Of course we didn't really get rid of the dog. She has been rehoused within our house and has a new nickname 'Harry'. She has taken up residence in the cupboard under the stairs a la Harry Potter. She loves her new home and finds it very cosy :)

Battersea dogs home?

Twas the night before Christmas..........or rather the night before the new American style fridge/freezer arrived and we realised that we had better clear a space for the new frigo extrordinaire. The only thing that needed moving out the way was the dog's basket. But where to put it? Couldn't find anywhere suitable, so she has had to be rehoused.
The next morning at 7am the fridge arrived as planned, but  the delivery gents. couldn't get it through the doors.Why did no-one tell us it was SO big?! Not only did we have to take the hall and kitchen doors off, but also the doors of the fridge itself. But, now it is in place, it is fantastic. However, I may have to work overtime to pay for the cost of filling it up with loads of goodies.


Lily-G!!!




before

after

Poor Rolo!

A bad case of malapropism

I thought I'd write an update on my new ventures in the gym. I was trying to think of an interesting title for my little piece of prose. The word 'Gymnophobia' came into my head! Luckily I looked it up in the dictionary first. It's true I don't like looking at myself naked in the mirror (Does any woman my age?). Does that make me gymnophobic?
When ever I get my vocab. wrong I am reminded of my dear Auntie Olive and how she declared in public that she was 'ravishing' - she meant 'ravenous'.

Anyway, back to the subject of the gym. I think I may be good enough to enter the next Oxford/Cambridge boat race. I have discovered that I have been setting the rowing machine resistance level much higher than I thought. You can set it between 1-10. I was under the impression that 10 was the least resistance and therefore the easiest. However, whilst ear wigging a gym trainer, who was inducting someone to the gym the other day, I noticed he started the newcomer (half my age) on number 3 and was telling her how she could build up gradually to 4 or 5 over the next few weeks. Well - I am on number 8! My biceps are going to be very well developed at this rate.

Happiness is...............

Had such a lovely Sunday. Sent Amber and her cousins off to visit my parents in Sussex clutching flowers for Mum and chocs for Dad (what do you buy a man who has everything?) for his 91st birthday. Hope they don't wear Dad out, but it will make his day to be visited by 3 of his grand-daughters, who all love him dearly. Martin did his own thing (ignorance on my part is bliss) and Simon was out most the day. So I had some 'me time' and took myself off to Upminster to spend my £10 voucher in Roomes Stores. Didn't find anything to buy, but I had a lovely walk round. The Sunday bus service wasn't up to much, so I walked home in the beautiful sunshine with my iPod blaring out my fave tunes, feeling on top of the world. Doesn't sound very exciting I know, but I wish every day could be like today.

I had a professional massage after work today and my goodness did I need it. I came out of work feeling like this:-

My massage had the effect of making me feel more like this:-

And now all I have to do is this:-

but for another massage as opposed to Valium!

Food glorious food

I'm going to be jettisoned to a remote South Pacific isle, where I will be whisked off into the ease of life sans care - well at least it promised me all this on the packet of green tea that a colleague from work gave me to try. I surrendered and treated my palate to it's sumptuous delight and tried desperately to experience the indulgence of 'green tea passion', but failed dismally. I would much rather surrender to a cup of Gold Blend (caffeine and all) and the purple bar of chocolate I saw advertised this morning. YES Quality Street purple wrapped hazelnut caramels - in a bar. I bet they are heaven on earth.
As usual for me, everything is about food. I am so excited. I have ordered an American-style fridge/freezer. I've been hankering after one for ages. Imagine how many purple bars I'll be able to store in it! My freezer has packed up and so we are eating all the contents and I am having to cook all the meat asap so that not too much needs to be thrown out. Right now I am in the process of cooking a large 4lb joint of beef with roast potatoes, veg. etc. I wouldn't mind but I'm the only one at home to eat it. Simon's at work, Martin's away with college overnight and Amber's a vegetarian.

