In The Pink

All Things Blue

2012-01-21T20:16:00.002Z

I am a big fan of poetry, both writing and reading, and given my recent blue obscession thought I would seek out a blue poem. Poetry is very subjective and often when I go searching for a new verse it takes me ages to find something that strikes a chord, not so tonight. On my second search I came across this lovely little piece! (Although I have to disagree with him slightly, for me roses yellow are best.)

Blue Roses - Rudyard Kipling

Roses red and roses white
Plucked I for my love's delight.
She would none of all my posies
Bade me gather her blue roses.

Half the world I wandered through,
Seeking where such flowers grew.
Half the world unto my quest
Answered me with laugh and jest.

Home I came at wintertide,
But my silly love had died
Seeking with her latest breath
Roses from the arms of Death.

It may be beyond the grave
She shall find what she would have.
Mine was but an idle quest
Roses white and red are best!

Christmas Treats

2012-01-20T22:03:00.001Z

My lovely man bought me a Kindle for Christmas and collaberated with my parents so I also got a lovely case and light for it. It is an amazing gift and is supporting my ever growing thirst for reading. It has also made downloading books a little addictive!

Anyway, another thing I have been doing since having it is reading several books at once which is a new thing for me but something I find more achievable with the Kindle. I am currently reading 6 books. If you are interested in what I am reading there is a list on the left hand side of this blog, and lower down there are lists of what I have read for the past three years.

This evening, thanks to my Kindle case and light, I was able to enjoy a candle lit bath with my Kindle. My chosen book was A Great and Terrible King, by Marc Morris, which is about King Edward I. He is a character I became interested in having recently read a historical novel about Robert the Bruce (another interesting character.).

I read twice as many books last year as the year before and predict that this year will be even better. My Kindle goes everywhere with me and makes it so easy to grab a few pages of what ever takes my fancy. I now find myself longing to be kept waiting anywhere I go to grab a few minutes of reading. Speaking of which, I may have to get nack to it!

Image Credit: Ella Kay's Royal Roundup (Kind Edward I of England)

In the Pink is Blue!

2012-01-20T12:23:00.000Z

Ah that is so much better! I came onto my blog today and immediately could not stand to look at the orange any longer! Not sure why!! But cold and cooling has been my theme for a few weeks now. I like being cool and having fresh air about and this blue blog is working for me!

I really thought I had changed this blog look for the last time, and I think the orange lasted the longest, but they say a change is as good as a rest!! Atleast I managed to change my blog this time without making a complete mess that takes hours to sort out!

Ok, I am feeling very bloggy but there are pups to walk and shopping to do so I will scoot for now.

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-20T12:03:00.001Z

I thought I had better get a post in before January dissappears! I am finding it hard to keep track of what month it is at the moment. Life has been very busy and I had a re-visit from the migraine demon over the holidays which really changed my perception of Christmas and New Year, in a way they kind of didn't happen.

Don't get me wrong I had a good time and like all migraine sufferers made sure I had me some fun the moment the pain, nausea and lethargy stopped until the next outbreak, but I still don't really feel like Christmas and New Year have passed.

I was not even sad when the decorations came down, infact the room looked, clear, uncluttered and lovely! What's that about!!!

Anyway, I am really starting to feel back on track this past week having had a good mental chat with myself about letting things get on top of me which is generally when the MGB's (migraine bouts) tend to strike. I do have an appointment at the Migraine clinic in February and am interested to hear how they can help and what they think about it all. I have a very detailed MGB diary to go through with them and a long list of triggers to discuss!

However, I have spent far too much time talking and thinking about the MGB's over the past few weeks so moving on...it's 2012, the world may end, it may not, I am reading lots of fabulous books, getting my work life and home life ratio sorted, looking forward to Spring but enjoying Winter and feeling very happy about finding my way back to my Blog. I have missed it and my fellow bloggers a lot!

2011-11-11T07:38:00.000Z

Image Credit: The Wizards Wireless

Guy Fawkes Night - Doggy Style

2011-11-05T17:15:00.000Z

As all pet owners will know this is not a great time of year for animals; it would be but 'the powers that be' do insist on selling small explosives to the public! I have to say it has not been too bad around here this year and thankfully although our dogs are not completely happy with the firework associated noises they do not get really distressed.

We are however, planning a pet friendly fire works night and celebrating at home. We have been out to displays in recent years which I love doing but this year we are staying in and having baked potatoes and tomato soup. We are also planning to watch V is for Vendetta which is such a wonderful film in the spirit of rebellion and revolution, and the evening will culminate with sparklers in the back garden! I figure that if we leave the dogs in the house with the curtains closed they will be unaware of our small explosive celebration but we still get to light something!

Does anyone still have children coming round with a home made Guy for the bonfire? I have noticed that the bonfire aspect of Bonfire Night seems to have dwindled, certainly at the displays we have been to in recent years anyway, and it has been decades since anyone came round asking for a penny for the Guy.

Anyway, what ever you are up to have a fabulous evening and I leave you with this:

Remember, remember the 5th of November

The gunpowder, treason and plot

I know of no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot.

Where Have I Been!

2011-10-07T17:22:00.000+01:00

Well I have mentioned a time or two before that is has been a slow blogging year for me, all for good reasons, but since term started again there has been even less time! I am back to thinking about lots of potential posts but not having the energy or time to create them!

Teaching is so much fun, I am currently doing pests and diseases, woodland management, business management, forest and woodland skills, investigative project, commercial experience, tree biology, taxonomy, soil science and woodland ecology...phew!

The rest of my time is made up of dog walking, house keeping, sleeping and devouring the current series of books I am reading: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R R Martin (On TV as Game of Thrones). His books are those odd ones you come across that mean so much you cannot wait to finish them but dread them ending! The first book was just shy of 800 pages, the second marginally longer, I am on the third and there are 5 in total!

So fellow bloggers my plan for this evening is feet up, wine corked, nice tea (not sure what yet) and more of heros, villains, swords, dragons, destiny, tragedy and the trials of my favourite character, Tyrion Lannister. Happy weekend to you all!

Seasons Change

2011-09-18T13:38:00.000+01:00

Holiday Snaps

2011-09-08T23:08:00.000+01:00

We had a fabulous holiday in Wales again this year. I was reading a historical novel while we were away which had some Welsh history in it which really brought the countryside alive for me and made the trip we made to Caernarfon Castle much more meaningful too. Here is a selection of our snaps taken at the tent, the castle and on the many beautiful walks we did.

Its nice to know what that amazing place name means! I still cannot say it in Welsh but Mr Dancin can!

The mid point of a great walk on Anglesey and a chance for the dogs to have a swim!

A huge Crab Apple on the way to Aber Falls.

Aber Falls.

A farmer with a sense of humour!

Storm front moves in!

The beautiful Snowdon seen from a third of the way up Moel Hebog.

The view from Moel Hebog summit.

Beddgelert Woods.

Fun back at base.

Taking a moment.

Campfires in the evening.

