The Rattle Bag

WoRdLeSs WeDnEsDaY

2008-04-02T12:47:00.002Z

gReEn LiViNg At ItS bEsT

2008-03-10T15:53:00.005Z

A warm, watertight and eco friendly cottage for only £4,000!

Read more about it HERE!

See it take shape HERE!

Green Living - Report by the Independent HERE.

And of you really liked reading about the above home in Scotland why not check out this home in Wales- picture of it below.

On ThE rOmAnTiC fRoNT...

2008-02-23T20:45:00.006Z

'D' has a girlfriend, 'F'. She is a beautiful and clever lass from the Isle of Lewis. She is doing a Mathematics degree at the same university as 'D'. They are both in their second year and have been together now for some 6mths. Being the smashing Mum that l am, l call up often to see how they are doing.
They spent Valentine's Day in Edinburgh- going to visit the dungeons and zoo. Ok, not the most romantic but hey, they're having fun. Next time l'm going with them-ha! (that was a hopeful but hollow type of laugh by the way)

'M' has a new boyfriend, 'D'. He is 6ft4in so they make a striking couple- 'M' being over the 6ft herself! She is doing well with university and seems settled living in the city. l miss her and still worry much because l'm a smashing Mum but am happy she's doing so well. This pic was taken a few weeks back- l think she looks stunning but then l would say that being her mother and all.
Did l mention that Mother's day is not far off and that l am a smashing Mum?

HiGhLaNd GaMeS dAy FuN

2007-08-28T15:44:00.000Z

These clips are not in the right order.

WE WILL ROCK YOU!

FANCY FOOTWORK

QUICK MARCH

QUICK MARCH TWO

HOKEY KOKEY

BONNY HIGHLAND LASSIE

WEE 'S' HAS A BOUNCE

THE EARLY MORNING

What a smashing wee girl

2007-06-17T16:11:00.000Z

I watched this wee girl sing on television last night and was gob-smacked. l love this song and enjoy listening to Eva Cassidy sing it- l think even she would have smiled at this lass.

A Ceilidh for the 6th year leavers

2007-06-14T20:30:00.000Z

Scottish teenagers dancing to celebrate leaving high school.

AlMoSt DoNe WiTh DrIvEwAy NoW

2007-04-25T11:52:00.000Z

LeTtInG ofF sTeAm!

2007-04-23T18:56:00.000Z

l have to say something about the Virginia Tech. shootings. My oldest son, D is just finishing his first year in the residence halls (engineering of all things) and my daughter, M leaves this September to do her first year at university too. This tragedy has hit close to home for me- it’s been all over the news and l am having such a hard time getting my head around it all- doubt l ever will. These students, still so young, leaving home to make something of themselves- and you think your children are safe- especially on campus!
Everyone is talking about forgiveness for this young man but all l seem to feel is anger. Anger not at him- but at what was done - but for the damage done that spawns such monstrous atrocities to emerge in our youth. How could he, why??? I saw a brief picture of his room. l think of my son’s cramped shoebox of a room and how he manages. What happened to this kid- why do these killers model themselves on film/game characters? It’s madness- all of it. The way l see it is that this lad wanted to commit suicide and he wasn’t going alone. How can it be so easy for a our young to become armed with the knife and the gun and to use them with cynical indifference or psychopathic madness. What kind of society have we created to so fester the minds of a young generation? Bred on a diet that makes them assume that what they want they have - and now - without effort or thanks, we increasingly see the streets of our towns and cities the battleground for marauding gangs of young people with little hope or sense of opportunity. Enticed into drink and drugs with a fragile sense of values, their reality becomes at odds with the rest of society and increasing alienation leads the extremes into little better than a feral lifestyle. The ASBO is worn as some ‘red badge of courage’. We have engendered a dependence culture that encourages young people to assume that there is always a safety net, always a handout and responsibility is someone else’s problem. I read on the news of a 12 year old boy performing a filmed beheading, teenagers brainwashed into becoming suicide bombers, a gang beating and knifing a lone teenager to death and a young American student cold bloodedly shooting fellow students. Nourished by a childhood of violent television and computer games, music that parades sex and violence cheaply, and a news representation of the world that revels in the violent and the corrupt, is it little surprise that some speak of this generation of teenagers as ‘the lost generation’. Civilization we would boast – by what definition?? Tragedy the Virginia shootings were for sure but, even greater is the tragedy of what we are doing to our youth. I would not be a teenager in these days, fear for my own and thank God they are surviving it. I’m rambling here but still feel angry and so utterly heartbroken for the families who lost their loved ones.
I know it’s not a simple matter of events but am just so shocked.

tWo Of ThE sAmE

2007-04-08T10:27:00.000Z

Country dance by Norman MacCaig

The room whirled and coloured
and figured itself with dancers.
Another gaiety seemed born of theirs
and flew like streamers
between their heads and the ceiling.

I gazed, coloured and figured,
down the tunnel of streamers —
and there, in the band, an old fiddler
sawing away in the privacy
of music. He bowed lefthanded and his right hand
was the wrong way round. Impossible.
But the jig bounced, the gracenotes
sparkled on the surface of the tune.
The odd man out, when it came to music,
was the odd man in.

There's a lesson here, I thought, climbing
into the pulpit I keep in my mind.
But before I'd said Firstly brethren, the tune
ended, the dancers parted, the old fiddler
took a cigarette from the pianist, stripped off
the paper and chewed the tobacco

ThE dELiVeRy aRrIvEs

2007-04-07T10:20:00.000Z

a ScOtTiSh SkY- yEaRs To MiNuTeS

2007-03-12T18:56:00.000Z

Please take the time to watch this through. The stars and trees at the end are fantastic!
Ewen Meldrum uses time-lapse photography ~ the film is two years of work wrapped into minutes. News report HERE.

By photography teacher Ewen Meldrum

My ViSuAL DNA pRoFiLe

2007-03-08T11:41:00.000Z

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

TiMe PoEm

2007-03-01T20:39:00.000Z

To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of one minute:
Ask the person who has missed the train, bus or
plane.

To realize the value of one-second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the
Olympics.

Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you
have. You will treasure
it even more when you can share it with someone
special.

wOrKeRs In WeLLiEs

2007-02-26T13:59:00.000Z

The song below is one that l used to sing in the playground when l was in primary school.

THE WELLY BOOT SONG
(McEwen)

Wellies they are wonderful, oh wellies they are swell,
Cause they keep oot the water, an' they keep in the smell,
An' when yer sittin in a room, you can always tell,
When some bugger takes off his wellies.

If it wasna for your wellies where would you be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary,
Cause you would have a dose of the flu or even pluracy,
If you didna have your feet in your wellies!

But when yer oot walking, in the country way about
An yer strolling over fields just like a fairmer's herd.
And somebody shouts "Keep aff the grass," and you think "How absurd;"
And, squelch, you find why fairmers a' wear wellies.

Chorus

There's fishermen and firemen, there's farmers an a',
Men oot digging ditches an' working in the snaw;
This country it would grind tae a halt and no' a thing would graw
If it wasna for the workers in their wellies.

Chorus

Noo Edward Heath and Wilson, they havna made a hit,
They're ruining this country, mair than just a bit,
If they keep on the way they are goin', we'll all be in the sh..,
So you'd be'er ge(t) your feet in your wellies.

