INTUITION BY FIONA CUMMINGS

INTUITION

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

 

My heart is saddened by all around

My soul is gladdened by what I’ve seen

My feet are firmly on the ground

 My life is fulfilled by where I have been

My inquisitive nature needs to learn more

But my memory blocks out times as if a locked door

Though my dreams tell me I’ve visited there before  

And my heart says don’t go there again

But my curiosity kills the cat

And for punishment I say that’s that

Enough is enough

Take the smooth with the rough

And the tough with the calm

Know when times are a challenge

And danger is close

Peace will hold out an arm

And thorns will be removed from the rose

 Take a deep breath

And don’t dance with death

Although I feel bereft

I tell a tale of wrest

And wait for the best

Hum a tune to the musician

Who helps me to make that decision

 So, I guess what I am saying

Is trust in your intuition

Know you will be alright

Hold on tight

Find the light

Fly like the kite

And be guided by the stars at night

© Fiona cummings

 

DIARY OF THE FLYING DOG AND REAL LIFE BY FIONA CUMMINGS

 The beast from the East has hit our area hard today. Trains are either delayed or cancelled. My Husband was due to attend a meeting in London but after putting on his best suit and dress coat, he turned on his heel and decided to try to attend the meeting through the means of technology. Skype. He was up today at half six which means I, was up at half six. So, I think he started to work about half seven this morning from home. Now he is on the phone/mobile as for some reason the skype mustn’t have worked. So, hopefully the wind will blow away the radiation caused by the mobile. I’m walking around the house like a mouse. Only there’s no cheese being eating by this rodent.

 

My Son is so excited to see the snow. He’s promised us he will have a snowball fight when he gets in. haha. His Dad’s not too keen. The Little Fella is loving the snow. Last year he didn’t like it at all. It was so funny in a odd way yesterday he has been taking in the fact that I have been gathering up snow from the outside box we keep their dog things in. The lid provided a perfect place to prepare snow balls to throw for the dogs. So, as I was about to come in the house, LF wasn’t having any of that, he launched himself towards the box thinking there were ready made snowballs for him waiting, only to find in fact it was slippery snow, so, as he flew through the air nothing stopped him he went gliding across the long box, spinning past my elephant garden statue and dangerously headed towards the wall. Thankfully managing to avoid it with a last-minute manoeuvre in the direction of me! Well, that just made him more excited and got energy from somewhere, and decided to play snowballs with my poor Wagging one of a Waggatail. She wasn’t going to be the main entertainment for LF’s winter Olympics, and ran to me cuddling in my legs. She’s seven going on eleven, though everyone says she looks three. She is much older than my last Guide Dog Black Beauty. BB, played wild until she was 12, but in the house, she was so calm. Wagga is very playful in doors but not outside so much.

 

Considering Waggatails age, she sleeps a lot too, so I think she get’s tired easily. Mind you, the energy it must take to get that tail going like it does, I would be shattered too if I was to wag like that.

 

I received an interesting and hopeful though scary phone call today that has I hope an outcome. The only thing is, it was the man’s secretary I spoke with and it’s the main man I need to talk to, but at least they phoned me rather than me calling him. When it’s concluded I shall tell you about it but it’s been quite an awful time of late.

 

Did I tell you I managed to buy my Sons 21^st birthday gift? Oh, yesterday in our town it was so bad with the blazing snow. My Son took me, bless him, but at least when I was buying the gift, he granted my wish and had a wonder about so not to see exactly what it’s like. It’s his birthday in a couple of days and he has a busy day planned followed by a few days abroad.

 

His girlfriend is planning the holiday. But she can’t keep a secret. Though it was meant to be. And let it slip she had booked Budapest. We checked the weather there today, let’s just say, he won’t need any sun protector. I just hope he will be OK for food as he’s a vegetarian.

 

Oh, my, yesterday. I decided to fill our new sink in our newly fitted shower room. Fill it with water. So, wash all the tiles and so on down. And all going well, I went to empty it and refill it again with clean water, and, em. I couldn’t get the blooming plug out. It was well and truly stuck. No way that was budging. Na’ah, it wasn’t going anywhere. Oh, heck. No. now what to do?

 

What had happened was, the grout from the work that had been done, had gone into the sink and blocked it up. The plug is a what they call coin plug that flips round and around. Well, there was no round going on in my shower room. If all fails, out came the rubber mallet.

 

It worked. Now, I’m too scared to put it back in. my plumber is coming back tomorrow to do some finishing off work and he said he will look. Whatever happened to those good old rubber plugs on a chain?

 

On that note, keep safe and warm. Be forever hopeful, when hope leaves your life, know one day it will return. Just when you are not expecting it.

© Fiona Cummings

 

 

DIARY AND NEW TECH BY FIONA CUMMINGS

There is some interesting new tech about to come into our lives. More on that in a moment.

Well, a letter today I didn’t want. Another phone call I’m waiting for to clarify. Another few sleepless nights.  And a future I’m so not sure about or want to be true. But on a good note, my work is finished. Fantastic. And, it’s a great job and they haven’t left a mess unlike the dreadful joiner we had to fit our kitchen units. I’m exhausted. I don’t like workmen being here and Hub has had a day off work to keep me right… but, with the letter and other things going on, I wasn’t much company.

 

My Son is meeting with people on Saturday he doesn’t want to meet especially one of them but he is too polite to say no. Such is life. Tomorrow I should go to our town, but not sure how things will work out. I know its due to snow. Again. Today is like a freezer out there.

