DINNER
Last remains of Aubergine Bake with
Shepherds Pie, broccolli and carrots

My son came in the house earlier carrying a covered dish.
"I've brought you some Shepherds Pie I made, there was some extra," he said proudly that he's not that good at cooking, but he cooked a good shepherds pie.
He does, it was great!
I think it was also a thank you as I gave him my old mobile phone. It's actually a good one, a Motorolla with camera. I had to change it as the photos couldn't be downloaded, but I preferred it to the phone that I now have. Still, gone to a good cause, as his phone was on its last legs (or antennae).

So, have a good Samhain/Halloween eve everyone. I shall be lighting a candle, and offering kind wishes to any discarnate spirits that are floating around feeling a bit lost.

Tylluanpenry mentioned the other day that she would be having a traditional Halloween party over at hers, so I'm gonna go trick or treating......

Mouse Update.
There isn't any. 2 humane catchers are still set, 1 in the bathroom and 1 in the kitchen.
Last night though, I could hear skittering around, but couldn't tell where it was coming from.
Either, in the roof space, above where I sleep, or on the floor, as I could hear them, they were running on the uncarpeted areas, which would be the bathroom.

Anyway, this means I'm going to have to get a kitten now, and train it up with a chair and stick - wielding the stick, with a big toy mouse attached, whilst holding the chair in front of me saying "run this out of town."

I've received 2 emails from friends saying that there is a new virus around which will eat up your hard drive.
If you receive an email with an attachment saying 'invitation', DO NOT OPEN IT.
It advises to close down your computer immediately and delete the email.
Now, as invitations are a regular occurance on blog.co., it is going to be tricky, but you can go directly to your site and see the invitations there, rather than opening up an email.

This particular virus sounds terrible, there is no repair for it. It opens an 'Olympic Torch' which eats up your C drive. It was discovered by McAfee (whoever they are.)
So, be aware, very aware of emails and if in doubt, just close down, but don't, whatever you do, open any attachment that says 'invitation.' I guess that means delete the email before even reading it.
The 2 people that sent me the alert, which had been sent to them, and quite a few others before it got to me, are totally trustworthy.
So, that's why I'm passing it on, and advising you to pass it on as well.

Mr A returns late tonight, after 15 days away working in the Orkney Islands.
So, better get out the hoover, sweep away the dust and cobwebs, get some beers in and have a welcome home tidy-up.

So, there I was, in the bathroom, having a pee, facing the sink, and I noticed a moving shape in my peripheral vision, floorwards.
Like lightening, I moved my eyes down and saw, shock, horror, gasp - a mouse!
It was running along the floor to hide behind the packet of tiles that live permanently next to the bath - a remnant from when we tiled the room.

I finished my business, quickly and went out, shutting the door behind me. I went and got the humane catcher and it is now sitting in the middle of the floor waiting.
A mouse has never been spotted in the house, well anywhere other than the kitchen, anyway.

So, I hope this isn't a mouse with a grudge, or memory, of pitiful clawings from the trap trapped mouse that I wrote about in my last post.
I don't think there's any escape from the bathroom, so it should go in the trap, tempted by the raisins in it.

I just hope the mice haven't come up with a game plan to freak me out after killing (unintentionally) one of their number.

Update later.....................

DINNER
Leftover Aubergine Bake, topped with Halloumi Cheese with Spinach from the Garden,
Brown Rice with Soy Sauce
Salad a la Moi

In the oven as I write, I got a feeling it's going to be even better tonight. I added some Haulloumi cheese. This is quite salty but great cooked. Got a rubbery texture, but great flavour.

Now Mouse News.
I'd written before about using a humane catcher to catch the mice that were being cheeky in my kitchen.
I've caught and freed double numbers of the scamps, but recently, every morning the trap's been empty.
So, I forgot about it.
Then I noticed the mouse poo.
Then I noticed the trap - the door was shut.
So I carefully opened the door of the trap, it did feel a bit heavier.
I caught a glimpse of grey fur, all squashed up against the side and an awful smell. Urght!

So, I took it outside, went into the woods a bit, just in case it was going to run when I opened it up and shone a torch onto the scene. (It was nightime.)
Usually when I open the door and point it downwards the mouse scampers away, whiskers twitching at the indignity of being shut up for a few hours.
This time, there was no movement, but the weight was still there.
I had to bang the box on the ground till a little body fell out onto the ground. Still. No movement. With the smell of decay oozing towards my nostrils.

Poor little bugger had died in the trap.
It had well and truly died and gone to Mouse Heaven quite a few days ago.
r.i.p. little mousey.

................sorry.........

