Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
An unexpected treat of a quote!
"They say that tree-hugging is therapeutic. That assumes you are disturbed in the first place." Tim Wonnacot
I could get to like Bargain Hunt.
I could get to like Bargain Hunt.
How to traumatise a spoilt dog
Question; When did I acquire a sulky teenager? Bailey is not a happy bunny.
Our old sofa had become dangerous to sit on. To be fair, it was a wooden framed sofa that had been well used for 50+ years (!) but was no longer repairable. So it was taken away by good old Bulky Bob's, hopefully something good would happen to it.
The replacement sofa is at my brother's ready for collection shortly. In the meantime, Bailey is inconsolable. The cushions were soft enough for him to lie on the back and bed in (see his profile pic). He had his spot on the end of the sofa, where he could watch the passers-by. He could hide underneath it, store his toys underneath it.
And it has gone, so he has refused to stay in the room since. The lovely antique rocking chair is viewed with great scorn. He has taken residence in my bedroom instead, sitting on the end of the bed and watching the world from a higher vantage point. He comes down when he wants something, and resents my presence in the room if he doesn't.
The bad news is, the replacement is a rather fine Italian leather job, and he won't be allowed on it. At this rate, he won't come down to find out...
Our old sofa had become dangerous to sit on. To be fair, it was a wooden framed sofa that had been well used for 50+ years (!) but was no longer repairable. So it was taken away by good old Bulky Bob's, hopefully something good would happen to it.
The replacement sofa is at my brother's ready for collection shortly. In the meantime, Bailey is inconsolable. The cushions were soft enough for him to lie on the back and bed in (see his profile pic). He had his spot on the end of the sofa, where he could watch the passers-by. He could hide underneath it, store his toys underneath it.
And it has gone, so he has refused to stay in the room since. The lovely antique rocking chair is viewed with great scorn. He has taken residence in my bedroom instead, sitting on the end of the bed and watching the world from a higher vantage point. He comes down when he wants something, and resents my presence in the room if he doesn't.
The bad news is, the replacement is a rather fine Italian leather job, and he won't be allowed on it. At this rate, he won't come down to find out...
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Astronomy for Idiots
this was originally in Draft on 5 December 2011
Phoebe gave me an astronomy lesson a fortnight ago.
She came in yelling "I've just seen a satellite!" and hauled me into the garden to be educated.
Off the top of my head, I can't remember what she confused with a satellite, I meant to check The Sky at Night site to see what was suitably bright in the sky, but I forgot.
Apparently, the twinkly ones are twinkle stars, and the big round one was the Moon. The moving/flashing lights are planes (don't bother with them).
So there we have the Wonders of the Universe AND the Solar System, condensed by a three year old.
Follow up 21 February 2012
For Christmas, Phoebe requested a telescope, a keyboard, a drum and a fairy dress. Since then, she has;
Phoebe gave me an astronomy lesson a fortnight ago.
She came in yelling "I've just seen a satellite!" and hauled me into the garden to be educated.
Off the top of my head, I can't remember what she confused with a satellite, I meant to check The Sky at Night site to see what was suitably bright in the sky, but I forgot.
Apparently, the twinkly ones are twinkle stars, and the big round one was the Moon. The moving/flashing lights are planes (don't bother with them).
So there we have the Wonders of the Universe AND the Solar System, condensed by a three year old.
Follow up 21 February 2012
For Christmas, Phoebe requested a telescope, a keyboard, a drum and a fairy dress. Since then, she has;
- Watched Stargazing Live with her dad and loved it
- Battered her brother for trying to take her telescope
- As above, but for trying to steal the microphone off the keyboard
- Developed a fine line of Disney princess dresses
- Has not given up hope on the drum, just yet...
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Jasmine (1999-2011)
Jasmine, the Warrior Princess, died last Monday. And there will be a worthy tribute piece at some point.
Being a total sentimental case, I asked the vet for the ashes, which were ready for collection today.
They were nowhere to be found when I arrived. Even in death, that cat could do a runner from the vet.
Well done that girl! They did turn up, btw.
Being a total sentimental case, I asked the vet for the ashes, which were ready for collection today.
They were nowhere to be found when I arrived. Even in death, that cat could do a runner from the vet.
Well done that girl! They did turn up, btw.
