tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250070442024-03-11T03:22:49.166+00:00Message in a bottleSuch messages are not intended for a specific person, but to end up wherever the currents carry them.HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-88212443378694276552011-10-07T11:36:00.004+01:002012-10-23T22:23:38.697+01:00Cornwall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM41xTWQCXzxF_FINXLsTXpcCii6uLIyxOIZasgImc6agvUkkb-qb8NIlnGo8BFtn_HMEqu0DwnuuZpZW4g5Z9Wia6zBO2WQT8C88kuEOKKGaUXmxGMRcuTxW8R5wo79p0LK4/s1600/DSCF0045.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660700812835117602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM41xTWQCXzxF_FINXLsTXpcCii6uLIyxOIZasgImc6agvUkkb-qb8NIlnGo8BFtn_HMEqu0DwnuuZpZW4g5Z9Wia6zBO2WQT8C88kuEOKKGaUXmxGMRcuTxW8R5wo79p0LK4/s200/DSCF0045.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOCmxKdT7gSNDtoMLsEec_Jlza5ykxUYmvzvFqmXANAJxrsaHJE915bxDTYzMzI24JGk-55f5WK4OuFQxAiDclYQ5Zz2x0fuCxYMltyCTAqjAjgGoT4cCa86-gBtW9sFnZem0/s1600/DSCF0027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660700045522683698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOCmxKdT7gSNDtoMLsEec_Jlza5ykxUYmvzvFqmXANAJxrsaHJE915bxDTYzMzI24JGk-55f5WK4OuFQxAiDclYQ5Zz2x0fuCxYMltyCTAqjAjgGoT4cCa86-gBtW9sFnZem0/s200/DSCF0027.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_fMKwHI0GPJcEwu_HxZnCLdukluvfdnaqhH7dlGbxoxlJIGfE3cH0SFV2lWB1Uzb0X3lAOwtWKvWOrePqv-7mv-ijtM-PdKJYMrAIMhaKKgu4gUlnwL5gVcXbjrvFPhim2Wq/s1600/DSCF0119.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660699633685741074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_fMKwHI0GPJcEwu_HxZnCLdukluvfdnaqhH7dlGbxoxlJIGfE3cH0SFV2lWB1Uzb0X3lAOwtWKvWOrePqv-7mv-ijtM-PdKJYMrAIMhaKKgu4gUlnwL5gVcXbjrvFPhim2Wq/s200/DSCF0119.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-66757827414232798092011-09-30T15:57:00.005+01:002011-09-30T16:08:37.712+01:00Breath...it's Friday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzD5tCkpK4POCx2UXAJQBKPN6fLu6PL95h0nTmbR_oS3cX1ooKSwoDHex8gyVaoEcBUSGdfBDCbgA7z6Tn43pCUxD7T2mq_hr0eLuVcRhhITssU5U_VIDM4JFuF7cg4OOInls/s1600/willie+wonka.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzD5tCkpK4POCx2UXAJQBKPN6fLu6PL95h0nTmbR_oS3cX1ooKSwoDHex8gyVaoEcBUSGdfBDCbgA7z6Tn43pCUxD7T2mq_hr0eLuVcRhhITssU5U_VIDM4JFuF7cg4OOInls/s200/willie+wonka.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658167392682880914" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">What a week. While the rest of the country has been basking in glorious sunshine with soaring temperatures we have had the usual ragged clumps of broken cloud blowing over – sun occasionally colouring the land in bright shifting patches but mostly the world has been grey and windswept. I did manage to get a few wash loads hung out on the line this past week – the wind blew fitfully enough to dry the lot so l was pleased.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Update</b> on the bathroom refit : After lots of measuring, discussion and basic sketching for our bathroom we are venturing across the water tomorrow to visit a large showroom full of bathroom furniture, etc. This will give us an idea of what might work- l had thought of putting in an offset corner bath but need to see them now to be sure. I am the 'bath' person in this house- the boys prefer to shower so l definitely want one where l can stretch out and relax.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Our Sam is away out to school today dressed up as Willy Wonka- his school is hosting a <a href="http://www.roalddahlcharity.org/Default.asp?PageID=62">'Dahlicious' dress up party</a> and all the children have to come dressed as a character from one of his books- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Dahl">Roald Dahl</a>. The money raised with go to his Children's Charity raising money for the seriously ill – only £1 per child but with all the schools taking part this should really add up and what a great cause!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>News:</b> Our Sam got voted in for Pupil Council this year – he represents the children of Primary 5 for his school. We got a letter from the school which read, </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i>“I am delighted to inform you that your child has been chosen to represent their class year at this session's Pupil Council. This is indeed a credit to them as they are not just popular members of their class, they have also been chosen by their peers as they have been judged to have many skills e.g. they are good communicators, are able to work as part of a team, have demonstrated that they have good ideas and are enthusiastic members of our school.”</i></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wow!! How proud are we!!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Oh, and look- it's raining again!!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Have a great weekend all!</span></span></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-50462770172564041002011-09-25T22:33:00.007+01:002011-09-25T23:12:44.113+01:00Another weekend gone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyb5Dif5Hv2bV5y6yQhr_5UZVoDPyRcHxVDtI0l4Gpn5t1kr_3hoaNe0d93iJkGUNNUtmrGIp6mdg8COLRCoW4bdU40LIc-qENnyLVOkJxtCJB66pscEuluuBqkz2VB6LscS2/s1600/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyb5Dif5Hv2bV5y6yQhr_5UZVoDPyRcHxVDtI0l4Gpn5t1kr_3hoaNe0d93iJkGUNNUtmrGIp6mdg8COLRCoW4bdU40LIc-qENnyLVOkJxtCJB66pscEuluuBqkz2VB6LscS2/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656422146772739666" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, sans-serif;color:#9E0002;"><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Good evening all.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Another busy weekend almost done and Monday tomorrow already but - l won't think of all that just now. I'm just glad it's almost time for bed – I'm looking forward to snuggling up under the </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duvet"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">duvet</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> with a good book. Today has been a monumentally wet and dismal day – the only word that seems to fit is </span></span></span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dreich+(Old+Scots+origin)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">dreich</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">! It's hard to believe the reports of this wonderful </span></span></span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/24/uk-set-for-indian-summer-weather"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">'Indian Summer'</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> that's on its way to us especially after the fickle week of weather we've just had but </span></span></span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=way-hay!"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">way-hey</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> if it happens. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIR1-Z-onHpVFNRm0hv9eQPPLTQeOvA21J4xQGO9arAlfsCDYZ_TUiLxoAyiPJqZlsnCjyWtCTgcke0C9pDjCWjC_PXRxoEWOjjrgswMjzwjVxt3GOllVJbrKVc_iF-j6Scyy/s1600/2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIR1-Z-onHpVFNRm0hv9eQPPLTQeOvA21J4xQGO9arAlfsCDYZ_TUiLxoAyiPJqZlsnCjyWtCTgcke0C9pDjCWjC_PXRxoEWOjjrgswMjzwjVxt3GOllVJbrKVc_iF-j6Scyy/s200/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656422340871343506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Well, as you know from the last post, the bathroom window got put in last week by our friend Robert – l'm still taken aback every time l go in there – it's so wonderful to see so much more light! </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRchEoqYCjCywzYv6qYCeEIfPYqESIQ3q7GcjA5zRBvNcrH9XoVWHARojW3oO1ALNFnFUtj8dIctesxD5jHk_x96pniKYNCrz2H6ok4BpCO9XYlgKWwBsOK6VoKYuBYTzPJYo/s1600/3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRchEoqYCjCywzYv6qYCeEIfPYqESIQ3q7GcjA5zRBvNcrH9XoVWHARojW3oO1ALNFnFUtj8dIctesxD5jHk_x96pniKYNCrz2H6ok4BpCO9XYlgKWwBsOK6VoKYuBYTzPJYo/s200/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656422559832770658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Over the weekend hubby cemented around the outside and plastered around the inside frame – he still has the windowsill to do but things are starting to really take shape. Today our plumber </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">'friend of a friend'</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> came round to size up the bathroom for fitting so now l'm on the hunt for a good bathroom suite at a reasonable cost. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Daniel went back to work on Saturday and is recovering well – it always amazes me how much faster you heal the younger you are. Thank you for all the well wishes.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Sorry to hear that Betty over at </span></span></span><a href="http://country-charm.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Country Charm</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> had a fall – sending healing wishes across to you Mrs!</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Our Sam had a fun time yesterday at a birthday party – he got to go to a Laser Tag Arena across the water! He had a great time there with all his friends so certainly has something to write about in his school journal tomorrow. He has also been practising the clarinet and guitar and tonight played and sang a song for us (on his Dad's electric guitar) – we were so impressed! </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Incidentally our house name means 'House of song' in Gaelic – chosen by us because of our love for music. Hubby and l both play the guitar but he is the pro.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Okay, tired now – up the wooden hill (stairs) for me. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0.85cm; "><br /></p> </span><p></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-81146131854931168382011-09-22T13:43:00.018+01:002011-09-22T22:26:20.312+01:00Let there be light!