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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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Thanks to all those who sent in votes for their favourite blogger after the reminder yesterday. I can tell you there are nine different members in the running, but I ain't telling you who they are  So please, if you haven't yet voted, get round to it soon. I sent Sarma a text message yesterday wishing her a safe flight home and received one in return to say she'd got her times mixed up and missed her flight.  Oh well, at least it gave her some extra time with the lovely Annice and all being well, she now has a flight home at ten tonight. I hope to see her again one day.Last night I had a debate with hubby about visiting Australia next year when Paul is there. Apart from the long flight and the deprivation of nicotine I'd love to visit, but unlike our short breaks in Europe it would have to be for much longer than a week. Thereby lies the problem. Hubby's mother is 92 and amazingly independant still. She also has his brother and a grandaughter to help out with shopping and jobs. On the other hand I have two elderly parents to care for and there is only myself to do their shopping, washing and cleaning, as well as the day to day things that crop up. How could I possibly leave them to fend for themselves for a month? It's unthinkable. Hubby seems to think I should approach Social Services for help, but I know they will only involve themselves if old people need aid in washing, dressing, toileting etc. As yet that is not a major problem, but there is no way they could cope without someone to shop, clean and sort out any problems that may arise and that person is me. They are also proud people and would not respond kindly if I suggested they needed outside help. As well as feeling frazzled by the responsibility, I'm now wondering how on earth I can get to see my son and friends in Australia. People tell me I can't put my life on hold because of my parents, but what am I supposed to do? Like the Middle East it seems to me, there is no solution. Oh well, mustn't complain...at least we finished the latest jigsaw today. What more can a gal ask for on a Sunday? |
| I was in the middle of one of my lost handbag anxiety dreams when hubby woke me up to tell me Paul was online. Only for my son would I drag myself out of bed at that unearthly hour. His travel blog has been low on the ground due to power shortages after the typhoon, although Mark has updated his, so I think that's just an excuse for being idle. He has however been busy loading photographs into a Yahoo album which I have been searching for most of the morning. If I ever locate it I'll post the link. Why is nothing computer-related straightforward? They are now in Nha Trang after a long journey and loving Vietnam so much they've extended their Visas to stay there another two weeks. Mark's parents are presently on holiday there, so they plan to meet up with them, while I'm stuck here in dreary old England and about to set off for the first weekend jigsaw session with mother. Oh joy, bliss...whoopdedoo. Before I go can I just remind readers again to send in their votes for the Blogger of the Month. Votes are trickling in but I'd like to see a lot more - SO JUST DO IT! Sorry if that scared you. I hope to have the Newsletter ready for the 24th of this month depending on how many hazards I bump into.. To date, there has been no volunteer to take on the 'Sneak Peek,' column and as I'm not one to force things upon people, I can only ask again if anyone would like to take this on. Failing that, I shall abandon this part of the Blogville News and replace it with one or two shorter and easier to write columns. I already have certain writers in mind so be prepared for begging letters. Okay - Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to Jig I go. Aren't you all jealous? |
| It's been a lovely mini-break in London but now it's back to the humdrum and cleaning the bog. The weather has turned pretty foul too and I suspect Sarma may appreciate the warmth of Australia when she returns tomorrow. I travelled by coach to London as the train was far too expensive. It was a long journey but gave me chance to finish the book I started in Portugal at least. Sarma's daughter, Annice met me at the coach station in Victoria and we travelled by tube back to Richmond where Annice works. The little hotel Sarma had booked for us in Richmond was very charming and tastefully furnished. We had a cuppa then I took a stroll to Richmond park at the top of the hill. Actually Sarma had planned on coming with me, but I misunderstood and went batting off without her. Sorry Sarma - another blonde moment.  In the evening we made our way into central London, enjoyed an Italian meal then went to see the stage performance of Cabaret. Wonderful The following morning Sarma and I enjoyed our breakfast sitting by the French doors in our room. Had the weather been kinder we'd planned on eating outside in the cottage garden, but it was not to be. We then wandered down to the river and sat outside with coffee and cake by which time it was starting to rain. We perused the shops in Richmond, picked up a couple of bargains, then had a last glass of wine at the pub where Annice has been working to raise funds for her travelling. She intends returning home next January but still wants to see Morocco, Rumania and Bulgaria before then. She's visited many, many places during her travelling trip and I applaud her courage and the confidence her experiences have given her. Me? I was quite proud of the fact I managed to find my way alone across a small part of London to the coach station. Something I've never done before but a miniscule achievement compared to these travelling youngsters. So began the start of a very long, delayed journey home after a great couple of days. In fact I'm still bus-lagged today and way, way behind on WDC. I hope one day to meet up with Sarma and Annice again - who knows what the future holds? But for now, I'm just thrilled to have achieved one of my ambitions - to meet up with an internet friend. What amazing things this invention brings about. A few more photos below of course - just click to see them all.   |
