Christmas is nearly upon us!

Yes guys it's nearly Christmas, are you ready? all the presents bought and wrapped, it's a miracle I have wrapped all mine, first time in years usually it's left till Christmas Eve and i would be up till 1am then the kids would wake me up at 6am, so I'm very ahead this year nothing left to wrap, well as yet anyway until i go to town and spot yet another present, or I've forgotten someone {which will probably happen } at the last minute.

Barry is home from uni for Christmas, I have been feeding him up as he has probably been living on beans like all students. I also managed to post my Christmas cards usually I write them and forget to post, but I'm really a head this year with all as I've posted them, so guys i wasn't ignoring you i just lost my memory over the last few years.

Decorating a nightmare!!!!

I've started to Decorate my bedroom, what a nightmare started stripping the wall and nothing but damp underneath, what i thought was going to be a straight forward task has turned out to be much much more. all because of the council not sorting the leaking chimney sooner than they did, as I've said in a previous blog entry they have there head up their a--e, and couldn't fix a leaky tap never mind a chimney. And to top it all i moved the wardrobe which was also a task as it is fitted, and in the process managed to knock one of the cupboards off the wall, Tasha was helping me at the time and we just laughed and laughed, there was nothing else we could do as it was already on the floor, no one was hurt it was funny tho. It can be fixed and will be fixed as soon as I've sorted the decorating out.

Also got the shower fitted at long last decided against the electric one and went with a thermostatic one instead, great decision as it is very powerful more like a power shower than a thermo mixer.

The Hunt !

Yes people my hunt for the famous Nintendo wii is finally over, have managed to get hold of one at last, after seeing the whole Internet sold out [but not if your quick] and waiting on stock pages to come through i got one, yesss!!

Will be starting the painting again my bedroom this time, looks as tho I'll be on the sofa for a few days.

Update on Barry he seems to have settled in well at uni and is looking forward to coming home for Christmas. Tasha got her self a job well paid and good hours, so that will keep her out of trouble lol. And the youngest is doing well cheeky as ever but always smiling.

Paint Brush in hand.

Well Guys not wrote much for a while, been really busy decorating, have up to now finished the front room, kitchen and hall, what a nightmare that was so high, and me being only a short arse didn't help but anyway its done now. Hoping to get the bedrooms done before Christmas as after Christmas i will be starting an admin course at the college, I am looking forward to it but a bit nervous to, as it has been a very long time since I've been to school and i didn't enjoy it then, anyway shall see how it goes. shall meet some new people so it wont be all bad.


On another note i have been searching and searching the Internet and the shops for a Nintendo wii console for the kids for Christmas, what a nightmare can't get hold of one anywhere, impossible task, if anyone can help get in touch pleaseeeee.

Tasha does know I'm mentioning this, some other good news Tasha has met a Guy called Sam, early days but they seem to get along well, he seems a nice guy and has Tasha's best interests at heart so that's good enough for me. Welcome to this mad mad family Sam, hope you can cope lol.

Soon to be off to uni.

Yes Barry will be going to university in just over a week, a friend of his is going to the same uni and also drives so it will be so much easier for them to transport their things over from here. I think baz is excited but a bit nervous to. Am very proud of my son he has worked very hard to get were he is. I am proud of all my kids.

lovely day.

Just thought I'd add a few more pics in this entry of my trip to see Tina in manchester.

Myself, Baz, Tasha, Sarah and my niece Jayne and nephew Dean all went out for a lovely lunch today as dean goes home on Saturday we all had a few laughs at the table while having lunch, every thing was discussed from Barry's curls to Sarah's freckles lol. i suppose as i was the oldest there the others being 22 and under i was lucky to even talk about something i could relate to(hair i can relate to lol) as for freckles i think I'm a bit past that one.but putting all that aside it was a very enjoyable lunch,nice to have my 3 at any table at one time as they lead such busy lives it's hard to get them in one place at the same time.

Time to relax

Not wrote much for a while. Anyway not long back from a trip to the UK, relaxed a bit partyed a bit to, also managed to visit the pride carnival in Manchester it was great so many people were there to support it.. great day.went for 6days decided to stay for 10days

. Did a lot of walking while i was there mine and Tina's feet where aching every day which was weird considering no heavy shopping trips were involved just a few small ones. Also took a trip to Liverpool seen the Beatles cavern club and Mathew street. And went on the ferry across the Mersey which I've not been on since i was a small child.

