DINNER
Roast Chicken
Roast Potatoes
Roast Parsnips (from garden)
Cauliflower
Organic Carrots
Gravy from Heaven
Horseradish Sauce

When we say 'it's that time of the month' in this house, we mean time for a roast dinner as it's usually about once in 4 weeks that we have one.

SNACKS
Llanboidy Cheddar - The Queen of Cheddars
Llanboidy Smoked Cheddar - The Smoked Queen of Cheddars
Poppyseed and Sesame seed Thin Crackers
Cup of Tradefair Columbian Filter Coffee

Llanboidy cheese is made locally, yet sold all over the world. Why? Because it is so blooming tasty. It has a unique flavour that enhances the cheddarness of the cheese. Simply put, it's the most delicious cheddar in the world.

ADDITIONAL SNACKS
Mr Kiplings Bramley Apple Pies
Cup of Tetley Tea

What with the next exciting episode of Torchwood at 9 o'clock tonight, it's the bees knees of a Sunday.

Before the previous post I'd been 'off blog' for 5 days. I get back and there are 57 emails, most of them from blog friends. sometimes, friends send their posts as a personal message, so I receive an email for every post they write. I have had to ask them not to, I will read their blog when I visit them. I'd rather it that way than them bringing their blogs to me. I hope I haven't offended anyone by asking them not to post me their blogs, but I want to keep emails for personal communications and comments, that way the numbers are manageable.

So keep those comments coming!

DINNER (amended from earlier)
Mr A decided to cook tonight, so the lamb cutlets were made into a very tasty soup, with masses of vegetables, spinach, parsnips (both from garden), organic carrots, leeks, red and green peppers.

Thing is, he arrived back from Asabaijan with a tummy bug and couldn't eat solids, so the soup was a necessity. He had a 16 hour journey so is now fast asleep, snuggled up in bed.

I am so looking forward to the Blog Meet. I just need one of you efficient people to let me know which hotel to book with for the Saturday night.

Encouraging feedback over the songwriting business, although a friend texted that there are songwriting sites on the web already. Don't know if they offer what I have in mind though. I'll have to go and have a look.

I've got a little skinny fly on my screen. I usually thwack the tiny ones (hence the little stains on the glass) but this one is much bigger. It seems more like murder when they are bigger. I have let it live. Oooo the power of handing out life or death. It could be an awesome thought, and I don't really want to go there since I've already sent quite a few little flying bugs on their way to insect heaven.

....and finally. I had my 2year old grandaughter here for an hour or so this afternoon. We had fun. She now says 'trotters' for crackers.
At one point we were lying on our backs on my bed doing cycling movements. For some reason I said 'let's cycle to Paris!' Furious cycling action took place and we almost made it through the channel tunnel but had to stop for lunch.
We had a game of hide and seek. Last time we played it neither of us moved, we both thought the other was doing the looking. This time I hid behind Mr A who was cooking in the kitchen and wasn't spotted. Huh! Kids these days!

I have been off blog (like off world) for almost a week now, that work thing seems to take up soooo much time.
Anyhoo, yesterday I had a eureka moment whilst driving. Admittedly, many of my songs and brainwaves come while I'm driving, maybe something to do with moving.

I was thinking, 'what do I really enjoy doing? what am I good at? how could I make more money? I came up with SONGWRITING. I've been writing songs for years and can come up with a rhyming song off the top of my head with a natty melody as easy as falling off a cliff.

My idea is to advertise a personalised songwriting service. Birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions etc. You want a song that fits the bill, I could do it - for a fee. The finished song would be recorded onto a cd and sent.

I could sing it with piano or guitar for a minimal fee. For a full band version, drums, bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, I'd charge twice the amount.

All sorts of styles too, from ballads to rock to reggae to rap.

I am not being arrogant about this, it's just something I know I can do. I came up with this idea after making up songs that rhymed off the top of my head, all with different tunes.

So, I'd have to set up a web site with examples of songs, just to show I could do it like. The payments could be made through PayPal, as I don't have facilities for credit cards.

I could list my cv of bands I've been in where we've done my songs, recording and performing experience and that I am still singing my own songs in a group today and have a current cd out.

So, you'll have to take it from me that I can do the job.
Whaddja think? Would it be a money spinner? Is it the sort of thing people would want?

Imagine, you've met the person of your dreams, you want to marry them, but want to make it a special occasion out of asking them.
A cd of a proposal song?

