Jessica Smith

Tomorrow is the 1st December and soon we will all be saying Happy Christmas!! Have you started writing your Christmas cards yet? Have you done your Christmas shopping? Have you stopped to think for a moment what you mean when you say Happy Christmas? Are they merely words with no real content, which just trip off the tongue? Or is it in the vague hope that one day just for one day everyone might be Just Happy? Maybe next time you should say it and really mean it!

Who am I? If I'm not famous, not a celebrity, not in Hello magazine, what am I worth, who says I'm significant, if I'm taken for granted by many, abused by many and told I don't count. What am I worth?

My friend is approaching 40 and she said to me do you think Jess you have had the best 37 years of your life or do you think the best 37 are to come? Well that got me thinking cos I have had a fantastic life so far but I still think the best is yet to come....Forever the optimist me.... What do you think?

My friend keeps sending these amazing pictures from the Himalaya's which makes me yearn for a holiday!!
The morning has started well had two cups of c blank blank f blank e and I've started to feel great the running machine is filling me with feel good endomorphins yeeeeeeeeeeha. Funny moment I sprayed de-icer on my car windscreen this morning. By the time I'd gone 2 streets it had all frozen over in big round bobbles and I had nothing to scrape it with so I had to use my CD of Gorillaz! hmm Commander is huggin the kettle very amusing! Top tip for keeping warm! I prefer putting my knickers on the radiator...Just as an aside on a really hot day I put my knickers in a bag in the fridge haha..Just eaten a ham salad from Ann Panties (Ann's Pantry sandwich lady) and all is well on the Western front.
More holiday yearnings...On Friday I had a phone call from my friend Avril all the way from Majorca she has just secured a new property over there so she was all excited to tell me..bless...I then spoke to Mark..Avril's hubby and some very very funny spanish guy! Laff.... I was crying it was like that shaddaper ya face guy!
My mate has sent me this pic of Penny Lancaster! I must get some specs haha..Today we are missing our colleague Moonie Beam who has left us to move down south, so we just phoned him up and sang jingle bells on his voice mail...top tip...phone a friend today and do the same!!

Snow it's such a great leveller!! Today my garden looks just as beautiful as next doors! haha and tonight is anyone for snowballs ooooooooooo On Friday I drove past Jodrell Bank and it was all lit up and gorgeous. My eldest son called it the telephone scope when he was ickle, so every time I pass it I smile. To be fair it is a wonderous piece of engineering and it soo imposes on the cheshire landscape...love it!

Well It's December 1st on Thursday and Christmas preparations are in full swing...started an ickle production line of home made cards yesterday..it passes time haha

Anyway on Thursday I've booked High Tea at Crewe Hall for my Mum & Dad and ickle man and this is the place...ooo...how exciting...I hope it's all decked out with bells and holly...logs fires etc etc can't wait

Then of course on Saturday I am already looking forward to our ickle trip to the Metropolis Liverpool with Commander hehe never a dull momento

How much time have you spent with your partner lately? Not sitting on the sofa watching TV or over dinner, but real one-on-one time. It's amazing how much a little "private" time can help improve even the best of relationships. In the spirit of the quote by Torquato Tasso, "Any time not spent on love is wasted," I implore you to give your partner the most precious gifts of all... your time. Just in case ideas seem to be lacking on how to give your time, I've come up with a few suggestions:

Firstly, make it easier to spend a few minutes here and there talking by taking advantage of everyday actions. The perfect opportunity maybe in taking a few minutes before getting out of the car to go somewhere. Lean over and kiss your partner and tell them you love them. Then, ask how their day was or how they're doing. Call your partner up every so often, even if you live together, and just talk for a few minutes like old friends. Before you go to bed is also a great time to spend together. Talk about your goals and dreams and snuggle together.

Every once in awhile, take the day off or call in sick and just hang out together. Or, if you have kids, hire a nanny for the day or enlist a friend or family member to watch them, and go for a walk or have a picnic. Try to keep to activities that promote talking, unlike movies or concerts, etc.

Another fun way to promote one-on-one time is to find a hobby you can both do together.

When was the last time you both went out on a date? If it's been awhile, institute a date night. Ask your love out to a specific place, with a specific time to be ready. If you date quite often, make it an "at home" date. A picnic in the living room or a complete night snuggled in bed might be the perfect thing for you.

Lastly, when you're both bored and have no idea what to do, get up, light a few candles, break out any old board or card games, order a pizza and play. Even if you don't play for very long, it's still a perfect way to provide a little one-on-one time. Remember the words of Henry Van Dyke, "Time is... too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice; but for those who love, time is eternity." haha ignore me I'm such a dreamer

Everywhere I go peeps tell me I look like Penny Lancaster...

It's like play a different record! haha what do you reckon?? I mean I wish!!

