http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/bc/6ce9be23c544a4ad148642613e8fb0_160x200.jpghttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/somebody-s-son-7324274/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-11-07:/2009/11/07/somebody-s-son-7324274/Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:29:31 +0100 <p>This week the latest casualties in Afghanistan really hit home. The daughter of some friends of mine has recently buried her 23 year old fiancé after he was killed by an explosion whilst serving with the Coldstream Guards in Helmand province.</p> <p>Her dad explained that although she had a lot to cope with the worst thing was not knowing if she would be able to see his body and say a proper “goodbye”. He went on to say that “luckily” his body was virtually intact (apart from the loss of one leg which took the full blast) and that he died from shock. His daughter was eventually able to spend time with the deceased and place a wedding ring on his finger. </p> <p>Not only has this girl lost her soulmate - his parents have lost their only child.</p> <p class="center"><strong><a href="http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/LanceCorporalJamesHillOf1stBattalionColdstreamGuardsKilledInAfghanistan.htm">Lance Corporal James Hill - RIP</a></strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/somebody-s-son-7324274/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>wardeathchildrencasualtiesafghanistanhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/somebody-s-son-7324274/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/builders-bum-7260733/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-10-28:/2009/10/28/builders-bum-7260733/Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:28:58 +0100 <p>....... and head scratching <img src="/img/smilies/graybigeek.gif" alt="88|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So ............. what can you see from your window right now? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><small>* No I'm not getting my camera out to prove it <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"> and yes I'm glad it's only head scratching!</small> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/builders-bum-7260733/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>builders-bumnice-viewhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/builders-bum-7260733/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/having-a-re-think-7240615/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/having-a-re-think-7240615/Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:02:19 +0100 <p>Yesterday I wrote a poem about <a href="http://mypoetry.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/such-is-life-7239525/">acceptance</a> and today I'm not too sure about the concept.</p> <p>What I was trying to say was there are some things I simply can't change so I might as well accept them and get on with my life. Now I'm asking myself:</p> <p>Perhaps I shouldn't accept so much?</p> <p>Perhaps I should try harder to change things?</p> <p>Perhaps I'm too easily pleased?</p> <p>Perhaps I give in too easily?</p> <p>Perhaps I should just give my head a rest?</p> <p>Perhaps I need to get out more?</p> <p>So much for a marathon night's sleep last night!!! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/having-a-re-think-7240615/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>mmmmhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/having-a-re-think-7240615/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/raindrops-noses-and-wonky-mugs-7101817/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-10-05:/2009/10/05/raindrops-noses-and-wonky-mugs-7101817/Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:53:52 +0200 <p>No I haven't lost my marbles - the title just reflects my morning so far.</p> <p>Last night I stayed at my daughter's house because she had to take my son-in-law to the airport early this morning and I was needed to do the school run. Just before we set off it started to rain so we had to scrabble round for waterproof jackets. When we opened the front door we were surprised how "earthy" the air smelt and we stood there breathing in for a moment or two.</p> <p>When I got back I washed the childrens' breakfast dishes and made my first cup of coffee of the day. Fed up of not having enough decent coffee mugs other than two Denby ones my daughter had bought four new ones. They are white with brown coffee beans and writing on them and look very trendy indeed. The only problem is the rim of the mug slopes (by design) from the handle to the opposite side. I'm still trying to decide the best way to drink my coffee without dribbling it all down my top.</p> <p>Mmmmm ..... bring back the Denby! <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <blockquote><p>Longfellow -<br> - Be still sad heart and cease repining;<br> Behind the clouds the sun is shining,<br> Thy fate is the common fate of all,<br> Into each life a little rain must fall,<br> Some days must be dark and dreary. </p></blockquote> <p>The sun has now appeared <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> Have a lovely day </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/raindrops-noses-and-wonky-mugs-7101817/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sunrainmugshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/raindrops-noses-and-wonky-mugs-7101817/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/aide-memoire-7036736/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-25:/2009/09/25/aide-memoire-7036736/Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:29:54 +0200 <p>Tomorrow is the 'big day' when my 'play' is being performed <img src="/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif" alt="8|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I've been busy ticking things off lists, making new lists and generally making sure that everything is as ready as it'll ever be. This afternoon I'm going to the venue to set out the room for the 'wedding ceremony' and then this evening I can hopefully relax and chill out with my family.