The Summer Sun Sitting High In the sky.....

Busy weekend for everyone! Isn't it always.

On Saturday both the kids had trials for the Scottish Schools Volleyball Squad. I had to take Tool over to Meadowmill in Edinburgh - except it was about 17 miles the other side of Edinburgh. I had to take 3 other girls, Hannah, Alison and Lauren. I have to admit I drove like a madman to get them there on time. Tool screamed directions at me towards the end, and eventually three of them actually recognised the place.

I dropped them there, and then headed back towards Edinburgh. I got totally lost, and ended up entering from Calton HIll which was a nice change.

Princes Street and Shandwick Place are closed and dug up because they are going to build tramways, which will be great, but hell if you are trying to drive in.

I parked at Castle Terrace, and browsed the Farmers market. It is there everyweekend, and is so popular there were queues at every stall. Well excepting the Woolie Hat shop - but that was probably because it was sooooo warm. It must have been in the low 20's easy.

I wandered down to the Meadows then, and was dismayed to find about 500 orange lodgers preparing for a walk. I had a quick skeg at the Taste of Scotland Fair -but it was £12 to get in so I thought, Nah.

I went from there, to Chambers Street, down the Cow Gate, along Grass Market, up Victoria Street, Along the Royal Mile, Down Cockburn street, Along Princes Street Gardens, along Rose Street, back along Princes Street, back into Rose Street to avoid the Orange March - which you couldn't really do considering there were about 600 of them, and covered the road, from the MOund all the way along Princess Street. Jeesus What a Racket. It should be outlawed.
From there I headed back up Lothian Road, down the Grassmarket again and back thru the Market. I stopped off and got a hog roast bun - with Apple Sauce. oh Heaven's it was Glorious. I was starving and thirsty.

I left Edinburgh then, and headed to Roslin, and made a quick stop at Roslin Abbey - the Site of the Davinci Rumours. What a beautiful little Abbey. And It is LITTLE. But the carvings are glorious. There is no other word for it. While I sat in the Garden, I found a little cat -what a lovely wee kit.

Then I went back and collected the girls, who were collectively knackered. It had been very very hard work. They had done an extensive warm up, which had almost finished them. None of them were particularly bothered about getting into the team. They were all just knackered, and felt like they had all been out their depth.




No 1 Boy, was doing the same thing for the Scottish Boys School Team. His went well and he was fair jumping about his trials. He had a good day. But he was knackered too.

Si was on an island, and heading up a hill! He had decided that since we were all going to be "away" he would take off by himself and climb a hill. Goatfell was his target for the day, and he headed off for the 10 am boat.


The boat was so busy, that people were being turned away. Luckily he got on, didn't get a seat, but got over. A wee Saunter past the Arran Brewery, sadly now in receivership, and then a long slow climb up to the Peak of Goatfell. What a day for it. The weather was glorious and he had views all over Ayrshire, and up the West Coast - and over to Campbell Town to the West. Look at the mountains in the Centre of Arran. Gorgeous,



We all had a lie in this morning, until I had a bit of an ASthma attack, and promptly heaved up. I couldn't settle again, so I headed downstairs, and then out the back where I lay in the sun for about hour and a half. I'm glad I did, because the clouds came over then, and the day ended in Rain. Heavy Heavy Rain.

Tool had a Swimming Pool party this afternoon - to add insult to the injury of training yesterday and tonight, the poor wee soul is away to bed, after an hour and a half in the bath, trying to ease her painful limbs. No 1 Boy has been out at his pals.... and has come in all quiet. Wonder what is up there?

Build a Little Bird House In Your Soul

What is your best Scrabble word?
I am singularly hopeless at scrabble. I play at www.scrabulous.com and I loose with alarming frequency. I have to recreate log ins, because no one will play with me I have such a bad score.
Would you attend a party with many fascinating people you have never met if you had to attend alone?
Yes, I would. I don't have a problem being with people, as long as they leave me alone. I'll stay there quite happily and watch what was going on. I love People watching.

