A is away, and I didn't fancy any spuds, having had a large lunch, so just the fish and spinach was enough. The spinach is delicious, and the great thing is that the more you pick it, the more it produces.

Yesterday saw 3 of us take a boat out in the sea to go fishing. We had to carry this blooming boat right down the beach, quite a way, complete with engine and our gear. I'm not used to going out in boats, only having done it a few times. It was a bit scary at first as they launched it with me in and it sailed over the waves, which were quite choppy! Anyway we settled out to sea a bit and found a spot to have our sandwiches and stick the fishing rods out. Now this is my first go at fishing, though Mr A loves to go every so often.

I felt a bit of a pull, reeled in quickly and - lo and behold, there were 5, yes, 5 mackerel on my line! There were 6 hooks in total on the line and 5 had bit! They were too small, so they went back in, but we ended up with half a dozed decent sized mackerel for dinner.

Being out on the sea was such a nice experience, despite having the carry the bloody boat down the beach. I think we will do more of this, especially since we only live a mile away from the beach. Mind you, ended up with a wet bum from sitting on a wet seat in the boat.

LUNCH
Fresh Croissants with hummus

DINNER
Freerange Organic Chicken Breasts, in Chilli Tomato Sauce
Basmati Rice
Home grown Spinach! Huzzah!
Organic Beetroot

Mr A and I went out today, we hardly ever go out together these days - to the tip! With protective gloves, we hauled our old fridge (fridge story coming up in a mo) plus bagged rubbish, old office chair, and broken window glass to our local tip.

Whilst there, the car next to ours was chucking a set of perfectly good chest of drawers. It was in pine and looked really nice. After he'd thrown most of the drawers in the skip I had to go and get Mr A to mention these drawers being chucked. He thought we didn't need them. I guess they're not on the list of things we need, but I hate to see perfectly good pieces of furniture being chucked away. I'm sure it would have sold at an Oxfam shop. Mr A remarked that I had a habit of coming away with stuff from the tip rather than leave empty handed. Well, I'll admit to having got a touch sensitive light that way, and, left to my own devices, probably would come away with a lot more. There were areas for electrical goods, i.e. t.v.'s, computers, radios etc, fridges and freezers, wood, glass, you get the idea. There was even a piano in one skip, I almost had to be prised away from trying to extract some of the keys ('they might come in handy' I was heard to mutter.)

Anyway, about the fridge. We badly needed a new fridge. So in the marvellous co-op (where I got the swing seat) I spied fridges for sale. The smallest and cheapest at $99 (no pound sign)was just what we needed, so we went along last Saturday (another trip out together.) The one on show that I had spotted was the last one left, so we got it for $20 off.

Chopped up a dustbin full of kindling which is always satisfying. My new xmas axe is prooving itself to be a first class present. Nice one Mr A.

Tomorrow we are going boating with friends, taking a picnic with us, then will watch the England game at their house. If the weather holds it'll be a fine day for it. Which reminds me of a story.....

A friend who had a boat once took myself and a friend out around the coast a little way, I had with me my guitar so we could arrive and play some songs. Coming into land there was suddenly quite a swell of waves coming after us. Then I spied an enormous one! What to do? I stood up and held the guitar above me and the wave washed over us all but the guitar remained dry. What a landing! On that trip I saw these amazing jelly fish. They were round, about a foot across and almost transluscent. They had about 6 or 7 small circles of the most luminous purples and pinks on their body. The colours were brilliant and stood out amongst the dull colours of the sea. There was a crowd of them, I don't know the collective term for jelly fish - a sting of them?

One more week off then I go back to work! I am controlling my mind to only think positively about it. (Ha!) I work 3 days a week so I shan't be overdoing it. I'll have to dig out my uniform again, though on labour ward we wear scrubs mostly, you know, the matching top and trouser. I find it hard to find ones to fit me properly, they usually hang off me making me look like a prisoner on hunger strike.

Today was the last 'Home Truths' on radio 4. They have stopped it because it was John Peel's old show and they felt it wasn't the same without it. Of course it wasn't the same, and change didn't have to mean the end. The guy who took it over did a fair job of it and it had such interesting little stories from all the listeners. That's what I liked about it, the show was made up from the people who tuned in to it.
Odd little stories, like the one where the man who was a drummer told of how he faked the sound of tap dancing by using a match box. Another told of how he put on a concert show all by himself, made possible by using the sound effects from a matchbox, but this time it was adapted with a piece of string.
The story of a woman who kept bees for many years. At her funeral, a huge swarm of bees settled onto the wall in front of the mourners.
There were so many other stories which would touch the heart, make you feel like crying, or laugh out loud.

