Christophe

It's the simple things in life, non?!?

Cherish what you have around you - your family, your home, your health ... and the frippery will look after itself.

Trust me!

Deevs
xxxxx

peeeeeeeeeeees: thank you so much for my Birthday greeting yesterday - you reet proper made my day sunshine! xx

What do you really want? 50 bloggers coming over to help you have a clear out ;-)

baggy - glad to see your colleagues making a 'fuss', it's only right and proper, so make sure you enjoy it! All the best to you and Mr sbp for your up and coming nuptials, I hope you have a wonderful life together xx

Bingo - INDEED, you might be a bit mad, but you most certanly ain't sad and you definitely make me laugh when I read your posts, so don't go changing a thing!

mmmmmm I notice several references about SUZIE today!!!

Pen xx

pee ess - Darce, if you're lurking - hope you'll soon be feeling better and back up to speed before too long xx

Just a very qiuck pop in to say Hello.

Happy Birthday AliB,hope you have a lovely lunch.x

Baggy,last day eh? Enjoy yousrelf.x

Ebs,fab photos.I've got similar headcount on mine too.You looked very happy.x

All else,keep on doing what you're doing..dont let the bedBUGs bite.

MTF.xxx

Ah Chris, it truly is the simple things in life.

Pen, I noticed those refs to Suzie too!!!

T xxx

Typical, new blog arrives just as I post, so I've posted again!!

Christoff, It feels so good to have a clear out, you know what's important to you and you're dealing with it! Good onya!

Pen xx

Tinsel - seeing your post reminded me, glad you got to listen to your ARF on the iplayer, I was so happy for you. Nice to see your thoughts turning to maybe getting a new doggy xx

Pen xx

Bit o'sun, also some cloud darn sarf, but quite warm!

Hi Chris

To echo Deev's words, your nearest and dearest are the best things in life. Nothing else really matters. The material things in life may give momentary pleasure from time to time but peeps, speshly kiddies make life all worth while.

Steffi xx

P.S. Who needs umpteen bikes anyway....they don't lay eggs!

Indeed Christoff it's good to de-clutter. Your environment AND your head. In fact, once you clear out your surroundings, it's amazing how much lighter your spirits feel.

Renee's house gets more and more like Steptoe's place every day. All we need is the stuffed Grizzly stood behind the door and hey presto. I'm always givin' out to her to chuck things away; sometimes I sneak things in the bin, only to have her come behind me and say Oooo look at that now. You never know when that'll come in handy. Like an old typewriter with (luckily) the F and the B missin'. There's copies of the Wigan Observer under her bed that the National Archive would be interested in; there's a bedding-box full of vintage mis-matched nylon sheets-you know the ones, them that if yous jump into the scratcher with too much enthusiasm you electrocute yourself with and have hair like a dandelion clock for 3 weeks after; and various obsolete gadgets like the Chop-O-Matic that you have to place carrots beneath and welt the plunger repeatedly until either you morph into Fatima Whitbread or the said carrots get chopped, whichever happens first.

And she won't get rid. Oh no. Last time I got a skip to the house it was open warfare and only for the intervention of the next-door neighbour who purloined the standard lamp with the ugliest shade ever designed, Renee herself very nearly found herself within.

However. I have to confess that I actually brought her a little ornament, a Sylvac vase, from a little junk-shop in Carlingford, N.I., like a little bunny surrounded by an upturned mushroom, very fifties, a bit Carlton-ware-like. Marvellous. Thing is, when a small child I used to play with said vase and broke the bunny off. So, only 50 years too late, I've finally replaced it. Excellent. Now all I have to do is stop 'er diggin' out the plastic chrysanthemums to stick in it. If she finds out I binned 'em last year while she was in hospital, she'll be RAGIN'.

Clodagh.xx

Steffi. Indeed they don't. But you'd look a bit sick tryin' to do wheelies round the M25 on a chicken as well, n'est-ce pas?

Clodagh.xx

Good God man have you given leave to your senses?? Mustang gone!
By the way if ever you are over taken by that burning disire for a GTO drop Cad a line for he has an idea that just might earn that sort of dosh... Have a splendid day, you are indeed blessed with a wonderful life...

Sometimes this blog makes me laugh, often it makes me smile but just sometimes, like today, it brings a tear to my eye & really makes me stop and think. As others have said, so much of what we fret over is really unimportant, we need to spend more time with family and friends and cherish that.

Thnk You Chris

Seza x

Greetings Of The Morning Nature Ter Yersen And INDEED ALL Bloggie Pals....

Bingo Star ere.....

CLP - I do admire you and your drive (noot talkin cars or INDEED golf... but easily could) and it's good ter read that yer do now, sorry know, 'ow lucky you are in life!!!!!!!!!!
Yer say yer keep things simple.... VERY TRUE!!!!!!!
It's like ave writted about music.... the secret iz keep it simple!!!!!!!
Even with all this modern technology of this modern age.... we are after all... still just relatively simple 'uman beings.... our relatives too also realtively simple.. (soz don't know waht am on about there).
Any way.... a think this iz why our goverments and INDEED our banks ave gone so wrong of late.... thy're making everyhing so... complicated.... thus making everything too difficult for uz 'umans ter keep up with - know the points am trying ter 'it ere???????

Getting back ter the being lucky in life.... a wish a could ave some of the secret of your luck!!!!!
Am noot one for waiting for things ter come ter me.... am a believer if yer want things ter 'appen get out there... and make it 'appen!!!!!!!
But no matter 'ow 'ard I try.... I always stumble!!!!!
Don't now, sorry know, why everything a do seems ter turn ter stone... a mean am noot stupid or wreckless!!!!!

