Making an escape…

Well, I’m back from Chester, and am back in the playpen. Nothing seems to have changed but I really don’t care. Why? Because I’ve got the start of a cold, and am slowly but surely, losing my voice.

Aside from that, the trip to Chester was just what I needed. Friday, Mum and I headed for Cheshire Oaks. (See Chesire Oaks Designer Outlet )  It’s a shopping outlet village, with shops ranging from good old Marks & Spencer to places like Tag Heuer, and Bose, with everything in between.

It was a rather peculiar layout I have to admit, and I can’t see that there would be much room for expansion, but that didn’t put me off – especially as there was one of my favourite shops there – Cadburys. Ok – I’ve heard all the jokes about women and chocolate, but there are two chocolate bars that I am very fond of – one is the Fudge bar, and the other is the Curly Wurly. So, I will admit I took the opportunity to get some.

But that wasn’t the only thing I found. I found something rather special – mulled apple juice. No – I’m not joking – this has the traditional mulled wine spices in fresh (cloudy) apple juice and tastes… Mmmmm – perfect.

As Mum and I were leaving, there were people driving around the car park, frantically looking for spaces, and I remember thinking that we had been right to get up at the crack of sparrow fart, otherwise we may have struggled for a space…

We were staying at the Premier Inn near the park and Ride (think it’s the one attached to the Twirl of Hay). Now I have no complaints about the service – far from it. The staff were superb, and the only thing that let the accommodation down (in my opinion) was the pub / restaurant that it was attached to.

The menu was (again, in my opinion) lacking in imagination, and the tables were crammed together, making you feel like you were having an intimate dinner with the couple on the next table. Add into that, the service was not exactly wonderful, and you begin to get the gist of my grump.

Aside from the grumps about the service, we had an “extra” in our room – a cluster of ladybirds that were trying to hibernate. One was rather adventurous, and kept walking all across the walls and ceiling of the room, so we christened that one Ranulf Fiennes (after the explorer).

Chester itself was beautiful, and I’m still amazed at the number of independent jewellers that are there. In a way, I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised, as it’s jokingly refered to as “footballer country” as it’s within easy commuting distance of Manchester.

Aside from that, Chester seemed relatively unscathed by the recession – but I know from experience that appearances can be deceiving. There were quite a few empty shops on the split level shopping rows, but talking to the staff in a wonderful shop called The Royal Perfumery said that the empty shops tended not to stay empty for too long.

The Royal Perfumery itself is a little goldmine. I went in, out of pure curiosity, and found perfumes and aftershaves that I’ve not seen for many years, or been able to find on the mainland (things like Monsieur Balmain – a wonderful lemon scented aftershave). The last time I was able to find this, was on Jersey, in a shop called Au Caprice. Like Au Caprice, The Royal Perfumery does mail order, and unlike purchases from Jersey, I don’t have to worry about Customs!

The one thing that I did notice was the number of little coffee shops and snack bars – all of which were pretty much packed out. But Mum and I did strike lucky – we found a pub serving food, and had a table outside.

Now I’m not normally a great fan out outdoor tables – especially in December, but the inside of the pub (can’t remember what it was called for the life of me – just remember that it was up a set of steps and was up almost a little back alley way) was like an oven – not something that would do me much good, or Mum for that matter. The food wasn’t bad at all – I had a Panini with ham, cheese and pineapple salsa – very tasty.

Sunday, we were heading for home, and we made several stops en-route – one of them was to a craft centre that was between Bridgemere Garden World, and Stapely Water Gardens (again – can’t remember the name of the place) and we saw pieces of Lorna Bailey’s work (the Collectable Cats) for very reasonable prices, as well as pieces of Moorcroft – again for prices that are a fraction of what I had seen them for at antique and collector fairs here in Warwickshire.

The real fun started when we got home though. Mum had turned the central heating boiler to low, meaning that the heating wouldn’t run whilst we were away (and waste gas / heat with no-one there to benefit). She tried to turn it back onto the timed settings, and… Pop. The main breaker blew in the garage. We tried about four times, with the same result each time – the main breaker blew. Thankfully, both Mum and I had hot water bottles, which were cuddled with my glee (mainly because they were so warm!)

Yesterday, we planned to go to Milton Keynes (the last time we go down there before Christmas – it was nuts enough trying to park as it was!) Mind you, this wasn’t helped by getting caught in the aftermath of an accident about ¾ of a mile away from the island where the A5 crosses the A43.

It looked like someone had tried to overtake, and met another vehicle coming the other way. To be honest, there wasn’t much left of the one car – the front end was all bashed in, and the other car wasn’t in much better condition – I could see that both airbags had been deployed.

We got thought that little hassle, and then got into the centre of Milton Keynes. Ok – the centre itself is totally pedestrian friendly, but there is parking very close by – if you don’t mind paying (I think) £1.30 an hour. But, it’s free if you have a blue disabled parking badge.

What I was amazed at, was the number of people that seemed to be in the centre. It was almost as everyone in the local area who wasn’t working had decided to descend on Milton Keynes.

We didn’t get very much – ok – I managed to get a book I’d been after in Waterstones - I’d seen it in hardback, and was unwilling to pay £25.00 for it – it was £10.99 in paperback. It’s called Atomic - The First War of Physics and the Secret History of the Atom Bomb: 1939-49 by Jim Baggott.