Aberglaslyn Pass.

Taking a dip.

Views from Aberglaslyn Pass.

River Glaslyn.

Caernarfon Castle.

Jelly Complete

2011-09-06T21:23:00.001+01:00

I got this made before we went on holiday although I did not have time to put the picture up. 6 jars and one tub in total. Not bad for my first attempt! (Friends and family be warned, I will be bringing some with me on any visits planned soon.)

Countdown

2011-08-17T08:49:00.001+01:00

We are now on the final count down to our summer holiday! Yey!!!!! I have been starting to collect up the camping gear and the camping lists are printed and updated. There are a lot of little items we do not want to forget but have done on many previous holidays. Oddly enough the most common forgotten item is sheets for the airbed!

We are going to Wales again this year to stay on a friends farm in Snowdonia so I have been looking through our photos from the last visit there two years ago and have been remembering the amazing walks we did and what a great time we had. Here is a small photographic summary which you can click to enlarge.

I can't wait to get there and get the tent up and the camp fire lit!

I have to say Scotland is my favourite holiday destination and when we don't go there for our summer holiday we are both always a little sad that we will not be exploring a new area of Scotland, but Wales is beautiful and does not have midges!

Crab Apples - Stage II Complete

2011-08-16T22:34:00.000+01:00

Well the apples are drained and have yielded about 6 litres of fluid which smells and tastes lovely, I am actually loathed to add sugar to it! Here is is:

I tried to take a few artistic shots of the tubs it is currently in and failed miserably so thought I would just go with a close up of one showing the beautiful colour. It's in plastic containers at the moment hence appearing cloudy.

I may experiment with some of it and try and come up with a few soft drinks as it really does have the most lovely flavour as it is.

Harvest

2011-08-16T20:51:00.000+01:00

In addition to the farmers being out harvesting their crops it is time again to pick the crab apples off the tree. The past few years we have been able to leave them until we return from holiday but the long Spring and Summer seem to have caused them to ripen early and I did not want to risk loosing the fruit. So yesterday I cut 12 lbs of apples from our lovely, small John Downie.

The apples are currently stewed and draining in the kitchen and the smell is wonderful.

I am making Crab Apple Jelly this year although on the suggestion of my Mum will be trying Crab Apple Wine next year which sounds lovely. I have found a couple of recipes for it here and here.

I have not made either Crab Apple Jelly or Wine before although from the looks of it the wine will be more of a challenge but I look forward to having a go and enjoying the results the year after.

Saturday Mornings of the Past

2011-06-25T09:16:00.001+01:00

It has been a very long week this week and so I am starting my Saturday in the style of days gone by. I am sat on the couch, wearing my goony (dressing gown) and drinking tea. The only thing that is missing is something cool on the TV!

I used to love Saturday morning TV as a small child. We would watch The Flashing Blade, Champion the Wonderhorse, the Six Million Dollar Man, the Monkeys and the Banana Splits.

I know nowadays there are lots of great shows for kids on the TV, and dedicated channels for them, but I don't think they have the appeal that some of my childhood favourites did.

I have recently been thinking about Monkey, which was another childhood favourite, and The Waltons which I loved and also associate with the weekend after it was last repeated on Sunday mornings. I even looked at the box set of The Waltons on amazon but that show has kept its value a little too well!

I looked out some images of the shows I have mentioned to remind you (in case you needed it) and this image of the Banana Splits really made me happy to look at, I thought therefore they deserved a full page spread! I remember very little of the show but have the most amazing associations with them. They really brought much joy. Although the second one from the left still scares me a little...not sure why!!!

I get the same feeling when I see Basil Brush although I do remember why I loved him so much, he used to make me howl with laughter!

Monkey, or Monkey Magic was always a bit weird but I loved it. And the Monkeys were great and are touring as a band at present. I heard an interview with them recently and the list of song writers who wrote for them is very impressive. They had some great songs.

Well Saturday morning TV is pretty grim I have to say but at least it seems I can rely on E4 playing repeats of Friends forever!

Image Credits: Sterling Times, Den of Geek, Anarchy on the Allotment, Just Me, Eclectic Banana, Tenho Mais Discos Que Amigos

The Library

2011-06-17T18:17:00.000+01:00

I went to the library in my local town today to return some books and get some new ones out. I tend to get 4-5 out in one go, dependant on what catches my eye, but I always return them as I read them so that someone else has the chance to take them out and also for the experience of visiting. It is such a peaceful and quiet place and despite my recent decision to get a Kindle at some point I will never loose my love of being around books.

I like to wonder round and view the shelves, searching for a title or cover that attracts me, and I came away today with some great books. I got the next Giles Brandreth mystery book featuring Oscar Wilde, and two books by Ian Mortimer AKA James Forrester, centred around the Middle Ages which is a favourite historical period of mine.

Its an odd time. I always fantasise myself living happily in that period given the simplicity of life but from reading about it know that the reality was quite a different story and I would have been lucky to survive to adulthood given the disease and poverty.

I am currently reading Stieg Larsson's trilogy The Girl With/ Who, and a Sci Fi book I got free on Kindle called The Honour of the Knights by Stephen J Sweeney. I don't usually read two books at the same time and will probably default to one or the other once I have bonded with the characters.

It has been a great year for reading though and I have nearly read more books this year so far than I read last year in total.

Mr Dancin in reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett at the moment which I read last year and loved. Its great to get a summary of where he is in the book when he finishes a reading stint and remember with fondness the plot and characters.

Well who knows where I would have waffled onto but Mr Dancin has just arrived home so there's tea to be served! Happy Friday Bloggers! The weekend is finally here!

Book Worm

2011-06-14T09:36:00.001+01:00

Well as the year continues its still very busy but exciting! And I have been managing to keep up on my reading which is great. I joined the public library recently and have been raiding their shelves, and have also downloaded the Kindle software onto my PC to make the most of the free books.

The experience has really sold Kindle devices to me, having originally thought they were not for me, my favourite tools being the immediate access to books and more impressively the dictionary tool.

Often when I am reading I come across a word I do not know the meaning of and as it is not always practicable to grab the dictionary every time to look it up I often move on, missing some of the meaning of the material I am reading.

I now at the click of a button can look up a word and swiftly move on. I have especially noticed the benefit of this while recently reading some older literature such as my current book The Tales of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle. Anyway, the Kindle is a purchase that will have to wait for a while but I really think I may get one at some point.

I have just finished reading Truman Capote - In Cold Blood, a factual story of multiple murders and the consequences. One of the books I suspect that anyone involved in the judicial service and related professions has been made to study and discuss.

I was originally attracted to the story when the film 'Capote' came out as Truman Capote is played by one of my favourite actors Philip Seymour Hoffman and I watched it on a plane earlier in the year however, I did not manage to catch all of the dialogue and wanted to read the book to get more detail out of the story.

I don't think I am quite ready to discuss it yet, it is rather disturbing on so many levels, but I actually think the process of writing a discussion of the book would help me!

