PC Palaver!

We ordered 'D's' new PC at the end of January- a very nice one with snazzy case and flat screen monitor. He has been needing it for university (software and l am sure a little gaming too :)

We paid the extra £35 for courier deliver within 5-7days and so two weeks pass by and finally it arrives- not good.

'D' came home over the weekend excited at the prospects of setting it all up and me driving him back Sunday with new PC in tow.

The story so far.

On arrival two of the boxes were ripped – the one containing the collection of various leads and stuff quite badly and the box containing the tower had a gouge in its side.

This did not bode well and when we came to put the PC system together it proved to be so.

1. The screen power lead was a 2 pin affair and not usable. We connected the power lead from my husband’s similar screen. That worked.

2. The PC had no power lead supplied with it at all. Again we used the lead from my husband’s computer.

3. The tower is not the one we ordered. We had paid extra for a nice case.

4. Switch on. Nothing. The screen displayed its logo and had power but the PC was as dead as the grave. Yes we tried the wee switches at the front but there is obviously no power coming from the Power supply unit into the computer. Yes we tried changing the leads - it is dead.

We packed the thing back in its box and at present is sitting in our Hall looking rather sorry.

Hubby and 'D' could have gone into the unit and tried to fix it but that would have invalidated the warranty so l have been on the phone all morning trying to sort it out- what a palaver!

As for the rest of the weekend- we got a good amount done on the driveway/garden project. l enjoyed clearing out my rockery area too.

Because laughter really is the best medicine

This photo makes me smile. It is of 'M' a few years back when we were visiting 'The Big Idea' (science centre) across the water.

'M' has just applied to do nursing and midwifery at university but here she is singing into the transducer used for the Obstetric Ultrasound! :)

As l have heard say, "Humour is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots."

;)

Here is 'M' holding a baby (our 'S') - l can imagine that will be a fun ward! :)

'M' has a great sense of humour and a warmth that embraces you. I know that she will make a wonderful nurse and l am very proud of her.

Could two days be more different?

Yesterday l accompanied my husband as he drove around the area- one of the more enjoyable aspects of his job. Within the space of a few hours we had passed four lochs (3 of them pictured). At Ardentinny wee 'S' and l had time to get out and walk along the beach~ the sun was shining and although it was cold at least the air was still and water calm.

'S' discovered some rocks shaped like a love heart on the beach- he was so excited- another lovely addition to the Valentine’s afternoon. He also found a dragons tooth but that's another story ;).

l climbed many of the hills around Ardentinny when l was a teenager- l enjoyed orienteering and have often thought about joining a club again. hmm.

PICTURE ABOVE AND BELOW- LOCH ECK- MY FAVOURITE LOCH AND WHERE WE WISHED IN THE MILLENIUM WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

NEXT THREE PHOTOS DOWN ARE OF ARDENTINNY AND LOCH LONG. CAN YOU SEE THE LOVE HEART?

BELOW PHOTO IS OF LOCH FYNE

Anyway, today is somewhat different- a nightmare outside and the wind and rain are lashing against the windowpanes as l type away. l'm intently listening out for thunder just in case l need to sign off quick. 'S' has been at the doctor this morn. - another cold virus- poor laddie.

After the doctor's appointment we headed to visit my Mum but when we got there her power went out so l had to root around under the stairs for the fuse box ~ all ok now.

Last night l was reminded of just how much my Mum means to me. A dear friend called to tell me that her Mum passed away. l knew that my friend’s mum was very ill but the news still knocks you back a bit.

Photo of my mum and us kids. l can remember that day in the photograph so clearly. Mum had just come out of the hospital with my youngest sister and Dad took the picture. Funny how little snapshots of time stay with you forever.

Take care all.

On a wing and a prayer!

SONG BELOW: Slightly amended version (ahem) of the 1942 hit by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh

Comin' in on a wing and a prayer

What a sail, what a flight!

Oh l really hope l see dear Rosa by tonight

How l sing as l limp through the air

Look below, she’s in the field over there!

Though we now have to build our new home

We shall still carry on

Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer

PLEASE DOUBLE CLICK BELOW VALENTINE TO ENLARGE :)

Finally together, Randy asks dear Rosa if she will be his Valentine :)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Shipwrecked!

The Lesser Antilles just gave me the willies!

After stormy seas l find myself washed up on shore; too dazed as to remember the happenings of the last few days. Thankfully l woke to the chitchat of some local birdlife and after much sign language and rapid gesturing l’ve discovered that the galleon ran aground just south of Dominica on the Island of Martinique! I leave immediately to fly to my dear Rosa – she is the air beneath my wings.

