A History Lesson.

I arrived at Church early this morning for no other reason other than I found a parking spot immediately instead of having to drive around for ages.


I got chatting to one of the Church wardens who was well informed about the building we were occupying. I asked about the brightly coloured cross on the East wall, which has long captured my interest, and was told it was created to commemorate the 50th Anniversary (in the year 2002) of the re-opening of the Church after the disastrous fire which broke out in the Church on 12th November 1949.



The cause of that fire has never been known. It was believed to be arson, but not proven. Restoration took two years and the Church was re-opened, fully restored, in September of 1952. I asked if I could photograph the cross and was told that I certainly could,so I am meeting with this guy on Friday of this week to take some photos. I shall post them next weekend. It really is quite unusual and quite stunning.


I asked about the stained glass windows behind the Alter and the Lady Chapel, and was told that at the time of the fire they were being repaired and were thus not destroyed.

I could have stayed and chatted for longer, but the service was about to start. Maybe I will learn so more on Friday.

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The photograph of the Clematis posted above was taken in my friends garden this afternoon. I couldn't sit in my own garden as the 21st party from yesterday is continuing with older guests (probably parents and other relatives ...) but the music is still loud. Roll on Monday morning. I have doled out my quota of patience for this weekend!

Sunshine and sorting ....

Fulled with enthusiasm by this lovely weather, I decided there were things that needed tackling in the garden shed. I needed the sun lounger first and foremost as I had purchased a new covering for the frame, and while I was about it, get out the water butts.

The thing is I know there have been mice in the shed through the winter months and I suffer from musophobia - a fear of mice. I was absolutely terrified that I would see one, but what do you do when you live on your own? Get on with it is the answer.


The forage into the shed was a success, not a mouse in sight, but I feel I must say this - musophobia is one of the most common forms of phobia. It is difficult to have a fear of mice and expect people to take you seriously. It is usually attributed to silliness or an over reaction, but it is a rational fear and extremely common. People are derided for this fear which only makes it worse. So if anyone reading this blog knows of anyone who doesn't like mice, don't be dismissive. If you have no understanding of the phobia, a kind word would go a long way!


I am pleased with myself today!

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One of the young girls that lives next door, came to tell me this morning that she was having an all-day party for her 21st and it may be noisy today. It was nice of her to tell me and 21 years only comes around once, but right now I am wondering what time it will finish - I have got a headache! How must they feel ??

Identity Fraud

My weekend has started well. I had a letter this morning from one of my private pension firms telling me that on March 23rd a laptop computer with details of 109,000 members - including me - has been stolen from Marlow in Buckinghamshire. After their apology they assured me that the password was not easily accessible. Great! What does that mean to me?

The data, which was not encrypted, included names, addresses, dates of birth, previous employers, National Insurance numbers, and the case of those of us actually receiving pension, bank details too!


A trip to the bank on Monday morning for me. This form of fraud has been in the headlines a lot recently, but advice given is only of a general nature, and offered without any legal responsibility. It is as if these firms that loose the information are 'cocking a snoot'! 'We lost it, you sort it, sorry'. How cavalier.

How do these companies get in this mess?

Appropriate title - Drag me to Hell ....

This film was met with positive reviews at the Cannes Film Festival. I had read about it, heard about it, it even got a mention on Radio 4, hailed as being the re-invention of horror! Well, something has passed me by. I went to see it tonight - what a load of rubbish!


I am so glad I can go in these places as a mature student, because if I had paid the full price I would have felt cheated. I had read that the Writer/Director has crafted an extremely effective horror film, on a par with 'The Omen'. Not so.


It is about a Loan advisor working for a large bank and an elderly Slavic women who was seeking to extend her mortgage for the third time. The loan advisor refused to extend and the women haunted the girl as revenge .... Do I need to go on? This was definitely scant of plot!


Note for friend Bee. Next film ... my choice!

I'm a winner!

I bought a raffle ticket and I won a prize! I never win anything - so this was a novelty for me. It is a brushed stainless steel kettle from NEXT! Very posh, so I have been reading the instruction for new kettle care this morning and am having my first cup of tea out of it as I write.


I thought it was an event worth recording as the last time I won anything I was just 17 years old. It was a pair of pillow cases with Mr & Mrs embroidered on them. Not a thrilling prize at any age, but at seventeen I was very dismissive of them! This is much better.

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Slip Casting!

