Crikey CLP, you're early this morning!
Later peeps, back to the baby clothes

KMFKATiggs xxx

Did ya wet the bed?!!!!! Lol

Morning all.

Talking of stalkers - previous blog - where's Rips?

Tiggs - loving your knitting

Kands, Marje, Billie and Bingo - good to see you back

Beez - somewhere in all that work remember to find some Beez time

Deev - I know what you mean about squeezing into shoes. First day out of winter shoes today and my feet hurt already!

MTD - good luck for this afternoon

MTF - be careful out there please

Everyone else - warm wishes and positive thoughts to you

PiPx

Morning all

Big day today gang ...... first trip to my new dentist for an initial consultation to see if he will take me on as a patient. I hate dentists and it took ages to build up a good rapport with my last dentist to stop me having panic attacks in the chair, so the sooner this is over and done with, the better!

Then it's off to the agency I am temping for as they don't have my P45 or bank details, and yes, I would quite like to be paid next week, thankyouverymuchly!

Chris - modern art is a strange creature. I love Warhol and the pop art movement of the 1950s and 60s and the Warhol exhibition I went to at Tate Modern a few years ago was one of the best exhibitions I have ever been to. I often wonder what Warhol would have made of the current trend for being famous by public vote nd the fizzling out into obscurity, and I think he would have loved it. Maybe even given the likes of Max Clifford a run for his money! However, some modern art leaves me cold - was it Sarah Lucas who exhibited a kebab for the Turner Prize - what on earth .....!?!?!

Talking of works of art, Rips was last seen sitting on the M4 coveting a bag of boiled sweets ..... x

Going into work early today so probably won't be back here til later so have a fab day everyone!

Muchos amore

Deevs, art correspondent

x

peeeeeeeeees: if the postman brings my new wellies whilst I'm out, can one of you sign for them please .... but no trying them on - they're mine, all mine .... mwahahahaha!

x

MORNING ALL!!!!!!!!!!! Have we all wet the bed this morning?? Early birds - my gas pipe replacers were sure early - right outside my bedroom window on the green opposite is where they parked all their machinery........

60's child so big fan of pop art - agree with Deev though - kebab's? unmade beds? etc etc - what rubbish...... (btw Deev - flip flops - been on all week!!)

so - early start - get stuff done - Pip - Beez time this week-end :)

Happy knitting Tiggs

Beez xx

Surely Warhol predicted our current "celebrity" culture in 1968 when he said "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

Who nicked the sun??

Morning all.

Thanks Pip, I do my best, but its the old, nothing ventured nothing gained syndrome.

There is a lot to discover out there and this is such a wonderful time of the year.

I actually don't mind getting back late these days as dusk brings about a whole load more to oggle at.

The bat displays through the tunnel like lanes last night were incredible.

So, today after my chat with the RSPB man, I am off in search of Bitterns and who knows, the Glossy Ibis may just make an appearance too, as they are supposed to be roughly in the same location on the Levels.

The house martins are busy this morning, they seem to be building a new nest, each one delivering their own little contribution of mud. There, is a work of art if ever I saw one. Last year, they made a semi- detached nest, one on our side and one on next doors side, joined together, but with two seperate front doors!!

Right time to grab my thickest garden gloves and get brutal with some brambles.

Wishing you all a 'Whoop whoop' Wednesday, whatever it is that you are up to.

MTF.xx

Morning Chris et al,

To my shame I have always been a bit of an ignoramous when it comes to art. However, I have been following the Modern Masters series and have come to appreciate a few of the artists showcased on there. Picasso in particular. Its the kind of series that in the past I would have just flicked through trying to find something a bit more familiar. I guess I've growed up a tad.

MW, a!

Morning MWa.xx

Morning MTF,

Hope you are well. How's it been around these parts?

MW, a!

Greetings CLP & ALL Blog Operatatives.....

Bingo Star'ere....

CLP - Looking forward ter reading yer new book soon!!!!!

