DINNER (from last night)
Organic New Baby Potatoes
Spinach from the Garden
Thai Prawn Fishcakes

I cut open an avocado for starters to discover it was jpart black inside, so...I scooped out the innards, put them in a bowl and sloshed in on my face and wrinkly bits whilst in the bath. It's supposed to be good for the skin, and my skin certainly felt soft after I had scraped off the lumps.

I had discovered some mouse droppings recently and told my neighbour (part time neighbour as it's their holiday home). Pete said that he had caught 12 mice with his humane mouse catcher in the few days they had been down and would lend it to me. So I have 2 mouse catchers on the go....

You put some food in the end, and at the other end is a door, that springs shut when the balace is altered by the weight of a mouse at the food end.
I was watching tv last night, and heard a noise from the kitchen. 'Aha!' I thought, my first customer!

Peering into the kitchen, I saw a mouse peering back at me, sitting, quite unconcerned, just in the mouse box. She was a tiny fieldmouse, and watched me approach her nervously. What to do? Try and coax her right into the box, I thought was the best move. However, she was too quick for me and dashed to freedom across the sink, behind the taps. I allowed her the first round.

This morning when I went into the kitchen, I saw that the door to the catcher was shut. This meant that there must be a mouse inside.

I took it gingerly out to the woods, opened the door and shook it. Madam Mouse fell out and ran to freedom. Round 2 to me I think....

So, tonight I am in Swansea, going to see the Harry Potter film, after getting the new Harry Potter book from the library. So I'm all Pottered up for a while!
I'll be staying at the lovely Brenda's house tonight as the film finishes after 11pm, and it's a long drive home. She made me a scrumptious toasted sandwich, which included garlic cream cheese, mushrooms, salami, and some unidentified bits and bobs. So I have plenty of room for Tacos and Jalapeno Peppers at the cinema.

I have left a humane mouse catcher set up at home in the kitchen, so we shall see if there is another customer for freedom on my return, tomorrow.

DINNER
Organic Pasta Twirls in Puttanesca Sauce (tomatoe with olives and oregano)
Grated Gruyere Cheese
Salad a la Moi with Feta Cheese

Blooming deliciousioso!

So, I'm back from a week of camping, and guess what - it didn't rain at all! Hurrah! Lovely sunny days, though the nights were damp and misty.
The first night we (Scarabella) were on the main stage, complete in our black and glittery turquoise scarves. We really enjoyed it, as usual the audience were great! I tell you, an all female audience really gives the act complete attention and encouragement!
As usual, a linear description of events isn't feasible, all I can do is make a list of memorable times I had, not neccessarily in the right order! So.....best bits.

Watching 'In Vocal' a 4 piece with cello, fiddle, clarinet and guitar and lots of harmonies singing humourous songs. The one I really remember is called something like 'I'm a twat.' All about remembering the previous night's drinking, and the consequences. Describing what each particular alcoholic drink helped them to do, ending with vodka, and being unfaithful. When found out, the partner says 'I could kill you in the night, and make it look like an accident'. Writing about it doesn't do it justice, it was funny, believe me...

I did some amazing workshops, very liberating and free. Acting like about age 6 again with others, being absolute bonkers, totally getting into being spontaneous, however silly it became.
I joined the band to provide music for the play on the last day. It was part of an old legend, full of themes like revenge, magic, being lost then finding long lost children etc...anyhoo, great fun playing piano for it, and I did get some nice comments on my playing which boosted the old ego no end.

I did my comedy C & W set on guitar on stage, then got the audience singing and stopped playing the instrument so it was all vocal. Nice!

I was asked if I could accompany musically 2 belly dancers as there was no electricity that night for their cd. I played 'Moondance' and 'Hit the Road Jack' to which they enthusiastically and gamely danced their way through. I imagine it's the first time any belly dancing was done to those songs! I didn't know any appropriate Eastern music, it worked fine though, in the end.

Got dolled up for the salsa party with live latin band, by wearing a lovely dress with a corset on the outside.....

