Resolutions - Goals for 2010

We used to have an entire blog site devoted to goals but somehow it fell by the wayside. I think the last entry was in February. But it is now time to trot out some new goals for 2010. The noughts have gone by very quickly even though they spelled disaster for me (I lost Malcolm in 2006) from which I am still trying to recover. At a practical, measurable level I plan to lose some weight. I was doing okay with this until Xmas struck. I haven't gone back to where I started but I am headed in that direction. Eating all the left over sticky toffee pudding with cream this morning hasn't helped. I have also joined a gym and my goal is to go three times a week (Mon Wed Fri). I hired a personal trainer but he has turned out not to be very good. I paid up front so I have to keep him on for another seven sessions. Then there are the less easily measured goals. These have to do with activities around depression from which I suffer a great deal. I'm going to be starting CBT next week and I hope it helps. It seems to be a very well regarded therapy so I shall do my best.

On a more positive note, I spent Xmas in Brighton with Alison, Sian, Harry, Pat and John (Sian's parents). The girls made a wonderful meal of Beef Wellington and lots of trimmings. I gave Harry a garage for his car collection and I think he likes it. The girls and Harry came up here yesterday for lunch and the Gees were here as well. Today is Adam's birthday (7). He remains unbelievably cute and sweet and nice. My birthday present for him is going to be a day of treats; i.e. shopping, movie, dinner at a noodle restaurant and an overnight. I feel so lucky to have him in my life. I'm going down to the farm for his birthday tea this afternoon and then I have book club tonight (Larry's Party).

Another party

One of my neighbours had a drinks party tonight. She has recently moved here from North Oxford. Her children were at Phil & Jim all those years ago when Rachel was there and we had previously worked out that Rachel had taught one of her sons. Lots of her No. Oxford friends were there and I think about half the room had grown children who had been taught by Rachel back in the good old days. Then I talked to a woman who remarked on my surname which is still Pike. She said that her ex husband was the nephew of a woman called Pat Pike. This is getting really freaky since Pat Pike was Malcolm's first wife!! I suppose it's inevitable in a town the size of Oxford. I enjoyed the evening very much. She served champagne and good nibbles. I think I shall cultivate a friendship. Is that crass and self serving?

Elisabeth's birthday

I went to a birthday party last night with Elisabeth. She will be 95 on Monday and going strong. I think everyone who came except me was an Alexander person. Alexander is a technique for realigning the body which gives you better balance and more strength. Maybe I'll give it a try but I'm more partial to Pilates. I'm also thinking of getting back into Tapping. Anyway, the party was terrific. I met some wonderful people whom I will definitely want to see again. We ended the evening with about five women sitting around talking about being divorced and the effect it has on one's own life and the problems it presents with one's friends. I felt so good being with people who know where I am. Quite a few of them seem to have gone to the Oxford High many years ago; back in Mary Warnock's time. I told them about Alison's run in with the terrible French teacher who couldn't seem to understand that there were girls with divorced parents who needed two permission slips instead of one. Not that Alison was one of them at that time but she could grasp the big picture. Anyway, it was lovely to have the chance to wish Elisabeth a happy 95th. She is slim and active and puts me to shame so maybe there is something in the Alexander thing. She is the last living student who was taught by the original Alexander.

Harry's Birthday

It was on Sunday the 13th. He was two so he didn't actually understand what was going on but he knew he liked it. His grandparents, John and Pat and aunt and uncle, Mark and Emma and cousins, George and Martha came over from Eastbourne and, of course, I was there. We drank champagne while he opened his presents and then we all had tea and birthday cake. After the Eastbourner's left, we collapsed somewhat. Harry went to bed and we juvenile adults watched the final of X Factor. We were pleased that Joe won. Alison wants to be his mother and I could handle being his grandmother but we may not get the chance.

Who was the clever clogs who put Bob the Builder on top of my cake?
I bet it was my Mummy Sian(she was letting her inner artist out).



What happened to my candles? Did I blow them out? And what's with the singing? Let's eat!



I let George have a piece of my cake even though he tried to blow out my candles.