My dearest Rosa has sent me a Valentine's card!

SEE IT HERE

I so want to surprise her for Valentine's Day. Will l be too late?

Postcard from the edge

Ahoy there Mumsie.

On Saturday l boarded a galleon in the North Sea that was bound for for Scotts Head Bay, Dominica. Dominica is in the West Indies ~ there l plan to rendezvous with my dearest Rosa. The place that we have always dreamed of meeting ~ a place called Roseau! Once we have rested a while we plan to seek passage to Antigua, via Guadeloupe. Antigua has wonderful local bird life; it has a flock of free flying domestic lovebirds- no less!

Don’t worry about me. Work onboard has been hard but l am bearing up well~ especially with a bit of grog towards evening to warm my cockles. I find I’m

suffering slightly from a bit of scurvy but luckily l have no teeth to loose anyway. As they say dear Mum, “Nothing succeeds like a toothless budgie!”.

Arrrr.

Still utterly twitterpated

Dearest Rosa Rita.

I have enclosed the above news cutting to explain why l have not been in touch for quite some time. You may have found someone else and l may be too late. I just wanted you to know my dearest feathered beauty that l had been incarcerated unjustly ~ a case of mistaken identity ~ hauled up in front of the 'beak' on a false charge! I was an innocent bird, unfortunate to be lifted for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter what you might have heard on CNN and BBC, you must know that l have been cleared~ exonerated! If it had not been for the photograph l had of you my dearest Rosa l do not think l would have had the strength to endure.

Since my release from parrot custody (apart from having a good bath and shave) l have been thinking about you non-stop; everywhere l look l see hearts and hope gifted by St. Valentine. I do hope that you will find it in your heart to still care a bit for an old ‘jail-bird’ like me. I was certainly not there when l did it! (but l don't want to keep repeating myself ;) lol.

There, I have said it. I can rest now. And as I dream, I will dream of you.

With undying love

Randy

Who is this Randy?

Poem from Randy to Rosa

Randy through the years

l have tried to find the letters from dear Rosa Rita over at Connie's Blog but the archives do not go back far enough. Needless to say she is a much-loved wee Lovebird, very attractive with a wonderful character. Poor old Randy is besotted and utterly twitterpated.

twitterpated

1)to be completely enamoured with someone/something. 2) the flighty exciting feeling you get when you think about/see the object of your affection. 3) romantically (ahem) excited 4) the ever increasing acceleration of heartbeat and body temperature as a result of being engulfed amidst the exhilaration and joy of being/having a romantic entity in someone's life.

Spring Fever

January was a month of illness in our home ~ glad to report we all survived!

Lots of book reading to pass the time- l am on my fourth book of the Outlander series- great adventure story with a dash of history and romance thrown in for good measure.

Thank you for the well wishes and kind e-mails sent. Thanks also to Tammy for recommending this set of books.

This past weekend we had good weather so set to work on the new front driveway. We have changed things about much and have purposefully raised our flowerbed edgings to accommodate the extra soil that is being dug out (by hand) for the drive itself. As well as the design changes for the front structure of driveway/garden l have started some seed trays to aid my feelings of restlessness and excitement brought on by the coming of Spring.

Bests all.

“You get spring fever being in this house. Every room has a view outside.”

~Bonney Todd

Top photo- Loch Striven- taken 2 weeks ago.

Photo below- Sam in snow- mid January

Weans and the weather

Many people have said to me,“What a pity you had such a big family to raise. Think of the novels and the short stories and the poems you never had time to write because of that.”And l looked at my children and l said,“These are my poems. These are my short stories.” ~ Olga Masters

My wee 'S' has been suffering from a virus since the weekend. He has a rash from head to toe and is quite uncomfortable. We saw the Doctor yesterday and there is not much we can do about it except for lots of tepid bathing, Paracetamol and Calamine lotion.

G. and l have also been helping 'M' out with her University statement tonight ~ her application for nursing :)

'D' went back to his dorm on Sunday and has been busy with examinations. I called him earlier today and he was doing his food shopping :)

There are more storms and strong winds forecast for Wednesday/Thursday but these will mostly affect down south ~ look out Bob, Marion, Val, Snappy and Clare. Keep safe!

Our forecast is snow!

Bests all.

The Longing ~ Sea Fever

'Sea-Fever' by John Masefield is one of Margaret's favourite poems as it is mine. It is a work of art, pulling together imagery, rhythm and complex figures of speech, that truly suggests an adventurous sail on the ocean.

l would love to go on this tall ship sailing holiday around Britain, Ireland and Norway!

