Blazing Paddles!

What a busy week we've had in our house...Kaye is here with gorgeous Sebastian who even wakes up smiling and gurgling, he's so laid back! This has entailed a bit more washing etc but baby clothes are sooo cute it's almost fun. We all got together on Wednesday night, by we I mean Andy and I, Kaye, Karl, Pip, Finn, Dan & Lyndsey. The table was full, we ate drank and chatted and it was lovely. Little Sebastian was the pass the parcel as everyone wanted a cuddle with him before he went to bed. A lovely night! On Thursday Kaye, Sebastian and I went to visit our bestest friends, Sue and Mike. Susie is now fully recovered from her carnival over indulgence and can now bend over with impunity!

Mike with the new improved access canoe!

Mike was very excited as he had launched his newest acquisition into the Neath canal that morning. The 1950's classic canoe that he recently bought and repainted with go faster stripes. Sue was there to take a pictorial record, she admitted she was waiting for it to sink but it didn't and Mike paddled around with abandon. Mike has never canoed before and had learnt his technique on the Internet. Sue was warned that she might struggle to capture the action of the paddles as they may move too quickly. I asked if he had got Sue wake boarding behind his speedy craft but he said no as Sue still has not conquered the art of swimming,even after several people have tried to teach her. After messing about in boats for a couple of hours Mike decided to get back onto Terra firma....more easily said than done! When Mike tried to vacate the canoe via the hole he had got into it through he found himself pretty much wedged. Sue had visions of cutting holes in the bottom so he could walk home wearing it, but, after much straining and maybe a bit of lubrication (don't ask) he did emerge from his tight fitting craft. Back at home we found him cutting his canoe to enlarge the hole. When asked why,  he replied, it wasn't safe in case of fire, he couldn't get out!!! I howled laughing and commented that his paddle stroke must've been quite something to worry about fire...blazing paddles came to mind and conjured up some disturbing images. We love Mike's super quirkiness and inventiveness but you never know what he's going to come up with next. Susie takes it all in her stride and smiles indulgently, most of the time anyway. Kaye and I laughed most of the way home even when we got wet with the rain, Good times!

What gets me through.....

I never stopped to think about what gets me through tough situations but yesterday as I was describing my MRI scan experience to Andy I realised with utter clarity how things impact on me and how I get through them. When I was a child my Dad was my protector from the scary things in life,  he protected me from everything, but his own terrible violent temper. He believed in being strong and showing weakness was a definite no no. By the time I was thirteen I could certainly look after myself in all areas of my life and also was used to looking after my gentle,  scaredy cat, little sister Sharon. From then on I was fiercely independent and feisty and I took care of myself. Having children of my own brought out the lioness in me and my role of protector was even more reinforced. This has stayed with me and all my kids and grand children know that they are safe with Mum/Nanny whatever happens. I know that the end of my second marriage came when I was 8months pregnant with Kaye and got into an altercation with my ex husband. Unbelievably her Dad who was present at the time did nothing when my ex husband went to hit me and pushed me. I for once was not physically able to defend myself although I did give him a good crack back. I never felt the same about Kaye's dad after that. When he should have grown a pair and stood his ground he didn't. Shortly after Kaye was born we separated and divorced. I'm rambling on a bit now but this all fits together. My beloved Andy earned my respect and admiration very soon after I met him, we were just friends at the time and he stepped in to intervene between a violent boyfriend and myself, despite the fact he was only half his size. He has consistently shown his metal over the 27years + we have known each other and for that I will eternally admire and respect him. I realised while I was inside the noisy,claustrophobic MRI scanner that it was him I was closing my eyes and thinking of to quell the awful rising panic that was trying to engulf me. The whole thing lasted nearly 20minutes and for the whole time I had to resist the urge to press the panic button and control my urge to move. I kept on thinking that it was all OK as Andy was sitting waiting for me,  just outside and that I would be alright. When I did emerge and leave the room, there he was,  as I knew he would be and when he put his arms around me I felt as though a burden had lifted from me. Later that night I tried to explain the insight I had had and told him that I felt that he was there to protect me when I needed it....his reply was simply, "but I always have been." I feel so blessed to have him in my life and mercifully I don't need much protecting as those of you who know me will be fully aware. But knowing he is there for me when I need him to be, that he has always got my back is the kind of blessing that brings security and strength to my life and I am thankful for the honest, brave, caring, dignified and fun man that is my husband Andy.

