The way that people respond to summer madness

So here I am, sitting in the office, working the May Day Bank Holiday!

Facing kind South East, so in the shade this afternoon..... wooly jumper on cause this morning when I was out walking at 6.45 it was a bit blowy.

..... and I text home and says


"what are you all up to?"

Tooli Sleeping on the Trampoline

Si, relaxing on the Hammock!

Boy Studying at the Table!

Humph

I saw your face in a crowded place,...........

I don't like crowds.

I hadn't thought about it before but I realised it yesterday as I prepared to go to our Annual Hog Roast. I really don't like mixing in big crowds of people - i'm fine if I'm with people I love and trust, but when I'm not I feel physically sick.

I can't tell you the relief I felt when I saw Si, Dude and Tool arrive. After that I kept them close so that I could see them from wherever I was. Made me feel much better.


For my birthday from the gang, (my family Gang), I got a Wii Fit. O M Bloody God. This is brilliant!

Apart from the fact, that it has made my Wii Mii a bit fat now, I'm delighted with it. Tool is becoming expert in all fields. Is really quite amazing for a piece of plastic. I don't know quite what is inside that Wii Board, but my god it makes you do wonderful things. My legs are killing me from balance exercises!This is the downhill ski-ing. I'm hopeless at that, but I LOVE the Yoga and the Step Class and I excel at Hulahooping. Gran, however, totally failed. I never seen anyone fail at Hula Hooping before. But the poor wee Mii of Gran, couldn't do it.

The Friday 5

The Friday 5

How do you feel about spicy food?

Neither One Way Or The Other. On One Hand I like it, on the other hand, if it is tooo hot, it distresses me.

What kinds of condiments do you add to food in order to spice things up a bit?

I add Jam to bacon butties. I add Salt and Vinegar Crisps to Bread. I add Cheese to Meat. I know none of these are condiments, but I'm not very lateral in the cooking department. Is Sweet Chili sauce a condiment? I add that to Macaroni.

Not counting salt and pepper, what’s your favorite flavor enhancer when cooking?

Sweet Chili Sauce. defo. With Crispy Beef, With macaroni, With Curry. Oh, And I love Coriander, again, not a condiment..... but lovely in it's own little grassy way.

What’s the spiciest food you’ve ever eaten?

One of Si's "mild" curries. He made it, insisted it was lovely, and then me and poor Tool sat and tears streamed down our faces cause it was burning the lining from our oesophagus. Si and the boy were fine tho. But Boy would eat anything. Mainly because he's a tory.

In what way might some other aspect of your daily life be spiced up, and what’s keeping that from happening right now?

How might my life be spiced up. If I won the lottery - that would spice things up. If Christof Lambert came in to the office and flirted with me....

Hold on Tight....

Hold It


1. When feel the urge to use the bathroom, do you hold it or go right away?
I have had a hysterectomy. I need to go before I feel the urge! I'm also 44, which means I no longer have control over my kidney function.

2. When was the last time you held hands with someone?
Yesterday. I hold hands (much to my children's disgust) with my husband all the time)

3. Do you hold in your emotions or let them out?
LET EM OUT. LET EM OUT. LET EM OUT.

4. If you play blackjack or poker, are you more likely to hold or fold on any given hand?
HOLD AND FOLD. nature of the game.

5. In general, can you hold your tongue? When you have a secret? When

I get Up... And Nothing Gets Me Down....

Yesterday Si had a bouncing marathon.

Si doesn't express much emotion. You buy him something fantastic that he has only dreamed about.... he says, "thanks. that's great". He said yesterday when he grew up with nothing to smile about - looking unhappy became second nature.

The only time I have seen REAL emotion on his face, was on our Wedding Day.... That smile is burnt into my memory, and then again, when the kids were born.

But the Trampoline... wow this has opened a whole new world to us.

Bouncing on the trampoline makes Si smile.

It makes him smile so much, we all just sit round and watch him - it makes us all so happy.

It's brilliant. I'm going to make him bounce EVERY day.

Razzamatazz and A Rooty Toot Toot

OH MY HEAVENS!

