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Friday 31 January 2014

FUMED OUT


 Good evening Bloggets. Hub and I have been cleaning the upstairs bathrooms and I can hardly breathe for the fumes of bleach and other nasties.

Our guest bed is all made up for our friend coming in a couple of weeks to stay. Really looking forward to seeing her. My Son and I are thinking about going into business. More on that to follow. He is out now in the rain, on his bike visiting his friend and won’t be back until after ten.

A good day as our friend was a pleasure to be with again. Oh I am so glad we are friends. We have a real comfortable time together when out.

So tomorrow our man coming to fix the leaks in the house again. And I think we will be just chilling. We were to go to a birthday party of a very good friend, but circumstances prevailed.

The night has gone too quickly it is bed time soon. But I shall be listening to my PPod… I love that also I have a good story on my kindle called the bad Mother…. No, it’s not written by my Son, haha.

OK, more tomorrow when I shall try to write a lot more. Let me know what you would like me to write about? I shall do whatever you ask… Within reason of course. X

 

January 2014 stats

United Kingdom

21916
United States

10606
Russia

1867
Germany

962
Japan

528
Mexico

468
Ukraine

461
France

177
China

136
Sweden

77

THE PRINCE OF WALES TO THE RESCUE?


 Oh my word. The rain outside is just dreadful. Dirty constant rain. Our friend picked us up in her car and off to the village we went. With Waggatail and she did OK, can’t complain. Now if it was just her and I, not sure we would be so confident as only done that place once, but I remembered it enough to show our friend where to go and Wags and I did it alone with her help to shout

“Stop!”

Of course, we did coffee and a good old chat. It’s blowing a Gail now out there but we are back and the job has been done at the dry cleaners. Tried to get the top teen got from a girl for Christmas cleaned but it has bleach on it. Has done since he got the top and they say no way they can remove it so are going to try to alter it. God knows how much it will cost, but it’s there with the experts now along with Hubs three suits.

OK for tomorrow, we have a plumber/handy man coming to fix a leak and hang some pictures up for me.

Then not sure what the day has install for the FifiBlogget family.

I think this month has something huge planned for us as a family. Not sure, can’t put my finger on it; just have one of my psychic feelings. Let’s see. When I say this month, I mean February.

Sitting here now hearing the rain pound against our window, it’s so cosy

But in Summerset in the UK, they are moving the equivalent of 700 Olympic swimming pools of water per day or, 1.5 million tons of water. I have never known it so bad in England.

The good old army are being called in. Prince of Wales is for himself viewing the dreadful weather and the disruption it is causing for the people of the UK. That’s nice for him, but, what good will it do the people?

It’s the animals I feel for too, also some people in the south have not had electric since Christmas day.

Imagine that?

Stay safe my Bloggets and keep coming back as you never know what will happen next? xxxxxxHugs.

 

Thursday 30 January 2014

MORNING DIARY


I feel decidedly sick. I have eaten so much this morning. I don’t know what is going on but I am eating so much bread. Today I had three bagels for breakfast. No one should eat that much. I won’t eat anything else today but salad to try and counteract the badness I have consumed.

It’s really dull out there again. The south of England is having the worst wettest winter for a hundred years. Houses have to be demolished. We in the UK are getting extreme weather conditions which only ever happened to other poor countries. We used to have four seasons. Not now, we are down to three max. There are loads of viruses too because we haven’t had a harsh winter to kill off bugs/germs. But then we would get lots of elderly people dying because of the cold. My friend from Scotland is waiting for an operation. She told me today, there are no beds in her hospital, because forty elderly people have been admitted with the virus. Well whatever Hub and I have, would for sure be dangerous to older people. Hub still has his man flu but I think that is because he has not really had chance to relax, even though he is supposed to be on holiday, he has had conference calls and yesterday had to go to Brussels and he still checks his emails every day.

If God is there listening to us, he will be kind to us this year and find Hub a new job to prolong his life with me, or find me that wonderful publishing company who will ask me to write for them? Oh that would be my dream, as my imagination is wild with work and words, which need to explode into publicized pages.

 Hub and I are going out tomorrow with our friend. I was going to do it on the bus, to give Waggatail some work, as it’s been a year since she did it and she has only done the rout once, but I know she can do village work. Hub really didn’t want to go by bus as it really is a nightmare for us both, for there are two busses each way, and the second bus is a total nightmare both ways to find. But my friend is taking us in the car and I am taking Waggatail so she can still work. Bless our friend she is so kind. I really hope we can do things for her as I do feel somewhat greedy right now. So tomorrow, after Hub has a two hour conference call with the world, we will be on our way to the village and let’s see how well Waggatail does…

OK, must dash now but I will be back later. Wherever you are in the world, I hope today, you smile at least once? Xxxx

Wednesday 29 January 2014

MY BOAT SHORT STORY BY FIONA CUMMINGS


Short story

MY BOAT

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

To feel the warmth upon my face as I sail further into the teal sea’s, with the salt exfoliating my skin. The smell of new air. The swishing of the water pressing against my boat. Clinking of wood with a back fold of slapping waves echoing reverberating off the well-used boat I call the silver mermaid.

There is nothing quite like that smell. Salted dust scatters recklessly like a tent of therapeutic vibes, injecting itself through my body, nostrils widen to take in as much sea air as possible like a junky addicted to his fix!

What is out there in the far distance? Who else shares this vast land with me?

I wonder why other people were on the water. For what reason on this day would they be here?

I find myself eating the sky. Like a child morishly munching at an ice-cream on that red hot July afternoon.