It was good to read something factual though and I really do think I have learned a lot from it. It has certainly been thought provoking, and as I read it in one day and finished the book shortly before bed time was also nightmare provoking too! So I will be moving onto something a little lighter hearted for my next read!

Well today the sun is shining and it promises to be blue skies all the way! I have some prep work to do for teaching on Thursday but got most of it done yesterday. I also got the house cleaned yesterday and so have the luxury of a day sprawling before me in which the dogs and I can do as we please...well almost as we please. I am pretty sure we would all love most to go to the beach for the day but it's a little too far for a day trip, especially starting out at this hour! I really must get a beach trip planned in soon though!

Ok, time to get started! Happy Tuesday Bloggers! I hope the sun is with you.

NESShop - Photography & Art | Art Prints, Nature Photos, Sky Pictures and more for sale.

2011-06-02T13:48:00.000+01:00

NESShop - Photography & Art | Art Prints, Nature Photos, Sky Pictures and more for sale.

Website is up and almost complete!!!!!!!

Dear Diary

2011-06-01T09:13:00.001+01:00

Hello Blog! Compared to my output last year I have been pretty absent from the blogging world this year but all for good reasons. Things have really kicked off for me personally with my photographic hobby, and professionally with work abroad and a change in career paths. However one of my favourite things about blogging is creating a record of just what you have been up to in the time you have which flies by so quickly.

Someone told me the other day that the older you get the quicker the time flies by which is a little worrying however I have found that when I record my events for future reflection it does remind me that I have actually been achieving a lot, so although my perception of time is that it flies by in the blink of an eye, I know I have used some of the time wisely, by my standards.

So here I am today, taking note of the of the events of the year. Its half term at the moment so I am not working at the college this week although I am using the time to over prepare for the coming term. I am really enjoying teaching and it is making me study all over again which is great. It is quite frightening when you revisit your own college notes and realise just how much you have forgotten.

I also like to over prepare as when I was at college my lecturers were inspirational to me, and as keen students we bombarded them with questions from all angles. I want to make sure I am prepared for any such questions. Arboriculture bleeds into so many other subjects and the depth you go to in some of these subjects needs to be set. For example, I am teaching pests and diseases so we are looking at the entomology of insects, and the varied and complex relationships between trees and fungi, and other diseases.

As you can imagine before you know it you can be buried in biological terms and processes that although interesting are not part of the course curriculum. There has to be a limit when teaching such subjects so as not to confuse students and to make sure they learn the important aspects of the interactions between trees and pathogens. I do however like to know the answers to as many periferal matters relating to the subject so I am prepared for any question they may have.

I am also doing some business development this week for the photography and am looking at local venues to try and sell my photographs.

I have a list of tasks in my email calendar so that I can individually record all of the things I want to achieve and tick them off as done!

Its been an interesting couple of weeks on the music front and we went to our third Rush concert the weekend before last which was amazing, in fact the best yet! I have decided that Rush are not only the most talented guys in Rock 'n' Roll but also the nicest!

I am sad to report that Gil Scott Heron died last week; a much loved artist that I never got to see, but I did remind myself that he lived an amazing life and did what he wanted to do, and through his music and writings he is immortalised. I also realised that the reason there seems to be a spate of musicians I like dying of late is related to my musical tastes and my age! Most of my favourite musicians herald from the 70's and as such are now 20+ older than me. As I turn 40 next year they are all 60+ and sadly succumbing to the ravishes of old age.

I also wanted to note here that Jeff Conaway died last week. He played Kenickie in one of my all time favourite films Grease.

Both of the afore mentioned went before their time.

Well I have recorded most of what I wanted to! And added my latest book to my reading list. I am devouring books this year which is great. I have also recently downloaded Kindle onto my laptop so I can access the free books via the Kindle shop and have really been enjoying reading them and utilising the instant dictionary feature, which is probably my favourite Kindle tool.

I am not going to get a Kindle itself but when you can access so many books for free electronically it is too good an opportunity to miss!

Ok, chores are calling! Happy Wednesday Bloggers! Enjoy some Gil!

2011-05-28T09:11:00.003+01:00

Laughter is the Best Medicine

2011-05-15T11:32:00.000+01:00

John Sullivan died last month, he was only 64, well writing that's put a song in my head! Anyway, he wrote one of my all time favourite shows, Only Fools and Horses.

There was a short tribute show on yesterday which I watched and subsequently learnt that he also wrote many other shows I watched and loved over the years, most notably for me Just Good Friends and Citizen Smith.

Additionally he wrote for comedy shows such as The Two Ronnies, another family favourite.

I have many of the Only Fools episodes on DVD. In addition to being a huge fan of the show and all of the characters I am a massive David Jason fan...and I do mean David Jason and not just Del Boy although I feel much affection for his character in Only Fools.

So I thought I would treat myself and look up a few classic clips on You Tube for some of the episodes I don't have copies of yet, and share them here, in tribute to a comedy genius. Enjoy!

There are loads more clips on the wonderful You Tube if you fancy some more, I am going to finish with the opening theme music, which contains that great line, 'Why Do Only Fools and Horses Work?'.

John Sullivan wrote and sang both the opening and closing theme music to Only Fools which was something I only found out a couple of years ago. I had always assumed it was Nicholas Lyndhurst singing and still think it sounds exactly like him!

Pearls of Wisdom

2011-05-14T13:29:00.002+01:00

I have just finished a really good book, but for the past three years I have really stepped up my reading and have read so many good stories.

I also watch a lot of films but what has struck me recently is although I think I've seen some really good films they never touch me in the same way books do. Its not just the way that books can convey so much extra detail and supporting information, or that they allow your own imagination to put faces to the characters, perceiving them in your own unique way: its that they so very often impart pearls of wisdom, ideas or thoughts, phrases and sayings, that really hit you hard and make a posative difference to how you see the world and your life.

There have been very few films that have had that affect on me, but many, many books.

At the beginning of last year I read Dan Browns latest book 'The Lost Symbol' which introduced me to Noetic Science. I took so much away from that book, and know I need to read it again as there were so many amazing ideas in it I could not take it all in, but the lasting thought I have had from the book is that human thought is powerful and as a form of energy effects the world we live in. It is therefore our responsability to think posatively at all times, it would be irresponsable to know this and deliberately put negative thoughts out there, if in some way our very thoughts impact on us all.

Anyway, here's a little gem from the book I just finished about 30 minutes ago, Memoirs of a Master Forger - William Heaney.

...the prophet said 'Keep your heart light at every moment, because when the heart is downcast the soul becomes blind'.

As a final note, I like to include images in all posts and went looking for one appropriate to the subject matter of this one; then I remembered this photo. I took this shot from the Hill Fort at sunset last year and I love looking at it. The sky was so golden that evening and it reminds me of a peaceful day when I sat and watched the sun go down from somewhere special to me, somewhere where I feel connected.