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 33px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">introductory text</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 33px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a window to boldly go where no window has gone before...</span></span></span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 102, 51); line-height: 33px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(said in the style of Star Trek)</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(153, 102, 51); line-height: 28px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 102, 51); line-height: 33px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(153, 102, 51); line-height: 28px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We've had a busy day here getting a new bathroom window put in. Up until now we've only had a small skylight so this should make a world of difference and after that it's bathroom refurbishment time!! Hopefully that will be done before Christmas - well, that's the plan anyway.</span></span><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 33px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:9.25926px;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 0.88cm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 33px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbqc6CnYSCoo9s1PLeld_iQkNr_7fzhtq2texFy6uTTMbOpHYBpAHe60P7Yh1WbyoT_UiNGk50b_KUrP9vrV4p5vkKJmYdnbo_cTikqFESR1ypwXKF1LVuKKv6tX3wa4dXMzh/s1600/DSCF0565.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbqc6CnYSCoo9s1PLeld_iQkNr_7fzhtq2texFy6uTTMbOpHYBpAHe60P7Yh1WbyoT_UiNGk50b_KUrP9vrV4p5vkKJmYdnbo_cTikqFESR1ypwXKF1LVuKKv6tX3wa4dXMzh/s200/DSCF0565.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655292307281531458" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's my friend's hubby that has been putting in the window for us and he has done a fine job so far. Thank you Robert! Today he knocked through 16inches (depth) of stone walling and set the window into position so tomorrow he has to cut from the inside out and set the windowsill, etc. </span></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TLJhyrgCvfnCVEAHAdsTz-ABb0-PCrPliG5JSo10vIsdANfkaZXh3Nthc5__z17gqT9-kjPVOfvPwpADvQPdl-4L1ifOrV5bE-t77FUAFFjSf2VRWodJMMnqycxU5B9MHQVI/s1600/734530_6af90535.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TLJhyrgCvfnCVEAHAdsTz-ABb0-PCrPliG5JSo10vIsdANfkaZXh3Nthc5__z17gqT9-kjPVOfvPwpADvQPdl-4L1ifOrV5bE-t77FUAFFjSf2VRWodJMMnqycxU5B9MHQVI/s200/734530_6af90535.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655289839993230034" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My oldest son has been in the wars - he fell down a long flight of stairs at the railway station last week on the way home from work- ouch!! He had to go to the hospital and the x-ray showed three cracked ribs - one side is quite swollen and the other has a rib that moves around under his skin as he breathes - kind of scary looking! He has been prescribed some serious pain killers and is receiving much TLC (</span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ender </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">oving </span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">C</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">are).</span></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgCwEGY-zEg4D1EuLR5TvZk__h0uN1lR0h12aDBqb4gD59UIDGG1ZP_QDQOgiIa6UNV3cZ5THqNlzCbSDNPqRvWVFeYD4mPbot_IcIiefe-Kzj6HqA2HrAgv7HW04gYeaF1g-/s1600/images.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgCwEGY-zEg4D1EuLR5TvZk__h0uN1lR0h12aDBqb4gD59UIDGG1ZP_QDQOgiIa6UNV3cZ5THqNlzCbSDNPqRvWVFeYD4mPbot_IcIiefe-Kzj6HqA2HrAgv7HW04gYeaF1g-/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655287205928400130" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Earlier this evening our youngest also had his first music lesson on the Clarinet so we have enjoyed his first few musical gasps. </span></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Apart from all the above we are doing okay - the garden is starting to feel tired and yawn looking to be put to bed for the winter. I have been crafting away each evening so will post some photos about that soon.</span></span></span></p> <p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are planning another trip down to Kernow (Cornwall) in October so l'm counting down the days- the </span></span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">break</span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> will do us all good (</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">no pun intended son ;</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">).</span></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Below are some photos of Sam (son) & Ollie (granddaughter) playing with the Hot Wheels car set - these two always give me something to smile about.</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3xRtXny65zU2OiFKk7mVfyDu8E7QGeQ1qtbQ1PYj3zaX6NYZmzBtRCe8kFF5Jjk2doiESsr1cRIfbNVyxYyHb6b8EbRm7CT3h-oCNft_WBhhfpk_OEVkqb1lMrh7zuUkmQCT/s1600/DSCF0556.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3xRtXny65zU2OiFKk7mVfyDu8E7QGeQ1qtbQ1PYj3zaX6NYZmzBtRCe8kFF5Jjk2doiESsr1cRIfbNVyxYyHb6b8EbRm7CT3h-oCNft_WBhhfpk_OEVkqb1lMrh7zuUkmQCT/s400/DSCF0556.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655293472373344786" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 33px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">♥ Love and blessings to you all for the coming week♥</span></span></span></span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP46ffnz6Xt0HIgb8Bat45r1XEG2sxs3OMb1Q25M8o3MF3eKdpWmKKew5C6w9Df_5o04Kkde_bPL8LQVILhKxIbssnwtlT8gux3s50foE4w5J7ulStG0l30ZM07hM_AukGZ28b/s1600/DSCF0557.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP46ffnz6Xt0HIgb8Bat45r1XEG2sxs3OMb1Q25M8o3MF3eKdpWmKKew5C6w9Df_5o04Kkde_bPL8LQVILhKxIbssnwtlT8gux3s50foE4w5J7ulStG0l30ZM07hM_AukGZ28b/s400/DSCF0557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655293203313640594" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p> <p align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(97, 26, 26); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></div></div></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-41411347474862227922011-09-14T23:42:00.007+01:002011-09-15T09:22:51.883+01:00Tegenaria domestica<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39eGZMSVMiEBEMxqt2JW8wtqH6eLQzdW5zzGAfs_JVGvtFfzYCcCs9f-ILZDGl7iBOqmft13bHBfds-2W7jvfP53lxdv3zXm5YOEVLvlMZxMgtr9XIxzWkaLKovywFsA1TvPv/s1600/DSCF0475.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39eGZMSVMiEBEMxqt2JW8wtqH6eLQzdW5zzGAfs_JVGvtFfzYCcCs9f-ILZDGl7iBOqmft13bHBfds-2W7jvfP53lxdv3zXm5YOEVLvlMZxMgtr9XIxzWkaLKovywFsA1TvPv/s200/DSCF0475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652349942580217106" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">It's early Autumn and time for House Spiders to start roaming around for mates. I was sitting earlier typing away when from the corner of my vision l saw this huge spider climbing up my desk lamp, not even 30cm from the keyboard! The thing was enormous- bigger than the palm of my hand! I froze – it froze and I'm sure we made eye(s) contact. I backed away slowly </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">slowly</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> and then hurried downstairs to grab my camera and a glass big enough to catch it. Wow- that spider was fast and after a few moments of heightened heart rate and mad thrashing around (me) l managed to trap it under the glass and gloat while l got my breath back.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">To usher the spider into a cup for relocation, hold the cup in front of the spider and use something to gently nudge the spider from behind. A spider's first reflex after being touched from behind is to walk or run forward. The spider will walk right into the cup that is placed in front of it." </span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia" title="Wikipedia" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wikipedia</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">--- Easier said than done!!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I knew it was just a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_house_spider"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">house spider</span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> but l haven't seen any quite that big! I looked it up to double check and found out that it is also one of the world's fastest spiders - made it to the Guinness Book of World Records, having clocked speeds of up to 1.73ft/sec – arghh!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Do you recall (above) when l said - </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">'time for spiders to start roaming around for mates' </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">? Well, l've just read up on these spiders and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">*queue scary music*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> this one could </span></span><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">already have a mate</span></span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> which could be anywhere!! I keep shivering now and jerking my head uncontrollably as if it's crawling nearby looking for it's lost love that l have tossed outside – eek!