Country Comforts

Happy Birthday! 10 today!

2006-11-13T21:21:00.000Z

Double figures today! We have identical phones now to text each other! Love you XXXX

I got tagged!

2006-11-12T08:40:00.000Z

After a long spell of blogger block, I have the honour of entering the enchanted world of blogspot.com with added enthusiasm and lexiconian fluidity......
1. First name?
Clare
2. Were you named after anyone?
A midwife from County Clare, Ireland
3. When did you last cry?
A few weeks ago
4. Do you like your handwriting?
Yep, my handwriting is fab! (I imagine my handwriting to be way better than it is in actuality.)
5. What is your favourite luncheon meat?
Spam is for computers only.
Oh, but wait! I love smoked salmon if that counts.
6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
I would be instantly smitten.
7. Do you keep a journal?
Only this one.
8. Do you still have your tonsils?
Yep. No-one is cutting anything out of me.
9. Would you bungee jump?
In a word, no!
10. What is your favourite cereal?
Oatmeal
11. Do you untie your shoes before you take them off?
Yes
12. Do you think you are strong?
Stronger in mind, as I shed the pounds
13. What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Definitely off my menu, plus I am lactose intolerant
14. Shoe size?
9
15. Red or Pink?
Red
16. What is your least favourite thing about yourself?
I am not very organised.
17. Who do you miss the most?
I am not that sentimental. If someone's gone, it is probably for the best.
18. Do you want everyone to send this back to you?
Er, no thanks!
19. What colour pants, shirt, shoes are you wearing now?
Jeans, black shirt, no shoes
20. Last thing you ate?
Cup of tea, Mexican beanburger and oven fries.
21. What are you listening to right now?
The sound of this dratted computer fan.
22. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
Purple
23. Favourite smells?
Woodsmoke, fresh spring air, fresh baked bread.
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Vi
25. First thing you notice about someone you are attracted to?
Their tonality.
26. Do you like the person you stole this from?
Very much
27. Favourite drink?
Irish Cream cappuchino
28. Favourite sport?
No
29. Eye colour?
Bluey grey
30. Hat size?
Never wear one
31. Do you wear contacts?
No.
32. Favourite food?
Fresh hot beetroot, cucumber and salad cream
33. Scary movies or happy endings?
Happy endings.
35. Summer or Winter?
Summer (but with a cooling breeze and a shade tree).
36. Hugs or Kisses?
Definitely both
37. Favourite dessert?
Off my menu
38. Who is the most likely to respond?
Someone who wants something from me.
39. Who is the least likely to respond?
Someone dead.
40. What books are you reading?
Varies from day to day
41. What's on your mousepad?
Do not have one
42. What did you watch on telly last night?
Don't watch TV
43. Favourite sounds?
Windchimes
44. Stones or Beatles?
Beatles
45. The furthest you've been from home?
Home is where the heart is, so not far from there
46. What is your special talent?
Dissociating myself
47. Who sent this to you?
It was channeled to me by Ramtha.
And he looked at me and he said: "Beloved woman, I am Ramtha the Enlightened One, and I have come to tag you, Zanne, Bent, Middle Girl, Thally, Vanessa, Ms.L, Clare and whomever else so wishes, with this Bless-ed Meme."
;-)

Today....

2006-10-16T19:16:00.000+01:00

Today we went to town to get a few things. We took mum, who was in the grumpiest of moods, as she hates going out, and her legs hurt(wont use a wheelchair either)!. Shame about this, as she can't be left alone, so we have to deal with it, or not go out........well, there are other options that I may persue yet.

I bought two sets of dowsing rods on ebay for C and I, and may give her them before her birthday in the middle of November, as they are such fun to use and a great unusual skill. We shall go up to the castle and see what we can find. Apparently, there is a cold spot there and I know exactly where it is now! The castle is pulling me for some reason, so I will go asap. Never know, may find a knight in shining armour thereabouts!! Also we will pick all the damsons we can up there, that otherwise will go to waste, then make lots of jam in the breadmaker when we get back!

C has a favourite food....smoked salmon, cream cheese and bagels! Wonder where she developed those tastes, eh??!!!!

We have finished Ingo, and are now on The Tide Knot! All those pages of reading aloud.......and C has the sore throat!

That's all for today!
;)

Someone's favourite castle

2006-10-15T20:28:00.000+01:00

Very old pic of my fave local castle
Bodiam castle in East Sussex

Ingo

2006-10-12T18:04:00.000+01:00

Before sleeping, it was 3 chapters last night! On waking, it was 3 chapters and at lunch time it was 2 chapters! Yes, I know that Ingo is Ciara's beloved book!(Plus she fancies Faro)! Tonight we will have got at least half-way through.....and thank goodness I bought the sequel, The Tide Knot! ( we are also learning about homophobes at the same time) ! Learning can, and is fun!
The piano lesson went really great too, Ciara swoons over the classical pieces!

More tomorrow!

The Bothy by the castle

2006-10-11T16:46:00.000+01:00

View over fields from below the castle ruins. The day was a misty moisty autumnal afternoon......
A bothy with living roof! Legend has it that the castles' owner's daughter lives here? Is there room for my strawbale house in the creepy woods of the grounds??
Interesting tree roots....... Do you see the woodland elf in the top left-hand corner?
C on the first steps to the ruins. If you look through the castle arch, it looks surreal.....prolly my cheap camera?

We got muddy and it was great fun!

My NLP Assessment!

2006-10-07T16:49:00.000+01:00

Done my assessment!
These were the questionss.....

What are the four principles of NLP?

Name two ways to increase your sensory acuity?

Name five ways to create rapport?

Explain eye accessing cues

What are Sub-modalities? What are driver Sub-modalities?

How would you use Sub-modalities? Give a least two examples

What are the four keys to Anchoring? And give two examples of anchoring

What is the difference between Through Time and In Time?

What is NLP?

Give an example of how you have used your NLP skills from the NLP Diploma. Should be no longer then one side of A4.

Got that meeting overwith!

2006-10-06T14:18:00.000+01:00

Earlier I had a meeting with the manager who is over-seer to some of the council's bloopers! C entertained him with some classical piano before we started off! I was assertive and can honestly say there were some points where he totally agreed with me! Without sounding boring, they will be correcting details and then check with me first, before sending info across the pond!

I ordered Ingo and the sequel, The Tide Knot, for C, as she loved being read to when she was away in Shropshire with her friends! She loves mermaids on their adventures.....

Found these amusing

2006-10-06T14:15:00.000+01:00

Are you eating at McDonalds today?

My trip to do NLP

2006-10-04T11:34:00.000+01:00

I have returned from Birmingham. Got back last night about 10pm.

Firstly. I want to tell you that the NLP course was well worth doing! I learnt alot of new skills, some of which are still filtering through! I have used NLP already this morning, whist chatting to my distraught old mum who is in respite till next Tuesday! When we ended our conversation, she was in a much better frame of mind......oh I LOVE the way I could change her thoughts of despair and abandonment, (and not compromise the rest of my time off)! I could see in my mind's eye, her eye movements, as I sent her in another direction....... I must say many thanks Jo, John and John, for your help in setting me on a new course of discovery and adventure, and your great sense of humour! It has been a long time since I have been in such crowded places out of my comfort zone for sure, and am glad that bit is over........

My appreciation to V and the girls for taking care of C so well and the field trips, which she loved! C did extremely well for being away from me for the first time, and I am really proud of her!

Reality bites........ On returning to my house, I found B inside........he had broken a back window to get in......so more on this subject matter soon..........thank goodness I can disassociate myself!

Another goal reached (albeit slowly)!

2006-09-30T14:02:00.000+01:00

A, has gone home with his mum today! All is well and their new beginning has started! I am so happy for them, and wish them all the very best!

Wow, the house is so quiet! I am cleaning up, so I come back to a tidy house after my course in B'ham Monday and Tuesday! Ciara is going to her friends farmhouse in Shropshire while I am away(thx)! It will be strange on my own! I shall be staying in a lovely hotel and taking my fave snacks and a novel to read....... I will blog after I come back and tell you all I've learned on the course!

Well, cleaning time for me....

Bye for now...
:)

Gus, the Malamute

2006-09-29T19:35:00.000+01:00

Malamute photos by kind permission of Victoria Ries, Copyright
© 2006. All rights reserved.
email: victoriaries@hotmail.com

This is Gus, my sisiter's lovely smiling Malamute.......

Britt's arriving any minute.......

Good day for homemade soup!

2006-09-29T13:06:00.000+01:00

I had intended to make soup last night...but....anyway, it's on the stove now! It's Butternut Squash and Sweet Chestnut, one of my inventive concoctions, that could be included in a posh restaurant's menu! Easy to make:
1 Butternut Squash, peeled, de-seeded and chopped into fairly large chunks
1 can of sweet Chestnut puree( all that wind shook the chestnuts off the local tree before they were ready, otherwise I would have used those and pureed them with the zuzzer)!
Sage and a bit of Maldon Sea Salt

Combine ingredients with some water and cook till tender.Zuzz with hand-held zuzzer if required!
EAT!

Phrases we use from history....

2006-09-28T09:28:00.000+01:00

Here are some interesting facts about the 1500's!

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock them out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake."

England is old and small, and they started running out of places to bury people. So, they would dig up coffins and would take their bones to a house and reuse the grave. In reopening these coffins, one out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they thought they would tie a string on their wrist and lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night to listen for the bell. Hence on the "graveyard shift" they would know that someone was "saved by the bell" or he was a "dead ringer."

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and were still smelling pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the b.o.

Baths equaled a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

Houses had thatched roofs. Thick straw, piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the pets... dogs, cats and other small animals, mice, rats, bugs lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. So, they found if they made beds with big posts and hung a sheet over the top, it addressed that problem. Hence those beautiful big 4 poster beds with canopies. I wonder if this is where we get the saying "Good night and don't let the bed bugs bite"...

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt, hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors which would get slippery in the winter when wet. So they spread thresh on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on they kept adding more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed at the entry way, hence a "thresh hold."

They cooked in the kitchen in a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They mostly ate vegetables and didn't get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in it that had been in there for a month. Hence the rhyme: peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."

Sometimes they could obtain pork and would feel really special when that happened. When company came over, they would bring out some bacon and hang it to show it off. It was a sign of wealth and that a man "could really bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with a high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food. This happened most often with tomatoes, so they stopped eating tomatoes...for 400 years.

Most people didn't have pewter plates, but had trenchers - a piece of wood with the middle scooped out like a bowl. Trenchers were never washed and a lot of times worms got into the wood. After eating off wormy trenchers, they would get "trench mouth.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the "upper crust".

Computer time

2006-09-27T16:30:00.000+01:00

Seems like today I am consumed by the computer! Trying to find a good host for my site. There are so many bad ones out there, and I want to find one that has great templates or will let me have one I have made. I am finding out how little I know about IT! I am learning by the minute though, so will be proficient at it soon!