So am on me way ter London on the train, this time complete with copper cables!!!
When a say with copper cables, a don’t mean ‘ave got the copper cables that were stolen last night from the side of the line with me, thus causing all trains ter be cancelled, a mean the copper cables ‘ave been replaced & all is ok & nice!!!!
So am flying ter London, interesting ter think a can’t get 200miles south faster than CLP can do ‘is show!!!
A left Liverpool at 7am, just as CLP’s show was ‘itting the airwaves – WHATTA COINCIDENCE!!!!!
A was listening to it on me personal radio!!! Nice opening tunes CLP!!! And nice wolf-whistling on yer show CLP: Would ‘ave tried it at Wentworth whilst watching CLP play golf later but as a can’t whistle very well... a won’t!!!
Wonder who CLP will ave caddying for ‘im??? Maybe Tash!!! If not am more thna willing ter offer me services.... am very good at giving advice on what lines ter take.... a ‘ad alotta practice at school!!!!
A couldn’t decide if a should go ter the golf terdee or the first championship dee on Thursdee... or ter both!!!! But in the end decided a will go terdee... and all just a coincidence that CLP is playing!!! Last time a watched the pro-am at Wentworth was about 4 years ago!!!! Very much lookin’ forward ter seeing CLP play with Brucie & a see also in the same group the top pro is David ‘owell!!!!
A remember ‘e did very well at the Open at ‘oylake a few years back... nearly won it but Tiger Woods came good in the end there. Don’t think ‘e ‘as won a major yet but ‘e’s come very close a few times!!! So a great pro ter ‘ave in CLP’s group!!!
Also another ‘ighly interesting group terdee are Monty playing with Vernon Kay & Jeremy Kyle - all in the same group!!!!! Might check them out at some stage too!!!!
A ‘ear it’s a shotgun start too!!!! Sounds abit extreme ter me.... surely they don’t ‘ave ter use a shotgun ter force the pros onter the course???
A must admit ave gotta confesion all.... ave not even ‘it a golf ball for over 6 months & ‘ardly played now for about 18 months!!!! The reason am just so busy with other things: working; me music, me maths; long distance socail life & so on!!!!!
But terdee a now seeing the top golfers ‘itting the ball so perfectly, the talent they ave.... it sort of lights something up inside me... the golfing bug will bite again!!!!
A remember a few years ago a was such a keen golfer... tried so ‘ard ter get the swing correct a would go the range daily & sometimes spend four ‘ours practising me putting, me chipping, bunker play & then ‘it 300 balls down the range!!!!
It’s a shame a stopped as me short game was mega, and although a struggled & ‘ad over 40 lessons ter try & get the swing right... something yer can’t force ter get yer swing correct... but suddenly something out of me control was starting ter ‘appen to me!!!!
For example me 7 iron that a could only ‘it 140yards... ok always bang on target but lacking the distance... but suddenly something was ‘appening ter me swing... it felt really comfortable.... a was ‘itting the ball crisper. It’s ‘ard ter explain when yer not a golfer but a could feel mesen moving inter a ‘igher level of golf & was starting ter ‘it me 7 iron 170 ter 180 yards... closer ter the distance of the top pros!!!!! They say practise makes perfect!!!
Mind you still miles short of Vijay Sing!!!!
A was watching ‘im at the Wentworth practice rounds a few years back & ‘e was ‘itting ‘is 7 iron 225 yards.... insane distance!!!!! Reember asking ‘im ‘ow ‘e ‘its it so far!!! ‘e just laughed & said it’s many years of practise!!!! Me thinks that coupled with being blessed with an outragously good talent in ‘is case!!!!
Vijay, one of me golfing ‘eros & such a nice, friendly laid back bloke!!!!!
Always reminds of a very friendly family doctor!!!!!! Sadly not playing this weekend though!!!!

Ok better sign off now... Bye!

Just arrived at Euston... 3 mins early!!!!!

Good morning all from a wet and cool Ayrshire.

Good to see you back MWa.

Have a good day everyone.

X

Gail.

p.s. Really enjoyed the wolf whistles this morning.

Hi Chris: very impressive blog today, and so early! I must confess I know nothing of David Hockney. Had to G**gle him, and will definitely read more about him later. Also, the book - had to G**gle that, too. Sounds very interesting, if a little "heavy", but I do with with some life changes!

As for art, I know absolutely nothing about it "technically" but I know what I like. I have a ceramic square of Van Gogh's "Cafe Terrace at night" on my kitchen wall, and I never tire of looking at it!

Oooh, all very academic so early in the day!

Hi to everyone else, will have to catch up with the blog later, but hope all is well.

C xx

Morning all - blue sky and sunshine here in Warwickshire, hurrah!

Chris, what a fab show today - it was great to hear Brucie, and you made my day by playing "Life is the name of the game" - I've never heard the full version before and it really made me smile, thank you. And the Bish Bosh of York too - what a lovely man.

Am clueless about modern art, I'm the sort of philistine who wanders around the Turner Exhibition saying "yes but how the devil is it art?". So no comment from me!


