In The Pink

This is an announcement There is an official: Mammia Mia Movie Channel Care of You Tube. Just follow the link !

I do not usually make New Years Resolutions. I think they are sometimes made out of guilt and also I believe that if you want to make a new life rule for yourself then there's no time like the present and it need not always wait until this time of year. This year however, I feel some change is required. I have spent a lot of time over the past year or so trying to fine tune my life so that I can be a good and considerate person to friends, family and loved ones, while satisfying my own personal and professional needs. Good luck I hear you say!!! Anyway, my working life has been a little out of hand this year for one reason or another. I have found that making task lists has greatly improved my efficiency and is teaching me to be a little more realistic about what I can achieve in the hours available. I have been considering a similar approach to my home life in addition to the usual diary's and reminders that people have. Up until now I have resisted as I am a somewhat spontane...

The Christmas truce of 1914 really happened. It is as much a part of the historical texture of World War I as the gas clouds of Ypres or the Battle of the Somme or the Armistice of 1918. Yet it has often been dismissed as though it were merely a myth. Or, assuming anything of the kind occurred, it has been seen as a minor incident, blown up out of all proportion, natural fodder for sentimentalists and pacifists of later generations. But the truce did take place, and on some far greater scale than has been generally realised. Enemy really did meet enemy between the trenches. There was for a time, genuine peace in No Man's Land. Though Germans and British were the main participants, French and Belgians took part as well. Most of those involved agreed it was a remarkable way to spend Christmas. "Just you think," wrote one British soldier, "that while you were eating your turkey, etc, I was out talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few h...

Well it really is starting to feel like Christmas now and parts of the UK have snow. We do not but I am praying!! We got our Christmas decorations in from the garage today, they are not up yet. We had a massive house clean this morning, the full monty, wiping down all paint works and skirting boards and after that did not quite have the energy for the decorations. We also remembered we threw out our old tree last year as it has seen better days and had begun to fall apart. We usually go for an artificial tree as the dropping needles from a real one get in the dogs paws. So a replacement tree is needed before we proceed. The house looks lovely though! Is is amazing how much muck comes off dogs when they shake, no matter how clean you think you got them!! We did however have a quick play of our Christmas Playlist! We have all of our music on the PC and make our own playlists to listen to. A few years ago we downloaded all of our favourite Christmas tracks and made our own playlist for th...

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Our heating has packed up just in time to coincide with a particularly cold spell in Blighty! Actually that is a slight exaggeration. Our heating is on its way out and all downstairs radiators have stopped working, the bedroom and bathroom ones still work so I am going to bed soon! We live in a rented house. It is a private let and so assistance is a little slower than is desired but we have reported the problem to our land lord and some one is coming round to give us a quote on Thursday night. Hopefully the landlords will approve the cost although due to symptoms I fear the problem may be significant. We probably should have raised the matter earlier, like in the summer! We moved in during May and noticed a bottle of heating system sealant in the airing cupboard! We have a nasty suspicion that the radiators need flushing out due to sludge that has built up over a period of years. This house has been rented out for some time and I don't think much money has been spent on its upkeep...

I took lots of sunset pictures in Hastings on Thursday night. I finished work at about 3.45pm. At this time of year light levels prevent safe tree inspection after this time as trees become silhouetted against the sky therefore masking defects. I jumped into my car, headed for the beach and arrived just as this was starting. This is one of my favourites.

My Mum ( AKA Bowledover ) is extremely gifted in a variety of crafts and has recently made two sheep, Shaun and Shirley, inspired by Shaun of 'A Close Shave' by Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit. I just had to post something to direct people to have a look at them as they are just amazing. I do not think she will be taking orders as I know these have been a personal project however please pop over and have a look, they are...well they are perfect and I can hear them bleating as I look at them! Image Credit: WG Popcorn

I have spent too many hours over the past few weeks trying to maintain an Internet connection and then finding that when I can get on line my computer crashes every 5 minutes! It has been most frustrating. Sometimes I cannot get a connection all day but the next day it will be fine and with no explanation. We have asked several technicians who also cannot explain the issue and similarly cannot tell us why our media player is faulty, despite several hours of conversations and upgrades instigated by Microsoft themselves. I have a friend who uses a Mac and swears blind that all of our problems are Microsoft related. We have of course thought about switching but getting a Mac seems to fall into that category of something you have to save up for, even if it is worth it. There are of course a whole heap of other operating systems available and my sister has recently switched to one I had not previously heard of and having gotten past initial differences is getting on brilliantly with it. Doe...

