Beachcomber

I have always lived by the sea; can’t imagine living anywhere else.

When l got remarried 6yrs. ago we didn’t have much so l used to go beachcombing ~ l made frames from driftwood, strung shells together, varnished rocks etc. Our new home looked wonderful and quite artsy if l say so myself. I think my family were amazed every time they came to visit for it was all quite unusual and interesting. In some ways l miss those days when we had less, a lot less cleaning and fewer junk drawers!

Can you imagine if we were all the same and conformist? How boring and sterile the world would be. I say, choose to be a rebel ~ add colour and creative things to our homes and gardens. Bright and cheery things make you feel good, makes people stop.. and smile. Most of my blogger friends are like this ~ it’s so inviting and refreshing.

Nature is all around us, totally non-conformist and always looks wonderful! If you are looking for paints and colours that work together, step out into the garden, see what fantastic textures and ideas it has to offer ~ you’d be amazed.

Slug Fest & Slime Time

My brother and his wife came around this evening and we had a nice time together, that is until my brother went outside and got a slug from the garden! He wanted to ‘share’ with Sam ~ I don’t think Sam was too excited about it. Here are some pictures from that ‘sharing’. LoL

My brother and daughter had a good old time trying to get the slug slime from their arms. Slug slime is how slugs find each other- watch out guys; tonight you may have a few visitors.

Here is a tip to get the slime off: Pour a little cheap white vinegar on your hands and wash it off with lukewarm water. Really cuts that slime! Repeat if needed.

Bet they wish they had known that at the time!

Chopsticks: For handpicking use chopsticks to make it less disgusting. Lol can just see my neighbours observing me in the garden doing the Chinese Mambo!

Anyway Slugs/Snails and me do not get along- they smile at me as l pass while munching on my plants!

Sense of Smell

It was my mother-in-laws birthday on Tuesday and so l ran down the town to find a nice gift for her. I ended up getting mum a wee floral nightie as she spends time off and on in a care home. Last time l was visiting, dad had sent me out to get a few things for her but l could not find a decent nightgown. We used to buy mum perfumes and creams but over the past few years she has lost her sense of smell ~ I think that is such a shame.

Earlier l was taking a soak in the bath and enjoying the fragrance of my conditioner with mint and tea tree oils- invigorating! I thought about all the other smells that l enjoy, fresh baked bread, real coffee, newborn babies, jasmine and stocks by the front step, etc. Of all my senses l think the hardest for me to lose would be my sense of smell.

Isn’t it amazing how we also associate smells with events? I remember when my grandfather passed and we were taken over to my uncles to say goodbye (in Scotland the body can be kept at home so family can pay their respects). My aunt had used a ‘Shake and Vac’ powder all through her carpets and to this day l cannot smell that scent without associating it with grandpa’s passing and that visit in particular.

On a lighter note yesterday l bought a lovely ‘plug in’ fragrance, Cherry Blossoms and Magnolia ~ the hallway is ambrosial!

Facts:

• The sense of smell plays a vital role in our sense of well-being and quality of life.

• A woman’s sense of smell is keener than a man’s – especially when pregnant.

• The nose is the one part on the body that keeps on growing ~ arghhhh- no!

Friendship Forever Green

Like many others I had a very dear friend when l was a teenager. Sadly this friend had to move away overseas with her family ~ we were both broken hearted. We wrote for a while, years passed and life moved on. Occasionally l would think of her, wonder how she was doing, do an Internet search- no such luck.

One-day l was messing around in Google, doing a bit of family genealogy, l typed my maiden name in and WOW someone was looking for me in UK Villages. It was my old friend- after 20 years we finally got back in touch!

We each have three children and both of us named our youngest Sam (Samuel & Samantha)- how lovely. I still have all of our old letters and my friend sent me this picture of me when l was 15yrs. – taken at a dress up party with our church group- l think l was ‘The woman at the well’. My Mum still has that old vase.

This poem is for my friend who lives far away and also for the lovely friends that l have made in Blog World.

FRIENDSHIP Time goes so fast Life asks so much No wonder friends get out of touch But in our hearts, Deep, True, Unseen Friendship stays Forever Green

How much do you love me Darling?

Because l was thinking that this should be our next project??? :)

Have had it all measured and estimates done, much of the work we can do ourselves. Hmm. You can pick your own deserts for a week! Ok, I've made the offer.