 My fingers grip tight as we sale, the silver and me, into rough terrain

I almost experienced broaching as the  what can be deadly dark charging ocean decided to treat me as it’s enemy, so quickly had to hold out my palm as a simple of peace and had to bear away from the wind. Using the bailer to remove as much water as possible from the awash, to expose once again the brightwork, seeing it Gleeman against the suns crystals of gritted salted stars, was a relief!

I hungerly grabbed at the bearstone and started to clean the wood, as for the arch board, that would have to wait until we returned ashore.

Coming to the bar, we would sail with care into once again a tank of tranquil teasing turquoise waters and triumphantly, sail until I use the bowline, bight and bar knots again to tie my Silver to a place of safety so one can lay back and have fond day dreams of a Keel, sang by my grandfather when I was a small child.

The movement of the boat sent me to sleep. Seagulls sang me a la la bye and chimes from bells on boats beyond the white whispering waves spoke to me gently.

The sea is a funny thing. Mans killers, a torture terror, like a disgruntled teenager or a two year old with pure frustration over not being able to communicate enough to say what they wanted. The sea can be a place of perfection. Paradise holidays and for an artist, one would imagine to use a frame would be a sin.

I must call it a day now, but what a day. I am sure my boat and I will have more adventures as this is a place I can be myself. I am in control.

Well, that is until the ocean decides my fate?

 

X HUSBAND AND THE STONE


I went to the shop for some more blooming milk. I swear I keep saying this; I need a cow in my back yard. My Hub asked me to promise him I would not go as he is away working today. I didn’t do that as what purpose in life do I have if I can’t do such little things like collect the milk? He really is worked up about what happened a couple of weeks ago and of course I am too, but I can hide forever or just try again.  Kind of like riding that bike or horse after a fall. The old Fi would have stayed safe but not the new Fi. I was a little anxious stepping out of the house, but not terrified. It did help that teen was home from college. Yep, home. Not maths again… I think he may get thrown off the course. But he thinks he can just turn up some weeks before his exam and crash study, he may be able to, but it was that attitude which made him fail his first maths exam way back at school.

He is determined he is never going to work for anyone again. Only be his own boss.

That is great, as long as he stays on the straight and narrow as we say in the UK.

So Waggatail and I went to the shop and the road was noisier than ever. I really mean it, it’s like a runway. Awful. And it is forever to get there too. There were loads of broken bracken twigs and branches on the path today. It was so loud, I couldn’t even hear my footsteps and I had to raise my voice to make myself heard for Waggatail. I have had so much pressure from my Husband to send Wagga back and if she had made a big mistake, phone call to guide dogs would have been made.

She was far from perfect. 5 out of ten going and about the same coming back. She’s just hard work, that’s all can’t relax for a second this is why when I get back, I am shattered.

Going around the shop, she is sniffing everything, pulling me everywhere. Ducking under the freezers to see what food had been spilt and when I was at the till, she was inside the shop assistants pocket.

God she is shocking. But we came out of there and did the dreaded fifteen minute walk home.

I am just extremely cautious about the duel carriageway

She got me home and I was relieved. She doesn’t sniff the ground half as much as she did when I got her. Last year, I had to drag her off everything. Her nose was glued to posts, lamps, shrubs, bins, grass verges and paths. Not now it seems.

My fingers were numb when I got in. It’s so very cold out there. As if I was in a bubble of ice.

Got in, teen was cooking his lunch. My God give me strength?

I only got the groceries delivered today and for lunch he was frying. Eggs, bacon, sausage and beans.

His Father thinks having teen live with us is cost free? How would he know, he never ever brought him up.

Talking of the x, good news today, if he tries in the future to find me, my solicitor has a wonderful costly surprise for him.

When I think how badly my Husbands x is treating him, and how easy my x had it, he really doesn’t know how lucky he is. Things like wills and redundancy and much much more have not been touched. I really hope he leaves me alone for his sake as what I learned today will really financially finish him off. I so don’t want that, but he will leave me with no choice. I always dread the day he ever finds me for lots of reasons, but the main one reason he wants to find me is money. He thinks he can get money from me. Well, he will have to help to lift that stone first as he has more chance getting money out of a stone than my pockets.

I don’t understand we have a child together, he never has been a Dad and pretends  to be now when all the main work has been done now there is just the pain to go through, as in two years’ time, teen will be on his own as far as finance goes, so my x will be able to be free of all monetary charges and just have the token of a handsome Son to show off to people.

In the meanwhile, he is still trying to get what is not his. Why can’t x Husbands just be normal? Well, x wives too I guess. I just had enough of my marriage. I fell in love. Was not looking for it that is for sure. I was loyal for 23 years even though I did have chances to not be, it was because I was a good wife. He will never realise that though. So I guess some good news today though I pray it will never have to be used.

A thing I am concerned about today is my left eye has a huge lump inside the bottom of my eye lid. I have had a tiny lump for some years but overnight it has doubled in size. I am sure the Doctor said years ago, it was a tear ducked.  But it is so big now, it can be seen and I can for sure feel it all the time, I am aware of it.

What is it I wonder? I may have to go to the blooming Doctors about it. I know that is where my Husband and I caught our dreadful viruses from. Hub after ten days is still ill as am I. Just feel really week. Coughing and loads of other symptoms.

Today I tried to get my friends little boy into a private nursery for when they come over for three months in the summer. But looks doubtful for this particular nursery. So waiting for a call from the manager to say yes or no.