Called the respite centre, and mum is doing fine!

Ciara is cooking some absolutely lovely stuff these days! She has made her own recipes up, and I am impressed!

A has just fallen asleep, so will have to wake him up after an hour or so, otherwise he wont sleep tonight! B is coming Friday evening!

Off to respite...

2006-09-26T14:03:00.000+01:00

Well, mum is at the Respite Centre now. All went well, except she has a cold, which made her a bit miserable!Anyway, now I am concentrating on some of the other things I have to be getting along with.....which are many and varied!
It's a lovely sunny day, and I'm going up to the village now!
More later!
:)

Reading up...

2006-09-25T09:49:00.000+01:00

All else had to take a back-seat yesterday, as I have been reading everything I can find on NLP! I have internalised some of the eye movements and some of the vague questions etc! I am getting the card decks to help from one site I found useful! I am booking my hotel today. Tip: Lots of good hotels at really great prices from www.lastminute.com I found a four star for sooooo cheap, really close to the venue!
I am getting mum's clothes ready for tomorrow when she goes to the Respite Centre. Then I am getting A's clothes all together ready for Saturday!
Well, going to the village to get a few things...
Will write more later!
:)

It's later now! My site is up live. My web developer/designer e-friend says he can't read the text and it all looks dodgy to him! That's why I will change hosts again as soon as poss, and get a more pro template and the xml feed to it! I am busy all the time it seems with frequent distractions......soon to all change! Tomorrow mum goes off to respite (12.50), then Saturday, A goes back to mum for good! Wow, I can have a ball!
Now, I MUST book that hotel for Sunday and Monday night......
Got a great deal and am booked at a 4 star!!
Nighty night all!
:)

strawbaleenthusiasts@groups.msn.com

2006-09-24T11:35:00.000+01:00

strawbaleenthusiasts@groups.msn.com is a new group I have set up! I want people now to discuss everything strawbale! If you are building or dreaming of building a strawbale home or structure, I would love to have you join!Building my own strawbale home is one of my goals on my 'to-do' list! Feel free to openly discuss all aspects of lifestyles associated with strawbale! I have a chatroom too!

GM Crops

2006-09-23T12:40:00.000+01:00

Coexistence is another word for contamination, which threatens our food if GM crops are grown in this country

http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/contentlookup.cfm?&ucidparam=20060901114530&MenuPoint=D-I

Take a moment to read up on what this will mean to your life and health.
Who will carry the can?
Who will pay?
Who will be in control of this situation?

Find out.....

01-09-2006
The government has launched a consultation on the issue of coexistence between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops, asking for feedback on what measures would be required to allow GM crops to be grown in this country.
Anyone with concerns about the future of our food can contribute, including the general public, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have published their own proposal laying out what they see as the way forward. Unfortunately, it doesn't go nearly far enough to address the issue of contamination and provide protection for both non-GM and organic farmers.
We will be making our own submission to the consultation but you can too. Friends of the Earth have produced an action pack which will help you prepare your submission - the closing date is 20 October 2006.
Contamination, not coexistenceThe word 'coexistence' is itself misleading. It implies that GM crops can be grown without any damaging effects to other crops, the environment or human health. But nature is nothing if not pervasive and once GM crops are released, contamination of non-GM crops is inevitable.
If the principle of coexistence is adopted, contamination will become the norm but the government doesn't seem to think this is a problem. Their proposal is based on two assumptions - that contamination is acceptable, and that the GM industry should use voluntary codes of conduct to regulate itself. With continuing reports of contamination around the world, including the recent scandal surrounding US rice imports, it would be grossly irresponsible to hand control over to the very corporate interests promoting GM foods in the first place.
Even when the proposal does lay down measures to minimise contamination, they are woefully inadequate. It suggests a buffer zone of 110m between GM and non-GM crops for grain maize and only 35m for oilseed rape, but pollen from both species has been shown to travel many times further than this on the wind. Add bees and other pollinating insects into the equation and those distances increase dramatically.
The government are also attempting to shift the goalposts and redefine what levels of contamination are 'acceptable'. Without prior consultation, they have already decided that crops can be contaminated by 0.9 per cent without needing to be identified and labelled as GM. EU legislation says this is only acceptable if the producer can prove such contamination was no fault of their own, but the UK seems prepared to overturn this.
It would be so easy to take that limit right down. The lowest reliable detection rate is 0.1 per cent and the Soil Association already insist on this when certifying organic producers. Yet even though one of the main attractions of organic food is that it is guaranteed to be GM-free, Defra think that insisting on this in legislation would not be in the best interests of the organic industry, a viewpoint that is hard to fathom.
Who will be liable?So contamination means non-GM and organic farmers risk losing not only their crops, but also their GM-free status. This can have costly implications so liability needs to be established, but the proposal is vague about who should carry the can.
The government's preferred solution is a voluntary scheme in which the GM industry regulates itself, instead of strict measures being laid out in legislation. The proposal also suggests that only direct financial losses be paid for, discounting other long-term costs such as an organic farmer being decertified, loss of reputation or even the expense of testing for contamination in the first place.
In fact, the onus is on non-GM farmers to prove that contamination was not their fault rather than giving them the benefit of the doubt. Non-GM farmers in the US and Canada who are found to have GM strains growing as a result of contamination are being asked by the biotech companies to pay huge sums of money or face legal action due to infringement of patent rights, and the same could happen here.
But liability isn't just about purely monetary concerns, there is also damage to the environment to consider. Clean-up operations to eradicate the contamination will be costly, and it's doubtful whether such attempts would be successful. Once GM pollen and seeds are released into the wild, even unintentionally, they are impossible to recall and the contamination could be deeply entrenched before any clean-up attempt can be mobilised.
Consumer says 'no'It's clear that the government is hell-bent on commercialising GM crops in the UK, even after nearly a decade of complete rejection by consumers and experts alike. Even the government's own advisors have said that if GM crops are grown, contamination is inevitable and that the knock-on costs to non-GM and organic farmers will be considerable.
But it's not too late to have your say. Make your voice heard and tell the government there must be no GM crops grown in this country. Other EU states will be watching the outcome closely so this is a real opportunity to influence not only the UK government, but also the rest of Europe.
You don't need to be an expert on GM food to contribute to the consultation, and Friends of the Earth have all the information you need to prepare your submission. The closing date is 20 October 2006, so make sure your voice counts.
E-Bulletin
Enter your email to receive the latest news from Greenpeace:
What You Can Do
Find out how to make your own submission to the consultation
Related Articles
Food Standards Authority faces legal action over GM rice in UK supermarkets
One fifth of US rice contaminated with illegal GM strain
GM rice contamination reaches the UK
Related Links
Friends of the Earth: Real Food
Contamination Register
Defra
environmental issues & news climate change renewable energy donate to Greenpeace

Today is GREAT!

2006-09-23T10:27:00.000+01:00

Today is great because all I want to happen is falling into place nicely and easily. I actually talked to B last night for a half hour! All was positive and my reality check has brought her down to Earth with a bump! A is going home next weekend! I am so happy for A!
More later on....
:)

Worn out

2006-09-22T17:44:00.000+01:00

After a night of trying to get to sleep, I was downstairs getting the Passiflora at 3.30 this morning. After that I overslept till 7.45. I am worn out today. The woman who runs the respite centre came an hour late, and then mum was mean to A while talking to her.....I am so looking forward to a break, and to returning responsibility of A to his mother. Respite will also be a break for mum, and she will get used to another environment, ready to go permanently. Her behaviour is awful with other people, but she will have a room and TV all to herself, just like here, so she should be ok.
I am knackered.
Am cooking brown rice and veg for tea, nice and healthy for the overweight among us!
This is my tesco.com order:

3
Hovis Square Medium White 800g
Each
£0.94
£2.82
2
Warburtons Organic Sliced White Bread 400g
Each
£0.84
£1.68
1
Maple Pecan Plait 2 Pack
Each
£0.77
£0.77
1
Tesco Eat Me Keep Me Bananas Pack
Each
£1.49
£1.49
1
Tesco Organic Gala Polybag Apple
Each
£2.49
£2.49
2
Tesco Organic Ridge Cucumber
Each
£0.79
£1.58
1
Tesco Organic Celery
Each
£0.69
£0.69
1
Tesco Organic Butternut Squash catchweight
Kg
£-
£1.59
1
Cooked Beetroot Vacuum Pack 250g
Each
£0.69
£0.69
1
Sweet Potatoes 750g
Each
£1.26
£1.26
1
Baking 2.5kg Pack Potatoes
Each
£1.18
£1.18
1
Tesco Roasted Red Pepper Houmous 200g
Each
£1.04
£1.04
1
Tesco B1032 Organic beef Mince 400g
Each
£1.99
£1.99
1
Tesco Wafer Thinsmoked Ham 500g
Each
£1.98
£1.98
1
Tesco Value Liver & Bacon Spreading Pate 150g
Each
£0.43
£0.43
1
Tesco Whole Milk 3.408ltr/6 Pints
Each
£1.62
£1.62
1
Tesco Organic Butter 250g
Each
£0.87
£0.87
1
Cathedral City Mature Cheddar 600g
Each
£4.39
£4.39
2
Tesco Value Fromage Frais 6 Pack 360g
Each
£0.44
£0.88
1
Walkers Cheese Onion 26 X 25g
Each
£2.98
£2.98
1
Weetabix Organic whole Grain Cereal 24's
Each
£2.12
£2.12
1
Tesco Extra Virgin Olive Oil 750ml
Each
£3.44
£3.44
1
Marigold Swiss Vegetable Bouillon Powder 150g
Each
£1.48
£1.48
1
Tesco Finest Black Bean Stir Fry Sauce 350g
Each
£1.49
£1.49
1
Hp Classic Barbeque Sauce 430g
Each
£1.23
£1.23
1
Crazy Jack Long Grain Organic Brown Rice 500g
Each
£0.99
£0.99
3
Heinz Spaghetti Bolognese 400g
Each
£0.89
£2.67
5
Tesco Mackerel Filletsin Tomato 125g
Each
£0.53
£2.65
2
Dolmio Extra Spicy Bolognese Sauce 500g
Each
£1.14
£2.44
1
Mccain Homefries 2.25kg
Each
£2.35
£1.99
4
Tesco 4 Battered Haddock fillets 540g
Each
£1.99
£1.99
1
Tesco 4 Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets 380g
Each
£1.88
£1.88
1
Tesco Organic Apple Juice 1 Litre
Each
£0.99
£0.99
4
Radox Bath Saltsmuscle Soak 400g
Each
£0.98
£3.92
1
Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo New 400ml
Each
£2.96
£2.96
1
Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Conditioner New 400ml
Each
£2.96
£2.96
1
Ecover Washing Up Liquid Camomile 1 L
Each
£1.74
£1.74
1
Andrex Toilet Tissue White 9 Roll 2169 Sheet
Each
£3.87
£3.00

A few technical hitches

2006-09-21T13:15:00.000+01:00

My site will be up soon! Just a few techy probs that are being sorted out!
The day is going well, and C and I are doing synonyms and plurals, and using a kids thesaurus. We will go up to the village soon to get a few things done, then I am going to do a short tesco.com order!
Got an email sent to the dispensary to get mum's meds for her stay at the Respite Centre.....
Sorting more products for www.giftsforalluk.co.uk this afternoon. Have changed the template, and hope to get your feedback on it when it goes live! I think it looks quite fun and lively.....
The dropship company have lots of new items, and I have included some that I think will make you smile!
Bye for now :)

Productive day

2006-09-20T20:22:00.000+01:00

Late blogging today!
I had the social worker in for mum today to do tests and assessment. The visit went well, and the woman who runs the centre is coming Friday morning, as she couldn't make it today. Mum will go to respite next Tuesday for two weeks! Then I am booking her in for two weeks every six weeks. This will allow Ciara and I quality time together, and have fun! I also mentioned B to her re A, and explained the situation and what I want to happen. I told her that I would send a message to B via Charlotte, and be unavailable. I will stay away for an extra day to make sure she gets it in her head that I mean business!
Ciara is getting much better handwriting now, and I am very pleased with her reading abilities, and the correct spelling will come in time!

