Another Birthday treat.

Steve and I booked a hotel in London so I will be having a mini break for birthday. I'm excited because although I work in London - that's all I do, work! It will be nice to have time to take in the sites and go to some good pubs.

2 Things

2 things happened this week that I thought would never happen.
1. the wart thing on my leg FINALLY fell off. Well. ok it didn't fall off, I may have helped it on its way a little bit. The wart remover had turned a pink wart to some horror thing - it looked like I had a pork scratching hanging off me. It was disgusting! and I am very happy that it has gone. Yukky, yuk, yuk.
2. We got a new hoover and it is a upright. Steve has always insisted on cylinder vacuum cleaners and I hate them. I hate cylinders as the cylinder bit gets caught behind chairs and corners and you have to go back and get it unstuck. And Steve always corrects me if I say hoover , pointing out it is a brand name.; But we now have a hoover, so I can call it that with the irritating lecture and it is an upright .

Kindling

Kindling - to waste time browsing the kindle store, downloading samples.
Kindling makes me very happy *sigh*

Treats

Regular readers will be aware that next month is my birthday and I like a lot of treats for birthday. The first of my birthday treats have been planned. I'm going for a pamper weekend at a posh hotel, with my mum, Angela and Jo. We are all highly excited and can not wait.
It is very good value- English breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner, use of spa(pool, sauna) and free mini facial. I love free mini facials.

700th post

This is my 700th post! In an odd way I feel quite proud. I know some posts are just blog quizzes but even so..700!
So I can't think of 700 things but here are 7 things I like about blogging:
1.We would never have gone on our lovely holiday to Wales, if I hadn't blogged, as I got the link from AOJ and The Lurchers.
2. It is interesting looking back to see what I was doing this time last year/2/3 years ago.
3. It is a buzz when I get comments.
4.It is a good way to let off steam.
5.I like to think I've made some bloggy friends - especially Ocean Jen!
6. it has got me reading other blogs. I've picked up some good recipes and book suggestions.
7. It has given me an interest.

Mocking birds

Most Saturday I meet my mum and we do a bit of shopping and then have lunch. today I realised that part of our routine is going round Marks & Spencer mocking their clothes. We says it is dowdy or overpriced. Today Mum pointed to a jungle print skirt and started singing "In the Jungle". we don't mock the food, underwear and home stuff. And I do like their perfumes.

Little Homes

I came across this web site, the Jewel Box Home . It is about small houses, how to decorate them and stuff. My normal property porn. When I looked at the photos I had to laugh. this is an American website and the American small home and the English small home are very different sizes.

Soppy Post

I was reading my celeb stuff- one of my guilty pleasures- and it was quoting Cheryl Cole saying all the sweet things her Ashley does for her - like running her a bath and leaving messages.
That got me thinking about the stuff Mr Robbo does for me:
He buys me bottles of wine that he thinks I would like. Even though he doesn't drink the stuff himself.
Mr Robbo has set up all my family's TV and computer stuff. Very kind of him. And doesn't moan too much when they think they have broken it. and he has to go and sort it out. And it is not really broken they just didn't press the button or something.
He painted our bedroom in a colour I loved and he is not so keen on. It is quite a girly colour. And he hates decorating.
He fluffs up the cushions because he knows I like them fluffed up. I know full well that when I die he will throw them straight in the bin and lead a cushion free existence.
If I ever get stranded commuting, he will always pick me up.
He dyes my hair for me. And does a good job.

Monday

I met Sharon yesterday for lunch. Sharon is giving up smoking and uses patches to help her. We popped in Superdrug so that Sharon could get her stash. Reader they are by the condoms! How funny it that? Instead of a post coital cigarette, you slap on a patch. I must admit I found it funnier than Sharon did.
Have started to give strangers kindle demonstrations - a lady in the canteen on Friday and a lady on the train this evening.

Another Kindle post

My emails are mainly from my friends at Laterooms, Amazon.co.uk and Argos. of course as Kindle is from Amazon.com and American I've started to get e mail from them. Imagine my disappointment when they are advertising paperbacks. I don't want American Amazon to tell me about paperbacks, I want to know about their kindle book offers. Get with it American Amazon!

Eleven years

I've got new computer. My old computer was second hand, and I've had t for a good few years. It was getting slow and I had to keep rebooting it. My monitor was doing too well either. Steve spotted a reconditioned flat screen monitor, 400 gig computer with 3.2 gig memory and a smaller keyboard - all for under 200 quid. Reader, I love it. I realise how crappy my old pc was.
It is our wedding anniversary today. Eleven years. it is the first time we haven't bothered with card - we both feel that we have bought all the nice: to my darling wife/ to my darling husband cards. And as I've got a new computer that my kindly husband installed for me, I'm not complaining. We off out tonight celebrating in traditional Essex style: a Chinese.

Ideal Home Part One

I'm sure that I have mentioned before that I am a sucker for Feng Shui and clutter clearing. I'm reading this book (on my kindle! on my kindle!) and it asks you to imagine your ideal house.
So on the way to work, I've thinking about my ideal house and stuff in it.
My ideal house would be near the sea. It would be set back from the road, but the road would have pavement. As a Londoner houses that are on roads that don't have pavement freak me out. The house would be made of pale yellow bricks and have a red tiled roof with a chimney. It would have big sash windows. The path to the door would be gravel, there would be off street parking and a garage. The blue front door would have a pointy porch. There would be tubs of bedding plants in the front garden. The house would be detached but our neighbours would be very friendly.
I haven't been inside the house yet, but I know there would be dog, an aquarium and a flat screen telly.
What's your ideal house like?

Vampires v werewovlves part 2

A little while I wrote about how would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf. I'd rather be a werewolf. Tonight opening a can of dog food I cut my thumb and there was blood all over my hand. Oh yuck, blood. Still rather be a werewolf.

Looks and Geeks

Someone once said to me that I didn't care what people looked like. She stated this as a fact about me. eg Gina has hazel eyes, is 5 foot 8 and doesn't care what people look like That took me by surprise. Did she mean that I had extraordinarily ugly people as friends. Was she insinuating that I was no oil painting but it didn't seem to get me down? That I had let myself go?
I didn't take it too seriously- after all you have to consider the source - but I think it is truer to say that I am drawn to the nerds and geeks. I've had some of the most interesting conversations with the wall flower or the nerd.I really enjoy talking to people that have a passion or an interest. As I'm nosey it is nice to draw people out of their shell. Although that could be because I, myself a nerdy wallflower and I appreciate it when people take the effort to get to know me...

Random thought

I'm married to some one who says"Well, I'll bid you farewell." at the end of a phone call. But then he doesn't say "farewell" He says "bye."
Must think of more interesting stuff to blog about..