Now, there is the mystery of the mouse poo that was by the box. Was it the now dead mouse who left it before incarcaration, or was it friends and/or family of mousey who sat around giving words of calm and friendship whilst pooing?
Whatever scenario, there is no mouse poo today, or any mouse in the trap this morning.

On the mouse grapevine they are warning each other to steer clear of the wooden house, there are terrible, terrible walking trees who live in there....

Went into Swansea today for the library, it's a long way to go, but our local library's books aren't my cuppa at all.
So, I thought, I'll treat myself to a bit of Sushi, when it opens at 2.30. I was hungry by then, no breakfast, but worth the wait I thought.
I got there, looked through the glass to the darkness within. Then I noticed the opening times.
12-2.30 5.30-11.00
Bugger!

I made do with a veggie burger and as many garnishes as possible, so it ended up like the leaning Tower of Pisa (not Pizza). I couldn't close the bap, so the hot green peppers had to come out and be eaten separately.
God it was messy! I sat in the car with serviettes draped about my person, eating with hot chilli sauce, and mint sauce dripping from my fingers.
It wasn't that nice a burger, the garnishes (salad, coleslaw, onions, 2 different sauces, 4 green chilli peppers, cucumber and tomato, I think that's the lot), were tastier than the burger.

So now I've got a rucksack full of books to read. I'm going to start with a compilation of mystery and magic short stories...

Time for Judge Judy.
Cheers!

IF ANY OF THE ISSUES ABOVE HAVE AFFECTED YOU IN ANY WAY THEN DON'T MOAN ABOUT IT, JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP.

DINNER
Baked Aubergine with Thin Sliced Potato in Spicy Sundried Tomato Sauce with Grated Cheese Topping
Salad a la Moi
j
Mango Sorbet

When a menu tastes delicious, it's worth repeating!
Aubergine fans, this recipe is so easy, and you just bake it till the aubergines go soft.

Mr A still away, so I'm going to cook something tonight rather than bung something in the oven from the freezer, as I did last night.
A lovely sunny day today, and still getting used to the clock changing with dark evenings drawing in earlier. Bought a couple of thick white candles from cheapo store Crazy Macs to light of an evening. The candlelight always cheers, the spirit of fire, in the flame, adds some magic to a space.
It just may be the prehistoric part of the brain that responds to fire, taking memories back to when it was first discovered. I bet those first men and women who discovered it got burnt before they realised its power.

Pet hate - audiences who go 'woo!' and clap and cheer before someone has finished talking.
In X Factor on saturday, the judges couldn't be heard as the audience were still making a racket after some performances.
Celine Dion sang a song. Towards the end there was a quieter part of the song, with a pause.
The audience thought she had finished and started with the woo wooing, before she had finished the song.
They don't blood listen.
In fact, this is a rant directed to all those people who don't listen, but want to fill any space or quiet moment with their sound.
The Art of listening is greatly underated....

So, I've got the Rayburn flaming nicely, should be hot enough now to shove the aubergine in while I make the onion/garlic/tomato sauce.
Yum!

DINNER
Scampi n Chips
That's it! Got spinach in the garden which I keep meaning to pick. It's a brilliant veg, as the more you pick it, the more leaves it gets.

Another really late night, got into a vampire's rhythmn of late, being on my own, I don't watch the clock.
Watched U Tube videos last night, here's the best of the bunch.
Ani DiFranco. She is a brilliant guitarist and a great siner/songwriter. God, she's got the moves of a rock star, strumming her guitar like Pete Townsend....Yes, she can play really well.
Al Jankovic. Otherwise known as Weird Al. He does brilliant parodies of well known songs, like 'I'm Fat' instead of 'I'm Bad' by Michael Jackson, wearing a fat suit! You must have heard his cover of a Westlife song called 'Ebay.' I've got the tune in my brain now.

I was drawn to Utube by my mate Rhiannon, who recommended watching Alana Davies and her smoky, jazzy voice. Ani DiFranco was on the same page, and once I saw her video, Alana took second place. She has got a great voice, but not the charisma and presence of Ani.

Last night was very stormy, and there are shuffling sounds of various animals nosing around the outside of the house. Probably a fox. There are bats in the attic (true, not a whatsit, you know, describing something by likening it to something else. Allegory? So these bats can be a bit noisy. I've got a I heavy stick that I hit the walls and floor with when some animal snuffles too close for comfort!
'Go away!' I shout from my bed into the darkness outside the window.

Wrote some words for a song, it's a bit sloppy, but when I get struck with an idea, I have to write it down. The idea of this song is how I shall play it. Instead of my left hand playing a bass line, I shall use both hands in playing chords, and try and get a good rhythmn going....

