If you just click over the "comments" at the bottom of the blog, you will be able to put any comment you like on my blog, which will make me very happy as I will know that there is someone out there who reads my blog.
Today I paid the long promised visit to Kingsbury School.
I took a tray of cakes, hot from the oven, to be sure of a warm welcome.
It was great to see everyone, despite feelings being rather flat due to the proposed changes in staffing that have recently been muted.
Karl will be on Paternity leave in May, which I have been asked to cover - a chance to catch up on the state of play & earn enough to pay for the Easter holiday.
G dropped me off, booked the Lotus in for an MOT at Kingsbury garage & visited the office in Dosthill.
Later we went to Lichfield, primarily to buy a shower head from the firm that supplied the new bathroom fittings & to find some cake decorations for the christening cake.
We ordered the shower bit, but, unfortunately, the cook shop only had Christmas decorations & Easter chicks.
We visited the Arthur Price factory shop, just because it was there & sounded interesting.
We bought a couple of Ian Rankin & Wilbur Smith books in a charity shop, found a fascinating antique jewellery shop & had lunch in "The Scales"pub (fish & chips x 2 for £6)
It was market day, but very quiet in Lichfield. We tasted a sample of "home cooked Indian food in the market, which was delicious, hence we have enormous onion bhajis & curry for dinner, when G gets home from his spinning class.
The Global Warming conference in Copenhagen reports that sea levels will rise much more quickly than the 3mm per annum previously calculated.
I think that I will get my wellies in from the garage before I go to bed.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Monday, 9 March 2009
March brings breezes.......
It certainly did today.
Despite that, we had a good game of tennis this morning at Coleshill. I went on to Knowle & then the gym for an hour or so & a nice shower & change of clothes.
In the Acorn shop I bought a very charming "Mr & Mrs Rabbit" made by Ellgreave pottery in Burslem in 1947. They are about 9" tall, brown, green & white.
The pottery is known for making piggy banks. I can't find any more about the rabbits.
Does anyone else know anything?
I did some shopping, had my bargain coffee & cake in M&S & got home before 6.00pm.
A very pleasant day all in all.
G went to his spinning class. I did the ironing & cooked dinner.
I have had further calls from Kingsbury school - I plan to visit tomorrow if there are no better offers on the table.
They do seem to have more problems than I could have imagined.
On to more important things;, I didn't sleep at all yesterday & slept very well last night. I think that I may have stumbled onto the secret for sleeping beyond 5.30am.
I haven't slept today so may not wake up until lunchtime.
Despite that, we had a good game of tennis this morning at Coleshill. I went on to Knowle & then the gym for an hour or so & a nice shower & change of clothes.
In the Acorn shop I bought a very charming "Mr & Mrs Rabbit" made by Ellgreave pottery in Burslem in 1947. They are about 9" tall, brown, green & white.
The pottery is known for making piggy banks. I can't find any more about the rabbits.
Does anyone else know anything?
I did some shopping, had my bargain coffee & cake in M&S & got home before 6.00pm.
A very pleasant day all in all.
G went to his spinning class. I did the ironing & cooked dinner.
I have had further calls from Kingsbury school - I plan to visit tomorrow if there are no better offers on the table.
They do seem to have more problems than I could have imagined.
On to more important things;, I didn't sleep at all yesterday & slept very well last night. I think that I may have stumbled onto the secret for sleeping beyond 5.30am.
I haven't slept today so may not wake up until lunchtime.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
My honorable readership
Grandad G........smiling
Still smiling.
Oxford has some really nice shops - just one worth a visit.
The Radcliff infirmary is now just two enormous piles of rubble, to be replaced by University buildings.
Still smiling.
Oxford has some really nice shops - just one worth a visit.
The Radcliff infirmary is now just two enormous piles of rubble, to be replaced by University buildings.
Well.
Comments from both Gord & Al, but, "fine words butter no parsnips" as we yokels say, so until something is done about interest rates I shall continue to hold my rather low opinion of the "dubious duo".
Yesterday morning G & I awoke in Bicester, unsurprisingly as that is where we went to bed, having babysat for B & E. After breakfast, some instruction from T on use of the remote control for the new TV &cuddles from KP & for Baby Anabel, we left for a quick visit to Bicester Village.
Many of the famous designer outlets there are wasted on us as we haven't heard of them.
We did visit Helly Hanson, Musto, Timberland & Carluccios.
We only parted with our pensions in HH, buying "Hi dri" underwear for both of us & cycling tops for G.
I understand that the underwear will "wick away" perspiration, keeping the wearer dry & sweet smelling.
I calculate that this will save us a small fortune in energy & detergent & shower gel as we shall not have to shower or change our clothes for weeks on end.
No doubt friends & family will point out if we have got this wrong!