On Friday night I ended up in my favourite haunt The Braz in Alderley Edge. For those of you who don't know it... it's a night club. Anyway it was a great night they have just opened up the club again after a makeover. It was very bizarre as the place has completely changed it was all familiar yet changed around and new decor. So I felt utterly lost, wierd!!

The rest of the weekend was spent holding bits of wood on walls at Don's and making soup jess folds arms in best old lady pose lol

Well today the weather is Wild & Exciting and I am in the mood for that

The morning has started well!! My colleague Johnnie Buck bought me a Howes meat and potato pie from Middlewich..bless...they have been making the pies in the same place with the same receipe since the 1800's. They have passed the receipe down through the family and wow was it fantastic!! It was still warm out of the oven and I can honestly say they are the best meat pies in the country!! Without a doubt!
Well today is Friday and there is no sign of snow....boo...hiss boo... me and Commander are going to the pub for our munchies today...chief trougher!!

Anyway Middlewich is 5 minutes away from Sandbach and is full of history.... Middlewich is one of Britain's chief salt-producing towns and has been so since Roman times. It is the home of British Salt!! Did you know Romans were paid in salt, and the district therefore held a valuable commodity. As the Roman soldiers were partly paid in salt. It is said to be from this that we get the word soldier - 'sal dare', meaning to give salt. From the same source we get the word salary, 'salarium'. FF4 today!!

Middlewich lay on a major Roman road from the Mersey at Warrington to Derby. They named the town "Salinae" (Latin = salt works).At Middlewich a fort was built on a defensive site above the River Dane and this became a staging post on the main military road to the North.... At Middlewich the Romans established their saltworks on land by the River Croco between the military fort and the site of the existing Celtic salt making settlement.

Tudor Middlewich was also known for for its cheese production. But salt has always been its major economy. By the late 18th century Middlewich had seen the arrival of the canals, which became vital in transporting salt and cheese from Middlewich and coal in from Staffordshire via the Trent & Mersey Canal. Many of Middlewich's houses were built by the waterways companies still survive alongside the towpaths, with adjacent stables for the horses which pulled the narrowboats. Yes we have wonderful views of the canal!! Commercial use of the canals declined after the Second World War with improved road and rail transport systems being preferred. However, in recent times, the canals have seen a renaissance in their fortunes as pleasure cruising on a narrowboat with the family has caught on as a popular holiday activity, and several boat hire companies have moved into the town to bring the canal system alive again. It's all them locks!! haha

I am Thankful :
FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. RRRRRR

FOR THE HUSBAND (GRR) WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS......I DIDN'T WRITE THIS!!

FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS HE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREET'S. ......GOTTA BE GOOD!

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED. .....YAY HAHA

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS. ....YAY PARTY

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT. ......CHIEF TROUGHER

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE ......LOVE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.. SHOUT IT OUT!!

FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION ....FOR THIS I AM GRATEFUL

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM. ........DITTO

FOR T HE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS
I CAN HEAR. ...........DITTO

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR........DITTO

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN
CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. ........YUP IT'S ALL IN CANS NOT CAN'TS

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE....THANKYOU!!

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.......YAY QUEEN OF THE EMAILS

SEND THIS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT. I JUST DID.
Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!

MWAH!! YIPPEEE IT’S FRIDAYXX

Well today ickle man has to be dressed in Blue as this day is known as blue Friday. All week they have been doing activities at his school based on the theme of bullying. We live in such a sad society that bullying is a part of every day life. I'm glad they are raising the profile in schools. Yesterday was eventful haha, missed listening to my radio stint as we couldn't get Commander's car radio to tune in to Radio City..amazingly it skipped past every time!! haha anyway we went to Sandbach market in the wind and the rain it was bitter cold and the gusts were breathtaking how the guys working on the markets could stand working I don't know they must have underpants of steel haha After the umbrella blew inside oot for the umpteenth time we found the cheap bedding man and the £2 bag of veg man!! Inside my bag was a cabbage, 10 potatoes, 20 carrots, 1 onion and some broccoli how they do it for £2 and sooo fresh too I don't know I'm gunna make some soup cos today yes today wiv a bit of luck it's gunna snow yippeeeeeeeeeee...I've got my cute furry boots ready )

Thanks to my friend Juzzy for this idea...Have you ever looked up on google what happened on your Birthday as in Significant events.... Hey I just did...

45BC: New Year's Day

New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1 for the first time in 45 B.C., when Roman dictator Julius Caesar establishes the Julian calendar. On the advice of the astronomer Sosigenes, Caesar added 67 days to the year 46 B.C. in order to repair the damage done to the imperfect Roman calendar by the passage of time. Celebration of New Year's Day in January fell out of practice during the Middle Ages, but after the adoption of the Gregorian--or modern--calendar in 1582, New Year's was again observed on the first day of January. Since then, people around the world have gathered en masse in cities and towns to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. It's very odd to think that before Mr Caesar came along we were 67days missing I wonder which 67days they were haha YAY PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999 every year on my Birthday!!!

