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