</p> <p>My daughter phoned up at 11am to have a chat and I told her how busy I've been and she said "don't forget to eat" ah ...... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_idea.gif" alt=":idea:" class="middle" border="0"> that's a good idea .... I've been up since 7.15 and haven't had anything to eat or drink <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So here I am sat with some hot buttered toast and a mug of coffee. Ah that's better - I knew there was something I'd forgotten! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Tomorrow morning I'm having my hair 'done' at 9am (it is a wedding after all) so that'll be a nice start to the day. The weather forecast is excellent <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Everything else is now down to my cast and crew - "For Better or Worse".</p> <p>Now then where's my clipboard? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/aide-memoire-7036736/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>for-better-or-worsehttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/aide-memoire-7036736/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/dead-funny-7029222/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-24:/2009/09/24/dead-funny-7029222/Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:54:33 +0200 <p>..... or disrespectful?</p> <p>Yesterday I used the phrase <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/mamma-mia-7027822/">"popped their clogs"</a> referring to someone dying. This has been a phrase used in my family for as long as I can remember. This got me thinking of how many more similar euphemisms I could remember and came up with a few more.</p> <p>Kicked the bucket<br> Pushing up daisies<br> Turned their toes up<br> Cashed in their chips<br> Fallen off their perch</p> <p>Then I came across a great big list of <a href="http://www.bored.com/deathslang/">death and dying eupemisms </a> which made me wonder why we use them and is it disrespectful or just our way of trying to talk about delicate matters.</p> <p>So I looked up the definition of euphemism and found this</p> <blockquote><p>A euphemism is a substitution of an agreeable or less offensive expression in place of one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the listener or in the case of doublespeak, to make it less troublesome for the speaker. It also may be a substitution of a description of something or someone rather than the name, to avoid revealing secret, holy, or sacred names to the uninitiated, or to obscure the identity of the subject of a conversation from potential eavesdroppers. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse. When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped. Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive</p></blockquote> <p>In this age of "political correctness" we seem to have gone to extremes. So what's the point of my post? - goodness knows - blame Mala!</p> <p>Oh I've just discovered some interesting euphomisms courtesy of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism">Wikipedia</a> so I hope none of you are "shampooing your ferret" or "waxing the dolphin" just now!</p> <p>Right I'm off to <em>powder my nose</em>. Have a great day <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/dead-funny-7029222/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>euphemismshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/dead-funny-7029222/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/mamma-mia-7027822/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-23:/2009/09/23/mamma-mia-7027822/Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:12:58 +0200 <p>...... how could I forget you?</p> <p>My Mum very rarely picks up the phone to ring me because she doesn't like using it. So yesterday when she did phone I immediately thought that some ageing family member or friend must have "popped their clogs".</p> <p>Well I was wrong - she rang to say she was missing me and asked when was I planning to visit her again. I felt so guilty because I haven't been giving her the usual Sunday evening (after Songs of Praise) telephone call.</p> <p>Anyway I've made amends and tonight I have booked return flights for her and my eldest daughter to come over and stay with me in three weeks time. It'll be my daughter's birthday when they're over so it'll be a nice treat for them both. </p> <p>Mum said she won't be able to sleep tonight - I bet she's already started packing!!! <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/mamma-mia-7027822/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>familyhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/mamma-mia-7027822/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/friday-s-first-memory-meme-6990568/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-18:/2009/09/18/friday-s-first-memory-meme-6990568/Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:08:03 +0200 <p class="center">I'm not sure if this will appeal but here it goes!</p> <p>During my day of <del>being a slob</del> <a href="http://cabinfevernow.