British Summertime clocks fall back

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl Who Played wuth Fire

Wild wet and windy again but I went on my bike ride, as I  had set myself a task  and I saw it through.
Kept up with everyone and really enjoyed myself ,the only thing  was my bottom was sore for days afterwards. My second ride was much easier,the weather was fair and there was no wind this time.   Incredibly we have had  some  warm sunny days I have been  able to mow the grass, the gardener didn`t come as promised, oh well at least the garden is  sorted for the winter. I hope that was the last mowing until the spring though... The clocks have gone back one hour this morning Sunday 30th October,  now we have less daylight time and the nights will  seem endless, its so depressing. I wish they  would leave the clocks alone.. they keep threatening but its still happening.

 http://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/
 (this website will explain in more detail why we have British summertime.)

Met up with my school friends for lunch last week. During the summer there is always someone away on holiday and I haven't been around for ages, but we had a full house,ten this time and lots of  news to share.  Its been rather quiet otherwise, I have settled into  reading the Girl Who Played With Fire, it’s the second novel in  the Millennium Series by the Swedish writer Stieg Larsson who sadly died after finishing the Millenium Trilogy.  I enjoyed reading  `The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ on my Kindle and  have downloaded this  next book from Amazon for £3.50 a real bargain.  I find the Kindle so easy to read, I  carry it around in my bag for those moments when I can relax and read a chapter or two.
Managed to get to the cinema to see the film “Anonymous”  an excellent film, which I  would have enjoyed  much more if the film hadn’t  repeatedly jumped back and forward in time, I was constantly uncertain who was who until the very end. May be I need to see it again.  Whether fact or fiction the film raises the issue on who  was the original author  of all  Shakespeare’s  work,it certainly makes you doubt history.

Feeling much better and back in my routine

Our walk took us under the Railway Bridge

Into the meadows

And on  to The Travellers Rest

Bob Cook on the terrace waiting for his lunch

Went up to Knaresborough in sunshine and showers we had intended to go walking but hesitated at first as the weather was unsettled but we decided to risk it and to our surprise the sun came out.. Stue took Sara, Bob and me on a mystery tour in and around Rudding Park and the Great North Yorkshire Showground . It was a very hot day and we where soon in need of something to drink and shade so we stopped at The Travellers Rest and had lunch on the terrace. A very pleasant day I enjoyed the drive and the walk and most important the company. . Monday I attended my friend’s Book Launch at Bury Library. Gemma is a very talented and entertaining young poet and I am more than pleased to have a book of her poems. She has a very distinctive gritty slant on everyday life.

Treated myself to a TV for the bedroom, with integral DVD and USB point for downloaded Movies Music from the internet. I am getting ready for this Artic weather that is on its way. Cosy nights snuggle up in bed watching a good movie.
I had a big shock Friday, a good friend of mine, had double bi-pass surgery following a sudden heart attack, it was so unexpected as he looked so fit and well a few weeks ago.. thankfully he is doing well and is now home to great relief all round.
Another unexpected jolt was, my car went into the garage Wednesday for an annual service and MOT.
Lunchtime they rang me to say the work was more extensive then they thought and would be keeping the car overnight . My brake shoes where rusty and needed grinding, they say its due to lack of use????. and the wheels/tyres needed aligning as I may have bumped over a deep pot hole, Yes I have hit a few potholes this year, its not surprising as they are a feature of our roads every winter/spring and they don’t get repaired for months, some roads are in dire need of resurfacing but the Council say they do not have the money. . It cost me !!!!!! Still its running sweet and its got to be safe driving on these roads.

I have been thinking about getting a bicycle for many years , but not having anyone to accompany me and the traffic being so intimidating I have always put it off. But a new scheme in Bolton “Get Active” will loan you a bike and helmet and take you on rides. I first had to show my proficiency riding a bike round the local Athletic Track. I found it very easy and was soon passed as fit. Next week I join the intermediate group to ride the cycle trail for one hour, not in traffic though we will be using disused railway cuttings ( no tracks) there are many such routes scattered through out Lancashire providing safe areas for walking and riding. There are other trails that take longer but I wont be that enthusiastic just yet but I am so pleased I found “Get Active” as I have yearned to ride a bike for a long time.

Posted my overseas Christmas cards today, surface mail is so much cheaper than airmail. It takes up to eight weeks to arrive in the States and Australia but you may just get it earlier. Missed the last slot for Christmas surface mail for the last three years, so I am pleased I made it this time.