Sunday, 10 August 2008
A Night At The Opera
l like opera, and most of us at one time or another has listened to an 'aria' - a popular and usually well-known song from a production - and derived enjoyment from it, whether it be 'Nessun dorma' from Turandot or 'O mio babbino caro' from Gianni Schicchi.
So l am looking forward to a trip to the theatre in a few weeks time to see 'La Boheme'. lt will be something new and different, and of course a chance to dress up! Always a novel experience since l spend alot of my working day in sensible and unglamourous clothes.
To familiarise myself with the songs and storyline l've been listening to a cd of it, so when l'm watching the show l can understand what's happening, and also wait with anticipation for my favourite songs. Joining in won't be an option as l don't think the audience would appreciate my enthusiastic warblings, and it's being sung in Italian anyway, but l may be tempted to hum along under my breath !
Quote: 'lt was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'
Charles Dickens
23:20 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: opera, La Boheme
Thursday, 03 April 2008
Spring Has Sprung
Well that was an unexpectedly long break - apologies to my readers who have been waiting for the latest blog post.
lt's been a strange beginning to the year, after l thought l'd escaped the winter blues, l suddenly sunk into a kind of apathy, and nothing seemed to be happening that was worth blogging about.
The arrival of a few fine days (apart from some unseasonably vicious snow storms over the Easter break), and shorter nights have lifted my spirits.
l have also discovered a product which has proved useful for those suffering from disturbed sleep, or not being able to drop off at all. Try some melatonin drops. Three or four on a teaspoon, or stirred into a drink and you may find you have a good nights rest. Mine were from a company called agestop.co.uk
The seeds from a variety of tomato called 'Aranta', saved by me last summer, were sown in early February and are now healthy plants, happily basking in the sunshine on my windowsill with some runner beans and cauliflower plants for company.
A few dvds l've enjoyed over the past week or so -not necessarily recent releases but new to me are '- The Cell'; 'Eastern Promises'; 'Society'; and 'Wallace and Gromit - The Curse of the Were-Rabbit'. 'Into The Wild' is next on my list, but l am reading the best selling novel of this first.
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Saturday, 08 December 2007
Winter Blues
Actually, the title should be - ok, it's winter, but l'm feeling sort of alright really. Not yet into the deep dark gloom which usually descends around this time.
Partly, l think this is because l have tried to avoid my regular December activities, ie endless Christmas shopping, writing Christmas card lists, and thinking about what food to buy to consume over the Christmas period.
lnfact, l'm pretty chilled about the whole event. Decorating the house has been largely pared down to a small, but attractive Christmas tree, and l may - or may not - string up some icicle shaped fairy lights. But that's it. Enough. And if people are so kind as to send me a card l will return the favour. But gone are the days when l'd be bent over my address book, trying to decide if a nice robin design would be more appropriate for the recipient than The Three Wise Men.
Christmas is a state of mind. l firmly believe people's expectations of the event are too high. They want it to be perfect, everyone bonding, and sharing, and caring, with presents they are thrilled to receive. A season of Goodwill To All Men.
l wonder why? lf you weren't feeling this Goodwill in Spring, Summer and Autumn - how does the arrival of the cold and drab Winter months suddenly bring out all this generosity of spirit ? lt's just not realistic and therefore doomed to failure.
No, my new plan is to not have a plan !
l aim to enjoy and be part of the festivities without forcing it to be something it isn't.
And to buy presents on the internet wherever possible.
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Saturday, 03 November 2007
Winner!
This is a nice surpise - l've just won £10 in today's lottery. l had half of the required six numbers. lf only l'd had the other half as well ... if only!! l would have been 18 million pounds richer.
18 Million Pounds !!!
But ultimately, would it bring me happiness??
Answer: Yes.
22:27 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: lottery
Monday, 15 October 2007
Comfort Food
One of my current favourite 'must sees' on TV is 'Nigella Express', presented by the fabulously beautiful Nigella Lawson.
Her speciality for this series is producing great tasting comfort food in a hurry - and she really delivers.
Even if you're not into cooking, this show is a delight to watch as Nigella wafts about her kitchen - complete with huge walk-in pantry big enough to live in - gleefully tossing some tasty ingredients into a bowl or pan and with a quick stir rustles up an irresistable meal that even the fussiest of eaters wouldn't refuse.
l love the way Nigella so shamelessly tucks into her food; and the closing scene where she goes back to her fridge at the end of the day to polish off the left-overs!!
Truly a woman after my own heart.
Check out some of her recipes at www.bbc.co.uk/food/tv_and_radio/nigellaexpress_index.shtml
23:10 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this | Tags: food, cooking, Nigella Lawson, Nigella Express
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Milky Pay
An article in yesterday's copy of The Sun caught my eye, although l don't as a rule feature newspaper stories in my blog.
The headline read '42p pinta is record.'
Are they kidding ?
At my local corner shop a 500ml (less than a pint) carton of milk has been selling for 42p for months, and recently had a price increase slapped on it. Current cost ?
A whopping 47p !!!
At this rate it'll be cheaper to slosh champagne over your cornflakes in the morning.
Quote: ' A corpse is meat gone bad. Well and what's cheese ? Corpse of milk.'
James Joyce
20:45 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: milk, The Sun, James Joyce
Saturday, 08 September 2007
Home Alone
l have the entire house to myself for the whole weekend ! What a luxury that is.
Part of me is tempted to be productive and do things that l've been putting off for ages. But l've made a decision not to listen to that particular part of my conscience as the time will pass and before l know it Monday will arrive. lt's been a trying few days and next week doesn't promise to be any better.
So l'm sitting here, having a session on my pc and thinking about my forthcoming long (uninterrupted) bath, lunch, good book, sleep, a film or two ....