 

I fear a battle on my hands tomorrow. If ever we need a break, it’s now. Hub has a lot on his mind right now too life happens in such ways everything seems to change at the same time for Hub and myself. But as he keeps saying bless him, we are a team.

 

I made a chilli today. It’s on a plate for Boy Wonder coming home from work. I dread his reaction. His taste buds are very simple and though it’s not very hot as in chilli hot, it’s still chilli! Oh, I pray he will like it as if he doesn’t, I have the guilt of him being hungry. And, I will have to make him something else for tomorrows lunch for work. And, it’s almost 9 p m. So, very late to cook again.

Talking about his lunch. His boss told him today he has been throwing away all his Tupperware that BW has stupidly left at work. Clean, but still left them so the boss chucked them out. Nice, considering how much they cost. We are eight down. So, about £32 worth of Tupperware.  

 

Hub is away again this week. Seriously, every single week this year it seems like he has been away somewhere. Whether it be overnight or just for the day.

 

His meeting is to do with technology and bone conducting headsets for those of us who are blind. Bone conducting? Sounds scary, but also sounds a brand-new way we will be able to get about in the future. For example, we will be told what we are passing but if the chemist we need is behind us on our right, then the voice through earphones will come from behind us on our right. Almost as if the shop is calling out to us.

 

If the pub is in front of us slightly to our left, then the voice will come from there in our headsets. Clever. I know nothing else but when I learn and it’s out there for us to purchase I shall tell you.

But in the meanwhile, this is really interesting.

https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/11/14/microsoft-research-3d-soundscape-technology-helps-visually-impaired/

 

 

 

  

  

MY MONDAY MORNING MADNESS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Oh, my goodness. It’s all going on. Gosh, I can’t remember the last time my house was so busy. There are three vehicles outside two workmen and our piano tuner. Yes, whilst banging of hammers are going on my piano tuner is trying to tune the piano. The poor guy just wants to get on with it and Hub keeps going in there to remind him which part or key isn’t working well, haha.

“Hub love, that’s his job, he knows? Or he should…””

 But it’s precious to Hub. Oh, but the funny thing is, I turned the clock off so it didn’t chime… Hub didn’t know I did this and went to do it so all we heard was Westminster bells bonging… Hub said oh, no Fiona, did you already turn it off? Yep… Then he had to go back passing the piano tuner following the workmen out whilst they got stuff from their van etc, and then they all walked past him again and just as we thought he had peace, in walked Boy Wonder who had been to the gym… for a shower. Hahaha. Bless, he’s not keen on having a bath. He is missing his shower. As are we. I’m sick now and just want the work to be done. I have hope for today. My singing bathroom fitter hasn’t turned up yet, only his two young lads who are banging drilling and goodness knows what else above our piano tuner. Oh, my. How can he tune this? On top of all that noise, our lovely friend, keeps answering my messages I left her this morning. Through our speakers around our house, our Alexa speakers. So, every time she leaves a message, what a sound blasts through. As, with the work that is going on, we have them louder than what we normally do! At least she has provided us with a laugh today. She’s the best. Her humour is so dry. She’s a treasured friend. Hub loves her he says she is what she is and he really likes and respects her for that.

 

So, BW came in from the gym, had breakfast. As we are all in the dining room with the two dogs as don’t want them to run out whilst the guys are here, Waggatail decides among the piano sounds, Alexa ringing, coffee machine buzzing, hammering, drilling and BW cooking, to do an impression of throwing up… thankfully she didn’t bother continuing, but the noise?

 

And snowing outside, this is my morning so far!

 

 

 

AFTERNOON TEA IN TWEED BY FIONA CUMMINGS

So, if you read about my Friday evening, you will know I had a good start to my day. My friend Geordie picked me up in her posh car and off we went a drive through the countryside. I joked with her about the beautiful view from my car window. She’s like lady Penelope, driving at speed through the winding roads. It took a while to get there, about forty-five minutes.

 

As we got out of the car, I took in the country air, there just wasn’t any. Seriously, even almost an hour from here, and still terrible air. I could smell the chimneys from all the coal fires from the quaint little stone cottages and it was nice and quiet. We walked into this country boutique hotel with a tea room attached. Passing a roaring fire which provided lovely warmth on such a bitterly cold day. Oh, the people inside were a cross between very posh and farmers. Hahaha. And then there was Geordie and myself. Two lasses from Newcastle. Oh, it was so funny. Oh, my goodness. Firstly, a very posh speaking waitress who had obviously never left her village and obviously was totally involved with the farming world as she didn’t have a clue what a vegetarian was, if ever I felt like an alien, it was yesterday. Haha.

 

My friend said to the girl who sounded in her twenties. “When I booked a table, I mentioned my friend was a vegetarian.”” Well, the girl kind of hesitated and then said, oh, yes, no trouble… and, I’m sure she then went into the back room and took from an antique bookshelf a dusty old Thesaurus! Or an Butcher’s Almanac and looked up the word vegetarian, not finding the meaning, she came back to the table and once again tried to clarify what a vegetarian was. Well, my friend then said she doesn’t eat meat or fish. But she reassured the girl that she, ate everything…. Oh, I could tell the poor girl was so confused so I said. “My friend has the usual normal afternoon tea. I only eat things like cheese and egg, no meat no fish. My friend then said she noticed there were prawns on the menu. Reminding her that prawns were not suitable for vegetarians… it’s funny you know, but it’s fascinating just how many people think vegetarians should eat prawns…. I’m not kidding.