At last, I'm a member of 'Facebook.' Another blog site, a lot more complicated than this one. I've got 4 friends, all poached from here. There's lot of activities to do on there, from writing on someones's wall, to taking part in a quiz with lots in between. You can even send a message 'Wall to Wall.' So I did, the message was 'Carpet!' as it seemed appropriate.......

DINNER
Lamb Curry
Brown Basmati Rice
Salad a la Moi, with Feta Cheese
Lime Pickle
Mango Chutney
Raita
Naan Bread

Mango Sorbet

Ok, hands up, it was a store bought curry. An exception rather than the rule with curry, as I generally like and enjoy my curries.
It weren't too bad, but not as good as homemade.

It's been a day of buying bargains. At Morrisons on the reduced table, I bought a jar opener, been wanting one for ages as sometimes (especially pickled cucumbers), I can't undo the top. Imagine my disappointment when I looked again at home and found it was an opener for drink bottles! Damn!
Also got a crazy straw (you never know when you'll need one), and an eye mask filled with gel to put in the fridge and cool puffy eyes.
At Crazy Macs, I bought some energy efficient bulbs, as it's about time I changed over, and a light shade for a bedside lamp. Got home to discover the bulb is too long and sticks out the top of the shade, making it really bright. Also the shade is brown, so a bit dark to read by.
What else? O yes, another light shade for the hallway, one of those see through shell ones, shaped like an umbrella. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it, though the light's not as nice as with the shade I replaced it with. (It had fallen apart, so needed replacing.)

So, a petty, minutae of a day, looking at the details rather than the whole picture.
Thinking about the whole picture, I realised today that I am quite happy. Even though I spend quite a lot of time on my own, I enjoy myself.
Now, that's a selfish way I know, but I am thinking of those worse off, but just not doing anything about it, except for my monthly Oxfam donation.

Enjoyed X Factor, and again, Niki made me cry with her powerful yet tender voice. She sang the song from Titanic in front of Celine Dion. That takes some nerve! She sang it really well.

Right, time for Casino Royale (the spoof version) and pudding - Mango Sorbet. Yum!

As my demands were met and comments were left on the video post, I can now reveal tonights Menu.

DINNER
Stuffed Red Pepper with Rice in Spicy Sauce
I used those long peppers as they are really sweet. I wrapped it in foil to bake it. As well as a tin of tomatoes, I added a couple of teaspoons of dried tomato paste. It makes quite a difference to the flavour, you can really taste it.
Ooo, and half a chilli for a bit of poke.

Morrisons Walnut and Advocaat Flavour Ice Cream

I seem to have fallen into a late night rhythmn over the past few nights. Consequently been sleeping late and feeling knackered by late afternoon. With Mr A away, I'm following no pattern as I don't have to get up by a certain time.
I've done my share of that though. I used to dread working earlys, which meant alarm going off by 5.30am and feeling like a zombie at work. I'd arrive by 7am after a long drive, and it was straight into an ongoing case. Often it would be a woman who'd spent the whole night in labour and she was exhausted. I'd be bringing fresh energy as the night shift midwife would be knackered by the morning. No time to ease gently into the day - wham! Often it ended up an emergency caesarean.

Nature's drummer is beating a rhythmn outside the window as it's raining and dripping onto a hard surface, sounding like someone hitting a wood block.

Got another invitation to join Facebook, just got 3 friends on there. It's quite a complicated site, with loads of options. You can write on someones 'wall' or join in one of the numerous quizes that they have, list your favourite books, movies, interests etc etc.
On balance, I prefer Blog.co., as it's so simple and straightforward, and doesn't take up too much time, compared to Facebook, which could keep you going all day. I can see why it appeals to younger people.

I guess getting older, I don't want to deal with lots of 'stuff.' I can't be doing with personalizing myself into an image. I like to feel I'm still unpredictable and can change my mind about things, from films to, well, anything.
Except politics. I'm never going to totally trust politicians, especially those that have voted to go to war. Just don't get me started...........

Ok, just one other thing about politicians. They awarded themselves a huge pay rise. This is during a time when health workers had to take a tiny pay rise in stages.
.....and when pensioners had that 60pence increase. Well.
As I say, don't get me started........

I posted a video for my last post and no one has commented yet.
So, I'm going to keep mentioning it till someone makes a comment, (or I lose all my friends), a 'yay' would do....

I think it's so funny and could not stop smiling all the way through.
I just want to know if others find it as funny as me.

Oooo and the Menu of the Day is going to be held hostage - and it's going to be so delicious too......
Comment on the video, or the chickpeas will suffer...

So, the goalpost is in your court..

Thank you.

My sister, who lives in Australia, emailed this video to me.
Bless!

Enjoy.

