DINNER
Spicy Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (homemade, not yer tinned variety)
Spaghetti
Salad a la Moi

Delivered meals on wheels today, it was very gusty but stayed mainly dry. I've been invited to a Christmas dinner at the centre where I collect the meals. Ah, that's nice.

Missed the new Dr Who episode on sunday, so watching it tonight as a repeat on BBC3.
The online Scrabble is going well, I'm up to 10 games now. Some players are in the hundreds, and I played with one who'd played over a thousand games.

Must go, food to cook, Judge Judy to watch.

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DINNER TONIGHT
Scampi n Chips
Salad a la Moi

We've been invited out for a drink at the pub (a miles walk) tonight by our neighbour. Sounds good, but alas, he will be our neighbour no more from tomorrow. He and his girlfriend have split up. As she bought the house, she will be staying and he will return to London to see what his future holds. Shame, as he is a very nice guy and Gwen likes him too.
I don't fancy the walk, so I could be a wimp and drive, the others will be walking, sturdy blokes that they are. Top Dave (neighbour at the top) may go too. I don't know if I fancy going, but feel I should as it's his last night. I'm not a pubby person and it's so cosy at home.....

Gwen's leg is getting better, she leaps and bounds like a deer after sticks now. I've suggested that we build an assault course for her. It's amazing how short legged dogs can jump so high.

A bit of a lazy day, yesterday and today I slept in really late, really late, into double figures here. I think I've been catching up on lack of sleep on saturday. It's good how the body can keep going if it has to, then relax when it has the time. I'm not an early riser, but usually up around 9ish.

After finishing the crocheted hat, I've started on another, knitting this time. I'm doing a rib, 2 plain, 2 pearl, but it's got a bit jambled up somehow. As it's mohair, it doesn't really notice so much, so I'll stick with it. There's 120 stitches on it and I can't be arsed to sort it out properly. Photo, (when I remember to take it in the daylight) coming soon.

Good X Factor result. Jamie hasn't got much of a voice, though it's adequate, and he gives it real showmanship, the vocals aren't up to a high standard.
Have to admit that I am enjoying John and Edwards performances. Though they haven't got great vocals, they do have something that makes watching them interesting. I think they will go next week. Who to win? Probably Olly, though I'd pick Danyl, with the right song, he's amazing.

I haven't played Scrabble for a few days now, so guess where I'm going next?

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LAST NIGHTS DINNER
Fresh Sardines Grilled with a squeeze (good word for Scrabble) of Lemon Juice
Boiled Potatoes
Salad a la Moi - Lettuce, Cucumber, Olives, Grated White Horseradish from Garden, Tomatoes in a Balsamic Vinegar dressing.

We had a power cut last night, just as I'd settled down to watch Harry Hill's TV Burp. I rang up and was told it should be back on by 9pm. This happened last saturday too, and I missed X Factor. Maybe I could sue for emotional trauma at not seeing the latest X Factor show..
The leccy came back on at just after 8pm, so I did see the show. It was good this week, some outstanding performances from Stacey, Danyl and Jedward. Yes, the twins put on a good show and sang and danced to the song Pressure, originally recorded by Bowie and Queen. It was really entertaining and I have changed my mind about Jedward. I don't think they are good enough to win, but should get a career from their performances so far.

It's almost time to go out for lunch, I haven't had a game of Scrabble for a couple of days. Thing is I need to have a clear space of time so I can concentrate without thinking I should be doing something else.

I've finished the beanie hat! Photo coming up soon. It's mostly black mohair, with a line of maroon and a line of blue, flecked with green. It fits and is very warm.
I'm now starting on another hat, not in mohair this time and knitting rather than crocheting. It's hard to knit with mohair as there's so much fluff and not easy to find the hole to put the needle in. Crocheting is easy peasy though, and I love the feel of using my hands in such a creative way to make something I can use. Very satisfying and it can be done anywhere whilst sitting down.

Gwen has been a good dog, she's learned to let go of whatever object is in her mouth after fetching it. Before, she just wouldn't let go and would play tug of war with it. Now, she lets it go so it can be thrown and fetched.
She loves running after sticks, but usually chews and breaks them. She bounces over the ground like a deer, running full pelt. Also, she will stand still for a brushing now, before, she used to try and bite the brush and wouldn't stand still. So she's still learning and turning out to be a lovely dog.

We had floods on our road friday. I drove home through deep puddles and found there was a puddle too deep to drive through just past our house, so luckily I didn't need to go that far. Mr A went out on the road, along with neighbours from the garage to divert traffic away from the flooded areas.
The rain was torrential whilst I was driving, I had to put the wipers on super speed to clear the screen, especially when large vehicles zoomed past on the dual carriageway. I had to deliver meals on wheels during the showers and found that my raincoat isn't waterproof...

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DINNER
Fry up, mash, bacon, eggs, brocolli and baked beans if Mr A gets my text in time....

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Played my second game of online Scrabble and managed to use all my letters in my first go! I scored 72 with 'pinkers' the opposition then gave up the game. I lost the next game, on checking her stats, she's played over 1500 games, so I didn't feel too bad losing by 30 points.

Meals on wheels today menu was Chicken and Leek Pie. When asked what it was by a client, I said 'Licken and Cheek Pie!'

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DINNER
Welsh Beefburgers
Spuds, chips or boiled yet to be decided
Fresh Asparagus
Salad a la Moi

Beligian Chocolate Ice Cream

My car is at the garage next door getting a make over. There are a few spots of rust and scratches that I've been meaning to sort out myself and have bought the paint from Halfords to do it up with. I've been putting it off for so long, that I've realized that I don't really want to do it myself. I wouldn't do such a good job as a mechanic and get in a state about it. It's worth paying someone to do the job well and save myself the stress. So, I'm waiting for the phonecall and will go and collect my car. Oh, and the back windscreen wiper wasn't working.

