A Tree, some sweet peas and a cake book...

I was overcome with Springtime joy this morning so I drove to Hockley.

There really is something in the air right now, well there is around me at least. So bonkers am I with just about everything that I'm even leaning against railings talking to men on phones..More on that later...

Two charity shops and Four Acres garden centre was on my Hit List today so off I sped, window down hence frenzied hair. Loved it.

In my first shop I chatted to lady-on-till the caravan owning 65 year old Pauline, she's the one who wears leather waistcoats and has her mum in a 'home'. Anyway as she bagged two books, 'CAKES' by Barbara Mather and 'GROWING SOFT FRUIT' by the Women's Institute I looked out of the shop window wishing I could bottle how I felt. Right then, right there. My little grey head was stuffed full of good and excellent things like the weekend when I'll be doing not much with anything or anyone, Easter when cakes will be baked and guests will be kissed. So much to look forward to. And so that is why Pauline had to ask twice for the money, the 75p.
"Oooops in a far away world " I beamed
"Hahaha" noised white haired Pauline as she dropped my cash into her till.

I left feeling a million bucks.

And so as I passed the Homeopathic centre, and boutique of a thousand bad bags I wondered if today could get any better.
You betcha.

Next stop the other charity shop, the one rubbing shoulders with the Co-Op, which I hate.
I entered, nay, galloped inside wherein I drifted from books to bric-a-brac to...bags where I halted transfixed..by a tan tooled leather shoulder bag, shape not dissimilar to a barrel with a plain sturdy zip and no interior pocket for mobile phone. The bag was THAT old.
It was instant love, instant satisfaction I knew I had to have it. And as my fingers stroked the beautifully soft leather I thought I would faint.
'How can' I thought, 'a little secondhand bag do so much for me?'
Quite simple really I fancied it and it was within my power to have it, mmmm what a feeling.
And then as I approached the 200 year old woman manning the till thoughts of outside activities crept into my mind...
More on that later too...


In the shop run by a coven of overly made up ladies I also found a watering can, rather pretty in eau de nil with pencil like sketches of flowers stamped on thereabouts. Immediately imagined me in straw hat watering roses.
Anyway I bought that too, along with a stunning small crystal jug, just made for cream...
I paid the lady, mumbled something about the weather and left.
So an excellent hour was spent with very little monetary outlay...

Talking of money...Before all that I saw an ad in a shop window, a local 'professional' couple needs a Domestic, so, like I said up top, I leaned against the railings outside the building society and phoned Eddie. Answerphone. Bugger. Message left...

On the way home I didn't want to come home so I did a detour and once again strolled like a lady poet around Four Acres, stopping frequently to talk to Tinkerbell the dog. After stroking her and chatting to the man who runs the place about fat pets I dreamily wandered between overladen tables.
And then, over in the corner, past the baby conifers, lavender and hydrangeas I spotted something a bit familiar.

And as I approached the willowy green thing my heart suddenly boom boomed. It was, the label said, a MAGNOLIA. A MAGNOLIA! And the picture on its label had me quivering almost doing a jig. I've seen many MAGNOLIAS on my trips to the post office only I didn't, and you have to forgive my gardening ignorance here, I didn't know they were MAGNOLIA TREES. But now infront of me stood one, well several actually but the one I wanted I already had my hands on.
Didn't want much else (apart from Alpine Arabis White, some Sweet Peas Spencer Mixed and Lupin Russell, The Pages) anyway I hugged the tree walked round the many tables and laid it ever so lovingly on the proprietor's desk.

And so after talking to Tinkerbelle, I paid up and the very kindly owner, with the hands of a nurturer placed my tree in my car.

The End.

* By the way Eddie phoned. The position has been taken. Blast. But knowing a thing or two about women workers and how fickle and ill they can be I decided to sell myself well, blah blah Henry, blah blah, WRVS blah...I finished by telling him not to forget me and that if it all gets too much for the other bird, then he's to give me a call:)
He laughed.

The End.

Really.

De-Composition in Green

Mr Horsehound knows the way to my heart... a 220 ltr compost bin. Who said romance was dead?

I'm Blue but only in the eyeshadow department.

Another smashing day weatherwise.
So went mad in Sainsbury's buying oranges, Alpen, leeks and white cabbage. The cabbage is for Coleslaw, the oranges for munchkin cakes and the leeks for soup. Alpen for brekkie and flapjacks.
Decent enough price wise so was well pleased,

On the way home I thought about Easter.
I like Easter.
I wish I was more original but, like everyone else, I'll be making Hot Cross Buns, have a feeling though I'll be doing something with orange peel.

Being kept warm in the oven is a nice piece of Cod Roe for mum and a nice piece of Cod for Mr H. I'll slum it with eggs.

Being cooked later and definitely not in the slumming league will be a blooming decent Fish Pie (er what more fish, ooops!) Mental Note No Fish Twice.


Pud probably lemon.

On a more selfish level... exiting Sainsbury's a pair of blue enamel earrings caught my eye. Small square with curly whirly squiggles.
Gone bonkers on Blue.
As I flounced into the drawing room this morning bearing mother's cuppa I wore a striking shiny Bhs satin nightie.
"Oh Ang, that looks lovely, you should wear more blue....."
Shut up ma I told her or I'll kick your ankles.
Loved it really:)

So with blue in mind I sorted through a cosmetics dumpbin in Sainsbury's hunting for anything blue. I found a Rimmel Azure eyeshadow half the literal price. Yippee thought me and hid it under a bag of onions... Didn't want Mr H seeing:(

Now fish eggs and tea. Cheerio!