It was a dark and stormy night, and the captain said to his mate, 'Mate, tell us a story.' and this is the story. It was a dark and stormy night, and the captain said to his mate, 'Mate, tell us a story.'...you get the picture! Well it is a very dark and very stormy night, we have snow forecast for the weekend, and the sound of the wind outside put that little ditty in my head. Is ditty the right word, or does a ditty have to have a tune? Anyway the next little ditty has a tune. When we were kids my Dad used to sing or recite us bedtime 'dittys' including that top one which always made us laugh. I am sure he used to put on a pirates voice although that could just be my imagination. It seemed as if he did and it added great atmosphere to the moment. Shortly after remembering 'It was a dark and stormy night' I found myself humming this one which I have not thought of for years and was a favourite of mine. I'll tell you the tale of the Nancy Lee, the sh...

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I have been tagged by Retired and Crazy to post 6 interesting things about myself. Well here they are however if you have another moment to spare the answers that Retired and Crazy posted to this and another meme make for a really good read! I do so love finding new bloggers! Anyway, here they are, read 'em and weep! 1. I frequently dream of vampires, and have done so since childhood. They normally have romantic connotations although I have never ended up a vampire yet! (I have only had one vampire dream with David Boreanaz in it, much to my disgust!) 2. I almost always have a tune playing in my head, a sort of soundtrack to thought. Mostly a pleasant addition to life however occasionally distracting when plagued by a duff song! 3. I would like a beard, and if I could would grow a really long one like the Gibbons boys from ZZ Top ! I would stroke it for dramatic effect and twiddle it between my fingers during moments of high concentration. 4. I love all weather, and all weather ...

The Stripper This is one of my comedy favourites from Morecambe and Wise.

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On 9th November 2007 Miriam Makeba passed away shortly after finishing a concert. In his condolence message, former South African president Nelson Mandela said it was fitting that Makeba died doing what she did best - singing. I believe in celebrating life, and death is a part of life. I have had my moment of sadness, now I am going to put one of her brilliant albums on and dance all night! Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata Miriam Makeba - Amampondo Miriam Makeba- Mbube Miriam Makeba- When I've Passed On

In the summer I was out and about checking on these new trees that have been planted along the main highway into town. It's part of my job to make sure they are doing ok, and replace any that have died or been vandalised. I also have to check that the mowers have not bashed into them and damaged the stems. It is avoidable however every once in a while someone hurries their job and a tree gets damaged. These sun glasses were on the ground so I stopped to grab a shot. I left them to be reclaimed or re-homed. To join Sky Watch Friday or see other Sky Watchers click here

I went to see Porcupine Tree again last weekend....awesome. Last night I dreamt I auditioned for the band and got in! It was one of those dreams where you wake up and smile, I loved it. My fella is very envious!

Today is my Mum's birthday, just, it began 4 minutes ago actually! At this moment my Mum and Dad are preparing to travel back from holiday. I hope to be delivering presents and celebrating with my Mum on Sunday but in the meantime here is a little something to say... Happy Birthday Mum! Eddie Cochran - Summertime Blues Eddie Cochran - Three Steps to Heaven

I have just seen Cyndi Lauper on the Graham Norton show. She was so very lovely and sings with as much passion as ever. This clip is from March 2007. I may have to check out her new album, it is a dance album apparently which made me hesitate but the performance she gave tonight sold it enough for me to check it out. If you have a moment listen to this, it is beautiful and powerful.

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I have learnt to type one handed, which is a little slow as I when I type with two hands I only use one finger on each hand, but my beautiful dog Buddy has taken to sitting beside me at the PC, leaning on my leg, and making sure he gets a good belly rub! Neither Buddy or Roxy are very demanding dogs so when they ask for a cuddle we like to give it! They always return the favour. I have discovered a new drink which is relaxing, soothing and very tasty. My Mum bought me some Pine Honey a while ago which I had not heard of before. I like normal honey in drinks but I do find the taste a little...dense. Pine Honey is full of flavour but much lighter and I have taken to adding a couple of spoons to a cup of chamomile tea. It really hits the spot!

Do you know it's funny. I have been planning to come here all day to have a rant. It's been sometime since I have blogged, just normal life stuff taking priority, and I had in fact recently realised that my blogging habits would have to change for a while to fit everything in. It seemed ok, I think blogging can come in stages anyway. However, today I really wanted to come here and air a grievance. There is some stuff kicking off that's not too pleasant and I knew venting here would help. I know it might not make great reading for anyone else but I think blogging is sometimes primarily about self anyway. Expressing yourself in many ways and then through other peoples blogs and kind comments realising, or remembering, that you are not on your own. I do try not to blog about grim things here but this time I am going to vent. Anyway I digress. The funny bit is just coming here has lifted my mood so much, and remembering 'The Worm That Turned' (which is probably not an a...

Some pictures of the pups to music.