We left the car at the Park & Ride & went into Oxford, where we pottered around randomly, enjoying the architecture, doing a little shopping & lunching on panini, carrot cake & coffee.
We liked it a lot & shall return when next in that direction.
We bought some sour dough bread, olives & cheese for supper at a delicatessen on the way to the bus stop.
Today I went to church at N Whitacre whilst G tidied the garden with a chain saw. We built a big bonfire & just got caught in a hail storm before we finished at about 3.00pm
We have pottered, tidied, cleaned, baked, etc until dinner.
I have been awake now since 6.00am, nearly 17 hours.
Not bad, eh?
The Saturday Times recommends M&S tempranillo - Palacio del Marques, la Mancha, Spain, down to £3.99. Worth a try.
Does anyone know a good vinyl repairer?
Comments from both Gord & Al, but, "fine words butter no parsnips" as we yokels say, so until something is done about interest rates I shall continue to hold my rather low opinion of the "dubious duo".
Yesterday morning G & I awoke in Bicester, unsurprisingly as that is where we went to bed, having babysat for B & E. After breakfast, some instruction from T on use of the remote control for the new TV &cuddles from KP & for Baby Anabel, we left for a quick visit to Bicester Village.
Many of the famous designer outlets there are wasted on us as we haven't heard of them.
We did visit Helly Hanson, Musto, Timberland & Carluccios.
We only parted with our pensions in HH, buying "Hi dri" underwear for both of us & cycling tops for G.
I understand that the underwear will "wick away" perspiration, keeping the wearer dry & sweet smelling.
I calculate that this will save us a small fortune in energy & detergent & shower gel as we shall not have to shower or change our clothes for weeks on end.
No doubt friends & family will point out if we have got this wrong!
We left the car at the Park & Ride & went into Oxford, where we pottered around randomly, enjoying the architecture, doing a little shopping & lunching on panini, carrot cake & coffee.
We liked it a lot & shall return when next in that direction.
We bought some sour dough bread, olives & cheese for supper at a delicatessen on the way to the bus stop.
Today I went to church at N Whitacre whilst G tidied the garden with a chain saw. We built a big bonfire & just got caught in a hail storm before we finished at about 3.00pm
We have pottered, tidied, cleaned, baked, etc until dinner.
I have been awake now since 6.00am, nearly 17 hours.
Not bad, eh?
The Saturday Times recommends M&S tempranillo - Palacio del Marques, la Mancha, Spain, down to £3.99. Worth a try.
Does anyone know a good vinyl repairer?
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Retail therapy.
The best comment on the economy that we have yet heard came today on Radio 4 - a Scottish economist lamenting over the Government's lowering of interest rates, to put money in the pockets of those who had over-borrowed, as they would not spend anyway because of fear for the future.
Low interest rates hit the older people who live on the income from their savings. If given a higher income they will spend as they have no reason to save.
I hope that G Brown/ A Darling heard this &/or read my blog.
I think that the latter is unlikely as neither has yet commented!
Anyway, to prove this theory correct, today G & I went shopping.
Lee Longlands had sent us an invitation to their "£5 million clearance" preview. This, combined with Debenhams' (G's latest tailor) 25% discount day, nothing on the calendar & Wednesday spent at home, spurred us on.
G updated his wardrobe & was given a box of chocolates (eaten) & a voucher for a cup of coffee.
I have a new T-shirt for my holiday.
Our boats remained unfloated in both Lee Longlands & the Jewellery Quarter.
Will we get a letter/ e-mail thanking us for this small effort to help put the economy back on it's feet?
We arrived home to find that the mole had taken advantage of our absence to excavate a further two mole hills. For the cost of a little energy & a mere litre or so of fuel, G cleared the soil & produced a magnificent pyrotechnics display on the top lawn.
This will either have sent moley scuttling back to the neighbours in fear or to fetch his mates to enjoy the warmth & entertainment.
Watch this space!
We have just enjoyed fish & chips with tartar sauce & half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
The wrappers gave a glorious blaze as a finale to the meal whilst we had coffee & ate G's chocolates.
Tomorrow is a Thomas day followed by babysitting for B & E with a new TV - usually I read because the TV fights back.
Low interest rates hit the older people who live on the income from their savings. If given a higher income they will spend as they have no reason to save.
I hope that G Brown/ A Darling heard this &/or read my blog.
I think that the latter is unlikely as neither has yet commented!
Anyway, to prove this theory correct, today G & I went shopping.
Lee Longlands had sent us an invitation to their "£5 million clearance" preview. This, combined with Debenhams' (G's latest tailor) 25% discount day, nothing on the calendar & Wednesday spent at home, spurred us on.
G updated his wardrobe & was given a box of chocolates (eaten) & a voucher for a cup of coffee.
I have a new T-shirt for my holiday.