Chorus

Tune: "The Work of the Weavers."
Recorded by Billy Connolly on _Cop yer whack for this_; Polydor (1974).
Note: Connolly remarks:
I'd like now to sing a song about Scottish Highland national dress...
Wellington boots. Did you think it was the kilt? Edinburgh's the only
place you see kilts, really. Teuchters wear wellies. And the welly is a
great, great form of clothing. It used to be the great mark of poverty
in Partick: wellies in the summer.
And when you're lying on the beach in Spain trying to let on you're a
millionaire... wi' a four bob cigar an a seven bob bottle of champaign.
You're found oot to be working class cause you've got welly marks on yer
legs. Two rings of No Confidence

[teuchter=stranger...in this case "highlanders"]
[Partick=a working class section of Glasgow]

LYRICS FROM HERE

CoLoUr & WoRd CoNfUsIoN

2007-02-23T12:28:00.000Z

I saw this in one of my husband's training manuals. I tried it and felt confused and disorientated. But then I do. Apparently the right side of the brain tries to say the colour while the left tries to read the word. I can now understand how confused Blair must have felt and panicked when he read the words SOCIALISM and LABOUR in the same sentence a decade ago.

So, WhAt'S tHaT bUtToN fOr?

2007-02-22T19:00:00.000Z

What’s the chance of a tipper truck getting jammed under an overhead motorway sign? Well it happened somewhere between Glasgow and Stirling today. Luckily the car and truck driver escaped injury.

A force spokesman said: "This is a highly unusual set of circumstances and the operation to remove the rear section of the truck from beneath the gantry is a delicate one."

Photo & BBC News HERE

JuSt LeGaLiSeD cOuNciL gRaFfiTi

2007-02-12T15:03:00.000Z

Is this really necessary? We didn't have a problem with this junction before so why now?
As for our own street, there is still a legal dispute as to whether the double yellow lines are entirely legal. Before there was no problem but now we have created a thoroughfare for young boy racers. Our children have to cross between parked cars and neighbours are vying for space to park- not a pretty sight! When parking across the street l worry every time l take Sam from his car seat and unload the shopping~ hense the reason we're putting in a driveway.
More blasted yellow lines to add to our neighbourhood’s decline, and because it is the Council- they get away with it. Hmmf!

"SeA-FeVeR" rEaD By HoRiZoN ;)

2007-01-11T21:47:00.000Z

a WiNdY dAy

2007-01-11T13:30:00.000Z

HaNdY aNdY

2007-01-09T11:03:00.000Z

WoRdLeSs WeDnEsDaY (at least from me)

2006-12-06T09:36:00.000Z

YeT aNoThEr WoRdLesS wEdNeSdAy

2006-11-16T00:15:00.000Z

AnOtHeR wORdLeSs WeDnEsDaY

2006-11-08T13:18:00.000Z

WoRdLeSs WeDnEsDaY

2006-10-25T16:05:00.000Z

OnLy sPiKe

2006-10-10T22:22:00.000Z

Said the mother Tern
to her baby Tern
Would you like a baby brother?
Said baby Tern
to mother Tern
Yes
One good Tern
deserves another.
--- from the book, The Bedside Milligan 1969

For wee Sorley

2006-10-08T20:13:00.000Z

TrAnScEnDeNtAl MoOnShInE

2006-10-04T22:08:00.000Z

I have been mucking about with my profile picture for a while. This one l did in photoshop last week- l added some effects to create the moon's reflection on my face. I really liked it but unfortunately when l tried to upload to Blogger the file was far too large and when l downsized it the quality was just not there.
Ironically the next day l was at the beach and my son of four years snapped a photo of me relaxing by the water- it was just perfect.

My sister is moon and she tugs at my soul, pulling the tides within me ~ Horizon

DeReLiCt & dIaBoLiCaL

2006-10-04T15:20:00.000Z

This photo is of an old church at Croc-an-rear on the Isle of Bute.
On talking with one of the locals here is the story l heard:
It was bought in the 1970’s under the assumption that there would be a renovation. Unfortunately the new owner took off the roof to make a profit on the lead slates, he then continued to ransack the place- obviously made enough profit and so the place stands in ruins now- what a pity.

EvErYtHiNg HaS a GeNdEr

2006-09-29T16:53:00.000Z

This was sent to me by a lovely lady friend. It made me smile.
See below:

You may not know this but all nonliving things have a gender.

Ziploc Bags are Male, because they hold everything
in, but you can see right through them.

Copiers are Female, because once turned off; it
takes a while to warm them up again. It's an effective
reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed,
but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed.

A Tire is Male, because it goes bald and it's often
over-inflated.

A Hot Air Balloon is Male, because, to get it to go
anywhere, you have to light a fire under it, and of
course, there's the hot air part.

Sponges are Female, because they're soft,
squeezable and retain water.

A Web Page is Female, because it's always getting
hit on.

A Subway is Male, because it uses the same old
lines to pick people up.

An Hourglass is Female, because over time, the
weight shifts to the bottom.

A Hammer is Male , because it hasn't changed much
over the last 5,000 years, but it's handy to have
around.

A Remote Control is Female. Ha! You thought it'd
be male , didn't you? But consider this - it gives a
man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he
doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he
keeps trying!

EmPtY nEsTs

2006-09-28T18:37:00.000Z

I found this in the blogosphere - a mathematical truth? :)

GoOd AdViCe

2006-09-28T17:16:00.000Z

The below is copied from my friend Zingtrial's blog, Working Away. I thought the advice was good and know myself that often l am the last one l think about in everyday life. I am now going to take a little more time for myself and nurture my friendships :)

Here are 8 steps to help you raise your self-esteem.(feel good about yourself.) take control of the way you feel about yourself

1. ENJOY RISKS: Remember that without risk, there is no progress. If you don’t try something new, you will never know anything different about yourself. Learn to be a risk-taker in at least some aspect of your life.Taking a class or learning something new will make you discover new things about yourself.
2.VISUALIZE SUCCESS: Imagine that your goals have been achieved.(of course, most of us rarely accomplish all goals that we set for ourselves)but if you want to do something or have something,you can visualize it and get energy and motivation out of it. It helps the dream become reality.
3.SHARE GRATITUDE: Remember to thank people who have helped you or who are helpful to you.You will feel better about yourself if you compliment other people for their accomplishments.Whether it is your child or someone else’s, a friend who needs a boost,or someone you admire or perhaps has helped you in some way,you will learn that boosting in others in others is important as well.It says good things about you if you are able to acknowledge the strengths and triumphs in those around you.
4.TREAT YOURSELF AT NIGHT: Make your bed time a happy time,quite time.We all must deal with chaos around us,but everyone should make an effort to set aside some part of the evening for him/herself.You must learn to create a heaven around you,to nurture yourself and to treat yourself well.After all,my friends if you don’t create a sense of calm around and about you .who will?Always feel tomorrow will be better,and many times it is.
5.CREATE A BUDDY SYSTEM .We all want to cry over somebody’s shoulder.Find a strong and sincere shoulder.Invest in true friends.Take care of their problems,be there for them and they will be there for you.Select them carefully and nurture your relationships with them In return,you will get tremendous sustenance.
6. ACCEPT FAILURES: Don’t give up!You know, we all sometimes goof up, make mistakes,become embarrassed or confused in front of other people.SO WHAT?Most people feel the same way.It’s a rare person who never makes a mistake.The best thing to do is to persevere when we start something.Maybe we will not like it once we are finished,but we will still feel better about ourselves for having finshed it and followed through on a commitment.
7.TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: Outline your personal goals. keep track of them through index cards or similar system to list exactly what it is you want to do with life,This can be easily updated and changed on frequent basis.Our lives are constantly in a state of change,so our goals will experience similar changes.
8. HAVE FAITH: Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said : "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."You need to become your best friend and biggest fan,Every one needs a cheerleader,and if you don’t happen to have one,then do it yourself!Talk yourself up.Always believe that God almighty is fair and generous,and some day,somwhere,he will compensate you.