My ROCK..in every sense!

Smile and the world smiles with you......Look at this pic!

This is the gorgeous chuckle of my super cute grandson Sebastian....after the sadness of yesterday it really cheered me up.

Babies smiles are just sooo gorgeous! There is something magical about a little one laughing and no matter who you are you just have to smile too.

Little Grace knows that every time a baby laughs a fairy is born.....what a lovely thought.

Now I feel all warm and fluffy and yes... I AM SMILING.

Independance Day for Joe

Joe at Sandy Lane fete 2010 (Holly's pic)

Today we said goodbye to our friend Joe Park (Parkinson) at a lovely ceremony in Morriston Crematorium. It was a bright and beautiful day and as we gathered before the funeral we were all chatting in the warm sunshine. It was a good turnout and Joe would have been pleased to see so many familiar faces. In perfectly fitting tribute we sang "Morning Has Broken" then, Maudie spoke about Joe and how she and Gerri had originally come to meet him, but they couldn't pin an actual year on it, suffice it to say it was over 40years ago. She reminded us of the many Joe'isms that have been incorporated into our everyday speech, Khazi and Scran to mention just a couple of the more polite ones! She read the poem by Dylan Thomas : -

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
 
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
 
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.


And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

It was very fitting for such a feisty spirit as Joe, Gerri had asked the Minister to say a few words about Joe, he told of Joe's prowess at storytelling especially about his time in the military when he went all over the world. One such adventure saw Joe and his mate 'Lofty' hitching a lift with the American Air Force from South Africa back to England for some unscheduled and illegal leave, This they duly did and had to parachute from the plane as it flew over Lofty's home town of Birmingham and landed in Lofty's street!! The Minister raised a laugh by asking Gerri if she thought he was pulling her leg...the laugh was one of many as stories rolled out. How he would have loved that. We sang "All Things Bright & Beautiful" which was also very fitting to the day and after the Committal prayer we filed out to the strains of the great Sachmo, Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World". A perfect conclusion to the service because Joe had had an exciting,fulfilling and wonderful life and he truly made the world wonderful for so many of us with his wisdom,imagination,wit and selflessness. 

Andy and I left feeling that Joe had had a good send off and it was great to see so many of our friends and neighbours all getting together even if it was for such a sad occasion. 

Farewell to our friend Joe...'til we meet again, we will always remember you.

Meandering

One of my greatest pleasures is walking my little pudding Tink. We meander about looking at all sorts of things that are local to us. It never ceases to amaze me how friendly other people are when you have a dog! People who would usually not even acknowledge you or at best give a nod suddenly become effusive and friendly about the bouncy little Tink! Children are especially attracted to her as she is small and cute and not at all threatening, she loves the kids and is very used to them because of all the Grandchildren.

Little Tink meandering

I see my friends and neighbours around the lane too and get a chance for a chat and a catch up. It is also an opportunity to see the changes on the lane itself, the potholes that vary from small to huge throughout the year depending on the weather. The wild flowers that come and go from snowdrops and bluebells to greater willow herb and dog roses, the brambles that give us Blackberries in the late summer.

The smell of the elder flowers and may and later the elderberries. Out on the golf course the bright gold of the gorse bushes and paler yellow of the wild broom mix with the lush green of the ferns. As we get out of the lane and look across to the castle it is always a moment to savour no matter what the weather as the beach comes into sight. The white water frothing when the weather is rough or the deep blue sparkling in the bright sunshine always takes my breath away and fills me up in a way that rejuvenates my soul.

Tink of course just spends her time sniffing all the wonderful varied smells and occasionally doing a good meercat impression to try to see a bit more. 