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/on-being-a-slob-6988622/"><u>self indulgence</u></a> I've been <del>gorging</del> treating myself to some of these:</p> <p class="center"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/045/3909045_2338f7a618_m.jpg" alt="strawberry"></p> <p>Being in a <del>lazy</del> reflective mood, my thoughts wandered back to my earliest recollection of them and I clearly remember sitting on a dry stone wall at Haworth, in the heart of Bronteland, along with my eldest brother.</p> <p class="center"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/154/3909154_62f41d527a_m.jpg" alt="wall"></p> <p class="center">And eating them straight from some newspaper of all things!</p> <p class="center"> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/158/3909158_44421667cd_m.jpg" alt="news"></p> <p class="center">I don't suppose they were even washed as they came straight from someone's allotment!</p> <p class="center">So do you have a childhood (or other significant) memory you'd like to share with everyone? </p> <p class="center"><small>(Illustrations courtesy of Google)</small></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/friday-s-first-memory-meme-6990568/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>memememorieshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/friday-s-first-memory-meme-6990568/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/nice-to-meet-you-meme-6978400/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-16:/2009/09/16/nice-to-meet-you-meme-6978400/Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:55:18 +0200 <p>This is rather a nice one copied from <a href="http://faffajane.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/18-6977820/">faffajane</a> and <a href="http://gilraen.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/i-have-met-meme-6978196/">GilraenH</a> who according to <a href="http://confusionreignssupreme.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/percentage-6978403/">NotBob</a> got it from a rather <a href="http://area-136.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/25-6974945/">bored source</a> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_yawn.gif" alt=":yawn:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>To date I've been very fortunate to have met *17 of my *64 blogfriends. This is over a quarter of you (*26.5625% to be precise). <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I'm hoping to meet another three of you in the very near future bringing this up to *31.25%</p> <p><small>*These figures exclude two former blogfriends, two blogger's spouces and a virtual meeting with <a href="http://enterthevoid.blog.co.uk/2009/09/12/a-bit-of-culchah-6950592/">CJ</a> at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday Night!</small></p> <p>I'm looking forward to meeting more of you in due course. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/nice-to-meet-you-meme-6978400/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>blogfriendshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/nice-to-meet-you-meme-6978400/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/09/when-the-kissing-has-to-stop-6928583/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-09:/2009/09/09/when-the-kissing-has-to-stop-6928583/Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:15:03 +0200 <p>It's <a href="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/125970/French-ban-kissing-keep-swine-flu-at-bay/">official</a> the French have declared a ban on public kissing.</p> <blockquote><p>"Experts are also telling people to avoid shaking hands and caressing others’ faces – and have advised everyone to keep a “3ft buffer zone” around themselves"</p></blockquote> <p>Well this should make life interesting. I wonder how they're going to police it?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/09/when-the-kissing-has-to-stop-6928583/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>francebankissinghttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/09/when-the-kissing-has-to-stop-6928583/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/05/leap-frog-6898469/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-05:/2009/09/05/leap-frog-6898469/Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:35:00 +0200 <p>When we got back from the seaside this afternoon this little chap was waiting to greet us. My friend said "never mind getting your camera out - get rid of it". No wonder he didn't hang around long enough for me to take a decent shot! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> I was hopping mad!</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2550385770102974664VsHBcD"><img src="http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/45361/2550385770102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="007"></a></p> <p class="center">He was only half the size as he looks in these photos - bless</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2265864340102974664jnuExJ"><img src="http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/43142/2265864340102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="013"></a></p> <p>In the words of Willie Shakespeare "Alas poor Kermit - I didn't know him well" <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/05/leap-frog-6898469/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>frogphotographyhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/05/leap-frog-6898469/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/03/nom-de-plume-6884479/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-09-03:/2009/09/03/nom-de-plume-6884479/Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:18:05 +0200 <p>My friend is over from England for a few days and as per usual we will be dining out at a local restaurant. We decided that we would go there tomorrow evening and so I telephoned to make our table reservation.