I'm looking forward to reading Tyllanpenry's new book on herbs. I've ordered an autographed copy. She sold out her books at the recent witchfest she attended as a speaker. I have never met her, but she's got my respect and admiration for being so, well, so herself, I guess. She's a dedicated and enthusiastic watcher of nature and a wise woman.

I've read my library books, having discovered I'd got 2 out that I'd read before, so it's back to the old favourites till I go back to the library. Hopefully they will have forgotten the incident of Gwen pulling the doors shut and locking out disgruntled members of the public (with no sense of humour) on our last visit.

A friend of mine plays online Scrabble regularly. As I like the game anyway, I may go and see what it's all about.

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Beligian Chocolate Ice Cream

Yesterday I made a delicious stew with Braised Beef n fresh veg. The beef is so cheap, £2 gets you a huge slice of it. I cut of the fatty bits (not many) and give to Minnie and Gwen.

Only 1 egg today, down from 3, then 2. Unless they are laying elsewhere as they are out most of the day.

Seeing that those Beanie hats are fashionable and look good, I thought I'd make one. I started knitting and quickly realized that it's quite hard to knit with mohair, there's fluff all over the place. So, change of plan and got out the crotchet hook to start again. Crotchet's much quicker and as I'm making it up as I go along, it's not going too badly. I've started with a circle, then am going around, missing a few stitches to make it tighter. The beauty of mohair is that it hides mistakes with such long strands of fur. I've done a couple of rounds so far, will post a photo at some stage....

Final of Hells Kitchen tonight, so I'm a happy bunny. It's the small things in life etc etc...

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More of them on utube.
Enjoy.

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I really enjoy sudoko, it's almost like meditating, though instead of emptying my mind, I focus it on numbers. It's relaxing, as nothing else intrudes when I'm working on a puzzle. You don't have to be good at maths, it's pure logic, and makes the brain work.

I took a book of sudoko with me to Sardinia, and it was great to settle down to work on it, anywhere. I'd be on the veranda with a cup of coffee, waiting for departure at the airport, anywhere I could sit for a bit and do it. I can't really do sudoko when someone else is sitting with me, as it's a bit anti-social, but it was like having portable company for me when I went out on my own. As Mr A was attending a conference, I had plenty of time to wander, settle somewhere, do a puzzle, then get up and wander again.
It might sound like I'm bigging it up, but it's one of lifes pleasures that enhances my life.
I do like a nicely sharpened pencil, with a rubber on the end. This is essential for sudoko. I enjoy writing the numbers in the boxes so they look almost professionally printed.
Obssessive?
Moi?

DINNER
Prob Spag Bog
Salad a la Moi

I missed buying the mini piano, it went for £155, a bargain. Mr A says I should really try a piano out before buying it, and that's true, but when it's for sale at the other side of the country, a bit of a problem. It's still near the top of things I want to get though....

I need to do a lot of moving things around in the house to make more space. This includes unpacking the boxes which are filled with books and stuff from when we took down shelves in the music room to put the wardrobe in. I suspect there's an awful lot of throwing away to do as I keep things for sentimental value and it's not always appropriate and I wouldn't really miss them.
I have 2 chest of drawers and have to arrange to put the clothes in one somewhere else as one of them is going. There's nothing wrong with either of them, and they are quite nice, I just need the space.
If I was a more organized person I'd put one on ebay, it's probably worth about £20 on a good day with the wind in the right direction.
I'm lacking motivation to get started and get sidetracked into doing something else, like blogging....

Gwen got a little freaked out last night when the fireworks started and I had to calm her down and tell her that it was alright. She would bark and want to go out and see what the noise was all about at first. She then settled and napped through the rest of the evening. It wasn't too noisy round here, a small display in the village probably and at various houses in the area.

I caught up on Spooks online as I missed it on monday. What a fantastic programme it is! Very tense and nail biting script. If it's anything at all like real life, then those secret service agents have a hell of a job with a lot of responsibility. I like that it's not glamourous and the plot is mainly the work they do, not sidelining into potential romances and soppy stuff like that. You don't get to see the personal lives of the agents, it's all work, work, work.
I also enjoyed The Restaurant. This is where Raymond Blanc, with a couple of business partners, have to chose the best couples to run one of his restaurants. The couples go through a series of tests. First one was to cook their signature dish. Most of the efforts were shambolic, but only one couple got fired.
This week, 2 couples had to run a well known high street restaurant for lunch and evening service.
Only one couple seem to be on top of it, the rest were getting orders out too slowly, so that customers had to wait for ages for their meal. As only one couple got fired, the rest have been given keys to their own restaurant. It must be quite a worry for Raymond and his partners, as some of the couple don't seem to have a clue about how to run a restaurant properly.
Looking forward to next week, when again, another couple has to go after being assessed as to how they've run their restaurant over a week.

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DINNER - in Swansea
Fresh Plaice and Chips at a newly opened chippie. Very nice.

I took Gwen to rehearsal and she was petted by everyone and took turns sitting on everyones lap.

I went to the library first so had to tie her up outside. I hadn't done that before, so I tied her lead onto a heavy brass knob on the open door.
I was looking at the books when I realised that a bit of a fuss was going on near the entrance, so I went and had a look.
Somehow, Gwen had shut the doors! There were 2 elderly ladies outside complaining that they couldn't get in and gave me a very dirty look, muttering about 'responsibilities.'
I thought it quite clever of her to shut both doors, when she was only tied to one, and they are great big heavy doors too!