I have been corresponding with some folks on You Tube of late having started posting videos and have been put onto a brilliant version of In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel, with an amazing accompanying slideshow produced by LungWizard1 , by my friend and fellow music enthusiast Kirk . It has put me in a Peter Gabriel mood and having gone looking I was delighted to find that some other clever soul has posted the 'hug' version video to 'Don't Give Up.' I love this song and cannot think of a better accompaniment than watching Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel hugging for 5 minutes! Enjoy. (Thanks Kirk and LungWizard1, and Jagiel88! )

I am a big Glen Campbell fan and am delighted that he has a new album out. This one is of course a Greenday song but as much as I like them this version to me is better, it was meant to be. Sounding as good as ever.

Ah the joys of the weekend! Following a very enjoyable but busy spell we are having a quiet weekend. I have been out for a few hours with the dogs this morning which was brilliant. They are now catching 40 winks and I am making the most of a quiet spell on my own to do some blogging and search You Tube for some more favourites. (This is another one for you Bowledover .) My fella is on a mission to find a drummer and has gone out to see a friend and then post some adverts in local music shops. He has been rehearsing with a guitar player for a few months now and they are keen to get a drummer so they can arrange a few gigs locally for some fun. I love Saturdays like this. The house looks like a bomb has hit (not something I like!) but I cannot quite bring myself to tidy today, or not just now anyway. I love spending time at my pc just searching, playing and visiting bloggers near and far. Oh I am loving this! When we were kids back at home we all used to sing a lot together as a family....

It has been a busy week and although I have mentally composed many posts while driving to work or doing jobs I have not had the time I would like to get them written down. It has been a week of good music though! We have all of our music on the computer and when we arrive home we turn it onto one of several play-lists, usually picked by music genre, and then have it on for most of the evening. It's like a duke-box or the radio, there is that anticipation of what song is coming next and the delight when it's a favourite you have not heard for a while. This is one of my favourite songs for grooving to. It's awesome to sing and has such a great beat. So I hope you enjoy and have a groove on me! This is one of my all time favourite love songs and I have been belting it out at work and around the house for a couple of days. There are a couple of ladies at work who tease me and say they always know when it's me in the loo or coming down the corridor as I am usually singing! A...

I woke up to autumn this morning. The last few days have been wet and cooler but this morning had a very autumn feel. Anyway this beautiful song popped into my head and some clever soul on you tube has added these lovely shots to the track for a slide-show so I thought I would share it.

We are off camping this weekend. Probably not to Scotland (which is where I took this shot) as it is a little too far for a weekend visit but never the less we will find somewhere glorious I am sure. The dogs are excited. Obviously we have told them we are going but I think it was when the tent appeared that they really got the message! It's lovely to have three whole days to get away. Autumn feels like it is taking hold here and this is kind of the last summer trip before the nights draw in and I have to dig out my winter coat. Not that it really gets that cold in the UK anymore. Right well I had better get cracking! Have a fabulous weekend everyone, whatever you get upto!

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Happy Friday everyone. I went to see Mamma Mia the other night and cried with laughter, joy and sorrow. It is the most amazing film. Here is a brief clip courtesy of you tube. If you have not seen it, it is a must for everyone!

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Thank God I'm a Country Boy - John Denver John Denver - Today John Denver - Forest Lawn

It has been an interesting day although I have a trouble at work of late. I head up a team and I have a member of staff who gives me cause for concern. They have been with the team for some time however recently certain issues have come to light that have necessitated closer monitoring of their performance and I find it a trying job. Some years ago my Mum gave me The One Minute Manager , by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, to read and although I was not in a managerial position at the time I was so impressed by the book I made an effort to retain the lessons it shared for such a time when I may be. I have managed a few teams in recent years and have learned some valuable lessons however it is only in this job that I really feel I have got a good grip of things and have struck a successful balance between maintaining a pleasant work relationship and being an effective manager. I am patient, consistent, and supportive while encouraging others to utilise their own initiative however...

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Last Wednesday night I went to see Mamma Mia with a friend at the cinema. I had of course heard of the musical from a few years back however had no idea about the story line, but I have always been a huge ABBA fan (is there really anyone out there who does not like ABBA?) and on seeing the trailer at a previous flicks visit (to see Sex in the City with my friend!) we knew we had to see it. Well, where do I start!?! It has to be one of the best films I have ever seen! Leaving the music out for a minute, the story line is not complicated but fun, but the acting by the star studded cast is just amazing and we found ourselves crying with laughter, joy and sorrow, pretty much from start to finish. I do not remember the last time I laughed that much. It was the most joyous occasion and I cannot wait to see it again! I do not want to give anything away in case anyone reading this has not seen it yet but male or female, if you fancy a great laugh and feel good experience....perhaps after your ...