 

Then my friend poured the tea from a delicate tea pot. Into small teacups that our grandparents used to have for every day use… The kind I love that I have in my china cabinet. Oh, heck we laughed… My friend said, typical Geordie. A Geordie is someone who comes from Newcastle… she only poured the tea thinking it was a teabag in the pot and not proper tea leaves. I told her we had to be more refined, we were ladies out for lunch. My friend has a lot of money and wears beautiful clothes, she looks stunning and rich, but still her background comes out I love her for it. So, she asked what should she do? I told her just to pour the cup back into the teapot. Hahaha. She said I can’t do that people will see, I just replied, And? She said, what are we like? I answered, waist not want not…

 

Well the cup of tea was lovely and then came the three teared plates. One each. Luckily my friend Geordie asked the girl, by this point I was sure she had eleven fingers on one hand… “Excuse me, are they prawns in the sandwiches?”” The girl answered yes. My friend said I told you my friend doesn’t eat prawns. Oh, she said, sorry, should I take both back? Oh, my goodness. Take me out of here? We told her no, by this point my friend was hanging onto her plate, haha, this was going to be a challenge and we may be there for a while. Well, so what we had lots of catching up to do.

 

In the end I got the right food. It was lovely. There was finger like sandwiches on one level, on the other was cream scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and on the top plate were different kinds of cakes.

 

As the fire crackled and the cosy surround with tweed wallpaper and something I really didn’t like, awards for shooting parties who could stay at the hotel. I joked saying fancy bringing me here? Then Geordie laugh trying to make better of the fact she told me, a vegetarian animal loving person that there were such awards and deer antlers on the walls, oh, she said, there are some lovely pictures of little bunny’s. I said, yes, saying look at what you can shoot boys and girls…

 

But apart from the fact that the hotel provided a place for the cruel murderers to wrest their bothered minds at nights, it was a comfortable ambience!

 

Geordie and I have so much in common. We are very alike in our past with regards marriage’s. Our exes are both well… how can I put this? Our ex’s. and we both have gone through similar issues with them. We are both from the same part of the world and ended up in the same area for similar reasons. She’s a great friend I love to be with her. It was a lovely few hours and I came back home in a really good fettle as we would say in Newcastle.

  

 

FRIDAY NIGHT SUCTION BY FIONA CUMMINGS

My Friday evening wasn’t quite so much fun as my Friday afternoon. Seriously, I know all about in fact too much about sucking water than I really need to know.

 

We have been looking for a window vac. For our shower. As my friend Arty told me, they are great for the shower to keep the glass and tiles nice and polished. So, Art, it’s all your fault, smile. Well at last we have ordered one. And after the condensation on our conservatory windows too, hence me cleaning them all yesterday, all 5.1 x 3.1 meters of glass, caused by either the dryer from our kitchen, or, the electric radiator in the conservatory. So, the search began for a vacuum for our glass etc. And, I can think of better ways to spend my Friday nights…

 

As for during the day, I thought my Hub was working from home, I was wrong, he took the day off work so I could go out with my friend Geordie. Well, he had to baby sit the house, or, the workmen… or, both. My day started by having a bath as of yet we can’t use our new shower… “Why Fifi?”” I hear you shouting at your screens… well, how can I put this?

Em, well, it wasn’t even installed… Our work started on Tuesday, and still we are in the process of renewing our shower room which is the size of a cupboard, my friends in America, even I’m sure, Australia, who have ballrooms for their  en-suite will be shocked just how small ours is… 0.86 meters wide by 2.8 long. In old money, 2 feet 10 inches wide by about 9 feet long. So, by the time the shower cubical, toilet and sink go in, there aint much room.

 

Every morning from Tuesday this week I have got out of bed at roughly twenty past seven half past at the latest. My man hasn’t turned up until eleven. So, today, Hub was off work, I set the alarm for eight and in the bath, I went. Came out sorted my clothes as I had to get dressed in a suitable fashion where by my WAG friend wouldn’t want to only take me out by dusk! Then I had to find my hair drier, which had been moved, not sure by BW or Shamrock… as there is another story there by the way, for another time. I had to get my hair straighteners and make up hand bag and mobile phone. Carry them all down stairs and get ready there as the workmen will be in my bedroom when I was due to go out, so, no way I could get changed into my glad rags half an hour before my friend came, as I would normally do… If I were to start to get out of my work clothes into my dress clothes in my bedroom, I think my workmen would run away and shortly afterwards, need therapy. Or at least some kind of counselling!!!

 

Well. Then. the door bell rang, oh, heckers like… Hub answered. It was my new guy, new workmen. Sent by the original one to play catch up. So, Hub stalled him, thank God. And downstairs I came, he went up and action began with the drills and bangs.

 

I started to put make up on the brilliant job by a blind gal trying not to look like Charlie the clown. When my hair dried, I started to straighten it. Then came in my boy… He’d been up early, he had a day off as he has holidays to use. He had already been to town. He had his hair cut and saw me doing my hair… “Oh, Mum, let me do that for you. Yes, oh, I love doing your hair… you have such beautiful hair Mum!”” bless him, at this point I had to remind him, he wasn’t at the gym…heck, he isn’t gentle… but he’s good, a natural talent. And then came my original guy, happy man. At his normal time of eleven. He brought the shower with him.

