Ichabod's Day

I am currently in the unfortunate/fortunate position of having to take enforced rest. Those of you that know me will be aware of some ongoing medical problems - those who don't suffice to say "women's troubles" and spare you the gory details. Having spent a week feeling poorly and trying desperately to avoid hospital admission I am now feeling slightly more human and can actually enjoy my time off work for the next week (I hope). Anyway, what to do with this time? I have become very organised for Xmas (in case I needed to be in hospital) and used online shopping to great advantage - and then wrapped things as they are delivered. I have got parcels ready for USA and Oz ready for the Xmas posting dates, complete with letters and cards. I have tried my best to watch day time TV - how dire is that? We pay a fortune for god knows how many channels and all you get are reality talk shows, naff quizz shows and thriller/murder/sci-fi shows with old has-beens taking a cameo rol...

I have just received a very special parcel today. Now some of you may think this is a strange and rather macabre thing - but I happen to think it is a unique and special tribute. What is it? Well, those of you who follow my musings will know that I lost my beloved pet earlier in the year. I found this a devastating experience, and I would say that I lost not only a pet, but a part of myself with her. She was very special (as I'm sure most of you think of your own pets). Somehow, trawling through the internet I came across someone who makes teddy bears from pet hair/fur. As it happens I had kept an amount of her fur, when I'd groom her I'd put some of her fur out for the birds to use for nesting and I kept quite a bit of the rest. Don't ask me why, I don't really know - other to say that I am a great sentimentalist and love to keep mementoes and keepsakes of all sorts of things. Anyway, I contacted this lady to ask what she would need - a really lovely and talented...

October is here - and a mixed bag of weather from torrential rain to mild and sunny days. The last 2 sundays have been perfect weather for walking in the late autumn sunshine. Last week, after guests staying over for the weekend, we took Bruno for a late sunday afternoon stroll to Pennington Flash , a local site favourite with wildlife enthusiasts and walkers alike. Now, those who know me know very well that I am not a walker - but I must say that I am really enjoying these latest communing with nature exploits. I am taking some good photos and then have something worth sharing on my blog - and Bruno gets some good, healthy exercise also!! Then this weekend we we lucky to be invited by an old friend to go visit. She lives with her family in the grounds of Newstead Abbey in nottinghamshire. I have never been there before but it turns out that my Dad, as a youth, used to cycle there from Grantham on a sunday with the YMCA - a fitter man than me that's for sure! The Abbey's ...

I witnessed my first road rage incident yesterday and I am still haunted by the sight of a large man in his 30s trying to drag a man in his late 60s (or older) through a car window whilst punching him in the face! All because the older man dared to beep his horn at the car the younger man was a passenger in that had stopped in traffic and blocked the exit. This was bad enough, but what perhaps was worse was that we were in rush hour traffic with cars and vans backing up on both sides of the road and no-one, NO-ONE, got out to help the old man. I eventually leant on my horn to at least draw some attention to what was going on and then a few followed suit until we were all so loud and insistent that the younger man got back in as the traffic moved and the car drove away. As the older guy drove away - obviously shaken - he nearly caused an accident as the lights had changed and cars were just driving round him. Now, by this time I too am slightly shaken and extremely indignant. As I pul...

Had my second tap dancing lesson last night. Here is what I have learned so far: a) I am far too unfit b) dancing in front of wall to wall, full length mirrors has to be the least flattering angle c) I have lost any rhythm I thought I had d) I have no control over my feet e) I have no style f) I am far too unfit Apart from that it really is enjoyable, the 45 minutes of the lesson fly by and afterwards I may look completely exhausted but I do feel energised. A quick trip to the pub across the road from the dance centre to replenish lost liquid and then home until next week. Shuffle, hop, step ball change ....................

This weekend we took a quick trip to Norfolk. We figured it was probably the last sunny weekend we might get this year - so a four and a half hour drive was worth it to spend a day and a bit on the beach! We were finally able to let Bruno run, something he wasn't able to do in the summer due to his accident and he had such a great time - so did we come to that -peaceful, sunny and relaxing. Such a shame we had to come home. Anyway, while we were there Sheringham was holding a 40s weekend at the Poppy Line steam railway station. People dressed up, 40s music was playing - we just spent a while people watching and enjoying the atmosphere. It's amazing what you can see if you just stop your normal daily routine. A great weekend was had by all - back to normality now unfortunately, ah well......

You may have read in my post entitled "my favourite beach" that our dog was in an accident a few weeks ago. He slipped his collar and got hit by a car. Well, we have now enrolled him in Dog School - first session on wednesday so I intend to keep you upto date with his progress. He knows nothing of this at the moment and is blissfully unaware of the hard work to come!! In fact as I write he is in his favourite position in his chair - as per photo (bet dog school don't allow personal items of furniture!!). Watch this space also for my own foray into classes - I've decided to have a go at tap dancing - and at 46 years old this is not to be taken lightly. If I make it through the first session I'll let you know how I get on (but I promise - no photos)- here's to a fitter and better behaved family!!!!