Valerie`s Homepage: Marching into Spring

Daffodils -Forsythia

Carmelia

Its not been a good start to 2011 with the Middle East in turmoil, financial crisis throughout Europe and the earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, horrendous . I was watching the BBC when the tidal wave was shown rolling over the Japanese shore, it was surreal, unbelievable, 10,000 people missing such unimaginable horror. Then the Nuclear Reactors, three exploded releasing toxic fallout that is increasing every day and travelling over seas which will affect us all eventually. It was like the worst disaster movie ever. There are so many questions that need to be answered as to why they built Nuclear Plants on an island prone to earthquakes, I just don’t understand.... probably it's financial ! There has been one natural disaster after another, Mother Nature say’s, “ It's pay back time.”
But its amazing how the human spirit lives on in spite of all adversity. It’s true we are a global village and with today’s incredible fast internet connections our communication system is instant.
TV News travels fast, scenes of events around the world are transported into our homes daily. I remember the Twin Towers vividly, it was lunch time and I was watching TV, at first I thought they were advertising a film drama but soon realised it was news. I was shocked, in tears most of the day. And again seeing that tidal wave hit Japan … I was in tears again..
Now to less mundane news, my wonderful new cooker is now installed, I love it and it fits perfect after all that dithering . It really makes the kitchen so much brighter as the old cooker was brown and this one is a sparkly bright white and certainly makes a difference.
Managed to get to see “The Kings Speech” and yes Colin Firth deserves his Oscar he was very good as King George, even though some are critical about what was left out regarding the Kings alleged allegiance to Germany during his reign.
Its been wonderful weather recently, very warm sunny days that have brought out lots of colour to the gardens. Some are complaining that the bulbs are flowering to early and will suffer if we have frost. The daffodils, forsythia are out and my camellia coming into bud. I cut the grass on Saturday, last year I intended to change to a hover mower as they are much easier to use, but for whatever reason didn’t. So I will be looking into that pretty soon as my present mower is knackered. Spoke to Cathi and the kids, they are missing Sam, since he got back, he managed to find a job until he starts Uni in September.I must go up and see him soon.. Its been a strange few weeks now that Andy has moved on, I miss his presence more that I thought I would. Haven’t been to Poetry, spent too much time on my own this month, will have to get motivated and sally forth again. Still going to the Library, but the Council’s financial cuts have sadly stopped the Community Project work I was involved in.
I thought I would cheer myself up with a shopping trip, had a good spend. Bought a nice red jacket, red floral skirt and top, I don’t know why red I have every little in red , it just felt right. I tend to wear safe colours in the winter, lots of black navy and brown. So, as the clocks have sprung forward into Spring , bring on the colours.. hope I have the nerve to wear them…

Bye for now, love you all XXXX