Patricia's daze

ramblings

2010-05-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have had a lazy day today - I got up at 7.30 to find that my husband had taken out our spaniel for a long walk, so I was able to have a shower and have my breakfast at a leisurely pace. The rain was pouring down and it was rather chilly after a beautiful week. I decided to get the shopping out of the way and, apart from cooking tea, I have spent the day reading the paper, doing crosswords and generally being lazy.
The last two weeks have been a bit busy, to say the least. Our friends are over on a trip from Oz and I've been able to see Janette twice so far, and we meet again tomorrow. I used to work with her - she's a lovely person and so is her husband. They were in England for 7 years and have made many friends as John was a Methodist minister. He has now retired so they are travelling all round England at the moment.
A group of us had afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel one afternoon, which was rather grand (and expensive!)
The day after, I was off to camp with 15 guides. We had a wonderful time. The weather was glorious, the girls were really well behaved and did all the chores without moaning ( a miracle!!), the activities were good so everyone was happy.
I came back from camp on Sunday night and on Monday went off to the council offices to chair a panel dealing with school appeals. The school concerned is very popular and is full in the new year 7, but we heard 30 appeals over the three days.
On Friday we went to see a flower festival in a local church - it was amazing!! The theme was the passing of time and the arrangements were so beautiful - no bunging the flowers in a vase!! I haven't any photographs as I forgot my camera- typical!
Well, I think I'll go back to my paper - ther's only the Eurovision Song contest on TV and it's not the samewithout dear old Terry Wogan commentating.

A busy week!

2010-05-04T03:35:00.000-07:00

I started last week with Sunday School with the younger ones. There were only about 6 little girls in my group and we had a lovely time. It was the annual meeting of the church after the service, so we got home later than usual, had lunch and went off on a walk with Jasper.
Monday was washing, cleaning and getting ready for our adult 'sleepover' at Waddow Hall, near Clitheroe in Lancashire.
Tuesday meant an hour's drive into the beautiful Lancashire countryside to meet up with other Trefoil members at the Hall. This is one of the Guide activity and conference centres in the UK and used to belong to the Pilkington family. (Pilkington Glass). It is a lovely old house in beautiful grounds with camp sites, a Brownie house and two cottages available for hire. From the front of the house the land slopes down to a river with a weir - lovely! When I was a guide and a young guider, we used to camp there and boy, was it strict! If you went anywhere near the house you had to be in full 'best' uniform or you and your guider got into real bother! Things are more relaxed now. After a wonderful buffet lunch we went a walk around the large grounds, back for afternoon tea, crafts and a chat with other people who were staying there. There was a crowd of students from Liverpool University on a field week and a group of ladies who had come away to do some uninterrupted patchwork.
After dinner we all dressed up in our western outfits, much to the bemusement of the students, and took part in a murder mystery evening - who killed the sheriff? It was a lot of fun, though nobody identified the murderer which could have had something to do with the amount of wine and other liquids which were being consumed.
Weds. we had a morning of indoor curling which was good fun and after another good lunch it was time to make our way home.
Thursday found me on the train to Manchester to man the Guide shop with my friend. We were feeling a bit tired so hoped we wouldn't be too busy. That was too much to hope for and we took quite a bit of money.
On Friday, Kevin and I went shopping to our nearest John Lewis store and had lunch there. Neither of us bought anything much but it was nice to go out together! I had Guides on Friday night and Saturday we did some work in the garden and then I was catching up on paperwork for the next two events! On Sunday we went out for lunch to Lymm with our friends - we haven't seen them since New Year's Eve so we had a lot of catching up to do! Lunch lasted until about 4.30 pm so by the time Jasper got his tea he was ravenous. Well that was my busy week and this week's as bad - or good.
I'm just off to my weigh in, then my mums and tots group, having taken the dog an hour's walk. It's glorious today - long may it last!

grey Monday

2010-02-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's another grey day here in Hadfield and I have only ventured out to collect my prescription. I don't know where the time has gone - I had a mammoth ironing session this morning and was going to do some housework, but got waylaid. I had to get things ready for our toddler group tomorrow. We're doing the story of Adam and Eve and I was trying to think of a craft. We usually make a snake out of old socks, but I haven't any left. I thought of making a spiral snake, but the children are very little. So I have drawn them each a snake outline and they can colour it and stick stickers on - how original is that? - not very, I'm afraid.
I had a lovely time on Friday night. I went back to a town where I had been Commissioner for Guides. They were having a dinner to celebrate our centenary and I was giving the after dinner speech!!!! I was absolutely petrified and suffering from total lack of sleep through worrying, but it went down very well, thankfully. Perhaps I've found a new career. I met so many people I haven't seen for ages - it was really good.
I'm a bit sad today because one of our great jazz musicians has died - Johnny Dankworth. I do enjoy jazz and he was someone I could listen to for a long time, along with his wife, Cleo Laine. His son and daughter are both jazz musicians, so hopefully they will carry on his music.
Well, Jasper and I are on our own tonight. K has gone to his digital imaging class and I will be washing up and watching Coronation Street. Jasper hasn't been himself for the last few days. He was very sick on Thursday night, so we took him to the vets on Friday and he couldn't find anything. On Saturday, he didn't want to eat and yesterday and today he's been a bit better, but a little quiet. So we'll go downstairs and make a coffee and have a snuggle!

boring.....

2010-01-30T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have been reading blogs today, especially those of my friend and my husband, but also one or two others. They are so interesting and full of photos etc and mine is so bo..o..o..ring. So I have decided to liven it up by adding pictures and learning how to take photographs off my camera and put them onto my blog ( I can hear the exasperated sigh of my husband if he reads this...'I've shown her so many times and she STILL forgets!!') Oh well! Mind you, I have to remember to take photographs in the first place.
Last night I went to the pantomime to see Jack and the Beanstalk. I know that you usually go to the pantomime during the Christmas season, but our local amateur theatre always produces theirs in the dark days of January.
I absolutely love the pantomime - I can boo and hiss with the best! Where else would you see a man dressed as a woman in outrageous costumes, the young male role performed by a girl, slapstick comedy, the evil person and a good fairy? Wonderful!!
When I was teaching, I used to take the year 7 pupils to the panto at Christmas. We had a science teacher who was really strict with the pupils. She used to come with me and would hiss and boo, cheer and shout -the pupils were somewhat surprised and spent most of the first act watching her rather than the stage! Happy days!
Last night's performance was very good and the audience enjoyed it, although it was almost ruined by an over excited 7 year old on the front row, but the cast managed to shut him up!!
Well, back to mundane things, like perfecting an after dinner speech by next friday - not started yet, but all will be well.

Sunday 17th

2010-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally made it to church this week and it was good to see everybody again.
It was my turn to take the little ones in Sunday School and our theme was saying thank you. It was fun to hear what the children really wanted to say thank you for -presents, biscuits, dinosaurs were mentioned as well as flowers, mummies and daddies!
It was a good session, I think.
It was also good to see Moses again. Moses is working for a Christian organisation called Careforce. He spent last year attached to our church working with the young children and young people most of the time. This year he is working in Edinburgh helping young people with drug and alcohol addiction, which he finds very interesting and rewarding. Moses himself is an incedible young man. He is Kenyan and his mother and father live in a village in the countryside. His mother still collects water and I think his father is a subsistence farmer. Moses went to a missionary school, walking 5 miles four times a day. At the age of 8, he was sent to live with a relative in Nairobi because he was bright and could be educated there. He now has a degree, I'm not sure what it is in, but he is working for Careforce for the moment, for very little money.
When I hear stories like his, I wonder what I have done with my own life. I've not been brave enough to even travel very far, although I am fascinated by other cultures. I despair when I hear about children living in poverty and without any chance of education, so why don't I do something practical?
On a lighter note, I have read Daniele's blog with her photos of Paris. I love the way she finds things to photograph that most people would walk past. Clever girl!
I must go now, my programme is on TV! - No,I'm NOT a telly addict....much!!