OK, that's my hour off gone, off to sing about minibeasts for 4 hours, leaving elder teen fast asleep on "study leave". Will forgive her as she passed her driving theory test yesterday - one step closer to having a new designated driver en famille.

Tara,

A x

"I'm a dung beetle, but let me tell you people,
Ain't nothing wrong with diggin dung if you're a
Dung digger dung digger dung digger dung digger
dung diggin son of a gun, YEH!"

Morning all

Lovely show Chris, wished I'd spent yesterday afternoon reading a book.

Instead I decided to wash and Iron all the upstairs curtains and have just put the 11th set on the line. Hooray. Whilst I have been doing this most boring task a great Idea popped into my head to treat myself to something new for the house. Only problem is when do I tell Mr CSN, maybe on his birthday next week or maybe not!

Can anyone guess what it might be?

Girls send big hugs to lovely blog Aunty Tiggs for all her hard work. xx

MTF, you be careful of those swans! xx

DDD, great posts yesterday, made me laugh out loud!

Deevs, good luck with new dentist today.

KandK, have missed you, glad your back. Lovely news about new kitten and puppy.

Hi, Billie, Bingo and Marjie, love reading your posts.

Sorry if I have forgotten anyone.

csn. xx

Hiya CSN
Please thank the girls for the hugs, I'm really loving the knitting and have started the second cardie this morning! I have some lovely lavender wool too so will make some mitts and bootees from that too
laters, back to the cardie
KMFKATiggs xxx

Tiggs, sounds a lovely colour wool, will send you a message on fb later when I have hung these last few curtains back up. xx

Morning all!
Not here of course and not really caught up - will have a sneaky look when I can.

Fab wall to wall blue up darn essex and its looking good for the rest of the week to - bout time!

Right off to catch up - did I see a good luck mtd? If so, double good luck!!!

debs
x

JG, that was very nice of Mr JG to cook a BBQ and dry the washing for you, even if he did put it in the tumble dryer on such a lovely day.
Mr CSN would just leave it in the washing machine. xx

Just nipping in between the morning tasks - dentist (went well, no treatment, see him again in 12 months' time!), ELH and Cannock town centre and off to work in a mo.

manwithnoname - precisely! That's why Warhol would have revelled with a sense of perverse voyeuristic amusement at today's celeb culture: he did, after all, launch one of (if not the) first celeb magazines, Interview, in 1969. And he'd have made a great judge on the X Factor ......

Beez - I can't do flipflops but think I'll have to nip over to Stafford or into Brum on Saturday to raid one of the more "cost effective" high street chains for some wear-it-then-bin-it summer footwear - it's getting a bit warm for boots every day!

Hi-ho-hi-ho as they say in Seven Dwarves Land .... it's off to work I go!

Play nicely.

Deevs

x

have a good day Deevs

Tiggs xxx

Hello CLP and Everybody!

Lovely day here again but a little cloudy.

I've no idea who David Hockney is and don't know much about art but I love looking at nice pictures. Used to do a bit of oil painting myself but have'nt done any for years, don't seem to have the patience any more.

I really hope that you aren't influenced by The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Chris and become a monk and do the same.

Off to my hospital outpatients appointment very soon.

Bye for now.

MKx

hiya

I'm not here - I'm in Switzerland working really hard!!!! :-)

I love Litchenstien, we did a project on his art at school and I now have a litchenstein reproduction in my office at work. I like the art that I like, no real reason to it but everyones different!

Baggy

Afternoon all

I'm back after tax exams and then catching up from being not at work for three days! Haven't loked back at what I've missed will try and see what's happening!

Being a Bradfordian by schooling I know Hockney's work well as he went to the same Grammar School as me, but many years before me. The school even had an original one hung on the corridor at one time, not sure it still has now.

Anyone who likes what they've seen of his work should try and get to Salts gallery in Saltaire, couple of train stops up from Bradford, as there is a big collection there and a fine way to pass the afternoon.

On the modern front, no has mentioned Rothko, which I love, but I know no everyone's cup of tea.

Just found out today when the people from w@rmfront have come to replace the heating, only five months later than promised, they've cocked up the ordering and brought the wrong type of boiler, after all we've only had 6 months with no central heating! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Major complaint in offing I think.

Hope everyone else is OK.

Cheers

A

Afternoon one & all

Quiet again in here??!!

Susan, Chrissie, Deevs & Beez - thanks for the good wishes and yep all very exciting although am a bit nervous too! My life is in a good place now Chrissie but had to kiss many a frog to get here :)

Seza - glad to hear things are ticking along nicely with your sale, have you found your next home yet?

