| Moonlight Safari and other stuff |
[Jul. 4th, 2009|12:17 pm] |
Yesterday was even more manic and we didn't get lunch/dinner till midnight!
The cooker arrived at 12.00 good timing as we had Photoshop course at 1.30. Brilliant photoshop lesson where learnt how to put one picture into another and then play around with curves, colour balance and blending modes to make it realistic. I've wanted to learn how to do this properly. Now have homework to do one of my own - when?!
Alan came and fitted the cooker in later and by the time it was up and working it was time to dash off to spend the evening at the Alwen Reservoir for a midnight safari with the kids. It had turned into a stunning evening and we had a beautiful sunset as we walked round the water and into the woods. Heard a Nightjar and saw a lots of bats. We all had bat detectors and it was great to hear all the different clicks and crackles of the various kinds of bats. Not so nice were the midges - yuk everywhere. I had liberally covered myself in repellent so the only place they managed to find was on my scalp and I'm now scatching myself silly - looks like I've got fleas!
We should have gone on another walk this morning with the Welsh speaking group but we were still very stiff from what was supposed to be a stroll last night but in fact was quite a hike. It's great to see Colin now being able to undertake this sort of activity since having the new ventilator and iron tablets.
This afternoon a very village activity - strawberry tea (te, mefus and hufen in fact!) at the church. I remember this being one of the first village events we attended last year. Gosh how time flies! This evening I'm making my rounds to some of the photoshop group installing my software on all their computers for those who don't have it.
Tomorrow off to the Blue Grass Festival at Conwy and in the evening my daughter and her husband arrive for a weeks holiday. Unfortunately the weather is not so good here at the moment but it's forecast to be better middle of the week. Still looking forward to seeing them both and sure we'll have a good relaxing time. |
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| Weekly update |
[Jun. 28th, 2009|07:32 pm] |
It's been a gorgeous week and Wednesday's art class was spent painting and drawing beside the river. Bit embarrassing though as people kept passing by and stopping to watch.
Friday was the sports club BBQ and fun evening and needless to say the weather couldn't quite hang on and decided to throw a storm 10 minutes before the start. Fortunately it only lasted about half an hour but made everything decidedly soggy and several of the events couldn't go ahead. Still like true Britishers we made the best of it and had a good laugh.
Yesterday morning the cooker decided to blow the fuses yet again.This time blowing the switch and the breaker in the fuse box. Many thanks to our electrician friend Alan yet again who came to our rescue. But I have decided enough is enough and tomorrow morning I shall hot foot it to Currys for a new cooker.
Today has been beautiful and was spent at the country fair alongside the hunting and fishing fraternity accompanied by ferrets, dogs and lots of guns!
( photos )
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| My week |
[Jun. 22nd, 2009|06:06 pm] |
My life is so busy these days I seem to have little time to write here. We've been desperately trying to straighten up the front garden which is full of dead conifers and weeds. So weather permitting have been busy with that plus of course the quiz, painting and drawing classes, Photoshop class - intermediate course starts in 2 weeks and Welsh.
Off to see The Terminator film tonight and now realise we will be out every evening this week. Who says country life is a quiet one? The weather is now looking much better- sunny and very warm. Several outdoor events coming up end of the week and weekend so hope it can keep fine. |
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| Super weekend |
[Jun. 15th, 2009|07:06 pm] |
So grateful for such a sunny weekend and was able to get to all the events I wanted to and even got a touch of sunburn so now have a rosy red face and arms!
Friday evening was the local school's Summer Fair - BBQ, strawberries and cream and daft games. Saturday Oswestry Antique and Collectors Fair - even bigger than last year and very busy. Just super walking about the stalls in the sunshine and discovered they were filming Bargain Hunt. Stuff was a little expensive I thought but did manage to buy a gorgeously huge chest to store my big dresses in (just so difficult to fit them in to wardrobes so copying the Victorians), a rather nice beaded bag and Colin bagged another taxidermy bargain.