</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"The </span></span></i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider" title="Spider" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">spider</span></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> species </span></span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tegenaria domestica</span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, commonly known as the </span></span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">barn funnel weaver</span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> in </span></span></i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America" title="North America" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">North America</span></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> and the </span></span></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">domestic house spider</span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> in </span></span></i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe" title="Europe" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Europe</span></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, is a member of the funnel-web family </span></span></i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agelenidae" title="Agelenidae" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Agelenidae</span></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> and a close relative of the </span></span></i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobo_spider" title="Hobo spider" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">hobo spider</span></span></i></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">." </span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia" title="Wikipedia" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wikipedia</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><br /></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-43184988316383710522011-09-12T20:02:00.007+01:002011-09-12T21:16:31.956+01:00Oh, the wind & the rain<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:9.25926px;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Yesterday we had such a quiet Sunday – no one visiting, no one headed out – the phone silent. The rain poured and the wind blew but inside it just felt so warm and peaceful. I remember lying in the bath watching the rain fall gently on the skylight above, listening to its pit-patter sound. I relaxed by candlelight just enjoying the tranquillity of it all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bD-5YgK-sNU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Today is quite the reverse – we are experiencing the tail end of hurricane </span><a href="http://news.stv.tv/scotland/269887-scotland-braces-for-weather-chaos-in-aftermath-of-atlantic-hurricane/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Katia</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> – the winds have been strong and in some places over 75mph. Living on the west coast of Scotland we are used to the remnants of Atlantic storms but this is our first big one of the year so we got busy making preparations early this morning for it - making sure pots and tubs were tucked away in a sheltered spot, bins secure and hanging baskets taken down - the usual stuff.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Today l took our oldest lad along with me in the car to pick up the youngest, Sam. Daniel had to keep a grip on Sam as they ran to the car and at one point his hat flew off down the road – exciting stuff. Anyway, we decided to stop by the waterfront and get out to feel the force of the wind gusts. The boys had a laugh but unfortunately l ended up with horrific earache – both ears!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We've been back in for ages - the boys watched a DVD while l made Carrot & Coriander soup- my own version with a few parsnips and potatoes thrown in for good measure. I think soup is just the perfect supper for a day like this.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Plenty of candles are lit around the house and although the storm rages on outside l feel quite safe and secure so now l'm away to watch this new <i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i> film aptly titled 'On Stranger Tides'.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Stay safe folks.</span></span></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-12339040950112600682011-09-11T00:30:00.004+01:002011-09-11T00:55:12.652+01:00Healing thoughts across the horizon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63HO8E1EoVGcVQtqfEO_8oI7kOF5qw9OTHuvHpwXQiHPVNw3YbCD6IlLBordtukZSfm3Xudcz2xgO5dMP40tb621QApTpZTIZKzDQQfaF8lj_ttKuf-XnqFX24P0w27jnAccS/s1600/sun+on+water.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63HO8E1EoVGcVQtqfEO_8oI7kOF5qw9OTHuvHpwXQiHPVNw3YbCD6IlLBordtukZSfm3Xudcz2xgO5dMP40tb621QApTpZTIZKzDQQfaF8lj_ttKuf-XnqFX24P0w27jnAccS/s400/sun+on+water.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650883733939042034" /></a><br /><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Today in our home we will recall the moment ten years ago when our son shouted for us to come and see what was happening on the television. It was of course the minutes following the first of the Twin Towers being hit. We watched with millions in realtime as the horror unfolded – one of those moments that you will never forget and everyone remembers where they were. We stood transfixed as another plane plunged into a tower filled with life and humanity – it all felt so unreal.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Our world changed that day and the repercussions of it are still changing the world.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I grieve for the people who died on 9/11 as l grieve for those who died in the London bombings, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in India and for all those who are still dying in so many other places around the world. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Peace and love be with you all. x</span></span></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-16650664261444499092011-09-08T16:11:00.012+01:002011-09-08T18:43:43.517+01:00Post from yesterday- around the same time ;)<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I'm not long in and l've just sat down with a hot cup of tea. The window beside me is partially open letting in a slight breeze- a cooler Autumn freshness. I can hear the cars passing by below - tyres splashing through the troughs of rain that have run rivulets down the centre of the road.</span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7nlTGG51Sm_gJMrDL63l010cvyRvPkkGqEWZBlJ6tGrtLFz_59n077tA_QUey-YwfmonAZKQzYXkqVrf_d8aa20sAVmkY1Y8vWPXDhrYLSlHFzmW-7V8OIQ3VkAUlHTv1mRd/s1600/3+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7nlTGG51Sm_gJMrDL63l010cvyRvPkkGqEWZBlJ6tGrtLFz_59n077tA_QUey-YwfmonAZKQzYXkqVrf_d8aa20sAVmkY1Y8vWPXDhrYLSlHFzmW-7V8OIQ3VkAUlHTv1mRd/s400/3+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650009171364204658" /></a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Today has been a blessed mix of sunshine and showers – the type of weather that creates wonderful contrasts - land, sky, sea and architecture woven theatrically together using just the power of light and shadow.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPbRUcVBaBwdm6jBSYN4ltIrw9G0a_dsptKR4YJYEuPRkEQt9fK_yZjsbiEsfZZ0pmG374WSs8xMwlsT82HhH66Jclr7pKT8p_z7MgyWIa2Mb1V8dIuLdQpGvLoDTP3c9NAKQ/s1600/19+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPbRUcVBaBwdm6jBSYN4ltIrw9G0a_dsptKR4YJYEuPRkEQt9fK_yZjsbiEsfZZ0pmG374WSs8xMwlsT82HhH66Jclr7pKT8p_z7MgyWIa2Mb1V8dIuLdQpGvLoDTP3c9NAKQ/s400/19+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650010281257528338" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B1niF2lkfI-GznioQHabaYwJM4qJbxc2pIygaDrLt9-Nxr36Kl64APvrbsav7PosdDq2e_xOUDIAZi5DhqNR2geUK5oGzgAt0j_s6QfSWjIX7cyOG08q1wG0mHlbRCLLDXsP/s1600/9+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B1niF2lkfI-GznioQHabaYwJM4qJbxc2pIygaDrLt9-Nxr36Kl64APvrbsav7PosdDq2e_xOUDIAZi5DhqNR2geUK5oGzgAt0j_s6QfSWjIX7cyOG08q1wG0mHlbRCLLDXsP/s200/9+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650012282558262274" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The grandeur of it all has not just been in the more extraordinary features of nature or buildings, but more so in the less conspicuous and commonplace – an old door knob, a broken gate, moss on an old tree or stone wall.</span></span></div><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDeQg002R24b6lbk_39o5tkzj-yfziubgGJSXLEfIQUeyasPRJykd4u1cNVtLOFNBkprcluFzFtJht5OglRi7kSBFdcK6mFFeErZagbDMoO4TQ5QkYyHgIkSMW5MoSuR-fHKb/s1600/15+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDeQg002R24b6lbk_39o5tkzj-yfziubgGJSXLEfIQUeyasPRJykd4u1cNVtLOFNBkprcluFzFtJht5OglRi7kSBFdcK6mFFeErZagbDMoO4TQ5QkYyHgIkSMW5MoSuR-fHKb/s200/15+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650014133007708594" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For me it is the idea of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">seeing</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> – the emotion of the place, the art within the landscape that is so intense – it's that fascination and tranquility brought about by nature that inspires.</span></span></div> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8DUma8h6mB-jBUBYYwicku6tGk2UTelhSVzAAZnnz2f4sho_uSRNG0LSJPqLOgWrAX-veQ5W7THYzLa9hQ1JqWwyQJGACUM6lv1WqPUNaplfYKh1LHSFZ_sAtQ9G7yGlmU15/s1600/17+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8DUma8h6mB-jBUBYYwicku6tGk2UTelhSVzAAZnnz2f4sho_uSRNG0LSJPqLOgWrAX-veQ5W7THYzLa9hQ1JqWwyQJGACUM6lv1WqPUNaplfYKh1LHSFZ_sAtQ9G7yGlmU15/s400/17+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650029927918882578" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So today, as l accompanied my husband out to one of his work places, l was glad l'd brought my camera because while he was indoors l got to wander a while in the hopes that l might capture just one single shot of this beautiful day to share - with you.</span></span></div><p></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><br /></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-88947156911718118972011-08-30T20:40:00.008+01:002011-08-30T21:12:06.104+01:00Still August - still Summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJExM7EMoCIHF1KtxSs_lZcLNxCLFVWoUnxNXDgIOWs0z3CD00G7B3R_cBXkrPasl_N7W50bfU8HYF0T3I2CEK1-uSGpIcIZIoXN51DsW-2Hz1aYVNiRoS-i1avjLLx_1jKrm/s1600/girls+dancing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJExM7EMoCIHF1KtxSs_lZcLNxCLFVWoUnxNXDgIOWs0z3CD00G7B3R_cBXkrPasl_N7W50bfU8HYF0T3I2CEK1-uSGpIcIZIoXN51DsW-2Hz1aYVNiRoS-i1avjLLx_1jKrm/s400/girls+dancing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646738383616746706" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sitting here and looking out of my window towards the hillside l notice how it is starting to take on a richer hue- the trees have started to turn and with todays rain it just feels like Autumn is creeping slowly nearer – how quickly the seasons seem to pass. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We've had a wonderful summertime – camped down in Cornwall and bought a new tent; took our son (Sam) and granddaughter (Ollie) to the Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond and spent many many other days down by the beach or at the parks. I took advantage of every good day and still am (taking advantage of these days) - hanging out washings and enjoying just being outside.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This past weekend our little town hosted the annual </span></span><a href="http://www.cowalgathering.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Highland Gathering</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> where pipe bands and people from all over the world came to participate and enjoy. For me this was the highlight of our 'summertime' but also an event that tends to mark the end of it for us locals. The buzz and lively atmosphere fades as quickly as the visitors leave and the bunting is taken down to be packed away until next time. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On Saturday we had a big family dinner and watched the firework finale down by the waterfront– a balmy evening shared together as we waved at the coach loads of people leaving and watched as the ferries pulled out from the pier. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And on Sunday morning l drove through the town when there was not a soul- a different world – a sleepy world recouping. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OVZ5B6-EpgOZKAyiM6cx6rMBaRtIOvgpxZmDUU165eNpzVHwLRv_KmAeHIxGJxFhn7oDVo0WuRKDAXbSvDj-LQSffVMhanVZcNkm9GBLKIcpl13oPHB5ogr0yLAzh65TMyQf/s1600/DSCF9955.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OVZ5B6-EpgOZKAyiM6cx6rMBaRtIOvgpxZmDUU165eNpzVHwLRv_KmAeHIxGJxFhn7oDVo0WuRKDAXbSvDj-LQSffVMhanVZcNkm9GBLKIcpl13oPHB5ogr0yLAzh65TMyQf/s200/DSCF9955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646740833813019330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I hope you have all had a lovely Summertime so far - that you have had good harvests and good times spent. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC99;">♥</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">
<br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">
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<br /></p> HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-64612210926755567382011-08-11T14:56:00.002+01:002011-08-11T15:03:23.141+01:00Facebook<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGB6tf5esVHSTVB11Mi6swOHTpV_VsOMZE9seT8OU1cke3cVyBfriQsKF8vQO2WlAnXrcZlQ7WOtlPCrwuDUtGWC1ndE1EJb2bm9AhwIoiish9KGusUHOD89W8OJWCPkLaXyq/s1600/DSCF0235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGB6tf5esVHSTVB11Mi6swOHTpV_VsOMZE9seT8OU1cke3cVyBfriQsKF8vQO2WlAnXrcZlQ7WOtlPCrwuDUtGWC1ndE1EJb2bm9AhwIoiish9KGusUHOD89W8OJWCPkLaXyq/s400/DSCF0235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639598605190229682" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've had no time at all to blog lately or visit - sorry. Our wee granddaughter is staying with us again while her mum is away to summer school for OU - wonderful times but busy.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sam starts school within the week so might find some time to catch up after that but in the meantime facebook is also a way of staying in touch.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If you would like to join me on facebook please would you send me your link/name to mackenzieinteriors@yahoo.co.uk.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Hope you are all doing well..</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">bests for the now</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-88566778582306707642011-07-11T16:55:00.004+01:002011-07-12T00:48:30.115+01:00Our day out - Saturday 9th July 2011<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is my first upload using You Tube - a slideshow about our day out </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">to see the Tall Ships event at the James Watt Dock and quaysides. Over 57 ships, fantastic stage performances, stalls and fairground - entertainment for the whole family. I loved hearing Yvonne Lyon sing and seeing Sam with Captain Jack Sparrow ;) but best of all those beautiful sailing ships - graceful lines, miles of rigging and huge masts.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Will get round to visiting asap :)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VpnevRr7gm8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-11263915612853560392011-06-28T10:53:00.002+01:002011-06-28T12:57:10.274+01:00Last night's sunset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLRdL-y3s64d-A6GCcZKd0b4e6RzVYM9qZHngF204TLZV9vuUd3t2JCcOAX2SyIQ9_BtseTd4pJs8J1w0C_aICBwW7KjruR2wFyMT92FBckJJgp6NxeuypOrCyWEXFcaAZGzW/s1600/2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLRdL-y3s64d-A6GCcZKd0b4e6RzVYM9qZHngF204TLZV9vuUd3t2JCcOAX2SyIQ9_BtseTd4pJs8J1w0C_aICBwW7KjruR2wFyMT92FBckJJgp6NxeuypOrCyWEXFcaAZGzW/s400/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623238237574131746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZycsK0GEV5cQ1QUwYtjQkzMkj1EofUu78fZwIrt0GriRWetsaCWTlhjSsxNykpkxVUSdV4JhyphenhyphenM4ctAAY9GS39jS5klMWS_2YBSQAr1R8P1ByP_qM-_umewcbiSy-XJN75ecc/s1600/3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZycsK0GEV5cQ1QUwYtjQkzMkj1EofUu78fZwIrt0GriRWetsaCWTlhjSsxNykpkxVUSdV4JhyphenhyphenM4ctAAY9GS39jS5klMWS_2YBSQAr1R8P1ByP_qM-_umewcbiSy-XJN75ecc/s400/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623238070295297666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUVVm1CLJ_vQSVtSBWipuPXXdiDp9UIo5X1SrWAX78brfV9IgXKcTBPMOW-_IrTgTEcoz5XUntSGR1HTCcChkfnb-o1MjABVmH6h9MMIg48_vjR2QbIGRahkqeLnM01eraFld/s1600/5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUVVm1CLJ_vQSVtSBWipuPXXdiDp9UIo5X1SrWAX78brfV9IgXKcTBPMOW-_IrTgTEcoz5XUntSGR1HTCcChkfnb-o1MjABVmH6h9MMIg48_vjR2QbIGRahkqeLnM01eraFld/s400/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623237935309818962" /></a>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-74939630189878223522011-06-24T14:58:00.004+01:002011-06-24T19:14:21.785+01:00Rapturous Simplicity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hH89yVNPIEbv0G0eAmqWPBd3_ox1QHQ_UDIuqeahWEkfV3hlc68mx8xgjqKLwtwZ49XBWMBChctWw13WlNt1iyMpOsGJdphlfQxsYT6BpWHKQ70bsTqcQT-LSKUmHtlAi7LA/s1600/DSCF9037.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hH89yVNPIEbv0G0eAmqWPBd3_ox1QHQ_UDIuqeahWEkfV3hlc68mx8xgjqKLwtwZ49XBWMBChctWw13WlNt1iyMpOsGJdphlfQxsYT6BpWHKQ70bsTqcQT-LSKUmHtlAi7LA/s200/DSCF9037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621834275928914850" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today l've been busy washing jeans, towels and bed linens because the weather conditions have been just perfect for hanging it all out to dry. Seeing my washing hung out on the line and capturing that moment as it all flaps happily away in the breeze, well it just fills me with an inner sense of accomplishment.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I sat outside for a while after l'd hung the first lot up, enjoying the fresh scent of the wash powder as the sheets danced and made snapping noises in the wind. I lay back on the bench and watched the birds sweeping the vaulted sky above while listening to the soft rustle of Birch leaves; to neighbours mowing their lawn and bumble bees busy among the sage flowers. A symphony of sound- of buzz and whir, of rustle and snap...the soundings and rhythms of life.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Simple pure ethereal calm - a moment to take pause and treasure.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><br /></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-28212111049364087712011-06-22T10:57:00.005+01:002011-06-22T11:58:57.013+01:00SUMMER SOLSTICE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEcjsQU1w1eRPIrQNxVA3V_59MjNm9udXEfOeceUiyeNbg_hMX4XEMQc2AhdfZiFLQC47I3vjMUZyqcfb09mwi5yv23LUz9tN1P-xuiu1q1y6vFWp_DfQi9wqye0dmeHqQ3Y8/s1600/images.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEcjsQU1w1eRPIrQNxVA3V_59MjNm9udXEfOeceUiyeNbg_hMX4XEMQc2AhdfZiFLQC47I3vjMUZyqcfb09mwi5yv23LUz9tN1P-xuiu1q1y6vFWp_DfQi9wqye0dmeHqQ3Y8/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620981231134625138" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Today l woke up to another world- a world with very little sound. Unfortunately l've been stuffed up with a head cold these past few days and had hoped that by this morning it would have abated somewhat- but no. I feel like l have pillows covering my ears and l can hear a washing drum sound, most likely from the pulse of blood in my skull or blocked <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachian_tube">Eustachian tube</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:large;"> – slosh and whoosh and whoosh and slosh. The only sound that l seem to pick up is from our wine fermentation bin behind me- the bubbles repeatedly coursing through the airlock and filling the room with a slight boozy smell - between that and the haze of cold medication it is a wonder that l can type!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On my last post l mentioned that l would post a movie – l had the most difficult time with Blogger on posting but FINALLY got there as you can see from the post below. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">These past few months have been hectic for me and sadly the summer weather has been as elusive as ever at least for us up on the west coast of Scotland but nevertheless summer is upon us and it is a busy time. I am trying to savour the joy of this season and get out as often as l can so that these memories will see me though the shortening of days to come. Yesterday was the longest day of the year- sunrise around 4:30am and sunset after 10pm! </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Wishing you all, love and peace this Midsummer Solstice.</span></span></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-3625938945102781512011-06-22T09:38:00.002+01:002011-06-22T10:08:45.788+01:00Loving...<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyy-XyqsneIwqF4tzKQDxVICJ_1dVQ9pabgiCxgBceQKlY8zCGUVE_HjKsNVDU2dsOrAWYZtdp8iO4' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-79423740929082618042011-06-13T18:06:00.013+01:002011-06-13T21:55:55.661+01:00Last month of school<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNN-788aJY3aj8Ad6sIhD5cx7v4meKBg9oDxWALuICt036Bjg_S4vMPP2fnfaaD_vQoHdUjWAyyCwpMHmBe0BnzSEl9GbV3ddCtS1zKG8eMvXXBjhsjOdiCuXcC2FUSAiC-yS/s1600/DSCF8507.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNN-788aJY3aj8Ad6sIhD5cx7v4meKBg9oDxWALuICt036Bjg_S4vMPP2fnfaaD_vQoHdUjWAyyCwpMHmBe0BnzSEl9GbV3ddCtS1zKG8eMvXXBjhsjOdiCuXcC2FUSAiC-yS/s200/DSCF8507.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617778149770274914" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">With good intentions l started the spring cleaning last week </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">see post below</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> and got a lot accomplished but l've had to stop for the moment to concentrate on the many activities going on with Sam's school in this, the last month of his year. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Last week he took part in the Area Sports Day where all the schools in Cowal compete against each other at different sporting events. Sam was picked to run in the 100mtr for his school. In the running heats he came in second and so l thought he wouldn't have a chance in the final but... he came in second again !!! So this week my wee boy has had his picture in the local paper with all of the other winners – this is the first time he has won a medal.</span></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbKwbskZMknp0DhV6XItNDmpnRyM7dE_BF68EGZK6sKAUO697tOiCvvwrGYaf4OtWqhZ-D2f19CGFZdxFwW5qbyHhiE12B1ctA6rJUo4rKmru9KI2rgA9AJBHdqZPqcnvcQ5d/s1600/DSCF8559.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbKwbskZMknp0DhV6XItNDmpnRyM7dE_BF68EGZK6sKAUO697tOiCvvwrGYaf4OtWqhZ-D2f19CGFZdxFwW5qbyHhiE12B1ctA6rJUo4rKmru9KI2rgA9AJBHdqZPqcnvcQ5d/s400/DSCF8559.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617778363664879890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToRKJAQ_7S6HyxesXVF1My4TXE7cewNSf0r8fTm_fLY2cSyLPJtjRKrgtAOkLvdXPecfNc9NLN27zaGU5Q2zula0MiJISM5LA5i_I4HAPWhctdtBQqPujQpwW8MGCeGvKWC0q/s1600/DSCF8713+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToRKJAQ_7S6HyxesXVF1My4TXE7cewNSf0r8fTm_fLY2cSyLPJtjRKrgtAOkLvdXPecfNc9NLN27zaGU5Q2zula0MiJISM5LA5i_I4HAPWhctdtBQqPujQpwW8MGCeGvKWC0q/s200/DSCF8713+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617779594574046786" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">At the end of last week he also took part in a play with his class – the play was based on the RMS Titanic which is the topic that they have been doing for a while. I was very impressed with all the children that took part, amazed at their knowledge of events and the work that was displayed in their classroom. They were all dressed up in period costume- even Sam wore a bowler hat.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Tomorrow Sam has swimming in the morning and then his own school's sports day in the afternoon so he will be very tired when he finally gets home. On Wednesday there is a Parent's evening at the school too- it is all go at the moment!!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As for the weather, well it has been fickle to say the least. Some moments the sun is shining brightly and the next the heavens open and we have a downpour- not the best for planning to hang out washings.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sam spent time with Olwyn <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(granddaughter) </span></i>out front this weekend - they blew bubbles, ate ice cream and played games. At 2½ Olwyn is really starting to enjoy interacting with Sam and it's lovely to see them together - Sam is so gentle with her and Ollie hangs on his every word.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've also been tinkering around with ' i-movie' on my Mac computer- a relaxing thing to do in the evening- preferred by me to watching the television. I'm starting to get the gist of it now and will try and add a short video on my next post.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Take care all.</span></span></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-54438173446631003432011-06-08T08:57:00.010+01:002011-06-09T09:30:23.349+01:00Spring Cleaning Bug<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgTGpVxu5PTRF5XNpaxiR9MZYiBSg5PJyw2SDKJx2p6zDYEp0R90GERngRAvpryrmT4t9hdqZCViWyYh1Bwgpcin6vsSnA9iOdJtTagdu3-1sZXwh1pdHXYcG-i1Fqg2cWy4h/s1600/6a00d83451584369e201538ed3f386970b-150wi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgTGpVxu5PTRF5XNpaxiR9MZYiBSg5PJyw2SDKJx2p6zDYEp0R90GERngRAvpryrmT4t9hdqZCViWyYh1Bwgpcin6vsSnA9iOdJtTagdu3-1sZXwh1pdHXYcG-i1Fqg2cWy4h/s200/6a00d83451584369e201538ed3f386970b-150wi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615777120422013490" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've been ill and l've been worried but now l am neither! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This morning while getting wee Sam away to school l stood waiting on the kettle to boil thinking and starting to plan. I must have woken up on the right side of the bed because even the ominous weather forecast did not seem to dampen my mood. The calendar showed a few days ahead with nothing pencilled in so l figured – 'hey, why not start the spring cleaning?!' –<b> </b><i><b>better late than never!!!</b> </i>I've just had so much going on and when the weather <i>was</i> nice l ended up in the garden so now it's time to focus on the inside.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So after this post and another cup of tea l'll make my check-list, find some up-beat music to sing along loudly to and go throw all the windows open - very therapeutic in its own way!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQTxLrD6lLqObbIIKbEdeRTS54fAHQtpBypbtoPEWN0JLnpQRxXdokdf7Ot92uYrWvOUoYAOt5_LjkiUFTZBRvFhUXCK6wAt1xtqU004X-_e5m_yYzhjzJaqbKw5JfYHNWk7b/s1600/me2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>My daughter, Mel also has some new spring bunnies- 6 in total and all doing well. Some photos below. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE98ldgooeebTztrY7jHOZES9dztFEGBN4dDmkNxx1b9-wf8gnid8DKhp0AIG1pgk4-gFnwO_w5hYu10HZFoiF3x9Tqz1_q3W50WNvfaZdkQLCT2n-DC8YfmfXUDgjVVDRCdjf/s1600/4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE98ldgooeebTztrY7jHOZES9dztFEGBN4dDmkNxx1b9-wf8gnid8DKhp0AIG1pgk4-gFnwO_w5hYu10HZFoiF3x9Tqz1_q3W50WNvfaZdkQLCT2n-DC8YfmfXUDgjVVDRCdjf/s400/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615782230452839138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpbKlxWXFTZTVFk2ua3oOqRq5MUXAU12G_vIbS915Gi4mnd0Vct4B14zBF9ZYzk1hQ7CbUEa72XMm8S0E6mjTBaiBAue-vclYMW8Gsmvruo0jgKP3IChwSPEQWe-4GjaKibxP/s1600/6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpbKlxWXFTZTVFk2ua3oOqRq5MUXAU12G_vIbS915Gi4mnd0Vct4B14zBF9ZYzk1hQ7CbUEa72XMm8S0E6mjTBaiBAue-vclYMW8Gsmvruo0jgKP3IChwSPEQWe-4GjaKibxP/s400/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615782079298517714" /></a><br /><br /></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-62877898423893972782011-06-06T19:55:00.005+01:002011-06-24T20:47:21.390+01:00The Pendulum of Fate<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"This way, that way - swinging with the rhythm of Time's tune - moving with the same unswerving motion, night and noon...Like the heart-beats of the house. With grim monotony - they tick away the measured moments of eternity.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's a swinging pendulum at work in our affairs - for we swing from griefs to joys - from hopes into despairs... First a flash of happiness - and then a crushing blow. </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Seems as if we're meant to keep on swinging to and fro..." </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Patience Strong</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b8jtt7Tj_1TrguEpF_-_x2VJy8dBB-59IL1-p7BxQERDiO-4buhAPHtncTFoYqhX3m6oaVLvsQDGBmTrlEmbm4-BuxjHRRzXhXxl6wSqu9xuIUxEarbg2xOwje_r3275UJEY/s1600/a5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b8jtt7Tj_1TrguEpF_-_x2VJy8dBB-59IL1-p7BxQERDiO-4buhAPHtncTFoYqhX3m6oaVLvsQDGBmTrlEmbm4-BuxjHRRzXhXxl6wSqu9xuIUxEarbg2xOwje_r3275UJEY/s200/a5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615189907325445538" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Today l journeyed across the water to go to the big hospital to see about what might have been a 'cancerous melanoma' which turned out NOT TO BE!! Hubby came with me and l cannot convey how relieved we both were when l got the all clear - like a huge weight being lifted. We went to have breakfast together straight after and although it was only at the local Tesco (supermarket) it may as well have been the Ritz because we just felt so happy.</span></span></span></span></div></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm going to keep this post short tonight because l'm babysitting our wee granddaughter but wanted to share the good news. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bests all xx</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-35696390831657102022011-06-02T10:28:00.014+01:002011-06-02T13:37:16.884+01:00Beauty in the ordinary<p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_DLXl2-fcEO6JX25cj_gryudImxLWEpca0yu1cCbE19Af4IyHvIBpn2EMwWusmPGW0p8LLtzc8Y44ToEgyz0F3teNxUH7znro5qnARRy2ox0EfbC8RwXNSPsbt7aT6p5il2w/s1600/11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_DLXl2-fcEO6JX25cj_gryudImxLWEpca0yu1cCbE19Af4IyHvIBpn2EMwWusmPGW0p8LLtzc8Y44ToEgyz0F3teNxUH7znro5qnARRy2ox0EfbC8RwXNSPsbt7aT6p5il2w/s200/11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613574530655458610" /></a>Seeing the beauty in the everyday things around us is easier said than done, especially when we've had weeks of relentless rain and gale-force winds. But beauty is not always as we imagine- like in a painting or even a small flower, sometimes it's as simple as an old stone wall full of moss and lichen or a weathered shed door with rusted handle, sometimes it's the scenery that we take for granted around us or the canopy of trees that form a dappled shade below. Wherever we look there is always beauty to be found in the most ordinary of places – beauty to be found in the quality of light just after the rain or beauty to be found in the stillness of an early morn. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRmDw7kRBYG3sVTIvBjzD4rfkSSQuVA6TO_H3V5V7Ubi5r1pUqcCQymUwZE87SYfWNrFL2jC8VEAJV3W6JNELRvo9obgWggN39RNXb8a1vrwckvQF4o84pCRsXm9CJ4v3dL3W/s1600/33.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzo2FL5bdOeBhfkxBYSjEe-GrOuAmHj4S3gPlBPr1VEN8zKhF017cAytFXha02xb4Q_eJ-uR2LyTUZsGWx6s90NLPSBu3PqAhD37-rs81PbFbQwTjiVx7e5E4AozkildEmYsG/s1600/DSCF7923.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzo2FL5bdOeBhfkxBYSjEe-GrOuAmHj4S3gPlBPr1VEN8zKhF017cAytFXha02xb4Q_eJ-uR2LyTUZsGWx6s90NLPSBu3PqAhD37-rs81PbFbQwTjiVx7e5E4AozkildEmYsG/s200/DSCF7923.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613600295689725634" /></a>There is a vitality of greenery this year – certainly one added benefit from the abundance of rain we've had to endure. The trees on the hillside, so lush with so many different shades of green that you are suddenly drawn to the textures; the Creeping Jenny with bright yellowy foliage spreading and filling out in every direction- always a wonderful complement to any neighbouring plant.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY8EX21u2w696dakq2BIGt0K1_eO6r5otko1fsCO6P5kKPCn_Tf6K6x_Y7tAS4XgsRHKJ58wA2LkPfRC3qGmLD9C7cf-KgGOkrB9prvQNXs4qNEEBj3-NJg2VDkDc0-AV3j0l/s1600/22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY8EX21u2w696dakq2BIGt0K1_eO6r5otko1fsCO6P5kKPCn_Tf6K6x_Y7tAS4XgsRHKJ58wA2LkPfRC3qGmLD9C7cf-KgGOkrB9prvQNXs4qNEEBj3-NJg2VDkDc0-AV3j0l/s200/22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613575840903658914" /></a> Down at the beach l love the shades of the rocks and could stand for ages watching as the waves lap gently over and around them. For me, it's the light- the quality of light that makes everything come alive!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQC0G-m47gwABurAKt1lqSzXoGl1xZ_T8cvYjSVes6tqbwDIQ_fG-YgBRRW2xFZywTESxwe0WJZ_3_gfWjmFBVLFwhGVi5Azc5hDu0pX5PDeEeTaty_czTu-Go6CsYi1b2WXqx/s1600/44.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQC0G-m47gwABurAKt1lqSzXoGl1xZ_T8cvYjSVes6tqbwDIQ_fG-YgBRRW2xFZywTESxwe0WJZ_3_gfWjmFBVLFwhGVi5Azc5hDu0pX5PDeEeTaty_czTu-Go6CsYi1b2WXqx/s200/44.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613594482275435426" /></a>There is nothing more beautiful than a kind spirit – a gentleness and empathy that shines out from the inside. Treating others the way you would wish to be treated – this beauty manifests itself in all sorts of ways – through words and deeds – neighbourly gestures and so on. Sadly however not everyone reciprocates in the same manner, some people hold back and have a coldness inside. I have told my oldest son to not just go for the looks in a girl but to see the beauty that lies beneath – a prerequisite for any of my daughter-in-laws to be – lol. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSPwXZ763fGHAumCToLsS1aDCHeOqtpJ8mF9cmRyO-qC_TFxa5aQ9cthnxruOMIlz6HwGV8dYxQ6-Bp_LJC96U4WtPtflpVy_2FJFlnk5Alm65jr9QqEE0ekJg93fc29hNX9N/s1600/000.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSPwXZ763fGHAumCToLsS1aDCHeOqtpJ8mF9cmRyO-qC_TFxa5aQ9cthnxruOMIlz6HwGV8dYxQ6-Bp_LJC96U4WtPtflpVy_2FJFlnk5Alm65jr9QqEE0ekJg93fc29hNX9N/s200/000.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613574037667284098" /></a>And lets not forget the most wonderful of moments- sharing and caring. The holding of hands with your partner, the hug from your children or grandchild, a caring word from a friend – that is beauty to warm the cockles of your heart!</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So these are the moments in my life that l try to focus on- especially when things are not always easy. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I am drawn to the people who care and to my family who love me.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Love, life and the everyday beauty of things. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I wish you all the very best of weekends and will get round to visiting soon. Thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee,</span></i></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the small child, and the smiling faces.</span></i></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Smell the rain, and feel the wind...</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;font-size:15.9722px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Ashley Smith</span></i></span></p></span></span><p></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-1763029785042432282011-06-01T13:30:00.012+01:002011-06-01T21:03:09.024+01:00A dismal day - dreaming of sunshine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEdS641OZGY7llXkVByyEEFivHA47_LhNwoU6YI29FbB4oe6Y2kss9U6YveqhLhNkvOox6TgeDGpEdieY1fHMO927E2SJWEeQJ6ofcgSXhcuYMzpVFBdk04twImLS6tQ44tpr/s1600/me.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEdS641OZGY7llXkVByyEEFivHA47_LhNwoU6YI29FbB4oe6Y2kss9U6YveqhLhNkvOox6TgeDGpEdieY1fHMO927E2SJWEeQJ6ofcgSXhcuYMzpVFBdk04twImLS6tQ44tpr/s200/me.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613238367452341314" /></a><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Well today's weather </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">really is</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> awful- rainy, windy and dull, humph... I'm still a little shaky on my pins so have decided to stay in for a few days anyway. The weather is supposed to improve towards the weekend so l'll try and get out and do a little gardening then– the garden's in desperate need of some TLC. With the early sunshine this year plus last months rainfall the plants AND weeds seem to have come on tenfold!! I'm not going to complain about the weather though because there are serious drought problems arising south of the border. On the news last night cattle farmers were struggling to find enough grass for their cattle/sheep and crop yields are being affected which will bump food prices up later - watch this space.</span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu7_LA_qfM5lTQ91gySolDeIWVubgPeujcHg_t_7JPISuH4V6mUJP1E7VNBVwEmcGvsGqxsbzgkgCxXA6cLdWp1-oOQhszRQ38zzsM0R7LmFzG-g28lFFoIgj6TN60_jI5mfJ/s1600/card.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu7_LA_qfM5lTQ91gySolDeIWVubgPeujcHg_t_7JPISuH4V6mUJP1E7VNBVwEmcGvsGqxsbzgkgCxXA6cLdWp1-oOQhszRQ38zzsM0R7LmFzG-g28lFFoIgj6TN60_jI5mfJ/s200/card.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613235100282989154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Last night l was awake for ages – just couldn't sleep. The house was so quiet except for the wind which blew fitfully against the windows. I sat in my wee craft room wrapped in my old cardigan with the fire on and busied myself making a birthday card for my father-in-law- Hubby is going to post it today. Ironically l used sunflowers as my theme on the card - perhaps subconsciously l was trying to let in a little sunshine.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Anyway, from my window here l can see the freight ships going up and down the river – the local ferries also seem unaffected by the wind gusts. Long ripples are forming across the surface of the Clyde – like finger rolls when you smooth the sheets on a bed. I'm enjoying watching the gulls soaring, hovering - it's almost a game for them- bowcurving wind currents. I'm envious. Life seems to be going on as usual even though it's all wet and grey...and l'm stuck indoors.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">I've added the poem below by James C. Welsh. It just seems to fit.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">A PICTURE IN GREY</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Waves on a cold grey shore,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Sea birds on heavy wing, </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Mists all the headlands o'er,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Grey thoughts the soft winds bring;</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Far out, the white birds cry,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Sigh of the wave and wind,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Ships passing out, and l</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Dreaming along behind.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Bleak, bleak, the shore and lea,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Soft stirs the yellow grass,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Grey sand and greyer sea</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Change as the shadows pass;</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Still out of all the pain,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Out of the misty sea,</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Out from this threat of rain -</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Shall break the sun to me.</span></span></span></p> </div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-2472819448997316502011-06-01T00:12:00.007+01:002011-06-01T08:34:23.471+01:00Just another excuse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V7CvnTVN1hpz8jAOVytrTTyavyh2lQpxwc500koX-e1nsXvaiHsLRvMRBmYA4oHm3xKRjFAdV_kK-lDXTTndD2o1XR_pFzfeokWqGuYLQhvhN7KY8vMXjfn8sUdcfBt7DRTg/s1600/19439-chubby-orange-tabby-cat-in-a-hospital-gown-and-slippers-walking-with-iv-fluids-clipart-by-djart.