Almost Friends!

Mabel & Freddie

SNOW! At Last!

The long awaited snow came this evening, so we went for a stroll :)

I Did A Bad Thing With "Sunny Smiles"

Back in the 60's and early 70's I went to a Methodist Sunday school.

Every so often we were issued with a little booklet, about 2 inches square as far as I remember.

This booklet contained tear-out photos of little African children which we were asked to sell for a charity - no idea what charity it was though.

I loved these photos, I used to look at them and try to imagine what kind of world they lived in, how amazing it must be to have a skin so dark, how beautiful they were.

Let me explain, I was growing up in a small market town in Oxfordshire and had NEVER set eyes on a black person at that stage.

I hated selling the photos, I wanted to keep them all for myself. I had no money to pay for them all though. So, after selling maybe 2 or 3 I couldn't bear to part with anymore.

So I pretended I had lost the booklet and had not sold any, I kept the rest of the photos and BAD BAD me kept the few pennies I had sold the others for.

I felt terribly guilty, terrified I'd be found out and punished in some way, if not by my parents or the Sunday school teachers but by God himself.


As far as I know, I wasn't found out and I kept those photos in a secret box for a long time.

I have no idea what happened to them when I grew up though.

Anyone else remember these Sunny Smiles booklets?

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

I've been blogging for quite a few years now and I see such changes in blogging now.

Over the years I have amassed quite a collection of blogs in my Google Reader that I have enjoyed reading.

But I'm noticing less and less get updated these days - so many have fallen by the wayside, which is rather sad.

I'm guessing people have found better things to do in their lives than blog.

My life is much the same old boring routine as it was when I began.

Today I spent some time clicking the Next Blog button at the top of my blog in an attempt to find some new ones, but 95% of the blogs I landed on had not been updated in ages or were not English anyway.

This has thereby affected the number of people who visit/comment here, it doesn't matter that much, but it was nice when I had lots!!

New Bedding

I bought some new bedding which I think is lovely, it reminds me of Cath Kidston style, but it's from Primark and a fraction of the price!

Freddie seems to like it..

But funnily enough my partner says he doesn't like it, are flowers not manly enough?

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
My 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!

Google thinks I'm a man aged between 25 -34.

The reasoning behind this is my interests, things I "Google" about.

It list's the following as my interests:

Arts & Entertainment - Music & Audio

Beauty & Fitness - Body Art

Computers & Electronics - Computer Security - Antivirus & Malware

Computers & Electronics - Software - Multimedia Software - Desktop Publishing

Computers & Electronics - Software - Multimedia Software - Photo & Video Software

Games

Shopping - Apparel - Casual Apparel - T-Shirts

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..

Worming Fun, or Not

I got a worming tablet for each of my 2 cats.

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!

Three Things That Made Me Smile Today

1. On Christmas Day I partly watched this beautiful ballet, I now own a copy on DVD and today I watched it in it's entirety! It's amazing!

 



 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

I don't often get too heated up about anything political, most of the time it's not worth it, but the benefits cap story has made me mad.

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

I Am A Rooster

Being the Chinese New Year it made me wonder which animal I was.

So I looked HERE and found out I am a ROOSTER (have a look and see what you are)

So, taken from that site, this is what I am like, apparently! :)

The rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the rooster's crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. Another symbolic meaning the rooster carries is exorcising evil spirits. People used to worship ancestors and believed in fortune telling for a long time.

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.

Career: Their career will run smoothly this year and things are going fine to start their own business. They are likely to be helped by good friends, get recognition from the superiors and make promotions. 
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.

Sometimes I Think It Would Be Fun To Have A Dog!

Sad End To Picnik

This is so sad...

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!!

Weekend & Headache

At last it's the weekend.. I could actually cry with relief, it's been such a manic week!

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 :)

Busy, Busy, Busy..

I don't mind being busy. It passes the time, it makes me feel good especially when I've achieved *stuff*

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!

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 :)

Scramble With Friends

Scramble With Friends is a new game which like Hanging and Words With Friends is rather addictive.





There is a free version as well as a paid for one, so if you have an iPhone or iPad and fancy a game my user name is, no surprises, LadyBanana!

-Posted from a mobile device


-Posted from a mobile device

Today I Was...

Babysitting!

Jacob, 11 days old, a photo by LadyBanana on Flickr.

St Lucia Project Update

Back in July last year I posted about my eldest daughter raising money for a project she was planning HERE

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!

On the Gatwick Express!

Happy Birthday to....

...ME!

Jacob, 4 Days Old...

Jacob 4 days old... a video by LadyBanana on Flickr.

I'm A Granny!

I have a Grandson, born 1.1.2012 at 11:53pm. Weighs 9lb 3. Was the longest labour ever but all is well and he is beautiful :)


-Posted from a mobile device

Happy 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL

I've been a bit preoccupied to do a proper post, but hopefully it won't be long now till I can share some happy news. Regular visitors will know exactly what I am talking about! :)

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - Ballet

With all that's been going on I almost forgot about this beautiful ballet I (mostly) watched on Christmas Day. I say mostly as I was also chatting, cooking etc etc.

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!

Just look at the pictures in this news article in the Daily Mail

I just don't get it! 

You will NEVER see me doing that, ever!

Were you out in the sales?

Embarrassing Inbetweeners!

There hasn't been a lot of good stuff on TV over the Christmas period, so the other day we watched this - The Inbetweeners movie.

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 ;)

Still No Baby!

So, Christmas Day has now been and gone, prezzies openend, good food consumed and everyone had a good day.. 