One worthy task l will do is give Sapphire the neighbour's cat a gentle sponge over with warm water and special cat shampoo. There is definitely something wrong as her skin is lumpy, itchy and looks very sore, quite greasy too. lt could well be a flea allergy. Or ticks. A website l've come across : www.petpharmacydirect.co.uk looks promising and has a resident vet you can email for advice, and a range of quality products to treat all the usual ailments. lt's not a substitute for a visit to your local vet, but definitely useful as a first port of call for general information.
There are several books on my current reading pile. A couple are by David Eddings - 'Pawn of Prophecy' and 'Queen of Sorcery'. These are of the mythical fantasy genre, with Gods, Kings, Strange Lands and so on. l enjoy his writing style. lt's very readable and the characters are well portrayed. l can get through a chapter without realising it.
One not so good event last week has been the appearence of rodents. Pussem took great delight in playing with and ultimately killing one mouse in the back garden (see photo below ); and then l have heard 'noises' in the night. Scratching and scurrying behind the bathroom wall and in the water overflow pipe and above my bedroom ceiling. Another visit from Pest Control is on the horizon, the close horizon. There are already trays of rat poison in the attic from their last call, but l get the feeling l'm regarded as an hysterical female as no evidence was found. l was even asked if l thought it might be birds walking about on the roof !!!
Sigh !!
And my lawn is still looking sick and patchy, inspite of re-seeding with new grass, which hasn't bothered to germinate. l may try a product l saw in a gardening magazine called 'Wondergreen' lawn seed. lt promises rapid results, and agressive green shoots in five days. (Then, l'm hoping, it will stop growing so quickly as l don't relish the thought of mowing it more than l have to.) But 'a luxurious thick lawn impervious to weeds' and 'the envy of neighbours and friends' sounds pretty good. lt's not available in stores, just mail order and the internet : www.homeandcomfort.co.uk
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Monday, 20 August 2007
Notebook Mystery
The saga of my laptop rumbles on ...
Send it to our repair centre, suggested the manufacturer. This, l subsequently find out, is at the opposite end of the country. While l'm sure Royal Mail do their best, l am not entrusting my computer to them, it's practically part of the family.
A local computer repair man informed me he doesn't 'do' the hardware side of laptops.
Another guy who was kind enough to pay my sick pc a home visit says he'll get back to me ... after he's checked out a few support websites he knows and also checked with the manufacturer that it isn't an inherent fault with the machine. To put it bluntly he seems as puzzled as l am why my machine should run perfectly for 18 months and now it doesn't.
Still, l've had other diversions.
l've developed an interest in the weird world of Carnivorous Plants. l find the 'flesh-eating' aspect of them both intrigung and repulsive at the same time. Shouldn't plants be vegetarian ? But anyway, l am now the proud owner of three of them and they are currently outside in the back garden enjoying the wet weather. They have to have the right water, the right compost, the right growing conditions ... it's like bringing up a brood of picky children.
Ralph has recently taken on not one but two allotments, side by side. Watching them go through their transformation from a large area of grass and nettles into a peaceful haven of raised vegetable beds, rows of soft fruit bushes and apple and pear trees will be exciting. Ralph promises to post some photos of this work in progress on his blog when he has time. So far the grass is being covered to halt it's growth, the nettles are being sprayed and a new shed-greehouse is under construction.
21:35 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: computers, laptops, notebooks, carnivorous plants, Ralph's allotment
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Swallow's Song
One of my current favourite pastimes when l get a spare minute or two is standing in the garden listening to the swallows.
l wasn't sure what they were at first, but l enjoyed their pleasant song as they perched high up on the TV aerials above. With the aid of my AA Book of Birds, l was able to put a name to them. On a hot, still summer's day the sound of their singing travelled for miles.
From early morning til sunset they have provided a musical soundtrack to the summer which has been just lovely.
Thanks, birdies!!
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swallow/...
Quote: 'l don't ask for the meaning of the song of a bird or the rising of the sun on a misty morning. There they are, and they are beautiful.'
Pete Hamill
18:05 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Swallows, Pete Hamill
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Not So Fan-tastic
An irritating PC problem has occured. (But then PC problems always have a habit of being irritating.)
Once upon a time - a couple of weeks or so ago - my laptop was quiet, so quiet as to be almost totally silent, apart from the occaisional gentle whirr of the cooling fan which lasted but a few brief seconds.
And now it's all changed! Why?? l have absolutely no idea.
The first five minutes after the dial-up process has finished all is peaceful, then the fan turns itself on and stays on, and on, forever, until l switch the entire power supply off again.
Or alteratively it's quiet for five minutes, the fan turns on for around a minute, then turns off, then turns back on, forever .... etc.
l've had some conflicting advice over this strange behaviour. The tech,support team who l contacted and who should have complete and utter knowledge of everything to do with my particular make of computer, asked alot of questions, ie, Have l downloaded any new software or hardware? Does opening a particular programme cause the problem? ls the computer near a radiator? Have you dropped it in the bath recently?
Well, not the last one, but anyway. There was alot of questions but no reassuring, 'Yes, we know exactly why your fan is behaving this way and if you try this particular thing ... all will be well.'
No. lnstead l was warned against taking the back off, given the name and number of a repair centre and told 'there will be a charge.' l'll bet.
Conversely, a famous user friendly manual 'Troubleshooting Your PC For Dummies' is much more hopeful and their solution costs nothing. Their advice: Clean lt! Take the back off, take a vacuum and suck out all the dirt'.
Now that's the kind of thing l had in mind.
Although l must admit l have a worrying mental image of all those expensive little components disappearing up the vacuum nozzle along with the dirt!