Ok, a wedding anniversary. You've been married (or co-habiting) for 5 years and want to show how much you still love your partner. A sentimental ballad saying how you feel about your loved one? Could add small details, like 'Julie, I love you truely' sort of thing.

Or a song for a child. It could be a bedtime routine to help them settle down and go to sleep.

I have yet to tell Mr A, he is due back today from 'foreign parts' on a working trip. I have told 2 friends who both thought it a good idea. Something no one else has done. Maybe, by blogging about it someone else might get the idea and try it. O well, say lavvi.

Other news...I've got Megan, the hairiest, fluffiest border collie this side of the Welsh border, till next week. She is very old, deaf, but smart. Her owners, my in-laws, have gone visiting friends and family for a week, she knows this house, so it's not such a wrench for her.

Been working hard, somedays are really good, things go well, even if they are emergencies and it helps make me feel positive about my working life. Some days though can be hard. Maybe no time for a break and it's a constant thinking ahead and planning what to do situation which can be quite tiring. So, I won't give up the day job unless this personalised song business takes off.

I had thought of 'Songs R Us.' It may be too corny and put people off. Also 'Bard To The Stars.' (The Sun and Moon as well.)

Menu of The Day
DINNER
Welsh Lamb Cutlets
Boiled Potatoes
Leeks in Butter
Organic Carrots

It's going to be a date, for the next 12 Sundays, 9pm, good ol' BBC.

DINNER
Pepperoni Pizza
Feta Cheese Salad

Walnut and Advocaat Flavour Ice Cream

Hot Chocolate

As requested by Purple Dragon.

12lb tomatoes
1lb onions
1 1/2lb sugar
1/4oz paprika
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2oz salt
1pt distilled spiced vinegar

Dip the tomatoes in boiling water for 1min, then dip in cold, remove the skins and cut up.
Chop onions and cook with tomatoes until it becomes a thick pulp.
Add half the vinegar and spices and simmer until thick, then add the sugar.
Add the remaining vinegar when sugar dissolved and cook till thick.
Bottle while hot.
Yields about 8lb

That's the book recipe. My additions are:
Tablespoon of dill
1 chilli

When I made it I only had 10lb of tomatoes, so used less of the other ingredients, it turned out fine. If it gets too watery keep boiling until it thickens.

Make sure the jars are clean and hot when bottling.

Good Luck!

Another day mostly on my ownio. Got the wood burning stove going in my room, where the computer is so it's nice and snug.
It seems like a Sunday today, so I watched gymnastics on tv today while eating lunch. Beth Tweedle for Britain got a gold medal for the uneven bars. Hooray! Those male gymnasts have amazing body shapes. All arm and shoulder muscles and a tiny waist and sticking out bum.
That's not usually the shape I'm attracted to, but I made an exception in their case............

After the storm last night it has continued to rain, so it's definitely a staying in day. My son's dog, Rocket arrived, whining outside my front door last night, soaking wet in the rain. He'd gone out and she'd made a break for it. I like to think that she just felt like a visit, so I put an old rug down for her to lie on.
We watched Omen 2. I don't know why I bothered, it was crap.
I ended going to bed about 2.30, after making some bleary eyed half awake (or half asleep) comments on friends' blogs.

My son gave me a game called 'Broken Sword. The Sleeping Dragon' which I will have a go at. It's an adventure game.
George and Nico travel the world fighting through the steaming jungles of the Congo, the eerie castles in Prague, the chic back streets of Paris and the historic village of Glastonbury, wrestling danger and piecing together the clues that will unravel the secrets of the Sleeping Dragon and save mankind from the threat of global catastrophe.
Apparently.

So, this computer is now virus free. Hurrah! I don't know why I didn't do it before. O yes, I know. Money. I don't like to spend it on things I don't understand. It got rid of 25 viruses and cookies. Cookies is a nice word, it's been kidnapped into meaning something horrible.

A storm is howling outside. The wind is swirling through the trees and I'm glad I'm inside!
Rocket, my sons dog, was whining outside my door so I've let her in. She must have got out and noone is home so she is firmly placed on an old jumper to protect the carpet. She is very good and obedient, doing what she is told. A real sweetie, as I think I've said before.