So far, am liking it! Maybe that is to do with the fact that I've taken a days holiday, which is always good. But A Mid-Week one is something Special! I woke to cards from my gang, a noisy one from Si, A Cheeky one from Steve and a beautiful hand made one from Tooli. Steven had bought me a Rick Astley CD - FANTASTIC. I love Rick Astley, Tooli had drawn a family portrait - the likeness of me is SCARY. Si has bought me something but it hasn't been delivered yet........ I sit waiting to see if it arrives this morning.

Am just going to go and shower and then head out for 5000 steps!

See Y'all Later

Check me out... On the Cover of Playmate! ha ha ha ha Brilliant. Thank you Kirst! I Lurve it!

I'm not bad looking for such an old Bird!

Wow. Sad End to my Birthday day.

I went to Tap Tonight. I missed it last week for the Opening of Cechinnis, and was looking forward to a good dance round the room. All the ladies were saying "o m g , it is awful, worse than before". But I went in, and yes, it was. It was hopeless. I don't know what he expects of us - I'm one of the younger ones... and tonight I was incapable. He wants us to be all bouncing about like Billy Elliot on Speed. Its just not going to happen.

I just thought to myself, there is no point in me spending money, and dragging myself along here when it is just no fun.

So at the end, he was handing out the steps, and I just said "no thanks, I'm not going to come back, it just isn't fun any more". I won't say he pleaded with me to stay - but I'm not one of the best dancers - but hey - it wasn't about the dancing, it was about having fun!

And it isnt

That being said, I'm still feeling good for being 44!

'Till an all time love...............

Tomorrow I'm 44.

Flip.

I quite like that number.

Am hopeful that being 44, with two numbers I like, and it being a double roll over on the lottery, my luck may be in.

DWNB

Hey, Hey, You, You,... Get offa My Cloud

I love Clouds I do. Big Clouds, small clouds, white clouds black clouds. These two photos were taken within 1 minute of each other - one facing north, one facing south (ish). Isn't the earth fantastic that it can produce something that looks like this, right in front of you.

Love Them Love Them Love Them.

Such an Angel with a Devilish Angle...

So there I was.

Standing on the doorstep explaining to the policeman that yes I had exposed my bare bum to my next door neighbour. (Yes the same garden hopping senile citizen).

"And where exactly did this take place" asked the nice policeman.

"I was standing in my house in the doorway into the kitchen".

The policeman looked confused, "and where was the complainant"

"standing on a box looking in my kitchen window". I replied.

Yes, Quite.

friday 5

the Friday 5


What’s something you love and is quite bad for you?
Salt and Vinegar Crisp Sandwiches

What’s something you hate and is quite good for you?

EVIL TOMATOES

What’s something that’s about equally good and bad for you?
Salt and Vinegar Crisp Sandwiches (Potato = Vegetable, BRead could be wholegrain)


What’s something you’ve been told is bad for you but you suspect is not as bad as people say? Salt and Vinegar Crisp Sandwiches (see Above)

What’s something most people consider ugly but you consider beautiful?
Windmills for Power Generation. I think they are LOVERLY

The only one that stole my heart away..............

So, there I was standing all alone, against the bar in Pebbles.

I had gone out with my mate, and her new husband and her sister, and two brothers, and during the course of the evening she had managed to fall out with each and every one of them. The climax to the evening came when she returned from the toilet to find me and her husband of 2 weeks dancing together. She stormed on to the dance floor and belted him and stormed off in a rage. There was a bit more to'ing and fro'ing but suffice to say, end of the night I was left all alone.

There were plenty of people I knew so it wasn't so bad, and I had everyone's drinks to finish! So I was okay.

Then I saw him. He was walking back and forward from the dance floor to the edge of the room right in front of me. I watched this performance about 6 or 7 times, and laughed to myself.
I turned round to finish my drink and then there he was beside me.

He's still there.

We just want to dance here, someone stole the stage

So there I was, standing in my kitchen, and I looked up.

The crazy ole lady from next door was standing on the kerb stone round my petite garden.

She grinned wildly at me and dropped her toe on to the grass. Then Lifted it out. I ignored her, as best I could as I stood washing my dishes; but in, out, in, out , in out she went. In retrospect I should have been impressed that an old bird could move as quickly as she was.

But, things being as they were, I was in the throws of an "episode". Nothing was rational to me, and her waving to me and mouthing "i'm in your garden" was driving me nothing short of insane. I lifted a knife from the drying board and waved it at her, and she took off like the clappers of hell.