We then headed for home (having stopped off to do some food shopping) and decided to have another try with the boiler, before we called British Gas, to get them out to sort the dratted thing out (again).

Only for the dratted thing to fire up, and start working. What caused it to blow the breakers, I have no idea at all, but I’m not one to look a gift horse (or in this case a boiler) in the mouth.

Ah well, guess I should get on with some w*rk, but I’m suffering from a severe case of TNFI.

Back later,

Karen


Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

After the flu jab

sWell, I’ve had my flu jab, and I just hope it’s worth it. I felt like crap yesterday, and as for Friday… All I can say is thanks God Mum drove – I felt like I’d had a skin full after the jab.

Why do I say this? Simple. I felt like I was drunk, and I was missing things on the road home that normally I would have spotted without a second thought. Things like the mere fact that there was a rather large truck in front of us, with a second trailer attached to the rigid trailer.

Add into that mix, that I thought I could taste the jab (not a pleasant taste, I can assure you) and a rotten headache, and you get one very grumpy person. I guess the headache was just due to the fact that I’d wound myself up over this jab. (I’m always like this – I just seem to have a phobia about needles – could be something to do with the fact that I’ve always been ill or injured when a doctor or nurse has come near me with a needle attached to an injection...)

Yesterday, well what can I say? Apart from the fact that I still felt like crap. Mum and I went down to Milton Keynes, as the weather wasn’t brilliant (as in the fact that it was chucking it down with rain – and I hate getting wet!) and had a wander around.

Now we’ve been getting a stupid message on our TV set about the Sky viewing card, saying that we need to go to the Sky website to get a new viewing card… Now normally, Mum would send her secretary (me) to go on line and get this sorted. One problem – no Sky subscription.

We let this lapse, as it was getting to be stupid money, and we worked it out that it was costing us about £1.00 per hour that we watched it – i.e. not worth it, as neither of use were bothered by the movies (I prefer to watch a DVD when it suits me – not when some dratted TV company tells me to) and most of the sports channels were taken up with football. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve supported Coventry City football club for more years than I’m going to admit to, but as they don’t play in the Premiership, it was of no interest to me whatsoever.

So, we picked up a leaflet, and priced. It came to about £20 a month with the three packs that we were interested in (we had to get the knowledge pack – I really miss the Discovery Channels – I adore watching American Chopper!) and threw in a free Sky + box! Bonus!

Then it was just a case of wandering around – avoiding the pig ignorant people who seemed determined to walk straight at us – despite the fact that Mum is on a walking stick. Me? I was playing pure cowardice – I was keeping close to Mum to try and protect my shoulder (which was killing me).

Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m supposed to be getting ready to go out – not blogging.

Back later.


Karen

Now some things you hold on to - some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Chilled out weekend...

Well, as I type this, I am admittedly in the playpen that I call an office, but I really don't care at the moment. Why? Because I've had the best weekend away for a long time.

My beloved and I had been planning an escape to our favourite place (The Green Man), but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the accommodation. So, we stayed at Furzton Lake, near Milton Keynes (yes – the town famous (or should that be infamous) for the concrete cows!)

As we weren’t meeting up until the afternoon, I made the most of it, and went shopping. Yes, I know that I’ve stated in previous posts that I loathe shopping, but for once, it was nice to be able to wander around somewhere on my own, at my own pace.

My beloved had said that he didn’t know what to get me for my birthday, so I was given a free choice (within reason – if I’d had my way, it would have been either an Aston Martin DB9 or the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti!) So, I decided that the best thing I could do, would be to have a wander around the shops, and see what caught my eye…

The first stop was to head to Marks & Spencer, to see if I could find that rarity of rarities, hold ups that actually fitted without cutting off the circulation to my legs. That was a success, so it was then off to take a leisurely walk around the centre.

My next point of call was to Waterstones, in the hope of getting three books that I was after (Dark Haven by Gail Z Martin, Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead and A Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde). That failed partially, as I only manged to get  A Picture of Dorian Gray, so it was back to wandering.

My wanderings took down towards Midsummer Place, and straight into one of my favourite shops (after Waterstones – can’t do without my books!) – Lush. This is one of the few places that I have been able to find skin care and other treats that don’t upset my skin (most things turn my skin into something that resembles a lizard!)

I got quite a bit in Lush – including the bits that I wanted from their Christmas range. This included a shower jelly called Champagne Snow Showers – a real treat to use in the shower as well as Vanilla Dee-light. No – I’m not taking the mickey – this is a delightfully light body lotion, with a very gentle vanilla scent to it. Most of the time, I find fragranced body lotions too heavy (usually in the scent (or it's way too synthetic for my liking!) or the the actual feel of the lotion  on the skin (too heavy - most feel like axel grease to me) but this seems to suit me just right.

It was then time for a coffee. And for me, only one place to go. Yes, Starbucks. I know that it’s clichéd and everything else, but the coffee is good and that’s all that really bothers me. That and the fact that I get left alone! It gave me a chance to start reading, and I will admit I’ve been quite surprised. The only thing I knew about Dorian Gray was from the film – The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (the one with Sean Connery in!)