A slow day, I haven't actually been out anywhere. Swept up loads of leaves to try and keep the drains free, a bit of housework and playing guitar is about all I've done today.
Dinner was nice enough.
DINNER
Spag Bol
Salad A La Moi

I'm cutting this short (collective sounds of phew) as Damien, Omen 2 is on. It's crap, but it's entertaining crap.

Tect from Mr A in Asabaijan, he is being driven to the middle of nowhere to sort out the problem that he's there to fix. So all ok there.
I think I can hear a raven's wings flapping.....so I'm off. Maybe back later.

With one click I have deleted many blog friends who were on my list but are not now. Reasons:

1. They never comment on my blog.
2. They only write in another language.
3. They are advertising something.
4. Upon reading their blog, I found it unsavoury.
5. I never read their blog anyway.
6. Their blogs are impersonal, they just print articles.

I would like to balance this out by saying that the friends that I have kept I appreciate having you on my list, especially Prydwen, whose blog never fails to cheer me up and give me a laugh. (Even though he doesn't comment on my blog, it doesn't matter.)

Apologies if anyone is offended, but, come on, if you give nothing, you'll get nothing.

The anti virus scan is now at 49%.

Hailp!
I thought I may as well download a free anti-virus programme from the net as the computer has been going slow. Well, it looks like it's going to be an all nighter, cos it's been going ages and its only on 28% of the scan.
There's 3 columns, status, file, and virus or threat. Under status it says infected and a flashing exclamation mark. Under file, possible spyware cookie, and a name after it. Under virus it says possible spyware cookie.
If this is what I think it means, then this computer has the cyber equivalent of bird flu, or worse.
This is all new to me and I probably should have been better protected before, though I did put on an anti-virus programme, downloaded free and probably run out. If this wasn't bad enough I also have a 'this version of Windows is counterfeit' that comes up every time I log on. That's from when I got the computer rebooted after it froze as the guy didn't have the proper disc for it (so he says.)
It's now on 38%.

I just hope this doesn't all end in tears........

DINNER
Curry. Added vegetables to the really hot curry I made 2 nights ago.
Basmati Rice
Spinach from the garden

Well, I've taken the girls back today after having a really nice time together. We went into town and I bought them a bag of mixed polished stones each, as last night they really enjoyed looking at my collection, even using the magnifying glass to look into them to see the little rainbows and bits inside. The Native American Indians call them 'The Stone People.' They regard them as organic, living beings, and use them for healing, divination and stuff like that. I just like them!

We went to a shop called 'Crazy Macs.' A huge warehouse of a place with an enormous selection of all sorts of stuff. Clothes, furniture, carpets, rugs, lights, books, pet stuff, electronic gadgets, toys, etc, I had as much fun as the girls in discovering so many different things all under one roof. I bought a wind-up radio for 5 pounds. It has a torch on it too. For a minute's winding a handle, you get 30 minutes of listen time so batteries aren't needed. I'm soooo impressed! I got them a pair of speakers for their mp3 and cd players for - 1.50! I suspect I will be visiting that store again.....

Mr A is away in Asabaijan (not sure how to spell it), near the Caspian Sea, for 10 days. It's a work trip he turned down originally because he would have missed our anniversary on the original leaving date. However, it's worked out that he can go after the anniversary, the day after in fact. His collegue went on the Tuesday. He texted at 6 in the morning to say that his luggage hadn't been put on the plane and that it would be arriving on the same flight as Mr A, 2 days later. So he has no clean clothes etc till then.

A coincidence...whilst we were in the bar at the posh restaurant/hotel, we got chatting to a bloke sitting in there having a ciggie, as it was the only place to smoke. He was staying at the hotel for a couple of days with his girlfriend.
Mr A mentioned about going to Asabaijan on Thursday, and this bloke said he'd met that day, the girlfriend of a geologist who has just gone there. Turns out that Kate (the masseur girlfriend) had been booked by the hotel to give a massage to this blokes girlfriend and had chatted away about her boyfriend, a geologist, going to Asabaijan. He also mentioned that his girlfriend loved Reiki, a hands on healing technique. I mentioned that I'd been qualified in Reiki since 1989, and he said that his girlfriend would probably like to book me for a session in the future.
I would love to be able to practice Reiki part time and just be able to live off what I earn doing that. That's an idea for the future. If work continues to be stressful, that plan might come into action sooner. I would like to have about 3-4 clients a day, 3-4 days a week. I would be earning less than I am now, but it would be fulfilling work, without all the stress that I get now. I would either have to rent somewhere nearby or do it from home. I just need a flat comfortable surface for the client to lie on. The whole session takes about an hour. I find and then concentrate on the areas that have been giving the clients' a problem. They keep their clothes on by the way!