Revolutionary leader William Tell starts revolt in Switzerland. Hmm1651
Charles II is crowned King of England at Scone in Scotland. 1772 Yum I like scones
First travellers' cheques are introduced by the London Credit Exchange Company 1801. Yay money
British Union Jack is first displayed in its present form.1833 YAY I'm very patriotic
Britain claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.1863 Hmm
US President Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation which gives slaves their freedom.1868 FANTASTIC!
Founding of the Royal National Institute for the Blind.1876 Good
Bass Ale is registered as a British trade mark.1877 Hic
Queen Victoria of England is proclaimed Empress of India.1890 Hmm
Football nets used in goals for the first time in a match at Bolton.1894 Where would we be without footie nets!!
Official opening of the Manchester Ship Canal linking Manchester to the River Mersey.1894 Great I like ships
Formation of the YMCA .1894 It's fun to stay at the YMCA gets up and dances!!
Building of the famous Blackpool Tower in England is completed.1904 Yup never been up but love it!!
Car registration plates are introduced into Britain.1906 Hey where would we be without our JESS1 plates lol as if haha
Helmuth von Moltke is appointed Chief of German General Staff.1913 hmm
British Board of Film Censors is introduced.
1920 ok!
Start of the League of Nations - the forerunner to the creation of the United Nations after World War Two.1948 FAB
The private railways of Britain are nationalised.
1960 Yay British Rail
Britain's smallest and lowest denomination coin, the 'farthing', is no longer legal tender 1974 Boo hiss boo such a sweet ickle ickle thing
New Year's Day becomes an official British national public holiday.1994 Hey holiday always on my birthday!!
A £2 coin is introduced in Britain.1995 Yay money!!
In England, notorious murderer and serial killer Frederick West commits suicide in prison aged 53.1999 Great he was a nutter!!
An influential opinion poll in Britain names English playwright William Shakespeare as the Man of the Millennium 1999 Indeed he was!
Official launch of the new 'Euro' currency.
1944 Yay money again!!
Hank Williams. US country music star. Dies from pills and alcohol aged 29. 1969 Gosh that's young
English writer Ian Fleming -creator of fictional British Secret Service Agent 'James Bond' - dies aged 80.1972 Love Bond Movies
So there we have it...my momentous Birthday haha

Well I nipped home at lunchtime and there waiting on the door mat was my letter from the TV company with a cheque yippeeeee!! All thanks to ickle man and a crazy prize programme haha I have managed to persuade my eldest son and a m8 of his to lift my running machine upstairs which is STILL downstairs where the argos men left it!! waaaah oh sadness of no men to ask!! haha Sooo he's coming round later which is gr8 so I can get on it!! yay After lunch was just pondering what excitement was coming next and radio celeb txts me do I wanna do another radio stint hey yes of course bring it on!! haha He then phones to do it....and adds that my voice is on one of the promo's now also hehe.... ho hum who'd have thought it 4 yes 4 radio gaga radio googoo stints in a hife time now hahaha I can't help but be a big kid it's like 5 mins of fame lol maybe I could be a radio celeb too? NOT hahaha Yay for Radio City!! Switch it on now!! My son PJ came round with his m8 and assembled the running machine for me!! Quite comical really!! haha bless anyway been on for 20mins I can see I'm going to be addicted!! haha however I think I am going to be in competition with ickle man as he keeps wanting to go on it...

Liverpool are on Sky Sports Extra fingers crossed we get through to the final 16!!

Well tomorrow is Thanksgiving....I deal with lots of Amercians and I've never really known what Thanksgiving was all about..soooo today I found out...so for those of you who didn't know either here you go!!
Celebrating a Harvest of Tradition
The fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day, ushers in the "official" start of the Christmas season in the American & Candian world. It's a bit of a Harvest Festival haha which is one of the oldest known festivals.... In the UK it is traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the Harvest Moon. This moon is the full moon around the time of the Autumn Equinox in September. Unlike the USA and Canada, the UK does not have a national holiday for Harvest Festival. waaahhhh we need more holidays haha
The USA & Canada have parades, huge family meals, wall-to-wall football (which does make one question whether the turkey or the football is the featured course of the day), and the appearance of Santa (Father Christmas to us) throughout shopping "malls", the festival has become a commercial event in which the origins and meaning of the day are almost totally obscured. The modern day Thanksgiving is a far different occasion than the original.

Thanksgiving's Beginnings
It is widely assumed that the first Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 and was celebrated by the Pilgrims, English settlers, and local Native Americans. However the Native American people had celebrated the harvest, in one form or another, for several thousands of years prior to European colonization. The first documented "thanksgiving" observance actually occurred in 1578. An English adventurer, Martin Frobisher, held a formal ceremony in what is now known as New Foundland to give thanks for having survived the long ocean journey from Plymouth on the Mayflower.