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V7CvnTVN1hpz8jAOVytrTTyavyh2lQpxwc500koX-e1nsXvaiHsLRvMRBmYA4oHm3xKRjFAdV_kK-lDXTTndD2o1XR_pFzfeokWqGuYLQhvhN7KY8vMXjfn8sUdcfBt7DRTg/s200/19439-chubby-orange-tabby-cat-in-a-hospital-gown-and-slippers-walking-with-iv-fluids-clipart-by-djart.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613030592255257170" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So, after the last post l thought l'd be blogging again sooner than now! Turns out l went downhill quickly with the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)- oh joy. Yesterday evening l was discharged from the hospital after an overnight there. I went in on the Sunday and was immediately hooked up to the IV and got an injection for the nausea. It was the worst sick bug l've ever had - l hadn't eaten for 5 days and was very very dehydrated - couldn't even keep water down. Anyway after an overnight on the IV = 8+bags later and a few more meds/blood tests l was able to return home.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My husband, Gerald deserves a medal for the way he has looked after me and our family this past week. He has rushed around shopping, cleaning and cooking. All l could do was stay in bed. He has been both mum and dad and is the very best husband l could ever wish for. Thanks love!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I am just so glad to be feeling normal again and tonight l had my first proper meal - woo hoo! On the brighter side, l've lost a bit of weight which will do me no harm and l have learned to never EVER leave it so late before making an appointment to see the doctor. We are never too old to learn.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I have to also say how lovely the hospital staff were - so many people make the effort to complain but we will be writing a letter of thanks for the great job they did and their kindness. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I hope you are all in good health. bests all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ps- Hubby couldn't believe l was dehydrated, not with the amount of Gin l drink (wink)...he actually said that!</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-47639953517314910372011-05-17T00:05:00.005+01:002011-05-17T00:21:33.588+01:00After the rain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopBRsxk5sj4LyumYDkjhGbJYE13QSX4vp4rtczjuWJkMhWmQsKb3PH0Kl0VopseIlnSXb7jRt0d-AslPOLKpkytvqAemqmFcGNBA1qjKqtKZtm8JBRm1Tk7KlivRc3qpvTip0/s1600/my+mantle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopBRsxk5sj4LyumYDkjhGbJYE13QSX4vp4rtczjuWJkMhWmQsKb3PH0Kl0VopseIlnSXb7jRt0d-AslPOLKpkytvqAemqmFcGNBA1qjKqtKZtm8JBRm1Tk7KlivRc3qpvTip0/s200/my+mantle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607456253405747602" /></a><p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Not much to report this week. The weather has been atrocious so the gardening has come to a bit of a standstill although l did manage to get a few more seed trays done and bought some Lavender and Lobelia </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">'Queen Victoria'</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> at the weekend.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We've had a few spells</span></span><span style="color:#800000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">of sunshine between the downpours where l managed to get outside and snap some photographs. I love the smell of the damp earth after the rain, the colours in the garden seem so much richer and the droplets of water on the Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle) bead and sparkle like tiny reflecting worlds.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5DKLEgvheEkAwr70FtBSU9Gp0d157kbv14EtBvhpnRwHh-eZ6onejh1qOJbGVLHcINgKUwYaVT1qxs5FmK3_VAhgr3mqNEOW_vhtwPo42asT9K63Uu-JYfBTbY_7dN63MKP3/s1600/3-150x150.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5DKLEgvheEkAwr70FtBSU9Gp0d157kbv14EtBvhpnRwHh-eZ6onejh1qOJbGVLHcINgKUwYaVT1qxs5FmK3_VAhgr3mqNEOW_vhtwPo42asT9K63Uu-JYfBTbY_7dN63MKP3/s200/3-150x150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607457011478419346" /></a> It was Gerald's birthday on Saturday so we took the ferry and headed over to a wee shop in Glasgow called, Glenbrew – a little Aladdin's cave packed full of all types of wine/beer making supplies. Hubby got completely kitted out- buckets, airlocks, Hydrometer, thermometer, syphon tubing, sterilising and neutralizer solutions, bungs and corks! That's all l can remember for the now anyway. At home we've got quite a few demijohns in the shed so it's just a matter of getting them cleaned out and we'll be ready to go. He also got a Blackberry phone so has been as happy as a pig with Truffles! </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> I am so pleased to hear that Merle from </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://merle-3rdtimelucky.blogspot.com/">Merle's third try</a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> is out of the hospital after a serious blood infection that went from bad to worse but this lovely lady managed to fight the odds and has pulled back through – delighted to see her blogging again!!! Another dear friend, Connie from </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://doggydog22.blogspot.com/">It's a Doggy Dog World</a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> has had knee surgery again and so l am wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I've had a few visits to the Doctor myself this past week and am now waiting on a date to take a trip across the water to the bigger hospital for a biopsy- another story but as you can imagine this has destroyed my blogging muse of late, hence the short break away. I'm not going to worry about anything though until there is something to worry about and l'm hoping there won't be.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So, no loitering about and as it was raining l used the time to work indoors thrashing my way through the built up clutter, clothes and toys outgrown, gadgets unused, etc. I have amassed quite the pile of boxes already in the hall by the front door – now we're just waiting on a good day to join in the car boot sale and get rid of the lot! My daughter also has stuff to sell so we're going to do this sale together. The house is starting to feel a bit haphazard between the boxes by the door, seed trays lining the windowsills, winemaking equipment in the kitchen. Just add shopping to that, laundry or lego and it quickly builds to a chaotic crescendo! </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I am so missing all that good weather we had last month.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i>I'm up late tonight so l'm going to post this quickly and get to bed – will post some photos tomorrow.</i></span></span></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-76774767421016066442011-04-21T12:27:00.016+01:002011-04-21T14:49:03.064+01:00All good things come to an end<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFHbxUo5oZ2Dxik2mIaMgsVQZJnBnwZOrWDPpb_3D_L_mkRxff3U23jmoLs-aPDXanplL5pqGq3sfqYV_qvT-Pxdrb-g5Ulx6Pr8CHPm7KN4FLnRqdLD85Zz_sqhf0tXil0lR/s1600/dads.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFHbxUo5oZ2Dxik2mIaMgsVQZJnBnwZOrWDPpb_3D_L_mkRxff3U23jmoLs-aPDXanplL5pqGq3sfqYV_qvT-Pxdrb-g5Ulx6Pr8CHPm7KN4FLnRqdLD85Zz_sqhf0tXil0lR/s200/dads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598010798482879474" /></a><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 0.64cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Back home once again from our well trodden pilgrimage down to Cornwall to visit with dad. We had fantastic weather and got loads caught up with in the garden – had a bonfire, strimmed, mowed, weeded and l even planted tatties and tomatoes. This photo was taken just after we got started- you can just make out the smoke from hubby's bonfire.</span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 0.64cm; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1P6-Y2mwIr9CJD0D_NdTRqGyijMF4DHDUowdvIt8rtq3o5PQ_aCP73exGy5DhFY3S-3lKMFM6xN7cha2GsX0nY0aKoxhCayA71yq3Y8Qs5zEJ8jmz9BU-pdzS7zaFrr3gqYm/s1600/sam+at+beach.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1P6-Y2mwIr9CJD0D_NdTRqGyijMF4DHDUowdvIt8rtq3o5PQ_aCP73exGy5DhFY3S-3lKMFM6xN7cha2GsX0nY0aKoxhCayA71yq3Y8Qs5zEJ8jmz9BU-pdzS7zaFrr3gqYm/s200/sam+at+beach.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598012639146948626" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We also took a few drives down to the beaches and did some shopping but now it's back home to 'auld claes and parritch'. This is such a typically Scottish expression and can be said once you get back from a holiday away, in our case a working holiday but nevertheless it means coming back home to your old clothes and usual porridge breakfast. All good things much come to an end.</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eAPWJiDnoVGaqlaJu3rRrlFPiuETolUFBrNk-D9jTJrXUCT8YpcE2aOL3rTsnQdyb5nszSB3Q5QTaCXKrjKGiplbQLccjyKmp7mAH-be1S7IIe-6SukM2dRZJhFXvPB8yal8/s1600/trees.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eAPWJiDnoVGaqlaJu3rRrlFPiuETolUFBrNk-D9jTJrXUCT8YpcE2aOL3rTsnQdyb5nszSB3Q5QTaCXKrjKGiplbQLccjyKmp7mAH-be1S7IIe-6SukM2dRZJhFXvPB8yal8/s400/trees.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598013250807271746" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 0.64cm"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgWkD7eMiKrnZp75eF3ltoSO5tJvXzR4q51bzgsyzbmykNj49vNRr6FAldFEq9Mmk_Qs8XroYM_JQ9qTu1wzfUYbBwzZ4n78GQbg-LP7TyJ2QgYsf6DcttPDy-3JFdTEn__1N/s1600/lych+gate.