 

So, we moved a bit closer today to our work being finished but Mr. Happy left at two apparently, as I wasn’t home to see that.

 

At half past mid-day, my Wag friend Geordie, came for me in her extremely posh car and off we went for my adventure for my belated birthday gift from her.

 

More on that tomorrow.

 

 

 

DIARY OF WORDS AND ... BY FIONA CUMMINGS

My Work is getting done, and I think my guy is the fittest I have ever had working in my home. Gosh, he runs up and down the stairs moving so fast even when talking to me. He carries such heavy items too. He’s a happy chappie for sure. Sings all the time.

He’s a good whistler!

 

Just been talking with my Geordie friends Mum. We had a lovely chat for an hour. And tomorrow I have a break from my house as I go out with my dearest pal Geordie. Before I see her, I already miss her, as we won’t see each other again until about six to eight weeks. I’m seeing her tomorrow as she was abroad in luxury as she is my footballer’s wife… when it was my birthday. So, tomorrow, she is treating me to afternoon tea… that will be so special but the best thing, will be her company. If I was to move to this area for one reason, it would be to have met her. Though hers and mine hometown is Newcastle, we ended up living here.

 

I was just saying to another friend from Northumberland where my last house was, I really am wanting to move back there.  I just wish my ex would emigrate. Then I would really think about it. I miss the clean air and water, and I would see my other friends more, but, I would miss the new friends I have made here. After our last visit to our city I for the first time, hated it. I’m not a city girl.       When Hub and I first got together, we used to go into London a lot, oh, I really really don’t like it. I like peace and calm. And London, isn’t that. They do get the best theatre though, if I could I would visit the theatre every few weeks. I just love it especially as I now know all about audio description!

 

I made Hub a fish pie last night for dinner. I was so anxious. I have never done that before. I didn’t have a recipe as I never really go by recipes if I see something that looks nice, I take a glance or audio, smile, and then make my own mind up what goes in it or how it’s cooked, but I didn’t even do that with the fish pie. I bought a fish pie mix and put it in a sauce pan with milk. Added black pepper and kept stirring on simmer. Then I bought some frozen cod in parsley sauce, the kind you put in a pan of water and boil. So, a cheat really. Then made some mash potatoes added lots of butter. Put all the fish in a oven dish and poured the cod and sauce over the top added the potato and put it in the oven for just over half an hour. Then added some grated cheese turned the oven off and left it to stand in there for ten minutes. Oh, I was so scared, what would it turn out like? My workmen were here and I can tell you, it didn’t smell appetising. Oh, my goodness, I hate fish, I hated fish when I ate meat, so now, it’s doubly disgusting.

 

I had my windows open, plug in air fresheners turned on. Oh, heck, still the smell was vile. As for the taste? Hub absolutely loved it and if he didn’t he wouldn’t hide it. As for the dinner I made for Boy Wonder? Another story. I was tired and had a hard day. I opened tinned tomatoes to make a sauce. Only they weren’t tomatoes. It was tomato soup.

And?

Same difference…

Well that’s all it took for BW to tell me what he thought of his meal. I wouldn’t care, I loved it.

 

BW told me he was going on holiday for his 21^st. God knows where and as for Shamrock, she is planning it but doesn’t know if it’s in Europe or not. As I said, God knows… It would be good if she knew what part of the world she was going to…

 

It’s a secret from her to our Son. It will be the first secret she has been able to keep. Smile. I will learn when he is at the airport. He is seeing my ex on his birthday, he is bringing one of his women, BW really doesn’t like her, so sadly for him it won’t be a good day, but his choice.

 

Right now, life is in limbo, everything about our life. not sure which direction to go in and this is the first time ever in my world I have not known what to do. You know when there are no sensible options?

 

My workman now has his radio on and he is listening to radio India… well, it’s Indian music. He’s not Indian, he’s on his own admission, bright ginger, but he knows this tune very well, as he is whistling it pitch perfect. May be his wife is Indian?

 

He can’t get over just how young Wagga tail looks. Everyone says she looks like a puppy. And, acts like one too. Her black fur is so shiny silky. Last night we were watching TV and she had a dream oh, my, you should have heard her? I have never heard anything quite like it. She was growling and barking she never barks unless Hub is playing rough with her she likes nothing better. I remember when BW was much younger, he and Hub used to play wrestling BW loved it too, smile, I used to shout at them both as if both, of them were kids.

 

For those who have emailed me asking if my prayers had been answered no, not at all. And for the first time in my life I have reached anger point. I’m actually angry. Beyond frustration. Time is running out and there is no help. I’m so sad and disappointed. I told you that some weeks ago there was a light of hope, but that light quickly went out.

 

Hub working from home tomorrow, looking after the house, mind you, he normally spends all day on the phone when he works from home, so not sure how much sense the workmen will get out of Hub, but I’m so out of here. I just wish it was for longer.

 

Before I go, some words

 The English language is spoken in most countries, but it can’t be that easy, with contradicting rules, incredibly unique words, confusing idioms and for such a small country, so many different accents! Stop being a nincompoop, and let’s try to learn a little. Hahaha. I just love that word nincompoop. Meaning foolish person. Bumfuzzle, have you heard of that word? Meaning confused. Collywobbles, I love that too. Meaning, a strange feeling in one’s stomach. The word comes from the disease cholera. Flibbertigibbet, isn’t that a great word? Let’s hear or see that word again. Flibbertigibbet, referring to someone who is silly and talks none stop…   

“Stop it… Now cheeky chops…

I’m having none of that malarkey… Meaning talk that is foolish…

Comeuppance, meaning someone will get their just desserts. Or a better way they will get what they deserve as to say someone will get their just desserts, sounds like you will grant them delightful puddings, but I know this word (Comeuppance) as in he will get his comeuppance as a bad thing… As in what goes around comes around.