Thanksgiving Today
Thanksgiving, as the Americans know it today, has come a long way from the Pilgrim's harvest festival in 1621. It is an event that seems, as each year goes by, to reinvent itself and to expand its meaning to larger vistas.Yup that's the American's!! haha Maybe this is the real significance of the occasion; for as we continue to change and grow as a people, there are an increasing number of things for which we can be thankful.

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and sharing. Even if they live far away, family members gather for a reunion at the house of an older relative. Everyone will bring something they've cooked to add to the table. If they can't cook then they'll bring wine...cheers! But part of the trick of being the host is to ensure that the contributions are evenly spread.haha nice one! Traditionally, people use turkey oh and vegetables that would have been stored in cellars to last throughout the winter: squash, sweet potatoes, onions, brussel sprouts, apples, pumpkins, dried apricots, and corn. Visually that's wonderful, too, because they reflect the colours of the fall or autumn as we know it haha: orange, browns, tans, and gold. The kids often kick a pumpkin round on a piece of ground outside. They all link hands and say grace before they eat...all give thanks together for the good things that they have. The main meal is followed by goodies including pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potatoes and an apple and butternut squash bake...washed down with mulled cider and beer...hic In this spirit of sharing, civic groups and charitable organizations offer a traditional meal to those in need, particularly the homeless. On most tables throughout the United States, foods eaten at the first thanksgiving have become traditional.

Turkey, corn (or maize), pumpkins and cranberry sauce are symbols which represent the first Thanksgiving. Now all of these symbols are drawn on holiday decorations and greeting cards. The use of corn meant the survival of the colonies. "Indian corn" as a table or door decoration represents the harvest and the fall season.

Sweet-sour cranberry sauce, or cranberry jelly, was on the first Thanksgiving table and is still served today. I think I might cook a token thanksgiving meal tonight we'll a bit of turkey and a few sprouts and spuds haha just to feel warm glowy feelings haha

Change......how fast our world changes it is quite incredible!!

Well it's quite late to be blogging. However I've not been home that long... things have been jammy packed busy again. Left the orifice on time only to find ickle man delayed cos of Dance Class..he came running out of school in shorts and a t-shirt... bless it must have been freezing for his knobbly knees! Called at home to dress him in shirt and jeans and then hit the M6....traffic was quiet until we hit the M56...then it was nasty pasty. Still not got my CD player back the hole it has left is begging,screaming at me and hitting it's head on the dashboard to get me to fill it with a tv and sat nav.... yet I have resisted... upto now! haha Ickle man insisted I listen to his I-pod and sing along to make him laff...so that's what i did, did the microphone with the fist and kept prompting him to fill in the gaps..I was bouncing around in the fwaffic jam dancing and singing to amuse him. I had a few crazy looks but hey the 45mins spent in fwaffic passed very quickly! hehehe gr8 laffs...I know memories are often associated with tunes so I hope we made a good one...My eldest son rang me up one night out of the blue he was listening to another day in paradise by Phil Collins...he had remembered when he was ickle and we used to dance and sing along to that tune whilst watching the cars pass on the main road outside...makes being a Mum all worthwhile when you are appreciated .. Charlotte made a perfick job of my locks...was good to catch up...she had lovely perfume on which she had bought in the Trafford Centre...it smelt sooo good I had to go straight there afterwards and get some!! Guys if you're interested for your women Space NK Laughter...I'm gunna drown in it tonight smells amazing!!! So yes me and ickle man ended up in The Trafford Centre Tiggi's again haha guess we are now regulars hehe..ickle man had burger and chips, garlic bread, chocolate milkshake and chocolate icecream... I had pasta and salmon washed down with a glass of wine which meant this ickle piggy went weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee all the way home

Well last night me and ickle man had the most gorgeous fresh haddock all the way from the North East...Hmm it says..fresh this morning...haha..got a vision of boats bobbing now.. Haddock steaks for tea cooked in the microwave in milk.... fantastic 3 minute wonder ( I always cook my salmon like this as well... well it hmm it melt's in the mouth..try it) ...anyway served up with peas and mashed potato..was yummy followed by apple pie!
Anyway just thought I'd talk about food as I'm hungry!! I've already had tuna pasta salad..chief trougher that I am.
After that we watched a DVD I-Robot with the dreamy Will Smith..i thought the film was excellent, it was right up my street...lots of techie, futuristic type scenes and I thought the car crash in the tunnel was amazing..action packed!!
Tonight the lovely Charlotte is tinting my hair should be a laff especially if it goes green haha only joking
Ooooooooooo Look at this pic my friend has just sent me of climbing in the Himalaya's, amazing