They are replacing it with something a bit similar because they want to hear more stories from listeners again, so I shall wait and see what it's like before moaning about it's loss again.

Yesterday, I watched the way the light played on the big beech tree, over the road, and felt moved to grab some coloured chalks (pastels), a drawing pad and create a picture of it. The leaves came out really well using different shades of green and yellow drawn in small dashes. I was able to get the shadows and shading in and was pleased with the effect. However, I couldn't get the tree right. It looked odd, as if the branches didn't belong to it, and the perspective wasn't right. So I might try some drastic strokes to improve it. Still, it felt good to create a picture, even though it turn out that well. Like children get absorbed in drawing, and I felt the inner child part of me stir, wanting to become involved in something new, something differently creative.

So, it's nearly time for Dr Who - hurrah! I am currently in selective viewing mode,

"Tyalskye and Pacy, natural and supernatural investigations, can I help you?" The dulcit tones of Helen McGraeme made background noise to Celeste who was over the other side of the office writing a personal letter. Macy hadn't yet arrived. The letter was to her pen pal, a convicted murderer on death row in America. She'd only been writing for 2 years now.

"A client for you, Celeste." Said Helen as she transferred the call, it was easier than moving the phone.
"uhuh. Yes. Ok. Right. Thank you." Celeste was busy writing as she spoke, hastily finding a work pad to write on.
As she put the phone down Macy breezed in. This cloudy morning she was wearing a lemon yellow skirt that showed slightly dimpled knees and a white shirt. From a distance she looked a bit like a lemon meringue pie.

"We have our next case, an antique shop owner who thinks his employer is stealing from him. Let's go and visit." Said Celeste, reaching for her Doris Day headscarf from the hat rack in the corner.

The shop was on the corner of a quiet street. It was called 'Beechnut Antiques.' The owner was there, along with a youth. The owner, Mr Ure, was portly and in his 50's, he mopped his brow as a habit. The youth, Jeremy, was about 20, looking quite respectible in his cord trousers and tank top.
"come into the office." Said Mr Ure, showing them the way."
Celeste took off her Doris Day headscarf while Macy pulled her wrinkled skirt down to straighten it.

"The items missing are all items of jewellery. Mostly costume jewellery, one amythyst, not worth a lot, but it's a mystery where they are going." Said Mr Ure, mopping his brow.

At that moment a grey cat appeared. She looked an intelligent cat who then sat on an empty chair to watch the proceedings. Macy looked at the cat and seemed to concentrate, staring at it.

"I wouldn't like to think it's Jeremy, he is such a quiet boy, but I don't know what else I can think, there are about 6 items missing so far."
"How long have you had your cat?" Asked Macy of Mr Ure.
"Ooo about 4 months, funnily enough, the same time that the jewellery started to go missing." He said looking at the cat. The cat's name was Salome.

The cat got up and went out of the door. Macy quietly followed it out to the back rooms. As Celeste looked around she asked Mr Ure how long Jeremy had worked for him.
"He's been with me for 3 years, I took him on as an apprentice and think of him like a son."
"So, you'd rather it wasn't him who was stealing from you." Asked Celeste, brushing invisible bits of fluff off her black trousers.
"Oh no, I'd hate it. But I must know what's happened to those pieces."

Just then Macy appeared, she had her hands open with several glittering items in them.
"That's the missing jewellery!" Exclaimed Mr Ure as he took them from her and put them on the desk.
"Where did you find them?"

"They were all put in a corner in that back room, hidden from a casual glance." Said Macy, flicking her hair over her shoulders.
"Your cat had put them there. She thinks she's a magpie and likes to collect sparkling things, and she'd built a little stash for herself."

Mr Ure thanked them profusely, he was relieved that it wasn't Jeremy who had taken the items and started to write out a cheque.

As they got into Celeste's sports car, Celeste congratulated Macy on solving the mystery so quickly.
"It was the look on that cat's face." Said Macy. "She knew something, I could tell, she looked too smug, so I followed her out."

"Ah well," said Celeste, putting on her Doris Day headscarf, "let's go for lunch at The Slug and Lettuce."

DINNER

Fresh Dressed Crab
Wholemeal Bread Rolls
Salad a la Moi

A small, but exquisite meal as Mr A got back late. Locally caught fresh crab was delicious.

I managed to tear myself away from the tv and play some piano this evening. Weaning myself off it before it takes over....

Dusky is looking very tatty these past few days. Her fur has a punky look to it, sticking up in different directions, time to give her a brush on a sunny day outside. Her appetite is good though. She really enjoyed some tuna that was left in the tin.