</p> <p>All went well and I made myself understood and booked a table for two for 7.30pm on Friday 4th September. The French proprietor then asked me my name which I gave him.</p> <p>"Comme le stylo?" said he</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/grayconfused.gif" alt=":??:" class="middle" border="0"> <small>(*thinks what pen?*)</small></p> <p>"Non, avec un B" I replied</p> <p>"Ah <u>B</u>arker" said he <small>(*thinks not <u>P</u>arker then*)</small></p> <p>"Oui" said I</p> <p>Then we both laughed</p> <p>C'est tout!</p> <p>Au revoir, bonne soirée! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>This evening we have been invited out for dinner with some neighbours so I must go and have a bath and wash my hair. It's so good to have someone "real" to talk to for a change - no offence to my lovely blogfriends! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/03/nom-de-plume-6884479/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>restaurantnamefrenchfrancehttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/09/03/nom-de-plume-6884479/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/23/blame-isadora-6798209/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-08-23:/2009/08/23/blame-isadora-6798209/Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:44:55 +0200Yesterday Isadora posted a picture of her taken in the 1970s and her parting shot on <a href="http://isadora01.blog.co.uk/2009/08/22/mystery-artist-6795398/"><u>that post</u></a> was: <blockquote>Just a thought but why don't all you bloggers over forty years old post a photo of yourself when you were in your teens or twenties </blockquote> I don't have many photos of me in my teens but remembered that I had one that was taken at my very first dinner dance. I must have been about 17 years old. Look at the 60's hairdo - backcombed on top and flicked up at the ends! <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2292738790102974664djobzl"><img src="http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/42145/2292738790102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="001a"></a></p> The picture doesn't do the dress justice. I clearly remember it was jade coloured lace with a jade satin ribbon under the bustline. My shoes were navy leather with a flash of jade in them. I felt like a million dollars. I guess you'll all be scrabbling around in your old photos now - go on let's have a peek!<p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/23/blame-isadora-6798209/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>old-photosfashiondinner-danceshairstyle1960shttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/23/blame-isadora-6798209/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/things-i-ve-discovered-today-6768537/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-08-20:/2009/08/20/things-i-ve-discovered-today-6768537/Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:07:44 +0200 <p>I decided it was time to stop being such a recluse and have been out and about meeting people (howbeit mainly other ex-pats)</p> <p>I found out that I can hold a conversation (in French) about the puncture in my wheelbarrow's tyre and get someone to mend it for me. </p> <p>I realised that I have so much to be grateful for.</p> <p>I discovered that next month Gerard Depardieu is coming to a nearby town to make a new film which is set in the 1950s and they're looking for extras to take part.</p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="gerard"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/059/3807059_2269cf673f_m.jpg" alt="gerard"></a></p> <p>I also learned that there is going to be a music festival tomorrow and Saturday. My blogfriend <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/user/plowe/">Phil</a> will be green with envy when he hears that one of his favourite French acts will be appearing there tomorrow evening.</p> <p>Here's a clip of Amélie-les-crayons</p> <p class="center"> </p> <p>I hadn't heard of this artiste until Phil kindly recorded two CDs for me - I think I might go along and see her.</p> <blockquote><p>amélie-les-crayons is a four member French indy band. Amélie, Heiko, Michel and Laurent met each other in 2002 and since then they have made astonishing nouvelle scene music and fanciful performances on the stage. </p> <p>After a huge success at the most famous French Festival in Bourges in 2004, Amélie-les-crayons then won the 2 Prizes of Montauban French Chanson Festival. In july, Quebec offered her the renowned Felix Leclerc Prize for her work and 6 months later, it was Belgium who congratulated Amélie with the Charleroi Festival Great Prize. The album “et pourquoi les crayons ?” released in June sold about 30 000 copies in a year, which is rather exceptional for a French independant band.