Mummy Sian enjoys the same TV shows that we do so we let her watch with us.




I am wearing my killer Bob PJ's and getting my nightly fix of Upsy Daisy.

After the party

As suggested in last post, I am in recovery mode today. Actually, I'm feeling fine. Everyone left on time (8pm) and that made it very easy. People seemed to be having a good time so I think it was a success. Chloe and her friend came to help and they were marvellous. I showed them where things were and they took over and did a superb job. I'm wondering if I could hire them to run my life for me.

Picture from back patio - I spotted this spider's web and wondered if I could capture it with my camera.

Party time (almost)

Today is Wednesday and my party is on Friday. I thought some people wouldn't be able to come but, not so and it seems that I will have about 40 people. Those of you who know my house are crossing your eyes. Also, I am having my kitchen painted this week!! Have I lost my mind? I'm so much calmer than I used to be that I'm not particularly worried. Chloe and a friend are coming to be the helpers and servers. They are young and fit and competent. No worries. I shall have lots of wine and nibbles and hope for the best. I will have Saturday to recover and then off to Brighton on Sunday for Harry's birthday (2yrs).

Taking Myself in Hand

Today has been a good day. I started off this morning with my interview at SeeSaw. I think it went quite well. SeeSaw is a volunteer organization which provides help for children who have experienced the death of a family member. You can't just tell these people that you are going to come along and do it. They have a very thorough vetting process to determine whether or not you would be suitable. I will know in a couple of days if I have been chosen to do the training which lasts about three months and even then you can be dropped if it doesn't seem that you would be able to handle it. I will know in a couple of days if I have passed the first round.

Then this afternoon I went to my new gym for an induction session. This boy who looked to be about twelve showed me around and instructed me on the use of the machines. He's actually in his 20's but they are all so young. Then a man in my age group asked me if I would like to hire him as a personal trainer. He is legitimate and I decided to have a go. The reason is that if I have someone who is expecting me to turn up, I'm much more likely to go. I have been having trouble with my right leg and after an xray of the hip, the GP announced that my problem is age related and is a result of wear and tear. How old and ugly is that! Anyway, I know that I must do something about my non-existent fitness level so here I go.

Then I trudged home in the rain and will spend this evening getting ready for a dinner party tomorrow evening. The menu: shrimp and asparagus starter -- coq au vin with new potatoes and veg --blueberry tart -- cheese board. Doesn't that sound good? Two of the nice things about coq au vin is that it can be made ahead and people can drink either white or red wine because although it is chicken, it is made with red wine.

Long time, no blog

It has been 11 days since last I blogged and I am sure you are getting anxious. Probably to know how my internet dating thingy has worked out. Not well. I had two responses and neither looked interesting enough to follow up. It would seem that I'm not meant for the dating world.




I went down to Brighton last Thursday to see Alison and Harry. Sian went away to Belgium? for a few days to visit a friend. Harry wasn't well so I looked after him on Friday while Alison went out to earn a living. Unfortunately there was a lot of rain which meant no nice walks around Fiveways (area where Alison lives). I had brought Harry a fire engine to ride on. He loved it. He is saying words now and even putting two together a bit. He can't say "grandma" yet so he still has a long way to go.

We have been having rain, rain and more rain. It's a bit grim especially with darkness coming at 4:30. I'll be glad when 21st Dec comes so we can be starting the upside for daylight.

Friday the 13th

I'm not superstitious. It's a good thing because this morning I have joined an internet dating agency and, God knows, I don't want to meet up with a bunch of losers. I sent out ten messages. I will keep you posted as to my results/successes or howls of disbelief. Time is of the essence for people my age so I wish there was a Speed Dating group for the 60+ in my city.

My fluey cold seems to be much better. I've been sleeping pretty well without coughing and I'm not quite as stuffed up. Is this too much information?

