Just to describe what I am seeing out of the window in front of me.
2 enormous beech trees. One has 2 trunks growing out of the same base. One of the trunks is covered with ivy, the other covered with lichen. The lichen is the palest green and when the sun strikes it, a luminous sheen shines out, creating a processed pea green halo.
The other beech tree looks quite different. It doesn't have the luminosity of the other one and is quite dark with many curvy and twisted branches coming off the main trunk. It has ivy in patches, big clumps that could fool you into thinking that there were leaves on it, but no, it has yet to show it's summer tresses.

The squirrels love these trees, leaping from one to the other, they are about 20 feet apart. I still haven't got an idea of the metre measurements. Sometimes there can be a group of 3 squirrels all racing around in a spiral up and down the tree. They are fearless and surefooted, the supreme exponents of extreme sport.

I can see the wooden rail of the deck that is built off the path in front of the house. It is like the prow of a ship and juts out over the garden. There are the large leaves of a rhodadendron tree to the left, the purest of light lilac flowers adorn it each year.
The sun is shining through the branches of the 2 trunked beech, giving a misty look to the many trees seen beyond the beeches. (Or the windows need washing.) The beeches are at the forefront of woods that extend to the hilly horizon which will be obscured when the leaves come out to play.

I'm listening to the Scarabella cd, still enjoying it and remembering the fun we had whilst making it. The track playing at the moment is 'Close To Me' originally done by The Cure. In the original there is a saxophone break which we do with voices. It's never the same each time we do it, a chance to go mad - within 4 bars.

It's almost time to get dressed and go shopping for the party tomorrow. The barbeque will be going full pelt, so I'll need lots of bread rolls. I may need a trolly for this trip to Morrisons.......

Have a great weekend everyone, and I'll tune in tomorrow - hopefully I can get online, it's been a bit dodgy of late and I can't always get a server (are you being served? No!)

DINNER
Spaghetti Bolognese made with leftover veggi curry from last night.
Very tasty and spicy!

The bob did not go red, just a rich brown. I was told it should be left on for hours - go and do shopping, carry on as normal, with a plastic bag on your head should do it.
Still, it looks and feels great. If I were a dog I could enter Crufts with such a glossy coat.....

Molly and Eve are here for the weekend. I did Molly's hair today, shampooed, then straightened it. Looks absolutely fab! She is gorgeous at 13. Without any makeup and a size 6-8 she looks her age, not wanting to try and look older, like many her age.

I bought 2 boxes of windmills - the sort on a stick that twirl in the wind from a closing down sale at Crazy Macs. About 30 in all.
I'm having a birthday party on Sunday so the idea is to decorate the area around the house with them, they are brightly coloured and make a change from balloons. I bought some bubbles as well - a psychedelic soiree is envisioned with rainbow hued bubbles floating dreamily around the guests.
I shall, of course, be lounging in my smoking jacket and tasselled fez, reading out poems from Coleridge, reclining on a chaise longue whilst sipping from a glass of finest Port.

Mr A has taken 2 days holiday this week, and gone to help out some friends who have just moved build a shed.
I have been mostly socializing this week, meeting friends for lunch and a birthday do at a curry house. In between chat I have been in the potting shed, a place in which is hard to feel negative, with all the enthusiastic growing going on in there.

Saw 'Zoolander' on Film 4. Really, really funny film with Ben Stiller in the lead and lots of famous people in it, being themselves. He plays a top male model, getting the pout and the sashaying walk down to perfection. I watched it on my own, laughing out loud - I enjoyed it so much that I want to get the dvd of it so Mr A, Molly and Eve can see it. I know they'd love it too.

I am hamster-sitting this weekend for Whisper. Her exercise wheel had a loud squeak, so I applied veg oil to it. It worked, the squeak stopped and she licked some of the oil off. She now has a greasy patch on her fur. She is a busy little thing, a furry sphere of cuteness. Molly comes down in the morning (staying with her dad who lives above us, further up the bank) to change her water and food.