Sunday was the National Gardens Scheme weekend and got the chance to explore a new nearby village Henllan which had 5 gardens on show. These are always great fun as you get to meet lots of people as you all pass each other going from garden to garden. Lots of ideas and got some nice flowers for the garden and some strawberry plants.
Back from the gardens and Julian and Carey popped in for tea - still sunny enough to be able to have in the garden.
Today had to go into Denbigh to pick up a letter that had not had enough postage on it. I was pretty furious to find it was just photos of my cousin's grandaughter printed out on an A4 sheet of paper. Cost me £1.14! Why didn't she print them singly or better still email them. She's got broadband and they're digital prints The child is pretty ugly anyway with sticky out ears. Aagh! Anyway at least we could investigate the local charity shops and bag some bargains. Ran into some hefty showers on the way home but the sun is out again now so chance to pop out and plant my new purchases.
( weekend photos )
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| Squirrel time again |
[Jun. 9th, 2009|07:19 pm] |
Yes it's that time of year for getting rid of the new generation of grey squirrels thieving my bird's seeds. I gather they are now regarded as vermin and we are entitled to kill them but although we don't want them in our garden neither of us can bring ourselves to actually do the dreadfull deed. Instead we set the trap and then take them far up the road and let them out into the wild.
Life is busy as usual with gardening, drawing and painting, Welsh and photoshop classes and various doctors and hospital visits. I have finally finished the main components of one of my steampunk outfits and am quite pleased with the outcome.
I'm crosing my fingers for a dry, at least, if I can't have sunny, weekend as there is an abundance of summer fairs, antique fairs and open gardens I'm wanting to visit. Last week's Woodfest was abandoned by us due to the utter crap weather. Who said we're in for a hot summer?
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| Lazy afternoon |
[Jun. 1st, 2009|06:19 pm] |
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Just spent the afternoon lazing on the beach, watching the kids and dogs running around on the sand and jumping in the sea. Not me I hasten to add - it might be hot out there but the the sea is f*****g freezing. A paddle is enough I think. Gorgeous, gorgeous day and only 20 minutes from the front door, no crawling in the traffic, parking on the front and no parking fees. I call that heaven. |
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| Summer is here |
[May. 31st, 2009|01:01 pm] |
After working hard in the garden yesterday morning spent the afternoon lounging on the swing seat reading . Too hot to do anything more.
Spent a pleasant evening at BBQ at my son's with all the grandchildren.
Today taking it easy and doing my drawing homework
Check out my grandson Jack's performance in the school jazz band at the Eistedfordd in Cardiff, he's in the front row, 3rd on the right on the clarinet. Well done!!
urdd.s4c.co.uk/cy/cystadlu/dydd-gwener/194
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| Arts and Crafts |
[May. 29th, 2009|06:59 pm] |
Wednesday evening was our first drawing and painting class. We were the first class also for our instructor so not sure who was the most nervous! Anyway there was 7 of us so a good turn out and we started of loosening up with pencils and drawing circles, boxes, a teddy bear and various shaped glasses. Very useful especially for those like me who haven't done any serious drawing for a while. Our homework is to draw 3 objects so a bit of discipline needed I think.
Yesterday was Carey's birthday so the whole family went off to the pictures to see Angels and Demons. It was quite good but I'm glad I had read it a long time ago as Colin, who has recently read it, says they had altered quite a bit, although I couldn't remember some of the detail. I feel they rushed through the clues somewhat giving the film a very fast pace perhaps faster than it needed. In the evening we had dinner at The Dining Room in Abergele, one of our favourites and were looked after by Jeff in his usual camp manner. We had a very nice Pinotage so drank and ate far more than I should - but didn't care. One has to enjoy oneself sometimes.