After 18 months without tv, and feeling content with it, we recently installed freeview. I have been held captive by reruns of Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Lyndsey and Poirot - which aren't even that interesting! Ive been finding it hard to leave the remote and so missing my blog time, which has turned into couch potato time.

How did this happen? I even, *cough* (clears throat nervously before admitting) watched Judge Judy on daytime tv - and (this is the hard bit) enjoyed it! Poor lettuces needing to be transplanted are waiting for me to put down the remote and get on with normal service. I assure friends that this is just a temporary set of affairs, I can give up this freeview digital lark at the touch of an on/off button. It's not even as if I've got Sky, with a decent choice of programmes. No, it's either footie, old reruns of detective series, Flog it, House Hunt and various other peurile viewing that I would normally scoff and switch off at.

I think I may be suffering from abstinence of tv and now compensating for that lack by over indulging and watching any twattish programme that happens to be on. I'd sunk so low that I found myself watching yet another rerun of Sherlock Holmes (with Jeremy Irons) last night till 1am and realized that if I wanted a chance at a normal life again I had to turn it off sharpish. So, today I haven't switched it on and got back into my book - and blogging.

I have over 20 replies to reply to (or comments to comment on) which have piled up while I've been novocained by tv tatt. So, Menu of the Day will be back on the agenda later along with Dusky's latest unexploits (she 'aint done nothing interesting) and gardening news (it's been raining.)

Normal service will be resumed shortly.

I needed a new printer, so popped along to Park Trostre in Llanelli to Curry's, to see what they had.

There was such a selection that I took pot luck in the end, and picked an Epson that had a sexy looking black finish. It was only 49.99, surprising how that missing penny can make an article appear so much cheaper than 50 pounds.

So, with the aid of the manual I set it up and proceeded to print out photographs that I'd wanted to have framed. It seemed to take an age of waiting before that printing sound started and the photographic paper started to disappear. I went off to make some tea while I waited. On my return all was quiet and there was the sheet of paper with what looked like a map. It showed an area that lay east of where I lived, but it looked like an old map, no service stations or even motorways on it. The landmarks on it were of long standing, churches, prehistoric sites and old roads. It was a handrawn map in sepia.

I was amazed! What had happened to my photograph of the four newly painted red axe heads and new handles? Intrigued, I set up to print another photo, this time, one of the early evening light catching the beech trees over the road. There were lovely greens, yellows and golds in that photo. I ran the process again. I made a sandwich while I waited for it to finish.

When I came back there was another section of the map. It went further east from the last one and was a continuation. It was heading towards Llanelli and had included sites that weren't even on a modern road map. I checked with my road map and discovered a couple of churches on this map that hadn't appeared on the road map.

I lay the two sheets side by side and taped them together with sellotape. It was then that I noticed some faint writing along the bottom. Written in old fashioned script were the letters 'c', 'u' and 'r', spelling 'cur.' I wondered if this pertained to some sort of mythical dog, maybe a hound of the Baskervilles kind of legend. It was very spooky. So, by this stage, I had to know. I had to solve the riddle. Where was this ancient map leading me? Was it a treasure map? Would I find an 'x marks the spot' type of answer? How did this dog fit in that was mentioned?

I picked out a photograph of Mr A and his parents planting an apple tree in the garden. I again started the process and went to make up a bowl of granola with fresh milk and slice some fruit to put in it.

The printer was silent when I returned with a sheet drawn in the same hand in sepia. I picked it up for a closer look. The hairs on the back of my neck were now bristling and standing up as I took a deep breath and held it up to the light. The writing looked like a Welsh name, 'Rys.' I turned it over to the blank side and sellotaped it to the previous sheets. As I looked at it the right way up all became clear. I noticed the arrows now, all leading along the roads towards the 'x marks the spot' place.' There was also some more writing, in smaller letters that were initially hard to see because they were faded. With the addition of these letters I had my answer.
This is what it said on my magic printer treasure map:

Currys
Fantastic bargains
Prices slashed

I went and made another pot of tea.

DINNER

Tortilla (fried potatoes, onions, peppers with organic free range
eggs beaten and poured over and cooked)
Salad a la Moi

I realised that I understood the offside rule and explained it to Mr A in a simple way, here goes:

OFFSIDE IS WHEN THE BALL IS PASSED TO A PLAYER WHO DOES NOT HAVE A PLAYER OF THE OPPOSITE TEAM IN FRONT OF THEM.
or
THERE MUST BE A PLAYER OF THE OTHER TEAM IN BETWEEN THE PLAYER THAT RECEIVES THE BALL.
or
WHEN THE BALL IS PASSED THE RECEIVER OF THE BALL HAS TO HAVE A PLAYER OF THE OPPOSITE TEAM BETWEEN THEM AND THE GOAL.