My next-seat-neighbour (NSN) in pottery and myself decided to have a 'Slip Casting' day at home today as there was no pottery class due to half term. I offered to host this and - well, we did it. There was plenty of mess, lots of expletives and much laughter. How successful we have been is yet to be determined, but we enjoyed it.

What wasn't enjoyable was the cleaning up afterwards - YUK! It sure was mucky! When my N-S-N suggested we do it again, I was luke warm.. In her house next time maybe?



There was a desperately sad part of the day. We have become friends with the young woman who sits on the other side of me in pottery. She couldn't join us today, although invited, as she was in London getting her six month check up after having surgery for breast cancer. Just 36 years old, and newly divorced as the marriage broke down due to the strain of the illness and it's previous reoccurrence. How sad is that? I pray that today was good news.



I was told on the weekend that someone I knew from my previous life had died age 47 years, leaving two teenage children. That was alcoholism .......

Let's hope that they both find peace, one here on earth and the other one with God.

Forest Drive.

Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Since my return to this area nearly three years ago, I paid my third visit to Cwmcarn Forest Drive this weekend; it never ceases to amaze me that there is so much beauty on my doorstep. Just eight miles from where I live, all this - an escape from it all-with such a lot to see and photograph.



The weather was not good for photography yesterday as it was on the dull side, but even that did not detract from the enjoyment that a visit to this place can evoke in a person.



This mature conifer forest, with hidden gems such as the Nant Carn Valley, is a haven for people and wildlife. The views are staggering and the higher you climb the more spectacular they are. The drive is seven miles long, with seven car parks/viewing platforms along the way, but of course many people park before the scenic drive begins properly and walk or cycle the route. It depends on what your interest is really.





Along the way there are walking trails, fishing lake, mountain bike tracks, photography stops and picnic sites some with play area for children and static Bar-B-Q's all blending in, so there is something for everyone. I photographed the tree (above) because of it's unusual shape trunk.

In June there is a wildflower walk opening and in September a Dragonfly walk, both already firmly noted in my diary. In October there is a fungus foray being organised and in November a Bonfire night walk. Caerphilly Council have always made an effort with this natural wonder 'on their patch' as it were, but none more so than in recent years.

The Forest is a home to Ravens at certain times of the year ( bird watchers take note) and of course the visitor centre is very informative where you can get a cuppa or a snack there if you so wish.

Well worth a visit for those of you that have not yet done this and all for only £5 per car. (Well .....it was £3 the last time I went, but everything comes at a price!)

Sunday, sand, sea and sunburn!

The rock pool at Porthcawl.

I know that going to the beach is a typical Bank Holiday 'thing' to do, but my friend Ms. A and I gave it a go yesterday. We actually had a super time. We started out with our packed lunches for Ogmore-by-Sea, complete with our AA directions, courtesy of the computer, as I don't own a sat. nav. It took us straight to the beach - in Porthcawl! We had a good laugh, and my friend paid me the huge compliment of saying I was a better navigator that the AA, as I was saying all the way down the M4 - 'this is wrong, we don't go to Ogmore this way' - but I wasn't confident enough to follow my nose! Well it is 15 years or more since I have been there!

Rock flowers.

We went for a walk after lunch along the rocks and saw these beautiful little clumps of mauve flowers growing from the gaps in the rock formation. We were amazed.


We decided to go and find Ogmore-by sea- in the afternoon and follow my nose! We found a super place for an afternoon drink and spent some time photographing the artefacts in the village pub which was very unusual. The cars parks were too crowded for us to get near the beach, but we enjoyed the sunshine along the coastal path of Southerndown. We didn't hit a traffic jam all day, so considered ourselves lucky!


When I was about to jump in the shower last night I was giggling to myself like a fool, I was bright red, and I mean really bright, and the bit that had caught the sun the most was the end of my nose! I didn't think my nose was that big?

Another 'Happy 5' Day!

I haven't had a 'Happy 5' day for ages so decided to make this one. It's funny, when things are going along smoothly, you take the really good things for granted. My 'Happy Five' for yesterday were:

1. Getting acknowledgement from The Academy of Children's Writers, saying that my January submission to their competition came within the first 300 of over 2000 entries. They only notified 15% of that 300 and I was one of them! Their comment was:

'You obviously have an understanding of young people that impressed our panel of judges. This is invaluable to a would-be children's writer.' Wow, was I pleased?


2. Purchasing a summer handbag I have been covetous of, one that I couldn't really afford. (I can't do much of that these days!)