17:05 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Pc's, computer problems
Saturday, 12 May 2007
Wet And Wild
After the beautiful warm April the past week or so has seen a definite change in the weather. Grey and cold one minute, sunny but still cold the next; some light showers, then extremely heavy rainfall, and howling wind as well, thrown in for good measure. lt can't seem to make up it's mind what to do.
My enjoyable bouts of sitting in the garden with a good book and a cup of tea, listening to cheerful birdsong and the pleasant hum of bees have been put on hold for the time being. My woolly jumpers are back into service and the heating turned up. l only venture out when l need to, or when l just have to get some fresh air and a change of scene.
Pussem the cat has been injured. Nothing too serious, but certainly upsetting, for him and for me. When l was combing his fur one evening l noticed a flattened patch on his back leg, near his ankle where he'd been licking. On closer inspection l found some puncture wounds, and on the other side of his leg some lacerations, as if a set of jaws - probably a dog's - had grabbed him. l suspect what happened is Pussem may have visited his old home two doors away. The new owners have four dogs of different sizes and breeds, and they have also attached some sections of hazelwood screening to the top of their existing fence panels. Pussem may have become trapped and been an easy target for canine teeth !
Happily he is now recovering. And it didn't affect his appetite. But he has lost some of his confidence and stays in the garden alot more than he used to.
16:10 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: weather, Pussem
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Pure Dukkha
l am now on lesson four of my course on Pureland Buddhism.
One of the topics covered this time is 'Dukkha' - The First Noble Truth.
Translated the word dukkha means 'suffering' or 'affliction', and in it's most literal sense - 'bad space'.
Dukkha is part of life. We fall out with friends, or become ill, loved ones die, our hopes and dreams are dashed or remain unfulfilled ...
Dukkha effects us all at some point, but in Pureland Buddhism the bigger picture is regarded as more important, the ultimate goal of happiness and peace which we strive to attain, the silver lining within the cloud.
To be courageous during a time of difficulty and to act with dignity is a sign of faith that better things will follow.
This week l've had my own share of dukkha and l'm in a bad space. The actions of another have forced me to take actions of my own. lt cannot be resolved amicably. That stage has long past. However, the matter is approaching the end of it's 'journey'.
This is something l have to look forward too.
l have also learned more about human nature.
Where there is money to be made, and an opportunity to be taken advantage of, there will always be a greedy and dishonest person, ready and waiting in the wings ...
http://home.btconnect.com/scimah/Dukkha.htm
16:40 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Dukkha, Pureland Buddhism, Dawkins, Darwin
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Prize Winning
Easter has come ... and gone, and l was able to have some time to myself. Apart from the unexpected arrival of relatives, the holiday passed without a hitch.
Recently l purchased some raffle tickets, the proceeds of which were in aid of a local day centre for the elderly, and l was lucky enough to win not one, but four prizes! These were two large Easter eggs, a box of Cadbury's Chocolate Eclairs and a bottle of Martini Rosso. Good fortune was certainly smiling on me that day.
l caught up with some DVD's. 'Shadow Hours', 'The HitchHiker's Guide To The Galaxy' and 'Pan's Labyrinth'. The last one an unsettling mix of gothic fantasy set amongst a backdrop of the postwar era of Franco's Spain, with scenes of brutality and torture. For this reason l found it hard to watch at times. But it was a very memorable film and well worth seeing, so l'm glad l did.
ln the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle l am increasing the amount of unprocessed food in my diet, mostly by extra helpings of summer salads and home-made meals. l made a tried and trusted favourite at the weekend - Leek, Potato and Bacon soup. There is a version of this on the link below, although my recipe is slightly different. l use less bacon as l'm not a big meat eater, and l include some onions too. For a lighter and less calorific soup the amount of vegetable stock can be increased and the milk omitted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/leekpotatoandb...
Quote: 'A first rate soup is better than a second rate painting.'
Abraham Maslow
14:30 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email this | Tags: Easter, raffle tickets, Martini Rosso, Pan's Labyrinth, Abraham Maslow, Leek, Potato and Bacon soup
Saturday, 24 March 2007
Toddler TV
Children's TV is not what it was.
Gone are the days when l would happily sit through episodes of Andy Pandy, The Flowerpot Men and The Woodentops, and then a few years later Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley. One of my special favourites though was Mary, Mungo and Midge - everyday stories of a girl, her dog and her mouse. The animation was simple, it had a gentle style, easy on the eye, nothing loud or over the top - unlike today's hyperactive offerings poor toddlers have to sit through, with screeching presenters and a dire lack of any real content.
No, childrens TV from the 60's and 70's is fondly remembered because it was better. lt gave children what they wanted.
Feeling a sudden nostalgia for those times l have just ordered myself a DVD of 'The Complete Mary, Mungo and Midge'. All 13 episodes. This will be something of a treat for me to watch, not just because of the joy of reaquainting myself with the characters and stories, but because it was filmed in colour, and when l was young we only had a black and white TV set. Seeing the series in colour will bring a whole new dimension to my viewing pleasure!
http://www.thechestnut.com/mary/mary.htm
http://www.timpardoe.co.uk/kidstv.asp
http://www.t-web.co.uk/trumpgo.htm
16:20 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Children's TV, Mary, Mungo and Midge
Tuesday, 13 March 2007
Album Update
A busy few days, but l finally got around to creating some new photo albums for my blog, including some pictures of the cemetery l visited last week (in 'Places').
Yes, l know cemeteries have a tendancy to be sad and perhaps l have a morbid streak because l find them interesting, but they are undoubtably a haven for wildlife.