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgWkD7eMiKrnZp75eF3ltoSO5tJvXzR4q51bzgsyzbmykNj49vNRr6FAldFEq9Mmk_Qs8XroYM_JQ9qTu1wzfUYbBwzZ4n78GQbg-LP7TyJ2QgYsf6DcttPDy-3JFdTEn__1N/s200/lych+gate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598007917878960690" /></a></p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;font-size:100%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">While away we took a short drive down to Mawnan and the photo (left) is of the Lych Gate at Mawnan Church. You can see the granite coffin rest and the inscription above can be translated as, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"It is good for me to draw nigh unto God." This gateway was where the dead would be placed on the stone rest before the funeral. This particular Lych gate dates to 1881 but the site of the church is much older, built within the confines of an ancient earthwork. The photo of the trees (above) was taken looking over the adjacent field just as we were leaving</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></span><p align="LEFT" style="text-align: justify;margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: 0.64cm; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And just like the sunset in the photo l also must get on- too nice a day to stay inside. I'm away to get caught up in our own garden now.</span></span></span></p> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:17.3611px;"><span style="color:#343434;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></span><p></p>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-71491389612562775632011-04-06T22:10:00.013+01:002011-04-07T13:57:17.837+01:00Moments of Calm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpShG8EPDjQhldTwvdrzg76o4cpz2V5p-mn3-psLOB5Pv6dIiYlo1WcjtaORZggJLGAyH7AP7Sp2X2FVVKRpx8qJHF-PMKblCvGLecsWNqrmV4lj7A7nYp-66rIXSq-umC_D6/s1600/walking+sea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpShG8EPDjQhldTwvdrzg76o4cpz2V5p-mn3-psLOB5Pv6dIiYlo1WcjtaORZggJLGAyH7AP7Sp2X2FVVKRpx8qJHF-PMKblCvGLecsWNqrmV4lj7A7nYp-66rIXSq-umC_D6/s200/walking+sea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592594606302365746" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I think sometimes we take for granted what beautiful and unusual places we live in- the people, the sounds and scenes. We rush from one thing to another but sometimes it's good just to</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">'stand and stare'.</span></span></i></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Early this morning</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> as l drove around running errands l watched as the big ferry pulled out from the pier, cut its path across the choppy water - waves and white horses slapping against its side. The sea and sky teeming with so many different shades of blue and the rain dampening all sound. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A moment of calm</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span></span></div></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This afternoon</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> l stopped and leaned against the door-jamb on the way out </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">again</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, breathed in the cool sea air and watched as two Wood Pigeons made their way around the garden, then listened to the beat of their wings as they eventually picked up and landed on the shed roof close by. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A time to focus.</span></span></i></span></div></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This evening when</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> l had to pick up Sam from his friend's house - a surreal moment when the air around me suddenly filled with the haunting melody of bagpipe music (<i>from one of the local hotels no doubt</i>). Everything looked more beautiful, the sky neutralised by a blanketing mist, saturated foliage and saturated colour beneath me - the wind so still. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">What a wonder. </span></span></i></span></div></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:large;">It made me think of the poem by William Henry Davis:</span></div><h2 class="author" style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-left: 0em; font-size:1.1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YP1juSe7v2XFui6dcS9qXJeqg_KJtkSG6RwPe_ouwUinwrm3EFMRRUutT9mTRQpKWOBj_ywAOONzq9mfO3WBY3Pda-w8g1GVMZXiegJMmAa3NV2vRYJILn8qThZ_Jf1s2koa/s1600/standing+along.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YP1juSe7v2XFui6dcS9qXJeqg_KJtkSG6RwPe_ouwUinwrm3EFMRRUutT9mTRQpKWOBj_ywAOONzq9mfO3WBY3Pda-w8g1GVMZXiegJMmAa3NV2vRYJILn8qThZ_Jf1s2koa/s200/standing+along.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592581496092736834" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What is this life if, full of care,</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We have no time to stand and stare.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">No time to stand beneath the boughs</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And stare as long as sheep or cows.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">No time to see, when woods we pass,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">No time to see, in broad daylight,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Streams full of stars, like skies at night.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">No time to turn at Beauty's glance,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And watch her feet, how they can dance.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">No time to wait till her mouth can</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Enrich that smile her eyes began.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A poor life this if, full of care,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We have no time to stand and stare.</span></div></span></span></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25007044.post-56284719927606625822011-04-04T15:07:00.008+01:002011-04-04T17:56:06.568+01:00Bouncing through Spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwLt_B3a2YMlMKF0ZYeMEp7a3_GsPUsNxy7hnAEhZ9-gMCK8K-e26gIIgVG9HhG9wTefTYvGuRLInvFjvupSqUQqLWcZJEpmQ2u_frzIIALCx484ga2IsC1M5jLWEZVnQx33c/s1600/stone.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwLt_B3a2YMlMKF0ZYeMEp7a3_GsPUsNxy7hnAEhZ9-gMCK8K-e26gIIgVG9HhG9wTefTYvGuRLInvFjvupSqUQqLWcZJEpmQ2u_frzIIALCx484ga2IsC1M5jLWEZVnQx33c/s200/stone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591771701631485858" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Last week was a busy one again- so many school things on the go just before the holidays- Sam is on his school break now – thank goodness! We're planning another visit down to Cornwall this month so the car goes in for a service tomorrow and l've noticed that my lists of things to do and remember have started to grow. I've got into the habit of writing everything down so l don't forget. Lists for everything- from booking hotels to shopping and packing - it's just the way l function and l've noticed my older kids doing it as well.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'm not sure if l mentioned but we had more insulation put up in our loft a few weeks back which meant clearing the whole space out – years of clutter and stuff - so much of it! It has taken a while but we've managed to go through most of it, spaghetti tangles of christmas lights and computer cables, transformers and chargers for goodness knows what!! </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Memo: ALWAYS label chargers/adapters etc!</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Old toys and bags full of baby clothes to exclaim over. We're nearly there now- have floored part of the attic space and boxes that are back up are only what we have decided to keep- most things have gone to the charity shop. I feel so much lighter!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It makes you wonder though about all those attics, cellars and cupboards, drawers and sheds all over the world filled with such clutter and keepsakes- blows the mind!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday was Mother's Day here in the UK. I spent a quiet Sunday at home with the family- did a little gardening, listened to my new Adele CD from sonser and enjoyed a long afternoon nap. Hubby said l must have been tired as l was completely out of it for a couple of hours! He did make a splendiferous Sunday roast dinner though!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Earlier when we were out the back my husband cut out an old bit of unused pipe that ran up to the outhouse - he lay it down the side of the house to take to the dump. I quickly picked it up and decided to twist it into a spiral to sit in the garden- a piece of art! My son and husband spent the rest of the day making fun of my 'spring' so l decided to call it that, 'SPRING' -lol. </span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iuof51alUmYmZi64BthCjo6kA-i1Hs5lU1tcANs9Z-Pqbi_v3qlpQnatDvM_Fg7UNQ0PKi0RzFnRaFoYmf34zaS9m-pNcY4yelEErQd1t71emuzdKQugw0x-_-oiOfyZlhXi/s1600/3.1253567265.1_wind-sculptures-tm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iuof51alUmYmZi64BthCjo6kA-i1Hs5lU1tcANs9Z-Pqbi_v3qlpQnatDvM_Fg7UNQ0PKi0RzFnRaFoYmf34zaS9m-pNcY4yelEErQd1t71emuzdKQugw0x-_-oiOfyZlhXi/s200/3.1253567265.1_wind-sculptures-tm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591772679102354594" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">They compared me to the woman on the movie TWISTER who had a garden full of wind chimes, etc. I didn't mind because l love things like that , things that are different. An old red phone box sitting in a garden or a claw foot bath filled with pond plants - these things make me smile. So l am thinking of making my own kinetic wind sculpture - will do a bit of research first though - there are plenty of things that you can recycle. Sometimes it's just finding the ti</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.9722px; ">me.</span></div><br /><br /></div>HORIZONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655324328745247517noreply@blogger.com9