Josie
It is my mother's birthday on Tuesday 10 July, but we are celebrating with a family lunch on the preceding Sunday. She has been very tired recently.
Michelle
Michelle isn't very well and has been working far too much. In the next two weeks, she will have one day off, if she is lucky. The job is exhausting so she needs a proper amount of time off. Her health is starting to show signs of strain.
Kate, Nigel and Wendy are OK but have been very hurt to discover that someone who pretended to be a friend was spreading malicious stories about them. As this is not the first offence, I think they ought to maintain their distance. There is an old proverb: "A blow from an enemy may prove a curse but the kiss of a pretended friend is worse". Indeed.
People sometimes have difficulty accepting Kate because she is always true to herself and says what she means. She will not pretend to agree with something against her principles for the sake of 'fitting in' with a crowd who have never reflected seriously on an 'accepted' attitude or belief. She is never vindictive or violent and does not bear grudges. She will not participate in destructive and malicious gossip. The crowd she was trying to fit in to are happy to be shallow minded taletattlers so the sooner Kate gets involved with reflective people of principle, the better.
Groups are threatened by individuality. Kate can not sacrifice her individuality for the sake of what, at its best, would be a shallow and childish group. She has grown up. Its about time those others did too.
Sean and Sue are in Bedford visiting old friends. Sean has gone to a concert put on by his daughter. She is a music teacher and the concert will be given by her music pupils and it is special because it is the end of the academic year so they will have been practicing for ages.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Just a few more
On her bike. Another thing she particularly enjoys at the moment is playing with a ball. She especially likes small bright ones made as cats toys, but she likes her miniature football as well.
Fun tasting birthday candles with Gummy
Fun tasting birthday candles with Gummy
Feeding Pappa Nigel some ice cream from the wonderful Italian ice cream shop. She gets sorbet because she is lactose intolerant but sorbet or not, its absolutely delicious..JPG)
At the cats' food bowls. She has a tenderness for the animals. She strokes them gently and runs after the dog to give him his toys. Her mum has taught her to share but we fear she may have learned a little too well as she takes a bite of something then offers the dog a bite etc. I recognise that we will not always be able to prevent that so as a precaution the animals are being dewormed more frequently and their health carefully watched..JPG)
Went to Yarmouth
Sean and I went to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight this weekend, and it was a very relaxing break. Here are a couple of pictures.
Kate's Driving
Kate has had her 3rd driving lesson and she is enjoying it very much. It seems she has the right instructor. He says that she is doing very well indeed, so its a happy scene all round.
She has had an interview at Dover College and has been accepted as a part time student. She starts in September. Nigel inspired her by enjoying his last course so much. He is waiting for an interview to do a more advanced course, starting September. He is sure to get in because the guy conducting the interview is his current tutor and he knows that Nigel attends regularly, works hard and catches on quickly. I wish them both well. Education is crucial and having an accredited skill is an insurance policy for the future.
While they are in college (both on part time courses) I will look after Wendy.
She has had an interview at Dover College and has been accepted as a part time student. She starts in September. Nigel inspired her by enjoying his last course so much. He is waiting for an interview to do a more advanced course, starting September. He is sure to get in because the guy conducting the interview is his current tutor and he knows that Nigel attends regularly, works hard and catches on quickly. I wish them both well. Education is crucial and having an accredited skill is an insurance policy for the future.
While they are in college (both on part time courses) I will look after Wendy.
Flooded!
Last Tuesday I was with Sean in Tonbridge, and was enjoying an unusually fierce storm by British standards. There was torrential rain and high winds with thunder and lightning.
When I got back to Folkestone, it was to discover my flat had been flooded. I have had a terrible time trying to dry the carpets out and getting rid of the musty smell. When the carpets were dry, I sprinkled Bicarb all over them and left it for a while before hoovering it up and it certainly has helped but there is still a bit of a smell which hopefully will disappear with further treatment.