The wonderful thing about Reiki is that it works, whether the client believes in it or not! It is very relaxing, so much so that quite often the client can fall into a deep sleep during the session. They always feel better after though, as it heals body and mind.
Mr A, a hardline cynic in all New Age spiritual matters, has to agree that it works, since he's had direct experience of Reiki and found it works on him.

It's only 5.30 and the night is drawing in. I see the fading light through the autumnal colours of the leaves of the trees that face me outside my window. Not quite time for the electric blanket yet, but it won't be too long before winter sets in. Here's a song of mine about autumn.

AUTUMN LULLABY
Again, again, the trees shed leaves,
of autumn golds, on drifting breeze.
Remains of summer's banquet in the air.
Memories, of sunshine in your hair.

Again, again, a time of change.
A time to think, and rearrange.
Season's silent greetings every year.
Waiting for winter to reappear.

Chorus
Darkness closing in at night.
Keeping warm, staying warm.
Looking for heat, looking for light.
Keeping warm, staying warm.

Shells of leaves upon the earth.
Signify a new rebirth.
Skeleton trees claw upward through wind and sky.
Singing an autumn lullaby.

AH.

HORS D'OEVRES
Lightly battered Local Cockles Pan Fried
Goats Cheese wrapped around a grape
Another indescribably tasty piece of food.........

STARTERS
I had Baby Partridge Ravioli in a Gillot and Black Truffle Sauce

Mr A had Roast Pigeon in (a name for mushroom I've forgotten) Sauce

MAIN COURSE
We both had the Welsh Beef, Wilted Spinach and Potato Rosti with Homemade Horseradish Sauce

The starters were fantastic! I tasted tastes that I'd never previously tasted. The main course was a bit of a mistake, I should have realised it was going to be a bit of a chewful. Very tasty, but I prefer food to come already chewed! Not really, just softer food.

DESSERT
I had the Cheeseboard, 5 locally made cheeses.

Mr A had an amazing concoction of chocolate and strawberries called something like 'Chocolate Fruillisade.' A real work of art.

Mr A had fine brandy and cigar in the bar after, I was happy with the homemade sweets they gave with the coffee.

I paraded a few outfits for Mr A, and Martin, a friend who was there helping Mark doing building work. They gave the thumbs down to the first outfit, but gave great approval of the fitted black skirt with 3 coloured hem and tight black top. Of course the high heeled boots were a big hit!

I've got Molly and Eve staying for the night, they are giving helpful hints whilst I am talking out loud what I am writing.
We were talking about 'Extras' the funny tv show and I mentioned about David Bowie being in one episode. They had never heard of him! How sad is that! Eve hasn't heard of Elton John. Just shows how celebrities can die out if not appearing regularly.
Molly says if David Bowie is reading this he should tell his agent to get him some GOOD work. (Capital letters as specified by Molly.)

TONIGHTS Menu
Cheesy, very cheesy Pizza
Cauliflower Cheese Grills
Salad a La Moi

HORS D'OEVRES
Lightly battered Local Cockles Pan Fried
Goats Cheese wrapped around a grape
Another indescribably tasty piece of food.........

STARTERS
I had Baby Partridge Ravioli in a Gillot and Black Truffle Sauce

Mr A had Roast Pigeon in (a name for mushroom I've forgotten) Sauce

MAIN COURSE
We both had the Welsh Beef, Wilted Spinach and Potato Rosti with Homemade Horseradish Sauce

The starters were fantastic! I tasted tastes that I'd never previously tasted. The main course was a bit of a mistake, I should have realised it was going to be a bit of a chewful. Very tasty, but I prefer food to come already chewed! Not really, just softer food.

DESSERT
I had the Cheeseboard, 5 locally made cheeses.

Mr A had an amazing concoction of chocolate and strawberries called something like 'Chocolate Fruillisade.' A real work of art.

Mr A had fine brandy and cigar in the bar after, I was happy with the homemade sweets they gave with the coffee.

I paraded a few outfits for Mr A, and Martin, a friend who was there helping Mark doing building work. They gave the thumbs down to the first outfit, but gave great approval of the fitted black skirt with 3 coloured hem and tight black top. Of course the high heeled boots were a big hit!