It’s quite an involving read, and I will admit to nearly forgetting the time (I was limited on time by the fact that I’d only got 4 hours on the car, and time was marching on!) So, I headed back to the car, via La Senza (where I got exactly what I wanted for my birthday - all I will say is that it is listed as Dazzling Blue - the rest remains between me and my beloved!)

I then made a brief stop at Borders to see if I could get the books I wanted. That was a partial success, and I managed to get Dark Haven, but not the other one. Ah well - you win some, you lose some.

So, as it was getting near to the time that I was supposed to be meeting my beloved. I’d taken the trouble to put the sat-nav into my handbag, and when I went to set it up – disaster. Me being a twit had taken the SD card out of the unit. Normally, this wouldn’t have been an issue…

But this time it was. I’d recently received a large update from the manufacturer, and had taken the time to install everything on the computer, and copied the files across to the sat-nav. Only the internal memory wasn’t large enough to accept all the data I required.

Ok – not a problem – this little gizmo has a slot where I can put an SD card, and then load the details onto that. Which I did. Only to take the dammed thing out at some point, and forget to put it back in!

Now I’m not the greatest at map-reading, and could only vaguely remember where this dratted place was, which meant that I headed towards junction 14 of the M1, where the directions in my little directory started from.

And that was where some of the problems started. Have you ever tried counting roundabouts, whilst watching all the other traffic around you, as well as making sure that you’re not in the wrong lane? Not easy I tell you, but I did manage to find the place. Eventually.

The rest? Well that remains between me and my beloved, but all I will say is that I am so chilled out, I am almost horizontal.

Guess I should think about doing some w*rk, but I really don’t have any interest – or inclination, and that’s not good, especially as it’s only Monday!

Back later.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Back on the spare

Well, the car has been sorted, and the revolting spare is on. I know I shouldn’t complain – it could have been a dratted space saver instead of the full size wheel, but I still don’t like it.

It looks like I managed to run over a sharp piece of metal without realising it, which cut into the tread, which then allowed the tyre to deflate. I was told that if I’d stopped and called out the RAC patrol, I could have saved the tyre. But it was so close to the wear bars, I would have needed to replace the tyre soon anyway.

At least I’m now mobile, and can do the things that I wanted to – including get the car fuelled as I’m on less than 25 litres in the tank (it’s a 50 litre tank on the Peugeot 207).

The trip to Solihull was reasonably successful - I managed to get a new pair of trousers and replace my spare moisturiser. The moisturiser is one of those rare things that I don’t mind paying a little more for. Ok – it’s £15.00 but given the fact that it suits me, I’m more than happy to pay that for it.

Why? Because it’s from a company called Lush – who specialise in fresh cosmetics and skin care using essential oils and natural products wherever possible (see http://www.lush.co.uk/)

Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m supposed to be sorting out some photographs to print from my recent holiday, not blogging!

Back later if I get the chance.

Karen

Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most

Getting a haircut in a dying city

I went into Coventry on Saturday with Mum for a haircut, and as my appointment was 11:30, it meant that I had time to wander 'round the shops.

Fine in theory, but in practice, not really a good idea. The city seemed to be dying, and the city planners don't seem to be interested in reviving the heart. I know they have all these plans to revitalise things, but whether anything comes of it remains to be seen.

The main shopping centre (West Orchard) has quite a few empty shops, and moving away from there, things seem to be getting worse. There was a time when Hertford Street and Corporation Street were vibrant with shoppers, but not any more.

People seem to be reluctant to go into the city and it needs something to drag people back into the centre, and away from places like Banbury and Solihull. Primark has gone part way to helping bring people back, but there is still a distinct lack of appeal for most shoppers.

As for my haircut, well that was great fun. Because my hair was so long (I'd left it about 6 months before I got it cut, due to various reasons conspiring to delay me) I had the cut done first, followed by the colouring stage.

As I've gotten older, the grey has started to show through my hair, so Paul (my hairdresser) suggested a semi-permanent base, followed by the highlights. If it was anyone else who'd suggested this course, I would have been very sceptical but Paul has never tried to push me down a route that I would not have been happy with.

The results have been well worth the time that I spent, and am now a lot happier as my hair was driving me nuts (and it didn't help with my beloved calling me Fluffy.) But, I guess that comes with the territory...

Guess I should call this quits - I'm supposed to be working...

Back later, I guess.

Karen

I've been watching, I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time

Back to the postings...

I've not updated my blog for a while, as I managed to go down with the dreaded flu. It knocked me for six, and ended up causing me to take a week off work. Not really what I wanted to do, especially as I'd got a hospital appointment to get my shoulder sorted out...

The hospital wasn't a bad visit at all, especially as the registrar was a real gent... He said that there was no need for me to go back as there was nothing more that they could do, aside from sending me back for yet more physio - which I found to be beneficial, but I already know (and do) the exercises!

As I'd expected to get a jab in the shoulder, I'd booked the day off as holiday, so Mum and I headed off to Evesham to do some shopping... I got back, only to discover that I needed a sick note as I'd gone sick the week prior to my holiday. Great. That meant a trip to the doctors and £10 for a private sick note.

