tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35129976763739143972024-02-07T19:01:59.068+00:00Love From PeapodsA Plethora of Ponderings on Life, the Universe and Everything. Not necessarily in that order.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.comBlogger448125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-22855266378153674472018-02-16T16:50:00.001+00:002018-02-16T16:51:10.362+00:00Working from home<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've taken a precious day of annual leave today. I've really struggled this week with feeling so yuk and I needed the restorative power of just being home. Sometimes that's all I need. The longer I have to commute, the more I realise that I just don't want to do it any more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The powers that be are submitting proposals to the bigger powers that be this week to put forward a motion to allow our team to work from home. As "document production specialists" we are not customer facing nor need to access printers or scanners to complete our work. There are ways to monitor work production along with Skype/email/phone to remain in continual contact if need be. Some people thrive on workplace interaction. I absolutely don't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A couple of years ago, I left the job I'd been doing for 17 years and moved, way out of my comfort zone, to an office in the city. It was a career move and a salary hike I would not have achieved with my old company even if I'd stayed there until retirement. Within less than a year however, my job evolved as firm wide secretarial and administrative staff changes were wrought by the company, and now I'm in the delightful position of still being well paid for probably the easiest job I've ever had in my career. I turn up, put my headphones on, and that's how I remain all day, only interacting if I have to - or desire to. The only fly in this ointment is the commute. It is, like everyone else's commute, a pain in the bliddy ass. Delayed, packed trains filled with sneezing, coughing people; more like a doctor's mobile waiting room. Everyone glued to their phones or tablets, headphones in, trying to avoid eye contact - myself included. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I for one will welcome a decision to work from home with open arms. Bring it on I say. Someone else can have my seat on the train! I will not miss the Snow Hill shuffle in the morning as a whole train full of people decant onto the platform and shuffle, painfully slowly towards the escalators.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I'm not sure how the proposal will be received. The buzz word in our company is "mogility" (yes I know!) - basically the ability to be able to work anywhere you like. All of the fee earners and a good proportion of the remaining staff are equipped with lap tops and can work from home or any of our offices if need be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I'm positive it would cut down on the amount of sick leave taken too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Ho hum. We shall see what transpires but I'm more than happy to put myself forward to trial it for our department. A whole two hours shaved from my working day. Oh Pick me! Pick me!!</span></div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-78464699016815258192018-02-15T23:58:00.001+00:002018-02-16T00:02:48.200+00:00<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy belated Valentine’s Day to all you lovely people - have a big, squishy, heart shaped hug!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Walking through Colmore Row this morning on my way to work, I noticed that all the trees had been swathed in red cloaks; I thought, mistakenly that this was some kind of gimmick for 14 February but on closer inspection it was to do with welcoming the Chinese New Year on the 16th. T'will be The Year of the Dog apparently and mucho celebrating and Lion Dancing will ensue around the area. Typical then that I have booked Friday off work and won't see it. Epic blogging failure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Trees look nice and warm though don't they?! It was flippin' Baltic this morning so I'm sure said trees were very glad of the extra layer</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every so often St Phillips Cathedral attaches some words of wisdom to the benches around Cathedral Square by way of laminated so called "benchmarks" and these either contain quotations or more ecumenical offerings. I liked this one cos it’s simple and to the point but still makes you think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Personally I think to this very day there are a whole lotta very bold people out there still eating oysters. I wouldn’t put one near my mouth never mind in it. And I don’t say that very often. Cough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In other news, man scored loads of favest hubby points with a beautiful bouquet of orange blooms. I’ve given up telling him not to buy me flowers for valentines cos he never listens so I’ll just enjoy being a princess instead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There was a dearth of pancakes in this house this week. I was far too pale and wan to be doing such energetic things as tossing pancakes, or anything else for that matter. For I am poorly bad. I </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have lurgy. In fact I’ve had lurgy now for about four weeks and I’m ever so slightly brassed off with it. It went away for about three whole days but then came back with a vengeance and brought with it aching eyeballs and a cough which is a hybrid combination of a barking whistle. Has to be heard to be believed as I’m sure my colleagues will confirm. At least they’ll have some respite from it tomorrow. And I may have some strength back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pancakes for breakfast anyone?!</span><br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-11414724327214626792018-02-04T21:36:00.002+00:002018-02-05T13:16:21.488+00:00Weekend catch up and Q&A<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks for dropping by. Who stole the weekend, that's what I want to know. Mind you we've managed to cram quite a lot in to this one. Friday night was spent sitting in front of a roaring fire in a local pub, catching up with a great friend. As always we put the world to rights and having said that I wasn't really in the mood for going out that night, didn't actually get in until gone midnight. Sober as a sober thing too as I wasn't drinking. Check me and my rock n' roll lifestyle out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Saturday morning was spent getting me barnet sorted out (as I was very close to looking like Cousin It) then shopping then home to check the </span><strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">thighs </span></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fine rugby playing on the telly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today we have been sofa shopping - well more sofa checking out really as we have big plans to transform our rather shabby and tired looking living room. It will be a big job but I'm sure it will all work out okay and be worth the hard work. So cue much sitting down, getting up, squishing cushions and laughing at each other checking out the reclining action of said sofas. We managed not to get thrown out of DFS and returned home to our (cannily prepared before we went out) Sunday roast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've been watching a box set called Britannia. Some reviews have said that its a poor man's Game of Thrones (which we love) but to be honest, I've quite enjoyed it so far. Although I have to say the one episode we watched today was a bit off its head!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As there's no ground breaking news going on right now here at Peapods, I've</span><strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> nicked</span></strike><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> borrowed the Q&A questions from the Waitrose newspaper. This week's answers are from Susan Penhaligon who leads a far more interesting life than I do but I shall battle on regardless. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What can you see out of the window?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Oh. Well massive fail already cos it's 9pm and I can't see a bliddy thing. Doh!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Choose five words to describe yesterday:</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Wet, snoozy, hurty, snuggly and expensive. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tell us something that would surprise people about you</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Um. Um. *Scratches head* I had a poem published in the Daily Mail 10 years ago. Surprised beyond belief aren't you?!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What was the last conversation you had with a well known person?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I asked Chris Moyles if I could have a photo with him after I spotted him on the stairs at a Children in Need Rocks gig at the Albert Hall in 2009. He said "yes mate" (he'd got a cold) and that was that. lol See photographic evidence below! He looks a bit scared. I'm not surprised really. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you could relive six months of your life, when would that be?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Um, I'm not one for looking back really. If I could relive my wedding day then I would because it was such a blur I feel that we missed so many moments. I wouldn't change it for the world though. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What is the most expensive item you have bought in the past month?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> This lap top *covers eyes*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Recommend a book, film or album from the past year.</b> I really enjoyed "Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine" by Gail Honeyman. Such a touching, poignant and quirky tale. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Who has inspired you most in your career?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> HAHHHHHHhahahahahaha. Ahem. Absolutely bloody No-one. Ever.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What three things would you take to a desert island?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> A massive bottle of sunblock as I fry in moderately bright shade. My craft shed to provide shelter and something to do. And probably sustenance as I'm sure there's a mars bar stashed in one of the drawers. (well no-one gave guidance on how big the three things were!). A wind up torch. (I'm hopeless at this aren't I? I'd really just take my hubby cos he's very handy and knows all about survival and shit.) </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Other than at home with friends and family, where would you most like to be this weekend?