Lovely evening

Had a lovely evening last night, went for a meal down at peel with the kids and a friend of mine, really enjoyed the evening and at the end we saw a wonderful sunset. Also spotted a few sea lions along the way, the weather turned out really nice a lot better than in Douglas. Just a really nice night. good company nice food and the sunset to top the night, Brill.

Took these two pictures while down there.

Back from travels.

Yes Tasha is back from Kenya you can view a slide show at the bottom of the page (photos taken by martin) will upload some more pictures soon that Tasha has taken. as you can see from the pics they all worked very very hard building the dams. pics in this post taken by Tasha and Martin. Click on any photo to see enlarged view. SLIDE SHOW AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE.LOADS IN 2MIN.

Tasha soon to be home. Baz uni accomodation.

Yes Tasha will be back from her adventure tomorrow, so there will be lots to talk about, i just hope she hasn't gave any little creatures a free flight, hope there are no poisonous spiders lurking in her bags or scorpions or even mosquito's yuck, think i should get her to unpack her stuff in the garden to give any little creepies the chance to run off somewhere else. I'm not joking either lol. Tasha said today they are having a big party before they depart in the morning, to celebrate the finishing of the dams and as a thank you from the villagers for all their hard work. They leave the village at 5.30am for a 2 and half hour drive to the main town ready for their onward journey back home.

Baz will be going to Preston uni in September, he has just found out he has got his on campas accommodation, which is great news because it is a lot more affordable than going private.

Did some more gardening today thought it better get done, even though i didn't really want to, a least it's done, and those little pests have eaten at my sweetcorn, think it's time for some action,but what i don't know, if any one has any suggestions let me know.

Phone call from Tasha and A Little about my upmost favourite band TEXAS

Had a text from Tasha so i rang her again, she is loving every minute and said "mum I'm in love" i said with what and she said "this place i love all of it this life, the work, the people just all of it" she just loves it and said she will be very upset when she has to leave in a few days. What Tasha said is what i would have expected her to say as i believe she was meant to be in such a country because she has always dreamed of such a thing it's just our "Tasha". She also said this quest group are the first to have mixed 85 very large bags of cement in a day, the dam they have just finished is 30metres long. She has had a bit of trouble with her feet as she was mixing cement in her bare feet not once but twice and is now suffering with large skin abrasions and soreness, tash said they are very painful. But in the long run I'm sure one day Tash will get to do something like this on a more full time basis, like she has always dreamed. You go get em Tash.

TEXAS !!!!!

Texas are and always will be my favourite band, hope you enjoy this video.

Texas are a pop music band from Glasgow, Scotland. They were founded by Johnny McElhone (formerly of the bands Altered Images and Hipsway) in 1986 and had their performing debut in March 1988 at Scotland's University of Dundee. They took their name from the 1984 Wim Wenders movie Paris, Texas. Their musical sound went from blues rock on their debut album Southside via the blue-eyed soul of White on Blonde to the disco pop of Red Book.

Just a little something about us Taureans.

Taurus is the sign of practicality. People born under the sign of Taurus tend to be very patient, practical and dedicated people. Such people are usually very cautious when dealing with people, life and money. They have a curious power. People who were born in that time are extremely faithful, with a strong need for security and a settled routine. Although they are very earthy, they can also be highly romantic and sensitive when it comes to love. They have great power of endurance, both physical and mental, and can pass through enormous strains of fatigue as long as the excitement or determination lasts. They make wonderful hosts and hostesses, and have great taste about food, and in the management of their houses they can make much out of little. These people often become excellent directors, have good business intuition, they always dress well and look well. They are governed by their sensations and by their loving nature, but affection has a greater hold on them than passion. Such people are also warm and sensual, with an appreciation of the fine things in life. Taurus is motivated by a need for security; this sign is good for business matters and can be trusted to carry things through with absolute care. These people are very strong-willed and often quite creative. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, giving success with matters to do with the public and, combined with the influence of Venus, a passionate nature endowed with a strong sense of loyalty and fidelity. They are kind and generous with friends, with whom they develop an unspoken rapport. If they love, they are generous to the last degree, and will consider no sacrifice too great for the person they care for; if they are enemies, they will fight with the most determined obstinacy. But they always fight in the open, for they hate trickiness, double-dealing, or deceit. They are easily influenced by their surroundings, and become morbid and morose when trying to live under uncongenial conditions. They are at their best are typically strong and silent. They have an innate sense of harmony, humour, rhythm and color, and often are very successful in music, poetry and art. Those born in this sign have an ability to become the most faithful, loyal friends. They also make good, patient nurses and healers, and almost all have a keen love of gardening, flowers and people.