At home, l made the time to put up a new roller blind in my bathroom. As usual, when l do anything of this kind there is always a hitch. lt wasn't due to my lack of knowledge or not having the right tools for the job, at least not on this occasion, but a failure of one of the components. Namely a 'spring loaded end plug'. Yes, l know it sounds bizarre. lt turned out not to be spring loaded at all, but rigid and unyielding. l managed to complete the task eventually after altering the position of the brackets, and very nice it looks too.
The best part of DIY is when it's over and you can survey your handiwork with smug satisfaction, while secretly hoping it won't collapse!
17:45 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Cemeteries, DIY
Saturday, 10 March 2007
Lawn Of The Dead
lt's been a while since my last blog entry so apologies to my readers - whoever you are - and thanks for being patient!
A piece of good news to begin: my daffodils are in full bloom at last which is lovely as l thought l wouldn't have the pleasure of their cheery company this year after such a slow start.
l've also re-discovered a small local cemetery. l hadn't been in it for a very, very long time. Once, it was quite dark and overgrown, lush and wild and a little spooky. To my surprise it's now being well tended by the local council, the lawned areas are mown, no litter ... but still a little spooky! Apart from the deceased, and a few crows, there was just me, and inspite of the comforting presence of traffic noise on the other side of the hedge, and the houses and blocks of flats all around, there was an air of benign desolation. Peaceful though, and before l'd realised it an hour and a half had passed as l picked my way inbetween the gravestones, taking the occasional photo. l hope to put them on my blog sometime as the memorials were so varied and interesting, ranging from simple pieces of rough stone to elaborate life-sized replicas of - l presume - the dear departed. lt was well worth the visit.
l'm enjoying the course l'm studying on Pureland Buddhism, and have just handed in my second lot of work. lt is comprised of 15 sections, starting off with the basic facts, gradually going deeper into the subject and then involves discussion with other students also on the course. Something to look forward to.
Quote: 'Don't think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles De Gaulle said, the cemetries of the world are full of indispensable men.'
Donald Rumsden
www.famousquotes.me.uk/epitaphs/index.htm
22:00 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: cemeteries, Pureland Buddhism, Donald Rumsden, epitaphs
Sunday, 11 February 2007
Mind Expanding
l'm about to embark on a course about Pureland Buddhism. lt'll be something new for me to focus on and hopefully give my brain a bit of a work-out too.
As with all religions and practices l have no fixed views at all, but some aspects of Buddhism do appeal to me, particularly the emphasis on strengthening the mind, and awareness.
For the past week much of the country has been hit by snow and freezing temperatures but luckily the area where l live was spared, although it's suffered from rain and a generally depressing grey February sky. l'm not complaining. Snow is great to play in, or to watch from the comfort of your own home, but as for travelling or work - forget it.
l received a new debit card the other day. All was well ... until l tried to use it to pay for something, then it was refused, twice! When l called Customers Services at my bank they explained that the card hadn't yet been activated, and the operater then proceeded to ask me a long list of questions - what was my bank account number, card number, expiry date, full name, what regular payments did l receive and make ... and so on. This has never happened before. The new card would arrive and l'd be ready to go. Even more bizarrely, before actually speaking to a 'real' person at customer services, a recorded message is played strongly warning you of the dangers of giving out any personal details of your account!
14:36 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Pureland Buddhism, snow, customer services
Sunday, 21 January 2007
Weather Etc.
The heavy gales over the past week have unsettled me, but at least l escaped with my life unlike some poor people.
Not too much damage to the garden thankfully. Some gravel was blown from the shed roof, a wheelie bin went flying and a bag of rubbish landed on my herb bed, flattening a few plants. Because they are still young and flexible they soon recovered. And a heap of viburnum and pyracantha prunings are now strewn all over the place.
The noise of the gales kept me awake at night though, so l was tired the following day. l haven't ventured out very far either as it's difficult to battle against and l've had to give my long walks a miss. Although on reflection maybe it's a good thing. My leg has been uncomfortable for a couple of days, causing me to limp. lt has never fully recovered after a bout of sciatica last year - three long months of unrelenting agony. Other trying events have happened too. As Shakespeare once said, 'When sorrows come, they come not in single file but in battalions.' Or something like that.
R. has been away in London on a psychology course, so l had no sensible and reassuring outlet for my various disgruntled complaints either! He has since returned, and l have been filling him in on my week.
l'm thinking of buying some small light-weight binoculars so when the warmer weather comes l can combine some close-up bird watching with my rambles, rather than just observing our feathered friends from a distance. Useful for spying on passing ships too. l think l've narrowed my choice down between a Pentax pair or an Olympus.
23:10 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Gales, gardening, Shakespeare, binoculars
Sunday, 14 January 2007
Care Of The Buddhas
This is taken from The Mantra Book, it's called a refuge mantra and brings you under the care of the Buddhas. lt should be said seven times in the morning when you wake, and seven times at night before you sleep:
NAMO GURU BHYE
NAMO BUDDHAYA
NAMO DHARMAYA
NAMO SANGHAYAH
17:50 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: mantras, refuge mantra, Buddha
Friday, 05 January 2007
New Year
On 1st January l hung this object - eight I-Ching coins and a 'bell of perfection' above my front door in a south east position. The coins represent fame, fortune, wealth and success. l don't crave fame, but the other three will do nicely, thank you. Does Feng Shui really work? Some say a definite yes. There hasn't been a dramatic increase in my bank balance yet but l'm keeping an open mind.
l've decided not to make any new resolutions this year, not that l do anyway, but l would like to acquire a useful skill such as learning to read tea leaves ... and l may have a special talent for it, l've discovered. The other morning as l finished drinking a cup of tea l realised the bag had burst because some of the leaves were in the base of the cup and clinging to the sides. And l could clearly make out the figure of a man with short hair, and he was running.