But there was one little person missing, my Grandbaby who still has not made an appearance! 

Today, Boxing Day makes baby 11 days overdue. Never in any of our imaginations did we think we would have had the big day without him/her! 

My DIL had an antenatal visit at the hospital Christmas Day morning just to check all is well, and it is.. so for now we continue to wait. but it cannot be much longer, it has to be this week even if it means induction.

I really feel for DIL though, she is very very tired, her poor ankles are swollen like tree trunks and I think she's had enough, she needs her body back and her baby in her arms. It's easy for us, making all the reassuring comments but it's clear to see she's now really feeling the strain of it all.

So come on little baby, we are all more than ready for you!!

Merry Christmas

Wherever you are, however you celebrate have a safe and happy time!

Woman Falls Under Train!

Whatever you do this Christmas, don't get this drunk!

This young woman overdid it a little, but was lucky, she suffered only cuts, bruises and I expect a rather nasty hangover!

Wednesday & Still Waiting

Today was my regular day off and as my OH has this week off we went out and about finishing off our Christmas shopping which was nice.

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!

Almost Buddies!

-Posted from a mobile device

Waiting Wordle

Excitedly Waiting!

Almost a week since my last post, how time flies!

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!

Now These made Me Laugh Out Loud!

Thanks to @Rob_TM for these!

The Everlasting Lurgy

It was back in November I first got the sore throat which then developed into a really dreadful cold thing.

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!!)

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 Tropper
My 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

Mabel With Catnip Banana

Mabel with catnip banana a video by LadyBanana on Flickr.

Working As A Geriatric

What age do you consider to be 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 everyone more people would be happy!

My Current Fave Tune!

There were quite a few good music tracks in the film Eat, Pray, Love, but this is the one that has stuck in my head. 

I can't get enough of it at the moment, I think the scene it was played in has probably influenced me a little, not too sure, but I just *love* it.. 

 Neil Young - Harvest Moon

 

Eat (sneeze) Pray (sneeze) Love

Very rare for me to watch a film, but as I feel so crap I watched this.. It was OK, pleasant to enough to watch and took my mind off myself for a couple of hours..

 

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..

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...

How Do You Iron?

Do you iron as you need things or do massive loads once a week or so?


I do mine as I go.. If I did a load at once I think it would get creased before I used it due to having such tight storage space!


-Posted from a mobile device

What Happened To Dolls & Train Sets?

Apparently, according to Nielsens these are the things children aged 6-12 are hoping Santa will bring them!



How times have changed!

My Twitter Birth Certificate

Twitter Birth Cert, originally uploaded by LadyBanana.

I've been Tweeting longer than I realised!

Get yours HERE

Art By Shazia

A few weeks ago I was passing an art gallery/shop in the West End and in the window was one of these striking paintings.

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!

Mac Users, Do You?...

Do you use Time Machine back-up on your Mac?

I'm thinking of using it but is it worth it?

Is it simple and straightforward?

Evil Shoes

New Shoes, originally uploaded by LadyBanana.

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!

Proposal On The Train!

How funny, South Hampstead is my station! Just wish I had witnessed it myself!

Freaking Freaky Kitties!!

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!!

Too Old For Vans?

Am I too old to wear shoes like these?


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)

The World At 7 Billion

The world's population is expected to hit seven billion in the next few weeks. After growing very slowly for most of human history, the number of people on Earth has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Where do you fit into this story of human life?


 This is me:

To find yours visit the BBC

1.11.11

Can you believe it's already November!?

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!!

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!

I Have Reverted! Please Come Back!

I don't know if it was because of me using the dynamic views or because my blog is just so darn boring but it's been receiving less and less visits and comments..

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*

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!

Waiting For The Rain To Stop To Go Out To Play!

Waiting for the rain to stop to go out to play!, originally uploaded by LadyBanana.

Now This Really Annoys Me

When I arrive at work, just in the door, still in my jacket, still out of breath, busting for a wee, my brain not yet in work mode and people pounce on me asking this that and the other about the day ahead and the day before.. What to do about this and what to do about that..

Can't they just wait till I'm settled in a bit!!

The Yellow Duster Sisters - Susan Kennaway

The Yellow Duster Sisters by Susan Kennaway
My 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

It's NOT November 5th Yet!

It's 2 weeks 'till November 5th and already kids are setting off fireworks.

It's shouldn't be kids as they are not supposed to be sold to kids but then neither are cigarettes and alcohol! (say no more!)

I don't mind watching fireworks although I wouldn't go out of my way to see a display.

BUT I do object to fireworks being set off randomly in the street, it's dangerous and scary, not only for us humans but particularly for our pets.

I think these mini-bombs should only be sold to those organising public displays and not to individuals who have no idea or don't care about the danger they pose to others.

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!

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

Yesterday Mabel went to the vet for her annual vaccinations, that's after we tussled with her for quite a while getting her into the carrier!

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:

"By three years of age, your cat may begin to show signs of dental disease, which can be a painful and potentially serious problem. This is usually a result of a build up of plaque and tartar on and under the gum line. Hill's T/D Feline is formulated specifically, to nutritionally manage cats with dental disease. Because pet's can't brush their own teeth, the build up of plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease which is a dental condition that can cause the gums to become too weak to support the teeth. This diet contains aligned fibres in a special fibre matrix that helps wipe the teeth when the kibble passes through. Also helps to support urinary tract health.


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

I'm now waiting for a sample of this rather expensive product and hoping that Mabel will in fact eat it being the fussy eater she is.

I Took The Plunge!

(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!