Saturday, 16th Sept

2010-01-16T03:25:00.000-08:00

Another week has passed, full of snow, ice and slush! We've been complaining about it, of course - I don't know what we Brits would talk about if it wasn't for the weather! Then we hear about the terrible disaster in Haiti, and it puts your own moans and groans into some sort of perspective. Although the disaster is terrible, the true human spirit seems to come to the fore at these times - we hear about people just taking leave from their jobs to go and help, because they have skills or equipment which are needed. I just hope that the help is there after the initial input, because it takes such a long time for people to rebuild their lives and regain some sort of normality. It makes me feel so useless when all I can do is offer money.
Things are getting back to normal here as well - meetings have started up again and also my art class. I got a compliment from my tutor this week, so I was well 'chuffed' AND I actually finished a picture. I was so happy that I came home and painted a small watercolour for my sister's birthday. I know she'll like it - she better had!
Well, I must go now to do some shopping and have lunch out then come back and play with my beautiful little spaniel.

Saturday 9th Jan

2010-01-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday again! It's cold and we still have a pile of icy snow outside our house. Yesterday, we cleared the drive as much as we could and managed to get the Clio to the top. It took ages to clear the drive and our lovely neighbour helped us. Of course, almost as soon as we'd cleared it, the snow started again. It's been off and on all day today, but not heavily. However, it's really cold now. We've had some enormous icicles which Kev photographed, no doubt to be seen on his blog!
I didn't sleep much last night as my arm gave me a lot of pain and I couldn't get comfortable. I think it must have been set off by the shovelling! Anyway, it's a bit better today, but I haven't done a lot in case it starts up again. This afternoon I had a go at my latest masterpiece! I started it earlier in the week. I found a picture of an Art Deco lady and decided to paint it in acrylic paint. I found it much harder than working in oils because the paint dried really quickly. I was disappointed with what I'd done, so I 'googled' some hints on using acrylics and tried again this afternoon. The background is looking much better, but Rembrandt I'm not! The problem is I have mislaid the copy of the picture I was doing and I can't find it again on the internet. What an idiot!
Kevin took Jasper out for a run on the school field. He's getting much better at coming back (Jasper!) and he loves the snow. I'm not sure that he loves all the little ice balls he gets in his feathers, his paws and his tail though.He must have had a really good run as he's fast asleep across my feet as I type.
I must make tea now - good old sausage and chips. Our butcher makes the tastiest sausage around - pork and black pepper- scrumptious!

Post Christmas

2010-01-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

I was so busy before Christmas that I didn't know what to do with myself. I had to prepare a Carol Sevice for our County Trefoil groups, another for the WI and a nativity for the Sunday School to do in church. Everything went well, thankfully, especially the Nativity. I was so worried about that, but the children were fantastic and even the donkey behaved! .. Yes, we had a real donkey to bring Mary into church!
Christmas was lovely. Ours always starts with a dinner dance on the Saturday before and that went well. We had to collect Jasper from kennels on the Sunday, in the middle of a snow storm. We made it home OK and then battened down the hatches. My sister made it on Christmas Eve luckily. She has been a bit worried about her car and was worried about breaking down in the bad weather. On Christmas Day we went out for our dinner to a little tea rooms in the next village. It was wonderful! The attention to detail was outstanding and the food was scrumptious .....and no washing up!! Brenda stayed until the Tuesday and then went home and within a few a hours had ordered a new car! Talk about biting the bullet!
We had a few friends round for New Year's Eve which was nice. We all prepared a different course for the meal - I was hoping to get the cheese board, but no such luck!! Since then, we have not been out much as we have had a lot of snow - about 40cms. The only member of the family who is really enjoying all the snow is Jasper the spaniel, despite getting ice balls in his paws and feathers!
I've been really lazy since the New Year - the days just seem to pass by. Today we took the cards and decorations away, so that's something. Tomorrow, I must tackle my tax return. I've never done one before, so I'm a bit apprehensive about doing it. It would be lovely if they found out that they owed me lots of money, but I don't think they will. I've also got to write an after dinner speech before February and I have no inspiration..or jokes..!
Well, enough for today. I'm off to watch TV!

Sunday 25th October

2009-10-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

What a wet and windy day today! The clocks went back last night, so we had an extra hour in bed - the best place to be on a day like today. So, I managed to get up and shower and went to church. Our vicar was away and we had a really old man taking his place. he was very slow at everything and, although he had a beautiful speaking voice, I couldn't actually hear him speaking very well, despite the microphones. Never mind, we sang some good hymns!
This afternoon I tried to tidy the back bedroom and sort out some clothes for the charity collection tomorrow. Many of our charities now post a plastic bag for you to fill and coleect it again a few days later. Unfortunately, in some areas, other people have been collecting the bags and making money for themselves. Sometimes it's a sad old world. Anyway, I can almost see my desk top and even the bed!!!!! A couple of hours tomorrow should do it and then I start on the shelves.
I'm in the middle of making a costume for kev to wear at halloween. It looks awful at the moment, but will look Ok when I've finished - I hope. It's only a bit of fun, after all. My Frankenstein head looks good now I've finished it - at least jasper thinks it's scary. Talking of that little monster, he's just drawn blood on my leg - he was catching one of his toys and missed and caught my leg. He's asleep at my feet now and that's how I like it.
I've also been looking at the work of my friend's son. It's called Hippolyte and Jeremie and is so good. We have some pictures of pigs that he drew for us when he was only 14 or 15 and we love them. I wish I could draw half as well.
Anyway, time for coffee so I'll close now.

22nd October

2009-10-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a beautiful week this week - bright autumn sunshine and the trees are so gorgeous. Last Saturday we went for a drive into Derbyshire. We bought a picture in an exhibition a few weeks ago and we went to pick it up. Not that it's on the wall yet, but will be this weekend....I hope! Then we have the garage to sort out - what a job!
Jasper's good - still ripping paper etc.but generally improving. He began his Kennel Club Good Citizen bronze award on Tuesday night and did quite well for a little fella. Whether he'll pass at the end I don't know - here's hoping.
I've been into Manchester today visiting a member of our Trefoil Guild. She's just had her 80th birthday but fell at home last week and broke her hip. She's had surgery this week and looked better than I expected, but I would think that she'll see some changes in her life. She lives alone and her family are in Australia so I don't know whether she'll go into sheltered housing or whether some support will be put in place for her. She's a grand lady - feisty and full of fun. her mind is sharper than mine (not hard) and she tells some wonderful stories.
Guides is closed for 2 weeks as the hall is being used. Last week we took them swimming in Stockport, but the pool was being used.So we went to the pictures to see 'Up' the new Disney film. I don't usually like animated films but this was really good. I'm not a great cinema fan, so if I enjoyed it, it must be good!!
Well I shall have a cuppa now and then try to get Kevin to try on his costume for Hallowe'en!! A sight to be seen, I think.