This is to ensure that players can't just hang out near the goal in hope of kicking it in.
I thought I could explain it simply, but found out I couldn't when it came down to it. Here, let me show you with this condiment set.........

LUNCH for four

Wholemeal Baps
Beefburgers
Cumberland Sausages
Salad a la Moi

Walnut and Advocaat Flavour Ice Cream
Homemade Blackcurrant Tart from Mrs A senior.

We have got Mr A's parents coming for lunch. T'was meant to be a barbie outside but the clouds are gathering and I suspect it'll be indoors, cooked on gas. Barbie cooked on gas - what's that all about? Surely the main reason for barbie cooking is the taste of the charcoal in the food?

Yesterday was watching footie on newly acquired tv, so it's still quite a novelty. I did actually enjoy it, and think I may, just understand the offside rule. I can't always catch it as it can happen so fast that I only know when the commentator says it's offside and they show a replay.

My friend's 17yr old daughter who has been vented is still critical. So again, I've lit a candle for her for hope. When measuring my life against anothers, like my friend, who has such worry about her daughter's health, I guess I don't have much to complain about. In fact, measured against so much suffering that's going on in the world, I should be counting my blessings. So, if I have a moan anytime soon, it'll just be out of habit.

Parents in law are here, so I'm off. 'Bye!

DINNER
King Edward Potatoes, with fresh parsley
Tinned Mackerel
Organic Beetroot
Salad a la Moi - lettuce, tomatoes, chilli peppers (not too hot), sweet red peppers, olives, feta cheese, capers, fresh coriander.

Just for the novelty of it, I watched a bit of daytime tv. Saw the Jeremy Kyall show (think it's Kyall). Bit like Oprah. First up was a son who wanted to find his mother and had written in. Of course they'd brought her there, not telling him till she came on. Tears, hugs, smiles, and that's just the audience and me! Next up was a stroppy 15yr old with her mother. Subject was that she was uncontrollable and violent. The daughter had broke 2 of her mother's ribs and threatened her father with a knife. So, they were to be given 'tools' from a psychiatrist to help them out. The girl seemed to be willing to try, it was her that wrote in to the show. Lastly was a couple. the husband had written in at the end of his tether. His wife was depressed and didn't want him to go out to work and leave her. She rang him up all the time and didn't go out herself. So, she came out to sit next to him on stage dressed up like for a cocktail party. She was huge! Apparently some days she didn't want to get out of bed and didn't, so he had to sort out the kids etc. Now, I may sound a bit harsh here, but I think she is swinging the lead a bit and needs to be a bit more active. No wonder she is so fat if she doesn't work, stays in bed a lot and eats too much with a bad diet.
I know depression is a serious and debillitating illness, but there must come a time when that person has to make an effort and not rely on their partner to do everything for them. Anyway, an insight into other people's lives can be fascinating, and the chance to criticise them always grabbed.......

I return to work in under 2 weeks. So I'd better start shining my shoes and psyching myself up, like they do before weightlifting exceptionally heavy weights.

Lovely sun again, and the garden is growing. The Night Scented Stocks
have flowered and their delicious perfume invades even into the house, they are right by the open front door. My front door is only closed when we are out and last thing at night.

I gave Dusky a deflea treatment and haven't seen her since, that was yesterday morning. She only appears once, sometimes twice a day for food then disappears again. I think she is a hostess at the Palais De Flea and mingles freely (or is that flealy) with the patrons.

I did enjoy the England/Trinidad match. I can see it becoming more exciting during the final stages. Mr A watches as many matches as he can, work permitting, he loves it! (He likes football too.) Boom! Boom!

Mr Avrilo, desperate to watch the World Cup has gone and fixed up the t.v., using the neighbours sat dish (with their permission.) By gum he's a clever clogs, didn't need an engineer after all. So there's a cable draped over the floor through the house at present. Got a freeview thingy. What a load of toshing channels! There's even a 'God' channel! Like on the Simpsons, Jesus and Friends programme, except on our t.v., the person didn't look humble or saintly at all.
So, I am determined not to watch B.B., and not watch in the day, except for World Cup matches. This is the Code of Honour of my Ancestors, our family never watched daytime t.v., even in the distant past. I know it must sound like I'm making a bit thing of it, but, actually, it is! After living without a tv for over a year, it's like being reunited with an ex lover. I can watch Dr Who on Saturday - Yippee!!!