I like to dream up
I like to stimulate
I like to develop my own ideas
I like to think
I like to play
I like to explore
I like to do
I like to share
I like to inspire

I have a robin outside my window...a gorgeous splash of colour on a foggy grey day....O the red red robin came bob bob bobbing along... Growth means different things to different people...growing a business or maybe growing plants haha

We grow when we live consciously rather than unconsciously (so often we are on automatic pilot). Yup I've stopped driving to work with ickle man still in the car haha

We grow through our willingness to make mistakes. Yup I make many haha

We grow when we take a risk face and move through our fear and inner resistance to bring more into our lives. Yes I did buy rather a lot of marble balls to add to the other lot of marble balls but hey haha

We grow when we align ourselves with our Higher self (spirit) and begin to live our life in harmony with the Universe rather than seeking to struggle against our evolution. Yup I am at peace and very happy with my lot

We grow when we awaken a new soul quality such as a sense of adventure or a small wonder. Yes the robin sure is gorgeous and it sure perches well BO SELECTA!!

We grow by doing something differently and unexpected and through embracing our inner vulnerability. Yup every day I like to try something different

We grow through relationships and being congruent in our dealings with others. Yes I love all my friends and family..hugs!

Ultimately we grow through being loving and always acting from love.

Growth is opportunity to discover the depth of your character, the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities;
the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible, to drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers

Blind (as a bat)
A vampire bat came flapping in from the night, face all covered in fresh blood and perched himself on the ceiling of the cave to get some sleep. NB.BO SELECTA bats perch also!! haha
Pretty soon all the other bats could smell the blood and began hassling him about where he got it.
Initially he told them all to piss off and let him get some sleep, but they persisted until he finally gave in.
"OK, OK, follow me", he said and he flew out of the cave with hundreds of bats behind him.
Down through a valley they went, across a river and into a huge forest until finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him, tongues hanging out for blood.
"Do you see that large oak tree over there ?" he asked, pointing with his wing.
"Yes, yes, YES....!!" the bats all screamed in a frenzy.
"Good," said the first bat, "Because I bloody didn't...!!"

Which reminds me haven't seen the bats that fly round my house at night recently. Do they hibernate?

Q : What do you call a man with no shins ?
A : Tony !

Sole mate
I'm feeling a bit lonely at the moment and so I decided life would be more fun if I had a pet.
So, I went to the pet shop and told the owner that I wanted to buy an unusual pet.
After some discussion, I finally bought a Centipede which came in a little white box to use for his house.
I took the box back home, found a good location for it to live and then decided I would start off by taking my new pet to the pub to have a drink.
So, I asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go down the Queen's Head with me and have a beer ?"
However, there was no answer, so I waited a few minutes and then asked him again.
Again no reply....
Thinking that maybe he had dozed off, I shouted, "Fancy a beer ?"
No reply again from my new friend and pet, so I waited a few minutes more.
I decided to ask him one more time; this time putting my face up against the centipede's house and bellowing, "Hey, in there ! Would you like to go to Pub and have a drink with me ?"
A little voice came out of the box, "I heard you the first time ! I'm still putting my bloody shoes on !"

I've been to the Trafford Centre Christmas shopping.....it was soooooooooo busy it was nasty pasty! Managed to get one or two presents though and had a gorgeous meal in Tiggi's before we left!! Ickle man had melon then pizza I had garlic bread followed by farfalle salmone.....yum yum...Funny moment the waiter couldn't speak English...i asked if he had a bin... I then said I have some rubbish to put in it...he said ah yes toilet? oh no hahahahahaha did he think I wanted to empty my bag?????????? very funny me and ickle man laughed all the way home..called off to see my friend on the way home and ickle man got his i-pod working with a lot of assistance...what a who-ha they are!! Drove home in the fog in the dark waaaaaah how spoooky..OOooooooooo anyway been home a couple of hours now and ready to hit the sack...gotta get up early as going shopping for stock zzzzz

This is the worlds view on the top 70 most beautiful words x
The magnificent....I hope I am all of these haha

