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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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| Our plane home was delayed by two hours in Portugal last night and we didn't arrive home until three this morning. A few hours sleep then off to the supermarket and delivering parent's shopping, followed by some unpacking and washing. I'm starting to get that 'did I really have a holiday?' feeling already. Also been trying to catch up on Paul and Mark's travel blogs - it helps so much to be able to read of their adventures, even if some of them are a little scary to we parents. So many of you have expressed an interest in reading the blogs, so I'll attempt to post the links to both of them at the end of this short entry. I hope you'll drop by and say hello, they'd appreciate it. I know you folk are broad-minded with great senses of humour and will understand 'boys will be boys,' even at 25. lol Paul phoned this morning to say they are now happily settled in Vietnam. It's very quiet here without him, but we have much to do which is probably for the best. We miss him like 'Banana Pudding with calf slobber on top,' to quote Tor.  I think that means a lot, even if it sounds disgusting.  I'm really looking forward to catching up a bit when I have the opportunity, but tomorrow we're off to Milton Keynes to see Robbie Williams, so time will be limited again. I'll also be reporting on Portugal and adding photographs to my travel album in due course. I miss reading your blogs but will get back eventually. In the meantime, here are the links to the travel blogs - http://www.travelpost.com/travel/paul_1981 http://www.travelpost.com/travel/MarkD |
| Oh Wow. All I can say is I'm gobsmacked. Or should that be blogsmacked? I thought I'd just 'nip' on the hotel computer to check my mail here and now have a sore fwinker from clicking through all the mail and greetings and support. Thank you all so much and I'll get back to you all and post Paul's travel blog link as soon as I get back and sorted out. His entries so far have proved very reassuring, although I'm not sure Hong Kong was quite ready for those two. I believe they'll soon be travelling by train through China to Vietnam, but their plans are changing more often than their underwear I suspect. Portugal is beautiful, what we have seen of it so far and it's a pleasant change. I do hear there's yet another hot spell in England however. I think if we came away in January there'd be a freak heatwave at home. It's gone a bit cloudy this afternoon, so I thought I'd just check out WDC. I'm really chuffed I did, but better get back or they'll think I've been abducted or something. I miss you people and look forward to catching up. And you better all behave or you'll have CC and his jabby thing to contend with. Can't find the brackets on this keyboard to insert an emoticon there. WUB you my friends. |
| I think this weekend has been one of the most emotionally draining I can ever remember. Now I have to adjust to life without my son around and find ways to cope with these very surreal feelings. I'm hoping once I board that plane later today it will, if only temporarily, take some of the edge off the rawness. Paul phoned this morning from his Hong Kong hotel to let us know they've landed in one piece. I think they've already had a bit of a culture shock and seem surprised that people stare at them wherever they go. No shock to me; my son is six-foot-five and Mark, his travelling companion about five-foot-six. Laurel and Hardy springs to mind in more ways than one; I'm sure they'll stand out in a crowd and be noticed wherever they go. They have one more night in the hotel before backpacking. For all I complain about phones and mobiles, in this instance I'm very grateful for them. Technology will help us keep in touch in a way past generations could never have even contemplated. I can only imagine the feelings of mothers who have watched their sons go off to wars in the past, never knowing where they will be or even if they would see them again. It makes me shudder and by comparison, puts things into perspective. Paul is keeping a 'travel log' on the internet which will be a huge comfort to his family and friends. If any of you would like the link so you can read of his travels I'll be happy to provide it. So just e-mail me here and I'll sort it out when I return. I'm sure he'd appreciate it if some of you dropped by and introduced yourselves; you have to join the site to comment, but it only takes a couple of minutes and is free. I still believe those ear candles helped clear my passages but my nose still feels very congested and I haven't tasted a thing in four days now. Could be to my advantage if the Portuguese cuisine is not to my liking. If it wasn't a Sunday when shops are closed, I might have nipped back to the Beauty Salon to see if anyone's invented nose candles yet. lol Oh well, I hope the sunshine and sea air will help clear it up. I also walked into the greenhouse door this morning and cracked my knee, so that was a good start to the day. The only consolation is the injury should co-ordinate well with my black and blue beachwear. Time for the last minute packing now - it seems you need a degree at the moment to work out what is allowed in the hold and the cabin. So, I'll say goodbye for now and hope you'll all have a safe and happy week. I'll try to post a little entry from Portugal if I can. You don't get rid of me that easily.  |
