My blog is back!

I have been using my new phone to post statuses to facebook but can't seem to post my blog so this won't be as frequent as i spend more time at my caravan with only the phone for Internet access.
This is no hardship but I do enjoy posting the blog so I am happy to be doing this now.
It is pretty amazing to think that my dream of selling my house came true almost a month ago.
Life has been a whirlwind since but it is lovely seeing the first step of my plan coming together.
I am enjoying looking at potential flats etc. and when the right one comes along it will be lovely to move in.
It will soon be the Easter holiday and I am really looking forward to visiting friends and family including walking on Dartmoor with canine friends.
It is beautiful seeing Spring bring things to life around my caravan. The daffodils are poking their heads up and the sun is shining more and more often!

Caravan season!

Today the caravan park is officially open! This means I will be spending lots of time in my caravan and wont be on-line so often. My new phone enables me to check emails etc when the reception is OK but sometimes the signal is poor. this means I have no excuse ~I will be able to up my game on reading books I have waiting for me and also writing!
I am very excited!

Dosa's are delicious!

To celebrate Graham's birthday a group of us went out to a Dosa retaurant. The food there is delicious. A Dosa is a crepe made from rice flour.
It is served with a selection of sauces and dips. You tear a chunk of crepe and dip it into spicy sauce. I had a Masala tea. It was a lot like Chai tea. It was beautifully spicy.
The staff were really friendly and the bill was really reasonable.
I would definitely recommend trying a Dosa if you have never had one.

This is my Gran tucking into a different kind of crepe!

Roast potatoes

I really like roast potatoes.
I had lovely roast potatoes for lunch today.
I don't know why roast potatoes are so much nicer than other potato dishes.
They go perfectly with gravy too.
I even like them cold with mustard so now you know!

I love this photo of summer flowers. It makes me think of long summer days....

getting used to the new

I feel pretty amazing. My life has changed a lot lately.
I have moved house and am in the process of buying somewhere new.
I had to clear out so much stuff in the moving process and at the time there was just so much to do. All that pressure is off now.
I don't know exactly how things will pan out but it is so nice knowing there aren't lots of things that need dealing with.
The kids were back in school today so you could argue everything is back to 'normal' but it feels different.
I am definitely entering a new phase in this adventure called life!
I like this photo for a number of reasons. the picture was given to me by some special people, I decorated it for Christmas and the decking in the background is in  my old lounge.
Happy memories!

back to work!

Lot's of pupils, students and staff went back to school and college today.
It is a weird feeling fitting into one routine after doing something completely different.
It was good to see everyone today and some staff are really good at baking and so I was able to benefit from some delicious potato salad, carrot cake etc.
It is weird getting up early after a week of getting up when I want but luckily my trusty alarm did not fail me!    
This is a short term and as the weeks go by Spring will gradually appear!              

Greenwich is lovely

Ollie loves going to Greenwich park. It is such a good place to go to meet other dogs and they are usually pretty friendly. The market is a brilliant place to buy lovely food and crafts.
It is a great place to go any time of year and the park looks different in every season.
The dogs love chasing the squirrels and Ollie keeps his eye on what the people are eating to see if he can steal something!
I sound like I am advertising the place but it really is one of my favourite places to go!
Back to work tomorrow, what happened to the week?
It will be Caravan season soon and lots of lovely camping trips in the van.
Spring is definitely on its way.

crazy dogs!

Ollie is having fun with Burt and Rufus.
Their idea of fun includes making wild growling noises and running about. Poor Rufus has a poorly paw so he isn't joining in with the mayhem as much as he would usually.
Ollie may be the smallest but he certainly makes the most noise and creates the most chaos.
If you came back as a dog, what breed would you come back as, given the choice?
Ollie is a Jack- Russell cross. I definitely think being him would be a lot of fun but you would need quite a thick skin as you would drive every human or animal within 100 metres absolutely crazy!

In this photo Ollie is quiet for a rare moment!

Soon be time for camping!

