Yes, it's true - one of our chickens has been murdered by Felix the Fox. I blame Steve - we had a 6 ft snowdrift against the fence for 3 weeks and he said he would dig it out. Felix did give us the courtesy of 3 weeks before stepping over it and stealing a hen from the coop. Needless to say that, like the chicken, the snowdrift is no more.
Poor chickens, this is the 3rd that we have lost to foxes/ raccoons in 2 years. Only 2 chickens were witness to the double homicides, however. That should read avicide, seeing as it is the killing of birds...I still think Steve holds the record for the most birds killed...as soon as they stop laying, he's on it...and he's scored up 3 roosters and 3 hens so far.
For those of you interested, my Mum is doing really well. The physician told her that her scar looks 12 months old rather than nearly 2 months. She's lost a lot of weight though - she's about a Size 8 I'd guess. She now also had 'drop foot' which means she's upset her sciatic nerve somewhere along the line, so she's getting more tests done.
Dad has been well for some time now - although he must rattle if you were to shake him, he takes so many pills.
I'm frustrated at the moment as over the past 2 weeks I've had to nag Sam constantly to study. I don't do nagging normally, so it's putting me in an uncomfortable position. I've helped him draw up a timetable and I've offered to test him...but he's being bloody lazy. He's used to sailing through all his school stuff, but I suspect these February exams will be a BIG wake up call...so, I decided at the weekend that he was in charge and removed myself from nagging duty...if he fails, it's his fault and I accept no responsibility.
I am damn sure my Mum didn't do all this bullsh*t for me...I don't remember her even asking about homework/ exams...perhaps we are just the guilt/ push generation...and we overthink everything to do with our kids...at least I know I do...
Note to self - stop interfering
Yeah right...like that's going to happen.
Obama'd out
Or is it Obama doubt? hmmm...
I'm sitting on my high horse wondering how one man and his administration can possibly achieve all the expectations of the American people. I'm thinking of an analogy...every time that England go to the World Cup...every time they did, there was a furore of hype and people genuinely believed that the team would be victorious...and when they lost they were mortally offended and went into a depressive-like state.
I used to stand back and think - why? Why do people believe so strongly in the hype? Why do they go along with it and don't question it, like sheep? What was so different about this new team that was so inspiring?
Of course there is something different about Obama - he has inspired Black America and gives aspiration to many blacks who now have a new embassador. But let's not get too carried away, he is only one man and unfortunately I suspect that he will disappoint a lot of people.
Over here in Canada the school kids watched the inauguration - similar to the moon landing in 1969. It is a huge step for mankind to have a mixed race president and good luck to him, but I hope the Americans deal well with their high expectations and don't deal with him too harshly over his mistakes.
I'm sitting on my high horse wondering how one man and his administration can possibly achieve all the expectations of the American people. I'm thinking of an analogy...every time that England go to the World Cup...every time they did, there was a furore of hype and people genuinely believed that the team would be victorious...and when they lost they were mortally offended and went into a depressive-like state.
I used to stand back and think - why? Why do people believe so strongly in the hype? Why do they go along with it and don't question it, like sheep? What was so different about this new team that was so inspiring?
Of course there is something different about Obama - he has inspired Black America and gives aspiration to many blacks who now have a new embassador. But let's not get too carried away, he is only one man and unfortunately I suspect that he will disappoint a lot of people.
Over here in Canada the school kids watched the inauguration - similar to the moon landing in 1969. It is a huge step for mankind to have a mixed race president and good luck to him, but I hope the Americans deal well with their high expectations and don't deal with him too harshly over his mistakes.
Did I say chilly?
Last night was -39...yes, that does exist...but we don't generally see it. We have a frostbite warning in effect...!
It's bizarre - you walk out of the house and your breath gets taken away and it feels like your throat gets covered in frost...your nostrils freeze and seal together in minutes...VERY attractive!
I keep suggesting the beach to the boys, but so far they have refused...probably knowing this is the reason why I ask! We have to be careful that the animals don't get frostbite too. The chickens have a heat lamp, so are getting a tan and the cat/ dog don't stay out longer than is necessary to do their deed.
It is bloody beautiful though - I haven't seen a cloud in days and the stars are well, out of this world. Its like a white sky there are so many...and so with the stars and the snow it is almost light at night.
We had an armed (knife) robbery in the island capital, Charlottetown, the other night. The guy was arrested 2 hours later in a bar - spending his ill gotten gains on dirty beer...he'd stole $100 from the convenience store, been captured on CCTV and then gone to the nearest boozer...I guess he was just thirsty and penniless. What can I say? We're in the midst of a crime wave!
Keep warm!
PS Mum is doing ok - just steadily getting better
It's bizarre - you walk out of the house and your breath gets taken away and it feels like your throat gets covered in frost...your nostrils freeze and seal together in minutes...VERY attractive!
I keep suggesting the beach to the boys, but so far they have refused...probably knowing this is the reason why I ask! We have to be careful that the animals don't get frostbite too. The chickens have a heat lamp, so are getting a tan and the cat/ dog don't stay out longer than is necessary to do their deed.