There's Only One Team In Manchester

2011-04-16T19:52:00.002+01:00

MANCHESTER CITY 1 - MANCHESTER UNITED 0

2011 FA CUP SEMI FINAL

WEMBLEY

Turned Out Nice

2011-04-13T16:30:00.000+01:00

Well after the last dog walk I returned home and decided to give the rest of the day over to blogging! A worthwhile pursuit I think! I have created a weekly event called In Bloom over at The Green Man which I hope bloggers will participate in. My intent is to provide a collection of weekly shots from around the globe showing what people are growing and what is growing where they live.

For some time I took part in Sky Watch Friday, a similar weekly event, and it was brilliant to see the skies around the world, I hope the same will be true for all things that grow!

If you want to take part the first post is up and the link list will remain open for the next week and a half while I try and get the word around, just visit The Green Man Here.

The Big Sleep

2011-04-13T12:03:00.000+01:00

I had the biggest sleep in this morning! I am happy to say that I am gainfully employed again and although it is not my usual job it is a job, it's local and I do shifts and so have time at home in the day even when I am working.

I am however still getting used to the new routine and have for the past 6 weeks been constantly tired!!!!! Sorry actually I mean TIRED!!!!!!

I am getting a little fed up of it actually and hope that my body soon acclimatises, it is intefereing with all of the other things I want to do and my family, friends and out of work activities have all suffered.

Anyway, I have a day off today and having slept in until 10.30am!!! (I am almost too embaressed to put the actual time!) I should be caught up on all required sleep. So after spending a bit of time blogging, which is a pleasure I have not had for a few weeks, I will still have half a day to play with.

As usual there is an abundance of activities I could choose to do which range from continueing the spring cleaning to working on my website to taking a trip out somewhere. I would dearly love to make a visit to the coast but that is a days length activity from where I live so that's out now!

Well I will ponder it further over a cup of tea and see where the day takes me.

2011-04-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

Nesting Season

2011-03-15T10:48:00.002Z

As I type there is a Blackbird building a nest right outside our living room window in the branch crotch of a small tree. I am delighted that we may have a view of the event from the comfort of our sofa but concerned as it is only at about 1.5m off the ground and in no way safe from cats, of which there are many in the area.

I am loathed to disturb the building...I may have to fashion some kind of cat deterrent. I also hope that the noise that is bound to come from the dogs barking at some point does not disturb them too much.

If anyone has any thoughts or advice I would be happy to hear it.

Enter PT!

2011-03-11T21:03:00.000Z

Leftfield - Gotta Dance

2011-03-11T20:49:00.001Z

2011-03-11T20:43:00.000Z

Dancin Fool Is Dancin!

2011-03-11T20:32:00.004Z

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Morning Walk

2011-03-08T11:02:00.001Z

It is glorious outside today but a little too misty for photos. I took some macro shots, more for practice, and am quite pleased with the results but the two most beautiful photos I got are below.

The first one dipicts a hot pup cooling off having run round like an idiot until he over heated and the second shows a pup taking a drink having been kept out of the cold river by me! I am happy for the pups to paddle and its great for cooling them off on hot days but Roxy pup likes to swim in deep water and as there is still frost on the ground and she takes hours to dry off properly she was retricted to a foot paddle for the sake of her health and aching limbs!

Shake The Disease

2011-03-08T09:09:00.002Z

Well I am very happy to say this sun is shining and the birds are singing again this morning however I did not wake up in a fabulous mood! I had a trying afternoon yesterday and a bit of a wierd nights sleep culminating in a dream about my paternal grandmother who sadly died about 10 years ago now.

Although it was lovely to spend some time with her again, albeit in a dream, I woke up feeling very sad.

I have always really treasured time spent in dreams with people who are nolonger with us. It is as close to sharing time with them as you are going to get, but it can also unlock emotions either un dealt with or buried deep.

Anyway, I refuse to let yesterdays events and last nights dreams impact on this day in a negative way and so with the help of two buckets of tea (bucket is only a slight exageration, I have a wonderful and huge breakfast mug) and a long walk outside in the fabulous company of the pups, the birds, the sunshine and the ever encroaching Spring I am sure I can shake this downer off.

Everything Stops For Tea

2011-03-07T08:01:00.000Z

I woke up early this morning which is a bit of a shame as I was working until late, but on the other hand I was woken by the birds singing and became immediately aware that the sun was shining!

It is amazing how much of a difference it makes. Now granted I have only made it downstairs for breakfast so far but I am up, the sun is out, the birds are in good form and it is going to be a beautiful day!

I have developed a timetable to help me monitor the projects I am pursueing outside of work. Today is photographic study so I can learn how to use my camera better. But first things first, more tea needed!

Image Credit: Ryan W Smith

One Fine Day

2011-03-04T19:05:00.001Z

2011-03-04T19:04:00.000Z

Well the sun finally made an extended appearance today nicely timed for my day off! So I went out and about with the pups and soaked it up. Although many of the plants in the garden have sprouted new buds, leaves and flowers, it is still too early for the trees, but Spring is truly on it's way!

2011-03-04T19:02:00.002Z

No Need To Run, and Hide

2011-02-28T21:48:00.001Z

Too Much To Say!

2011-02-22T12:25:00.001Z

I have so many cool things going on in my life at the moment and so much to do! I have been itching to come here and blog for days but really do not know where to start! Anyway for now here's a picture I took of Niagara Falls on my birthday, top birthday treat! More to come!

Niagara

2011-02-22T12:16:00.000Z

Rest Easy

2011-01-26T21:33:00.002Z

Blimey I am tired! I have had a fairly busy day but no more than others for but for some reason I am feeling really tired in body and mind! Sleep tonight is going to be good! Anyway, all chores are now done and I am treating myself with a glass of wine and the first Underworld film.

What is it with vampires and werewolves, why is it so interesting? The romance (obviously referring to vampires there), the immortality, for the chaps Kate Beckinsale in rubber clothing? I particularly like the werewolf (Lichen) leader Michael Sheen.

Anyway, given how sleepy I am feeling this is not a topic I am going to ponder now! Sleep well bloggers, and dream not of today.

Feedback

2011-01-23T17:28:00.000Z

I have just added a widget to my blog that includes on each post a selection of previous posts that you, my valued reader, may enjoy. Please let me know if this impacts on the upload speed of my blog. There are a couple of blogs that I visit that take forever to upload and I don't want this for my blogs. If it slows things down I will get rid of it. Muchly obliged!

The Piano

2011-01-20T19:37:00.001Z

Tomorrow night I am going to play the piano!!!! I do not have one at present and although I have been kindly offered an organ it is specifically the sound of the piano that I love. (Plus in our current house we have room for neither a piano or an organ!) I had one for rent for a while and was working on the two following pieces by Michael Nyman. The film The Piano may be the only movie I have seen and preferred to the book.

The performances were amazing. I found the scenes between Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel to be incredibly passionate and moving and I hated Sam Neill for years as a result of his performance as the frustrated and jealous husband, although I sympathised with him somewhat.

But the music was what made the film for me.

