5 OS Pleasures in your Day Today part 2

DundeeDoll

Morning ampers good on the carrots. Oo vip lounge tres jealous. We had to make do with sitting on very uncomfie bar thing at dubai, but then again our stop over much shorter. Nice emirates lady had given us a spare bottle of wine each so we sat drinking those.
kk till sunday. Lazy day today (and yes have already replied to 2 work emails) then dunnett day tomoz - the dorothy dunnett readers assoc organises really interesting days all over the country and holibags beyond - off to spain with 5 of them (inc mum who introduced me to ddra) sunday grin grin
Right, 18 mins till brekkie, best get washed and dressed.
Hope things get better soon with ds frith

mhagster

It's Friday evening here , had a rather decidely lazy day off.

Woke up at ridiculously early o'clock, gave one of my dear friends from home a call and had a good chat with her, will see her in a few weeks

Gave best friend from home a call and had a good chat with her, will see her in 3 weeks

Then decided to go back to bed and read/ perused internet/ closed eyes.

Took a pile of read mags up to the swap box at the library, grabbed a couple to read and borrowed 2 books. I've not been reading of late so need something to get my teeth into ,I think.

Posted a letter and had a look to see how much flight socks will cost....I have never bothered with them before but always have horrid cankles for a few days....so far $45 and then $32 in separate chemists. Have just looked at cost of buying in UK and getting delivered here but works out about the same by the time I take postage into consideration and they might not arrive in time....shall continue my search for a cheaper pair !

Bought MORE Satsumas......price war in F&V shops continues, I am mainly using the old one and they have put a sign in their window thanking customers for continued support. This is the 4th time I've bought Satsumas this week....some people keep eating them! They are 99c /kg ( $4.00 in supermarket ) also bought a bag of veg for a dollar ...shall add it to mince in a spag Bol.

Nice leisurely phoned call with friend in Sydney .

Visit to hairdresser ....no grey hairs on show anymore
The hairdressers were in a silly mood so lots of giggles there.

Quick dash to physio with DD2 ( who's had a crappy day at school....phoned and left a voicemail with year head)

Chips! Bag of chips shared with DD2 after physio. Mine in a butty.

Home and in for the evening

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Just a bit revisionist today.

This year, some will go all crazy over a Duke, just very shortly. But we had not been involved in a Franco Prussian skirmish since we rid Napoleon some hundred years earlier, and then the only ones were as Empire Policemen, Crimea and the Boer war. So why did some upstart grandson of Vicky kick off. An old Empire, That was past its sell by date had problems in the Balkans. Germany had one shot, and that was to knock out France, and then go east. Well, it had knocked out France forty years earlier, and apart from a token British Expeditionary force that got to Mons, nearly did so again. Then the trenches were dug, the Germans could retreat, but the Allies, Britain and France, could not give an inch. Stalemate ensured.

Late 1917, the Germans had defeated Russia and their energies were turned west. A spring offensive in 1918 could bring victory before the US enters the war. It was run close, but in the end, the steam ran out and the US joined in, and the Armistice signed on the 11th November 1918. The victors and especially France took their spoils of war, the Middle East and Africa was carved up. The US went home. Sleep tight.

Twenty or so years later, the German tanks came through the Ardennes forest and within weeks, France had fallen, Dunkirk had seen the evacuation of troops, but more were shipped home from Brittany some weeks later. Britain was alone and close to defeat. Lord Halifax in ten days of May could had become Prime Minister. But another took the chair. The Battle of Britain was won, yet through to Al Alamein, no victory was won. Even the so called soft under belly of Italy offered true rejoice, though Rome would only come afterwards.

Kursk and the liberation of Stalingrad changed that. The Russians had lost millions, yet in Britain, the Army trained, and trained for 4 years. The US GIs came in 1942, and trained and trained. In the last war, the trench had taken it toll. This war was different. So as the Russians were now gainfully chasing the Berlin, we had to join in. Seventy years ago we did join in.
But was this a fight, to liberate France or to stop the Soviet takeover of Europe?