</p> <p>Sweet and serene in real life, Amélie metamorphoses on stage: the young girl becomes an astonishing show girl! And the boys show a great talent for playing the piano, tuba, clarinet (Heiko), accordion (Michel) or double bass (Laurent). </p></blockquote> <p>All in all it's been a very good day <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/things-i-ve-discovered-today-6768537/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>todayhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/20/things-i-ve-discovered-today-6768537/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/the-wedding-planner-6738535/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-08-16:/2009/08/16/the-wedding-planner-6738535/Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:41:43 +0200 <p>Sorry I haven't been around much lately but rehearsals are now underway for my production of "For Better or Worse" which takes place on Saturday 26th September. For those of you who don't know what I'm on about I've written a piece of interactive theatre where the audience are guests at a "wedding". The event starts off at 3.30pm with a wedding ceremony followed by a wedding breakfast (which includes a four course meal and wine) then a disco. During the course of the event one or two family skeletons come out of the cupboard (everyone involved has been sworn to secrecy!)</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/clip_image002/3793504" title="clip_image002"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/504/3793504_0305ee0b14_s.jpg" alt="clip_image002"></a></p> <p>The characters involved are:</p> <p>Parson Snows – Vicar<br> Major Ed Ache – Groom’s Father<br> Mrs Bellé Ache – Groom’s Mother<br> Art Ache - Groom<br> Justin Time - Best Man<br> Michelle Higginbottom - Bride<br> Ethel Higginbottom - Bride’s mother<br> Ernest Higginbottom - Bride’s father<br> Donna Keybab - Bridesmaid<br> Dickie Ticker - Ageing DJ<br> Harry Flash – Photographer<br> 2 Ushers<br> 2 Female Gossips </p> <p>As well as writing the piece I will be producing and directing it. This takes me back a few years to when I was helping to plan my daughter's wedding. At the moment I'm surrounded by assorted lists, seating plans, running orders and wedding clothes.</p> <p>The venue has been booked, menu agreed and sampled, music chosen, posters (also designed by moi!) distributed, mailshots done, some tickets already sold. The cast and production crew total 23 persons and we are expecting it to be a sell out. This is because we are limiting the audience number to 60. If this goes well we are planning to hire another venue and take it to another location. There's also a suggestion that I write another scenario for future production. I'm thinking along the lines of a school reunion or a wake and will reading. </p> <p>Today the four young people playing the bride, groom, bestman and bridesmaid came round to my place for a rehearsal. They polished off two bottles of lemonade and a 450g bag of cakelets!!!! Next Sunday the full cast are getting together for the first full rehearsal at a bigger venue - I will not be providing cakes then! </p> <p>So if I'm not blogging quite as much over the next six weeks you now know why.</p> <p>Have a lovely evening everyone <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/the-wedding-planner-6738535/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>weddingfuntheatrehttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/the-wedding-planner-6738535/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/medieval-movie-maker-6691996/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-08-10:/2009/08/10/medieval-movie-maker-6691996/Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:25:55 +0200 <p>A short time ago I told you about a lovely time Aimee and I spent at a Medieval Market. You may recall that I took a <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/25/today-i-went-here-6587810/">short video clip</a> of some travelling minstrels which I put on u-tube.</p> <p>Anyone who didn't see the clip can do so by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9ZjtNIx0B0">clicking here</a></p> <p>Today I received the following email message</p> <blockquote><p>bonjour<br> hello</p> <p>I am part of the Company Gueule de Loup, presented on the video.</p> <p>Would it be possible to put the company name in the title of the video, for those looking for videos of us come to your video?</p> <p>thank you</p> <p>Loïc ( royal eagle ^^) </p></blockquote> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/medieval-movie-maker-6691996/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>utubemedievalhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/medieval-movie-maker-6691996/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/my-proudest-moment-6689315/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-08-10:/2009/08/10/my-proudest-moment-6689315/Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:01:25 +0200 <p>I've just been catching up on everyone's posts and read <a href="http://rainbowsnbutterflies.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/my-proudest-moment-6661083/">this from Malakeas</a>. As always Kelly's posts make me stop and think. This time I had decide what was my proudest moment. It has to be without a doubt the one captured here on my youngest daughter's wedding day.</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2196286970102974664opgtSa"><img src="http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/6192/2196286970102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="Wedding Day"></a></p> <p class="center">My two lovely daughters</p> <p class="center">So tell me what was your proudest moment?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/my-proudest-moment-6689315/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>weddingproud-momemthttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/my-proudest-moment-6689315/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/04/who-knows-what-tomorrow-brings-6648539/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-08-04:/2009/08/04/who-knows-what-tomorrow-brings-6648539/Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:41:56 +0200 <p>My Mum, who is 88 years old has lived on her own since my father died over twenty years ago. She loves her home and always says that when she leaves it she will have to be taken out "in a box". There is absolutely no way she'd go into a home or even move in with any of her children, all of whom she loves.