3. Having a long chat with my sister.


4. Being out and about at 9am in the morning, on a warm sunny day and feeling good about myself.


5. Looking forward to the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend. I haven't felt much like that in recent years.


Life can be good. It's what you make it I guess.

Ghurka Victory.

Victorious Joanna Lumley

I don't use this blog as a political forum, but today I want to record how delighted I am that these Nepalese warriors, who have given this country their total support for so many years, have won the right to stay and make their homes in Britain. The government has been ordered to recognise it's 'debt of honour' to them, and the Home Office ordered to pay 80% of the Gurkha's legal costs. Quite rightly so.


The campaign has been spearheaded by actress Joanna Lumley, whose father was a Gurkha Major, who fought alongside the Gurkha's in the second world war. Ms. Lumley considers herself to be a 'daughter of the Regiment'. Good for her, she gave the campaign the prominence it may otherwise not have had. In my opinion an injustice has been righted today.

Just a thought ........

I watched a programme on television tonight called 'Why Poetry Matters' on BBC 2 presented by Griff Rhys Jones. The programme was about the power of verse, examining it's diverse forms and enduring appeal. It made me think of a poem I used to read from The Friendship Book of Francis Gay. I received the book for Christmas some years ago and read this poem quite a lot when my marriage was breaking up.

The Door of Prayer.

When you feel you are forgotten
And no-one seems to care,
Close the door on all your trouble
And open one in prayer.
Let the light and love surround you
And leave the world behind,
And with the healing gift of prayer
Discover peace of mind.

When your rocky road seems endless
Without a bend or turn,
Light a candle in the darkness
And watch it gently burn.
Seek the hidden strength within you
And find new courage there,
Close the door on all your trouble
And open one in prayer.

Iris Hesselden

The programme tonight was about the more famous and established poets, but I think the fact that I brought this particular piece of poetry to mind after many years, tells me that you don't have to be one of the 'greats' to write something memorable.

Designer me!

Salt or Sugar Shaker - Designed by me.

My salt cum sugar shaker is coming on a treat. It took me all of the lesson this morning to paint this. It is made in the Clarice Cliff mould, but her designs were too complicated for me to reproduce. As I have said before, I can't draw. However, as my next-seat-neighbour, the artist, was very late this morning (instead of just late), I had to get on with it, so pencil in hand I started to draw and this is what came out! I then had to paint it and stay within the lines again. For two whole weeks I have been painting designs, I haven't touched a piece of clay for ages!

Piece 2 of Agate ware

This has turned out a very successful little bowl, although the picture above does not do it justice. It's one I rescued after going wrong with the agate design when mixing the red clay with the white Dumbo ..... but I like it, and it's just the right size for holding the bits and bobs on my desk. I am quite good at flying solo in pottery, nothing finishes up as it starts out like everyone else - it's more fun though.

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I went to the library to get some more 'kiddie wink' books. How do you review a book for 5-7 year old children? That is part of my half term project, I will have to put my thinking cap on!

College, classes & other things .....

The above is not a dog bowl! It is my very first pottery mould, made by me, without help or supervision. I am really pleased with it. I made it at home Sunday afternoon. It was a wet Sunday, and we all know what they feel like. I had just read my homework for college (creative writing ) about a little girl who was preoccupied with death. After making notes for the discussion period on Monday, I felt I needed something to cheer me up. ...... so I made this.


I am useless at drawing, so I thought I could make a few small bowls using this mould, then practice designs on them. I am sure to get one nice one? I hope the pottery tutor will think I'm innovative!


The 'death' subject was duly tackled in the discussion group today. If this group are to be believed, and there is no reason why they shouldn't be, death is a big preoccupation for children, with the worry about their parents etc. Hmmm .. I don't remember that from my own childhood or my children being overly concerned about it, but that's what this writing and reading course is all about, challenging you to think!

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Sadly, due to lack of support the creative writing may not be on the syllabus for next year, due to lack of interest in the subject. Conversely with pottery, there are so many waiting to join, that current students may not get in for 2009/10. As that one is an adult education course run by the local authority, the allocation of places is done on a first come first served basis. I shall have be be 'on the ball' with that one in August!

Stupid or what?

While I was out the other night, it was my turn to go to the bar. I purchased a vodka and orange for my friend and a lemonade and lime for me. The barmaid told me the price - £4. I had a purse full of change, which I had been complaining about all day, and decided to unload some of it - without my glasses on. Bad move! The whole bar erupted with laughter when it was pointed out to me that I had tried to pay with three pound coins and a supermarket trolley token. Did I feel stupid ? Extremely!