I looked up some camp-sites near to where my daughter lives as later this year we are going camping there. I love camping.
I watched Four in a Bed yesterday. This is a programme about B and B owners visiting and rating each other's places. On this episode one couple ran a 'Glamping' site. They had lovely little wooden pods for their guests to stay in. They looked beautiful and inside they appeared really cosy.
I would be quite happy living in one.
If only the planning laws were a little more flexible in  UK.
I think a lot of people would be happy living in a cabin with a nice wood-burner inside to keep them warm in the winter.
In the mean time I eagerly await camping season and look forward to some happy camping times in the weeks ahead!

How can it be Thursday so soon?

This week has gone by so fast!
I had a lovely walk out yesterday with the dogs and it was so sunny and mild it was so easy to imagine that Spring is nearby.
yesterday was Wednesday.
I find once Wednesday passes the week seems to gallop past and before you know it another week has gone.
It is lovely taking time out from work especially now all the moving chaos is past!

my friend Sarah's cute dog when he was a pup!

sunny days!

I have woken up this morning to beautiful sunshine streaming in through the window.
It is so good driving along in the sunshine too. It was beautiful in Folkestone yesterday. The sea and sky look fantastic when they are clear blue and the sun beams down.
There may be rain again soon but for now it is easy to imagine that Spring is just around the corner!

little flat

I made an offer on a sweet little flat today. I will have to see if the offer is accepted. It was a beautiful sunny day today and I spent time in Folkestone looking at the clear blue sea. It was absolutely stunning. The flat is just what I am looking for so time will tell if this is the place for me.
I believe everything happens for a reason so if the flat is right then my offer will be accepted and if not I will see what else is available.
It is  my lovely daughter's birthday tomorrow and I wish I could be there with her. I hope she enjoys the present I bought her. I am so proud of my kids and am really looking forward to seeing them both later this year.

Dear Mr Cameron, Please reconsider...

Dear Mr Cameron,
I was listening to the radio recently and heard that you are recommending cutting the benefits of people who are obese or drink and/or smoke heavily if they do not agree to treatment.
I sincerely hope that this never happens. Over eating, smoking and drinking excessively are addictions. People may well be aware that such behaviour risks their health but the reasons for this behaviour are deep seated and complex.
Many people caught up in addictive behaviour do this to block out extremely painful issues. They need support and care, not punishment and threats.
People rarely respond to 'the stick' approach.
Punishing these people for having an addiction will only lead to a spiral of depression and despair.
Many have families who rely on the benefits they receive and will suffer too.
Cutting the benefits of people who are already financially poor is surely not the answer.
Many rich people suffer from the same addictions you are targeting with this policy. I am pretty sure some members of your own party have these difficulties that they may be struggling to resolve even with considerably more money at their disposal.
I hope I misheard what was being discussed on the radio, I really do.
I would feel ashamed to live in a country that punished the poor and addicted by cutting their benefits and plunging them further into poverty especially at a time when the organisations that support people with addictions have had their funding cut.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31464897

last times....

I have just had my last afternoon in my house. Tomorrow morning will be my last morning and tonight is my last night.
I am excited!
Ollie is less pleased seeming rather confused at all the packing up and removing.
I am off to stay with friends for a while so I may not be using the computer as often but very soon I aim to have my own place and normal service will be resumed!
The house is clean and virtually empty now. I hope the couple moving in tomorrow will be really happy.
I have really appreciated having this place over the past 12 years and am looking forward to moving on to pastures new!

Happy Valentine's Day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DL0M9P1TXk

I love this song!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
It doesn't matter if you have a partner or not.
We all have people we love and care about. Today is a day to celebrate this!
Admittedly I am celebrating by moving my stuff and cleaning my house but I really don't mind as this marks a massive transition in my life.
I have loved living in my house as it has represented a safe place to return to at night over the past 12 years. I have had some happy times here but it is definitely time to move on.
I am hopeful that the place I am looking at early next week will turn out to be the one for me. I have a good feeling about it!