Laughing loads at an improvised comedy act, based on 'Whats my Line'. Ideas from the audience to inspire an action, like 'Worlds Worst...'
- hairdress, someone miming wielding a chainsaw.
- signer for the dear, they faced the wrong way.
I can't remember all of them now..

Did a 'Loop' workshop, where we used a loop machine. This is where you record something, play it back and record onto it a few times. You end up with as many recordings playing at the same time as you want. We did a great piece based on food! If you say sausages and mash in a rhythmic way it can sound quite catchy!

Meeting friends who I only ever see once a year at WIT camp. Since I've been going for 7 years now (is it really 7?) they seem like old friends.
Met and heard some fantastic musicians and singers. I've got a contact for a really good blues harmonica player, who lives within an hours drive. I quite fancy playing a bit more blues, and with such a great accompaniment it'll be great.

The food was all vegetarian, but very tasty and cheap. I took my little gas stove for coffee, especially first thing. I did cook one meal of an evening, but after that I just got them from the cafe. Lots of my friends seem to have done the same thing as me and got big tents. Some were quite palatial.

Now, I've said it before, and I'll say it again - spending time with just women is an amazing thing. You keep expecting a bloke to turn up, as you would in day to day living. When it sinks in that no bloke is going to turn up for a week, well, women start to feel safe and free, less inhibited. All the technical staff were female, including the sound engineers for the main stage and the electricians. The power was solar and wind, and that provided loud amplified music for the evenings.

Outside, round the campfires, lots of singing, telling stories, chat, laughing or just looking at the fire filled the evening nicely.
There was a dance tent with teenage d.j's who played fantastic dance music till the early hours. I had a great time with 3 mates dancing together all doing the same thing. (I think it's called choreography.)
We thought we were the bees knees!

I did notice the difference between a mixed festival and a women only one. The mixed ones I've been to had problems with people stealing stuff from tents and some aggro with drunken blokes.
At this camp, there has never, in the 10 years it's been going been anything stolen. Isn't that amazing! You could trust that anything left in your tent, even with it open, would be safe. I knew I could leave my bag with cards, money and phone in my tent and they wouldn't be stolen.

Now, doesn't that say something positive about WIT camp?
Guess I can't praise it enough, and the volunteers who put it together, they don't make any profit from it. In fact, they make a loss, which is a bloody shame. They provide support for deaf women (signers at all performances) and help for all disabled women, so they could attend. Normally they couldn't go to a festival as the support isn't available.

Anyhoo, I'm not going to go on and on about the fabulousness of it all, as I suspect it becomes boring after a bit.......

With a swish of an all enveloping cape and a zig zag left on the screen, I will go - for now...........

DINNER

Starters, Corn on the Cob

Stir fry with carrot, leek,with Green Thai Sauce
Noodles

With Mr A away I made an effort to cook a nutritious meal, as sometimes I can't be arsed and just get a ready made meal.

Well, I'm off tomorrow to the women in Tune music camp for a week, so no blogging (unless I nip home for a bath and a quick blog.)
I am so looking forward to it - will tell all on return.

I still haven't got my keyboard stand yet!! I paid Sunday, and it is now 10 days later. I sent the seller an email asking where it was and he said he didn't realise I wanted it quickly and was waiting for funds to arrive in his bank. What a plonker! No positive feedback from me for this one!

Had Liberty, my 3yr old grandaughter this afternoon and had a go on her trampoline. It's a biggie, and a lot of fun! We had a good time together, and she said she liked me. Ah! I told her that I liked her too.

Cheerio for now....xxxx

Here I am, escaping from the photos that I've already seen that Mr A took in Germany, while his parents, sister and 3 nieces are visiting.
Thank goodness for the keyboard, which is being played by the girls,10, 8 and 7.

Time to go and visit Megan's grave.
Back later..

