Friday 1st January....2010

Happy New Year.  It's a beautiful day and yes, I managed to stay awake to watch the fireworks in the village and on the TV to welcome it in.  My phone buzzed with messages that managed to get through the network and Princess phoned at 00.17 to confirm that they had not been in the hot tub yet and were thinking that it was probably a tad too cold.....and it was down to close on frost point.

Today I have Angela and John coming for a late lunch so the hoover should be whizzing it's way around but I have asked for a volunteer to push it so it is down to the shortlist of one, me.  This is going to be a short message and so off to work.  The saying is 'Better the day, better the deed' so let's start the year off with some gentle exercist...hoovering and dusting...catch you later ;)

Saturday 2nd January

Well the late lunch was very successful even if I did manage to fall asleep when the TV went on to catch the last of Dr Who...and miss out on the pate, cheese, biscuits and grapes assembled for light supper.  I have just phoned Angela and apologised but apparently I was the star attraction answering questions with a 'yes' or a 'no' while fast as a rock.  I put it down to some early morning starts and too much of the red stuff.  This morning though I feel absolutely fine having well and truely slept off any effects of the alcohol ;)

Just phoned my sister and she said she's not even bothered to get dressed yet and I admitted that I am still slouching round in pyjamas as all good people should.  My journey north has been delayed by the weather and apparently they woke this morning to a covering of snow.  Here in the south it is a beautiful day and from my study window I can see people walking on the Downs.  Think it's time to wrap up warm and take to the hills myself but no danger of me doing the 'Sound of Music'.  It will be a gentle stroll down to the sea with my camera and trying to stay out of the locals with their roaring fires....Now there's a challenge to set yourself on such a cold day...

Walked for a couple of hours and managed to avoid the local ale houses.  Beautiful day, lots of pickies down by the sea and fun to see families out with children on their bicycles and roller skaters on the undercliff walk.

Monday 4th January

Another cold one....looks like my visit up to the Midlands is again delayed....I don't want to get stuck in the snow.  Today sees the return to school and work for most people that's if they manage to get through.  There was an interesting story about a few people only managing to finish their New Year party when they managed to dig themselves out of the pub....what an excuse.

I think this fitness bug is staying with me.  Another walk's in order when the Downs and the streets have aired, just another few pounds to get down to my target weight.  My rowing machine is off to pastures new and it's hoped it will kick start AM's weight loss.  The secret is...throw away the scales and use the machine instead.

Just a few pickies from the other day...my house is in there somewhere!!  

Wednesday 6th January

Now what a change!!  Those Downs are covered in snow, schools are closed down and Princess and co. are enjoying an extended weekend.  It's still snowing and there doesn't seem a lot of movement on the roads and pretty as it is, perhaps we just take advantage of it.

I go back to when I was working in Sweden.....nothing stopped.  Trains, boats and buses all ran... and on time.  Cars had to have winter tyres and snow chains were a must.....why don't we learn and perhaps follow their example.  It's the same every year.  We always seem to get caught out.  Now that's my rant out of the way.

Well I've just managed to find three more Peter James' books but this time bargain basement in Asda and each priced at  one pound.  That's my snow time sorted.  One down...two to go.... ;)

Thursday 7th January

Still snowing ever so slightly....still icy and still in doors.  Was going for a walk today but the darts tournament stopped me and kept me in.  I do love sport of any kind and the more you watch things like darts they become ever so slightly compulsive viewing.  We are at the quarter finals now and I've got my favourites though I wouldn't put money on it.  Second session later this evening but if I fall asleep through lack of fresh air and exercise then I can always catch it tomorrow afternoon ;)

Ordered a book today from Smiths and the order went through closely followed by 'this book is temporarily out of stock and the publisher is thinking of reprinting'.  Why is it advertised for sale?  The particular author was on the deck one morning on one of my cruises  just as the sun was rising and decided to do a sketch of me which he called ' The Prophesy' probably after the book I was reading.  He wrote the details of his book on the back of the sketch and so I decided to buy the book now that CJ has taken up drawing.  Just my luck....probably go for a second hand one from Amazon or the likes.  Interesting guy and about 80 years of age then so must be ticking on now.  'Watercolours for Absolute Beginners' by Bill Whitsett.  Anybody got a copy?

Anyway....tomorrow is out and about on foot to get some fresh air unless it snows hard and then it's back to the darts... ;)

Friday 8th January

Nine o'clock and all's well....that ends well today hopefully.  English tax is so complex.  They appear to milk the ones that they know about and leave the rest.....ggrrrrrr,  Nobody seems to stand up for the pensioners who have lost money in this recession.  In the last one, interest rates on morthages shot up through the roof.  Not so this time....interest rates slashed on hard earned money saved for old age.  The secret...spend it along the way and go cap in hand to Social Services for whatever you can get to see you through till the end......another ggrrrr.  Works for some.... :(

And more snow cometh.... 8)  so my trip to the Midlands seems to be yet again delayed....

Monday 11th January

Lovely evening on Saturday and ended up making snow angels on the way back from the pub.  Fortunately kitted out in ski bottoms, snow boots and down jacket so didn't feel a thing.  The roads were so quiet and I suppose most sensible people were tucked up in their beds or in front of roaring fires...that sums me up really.

The weather still seems to be much the same with more snow forecast for tomorrow and I'm taking bets that this follows me to Bulgaria at the end of the month.  It's apparently mild over there at the moment during the day but cold at night but without snow.  Let's wait and see ;)

You'd make a better snow devil ;-)

Morning Mummy, guess what...... Another snow day so King Jeremy of Kyleland is on the telly and Me and Baby Frog are still in our PJs.
We did make it in to school yesterday but as I was NOT prerared to walk from here (as per Haydn's e mail), I have not gone in today.
I'll call you l8r,

Moon and back,

Princess xxxxxxxxxxxx

Wednesday 13th January

That's enough from you TC.  The phrase goes 'judge not lest ye be judged'.  Get back to your home made Starbucks and iced buns and as for you Princess, I think your boss has the right idea.  A five mile hike to work fits into some people's agenda quite well but remember, we are of one flesh so lets stick with JK.  Love to you and the frogs...