Very promising

I have had a lovely evening with friends two evenings in a row! Yesterday I met Ann,Jan, Trish, Barbara and Jill at The Parrot. Tonight I met work colleagues for a meal at the Moat. What a lovely way of celebrating the end of term and the end of my time in Canterbury.
I woke up in the small hours and couldn't sleep so I decided to have a look and see if there are any suitable properties available. I found a studio flat which I like the look of. I have arranged to see it on Tuesday. Fingers crossed it turns out to be good as it is in a lovely place and the photos look great!
This weekend is clear out and clear up time ready for the off!
How exciting!

exciting!

I am excited!
There is only one more day left of school and then I move my possessions over the weekend. ( The ones that I am keeping.)
Then on Monday I complete the sale of my house.
I am so grateful to have this house and that I have paid off some of the mortgage leaving me a sum of money to buy somewhere smaller.
This is a very exciting part of my life and I have no idea what the future will hold but for once I am not worried at all.
I embrace the future and can hardly wait to see what happens next!

I never knew that!

I was listening to Radio 1 today and in 'Rage Against The Answer Machine' someone commented on how ridiculous people look when they pull into a service station and park by a pump only to discover the fuel cap is on the wrong side so they are forced to move their car so they can reach the fuel pump..
There was talk of situations when others have experienced this. This has happened to me and is quite embarrassing as other people sit in their cars and watch you making a fool of yourself.

What I didn't know or hadn't noticed is that on your fuel gauge there is a little arrow that points out which side your fuel cap is on.
I looked at my dashboard and sure enough there was the arrow as clear as day.
How have I not noticed this before?

bravery and inspiration win through every time!

I feel rather overcome.I was driving home from work listening to the radio when it was confirmed that Kayla Mueller the Aid worker has died at the hands of ISIS.
I was very sad to hear this and yet it was heartening to hear all the things that she has done in her short life to make life better for people that are not lucky enough to live free lives. She has lived a purposeful life and nobody can take that from her. Kayla living her life has made life better for others.
This got me thinking again that there really are shoots of hope growing out of all the sad moments that are frequently broadcast on The News.
At school today a lovely man called Francis came to speak to the pupils about the importance of valuing Diversity and saying No to Racism.
There are so many people devoted to making a positive difference to the people they meet. In turn this helps to spread tolerance and understanding throughout the World.
When I hear about these amazing people I feel inspired and optimistic that we can build a bright future.

one more week!

We have one more week of term.
I have one more week in my house.
This is definitely a time of change and I am happy about that.
The children at school are tired and definitely ready for a break.
Roll on the holiday!
Six years ago I went to Venice with my kids in the February holiday. It was amazingly sunny and beautiful and also absolutely freezing!

empty house!

I had a crazy day on Saturday! I virtually cleared the house with the help of a couple of men with a van.
I have a few essentials around me but I have nothing surplus here.
It is a good feeling knowing that all my possessions are either useful or I really like them.
I spent today at Graham's and we took the dog out to the wood. It was a lovely day with the sun shining. The journey back was good and now Ollie and I are enjoying a relaxing evening.
We have one more week left of term and then my house should be sold and it will be the holiday!

Hey Ho Let's go!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBUusDv6hXI

It's time for me to get my act together, get rid of all the rest of the stuff I don't need and clean up my house ready for the move!
Someone called Lee should be round later this morning to help me move everything.
This whole process has meant that I have had to rely on other people to help me. This is something I sometimes struggle with often preferring to do things myself but I have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I have received from friends, family and complete strangers as I move towards achieving this dream.
I wouldn't know where to start thanking them all individually but trust me on this~ I am so grateful!

the next step...

I dropped Ollie off at Graham's last night.
we had a nice takeaway and then in the morning I drove to work from there.
I worked a half day before returning home to meet the removal men from Necessary Furniture who arrived to remove furniture I no longer need but is still good enough for other people to benefit from.
I think it is such a good idea to have organisations like this around so that people on low incomes can afford to buy the furniture they need.
I also believe that what goes around comes around and so when we have things that we no longer need if we give them to others when we are in need ourselves help will come to us.
there is a lot of sorting out to do yet but I really am starting to realise that this is actually happening now!
Tomorrow the stuff I need to get rid of but is no use to anyone is going to be removed!

No news is good news?