DINNER

Spag Bog, with Mushrooms, yellow Pepper, Onion n Garlic, half a chilli, Organic Courgette, Worcestershire Sauce and Prime Scottish Beef Mince Meat.
Salad a la Moi
Organic Spaghetti
Feta Cheese on the Side

It makes a real difference to use good ingredients, and we're not talking a lot of money here.
It was a very tasty meal

Yesterday a friend called by and offered to take us both out for a meal. Well, that's the sort of offer you can't refuse! We rang and booked a table at a pub where Mr A had seen a good menu when he was working in the area.
I should have taken photos at the beginning of the meal, I forgot, and took them halfway through, which didn't look so good.
I think maybe the management thought we might be food critics, as I was taking photos, and we were given an extra plate of chips!

I had Fresh Sea Bass Stuffed with prawn Sauce. Afters was a chocolate truffle concoction with a Baileys Cream type of cream
Mr A had Steak and Ale Pie and the local cheese board. Very nice!
Chris had a Rump Steak (Welsh Black) and Strawberry Pavlova. Now, that was worth taking a pic of, it looked beautiful. They all looked good in fact!
The chips were really large and cooked in fresh oil, non greasy. Nice!

I decided to have a 'De-stressed' Party when I (or if I) get my higher pension awarded. If I don't get it, then I'll have a party anyway, just me and a bottle!
I thought everyone could wear a dress. A themed play on words party. Chris said he'd wear a grass skirt and immediately began wondering where he could get one from.

Been playing a bit of guitar today, put on new strings and they sound so much better. Except, one broke and I had to put the old one back on. It was a G string, wouldn't you know!

Mr A has now got enough firewood bagged up to keep an entire shopping mall warm through winter. It's a lot, anyway.

Today has been a sorting out paperwork day. Long overdue stuff which meant Mr A tidied up his office! Decided to throw away any stuff older than 5 years, bank statements, tax stuff etc. All to be burnt, otherwise there could be lots of cloning and nicking of identities going on.

I haven't mentioned the smoking, or rather not smoking. Well.....I've cut right down and write down each time I have a smoke. A maximum of 4 a day, spread out throughout the day. I really want to quit, and a couple of weeks ago I almost did, and felt quite good about it. Now though, I'm back to giving in to the craving and feel it's back to square one. Still, I'm not going to give up trying to give up!

Mr A's parents, sister, and 3 nieces are coming tomorrow to put flowers on Megan's grave. His sister is visiting from Switzerland, where they live. I've got in some Welsh cakes, no expense spared there! They will be eating lunch before coming over, so thoughtful. I think there's going to be some tears........

DINNER

Sausage Casserole with Tomatoes from Gro bags in Spicy Spices
Broccolli (is it 1 or 2 l's?)
Lovely lovely lovely Mash made from Organic Potatoes

No, it isn't sausage n mash, it's casserole!

Dr Who and this post are occupying the same space/time continuum.
Therefore, cheerio!

DINNER - WEDNESDAy

Starter: Marinated and Roasted Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds with Pinenuts. (Mr A's favourite snack.)

Chicken Soup made from Sunday's Roast, with added:
Celery
Leeks
Runner and French Beans from the Garden
Organic Potatoes
Bay Leaf

Oooo it felt so nourishing! I added some soy sauce and it added a tasty base note. (Or is it bass note?)

I'm still waiting for my keyboard stand, the item I 'won' from ebay, paid for sunday evening. I thought it would come tuesday after being posted monday, but no, I'm still waiting.
I emailed the seller asking when I could expect it. For $9.99 I would have thought it would be sent first class.
Thing is, I need it for the Women in Tune music camp next week, when I'll be taking my keyboards.
My initial excited 'ooo, I wonder when it'll come?,' has now turned into 'bloody hell, where is it!'

Haven't decided what to cook tonight, big possibility it could be pasta with tomato sauce.
Time to make another loaf in the breadmaker, I may try using some rye flour for the next batch.....