You never know who you're going to bump into and a couple of weeks ago Andy and I were walking after dinner and as we went along by the edge of the lane on the golf course we both jumped out of our skin as a disembodied voice came from the hedgerow calling out Andy's name! We both turned to look and then a head appeared over the greenery and there was Bob, face wreathed in smiles and full of excitement about his latest find during a trip to Hay on Wye. We clambered up the bank to see what this fab thing was....it was a very old advertising sheet on metal from Fender Guitars and it really is extraordinary. Andy took pics with his 'phone and decided it would be great for the basis of a Joe Schmo poster. 

Bob's Fender Ad

Bob had also found some great books on guitars too which Andy also borrowed. Bob has a knack for acquiring interesting curios and objects that are unusual and unique,and he generously shares these delights with his friends.

The marvelous Bob chatting with Andy

Our little meandering walk in the evening sun continued and we watched the sunsetting as we strolled back home.....warm, content and replenished by our surroundings our friends and of course each other. We are truly blessed and grateful for our good fortune.

A Gower sunset

A gift from a friend

I walked up the garden early this morning and enjoyed the beautiful scents of the the flowers, sweet peas, roses,pinks and stock. The mallow is burgeoning with deep pink blooms alongside the foxgloves and the about to burst lilies. Blue's garden is coming along really well now and the 'Blue For You' rose is a mass of bluish/lilac flowers that are divinely perfumed. To better savour the tranquility and peace of the garden I sat on the oak bench. It was a kind gift to us in memory of Blue from our lovely friend Mike Prankerd. Mike has a way with wood and creates some extraordinary pieces. The plain simplicity of the bench is perfect, it is solid and stable with a warm golden hue to the wood and somehow reflects the character of the wonderful dog it commemorates.

This is the sort of simple thoughtful kindness that Mike so often comes up with...no bells or whistles just an understated understanding of what is needed. Mike has a real gift and best of all he blesses us by sharing it with us too. Thank you Mike XX

One of Mike's beautiful rustic chairs

You can see some more of Mikes gorgeous chairs here at www.greenwood-designs.co.uk

My cousin Ro

I realised that it would have been my cousin Rosemary's birthday this week and I was sad to think that she was no longer with us. Ro died unexpectedly last year and it was a huge shock to us all. As kids growing up my sister Sharon and I spent a lot of time with the London cousins, Rosemary and Janice. Ro was the oldest, most sensible and gentlest of us all. When we were in our teens we introduced the cousins to our gang of mates and Ro fell in love with our dear friend Johnathon P. Williams (aka 'Willy P') owing to the fact that there were so many Williams's in his school and in those days they were addressed by their surname only. We howled at this and would repeat over and over Willy P....NO HE WON'T. They married young and had many years of happy married life together along with their six beautiful children. Eventually they divorced and Ro met her second husband David Ellis and had her 7th child with him. 

Rosemary and her lovely children

When Rowan was 5 tragedy struck and David died suddenly. Ro was devastated but carried on raising her family. Ro's death was a tragedy for the children but poor Rowan was now without both her parents. My sister Sharon and I attended Ro's funeral and met up once again with Jonathon who declared to everyone that Rowan would always have him. The seven kids supported each other wonderfully through this saddest of times. We left promising to visit Jon in the summer of 2011. I got a cheeky Xmas card from him and then the most awful thing happened, I got the news that Jon had died. He was diagnosed with lung cancer before Xmas and within weeks was gone. 

Jon Williams

It is almost beyond belief that life could be so cruel to one family but they have rallied together and supporting each other are getting on with living,loving and having babies. They are beautiful in every sense of the word and their parents would have been so proud of them. I can't believe that these two people who I shared so much history with are gone from my world, but I do know that I was blessed to have known them and for that I am eternally thankful.

FAT FIGHTERS!

Gradually over the years Andy and I have become rounder and more cuddly, gone are the lean angles of the face that looked so attractive in our youth only to be replaced by an extra chin and accentuated dimples. The slim hips are now well padded 'Love handles' and we are built more for comfort than for speed. I know it is the result of my cooking over the years, we are not junk food eaters but we do revel in good food and wine. Andy is at his most content when sitting at our large family table loaded with delicious morsels from my kitchen, we all sit and eat and drink and chat and laugh with true abandon as we always have done. Sadly this has caught up with our waistlines. 