See ya tomorrow!
Night :)

Getting things done...

2006-09-19T13:34:00.000+01:00

At last things are coming together in so far as coordinating care while I am away! I have a social worker coming tomorrow morning with the person who runs the respite centre. If mum is accepted, they have a place starting next Tuesday for two weeks! I am also going to talk about permanent placement, as I have put my life on hold for too long. I have explained to mum why I am going, and she seems to be in agreement so far, and even if she weren't, I would still go. I am looking forward to 2 days away on my own while I do NLP. It is over 30 yrs since I have been truly away! I will take my Passiflora with me just in case, but I have been sleeping ok lately, so probably won't need it!

I am making toffee apple butter today in the slow cooker to put in jars!I have some apples that were given to me and don't want to waste them....

Donna, I know you are in Nevada now, and you have access to a puter, so can keep in touch alot better than before. I know you got out of your comfort zone to do this, and it is the only way forward to solve the problems. You are fortunate to have a job waiting, so can do all the things you need to do. I will call you a bit later to chat when you are up and around.

Bye till later :)

I am informing B that she isn't to send A back after his visit to her, as I will still be away purposely. It is time to take back responsibility! I have to stop being so kind , forget my emotions and use my intellect for a change!

www.giftsforalluk.co.uk

2006-09-18T19:15:00.000+01:00

Hi all!
I am looking into changing my host again, as on comparing other sites, the templates are just not professional looking enough!
I met and have been messaging a pro web developer from my dropship company forum! It was just a chance meeting, but has proved invaluable to me! Now I will be able to have xml feed to my site, which will make it much more manageable than handling everything manually, as I don't have that sort of time to spare.I want to have a productive site, and getting new hosting will solve the problem. How great it is to have a bit of support from a pro!
Ben brought the phone back today, so I can receive calls now by the way! We have a much better relationship now, and he even gave me a hug goodbye!
V, I hope you are feeling better now after taking all your remedies! We all try to be defensive drivers, but things can happen that are out of our control sometimes. Stay positivex

Where's my cordless?

2006-09-17T19:21:00.000+01:00

Today has been another busy and stressful day, what with one thing and another. I have tried hard getting the laundry up to date....if only my washer was faster!
Anyway, as I was taking mum for a walk, Andrew was brought back, so took him along too. We went up Bury Lane. So called I think, because during the Wars of the Roses, this estate was a field hospital for all the casualties of battle. They were buried down the bottom of the road, and a neighbour has seen three apparitions in her house at night. She isn't the type to make up stories, so according to her, the ghosts were dressed in Medieval clothing, and just stood there by her bed and then disappeared.While Ben was living here he had some bad experiences with forces he didn't at the time believe in. Talking of Ben, he came here today, then left in a rush for work in town.(Yes, he has a job)! He works in a restaurant! It is a start anyway........but in his mad rush to catch his ride, he put my cordless phone in his pocket! So, if anyone has tried to call and can't get an answer, you will know why! Hope I get it back in one piece. I may have to go to town to get it tomorrow morning.....

I have technical difficulties with my site, so will get it sorted tomorrow.

Made two big pots of Damson jam this afternoon in my breadmaker....comes out right every time that way, and no messing with thermometers!

Ciara just came in after being bullied in the park. Now playing the piano beautifully! Her latest song is Uptown Girl!

Sorry Donna, for not being able to call you before your trip to Nevada, but haven't got a phone here...

www.giftsforalluk.co.uk

2006-09-16T13:06:00.000+01:00

Very busy today! My new biz should be up and running on Monday.......just waiting for the new server to kick in, so hopefully only 48 hours! Meanwhile, I am busy selecting cool and unusual...and DISCOUNTED! gifts! All items will have discounts of 50% for the first month, and then again around Christmas time. All items are inclusive of VAT and shipping costs, so shop early, in the comfort of your own home! Happy gift shopping!

Town today....

2006-09-15T18:06:00.000+01:00

We went to town today to get a few things and have a break. Mum stayed with one of my trustworthy neighbours so she wouldn't slow us down too much.Ciara got some new wool for her French Knitting and an outfit... Came back in a cab, as had to fetch mum's drinks from the doctor's office.
Trying to sort out my site ready for Monday. Tomorrow, A is going to the seaside with one of B's friends who has looked after him before......I will be able to concentrate better when he isn't here, as lately, he has been getting into everything, including pulling the small tv off the table and wandering off. He is grounded now.........
Had my Bible study with Pat this afternoon....
Cooking chicken breasts, rice and green and red peppers for supper, as I realised I hadn't eaten anything all day. Could be why I have been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off!
Anyway, that seems to be it for today...am running out of things to blog lately, so might give it a rest over the weekend.

My new water butt...

2006-09-14T11:59:00.000+01:00

I go and look to see how much water is in my new butt....and there is a black bag and the water is yellow brown......so I am emptying it now!. As we haven't had rain for a while, the dirt from the roof showed up in the water. I will have to clean the gutters .....

Would like to build my strawbale house now....
I am keeping positive vibes that someone will have nice dry bales for me when I am ready to build......

C found this Dragonfly dead on the path out front today.....it is so beautiful.....one of the cats must have got it. :(

BBC Have your say...

2006-09-13T16:21:00.000+01:00

Got my bit published today!
The question was : Does modern day life cause depression? Is it harder than ever to be a child?

I home educate my child, while also caring for my elderly mum. My child has room to grow without the brain-washing style of teaching in modern schools. I want my child to be able to think for herself, and make good choices. I have an ecommerce business venture, so can be home and have an income.Our lessons also include cooking, climate change, recycling and alternative energy.

Windgenny
Clare Finley, Hereford

Recommended by 8 people

Maybe...

2006-09-13T14:36:00.000+01:00

I have been thinking lately about the traditions of the UK.
I have come to the conclusion that they appear to have been started by the barbarians of long ago....but somehow are instilled genetically and are alive and well today! Maybe humans need this behaviour for survival? Who knows? Bullied turn to bully, etc and so it goes on, generation after generation.
Yes, anger is definitely needed for primitive survival skills, and flight or fight is all part of it, but in this culture of junk-food and genetically modified crops, I see real trouble ahead. Government tries to nanny this country, but the truth is, it doesn't have it's citizens' best interest at heart. The secret to a healthy life is really no secret, but it can't be achieved unless the government cleans up it's act, and stops lying to the people. Greed is uppermost in thier mind.....our health is not. That's why I would do anything Greenpeace asked me to do for them in the name of Earthly sanity.
The people need to stand up and be counted, not exist as mere robots, willing to go along passively with anything Government says. We do have an energy crisis waiitng to happen, but where is the help? Not at an individual level, which would bring it close to the hearts of all citizens. Rather, it is Government Monopoly.....a game played by only the top hotshots, in control of all the banks and financial institutions. What sane society would want Nuclear Power Stations at the end of their garden? Waste buried safely, for how long? What about their impact on climate change? We are a tiny country compared to China. China is burning fossil fuels like the Earth doesn't matter. We buy their cheap products, and encourage their irresponsible acts..... We could have our problem solved fast if people would stop wasting and think of the future generations. Start making products that aren't chipped to breakdown in a few months....save the landfills! In years gone by, products were made to last! Now the greed factor has set in....
Help save the planet by building green, recycling and re-using, and instead of voting for your same-old politician, do something different for a change......vote green.Build a truly green strawbale house.......forget the draughty old normal houses, that need ridiculous amounts of power to heat! Strawbale is warm in the winter and cool in the summer......no poisons emitting from the cement and building materials to make you sick either. Get real, people!
Use micro-generation and solar and tailor your use to how much power you generate!

That just had to come out sooner or later!

Confirmation!

2006-09-12T14:30:00.000+01:00

I got the confirmation email today!

Applicants Name:Clare Finley

Confirmation of Scholarship place for NLP Diploma in

Birmingham 2/3rd October 2006.

Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX

And, as A's dad seems to be unreachable, Charlotte is going to have him when I am away! C is going to stay with her friends in Shropshire, (thanks alot), and mum will be in respite care. It will be fun doing things for me for two whole days! If anyone else is interested in free NLP, click the link below.....

www.free-nlp.co.uk

I had to get off msn mess really fast yesterday, as had to go searching for A in the village. Sorry I missed your call V. Hope you are having a great time too!

I was accepted for the NLP Scholarship!

2006-09-11T12:50:00.000+01:00

Wow! Nothing else matters today!!

I have to chase people up now, so I have mum taken care of, as the doc sent the letter to the wrong place......

:)

Have done lots of chasing up, and finally got that referral letter faxed to the right place, after they had been sitting on it and denying they had it for over a week.....talked to mum's previous social worker and she is getting it sorted at their meeting Thursday.....

Andrew followed the next door kid all the way up to the village and when I got to the shop via the back way today looking for him, Ness told me she had called the house and Andrew was being taken back.........
Then when I got back, mum was sitting out front in her nighty for all to see...... talk about pissed off.....

Now, to calm down and get other things done.....

;)

Thought I would just add the Planetary Hour:

Group meetings for fun. Religious meetings and meditation groups. Long term travel. Fun and adventure. Speculation. Investing. Entering college for first time or signing onto a course. Education. Taking medicine for the first time. Athletics and most sports. Jogging. Flying lessons, gliding, hang-gliding, kite-flying, sky-diving, mountain climbing, skiing. Trying something new. Festivities, dancing, musical gatherings. Taking mind-altering substances. Talismans for legal or financial favour; also for ease in travel abroad. Legal matter. Taking insurance. Youthful people. Proposals of marriage. Promotional ventures. Beginning advertising campaigns. International contacts and contracts. Shipping. Large scale projects. Futuristic endeavours. Journeying; wandering; hill waking. Purchase Jupiterian items. Large animals. Psychotherapy: imaginative work; guided visualisations; altering negative statements into positive statements (i.e. changing 'negative inner scripts'); anchoring positive images/memories (NLP); affirmations' 'letting go.' Publishing. Group ritual where image work is essential. Mainly yang energy.

