tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76535842963746490362024-02-19T15:52:09.801+00:00Shootin' the Breeze : Isobel's retirement blogTravelling and learning ... my journey through early retirement (from paid employment, not life!).
My darling Lucy, my beautiful puppy, in a world gone mad you have the ability to make everyone smile!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-48203236202331337222016-06-28T21:42:00.000+01:002016-06-28T21:42:14.165+01:00June 2016 : Post EU Referendum<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Here we are, in the post EU referendum environment. I was a bit surprised, and dismayed, to wake up on Friday morning to find that the UK population had voted in favour of leaving the EU. Seems a bit of a bolt from the blue, because I really can't understand why anyone would choose to leave the EU. Scotland and Ireland voted to remain, but England and Wales voted to leave. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There have been stories about racism and violence towards members of the public who are perceived as being 'foreign'. The reports on the news and in the daily newspapers have been pretty disgusting. How someone could think that this type of behaviour is acceptable is totally beyond me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Anyway, my blog isn't about politics or religion, it's about my musings about my life, my plans, my aspirations and any other things that are important to me. Basically, it's my record of my ramblings and abstract thoughts. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Over this last year or so, I've felt that there's been something missing in my life. Lacking in direction and focus. Kind of like I have no real meaning or purpose in life. I find I'm often thinking back to the days when I attended the Circle in Penicuik, and also when I was running my own Circle here at home. The comfortable feeling of being at one with Spirit is missing and also I find I'm missing the 'signs' that Spirit are there or thereabouts around me. So, following a chat with a friend on Friday, I've decided that I'm going to start going to some services at a local Spiritualist Church. My first visit back will be on Sunday 3rd July, that is this coming Sunday. The Church in Broxburn has closed down, and although I've visited a couple of the local Livingston Churches, I've not felt totally comfortable with them. I'm planning on visiting the Church in Bathgate, which I've heard very good things about, and I'm looking forward to it. It'll be nice to get back into the spiritual swing of things. </i></span><br />
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've signed up for some more of the FutureLearn courses. The one I'm working on just now is to do with the benefits of mindfulness. It's an interesting wee course and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. As a result, I'm trying to incorporate mindfulness into my daily life. It's been a few years since I practiced meditation or visualisation, or just took to the time to "just be", so this course has been started at just the right time for me. </i><br />
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll also be starting a genealogy course through FutureLearn, and I plan on getting all my family history paperwork back together and getting restarted on my research. I'll have to look into getting a new computer programme because the current one is on a very old PC and was bought about 20 years ago. I should have all my info in paper form though, so it will just be a matter of copying it onto a new programme. Cousin Eileen and I have chatted about visiting the Sorn area to see if we can find any trace of the Goldie family in local churchyards etc.</i><br />
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been doing some sewing, made a few bits and pieces, and have a few pretty pieces of fabric that I plan on making into some pretty summer tops, although that might not be worthwhile unless the weather improves. It's been pretty cold and tonight I've put the heating on for half an hour to take the chill off. I have some really nice pieces of fabric, and I'm thinking of making some bags and other bits and pieces. I also have some fabulous pink fabric that I'd like to make into a jacket. I'm still making some jewellery, but not very much. Am also still attending the crafters network, but mainly just to see old friends as I don't plan on making anything for selling. What I do make will be either for myself or gifts for family and friends. </i><br />
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've started going along to netball sessions on a Friday evening. It's been great fun and I'm really enjoying it. Doing lots of running around and it's a really fabulous bunch of ladies who go along. It's non-competitive, but is really, really great fun. </i><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mike turned 70 on Hogmanay last, and so we decided to visit Malta for a couple of weeks in May. We had a fabulous time, weather was great, hotel was good and the food was good. Visited lots of places Mike was last at as a teenager. We visited the first flat they stayed in and spoke with a lady in the same block who kindly allowed us to go onto the roof to have a look around, and she also kindly invited us in for a cup of tea and a chat afterwards. Quite surprising, two foreign strangers and she happily invited us into here home! We also visit the Tal Handaq school and the bay where Mike learned to swim. Strolled round Tigne Point and all around that area, and wandered through Sliema, and walked the backstreets of Gzira. We visited Mosta, Mdina, the craft village, and Valletta. We went on a harbour cruise and took the ferry ride across to Valletta. We had coffee in outside cafes and drank wine in the afternoons. In the evenings, we sat on our balcony just watching the world go by. On the first weekend there were firework displays on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings on Manoel Island and we watched the display from the comfort of our balcony whilst sipping wine. On our last day, we met up with a lovely lady who had also attended Tal Handaq school. We meet up at our hotel, and then went for coffee and were getting on so well that she invited to take us to a lovely little cafe in the village where she lived. After a long, chatty, leisurely lunch, we had a stroll round the village and visited the beautiful gardens of the Palace and then she kindly invited us back to her home for afternoon tea and more chat. We sat out on her rooftop terrace enjoying the peace and quiet and hot Malta sun. She has a beautiful, charming home and we were thrilled to be invited in to it. After a long afternoon, she kindly drove us back to Sliema where we said our thanks and our goodbyes and promised to stay in touch. With the power of Facebook, we're now in pretty regular contact. Her kind hospitality was the perfect end to our holiday and has left us with such wonderful warm happy memories. In all, we had an absolutely wonderful holiday and a lovely time exploring the area where Mike spent wonderfully happy childhood / teenage years. Mickey went to stay with Cousin Eileen whilst we were away and by all accounts he had super time. He came back home with a little book all about his holiday. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I've been starting to get my head around writing up my notes for spiritual development and also I need to type up my notes for visualisation exercises. I've been asked to facilitate some visualisation sessions for a local charity support group again this year. I usually do a 'healing pool' visualisation but this year I thought I'd do a different one, so I need to work on that, writing it up and making sure that I have it all clear in my mind to allow me to work without notes. Nothing more annoying during visualisation than to hear the pages of a notebook being turned. I also have to look out some suitable music. Waves crashing on the sand won't work with a forest or countryside visualisation exercise. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I've also been digging out my paperwork for the book I started writing a couple or so years ago. Will probably never get it published, but I'll just continue working on it from time to time. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'm planning on doing all this writing cos Wimbledon 2016 has just started, so I'll be watching that on TV and typing at the same time. Or, I may even do some ironing!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I have my usual Dogs Trust card reading booking for their Open Day this summer. Unfortunately I won't be able to do readings for the nursing home due to a previous booking in the diary. But, hopefully next year. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I've also been thinking about diet and exercise. I'm loving my netball, and can definitely see a difference in my fitness levels. But, I'm also thinking that I need to be working on devising a much healthier eating plan for us both. I do eat a fair amount of fruit, and a reasonable amount of veg, but I've been trying to find some good juicing recipes. I'm not really planning on making fruit juices or smoothies, my plan is to start using veggies as well. Since we got the juicer a couple of years ago, I have made some juices, but many of them have had celery in them and one veg I really can't take is celery. I have bought a couple of books on juicing and I'll start looking through them to find some recipes that I think I'll be able to drink. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When we were out the other morning, we were walking round Bellsquarry Wood and we decided to walk back to the car view Newpark Road. As we were strolling along, we happened upon some pretty little pink flowers. Imagine my delight when I realised they were the little pink flowers I remember from my childhood. We called them Nancy Pretty, but their Sunday name was London Pride. I've always loved these pretty little flowers, and every time I see them I'm immediately transported back to happy, carefree, sunny childhood days. They're just such happy, carefree little flowers. Sadly, though, our garden is bereft of Nancy Pretty. I've looked in the garden centres several times over the years, but for some reason they never seem to stock them, which is a real pity. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We're planning on having a family get-together in July, mainly for my side of the family. As Mike's girls both live fairly locally, we do see them from time to time, but we rarely meet up with my side of the family. So, all being well, we'll be meeting in the Perth area around the third week of July. It'll be pretty nice to have a chance to catch up and I'm hopeful that this could become a regular event, meeting up a couple of times a year. I'm really looking forward to it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Well, I reckon that's about enough of my ramblings for now. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Happy reading. </i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-80085150753628042372015-06-14T18:13:00.002+01:002015-06-14T18:32:37.069+01:00Summer 2015 : what's been happening<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Well, it's been a while, but here I am again updating my blog. It's taken a time mainly because I couldn't remember how to access my blog to update it. So, here we are with summer just around the corner and sunshine on the horizon. I'm feeling motivated, all is well with my world and I'm heading into my future with a positive attitude and a spring in my step!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>As I'm heading to my 60th birthday this year I've been taking stock of and working on what's important to me. Obviously my health is the most important thing and I've been working on improving my general health and wellbeing. I'm paying much more attention to my diet and am working on increasing my fitness and activity levels. I've got a card that allows me half price entry to the local gym, and have a training schedule that I can start working on. If I find that I'm going along fairly often, when I'm 60 I'll be able to get a cheap membership which will allow me full access for only £18 per month. And, of course, I'll get my bus pass!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Earlier this year I went along to a course about finding my inner goddess. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have stayed in touch with a couple of other ladies who were on the course. It was run by a young lady called Jennifer Falconer. Jennifer is a generative life coach and is passionate about what she does. She has an office in Edinburgh but also runs some sessions out here in Livingston. The course was an amazing experience and it helped me to work out what's important to me, where I want my life to go and what I want to achieve. I'm planning on keeping my blog going and I'm also going to get my journal out and start updating it again, probably not on a daily basis, but most likely weekly or thereabouts. I'm also planning on updating my "Moon Over Water" facebook page and getting it restarted. I've already restarted my meditation practice and have signed up for a psychic gym course run by the amazing and talented Helen Leathers. I have several of Helen's books and workbooks and I've found them to be very useful and informative. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>The Inner Goddess course has also got me motivated to get back into doing what I enjoy. I've been making a little jewellery, I've been planning some sewing projects and I'm doing some card readings. I've offered to do readings for a charity as well to help them to raise vital funds. More on that at a future date. I'm still going along to our West Lothian Crafters Network meetings and for the first time in quite a while I had some jewellery to take along for our "show and tell". I have to say the ladies who go along the the meetings are all amazingly talented artisans.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>There's a local history group starting up on the 25th of this month and I'm planning on going along. I don't know very much about the history of the Livingston area so this will be an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the area. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>For my birthday last year, Mike got me an overlocker and for my birthday this year he's giving me a tailor's dummy (which I've already got because there was a sale on!). I'm planning on making some clothes and would like to try my hand at making my own creations. I'm also planning on making my dress for Graeme's 40th birthday celebration in December, when we're invited to a private premiere screening of the new Star Wars film. Of course, I'll be making myself some sparkly jewellery to go with the dress. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">In late May / early June, we headed off for a few weeks in the motorvan and visited Mike's cousins (Annie and Russ) and his Auntie Joan in Plymouth. It's been lovely getting to know them and also Annie's granddaughter, Demi-Leigh. I was very fortunate whilst I was there as Demi very kindly spruced up my nails with a very pretty pink nail polish and added a little sparkly star. I have a note of the pretty shade Demi used and I'm hoping to pop out to buy myself a bottle of it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>We had a fabulous time in Plymouth and were made very welcome by all of the extended family. One day we visited the war memorial where a member of Mike's extended family (think it was a cousin of his Auntie Joan) is listed on the memorial. We found his name and I have a few photos of Mike, Annie and Russ pointing to the name on the memorial. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Annie and Russ also showed us round the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe. Annie and I had great fun visiting a few shops, trying on hats, oohing and aahing at some amazing vintage clothing and just generally having a good time. We sat outside in the sun eating fish & chips for lunch with Mickey sitting very well beside us trying not to look like he was wanting some of our lunch.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>The weather whilst we were away was fabulous. We did have some hailstones (sounding like rocks landing on the roof of the van) and also one night it was quite stormy with pretty strong winds, but apart from that the weather was beautifully warm and sunny. We did manage to get a quick visit to Exmouth however, we didn't manage to get to see extended family in Ilfracombe but hopefully we'll manage to do so when we're down later in the year. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>We had no real problems with the motorvan (other than busting the pipe for the grey waste) which was good. We didn't manage to get away for a couple of nights prior to our trip down south, although we did take the van out for an afternoon at Yellowcraig to check that everything was running properly. We're hoping to get a trip down Ayrshire way sometime and possibly up north somewhere as well. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Mickey is beginning to feel his age we think, and we've had to get his ramp out again to help him into and out of the car. For quite a while he was managing fine without it, but lately we felt that he was not too happy about having to take a running jump to get into the car, so his ramp is back in use. He does pretty good for an old boy of 11+ years of age.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>We've had some more work done in the garden this year. There's a particular bit in the side garden that's always a fairly damp and the water doesn't drain very well, despite the fact that we put in some drainage (at least I think we did). It's also pretty difficult to get the lawn mower in to get the grass cut at that bit. So, we've now got an additional deck covering the damp area. Last week when we had a few really nice sunny and warm days, we sat out on our new deck for morning coffee and afternoon tea. Ordinarily sitting out in our garden isn't always fun because we tend to get a west wind through the garden which makes it a bit chilly and uncomfortable for sitting out in (which is why we got our wee summerhouse a few years ago) but fortunately last week there was only a very light breeze so it was rather pleasant sitting out on our new deck. It was so nice last week that I went out and bought myself some cotton shorts, the longish ones to below the knee, on Friday. Of course by the time we got back home it had turned overcast, breezy and chilly. But I'm pretty sure that we'll have a few more warm sunny days this year, so I'll get some use out of my new shorts. I'm sure I will! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>There's lots of work to be done around the house and garden. We really need to get the wee office room cleared out and sorted and I'm hopeful then that I can use it as a little craft room. Outside we need to get the driveway power-washed and tidied up. We've already got that task started, but need to get around to finishing it off. The flower beds need to be weeded but once it turns a bit warmer again then we'll get that task completed as well. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Well, I reckon this is enough of my abstract rambling for the time being. Apologies if it's all a bit garbled, but as many of you know, I tend to write just whatever comes into my mind. So if you find it all just a bit disjointed, then that's the reason why.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>I'll be spending the next few weeks or so thinking about how my blog will develop over the next few months. My plan is to have less rambling on and more of a structure with regard to topics covered. My grand plan is that it will be a record of my journey through what I call "My Purple Years". </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">I hope you all enjoy my ramblings and if so, please do follow my blog. If you'd like to say "hi" and leave a comment then please do so. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future topics for my blog then please do let me know. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Many thanks for reading!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><i>Isobel </i></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-71290436984488906112014-08-06T22:17:00.000+01:002014-08-06T22:17:01.741+01:00A little update. <span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Well, it's been a while since I last updated my blog. Lots has happened, some good things and some not so good things.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Firstly, I lost my darling wee Lucy to cancer on the 16th of June. Was very sudden and a bit of a shock. Still miss her so much that at times it hurts. But she's up there at Rainbow Bridge having fun and waiting for me. My wee lassie lamb was a bit of a rascal but she also brought a smile to the face of everyone she met. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">I've still been making jewellery, but not so much these days. I've started doing a little sewing and am at last using up my fabric stash. Have done a little baking as well. I've been enjoying the Crafters Network meetings, although I don't really contribute too much these days on account of not really doing any craft fairs this year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">We've been away in the van a few times lately which has been fun. Last trip was to Ravenglass which has lovely and relaxing and we had some pretty good weather. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">I've done a few card readings lately which I've enjoyed. I have bookings for charity / fundraising events this month. A local school, nursing home and Dogs Trust. It's all for charity or fundraising so all the cash I make is donated to them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Unfortunately the Development Circle hasn't restarted this year, but maybe next year. If it's to restart then that will happen when the time is right.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">We recently changed my wee car because the dealer contacted me and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So I didn't refuse. My new car is very smart (?!?!?) and she's called Clementine. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Well will work on more updates soon. Many thanks for reading! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-84842377661424848202013-09-28T21:43:00.000+01:002013-09-28T21:43:55.599+01:00Early Autumn ........<span style="color: purple;"><i>Well, I'm still aspiring to update my blog a bit more regularly. I'm being ever so organised and have now put an entry into my diary to remind me each weekend to write an update. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>We had a nice couple of weeks holiday, with good weather and lots of nice walks. We may try to get away for another week or so but as I'm a bit if a fair weather camper we may just stay at home if it turns colder or wet. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>My niece, Jennifer, has returned from her six months in Sri Lanka running an animal sanctuary. I'm incredibly proud of her and think that she's probably the most amazing and inspirational person I know. And, she's also brought home a beautiful wee dog called Penny. I haven't met Penny yet but once she's settled into her new home I'll go over to meet her. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>This week the weather has been pretty nice most days. Today has been a beautiful early autumn day. Mike's been busy working on replacing the external lights so that we can see when we have Mickey and Lucy in the garden for their late night outing. I've been busy painting the window frame in the front living-room. It'll need at least two coats of paint and I'd hoped to be able to give it a second coat this evening, but it's still pretty tacky, so I guess it'll be tomorrow before I can do the second coat. Then I've got new curtains to shorten and I'm hoping that there will be enough fabric left over to do a couple of cushion covers. Then in a week or so we'll be getting new blinds on the window. After that all I have to do is clean the carpet and paint the walls so that the room will be nice for Christmastime. Then I'll start on the hall and the old front door. With a bit of luck I might even be able to get a new carpet for the hall floor! Fingers crossed!!!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>I'll also have to get some new bag charms made as I have a sale for the middle of October to prepare for. The last one at this organisation was very successful, so I'm hoping this one will go well. I've managed to source some very pretty beads from America. I've almost decided on the ones I want to buy. I may not have therm in time for the October sale, but they should arrive in good time for the December one. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Speaking of December and Christmas. Irving Berlin's White Christmas is on at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 29 November till 4 January and my friend Siobhan and I are hoping to get tickets. A few years ago I went with my friend Rita to see White Christmas at the Edinburgh Playhouse. For those of you who have been watching Dallas on a TV (the new series and the old series) Ken Kercheval, aka Cliff Barnes, was General Waverly in the show at The Playhouse and was very good. Talking of Christmas, I'm being ever so organised and have most of our 'big' gifts in and have an idea of what I'm going to get for some of the others. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>This coming week I'm hoping that we can get back into the regular habit of going to the pool. We haven't been since before we went off on holiday, so it will be good to get back to going for a swim a few times each week. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Those of you who know me will know that I like the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. Now Jack Reacher is a big guy, 6' 5" and built like a tank. You don't mess with him. Anyway, one of the novels, First Shot, has been made into a movie starring Tom Cruise. Now Tom Cruise ain't 6' 5" and he talks with a soft squeaky voice. Jack Reacher he ain't. Anyway, I told everyone that I would NEVER EVER watch the movie. Well, I did. I watched it cos everyone said if I could put aside the fact that Lil Squirt Tom Cruise was Jack Reacher, then I'll enjoy it cos it's a fantastic movie. So I watched it. Well, when I say "I watched it" I mean I watched some of it. I did try to watch all of it, but sadly it was so disappointing that I really couldn't watch it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Now, I do like the film The Help, and the book. I think Miss Skeeter is just awesome. Minny and Aibileen are fantastic characters as well. And Miss Hilly??? Well, she deserves a punch on the nose! </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Well, I think that's about enough chatter for now. More to come next weekend! </i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><i>"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze"</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i> Forrest Gump</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>“love the life you live, live the life you love.”</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i> Bob Marley </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Well, as Forest Gump says ... "that's all I have to say about that" </i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-52511208379350146342013-09-17T22:21:00.003+01:002013-09-17T22:21:56.912+01:00What I've been up to lately! <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Another little update! </span><br />
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Well Mike and I are just back from a nice relaxing holiday. We had very good weather and caught up with a couple of Mike's uncles and cousins. We had a lovely time and each of the sites we used were rather nice and all of them had fabulous dog walk areas, always a bonus! </div>
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Unfortunately, (or fortunately as it turned out) we had to return home a day early because of a kitchen sink problem (which will be sorted tomorrow). I say fortunately because Saturday was a beautiful day and we had a lovely relaxing drive home and Sunday was cold, wet, wild, windy and miserable. But I did get all the washing done! Ironing??? Nah ... that'll never happen! </div>
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So all is more or less back to normal now. </div>
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The nights are fair drawing in now and this week the weather has turned very chilly so I reckon that autumn is here. This morning I had my morning coffee in the summerhouse. It was a bit chilly, so sadly I reckon that I won't be summerhousin' now until springtime, unless it turns a bit milder. So, I need to have a think about where to sit and relax with my coffee in the mornings. I guess I could always sit in the front room and spy in the neighbours when they leave for work ......</div>
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I've been pretty busy lately. I've been planning my 'craft pay it forward gifts' and will be starting work on them soon. I've also been working on some new jewellery and beaded items and I'm also keen to start expanding my product range. So, watch this space! </div>
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I've been slowly working through the stuff we've got stored in the loft. I have one corner sorted so far and have lots of storage boxes ready to be filled. My plan is that my fabric and wool and other crafting stuff can be stored there and once the space or organised I'll know exactly where everything is. At least , that's the plan. </div>
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It's always good to have a plan. It doesn't have to be a good or a great plan, just a plan. </div>
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Will update more in a day or so. </div>
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Watch this space ...... </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-58256775043932458202013-07-31T08:51:00.000+01:002013-07-31T08:51:08.740+01:00Update on my Journey Through Life ... My Purple Years<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Well, it's been quite a while since I last updated my blog, but hopefully, as I'm on a winning streak for writing just now, I'll update a bit more regularly from now on. </span><br />
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A lot has been going on lately. We've had 70th birthday BBQ, 70th birthday special lunch out, several visits to my sister, Fiona, who's just moved house. Off to see Brucie boy (Springsteen, not Forsyth), had a few days away in the van (hoping to get away again sometime over the next couple of months), had many lunches out, retail therapy trips, lots of time in my summerhouse. Also, The Goldie Girls, once again, raised funds for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the Race for Life in Falkirk. Unfortunately we were a much smaller Goldie Girls group this year. Valerie, Monica and myself accompanied by Waffle and Zorro. Lucy stayed home but may join me next year. </div>
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There have been lots of babysitting duties (always enjoyable) and lots of watching kids tv (always enjoyable!!!). </div>
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Mickey seems to be over his tummy troubles, so that's good. Lucy's wee skin problem flared up again. We think it's made worse by the stress of anniversaries (spooky spirits abound in our house) when she seems particularly sensitive to unseen things. However, this latest flare up is responding very well to the treatment that the vet (Lucy <3 Richard) has given her although vet thinks that she'll probably need ongoing monthly / quarterly maintenance doses. </div>
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Moon~Over~Water Facebook page has been started, and most mornings I select a card for the day and then post it on the page, with the basic meaning for the card. I then write it up in my little 'Card for the Day' strawberry notebook. Once all the Zen cards have been selected, then I'll start selecting from another pack of tarot cards. </div>
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The Circle is still running, although there's been a bit of a slowdown due to holidays etc. If anyone is interested in coming along, just let me know. New members are always welcome. </div>
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Exciting news is that I have tickets to see Tony Stockwell at the end of August, and we have pretty good seats! EXCITED!!!</div>
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I've also been doing a wee meditation course, which I've been thoroughly enjoying. I do like my mornings in the summerhouse. A chance to relax and meditate, then select my card for the day, chillout with Mickey and Lucy and then have a leisurely breakfast. </div>
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Treasures by Isobel is still working away in the background there. Still have the Facebook page, but not updated in a while. However, I have ideas for new products so it will be updated in the foreseeable future. I have a couple of craft fairs in the pipeline so will post photos of them on the FB page. I've started work in my website for Treasures, but it's been a bit beyond me so it's very been very slow going. </div>
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So, I've had lots of time in the summerhouse, working on various ideas and hopefully getting a new perspective and a new focus / direction in my journey through my Purple Years. </div>
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Shootin' the Breeze will be updated more regularly ... happy reading all! </div>
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Bye for now ........</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-28125400814964445002013-05-27T17:23:00.000+01:002013-05-27T17:23:08.567+01:00Just a quick update<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a quick update. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have had very productive afternoon sorting out my Facebook pages. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Treasures by Isobel had some admin work done, and I've got plans for new products and suchlike. All very exciting and interesting. Should certainly keep me occupied and out of mischief for a wee while to come. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight we
have our first meeting of the West Lothian Crafters Network, and
hopefully that will go well, and become a useful resource for all the
'members'.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moon Over Water Facebook page has been set up. I need to have a think about getting some nice photos on there, no doubt something will appear at the right time. Card readings this Saturday at a local primary school for school funds. And, at the beginning of September, card readings for the local Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Open Day, again all monies raised go to the charity.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our little Development Circle continues to go well, although the last one was cancelled at the very last minute. At the end of August this year, I'll be going to see Tony Stockwell at the Howden Park Centre. We have fab tickets, middle of the second front row, so hopefully it'll be a good night. You never know, maybe I'll even get a reading. Now that would be FAB! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, it's been busy, busy, busy.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On to normal day-to-day things now, such as the weather. Now the weather has been pretty well rubbish this spring, although Saturday was rather nice and we sat out in the summerhouse. Sunday wasn't quite so nice, however, we spent the day in the summerhouse (well, I did anyway), doing a little jewellery designing and we now have the basic idea for the Hope on the Horizon beaded bracelet. Over the next day or so I shall work on the project and should have the finished product later this week. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow evening Lucy has her training class which she's been thoroughly enjoying. Mind you, last week when she got home she was totally shattered. So much excitement for such a wee doggie.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week looks like being a fairly busy week, mainly doing things to do with Treasures by Isobel and Moon Over Water. I've started working on my website, and am hoping that this week I can spend a bit of time on getting that sorted out. That said, I'm just hoping that all this techie stuff isn't beyond my capabilities. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also currently fundraising just now. The Goldie Girls are doing the Race for Life at Falkirk on the 9th of June and my sister Fiona and I are doing a Treadmill Challenge to raise funds for Animal SOS Sri Lanka. If you'd like to sponsor us, you'll find the link on our Facebook pages (or just send me a PM and I'll give you details).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I guess I'd better get dinner on soon seeing as I'm off out this evening .... thanks for reading! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-24598863534974548212012-11-05T12:18:00.001+00:002012-11-05T13:27:50.552+00:00Ooh ... it's been a while!Well hello again! It's been a while since I last updated my blog, so as we're having to wait in for the gas engineer this morning, I thought I'd use the time productively.<br />
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I've been pretty busy lately, mainly because of the MacMillan Coffee Morning at the end of September, when we raised in excess of £250 and my annual festive gathering by way of the Christmas Cards and Jewellery Party at the end of October.<br />
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The Coffee Morning (which was held in the afternoon) went very well. We were very busy serving endless cups of tea and coffee accompanied by home baking and teensy weensy elegant sandwiches. It was a good, if tiring, afternoon and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. My choice of music was complimented! I had planned on playing my Timewarp 60s Music, but at the last minute I changed it to Fabulous Fifties Music. The raffle raised around £100+ (£60+ of which was raised by sales prior to the Coffee Morning) and the shop raised around £60. On the day itself, granddaughter Lily ran the raffle (and 'encouraged' everyone to buy tickets) and granddaughter Laura ran the shop, and just in case anyone hadn't realised we were selling things, Laura took the shop to our guests to 'encourage' folks to buy!<br />
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The home baking went down a treat, and a HUGE thanks to everyone who took the time to bake and also donate to the event. I'd have hated to force my home baking on everyone there, although I did make some tablet, puff candy and the fruit cake that Arlene donated the recipe for. Also, a HUGE thanks to everyone for coming along and supporting the event. It wouldn't have been such a success if you hadn't come along. THANK YOU ALL!<br />
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Now, the Festive Night was also a great success. I do believe that Laura managed to sell 8 scarves for Woollen Wonders and made some commission for all her hard work. Lesley's jewellery was also very popular. I had my eye on a few things on the jewellery table, but by the time I got around to browsing, there was very little left. However, I did make a small purchase which will go past for Christmas.<br />
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Again, many thanks to everyone who came along and supported the event. I know that you all only came along cos I'd promised to play Crimbo music! And of course, I've been playing Crimbo music since then and Mike hasn't complained once ... I suspect that his hearing is starting to fail.<br />
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And, continuing on the Crimbo theme. Sky Movies Christmas 24 channel started on Saturday, so now I have Crimbo music in the kitchen and Crimbo movies in the dining room ... what more could a gal ask for! Apart from hoping Santa keeps her on the 'nice' list!<br />
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I've also been working on some trinkets and stocking fillers for the Christmas craft fairs that I've got booked between now and Christmas. I had hoped to get booked into the fairs for selling jewellery but unfortunately they've all been full for jewellery. However, from the few craft fairs that I've had a table at, I've been watching what does and doesn't sell, particularly with regards to the jewellery sales.<br />
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It appears that what puts people off is that fact the the jewellery is so 'expensive'. I put that in quotes, cos it's not my view, but from speaking with potential customers, I get the distinct impression that folks come along to these fairs looking for bargains, and don't seem willing to pay what they consider to be 'over the odds' for the craft items for sale. Clearly most people feel that they should only be paying for the materials, and not for the time involved in making the items. I do get the impression that people who go to the craft fairs believe that they shouldn't pay for the time spent making an item, cos people selling at craft fairs are selling things they make for a hobby, ergo, they shouldn't charge for their time. This seems really quite unfair to me, cos there are a lot of crafters who are making things to try to run a small business and generate an income. So, to continue my ramblings, I've also been watching what does and doesn't sell. The more expensive items just don't sell (maybe that'll change in the run up to Christmas), so I'm now working on creating some inexpensive trinkets and stocking fillers. These are items that I can charge a reasonable amount for, and can cover the costs of materials, as well as my time for making them.. This means that I'm making things that don't really show any great amount of talent or creativity, but by their simplicity they look pretty good and the price is also attractive to potential customers. I've found that I can sell several smaller items at £1, £2, £3 etc whereas it's almost impossible to sell an item at £15. I guess another issue is the fact that it's a cash sale rather than using cheque or Switch cards. Therefore, most people aren't bringing pocketfuls of cash with them to craft fairs, so it seems wise to switch to smaller, more inexpensive products.<br />