</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Tucked up in a cosy cottage somewhere overlooking the sea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's it from me then! See you soon - toodle-oo! </span></div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-51955921644847437962018-02-01T22:43:00.000+00:002018-02-01T22:51:33.249+00:00Blessed Imbolc ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx3TDM5Dx7hCvNpIIGww7FU5gVD0wnJ-QpyyomIhf9ieudevINHYlU8NAKfQK89ffBdQwanebvPeNBTmqH4OW6vs9RqFCXG_OYhLwlflhzTNLhfG-UaV-QXLmTS47li6lKSRRkCY2Yz_e/s1600/imbolc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx3TDM5Dx7hCvNpIIGww7FU5gVD0wnJ-QpyyomIhf9ieudevINHYlU8NAKfQK89ffBdQwanebvPeNBTmqH4OW6vs9RqFCXG_OYhLwlflhzTNLhfG-UaV-QXLmTS47li6lKSRRkCY2Yz_e/s400/imbolc.jpg" width="307" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To those of you who, like me, follow the old ways, a very Blessed Imbolc to you and yours. I found a beautiful image on Mr G. Oogle this morning but sadly the artist wasn't credited. Please let me know if you know so that I can do that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The wheel of the year has turned already and Mother Nature is stretching beneath our feet. Seeds are stirring and the sap is rising. Time to ignite your light people!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5-a-vEzCKOZ-4J3U1SUcvTBXUA9dATujn1BJVlJ7j23c6saesg_LRjPjygekkAYWURxedQArb4ZDOY5w1qAavO3J1py2IuE09q4qyOGOns7gg0u0-1N2C8jG3v3cJWp54foSZChoQ0Xp/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5-a-vEzCKOZ-4J3U1SUcvTBXUA9dATujn1BJVlJ7j23c6saesg_LRjPjygekkAYWURxedQArb4ZDOY5w1qAavO3J1py2IuE09q4qyOGOns7gg0u0-1N2C8jG3v3cJWp54foSZChoQ0Xp/s400/blue.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Whilst we woke to a rather grey horizon, by the time I walked through the pigeon park on my way to work this morning, the sky had cleared and revealed enough blue to make a sailor some trousers! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFI30Hl298KroFM9fpR9UAlo5RkMevgUQYKFScPzU_uG5nqWeTfS4DqApb3NmH08fUcUEZ_x7fO7ekLmm9vYfH11VocxEbik8yp2Senn9R75ChwoLYRVc1Dw1rOS99h5DrXZh8lmk67GA/s1600/daffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFI30Hl298KroFM9fpR9UAlo5RkMevgUQYKFScPzU_uG5nqWeTfS4DqApb3NmH08fUcUEZ_x7fO7ekLmm9vYfH11VocxEbik8yp2Senn9R75ChwoLYRVc1Dw1rOS99h5DrXZh8lmk67GA/s400/daffs.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5-a-vEzCKOZ-4J3U1SUcvTBXUA9dATujn1BJVlJ7j23c6saesg_LRjPjygekkAYWURxedQArb4ZDOY5w1qAavO3J1py2IuE09q4qyOGOns7gg0u0-1N2C8jG3v3cJWp54foSZChoQ0Xp/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The daffies in the Cathedral grounds are already a few inches above ground. This makes me smile. They're planted in the shape of two huge crosses in different areas of lawned area on either side of the Cathedral and I think this is their second year. Last year one side bloomed brilliantly and was a sea of yellow, and the other was a complete disaster with many of them coming up blind. I wonder why? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In other news I'm going to name and shame myself for I am a complete clutter monster. I was running late(r than usual) this morning and on getting out of the cab remembered that I had to renew my train pass. Trouble was that my bank card had fallen out of my purse (Cath Kidston no less, natch!!) and into the depths of hell that is my work bag. The train was due in 3 minutes and train ticket man had already input the transaction on to his machine thingie. You know that feeling when you're getting hotter and hotter and you're chucking things out of your bag like a cartoon dog digging a hole, apologising profusely to the ticket man who is giving his colleague the side-eye in boredom and amusement. My lunch bowl was balanced precariously on the side just waiting for an opportune moment to take a flying leap on to the floor and spray rice everywhere and the announcement was being made over the tannoy that the train was approaching the platform when with a flourish I found the bloody card. Thank gawd for contactless transactions I say. I made the train with about 20 seconds to spare. When I got to work I was suitably embarrassed (having had another semi-meltdown trying to find my work pass half an hour later) enough to clear out my bag. Just look at it. Receipts, old train tickets, empty packets. I should be ashamed of myself. And I am. And I will be sure to learn this life lesson, for a while at least - until the bag of doom manifests itself again!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Lots of love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Bridget Jones </span><br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-19275574141179885482018-01-31T22:34:00.000+00:002018-02-01T13:06:11.160+00:00Crafty doings<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you so much for dropping by and especially to those who commented. It made my day that people would actually still read my whitterings after all these months.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXyO8CUVbeS6UCjt_131UHWbxcaZBEHTpoxWJuqiJEkSI2doeukg369y-uGKT1vh1fsYcpoKAnvedZsA7fsvT9_1ufZg8GMNCl98x0s7dk_LKEcUR3DzYnSjzpf-UN1g_cOfWPsPW7rpo/s1600/new+ripple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXyO8CUVbeS6UCjt_131UHWbxcaZBEHTpoxWJuqiJEkSI2doeukg369y-uGKT1vh1fsYcpoKAnvedZsA7fsvT9_1ufZg8GMNCl98x0s7dk_LKEcUR3DzYnSjzpf-UN1g_cOfWPsPW7rpo/s320/new+ripple.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, is anyone up to anything crafty at the moment? I've embarked on another crochet project (the Woodland crochet along) featured on the blog of Lucy at Attic 24 </span><a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I've just completed week one - and I think everyone else is on about week 4. **insert eye roll emoji here** The colours are beautifully muted and I'm enjoying it now that I've finally got the hang of the stitches and got into the rhythm of the pattern (after loads of rip backs and sweariness for a while). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Purtty ain't it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I actually managed to finish the very colourful ripple blanket I started eleventy million years ago and featured on this blog back in the mists of time and it has actually been used over the summer! This is/was a mahoosive feat for me as I am the biggest procrastinator in the history of the world so to actually complete a project is always somewhat of a victory (and a bit of a shock!). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retrospective tadahhh!!! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">What about you? Is there anything on your hook right now?! A fish maybe? See you soon! </span></div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-46842465368860180592018-01-29T14:05:00.003+00:002018-01-29T14:05:53.645+00:00Peapod Resurrection!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hello my friends, hello! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been gone for ages haven't I? Oh yes I have - so I've decided that you've had enough respite from my <strike>inane</strike> profound observations on life, the universe and everything and shall attempt to resurrect my little blog as of today. Tadahhh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, what's been going on in Peapod land then? Last year was a busy year, hence the lack of blogging. I turned 50 in September (arrrghh!!). Lovely Man and I got married on 28th October. We had THE most amazing day ever spent with our family and friends. Our theme was woodland/autumnal and the room was decked in orange. I got married in purple (didn't wear a red hat tho you'll be pleased to note!), and my bridesmaids were in black fifties style dresses with orange and purple net underskirts. The guys wore charcoal grey suits with amazing orange waistcoats and cravats. We had vintage 50s cars and I walked down the aisle to Guns n' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine". Our wedding cake was shaped like tree stumps and surrounded by autumnal leaves and natural findings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a couple of years in the planning and at times I did wonder if it was worth all the stress and why we hadn't just run away to Gretna but I am so glad we did what we did (and spent what we spent *faint*). Even now people are still complimenting us on the day and all the little additions which made it quirky and memorable and encompassed everything we hold dear. A rock disco in the evening finished everything off in style! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I'll leave it there for now and catch up again soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Lots of love! </span></div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-66196537958885472992016-06-04T17:16:00.003+01:002016-06-04T17:25:56.892+01:00Cocktails, containers and chickens. Afternoon!<br />
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It's been a bit of a mixed week really. <br />
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We had a lovely bank holiday weekend. I began with Friday off work taking advantage of a long weekend. I met with a couple of extras work pals and we settled into a gossip filled catch up fuelled by gin. Until cocktail hour was announced and we partook of <strike>some</strike> far too many of these:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloody disgusterously horrible !!<br />
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On Saturday my bestie picked me up in her red sporty number and we escaped, Thelma and Louis style, to our fave getaway for brunch in the sun and much coffee. Unfortunately she had a bit of a hand cream incident and I nearly spat my coffee over the table in a most unlady like manner. <br />
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Sigh. We revert to being 12 years old sometimes. <br />
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Sunday was spent filling more planters. We're nearly finished now and then the big tidy up operation can be started and we can begin to enjoy the garden again. It's like a lumbar yard crossed with an obstacle course out there at the moment and I can't wait to be able to just sit and enjoy it. Not that any of the hard graft has been done by me I'm ashamed to say. I just can't do physical work any more so apart from some painting and planting that's the sum total of my contribution. <br />
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Here's some random pics anyway including our new Cerunnos plaque. I love it!<br />
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Aliums and yellow poppies have colonised this corner but I love that. </div>
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First rose of the year smells amazing. </div>
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And lots of buds ready to pop too. It's always a show this one. Flowers it's head off all Sumner with frequent dead heading and light pruning. </div>