Day almost over...

2006-09-10T21:09:00.000+01:00

This is another pic of a strawbale house I found on the web! I think mine will be round, but not sure yet......

Today has been quite uneventful......

Advice for anybody who wants changes in their lives.... www.paulmckenna.com and then download the free trance. It is so helpful!

More tomorrow!

I am not.....

2006-09-09T15:53:00.000+01:00

I am not responsible for other peoples actions. Vic, please try that trance....it works wonders!

Wow! yesterday was so packed with things that I didn't have time to blog further. I did get my water butt together and in place, even though I didn't have the right size hole-bit for it. There happened to be the building maintenance van waiting outside next door's when they were out....and they had the right bit! I am so pleased that I will catch the next rainfall we have!

Also had to go collect potential evidence for the cops....then forensics came this am to do prints....

The house is a bit tidier now....although the washing will take days of sun to get up to date!

Ben got jumped by 6 guys and brought here at 1am.....leaving later today...

Today when near the Nursing Home, I met a builder who told me all about insulation! He has aslo built a strawbale house.....

I am getting housework done....

More later...

Full Moon at dawn...

2006-09-08T06:04:00.000+01:00

Full Moon at dawn...

Full Moon

2006-09-08T05:29:00.000+01:00

This morning, I am trying to get a great pic of the full moon. So far, my pics have come out like one bright headlight in the dark, so I am waiting for it to get a bit lighter before I try again! I am realising (late in life, I know), that my body is attuned to the moon and it's pull. I even started my monthly cycle yesterday! How's that for timing? Yes, a bit personal, but isn't that what a true blog is supposed to be?! I have a Moonphase button on my page, and it tells how all women are influenced by it's forces. Once upon a time, I wouldn't have even thought about this subject, but I am learning alot about myself lately, and am fascinated to find out things I wasn't aware of, even a few months ago!
Will try for another pic in a mo.....

And how about this....unless they have spyware, how would they know this? Taken from the Moonphase site just now:

Meetings with influential people: father, mother, boss, president, bank manager. Matters of honour and prestige. Seek professional advice for guidance. Vocational decisions. Consciously directed goals. Male influences. Eyesight: visits to the opticians or doing eye exercises. Psychotherapy: applying NLP techniques; father issues; ego-development work; power and identity issues - especially for men. Also, bringing things out into the open. A time for self-honesty. Gold prospecting. Try not to get over-tired as exhaustion is a possibility. Cleaning bright surfaces - polishing. Purchase Sun items. Royalty. Managers. Executives. Government and political matters. . Yang energy. Creative energy and self-expression. Artistic and music work. Talismans for power, health, strength and influence.

I went to the optician's last Thursday. My latest NLP technique was last night at 9.25. Vocational decisions, my eCommerce shop.M, V and L were the professional guidance (sooo appreciated)x.The goal for my shop to open is the 15th.....etc etc, I am very impressed!
My Housing Association have made me Grounds Maintenance Monitor, as I volunteered for the vacant post. My job is to keep an eye on the Grounds Maintenance man and award him points for his services! Could be quite fun!

More as the day progresses, I have no doubt!

Town trip today

2006-09-07T15:17:00.000+01:00

Went to town with mum, C and A today! I got a new pr of boots for walking! Also got a new mop for my floors. Saw Ben there and we went to a cafe to eat lunch. I broke the news of his clothes and told him that I had sent the dosh for another puffa coat for him, that I won on Ebay last night after doing my tesco.com order. I could spend hours on Ebay, and it is so convenient for us shut-in types! The next big thing I have to get is a new carpet for my room and a new bed. I really must get motivated now to clean this living room, as C's piano teacher will be here in just over an hour. Must go! More later, maybe....

Update 10pm...
It,s nearly bedtime, and will be getting some more done on my site tomorrow after the usual chores are done. I want the site up asap, ready for promoting by the 15th,at the latest, so have alot of work to do! There are plenty of new things at the dropship site for me to include, and have got my meta-tags done already. I will be giving discounts for the first month or so, to get repeat customers and build a good rep for my company. Paypal will be my payment gateway for now, till I get more established, and remember, you don't need a Paypal Account to make transactions! When I had my site up before, the host made it impossible to add meta-tags to the home-page, so had complete control and charged £250 a day for promo! Well, I don't think that's fair, so I discontinued our contract mutually. Now I am ready to start again and be succesful!
Hope everyone has a good night!

Bye for now

Quiet day ahead

2006-09-06T11:46:00.000+01:00

I think I shall have a quiet birthday today.......nothing to report as yet, thank god.

Well, the riddle of the lost case and holdall is partly solved. Cops got a report from someone that a burned out case was found in a field in the village. As they thought I suited the bill as Detective, they gave me directions as to where it was. First I couldn't find it, so went home and called the nice Policewoman again. When I had had a cuppa, I went again, and the owner of the field was in it, and it said 'Private'. So I explained to him why I was there and took a look at the burned contents and case. Definitely Ben's stuff, including his lovely puffa jacket I got him off Ebay, and his Fubu sweater, etc etc.
The owner said that his neighbour had run the guys off and tried to put the fire out, as it was in a field of long grass....what idiots live here! Anyway, I talked to neighbours and found out there were four of them and so there are witnesses....and a forensic scientist came to the house this am before the case was found to take prints from the cd's that were tossed in the school field..... such service! I was impressed!
Anyway, I guess she will be sent to the field now to take more prints, as I told cops that there were four objects that were smooth and shiny for good prints.....
So I am just waiting to hear from them now. Lovely bd for me....just call me gumshoe! Or no sole, as I can see my foot thru it from so much walking!

And, finally! My water butt came after more than two months waiting! It had gone to the wrong address.....etc etc! Need a new drill bit before I can set it up tho. Also found my door key! Maybe go on the bus to town tomorrow to get a new mop and a pr of hiking boots.......yay!

Drama at no.16

2006-09-05T18:25:00.000+01:00

+I thought I was going to have a peaceful day!
I had come back from the village shop, Andrew was asleep in his stroller, and I had just done my Paul McKenna trance.......I felt great!

Then, C came in and said Ben was here. He was starting trouble next door, as his necklace got stolen from here a while ago, and the bloke next door has it. His mum was on her lunchbreak (therapist), and got extremely angry at Ben as he was threatening to beat her son up. He had bought it off another little rogue from around here apparently, except the rogue says he didn't...complicated, but there we are.....
After using his usual behaviour to gain entry to the house, he ranted and raved and messed the Sky up again, by moving it downstairs ......he thought he was moving back in!
He just didn't get it....Anyway, with everyone out of the house except for him, I waited till he was in the shower and called the cops..........and as it wasn't exactly a life threatening incident, I called the non-emergency number. Got through to a machine several times till the control room took the call and said they would send someone out! An hour went by, and it looked like it was going to rain, so I called again to ask when and if someone was really coming to help. The cop on duty said all officers were tied up, but they would send someone as soon as they were free! Whenever that would be.....
A few minutes later, they arrived, and Ben kicked off to a good start by f-ing at me! They went in the house and made sure he knew he was to leave....but he still didn't get it......he wanted them to wait till his washing was out of the machine, and even asked me to cook him an egg! Ummmm, what?
Anyway, after his washing was done, the cops went in to get him out, and he didn't take the washing with him! Just playing games....

Anyway, he asked the cops for a ride, but they weren't going his way, so he is down the road, sending messages via one of the little rogues, that he needs a bite to eat. I said I'd make him a fish sandwich and he had to come back in 15 minutes for it, but Ben was NOT allowed to come here.
More later

I thought my day couldn't get much worse! But, oh joy, was I wrong....

After I had cooked the fish sandwich, I had to run upstairs, as A had been calling me repeatedly for a few minutes but I couldn't leave the fish in the pan......when I got upstairs, he was a mess...NO.2 of course! So, I ran a bath for him and while I was in the bathroom, havoc was reigning downstairs!

After I got A dry and clothed, I went downstairs to a kitchen and living room heavily coated with icing sugar (2 boxes). I went berserk, and went outside to find C and her 'friend' running up the road, covered in white powder. I called them back and made them clean up the mess. C is grounded for 2 weeks with no computer. (and no friend contact). All she will be able to do is her schoolwork! They had been in the process of making me a birthday cake for tomorrow, when they went nuts with the icing sugar........ As they had set the fire alarms off because of the fine particles,I had to open the front door. In all the fuss, I have mislaid my front door key... B walked in to the house peevishly and asked if he could get something to eat.......I was so mad by this time that I told him to get whatever he wanted and get out. He said he had a ride in the morning then he could take the rest of his things to Leominster........I haven't said he can't stay over, as he will be sleeping in a field otherwise.......

He has gone to get his case which is in a field somewhere in a hedge.......

He had a fight in town before he got the bus here, so will have to change his lousy attitude or get into deep doo doo...... and find self-respect through work...
He came back and someone has stolen all his belongings.....

I need that trance again NOW!

UPDATE WED> 6TH: Ben has gone back to town on the bus, after making police report for his stuff. He found some of his cd's in the field and they have fingerprints on them...

New Words, from strangecosmos

2006-09-05T08:14:00.000+01:00

1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately,shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

4. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

5. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

6. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray painted very, very high.

7. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

8. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

9. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness

10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes andit's like,a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a grub in the fruit you're eating.

18. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an a** hole.

We will miss you Steve....

2006-09-04T15:10:00.000+01:00

Steve got stabbed in the heart by a Stingray barb, and died while diving.
We are so sad, and will miss your educational shows.

American Shepherd's Pie!!??

2006-09-04T09:19:00.000+01:00

1/2 cup chopped onions 2 lbs. chopped? beef 4 large sliced carrots 2 cups peas Small amount of cooking fat 3 cups water 6 cups mashed potatoes GRAVY: 2 cubes beef bouillon, 1 tsp Bisto to thicken.

Cook onions in oil until transparent. Brown ground beef and drain off excess fat. Add water, crumble bouillon cubes, and carrots? lol! Simmer gently for 10-20 minutes,stirring frequently, do not let it cook dry. Add more water if necessary. Mix bisto according to directions on tin and add to meat mixture, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens. Place meat mixture into an oven proof casserole dish, if the gravy covers the meat mixture drain off and reserve to use later. I would advise to make lots of gravy.Spoon peas over mixture, and top with mashed potatoes,making a design with a fork on top. Place under grill or in oven, until top is a golden brown and serve immediately with the extra gravy.

Wow! And I always thought that was Cottage Pie! Silly me!