Take for example the simple thing of being a train driver... my dream and key to a very 'appy and prosperous working life!!!!!
A love driving..... love it and what better than 400 tonnes at 125mph in total safety!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And all for the bonus of good pay.... i'd do it even if it waz low pay!!!!!
A mean am noot lazy... a wanter getta full time career!!!!!
Ave tryed for years ter get on the railway.... a just do noot know what ave gotta do ter get on!!!!!
For ten years ave sent applications off.... I even paid myself ter take the train driver apptitude test in 1999.... an extreme messure but ter show/ prove that am capable!!!!!
And noot many can pass this test... it iz a tuff test that only the most levle 'eaded.... sorry spelt level 'eaded in an unlevel 'eaded way..... although if yer put a spirit level to it... a think yu'd find it straight..... errrr the right mecahnically/ concentration/ memory/ safe personality type person can pass... and a did pass but no... a don't get taken on!!!!
Even in 2003 got the nearest yet.... applied for a train driver job.... 1500 applied and a goot through all the interviews/ tests and a waz one of the final 30 who were sent and INDEED passed the final aptitude tests... me second!!!!!!!
Sadly only 6 got taken on!!!!!!

So me latest thing iz try and get a footing on the railway.... pass me exams a missed when a left school early due to family problems outta my control!!!!!!
Even though am told on feed back from the railway companies.... 'it ain't particularly necessary ter 'ave qualifications'.... tell me about it... ave passed two damn it aptitude tests!!!!!!!

So ave approached the local colledge.... in order ter take me GCSE in mathematicals 'appenings..... now ave phoned in the past and am told in a patronising tone.... 'it's mid term nowww... sorry but yuv missed the start of the terrrrmmm!!!'
So this damn time... a get in early in the summer 'olidee...... 3 weeks ago a went for an assessment ter see if am suitable.... ter test me level at maths.... a go along.... unfortunately on one of me work dees... but a jig it all around so a can attend.... Then a arrive and a ask at reception of the colledge.... "PLEASE....can yer tell me where a can find the maths assesements terdee?????" She replies.... we 'ave noot goot maths terdee but english assessments.... a thought..... WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They've goot the dee's mixed up and after a change me work all aroooound!!!!!!
Any way a say well can a go ter where the assessments are taking place.... a go up ter the room.... a ask the young woman in there.... where can a find the maths assessmentations.... she says 'ere... a say a thought yer were doing english only... she says no.... it's maths terdee.... did yer want english???.... a say no a wanted thee maths.... she said why are yer asking for english then... a said..... never mind!!!!!

Any way....feeling a little nervous, a settle down and did me 2 'our assessment!!!!
But only after the young lady taking the assessment seemed ter struggle on 'ow ter set up the assessments and turn on the computers.... 100% TRUE!!!!!
A 'ad the first slot and whilst doing me tests others start ter arrive.... making lots of noise.... but a carry on regardless and obviously invisable ter the noisy dudes!!!!!

While doing me tests, no offence ter others, but a waz in Birkenhead..... and some of the people coming in seemed abit common and maybe noot too intelligent.... although yer should never judge a booook by it's cover or a Birkenhead dude by the place of abode or INDEED accent.... "errrrrrr know what am sayin like deerrre kidddas!!!!!" (scouse accent).
A overheard one woman was told as she'd already been on two GCSE maths courses and dropped out... they could let 'er do a third!!!!!

Any way a finished me tests and the young woman couldn't print out me results.... only after over 10 minutes of a lot of trouble.... did she finally manage ter print it out!!!!!!
A waited for me results.... then a goot them..... a goot 90% score and 'ad done very well!!!!!
Basically i'd goot 9 outta every 10 questions correeect!!!!!!!!!
A waz VERY 'appy!!!!!!

But then the bombshell..... she said loooking at me results... she can only offer me a course in basic maths noot GCSE!!!!!!!!
A waz shocked!!!!!
A find maths iz one of me better subjects and enjoy it!!!!!
I questioned the reasons and she couldn't give them too me.... she said if a wanted ter question it i'd ave ter talk to 'er boss!!!!
And all after i'd overheard the conversations of some less looking enthusiastic/ intelligent people that 'ad come in ter the test, that 'ad been on GCSE courses!!!!! (again no offence mean't but yer get me point ere!!!!)

So a did and after many phone calls.... the boss 'as told me she needs ter speak ter the young woman who took the test ter ask why!!!! (The same one who a goot a feeling didn't know what she was doing... a just goot the feeling, she was very young- about 18/ 19, a gotta feeling they sort of let ter do the tests even though she'd maybe noot done them before).
Now after 3 weeks of phoning..... the boss..... tells me she iz still waiting ter speak ter the young woman..... the damn term will ave started soon!!!!!!

So all ere iz yet anooother example of depsite me getting off me backside.... willing/ trying ter make things 'appen.... a come up against a brick wall again!!!!
A really do sometimes wonder if i've gotta curse on me..... no matter 'ow 'ard a try ter get ahead in life.... a just can't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN'T!

So what am tryin' ter say ere.... iz fellow bloggers and particularly CLP..... what iz yer secret????..... 'ow in 'eckin' 'ell can getta bitta luck in life just ter do the simple things like.... pass a GCSE and getta job on the railway??????!!!!!?
Ave even tried ter get cleaning jobs on the railway..... just ter get a footing for a few years.... in order ter try and get promotion through the internal vacancies which iz an easier way of progressing upter driver!!!!!!!
But they won't even take me az a cleaner!!!!!!