It is bloody beautiful though - I haven't seen a cloud in days and the stars are well, out of this world. Its like a white sky there are so many...and so with the stars and the snow it is almost light at night.
We had an armed (knife) robbery in the island capital, Charlottetown, the other night. The guy was arrested 2 hours later in a bar - spending his ill gotten gains on dirty beer...he'd stole $100 from the convenience store, been captured on CCTV and then gone to the nearest boozer...I guess he was just thirsty and penniless. What can I say? We're in the midst of a crime wave!
Keep warm!
PS Mum is doing ok - just steadily getting better
A bit chilly...
Just a bit...-20 degrees and a wind chill factor of -34...but we still have our coats open because we're from Manchester and we are 'ard ;-)
The good news is that last night's predicted storm didn't arrive, but the bad news is that the -35 is set to stay for around 4 days. However, it will be beautiful cloudless skies so the boys and I can go down and stand on the sea and take some piccies.
Slim Fast sucks and I'm starving. I have 'misunderestimated' how much I need to eat...oh well...16 weeks until we are in England...can't wait.
We've started writing our 'England' list of all the stuff we want to do, bring back with us and EAT...did I mention I was hungry? Sam asked whether we could have kebab on the first night, I smiled and replied that its just not going to happen, not when the Sun Lok chippy is still serving Holland's Meat Pies and curry. Cruel Mother, eh?
PS...Sam has a new girlfriend, Ida...I call her Idaho - he doesn't appreciate the joke...cruel mother encore fois??
The good news is that last night's predicted storm didn't arrive, but the bad news is that the -35 is set to stay for around 4 days. However, it will be beautiful cloudless skies so the boys and I can go down and stand on the sea and take some piccies.
Slim Fast sucks and I'm starving. I have 'misunderestimated' how much I need to eat...oh well...16 weeks until we are in England...can't wait.
We've started writing our 'England' list of all the stuff we want to do, bring back with us and EAT...did I mention I was hungry? Sam asked whether we could have kebab on the first night, I smiled and replied that its just not going to happen, not when the Sun Lok chippy is still serving Holland's Meat Pies and curry. Cruel Mother, eh?
PS...Sam has a new girlfriend, Ida...I call her Idaho - he doesn't appreciate the joke...cruel mother encore fois??
Lesbian New Year
...well, Lebanese, but close, eh?
We went to the Lebanese New Year on Saturday, we were amongst esteemed guests including the Premier (a very prominent Lesbian) and Lieutenant Governor (not a lesbian that I know of.) Neither of them danced..or Debkie'd in Lebanese...which is mind-numbingly dancing in a circle to endlessly repeated horrendous music...not my cup of tea, but I know now not to go again. It was like a Greek night without the really good food and a sense of cool - no tables in the teeth either. Nevermind!
It's officially a timewarp - when the western music came on it was Abba, YMCA, Jive Bunny, Grease and Sweet Home Alabama...all the crowd pleasers for the over 60s...! Never mind...!
So, the big news is that we are coming over to the UK on 6th May for a vacation. I booked it today and we are very excited! I'm so looking forward to that Holland's Meat Pie from the Sun Lok chippy smothered in Curry...yeah baby...
Oh yeah, and it'll be nice to see you all aswell ;-) especially Tarty's new babe x
PS...Pass the slim fast...16 weeks to get into shape...Big Club on the 16th!
PPS Just for Alison - here's another piccie of me with the brunette look...
PPPS...Storm tomorrow...never mind! :-)
Death and getting old
A good friend of ours died at the weekend and today I went to his funeral. As with all deaths, it is very sad and your heart goes out to those who are left behind, especially when the departed has left such a positive mark on those around them. Of course I was tearful (Extreme Makeover Home makes me weep buckets) and my heart goes out to his family because he was such an exceptional husband, Dad and loyal friend. We only knew him for 3 years, but his impact was definitely felt.
It got me morbidly thinking that it's all downhill from here...and this is the first time I've genuinely thought about it. Death doesn't worry me, it's inevitable, but sickness? I'm thinking that over the next 20/30 years Steve & I are going to get more decrepid and it won't just be migraines and colds. Steve is already having 2 hour physio on his elbow and his legs and I'm assuming he'll get better, but am I being glib as he is just 3 years short of 50? In fact, my Mum was his age when I told her I was pregnant with Sam...a fact he doesn't like to be reminded of!
I found myself at the funeral looking around at the fellow mourners. Harold was only 62 and many of his peers were in attendance. I wondered what was is in store for us? Diabetes? Parkinson? Heart troubles? Walking problems?
Harold had had many problems during the last 5 years, and he took them all in his stride - you never heard him complain or be self involved. He always took the bright side and never discussed the possibility of failure. In fact, he used to joke about them...
He'd broke his back years before on a building site (he was an electrician) and recovered completely. Five years ago he took a very serious heart attack and adapted his life accordingly. In 2007 he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and had his Prostate removed shortly after. Then, in 2008 he started getting very bad headaches and dizzy spells. Initially it was felt that they may be a symptom of his heart condition, but in December they discovered a brain tuma. On December 30th they operated and found that the tuma had grown massively and exploded during the surgery. We knew then that there was no hope and unfortunately, we were right.