She didn't go home, oh no. She went across the road, out of stabbing distance, and proceeded to visit all the neighbours on the opposite side of the road from me. I watched, my panic increasing as she stood on each doorstep, yapping away and pointing across the road at me.

I retained enough calm to stay in the house until she had had enough and went home, and then I headed out, over to the same neighbours. I chapped each door, and asked the neighbours in turn what she had been saying about me.

Jeesus H Christ. When I think back to the looks on their faces.

Bad enough being confronted by mental old Woman, but to then be harassed by mental young woman seeking confirmation that mental old woman was telling them I was mad must have scared the beejeezuz out of them!

I was mad, Indeed. And to all those people. I apologise profusely.

Moving sidewalks, I don't see under my feet.......

I just read back blogs over the week from 9th March.

There was no indication of it. At All.

I'm stunned. Silenced.

And now looking for a reputable Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

My racing heart, is just the same;

So there I was, ironing by the bedroom window. I've taken to doing it up there with my Ipod in, looking out the window, cause I can just loose myself in another world.

So anyways, there I was, standing doing the ironing, and these two wee pains went past. I watched them closely cause they looked like they were looking for trouble..... but they appeared to pass without event. Until....

out the corner of my eye I spotted a little flickering light... wasstha? I thought. I looked closer (cause my eye sight isn't brilliant, and I very rarely wear my glasses), but then I realised it was a little flame. I moved round the ironing board, and looked closer out the window. The flame was coming out of someone's recycling bin. So I shouted to Boy, "Oi, have you got shoes on". Boy shouts back, "nope"; I says, "The bin's on fire across the road", Boy Shouts, "right".

I grabbed my jug I was using for ironing and had about 1/4 pint of water in it, and started to run across the road.

By the time I bounced across the road, I had about 1/4 of 1/4 of a pint, and I splished it in. It had absolutely no effect. So I bounds up to the door, and I says "Hello, I'm Steven's mum, - Your paper boy", and she says "oh hold on I'll get your money", So I says..... "no no no - Your bin is on fire, I need some water to pour in it". And She sticks her head out the door and says "oh, dear, I wonder how that happened", and I said, "can we worry about that later, can I come in and get some water?"

She says "my husband is just out of hospital today", and I says "can I come and get some water". and eventually she says, "yes of course". So I dash in, run past the husband, fill the jug up, run back out - all the while she is saying to her husband, "that is Steven's mum, you know the paper boy, but she's in for some water". Oh Flip, I'm glad I just started running in and out, cause the bin would have burnt down if I'd stood there for the introductions.

Anyways, I got the fire out, and promised I'd put their bin out in the morning, and went back to my ironing.

Everybody's movin to the rhythm that’s inside

Up at 7 this morning. Away for a cycle. I think it is working.

Last night I walked with Eilidh - Three miles to deliver her papers. Carrying rather a large bag too.

Total Loss this week 7lb!

I think I'm in the right mind set this time.

Come On!

Whooooooo Do you think You are... Somekinda Superstar???

Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not,
( ) Gone on a blind date -
(x) Skipped school -
(x) Watched someone die- Garpie
() Been to Canada-
() Been to Mexico-
(x) Been to Florida-
(x) been on a plane –
(X) Been lost- Yes
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country
() Gone to Washington, DC-
(x) swam in the ocean-
(x) Cried yourself to sleep-
(X) Played cops and robbers
(x) Recently colored with Crayons
( x ) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't-
(x ) Made prank phone calls-
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose or the straw!!!(
X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you cared about
(X) Blown bubbles
(x ) Gone Ice Skating
(x) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) gone to the movies
1. Any nickname? HELS
2. Mother's Name? Helena
3. Favorite drink? Wild Turkey
4. Tattoo? Nope
5. Body Piercing? My ears are pierced
6. How much do you love your job? Love it
7 Birthplace? Kilwinning
8. Ever been to Africa? No
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes, I’ve been a student, of course.
10. Ever been on TV? No, but I have been on National Radio….
11. Ever steal any traffic sign? Yes, those flashy yellow lights! Parafin Filled Believe it or not
12. Ever been in a car accident? Yes, Sorry Mrs Carey
13. Drive a 2 door or 4 door vehicle? 4
14. Favorite salad dressing? Honey Mustard
15. Favorite pie? Rhubarb
16. Favorite number - Six
17. Favorite movie? Dogma
18. Favorite holiday? Any flipping holiday…. I love holidays
19. Favorite dessert? Tiramisu
20. Favorite food? Wowser. Carpaccio of Beef, A La Lido, Troon
21. Favorite day of the week? Thursday…. Nearly Friday…..
22. Favorite brand of body wash? After the Rain Gel. Yum
23. Favorite toothpaste? Any, but curious about the new foaming one.
24. Favorite smell? Fresh Bread, Fresh Coffee, Si Cooking Something Good!
25. What do you do to relax? Relax??? What’s That? Do you know me?
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years
27. Furthest place you will send this message? Canada
28. Who will respond to this the fastest? Bill