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Big Bird (aka the predator cos of the clicking noises she makes) having a dust bath. </div>
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Chickneequa being nosey. </div>
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Millie aka Meggan (sic) after the girl on the Exorcist film and her eldritch screeches. Butter wouldn't melt. </div>
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The other two are broody, have been for weeks and no doubt are inside sitting on stolen eggs laid after first swoop this morning. </div>
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I've put myself on a plant buying ban. </div>
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Apart from these beauties that is...... </div>
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Happy weekend!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-76414049209616481842016-06-04T00:52:00.000+01:002016-06-04T09:52:42.405+01:00FLOOZIES AND THINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Where are we today then readers ? Some ancient ruins in the background, clear blue skies? Yep, today children, we're in Birmingham! Victoria Square to be precise. It was far too nice (and far too bloody early) to be sitting at my desk yesterday morning so I wondered around the square and took some pics of the sculptures for you. Aren't you lucky?! </div>
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The above pic shows a corner of the town hall (where the columns are) and the war torn battlements in the back ground are the remains of the old library. Of course they spent millions on the new one on Broad Street didn't they? But the less said about that... </div>
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Moving on we have the grand old lady who gave the Square it's name when it was renamed in 1901. It was plain old Council House Square previous to Victoria Square. This statue was originally marble but it weathered considerably and was re-cast in bronze .. </div>
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As happy as ever!</div>
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Apparently she unveiled the original statue in 1901 And died a few days later. She was obviously not amused at all. </div>
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Coming down the steps we are faced with the statue which divided opinion greatly when it was installed. Anthony Gormley's "Iron: Man" stands some 6 metres tall and represents the industry of the area. Rumour has it that he was hidden from view when Princess Diana officially opened the newly refurbished square some time ago. </div>
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I feel I should have Black Sabbath's tune of the same name playing in the background of this post. Tee hee. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Has he lost his mind?<br />
Can he see or is he blind?<br />
Can he walk at all,<br />
Or if he moves will he fall?<br />
Is he alive or dead?<br />
Has he thoughts within his head?<br />
We'll just pass him there<br />
Why should we even care?<br />
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Read more: <a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/iron-man-lyrics-black-sabbath.html#ixzz49fi6Dgg4" style="color: #003399;">Black Sabbath - Iron Man Lyrics | MetroLyrics</a> <br />
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One wonders if the fact that he is listing gracefully to one side is a nod to the drunks of Brum. ;) I rather like the old fella personally but then I'm a bit strange too! </div>
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Well would you look at this <strike>shameless hussey </strike>comely maiden reclining topless in the morning sunshine. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnkITet5JqHFapXfpUyCWXJoUvPRwMjF-qVZ-qytRuE2mRpxK8ZTwPZUV7G8UNpptz98EKbu82MsxJEmKOP8gljW-gHVFni15AoQTz4qHCakpcN2PNAGmzFOPus1CETStP7XW88e6UpOT/s1600/DSC_0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnkITet5JqHFapXfpUyCWXJoUvPRwMjF-qVZ-qytRuE2mRpxK8ZTwPZUV7G8UNpptz98EKbu82MsxJEmKOP8gljW-gHVFni15AoQTz4qHCakpcN2PNAGmzFOPus1CETStP7XW88e6UpOT/s400/DSC_0689.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
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She's a sturdy bird - weighing some 1.75 tonnes. Modelled on me obvs. This installation (she's been called some things in her time I can tell you) was once a huge water feature with fountains. Known by locals as the "floozy in the jacuzzi" and designed by Dhruva Mistry, who won a competition to design a water feature for the site, the formal name for her and the pool in which she once resided is The River. <br />
This is a popular meeting area. In days past it was a favourite place for weary shoppers and stifled office workers to cool their feet in the fountains. The area houses the German market in November and December and gets so ridiculously busy you couldn't swing a Bratwurst! Floozy regularly gets decorated with anything from tinsel and santa hats at Christmas to strategically placed traffic cones come Friday night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy76KzyxXcmAODLu8j9UIWmm8LpXwxYW8W6o2XZ5cKreEnHjxV4d1LdtPCcnWPuRMlLyNUDdCBv2yZf9v36wn-QN9rCzKNDAJ0XatVilvMNmJHcXu3NAHm4oJjiJIaYBaZmNXcQKFITB4a/s1600/DSC_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy76KzyxXcmAODLu8j9UIWmm8LpXwxYW8W6o2XZ5cKreEnHjxV4d1LdtPCcnWPuRMlLyNUDdCBv2yZf9v36wn-QN9rCzKNDAJ0XatVilvMNmJHcXu3NAHm4oJjiJIaYBaZmNXcQKFITB4a/s400/DSC_0690.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">floozy in flattering post. </td></tr>
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Unfortunately the water feature element of the piece sprang a leak, initially costing £30000 in repairs. Once repaired it leaked again and was found to be irreparable and so in 2015, Floozy's jacuzzi became a flower bed! <br />
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There is an inscription around the rim of the pool which is taken from a TS Eliot poem 'Burnt Norton' which reads as follows:</div>
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<em style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; width: auto;"><strong style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">And the pool was filled with water out of sunlight,</strong><br style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;" /><strong style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">And the lotos rose, quietly, quietly,</strong><br style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;" /><strong style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">The surface glittered out of heart of light,</strong><br style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;" /><strong style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">And they were behind us, reflected in the pool.</strong><br style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;" /><strong style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">Then a cloud passed, and the pool was empty.</strong></em></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; width: auto;"><strong style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><br /></strong></em></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">Isn't that lovely? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><span style="float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">Here we have the other part Mistry's installation. Simply called 'Youth', t</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px;">his is another bronze</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.256px; line-height: 21.384px;"> sculpture. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW3UXjL4ye8vhEsw4y33KwfGfRBE29nGn9ISJCICLLAakCbbnWrF6ffVd3S0YSOnAJbWuIsHD20zgnYfWplSjmQzLOnUwACw4xDQaohLFL1o2dvenbThWfRk3JUtJ0TjhLuD8nvND_QZZ/s1600/DSC_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW3UXjL4ye8vhEsw4y33KwfGfRBE29nGn9ISJCICLLAakCbbnWrF6ffVd3S0YSOnAJbWuIsHD20zgnYfWplSjmQzLOnUwACw4xDQaohLFL1o2dvenbThWfRk3JUtJ0TjhLuD8nvND_QZZ/s400/DSC_0688.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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The whole of the design is actually made up of four sets of works, being The River, Guardians, Youth and Object (Variations) which come together to represent youth and eternity.</div>
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Here are The Guardians. They take features from a variety of animals. That commonly known lesser spotted bald bloke for one. I personally prefer to call them Thing 1 and Thing 2. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit08bYSD4dLfHhrQmX3SOsVzuHqUHtqYcmeeJ0JhyZU0ZCgcFkuZfonQeXkXNmm7_05yIo5cvOONzp0q1VE0xUEI2LQYxnv0N8ho2jKfuln8ZTTNTHjeQKfO1mteIqsIK7_ERMlgniK5NV/s1600/DSC_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit08bYSD4dLfHhrQmX3SOsVzuHqUHtqYcmeeJ0JhyZU0ZCgcFkuZfonQeXkXNmm7_05yIo5cvOONzp0q1VE0xUEI2LQYxnv0N8ho2jKfuln8ZTTNTHjeQKfO1mteIqsIK7_ERMlgniK5NV/s320/DSC_0687.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_nqgC3PlPq0YbXxUGXpfgFUglA9N0fmoBMvcIaeU1PiD0c7SDsgJ0AdRcco1k2F7zyynBc8S3ZbreGrA4B7tcpRlqDhP75k9mjxl-x2EAxFIsea0mhajkhBu6yLHLY0oYY4unY3AFdmo/s1600/DSC_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_nqgC3PlPq0YbXxUGXpfgFUglA9N0fmoBMvcIaeU1PiD0c7SDsgJ0AdRcco1k2F7zyynBc8S3ZbreGrA4B7tcpRlqDhP75k9mjxl-x2EAxFIsea0mhajkhBu6yLHLY0oYY4unY3AFdmo/s320/DSC_0695.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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The obelisks are just that really. Just sandstone structures approx 7 feet tall. They're just there. I hadn't realised they were actually part of the installation cos I'm obviously a philistine so here is a pic of one of the glorified lamp bases. I do hope you'll forgive me for not photographing them both! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAyWDeacZvZG-OjivSVXEpsMnOkL9CbENbXpCboGhR4fJcgovN6aay80I1xI6_zYPl84YOYrHXa5wZ9uW4sai5vqMo0V0SUqAruENSmCLRKGTcwTV8Gls9Kted1udI-zCtHgQnXUd2MNL/s1600/DSC_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAyWDeacZvZG-OjivSVXEpsMnOkL9CbENbXpCboGhR4fJcgovN6aay80I1xI6_zYPl84YOYrHXa5wZ9uW4sai5vqMo0V0SUqAruENSmCLRKGTcwTV8Gls9Kted1udI-zCtHgQnXUd2MNL/s320/DSC_0691.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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So there we have it. A whizz around Victoria Square without leaving your arm chair. I do spoil you!</div>
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See you soon. </div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-18483671741916488582016-05-22T22:37:00.002+01:002016-05-23T00:40:42.834+01:00A productive weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOAmRHXrLHhtEPWtJOD2UuaCPkqAMwUusrgVgNCPezedki06Fa3Bb7K_cgkabpU_Ucp_ljRGmCKeBRisgMPY5rmiCzcyzgo5hUt91rC217ciDUHgObSHrpIF6EZqZFeIiVzFEN14zeQTD/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOAmRHXrLHhtEPWtJOD2UuaCPkqAMwUusrgVgNCPezedki06Fa3Bb7K_cgkabpU_Ucp_ljRGmCKeBRisgMPY5rmiCzcyzgo5hUt91rC217ciDUHgObSHrpIF6EZqZFeIiVzFEN14zeQTD/s320/DSC_0674.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