Sunday 11th October

2009-10-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

I can't remember when I did my last blog, but it must have been a few days ago. I have just finished getting our small former dining room floor clean as we are having a wooden floor laid tomorrow .......at last! We seem to have spent the last couple of days moving things from one place to another. Last night we went out with friends for a chinese banquet in Manchester. It was pretty good and we ate far too much, of course. When we drove into the city centre there were so many police around that we wondered what was going on, but then remembered that there had been a demonstration in the afternoon. We didn't see any trouble, thankfully.
Today has been parade day - it was Harvest and baptism at church this morning and then I was invited to a standard service in the afternoon. It was good to see al the kids taking part but also rather sad. The service was dedicated to a 7 year old brownie who had died last december of a brain tumour. Mum and dad were there, but how they coped, I don't know. The guides had made up a lovely song which was very moving.
On to happier things - my Jasper is growing very tall and takes full advantage of this. His latest trick is to grab anyhing he can off any surface he can reach, which is pretty well everything! Today he has removed a bottle of wine from the wine rack, a hammer from Kev's toolbox, a milk bottle, thankfully empty and various pieces of paper, socks, hankies etc. Goodness knows what goes into his little tum but he's impossible to catch.
Well, the smell of coffee has just drifted across my nostrils, so i must go for my injection of caffeine.

Tues 6th October

2009-10-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Have you had one of those days? It has rained hard all day - my washing basket is full,but I can't wash because I can't get things dry- the drier is behind all the bookcases in the garage. Don't ask me why we have our bookcases in the drier, it would take too long to answer. Jasper has been a bit of a hooligan today. he shreds everything he can get hold of and the house looks like a litterbin a lot of the time. Kev's out tonight and I had a million, well four, things to do and I have done 2. I haven't done my homework for art yet - looks like I'll be up late.
I had a lovely weekend. I had to go to a National Conference for the Trefoil Guild and I didn't really know anybody very well, if at all, so I was quite apprehensive. However, the drive down through the Peak District was lovely. All the trees were just beginning to show their autumn colours and the sun was shining. - just my kind of day! The conference centre was OK, at least I had my own room and the sessions were interesting. As always with guide functions, we stayed up far too late and had plenty of laughs. I did miss the younger people though, as most of the Trefoil are over 60 in age if not in spirit. Last night I had another meeting in Manchester and have two more this week, so I'll be absolutely sick of meetings!!
This afternoon it was praise and play for the little ones. Some of them have moved on to school this term but we have several new ones who are quite small. I took my 'harvest' bag with me and took out a banana, onion, potato etc. Where does all the food come from? Tesco's, of course!!
Well, I'd better get my homework done as Jasper is having a little nap. I've just discovered a jazz programme on the radio so I'm enjoying that while I am writing.

Monday

2009-09-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Gosh! My life is so exciting....not! I didn't sleep well last night, which is very unusual. I had to get up at a reasonable time as we had to try to get Jasper an appointment with the vet to have his anal glands cleared. No appointments available until tomorrow at ten. Then we went shopping for a new fridge freezer as the one we have is leaking all over the place - there's a story to this which I won't bore you with. Jasper went to doggy day camp for 4 hours while we shopped - it's like a doggy nursery where they all play together and have fun with lots of toys etc. in a big arena. Jasper loves it and he gets loads of exercise. Kevin has gone out with the boys and I have either been on the phone, playing with Jasper or trying to make a new rota for Sunday School. I'm also trying to organise a Christmas Carol Service for my 60+ group and a nativity play for the sunday school. No time to read or paint today! Still, tomorrow is another day!

sunday

2009-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today has been quite a pleasant day. The weather is lovely - the sun is shining but there is an autumnal nip in the air. I love autumn days like this, especially in the Lake District, though it's rather nice here where we live.
I'm sitting with my feet up with a little spaniel sleeping at my feet. He's been in my bad books recently as he chewed a hole in our brand new carpet - I think it was payback for having been in the kennels. Then this morning he chewed up and swallowed one of my earrings. Add this to 1 ruined duvet, 2 pairs of sandals and various cloths, this pup is proving expensive. All is not bad though. he did very well at his puppy class and has 'graduated' from his second class.He has learned a lot and I have to keep reminding myself that he's only a pup.
I'm quite pleased that I have remembered to write this blog even though I have nothing much to say. Watch this space!!

hello again! ....

2009-09-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

I have just been reminded by a friend that I haven't written my blog since April. I'm not surprised as things have been a bit hectic since then. We have had a lot of problems with the house which means we have a new carpet, curtains and chairs. We had a couple of our chairs recovered and we're still waiting for them. In the meantime , we have had to decorate downstairs which means the hall and stairs look as though they need painting too - it just goes on. In all this time Kevin has been recovering from his knee injury and our little pup has been making his presence known. Kev is doing well but needs another operation and the pup has been neutered.
September sees the launch of the Centenary of girlguiding, so there have been lots of planning meetings and celebrations to sort out. Our County had a day in one of Greater manchester's biggest parks where 8000+ girls enjoyed all sorts of activities and shows. It was excellent! The saturday afterwards I had organised an activity day for manchester's 60+ members and we enjoyed archery, aerobics, a photography session, a BBQ and a centenary challenge. It was a beautiful day at our campsite and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
We are having a few days in St Anne's on Sea which is just south of Blackpool. It's more sedate than Blackpool and a favourite with pensioners! As Kevin has just retired, we felt that it was appropriate to come here. We're staying in a lovely small hotel which is very comfortable and where the food is excellent. We've had a day in Blackpool, but that is a really tacky place. Anyway, we've recharged our batteries and ready to go home. jasper has had his first taste of kennels, so we hope he's enjoyed it. He has a 'test' on Saturday to see how much he has learned at his puppy improver classes. He does OK at the class but has his moments at home _ like eating my new EXPENSIVE Mephisto sandals aaaaagh!!!
Well, I shall have to go and get myself beautiful for this evening's meal. From now on it'll be back to me cooking, sadly.

saturday 26th April

2009-04-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been an eventful couple of weeks in our household. My dear one fell downstairs and has ruptured one of the big tendons/ligaments in his knee, so he is in plaster from the top of his leg to his ankle and cannot do a thing. He's now got a cold so is feeling rather fed up. This all means that the house is a tip because we were going to decorate the little bedroom , where Kevin has hundreds of books, papers etc etc. that is now half empty and the rest of upstairs is full of all sorts. In between all this I've had lots of meetings, coffee mornings,and, tomorrow, the annual sponsored walk I organise. It's a mad life! Next week we get our new pup, Jasper, to add to the chaos. I'm going to have to make this short and sweet as I have things to do -- like sleep!!