Well, chit chat over, time to go visiting friends' posts, I have been neglectful of late......

Sitting here with plastic bag atop my head. I have joined the ranks of satisfied henna users. The stuff comes as a powder, you mix it and it has the smell and consistency of mud.
After slapping it on and depositing blobs of the mucky stuff all around the bathroom (clean it quick - it stains) I am waiting for about an hour before washing it off. I should end up with a shiny, glossy head of auburn rich hair, though it may end up bright red.

For the past few days I have not felt like switching the computer on, silly really, 'cos I had an important email I should have answered....
The last 2 days have been gorgeous and summery. Lots of seeds are now sown, the garden dug and the swing seat is back in full luxurious swinging mode!

Mr A has been working hard, as ever, and had some good finds on waste land where he was working.
1. A beer barrel, complete with tap - just what he wanted!
2. A top for his pick up. It's the wrong size, but with a bit of work..

My mate Brenda used her straighteners on my bob - I was so pleased with the result, I went and got myself some. So now, it's a Mary Quant look. I can't believe the frizz has gone!

Saw The Da Vinci Code on dvd. What a load of tosh! I can just imagine the film company sitting round a table saying:
"Let's get Tom Hanks! He'll pull in the crowds. He usually stars in good films, so he won't mind an exception. We'll make him an offer he can't refuse."
"Yeh, and let's get that French guy who starred in 'Leon' to play the French cop. He's believable."
"Ooo, we can get Sir whatisname, the guy who played Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. He's got gravitas."

So they sat around the table rubbing their hands with a sure fire box office hit. A film based on a best selling novel, that was recently taken to court for plagerizing the idea and details from a book written years ago.

Right! It's been an hour, I shall go and see if I am to be a redhead...

A Peaceful Equinox to all.

DINNER
Egg n Chips

After yesterday's cold weather with rain and hail alternating with sunshine and cold wind, today brings a hint of summer to come.
I can hear lots of birdsong outside and the birds are getting through a fatball a day! Seen many young baby birds, all fluff and colours still coming through. Ah!

Mr A had a band rehersal last night, so I watched real crap on tv. 'Police, Camera, Action' sort of stuff, where a cop car chases some complete idiot down a road, veering in and out of traffic.
Really, driving like that is like running around with a gun and the finger twitching to shoot.
Also saw 'Half Ton Hospital.' A place in New York (where else) where the really, really fat people live. One guy weighed 55 stone. Looked like Jabba the Hut. He couldn't stand on his feet as his knees would crack with his weight. These people look grotesque, though they say they suffer from addiction to food. The treatment is diet and exercise at this place, though a few of the residents were sending out for takeaway meals. The guy running the place sounded very compassionate, letting them stay even when they were flouting the rules, as it was their last chance. Compare to the pictures we see of the starvation in Africa - what a contrast! Between the 2 extremes there must be a middle way. I don't have any answers, a radical one would be for them to change places, or the fat ones to go somewhere where there isn't lots of food easily available.

It's Wednesday, so Cheese n Chilli Potato Wedge day. Meeting earlier than usual, so eat afterwards. Must wash my hair to show off new haircut to the girls....

MONDAY DINNER
Starters: Veg Samosas. Veg Triangle wrapover thingys.
Yummy Salad a la Moi with olives, pickled cucumber etc

Chicken soup made from Sunday Roast with: Watercress, Celery, Onions, potatoes and bayleaf.

TONIGHTS DINNER
Chorizo in Spicy Tomato Sauce
Pasta
Salad a la Moi

Weird weather we've been having, one minute sunshine, then hail pelting down! A cold wind today even with the sun shining.