Menu of the Day isn't sorted yet. My car is being looked at by the mechanic next door so no chance to go shopping yet. Sun is out again, I've got me new shorts on, they have an adjustable tab that can hold them in place if rolled up or just left longer, like a safari hunter. All I need is the hat and jacket now.....

DINNER
Pork and Bramley Apple Sausages
Mashed Potato with Parsley
Salad a la Moi with Feta Cheese

Taken another day off blogging for no better reason that couldn't be arsed. Not an attitude to inspire more readers to go to this site regularly, but as my slogan says 'does what it says on the tin.' This means I won't lie to you dear readers, I don't see the point in me trying to concoct a false image, even though I'll never meet you. Like many, I can go into a mode of not doing what I know will be good for me and seem to just waste time, reading a book. Anyway, confessional over.

Nearing completion in the mortgage department, so I can say to Dusky 'someday this will all be yours!' Solicitors, blimey, the rate they charge they could retire at 30! I've just deleted a couple of sentences about solicitors that, upon reflection, could get me sued for slander.

Thanks to Lifes Lessons for info about sciatica, it seems to come and go, and it's a bit of a bugger when it arrives..Still the info says to keep busy so that I shall do.

Now I have to sort out paper work and post some letters, organising my life into some order.....

We are invited to a friend's house for dinner, and to watch the match. I have to go for a rehersal though, so will miss it and shall snack at whatever I can find before I go.

Had a couple of days off blogging. We went to West Wales yesterday to visit a few people, pick up a huge amount of canvas that had been left in a friend's barn for years. Finally brought it back. It's the cover for a tipi, 14 ft in diameter, so a big one. We laid it out to brush off the worst of it and see what damage there was. A few rat holes, easily repaired and a few stains from water dripping. Don't yet know when it will be set up again, I used to take it to festivals, but I need a transit, at least for the 23ft poles.

Anyone any experience of sciatica? I think I might have it. There's a dull ache down my right leg, starting from hip and bottom. It feels almost cold with the ache. Only on the right side. At first I though it might be my hip, but not sure as it came on about a week ago and I've had no problems with my hips before. I know I should go to the doctor, but I like to research a bit first.

I'm setting up a meeting at work, to discuss when I go back, so it'll be back to rushing around, getting myself together for work again. Gulp.....

The rain we had last night and earlier was a change to the dry heat we've had. The night scented stocks have just come into flower. The scent which comes out when the flower opens at night is equisite. If that perfume were bottled it would be very popular.

DINNER

Chilli Con Carne
Basmati Rice

I heard today that my cousin had died last October. I hadn't heard from her for a while despite writing to her and her phone didn't accept incoming calls. So, I sent a postcard, saying if anyone read this that could let me know if my cousin was alright because I was concerned for her.
The builders were clearing out the house and one found the postcard and passed it on, he nearly didn't. Her friend who had arranged everything didn't know that my cousin had family so rang me and told me the news. We then related stories about my cousin, who had been, well, shall we say, eccentric in the strongest manner possible. Remembering the weird and wacky things she'd get up to. We weren't that close, so I'm not devastated, but feel a bit sad for her, as she had been unhappy quite a lot in her life. It was not totally unexpected, I guess that's why I wrote that postcard, I'm so glad I did now. She only had myself and my sister as family, and hadn't many friends.

I also heard this evening that a friend's daughter, who is 17 is very ill. She has a respiratory disease and is in intensive care.

I saw a dead fox on the road today and thought 'that looks auspicious.' Really.

So, I've lit 2 candles tonight.

I'd set my alarm this morning because I had an appointment, not too early, but I have the gift of being able to sleep late.
I'd set the alarm for 9 minutes past the hour.
At 5 past the hour I awoke to the sound of a loud buzzing.
There was a huge bee, I mean gianormous, by the window making a sound like a chainsaw. I switched off the alarm, which I didn't need anymore.

I got a big bowl and caught this bee and took her outside and let her go. I watched him for a bit, he seemed sleepy, staggering around on the floor for a bit before taking wing and flying off over the rooftop. He had a white stripe on her bum, and was nearly as big as my thumb. Queens don't go out on their own apparently, so this one must have been male. Bumblebee? I'm not sure. I'd never kill it though. See previous post for Menu of the Day

DINNER
Chicken in Sweet Red Chilli Sauce (in a jar (for shame))
Rice

That's it. Mr A's away and I didn't even bother with salad, though I had some at lunch time.