I am finding it hard to decide how much News I want to listen to. The News seems mainly to be negative, plays people off one against another and spreads fear. This means that it is tempting to give it a miss altogether but on the other hand I do believe it is important to be informed about what is happening in the World particularly when some brave people risk their lives to let the World know about atrocities being committed.
I try to listen to the headlines and absorb the key points and then I try to step back and consider if there is another angle to what I have just heard.
I really think that it is important to keep things in perspective.
Bad things do happen in the World but so do good things and unfortunately the negative things seem to get the most air time.
I firmly believe that The World is a wonderful place full of amazing people. A small proportion of people have lost their way and need to rethink what they are doing to others.
When I hear News I try to consider if there is an alternative view and also consider the motives of the people sharing the story.
If they appear to be acting for the common good then fair enough as opposed to trying to manipulate the people and spread panic and mistrust.

The banana is still there!!!

I was walking along in the snow with Ollie this evening and to my amazement a banana I spotted weeks ago is still lying on the floor. I mistook it firstly for a large dog poo, then a dark green courgette before discovering its true identity was an extremely black and over-ripe banana.
I am not thinking perhaps I should go armed with dog poo bags on my hands and pick the beastie up as someone would come a real cropper on that beauty!
In other news the buyer came round this  evening to have another look at the house and tomorrow he is bringing his partner.
He seems like a very nice chap. I hope he will be very happy here.
I am so happy with the Estate Agent Will who came round this evening too. He is so helpful as are everyone who work at Locate. I would definitely recommend them to anyone selling in this area.

another productive day!

Yesterday I took things to the tip that can't be donated, sold, given away or recycled. Today I did another tip run and then loaded some things into my car to take to my caravan. I was struggling a bit to be honest as I tried to pick some heavy pictures up off the pavement to load into my car.
A teenager wearing a hoodie approached and asked if I needed any help. By this time I had things under control so I told them I was OK but 'thank's for offering, that was really kind.'
As they walked off they called over their shoulder,' I hope you have a good day.'
I said, 'Thanks, you too.'
I wish people would appreciate young people more. There is much more good than bad in them as was proved by this interaction.
I went to my caravan and was happy to find it in one piece and relatively damp free.
I was advised to leave bowls of salt out to soak up the moisture over winter and this appears to have worked as inside the caravan it is much less damp than this time last year.
The outside of the caravan needs a pressure wash and I have that booked in for the spring.
As I was unpacking my things and finding homes for them in the caravan I felt incredibly, joyfully happy.
I consider myself to be a happy person anyway but the feeling of freedom and peace that came over me was in another league!
It is a strange but positive experience whittling down possessions only keeping the things you really treasure.
I realise the things I value most are inexpensive. They include certain CD's, a few photo's and little gifts I have been given by people who really know me and really know what I like.
I may fit in one more tip run today and then I am almost ready to move!

Saturday was very productive!

Yesterday I took a lot of things that can't be sold or donated or recycled to the tip. It was hard work but worth it. On the way back I managed to squeeze into a very tight space in the supermarket carpark. Anyone who is aware of my parking skills would know how little I enjoyed doing that! In the evening I rewarded myself with a nice hot bath and watched The Voice.I love that programme and really like all the judges. This time they let one singer go who had a unique range to his voice but apart from that I think they made good choices.
I am writing this on my tablet. It takes some getting used to when I am so used to using my laptop but I try nit to get too fixed into my habits.It is good to be flexible and do things differently from time to time.

yes! It's all good and Sia is even better!

Yes! It is official. Contracts have been exchanged.This is beyond exciting and I have drunk a glass of delicious wine and it is Friday and I am all cosy and warm at home and I am happy!
Who knows what will happen next, where I will live but right now this doesn't worry me at all as I am certain the right place will come along very soon!
I am so lucky to have supportive family, friends and work colleagues who believe in me and encourage me to follow my dreams.
I was driving home singing to myself this evening when Sia came onto the radio. How good is this song?
I absolutely love it. Sia you rock!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWZGAExj-es
There is something quirky and wonderful about this song....
a bit like this one really....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z04_5pCka

The Associates  were absolutely delicious.