Anyway I bought the music score for the film and will be off down to our church tomorrow night to get my eager little fingers on their piano for an hour or two, hopefully as a weekly event, to remind myself of what I had learned of these pieces and begin to improve them and learn the rest.

I have also been working on a Nina Simone track which I may have a quick blast at! I am so excited!!!!

2011-01-20T19:31:00.002Z

2011-01-20T19:31:00.000Z

A Happy Song For Monday

2011-01-17T10:04:00.000Z

Despite the grey, rainy day outside I am feeling chipper! This is such a cheery song I thought it was a good one for a Monday!

Today's Weather

2011-01-14T12:33:00.002Z

Calling On An Old Friend

2011-01-13T18:21:00.001Z

January 2011 has brought some interesting challenges for me. I am job hunting from the position of being unemployed which is always naff, and have found myself outside of my comfort zone in a few other areas. Yesterday I had a really bad day of it. One of those days where you feel like a child again and fear takes control.

It is a horrible feeling. I have tried to describe it in words and its not easy. I have memories of feeling like that as a child, most strongly when I had to stay in hospital for a few days. I felt terrified and completely vulnerable, and cried uncontrollably!

Anyway yesterday felt a bit like that, and although during the day I had lovely conversations with my family who as always brought cheer to my heart I decided it was time again to call upon my old friend and enforce some strength.

I have posted about this before and have looked out the old post to remember how I expressed it.

I am a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and am not ashamed to admit it; if you are a fan of the super hero it's nothing short of awesome! One girl in all the world with the strength and skill to fight the demons, she alone will stand against them, well she and her pals, and her always attractive male interests. (For the record not Riley.......just too darn wholesome!)

It’s not actually just her who is helping, I have always loved super heroes: Zorro (The original and The Gay Blade!), the Fonz (Ok super hero may not apply but he was cool and wise), Captain Picard Star Trek The Next Generation and equally Commander Data, Buzz Lightyear, Hong Kong Phooey, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Spiderman, the key factor is that the lead character has the kind of integrity that can only exist in fiction; they are strong, selfless, logical, disciplined and always right. The tougher they are, the more I like them!

At times in my life when things get on top of me and I feel weak I make myself the hero figure. It means I have to go on whether I like it or not. There is no questioning whether I can be strong enough, I have to be and that’s all there is to it. There are no other options.

I strive to attain the hero characters excellence. If such integrity can be conceived of it can be lived as a code of conduct, I do not believe it is possible to achieve it as reliably as the super heroes do, however it is a worthwhile model I enjoy testing myself against as I explore my own standards and deal with the tough times.

Image Credit: BBC Cult Buffy Gallery

I know its only a temporary thing; life is constantly challenging in all sorts of ways and we can't possibly cope with it well all the time. Accepting this and allowing yourself a bad day every once in a while is important however I still find huge mental strength from adopting the Buffy attitude. If I could only adopt her figure and wardrobe too!

Ain't it Good To Know That You've Got a Friend

2011-01-11T09:59:00.002Z

Dedicated to my wonderful family and friends for their kind thoughts, messages and good company.

Monday, Monday

2011-01-10T09:11:00.000Z

It was an odd week last week; death featured heavily and after the sad departure from this world of several famous people as mentioned I also learned of the death of an old friend which spun me a bit. I wrote a few draft posts about it but I am not going to put them up. I do find that blogging, I suppose the same as keeping a diary, is therapeutic sometimes and just the act of writing something down and voicing your thoughts and feelings can answer your needs without then wanting to share them with the world.

Anyway, the week finished on a high note with some promising news on the job front. I was laid off from work before Christmas and have been trying to sort something out. I now have a couple of jobs that look good and another interview for later in the month.

Finally my parents made a last minute visit to see us this weekend and we had a lovely evening of chatter and music last night.

One thing about being out of work is the joy of Monday mornings at your own pace. Ok so I have a lot to do today but I got to start the day when I wanted, well actually when the dogs wanted but they are generous and do not disturb us until a fairly reasonable hour!

So I now find myself sitting here with my second cup of tea, having checked emails, free to take a moment to post on my blog. Would that all Mondays started in this manner!

Bad News

2011-01-04T21:32:00.001Z

I feel a little bad for posting so much bad news on my blog this week however three significant folk have passed, two of them today, and I want to remember them here. Mick Karn, Gerry Rafferty and Pete Postlethwaite.

Image Credits: Listen JP, 181 FM, Shropshire Star

RIP Mick Karn

2011-01-04T21:15:00.003Z

RIP Gerry Rafferty

2011-01-04T21:15:00.002Z

Let's Go Outside

2011-01-04T16:56:00.000Z

I am a little fed up with this weather as it makes for poor photography but I have to say when you get out and about it is lovely out there, it just does not lend itself well to photographs! Or at least not to my photographs and level of competency!

I really urge you though, if the grey days are keeping you in, to get out there for a walk. We are of course encouraged to take several daily walks by our dogs and I love having the excuse to get out. After we lost our first two pups, Pink and Mojo, we were without animals for a while and although I still went out walking it was by no way as frequent an event as it is now and we currently enjoy 3-4 walks daily.

Although the trees have shed their leaves there are many evergreen trees, plants and shrubs on the verges and in the hedgerows including pine, cypress, broom, holly and ivy, and the new growth on the deciduous trees has its own hue such as the purple/ brown of the birch trees.

Many of the fields have been seeded with winter crops replacing the dark brown of the bare earth with a verdant tint and the farmers are hedge cutting which will soon result in the reddish new growth of the hawthorn and before you know it the delicate, white blossom of the blackthorn.

I even saw some pussy willow buds starting to burst yesterday, they may yet regret it but it was a lovely sight to see!

And as for the cold, wrap up well and as soon as you have got a good pace going you will glow from the inside.

Some areas of the UK have had more snow over night and I know from experience how treacherous the footpaths and byways can be in ice and snow but where ever possible do not let it keep you in. Winter is a glorious season and its a long time until Spring to feel confined.

Anyway, just to remind us all how colourful it can be out there, in the absence of a good photo from me capturing the beauty of winter, here's one of glorious autumn again! Happy walking!

The Sun Will Come Out....Tomorrow?

2011-01-03T14:30:00.000Z

RIP Pete Postlethwaite

2011-01-03T10:52:00.002Z

Pete Postlethwaite died yesterday of cancer aged 64. He was such an amazing actor who has touched us in so many wonderful roles over the years. When I heard the news I immediately thought of him as Obadiah Hakeswell in Shapre, a loathsome creature portrayed so very brilliantly, and then remembered him in one of my favourite of his films as Danny, the leader of the Grimley Colliery Band. He had a distinguished career in theatre prior to appearing on our screens in significant roles although I am sorry to say I never saw him perform on the stage. Here are some of his films from the past 25 years.