Looking over the horizon

2006-09-07T13:04:00.000Z

(Image from swissre.com ad.)

This first picture says it all for me at the moment as l contemplate the near future when my son embarks on his new journey at university- l am very proud of how well he had done but l also worry about how he will get on, who he will meet etc. I am sure every mum has the same worry at this time.
The lower photo was taken a few years back- l am going to miss him very much.

A dEaR aUnTiE

2006-09-03T19:04:00.001Z

The article below was taken from this weeks local newspaper. It is about a container garden that was planted in memory of two lovely ladies, one of whom was my dear Auntie. My Auntie would have loved this tribute as she enjoyed her time in the garden much.

RECENTLY staff experienced the sad loss of Sister Cathy Polonis and Anne McCreadie at Dunoon Hospital.The staff wanted to mark this with an initiative which would be appropriate. It was agreed that an area of land (courtyard) within the main block of the hospital would be converted into a quiet reflective space for staff to enjoy their much-valued and earned breaks. Sam Way, one of the porters, offered to lead on the work required and had no problem finding ‘helpers’. The result is a tranquil area, which staff have called The Quiet Garden. The garden was officially opened by Sam, whose enthusiasm and drive is infectious. The families of both Cathy and Anne were present and expressed their gratitude to everyone involved. The staff would also like to dedicate the garden to the loss of all previous colleagues, and remember them fondly; the garden is not only a quiet reflective space but a positive and happy space for all staff. Sam was presented with a watch in gratitude for his hard work. As ever there’s no keeping Sam down. Sam entered the garden for the Dunoon in Bloom award and won first prize!

tHiNgS yOu MaY noT hAvE kNoWn aBoUt Me...

2006-07-27T23:08:00.000Z

My friend Alice sent me these questions.
I finally get around to answering them, oops.

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Subway Manager
2. Hallmark Rep. for 12 Walmart stores
3. School classroom assistant
4. Mural painter

Four movies l’d watch over and over

1. Shawshank Redemption
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Angela's Ashes
4. Fortunes & Misfortunes of Moll Flanders

Four Places I have lived

1. Scotland, UK
2. Texas, USA
3. Georgia, USA
4. Maine, USA

Four television shows l love to watch

1. The worst week of my life
2. Only fools and horses
3. I’m Alan Partridge
4. The Office

Four places I've been on vacation

1. Britain
2. Canada
3. USA
4. Continental Europe/ backpacking

Four of my favorite foods

1. Home cooked Sunday Roasts
2. Mexican
3. Chinese
4. did l say Sunday Roasts?

What rocks my boat?

1. Spending time together as a family ~ lots of laughs
2. Wandering around a garden nursery
3. A good glass of wine & good company
4. Blogging with my friends!

cOmIc GeNiUs

2006-07-14T14:41:00.000Z

Spike Milligan (1918 - 2002) Comedian, novelist, poet, jazz musician (trumpet and guitar).

Prince Charles was a noted fan, and Milligan caused a stir by calling him a "little grovelling bastard" on television in 1994. He later faxed the prince, saying "I suppose a knighthood is out of the question now?"

On Life

▪ "Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light"

On Death

▪ "I told you I was ill!"
▪ his epitaph. On his tombstone this is rendered in Irish: "Dúirt mé leat go raibh mé breoite."
▪ "I hope you go before me because I don’t want you singing at my funeral"

On Scotland

▪ "Is there anything worn under the kilt? No, it’s all in perfect working order."

pLaTfOrMs

2006-07-08T14:28:00.000Z

Watched this lass walk down a steep hill yesterday- how did she manage? Love the platforms!
I often think if l'd held onto some of my clothing it would come back in style because all of these fashions seem to run a loop ~ we'll be back into flower power with large collared shirts soon- arghh!

sEnTiNeL Of tHe MaRsH

2006-07-05T11:07:00.000Z

Yesterday l was heading back from the supermarket when l heard a great commotion- teenagers being chased by mad flutterings overhead and a hysterical volley of harsh, piping alarm sounds. It was quite obvious that the boys were too close to the nest and the birds were warning them off.
A stunning pair of Redshanks and what a display! Redshanks normally breed from the middle of April onwards, nesting amongst the grass in shallow lined hollows. This pair were nesting in a muddy old field behind a 6ft wall- the space that used to house the gas supplies but months back had been cleared for some development.
Redshanks feed on all sorts of small fish and frogs, a certain amount of seeds, buds and berries. If l head out that way again within the next few days l am going to take my camera.

tHe LoCh NeSs MoNstEr

2006-07-03T13:23:00.000Z

Last night on television, twice mentioned was the Loch Ness monster. The first programme was a documentary about a Swedish funded mission to sonar the Loch in order to see if the legend was true and the second was a Scooby Doo adventure to solve the mystery. So my post today has got to be about Nessie.
I remember standing in front of a classroom in America and giving a talk on Scotland and among the things l mentioned was the Loch Ness monster- that is probably the main thing the kids will remember from that presentation- you should have seen them on the edge of their seats! The Loch Ness monster mystery has always fascinated people the world over. The first recorded sighting of the creature dates back to 565 by Saint Columba!
Anyway, even l have to admit that on my last visit to Loch Ness, near Inverness in Scotland, l scoped the Loch from Castle Urquhart in the hopes of seeing Nessie stir.
So many reputable people have seen something- perhaps it is just a giant eel but they are so confident and sure in their descriptions- it makes you wonder.
Loch Ness is a truly deep loch, quite unlike others in Scotland- averaging 600ft+ in depth! Just lately another scientist discovered a deeper cavern at 800ft- this cavern could have underground tunnels out to the sea. The Loch is very long and narrow and follows the line of the Great Glen Fault, running SW-NE. More geological info here
When l lived in America l designed a Scottish themed bathroom in most of my homes. I hung tartan curtains and had wee Scottish novelties around including the Loch Ness monster. I also hung a sign that said, ‘Parking for Scottish only’. Visitors were quite amused.

Here- why don’t you have a peek? LOCH NESS LIVE CAM
And more: The Legend of Nessie

BeTtY, mUm & SeAn

2006-06-29T23:14:00.000Z

My mum and her best friend Betty have been having a cup of tea with Mr. Sean Connery - he was on a diet so did not eat as many of the jammy dodgers.
Mum has had a lovely time with Betty and Sean down by Ayr and returns Saturday.
Welcome back ladies and hope you had a lovely wee holiday. Mum l know you like your tea but thought you would have at least put your cup down while in the spotlight!
oops ~ I'm in trouble now- lol.

WeAtHeR & wELL-bEiNg

2006-06-29T12:39:00.000Z

Which are the sunniest areas of Scotland and England respectively?

Generally, Scotland is more cloudy than England, due mainly to the hilly nature of the terrain and the proximity of low-pressure systems from the Atlantic. Even so, parts of Angus, Fife, the Lothians, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway average over 1,400 hours of sunshine per year.
The sunniest parts of the United Kingdom are along the south coast of England. This is largely because the formation of convective (cumulus) clouds takes place over land, and the skies over the sea remain cloud-free.
Many places along this south coast achieve annual average figures of around 1,750 hours of sunshine.

The above was taken from a mag. l was reading.