So, missed Spooks, which I've just noticed, so will have to catch it online, it's a great series, I enjoyed the last one.

Bed in a minute, I've got meals on wheels again tomorrow.

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Do it. Do it. Do it.

It'll make you feel more in touch with nature and that big, wide universe, beyond our world.

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I shone the torch over the road on the stream last night as I took Gwen for her nightly wee. (She isn't inclined to go on her own which is a drag.) The stream was in rushing mode, not quite breaking its banks, but nearly. It sounded really loud. The moonlight was fantastic, very atmospheric.

Took a pit stop at Morrisons and succumbed to Ice Cream Madness. Got Baileys Cream and Belgian Chocolate, so am now fully stocked with cholestrolol (?) enhancing dairy produce.

Been on ebay, looking at mini pianos. There's a couple on there for sale. I always get nervous about bidding for an item, and getting a piano is quite a big item. It's a good price, and looks good, but I'll have to shift some furniture around to make room. Mr A knows I'm thinking about getting one, but I really need him here to organize moving it, so I might wait till he's back. The item I want will have stopped bidding by friday though....so do I get it anyway? It's £150, I was expecting to pay more for a mini piano. It has the usual length keyboard but is shorter than an upright.
The other item I want on ebay is a motor scooter. I've been thinking about getting one for a while. They should be cheaper this time of year, so can store it till better weather. I had a moped when I was 16 and loved the feeling of driving around on it, in the open air. The scooter will be cheaper to run than a car, though I'll need a car for longer trips.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that bidding on ebay freaks me out.
I don't know why, as I've bought one item, a piano stand (£9.99) which was excellent. People do it all the time without batting an eyelid, but it still fills me with anticipation, and not in a good way, the thought of pressing on the Bid Now button...

I enjoyed James May's programme about toys. He got a company to make a life sized model of a Spitfire plane. There were quite a few problems that needed to be sorted, but they did it. He enlisted some schoolchildren to put it together, trying to get them enthusiastic about Airfix models, as he stuck them together as a boy. When the life sized model was shown to them all, the parts were all attached to each other as they are on a normal sized model.
This week, tonight in fact, he's getting people to build a flower garden out of plasticine for the Chelsea Flower Show.
I do like James May, he has a likeability factor and seems to be a completely natural presenter.

DINNER
Morrisons Best Fish Pie
Salad a la Moi - Feta Cheese, Olives, Little Gem Lettuce

I've had the Fish Pie before, it's really nice.

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Life seems to be a series of things that I look forward to, to keep spirits up and depression at bay. It can be the smallest thing, usually is in fact. This is my current looking forward to list.
1. Hells Kitchen on tv at 9pm
2. Emergency stash of inferior Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream. Spar's own brand. Not good, but ok.
3. Good night's sleep to the sound of pelting rain outside, being warm and snug with Minnie cat on the bed
4. Taking Gwen for a walk tomorrow without the rain. I hope.#
5. Working out the chords for the song 'Run' (Leona Lewis, Snow Patrol)

Most of my feel good list involves food....though more a gourmet than a glutton.

We had our waterfall walk today as usual, though I didn't go as far up the hill because it was raining. The waterfall is churning with lots of extra water and the stream running alongside the road is a flowing torrent.

It's time to get those chips into the oven, I like to time it so I can sit down and eat as the programme I want to watch starts.
My body is being good to me, I can't complain about any aches, pains or owt. So thank you body.

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First pic shows the waterfall and Guardian Beech tree I've been going on about. This is at the start of the walk, just over the road from our house.
Then you can see Gwen, leading the way back downhill.
Home, with new fencing and gate put up to keep small doggies from running onto the road.

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT WITH CLOTHES

I'm posting this after listening to Womens Hour on the radio, in which several women talked about how they felt about some of their clothes. One woman was a twin, and kept one item of clothing that was her sister's after she died. It was a jacket and the woman said that it was like wearing part of her sister and it comforted her when she wore it.
Another woman had a red fleece and said that she wore it when she needed cheering up, like putting on a hug.
There were several stories along the same lines, and it got me thinking about my relationship to my clothes

I've got 2 posh dresses, both worn a few times, but not very often.
Firstly, there's the Jessica Rabbit ruby velvet dress. A bit like the one she wears in the film, Who Killed Roger Rabbit. It's very tight and has a crossed lace up at the back with a heart shaped bodice. It makes me feel very Va Va Voom when I wear it.

The little black number also has a heart shaped bodice with no straps and a swirly skirt, with layers of net to push it out. It has a wide silk belt that does up in a bow. There are some large rhinestones on the bodice. This is the dress on my profile photo.

There are 2 items that were my dads that I occasionally wear. One's an orange t shirt with a picture on the front which is an Aboriginal painting, in yellow and white. It's fairly large and I always feel comfortable when I wear it.
The other thing of my dad's that I sometimes wear is a green suede waistcoat. I don't wear this often, but when I do, I feel protected and safe, which is how my dad made me feel.

One of my favourite items is a charity shop plum coloured dress, with an unobtrusive pattern in cream. It's lined and has thin straps, so I usually wear a long sleeved top over it. It makes me feel as if I've made an effort to look nice when I wear it, but also it looks casual so I could wear it anywhere.

A lot of my clothes are from charity shops, and I don't spend much on new clothes, but occasionally splash out.
I did buy a nice skirt from M&S, for £45, which is a lot for me. It's long, purpley maroon with a plaid pattern in wool. This makes me feel like a posh country woman, comfy as well as smart.

My favourite socks are a pair bought for me by my grandaughters. They are leopard print, white and silver on black and make me feel quite trendy.