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Well, we're still waiting for the gas engineer. He's just phoned, and it would appear he's running late (was booked to be here between 8am and 1pm) and can only say that he'll be here sometime this afternoon. So, I'll ramble on for a short while longer, and then I'll start lunch.<br />
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I'm all set for winter dog walking duties. I've decided to retire my old winter boots (my feet never got cold even when the temperature dropped to -16c a couple of years ago). These boots are pretty well done now, so I'm going to put them in the bin. But, I've got some fabby warm welly boots (Muckboots) to keep my feet warm and dry over the winter. They usually sell for around £60-£70, but I managed to get a pair for only £25! Fabby! I've tried them out already, and my feet stayed warm and cosy.<br />
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I'm also working on a handmade Christmas this year, and will be making and crafting lots of handmade items for Christmas gifts. I've got lots of ideas, and have even started working on them. Just hope I don't run out of time ... I'd hate to be the one to keep Santa late on his very important journey on Christmas Eve. <br />
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Well, time's getting on now, so I'm off to make lunch and then we'll get Mickey and Lucy out for their daily constitutional ... and a run with Lucy's beloved Ring Zinger!<br />
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Many thanks for reading my ramblings!<br />
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As Forrest Gump says ... "That's all I have to say about that".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-74168198882714890392012-07-07T15:14:00.003+01:002012-07-07T15:21:31.299+01:00Things to do on a wet summer afternoon in July!<div style="color: #c27ba0;">
<i>Well, most of you will be aware that we've had some pretty dreadful weather this summer. Lots of summer events have been cancelled because of the rain, however, Wimbledon has continued. Now, I like watching tennis, and now that I'm retired I've got the opportunity of watching Wimbledon Fortnight on TV. What's even better is that we now have a Scot in the final. So guess who'll be watching TV tomorrow afternoon!</i></div>
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<i>I've been having a look at some of my jewellery and I'm still trying to sort out the FB page for Treasures. This is getting a bit closer to being sorted and my amazing niece Jennifer has kindly offered to sort it out for me. I do believe that on Monday afternoon she's going to have a look at it and make sure it's all set up properly for me. She's also offered to sort out a web site for me! I suspect that I will owe her pretty big-time once it's all sorted. Hmm, perhaps I should also be thinking of doing a Treasures by Isobel
blog? But if I do a blog, I wonder if anyone will actually read it. </i></div>
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<i>I came across this little photo on the internet the other day, and thought I'd share it with you all: </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByUBA2MxF7L1eztwQo2_moYzzDCtKFBNZBU7O6_yR8Yq0dyBPzDkmfGKG85Evvdv9LuWyUgHj7F1TohaSwnM8o_uvnhpV-ed7WtD6B82oS19G6NK7vrxQ4fm-aJTdcdZ3b2VEaINv6qal/s1600/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByUBA2MxF7L1eztwQo2_moYzzDCtKFBNZBU7O6_yR8Yq0dyBPzDkmfGKG85Evvdv9LuWyUgHj7F1TohaSwnM8o_uvnhpV-ed7WtD6B82oS19G6NK7vrxQ4fm-aJTdcdZ3b2VEaINv6qal/s1600/smile.jpg" /></a></i></div>
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<i>As it was our silver wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago, we were out for lunch a few times. On the Friday, we went with the family to the local Frankie & Benny's for a nice lunch and a couple of glasses of wine. We had a really nice time, but all my photos include the grandchildren, so I won't be posting any here. However on the Monday (which was our actual anniversary) we wnt to the Melville Inn at Lasswade and had a beautiful lunch (and a few glasses of wine) with Rita and Eddie:</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p4XviexGS7gNLK5blSBIip7nSp1T4A2cT05Z7TEWlZKUJ4nVc3-k3HShsWaKIQhwTV64XY8jxuRY2a5RmWDUQu6DvHmwjzZqY4AUZ56LQJc4UwkHrAlbgs2rKCamujV-36msCqSGSXNx/s1600/Silver+Melville+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p4XviexGS7gNLK5blSBIip7nSp1T4A2cT05Z7TEWlZKUJ4nVc3-k3HShsWaKIQhwTV64XY8jxuRY2a5RmWDUQu6DvHmwjzZqY4AUZ56LQJc4UwkHrAlbgs2rKCamujV-36msCqSGSXNx/s320/Silver+Melville+Inn.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
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<i>L-R : Mike, moi, Rita and Eddie. It's a shame that it appears that I'm the only one drinking alcohol, but then that's nothing new!</i></div>
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<i>Here are a couple of wedding photos (don't we all look young!): </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-2in1l77Fs7mk5_pDfbK9lN3MEn4xUW7eN-StV0kr5gBfktoj1zzzC0DEiKLmzOP-e7G-N_lNvQzVc9goGwNv0p1MMWCYFQh8KcVfBxLGl8JOOz78RwL27jHhO1I6n7KxOq-HxNV3doI/s1600/wedding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-2in1l77Fs7mk5_pDfbK9lN3MEn4xUW7eN-StV0kr5gBfktoj1zzzC0DEiKLmzOP-e7G-N_lNvQzVc9goGwNv0p1MMWCYFQh8KcVfBxLGl8JOOz78RwL27jHhO1I6n7KxOq-HxNV3doI/s320/wedding+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
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<i> L-R : My oldest brother, Ken, my Mum, moi and Mike. </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFf7E1lh0sR2DhDMRC5VjPNU6FrSO9dUlu2krQwRbD4RX04HAHIIN_oghO3giRCXAu6BW-gwbzZISoSX9mj0-0ICRwENKS066cANBFwB3vL0U4homlPaK7crZ757urZINlfr76qdWyu2cB/s1600/wedding+incl+mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFf7E1lh0sR2DhDMRC5VjPNU6FrSO9dUlu2krQwRbD4RX04HAHIIN_oghO3giRCXAu6BW-gwbzZISoSX9mj0-0ICRwENKS066cANBFwB3vL0U4homlPaK7crZ757urZINlfr76qdWyu2cB/s320/wedding+incl+mum.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
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<i>L-R : Arlene, Mike, moi and my Mum looking fondly down on me with a little smile on her face!</i></div>
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<i>Earlier this year my sister was in Singapore for a few weeks, and had a super-fabby time. As I was feeling ever so slightly jealous, she sent me this photo:</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJW1NKS2jy560iKRAg_utDawWwuR1wlLCw0E2lvuZMZTMig1zkKhpE1VOHgRdEzVOQ6K0omex_3xPpZZL6ErHVYxundS4kh9WuYQBgEmJsAsE31TOBLY4txqdyi3ZV67psY6r5BNgnu5U/s1600/Cuppa+in+Singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJW1NKS2jy560iKRAg_utDawWwuR1wlLCw0E2lvuZMZTMig1zkKhpE1VOHgRdEzVOQ6K0omex_3xPpZZL6ErHVYxundS4kh9WuYQBgEmJsAsE31TOBLY4txqdyi3ZV67psY6r5BNgnu5U/s320/Cuppa+in+Singapore.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<i>Now many of you know that I'm pretty well into family history and genealogy. Well, I spent YEARS trying to track down a copy of the book "Call to Arms, New Kilpatrick's Response to the Call of the King". Well I managed to track down a copy which was for sale in a second hand bookseller in Michican. So I ordered it and within a few days it arrived on my doorstep! To say that I'm ever so slightly exited and thrilled to have my own copy is a bit of an understatement! So, here's what the book looks like and you should know that it's in pretty good nick considering it's 96 years old. And, as it's 96 years old, that's the very reason that I never thought I'd managed to get myself a copy! So here it is, in glorious technicolour:</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVRvoctmjSk4aUrXsx7nbH5Wu-mADYTxnRiVdl6i9NMOzpNQp8MFrq9ZxLHXl7WXyMmJl1FhKn78jz7WaT9SjZ_uRIZgByNnyPj3Z7e20IRJdC8rrZpRWeAMGoAiA5Rrwz2Fv5DEO0V06/s1600/call+to+arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVRvoctmjSk4aUrXsx7nbH5Wu-mADYTxnRiVdl6i9NMOzpNQp8MFrq9ZxLHXl7WXyMmJl1FhKn78jz7WaT9SjZ_uRIZgByNnyPj3Z7e20IRJdC8rrZpRWeAMGoAiA5Rrwz2Fv5DEO0V06/s320/call+to+arms.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
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<i>Now, it may not look particularly interesting or exciting, but for me it's the most amazing purchase I've made in a long, long time! Excited??? You don't know the half of it.</i></div>
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<i>Well, it seems our summer holiday still isn't happening. Mainly because of the weather. The thought of being stuck in a motorvan with two dogs doesn't sound like two weeks of fun. Add to that the likelihood of walking the dogs 3-5 times a day in cold, wet, horrible conditions and it doesn't sound very nice. And, we'd run the risk of getting bogged down on a site. At least with the caravan you'd have a chance of towing the van out but with the motorvan, we'd need a tractor or suchlike to pull us out. But, you know, I do believe that August has to be a bit better that June and July, so all being well we'll get away for a few days then. It's just unfortunate that early in the year we had a couple of really, really nice weeks, but it was a bit early in the season for us fair-weather motorvan folks (mainly because I don't like walking the dogs in the dark at the caravan sites, particularly as they tend to be very dark (on account of no street lights etc) and also I'd be walking in areas I don't know and oftentimes you have to walk the dogs along the side of fairly busy / twisty roads. Not ideal late at night! So, hopefully August and September will be better for us. I did think that we were being a bit lazy about the whole motorvan in horrible weather thing, but our neighbour across the road who will caravan in all weathers has also not considered attempting to take the van out in this weather and like us reackons it'll be towards the end of the summer before he'll be happy to give it a try. </i></div>
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<i>Unfortunately with the horrible wet weather, Lucy and Mickey haven't been getting the running around that they'd really like. They are out every day, but they get so wet running around the field that Lucy sometimes gets a wee chill and that's not ideal for my we puppy girl. </i></div>
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<i>On Thursday cousin Valerie popped through to visit us, and we had a little afternoon of retail therapy (followed by pizza!). I bought myself a lovely little pink hat (which Valerie assured me 'looked cute') and a pair of gore-tex walking boots (for ONLY £33 = BARGAIN) and a nice handbag which I've already started using. It'll be ideal for carrying my 'stuff' as well as carrying a little bottle of water. Ideal!</i></div>
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<i>Well, I guess that's about all for now. Hope you're all still enjoying my blog and please feel free to make any comments (let's me know that someone is actually reading it), and please remember to click the link to become a follower. </i></div>
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<i>Many thanks all ......................... Isobel</i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-33068633537808307062012-06-23T14:23:00.001+01:002012-07-07T14:30:10.670+01:00June goin' into JulyWell, summertime seems to be remaining pretty elusive this year, which is a bit of a pity. When I retired at the end of 2010 I had beautiful visions of calm, warm sunny days spent walking the dog/s and pottering around the garden. Well, in truth that has happened on a few occasions but it would be rather nice if it happened with a bit more regularity rather than on the odd occasion. Ah well, c'est la vie!
We had a nice weekend last weekend when we were celebrating our Silver Wedding Anniversary. We had a couple of lunches out with family and with friends. We went to Frankie & Benny's with the family on the Friday and on the Monday (our actual anniversary) we went to the Melville Inn out at Lasswade with friends and had a beautiful meal and of course a little bottle of wine.<br />
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Now on to dog walking tales! As Mickey has been a bit naughty when he's been out on his walks lately we've been selective about where we've been taking them. Yesterday we took them up to Bankton Mains where naughty Mickey headed off to splash about in a puddle. Unfortunately this puddle came right up to his shoulders and was more like a small loch. He had a great time splashing around with a look of absolute glee on his face. Little Mr Bright Eyes unfortunately decided to leave his ring at the deepest part of his little loch. This was fine but the ring sunk and he wouldn't put his head down into the water to retrieve it. Fortunately I had on my trusty wellies and headed off into the water to get the ring. I was pretty dismayed when I realised how deep the water was and I had to go very carefully in order to ensure my feet remained dry. The water came to within an inch or so of the top of my wellies. Needless to say, we took them to a different field today!<br />
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I'm getting back into the family history research and am delighted that I managed to track down a copy of a book published around 1916 which has photos of The Goldie Boys in it. I tracked down a copy of the book that was for sale in Michigan. It's in reasonable condition considering it's 96 years old!<br />
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I'm also planning on clearing out wardrobes today and tomorrow and plan on trying to put some of the stuff up for sale on eBay. At least that's the plan. If it turns out to be too technical for me I'll just put the stuff into a local charity shop.<br />
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I've got plans to sort out an area in the house that I can use for making jewellery etc. I'm planning on having all the bits and pieces in one place so that I don't have to gather everything together before I start working on anything. I've got a few craft fairs booked for autumn time so I'd better get things organised pretty smartish! I had hoped to do some jewellery making in the summerhouse but the weather hasn't been mild enough to spend too long out there and as its been overcast a lot of the time it's been too dark to work there.<br />
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I've been getting my dancing shoes on again and have been going to a line dancing group. I'm enjoying it even if I've discovered I have two left feet! Oh wait, I already discovered that when I went to tap dancing classes a couple of years ago!!!<br />
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I've also got some grand plans for doing some dressmaking and suchlike but I'll keep that for the next blog.
Don't forget to comment on my blog. It's always encouraging to know that someone, somewhere is reading my ramblings.<br />
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Please also become a follower of my Shootin' the Breeze blog!<br />
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Bye for now ...............Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-22051971034219622722012-06-08T22:02:00.000+01:002012-06-08T22:07:12.531+01:00Watch this space .............................<div style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">
<i>Well, just thought I'd update you all on what I've been up to lately. Aside from being the domestic goddess extraordinaire, and clearing out cupboards and suchlike, I've been working on my little business venture. I'm also planning on sorting / decluttering the wardrobes again. I've had some sweaters and stuff stored in those vacuum storage bags for about a year or so and never worn them. Clearly I never will, so I'll either donate to the charity shop or may even venture into the selling world that is eBay. I've only ever bought stuff on eBay, never sold anything, so I may well give it a go. </i></div>
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<i>Talking about donating to charity. I didn't realise that lots of those charity bags that you get through the door are actually from companies that don't really pass any or much cash on to the charities, and in some cases the stuff is recycled by the business who collects the bags. Which means that they're taking my stuff and instead of the cash going to charity, it goes straight into the coffers of the company collecting the bags. So, I now arrange with a local charity shop for their van to call in and collect the stuff. That way I know that the money will go to the charity. </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I've been working on various ideas for jewellery etc, and am also going to try my hand at some lariat-style beaded belts. I've got some pretty beads which I think will be ideal for this little project. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I'm also going to try my hand at doing a few crochet-style little scarves. Nothing quite as fancy as Arlene is doing, but well, I'll give it a try. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I've booked a couple of craft fairs for October and November time, so I really need to get started on doing some more handbag charms, pretty little keyrings and stuff. </i></span><i>Nearer the time I'll give you all details and you can come along and support me! I've got some pretty charms already made, but I'll need to have quite a lot more ready for October. </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I'm still
trying to sort out a web page and the Facebook page, but sadly it's
still all a bit beyond my techie capabilities, but no doubt I'll get it
all sorted out. Ideally I'll have it all sorted out in time for the fairs. I'm hopeful that the two November ones could be successful as they're both being publicised at Christmas Fairs. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I'm watching a programme on TV whilst I'm sitting typing this. The programme is all about haunted locations in Britain. Perhaps I should tell them about the experience I had in a travel inn a couple of years ago when someone (oooh or SOMETHING!) kept tugging at the quilt during the night as I lay in bed attempting to sleep but kept being wakened up by the tugging. Oooh spooky! </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I must see if I can drum up some interest in card readings. I haven't had any bookings for quite a while, and I do miss doing readings. If anyone would like a card reading, let me know and we can get it sorted. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I do wish that the weather would improve a bit. I've still got dreams of sitting out in the summherhouse doing some writing, making jewellery or just relaxing and meditating. We get a couple of nice days, and then the morning I decide to get up early and go sit in the summerhouse with my morning cuppa, it turns cold and wet and that puts paid to my chillin' out plans.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>So, that's what I've been up to. Still livin' the dream and walking the puppies each day. Mickey was a bit of a rascal yesterday and was crashing about through bushes and stuff, having a fine old time for about 45 minutes. It was really funny to watch cos all you could see was the moving bushes, swaying to the tempo of the crashin' around Mickey! He was all bright and perky but absolutely knackered when we got him home. We then had to go out for a while and when we got back home he was a bit limpydan and had to have an early dinner of leftover fish'n'chips so that we could give him his painkiller. Silly billy boy ... he was much better today, but we took him up to Bankton Mains so that he was running about on a relatively flat field, rather than crashing about on steep hilly ground. LucyLu was a little angel yesterday and she got to see her beloved petsitter extraordinaire, Caroline. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I treated myself to a visit to the podiatrist the other day. Partly to sort out the huge blister I got during the Race for LIfe, but also to get my feet into summer sandal prettyness (can feet ever be pretty???). Anyway, my feet feel good and the podiatrist was thrilled to have seen her first fallen metatarsal head. Apparently in all the years she's been a podiatrist, she's never seen a fallen metatarsal head. She was very excited ......... some people have such a sad life, dontcha think?</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I've also been for an eye test and am collecting me new spectacles on Monday. I'm really looking forward to getting my new specs, cos I'm really pretty fed up with my old ones. I always wonder why opticians think that just because your prescription has hardly changed, you don't want new glasses! So I'll get my new specs on Monday!</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Anyways, it's getting late now and it's time for my bedtime cuppa so, I guess that's about all for now ... hope you're all still enjoying my blog. </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-49917186715762711042012-05-29T19:02:00.000+01:002012-05-29T19:02:49.774+01:00Been a while ... but worth the wait!<div style="color: #741b47;">
Well, here we are again. The weather this last
week has been amazing, but true to form, I had on my heavy jacket for
walking the dogs this morning. </div>
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We've
enjoyed the last week being able to sit and relax in the summerhouse.
Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and late night cuppa ... it's been a
nice relaxing time. This is why I retired ... this is what retirement
is all about. Relaxing and walking the dogs....................</div>
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So, early morning coffee relaxing in the summerhouse: </div>
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Aah ... no better way to start the day.</div>
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Of course, this warm weather was all a bit to much for Mickey and Lucy.</div>
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Here's Lucy being ever alert, as usual ..... </div>
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And here's poor old Mickey ......</div>
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We had a bit of an impromptu BBQ on Saturday (cooked by chef extraordinaire Gary whilst Mike supervised from a distance). Now it's most unfortunate that we forgot that I had gone out on Saturday morning to buy fresh beefburgers (12 quids worth!) and cooked all the square sliced sausages, all the link sausages, all the chicken. We munched all the other bits and pieces, but no beefburgers ... so Mike will be eating beefburgers for dinner for the next week. That said, it was a nice day and little Matthew had a ball running around all over the garden. We did try playing a few garden games, but Mickey insited in joining in all the games and running off with all the equipment. Ah well ... such is life when you have an 8 year old puppy!<br />
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The exciting news within the family (apart from Sarah being engaged and getting married on Star Wars Day in 2014) is that I now have a furry great niece (courtesy of Sarah) called Florence ..... here she is looking furry and sweet and posing nicely for the camera:<br />
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Isn't she just cute and cuddly and looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth! Looks like she's settling well into her new home and no doubt will soon have her new mummy (Sarah) wrapped round her furry little paw.</div>
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The Race for Life on the 20th at Falkirk went very well. We were very lucky that we had fairly good weather. Nice and sunny but not too warm. We've raised well over our target of £250 and hopefully by the time we close our JustGiving page we'll have raised a nice wee sum for Cancer Research UK. Due to logistics, Lucy and Mickey didn't join us but Conway donned his sparkly pink bow and walked proudly round, and from the donations on the JustGiving page I think he had quite a few female fans who were sponsoring him. Well done Conway, he walked very well round the course and was a credit to The Goldie Girls. </div>
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My little Treasures by Isobel business is still working hard at getting off the ground, and I have boldly booked a table at a Christmas Craft Fair in Edinburgh in October. I need to work hard at getting some more handbag charms and keyrings and suchlike ready for it. So, just watch this space ......</div>
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I'm fair enjoying this retirement lark, now that I'm starting to get organised with various wee project and stuff. It's nice to have the time to pursue some interests and it's been good having the time to give the dogs long walks each day. Going out for lunch is also a pretty cool pastime. We were out for lunch today and then stopped and have an afternoon cuppa .... and a cake. Tomorrow we're off out for lunch again, but this time it's a birthday lunch for a friend. We'll be picking them up at noon and then heading off to Frankie and Benny's for a nice lunch washed down by a nice bottle of wine. Then after spending the after noon chatting and drinking wine, we'll run home to see to Lucy and Mickey for an hour or so before we go over to see Matthew, who'll be celebrating his second birthday. Grandad has chosen his gift and I think the young man will like it ... if he doesn't, well then, Grandad will just have to play with it. Arlene will be particularly pleased with the card I chose for Matthew, and I just know that Matthew will think it's the coolest and bestest birthday card a young lad could ever get!</div>
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I'm hoping to start updating my blog a bit more regularly now that I've remembered about it. So you can all look forward to me sharing words of wisdom with you and maybe some amusing stories and nice words. And, I'll also share with you some of the books I've been reading, and plan on reading over the next wee while. </div>
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So, I guess I'd better go cos I hear there's a little glass of vino with my name on it so I better go get it.</div>
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As my hero Forrest Gump says ... that's all I've got to say about it .......</div>
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Be back soon, bye for now.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Isobel </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-40359817617137003692012-03-25T21:55:00.001+01:002012-03-26T05:56:54.771+01:00Update ... update ... updateWell, at last time to get my blog updated! I know most of you will think that I've forgotten about my blog, but I haven't, I just haven't had time to update, been busy with my new hobby, but more of that later!<br />
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Well the last few days have been beautiful. Unseasonably warm and sunny, and we've had afternoon tea in the summerhouse twice within the last few days. On the first day, Mickey went exploring (he's not really been in the side garden much, until now). Anyway, he went exploring. After he'd vanished from view for a few moments, I decided I'd go and check up on what he was up to. I found him behind the garage ... trapped! He'd gone wombling along, clambered over wood, plastic pipes (guttering stuff?!?) and gone to the far end of the space at the back of the garage, decided he was stuck and started crying. Have you ever heard a big lump of a barrel-sized black lab crying? Well ... you don't want to hear it, I'm sure the neighbours thought we were being bad to our boy! Anyway, mummy (in slippers) to the rescue. I managed to get him to 'back up' (not an easy task with a dog who's not been taught the 'back up' command!). Got him backed up a few steps, and he reckoned he was free and did a u-turn, bashing me against the back of the garage in his haste to get out, and clambered out, rushed up to his Dad, as if to say, I was stuck Dad, but I got out ... silly Mummy is still stuck at the back of the garage! Anyway, excitement over, today when we had afternoon tea in the summerhouse, Mickey went exploring ... again! This time he went round the back of the summerhouse. We were sitting quietly chatting and supping our tea, relaxing in the late afternoon sunshine, chatting about our lovely afternoon at Cramond with the family, Laura's skating skills, Arlene's skating skills, Gran's lack of skating skills. We were just relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather and the sunshine, when all of a sudden we heard a very loud CRASH! BANG! WALLOP! We were out of the summerhouse in double-quick time (well, I was, Mike just sat on supping his cuppa tea) and rushed to find Mickey (clearly assuming he was the culprit). He came clambering out from behind the summerhouse and rushed straight inside to Mike (ignoring me) and when I checked out I discovered that all the stuff stored behind the summerhouse was all over the place and fencing, pipes, and various other assorted bits and pieces were all over the place ... fortunately nothing was actually damaged, it was just all over the place ... oh, Silly Mickey!<br />
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We were down at Cramond today, and I'm hoping that as the good weather is here to stay for a few days, I can get my bike out for next time we're at Cramond ... nice flat shorefront, good path and during the day on a weekday it'll be fairly quiet! <br />
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I'm starting to get my little business organised. For those not in the know, it's called 'Treasures by Isobel' and inially I'll be doing little jewellery items, and have made lots of handbag charms, key rings and little evening purse charms. I'm now going to make some bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I should say that Lesley has very kindly shown me some basic 'jewellery-making techniques' and I've become ever so slightly hooked. But, she'll still be coming along later in the year for my annual Christmas Cards and Jewellery party ... it's become a bit of a 'Lyman Household Tradition' so it will continue. I'm really enjoying my new hobby and hopefully my little business venture will enjoy a small measure of success. I'm hoping that it will eventuall include my interest in 'new age' stuff and I can also include things like pendulums, crystals and suchlike. But, time will tell ... small steps to start with. I've got a corporate image now, and here's a copy of my 'Treasures by Isobel; logo:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWMaR0jDxCr8s4YamWNH5kIHkiHujebOR-ewzP6I3k84CxyIqMRdEUsQIvfBDaAda0yPRFkGdCrRS0_SiIiQJBQAJyOBiJY2OL4P9KkICH4vF4EuFv_v-1wgcH3qb57VWOSt6srasK8Xl/s1600/LogoColorTextBelow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWMaR0jDxCr8s4YamWNH5kIHkiHujebOR-ewzP6I3k84CxyIqMRdEUsQIvfBDaAda0yPRFkGdCrRS0_SiIiQJBQAJyOBiJY2OL4P9KkICH4vF4EuFv_v-1wgcH3qb57VWOSt6srasK8Xl/s1600/LogoColorTextBelow.jpeg" /></a></div>I think it's very pretty, and am very pleased with it. I've got some business cards, t-shirt and baseball cap ordered. Here are a couple of the little handbag charms that I've made:<br />
This is a little black and white charm, with little black and white heart beads: <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQLBjI6MwahEv1BFu4ksVMX3RGbivS5lJk70TSAlHfzQFhTrTG70euJsSmFyFoVzao8dODunT7lGofl7YgiG5L0oQhzlO6XrvKOGRx0DZUBlJIJtbC2qzuzXAzWaVC0GmjFJkwaDsACfk/s1600/B&W+treasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQLBjI6MwahEv1BFu4ksVMX3RGbivS5lJk70TSAlHfzQFhTrTG70euJsSmFyFoVzao8dODunT7lGofl7YgiG5L0oQhzlO6XrvKOGRx0DZUBlJIJtbC2qzuzXAzWaVC0GmjFJkwaDsACfk/s1600/B&W+treasure.jpg" /></a>This one is a little black and white charm, with little black and white hearts. I think it's very pretty and I'm really pleased with it.<br />
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And this one is a little white and silver number.<br />
Again, I'm really pleased with it. <br />
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So, it's a start, and I'm enjoying it, so watch this space for more pictures and more updates on what I'm doing.<br />
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I'm hoping to go along to a bead fair in May and Valerie has organised for me to go to a jewellery workshop in Irvine at the end of April. Fiona has kindly offered to take some of my handbag charms along to a couple of markets / craft fairs that she's going along to at the end of this month, and early next month. Fingers crossed that someone will buy my wares!<br />
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Well, just wanted to update you all about my early retirement adventures!<br />
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As Forrest Gump says ... "that's all I've got to say about that".<br />
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Early retirement = travelling and learning, travelling and learning!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-38222384544928843742012-01-11T21:55:00.003+00:002012-01-11T22:12:11.271+00:00Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2012Well, haven't updated my blog for AGES so thought I'd get that sorted pronto! <br />
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Another year to enjoy my retirement, and another year to make a plan. It doesn't have to be a good plan, or a great plan, it just needs to be a plan. <br />
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I enjoyed my parapsychology course last year and received my certificate around Christmastime. A few of us have been keeping in touch and hopefully we'll continue to do so. It was an interesting course and has me hankering to do another one sometime. <br />
<br />
I've been reading a few books on my Kindle:<br />
'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert. I saw the film on TV a while back and enjoyed it so bought the book. Have to say, I think the book is far better than the film. Sort of shades of Shirley Valentine. <br />
'All That is Bitter and Sweet' by Ashley Judd. It's her memoir. Again I downloaded it on my Kindle. I wasn't too sure about it when I downloaded it, but I do like Ashley Judd so I decided to buy it. I'm only part-way through but I think it's pretty interesting. Glad I bought it. <br />
'Feel FAB at 50' by Sue Donnelly. I've been reading a few of the Colour me Beautiful books lately to get an idea of the colours that suit me. I have to say, they're pretty interesting and I'm getting a good idea of what suits me. I came across the Sue Donnelly book purely by accident and it's a thumpin' good read. She explains not just what colours suit, but also styles for body shape and also styles for my age. <br />
<br />
We've not been doing as much walking lately as we'd hoped, purely because of the weather. Poor old laddie Mickey had been put on a diet. He's gained 5kg since we got him in October. Not good as he has arthritis. So, now he's joined me on a diet. Lucy is doing fine and when we took them both for a walk at Dechmont Law (site of a UFO incident about 25 or so years ago, google it for more info) Lucy got a super surprise when we bumped into her beloved petsitter, Caroline. <br />
<br />
We're trying to get back into the habit of getting up a bit earlier. Not at 6am (like when we were working) but around 7 or 7.30 would be good. Just now it's usually around 7.30 to 8.30 before we get up and by the time we've sorted our guy and gal for their morning constitutional round the garden, had breakfast, showered and dressed and then taken our guy and gal for their walk, half the day has gone. So we need to get it sorted, double quick pronto. <br />
<br />
I've got the TV in the spare room moved so that I can watch it when I'm using the treadmill. So, I'm watching 24 (again) and starting from series 1. Gotta get my weight-loss journey started again! Aim to be at or close to my goal weight by our anniversary in June. I plan on celebrating our 25th anniversary in a smaller size! <br />
<br />
Well that's about all for now ... didn't want you all to think I'd forgotten about, or given up on, my blog. <br />
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Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2012. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-20734381279983230812011-11-27T20:41:00.001+00:002011-11-27T20:50:42.783+00:00Well, I've been busy, busy, busy for the last wee while. Lots of Christmas shopping done, courtesy of the internet! I have done a bit of shopping at the local shops and various other ones, but I've managed to get lots of stuff online, which is good. I've even ordered a couple of things from America, and hopefully this year they'll arrive on time.<br />
<br />
The weather the last couple of days has been pretty rough, to say the least, so LucyLu and MickeyBlue didn't really get out for any decent walks, coupled with waiting in for deliveries and the central heating not working properly. So, today we took them up to Dechmont Law (where the guy saw the UFO about 25 or 30 years ago) and they had a great run around there, and had lots of fun. As usual, they came back home tired, mucky and happy. I also returned home tired, mucky and happy. We were very lucky cos we just missed the rain. <br />
<br />
As the central heating has been playing up a bit, we're having to wait in tomorrow morning for the engineer to call and hopefully fix it (they've already been out three times in the last few weeks). The last three mornings we've got up to no central heating, which has been pretty rubbish.<br />
<br />
Also tomorrow, I'll have to go out for some grocery shopping and I'm planning on getting the ingredients for making our Christmas cake. We've decided this year that we're going to go out for Christmas dinner, at a local Chinese restaurant. They do a Chinese buffet and they'll also put out some traditional Christmas dinner food. Then, on Boxing Day we're off through to Fiona's for a wee while, and that should be good fun.<br />
<br />
This Friday I have my annual Christmas cards and jewellery party, and there will also be some handmade bags and hand knitted scarves. I'm hoping I'll have a fairly good turnout.<br />
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Anyway, gotta finish this off as I have some course work to do and also a couple of folk to phone to see if they'll be coming along on Friday night.<br />
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Night all..................................<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-19205987830144109552011-10-31T17:47:00.000+00:002011-10-31T17:57:04.347+00:00Been a whileWell, it's been a while since I updated my blog. Been busy, busy, busy.<br />
<br />
We went down south for a week or so at the end of September there. Fortunately, we picked the week that we had the amazing summer weather. Pretty fantastic huh? We had a lovely week, and visited a few museums and generally just had a relaxing time.<br />
<br />
Our Lucy went to her new petsitter and from what we can gather she had an absolute ball. One-to-one with her petsitter, making new doggie friends and chillin' out of an evening with a full body and head massage (yes, LucyLu, not me!). The petsitter has fallen in love with our LucyLu and is happy to have her back any time she wants to visit. We've met up with the petsitter a couple of times since, so Lucy hasn't missed her too much.<br />
<br />
Well, since my last blog, we have a new addition to our household (a four-legged addition!). LucyLu has a new big brother called Mickey, he's 7 years old (or thereabouts) and he's a black lab. Big guy, but pretty friendly. He's settled in well, and loves eating, eating, eating, sleeping, playing with toys and, well, eating some more. He has a very good appetite and the tub of dried dog food that would normally last me about 7-10 days is now lasting me barely 2 1/2 days.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately Mickey had a bit of an upset tum last week, and a couple of mornings we had a major clear-up operation (actually, that should say I, not we) but enough said of that. His first trip to the vet and a few quid lighter we now have a settled tum (and Mike paid the bill!).<br />
<br />
We had him off his lead today (not intentionally, he slipped his collar!) and he zoomed straight over to play with Lucy and her Zinger (yes, she's a good girl, she shared her Zinger). They had fun running around at Bankton Mains for a half hour or so and then we continued our walk, came home, had a cuppa and some lunch. <br />
<br />
Oh, and today I did a pirouette in the mud and came home all mucky and muddy. All mucky clothes are now in the wash and I'm now going to head for the shower.<br />
<br />