But, at least I got my day's holiday back, so that means that I can do somehting that I want to do with my holiday...

Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from TNFI - which is as little worrying, as it's only Monday!

Back when I get the chance.

Karen

I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

When I've sat by the window, and gazed at the rain...

I’m a little calmer today, but not that much. Mum and I went shopping today, to get the last minute bits and pieces that we need four our holiday to Madeira (we fly out from Birmingham airport at 08:00 on Monday morning).

I will admit to being reluctant to go out, as all I wanted to do was curl up in bed, and cry my heart out; because it was the first night I’d spent without Ponto snoring contentedly in my room.

Ok – I know I’ve had weekends away, but since I found out just how ill he was, I stayed at home as much as my job would allow and spend the nights with him snuggled up next to me in my bed.

But, over the past week or so, he seemed to be struggling to breathe, so I got an old pillow, folded it up, and made sure that he had his head resting on it, so that he could breathe.

Even now, as I sit typing my blog up, I miss the furry little fiend, as he used to lie on top of my computer (or printer – depending on how annoying he wanted to be) and snore – just enough to drown out whatever music I was foolish enough to try and listen to on my computer.

I know there will be people calling me a bloody fool because I’m so cut up about Ponto. Yes, he was just a cat, but he was with me for a good part of my life – 13 years – and took great delight in disapproving of practically all the people I decided to see. (I almost wish that I’d listened to him at times – I might have saved myself an awful lot of heartache!)

So, I guess this is my requiem for a cat:

Farewell my furry fiend
May there be things for you to terrorise and chase
And a welcoming pair of arms to cuddle you when you want them

May there be a warm bed waiting for you
And a plate of something nice to eat
Complete with a pint of Channel Islands milk to wash it all down with

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don’t have wings

Getting dragged shopping...

Is a real pain in the behind. But, when it's Julian doing the dragging, it's even worse.

He's a major pain in the butt when it comes to shopping, and can make my life absolutely hell, as he knows damned well that I am most comfortable in jeans and a top.

But, because I've got my cousin's weeding (sorry - wedding) he's decided to "assist" (read for that bully) me into changing my wardrobe into something a little more suitable.

OK - in theory, maybe that's not such a bad thing, but he seems intent on winding me up, as he knows damned well that there are certain styles / colours I will not even consider, so he makes a beeline for them!

Equally, I was a bit miffed when he vetoed a shirt that I'd been eyeing up for absolutely ages - because he said that the colour wasn't right for me!

I will admit to grumping, but when I held it up to myself, I saw what he meant - the only thing that it would go with in my wardrobe was my black work trousers! So I grudgingly admitted that he was correct, and continued shopping.

He also said that there were a couple of things I need to get for a weekend away at the end of November.

What I got shall remain hidden until the weekend in question, simply because the person whom I am going with reads my blog, and I want it to be a surprise... The only thing that I will reveal is that the colour is listed as Gold...


Guess I should call this quits - I've still got stuff do today - including mowing the lawn...

Back tomorrow I guess.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Recovering from the weekend...

What can I say about the weekend, apart from WOW!

It was the sort of weekend that you dream of having - even if there were a couple of scares - including me scraping a wasp out of my hair - without realising what the damned thing was!

Saturday, Mum and I went to the Town & Country festival at Stoneleigh, and as Mum had a motability scooter, it meant that I was able to walk at my normal pace, knowing full well that Mum was able to keep up with me.

I should have guessed that things were going to go right for me, when I found the last two pieces of a set of Beswick Thelwell figures..

The figure on the left was the one that I liked (I can't find a picture of the one that Mum bought for my birthday - she's always stuck what to get me!) So, that means that I now have the complete set of the unlimited edition figures, as I always disliked the limited edition figures...


Aside from that, we managed to get all sorts of silly bits and pieces - including a hematite necklace for me, and a new handbag. Yes, I've heard all the jokes about women and their handbags - but this was quite reasonable, and will be really useful for me as it's big enough to get my various bits and pieces into...

But, the highlight of the day was the Battle of Britain memorial flight - two Spitfires and one of the two Lancaster Bombers still flying! It was a real treat to see them flying, and they did about four fly-pasts over the showground. I was cursing the fact that I didn't have my camera, as I would have loved to have taken some photos of them in flight, but the memories of the noise and the actual sight of the planes flying will stay with me for a long time...

Sunday was a quieter day, as Mum and I had planned to do very little. Ok - plan and reality had very little in common, but I manage to complete my wedding outfit by getting a rather simple, yet bold camisole from the same shop as my suit.

Today. A different kettle of fish altogether. Mum and I went to Derbyshire to a couple of these so-called outlet villages.. Mum wanted to get some shoes - Fly-flots - and suggested that I had a look as well, as she said that she found hers very comfortable...

So did I - and I ended up buying two pairs - one pair of black toe post sandals (ok - posh flip-flops) and a paid of ajustable mules with diamante detailing in a powder blue... I also managed to get a pair of loafers - something I have been searching for high and low, as I refused to pay £50+ for a pair of shoes that I wasn't very keen on...

I will admit, I did enjoy the driving as I'd volunteered to do so, due to the fact that I wanted Mum map-reading / navigating as well as speed camera spotting as I had no intention of getting nabbed for speeding...