Tamale Pie Recipe

2006-09-03T15:52:00.000+01:00

Thought you might like to have this recipe for Tamale (Tamarly) Pie!
It uses cornmeal, which in the UK, is Polenta (unmade), available from Daily Bread in Cambridge or Northampton,and is available online at Northampton.
Mexican origin, and one of my faves from the past.

Ing.
For the Tamale crust:

5 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
2 1/2 cups cornmeal (unmade polenta)

Combine above ingredients in saucepan, over med. heat. Cook till thickened, about 15 minutes.Stir frequently. Line the sides and bottom of a greased casserole with cooked mixture.

Tamale Pie Filling:

2 tbsp shortening
1 lb ground beef (mince)
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup sliced olives( black or green)
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup cream style corn (not available in the UK) so just use canned corn and mush it up.
1 tbsp chili pepper
2 tsp salt
1 cup grated mature cheese.

Melt shortening in frying pan.Add ground beef and cook till browned, and then add remaining ing. except for cheese. Simmer about 20 mins. Place in the casserole and put the lid on with the rest of the Tamale crust mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 35o for 45 mins or so.

Ok! Seems everyone's done this, except for me......

2006-09-03T14:22:00.001+01:00

1. How tall are you in bare feet?
5' 7"
2. Have you ever been cheated on?
Yes
3.Do you own a gun?
No
4.What do you think of hot dogs?
I think all hot dogs have a right to a decent sex-life.
5.What's your favourite Christmas song?
They are all lovely.
6.What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Tea
7.Do you do push-ups?
I like the strawberry ones I used to get in America.
8. Have you ever done ecstasy?
Don't need pills for this purpose.
9.Do you like Disney World?
Only been to Disneyland, Cal. It's a small world after all.
10.Do you like the rain?
Yes
11.Do you own a knife?
Kitchen knives only.
12.What do you smell like?
Mostly human with a touch of Charlie Pink.
13.Do you have ADD?
Sometimes during stressful multi-tasking jobs.
14.Full initials?
CAF
15.Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
Need a cuppa.
Hope it doesn't rain.
This is taking forever.
16.Name the last 3 things you have bought today?
Nothing, as the shop is closed.
17.Name 5 drinks you regularly drink.
Tea, water, tea, water, tea
18.What time did you wake up today?
6.30
19.Can you spell?
Yep
20.Current worries?
Plenty
21.Current hates?
None really.
22.Favourite places to be?
At the computer.
In bed. (with man of choice)
23. Least favourite places to be?
In a room full of dust.
In limbo.
24.Where do you want to go?
To the top.
25.Do you own slippers?
No
26.Where do you think you'll be in 10 years time?
In my strawbale house with no neighbours.
27.Do you burn or tan?
Both
28.Yellow or blue?
Blue
29.Would you give up your current life to be a pirate?
What kind of question is this? No.
30.Last time your cell rang?
Don't have one.
31.What songs do you sing in the shower?
Anything James Morrison
32.What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
Nothing.
33.How much cash do you have on you?
10p.
34.Last thing that made you laugh?
CP's blog about the German Shepherd!
35.Best bed sheets you had as a child?
Candy stripe flannelette ones.
36.Worst injury you have ever had?
Broken nose (twice)
37.Where have you been out of the US?
UK
38.Who is your loudest friend?
None of them are.
39.Who is your most silent friend?
Martyn.
40.Does someone have a crush on you?
Hope so.
41.Do you wish on stars?
Yes.
42. What song did you last hear?
You give me something, by James Morrison
43.What song do you want played at your funeral?
Am not having one.
44.What were you doing at 12.00 last night?
Taking Passiflora drops to help me sleep.
45. First thought upon waking this morning?
It can't be time to get up already.

That was far too long.....
Won't be doing one again!

Got the Sky fixed!

2006-09-02T19:16:00.000+01:00

C has the Sky in her room now, as I managed to fix the cable connector bit on my second try today! It is so nice and quiet in the living room now, without all the unwanted chatter from the goggle-box......

Ben showed up today, needing his ID's he had left. No probs, thank goodness!

Britt wants the phone put to incoming calls, but that can't happen till she pays the outstanding bill.A's dad won't answer his phone, so when I go to town next week, I am going to his wife's house to see what's happening. If she calls him from her phone, he may answer, you never know.

I downloaded Paul Mckenna's trance, and found half an hour spare to try it! I don't remember too much, and I am going to do it daily from now on! He has a great voice to relax by. I am still waiting to hear if I can go to the free 2 day NLP seminar October, when mum is in Respite Care. I am also going to Cambridge with LBP, to Daily Bread to stock up on bulk dried food for the winter. I am noticing the difference in my food bill now there are less of us here. Also there is complete silence at night at last. I slept really well last night! It must have just been stress that caused the insomnia I had.

I'd like to say thanks, to the people who helped me with NLP and Homoeopathic remedies. I appreciate you all!

Night....

The day is nearly over........

2006-09-01T21:08:00.000+01:00

After not being able to sleep last night, at 3 am I took Passaflora drops....don't know how many, as it was dark in the kitchen! It was either the drops, or getting mum's brandy from her drawer! I noticed that after a while, I tried to move, and my arm just wouldn't budge, and I knew I was going to drift off at long last! Then up at 6.30 with Andrew, and the start of a so busy day, which has knackered me out. First, there was the newly gained bedroom to clear out. The dust was so thick, we could hardly breathe. I found the vacuum wasn't working, so fixed it as it was only a wire out, after lunch. I still have a load of stuff to get out of there, but tomorrow is another day!

Then I had a brainstorm! If I put the Sky that was downstairs, upstairs, I would be able to get Ciara to stop watching so much TV! I am the proud owner of a very loud drill, and used it for the first time today! It is so hard to get a hole in the ceiling, to accurately line-up with the hole in the floor above! Well, I ended up recruiting the bad kids next door to do it...and then found the co-ax plastic thingy had come off the end while between floors, so all I get on Sky in Ciara's room, is, 'Satellite signal not being received'! So, I called Sky to ask about my insurance on the boxes I have. Turns out that I have to call the company first and see if they will cover the repair! That would be great if I could find the details in the stacks of letters laying around here....and he also said that there are scams posing as Sky Insurance. I asked him the number of the plan and he didn't have it. So now I will need to get a new bit for the end of the co-ax and then we will have TV up there!After that I am cancelling the Direct Debit for that company! Long-winded, I know but these are just some of the problems I have encountered today. But, I have made a start on building my new egiftshop, and it will be up and running very soon. Products will range from mystic gifts to the mundane ones, and I have the best prices in town! You can find my domain at www.giftsforalluk.co.uk . So, if you think you need a gift, we'd be happy to help you find one!
My slogan and new signature on all my outgoing emails.
At least with my new host, it will be a breeze to promote without having to pay the earth! With Christmas just around the corner, have a peek, and tell me all positive comments! (you can forget the negative ones)!

I have been having a problem with hijackers on my puter. Anyone else having a prob? Maybe I should change my Anti-virus, so let me know which ones you use, so I can try them out!

Well, my house still looks like a tip, and will do till I finish the work! Have to steam the wallpaper off the walls and re-do all. It will look really lovely when it's finished though, so that's my motivation.....

I wish you a restful night's sleep one and all...
night night, sleep tight.

Ben has gone!

2006-08-31T19:51:00.000+01:00

When he woke up this afternoon, I was expecting the shite to hit the fan! Ben's deadline for leaving home had arrived. I had given him 2 chances to sort himself with housing, but he wasted the dosh, so now he will do it the Ben way. It cost me £250 to get him to go quietly, even so, the ornate hand mirror that Britt got C from Corfu, got thrown and smashed. It is a small price to pay for our freedom from oppression and violence! Now we can get back to normal here, without walking on eggshells, wondering when ben will erupt. My house has an air of calmness now! I am relieved.....

Ciara did really well when she had her piano lesson, and her teacher wants her to compose her own music, as she likes to make up her own tunes!We will get a manuscript book when we go to town next! My brilliant girl!

My Blog

2006-08-30T15:26:00.000+01:00

I am glad that we had a power cut now! I had written about a chapter's worth of memories! After all that....poof! The computer has no food, and goes on strike!
Really, those things are in the past, and they can stay where they are for now. I have to stay on my path of personal growth, and not go backwards in time and space....
Bill, you are a great guy, but after all's said and done, I didn't put that ring on her finger and force you to the altar! I know you said it was my fault, you married her, but come on!
Anyway, thanks for sending me some Kraft Caramels, so I can make some caramel apple butter! yum....and I will send you a little jar of it for doing that. I can't believe Asda don't sell Kraft Caramels. Ex Green Card holders cannot do without them!Also fluffy marshmallow in a jar (also Kraft)
The other things I miss from America are Welch's Grape jam and jelly.....
This gives me an idea for my blog tomorrow!
bye for now

Ben going out tonight!

2006-08-29T15:27:00.000+01:00

A peaceful night tonight!
Ben is going out with his mate to a club.

I haven't heard from my other daughter since she left for Swansea. If you are reading this B, I am NOT unblocking your phone so you might like to let me know your address for emergencies.....Just called your number and you have put it back on! The only thing left now for me to do, is cancel the contract! You are helping to make my hair fall out B, and as far as I am concerned, all arrangements concerning A, are now null and void.Contact me NOW. I will call M, to see how he is set for having A for a while till you get yourself sorted, ok?

Teaching and working Sunday

2006-08-27T20:24:00.000+01:00

Busy, busy today, and had lots of fun with the kids. My dd is soooo good at playing the piano, and has been memorizing her tunes ready for this week's lesson. Also, she made delicious banana cakes with a bit if help, and we will make these for the Home-school police when she comes next month...(always helps to give them a little treat of some kind)!I have no worries anyway, as C is coming along nicely, and is much better at reading than she was six months ago. Using the computer helps alot, as you have to read to get anywhere!She can add and carry thousands and subtract and borrow thousands. The multiplying is coming along well too, and dividing is not too bad. C loves history, and we did Henry the Eighth in great detail a while ago and she knows all the wives in chronological order by name.....what a gal she is, and has a broad outlook on life. We have a really nice scene of a skeletal lizard in the desert, made from salt put into the paint for the sand...quite lovely...her piano teacher says!We did it on the lid of a shoe box, so it stands out from the rest of the pics on the wall.
A had a lesson on recycling today, as we got the compost bin delivered yesterday! He was very careful to carry the bag with the recycling bits in and the grass clippings....he had so much fun! It's important to teach them as young as possible about helping to save the planet.
C and I also put together a solar powered windmill I got off ebay earlier in the year, and she now wants another solar kit of some kind. It will help them when they are adults to be aware of alternative energy.
Next year, we hope to build a straw bale house and use recycled everything (except the bales of course). A huge lesson for life! We will have solar power and wind generators too and will be off-grid.
Anyway, now I am waiting for my water-butt I ordered about two months ago....these companies are so slow to deliver....they must wait till loads of people have ordered from one area till they finally come forth! I missed all the rain we have been having!
I have been doing the washing while the sun shines...
I am listening to James on the head-phones....so much soul, that guy has!
That's about it for today, but will be back tomorrow!