Automatic Writings.. old late night friends

.....A long shallow cool wall with funky dips and football grazes
is home to infestations
scabbed and gnarled the beaten wall sucks them in
nameless ignorant grey black creatures
them all

***********************
FYI
As a matter of fact
whether mountains dissolve
or
rain ignites
there'll never be another you

*****************************

Edith Nose
late of this dreadful parish
consumed by wrathed love
bit off the head of the man she loved
it was, she told me, after we'd sunk lemon tea
the only way to
keep him

safe

***********************************

Bee
maniac
well you act like one
headbutting cold blooms
as they hold their ground in someone's chilly garden
Bee
behave
you're the King of Flying Insects
don't nut petals
be nice

****************************

Your eyes
your
eyes
breaking the sentence
makes it whole

**********************

Stood a loyal man
in a cage of his own construction
would he could he stoop low enough
to instigate his own escape
if the bird on the outside
is pretty enough
sure
Yes she's enough
so loyal man digs
and digs
till a day comes when all he hears is
the sigh of healing bones and bird song
"a robin redbreast in a cage puts all of heaven in a rage"
our man sings!

*******************************

Alright enough of the writings by others hands, I'm going to bed now, hopefully to dream in colour.......... about rainbows.

Outrageous!

A piece of 'Normal' cake

I removed my stockings in the street.

I had to.

One of them was heading downwards anyway. So being fabulously practical I thought I'd do the sensible thing and do the pair, darling.

So...after slipping off one sandal I quickly brought down the offending piece of nylon, then, with another quick flick and drag the other sandal and stocking were off.
It was so funny...
What to do now I said to my mate....Being incredibly resourceful I dropped the pair of rather disappointing stockings into my handbag where they would remain till after I'd been to the Co-Op.

The weather though was gorgeous, all blue brilliance and bird song. I felt like running. But I kept calm and proceeded along the highway in a ladylike manner.

(The Co-Op was cool wherein I purchased mags and papers and skimmed milk, dreadfully dear though.)

Next stop the charity shop where the tall-as-Blackpool-Tower lad was holding the fort. Lovely young lad he is, don't know his name, but his mum works there and he always under charges me, not because he fancies me (I'm old enough to be his nan) but because he can't be bothered about whether the nightie is knee length or maxi. Knee length £1. Max £2:50. (The old dears who volunteer know the exact price of every blooming thing, no short cuts or guessing for them. RIGHT!

More stuff bought: A small made in Cornwall pottery milk churn with a Lucky Piskey on front."Descended from an Ancient race of Celtic Imps, the tiny and mischievous Cornish Piskey will bring good fortune to those lucky enough to set eyes upon him".
50p.

A square blue gingham tablecloth. Makes me feel clean. 75p
A matching Napkin. Will use it as small teacloth for drying delicates like china egg cups.
2 vibrant green square cushions. On one side 'tis writ....Mare and Foal Sanctuary...Kindness. Care & Knowledge. And, inside a neat oval, a black mare and white foal.
I see myself one day riding away. Long silver hair streaming behind me, firm buttocks caressing good leather and my mobile phone chucked:)

oh yes the wild calls.....Geddit?

(By the way bought Good Housekeeping)

My favourite purchase of all? A silver plated teaspoon with a small bird heading the handle. It's been well used on account of the fadedness and lack of shine on the little chirpy chap. But I'll love it anyways:)
Cost? A stomping great £1. That's a lot for that shop.

I think that's about it.

So with bare legs and heart full I danced home. Stopping momentarily to exchange views with a friend about Giant Bonsai ?



Little things matter a great deal. And are priceless too...
And so it was that I discovered, by way of a pal of mine, another name for Victoria Sponges and other plain cakes...

'Normal Cakes'.

If I sat here for a hundred years I'd never come up with something so apt and original.
Out of the mouths of babes... or feisty 11 year olds:)
Thanks M.

X

Gloho believes Yoho soso...

Me.
Not on the way to the post office.
Vintage handbag. Scarf around waist. Say no more.

Make the mosto of what you've got o.

*Yoho...You're Only Here Once

Alright so I'm a little loco but as far as I/you know the only hours and years we have are these hours and these years. So do 'em. Grip tightly good days. Go swimming. Wear your best frock to Rock and or pick up the pension.

Don't know what comes next, if anything, but after Sea Bass and Amaretti Ice Cream I don't give a hoot. (No Digger, it wasn't a fishy cream fusion) I intend to do whatever I want. With Mother's consent.

Where was I?
Oh yes. Making hay etc...Well this morning I did that. I said hello to an incredibly old woman with butter yellow hair, she was dragging a white dog with a limp."Lovely day again" said me "Ooooh yes" said yellow hair "Hope it stays all day"
Her face crinkled with years of gardening, lines etched deep but a fun friendly face, bit comical with its big eyes and thick red lips. Whose mouths have you kissed my dear? Love to know.

I smiled and left her to her own secret doggy devices.

In the shop there was an English queue.
It consisted of three stout ladies and one Cool Tanned Dude. The ladies exchanged views about you know what, meanwhile the Dude clung to his milk bottle.
Dude? In an village newsagents?
Tall, obvious owner of rowing machine, dark glossy hair, shades and............ cigarette being squeezed between his cruel thin lips. Er...I was surprised by Mr Janggaramingers silence.Health and Safety etc. Oh well unlikely to set anything on fire much.

Anywayyyyyyy
I watched as they all paid up and left then I paid up and left too. The ladies in the direction of the post office and church hall,the Dude back to his home of a thousand mirrors I expect...and how the lad walked, nay, paraded past Vicky's Cute Card shop swinging carelessly his bottle of semi-skimmed.

I blame TOWIE.*

Must say cheerio now. I have things to do, mouths to feed, dreams to dream:)

Being cooked today.
Bread.





*The Only Way Is Essex. A television programme about Essex young:(

Pheasant

Almshouses

I was in a friend's car when I saw it.
His mickey mouse legs carrying his beautifully curved bod dashed along the grey pavement oblivious to traffic then like the quick braveheart he was darted mad-cap into a perfectly laundered front garden.
"Oh Look" said me
"A Pheasant" said me mate with the air and confidence of someone used to the outdoors.
Giggle. I did. Never seeing one this close up before.
But before I could say 'roast' the cheery kind-of-out-of-place fella had disappeared into a bush and we, that's me and me mate, were doing thirty on our way to the countryside.