Kindle Fetish

I have had my kindle for a week now and still loving it. I have downloaded a few books - with the price of the downloads I think the kindle will pay for itself.
I have a strange emotional attachment to it. I don't really like other people touching it. I feel really happy when I'm using it and I have caught myself stroking it a few times.
I think I have a kindle fetish..

Kindle Love

I got my kindle! I got my kindle! (sways sides to side, making circular motions with my arms). I also got my kindle cover, as you can't really take it out in its nude state.
I love it. I have downloaded samples - the first chapters of books I may buy and will decide whether or not to buy them.
I know that this is the first flush of love and I may grow disillusioned but at the moment:
I Love my Kindle, I love my Kindle.

Men and Women

As I get older I notice that I seem to get on better with men than I do with women. This is a huge surprise to me. Yesterday it dawned on me why this is. Most women my age have children. And they talk about them (nothing wrong in that!) but as I don't have kids I can't really join in. So the mothers are all chatting about children stuff, their common bond and I can either sit on the side lines, getting depressed or I can go over and talk to the blokes. Fathers don't seem to talk about their children much and so it is easier for me to find common stuff to talk about.
There is a Calpol advert where the tag line is : If you're a parent, you'll understand. (When I was going through the fertility stuff - that used to really hurt, I felt like it was personally directed at me.)Well the tag line to this is :if you haven't got kids you'll understand.

Kindle

I have taken the plunge and ordered a Kindle. The main reasons being:
I ordered 99% of books from the Internet, as books I like don't seem to that available in English book shops. If I get a Kindle I can down load them (I've checked the lists) rather than having to wait for the post.
In the long run it will be cheaper than getting another set of book shelves. My book collection has started to overspill on the window sills.
The price has been reduced!

Hurray!

I had my hospital appointment - and everything is a-ok! The relief of it! So how did I celebrate ? by pushing a trolley round Asda. Still it is the ordinary things that makes life what it is. I might put the towels in the wash later.
Ladies I have a question - do the men in your life towel cape? By this I mean when they've got of the bath/shower they wrap a towel around their waist and a towel draped round their shoulders? I think its weird and not a good look.

Yikes

I went to the Doctors a few weeks ago and she said, to be on the safe side she'd refer me to the hospital. I was okay with that and even pleased that I was getting stuff checked out. What a responsible Robbo I am. Todaywhen I got home from work there was the appointment letter for this Wednesday. I'm amazed how much I'm freaking inside. Aside from the fertility treatment (and that was by choice) I haven't had to go to the hospital since I was 6. And that was for my tonsils. I didn't like hospitals then and I've just realised that I don't like them now. Am concentrating on "living in the moment" and "being 41 not 6" and telling myself- well at least I'll get a lie in Wednesday morning.
Repeat - must be grown up, must be grown up, must be grown up...

Twilight Tweet

I've just watched Twilight. Mr Darcy, Mr Rochester,Rupert Campbell Black and Edward Cullen. We girls do like a challenge, don't we?

Snowed in Saturday

I don't intend on going out today. At all. I'm having a cozy day in. I intend to do chores - and I take my time doing them, as I haven't got anything planned for today. It is a luxury and I will make the most of it.
I do feel sad though as the Little Dudes were supposed to be coming over tonight, but the roads are just too treacherous. Treacherous is a word people are using a lot lately. The pavements are treacherous. The roads are treacherous. Severe weather warnings. Do you think Stephen King is writing a horror book : The Snow - and this time its treacherous.

More snow

And so it continues..I bundle myself in a big scarf pulled up high round my neck, woolly hat pulled over my ears, warm coat, sturdy shoes, gloves. I shuffle along the icy streets , scared that I'd fall over. We were supposed to be going out with friends tomorrow - but cancelled until the weather is better. It is tedious. Bah! Humbug!
The plus side is that it is delicious being at home, all warm and cosy. The stove is on, dinner is cooking in the oven and I'm with my honey.

Glad to be home

Tonight's journey home was horrible. Although the trains were running, the train company did not take in to account people were living work early. It was like a blizzard in the city. We all rammed into a 4 carriage train. 4 carriages - that's a baby train. The driver shouted at us at the West Ham stop to seat in the available seats so that new passengers ( or customers, I think they call us) can get in. Reader - there were no spare seats! Otherwise we wouldn't be rammed up against each other. Then at Basildon he shouted at the passengers trying to get on "Can't you see this train is rammed solid, another train is arriving 5 minutes after us. Wait for that" Reader- the train was empty compared to the carnage of bodies earlier.
Still at least I got home in one piece. Already to do it again tomorrow.

More Snow

When I let the dog out in the garden last night , the night sky was dark grey and the garden was covered in virgin white snow.
"Steve - its effing snowed again." I said.
I. do. not. like. snow.

Life saver

I 've ripped of lot off Dan's blog over the years - but men , this guide could make your lives a lot easier.

Films

Just before Christmas, we signed up for the Sky Movies channel. Movies - to me they will always be films , although I've noticed that the Little Dudes call films, movies. Any hoo I digress. I watched a few chick flics -The Jane Austen Book Club and the Holiday. I couldn't believe how stoopid The Holiday was. As Jack Black was it it I thought that it would be at least okay. I was wrong it was really stupid and made no sense. Although I don't want chick flics for the plots , or even the acting. I like the props. The gorgeous homes they live in, the interesting knick knacks. The clothes and jewellery that the leading women wear. I loved the bathroom Kate Winslet had in the holiday. I liked the cosy cardy Jocelyn wore on the beach, and the over sized wine glasses Sylvia had in Jane Austen's Book Club.
I also watched The Mist. Although it was a big B movie it had one of the best endings ever. The ending made it worth seeing the film - and no, for a change, I won't spoil it for you!

Saturday

Steve and I went to our local Indian last night. It has been years since we have been there, which is silly really as it is in walking distance, good grub and a very friendly atmosphere. Roger , the owner, plays it just right - friendly but doesn't impinge.
It was refreshing doing something off the cuff- normally I'm a planner - tables are booked weeks in advance. Sorting out what to wear and getting ready. All I did last night was put on a fresh coat of lipstick.

Crystal Ball

I went to see a clairvoyant this afternoon. The same one I went to see in 2007. I'm going to jot down what she said before I forget:
Next year The Robbos are moving! Same area but nicer house.
That will be interesting as Mr Robbo does not want to move.
At the end of the year we will be getting a new car - through choice
In 2007 when Chris predicted we'd get a new car - it was because some one rammed into it , when it was parked, completely writing off.
I'll stay in my job, and Steve's job will be safe. I'll be changing my job within the organisation next year.
There will be a family holiday and big celebration.
It is my Dad's 70th this year and we are all going to Centre Parcs.
We will be decorating the hall and replacing the carpet.
We'll need to if we want to sell the place.
Chris picked up on the fact that Steve is involved in radio.
All the family are worriers.
Too right!
Mr Robbo is a very lovely man and that we have a good relationship and I only have eyes for him.
Well, Chris can't be expected to get everything right ....