Got Tesco's?

2006-08-26T11:08:00.000+01:00

The weeks fly by so fast these days!

I wonder if anyone else has blogged their tesco.com order? Well, I am!
Here is my order for this week.....

First, the eVouchers I got this quarter! Good, eh?

Clubcard Voucher/eCoupon Code
Description
Value (£)
AG43GD4MC3K4
Clubcard Voucher
£9.50
A47PCDJCVBKV
Clubcard Voucher
£9.50
ARY6GBBH4G74
Clubcard Voucher
£9.50

6
Hovis Square Medium White 800g
Each
£0.94

1
A Bag of White Seedless Grapes Class 1 Loose (approx. 500g - 650g per bag)
Each
£-
£1.29
1
Tesco Eat Me Keep Me Bananas Pack
Each
£1.49

2
Tesco Organic Whole Cucumber
Each
£0.97

2
Tesco Organic Celery
Each
£0.99

1
Tesco Tomatoes On The Vine
Each
£0.98

1
Cooked Beetroot Vacuum Pack 250g
Each
£0.69

1
Mixed Peppers 3 Pack
Each
£1.17

1
Lean Pork Prime Shoulder Joint (bigger pack)
Each
£-
£6.45
2
Tesco Value Liver & Bacon Spreading Pate 150g
Each
£0.43

1
Tesco 2 Breaded Chunky Plaice Fillets 320g
Each
£1.96

1
Tesco Whole Milk 3.408ltr/6 Pints
Each
£1.62

1
Tesco Organic Butter 250g
Each
£0.87

1
Cathedral City Mature Cheddar 600g
Each
£4.39

1
Tesco Bacon & Leek Quiche 400g
Each
£1.58

1
Tesco Custard Cream Biscuits 400g
Each
£0.49

1
Walkers Cheese Onion 26 X 25g
Each
£2.98

1
Mini Cheddars Cheese 7 Pack
Each
£1.15

1
Tesco Dried Sage 17g
Each
£0.35

1
Marigold Swiss Vegetable Bouillon Powder 150g
Each
£1.48

1
Tesco Sage & Onion Stuffing Mix 170g
Each
£0.37

1
Crazy Jack Organic Red Lentils 500g
Each
£0.99

4
Tesco Value Chopped Tomatoes 400g
Each
£0.15

2
Heinz Spaghetti Bolognese 400g
Each
£0.89

4
Tesco Mackerel Filletsin Tomato 125g
Each
£0.47

1
Tesco Indian Easy Cook Basmati Rice 1kg
Each
£0.96

2
Tesco Ready To Serve Custard 425g Carton
Each
£0.35

1
Rowse Pure Maple Syrup330g
Each
£2.69

1
Heinz Salad Cream Top Down 460g
Each
£1.59

1
Tesco Mayonnaise 750ml
Each
£0.74

1
Tesco Original Pickle 450g
Each
£0.69

1
Mccain Homefries 2.25kg
Each
£2.05

2
Tesco Barbeque 15 Chinese Pork Ribs 1kg
Each
£2.00

1
Tesco Large Chicken 1.9kg - 2.3kg
Each
£2.96

1
Tesco Value Cooked & Peeled Prawns 400g
Each
£1.98

2
Tesco 4 Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets 380g
Each
£1.88

4
Chicago Town Pepperoni Twin Pack 340g
Each
£1.00

2
Radox Bath Saltsmuscle Soak 400g
Each
£0.98

1
Charlie Bodyspray Pink 75ml
Each
£1.48

1
Wella Shaders & Tonersmahogany 55 14ml
Each
£0.75

1
Daz Automatic Powder 10 Washes/950g
Each
£1.89

1
Fairy Automatic Non Biological Powder 10 Washes/950g
Each
£2.46

1
Comfort Concentrated Easy Iron 750ml Bottle
Each
£1.23

1
Kleenex Family Tissues White 3ply Regular Twinpk
Each
£1.98

1
Andrex Toilet Tissue White 9 Roll 2169 Sheet
Each
£3.87

1
Whiskas Adult Chicken & Vegetable & Nuggets 1kg
Each
£1.98

1
Whiskas Adult Tuna & Vegetable & Nuggets 400g
Each
£0.87

3
Whiskas In Jellysalmon 390g
Each
£0.52

1
Whiskas Adult Mixed Selection In Gravy 6x400g
Each
£2.98

I have a third of the pork roast in the crock-pot now, with green pepper, onions, celery, sage and rosemary.......

The cats are very happy too!

Sense of humour, please!

Home now

2006-08-25T10:14:00.000+01:00

I haven't blogged for a few days because my youngest dd and I have been retreating in Shropshire. C had a great time with her friends, and I did too, with mine. C and I hadn't been away from this house together for 4 years, so we deserved our few carefree days in the beautiful countryside. We will go away again, as soon as I have respite care for my Mother. My other dd (one of the d's standing for 'demonic') actually took care of mum till I got back! Of course, when I got back, the crap started, as I was the audience.....but all is well now. Off to Swansea, with a last chance ultimatum of 8 weeks to come get A. I am so glad she has gone, as the venom is toxic....

B was out when I went to bed last night, so I locked the door!

I got a new phone while away, so now have a cordless! yay!(Throwing at walls prohibited)!

Thanks so much, kids, for the 207 infections on my puter when I did a scan today.....including a Trojan registry and a dialler for a porn site...... thank god for Spyware Doctor...well worth the dosh.

I am looking forward to getting a bedroom in 6 days time. I have plans for the place, but not before I have cleansed it with sage.....thanks, V, for the unusual shell you bought for me! It will have pride of place in there.....

Saw S yesterday, and he is bringing me some greengages today so I can make jam. Will make as much as poss later on in my breadmaker......perfect jam every time! Greengages are my favorite fruit of this season, yum yum! (Russian derivitive word)

Anyway, more as it happens later!

Foot still down and they are still here....

2006-08-20T10:50:00.000+01:00

I went to bed last night before Martyn and Britt got back. I heard them come in from the local pub, but stayed upstairs and got the impression they had a good time. No yelling!

When I woke up, I took a shower and realised M and B had slept together in Ben's room......
They got up, and had breakfast together and then we chatted, and I think they are getting together again. Housing is a problem, as Martyn is at his psychopathic Mother's house on the couch in Wales. Britt has no home, through her fault only. I suggested that if they are going to be a family unit, that they apply for homeless status, then they can get a place in Wales. They are both asleep now.........11 AM.....that's what a hangover does....

Britt wants me to let them all stay here! The cheek of it! I stand firm....

More as it happens....

Putting My Foot Down

2006-08-19T19:10:00.000+01:00

I have the feeling I am not getting through to Britt at all. I got things thrown at me and abusive language etc, but I haven't given up! Just because I agreed with Martyn about Andrew going to him, Britt told him he couldn't have him permanently, like he wants to. She is being a control freak, and hasn't got Andrew's best interests foremost in her mind. She has threatened me if I let Martyn have him while she's away in Swansea and will not take him with her. She says she wants 3 months to get a place, but I have heard that before, the last time she did this! She has gone to the pub alone now and before that, Martyn just walked out without saying goodbye......what to do........

Happy Families?

2006-08-19T16:47:00.000+01:00

Andrew and Daddy

2006-08-19T12:40:00.000+01:00

Waiting for Britt

2006-08-19T09:57:00.000+01:00

Today is Andrew's Birthday, he is 3 years old, and is waiting for his Mum, Britt, and his Dad, Martyn, to come see him, and bring him the roller blades he wants! He is so excited!
Ciara wrapped up his gifts from us last night, and he is busy opening them! The fun part is all the paper, and it really doesn't matter what's inside!!
More on this when it happens...

I am on Staph, a homoeopathic remedy for my negative damaging cycle I have been experiencing! I feel great! Also it stops the craving for tobacco, and if I have a fag, it is just out of habit, and nothing else. I am on this remedy for a whole month, so I'll see a great many changes while I'm on it. One of them will be Ben's eviction from the Big Brother House!
I am looking forward to the 31st, when it happens. I talked to him for a long time last night, and I know he just needs this push to start on his journey of personal growth and development! He agrees he has been taking the p***, and knows I mean it. I have told him what he has to do, and he has the choice of doing this the easy way, or the hard way. He is going to Hereford Monday to Home-Point, and this time he really will get there.He might look into getting a job as a bouncer, as he likes to wear his suit and tie!
More as it happens, later....

As I was about to go out to the village with Andrew, who was at the door....Andrew's Dad, Martyn! He brought a great big truck with loads of cars in it, a book and a lovely card for him! Andrew was so happy! We all walked to the shop, with Martyn pushing Andrew in his stroller. We got what we needed for a nice home-made cake, and a Birthday lunch. When we got back, they played together and had a great time being close. Martyn and I talked about his responsibilities. He is happy to have Andrew live with him, and is arranging for it, if Britt won't take responsibility back.

Britt is not here yet...

Update:

Britt arrived at 1.45pm, with lots of presents for Andrew, including a new bike, (his old one was stolen and then returned, ruined), roller blades with helmet, knee pads and elbow pads,new clothes, a lovely cake with Happy Birthday candles and lots of balloons!

I reminded Britt that she has to take back responsibility for Andrew, and it has to be now! Then the sparks flew, of course! After not taking her b.s, things calmed down a bit, and we had lunch, Martyn and Britt had a heated discussion with each other with mediation, (me), and now they have gone to the pub with Andrew to be alone......and talk!

More later.....

Have to make another plan of action.....

2006-08-18T14:46:00.000+01:00

B left this AM to go to the city to register with Home-Point. Instead, he bought pot with the dosh I gave him for expenses; then lost it.
I have told him he is gone on the 31st, whether he has sorted a place out, or not, so it's his choice.....

Will blog tomorrow

2006-08-17T14:47:00.000+01:00

In a misty haze today,(M induced), so will blog manyana....

A New Beginning...

2006-08-16T13:08:00.000+01:00

I knew I was feeling engulfed with emotion. My life has been smattered with abusive people all the way from the start. Funny how it is so hard to break the cycle. It takes a grand decision. I have taken it, and my life will be changing for the better now. Sometimes it's easy to be permissive, just to keep the peace around you, and the people happy, but in the long run it doesn't work, and in my experience, I have been treated like a doormat! Life is too short to live it walking on eggshells and pretending everything's alright. That was my situation yesterday, but starting today, things are slowly going to change for the better, and I will allow myself to enjoy my time on Earth with my daughter. We have had a history of distressing times, but now, thanks to people who care, we are leaving behind the bad memories and torturous behaviour of people around us. My daughter has started to come forward and have a sense of humour......and is getting on with reading books (Has read 3 today), and replying to the letter she got from her pen-pal in Shropshire! Strange how a seemingly damaging thing can turn into something positive and productive; but it did! Life is so weird sometimes!