 

A word I hate is awesome, I’m not sure where this originates from but I guess it’s not English? As when I first used to hear this word, it was used by lots of my American friends, but now in England we use it a lot. Well, others do, I just really don’t like that word, it sounds cold, really a cold word.

 

On that cold note, I shall put my heating up as it’s getting a little chilly. 0 today, but sunny. Oh, and today I woke to no heating or hot water… not fun, but my workman fixed it eventually when he came… at eleven. And as for my resident plumber of a Hubster, he was at work. For a person who is blind, my Husband has multi talents. Smile. Though I have to confess, I don’t like it when he has a screwdriver out and is holding wires.

 

Until later. Take care.

 

 

  

LAST WORDS (WARNING DARK) BY FIONA CUMMINGS

LAST WORDS

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

The pain I no longer can bear

The hurt you cause me with such ease without a care

Your life with me, you no longer want to share

 It would be easier for you if I won’t be there

So, I shall leave you now

Though not sure how

But before I go

Just to let you know

There’s no one who will ever love you

The way I do

I made mistakes

Can’t fix those breaks

But I had no teacher

No one to lecture

And for so long thought no future

But I did my best with what I had

Though my heart was broken

And life was so bad

I never showed you just how I was feeling

If you are ill, and it will help by me leaving

Then I shall say goodbye

For your life

I shall die

No need to ask how or, why

 

© Fiona Cummings

 

 

LETTER FROM A BLOGGET BY FIONA CUMMINGS

After reading an email from a dear Blogget, he asked me to write about a subject in relation with feeling ignored and as if invisible. When words you say and write really mean nothing to people. When you comment on social network and your family totally react as if you don’t exist. You comment on their status for example and though you have asked a direct question, they never answer, but, they answer others. I’m sure it’s happened to us all at some point in our lives, he isn’t alone and, Dear Blogget from Canada, I didn’t only read your words in your email, but I’m now writing a blog on the subject.

 

Sometimes we are so irrelevant and we feel so very alone. But worse than alone, worthless. And, how dare those people make us feel that way? My first bit of advice would be to drop those people like a hot potato, get them out of your life. Stop hanging around those who make you sad. Even if you feel more alone, it won’t last because those others are affecting your confidents so much bringing you down, your self-esteem is rock bottom. Spend time with yourself for a while and your bodies resistance hopefully will start to help you in your recovery. And, it is a recovery as you have been badly hurt damaged by others reactions.

 

After a while, you will, feel better. Then time to only except good people in your world. They are out there and you will find them, or, they will find you! You may end up with less people in your lives, but, they will be quality and moreover, friends. Those who you may have now, are not friends, and, Mr. Canada, you say they are your family, well, shame they haven’t treat you like that before now.

 

If you have two roads to walk down, one has a threatening gang waiting for you at the bottom, the other is full of trees flowers and happy people who smile at you, both roads lead to the same place, which road would you travel down?

 

What kind of family are they if they can’t even be bothered to give you one minute of their time to acknowledge you. It’s slightly different if you love that family member with all your heart, but do you? If so, then keep fighting for them but tell them, explain how their actions effect you, how they, make you feel. If that makes no difference, then step back, let them know you are there, but sadly their happiness is your misery.

 

To Mr. Canada, please email me again and let me know how you are, because I truly care.

 

 

 

 

DIARY OF JOBS BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Waiting for my workmen to come I decided to brows the net for a job… I guess it did cause me to smile, and I wanted to share with you what I read. With regards jobs, unless you are fully qualified in something to do with mathematics or want to be a driver or carer, really, it’s dreadful out there. My Husband has three degrees and a Masters in business and even he would struggle these days. My Son has very good school and college qualifications and good I.T skills also has been a supervisor in two jobs and again his choice is limited.

 

Well this is what I found. I, was browsing through the jobsites today to see a job advertised for a carer for those with learning difficulties. Great so, far? Then came the company the job was advertised with.

 (Genius ltd)

Obviously, they, have no difficulties in learning!

 

Then there was a job for a carer for weekends. The benefits?

(Free drinks)

Hopefully none alcoholic.

 

Another job requirements did make me chuckle.

(Ambitious driving licence required)

Really? And how does one obtain one of those? My Son is very ambitious but not sure about his licence!

 

Another with regards driving, a job as a driver and you get, now, this is to make you jump up and down with enthusiasm…

 (Free parking)

 Wow… The benefits.

 

And on that note, I shall go and do my job… Take care cos I care.

 

 

 

 

 

ONE DAY WILL COME #PoetryByFionaCummings

ONE DAY WILL COME

BY FIONA CUMMINGS

 That day will come around

When my heart shall miss a beat

My hand shall cover my mouth

As my feet, will lift from the ground

I won’t want to hear those words

I’ve been there before and it hurts

I would want to block out all sounds

And go back to yesterday

But as you are getting older

I feel like time is running out

If you ever leave me

For sure I will shout

The question is will you hear me?

