Friday, January 27, 2012
New Bedding
The Help - Kathryn Stockett
The Help by Kathryn StockettMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book!
I never wanted it to finish as I felt these ladies, Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter were my friends and to finish would mean they would not be there to keep me company whenever I wanted.
So I took my time with it, even though at the same time I wanted find out what happened as quickly as possible.
This really is the best book I've read in a long time!
View all my reviews
Google Thinks I Am A Young Man!
The reasoning behind this is my interests, things I "Google" about.
It list's the following as my interests:
Hmmm no sewing, cooking, shoes, fashion or make-up advice, so I must be a man, and a young one at that because us fuddy duddy over 50's couldn't possibly have such interests!
Funny eh!
Find out what Goggle thinks about you HERE
(If for some reason the link doesn't work for you in countries other than GB, then Google for "Google Ad Preferences")
Then scroll down to Demographics..
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Worming Fun, or Not
I was fairly negative that we'd be able to get them into the cats but my partner was sure we would - somehow.
Well, we tried wrapping them in meat and cheese, we tried opening their mouths to drop them into their throats, we tried crushing them and mixing them with food.
None of these ideas worked.
I'm going to have to get the real expensive stuff that goes on the back of the neck, which is also a bit of a battle, but one we usually win - just about!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Three Things That Made Me Smile Today
2. This man was playing, very seriously, when a mobile phone went off - see his reaction!
3. My daughter who is currently away in St Lucia emailed me her phone number, so through the wonders of Skype I was able to make a reasonably priced call to her - it was lovely hearing her with the goat noises in the background. I so wish I was with her!
My View On The Benefits Cap
The Government wants to cap the yearly benefits to families with children at £26,000
Yep, £26,000!!!
I had no idea families on benefits got so much money! This is equivalent to earning £500 per week after tax!For goodness sake, what am I doing going to work?!? I DO NOT earn that much. And before you say that amount is for families with several kids, I don't think my boss would kindly increase my wage just because I had kids.
I earn what I earn no matter how many kids would be in my family.
So it goes to prove it, living in the UK, having kids and not bothering to work is not a bad situation to be in at all.
You can't tell me kids living with that (benefits) income are in poverty!
What defines poverty in this country these days? Not being able to afford food/clothes or not being able to afford the latest smartphone/cigarettes/beer?
So yes, I wholeheartedly support the benefit cap!
What other country has such a generous benefits scheme?
Benefits Cap Explained
Monday, January 23, 2012
I Am A Rooster
StrengthsRoosters are deep thinkers considered to be honest, bright, communicative, ambitious, capable and warm-hearted. They have strong self-respect and seldom rely on others. As most roosters are born pretty or handsome, they prefer to dress up. They have a quick mind and hot temper. They like to be busy and neat. Roosters are not reluctant to fall behind others and hate dawdlers.
WeaknessesThey might be enthusiastic about something quickly, but soon might be impassive. They are often a bit eccentric and have difficulty relating with others. They are critical and think they are always right. Like their fortunes, roosters' emotions swing from very high very slow. They can be positive but selfish, caustic and too outspoken. They are narrow-minded and vain. They probably refuse suggestions but would like to lecture others. If they can overcome their arrogance being sincerely in speaking, they will make more progress. Horoscope and Numerology ElementsEarthly Branch of Birth Year: you 酉
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): jin (metal)
Yin Yang: yin
Auspicious Directions: west, southwest, northeast
Lucky Colors: golden, brown, brownish yellow, yellow; Avoid white green
Lucky Numbers: 7, 5, 8; Avoid: 3, 9, 1
Lucky Flowers: gladiola, impatiens, cockscomb
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: ox, dragon, snake; Avoid: rat, rabbit, dog
Fortune Foretelling in 2012Overview: Rooster people will get rid of the bad luck in the past rabbit year and gradually be on the approach of good omen in this dragon year. After the change of luck, roosters will have many good things happening.
Wealth: Rooster people also have good luck in making money this year. A proper investment will meet with a satisfactory result.
Love: This year is especially good for rooster women’s love and marriage. Single roosters are likely to find their love, and for married people, they should know that their popularity may constitute a latent menace to their marriage stability.