Happy days!
                      Whoosh!!!!!

songs to send to your younger self

If I could travel back in time and hand an iPod or some CD's to my younger self these are some of the songs I would send to myself so I would know everything will turn out great in the end. When I was younger I used to spend so much time worrying about what might happen but usually never does!
 ( or coming to think of it in those days it would have to be a tape cassette or vinyl of I wouldn't be able to play them.)

Swedish House Mafia...Don't you worry child.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y6smkh6c-0
because it is so uplifting.
Bob Marley....3 Little Birds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaGUr6wzyT8 because when you hear this you know everything really is OK.

Marc Almond The Little White Cloud That cried...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpYI0jtXuHI
as it reminds me every cloud has a silver lining.

Bob Lind -Pulp....Just because that's the time when 'you admit that you are a fuck up like the rest of us and you get to fall in love again!'...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFIBLAWI9_I

Blur....Song 2...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbBvKaM6sk because this song makes me smile from ear to ear and reminds me how exciting life is!



What songs would you send to yourself?

I have one more and it is Happy by Pharrell Williams. I think  the reasons why are obvious! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

Happy listening!

horses

I really like horses. They seem so serene somehow.
I watched a few minutes TV this evening - it was a nature programme and part of it was about the behaviour of horses. Apparently when people brush them this feels like when horses groom them with their teeth and that grooming is a sign of friendship. Apparently they only groom family and very close friends.
 I have seen similar programmes where we live side by side with other animals such as dogs and cats.
Our behaviour mimics some aspect of theirs which is why we are able to connect with animals in the way we do.
I think animals are absolutely brilliant and as I get older I value the unique relationship we have with them more and more.
It is a personal choice and I am not judging others when I say that there is no way I can eat them.
Living side by side with animals is wonderful as we can learn so much from them when they live alongside us relatively freely. As soon as they are ill treated or neglected that relationship breaks down.

We can learn such a lot from animals and our lives are enhanced by knowing them.

signed...

The contract for my house sale has been signed and posted to my Solicitor. I am hopeful that things will proceed well from  here. I am packing things up and getting ready to move.
I am very excited.
Meanwhile ordinary life goes on. I am half way through the school term.
It is so nice to drive home via my usual route without Operation Stack to contend with.
I am very appreciative that I now have a reliable car and the journey home is no longer so tedious.
Ollie is snoring as I write this. What a cute little beast he is!

good progress

Today has been a good day. I was able to drive home via my usual route as Operation Stack was  no longer operational. I went to see Dion and we went to his neighbours house and signed the contracts with them acting as a witness. I will post this to my Solicitor tomorrow and that is a major step in the right direction.
Little by little I am packing up my things and getting ready for moving day.
Not long now!

whooppeeee!!!!!

I got home from a lovely weekend away to discover the contract for my house sale is ready for me to sign and I can sign it tomorrow. It looks as if completion will take place in about 3 weeks!
I am so excited and my mind is racing with all the things I will need to arrange over the next few days!
This is something that I have been looking forward to for a long time now and it is wonderful to find that all the waiting is nearly over!
Happy days!

Superb Saturday morning!

Ahhhh bliss!
I woke up without the alarm clock blaring, went down and got myself a coffee and toast and went back to bed!
It is quiet outside apart from the distant rumble of traffic.
The water is heating for a nice bath. I have a wonderful weekend ahead and today I am reunited with Ollie.
What more could I wish for?

What is it about libraries?

I was driving very slowly home due to a repeat performance of Operation Stack and was listening to the radio. Greg James was in Norwich which is my home town. Radio One will be holding The Big weekend there which will be good. I hope they feature some local bands. Greg went to uni there and so enjoyed revisiting the UEA (University of East Anglia)  and while there he couldn't resist getting a loud hailer and creating a disturbance in the library.
There is something about Libraries. I also wish to make loud noises and do silly things in them. Surely others feel the same?