Answered a few emails and made some phone calls this morning. Now going to clean though I have absolutely no energy to do so. OK, my blog comes to an end. One of those where I just go on and on and on. Sorry if my idle chit chat has bored you today, but the next one will be a lot shorter and I hope more interesting. X

THE FRUITS OF QUOTES IN SUMMER


OK Bloggets. We are sick of this winter, so let’s have some sunshine in our hearts today with an old recipe of mine and some summer quotes, hey? I want’ to try to write a short story later about summer too. In the meanwhile, here goes. Now, feel the warmth?

Blackberry and lemon Mess

Ingredients

  • 600ml tub whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp icing sugar
  • 6 tbsp lemon curd
  • 200g blackberries
  • few primroses or other edible flowers, to decorate (optional)

 

Now, some people may want to make their own meringues? But why? Make it easy, buy them?

To serve, dollop the lemon curd over the whipped cream, then crumble over some of the meringues in small chunks Put the blackberries into a bowl and lightly rough up with a fork so they’re whole but juicy, then scatter them over the cream. Fold together with a large spatula or spoon, just a few times to marble everything through. Divide between 6 glasses or bowls, top each with an edible flower, if using, and serve straight away.

 You can use strawberries, but black berries or even raspberries, are really nice with this? In fact, last time I made this, I also put blueberries in.

 

Summer quotes

A porch is the only real reward you need after a long summer's day.

 

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”

 

Tuesday 28 January 2014

WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET FOR A 50TH BIRTHDAY?


A disappointed Fi today. I wanted to go to our friend’s birthday party on Saturday, but, we just looked at the trains today and they are impossible. I don’t know if it’s because it’s a weekend or there  are works on the tracks going on, but it is almost two hours to get home and we would have to leave the party just before half nine. It doesn’t start until half seven. So four taxis’s and at least two trains about four hours to be there for two hours. We can’t believe how rubbish the trains are. Last train is ten in the evening getting home just before midnight. I wouldn’t care but Hub changed his meeting brought it forward so we could go.

Also my outfit arrived today what I would be wearing. I feel so bad about it, but our heart will be with our friend.

It’s so cold again and Hub and I still have really bad colds. I just feel so ill. Hub is no better at all and this is two weeks for him.

He is working in Brussels tomorrow so a 16 hour day for him, but at least he’s back in the same day. A meeting with MP’s out there.

Our shopping not due until tomorrow I think I left it too late as our cupboards are looking rather bare.

Teen at college today. We had a nice night with him last night.

My Husband is looking up the new aps you can get on the IPhone. One of them is “Pocket Kama Sutra” Haha haha, so what exactly goes in your pocket?

I can assure you, he hasn’t downloaded that…

OK, I think we all need some sun in our lives, so I am going to post some summery blogs from tomorrow. Take care Bloggets. Later gators. X

 

Monday 27 January 2014

HALAL CALLING THE TUNE


I’m not sure if you heard about this to some shocking headline of late from Iran?

Iran broadcaster breaks rule over musical instruments played on TV

A morning program dared to show musicians playing traditional Persian instruments live on breakfast TV.

The Islamic republic of Iran broadcasting (IRIB) tolerates non-western music, and singers are regular guests there, but musical instruments have been band there for more than three decades.

Normally when bands are on TV there, only the singer can be seen. The musicians, they are back stage or hidden behind flowers or plants.  never shown    

As this band started to play in front of the camera, people at home started to take photos of their television screens in disbelief.

But the program makers said that it had been a mistake for ten seconds, the instruments were shown. I read this interesting news article.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, is skeptical of music and advises against practicing or teaching it in the country. "Although music is halal, promoting and teaching it is not compatible with the highest values of the sacred regime of the Islamic Republic,"

So what is halal?

It is an Arabic word which means permissible.

Halal meat is Permissible to Islamic law.

The meat can not be a cut from an animal’s hind quarters or pork.

The poor animal must be slaughtered when its heart is still beating and a Muslim must be at presence when the killing is occurring.

They slit the throat and the animal is hung upside down to drain all blood. As blood is not halal

So getting back to the story about musical instruments being shown live on Television, I never knew of such a fact as this article, did you?

OK, I get that it would be wrong to show certain dancers or moves. But an instrument?

 

LITTLE DARLING BY FIONA CUMMINGS


Little Darling

By  Fiona Cummings

Sleeping comfortably in your bed

As I place a kiss upon your head

I love you my little darling

Chocolate dreams until the morning

I know you’re are tired as you are yawning

So close your eyes

Until sunrise

Then you’re tiny hand in mine

Let’s hope our day will be kind

And new adventures we shall find

SHORT STORY A SUMMER MORNING


We all need the sun, so here is a short story about the summer.

 

 How wonderful life can be. To wake in the morning, the fragrance of freshly grounded coffee coming from the kitchen downstairs. The narrow winding stairs. The kitchen is just to the right of the staircase past the old bookshelf, which I am amazed, has survived as my Great Uncle made it out of driftwood I think? Unless that was a family joke or something. But that is what I was told. He was a sailor you see. There are a few books in there, some old with spines all dimpled with years of reading them and constant turning of pages.

The shelves now have small nicknacks on them, you know the kind you can’t really part with as they hold fond memories, but you don’t like them enough to put on proper show!

I can hear my Husband now, clinking the cups as he prepares my morning drink.

The curtains blow gently in the breaze from our window, which is ajar as the summer nights are suffocating when one is trying to sleep.

Mr. Bewick was cutting his grass this morning that is what woke my Husband and me up.  As soon as my Husband is awake, he has to get out of bed, me? Nope, I can just lay here and take in the morning outside and in my house, in the comfort of my bed.