Sunday Drive

Hubby's Hotel Holiday

Husband is away soon to a very plush hotel in Edinburgh for a conference to give a presentation and learn new things.

The hotel is set in a tranquil suburban location; superb leisure including indoor pool, sauna & steam room; many golf courses close by; luxury rooms; close enough to central Edinburgh to keep you entertained.

Arghh ~ l can’t bear it any longer ~ shoot me!

Or on second thought… buy fast track ticket to some Tropical Island and retire.

Another Tick of the Clock

Daniel is away tonight to his s6 Leavers Dance ~ a dinner and Ceilidh with live band. I am sure when he returns with the camera l will be able to fill yet another post.

A young man heading into the world ~ feels a bit strange for me. Daniel is a tall lad at 6ft. 5in. but l think this only adds to his Highland rig out to make him quite distinguished looking. Lady Alana is a lucky lass but of course l'd say that being his Mum.

End of an Era

Bouquet Buzz & lots of Fuss

Thank you all for the lovely comments yesterday ~ my husband is a fine one indeed!

We had a really nice evening at home with the kids, exchanged cards and just enjoyed being a family together. Lovely Stargazer Lilies now adorn the mantel ~ the scent is intoxicating. Melissa painted a beautiful card with the same Lilies too.

STARGAZER STORY

When we got married l put together my own bouquets, among all the different flowers the Stargazers stood out magnificently. However, I did not know that l was supposed to pull the stamens from the Lilies and ironically at the last minute got some pollen on my dress!

So there we all were, standing in the hallway almost ready to leave and my mother is anxiously asking for a paintbrush to remove the stain. My brother comes through with the brush attachment on the Hoover and starts vacuuming me up! I was in stitches, laughing and panicking at the same time. As always my father is standing in the background making witty comments, “This is ‘apollen’ (appalling), this is ‘apollen’!”. What memories of our wedding day ~ smiles all the way through. The pollen incident did much to alleviate the stress and everyone was laughing wholeheartedly.

Love you Missus!

Today is our Anniversary and I want to tell my Missus that I love her and to let her know how proud and happy I am to be her bloke. My Missus is the sunshine, the music and the laughter in my days.

Song for missus . . . .

You are the light

The early morning light

You are the song

the song the Linnet sings

You are the morn

The day and jewelled dawn

You are the morning

You are the morning

(played in cgcgcd tuning)

Love you missus.

Woman Of The House

I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather today, not because it’s been pouring down outside but because l have a recurring bout of Tonsillitis- ironically just after have told a blogger friend that l was feeling much better. Never finished my course of Penicillin properly ~ am feeling angry with myself as l am forever telling the kids to take the whole course! Anyway went to the Doc’s yesterday and am back on track.

Spent the morning clearing up my Mac Desktop ~ what a mess! So now all files have been organized, much to trash and a few CD’s burned too- good.

While doing this l have been listening to a U.S. Celtic quartet ‘Cherish the Ladies’ ~ wonderful CD with guests various. Sound sample here – you need to scroll down to Track Listing. Number 4 is of Kate Rusby singing ‘Bogie’s Bonnie Belle’ ~ another favourite song of mine – for me the most touching of all the Scottish Bothy ballads.

A traditional Scottish folk singer and songwriter l enjoy listening to is Dougie MacLean –a Dunkeld based singer. He is the composer of ‘Caledonia’ – the song that has become an anthem for Scots worldwide. The location on his music video, HERE is near to where l live – takes a wee minute to load.

Anyway this afternoon after Sam was in nursery l headed over to my Mum’s for a bit of TLC. Mum took one look at me and sent me up to bed for a rest ~ even made me some food. How come it never tastes this good when l make it? Thanks Mum.

In the grand scale of things…

I was informed by a family member last night that when returning a comment on my blog l had written ‘ROLF’ instead of ‘ROFL’. For those of you out there who are not familiar with this chatroom ‘jargon speak’ it means: Rolling On Floor Laughing.

LOL means Laughing Out Loud (a gentle laugh) and so ‘ROFL’ is just that wee bit funnier.

Now by the looks of things l have been writing ‘Rolling On Laughing Floor’, which l personally think is quite funny too. Does it really matter? I am sure that my new blogger friends out there understood what l meant to say.