2010 - Solomon Kane, 2010 - Clash of the Titans, 2006 - Closing the Ring, 2006 - Aeon Flux, 2006 - The Omen, 2005 - Dark Water, 2005 - The Constant Gardener, 2001 - Triggermen, 2001 - The Shipping News, 1999 - When the Sky Falls, 1998 - Among Giants, 1997 - The Lost World: Jurassic Park, 1997 - The Serpent's Kiss, 1997 - Amistad, 1996 - Brassed Off, 1996 - Crimetime, 1996 - William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, 1995 - Suite 16, 1995 - When Saturday Comes, 1995 - The Usual Suspects, 1993 - In the Name of the Father, 1992 - Waterland, 1991 - Split Second, 1991 - The Grass Arena, 1990 - Hamlet, 1986 - Coast to Coast.

I try very hard to have a positive attitude towards death. Death is a part of life and people should be remembered and celebrated when they die. So I have chosen to create this post to commemorate an amazing actor who has brought much entertainment to our lives. Here is a small snippet from Brassed Off, Danny's speech.

Day Two

2011-01-02T12:13:00.001Z

I have been itching to post some New Year photos but the weather here has been a little grim in recent days. After the snow and frosts we have a spell of fog, cloud and drizzle and it does not make for an attractive landscape. I did have a lovely walk around a local wood yesterday with the pups but did not take any shots.

Anyway today I am going to take my camera out anyway and hope for the best. I got a new lens for Christmas and am really keen to see what it can do. Its a wide angle lens which I plan to use for landscapes but I have also been given some advice for other ways to use it by a photographer in the family.

We had a lovely visit with Sensory Dragon yesterday and she is currently winging her way back home. We are having a Star Trek Next Generation afternoon courtesy of Channel One (formerly Virgin One). We had a late one last night so its going to be a fairly lazy day. We watched Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law which we had not seen and really enjoyed it. It was very entertaining, had a good pace, kept you guessing and made us laugh a lot.

Well I am going to have to get these dogs walked! I am sitting here with the laptop on my knee and Buddy keeps peering round the screen until his nose obscures my view! Yesterday he managed to lean on the keyboard and turn my browser off!

Image Credit: Ace Showbiz

A Good Start

2011-01-01T17:24:00.001Z

Well we have made it out of the duvet, off the couch and actually done some chores about the house! We got a call this afternoon to say that Sensory Dragon (AKA Mr Dancin's Sister), who is visiting family in the area, is making a visit to us this evening and staying over until tomorrow!

It will be so good to see her and is a great start to the New year. It is also nice to have someone coming round over the holidays while our house is all festive still!

And it gives us an excuse, not that we really needed one, to extend and consume the holiday spirit!

Image Credit: Wikimedia

The Origin of the Dew Claw (and Splint Bone)

2011-01-01T14:02:00.005Z

My first dog, Pink, had double dew claws on her back legs. I used to trim the nails for her but never had the claws removed as they did not cause her any problems. In a recent conversation with my parents we discussed the origin of dew claws, making the natural assumption that they are a remnant body part that has become redundant through evolution, but we also made the comment that none of us had ever looked into it further. As I have learnt a few things today already I decided to investigate and have uncovered the following.

'Splint bones in horses and dew claws in dogs have a common origin - they are the remnants of anatomical structures originally present in their 5-toed ancestors. Many mammals (including humans) have evolved from ancestors which had 5 digits on their feet or hands - these were called "pentadactyles".

In the original anatomical design of pentadactyles the lower limb consisted of a joint - called the carpus in the front leg, the tarsus in the hind leg. Below this joint were 5 long bones -called the metacarpals in the front leg, the metatarsals in the hind leg, and each of these ended with a joint to a digit. A digit (a finger or toe) would originally consist of up to 3 smaller bones - called phalanges. The end (3rd) phalanx would grow a nail or claw.

Even ancestors of the modern horse originally had 5 toes, but now horses and ponies have evolved to walk and run on one digit (the middle or 3rd toe) - the equivalent of a humans middle finger.

Below the carpus - confusingly now also called the "knee" joint in horses - and below the tarsus, there is a large bone which is the 3rd metacarpal or metatarsal bone, also called the cannon bones. These are some of the strongest bones in the skeleton - and to the sides and slightly behind these are two shorter, thin long bones which are the rudimentary remnants of the 2nd and 4th metacarpals or metatarsals - which are known as the "splint bones".

Modern day dogs have 4 toes on both the front and the hind legs. Higher up on the inside of the forelimb, adjacent to or below the carpal joint, it is common to find remnants of the the first digits - called "dew claws". Front dew claws are usually properly formed with joints and they are tucked in tight to the leg, and do not cause the animal many problems. However, because the nails on the dew claws do not get worn down naturally during exercise they should be trimmed regularly and occasionally they can get caught when the animal exercises, in which case the claw may break.

Higher up on the inside of the hind leg, below the tarsal joint, dew claws are less commonly found - but they are seen in quite a few large and giant breeds of dog. Unlike front dew claws hind dew claws are often not fully formed, and do not have proper joints so they hang loosely and are much more likely to get caught during exercise. Some breeds of dog even have double dew claws - 2 on each side.

Dew claws or splint bones do not usually cause any problems for the animal but sometimes they do . If dew claws keep getting caught they are removed surgically to stop the dog having repeated discomfort. In horses and ponies splint bones can become inflamed or even fractured and cause lameness - so treatment becomes necessary.'

Text Credit: Provet Healthcare Information
Image Credit: Animal Central

The Month of the Heart of Winter

2011-01-01T12:31:00.001Z

It's January 1st!!!!! Happy New Year All! I love New Years Day, there is something very exciting about the start of the year, it has that blank slate quality and holds the promise of new opportunities.

We had a lovely evening with friends last night to see the New Year in and have started the day well so far. The dogs are walked, fed and watered and we are sitting on the couch, wrapped in the duvet, watching the Muppet's Christmas Carol!!! The ghost of Christmas past has just arrived.

Anyway, I had a great blogging year last year and wanted to get a good start in for January 2011 so I have been looking out some quotations and interesting January information care of Michael P. Garofalo at E Greenway.

"January is here, with eyes that keenly glow, a frost-mailed warrior striding a shadowy steed of snow."
- Edgar Fawcett

"To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June."
- Jean-Paul Sartre

"January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was always shown as having two heads. He looked back to the last year and forward to the new one. The Roman New Year festival was called the Calends, and people decorated their homes and gave each other gifts."

"New Year ceremonies are designed to get rid of the past and to welcome the future. January is named after the Etruscan word janua which means door."

Image Credit Janus: Bible Logic

While putting in the links for this post I have been taken off on a trail of fascinating information about January, the Roman Calendar, its Greek origins, and gods from history! The ghost of Christmas yet to come has now arrived on the screen, we are still wrapped in the duvet and have some light refreshments! I will leave you now to join in the final sing song!

It Does Not Bode Well!

2010-12-31T10:46:00.000Z

Well the last day of the year is here and I have a lot to do, all good but all busy none the less.

Anyway, every once in a while I have one of those days where everything I do goes horribly wrong, it usually culminates with a complete disaster in the kitchen.