Will you understand what it’s all about?

I want to hang onto every word you speak

And treasure the days we meet

But I know you’re getting older

And one day I will have to face

That very lonely future

Where you were, will leave a space

I will want to call you like I used to

But the dial will be without a trace

You know how much I love you

But still you have to go away

You don’t have the choice

You will hear the voice

And you will know it’s your day

Time to visit those who left you

In the same way

How happy you will be

And I hope you’ll remember me

As when my time comes to visit you once again

I can kiss goodbye to my pain

But in the meanwhile

We meet we smile

And until that day comes around

I shall hang onto you for a while

 

© Fiona Cummings

 

 

DIARY OF THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good morning Bloggets. I’m up at ridiculous hour. I got out of bed at twenty past seven. Hub had already been up forty minutes and was about to leave the house. I really don’t know how he does it. I did OK last night I must have fallen asleep after two this morning, that’s really good for me.

 

They say when you are blind your body clock is all messed up as you can’t tell when it’s day and night. So, your body doesn’t know when to shut down for the night. But if that’s the case, I could sleep during the day, unless that’s just pure exhaustion from lack of sleep the night before?

 

Day one in the big brother house… workmen forty minutes late. No explanation. No text. Already they are a day late as they were meant to start yesterday. We never learn. Workmen around here are dreadful, apart from the painter we got in a few weeks ago, he was spot on time and he did full days. Because of that, on reflection, I would get him again. I’m forever hopeful with these guys though, as he seems a good guy… Time will tell, no one can be as bad as the joiner we had and the very first shower fitters… Oh, and a few, not all, gardeners. Did I mention the gas fitters? Then the plumbers? Oh, and a tiler. Haha. But our painter was good. And, my now gardener is fine.

 

I have some online work to do today so that should keep me busy whilst my house is getting hammered again… When I said yesterday this is the house that Jack built, a couple of people one student from Spain studying English and a Blogget from Japan, emailed me to ask where does this saying come from? I remember I wrote of it’s origins before but what I don’t remember is, what I wrote, haha. It’s me age… So good old Google.

“This is the house that Jack built”” possibly the origin is from the mid-16^th century. A handsome timber framed house in North East Shropshire in England, is reputed to be the actual house that Jack built. In the grounds there is a former malt house too.

 

As for who was Jack? Some say he was Jesus as Jesus was a carpenter, but personally as there is no other reference I can find, I just presume he was a builder of the time who was known to be a bad one. One I’m sure I would have got if I had been around then… Possibly I was and they have followed me in this world/time? Or, he could have just been a character the author picked the name and liked it.  It’s unusual for there not to be any reference who Jack was, so we are kept guessing but I love the rhyme. I haven’t written the rhyme but here is a rough synopsis.   

There is a nursery rhyme all about the house that Jack built. In his house was malt, the rat ate the malt and the cat ate the rat, the dog worried the cat, that killed the rat, who ate the malt there was a cow with a crumbled horn… haha. Really, how is that possible? Anyway, the cow tossed the dog who worried the cat who ate the rat who ate the malt. There was a maiden who was forlorn who used to milk the cow with the crumbled horn. And we know all about the cow who tossed the dog who killed the cat who ate the rat and that rat ate the malt, so, it’s all the malts fault…  but, then there was a man who was tattered and torn, who kissed the maiden who was all forlorn and then came in a judge all shaven and shorn… Really? So, now the meaning of shorn? (To cut. Normally to shear a sheep. So, possibly it just means he had a good hair day…) anyway, interesting the judge married the man who was tattered and torn… I hope he did his best for his wedding day…  I presume by the age of the rhyme; the judge married the man meaning to the maiden? As A, I doubt marriage between men would be considered in those days, and B, in those days, I doubt the judge would be a woman…  anyhow, there was a rooster in there as well, oh, yes it was all going on. There was a farmer, a horse and a horn too!

      

Where did this blog come from? And where will it end?

Seriously, did I wake up today and think, hmm. I must write about some moult, a rat, cat, dog, cow, maiden, scruffy man, judge, farmer a rooster and a horn… Forgive me if I missed anything out. Haha. Reminds me of school when we used to play a game of Mrs. Brown went shopping. It was a memory game. Many days spent in a mini bus travelling somewhere we played that game. I guess a bus full of children who either couldn’t see, or, were partially sighted I spy wouldn’t be helpful? Mind you, my first school, we used to sing a song which went, and remember most of the kids at my first school were totally blind.

I cannot see I have not brought my specs with me… (Specs, glasses)

I think that may have been the sick housestaff/teachers. But I did love that song. Sad really as Hub hated it, as I could see I wasn’t effected by the lyrics but now adult, for the children who were blind, it wasn’t nice.

 

Talking of blind, I have a story to tell you when I know all the answers. But, I can’t tell you how stressed I have felt and really gutted by what may be a life changer. But that is a much later blog. As the answer could take a month to learn, there again, I may find out tomorrow, but when I write about this, something that really has bothered me and hurt me this year, you may, be shocked. I know I was.

 

OK, a shout to a few friends and Bloggets. Firstly my darling Louise, going to write to you now. Judy, thank you for being a great friend, a true friend to our mutural pal Julie. And Vicki, thinking of you honey, get well soon. Terry, I hope you are having a great holiday at the beach and Geoff, hope you are feeling better. And, take it easy.