Deevs - go for it with the temping assignment!

Beez - what are you smiling about? Do tell!

As for flip flops - NO! Having something between your toes is wrong!

MTD - good luck with interview.

Went to the Tate Modern last year and really didn't 'get' most of the stuff on the walls - really not my cup of tea! But it is all down to personal tastes and preferences - if I like something I like it and thats it :)

Busy day here in Cambridgeshire with warm but cloudy weather!

AS x

Hi all

Clp great blog and a fab show, I'm just listening to it here in Saratoga Springs.

I bought a fab painting yesterday by a local artist Deborah Friedson. She shows a journey of healing and self discovery through her unique way of painting. I think most of us can relate to what she has to say, you need to g****e her.

Deev I too have to sign up with a new dentist and I'm not looking forward to it.

MTF I have robbins nesting on top of 2 pillars on the front porch and can see into the nest from the dining room window, can't wait for them to hatch.

I'm settling in to life over here nicely, people friendly and lots to do - can't wait for the track season to start love the gee gees.

have a great day y'all

MaW x

Nice one MaW.

Do tell us, when you can what other kinds of birds you get over there, please.x

Missed out on your good news yesterday AS, all looking good, that must be such a relief for you.x

Gotta fly, off to seek out some Bitterns, just hope they are not agressive, once bittern and all that......

MTF.xx

Thanks MTF - all is looking good and I can't wait :)

Tiggs - loving hte knitting! Your fingers must be smoking at this rate :)

AS x

Marjie: hope your appointment went well.

mtd: don't know how I managed this, but I have missed that your assessment was today. I hope it went well, have been thinking about you.

Andy: lovely to see you here. How you managed without central heating in the office for six months, I do not know! It's against the Law, you know!

AS: really, so pleased for you, as I am sure you know. After those frogs, you deserve happiness!

MaW: how lovely to hear that you are settled and happy. "Saratoga Springs" sounds so much better than "Glasgow"! Every time MsS watches Gavin & Stacey, I think of you!

C xx

Back from hospital now. Doing OK, same treatment to be continued,i.e. inhalers,pills and 15 hours oxygen. I usually like to go on oxygen from 7pm round to 7am and then be free from it for most of the day.
I have a lot to thank medical science and the NHS for.

Beez-hope you're getting sorted and that those gas men are soon finished.

CSN-is it a housekeeper you're thinking of getting for the house?

Andy-hope your boiler problem is soon sorted out.

MTF-I know you're a wildlife expert but watch those swans. I was badly bitten by a swan on the River Dee at Chester when I was a child, from what I can remember I was more upset by the fact that the swan did'nt like me rather than the injury.

Hope all's going well for everyone!

MKx

MaW - have you moved permanently to Saratoga Springs? Have checked out DF's art - some not too bad but not all my taste.

Andy - Rothko also checked out - some very liveable with paintings. Hope the exams went well.

AS x

Afternoon all

Chris, you definitely caught the worm today! Loved today's show, especially when you were trying to teach Jonny to wolf whistle, made me chuckle and also enjoyed you talking to Brucie. No comment on your blog post today, as I know nothing!

AS, :-)

Marjie, good luck with the appointment x

Hi to everyone else, apologies for not commenting on others, unfortunately I don't have the knack that some of you have of remembering everything that is occurring!

More sunshine here than yesterday, but still a bit hazy. Nice enough though to sit in the garden with a cuppa whilst listening to 'blackie' serenading me!

Pen xx

Well big bottoms - just did a post and it went in to the ether !!
Was asking how your appointment went MK but you've beaten me to it...
MTD - let us know how you got on too.

Look forward to nature reports from over the pond MAW as well as MTF's here.

Well - estate agents in Wales phoned - hope to get sorted during the bank holiday week.

will message you later Andy when I'm on fb.

Better get a wiggle on

Beez xx

Marjie, crossed posts, glad you're doing ok x

Oh and Tiggs, cute knitting photos on other side, do you follow a pattern?

Pen xx

OMG - has anyone seen the photos of Alex Higgins on the internet (DailyMail but others available etc) - what a shock!

Hi All

I'm back - shellshocked but still alive...... Seriously, I think I did OK but I am being judged against some strict criteria. Now comes the wait until next Friday lunchtime, when I will find out whether I've got the job or not.............

Thank you for all your good wishes and vibes. I felt pretty good about myself thanks to you all.