I disinfected the wooden floors yesterday and hoovered the carpets to within an inch of their pile. Essence of ill dog is now longer with us.
Mr A noticed how gleaming and neat the house looked, and it did give me a real positive buzz.
I love our house! The colours, mainly maroon, 2 shades of jade green, blue and hints of golden yellow blend smoothly, with a feel of dark, rich chocolate, or soft velvet, and that's just in the living room!
A good room to digest food in.

I did have an idea for something fairly interesting to blog yesterday, and thought it would provoke some debate. It's slipped out of my mind now, but if I remember then I'll post it.

Mr A is out in the woods digging a sheepdog sized hole. There are lots of roots, so it'll take about an hour.
I'll lay a bunch of flowers on her grave and probably say a few words.
Something simple.
Easy.
Short.

As the dinner's cooking, a brief poem comes to mind.

O Megan, Meggie, Meg, lovely Meg.
You were never the sort of dog to do beg.
You liked your privacy and grass for a pee.
Your black and white thick fur touched a core part of me.

DINNER
Starters:
Fresh Asparagus

Cold Roast Chicken
Salad a la Moi
Organic Potatoes

Morrisons Walnut, Advocaat Flavour and Chocolate Ice Cream

After yesterday's update, Megan staggered out for a pee and collapsed on the grass and had to be carried back in. Mr A always said that she loved to pee on grass, it was a stupendous effort on her part to get there as she had been lying down most of the day.
In the evening, I gave her some chicken gravy with lots of garlic, left over from sunday's dinner via the syringe. She took it well, though I told her it would make her breath smell.

We moved her to the front room, lying on a clean blanket in front of the range. Earlier, she felt cold, so it was good to warm her up.

Mr A brushed her fur, so it looked sleek, felt soft, and was nice to stroke.

At 03.30 this morning, I heard her moving around so checked on her, her breathing was rapid, so, (again), I thought it wouldn't be long before she was knock knock knocking on Doggie Heaven's Door.

I lit a candle for her in the room, stroked her, said goodbye and went back to bed, as I was falling asleep.

I heard her gasping at 04.30, and knew she had passed away then.
Mr A confirmed it this morning when he went out to check, first thing.

I'm so glad she was groomed last night and went out looking her best.
She certainly earnt her keep over the years by helping Mr A's dad to herd pigs, ducks, and cows.

Menu of the Day follows later....

Thank you blog friends for your wonderful support. What goes around comes around, I guess what I mean is, the caring energy you sent comes back to you even stronger.

Mr A has gone to the office, so it's just me and Megan.
I picked up the phone to ring him to say 'she's on her way, won't be long now,' then she just carried on breathing, and she's still here, in the lean to.

I gave her water and sugar, Rescue Remedy, and yesterday's chicken n garlic gravy - all via a syringe.

I've covered up her back half as there are these horrible blowflies keep buzzing around her backside. Urhg! So she's lying there with an old skirt of mine, it's a frilly one, over her, looking like one of those performing dogs in a tutu. She seems peaceful just very weak through lack of food. So, the saga continues......

Well I did it, I won my keyboard stand for $4.40 (my max bid was $5).
However, after I paid it got very confusing.
The seller has 3 email addresses, so I got 3 invoices demanding payment, after I'd paid. So I paid again. Checked my paypal account and saw I'd paid twice, so I cancelled one payment.
Phew!
Then I got another demand for payment! Even though I got an email from paypal saying the seller had been paid.

So I went to bed not sure if he'd been paid or not, or where the money went. It was after midnight and I was so tired by then.
Got an email from the seller this morning apologising, saying it was all his fault cos he had 3 different email addresses but said that he had been paid and was sending the stand asap.
Hurrah!
It wasn't my fault that it got so confusing after all.
Now, what can I get next?
(Have a listen to Weird Al Jancovic's song 'On Ebay' on utube! Says it all!