| I’m sure there are some days of our lives we all dread. We know for certain some things are going to happen, yet we have no idea when or where. Other things we face with trepidation yet are aware exactly when they will take place. We can push them to the back of our minds; tell ourselves we’ll think about that tomorrow and yet in our hearts we know the day we’ve dreaded will arrive. Well, tomorrow will be one such day for me. Later today we’ll be taking our son Paul down to Heathrow and staying over to say our goodbyes at the airport on Saturday morning when he and friend Mark will be setting off on the first stage of their travelling. There could possibly be another alert at Heathrow, but this time it will be from floods after some serious leakage. They will arrive in Hong Kong at seven the following morning and no doubt we’ll be sitting back home around midnight our time, tracking the landing of their plane on the internet. From Hong Kong, they’ll be backpacking across Asia, travelling through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Bali. The second stage of their trip will be a flight to Australia next February. On Sunday hubby and I will be flying out to Portugal with friends for a week’s holiday. It seemed a good idea at the time of booking to help lift our spirits. I just hope I don’t fall apart. Oh, I know they all fly the nest eventually and I realise we’ve been lucky to keep him so long living at home while he’s saved for this trip, but when your only chick is on the other side of the world and you know it’s going to be a hell of a long time before you see him again, well it hurts, it hurts a hell of a lot. So, I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to visit WDC between now and our return from Portugal, but I’ll be thinking of my friends here particularly as the anniversary of September 11th approaches, wondering what’s going on in Blogville and taking comfort in the fact I know you’ll help me through this shaky patch until it becomes easier to accept. In the words of an old song, ‘I’ll get by with a little help from my friends.’ So, I dedicate this entry to my son Paul. This is the message I have printed on a card I hope he’ll carry with him - ‘I love you son. I hold you and your happiness within my heart each and every day. I am so proud of you and so thankful for the years that have given me so much to be thankful for. If I were given the chance to be anything I wanted to become, there is nothing I would rather be than your parent. And there is no one I would rather have as my son.’ Oh GAWD – pass the tissues again. Cheers Paul, have a few for me son, the light of my life. Take care, stay safe and be happy. And the same to all my friends here.   |
| It seems I confused a few people yesterday, but then I confuse myself most days too. Apologies, but I did write that entry first thing in the morning when the brain cell wasn't quite awake and the addition of a cold didn't help. Excuses, excuses. I suppose using the word 'hairdresser' dates me and I should have used the more modern term,' Beauty Salon.' Not that it can guarantee instant beauty unfortunately. Anyway, the salons nowadays don't restrict themselves to hairdressing only, but offer manicures, facials, spray-tanning, pedicures, massages and all sorts of weird and wonderful services, including the Hopi Earcandles. A little background if anyone's interested. Earcandles have been used by many cultures as an effective natural therapy since ancient times. Historical roots can be found among the peoples of the Siberian praries, Asia and American Indians.Ancient rock paintings show the use of earcandles at initiation rituals and medicinal ceremonies. The candles are handmade and composed of pure beeswax, honey extract and traditional herbs such as sage, St John's wort and camomile. Anyway, I've returned from my earcandle session none the worse for wear. In fact, the whole procedure was very relaxing and I have to say my cold seems a lot less severe than when I arrived there this morning. I always keep an open mind about alternative therapies and in this case, can certainly recommend it. Sarah, the young woman who owns the salon lives mainly in Spain now as her husband works out there, but I was pleasantly surprised to see her in the shop this morning, especially when she greeted me with 'Look at you, Skinny Minnie.' lol Sarah underwent a double masectomy at the age of 29 a few years ago. She then had to make the difficult decision of whether to have a baby or not, as she was told she'd also need an hysterectomy in the next few years, to combat the very nasty cancer gene she's inherited. Throughout the whole ordeal she's managed to continue working and I've never heard her complain. She did decide to go ahead and now her baby , little Molly is almost one and absolutely adorable. It's probable she'll have inherited the same gene as her mum, but already there is pioneer treatment to prevent this form of cancer developing, so by the time Molly is a teenager, she should be protected. So, whether it be the miracles of modern medicine or the ancient therapies like Hopi candles, it seems we all have a lot to be thankful for. We're out for a meal with hubby's family early this evening. Hey, I may even be able to taste something. The downside is I'll now be able to hear my brother-in-law, but I suppose I can always pretend my ears are still blocked. Or maybe I should turn up wearing the candles? |