I've got Molly and Eve staying for the night, they are giving helpful hints whilst I am talking out loud what I am writing.
We were talking about 'Extras' the funny tv show and I mentioned about David Bowie being in one episode. They had never heard of him! How sad is that! Eve hasn't heard of Elton John. Just shows how celebrities can die out if not appearing regularly.
Molly says if David Bowie is reading this he should tell his agent to get him some GOOD work. (Capital letters as specified by Molly.)

TONIGHTS Menu
Cheesy, very cheesy Pizza
Cauliflower Cheese Grills
Salad a La Moi

Grabbing a few moments to write between trying to decide what to wear, dye my hair, have a bath and tidy up. Mr A is sawing away outside, putting back the treated walls of wood on the front of the house.

So, this posh restaurant sounds fab, I will post the menu tomorrow. I have only had a cheese n onion pasty today to make room........

It's raining. Mr A is putting in a new front door frame. Well done Mr A! However, although it is level, the sole plate, (apparently that's what the beam at the top is called), doesn't look level. That's the trouble with a house that lives and breathes, it moves slightly so it's not level. So, a big salute for Mr A working in the rain, I can hear his curses as he saws and hammers away outside while I'm sitting here typing away.

Spicy Tomato Chutney. Made 10 pounds of it. It is so scrummy I could place on an altar to the Goddess of Grub and not feel ashamed.

Confirmed. 2 more to come to the Blog Meet. The deciding factor for Mr A to come as well? Booze. I mentioned that most of my blog friends liked a drinkypoo or 2, or 3 etc and that, as they say, was that. He liked the cut of the collective drinking jib, and he's in. Kudos to Nixie for organising it all.

I think tonight's menu will be meatless, maybe a veggie curry, or tortilla (onions and potatoes in egg.)
A fellow blogger has requested a cd of Scarabella (no audio yet on the web page) so that goes in the post today. Hurrah!

Another curse comes floating in from the open doorway (no door!)
Tomorrow is our anniversary. We are going for a posh nosh at a restaurant called 'Fairy Hill.' It is actually in a place called Fairy Hill, in the Gower, on the lovely coastline of West Wales. It has truffles on the menu! I've never had truffles! Not too expensive, 29.70 for 2 courses. Well, it's not every year we have a 20th wedding anniversary............
Mr A's parents have their 47th anniversary today, and hopefully many more to them.

Am reading Jonathan Kellerman, a crime novelist. He's written loads of books, but never read him before. It's quite good. I also got out the latest Stephen King book, 'Cell,' Not as good as some of his earlier books. The librarian said some people were bringing it back before finishing it, being disappointed in it. I wondered why it was there on the shelf. Being in the library and them saying 'closing in 5 minutes' I looked quickly around and there it was! There's usually a waiting list of his latest books, so I thought I was lucky.

Molly and Eve came for a quick visit last night. Eve has these boots with wheels in the soles..Clumping big things they are too, but she likes them. She can go into shops that say 'no roller blades' by clicking them back into place. They make her quite a bit taller too. I thought she was joking when she first told me about them. Molly has forgotten her password to get on to her blog site, so she hasn't written anything yet. Suggestion from Eve that we rent out the house and live in the shed.....

DINNER
Welsh Beefburgers
Chips
Salad a la Moi

Occasionally I check my stats. I had 2 visitors yesterday. Hooray!
I've found out when the blog meet is on, and I'm supposed to be working a late shift on the Friday. Maybe go up for the Saturday, but it seems a shame to go all that way for just the one night. We shall see......

Apparently Helly's been having a hard time with some obnoxious git pestering her, so she deleted her blogs so I couldn't even read about it. What a shame not to feel safe on here. So, Hells, if you're reading this, try and forget about the sad geezer and remember there are soo many us all who love reading your blog and think you are GREAT!

Today I swept up leaves and did 3 loads of washing for my son and his family cos their machine is not working. Sigh.

DINNER
Monkfish in Tomato Sauce with Chilli
Basmati Rice
Salad A La Moi - with Capers, Small Hot Green Peppers, Olives, Feta

I do love Monkfish. It is one of the tastiest fishes around, with no small bones to faff around with. It costs about 4 quid for a large piece enough for 3.

