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

Back to Normal

Chilling out in Perth Zoo 40 degrees

It s good to go away, but there is no place like home. The first priority was to reset the digital TVs & Recorders as during November the UK went digital and all TVs had to be reset to enable them receive all channels. One fear I did have on my return though was, had I remembered correctly the numbers for the house alarm! Yes I did, so it goes to show that my memory still good. The mail as always, was waiting for me but there was nothing unexpected and as all my bills are covered by direct debit anyway I have no worries about them. The snow has almost gone and the rain is here, I don’t mind it will wash the slush away and it will be safe to walk out again. I have had a fair number of lazy days since I got back it has taken me much longer to recover from the journey. I didn’t realise until the tenth day when I started feeling better, how tired I had been. Fortunately Andrew had filled my cupboards and fridge with food so I didn`t have to go out shopping.. Another priority was to get someone in to clean the gutters on the roof, full of moss and leaves, causing the rain to cascade down the walls at a terrific rate on to the garage roof which due to the pressure of water had started to leak. The guy came next day and in the rain climbed onto my roof and sorted it within the hour. I am keeping an eye on the garage roof situation as the guy feels that it will not leak anymore . Brill. Checked out the boys were all well and learn that Sam has also passed his driving test,great news.. spoke to Cathi Amy and Ben. Ben passed his driving test, Hurrah. Answered a few Christmas letters and generally settled in to my usual routine.
On the 24th I attended the first poetry Gig in 2010 at Middleton, it was a brilliant evening really enjoyed the session .Performed three poems, two favourites and a new one about the Australian Summer . Then I got to grips with downloading all my photos 400 of them that took ages but I am glad to say they are well worth the effort. Already been out to lunch twice to catch up with my friends to find out what I have missed over the holidays. A sad note though, a dear friend of many years, Brian Jones died in his sleep. RIP Brian.

Back home to Ice & Snow

Mapua Beach NZ

Quinns Rock Beach Perth

More photos http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=186393&id=577402844&l=db0e7949e5

A belated New Years Greeting to everyone. May 2010 bring joy and happiness into our lives and stability to the world`s stage. You guess it , I have been away for the past two months in the sunny southern hemisphere. Australia and New Zealand, have saved me from most of the extreme cold weather, ice and snow the UK has experienced in many years. It was 40 degrees and rising when I left Perth, after spending Christmas and New Year holiday with my daughter and grandchildren,so it did feel good to breath in the cold wet air for a time but the snow and ice I can do without.
I had a wonderful trip the best yet, more expensive because of the financial world crisis but well worth the extra. Having been to Perth many times before there are no surprises, only the increase in people and traffic is obvious every time. The sunshine is a bonus but can be a big problem if not treated with respect. Slip Slop Slap every time you leave the house and keep out of the midday sun. I am not a beach person don’t surf or swim in the ocean any more, again too many dangers. But the coastal scenery is fantastic, I loved to go down in the late afternoon find some shade to read or take a walk in the surf . I find the heat quite a problem but Cathi had installed aircon which is much more efficient than the ceiling fans and it kept the heat down especially throughout the night. So it was a very comfortable stay. It was good to spend time with the family over the holidays get to know the children once again as they are adults now and developing as fine individuals. Cathi has much to be proud of I am so happy and proud to have had the opportunity to establish myself again in their lives. Its hard when loved ones live thousands of miles away, keeping that bridge strong. They emigrated in March 96 so I have visited them many times, and every time has been different.
I took a break before Christmas and flew over to New Zealand to stay with friends who have a winter home there. I stayed with them in 2006 in Nelson but this year they moved to a fabulous home that backs on to the beach at Mapua. At high tide the sea was virtually up to the back gate, a wonderful location. New Zealand is so different to Australia, its green and lush beautiful gardens filled with roses and colourful flowers plus sunshine, to the dry dusty hot environment that`s Western Australia. Its very like England at its best around 1950`s style. We had a exciting time, spent a few days in Able Tasman National Reserve based at Pohara in Golden Bay. Took the boat out and sailed around the coast from Kaiteriteri discovering secret coves and beautiful beaches Dug for cockles and mussels in the sand at Marahau, walked the walk across rope bridges and experienced so much in such a short time, it was wonderful. Thanks Ann Derek and Guy you made it happen..

http://www.motuekaisite.co.nz/

Autumn Memories

Swinsty Reservoir

Yorkshire

We are certainly having a spell of mild weather, some days its really sunny and warm. One bonus is that the leaves are lying all around in golden crispy heaps, ready to be kicked around in a delightful childish urge. Love it. These wonderful warm autumn days cry out for children. I miss those days when the
the garden was filled with children’s laughter as they helped to rake the leaves, collect them in huge piles to dive into , scattering them to all four corners of the garden, lovely memories. Its not the same now, but I must admit I do enjoy working in the garden when it’s warm and sunny.
I wrote this poem last year after I had spent a sunny morning sweeping leaves feeling somewhat down until these happy memories lifted me up.