Please link HERE to see the video/nice music too :)

"Sea-Fever"

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,

And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

By John Masefield (1878-1967).

(English Poet Laureate, 1930-1967.)

~ read by Horizon HERE :)

Blown Away by this Weather

Painting by Scottish Artist: Jennifer Thomson

l wish you could hear and feel the strength of the wind that is blowing around my home right now folks. This is an old house, 2ft thick stone walls and yet l still feel uneasy. Last night G. and l kept a tentative eye on our Barometer in the hall- the pressure fell quite rapidly. Through the night we listened to the wind howling, scraping its way along the road under cars and over dykes- what a sound. No surprise then that 'S' ended up in bed with us. The gusts seemed to ease a bit towards early morning and then pick up again before noon with a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure. What a day ~ l have opted to stay in with wee 'S' and footer about. l am however worried for 'D' coming home tonight, whether the ferries will be running or not?

Link here to see me brave the wilds out back with my camera-lol.

News Below copied from AccuWeather.com BLOG

Check out how tight the Isobars are over the UK :)

Hurricane Force Winds Today!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

That's right, even though I don't have much time to post, I have to make mention of this. That storm that the computer models were showing moving a bit further to the north and without as much cold and snow with it, well, they ended up ditching much of the snow and cold, but now the winds with this storm will be the big issue. That's right, strong, some above hurricane force wind gusts over parts of Scotland into northern Wales and Ireland. This will be one of the strongest storms we've seen so far this year, and possibly the strongest all year. But, now to your brief forecast.

This is nothing I am trying to hype, this storm could be the worst of the year so far, even worse than the tropical storms that moved through the area late in the summer. This is actually the storm as it moves through early on Thursday morning. Note how the winds at around 1500 meters are upwards of 50 knots, which works out to be around 60 mph. Now, this is sustained winds, and with any rain or any sunshine around, this push in the atmosphere could bring even windier conditions for the area. So, wind gusts up to 70 mph are not out of the question for a long shot in parts of Scotland and Ireland, especially towards the coast. But, this does not mean there can;t be some very high gusts anywhere, especially in thye higher terrain more inland. Winds should start to die off on Thursday night, so Friday should be a much better day wind wise. After looking at things even closer on the image, you can also note the lines a few hundred kilometers off the Scottish coastline in the Northern Atlantic. Some of those winds are sustained at nearly 80 knots, which would make for some very, very strong winds. Not only will the winds be bad, but also the waves will be quite ferocious and the coastline could quickly get eaten up by the strong winds. So, again, I urge anyone around there to please keep an eye out for any warnings that are issued for the winds. They could gust up very quick and without warning.

The Met Office ha basically everyone out for these warnings, so keep an eye on them, as they could change anytime. This is nearly a 50 mb pressure change over the U.K., and with such a storn winding up, this is nothing to take lightly!

I will update later on Thursday with more on the winds and any reports of damage I get from them. If your power stays on in those areas, or you can even get to your computer and use a modem or whatever to get to the outside world, email me at alaneurope@accuweather.com with any questions at all. It's an off day, so I will try and get through all the emails I have.

Look global,

Forecast local(without getting blown away!)

Updated: 1/11/2007 11:10 PM

A blast from the past

nos·tal·gia 1. a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time: a nostalgia for the books we read as children.

Blogging sister, Tammy has been churning out a little nostalgia over at her site for some of our childhood reads. There has been some reminiscing over the much loved and ever enduring Nancy Drew Mysteries . Around the age of ten, like many girls l couldn't get enough of Nancy Drew. Deep routed inside was that endless longing to be just like her- clever, investigative and ever ready- the enduring heroine. l used to peer at my neighbours with great suspicion, watching for them to slip up, hoping desperately that there would be a mystery to solve - a deception somewhere! Perhaps somewhere inside all of us is the drive to take on challenges and solve problems – to be the heroine who saves the world.

In the end we mostly settle for saving the peace around us but the dream doesn’t go away and we search for it in many of the books we read. My husband, G. returns often to a book read to him as a child by an old Headteacher and which started off his love of literature and reading. It is ‘Moonfleet’ - a tale of smuggling with heroic stuff abounding. You can read it for free online- link HERE

At present l am reading Edward Rutherford again- wonderful writer- more about him and his books HERE.