Had Liberty, my 2 year old grandaughter, over again today for a few hours. She played with my small fold away alarm clock for ages. She was pressing the button for the light, pretending it was a camera, taking my picture, saying 'say cheesh.'
Some of the words she mispronounces are so cute, that she could have got an Honours Degree with Distinction for Cuteness at the University of Adorable Tots if she'd applied.
Like 'tratters' - crackers, as in with cheesh.
'Totette' - Rocket, the dog's name.
'Dones' - rhymes with stones.
The word she uses for amethyst when I tell her what the stones are called that are scattered on my bedside table is a bit different every time she says it.
She loves looking at the stones, and there are 2 small dark round ones that look metallic, I think they are called Bola Balls. She calls them 'poo dones' as they look like poo.
Actually I love looking at my stones as well. Some are polished and others 'au naturel.' Some have 'rainbows' in them that catch the light. I have a natural opal, still in the pink rock it grew in. Turning it under light you can see red, green, blue, yellow sparkling away within.
I have a piece of bismuth, a metal that is an amazing formation, looking like it's been sculptured and has pinks, greens, blues, golds and yellows in it. They all have different personalities too, some I have yet to discover. One of the friendliest is a small piece of light green topaz which has a really bright rainbow inside that shines out clear and proud. For such a little stone, it has a big show.
If you're thinking I'm daft, then you are probably right, if,in comparing with other people, this thinking is not of the norm.
Who, in their right mind would talk about stones having 'personalities?' Who would wax lyrical about the shining inner beauty of uncut gemstones and ooo and ah over little rainbows in these crystaline objects?
Me. I love 'em all.
Amethysts (pineapple shaped as well as a single piece), turquoise, topaz, sugalite, tigers eye, jasper (spotted, multi-coloured), quartz (clear, rose, black, rutile), blue john, carnelian, chyrophrase, ruby (unpolished), emerald (unpolished), opal (uncut), amber, citrine, lapis lazuli, malachite, haematite, flourite (not spelt right), labouradite (again, not spelt right), see-through light green one, blue lace agate, plasticy looking blue green one, pink one, one shaped like a cross and looks like iron, see-through pinky red one with 2 crosses, pink and white crystally mushroomy one, purple one with 3d wavy psychadelic pattern on, black with glittering white lines one, 2 bola balls.
I think that's the lot, as you can see, I don't know the names for some of them. They are all, however, more like family than a collection. Despite sounding like I've got the crown jewels in my bedroom, the most expensive stone is probably worth about 6 quid. Many have been given to me, like the 3 from Lake Balkie, in Mongolia, a much publicised holy and sacred place. Mr A has a small meteorite, a present bought by his parents from Russia (with love). I have a lovely piece of amber with a fly and a mosquito in it, seen clearly. I don't think there's the makings of a Jurassic Park in there though.
So, that's my obsession. Follow anoraks, what's yours?

DINNER
Roast Chicken
Roast Potatoes
Roast Parsnips (homegrown)
Cauliflower
Now, here's the really good bit '
Fruity Tomato and Grape Sauce
Luscious Gravy

All cooked by Mr A. The grape and tomato sauce for the chicken was a brainwave of pure genius. The chicken remains got made into soup the next day with noodles.

Other news, the clip clop high heeled boots have been out a couple of times, with the new skirt. If my old hippy mates could see me now....
Had my 2yr old grandaughter this afternoon. Put on the Christine Aguilera cd and danced about, I tried to teach her hand jive, didn't really work. Still, a good time was had and we played a few games, Buckaroo (Buckawooo as she says) is the favourite. She also enjoyed clomping around in my shoes for a bit.

Meanwhile, there's a lot of stress at work for me. I wish it wasn't, and try to forget about it when I'm not there. It sucks, what's going on and I can't really talk about it, but I am determined to do my best and battle through the crap.

I have been offblog (like offworld) for quite a few days and found a few changes going on. Helly has been getting crap from a sad geezer who is disliked by everyone, Going Somewhere has gone somewhere else, a beautiful backdrop on her new site. Juzzy is going out with a fellow blogger, just for chattypoos I think, and I think it's Paddy, the mystery person. I haven't been elsewhere yet, so time to go visiting. O yes, Hektor is counting the days till the birth of their young lion.

DINNER
Roast Chicken
Roast Potatoes
Roast Parsnips (homegrown)
Cauliflower
Now, here's the really good bit '
Fruity Tomato and Grape Sauce
Luscious Gravy

All cooked by Mr A. The grape and tomato sauce for the chicken was a brainwave of pure genius. The chicken remains got made into soup the next day with noodles.