Lost Moments

On crisp sun bright mornings
As the wind swirls and scatters
Golden brown leaves far and wide,
I hear children calling,
Their laughter echoes through the air.
How I miss the days when my children then grandchildren
Helped me gather fallen leaves.
On sunny Autumn days.


It took longer, but the fun we had
Gathering leaves into mounds of colour.
That were just to tempting for little ones
Who dived, flaying arms and legs
Onto the pile of dry crisp leaves.
The golden shower kicked high into the air
Rained down on happy faces.
As we played amidst the laughter
On a sunny autumn day.


It takes time and patience
To tidy an Autumn garden.
Energy and motivation is now my enemy.
No more little helpers
No more happy laughter.
Just lost moments to recall
On sunny Autumn Days.


The clocks went back an hour on Sunday and who forgot, me. I always go to the gym early on Sundays, but fortunately I realised my error before leaving, otherwise I would have been sat on the steps for an hour. This week I have been busy clearing out cupboards and found a number of containers filled with copper coins . I obtained £1 coin packets from the bank and I spent all afternoon and most of the evening filling them, came to £14, nice little bonus but I was so tired and dizzy by the time I finished counting them. Saturday I took a drive with my friends Ann and Derek to the island of Anglesey off the coast of Wales. It takes just about two and half hours to get there now there is a motor way through to the Ferry terminal at Holyhead. We went to visit Ann’s 92 year old father, a very remarkable gentleman who has lived on Anglesey for the past 21years and is still driving, I really enjoyed meeting him. I have many happy memories of weekends away on Anglesey with my good friends Ann, Dorothy and Winifred, spent lolling about in Dorothy’s palatial caravan, wonderful walks by the sea. Lots of laughter , much eating and drinking,good friends good memories. In those days we had to take the coastal road with breathtaking scenery, most of the way, a longer drive but well worth it. Saturday the weather was dry and sunny we picked the right day as the day after, back to normal, storm force gales and torrential rain which caused flooding again. Some floods are due to leaves blocking the drains as usual every autumn, why the Council can’t sort this problem out, is a mystery.
History Lecture last evening was about King Richard 3rd, he was the King who is suspect in the murder of the Princes in the tower, still suspect but nothing conclusive. He was raised in Lancashire and spent most of his life here and in Yorkshire it was very interesting to hear about the history of Lancashire in his time a very volatile period.

A Chill in the Air

Mossbank Park

The Start of Autumn

2ndOctober
Autumn has arrived the trees are slowly turning gold and all shades of yellow they look wonderful . We are experiencing an Indian Summer the days have been shorter but sunny and warm. Yet all today its rained heavy ,so I am catching up with the housework. Not as energetic and particular as I used to be, these days the dust only gets removed when I can taste it. Hah ha . I like to keep the floors clean, that is my only concession to being house proud and of course the bathroom gets attention regularly.
Attended two great poetry evenings it still amazes me how much talent there is around here.
Lynda and I went into Manchester Friday evening to see” Riders of the Storm” at the Royal Exchange Theatre Bar. Riders consist of guys for WOL and a wonderful jazz group called Honey Feet. Each Friday, different semi professional /amateurs have a free slot at the Royal Exchange from 6pm -7pm is very entertaining and a great way to start to the evening . Afterwards we went for something to eat then caught the train home. That weekend my son and his partner came on a visit, its always good to see him.
On the 30th of September everyone in the North West or even the UK had to retune their Digibox/Digital TV to receive new channel and services. In November Terrestrial TV will be no more and those who do not have digital will lose all the TV channels. I was very proud of myself as I tuned in the Freeview box in the bedroom and the TV in the lounge, so no need for eldest son. Now I have 50 plus channels which contains radio as well, very convenient. Had a lovely drive around the Rossendale Valley Sunday with my friend Muriel stopped of for lunch at a popular Pub to celebrate her birthday.
Historical Society Lecture this month on the” Peterloo Massacre was rather dry but very well attended. The room was so cold ,quite a chill setting in now once the sun goes down, its winter woollies from now on. Starting on my Korean Ginseng for the winter its good for boosting the immune system over the winter months. Although I will be in the sun most of the time, I want to be fit for the travel. I have started looking into what I will take with me. Over the years I have reduced the amount of clothes I take on holidays and down there I know it will be sunny and hot so its cotton and lightweights. But I bet I still have to sit on my case. My awesome car, my `Snow Queen` went in for its first service Friday I can’t believe its twelve months and I cant believe the amount they charge. They say its because of all the computerization on board, still she is worth it for the experience of driving in such a wonderful car..
National Poetry day was a damp squid for me I was just too fed up to get involved this year. Too many pulling my strings at the moment but I am now back to my usual self. Sorted the garden and some other long standing chores so I do feel better now. Looking after a house is a responsibility that I feel is wearing me down at times but I am not ready just yet to move house, eventually I will. The Lancashire Federation Women’s .Institute Autumn Council Meeting was held in Bolton this year, good to see people again it was a good meeting. I have won a Bursary to Denman College next year so I have to think what I want to do . Denman is the WI Residential College in Oxfordshire, Muriel and I enjoyed a weeks holiday in 2007 using the college as a base for touring around the county. So I am really looking forward to returning it’s a beautiful place.
http://www.peterloomassacre.org/history.html