Days like this don't happen very often and I have learnt to recognise them and be smart enough not to try and cook anything and order out however today I am cooking tea for us and some friends to eat at their house this evening!!!!!!

So, there will be lots of counting to ten, staying calm, taking my time and praying! Happy New Year Bloggers!

Image Credit: Salvaging Cooking Disasters

Christmas Speech!

2010-12-28T13:43:00.001Z

I am not sure what I am going to write today but I felt like coming here and creating a post. Once again I have written many mental posts over the past few days. I should drag out my pocket tape recorded and then I can get them on tape when I think of them and write them up later when time allows.

I have had the most lovely Christmas with visits to see family and many communications with friends. In fact I heard from a very old friend just a few days before Christmas which was a wonderful surprise, a girl I went to school with who's parents moved away when we were about 14. For whatever reason we did not manage to keep in touch however she has found me on Facebook and it is lovely to be in touch again. I have been flooded with lots of lovely memories of good time spent with her, mostly giggling!

I was spoiled rotten with thoughtful gifts from family and Mr Dancin' and all of the gifts we gave have been very well received. Receiving is wonderful but as we all know giving is better!

Today we are having the last of our Christmas chill days before work resumes. Mr Dancin' is catching up on sleep after a lovely but long day yesterday and I am in the kitchen pottering, doing some chores, cooking lunch, playing on my PC, indulging in a large Brandy and loving every minute! Quality time at home is a treasure to me.

The dogs are also catching on sleep after all of the past few days excitement where they have missed out on some of their 'catnaps' but they are happy in the knowledge that their beds are made, their cupboard is full of goodies and there is a fairly good chance of one more special tea before normality resumes for a few days tomorrow. They had beef for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many other spoils and some turkey yesterday which had to be donated to them after they had licked it! (It's not their fault, it was just too close to the edge of the table!)

Despite being content in the moment I am looking forward to the year ahead. It has for the most been a very good year and although there are some changes afoot which bring some uncertainty to the year we already have some great plans for 2011.

Ok, I think I am done for now! Happy New Year Bloggers! May 2011 bring you all you desire and deserve!

Homeward Bound

2010-12-23T08:37:00.001Z

2010-12-23T08:36:00.001Z

2010-12-23T08:34:00.001Z

What You Gonna Do Today?

2010-12-21T09:34:00.002Z

Last night we were watching an episode of Scrubs and they played a Del Amitri song in the background. It was at the end of the episode and inspired me to put some Del Amitri on, one of my favourite bands. We ended up having Del Amitri on all evening and I sang my head off! It was great. We usually listen to our music on playlists these days and although I love the random/ duke box quality to it sometimes its just good to listen to someone you really love all night.

Anyway I have just been visiting with Scottish Nature Boy over at Breath in and out, now repeat for as long as possible, and in addition to posting some lovely shots of the Lunar Eclipse, that I recommend you go and see, he also posted a fabulous You Tube clip of Floyd at Earls Court in '94 playing Dark Side of the Moon. I saw Floyd on that tour and it brought back some amazing memories, as a result I predict a Floyd day today, in celebration of their awesome music! And I am going to start with this! Join me?

d out. Now repeat for as long as possible

Happy Solstice Everyone!

2010-12-21T09:01:00.002Z

It's CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-13T18:01:00.000Z

Well our decorations are up and the Christmas playlist is on! Bet you can't sit still to this one!!!!

What a lovely young man he is!

Keep Good Company

2010-12-12T17:41:00.001Z

I met this soul on Friday while at work. He/ she (I am a little ashamed to say I did not look to check!) kept me company while I surveyed the trees in the field.

Horses are very good company. I have spent a lot of time with horses over the years, mucking out, fussing and a little riding. They are incredibly intelligent, (as all animals are) and without exception love to be told they are beautiful!

I have been kicked, bitten, head-butted, stood on, thrown while riding and lifted off the ground and chucked against a wall by horses, the last of which was all over a packet of polos, and I never tire of their amazing company.

Spotty here followed me around, gave me a nuzzle and undid the zip on my fleece coat, all in search of something to eat I am sure, but the experience lifted my spirits and made my day.

There is something very special about moments shared with animals, and I am sorry for anyone who does not have that opportunity.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-12-07T13:07:00.000Z

Staffordshire

2010-12-06T20:06:00.002Z

Simply Nick

2010-12-05T18:59:00.000Z

Funnily enough I was thinking today about creating an animated video for this song and some clever soul has beaten me to it! Great song. Next post will be my 1000th on In The Pink!!

Is It Still Too Early?

2010-12-05T12:02:00.000Z

Ok I think we can all agree that I can mention the Christmas word now but is it too early to send cards? I am feeling very organised this year, all my shopping is done and half of the gifts are wrapped; still waiting for a few to be delivered.

Last night I was going to write out my cards but if you got a Christmas card next week would you think it too early? I know I can write them out and post them the week after but I do like to get the whole job done in one go.

Maybe I will wait until next weekend and then get them done.

There are a few decorations up in our neighbourhood which I do think is a little soon but each to their own. We are not ready to have the Christmas Playlist on the computer yet but yesterday I did purchase Bob Dylans Christmas album from last year to add to it.

Actually I do still have 2 presents to buy, for the pups. What do you get the dog that has everything?!

Mutant Monkey

2010-12-04T22:52:00.002Z

Image Credit: Paul Bevan on Flickr

2010-11-26T20:05:00.001Z

2010-11-26T20:03:00.001Z

2010-11-26T19:59:00.001Z

2010-11-26T19:58:00.002Z

2010-11-26T19:56:00.001Z

The Drugs Don't Work

2010-11-26T19:49:00.000Z

So after a fairly OK day, but a trying week, I came home to a dog with a poorly tummy, some pants work news and promptly burnt tea! Having been abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks to be healthy I decided on a large scotch to make things better; I don't think it has worked!

However what is working is a good bout of Jethro Tull (and a great Scrabble session with my sister) and I am planning on sharing the joy.

For all those feeling the strain this is for you. (For some reason we are now listening to a Bernard Cribbins track...hey whatever gets you through the night, it's alright, it's alright.)

Winter Wonders

2010-11-20T11:12:00.001Z

We have had some great winter weather recently and lots of fog which makes for some interesting photos. I took a load of shots locally on a beautiful, foggy, early morning, dog walk last week, and got some more shots with my phone around Ironbridge yesterday. The shots on my phone did not come out as well as I would have liked but never mind.

Here are some collages of the shots I took. The weather man promised us a foggy day today but it has not emerged which is as shame as I had planned a trip out to get some more shots but I am sure there is some more good wintery weather to come!

2010-11-20T11:11:00.001Z

2010-11-20T11:09:00.001Z

Collage

2010-11-13T12:02:00.000Z

The Compassionate Shopping Guide - Post 3

2010-11-13T11:28:00.001Z

All future posts relating to the Compassionate Shopping Guide will be posted over at my other blog Evolved. The Compassionate Shopping Guide is described below.