Don't understand why all.... am intelligent, polite, friendly, GSO aych, relaible, 'ard working, strong mentally and physically, goot no addictions except ter love/ passion/ motor sport/ golf/ CLP's blog/ cars..... lucozade and bananas..... oh and know, soz now, part time G&T's.... noot when am working of course.... Errrr ave NEVER 'ad a criminal record..... noot been in trouble with any courts or financially black listed etc.... NEVER 'ad any points on me car licence/ convictions for motoring offences...... goot full no claims bonus on me car insurance and on passion crudentials..... a just do not know why no one wants me relaible services?????

A don't know all...... a just do noot know?????? A don't know????@?

Any ideas CLP/ ALL!!!!!!!

PS A sent off me application last week..... (unfortunately without the steak 'older joke you'll be glad ter 'ear.... yer see a do take the advice of fellow bloggie pals!!!!)
Really wanted ter send that joke... PS never sent a joke before with any applications... in cae yer thinking no wonder a never get taken on.... and a don't write in Bingo Star style either.... proper queens english for me applications... with ALL ayches!!!!!!

Soz ter ave a rant terdee..... but CLP..... a just 'ad ter write an example of why am a so unlucky and some are noot az in yersen pal!!!!!!?????!!!!!!!!!!!!?!!!

What am a doing wrong.... 'cos beleive me it does start ter 'urt badly!!!!!
Am slowly losing me spirit/ drive/ enthusiamsim for life and ter keep pushing..... almost like a kind of depression could even be starting ter develop.... and no wonder when a fail continually!!!!!

GOURANGA APPLICATED APPLICATIONS/ GCSE 'APPENINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS Chezza - soz am just feeling abit..... a don't know... maybe life iz starting ter get abit..... a don't know where am going or 'ow am gonna get ter where a wanter be!!!!
Even me music keyboard.... bought it a year ago and no one knows 'ow ter set it up.... even though they've tested it and it's noot faulty.... if that makes sense!!!!!????

Penny Forem -BIG TARRR!!!!!!!

PS The S name.... never 'eard of 'er!!!!!!

Actually seriously.... The S.... a lovely person.... the nicest ave ever met if am 'onest!!!!!!!!

Bye!

Oh dear.... noot even loooked at me blog yet... but getta feeling.... VERY, VERY long!!!!!!

And Breathe!

Blimey Bingo.

Come and get a job on the West Somerset Railway,not sure about 125 mph tho,mostly steam.

MTF.xx

My goooooodneeeeessssss a should be writing me booook and am using all of me mind power on the blog instead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MTF - Too farr ter Somerset.... plus it'd probally tunr me inter an alcol'olic all the cider down there!!!!!!!!!

But BIG TARRR for the advice!!!!!!

Actually Paddington ter Exeter.... a very nice line ter be a driver on!!!!!!

A very poignant blog today Christophe of the Lamby variety!

I have all good intentions of a clear out soon too... going to have to make room for the mountains of bump materials that are yet to come. Have taken delivery of pushchair/childseat/wheelie bit thing today which once put together does fit in the boot of the car but in it's boxes takes up huge space in garage... only just enough room to fit the car in! And that's before I have to do the whole re-arrange of rooms to fit in new teeny-tiny furniture and palava.

Still every clear out always makes mea happier bunny so here's to looking after the most important things and not getting too bogged down in the accessories of life!!

Luv
Lyndyloo
Booboo & the bump
-x-x-x-

The whole of the coast down to Penzance is lovely on the train.

Hope you get what you want Bingo.Ahem,some of us can control our cider consumption levels you know!!

LOL!

Didnt know you was a zider drinker.

MTF.xx

Nesting Lindy,thats what it called.

Gets all expectant mums at some stage.

Hope you're keeping well.

MTF.xx

Sorry,Lyndy,wheres me specs.x

Actually feeling abit guilty know ,sorry now, feel like a might ave brought the 'appy blog down abit with me life's trials and tribulations of lostness.....

Let me put me VERY latest joke on the blog ter uplift the blog/ diffuse any negativity (must keep smiling even though a can never get what a want) (mind talkin' of someone very positive in me life and whatta do want very much).... no one's 'eard it except for The 'S' goodloooker yesterdee......

JOKE - Did yer 'ear about the truck carrying.... carrots that crashed spilling it's load..... all over... the road,

They didn't see that coming!!!!!!@!@!@!!!!!!!!!

Ok am off ter write me boook and ter phone the damn colledge again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye!

Hi MTF! Good to hear from you. I'm doing good thanks... obviously the nesting has kicked in (good job really as the house could do with a good clean!). Started to paint watercolour Winnie Pooh scenes on the walls of the nursery at the weekend :)) -x-x-x-

Ayyyyyeeeee me positive blog is by chance #22!!!!!!!!!!!

Wrockin' you little beauty and a VERY good omen INDEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MTF - A love the apple juice with a kick... the same az now discovered lemonade with a..... KICK!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

Still meaning to get around to trying Gin n tizer.Ask Crumps!

Maybe opening drink for FNWC to celebrate me getting ARF,have asked CLP to consider mine when he was on here y'day sending good wishes to Deevs and Baggy.

Just got to come up with the right song.

Ok early ARF...Its my turn..Diana Ross.

MTF.xxx

What a lovely blog Chris - brought tears to my eyes reading it.
Seza - felt exactly like you did.