Time to call this quits - I'm shattered, and all I want to do is curl up and sleep!

Back tomorrow...

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Starting the weekend...

Well, the plan to go to Ashwood nurseries went to the wall, simply because they were holding one of their "behind the scenes" weekends, and it had featured on Midlands Today - one of the local news programs.

Mum didn't feel too good, and was worried that my ribs and shoulder would get bumped and bashed, thus putting me in an evil mood, and that was something that she had no intention of doing.. Why, I have no idea, as I'm such a little sweetheart when I've been bumped and barged. Believe that, and you'll believe in the Tooth Fairy as well!

So, Mum and I headed to Merry Hill. Which should be re-named Merry Hell, as that was what Mum was playing about the parking. Because she's not too good when it comes to walking long distances,has what Dad used to refer to as a "park anywhere ticket" - i.e. a blue disabled person's badge, that allows her (in theory) to get parked in larger spaces, closer to the entrance of the shops.

Fine in theory, but Merry Hill doesn't seem to have enough parking spaces full stop, let alone enough disabled slots, thus meaning that we had to park at the bottom end of the car park, and take a very slow walk to the entrance of the shopping centre.

Once we'd gotten over that hurdle, it was a case of seeing if either of us could find anything for my cousin's October wedding. I was tempted by this beautiful ice blue dress, but even in the petite (ok - short) section, this damned dress was nearly floor length - which went down like a lead balloon with me.

My mood wasn't helped when the smarmy sales assistant said that it would "look better with high heels." That was not the best thing to say to me, as I loathe heels, and Mum was sniggering at the thought of me wearing a dress. So, I've decided that I'm going to look for a dark coloured trouser suit, and have a brightly coloured top underneath the jacket.

We got several bits and pieces - but nothing for the wedding apart from a few ideas, and headed for home, where I was able to check my 'phone. I'd got a couple of missed calls from my friend (who was working - I gave that up as a bad job when I joined my present company!) He was his normal mickey taking self, asking me if I'd left my 'phone on a high shelf again, and would I call him when I got chance.

Not a problem - I just made myself scarce (the excuse being that I was going to watch the rugby on BBC1)... I called him and he asked if I was ok, and I could tell that he was worried I'd been horse riding - without my body armour.

Ok - I'm dumb, but I'm not that dumb, and I told him that I'd been shopping with Mum at Merry Hill, and that I was going to go back to the saddler's next weekend to see if the body armour fitted, and if it did, I could contemplate starting riding again.

He didn't sound too keen on that idea, but I think he's realised that there's not a lot that he can do if I do decide to go riding - apart from lecture me, which I'll just ignore as per my usual trick!

Time to call this quits - my damned mobile's ringing...

Back when I get chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Knackered, but happy....

I'm making an escape this month with my daft hog riding friend. We're going up to RAF Cosford, and as it's a fair distance for the pair of us to travel, plus wandering around the museum, we've decided to make a weekend of it.

Ok - not a problem there. The problem arose when I was dumb enough to mention this trip to Julian, who immediately decided that there was "no way you're going to wear a scruffy polo neck and jeans - you're going to look like a lady for once."

Thanks a bunch. The "scruffy polo neck" happens to be an old favorite of mine. Ok - I admit that it has seen better days, but it's one of those things that you tend to be loathe to throw away, as it's so comfortable. But, once Julian gets into that frame of mind, it takes a braver person than me to challenge him - especially with sore ribs!

So, the scene was set for the pair of us to go to Milton Keyens, and as we were leaving early morning (ok - 08:00) he stayed over at my home.

There were moments when I could have cheerfully strangled him, as he kept dodging from shop to shop, picking out things that were either frilly, or pastel coloured, or if I was seriously unlucky - both! But, I soon realised that he was only doing that to wind me, up, and he did quite a good job of it!

He was a real angel, advising me on colours and fit of things that he and I picked out, and on more than one occasion, I heard other shoppers say to their partners "why can't you take more of an interest like he does?" That made Julian and I both laugh, and yes, it did hurt, I will admit!

The end result was well worth the sort feet that I ended up with, and as my friend reads this blog, I'll say no more about what I got - aside from the fact that it's a little bit different to my normal attire!

Time to call this quits - Julian's cooked dinner for Mum and myself - and it smells divine!

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

In, but freezing...

The office is freezing cold this morning, and nothing that we do to the thermostat will warm the place up!

Needless to say that I'm not very happy, as I'm cold and still in an awful lot of pain from my ribs. The arnica is helping, and my ribs are starting to show a crazy paving style bruising pattern, and are going quite a delicate shade of black / purple from the impact that I took on Saturday.

So, when I go and see the consultant in A&E tomorrow, I'll have quite a pretty pattern across my ribs, and it will make things interesting when I go and see the sawbones afterwards, as no doubt I'll get asked about the bruising, and then will get a lecture about my horse riding!

Aside from that, things seem to be improving for me on the work front, as I've pointed out that there is only some much that I can do with the data that I am given, and that there need to be a change in the processes that the reports go through.

On a personal note (ok - family note) one of my cousins is getting married in October, so that's another outfit that I've got to buy - and I hate shopping!!!