I'm loving the bird watching these days. I've put another feeder outside my window, at the front, so the 2 feeders are about 20 yeards apart. I saw 10 birds yesterday at one time! Mainly they are Great Tits, Blue Tits, Marsh Tits, Nuthatch, Chaffinches, Robins, occasionally a Jay. There were several young birds, tiny and fluffy getting a good peck in. At the moment, there are 4 birds around the feeder.

Mr A is at home this week working. He stays at the computer most of the day and is consciencious about putting the hours in, often working overtime without extra pay.

Have a good day everyone (all 2 of you!)

LATE LUNCH FOR 4

Roast Chicken stuffed with Thyme
Roast Potatoes
Roast Celeriac
Roast Fennel
Organic Carrots

No greens - I forgot to put the cauliflower on! Our friends came and I got so engrossed in faffing and chatting that it got lost in the general mish mash of getting things together. The celeriac and fennel Mr A bought from A farm shop in Devizes on his way home yesterday. They were delicious roasted! Our friends have just moved near here from Southern Ireland where they did market gardening. A lot of the talk was about growing and gardening, it's good to have advice from experts! We looked up animal rescue sanctuaries as they might get a horse to pull wood, then we got onto looking at dogs and all fancied a little Jack Russell Terrier called 'Scruffy.' Mr A is a dog person, in that he really wants a dog. When we go for walks I can almost see a dog with him, his dog, Chillum, died about 10 years ago but is still missed.

It's been a day of sunshine, rain, wind and hail.
My son brought me a Camelia, a scarlet coloured flower that climbs to 6 feet for Mothers Day.
Liberty came for a visit earlier and was on hand to greet our visitors. Before they came we had a bounce on our bed to the song:
'Bouncy, bouncy,
Up and Down.
Liberty's bouncing on the bed.'

Well, I guess that washing up isn't going to disappear, and there's no room to do anything else in the kitchen, so I shall get cracking.....

DINNER
Lamb Chops - 2 each
Boiled Homegrown Potatoes (scanty crop, small spuds)
Cauliflower
Organic Carrots

Mr A is expected back tonight from working in Shaftesbury, he might be quite late. I just texted 'eta sweetheart?' but no reply as yet.
Just heard from a neighbour that the forecast is very cold, possibly snow. At the moment, it's just drizzling and feels quite mild. We shall see...just in case it does get cold I've lit the woodburner so it's nice and cosy.

I think 'cosy is a lovely word, it conjours up a feeling of warmth, security and snuggleness. For younger people who like nothing more than to go out 'on the razz' it may seem boring - maybe a sign of getting older? Mind you, I still enjoy going out for a bop in a club with good music. On my last birthday that's what we did, and danced till the early hours.

I've put another bird feeder out so I can see it from this window. I stuck a long shoelace from it to the rail of the deck and shoved a twig through the bottom so they have something to perch on. There have been a few so far, and it's so near that I get real close up.

Up watching comic relief till the early hours this morning. Some good comedy sketches, especially - god, I can't remember his name. He starred in 'The Office' and 'Extras'. Mind gone blank, and yet I know his name really well. I enjoyed Catherine Tate with Tony Blair, him saying to her 'am I bovvered?' Putting aside all political stuff (like the war in Iraq) otherwise my mind wouldn't be open to humour.
And yes, Emsbabee, I stayed up when I really wanted to go to sleep to watch The Mighty Boosh, just to see what the buzz was about. Noel Fielding is very attractive, and those long, thing legs in tight trousers more than made up for any lacking in the comedy department. He has bright green eyes that he opens really wide, with nicely shaped eyebrows above them. He must know the pulling power of those eyes by now!
Anyway, I have to be honest and say that I didn't think them that funny. It was about a 15 minute slot, but Ricky Gervaise - (GOT IT! That's the name I couldn't remember earlier!)had the same time and did a brilliant sketch. So yes, Emsbabee, I can see why you would offer him your kitten love so eagerly....