The Noughties

When Big Ben strikes midnight tomorrow it will be an end of a decade. its true! As you get older time does go faster!
The main things that stand out for me this decade is :
Littlest Dude being born.
Little Dudes starting school.
The Robbos buying their first house.
Getting the dogs.
Dave being ill ..but getting better - thank goodness.
Fertility treatment
Changing jobs.
Starting my blog.
Completing my Open University courses.
Family trips to Centre Parcs.

And want do I want to do next decade? I want to go to Japan. I've been wittering on about it for years- time to start putting together a plan.
And if this decade is the Noughties, is the next one the teenies?

Its nearly time...

We had the Little Dudes this morning and we took them down to the beach. I love the beach on Christmas Eve, it is deserted. We were all tightly wrapped up against the cold AND all the ice had gone - so the dog got his first long walk since the snow started.
When we got back we watched Fred Claus. I thought it was really funny. I think the littlest Dude thought he was watching a documentary. He was glued to Santa Tracker
The boys were telling me how their Mum's Waitrose home delivery hadn't turned up. It was supposed to be delivered yesterday but the system crashed. Angela got the delivery today - but with bits missing. The nightmare before Christmas indeed.
Merry Christmas eveyone ! Hope you're not too excited that you won't sleep tonight!

It's Here!

The mammoth Tesco delivery Christmas shop has been delivered. Cupboards, fridge and freezer are bursting with goodies.
Let the festivities begin!
BTW - Deep Heat works. (see previous post).

Deep Heat

Well it had to happen. I slipped, feel right on my bum bum in an ice cold puddle just outside my house. I wouldn't mind but I so very nearly made it with out falling over.
Am massaging Deep Heat on said tender area.

Ice

It has been snowing. I don't mind snow, but I HATE ice. I'm scared of falling over. We live down a side road and it is very icy. I haven't managed to take the poor dog for a walk. We only made it part way down the road, I was losing my balance and so was he. It makes me angry I think the council should make sure all side roads as well as main roads and pavements are gritted.

Pick, pick

For a couple of months I've had this spot thing on my leg. When I went to the Doctor about something else, I mentioned it. She took a look and said it was a wart. The doctor suggested I buy a wart removal thingy -jig from the chemist.
I meant to readers, but kept forgetting. Then to my shame, I started picking at it and worrying it. It became a bad habit. It looks disgusting now - I will get some wart stuff tomorrow. But really. I should know better.

Quick post

This year I have got the majority of the Christmas presents on line. Oh the bliss of ordering stuff in the comfort of my own home- and as most sites don't charge for delivery any more, it normally works out cheaper. And even better all the stuff has been delivered, so I'm not worrying about it getting here for in time.

Damon and Me.

I can't believe that this is my first December post. Time does fly.
I started to watch Kirstie's Home Made Christmas and to my surprise found myself shouting at the television. It was patronising and twee. It did not inspire to make presents infused with energy, time and love. Arrrgh!
I was watching MTV last night. I normally do this when a. I'm a bit drunk and b. can't be bothered to go to bed/waiting for Steve to come in. We both had our work Christmas dos last night and I got home before Steve. Blur's Boys and Girls came on. They looked so young! Then I felt a bit sad as they are the same age as me, and I looked young once as well. Told you I was a bit drunk. Steve was a bit drunk when he came in and he totally understood me when I started to babble on about my heart felt connection to Blur. Which boils to down to the single fact I 'm the same age as Damon.
Then we both fell into bed - after I took my make up off. I may have been a bit drunk but I am still a grown up.

Blogging whilst the bath is running

Loving the new cooker! The new cooker smell! The lovely sparkly clean-ness of it all!

I've de-activated my Facebook account. I started getting messages from "friends" with viruses attached. The last message - wasn't v. nice and I just thought life is too short for this type of silliness.

Met Sharon yesterday and we had a gorgeous lunch at a Thai restaurant in Leigh. It made such a good change. Both agreed that we must do this more often. I also bought some wooden Christmas decorations, a tad pricey but they are gorgeous and will last for years.

Right - bath is ready now! Bath and the Archers omnibus - a very English way to start Sunday.

Cooker RIP

Saturday evening I made a lasagna, Popped it in the oven, set the temperature at 180 C and went off to do exciting things, like watch TV. After 30 minutes I went back to check on dinner. The lasagna was stone cold! The big oven was broken! I went and turned it off at the mains, put it back on again and it still didn't work And why should it - you can't reboot a cooker can you?
Luckily the top oven still works so I cooked it in that. As the cooker is at least 20 years old - it was my Mum's old cooker and she got it second hand- I think it is time for a new one. I felt a bit sad though - it was a really good cooker.
On Sunday we watched Disney's Christmas Carol. Yes that's right not Dickens' Christmas Carol, Disney's. It was v.good although I felt a bit sick with all the swooping /flying across London scenes.

Under the stairs

There was a horror film called "The people under the stairs". Having just cleared out our cupboard under the stairs I'm surprised they had the room.
I paired up shoes, re homed the summer jackets. Hauled up weirds bit of computer to the computer room, to ask Mr Robbo are they are any use? Threw out shoes that have I have never managed to break in. Got a door hanger thingy and hanged up the coats. its a lot better. It will never be a thing of beauty and there still isn't any room for deranged looking people (we tend to hang out in the living room) but its a lot better than what it was.

Only 13 friends

I'm getting a wee bit fed up of Facebook. Numerous Mafia Family requests, balls being thrown at me (do I want to throw the ball back? NO) the friend requests from people who barely say hello to me in real life....but I have just read something that made my eyes pop out.
My Mum is on Facebook, she doesn't use it that much and all her friends on Facebook are people she knows well. When I looked at Facebook just now it said "Gina's Mum has only got 13 friends , suggest friends for Gina's Mum."
Don't you think that is mean? Only 13 friends, my bot. At least she knows 'em.

Sunday Stuff

It is Sunday morning and I have just had the luxury of being able to take my time getting ready. Steve has gone out taking the dog with him. I ran the bath and lit candles. Actually it was a good job I wasn't in a hurry because those matches are a bugger to light. It took me about 8 goes to get the match lit. I speak as someone who learnt how to use matches in the Brownies.
East Beach had a firework display last night. At least I think it was the fireworks, some of the bangs were so loud I wondered if Foulness was firing on all cylinders. If those of you who aren't local, we live Foulness Island , which is Ministry of Defence land where they test firing ranges. Usually we remain blissfully unaware of what is going on, but some times it can make the windows rattle. Tommy was a star, though. It was obvious it didn't like all the bangs, but he just curled up under my feet , looking glum. Its the first year he hasn't peed in the house, during fireworks. It has only taken 7 years!

Colour me

I've done another quiz.