When I got back to Folkestone, it was to discover my flat had been flooded. I have had a terrible time trying to dry the carpets out and getting rid of the musty smell. When the carpets were dry, I sprinkled Bicarb all over them and left it for a while before hoovering it up and it certainly has helped but there is still a bit of a smell which hopefully will disappear with further treatment.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Caelyn and Nigel. Tomorrow is their 2nd Wedding Anniversary.
They won't celebrate it though because Nigel will be at his College Course and Caelyn is doing a 7 week Child Health and Parenting course.
Congratulations to Mac for his Birthday on Friday.
Congratulations to Melanie for her Birthday on Monday. Pity some of it will be spent on an aeroplane. At least she will see her children though. She has missed them while she has been in England marrying Peter.
Congratulations to Nanna for her Birthday on Tuesday. She wants a Victoria Sponge cake which consists of two layers of sponge-cake glued together with raspberry jam with a dusting of icing sugar on the top layer. But she doesn't eat jam so we will have to come up with Plan B, such as butter icing, which I detest. Wonder if she would like Caramel instead? I have a lovely Caramel Fudge Icing recipe.
They won't celebrate it though because Nigel will be at his College Course and Caelyn is doing a 7 week Child Health and Parenting course.
Congratulations to Mac for his Birthday on Friday.
Congratulations to Melanie for her Birthday on Monday. Pity some of it will be spent on an aeroplane. At least she will see her children though. She has missed them while she has been in England marrying Peter.
Congratulations to Nanna for her Birthday on Tuesday. She wants a Victoria Sponge cake which consists of two layers of sponge-cake glued together with raspberry jam with a dusting of icing sugar on the top layer. But she doesn't eat jam so we will have to come up with Plan B, such as butter icing, which I detest. Wonder if she would like Caramel instead? I have a lovely Caramel Fudge Icing recipe.
Last for this week.
Pappa Nigel helping her to ride a bike. Wonder if she will turn into a Biker Chick?
An example of problem solving: She wanted to climb onto the chair but it was too high for her so she got the brick trolley and used it to stand on. She achieved her goal - getting on to the chair.
Caelyn had been whipping cream in the kitchen. Nigel told her he knew she had been filching some and she denied it. He called her closer and wiped cream off her face and showed her theevidence. Caught red-handed. Or should I say, white lipped?
Wendy eating with her granny.
An example of problem solving: She wanted to climb onto the chair but it was too high for her so she got the brick trolley and used it to stand on. She achieved her goal - getting on to the chair.
Caelyn had been whipping cream in the kitchen. Nigel told her he knew she had been filching some and she denied it. He called her closer and wiped cream off her face and showed her theevidence. Caught red-handed. Or should I say, white lipped?
Wendy eating with her granny.
More from this Week
She loves dancing and always starts dancing when she hears music
Having fun in the cupboard
At the computer
This kid will end up ruling the world
Having fun in the cupboard
At the computer
This kid will end up ruling the world
This Week's Pics
Killing herself laughing
Going for a walk with Mum
On the scooter with Granny
A joke with Auntie Michelle
Going for a walk with Mum
On the scooter with Granny
A joke with Auntie Michelle
This Week
It has been so odd being without a computer at home. I know I have lots of news, but I can't remember all of it. I will try my best, though.
Michelle
Michelle has been quite chesty this week, and I am glad that she has not been asked to work excessive amounts of overtime this coming month.
She phoned me on Wednesday to invite me to meet her for lunch. It was lovely. As we were on our way to town, we went through the grounds of the very ancient St Eanswythe's Church. It was built in about 700 and is still in use. I had wanted to see it for ages, but the doors were always locked, but this time the doors were open so we went in. It was absolutely beautiful and it was very moving being there, thinking of all the people, great and humble, who had prayed cradled in its ancient walls over the centuries.
We went to a shop that was having a closing down sale and she bought some vases and lamps and other such household knick-knacks.
Caelyn
On Friday, Caelyn had her first driving lesson. It was a 2 hour lesson and they changed gears, reversed, did a 3 point turn and stopped and started on a hill. She was very chuffed with herself and says she feels safer behind the wheel than when she is a passenger. The next lesson is for 1 and a half hours. She is really looking forward to it.