Tomorrow we have friends' coming over for a sunday roast dinner. We were going to go out for a meal, but found everywhere was booked for Mothers Day. They have 3 dogs, so we shall probably go for a walk on the beach. They are lovely dogs too, obedient, happy to sit in the van for hours on end, and friendly.

In search for a kitten, I looked on several animal sanctuary sites. There is one that also has horses, ducks, pigs, and a few other 'rescued' animals. If I had the land (well, flat land anyway,) I would consider taking on some animals. We used to have 11 chickens before we moved here and they were no bother at all, plus they came up with the goods to earn their keep.

Just had a quick look at the tv guide. There's nowt on that I fancy watching, except Dame Edna Everage who has some celebrity guests at her spa. Sounds like an excuse for her to be rude to people - great!
Jane Austin's 'Emma' with Gwynnie Paltrow is on, but don't fancy all that stiff posturing that they do. I may well spend the evening with the tv switched off, enjoying my new hairdo.

DINNER
Bloody lovely Plaice and Chips from local restaurant

Watching Frost on ITV switching over during the adverts to Red Nose Day on BBC1. Feeling fortunate to be able to do so as they show villages in Africa with one toilet for 200 people.

Oh, and Pickled Cucumbers.

LUNCH
Reheated spaghetti in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Well it's the culmination of Red Nose week and I woke up with a bit of a cold, my contribution to the festivities. Not forgetting of course what the money raised is going to. How the problem of aids and hunger are going to be solved, I haven't a clue. Some technology in the form of sustainable energy and good farming methods would help more than throwing money at them.
There is a project in Africa called the Roundabout Wells Project. This involves pumping up water by turning a roundabout, like in a playground. I've seen pictures of it and read letters as to how well (pun) it is working.
Our acappella group, Scarabella, has done several gigs in support of this project and it sits very well with me to be able to help in this way. We are so fortunate in this country to be able to get food and water, access health services and have electricity, that it is easy to forget and whine on about little things because we miss the bigger, global picture.

Mr A is away working until tomorrow night, then sunday we are going to some friends for a meal. I may pop into town to get slippers for Liberty when she visits as this is a 'no shoes' house. Mr A carried back a carpet from Tunisia which we don't want mud on. Living in the country does mean mud and dirt stick to shoes more than a concrete city. I wouldn't have it any other way though.

Menu of the Day will be posted later when I decide what I shall have. The days of popping out for a takeaway have gone and it is a rare thing to do now. Last takeaway was an Indian and a disappointment. Now, if there were a Lebanese restaurant within travel, I would definitely be in there lots, I love their food. I have run out of Walnut and Advocaat flavour icecream which I must rectify, as it is one of my favourite treats. The girls all love it too.

Right! Got your attention!
Look up the post for 14.3.07 under the heading 'Watch this video - The Biscuit Rap.'

You'll enjoy it - honest!

DINNER
Pasta in Tomato and Smoky Bacon Sauce
Salad a la Moi

OOooo I just made a cup of coffee in the cafetiere and it smells delicious. One of those Fair Trade Organic ones, from Antigua.

Last night it was Cheese n Chilli Potato Wedges at the pub before singing. Lovely! I really, really enjoyed it. We had a good rehersal, starting on a new song of mine which is in 9 beats, sung in 5/4 and 4/4 timing.

One of my thoughts for the day on another blog was that life was like a beaded necklace. The things that we look forward to and give us pleasure are the beads, and the bit of string in between is the looking forward to them time. Well, here is my string theory. Really, we should be looking at one long bead, and life should be enjoyable all the time, with no in between bits of waiting for something good to happen. We make it happen by enjoying being in the moment.
Ha! I hear you say! Yes, I do hear you say it loud and clear.
Well, that's the theory, in reality, most of us have ups and downs, me included. It would be fantastic though, wouldn't it, to actually enjoy every minute of the day. I guess it's all down to state of mind and what influences we have. If you have an arguement with someone, you aren't going to feel all serene about it because they have got to you and annoyed you. It would actually annoy them intensely if you adopted a peaceful mood and not let them affect you. Some people thrive on rows, so don't give them the bait.

