Tuesday 27 April 2010

POETRY

I came across several poems I wrote some time ago and thought I would share them  with you

LITTLE MOUSE

This mouse came visiting today

From where he came, who knows

He joined us in the garden sun

But did not want to play.

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He twitched his nose and smelt the air

He seemed so quite at home.

No fear had he, so strong & brave

Despite my grandson’s stare.

Look at his tail so long & thin

Cried Toby quite excited.

I’ve never seen one quite like that

I want to pet & stroke him.

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You can’t I said, he’s wild & free

Please leave him where he is

Don’t go too close, he’ll turn & run

Up the nearest tree.

 

He needs some sun to warm him through

He’s cold & wet poor thing

We will leave some cheese to cheer him up

Some nuts & water too.

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We stepped away to watch our friend

Tuck into his little feast,

Finished, he washed his whiskers clean

Then ran around the bend.

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Will he come back another day

To see us Nanni, will he?

I hope so dear I whispered low

We can but hope & pray

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That this small creature knows we care

For all God’s living things

Such joy he gave us both today

A memory to share.

Jeanni

 

 

Sunday 25 April 2010

I’ve Been Published

Last year I entered the following photo in a competition on a forum I have belonged to for years called – IDF50 ( which stands for I don’t feel 50). P1010383

The competition was for inclusion in the annual calendar and  it was chosen for the month of June and it is proudly hanging on our kitchen door. I was extremely pleased especially as the photos are chosen by independent judges who know their stuff and, as I’m a complete novice, it makes it all the more remarkable.

In addition to the above mentioned forum I also love blogging and for many weeks I participated in PINK SATURDAY organised weekly by Beverley at

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/. Blogging is very big business in America and although  there are others from various Countries we are in a  small minority.

To fuel the love of blogging there are several magazines aimed at bloggers who are into different hobbies and crafts including one called

ARTFUL BLOGGING - http://www.artfulblogging.com/.

They wanted to feature Beverley’s Pink Saturday in their Spring edition and Beverley asked us all to submit a photo. I sent in the above one and it is featured in the magazine this month!

In advance of me getting a copy, Karen of http://karenharveycox.blogspot.com has kindly sent me copies of her blog posts which she scanned from the magazine.Thank you so very much Karen.heart wings PNG 1

Here is the beginning of the Article

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Karen’s beautiful painting was featured

 

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HERE’S MINE

 

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So, there  we have it – of very little interest to the masses but it means so much to me and other participants.

image Huge thanks to Beverley for her hard work, week in and week ou t and her devotion. 

JJ

 

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Saturday 17 April 2010

TODAYS FLOWERS

LOVE LILIES

These exotic blooms are stunning and so diverse.

I love everything about them except the perfume. Not my cup of tea at all but the flowers are a feast for our eyes  and only a few years ago could not be found in the average supermarket.

Here are some of my favourites.

These were growing on our deck.

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This arum lily had it’s roots in our pond.

Copy of Arum lily

More with the Photoshop treatment.

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White with frilly edges

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Yellow with orange highlights

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Perfect pink

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Golden orange

Lilies

Cream with purple stamens

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Hoping you enjoyed these magnificent flowers

JJ

Click on this link to see more of natures beauty.

http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

TODAY'S FLOWERS TEAM

LUIZ SANTILLI JR. - DENISE IN VIRGINIA - LAERTE PUPO - VALKYRIEN

Wednesday 14 April 2010

A WET WEEKEND IN MANCHESTER? NO!

A warm and sunny weekend which made us all really feel that we were on holiday.

Our grandsons, Oli & Toby came to stay here over night so that we could be up, up and away at the crack of dawn. Right! Anyone tried getting a 10 and 13 year old up early? Well, it is nigh on impossible.

Toby’s birthday is in March and Oli’s in April so we decided this year to take them on a little trip somewhere different. We had been very impressed with Manchester when we visited last December and there seemed loads of sporty things for them to do. Nothing in this area which does not involve the sea and it’s too cold at this time of year anyway. Mind you, it was pretty cold where we took them – minus 6 degrees – Brrrrrrrrrrr.

But we will come to that later.

The journey took us 5 hours including a coffee break ( for us) and chicken nuggets from  Burger King  for them! They had their duvets and pillows on the back seat so they managed to sleep much of the time and luckily Toby was not car sick. Bruised maybe from a few little punches and digs from his brother but not sick.

Tom Tom found the way quite easily and we only went wrong once and we were very happy to hear – “ you have reached your destination”.

The boys eyes popped out of their heads when we got out of the car – right next door to Manchester United’s Old Trafford. We could not have been closer.

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We were told our room was not ready so we went straight over to the ground to book a tour of the museum and the ground later that afternoon.Toby saw loads of things he wanted to buy in the shop but was persuaded to wait a while.

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We returned to the hotel – lovely modern decor and had a fabulous view of Salford Quays from our room. We were not too happy about having a mattress on the floor though – something to sort out later.

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4.30 – time to go on the tour whilst Nanni stayed behind (Boo Hoo) and unpacked and a little snooze.

When they returned they were buzzing with excitement and had obviously enjoyed it immensely.

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Time for more food so down to the restaurant. Quite a good choice and the kids menu, which was big enough even for Oli, was only £4.50 each so that wasn't too bad. Red wine wasn’t so cheap but affordable – just!

After dinner we walked along the side of the canal making for a bridge to cross over but …………. accident prone Toby, who was “free running” ran out of room and kissed the ground with his nose. Shaken rather than badly hurt we returned to the hotel for a bath and early bed.

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Next morning Mike had us all up early and we had a brilliant breakfast – Toby’s was his favourite – beans, sausage and eggs. Oli’s a bacon and egg sandwich. Sorted.

Then off to the Chill Factor

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Today they were booked in to tgry the luge and loved it.

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Landing in a heap at the bottom!

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We also went and checked out the indoor akydiving – very scary and also very funny at times.

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After a walk around the Lowry Centre and the Imperial War Museum we returned to the hotel for dinner and early bed.

Next day, back to the Chill Factor for some tubing

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Then off to the Trafford Centre where Oli chose some clothes for his birthday and Toby chose some Lego.

Another tiring day finished off with a nice meal in the Restaurant and a bottle of Chateau Neuf Du Pape ( opened in error – honest.)

Actually it didn’t taste any better than the cheaper plonk.

That was it.

An uneventful drive home in lovely sunshine and met with a roast chicken dinner from Emma.

A smashing three days just the boys and us. No upsets, no tantrums ( from Mike) just a wonderful experience to share.

Sunday 4 April 2010

Born on 4.4.44

 

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This little girl was on her way to school in April 1948.

Her whole life before her, without any worries she went off quite happily.

Today on her 66th birthday she looks back over her life and honestly counts her blessings.

 

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Her family and friends are simply the best and more than she deserves.

This little girl – is me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE PLEASE.