Happy Birthday Ali - hope you are having a good giggle over lunch with your friend today xx

Glad you enjoyed most of your day Deev - sounds like your lovely nature got you through the bits that were just OK xx

Baggie - really glad your workmates made a fuss over you - enjoy the day and look forward to and enjoy the big day on Saturday xx

Clodagh - you always hit the nail right on the head with your blogs. I just loved that piccie of young Ralph's hair and it made me smile every time I looked at it. Again with Kim Cattrell's programme, I wanted to see back to his parents to see why he was like he was. I wonder if Kim took it further off screen?

Baz - The Street - brilliant last night as per usual - just love that series.

Pen - thanks xxx Doc didn't come up with much other than get on with it really. Probably just a virus that won't respond to anti-biotics. Like JG and MC - they don't really diagnose anything.Be glad when I do feel better, got a lot of stuff to sort out on the family front.

Bingo - what are you on???!!

Darce xx

MTF and Bingo

A friend of our gave us a flaggon of 'Natch' a short time ago. Ghosh that went down well. Right scrummy it was oo rr. (not good with accents!)

Steffi xxx

Trouble is,not upbeat enough.

Will go away and think about it.

Was only popping in!!!!!!!!


MTF.Ciao for now.x

Bingo - I hope you get what you want very soon. Don't think of yourself as a failure, and I'm certain that through your sheer persistence and determination, you will win through in the end. You would be an asset to any prospective employer.

How's your mum btw, hope she's doing okay!

Pen xx

CLP, I think we all need to declutter from time to time, I certainly need to! I guess the difference is that your clutter is worth something ;-) Mine's just junk lol

Bingo, chin up lad, summat'll definately crop up for you, just keep trying!!

Darce, glad you're feeling a bit better, I found whatever it was I had just lingered around making me feel very lethargic for a few weeks, and very, very sleepy. I'm definately on the mend though. Take it easy in the meantime.

Anyhow, further to last night's finger crossing, have just had the fantastic news that Mr JG is definately off over the festive period!!!! YIPPEE!!!!

Hi and hugs to everyone else, sorry can't stop too long, busy, busy, busy, but nearly holibobs!

JG x

Great News JG!!!!

Steffi, natch very much making a come back.Twas all we used to drink in the early 80s.

Was known as natural cider but got shortened to Natch as that was what people called it when they were ordering it at the bar.

They have a Natch appreciation society on fb if you're interested!!!

I only drink Symonds Scrumpy jack....at the weekends,I hasten to add!

Off to work.

Adieu.

MTF.xx

Darce - not wanting to say too much on here, but 'family front' probably not helping and making you feel a bit down. Hope things improve before too long, healthwise and other! xx

Agree, The Street was brilliant, Think is was the last one, boo!

Pen xx

Afternoon all.
Christoph, just what I am doing - de cluttering or I was trying to until Mr B came back from the old gits with "something that will look nice in that space" grrrr!! Like JG though, most of mine is going in the bin - worth zilch.

Happy Birthday AliB - sorry I'm a bit late - hope you had a nice lunch.
yahooo Baggles - sending you off in style - way to go!! I got covered in balloons and fetti the first time - felt a right nana walking to the car park!

Bit of a disaster at Beez towers this morning - I obviously didnt shut one of my freezer doors properly last night. Soggy contents this morning - yuk! Just consumed 2 cornish pasties for lunch and the dog will be eating beef curry (well just the beef anyway) tonight. The rest - Mr B taken to tip.

Bingo - as I couldnt get in to my kitchen lunch time for the deccys your post was my lunch time reading. Never say never - to anything - and any road up - you are a mere child - plenty of time to do all sorts yet! Just cut down on the lucozade!!

Darce - glad you are feeling a bit better.

JG good news re the time off!!

Just off to catch up on rest of posts and try and make a cup of tea under a load of dust sheets!!! Oh Joy.

Beezer xx

CLP...you soppy thing you.....but that's why we love you ain't it?????

Can't beat a good clear out....to just leave the important stuff....such as Noah and Tash...dog, chickens and cars beginning with 'F'. lol

Hi to the fellow bloggers....sunny Brighton once again...shame I'm not sittin in it tho'.....

Chin up Bingo....

JG....me only have junk too....

Adios for now...laterz.

TBx

JG - that's sooo cool. Bet you can't contain the excitement.

Bingo - As Beez says, never say never. Everything comes to those who wait even if it takes a bit longer than you want. That goes for anything: job, love life, kiddies everything. It's good having such positive ambitions and aspirations. Carry on striving. Am sure you'll get there in the end.
BTW you must keep on with the book - if it's anything like your posts here it will be winning many a prize. Chin up matey. Lovin your work as always.

Steffi xxx

Afternoon Bloggers,

I continue to thank you all for your birthday wishes, you really are a great bunch xx Even though some of you are having a tough time, you've brought a smile to my face by remembering me.

Deev, You certainly can use the 40 onederful, cause that's what you are xx

Well my Bestest friend and her two little girls picked me up outside my office at 12:30, drove along the road, up the hill and then pulled over! Yeah a picnic in the park. The sun was shining, and she'd packed the blanket and a huge picnic, a homemade cake with candles and they sang happy birthday to me and brought me lots of presents. The best pressie was a bag of Woolworths Pick-n-mix which you can order online, fab-u-lous xx

I don't think I've ever had a birthday picnic, it was great. She is such a good friend pulls the stops out every year for me, I couldn't possibly love her any more xx

Oh well back to work now, think I'll put the kettle on.

AliB
xx

P.S. Chris, you are such a great man and it's lovely to see you getting your life in order. I like the idea of chickens, but don't think they'd go down too well on my balcony!

Thanks Beez - hope there wasn't too much of your lovely butchers meat in the freezer!!!