On a more serious note:

...when a distraught widow saw a pair of bright, white false teeth grinning up at her from the funeral urn, she knew there was something wrong – her husband had never had false teeth in his life…

IT CAN’T BE TRUE!

Embarrassing Moment

BACKGROUND: A few years ago while l was at college one of the subjects l was taking was Advanced Construction. As well as learning many other things we had to make a Relief model of a double story house. This cross section showed the house as though it were sliced from the roof to the foundation- showing exactly how the various parts of the house fit together.

I had two male lecturers who shared an office together, Bob and Morton ~ all of these Relief Models had been marked and were piled up in that room ready for us to collect.

THE MOMENT: I am standing talking with the Linda (Head of Design Dept.) and Morton when l suddenly remember that l need to collect my board. I turn to Morton and ask, “So Morton how about you take me into your office and give me that relief?” Linda’s legs are starting to turn to jelly and she is in stitches.

Still momentarily unaware of what l have said, Morton puts his arm around my shoulder and says, “ Well l’ll see what l can do but no promises- ok.”

Arghhh~ it hits home….. l was absolutely mortified but we all had a good giggle about it anyway.

TRUTH: After that l was never quite able to look him straight in the eye.

We just couldn’t shelve it any longer!

After a busy yesterday we have finished the bookcase! G. and l stained the wood with Jacobean Oak and once dry couldn’t wait to fill. We work great together as a team; l design/measure and Gerald does all the rest. We both are really pleased with the result- a good use of space with such a small footprint too ~ fully functional and has been much needed as you can see.

Sunday today ~ Happy Father’s Day

The best sound of childhood was your key in the door.

I used to sit in your chair till you came home. It was the special place to wait, the place that held the shape of you, the smell of your books, the old cushion you tucked into your back.

Do you remember, Dad, you lifted me high on your shoulders and let me touch the trees? We threw stones together in the sea.

All you gave me is part of me forever.

Sam’s Dad & My Darling

My Dad

Secret Garden 2005

Yesterday's Rambles

THE GARDENER

He calls a spade a spade and a hoe a hoe ~ except when he drops them on his big toe!

If you think hoe, hoe, hoe is a laughing matter, you're no gardener.

Construction continues

Progress with the design for Dad’s bathroom:

As you can see, the new door opening has been made and the partition wall is now in place.

Henry is doing a fine job although l don’t think he likes having his photo taken.

At least we didn’t see a builders bum!

DESIGNING FOR DAD

As snug as a bug in a rug?

Working to such a tight time-scale here with painting rooms, carpets, etc. ~ anyway l was extremely busy upstairs. Suddenly l here the cry for, ‘Mummy’ that is distinct and serious. Come galloping down the stairs in a frantic state trying to find where Sam is. Follow the cries back to the stairs and yes, l had passed him by. Oh my goodness, what if he had gone down that bit further ~ that's a long roll!

As my daughter stood by l went to get the camera and snatched the shot. Perhaps l could use this as part of an embarrassing power-point presentation in the future.

Spiderman trapped in a carpet roll- l never saw that one. :)

Demon Decorator

At moment I'm in mid-week of number 6/ monthly mood.

Recap of June so far:

(1ST) Fix phone wiring that went in electrical storm, boiler man out/boiler fixed

(2ND) Total clear out of Mel's room into our room, sleep in cramped quarters for now

(3RD) Continue decorating Mel's room, sand down, paint, etc..

(4TH) Car boot sale, rip up old carpet, take loads of stuff to dump, gloss

(5TH) Start to feel sick, sore throat, think it must be the paint fumes

(6TH) Lay carpet in place, house is a tip!

(7TH) Carpet fitter arrives, does nice job, l move furniture back into room

(8TH) Visit to Doctor- Tonsillitis!

(9TH) Strip varnish off wardrope, lovely old wood, all boys stuff gathered and put into back room/ Mel's stuff too

Note to self: Interior Design- NO Interior Landscaping- YES!

(10TH) Hubby decorates hall/paint & gloss, move all books and bookcase from top landing, (order wood for bookcase project for coming weekend), pack holiday bags with Dan. Daniel spills paint on hall carpet- arghh- spend an hour trying to get it out!

Mel at a Frenzy 2006 concert in Edinburgh.