Megan news. She had 2 pieces of chicken last night and is still being fed milk and sugar. She is still responsive, though still losing blood.
Her fur is in a right state, covered in milk and sugar, but she still looks lovely. Thank goodness we have a lean to with a concrete floor that can be washed easily. She has become incontinent now, and as she likes her privacy having a wee, I'm sure she is beyond being embarrased now. She doesn't appear to be in pain, so I'm going out to her every so often, stroking and talking to her. She's as deaf as a post but maybe she can lip read by now.
I just hope there's someone there to do the same for me, if I ever need it!

There are window frames to paint, hey ho, but I'm not in the mood.
Maybe later......

Menu of the day later, though I've got a good idea of what it will be, so should you if you read yesterday's menu!
Can anyone guess?

I've Won!
The fact that I'm paying for the item doesn't really mean I've won, but I beat 1 other bidder for the keyboard stand that I paid $4.40 for. The post and packing was more, $9.99. But hey, I've been after one for ages, and they are all at least $15.

A lot of you Ebay it regularly and think no more of buying something than going to the shops. I, however, still feel like a little girl doing something new for the first time, and consequently, really excited about it.

Mr A is going to give Megan some more milk and sugar before bed. She's lying down, still responsive.

Ah lovely roast chicken with gravy...

Mr A tried Megan with some chicken and she snaffled some from his hand! First food for days. She's still lying around, but still here....

Dusk is drawing in, I can hear the last of the birdsong for the evening. Sky is fairly clear so it should be a good day tomorrow. We shall see.

I've put a bid on eBay. This is the first time I've done this and it feels quite exciting. It's for a keyboard stand and only one other has bid for it. So, keys crossed.....

DINNER
Roast Chicken
Roast Potatoes
Runner and French Beans from Garden
Roast Parsnips
Spinach from Garden

Well, Megan made it through the night in the lean to, which Mr A had to swab out with disinfectant this morning. Poor dear managed to to out for her morning pee, but mainly lies down. Mr A dripped some milk and sugar again into her. He rang his mother to tell her what's happening and she will ring back when they've decided what to do about her. She is getting so weak now without eating. She doesn't seem to be in pain thank goodness.

Sue, if you go to my profile, click on personal message, then I can reply to you that way. I've looked for your number, and can't find it.

It rained in the night and dry but cloudy now, feels like a listless day to me, don't feel like doing much.
Meno was feeling edgy yesterday, I wouldn't mind feeling a bit edgy, might give a bit of oomph to the day!

Another day of cricket on the radio. Any women out there interested in listening to cricket? Just wondered, as it passes right over my head, and they just seem to rambling on about incomprehensible stuff. Mr A goes 'ooo' occasionally, so I know something's happened, gawd knows what though.

How nice was that! A barbie with tomatoes plucked from the vine! They are in grobags in front of the house, where we had the barbie. The bread was ready from the breadmaker and beetroot from the garden. We've been enjoying spinach, runner beans, french beans, broad beans from the garden too. Sweetcorn cobs have appeared but not quite ready yet. Mr A pulled the onions and they are laid out and drying in the lean to.

Megan's just had her second dose of milk with sugar and she lapped it up from Mr A's hand. As she is becoming incontinent, we've put her in the lean to and will keep and eye on her. She's a strong dog!

So, going to bed stinking of woodsmoke is very satisfying - bath tomorrow.

DINNER
Barbequed Monkfish wrapped in Vine Leaves
Veggie Kebabs (Halloumi Cheese, Green Peppers, Onions, Tomatoes)
Salad a la Moi
Fresh Homebaked Bread

We are dog-sitting Megan, my inlaws sheepdog who is an old lady and not very well. Rather than go out last night, we stayed in nursing her as she hadn't eaten for days and is bleeding when she walks. Poor old dear. Mr A nursed her with milk and sugar and we made a huge fuss of her as it must be scary for her. We were sure she was going to go last night, but she's still here today, toddling to have a wee, returning and lying on the floor. She still won't eat but drinking water.