Is it the language that someone speaks or the culture in which someone lives that influences their viewpoint the most? It is the culture which influences them. What is round about you affects and influences the way you speak!

If you were to add a 13th month into the year, where would you put it and what would you call it? I would add an extra month between July and August, and call it Downtember. It would be a complete holiday month. No one doing nothing.

Would you take 5 months off to travel the world if you only had a 50/50 chance of being employed when you got back? Yes I would. Definitely. Nothing would stop me.

My little song will keep you beside me

Monday again. The weekends just fly fly fly.

The boys were gone. Si to Camp At Barskimming, which is the Ancestral Pile of Lord Strathclyde of Barskimming. Seriously. Lord and Lady Strathclyde made a visit. I'm not sure that the kids, or the leaders very overwhelmed. But that's life for you.

Boy No 1, was at Scottish Open Volleyball Tournament in Perth. He was staying over with Danny. He wouldn't give me Danny's phone number. I got an address. Which was something I suppose. But my point of keeping contact was highlighted, when on Saturday afternoon he suffered a dislocated thumb.......and then his phone Died! humph. Yeah, right. So he's big enough and bad enough. He looked after himself!

Me and Baby went shopping on SAturday. IS only 4 weeks til she heads off to Swizzerland. I think she is all sorted, and the brace has settled in. If anything, she has become more confident since she had it placed. I thought she would become more quiet. No. that has not happened!

Friday 5

The original Friday 5, appears down. I've borrowed this one


1. Are you a good worker? When I feel like it. Today no. I'm browsing. I always have a bit of a spurt on Friday afternoons tho - and do lots.

2. What do you carry? A big red bag, or a wee grey one.

3. Do you know your neighbors? Christine and David Next Door, Caroline and Gary on the Other side. Aileen and Amy across the road, Emma, Alan, Caitlin and Ross, who own the house across the road, but have let it to Mark and Fiona and their kids. Davie who plays the Sax and his wife, (can't remember her name right now), Cathie and DAvie Across the main road, Jackie and Iain, and Nicole and Naomi. Yeah, I know the neighbours.

4. Where do you like to go for a day trip? Edinburgh. Defo.

5. What is at your feet? Files and A Waste bin.

I'm Glad I spent it With You!

Nice Lunch today.


Mum came over with Jeanie, and we had a lovely lunch, Sole Goujons, in Cecchini's straight across from my work.

Heaven's my hair looks really dark eh? Maybe I should let it go grey? Hmmm.

Lunch was then followed by two glasses of Champagne aboard a wee boaty in the Marina who had just been completed. Very nice. I could have sat there all day.

Wish It Was me You chose

What a lovely weekend.

All Gone Again!

Where does it go? Why does it go so fast?

Saturday, Tool was at Guides. "I'm a GUide Get me OUt of here". At Netherauchendrain! And Yes that is a real place, and there are the MOST beautiful houses in there. This is one of the Cheaper ones! And it is still Way too Far out of our reach!

I was in bed for most of the morning. Thundery Sky, led to my head being very very sore. It didn't matter how many pills It took it stayed there all day.

I managed to drag myself up in the afternoon, and went down town with Si for a few bits and bobs and a quick chank around the square.

We just sat and stagnated on Saturday night. Watching Pap TV. Heaven's it couldn't get much worse.

Sunday was much better. Lovely Sunny Skies. Si and I bounced (well I did),... Si did his usual slow stagger. Heh heh.

We went and got our shopping, and then headed home, had breakfast, headed back out for soil for the plant pots and then came home and potter round garden all day.

Gran came out for tea, and we sat about enjoying the sunshine.

I finished my weekend by watching Heroes. I love Heroes. I do I Do I do.

FRIDAY 5

The Friday 5

What makes you feel old?
If I say in the office, "Oh I love this song", and the lads in the office go "who is it?" and I say "Prince", and they say "who?"

What makes you feel young?
Bouncing on the Trampoline - there is something about bouncing up and down that blows the years away.