 

To all of you, stick together, keep it together and live forever. X

 

 

 

 

STATS SO FAR

Countries who have visited us today in the top ten of viewers are as follows. Sweden, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, US, UK, South Africa and China.

Welcome all and more. The top ten countries all time views are as follows.

United Kingdom

115,370

United States

91,851

Russia

10,547

Ukraine

7,525

Canada

7,020

Germany

6,388

Australia

4,808

South Africa

1,737

France

1,503

Poland

1,413

So, all still in the same order, have been for months, and again, this shows only the top ten countries. So, many more visit, and another forty thousand of you are just out of the top ten views but like what I have written above, I know you are reading.

 

 So, how close is your country to making it on the top ten chart? The last three countries South Africa, France and Poland are really close, but I remember when Russia were chasing Ukraine and now look at the gap?

As for Germany, for a long time they weren’t in the top ten. And, now look how many viewers are reading. I’m so honoured and grateful. Bless you all. Every country counts. In total now I think roughly we have reached over 200,80000 views.

 

MONDAYS DIARY BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good morning Bloggets. Today is the first time I have been on my own for a week. And, I don’t like it, as being on my own, means housework… My dog is sulking because her Daddy and little Fella are at work. It’s eleven now, and she’s still in her bed. With the face on. Boy Wonder has just left for work he got in about two this morning. It’s all very odd. He went out on a works night out yesterday. A meal and drinks afterwards. Shamrock kindly picked him up and they went back to hers. At midnight. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but if it’s 12 am, would you not just come home to bed? Weird. Simply weird. Sham should have been tucked up in her bed as she too has work today… They say I’m old fashioned…. Well, old fashioned is good, sensible. Anyway, he had a good night with his staff/colleagues.

 

Oh, today is going to be a difficult one. Hopefully more on that later on in the week. I have a meeting I’m anxious about and preparation for more people coming, this time not friends, but more workmen. Oh, yes, something has to be done about our ceiling it’s been leaking from the shower for a few months, well before Christmas. Apart from it’s right above Hubs piano, it’s once again, just like last year, heading towards the centre light in our lounge. This house, really is, the house that Jack built. Whoever that Jack was, he’s a baddin.

 

Since Hub’s been off work spending a birthday week with me, I have put on so much weight. It’s awful. 6 and a quarter lbs. about 2.8 kg. we went for meals out and had an Indian take out as well as my delicious birthday cake from my friend that I still have nine slices left… You should have seen the size of it though… And, it was the best fruit cake that I have ever had. Hub said it’s rare to get a cake that tastes perfect and is perfectly decorated. To get both is rare. My ex mother in law made the best Christmas cakes, she was a great cook for cakes, but I think for taste, this one at least, equals it but the decoration tops it. and, the cakes that my Son bought me and one from our friends, well, what can I say… no blooming wonder I’m the size I am. You know those rubber gloves you can buy to use in the kitchen? Have you ever blown one of those up to look all inflated?

No? You haven’t?

Why?

Well, imagine one of those! 

That’s me!!!! Flabby inflated Fi!

So, attractive. At least I still have my hair. That’s what my dear Mum used to say, “Our Fiona, don’t cut your hair short, that’s all you have left going for you….””

Oh, she was full of love. Hahaha.

 

For those living in the UK, I shopped on line at Sainsbury’s for the first time in shock, four years. Wow, I’m impressed. Last time I tried, it was really difficult, but I think that was on line, now I have my iPhone, I downloaded the App and it’s so accessible. I love it. I wanted to try that shop, as really our other two shops Morrisons and Ocado

 Are the best, I love them and especially Ocado they have things you don’t normally see on line, but they are so, expensive. Well, people have been saying Sainsbury’s are cheaper. So, I tried. Yes, my bill was less money, but, I didn’t find anything too exciting. So, let’s see what I think of the products tomorrow.

 

Next thing big is my Sons 21^st birthday. Goodness knows what we will do for that. I’m slightly stressed. Unlike most parents, I don’t have one contact of his friends, so, I can’t organise any kind of party for him. I know none of his friend’s parents either. We moved to this area, when my Son was 15, So, no need for me to go to the school gates no way of meeting parents or friends. I have seen some of his friends as they come here, but as far as further contact, no.

 

Did you hear we had an earthquake in the UK? I didn’t even know we got them. How naive am I? Other people seemed to know, just not me. Obviously, thankfully I haven’t been in the areas where those things have been happening. Apparently, events of such magnitude, occur in the UK, every 3 to five years. This one was the largest one in ten years. The last earthquake happened in Lincolnshire in 2008 with a magnitude of 5.2If I read correctly, I think there has been ten deaths in the UK from earthquakes and the biggest one on record was 6.1. They are so scary I think my American cousins and all of you across the world who experience them all the time, are so brave.  I get scared when there’s lightning…

Well, I, hope you are all well?  For a lot of you, this year has started off in a bad way. I haven’t heard of one positive thing that has happened to any of my Bloggets. So, whatever is going on in the atmosphere, I hope the Spring will bring new air, new feelings of positivity. A new start.

 

On that note just before I go to work, I will leave you with a few Monday uplifting words.

It’s Monday, the start of a working week, so, let’s believe this is the day that starts what could be a week of something magnificent that is about to happen in your life.

 

Spend your spare time this week with who makes you happy, not who you have to impress.

If you show a smile, others around you will reflect in your joy, and will fill your office, or place of work, or household, with good vibes. Even if you have to paint your smile on, you will be infectious and others around you will feed you with positive feelings.