And if its lucozade that does that to Bingo, I'm off out to get some!!

Darce xx

How lovely was that Ali. What a great friend.

Darce - luckily it was my bits and bobs freezer and "stuff I made earlier" - no meat in there thank goodness!! Might be worth trying the lucozade tho!!!!

Beez xx

Bingo,

I just had to write in response to your post (by the way, your posts are, along with many others', just brilliant. I lurk now and again).

I'm not trying to say that I 'know it all'....far from it.....BUT, I do believe that, by and large, there is some sort of plan for us. Therefore, although what has happened for you regarding your attempts to get into train driving hasn't been successful (so far), I'm sure that it is all part of the plan for you and so, in that respect, everything is going to plan...if you know what I mean.

I hope this doesn't sound heavy.....I was just moved by what you said and your enthusiasm, and the huge amount of effort that you have put in really came across.

All the best, mate......and keep smiling.....we're not meant to understand it all, but one day it's all going to come right for you, and, until it does, what's happening now is all part of the plan to get you there.

Thank you, and all the others, for your great posts.

Gaby
xxx

It is indeed the little things that bring the biggest smile to us all!

JG - great news about Mr JG!

AliB - don't forget to share the pick n mix!

MizzS - sorry to hear you have been feeling a b it low - try metatone (other tonics are available) it's designed a pick me up after illness etc.

x

Opps, meant MizzD x

Hi Chris.I think it does you good to declutter,
You cant beat the simple life,less stress,no hastle.Just enjoy what youve got.
Noah will love the chickens.
love to all.x

So, Beez how many freezers have you got then?

I can only fit a fridge/freezer in our ickle (and I mean ickle) kitchen and it drives me crazy. Am used to a 'b' biggun full of home made goodies and the butcher shop. Hey ho! Maybe when the much beloved and I manage to get our own pad eventually I can 'go large' again.

AliB - Ah that sounds so nice. How thoughtful. Glad you had a nice time.

Steffi xxx

AliB...save me a cola bottle in that there pi'n'mix...x

JG-glad for your good news re Mr JG.

Beez..pass the lucozade!!

TBx

Yes, you're right about me being excited about his time off!

Last year was a bit of a nightmare, as he worked Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, with stand-by Boxing Day and New Year's Eve!!

Gonna make the very best of it this year!!

JG x

Well said MSK - I agree with all that you said.

Keep going Bingo - I'm sure you'll get there in the end and will have many other experiences along the way which will have made that journey all the more exciting!

Make the most of the moments

Beany
xx

Chris I love having a good clear out I think it de-clutters your mind at the same time.

Glad you had a great weekend, I'm also going away for my anniversary on 9/11 spending it in New York, can't wait but it will be a bit spooky being there on that date - I'm not flying on that day though!

Birthday greetings to Ali and a belated one for Deev.

Baggy have a fantastic day on Saturday hope the sun shines down on you both on Sat and for the future.

Can I have an early ARF request as I won't be able to post on Thursday

ARF: Europe The final Countdown - THIS IS IT BAGGY!!

have a great week all

MaW X

Just coming up for air!! I mean that too !!! - just did battle with the dust sheets to make a cup of tea - what on earth they are painting the ceiling with I don't know but what an almighty stink!!

Well said Gaby.

Beez xx

(Stef - 2 freezers + 2 fridges)

AliB - how lovely, you've got one very special friend there. Glad you enjoyed it.

JG - v pleased for you that you will spend the festive season together this year.

See that - I didn't mention the C word!!! Not until November in my book!!!

Pen xx

Pen- I've already watched a couple of festive dvds, I know! - but I could watch them all year around, so I've held off for 6 months. I'm thinking about menus but I don't know where we will be spending the festive period yet.

MaW x

MaW - Nooooooooooooo, that is sooo wrong!!!!!! lol

Pen xx

Pen how restrained are you then...not using the C word in August!!???

November, yes, August nooooo. Still got the final Test match starting Thursday....no thoughts of reindeer (sp?) yet??? LOL

TBx

Bazza - ahem!!!!!!

As for cricket, no idea where it's being played, but rain is forecast here after a hot and sticky one tomoz!! Apparently!

Pen xx

Pen When we lived in South Africa not long after we were married I used to get a bit homesick sometimes so the carols have been known to have come out in September -so look out next month for ARF! lol.

TB have England got any chance?

MaW x

MaW, if my memory serves me correct, I believe CLP has not been averse to playing Jingles Bells, or the like, as early as September. It's got to stop, right here, right now!!!!!!!!! lol

Pen xx

Pen I second that...STOP...no more 'C' talk...way, way, way too early...was that enough ways????

MaW....should be an exciting final test....IMHO it could go either way....as neither side have really dominated the series....so there is everything to play for.

Me off Friday...child sitting...my own of course, so that means Sky HD cricket...all day long....bliss!!!

I'm with you for the things that matter most, my three GSDs, chickens, ducks, goats and many more...last in pecking order is "im indoors"!

Well you Georgeous People,

I'm offski. The parentals are coming round with a Chinese Takeaway from M&S (other stores are available and of course other food is also available)!!

I'll be back on later I'm sure.

Lots of love
AliB
xx

Enjoy the chinky AliB....x

Hey Chrissy....!!!!

it does you good to have a clear our from time to time!!!!!

happy to hear you had a lovely weekend on your anniversary!!!!!!

mmmmm love the idea of fresh eggs in the morning !!!!!
just need to get a cow then fresh milk too !!!!! yummy!!!

love billie xxxx

Chris how about having a car boot sale round yours for children in need.
I'm sure all us bloggers would come.