My Grandmother was an expert at reading the leaves and made spookily accurate predictions on a regular basis, ie "My sister's coming round - and she's got a new hat on!" And so it was within a little while, one sister, complete with new hat, standing on the doorstep.
Perhaps l've inherited my Grandmother's gift!
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/tealeaves/tealeaves3....
Quote: 'Those who refuse to make New Year's resolutions because they always break them anyway miss the point. Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self-assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.'
Eric Zorn
17:10 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: I-Ching, Feng Shui, reading tea leaves, Eric Zorn
Thursday, 07 December 2006
ln My Dreams
The key element of getting into the Christmas spirit is when l decide to hunt out my double cassette collection of Carols From Trinity - which l've been trying to locate in CD format to make selecting my favourite tracks easier.
There's something about the clear evocative singing that conjours up mental images of a snow covered English countryside at dusk ... the distant sound of church bells ... the aroma of mulled wine and mince pies drifting on the breeze ... people dressed as well-fed rosy cheeked characters from a Dickens novel ... a huge Christmas dinner of flavourful turkey and moist plum pudding which someone else has cooked ...
This is how l would like my Christmas to be. Whether l will ever experience it ... who knows.
lt's colder than it has been for a while, but no snow yet. Just dark and wet and depressing.
l had an unpleasant shock this week too. ln the form of strangely eerie noises coming from the attic. Noises of the running, scuffling and scratching variety. This is one of my deep, dark, fears ... the 'something's up there' dread of all the best horror films, in particularly 'The Exorcist.' l never enjoy going into the attic. Ever.
So, when l'd partly recovered l called in a guy from the local branch of Environment and Health, who (thankfully) was unable to find any evidence of rats but put down two trays of poison to be on the safe side and suggested it may have been a squirrel, apparently there have been a few about recently.
He'll be returning next week to inspect for corpses. Rather him than me.
Quote: 'Christmas! 'Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart.'
Washington lrving
13:00 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Christmas, carols, Dickens, rats, The Exocist, Washington lrving
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
My Birthday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
Thanks to all those people who gave me cards and gifts.
lt made a special day even better.
19:08 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Friday, 17 November 2006
Jungle Fun
People are surprising aren't they?
l never thought l'd get to see Liza Minelli's ex-husband, David Gest emptying a toilet and floundering around in a tank full of crocodiles and spiders with a spanner in his hand!
Or Tony Blair's sister-ln-law, Lauren Booth revealing her love of a particular genre of black music and getting down with 'the massive.' When confronted by a coloured man on how she knew the lyrics to a song - Lauren revealed to her fellow jungle camp mates - she replied, 'ls it coz l is white?'
You couldn't make it up.
Yep, the new series of 'l'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!' hosted by Ant and Dec has got off to a flying start.
Last night a newcomer arrived in the form of Dean Gaffney, who formerly played the character of Robbie in Eastenders. He had to do a famous 'trial' before entering the camp and was so nervous he was physically sick four times before the trial had even begun. Then the usual horrors of worms, maggots, cockroaches and rats ensued along with having to dip his head in a bowl of enticingly named 'vomit fruit'. Not that he needed any help in that department, Robbie was doing fine on his own. lt was all topped off by a good blast of bright yellow liquid goo and a covering of fly larvae before he was sent on his way!
Hope he gets a warm welcome from the other celebs.
l can't wait for tonight's edition!
17:30 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: l'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here', jungle, Ant and Dec
Saturday, 11 November 2006
SAD
l've overslept twice in the past week, not by a few minutes but half an hour.
Chores which l'd normally breeze through take forever.
My consumption of sweet things has increased - four bars of chocolate covered turkish delight, marzipan, a bag of fizzy cola bottles, a large family sized slab of Milky Bar, two Christmas puddings ...
Lazing about on the sofa has become my new pastime.
lt doesn't look good. Frankly l'm appalled with myself.
But it's November, so it must be that unfortunate state known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
There's a sure fire cure, but few of us can afford to move to sunnier climes for the winter. Or you could try St John's Wort, Light Boxes. therapy .. but none are guaranteed to work.
Animals hibernate and so should we.
But on a happier note this is where the Christmas Season comes in useful. lt is a good excuse to store large quantities of food and hide your layers of flab under chunky jumpers. And those long dark evenings are perfect for retiring by the fire with a dvd or a good book. And dream of Spring.
00:03 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder
Sunday, 29 October 2006
Pussem's Progress
A short while ago l wrote about Pussem the cat. His owners moved abroad and he now spends alot of his time at my house.
Together we have developed a comfortable routine and he seems happy with it.
Pussem arrives in the back garden between 8 and 9 in the morning, l let him in and he has some breakfast and a drink. This is followed by a leisurely grooming session. He has long hair and he takes his time because even cats like to look their best. l help him too and he is very tolerant of my efforts with a brush and comb.
After this comes a tour of the house when he decides where he will take his morning nap. He sprawls for a few moments in the newly carpeted hall (pictured above), checks out the white shaggy rug on the landing, maybe if it's sunny the window sill, but usually he settles on one of the beds or the sofa until lunch time when he has a light snack. At this point l'm sure he'd prefer to go back to sleep, but with a little encouragement from me he goes outside to stretch his legs and have some fresh air. burn off a few calories and do whatever cats do.
Mid afternoon he strolls back in again. Another quick chew of his food - he likes to eat little and often - before settling down for his afternoon sleep on the sofa in front of the TV.
At different times throughout the day he is prone to sudden displays of affection. Leaping onto my lap, his paws on my collar bone, forehead against mine, purring loudly. lt never fails to make me smile.
During the early evening when l'm eating my own meal he is at his most lively and animated. Rolling and stretching on the carpet, then sitting as close to me as he can get. Barely able to contain his enthusiasm, he rests his paw on the back of my hand as l try to lift it to put the food into my mouth. Loosely translated it's his way of saying 'l'll have what you're having!'