AS - yes I've seen the pictures and I saw him on TV the other week when he played in a veterans tournament. He is only 61!!!!

MK - glad you are doing OK. Will you be able to come off the oxygen eventually?

Laters

mtd ffb xxx

AS: I have seen the photographs - he looks absolutely horrendous. I am so glad my lovely mum is not here to see this - she adored Alex Higgins - followed every match, played every shot with him. He was just a tortured genius really, and through his excesses has ended up so ill.

C xx

Afternoon all

This blog is turning into countryfile meets the culture show ;)

Glad the hospital went OK Marjie, and the treatment keeps working.

Chrissie, the boiler is the one at home, so even worse that if it had been at work!

AS - Glad you liked the Rothko, I think the exam went Ok, but in the word of chuck berry - you never can tell!

Cheers

A

Andy: how true! Definitely MTF to present Countryfile ... suggestions for Culture Show - certainly not me!

Sorry for the confusion about the boiler: six months, at home, no heating? I would have been in tears every day! Sounds like a case for Anne Robinson!

C xx

Mtd.

No, I'll be on oxygen for the rest of my life, most patients like to use portable cylinders for going out as it makes them feel safe but I like to be free from it. But need to keep oxygen levels up or else I desaturate and all major organs would be affected.

I've been at the same stage (severe) since I took ill in 2006 so as long as I don't smoke, eat healthily and general common sense I can delay it from progressing for many years.

It also has it's advantages. I love using my scooter, straight to the supermarket door when everyone else is looking for a parking space. Not to mention going for a lovely ride along the coast where I live.

MKx

Chrissie Thanks it really is a lovely place to live. I saw Mel (aka Gwen) before I came out and rumour has it another special is on the cards.

AS we're set to be here for the next 3 years and then see how it goes.

Beez So sorry to here that you're selling your house in Wales, is this the end or you having a bolt hole?

Hi Debs are you out there?

It's turned really cold here but it should reach the late 20s by the weekend Huzzah!

Agree about Alex higgins he was a total genious in his time.

MaW x

Marjie

Glad to hear your doing ok. Must say a housekeeper sounds a wonderful idea, I could do with one. It's something that could cause major disruption in the house and before you reply, no it's not a new man!

Take care.

Lol, csn. xx

Oh yes MK - I've seen the pictures of your scooter....

Off to visit the AP.

Laters

mtd ffb xxx

mtd: glad to hear today went well. I know, now you have to play the waiting game - I will keep my fingers crossed, with a five minute break each hour! Seriously, you know I wish you well.

MaW: Oooh, another Special would be so wonderful!

Marjie: glad to hear your appointment went well. You seem to know exactly what to do, to look after you, so that's good.

On another matter, I managed to hear 20 minutes of Chris Tarrant today, and I have to say, the man is brilliant. He's been in the dog-house as far as I have been concerned for the last couple of years because he was such an idiot. But from what I heard today, I would advise the BBC to get him on board ASAP!

C xx

Good afternoon one and all,
Joke of my day.................

A teacher asks her class, 'If there are 5 birds sitting on a fence and
you shoot one of them, how many will be left?' She calls on little
DAVE.
He replies, 'None, they will all fly away with the first gunshot..'
The teacher replies, 'The correct answer is 4, but I like your
thinking.'

Then little DAVE says, 'I have a question for YOU.

There are 3 women sitting on a bench having ice cream:
One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream.
The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone.
The third is biting off the top of the ice cream.
Which one is married?'

The teacher, blushing a great deal, replied, 'Well, I suppose the one
that's gobbled down the top and sucked the cone.'
To which Little DAVE replied, 'The correct answer is 'the one with the
wedding ring on,' but I like your thinking..'

Hope you are all good like me

Errol xxx

Afternoon peeps, stray blogger checking in.
I have been following all your antics but not had chance to join in, but I had to respond to Andy's recommendation of Rothko - fantastic.
Saw an exhibition at Tate Liverpool not so long ago and it was wonderful. The pieces look so modern, but some were painted back in the 20's and 30's.

Also saw an exhibition of Gustav Klimpt at Tate L'Pool - awesome. I was familiar with some of his works, as prints/postcards etc but to see the actual pieces full size and in such vivid colours was just wonderful.

Glad everyone is well or on the mend,

Crumpy xx

hiya

sat in an office in Switzerland all by myself - hey ho!

Game to play if anyone is about ----------

I say a song and then you say a song that links to what I said - it can be as obsurce as you like but you must have a link.