Meanwhile, I'm trying desperately to lose weight after my time off work recently when I really overindulged, but more importantly I have been trying to get fit. Since joining the gym, 3 weeks or so ago, I have been to the gym 3 times each week and badminton club started again last night. I am enjoying my gym sessions, but am I the only person who is too scared to let go of the handles on the treadmill? I don't even run. I do a steady pace at about 6 mph.

Went to see Dolly Parton's Better Day Tour at the O2. She was brilliant. Not only can she sing, but she is very entertaining and has a great sense of humour. Despite being an OAP she is also one sexy lady. I wore my Dolly t-shirt and shocking pink shoes with pride. Next time I must make sure I have a pink cowgirl hat to wear too!

South Downs Run

Bluebell

Went on the West Sussex MG Owners Club South Downs Car Ralley, which started in Chichester and ended in Eastborne. Good fun.

I have finally got around to making those Winchester Mill Cheese Scones and also made a Victoria Sandwich, which we took with us on our first mini-holiday in the caravan. And I do mean mini - 1 whole night! Went to Battle, East Sussex and took the opportunity to visit the 'old folk' while we were nearby. Amber celebrated her 20th birthday by spending the weekend camping with friends and Martin went too. As you can imagine, our campsites were of totally different ilks.

I may as well keep blogging while I'm "on a roll"

I've learnt something new. When we stayed in our 5 star hotel (not sure how it got 5 stars) in Bath, I noticed that the toilet roll has been folded onto a triangular shape at the end. I have never noticed this before anywhere. "How posh" I exclaimed to Simon, who apparently knew that this was common practice. Well, I was so impressed that I took a photo! And, not to be out done, I have done the same to our loo roll in the caravan. I wonder if Simon will notice.

Since then I have done a little research and discovered that it's true. Hotels often pleat the down-hanging flap into a kind of inverted bishop's mitre arrangement, not dissimilar to origami-esque table-napkin folding, perhaps as a gesture to demonstrate to the guest that they are the first to use the roll, or an indication: 'Pull here, you slob'.
But there's more to it. Apparently there is also the question of whether to under hang or over hang your loo roll. I wont go into the ins and outs of this.
Does anyone agree with me when I say I really do need to get back to work sooner rather than later?

Cuddly?!

Yikes. I've just made the mistake of weighing myself. I've put on nearly a stone. Must be muscle! No point thinking about it until my annual leave is over next week.

Friday 26 August 2011 by Spacey


Number of people describing themselves as cuddly continues to increase

A study carried out by medical journal The Lancet, has claimed that the number of people describing themselves as ‘cuddly but with a great sense of humour’ is set to increase significantly in the next 20 years.
Tougher action on obesity-related problems, such as garish shirts and a serious misuse of the word ‘voluptuous’ must be tackled, the report says.
With the levels of annoyingly loud people who ‘have a lot of love to give’ already at epidemic proportions, news that it could get worse will come as a blow to people who just fancy a quiet night out.
The report is also critical of Public health minister Anne Milton’s insistence that the best way to achieve results is by “saying lots of words that don’t actually mean anything”.
Obesity epidemic
“The UK is second only to America when it comes to the number of people who have a full figure, an outgoing personality and are looking for friendship,” revealed Oxford University expert Professor Klim McPherson.
Dr Frank Atherton, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: “We found that some people had a very real phobia of salad which could only be alleviated by the addition of lots of cake.
Unfortunately, the consumption of lots of cake can cause separate issues such as over-the-top jolliness and non-existent glandular problems."

Seriously though, I don't believe that size matters one iota. I just want to be rid of all my aches and pains.

More firsts

I have joined the local gym. Apart from a VERY brief visit to a tiny gym in Centreparcs with Amber a couple of years ago I have never set foot inside a gym. It took the young lady 1 1/2 hours to do my induction session, because I literally had no experience of any of the equipment and wanted to try everything out. I've been there with Simon 3 days in a row now and have to admit I am enjoying it. I wonder how long it will take before the novelty wears off. Have you seen this latest news headline?