 

OK Monday, we’ve got this.

 

 

 

 

  

 

CITY LIVING BY FIONA CUMMINGS

Good afternoon Bloggets. It’s Saturday and this is the first time I have had chance to be on my laptop for a few days. We have had a busy time. Off we went to our city. Really, I’m getting rather tired of city life. The bus was so very full. I think we got the last few seats at the back of the bus. As always, the driver was so lovely. They are so much friendlier here than they were where I used to live. Friendlier people, or fresh air, that’s the question! And the air around here is so bad.

 

It was so lovely to see our friend again, and bless her she had such a long journey to get to us. We bounced and bashed our way around our city. There is everything there as far as eateries, bars/pubs and the odd specialist’s shops. So, many different kinds of smells, from the sweet cakes and the savoury pastries coming from the bakers to the leather from the shoe shops! It was just nice to know exactly what we were passing, as our friend Julie told us the shops. Normally we just get to where we know and the smells tease us as we pass, wondering just what delights could welcome us.

 

Oh, we went for lunch and the noise in there was terrible. We sat, and tried to listen to what was on the menu our friend talks in such a tiny voice and with all the voices, it was impossible but, in the end, we got there and Hub went with Julie to the place to order where they were told that it would be at least an hour before they would be able to serve our lunch. So, coats on and battled our way out again onto the streets.

 

Passing the musicians singers, people playing guitars and a colour piece from someone playing a saxophone! Suitcases being dragged along the cobbled streets and street sellers from the local market. So, many voices, music from shops as we passed their open doors. People standing in the way, new plant pots being put there since last time Hub and I ventured out there. And traffic. Oh, gosh. We went into another kind of café/restaurant. Oh, boy, the noise was even louder. On top of the voices, was such loud music. How on earth do the staff work there all day? It felt dark too.

 

My sample, sorry, portion came. Should have saved space and put it on a tea plate, I did wonder what on earth our American Cousins would think of such a serving. It was what I called a child’s portion. Don’t get me wrong it was very tasty, I enjoyed it. The staff were lovely but the sounds were far from pleasant.

 

Where we live, everything is very expensive and the meal didn’t let us down with that knowledge. Basically, I had a tiny vegetarian burger in a bun. My friend had in her words, flat cauliflower with some kind of herbs… Hub had fish pie he said that was delicious. It’s all kinds of fish in a sauce and mash potatoes on the top. His portion was huge, it’s vegetarians who don’t bare well.

 

Out of there as fast as we could say Jack Robinson. Back through the busy streets passing sirens of the emergency vehicles, trucks, tourist busses, motorbikes and cars. We waited in the queue for our bus. It came quite quickly. Again, it’s impossible to hear the bus coming, difficult to differentiate between busses stopping and passing. Sometimes the tourist busses do stop there for people to look at the architecture of the buildings next to us, or, is it us they gape at? Hahaha.

 

On the bus, Julie said to us we would have to stand. Again, so many people offered their seats, bless them, but we said we were fine, I never take liberties just because I’m blind. Nor does Hub. Having said that, to stand would have been awful, as people would want to pass whilst the bus was moving, so, we would have to leave go of what we were holding. Fifi un attached isn’t a good look.

 

But a seat was found not only for us but Julie. Julie hit it off with a man 83… haha. How do I know that is how old he was? He told her. He also told her he went to the swimming pool three times per week… Just letting her know how fit he was… and if all of that didn’t work, he told her he had a very good pension.  We did tease her about him. When he got off the bus of course. Bless him.

 

Julie is ten years older than me but many more years younger than this old man. He wasn’t bothered…

 

Back home through the bitter cold streets passing the sounds of the geese on the lake and the swishing from the cars in the distance going through puddles on the roads, the naked trees bowed to us as the promise of early spring blooms filled the air with sweet smells.

 

Back home Julie kindly gave me some beautiful birthday gifts and I gave her a book I bought that my friend Nancy, wrote.

 

We had a good catch up and a curry that was delicious. And now time sadly for her to leave.

 

It was so good to see her and I always feel sorry for her as her life isn’t easy nor ever has been. But she adores her daughters and has many reasons to carry on. She loves her Grandchildren and sees them all the time. All her kids are married to people Julie likes. She’s blessed. Very lucky in that respect.

 

She’s back in London now. that I don’t envy her for. I need to be deep into my homeland of Northumberland. Somehow, I can’t see myself getting there soon.

 

Back to normal now, me cooking cleaning and Hub has already started again his fitness program which took a battering when Julie was here. He had a well-deserved wrest.

 

Our Son has worked three days in a row where he started at 6 a.m. two days and seven the third. He’s working another two days then it’s time for his break of a couple of days.

 

Hubs back at work on Monday. After a week, off. And then the fun begins, at last we are getting our shower room fixed! More workmen. God help me.

 

On Thursday, Hub and I fought the bitter morning and took our dogs to the vet for a check-up. They are all fine Wagga needed to lose a Kilo/2.2lbs.

Gosh, I wish that was all I needed to lose. Well, she’s lost that no problem. In just a couple of days. It was her food, it puts a lot of weight on them, so, we went back to lamb rather than duck. Just walking to the vet and back would help and she did so well. Finding the right door. It’s in a shopping area where there are loads of doors and low glass windows. But my girl did me proud.

 

Going to wash our clothing now and iron later. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. X