Talk about things you'd like to do.

I'm doing good. Really good.

But I talk to myself. I always knew I had conversations in my head, but the other week, when me and Tool were in Edinburgh, we passed at least 3 people who were yapping away to themselves, I sniggered as we walked past and nudged Tools. She looked at me with those big blue eyes and said, "yes mum, people talk to themselves".

I knew when she said that, she meant me. So I've been keeping a check on it since then, and flipping heck.... I do. It starts off as sounds inside my head, but then my mouth starts to move, and then my breath kicks in and before I Know it, the words are coming out of my mouth.

Si has said to me on occassion "what are you saying". I like to pretend that I'm chanting or meditating, but hey, truth is, I'm talking to myself. Buggar.

At least it's in my head, and the people haven't been back. .

Whooooo Do You think You are.....

Last night we had a query..... Which Character Would you Be....

Now for guys, this is a pretty straightforward... but for women?

Just Who Would you be?

Would you like to swing on a star....carry moonbeams home in a jar

So far so good.

Porridge, Soups, Ryveta, lots of water.

Keeping it going. Feeling positive.

Just need to get off my backside now and do something creative with my bod.

Can't tell my friends cause they will laugh

Last day of my holidays. Officially.

Start of a new me. Seriously.

Si bought scales yesterday. I vowed not to stand on them, but I did.

BIG Mistake.

Anyways, after having stood on them, I haven't stood still all day. I've cleaned kitchen, bathroom, all the windows, my bedroom, done washings. I've decided on my exercise programme - walking first thing in the morning. Bouncing after dinner, and a cycle later on. Surely to god, if I'm doing all that each and every day, and of course, watching what I am eating.. then the scales will make me less unhappy?

I've learned that I can't be fixated about getting rid of all the weight at one time.

Mindfulness says that you can only be concerned with the here and now, and that is fine. I'm quite content in myself, and just want to improve... the future is all good.

Never Gonna Tell A Lie Or Hurt You

I have never flash mobbed.

I would love to. If anyone is doing one, I'd love to be invited.


This is the most exciting it gets...

The Friday 5

Friday 5
Among your acquaintances, who’s the best screamer?
Acquaintance.....well Son's Acquaintance.... Cat. She doesn't speak, she screams constantly, even when she is being pleasant and friendly. Is all WAAAAHHHHH


When was the last time you had to shout in order to be heard?
I'm a bit loud at the best of times. I don't really think that I shout. I tend to repeat myself over and over in order to be heard... "can we have a cat...can we have a cat...can we have a cat...can we have a cat..."

When was the last time you cheered for anything?
I cheer on my kids. Oaft. This is when I'm maybe noisy. I'm embarassing mum. I shout so loudly to support my kids. I may not understand the rules of what they are playing but when they do good... I Cheer. LOUDLY


Whom did you last yell at?
Son. I didn't really yell at him. We had quiet talk. I am much much more threatening when I talk quietly, cause I am so noisy the rest of the time!

When did you last lose your voice, or at least find yourself hoarse?
I can't remember. Oh yes, I can. When I had a really really bad infection which affected my asthma. I could barely speak, what am I talking about, I could barely breath. My breathing reminded me of that death rattle you hear in films. Lovely. All better now tho.

Well I guess it would be nice.... If I could

Oh Wow.

Is Thursday already. I've had a lovely day today. We got up, sharpish, had breakie -and now i've gone GI, so I had porriage. Yum.