It's funny you know, how appreciative I am of little things, of small pleasures, because for the next hour or so I was scanning the side of roads looking for other interesting animals.
Didn't see any living ones:(


I do love cruising the countryside of Essex, especially the north, glorious green undulations with massive trees, medium cows and tiny Inns. So utterly English.
Greystoned churches built ages ago to thatched cottages with names like 'Elizabeth' and 'Yew Tree' stood dotted roundabout like pretty coloured pieces on a fantasy chess board.
How many laughs, tears and tulips had they seen?

Later on I had a full on close up look at a church, don't know its name I was too dumbstruck to find out, but this home of Christianity was so cool it was almost cold. Bitty rock and stones pitted and worn with years of weather and wars stood fine with a perfect sky making a good backdrop. I saw four gargoyles too, standing, which I thought was strange, standing on a tower, their lacklustre interest made for comical viewing.
I imagined...."How long have we been here?" said one "A few lifetimes, I expect" said another and THAT is what fascinates me about old stuff. The amount of life, death and bird droppings they have watched and suffered.
I wouldn't want to be a gargoyle I'd much rather be the pheasant... taking my chances...

I hope he got home safe...

Okey dokey back to reality.

Corned Beef.

:)

The Power Of Words

"Do you think they will like the chickens and things?"

I said this in my sleep.

I don't of course remember saying it so it came as a great big whacking surprise when Mr H. told me as we sipped our early morning tea and coffee. I was shocked and amused and excited, it was, after all, a new experience and we all need new experiences, especially in bed.

The only reasonably sane reason for this queer nocturnal outpouring is that I'm reading Susan Hill's 'In The Springtime Of The Year' where the protagonist, Ruth, is dealing with sudden bereavement and the only thing that had never left her was her pleasure in caring for her hens. Everything else was very far away.

So I suppose I've kind of lost myself in this wonderful story which impacts even when I'm out for the count in the land of nod. Asleep.



Today feels fresher than yesterday, not a lot of sunlight as I type but the weather people say it'll be a warm one. Oh goody, because I'm out and about later on and a thermal vest just won't go with frilly knickers.

For munchies today: Half leg oflamb

Women's issues, mince and general madness

English Madeleines with half an apple cake in the background...

Before I do what needs doing outside I'll do what needs doing inside...Posting a pic of last night's Madeleines.

Pencilled in my diary for today :-)

breadmaking. my last one being the best of the lot, fluffy and white inside, outside unevenly brown with a farmer's hands texture.

cleaning kitchen. a bit. how it gets so messy I've no idea. possibly because I'm multi-tasking and never quite finish the job I set out to do. Looks homely though.

looking again at mother's ridiculous Homes and Garden magazine. £245 for a lampshade. last lampshade I bought was £2. Huge green silky affair for drawing room standard lamp. Could YOU tell the difference?

touching up make-up. middle aged domestics needing constant re-lippying and never ending filling of craters:)

getting ready for weekend. er.... taking mince and half leg of lamb out of freezer.

dusting with icing sugar the big apple cake I made yesterday teatime (made two) , along with the mum's madeleines. have now run out of cake tins. No go to Lakeland plastics for them on account of Lakeland plastics being aimed at the same women who buy ridiculous homes and garden mag. Mother taking to fantasizing about topiary and bone china egg cups.
(no dear, you should be reading up on aids-for-the-frail like magnifying glasses, will-making kits and portapotties)

by the way my tum is a pain. gave me what for last night just as I was plating up Mr H's shepherd's pie. women's dark unused interiors are not a subject for discussing over a plate of steaming mince. I'm 55.

Now I must fly. Be good to get a few things done before madam wants her legs done. hair done. plasters changed. tea cup refilled. woes listened to.

my God my weeds need plucking...

Bug

I got one.
The gardening variety.
And so to give all the new things I grow a fine start I'll need compost...
After googling 'compost' I found out all I need to know so without further delay Gloria's Compost is on the way.
And starting it all off will be the big bunch of now dead daffs and gyp bought for mum for mother's day.
I'd like a proper bin really but finances are dictating otherwise I could get Mr H. to make one but I don't think he'd be very happy so.......I'll do the other option which is to find a secluded spot in the garden and kind of make a heap there:)
It'll be covered with either polythene or cardboard and be out of the sight of friends and neighbours. Probably be sited under the raspberry bush, nice and moist there.
I'm really quite excited about it!

I won't go into what can and can't be composted, don't worry I'll do that at a later date, suffice to say my hair and nail clippings will come in useful. LOL! I'll resist the urge though to recycle urine. Yes human wee wee can be used too, but you'll be glad to hear I won't be popping out to the raspberry bush to spend a quick penny.


Oh by the way, on the way to the chemist this morning I bumped into a very old neighbour, (67) his mum being the only lady neighbour who made me feel very welcome all those years ago, anyway, I collared him opposite the chemists and I then listened as he went a bit mental. He talked and talked...about health, Spanish doctors, old age, careless homes and my short legs.
It was good seeing him again, he was and I expect always will be, an almighty pain the arse but underneath the fag ash on his shirt he always had a heart as big as a house.
I told him to pop around one day for a cuppa and natta, knowing damn well he'd refuse, and I was right, still my stoppage on the way to the chemists for pills made for a pleasing half hour.

Now I must fly. Got buns in the oven.

Genista Tinctoria

I planted twp of these this afternoon, one to the right of the new Lavender the other to its left. It doesn't look as grand as in the picture but as soon as its grown-up, it will.
I also planted a Buddleia, another Red Robin and the second of the rose bushes, Twice In A Blue Moon, (love that name).
So I was quite active this afternoon what with one job and another, but it wasn't all mucky hands and back pain I had a pleasant surprise by way of my neighbour Anne, you remember her, she was the one who asked me to remove my bird feeders which were screwed to my side of my fence... I obliged reluctantly. The pigeons were doing their business and it was colouring her side of the fence....Blah ....
At any rate she went up in my estimations today because as I was pottering out front, she kind of apologized for the bird feeder thing. "Forget it" I said genuinely, eager to get on with the digging, then the bombshell.... she said she had a bird table and would I like it?
"You bet" I said barely able to hide my surprise. And so within minutes the large green plastic bird table was being hoisted over the small front chicken wire fence which keeps my property away from hers.
"It's only a little thing " she said her eyes red with constant tears and sleeplessness, she must miss her husband terribly.
And so as I looked up and down this wonderful piece of kit I wondered what I could do or give her in return. I suggested magazines, she politely refused. So I let it rest and stabbed the green plastic bird table with roof and three cups for seeds and water into my small patch of undulating greenery.
Her kind thought made my day.