My favourite scarf is one my sister, who lives in Australia gave me, it used to be hers. It's bold colours, purple, pink, orange, yellow, with an Aboriginally type of design. It's very striking and makes me feel cool. I also feel the emotional attachment with my sister, which is close, even though we live on different continents.

What are your favourite clothes, and do you ever wear clothes that used to belong to people you knew?

DINNER
Fresh Monkfish in Spicy Tomato Sauce
Spuds
Salad a la Moi

Haagan Daas Ice Cream, scooped out with new plastic scoop

X Factor later. Yeh!

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I took some pix yesterday while we were on our walk, but can't find the thingummy to transfer the photos from my phone, so it'll have to wait till Mr A gets back friday and I either lend his, or he knows where my one is.

Todays Avrilo cock-up is almost a repeat of the other day, when I got the wrong street whilst delivering meals on wheels.
There is a new client and their address was on the list, no. 47. So, after finding the correct road, I get out todays meal. There's the veg and gravy (mash, carrots and cabbage) in one tray, roast beef in another tray and the dessert (trifle) in another, so I've got my hands full with 3 trays.
I knock at no 47, no answer so I goes in, as normal because many of the clients aren't very mobile.
I call out 'Mrs Weston?'
I can see through the glass top half of a door, a young girl on a sofa watching tv. There are 2 ENORMOUS DOGS. No blarney, they are HUGE, like small ponies.
Don't know the breed, but chocolate (mmmm) brown thick fur and hanging down ears. So one of these dogs comes at me.
Me with a tray of roast beef in my hand, whilst the other identical dog is also coming through the open door, pushing a young woman out of the way in its eagerness to get near me and the roast beef.
'Mrs Weston?' I ask again, quickly followed by, 'Can you keep the dogs back?'
She was quite indignant at my walking into her house (fair point) as I explained that I did knock first but got no answer.

I was directed 2 houses along as I shuffled backwards with a wary eye on the dogs, who by now were being held by their owner.
I knocked at 2 houses down, no answer, so walked in again with 'Mrs Weston?' ringing out loud and clear.
'No, not here.' I was directed by the elderly couple who looked like potential clients to a house next door to the huge dogs house.
The correct no of the house was 46, not 47.
This time I found the real Mrs Weston taking her blood sugar in her front room and knew I had struck gold, as she's listed as a diabetic.
After that little farago I was late with my round and had some pretty hungry pensioners to deal with.

I was going to go to the library in Swansea, as my round is halfway there but decided to go home to Gwen who was waiting inside.
She sits on the top of the chair looking out of the window, like one of those sickly velvet paintings that show the taste of a crazed camel.
She was still there on my return, looking at me as I came past to the front door and gave me the usual joyous welcome with tail wag and jumping up.
So, another day, there are enough books in this house to occupy me for now.

So, there's nowt on telly tonight, so I'll go on 4od online. Last night I got involved in 'Bodyshock.' A series of documentaries about people with weird bodies. I didn't fancy the girl with 2 heads, the Elephant Man who had a huge tumour on his face, or the 8 limbed girl born in India.
I watched the 2 ton teen. A 19 yr old mommas boy who was enormous, weighing 60 odd stone and was going in for surgery to cut off the huge overhang on his belly. At that point my dinner was ready, so I didn't watch any more - I'd seen enough. A lot of the half ton heavies are American who eat junk take outs. I don't have any sympathy for them, but find a gruesome fascination watching how they live.

I'll avoid the documentaries tonight and go for a bit of comedy, if nothing else there's always Father Ted.

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DINNER
Another Freshly made Welsh Beefburger
Sauteed Potatoes
Salad a la Moi - the salad yesterday was absolutely delicious! The combination of thinly sliced Shallots, Olives stuffed with Pimentos, Feta Cheese and Tomato was great. The lettuce was a bit boring, but when dripping with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing, alright.

Gwen is sulking in her bed. She has been a naughty dog.
The daily game of tug of war, this time using a fabric belt, got a bit too much. I wasn't actually watching her, just pulling with my hand while reading the laptop screen. I felt a nip of a bite. So, she either did it accidentally, or nipped me to say that she wants 100% of my attention.
Either way she got a telling off and sent to bed.
The tug of war can get quite boisterous, as she shakes her head (maybe she'd do this with a live rat) and gets into growling mode. I don't want to spoil her fun, but she needs to learn what is acceptable and what is not.
For such a little dog, she has a huge personality, likes, dislikes, habits and loves to communicate, so I like that about her, but there are rules. (One rule really.)

1. Don't annoy me.

I'll take her for a walk in a minute when I've finished this. She looks so sorry for herself, it's a bit of a shame.
We'll do the usual route, past the little waterfall and Guardian Beech Tree. I'll take some pix this time as it is rather lovely.

Watched tv till after midnight last night, can only do this when Mr A is away. I could do if he was here, but wouldn't want to.
Saw an old episode of Morse on ITV3 that I hadn't seen before. It was set in Australia, where he and Lewis had gone to talk to a supergrass, living there after giving evidence to convict bad robbers.
Anyway, it was a good episode, very different from the usual ones as it wasn't set in Oxford.

Meals on wheels today, I managed to get the meals to the right people this week. I do have a new client tomorrow, so I'll have to double check their address......
Still got 5 clients in hospital so the round is smaller, only 16. Chicken stew, mashed potatoes and broad beans with a chocolate eclair today. Yes, I got a spare eclair which I had with coffee when I got home.
I only have a couple of spoonfuls of the Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream left....