Saturday, 17 September 2011
How to stop your owner's heart...
I took Bailey to the local supermarket, we needed milk. Or rather, I need tea with milk to function, and he likes a walk. He chose to forget the mammoth fetch-ball session in the pouring rain, and pestered until I decided to take him along.
I tied his lead to a ring around a post outside the exit door. And in the space of five minutes he vanished.
He had started to wander round the post, found the gap in the ring that I had missed, and pulled his lead free. Then he went in through the out door, and looked round for me. In the meantime, I was outside, thinking horrible thoughts about dognapping and little hounds playing in traffic.
To his credit, he was sweet and charming to the staff who caught him, and didn't pee on anything or anybody. But he showed no sign of wanting to go back in with a list and a trolley to sort the weekly shop, either.
But then he is a little blokey dog. What did I expect?
I tied his lead to a ring around a post outside the exit door. And in the space of five minutes he vanished.
He had started to wander round the post, found the gap in the ring that I had missed, and pulled his lead free. Then he went in through the out door, and looked round for me. In the meantime, I was outside, thinking horrible thoughts about dognapping and little hounds playing in traffic.
To his credit, he was sweet and charming to the staff who caught him, and didn't pee on anything or anybody. But he showed no sign of wanting to go back in with a list and a trolley to sort the weekly shop, either.
But then he is a little blokey dog. What did I expect?
Monday, 15 August 2011
Manchester - August 2011
The skanks of Manchester and Salford decided to copycat the riots in Tottenham. They had no idea about the issue which started the original London troubles. They did know they wanted to sack Manchester for trainers and tellys, booze and the craic.
But Manchester bounced back. On Wednesday the Real Mancunians turned out to clear up. By real manc, I mean someone who loves Manchester, not necessarily a Manc born.
Ashamed to say I didn't go down, so I feel I've surrendered my Manc birthright. I had spent so long watching the news coverage on Tuesday that I went to bed around 4am on Wednesday, I slept in until noon. And I didn't go out in town last week, as I was being a folky hippy at Cropredy.
But Manchester town centre will be just fine. It has survived world wars, fierce protest marches, IRA bombs, some really nasty 'redevelopment', vicious derby matches and an invasion of Scottish and Russian football fans on the lash. It will take more than some pathetic gobshites to bring it down.
But Manchester town centre will be just fine. It has survived world wars, fierce protest marches, IRA bombs, some really nasty 'redevelopment', vicious derby matches and an invasion of Scottish and Russian football fans on the lash. It will take more than some pathetic gobshites to bring it down.
Whaaat?
The last post was 9 April? Blimey.
As you'd expect, things have moved on a bit. I accepted the redundancy offer, and finished on 30 June. The day before was my birthday (it's a prime number) so we had a lot of cake, hugs, tearful promises to keep in touch and all the rest.
Then I buggered off and had a month without much contact at all.
So now, what? I have the time and money to get myself sorted out. So I'd better get on with it.
As you'd expect, things have moved on a bit. I accepted the redundancy offer, and finished on 30 June. The day before was my birthday (it's a prime number) so we had a lot of cake, hugs, tearful promises to keep in touch and all the rest.
Then I buggered off and had a month without much contact at all.
So now, what? I have the time and money to get myself sorted out. So I'd better get on with it.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Well...
I have had the verbal offer of voluntary severance.
Wednesday.
The letter is on the way, but I work in HR and we are the last to know or get anything, when it concerns us. Manage to interfere very effectively in anyone else's affairs though.
I have 5 days or something equally daft, to decide from the date of the letter.
And if the figures add up, I'm off.
Seeing as I first started working there in October 1990 (!) it is a big deal. I wondered if I'd made a mistake in applying, but there's been a few developments recently.
Changing place, changing thoughts, changing time, changing future.
Wednesday.
The letter is on the way, but I work in HR and we are the last to know or get anything, when it concerns us. Manage to interfere very effectively in anyone else's affairs though.
I have 5 days or something equally daft, to decide from the date of the letter.
And if the figures add up, I'm off.
Seeing as I first started working there in October 1990 (!) it is a big deal. I wondered if I'd made a mistake in applying, but there's been a few developments recently.
Changing place, changing thoughts, changing time, changing future.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Cats in cahoots
Oh, I give up.