19:30 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Pussem, cats, cat behaviour
Saturday, 21 October 2006
Green Tara
As well as the Buddhas head which was a recent purchase from a DIY store, l now have a new addition to my collection.
It is a brass figure of one of, if not the most well known and loved female Goddesses in Tibetan Buddhism - 'Green Tara'.
Green Tara symbolizes compassion and she is called upon by people seeking help for domestic troubles or by those making long, perhaps difficult journeys.
GT is thought to be always ready to offer aid and protection in a spontaneous and loving way - as a mother cares for her child.
l think in view of these qualities she definitely deserves a place on my mantlepiece.
Just behind the statue is a devotional card representing Tara in her green colouring, to the right of this is a bookmark with the phrase 'Namo Amida Bu' printed on it and on the left of the Buddha is another card featuring a black cat and an inspirational message. These were given to me and came from a Buddhist centre. At each end l placed a scented candle.
l wouldn't regard it is a bona fide altar or shrine as such, not yet anyway, but they are things l like and enjoy looking at.
Quote: 'He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.'
Lao-Tzu
12:20 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Green Tara, Buddha, Buddhism, altars, shrines, scented candles, Lao-Tzu
Thursday, 05 October 2006
GNR
On Sunday my nephew successfully completed The Great North Run - a half marathon of 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields - in a time of 2hrs 39mins.
The event attracted 50,000 people and is becoming more popular each year with many of the participants running in aid of their favourite charity.
Ralph also finished the course in spite of a knee injury. What a trooper!
Well done to them both.
l'm having some work done on my roof, or waiting to. The scaffolding went up a week ago and there is no sign of the 'roof men' to begin the job.
The metal poles are really ugly and depressing and underneath the wooden blocks which are supporting the poles, my lawn is turning yellow and dying off!
For L - MBDITWW
l had a little dog, and my dog was very small;
He licked me in the face, and he answered to my call;
Of all the treasures that were mine, l loved him best of all.
His nose was fresh as morning dew and blacker than the night;
l thought that it could even snuff the shadows and the light;
And his tail he held bravely, like a banner in a fight.
His body covered thick with hair was very good to smell;
His little stomach underneath was pink as any shell;
And l loved him and honoured him, more than words can tell ...
(Cornford/Bekassy)
15:15 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: The Great North Run, dogs, dog poetry
Monday, 25 September 2006
Carpet And Clutter
l've just had a new carpet fitted in my hall, stairs and on the landing. lt's a milky coffee colour that seems to go well with everything.
The finished effect is great and l'm really pleased with it, although the process of removing the old one and cutting it into manageable sections ready for collection by the refuse men, pulling out over 150 carpet nails and cleaning the floors was tiring and time-consuming. l also felt compelled to give some of the woodwork a fresh coat of paint.
Meanwhile the rest of the house has descended into disarray.
Before l could do anything l had to empty and move two pieces of furniture, which doesn't seem alot l know. One was a small bookcase. lt held a surprising amount of books. The other was a storage unit with yet more books, CDs, video tapes and general household clutter. This is now scattered around the other rooms on various surfaces until l can deal with it.
But l now have a problem. The newly carpeted area looks so clean and minimalist, my calm oasis among a sea of possessions, that l don't want to put the funiture back. So it's staying where it is.
The trouble with storage space is that it tempts you to keep items which needn't be kept, rather than sorting them out for charity shops or recycling.
lt's difficult though. l get attached to my things. They all have memories associated with them.
Even that old shopping list l wrote last year ...
www.uktvstyle.co.uk/index.cfm/uktvstyle/StandardItem.inde....
14:35 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: carpet, painting, storage, decluttering
Wednesday, 20 September 2006
Pussem
This is Pussem.
It's not his real name, but it's what l call him.
l've known Pussem for five years. l gave him some leftover roast lamb one sunny Autumn afternoon when l noticed him curled up asleep in the back garden. We've been friends ever since.
He is very placid and very loving. And he enjoys pieces of meat from chicken curry (not too spicy) with some of the sauce taken off. He has them as an occaisional special treat.
He used to live two houses away from me. l say 'used to' because last week his owners moved abroad, and sent Pussem to live with relatives.
Originally l thought they had taken him with them. To say l was unhappy at the prospect of never seeing Pussem again is putting it mildly. ln fact l bawled my eyes out. Then three days after his owners left he leapt over the fence and into my arms. lt was a joyful reunion! He's been to see me every day since then and we spend alot of time together.
But l've noticed some changes in him. Losing his home and his family has made Pussem insecure. He needs more cuddles and reassurance, and follows me around the house - frightened that l too, will disappear from his life.
Sometimes he sits quietly on the windowsill, deep in thought. Probably wondering where his owners are and when they are coming back.
l feel so sad for him, but l'm glad l was here to help him deal with his loss.
21:03 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: cats, Pussem
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
Bed
This is the photo which should have accompanied Sundays blog entry.
Better late than never!
20:45 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Sunday, 27 August 2006
BLT
No, not Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato but Bed, Literature and a cup of Tea, which is how l like to begin my day.
l love my bed and hoped to put a photo of it on my blog but had some problems doing this apparently easy task so it will have to wait til another time.
To change the subject, something truly strange happened this week.
As you may remember l bought a small Buddha statue - see 'Retail Relaxtion' - and duly put my lottery ticket underneath it for good luck, hoping for a windfall.
To my amazement when l checked the ticket three of my numbers had come up resulting in a £10 win!!
l was gobsmacked.
The last time l'd had any success at all on the lottery was several years ago, even though l invest a £1 stake for a lucky dip selection every week.
Was it a coincidence ... or, as l suspect, were special powers at work?