I've just had a thought about the string theory and rosaries. They are beads connected by links, so when the beads are twiddled one is supposed to focus on the divine. Damn! Someone has thought of it already! (Sorry Meno Mama.)

I have had a haircut! Hurrah! It is now a short bob. I can wear it straight or squish it after washing and have it curly. 2 hairdo's for the price of one. Emma, my hairdresser is really good, though I baulked at the sales pitch to buy shampoo and conditioner for $15.
So, after the retail therapy yesterday, a whole new image is coming along nicely. I am almost smart! I mean smart as in neat and tidy, not big headed.
I had fun trying on some high heels and tottering around the shoe shop in them. I still can't ditch the little girl thoughts about dressing up in my mums shoes though....I may never *grow up*

Both fires are lit in the house and it's warm and cosy.Time for the Archers....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d5fhNlZOF8

This is from the most excellent of shows 2 Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps.
Enjoy x

For some inexplicable reason I got up at 6.50am. Mr A was up already, going to catch the 7.40 train. The blue tit was tapping at the living room window as their feeder was empty, they are getting cheekier as time goes by. They'll be chirping through the letterbox next!
So I get a call at 7.15am, Mr A got a puncture driving to the station, so he's back in his office at home working today. He's going to get spoilt, I've already made him another slice of toast and cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Listening to'Primarily Acappella Jukebox' a site with lots of styles of vocal music. Oooo some of those bass voices make butterflies in my tum. I love singing bass, bringing the voice from the depths is so satisfying. Go on - try it!

So, I'm in a good mood. Hurrah! Switched on computer and there is an email from Molly, my 13yr old grandaughter. I haven't read anything written by her before, and a real treat to read, she writes really well. She gave a precis of this book she read, a Goosebumps book (spooky thrillers for younger readers) and it could have been a review in a magazine it was that good. So I replied and told her that I thought it was well written, Mr A thought so too, so it's not just me being biased.
I think I'm enjoying being a grandparent more than being a parent. Being able to have time away from them is a big bonus, plus they are girls so I can identify more with them. I do have a sort of grandson, in that 2 of the girls' mum has a son with her present partner, a cheeky 5 yr old. Although he isn't related by blood, I am fond of him -he always asks for some food, which he knows he will get. His energy is so much more boisterous than the girls, he's forever bouncing around, dashing from one room to the next. This little boy is vegan, so maybe that accounts for so much energy!

Well, the vocal track's finished, I think I may go onto another site and listen to something more contemporary.
Menu of the Day will be posted later. I know already what it's going to be, but I'll keep it under wraps for now. Here's a hint, we had some of it last night after our pick and mix savoury buffet. Damn! I've given it away - ah well, I'll have to write something a bit more interesting as well. It must be time for another Tyalskye and Pacy story........

My mate Carol who visited at the weekend had a cd of 'Boggle' on her laptop, so I copied it, as I enjoy playing the word game.

I feel well on my way to attending a B.A. meeting saying 'my name is Avrilo, it is no time at all since I last played a game of Boggle on the computer.'
It's addictive, I now know why Carol spent so much time on the game.

Most of us look forward to things to brighten up ones life, be it food, games, friends, family - whatever.
I could say that life is like a beaded necklace, the beads are the events that bring pleasure, the thong is the bit in between.

Still reading Ian Rankin. Said ta ra to Molly, Eve and Whisper the hamster this morning as they set off for their home education class.