| I have to be out in about thirty minutes to go swimming but thought a little blog in order before I depart. The small town I live in has the most ridiculous road system and an abundance of traffic lights, making it difficult for both motorists and pedestrians to arrive at their destination on time. For some reason it's worse than ever this week, so I better get moving if I want to get to the pool before it starts getting dark. Moving is taking a lot of effort this week due to one of those surprises I didn't anticipate. I thought on Monday evening it was going to happen. Familiar signs I couldn't ignore or do anything about. By Tuesday it was confirmed. Yep - one stonking cold has arrived just when I need all my reserves of energy to cope. Sod or Murphy again? Nothing I can do about it but snuffle, cough and blow through it though - no time to rest at the moment. Sniff... Tomorrow I've volunteered to be a guinea pig at my hairdressers, where they're starting to offer the delights of Hopi candles. Apparently I'm to have ten-inch candles in each ear (NO I'm not taking my camera) which will then take about 45 minutes to burn. The theory is they will help clear the ears of any wax or gunge in the inner tubes. With this cold, I could be there all day and get through every candle in the shop. Oh well, at least if it works I should be able to hear you all better. Anyway, better go and get in that traffic jam...sniff...cough...pass the tissues. |
| No unexpected surprises or shocks today so I guess that's something to be grateful for. I did discover several young hungover males around the house this morning, but that's not so unusual. I also discovered my parent's food cupboard was housing a few families of fruit flies, so additional cleaning and hoovering was an unwelcome part of the afternoon. September has brought with it some strong winds too, so an unplanned session of picking fallen plums from their garden was also added to my list. Anyone want some plums? I have buckets full of the things. So all in all just another Sunday. I dislike Sundays...they're just so...Sunday. Late afternoon was spent doing the latest jigsaw with mother. I know without fail she'll make these remarks every Sunday afternoon. ' This piece looks like it should go somewhere.' 'I'm looking for a piece with two holes and two knobs.' 'This is the hardest jigsaw we've ever done.' ' I think this piece must be missing.' 'This piece doesn't go in here. It must belong on the other side.' (Please don't tell me they have jigsaws in the spirit world )Oh well, predictability is comforting in some ways and at least the day unfolded without any major disasters. But then, there's still the evening to go and those cans of lager in the cupboard are looking very tempting...now that could lead to a disaster but I'll think about that tomorrow. |
| I mentioned unpredictable changes in my entry yesterday, then actually experienced one on the first day of the month. Nothing earth-shattering or vitally important, but something I hadn’t anticipated at all. I went to the hairdressers only to discover my stylist of three years has suddenly upped and left. A shame as I really liked her and she’d managed to form a friendly, working relationship with my hair, which others have failed to achieve. So, I now have a different stylist and as the salon was short-staffed, appointments were running late so I sat waiting, then out of boredom picked up a magazine. Now I rarely read magazines and can’t remember the last time I glanced at a wimmins one, but I really was quite intrigued by some of the contents. I flipped over the pages with celebrity scandal – who’s marrying/divorcing/pregnant by/ committing adultery with/ or snogging who. Frankly my dear… I scanned the articles by readers with headlines like ‘My head blew up and my skin fell off,’ ‘I lost my virginity to a chicken,’ and ‘I bought a new vagina for my husband,’ because frankly my dear… Then I reached the ‘Problem Page’ and couldn’t resist studying some of the letters. Here are a few samples I attempted my own replies to - 1. I always leave clothes lying around everywhere, but never thought of it as a problem until my boyfriend told me he’s sick of living like this. He says it’s either him or my clothes. I feel gutted. What should I do? - Liz. Well, Liz it really depends on your clothes. If they’re all designer gear and terribly expensive, then kick him out and then you’ll have more space to leave your clothes lying about. On the other hand if it’s all cheap crap, then bag it up and take it to the nearest charity shop. See how he likes it when you go out nekkid to do the weekly shop. 2. I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost a year, but for the last four months he’s been questioning me about where I go and who I speak to on the phone and the internet. He doesn’t let me out of his sight. It started when I went clubbing once without him and he assumed I was cheating. I told him I’m not, but he says I’m a lying cow and a slut. It’s getting me down and I don’t know what to do. – Louise. I speak from the voice of experience on this one and feel your pain Louise. Pack your bags then get on the first bus, train, boat, plane or spaceship you come across and distance yourself as far away from this man as possible. It might be an idea to murder him first to prevent him tracking you down. So stop reading this and get moving – NOW. 3. I’ve been with my partner for two years and he’s suggested he’d like to try a threesome. I’m excited by the idea but worried it might be a mistake. What do you think? - Kira It depends who he’s suggesting a threesome with. If it’s another woman, then he’s obviously bored stiff (or not) with you. Another man might be more to your advantage but just remember when they turn over, fart and fall asleep you could be trapped between the pair of them, be gassed to death or unable to escape once the snoring duet in G flat major starts. 