Come Again

This weekend I was reading an interview with Russell Brand. The interviewer asks if he was good at sex, him being a sex addict and all. Russell say yes, the interviewer asks him how he could tell and he answered, he could tell by the reaction of the other person. He then goes on to say he found a woman's orgasm as terrifying. I can't remember how he described it but the gist was what was terrifying about it was the complete loss of control, the woman becoming goddess - like, the sheer abandoness.
Sitting on the train this morning, a random thought crossed my mind. Could, just could, these women been faking a teeny tiny bit?

Wet and wild

I've mentioned before that I like walking the dog in the rain. This morning it has been hammering it down and looking out at the garden the bushes and trees were swaying in the gusty wind. Tom looked at me expectantly, he was happy to go out in it...what could I do?
Tom was kitted out in his coat. I put my big anorak hoody, warm jumper, jeans and boots. Leaving the house I had to hang on to the hood , to stop it blowing back. My jeans were soaked through and the dog looked like a big black rat. Walking out to the beach there were lots of windsurfers , catching the chopping waves. Tom and I watched them for a bit - we couldn't get any wetter, and Tom didn't seem bothered.
When we got home I towel dried the dog. Peeled off the wet clothes (even my socks were wet) and sorted out some dry warm clothes. I'm glad we've got a cozy house.
I don't intend going out again today.

Halloween

I've got a ton of sweets in a orange plastic half pumpkin, so I'm ready for the trick'n treaters. I like the little kids coming round , all dressed up. I don't want any scary big kids coming round though.. fingers crossed.
As a grown up things that scare me ( in no particular order):
interest rates going up.
expensive car repairs.
the boiler breaking
lack of money.
losing my job.
terminal illness.
loved ones dying.
getting murdered.
cooking dinner and poisoning everyone by accident.

As a child:
Using the stairs at night.

When we lived in East Ham ( we moved when I was 11) we lived in an Edwardian house with a cellar. I remember the house as being quite creaky and we used to get mice. If my Mum reads this, she will probably tut and say we had mice only twice in the 10 years we lived there. But I'm remembering this as a little kid. There was one loo in the house , and that was upstairs. Walking up the stairs wasn't a problem. But going down the stairs....I could feel the eyes of evil staring at my back. I NEVER looked round, I'm not stupid, you never look round. I tore down the stairs, jumping the last 3 or 4 (no wonder the house creaked) and rush in to the living room. Then I'd be ok, as obviously once you were in the living room you were safe.

Once Mum and Dad went to bed, downstairs was very unsafe. I remember waking up one night very thirsty, but there was no way on earth I was going downstairs for a drink.* I couldn't get a drink from the bathroom tap, as Dad drilled in to me that you can't drink the upstairs water. Is that really true? Is bathroom cold tap water unsafe to drink?Even today I never use the bathroom sink tap for a drink of water.

* Waking up my parents wasn't an option. You wanna see something truly scary - wake those two up.

My Glamourous Life

Friday evening:
Get in from work. After an ecstatic greeting from Tommy, go into kitchen. Ugh what is that stench? Find mouldy food in food refuse bin. It must have slipped under the newspaper lining. Ugh. Bleach bin. Feed dog. Put washing on. Have a cup of tea. Start to prepare dinner ( I know supper is posher but to me it is dinner). Washing finishes, put washing out. Bung dinner in oven for when the Lord and Master gets in.
It gets even better tomorrow morning. I'm going to Asda.

Lift Idiot

At work. I've just got in the lift, I'm the only one in it. I see a bloke coming towards me so I keep the lift open. He sashays in, head held high and heads for the back wall of the lift. The back wall of the lift is mirrored. He checks himself out and preens . No other word for it: he preens. Then he gets out on his floor with out a backward glance.
He wasn't all that.

London

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

I'll try and remember this when I'm trudging down Lower Thames Street , trying not to get run over by cyclists.

Up

We went to see Up last night. I don't want to spoil it for any one - but it was one of the best films I have ever seen ever. I've never seen a 3d film before and was a bit worried it would be a bit headachey but the The 3 D -ness was marvellous. The glasses even fitted comfortably over the glasses that I wear.

Interviews

On the front page of the paper today is a big banner: Exclusive George Clooney interview!!! Big bananas. Interviews with actors are boring. They trot out the same party line. the things they say are pretty banal. Interviews with up and rising actors are even worse - because they have nothing to say they come across as pretentious twits : Oh I was never interested in acting - I was offered this role - blah blah blah. Offered a role my eye- I never knew acting was such an easy profession to get in to.
So I don't read interviews any more. They are glorified adverts.

Greener

One of my friends was saying that he regretted moving straight from home to setting up home with his girlfriend. he wished that he had spent time living with his mates first.
Now I was a boomerang kid - I moved away to go to college and also want travelling. All very exciting but I would have loved to have settled down in my early 20s.
I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

This goes out to...

I twitted a link to my previous blog post and Chris Hawkins picked it up. He played a Queens of a Stone Age song for me this morning as I sat in the bath washing my hair. It was a nice start to the week. It reminded me when I was doing my O levels, listening to the Kid Jensen show (8 till 10, Monday to Thursdays) and I used to write in. I'd be revising, hoping that my request would be read out. Writing letters to radio stations ..how very 20th Century!

Radio Rise and Shine

The first week back to work completed! And it wasn't so bad.
Before I went back to work my radio alarm clock died. Well I say mine, it came with Steve when we moved in together but it ended up my side of the bed. Steve reckons it is about 20 years old. I used to wake up to Radio 2, but Sarah Kennedy started to get on my nerves. As I get ready for work at 5.45 I don't want to hear the presenter moaning about how little sleep she's had, she doesn't feel well etc etc. Radio 4 is too heavy for me at that time of the day. So for the past couple of months I've been getting ready for work in silence. Steve replaced the radio with a digital radio alarm. And I love it. I love how it looks- all sleek black and petite. I wake up to Radio 6, Chris Hawkins the presenter is smart and funny (and awake!) and the music - well readers, the music is great and you never know what is coming next, but I'm actually singing along. I can't remember the last time I sang along to the radio.

Sunday

Back to work tomorrow. Dug my work handbag out of the cupboard. Made sure my I pod is fully charged. Checked hand sanitiser, emery board, lipstick, purse, work and trains passes, book to read. No wonder this bag weighs a ton!

House

Back in 2000 we were house hunting. I don't know if any of you have "the house that got away". The house that if some "if onlys" could have been sorted out you'd have bought.
My if only house, was a 2 bed terraced house in a row of 3 houses. They backed on to fields, although the road they were on was a busy main road. The house was double fronted and had a very long front garden and an even bigger back garden. However inside was basic. No heating, no kitchen (!). It was the top end of our budget and needed a lot of money spending on it. Also it was a bit out of the way, and as I don't drive it could have been a problem.
Over the years I've kept half an eye on the place - people have bought and sold the house 4 times in the last 9 years. I'd love to know why. None of the other houses have been on the market - what is it about that house? Do you think its haunted? Or just too small? I prefer the haunted version myself.