Happy Birthday Alib and have a wonderful time SBP

Propa

You've just answered your own question there, methinks, Prop, hahahahahaha!!

Clodagh.xx

Afternoon all,

Chris....

I thinking about starting the packing for the move, and in the process I'm going to do some serious decluttering.....but where do I start?????

And can I just say thanks for the Deacon Blue toon you started with, had me dancing round the kitchen with a giggling toddler!

TB - i'm with you on the C word.....with 6 birthdays in Nov, can't even think about C till they're out the way!!!

Had another outside day today - my ickle feet are killing me, and the boy is almost asleep on his feet, but he's had a fab time at the playground. It's on a hill (what isn't round here, it's on a mountain!!) so just roll a ball down and watch him go!

Reet, I'd better go read to the boy, he keeps bring me his thomas bos!
ebx

Ello Ter ALL Blog Friendlies......

Me ere again........

Big thanks ter all for all yer kind words.... am ok just suffering with a Tuesdee mid life crisis!!!!
In true Bingo style ave found something ter cheer me up and ave some good news!!!!!
I'll tell all at the end of this blog!!!

Firstly can a just say....

Steffib1 - Sounds nice the old somerset apple juice!!!
And BIG thanks about me book positive vibes!!!! Really wanted ter write it for years now, but find it difficult az a feel it will be a waste of time like all the other things ave done!!!!
But The 'S' 'as given me good vibes on this and said just do it for yerself and who knows!!!
Plus it'll look good on me CV that ave written a book!!!
Just 'ope me prespective employers don't read it!!!! LOL!
Plus a look at CLP and 'e encourages me with 'is example of drive and go.... if 'e can find time too write one... no excuse for me noot ter find time - know what am sayin'!!!!!

Penny Forem - Tarr for the good vibes!!!
Thanks for your kind words about me mother.... she's still of course got 'er disease but 'opefully she'll last another 20 years plus!!!!
She's abit rough on 'er breathing but she's stablised and feeling a lot better from a few months back!!!!
So all going ok!!!!!

JakeyGirl - A would keep me chin up but am trying ter save on razors due to the recession so am keeping close ter me neck ter stop shaving too often!!!!!

B's Mum - Yer make me feel so young!!!! Tarrr!!
Az for the lucozade.... a might switch ter isotonic only!!!!!!

TangoBazza - Tarr again but same az a writted ter JakeyGirl on the chin situation!!!!

Mottys Side Kick - A totally agree with all yer write... thanks!!!!
I agree life isn't mean't ter be easy and yuv gotta keep trying... but ust a get abit fed up of 'the test'.... about time a 'ad abitta luck!!!!

Beanygreen - Tarr!!!! Az for the moments.... I do enjoy them...... so much so a once made mesen sick on too many Thorntons Moments!!!!!!


Any way all.... ave goot good news..... ter cheer mesen up.... ave booked a visit ter me gynaecologist next Wednesdee!!!!!!!

Chow!

PS A just 'eard CLP play the Suncream tune..... a love that tune and all that the singer....... says 100% TRUE!!!!!!!
As for the advice on the knees.... mine are ok!!!!!
And az for the always using suncream.... a do.... in fact ave been know ter get down ter factor oil..... at Lanzarote!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry mean't..... factor 2 oil!!!!!

Glad you're feeling a bit more positive Bingo!

Have now got the all clear for the 'pool meet, so hope to see you there!

JG x

Was having a major panic over packing, washing, ironing, shopping etc for the holibobs on Saturday, and fitting it all in the car! But have gone through the lists again, and found some solutions!

ELH will deliver to holiday cottage, so no need to try and shop other than for the first night/day, and pub serving food down the road anyway!

Need to order said food before we leave here, as no guarantee that wiffi thing'll work at cottage!

Must get Finlay's food sorted though!

Need to set up wiffi thing on puter, or it definately won't work!

Am going shopping for clothes and food at @sda - don't care, all in one place, and have some nice looking things on their website - Thursday night sorted!

Just need to get Mr JG a B/Day pressie of some description, as all his family are giving him money, cos they CBA thinking of anything either, but he must have something to unwrap?

And finally, there's a washing machine there, so chill out, and take dirty stuff to wash...LOL

I wish we still had the Skoda estate with the roof-box and the cage for Finlay that we could pile stuff around!!

But calm and happy...ish...!

JG x

Oops, a long one, please tell me I'm not turning into Bingo?!?!

Evening peeps - well what a lovely day it has been.
Driving to work this morning I saw two hot air balloons, one only just taking off. It came from Per Linstrand's place near Oswestry (the chap who tried for that record with Richard Branson)

Then at lunchtime I went to a colleague's house to pick plums and apples before they got eaten by wasps - so now I am looking for jam and chutney recipies!
Sandwiches for lunch were on homemade bread that Adam made yesterday - yum.

As soon as I got home, I took the dog for a walk and saw there are loads of ripe elderberries, so may add some to the chutney or jam.

Now going to deliver a birthday card to a friend.

Ali, sounds like you had a lovely birthday.

Will check in with y'all later.

ttfn, Crumpy xx

Hiya

JG - I know what you mean. have have spend years trying to bung everything we need into a car. usually the boys ended up in little hollows surronded by stuff.

Now I just check a few things

Have we got OH's pills? tick (don't ask but life is happier when he has them!)
Have we got/can we get food for when we arrive & breakfast inc tea & coffee? tick
Have we got essential cuddly toys? tick most important as there is no substitute

Any thing else we can beg/borrow or buy when we get there!