Looking outside now it is overcast and raining but no complaining as this past week has been lovely. Take each day as it comes is my motto, especially now that l am living back here in Scotland. Yes, l miss the blue skies and sunhine much but everything here is also very lush and green. I know that we will eventually move down south to enjoy the better weather ~ for me also to be able to grow more tropical flowers.
The East coast of Scotland is cooler but drier, inland around Lanarkshire you can have large amounts of snowfall. Here on the west coast we have the benefit of the Gulf Stream and where l live we have our own wee micro-climate. The snow doesn't last for too long and we can even grow palm trees!
When out shopping this morning the woman serving me was saying how she felt depressed today because it was so dull. Whatever the weather we need to look on the bright side, easier said than done, l know but lets at least try.
Weather forcast for tonight: Dark.
~George Carlin

SwAmP sOcCer

2006-06-23T19:14:00.000Z

Now l had thought l’d seen it all but this is too much! ☺
I remember years ago watching a movie starring Kevin Costner called ‘Field of Dreams’; ok that was about baseball but in Scotland our first love when it comes to sports is football. These pictures show you just how far even the locals are willing to go to participate and support the game ~ such determination and spirit! Begs the question, “Why is our national team not doing better?”
Anyone with a muddy old field lying empty? These players are paying £20 a head to enter! It seems like loads of fun, not just for the players but also for the audience. Can midges bite you if you’re covered in mud? Perhaps l’ll give it a go.

sOmE tHiNgS yOu CaN't Do

2006-06-23T11:14:00.000Z

..have it both ways
..have your cake and eat it ????
..get blood out of a stone
..make and omelette without breaking eggs
..make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
..run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
..teach an old dog new tricks
..tell a book by its cover
..shake hands with a clenched fist
..tell which way the train went , by looking at the track
..win arguments by interrupting speakers
..have a rainbow without rain
..pick up two melons with one hand
..fool all of the people all of the time
..sip soup with a knife
..see the sky through a bamboo tube
..measure the sea with a shell
..cheat an honest man
..catch a cub without going into the tiger's den

InNeR bEaUtY

2006-06-21T20:00:00.000Z

Some people, no matter how old they get
Never lose their beauty –
They merely move it from their faces into their hearts.

"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music – the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." – Henry Miller

"Often people attempt to live their lives backward: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who your really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want." – Margaret Young.

ScOtLaNd ~ Go On… TaKe A wEe PeEk!

2006-06-20T10:20:00.000Z

Uniquely Scottish

Geography

History

Scottish Inventions

Art & Culture

The West Highlands

This is my country,
The land that begat me,
These windy spaces
Are surely my own.
and those who toil here
In the sweat of their faces
Are flesh of my flesh
And bone of my bone.
Sir Alexander Gray

HoW dOeS yOuR mAn ScOrE?

2006-06-20T01:53:00.000Z

I couldn't sleep tonight so came downstairs to make some tea and go online.
Came across this and it made me smile. To be honest l have a great husband but even he would forget the decorative pillows ~ that's why l don't bother with them either.
There are a few in here l bet most women will relate to. Poor guys ~ they just can't win.

SIMPLE DUTIES
You make the bed ..........+1
You make the bed, but forget to add the decorative pillows.... 0
You throw the bedspread over rumpled sheets.......-1
You leave the toilet seat up.........-5
You replace the toilet paper roll when it is empty.... 0
When the toilet paper roll is barren, you resort to Kleenex......-1
When the Kleenex runs out you use the next bathroom.......-2
You go out to buy her extra-light panty liners with wings......+5
in the snow........+8
but return with beer........-5
and no liners..........-25
You check out a suspicious noise at night..... 0
You check out a suspicious noise and it is nothing..... 0
You check out a suspicious noise and it is something......+5
You pummel it with a six iron.......+10
It's her cat.........-40

AT THE PARTY
You stay by her side the entire party....... 0
You stay by her side for a while, then leave to chat with a College drinking buddy.......-2
Named Tiffany.........-4
Tiffany is a dancer.............-10
With breast implants.......-18

HER BIRTHDAY
You remember her birthday.......0
You buy a card and flowers.......0
You take her out to dinner....... 0
You take her out to dinner and it's not a sports bar.......+1
Okay, it is a sports bar..........-2
And it's all-you-can-eat night........-3
It's a sports bar, it's all-you-can-eat night, & your face is painted the colors of your favorite team....-10

A NIGHT OUT WITH THE BOYS
Go with a pal.....0
The pal is happily married.....+1
The pal is single......-7
He drives a Ferrari......-10
With a personalized license plate (GR8 NBED)........-15

A NIGHT OUT WITH HER
You take her to a movie......+2
You take her to a movie she likes......+4
You take her to a movie you hate.....+6
You take her to a movie you like........-2
It's called Death Cop 3......-3
Which features Cyborgs that eat humans........-9
You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans......-15

YOUR PHYSIQUE
You develop a noticeable pot belly......-15
You develop a noticeable pot belly & exercise to get rid of it.....+10
You develop a noticeable pot belly and resort to loose jeans and baggy Hawaiian shirts..-30
You say, "It doesn't matter, you have one too."........-800

THE BIG QUESTION
She asks, "Does this dress make me look fat?"
You hesitate in responding........-10
You reply, "Where?".......-35
You reply, "no, I think it's your butt"........-100
Any other response........-20

COMMUNICATION
When she wants to talk about a problem:
You listen, displaying a concerned expression.......0
You listen, for over 30 minutes.......+5
You relate to her problem and share a similar experience.....+50
Your mind wanders to sports and you suddenly hear her saying "Well, what do you think I should do"......-50
You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV.....+100
She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep.....-200

WhErE dId oUr HoUsE gO bEtTy?

2006-06-19T20:06:00.000Z

A North England newspaper once advised its readers that if news of a nuclear attack being launched broke, they should paint their windows with a mixture of whitewash and curdled whey in order to deflect dangerous rays, and soak their furniture in a solution of borax and starch to prevent fire. What the readers were expected to do with the remainder of the four-minute-warning, the paper did not say. Try the crossword, perhaps?