On the cooking front:

I made an Apple Cake tonight.

Goodnight All
:)

Ok groceries bought then, instead of coming straight home, a lovely mad as a hatter dash to Four Acres:)
As we (Mr H in the way today) arrived a slob of a dog bounded towards us totally unafraid of biker girl me and sensible hubby. He, that's the big black dog, nuzzled into my knee caps as I tapped his brain, what a lovely boy you are I smiled and before I could do anything else he'd lumbered off to sprawl on his two seater settee.
What a life.
Inside the cathedral, well that's what Mr H called it, I knew exactly what I wanted and so within five sweet scented minutes we were loading plants onto the back seat...
I drove home blissful and feeling quite bitten by the Spring Bug!

Plants Bought:

Buddleia. Purple. (1) :)

Lavender. (1) :)

Red Robin. That makes two...:)

Genista Tinctoria 'Royal Gold' (2) :)


Oh I have to dash now...Mum in need:(

Happy Bunny

Photinia Red Robin. Dug a hole in the middle of the lawn and put it in.

Spent the morning in the playground.

No, I haven't been swinging back and forth or getting wedged on the slide I've been on my knees sowing/planting roses, poppies, stock Virginia and my fav, photinia red robin. Before I indulged in the easy bit I did the hard bit. Digging. But yet as the fork went in I felt nothing 'cept joy at being alive, pretty heavy uh? But it's true, as I bedded down the red robin making sure it was safe with no gaps I felt at one with all. All the worms I dislodged, (sorry mate) the ladybird as she scurried and, of course, the birds. How they sung.

Whether or not it's because it's sunny or the wind light or whether it's because I'm doing something with pork tonight, I don't know. Don't care either, all I can say is that for a couple of hours I felt good.
And when someone prone to melancholia feels like a million she really feels like a million.
So it was this morning that after I'd bought the papers, fed mum, did her foot and checked my inbox :( I thought how refreshing it would be to do a bit o' gardening...
And it was.
I like getting dirt under my nails and having a runny nose, makes me feel all countryfied, backs to the land and all that what ho! I would love a horse. Manure doesn't frighten me.

I won't be playing out any more today so I'll leave off doing the other rose bush (Twice In A Blue Moon) until the spirit grabs me. Again.
And my hands resemble human hands:(

As I write the sun is still there shedding light on old weeds, badly pruned stuff, greying old rosemary stumps and of course the New Kids on the Grass....:)

Cooking tonight:
For mum. Cod and veg
For Mr H and myself. Nasi Goreng.
Pudding will definitely be Lemon Puddle and evaporated milk.
Also being baked a large white loaf, nothing like early morning toast spread with Duerrs marmalade.

And on that happy note I bid thee farewell.
X

Lose Inches With Coughing Man

Attention All Dieters.

Being in bed with a coughing man makes you thin.
Read on...

On Friday night Mr H. kept me awake and for all the wrong reasons... He'd succumbed to Man Flu. Probably picked up on the London Underground.
At any rate his barking loud coughs made for a miserable night and I, as you know, am a great believer in bagging many hours between the covers. Preferably asleep.
But twasn't to be.

So on account of his selfishness and lungs my Saturday shopping trip to Southend was horrible on account of walking around with sunken eyes and in a temper.
Yes I can still get my blood up even when half-dead.

But what has a night of intermittent sleep to do with getting thin?
If you hold on a mo I'll tell ya.
Lack of R.E.M always takes away my appetite and so it was that on Saturday night, after our troll around hardware shops, I didn't want no dinner!
And because I didn't eat neither did Mr H. he, he, he.
My selfishness though didn't extend to Mother who accepted rather reluctantly a Young's boil-in-the-bag cod steak. (Freezered for God knows how long) It was a con. A piece the size of a playing card lost in a pool of yellowy sauce.. cost £1:49. Never ever again dear. You eat what I make and when I make it or you don't eat. Geddit? I was though truly ashamed at sticking a tray of such awful food down on her old lap, after all it wasn't her fault I was so tired I couldn't cook, that was down to Mr H and his phlegm.

But back to me. And early evening Saturday.
I couldn't persuade my stomach to accept any food not even decent offers like a Chinese take away, McDonalds or even KFC. Bugger that on a Sat night.
McD and KFC are shopping lunchtime treats not bloody evening meals.
So we starved.

About 8 I did consider a jammy crispbake but martyrdom won out.



Anyway.............As we watched 'Hush', a movie about some bird being thrown into the back of a white lorry (white van man getting into female trafficking) I saw only the good side of sleeplessness...It takes away hunger:)
'Can only be good' I thought as the hero pulled out 6 inch nails from his palms:) (Some nutty bad girl deciding the only way to STOP him was NOT to kill him but to nail him to he floor. Cool!
'Ok, I'll go supperless' I thought and by so doing wake on Sunday with a super flat tum. I certainly got that. But I also got a headache.

But if you do want to lose a bit o weight, and I know you all need to, go to bed with a man with a big cough:)

On the menu

*Minestrone soup

*Munchkins cakes

*Pork chops with sage and onion crust

I won't make gallons of soup as it's only for mum and me but there will be heaps... of that I can assure you! It won't be a pukka Italian Minestrone of course but my version, which is a bit scary. All sorts going in the pot, savoy cabbage, carrots, bacon, rice, onions and tomatoes. Might make some Irish Soda rolls too.

The Munchkins have been requested so I will do as I'm told....With love of course. I must though make more of an effort with the delicate chocolate lids, I tend to attack rather than mollycoddle.
Blame it on excitement.

For once I'm going to do something different with the blasted chops, dipping in egg then dipping in sage and onion stuffing mix, then fry in oil and butter till crisped and brown. Yum. Veggies on the side? Sprouts probably.

Just a quick look outside, bare soil and birds, a lovely stillness and light breeze making the potted chives tremble.