Start with - Mr blue sky - ELO

Andy, that's awful, no heating for six months, you need to complain big time.

MTD, glad things went well today, will my keep fingers crossed for you.

csn.xx

Baggy, how are things, hope your ok.

csn.xx

Baggy - Broken Wings - Mister Mister



Right, that's Wednesday almost done and dusted. Work was yet again a pleasant experience - spent a bit of the afternoon doing more admin for the Co that interviewed me, and a large chunk of time helping a 21 year old with her appraisal forms. She thought they were unimportant and that her voice wouldn't matter so "Auntie Deev" had a chat with her (let's face it, I'm 20 years older than her so should be able to bring something to the table). By 5pm I feel that we'd really achieved something and she was taking her papers home to concentate on them this evening in readiness for her meeting with her manager on Friday.

Then on the way home got stopped by one of the neighbours for a chat and spent about an hour gassing - so I guess that means I'm settling in to my new neighbourhood - yay!

Tonight is pub quiz night - let's see if I can yet again impress The Fantastic Rolastic and Big Al with my knowledge of something useless. Last time out it was Musicals. I wait in hope of a round of questions slely about Duran Duran or Andy Warhol ......!

Yeh, it's been a good day!

Deevs

x

Baggy & Deevs - Band on the Run - Wings

Baggy - Blue Moon.

Crumpers - I love Gustav Klimt, I have a wall hanging of part of the "Beethoven" frieze and a print of "The Kiss" in my living room. Am very jealous that you saw them in the flesh, so to speak.

Chrissie - agree re. CT, thought he might iritate me but am finding him very funny, as indeed is Sally Traffic. neither of them could speak for giggling when I was listening earlier!

Re flip flops - I didn't realise so many people thought the same way as I do on this - Boleynman thinks I'm barking when I say that the area between my big toe and my index toe (is that what it's called?) is private, personal and very sensitive. I could say something similar about thongs but I won't.

Btw MTF, have had a peek at your nature pictures on FB and they are really very lovely.

A x

Ah I see I'm behind. Flying without wings - some boy bamd.

Ooh dear. Irritate. Band.

Thought I'd get that one in!

Had to go to a resident info meeting in Ipswich and ending up discussing the new Dr Who with our CEO!! Freaky!

The high school up the road is having their prom tonight so we're watching a parade of fab vehicles passing by. So far we've seen 3 limos, a horse and carriage and an open top double decker bus!

Brilliant. Now we're watching the live video feed of the arrivals!

Wasn't like this in my day!

Seza xx

right, thought I'd already posted this but it has appeared that it has disappeared!

Baggy, Deevs et al,
Obscure I know but Simon Dupree and The Big Sound - Kites

Tiggs xxx

Evening all....

Baggy - Here comes the sun - Beatles! I hope they are looking after you over there, and not leaving you on your tod! Is your cold better?

CLP, and others, I have no idea about art at all! I can't draw, and don't go to large public galleries! But we have got some original stuff done by local artists we've found whilst we've been on holiday... We like them, but they're probably not worth anything! They remind us of our holibobs though, which is the best bit!

MTD, glad your assessment went OK, it's horrible waiting though :(

Deev, glad the temping and the settling in is going well :)

Marj, glad you are still on track

MaW, glad you are settling in as well

And now I've forgotten everything else :( *Goes off stomping feet*

Hope everyone is OK!

My news is well, have ordered a PH pizza to be delivered, as Mr JG has missed his takeaways...have a reserve if I can't eat it, but definately all on the mend now!

Oh, and just caught Finlay burying the remains of a fat ball we had put on the tree for the birds! It must have fallen out the netting. Little sod hates any intrusion into his garden! At least he didn't eat it and make himself sick!

JG x

Meant to say that I've been watching the modern masters programme too.

Is it just me or is the presenter the Prof Cox of the art world?

Really enjoyed the Picasso one, made me understand some of what people see in modern art

Still don't get the unmade bed thing though!

Seza xx

Seza

Part of me resents that "it wasn't like that in our day" with the Prom thing, but an equal part of me breathes a huge sigh of relief - imagine the pressure! And my parents had split by the time I got to Prom age and there's no way my mum could have afforded a stretch limo, pink Hummer or prom gown.

The school disco, dancing to Madness and drinking Panda Pops (how did they get to be those colours!?!?) did me well!

JG - enjoy your pizza!

Boleygal - the toes thing really made me chuckle! And I agree wholeheartedly. It's just wrong having things between your toes.

mtd - fingers crossed for you re the job situ, and whatever the outcome, I hope it's the one you want.