Our wedding in 1984

This was brought home to me after watching our holiday video. I had bought  a new Black & White swimsuit and we went snorkeling and diving in The Red Sea, while we were doing it I felt light and graceful as I glided through the turquoise water. The camera however does not lie no matter how you 'feel' and we laughed to see a shot of me taken from underwater..I was just like a black and white beach ball with little arms and legs stuck onto it!  We decided then, that we should do something about it to improve our health and well being. What could we do? We both knew that the mathematics were wrong..too much going in and not enough burnt off so we decided to join a weight loss class with Slimming World. Oh my! culture shock...our world is off it's axis. We entered the realm of Little Britain's 'Fat Fighters' unprepared for what was to come...out went creamy welsh butter..in came skinny margarine and spray on frying oil..WHAT!! No cream, no fat, no sugar and measured portions , I didn't know how to cook the recipes in the Slimming Bible and Andy's wallet was unprepared for the huge shopping bill for the new regime.

20+ years together!

Strangely the new food is quite delicious, the recipes easy and varied and I am not hungry..I don't know how this can be but it is. 1 week in and I lost 3 1/2lbs and Andy lost 5lbs. It's a bit of a miracle and I'm looking forward to Thursday's weighing session. Our consultant is effervescent and enthusiastic to say the least..completely, barking mad.It really is like Fat Fighters but we are committed and enjoying it. It would be kind of nice to see those slender bods back again but I am a realist and will be happy to just reduce my weight down to a normal size. We are both blessed that we have the kind of relationship that still sees the other with rose tinted specs and love each other unconditionally but we both agree we'd be happier if there was a little less of us!

The First Born...

No one prepares you for your first born child, you read all the books,listen to everyone's advice and watch all the TV programs about childbirth and parenting but it still overwhelms you like an emotional Tsunami!

My youngest daughter Kaye has recently had her first baby, the absolutely gorgeous Sebastian Andrew and watching her all loved up with him brought back many memories of my own first baby Danielle Jayne.

My first baby Danielle Jayne

It was back in 1973 and I was just 19years old. Those that know me from my youth will know that I was a 'wild child'. I had an easy labour and delivered my tiny little girl with no stitches or problems at all....she was 4 weeks early and weighed 4lbs 10ozs. The Midwife put her in my arms and I looked at the tiny little face and fell totally, overwhelmingly in love, I cried, which in itself was a most unusual event, but crying when sober was unheard of for me! We spent 10days in hospital until she reached 5lbs and I fed her myself every 2 hours. I was exhausted but exhilarated too. From the moment we came home I knew my life would never be the same, some huge fundamental shift had taken place and it wasn't all about me anymore. Danie has been a source of utter pride and delight and also a few tears over the years.Not to mention a few escapades like painting next door's dog GREEN, emptying all the tea out of 144 tea bags, icing the toilet seat with a tube of toothpaste that I then duly sat on! She has the voice of an angel and is also an incredibly intelligent, warm hearted, stunning looking and vibrant person. She excelled in school and college and obtained her Midwifery Diploma and Degree. She has an excellent reputation as a Midwife and is also a qualified NCT advisor. She is currently studying for a further degree in Law and also works part time in a women's refuge. Add to this that she has SIX children ranging in age from 13years to 3years and she has a husband that works away from home during the week it seems unbelievable that they manage to renovate properties in their spare time!!!

She is a fantastic Mum to her kids and I recall after she had her first child, the exquisite little Erin Mae, she was worried that if she had another one she would never be able to love them as much as she did her first.

Danie with her six children

Danie with Erin Mae

It's a funny thing...your first child opens something within you that is like a flowing river and subsequent children are washed and carried in it just as the first one was but, your first born will always be the catalyst that started the well spring of that blessing in the first place.......I LOVE YOU DANIE..and I am blessed to have you as my first born my fabulous Daughter.

My beautiful Danie 2011

Joe Park R.I.P.