The Chairs

They have finally arrived. It seems to have taken about six months but here they are, safe and sound. Now I have to rearrange my furniture in the front room because it is overpopulated with three Scandinavian recliner chairs and one Ikea Poang plus sofa, TV, occasional tables, etc. Fortunately I have a plan which I won't divulge until I have a picture to post. One thing though; when the delivery men left, I looked at the chairs and burst into tears. They are a potent reminder of my old life and I guess I still miss it even though I'm much better than I was. It doesn't help that I am suffering from a nasty cold which has overtones of flu. I feel weak and shaky but at least I'm catching up on trashy daytime TV. Every cloud has a silver lining. I came back from my trips to LA, Brighton and Cambridge full of the desire to move on with my life and, Bingo, I'm sick. I am a great believer in psychosomatic illness so I have to believe that I have brought this on myself so that I won't have to do anything except sit or lie in a heap. I have been sitting up banging away at my computer so I think it is time for TV and a nap!

Back at it

I went to Brighton last Sunday to spend a couple of days with Alison, Sian and Harry. Alison and Sian are fine and Harry is superb. What a great little boy. He has lots of words now but no sentences yet so Olivia need not worry.

I drove up to Cambridge on Tuesday for Paul's funeral on Wednesday. Kate had given me the name and contact information for a friend who could give me a bed for the night. She turned out to be an excellent person. I've made a new friend. Ian had come to town for the funeral as he and Paul were very close friends. He spoke eloquently at the funeral. Paul had three wives who also came to the funeral along with his five children. I thought it was very civilized that everyone could be there. I wonder if it will be that way for Ian and Malcolm and the six wives if either of them die before us!

Playing Photo Catchup

In case you are visiting in California with your horse!



Our house on Marina del Rey has been obliterated with white paint



Olivia aka Scooby Doo



Jane & Craig enjoying a day out



If Jane keeps this up, she may be a victim of knife crime

Home again

It's lovely to be back. I am continuing to feel good. The jet lag is pretty much over. Maybe it was the clocks changing here one week before the US. I only had 7 hours to contend with instead of 8. One of the great things about coming back was seeing my new floor and new kitchen. They are mucho successful. Of course now I can see that I need (want) a new rug or two. Where will it end? All this purchasing.

I came back to find that a friend from my Cambridge days of the early 60's has died. I didn't know him very well but he was married to a great friend of mine and they and Ian and I had our first babies at the same time. We were close back then. There will be a funeral in Cambridge on Wednesday. I shall go up from Brighton and then go home from there.

Coming to the end

I'm down to the last two days. It has been a wonderful trip. Action packed with friends to see but that's what I wanted and needed. I had dinner the other night with Leigh and Wendy. They ended up giving me advice on how to meet men. Leigh suggested speed dating which I would do but there don't seem to be men in my age group willing to sit in a row and be judged by women in my age group or vice versa. Funny that.

I set Daniel and Michelle up with a web cam and Skype and they are in heaven. Michelles' distant relatives have it and they have been dressing up for phone calls all afternoon. I napped. I had taken a long walk with Darcy and his horse this morning. It was very hot and I was tired out. The Jacoy family are here for a barbeque which we are just about to enjoy.

LA

I'm here and have been since Mon 5th. I spent five days with JF and CO in SLC. It was great. I had a wonderful time with them. I came back to Burbank to Daniel and Michelle and Olivia. I had to rent a car because there is no public transport in LA and I have lots of friends to see. I was nervous about renting a car because I had never done it before. It has been fine. I have a car that doesn't have a key to start it with. That's a first. It's a nice big powerful car which they gave me because they didn't have the piece of economy crap that I had signed up for. Lucky. Today I'm with Darcy and Joe, my best buddies. Darcy has just suggested I go with them to the Galapagos next year. Maybe I will. I will be staying in Santa Monica Monday and Tuesday with other friends and then back to Daniel's till I come home next week on Monday. Today I had lunch with Kathleen. What a treat. She encouraged me to talk about how I am and how the past year has been for me. Most people avoid it like the plague I'm so grateful to her for giving me the chance to be the real me.

Los Angeles

I'm off to LA today. It's 5 in the morning and I have to be up to get the coach to Heathrow. I was looking at the weather report for LA and it is warm and sunny. Can I cope? Where's my sunscreen? Seriously, it will be great to see Daniel and Jane and their families and Darcy and Joe. I'm not taking my computer so you will have to do without these bon mots for 3 weeks.