Spring! April 6th

2009-04-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is so long since I wrote my blog but I have been incedibly busy. I should be busy now but I've not got the energy! Why have I been so busy - well, I've had to organise a few things and I can see light at the end of the tunnel now. My back bedroom is full of 650 knitted hats for premature babies which I've got to sort, pack and deliver to special care baby units, there are bags of crafty things for a stall and lists of things still to do! The girlguiding centenary starts in September, so we have lots to do for that. Enough of that! We are trying to get the house puppy proof. We're having the drive done, the lounge stripped and plastered and plan to decorate the little bedroom. Our little pup is growing and we're going up to see him during the holiday and the visit after that will be to pick him up. I'm so excited although I was the one who said we shouldn't have another pup!
I've got the TV on and they are talking about Jade Goody again. I was so sorry that a young woman should die leaving two little ones, and I sort of understand her reasoning re. the media but the media circus is milking this story. I'd feel better if they were making donations to cancer research to help other people, but I'm afraid that it is just profit they are interested in. I haven't seen such hysteria since Diana died. I absolutely hate this cult of celebrity worship - what values are we giving our young people. Thank heavens for prominent people like Michelle Obama who visited a school in London and told them that its good to be smart and to work hard towards their goals.
I'm reading a book now about a woman who has adopted six children with special educatonal needs, mainly Downs Syndrome. I loved my Downs children when I taught them, but to have so many to look after long term is incredible.
The weather has been glorious this last week and today is lovely too. We went a lovely walk yesterday in a country park near Rochdale. I suppose that I need to get going and do some gardening.
I've tried to put some pictures on this blog to liven it up but failed again! I'll just close now.

17th March

2009-03-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

The top of the morning to you! It's St Patrick's day today and it's a beautiful day here - a real spring beauty. It's a whole week since I wrote and it's been a bit busy really. On Friday night we had our 60+ group which was fun. One of our ladies has hand bell plates and she brought them along and tried to get some music out of us. The bells have a lovely sound, it's just a pity that we didn't have much of a clue. We also received an email photo of our new puppy, so Saturday we went round pricing puppy stuff! I hope I've managed to attach the photo, but technology is not my forte. The pup was 5 days old when this photo was taken - he is so cute! Anyway back to my week. On Saturday night we went out to a pub in Marple for a meal - I've never seen such huge portions!! So, I've done two long walks this week so I'm feeling virtuous and my knee hurts! I've made 4 birthday cards, done a bit of painting, read a book and found the bottom of my ironing basket. A miracle!
The book was good - Snow Flower and the secret fan by Lisa See. It is about Chinese society in the early 1800's I think. I've always been fascinated by the old Chinese culture since I was little and this book explains things such as foot binding and a woman's place in the society. I have bought another book by Lisa which I hope is as good.
Anyway, I have a meeting this afternoon so I had better go and have my shower and do something before I go.

tues again

2009-03-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

I have read my help line and shall now to add photos - watch this space!

First, a photo of the pup's sire. Isn't he a handsome boy? Let's hope our pup's the same.

I shall now try to add my 'portraits'. Do remember that they are not finished, they are my first attempts at portraits and one of my first tries with oils. They are the excuses, now for the masterpieces.
Can't get the pics up!!

Tuesday 10th March

2009-03-10T00:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is only 7.50 and I have had my breakfast, watched the news, checked my emails and am now writing my blog! I must do some cleaning this morning before I go off to the clinic, my mother and toddler group and then our WI meeting this evening. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
I even waved Kevin off to work this morning. Things are a bit tense at his school as preparations for the new academy are under way. Last week the new curriculum came out - no history or geography as discrete subjects in upper school. Following reprsentations, they have been reinstated for at least one year. I don't know what is happening to our education here. this morning they announce a teacher training course lasting 6 months only, and a 'fast track' headteacher course so that you can be a headteacher after 4 years teaching!
Then we have the news that a policeman has been murdered in Northern Ireland. I really hope that this and the murders at the weekend are not indicative of and escalation of the troubles.
Now for happier news. Last night we ordered a puppy!! A springer spaniel boy,born last Thursday. We haven't seen the pups yet as they are so young, but I didn't sleep last night...worrying, thinking of names etc. etc. Bang goes my nice quiet retirement!!
I have just tried to add a photograph of his sire, but I don't know what I've done wrong. My computer skills are not very good.
I shall also try to show my very first portraits, both of which are works in progress. Then, i shall go and have my shower!

Monday 9th March

2009-03-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

I've just been looking at my blog and realise that I haven't written anything since 21st February. I must have had a funny turn, as I dated it 21st March. Did you realise that Barbie is 50 years old today? Not that I had a barbie doll as they weren't around when I was a little girl. I had a beautiful doll with a china face that my uncle brought me from Canada. She was lovely but years later I lent her to my cousin to put in the Christmas crib on the children's ward where my cousin was the ward sister. Unfortunately, my lovely doll got broken which was accidental but very sad.
My uncle was a chef on the Empress of Canada ship which sailed between Liverpool and Canada. Uncle Bill was a larger than life character and I thought he was wonderful. he took me on board when I was a little girl and gave me some ice cream. Wonderful! I had never seen a fridge before, never mind such a huge one and I don't think that I had eaten many ice creams before, either. He was only a relatively young man when he died at sea. He was buried at sea and my aunty was given a chart with the exact spot marked. She was left with 3 young boys to bring up.
Well, it's a nice bright day today, but cold and damp. I've been to the doctor's AGAIN because I am having difficulty hearing. I now have to have my ear syringed next week to see if that helps. I seem to be spending a lot of my time at the doctor's and various medical centres lately - I'm sure that I have something written on my cards. I used to work as a receptionist when I ws at college, and we had our old dears who were regulars. I hope I'm not regarded as an old dear at our surgery!
I've been really busy in the last couple of weeks. I'm not complaining but I still have to organise my annual charity walk. This year we are doing it for help the heroes charity, which helps soldiers who have been wounded etc in the wars we are involved in. I am very distressed to hear that two young soldiers have been killed in Northern Ireland, the first murders for a long time. I just hope that the peace process continues and the troubles don't start up again. Anyway, I must go and do something instead of sitting here droning on.

Saturday 21st March

2009-02-21T01:44:00.000-08:00

Well it's 9.45 on a Saturday morning and I am sitting calmly before the storm. This afternoon, I am going to our Thinking Day gathering - there will be up to 200 girls, aged 5 to 14 all joining in the activities. I've been allocated to the crafts corner where we'll be making oriental fans, henna hands and funky friends. For those who don't know, Thinking Day is a celebration of guiding when we think of all our sister guides around the world. One hour after this afternoon celebrations finish, I have to be all dressed up and looking glamorous (!!) to accompany my beloved to a dinner dance. I think there might be a chance that my nose may end up in my soup.
Kevin's been on holiday this week, but we haven't done much. We had a day in Derbyshire on Tuesday and had a little walk and then looked around Bakewell, which is a nice little town. We found a new art gallery and ended up buying a new picture. We haven't bought one for ages, so that was nice. Kevin saw a beautiful one, but, at £2,500 it was out of our pocket and it was so large that we would have needed a VERY large house to show it off.
Yesterday, we went a walk nearby. It is a hill called Werneth Low. It's not that high, but you get the most fantastic views for miles around. It was quite clear and we could just see the Welsh hills in the distance. It was good to be out for a walk again, as I haven't been able to go far with this cough.
I've been working on my portrait. It's coming on but I don't think the Louvre will be hanging it any time soon.
There is a programme on TV at the moment. An artist is painting portraits in the style of famous artists. Last night he painted a rock star from Stone Roses in the style of Cezanne. It was really interesting even though he only had a few hours to complete it. The artist used to be an art forger and has spent some time in prison for forging old masters.
Anyway, I'd better make a move on and get something done so cheerio for now.