Well mom's eye op was cancelled. There had been an admin error and she shouldn't have been offered a Saturday appointment as her op is slightly more risky than a standard cataract op. Ah well. after being up at 6, out at 7, hospital at 8, breakfast with my brother at 9, we had collected her and took the opportunity to go to Lidl shopping on the way home. By 11.30 I was home and unpacked so the rest of the day was spent dodging showers in the garden.<br />
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Today has been more of the same. The sun was beaming in through our bedroom window this morning so we decided not to waste the day.<br />
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Lovely fella has been a DIY dervish and has been beavering away on the deconstructed pallet planters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLf_GUJhB2wdhTNyiF6et-4itsG_PE4PGzE1zXK-3o49IPIdCzUj8nZvmhnOEwHHwVO4fl37zEqZQyW6097RYFib4y5zR3UwLUpbgrZnLzM-4vrmhbgJoLYjl5-hnrLFwE3aYTeqQaZWI/s1600/DSC_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLf_GUJhB2wdhTNyiF6et-4itsG_PE4PGzE1zXK-3o49IPIdCzUj8nZvmhnOEwHHwVO4fl37zEqZQyW6097RYFib4y5zR3UwLUpbgrZnLzM-4vrmhbgJoLYjl5-hnrLFwE3aYTeqQaZWI/s400/DSC_0675.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy Walsh got nothing on this fella!</td></tr>
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Heres some progress pics. The garden looks like Steptoe's yard at present but I'm trying to see the bigger picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEUy0HB4QWwiYmZ_JA27xZh8vW7AjYbsvtPknllpvd_6jWY8geYVr665O2Cwh4MVWhk_Qw5lMV0W3kJQjJVdyGODlGu2IpKLMfrrt6AT69H4KOKsUlDuw6TuPUjpFHJhbHdWrKQZEAYCy/s1600/DSC_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEUy0HB4QWwiYmZ_JA27xZh8vW7AjYbsvtPknllpvd_6jWY8geYVr665O2Cwh4MVWhk_Qw5lMV0W3kJQjJVdyGODlGu2IpKLMfrrt6AT69H4KOKsUlDuw6TuPUjpFHJhbHdWrKQZEAYCy/s400/DSC_0667.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
We shall get there.<br />
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It will be so much easier for me to manage the garden when it's all done especially as my arthritic joints aren't getting any better.<br />
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Thanks for dropping by today. Hope your weekend was a happy one. It's a four day week for me this week. Ever so slightly happy about that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMePQbw7V6pcGy-AIx1MIrHFdxG75gQdGoabo3ZvkRsfFMHh3RyTXKj9JZTuFW00SV_UMzHD0zoOuv_PbirNbtMZ-bDn261PeRSBN7r17g7NxRH8iMO6khswZv9NYK4Grcj3xnJuBxiCyG/s1600/DSC_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMePQbw7V6pcGy-AIx1MIrHFdxG75gQdGoabo3ZvkRsfFMHh3RyTXKj9JZTuFW00SV_UMzHD0zoOuv_PbirNbtMZ-bDn261PeRSBN7r17g7NxRH8iMO6khswZv9NYK4Grcj3xnJuBxiCyG/s400/DSC_0672.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Lots of plants still to plant out. Mostly from last week's boot sale. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpzgjRbPUi1wCtFwl5ygOjLiK7Y_r0fAuwZ0F_FYYJ5tmA10uGeSX78RG6lisAwFT26FJxv_3BDNkseOj-q1-e9FlnRKUR7Cj9KzZzWAi4_HsWzi2DAkQWbrdomu47odXonxDzMp0hejG/s1600/DSC_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpzgjRbPUi1wCtFwl5ygOjLiK7Y_r0fAuwZ0F_FYYJ5tmA10uGeSX78RG6lisAwFT26FJxv_3BDNkseOj-q1-e9FlnRKUR7Cj9KzZzWAi4_HsWzi2DAkQWbrdomu47odXonxDzMp0hejG/s400/DSC_0677.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First coat on. This one is going to be pink</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenTw76FTv3Gb6OPsW09stYjN5zjRcQDk3j-7luhTxoq3yPQxjw-LoXCDY79Oy0W7BHRgD_eT-H9W9mnGR2gpHW2O0jvsT_2oyfSreWYmHbR6TGVueOus8mmMzDu3qTFO-72kIAflTE6hR/s1600/DSC_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenTw76FTv3Gb6OPsW09stYjN5zjRcQDk3j-7luhTxoq3yPQxjw-LoXCDY79Oy0W7BHRgD_eT-H9W9mnGR2gpHW2O0jvsT_2oyfSreWYmHbR6TGVueOus8mmMzDu3qTFO-72kIAflTE6hR/s400/DSC_0680.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heuchera 'lime marmalade'</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nYJ6uvgYEool2sOuRUp_U5GUfPkVHFMtOrmqs2IRO42chCrYbr_VVnd07pXErK0ealePQCIdpsSk0YWQpzjmfk1GaNIkAx4StaQTQYfYL__Phl0sxYoYDLmgjX8631VH9B9Fnvz1c1Oi/s1600/DSC_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nYJ6uvgYEool2sOuRUp_U5GUfPkVHFMtOrmqs2IRO42chCrYbr_VVnd07pXErK0ealePQCIdpsSk0YWQpzjmfk1GaNIkAx4StaQTQYfYL__Phl0sxYoYDLmgjX8631VH9B9Fnvz1c1Oi/s400/DSC_0678.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX9sUSJ1SDdFHKbilIJp8zDgSNINkeK9WMQkaqv_tBJt7anWruMfp2lzTpsC-k-kGIqaUAZWIPE1adrBeITA0ArrOcrKxjHQFaifmnILrhSdIau1YxVgg11WFgvX7K5KFeJHF1eAxlXT3/s1600/DSC_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX9sUSJ1SDdFHKbilIJp8zDgSNINkeK9WMQkaqv_tBJt7anWruMfp2lzTpsC-k-kGIqaUAZWIPE1adrBeITA0ArrOcrKxjHQFaifmnILrhSdIau1YxVgg11WFgvX7K5KFeJHF1eAxlXT3/s400/DSC_0681.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta 'drummer boy' </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicN0DDVB25aK9XlGFV45OWJb-dwQSoaKERReUwWurp0SVUVMq5m4YUSoutVBhlWP0g-7JV7KSeftY4an75x_ElMMlSYZA-iH26GXe4swUdMugUUmdvd1maxA8H0Zmjg0sux1DBhAVj1Jn/s1600/DSC_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicN0DDVB25aK9XlGFV45OWJb-dwQSoaKERReUwWurp0SVUVMq5m4YUSoutVBhlWP0g-7JV7KSeftY4an75x_ElMMlSYZA-iH26GXe4swUdMugUUmdvd1maxA8H0Zmjg0sux1DBhAVj1Jn/s400/DSC_0682.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salix tree, baby lupins, wegeila and a baby acer. Need a couple of lavenders for this one. Slugs you are not invited!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8czoLafdTHBZVV3lIAOtBS4ZPk5NSiSJXESypFAkgtvyp7_UAorQX6V9PGnpdzekGkOevWUBJwK1UIuE59rjiJEvVcrsLM-cO7r4QAJTIW8JHIw060sqELJJqmXEOTEahalH3NyEYUOD/s1600/DSC_0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8czoLafdTHBZVV3lIAOtBS4ZPk5NSiSJXESypFAkgtvyp7_UAorQX6V9PGnpdzekGkOevWUBJwK1UIuE59rjiJEvVcrsLM-cO7r4QAJTIW8JHIw060sqELJJqmXEOTEahalH3NyEYUOD/s400/DSC_0683.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the colour of this heuchera. It's a trailing one <br />
called 'redstone falls'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-68457116376370402992016-05-21T22:19:00.002+01:002016-05-21T22:19:47.985+01:00Under the bridge part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddVhKUgikuW0yTzyF52nHV5ZP6XLUp_3VOBGjX2SxbpZ1_ywJkajv5NolkcEQjztIYxobThOWHI-KJEo75LYf9ooD7QVQEQb1e6TsgExJgokZWdeNdX0ksFCn4XTlfxGKyhW5EJoEiOvE/s1600/DSC_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddVhKUgikuW0yTzyF52nHV5ZP6XLUp_3VOBGjX2SxbpZ1_ywJkajv5NolkcEQjztIYxobThOWHI-KJEo75LYf9ooD7QVQEQb1e6TsgExJgokZWdeNdX0ksFCn4XTlfxGKyhW5EJoEiOvE/s400/DSC_0670.JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
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Worldly goods. </div>
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I have no words. </div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-51342566550299528062016-05-20T14:07:00.001+01:002016-05-20T14:07:43.006+01:00Friday BleatingsToday I am mostly:<br />
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Wondering where the man in the navy blue polka spotted tea dress with matching converse trainers and white ankle socks was going when he rushed past me at lunch time. <br />
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Pondering the reason why everyone under the age of 25 is attempting to dye their hair silver grey when I am fighting a constant battle to drive back the 'white roots of doom' so that I don't look as though I have a) a white halo or b) bald patches. <br />
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Laughing at the note on the Pret serviettes which says: <em>"This napkin is 100% recyclable, but if Pret staff get all serviette-ish and hand you a huge bunch of napkins (which you don't need or want), please give them the evil eye. Waste not, want not."</em><br />
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Keeping my fingers crossed that the washing machine behaves itself over the weekend. Last night (at 11pm) I had a 'washing machine incident' which involved a baking tray, a washing up bowl, a mop and much sweariness. And my clothes for today were locked inside. Sopping wet. And no, I couldn't wear something else. Luckily I was a domestic goddess in the absence of Lovely Man (who had rather selfishly taken himself off to work. After draining the machine I ungunked a very gunked up filter. Not one of the nicest things I've ever had my finger in. <br />
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Wondering if the aged parent's second cataract operation will be first on the list tomorrow morning so we can get home at a reasonable hour of Saturdayness. We have to be there for 8am. I didn't know there were two 8 o'clocks on a Saturday. <br />
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Is it gin o'clock yet?<br />
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<em><br /></em>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-82845956772630857832016-05-16T14:02:00.005+01:002016-05-16T14:02:58.696+01:00Please be upstanding ...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For I have been awarded a Liebster blogging award by the very lovely J of </span><a href="http://wintersendramblings.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://wintersendramblings.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> fame! Thank you very much my dear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I shall attempt to do what I'm supposed to but hey - this is me we're talking about and its bound to go horribly wrong!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I think I have this right....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Link back to the blog that nominated you so that the wondrous world of blogging can expand its readership. (Think I've managed that above).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Post a photo or badge of the Liebster Award. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Um...hang on..... Ooo! Tadaahhh!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ysAJklrwtfDlyBIzkmycNMGDcTbfqrgWmraagpeTzxgVqKMRo6k4evxB1WF9q6gJ2Evyab9SUtwkRRQklj9Xovk6CEIHp4f1Gf6hR3QI6VbtCrcdUa8cRM-RbeVI7BntUC1GMi2IA0QO/s1600/Leibster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ysAJklrwtfDlyBIzkmycNMGDcTbfqrgWmraagpeTzxgVqKMRo6k4evxB1WF9q6gJ2Evyab9SUtwkRRQklj9Xovk6CEIHp4f1Gf6hR3QI6VbtCrcdUa8cRM-RbeVI7BntUC1GMi2IA0QO/s320/Leibster.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Answer ten questions posed by who nominated you - ooh ok - hang on then - here we go:--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Tea or coffee? Coffee. Skinny decaff mocha by choice if you're offering!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Bath or shower? Shower. Bish. Bash. Bosh. Quick and easy. (we don't have a shower and its the bane of my life!