What was better when you were allowed to do it the old way?
Typing. What skill there was involved to type up a 3 carbon copy with no mistakes! Anyone can type now - the PC makes it easy to amend mistakes..... makes everyone look good! I was a good typist! Bet I couldn't even do it now!

What’s better now that you do it the new way?
Typing. ha ha ha - Yeah, although it made you look good, it was flipping hard work. There was actually a level of concentration involved. Now with WP you can loose yourself in a world of your own. Did you know it is possible to type up 8 pages of minutes, and not have a clue what is in them, but have them perfectly correct.

What’s something you are old school about?
1980's. End of Punk, New Romantics . 1980's were my time... Young Wild and Mad and Earning. I discovered Spending, Drinking, Men and made sure I practiced a lot! I like the music today --- but find myself leaning towards those who are a wee bit reminiscent of the time. TV shows... everything. Was my Rose Coloured Glasses Stage. Nothing wrong in the world.

Paint your smile on your lips

Okay, so 4 weeks ago, Si bought scales. Bad....

4 Weeks Ago I started exercising, not furiously, but seriously, and trying my hardest to eat sensibly.

Today, I have reached 10lb lost. which is on average 2.5 lb per week, which is ideal.

Am very very pleased.

By My reckoning, by 16th August, I will be gorgeous vision exact (actually smaller) vision that the one which met my husband 22 years before.

THat's my target, and that's my countdown!

Yeah, these are things that I don't understand

k posted me today.

I love getting post from K, always amusing, if somewhat intriguing. You just never know what to expect.

Today tho, two post it notes, describing how RDJ looks exactly like Big Sexy with the exception of his eyes, chin, and hair (i.e,., nothing like him at all).

A Cut-out from the Metro 60 seconds with RDJ himself. Which is lovely.

Then 10 little peices of paper cut out from Metro....

Here they are... This was then folllowed by an Anagram "American Fire Hydrant Franko"

I don't know if the words refer to American Fire Hydrant Franko... or whether American Fire Hydrant Franko is significant.

Am confused.

The bees are buzzing in the trees

Look Who Appeared on My Desk today.....

Zebra Bear......

Aw.

I just can't get you out of my head

All weekend.

I had a bit of stress situation on Friday.......and that I think maybe triggered the migraine. It was there when I went to bed, and there when I woke up on Saturday.

Then I had to take Boy up to Coltness, for his NT Team Selection Day's Training. We were leaving Tool to do his paper round, and discovered that the inserts weren't there. So Boy told Tool to do the papers and come back and collect the inserts. We got a panic phone call from Tool at 9.05 to say that she didn't have time to collect the last of the papers and get ready for her day out. She was off to Loudon Castle with the Guides... and was leaving in 30 minutes. I stopped the car, calmed her down, and then phoned mum who heroically drove round, got her organised and finished the papers - and seen her off to Loudon.

Boy and Me, collected Ryan, and we completed the journey to Coltness. I set off back to Glasgow, visited the bank, and spent a lovely hour wandering thru Border. I found the best book in the world. "All Cats have Aspergers Syndrom", Is a beautiful picture book comparing the symptoms of Aspergers in children to the behaviour of cats. I was mesmerised.

Then I headed off to The Fort in the east end of Glasgow and visited... Borders. I love Book Shops, I do I Do I do. This Borders were having a High School Musical Day.... cue loads of weans in High School Musical pyjamas / t-shirts / pom poms. Running about Singing "All In this ToGether", or" What Time is it" and practising cheer leading. All great fun.

There are too many books about. I could quite happily live in the bookshop for ever and ever and ever. Hence my need to Open "Aurora Borealis Buck Bean Smoothie Books".

I found another book. "How to have Great Ideas". I think I should have bought it.

anyways, good bimble, and upstairs for a Dulce Du Laite Frappacino. Yummsers. Except A BIT filling.

After another roam around all the shops - including the farmers market, I headed back to the car and headed back to Coltness. I stopped off as ASDA and picked Steven up some Salad and drinks. He is always starving and thirsty when he comes out of training.