Operation Stack and a Veggie Stack!

yes, Operation Stack was in force again today with a 20 mile tail back. I drove home via another route and it took me 2 hours to get home so I drove straight into town as I was meeting friends at The Parrot.
The Parrot is such a lovely place to eat. the staff are so friendly. They do a meal called The Veggie which used to be called a Veggie Stack. I usually have it when I go there.
It has been a lovely evening. Now I am home and thinking how quiet it is here without Ollie. Graham says he is behaving himself which is remarkable!
The buyer for my house has received their mortgage offer now which is good news....

bbbbrrrrrrrrr!!!!

It's rather chilly!
I drove home late this evening as we had Parents Evening at school. Operation Stack was in force on the M20 so I had to drive home via an alternative route.
The roads were rather skiddy in places but my car ( Lucy) coped well.
I got home to an empty and rather cold house. This is because The Wally is at Graham's.
He is fine so that's good but it feels so empty and quiet in the house without his doggy mayhem!
He also keeps me warm as he is like a large hot water bottle sat next to me as soon as I get home.
He may be a rascal but life ain't the same without him!

So quiet when Ollie is on his holie

Ollie is staying with his cousins Rufus and Burt for a little while as I have a couple of lates at work and it is no fun for Ollie when that happens. Graham came to collect him and fixed a light fitting that needed fixing. Apparently when he arrived here it was snowing and settling!
By the time I got home the snow had vanished. I bet Ollie went bonkers in the snow. It turns him puppy-like!
It is so quiet at home without The Wally but I bet he is having a great time!

Blue Monday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYH8DsU2WCk

Today is officially Blue Monday so I couldn't resist mentioning the New Order track. I loved it when it came out and it's still good now.
Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year.
I quite enjoyed today myself but it is good that people are discussing mental health and how people should receive the help they need for their mental health problems just as they do for physical problems without the stigma attached.
People are generally much more tolerant of ailments if they can see them and sometimes lack sympathy for people suffering conditions such as anxiety or depression.
To me the mind is so linked with the body that if things are wrong in one area this has a negative impact on an other area. For people to feel healthy and happy both areas need to be addressed.

just got back

I have just got back from visiting my friend in Brighton. I went via M26 this time and think that is he route I will take in future as it knocked at least 30 minute each way of my journey time.
Jenni has the cutest animals. Two black kittens and a huge lovely furry German Shepherd, Bella.
It was really good to see her and the animals too.
I got home and Ollie sniffed me in amazement, how dare I spend the day with other animals? How disloyal!
He has forgiven me now and is snoring happily beside me.
I am thinking of cutting myself a nice slice of Christmas cake....

mission accomplished

Yesterday I was a little concerned as I had a lot of places I needed to be and am slower than usual because of my poorly knee.
I decided not to worry and to focus purely on the moment- where I was at the time and not worrying about the next 'leg' of the journey. ( pardon the pun!)
The first step was to get up at 4:55am and walk the dog. This was fine except for when Ollie 'did his business' he appeared to have done it right next to the biggest slug I have ever seen! I was forced to examine it at close quarters as I bent down, poo bag in hand. It was dark and gloomy.
As I loomed nearer the supposed slug I changed my mind. It wasn't a slug at all. It was a very dark green courgette! What was that doing lying there I thought?.....With a shriek I suddenly realised my mistake. It wasn't a gigantic slug or a very dark green courgette....It was a black, glistening mouldy banana!
In horror I shot back and this made Ollie jump. This was all much to the amusement of a passer by who was clearly trying to control their mirth. I was unlucky to experience a passer by at that time in the morning really!

Anyway, I walked the dog and then set off on the 40 minute walk to the train station and managed to catch the train.
I also managed to change trains successfully then walk from the station to the school.
I worked at school and then immediately caught the first train back home. Once back here I walked the 40 minute walk to the garage where Lucy was being serviced and was just able to make it for 6pm which is when they close. As I went in the door I saw they were on the phone, trying to phone me to see where I was.
I was so happy to get into my car and drive to the shop.
One essential food shopping trip later and I was on my way home to a hot bath and lots of relaxation.
I am very happy that I was able to approach today one step at a time, literally.
It illustrates the best way to live really. If we spend the majority of our time 'in the now' our lives seem to flow so much better than when we dwell in the past or worry about the future.
I got home to find an encouraging letter from my solicitor. Things are proceeding nicely in the house sale department.
Now it is the weekend where I am meeting good friends and taking it easy.  Happy days!