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Book or Kindle? Two years ago I'd say book. Was HORRIFIED by the thought of books being replaced by reading devices. What sort of witchcraft was that? However Lovely Man bought me one as a surprise birthday pressie and I've loved it ever since. I shall never stop reading actual books tho - but the Kindle is handy for travel and for internet access too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Real or fake Christmas tree? Real. As long as they're rooted. I'd rather have a fake one if they're unrooted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Christmas or Yule? Yule. Proud Pagan am I!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Starter or pudding? Starter. Garlic everything with artisan bread and balsamic. Yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. Cup or mug? MUG!! There's nary more than a tooth full in one of those cup thingies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. Favourite flower? Hyacinth for scent. Daffodillies for cheeryupness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Up to the table or couch dinner? We always eat lap-dinners but I do like a meal at the table whenever I can prise everyone away from the telly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. If you had the chance to go back in time, when would you choose and why? I'm struggling with this one as I'm not one for looking back and can't think of why I'd want to. I shall say 1977 cos I LOVED that era - but I'd like to be about 18 years old and not ten!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ooh I quite enjoyed doing that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm now supposed to nominate another five blogs but I won't do that because I know some peeps are a bit anti - so I shall merely post links to some of my very favourite blogs which I never miss reading, even if I don't comment much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://eternally28.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://eternally28.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://disasterfilm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://disasterfilm.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://roachling.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://roachling.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://magnonsmeanderings.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://magnonsmeanderings.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I shall post ten new questions for anyone to play along that would like to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Weight Watchers or Slimming World?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Chocolate: Milk or Dark?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Prosecco: Overrated, overpriced fizz or new favourite tipple?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Gerard Butler or Tom Hardy? (Swoon - I couldn't choose!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. New James Bond: Idris Elba or Tom Hiddleston?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Holidaying abroad or in the UK?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. Farm shop or Supermarket?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. Europe: Are you an Inny or an Outty?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Favourite month?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going for a lie down in a darkened room now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See you soon! </span></div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-86132166794544915662016-05-13T23:46:00.000+01:002016-05-13T23:46:00.726+01:00Under the bridge. It's five pm in Birmingham city centre.<br />
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Commuters are running for trains, glad to leave work behind for the weekend. The hideous behemoth which is the Selfridges building sits like some weird alien space station; glinting smugly in the evening sunshine, wringing another few hundred pounds out of eager shoppers before it closes.<br />
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Less than a hundred yards around the corner, this is happening<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJuYM2TY30ogfWTBIgO5pvQopdgYRfHtVgmc8wbIpyBzzYHksMFXxHfi4r5IAa7aU0ekLvAeKuu0OpBSUX4gURpNrjWdueqibZo5bTOi5clfZXCvJnVlPCPG-crDKgHLgDGTsNf1hTK9G/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJuYM2TY30ogfWTBIgO5pvQopdgYRfHtVgmc8wbIpyBzzYHksMFXxHfi4r5IAa7aU0ekLvAeKuu0OpBSUX4gURpNrjWdueqibZo5bTOi5clfZXCvJnVlPCPG-crDKgHLgDGTsNf1hTK9G/s400/DSC_0656.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5qkZZn6kMyMijFjv9WqermpEiJ6OYIttThr5nyM_rqZQiqG1jYNpgz2GAviSWcOmepculTjUgUniXfaqtcD_sXpkXPM7LGQ0TtkjgKu-Zz1ts9I9EncwGSSv7ImydeuSfbH77S-U4k_9/s1600/DSC_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5qkZZn6kMyMijFjv9WqermpEiJ6OYIttThr5nyM_rqZQiqG1jYNpgz2GAviSWcOmepculTjUgUniXfaqtcD_sXpkXPM7LGQ0TtkjgKu-Zz1ts9I9EncwGSSv7ImydeuSfbH77S-U4k_9/s400/DSC_0657.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4WbhZiYgJlObhxQbBwehwMlJwXbCE79XeWiv2WRF-GWni79zDRX5-qlxe8DWMJlsHYCHS5FBsXv7bnx2F-AHmsbV5JSr0MDY-3IZGNZHfUC6lxB7K9pXNiO-APKKlVajhaSvqJ42CSHl/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4WbhZiYgJlObhxQbBwehwMlJwXbCE79XeWiv2WRF-GWni79zDRX5-qlxe8DWMJlsHYCHS5FBsXv7bnx2F-AHmsbV5JSr0MDY-3IZGNZHfUC6lxB7K9pXNiO-APKKlVajhaSvqJ42CSHl/s400/DSC_0658.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Behind nearly every upright under the covered walkway between New Street Station and Moor Street Station is a bundle of carrier bags, a stained duvet or simply a pile of cardboard. These are all bed reservations for the evening. No-one moves them. The owners leave their worldly possessions to reserve their space safe in the knowledge that no-one else will steal them or take their pitch. </div>
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The homeless situation in Birmingham is out of control. It's been a complete shock going to work in Brum after 20 years away to see the extent of it. </div>
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It makes me so sad. </div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-70933993141398657882016-05-12T23:08:00.000+01:002016-05-12T23:12:33.217+01:00Desperately seeking number 40?They say that every picture tells a story. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh086wYzalGfsIssp37sLBMqBi-GJGS1AjsCn4AYiwJHmO7YeoV3MoABjG0zOX9xCe3l2uqmC9879P6eTQX18uHH94favRaKtbX9Wg89UD68fQp4Vuqo3SPu2N2OquL_CNzY8QiYHFIfJMx/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh086wYzalGfsIssp37sLBMqBi-GJGS1AjsCn4AYiwJHmO7YeoV3MoABjG0zOX9xCe3l2uqmC9879P6eTQX18uHH94favRaKtbX9Wg89UD68fQp4Vuqo3SPu2N2OquL_CNzY8QiYHFIfJMx/s400/DSC_0655.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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I wonder what the story is behind this.<br />
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I see this sticker every day on my way to work. It's stuck on the side of an electric box outside of a pub and I've been intrigued for months.<br />
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I'm intrigued as to who number 40 was or is and why things were never the same. Who wrote it and stuck it there? What did they hope would happen? Does 'number 40' pass by every day and read it, not knowing the message is meant for them? Or do they know, smile smugly and walk on? Was it a fortieth blind date for someone? A reference to a fortieth birthday? Is it a line from a book? A lyric from a song?<br />
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We shall never know. In my head it's from some romantic liaison. Perhaps someone is sitting in the pub, eternally waiting for Mr or Mrs 40 to walk past.<br />
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There's a book or a film in there somewhere!<br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-26204180375780123242016-05-11T13:34:00.003+01:002016-05-11T13:34:53.823+01:00Annoyances - The grumblings of a miserable old bag, aged 48 and threequartersDo you find that sometimes even the most insignificant things wind you up? I'm usually quite a placid person but there are some things that do my fookin' head in!<br />
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F'rinstance!<br />
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People who say "I've had a bowl of cereals for breakfast". No. No you haven't. Even if you've had the sum total of two Cheerios in the bottom of the bowl. It's not 'cereals'. Stop saying that. You've had a "bowl of cereal " - unless of course you've had more than one cereal. Like Weetabix and Cocopops. In the same bowl. And I don't care about what is grammatically correct or not - I just don't like it. So there.<br />
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People who say "can I just squeeze past?". No. No you can't 'just squeeze past'. Just because you have said that actual thing, you have infuriated me beyond belief and I am going to inflate to three times my normal size so you can't get past. You can, however, just say "excuse me". No need for squeezing. One is not a lemon and neither are you. No-one has to suck anything in before passing another. You could drive a bus through that gap. Eejit.<br />
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People over the age of 12 who really (no really) don't get the chicken and egg thing. <br />
"OOOO you keep chickens?" <br />
"Yes".<br />
....... * pause* .......<br />
"So - you know when they lay eggs - are there chicks in them?<br />
"No. Because we don't have a cockerel".<br />
"Oh"<br />
..........*pause*........<br />
"So if the hens sit on the eggs will they hatch?"<br />
"No. Because we don't have a cockerel".<br />
"So do you have to have a cockerel for them to have chicks then? Does he sit on the eggs to fertilise them?"<br />
"No, actually. You don't. The chick fairy visits at night and waves a bundle of feathers over those eggs she feels are ready to have chicks and miraculously they hatch next morning".<br />
"Oh". <br />
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Sigh.<br />
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Paying £8.40 for a prescription and then being told not to take the medication but not being able to get a refund! I had a hospital visit on Sunday whereupon I was given a prescription for injections for a suspected blood clot. I was told to go back next day and (thankfully) the injections will not be needed. None used yet. Nada. £8.40 down the drain. A sharps box and a full box of medication to return to the pharmacy for disposal. Pah. And yeah - before the Bla bla Brigade start on me - I KNOW it's not like returning a pair of ill-fitting trousers to Primark but PAH!!<br />
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There's probably more, but I'm such a little ray of sunlight that I'll leave them for another time! <br />
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It's been one of those days already and it's only half past one. <br />
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Aren't you glad I'm back? Well? Aren't you?! <br />