I love the colours on our bedroom walls. Two shades of apricot against the bright white gloss work

The brass light fitting sparkled with the sunlight coming through the sides of the pulled down blind, which like the curtains, was blowing. Such a calm breaze, like an angel blowing with her rosebud lips.

My Husband came to me with a cup of coffee and sat on the chair next to the bed as we listened to the radio show we enjoy together.

After that, time to get up. A walk along the riverside is in order for today. At the other side of the river is a small train track which has the odd trains every now and then which chug along, taking passengers on their way to the beach not far away.

Basket packed and a wonderful summer pick nick we shall have.

 

MAN FLU


 A quick blog. My Husband has kindly given me his man flu. It’s so cold outside. Hub and I just can’t get warm. Going to make tea now but done nothing else. A real lazy day. We have just chilled and watched telly. We have been invited to a wedding in a few weeks. I really hope teen goes, but doubt he will.  It’s forecast to get colder here just in time for Hub to go to Brussels on Wednesday. He was meant to be on holiday for a week, but the dam job says not. I flipping hate his job.

Anyway, off with my hankerchiefs and pack of pills. Must try to do something today. Teen in soon so let’s see what the night has to offer. Xx

Sunday 26 January 2014

THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL PART 3


I slept OK, must admit, not so well as I normally do when I stay away, but that was because of two reasons, one, I was getting my Husbands really bad cold and two, there was no air but for the air conditioning in the room. We didn’t dare open the window, as we were on the ground floor.

Our alarm went off and time to get up. I never heard one person through the night get up walk about or talk. I didn’t hear one door close either; it was as though we were the only two in the hotel. So rather peaceful.

So I called my Son to make sure that he, and the dogs were OK, they were and that put my mind at wrest.

Got ready and I longingly looked at the bath, which the night before had served me the purpose of comfort and relaxation.

But no time for that, so just a quick shower and through the many doors to find the dining room.

LC, was amazing. We had to go through four doors and lots of twists and turns. She walked us right there, it amazes me, as she seems to know where we want to go? I mean, my Husband didn’t have to give one single command, not one. I would have to say find the door find left right and so on, or find the room at least. Her, nothing, and so the night before, she walked us to reception. After the meal, Hub took LC out for a walk and she knew it was time to pollute the streets of Edinburgh.

Then this morning, she knew we needed to eat breakfast. A mind reader of a dog.

When we got to the dining room, we took a seat a cosy table and the lovely waitress came to take our order.

We spoke to a few colleagues who were busy getting their breakfasts before heading off to their various countries. It was odd for Hub I guess, as it’s normal for him to be the one traveling.

He said to a couple of colleagues; see you in Larnica/Cyprus.

Some guy laughed and remarked that he says to his colleagues. “See you on Monday, or see you at the office.

For Hub, the world is his office.

Breakfast was fresh fruit, Scottish breakfast; I had the vegetarian version and lots of toast and pastries.

And of course a pot of tea.

Time to sit and reflect on the beautiful short trip I had made and sadly back to our room to get ready to leave.

So many of the people we met with said what a great hotel it is. There are a lot of facilities there and they were great as in helpful and accommodating for every need.

My Husband organised it and thankfully it went well, with no hiccups.

He was rather anxious, but all was fine and important matters were solved.

It was rather interesting as the MP on our table was talking about the referendum which will take part the vote between supporters of Scotland leaving the UK and those who disagreed.

A subject that could have got rather heated if there had been someone on our table who expressed their views, either way. But we all knew to be politically correct on this subject. I wanted to say so much you know me, but held my tongue

Apart from asking what would happen to the armed forces if Scotland went it alone?

Answer, nothing would change… I then didn’t ask who would pay.

I was well behaved.

But a lovely German man asked us as English people, what did we think? The Scottish MP, answered for us. Haha!

It was rather interesting, but left me a little sad. I can see from so many sides why Scotland would want to leave the UK, why the UK would want them to, why some Scottish people would not want to be independent and why English people as well as Irish and Welsh, would want them to stay with us.

At the end of the day, if as a small group of people in the United Kingdom, can’t get on enough to stick as one, what hope does the rest of the world have to be civil and at one with the UK?

So we said goodbye to the room and LC took us to reception.

Hub had lots of things to sort out as meeting room’s coffee’s water and some finger foods needed paying for as well as the bill for the stay of everyone. We did that then took a taxi to the station.

When we got there, the driver dropped us off telling us he couldn’t take us in the station, and we had to make our own way down the large steep ramp. We heard the announcements so we knew we were in the right place.

We got on our train and Hub after an hour went to the buffet car and bought me a sandwich. He left me with the lovely LC of a guide dog. When he was away, I had a panic attack. I couldn’t find my white cane and was imagining it to have rolled down the train somewhere, and then remembered Hub borrowed it to take instead of the dog. A blonde moment.

Next thing we heard was the train wasn’t any longer going to London, so the people going to London, had to leave the train as there were changes. Why? Not sure, but the London train we were on wasn’t going there anymore.

Thank God we did not need to go there.

So the train was forty minutes late I don’t know why but it was late and became a different train.

Whilst it was waiting at Newcastle, six girls got on obviously been there for the night, perhaps on a hen night. We call it a hen night in the UK when a lady is to marry she has a party previous to the wedding.

Oh they were full of themselves. Real loud. When they heard because of the complications going to London, there were no seat reservations; they shouted that they were going into first class… Haha. I’m sure the people with more money than sense in first class would be delighted to share their part of the train with these jolly girls?

