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 |  Empty or full, shiny or a little in need of washing and sometimes just cracked! |
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I heard about these blogs and wondered why people would want to air their dirty laundry online. But I feel safe on this site so maybe it's worth a try. We'll see. This blog is complete. Please find my new blog from the link below...
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| The days pass in a whirl of activity and there seems less and less time to devote to anything leisurely or new. The days also seem to get colder and colder and it's hard to raise any enthusiasm for going out or taking a walk. I really don't believe spring is lurking around the corner; if she is, it must be a corner a long way from here. Wednesday evening hubby and I went for our induction at the health club. I wondered if they'd throw me out or consider me a health risk, but despite my weaknesses they've decided I am still alive and capable of improvement. My body fat, weight and blood pressure are all outside the healthy range but that's not a shock. What did surprise me is my resting hearbeat is good and my lung capacity normal. I'd be Superwoman if I didn't smoke. So, we now both have our program of activities to carry out and a reassessment in April. I just hope we have the time to devote to it and the novelty doesn't wear off too soon. We didn't win the Lottery on Wednesday either folks.  Thursday should have been my day out with my friend Joy, but sadly, her dog died suddenly and she was understandably too upset to come. I know only too well how devastated she feels. So, after a short shopping trip we decided to have our first session at the gym. What a pair of old crocks amongst all the sleek, firm young bodies.  Hubby refused to wear his glasses so could barely read the instructions on his card or the machines and I think I'd need a degree to understand the mysteries of seating positions, weights and instructions. So a case of the blind leading the blind, but we managed to get through it all okay. Probably did half of them wrong but hopefully it will get simpler. I shall refuse to help hubby out in future though if he doesn't wear his specs. I thought I was the vain one. I even managed a swim afterwards and miraculously no aches today.BOTH my computers were in bad moods last night. One had a wailing tower that wouldn't stop squealing for some reason and the other has decided to emulate a snail.  So, I'm way behind catching up on blogs and stuffage, so apologies if I've missed anyone. Almost time to venture out into the arctic conditions and order yet another low calorie meal at the pub. Oh, my halo must be glowing so brightly. I just hope if summer ever arrives, I'll be so slim and fit I won't be recognisable. No? I didn't think so either. My arm is loads better by the way. Amazing what a few little pills can do. Exercising my arms to Bon Jovi as I type. lol. God, I love that man's voice and music. Not much music I don't like actually; I'll even be watching American Idol later.  Well, some of the contestants aren't too bad and Simon makes me laugh. Anyway, enough rambling. Come on bottom, get out the chair. Come on legs...forward, forward, forward. If you're really good, you can have another session at the gym tomorrow morning. You know you love that treadmill and cycling machine...what do you mean, you'd rather stay in bed? |
| I feel like a whirling dervish today. Is that how you spell dervish? What is a dervish anyway? Thought I'd start the day with a long walk but half way round the park my eyes were streaming and my fwinkers so cold I thought they may drop off, so I gave up and came home. I don't remember such a long, freezing snap as this for a long time. And it's forecast to continue. So, we've met with my parent's gardener to discuss plans for when (if) the weather improves, taken my dad to the hospital for a pre-op test for his other cataract, had a light meal out, shopped for ourselves and my parents, picked my dad back up, delivered him and shopping and then made a dash to the doctors. My arm has been bothering me for three weeks since the fall and in the night it was very painful, so I had to give in and see the doc. Apparently, it's a 'rotator cuff' injury, which basically is an inflamed ligament rubbing against bone. I have a course of anti-inflamatories to take but if there's no improvement I have to go back for X-rays and steroid injections. We have our induction at the Health Club on Wednesday so I have to inform them of this injury and avoid exercising my left arm. Does this mean I'll end up with a muscular right arm and a flabby left one? Oh well, I've never been very well-balanced so why break the habit of a lifetime? |
