Well here I am writing my final post of 2009.
It's been a funny year, one filled with happiness, aches and several little surprises, of course I've had my share of the rotten stuff but all in all I wouldn't change a thing.
So as I prepare for sleep I want to wish all my readers a good new year. You've all given me a great deal of satisfaction because there's no better feeling than knowing I'm being read!
Happy New Year Sweetie, B, Jerry, Dig, Nof, Mrs Nof and other family members around the country.
And a firm British handshake for my B.F.F across the pond, the divine and determined, D.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
I Took A Man. Nearly Into A Ditch.
This is my favourite drinking parlour, The Punchbowl, not being a frequent patron I tend to make the most of the occasional visit. It has an olde worlde atmosphere complete with open fire, china plates, open beams and horse brasses. It is my kind of dive. Sometimes piped music is played but seeing as it's old stuff I really don't mind. I have always enjoyed the food, not once having cause for complaint. The portions are man-sized but I manage. Outside you are surrounded by the iced stillness of vast acres of green Essex land, it is quite simply, beautiful.
Here I am in jiggling in pink and black baubles about to take Mr H. on his surprise pub lunch. He had no idea of what was to come, but he wasn't disappointed in any way. Being a lady, I bunged some flat shoes in me handbag on account of not being able to drive in heels. We set off a little early because I feared we'd not get a table. I needn't have worried because the only people there were two old girls rattling on about conservatories. I think they'd had a few.
Dressed suitably for lunch at my most favourite pub on earth. The Punchbowl at Church End, Pagelsham. We eventually arrived after me taking a wrong turning and ending up on someone's drive. The aforementioned drive led to a very large farmhouse which had cctv so I may end up on Crimewatch! You'll be pleased to hear that I managed to escape via a very knobbly road. Then we found ourselves by some horses, and after witnessing a very pale faced Mr H I realised we were hanging over a ditch. But fear not, my driving lessons were money well spent and I extricated myself and motor with consummate ease. We drove on...
And after the liver, bacon, bubble and squeak, broccoli and carrots came chocolate fudge cake and cream... Being a cake maker of considerable skill I had to take my hat orf to the chap or chapess who made this. It was a stunner. We had it warm and very nice it was too! Coffee was served with a Bendicks mint and a smile. I liked the waiter very much, so much so that I left a tip worth having.No alcohol was consumed in the making of this blog post. Neither was any booze drunk whilst in the pub, I am a considerate, if crazy lady driver.
Thank you very much for all your support.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
After a worrying phone call about 6:30 from a very sober Walter, John and I decided to take some soup to Henry, we found this mountain of man hanging over a full to the brim sink, his blue eyes barely open. I navigated him over to his chair and knowing he couldn't engage, made some tea and tidied up the mess in the kitchen. Walter just sat shaking his head.
As I busied myself with plates and dishcloths John kept an eye on the swaying Henry, meanwhile a very fed up Walter cursed as he hoovered up the cats mess.
Where was my ebullient charming man, the joker whose banter makes up for the slave wages and where was the nice man? He was drowning in vodka.
I showed him the soup saying "You might want to have it tomorrow".
But he didn't recognize either me or the offering. So I made yet more tea and re-filled the cat's bowls.
Walter, who looked extremely tired, gazed at the soundless telly saying that Henry had been like this all week and that he'd had a miserable time on Boxing Day. And as me, John and Walt picked up the mess, Henry went further and further away.
Then Walt noticed that his cigarettes were missing so John offered to take Walt to the shop. They left me with Henry.
I sprinted around the kitchen, which looked as if I hadn't been there for a month yet alone a week, and got it looking reasonably clean and tidy.
"Going to bed" Henry said stumbling off the stool and crashing into the glass door.
I grabbed his arm and delivered him to the bottom of the stairs where he tentatively took his first step. Then another and then another...
I watched as he went into his room, heard him fall onto his bed and then nothing. So up I went. If this is what enjoying a drink does then you can keep it. The 18 stone businessman sat on the edge of his bed his head low, his chin digging into his chest.
He mumbled indecipherable nonsense about visions and his uncle. I didn't know what to do, so I just watched him. Fearing he might fall off the bed and knock himself on the table I removed the stuff from his bedside table and loaded it with a pillow. Then I went downstairs.