mRs. DiViNe By HoRiZoN

2006-06-16T23:54:00.000Z

And there is Mrs. Divine, the mother of four grown children, all with letters after their names, a domestic queen and devout wife of the parish minister. When not at the side of her titular lord she was generally to be found in the same room, on the same spot, ironing and starching all, from white collared shirts to the white cotton sheets. She held great and just pride in her home and appearance. Her attire always buttoned closely from chin to the ground, strong walking shoes, and neatly groomed hair. She was a plain serious woman, respected, and liked. What a pity it was that her husband was never able to appreciate the shy wisdom, and quiet direction, that very nearly amounted to genius. She took her position seriously and each week flung her self into and orgy of cleaning in preparation for the ladies’ afternoon high tea.
So it was that on every Wednesday afternoon strictly at two o’clock, the doorbell would chime, and Mrs. Divine, with a natural dignity would advance to receive them - escort them thorough to the east gable and therein the parlour. With the rustle of skirts and the clatter of boot heels they’d sweep by her and steal to their desired chairs.
A gracious parlour it was, with a wide beautiful window, which had been cut toward the sun and elegant china, placed gingerly throughout the room. Mrs. Divine’s chair sat beside the fireplace; in which she kept a continual flame to add warmth to the home. The hearth gave heart to the parlour with its quality-cracked tiling and distinguished mantel, displaying deeply engraved carvings of Adam and Eve. Mrs. Divine thought that the carved figures were as lovely as a dream wherein a subdued tinge of the wild and wonderful was thrown. A rather singular coincidence it was that Mrs. Divine even in her exhilaration kept her emotions subdued amid the vivacious chattering.
With fresh disappointment, Mrs. Divine knew that as the clock chimed three. There would be a familiar tapping upon the parlour door. Immediately the sharp vibrating sounds would cease, the door would fly open and there he’d be: handsome, tall and broad shouldered – ascending amongst the ladies as a god. She’d watch as her husband met their eager faces with shinning eyes and bright smile. He would quickly assume his place; attending to everyone’s wants, listening sympathetically and giving immense satisfaction.
Mrs. Divine had never seen such infatuation and in a wide-awake survey glanced around the room. Her husband had bewitched, seized and shook these women; lips twitched, convulsive laughter rang out and a torrent of breathlessness surrounded her. To these ladies Mr. Divine was evidently the centre and the sun, and Mrs. Divine felt that he’d have been better suited to the name of Mr. Desire! After the benediction and even before the echo of the minister’s boots had died away on the stairs – the ladies would bid their leave.
Mrs. Divine’s pleasures lay in her religious visits with the travel shop each Wednesday afternoon- after the ladies had gone. There she would stay and browse through the multitude of magazines, full of enriched colour photos, until closing time. Her youthful imagination had dwelt most fondly on being a world wanderer- marked out for high destiny; and with this flush of far away beckoning, a flow of natural feeling gushed like a wellspring in her heart.
The blue sky paled considerably to Mrs. Divine – it was Sunday morning, and as decorum demanded she was to take her place on the front pew at the Kirk after all others had been seated. Briskly striding to her seat, she would first pass through a fog of moth balls that hovered amidst the two back rows and then pass by the vain haverels, stroking down and setting right their finery, before the organ would crank to alert them that the minister was aloft in the pulpit.
This Sunday service revealed the truth in its most naked form. Some ladies gazed fixedly at the speaker as if he beheld something mysterious and unearthly while others gazed in the pursuit of sinful pleasures. Their pupils watching every move of his powerful hands, as he turned a page, grasped the side of the deep, rich mahogany or simply wrung them. With cheeks faintly blushing and bosoms heaving in the direction of her husband, Mrs. Divine knew then that mortal desires had grievously replaced a moral direction.
Perhaps the jealous element was not entirely lulled in their round curves and passions within the vestibule, but in the truth that her marriage was one now only of convenience. He was a self-deceiver to have distinguished himself amongst these shameless charlatans. The years together had passed, summed now only into a moment. Her minister had fallen from grace and it seemed that his influence and biblical directions would be left only for futurity to show.
Tomorrow dawned fresh and fair and it was from this, as it was with each new day, that Mrs. Diving drew an inward strength. Tired of living in his shadow, of being lost in an unused life, she had bid a sweet goodbye to pain. Lying back with a bemused smile she imagined the events that would soon unfold.
That last Sunday morning as his eminence embarked upon the stairwell he was unusually greeted by the smell of damp kindling and stillness. Questioning what set of circumstances had befallen; he pulled a bowl from the shelf, and ate, and thought. During the service he missed her assuring presence and afterwards was quizzed by the fellowship as to the whereabouts of his dear wife.
Retreating back into his quiet place, surrounded by his ever watching books and sharply groomed leads, he sat to divide the collection plate as usual: minister’s wages, missionary fund, club uniforms- and not forgetting his questionable leftovers. These tid-bits had amounted to quite a vast sum over the years. Mr. Divine had envisioned himself as a missionary – Mrs. Divine envisioned her husband as missionary in Costa Del Sol!
The combination to the safe had only been known to Mrs. Divine and himself, as safe as a baby in its mother’s arms, he thought- he was wrong.

PrObLeM sOlViNg fOr TeEnAgErS

2006-06-15T10:44:00.000Z

You need to click on the image to enlarge.

mY mOnThLy MoOdS

2006-06-10T22:38:00.000Z

Most women, including myself have a routine to their monthly cycle. Most men know about the PMS side of things but do they know or understand the rest? Personally speaking l have more than a few different facets to my personality and am clearly controlled by my hormones.
It has taken me many years to figure it out but here goes:

1. Save the world day: Beg my husband for us to adopt an orphan, go VSO or donate our new set of plates to the charity shop.
2. We’re doomed I tell ye! : We are all going to starve, the house is going to collapse, you're going to die and we’ll never manage ~ the world is ending in five minutes. scream!!!!!!
3. Worry about the future day: Time to update the chequebook – make better-organized shopping and budget lists- Get on to the kids about not wasting anything. Clip coupons wildly.
4. Chocolate and wine night: Over consumption of both!
5. Shopping day: WARNING: ‘Should never be crossed with when you are hungry!’ I am suddenly able to see the many bargains on offer/blue light specials- added with the extra toiletries, cleaners and treats- this can add up.
6. Design week: Redecorate house; paint; garden, build; create; reorganize; blog. I can become quite bossy.
7. Let's have a family night: Board games come out and l try to get the kids to stay in after dinner so that we can all bond and hobnob together. They all run! I usually get weirdly creative with the cooking this night - trying out my own concoctions- some great- others just scary.
8. Get caught up day: A frantic day of calling around, updating documents (passports, University papers), making appointments for dentist/car service, finding what house insurance is the best deal, getting estimates, asking questions. This day is a good one as it clears all the things off that have been left for whatever reason, however it does leave me covered in yellow stickies/note lists.
9. Health kick week- l must lose weight- l avoid mirrors because l end up upset. I try to loose all the weight in one mad day of unremitting exercise~ normally leaves me a bit light headed and in need of medical assistance. NOTE: If this week is around time of the ‘Shopping Day’ then l stock up on new low fat menu ideas too.
10. A few depression days: Usually the weather is overcast, kids are doing their own thing and l have had a really busy few days and am tired. Isn’t helped by wanting to scrapbook and then looking at all the old baby photos.
11. Parcel day: Create a fun parcel for someone in the family or friend- for birthdays and other special occasions. Cover it in stickers and fill with confetti.

And not forgetting the PMS bit, which my husband says, is all the time anyway…hmm.

Why can’t l get a little ahead instead of a bigger behind?

If you can add to this list please leave a comment.

ThAt'll Be Aw fOr NoU

2006-06-07T12:48:00.000Z

We had a car boot sale this past weekend and did quite well. Among those who came to the stall were people speaking in ‘old Doric’ ~ my mum was quick to point this out. Doric is a language/ Dialect of Scotland ~ from the North East. Although small, Scotland has quite a diverse culture and there are many variations of the Scottish tongue.
Most recently, an important cultural voice for this language was gifted by Maureen Watt as she read out her oath of loyalty in the ‘Doric’ at the Scottish parliament. Maureen Watt is an SNP (Scottish National Party) politician from the north-east ~ Keith.
On looking up information on ‘old Doric’ l realised why my mother was so quick to recognise the language ~ mum uses Doric words herself! Here’s just a few:
Wood=wid
Trousers=breeks
Withered=wizzen
Turnip=neep
Sew-seeds=shew
Soup=broth
Roof gutter=rone
Potato=tattie
Mother/Father=mither/faither
Living=leevin
Light=licht
Small stones=chuckies
This site is worth a peek: Scots Grammar
Especially liked the Proverbs
Anyway, l have to say the ‘old Doric’ is a wonderfully evocative language ~ cheeky & beautiful at the same time ~ which sums up so much of the Scottish character.
It's a braw bricht moonlicht nicht the nicht – try saying that fast!

AnOtHeR tEeNaGe PaRtY

2006-06-06T09:16:00.000Z

Mel and her friend, Chris away to an 18th birthday party. It's nice to see your kids happy with good friends. Friendship between teens isn't any different than friendship at any other time in our life. Still, adolescence is a tumultuous time, and teens often rely on their friends to be the only ones in the world that seem to understand them. And that can only serve to strengthen an already powerful bond.