3 years and counting.

This blog is 3 years old. Ah bless, little toddler blog. I may have flirted with Facebook and Twitter but blogger is still my first love.
You will be pleased to know that the new fish are still alive. Yay little fishes!
Today I posted my first ever Amazon review. It was for Kelley Armstrong's Living with the Dead. I was going to review it here, but I thought - no be brave and post a review where people are actually likely to read it.
Being brave .... I've noticed that as I get older I get more nervous. Travelling to and from Edinburgh was a bit of a worry to me. Will someone try and sit in our reserved seats (they did and I dealt with it - no biggy), will our suit case get pinched? will it fit on the luggage rack? All silly little niggles, but I did worry. When I was 23 me and my rucksack trundled round Asia and Australia. Sure I worried a bit before I went- but not that much. That's why I really believe as you get older you need to shake things up now and then. Go somewhere different, look for new jobs, vary the routine, say yes to stuff when you'd rather say no. It is so easy to get stuck in a comfortable rut , close down and stay safe. And when I play safe, I don't feel safe. I feel under siege.

Little fishes

Many years ago , before we even became dog owners, I bought a second hand aquarium from a bloke at work. We knew squat about keeping tropical fish so got books out of the Library and asked the nice people at the fish shop. However the first couple of weeks we had heavy casualties - it was like a fish holocaust. Eventually we either got the hang of it or the strongest survived and we even started getting baby fish. We didn't buy any more fish though- the balance seemed right, the fish were reproducing and we didn't want to upset it. At one point there were so many baby fish- we were giving them away.
Before we went on holiday I was giving the tank a clean and was surprised to count only 5 fish. The size of our tank could take 10 to 15 comfortably (when we were giving them away I counted 35). Yesterday we went to the Aquatic shop and bought 5 black widow tetras to join the platys. Touch wood, they seem to have settled in nicely.

Scottish Fun

We had a brilliant time in Edinburgh. We were very lucky with the weather- dry and warm. We did a Highlands tour and although the guide warned us it would be wet, it was mainly dry and sunny. We did all the tourist things - well we were tourists : Loch Ness, saw the clouds cover Ben Nevis, the Castle, Holyrood palace, Scottish National Art Gallery and the Scottish parliament. We trotted up and down the Royal Mile, many times and bought a Robertson tartan scarf. I wanted to buy a Robertson tartan rug but we couldn't see one. The only disappointment was the state of Princes Street. There are digging up a tram line and the road is one long building site. It was a place to avoid, which was a great shame. Driving back through London it stuck me how flat London is compared to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is sooo hilly.
So now we are back home. There is washing drying all over the upstairs and everything is unpacked.

No Dog

Steve and I are off to Edinburgh tomorrow. We have dropped off Tommy at Mrs S, the lady that looks after him. She thinks the world of Tom. Has a massive garden and a very lovely dog called Gemma. I know Tom won't be pining for us. But coming back home - the place feels dead with out Tom.
Still we've done most of the packing - just waiting for some clothes to dry. I'm really looking forward to our holiday, it feels like it has been a long time coming.

Geek

I was actually explaining the difference between a werewolf and a shape shifter to some one at work today. I am 41 years old. Do you think I'll ever grow up?
Mmn just read that last sentence and thought it would make a good tweet. Yep I've got a Twitter account. You have to be careful who you follow -some people tweet ALL the time and it gets a tad tedious. Although I love watching Location whilst reading Kirstie's live tweets.
On other matters, I 've been watching so much telly so we have got Sky Plus. Especially since we were away last weekend and I had all the programmes to catch up on. Its a bit mad, because with the exception of True Blood, Location and How Clean is your house - I 've seen them all before. Frasier is my favourite comfort viewing. Also been watching the new Miss Marple - but get a bit bored and end up watching them for the sale of it. 2 hours is too long.

Drizzle

I've just got in from work. It is grey outside and drizzling. I love coming home, out of the cold and wet. It feels so cozy. I love lighting the candles and (not although cold enough at the moment) and putting the stove on.
I do like summer , opening the windows, letting the air in. Doing the garden. But I love Autumn. Drawing the curtains, making everything snug. I even prefer walking the dog- neither of us over heats and we can go on longer walks. The only thing I don't like, it getting up in the dark. Oh man!

Cat Fish

About six or seven years ago I bought a second hand fish tank from a chap at work. I was going through a stressful time and I hoped that an aquarium would be relaxing. I knew nothing about keeping fish and followed the chap's instructions. Filled the tank with water and stones for a week before introducing fish. We went out and bought 2 cat fish and tetras. Unfortunately the pump did not work probably and we lost the tetras but the catfish survived. We got a new pump ( and a telling off from the fish shop guy) and got guppies. Guppies have lots of children and we haven't had to buy any fish since. Earlier this year one of the cat fish died and this morning when I found that the second cat fish had died. It feels like an end of an era.

Dad

I have just finished Tess Gerritsen's Keeping the Dead. In American it is called The Keepsake, which I think its a matter name for the book and in keeping with the series - The Apprentice, The Sinner etc. British people know what Keepsake means don't they? I enjoyed it - another page turner. There was a part in it that got me thinking. I don't want to spoil it for you but a mother tells her daughter that the real definition of nuclear family are the mother and child. Fathers come and go, but the mother stays. Now there is a good reason where the character says this, but it got me thinking about my Dad. When I was growing up I didn't see much of him, because he was ALWAYS working. That man slogged his guts out making sure that his family had a good lifestyle. Mum worked hard too, but Dad put in the hours. I think he worried a lot about making enough money. As a result when he was home he was dog tired and short fused. We all had to tip toe around him. Thinking back, Dad's not stupid he must have picked up on this, and I think it must have got to him. He took early retirement and I think it was the best thing he ever done. Dad is much more chilled and I feel like I know him. We chat on the phone and go to see Agatha Christie plays together. When I see him with his grandchildren it makes me sad that he couldn't have that easy going intimacy with his children. Perhaps it is a generation thing, as the Little Dudes have a relaxed relationship with their Dad.
Amy way Dad, I appreciate all what you have done for me. I'm glad to be your daughter. Even if you do go on about cricket. A lot.

What I did this weekend

Last weekend was a Centre Parcs Weekend. Mum, me , Angela and the little Dudes. We had a fantastic time - but don't you find time passes differently at CP? It goes really, really fast. I went on the Rapids (and have the bruises to prove it), Kana-kanued (was v. rubbish) pedallo'd (much easier and a kana kanu bit got soaked when we did a de tour to the fountain in the middle of the lake) and came third in bowling. On a more chilled level Mum and I spent the morning at the Aqua sana, finishing off with a facial. It was bliss. Although it was nice to come home and see Steve again - I could have done with another day. The Little Dudes always look devastated when they have to leave, which puts a bit of a downer on it.
When I got home I did a mamouth washing sesh. Steve had kept the house spink and span, so that put me in a good mood. I was completely cream crackered though.