Then we drove to Glasgow, well Renfrew to be exact or more even more exact, Xscape. We had a lovely bimble around and went for food in Tony Romas. Yummy. I had Onion Loaf. - Well half onion loaf, kids had spud skins, and Si had Baked Potato Soup??, then the boys had Ribs, and I had Thai Chicken Salad and Tool had Caesar Salad. Then believe it or not, we had crunchy apple with Ice cream and toffee sauce, and tools had a sundae which she beautifully splattered all over the table in an attempt to remove fruit.

Lovely child.

Then we had a wee bimble around silverburn kids bought some clothes. And now we are home.

I'd love to go to bed. But that would be cheating!

I've found my groove and I just can't lose

Holidays are lovely. I truely would love to be rich, and do nothing all day. I had a long lie, and then got up and took Toolibelle to Lido for Breakfast. This is becoming a habit I could learn to love. This morning it was Croissants - mine with butter and jam, Tooli's with Ham and Cheese -toasted. Yum. Tool had freshly squeezed orange juice, and I had a pot of tea. Wow We are so good to ourselves.

We left there to go and replace Si's mug which he broke, - that is the second one in two weeks, Me thinks that subconciously he doesn't like Tigger!

We went to put an appointment on for Eilidh to get her Hair cut, and they had a vacancy there and then so she stayed, and I went for wander. When I got back she was almost done -looking fantastic.

When we got back, Si had put the trampoloine back up....Tool was delighted, but we stopped her from bouncing cause my part of the putting up, was to sew up the padding and laces to stop Tool falling thru the springs. I stood outside, and stitched it all up with fishing line... my hands were freezing when I was finished. And now I'm just sitting playing scrabble. I love scrabble. I just hate it that people that can play, won't play with me!

Why am I up the tree, you say? Why are you down there, I say?

Holidays are great.

Got up late (ish), had a coffee with my boy, and then took him down town to buy birthday presents for two of his mates. Once we got them something, we hit the Lido for Breakfast. Yummy.

Lovely lovely atmosphere that place has. We sat in a booth and eye'd everything up. I think Dude was impressed by quality of waiting staff...and the food. I could see him looking at the bar, imagining himself standing there, entertaining the lay-dies! Hmmm he's such a hussy. He had Bacon, Pancakes and Maple Syrup. I had Banana and Toffee Muffin. Scrummy and latte!

Then we came home and upset Si and Eilidh because we had been out for eating and they hadn't. Tool went away out with L and B and Si and me headed for B&Q - am so keen to get the bedroom done. We decided while we were out that we would give the bathroom a makeover. They had some very reasonable suites. And Si is happy to give it all a bash himself!!!

Mmm. I just need to reorganise the finances.

DWNB

Ya know when that shark bites, with his teeth, babe

Scarlet Billows.... start to flow.

I was listening to Jazz tonight..... Scottish Youth Jazz Orchestra, and also the Scottish Youth Orchestra. They were brilliant. There was about 120 of the Youth Orchestra... and 15 of the Jazz. Both completely different, but totally brilliant in their own genre.

I wish every brass ensemble would play Mac the Knife tho. There is nothing quite like the sound of trumpets blasting that out.


Of course we were sitting next to the lunatic of the audience. Thru the Orchestra, he was fine. Well behaved and quiet. I reckon that he had brought a date to Jazz Concert to impress her with his fine music taste, but I fear that the out of step tap dancing while seated will have failed to impress. It certainly wasn't impressing Mater who was sending out hate signals like you wouldn't believe. The chap in front of him, must have been going demented. he was kicking the chair every time he stamped his foot, out of time with the music.

Jees. Folk!

Emptiness is a place you're in

I went to the doctors on Friday. I had a pain in my hand.

I have arthritis!

And since friday, every bone on the right hand side of my body has started aching.

Am quite depressed. Funny how, despite the happy pills, something else can make you sad.

Friday 5.....Not the Original....

1. What type of food do you most like to eat?

• Risotto
  

2. What type of food do you most like to cook?

• Bacon Butties
  

3. What ingredient could you not live without?

• Coffee Granuals.
  

4. What do you never let in your kitchen?

• Evil Tomataes
  

5. What is your favorite drink?

• Chilled Rose Wine.

Been Working.. So Hard, Keep Punching My Card...

Wow, I have had such an exhausting week!