Mother

Passion

Smile

Love

Eternity

Fantastic

Destiny

Freedom

Liberty

Tranquillity

Peace

Blossom

Sunshine

Sweetheart

Gorgeous

Cherish

Enthusiasm

Hope

Grace

Rainbow

Blue

Sunflower

Twinkle

Serendipity

Bliss

Lullaby

Sophisticated

Renaissance

Cute

Cosy

Butterfly

Galaxy

Hilarious

Moment

Extravaganza

Aqua

Sentiment

Cosmopolitan

Bubble

Pumpkin

Banana

Lollipop

If

Bumblebee

Giggle

Paradox

Delicacy

Peekaboo

Umbrella

Kangaroo

Flabbergasted

Hippopotamus

Gothic

Coconut

Smashing

Whoops

Tickle

Loquacious

Flip-flop

Smithereens

Oi

Gazebo

Hiccup

Hodgepodge

Shipshape

Explosion

Fuselage

Zing

Gum

Hmm the morning started early with a phone call from Argos at 7.30 saying they would be with me before 9am...yay my running machine...boo hiss boo they wouldn't lift it upstairs for me! The guy said you can lift it up piece by piece, it's to do with the unions blah blah blah haha how's a gal on her own meant to manage...waaaaah I wish my brother lived near by!! The car was completely iced over this morning and the can of de-icer which I'd left in my car was sooooo cold it was painful and it took about 10mins and even then it iced over again...anyway droppped off ickle man. Next I get a phone call from eldest son...do I know anyone who can get XBox 360's? Well that then started me on a mission and it appears there isn't anywhere on the planet who will guarantee them before xmas so I ordered two from Amazon and fingers crossed haha...however if any of you know a man who can...let me know please!! Commander has just been to Sandbach for lunch and has bought me as a present an ickle tree decoration.... bless...how sweet... it's pink...I'm on a pink theme this year!! My tree is going to be black silver bright pink and baby pink....very film star haha

The funniest thing happened tonight...well ickle man was scrolling the channels on sky ...he came across some game show! I was happily tucking into two large bag's of crisps anyway he said Mummy Mummy let me phone them....you can blag the answer!!! Well soooo funny he rang and I had a mouth full of crisps and he went through to the studio ickle man threw the phone at me and this woman was saying hello hello what's your name, you're through to the studio...I struggled to speak my mouth was so full of crisps hahaha had to spit the crisps out in my hand ...the lady was all of an echo as she was on tv and on my home phone....i made up an answer and we WON haha!!! yayayaya I must have sounded completely nuts cos I was sooo not prepared haha How funny is that.... never ever a dull moment!!!
I was gunna blog about the tea I made for Mum and Dad which was yum tagliatelle with salmon and white wine sauce with baby spinach....rounded off with apple crumble and a game of scrabble then karaoke but hey events have taken over as usual haha Bumped into my mate Nicky at lunch we fixed up our night out with the girls tomorrow and put the world right on boots! I was taking a pair back as they wouldn't zip up over my calves..hmm I didn't realise I have fat calve condition!! haha the brown pair I bought were perfik but they we're obviously not made correctly in the black anyway swapped em for a nice cream furry pair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am quite looking forward to the possibility of Kraft buying singles i mean shares in Liverpool FC!

Just imagine the improvement in the food at the match...Terry's Chocolate orange, Toblerone, Milka bars...washed down with Kenco c blank blank f blank e or a bit of Carte Noire haha Then at half time we could have oceans of Philadelphia cheese on Ritz crackers...hmm you can't Dairy Leave them alone...The future is bright the future is Chocolate Orange....Hip Hip Hooray...just think the headline puns will be endless food and football what a mixture!

Just been shopping at Waitrose..i've invited my parents for tea tomorrow night so I wanted to make sure I had something nice in the fridge to feed them..Anyway before I know it I have spent a fortune lol...By the way they're getting pasta and salmon in sauce with Baby Spinach & rocket salad..yummy
Sometimes I have to laff at myself! It could be someones very lucky night!! I have just dropped an envelope full of cash through a door which looked like the right house...but stoopido me forgot to take the house number with me...my only fail safe is the fact that an elderly gent next door said a lady of the same name lived there...could there be two lady's with the same name living at similar looking houses?? doh my Mum always said when I was growing up there's only one of you! I think she was right haha fingers crossed..........fortunately I can now confirm it was the right house!!

Thanks to my buddie at Radio City Kev Seed for this fascinating fact!

The Liver Building in Liverpool was the first multi-storey office block in the country to be made out of reinforced concrete. The Liver Building also has the largest clock faces in the UK. They are 25 feet (7.62m) across. That’s two and a half feet (.76m) wider than Big Ben on the Houses of Parliament in London. On the evening of the erection of the clock face all the local dignitries ate lunch round the clock face............how cool!!! I wanna sit at 10 to 2 lol only joking!!

Commander bought me a gorgeous pasta salad with tuna for lunch, haha being healthy is quite funny...watched S.W.A.T dvd tonight with ickle man..not bad.... not really my cup of tea...where's my highlander film??? haha Oh no horror of horrors my eldest son has found my blog aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh
Good news is the correct cooker knobs have now turned up so i can cook my lamb joint for munchies yay!

PS. Do you think the guy is stood up asking for someone to pass the pepper pot?