Our boats remained unfloated in both Lee Longlands & the Jewellery Quarter.
Will we get a letter/ e-mail thanking us for this small effort to help put the economy back on it's feet?
We arrived home to find that the mole had taken advantage of our absence to excavate a further two mole hills. For the cost of a little energy & a mere litre or so of fuel, G cleared the soil & produced a magnificent pyrotechnics display on the top lawn.
This will either have sent moley scuttling back to the neighbours in fear or to fetch his mates to enjoy the warmth & entertainment.
Watch this space!
We have just enjoyed fish & chips with tartar sauce & half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
The wrappers gave a glorious blaze as a finale to the meal whilst we had coffee & ate G's chocolates.
Tomorrow is a Thomas day followed by babysitting for B & E with a new TV - usually I read because the TV fights back.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Where did Tuesday go?
Signal strength is low.
If I move to the settee, it is very low, an inch or two to the right & it disappears!
Last night I was in the middle of the settee so no chance of blogging without a great upheaval - G & aj in the prime signal seats!
(Are all computers built with a special "annoy" chip that can sense when all is going well & take diversionary action such as typing in a different place altogether, at random, pop up advertisements, go to new sites or offer "penis enlargements"?
I guess that it has something to do with my degree of competence.)
We watched Coast, discussed the dreadful choice of programmes available & that's the last thing that I remember before waking up to go to bed.
Anyway, yesterday aj & I went to the gym for our free "Pamper day": two towels & a robe each (usually I take my own towel), a couple of hours in the gym, a swim & then a half hour Elemis facial & manicure. Pure luxury.
Thanks Dunc!
The weather was foul by then, so we opted to come home for a cup of tea despite M&S having a Cafe Revive offer of "coffee & cake" for £2 (a slice of a big scrummy cappuccino cake or Victoria sandwich which is usually £2.20 on its own, plus a cup of coffee)
I lit a fire & we "vegged" until dinner.
The weather took a downturn, very cold, wet & very windy for much of the evening, requiring remedial action to stop the rain from blowing into the dining room through the sash windows.
This morning is cold with bright sunshine - I have yet to persuade G that he would enjoy a walk around the reservoir.
Aj is on the way home, complete with rejuvenated complexion, shiny bronze nails, & a handful of rubber gloves to protect them from the brillo pads!
Could dear little DK's brace have some use as a snowboard?
If I move to the settee, it is very low, an inch or two to the right & it disappears!
Last night I was in the middle of the settee so no chance of blogging without a great upheaval - G & aj in the prime signal seats!
(Are all computers built with a special "annoy" chip that can sense when all is going well & take diversionary action such as typing in a different place altogether, at random, pop up advertisements, go to new sites or offer "penis enlargements"?
I guess that it has something to do with my degree of competence.)
We watched Coast, discussed the dreadful choice of programmes available & that's the last thing that I remember before waking up to go to bed.
Anyway, yesterday aj & I went to the gym for our free "Pamper day": two towels & a robe each (usually I take my own towel), a couple of hours in the gym, a swim & then a half hour Elemis facial & manicure. Pure luxury.
Thanks Dunc!
The weather was foul by then, so we opted to come home for a cup of tea despite M&S having a Cafe Revive offer of "coffee & cake" for £2 (a slice of a big scrummy cappuccino cake or Victoria sandwich which is usually £2.20 on its own, plus a cup of coffee)
I lit a fire & we "vegged" until dinner.
The weather took a downturn, very cold, wet & very windy for much of the evening, requiring remedial action to stop the rain from blowing into the dining room through the sash windows.
This morning is cold with bright sunshine - I have yet to persuade G that he would enjoy a walk around the reservoir.
Aj is on the way home, complete with rejuvenated complexion, shiny bronze nails, & a handful of rubber gloves to protect them from the brillo pads!
Could dear little DK's brace have some use as a snowboard?
Monday, 2 March 2009
Still here!
A very good day.
AJ & I played tennis at Coleshill with the ladies & then went on to Knowle & Solihull to shop, taking in tea & scones at M&S en route.
G arrived home late last night so needed time to acclimatise & catch up on e-mails, post & the like.
Unfortunately, he was unable to find an form of sustenance at lunchtime, apart from a chunk of Victoria sandwich that I'd made yesterday for aj (her favourite).
It's been a hectic week & the loaf had sulked in the bread bin, due to lack of attention, & subsequently, gone mouldy.
G can't cope with frozen bread, not even to toast & eat with pate & salad..
Anyway, we arrived home at tea-time & have since eaten the pate & salad, followed by roast chicken & profiteroles.
Good old M&S.
I am delighted to have booked a big house in Minehead for a family holiday, having negotiated a good price with the owner for the week.
This follows many hours on the Internet searching for a property that matched everyone's needs.