Friends

They will find their most lasting friendships with people born between August 21-27, and September 20-27, December 21 and January 20-27.
Health

In health, although, as a rule, endowed with a splendid constitution, they suffer with all things that affect the throat, nasal cavities and upper part of the lungs.
Color

The most favorable colors for them are all shades of blue. Red is an exciting color for them, and they should use it as little as possible.
Stones

The birth stones for this period are emeralds, turquoises, and lapis lazuli

In General (Intuition or vibes)

I am not filling this entry with the usual everyday activity but something a little different an entry all about vibes and what do they mean to you or even what are they? Intuition (a vibe) is not as magical or mysterious as it sounds. It's a mental tool that uses our perception of things that may not be obvious otherwise, such as someone’s facial expressions, pheromones (subliminal scent cues), past behavior and "vibes" to give us an impression we could not get on a rational level. Trusting intuition and giving yourself a chance to check it, opens up your receiving process -- so you notice what's coming your way, and can be open to it., And filter out what you don't want to see, and highlight what you do want to see. This means that when you are open to getting intuitive info, you'll find it. Both the positive and negative opportunities and choices are around us all the time. Our expectations and perception determine which options we notice most readily.
"Being aware of an intuition is only part of the process," "Putting that feeling into expression in the world is the other part. When you do that you put value on it, and when you put value on your intuition it can then begin to help you in life."Probably the best phrases for expressing intuitive feelings are those that are organically based--"I have a gut feeling," "a tight chest," "a lump in my throat," "butterflies in my stomach." These expressions focus on where the intuitive energy being picked up is felt in the body. But they, too, often fall short of being taken seriously. When a person decides to awaken their intuition, what they are really choosing to do is consciously embrace the greatest natural gift of all; guiding wisdom of their spirit. And when we embrace our spirit, we become far better equipped to live the kind of lives our hearts really desire. Awakening intuition is not something only the select and most "meditated" few can do. Actually it isn't very difficult at all because it a natural part of our hard wiring as six sensory spiritual beings. Intuition itself actually means "inner-teacher". And when we awaken our intuition, our "vibes" as I like to call them is that we are inviting our inner teacher, the most brilliant part of our awareness to lead our lives. This voice strives to keep us mindful of who we really are, and creative in our ability to express our authentic spirit in our everyday lives.To activate your vibes, your inner voice, start by accepting that you have a sixth sense, even if it's in the dormant mode right now. Our sixth sense is our natural inner genius, and though you might not believe in it, it's normal to be a spiritual being guided by the Universe. Six-sensory people know this; five sensory people don't. To live a higher way, it's time to stop doubting when your sixth sense speaks to you and start accepting and appreciating it. Second, you must come up with incentives to listen and trust your vibes. For one, it's practical. It saves time. It connects the dots of your life and attracts all you need to avoid the endless struggle for answers and relationships to help you grow. It creates win-win situations. Best of all, trusting your vibes relieves you of worry. That alone should be enough incentive to get your sixth sense up and running.

Power walking

Found out after checking online that the phone call to Tasha was a staggering £18 for 35Min's but was worth it to hear all about the trip, but wont be staying on for as long on Sunday, i can tell you.

Today i decided to go and do some power walking well kind off, I had my music in my ears and was walking pretty fast, I think that might class as power walking, anyway made it down to the sea front it was a glorious sunny day very very warm. I then sat outside a cafe and had a coffee, a think, and a rest while taking in the sights, lots of people going about their day, which was nice to see after all the rain we have been having lately, needed a rest as I'm not getting any younger ha. noticed a few familiar faces also taking in the sun, i was tempted to go to a bar for a vodka instead of a coffee but decided against it, maybe next time.

Latest on Tasha !!