'NEW AND IMPROVED 12th EDITION OF THE COMPASSIONATE SHOPPING GUIDE IS NOW HERE!

This 60-page pocket-size guide is packed full of positive and practical tips from where to find cruelty free and eco-friendly products on the internet, in the supermarket or even spa, to eco-cleaning tips and homemade cleaning recipes. The NEW edition includes dozens of newly endorsed companies, including quite a few surprises!

From the use of palm oil which endangers orangutans and talc mining, to positives like eco-cleaning products and cruelty free, the Compassionate Shopping Guide helps you use your purchasing power effectively.

Each copy of the Guide comes with money saving discounts offering £s of savings on outstanding ethical products and, for orders placed before 1st September 2010, entry into a Prize Draw to win £100 of Green People body care. Copies of the Guide cost just £3, available online or telephone 01242 252871.' text credit: Naturewatch

I really would recommend purchasing a copy of this book from Naturewatch yourself, they are only £3.00 each and full of brilliant information. However I do intend to diary my findings and progress at Evolved so you can get some tips there.

The first thing that struck me on reading the guide is just how many companies there are for a huge variety of products that have approved status and therefore tick the cruelty free and eco friendly boxes!

Incoming!

2010-11-12T08:52:00.000Z

Farewell To Autumn

2010-11-12T08:50:00.002Z

Since I took these photos last weekend we have had a week of storms that have stripped the trees of their remaining leaves. It has been a beautiful autumn so I don't feel cheated, and winter gives us an opportunity to appreciate trees varying and delicate branch structures and take a close look at the years extension growth and new buds, waiting to burst next spring.

Remember

2010-11-11T16:36:00.000Z

Image Credit: Bing

Beech In Autumn

2010-11-11T16:27:00.000Z

The Compassionate Shopping Guide - Post 2

2010-11-11T16:11:00.001Z

Well that was the best thing I have read in ages! So I am afraid it is goodbye to The Body Shop, goodbye to Ecover and goodbye to Dove, another old favourite, but I feel better for making the decision. Obviously the issues do not only relate to animal experimentation but to detrimental practices in order to obtain some ingredients which damage and reduce valuable wildlife habitat.

There is a wealth of knowledge in this book which will help me promote wildlife habitat, reduce harmful bi-products and actively support the abolition of animal experimentation. I am excited to be making a change!

As suggested in the Guide I will be writing to the companies I will nolonger be using explaining my decision and urging them to bring about the changes necessary to gain the Naturewatch Approved Status.

The Compassionate Shopping Guide

2010-11-11T15:34:00.000Z

Over the past few years I have been trying to buy personal care and house hold cleaning products that are environmentally friendly and are not tested on animals. I use Ecover household products and have, for the most, purchased personal products from The Body Shop. Even Mr Dancin has been a willing convert to The Body Shop.

However he returned from town last week saying that he had seen a notice on a stall calling for a boycott of The Body Shop. He was a little reluctant to tell me as The Body Shop is my favourite shop and I love going there to treat myself.

Anyway I looked it up online. The Body Shop was sold to L'Oreal in 2006 and at the time I checked with The Body Shop to ensure that their animal friendly status still stood to be assured it did however it has been speculated that the profits from the organisation are not ring fenced and are used to suppliment L'Oreal who do not maintain an animal friendly status as of yet. There is a lot more to is that this and I recommend if you are interested you have a read of available information, of which there is much online.

For myself it has raised a dliema which has lead to me purchasing a copy of The Compassionate Shopping Guide from Naturewatch which is a difinitive guide to cruelty free, eco-friendly personal care and household cleaning products.

The guide has a wealth of information which I am currently working my way through. If this is an issue close to your heart I recommend you buy a copy of this very reasonably priced book however I will also detail my findings and purchases here as I go.

I am loathed to leave The Body Shop but at the same time I really cannot justify the testing of what are non essential cosmetic products on animals, and believe that we know enough now about household products to cease animal testing.

The Ink In The Well

2010-11-08T19:33:00.001Z

This Is Dedicated

2010-11-08T18:24:00.000Z

Time Out

2010-11-07T14:04:00.000Z

I have had a great year blogging in 2010 but have been a little late getting started this month. As usual I write many mental posts as I pass my days but few make it here. I have however missed blogging.

I have recently joined Facebook in an attempt to track down an old friend, and have had a spell of contacts from old friends via Facebook and funnily enough on Friends Reunited. It has been lovely but also a little odd and I have found my head filled with memories over the past week.

Its all been a little overwhelming actually and my head seems to be craving some quiet and a calm spell to allow me to adjust.

I have found my head filled with lyrics and lines also in recent days and think I should spend some time with my note book and get some of it down.

I know it may sound odd but it has been a bombardment of memories and feelings. It made me think of this song from the wonderful David Sylvian, Nostalgia. Its a beautifully chilled song from the album Brilliant Trees, perfect for a Sunday!

A Song For You

2010-11-03T16:24:00.002Z

This is one of my favouroite songs ever, although I find it very sad. Anyway Neil Diamond has recorded it for his new album and I heard it on Radio 2 today, so I thought I would come and post this version here. No offense Neil but this is a tough card to trump.

Lyrics, A Song For You (Leon Russell)

I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my love in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly but darlin' can't you see
There's no one more important to me
Darlin' can't you please see through me
Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

You tought me precious secrets of the truth withholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song for you

You tought me precious secrets of the truth withholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song for you
We were alone and I was singing this song for you

Credit for Lyrics: Lyrics You Love

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T11:24:00.002Z

Well it's Halloween and it has been suprisinglhy quiet so far this weekend. We are usually assured three nights of little ghosts and goblins tapping at the door!

The year I carved this pumpkin we lived in a house with a small gated front garden and I was able to light the candle in the pumpkin and put it outside the door to the side, kind of an advert 'Trick or Treaters Welcome Here!'. I thought it looked really good.

I love going to the local shop and buying masses of sweets. Its fun to check out what new sweets there are and Mr Dancin and I eat some too! The surplus, as there always is, go to work and are demolished within minutes. Every ones a kid at heart I guess!

Unfortunately it is not so easy to be hospitable in this house. We have a front garden but it is open to the passing footpath and I would not like to leave a lit pumpkin outside. At the old house I could hear the gate open if someone arrived but here I would worry. Also it is very hard to answer our front door here and keep the dogs at bay. In the old house we could close the door to the living room, go down the hall and open the front door to chat to children with their parents. Here you have to open the front door while holding the rather flimsey living room door closed with your other hand and the dogs make so much noise they tend to scare people off!

I have yet to come up with a solution to this issue....moving would probably be the best idea!

I like this house enough; if it were ours we would make lots of changes and make it suit our needs but as it is a rental we don't spend too much money on it, certainly not to the tune of new doors!

Anyway, I will get some sweets and hope we get some visitors!

What Was It We Were Thinking Of?

2010-10-28T08:19:00.001+01:00

Extreme Camping

2010-10-26T08:42:00.000+01:00

Image Credit: Bing