But, I guess there is light at the end of the tunnel, and in comes in joke form:

Ma was in the kitchen fiddling around when she hollers out.... "Pa, you need to go out and fix the outhouse!"

Pa replies, "There ain't nuthin wrong with the outhouse."

Ma yells back, "Yes there is, now git out there and fix it."

So.......Pa mosies out to the outhouse, looks around and yells back, "Ma, there ain't nuthin wrong with the outhouse!"

Ma replies, "Stick yur head in the hole!"

Pa yells back, "I ain't stickin my head in that hole!"

Ma says, "Ya have to stick yur head in the hole to see what to fix."

So with that, Pa sticks his head in the hole, looks around and yells back, "Ma,there ain't nuthin' wrong with this outhouse!"

Ma hollers back, "Now take your head out of the hole!"

Pa proceeds to pull his head out of the hole then starts yelling "Ma! Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the toilet seat!"

To which Ma replies, "Hurt's, don't it?!"

This was the next joke that made me giggle:

In a recent Channel 4 news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister Louella was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago. Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena.

She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage. The husband is reported to be in serious, but stable condition, and Louella has been charged with:











A Misdewiener!

The other joke that made me grin was this one:

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a Naval conference that included admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies.

At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of half dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

Suddenly the group became very quiet.

Guess I should think about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from TNFI...


Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen
Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Roller-coaster of a weekend....

Well, I have to admit that the weekend was somewhat of a roller-coaster ride for me. Saturday morning was OK - Mum and I went shopping in Solihull, and I decided to hit Waterstones, and I bought four books!

One was on the development of the atomic bomb, and the other three were Terry Pratchett books - the next three in the Discworld series (Mort, Sourcery and Wyrd Sisters).

But the rest of the day was quite emotionally draining, simply because I decided to move my beloved horse closer to home and spent the rest ofthe afternoon making sure that she was ok, and settling in.

I also had a call from my daft hog riding friend to let me know that he was at his friend's house in Redditch ok, and that he would try and see me on Sunday.

Sunday. What can I say about that, apart from the fact that it was a really good day. I decided to go horse riding in the morning, and I was a bit late getting back - like about 10:15, and I will admit, I did pong a bit!

As soon as I walked in the house, Mum told me to buzz off for a shower, as, and I quote "you stink". Thanks Mum!

I had just started to wash my hair when my mobile rang. It was my daft hog riding friend. He asked if I was still going into Stratford, and said that he would love to meet up with me - and would be bringing someone with him - his friend from Redditch! Ok - not a problem there, as I'd spoken to this lass, and was curious to meet her...

Well, I got to Stratford, and met up with the pair of them and I will admit, it was a really good laugh, as the pair of us kept double-teaming the poor guy, and he said that he was getting fed up with the pair of us ganging up on him!

That made us laugh, and I have to admit, I really enjoyed myself, but I could sense that there was something bothering him...

Wanted you to know I love the way you laugh

I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away

I keep your photograph; I know it serves me well

I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

One of these days, I'll listen to my instincts... I spoke to my friend late last night, and suffice to say that he ended up pouring his heart out to me - both in an e-mail and on the 'phone.

Obviously, what he told me will not be relayed here, but all that I shall say is that I now understand awful lot more than I did, and am more determined than ever to do what I can to help him.

The worst is over now and we can breathe again

I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away

There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight

I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Guess I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging.

Back later, if I get the chance.

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

I hate shopping......

Ok - I know - it's a strange title, but it sums up my day. Mum and I went to Milton Keynes today... Ok - not a problem.

The problem arose when Mum said that I needed to get some new work trousers (she's been watching What Not To Wear again!) and I HATE trying on clothes - especially when I'm wearing walking boots.

Ok - maybe it was partly my fault for wearing walking boots, but I had no intention of ending up with sore feet, because my ankle boots are easier (and faster) to take on and off (they've got a zip up the side of them.)

I got to the stage where I was less than enthusiastic, and Mum got quite irritable with me. She pointed out (rightly, I have to admit) that she was trying to help me, and that I could show a little more gratitude.

I agreed with that, but inwardly thought that I was no different to her when she was looking for something, but as I had no wish to argue with Mum at that moment in time, I kept quiet.

Despite that, it was a reasonably successful day, as Mum managed to get a new phone. She got fed up with not being able to turn her Nokia 3340 on and off (it's got the power button on the top of the phone - there's a nack to getting the damned thing to work!) So, we went into Carphone Warehouse, and she got herself a Motorola V550...

Not a phone I would have chosen, I have to admit, but I'm of the opinion that as long as she's happy with it, then that's all that matters...

As for me, well I've seen the phone that I want to get to replace my current phone... It's a Sony Ericsson Z520i. Ok - I admit that I've always said that the clam type phone isn't for me, but I've had a good look at this one, and appears to be quite robust...

Rats - I can hear the appetite on legs starting a punch up again - new year, same old trick from the cat.

Back when I get chance - provided that I'm in one piece after grabbing the cat!

Karen

Learning to fly, but I don't have wings

Post Christmas madness

Well, either I'm getting more cynical in my old age, or people are becoming less tolerant as the year moves towards its end.