I was knackered from the walk on Sunday,,,, but surprisingly not too stiff.

Work has been non-stop all week, aggravated by the fact that I am off next week, so I have to make sure EVERYTHING is up to date by tomorrow. I worked til 5.40 tonight just to finish something off so I can start fresh again tomorrow.

Yesterday, Wednesday was Christof's birthday, and I got a cake from O'Really's.... and dropped it when I fell in the office! I went straight over. Clunk! Splat. all over the floor. Hard down on my knees. I thought maybe my dancing display would be out of the question - my knees were nipping so bad.

I made it though. And it was great fun. The rehearsal room had curtains up -sectioning the room into 3 -and we were all singing and dancing - it was a great atmosphere. And - we didn't do too badly at our dance either.



ha ha - This isn't really us. We were far better than that!!! ha ha ha

At the end of a storm is a golden sky......

Heaven's Above!

7 miles, starting at Balmaha on the Banks of Loch Lomond, and walking north along the banks to Rowardennen.




Here is my bag ---- half way round. Bedecked, with my tap shoes an daffodil.. yes just one.. I didn't like to pick any more out of the one garden!



Hmm. I had been expecting a nice path meandering nicely along the banks! ha!



was I ever wrong!!!



First 50 yards were downhill, and along a wee road, then the path turned inward, and UPWARD, and UPWARD, and UPWARD.

Really Crazy.

They could have just built a little jetty along the waters edge. and that would have been nice, and gentle, but no.


Hills at every turn.

We did it though.

All the way...... stopped twice, for about 10 minutes total! And when we finished..... a wee ginger ale and lime at the Rowardennan Inn. Heaven!

Every one of us, has all we need

Tomorrow is my big walk.

Actually am quite nervous. So many people have put their money down for the charity---- even before we've completed so we have to honour their contribution and complete.

Wowzer!

Tonight I'll be digging out the walking boots - don't fear, I had them on last week... they have just disappeared under the pile of kids clothes! Making up the lunches.. somehow Mum equates her giving me a lift 4 miles down the road to me preparing lunch and munchies for us both!?! Go Figure? Procuring the walking poles! I thought walking poles a bit pretentious but Si says they actually have a beneficial effect! I shall be looking forward to that!

I know what I'm wearing. I was thinking about taking my book with me, (on ipod), and mum and me could have an ear each!

Am hoping the weather is reasonable. - Come on , this is Scotland it's never going to be great- will have Si's raincoat (I refuse to buy one - I'm the eternal optimist). But A little rain never hurt no one!

Wish me luck!

And She laughed No More.......

Friday 5


Who in your life would make a really good butler?
A Butler organises, and makes sure everyone is where they should be.... Tooli would have to be our butler. She is the only one in the house with any sense of responsibillity and dedication to achievement! The rest of us wouldn't do anything if it wasn't for Tool keeping us together!

Who in your life would make a really good head of state?
My Honey. Cause he is very diplomatic.

Who in your life would make a really good TV talk-show host?
Kirst. Cause she is mental, and isn't scared to take the rip out of anyone. She would be like Bridget Jones interviewing Colin Firth which is the FUNNIEST bit of literature ever. The biggest mistake ever made was casting Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, and then because of that they had to cut that scene out of the film. she would say "hello RDJ, how peachy is your arse".


Who in your life would make a really good astronaut?
I would make a really good astronaut, cause I would be a whole lot lighter, and I'd like that!

Who in your life would make a really good movie director?
It would have to be Stevo. He see's things in a different way from everyone else.... all films representing real life would have a surrealist view about them. Nothing is quite as it seems in the world according to Stevie. Life would take on a whole new meaning thru one of his films.

The lights are goin dim....

Weirdly, this week, I have had to hit bed at between 8.30 and 9.30 each night. I have been so exhausted I haven't been able to stay away. This morning it came to light what was up.

MIGRAINE. Wowser.

I slept on to try to clear it, then got up and made it into work only 10 minutes late. I took my pills as I left the house so that I could drive on a clear but sore head, and enjoy the benefit of the pain killers; That was all good until 4pm when the head came back with a vengence. I had to dash out of the door at 4.50 cause i thought my brain was going to explode. I got down the road, somehow...and straight to bed.

Hope that is it past now.