Weds. 11th Feb

2009-02-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

Well, it's nice to be out and about again! I went to my art class today and began a portrait in oils. I can't believe that I am even contemplating such a task. I have chosen to work from a photograph of a young girl from northern India. I've already done a practice run in pastels which looks OK ish so I hope that I can manage it. I've never really used oils before so it should be interesting! I've just looked on our friend's blog and she has put a lovely painting on - maybe one day I shall be famous too ha ha!!
The snow is melting at last, although I thought we were in for more last night. I went off to WI and had quite a nice evening. We didn't have a speaker so were able to chat to each other. One of our members is a young mum who is registered blind. She brought her Guide dog Becca with her so I spent most of the evening cuddling her! These dogs are absolutely amazing. As soon as their harness is on , you can tell that they are 'on duty'. Becca's mum is in training for a half marathon in order to raise funds for training more dog.
It's almost time for Coronation Street so I shall finish for today.

Sunday 6th feb.

2009-02-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

More snow today! I stayed in again because the cold just makes me cough, poor dear. Since I've been stuck in the house I have become more attached to the radio. I used to listen to it far more than I do now. This morning I listened to desert island discs which featured one of our more distinguished actors, David Suchet. He is probably most famous here for his portrayal of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, but, in fact is a fine Shakespearian actor. His father was a surgeon and didn't approve of one of his sons going into the theatre, but eventually accepted it. David spoke about being sent to boarding school at the age of 8 and how he hated it. He was beaten for having a chocolate bar in his cupboard after a visit from his mother. Can you believe that? Every Sunday the headmaster would get the boys in a 'crocodile' and walk them into the sea. they only managed to do it by holding hands and singing 'You'll never walk alone'. Hopefully, none of them drowned. I wonder if the headmaster did a risk assessment before he took them down to the sea - you can't breathe now without a risk assessment in England! I also watched a debate on TV. The two questions were, can you be a christian and believe in the theory of evolution - it is Sunday after all. The other was are working mothers selfish. (This follows a report from the children's society which says that children in the UK are the unhappiest they have ever been). The debate was interesting and some good points made. There were some extreme views expressed and some arrogance shown, particularly by one Cambridge professor, who labelled anybody who didn't agree with his points as intellectually lazy. I do like the radio as you can listen and get on with other things if you need to . I remember when I was little, our granny lived with us and she loved to listen to the Saturday night play. Mum and dad would go to the cinema and granny would let me stay up reading or playing as long as I didn't disturb the play. Then it was up to bed as quickly as possible before mum and dad got home! I have also done some painting so have had rather a good day!

Thurs 5th February

2009-02-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm still coughing well and now I can't hear very well. Apparently this is a side effect of my antibiotics 'particularly in the elderly'!! I certainly don't think of myself as elderly so I'm a bit miffed! I've done some washing and hoovering today and then decided to try some drawing. I found a lovely photograph of an Indian girl and tried to copy it. My drawing doesn't look a bit like her so I'll have to keep trying. I think I'll try and paint her in watercolour and then try it again in oils at my art class. I'm determined to get on the 'good table' at my class! Kev's out again with the boys, so it's just me and the telly. I think I may just get my book to read.

weds. 4th February

2009-02-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Still coughing and spluttering and feeling sorry for myself. It's still very cold outside so I haven't been out as I lose my breath. Poor old me! I had to miss my art class, so I decided to spend the morning finshing off two of my pieces. The first one is a pastel drawing of a blue tit and it doesn't loo too bad. The second is a watercolour of a sky scrape. I' m not too happy with that. Like my last watercolour, the sky is quite good but I don't like the buildings. I don't think I've got the angles right and that's down to draughtsmanship. I was going to show them here, but then I looked at my friend's blog and hers are so much better!!! So I won't. Next week we are starting an oil portrait.which I think will be hard for me, but we'll see. I think that I'd better practise drawing faces this week. Nothing else to say - I'm in the middle of a novel which I didn't think I'd like, but am actually quite enjoying. I can't remember the title or the author off hand! Time to go for today!

Tues 3rd February

2009-02-03T04:28:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful day today - the sun is shining and we have at least 6 inches of snow outside. The little ginger kitten next door doesn't quite know what it's all about and is running in and out and having great fun. The children are sledging in the park and me? I'm sitting inside feeling proper poorly! I've had a bad chest infection for a couple of weeks and yesterday the doctor gave me some different tablets and they're making me feel a bit off. Still, I have read a couple of books which is always nice. I enjoy reading biographies and the two I've read this week are Michael Parkinson's and Paul O'Grady's. Other people's lives are always interesting. Last night I watched a TV programme called 'Who do you think you are?' The programme helps a well-known person to trace their roots and sometimes finds some amazing stories. This is the third series and has inspired my K. to trace his father's family. His father died before he was born and his mum didn't really keep in touch with family. K was doing quite well until he started being busy again.
We went out to Manchester Art gallery to see Anthony Gormley's latest work. It was a good job K. was with me because the sculpture is oused in the newest part of the gallery - glass stairs, glass lift, glass walkways which are not good for people with vertigo! I liked the sculpture but I'm not quite sure what it represents. I think that everybody has their own response to art anyway. Well, I'm going to have a cuppa and try to amend the mistakes in my latest materpiece.

Tues. 27th January

2009-01-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

What an exciting life I have! Yesterday I spent the morning ironing 12 shirts, 4 tee shirts, 3 jumpers and 2 pairs of trousers. In the afternoon I did some planning and printing for today and in the evening I was watching TV and had a 1 hour 30 minute phone call with a friend.
Today, I was in a boring meeting. I sit on a panel for school appeals and some of the procedures are due to change, so that's what we had to learn. In the afternoon I was in charge of Praise and Play with the little ones. It went very well, thankfully. Now I am catching up on my e-mails. I don't know how I stand the excitement.
I've been looking at my friend's blog and she's got some of her art work on. I don't dare put any of mine on yet, but who knows. It may happen soon!

Sunday 25th Jan

2009-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

It is 10.20 on a Sunday evening and we are waiting for the bread to cook. It smells absolutely gorgeous and will taste good too. We have a bread making machine and are now using it regularly. Unfortunately we are now eating too much bread!
We've had a funny old day. friday was my sister's birthday and we spent ages yesterday looking for presents for her. Today we were supposed to be at her home for 11am for coffee and then we were taking her out for lunch. Off we set in time, but needed some money. We stopped at the garage for petrol and found that the ATM was out of order. Off we go again and call at the supermarket for money. Off we go again and discover that there's no water in the windscreen washer, so we stop at the next garage. I go in my handbag for my phone to ring my sister to say we are on the way, and discover that my phone is at home and, even worse, so are my sister's presents! Anyway we had a nice lunch and afternoon and I shall meet her again for lunch on Friday. Hopefully I'll remember the presents!
I haven't even read my newspaper today and it's an 'Obama souvenir edition' which I am looking forward to reading. I just hope that all the expectations the world have for him are not too much. Anyway, it's bedtime. The loaf is cooked and looks delicious, so we can sleep easy. Tomorrow is another day!

I'm back!!