Been outside most of the day, another scorcher with shading supplied by the awning of the swing seat. Lying there, gently rocking to and fro I just looked at the trees and listened to the birds and my thoughts stopped. What an amazing thing it is to stop thinking! Not quite stopping the world, but maybe standing there with an arm waving out, like at a bus stop.

Played scrabble with the computer last night, and won the 2 games. It was a very tight finish, the computer was winning, there were 12 points in it, no tiles left, and I had 4 'i's' left. The computer passed on 2 goes and I managed to get rid of them all and won by a small margin. It should be sad, that I didn't play with a real live person, but I actually enjoyed it, as if the computer was real.
Mah Jong is a game Mr A and I enjoy playing, you need 4 to play, we haven't played for a while... The playing pieces are lovely to look at with pictures on them of different things, dragons, flowers, chinese characters, bamboo, all sorts. We shall have to lure people in with enticement of Mr A's homebrew and slap the game on the table when they are settled.

Had a good rehersal sing last night. Working on a song called 'crush' all about having a crush on someone.
'This feeling's so exciting,
it's like a wave I'm riding.'

There's a 'rap' bit in the middle where we get down mean and clean (well, we are girls.) We have 2 rehersals before the festival gig, but that's ok.

Got Rocket, the corgi with an alsation head this weekend again. So it'll be down the beach again with the Noddy ball. I've promised to deflea her, oh joy!

Gave the garden a good watering. Got an attachment for the hose with a trigger for different sprays. Thing is, when I put the tap on, it flies off with the pressure. I have to hold down the trigger when turning on the tap and keep it down. There must be a way round it, I guess Mr A will sort it on return tomorrow, maybe it just needs a jubilee clip to hold it in place. I've planted lettuces in flowerpots to try and beat the slugs. Haven't done that before, so it'll be interesting to see how they turn out. The sunflowers have shot up, 4 leaves now, can't wait to see how tall they get.

and finally, read Terry Pratchett's 'Jingo'. Read it a while ago, though I find I can re read his books with a gap in between and enjoy them as much as ever. I got out a few Elmore Leonard books from the library. Thing is, I kept thinking his name was Elmore James, who is a blues singer. No wonder he wasn't under the 'J' section. He wrote 'get shorty' the film with John Travolta. Good writer, Mr A likes him too. Yes, I get books for both of us, I know it's a bit of a couply thing, but - who cares! I know what he'll like, though he does enjoy books I wouldn't read. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' for one and some classic writers. Collette is one of his favourite authors, he has many of her books. I never got into her at all.

DINNER
Scottish Scampi in Batter
Real Chips (ran out of the oven variety)
Salad a la Moi

I managed to assemble the 3 seater swing seat with awning an' all over the top. Coo, it's fabulous! I lay on it today and read a whole book, thinking how comfy I was etc etc... Dusky came up on it, was a bit wary of the movement, but as long as there is a lap she'll sit on it anywhere.
Mr A admitted it was a good move and we enjoyed a bit of tooing and froing on it before dinner. At one point I'd put 2 pieces together the wrong way round and couldn't work out why it didn't fit. I went in for a cup of tea and a break, came out and saw my mistake, easily remedied. It was satisfying to find that there were no leftover bits or pieces, nuts, bolts, screws etc.

Awaiting a call from the tv engineer who will set us up with a connection to our neighbour's satellite dish. We couldn't have one because of the lovely beech trees in the way.

For the third time the telephone engineer did not arrive after making an appointment to come. 3 times I've stayed in all afternoon waiting for them. If I was in America I could sue for mental and emotional anguish, or something like that.

The rhodedendrons are out, pinky purple, a real splash of colour in the hedge overlooking the road. Ah summer!

DINNER
Oven Chips
Organic Freerange Eggs
Smoked Bacon
Baked Beans

I got it! Yay! I took myself off to the Co-op and said 'I'll have one of those swing seats, in green please.' It's a really nice shade of green, so it will blend in perfectly with the surrounding trees. I am really pleased with myself for getting it. Mr Avrilo is pleased too, even if he did grumble a bit yesterday. We will put it in the garden above the house, near the top, so to catch the view of the trees over the road. I will certainly take a pic when it's up to show you. I will be assembling it tomorrow, the instructions look quite straight forward, and it is in English which is a good start.

The blog site is slow tonight, while waiting I let my eyes go out of focus and look at the bar with the green dots which tells you how fast (or slow in this case) it's going. I end up getting 2 bars, one of which is over the writing on the same line. Anyway, it's a way to amuse myself while waiting.

Another scorcher of a day. I had to have a little siesta from the sun, it were that hot! If it keeps up I may go swimming in the sea. Well, I say swim, but I really mean splash about a bit making a lot of fuss and nonsense.