Health: Beware the injuries caused by accidents.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sad End To Picnik
I love playing around with the effects in Picnik, I can't believe it's closing - Google you disappoint me!
I know it says they are moving the editing tools to Google+ but I can't imagine it will be as good, PLUS I doubt if it will have the inbuilt integration with Flickr :(
EDIT: I have now found the Picnik style tools on Google+ it's called Creative Kit. They are very similar, BUT I don't want to have to upload my photos there to have to use these features!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Weekend & Headache
Friday evening and now I have a headache - that's not fair :(
But you know what started it, walking behind a guy who was smoking. I accidentally got a whiff and straight away it seemed to hurt my head. It's not the first time this has happened to me either.
I'll have to start wearing a mask!
Hopefully a little relaxation will get rid of it and I can enjoy the next 2 days :)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Busy, Busy, Busy..
BUT just recently I seem to have been over busy, particularly at work.
Everyday more and more is piled on top of the already huge workload I have, so that I don't know what to do first and I never get to finish anything, which is very stressful.
There is no simple solution, I might have to speak to those higher up soon and work out what can be done as I can't go on like this for too much longer.
It is impacting on my homelife in many ways which is not nice as I need the energy to visit my little Grandson Jacob on my days off..
Just wish I could retire!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Miserable Monster
Today I'm a bit of a miserable monster..
A bit irritable, unsettled and tired.
I think the tired bit is the worst part as I don't know why, I've not been up silly late or anything. Must be just the busy hectic week I've just had catching up on me.
Wish I was one of those that could take a daytime nap, but alas, I bumble through the day being not much good for anything..
Here's hoping tomorrow will be better :)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Scramble With Friends
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, January 08, 2012
St Lucia Project Update
This is an update and thanks to all those that contributed.
Today her dream was realised as she left for St Lucia this morning.
I'm really going to miss her!
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| On the Gatwick Express! |
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Monday, January 02, 2012
I'm A Granny!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - Ballet
Since then I have found it on DVD, (I might ask for that for my birthday) and I've found out it is returning to the Royal Opera House in the spring 2012, (have to keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale!)
But for now there are snippets on YouTube:
No STUFF Is That Important!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Embarrassing Inbetweeners!
I must say I was quite shocked, it was certainly not a family film, and guess what, I was watching it with the family.
It was a tad embarrassing! It made some laugh, but it made me cringe. But, I must admit I stuck it out to the very end ;)
Monday, December 26, 2011
Still No Baby!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Woman Falls Under Train!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday & Still Waiting
I was hoping that Grandbaby might make an appearance but nope - this little one is not in a hurry to come into the world.
Being almost a week late my daughter in law is due at antenatal clinic tomorrow so have to see what they say - could be we are to get the most amazing Christmas gift ever!
It is a strange feeling though, it's like when you have been told it'll snow and it doesn't, after a few days you give up hope. I now feel this baby will never arrive and then get a massive rush of excitement when I think - IT IS GOING TO COME, eventually! lol
Anyway, 2 more days of work then a little break, hopefully I will go back a real Granny!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Excitedly Waiting!
Been busy with trying to sort out a few things for Christmas (although I'm not a fan of this time of year) and getting caught up at work and home after being unwell.
But the biggest thing filling my thoughts is the impending birth of my first Grandchild - due on Thursday!
I am SOOOOO excited, I just can't express how much. It could be absolutely anytime now, maybe the next post will see me as a Granny!
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
The Everlasting Lurgy
Something I hadn't suffered from in years and so bad I had to take time off work and have swallowed many pills and potions, (not I hasten to add antibiotics as they are no use in viral infections which this probably is)I am now back at work but still not 100% well.. Just dragging this bag o' bones in and doing my best.
It really is a nasty persistent little bug and I need it to GO now as I am expecting a baby in the next 10 days! (not mine, my 1st Grandchild!!)
Saturday, December 03, 2011
This Looks Like A Joke But It's Not..