Weeded the flower garden with a vengence today, if it weren't flowering or looking nice then it got the chop - no mercy! Now that the house is being painted and looking good I've got to get the garden looking a bit more, what's the word? Not tidy, cos I don't like tidyness in a garden, ah, I know - colour! Textures too. I love having sage, marjoram, and fennel next to each other as they are so different. Sage is a dark green, hard looking large leaves with nice pink flowers. Fennel is feathery and delicate with yellow flowers. Marjoram, or Oregano, has tiny leaves bright green with lilac and pink flowers.

Oooo! It's starting to rain! I can hear the pitter patter clearly on the tarp outside the window, over Mr A's workbench. Ah well, maybe no barbie after all.....

DINNER
Organic Pasta Swirls with Smokey bacon and Chestnut Mushroom tomato Sauce
Salad a la Moi

Back to dull skies with showers. Yesterday we managed to paint the new window frames Mr A made. Following the original colours of bright mustard yellow and dusky red they bring a carnival feel to the wooden house.

Mr A did another charcoal burn yesterday. He buried the barrel in hopes of increasing the yield. Nope, still about the same. So if anyone has any ideas of how to do a charcoal burn more effectively then let us know.

Molly and Eve came for a visit whilst visiting their dad, who lives above us. We walked to the village, about a mile and had a good chat on the way. I showed Eve how to make a noise like a duck call by blowing through a blade of grass between the thumbs. She annoyed Molly something rotten by duck calling all the way! They have left and are going back to England to continue fruit picking.

I've posted off a cheque for my ticket to the Women in Tune Camp.
Was it a year ago that I blogged about what a great time I had on these pages? It seems to have gone quickly and I'm excited about going again, especially now I have a decent tent. I'll be going from Weds week to the following Tuesday. Scarabella are performing on the Weds night on the main stage. Another chance to doll up!

Mr A has taken Megan to the vets. The lovely old sheepdog isn't eating now and hobbles along, though mostly lies sleeping. We are concerned that she may be in pain, so want to find out what is wrong. Also her pee is blood coloured which isn't good. She is the most cuddly dog I've ever met, her fur so thick, like a lions mane around her neck. Having known her for 15 years it will be a wrench when she does go, but she's had a happy life and a loving home.

After receiving such encouraging comments about my poems, I will give my Muse a nudge and she if we can come up with something new and post it.
Thanks to Lifes Lessons for the link about Ganglions, it was interesting to find out more about these fluid filled buggers that sit in my wrist. I can't see me whacking them with a bible though as they are inside my wrist. Actually today they aren't a problem. So that's good.

Saw 'Hot Fuzz' on dvd. Simon Pegg, who was in 'Spaced' the cutting edge (what the hell does that mean?' comedy program on tv. anyhoo, it was funny and well done in a pastichey kind of way. Certainly worth a watch.

2 films I want to see. The Simpsons and Harry Potter latest. By the time I get round to it they'll probably be off the main screens.
Got a party to go to tonight. A combined 21st birthday party for twins. Should be good, there's 3 bands playing. The way I feel now though, I just fancy chilling out at home....

DINNER

Boiled new baby potatoes
Beech smoked ham
Salad a la Moi
Haimisha cucumbers (pickled)
Own Tomato Chutney
Olives
Beetroot from garden

Bloody lovely it was too.
Here's three poems what I wrote.

POEM POWER

Page against the machine.
Text your M.P.,
omitting vowels
and punctuation.

Overthrow by email.
Spam the Man!
A pox on your faxes!
This is a good day to rhyme.
Send in the guerillagram poets.

POEM IN HERE

Poem power.
Punishing verse,
a voice to be heard,
to be read out loud
with an unyielding lilt.
Ending with a question?

WHIFFLING

How amusing
my musing,
I'm assuming.
My Muse, She's in
the mood.

She inspires me,
does she not?
Helps recreate
these ideas I've got.

Pinpointing succinctly,
thought filled processess
proceeding neatly.

Without a doubt,
I have to concur, with
the news that my Muse
is unquestionably a Her.