We had a peaceful carriage.

Any way we got home at last and back to almost normality, I say almost, because Hub has a week off.

So no work tomorrow.

But the end of a lovely 24 hours and a good memory.

With love. X

THE CROWN PLAZA HOTEL PART 2


The room was enormous. Wow, the carpet was so warm and thick. Long Chops was in shock. She didn’t know why I was there and not home. Hehehehe. It was so good to be there and fantastic to see my Husband. He looked gorgeous in his suit. I love a man in a good suit.

I was so so very happy delighted that I had managed to get there. God I have really shocked myself and with the support from a good friend who is my inspiration. And my Hub, I found the courage from coming from a person who was terrified to step outside her front door, just under five years ago, to going on a train and travelling all those miles. Gosh, if I can do it, I promise, anyone can with sight loss. As I am a scared kitten, but after yesterday’s achievement, I became for a short time, a lioness.

Not saying my fear is cured, but for sure I achieved and that for me is wonderful. It’s nothing to my brave blind friends, but for me, I’m not brave, far from it, until yesterday.

I just had cabin fever and had to get away even for a short time.

I was that free Pegasus. I found my wings.

Oh there was a beautiful fireplace in the room. And two leather comfortable chairs at the fireside with a coffee table with drinks on.

The bathroom was huge it was one of those glass ones, you know like a giant cubical built in the room?

It had curtains around it for privacy, but they were net curtains, so may be still see through? I did worry later on having a bath that I could be seen from outside, as we were on the ground floor and God knows if the curtains were closed properly?

Haha haha.

I didn’t hear any screams, so think I was OK, though nearby there was a body found in a local park, so perhaps they had a heart attack?

Any way, it was time to get ready to go for the meal with all of the guests and the MP’s. I wore my silk blouse and velvet skirt. Put on makeup

Opened the huge heavy wooden door and off we went.

I was in shock how LC found her way to the meeting room.

She weaved in and out of the different doors. Oh Bloggets, I was really proud of our dog.

and off we went into the reception. I met with some of Hubs colleagues. They were from all over the world.

There was a great guy there from France,   who spoke fabulous English, then turned to the person next to us and spoke Italian, then went to another group of people and began to speak Spanish.

What a guy? He was also blind. What an intelligent person and his mobility skills are great too.

He has a lovely sense of humour.

So, then time to go to the before drinks gathering.

It was there I met with the MP’s and one of the wives of the main MP, who gave an elegwent speech over dinner. I was on the top table with Hub as he was the host. What would I talk about, and how would I behave? Haha.

I had to put my best voice on and actually think before I spoke? Hehehehe

The food was wonderful. I spoke Russian and then quickly hoped I would not be spoken to again, as didn’t want’ to pass by the “Hello and how are you stage.

I’m so out of practice with my Rusky

I had a lovely mozzarella and tomato salad for starters. Hub had tomato and basil soup. Then I had risotto and that was delicious, Hub had chicken breast, wrapped in bacon stuffed with Haggis as of course it was Burns night. We were given poetry from Robbie Burns

Then the most amazing thing happened. I couldn’t breathe for I was full of pride and admiration.

 My Husband gave a speech then, a song. Oh Bloggets, he was great.

It was of course a Scottish song.

It was a lovely evening.

We got back to the room and I can tell you, I felt like I had been to work, as it is so different to my daily life. But I can also tell you, it was a pleasure and the people were fantastic. They all said great things about the hotel.

If you want to visit Edinburgh, I beg you to stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, on Royal terrace. The staff were all Polish and so incredibly helpful. The hotel is warm and plush with beautiful food and exquisite rooms.

The bed had my name on it and it was huu’uuge.

In fact, I had to get a microphone to see if Hub was in bed… hahahaha

Oh I just love that feeling, no worries, no stress. It did me the world of good.

Part three tomorrow.

THE CROWNE PLAZA PART 1


I had everything ready to leave. Put on my shoes and coat as the weather was dreadful. My taxi awaited and off we went. The driver was in hysterics as I checked my shoes in transit, as I had a moment of dread, thinking, I have two pairs of shoes almost the same, and had the momentary thought I had odd shoes on, but thank God I hadn’t.

Anyway, got to the station. I had spent a while on my hair straightening out the waves only to be soaked at the train station. It had a roof, but it was as much use as a chocolate tea pot.

My train came and I was delighted to find out it was almost empty…

So in my seat and I tried to make myself look normal. You know, one of those accustomed travellers.

Took out my kindle, popped in my earphones and tried to look chilled, like, “Travel? Pa, whatever!”

Rather than. “Oh my God, what on earth am I doing? What will be the outcome, where is the man to check my tickets, and I can’t hear the blooming announcement of if I am on the right train?

OK, us blind people are meant to have exceptional hearing, but, I was unable to hear the announcement, so continued with my chilled look….

I must say, my book was great and did pass an hour before I decided to turn it off and prepare myself for what was to follow.

After two and a half hours, I arrived. I gathered myself and with my white cane found the door, without grabbing onto someone’s wig and removing it as I grabbed the nearest thing as the train took a sudden jerk!

I didn’t trip over a bag in the isle and do the full length of the carriage and was able to find the door… Thank God, it was opened so I didn’t have to look as though I was painting the inside of the train walls with my hands.

Got off it without breaking my leg in the gap and thank God I was met by a member of staff and took to the taxi. Then the driver asked my hotel name I told him, he asked was that the Crowne Plaza on this street?

“No, not that one.

He said on the avenue?