I've been a bit under the weather lately, and am still a bit tired and headachy so tonight I'm going to have an early night with my lovely new Kindle and read some books and enjoy a bedtime cup of tea. I've been struggling to get up in the morning, so hopefully an early night will get me sorted out once and for all.<br />
<br />
Mike suggested that I should take it easy and take a little time out to relax. So, I suggested that he pay for a nice spa day for me ('cos I'm worth it) and even sent him a link for a local Spa (in Broxburn) and even gave him the link for a couple of nice treatments I'm sure I would enjoy. So far, he hasn't even mentioned having opened the email. <br />
<br />
Oh, the news here is that we have a nice new Hobbycraft shop opened up in Livingston. So, I've been sussing out all their jam-making equipment cos this winter I fancy making some home made jams etc. I've suggested that I draw up the list and Mike buys it for my Christmas. So far I haven't had a very positive or encouraging response from him, but I'm still working on it.<br />
<br />
Now that winter's almost upon us, I've been making some home-soup. I made some leek and potato soup at the weekend and tonight / tomorrow I'm going to make some yummy lentil and bacon soup (I just pick out all the bacon and dump it into Mike's bowl). And I thought later in the week I'd make some tomato and veg soup which is always nice. I also fancy making some tomato soup. I'm not awfully keen on cream of tomato (but Mike loves it) and several years ago I had some very nice tomato soup, which was home made (not by me) and I'm going to try to give that a go. I'm still going to make a Christmas Cake this year, and also a Christmas Pudding. I also fancy doing some other stuff, but not sure what exactly. I'm also planning on stockpiling some tins of food (soup, spag bol [yuk! but Mike likes it] and stuff) just in case we have a bad winter again. At least this time I won't have to go to work in the bad weather ... shades of the morning I was driving along the Craigiehall road with no other tyre tracks to guide me, the same day that they closed the camp just before lunchtime (I finished at 1 o'clock) and I thought I wasn't going to get home from work ... that was the same day that Bob insisted I take his huge army jacket home with me (came down to my knees) just in case I got stuck en-route!<br />
<br />
I've been getting stuck into my parapsychology course and am really enjoying it. Helping me to get my favourite subject into perspective. And it's nice to communicate with like-minded people who don't look at me as if I'm a bit weird.<br />
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Because I haven't been up to much lately, on account of not feeling good, I've been cracking on with my crochet. For those of you who don't know, I'm making a huge wooly blanket for the bed. I reckon that by the time it's finished it'll have cost me about £100 (haven't told Mike that yet). Only problem is that when I'm working on it, it lies over my lap / legs and I end up getting very, very hot.<br />
<br />
We've got the fence in the garden finished off (courtesy of Mickey climbing the 6' fence at Dogs Trust) and hopefully the garden is now Mickey-proof. We've also had some builders round and we're waiting for estimates for the new room we hope to put on at the back of the house, at the kitchen. We're hoping the work will be started in the spring and finished for the summer ... fingers crossed please!<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, as Forrest Gump says ... that's all I've got to say about that!<br />
<br />
Bye for now folks and happy reading..............Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-72029715611612142372011-09-25T18:28:00.000+01:002011-09-25T18:28:26.828+01:00Summer is over ... Autumn is here! (and my usual weekend ramblings!)Well, been trying to get around to typing up my blog for a wee while, but as many of you may know, I've been busy, busy, busy decluttering. Now, this is good news cos I can now actually use the end bedroom (Ken has been down to stay, and then the following weekend Laura came to stay for the weekend and Lily will be staying over sometime in the near future). So, it'll still be busy, busy, busy. I've also got the home office sorted now and for the first time in probably 6 - 12 months I can actually use the desktop PC! YAY! It's so much easier to type using the desktop and keyboard than it is using the laptop (or even my phone!). So my first task has been to update the blog.<br />
<br />
Clearing the rooms has been a bit of a mammoth task, however, it's all done and dusted now. We've dumped lots of stuff up at the recycling centre, I've got one box of videos and four boxes of books for the charity shop, two boxes of papers for shredding (in addition to what's already been shredded) one box of papers for the recycling bin (two bins going out tomorrow, absolutely stacked full of papers, shredded papers and ordinary household recycling stuff). My work here is done, as the lady on the PaddyBingo (!?!) ... (who invented that name?!?) advert says. That said, my work here is done, but poor Mike still has some stuff to look at in his filing cabinet and four boxes of folders and stuff which he needs to find somewhere to 'file'. But, as I said, my work here is done .......................<br />
<br />
We're hoping to go away sometime in the near future, so we went to see another petsitter. We bumped into Caroline when we were walking up at Linhouse Circular walk and her dog ended up walking with us and Lucy simply raced between Caroline (who was walking faster than Mike and I) and us. Back at the cars we struck up a conversation and as a result Lucy will be going to stay with her sometime for her autumn holidays. I didn't have problems with the previous petsitter, but some people I'd chatted to had heard various stories etc (including one dog going awal), so I decided that I'd start looking for another sitter. Caroline visited us here at home yesterday and clearly Lucy thought she was just simply wonderful! So, today we visited Caroline at her home and Lucy just made her wee self right at home ... has decided on her seat, and even talked the petsitter into putting her bed (Lucy's bed, that is!) beside the livingroom window (and radiator) so that she can look out the window as and when she wants to. <br />
<br />
So, all we need to do now is sort out when we want to go away, hopefully sometime before Christmas would be useful. But that's Mike's task ... sorting out suitable dates, locations, etc, etc. I'm also hoping he picks a week when the weather is ok, cos I understand that it's supposed to turn wintery around mid-October. We could be going away with our winter clothes, snow boots, parka etc, not an ideal situation.<br />
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Cos I'm on the desktop PC, I now have access to some old photos. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJI52F4EbeI8dBq8bVYydAY1D3LPIHtlYUJhBLwSPxhxbVkBDP8QTyPerXr5PzPeW0mxal8GrpOCQNjantwSRF4hj6Zz67mkFSW194QKTaHO9AkyFzUjRvjdJvNMiSHj5ArSHknh_p_I5/s1600/DSCF0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJI52F4EbeI8dBq8bVYydAY1D3LPIHtlYUJhBLwSPxhxbVkBDP8QTyPerXr5PzPeW0mxal8GrpOCQNjantwSRF4hj6Zz67mkFSW194QKTaHO9AkyFzUjRvjdJvNMiSHj5ArSHknh_p_I5/s200/DSCF0781.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWznCDLYQ9cECHdLbxAqk-OuYUgM-Hh8hegq9hK97TlMOIwNvluDhpkyUsEeeCxPhKOLbJY1oQRJTzwPqfpAmpETCKu2QjHqEB2ylhDIEIkAWKVsV2hF1051fKjjXM8-KlSIG9VZApa4Y2/s1600/DSCF0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWznCDLYQ9cECHdLbxAqk-OuYUgM-Hh8hegq9hK97TlMOIwNvluDhpkyUsEeeCxPhKOLbJY1oQRJTzwPqfpAmpETCKu2QjHqEB2ylhDIEIkAWKVsV2hF1051fKjjXM8-KlSIG9VZApa4Y2/s200/DSCF0784.JPG" width="200" /></a>Here are a couple of photos of our Wee Holly. These were taken down at Yellowcraigs a few years ago. That's Holly sprinting along the sand, through the muddy bits and some seeweed and stuff. She didn't actually go into the water ... those who knew Holly will know that she didn't do water!<br />
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This photo was taken when we were down at Exmouth a few years ago. The weather was beautiful (as it usually is when we're down there). When we're down there, Mike tries to get a chance to meet up with some of his extended family. More often than not when we're down there, we use the caravan, or nowadays when we don't tow the van any more, we use our motorvan. Over the years we've stayed in the van, occasionally at the travel inn at Exeter services (only a few miles from Exmouth, and right beside Harry Ramsdens (which suits Mike just fine), sometimes at an old cob farmhouse at Woodbury, along with a herd of dairy cattle. <br />
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One a couple of occasions, however, Nigel has kindly put us up at his hotel, The Ashton Court Hotel, on the seafront. The room we were in had a fantastic view over the estuary and in the moonlight it was a pretty amazing sight. Being a true Glaswegian lass, I felt that I was in somewhere exotic like Costa Del Sol. (Apologies to anyone who likes Costa Del Sol ... I've never been there, so I can only imagine it looks like Exmouth at night. The view was amazing, and it was lovely to get up early in the morning, watch scene with early morning joggers, dog walkers etc. All good fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakknN_Pux7TRfkhfkNd07A8NpRprt5CaFX3kQmFMWNmXlJ0jWlex5NsHlxmwSHJ6FC5krM_bf_hxIgXAZKWmlffLWeq1L1p4y9K5DcLO00F7mjOYr7VxcId5pyIQ0qaFLTTK0FqKwH7AB/s1600/DSCF1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakknN_Pux7TRfkhfkNd07A8NpRprt5CaFX3kQmFMWNmXlJ0jWlex5NsHlxmwSHJ6FC5krM_bf_hxIgXAZKWmlffLWeq1L1p4y9K5DcLO00F7mjOYr7VxcId5pyIQ0qaFLTTK0FqKwH7AB/s200/DSCF1642.JPG" width="200" /></a> Now these two photos of our Lucy were taken at Nairn when we had our first motorvan. Lucy loved it there as the site was right beside a wood, and she loved walking through the woods, with all the smells, sounds and stuff that little puppy doggies like. <br />
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Of course, whilst on holiday Lucy had to try to find exciting ways of passing her time. She would sometimes just look around watching what was happening, hoping that a passing camper would toss her a slice of bacon, or an odd sausage (or pizza, or anything eatable ... anything, except for dry dog food). So she'd sit or stand around just waiting for things to happen. Then when nothing exciting happened, she made her own excitement. In these two "diggin' it" photos, our lucy is wearing a very snazzy and fetching blue collar. It was a new collar, just bought for her shortly before we went off on holiday. <br />
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Well, Lucy being Lucy, shortly after these two photos were taken, she
broke her lovely blue collar (clearly she actually wanted a pink one,
and was making a point that Mummy had <i>got the wrong collar!</i>). Anyway, to cut a long story short, Lucy made her own amusement. She's a very intelligent and industrious wee doggie, and clearly in these photos she had decided that she'd had enough of Nairn and was, in fact, going to try to dig her way to Australia. Or perhaps she was trying to dig up the tree that her wire rope is fastened too. I'm not sure which, but suffice to say, she didn't succeed with either reaching Australia, or digging up the tree!<br />
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In contrast to Lucy being a rascal and getting up to all sorts of mischief. Our wee Holly is showing just what a wee angel she was by lying quietly just minding her own business and watching the world go by. She was a good wee lamb (unlike Rascal Lucy!), and she just spent her days lazing around, occasionally allowing passing campers to give her a pat or a cuddle (now sweeties please!), going for short strolls to sniff around the trees, blades of grass. Eat an occasional sweetie (only if given to her by either Daddy or Mummy please ... don't take sweeties from strangers, thank you very much!). She just lazed arouond and when the going got tough, or when it got to hot / cold / windy / wet, well then, she just headed back into the van and got herself comfy on one of the seats, with her superior and "I'm an old lady and I can do as I like" look. <br />
Oh, and of course, she had to have her daily weetabox to keep her strength up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BN5i_pUnOfnRB2rTPkLY2-2YO5o1eoObMp-E80GElDtd22oHVTeNggGzVyS19rt_rAeEftpxEVraL0UaHF8NAGJwaQbnwBHbDiDbwjazzcHhA4tOkESGrtFZs6B-n1H59pBMHBiYqJOA/s1600/DSCF1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BN5i_pUnOfnRB2rTPkLY2-2YO5o1eoObMp-E80GElDtd22oHVTeNggGzVyS19rt_rAeEftpxEVraL0UaHF8NAGJwaQbnwBHbDiDbwjazzcHhA4tOkESGrtFZs6B-n1H59pBMHBiYqJOA/s320/DSCF1649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jdJ3wJlLbTinDVsyFSPLh-gG-gW1tRzxTcc37H47DlndI-l0VFICRDmWZaEbRM4YN0MFS4vQK2CDrisWHFMXokXoU1lYv8f4FKpQzTZLK8fbg3i3Cn6UFtU54gakquL12uAif8nm7BaX/s1600/DSCF1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jdJ3wJlLbTinDVsyFSPLh-gG-gW1tRzxTcc37H47DlndI-l0VFICRDmWZaEbRM4YN0MFS4vQK2CDrisWHFMXokXoU1lYv8f4FKpQzTZLK8fbg3i3Cn6UFtU54gakquL12uAif8nm7BaX/s320/DSCF1648.JPG" width="320" /></a> And finally, here are a couple of photos of Mike and myself. These were taken by Ken up around the Aviemore area, so far as I recall. I think that this was the day we went up the funicular railway. And yes, this was summer and it looks like we're off camping in winter. You'll notice that Mike is holding down the motorvan and also holding me just is case we were to get blown away. It was a good day, and it was nice to get a chance to meet up with Ken and Kath. And as I recall we had a meal at the restaurant. I think I even bought a couple of souviners until Mike took my purse off me!<br />
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Fortunately for Lucy and Holly, they were both cuddled up in the van, and so didn't have to brave the wild summer weather. <br />
That said, it had been a good day, and it was really good to get to spend some time with Ken and Kath, even if the weather was dreadful. It could have been worse, I'm sure it could have been.<br />
In case anyone is interested, that's our old Roller Team van, and we traded that in last year for the Chausson(sp?)Welcome 72 that we now have. Better van, better layout, more space etc, etc. And we no longer have to make up the bed on account of the Chausson having an island bed! Yay!<br />
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Well, clearly I'd better go and get the dinner on, or Mike and Lucy will starve! But before I go, for those who're doing the Pay if Forward 2011 Project, I have started on my gifts (Perfectly Pink or Pretty Purple) and I do hope that you're not disappointed. Suffice to say, there's a lot of work going into the gifts, but I plan on having them ready for my Christmas Cards / Jewellery party at the end of October / beginning of November. Failing that, if they're not ready by then, they'll be ready by Christmas!<br />
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Anyway, grumbly tummy calling ... and as Forrest Gump says ... that's all I've got to say about that!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-1863458535566416892011-09-06T12:13:00.003+01:002011-09-06T22:13:48.637+01:00Yes sir, I can boogie ...........................<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Yes sir, I can boogie, but I need a certain song………………………………</div>
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Shootin’ the breeze … blowin’ in the wind … gone with the wind……….</div>
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Autumn is here and it’s a pretty breezy day out there today so I’m settling down to do some stuff around the house. However, before starting on housework I thought I’d spend some time updating my blog. So, as usual, here are some of my ramblings about things that I like.</div>
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The words of a nice song: </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I say goodbye to all my sorrows <br />
And by tomorrow I'll be on my way <br />
I guess the Lord must be in New York City</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(</b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">Harry Nilsson – I guess the Lord must be in New York City)</span></b></span></i></div>
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And another nice song: <br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Dreams are nothing more than wishes <br />
And a wish is just a dream you wish to come true</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> (</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Harry Nilsson - The Puppy Song)</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i></b></div>
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I like listening to music, particularly the oldies but goodies. Timewarp 60s is my favourite, but I also like the 70s music, some of the 80s stuff and lots of the 50s stuff. I sometimes wish I could sing quite well, but sadly I don’t. I remember quite a few years ago, Arlene was visiting us with a friend. I was in the kitchen doing stuff, and singing along to the music on my little cd player. Arlene’s friend asked what the strange noise was and Arlene replied (with a straight face I believe), “oh, that’s just Isobel singing”. Clearly Arlene was used to the noise and thought nothing of it. Not sure how long that young man remained in her life, but I think my singing must have scared him off! In my mind I’m a superb singer, at least opera standard if not better, but clearly this is not a belief shared by others. Fortunately Mike doesn’t make comment when I sing along, but then his singing voice is probably worse than mine! Well, I think it is anyway, and that’s about all that counts…………….</div>
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<b>And now for some words of wisdom: </b></div>
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Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Henry Ford)</i></div>
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In a dream you can do anything … <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Veronica M Hay</i></div>
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<b>And a couple of nice words:</b></div>
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Ethereal :</div>
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Extremely delicate and light and may seem too perfect for this world. </div>
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Heavenly, spiritual, otherworldly.</div>
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Intangible, of the celestial spheres.</div>
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Intangible:</div>
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Unable to be touched or grasped.</div>
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Not having physical presence.</div>
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Not able to be perceived by the senses.</div>
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<b>Memories:</b> </div>
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Mr Blue by Mike Preston … the first single bought for our first record player (probably around 1960 but Ken or Fiona could confirm the year).</div>
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Back in the summer of ’69 … those were the best days of my life. </div>
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There’s an awful lot you can tell about someone by their shoes. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Forrest Gump)</i></div>