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See you soon!<br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-72749207514245150382016-05-10T16:24:00.001+01:002016-05-10T16:24:16.308+01:00Catch up-a-thon. I'm hanging my head in shame at the lack of blogging of late. Soz like! I still love you and all your bloggy tales. I love blogging too - time just seems to run away with me some times and before I know it I haven't bogged in eleventy twelve months!<br />
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So - what's been going on here at Peapods then? Hmm. Well much wedding planning has been going on for a start but as most things are booked now they can be left to their own devices for a while. We don't marry until October 17 so there's plenty of time. Bridezilla I am not!<br />
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Darling aged parent had a fall on Good (Bad) Friday and broke her ankle in two places. Sigh. Just does it for attention I reckon. Needless to say there was a pulling together of our little family and together we got her through it. She's still stiff and sore but almost mended. She's been wrapped in bubble wrap for the foreseeable future.<br />
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The Coop Clan are still producing prolifically. We've had them for about 9 months now. We have two broodies (both bantams) at the moment so we have to make sure we boot them up the bum to vacate the coop for a while so they can get food and water. Bless em. The Mille Fiore is crossed with a pterodactyl I'm sure of it. The noises she makes are not of this planet - and she makes a heck of a lot of noise for a little un!! <br />
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We're re-doing the garden. The dog tramples everything in the ground and we've decided that the way forward is container planting. Man has been tasked with making many wooden planters from old pallets and we're painting them in different colours to brighten up the place. The first one is in place and Gerald has been installed to keep an eye on proceedings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLzDWlZkuxUrYilm_lIGu_opt2shFvVm3yT6fA2Y5X3_znNCMSknXW2HDB5UXNgFaYBKjXmr1nQsYLwKnlnpsUfjmpmlwyskH-SBpVTxxUcLcsZBQbzqxEZamkOo7KZjvPsuyBZhNDhnS/s1600/Garden+May+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLzDWlZkuxUrYilm_lIGu_opt2shFvVm3yT6fA2Y5X3_znNCMSknXW2HDB5UXNgFaYBKjXmr1nQsYLwKnlnpsUfjmpmlwyskH-SBpVTxxUcLcsZBQbzqxEZamkOo7KZjvPsuyBZhNDhnS/s320/Garden+May+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqcrFK8EQjCe5OCdseT5WmtbigQsna-e9oRy6OchePji4y6etVmDhagLnQIHjef-N_jR2nBR-3Xy8-HDtZglrseiZ2K4bS_k9fFSmx4FYcJTvDs-gpgokbW0d1RIa6f1dZVUQWouG8FPj/s1600/Front+gdn+May+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqcrFK8EQjCe5OCdseT5WmtbigQsna-e9oRy6OchePji4y6etVmDhagLnQIHjef-N_jR2nBR-3Xy8-HDtZglrseiZ2K4bS_k9fFSmx4FYcJTvDs-gpgokbW0d1RIa6f1dZVUQWouG8FPj/s320/Front+gdn+May+16.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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There's another in the front garden - together with a guard dog (pah!!) and some dying weeds!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzVpA-O1U9mgXKRH0RulBp_iU005d8ETkOIpCUaAloAErRRZ3pg4u0SXrEkM9hRBMOAwEYoHOEq_3MSf0Hdq7FoVOLe9aU-Ty-EK8nlESETIDSGhwq4Kgnp_y5saMvoX3sKeeCrB0wlKg/s1600/Harvey+May+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzVpA-O1U9mgXKRH0RulBp_iU005d8ETkOIpCUaAloAErRRZ3pg4u0SXrEkM9hRBMOAwEYoHOEq_3MSf0Hdq7FoVOLe9aU-Ty-EK8nlESETIDSGhwq4Kgnp_y5saMvoX3sKeeCrB0wlKg/s320/Harvey+May+16.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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Hooligan Hound's attempt to look angelic. There was food involved in the making of this picture. Shocked aren't you?!</div>
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Man and I had a couple of days in Stratford last week and very nice it was too. The weather was amazing and we managed to have a little trip down river and to see Anne Hathaway's cottage. We shall draw a veil over going on a pub crawl on empty stomachs during the afternoon! Thank goodness for Wetherspoons cheap pub grub that's what I say!! </div>
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Here's a few pics. None of us being worse for wear mind you. Just as well really. </div>
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Someone took this duck apart and didn't put him back together right! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtKrZ_Nq8_60N2G37FIKFS3R2dYEjbQwUTCNUtojcECjC-piqJ-W8KXJ5jmzrijVVpFs-kiyGuG9N3MX8s5aHzI0MVTdaegsEiXP_E_-FyzvlrVHzxxgt4iqEqdD67n3O7QmhyG9Ve3v5/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtKrZ_Nq8_60N2G37FIKFS3R2dYEjbQwUTCNUtojcECjC-piqJ-W8KXJ5jmzrijVVpFs-kiyGuG9N3MX8s5aHzI0MVTdaegsEiXP_E_-FyzvlrVHzxxgt4iqEqdD67n3O7QmhyG9Ve3v5/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU41Cxg5kpr6n1dFzzS2MqneBsDOT8N7JKkIWidH4RsMqssAONR1mjbBUv5_pJxj0VPPkdlZ-EaAjwoqA82WOKXuQmTH4ek3yJMp1Gq6ZZCOVvqSqc9hUYwaUalO0_IbsfFRI9meKgyT9/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU41Cxg5kpr6n1dFzzS2MqneBsDOT8N7JKkIWidH4RsMqssAONR1mjbBUv5_pJxj0VPPkdlZ-EaAjwoqA82WOKXuQmTH4ek3yJMp1Gq6ZZCOVvqSqc9hUYwaUalO0_IbsfFRI9meKgyT9/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5iKcCeBGRpy91MW4Of4TSIwG2ZbAcaz5aivnZcOjiRW8qH6VJQwrZZv8C9Y6DFIvNESJDNU-IMsZVLHIaiC4-gGgnY5UhRsvO8UBrbClXVlwtzBYQMwOsVpbweBwM4p9agr5reh5QICA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5iKcCeBGRpy91MW4Of4TSIwG2ZbAcaz5aivnZcOjiRW8qH6VJQwrZZv8C9Y6DFIvNESJDNU-IMsZVLHIaiC4-gGgnY5UhRsvO8UBrbClXVlwtzBYQMwOsVpbweBwM4p9agr5reh5QICA/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ahh - that's better!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AJoSrlFa4uSDHV2vWboPXa_YgSWtDLMwVjTKL7n9tfde-I5CsEIGAUlnH6Mp_SSpUz2y0PChlOeimAfFAkfUKCOl6HTyUqglaNHXdeXmIf1SyFVHKn7ng1gXuSlOiSt0qdU2xDgEyO6H/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AJoSrlFa4uSDHV2vWboPXa_YgSWtDLMwVjTKL7n9tfde-I5CsEIGAUlnH6Mp_SSpUz2y0PChlOeimAfFAkfUKCOl6HTyUqglaNHXdeXmIf1SyFVHKn7ng1gXuSlOiSt0qdU2xDgEyO6H/s320/007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yFNl47FXJN90BDBRjr2gYKzSQlyKKAuOmo-ik5G8KHQ_m5iOOAM_zHNgIp0LfKiL4KeaxCDcCVlprjeEbFj-55ixjsuA-sBtS44QZJxQlpqPXr8M2htgTwbaL2_UjcBgcCV4-jhduO8i/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yFNl47FXJN90BDBRjr2gYKzSQlyKKAuOmo-ik5G8KHQ_m5iOOAM_zHNgIp0LfKiL4KeaxCDcCVlprjeEbFj-55ixjsuA-sBtS44QZJxQlpqPXr8M2htgTwbaL2_UjcBgcCV4-jhduO8i/s320/020.JPG" width="240" /></a>Don't quite know what to say about this Midsummer Night's Dream sculpture really. So I won't say anything. Snigger. </div>
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Ah this is better - a bit of decorum!! Beautiful quotation and very fitting for such a beautiful day. </div>
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Pretty blossoms</div>
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Arty shot of the Cottage. I am a photography-genius. What?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNxgdfi6Ox9EZ9zkN5ohGatsojjUS9urwnhnIlYmVP67CuIhZ_22WA1ydaDwW_XikSVgWirtSO0G4_0U82YVeP4BCwl6KemhoGMT9vJTojfFL5VHj09OJyKeKtwj-VcWkoGKERgYGXNnr/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNxgdfi6Ox9EZ9zkN5ohGatsojjUS9urwnhnIlYmVP67CuIhZ_22WA1ydaDwW_XikSVgWirtSO0G4_0U82YVeP4BCwl6KemhoGMT9vJTojfFL5VHj09OJyKeKtwj-VcWkoGKERgYGXNnr/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7PmPiHQMI5KvllzR_dt3HJkDNzp44OdSLN_FRlPbOrv9Kn4T6l8aJo0o7x1MuJ2VwTXgq8x5wPOE-K1BCEny8EmecqFJhBlK5qYjO3ozru49O1icKrJeOA9dovyvESQ9KLQwHF4Ky170/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7PmPiHQMI5KvllzR_dt3HJkDNzp44OdSLN_FRlPbOrv9Kn4T6l8aJo0o7x1MuJ2VwTXgq8x5wPOE-K1BCEny8EmecqFJhBlK5qYjO3ozru49O1icKrJeOA9dovyvESQ9KLQwHF4Ky170/s320/021.JPG" width="240" /></a>Falstaff's belly. As you do. </div>
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Picture postcard prettyfullness!</div>
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The gardens were gorgeous - Full of blooming tulips </div>
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A woodland walk - volunteers had been stripping out some of the undergrowth. </div>
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Squirrel posing squirrelfully</div>
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And I'll leave you with this sculpture. Cos... well.... it's art innit?</div>
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*Drops Mic. Walks out of blog*</div>
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See you soon!! </div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-62517838787060376302016-01-10T23:49:00.001+00:002016-01-11T07:55:05.638+00:00Named and ShamedI love my kids to bits but jeez they're messy buggers (kindle just changed that to messy nuggets. Sigh. )<br />
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This evening I had to serve dinner to six people. There were the sum total of two plates in the cupboard. Two!!<br />
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A reconnaissance mission beyond the enemy lines of their bedroom doors, armed with a chair held aloft in a lion tamer styley and wearing a welders mask, gauntlets and a boiler suit, revealed two tea plates, a bowl and a dinner plate in DD's room and the grand total of seven dinner plates in KTT's room. Neither of them were in and so in view of the fact that I actually needed to use the crockery I had liberated from their rooms, I also had to use a flame thrower to chip away at the congealed ketchup and other highly suspect materials in order to make them sanitary enough to eat from. I was bloody fuming. Ordinarily I'd have dumped the whole lot in the middle of their beds and pulled the covers over them for them to discover later but that wasn't an option.<br />
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So I named and shamed them on Facebook along with a picture of the crime scene.<br />
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As anticipated, DD went ballistic and and sent me a text (imagine a screamer missive in Harry Potter) asking me if I "really needed to put that on Facebook and make her look stupid?" Well yes, actually, I did! KTT just promptly detagged himself and left a one word observation: "gas"<br />
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Tee hee.<br />
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I think I've found an Achilles heel.<br />
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Next on the agenda will be updates on how they manage to stand up from the loo to retrieve a new toilet roll yet can't quite manage to replace the empty one, which requires a hugely krypton factor-ish conundrum to be solved involving fearlessly sliding off the empty tube and replacing it with a full one. Nope. It's easier just to leave the new roll on the side of the bath. Who knew?<br />
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Or will it be the story of the dumping of teetering laundry baskets in the kitchen, never quite making the extra half inch into the machine. DD might occasionally put a load of washing on, but may not return to the machine for a month or so by which time the laundry fairies have visited.<br />