No, by this time I was panicking... Luckily I had my mobile and had the sense to write the full address down.

Told him and on we went. I wondered though if I had not done that, what would have happened, but there are three Crowne Plaza’s in Edinburgh

We arrived I went to reception. It was a warm and peaceful hotel. I gave my name and explained I was to be in my husband’s room and it was all organised.

Well, she did that thing you know, where she doesn’t know how to put something?

Oh God… I was in the wrong hotel…

The tension built up and I then told her how to spell my name…

Few, she found us. Thank God for that.

A member of staff took me to the room and there I was.

Part two later.

Saturday 25 January 2014

ON MY WAY


OK, here I go. Bag packed with my kindle, earphones charger for mobile soap bag make up bag, hair straighteners and of course trains tickets, well; I think that is what those bits of card are? Haha.

I have cleaned the kitchen, now hoping I won’t come back to a right mess. I bought easy food for teen to cook, but he has poo pood it and now said he is going to the shop to buy rubbish process chicken. I  can’t win. He is still in bed and it is almost one in the afternoon.

I fear this is what it will be like tomorrow, unless he is meeting with someone? This is why I worry about the dogs. They can’t hold it in that long.

OK, Next time you will hear from me is when I am back, I’m not away more than 26 hours, so hang on there and smile at what is to come… I really hope smiles and not laugh out loud?

Later gators. X

Friday 24 January 2014

LOST IN THE HIGHLANDS?


 Good evening Dear Bloggets. I’m sitting down now for an hour or so. I’m exhausted. Got everything ready now for tomorrow. I hope. It’s like I am going to some kind of faraway land rather than Scotland, but in a way, it is, as if I forget something, I can’t just pop out to  the shop and buy it, so what I have on me is to keep and what I need, rather so much than what I want.

I had a lovely afternoon with a good friend. We went shopping then a coffee. Well, a hot chocolate for me.

A good chat and back home to a house of a teen…

It’s pouring with rain now, so our morning walk was in good time.

OK, in 24 hours from now, I either will be sitting at the table for our dinner with Hubs work, at the before dinner drinks, or somewhere lost in the highlands.

Let’s pray not the latter?

I can’t wait to see Hub though. Miss him loads.

OK till later with love.

x

WALKING THE DOGS


 A very quick blog as in between outings. Gosh, out three times in two days? This is not normal for me, but I’m liking it.

Today we took my two dogs to the racecourse to have a free run. We went in our friends’ car and my friend Di came with their two tiny dogs too. I was surprised how good my dogs were, well, not really surprised at BB, as she is a cutie, but Waggatail…She was really good. Apart from the times they jumped in the river… Bear in mind, the puddles had hats of ice on them.

All the time I was thinking, oh our poor friends car? I took towels and they had a blanket on the back seat for them

Oh just to know they were happy was amazing. Just to feel fresh air for me was great and the company was good too.

We were out quite a while there was a lady who passed us, with six or seven dogs. She knew them all by names too.

Not sure how she managed that, as I struggle with our three.

I do think that was too many for one person, she must be a dog walker and I wouldn’t be too  happy if I was paying someone and there were seven furry friends out together, what  does she do if  A, one dog gets  lost, B, there is a dog attacked by another? C if one of her dogs runs off she can’t chase after it with six dragging behind!

It was forecast to rain and the sun came out for us. It was cold, enough Di said to see your breath but one of those mornings where by you put a warm coat on and feel the crisp air.

OK, getting ready to go out again, so will be back later then I must sort out life for going away for tomorrow.

Booking taxi and so on.

My dogs have been a sleep since we got back; I know they have had a fantastic time.

XX

Thursday 23 January 2014

THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET PARADE BY FIONA CUMMINGS


THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET PARADE

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

 How beautiful you are

I feel so close though you are a far

My heart beats in time with yours

I hear the sounds of distant shores

Through a shell your voice is so close

I smell your skin like a fragrant rose

Your kiss is like a tattoo upon my lips

The feel of you never leaves me

If I feel unsafe your hand I grip

Though we are apart it’s you I see

The waves of calm follow me

The gentle breaze blows sand

 Around my shadow

I hold your hand

Squeeze through rocks so narrow

Feel the salt in the trickling ocean

You are my magic potion

It’s you I give my devotion

Together we will build a castle

As you are fit to be my king

With you life’s so free from hassle

And I am honoured to wear your ring

Let’s enjoy the seaside

Me as your bride

And hear the choirs of mermaids

And watch the storms fade

The beautiful sunset parade

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK


Hey Bloggets. Well, today, Hub left for Scotland. He went into our loft and brought down the case. I put my clothes in it that I will be wearing on the night I arrive. I joked and told him he may get some funny looks from the maids as I don’t arrive until Saturday.

He got there safe and told me his hotel room was huge. This is very unusual, as normally they put him in dreadful hotels and horrible little rooms. He deserves a treat as he works so hard.

He is in a meeting until after eight tonight and that is after three hours in transit and then he has an evening meeting over dinner, so won’t be in his room until about half ten, then tomorrow meetings from nine until six and again on Saturday all day, then the important dinner in the evening. I will join him for that.

You can’t ever relax as when I went to Oslo with him, people during breakfast were asking him questions about work and same during the evening meals

So always have to have your professional head on.

His day spent in London yesterday at Parliament was a success, so something good for blind people will happen as a result of it.

Now, as for my day?

I went to town with my friend to view an apartment for our friends coming from Russia. It is lovely, not so wonderful as the one we saw with my friend, but this one is only for three weeks the other one is for a couple of months.