She has been to a College interview as she wants to study part time starting in September.
Nigel
Nigel is also having a College interview as he wants to study Motor Mechanics. He has done so well on the course he just finished that it is probable they will allow him to start on a more advanced level. He catches on so fast with this sort of thing and having a practical skill of that sort will be a great asset to him.
It was his father's birthday on Friday and they dropped a card off for him after Family Night In. He and Maureen popped round to visit them at home on Saturday afternoon. Mac has had a mini stroke, and has had to accept some limitations. He wants pictures of Wendy and more contact with her. I am very glad to hear that - she is a bit short of grandfathers, although Sean has been, and is, marvellous. Nigel was able to tell his father about his studies and I think that was good. His father should know how well he is doing.
Wendy
Wendy has cut another molar. She saw the paediatrician on Tuesday. He thinks she is lactose intolerant so it is just as well her Mum breastfeeds her. She is very sweet and learning new things at a great rate. Her face is changing too. She is left handed like her Auntie Michelle, and is as bright as a button. Wendy had some allergy tests, some blood taken, a stool sample requested, and an EEG in about 8 weeks time. By and large though, she is a healthy, happy and alert tornado of a toddler.
Josie
Josie is back from South Africa. She is tiring much more easily. She is having trouble with her heart. When she is on her scooter, she has felt so faint, dizzy and unwell that she has had to stop and wait until she feels strong enough to carry on. I'm not sure, given that, that she should be driving a car. She is being a very good friend to her friend Auntie Squibbs who is unwell. She enjoys seeing Wendy and remarks on how she changes from week to week. But life is more of a struggle than it used to be.
Melanie and Peter
Melanie and Peter went to London on Friday, where they saw the show Chicago. Last night they caught the plane back to New Zealand at 10pm, so they are still in the air as I write.
Sean and Sue
We went to see the show Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy last night but when we got there, the show had been cancelled due to sickness of the actors and understudies. We had a great evening anyway. He is off to Milton Keynes today to have dinner with his daughter, and I am catching up with my blogging on Richard's computer.
Michelle
Michelle has been quite chesty this week, and I am glad that she has not been asked to work excessive amounts of overtime this coming month.
She phoned me on Wednesday to invite me to meet her for lunch. It was lovely. As we were on our way to town, we went through the grounds of the very ancient St Eanswythe's Church. It was built in about 700 and is still in use. I had wanted to see it for ages, but the doors were always locked, but this time the doors were open so we went in. It was absolutely beautiful and it was very moving being there, thinking of all the people, great and humble, who had prayed cradled in its ancient walls over the centuries.
We went to a shop that was having a closing down sale and she bought some vases and lamps and other such household knick-knacks.
Caelyn
On Friday, Caelyn had her first driving lesson. It was a 2 hour lesson and they changed gears, reversed, did a 3 point turn and stopped and started on a hill. She was very chuffed with herself and says she feels safer behind the wheel than when she is a passenger. The next lesson is for 1 and a half hours. She is really looking forward to it.
She has been to a College interview as she wants to study part time starting in September.
Nigel
Nigel is also having a College interview as he wants to study Motor Mechanics. He has done so well on the course he just finished that it is probable they will allow him to start on a more advanced level. He catches on so fast with this sort of thing and having a practical skill of that sort will be a great asset to him.
It was his father's birthday on Friday and they dropped a card off for him after Family Night In. He and Maureen popped round to visit them at home on Saturday afternoon. Mac has had a mini stroke, and has had to accept some limitations. He wants pictures of Wendy and more contact with her. I am very glad to hear that - she is a bit short of grandfathers, although Sean has been, and is, marvellous. Nigel was able to tell his father about his studies and I think that was good. His father should know how well he is doing.
Wendy
Wendy has cut another molar. She saw the paediatrician on Tuesday. He thinks she is lactose intolerant so it is just as well her Mum breastfeeds her. She is very sweet and learning new things at a great rate. Her face is changing too. She is left handed like her Auntie Michelle, and is as bright as a button. Wendy had some allergy tests, some blood taken, a stool sample requested, and an EEG in about 8 weeks time. By and large though, she is a healthy, happy and alert tornado of a toddler.