Dogs and Roses

Evelyn Fison

Red Robin

Twice in a Blue Moon

Mum kept her promise and so off we went, first to the garden centre in lovely Brays Lane then to the charity shop beside the tattoo parlour.

Four Acres garden centre is a funny place on account of its out-of-the-way position, you'd only come across it by chance I'm sure. Maybe taking a wrong turn or something like that. Anyway....
A not too safe looking white framed structure with dingy glass and two on-site faded blue caravans with an old fashioned red telephone box sandwiched inbetween.

Inside row upon row of wooden tables loaded with plants of all colours and descriptions, some even affordable.
After the customary nod to the fair haired man manning no till, yes that's right, no till, no cash register... I strolled about looking for fair pretty things which will brighten my frontage and enliven and make interesting my back patch.
The names were many most in Latin, but being of a simple persuasion I plumped for two rose plants...And one other shrub. I understood the labels.

*Evelyn Fison. Floribunda Rose. Large Scarlet flowers.
*Twice in a Blue Moon. Hybrid Tea Rose. Highly scented lilac/silver flowers.
*Photinia Red Robin. An Evergreen. Famed for its spectacular red foliage.

As I strolled I was being followed by a big black dog with a streak of tan brown running down his neck. He was thick and slow and had 'kiss me' all over his face. I didn't. Instead I smiled and tapped his skull talking to him about how handsome he was. He knew that of course. In fact I could see by the way he relaxed under my touch that he was quite ok, quite blase.
Handsome Boy.

The cost was fair enough and then the man with no till helped me to the car where Mother sat staring at the yellow and green fields next door.
"Mind the thorns "he said
"Yes I will thank you"
And with a wave and honk I drove away leaving the dog and the man and plants I can't pronounce.

To the charity shop where I was mum's personal shopper. She sat amongst the ladies who do knitting, they sell their bits and pieces for charity you see and so as I attacked the shelves and rails mum listened as their needles rattled...

She ended up with two slinky nightgowns, a slinky dressing gown, a can of hair spray and a brown cotton floral blouse,
For me? Three tiny terracotta cats, a pair of silver earrings and a fine garden trowel.

A bit of banter with Joan about nightwear, baby oil and the awesome power of the woman over fifty.
I left laughing.

Back home and mum on the bed exhausted but pleased. I made her a quick scone pizza the sat on the back step looking at the plants.
Felt like Christmas!

Tonight I'm making liver and bacon and watching Manchester Utd v. Athletic Bilbao.
:)

Cheerio

Come out with me

I'm trying to get mum to don her finest gear and tootle along the road with me to the Faith, Hope and Charity shop. You know the one, the one near the Tattoo parlour.
Then, if her legs and mind are alright, it's off meandering down the long long lane to Four Acres garden centre where I will skip like snowdust around the many wooden tables. And mum will get a taste of outdoors. Springtime is here and shrubs need re-homing.

So cross fingers she'll keep her word and, after some porridge and tea, keep her promise and come out with me...

More later I expect.....

Update on the update on the Up Post

,,,,,A gorgeous day weatherwise.
Mowers moooing that sort of thing. Have I mentioned I dug a flower bed? Well I dug one, well half of one, will finish it at the weekend, can't get too shattered though, don't want to be zonked Saturday night...sleeping through Harry Hill is anathema.
Back to today...
Me no mow me just tripping out on gardening ideas. Got squillions. First stop the local gardening centre down the lane. Will have a stroll up and down eyeing up potential bushes.
Talking of up and down had a chatette with a snoozy mum this afternoon she feels like visiting the charity shop tomorrow morning without her zimmer. Cool. I'm up for that dear. I'm concerned about muscle wastage you see.
Also nattered about pizzas, love and wild greying hair.

On the mum and daughter menu tonight:
Steak and kidney pud and veg.
Steak and kidney pie and veg.
Pud could be half a fresh Mango.

I have the back door ajar, letting in Spring. 2 Blue Tits are zipping from ivy to conifer then back to ivy they are brilliant!

Up...Update

Just have to say I'm feeling great this morning.

Wheels sorted. What a relief.
Eyes sparkling. Despite late nights.
Birds singing. 8 a.m. Stood on path listening to chorus in my nightie. (Howd they get in there?)
Monty looking out of window. Lovely fine creature erect magnificent a bit of a mummy's boy.
Wild flower seeds to broadcast. Will do it before breakfast. Stealing away for a few private quiet moments, just me and Mother nature.
Mum chatting about Male attributes. You're never too old apparently.

More later I expect...

Just spent a pleasant hour digging a new flower bed.
Kept tabs on mum by looking through front room window. Away with the fairies or what. By the way my back is excellent.

Creepy or what!!!!

My last post entitled Joy Ride...How strange....

As I was driving to the station half an hour ago the steering wheel suddenly developed a mind all its own. So I pulled over, hazards on and inspected the motor...Err..couldn't see much, so Off I went again, this time driving with my hazards ON, so wobbly was I.
When Mr H turned up he said I'd been driving with a burst tyre!

Luckily for us the garage we use for MOTs and repair type things is opposite the station so we d...r...o....v...e.. it into their parking bit leaving a note on the windscreen.
Then we got really lucky...like a shining olive green god a number 7 bus loomed out of the dark just by the Marlborough Head sleepily and smoothly gliding along... We dashed across the road and jumped it.

And here I am at the end of day and at he end of my tether...One good note to end on was a phone call, came about the time I was smashing the dashboard with my fists and Mr H was penning his note to the garage proprietor....A gravelly voice in the darkest of nights aiding and abetting my recovery.
Thanks Mate.

Goodnight Monday
;)

Joy Ride

..........something soothing about watching thrillers while mum dreams away on her bed...
As it'll be a late late night I decided that instead of cooking proper food I'd be lazy and eat a microwaved lasagne (disgusting muck) . I didn't force this on mum however, she, the poor sleepy drugged up darling, had what was left of yesterday's boiled bacon, so cleverly cooked by Mr H.
So I, wish I could say we, watched a film called 'The Clearing' starring Robert Redford and Helen Mirren, reasonably fair, not what I expected, Redford took the honours although Mirren held her own against an all American cast.