Scribblings

I've been watching True Blood . I started to read the Charlaine Harris books few years back and liked them. In fact I think they were the first modern vampire books I read. I borrowed them from the library, so don't have them to hand - but I remember the books being a tad less sexual than the series. In fact all the sex is really slowing the story line in the TV series. And, forgive the pun, I don't remember Jason having such a big part in the first book...still I'll keep watching. It is funny, sharp and sexy.
Tom got me up at 3am. He then wandered around the garden for 20 minutes!!! It is no good calling him up because if he hasn't finished his "business" he 'll only want to be let back out. And it wasn't too bad as I didn't have to get up this morning. It will be a different story if he tries that again tonight. Dogs!
I got a letter from the little girl that we sponsor. Maria tells us about the beautiful new latrines that have been built in her school. She ends with: This is all I write to you. I expect an answer to this letter.
I'm getting bossed about by my sponsor child. I always answer her letters. Now I'm too scared not to.

We Love the NHS

In the news this week there has been a big furore about a Tory MEP slagging off the NHS. He was in America speaking in a Republican do. Apparently lots of Americans are getting worried about Obama's proposed health reforms.
But my question is- even those Americans who have health insurance - what happens if you have a long term condition? When does the insurance run out? I'm thinking of my diabetic Dad, my Mum with her weird eye problem (she has been under Moorfields hospital for nearly 20 years). What if you have a child with special needs? What about when the special needs child is an adult how does that work under the American health care system?
I think that MEP may have won Gordon Brown the next election. Oh and BTW I love the NHS.

Routine

I am a bit of a sucker for self help books. One of the things they suggest is not to order the same thing when you are in a restaurant. try new things ! Don't get stuck in a rut! I did try to do this , but I learnt I feel very sad if I have a Chinese meal and do not have Kung Po Prawns. I eat whatever I have, secretly yearning for Kung Po prawns. Evey Thursday Steve and I have a Chinese takeaway (another routine. But Wednesday doesn't feel right and Friday, well I'm so thrilled its Friday I cook something special) and I order the same thing. But it makes me happy.

Killing Flies

If a bee gets into the house, Steve gets rid of it but using a glass and a bit of card board. If there is a fly and I can't whoosh it out I go mad with the fly spray. Steve says yyou should squirt the spray into the corners of the room, I just train the can on the fly and blast it.
I've noticed older people have very different ways. My 85 year old aunt uses a flannel. Her eye to hand co ordination is excellent. My Dad (69) uses his hand to nudge a bee out of the window. Rodney (don't know his age but he lives in the old people flats) uses a car key to kill a wasp. He uses the black bit of the key to trap it against the window, squishes it a bit -lets it drop on the window ledge , and then uses the sliver bit of the key to finish it off. Impressive.

Tall.

When I was a little girl I thought my Dad was really, really tall. It just wasn't because I was little- my Mum's family is short and Dad towered over them. The other day I was wearing shoes with a bit of a heel and I noticed that I was nearly as tall as him.
Me: How tall are you Dad?
Dad: five foot eleven
Dad is only three inches taller than me! Steve is five inches taller than him! Funny how I never noticed before. Mind you it made me realise how minuscule my Mum's side of the family must be.

Well I did have the same top as her..

I just took the "Which Whedonverse Character Are You? (Buffy Angel Firefly Dollhouse)" quiz and got: Willow Rosenberg! What about you?

As we get older..

1.I find that as I get older, things slip my mind. there has been something I have been meaning to tell Steve for ages. I remember when I'm out at work...only to forget by the time I get home. its nothing earth shattering - just something I think he'd be interested in. If only I could remember...
2. I saw my boss having a senior moment. He got up from his desk - a look of confusion crossed his face - and he sat back down again, deflated.
3. I have this rogue black hair that spouts from my chin. I tweezer that fecker off!

Stuff

I had the Little Dudes over Saturday night. We had pizza and watched Terminator 2. I even managed to hook their PSP to 'tinternet! The next morning the Oldest Dude was raving about how much he liked our bath. It pulled me up short as currently I hate the bathroom. It is small, the tile paint is peeling and the floor needs replacing. But he made me remember how thrilled I was that we had finally bought a house - and I loved the bath too. It is quite a long bath - I can stretch out in it. And as the Dude says, little bathrooms are cozy.
I still want it re tiled though!

Shopaholic

I read an article this morning about how much food supermarkets waste. The Co Op wastes the least. This is because it does not have over stocked shelves and is not afraid of running out of things. That gave me pause for thought. I don't often shop in the Co Op as I find there off putting to see one lonely little box of mushrooms - it makes me feel I'm buying stuff no one else wants. WHICH IS RIDICULOUS!! Note to self - must use Co Op more often and not be bedazzled by psychological supermarket trickery.

I want

Oh dear. I am in one of those moods when I want things and I want to change things:

I want to... rearrange the living room lay out. I know Steve reckons the lay out is perfect but I'm bored with it.
I want ..to replace the ginormous settee with 2 smaller settees.
I want ...to get rid of the carpet and replace it with wooden flooring. Its mad having a carpet when you've got a dog. Sod the acoustics.
I want ....a bigger garden.
I want..... the hallway and landing redecorated, new flooring and vertical blinds on the landing window.
I want ...a big, fat, flat screen telly. And I want it on the wall.
I want....a big bedroom so I can put the rocking chair in there.
I want ...a new crisp, clean bathroom.

I don't like myself much when I get in these moods. I feel all antsy and can't settle.

On a different note. I took Tom for a walk this morning and as he "was doing his business" 2 men stopped and stared. It took me a while to realise that they were staring at us. I was confused for a second - why would they want to look at a dog taking a dump. I don't! I stare out in to the middle distance while all that is going on. Then the penny drooped. Holding up and shaking a poo bag at the 2 men I shouted "Its ok !I'll be clearing it all up!" And they walked off. Sad sacks.