Makes you feel old, that when the thirtieth anniversary was held, I was at school, they were in their fifties. After operation corporate, we are now in our fifties, yet as political pawns, as Arthur Harris’ boys never got medal, so those also in 82 did not.

ampersand

mhags - flight sox were in my Virgin flight pack, both ways too - and they're lovely red! I still expect a week or so for bleugh puffy flesh decline, exacerbated by scombroid leftovers on the way out. I've been impressed against my will by Virgin and am writing to Sir RB[to whom I've never warmed] re: young Michael at Shanghai - wonderful young man who recognised me en rte back[pics taken], having heard from a colleague that I sang his praises. He saved a nightmare on the way out, re:did rtn leg tkt from Shanghai>Hrow to Business class 4 seats! so I could lie down to sleep. It was lovely, but I love it all anyway.

1. 1st brekkie out jungle back, where les coquelicots have arrived from somewhere, blooming, deep crimson. beautiful. Neighbour's daughter has not been able to keep it sensible as planned - all 4 of her littlies have had chickenpox and measles successively and she too has had the former - not fun in adulthood. Broke out new jars of rhubarb+ginger and lemon curd, both made in fortnight before I left. Made loads of all of this stuff in enzed too[picked fresh lemons every morning from N's tree] much to delight of N. who was being born as we held my maman's funeral, hence my pleasure at having close time/independence with him[spare room became my base] and his maman[the younger twin] this time. We had a fantastic day out, ending up on Te Mata peak on one of her rare days off[intensive care/recovery nursing tutor/Sister] - works fulltime, total family supporter, does iron woman running and biking up this peak too, married to A[one of 13!] - liked all my time with them hugely, while knowing I don't actually fit anywhere. Hopefully, they'll be over for World Cup next year and I can rtn hospitality. We watched a great storm move round the Ruahine Ranges far off west, saw forked and sheet lightning, then curving out and round to the sea, out to Napier, down to the Tuki Tuki River below[one of the trio with the Ngaruroro and the Tutaekuri, that meander down to the sea between the twin cities] so long known, all of this - it is my country, après tout:-)
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=te+mata+peak+pics&rlz=1C1GGIT_enGB308GB353&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=JqORU4m2K6-p7AaS6oDgBQ&ved=0CCcQsAQ&biw=930&bih=592

2. Still meandering to end of 'Trouble in the Glen' - trying to make it last. Maurice Walsh is now surely a completist hunt'n'read for me, joining Stephen Lister on my deeply secret core of me stuff, that any The One candidate would require to pass...no, they're not rushing the gates as we speak.

3. Gorgeous outside - almost as warm as it's been nearly every day I've been gone, to a South hemisphere winter...like last time, 16-24 every day until I left last Sunday, teasingly saying I was taking it with me, to give England half a chance of a summer. Woke up Monday morning, more warm sun, blazing blue sky, tuis and bellbirds singing, fantails dancing, looking out over Lake Taupo, with a snow-capped Tongaririo behind and foreground Mt Ruapehu venting half-way up - spectacular and glorious on way down and back up again - deliberate & symmetry.
Great enjoyment during lake front walk watching peeps trying the lake edge hole-in-one challenge, which happens more often than one might think is possible.
http://www.holein1.co.nz/blog/241

4. Left big rambling nonsense msg on NZ phone - they're clearly not back from one of their busy days yet.

5. Wearing my lump of pounamu, carved by Len Gray, now holding, as required, the contact of many people dear to me. It's all good. Have had some lovely finds and good 'uns[hopefully] hence shipping back for UK winter selling - and did a couple of market days again, Sunday morning, Marine Parade
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g255109-d301108-Reviews-Marine_Parade-Napier_Hawke_s_Bay_Region_North_Island.html
http://www.weekendmarkets.co.nz/napier/where.html

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Yippeee Yippeeeeeeeeeee Yipppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

& is back, and possibly drooooooling over Johnny's retirement!

ampersand wrote: »

See bop is in usual fine International Friendship form...