Once again my attempts to thwart the inner domestic goddess have been foiled.
It is Spring, and the cats always celebrate this by bringing fieldmice in the house. I found the one they kindly left next to my favourite boots, but Bailey was sniffing around very enthusiastically and I suspect they have another one lurking about somewhere.
Cue full furniture moving session tomorrow, with a weekend of spring cleaning as today's exploration of the further edges of the living room revealed
I have pointed out that dead mice are not really a present I appreciate, but the suffer from Feline Selective Deafness. I suspect that this was a ploy to take my mind off work. I would have preferred booze and chocolate.
Once again my attempts to thwart the inner domestic goddess have been foiled.
It is Spring, and the cats always celebrate this by bringing fieldmice in the house. I found the one they kindly left next to my favourite boots, but Bailey was sniffing around very enthusiastically and I suspect they have another one lurking about somewhere.
Cue full furniture moving session tomorrow, with a weekend of spring cleaning as today's exploration of the further edges of the living room revealed
- an old copy of Private Eye behind the sofa
- some earrings that had fallen off the bookcase
- rather too much wallpaper clawed from the wall by Tig/Jasmine
I have pointed out that dead mice are not really a present I appreciate, but the suffer from Feline Selective Deafness. I suspect that this was a ploy to take my mind off work. I would have preferred booze and chocolate.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Changing
I love this photo.
It's in the garden at the Guggenheim in Venice. I can't remember the name of the artist, but the little girl in the photo had stood chattering at it (in English and German) for a good five minutes before her mother scooped her up. In this photo, she had just made a spirited grab for the letters on the last line. I would love to know what she made of it all.
I use a cropped version on my Facebook now and then. And right now, it feels very appropriate.
Friday, 21 January 2011
My art gallery will be opening soon-ish
I've got bored with falling over all the framed artwork in my boxroom.
It was all taken down for various reasons, and stored safely enough.
My sister thought it would be better to have a more minimalist style, and a curator's approach to my favourite works. I thought I might have the walls replastered, and painted before putting it all back. Sensible me. All very well, fine and dandy.
But that isn't going to happen, and I have the lovely special gift poster from 'The Price' just crying out for a frame and a bit of appreciation.
So, Plan B - bugger the badly painted walls, and the dodgy plaster. Just hang everything in a fantastic patchwork effect, this weekend. Why am I denying myself the pleasure of nice things, or the pain of accidentally-hammered fingers?
Oh yes, now I remember... pain and a bit of an aversion to stepladders...
The chances of opening an associated cafe and gift shop are slim, unless the pets fancy running it while I'm at work.
It was all taken down for various reasons, and stored safely enough.
My sister thought it would be better to have a more minimalist style, and a curator's approach to my favourite works. I thought I might have the walls replastered, and painted before putting it all back. Sensible me. All very well, fine and dandy.
But that isn't going to happen, and I have the lovely special gift poster from 'The Price' just crying out for a frame and a bit of appreciation.
So, Plan B - bugger the badly painted walls, and the dodgy plaster. Just hang everything in a fantastic patchwork effect, this weekend. Why am I denying myself the pleasure of nice things, or the pain of accidentally-hammered fingers?
Oh yes, now I remember... pain and a bit of an aversion to stepladders...
The chances of opening an associated cafe and gift shop are slim, unless the pets fancy running it while I'm at work.
Friday, 10 December 2010
They did it!
2001 people did it, to be precise.
Backed 'The Price' before the deadline, and the film has been funded.
I'm really chuffed :)
And we know in advance how long the credits will be.
Monday, 29 November 2010
The Price - update
So with 30 hours to go, The Price is around 85% funded.
I've pledged, and had a rather nice email from the film-maker, Christopher Salmon.
I'm chewing my nails and watching and hoping.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
The Price and the price
A bit of an update.
Bailey is now officially 'The Wonder Dog' and also a superhero. Guess who thwarted a break-in at 4.1oam, Friday 29 October?
Yup, that's right, and he has inherited the wonder-dog title from Rex the Wonder Dog, who would have approved.
Online, it transpires that an enterprising sort called Christopher Salmon is trying to film 'The Price' by Neil Gaiman.
Check out the video clip via Neil Gaiman's blog, it looks fantastic. BUT there's a snag; it can only be made if $150K is pledged by 1 December.