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In an amazing feat of not-switched-on-at-all-ness yesterday, KTT took out the bathroom bin, emptied it into the wheelie, came back into the house, set the bin on the stairs then walked past it to go back up to his room. <br />
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I love em. I love the bones of em. But they drive me sodding batty!<br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-13514769707477375082016-01-08T12:01:00.002+00:002016-01-08T12:06:55.209+00:00Lay Lady LayActually ladies, could you have a rest cos we have an egg mountain! Tiny bantam eggs, rich dark brown huge ones and large paler ones. We haven't tracked down who's laying what yet but I sincerely hope the big ones are from the maran and not the bantams!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGd42Uw-U1aEXSaXZC5UhPbe_B3qEAbFxlyCnuoaIyAnNnN3gSfushYsuSGUE2lHM1iEGtyzd3DKk2dOBddiN5iymZxWFtJlYsiPrwfc8JQBRte8d60BAnsrEKlJ2FTelZ6zcTOrcOcc5/s1600/DSC_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGd42Uw-U1aEXSaXZC5UhPbe_B3qEAbFxlyCnuoaIyAnNnN3gSfushYsuSGUE2lHM1iEGtyzd3DKk2dOBddiN5iymZxWFtJlYsiPrwfc8JQBRte8d60BAnsrEKlJ2FTelZ6zcTOrcOcc5/s400/DSC_0461.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Our new flock we took on as 10 week old chicks have now blossomed into sweet young ladies. Well. Apart from one. Our beautiful lavender pekin bantam turned out to be a cockerel so sadly we had to give him away. Our neighbours wouldn't have tolerated his lusty crow every morning and several times each day so needs must. such a shame. He was a beauty. Here he is in the foreground just before we let him go, looking like the king of his castle. </div>
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We had a mixed brood of two chocolate pekins (Titch and Myrtle) a black maran (Chickneequa) (don't ask), a gorgeous little flitty-about mille-fiore (Millie, natch) and a huge Light Sussex called Big Bird)</div>
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I was surprised when they all started laying before Xmas. I thought they'd have been waiting until around Feb for some reason but they're all merrily popping out eggs all over the place with no sign of slowing down at present! </div>
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This morning Ktt </div>
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and I breakfasted like kings (and Queens!) with boilies and soldiers for him </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uqPcH3dRoJ45OFT6A0qDy0YkNnOeOWLpeOMBWm7JZQeB_yX_K3WAlyyvYk7MVdNkgL2DOsR4dovls_55WlUxMThUMyStdXvbzE2OJp7uEm0ol5IpByVVj5aRxUYv6Njt65NkZpVIDh2j/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uqPcH3dRoJ45OFT6A0qDy0YkNnOeOWLpeOMBWm7JZQeB_yX_K3WAlyyvYk7MVdNkgL2DOsR4dovls_55WlUxMThUMyStdXvbzE2OJp7uEm0ol5IpByVVj5aRxUYv6Njt65NkZpVIDh2j/s400/DSC_0460.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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And poached for me. Cept I forgot to take a pic until I was being mugged by the hooligan for a toast crust. This dog would forego prime steak for toast</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx-WDABxiz31vhb58Dx_h9kWZKk3CUgMXHC4oOzEkvIlq3IpzPLBabiZobcwkKqYgNr1qy_5DJ3DSLpg7dsJn6-G-dY59rxwo_dQnjk5Id-KZV5pNOXmUC-eNJnNBjDWHGsyz0OQBX7Ep/s1600/20160108_101938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx-WDABxiz31vhb58Dx_h9kWZKk3CUgMXHC4oOzEkvIlq3IpzPLBabiZobcwkKqYgNr1qy_5DJ3DSLpg7dsJn6-G-dY59rxwo_dQnjk5Id-KZV5pNOXmUC-eNJnNBjDWHGsyz0OQBX7Ep/s400/20160108_101938.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use poaching pods cos I'm hopeless at perfectly poached eggs!</td></tr>
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Well that's four used up. Now for the other 19!!</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-30962663878647546392016-01-06T00:24:00.000+00:002016-01-06T00:24:12.024+00:00Of dreich days, argumentative kindles and cabbages. How do?!<br />
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Welcome to new followers Briony and Janina. Many thanks for your company.<br />
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How are we all then? Another "dreich" (thanks Aril!!) day here in the Black Country. I love that word. DREICH. It says it perfectly doesn't it? A Scottish word for dreary and bleak. It even sounds like a mixture of those two very words. The Kindle insisted that it was changing the word to "French" and I had to retype it about three times. My life revolves around arguing with my Kindle! It does my swede in. (Not Sweden. Sigh)<br />
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Lovely fella had his manky tooth (Kindle converted that to manly tooth. Teehee) removed today so he's feeling a bit sore around the gills. At least it's out though. He had a nasty infection in his gum just before Xmas so it needed to be taken out.<br />
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Another slow news day here at the pod, so I'll share some old news instead. Long standing readers might remember me posting about my brother's attempts at growing monster cabbages last year. Unfortunately they peaked a little early for the Malvern show and he was just down to one to exhibit; a mighty legume he christened Colin. Unfortunately Colin didn't win any prizes but he certainly stood up well amongst his peers. Bro has already sown his new batch for this year and has them growing under a very intricate hydroponics system to be in with a chance for this year's shows<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin in his hey day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bro won first prize with his pot leeks</td></tr>
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Mum, on the other hand, was thrilled to receive second prize at a local allotment show for her two cabbages which were in fact runts of the litter she had inherited from Bro which she had grown for fun. Just look at her little face!!<br />
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There you go then. How about that for a heap of randomness?! Aren't you lucky?! <br />
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See you soon<br />
Xx<br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-38404900176715853762016-01-05T00:47:00.002+00:002016-01-05T00:47:54.801+00:00BubbleiciousSo it's back to work time and the first Monday of the new year. Commuting returns to its usual nightmare state. Over subscribed trains rammed with sullen faced young men and overly perfumed women all glued to their phones. Blimey you can tell there has been much giving of scent for Christmas. Our carriage this morning smelt like a migraine inducing tart's boudoir. I adore perfume but was actually glad to breathe in some Birmingham smog when I got off the train.<br />
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The new job is going. Um. Ok I guess. I still don't know whether I've done the right thing but I haven't broken anything yet and haven't been yelled at. I'm nearing the end of my probation period so I shall know shortly whether I have to look elsewhere.<br />
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Man is off for a few days as he has to have a nasty dental appointment tomorrow to remove a shattered tooth. He's currently raising the rafters by snoring his head off. I'm not used to company on a school night as he's usually at work. He best quieten down as he may not need the dentist to remove his tooth tomorrow!! It's a good job I love him!<br />
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I have discovered bubble tea. Have you guys heard of it? Goodness it's soooo good. I had a lychee one today. I may have found a new obsession. You can get milky type ones but I go for the fruit ones. It's made with a base syrup, topped up with ice and Jasmine tea then poured over these little ball things which you suck up the straw and pop in your gob releasing tiny bursts of flavour. The balls are actually made of tapioca but so far removed from anything resembling school puddings! It's So different. It originated in Taiwan and got very popular in americky before landing here. As if I need any new obsessions!<br />
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See you soon xKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-81083675668606008832016-01-03T23:12:00.005+00:002016-01-03T23:12:39.993+00:00Stuff. and nonsense. ( probably) Hellair!<br />
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The house has been de-christmased, everything is back in its rightful place. And you will have noticed, there is a new addition to the "stuff" table. I love stuff. I couldnt be minimalist if I tried<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No hooligan hound, Studhead Sally is waaaay too cool for you!</td></tr>
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This is Studhead Sally. A head customised by my very clever sis in law. she was a Xmas pressie. Studhead Sally. Not my sis in law. Very 'me' don't you think?<br />
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Above the stuff table resides our memories of Glastonbury purchase. At the bottom of the High Street is a shop called Happy Glastonbury which sells the usual Glasto loveliness, crystals, jewellery, charms etc. But we fell in love with these images which were available in a variety of media. Mugs, cards, canvases... each one showing the Tor in the background. Being limited for space due to travelling by coach, we settled for some cards which I framed in a multi aperture mount and frame when we got home. It makes me happy every time I look at it. <br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-43802619294916420282016-01-02T21:49:00.001+00:002016-01-02T21:51:47.361+00:00Slow news New Year. Happy New Year bloglies. I hope all is well in your collective worlds. <br />
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I had to go to work on New Years Eve. Boo to that, but unusually I saw a glimpse of sunshine, albeit a brief one, catching the brickwork of the council building which gave it a somewhat honeyed glow. Odd to think that just a couple of weeks ago the German market with all its kitsch rubbish and sausagey scents was in full swing on this very spot.<br />
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I rarely take a lunch break, but I decided to take myself over to the new Grand Central shopping arena and dragged myself, kicking and screaming in protest I might add, into Cath Kidston's store whereupon a very pretty orphan handbag leapt into my arms and nestled there, looking lost and forlorn until I promised to adopt it. This is why I don't take lunch breaks very often. In my defence I spent Christmas money so there. <br />
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I couldn't wait to get home. The crowds at 5pm were almost as bad as they were on Christmas eve carrying arms full of carrier bags and bemoaning the fact that the shops were having the audacity to close at 5pm. How much "stuff" do people actually need?<br />