I hope that it's a great holiday.
Tomorrow aj & I are having a "pamper day" at the gym - full use of the gym for the day plus facials & a nail treatment.
As I'm a member this isn't as generous as it may sound.
We shall have fun.
Aj will enjoy the gym!
I must mention "poo" in order to illicit comment.
See "William's Little World" for details of his family's personal habits.
I spoke to T, who assured me that he would try to "de-poo" his vocabulary, despite KP being Miss Pooeypants.
He does have a point here.
AJ & I played tennis at Coleshill with the ladies & then went on to Knowle & Solihull to shop, taking in tea & scones at M&S en route.
G arrived home late last night so needed time to acclimatise & catch up on e-mails, post & the like.
Unfortunately, he was unable to find an form of sustenance at lunchtime, apart from a chunk of Victoria sandwich that I'd made yesterday for aj (her favourite).
It's been a hectic week & the loaf had sulked in the bread bin, due to lack of attention, & subsequently, gone mouldy.
G can't cope with frozen bread, not even to toast & eat with pate & salad..
Anyway, we arrived home at tea-time & have since eaten the pate & salad, followed by roast chicken & profiteroles.
Good old M&S.
I am delighted to have booked a big house in Minehead for a family holiday, having negotiated a good price with the owner for the week.
This follows many hours on the Internet searching for a property that matched everyone's needs.
I hope that it's a great holiday.
Tomorrow aj & I are having a "pamper day" at the gym - full use of the gym for the day plus facials & a nail treatment.
As I'm a member this isn't as generous as it may sound.
We shall have fun.
Aj will enjoy the gym!
I must mention "poo" in order to illicit comment.
See "William's Little World" for details of his family's personal habits.
I spoke to T, who assured me that he would try to "de-poo" his vocabulary, despite KP being Miss Pooeypants.
He does have a point here.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Here I am!
Well, I've given up waiting for a comment or two, so I'll do a blog & hope that someone is interested.
I have been busy, honestly.
I know that this doesn't compare with you workers being busy but, I don't find this a problem.
G has just spent a week in the Red sea, some of it anyway.
He spent the remainder in Sharm, getting a tan - I collect him from EMA at midnight tonight (I hope that I've got that right)
I wont bore you with all of the details of life since the last blog, but it has been very pleasant, including Gina & the children staying, aj staying, tennis, shopping, & spending time with grandchildren, all of whom are really funny - we're working on T's farewell not including "Goodbye Mrs Pooeypants" *(not quite sure of the spelling there)
Aj & I have just returned from Shardelows, we went yesterday to celebrate JR's 85th birthday - lunch at The Cock in Castle Camps, complete with friend, Mary, balloons & a cake.
Last night we watched TV at quite high volume, to allow for JR's deficiencies & keep the hearing aid whistling to an acceptable level.
Aj is getting over the embarrassment of having selected QI as "Aj's favorite programme".
The content plumbed new depths of depravity as aj feigned sleep!
I fell asleep anyway.
I started a new book , something about chocolate, by Alex McCall Smith.
He writes very well, despite the first 50 pages or so seeming to be identical to the last book of his that I read - I was about to put it down, thinking that I had read it before.
The "Ladies No 1 Detective Agency" series was his first, before the Edinburgh novels.
They are great easy reads.
Time for some sustenance!
* spellcheck does not give a viable alternative!
I have been busy, honestly.
I know that this doesn't compare with you workers being busy but, I don't find this a problem.
G has just spent a week in the Red sea, some of it anyway.
He spent the remainder in Sharm, getting a tan - I collect him from EMA at midnight tonight (I hope that I've got that right)
I wont bore you with all of the details of life since the last blog, but it has been very pleasant, including Gina & the children staying, aj staying, tennis, shopping, & spending time with grandchildren, all of whom are really funny - we're working on T's farewell not including "Goodbye Mrs Pooeypants" *(not quite sure of the spelling there)
Aj & I have just returned from Shardelows, we went yesterday to celebrate JR's 85th birthday - lunch at The Cock in Castle Camps, complete with friend, Mary, balloons & a cake.
Last night we watched TV at quite high volume, to allow for JR's deficiencies & keep the hearing aid whistling to an acceptable level.
Aj is getting over the embarrassment of having selected QI as "Aj's favorite programme".
The content plumbed new depths of depravity as aj feigned sleep!
I fell asleep anyway.
I started a new book , something about chocolate, by Alex McCall Smith.
He writes very well, despite the first 50 pages or so seeming to be identical to the last book of his that I read - I was about to put it down, thinking that I had read it before.
The "Ladies No 1 Detective Agency" series was his first, before the Edinburgh novels.
They are great easy reads.
Time for some sustenance!
* spellcheck does not give a viable alternative!
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