Anyway after having talked with Tammy about favourite past books she suggested that l might enjoy the ‘Outlander’ series by Diana Gabaldon. So l went to Amazon.co.uk looking for this book and found it! In Britain it is known as ‘Cross Stitch’ ; why they would call it under a different name l do not know.Suddenly the realisation that G. had said just a few weeks back, "you must read this book called Cross Stitch" – occurred to me. l went upstairs and looked through the bedroom bookshelf and there it was!!! Wonderful! A little detective work and result! :)

Being constant readers G. and l often frequent the ‘charity shop book quarter’. This book, 'Cross Stitch' still had the price label on ~ only 49p!

What a bargain.

“What's a girl sleuth to do without her trademark sleuthing tools? Never leave home without a trusty flashlight or a handy magnifying glass. A bag of clothes and a bathing suit kept close at hand in the trunk for those sudden overnight sleuthing adventures is essential. Always on the trail of clues through musty old attics, castle dungeons, secret passageways with hidden staircases, spooky moss-covered mansions and dark alleys, Nancy leaves no stone unturned.”

~from 'Sleuthing class 101'

Happy Birthday Matey!

Headed across the water on Saturday for 'S's birthday. G. and l had planned to take 'S' to Amazonia World just south of Glasgow which boasts an impressive display of crawly, slithery, twitchy and assorted multi-legged creatures ‘some of which can be handled under supervision’ we read in the brochure. Hmm- spiders. Personally anything with an excess of four legs is to be viewed with suspicion but the wee man has announced his ambition to be a BUG DOCTOR so off we go.

However on the ferry crossing we had a knock at the car window and it was 'S’s' wee friend from nursery with his Dad. They had planned a day out at Funworld which is a huge emporium of slides, ball pools, frames and industrial screaming and so we decided to join them. Bugs can wait. The boys were ecstatic with two hours of running madly around, up climbing frames down bumpy and twisty slides. ‘Groanups’ sit at tables sipping tea except for the odd few who revert to infancy and hurl themselves down the bum battering slidey thing. Yes – I did! We ate a healthy lunch of chips, chicken nuggets and chemicals and decided to take the boys to Showcase Cinemas. G. made me laugh when he told me this is a far cry from the old flea-pit picture houses of his youth when the screen had a rip in it and there was always the faint smell of urine (not his he added). Showcase Cinemas is 12 cinemas in one building all showing all the time and having lived in the USA for a while I am used to such. We opted for Cinema 3 showing ‘Night at the Museum’ which is about a night at a museum. Oh yes - and all the exhibits come alive. Anyway it was a good movie and we all enjoyed it and laughed a lot. After the film we took Sam shopping and let him pick some pirate toys. As well as aiming to be a BUG DOCTOR he is in serious training to be a professional PIRATE and no mistake me hearties. He has all the kit and can sing 15 Men on a dead man’s chest (Which as `G. said is probably why he’s dead!). Wanting to work with lowlife crawly creatures and being a professional robber sounds like he will do well in the future - maybe politics??

By the time we were back on the ferry we watched him fall asleep. There he is – five years old. It’s a tick of the clock we thought. They say that by five we have learned most of what we will be and know so we hope we have done ok by him. Time passes so quickly and every day needs to be cherished. Happy Birthday matey!

Update

New Years Day: Dinner with family - Mum bought the food and l did the cooking of the Roast Beef dinner with all the usual trimmings. I worry about my cooking sometimes though because so often, just when dinner is over, diners - especially teenage ones - are often afflicted with not feeling so good and need to lie down immediately. Curious for sure but some of you will also have encountered this I am sure.☺

2nd: 'D' left to go back to University, 'M' spent time with her Nan so the house was very quiet. Silence has its own music and quiet is a blessed symphony in a world polluted by noise.

3rd: To Glasgow today. The ferry crossing was very rough going over - walloping gales and boat at disturbing angle! The woman who does the pre-sailing safety announcment about life rafts and emergency abandon ship drill was worringly silent and nowhere to be seen. Biggest waves I have ever seen and I fully expected to see the crew huddled in the lifeboat singing 'Those in peril on the sea'! Dropped off food and clothes for son No.1. and went on to pick up my G, (husband) from Glasgow Central Station. He had spent New Year with his parents in Cornwall. They live in a small Cornish village where you can see the stars, hear the leaves whisper and a calling Robin is the loudest sound effect. The land of Kernow, King Arthur and the legendary Cornish Pasty - recipe and article about these soon. Husband home - I have missed him so much.

4th: Quiet day at home with G, catching up on the week and just enjoying being back together.!

5th: Shopping and planning for tomorrow - a BIG DAY OUT!!. It is 'S’s' 5th birthday this weekend! 'S' is the child of our second marriage - we both have older children too.He is the light in our morning, the cream in the coffee, the bacon in our bun and the laugh in the smile.