Apparently the NHS is trialling this for those with eating disorders/those with weight problems.. at first glance it looks ridiculous but thinking about it I imagine it may well help if the user takes it seriously!
Book - How To Talk To A Widower
How To Talk To A Widower by Jonathan TropperMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Doug married Hailey - beautiful, smart and ten years older - he left his carefree Manhattan life to live in the suburbs with Hailey and her teenage son, Russ. Three years later, at 29, Doug has been a widower for twelve months and just wants to drown himself in self-pity and Jack Daniels. But his family has other ideas... Russ is furious with Doug for not adopting him, and has fallen in with a bad crowd. Claire, Doug's irrepressible, pregnant twin sister, has left her husband and, uninvited, moved in with Doug. And their sister Debbie is determined to have the perfect wedding, at any cost. Soon, Doug finds himself trying to forge a relationship with Russ, reconnect with his own eccentric family, and reluctantly edges back into the complicated world of dating...
Enjoyable book.. It was easy to get into and keep my interest. Sad funny and everything inbetween..
View all my reviews
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Working As A Geriatric
I've been googling this question and there seems no set age although some sites say the over 65's, I'm not really sure.
The reason I ponder this question is that if the age is 65 then it won't be long before most of our services are staffed by these "geriatrics", myself included!
Not long ago the retirement age was 60 for women with the added bonus of a free bus pass, which I must say did make me happy.
But the government snatched that away raising it to 65, and not long after that to 66 and depending on your current age you will still be forced to work until 67/68!
The government shouts about the fact that as a general population we are living longer, I'm sure this is true generally but I personally know a several people who have died in their 50's and 60's.
Working in a GP surgery I also meet a lot of people in their 60's who do not enjoy good health, yes, they maybe alive but they have multiple health issues which impede their lives significantly.
I worry that myself and others will either not live long enough and healthily enough to have the opportunity of a good retirement, that we will have to drag ourselves to work with our Zimmer frames and incontinence pads, not being able to do our jobs properly because of age related cognitive decline and feel quite inadequate.Will the companies that employ us be happy for us to have time off to go for our physio, forgive us when we wet ourselves, overlook our mistakes as our poor brains can no longer keep up?
Or would it be better to let us retire at 60, to employ some of these younger folk who are currently unemployed as there are no jobs available as they are blocked by the oldies?
Then the money the government are spending on unemployment benefits could be re-routed to the retired people and
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
My Current Fave Tune!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Eat (sneeze) Pray (sneeze) Love
Saturday, November 26, 2011
I Haz A Cold..
After having had a sore throat for 4 days I now have a full blown cold.It's the first for a very very long time, I'm usually pretty resilient to such things.. ahh well, not going to let it get me down..
It's just annoying as I had things to do and places to go this weekend and now I'm really not feeling up to it..
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Would You CHOOSE a Caesarean Birth?
It's a long time since I gave birth.My first child was in a breach position and I was told I would have to have a c-section.. I was devastated, however, good little boy he was, he shuffled round at the last possible moment and I was allowed to give birth normally, as I also did with my 2 girls.
Over the years it seems to have become more fashionable and more acceptable to have c-sections though, for many reasons, too posh to push, not wanting to overstretch the vagina, scared of the birth etc..
It has been fairly difficult for women to choose this over a normal vaginal birth when there is no medical need.. Until now..
It has now been decided that women should be given free choice to deliver by caesarean irrespective of need..
Caesarean is a major op, not just cutting the abdominal wall but through the uterus which in itself I would have thought carried risks which far outway giving birth the way nature intended. There is a longer recovery period and more risk of pain and infection in the wound.
Granted, vaginal delivery can be a painful and traumatic experience BUT it's part of the package, it's normal, it's nature at it's finest, it is an amazing experience which no one can possibly imagine, it's the most fulfilling thing a woman can do..
And yet some choose what they think is the *easy way*
Why are we as humans always after an easy way out?
This is one of the options I do NOT understand unless there is a definite medical reason with risk to either the mother or baby...
Sunday, November 20, 2011
How Do You Iron?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
What Happened To Dolls & Train Sets?
How times have changed!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Art By Shazia
I took a second look and found out it was by an artist named Shazia.