Angels & Demons

Tom Hanks in Angels & demons

I went to see Angels & Demons with friend Bee last night. I thought I was going to hate it when it was first suggested to me, but agreed to go as Bee wanted to see it. It was super. The plot was a bit difficult to follow at first but I soon got the gist of it.


Sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks - above) is summoned to the Vatican City to investigate a murder. He discovers the existence of the Illuminati, the most powerful and ruthless underground organisation in history, and a deadly enemy of the Catholic Church.

If you followed the plot of The da Vinci Code then you will love this film. The whole film is set in and around the Vatican City, what a bonus to see so much of it, a real treat.


We followed it with a visit to the local KFC (we usually frequent McDonald's - quick & cheap). The price difference was minimal the food delish! An evening to recommend.

Computer Mice

Computer Mice
by
Todd-Michael St. Pierre

Can anyone give me advice ....?
What to do with computer Mice?
At night they come out
And race all about.
Each mouse and it's spouse
Invading my house.
They wreck my office
And they're not too nice.
What to do with computer mice?
Wait, I hadn't though of that -
Perhaps I'll get a computer cat!

I read this in the Diocesan MU publication and it made me smile. I don't know why because normally the mention of a mouse of any sort brings me out in goose bumps. I hate mice - I am mouse-phobic, dreadfully scared of them ....... or anything that scuttles!

MU frustration.

The MU worldwide do a very good job raising money and support for communities such as the one photographed above. The question I am asking myself this morning is 'what is the branch that I belong to contributing to situations such as this?' I know that the various branches have to work together, but I can only talk about my experience with the branch I that belong to.

At the meeting last night, we had a guest speaker, a good Christian man that came to give us 'an uplifting talk'. I sat for 45 minutes while the speaker delved into his Sainsbury's carrier bag to show us his collection of teddy bear ties. Then we had to speak about our own collections, if any, and so it deteriorated into a reminiscence of how various collections started. It was hot in the hall and I tried to stifle a yawn - the man was not an orator - the leader of our group spotted me. How embarrassing was that? At the end of the talk I was singled out to sell coffee morning tickets at £1 a ticket, presumably to give me something to do to relieve my boredom, After practicing all my charm skills, I sold 6 out of a possible 32.

In the MU 'New and Views' magazine, the diocesan magazine for our area, it says that this diocese contributed £5,286.47 to the overseas fund and £4,262.50 to the emergency relief fund in 2008. This is wonderful news, but what did our group contribute to that- and if they did how did they do it? These are the things I want to know. I am always left with the feeling that if newcomers ask questions - and I have - the 'leading lights' feel challenged and you can quickly alienate yourself. That is not the way to raise money for Africa.

So what to do? I wish I knew. Raising £6 for a coffee morning that has the potential of raising well over £100 is not the answer. Maybe more people will come on the morning, but even so I doubt that we are going to raise more that £20. Coffee mornings are a good way to socially network, but they do not raise significant amounts of money for Charity or the Church itself.

To sum up. There needs to be some changes in the thinking of the 'long standing members'. A vibrant speaker perhaps to remind them why they are there, and that is not for a chat and session on reminiscing. Someone who will ask them to look at larger maps and not just focus on coffee morning 'get togethers'. If this does not happen, new people like me, the so perceived 'new blood' will loose interest. I am 61 years old, and I am considered a youngster, so that tells you a lot about the average age of the group. I am not being disparaging toward all the good women who have spent the last 35+ years, supporting the MU, but it is time for change. So, how do you speak to those who are not prepared to listen, without denigrating the past commitment?

Times have changed, sadly not always for the best, but this group needs to move forward if it is to continue with the good work it has achieved in the past, and retain the interest of new blood.

Pottery - Today.

This is my latest creation in pottery It is a sugar shaker made in the slip mould method. That means it was created in a mould, not hand fashioned and done with a liquid clay.

.... and this is my agate bowl, which you will have seen on this blog in a much more raw form (18th march 2009). I am very pleased with this. It does not have the vibrant colours of the Raku pottery, but I am very pleased with it for a hand fashioned piece.

Loss and gain.

The Handkerchief tree, gently

blowing in the breeze.

What lovely weather we are having at the moment. Sunshine and breeze. It's cheering, somehow a sort of promise of things to come.