Wednesday 31 August 2011 by Waylandsmithy


Gyms urge cash-strapped Britons to ditch mortgages ‘or risk bingo wings’
Gyms throughout the UK have admitted to secretly contacting struggling members, urging them to cut non-essential expenditure such as crisps, mortgages and life insurance.
“Some members are struggling to meet our already reasonable ‘Super Platinum Hero Saver’ membership fees”, explained Dick Heuer, owner of the chain of ‘Rawthighs’ fitness clubs.
“But when you ask them to choose between a roof over their heads or a really ripped set of abs, the choice becomes obvious.”
“That’s why we now let so many of our members live in tents in the carpark.”
Gyms very important say Gyms
Consumer groups have accused gyms of exploiting their customers but Heuer dismissed this suggestion: “Our members will all tell you the same thing: if you can’t bench-press 200 kilos, can you live with any dignity anyway?”
“Our gyms offer all the facilities of the modern home: showers, TVs and special powdered drinks to build massive thighs.”
“Who would honestly choose to own a home, when they could spend every waking hour pounding our treadmills watching Beyoncé videos?”
Gym member Gary Trimble is much happier since he handed his house keys back to the bank and moved into his local club.
“At first, I missed my family, obviously. But since I started spending more time at the gym, I haven’t looked back. In fact, I can barely turn my head at all with my new 23-inch neck.”
Gym membership can also cut down other costs, as Trimble explained: “I’ve been keeping everyone on Facebook up to date with my regime: ‘checking in’ to the rowing machine, ‘Liking’ the sauna.”
“I seem to have encouraged them. My mates must be so busy working out these days that they never answer their phones. It’s saving me a fortune.”

Well I could always live in the caravan!

Yesterday I went in a canoe for the first time with Simon along the River Chelmer at Papermill Loch. I have done sailing before (hold a RYA level 2 certificate), but never canoeing. After my hard work paddling I, of course, indulged in a coffee and large piece of Victoria sandwich. We also discovered a nice little caravan site along by the river and so one day, if we don't want to travel far from home, but want to get away from it all (i.e. the 'children'), we may stay there. We are even considering buying our own canoe. Simon already has a navigation licence for the River Chelmer and is an experienced kayaker.

New Experiences

Roman Baths

My first visit to Bath. Loved it. Wish I could afford to live there, but it's well out of my league. After a tour of the famous Roman Baths we had tea in the Pump Room. Unfortunately (!) Simon didn't like any of the little cakes so I had to attempt to eat them all myself. I wasn't really dressed appropriately for afternoon tea. I was proudly wearing my new Bath Ruby Club rugby shirt ready for my first ever experience of a live rugby match - a friendly (you could have fooled me) between Bath and Bristol. Simon had to explain the game to me from the very basics and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bath won. I'm all psyched up for the World Cup now.

The Stadium, Bath Rugby Club





Bath v Bristol

It was chilly the next day, whilst walking the length and bredth of Bath, so I sported my rugby shirt again and appeared to become an integral part of an official guided tour. We heard a guide, walking behind us, point me out to his group several times as he explained that Bath was a rugby town and that the lady in front was wearing Bath Rugby colours. I'm thinking of charging Bath and North East Somerset County Council for my services!
We booked into the Therma Spa and enjoyed a morning sampling the Kraxen Stove, pools and steam rooms - so relaxing. This was another first for me. I've never been to a spa, health farm or whatever. We wanted to have a traditional massage, but they were fully booked. Nevermind, I've booked into The Vanilla Room for a neck, shoulder and back massage in a couple of weeks.

Red sky at night...........

This was the view one evening in Essex last week. I wasn't the only one to notice. This photo was downloaded from an Upminster resident on Upminsteronline @ Twitter.