R.I.P. Joe Park

It is with a heavy heart that I am passing on the news that Joe Park has died. I know he will be sadly missed by all who knew him and that is a very considerable amount of people, no matter where you were or what you were doing someone there knew Joe! I remember when I moved to Sandy Lane and Joe was comfortable living in his yellow van parked outside of Gerri's. He was wonderful to the kids, but teased them unmercifully; He taught my boys a lot about cars and mechanics and I blame him for their obsession with all things mechanical and my increased washing loads over the years. 
His ingenuity was way beyond anything I had come across before and he was the original 'Bodger' ! He could make something out of nothing and always had a mate who had done it before. The kids got money for sweets and wide eyed entertainment as he regaled them with fantastic tales on every subject under the sun. I can see him now roll up in hand, explaining how to do a gas conversion on a car to Karl and Ashley. He was ever helpful, kind and often feisty. He admired strength of character and individuality. His guffaw of a laugh could often be heard when telling of someone getting their come uppance by whatever means. 
I did hear that the staff in the hospital found him difficult to treat as he kept telling them to f**k off , while I appreciate that this was difficult to manage it was so typical of Joe it really made me smile....he was one of a kind, a real individual and larger than life. The world is a poorer place today without him....Sleep tight Joe.

To Fake Tan or Not To Fake Tan.

Tonight Lula (aka Lyndsey) has gone out with her girlies and in honour of this event she decided to tan it up! Following an in depth discussion with Kaye, she was worried about becoming more of a tangerine than tanned. Kaye suggested using the wash off product instead but Lula was worried it wouldn't come off...in ever helpful Sisterly mode, Kaye assured Lula that she could always strip off in the garden and Kaye would hose her down with the pressure washer!! Lula declined this kind offer and double checked the tube before applying it.
We have had an interesting and varied day all round, Megan fell off her bike and  little Reia came to our house to tell us she was hurt, she was followed a couple of minutes later by a tearful Megan, Hannah and Chelsea. Megan went off from our house complete with muslin sling but came back with full movement of her bruised arm after Karl spent a few hours in A & E getting her checked out. Andy has a wedding gig tonight so left early and Kaye, Simon and Dan joined me for 'Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs' for tea (meatballs & tagliatelle) I have been baking all day, as we are having a little high tea tomorrow to let people meet Sebastian and the house is now full of goodies. Including home made Strawberry Jam and fragrant Rose Petal Jelly.We had to test for quality of course...ooh yummy.

Rose Petal Jelly

Dan and I walked Tink this evening and put the world to rights all the way, we laughed as we walked by Downside to see Meg now fully recovered playing tennis...Kids eh! As we approached the top garden gate Dan paused and we were both captivated by the bush on the left that appeared to be on fire, shafts of light from the setting sun were streaming through and lit it up, as we walked through it my hair and Dan's beard turned flaming orange/red and the sunset showed itself in all it's glory from the vantage point at the top of the garden...my house is called Pretty Suns and this is exactly why.

Dan and The Big Bang Theory!

Tonight we had quite a few of us around the table for dinner, Andy and myself, Dan and Lyndsey, Karl, Hannah and Megan, Kaye, Simon and baby Sebastian. Conversation was bubbling as usual and much tormenting and teasing was afoot from all angles. Dan decided to wind the kids up by telling them that he was a direct descendant of Jesus and that God was his Father....Megan chipped in that Gandi (Andy) was NOT God but "I think he looks a bit like him" this caused gales of laughter at Gandi's expense and led to discussions about the improbability of Dan being a direct descendant of Jesus. He asked me how would I know and without putting my brain into gear I informed him that he was NOT  the result of 'THE BIG BANG' but something else......this caused tears of laughter and I cringed and laughed at the same time. Kaye became helpless and hysterical with laughter while trying to avoid answering the kid's questions about what was so funny! After more giggling we then decided to divert the kids from the subject by setting the challenge of who could touch their elbow with their tongue...as yet it has not been done. Flowing on from this was a session of measuring the comparative length of elbows to wrists and feet (all because Lyndsey said was it true that they measured the same) and we can now safely say that this is a myth...They are NOT the same. We left the table and  in a short while everyone went off home, leaving us with the gorgeous Sebastion Andrew (aka 'Handy Andy') and his Mum and Dad......Oh what blessings we have enjoyed today, good food, much laughter,great company and most of all the closeness that sharing as a family brings. My cup overflows!