Wow it was windy!

It was a very windy night around these 'ere parts, last night. Ollie lay awake shaking and I was awake listening to the wind.
This morning I had to drag some wheelie bins out of the road so I could drive my car out of my road.
Things calmed down during the day and I drove home via Ashford avoiding the dramatically tedious roadworks of yesterday evening.
I got into the wrong lane on the huge roundabout and felt rather foolish circulating round trying to edge out into the correct lane without winding the other road users up too much.
I finally arrived at the garage where Lucy is having a check up as a light keeps coming on that shouldn't generally do so.
I was rather concerned about walking back home s it is quite a distance and my knee is still quite sore.
The human body is a remarkable thing. Walking home wasn't too bad at all.
I am happy to say that Ollie and I are nice and cosy for the evening. I have been listening to what sounds like hail crashing down outside. I am very happy to be warm indoors!

Saved by Greg,Chris, Zane and Jack Garrat!

Seriously, where would we be without music?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v6nNgMYcVo
I was driving home this evening and got stuck in a traffic jam that lasted 2 and a half hours.
Greg James and  Chris Smith exchanged witty banter on the radio and played some great tunes including  ' I Predict A Riot'  ~ Kaiser Chiefs....I started to perk up a bit, put on the hand break and enjoyed the music and then Zane Lowe came on and played some excellent stuff. He is a champion for Jack Garrat. I really recommend you listen to him as he is a great talent.
Having a son who is a musician I suppose you could call me biased but in my opinion many of the best people are musicians and real lovers of music!
I am happily home now listening to the roaring of the wind.

getting better

My knee is doing really well. I am able to put my full weight on my leg now and as long as I walk slowly I am OK. I have given Ollie two ( very slow) walkies.
Weirdly Ollie seems to know that I can't go any faster and seemed happy enough to shuffle along and sniff allowing me to go at my own pace.
The weather is a bit unpredictable at the moment. Every kind of weather seems to be expected in UK over the next few days.
Right now I am nice and warm indoors with Ollie snoozing nearby...

feeling grateful

As you may know I hurt my knee on Sunday. not only did Graham help me at the time, after work tonight I drove to pick up Ollie and Graham cooked for me before I drove home.
While limping about at work many staff and pupils expressed concern for me. I really felt appreciated.
The main reason Graham was looking after Ollie for me was that I had the house surveyed today. This was for the buyer so I am another exciting step closer to completion.
Now I am home, it is windy and rainy outside. Ollie is curled up beside me, what could be nicer?

Lovely weekend

I have just come back from a lovely weekend away out walking with Graham and the dogs. We went to Greenwich on Saturday and ate lovely Ethiopian food from the stall in Greenwich Market as well as delicious vegan cakes made by Ruby Tuesday.
I love the atmosphere at the market and the dogs love all the food smells!
Today we ate a roasted Crown Price Squash it was given to me by my friend Sarah. Graham cooked it with roast potatoes and a bean loaf.
Unfortunately Burt and a boisterous Staffordshire managed to send me flying and I have injured my knee.
Luckily I was looked after by Graham and was able to drive home which was a relief.
I hope the bruising comes out tonight and that it feels less painful in the morning.

I am tucked up in bed with my laptop, listening to the wind outside.
It is lovely and cosy and a lovely way to spend the evening.

We need to fix this!

http://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2015/01/07/brighton-ae-doctor-tells-prime-minister-you-lied-about-nhs/36995

I have just read an open letter from an A and E Doctor to David Cameron. It was very well written and outlined the things that need to be done to support the NHS so that it can deliver a safe service.
I am very proud of the NHS and the fact that people can go to hospitals for the treatment they need regardless of the amount of money they possess.
I admire people that decide that they want to make a different to other people's lives and train to become a Doctor/Nurse/Fire-fighter/Teacher/Police Officer etc. and then  devote their time and energies helping others.
I feel sad that so many of these amazing people are feeling demoralised and unsupported as they struggle to provide a good service with very limited resources. I feel even more sorry that people born to do these jobs are now leaving the job they love because they can't stand the situation any longer.