DINNER (Wednesday)
Aubergine Casserole
Salad a La Moi

Baked Halloumi Cheese for afters
This is possibly one of THE BEST Menu of the Day! - and it was just for me.
There's still most of it left. So, seconds tonight then.

Maybe this helped to make it one of the tastiest meals I've ever cooked:
I used; homegrown Shallotts, one of those Sweet Long Red Peppers, Sundried Tomato Paste as well as a tin of Tomatoes. Ooo, 3 cloves of Garlic and half a red Chilli.

I sauteed the shallott n garlic, added the rest, except for the aubergine, and simmered it till the smell pervaded the nearest village.
Meanwhile, I'd put the aubergine in a dish with drizzled olive oil over it to bake till they went a bit brown.
Then I poured the tomato mix onto the aubergine. Then.
Grated Cheese over the top. A really tasty, mature Cheddar.

Whow! It smelt like a spicy Heaven. Angels would be squirting breath freshner in their mouths after eating this meal....

The reason for the panicky title is because I've been unable to connect to the internet for the last few days. With Mr A away, who I normally turn to to 'sort it all out', I've been half heartedly trying to fix it.
I asked my son if he was still online, he lives just above me, in another wooden house. He said he'd let me know, and advised turning off the modem.
So I did, and I fiddled a bit more, even turning off the wireless box for a bit and then turning it on.
It worked!
Hooray!
One up for me, feeling technically empowered is a good boost!

So, even before I read and respond to the waiting emails, I had to write up that fabulous Menu of the Day for yesterday.

Talked to Mr A and said that I was thinking of going to the Liverpool Blogmeet, and did he fancy coming? Yes, he did, he will. Hooray!
We went to the last one in Leeds, and had a good time, this time has the promise of a kareoke crawl as well, so I've been well and truly hooked.

My gorgeous husband is due back from Hoy, in the Orkney Islands this weekend. Another hooray!

Had Liberty, my 3yr old grandaughter down for a visit yesterday afternoon. We went for a walk in the woods, with Rocket firing on all 4 legs to retrieve sticks.
It's mostly fun, except that she gets so excited that she barks loudly in a high pitched tone when she brings back the stick, and lays it at my feet. (The dog, that is, not Liberty.)

We then built a garage (as you do) with the wooden blocks for the windup dinosaur and enjoyed making him (yup, pretty sure it's male), walk into the garage and carry on trying to walk up against the blocks.
We then sang Baa Baa Black Sheep to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star whilst bouncing on the bed. After singing that, I couldn't remember the original tune for Baa Baa etc.

We then picked the remaining grapes in next door's conservatory as they aren't there, with their permission. I should have done it sooner, a lot of them were mouldering on the vine. What a waste! Damn!
Still, got a bowlfull (or is it bowelfull) of beautiful black sweet grapes. Yum!

As you can see, a lot of my time and interest revolves around food. I think it's always worth getting a tasty, fresh meal together, even for one.
The times I just heat up ready made meals are usually when I'm feeling a bit low, and can't be arsed to prepare fresh ingredients. Bit of a vicious circle, as fast food doesn't give me the boost I need to get out of the lazy circle of slob.

Got 'Family Guy' dvd out, 6th series. It's really funny, I even laughed out loud at some bits. In fact, I was up till the early hours watching it, there's 3 discs to watch.

So tonight's Menu of the Day is the delicious Aubergine Casserole, reheated, with a salad on the side.

Anything good on telly?

LUNCH
Mushroom and Cheese Burgers

Bit tasteless, I have to say. Usually the range that is made from quorn is ok, but these were like cardboard.....

A day for a walk with the changing colours and falling leaves would be good, but I don't feel like exerting myself today.
Nope, it's going to be a slounging (slobbing n lounging) day today. A day to be entertained by t.v., book, blog and internet.

...and that's all I have to say about that.......

DINNER
Fresh Beefburger with all the trimmings:
Tomato
Lettuce
Fried Onions
Sauerkraut
Spicy Red and Green Peppers
Mustard
Chilli Sauce
All in a Wholemeal Bap

I couldn't get this tower of food in my mouth, so some pick n mix was necessary!

MEN - DON'T READ ON

I started a period today, after months of thinking I'd finished all that business forever.
So heavy that if you bought shares in a Sanitary Products Company you'd probably make a profit!

SEE LADS, I DID WARN YOU!
Some things are better left as 'womens things' and men left the room, or in this case, the screen.

I'LL TELL YOU WHEN TO COME BACK IN

I'd been feeling a bit 'precious' and in need of nurturing for the last day or so, and this is why.