Today have been gardening most of the day - working off the excess of last nights blood glucose. Just a little bit more to do and hopefully can get to actually sit back and enjoy it. The weather is stunning - summer for a while. |
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| That was the week that was |
[May. 24th, 2009|05:56 pm] |
This week has been the usual round of classes. MY diabetic course finished on Friday with a depressing look at all the health complications that fall to a diabetic. Still I suppose it does keep one on the straight and narrow. The photoshop course is absolutely great - have learnt so much now just want the time to play around with it. In Welsh we are learning to describe people and their jobs. "Who's the bloke in the mustache, the guy in the smart suit" etc. Amusing.
I have now found a low carb bread mix which I tried out on my son's bread maker. Worked so well, delicious and only 2 carbs per slice instead of the usual 11 or 12! Have now brought my own breadmaker and look forward to toast for breakfast and sandwiches again. My glucose readings are now at 5 -6 which is briliant considering they used to be 9 - 12 and sometimes 13.
Yesterdays weather started well but deteriorated to an eventual grey drizzle but did manage to get my veggie seedlings planted out. Today has been simply glorious. Did a bit of gardening, went for a walk and finished with dinner with Julian and Carey.
My steamy bolero has finally been sewn - just need to pimp it up with trimmings and lace purchased from good old ebay. More hours in the day please. |
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| Bitten off more than I can chew? |
[May. 17th, 2009|04:05 pm] |
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How on earth did I get myself so busy? People used to say to me what would I do when I retired. I now find myself wondering how on earth I ever had time for work! So my week went this way – Tuesday night quiz, Thursday evening Welsh lessons, Friday morning diabetic course – learning to read and understand the contents on packet labels and in the afternoon, as the basic digital camera course finished last week, started the Photoshop course. We had quite a few new people joining us including Richard from The Mission together with his wife and new baby. Have got quite friendly with Noriko his missus as she’s often at the Welsh classes. The drawing and painting classes have now been sorted and start next week, on a Wednesday night. It’s great fun doing all these courses but they also come with homework so even more busier. I shall have to give up sleeping! Saturday was Welsh conversation group in the morning and a quick visit to Julian and the kids for coffee. Back home to plant my beans out dodging the showers and do lots of lo carb baking. In between were the usual household jobs, washing, cleaning, shopping and hairdressers and doctors. Colin managed to twist his back getting something out of the cupboard and they have discovered he’s anaemic. Tuesday I have an aunt’s funeral to go to and as it’s in Gatwick we are taking the opportunity to visit an old friend in East Grinstead which is very nearby to stay Monday night. I just wish it would stop raining. We seem to have had the entire winter’s rainfall in one month! Phew – now time to do the accounts. |
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| Wig case |
[May. 11th, 2009|05:24 pm] |
Got this really cool case for my wig from Ebay, in PVC too. The head part is attached to the lid. Just right for storing and has a handy handle for travelling.
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| Weekend |
[May. 11th, 2009|10:43 am] |
Well the weather scuppered my plans for gardening on Saturday and the cooker fused putting paid to any plans for some lo carb baking. So got a chance to get on with my steampunk waistcoat. Putting one of the sleeves in upside down didn't exactly help - though something I often do! Sorted it out in time for Alan our electrician friend to call and look at the cooker. He managed to isolate one ring so we can still use the others and the ovens whilst he orders another switch. For once in my life we have a useful friend!
Sunday was damp and grey but at least the wind had died down. Had morning coffee with Julian and Carey who has just returned from South Africa where she managed to fall and sustain a compression fracture of the spine. She is in quite a bit of pain and finds it difficult to lie down and sleep. She'll be seing the usual HR, Occi Health today and we'll see what will happen about work. They had been to see their friend Owen who had the accident and he seems to have come back fighting. Doing lots of gym training, purchasing a new house and looking at cars. He seems determined not to let being paralysed compromise his independance.
Today is absolutely beautiful, sunny not too much wind. So a chance to get out in the garden and plant the stuff I brought in the garden centre a week ago! |
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| We can now drink the water |
[May. 5th, 2009|11:24 am] |
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At last the boil the water notice has been lifted. I don't have to keep remembering not to dip my toothbrush under the tap. It's such an instinctive thing! We all get £10 compensation too. |
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| Bank Holiday fun - Monday |
[May. 4th, 2009|06:21 pm] |
Typical bank holiday weather - grey, drizzly and a good deal chillier. The last day of the Parish Festival and a jazz masterclass. Mainly for Colin this one but they got the rest of us without instruments singing and finger snapping. They were a great couple of musicians and Colin benefited from a lot of useful tuition along the way. I thought he played extremely well and was quite proud of him.