| I'm very late making an entry today - in fact it's tomorrow here already but just to prove I'm serfectly pober and cery vapable of writing a blog at this time I'll just spill what comes to mind. I was relieved to read pencilsoverpens   is alive and well after the reports of the awful devastation caused by typhoons in her area. I hope she'll soon be back to full time blogging. My concerns now are with my son as the typhoon sweeps through Vietnam. He sent a message yesterday to say they were okay but have been told to stay put at their hotel and the power is limited. I'll be relieved to hear from him. Already he's had a fall, an upset stomach, a leak in his bag and now a typhoon. I can't even think what may happen in the next year or so. I also had a lovely parcel of gifts from silversara this morning from her recent trip to New York. That was a pleasant surprise and I thank her again for her kindness. Also thanks to iconoclast37 for taking time to read my work and sending some great reviews. It's a long time since anyone did that. Again I face a hectic few days and fear my time here will be limited. On Wednesday I'm travelling to London to celebrate Sarma's birthday and staying overnight. On Saturday I'll be going over to my sister's to celebrate my nephew's 30th burpday and staying overnight again. Gawd - I'm such a social butterfly. lol To be honest I'd appreciate a quiet period to get on with the backlog but would no doubt be complaining I was bored after a couple of days. Complex creatures aren't we? So, I'll do my best to catch up when I can but by Monday I expect to have 5000 volunteers to help with the Blogville News and 1000000 votes for the blogger of the month. You won't let me down will you?  |
| As I predicted at the start of September, it was a very hectic and emotionally exhausting month. Some things weren't as bad as I thought they'd be, some things were worse. Some things I enjoyed more than I'd anticipated, others were a bit of a disappointment. But such is the way of life. So a new month dawns and already I'm making unexpected appointments on my calendar. Life is what happens to us while we're busy making other plans for sure. Life too is full of surprises and I certainly had a few in September. One of them was an e-mail I received from David McClain regarding the Blogville Newsletter.You may or may not know that David McClain has sadly decided to end his editorship of the Newsletter, due to unforseen circumstances. I for one was very upset to read this and I'm sure we'd all like to thank him for all the hard work he's put into this project.I'm honoured that he has asked me to take over from him, but I have already told him I'm considering this a 'loan,' and hope the day will come when he feels ready and able to return to his rightful place as Editor. After all, it is his 'baby.' In the meantime, I shall do my utmost to continue the Newsletter as long as people feel the need for it. I'm not a technological genius and hope I can call on some of you more techno wizards for help when I'm struggling. David McClain has already transferred the back issues of the Newsletter to my Portfolio and after a bit of a struggle, managed to kindly forward the template. There will be a need to alter some of the layout and I hope I can reach out for assistance with this. Suggestions have been made that maybe a group or forum should be set up in order to attract more readers, offer suggestions and store gift points. I'll look into these things in due course, but I'm a bit of a plodder so please bear with me. My experience in such matters is very limited but I hope to get there in the end. Slow but sure wins the race to quote a worn-out cliche. I hope to be able to produce a Newsletter for October but as yet I have no idea how many problems I may bump into. I've already sent out requests to the writers I'd like to be included in the next issue. Some have responded positively and I thank them for that. From others I've had no reply as yet but I realise we all have busy lives and cannot live in WDC. However, without wishing to sound like Mrs Bossy Boots if I've heard nothing by the end of this week, I shall have to look elsewhere. For the moment the Newsletter will continue pretty much as David McClain sets it out. Time is limited and I think the present format would be difficult to improve anyway. I already have the 'Featured Writer' sorted and look forward to receiving her wise and witty contribution. 'My little part of Blogville' will continue as long as I can find folk to contribute. I'm going to have to do some homework here as to where people live and what these places are like - I was always bottom of the class in Geography. If you feel you live somewhere interesting, unusual or even downright awful and would be willing to write about it for the Newsletter PLEASE let me know.Nada will of course continue her participation and I WUB her for that. I will continue my 'List of Five' as long as it doesn't all become too overwhelming. I don't want the Newsletter to be dominated by Scarlett so please support it as much as you can by contributing and making suggestions. No, not the rude sort. I'm considering a couple of new columns possibly in the future and would welcome any fresh ideas you have. The Blogville News would never be the same without ccstring's 'Mr Know-it-all column', so again PLEASE send your queries about the weird and wonderful things you've always wanted to know the answers to and I'm sure he'll continue producing his brilliant contribution each month. I also sincerely hope zwisis will continue her wonderful 'Travelblogue' but I know we'll all understand if she feels