After talking to the cats I took up a cup of tea, he swallowed it quickly saying he loved me. I came downstairs to John and Walt and a coke.
We sat in the warm dark front room listening to Henry wailing and all we could do was wonder. Wonder what his tomorrows would bring.
Walter thanked us for coming around and then we left.
I don't feel angry about being let down again, in fact I don't feel anything really.
It's Henry who feels it all.
As I busied myself with plates and dishcloths John kept an eye on the swaying Henry, meanwhile a very fed up Walter cursed as he hoovered up the cats mess.
Where was my ebullient charming man, the joker whose banter makes up for the slave wages and where was the nice man? He was drowning in vodka.
I showed him the soup saying "You might want to have it tomorrow".
But he didn't recognize either me or the offering. So I made yet more tea and re-filled the cat's bowls.
Walter, who looked extremely tired, gazed at the soundless telly saying that Henry had been like this all week and that he'd had a miserable time on Boxing Day. And as me, John and Walt picked up the mess, Henry went further and further away.
Then Walt noticed that his cigarettes were missing so John offered to take Walt to the shop. They left me with Henry.
I sprinted around the kitchen, which looked as if I hadn't been there for a month yet alone a week, and got it looking reasonably clean and tidy.
"Going to bed" Henry said stumbling off the stool and crashing into the glass door.
I grabbed his arm and delivered him to the bottom of the stairs where he tentatively took his first step. Then another and then another...
I watched as he went into his room, heard him fall onto his bed and then nothing. So up I went. If this is what enjoying a drink does then you can keep it. The 18 stone businessman sat on the edge of his bed his head low, his chin digging into his chest.
He mumbled indecipherable nonsense about visions and his uncle. I didn't know what to do, so I just watched him. Fearing he might fall off the bed and knock himself on the table I removed the stuff from his bedside table and loaded it with a pillow. Then I went downstairs.
After talking to the cats I took up a cup of tea, he swallowed it quickly saying he loved me. I came downstairs to John and Walt and a coke.
We sat in the warm dark front room listening to Henry wailing and all we could do was wonder. Wonder what his tomorrows would bring.
Walter thanked us for coming around and then we left.
I don't feel angry about being let down again, in fact I don't feel anything really.
It's Henry who feels it all.
...Got the boys coming over tonight so a huge pan of Minestrone is simmering on the stove. To scoop the soup I've made a big Cheese Scone measuring about 10 inches in diameter. It's packed with really strong cheddar cheese and lavishly sprinkled with poppy seeds.
I love making giant scones because I can let rip with the decorations.
Pud proved a prob.
I didn't feel in the mood for a wishy washy fruity affair so have plumped for two steamed puddings...Yes two. Being hormonal I couldn't decide which type of pud to make so I've made a Golden Syrup one and a Blackberry Jam one.
Jugs of custard will accompany my domes of delight.
Henry just called rattling on about what a dump the castle has turned into since his cleaner went on strike. God knows what I'll see when I return on Monday, a pit I expect. All I'm really interested in is seeing Blackie and Ging. Bless their furry hearts.
Got a secret thing happening tomorrow, can't breathe a word of course in case Mr H. gets wind of it. Talking of wind and rain...
Just hope it isn't chucking it down tomorrow...
Just peeped in the mirror and I look awful. Eyes are a little shadowy underneath. Will need to wave the concealer wand around.
I look ill on account of Mr H's noisy cough, I was awakened at some horrible hour and laid there listening to him barking so I slid out and tutted and moaned all the way to the settee. The rotten street lamps burned and Monty thumped my tum. I don't do sleeplessness at all well. Bear with a sore everything, that's what I am...
Well that's enough of this nonsense, I had better go sling my hook, got things to stir and eyes to lighten:)
Thanks to My Fellow Blogger Digger For The List Idea.
1.
Was 2009 a good year for you?
Yes. Met new, exciting, vigorous, handsome people and then met Henry.
2.
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Absolutely not telling but it was divine. Such behaviour warranted being arrested.
3.
What was your favourite moment of the year?
Being in the company of sweet people.
4.
What was your least favourite moment of the year?
Seeing mum unable to stand, seeing dad unable to breathe. Worrying all night over two cats which aren't even mine.
5.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No of course I didn't and yes of course I will...