( the usual photos )
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| Bank Holiday fun - Sunday |
[May. 4th, 2009|06:10 pm] |
The weather being sunny, although fairly bracing, we chose the Garden and Food show at our old haunt Bodelwyddan Castle to visit. Good fun and brought some plants and some rather nice honey hand cream.
( photos )
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| Bank Holiday fun |
[May. 4th, 2009|06:00 pm] |
A busy weekend so shall let the pictures do the talking.
Saturday - start of the Parish Festival. Organ masterclass, flower and craft displays and a superb evening concert with some extremely talented youngsters from the Hereford Catherdral school of music.
( photos here )
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| Don't drink the water! |
[Apr. 30th, 2009|12:35 pm] |
No sooner is our electricity back then we receive this warning about our water. Well I guess never a dull moment!
Good news though that my health is rapidly improving. My diabetic check yesterday revealed my blood glucose on 6, cholresterol 3.5, blood pressure normal. No problems with kidneys, liver and good circulation in my feet. So at last I have managed to work out how to control my diabetes. Low if actually no carbohydrates is the answer, not easy but definitely necessary for continuing good health.
So the next few days sees studying - Welsh tonight, Diabetic XPERT tomorrow morning and camera course in the afternoon. This weekend is our local parish festival so will be attending organ masterclass Saturday morning, concert in the evening and jazz masterclass Monday afternoon. Sunday will be food, garden and crafts at Bodelwyddan castle weather permitting or antiques in Llangollen if it's chucking it down! Oh and we won the quiz on Tuesday!
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| Life's little troubles |
[Apr. 28th, 2009|01:09 pm] |
It started with the rain. Yesterday morning during a downpour noticed rain pouring over the guttering. Now as Colin had spent a day last week clearing out all the guttering this was a little concerning. On investigating we discovered the water butt connection (we are very green here) on the downpipe was blocked and the hose to the butt was cracked. Result rain back up and cascading over the pipe not in it. Finally repaired and cleaned it all out - it stopped raining!
During the evening all our lights started to dim. Totally weired. Like a haunted house the lights got dimmer and dimmer. Trying to finish cooking our dinner as the cooker got slower and slower and, more scary, the lock out light came on on the boiler meaning it had shut off. Eventually everything went off. Thank goodness we run a gothic house and there is no shortage of candles and candlesticks. We then spied collections of vans and lorries with little lifting platforms and men with lamps on their heads clustering amongst the pylons. At 10.45 everything sprang back into life except the boiler. The light was still on. Ah panic, get instruction manual. Press the illuminated swtich it said. Where? We took the cover off and there it was, one push and we were back in business. Another thing learnt, phew!
Hopefully it will be a peaceful day today.
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| weekend |
[Apr. 27th, 2009|05:00 pm] |
Saturday the kids and us off to the garden centre to get herb and tomato plants and seeds. Quick lunch and hello to Sherlock and then back home to plant them all up. My seeds planted just a week ago are now sprouting like crazy so looking forward to home grown veggies this year. Incidentally Colin has discovered he gets butter nut squash dermatitis - solved the riddle of why his hands get itchy when preparing them.
Sunday our walk was curtailed by a sudden downpour so a quick dash home and got stuck into some dressmaking and have nearly finished my steampunk bolero. It's super to have lots of room and a large working table that I can also leave stuff out on here. Makes dressmaking so much easier. Might just get into more! In the evening Julian came to dinner and we drank, laughed and talked non stop until late.
Sun has now come out hopefully might be able to get our camera study homework. Trying to capture the "golden hour" so far has been thwated considerably by cloudy weather. |
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