DINNER

Barbequed Morrisons Finest Pork and Apple Sausages
Mash with parsley, butter, salt and ground black pepper
Onion Gravy
Salad a la Moi

A good day. Helped Mr A cut hedge on road, me holding the ladder steady with himself up there with hedge trimmer. Proper job done, I wore a hard hat and luminous jacket, like the council workers. We had the car hazzard lights going to warn traffic. There isn't that much traffic but sometimes they come past too fast. Tomatoes planted out now and everything watered - no hose pipe ban here!

A friend of mine who works in a bar just texted me that she's been caught selling alcohol to a minor. the minor was over 6 ft tall, and was a police plant. She reckons it'll be a fine of 1000 pounds. Thing is, the bar usually caters to older customers anyway and they are usually strict on the underage drinking.
I was thinking that a lot of problems with youngsters and crime is to do with drinking. When people get drunk they don't think of consequences to their actions. Islamic countries don't have that problem of course, so how do their youngsters let off steam?
Maybe if they are devoted to their religion enough they don't get a rebellious urge to stamp out their mark of individuality.

Went to the Coop for shopping today and saw a new fridge, for 99 pounds. I'm going to get it tomorrow. They don't deliver so will have to organize help to get it up the steps. I've had the existing fridge since, well, I can't remember when, seems like I've had it forever. and it was 2nd hand when I got it! The new fridge is the same size as our old one, it will use less electricity and be much more energy efficient. Hurrah!

The other thing that caught my eye (and bottom) was a swinging sofa meant for outdoors on a frame, with a shade over the top. I had a go and it was really comfy. Mr A isn't convinced, saying 'where will it go?' Hah! We've got lots of room, admittedly most of it is on an incline, but I'll find somewhere for it. I can see me sitting and gently swaying on a summer's day reading on my outdoor sofa. It is 90 pounds. That's quite reasonable I think.

Nice to see Juzzzy is back! His sodjourn in the non-blog world marked by a lively written report on his latest escapade, it's quite a story and well worth a read.

The sun beat down upon the scaffolding which gleamed in the bright sun against the back wall of the hotel, which faced the swimming pool and occupied sunloungers.

"Cor! 'Ot innit?" Proclaimed Macy in her yellow polkadot bikini. She was lying on a lounger with a coloured drink in hand, drinking through a straw, trying to avoid the little paper umbrella.

"Yes, I might go for a dip in a minute." Celeste, in sunglasses and straw hat sipped her Evian water. She was perspiring freely.

The two detectives, (natural and supernatural investigators) were on holiday. They had got two cheap holidays through the internet, to Spain, and were now on their first day. There were six more days to go. They had left Helen McGraeme in charge of the office to field enquiries and took a well deserved rest from the fast paced world of detecting.

"Shall we go to that restaurant we saw with the nice looking waiters outside?" Asked Macy, never slow to catch an opportunity to fraternise with a handsome man.
"Ok." Said Celeste who was determined not to get into disagreements or get stressed. Celeste had on a turquoise one piece swimsuit, she preferred them to bikinis as her navel stuck out, and she was self conscious about it.

After another 3 hours of doing nothing, except sunbathe, they returned to their room in the hotel to shower and change for dinner.
"My bag!" Shrieked Macy. "It's not here! I left it on the dressing table and now it's gone. It's got my passport, all my money and cards as well as the tickets and my lipstick."

They hunted through the room and couldn't see it. Celeste had hidden her bag in a towel. It was still there.
They left the room to go to the manager's office, which was in a large hut on the other side of the swimming pool. They crossed over by the pool where they had been lying earlier.

"Err, Celeste. Wait a minute. I've got something to tell you." Said Macy racing after her as she strode along.
"I've got it. I'd left it by the sunlounger. It's still there."

The relief was palpable. After such an agonising 15 minutes, they felt a stiff drink was in order.
"Phew, that's such a relief. I'll be more aware in future and keep an eye on it." Macy wiped her lips then got out her lipstick to reapply.
"Come on. Let's go catch a meal, and a waiter, ay?" Celeste said with a wink to Macy. She got off her stool and started to walk away. Macy followed suit.

Celeste looked at Macy. Stopped and stood there, hands on hips tapping her foot.
"What?" Said Macy looking puzzled.
"What do you think!" Said Celeste adjusting her Doris Day headscarf around her neck. She then nodded in the direction of the place they had just vacated. Macy turned to look.

"Oh. I would have remembered in a moment. Honest."
She picked up her bag which she had left on the counter and followed Celeste back across the poolside. Bag swinging on her arm.