It has beautiful furniture from America. Solid oak and huge.

Very modern and clean. It has three balconies in the lounge looking over the river. One of the balconies has table and chairs so in the summer, you can look over the river views.

Of course they will be here when the tour de France will happen, as that is coming to the UK in July.

Must tell her not to hire a car then as all the roads are going to be closed for two days then.

Now just have to sort out the nursery for the little boy.

I shall do that on Monday.

Then my friend and I walked to my favourite chip shop. Now Bloggets, I have sinned today.

I ate the chips cooked in meat fat…

How bad is that for a vegetarian?

Shameful. No wonder they tasted so good. And they do mushy peas to die for.

So a few cups of tea and loads of chatting.

It was lovely and I hope we will have lots of nice days like that as we get on really well.

She is a very kind person and is going to help out with the furry ones when I go on Saturday

Oh God me nerves…

OK, My Son has decided he is not going to ever work. He is going to buy things online and sell them on.

Well, if it is legal, and he swears it is, and he makes enough money, good luck to him.

But, I would be happier if he had a job.

OK, off now but remember, if someone has hurt you today, there is always tomorrow. In most countries, it’s winter. So there is spring to look forward to. A new start. X

Wednesday 22 January 2014

WRITERS BLOCK


 I have had a horrible day. I am so cold, I can hardly type and I have another poem to write for someone’s babies christening.

This combined with having writers block and having one of those 0 out of ten days, is not good.

Looking forward to going out tomorrow with my friend though, we are viewing a house and then off to eat Fish & chips. Well, I won’t eat the Fish, but will for sure enjoy the chips and chat with my friend.

I have done absolutely nothing today apart from hearing nasty words from the one who loves to carry out a family tradition. I’ve been sworn at and must admit, lost it and swore back.

Just wish I could go away at the weekend and never come back. Sick of the hurt and pain which is inflicted on me.

Of course I’m to blame…

Such is life.

OK, must get from this chair and feed, water and let the dogs pollute. Then start work.

I hope to chat more later and I also hope to be inspired to write something worth reading. X

IT'S DONE NOW


Hey there Bloggets. It’s freezing here today and so dull out there, you can smell the damp in the air. It rained all night. Hub in the capital today in Parliament talking about some treaty.

Teen should, be at college…

I have done a online shop for tomorrow. Just a small one but I really really struggle with buying healthy food so it was a challenge. If we are all at home, then I don’t mind cooking, but when Hub is away, Teen spends most of his time away too, so that leaves just me and this is when I don’t bother eating. But have tried hard this week!

Bread is my killer for sure. I have more than halved my chocolate and crisp intake.

Poor Hub still has man flu. I pray he doesn’t be generous and pass it on to me?

OK, it’s done now; he has bought the tickets for me to travel to Scotland at the weekend…

Oh how do I feel about it? Well, for someone who struggles going to our local shop, this will be a challenge.

I only have done one train journey once in my life on my own, and my brother in law was meeting me at the other end.

I won’t ever forget that day. My Husband was in London, we got word to say his poor Mum was dying.

He left his meeting and I left home. My boy was only about 13 at the time.

I needed to try to get my x to look after him and planning that was an absolute nightmare.

I was running on adrenalin!

I know I felt so very sad. I had not long known my Mother in law and we got on so well. She was amazing at our wedding, she made our beautiful wedding cake, the sugar flowers on the top were stunning, she made a bouquet of roses, the same colour and same rose as my bouquet I held, which she also made. She even made a little flower out of a large ribbon for Black beauty and Long Chops, who wore her, ribbon with pride as she guided Hub and me back up the Isle.

She used to visit us and bring so much home baked food and fresh vegetables from their allotment. I loved her so much.

Hubs horrible Sister made it impossible for us sister in laws to see much of the Mum when she was in hospital. Hubs sister has some kind of mental health issue, brought on by twisted and bitter jealousy.

And Hub and I will never forgive her for this. Nor will my other sister in-laws…
So I got there OK, and after I did that, sitting in a seat where the window was open, next to the cabin where the driver sits, I couldn’t hear the announcements for where I was, it was scary as I didn’t know when
to get off also a man was chatting me up, and sitting closer and closer as the journey
went on. God he was gross. I just wanted to reach my Husband who would be in pain for the three hour journey he had to make from London.

Well, a long story, but my plans went so very wrong. I had absolute hell for 36 hours. So this time, I pray, the journey will be easier, with of course a much better outcome.

Talking of in laws, my Father in law has just come out of hospital after an operation. He is doing really well, it seems to have given him a new look in life; this is great, as he was so depressed. He realises though that he has to give up his car and it is the car which belonged to his wife, my Mother in law… This will be so hard for him.

It will be three years this year since my Mother in law left our lives and there is honestly not a day goes by without me thinking about her. But the roses she planted for us in our last house, we brought with us and they still grow and live on!

Until later my friends, I hope all flowers in your lives bloom.

 
 

Tuesday 21 January 2014

WASHING ME BALLS


Tonight I am with my poor Hub, who is suffering with man flu right now, watched an interesting program on our television. All about people who were a little fleshier than they would like to be. Some people were well over thirty stone and in a year because of different procedures, lost half that weight! So they lost my Husband off their back. Imagine carrying all that on your heart? As we speak, I need to loss probably an eleven year old child. Well, OK, ten. Well, you wouldn’t believe it, all the way through the program, I was blooming hungry… My naughty Husband kept antagonising me by asking if I wanted some crisps or chocolate.