His life, his marriage and his family were a huge success. I've never known a family so close and so loving, despite both his daughters being out in Western Canada.
RIP Harold, you were loved.
PS...Pass the Kleenex...
It got me morbidly thinking that it's all downhill from here...and this is the first time I've genuinely thought about it. Death doesn't worry me, it's inevitable, but sickness? I'm thinking that over the next 20/30 years Steve & I are going to get more decrepid and it won't just be migraines and colds. Steve is already having 2 hour physio on his elbow and his legs and I'm assuming he'll get better, but am I being glib as he is just 3 years short of 50? In fact, my Mum was his age when I told her I was pregnant with Sam...a fact he doesn't like to be reminded of!
I found myself at the funeral looking around at the fellow mourners. Harold was only 62 and many of his peers were in attendance. I wondered what was is in store for us? Diabetes? Parkinson? Heart troubles? Walking problems?
Harold had had many problems during the last 5 years, and he took them all in his stride - you never heard him complain or be self involved. He always took the bright side and never discussed the possibility of failure. In fact, he used to joke about them...
He'd broke his back years before on a building site (he was an electrician) and recovered completely. Five years ago he took a very serious heart attack and adapted his life accordingly. In 2007 he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and had his Prostate removed shortly after. Then, in 2008 he started getting very bad headaches and dizzy spells. Initially it was felt that they may be a symptom of his heart condition, but in December they discovered a brain tuma. On December 30th they operated and found that the tuma had grown massively and exploded during the surgery. We knew then that there was no hope and unfortunately, we were right.
His life, his marriage and his family were a huge success. I've never known a family so close and so loving, despite both his daughters being out in Western Canada.
RIP Harold, you were loved.
PS...Pass the Kleenex...
Epiphany
Don't you feel sorry for those poor cousins of Christmas - the days after New Year when everyone ignores that there is 5 days of Yuletide still to go? I get sad when I see the cast off Christmas Trees thrown out the doors, what was once a delight suddenly neglected and all the Christmas outside lights no longer switched on.
I was brought up to believe that January 6th was the day to take all the decorations down - not a day before or later...somehow that was deemed to be bad luck. So today was the big day, it took me 4 hours to remove & pack them back in the basement, and now there's the inevitable clean up. Oh goody...
It's like an Arctic wasteland here, the blowing snow has obscured the landscape. I've just been out to talk to the chickens - they must be really fed up, they've had 3 successive days couped up - we've dug them out every day as there's about 3 ft of snow blocking them in - bless 'em. I just gave them the last of my cranberries as a little treat - seemed to cheer them up considerably!
The boys went back to school yesterday, Sam was pleased but Joe, predictably, was not looking forward to it.
I need to finish cleaning so I suppose I should stop now. Keep safe & warm xx
Winter Wonderland!
It's -25 degrees and its bloody gorgeous! So Steve & I went for a walk to the sea...we have a little bit of snow 49cm in 24 hours)...but as Billy Connolly once said, there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
The drive was blown twice yesterday...this is blair in his snow blowing mode...
The drive was blown twice yesterday...this is blair in his snow blowing mode...The sea is sea freezing over, won't be long until the boys and I will be walking on the sea. They were too busy sledging to walk down to the beach today.
Wide-Eyed and Snowbound...
Happy New Year to you all...may 2009 be prosperous and fortuitous...well, not just May, all the year...
No New Year's Resolutions just 3 ft of snow. The plows were pulled off the roads at Noon, but luckily Steve had managed to get home from work - very wide eyed and terrified after his horrendous white-out journey. They are calling for more...all these phrases we don't have a need for in the UK!
New Year was different as Steve was working but the boys and I went to a neighbour's party. All the kids (7 of them) were playing in the snow at 12.30am...I think a good time was had by all! I have photos, but the storm is barely leting me get online nevermind uploading!
Anyway, I have to get all togged up for my trek across the land to my Dad's, he can get his car off, his drive has been blown (there's another phrase!) and we are desperate for supplies...we have the emergency stuff in the 'trunk' and I'm hoping he'll let me drive...Chocks away, Ginger!
No New Year's Resolutions just 3 ft of snow. The plows were pulled off the roads at Noon, but luckily Steve had managed to get home from work - very wide eyed and terrified after his horrendous white-out journey. They are calling for more...all these phrases we don't have a need for in the UK!
New Year was different as Steve was working but the boys and I went to a neighbour's party. All the kids (7 of them) were playing in the snow at 12.30am...I think a good time was had by all! I have photos, but the storm is barely leting me get online nevermind uploading!
Anyway, I have to get all togged up for my trek across the land to my Dad's, he can get his car off, his drive has been blown (there's another phrase!) and we are desperate for supplies...we have the emergency stuff in the 'trunk' and I'm hoping he'll let me drive...Chocks away, Ginger!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)