Quote: 'Forget the lottery. Bet on yourself instead.'
Brian Koslow
20:20 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Buddha, lottery, Brian Koslow
Sunday, 20 August 2006
'X' Hits The Spot
l laughed ... l cried (with more laughter) ... and l hid behind a cushion, wincing at the sheer, painful, awfulness of it all.
Yes, the 'X Factor' was back last night with an inspired first show that reached the heights of wackiness and plumbed the depths of pity, pity for those poor deluded souls who dream of stardom yet haven't the faintest glimmer of a chance. Seriously. They know it, their families must know it (yet don't have the guts to say 'Your singing has all the allure of a rusty door hinge, please don't put yourself through the pain and public humiliation.'), and we the viewers know it, and gawp at every toe-curling moment.
Yet there were some little gems amongst the dross.
Such as the poor young guy - 16 going on 12 - who went to pieces at his first attempt at auditioning and barely made it through the second, but was so genuine in his love of singing and said it helped him when he had a bad day at music college. lt must have tweaked a million heartstrings of protective females across the land.
And the likeable Jonathan - a full time carer for his mum - who gave a swinging rendition of 'Miss Jones'. Must be a good candidate for a finalist.
Another highlight was a veritable ' rent-a-crowd' gang of males and females, all shapes, sizes, and styles of dress who put a huge grin on the judges faces with a harmonious Carpenters number 'Top of the World'.
But the star of the show had to be when Simon Cowell, chortling unashamedly through a middle-aged womans version of 'Begin The Beguine' ... received the rough edge of a mother-in-laws tongue for this heinous crime and she pricked his conscience until Simon was forced to say 'Sorry.' ! Priceless.
l can't wait til next week.
13:10 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: The X Factor, Simon Cowell, singing
Monday, 31 July 2006
Adieu, TOTP
The final edition of Top of the Pops was screened last night, after a run of 42 years.
lt bowed out with an hour long trip down memory lane, reliving some past performances, including my all-time, never to be repeated favourite - David Bowie with 'Starman'.
l remember seeing this arresting and entrancing vision way back in 1972 and it made a huge impact on me. DB and his music have given me more listening pleasure over the years than anyone else and continues to do so.
Thanks D.
Road rage sickens and digusts me.
l witnessed it close-up many years ago and found it a terrifying experience. And it happened again last week.
Driving a car is a privilege, not a right and anyone who indulges in this vile form of aggressive behaviour while in charge of a vehicle - a potentially lethal weapon - should have their privileges removed.
www.drdriving.org/articles/testimony.htm
14:10 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Top of the Pops, Starman, David Bowie, road rage
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
PC Problems
I was going to write about photography, but l'm not in the mood. My computer isn't functioning as it should be and l'm suffering anxious moments.
Outlook Express which deals with my emails has suddenly and for no reason turned against me. And l thought we were so happy together!
lt refuses to authorize the sending and receiving of any messages, because it says my client response is invalid, and my password is invalid.
Why? WHY?
l have two email addresses, both of which l've used since the beginning, and it won't recognise either of them.
lf this has happened to any of you then you'll be familiar with the proceedure. Each 'Error' has it's own code number and you're given an internet address in order to find the help (supposidly) you need in order to sort out the problem.
l followed their advice meticulously, and to be fair it was clear and easy to use. But did it work?
No. No, it didn't.
l launched 'Outlook Express', clicked 'Tools', clicked 'Accounts', highlighted the relevant account, clicked 'Properties', checked all my settings were as they should be and so on. l was hopeful. But my hopes were quickly dashed.
More advice appeared on screen offering to reconfigure my settings which would take only a few seconds to download. My settings were fine, but what did l have to lose ...
Still nothing. The same irritating 'Error' window popped up to torment me.
More advice appeared, maybe a virus?
No sooner said than done. On went my virus scanner and cleaned every file, they were all perfect. No worms or Trojans anywhere.
And guess what?
Yep! Outlook Express is still not working.
l'm using Yahoo! Mail until l can get the problem sorted. lf that packs up l'm done for!
It's frustrating beyond belief.
20:34 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: computer problems, Outlook Express
Tuesday, 18 July 2006
Murder In The Bushes
One of the outdoor cats, a slim black and white female, has got a real taste for killing.
This is normal behaviour in cats. lt's a throwback from their wild feline ancestors who had to hunt and kill for their food in order to survive. They didn't have the luxury of regular helpings of Whiskas or Go-Cat.
l had two presents from her this week - a couple of sparrows, possibly mother and baby.
The cat in question lurks about deep inside my hypericum shrub and when the unsuspecting birds land on it's twiggy branches and begin to feed on any insects they get alot more than they bargained for. Namely a cats jaws clamped around their heads.
lt's regrettable and l wish she wouldn't do it. lt's not just sparrows either. A lifeless white budgerigar appeared on my doorstep one day, followed by a tiny brown mouse.
l feel more than a tinge of sadness as l wrap the small corpses in kitchen paper and lay them to rest in my garden near a plant so their decomposing bodies can be recycled as food for it and their deaths won't have been totally pointless.
Nature can be so brutal.
www.moggies.co.uk/behaviour.html www.craftycat.co.uk/
Quote: 'Cat's know how to obtain food without labour, shelter without confinement, and love without penalties.'
W.L. George
16:55 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: cats, cats behaviour, W.L. George
Thursday, 13 July 2006
Melting
I used to have a wish/desire for my own tropical island where l could spend quality time, maybe look for interesting shells and observe the wildlife, and watch the sun come up and go down.
But l've definately changed my mind now!
l'd never stand the heat!
Yes, l know l've gone on about it in a couple of previous blog entries but honestly, it's getting beyond a joke.