DINNER
Selection of Indian Snacks:Onion Bharji, Veg Samosa, Veg Pakora
Raita
Gherkins
Pickled Beetroot (homemade homegrown)
Bellini Peppers
Olives
Salami Milano

Homemade Chicken Soup from Sunday Roast

DINNER FOR ME AND MR A
Morrisons Best Cumberland Sausages
Mash
Greens from the Garden

DINNER FOR MOLLY AND EVE
Quorn Tomato and Basil Sausages
Ditto for the Rest

Yes, I have my 2 veggie grandaughters coming for dinner. I think healthwise it's been good for them as they are fit and not at all overweight.

Carwise, I need new wheel bearings for the MOT, being done today. Mr A's car is also in the garage, his gear box died, also ready today.
I've thought about not managing with a car, as I am concerned about the carbon emissions. I could not do what I do without it. Taking public transport would take so long - there isn't a direct bus to the places I go to, so it would mean changing buses and a lot of waiting about.
Holidays wise though, we go on holiday by air about every 3-4 years. Hopefully the next time will be this year. I'm going to ask him away for a Barcelona weekend soon, not in the Easter holidays though

Watched 'Castaway' on tv. Where they have a group of people living on their own with minimal provisions for 3 months. The usual stuff. The egotists asserting themselves and bossing people, the lazy ones who watch others doing the work etc. Fairly interesting, but don't know if I'll follow it. The best bit was seeing the dolphins at play in the sea. A couple of the people went and swam with them and said it was the best thing they had ever done.

Mr A has been digging the garden. He says it's much easier this year than last year, as it haden't been dug for many years. Have got some asparagus crowns from friends to put in. My favourite vegie!
There are snowdrops and daffodils everywhere, breaking up with colour the background into natural works of art.

Molly and Eve, my grandaughters are here for the weekend, staying mostly with their dad who lives just up the stairs at the top of the bank. They are both looking very fashionable. Molly (13) has a fitted black coat with puffed shoulders, lacing at the back and a split down the front. A bit goth. She's also dyed her hair, mostly blonde with red and green streaks. She still looks really young though as she doesn't wear makeup. Thank goodness.
Eve has denims that have huge legs which fall over her shoes and drape along the ground. Apparently it's fashionable to have such long legs on your trousers.
I know I'm prejudiced, but they are lovely girls, having good skin and both pretty. No sweeping chimneys for them!

Today has been a bit cold, so I've got the woodburner in my room, where I am now going. It's lovely and cosy. Mr A is in his office working with music on. I can hear him singing along from time to time, which means he's in a good mood. He's just played The Cardigans, they are a good band and the singer has a lovely voice.

Last night we had a takeaway. First one for ages. It was an Indian and very greasy. Good, but mild, I couldn't finish mine and for once threw the leftovers away. I usually keep them to refry the next day. We spent yesterday travelling to Pembrokeshire to check on his parents house while they are away travelling. There was a blocked drain in one of the fields, so he unblocked it.
There is a caravan on their land which we used to live in when we first got together. When we got married, we both planted a tree in front of it. (I've got a photo of it.) The tree I planted, a eucalyptus, is now about 80ft high with a fairly wide trunk! It's tall and thin, the leaves grown on the side next to Mr A's tree. His tree is now like a tall bush - I can't remember what it's called. The trees are touching each other and I want to take a photo of them and put it against the photo of when they were little seedlings.

Time for the afternoon ritual, cup of tea with a Mr Kipling's Apple Pie.

DINNER
Roast Chicken stuffed with Thyme and Garlic
Roast Potatoes
Leeks from the Garden
Greens from the Garden
Organic Carrots
Gravy from Heaven

Morrisons Walnut and Advocaat Flavour Ice Cream

Terry and Carol, friends for many years are visiting and joining us for dinner. As I type, Carol is doing a quiz on her lap top, Terry and Mr A are watching some sport on tv which entails some yelling from time to time."Handball!" So it must be footie.
It's been quite a busy day, with all 3 grandaughters dropping in from time to time as well, plus hamster sitting for the weekend.

I don't often drink (alckyhol) but tonight I'm supping Mr A's fine homebrew, and it's going down a treat.