</p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="home"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/373/3752373_89c0f57851_m.jpg" alt="home"></a></p> <p>I telephoned her on Sunday and once again she said how much she loves her home etc. This got me thinking. Although I like my present home I cannot imagine living here for the rest of my life, moreover alone. In fact the very thought of it fills me with dread. The thought of packing up and moving somewhere different also worries me.</p> <p>Although I've moved house a number of times I <del>think</del> know that each and every move has been the right one and I wonder wherever next?</p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="slipper"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/380/3752380_084c7f65e5_m.jpg" alt="slipper"></a></p> <p>Perhaps I should put on those ruby slippers, click my heels together and hope for the best or do what I always do and wait and see what life has got in store for me around the next corner! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/04/who-knows-what-tomorrow-brings-6648539/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>home-sweet-homehttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/08/04/who-knows-what-tomorrow-brings-6648539/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/26/yesterday-once-more-6589916/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-26:/2009/07/26/yesterday-once-more-6589916/Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:02:30 +0200 <p>This photo was taken about 30 years ago on a family holiday in Austria when my youngest daughter was 8 years old</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2674542240102974664soTYjI"><img src="http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/42734/2674542240102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="002"></a></p> <p>This one was taken yesterday - my granddaughter is 7 years old</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2666404080102974664HMqLsy"><img src="http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/43257/2666404080102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="077"></a></p> <p>It was a bit like turning the clocks back.</p> <p>I wonder if the outfit will still look as nice in thirty years time? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/26/yesterday-once-more-6589916/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>austrian-dirndlhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/26/yesterday-once-more-6589916/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/25/today-i-went-here-6587810/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-25:/2009/07/25/today-i-went-here-6587810/Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:59:10 +0200 <p class="center"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/25/today-i-went-here-6587810/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>entertainmentfrancemusiciansmedieval-markethttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/25/today-i-went-here-6587810/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/berlin-calling-6573001/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-23:/2009/07/23/berlin-calling-6573001/Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:27:18 +0200 <p>Once again my blogfriend <a href="http://manacur.blogspot.com/2009/07/fremde.html">Kurt</a> has translated another of my poems into German.</p> <p><strong>Eindringlinge</strong></p> <p>Wo kommen sie her?<br> Verborgen, doch wo?<br> Vom Kosmos von weither?<br> Im Innern, nur so?</p> <p>Spotten sie meiner?<br> Werd' ich heimgesucht?<br> Vielleicht noch gemeiner<br> das wäre verrucht:</p> <p>sie hätten den Kopf glatt übernommen,<br> aus allem machen sie einen Reim.<br> Bin ich verrückt oder nur benommen?<br> Schreiben die Eindringlinge insgeheim?</p> <p>© CH angeregt durch Marian Barker</p> <p>Or a French version</p> <p><strong>Intrus</strong></p> <p>D'où viennent-ils?<br> Cachés, mais où?<br> De l'espace? D'une île?<br> À l'interne, un trou?</p> <p>Se moquent-ils de moi?<br> Pénétration sublime?<br> Ma tête, désarroi,<br> seul rythme et rime.</p> <p>Suis-je complètement dingue?<br> Est-ce moi qui écrit?<br> Sont-ce eux qui ralinguent<br> tous ce mots jour et nuit?</p> <p>© CH inspiré par Marian Barker</p> <p>Here's the original version</p> <p><strong>The Invaders</strong></p> <p>Where do they come from?<br> Where do they hide?<br> Are they from outer space?<br> Or lurking inside?</p> <p>Why do they taunt me?<br> And haunt me each time?<br> Taking over my head<br> And making things rhyme</p> <p>Perhaps I’m plain crazy<br> Not right in the head<br> When I write down the words<br> The Invaders have said</p> <p>©Marian Barker</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/berlin-calling-6573001/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>germanpoetryfrenchhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/berlin-calling-6573001/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/15/well-i-ll-be-blogged-6515995/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-14:/2009/07/15/well-i-ll-be-blogged-6515995/Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:36:00 +0200 <p>I'm just back in from spending the evening at the local Bastille Day celebrations where I came across these two</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2849801860102974664VAZWdJ"><img src="http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/43918/2849801860102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="046a"></a></p> <p>Some of you might recognise BCUK blogger <a href="http://mikestevens.blog.co.uk/">Mike Stevens</a> who is over in France visiting some mutual friends. I had no idea that they were over here and this is the first time I've met Mike and his lovely wife Chris. So there you go - you never know when or where you might bump into another blogger.