DINNER
Barbequed Apple and Pork Sausages
Ditto Organic Freerange Chicken Legs
Salad a la Mr Avrilo
Home made Tomato Chutney
Rolls and Butter

Fired up the barbie for a change, it's nice to have a reason to be outside at the end of the day. What a gorgeous day! Bare legs (must shave soon) with only 2 bites on them. My front flower and herb garden is coming on nicely, lots of flowers have yet to flower which I'm looking forward to. They should all be out by the time we have the big housewarming party. Yes, after the papers are signed and the money moved, we are going to have a humdinger of a party to celebrate the long road we travelled to get this place. I will take some photos and post them on the media bit.

Had Rocket, the corgi with the alsatian head today as my son went to London yesterday. We went to the beach again and I threw the ball for her (it's got a big picture of Noddy on it). She is so fast, sometimes leaping up in the air to catch it before it touches the ground. The ball gets covered in sand and she ends up with a sandy tongue, urgh! I take water along and she likes to have a long drink after games, panting with her tongue hanging out, catching her breath. She's a sweet little thing and I enjoy her company.

Planted Sunflowers below the deck so they should grow nice and tall showing their heads above where we sit. Also put in lupins. They grow into quite a bush and need room, they are a lovely old fashioned flower that come up every year. Dear Mr A carried up the barrow full of montrecia clumps to the upper garden, it was too heavy for me. I could have taken it bit by bit but would have taken ages. He is good like that, finishing off jobs that I've done and not completed. Without complaining! He is a treasure and I let him know that, just in case he thinks he's being taken for granted. A bit of respect and appreciation goes a long way in relationships, helps to keep them bonded and close.

Reading Elmore James, the crime writer. He is an old hand, written loads of books. He wrote 'Get Shorty' the John Travolta movie. He writes really well, his stories don't drag and draw you in as the characters come to life and the plot is tight and well thought out. Definitely recommended for a light undemanding read.

I have promised Going Somewhere for a story this weekend, it will be tomorrow now as I have a date with a dvd and Mr A.......

DINNER
Lamb Chops, roasted in the oven with
Green Pepper
Onion
Boiled Organic Green Beans

What a scorcher! It's been really hot, that's more like it! Mr A will be back shortly from working away for the week. I'm sure he'll like what I've cooked for him. I always find it a pleasure to cook for someone else, especially when they really enjoy it. He always tells me when he does, which is most of the time. It's quite a good thing to appreciate your partner, and to let them know it. We can't read minds!

Thinned out the spinach and watered everything - no hose pipe ban here! All is looking good. We have a clump of Rosemary to plant out, it's got lots of space, because it tends to spread. The herbs are coming along nicely. I cheated with the parsley and mint, bought pots of cooking herbs from the supermarket and just repotted them. Got beer traps out for the slugs, the remnants from Mr A's homebrew. They seem to love it! Well, they must drown happy.

I've made an appointment with the dentist. I've been putting it off because I hate going. I really am a wimp with bad experiences from previous visits. I know I've got to have an extraction. The last time I went I had an abscess and the dentist, one I hadn't seen before was brutal! It really hurt and I was wincing while he lost patience with me. He was tutting and looking exasperated. If he showed some sympathy then I might have fared better, but came out of there a right wreck! There's that old sexist joke about a woman going to the dentist and saying 'I'd rather have a baby than a tooth out.' The dentist says 'well let me know what you want and I'll adjust the chair.' God, that's awful! Not even worth a boom boom.

Not a lot else to say at the mo. On last couple of log ins this site has gone really slow, so I couldn't answer replies cos it took too long. I really am going to write a Tyalskye and Pacy story this weekend. My timing has been off, cos I got to go now......

DINNER
Fish n Chips from a Chippy.

Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Flake

Had a nice laid back evening with my neighbours, jamming on guitar and chatting. I brought my own licorice to share. What a guest!

It's been so hot today I put on shorts. First time this year. The flowers are coming up a treat, and the veg are past the slug damage stage now. I am about to check my lottery ticket I bought Saturday. You never know. It could be....I might have....it's possible...there's a chance that.....if only....

I am waiting for the electric meter person to turn up to change the meter so haven't had a chance to go out yet. I may well make Chicken Soup out of leftover chicken though.
This morning the engineer from Sky to fit a satellite dish came. Guess what? They can't fit it because the trees are blocking the signal. In the bigger picture, I'd rather have the 2 giant beech trees outside than not. So, there may another way round it, using our friendly neighbour's dish.

Read a new Ruth Rendall book yesterday, so enthralled I didn't want to put it down to blog. It's called '