Simon, Kaye, Sebastian and Megan

Big cousins Hannah and Megan cooing over Sebastian

Uncle Karl gets a good right hander..he IS his Mummy's boy!

Oh what a week!

It is now Sunday 5th June and I have not even picked up the laptop since Wednesday. The reasons for this lack of cyber communication are many but mainly twofold in the adorable guise of my two Grandchildren Grace (5) and Thomas (4). I have been up at silly o clock every day and not sitting down until my eyes no longer function and my brain is turned to mush from the constant jibber jabber of children's TV programs, games and general small people talk. I have just managed to feed and bath them and walk the dog. We have been to the beach and the lido, to Mumbles and the park. and each trip out had to be organised with military precision to avoid potential disaster. My Nanny skills have been honed over many years and I am affectionately(I hope) referred to as "Naughty Nanny" for my irreverent and often silly antics. I have particular delight in singing songs incorrectly and deliberately out of tune. The kids now sit on the sofa and pretend to be the X factor judges and buzz me off with howls of " That's terrible, your singing is rubbish and other remarks. What really creases me is when they just put their hands over their ears and plead with me to stop. It's cruel I know but it amuses me greatly.

Grace & Tom in the sand boat.

Today we had a celebration lunch for my Mother in law Betty's 80th birthday and I had managed to arrange balloons napkins,cake and even made, yes, home made, properly sewn, bunting. Just because I was outraged at the £1 + per metre that the shops wanted. I popped into Killay charity shop, bought two crisp cotton double quilt covers and made over a hundred metres for approximately £5. It did mean however that some sleep was sacrificed but hey it was worth it.

During lunch I decided to try to make the lovely Lyndsey's long, blond plait float....by attaching helium balloons to it. This soon became a focus of attention as we all tried to figure out how many balloons it would take. In the end it was over 20!

The kids loved all the fun and Betty was overjoyed at her surprise party. Danielle joined us with Erin and Ben and it was lovely to have so many of the family together. I had a real warm and gooey feeling looking around that room full of happy smiling faces and the walls ringing with laughter and music....we are blessed and I am tired but very thankful for these special times of love and deep seated contentment.

IT FLOATS!

Baby cousins Maisie and Kaylan,  enjoying the party

Happy 80th Birthday Betty

A garden cake made by 'Celebration'

A blustery Sunday walk....

After a nice lie in and lunch at The Woodman with Andy, Dan, Lyndsey and Mum in law Betty I was welcomed home by the very excited little Tink who was very keen to get out of the house for a walk. I donned my walking boots and coat and off we went. It started off just very windy, with grey skies overhead but as we got out onto the golf course the wind really picked up and it started to spit with rain. We walked over to the castle and I was surprised to see so many people out and about. The bay was wild with frothing white water and I could clearly hear the waves as they came ashore. I stopped and just let the wind take my breath away and with it went my slight headache. All the cobwebs that were left over from last night's Joe Schmo gig at The Plough & Harrow were swept away and I found myself laughing out loud as the wind whipped my hair over my face and puffed out my coat so I looked like a michelin man! Tink was scampering around with her nose to the ground loving all the new smells that were there and the wind blew her ears and fluffy coat about till she looked like she had been in a tumble dryer. We headed home, me smiling and Tink's tail wagging, back home with a cuppa and a cuddle on the sofa with Andy, I felt more relaxed than I have in ages....who'd of thought a reluctant walk in grotty weather could leave me feeling so content.

Saturday thoughts....

On Saturday/Sunday mornings when we don't have guests staying, I have the delightful luxury of staying in bed until late morning with my hubby. Usually this is the result of a late night due to his gigging with Joe Schmo. I treasure these special lazy times, waking without an alarm clock, cup of tea in bed, read a book and chat about the weeks' events and plans for the coming week. We are usually joined by Tink my little pudding, she brings her cuddly bunny and plays tug for a while before snuggling up for some cwtches! When the kids were little they used to pile in too and often when they come home to stay now they will still hop in our bed for a chat but of course they kick Dad out to make the tea! These are lovely special times that cement the bonds of family and love and although I could feel guilty for being lazy, I don't... I just feel incredibly blessed and savour every moment.