4. I’m 24 and my boyfriend has just bought me a vibrator. I know it sounds silly but I don’t know how to use it. – Jodie HUH? If your boyfriend feels inadequate enough to supply you with a vibrator, then my advice is– ditch the boyfriend, get to know the vibrator and please yourself, if you’ll excuse the pun. At least it won’t snore, fart or hog the remote and if it starts going down the pub too often you can take its batteries out and immobolise it. 5. I’ve always been a career woman and have my own business. My boyfriend is handsome, rich, intelligent, has a great sense of humour and is very generous. He wants to take me on a cruise for a month, but I’m worried my business will suffer if I go. How can I tell him without sounding ungrateful? – Tracey Well Tracey love, that’s not an easy one. Of course your business is far more important than this man. As a special favour to you, just send me his phone number and I’ll give him a call and put it to him subtly. I’ll get back to you on it…say in a month, okay? A Medium once predicted I’d one day run a dating agency or an advice column. What do you think? Am I suitable for the job? Someone remind me to take a decent book to the hairdressers next time I go. |
| Sniff, Sniff...Ah, the sweet scent of a new month in Blogville. Clean fresh air mingling with the aroma of morning coffee, cheese sammiches, chickens and newly-mown words. Yep, it's good to have a clean slate ahead of us and a month which may or may not hold new opportunities and promises. For one minute I thought someone had actually come in here with a psychedelic paintbrush and redecorated the wishy-washy yellow walls, but it seems it's just a WDC birthday header. I'm proud to have been a member of this site for five out of those six years, but I do think it's about time they changed the decor. Changes - that's what I face this month. September promises to be one of the most hectic and strange months I have ever faced. And that is just the things I know are going to take place; we are all aware sometimes it's the unexpected events that can bring untold joy or knock us for six. It's going to be a month of mixed emotions for sure and very very busy. In WDC terms it will certainly be more black than blue. Oh, I've no delusions my presence here is vital to proceedings and in the words of George Harrison, 'Life goes on within you and without you.' But I apologise now for not reading and commenting as often as I'd like. So on this first day of September I'll sum up what I know lies ahead in five words - apprehension, acceptance, adjustment, anxiety and anticipation. I hope some of my friends will be here to share the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, hopes and regrets I know I have to face as I take my first tentative steps into a month that is going to be rough and rocky. I wish you a happy day and a month of fine blogging. |
| In contrast to last weekend, this one has been extremely quiet and lacking in blogworthy topics. I know that doesn't normally stop me and it won't today, but I can't promise anything funny, uplifting or gobsmacking. The only places I've visited are WDC and my parent's house. That's hard work and depressing as I witness my parent's growing frailer, my mother's memory deteriorating by the day and wondering how much longer we can all cope with this very tentative situation. I know life can't be one long party...but WHY not? lol Gawd, life is far too serious a thing not to be laughed at. But some things just aren't funny are they? Today is the third anniversary of my beloved dog Franklyn's death. Some things never get much easier to bear. Oh, I try to be philosophical; every man and beast is in the queue and whether our stay on earth is a long or short one sometimes seems unimportant. But I take my knocks hard and sometimes wish I could be desensitised. Life must be far easier for those who care not about animals, other people or how the world sees them. My son has been at a pop festival in Reading since Wednesday and much as he often stays away from home, the empty nest feeling is bearing down harder as the date of his travelling grows ever-closer. Darby and Joan rattling around like peas in a drum another reminder of what life will become in a few short weeks. Oh, well at least there's been no gammon needed this weekend. I guess I should be grateful for small mercies. I'm also very grateful to Cookie ~ contemplatingareturn   for the Short Story badge and to Chewie Kittie for the Cheerleader badge. Will someone please teach me how to get these pretty circles in my blog? Also many thanks to PastVoices , Lauren Gale and zwisis for the lovely c-notes and to the support and friendship offered to me here by friends on a daily basis.Sorry if I sound maudlin today...maybe it's just that Sunday feeling...they really are just so...well...Sunday aren't they? |
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