Where are you going on your adventure?

Seza x

Sorry

Have to vanish. Laptop over heating again.

Have a nice evening

Seza x

JG - you are definitely not turning into Bingo, there is only one, and he is unique!!! lol

Pen xx

Evening all - just hotting up a few things I made earlier for dins from the defrosted freeezer. Right mixture - couple of currys lasagne strogonoff!!!! Hope we are not sick! Will pick out the meat for doggy wot we don't eat!

Bingo - not sure how to take that - I make you feel young cos I'm ancient!?? (now - soz - know what you mean - joking !!) and you've booked an appointment WHERE next Wednesday - nearly choked on me wine - let alone spit it at the screen!!!

Beezer xx

quite simply - lovely!

heyy a song for friday ...... Earth Song by Michael Jackson..one of my favs?


whatta lovely day off its been want more!!!

love ya all and hope everyone is great Billie xx

evening all, hope you're well?

I love a good de-clutter, both physically and in the mind. Lovely post today Christophe.

Just popping in to say hi, not been upto much other than working loads. Sliced the top of my thumb off a little while ago making a cheeky scooby snack post dinner - that'll learn me! However all is rosy now I've seen that my favourite blogger has posted today.
Hey G, hope you're well x x

Baggy - in case I don't return this week I hope you have a wonderful day on Saturday and that your gown is all you wished for.
Every so often take a step back and have a good long look at your wedding as it unfolds, absorb the moment and return to centre of it all. I have met you both and you are a wonderful couple. I remember our lunch date often (& fondly) and sincerely wish you both love and happiness.

bonnet de douche

KWx

JG. Morphin' into Bingo? Heaven forfend, sunshine. One is enough, bless 'im. A little goes a long way in Bingo's case, hahahaha.

Any road up. It's official.

Have had me head looked at and there's a definite sign of activity therein so Hurrah. Am like me mad aul Granny, proudly waftin' round 'er certificate declarin' that she was no longer bonkers. Ere. I bet Renee's got that somewhere, I shall have to dig it out. It'll be at the bottom of that bedding box, along with half a dozen corsets with the perished rubber suspenders, more photos of Polish airmen, the Womans' Weekly, September 1963 and a fluffy box a Licquorice Allsorts.

And in the process of havin' the head shoved into a large tumble-drier, I have discovered something I can't do. Well, there's loads a things I can't do, natch; run, sing, dance, ride a unicycle, etc., but I can do all of them better than I could get a full body-scan. You know, the full drainpipe thing, head first. Don't talk to ME about the heeby-jeebys, mate. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh no, can't do it. Not without a fryin' pan to the mazzard and 6 rohipnols first. Nope. Never. I should have to crawl off into the shrubbery and quietly expire. Eeew shudder.

Anyway am off to pack me cozzys for Barcelona first thing Thursday, hurrah. And bearing in mind I'm goin' with the most accident-prone chap in the history of the universe, I'll be needin' some luck.

This is the chap who was struck by lightning on the rugby field. The chap whose plane caught fire en route to a charity match in aid of the firemen. The chap whose ambulance crashed en route to the hozzy with 'im concussed inside. The chap who got stuck in a lift in Boston for 2 hours with a man with stress-induced Tourrette's and a child with chicken-pox. The chap who mistook Immac for hair conditioner, and was only alerted by the fact it smelt funny.

I may be some time.....

Clodagh.xx

Evening all,

Alib , i know its late in the day, but happy birthday and hope yu had a good one.

Bingo , you are nuts...... all hazelnuts , but love ya !! you have made me laugh a lot today , thanks . Good luck with the gynae appt, mmmm dont believe thme when they say its not gonna hurt !!

Clodagh , best of british , irish or whatever ish , think you are going to need it. Are you really travelling together ???? i'd get the next flight !!

JG, am a list a holic just like you ..

Beez, hope the deccys are nearly finished , sounds like a longggg joooobbb.

Lindi - hiya, hope the bump is doing well, it's coming round quickly now ;-)

Hello to everyone else, i have a bit of a goldfish memory tonight !!

Mc xx

hey guys should i skive work tommorow?

Hello again.
Well found some recipies and the first batch of spiced plum and apple chutney is simmering on the stove. The house smells like Christmas - must be the cloves.

Plum jam tomorrow, if I can find enough jars.

Crumpy x

Crumpy, oooh, can smell it from here ... fabby , i finish work 17 weeks on Friday , for the C period LOL !! not that i am counting , but it seems summer is over so lets get on with something else

mc

Well Bloggers the Birthday is nearly over and it's been a fantastic day. I have to confess that I didn't have much hope of it being a good one, especially when you wake up on your jack jones and have to make your own birthday cuppa! But you lot, other friends and family have made it really special - in fact I might do it all again next year....LOL.

Had a lovely evening with the parentals and now I'm in my jammies ready for bed. I'm off out tomorrow night with my two bestest friends, for girlie gossip and good food, so that's another thing to look forward too.

I can't thank you enough for all your Birthday Wishes, I feel loved. You are very special people xxx

AliB
xxxx

Forty Onederful

Chris I can't wait to read your book if your bloggs are anything to go by. I don't get a lot of time to comment on here but i do read everything eventually...

and what a lovely bunch of people you ALL are.

love Loli x

Clodagh - take MC's advice - get the next flight! Did you get your head stuck in one of tose giant tymble dryer things too? Eck e thump - never again.... do not move blink - breathe - WHAT ! I was shaking so much the bolts started undoing themselves!!!

MC deccys still here - we are convinced they have moved in!!!! Going to try and put a few pics on fb tonight (as requested by Tiggs - yes Tiggs still in camera) I may be a while!!!