So come, raise a toast,
these ideas need refilling,
then I can continue
to be splendidly
whiffling!

I theng yew!

Dr Who is on BBC3, one I haven't seen, so back later.

xxxxxxxxxx

Helloooo! After nearly a week of camping IN FINE WEATHER, I'm back online and got my blogging gloves on.
Only one day had a spot of rain, which soon cleared up and the potential mud dried out. It was a large festival with lots of different stages and stands, many promoting alternative energy. There were no generators on site, it was all wind and solar powered, and there were some big bands on stage with great sound. Very impressive.

6 of us camped in a circle, with a fire in the middle. Except we spent a lot of time out and about watching different bands, comedy acts etc. I put up my new tent. It is huge! Fantastic! A large porch with table and chairs in so we could eat munchies (olives, nice cheese etc) and drink hot chocolate with brandy for a nightcap. No more crouching down fumbling around the bedding to find clothes anymore. It has a small back porch too, ideal for using the pee bucket when it's raining.

I actually didn't get to see that many bands in the end, a lot of time was spent walking from place to place, meeting people, chatting to friends and eating. Found a cafe that made middle Eastern food, Mmmmm! 6 different dishes for $6, all delicious.
I didn't take any photos, but here are some descriptions of ones that I could have taken...

2 men covered in dried mud standing naked and chatting.

A real looking elephant. Only up close could you see it was really people in a costume.
A camel called Abdul wandering around.
Lots of pretty girls in net tutus looking fairy-like.
Amazing tents made out of embroidered materials.

We did 2 performances on thurs and Fri which went well, then 2 voice workshops on sat and sun with about 60 people in each. We sold quite a few cds.
Mr A got a lift up on saturday. We had a nice time excejpt for a near row when taking down the tent. I wanted it all taken down in one piece and he started to take it apart. When I said I wanted it in one piece he asked why and (wait for it) - questioned my judgement! My point was that if it was raining when I put it up again in 2 weeks time, I wouldn't have to faff about hooking up the inner tent, cos it was all done. Anyway, we were too tired to get into any more rowing and packing up went well. The drive home encountered a crawl on the M5, there had been an accident all 3 lanes were blocked. Once past the accident though it went fine. Watched a programme about India's Great Western Railway on telly, it was interesting. Once someone gets a job with them, they are given housing as well and a job for life. A company run by the state with thousands of employees.

Heard some fantastic music and singing, and wonder why some of them aren't famous and earning lots of money with their talent.
It was a good practice run for the week of camping I will be doing at the Women in Tune camp in 2 weeks time. I made a list of things that I didn't take which I should have done.

We have Megan with us for a week. She is a collie sheepdog (lots of cuddly black and white fur) as Mr A's parents are away. She is deaf and has wobbly back legs, she is about 15 and is expected to kick the bucket any time.....

Lots of Runner beans in the garden. Squirrels have eaten the broad beans and some of the beetroot! Mr A wants to get an airgun and shoot them...I prefer traps, still have to kill them though.

It's boiling hot now, I'm glad to be inside as the sun is too hot, and normally I love being out in it!

Anyone know any remedies for ganglions? I have 2 on my wrist which are starting to cause problems. My mother in law, an ex nurse, says there is an old remedy which goes like this.

You take the family bible and bash it on the hand where the gangion is. Apparently bashing it creates a hole in the bubble where fluid has accumulated, making the lump.
When she went to her gp with a lump on her knuckle, he told her of this remedy. He got out a Koran, not a bible (he's not Muslem) and bashed her hand with it! It worked, and she's had no problems since. As mine are on the wrist, she didn't think it would be a good idea to bash it, it's better if it's on somewhere hard, like a knuckle.

I've got lots of replies to comments to do..that's the thing after an absence, catching up. I may not reply to them all though as the comments made were a while ago. So if I haven't replied to anyone, never mind.

DINNER
Chorizo and Mushroom in Passata (tomato juice)
Organic Pasta
Salad a la Moi with Feta Cheese