CaThEdRaL iN tHe TrEeS

2006-06-01T18:35:00.000Z

There stirs a gentle, tender breeze
Near my cathedral in the trees~
Its stately aisles of living green
Have windows where lost boughs have been.
Its choristers are tuneful birds,
Sing magic music more than words;
Large congregations come to hear
The restful music and the cheer~
These woodland creatures find the ways
To pray and play and sing their praise,
Deep organ notes of wind-brought health
Are more to furry friends than wealth.
They come to gain in soul's release,
To live in love and joy and peace.
by Margaret Commer

LoVeLy LoCaL LaDs

2006-06-01T16:25:00.000Z

Don't you just love the ties! Another visit from the Codfathers this evening, Kyle & Scott.
Poor guys, they must dread coming to my door ~ camera at the ready!!
Veg. and fruit were wonderful as always.
Keep up the good work lads.

Good Old-Fashioned Values

pOnDeR tHiS

2006-05-30T19:16:00.000Z

"The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it."
- James M. Barrie

"Everything in life changes you in some way. Even the smallest things. If you do not accept these changes you do not accept yourself. For through these changes brings new and greater things to you, making you wiser, as time progresses. To avoid these changes is a loss. You only live your life once. Do not waste a minute of it avoiding things. Let them come to you, and learn from them. There is always tomorrow."
- Adam R. Gwizdala

GaStRoNoMiC DeLiGhTs

2006-05-29T09:30:00.000Z

Firstly l need to say that I am very fortunate to have a husband who loves to cook and is good at it!

Gordon Ramsey has been high on my admiration list this week, not just for being a fantastic Scottish chef but also for the fact that he is playing football in a charity fund raising match ~ ‘Soccer Aid’. Thirty-eight years old, muscle tear and still willing to go on pitch! I like him because he does not pretend to be anything other than himself and is willing to admit when he is wrong.
Another chef that l admire is Nick Nairn who promotes Scottish cooking and is enthusiastic for fresh local produce. He lives and works in Glasgow where he has a cooking school encouraging young emerging talent. On being asked what was the best thing about Glasgow, he answered,
“Definitely the people. You can have the most beautiful city, but it means nothing without friendly faces. Glaswegians certainly know how to enjoy themselves properly and have adopted a great cosmopolitan outlook.”
The pictures are of a ‘Nick Nairn cooking school’ student project that l did a few years back.

Gone are the days when the Scottish larder was something to be feared ~ when we seemed to emanate a reputation that the diet should consist of nothing more than haggis and black bun! Surely we are now more ‘cosmopolitan’ than that~ aren’t we?

Haggis: A small highland animal with one pair of legs shorter than the other to more easily circle the highland hills.
Black Bun: Black Bun is a rich and delicious fruit cake ~ also known as a 'flies graveyard'.
Scottish Cooking

Peace and plenty; and no killing;
Beef at a groat, and meat at a shilling.
Whisky for nothing, beer at the same.
A bonnie wee wife; and a cosy wee hame.

ThE mOsT nObLe AnD cHaLLeNgInG Of FrUiTs

2006-05-27T09:37:00.000Z

Ok it’s the weekend and yes l am enjoying myself ~ a nice bottle of Shiraz and looking forward to an enjoyable evening. Probably not recommended to be writing but . . . what the heck!
Reminds me of an inebriated Mr. Churchill who was accosted by the ferociously sharp-tongued Lady Asquith in the House of Commons corridor.
“You are drunk Sir” she said acidly.
After a pause Winston turned and delivered the killer reposte.
“Indeed so Madam – and you are ugly. But in the morning - I will be sober.” You have to laugh. Enjoy your weekend.

I can certainly see that you know your wine. Most of the guests who stay here wouldn't know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret.
John Cleese (Basil Fawlty)
Fawlty Towers

PhOtOgRaPh Or PaInTiNg?

2006-05-25T09:55:00.000Z

My husband trains people for employment. In his group at the moment is a young man who is deaf and needs a signer. His signer is the wife and model of Donald MacDonald, an artist from the Isle of Lewis. About his paintings he says, “I find it more important for the painting to look "alive" than "real" in the photographic sense of the word.”
I find it incredible how his paintings look so much like photographs ~ can you tell the difference?
Scottish Artist: Donald MacDonald

aN oLd CeLTiC pRaYeR

2006-05-22T18:52:00.000Z

May those who
love us, love us
and those that
don’t love us,
may God turn
their hearts;
and if he doesn’t
turn their hearts
may he turn
their ankles
so we’ll know them
by their limping.

I read this today and had to smile. The painting is by Warren Dennis

FuNk Up zImMeR fRaMeS!

2006-05-20T19:56:00.000Z

Feel quite upset tonight ~ just off the phone with my dad and found out that he had another bad fall. Not just any fall but quite a severe one, bashing his head etc. The doctor has given him a Zimmer Walking Frame and he refuses to use it. Says it’s ‘a nice piece of furniture’ and ‘no thanks’. Arghh! I told him that next time l was down his way we were going to do a bit of re-designing. So I’m bringing with me some bright coloured tape, a horn and two large wing mirrors ~ that’s right ~ were going to funk it up to a ‘Shimmer Frame’! We laughed.
What is it with old people and electric wheelchairs? We have one elderly man on our street who is practically doing wheelies around corners and this afternoon one old dear was going about 20mph in the middle of the road ~ a line of traffic fanning out behind her!
I have to think that she was probably doing it for sheer devilment ~ l would at her age ~ the power! I would imagine the mad boy racers behind me and grin.
These electric wheelchairs, while on the road should be lit up in some way ~ strobe lighting or coloured spinning windmills ~ you choose. There is no use in getting to a ripe old age only to be bumped off at the last~ how undignified.

GoOd oLd-fAsHiOnEd VaLuEs

2006-05-20T13:10:00.000Z

The Codfathers: “Devoted to providing fresh produce direct to your door”.
This business has been started recently by two nice young lads, Kyle & Scott ~ they went to school with my son and daughter. I’ve been ordering with them now for a couple of weeks and their stuff is really good. I especially like the return to old-fashioned values ~ customer satisfaction, neatly dressed appearance, polite manners, detailed hand written receipts and honest sales. The other day for the first time the boys had forgotten something on the list ~ l gave them a call and they said that they would bring it over on the ferry the next day. Sure enough Kyle showed up with 3lb of fresh Scottish tomatoes and extra carrots ~ he would not take any payment for them either! You never hear of this type of service anymore and so l am glad to support the lads in their endeavour.
Support local shops instead of the large supermarkets who exploit and dominate. Don't be fooled by the tactics - the buy one now get one free scam. All they do is tell the suppliers that is what they have to give them if they want to keep the contract. Look at how they put Fair Trade products on the shelf and their own Fair Trade brand at a lower price next to them.
Next time you buy a cheap t-shirt at Asda thank the poverty stricken Asian who earned virtually nothing for making it! I'd better stop now or l'll blow.

eNd Of An ErA & nEw BeGiNnInGs

2006-05-19T14:54:00.000Z

Very proud of my oldest son, Daniel who is starting at University this year ~ Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering! He has worked very hard with advanced highers and had his final day at school last week. This years s6 Leavers Dance is a Ceilidh with live band and formal highland dress. The boys have already gone up to Glasgow to rent their kilts ~ wish l had been a fly on the wall for that! My son has a great bunch of pals and they have all booked a holiday to Spain the week before the Ceilidh, with hopes of not only having a great time (without parents) but of gaining awesome suntans for the leavers do ~ so l have been told.
From my heart: I am so happy for Daniel but at the same time a little sad. Was that it ~ where have all the years gone? Good Luck son.

gEnEaLoGy MaD

2006-05-18T15:41:00.000Z

Top 10 Indicators That You Have
Become A Gene-Aholic:
10. You introduce your daughter
as your descendent.
9. You've never met any of the
people you send e-mail to,
even though you're related.
8. You can recite your lineage
back eight generations,
but can't remember
your nephew's name.
7. You have more photographs of
dead people than living ones.
6. You've taken a tape recorder
and/or notebook to a family reunion.
5. You've not only read the
latest GEDCOM standard,
but you also understand it.
4. The local genealogy society
borrows books from you.
3. The only film you've seen
in the last year
was the 1880 census index.
2. More than 1/2 of your book
collection is made up of marriage
records or pedigrees.
1. Your elusive ancestor has been
spotted in more different places
than Elvis!