Since then I've come across her work in other places and I just love them!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Mac Users, Do You?...
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Evil Shoes
I bought these shoes last week from the online store Javari.
I loved them and wore them the same day even though they were a teeny bit loose around the heels.
BIG MISTAKE!
They ripped the skin off leaving me blistered and sore.
Determined to wear them, as by now I had ruined my chances of returning them, I bought some heel grips and waited till my heels were just about healed.
So this morning I tried them again.
Sadly about 100 yards down the road I had to change them (thank goodness I had been awake enough to remember to carry a spare pair)
Once again, my heels are sore :(
I'm not too happy now as it seems I will have to throw them away, they are evil and just want to destroy my feet!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Proposal On The Train!
How funny, South Hampstead is my station! Just wish I had witnessed it myself!
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Sunday, November 06, 2011
If you had the attention of the entire world for two minutes, what would you say?

Be nice to each other, we are only here on this planet for such a short time, let's make it a beautiful, happy experience for each and every one of us!
No exceptions!!
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Too Old For Vans?
Actually don't answer, I know, I am way past it..
But I do wish we had had shoes like this when I was young enough..
If you would like to wear these and are young enough they can be found HERE
(By the way, this is not an ad of any kind)
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
The World At 7 Billion
This is me:
To find yours visit the BBC
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
1.11.11
It is actually hard to believe as the weather is so beautiful, it's sunny and quite mild at 15c (59f) the leaves are golden and absolutely beautiful and... I can now say, next month I'm going to be a GRANNY! Whoo hoo!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloweeeeeeeeen
If you partake in Halloween have a happy and safe one.
Myself, I'm mean and horrible, I stay indoors and don't open it to anyone - sorry trick or treaters!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
I Have Reverted! Please Come Back!
I do know some regular visitors have found it difficult and confusing to leave a comment...
SO..
I have reverted to the old style template for now.
I think Blogger need to do some tweaks before it's safe and reliable to use the new views, but I will definitely be trying them again soon.
EDIT: Since reverting back to the old style I have done some editing, so it's brighter but still *safe*
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Baby Show
This is where I spent my Saturday - at the Baby Show.Nooo, it wasn't a show of actual babies, it was equipment, lots and lots of equipment!
With my first Grandchild due in December it was the perfect opportunity to look at and try out all kinds of things.
We bought a traveller system and several other bits and pieces, all at fantastically discounted show prices! So all in all it was a very good day!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Now This Really Annoys Me
Can't they just wait till I'm settled in a bit!!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The Yellow Duster Sisters - Susan Kennaway
The Yellow Duster Sisters by Susan KennawayMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, it's a fascinating true account of wartime evacuation,
1939. As war breaks out across Europe, nine-year-old Susie and her older sister Gyll are despatched to Africa by their mother. Alone on the dusty continent, the sisters find little sympathy in their new guardians, and little to like about their new way of life: patched-up clothes, a 6 o'clock bedtime (a particular indignity) and regular obsessive cleanliness rituals. Their continued presence a nuisance, and overwhelmed by fear of doing the wrong thing, Susie and Gyll seek an ally in Mavis, the only other child of the house, but it's a relationship that becomes tinged with jealousy.
Feeling increasingly abandoned as the years pass and letters from home become ever more infrequent, the sisters begin to dream desperately of escape; if only they could go home, everything would return back to the ways things used to be. But when they do finally arrive home and get off the boat, no-one is there to greet them off the boat. Gradually they learn that their mother has joined the Polish army and that their father has taken on a mistress, who has moved into the family home. Life only gets stranger when they are sent off to the baffling Cheltenham Ladies College, where English boarding school life only adds to their feelings of alienation.
Recounting a youth filled with both hope and despair, Susan Kennaway writes with a charm and honesty of the challenges of growing up during evacuation. The Yellow Duster Sisters is a wonderfully evocative and moving exploration of the shifting nature of war-time family relationships.
View all my reviews
Saturday, October 22, 2011
It's NOT November 5th Yet!
It's 2 weeks 'till November 5th and already kids are setting off fireworks.Wednesday, October 19, 2011
C-C-C-Cold...