Kitchen again

The men returned yesterday to finally finish the kitchen. Well, except for two handles which hadn't arrived. But that's minor and I can really move back in now. I think I have less cupboard space than before but I won't really know until I fill it up. I'm still loving the look and feel of this kitchen. The floor is beautiful and the granite is to die for. There are a lot of large pull out drawers which I love and which have that really cunning self closing thing. You just give it a bit of a push and it takes over and gently and silently finishes the job. I'm still sufficiently enraptured that I watch it close so I can feel good about my choices. Of course now I have no excuse for junk and mess piling up in the big back room and that will be tackled today. I have about ten days before I go to America and I want this house to be as perfect as I can make it by the time I leave. Then I can come back and start in on my new life. A cat has nine lives; I wonder how many new lives I have?

Hair

So wrapped up in my Twittering and Donging that I forgot to say that I went to the hairdressers today. I said I was tired of 'going grey'. I wanted to go blond. She took me at my word. The change is pretty dramatic. I'll get someone to take a picture and I will post it. I think I like it but I'm not sure. I'll have to get some wax and make it all pointy and cute!

Dong Dong

Don't get excited. It's the name of my local noodle bar. It's somewhere I can go on my own (sob sob). I have had my plate of noodles and my white wine and I'm good to go - only nowhere to go except home to carry on with the bloody scrapbook thing. I twittered yesterday to the effect that I am not a scrapbooker and this morning I got 10 emails with scrapbooking info. I blocked the lot. I'm pissed off that people can pick up on one word and inundate. Of course I could think of interesting words to include in a Twitter and see what happens. To be continued....

!!HAPPY 1 3/4 BIRTHDAY TO HARRY,the fox,WILLIAMS
BOYS RULE, ESPECIALLY THE ONES WHO PLAY SOCCER!!

9/11

Today is the eighth anniversary of the Twin Towers. I was living in Marina del Rey in Los Angeles which is three hours behind New York. When I turned the radio on in the morning, the announcer was talking about the towers and I thought he was giving a promo for an upcoming program so I got into the shower. I came out of the shower and he was still talking about it. That's when I realized that this was for real and it was going on right now. I rushed in and told Malcolm that we were under attack and then I turned on the TV. I saw the second tower go down and watched pretty much for the rest of the morning. It was an unbelievable sight and not one that I would ever want to see again. It falls into the category of, "Where were you when?"

09-09-09

This is supposed to be a very lucky day in the Chinese calendar but it is also the 2nd anniversary of my divorce. Maybe I can put the two things together and have a good day. To ensure the best possible day, I have invited a few very close friends to come for a meal tonight.My kitchen is close to finished. I did most of my cooking yesterday. The oven works and I had a hotplate from John T. I made a Boeuf Bourgignon which is delicious. There will be vegetables from a combination of my garden and the allotment - even potatoes. Diana gave me some apples from her tree and I have made an apple crumble. Don't worry; I'm not going to start making my own wine!

The Boy

I spent Thursday to Saturday in Brighton helping Alison to celebrate her birthday. She was 39 yesterday. It's really sad when you have to start lying about your children's ages! She's my baby and she turns 40 next year. I might have to kill her. We had a terrific dinner last night. We went to a nearby restaurant which has excellent food and it is within easy walking distance. I arrived home this afternoon and must now start setting up my new kitchen. I thought I would just fool around on the computer first. I went to the Mac shop in Brighton to look at the big fancy
I-macs. I'm tempted to switch over but it's a big decision. My current computer is very slow and it shuts down without notice which is very irritating. It's quite old now (5 yrs) so perhaps I will be brave and become a Mac person.

New Name

I have decided to drop the "Cecil" from my blog name. Although it was my godmother's name which made it all right, it is also Malcolm Pike's middle name and that made it all wrong. So I will simply be Anne Richards.

Inundated

The shades for the back room came yesterday and they were rolled the wrong way so had to go back for re-rolling. They will arrive around 1pm. Before I noticed that they were not right, the fitter had hung them so I had a chance to see how the pattern is going to look. It's super. I am going to love them.