I needed cheering today. After a super day out and a lovely lunch with a new - ish friend, I discovered I had lost a white gold bracelet. I have looked everywhere and telephoned the lunch venue, but to no avail. The staff on the telephone were most accommodating and looked everywhere for me. It is nice to know that some young people still have manners on the telephone and realise that there is a socially acceptable way to behave when people ring in. It would have been worth the another Severn bridge toll to go and collect it had they found it, but it was not to be.


Another part of the past that is gone, maybe it was meant to be that I lost it.

Raku Pottery

Raku firing

My trip to the Winsley pottery class was a huge success. The Japanese method of firing pottery is far more exciting than our electric kiln in class! The previously bisque fired pots were glazed with just a few colours and then put into a very crude, bottle gas fired kiln, outdoors. When the required time was up, it was taken while white hot, from the kiln and placed into a wedge of newspaper and covered in sawdust. It was amazing to watch. When cooler, it is then taken out of the sawdust and cold water poured over it and it is left to cool down to handling temperature.

Inside of pot - glazed

Matt finished glazes pot.

The pot is black and very uninspiring to look at when it emerges from the process, but then when gently washed with a pan scourer to remove the smoke it comes out as above. Beautiful vibrant colours is what this method produces and why it is so popular. It was a super day out in the lovely county of Wiltshire and a real experience to see this professional potter from St. Ives in Cornwall ply her craft.

Trefil Quarry, Tredegar

Trefil Quarry, Tredegar - Circ. 1960

While writing about memories from my childhood (which was last weeks homework from college) to prepare for children's writing, I came across a photograph of Trefil Quarry, Tredegar. I had actually been writing about The Nine Arches, but this photograph also took my mind back in time. It was a working Limestone Quarry when I was growing up, a few of my friends Dad's worked there.


I have read recently that there have been 'Raves' held in the Quarry and that some time back there was a set built there for the BBC production of 'Our Mutual Friend' by Charles Dickens, so it is used in a very different way in the 21st Century.


I need to return to Tredegar to the Cholera Cemetery to photograph it again, as the last set of photos were taken in a bad light. I will probably seek out the quarry also and see if I can get some photographs of that too. That should be a challenge!

The Handkerchief Tree.

Davidia - Handkerchief Tree.

One of the focal points in the story I wrote for last terms writing assessment, was centered around a Handkerchief Tree. I have to do a small amount of further work on that presentation and therefore need my own photograph, if possible, of a handkerchief tree.


I knew that this time of year they were in flower, so arranged with a friend to go and photograph the one in her garden. I took about thirty+ digital images and I believe I have at least six that I can choose from that will assist me in my project.


They are very beautiful trees. The common name - Handkerchief Tree - is because of the floaty white flowers that fall like a handkerchief and blow in the breeze, which was happening to me today when I was trying to photograph them. They are also known as Ghost Trees and the Dove Tree.


It may have been part of a college project that I needed to do the exercise, but it was an absolute pleasure to do so.

Fired ....with enthusiasm!

This is a picture of my next seat neighbour in pottery, drawing a Clarice Cliff design on my tea-pot. For the purpose of my class folder, these are my hands, which of course they are not! You see, I can't draw! My neighbour agreed to draw the design and I will paint it - a bit like a painting book - once you have the book and the paints, you just have to stay within the lines! That will be my task for next week.


I did my first 'casting' today also. Instead of moulding the clay by hand, you pour it into a pre-cast mould (similar to the one I made with my friend the other night) and leave it. I turn it out next week. These mouldings are more professional looking than the hand shaped stuff, so I am a bit more enthusiastic about pottery today. As much as I love the surroundings (and the people are lovely) my interest in hand moulding is waning, so I am hoping this new moulding method will FIRE my imagination once more.

I must ask the tutor about working on a wheel. Mmmmm ........... That will be a challenge!

A Real Resue.

Phalaenopsis Happy Rose.

My friend who has been staying with me gave me an Orchid that she didn't want. It was 'in transit' between two homes and she decided against taking it to Brighton where she now lives. The problem was I had never owned an orchid before (not that I remember anyway) and was unsure what to do with it. It was obviously in a sad state, so I consulted my book on Indoor plants - The indoor Plant Spotter by Dr. D.G.Hessayon, no less! I have owned this book for over 20 years and don't recall referring to it that often, but it came up with the goods today!

The paragraph found, it commenced:

'Each type has it's own special needs .... Special orchid compost and feed, placed on a tray of wet pebbles is how it likes to live.