Other news, the clip clop high heeled boots have been out a couple of times, with the new skirt. If my old hippy mates could see me now....
Had my 2yr old grandaughter this afternoon. Put on the Christine Aguilera cd and danced about, I tried to teach her hand jive, didn't really work. Still, a good time was had and we played a few games, Buckaroo (Buckawooo as she says) is the favourite. She also enjoyed clomping around in my shoes for a bit.

Meanwhile, there's a lot of stress at work for me. I wish it wasn't, and try to forget about it when I'm not there. It sucks, what's going on and I can't really talk about it, but I am determined to do my best and battle through the crap.

I have been offblog (like offworld) for quite a few days and found a few changes going on. Helly has been getting crap from a sad geezer who is disliked by everyone, Going Somewhere has gone somewhere else, a beautiful backdrop on her new site. Juzzy is going out with a fellow blogger, just for chattypoos I think, and I think it's Paddy, the mystery person. I haven't been elsewhere yet, so time to go visiting. O yes, Hektor is counting the days till the birth of their young lion.

DINNER
Spaghetti Bolognese

Mr A cooked tonight and it was fine. I lost a lettuce! I definitely bought one but it can't be found, so no salad. My homegrown lettuces have all bolted (the ran away from the garden.)

Mr A detected that I was using displacement activity today. Putting off doing some writing I have to do for work and doing other stuff instead. He said that he was a Master at the Art of Displacement Activity! I can't get much past him.

Had my youngest grandaughter, she's 2, today. She is quite smart. We played 'Buckaroo' and she says 'Buckawooo!' whenever the donkey kicks its legs up. I said that when she was older I would remind her of how cute she was whenever she shouted 'Buckawoo!' She kept on about it and found the concept quite interesting of what I'd say to her when she'd grown up. When she came in the house I had a cd of mine on and she didn't know who it was but said 'that's nice singing.' I was chuffed!

I haven't worn the high heeled boots since I clip clopped on the day I bought them. One thing I noticed. I put them on out of the box when I was trying out some clothes, just put them on without really looking at them. It was only later I noticed that there was a big label on one side of the right boot saying $20 (pounds) I felt a right ninny. I'd been tottering around town with the price tag on me boots!

DINNER
Chorzo in Tomato Sauce
Salad a la Moi - with green olives, capers, bellini green peppers etc

Homemade Banana Cake
To balance out things, I decided to splash out today and treat myself at the shops. As Going Somewhere is struggling to live on 2.50 a day I though friends should see how the other half live.
I bought:

A bloody expensive skirt from M&S, they are good clothes, but it was 45.00. Won't be doing that again in a hurry. Lovely long skirt in blues, maueves and maroon.
Haircut - 32.00
Dress - 12.00 short, black and white swirls
Skirt - 16.00 blue and green with bit circles and brown net just showing at the hem
Jumper - 15.00 Black ribbed poloneck, very warm
Skirt - 12.00 Black with 3 colours showing at the hem
2 bras - 12.00
Christine Aguilera cd - 3.95
Short boots with heels - 20.00
That's 168.00 minus 5p. I think I spent well considering I got so much and won't be doing that again for a bit.

Other spending news. Bought myself an Hitachi Hi Fi, so I can also use it with the computer, as I had a crappy radio before and all vocals sounded like they were underwater.

contrary to the above list, I'm not rich but I live cheaply and can afford to splash out now and then. Retail therapy kicks arse!

Mr A has bought himself a pick up van. A Skoda, made by VW apparently. So I have his old Polo now as my Fiesta Diesel won't get another mot. I prefer diesel, but not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Getting a bit chillier in the evenings, so lit the woodburner in here. Lovely!
No kittens yet. Still farting about deciding.
Mr has taken the front walls off the house insulated it and covered it with blue tarp. So, at the moment the windows are covered in blue which is very strange in the day, should be sorted and back to daylight by the weekend.
Work has been constant, I have thrown myself back into it trying to enjoy it and take a pride in it rather than moaning about the work load, which is what I did before.

Well, this meal isn't going to cook itself!

PART THREE

Parts 1 and 2 saw our intrepid detectives, Tyalskye and Pacy going to visit a blogger who had not been blogging for a while. She had a reputation for talking about her life every day and it raised concerns for her fellow bloggers, so they hired the detectives to find out why the absence. Secretary to the detectives, Helen McGraeme and Gina Summer (blogger friend) and Esther Barbie (another blogger friend)drove to Wales to the address of the missing blogger to find out what had happened to the detectives who had set out 2 days previously and had sent no word since.