Now, as I wait for the cooker timer to beep beeeeep (bread in oven) I'm tossing around in my head whether or not to watch Joy Rides 1 &2. Saw the first one some time ago, two fun guys play a vicious sexual mind game on CB fan, Rusty Nail..(teasing him with promises from Candy Kane) and live to regret it.
Haven't seen JR2 another load of hocum I suppose, but it'll keep me warm and smiling while I wait for the call to go pick up Mr H. (60 minutes before the witching hour)

After a rocky start today has turned out pleasant..... natterings and grazings. Only flies in the ointment being fence rage this a.m and swollen hands this p.m.
But, as Scarlett said,...Tomorrow is another day:)

Monday Morning Blues...and pinks and yellows....

I have a few packets of seeds which I'll scatter hither and yon as soon as I get a moment.

*Stock Night-Scented in shades of pinky lilac

*Cornflower (Polka Dot) again pinks mauves and reds

*Stock Virginian (Mixed) pinks whites lilac

*Sunflower (Sunburst Mixed) Yellow of course, and orange with yellow borders

*Poppy. (Shirley Double Mixed) Peach, reds, whites, softest lemon.

*Also bought Basil seeds (Sweet Genovese) will pot up and home the pot on the step by the recently invigorated Chives. Marvellous what a little tender warmth and rain does. Sure does it for me hun.

In between dreaming of London (was superb by the way) doing mum stuff......(legs, meds and errands I got angry/upset over recently widowed neighbour's request to remove bird feeders mounted on my side of fence on account of helpless pigeons doing what comes naturally. Poo poo.
I obliged reluctantly.
17 years of doing what both God and I likes, i.e. feeding our feathered friends by mounting two little plastic trays on the fence..... now, suddenly, shit becomes an issue.
I don't have the will or strength to argue with her, I'm supposing that every little irritation becomes monumental when one's heart is broken.
I will though buy a bird table and station it out of her prying crying eyes.

I have a zillion things to do now, starting with re-charging my batteries with ham and eggs!

Then WORK girl WORK:)

After what can only be described as a painfully busy day I'm ripe for slumber.
Dinner was successful, nasi gorenge rich and spicy, steak and kidney pud well liked. Mum pleased me lots by enjoying a small plate of rich chocolate pudding.

We've all had a chat, Mr H is looking forward to the weekend and I am prepped for take off:)

My nightly routine now awaits...
Scrubbed face.
Cucumber gel plastered under eyes.
And fourth chapter of 'The Cottage'.
Ooooooh!

x

Never a moment's peace

So I'm as glad as glad can be that I'll be in London for the weekend!

Bought mum a new duvet today, had a rewarding chat with nursey, popped to the blasted Co-Op, cleaned the bird bath... hate to think any of my little friends with tummy upset due to my neglect. Refilled feeders. Stared at front garden wondering what to do. Then stared at back garden wondering what to do. I have inklings but never seem to have the time to either plan or execute my ideas.
Hoovered.
Washed mum then did her bed sores with good cream. Her NHS coverings are ok but slide off easily due to a sliding mum.
Nursey will come no more. So we were relieved and made happy by that. But good old Nursey told me what to do regarding wounds re-opening...
Faffed around with bags, saucepans and plastic pill holders.
Changed bedding. Again.
Ate two digestive biscuits leaning against the kitchen sink not giving a hoot about hip size. I love my kitchen sink it gives me a window onto the world. Had window wide open. Needed the fresh air.
Stood in garden talking to a blackbird.
Varnished mum's legs. Put her in her new purple nightie and made lots of leek soup.
Haven't watched a blasted thing on the telly which, in times past has saved me from feelings of utter despair, no time now for such luxury.
And I recorded a neat horror/thriller the other night too, called HUSH. When I'll watch it is anyone's guess.

As I type a pound of haddock is simmering in a pint of milk. A fish pie in the making. For Mr H and mama tomorrow.
Some pork, rice and veg are waiting to be made into Nasi Gorgeng. For Mr H and me tonight.
While I do all that a heap of laundry is hanging over the back of the armchair waiting to be flattened. I will do THIS.

Once upon a time I had sweet little harmless schedules now I don't. My day-to-day business is run at speed and I don't like speed. I prefer taking things easy and accessing my text messages and emails when I see fit. I can't always do that now. I love my mum but this love is costing me my independence.

So when I go to London tomorrow to visit my mate I'll drink too much, eat too much and forget about Love.

Lovely little film on this afternoon...

23 Steps to Baker Street.
Well worth watching.

On the menu...


Marjoram pork chops
Taglietelle
Garlic bread


The chop dish is from Mary Berry's Book of Meat Cookery. Browned shoulder chops, fried onions and finely sliced garlic are layered with thinly sliced carrots, then a can of tomatoes, dark brown sugar, red wine vinegar and Italian herbs are mixed in. Seasoned with salt and pepper of course.
In oven for an hour. Can be left for much longer as it's a good natured dish which doesn't turn into anything horrible if forgotten about or delayed due to trains.

The pasta is available from any corner shop.

Having some day old homemade poppy seed bread is handy because I'll spread big slices of it with garlic butter then pop in the oven, under the chops, for the last ten minutes.
Result..Crisp hot and drippingly yummy.

Unsure about pud, probably fruit.

Re: Earlier bag post...
The handbags are causing uproar in the drawing room, which is great!
Mum is using two, both red, I plumped for the off-white/navy blue chain handled one with totally matching purse and make-up bag.

Must fly have a million tea bags to brew:)

And Man U to watch...Channel 5.19:30hrs

Ok I've really done it this time...

Before doing anything else I HAD to pop to Southend to buy a few new bags. Yes you heard correctly...a few new bags.

As mum and me ate breakfast we yammered on about handbags and what silly sausages we've been sometimes...You know....Seeing a bag and not getting it for one reason or another. So as our rice krispies and weetabix congealed mum and me groaned on about whether or not the perfect bag exists...
Of course it does only we don't know where it is!
Could be posh stores, charity shops or indeed inside my very own wardrobe..who knows. We were stumped.
"I could pop to Primark and see if there's anything"
Before I could say Dolce and Gabbana mum leapt up, well maybe not leapt exactly, more of a gentle chest thrust.