Mum and I were planning on going to Milton Keynes today, but as usual, the great British weather decided to intervene to change our plans - meaning that Mum and I ended up going into Coventry.

Since the closure of a couple of the big(ish) stores, the city seems to be dying on its feet. The only department stores that the city has, as BHS, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer - but you get all of these in Banbury - where the parking is a damned sight cheaper (and easier), and you get Marks & BHS in Solihull - as well as Beatties and John Lewis.

I know this sounds like I'm knocking Coventry - far from it. All I'm saying is that the city council needs to do something to attract another big name store to the city - otherwise people are going to desert the city for places such as Banbury and Solihull...

I'm not mentioning Birmingham, as that is a totally different league - that's more akin to places like Sheffield and I hate to say it - London (without the outrageous prices!)

Despite that, (or should that be in spite of that!) I did quite well in the sales.. I managed to get some of my favorite perfume - Dior Addict - (the original one) and a couple of turtle necks and a new black wrap, as mine's looking like it's seen better days...

I also got myself a book - it's the Fast Set - and details the history of the land speed record - from the starting days at Daytona beach, right up to the current record holder - Thrust SSC - the first non-rocket powered car to supersonic.

Aside from that, today has been a quiet day, which probably has been the best thing for me, as I'm still recovering from the pounding that I took yesterday (after I'd posted my blog entry - I went horse riding with Rachel in the Burton Dasset country park - and Flame threw me off - thank God for body armor!!)

Guess I should call this entry quits, as I'm due back to work tomorrow... (boo, hiss!)

Back tomorrow - if I haven't gotten to the stage where I hate looking at my computer!

Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread

A small prayer being answered

Amber is on the road to recovery, and Carole decided that Rachel, Julian and I needed to get away from the area for the day, so we were under strict instructions to “bugger off for the day, and have fun.”

Ok – we didn’t need telling twice, and decided to head to Bath, as there was a Christmas market on, and we might stand a chance of getting the presents that we’d still to get – in my case, something for Mum that she didn’t know anything about!

It was a decision which proved to be highly successful for me! I managed to get Mum a pair of unusual silver earrings, and a Bath Aqua Glass perfume bottle!

It was one of those things that I just kept going back to, and in the end, Julian got fed up with me messing around, and growled “just go and buy the damned thing will you?!”

So, that was bought, and we spent the rest of the day dodging the rain showers that seemed to plague us – but I don’t think any of us objected, as we all managed to finish off our Christmas shopping.

As we drove back, my mobile rang, and my heart sank when I heard the ring tone – it was Carole.Thankfully, she was calling us to say that Amber was asking where we were, and that she wanted to see us as soon as we got back…

So, instead of heading for Julian’s, we headed for the hospital... Where were greeted by the sight of Amber sitting up in bed, demanding a cuddle from us all!

Ok – she still looked very pale, but it was such a relief to see her sitting up in bed.

Time to call this entry quits – I’m mentally and physically exhausted now – but hopefully I should be able to sleep, as I know that Amber is on the road to recovery…

Back when I get the chance…

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

What a weekend....

Saturday was quite good - I went into Coventry and met up with Carole and Amber - who seemed determined to play up - at least whilst she was with her mother! In the end, Carole got so fed up with her, she detatched the wrist strap from her arm, and said "here - you look after the little monster".

As soon as I put the strap around my wrist, Amber was as good as gold, walking along, sucking her thumb, and clinging onto me for grim death! (I think it might have been something to do with the fact that I promised her a Thornton's chocolate lolly!)

I left the pair of them later in the afternoon and got my hair cut / coloured, and got myself seriously relaxed, as I was going to be driving down to RHS Wisley - to see my daft friend.

I was supposed to meet up with him at 10:00, but I managed to get caught up in the aftermath of an accident on the M40... He called me at 09:35, and said that he was at Wisley, and wanted to know where I was!

Answer - belting down the M40 towards Princes Risborough, at a rather rapid pace (ok - about 90mph!) and was doing my best to get to Wisley with a clean driving license!

I got to Wisley at 10:15, and got parked, and walked up to my friend - who called out across the carpark...

"So what time do you call this, lover?"

I just grinned, as I saw the look on people's faces - they just didn't know what to make of the pair of us, especially as he hugged me - and to be honest, I thought he was trying to break my ribs - it was like a bear hug! I didn't object, as I knew that he didn't mean any harm, and that it was just his normal way of greeting me.

We walked across to the entrance of the gardens, and as I was smart enough to have grabbed Mum's RHS card, we got in for free - pest and guest!

The first thing that you see when you walk in, is a water Lilly pond, and there was a suggestion that I was used as a depth gauge - as in throw me in to see how deep it was! I pointed out that any attempt to do that would result in him being pulled in with me!

That made him laugh, and I suggested that we went to get a coffee - my treat, by way of an apology for being late. We sat talking, and it was like I'd only seen him a few days ago - I felt so relaxed in his company.

We decided to take a walk around the gardens, and swapped jokes and stories, and generally got to know each others' likes and dislikes... What I didn't realise was that he is very keen on roses - and I've suggested that next rose season, we head up to Austin Roses at Albrighton.