Looking at Google Earth's site, viewing right down to seeing my friend's car outside her house. Pretty amazing how close the satellite's can get. When you can see if your tax disc on the car is out of date, then it's time to worry.
Talking about cars, mine is in for an MOT. Gulp. My mechanic was going to ring me back later, which he hasn't done. I hope that means good news......

Terry and Carol spend 6 weeks in Australia recently, over there for Xmas as their daughter moved out there recently. The hottest day they had was 42 degrees! Phew! I think the sunblock was trowelled on to about an inch thick. The photos were good, lots of native animals, including kangeroos with their offsprings' legs poking out of their pouch. Lots of colourful parrots, storks, pelicans, koalas and a photo of a wombat sitting on Carol's lap, showing it's private parts (the wombat, not Carol.)

Reading Ian Rankin at the mo. Inspector Rebus stories, though just read 2 books of his short stories. He can certainly write a good short story, with an interesting punch line.
Mr A is reading 'Bevis' by Richard Jeffries. It's a boys adventure story. Mr A said that he read it when he was about 10yrs old,
and he told his mum that it made him feel sad that he wasn't having such interesting adventures himself. His mother packed him off to go camping with his grandparents to compensate. I don't know if he had any adventures whilst with them, but it probably took his mind off missing out on anything at home.

Ah, Mr A has taken over the cooking, as he is in the room with the Rayburn (and the tv) whilst Carol and I are in my room, with the computers and the woodburner. How nice it is to hand over responsibility for a roast dinner after preparing it, and just shoving the chicken in the oven. Nice one Mr A.

DINNER
Frozen Atlantic Wild Salmon
Mash
Salad a la Moi

Saw in the paper today that there is a prize awarded to the strangest book title of the year. Here are a few of the contenders:

Stray Shopping Carts. A Guide to Field Identification.
Tattooed Mountain Women and Spoon Boxes of Daghestan.
How Green Were the Nazis?

Previous Winners:
Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Nude Mice. (1978)
Oral Sadism and the Gegetarian Personality. (1986)
Lesbian Sadomaschochism Safety Manual. (1990)
Living with Crazy Buttocks. (2002)
Bombproof you Horse. (2004)

...and the must for the coffee table -
Natural Bust Englargement with Total Power: How to Increase the other 90 per cent of your Mind to Increase the Size of your Breasts. (1985)

For the first time in a l o n g time, I washed my car today. Very satisfying it was too. It is going in for an mot tomorrow and I wanted the approval of my mechanic.

Liberty came for a visit today, she helped (cough) to plant some flower bulbs. She was more interested in worms though and kept picking them up whenever I wasn't looking. She finds them fascinating for some reason. This kid loves gherkins and olives, a girl after my own stomach.
She still can't say the 'ck' sound and calls crackers tratters still.
It takes me ages to decifer her sometimes if she tells me something with that sound in.

A little comment about a Bloscar winner, Moltsplace. Winner of 'The Blogger you would most like to meet' award. Well, I met him at the Blogmeet and I can verify that he is well worth meeting. His blog blows like a fresh breeze of niceness. Go and pay a visit if you haven't done so, he is refreshingly pleasant.

DINNER
Fresh Mackerel with Thyme stuffing
Boiled Potatoes
Salad a la Moi

Lovely to have a bit of fresh fish. Mr A was very happy with that.

When he got back from work it was pouring and he had to manoevre trailers (2) and a quad bike in the dark, so I went with him and held the torch in my mac.

Had Liberty, my nearly 3 yr old round again today. We were watching C Beebies and this programme called 'The Numberjacks' came on. She said 'it might be scarey so you can hold my hand' and held my hand all the way through the show, which seemed to consist of the numbers 0-9 going on adventures. We then did some bouncing on the bed and hiding under the covers, waiting for a monster, then jumping up, pointing a finger and shouting 'vamoose!' We used to do that ages ago and she remembered it and wanted to do it again.
So we had a great time.