I had to wait maybe 30 minutes for them to finish. I had to go in, because I was bursting for the toilet. I hate going in because I don't want to distract him, but I had to. They had all just finished, so Me divinginto the toilet was the best thing. I don't know about these boys... they are too free with their divesting themselves of their clothes when they have finished playing.

Anyways, eventually we got home.... and Tool was waiting for us, exhausted after a tiring day. She headed up to bed for a sleep.

We had tea, boy headed out with his mates, and me and Tool sat and watched bad Saturday TV.

We all slept late on Sunday - Well I woke at 6, and my head was killing me, so I headed down and took a pill. I woke at 8, and it was still there, and then finally got up at 10. I went shopping came back and took more pills. and sat out in the garden for a bit. The head was slowly grinding me down.

Tools went off with Laurie to visit her gran, I can't actually remember what else I did - my head was completely blanked out.

Si came home -he had a lovely weekend with the other Scout Leaders...... hmmmm. Not. He was exhausted from exertion, I was exhausted from keeping my head on.

Then We had the Awful News. Nant had fell over and mum had to run her to hospital, - She's now back home with plaster cast on, and all we can think about is .... how is she going to wipe her bum! Take care Nanty...... And Nunk.... Don't be running about too much.......Please phone if you need us.

The Friday 5

FRIDAY5.ORG

When was the last time you had a needle stuck into you?
I believe that I have a needle stuck in my left butt cheek right now. I think I dropped it on the chair when I was stitching Boy's Shorts. And then I sat on it. I think by now, it has possibly passed beyond the realms of pain now, because I can't feel it anymore.However, it may just have been sciatica. If this wasn't the right time......I had surgery on my face, and I had a needle stuck into my face four times to numb it. That was interesting!

Who among your friends is the easiest target for needling?
As a rule I try not to needle people. being of a sensitive nature myself, I know that needling another normally leads to a return attack, which is something I'm not brilliant at defending. So I rather abstain.

What’s something you can confidently do with a needle and thread?
I can sew Guide and Scout Badges on. I can sew in the end of my Knitting. I can sew up holes in trousers (Normally Boy's Crotch), and darn holes. I'm pretty adept with a needle. But I can't cross-stitch. Nant is the Cross Stitch Genius in our family.


About how many phonograph records do you have in your home, and when’s the last time you dropped a needle on one?
I probably have about 300 records in the house. I think. My records used to be my passion. I had hundreds upon hundreds. Then my sister "Borrowed" them, while I was away in Edinburgh (living) and her house got broken into and all my records got stolen. That kinda took the joy out of my collection. I sort of built it up again, and then it got combined with Si's. Sadly, they are all up in the attic now, because we don't have a turntable - however I have spotted USB turntables in Firebox so maybe we will bring them down again! I dropped needles on them all the time. I hear old songs on the radio and I actually sing them with the scratch in them, because that's what I remember!



Someone told us the other day about someone at a party using a flavor injector to spike a watermelon with vodka. Is this brilliant or is this stupid?
This is stupid. Because watermelons are almost on a par with EVIL TOMATAES. Have you seen the flipping seeds in them? Jeesus. Why would you want to spoil vodka with flipping Evil Watermelon?????

just make the lazy ones work and let the power unleash.

Am becoming quite obsessed with my Wii Fit.

Up at 6.20 each morning to do 30 minutes (or more). I work on the aerobics - and I'm sweating profusely, so it's obviously doing something! And then have a wee play at balance.

Boxing is my latest gain. My god. There is something quite releasing about punching the air hard. I have to make sure tho that I stand far enough away from the TV not to punch my nunchuck right thru it!

ha ha

Learn to speak Arapahoe........

I got into work really early this morning. So early the door was still locked!

I had thought, I'll walk back to the car and get my keys and then I thought, Nah, I'll have a walk along the pontoons. So I did.

It was lovely. So quiet, calm and peaceful. Even my mad blister stayed calm for the duration.

And I met Colin, who offered to take me for a Sail on Friday, and Simon said Yeahhhhhh.

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