It was kind of a sad program an yet the success rate was fantastic, but, the long term who knows?

This is the problem with weight loss, this is why diet organisations are a load of rubbish, yes, they may lose weight going to these places, but everyone I know, after some months or a year, has to end up going back. And at the end of the day, the organisations like weight watchers are a business.

  Long Chops was a naughty little girl today. Hub had to leave her in his office whilst he went to the loo. When he came back, she had reached the bin and investigated it for herself.

Then on the station, she jumped on a worker there. Haha.

Hub was not impressed. Ah, but she is so cute. Bless her, she is not going tomorrow to our capital, as he is meeting with a group of people so no need for the dog.

So I have all three tomorrow… Hard work dot com.

My friend is making me laugh as she is using dictation on her phone to write on the group online I am in. And it keeps swearing. So rather than talking about her furry cat, she used another F word. Hehehehehheehe

I told her, there was no need to call the cat that?

I can talk; I sent my Husband a personal message on facebook the other day and ended up putting it in the in box of another friend, a man too. I basically told him I loved him and told him he was a looney?

And I wanted to say I was going in the bath, so I typed in

“In the bath…

Didn’t realise, there must be some sort of drop box, so it continued writing for me… I published it, and it ended up telling my friends, I was in the bath, washing my balls.

OK, stop laughing, I was mortified and can’t delete it as I’m rubbish at that, and I’m an admin on two on line groups.

I should sack myself.

OK, must go for now, but have a happy night and smile for me? X

OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY?


Good day Bloggets. A busy week ahead as I need to organise an apartment for my friends from Russia who are coming over in the summer.

There are two apartments the second for the majority of the stay is fine, but the first one, let us down. After viewing that, I will sort out the nursery for the baby. I have some phone calls and emails to do for Hub and a couple of hours of research online to do then I can start the daily housework.

Hubs meeting at our local blind society was interesting for him last night. I don’t ever ask what goes on as there are things that should remain confidential. Also I’m not interested. Haha.

All I know is, he is so passionate for helping out with and for blind people. Even in his spare time, he is doing research for latest products and help for us.

It seams quite nice out there, but again this morning, the ice was getting scraped off the car across the road.

When my Hub goes to Scotland on Thursday, I have arranged an afternoon out with my friend. So I really am looking forward to that and can’t wait as after we do what we need to do, we are doing ladies who do lunch at a wonderful Fish & chip shop/café.

I have only been once with my dear friend Olga, but the smell and flavour of the chips have still remained in my taste buds.

Oh I had a great morning shopping on line, but will have to checkout it for next weeks for this week, Hub will be away and then I am Saturday, so only need food for teen and myself. But I went onto the BBC website and looked at some recipes. Why it was so good is because then you can buy your ingredience online there is a link to the shops you normally buy from.

So I hope to make some nice new things next week. I will tell you about them.

I was chatting online today to a friend about how poor people can’t afford to eat healthy. I said that I disagreed because you can make enormous pans of soup for £4 and casseroles for £8 or a good old stew for £4 if vegetarian or a large tray of Lasagne for about £8, but that will serve four people or a dish of shepherd’s pie again serving four for about £7.

So for four people to eat one good healthy meal per day for a week, you can do it for less than £50

Am I out of touch with reality? Is this still too deer?

Just trying to work out microwave food or frozen food and by the time you make enough for four people, I bet it comes to close to that, and it’s not as healthy.

Here’s me, talking, I am the worst eater in the world, well, OK, not quite, as I don’t eat meat or fry…. Apart from the Chips I’m having on Thursday…heehee.

But if I don’t eat anything, I eat things with butter. I have done better this week though and have lost two apples from my heart. This is how I am thinking about it now…

OK, my dogs are driving me mad. They stink too, so a good groom and then more work. Laters gators. X

Monday 20 January 2014

FIFI WONDERING?


A quick blog. Hub working tonight at our local blind society. I have just been on the skype to my friend Olga from Russia, VIP’s, if you download the latest from skype now, it is so much more accessible. At last. My friend Di and I are having a nice day at the shops later on this week, bless her, I can’t even put into words how much in shock I am about how kind she is. It really scares me, but at the same time, I know there are genuine people out there and I am 100% sure she is one of them.

I have been invited to a hen party for a friend who is getting married soon.

Lot’s going on in my life right now and within the next two weeks, may be three, something major may happen. I really hope so.

OK, Saturday, will I go or stay? Hub going to Edinburgh on Thursday till Sunday. He wants me to go with him. If I do, this means leaving two out of three dogs.  My friend said she will let them out for me. I feel really sorry for them, but one dog is retired and the other hyper. I can’t take Waggatail. Lc will be already there with Hub. So me on a train on my own is a real scary prospect, though I am up for the challenge.

The evening scares me a little, as we are to have dinner with Hub hosting the event and I will be on the top table with him and MP’s…

I will have to be on my best behaviour.

Now, what to wear?

Hmm!

One shall have to put ones posh accent on….

Now then, where did I put it?

OK, so I shall let you know tomorrow if I am going or not, if I do, it will be for as few hours as possible.

I think my Teen will stay with the dogs overnight, but to be honest, my friend is a God send. I just can’t believe how fortunate I am in finding her. We are girly shopping later on in the week and that will fill some time in as I will miss Hub so much this week. He is away tomorrow to Peterborough but home at night, Wednesday, London home night, Thursday, leaves for Scotland back Sunday, so me going for even for some hours on Saturday, will be nice, though Bloggets, I will be a wreck by then and as for my train journey?

Oh

My

God!