Being my day off today I was out and about quite a bit, and the one thing I noticed most was the temperature - COLD!It's been the first day in months that I've felt cold, in fact I'd forgotten how horrible feeling cold feels.
I don't like it!
It's not even freezing yet so I don't know how I'm going to cope!
Oh well, here comes winter..
On a brighter note, all my woes in the previous post regarding my phone are now sorted out and I have the best ever 3G signal in places I didn't think possible, so I am one happy bunny now!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
4s Woes
So, I got the new iPhone 4s and very nice it is too, it was a free upgrade and no one can complain at free stuffs!BUT there are lots of minor irritations:
First thing: I got put on the wrong tarrif
Second thing: My 3G does not work - at all
Third thing: That photo stream/icloud is driving me up the wall
Fourth thing: Some of the settings I set do not do as they should
Fifth thing: Siri does not work to it's full potential in UK
Sixth thing: My OH (who also has the 4s) put his music on it, and the phone can't see it.
I called the phone company who rectified the tariff error, they tried to re-set things to enable 3g but as yet, nothing...
So, I think I should just go read a book and give myself a break from this digital techy nonsense!
Grrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!
Cat's Teeth
The vet gave her a very quick once over and noticed how her teeth have become rather heavily covered in tartar!
She is 3 years old and he was surprised saying her teeth looked more like an 8 year olds!
I was quite horrified at this to say the least, don't want her getting gum disease and losing teeth.
I have been feeding both cats a diet of both wet and dry, (Iams dry.)
The vet recommended we stop feeding her wet food altogether and go onto a full dry diet - in particular the t/d diet which has different properties to regular dry foods to help with tooth protection:
Prescription Diet® t/d® is formulated with the following benefits:
- Reduce the amount of bacteria laden plaque in the mouth to promote systemic health
- Clinically proven to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup
- Reduces bad breath
- Added antioxidants to control cell oxidation and promote a healthy immune system
- Awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for helping reduce both plaque and tartar accumulation
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
I Took The Plunge!
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| (Yeah OK, it's not that kinda plunge!) |
As you will have noticed my blog is looking somewhat different!
I've been thinking about making some changes for a while now and these new dynamic views that Blogger has come up with were a tad too tempting for me.
I love the clean un-cluttered look BUT I do feel a bit sad not being able to show any widgets in a sidebar.
I have managed to get round this a bit by adding another page entitled "All The OTHER Stuff" (see at the top left) which hopefully some might take a glance at.
It has links to my Flickr and Twitter as well as some random info about me and will be updated from time to time.
Blogger do say they will be bringing in changes so who knows the sidebar/s might return in some way but for now this is it!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Ladies! Does This Make You Jealous?
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Marks & Spencer FAIL - again..
I love Marks and Spencer, I have a lot of M&S clothes and jewellery.I recently spotted a pretty necklace on the website and not having the time to visit the big store decided to order it and get it delivered to my local small store today.
Sadly it was not to be - I ordered it Saturday, on Sunday they emailed me to say I made an error in entering my card details which I rectified immediately and received a confirmation email to that effect.
Yesterday, Tuesday I got an email to say I had not attended to this matter and the necklace therefore had not been dispatched!!
So, I went to my account I tried once again, this time entering the card details totally afresh, but this time the account page would not even update.
So, I was left with nothing to do but cancel the order..
This was not the first time M&S online has messed up for me either - last year I ordered a lot of items and THEY got one of them wrong.
As I had picked the order up from a small local store they said they could not exchange it, which is fair enough as they don't stock much.
BUT what did annoy me was that they would not even reimburse me for the item they had mistakenly given me!!
I was forced to take a trip to the larger store and return it for a refund! This made me so mad as it clearly was an error on their end!
So M&S, as much as I love your stuff I don't think I will be buying off the internet from you again, and I will advise others to steer clear as well as you are way too much hassle!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman
When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah WinmanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book, it was a pleasant read - not a great page turner but pleasant enough.
View all my reviews






