I woke up to yet more snow today so I had a real thing about feeding the birds so they had a mixture of sunflower seeds, sultanas and last years cracker biscuits.  My resident pigeons ate most of it, the blackbirds though it was a trap and the cheeky robin took one look and then went on the hunt for insects under the bench.  The sport was watching the cars try to get out of the road but since we are on a slight hill but by 11.00 most were managing it.  I did have the urge to walk down the village but it soon wore off and I settled in to The Real Deal and Countdown and then concocted a chilli for supper with garlic bread.  It went down well.

Enough for this time...not much to report really the weather has put a stop to most activities.... :(

Quoted from TC

You'd make a better snow devil ;-)

+1  :P

I'm surprised the snow didn't melt!  ;D

Thursday 14th January

Now then.  I get the distinct impression that you're ganging up on me.  At least I remember doing it after a night on the sauce.  The snow's all gone in the South there might be something in what you say.

It's just a grey day and not even worth getting out of pj's for but I suppose I better :(

Friday 15th January

So today was a bit of an 'on the move day'.  I dug out my mate, A.M, at about 9.00 this morning without any notice and found her in PJ's.  I did try and phone to prewarn her but the phone was on call minder so I assumed whe was up and about.  We chatted, coffeed and then decided to walk to town and have a general mooch around the shops.  I bought her the Janet and John book entitled See John Run, slightly risque but amazingly funny in aid of Children in Need.  I know that she will have a chuckle to herself when she reads it.

One the way back from town we stopped at the local chippie and indulged ourselves with chip butties when we got home.  Comfort food when it is cold, damp with the remnants of snow still around.

Now back in front of the TV with a brandy and coffee just to warm the core and about to settle in for the evening.  More comfort food!!  Probably and a bottle of the red stuff.....

Monday 18th January

What a beautiful morning but the threat of snow about wednesday is like the sword of Damacles.  I am still undecided whether to get up to the Midlands or not...just give it a bit more thought before I make the decision.  

Lovely day yesterday.  Church in the morning, a wander around the Brighton Marina Flea Market and then off to Princess and the Frogs for late lunch.  Spent part of the afternoon playing on the Wii and getting into the yoga applications.  I didn't take too kindly to the skiing but the jack-knife caused quite a laugh.  Do I want one...of course but do I need one now that is another question.  In the UK I don't seem to get up to enough but out in BG there always seems loads to do so that it's more natural exercise.  I'll put it on the back burner for now.  Lunch time.....

Friday 22nd January

Well I have changed my flight to the 18th February.  With the snow and not being able to get around I am very aware that I did not spend the time with my sister that I wanted to.  When I came to get into my car and test it out before the journey to the midlands there was a strange knocking when I turned the steering wheel.  Nothing wrong with the steering just the banging that put me off making a two hundred mile journey.  So the car goes in on Tuesday and I'll use my trusty bus pass till then.  It also means that I shall be around for the birthday season as it is called in my house.  Both Princess and TJ have birthdays in February and so do I and CJ (the little frog) has his the end of this month.  He is having a football party and I'm not sure if I am in goal or not but I know that I have loads of sausage rolls and sandwiches to make.  CJ was here today, not fit to go to school.  There is a stomach bug going around and friends are dropping like flies but so far I have managed to avoid it.  I think living in the open in BG must be good for me.

I have heard that the weather out there is destined to get colder with snow so perhaps I have made the right decision.  Not much work will be going on if that is the case.  

Sunday 24th January

Just finished watching Slumdog Millionaire...what a good film.  Only complaint was that it was on Channel Four that seems to have millions of advert breaks (slight exaggeration) to disturb the viewing.  One benefit was that I could catch the results of the skating.

Not a bad day today.  I went to church this morning and next door neighbour came over this afternoon so I took advantage of his woodworking skills to start to plan the staircase for the house in BG.  I learnt the necessary terms but the downside is that they are in English not Bulgarian or Turkish but I'm sure my merry band will get the drift.

Just finished filling in my calendar for the rest of the month taking me up to the 18th which is lift off day.  Looks like a busy time for me but firstly to get my beauty back on the road on Tuesday.  Lecka nosht....time to get my head down..

Glad to hear you're here for a little longer, and hope you get that Cally working ok before your Journey North!  :)

Shame we can't meet up before you dissapear!

Me xxx

Saturday 30th January...

Now I'm getting ready to say goodbye to January and look forward to a better February.  My car is still off the road thanks to some bright spark that thought the front suspension arms of a 2L Calibra would take the weight of a 2.5 engine.  So had to go back and start all over again and hopefully this time the articles supplied will do the job.  Who wants a nose dragging on the ground!!  Thanks Mikey B for your well wishes on the 'Cali', I do appreciate input and encouragement from time to time....although most times I don't need much encouragement at all as you well know.

The offending parts are being returned this morning and I'm looking out my legal responsibility folder that covers 'supplying parts that match the request' and what happens if they don't.  Wish me luck and I'll let you know the outcome.  I might even take my camera with me.

Family weekend.  CJ, my offsprings and offspring's offsprings all gathered in a sports hall for a football party with the dad's organising it.  I am just printing off red and yellow cards for the occasion to add a little more interest.  That should get the parents going ;D.

I'll take the camera and look out for action shots..... ;)