6.
What are your plans for 2010?
Aahhh now there's a question. I'd like to write more poetry. Relax more. Keep my mouth closed sometimes. Go disco dancing.
7.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
A family member gave birth so I am now a Great Aunt.
8.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, Vera my mother-in-law. I wasn't as close to her as I should have been but she left her mark.
9.
How many weddings did you go to?
None. In fact I've never been to wedding. Reception yes, ceremony, no.
10.
What countries did you visit?
None. Dream of seeing Rome.
11.
What date in 2009 will remain etched in your memory?
Today, because at precisely 9:25 a.m. I danced in The Factory Shop to Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song'. I let go and it felt fantastic. I only went in for a pedal bin.
12.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Sticking at this two bit job. Drives me nuts, the pay is hideous but it's taught me lots. Mostly about how huge my sense of humour is.
13.
What was your biggest failure?
Coming out of my shell only to have my head bashed in.. Not devoting enough time to writing. Eating too many Chinese Take Ways.
14.
Did you suffer any illness or injury?
No not really. Get cheesed off with all my inflammations but all in all I've had a good year physically.
15.
What was the best thing you bought?
Oh that's easy. My shaggy brown coat. I feel fabulous and wild in it.
16.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
A couple of friends. Generous thoughtful acts beyond the call of duty.
17.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Henry's. Too many instances to list. But he's charismatic and funny. Mine. On a good day I'm a lovely woman to be with but on a bad day I'm an almighty pain in the neck.
18.
Where did most of your money go?
Charity shops. And hidden away in a box for a stormy day.
19.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The X Factor Final.
When a man shouted at me.
Jasper Conran Black Seamed Stockings.
Oriental Lillies.
Looking forward to being with hairy fun people, makes my day
20.
What songs will always remind you of 2009?
Bad Boys by Alexandra Burke. I Just Haven't Met You Yet, Michael Buble.
21.
Compared to this time last year are you:
a) Fatter or thinner? About the same.
b) Happier or sadder? Difficult one this. In some things I'm much much happier, but in others I feel impotent, so sadder.
c) Richer or poorer? Richer.
22.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. Dancing. Telling people to shove off. Being outrageous. Keeping my thoughts to myself!
23.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time trying to figure people out. Trying to please people. Thinking. Worrying.
24.
How will you be spending Christmas 2009?
Done up to the nines being the perfect hostess. Watching the telly. Talking to mum about vests. Thinking about far away friends.
26.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
No. But I fell in a big amount of adoration.
27.
What was your favourite month of 2009?
All the summer months. A bit sunburnt across the shoulders but it kind of suited me. Heat does wonders for me.
28.
How did you see in the New Year?
I was asleep. I don't do late nights even at the turn of the year. Boring or what?
29.
What was your favourite TV show?
Well I don't watch a lot of telly but I didn't miss any of The X Factor, Masterchef or Mastermind.
30.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
31.
What was/were the best books you read?
Ummmm...A mishmash of recipe books bought from charity shops.
32.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Michael Buble. Cool or what?
33.
What was your favourite film this year?
I saw 2012. Does that count? It was awful but great fun. Don't go to the pics much.
34.
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I didn't do anything special on my birthday because I was 53.
35.
What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?
Being stalked by a gorgeous man.
36.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
A glorious mix of retro, chic and out and out filth.
37.
What kept you sane?
A lot. My parents. Blogging. Chinese Take Aways. Surprise Gifts. Afternoons with chums and coconut cake.
38.
Which celebrity did you fancy the most?
Larry Lamb. Tall, dark and very old.
39.
Which political issue stirred you the most?
Gordon Brown talking about bringing in a new National Care Service.
40
Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
I don't think so. If I did it was unintentional. I can be very childlike sometimes.
41
Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
Yes but it's healing nicely.
42.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year?
Don't wait for others to join in, go ahead and dance on your own.
43.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?
A modicum of success in my writing. Recognition. Someone to pursue me because I'm so nice to be with.
44.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year...
"I just haven't met you yet". Michael Buble song.
Was 2009 a good year for you?
Yes. Met new, exciting, vigorous, handsome people and then met Henry.
2.
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Absolutely not telling but it was divine. Such behaviour warranted being arrested.
3.
What was your favourite moment of the year?