(I dids write me last one afore I knew my conscious hath returned)

ampersand

bop - I insisted on pics of famberley either side of the celebrations on the screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!!!!!! - as I broke out the NZ champers, from the award-winning Mission vines, which grew behind us in Greenmeadows, when we moved out from Napier. Pure country then. Ditches, no footpaths, artesian bore water - big bike ride to school on no roads for lots of it. Scrambled up the Sugar Loaf 'mountain' alongside. On the other side are my father[Wharerangi Servicemen's Lawn Cemetery and my maman, on Park Island-overlooking her electorate], Both of their seats are fully cleaned up and protected/varnished again now, until next time back. They both see the sweep of the sea of Hawke Bay and the fine lands of Hawkes Bay: how that difference was drummed into us at school!].See here:
http://www.missionestate.co.nz/our_story/index.htm
[oh yes, bop - the French connection was always there, now I think of it:-)
In my middling-hood, Brother Jonathan came down to see and translate from vulgate Latin the old family map I still have, rolled under my bed on an old cloth bolt]
http://www.missionestate.co.nz/our_story/timeline/index.htm
#
I completely switched my opinion of JW after seeing him @ Twick and in Dub last year, plus reading his book, seeing this doc. and have bullied famberley into seeing it likewise now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rEo6zqRTNc

Kept seeing T from Collobrieres during the coverage, which was also fantastique -famberley at last had a taste of seeing my moi, my found self on other side of world. More all good.
JW truly shone real happiness this time, absolute real contentment and joy. To retain the H cup, gain the Brennus in his final, final final game....and Mourad showed his joy also.
Oh it was beautiful, surtout contre Castres who denied us last year. OUI!!!!
http://www.lerugbynistere.fr/videos/video-top-14--mourad-boudjellal-lance-pilou-pilou-vestiaire-stade-france-apres-victoire-rct-face-castres-0106140831.php

http://www.rctoulon.com/fr/page/histoire/

Ihaia West is another link - we'll be screaming for him demain - at NBHS with famberley boys! Have also taught/shown them Toulon's 'haka' which came up on the newds. Taught them Pilou Pilou aussi.
http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/video/x1xyfx0_le-rct-champion-un-haka-de-folie-a-toulon_news#from=embediframe

In case you missed it bop - and Vicky A - voici le match. Hard to watch 1st half:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC4WdF4tTJU
Great to see Steffon Armitage have a good, good game, both bro's showing why they are better than albion deserved.

Also great to be on sidelines screaming and shouting for R in his rugby again/still each w/e- South Island tour being fund-raised for now.
#
Oh, another who has never watched Grome of Thanes, so have just barged into the club - will even add a puhleeez, presumed obligatory?

VJsmum

yayy, Ampersand is back :j

Several MIA though - not just chicken. Skint? OT? i am sure there are others.

A bit of time to catch up, over a coffee. Join me if you will, but no cake or biscuits as i have eschewed sugar and wheat (eschew is a good word, n'est ce pas? To be followed by "Gesundheit" naturally )

McC - nice gee gee
Mhags - please don't talk about custard slices and the like. I am eschewing
BoP - great post. I am currently watching the D day events. Lest we forget
Dfor V - "Looking forward to by nalbinding session from fibre witch"???? IS there an english translation?
CCp - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight? we were once on top of a tower in Lincolnshire as a Hurricane came roaring overhead having just taken off from its base. I will never forget it.
Supersaver - Best of luck in new job. we are in the midst of exam season too. Have a feeling today's A level english lit did not go well
Frith - Peanut butter and plum jam was brave. Glad it turned out OK
Kittikins - we alsways have such good intentions re card and board games, but you know what the road to hell is paved with!! Do you play Uno? it's one of our faves
Giddy - Hmm, why can't lush come to my place of work?
LFS - love the flouncy skirt. well done on the celeriac. Ho ho ho
PK - hmm, I fancy strawberries and cream now - no sugar or wheat in that.
DD - Cayman isles and dominica - geog not my strong point either. Are they close?
Ampersand - sounds like you have had an amazing time.

Pleasures for Wednesday

1. Had a long walk from the OGV garage to the station. It had a light come on! pleasant walk in the rain and I made the train i was aiming for
2. Exciting meeting at work. Found myself thinking that if it comes off I will be sorry to be too old to really benefit. But exciting to be in the front pack for now.
3. Useless meeting (exam board) but was nice to see how many students will get first class degrees
4. Greek salad for lunch, tea I can't remember :-/ It was all a bit casual largely cos OH was away
5. An evening with my feet up watching TV pretending i didn't want a Mars Bar :rotfl:

And yesterday

1. Getting ready for a Skype meeting with Hong Kong, only to realise that three of us were at the wrong campus - cue a mad taxi ride across town. Very funny
2. It looks like i am going to be a link tutor for our courses in Hong Kong (possibly Singapore and Sri Lanka too). Potentially going out there in September / October.
3 Struggled with my fast day today - but the pleasure is that I managed it, and today weighed 10 st something (ok 10 st 13) for the first time in a couple of years :T
4. Got wolf whistled :eek::rotfl: It was some ageing builder, but hey a girl has to take all the compliments she can get when she's 50! I did have a fairly short dress on - he obviously couldn't see the humungous ladder in my tights!
5. Another walk to OGV garage to collect car - was nice in the warm sunshine.

Day off today, so I am shopping, cleaning, cooking and ironing!

supersaver1000

Wow thats a lot of writing. I am just back from work and have to cook then off out to help at school event. Will sit down and read properly over the weekend. Some very interesting stuff.

Have a good evening everyone. I am planning a good sleep tonight.

Purple_kitten

Ampersand: Wonderful you are back:j:j
LFS: wow to your planting.
For yesterday
1.I found some recipes to try with the rtcs picked up earlier this week, I created an orange and beef tagine, it had cinnamon, onion, ginger, cashews, honey, oranges, with butternut, Okra and a glass or 2 of plum wine it smelt nice cooking, tasted awfull,:eek::eek: the comment possibly the worst tasting meal I have ever cooked (so far) came out. Put some oven chips on!!!:rotfl:
2 Planted out my pepper plant as it was being badly attacked by slugs in the greenhouse, so I’ve re potted it to new soil and put in a pot with copper around it but have run out of compost now and still have plants ops.
3.Accupuncture was good tonight but feeling it a bit now
4.Stopped in at the lovely greengrocer and picked up a bag of stuff for £3 (bananas, tomatoes, ginger, greens, butternut.:p

For Today
1. Woken this morning by bees behind the bedroom curtain going all over the hoya plant.:o
2. Watching all of the wildlife scoffing away.
3. Getting our bedding washed aired and back on.:cool:
4. Late this afternoon when I’d finished work and a bit of a poets day DH loaded the car for a tip run, I gave him a hand and opposite the tip is a wholesale garden place we have a card to so dropped in and picked up honeysuckle to grow up the new trellis.
5. My rather late payment has arrived thankfully it was getting a little tight.
6. This evening DH and I tackled the front garden he planted and I weeded while the neighbours took the mickey out of our annual we really should try effort:rotfl:.
7. Mopped the kitchen floor.
8. Made a big potato salad with all remaining rtc salad and cooked up a couple of sausages, it was lovely.:)

Frith

Quick pleasures for now as boys running around. Will read all other posts later.


Hello, Ampersand!


1) Not a bad sleep.


2) An hour on the allotment after dropping sons off at school. Was lovely - chatted to white haired man (I still don't know all the names), then Fred gave me some ties for my runner beans. Weeded like mad. In the final minutes before I had to go, meant to get lettuce and radishes. Instead, I was attacked by a bee, ran to the greenhouse but it followed me in before I could zip the door shut and it stung me a couple of mm below my eye!!


Hurt like mad for about 30 seconds and white haired man looked confused as I danced around then ran to wash my face under the standpipe! Fred also said he would look after things for me as I won't be able to go for a week following smaller son's operation.


3) Limped to the car then went for large and important meeting at smaller son's high school to be. What a marvellous teacher! I was there 1.5 hours and it only felt like about 10 minutes. The base is still looking good and I got to see their secluded garden where they can sit at breaktimes (no plants except grass, might give them some sunflowers!) Better news is that someone from his original primary school is going there too and they might be able to share a taxi. Apparently, that primary school where smaller son was so unhappy has been useless for the other young man too.....


4) Dropped a bag of outgrown boys' T shirts etc off at a charity shop and didn't buy anything!


5) Took cat back to the vets and they don't think she has a hernia after all.


6) Got first PYO strawberries from up the road.


7) Went swimming with sons and my brother.


8) Bigger son is making cookies.


9) Looking forward to listening to the radio on iplayer later.


and this. 10) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10881513/Pensioner-who-hid-medals-and-absconded-from-care-home-found-at-D-Day-celebrations-in-France.html