OK YOU CAN COME BACK IN NOW. THE WOMEN'S TALK HAS FINISHED
Well done the England Rugby team! I don't know many of the rules, but I'm sure I heard the ref (they have mikes now) say 'rough sex' at one point when there was a heap of big tangled men on the ground. I think it's called a scrum.

Enjoyed X Factor. I'm a sucker for someone with a good voice, and this year, most of them can sing.
Niki was exceptional. She made me cry! Her choice of the Sinead O'Connor song 'Nothing Compares to You' was brilliant!
Though I probably cried cos I have my period, and that, my dear fellas, is what we women do. We cry when
someone sings with soul and deep emotion

I have tackled the washing up. The house Elves didn't show. I even put a bowl of milk out to entice them.
Weren't too bad, plenty of hot water from the Rayburn.

Went to the 'shop' (and I use the word loosely), Crazy Macs.
It's like a jumble sale. Stuff all over the place. Some of it flood damaged and in a bit of a state.
Anyhoo, I found a pottery bread container. I've been after one for a while, but they are very expensive.
It needed a bit of a wipe down, but for £7.95, a bargain!
I wanted a lamp, but as they had been flood damaged, I though I should buy one that hadn't been underwater first...............

DINNER
Starter: Fresh Asparagus with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt
Stir Fry (again) with added Roasted Seeds, more Carrot, Halloumi Cheese with the left overs from last night.
Organic Noodles

The title of this post is due to a lovely comment from Liberty, my 3yr old grandaughter.
She came for a visit, as most days and we were sitting on my front doorstep, overlooking the garden in warm sunshine. We were looking at a book of nursery rhymes and just chatting away.
She moved close for a cuddle. I told her she would have to go home in a short while, after a walk in the woods, with stick chasing Rocket (dog's name.)

She said "I want to stay here, with you".
I said, "you can come and visit tomorrow."
She said "but I want to stay here with you forever," and proceeded to hug me tight.

Now, that's what I call one of the best feelings in the world, being held and loved by such innocence.
Yeh, ok, it sounds really soppy, I know. Often the truly deep pleasures are very simple.

Gorgeous warm day and I've got washing up piling up in the kitchen, left for about 3 days now.
I think I've set my own record in the sloppy kitchen department.
I've got 1 clean cup left.
The Rayburn's been lit so there's plenty of hot water.
No excuses.

"Lazy bones,
sitting in the sun,
how you going to get
any housework done."

Yes, that song could be written about me...........

DINNER
Fry Stirred Broccolli (when in doubt just double the letter in question),Green Beans, Shallotts, Organic Courgettes, Red Pepper, Organic Carrot in Black Bean Sauce
All the above vegetables have double letters in them (early hours trivia)
Organic Egg Noodles
Side Dish of Spicy Pepperdew Peppers, Bellvini Hot Peppers and Green Olives

It's 21 years since me and Mr A got married, and as he is away working, I treated myself to a delicious healthy stir-fry.

Feeling very tired at 10.30, I went to bed. Consequently, I woke up after about an hours kip and now can't sleep.

Brought the latest Terry Pratchett book, called 'Making Money.' It has the same characters as in 'Going Postal.' Fabulous! His humour is so gentle, yet has a kick like a mule!

Got an email in reply from my lovely sister who lives in Oz. She is going to retire next year, and is going to travel, including visiting here in 2009.
Her daughter in law is 9 and a half weeks pregnant after loosing a baby at the same point fairly recently. So it's fingers crossed that she'll be a gran next year.
We have tentative plans to meet somewhere in between, before then to meet up for a holiday. It will have to be somewhere war free, warm, near the sea and have stunning scenery. We'll have to look at an atlas and see....

No doubt that autumn is here, there's a tang in the air, if it were a toothpaste it would be advertised as 'new minty freshness.'
I love the changing seasons. The birds are hanging out more, there's a collective awareness of the power of nature, and the effect She has on us.

Still don't feel sleepy, so I'm off for a quick tour round the blogs, then back to Terry Pratchett till these peepers start to droop.....

DINNER
Loch Muir Salmon Fishcakes with Lemon Butter Sauce
Oriental Style Edamame Soya Bean with Chilli & Coriander Dressing
Salad Selection: 3 Bean Pasta with Spinach & Pine Nuts
Rice, Lentil & Roast Aubergine Wheatberries, Giant Couscous with Roasted Butternut Squash

Sounds pretty good eh?
I went into M&S foodhall, expecting to buy these little butternut squash filled parcels and came out with £17 worth of groceries! How did that happen?
The only extras apart from dinner, was a lettuce, a sandwich, and another packet of the fishcakes which was half price.
Won't be shopping there for food regularly, that's for sure!