2009-01-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am back after 2 months. Where does the time go? Such a lot has happened since then. The Guide concert was brilliant - the girls did really well and we were very proud of them all. My Carol service went well too, although it was a bit short. I've made a costume for K. to be in the adult nativity and entertained my sister for Christmas. Jo's tiny baby is now 10lbs in weight and has had lots of cuddles from yours truly. Now things are back to normal and the weeks seem to fly by. We had a nice time last Saturday. Our friend's daughter was 30 and we were invited to the family party in Leeds. It was a real family do, with our friends' three daughters, their grandchildren, nephews and nieces etc. Of course the younger ones went into the city later on to the clubs whilst we old ones went home! Laura was one of our bridesmaids and now she is working in product design. She has a job with the famous Betty's teashop in harrogate and is now working on their Easter catalogue.
My art class is back and I have been working in pastel mainly. I have almost completed a picture of a bluetit which is looking OK and a landscape which is finished and doesn't look too bad......not good, but not bad! I did a beautiful watercolour - the sky was lovely and so was the mid ground, but then I spoiled it by making a mess of the foreground!
Well, I am going now to try to beat the champions on Countdown, so will close now. Back soon!!

tuesday 18th November

2008-11-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how time has flown since I last wrote this blog. Just after I had finished my last blog I got a phone call from the Guide leader saying she had had her baby 51/2 weks early. he was very little and is in the special care baby unit. So, I spent a lot of time geting ready for the guide meeting. they are doing a concert in a couple of weeks but don't seem too worried about it whereas i'm panicking. We have someone coming in to help with the singing, but the girls were a bit high, so we abandoned rehearsal! I just wish that some of them were more committed and less rude!
I woke up on Sat. with an awful pain in my leg and then found it was difficult to walk. I rested most of the day and then went out for a meal at some friends' new home. We had a really lovely evening, but when I got home both my legs and feet were VERY swollen - a bit scary. I went to hospital with a suspected deep vein thrombosis. They couldn't decide what it was, so I came home with instructions. He said that the pain was probably the onset of arthritis in my hip - great! It was all a bit scary and I hope all is well. It means I missed the rehearsal for WI extravaganza and am not sure I'll make the party. I've got to take a meeting in Manchester today, so I'll see how I manage.
Other than that, I've not done much. I haven't even done much reading or prctise my art. Last week we started a detailed botanical drawing. I don't think I've done it very well, so far. I've got a few unfinished pictures which I must complete. I do enjoy my classes as I've always wanted to do it.
Anyway, I'll have to go and limp up to the train in a bit to get to my meeting. Hope the next blog will be more interesting.

Monday 10th November

2008-11-09T23:43:00.000-08:00

I've just been trying to read my friend's blog - as it's written in French I find it difficult at times. Mind you, if I had my french dictionary at hand I might do better. What strikes me is that her life is so much more cultural than mine! My blog is a bit boring, but that's how it is.
I've been so busy this weekend that I could do with collapsing today, but I'm off to help my friends move house today, so collapsing will be postponed until this evening. this friend remarried in summer, and they have been living between 2 houses since then. Why? Well, they are moving into the husband's house, which is a rather gorgeous old stone weaver's cottage. But inside neede refurbishing as it really was a 71 year old bachelor's house - a huge machine in the laundry room, for starters. Anyway, it's fit for habitation now and B. is leaving her home this morning. It'll be mixed feelings for her I'm sure, but we'll get through.
I'll give you a taster of my weekend:
Friday: shoppping etc. Evening-Guides
Sat. Up at 6; on the train by 7.30 am to get to Preston b 9.30. Meeting until 2.30pm. Packed train back home. Had to stand all the way. In house at 4.45. Out again by 6 to go to as cabaret evening which was good. the singer sounded just like Karen Carpenter - what a beautiful voice she had. Home by midnight. Up early to be at the Cenotaph for parade. We had a good turn out from guides and they behaved very well, which is a miracle! It was really damp and cold but nice. Broadbottom is only a little village, but there was a brass band and a parade from the community centre to the cenotaph. The head of the little primary school always asks the chidren to come so of course, their parents come too, so there is always a good crowd. This year was a bit special. In previous years, the reciting of the poem was always done by an elderly man - a much loved member of the community. He had been in the war and spent many years raising money and awareness for the British Legion and many other acts of charity. Sadly, he died last year, so at the end of the service a bench was dedicated to his memory.
We look at old people and don't know what their lives have been. A friend told me of an old lady who goes to their chapel. She's very frail and needs help towalk etc. At the remembrance service yesterday she walked in with a row of medals on her coat. It turns out she was a major in the army during the last war and was secretary to one of the Americans at the signing of the peace treaty - amazing stories. I've just watched the news and one of the British heroes of the Falkland war has been interviewing the last three veterans of the Great War. They are grand old men. I hope that the last survivor is given a state funeral in honour of all the men who fought in that war. When we were in Bath they were just putting up a head and shoulders statue of one of the men, Harry Patchett. It was exquisite. K. actually spoke to the artist, who told K. that Harry was a remarkable man even at his great age.
Back to my busy weekend. Sunday afternoon - rehearsal for the WI birthday party entertainment. It was so bad that we're going ot have to rehearse again next Sunday otherwise it will be embarrassing for us and the audience!
I've just got back from helping at the move and had a sandwich. It went well and, hopefully they will soon get sorted in their new marital home, which is so gorgeous. I'm now going to do some hoovering, washing, ignore the ironing and hopefully do some work on my painting .......after I've made some phone calls. sometimes I get exhausted just hinking about what I have to do!

Thursday 6th November

2008-11-06T02:16:00.000-08:00

Well all the excitement of the american election is over and there is a black american elected president - what an historic moment. I hope that he can live up to the expectations everybody has of him and that his term of office is a good one for all. It's hard to believe that it's only 40 -50 years ago that black people didn't even have a vote and we must not forget the struggles and bloodshed that has allowed this moment to happen - the civil rights leaders and ordinary people who were brave enough to fight for their cause. One of the most moving moments of the TV coverage was to see jesse jackson with tears rolling down his cheeks and one of the most worrying was to see Barack delivering his victory speech surrounded by a high-walled bullet proof screen. Let's hope nothing untoward happens to him.
I am finding it difficult to get my act together this morning. I have been up really early on three mornings this week to go to hospital and dental appointments and this morning I feel very lethargic. Everything is fine at the hospital and I've still got some of my own teeth!! I went to the hospital because I've had a persistent cough since last Chrismas and my voice keeps going husky. They couldn't find anyting on my lungs or vocal chords, thankfully, so I'm now discharged from that clinic. The consultant made me laugh when he asked if I was an opera singer because my voice/vocal chords were very strong. Anybody who has heard my singing will know how wrong he is - I can clear a hall in 3 seconds!
I enjoyed the art class yesterday, although I'm finding this topic rather difficult. We are doing a wintry landscape in oils and I don't think that I like using oils as a media - it's very hard. My landscape looks pretty awful but it is't finished yet. One day I'm going to make a fortune, I hope.
I finished my carol service so that's one job out of the way. I've just got to do the organising bit which shouldn't take too long. then I've got tokae some props for our WI birthday party. We're having a sixties party and doing some silly sketches - The flowerpot men, eurovision and a scene from Coronation Street - it should be OK. Rehearsal on Sunday after being frozen at the cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday parade.
Well, I'd better become the Domestic Goddess and do some chores - I'll have another coffee first! I'm out for a meal tonight with 3 of the other teachers from Chapel School. That'll be nice. I still miss the kids, especially as we head towards Christmas. Never mind - I don't have time to prepare lessons now.