Today is Friday and I am sad.........

I awoke this morning with a heavy feeling in my heart....my lovely friend Anne is returning to America tomorrow so today is the day for goodbyes and I hate it. We see each other so infrequently but whenever we do we seem to just pick up where we left off. We write and email sporadically but we each know that the other is there no matter what. I am blessed to have such a good friend that I share a long history with....she is like a diamond in the sand and I truly treasure her. Safe journey back and we'll see you soon and love you always.

NEW PHOTO'S ON "REMEMBER WHEN PAGE"

Just to let you know there are new/old pics on Remember When and Gates of Sandy Lane pages....enjoy

Comments....

So sorry folks, I didn't enable the comments function on all the pages, doh! It is now enabled and you can leave comments to your hearts content.

COWS!!!

We have for several years had intermittent problems with the invasion of the "Ninja Cows" and they are back again. They munch and pull up everything, push over fences, churn up the ground and worst of all they poo everywhere! It's all over the place , you can't escape it when walking, my shoes are now cow pat coloured, the dog is cow pat coloured and the final indignity after I slipped and fell, my jeans are now cow pat coloured too.
I call them Ninja Cows as this phrase was coined by my shaken up Hubby after he encountered them unexpectedly a couple of years ago in our garden at night.....he had taken the wonderful Blue out for a wee before bedtime and they went to the top of our steeply sloped garden via the steps. Blue was doing his thing and Andy turned around to find himself eye to eye with what he describes as an 8ft black cow (I feel that fear magnified the beast)  that had appeared from nowhere. Screams and yelps followed as man and dog dashed for the door, squashing past each other in their desperate race for sanctuary. When he could make coherent sentences again,  he insisted that the cows had come from nowhere and from then on referred to them as Ninja Cows.
Following this incident a few weeks later I looked out of the kitchen window to see 8 or 9 of the bloody creatures ravaging the garden, I flew out with stick in hand shouting like a wrangler but to my utter dismay I was treated with complete disdain by the cows. They looked up from their chewing briefly eyed me up and resumed said chomping. I couldn't get them out of the garden no matter what I tried. In desperation I telephoned the local constabulary for some advice. The very nice policeman on the end of the 'phone asked me what the trouble was and I told him, I asked him if as they were trespassing on my property could I shoot them? (I was very angry and desperate at this point). He didn't know and went to ask further advice, he returned to say that partial as he was to a nice bit of steak I cannot shoot them without a specific license to do so. He did however say that I could phone the local authority and they would come and collect them.
I called the council who duly sent someone out to round them up but they had gone...not just wandered off a little way, the Ninja Cows had completely disappeared, nowhere on the lane were they to be seen and the council men left obviously thinking I was hallucinating or barking mad.

Felix..aka Stinky Pinkerton, hates Yellow Pages!

Felix the cat is originally a feral cat, her story is quite unusual, Dan was running a scrap dealership in Clydach many years ago and they had a colony of feral cats that roamed the yard. Dan tried to befriend them, tempting them with ham or sausage from his sandwiches but all to no avail. After  a year of trying one particularly cold day a grey & black cat came into the office and Dan took his chance to try the food temptation yet again and this time it worked. Over the next few months despite a few swipes and hisses he and the cat who he had named Felix became friends. The owners of the yard sold up, Dan was leaving and he wondered what would become of his little friend Felix. In conversation a few days after he left he heard that the new owners were having all the cats shot. He was really upset and went to the yard with cat carrier in the car to try to catch her. To his dismay the yard was locked and he could not get in. He put the carrier on the roof of the car and went to chat to the guys in the next unit. On his return he was astonished to see that Felix was sitting in the carrier waiting for him!

He brought her home and over the next 3 weeks we found that she was actually black and white and very lovely. She is quirky,feisty and very loving but she hates the Yellow Pages book and tries to kill it whenever it comes out...we caught it on video and here it is..