she cannot manage it until she has less to contend with. Good luck with your move to Turkey lovely lady. I have approached a member about taking over the 'Sneak Peek' column but as yet have not received a reply. Should this person decline PLEASE if anyone feels they'd like to tackle this part of the Newsletter, let me know. Failing that I shall have to bludgeon someone into doing something else - be afraid, be very afraid - I have certain folk in mind. Be nice to me or David McClain gets it. I intend keeping up the 'Blogger of the Month' as I believe it's a good way to highlight new bloggers and a positive way of encouragement. So PLEASE let me have your votes as soon as possible and remember you can vote for anyone - there is no exclusion to The Blogville News. However, I will make the same ruling as David McClain - you cannot vote for me. Now before you go snotting and crying all over the place, remember you had your chances to hand me the crown, but never took them. lol At least now you can vote for the ex-editor though. So, I think that about covers it for the moment. Please support the Newsletter in what ever way you can and spread the news about it wherever you go. I'll be picking your brains that often you'll soon be yelling for David McClain to take it back.  I'll do my best but doubt I'll reach the high standards set by him. Again, many thanks for all his efforts and may things improve for him very soon. |
| It's a rather strange feeling not to have your child around on his burpday. But at least he phoned from Vietnam this morning so we could wish him a happy day. He's feeling amazed to have reached a quarter of a century - how the hell does he think I feel? lol The bus ride to Hue proved interesting apparently. As well as a group of backpackers and several locals, there was also a live chicken travelling on the bus. Reportedly better behaved than the rest of the passengers. I'm feeling a little melancholy today and missing his fun-loving personality. It's only three weeks into their adventure too...sigh. It's been a very rainy day too which doesn't help and to top it off I've just heard my first firework of the season. I hate this time of year. Not the autumn or the natural beauty of the season, not even the nights drawing in and the cold weather approaching. After all that is the way of the world and a natural process. No, it's the hype surrounding Halloween, Bonfire Night and inevitably Humbug time that gets to me. Already the shops are glistening, glittering and poising to begin the constant round of humbug music. I'd just like to escape somewhere and avoid it all. Be prepared for some serious grumping over the next three months. You lucky old things. |
| What a surreal few days it's been but very memorable and pleasant they've been too. Sarma is a lovely, easy-going, confident and warm person and I hope she enjoyed her stay with us as much as we enjoyed having her around. She arrived rather later on Sunday than planned after rather a lot of frantic texting - 'I'm an hour away,' I'm lost,' 'I'm on the right road now,' 'I'm lost again,help,' 'I think I'm on the right road now,' 'I have no idea where I am,'lol. She finally arrived at our humble home, the Sunday roast dinner was fine and we enjoyed an evening chatting over a few drinks. On Monday she and I did a great job of returning the car she'd hired in Bath to the company branch in Nottingham, although I'd say her driving was better than my navigating. Sarma is an amazingly relaxed driver and I have every admiration for anyone from abroad taking to our roads. Hell, I gave up driving years ago and I live here. We then went for a pub meal and a look at Nottingham Castle. Tuesday morning my friends, John the foot tickler and Gillian visited. Sarma was quite happy to join in the reflexology session and John pleased to be introduced to a new pair of feet. In the afternoon we nipped into the small town where I live and I neglected to point out our only landmark; a statue of Harold Larwood the cricketer, who hailed from this area. Hubby had to take her back in the car yesterday, so she could take a photograph for her son. We then lazed around watching a video of my all-time favourite film, 'Shirley Valentine.' I think that makes over fifty times I've watched it, but it never fails to entertain me. In the evening another couple of our friends visited - more wine and chatter. Wednesday hubby drove us to a few local beauty spots and famous landscapes - Sherwood Forest, Bolsover Castle, Chatsworth House and Newstead Abbey. I hope Sarma will be happy with the photographs she's taken and will, as promised, return one day to see more of Newstead Abbey. We had lunch and an evening meal out and spent another evening chatting over drinks. I will admit my glass was refilled far more often than Sarma's. I bet that really surprises you. This morning I've waved goodbye to Sarma as she boarded the train to London. There she will meet her daughter Annice to fly out to Latvia for a few days. It was really more 'au revoir' than goodbye though, as next Wednesday I'm going to London for Sarma's birthday and staying overnight. Still, it left me rather sad, so it was a good excuse to purchase a pair of new boots as compensation. Sarma, when you read this please know I haven't written this tribute with that thought in mind, but as a sincere thanks for your company and warmth from my  to yours. We've been online 'chatters' for a long time, but now I'm honoured to be able to call you a true friend. Long may it continue.So, now it's back to 'normality' for a while - catching up with the boy's travel blogs and here on WDC. Not to mention the small matter of a certain Newsletter I'm trembling at the thought of putting together. Oh and here's the first of a few photos from the last few days. Click 'next' to see the rest.  |