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I scurried for the train at home time. Well scurrying was perhaps a bit over ambitious. For scurrying read limping painfully dragging my gammy leg behind me. Once home I collapsed into the bath, anointed myself with posh new lotions and potions, donned new jamas and shared a Chinese takeaway with me lovely fella. Snuggled on the sofa we saw in the New Year with Bryan Adams who put on a surprisingly good sing along.<br />
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Yesterday was spent in hibernation. I adore being at home at this time of year and really do feel a physical wrench if I have to go out. The vile weather we are having doesn't help. I just want to be here in my chair; snoozing, resting, crocheting and the occasional web browsing and blog reading makes me a happy bunny. I feel very weak, tired and bone achey after a really heavy cold just before Xmas so I don't feel guilty at all.<br />
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We popped out for a beautiful Indian meal with the family for a couple of hours last night which was just long enough to be out. <br />
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It's rained for most of the day today too. Double yuk. Shopping for essentials only was done quick smart today before home again at top speed.<br />
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Gawd what a load of bloody uninteresting drivel that post was! Must try harder methinks!<br />
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Wishing you all good spaces and health for 2016.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs-nPsLsC_nKiTM4KuaDQVrYJP0YhZlHnZKyP3wRUy7yzqX8nB63_XSqWr2SJBxYZCNKO2Tvhdx-rb80XeFBIj7vSqb9zUR5DCpvtWubQ72f54h_b8rNZaqTCrkW9JnUhA9JWfSyuHgGS/s1600/FB_IMG_1451771174693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs-nPsLsC_nKiTM4KuaDQVrYJP0YhZlHnZKyP3wRUy7yzqX8nB63_XSqWr2SJBxYZCNKO2Tvhdx-rb80XeFBIj7vSqb9zUR5DCpvtWubQ72f54h_b8rNZaqTCrkW9JnUhA9JWfSyuHgGS/s400/FB_IMG_1451771174693.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May the force be strong in you. </td></tr>
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Blessings x<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-45534304772461393572015-12-28T22:33:00.004+00:002015-12-28T23:05:54.755+00:00Another one doneAnd it's all over for another year. It doesn't seem five minutes since I left work last Wednesday and now here I am in bed with that familiar sense of dread lying in the pit of my stomach as I'm back at work tomorrow.<br />
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We've had a lovely family time though. Lots of laughs and fun, as well as lots of down time for me and the fella, hibernating in the living room, cat on one sofa, dog on the other, fella watching endless drivel and me catching up on some crochet. I had chronic lurgy the week before Christmas which still has me in its clutches. My son had it at the same time as me, and now man has it. Horrid germs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6u_S5g8YvDhB5F97EsmHIF-z89ZewYFgMwSgxzJCZPQln6Y8tT-oaAwtjCrLoVbOepQ5j_iOGOPwHtg5p9Z2dfmbOYIpeslg3Tpf169GkY0BWftSP13vkvftTwXnXtk1QqGtUxURsOmW4/s1600/FB_IMG_1451343157010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6u_S5g8YvDhB5F97EsmHIF-z89ZewYFgMwSgxzJCZPQln6Y8tT-oaAwtjCrLoVbOepQ5j_iOGOPwHtg5p9Z2dfmbOYIpeslg3Tpf169GkY0BWftSP13vkvftTwXnXtk1QqGtUxURsOmW4/s400/FB_IMG_1451343157010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My current WIP together with a crafty gift from the kids </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGClrun13AgXF41nEmqjzuDYD8_DwPlWV34wcxF6Vyinw_VnBt33JiwSGtC675ChhrFdPYIbk0hAQLMUqWd28lOn8H2dMbCLbvInNX-HaqYAkoCtCDnqWHh_AgKNE8ARkPaC2nQRWH2qD/s1600/FB_IMG_1451343167600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGClrun13AgXF41nEmqjzuDYD8_DwPlWV34wcxF6Vyinw_VnBt33JiwSGtC675ChhrFdPYIbk0hAQLMUqWd28lOn8H2dMbCLbvInNX-HaqYAkoCtCDnqWHh_AgKNE8ARkPaC2nQRWH2qD/s400/FB_IMG_1451343167600.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another crafty gift </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxPMrmicOGDGVW6IqPN1PgTHLoo2Rh-pF_dWAfHmhNEsJyTrVO92owfcQzKninpJ3G_X-2WBuPc0eb2RCL5pUcqJazfp0-WnNcYY7VctZMQ1Wwr4gPL5eYN1IL30p3M4wUYQwMJaTHNbw/s1600/FB_IMG_1451343181463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxPMrmicOGDGVW6IqPN1PgTHLoo2Rh-pF_dWAfHmhNEsJyTrVO92owfcQzKninpJ3G_X-2WBuPc0eb2RCL5pUcqJazfp0-WnNcYY7VctZMQ1Wwr4gPL5eYN1IL30p3M4wUYQwMJaTHNbw/s400/FB_IMG_1451343181463.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratuitous shot of a very unusually clean looking hooligan hound</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG_4K3T2d7CmYULPZe0CVHOWsqflivOzPZCVQ__Gv_523ijhjK4p4yBZmYkqykmTCwkGAEf_5dCnBqFn8emss2bDEvSJDs8DH5cyd1qZ1hVQkkoCMXp8gimclpaN1SkddTHY05fL8V03w/s1600/FB_IMG_1451343224046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG_4K3T2d7CmYULPZe0CVHOWsqflivOzPZCVQ__Gv_523ijhjK4p4yBZmYkqykmTCwkGAEf_5dCnBqFn8emss2bDEvSJDs8DH5cyd1qZ1hVQkkoCMXp8gimclpaN1SkddTHY05fL8V03w/s400/FB_IMG_1451343224046.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am taking no responsibility at all for this mess"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDDUNy2QP-j92eKs1OuaYIZCxar6Ebdswyrh7BvBZwqn-MtJ6E_2F9Z9gFiUGjr2a8UuAs_hyphenhyphenoSIeCgY0nc_AQZRBlrHZ7VMEXvODMdyTquQwIOtsCkSCgkqWTTTMhKX8uSu4coBrdYbq/s1600/FB_IMG_1451343236854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDDUNy2QP-j92eKs1OuaYIZCxar6Ebdswyrh7BvBZwqn-MtJ6E_2F9Z9gFiUGjr2a8UuAs_hyphenhyphenoSIeCgY0nc_AQZRBlrHZ7VMEXvODMdyTquQwIOtsCkSCgkqWTTTMhKX8uSu4coBrdYbq/s400/FB_IMG_1451343236854.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerald in festive attire. He was not best pleased </td></tr>
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After a blogging break and several busy life events hopefully I can get back to blogging again. Fingers crossed!<br />
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Hope you have all had a splendid festive period.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-7803355747603538312015-11-01T21:25:00.004+00:002015-11-01T22:32:55.089+00:00Seasons of mists... Or gurt big thick peasoupers more like!!<br />
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The fog only lifted for a short while this morning giving us a brief hour or two of weak autumnal sunshine before it rolled back in; enveloping the fields and the top of the garden. By 5pm it had thickened and now we can barely see to the other side of the road. Proper November weather. I'm hoping it will have cleared by morning as British Rail don't need much excuse to cancel the trains!<br />
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We have been happy at home today. Man has been stripping pallets and making frames for some rustic planters for outside the front door which I will fill with spring flowering bulbs.<br />
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I have pottered in the kitchen, making apple crumble with some windfalls from mom's allotment and making a roast pork dinner. <br />
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We had a quick walk to the shop this afternoon and I spotted this tree. It was still foggy but the weak sunshine behind it illuminated the last of it's leaves which were clinging on like a halo.<br />
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You may need to click on the pic to see what I mean. </div>
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What a very grey picture!</div>
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Have some colour to brighten things up. My lovely autumn planted pots make me happy and are a real splash of colour on a dismal day. </div>
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See you soon xxKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3512997676373914397.post-73438516042696885232015-10-31T12:15:00.001+00:002015-10-31T12:15:29.607+00:00I'm back again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello bloglies!!</div>
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I made it back!</div>
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Blessed Samhain to those of a similar mind. </div>
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If not then happy pumpkin carving and mugging the neighbours for Haribo day!</div>
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I took a bit of a blogging respite over the summer as, basically, my head was a shed. As appears to be the new saying!</div>
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I've lost the plot with my diet but am still hanging on to a weight loss, albeit a smaller one than last time I posted but I'm taking the positive. I'm hoping now that my life is back on track I can kick start it again. </div>
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I have a new job! Yep. After 18 years in a job I was beginning to despise because of cynical management I finally decided that I was not a tree. I could actually stop whining about the fact that someone else in the department was being paid more than me for doing the same job and do something positive. So after a couple of non starters I secured a job in the big bad city. My salary has increased more than I could have achieved in ten years at my previous firm and I have taken on a semi-supervisory role. I've been there a week and although daunting it hasn't gone too badly at all. It will be a huge learning curve but I'm up for the challenge. </div>
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We went to Glastonbury for a few days in September and had the best time. As envisaged we absolutely adored it. We climbed the Tor (almost to the top but the light faded too quickly for us to get up to the very top), we visited the Chalice Well where I lit candles, hid offerings and had a little cry, visited the Abbey where The fella dropped his very expensive sunnies in the fishpond! Bad luck there but I'm sure there's a very cool looking carp swimming around in them now! </div>
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We gained six gorgeous chickies for our coop. They were just babies when we got them but they're growing into lovely hens now. Sadly we had to get rid of our beautiful lavender pekin which turned out to be a cockerel and not the hen we had specifically requested rather than potentially incur the wrath of our spiteful neighbour. Sad but necessary as he was far too noisy for a terraced house garden. </div>
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My son left school and has gone to college to study music tech. Hes also secured a job at a big supermarket and has just started this past week. How can this be? He's only 3!!</div>
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I have lots of pics to share but can't access them from my phone. Another day maybe? </div>
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Blessings. </div>
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See you soon</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008689476612298969noreply@blogger.com12