A few people who have come here for a meal have wondered why the tablespoons are bent so much. I have to fess up to being the culprit, as the ice cream is so hard, it bends the spoon back....I must get a scoop......

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My name is avrilo and I am a chocoholic.
It's getting to be twice a day at times now. This Beligian Chocolate Haagan Das ice cream has me in its grip.
Thank goodness I'm not fat and don't seem to be putting on extra weight. At times, only chocolate will do to lift me up and make me feel good.
A slave to my senses, that's me.

DINNER
Welsh Beefburgers, freshly made
Chips
Salad a la moi - with Feta Cheese, Lettuce, Red Grapes, Olives,Avocado (if it's soft enough) in a Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing

What a surprise, Danyl getting in the bottom 2 of X Factor! I can't believe people are voting for the tuneless twins.....Mr A has resigned himself to being a captive audience to the show.
He's away this week, so I'm in charge of everything. I let the hens out again today, I should go and shut them up before dark soon....Still getting 3 eggs a day.

The husband of my friend who died recently came over for lunch on sunday. We took ourselves, and the dogs (all 5 of them) for a long walk down on the salt marshes, a couple of miles away. We followed the line of the sea, to where it stops. I still find it odd that it doesn't go anywhere this end, and yet there's all this sea in front of it. Not explained that bit well....
Gwen loved it, she was dashing around and got soaked as there were lots of holes filled with brackish water.
I gave her a shower in the bath when we got home, used some dog shampoo I bought ages ago, it helps stop smelly smells apparently. It works! Gwen behaved herself and I think she enjoyed getting wet!

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Yeh, slacker Avrilo takes it easy on the dinner station tonight.

I'd typed up a post, and accidentally deleted it, this keyboard's so sensitive! So here goes again.

I have my meals on wheels round today and noticed a new client on the list. Ah, Silver Terrace, I saw, I know where that is, I'd had a client in that road before.
I find No 4 and try the door. It's locked. So I knock and wait....shuffling footsteps come near the door and someone calls out 'who is it?'
'Meals on wheels,' I reply, a bit peeved at having to wait and talk through a closed door.
'I don't want any.' He says, much to my annoyance.
'You've booked a meal with us today,' I insist.
The door opens.
A man, still tying up his dressing gown, obviously just got out of bed, hair all over the place looks at me.
'Mr Evans?' I say.
Apparently not. I'd got the wrong street.
Mortified, I apologise profusely and drive away, remembering, oh, it was that other street over the railway that I needed.

We had a bit of lightning and the livebox did a wobbley, thankfully it recovered. The previous livebox got fried during that torrential storm we had a few weeks back. We did go offline for a bit, but then came back on.

Oh god, Gwen's hassling to go out, doing her doggy version of talking, tapping me on the leg and staring at me.
She always does it this time of day when I'm in the middle of something.
Still, I'm a doggy lover now, so maybe back later.

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The chickens were let out of their run today to roam free in the terraces of the garden. They didn't go far and found the brassicas, where they hung out most of the day.
Like the good girls they are, they followed me into their run to shut them up again. All except 2. All they had to do was turn a corner, but it seemed beyond their wits. They were running up and down trying to get in through the chicken wire, where they could see the others happily pecking away. Speckledy finally got it, turned the corner and went in, but the last one just couldn't do it, so I had to go and get her, calm her down and carry her back inside.
Still getting 3 eggs a day, so 2 of them aren't laying.

DINNER
Scottish Salmon Steaks (I know, local food is better, but there you go.)
New Potatoes
Salad a la Moi

Haagan Das Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream - it's good and I'm getting more fond of it, but the Walnut Dream still has a place in my heart.

What with all the leaves on the ground, I did think that if they could be used to produce energy, how great would that be? There's a huge supply guaranteed every year and most of it gets burned in back gardens. I guess that you would need a lot of them to produce enough energy to make it worthwhile, but still, it's a thought - Leaf Power!

At the weekend, I met one of my regular readers, Mr A's Auntie Sue. She doesn't comment, but was up to date with my goings on, so I didn't have to update her much, although I haven't seen her for a while. So, hello Sue! Mr A's mum is one of 5, 4 women and Uncle David. Unfortunately one of their sisters died a few years back. Auntie Joan never forgets Mr A's birthday, guaranteed, there will be a card from her and her children every year. Yes, they are that sort of family, kind and caring.

Minnie cat has taken to waking us up in the night, miaowing to come in, as she's usually put out. She doesn't do it when Mr A is away though....some nights we leave her in and she'll sleep on the bed, a solid lump, leaning against a leg, and stay put till first one up (him) to let her out. She can get in through the bathroom window, it's high, but she does use it, so she's just being a pain at the mo.
Gwen had a lovely time at the weekend, being petted over by lots of admirers. On the whole, she's a good dog, barks if there's any activity outside.
Don't know if I've talked about hackles before, probably have, but here we go.
It's amazing the way a ridge of fur stands up all the way down her back when she's barking at a perceived intruder. It stands out a lot, and hackles is a good name for it. I didn't know what it was before I actually saw it in action. It's like when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, or goosebumps, but not through cold, through adrenaline rushing through the body.

Now I'm back online, I'm going to have another look at Annabel Greenhalgh's site, I may even order another painting (print) cos they are so good.

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Halfway through the phonecall, just when I'd reset the livebox, I accidentally unplugged the phone when I moved the livebox nearer. It takes ages to actually get to talk to someone, so my stress levels were all up there with the astronauts. When I did ring them back, of course I got another person to talk to. It must be a call centre in India, as all the operators were Indian. It took me a while to decifer what he was saying when he said 'dot.' I kept having to ask him to repeat what he was saying as his accent was quite strong. Helpful though....