What I didn't realise at the time, was the fact that we share a similar outlook on life - as in there are friends that you trust to a certain extent, and then there are the friends that you trust implicitly - and would move heaven & earth to help.

I know this sounds silly, but this fella is one of those people that I would gladly drop everything and help - even if it was only just to provide an ear for him to bend, and a shoulder to fall apart on. Equally - I know that it works the other way, as he was the one who stopped me from calling it quits earlier in the year.

As the gardens closed at 15:45, we decided to go to a nearby pub (The Anchor - just outside Wisley village) where we just sat chatting about all sorts of things, and generally putting the world to rights once again.
When we finally decided that we could do no more about the world, we called it quits - with promises of not leaving it so damned long before we met up again, as the pair of us had really enjoyed spending the day together.

I still stand by what I said the first time that I met him - he's a really sweet fella, and if we were both single and lived closer to each other (he lives about 100 miles south of me!) I would seriously consider having a crack at him, as he's the sort of fella who I can relax with, and lose the hard nosed cow image....

And no - no matter what happens - I'm not going to let anything spoil my friendship - my other half knows damned well that there are some things that are non-negotiable -and this is one of them!

Suppose I should call it quits - I'm supposed to be working, not blogging!
Back tomorrow if I get the chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread

What a weekend...

After the crap Friday I had, the weekend was just what the tiger needed to feel back on top form.

It started off with me going into Stratford with Carole, Amber and Rachel. Amber was being a little monster, and seemed to be determined to see how many tourists she could trip up / kick. The only thing that kept her under reasonable control, was the threat of not getting any toffee bon-bons!

Then, Saturday night, I was out with Julian and co... And Julian and one person who shall remain nameless (or at least until I get the blackmail photos) sang a bloody good version of Ricky Martin's Livin' la vida loca - complete with the dance steps!

Once we'd left the club, we all headed back to Julian's place, and I admit that I didn't go to bed... I stayed up playing GT4 on the playstation, and I don't mind admitting that I was running on pure adrenalin to keep me going...

Hmm - suppose I'd better think about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from TNFI already! Must be getting into holiday mode early.......!

Back when I get chance...

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

Back from my travels... Part I - The road to Cornwall

Well, I'm back from the West country, and to be honest, I feel like my batteries have been recharged. The weather was quite good - apart from Monday, when it rained on the way down, as well as raining whilst Mum and I were at RHS Rosemoor.

As I took my new toy with me, there'll be loads of piccys - and I'll split the details of the holiday into three parts - this first part will cover the trip down south, as well as the trip to RHS Rosemoor.

The trip down was unexceptional - Mum and I stopped off at Street in Somerset - where the Clarkes Shopping Village is. (See http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk/ for details.)

There were a variety of shops - my favorite being the Cadbury's factory shop - but only because I was able to get my two favorite sweets - Cadbury's Finger of Fudge and Milk bottle gums - sweets shaped like milk bottles, and are made with - milk.

We then headed to Rosemoor. As Mum wasn't feeling too good, we had a coffee, and plotted the route 'round the gardens, taking in the bits that were of interest to us both...

This was the first part that we looked at - the so-called Modern Rose garden. Not really a very good description in my opinion, as there were the so-called Old Roses - things like Rosa versicolour:

The beds themselves were well planned, and the majority of the roses were ones that Mum and I had seen at David Austin Roses, in Albrighton (See http://www.davidaustinroses.com/).

Despite the name, the rose garden contained other plants - one of my favorites being the hardy Geranium:

We then walked through one of the paths framed by one of the so-called Long Borders...

This long border had a mixture of perennial and annual plants - my favorite being the yellow Hemerocalis - I've got no idea which variety it is, as there was no lable in front of it...

This then lead to the herb garden, where I saw the most magnificent display of poppies. Not just any poppies - these particular poppies were Papavier somniforum - more commonly known as Opium poppies:

But these plants were not being used for illegal drug production - they were being used to provide a stunning backdrop to other plants that were in the herb garden...

Suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be sorting out my damned e-mails, not blogging!

Back with more info on my holiday later, if I get the chance!

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread

You want me to do what??

Miss a Grand Prix to go shopping? No chance.

That's what the 'phone call was about. The fella that's been making life bearable since I split up with my ex, wanted to take me shopping tomorrow.

I know this may sound surprising - a woman turning down a shopping trip, but unfortunately (or fortunately) for the fella concerned, there's the small matter of the French Grand Prix at Mangy-Cours to be dealt with.

Thankfully, he was really sweet about it, and said that he'd forgotten that the race was on, and if he'd realised, he would have asked me to go out with him today.

So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
No, nothing else matters

That made me smile, and I told him that I appreciated the offer, but it would have to wait for a while, as the weekend I get back from Cornwall, I'm off to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, and the following weekend? I'm hoping to be able to meet up with my daft friend, so I'll have to see what happens.

Not that I'm trying to avoid going shopping with him - far from it. It's just that life's a bit on the hectic side at the moment, and I'm finding it a bit tough to fit in all of my commitments to friends and family!


Time to call this entry quits, I've got bits and pieces to sort out on the computer...

Back tomorrow, if I get chance - otherwise it'll be round about the 11th of July, to allow for me to escape to Silverstone.

Karen.

I walk where others fear to tread