| I predicted this month would be one of mixed emotions and this morning I'm certainly feeling a whole bunch of different things. Some of you may remember last winter when a young lady from Australia stayed with us on her travels. Annice is the daughter of an internet friend of mine who I came across five years ago playing Scrabble. Since last December Annice has travelled widely in Europe and enjoyed many happy and adventurous experiences. At the moment she is back in London working in a bar to bump up the funds. Last week her mum Sarma, flew in from Australia for a visit. She's been with Annice and also visited some of England's more popular places. Later today, she will arrive at our house for a five day stopover. I know some of you are used to meeting up with internet friends, but for me this is a first and already my legs are feeling a little wobbly. I have to keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming too - can it really be that a simple game of online Scrabble is about to bring me face to face with a friend from the other side of the world? How weird. So I suspect my time here will be limited yet again, but I'll keep you informed. People reassure me it will be fine but if we can't hack it she can always sign in on the computer upstairs and we can resort to chatting to each other in the way we're used to. lol Paul and Mark have just returned from a three day trip to Halong Bay and written some quite prolific and comical blog entries in their travel logs. Today they are taking the train to Hue in Vietnam. Boy, these youngsters sure know how to make the most of life. But for me, it's time to get off my backside and prepare for the arrival of my guest. I promised her a good old English Sunday roast dinner - wish me luck; it's a long time since I cooked one of those. And of course - it's pimply sissing down! |
| As I sit here in a cardigan listening to the pouring rain, it seems impossible to believe this time last week I was enjoying the sunshine in beautiful Portugal...sigh. Oh well, I guess I have my memories and photographs to remind me it wasn't a dream. Okay, I'll get the gripes out of the way first, although you know I'm not normally one to complain. 1. The cold I took to Portugal with me at the start of the holiday turned into a hacking cough later in the week. 2. There were just too many lovely things in the shops for those of us with limited funds. 3. The sardines served on the boat trip were gross. I could never eat something on my plate that was looking at me.  4. The hotel only possessed one C.D. After a week I'm still waking up with 'In the Navy, you can sail the seven seas,' 'D. I .S .C .O, and 'You better knock, knock knock on wood,' going round my head. 5. Our flight home was delayed by two hours. But on the whole it was a beautiful place to spend a week and I'd recommend Portugal as the perfect holiday location. We stayed in a quiet, yet spacious hotel in Vilamoura in The Algarve. The shops,bars and restaurants are all set around a fabulous marina. We were pleased to have opted to eat out as there were so many different restaurants. During the week we sampled Portuguese, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine and all were excellent. The weather was perfect apart from one shower in the evening and the people the most pleasant I've ever come across abroad. In contrast to the mad drivers of Greece and Italy, the Portuguese will stop at a zebra crossing and wave, even before you've reached it. The men played golf three of the days, leaving Joy and I free to tour Vilamoura, walk the beaches to a gypsy market at Quarteria and make our own way by bus to Albufeira. I think we probably enjoyed ourselves more than the golfers. Other days we visited the pretty inland villages of Alte and Querenca and took a boat trip around the coast to see the grottoes. I won't ramble any longer but if you wish to see some of the photographs, just click on the one below. But now it's back to reality. Being Friday you know what that means. Off to find the bog brush.  |
| The Robbie Williams concert last night was brilliant, even if it did mean standing for several hours on a rather chilly night and suffering from backache today. To be amongst a crowd of over 90,000 in a congenial atmosphere watching and listening to our most charismatic singer was an experience I wouldn't have missed. So, that's another high point over and done with. What else? My son's travel blog is proving to be a real comfort and huge thanks to those who have taken the time to read and comment. I know he'll really appreciate that. Today they've taken a boat trip to Halong Bay and he just texted me to say they're just preparing for sleep in the middle of the China Sea. I'm assuming he means on board - I hope so anyway as he's not the world's best swimmer. I'm so behind with mail and reading blogs but hope to catch up a little tomorrow before the start of another few hectic days. After that my social calendar is empty as yet, but I won't tempt fate by saying I should have more time by then. I apologise for my lack of reading and responding but know you are all in my thoughts. I did print off some blog entries yesterday to read during the journey to the concert and I must admit they kept me well entertained and out of mischief. I still have the Portugal report and photos to download, but will get there eventually. It may seem I'm a bit of a globetrotter, but until last year I hadn't had a holiday abroad in over twenty years. These short, reasonably-priced holidays are very valuable breaks, but I have to say Portugal is the most beautiful place I've seen yet. The weather was almost perfect, the scenery breathtaking, the people so kind and gentle and the accomodation comfortable. I have a few little gripes (of corset) but will deal with those in another entry. But all in all, Portugal is a wonderful country. The icing on the cake was discovering their national symbol. Spotting this in almost every shop and building gave me ample opportunity to keep saying... OH LOOK...  |
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