It's annoying because l want to enjoy the summer, it doesn't last long so l feel l should be out there, making the most of it.
So yesterday l did ... or tried to.
l smeared on some Factor 30 sunscreen, slipped into my sandals and went out determined to 'have a good time'.
For the first ten minutes it was great and if the rest of the morning had been like the first ten minutes l'd have had nothing to complain about.
But l started to notice things. Like the roads were melting. Very dead grass. Tired birds. Pain (because the sun was burning into my skull).
l tell you, it was murder.
There is no fun to be had in lurking about under trees, swigging bottled water as if your life depended on when it actually does.
You get the idea. However, in a way it was all worth it in the end because the sheer relief when l got home ... it was sweet. Out of the sun and on to the sofa nursing nothing worse than sore toes and a bad headache.
So that's why l've gone off the idea of a tropical island fantasy. l'm on a 'riverside retreat dream' now. Somewhere in England. When it's cooler.
Quote : 'Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.' (He's not wrong there.)
Russell Baker
The photo of the swan (above), looking cool and comfortable in the sunshine was taken by Ralph at Whitlingham Country Park, in Norfolk. He has recently updated his blog - Lamentations.
14:25 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: summer, tropical island, Russell Baker
Sunday, 09 July 2006
Downtime
Why are my Sunday afternoons so ... what's the word ... although l'm not even sure there is one.
You know what l'm talking about, perhaps. The peculiar lethargy that occurs just after lunch and lasts until about six o' clock.
The morning was pleasant enough. l had my bowl of cereal - Golden Nuggets today - and a cappucino while l watched a programme about allotments.
Then l bought a paper - The News of the World - for some trashy reading and listened to a classical music CD, (favourite tracks were Handel's 'Largo', Bach's 'Larghetto,' and Mozart's 'Romance').
Everything was fine.
I ate some lunch, had a drink, quietly minding my own business, and then it happened.
My relaxed and happy state descended into a pit of aimless existence.
l didn't exactly lose the will to live, but l wasn't far off!
TV has always been reliable in the past, and something chocolatey to eat. This works up to a point, but it - 'the mood' - hovers around in the background like the Prophet of Doom. The only thing keeping me from a near coma was the diverting sight of Spanish tennis player Raphael Nadal, scampering around the centre court at Wimbledon like a hyperactive spaniel.
l've tried sleeping my way through this weekly attack of the doldrums, but it seems such a waste. lt lasts around five hours, which is alot of time over the course of a month or so. But perhaps it's my mind's way of winding down, whether l want it to or not.
It could be a passing phase. But until it hopefully wears off l'll have to somehow convince myself it's a Thursday.
21:00 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Sunday
Thursday, 29 June 2006
Silent Killer
Very recently a neighbour of mine passed away.
l'd seen him just a couple of days before. He was standing on his doorstep, watching the world go by. He waved, l waved, we exchanged cheery greetings.
Sometimes he'd be in his front garden tending the colourful jumble of flowers.
He was a nice, amiable man, married to his equally nice, amiable wife.
Then l learnt he'd been taken into hospital after becoming unwell. He had, it was subsequently found, undiagnosed diabetes.
This lead to complications - internal bleeding, coma, and then death.
All ln less than a week.
Killed by a disease he didn't even know he had!
www.diabetes.org.uk/home.htm www.drwf.org.uk
On a lighter note, the corner shop has finally reopened after it's complete restyling and modernisation.
Do l like it? lt's hard to say. Certainly it's ... um, clean. And clinical. Sleek grey flooring, extremely bright artificial lights, and what seems to be a far greater range of products, including more fruits and vegetables. But the character has gone. Wiped out. And the aisles are so narrow you need to have the proportions of a stick insect to do your shopping in comfort!
15:57 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: diabetes
Tuesday, 13 June 2006
Hang Up
Nuisance 'phone calls are the bane of my life.
On a typical day l may get two or three, once l received six in ten minutes which must be some kind of record.
Today's crop consisted of a home improvement firm and another offering to upgrade my mobile.
Then there are the charities - all very commendable and worthy, but more than once l've been asked if l'd collect money for them door to door. These were charities which l had never donated a single penny to in my entire life!
There is an especially annoying female who rings me regularly and drones on about the wonders of Sky television, then when l decline yet again asks me tetchily 'Is there any particular reason why?'
I'd like to tell her where she can shove her satelite dish, l really would.
And they choose the most inconvenient times to call. 6.03 is a popular slot, just when l'm engrossed in The Simpsons and have a plate of food on my lap. Honestly. Have they no shame!
Helpful organisations are www.callpreventionregistry.co.uk and www.tpsonline.org.uk
20:45 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: nuisance calls
Wednesday, 07 June 2006
Midnight Inferno
I was woken during the early hours of the morning by the sound of raised voices and slamming doors. Half asleep, l peered outside and could see several people scurrying about. l opened my window and immediatly smelt smoke and heard loud crackling noises, like a bonfire, although l couldn't see where it was coming from as my view was obscurred. But then, l happened to look at the house opposite and reflected in the window was the startling image of leaping yellow flames and billowing smoke. Very dramatic but frightening. A few moments later a fire appliance arrived on the scene and the blaze was soon under control, but it made me wonder just how quickly it could have escalated, considering the amount of wood - either fences or sheds - that people have on their property.
On my way to the post box this morning, l happened to walk past the house where the incident occured. A big heap of blackened wood, all that remains of the owners shed, was in the garden, surrounded by some badly scorched shrubs.
lt's the second incident in less than two weeks. The first was an industrial sized plastic wheely bin at the side entrance of the local shop, deliberatly set on fire, just for amusement l suppose. Another case of mindless vandalism, or a serial arsonist on the loose!
16:30 Posted in