Damson Gin

The Happy Couple

Reception

Thanks to my good friend Derek we picked all the apples and even managed to prune and cut back the trees. Now I have more light getting into the garden and buckets full of apples, which are now cooked and frozen ready for apple pies and crumbles. I also collected damson for my famous Damson Gin. it’s a short season for Damsons and for a number of years I have missed them . Any way this year my friend Max mentioned he had a damson tree so he invited to pick as many as I needed. So I now have my damson gin slowly fizzing away in the cupboard .
My tried and tested method equal amounts of washed pricked damsons,sugar and gin in a lidded glass container and leave until all the sugar has dissolved. Stir once a week for 10 -12 weeks. Sieve out the damsons and decant liqueur into a nice bottle. Stone the damsons and use as puree over ice-cream or sponge cake delicious. I have also made some Damson Jam which is so delicious.
Had a brilliant evening at Gemma and Chris`s wedding reception. I am sure for a time everyone was thinking who is that silly fat old lady in purple pants dancing to Chain Reaction and taking up all the floor .I just love that tune it presses all my buttons,it was a good night. Friday Lynda and I took the train into Salford to a Poetry /Music event but it went on far to late and we had to hurry to catch the train home. Makes sense to drive there in future but I did enjoy the train and the walk as the evening was so warm and it felt good doing something different.
I have thought about joining the Historical Association for a while now so on Monday I attended their first lecture . It was an interesting lecture on “Captain Scot the Explorer as Hero” by Dr Max Jones senior lecturer in modern history at Manchester University. He has written a number of books on Scott and his current research project investigates the rise and fall of the hero. The next lecture is on The Peterloo Massacre which occurred in Manchester in 1819, I will be going .

The Leak

Moses Gate Country Park

My Hydrangea Bush has done well too this year

Apple trees last month

The Leak
have a had a rather a frustrating week catching up with various jobs that had been put on hold. One being a broken overflow pipe from my toilet cistern that sends the water back into the cavity wall which seeps through to soak my carpet. It happened two years ago when workmen replacing my damaged soil pipe that was falling away from the wall. They snapped the overflow pipe off level with the wall. All has been well until last year I had a leak in the toilet. My plumbing insurance covered the leak from a faulty ball cock that had caused the water in the cistern to overflow. But they refused to repair the pipe as it was not inside the house.- Since then I have not been able to get anyone to attend to it as its such a small insignificant job….so they say - Well the overflow has been running again this month and again flooded the toilet floor. So for a couple of weeks, until I could find time for a plumber I have been closing the stopcock after filling the toilet cistern with water. But due to some very obvious senior moment often forgot to close it and was forever finding the carpet wet again from the backflow of water through the wall. I booked a plumber on the 24th (you can expect them between 8am and 10pm.) The plumber came at 11am fixed the problem but then had to return the following day at 7pm, as after replacing a damaged washer on the ball cock valve he inadvertently disturbed a washer on the water intake valve and that started to leak wetting the carpet once more. Thankfully I now have a new overflow pipe to the outside. Kindly repaired by the son of a good friends who came out Bank Holiday Monday. He did a perfect job of replacing the pipe that was concreted into the wall !! in no time, leaving very little mess. Thank you Simon.
The relief !!
Had a chat with my daughter and my two grandchildren Saturday, they are off to Broome for a couple of weeks sunshine. It seems the Australian Winter has been exceptionally cold. I am sure it will hot up for my visit this winter, I usually can`t bear the heat but its going to feel so good to be in the sunshine . I am not going to mention the weather. Cold - Wet - Windy - Sunny & Hot all within a day its Weird. As a result my apples are big and rosy on the trees this year, as I have left them up longer.. So I have to get my head around picking ,blanching and freezing them soon. Any volunteers LOL.