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The purple dust of twilight time…………..</div>
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<b>And now onto other ramblings: </b> </div>
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Well, onto other things now! Yesterday I decided that I was a bit fed up with my hair being grey. So, I decided to use a home colour that I bought a while ago. My hair now looks a bit of a strange colour. I’m sure Jennifer and Sarah would think it’s quite chic and modern, I think it looks a bit orange, or maybe it’s like the inside of a Crunchie bar. Suffice to say that I had difficulty with the whole process. It was one of those kits which has the bottle with the little nozzle that you use to put the colour in at the roots of your hair. Now, I thought this sounded really, really easy … how stupid was I?!?!? It would be easy if you were ambidextrous and had an extra pair of hands. Oh, and it would also be helpful if you didn’t wear glasses. In an effort to make sure that I didn’t get gunk and stuff on my glasses I decided it would be prudent to take them off. And it was. Unfortunately it meant I couldn’t really see what I was doing. Coupled with being totally unable to get the stuff in at the roots at the back of my head … well, enough said about that. So, to sort it all out, I just squirted the colour all over my hair and sort of squished it all in. Overall, bearing in mind my ability level, I’d say my efforts were fairly successful, however, I’m not too sure about the colour. At least I did have the good sense to use a semi –permanent colour which washes out after something like 24 washes. Which means that I won’t be too embarrassed when I next go to the hairdresser cos it should all have washed out by then! </div>
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The other day, Lucy was charging at the dining room window to see whoever had dared to ring the doorbell. On the way, Mike put his foot out to slow her down, but Lucy took appropriate evasive action and starting jumping onto the foot stool early … sadly she overshot and her little nose bumped right into the window. But she’s fine now, squashed up nose, but fine and dandy. She still jumps up at the window, so clearly no lasting damage or harm done (apart from to her pride). Then the other night (Sunday evening) Lucy was charging around the house trying to see the little black cat that lives next door. This little cat hasn’t yet learned that Lucy is quick on her feet, but unfortunately for Lucy she was inside the house and the cat was outside. Anyway, I digress. Lucy was charging around the house from window to door, to window, to door etc (we just stand out of the way in case she charges into us) when she must have tweaked her wee leg . So, she limped a bit, got cuddles, got extra sweeties and more cuddles and stuff. She then had selective limping (similar to men having selective hearing) … she limped when appropriate ie, when passing the sweetie cabinet. </div>
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So, she had a quiet evening, bedtime sweeties and then tucked up in her wee beddies. Yesterday, I decided she’d have a quiet day, so she didn’t go out zinger chasing, we went for a quiet walk at Linhouse water. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4G1Q1D1-lB4Lo_lU793yi8zXaeVbGVirmDg0lKsxMrSgIlwEkQsvNtXDJpswh00NY8wHhZRBtE3tmePqZzxRTnXaUbXD7tXsqkkQg3J88q43CgTTAC0fLx5fVbpDtp9NA-rsQin-HRDA/s1600/Lucy+at+Linhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4G1Q1D1-lB4Lo_lU793yi8zXaeVbGVirmDg0lKsxMrSgIlwEkQsvNtXDJpswh00NY8wHhZRBtE3tmePqZzxRTnXaUbXD7tXsqkkQg3J88q43CgTTAC0fLx5fVbpDtp9NA-rsQin-HRDA/s1600/Lucy+at+Linhouse.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i>(Lucy, my beautiful puppy ... <br />in a world gone made you have the ability to make everyone smile)</i></b></div>
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Lucy charged around at a sedate pace (when compared with zinger chasing speed), and all was well with her world, until I tossed the zinger … zoom, zoom, zoom, and then wee limpy-dan Lucy came limping back. Then to make her day worse, she was a bit poorly yesterday evening (well, she will go out eating grass) so she was cuddled and at bed time she only had one sweetie, and cuddled and snuggled into her wee beddies. So, today, she’s having a day of enforced rest and will only be out and about in the garden (after I carefully check for hidden cats) and she can go for a quiet and sedate walk (without zinger) tomorrow and if all is well, she might get going out zinger chasing on Thursday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima1xAMvYAFeNPT5KKIVr3oZYVhyphenhyphenK24r-1zc6jyKlr6xnOhWa0urm8d5lYd96yLwT31LI4jfiRHUFjHcnDJG149SV52dw50fMG3LhyD3WzZt8qFP_F_YnWHElkompZjo3BpZUPkdIihIq7/s1600/Kindle+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima1xAMvYAFeNPT5KKIVr3oZYVhyphenhyphenK24r-1zc6jyKlr6xnOhWa0urm8d5lYd96yLwT31LI4jfiRHUFjHcnDJG149SV52dw50fMG3LhyD3WzZt8qFP_F_YnWHElkompZjo3BpZUPkdIihIq7/s1600/Kindle+Cover.jpg" /></a>As most of you know, I got a Kindle for my birthday. I’ve got lots of books on it, and lots of them were free (I always wanted to read the classics, and all of them were free!). I’ve also got some weight loss books there too and I got one which is a life-coaching weight loss book. I've got some meditation and visualisation books and also some psychic books. It's great having one little item which has LOTS of books on it. I have to say that I LOVE MY KINDLE. Anyway, I digress ... as I said, I've got a little life coaching book on weight loss and I'm aspiring to follow the advice and guidance provided in this little book. Read on ......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEa_-gUHZB-94bL2QA3oNZoiwKEsyHSLIrIbyEeka8VVJhH64PrVP5njm908qZ4exGH30urR8r2TQbPYDP9Z6AiZ48xBkzxcuQOaFy7TN6F0_hyTEdE1GEyvGRRyEM60MsNSZu8zTP-mD/s1600/Cherry+Notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: purple; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEa_-gUHZB-94bL2QA3oNZoiwKEsyHSLIrIbyEeka8VVJhH64PrVP5njm908qZ4exGH30urR8r2TQbPYDP9Z6AiZ48xBkzxcuQOaFy7TN6F0_hyTEdE1GEyvGRRyEM60MsNSZu8zTP-mD/s1600/Cherry+Notebook.jpg" /></a><span style="color: purple;">So, I’ve got myself a pretty little notebook (from Tesco) to write down all my motivational stuff.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">I started writing the notebook yesterday but this new-fangled system hasn’t worked too well so far as I finished off a packet of chocolate covered fudge that I bought on Saturday and also had a couple of crispie cakes … oh, and a glass of wine! But, I did walk Lucy and use my treadmill AND today I feel very positive and motivated. </span><br />
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So, this little book that I bought got me to thinking. Perhaps now that I’m retired I should think about becoming a life coach. I’m sure my words of wisdom could be useful so maybe I’ll look into it. I wonder if people would pay me to give them advice? I think this idea warrants me looking into it a bit further. I could couple it with something like colour therapy and stuff<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>(I like stuff). I’d be interested to hear everyone’s thoughts. Now, I think it’s something that might make me a bit of money, and that’s gotta be good, don’t you think? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zJW8i2KXvoNgJlKwaisg2qUzLLwWGXSNMtQvGLk3oVK7eo1dbyOuua99C2cS45WY3485YLCiiyn4BJKKxvTfbMHQCaYg97YXurVWa57-T7dTo7_SqBApW5jHAVRFM_QAOvnKHfVDgPmu/s1600/Summerhouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zJW8i2KXvoNgJlKwaisg2qUzLLwWGXSNMtQvGLk3oVK7eo1dbyOuua99C2cS45WY3485YLCiiyn4BJKKxvTfbMHQCaYg97YXurVWa57-T7dTo7_SqBApW5jHAVRFM_QAOvnKHfVDgPmu/s1600/Summerhouse3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Or maybe I should write a book with all my little thoughts and inspirational / motivational quotes and stuff. That could be a good idea. I could sit out in our little summerhouse and write away all day, supported by calming fruit teas and the occasional glass of wine. Now, that really sounds like a good plan! </div>
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(summerhouse framed in the weeping cherry tree : spring 2011)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mA1K7RnXG8LpppNW-KqPz6gzPpSDQ6KveunoVBdF9zRfoX3BfhV81GO9H5kCArYmnQxv0WD4BYZgbAjdhnwyCjlsjX0VFzRePwTZg3Y5YTZG3ev_S6YCpwW5mLGV6LIPyER5VKWF34-w/s1600/Summerhouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mA1K7RnXG8LpppNW-KqPz6gzPpSDQ6KveunoVBdF9zRfoX3BfhV81GO9H5kCArYmnQxv0WD4BYZgbAjdhnwyCjlsjX0VFzRePwTZg3Y5YTZG3ev_S6YCpwW5mLGV6LIPyER5VKWF34-w/s1600/Summerhouse1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3IiQLQMEb95B_LdtnkJrUEFXhrunBlYWJSh24TZg3SnRP55RTT7yeacYFBTtkVY_hgZdohIjt_hhm1tiNkgWNH8v1IshwJhIgyY1-f5Z562lhP03nMfqUyyhACRDVyRvwWqIrWNdz0Q2/s1600/Summerhouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3IiQLQMEb95B_LdtnkJrUEFXhrunBlYWJSh24TZg3SnRP55RTT7yeacYFBTtkVY_hgZdohIjt_hhm1tiNkgWNH8v1IshwJhIgyY1-f5Z562lhP03nMfqUyyhACRDVyRvwWqIrWNdz0Q2/s1600/Summerhouse2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I do need to think about a grand plan so that I don’t vegetate now that I’m retired. I really need to think about what I’d like to do. I’ve had lots of ideas … online business (crystals etc), start sewing stuff for my online business, write my novel, write a psychic development workbook, motivational book, run a psychic development circle, parapsychology course, learn some therapies to complement my Reiki, learn hypnotherapy, card / ribbons readings etc. Lots of ideas, but I really need to get started on what’s to do. I don’t want to waste my early retirement by just blundering around each day without focus or plans and stuff. I’m sure there’s lots I could be doing, I just need to get my thinking cap on and get started. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Yes sir, I can boogie, but I need a certain song.</i></b></span></div>
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You know, I’m just sittin’ here shootin’ the breeze and wondering about life. If I was sat here 100 years ago (ok so I’d be 156 years old) I wouldn’t have my nice pink laptop, my Kindle (in a nice pink leather cover with integrated light), my iPhone sitting in the iPhone docking station and playing timewarp 60’s music on the iPod app of the iPhone, I wouldn’t be sat beside a nice warm radiator, listening to the TV playing in the living room (where Mike’s sat watching informative TV), planning what I’m going to do with the rest of the day, my life and other stuff. What would my life have been like if I was still 56, but living 100 years ago? Would I be worrying about the possibility of war that was to become a reality within three years … the war to end all wars that would be over by Christmas, and would eventually become known as The Great War. Not only that, but by the time that war was over, would I realise that there would be another war starting in just over 20 years’ time? Would I have liked that world? Would I live through it all wishing I was living 100 years in the future? Would I be able to comprehend the changes that would happen in the world over the next 100 years? I’ve always been fascinated by both world wars, but I have to say that I wouldn’t have liked to have had to live through them. I like the easy life I have now, and I appreciate everyone and everything in my life and that all is well with my world. I think this is the main reason why I feel I should be doing more with my life than I am just now. It’s not really a case of “is this all there is” it’s more a case of “the truth is out there” and I should go and find it. I just need a plan … doesn’t need to be a great or perfect plan … it just needs to be a plan!</div>
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I need to sort out what my legacy to the world should be………………… it’s important to leave my mark on the world. </div>
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Well, better get this blog uploaded and get on with some stuff today. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;">Yes sir, I can boogie, but I need a certain song ….. and that’s all I’ve got to say about that!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-30967915707739096222011-08-29T18:47:00.000+01:002011-08-29T18:47:38.124+01:00Some more ramblings<div style="color: purple;">Well been a wee while since I updated my blog. I had hoped to upload some photos, but for some obscure and unknown reason the photos are uploading upside down, wrong way round etc so I may only manage to add one photo the right way round.</div><div style="color: purple;"></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">Well a couple of weeks ago Fiona and I met up with our cousin Eileen in the Willow Tea Rooms in Buchanan Street in Glasgow. It was fun to meet up with a member of our extended family that I don't think I've ever met before. It didn't seem strange, as I thought it would, it seemed as though we'd known each other for years! One of the nice waitresses even took our photo for us:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeKb5ciBFUZEBJH3SaLnb6hqMszMJ4h60KCNGjo5AJiGA6Q-9U1157khOFDBB0w7uqRpR3f0z04Z97eBrrBFLsqzQrTmCL8olQwHDv0z-wZuoL_9Pxeuhh3n9EXQFhrGHdG7FGIC5B-3w/s1600/image-12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeKb5ciBFUZEBJH3SaLnb6hqMszMJ4h60KCNGjo5AJiGA6Q-9U1157khOFDBB0w7uqRpR3f0z04Z97eBrrBFLsqzQrTmCL8olQwHDv0z-wZuoL_9Pxeuhh3n9EXQFhrGHdG7FGIC5B-3w/s1600/image-12.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"> From left to right : Eileen, Moi, and Fiona. </div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">After a bite of lunch and a cuppa, we went strolling around Glasgow looking to see if we could spot Brad Pitt who was hanging around Glasgow shooting a movie, sadly I can't remember the name of the movie though. But, I did take this photo of a SWAT van ... all rather exciting stuff for a little countly bumpkin like me ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk7LwaYi27gtrZ9iPo0C16JZnqRW4dmjoSpdEzCqJwOf0LjYlocX76ovZtdOOGCau-F3A6lsNOf0a6NHcovD8yxIy2t21C6G423wZqHkHi12-QY9lRfC_3-DQz3SrhqDDaw4l-6Psj11m/s1600/SWAT.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZk7LwaYi27gtrZ9iPo0C16JZnqRW4dmjoSpdEzCqJwOf0LjYlocX76ovZtdOOGCau-F3A6lsNOf0a6NHcovD8yxIy2t21C6G423wZqHkHi12-QY9lRfC_3-DQz3SrhqDDaw4l-6Psj11m/s320/SWAT.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;">It was all rather exciting stuff and seeing the SWAT van made up for not seeing Brad Pitt ... at least for me anyway, perhaps Fiona and Eileen would disagree.</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">So, what else has been happening round here? Well, my birthday BBQ was good fun, even if it was a bit chilly and damp. A little vino was enjoyed by some of us, in particular me. Not that I had much to drink, but what I did have I enjoyed. We had lots of yummy birthday cake and I had hoped to upload some photos, but they're all turned every which way but the right way. So, apologies if you have to look sideways:</div><div style="color: purple;">Lucy and Zinger birthday cake courtesy of Sarah: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIL0oBHfR3z8lmKYJIFazgiBunRGG_M8SFpqe-G4FvG3tPa0Xu-tgTeSWdjnBYNV8PfU6ZPOSIWcw7Spj7vfGYj3-LYVPSm-gHRU6F-irHrM7uU69sBek4MrPfXrWE_p_d_QAKA69Q7LD/s1600/Lucy+and+Zinger+and+flowers+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIL0oBHfR3z8lmKYJIFazgiBunRGG_M8SFpqe-G4FvG3tPa0Xu-tgTeSWdjnBYNV8PfU6ZPOSIWcw7Spj7vfGYj3-LYVPSm-gHRU6F-irHrM7uU69sBek4MrPfXrWE_p_d_QAKA69Q7LD/s320/Lucy+and+Zinger+and+flowers+cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><i>Ooh ... there's a surprise, it came out the right way round! Yay for me!!!!! </i></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">Yummy GIGANTIC cupcake birthday cake courtesy of Valerie:<i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkafwhdw7bmwimgWQnC6VpF4-CQflOOVLkusJ_ML1kAxOMOQQJ4Skq63QDXaQuOoGysYEmidq9Cf2KZODoiEfczWZu0OKaOhBDxY6ckf-WN-HGXAfijhDU30ZROa1rHXGaCHAY4Fo6BMV/s1600/Cupcake+birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkafwhdw7bmwimgWQnC6VpF4-CQflOOVLkusJ_ML1kAxOMOQQJ4Skq63QDXaQuOoGysYEmidq9Cf2KZODoiEfczWZu0OKaOhBDxY6ckf-WN-HGXAfijhDU30ZROa1rHXGaCHAY4Fo6BMV/s320/Cupcake+birthday+cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><i>Clearly I'm getting the hang of this uploading photos the right way round thing ... smart eh?!?!?</i></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">Last week we had Ken down to stay for a couple of nights cos he had a hospital appointment in Edinburgh. On the night he arrived I made a most excellent shepherds pie and it went down a storm. Lucy had a little bowl of mince that evening for her dinner and the following evening she had the leftover sheppie pie for her dinner. It was nice to have a couple of days with Ken, even if it was overshadowed a bit by the stress of his hospital appointment. That said, on the Friday morning before he went home he came along with me when I took Lucy for her daily constitutional ... Ken's comment during the walk was "cor, look how fast she is!" Clearly he was very impressed with Lucy's Zinger chasing and catching skills and Lucy was in her element showing her speed and expertise. So, a good time was had by all! </div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">Anyway, now that I'm on a roll with this uploading photos thing, here are some photos of our Lucy modelling her new handmade Willow's Wisps Doggie Scarf<i> </i>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBBNI1Wv0QRqJlOEZ25GnD7Acvjv6kT9Q40FaQ3l0ZKVbpPblF9H8MnbZ_2yDhkjWIcfnhKFEK6Eg3QMu1PIMKMx7U858RXuSHODtD6GKPGhy__-dd3LYlzubmbUpYIrypf4QdgI9Ua_5/s1600/Lucy+modelling+doggie+scarf+28+Aug+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBBNI1Wv0QRqJlOEZ25GnD7Acvjv6kT9Q40FaQ3l0ZKVbpPblF9H8MnbZ_2yDhkjWIcfnhKFEK6Eg3QMu1PIMKMx7U858RXuSHODtD6GKPGhy__-dd3LYlzubmbUpYIrypf4QdgI9Ua_5/s320/Lucy+modelling+doggie+scarf+28+Aug+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">Oh what a beautiful wee lass she is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4dxU8kc9XSlGmYsQmt9kDng08YD70NwvUtzxy_-1Xw4acxviJD29HEhuxCrQDwzFyTuxjG4vAVmu3LQjvIPkV4d-cIs9zXqWkn3PrwLqoqKeMbBUZuRqaO6YkPnmbsU-FvCx1XmHXwmc/s1600/Lucy+modelling+doggie+scarf+v2+28+Aug+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4dxU8kc9XSlGmYsQmt9kDng08YD70NwvUtzxy_-1Xw4acxviJD29HEhuxCrQDwzFyTuxjG4vAVmu3LQjvIPkV4d-cIs9zXqWkn3PrwLqoqKeMbBUZuRqaO6YkPnmbsU-FvCx1XmHXwmc/s320/Lucy+modelling+doggie+scarf+v2+28+Aug+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx_yxIS1-uwq8CJ5Z_iy3JL52HoN0JqyL-nqJIhtrX9aaa3uHiPh0lwILs7b9KQveox6ZjqlsCoDxwczfIIuwU6paThWD6sh2L0DfaqHdtqiDcaTqOtod9fWelKwxfH3ohBH7rO3XDJqD/s1600/Lucy+modelling+doggie+scarf+v3+28+Aug+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx_yxIS1-uwq8CJ5Z_iy3JL52HoN0JqyL-nqJIhtrX9aaa3uHiPh0lwILs7b9KQveox6ZjqlsCoDxwczfIIuwU6paThWD6sh2L0DfaqHdtqiDcaTqOtod9fWelKwxfH3ohBH7rO3XDJqD/s320/Lucy+modelling+doggie+scarf+v3+28+Aug+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">Now ... doesn't she look smart! She got this yesterday at the Dogs Trust Open Day when she came along for the last hour or so. First stop was to say hello to Auntie Fiona and cousins Eileen and Jennifer as they manned (or should that we womanned?) the Willow's Wisps table. Then she made her way along to see Siobhan at the DG table and then on to me at the tarot table. No doubt as Mike walked around with her she would have got some very admiring looks. I'm hoping the she'll now appear on the Willow's Wisps web page. Of course if anyone would like her pawprint, well then, that could be arranged. </div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">So, yesterday was a pretty cold day, and I spent three hours in the afternoon sitting outside in the cold giving tarot cards readings to help raise funds for the West Calder Dogs Trust (where we got Lucy). I'm quite pleased that I raised about £80 for the Trust. But I did get a nice bunch of flowers and a DG baseball cap so that more than made up for it. I also got a lovely little thank you note from the Dogs Trust doggies and that's been put on on the fridge so that I can read it as and when I want to. It's just a bit of a pity that the first year Willow's Wisps had a table there, it was probably the coldest it's been. Last year was so warm that I eventually had to unzip my fleece!