So, while I'm waiting for the callback, I thought I'd blog, and a very whingy post it is too.....

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Either Pavlova, Tiramisu or Sticky Toffee Pudding

I went with the sticky toffee affair, it was very filling and sweet, but nice for a rare treat.

A marquee was erected in their garden, which was a great space to eat and make toasts in. Mr A gave a toast yesterday and I had to give one today. I wasn't expecting to speak, so it was all off the cuff, along the lines of 'I'm glad I married him' sort of thing......

We've never had so many anniversary cards as today. There were 3 aunts with 1 husband (not between them,) 2 uncles with wives, 1 sister, 1 brother in law, 3 nieces, 1 cousin of Mr A's mum, assorted mountain folk who are neighbours, and friends.

We stayed in someones holiday home. A large 4 bedroomed house with a huge garden. Apparently they spend 2 weeks a year there....Best thing though, there was a piano! It was in tune and I happily played away. It was like being reunited with an old longtime friend.

Today, 2 of the nieces gave us a performance, dancing to 3 songs. They were really cute and 1 of them couldn't stop giggling. They interpreted the songs literally, so it was pretty energetic. The girls are 8 and 11 years old and I think it brave of them to do it in front of so many people.

Gwen won a few hearts, especially one aunt, when she sat on her lap being cute and cuddly. 1 niece has a phobia about dogs though and had a bit of a screaming fit when Gwen approached her. The niece had to be calmed down and stayed out of Gwen's way after that.

I'm having problems with the internet. I can't seem to get online with the new livebox, so have to plug in a cable to get online. Mr A reckons it's something with my laptop, though I could get online with the last wireless box that broke...It's a pain, and I've spent ages trying to sort it out.

DINNER
Chippolatas
Mash
Leeks from the Garden in Butter

We had a couple of Corn on the Cobs thursday, very small but lovely. Not enough sun this year for a good crop.

Minnie is pleased to see us back and is curled up with Gwen on the sofa, assorted furry legs and arms entwined. I got a doggy back from the restaurant last night filled up with leftover lamb and a few bones, so she's sorted for a few days.

Last thursday when I was delivering meals on wheels, I found one of my clients, an elderly lady, was locked inside her house without a key.
There's normally a door left unlocked for me to just come in and deliver the grub. At this house, the door was locked, but I couldn't get in or see anyone so I rang the office to let them know.
I got a call back from them saying they had rung the lady, who had answered the phone and would let me in. Well. I stood there shouting at her through the window only to find out that she hadn't a key. I found an open window and managed to slide the food through it. I looked in vain for the Vicarage, where she said a key would be, but all the houses looked the same, so rang the office again so they could sort it out. It took ages for all this, so my other clients had their food late.
One of my regulars goes to the pub if I don't arrive before a certain time, so he had gone by the time I got to him.
There are 5 clients in hospital at the moment....

Got our annual electricity bill. Including vat, it was £355. I took a reading and sent it and got back a revised bill for £320. Not bad for a year's worth of leccy. I thought it would be much more....

I got a lovely bracelet for our anniversary from Mr A. It's solid silver, large thin oval links, with hanging pear shaped drops of a midnight blue glass. It looks very modern and is lovely.
I got Mr A a limited edition print of one of my favourite artists, Annabel Greenhalgh. She paints landscapes, seascapes, anything scapes, her colourings are spectacular. It's worth visiting her website.
www.annabelgreenhalgh.co.uk

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LUNCH
Quorn Cottage Pie

Yeh, yeh, overdid the quorn a bit today, like an over zealous vegan having the munchies....

Gwen is getting spoilt. She's repeatedly interrupted me by staring at me, tapping my leg and giving whining dog talk for attention. So, I gave in and took her for a walk, though she'd been out a few times today already. We did our usual walk past the magical waterfall and the guardian beech tree with the tree spirits, up the lane to the gate, then back.
Got home, fired up the laptop and she's at it again! Soulful, pitiful gazing up at me, wanting something....
This has to stop, otherwise I'm at her beck and call - who's the master here?
Anyway, she's settled now. I want to make sure she has enough exercise but not overdoing it with her leg still recovering from the operation.

That's it. My winge of the day.

When I eventually get round to blogging, I find I'm up against the clock and haven't put much thought into what I'm writing - which doesn't make for interesting reading....
Tomorrow folks. I'll put brainbox into gear and think up something amusing for you.

Meals on wheels delivery tomorrow morning, then a Scarabella rehearsal in the evening. Hurray!

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I made an attempt to clear up some of the leaves which are strewn all over the place, making neat piles to be dealt with later.....Gwen accompanied me while I did my outside chores today, hens, compost, emptying fire box etc, but insisted on going for a walk this afternoon.
She is most persistent, sitting at my feet, gazing up at me and making talking noises, and tapping me on the leg to make sure I got the point. As soon as I rise from my chair she dashes to the door, goes into the lean to and gets my outside shoes! As usual, I took her over the road, where she gets intoxicated with the smells along the sides of the lane. She shoves her nose right down in any small animal holes. If there are animals in there, they must get an eyeful of a large snout coming into their home, must be frightening for them.

Mr A has gone away to work for a few days, so I'm on my onio. Got a Scarabella rehearsal wednesday - funny how it's pronounced, like wensday, but spelt like wednessday. Just a thought.
So, as I'm online, I'll be probably watching shows online that I like, like Peep Show.

I'm quickly losing interest on this post as the magnificent Judge Judy is on..........

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Haagan Das Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream

Yum! The casserole is ready so I've just put on the Asparagus on the Rayburn, it'll be ready soon.