"Go there! Get them all!"

I love my mama but on hearing this I did wonder about her brain.
But being a good girl I obeyed and went to do Primark.

The sun shone and me radiant in red and white hit the palace of tat with all the zeal of a woman in love.

Once inside I headed, almost in a hypnotised state, to the accessory section.
And there they hung.
All sorts of handbags and me with a pocket of money and orders to buy the lot.
Well, what could I do but obey.

I was to buy bags for mum and bags for myself and that if I saw any other accessory I was to get that too.
Withing five minutes I had four bags hanging on my left arm, a cream one, a coral one, and two red ones, and then after wiping the glow from my nose I snatched three luscious purses, one cosmetic bag and a fabulous cream quilted vanity case.:)

Looking at my watch I hurried to the till...(had a meeting coming up) and as I dropped the goods on the counter the girly had to ask for help!
A big carrier bag was required. Ooooh it did feel spectacularly indulgent seeing all those smashing essential accessories going in the huge paper carrier.
Anyway.
I handed over cash, ran out into the street into the sun......... running indeed all the way down to the sea shore where my luncheon-friend was picking me up.

Food sure tasted good:)
Then.
Home to a silly girly mum who, as I speak, is holding up her bags, this way and that way. Smiling and laughing with all the joy that only a bunch of new handbags can bring:)


Best medication in the world....

Taking a break...

Oh Boy!

Today's Love Quote has made me think...

What I love.
And what it says about me.

Philip Glennister.
Lemons.
Old bags.
Red lipstick.
Talent shows.
Port Wine.
National and International Politics.
Football.
Chicken legs.
Horror stories.
Jesus.
Clint Eastwood.
Dancing.
True Love.
Flirting.
Pub Lunches.
Harry Hill's TV Burp.
Yesterday Channel.
Flowers
Geeks.
Hairy chested Meat luggers.
Cats.
Birds and the Bees.
Richard Dawkins.
Documentaries about how to make a nuclear bomb
Prunes.

So after looking at that lot I must be bonkers!

Raining here.
But rain is alright.

Have just made two Ploughman's Lunches.
On the old plates...
Batons of Cheddar, a few small buttered Oatcakes, a slice of homemade Poppy Seed bread for me, a spoonful of Sainsbury's general onion chutney and half a red nameless apple.
To drink? For mum. Sugar free Lemon Squash in a glass mug and, for me, milk.

If I have time this afternoon I'll make a dozen tarts.

For tonight...Lamb Chops and loads of mint sauce for mum, sticky coated chicken for me and Mr H. Copious amounts of vegetables.
Pud might be a Queen of Puddings, a fairy tale dessert made with everyday stuffs.
Talking about puddings, last night we had Lemon Puddle Pudding, a light tangy moussey type sponge hiding under its softness a sweet and sour lemon sauce.
Utterly perfect in every way. Simple to construct! Economically friendly and pleasing to the eyes.

Satisfaction comes in many forms.

Talking of which I bought 3 stunning green cushions this morning.

Keane not too Keen

Just seen Roy Keane on the telly putting in his two pennorth over Chelsea players, not acting in a professional way said Keane. All this to-do over the manager I expect.
Couldn't get all of what's going on on account of seeing to mum's bits.
But the match, which kicks off soon, looks to be interesting, seeing as Roman has threatened, that unless the boys in Blue get their act together, he'll sack the bloody lot.
Cool!

By the way I've made Spag Bol for tonight followed by Lemon Puddle Pudding.

Must Dash>>>>>>>>>>Kick off:)

Great news from Nursey.

Fresh pink scar tissue meaning no more bandaging...
Then Nursey and me peering down onto mum's foot cradling it like something newborn. Aaaaah. Only fly in the ointment...toe nails need more pruning.
And so...after exchanging jokey views about pliers, diuretics and the weather the jolly nurse left.

Talking of water...my drain is so blocked.
Already been outside in rubber gloves giving it what-for with a metal pole but so far zilch. Not gone down an inch. I hate grey water.

But let's not be downhearted it's Super Tuesday and all is well:)

Impressionistic

".....done with shuffling in lightless rooms
She turns fast on brittle heels
hugging under her breath the name of the man she loves
truly......
Two pebbles in a pocket one scratch beneath her heart


I have no idea what the above means. It popped in as I shoved and straightened mum's mattress.

Bags Girls Bags! Updated

Vanity Case. Price £1. Perfect inside. All I need now is a weekend away. Bought in local charity shop, you know the one, the one where Joan works.

Brain Malfunction Day. Price £2:20. Good condition inside and out. Wish I could say the same about its owner. If truth be told I'm not really a faux fur kind of gal, but there's something ditzy about leopard/tiger print which appeals to the mini-starlet in me. Never lasts long though always return to more serious affairs.

The Red One. Leather. Great looking but a bit fussy due to flap over AND zip. I get ratty with unnecessary excessive closures.

The Wide one in yellow and red, made of silk in Vietnam is as light as a mousse and very friendly. Price can't recall but bought in London in Salvation Army shop on a very wet day.

The Wide white leather one also bought in London, Notting Hill Housing Trust shop, a Kenneth Cole design USA. Gorgeous but so heavy once filled.

The cute patterned black silk one at the back designed by Suzy Smith, a real favourite, been to all kinds of places with me. Some innocent, others, places you wouldn't take your aunt Nellie to. LOL!

The Mauve affair on the right was bought in charity shop on the Sydenham Road, London pricey...£4:95. Why not just say a fiver for heaven's sake. Roomy fun funky vinyl but used when mum was in hospital so have negative feelings about it. Hence no no more usage.

Aah the Tan one with its back to us...Exquisite but stained calf leather and so worn away with someone elses constant use that I can't be seen with it. I have a thing about stains. When I saw it though hanging on the rail it reminded me of Enny bags. And I love Enny bags. So bought it. Twit.