The story is about a fantastic cat prepared to go to any lengths to protect his family. Bailey did not go to the same lengths as the cat; but the cat had supreme evil as an adversary and Bailey only had an Oldham scally.
Under the circumstances, I think he is priceless.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
It's a bad sign...
that you've been away from something too long, when you forget the password.
Anyway, just a little update to let everyone know that the Reservoir Mogs and the Bailey the Booze Hound are fine.
The squirrel nemesis is still running around the front field, and can calculate the full length of the extension lead faster than Bailey can extend it. This has led to some good comedy moments and a niggling shoulder injury.
There is a black and white boot-face cat hanging about - he treats the place as a cafe and has no desire to move in. For now.
Bailey still has a lively social life, whereas I get home and collapse into a knackered whiny little heap. I am considering a dietary move to add dog biscuits to my food choices.
Since the last post, I visited the Whitehaven Festival, had a fantastic drive to the lakes in perfect convertible weather. Here are a few pics
There was also a Girls Night Out to Haydock, with a celebrity gatecrasher! Our mate Jackie and her dad Gerry own an events management company, she decided to have a girlie night out on Ladies Night. Meanwhile, her dad told a certain Premiership manager that he and his brother-in-law could have tickets, he's a great friend of Gerry's. So my big sis got me in a headlock, told me to behave, and I did. I am mellowing with age, and she would have thrown me off the balcony otherwise. It's on the fourth floor!
I told her I pinched his backside as he left, her expression was priceless.
Anyway, just a little update to let everyone know that the Reservoir Mogs and the Bailey the Booze Hound are fine.
The squirrel nemesis is still running around the front field, and can calculate the full length of the extension lead faster than Bailey can extend it. This has led to some good comedy moments and a niggling shoulder injury.
There is a black and white boot-face cat hanging about - he treats the place as a cafe and has no desire to move in. For now.
Bailey still has a lively social life, whereas I get home and collapse into a knackered whiny little heap. I am considering a dietary move to add dog biscuits to my food choices.
Since the last post, I visited the Whitehaven Festival, had a fantastic drive to the lakes in perfect convertible weather. Here are a few pics
There was also a Girls Night Out to Haydock, with a celebrity gatecrasher! Our mate Jackie and her dad Gerry own an events management company, she decided to have a girlie night out on Ladies Night. Meanwhile, her dad told a certain Premiership manager that he and his brother-in-law could have tickets, he's a great friend of Gerry's. So my big sis got me in a headlock, told me to behave, and I did. I am mellowing with age, and she would have thrown me off the balcony otherwise. It's on the fourth floor!
I told her I pinched his backside as he left, her expression was priceless.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
No, I haven't been ignoring you...
but I have been leading a rather sedentary life, with no interesting acedotes or photos or anything.
I know that's never stopped me before but maybe I'm getting the hint.
I know that's never stopped me before but maybe I'm getting the hint.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
The Thick of It
So, we have a new government!
A coalition. Not had one of those since the 70's, how retro-chic is that?
Oh, FFS.
I keep having this recurring thought about a Conservative/Liberal Democrat deal. Put it like this - if you went to the zoo, and found out that the lions and the gazelles had formed a coalition and were sharing a pen, would you expect it to be constructive?
The LibDem gazelles can say what they like, but the Conservative pride ain't listening. They are just waiting for lunch to shut up.
Admittedly, the remaining gazelles might get a lucky break when the lions are too stuffed to move. But what odds would you get at PaddyPower or Betfair?
And would David Attenborough fancy a move to The Politics Show?
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Eric Morecambe, 15 April 1996-27 April 2010
Eric Morecambe, founding member of the Reservoir Mogs, is no more.
It was a rock'n'roll end, involving a pretty brunette and a syringeful of powerful drugs.
It was a rock'n'roll end, involving a pretty brunette and a syringeful of powerful drugs.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Happy Birthday Eric Morecambe!
Yes, obviously I mean the furry one. Not the comedy legend.
Our Eric is 14 years old today. He has dined very well on prawns and monkfish, and is currently basking in great comfort on the comfy chair. He declined the banoffee pie, so I scoffed it with help from Tig and Bailey.
Life is hell for an elderly cat....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)