I admire people who keep the streets clean, the shelves stacked in our shops etc. They provide us with the everyday things we take for granted but are vital to our survival.
I admire anyone who works to help others to the best of their ability. I really admire those who are able to do this as well as staying cheerful and maintaining a sense of humour despite the pressures they face.

Some people do not have particularly glamorous jobs. They are not 'in it for the money'. Being rich does not motivate them. This does not mean that they should be expected to work ridiculously long hours for very low pay.
I believe that people should be paid a living wage. If they are, then they are able to live a comfortable life and help to generate the economy by buying non essential goods. If they are not they are forced to apply for benefits to top up their wages just to make ends meet. This is not good for the economy.

At the moment there are an increasingly high number of low paid, disillusioned workers in all fields desperately trying to work out how they are going to pay the next bill. There are young people out of work because older people are not able to retire and receive a decent pension.
This is not the fault of any particular group.
People coming to this country to work to feed their families are not to blame. Single parents are not to blame. This has nothing to do with the colour of people's skin, their religious beliefs or their sexual orientation.
Some people prefer to 'divide and rule' so that people fight amongst each other and nothing changes. I believe we need to put any differences to one side and work together to fix the social problems that are spreading rapidly through our country. These problems are not limited to UK. I know that.
Kind, caring people need to unite and work out how to solve our common problems in a fair way.
We need to think of ways to fix these challenges together so that we can all live the joy filled loves that we were all intended to live.
Can people really live a happy life knowing that others are struggling to stay alive? Surely there is enough wealth to go round if people treat each other fairly.
My wish for 2015 is that we take steps to create a fairer, more equal society.

We live in a beautiful world. Let's look after it.

Excited!

Tomorrow is a bit different for me as I have a day off work that is not part of the school holiday.
This is what life will be like when my house sells and I teach part time.
I do love my job and part time teaching while I build my future business suits me just fine.
I am training to become a life coach as soon as I sell my house.
I am also writing and hope I will have a book or two completed this year.
Tomorrow is symbolic of what is to come.
The survey for my house buyer should take place next week so things are proceeding exactly as they should.


I love the bright bits!

I love Song 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbBvKaM6sk


I was driving home today and on Greg James's 10 Minute Takeover he played Song 2 by Blur.
This song is one of my favourites as it is so full of exuberance.
It got me thinking of all the other songs that really mean something to me and then I started thinking about other people and the songs I associate with them.
If you think of someone you know quite well I bet when you think of them you can associate a song with them.
I have songs that remind me of parents, my kids, friends and colleagues.
Listening to music is such a brilliant way to enhance your life.

Lost keys, a helpful friend and a huge, beautiful moon!

I got home from work only to find I had no house keys! I searched and then figured I had somehow lost them in the house. I phoned my helpful friend Sue who has my spare key and I was able to pop over and pick it up. On the way down to her house I looked up and was struck by the sight of the beautiful moon. It was low in the sky, huge and yellow. It is not quite a full moon but it is absolutely beautiful.
Now I feel so lucky to be back home, in my house and to my delight I have found my keys!

I am celebrating good fortune and friendship with these beautiful flowers.

Slaves, Miranda and Jack Whitehall's Dad!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odiVfrEksec 

Have you heard The Hunter by Slaves?
They have been featured quite a lot on Radio One.
They are really good. They have the passion and energy of some of the live bands I used to love as a teenager. ( sigh)
On a completely different note. Did you see the last episode of Miranda recently?
I found it funny, poignant and the end of a TV era.
To cheer me up I had the most hilarious journey home from work today, driving along listening to Jack Whitehall's Dad on Greg James ( Radio 1) reading the lyrics to Nicki Minaj- Anaconda
What not to love eh?
"My Anaconda don't...
My Anaconda  don't...
My Anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun..."

(Priceless!)

I thought I would top this off with a nice piece of sea-cabbage.