Being keen to learn more about my family history, in terms of who they were, where they lived and what they did, I embarked on my ‘genealogy’ quest a few years ago. From a very typical starting point, knowing the names of my grandparents, some of their siblings etc., l have now pieced together a family tree that goes back ten generations.
It is worth noting that there are huge genealogical riches to be explored on the internet and without these l would not have done so well.
Latest news: Scotland's People have now got the 1841 Census! www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

jUsT sMiLe

2006-05-18T11:48:00.000Z

Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today
I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner,
and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realized,
I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,
then I realized its worth.
A single smile just like mine,
could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected.
Let's start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected!

LoNdOn UnDeRgRoUnd & MoRe...

2006-05-17T20:23:00.000Z

Dad went down to London around the time of the Coronation (1953) ~ one year later he was training to become a male nurse. He was working at the General Hospital located in Homerton High Street, Whitechaple, East London.
While there he accidentally became recruited to stand in as a male model for a hospital advertisement. The man originally picked had become too shy and on scanning around the room dad had been offered to stand in. Dad was not paid any more for this but was well pleased as it took him away from his work and study for the day.
This poster was eventually sent all over the country in an effort to recruit male nurses. It was posted up in the London underground, in job centres, etc.
The man holding dad’s foot was called, ‘Atwood’ ~ he was a friend of dad’s, another male nurse who eventually went on to become a fireman.
The photo-shoot was actually set up in the lecture room at the hospital where there were some empty beds. The photographs were coloured red, white and blue.
Dad’s secret worry when he was picked was that he had holes in his socks but as you can see that did not matter anyway.

I'm NoBoDy! WhO aRe YoU?

2006-05-17T10:58:00.000Z

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you a nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us - don't tell!
They'd banish us you know.

How dreary to be a somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!
..Emily Dickinson.

SaM's DaD

2006-05-15T09:09:00.000Z

Daddy, I love you
For all that you do.
I'll kiss you and hug you
'Cause you love me, too.

G you are no ordinary dad to Sam ~ turned with love into an adventure Pirate through story and song.
Sam believes that you can do anything. He loves to sit in your corner with your Parrot (Love Bird) while you are at work, surounded by your many old books and gadgets (gadgets that he thinks you brought back from the Pirate ship indeed!)
You fill his imagination with wonder at the world. You lift him high and l think perhaps that Sam gives you something too ~ a world you'd half forgotton....and a small hand in yours..always.

HoLidAy SnApShOtS

2006-05-15T08:50:00.000Z

Exhausting drive home- 600 miles in 11 hours! Not bad when you have a four year old with chicken pox.
Wonderful to see Mum and Dad as always ~ weather was terrific too. Cornwall or Caledonia ? hmm..
Dad’s garden is full of unexpected corners and beautiful surprises- the lilac scent is intoxicating. Wish there were scratch and sniff blog sites.

CoRnWaLL

2006-05-04T11:41:00.000Z

We’re off again to Cornwall to visit family ~a wondrous place with a distinct history, culture and people. Perhaps we will be in Helston for 'Furry Day' – a traditional Celtic folk day with much street dancing and entertainment.
Cornwall is another Celtic nation just like Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany and the Isle of Man. I feel very welcome and at home there.
When visiting Cornwall l am very aware of a sense of pride and independence. This identity can be noted through the widespread use of the Cornish flag and in the use of the Cornish language(Kernewek). Just like Gaelic this is a minority language that should be nurtured and encouraged, especially in schools for future generations.
Secretly however l am really looking forward to a Cornish pasty and some clotted cream!

MaY dAy CeLeBrAtIoNs

2006-05-01T10:09:00.000Z

May and June. Soft syllables, gentle names for the two best months
in the garden year: cool, misty mornings gently burned away with a
warming spring sun, followed by breezy afternoons and chilly nights.
The discussion of philosophy is over; it's time for work to begin.
- Peter Loewer

pEcKiNg OrDeR

2006-04-28T15:36:00.000Z

I was about to hang out the laundry this morning when suddenly l heard a loud croaking and rattling noise outside. I stepped out to see a spectacular argument going on between a Magpie and two Crows ~ all quite large birds. It was obviously a territorial dispute, a bit like two old men haggling over their garden boundary.
These bird gatherings are called ‘parliaments’ ~ also known as a 'murder of Crows' and deal with social standing etc.
It was all quite interesting and they didn’t seem at all bothered that l was below hanging out the washing, however the Crow on the right did keep his beady eye on me.

Last week l also spotted two wood pigeons in same garden.
Check out: . http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/ British Garden Birds

DrEaMy CoRnWaLL

2006-04-27T19:59:00.000Z

I think Cornwall is a lovely restful place ~ would love to get down there to live one day. My in-laws are locals so we get down as often as we can ~ quite the car journey though!
This painting is done by a contemporary artist l admire called John Dyer. I think that his paintings are a lovely representation of Cornish villages, cliff tops and harbours. They leave you feeling dreamy and wanting to visit. The bright colours are refreshing and the imagery bold ~ I think a little like folk art.

Barbara Hepworth said about the landscape of Cornwall:
“Landscape is strong - it has bones and flesh and skin and hair. It has age and history and a principle behind its evolution”

NeEd BiNoCuLaRs?

2006-04-27T08:23:00.000Z

gUiTaR mAn

2006-04-26T20:51:00.000Z

My husband can play the guitar like no one else l know. G. is a folk/blues acoustic guitarist and has played with the likes of John Renbourn, Ralph McTell, Wizz Jones and Michael Chapman. He made his first guitar at the age of 16 and has never stopped playing since.
Sadly in this house he tends to take a back seat ~ the mad happenings of teenagers and a preschooler constantly steal the limelight. To me though, G. is still the wonderful guitar man that l fell in love with- keep playing darling.

hEnRy ChArLeS fOx

2006-04-24T22:09:00.000Z

Would you believe that l was removing a poster from a frame in our home when l discovered this painting being used as a backboard! The painting is signed by H.C.Fox and is dated 1913. I have looked up Henry Charles Fox (1860-1925) on the web and have found out that he was a London born artist who was best known for his rural landscapes in watercolour and oil. He actually stopped exhibiting the year this painting was done but continued to paint until a few years before he died. If anyone has more information on this painter l would love to hear from you.
Check this out: http://www.artnet.com/artist/6407/henry-charles-fox.html ~ the signatures match and the painting is definitely in the same style- how wonderful is this!

tHe BoOk Of KeLLs

2006-04-24T19:44:00.000Z

Historians believe the book of Kells was most likely produced on the Isle of Iona, Scotland and was taken over to Ireland around the 9th century to protect it from the Viking raids. The crowning glory of this book is not so much the religious manuscript but more so the exceptional artwork that is interwoven into the text, in which not one symbol was duplicated! I can only imagine that the monks who painstakingly worked on these illustrations over years must have had a real depth of loyalty and love. The fantastic Celtic designs are painted onto vellum (calfskin) producing an excellent surface, and imported from the continent were rare and expensive dyes, which produced the vivid colours.
It is a must for me to visit Trinity College Library, Dublin and see this wonderful creation for myself.
Recommended reading, Dublin by Edward Rutherford.