Now time to go chop the chillis .....

Deevs
x

Me again, just before I pop off to my drama group meeting.

Record choice - Isley Bros - Summer Breeze

Crumpy xx

Evening all,

Baggy, Skyhigh - Jigsaw.

Pen xx
who loves Switzerland

Evening each

Lordy Chris, Noah had you up early today. In a previous life my married name was Monk - now if my ex has bought a Ferrari I want to know where he got the money from!

Just back from looking after 4yr old while his Mum had a rest with his overcooked baby brother. He needed to find a jungle so off we went to the local countryside park to look for one. I'm knackered.
xxx

Deev, I wouldn't have been able to go either, we loved 15 miles from our High School, and the buses stopped at 7.30!

Mum couldn't have afforded it anyway, and I would have hated it...

Still do hate any formal stuff, with dressing up, and photos etc. Am dreading BiL's wedding in July for the same reason! Plus I seem to have got landed with some crowd control responsibilities I didn't expect!

Apparently I'm supposed to get a bunch of complete strangers all staying at the same hotel onto a minibus??? Eh? Me? Might end up with a complete load of strangers at the wrong wedding! LOL

JG x

JG Maybe you can take Finley to round them all up?

Have to say, watching the kids arrive there were a lot who were obviously in the family car that had been polished to within an inch of it's life and one girl in a shopping trolley!

Having talked to Mum's of kids in that year there are ways to do it to sort all budgets and styles

Have to admit, i enjoy watching them all


Annie, If you want a jungle, there's one at the end of my garden! Can he bring a machete?

Seza xx

Seza, you'd be very scared if this particular child had a machete, promise.

Just been having a bet with CSN on when my 5th grandchild will arrive (it's a boy). xxxxxxx

Lol Annie!

Is grandbaby very over cooked now?

Seza xx

Almost a week Seza. Just waiting for the call to go and get the 4yr old.
xxxxx

2am Annie!!

I'm off to be a taxi!

Seza xx

Seza - don't!!!!! Have had a stressful day (cars and grandchildren) and had a glass of wine. If it's 2am, then I'll have to phone daughter to drive me over that damned bridge to get the 4yr old.

Is this a book starting?

xxxxx

Evening

4.32am on Friday 21st Annie which will be 28 years to the day my daughter was born!

Susan x

Right, I'm going with you Susan. Off to pour another glass of wine.
Although, I'd planned to get down to Felling on Saturday. Bums.
xxxx

ok, I'll be kind Annie. 11.59am Friday!

xx

Thanks Seza, that'll do nicely. xxxx

Enjoy your wine tonight

xx

Annie was she overdue with her first and if so by how much?

Only 4 days Susan, so it could be anytime now.

Seza, no more wine tonight, am on the coffee just in case.

xxxxx

Oh well that's another theory gone. I do feel for all the ladies who are late as both of mine were early hurray x

Annie, good luck with your new grandchild. My girls were both born on a Saturday, and they both work hard for a living. First daughter born on time and the second was 10 days late. So I am wagering on Saturday for you new addition x

Pen xx

Christoff don't even try to understand Art. It's all about breaking rules, crashing the boundaries, provoking thought and reaction. That's the role of the Artist, the Designer is the one who makes sense of the new ideas. I always think of Lennon as being the Artist, McCartney the Designer. Lennon broke the mould, Macca worked his magic with the pieces.

My oldest and bestest bessy mate is most definitely an Artist. A true genius, mad as a box a frogs. Haven't a clue what's going through her head, never have had. I just enjoy her and am inspired by her, am thrilled by her successes and am proud of my sweet, lovely, bonkers and loyal friend, admired, revered and respected in the Art world, a true star.. and with whom I share some of the silliest moments of my life over a cuppa tea an' a sticky bun.

Any road up. How fab was The Bish Bosh John Sentamu this morning. I have to say I've revised my view of What Goes Up Must Come Down.... Up, up, up indeed...

Clodagh.xx

Sorry, have been snoozing away on the sofa, didn't get much sleep last night as it was so calm and mild...

Good luck Annie, and I hope the baby arrives at a reasonable hour!

Off to bed now methinks!

JG x

Jg I'm dozing off now!

Sleep well all

Seza xx

CLP

what are ya like lol love your spontaneity and how do you fins all the time to read, work and all that ya do?

Hi all how is everyone?

Night KaKs, and everyone.