Yes got a text at about 6pm tonight, asking me to ring her and i did for half an hour, looks like my phone bill will be high but it was worth it to speak to her and find out what she has been up to. Anyway they were at a safari park on Saturday and camped there over night in the safari park she said they woke up with the roar of lions in the background, Tasha said the stars were phenomenal, she loves to gaze at the stars. They had a meal in the park and Tasha fell asleep waiting for her meal because they had been up till 2.30 that morning and then had to be up for 5am because her and another on the trip had volunteered to go back to finish the dam off. They start another dam in the morning. And as a thank you the villagers killed and cooked a goat to celebrate the first dam being finished and fed it to the group. The group also took a trip to the local town and each bought a live chicken for the farmers they are staying with. some of the chickens have been killed for food, but Tasha's is still alive and i think she is most definitely going to try and keep it that way as she loves animals and couldn't bare the thought of it being killed for her to eat. She was playing football today with the young children and over did it as she became a bit wheezy but is ok now. she has a few bumps and bruises from passing large boulders to each other, on occasion throwing them to each other to make the job quicker. Tonight they were having beans, maize and rice for their meal. Their shower consists of a bucket of water and a cup for pouring. Their toilet is just a hole in the ground but went up in the world when they were able to use a hole in the ground but with a toilet basin in it also. Tasha's favourite food in Kenya is a fruit called custard apple yep a fruit called custard apple its green round with bumps, will include a picture in this entry. she has asked me to see if i can get some for her here. She also had a small mishap when the roof of the jeep she was in fell on top of her not once but twice she was a little shaken and dazed but thankfully unhurt. The next contact with Tasha will be next Sunday. sounds like shes having a great experience, one which she shall never forget.

Waiting, waiting and more waiting.

Not up to much today, am staying on the computer hoping Tasha will be in touch as it will be the only day she can, not sure on their itinerary but it should be a day off, so hopefully she will get chance to send an email or talk online. The temperature in Kenya today a comfortable 21 oC. lucky thing.

As for the weather here, it is?... yes you guessed it, "sunny" i cant believe the sun is out and it's very warm. makes you feel a little better in yourself. long overdue i say. Nice to be able to put some washing on the line at last. As the picture says positive proof of global warming, our underwear has shrunken over the years, from bloomers to string, positive proof the weather has had an impact on our briefs as well as the planet.

More rain what a surprise.

Been looking at Tasha's itinerary this evening and the lucky thing gets a day off from dam building to go to a safari park in Kenya this weekend, we are all so envious, better than what we have here with all this rain.


Yep we have even more rain it just doesn't seem to be letting up. All is not lost we do have umbrellas, that's if you can stop them breaking and turning inside out, if that happens, like me, you will probably just throw it in the nearest bin. rain rain go away. Bring us some sunshine and brighten our day. After i got back wet from the rain i made a heart warming stew in the slow cooker with pastry yum, didn't take me long to get warm and dry after that.

It rained and it rained and rained and rained.
The average fall was well maintained
And when the tracks were simply bogs
It started raining cats and dogs.
After a drought of half an hour
We had a most refreshing shower
And then the most curious thing of all
A gentle rain began to fall.
Next day was also fairly dry
Save for the deluge from the sky
Which wetted the party to the skin
And after that the rain set in.

No Marks for Spencer

I have never seen such rubbish i just applied online for a job at marks and Spencer, you get 30 questions 4 options for each and you have to pick least like and most like even if you feel none of the questions relate to you, but you still have to tick those boxes, anyway i continued through the 30 questions ticking what closely related to me and how i would deal with different circumstances, then at the end you then submit your application online saying you will be contacted shortly, low and behold in under a minute there was an email an automated one at that in my in box "sorry but your application was unsuccessful this time please try again in six months". I have never been told by a computer that i didn't get the job. I at least expected an interview or at least my application to be viewed by a human being and not a machine. So NO MARKS FOR SPENCER!!!!

Councils are umper lumpers

Spent part of this afternoon writing a letter to my councils insurance company trying to get some kind of compensation because two of the bedrooms and the hall have damp/water marks from the chimney leaking over a number of weeks, they have since removed the chimney but the marks remain. and as a result two bedrooms and the hall now need redecorating and i don't see why i should pay for something that is the councils fault because their umper lumpers and they took to long to come and rectify the situation. So hopefully i should hear something soon but I'm not holding my breath.They have their head up their ----.


Then spent some time with Sarah helping her to practice her cookery for school tomorrow, she has to make a chocolate cake with chocolate butter icing yum, but not sure ours turned out the way it was supposed to Sarah said it looked like a cow pat i didn't think it was that bad it tasted fine maybe it wasn't quite round enough tho.