Mr A was delighted when there was a question about geology from the last post I wrote, as he answered the query himself. He love talking geology with someone who understands about it.

Gwen is recovering well, using her damaged hind leg when walking slowly, but still bunny hopping when she runs, using it at the same time as her good leg.
Gwen and Minnie have become good friends, often sleeping cuddled up together. It's either sweet and peaceful or chasing each other all over the place. Minnie is still bringing in little 'gifts', little furry animals, mostly dead. She's taken to miaowing in the night if she wants to come in which is a pain, especially if we're fast asleep and she wakes us up. Some nights she will happily stay out all night, but some nights she just wants to come in and sleep on our bed.....

With my meals on wheels round, there's 5 of my regulars in hospital at the moment...one of them is a lovely, sparkling lady who I miss not seeing. I might find out where she is and visit. I know she really didn't want to go into hospital before, when she had a chest infection and managed to stay at home with anti-biotics. It's hard not to get involved with some people, especially when they are lonely and relish company of another.

A lot of rain has fell this week. One night it sounded like a waterfall just outside the bedroom window. The gutter was blocked and there was a torrent splashing onto the window sill outside. Mr A had to don some clothes, go out and fix it at 2am. We do have some eventful nights......

I don't know about other women, but I tend to wear the same set of clothes for a few days running, changing underwear, though not the clothes. This week I've been in jeans and a plum polo neck ribbed jumper. It's about time I wore a skirt, or even a dress, and tights to show the world that I do possess other clothes...
I think those jelabas, long dresses with hoods, that pull over the head and it's on are winners. They're worn in the Middle East, where they are busy, so less time on getting dressed is priority. It's easy, and warm, I'm sure.
Problem is that when I first get out of bed, it's usually quite cold, we don't have central heating. So I don't want to stand about getting cold, deciding what to wear for the day.
I know, I know, there's simple answers, like wear a dressing gown, choose outfit, take it into warm room in front of the Rayburn, maybe lay them over the rail to warm, then dress at leisure.
Oh, right. I'll do that then and give you the rundown on what I'll be wearing over the next few days.
I may even change my outfit from one day to the next and, at last, break a bad habit. (Habits, like jelabas, also an easy dress option.)

Right. The asparagus is done. The plates are warmed. The cutlery and coasters are laid on the table. The casserole is ready to serve.
Let's get this show on the road!

(Looking forward to X Factor over the weekend.)

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First pic is a particularly fine boat that I saw in the harbour at Alghero.
Second pic was taken at Mr A's insistance when he saw some holes in the bank on the other side of the motorway we were on.
Being a geologist, he doesn't miss a chance to see some of the undergarments of Mother Earth and insisted that I take some snaps of the holey bank as we were speeding along the motorway on our way home.

DINNER
Lamb Curry
Salad a la Moi

Haagan Das Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream

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The 3 pix are from the holiday in Alghero, Sardinia. First one is taken at the Wine and Cheese party at the hotel where the conference was held. As you can see, it was a very posh do, as you can see from the fancy carving of the cheeses.

Next is me on the balcony of the b&b, right opposite other apartments. I didn't mind not having sea views, even washing on a line views are great when you are on holiday and the sun is shining!

Third photo is a general one I took whilst eating ice cream at a cafe on the beach. Not a brilliant shot, but gives a feel of what the place was like.

Finally, the livebox came from Orange today so I'm able to blog again. You know what though, it's late, and I think I'm going to wait till tomorrow and give all the goings on over the past week or so then.
Including the fab party I went to on saturday. Sharron kindly posted 2 photos of me on Facebook from the party, where I'm wearing a red satin corset and thigh high red suede boots. We had to dress in the fashion of a decade from 1940's-1980's. I dressed like a bitch from the show Dallas. It was a great party and the Very Good Rock and Roll Band played, an all woman 9 piece showband doing Elvis covers. They really are very good.
The party was for Gerladine, just turned 50 a still looks like the young fresh faced Irish Colleen that she is. Some of the fancy dress was fantastic, lots of 50's fashion which went well with all the jiving to the Elvis songs.
I composed a song for Geraldine which I sang to start off the entertainment. I'd written it on that day, finishing it in the car, moments before arriving. I'll post the lyrics tomorrow, they are on a piece of paper in my guitar case, I'm not getting it out now....

DINNER
Monkfish in Homegrown Tomato and Chilli Sauce
Salad a la Moi with Raspberries from Garden, Fetta Cheese, Lettuce, Olives, Beetroot in Balsamic Vinegar Dressing.
God, it was yummy! The Chillies gave a nice hit to the fish, which has a nice flavour anyway. Good recipe.

So, my faithful few readers. It's been lovely to be able to chat again and know that at least 2 of you will read this. You know who you are!

Currently reading Iain M Banks Use of Weapons. Writing Sci-Fi at it's very best. A classic.

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Anyhoo, the new modem will arrive in the week, but as Mr A's away, it'll have to wait for his return to sort out. Maybe I could connect it all, maybe, hmm, but my track record with computers isn't good.

Gwen had a great time, the night she came back, she was pining for Mr A's mum and dad. I'm sure the affection worked both ways, they all miss each other. So much so that they are coming for lunch today. I suspect it is more to see Gwen than anything else.

LUNCH FOR 5
Small Pieces of Salmon with Salad a la Moi

Celery Soup, with Celery from the Garden, Sweet Potato, Leek, Own Onions....
Homemade Bread

This post has to last all week, unless I can post from Brenda's on monday as Scarabella have a rehearsal there...So, some memories from Sardinia. I'll post photos when I'm back online.

Miming a lot to our landlady, who only spoke in Italian. Favourite word, 'Benne', which I think means good.

