My Birthday

The Hydrangea bush on the front

The back garden

Hi everyone, don’t we soon get back into the usual routine. Lunches out and Gym three times a week. I have missed the gym, its surprising how unfit one can get after a couple of months of relaxation, still I feel we need that too as a balance. The sales are still on and I managed to find some real bargains, that always gives me a lift. It has tried to snow on a couple of occasions but thankfully never got established. One morning when it had been snowing all night I had a dental appointment at 0915hrs and decided to walk because of the state of the roads, no gritters had been. I went out looking like an someone on an Everest Expedition. But I was warm dry and felt real secure underfoot, in my walking boots. Looked a little out of place sitting in the dentists chair though. Went to the movies to see `Avatar` a brilliant film, especially seen in 3D, it was nearly 3hours long but worth it. Valentines Day was spent in Harrogate with Stuart and Sara, Sam was working but I did get to see him. It was my birthday and Stuart cooked us a special meal. I received lots of cards, presents and phone calls, especially from Cathi Amy and Ben, Leonard and Mona in the USA and Pam in Cornwall rang. During the week I had a birthday lunch with the girls, everyone really made my birthday very special. Bought a new Dell Laptop running Windows 7 as a birthday treat and will pass the old one to someone in need of a laptop. I also have my old Desk Top Computer working on Window XP, its 7years old and still in good order. But nobody wants Windows XP, but I will not give up, eventually find some one who wants it.
Went to a lunch at the Local Technical College with 45 members of the W.I. Prepared and cooked by the Catering Students, the food and service was excellent.
Dorothy and I have booked a holiday with the PTG tours again, we will be seeing Portugal via Train and Boat, it’s our third Rail Enthusiasts Tour, we just love riding around on vintage locomotives, many with steam, in renovated antique carriages.
On Sunday we had deep snow but it had gone by evening and I was able to get to the Howcroft my first Poetry Gig there since October. I wasn`t disappointed we had a full house and a brilliant night ,so much laughter and good poetry.
Check out Darren`s, Review of the evening. he has a unique way with words and I think he is brilliant.
http://writeoutloud.net/public/blogentry.php?blogentryid=9029

Happy Birthday Val.

My back garden Jan 09

Had a sudden burst of Spring Fever last Monday when we had a mild dry day. I planted my Petunias and decided to clear out the Greenhouse and sweep the patio. This led to much more work but I was enjoying being outside. Tuesday I took my car back to the garage on Recall. It appears Fiat Puntos are developing problems with their Bluetooth and Cooling System. Enjoyed the Fiat Panda experience for a few hours as I continued my day driving this courtesy car . It’s a nippy little car very responsive and easy to drive but too small for me, I like a bit of weight under me and more room behind the wheel.
Spring fever continued for a few days, I had got the bug now we are having more daylight hours I feel energised.. Dusting polishing, emptying drawers and cupboards sorting and actually throwing stuff out, its very painful but I have to make room for new “Stuff” dont I.
Lunch with the WI at the local Catering College Restaurant. Excellent food and service but we had to vacate the building during the meal due to a fire in the kitchen. Some delay on returning but the food was soon replaced .
Saturday was my Birthday. I am not hot on Birthdays anymore they seem to drag me down. Valentines day is always in your face for weeks prior to the event. It’s a constant reminder, my birthday can never just sneak up and surprise me. I had lots of cards and phone calls. Cathy rang from Australia it is always good to catch up with them. Amy starts University on the 23rd we are all very proud of her and Ben is still enjoying his Rugby playing for Joondalup Brothers Perth. Stuart and Andy called both working and being Valentines day preferring to be with there significant others,you can`t blame them. I had a ride out, mooched around the furniture stores looking for a dressing table, but no one makes a decent sized dressing table any more they are all miniscule. I am going to have to compromise but not a recycled one. I felt much better by Monday but still object to adding another year to my life. “You are as old as you feel Val “ YAH
Passed on the Poetry Sunday just didn’t have it in me to read. Speakers Club last night cheered me though, they are such an uplifting group we had a very enjoyable evening. Everyone had prepared a three minute speech to a photograph or picture of their choice, that was varied and well done. I am looking forward to U3A Philosophy this afternoon we are discussing `God` that should be interesting.