</p> <p>Mike blames me for him becoming a blogger!</p> <p>Great to meet you at last <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/15/well-i-ll-be-blogged-6515995/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>mini-blogmeethttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/15/well-i-ll-be-blogged-6515995/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/14/bastille-day-6510709/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-14:/2009/07/14/bastille-day-6510709/Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:55:00 +0200 <p>Bastille Day is the French national holiday celebrated on 14 July each year. </p> <p>In France, it is called Fête Nationale or more commonly le quatorze juillet It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy.</p> <p>The president used to give an interview to members of the press, discussing the situation of the country, recent events and projects for the future. Nicolas Sarkozy, elected president in 2007, has chosen not to give it.</p> <p>Article 17 of the Constitution of France also gives the President the authority to pardon offenders, and since 1991 the President has pardoned many petty offenders (mainly traffic offences) on 14 July. In 2007, President Sarkozy declined to continue the practice.</p> <p>This evening I'm going to meet up with some friends for an alfresco meal and join in the local celebrations. It's been a couple of years since I went to my very first Bastille Day Bash and if I recall it was a rather crowded and noisy affair ending in a fireworks display.</p> <p>Thankfully last night's thunderstorm seems to have cleared the air and the sun is trying its best to shine. Tonight I will, of course, have my camera with me but can't promise that there will be any good pictures to share. I'll see what I can do.</p> <p>Meanwhile have a lovely day wherever you are <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/14/bastille-day-6510709/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>bastille-dayhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/14/bastille-day-6510709/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/14/being-naughty-at-bedtime-6509739/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-14:/2009/07/14/being-naughty-at-bedtime-6509739/Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:15:12 +0200 <p>I really shouldn't have <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="cheese"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/514/3683514_de75b8ebf1_m.jpg" alt="cheese"></a></p> <p class="center">Now I need some of this</p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Alka-Seltzer"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/516/3683516_f96e4eceb5_m.jpg" alt="Alka-Seltzer"></a></p> <p class="center">Will I ever learn?</p> <p class="center">Probably not <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/14/being-naughty-at-bedtime-6509739/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>naughtyhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/14/being-naughty-at-bedtime-6509739/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/12/almost-a-barbie-girl-6495221/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-12:/2009/07/12/almost-a-barbie-girl-6495221/Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:30:00 +0200 <p>I bet that's got you confused <img src="/img/smilies/grayconfused.gif" alt=":??:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>No I haven't got a pink swimming pool or a boyfriend called Ken nor have I got a tiny waist <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>This afternoon I'm going to a non-barbie.</p> <p>Still confused? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Well it's quite simple. A friend of mine used to have an annual barbeque but got stressed out over cooking large amounts of food so he decided he'd still have his get-together but provide a buffet instead. He now calls this event a "non-barbie". </p> <p>So today I shall be a non-barbie girl - what are you going to be doing?</p> <p>Oh - here's yesterday's 12 o'clock shot</p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="002a"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/897/3676897_f5ed19bcce_m.jpg" alt="002a"></a></p> <p class="center">Don't you just love lazy weekend? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p class="center"><strong>Now then - who's hidden the sun? - give it back - please - pretty please</strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/12/almost-a-barbie-girl-6495221/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>barbequebarbie-girlhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/12/almost-a-barbie-girl-6495221/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/what-s-in-a-name-6489050/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-11:/2009/07/11/what-s-in-a-name-6489050/Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:01:31 +0200 <p>"A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet" is a well known and well quoted line from Shakespeare's <em>Romeo and Juliet</em></p> <p>I've just read that <a href="http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/movies/news/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=148481866&GT1=61502">David Beckham </a>has revealed that his youngest son was named after Tom Cruise - no not "Tom Beckham"!!! </p> <p>This reminded me of a recent conversation we had with my grand-daughter. Before she was born her mum and I rather liked the name "Poppy" but her dad didn't like it and preferred the name "Tracey" which my daughter disliked - probably because it was the name of one of my son-in-law's former girlfriends (apologies to all you Traceys out there). Anyway after much discussion they reached an agreement and that's how she came to be called Aimee Charlotte. </p> <p>For quite sometime now Aimee has made it clear that she doesn't like her middle name and when she found out that she was nearly called "Poppy" said that she wished she could change her name. This got me thinking - do you like your name? If not what would you call yourself? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/what-s-in-a-name-6489050/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>david-beckhamshakespearenameshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/what-s-in-a-name-6489050/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/hi-noon-6487790/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-10:/2009/07/10/hi-noon-6487790/Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:01:11 +0200 <p>The other day <a href="http://goodshiplollipop.blog.co.uk/2009/07/07/down-goes-the-gauntlet-6464772/">Benjamy</a> issued the following challenge on the blogship.</p> <blockquote><p>My Challenge to you all dear bloggers: crew and passengers alike is to pick up your cameras and enter the big world around you and at 12 noon on whichever day you care to select this week; snap what ever is in front of you and post the picture on your blog together with where it was, what you were thinking, and what the soundtrack was (be it music or traffic noise or screaming children etc. And post here to let everyone know you have done it</p></blockquote> <p>So here's where I was at noon today</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2878435490102974664wwDpzT"><img src="http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/44020/2878435490102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="004"></a></p> <p>And here's who I was dining with</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://family.webshots.com/photo/2383847320102974664zzvbzn"><img src="http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/44981/2383847320102974664S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="005"></a></p> <p>The weather was lovely, the food and service were excellent, the conversation was good and if she finds out I've posted this my daughter will kill me!</p> <p>Have a lovely evening everyone and don't forget to join in <a href="http://goodshiplollipop.blog.co.uk/2009/07/07/down-goes-the-gauntlet-6464772/">Benjamy's challenge</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/hi-noon-6487790/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>challengenoonhttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/hi-noon-6487790/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/06/for-miramaze-6462437/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-06:/2009/07/06/for-miramaze-6462437/Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:37:55 +0200 <p>The Camino de Santiago de Compostela</p> <p class="center"><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="Bronze_Pilgrims"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/421/3662421_2d0cb80130_m.jpg" alt="Bronze_Pilgrims"></a></p> <p>Courtesy of Google! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/06/for-miramaze-6462437/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>pilgrimshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/06/for-miramaze-6462437/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/03/ready-for-a-wine-6444462/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-07-03:/2009/07/03/ready-for-a-wine-6444462/Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:09:46 +0200 <p>No - not a whine <img src="/img/smilies/grayno.gif" alt=":no:" class="middle" border="0"> a wine <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I've just had a glass (or three) of a lovely dry white wine and would love to share it with my friends. So <a href="http://www.booths-wine.co.uk/invt/100594&bklist=icat,3,,7540">here</a> it is.</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="wine"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/125/3653125_cf09bddaa3_m.bmp" alt="wine"></a></p> <p>Cheers <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/03/ready-for-a-wine-6444462/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>winehttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/07/03/ready-for-a-wine-6444462/#commentshttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/06/28/black-white-6410295/tag:myspace2.blog.co.uk,2009-06-28:/2009/06/28/black-white-6410295/Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:47:45 +0200 <p class="center">If only life was that simple!</p> <p class="center">Just a quick apology for yesterday's misunderstanding over the tagging - it was an honest mistake.</p> <p class="center">Now let's all move on shall we?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/06/28/black-white-6410295/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>misunderstandingtagginghttp://myspace2.blog.co.uk/2009/06/28/black-white-6410295/#comments