Monday 3rd November

2008-11-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's back to normal today after a lovely ten days or so. Our visit to the Lake District was good - we went with a group of people from church and got to know people better. K. was the star of the evening entertainment and of a piece of drama. On the Saturday we were planning to go out walking, but it poured down. I have never seen rain like it! We ventured into the local town, but decided to go back to the hotel! Coming home on the Sunday was a bit adventurous as the roads were flooded. When we saw the news on TV we were amazed at just how bad the floods were!
We had a couple of days at home and then went down to Bath. We stayed in a hotel at Limpley Stoke, a tiny spot on the map. It was like a big mansion, built of beautiful Bath stone which is a golden colour. All the trees were changing colour and it was very picturesque. We spent a lot of time with my goddaughter and her children. Thursday was a birthday party with 10 x 9 year old girls. It was good as we did an arty party and they were all dressed in fancy dress. K escaped to the local pub with his book! On the Friday we explored Bath for the day and went back for Hallowe'en. Because they live in a village, the kids all dress up and do trick or treat and the mums or dads come with them.
Since then, I've been stuck into planning a carol service for guides - it's coming between me and my sleep, but I think it's finished now - I just have to print everything out.
I wanted to get some painting done today, but I haven't been able to, what with dong the carol service, washing, phone calls and visitors! Anyway, I'm off to bed now as I have to be up in the morning to go to the hospital for a check up. I still haven't found a way to put pictures on this to liven it up!!

Sunday 19th October

2008-10-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't written since Wednesday. I haven't been that busy really. On Thursday night I organised an 'Any Questions' night for the Trefoil Guild. I had invited the following to form the panel - a prospective MP, the vicar, a Guider and a young mum who is an oral surgeon, married to a kenyan and they have three gorgeous little girls. They were all nervous, as I was, but it went very well indeed. The time just flew which is a good sign and the answers to the questions were very diverse and interesting. Friday was boring really - planning menus, shopping and guides. On Saturday, K had to work as the Ofsted inspectors are in next week, but we managed to go out for lunch. The same today - K worked all day, I've been battling to do a page for our County website - without much success, I might add. we did manage to get out for a walk on Hobson Moor which was quite bracing!
I also rang my goddaughter who lives near Bath, so we're going down there for a couple of nights next week to see her and the kids. Great!
What I haven't done is much housework or ironing so I think I'll be doing that this coming week. We're off to the Lakes for the weekend so I'll have to make sure our wet weather gear is fit to wear.

Weds 15th October

2008-10-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from my Art Class where I have been introduced to pastels. I enjoyed it because it was messy and you could have a good time blending colours.My first attempt was OK but not wonderful so I'll have to keep trying!
Yesterday was a bit hectic as we were delivering all the harvest stuff to a centre for the homeless. This centre is supported by all the local churches and staffed by volunteers They provide 'listeners' who give support and advice to the people who come and, of course, they are also given a free hot meal. It was sad to see so many who have been brought down by drugs and/or alcohol or just circumstances. Where is the support for them? It should not be left to volunteers and charity donations.
After that I went to Praise and Play with the little ones, which was lovely and then off to WI.
The speaker was really interesting and she talked about silk painting and silk dying and donated a beautiful scarf for the raffle. Unfortunately I didn't win it - what a surprise!
The rest of the meeting wasn't too good, but there we go. You can't win them all.
well, I have to get on with some letter writing etc as I'm out again tonight. I also have a carol service to plan and various other things I must do. So I'll sign off now.

sunday 12th October

2008-10-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

We are having some beautiful weather at the moment - long may it continue! Today I was at church for harvest and then came and emptied out all my hanging baskets which have been very straggly for the last couple of weeks. I now have to plant my spring bulbs and generally tidy everything up.
Yesterday,I had a lovely day out with my husband. We went back to the gardens at Chatsworth to look at the sculpture exhibition. I wish I knew how to put pictures on to my blog so that I could show the beauties of the gardens and some of the sculptures. They are all by modern artists and for sale. We heard that one had been bought for 2.5 million pounds - just out of our range! I liked some of them, in fact quite a few, but some left me cold. One of the nicest was in the gardens and not part of the exhibition - the dancing hare - which I absolutely loved. Another was called sunny moon by Zadok Ben- S......(can't remember the name). I think Zadok would be a wonderful name for a dog, but K. doesn't agree!! So there'll be no Zadok the dog.

Thursday 9th October

2008-10-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a beautiful autumn day today. It's been warm and sunny with a bit of a 'nip' inthe air. I do like autumn especially the trees as they change colour before they lose their leaves.
The best place to be in autumn is the Lake District. We'll be there in a fortnight so hope we're not too late and the weather is fine. Not a lot to ask, is it?
I finished my book this morning. I bought it as a light read but it turned out a bit more than that. The author is a doctor who is on TV quite often and is very funny. He has written about his first year as a doctor in a hospital. There are funny bits but it does seem to highlight the so-called demise of the National Health service, especially with the care of the elderly, which is worrying as I'm getting on a bit. I think it's a bit simplistic to blame that on the NHS but it is a good target. I could go on about this, but I won't. Now I have to decide what to read next - a biography might be good. I've got a pile of books I haven't read yet so I'm a bit spoiled for choice.
My art class went well yesterday. We had to draw a still life. I have never been taught to draw properly so it was a bit of a challenge, but I was quite pleased with my first attempt. It was better than my first watercolour. Next week we're trying pastels which will probably will be very messy.
I had an e-mail from my goddaughter today. She sounds brighter than she has for a while. I hope we can manage to see her at half-term and the children too, especially as it's her birthday and her daughter's too. The last time we saw them was Easter last year - far too long!
Well, I've just watched a good film. I'm not a great film fan, unlike my husband and french friend but I enjoyed this one. It was a feel good romance - 27 dresses starring Katherine Heigl. I do like a bit of romance.
We're really trying to cut down on eating rubbish. Tonight I made spicy lentil soup with a cheese and tomato muffin. It was very nice so I hope it fills us up until breakfast!
Well, I shall go and make my shopping list for tomorrow. Such excitement!!

Tuesday 7th October

2008-10-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

Another lovely day in paradise! It's pouring down with rain yet again. My garden is like a quagmire and is looking a bit sad. I need to get out there and clear/tidy up all my pots and do something about the cats! Since we lost our lovely Rufus dog the local cats regard our garden as theirs and they lie in wait for the birds.
Our lunch went very well yesterday and I'm all geared up to take over at the end of November for a couple of months at Guides. J. has worked really hard and planned a good programme - I just have to deliver! I just hope I can be organised as she is.
Afterwards I went to see one of our older WI members who is now in a nursing home. We had a good talk although her mind kept slipping a little bit. She has lived in the same cottage for all her life, even after she married. It has a wonderful view over the valley and the resevoirs - she must miss it, even though she is now being looked after physically. She has lots of stories about her village, even all the scandal from years and years ago.
As it is such an awful day, I had better tackle my ironing and get it out of the way - oh joy!! This afternoon I have the little ones at church and tonight, a meeting. Kevin will not be home until about 9.30 this evening. I hope to get some time to finish my book, so I'll sign off and get on with my chores.

Monday, 6th October.

2008-10-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

Another week starts and I'm out to lunch today while my dear husband is at work. Nowhere special but I'm meeting J. the guider I work with on a Friday night. She's expecting her second baby in December and is finishing soon for her maternity leave. So, we're meeting to plan the programme as yours truly will be in charge. We now have 17 girls so it takes a lot of planning!! Talking of guides, I was invited to be a judge at a talent show in a Division in central Manchester. It was a good afternoon. I do admire the guiders there - it's not easy for them, but they do good work. One unit raised money for an orphanage in Romania for several years, and the girls went out there to work. the girls themselves have not got a lot, but they worked for others - excellent!
On Saturday, the weather was not so good so we took ourselves off to a bookshop and spent a fortune. Now I have to find the time to read. One of the ones I bought is 'the other queen' by Phillipa Gregory. I quite enjoy reading historical novels as my knowledge of history is a bit shaky. The history teacher I had at school was dreadful and I dropped the subject as quickly as I could and concentrated on Geography. At the moment I'm reading a book by a junior doctor. It's mainly a light read, but does throw a light on some of their pressures. One of my friends was a doctor and, when she was doing her two year hospital training, we were invited to lots of parties at the hospital. I vowed then that I would try not to fall ill after 11pm or in August. August is the month when all the newly qualified doctors hit the wards!
Well, it's a cold frosty morning - just right for a walk. I'll see what time it is when i've done my chores.