Open Plan Rant

One of my property porn faves is The Home Show. Where George redesigns people's houses. George does love his open plan "spaces". One of my pet peeves is referring to a room as a space. Just seems a bit too up yourself. But my biggest peeve is when anyone says "the kitchen is the heart of the home". Its not! The idea that we all spend time giving dinner parties, cook meals every day that means we have to spend ages in the kitchen is a myth. I cook EVERY day (except Thursdays - take away night)and I don't spend that long in the kitchen. It doesn't take long to prep the veg, bung it in the oven, put water on to boil. I haven't got to be in the kitchen all the time I'm cooking. I wander in and out. I put stuff in the oven, look at my watch and think "mmn check this in 20 minutes" and go and do something else. I haven't got kids, but kitchens are not child friendly - knives, boiling water, hot ovens. You want to keep the kids well away whilst you're cooking. And kitchens get messy. I don't want to be looking at that mess whilst I'm eating my dinner. When I eat my dinner I want to be watching telly. I eat my dinner, sitting on the settee watching telly and admiring my dining table that I use about once a year.
If you have all open plan than an utility room is a must. You need to be able to shut out the noises of the washing machine and a place to dump all your crud. Perhaps there are really posh noise-less washing machines I don't know about.
And another thing - these spaces are typically wooden floored, curtainless affairs. The acoustics must be awful- echo, echo. And hard to keep warm.
Aah rant over.

What I watched on telly this week

I spent this week watching Torchwood Don't read any further if you haven't watched it

...So it was a sad ending. I was left thinking "Is that it?" won't they be doing any more series? I liked the fact it was an uncomfortable ending. That Stephen didn't "cough" awake afterwards. It made the story seem more true.

I couldn't believe cry baby Jayne won Celebrity MasterChef. I thought it would be Wendi or Iwan. Wendi was the best cook and Iwan had improved the most. In the team challenges they had both helped Jayne when she couldn't hack it.

The Mentalist - - I know it is supposed to be light hearted but I thought it was just a tad silly this week.

And that is what I have been mainly watching this week. Oh - apart from the Frasier re runs that I have been Sky -plussing. Oh and aside from the property porn programmes that I love.

Nice

Yesterday evening we were invited round Sharon and Tim's. It was their 9th wedding anniversary. Sharon cooked Mexican which was delicious. As it was a warm night we sat out in the garden chatting. And it was really, really nice. We have all been through some pretty hard times ..and as we sat there relaxing and enjoying each other's company I thought how lucky I was. I felt at peace.

Freaky Friday

On the train home tonight(well this afternoon really - I got the 16:45) some "rowdies" got on. They were singing, swearing - even dancing at some points. They were young lads - about 14? 15? And the rest of the carriage completely ignored them. It was like we were shunning them. People talked in their mobiles, gazed out of the windows, read their papers. We all acted as if they weren't there.
I, the other hand, have most definitely not been shunned. I've spoken before about how commuters ignore each other. Well, when I got on the train this morning, a fellow passenger remarked ot me about the weather. The man that always sits beside me said "morning". I almost looked around to see who he was talking to - he has never eve n made eye contact before. The bloke who let me get off the trains said "you're welcome" when I thanked him. ( I always thank people but this is the first response I've had). Lastly in the lift at work (no one ever talks in the lift. I think it might be against the law) the sole other occupant started chatting. Weird!

Back to work

Well today wasn't too bad...even getting up was ok. And it is true - the less time you have got to do things the more you do.
BTW I am NOT going to moan about the weather. It is Summer, is is supposed to be hot.

Holiday

Today is the last day of my week off work. Although I suppose you could say Friday was, as I get the weekends off anyway. I remember when I was younger hearing older people say that it took them a few days to really relax into their holiday. I used to think that was rubbish and that they were sad sacks. Now I realise it it true! Saturday through to Tuesday we did odd jobs that needed doing, were still getting up relatively early. Wednesday...by Wednesday we were completely chilled and did nothing. The luxurious feeling of wasting time and not getting uptight about it. Getting up tomorrow is going to be a shock..

News

Before I went to bed last night there were unconfirmed reports that Michael Jackson had died. When I put on the news this morning it was confirmed...and it has been on the news ALL day. A minute by minute count down of what happened till he died. To be honest, with all his plastic surgery and problems I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did. I hope his kids will be ok.

Stuff

Steve and I have this week off work. Last night we went to see La Roux at The Chinnerys. The place was heaving. The support act - I think they were called The Magistrates were really good - they had real stage presence. I had never heard of La Roux before - the singer reminded me a bit of Elizabeth Frasier from the Cocteau Twins. It was a good sweaty night. And the loos were clean and there wasn't a queue - what more could you want from a music venue?
Yesterday I was did a bit of gardening - as in cutting back and tidying up. Our garden is quite small and is dominated by 2 cordaline palms, various shrubs and a passion flower that covers one fence. Before I was a dog owner I loved introducing new plants and pots, but Tommy's pee does kill a lot of stuff off. And he does seem to target pots. I was thinking of potting a fuscia (rather than plant it in the ground, as our soil is alkaline) and a collection of alpines. But as Steve pointed out it would end in (my) tears when Tom kills 'em. I once asked a garden centre bod to recommend dog proof plants and he laughed and said "plastic". How do other garden loving dog owners get on?
We have finally got Sky Plus. Of course there were the usual annoyances - Sky debiting our account too many times, engineers not turning up - but after lengthy phone calls it is all sorted. I'm mainly watching Frasier and the home style shows. I'm a telly slut.

Fire!

As my train was pulling into the station we became enveloped in a thick black smog. We realised that there was a big fire alongside the station. The black smoke was billowing right across. I think that the fire had just started. I was walked home, I was amazed to see people running to get a good look. Are they mad? Goodness knows what rubbish we were all breathing in - and the whole thing could exploded. Unless you are a fire man who would want to run towards a fire?

Thunder

I have had five dogs: a rescue mongrel, a lab cross, a Jack Russell and, of course the greyhounds Penny and Tommy. And the greyhounds are the only dogs I've had that can't cope with thunder. The others didn't like it much, they'd look fed up. Penny used to go mad, panting, destructive (she'd try to dig through the carpet). Tom whines, won't eat and won't settle.
Are all greyhounds like this?

Blogger's Block

This week I have gone to the "create post" part of the blog. Stared at the screen ...and then walked away. I couldn't think of anything to write. Or I'd start to type and thing "boring!" and delete it. I've got Blogger's block.
Now as I want to keep this blog going I'm just going to write some random stuff and hopefully get my blogging mojo back.

Stopped watching The Tudors. Realised Henry is only interesting when his women are.It all goes a bit flat when Catherine and Anne are out of the picture.

The sea walk between Shoebury and Southend has finally opened. Walked Tom down there yesterday, very lovely walk.

Watched Joey last night. It's a shame the show was cancelled. It was funny, especially the first series.

Snobbo Robbo

You Are Not a Snob

In general, you're a very open minded and kind person. There really isn't a snobby bone in your body. You are very accepting. You're not afraid to be who you are... you're proud of your individuality. In truth, you think that snobby people aren't good enough for you!

Are You Snobby?

And I thought Tommy was spoilt!

I was speaking to Rodney yesterday and it seems to me that Danny the greyhound is training his owners:
Danny won't eat the same meal 2 days running
Danny won't eat any meal unless there is a bit of "people" food mixed in (usually gravy)
Danny likes his meal to bought to his bed
Danny rarely gets up to greet any one- although he MAY occasionally wag his tail as you are talking to him.
Danny seems one retired greyhound that has taken his retirement seriously.