DWNB

Pictures Came and Broke Your Heart......

Technology is brilliant.

Traffic Scotland is my latest craving.

If you stay in the UK you will be aware of the mental weather we are having at present! Now Scotland is not a big place and it is well known that you can in fact experience all types of weather in one day, in fact - in one hour. On this web site, I can actually follow the progress of the bad weather.... they say bad.... but everyone in Troon has been waiting for the arrival of the snow, and all we see is white fluffy clouds, blue sky and blinding sun. Is freezing, true enough, but none of the white stuff.

You can actually see the snow all around. The Galloway hills to the South, and the Moors above West Kilbride to the North. Quite often, due to the clarity of the atmosphere, we can even see Ben Lomond, rising up above everything in front of it. Not a bad job when you consider it is approximately 80 miles away.

Traffic Scotland has a portal showing road cams (yes, big brother is everywhere), and I can click on Cameras the length and bredth of Scotland and check where the snow is. Right now oops. Just checked. the A9 Drumtocher, and the A82 to Fort William cams. have just gone done. 5minutes ago I could see blizzard like conditions! Even in the dark. Excellent. Central Scotland and East Scotland is pretty clear right down to the borders. Looks like it is on the way out again - is just snowing in the right places, near the Ski Resorts.. which is good, because the last few years there hasn't been enough snow to open them during the season!


AIS Shipping this is another brilliant for no reason site. I was pointed to it, by one of the lads at work. From it, we were able to trace the shipping route of a boat which had been sitting in the docks near our work, all the way down the coast to it's home port. You can see any ship sitting in any location around the coast. You can look up ship lists and from there click onto it on the map. Amazing.

But Scary. What else is available to see like that?

Happy times together weve been spendin.....

Woke up feeling a whole lot better. Aching in the legs had stopped and the cold sweats too.

Gingerly got out of bed and staggered to the toilet. That's normal. I always stagger when I wake up.

Got ourselves up dressed and fed. We were going to head out on a long walk, but we seriously had bits to do around the house..... cleaning, washing, cooking.... I headed out to get the shopping and came back. Cleaned the bathroom and we headed out for a walk.

Tooli wouldn't come. yesterday was all she could take.

We just walked down along the beach, into the town, had a bimble round and then back home again.

My legs felt fine and I think I'll be okay for next week. Really actually looking forward to it.

DWNB

To Fall Down At Your Door....

BLOODY NORA.

Next weekend I am going on a Charity Walk - 6.5 miles along Loch Lomond. When we got up today, we thought nice day - lets use the day and walk. - Kinda Practise for next week. We hummed and hawed about where to go. I quite fancied a hill, but then on second thoughts I felt a nice stroll along the beach.

In the end we decided to walk along the golf course, then bike route, and we got to the Airport, had a Starbucks and turned and cam eback the other way. We were going to walk the beach, but Eilidh plain flat refused. I have to say , that by the time I got to the last mile I was nearly crying. The ache in bones, actually my bones was hurting so so bad. Si held one hand and Eilidh held the other one..... eilidh gave me her version of Reiki which was lovely.

I got in the house and leaned on the kitchen units.... and stayed there for awhile. I was soo so so tired. so now, I'm sitting down on couch and not intending to move..... for quite some time.

I love those lazy days and crazy nights.....

Busy couple of days. I'm going back to Sunday here........ Steven was training with NT Squad - in Coltness, so Me and Tool took the opportunity to flee over to Edinburgh and have a quick wander round the shoppies. We walked for miles. .- The equivalent of at least 5 Sport Relief Miles I should think. Tooli bought a new jacket, the child is obsessed with jackets just now.

We went To waterstones cause we wanted to sit amongst books and drink lovely Frapps or chai Tzao latte, but discovered that it was closed because John Barrowman was upstairs signing copies of his book. Was amazing they were letting in 15 people at a time, and having them queuing at various points in the store. We didn't wait. - there were like 100 people outside - at least. Look at the queue.

K and K were out eating again. They very kindly emailed me pictures of them eating. They are always eating! How come they eat so much and are both so bloody thin.

Work in the yard has commenced on the new toilet block and I have been out inspecting.... and driving the digger. We wonder how many health and safety rules I broke doing that ! I also nearly broke my neck, so I won't be doing that again. Who knew that the cabin would tip backwards when you bang the bucket hard on the ground! - Well I never. Bloody hell.