Josie
Josie is back from South Africa. She is tiring much more easily. She is having trouble with her heart. When she is on her scooter, she has felt so faint, dizzy and unwell that she has had to stop and wait until she feels strong enough to carry on. I'm not sure, given that, that she should be driving a car. She is being a very good friend to her friend Auntie Squibbs who is unwell. She enjoys seeing Wendy and remarks on how she changes from week to week. But life is more of a struggle than it used to be.
Melanie and Peter
Melanie and Peter went to London on Friday, where they saw the show Chicago. Last night they caught the plane back to New Zealand at 10pm, so they are still in the air as I write.
Sean and Sue
We went to see the show Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy last night but when we got there, the show had been cancelled due to sickness of the actors and understudies. We had a great evening anyway. He is off to Milton Keynes today to have dinner with his daughter, and I am catching up with my blogging on Richard's computer.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Family Football
Here is the family football game, with the goal of wearing Woozle out. No such luck - she was still game an hour later!
I really miss my internet connection and a working computer of my own. It isn't easy to post pictures from someone else's PC, but I am very grateful for the use of those of family and friends. I miss my online communities - the Cat groups and the health and spirituality groups. Still, I was lucky to have had it for as long as I did, and it was really very lucky indeed when you consider that most of the world doesn't have enough to eat or clean water to drink or access to basic healthcare. Put in that perspective, my loss is infinitesimally small and it is petty to moan and groan about it. C'est la Vie!!
I really miss my internet connection and a working computer of my own. It isn't easy to post pictures from someone else's PC, but I am very grateful for the use of those of family and friends. I miss my online communities - the Cat groups and the health and spirituality groups. Still, I was lucky to have had it for as long as I did, and it was really very lucky indeed when you consider that most of the world doesn't have enough to eat or clean water to drink or access to basic healthcare. Put in that perspective, my loss is infinitesimally small and it is petty to moan and groan about it. C'est la Vie!!
Bits of News
My computer at home isn't working so I can only get on the Internet when my mum or a friend can allow me to use their computers.
My mum returned home from her South African holiday on Tuesday. She said she would fly with Virgin in preference to any other airline because they gave her a lot more space than British Airways. Nice to have a happy customer.
Wendy is very energetic and gets into mischief so quickly that it is exhausting looking after her. Kate and Nigel dropped her off with Michelle and me so that they could go shopping in peace. She had too much energy for us so I suggested a game of football to wear her out. I'm posting a picture of the family football match. You will be interested to know that our grumpy, elderly cat Madam Spikkeldy insisted on coming along too, probably to supervise. I'm sure she thinks we are rather dim and very foolish kittens!
My mum returned home from her South African holiday on Tuesday. She said she would fly with Virgin in preference to any other airline because they gave her a lot more space than British Airways. Nice to have a happy customer.
Wendy is very energetic and gets into mischief so quickly that it is exhausting looking after her. Kate and Nigel dropped her off with Michelle and me so that they could go shopping in peace. She had too much energy for us so I suggested a game of football to wear her out. I'm posting a picture of the family football match. You will be interested to know that our grumpy, elderly cat Madam Spikkeldy insisted on coming along too, probably to supervise. I'm sure she thinks we are rather dim and very foolish kittens!
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Ceremony
This is the first wedding in decades that the ducks showed up for, so it is quite an honour.
On the carpet in the registry office, Larkbeare Hall
The exchange of rings. Mel's fingers were swollen and clammy with nerves so they had trouble getting her ring on. Peter, who as an engineer should know better, tried to force it. Anyway, it got on in the end.
Almost done
Signing the register
On the carpet in the registry office, Larkbeare Hall
The exchange of rings. Mel's fingers were swollen and clammy with nerves so they had trouble getting her ring on. Peter, who as an engineer should know better, tried to force it. Anyway, it got on in the end.
Almost done
Signing the register
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