Love is...

...making scrambled eggs for your dog at 5.30 am.

Tommy's Teeth

Yesterday Tommy Dog had to have a few teeth taken out. poor little blighter. I took today off work to look after him. After a shaky start (he turned his nose up at breakfast but ate up his pain killers and anti biotics no problem, thank goodness) I took him for a shortish walk. I took over to see Danny dog and Rodney gave him pieces of cheese that he snapped up. As Tom was walking he had his mouth hanging open and I was surprised to see that he still has quite a lot of teeth left. The walk - or was it the cheese? perked Tom up. A bit later I fed him chicken which he wolfed down. As I type this he is having a snooze.
Tescos pet insurance excludes dental work. When I think of how much we have paid in insurance in the past 6 years we have had him it makes me go cold. We would have been better off putting the money in a savings account. So we are going to cancel the insurance and do just that.

Sunday

This will make you larf

Easy going?

Angela once said that I was one of the most easy going people she knew. Angela must know a lot of mad nutters. Let me explain:
On Steve's new phone he gets his email/Twitter updates. When he wants to show me an update instead of handing me the phone, he thrusts the phone right into my face and says "Read this!" Read it? At that distance I can't even focus.

Last night
Steve: Read this!
Gina: pushing the phone back a bit: Steve can you just hand me the phone? I can't focus
Steve: Ok
Gina then reads a Twitter - big Whoop.

Little later:
Steve thrusting phone right up to Gina's face : Read this!
Gina pushes phone away so she can read the blooming thing: Steve could you just hand the phone to me next time - it makes me feel a bit giddy.
Steve: Ok


This morning:
Steve, thrusts phone into Gina's face: Read this!
Gina:FOR FECKS SAKE! WHAT PART OF HAND ME THE FECKING PHONE DON'T YOU GET? YOU FECKING IDIOT. WHEN YOU FECKING DO THAT IT MAKES ME FEEL FECKING SICK. I DON'T EVEN FECKING CARE ABOUT FECKING TWITTER. IF I FECKING CARED I'D FECKING BE ON TWITTER!
Steve: A lot of things you do make me feel sick
Gina: Oh feck off.

Too old?

There has been a lot in the news recently about a pregnant woman of 66. She will be 67 when the baby is born. People have had plenty to say about it- mainly that she is being selfish because she will die when the child is relatively young. Personally I don't think that is a reason against- no one knows when they are going to die.
I've blogged before about not being able to have children. I had some courses of fertility treatment and they didn't work. I didn't get pregnant but I did go round the twist. I stopped the treatment because I was at the end of my tether. I don't think I will ever get get over it: I work round it, I feel that I have come to terms with it. When I hear of women in their 60s or 50s getting pregnant ( and how old were they when they started?) it makes me think perhaps that yearning never goes away.

Off with her Head!

Yesterday Mum and me took the Little Dudes to the Tower of London. I have blogged before about how I think London is a great city, and that I am very lucky to have all that on my door step.
We had a wonderful but tiring time (all those steps!) The ravens were the size of Jack Russells and were very bold. There were signs in many, many languages warning that they bite. Each raven had a colour bank round it's ankle. (Do birds have ankles?)On one of the many leaflets we were given was a guide on the Ravens. The colour told you what their name was. How good is that?!
Amongst on the Towers is a Tudor House. It is called the Queen's House and Henry built it for Ann. The house faced the green where they executed people- including Ann herself.
We also went to the Tower where the important prisoners were kept. On the walls you could see where they had craved their names- one was Jane , who the historians think was Lady Jane Grey. it was a bit sad, really.
The main exhibition was "Dressed to kill" and showed the armour. There were interactive displays (thank goodness as I found out the Littlest Dude loves to touch things). If you have a chance to go there I strongly recommend it.

Tommy and Danny go walkies.

This morning I took Tom for a walk. As usual we stopped at Danny the greyhound's flat for a chat - and Tom got his pieces of cheese from Rodney, Danny's owner. And for the first time, I took them both out for a walk. Tommy and Danny that is, not Rodney. We didn't go far, but I really enjoyed it and the dogs loved it. Rodney said that he could see that I was used to walking two dogs. It did choke me up a bit as it reminded me of walking Tom and Penny. The leads only got tangled up once - when I was clearing up after Danny and the dogs got tired of waiting. Danny was very gentle on the lead, which was handy as he is huge. He dwarfs Tommy.
After the walk, Tom wanted to stay with Rodney and Danny. The little tinker!

Gina gets a Bread Bin.

RobboWorld has been bread bin-less for the past 5 years. I had a ceramic one but I broke the lid when I was washing up. It just slid out of my hand in one of those horrible slow-mo moments when you can see it happening but can't stop it. I wouldn't say I've been on the look out ever since - bread bins aren't the most exciting thing to buy - bit I've been intending to replace it. Today I have, which you may have guessed from the blog post title. I bought a cream tin one with Bread written on it in blue (matches the paint in the kitchen.) It cost £12.71.

May the fourth be with you

....Not that I like Star Wars, but I like that joke.
Took Tom for a walk along with my sports tracker. We walked 2.7 something miles - although we did stop for some chats with fellow dog walkers.
Not doing that much today - mainly stumbling - I found these interesting facts . When I had my gap year (although we didn't call it that then. We called it :going travelling)I was amazed how well informed Canadians and Americans were about their home states. They could quote the population/GDP at me.

Walking

I took Tom for a walk this morning. I used the Nokia Sports Tracker on my mobile. It shows where I walked, my fastest pace and all that. Having to stop for Tommy's sniffys and "comfort" breaks slowed me down. I'm going to use it on the walk to work - cos I'm flying then. Yep, I'm a geek.

What we did

Steve and I have had a busy few days. We went to see The Boxer Rebellion at La Scala Thursday night. La Scala is at Kings Cross, so rather than have to trog all the way home late at nigh we booked into a local Travelodge and had Friday off work.
The gig was heaving (at sometimes with the moshing - literally!) and I really enjoyed myself. it was nice just having a ten minute walk back to the hotel , rather than having to worry about tubes and trains. The next day we went to the National Portrait gallery. It has really changed - but then I don't think I have been there for about 20 years. How time flies. I've been reading a lot of Tudor history lately and it felt special to be able to look at the paintings that are always reproduced in the books. You know like the famous Anne Boleyn painting. There was also a cartoon of the famous Holbein of Henry the eighth. Something I found interesting was a lithograph of Anne Boleyn that referred to her has Elizabeth the first's mother. It gave her date of death but didn't mention that she was executed. I was surprised to see that as I had always imagined that Anne was not mentioned during Elizabeth's reign - as Elizabeth's parentage was bit of a touchy subject.