My house is full of men. This is good from the building point of view. Lee (the builder) is finishing up drilling and fixing. A few minutes ago the granite men arrived with my slab cut into proper sized pieces. They will be putting it in place soon and I am terrified. I chose the slab about a month ago and today I will have to decide whether the choice was a good one. If it isn't, I will have to live with it. Unlike Formica or tiles, it is not replaceable due to cost.

PS: I'm a happy camper. Everything in place and I love both. For those of you who saw my kitchen in Marina del Rey, do you notice anything?

Rosie is 2 (almost)

Rosie's birthday is actually tomorrow but we all had family lunch today at the farm. I got her a car just like the one at my house. What I didn't realize was how difficult it would be to put it together. It took me two hours just to get the four wheels on and then I had to go to the lunch. Chloe took over and built the rest of it. Rosie is thrilled. She looks just too cute going around in it.

Kitchen update - The units are in place and some of the appliances but I now await the granite which is due at the end of this week. Because I live alone, it hasn't been too bad making do with sandwiches and food on the hotplate.

A picture

There is no reason for this post except that I think this picture is just too damn cute.

Moving right along

The kitchen chap (Lee - very cute and very left wing) turned up this morning with piles of units and appliances which are now all over both the front and back rooms. That is, except for the ones he installed today. Looking good but no working appliances yet. Maybe by Wednesday but I'm not holding my breath. Pictures in a couple of days when there is something to show.

Ooh la la

The actual laying of the floor was finished yesterday. He will be back today to do the 'beading'. I think that is the edging. Also the toilet in the downstairs loo seems to have disappeared so I'm thinking that he will put that back. Here are pictures of the floor. It's primo.

Getting ready

Here are a few pics of my preparation phase. The best of it is the nice little nest I have made for myself in the front room. I have my comfortable chair in the middle and am surrounded by the television, microwave and electric kettle. The fridge will join the group this morning. I also have a large rubbish bin for the paper plates and ready meal containers. Tomorrow is D (demolition )Day. Actually, the floor people are coming in at the same time so there will be building in the back and destruction in the front. What joy. My cup is about to runneth over.

Chaos

My kitchen remodel and new floors begin on Monday. This means that I started yesterday with the thankless task of removing everything from the kitchen and the big back room. I don't actually have to take the books out, thank god. But everything else that's moveable and breakable has to go to the studio in the back garden. I'm having mostly all new appliances in the kitchen but the fridge stays so it will go in the front room along with the microwave oven and electric kettle and I will be able to eat "ready meals". I'm having a new wood floor throughout the kitchen and back room. The whole process will take about three weeks, including the granite worktops. I'm thrilled to be able to do an expensive job like this but I'm also full of trepidation at the thought of how it will look when it is finished. Pictures to follow.

Dining and Lunching

Two very successful eating occasions. Last night I had seven people for a meal. One of the people was Jane Frances. She is a wonderful guest. She told stories about her parents in law which had all of us on the floor laughing. Nothing unkind, I hasten to add; just anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of growing old.

I had six people for lunch today and it was equally successful. These were neighbours, people I see all the time but I have not had them for a meal before. I was very clever. I had an Italian meal last night and almost exactly the same for lunch today. Essentially one shopping trip and one planning list. This sort of thing is very easy and very impressive. The starter is a plate of antipasti all of which is bought in its bits and pieces. A couple of Italian garlic breads go along with. Then, the pasta. For eight people I use 1000 gms of fresh pasta which is quick cooking and I serve it with tomato or basil pesto. After the pasta is the main course which can be anything. I had chicken both times and I serve it with a Caesar salad. Finally, pudding (dessert) which could be tiramisu but I had apple crumble last night and cheesecake today. Lots of red and white wine and 'Bob's your uncle'. This meal is low on prep but hight on dishes. It's very impressive. The only meal that I do which might be equally impressive is a full on roast beef dinner which involves the meat, the roast potatoes, the Yorkshire pudding and the gravy. Timing is of the essence and my oven is too small.