Now read on......

"Anyone want a top-up of Bailey's in their hot chocolate?" Mrs E-M.B. (ex-missing blogger) asked with a large bottle of Baileys Cream in her hand.
"Ooo yes please love. That walnut and advocaat flavoured icecream was delicious. I must get some." Macy answered her, holding out her mug for a top up.

"Well, I thought that Chorizo in Tomato Sauce with Pasta that we had for dinner was fantastic," said Gina, "I must remember that when I get home."
"Well, I enjoyed my vegetarian option," said Esther, "although I do fancy a bit of pork."
A bout of fruity laughs filled the room.
Celeste rummaged around in the nearly empty yellow and black bag of licorice sweets and said, "I'm definitely going to try some monkfish when I get back."
"I think I'll get back into having salad again, that dressing with balsamic vinegar made it so nice," said Macy. "I could do with losing a couple of pounds, especially from my hips, what do you think?"
"I think your hips help you look glamorous, that hour glass figure suits you." Mrs E-M.B. said this to Macy in all earnestness. Macy could accept it, she started to think of herself in a Marilyn Monroe style.

All 6 women were relaxing in front of a Rayburn. Helen was massaging Gina's shoulders, and Mrs E-M.B. was rubbing Esther's feet with aromatherapy oil. It painted a cosy scene. No stress levels palpable, the atmosphere was one of peace and contentment.

The reason, it transpired, for Celeste and Macy not returning was that Celeste's car wouldn't start and the local garage had to wait for the part till Tuesday. "Not that we minded staying here," said Macy, "that bloke of the missus is a bit of alright. The food's been great as well."
"It's been a pleasure to have you." Said the ex-missing blogger. We've had a laugh haven't we?"
There was a general agreement on that point.

"I'm nearly out of licorice sweets," said Celeste, "so, I'm afraid we really shall have to go back soon."
There was a general chorus of "oh no! Not yet!"
"Well, said the ex-missing blogger you could all stay the night and drive back in the day tomorrow. There is room for all of you. There's the spare room with sofa bed for 2, the sofa in the front room, a mattress on the floor for 2 should do it. It will be a squash, but it would be better that kipping in the lean to. I wouldn't put a dog in there. Well, I would, and I did, and she didn't much like it.
I'll make some more hot chocolate and let you all decide what you want to do." She went into the kitchen and stuck the kettle on.
Mr E-M.B. was in his shed.

It was decided to leave in the morning. They were all far too relaxed to bother driving all that way in the night. Celeste reached for her last licorice sweet and sighed, "Yup, we'd better make an early start."

"One thing, Mrs E-M.B.," said Celeste, "why had you stopped blogging for all that time?"
"Oh that! Well, I found that what with work, having the girls, reading and watching t.v., I just sort of, well, forgot about it for a bit. Now I realise that I really do enjoy it, and the contact with my blog friends, I will try and blog regular from now on. I may even write the odd story or two." Mrs E-M.B. gave such a disarming smile, that she was instantly forgiven for causing the search party to come.

"Well," said Gina, "I've had a laugh, good grub and company, so I'm glad you did go missing!"
"I've discovered I can resist pork," said Esther, "I thought I had cravings for meat, but with such tasty veggie options here, I'm sorted again."
"I'm just glad everyone's happy." Said Helen.
"Come on Helen, you've had a good time too," said Celeste, smiling.
"Yes, that's true, the closeness to nature and the rural sounds have made me feel more peaceful that I have done for a while."
"Yeh, right," said Macy, "I saw you eyeing up Mr E-M.B's pert bum!"

Everyone laughed at Helen's protestations of innocence in a bit of ogling. In fact they had all enjoyed his quiet but witty presence, although he did stay out of the way most of the time.

It was Celeste and Macy's third night at the wooden house and Helen, Gina and Esther were to spend their first night there. After a look outside at the full moon, the smokers puffing on their ciggies, it was time for bed. The mattress was laid, the duvets unfolded, the bathroom eventually empty. It became quiet, except for the sound of 6 pairs of lungs breathing steadily.

All was quiet in the wooden bungalow, surrounded by trees. Another little adventure had run its course, it was time to get back to blogland.