PPS. Hmm things are a bit different now there are no women sitting round the clock

Most of my friends are getting one of these for Christmas!! It's an absolute joy for any of those feeling low moments! A young man with a voice like Austin Powers haha compliments you on your beautiful hair amongst other things an absolute laff for every morning....I love the size of your bum! I love the style of your hair! You're gorgeous!! Have you lost weight you look fabulous!....I mean come on it's the present of the century!! haha

My ickle man has gone on a school trip today to Chester.

The most famous destination in Cheshire is Roman Chester. With 2,000 years of history, this is one of Europe’s top heritage cities – and it is easy to see why!
Chester boasts the largest stone amphitheatre in Britain. It could hold over 6000 spectators. Its main purpose was for training the legionaries in fighting techniques. Grrrrrr!! haha

Chester also has a complete circuit of walls, sections of which date back to Roman times, as well as a Norman Cathedral. The famous Rows, unique two-tiered galleries built in the traditional black and white ‘magpie’ style, contain a wide range of shops selling goods from antiques to trendy stuff.

Other attractions include the beautiful River Dee plus the recently restored Grosvenor and Cheshire Military Museums. I soooooooooo love history it blows me away!!

Hmm just been telling the girls how I couldn't find my mobile phone so I rang it from my house phone. Hurrah and Huzzah i found it!! Then rushed out.... later on saw I had a missed call so I phoned it back and left a message...hmm when I arrived home had a message on my answer phone so listened to it and yes it was me...leaving myself a message...crazy!! haha...dream on...dolly dimple!

Well Friday I went to the pub with Commander Amanda, we both had jacket potatoes and beans...hmm very healthy but I wasn't convinced that the two go well together! Friday night I went to Hoylake to see my friend. Ended up in the Keebab shop for a Cheese burger and chips. Just me and the two guys serving! Amazing.. everyone just has to talk to me, they wanted to know all about me, what I did as a job, where I lived, how many children I had, did I like Hoylake..needless to say they hadn't heard of Sandbach..haha we are only famous for the worst motorway cafe in Europe and being a truck town!! yaya....so I don't suppose they would have...Anyway after visiting my friend I gained 2 animal skin rugs and some grey cushions! lol Saturday well I went to get those dreaded scales I've been blogging about...fortunately they don't shout out my weight...haha yes you can buy those now scarey!! Anyway whilst I was in Argos I also ordered a running machine. I used to be really into running however it is difficult to go with ickle man soo I thought well I may as well get one then I can run at home!!
No excuses now eh!!haha Gotta beat the clock gotta beat the clock...Saturday night I was glued to the footie...how wonderful...how amazing....Owen, Rooney... we had something to be happy about!! Yay I am now searching for two tickets to the World cup final...but guess how much? 14,000 Euros waaaahhh
Sunday I went shopping with a client and Sunday night...oh yeah that's last night haha watched Bad Boys with Will Smith. Gunna watch Bad Boys II tonight...I'm definitely turning into a couch potato haha The good news is my lovely friend Charlotte txt me...she is training to be a hairdresser and she needs to practise hair tints on someone.... sooo lucky me gets a nice treat next week...should be a laff anyway hehe maybe I'll turn brunette?

There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea.
You became the light on the dark side of me.
Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.

But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and,
The light that you shine can be seen.

Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.
Ooh,
The more I get of you
Stranger it feels, yeah.
And now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grey.

There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.

You remain,
My power, my pleasure, my pain.
Baby, to me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?

But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.

Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.
Ooh, the more I get of you
stranger it feels, yeah.

Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grey,

I've been kissed by a rose on the grey,
I've been kissed by a rose
...And if I should fall, at all
I've been kissed by a rose

There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.

You remain
My power, my pleasure, my pain.

To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby.

But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and,
the light that you shine can be seen.

Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.
Ooh, the more I get of you
Stranger it feels, yeah

Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the grey.

Yes I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.
Ooh, the more I get of you
stranger it feels, yeah.

Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grey,

For He touched me, He touched me
What wonderful joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole

Yes touch, that all important wonderful sense, yet so often lacking in our lives. Just think of all the lovely things that we can touch. A new born baby with skin like silk, an aged hand can feel fab when it's someone we love. A pet is soft and fluffy and brings love to young and old. Even fish yes fish can be nice to touch...I personally draw the line at spiders, ants and snakes....ugh shudders...but oooo mongolian sheepskin..beautiful
To touch something is to break down barriers, barriers that prevent us opening our hearts and souls to each other. Barriers that keep us from feeling that one thing...To sit at someone's bedside whom is dying is a great privilege, to touch, stroke someones face as they leave this world and take their last breath is a healing and spiritual experience. To touch and ease them through the pain will surely help them feel a portion of heavenly love that is to come.
So lets not forget peeps the power of touch, grasp that hand, give that hug,tell that special friend how it is...I believe in modern day miracles! So don't forget touch someone's life today - however you may do it!!