Little Orphan Annie

Unfortunately LOA has been in full swing the past several days. Last night was a break when I went to the piano recital but she was back with a vengeance today. I've been feeling miserable. I rang Daniel & Michelle this afternoon and got Michelle which was great. She let me go on and on about how bad I am feeling. There isn't much she or anyone could say but she listens and that is more than half the battle. Maybe if Malcolm had ever been willing to listen, I wouldn't be in the place I am now. Maybe if he had been willing to talk about difficult things, he wouldn't have had to turn to the BINSTER for company. What if? What if? No use crying over spilt milk.

I'm starting to gear up for the big kitchen remodel which begins in two weeks time. It's exciting but also very nerve racking. I can think of so many things that might go wrong. I've tried to do lots of preplanning but there is always something that one forgets.

Saturday Night

I went to a Promusica recital last night at Jacqueline du Pre. It was marvellous. It was the recital conclusion of a weeklong series of masterclasses for young pianists. I think the oldest was 24 and the youngest was 12. They all played virtuoso pieces. Of course some were better than others but, on the whole, it was an evening of the best. I have been very remiss about getting out to 'cultural events' so I took myself in hand last evening and went down to St. Hilda's. I was reminded of why I love to live in this city. It was a short bus ride from my house to some of the best music I have heard in a long time.

the garden

Instead of scrapbooking pictures I thought potatoes would be better. These were dug up in my garden a couple of days ago. Still to come are carrots, leeks, courgettes, runner beans and rhubarb. The family are coming to Sunday lunch tomorrow. We will have the potatoes.



This afternoon we celebrate Sam's birthday with a party at the farm. Alison and Sian and Harry are coming up from Brighton. Hooray.

A new kitchen!!

It will be great when it is finished. In the meantime I'm full of anxiety about making major expensive decisions. The project doesn't start until next month so I have plenty of time to enjoy my angst. For instance, today I am driving all the way up to North Hamptonshire to choose a slab of granite for the counter tops. What fun.

Jane and Catherine come back from Ireland tonight and Sam arrives tomorrow. Then the family fun and games will be in full swing. I know I said I would post some pictures of the scrap booking weekend but I've been busy.

A Weekend with Jane

We came back from Earnley on Sunday having had a wonderful weekend. I started two scrapbooks; one on family dating back to my grandparents and another on my trip to South Africa. I will concentrate on the South Africa one so that I can send a copy to Colleen and Eric who were so very helpful in showing me around. It gave me a bit of insight into Malcolm's early life. I can well understand now why he was so keen on living in Southern California. SA and SC are remarkably alike physically and climatically. As you may guess, Little Orphan Annie is back with a vengeance today. It is pouring with rain and Jane has gone off to Dublin with Catherine. I hope she enjoys her mother daughter time as much as I did. I don't think it will be very pleasant to go outside today so I shall concentrate on cleaning the house and setting up a scrapbooking location. I think for now and while Jane is here it will be in the dining room/study at the back of the house. This is where I have tables to spread out on. Eventually I will go to the shed with this and other artistic endeavours.

Earnley (again)

Jane and I are off to Earnley in a couple of hours. The last time I went I left a nightgown behind so I won't have to pack one this time. Jane and I are doing a course on scrapbooking. Ha ha. It was the only one available this weekend which is the only weekend that Jane is here before the children turn up. I have been printing old pictures for a family album and I will do one about my trip to South Africa. Later...

In Sheffield

Kate and I sitting on a bench in her garden. This garden is totally wonderful. Is it because she has a PhD in botany? Probably not. I think it would be beautiful anyway. She is an archetypical English gardening lady. It's a wonderful breed. I had a great visit with her in addition to the horticulture. She is such an excellent friend. She lets me go on and on about things on my mind and it is a tremendous relief. All I can say is, "Thank you, Kate".

Sheffield

I'm off to Sheffield today to visit my great friend Kate. I've known her since 1962. She is probably my oldest friend in England. I'm going by train which will be a change. I usually do my travelling by car or coach. I've booked myself a seat in the "quiet" car (no mobile phones). I will be back on Wed then Jane arrives on Thur and she and I go to Earnley on Friday for a scrap booking course. Should be fun.