Being in the company of sweet people.
4.
What was your least favourite moment of the year?
Seeing mum unable to stand, seeing dad unable to breathe. Worrying all night over two cats which aren't even mine.
5.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No of course I didn't and yes of course I will...
6.
What are your plans for 2010?
Aahhh now there's a question. I'd like to write more poetry. Relax more. Keep my mouth closed sometimes. Go disco dancing.
7.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
A family member gave birth so I am now a Great Aunt.
8.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, Vera my mother-in-law. I wasn't as close to her as I should have been but she left her mark.
9.
How many weddings did you go to?
None. In fact I've never been to wedding. Reception yes, ceremony, no.
10.
What countries did you visit?
None. Dream of seeing Rome.
11.
What date in 2009 will remain etched in your memory?
Today, because at precisely 9:25 a.m. I danced in The Factory Shop to Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song'. I let go and it felt fantastic. I only went in for a pedal bin.
12.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Sticking at this two bit job. Drives me nuts, the pay is hideous but it's taught me lots. Mostly about how huge my sense of humour is.
13.
What was your biggest failure?
Coming out of my shell only to have my head bashed in.. Not devoting enough time to writing. Eating too many Chinese Take Ways.
14.
Did you suffer any illness or injury?
No not really. Get cheesed off with all my inflammations but all in all I've had a good year physically.
15.
What was the best thing you bought?
Oh that's easy. My shaggy brown coat. I feel fabulous and wild in it.
16.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
A couple of friends. Generous thoughtful acts beyond the call of duty.
17.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Henry's. Too many instances to list. But he's charismatic and funny. Mine. On a good day I'm a lovely woman to be with but on a bad day I'm an almighty pain in the neck.
18.
Where did most of your money go?
Charity shops. And hidden away in a box for a stormy day.
19.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The X Factor Final.
When a man shouted at me.
Jasper Conran Black Seamed Stockings.
Oriental Lillies.
Looking forward to being with hairy fun people, makes my day
20.
What songs will always remind you of 2009?
Bad Boys by Alexandra Burke. I Just Haven't Met You Yet, Michael Buble.
21.
Compared to this time last year are you:
a) Fatter or thinner? About the same.
b) Happier or sadder? Difficult one this. In some things I'm much much happier, but in others I feel impotent, so sadder.
c) Richer or poorer? Richer.
22.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. Dancing. Telling people to shove off. Being outrageous. Keeping my thoughts to myself!
23.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time trying to figure people out. Trying to please people. Thinking. Worrying.
24.
How will you be spending Christmas 2009?
Done up to the nines being the perfect hostess. Watching the telly. Talking to mum about vests. Thinking about far away friends.
26.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
No. But I fell in a big amount of adoration.
27.
What was your favourite month of 2009?
All the summer months. A bit sunburnt across the shoulders but it kind of suited me. Heat does wonders for me.
28.
How did you see in the New Year?
I was asleep. I don't do late nights even at the turn of the year. Boring or what?
29.
What was your favourite TV show?
Well I don't watch a lot of telly but I didn't miss any of The X Factor, Masterchef or Mastermind.
30.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
31.
What was/were the best books you read?
Ummmm...A mishmash of recipe books bought from charity shops.
32.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Michael Buble. Cool or what?
33.
What was your favourite film this year?
I saw 2012. Does that count? It was awful but great fun. Don't go to the pics much.
34.
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I didn't do anything special on my birthday because I was 53.
35.
What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?
Being stalked by a gorgeous man.
36.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
A glorious mix of retro, chic and out and out filth.
37.
What kept you sane?
A lot. My parents. Blogging. Chinese Take Aways. Surprise Gifts. Afternoons with chums and coconut cake.
38.
Which celebrity did you fancy the most?
Larry Lamb. Tall, dark and very old.
39.
Which political issue stirred you the most?
Gordon Brown talking about bringing in a new National Care Service.
40
Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
I don't think so. If I did it was unintentional. I can be very childlike sometimes.
41
Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
Yes but it's healing nicely.
42.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year?
Don't wait for others to join in, go ahead and dance on your own.
43.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?
A modicum of success in my writing. Recognition. Someone to pursue me because I'm so nice to be with.
44.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year...
"I just haven't met you yet". Michael Buble song.
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