Weds. 1st October

2008-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this week so far, which I like! I visited an ex-colleague on Monday who has just had a breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. She looked well, thankfully, but insisted on showing me her scars! We had a lovely chat and caught up on news of other ex-colleagues and the time just flew. It's a bit worrying the number of women I've heard of recently who are fighting cancer, especially as my sister and my mother have both had the dreadful disease. However, it does no good to dwell on these things - live life for the day. One good thing came from my visit. A. is absolutely brilliant at sewing and has taken up patchwork so we are going to meet one afternoon a month and she will teach me some simple patchwork / quilting. That should be good.
Yesterday, I went to the toddlers group at church, called praise and play. It's really good and the little ones are lovely. They sing and play instruments, listen to a story and colour a picture or do a craft. The vicar wants me to be the children's coordinator to sort out the sunday school etc. I told him I'd think about it but it sounds a lot of work. We shall see.
K. came home a bit upset as he'd been to see the nurse to get the results of a series of blood tests and it seems that there may be a problem. So he had to go back for another blood test today and one next week before we get the full picture. So, fingers crossed!
Today was my art class. I really enjoy it and wish I'd done it years ago. As I'm just learning techniques, my pictures have no partcular style. The tutor says that will come with time and confidence. Let's hope so. I'll have to close now as I have a gang of women coming round to plan a party for the WI.

Monday 29th Sept.

2008-09-29T01:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 9am on a Monday morning and I'm no feeling very energetic this morning, so I thought I'd write my blog. I've had a busy weekend with one thing and another. Friday night was guides. J. had planned a really good evening and the girls responded well. There were quite a lot absent, so it was quieter than usual! On Saturday, I was 'on duty' at a coffee morning. It was held in the most beautiful old stone house in Broadbottom. I love going there as the garden and views are wonderful. Inside the hall has a magnificent tiled floor and the rooms are spacious. The house belongs to an elderly couple who look after all this without help - amazing. The lady of the house is a local historian and is most interesting to talk to. K's job was on the bookstall and spent his morning in the library - just his style!
Yesterday we had a visitor from church. M. is working in our parish for 12 months. He has come from Nairobi where he has almost completed his post graduate accountancy course. He is a delightful young man and we had a lovely day. After lunch we went to Chatsworth for the afternoon.
Well, I'd better make a move. I'm off to see one of my friends who has had major surgery in the last couple of weeks. Time for a natter!

Thursday 25th September

2008-09-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have just got in and had a nice surprise - or so I thought! I had a payslip giving me a very nice sum of money, almost £2000. I hoped it was a bonus for having taught so long, but no such luck.
It appears that the school has appointed another teacher with my surname and initial and the money was his - what a shame! I could have done some mischief with that amount.
I had been into Manchester as I had to go to the Guide shop to pay some bills and into the office to get an address or 2. That didn't take long, so I thought I would go to the Art gallery. There was a new exhibition on but it was on the second floor. Now, Manchester Art gallery is a beautiful old classical building which has had some refurbishment internally. Part of this refurbishment is a new stairwell and lifts - all of which are glass and the stairs are open tread. As I suffer from vertigo, this is not good! I asked if there was another way up or down, but there was only a metal, spiral staircase which I couldn't manage. I was not very pleased. It meant I didn't see the exhibition.
I've just switched on the news and it looks as though they are in a lot of trouble. Maybe our government will stop thinking that everything American is good!
I have been trying to read my friend's story of the heron, but it's all in French ( that's because she's french!) I struggled a bit, but got the gist. We have a heron who flies over now and then, and occasionally rests on the roof. I think he's eyeing up the fish in next door's pond, but maybe not.
Well, I'll have to go and take my husband out to meet the boys. That means I have to pick him up later. What a good wife I am!! While he's out I think I'll practice my painting.......or have a nap. We'll see.

wednesday 24th September

2008-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have had a nice day today. The sun was shining so I got a pile of washing out - I won't think about the ironing. Then I addressed and filled 66 envelopes with my newsletter for 60+ guiders and got them posted. At 12.30 I went off for my second art lesson. This week, we had another try at watercolour painting. There is so much to learn and it's quite difficult to learn to use the water as well as the paint. My masterpiece is a work in progress to be finished next week. I might even photograph it to put in my blog, as long as you remember that I have only had 2 art lessons in my whole life! I must practise the techniques. After the class I went a little walk. We live in such a lovely part of the world that it is nice to enjoy it in the sunshine. Mind you, I should have been spending time in the garden, tidying it up. I was just reading my friend's blog and she does read a lot. I used to read such a lot. I still read but not as much as I did - I'll have to change that!
As I went down to the village there was a couple having a row and the language was awful. The bloke threw something away, which hit a car. The car driver got out and said something, next minute he's receiving a mouthful of abuse and the offer of a fight. Thankfully, he got back in the car. The aggressive bloke was as high as a kite on either drugs or drink and this is at 3.30 in the afternoon with all the kids coming home from school to see and hear it all. I find it so sad that relatively young people are in such a dependent state, with no self respect and full of anger. I don't know what the answer is.
Anyway, I must go and practise my art - I've got a fortune to make!

Tuesday 23rd

2008-09-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Phew! I tried to get on my blog this morning and was told they had to check if it is a scam or not. Why do these things happen to me?? I don't know. It's a gorgeous day today - a bit windy this morning but lovely sunshine. I should have been pottering in my garden but I had to finish my watercolour for tomorrow. It was a bit difficult as I can't find the photo I was copying so I've taken a bit of poetic licence. I must say that for my first watercolour ever ......it's not very good! I'll have to improve if I want to take the art world by storm.
This afternoon I had to go a clinic about my feet. The physiotherapist thinks I have flat feet so she referred me. I've been doing exercises to stretch my ligaments but they are still too tight. I now have to do them every hour (!) for 6 weeks and go back. It was a bit of a waste of time and it cost £2.00 to park!

Tonight, I have a meeting to go to.- hurrah! It will nice to see everybody after the summer holiday but it only means more work for me as I have to do the minutes. I don't know how I survive such an exciting life! At least I'm away from the television and the labour party conference. Why do politicians never answer questions? I really think they're a breed apart. I'm sure their mothers love them but I can't say I do- whatever their party.
Well, I'd better close before I become nasty. I shall have a coffee and then get ready. See you soon!

Monday 22nd September

2008-09-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought that I'd better try and join the computer literati and start a blog. Goodness knows what I'm going to write about but I'll have a go. I've finally retired after 46 years teaching. That's a long time and I feel a bit lost without the kids. Mind you, I don't know where the time goes. Today I went into Stockport to buy some art materials, came home and wrote some letters and did some ironing. I so hate ironing! There's only two of us so I don't know why I have to do so much.
This evening I finished writing two sketches for our WI 60th birthday party and got them printed off. Not a very exciting day - maybe tomorrow will be better.