The Patent leather brown one dead centre bought in Hockley charity shop £8. Crumbs I thought but bought it anyway. It's a delicious hark back to olden times when handbags tended to 'Click Shut'. Interior perfect. Fawn suede. Little side pocket for mirror and zipped pocket for something else. No phone pouch. Yippeeeee!




Just been out....
No bags today in the shop but a tiny blue enamel teapot 50p, a German duck mug 40p and, especially so Terry P. can mock the life out of me, a Pewter Hip Flask..
Pic coming later.

There's Treasure To Be Found in Charity Shops...

A Posh Russell & Bromley handbag bought in London charity shop when I was slimmer:)

Morning All:)

Some time today I'll ask Mr H. to take pics of a few handbags bought from Charity Shops.
He may be some time...Meanwhile here's one taken a few years ago. Love the bag but oh dear that skirt!

Talking of Time...
For dinner today a slow roasted bacon joint with parsnips, carrots and tattiebogels, as it'll take a good while to cook I'll probably put a rice pudding underneath.
Also being knocked about...Bread. The last one I made didn't rise as high as I wanted or expected. I remember I was multi-tasking at the time, a skill I have but don't like, at any rate the bread showed its displeasure:(
Sop today's loaf will have all my attention. As should all food.
Someone said the most important thing about food is that there should be some. True. But whether it's bought or grown, lavish or frugal whatever goes on your plate should be shown respect.
I hate sloppy loveless plates.

Have a couple of things I'd like to watch on the telly but time isn't always on my side or even my own so I'll do what I can and hopefully grab a documentary or horror film:)

It's raining as I type.
Dressing gown still on.
Stillness and calm before I go into the front room to see Mum.
A cup of tea first and feed the birdies.
Seals the deal for me:)

Feeling Fab!

Mr H. and I went to Southend-on-Sea, not for a plate of cockles or tattoo but just to browse and play.

And shop.

And shop we/I did. :)

I saw, in the window of The British Heart Foundation charity shop down by the coastline, theee most luscious leopard print/brown vinyl handbag. Oh yes. Scrambling around in the not-to-touch-contents-of- window, window my little hands grabbed the wicked beauty.
Mmmmm. So bad but so good and so utterly ghastly and without flare or taste but I loved it so I paid the lovely lady cashier £2:20p.
Hugging it I searched for more treasures..
And as Mr H. with head bent to one side perused the groaning book shelves, I happened upon a large dark brown enamel cooking pot. Circa 1970's. Can one nearly die with pleasure 'cos if one can, then I surely did.
But resurrected myself pretty damn quickly in order to hand over £3 to the little lady.

I'd only been in the High Street for half an hour and already loved up.

Could I feel any happier?
tee heeee.

Yes. 3 glass mugs for 99p. Brand New. For serving ice creams with cake as seen on Masterchef.

Yes two DVD's. The Devil's Advocate and Inside Man from a fairly newish shop in the High Street, can't remember the name, but was chokka with folks all fingering the dvd, Blue ray, c.d., Playstation shelves. Lacking some imagination we headed straight to the pre-owned movie area...Where my mouth watered...£3

Then some sustenance from an airy open plan green wicker chaired eaterie called Bird Wood, I think. Just had a drink of tea and orange juice. I think I might take all my friends there. Am willing to foot the bill only as long as no-one wants Ring Donuts. Bit dear.

Anyway...

As my mobile is dying Mr H. suggested getting a new one. Nothing fancy or wham bang lights action sort of thing, just a small communication device so as I can communicate sometimes!
And after a long chat with the gal in Carphone Warehouse, a nice manly yet disappointing talk with Asif in T-Mobile we sped off to Phones 4 U. Nah, numpties and nothing on their shelves which fitted the bill or Mr H's wallet.
So after some advice from a Nerdy poppet in another shop we headed along the highway to another shop called something phones or phones something anyway as I sat in the car Mr H. went inside.
I took advantage of this free time to check out my new cosmetics...All pink and brown. Pretty as a picture pink lippy, crushed walnut colour eye shadow, cucumber eye gel, and not forgetting mum's a Woman too, a pair of toe nail clippers.

So the sun shone in then I saw Mr H. approaching fast. Holding within his white pen pusher hands a small box.
I was so excited!
After some tomfoolery he dropped the box onto my skirt saying "Hope it's alright"
OH MY GOD!
It's pink and shiny and makes calls and does texts and even has the facility to log on and check my emails and blog.
I was so happy again.
We screeched away passing KFC, Subway, Motorcycle shop and kids with balloons. The sun glowed bright and I was going home with simples goodies.

And as the car did turns and sudden stops (bad cyclist) the roll of good lino (Off-Cut) stayed steady...:)
Finally managed to bag some for the bathroom-of-disaster.
Colour?
Design?
Tree effect.
:)

Blood,Breasts and Stuart Pearce

Three men injured last night...
A smartly dressed Pearcey.
A few goals.
A few cheers.
Many tears.
A lotta blood.

Just another night in with the lads:(

So despite failing to win I relished every one of the ninety-odd minutes, pity we didn't stomp on the Dutch heads, but as sides go, they're not too bad a team to go down to.
(Glo losing her last remaining marble)
I was though, a little miffed by Pearcey's fashion faux pas....Blue suit instead of usual fighting attire of tracky bottoms. Must have been trying to instill fear into the lads by wearing such garb. Love him dearly though..... the nutter:)

Talking of nutters....The F.A. are really giving me the pip. They KNOW who they want so why not let the rest of us numpties know. I'm telling ya, all this is driving me to orange juice. For pity's sake the whole Euro thing kicks orf fairly soon and the boys, bless them, needa leeda. You know another thing, I wouldn't be the least surprised if 'Arry sadi NO!
And neither would I be stunned if some Foreigh Johnny took up residence on the bench. It's a baffling old game.

Cooking tonight and being served quite late.
Sweet and sour vegetables.
Baked chicken breasts.
Thin noodles.
2 Pancake rolls.

And no pud on account of a late lovely lunch.

Gorgeous day weather wise, I went out without a vest.

Cheerio All:)

By the way..I have another loaf rising. Nigh on dusting the fluorescent tube it is. Horrible thing. Tube that is, not bread:)