I went to town to pick the ring that Mr A bought me for my birthday, as it had been sized smaller to fit my finger. I was so pleased to get it back, like greeting an old friend. That sparkly diamond glitters away, entrancing with the play of light on all the facets. I can well understand the attraction of diamonds........
Text from Mr A who has arrived at Hoy in the Orkney Islands. A beautiful, wild place. Hopefully the 2 weeks he's away won't be too long.

Will be watching 'Heroes' later. It's been quite slow so far but I'll stick with it.
Enjoyed watching 'Dog Borstal' last night, though it was quite sad. One dog, an American Bulldog had to be put down as it was too aggressive and unpredictable. It couldn't be trained and tried to bite the judge! The 2 other dogs that were nightmares before they went both trained up well and the owners went home happy. I think the trainers for this programme could probably work on 'Super Nanny' as well, as long as they don't expect the naughty children to walk to the leash....

I feel a story coming on soon.....

First bad thing. Got in the car, switched on ignition. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
To counter balance that though, I live within a short walk to a garage and friendly mechanic. I've lost count of the number of times he comes and gets the car started for me!
I'd left the lights on.
Duh!

Second thing. I was in the car at the kerb and heard a hissing sound. Couldn't think what it could be.
There was a bit of a chemical smell.
A can of Damp Start that I had on the back seat had rolled under my seat, got caught and punctured. The hissing was the damp start escaping from the can.
So, windows open, no lighting cigs.

Third thing. Got home and there was a letter from the Pensions Agency. They have been waiting for further reports from my g.p., before they make a decision about giving me ill health retirement pension.
They had written to her but not heard back.
I will ring them up to explain that I had a test on monday, and my doctor may have been waiting for the results of that before writing back to them. I hope that's it and not just an indication that she's not going to back me up by supporting this claim. Or just hadn't got round to replying. Or not been given the paperword by the receptionists. (Don't get me started about them!)

In the larger scheme of global warming and so many people in bad debt, I guess it's a bit of a non-starter in the reasons not to be cheerful stakes.
So, I guess I shall count my blessings.
It's still really stressful waiting to hear if I get the higher pension though....

DINNER
Under consideration.

Last night I had egg n chips with parma ham.

Cracking espisode of Spooks last night! Caught the second one on BBC3.
When the British make a good drama, they certainly get it right. Excellent series, in fact, one of the best on t.v. It really has you on the edge of the chair!

I'm still in love with my new laptop. I shall have to name her soon. Lappy sounds too much like a dog. Toppy sounds like a cream aerosol for puddings.
It's a Fujitsu Siemens. A combination of Japanese and German technology. Should be efficient!
So, combining the 2 names, I may call her Fusi.
Ah! I've just noticed that if I take the last 2 letters from the first word and the first 3 letters from the second word, I come up with Susie!
Right!
Susie it is!

Welcom Susie to the world of Blogs, Ma Jong and surfing....................

At this phenomenal speed, I shall be posting again later.

Well, there would have been, as I had several today, but I've forgotten them!
Been reading Dean Koontz book 'Brother Odd.' A very good book. Here is a passage where he describes a state of bliss. In fact it describes stroking a dog.

"Dogs invite us not only to share their joy but also to live in the moment, where the enchantment of the past and future cannot distract us, where a freedom from practical desire and a cessation of our usual ceaseless action allows us to recognize the truth of our existence, the reality of our world and purpose - if we dare."
Well, I liked it!

Oh yes, one of the thoughts I had today was about time. Breaking time into chunks, making the chunks of time smaller and smaller. What's the smallest, or shortest chunk of time we can experience? (Hang on while I light some incense.)

There must be a point in time when you aren't thinking about the past, or the future, but actually in the here and now - living in the moment. Probably lots of us think we do, but in reality, it doesn't happen very often. Something like being on a roller coaster, but then your senses are being magnified by the speed and exhilaration of movement. I mean a moment in time when you aren't doing anything physical, an 'in between' moments moment. If that makes any sense.
If you think that doing a physical activity helps you be in the moment, then maybe, but even something like splitting wood with an axe is not being in the moment. You are living in the future as well, because you are predicting where the axe will fall on the wood. Even digging the garden, you are thinking about where the bit of earth is going to go. Maybe not, maybe there are those of you who can control their mind to have no thoughts and just experience 'being.'

Went into a charity shop and bought a black velvet dress with a scoop collar and ends just above the knee. I also tried on a leather skirt, been wanting one for a while now. Not a short one though, but mid calf length. Anyway, tried on this skirt and realised I've put on weight! Usually I'm size 10, but I'm a size 12 now. So, the skirt was too tight, or rather, I was too large for it! I don't want to get larger than a size 12, so will have to watch the ice cream intake for a bit!
Also bought a pair of leather short ankle boots with a thin 2" heel. As it was raining, and I only had beach shoes on, it seemed a good move, so my feet wouldn't get wet!
There's a hole in my car that lets the rain in, it comes in just over the pedals, so my feet get wet while I'm driving - uphill. As it's been pouring rain the boots came in handy.