Beezer xx

Glad you had a good day Ali:)

I'm off to bed now, have fun peeps, night all!

JG x

AliB - sounds brilliant day and continuing with Deev's theme Leos birthdays last at least a week!!!! Brilliant.

Beez xx

Think its Leo????

Night JG !!

Beez xx

Beez, oooh , we had a guy doing some tiling for us a few years ago, it got to the stage where i was cooking for three !! he only lived up the road. His girlfriend used to ring us up to ask us to send him home .
You have my sympathy !! We had a lovely decorator in a few weeks ago, but he did ring me up AFTER he had painted, to " confirm" which walls were to be in which colour !!

MC x

night JG, make sure you keep ticking those lists !!

MCxx

Crikey blinky blimy o reily - well just abart caught up with yesterday after I left and todays blog and its taken nearly 90 mins! surfice to say too many posts to comment on!

AliB glad you had a great birthday, Deevs too (but u know that)
SBP - the final countdown! whoo hoo!
TBaz - dont let a certain contributer get you down - the rest of us on here love your contributions

Everyone else - I love you all and glad we are on here for each other

just a bugger that I am actually busy right now and cant join in!

gonna sign off - eyes are a struggling, bed is a calling - and ohhhh what a comfy bed!!!!

debs
X

Aw Ali, that's good you've had a blast.

Being on your Jack Jones has a lot going for it, you know. You can wake up in the rollers and face-pack no problem without the need to start the day administerin' the Heimlich Manouevre to the poor chap who clocks you with a gobful a cornflakes.

And as my mad aul Granny used to say, Please yourself, then you know somebody's happy. Nobody should fear being alone; there's a difference between being alone and being lonely.

In fact,-and this is a terrible thing to say- I'd be happy enough to go off on this jolly alone. Yes, that's terrible. I'm ashamed. I mean, I do consider myself extremmely lucky that some obviously deranged chap is daft enough to WANT to take me. And he's a top bloke, too, got all 'is marbles, is funny, smart, well-travelled, and we've known each other years. Plus he's a bit of a borin' old duffer like myself, likes his architecture, loves his food and a bottle of pop, drives like Dick Dastardly, likes exploring places where angels fear to tread, and of course, isn't averse to a 99 with raspberry up the front so I know I'll enjoy every minute.

That's if we get there. What's the Basque Separatists up to at this time of year I wonder..

Beez, ah NO, you too? Ew I'm not in the least surprised it freaked you out too. Maybe we were both forceps babies, hahahaha!

And welcome, Loli. Yes, we're all on fish hooks. xx

Clodagh.xx

everyone on here is soo nice .... hope to make friends ....!!!!

love Billie xxx "not Chris ex"

Clodagh the thing I see you as is an old duffer!!!!! Have a lovely time. Though seperate flights would be good LOL

Billie there are lots of wonderful friends to be had on this here blog

Propa

That should read the last thing

Hohohoho Prop; nope. Right first time.

A pair a right aul duffers.

Clodagh.xx

Billie..Has anyone ever asked you if you were??

MTF.x

Hi one and all,
I NOW, soz, KNOW I am posting very late tonight and at the moment very irregularly

CLP - What a lovely weekend it must have been and how special to have the relationship where one partner can say to the other "What do you really want?". Makes you sit back/up and think. Such an important "hey up - where are you/we going?" moment! Love the chickens idea!

I consider myself very fortunate that my OH and I have also found that closeness. It is also wonderful that you have voiced it on the blog, which in itself has had repurcussions on others.

Next: Happy "one"derful burpdays to Deevs and Ali.
SBP - have a wonderful weekend and all congratulations for the big day and all the days to follow.
Tins - was so pleased to hear you had your ARF played - and for the best reasons.
MTF - hang in there, he will play your ARF!
Ebbweth - congrats for your day and your future!
Clodagh - truly a way with words and may they continue to reverberate.
TB - noticed you weren't on the norty step recently so trust the cockatiel is teaching you the right words!
All those in need of big hugs, whatever the reason, please have one today!
Debs/Beez/JG (congrats on winter festivities with Mr JG) - have loved keeping up with your news - plz continue even decorators, freezers (helped me explain to OH why my wifi had gone down when he was using the microwave!) and adventure hospitality in Essex. I know I have only lurked recently.... but you really help.

Bondy - hope day one went well. A lot to contend with, no doubt, between the new job and the journey - a lot of energy!

Rips - thank you for a mention that dates back a while. I read it early morning just before heading into day one of next step in health challenge. Timing was of the essence. It helped hugely. Thank you for that and to all those that make this a special place to hang out!

Bingo - as Clodagh mentioned it is more difficult for creative people to fit into a system (forgive me pls Clodagh for taking it out of context). So, for what it is worth, I suggest you start from the point that you are creatively outside of the box. On this understanding, realise that the people who you will encounter along the way can only operate within a programmed space. So go with the flow, (room xyz is for english and it turns out it is maths!) but keep your ultimate objective in mind.
I have discovered that in most official situations you will eventually meet someone along the administrative process, who can help you move round those tick boxes.
As you go along keep them in the picture, they do want to help you through the system. If all goes well let them know how much they helped so they help the next one to come along.
My experience was as a parent coming back to the UK from France. My kids did not tick a single official box. (Tick boxes do not allow room for any explanations). A lot of time and energy later it has turned out successful.
Not sure if any of the above helps - but if it can, great!!

Mxxxx

OMG - didn't realise what a long post it was going to be!
Apologies.
Mxx