</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">After I got home yesterday afternoon from the open day, I was pretty well chilled to the bone. My little tootsies were like blocks of ice ... pretty bad for a summer's day, don't you think? So, I got all snuggled up with my fleecy slanket and had a nice cup of hot chocolate and a little cake and watched <i>the most excellent of all musicals </i>GREASE. The greatest ever musical. Graeme, Eileen, Jennifer and Sarah will all tell you what a fantastic film it is ... mind you, they may not have watched it since the last time I babysat them all!</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">Here are a couple of other nice photos, which I think you'll all like. The first one I took yesterday evening from the back door. It was a beautiful sunset (after a cold, wet and miserable day) and although it's a good photo, it doesn't do the actual view justice. But here it is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xg5sTqOQVh3IbDJgcbxG09PZ3-s3LOQxod53CVHvnIp5sbvRcP0rpQ6KRVh7uAEZwk7W6uA8meFKkt5nu26eFL3roKi4y_L6pyrKw2QZgiusdd-_pjfl1vFHlpg5hu99pq6nVYg6iMMA/s1600/Amazing+sunset+in+Livingston+28+Aug+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xg5sTqOQVh3IbDJgcbxG09PZ3-s3LOQxod53CVHvnIp5sbvRcP0rpQ6KRVh7uAEZwk7W6uA8meFKkt5nu26eFL3roKi4y_L6pyrKw2QZgiusdd-_pjfl1vFHlpg5hu99pq6nVYg6iMMA/s320/Amazing+sunset+in+Livingston+28+Aug+2011.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;">And finally, here's a picture of a little fridge magnet I got whilst I was in America:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXqz7atOt71xBRgsG6r4HhWcrd4I3k3BUREUZb0AO5NWRrqwRqL5WWs-dggPgZtewfTIKzJwrdvFjjGCYMluuFRyjXynTaFRNe5Lef7nTL4QJ8hNoUj7Rn4BnziJTxN1IP7ECMD9uy5hJ/s1600/Sometimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXqz7atOt71xBRgsG6r4HhWcrd4I3k3BUREUZb0AO5NWRrqwRqL5WWs-dggPgZtewfTIKzJwrdvFjjGCYMluuFRyjXynTaFRNe5Lef7nTL4QJ8hNoUj7Rn4BnziJTxN1IP7ECMD9uy5hJ/s640/Sometimes.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;">And I think that about says it all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: left;"><b><i>So, in true Forrest Gump style, and until next time ... that's all I've got to say about that!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKRePULXc7Cg8tfhRiaWChVoYaPWcx3Y02KdyzVPsK_ygcoHGSTqA_idSKGNB4mSfSesC75Wz8-li96rSU3XZLAxIDffSwebbVfmkHWn50rlnY0y8AP8oi8gjFIIfpPkKcS4WYbsn86gj/s1600/Sometimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_2043524365"></span><span id="goog_2043524366"></span></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-54951530638116123232011-08-06T18:48:00.005+01:002011-08-06T23:31:51.075+01:00Abstract ramblings for a Saturday Afternoon<div style="color: #741b47;">Man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes. </div><div style="color: #741b47;"></div><div style="color: #741b47;">Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. (George Bernard Shaw).</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. (Ralph Waldo Emerson).</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. (RWE)</div><div style="color: #741b47;">It's impossible to speak highly enough of the virtues, the dangers and the power of shared laughter. (Francoise Sagan) </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><div><br />
What a delight it is </div><div> When, of a morning, </div><div> I get up and go out </div><div> To find in full bloom a flower </div><div> That yesterday was not there </div><div>(Tachibana Akemi)</div><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Well, it started off a beautiful morning. Lucy and I went our for our daily constitutional. I strolled around Bankton Mains and Lucy raced about stretching her little leggies and showing off that she's truly earned her middle name of 'Born to Run'. She raced about the field, running and hiding in the trees, losing her beloved Zinger and retrieving it again from its' hiding place. She's a smart wee cookie at finding her Zinger (usually, we'll ignore for now the incident at Luce Bay where there's a Zinger Ring riding along on the crest of a wave). We got back home safely before the rain came on. </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">We had another Circle meeting yesterday and I think it went very well. Next month it's going to be a week early (on the 26th) and we're going to do some psychometry. At least that's the plan, so long as everyone remembers to bring something along with them. Julie and I enjoyed a bottle of wine afterwards, and Siobhan had a nice cup of tea. Unfortunately, Fiona had to leave sharpish (mind you we ended up finishing later than we should have!). It was a good evening and many of the things picked up were quite relevant. Siobhan has kindly offered to take over leading the meditation etc, to allow me to sit in Circle. I'm quite happy with this idea cos it gives me a chance to take part in the actual Circle itself. Meanwhile, Sarah seems to have noticed some perfume in her flat ... hmm, interesting. Could be a useful training session for the Circle, or maybe we need our 'Ghostbusters' team of experienced mature ladies! </div><div style="color: #741b47;">There is a saying:;</div><div style="color: #741b47;">There are two kinds of people: </div><div style="color: #741b47;">Those who say, "I will believe it when I see it."</div><div style="color: #741b47;">And those who say, "To see it, I know I must believe it."</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">While I'm on the topic of mature ladies, I quite like this t-shirt and matching bag (I suppose that this would be the modern version of twinset and pearls!). I wonder if anyone will buy me them for my birthday?</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">What do you think? Pretty nifty stuff! And they're yellow. I like yellow, its a happy little colour, don't you think? </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #741b47;">I was clearing out some of the boxes of stuff we brought home with us from when we cleared out Mike's mum's house. There are lots and lots of good sheets which I can use in the motorvan. There are some pyrex plates and things that I can use, and I've also unpacked some of the ornaments. I came across a westclox clock, still in it's box and in working order. Sadly, we're no longer used to listening to the tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, of a wind up clock, so I wound it up once and now it's just sitting on the sideboard looking retro-chic and pretty. But, I also came across this interesting little gem: </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gQjHMa__thvZHU1jaUBL3dc9zjwpUwSu4W6Z5XpiB7aiBu5eUpYBL20SEa2UOnApXpEZV9R8oPsip8mjWH-CfSLbywGxvvJ2KXmKBieVyXu67XCtAoVItSoDIOrSG8cRD6WoUiSC6eIG/s1600/Round+the+Clock+Cookery+book+1935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gQjHMa__thvZHU1jaUBL3dc9zjwpUwSu4W6Z5XpiB7aiBu5eUpYBL20SEa2UOnApXpEZV9R8oPsip8mjWH-CfSLbywGxvvJ2KXmKBieVyXu67XCtAoVItSoDIOrSG8cRD6WoUiSC6eIG/s200/Round+the+Clock+Cookery+book+1935.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRxxHAucsfMo1hdcZjbId-DU6Y6h9_9cmdKGzieYGjFJVCpi79p6rnxm8-8OBdnO6F20mzpi6KaTqwgpAGLBorLrENR658okmbUmTFbyqDcZSztKujAiGSzmcXjngJYhjsLE40tKtLeHW/s1600/Round+the+Clock+Cookery+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRxxHAucsfMo1hdcZjbId-DU6Y6h9_9cmdKGzieYGjFJVCpi79p6rnxm8-8OBdnO6F20mzpi6KaTqwgpAGLBorLrENR658okmbUmTFbyqDcZSztKujAiGSzmcXjngJYhjsLE40tKtLeHW/s200/Round+the+Clock+Cookery+book.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #741b47;">It's clearly been well used, and I wondered if perhaps I should use it for the basis of a Julie & Julia type blog. Only problem is that I'm slightly fussy about my food. I don't really fancy (in fact I won't be) trying things like: </div><div style="color: #741b47;">bloater paste; bloater toast; dried haddock(???) in milk; fried smelts; digestible (EH???) fried sausage; bone soup; Delhi broth (gotta be kiddin' me man!); marrow soup; prune puree; hamgoree; dog fish pie (yeah right!); and butter beans with fried suet pudding. Delhi broth??? Delhi broth??? Are they kiddin' me??? A sure fire way to end up with Delhi belly I think! YUK! YUK! AND DOUBLE YUK! I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!!!! And, there's other stuff in there that I wouldn't even type the names of ... clearly designed to put you off food for life! Hmm ... maybe the J&J blog isn't such a great idea after all. I think if I lived way back in 1935, I'd be very, very slim and also very, very hungry. That said I'd fit into all those fabby retro 1930's and 1940's dresses which I think looked absolutely super-fabby!</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">I'm hoping to go through to the market thingy in Glasgow that Fiona's going to be selling her bags at. I'm hoping to talk Mike into running me through there. He's got a better sense of direction than I have and it's been years since I was driving around the Glasgow area. The streets are all changed into one-way, no-way, pedestrian and stuff and not only would I probably get lost, but I'd probably run out of petrol as well. Yes, as it's almost my birthday, I reckon that Mike should run me though there.</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">I think I'm being taken out for my birthday lunch on Tuesday. Not sure where, but so long as I'm able to have a small glass of wine and a pudding, then I'll be happy! Happy, happy, happy! </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Well, I think that's probably about all for now folks ... feel free to comment on my blog (lets me know that someone's actually reading it!) ... happy reading!</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Oh ... Almost there ... ... ... </div><div style="color: #741b47;">Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more CAKE!</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest!</div><div style="color: #741b47;">I believe in loyalty. When a woman reaches an age she likes, she should stick with it. (Eva Gabor)</div><div style="color: #741b47;">The older I get, the better I was.</div><div style="color: #741b47;">A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside.</div><div style="color: #741b47;">If you don't learn to laugh when you're young, you won't have anything to laugh about when you're old!</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Retirement can be a great joy ... if you can figure out how to spend time without spending money.</div><div style="color: #741b47;">The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate ... is called a grandparent. (Sam Levenson) </div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">And finally ... my personal favourites:</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Grandmothers are just antique little girls. <i>Yes ... Old Gals Rule!</i></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;"> <i><b><span style="font-size: small;">*** </span><span style="font-size: small;"> Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. ***</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">That's all folks ... see ya next time!<br />
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Or, as Forrest Gump would say ... that's all I've got to say about that! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-46985616448297887662011-08-03T22:40:00.000+01:002011-08-03T22:42:32.978+01:00Been a while ..........Well, it's been a wee while since I updated my blog so I thought tonight I'd get that sorted. It's been a fairly busy couple of weeks. Last week we took the van to the caravan site at New England Bay down Stranraer way. We had fairly good weather. Sunny most days but fairly breezy pretty much all of the time. We really just bummed about the van and took Lucy for walks along the beach. Lucy had a super time, playing with The Zinger and chasing the waves as the tide was coming in and going out. Now Lucy found this chasing waves game really, really, really good fun, catching the wave and swallowing as much as possible. Even better was to chase the waves with The Zinger in her mouth, and catch the wave without losing The Zinger. She had a whale of a time. Unfortunately while playing the chasing the waves game, she put The Zinger down in the water and it's now floating around Luce Bay! Oh well, I guess some other we doggie has got a new toy and is enjoying playing with Lucy's Zinger!<br />
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I read three books while we were away. Charles Street by Danielle Steele (it was ok, not one of her best efforts), Untied which is Meredith Baxter's autobiography (interesting) and the Stephen King book of short stories (it was ok but I've read better). So, basically we had pretty much of a chillin' in the breeze sort of week. I did enjoy the occasional glass of wine. <br />
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I'm working on the planning and organising for my birthday BBQ on the 13th. I just hope it's not too windy and that it doesn't rain! Sarah's making my birthday cake and I'm really excited about that and can't wait to see what she comes up with. Mike is being ever so organised about my pressie this year. He's already been out and bought me TWO pressies. AND I didn't have to order them online myself. I know what both pressies are and I'm really, really pleased with them both. We were through at Costco the other day to check prices of burgers and stuff and I've bought lots of paper plates and plastic tumblers and stuff. I'm really looking forward to the BBQ and I just hope we remember to check out that it works ok. So it's starting to become organised. <br />
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It's been a busy week this week. Today a I met up with one of my friends from Lloyds (Lesley, who does my annual Christmas cards and jewellery party) at Frankie & Benny's in South Queensferry for some lunch. I was really good and DIDN'T order pepperoni pizza and I DIDN'T have a sweet. Mind you, I did have a LARGE glass of wine. We had a nice lunch and a nice catch-up chat. It was good to see her. <br />
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On Friday I'm meeting up with Irene, who's home from Spain for a few weeks. We're going to catch-up over a morning of coffee and retail therapy. Should be a pleasant few hours. I may even buy myself a new pair of shoes and a new handbag. It'll be nice to see Irene again cos I haven't seen her for a while. <br />
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Well guys, it's half 10 so I'm heading off to bed. So g'night all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-2450456035036835132011-07-23T19:25:00.001+01:002011-07-23T19:25:11.506+01:00Down New England Bay Way .....Well we're down here in sunny New England Bay. It's a lovely wee site (we were here last year for the shake-down with the new motorvan) and it's nice to be back. Today has been beautiful and sunny all day. If the fresh (chilly!) breeze had dropped a bit it would have been a beautiful summer's day. <br />
Tomorrow we're going to go to a lighthouse and later on we'll go to a castle. Now for those of you who don't go motor-caravanning, you won't appreciate that days / trips out have to coincide with the days you have to fill up with fresh water and empty the waste water tanks. Hence the reason we're going out tomorrow. <br />
I have to say that it's been rather nice to sit at the van and just relax and read a book. Although, it's not all about sitting around doing nothing! Li'll Lucy-two-shoes has her regular 4 or 5 walks along the beach kickin' up sand and generally havin' a good ol' time to herself. <br />
I'm hoping that I'll get a bit of time to work on my book and also work on some stuff for the circle. Of course I'll also have to make some time for drinking wine and eating chocolate. <br />
I think the weather here has to be quite good over the next week. It would be good if the breeze would drop, but more importantly, I hope it doesn't rain. Much as I love caravanning / motor caravanning it's not pleasant with a soggy wet pooch on board and you have to live with 'eau de smelly wet dog' as the air freshener!<br />
Will write more soon ... meantime ... that's all I've got to say about that. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-36886334323660100512011-07-09T18:56:00.000+01:002011-07-10T08:25:05.287+01:00Some abstract ramblings about a beautiful Saturday here on Planet Earth!<i><b>Saturday Morning: </b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's Saturday morning and we had a Circle meeting yesterday evening. Only the three of us but it was a good evening. I always sleep well after the Circle. So today I'm feeling chirpy and cheery, positive and inspirational.<br />
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Whilst we were in Chicago, Diane and I had a wee jaunt along to Border Books (yes, they still have a couple of BB stores in her area). I bought myself a little book called Whispers of Blessings and have picked out a couple of nice little verses from it, and thought I'd share them with you all. Apologies to those who've already read them on Facebook, but if something's worth reading, it's worth reading twice!<br />
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<i>In the Valley of Love:</i><br />
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free,<br />
'Tis a gift to come down to where we ought to be -<br />
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,<br />
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrsVjBwxVzQR_Yqw_qbXkXs1YiW96HkuzPA0Y5K6FOoaXD1U3FzLSG2GU4uhZtFwnmwfykDWxgsK_RzweNa8cMWgskxr3hr3J9ysz313UZkBN1NEyQTKodc3gn_oXrV2YtsjowRwyKJOf/s1600/whispersandblessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrsVjBwxVzQR_Yqw_qbXkXs1YiW96HkuzPA0Y5K6FOoaXD1U3FzLSG2GU4uhZtFwnmwfykDWxgsK_RzweNa8cMWgskxr3hr3J9ysz313UZkBN1NEyQTKodc3gn_oXrV2YtsjowRwyKJOf/s200/whispersandblessings.jpg" width="149" /></a><i>Count the Good Things:</i><br />
When we start to count flowers,<br />
we cease to count weeds;<br />
When we start to count blessings,<br />
we cease to count needs;<br />
When we start to count laughter,<br />
we cease to count tears;<br />
When we start to count memories,<br />
we cease to count years.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> <i><b>Borders Books:</b></i></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7ollMiwB6egbIEnCQoaNjf-w-j0DjklSDjO6hXfTES5YAC2e_pw68nhg-YrmG8ukDiyYZc-c1KFgy24A2FprsSGx40Ukfk2Cpm2FP4KC_vXn51nAPqXzcwqwkTKtPx1S2_7kITKbQoPf/s1600/isobelatborders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7ollMiwB6egbIEnCQoaNjf-w-j0DjklSDjO6hXfTES5YAC2e_pw68nhg-YrmG8ukDiyYZc-c1KFgy24A2FprsSGx40Ukfk2Cpm2FP4KC_vXn51nAPqXzcwqwkTKtPx1S2_7kITKbQoPf/s200/isobelatborders.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