Sleep well

csn. xx

too tired to chst today ..........

catchya all tomorrow as its me day offski


love n hugs Billie xxxx

Evening and goodnight - sleepy person here! Need a couple of early nights..

Baggy - Blue Moon if it hasn't already been said. Have you fallen asleep at your desk?

JG your Finlay story made me laugh - only small birds - blackbirds down are allowed in our garden - magpies and the like - no way.

Annie - 21st - best day of month to be born...

snow good - eyes shutting

Night night all - keep smiling ... off to find my Picasso........ print..

Beez xx

I've been eaten alive!!!!

Have just got back from crawling through the undergrowth.

I made a detour today to go and see the new arrivals and was very downhearted to discover an empty nest!!

Dad swan appeared after about 5 minutes so, I assumed that the others must be nearby. So, I waited and waited......

Lots of very peculiar noises were coming from somewhere, it can be pretty lonely out there on your own and you start to imagine all kinds!

I gave it an hour and thought I'd probably better get on and deliver some gnashers!!

I finished deliveries around about 8.30 and just couldn't resist calling back via the nest, JUST in case.

I am so glad I did. The whole family were back in camp. Unfortunately, at this time of night, as mentioned last night, every kind of flying, biting, bug also come out in force.

So, I feel like I have got more perferations than a tea bag and am still searching for any lurking leeches too!

But it was worth every single nibble. For my patience paid off, as now and again, out would pop a tiny little head from beneath Mum swans wings.

She was doing her best to conceal them and I was doing my best not to disturb them, but they are inquisitive and wanting to have another dip, but she was having none of it. Bed time means bed time.

I think that there are at least four cute fluffy bundles. Now I know what time they return to the nest, I will try to be around for that time tomorrow. They will probably only use the nest for a couple more days and then be off out onto the open water.

Any flower experts on here??

Wild ones of course.

I took some shots today of what I think are wild orchids. But am more than happy to be corrected.

Devon violets too. How many of you had a bottle of that as your first perfume!!!

Shattered now.

MTF.xx

MTF.

Was just having a quick catch up before bed and saw your post.

I was getting so tense and worried when I started reading but all's well. What wonderful news! I'm so glad the swan family are well and all your waiting and bites, etc. are worthwhile.

MKx

PS My first perfume was lily of the valley, smelt awful LOL. That was after I'd finished trying to make my own from rose petals.

Just to return to the Warhol theme.

As he was so far ahead of the curve in the sixties I feel he would have moved on from the fifteen minutes of fame scenario and would look on the current cultural landscape with contempt.

The whole point was that he was a leader not a follower.

He would have found a new outlet for his talents in the same way that Hockney is now creating art using an I-Pad.

On the other hand given that he would be 81 years old he might just have become a grumpy old man bemoaning what the world has come to.

Perhaps some people are destined to die young.

Marjie, I have a big bunch of Lily of the valley in a vase next to me right now. They could never capture the true scent of it.

Yes, a happpy ending to the swan story.

If you can go on Bingos fb, you will see the pics I have just added.

MTF.xx

Lily of the Valley is the national flower of Finland.

This wouldn't happen in Sweden!

MTF-I still can't quite figure out facebook but will ask Bingo when he's here. I'd love to see them.

Barney-you're absolutely right (I think) the celeb culture today is out of hand, very soon everyone will be a celeb.

MKx

Bet you don't know what the national flower of Sweden is Barney!

MK

marjie-k

That will be the Linnea Borealis or Twinflower.

Named after Linnaeus (the Swedish 'father of taxonomy'), Linnéa is a very delicate wild plant - just about 1 in. high - growing in the deep shadow of Northern spruce forests. The plant has two flowers on top of each very thin stem. Foliage is in the form of creeping runners growing in deep moss. The flowers are pink, bell-like, very fragrant and grow in pairs.

PS Never underestimate the power of Google!

Thank you Barney.

I admit defeat now and it's way past my bedtime.

Goodnight Barney & MTFx

Night to both of you too and anyone lurking.

MTF.xx

Didn't put radio on until 7.44 and it's the lovely Richard BUT what happened to Chris?

Susan x

Sorry how remiss

Good morning All x

MTF we have loads of swans on a lake about a mile from us. I might go and have a look tomorrow. The traffic has been known to stop (the lake is divided by a main road) to allow the families to waddle across the road. It is a wonderful sight. Pesky flying biters though seem to be out in abundance at the moment.

Sus x

Frantically typing away here to ask the same Susan, where is he?

MTF.xx

Morning all too.

Its looking promising out there.

Yipee!

MTF.xx

100!