Maybe, the people in my life who are taking the p***, will now have to take responsibility for themselves, and I will not make their lives easy from now on....B, no more steaks or money.....sorry buddy, you're gonna have to leave your overly comfortable home, and get a job! B, you will no longer have a free babysitting service, while you have a care-free social life....wow, you are gonna hate me for a while, but I am doing this for your own good, (and my sanity)!

I shall then have the luxury of a bedroom to myself; somewhere to go when I want. Instead of sharing the bottom bunk with an infant, I shall have my own bed, (and no kids allowed)!
And, instead of bailing my kids out of situations, and getting into debt, I will bail myself out!

Thanks to everyone and L the Homeopath, for getting it right.....I shall be a new woman in a month!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mama Cat, Bougainvillea and Pickled Eggs

2006-08-15T09:40:00.000+01:00

These are a few of the pics Blue took yesterday when she came to visit.

So much to do, so little time......

2006-08-14T08:26:00.000+01:00

Here are a couple of pics of Wigmore Castle and view from it. My mate, Blue (AKA Potion-Maker) is sitting on a turret-ruin with the countryside behind her. The parched fields look in desperate need of rain. The castle pic was taken in winter and looks much less barren now.
Got to get on now, but will continue later.

I have called to cancel my meeting on Wednesday afternoon, as I don't need the pressure that day.Anyway, I need all my info before we can have a productive meeting, and that hasn't come yet.....

Made pickled eggs in my new Kilner jar!

More later!

I wondered why you weren't online, Blue! Great to see you again, and I know you will do well Wednesday in B'ham! One thing I really like about you, is the way we can talk about anything !!x

M, if you're reading this, I am thinking of you....magick maker.

B came back on the bus......hmmmm.....

Simmering Sunday

2006-08-13T11:37:00.000+01:00

Another pic taken at the top of the road yesterday of the farm and hill behind....it's good for sliding down when there's snow. We don't get much snow anymore, but even a light sprinkle is great for sliding as it's so steep!

Well, today has been eventful, but not the kind of stuff I could make public knowledge. All I can say is that B is going with his sister to the city for a while. I will be glad of a bit of space. To say that he is taking the p***, is a gross understatement.....

M, thanks for being there, if only for a minute or two...

Blue, thanks for the Homeopathy link, will chat later when you come back from the woods!

More later, maybe.

The Horse and Cart

2006-08-12T12:53:00.000+01:00

I'm so glad I bought some decent batteries for my camera, and took it with me when I went to collect mum's prescription from the Nursing Home in the village today! I had to be quick, but I managed to get this lovely picture of how transportation ought to be........also took a pic of the estate where I live. It is such a beautiful part of the country, and I'm lucky to have such great scenery to look at whenever I want!

More later.....

Well, I have been the housemaid today......cleaning up the hovel. Next Wednesday's a big day, and I have to be ready.....although you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! It is one thing to have a visitor, but another thing to have a big-wig from Children's Services coming to my house to listen to me having a go at the inept HCC! I am going to be assertive and polite to him, and explain the errors they made. I am sure he is a nice man and very diplomatic, but I will still make my point and ask for things to be corrected. Even though they did wrong, I can tolerate the situation better if they apologise and make things right again.

A new subject now....

B came this afternoon and A had a good day with her. He has gone to bed now, and we are talking about the future. I am trying to talk her out of going back to Swansea to work, after what happened the last time she was there. She wants freedom and work and to have fun....after all she is only 19. I think it just depends on a decision by her which she has to stick to. Mistakes have been made but it's not the end of the world. I am trying to make her see that running away is not going to solve the problem. Complicated and serious this is........

M...you made my day today. Thank you for being such a great person to know and look forward to seeing you soon...

More tomorrow!

TGIF

2006-08-11T13:27:00.000+01:00

If I am boring you with strawbale images, then please feel free to let me know. Isn't this a beautiful sight? Shows you it can be done properly and not made to look like a shack! Yes, still dreaming......

I was too tired yesterday to put another entry in my blog.......the cops came roughly 26 hrs after the incident! Great service guys! That's what happens if you don't go through 999!

I got some lovely crystallised ginger yesterday in town and have been trying to pace myself on it! Beetroot is another great fave, and nobody else will eat it....!
Bought some lovely , sweet cherry toms at the shop that Ness grew and is selling! I told her she was living my dream.....

Now, some more "Things kids learn in school," taken from actual students work, from 8th grade to college level.......

Pharaoh forced the Hebrew slaves to make bread without straw. Moses led them to the Red Sea, where they made unleavenbed bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Philatelists, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 500 wives and 500 porcupines.

I hope you are having a good laugh reading these!

AND JAMES MORRISON'S UNDISCOVERED ALBUM IS NO.1! @~}~~
www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com

Annual Pilgrimage to the Jobcentre

2006-08-10T18:15:00.000+01:00

I loved you Wolfie ....

Today was the day I had to go to my annual interview at the Jobcentre! Oh, what fun it was......

After getting mum up and dressed appropriately for the bus ride, and the others ready, we set off up the road to the bus stop. I had to sit mum on the salt/grit container at the top of the road, as there was no other place for her to sit down and wait. When the bus came, I enjoyed the ride to town, as everyone was good! I took mum, Andrew, Ciara and her friend, Jess, to keep her from being bored while at the interview. As we waited for my turn, Ciara was being a bit loud on the other side of the table we were sitting at, and mum got her walking stick and started gesturing her across the table with her loud voice for accompaniment and angry face! I just cracked up and giggled as I stopped her from commiting a crime! Everyone looked! I just knew something like this would happen if I took her out! There was no way out of this interview unfortunately, so go we had to!

Poor woman who interviewed me....I really vented on her about how Carers were used and that I already have a 24/7 job with no time off! Luckily, she took pity on me and cut it short and sweet so they could get us out of there PDQ!

We walked to the samosa shop and got a few other things, then sat in the town square to eat.Mother behaved thank goodness, apart from turning her nose up at the food, and the rest of the time we were there was uneventful!

When we got back, I had a call from Head of Children's Services about the formal complaint about my Subject Access, and without going into too many details, I have arranged for him to come next Wednesday at 1.30, as he wants me to tell him what I want them to do. Wow, that should be very interesting! Blue says I should get a solicitor to be here when he comes....... I also told him that I still haven't had my info, as some documents are archived.....they are so pitiful and get paid so much money to screw up people's lives........meanwhile, my grandkids get adopted.....

Ciara did very well during her piano lesson and her teacher said she played "Ode to Joy" really well, and was pleased with her progress! Good!

I don't know where the day has gone, but it has.........

Must relax after I have made supper, tidied up and done dishes, got Andrew bathed and hung the washing out, cleaned the loo and floors and put the clean clothes away. The dust is awful too..............!

Things kids learn at school!

2006-08-09T18:26:00.000+01:00

The Bible is full of interesting caricatures. In the first book of the Bible, Guinesses, Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. One of their children, Cain, asked "Am I my brother's son?" God asked Abraham to sacrifice Issac on Mount Montezuma. Jacob, son of Issac, stole his brother's birthmark. jacob was a partiarch who brought up his twelve sone to be partiarchs, but they did not take to it. One of Jacob's sons, Joseph, gave refuse to the Israelites.

Things kids learn at school!

2006-08-09T18:16:00.000+01:00

The inhabitants of Egypt were called mummies. they lived in the Sarah Dessert and traveled by Camelot. the climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere, so certain areas of the dessert are cultivated by irritation. The Egyptians built the Pyramids in the shape of a huge triangular cube. The Pramids are a range of mountains between France and Spain.

Thoughts of the day

2006-08-09T07:58:00.000+01:00

Today I am full of thoughts, so I'm writing some down!

These are bumper stickers I think are sooo funny! I have assigned them to people I have had experiences with in my life.......

Your Proctologist called - He found your head! For my ex

Ax me about ebonics. For my son-in-law

Boldly going nowhere. For Star Trek Steve (deceased)

Honk, if anything falls off. For the Wilhite brothers of the cursed mountain.

I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person. For Paul W.

Body by Nautilus; Brain by Mattel. For Ron (Grizzly Adams)

How many roads must a man travel, before he admits he is lost? For all the men I have known.

Constipated people don't give a crap. You know who you are.

Illiterate? Write for help. For Paul, Ron and the Wilhites of the cursed mountain.

Grow your own dope-------Plant a man. For Dave

I'm hung like Einstein and smart as a horse. For my ex

Take your ex out tonight (one bullet oughtta do it)! For my ex

Get even; live long enough to be a problem to your kids! For mum!

If you can't live without me, then why aren't you dead? For Bill!

Consiousness; that confused time between naps. For mum

My kid has A.D.D. and a couple of F's. For Ben

If you think I'm a wimp, my wife will kick your ass. For my ex

If you can't treat me like a lady, fuck off. For Marie (next door)

Nice start to an interior of a strawbale house......

2006-08-08T18:42:00.000+01:00

Tuesday tiredness

2006-08-08T09:56:00.000+01:00

I have had an overwhelming day so far. It all started when I woke up. I am now on strike because I have had enough. If they want clean clothes...they can wash them. If they want to eat....they can cook. If they want a clean house......they can clean it. I think I have been treated like Cinderella. Take, for instance, yesterday, when B and his mate had, through no fault of mine, walked 20 miles in the space of 24 hrs. This was the order....after he had already cooked ribs and curly fries not two hours beforehand; "Yo,Pea-brain (or words to that effect, which I am numb to), get me a sandwich. I want the bread slightly toasted and don't scrimp on the mayo. Put ham and cucumber in it. Don't handle the tomato too much while you are slicing it, as it will go all warm and yuck. Do me two rounds."
Talk about taken for granted.....but the awful thing is, I did make him food, just like some unpaid slave. I thought, at least in America, that slavery was abolished in 1862?? Well, this slave is now having a rest! What is wrong with me? I have always done too much for my kids, that's what! It was wrong, and doesn't help them in the long run when they grow up. I will now take a leaf out of Blue's book and then I will have some time to breathe, without being beckoned for a drink of squash or whatever!
Anyway, the lock guy is here having trouble with my patio lock that he couldn't finish last time he came as it's about twenty years old.I hope he can fix it, so we don't freeze this winter.You can see the outside with just the bolts on it, but at least it's secure I suppose. I hope the price doesn't go up, as this is costing an arm and a leg already!
Cops have been arresting people today from next door!Hooray! First it was her boyfriend this morning, then one of the sons, just now. The other one will follow I am sure, if they can figure out where they have hidden him away! It is about time they got what they deserved......
Thoughts of the day:
My strawbale house plans. I think I will have lots of arches Mexican style for doorways and make doors out of reclaimed wood. Window frames will be reclaimed too. Maybe build on one of the uninhabited islands of Shetland! Just dreaming of course!