| I don't believe any test can sum up the personality of an individual. Human beings are complex and unpredictable creatures on the whole. I think it's essential as a writer to 'people watch' and observe the different traits and character types found in any place where humans gather. Do you think everyone is contradictory in some way? Do you ever analyse yourself and your likes and dislikes, then draw rather confusing conclusions? I consider myself a typical woman in many ways. I love feminine clothing, cosmetics, perfume, weepy films and hunky men.  But in other ways I'm not a bit like a lot of women I know. If you want to press my cut off buttons and watch my eyes glaze over then just start talking about one of the following -1. Weddings. 2. Grandchildren. 3. Domestic tasks. 4. Neighbourhood gossip. 5. Soap Operas. No disrespect to people who enjoy discussing such things, but I much prefer conversation a little out of the ordinary. I like people who are off the wall, outside the box, divergent thinkers or however you wish to describe them. And I must admit a lot of characters who fall into this category are male. I have quite a few male friends and often find them more amusing and interesting than many females. Of course, there are exceptions to both those statements. I know some wonderfully bizarre women and some pretty boring men, so I'd never generalise. But that something different and special always seems to be present in creative people, particularly writers. PlannerDan   has already sung the praises of our little family here so I won't repeat it or try to emulate his eloquent words. But I will add that one thing I WUB about all my friends on here is their humour, their sense of the ridiculous, their ability to look beyond the obvious and make us laugh with way out thoughts.Which is all a very long-winded way of plugging the guest editor article by ccstring the MOST wonderfully gifted, hilarious and unique character anyone could be fortunate to come across. So if you haven't yet read it or come across this amazing being, please check out the Blogville News Issue 10. I guarantee you'll WUB him.
Sorry, I'm too dense to provide a direct link. |
| I received a letter this morning from the 'Legal Deposit Libraries.' I have no idea who they are but the address contains a list of associates belonging to The British Library. The letter reads - 'Your name appears in the catalogues of the Legal Deposit Libraries in connection with the work entitled - Now this early poem of mine has been published by two very small, amateur concerns several years ago, for which I received nothing but a free copy of each magazine. I have not a clue what the 'Legal Deposit Library' is or why my poem is in their catalogue. The reason they contacted me was to ask my full name and date of birth in order to distinguish between authors of the same name. The result of having a very common surname I suspect. Now if I'd stuck to my maiden name there'd be no mistaking me for anyone else...sigh. They also wish to know if I wrote 'Planning in the Appalachian Region.' Erm...I don't even know what 'Appalachian' means, never mind write about it. So it seems they must have writing by people of the same name in their records but aren't sure who wrote what. So does this mean I'm a recognised author? I have my name in the catalogue of the 'Legal Deposit Library,' whatever that is. And what of the other couple of things I've had published in small press magazines? Are they registered or not? It's all a mystery to me and I'm not sure if I'm famous or not. lol Oh well, we're going out for dinner now. Will I be recognised and asked for my autograph? I must admit it's so cold, wet and miserable here I'd love to order fish and chips and sink a bottle of wine...but I won't. By summer maybe, but my resolve will not weaken despite the lousy weather. You think I deserve a halo to go with those angel's wings? |
| Seems we weren't so good at picking the winning Lottery numbers. I think we got one number out of two lines. But I've decided to use those numbers every Wednesday from now on so I shall still live in hope. I may not be rich or famous but the treasures of WDC just keep on coming and I'd like to thank Nada for those angel's wings you see up there. I had another pleasant surprise this morning too. I've been concerned about one of our members and fellow bloggers who hadn't put in an appearance this year. But Mountainflower is back with a new handle caliope and I for one, am very pleased and relieved. She's a brave lady and a damned good writer. After two days of continuous rain it was clear this morning so yes, Lady D I have been shopping, but sadly not with the money from a winning Lottery ticket. As soon as I arrived in Nottingham it started to pour and it hasn't stopped since. GAWD, I'll be turning into a duck myself soon. I bet a drought will still be declared come June though. Not the right type of rain they usually say. Last night hubby and I went to check out a health and fitness club and have decided we'll give it a six month trial. I can't see me lifting weights or walking miles on a treadmill but they have a lovely swimming pool and