That's me in the photo on the left just about to go into the Borders Books at Orland Park. You know, I do miss Border Books.<br />
It was always such a treat to go along and browse the shelves, picking out a book here, a book there. Just browsing and touching the books was such a wonderful way to pass a couple of hours. Oh, chocolate heaven for book lovers!<br />
And they serve good coffee. Mike has spend many an hour supping their coffee whilst I browsed the shelves for the perfect, but elusive book, to add to my collection. I also bought many a pack of Tarot Cards there as well.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Later in the Day: </span></b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR5gpgGRlP3qe2Ww66q4YlcbDKjDQ-sZyP38kTHFYkpP358UPBCWai5vAYwXouzfqSnsasV0ARSNSO2STP30RpjZMhTSzAlGo2FVGIQ_vIKqIzVLB-6Au2A9QR97F2OH5pt5QyXKMU4f6/s1600/Lucylyinginwait.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR5gpgGRlP3qe2Ww66q4YlcbDKjDQ-sZyP38kTHFYkpP358UPBCWai5vAYwXouzfqSnsasV0ARSNSO2STP30RpjZMhTSzAlGo2FVGIQ_vIKqIzVLB-6Au2A9QR97F2OH5pt5QyXKMU4f6/s1600/Lucylyinginwait.png" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15xKukjTbvO8Mh1Z7fkgK8329Dqr_CbaCySMopPX1hNSX75qX9HX0c-sK6lPfKooc75ObJPXN2XEnjV3sbQxSyx7-lYE78ufGJVzsQv9lZBB2sePHhdg-daSkG0_ZqwuHqJPJVpBKTQdb/s1600/oberweisrestaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15xKukjTbvO8Mh1Z7fkgK8329Dqr_CbaCySMopPX1hNSX75qX9HX0c-sK6lPfKooc75ObJPXN2XEnjV3sbQxSyx7-lYE78ufGJVzsQv9lZBB2sePHhdg-daSkG0_ZqwuHqJPJVpBKTQdb/s1600/oberweisrestaurant.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq0rst8UxMQxs1UH31u-CDHRfUNbn92gFjN3Ww_By1GMDZqXVhKpjA1AEE4NLBVAGLUjeJFRLemMRca3ER-NtGpn5l4aVYsjNJjrKcESJbu0MNdVQHP_TjdSFBIXvP8pFsobjKhOk4MGb/s1600/oberweishat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq0rst8UxMQxs1UH31u-CDHRfUNbn92gFjN3Ww_By1GMDZqXVhKpjA1AEE4NLBVAGLUjeJFRLemMRca3ER-NtGpn5l4aVYsjNJjrKcESJbu0MNdVQHP_TjdSFBIXvP8pFsobjKhOk4MGb/s1600/oberweishat.jpg" /></a>Well it's now late afternoon and we've had Lucy 'Born to Run' Lyman down at Cramond. Now for those of you who don't know, Cramond is one of Lucy's favourite stomping ground ... she knows exactly where all the good watering holes are, and she insists in supping and slurping mucky water from all of them!It didn't take her long to get from the car to the grassy bit where she waits for the first throw of the Zinger. We had quite a long walk today and so she was running around for about an hour and a half.<br />
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The weather was nice and it was warm enough to walk without my jacket on but I did wear one of my new baseball hats. The rain started shortly after we set off to drive home and not long after we got home we had some thunder and lightening. The photo on the left is of Oberweis the Ice Cream Restaurant and the photo on the right is the baseball cap Mike bought for me whilst we were there purchasing my nightly supply of yummy ice cream.<br />
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<i><b>So, onwards to Saturday evening:</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSiL-fq7XgctEvdDW1OCLWbUYLiLeXy0ApJCmlZ0y_h0IcuYiTJjgoQJlnINqVeIVAILqwlkXy8YVhlB5Rqq33klAEUr_SX-K-spAZoyR1TMXI70wEpUVkPN3A3CG8muycyzES4z0Nuvz/s1600/bluebottlewine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSiL-fq7XgctEvdDW1OCLWbUYLiLeXy0ApJCmlZ0y_h0IcuYiTJjgoQJlnINqVeIVAILqwlkXy8YVhlB5Rqq33klAEUr_SX-K-spAZoyR1TMXI70wEpUVkPN3A3CG8muycyzES4z0Nuvz/s1600/bluebottlewine.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqEeV89pJfEKaVGC5ZAYdj1xjaeqSurChkcWOO8ctxL7UG3r-myEX66k_zzNpfDC1875wLug1tKNE5BxEiUWmnUSCRkNPjJqcmgfLY_Hzn4-bOP0KDXnRxngKjcqgQhpEJmfB0b_pOz9p/s1600/booksforwine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqEeV89pJfEKaVGC5ZAYdj1xjaeqSurChkcWOO8ctxL7UG3r-myEX66k_zzNpfDC1875wLug1tKNE5BxEiUWmnUSCRkNPjJqcmgfLY_Hzn4-bOP0KDXnRxngKjcqgQhpEJmfB0b_pOz9p/s1600/booksforwine.jpg" /></a>So after our walk and after lunch I went to Sainsburys cos I had a voucher for triple points which expires today. I got myself some books and I plan on reading one of them this evening whilst enjoying a small glass of wine. I'm not sure what the wine will be like. I won it in the raffle at the spooky church on Monday night, but it is in a nice blue bottle.<br />
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I like the colour blue.<br />
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Well I think that's about all for now folks ... will write more soon.<br />
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That's all I've got to say about that!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-52311302115727023892011-07-01T17:26:00.000+01:002011-07-01T23:08:47.077+01:00*~*~*~*~* CHICAGO *~*~*~*~*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~ My Kinda Town ~~~~~~</span></b></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79e7eADxuWtEOWYzKxkk7QnEdiYQP7LeGfIEm1BqgEPslWdIuZM6xdYcRn8f8M_Zaa8A7vdR44dhI-BHI4tYmlZTRH2ir339BoMPjbs3OpOP-DNzfwu9WRCVuPAN8dBhiS_FA5mrHKajg/s1600/Chicago+Lake+Point+Tower+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79e7eADxuWtEOWYzKxkk7QnEdiYQP7LeGfIEm1BqgEPslWdIuZM6xdYcRn8f8M_Zaa8A7vdR44dhI-BHI4tYmlZTRH2ir339BoMPjbs3OpOP-DNzfwu9WRCVuPAN8dBhiS_FA5mrHKajg/s200/Chicago+Lake+Point+Tower+at+night.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D7Q3ITuECTMfEz3bDhoNNgapUMQ7fKstCGkRNzy5rbkV7NA0DMuGrjMNsxRrU_2dkR-csquQGSqsAIEX2mR3wtVdkwPhKOFhttz9jwij22FDsYbV_9WC_zE-KdFQ5VuB_aNLoExx2PWi/s1600/Chicago+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D7Q3ITuECTMfEz3bDhoNNgapUMQ7fKstCGkRNzy5rbkV7NA0DMuGrjMNsxRrU_2dkR-csquQGSqsAIEX2mR3wtVdkwPhKOFhttz9jwij22FDsYbV_9WC_zE-KdFQ5VuB_aNLoExx2PWi/s200/Chicago+at+night.jpg" width="148" /></a>Chicago at night. These were taken the second Wednesday of our holiday when we spent the afternoon at Navy Pier and stayed on till the evening to watch the super fireworks display. We spent the afternoon browsing around the pier. There was a super stained glass window exhibition that I thought was really good. Clearly though, neither Mike nor Peter felt the same ... kicking their heels and looking bored ... until the offer of coffee, when they both perked up. </div><div style="color: purple;">I also managed to get a few souvenirs and after two weeks of searching I managed to find some car stickers, and some key rings, and some fridge magnets, and some other souvenirs. I also saw a couple of amazingly fantastic Blues Brothers t-shirts but I didn't buy them cos they cost $25+tax and were a rip-off cos the quality was appalling. I also found some Blues Brothers type hats, but there was clearly no way I was going to be able to bring them home, unless I wore them, and then I would have looked silly wearing shades and a Blues Brothers hat whilst travelling Posh Class. Mindful of not giving a bad impression of Scotland, I decided not to buy the hats, even although Peter said I suited them. Whilst browsing the shops and stalls at Navy Pier, I experienced that unique feeling of being an 'alien in New York' (or an alien in Chicago as was the case) where no one could understand my Scottish accent (despite them all loving my accent and always wanting to visit Scotland). I frequently got that nice, but knowing, little smile that says to me in a very kindly way ... you're a strange little lady, I don't understand a word of what you're saying, but you're Scottish, and I like you, so I'm going to smile nicely to you ... just cos your Scottish and I like you. I suppose I started to see this little smile as a modern day variation on the old American saying ... have a nice day!</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~~~~~ R</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">un Forrest Run ~~~~~</span></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-S1EylGt_G5f2Hcvuc9UVnj0nNnf6XkY-NZMh_4KYyZX4FWOQ9PWBSB8xtl-cCZK1hxMje4PkChER2Jn203pH_hJwXxCinPeO9ZDn_fXFM05Mq9C1KR_PfM8heQ8kFwul2oqLFUG8WkF/s1600/Stop+Forrest+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-S1EylGt_G5f2Hcvuc9UVnj0nNnf6XkY-NZMh_4KYyZX4FWOQ9PWBSB8xtl-cCZK1hxMje4PkChER2Jn203pH_hJwXxCinPeO9ZDn_fXFM05Mq9C1KR_PfM8heQ8kFwul2oqLFUG8WkF/s200/Stop+Forrest+Stop.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6AlM41d2huzwVK4QBNYbd0K6-YBMrZvEm_yGI2ELV6qe2swbWqlo5JaEU0J1KDTicpox_Al-A8KMLUDNZ6fACLWCHT0ZFvb7Pq9fJIVwlKruw2cauWe2RUhDQ5PaSNNe-Gn9WZfdDdCM/s1600/Run+Forrest+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6AlM41d2huzwVK4QBNYbd0K6-YBMrZvEm_yGI2ELV6qe2swbWqlo5JaEU0J1KDTicpox_Al-A8KMLUDNZ6fACLWCHT0ZFvb7Pq9fJIVwlKruw2cauWe2RUhDQ5PaSNNe-Gn9WZfdDdCM/s200/Run+Forrest+Run.jpg" width="149" /></a>That evening, before the fireworks display, we had dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant, yes, Bubba Gump of Forrest Gump fame! Mike had a mega plateful of shrimps ... I had, as usual, a chicken dish (this was probably one of the few days that I didn't have either donuts or ice cream). I also got myself some nice Forrest Gump / Bubba Gump t-shirts and once I've lost the 10lbs I gained whilst on holiday, I shall model them for you all to see. You might notice the Run Forrest Run and Stop Forrest Stop US style number plates that I am holding in the two photos. These are used to tell the waiting staff if you need assistance. Run Forrest Run means that they can continue going about their business serving and waiting on other diners (ie running around), and Stop Forrest Stop means that we are requesting service and therefore they have to stop at our table as soon as they can. I have to say that I found the whole Downtown Chicago / Navy Pier / Forrest Gump - Bubba Gump Shrimphouse / Chicago at Night thing a wonderfully exciting experience (OK I'm sad, I don't go out much at night!). It all just seemed so vibrant and cosmopolitan and terribly exciting. It was just a super fantastic experience. It just doesn't happen like that over here. </div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
<div> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LongHorns Steak House</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Before and After</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></span> </div></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2oK6sqyR2kZICrjKypHkwtgWrXl7IjM2aNYmP0tbXsXgvopqSIfzoEcK8NfMUjYku-02DruUm5mrpuXo9jTFNCvi8f-xeBst0XijHh7OwHfzQwkiUQ2wjkOUYVKL88Nk4BgKBuQpMAJo/s1600/Dinner+at+Longhorn+Steakhouse+Chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2oK6sqyR2kZICrjKypHkwtgWrXl7IjM2aNYmP0tbXsXgvopqSIfzoEcK8NfMUjYku-02DruUm5mrpuXo9jTFNCvi8f-xeBst0XijHh7OwHfzQwkiUQ2wjkOUYVKL88Nk4BgKBuQpMAJo/s200/Dinner+at+Longhorn+Steakhouse+Chicago.jpg" style="background-color: magenta;" width="149" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6UQA_AJKEWElYGWVDrpRh7FSR0ZLF4Xd25aKXwF66Z-yEywS7QZhuRWB7MkQ45Afuq4clqBwKTtFIZ-A5J9jQA4-GzpU58a3lGNMs5amv4NBFIIR2EGemvCzgs0NqTCjMeLtuuZrYa0P/s1600/Doggie+bag+from+Longhorn+Steakhouse+Chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6UQA_AJKEWElYGWVDrpRh7FSR0ZLF4Xd25aKXwF66Z-yEywS7QZhuRWB7MkQ45Afuq4clqBwKTtFIZ-A5J9jQA4-GzpU58a3lGNMs5amv4NBFIIR2EGemvCzgs0NqTCjMeLtuuZrYa0P/s200/Doggie+bag+from+Longhorn+Steakhouse+Chicago.jpg" width="149" /></a>On the middle Friday and last Friday of our holiday, we went to a LongHorn Steakhouse for dinner (Mike's treat for all of us each time). They serve you HUGE meals and after the HUGE starters (for sharing!) I struggled to eat my meal. The first Friday I managed not too badly, but still managed to save some chicken for Raleigh. On the second Friday, well we had starters for sharing, as usual. I then ordered chicken tenders and baked potato. I have to say that the baked potato was surprisingly small. As for the chicken tenders (all 12 of them!), well what can I say about the portion size. I managed two forkfuls of baked potato and two of the chicken tenders. The photo on the left is the 'before' photo and what the nice waiter (I'm Sean and I'm your servant for the evening) served up to me. I actually thought that this was a starter that they'd forgotten to deliver, but nope, not to be, this was my dinner. The photo on the right was taken when Sean brought me a LARGE doggie bag for me to take my dinner home with me. You know, I was the littlest (and youngest) person at the table and they brought me the BIGGEST meal. Mike, Peter and Diane all had piddly wee steaks (well, actually they were a fair size, but compared with the plateful they served up to me ... well the steak just paled into insignificance) and their whole meal barely covered half of their dinner plates. Mine covered the whole plate and some. Sadly, and much to my disappointment, we didn't have pudding (you didn't eat your dinner, so you're not having pudding). However, my buddy Peter whispered in my ear as we were leaving the restaurant, "don't worry, I'll stop off for ice cream on the way home". Now you may not know this, but it's amazing how an extra 15 minutes can make all the difference to whether you can manage two HUGE scoops of ice cream or not.Well, believe me, it makes all the difference.<br />
<div>I should also say that I understand that Raleigh ate very well whilst we were in Chicago. Single-handed, I supplied his additional food rations and I believe that he only finished off the chicken tenders on Wednesday of this week. I also understand that he didn't have much doggie chow in the whole time we were there. </div></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>House-hunting US style (only kiddin' - honest!)</b></span><br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsKKcyEyfxD3BTH-hBf14iULbvyGfzVetYbYyzRlYb8hZnB3vtMrz9R4jWOIkZA4nTCn1J8OW55q5XVP999M5a-6lP-lJhLZ7b5uLi8ilW0BoLy_M8vVoevoBP-LwdsHe-rryBXLxrSKN/s1600/Olympia+Fields+this+is+the+house+I+want.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsKKcyEyfxD3BTH-hBf14iULbvyGfzVetYbYyzRlYb8hZnB3vtMrz9R4jWOIkZA4nTCn1J8OW55q5XVP999M5a-6lP-lJhLZ7b5uLi8ilW0BoLy_M8vVoevoBP-LwdsHe-rryBXLxrSKN/s320/Olympia+Fields+this+is+the+house+I+want.jpg" width="320" /></a>During our stay in Olympia Fields, we decided to have a look at a very snazzy looking show home just along the road from where Diane and Peter live. It's a very nice looking house, and I have to point out that it was about the smallest house in the estate. That said, by our standards it was fairly huge, and cheap. It was only around $350,000 (£220,000 approx) and I reckon that over here for this standard of house you'd pay around the £500,000+ mark. Keep in mind that the house also has a full size basement area, which covers all of the house, except for the garage area. The master bedroom is the area with the two sets of windows above the garage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: purple; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm9j3wBWaf25lgo2I_olWXVD9PJtqoFhZcit9QJOGvmSCsdIVZ4_9Lhn7YVTB9_ZaySALZEm4ih0PR_sBLGO-72zDRE0dB5Z0pWr29W3rcx40FSsv6s3AgkOyxGNfljTV4izIdv-D3dXF/s1600/Olympia+Fields+this+is+the+house+I+want+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm9j3wBWaf25lgo2I_olWXVD9PJtqoFhZcit9QJOGvmSCsdIVZ4_9Lhn7YVTB9_ZaySALZEm4ih0PR_sBLGO-72zDRE0dB5Z0pWr29W3rcx40FSsv6s3AgkOyxGNfljTV4izIdv-D3dXF/s320/Olympia+Fields+this+is+the+house+I+want+v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;">It has a HUGE walk-in wardrobe area, and a HUGE HUGE ensuite bathroom (in comparison the family bathroom was absolutely poxy and was barely as big as our bathroom is). The walk-in wardrobe is the little white bit you see tucked in behind the left hand side of the upper floor of the house. The ensuite bathroom is the window at the top left hand side of the house (see photo to the right). So, it was pretty, pretty impressive and I would like a bedroom like that. And I could have it too, but it would take up all of our house! And I would have to sell both Mike and Lucy to help pay for it all! Don't think that would go down very well!</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJTnGOcdqyX22GuAz9mie_w8w4O3he_tO8TgLfKgKuwz0tn7FvTRMLfk9wJkAlnrkm-iQAb4bQ3EmpgAzQicSmAFeXx0OC0A-d2asuXtE5gmSydAG86EjK4vEGXC7mMrk2y6UxqSXEtMw/s1600/Olympia+Fields+this+is+the+kitchen+I+want.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJTnGOcdqyX22GuAz9mie_w8w4O3he_tO8TgLfKgKuwz0tn7FvTRMLfk9wJkAlnrkm-iQAb4bQ3EmpgAzQicSmAFeXx0OC0A-d2asuXtE5gmSydAG86EjK4vEGXC7mMrk2y6UxqSXEtMw/s320/Olympia+Fields+this+is+the+kitchen+I+want.jpg" width="239" /></a>And the piece de resistance of the whole house was ...... DRUM ROLL ...... the amazing kitchen / dining / family room area. See the photo on the left. This was taken from the far side of this HUGE room. The kitchen was amazing and the family / dining area was ginormously HUGE. The only two things about the whole house that I didn't like were the downstairs toilet was off of the kitchen / dining / family room rather than off of the hall area and the small family bathroom (bearing in mind it's a 4 bedroom house, and all the bedrooms were double bedroom sized, and the smallest was probably bigger than our bedroom). It was very, very, very nice and it was close to the train station. The nice lady did try to talk us into going to see a house she had available on another site and was sure she could give us a good price (Peter explained that this meant that she'd probably had the house on the other estate on her books for a long time and had been unable to sell it and was therefore prepared to do a deal and make minimal profit on the house in exchange for getting it off of her books). We declined her kind offer. </div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
Once I get some more photos onto my PC, I'll upload some more for you all to see. But for now, well, that's all folks!</div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;">And ...... in true Forrest Gump style ...... <span style="font-size: large;"><b>that's all I've got to say about that. </b></span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7653584296374649036.post-4314862308945741052011-06-30T20:21:00.000+01:002011-06-30T20:21:55.747+01:00Update : Lucy 'Born to Run' LymanHello again everyone ... this is just a quick additional blog before I get to work on two trays of tablet ordered for collection at 9.30am tomorrow morning. <br />
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Well, as you all know, Lucy aka 'Born to Run' has just spent three weeks with Jacqui from K9 Friends for her summer holidays. When we got Lucy back yesterday evening she seemed incredibly tired, and in addition had turned into a lean, mean, running machine. She's slept for pretty much 24 hours, and has only now lost her sleepyhead little pupplewup face. It appears that she has had lots of walking (or in Lucy's case, running!). She had a walk for an hour with Jacqui and her own dogs each morning, then she was out for the lunchtime run with the other 'doggie-walking' clients and if Jacqui took her doggies for an afternoon walk, well then Lucy also tagged along. And as if that wasn't enough walking for a wee doggie ... when Jacqui's lodger went out for a jog / run, well then, he took Li'll Lucy along with him. Hence the reason for Lucy being returned to us in Sleepyhead Pupplewup / Lean, Mean, Running Machine mode. <br />
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And just to make her feel at home this evening, she had fish'n'chips from the chippie for her tea tonight. <br />
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And that's all I've got to say about that!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915091047071952808noreply@blogger.com0