(11TH) Empty out front room (Dan's room), spend time up back weeding garden, tidy out shed, , G. makes lovely Sunday dinner, finish the evening with family up back/glass of wine.

(12TH) Start work on front room. Dan leaves at 2am with his mates for holiday in Spain.

(13TH) TODAY: Waiting on new bunk beds to be delivered, painting front room, carpet guys arriving later to give an estimate on hall carpet etc.

And not to mention, kids, food shopping, cooking, washings.......

Oh the fun :)

But there's always a creative side to me; even when it's quiet musically, it comes out in some other direction, like painting or decorating or planting a garden or writing a children's book or putting on make-up like a Kabuki artist.

Carly Simon

A Glance Back

I was reading my sister’s blog the other day and a post called, ‘Baby Boomers’ made me smile. I reminisced about my childhood and about the way things were, thought about the many things that went on then, for which we are certainly none the worse off.

I think that children today are given too much and don’t have to think enough for themselves. They have grown up in a ‘do it for me’ and ‘have it now’ ethos where the notion of making and doing for yourself and an ‘in good time’ has gone. As a youngster l loved creating things, going out all day with friends on adventures, using my imagination, staging plays, dressing up etc. Life seemed new, brilliant, endless… Ok we had no televisions, video games, DVD’s, stereos etc. in our rooms but we had friends to play over and books! A cardboard box, a patch of backyard and a dripping piece (sandwich) was a day of fun and relative safety. People, children and grown ups were more at ease with themselves and their lives – the world was a simpler and a safer place to be around in. Now it seems much smaller, more dangerous, and has lost its sense of mystery and wonder about life and spirituality.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying it is all bad, my older two are sensitive creative souls who are also adept with technical things which can only serve to help them in the future but, l still feel sad that they have perhaps missed out on a simpler and more self-sufficient way of going about life. Childhood and innocence has been foreshortened by the pressure of commercialism so that sometimes children are almost grotesque imitations of adults when they should still be being children.

Some other things that l feel sad are no longer about:

• The Rag & Bone man- l loved having a peek in his van with mum and her neighbours- l loved getting a wee balloon or sweetie from him too- there was something magical about the whole experience- the vivacious chit chat of ladies queuing and kids desperate for swaps.

• Having your milk delivered to your door in glass bottles- l miss the silver lids- l miss the creamy bit at the top- l remember my mother disgusted with the birds when they’d peck through the lids to get at the cream before us. Young boys could get a job on the delivery trucks, l remember the clatter when the milk was placed on the doorstep- 6 pints each day and full cream!

• I feel saddened/angered that the government did away with allocating milk at primary schools- l loved getting my milk in the mornings (there’s just another thing that my wee boy will not experience).

Over the years the milk containers changed in design, from regular rectangular cartons, to pyramids where you ripped off the top and stuck in your straw but my favorite was the miniature glass bottles- just like the ones on our doorstep at home.

• Tuck-shop at school

• Climbing trees with neighbourhood boys for conkers- l was always a tomboy in that way. Outside all the time ~ at least you can say we were never peely-wally (pale).

• Playing jorries (marbles), again with the boys in the school ground- we used the metal grates for different twists on certain games.

• Tiddley Winks, Dominos, steel roller skates, etc.

A lot of these things are gone now- things that made

the world a nicer place to live, encouraged social interaction within communities and wired deep-rooted memories ~ for me, memories that will last a lifetime.

Road to Recovery!

It’s official.. Tonsillitis!

Treatment: penicillin and rotation of soluble aspirin/paracetamol.

Took some pictures of the boys this evening in garden- they were running around chasing each other- Daniel took Sam to the shop for a ice-lolly- they were both enjoying each others company- was lovely to watch. Sam will miss his big brother when he leaves for Uni. ~ weekends and holidays will become something to really look forward to.

Anyway l got some photos of the boys and some flower ones too.

Blogger has been acting up last 24hours – lets hope we’ll all be a little better tomorrow.

“Let me be a little kinder, Let me be a little blinder To the faults about me; Let me praise a little more, Let me be, when I am weary; Just a little bit more cheery, Let me serve a little better Those that I am striving for. Let me be a little braver When temptation bids me waver, Let me strive a little harder To be all that I should be; Let me be a little meeker to the brother that is weaker; Let me think more of my neighbour and a little less of me.”