ongoing classes in dance, Pilates and Yoga which appeal to me. Just hope it helps with the weight loss and we can find enough time to make the membership fee worthwhile. With that in mind I thought I better buy some suitable clothing. I may have lost some weight but that hippo still stares back at me through the shop mirrors and if I could look good in the sort of clothes the assistant suggested I wouldn't need to go to a gym. I think my old trousers and a baggy t-shirt will have to do until there's a little less to cover up! I did buy a couple of skirts one size smaller than I've been wearing though, so even though it's a slow job, it's encouraging. But now my feet are killing me, my back aches, my stomach thinks my throat's been cut and my hair's all fuzzy from the rain so I better go and do something else. Come on backside...get out the chair...why is it so easy to lose hours in WDC and so difficult to do the calorie-burning activities? |
| I was chatting to my sister on M.S.N. last night and she was ragging me about the fact I keep threatening to win the Lottery and never do. I've promised she and her hubby can give up work when I win. For someone who doesn't even buy a ticket herself, she sure knows how to lay on the guilt. She says I'm useless, hopeless, don't pick the right numbers and thinks I should find it a simple task to pick six winning numbers. Don't worry, she's only pulling my leg. On Wednesday I generally purchase a 'lucky dip' ticket in the hope that random numbers may be more successful than my own selection. But alas, so far they haven't. So, I had this idea! GAWD, it's damned early in the morning for an idea, so forgive me if it's a crappy one. I'd like anyone who leaves a comment to include a chosen number between 1 and 49. I'll then use the numbers collectively to purchase a Lottery ticket tomorrow. Now, don't go all clever on me and all choose the same number. My logic is how LUCKY I've been to find you special people so maybe some of that luck will rub off with your selected numbers. That would shut my sister up and don't worry, I'd treat all my WDC friends too. So get thinking where you'd like to go on our Lottery winner's writing cruise... Okay, back down to earth now. I gotta go get ready for the foot tickler. |
| My resolve to take a lengthy walk each day takes some thought and planning. I try to avoid areas where I used to walk my dog, as I find it upsetting and it's quite a challenge to find new routes. But every day I attempt to walk somewhere I've not explored before. It seems nature's cycle continues despite the unseasonable weather. There are buds appearing on trees and shrubs, crocii and snowdrops flowering and the new shoots of daffodils peeking through the soil. Last night as dusk approached a blackbird trilled its beautiful spring courting song and this morning I heard wood pigeons cooing; a sound I always associate with the prospect of better weather. But as I walk, I despair at what mankind is doing to our planet. I've always loved this riddle - Q Where would you see the most dangerous animal in the world? A In the mirror. I live in a small town which used to be surrounded by countryside. Slowly, this is being eaten away. Our lapwings will not be nesting in nearby fields this year; diggers and J.C.B's are tearing up the ground in preparation for the building of over 600 new residences. I believe the population is falling, this area has a high unemployment figure, there are many houses derelict or standing empty, the shopping area is very poor and run down, so WHY do we need new housing? I'm told it's cheaper housing for commuters but surely we shouldn't be living like this. The land is green belt but apparently that stands for nothing these days. Wherever there is a spare piece of land it seems it must be built upon. It saddens me and I envisage this small country in the future becoming just one mass of buildings and roads with no green anywhere. My walk today took me along the rear of a fairly old housing estate with some lovely properties overlooking farmland. The path was strewn with litter and debris, the fields contained many household items dumped by those too idle to take their unwanted goods to proper skips. Sometimes I despair of mankind. Not everyone of course; the cheery greetings and friendly smiles I receive from passers-by on my walks restore some of my faith. But those with the power to decide what happens to our environment really brass me off. Our government stands by and watches our countryside being taken over by buildings, encourages more roads and traffic and thinks by banning smoking in pubs and dogs from beaches it's doing its bit for the environment. What a joke. I shall continue to walk and explore new routes and watch nature do her work in the various seasons. This I can admire and smile about but wonder how long it will be before humanity totally ruins the world we live in. |