Full moon restlessness

2006-08-07T21:40:00.000+01:00

I couldn't sleep last night....
I had a late night anyway, and usually as soon as my head hits the pillow, I am asleep. As I lay in bed, thinking of the day, my mind wandered around and around. Couldn't get one song out of my head, then about M.....and feelings I can't go into here because they would be X-rated....
Today has been busy as usual...then Blue got here with the kids after having had a picnic at Ludlow Castle, and we talked for a while, had a good laugh and then she took some pics with her many pixel camera. I will get some posted when she sends them to me.
Britt is here getting some of her clothes ready for work tomorrow.....then she is getting a taxi back to Hereford later. Hope Andrew is asleep before she goes, then he won't be sad.
Thinking of you....

What more can I say?

2006-08-06T20:35:00.000+01:00

Escaped from Colditz

2006-08-05T16:06:00.000+01:00

Amazingly, things worked out for my escape today, even though my dd, Brittany went to Glastonbury instead of coming here to watch over everything! I think I might as well adopt Andrew, as he already calls me mum, and his mum, Brittany....sad really, but I am stable and he feels at home here.
My dear friend, Blue, arrived a bit late, but we still managed to wake Ben up and get him to babysit Andrew and mum. I would have taken them, but Blue had taken most of the seats out of her 7 seater, so we had to compromise a bit. We told him we would be an hour, but got a little bit carried away, but we did do the thrift shops and the New Age boutique. We bought hot veggie samosas, and Blue got indigestion.....but she loved them anyway! I think we need a whole day next time! After coming back, Blue got freshened up, ready to meet her friend in Leominster for a picnic and walk.
I found some preserving jars at the warehouse in Leominster, so now can do lots of pickled eggs! As fast as I have been making them, they are disappearing at night when my nocturnal son is about......
It's a good job my computer has insurance, as the button to the burning drawer has broken....and I have only used it once before......
Well, there might be a cottage to rent in Shropshire.....Blue is finding out about it, and you never know, it might be suitable, except, unfortunately, (or not), there won't be enough room for all of us unless I turn a different room into a bedroom.......at least it is detached and is circa 1800's. so might even have some ghosts! Has been empty for a couple of months now, so maybe I have a chance. They are thinking about getting a letting agency to take over, so Blue has asked them not to, as I don't have a full-time job, and wouldn't pass the prerequisites for the tenancy!
Anyway, that's all for the minute!
Will write more later, maybe!
Blue, the more you go to the castle, the easier it will be! Anyway, thanks for such a lovely day out and the aduki beansprouts are delicious..having some now with my roasted red pepper hoummus and celery!
Thoughts for the day:
Maybe I was put on this earth to procreate and look after kids.
Going to look for some Tarot cards and a book for my 31 yr old daughter, so she can charge $10 a time at the swap-meet. Then, maybe she would be able to help herself, instead of asking me for dosh.....on to Ebay now!
Why do jobs have so much red tape just to get them, only to find out you are making someone else rich!
Thinking about new art projects for C to do.The window painting is great darling!
Night night....

Friday again....

2006-08-04T15:28:00.000+01:00

Hi All,
Today is dragging! Maybe if I had remembered sugar at the shop when I went, I would be having a cup of tea(or two), and feeling a bit jiffied up!
It all started to go downhill this am when my Housing Officer and the local cop came to visit about the trouble with the neighbours! They came before I had taken a shower or done any housework. I spied a big chip on the floor after they had left and they must have thought my house looked like a pigsty (as it does most of the time)! Hey, we can't all be obsessive compulsive over house work can we now? Anyway, they said I could apply for a mutual house exchange, but also said this wasn't a popular area, as it's so rural! I told them this village is overcrowded with no amenities, and I would be happy in a barn in the middle of an 80 acre field.....then they said I might have more luck getting somewhere on it's own, without neighbours, if I went for private rental property! If my credit holds out, which I doubt it will, I would go for private, but till next August when my payments start coming for my ex's bankruptcy, I expect I will stay put here. Let the neighbours move instead! Then I will get my strawbale house built somewhere or other!
Got stung by a wasp yesterday for the first time ever! Funny it didn't really hurt!
No sense, no feeling!
Thanks for calling, M! It was lovely to talk to you again! I know we will have lots to chat about when we see each other on the 16th!
Ben has his magnets and is very happy!
I did a tesco.com order for tomorrow! Then I thought about things I had forgotten to get, so had to change it.....
More later, maybe!
Bye for now...

Forgiving Fursday

2006-08-03T15:36:00.000+01:00

Today I am trying to get to grips with my feelings. Last night my son was stoned by 6 yobs and I feel they might try to kill him if they get a chance. There is a part of me that wants to get even, and there's another part that says that then I will be as bad as they are. It's good to write about my problems about the neighbours from hell, as it releases some of the tension as I get it off my chest. I feel the police are wimps in this country and feel maybe they are scared of getting hurt themselves. If the incident that happened last night,happened in America, the criminals would have all been locked up by now. This is England though;land of polite people and traditions of bullying. The attitudes of the parents transfigure onto their offspring like a zerox machine. The majority of people turn a blind-eye to problems that need nipping in the bud before they escalate out of control........asbo's are just bits of paper and unless the person does something else, it can't be enforced. They are letting them have another chance to hurt someone, maybe fatally. The cops left my house without me feeling justice had been done. So, for a great many citizens, night falls, as fears of mini-terrorists whirl around in their heads......
Switch off time!
It's a lovely sunny day, and the repair man has come to fix my patio door that Andrew lost the only key for! I am also having 2 bolts on it! He is getting extra keys too!
The children have been playing out and on the trampoline today. The tv blew up yesterday and so they will have to find their own entertainment as I am not in any rush to get a new one!
More later, maybe.....

LBP Puts Down Roots and Discovers.....

2006-08-02T15:27:00.000+01:00

Blue is such a great blogger!

Windy Wednesday

2006-08-02T10:29:00.000+01:00

Hi all!
First comment is for Blue. You asked how to link to my blog. Well I am going to experimant today to see if there is any way to do this other than just use the icon that looks like a frog on the toolbar! I think you would have to use html to create a button to put permanently on the blog though!x
Today, I changed my template for the blog as the other one was too "in your face" and garish looking ! I thought the harbor was much more peaceful and relaxing.........tell me what you think!
Well, only one little tree pulled up last night by you know who! (Neighbours from hell), so I replanted and watered it. These Cypress trees are such tough little things and I recommend them as they are fast growing and can take a few knocks. (Sounds like me, doesn't it)?
M, thanks for your email and sorry you aren't well! Will look forward to your call later.......this is so much excitement for an old biddy like me! Might be snow on the roof, but there's fire in the chimney, or something like that!
On to a more mundane subject....
I have an empty mayo jar so will make some pickled eggs today with the lovely free range eggs from the village shop, but need more jars so please save them...and also jam jars with lids!thx
Well, that's all for now but may add later if anything significant happens
M called....and that's classed as significant! I also made a really yummy banana cake with wholemeal flour and sultanas, that is light as a feather and also got some eggs pickled!
Keep your fingers crossed for our resident scientist, Ben, who is a pain to live with as he is very anxious right now!

Tuesday Blues

2006-08-01T22:40:00.000+01:00

Hi all!
I have had a busy day! Boring stuff really, but with my bleach in hand, have cleaned up enough to satisfy my blah standards right now!
It must have been the trouble last night with the neighbours from hell, causing me to lose sleep and call cops! The country should be peaceful and beautiful....not peppered with people's insatiable desire to annoy others!I hope I will not have to post about this again, but you never know...
I have not heard from my sweet man tonight yet but where there's life there's hope...or to put it another way....if you don't hurry up, I will be in bed and won't hear the phone! I will even edit this if you contact me within the next half hour! Men! Who would be without one? Just when I want to pour out my thoughts of lust!
Night has fallen on the land of plenty....just another joke folks!
Left an email for James Morrison, as I just love his cd and play it all the time.
See, told you this was a blah day!
Night night

Not washing day today!

2006-07-31T13:19:00.000+01:00

www.littlebluepetal.blogspot.com
Thought you might like to have a peek at my good friend's blog!
Her name is Little Blue Petal, and she lives near Shrewsbury. Blue is also home-edding her 4 girls and they live in a farmhouse. They are viditing on Saturday(8am), so will look forward to that!. We will go to the thrift shops and have samosas for lunch, and pick some fruit hopefully, at Smithy's lovely house in Burrington, about 4 miles from here!My wish for large pickling jars may come true when she comes! Then I will make everyone who wants them some pickled eggs! Please advise whether you want hot as hell or normal spiced!
Got my cd by James Morrison today in the post......hurray at last!I have only heard "You give me something" before, and have been listening to the other songs which are sung from experience I think! He has such a sexy voice!!!!!!

Day of rest??

2006-07-30T19:12:00.000+01:00

The day started off with my morning cuppa and the usual daydreams out of the kitchen window. I thought of my strawbale design.....round, square, oblong......and the way it might look when it's built. Where to build? Haven't a clue yet! Somewhere remote and beautiful hopefully, with a stream nearby, so I can hear the gurgling water and be free to think without noisy distractions and neighbours!
Went out to find some numb brain had pulled up another Cypress tree. I replanted and watered it, wondering about the person who did it. Thinking how they must not care about nature or have any respect.
Making red pepper,yellow pepper,green pepper,onion,sweet potato,cumin,coriander and brown rice for supper.
Talked to my sis in AZ, who has signed over her house to her greedy ex whom she owes child support to. Funny how she has lived there 11 years and now will leave with nothing but a few belongings. Never mind, I told her. I have done that several times, and material things don't really matter. Getting away from the cursed mountain does. Native Americans cursed the mountain when the settlers put them on reservations, and nobody has a chance there. Everything goes wrong. A better life is round the corner...
I would rather have peace in a tent, than be in a situation like hers has been.
It has rained today, and the parched land will soon be green again. I am looking forward to picking greengages soon and make some more jam. I want to make some pickled eggs but don't have big enough jars!
Life can be so strange.....

Rain has come at last!

2006-07-29T14:10:00.000+01:00

Last night as I lay awake, I could smell water in the air. It reminded me of the days I used to live in the desert 50 miles west of Phoenix, AZ, where it was dry most of the year, except for the monsoon season starting July.
I awoke to a sky full of grey and white clouds, with a breeze making my bamboo windchime play tunes on my front porch.I looked out of my kitchen window with my morning cup of tea at the hill in the distance with the green trees sitting on top of it, and wondered and daydreamed as I do every day.
Then at lunchtime it happened!
Beautiful cool drops of rain started to fall and quench the cracked earth beneath.It was a gift from Mother Earth to end the heat-wave,and a reminder of how fragile our ecosystem really is.
We can be thankful for dry weather for the harvest, with lots of strawbales leftover for eco-building!