See, it's not all deep and meaningful! I can do shallow and pretentious with the best of them!

Mr A left at 3.30 this morning, off to the Orkney Isles for 2 weeks work. I was up till he left, seemed impolite to be asleep when he left. Ah! Just got a message from him saying:
'On ferry dolphins.'
I replied that I hoped they'd bought a ticket.

DINNER IDEAS
No lettuce, so no salad tonight.
Probably oven chips
Possibly something from the freezer
....but no ice cream tonight

OOoooo new 'Spooks' on tonight at 9pm! Great! I may have a bit of ice cream after all...........

DINNER
Lamb Curry made with leftover roast lamb from yesterday
Basmati Rice with 2 Cardomom seeds
Naan Bread
Salad a la Moi

I love this new lappie!
Gotta go and cook now.

As you can see, I've made an early start with my lappy - playing with my new toy.
On the games, it has 'Ma Jong Titans' you know, the usual pairing game.
I've found it addictive so far, I think it's cos the tiles are so attractive. I have a Jong, which we haven't played for ages, it's a good game in real life too. In fact, there's no pairing in it at all, it's more like whist, you have to collect the same suits or numbers.

Caught the tail end of a Bob Dylan concert on BBC4 last night. Damn, missed it! There was a programme afterwards about a play he was in for the BBC in 1968. An enlightened producer had heard him sing and wanted him to be in this drama on t.v., and so brought him over, though he wasn't that well known yet. So some people were interviewed who met Bob while he was in London. A good insight into one of the greatest songwriters I can think of. Mainly his way with words. The actual music is really simple, mainly 3 chords. The first song I ever learnt was 'Mr Tambourine Man.' I learnt the chords from a book and never
looked back! Recently had a jam with our guitar playing neighbour and Mr A on drums. I played organ sound on 'Like a Rolling Stone.' Another great Dylan song.

Put out some bird food now the weather's getting colder and there's a little robin sat out there. In fact the birds reminded me to put some out as it was sitting empty and they started to come back and sit on the feeders as if to say 'where's our food?'

With this new laptop, occasionally while I'm typing, the curser goes up the page and inserts into a previous sentence and carries on from and there if I don't watch what I'm writing then it gets inserted somewhere else and mucks up what I'm writing. Teething problems I guess.
Back later with Menu of the day.

DINNER
Roast Leg of Lamb
Roast Potatoes
Roast Parsnips
Cauliflower

Morrisons Walnut Dream Icecream

I've discovered (thanks to AJSpencer) how to put subscribe to my blog onto the page. At least I think that's what I've done. So those of you who wanted to subscribe to this blog, you can now do it!

To the sound of Mr A banging away putting up a skirting board I am tap tapping away on my new keyboard, and very nice it is too.
Lit the woodburner stove as well, in my room, so it's nice and cosy.
Liberty has been visiting most of the day, the latter part she was being naughty.
It's so tiring having to battle with a 3yr old when they are naughty. I don't like issuing threats, but the one that always works is 'if you don't behave then you'll have to go back upstairs.'
Say what you like about threats - they work!

Just made some bread. Nice flour with seeds in makes a good light loaf. Just getting the Rayburn hot enough to put in the roast. On such a dull day we need warmth and food!

Hope everyone is ok today, anyone else feeling insular and a bit sensitive today?

This is a photo of Liberty and Holly trying to hide behind my bed. That thing of 'if I can't see you then you can't see me!'

Instant Sunday Poem

The dull dusklight of a rainy day does
not warm me inside.
Listening to background incessant drip drop of rain on metal lid
like a bored, dull cymbal player,
who's attention is elsewhere.
This is a day for nurturing and eating.

Wheeeeeee-heeeee!
I've got a brand new computer.
Yeeha!
A laptop, with a 17" screen.
Yeeha!

The last week or so has left me impatient and frustrated with the slowness of my desk top, so much so that I hadn't posted or even logged on as it took so bloody long.
Not any more!

Now, this can't be a post just about how good it is to be able to log on with a better computer, so I'll have to trawl my memories for something with a tad of amusement to keep y'all here, and wanting to come back for more.
Err....
Urm.......

Ok, when in doubt, go for Menu of the Day. No Worries!

DINNER
Thin Cut Sirloin Steak
Mash
Cauliflower

We've only just eaten, as I was starving, nowt to eat since breakfast (hours in PC World) - so last night's mash fried up with egg and bacon. Not forgetting hp sauce. Mr A is usually up for a fry-up. (Now, now, ladies, no sniggering behind suggestive hands, held in front of faces....)