A gLiMpSe oF tHe MoOn

2006-04-24T17:59:00.000Z

Bought my lovely husband a Sky-Watcher telescope today ~ he works hard and deserves to be a bit spoiled from time to time. We set it up in our front bedroom from where we have a good sky view. It’s a decent beginners model, ideal for looking at nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. For planetary viewing there are three additional Barlow lenses ~ perhaps now l shall get close up peek at my moon!

DrEsS dEsIgNiNg DaUgHteR

2006-04-24T17:03:00.000Z

I am very proud of my lass. She pulled out all the stops this past weekend to design this medieval style dress for her higher art class. Only 16 and already a designer! Most of the stitching was done by hand- all of those leaves! The dress was beautifully modelled by her cousin and l took the photographs in the garden ~ snatching the last of the light before it went. Lots of fun.

ThOu DoTh PrOtEsT tOo MuCh!

2006-04-23T09:28:00.000Z

My wee Sam was not well yesterday- lots of TLC, bed made up on couch, plenty of DVD’s and sips of water. Sam told me that he was feeling poorly; l sympathetically agreed and said that he had probably caught a tummy bug from nursery - BIG BIG MISTAKE! ..Because for the rest of the day he protested that he ‘had NOT been eating any bugs at school’!

Here is something relaxing to do when you have a minute to chill.
You can find the individual letters here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/oneletter.

LaNd ArT

2006-04-14T21:51:00.000Z

Andy Goldsworthy is an environmental sculptor ~ he uses natural surroundings to create art forms~ exploring and experimenting with various natural materials such as leaves, grasses, stones, snow etc.
He evokes a time before the flight to urban environments, when people were generally more connected to the natural world and attuned to its habits. Through Goldsworthy’s work, we experience the world he knows and the world that our ancestors knew.
Andy Goldsworthy reawakens us to the patterns and rhythms of natural settings~ born in England he now resides in Scotland.
"And that's what art's about, isn't it? ... It makes you see things in a different way than you would normally."
-- Andy Goldsworthy

OuR hOmE iN LeGo

2006-04-14T18:29:00.000Z

Well believe it or not, this is our home. My daughter, instead of studying for exams has been building this Lego house with her wee brother today. Each of the rooms intricately done, nothing missed out~ except for services and upholstery. Even the loft has supporting beams and stairwell is correctly designed- she should go into architecture! I refuse to think that is me at the door, possibly the hubby but he has more hair. It is also worth noting that the exterior is not so colourful. hmm. Now there's an idea! Why are there no lights on?
When children are born they bring light into your life. Thereafter they just leave the lights on around the house.
Dave Greenhead

ScOtLaNd'S NaTiVe SqUirReLs

2006-04-13T19:55:00.000Z

Our Scottish Red Squirrels need to increase their numbers and be protected against the advance of the grey squirrel, which were introduced into Britain from America in the late 19th century. Since their arrival, they have dominated the food share and are also known to spread a lethal disease to red squirrels. About three –quarters of the UK’s remaining red squirrels live in Scotland. Lets keep it that way.
Check out these links:
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Redsquirrel
http://www.red-squirrels.org.uk
http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3219

cLeVeR cLoGs

2006-04-13T16:46:00.000Z

This picture says it all- only 2years old and Sam was already using his noodle!
Too busy brushing his wee teeth ~ unaware l was taking the picture.

HeReDiTy

2006-04-10T20:51:00.000Z

POEM
I am the family face;
Flesh perishes, l live on,
Projecting trait and trace
Through time to times anon,
And leaping from place to place
Over oblivion.
The years-heired feature that can
In curve and voice and eye
Despise the human span
Of durance~that is l;
The eternal thing in man,
That heeds no call to die.
By Thomas Hardy
Why not look up your genealogy?

OuR QuEeN MoThEr

2006-04-10T12:41:00.000Z

Age gracefully? l think not! Age ferociously instead. Seize everything valuable within reach. Extend. Question. Give. The face will follow. All the cosmetic surgeons in the world could never produce such a face or a mother. I think she's fantastic!

Truth: No matter how old she is, a mother watches her middle-aged kids for signs of impovement.

FrEd & GiNgEr?

2006-04-10T10:41:00.000Z

This dancing building is the work of two men: Prague-based architect Vlado Milunic, who had the original idea for the building, and celebrated architect Frank Gehry.
This modern abstract design of a waltzing pair is daring ~ a modern contrast to Prague’s more historical architecture ~ l think it’s great.

ArChItEcTuRe FoR aRt’S sAkE

2006-04-10T10:36:00.000Z

The larger photo is of the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain ~ designed by one of my favourite architects, Frank O. Gehry. The building itself is made up of many wonderful interconnecting shapes. This free-form sculptural style has become a Gehry signature. I also love what Gehry did with the Maggie’s Centre, Dundee, Scotland (insert).

pRiMuLa

2006-04-07T21:51:00.000Z

Nothing says springtime to me like bold bunches of primrose.
This picture was taken Monday in my front garden.

FaMiLy MaTtErS

2006-04-05T19:19:00.000Z

What would life be without the hustle and bustle of children? I cannot imagine.
Here is a photo of my three- sometimes very well behaved and sometimes not!
The older two are getting ready to leave school while the youngest has not yet begun - what was l thinking?

"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" - Milton Berle

LuRe oF a MaRvElLoUs MoOn

2006-04-05T12:20:00.000Z

As a wee girl, being pushed in my pram through country lanes in the company of my mother and father it was hard not to notice how marvellous the evening sky was. A giant full moon hung weighty and lit up the dark ~ stupendous and enchanting.
I reached up and cried for my father to get it, ‘get it daddy, get it!’ l pleaded.
To this day my father still remembers my desperation and often asks, ‘Daughter, are you still reaching for the moon?’
Check out these great moon links:
http://moon.google.com/
http://www.inconstantmoon.com/index.htm
http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/

hOw ClEvEr Is YoUr DoG?

2006-04-05T11:09:00.000Z

A woman goes into the cinema and buys a ticket for herself and her dog. The usher is amazed to see the dog laughing throughout the film. After the show he comments to the woman as she leaves, 'I was amazed to see your dog laughing at the film!' The woman replies, 'So was l. He hated the book!'

WhIrRiNg-WiNgEd WoNdErS

2006-04-04T22:13:00.000Z

If the puffin is walking rapidly with its head lowered it is saying, "I am just passing through and don’t mean any trouble." This is called a low profile walk and is useful because the colony is very crowded and a puffin is often crossing another puffin’s territory as it walks. The puffins that are guarding burrows usually assume a pelican walk position that has the puffin stand stiffly erect with its beak next to its body and using slow exaggerated foot movements. This makes the puffin look like a soldier on guard duty, which is just what it is doing by guarding the burrow.
I love these birds!

HoRiZoNsHiNe - l'm OnLiNe!

2006-03-30T13:06:00.000Z

Hello there folks.
First day on first ever blog. What to say and what not to say?? hmm..