I have found a third person living inside me. This one is called "Stormy Creature". She is angry all the time. She shouts and howls and makes a nuisance of herself. I don't hear from her too often but when I do, there is no mistaking that she has turned up. "Little Orphan Annie" tolerates her and she is a better companion than LOA. Of course I still prefer ACR (see previous blog). She's the sane one. The other two are all over the place. Speaking of sanity, you may want an assurance that I'm not crazy. I simply find it useful to categorize my moods.

July 11

Today would have been George's birthday. He would have been 72. His death is still a great mystery to me. He had no vices.

I was at Ruskin today for day 4 of my drawing course. It didn't go very well today. Drawing from a cast is more difficult than still life. I felt very depressed and sad. Maybe it was because of George but it felt more like "Little Orphan Annie"* making a visit. "ACR"** was not much in evidence. I hope she comes back tomorrow. She was with me all day yesterday. "Little Orphan Annie" won't leave without a fight. Tomorrow is the last day of the course and I won't be sorry. I would rather accept that I can't draw than suffer through another course like this one. Next weekend at Earnley will be much better. I have homework to do now. UGH!

* "Little Orphan Annie" - the name I have given to one of the people who lives inside me. She is very dependant and sad and pathetic and needs constant looking after. She's a pain in the 'you know what' but she has no intention of giving up her hold on me without a terrific fight.
** "ACR" - that's the big grown up person who is determined to have and enjoy a new life. She also lives inside of me. She would like to see the back of "LOA" and who knows, she might manage it one day.

Ruskin

I'm off to Ruskin this afternoon for a five day residential drawing course. I have no drawing talent or aptitude but I like the idea of five days, a single room, all my meals and total cost = 86pounds. Also, I'm trying to become a Sunday painter and I will need to be able to make a stab at drawing a flower or a landscape.

I've just had my introduction Pilates class and I've decided to sign up for a series. This is the serious stuff with torture machines but with the advantage of one on one teaching. It should help my stiffness and improve flexibility.

Like Alison, I gave up drinking a week ago and I feel much better for it. Mine is a 3 week program (makeover). In addition to the 'no alcohol' thing, I also have had to give up red meat and salt. The red meat part is fine but I miss my salt. You are supposed to lose 10 lbs in 3 wks. I started at X.2lbs. I lost 3.6 in a couple of days and then I went to Earnley for the weekend. Instead of alcohol and Salt, I consoled myself with two puddings at each meal. I gained back 2 lbs! I lost that 2 lbs by this morning so I hope I can keep at it. I'm hoping the Ruskin puddings will be inferior so I won't be tempted. I'll post up again on Sunday when I get back.

Receiving Flack

My favourite male offspring commented on and disapproved of my new name. I think you can figure out why. He and the rest of the tribe plus several friends have been trying, not terribly successfully, to get me to erase the 'Cecil' person from my consciousness. They can't seem to accept the godmother link. So would you like it better if I gave up 'Cecil' and changed it to 'MacDougall'?

Earnley

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These are a couple of my early efforts (I got better).
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This is Tony, the Tutor - a talented and gifted chap
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This is where I spent the weekend and started learning about watercolour

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Earnley

I have been at Earnley for the weekend. This is a residential course running place. My course was beginning watercolour and it was terrific. It turned out that there were only two of us in the class so we had the undivided attention of the tutor who was excellent. We spent the first day learning about the brushes, the paper, the type of paint, colour mixing and how to do colour washes. Then we moved on to pictures. Watercolour differs from other types of painting because there is so much water involved and you do things a bit backwards. There is also a lot of stuff about negative space. Anyway, I brought home a few of my little efforts which I will post up when I get my camera and art works unpacked. I'm going to like this genre.

First Blog

I will be changing my name to Anne Cecil Richards after next year. I'm going to run this blog in the meantime as a way of getting used to it. The Anne is because that's me. The Cecil was my godmother's name and also provides a memory of my late husband. Richards was my paternal grandmother's maiden name.