So, now I know I can blog n post at the speed of type. The world's my oystercatcher....

YEEEEEEHAH!!!!!!!
So, dinner may be quite late tonight.

DINNER
Starters, Parma Ham and Melon

Cottage Pie
Salad a la Moi

I bought a jar of Saurkraut (?) t'other day as a change. It was a bit dry, but otherwise ok. I did try and make some once, but it went mouldy.

Anyhoo, this computer has been giving me problems over the last week or so. It's been really slow. Each action takes many minutes, and getting from turn on start to being able to blog takes about 15 minutes.
So Blah to computers!
It's probably a virus, or blue tonegue or something.
The specs on this computer are very low, especially compared to what's on offer on laptops these days. So.
Time for a new computer. Soon.

I've had Liberty my 3yr old grandaughter most afternoons this week. We have settled in a cosy routine of bouncing on the bed, reading stories, playing with cars and Thomas the Tank Engine.
Thankfully, she has started to play happily on her own while I can get on with other stuff.
She said she had been playing in the sand today, playing with Naeve and Ffion who are her little playmates.
I can hear her now, behind me, asking Buckaroo to be her friend. Nattering away to herself. Oo, oo, she's asking for hot chocolate now. Thought it too good to be true, being able to get on with my own thing without her demanding my attention.....

DINNER
Roast Chicken
Roast Potatoes
Roast Parsnips - garden
Roast Sweet Potato
Leeks - garden
Cabbage - garden

Our neighbour, Lenka, is going back to the Czech Republic tomorrow, so I invited her for dinner and giving her a lift to the station.
She has lived here for 4 years and managed to save quite a bit to take home and buy somewhere there.
Anyway. I forgot that she is vegetarian till she arrived, and I asked her. Luckily she only missed out on the sweet potato which has been roasted with the chicken. I cooked her a spicy beanburger to go with the veg and all was well.

Mr A and I spent the day delivering firewood to 2 customers. Both living in opposite directions, about 2 hours drive each, there and back.
A pickup full, and a fair deal. It kept us busy any rate.

Yesterday, Liberty and a 3yr old little girl friend came to visit. They are both about the same size, so it was a double dose of cuteness.
She was called Holly, and at first very shy, not talking. She soon came out of her shell though, and they were both laughing and screaming with delight, playing games.
We had good fun, and I read some nursery rhymes to them, and we sang the ones we knew, like twinkle twinkle little star. They were so cute! They would melt the heart of anybody, guaranteed.
That's an idea to promote world peace!
Get a group of 3-4yr olds, singing nursery rhymes, selected from the countries which are at war. Have them sing to the (usually) men in charge with a plea for peace.

It's worth a go!

Scarabella performed at a party last night. We really got ourselves dolled up in posh frocks, and in the case of myself and Brenda, high heels. It was in a very posh house in the marina area of Swansea. A 3 story new house with tasteful furniture, and a balcony for dining al fresco. (Whenever Al came to visit anyway.)
It was a bit odd, standing, crammed up in the corner of a living room confronted by about 25 people, staring at quite close range.
We went down well though, and the acoustics were good.
The food was prepared by caterers, who left a card on the table to say who they were. The buffet consisted of:
Melon and Parma Ham on Sticks
Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with the edges cut orf.
Wrapped tortilla with unidentifiable filling - nice though
Baby Roast Potatoes with Dip
Cherry Tomato Tarts
Celery stuffed with Cream Cheese

Chocolate Cups with Fresh Raspberries inside. Lovely!

When we arrived, we had to stand around waiting for the dinner gong before getting stuck in. It looked so delicious, and we were starving! At last someone said 'you might as well eat now', so we did. I went onto the balcony to eat in peace. I don't like eating and talking at the same time. I don't care if it's not polite, but I'd rather give someone my attention without a mouth full of food.
The party was for Jill's '69 plus 1' birthday.
Very tactful that.
She actually looked fabulous. She goes to Carol's yoga group, that's how we got the gig.

By the end of the evening I was glad to take off my high heels, they were hurting my toes after standing so long in them.
Back to Brenda's who put on a fab cd by an Eastern European guy called Shantel. It was Gypsy meets Punk sort of music, lots of fast brass and funky bass, with a reggae feel. So we danced away in her front room to it. She then made me a copy to take home. I know Mr A will love it (he did.)

What with the postal strike, it'll be even longer before I know if I got my full pension. I try not to think about it too much, otherwise I'll be stressed out. The worst scenario, if I don't get it doesn't bear thinking about!
They should have decided by now though......