The new restaurant across the road is getting closer to completion... the name plate went up this week , and someone phoned this morning,here, looking to make a booking!!

On Wednesday night, I shot home from Work, to My sisters to pick up Steven's shin pads..... don't ask, but if you ever need anything in a hurry, see K (Wee-devil) cause she is logistics genius! Then I went to Tap Class, where I bounded about unreserved for an hour. Steven our teacher, is so enthusiatic and a brilliant dancer.... but I don't think he actually sees that the majority of us are middle-aged, (and some of us unfit), and not quite doing the dance exactly as he is! But bloody hell it isfun. Then I left, sweaty and breathing hard, and headed home to Troon.

Next Stop was was at Tool's parents' night. My daughter is a genius. I don't know quite where it has come from, but she is just amazing. We knew she was getting top marks for all her subjects, and both of us are very impressed that she willingly WaNTS to take 3 sciences.... but then we seen her Art folder and were presented with life-like self portraits and paintings, with light, texture and feeling. Who'd have know?

I'm really looking forward to getting them home, cause I will frame them. They were quite brilliant!

All this, and An Acheivement Award for being the "Most Improved Hockey Player". One teacher actually said she was "the singular most talented pupil" he has ever had the pleasure to teach . I was nearly crying with joy.

And then on Thursday morning at 3.30 am, my baby boy - ha ha - He is so not my baby any more... 6'3" and full of nonsense and very bad hormon

es...... left to go to Belgium with the School Volleyball Team. I say School - I think maybe 4 of the players are with the school, the rest have come back to participate. I think the thing they are mostly all looking forward to is the Easter Rave! Their Guest Parents take them down, and leave them there from about 9 til about 2 in the morning, or 3 or 4. It takes place in the town square, and every young person in the town appears to be there..... last year it appears to have been a complete blast. Then they all drive home - sleepy and hungover (drinking age is 15 over there!!). What joy! Who'd be a teacher on a school trip!

Last night (Thursday), after the early start...... .I was really hoping for an early night, I remembered we had Comedy Show to go to. The Comedian was J J Whitehead - he was brilliant. There is something great about just going out to laugh. You just sit and laugh and laugh and laugh. Made all the better by Kerry laughing. She has the BEST LAUGH in the whole world. So open and happy - it just makes everyone around her happy too.

So that was my week.

I need to Sleep now.

Yawn.

Friday 5

What was the last thing you filled out a written application for?
My Disclosure Scotland form for the Scouts. So that I have official permission to batter kids.

What computer application software last impressed you with what it could do?
Scabble Solver.... o m g this allows me to cheat frantically on Scrabulous and get high scores and for the first time in my life WIN

Where did you last apply a Band-Aid?
To my baby boys toe. He is 16, and 6ft 3in. He pulled the toe nail off, basically because he had about 2 inch long nails and had been bouncing around a volleyball court breaking them off inside his trainers. It was very yeuky and messy. I don't normally do broken bits on boys.

What’s a rule that applies to many people in your life but not to you?
Abuse Helen as much as you can, cause she's nice and she'll take it.

When were you last required to apply some elbow grease to something
I'm always applying elbow grease. Am very dedicated elbow greaser when I get going. I leave it too long always.... and then it needs elbow grease before anything will move!

I'm after a hunk of a guy, and experienced man of the world

Gran, Janet and Suzie are in Lanzarote AGAIN. If the mobile phone texts and photos are anything to go by they are having great fun! She sent me three last night - two lots of photos and a text which I couldn't read, but everyone looked well oiled- both physcially and liberally...

Boy is off to Belgium tonight.... the highlight of his trip is the Easter Rave on Sunday night! He went last year and swore off red wine.... wonder what it'll be this year - cause he put himself off cider at New Year.

Si is away up to Glasgow to Dentist this morning....and then heading back to Largs.

Tool - well her face is tripping cause she has the dreaded music lesson this morning but she will be fine. She is a lovely clarinet player.

Me - I have work... then Tap.... then another Parents evening. Appointments start at 7.30 and go on until 930. Better make sure I eat something en route from Tap to Marr. Last week I did the same thing, and sat down to eat for the first time since lunch time at 9.40 pm.