Spending far too much money on absolutely fantastic meals. I have some photos of that too....The Mussels in Sauce were fantastic. In fact, we ate mostly fish whilst there as it was so fresh.

Ice Cream!!!!Yay, I pigged out on Pistachio, Hazelnut, Liquor flavours. They were sooooo tasty, puts our pre packaged ice creams to shame. I had fantasies about opening a Real Ice Cream Parlour in our village. I'm sure it would do well.

Standing on the airport bus from the long stay carpark to catch the plane at 4am, with a load of other bleary eyed people all going on holiday.

Sitting on the balcony of our apartment in the sun, doing Suduko puzzles, just feeling goooood.

Attending the conference to watch Mr A give his lecture on limestone and feeling proud. He was very good.
Especially after seeing a few others, after him, who mumbled and forgot words......

Gobsmacked by the quality of the Wine and Cheese at a party at the conference. There were Goats, Ewes, Cows cheese, hard, soft, spicy, nutty, you name it, it was there, all the top names in the Cheese world.
They even had carved out flowers and stuff from big rounds of cheese for a display.
It was poshness taken to the limit.
I filled my napkin with cheeses to take back to the flat....

Sheltering in a cafe with thunder, lightening and torrential rain hammering down. It did this twice during our stay. Otherwise it was sunny and hot. The town was called Alghero, a delightful place, unchanged by tourism, most of the people were Italian and the old town was steeped in history, you could imagine it hundreds of years ago.

The clothes were amazing! I bought myself a handbag. It's not like any bag you'll see here. I'll take a pic and post it when online with broadband. The Italians earnt the 'best dressed nation' title for sure. The teenagers all looked amazing too! The women do wear a lot of makeup, and go for a bit of gold somewhere on their clothes. Often the shoes had gold bits on them. Italian shoes look like something out of Sex and the City show. Very swish and ankle breaking...

Well, I've got to flap around a bit, company coming in 20 mins, Salmon to cook etc etc. Oh, and a lottery number to check.
The guests have just arrived...ta ra..

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Maple Walnut and Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream, a very small portion, there's a swimsuit I've got to fit into!

Sorted car parking at Stansted, £40.50, for a week. I guess it's worth it as the car will be secure.
Travel insurance covered by bank account. It's a good service, as we get AA cover as well plus a few other bits and pieces.

Got the cat food in, decided to let Minnie continue with the tinned food and wait till we return to get her back to the dried food. I wanted to feed her up after the kittens as she lost weight.
Gwen's off to the inlaws tomorrow, complete with medicines for ear and pain. I think she'll get lots of attention there.

I've piled my clothes up, ready for packing. We're going to take just one bag between us. It's a huge bag and should be big enough.
I've got a large shoulder bag to take on the plane. Got to be careful not to take bottles of stuff, or even my little penknife on board.

The only Italian language books I could find is one of words, a dictionary, and a book of verbs, complete with all the jargon that I can't remember what it means. Inkicatives etc....

Good news is Mr A is coming home tonight instead of tomorrow, bad news is that he has to write up a report tomorrow. Still, Gwen will be pleased to see him back tonight.

Nowt on tv I want to watch, so I'll watch online, The Secret Millionaire. These are feel good shows, with the benefactor coming out of it with an insight into how other people manage, who aren't rich.
I saw Derren Brown's lottery win show, he accurately predicted the 6 winning numbers for last weeks lottery. Hmmmm. He gave 3 ways he could have got it right, 2 of the ways being illegal, so he makes us think that he did it with 'The wisdom of crowds.' I wonder if he really, put to sleep 2 security guards and substituted 6 heavier balls to win......

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Today I go to visit Kelvin, husband of Mary, who passed away on sunday. There will be friends there, and by now a lot of the paperwork will have been sorted, hopefully.

LAST NIGHTS DINNER
Ready made Cannelloni, with Cheese n Spinach
Salad a la Moi, with Feta Cheese, Little Gem Lettuce, tomatoes from garden, onion from garden in a Balsamic vinegar and Olive Oil dressing.

Little bit of Maple Walnut and ditto Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream

Hells Kitchen is back on tv, a rowdy, temper fueled show, where Gordon Ramsey shouts at contestants and upsets people. Good tv! Apart from that, there's not much else worth watching. ITV3 usually has a murder mystery on, Morse, Wycliffe, Poirot etc, so that's a good standby.

Last night I spent a lot of time on the laptop. I still have all of Mary's emails on there, so read some of them.
In one, she's talking about seeing the doctor about the drugs she has to have for her arthritis (which, in the end, killed her,) and said to the doctor,
"I might be dead by Christmas."
How poignant is that?
I'm still not weepy sad about her passing, I expect it will come out of the blue when I'm not expecting it.

The chickens are making a row, sounds like a police car siren with a mute on, like they have on trumpets. One of the chickens is still breaking an egg, so we are getting just 3 a day when that happens.
Gwen has to have ear drops for an infection, and doesn't make a fuss about it, along with her daily pain killer, which she has to have for the next 2 weeks. I must look into pet insurance. Something, with hindsight, would have saved me a lot of money.....

I have to go to the bank to get out some Euros, ready for the off on friday. As it's a long drive to Stanstead, I think we'll be driving through the night, to arrive shattered in Sardinia. I've looked at the weather, and it's hot!

Bit of a dreamy day, no sunshine, but warm. The Rayburn went out in the night and I haven't relit it yet as the house is warm. The insulation really works well. This winter will be the first with total insulation, so we'll see......

I posted this on The Jasper Club site by mistake......so copy and pasted it here for your delectation.

DINNER
Homelaid Eggs
Chips
Bacon
Peas

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