Hey, I don't like it that much! So what next? There was another Orchid that got left behind because it was dead - Hmmm .. a good enough reason to leave it I suppose, so I emptied both out of their pots and mixed the two Orchid composts together to make one fresh lot for the surviving plant. It then got re-potted and secured to a stake (because it was flopping onto the windowcill) and is now living in my kitchen. I will buy orchid feed at some point if it survives, but at the moment the poor thing was soaking when I took it out of it's pot.. Dr. D. G. Hessayon says it should be dry and I have to follow his guidelines as I personally know nothing about them.

It was only last week I threw away some house plants as I don't really have the room for many here, but we are where we are, and we'll see what happens to 'Happy Rose'. I have done my bit for the survival of house plants in this house - done my best as it were! Ah, the struggles of a retired amature.

No comments on where I have gone wrong please blog followers, I know my limitations and what's done is done now ......... as they say!

Making a mould ........

1. Measure out plaster and water

After supper the other night my friend, who's been staying with me, wanted to show me how to make a mould for my pottery classes. This was 8.50 at night and I was unsure how I felt about that. Knowing how talented she is and realising that I won't often get 'one to one' tuition so freely offered, I agreed. This was the process and result.

2. Pour over selected object already placed in another container.


3. Wait for it to harden - approx 3 - 4 minutes.



4. After leaving overnight in a dry warm place, remove from cast.





5. Completed mould.

Water that has been used to wash any implements must not be poured down the sink - it will block it up!

It was a relatively simple process but very messy. I don't advise doing it late at night! I crawled into bed like a slug at 1.15 am! ........ but I do own a very attractive mould and have been given some plaster to do some more myself! A result wouldn't you say?

The Wetlands.

Newport Wetland Reserve.

The May Day Bank Holiday dawned grey and cold - typical! Miss A and I had planned a trip to the Wetlands, situated on the northern shore of the Severn Estuary and just 4 miles from where I live. We decided to go as planned, despite the weather, because if you wait for the weather to be right in this corner of the world you could be waiting a long time.



It was well worth the trip. The wind was bitterly cold in this exposed, remote part of the marshes and even though the rain kept threatening, we bravely strode out. There are nature trails, reed beds to explore, Hides to watch the wildlife on the water and if you are very quiet you can hear the bearded tits pinging in the reeds. It was magical.

I managed to get some photographs, but the light was not good, so I shall have to go back on a brighter day. The Wetlands Reserve is free entry so that won't be a problem. There was a swan, unaccompanied by his family, strolling along the path taking food out of people's hands. I haven't seen that since I lived on the river Ouse in Cambridgeshire, where a family living close to our jetty used to come for the remains of the breakfast toast.

We decided that the Reserve probably has something different to offer season by season which makes it a beautiful place to visit any time of the year and I will certainly be going again. What started as a damp and disappointing day weather wise turned out to be a real joy.

Passing an evening .......

Cercis siliquastrum - Judas Tree

Leafing through a friends photographs last night we started a discussion on The Judas Tree. It was quite interesting to see the pictures that she had taken over the period of almost a month and watch this flowering tree open up.

A deciduous tree, it has a habit of spreading and usually has more than one stem or trunk. It has heart shaped bluish-green leaves, which is all I personally have ever seen, but my friend tells me that in the Autumn the leaves turn yellow. It is a longstanding myth that Judas Iscariot hung himself from a specimen of this tree, thus it's common name.

We looked at the photographs from her holiday for nearly two and a half hours and most of them were quite interesting. She has just returned from the island of Skopolos, which is becoming ever more popular due to the making of the film 'Mamma Mia'. A regular visitor there she has taken photographs over a period of some years showing the changing face of the Island and it's habitat. An interesting evening.

A 'Mixed Bag Day'

I have never queued to get into a shop before today! It was amusing to say the least. It's the new, giant DIY shop opening just around the corner from me. Miss A wants a new gas fire and we have had several goes at that, but failed to date to purchase one, so this morning was set aside to see what the new store had to offer.

Well it's certainly large, and had a good range of gas fires. There were too many people there for us to have a good look around to see what else was on offer, but I will go again when the novelty has worn off. I did note a large garden centre attached!

Miss A eventually got a fire that she liked, which was duly loaded into her car. The next step is to see what she thinks of it when she gets it home.

As for me I am now off to the RGH (my favourite place) to the Cardiology Department. It will take me ages to park, then a possible two hour wait, and then the Consultant might have overrun his clinic in which case I will be asked to make another appointment, but I have to go! Have you over a barrel don't they?

Today's picture was taken in Miss L's garden late last summer.