YES YES YES YES YES The diet I am following is from an old-fashioned little book called 'Lose a Stone in Six Weeks.' I have just completed week three and have indeed lost just over half a stone. I'm on target and very pleased. There's still a lot to be done, but I'm still motivated and determined. The biggest surprise is it doesn't seem as difficult as I first thought. I'm not writing much, I'm behind with housework and jobs but for now the weight loss takes top priority. So, I better get moving and go my daily treck. Just over two weeks to spring and snow on the ground, but that is so typical nowadays. This afternoon we are going to a friends's 40th birthday bowling party. I used to be good at ten pin bowling and won quite a few trophies in a league. Today, my main concern will be keeping the ball on the lane and avoiding ending up on my backside. How have the mighty fallen? I've also booked my birthday treat for August and it looks like being a potentially great day out. Just hope I last out that long. I could be so slim by then there'll be room for another body in the limo. lol In my dreams. Have a great weekend; I'm off to count those steps...now where did I put my wellies? |
| Some of my first thoughts this morning centered around the blog I wrote last night. I'd debated long and hard about the subject matter and can't even blame my entry on alcohol as I'm still keeping it to a bare minimum. It was with some trepidation I opened my WDC mailbox as I sipped my first cup of tea. (with skimmed milk of course.) Sometimes the words 'thank you' just don't seem enough. Sometimes I wish there was something I could do or say to show my appreciation of the people around me on this site. Sometimes I wonder at the little miracle that has opened so many new doors for me. But 'thank you' is all I can say and I hope you all know how much your words of kindness and support help and uplift. Some of the phrases used in comments and e-mails are beyond profound. I have taken them on board and will hang on to the wisdom given by my many friends here. The first thing I noticed as I descended the stairs was a parcel. I'd like to thank Nada particularly, for making my day start with a smile. Such excellent timing to receive gifts of such beauty, thoughfulness and amusement when my spirits needed a boost. There are special people all over this world and it is only through the internet I have been able to find some who have come to mean a great deal to me. Who could condemn that? So, here is my duck 'Dashing' living up to his name wearing the ducky bathrobe, inherited from one of Nada 's cute pooches.   A perfect fit wouldn't you agree? What a delight it was to receive another duck with a difference. I've decided to call this one 'The Duchess;'a term of endearment very close to my heart. Here she is carrying all the lovely goodies I received this morning.  Now, who could ask for a better start to the day than that? My life is not perfect and neither am I but I know I am truly blessed to have friends in my life who bring me so much joy. Yes, sometimes words are not enough so the best I can do is quote our dear CC. I WUB YOU ALL. |
| I swear sometimes there's a force that works against almost everything I try to do. My exercise routine is still being restricted and hampered by a painful left arm, which seems to be recovering one day, then getting worse the next. My sleep is also disturbed by it, as well as the lack of alcohol, the resident ceiling raiser and the number of visits I have to pay to the bog in the night, due to all this healthy water I'm drinking. Hence, I'm tired. The walking has been very difficult due to severely cold weather over the last week or so. Today has seen the coldest temperatures I can remember in a long time. Now, how am I expected to succeed with my 10, 000 steps battling against a force gale northerly wind, which makes my teeth chatter, my eyes smart and leaves me needing several hours to thaw out? No pain, no gain may have some truth in it but I didn't anticipate suffering Arctic conditions when spring is just three weeks away. Global warming? Someone explain to me why the first day of March is forecast as minus fifteen with heavy snow showers. I don't feel a bit like going to writing class or visiting friends afterwards. These sort of conditions just make me want to curl up in bed with a hot water bottle and a good book. (Or Robbie Williams.) I was not born to be an eskimo. I'm a Leo; I need sunshine. So, I better go and have my diet dinner. Cold weather always makes me want pies and stodge and chips and...but my salmon and rice is ready. Yum Yum. God, those scales had better make this mammoth effort worthwhile. Anyway, it's not all moans. A huge thanks to andrew for the Fashion Merit badge and generous gift points. I'm not telling you what instigated this but this young man is so kind, so supportive, so funny and so brave in the face of adversity. He makes complaining about the weather seem so trivial. So I won't. |
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