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I have been looking for a decent version of this song on You Tube for ages to no avail and so have decided to create my own accompaniment and upload it! This is one of my all time favourite songs. It's my first video/ slideshow and not bad for a first attempt I think. They are all my pictures, mostly Sky Watch Friday shots. Enjoy!

Well, I'm back! We have had the most brilliant holiday and wonderful weather. Today is a day of acclimatising to living indoors again after two weeks being totally outside with the tent; something all of us are finding it hard to get back into. The garden looks good but dry and I was delighted to return home to a good crop of tomatoes! We will soon reach the part of the day when work clothes need to be ironed for the morrow! My partner starts a new job tomorrow and I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of it at my place. However for a few more hours we are officially on holiday so I am off now to enjoy the garden and the sun! I leave you with a couple of holiday picks.

Well it is finally here, our summer holiday. We will be away for two weeks, not here but somewhere just as beautiful. I have spent the morning looking for favourite songs on You Tube to share before we go and hope you enjoy them. I would like to say I have automatic posts set up for while I am away but figuring out how to do that was one job too many this time! I can't wait to get out in the tent with the dogs. Pray for sunshine for us! Image Credit: Drew Franks

I used to have a huge crush on Holly Johnson when I was a kid. I had this lovely dream that he was my boyfriend and came to my school. He walked round all day with me holding my hand and made all the horrible kids leave me alone!

I am really into this song at the moment. There are some great new female artists about in the pop world and this is one of them.

Purple Kitten has put together the most brilliant slide show for this video, with all the best Wild West Hero's in there. Enjoy!

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I love this time of the week. My Saturdays usually start a little earlier but all the same I love getting up with nothing to rush round for. There is always a hush over the village as people stay in bed a bit longer and relax into the weekend. Even the dogs seem to know and do not wake up so early. The only sound to be heard in our house on a Saturday morning is me typing as I have some quality blog time before life's demands kick back in and everything gets busy again. This weekend we are attending a suprise 50th birthday party for a relative. It is planned as an outdoor event and we have got some suitable games.....although I am not sure how many of the games the dogs will eat! Unfortunately it is currently pooring it down but I have my fingers crossed that the sunshine will prevail for this afternoon. Have a brilliant weekend all, what ever you get up to.

While you are passing I really recommend a visit to Bowledover . Not an official Sky Watch post but the most beautiful sky shot! Happy Sky Watch Friday All! To join or see other participants click here .

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For those of you that don't know The Goodies were comedians here in the 70's. I have given this some thought and just can't explain them but I loved them. Apparently they are huge in Australia but I don't know about other countries. Today I had a delivery from Amazon of my Goodies cd first encountered thanks to my sister. I cannot find a clip of the song I wanted to play you but this is a good substitute. Bill Oddy sure can wail! Enjoy!

 

I took these last week. I went on a 4 day bat course in Exmoor . I woke at my normal time the first day and went for a walk down to the beach. The second and third morning I made the most of a small available lie in due to being out for most of each night chasing bats! It was a brilliant course and a fabulous place to visit. I will be going back! It was also great to be outside for so many hours of the day and night. It's a shame we need to sleep really; although I would not like to be without sleep altogether, I like dreaming too much!

Ok, just one more then I'm off to work. I will have this song in my head for days now, such a great song!!!!!

A great song for a Monday morning. This one always gets me dancing. Happy Monday all, hope you have a great day!

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This song is about water. I recently mentioned it in the CDCV post as the song I wish I had written. You can listen to the album version on his Myspace page.

I don't usually do multiple pictures but I enjoyed playing with this one. Pure luck on the timing of me looking up! To see other Sky Watch Friday participants or to join in click here

One of my favourite songs and artists ever! I have been learning this one on the piano, the trick though is singing it with her flare and style!

I got a call from one of our contractors at work on Friday asking if anyone wanted to buy two tickets for a concert on Saturday. He had two extra that he needed to shift and just guess who they were for..........The Foo Fighters.........at Wembley Stadium!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I said yes please and last night we went to the new Wembley Stadium for the first time and saw Supergrass in support followed by the 2nd best rock band of the last 14 years. (Sorry but Porcupine Tree Rock!) Image Credit Wikipedia And they were absolutely awesome! All 86,000 of us in Wembley bounced for three hours! Image Credit: NME So just when we thought the evening could not get any better, for the encore they brought out special guests Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones and did two Zeppelin covers, Rock & Roll and Ramble On. Dave played drums on Rock & Roll and the Foos drummer, Taylor Hawkins, did lead vocals brilliantly. I think any Zeppelin song is hard to sing due to styles and standards set by R...