Eve and Molly are coming at the weekend so I shall be hamster sitting while they are upstairs, at my son's and come down to our house to visit. Eve, nearly 11yrs, does Kung Fu every week and wants to go to China to study with a Master. She can beat everybody in thumb wrestling! Even Mr A, who has very big thumbs.

I brought some Aquilega (Columbine) and colourful lillies to plant but it was too wet. The first bulb I grew successfully was aquilega, it's a lovely flower. I still remember the buzz I got when something I planted actually came up to greet me! What a feeling of helping birth a living thing full of colour!

I think there should be a reality tv show for politicians. Maybe a Politician Big Brother. Or, swop places with council tenants for a week, but the kids stay at their own houses. Heh heh.

BUFFET
Tender pieces of chicken, very tasty
Unidentified sandwiches, also very tasty, some had red beans in some had cheese.
Celery and dip
Salad (not as good as mine)

Despite the lack of identifiable sandwiches, it was a great buffet, everything was fresh - which makes a big difference.
Our group sang, then there was a local choir and to finish a 3 girl harmony group who wore cowboy hats and sang sweetly.

There was a fire outside on the beach, so we gathered and watched the moon. At first, a bit blurry (then I put my glasses on!) It became brighter as a small chunk appeared, seeming to eat it up in smooth portions. At one point there was a cloud which covered it but it soon moved out of the way when asked nicely. It seemed like watching the moon as a 3D object, as it glowed from behind and an aura of brightness surrounded it.
We sang around a nicely conducted fire, which gave off light, heat and spirit. Mr A even joined in singing with me, as he sometimes does, but not always.
There was a close feeling of companions together watching a cosmic event joined together in song and spirit. How lucky I am to have such friends who give me what I love!

In the world of having to deal with the consequences of being off work on sick leave, I had to attend a formal meeting that left me feeling down. I felt that I didn't say everything I wanted to, as I had some grievances to get off my chest. I did speak out more so than I have done before even though I felt intimidated by numbers and management speak. I had a support midwife with me who has been fantastic, she has been a lifeline to me throughout the stressful times. She even cried at the meeting on my behalf when I said this to management. Anyway, I haven't felt like blogging for a few days, part of feeling stressed and down. I am waiting for a medical appointment and hopefully the formal procedure of applying for illhealth retirement can go through.
My stress will fall away when - not if - when (think positively) my application is successful. At the moment though, I don't know if I'll get it. If not, I'm stuffed! (gi' us a quid mate.)

Today has been glorious after all the wind and rain we've had around here. The irises have come up in the garden - such a gorgeous blue.
Mr A has sown seeds in a propigator which is in his shed. New growth has become established and wild flowers are popping up.
I've gone a bit blah blah now, I'm obviously running out of stuff to talk about - still, that's never stopped me before....

LAST NIGHTS DINNER
Chicken Curry - Remains of roast chicken from sunday with peppers and courgettes.
Basmati Rice
Garlic and Coriander Nan
Salad a la Moi

Mr A got back late evening after a long drive from a job and was knackered. He only ate a small amount. So, do I reuse and add to the curry tonight? There's quite a bit left. With that burning question superceding global events I shall catch up with blog friends now.....

Mr A and I are going to a friend's 40th birthday party, and we were told there would be a buffet, so are starving ourselves till then.
Scarabella, the all girl, all singing, all moving around a bit, singing group will be performing tonight, along with other choirs.
So, the high heeled boots are on tonight, I will tottering along trying to keep my balance will bigging it up. It has been quite a while since we'll gone out, and if it stays dry there will be a fire on the beach later.

There will be a lunar eclipse at 9.30, so eyes peeled everyone.

Congratulations all you Bloscar winners! (Have yet to look at who got what yet.)
Full feedback on party later.

So, skates on, chocks away!!!!!!!.................