A Rushing Back

You came rushing back to me
in my dreams last night.
It’s been a while since I’ve
felt your touch-
heard your voice--
saw your smile

You came rushing back to me
in my dreams last night
I thought it was real
I thought it was you
holding onto me so tight

You came rushing back to me
in my dreams last night
Please don’t wake me
I’m finally alive again
I need you-- don’t go
you feel so real
you feel so right
oh baby it’s got to be true
cause in my dreams
I’m rushing back to you

Please don’t wake me…

In my dreams I am alive again.
I feel your touch
I hear your voice
I taste your smile
It’s seems so right
It feels so real
It’s got to be true….
because…. in my dreams
I am rushing back to you.

I had to let my best friend go,
even though I never thought so.

A lasting friendship I thought we'd made,
Now all our memories just start to fade.

I never took for granted a friendship that was given to me,
Now I look back and regret what I now can see.

I always trusted the friendship we had,
Now I must go on alone and sad.

How much I cared he'll never know,
It's not my fault for having to let go.

There's nothing else to say or do,
He's given up...and I must too.

Sometimes in life you meet people that change your life forever. It's like a bond you can't explain. You will always want the best for them

By Diana

you make me warm,
You make me sigh,
When I see you,
In my mind,
Your beautiful hair,
Your Beautiful Eyes,
Make me feel,
Like i'll never Die,
When I am sad,
and cant make it through,
I just close my eyes,
and dream of you,
For at that time,
While you're on my mind,
all my problems,
Are left behind.
If I had a choice,
I wouldn’t change a thing,
Because you're perfect,
Just like a dream,
Id cry for you,
And even die,
To make your life,
Last a longtime,
You were sent from heaven,
I know its true,
Because no one else,
Is as perfect as you.

Don't forget 2day 11am
'The two minutes' silence to commemorate the first anniversary of the ceasefire of 11 o'clock on 11 November 1918

In Britain we remember those no longer serving, including those who have died for their country; for we in this nation have a deep and abiding respect for our past
It is on Remembrance Sunday, on the Sunday nearest 11th November that the Nation led by the Monarch, honours its war dead at the Cenotaph. The Laying of wreaths.... at 10:59 hours, Her Majesty The Queen exits the Old Home Office and takes her place, accompanied by senior members of the Royal Family and Equerries bearing the wreaths to be laid. On the first stroke of Big Ben at 1100 hours, a round is fired by a field gun on Horse Guards Parade Ground. This signals the start of the two-minute silence. After two minutes, another round is fired to signal its end. Immediately after this round, buglers of the Royal Marines sound Last Post.

Then there's the tomb of the unknown warrior

The inscription reads

"BENEATH THIS STONE RESTS THE BODY
OF A BRITISH WARRIOR
UNKNOWN BY NAME OR RANKBROUGHT FROM FRANCE TO LIE AMONG
THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF THE LAND
AND BURIED HERE ON ARMISTICE DAY
11 NOV: 1920, IN THE PRESENCE OF
HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V
HIS MINISTERS OF STATE
THE CHIEFS OF HIS FORCES
AND A VAST CONCOURSE OF THE NATION
THUS ARE COMMEMORATED THE MANY
MULTITUDES WHO DURING THE GREAT
WAR OF 1914 - 1918 GAVE THE MOST THAT
MAN CAN GIVE LIFE ITSELF
FOR GOD
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
FOR LOVED ONES HOME AND EMPIRE
FOR THE SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND
THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD
THEY BURIED HIM AMONG THE KINGS BECAUSE HE
HAD DONE GOOD TOWARD GOD AND TOWARD
HIS HOUSE " "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

I read this and it made me cry

There she goes, a funny girl
Trying to survive in this lonely world
Living each day, in memories of the past
Trying to remember what they said would last
She watches the news, and ends up in tears
She’s never known this kind of fear
Each day she waits patiently by the phone
For the call to say when he’s coming home
But she knows deep down in her shaking heart
They still have months of being apart
Winter is coming, as she faces the cold
Without his warm body there to hold
She passes the couples that walk down the street
Searching for strength to calm her heart's beat
It gets harder each day, yet still she goes on
Living up to her word, waiting while he’s gone
Her prayers are endless, recited to the sky
That God will help her man make it another night
She awakes in the morning, and goes through the day
Smiling at strangers, like it’s all okay
But she'll end up dying inside tonight
Knowing deep down that nothing is right
She'll close her eyes and cry herself to sleep
Wrapped in the hope he might one day weep

Last night I whizzzzzed to Crewe to buy some bathroom scales, now this is most unusual as I don't do scales!! However since living on my own and without a fella to tell me I'm getting chubby...I feel it is necessary to keep an eye on my weight...I don't wanna become a couch potato. haha Anyway I passed the O2 shop and went in to buy a Nokia 6680 sim free and ended up buying an XDA Exec, now yes it seems to do everything apart from cook my breakfast in the mornings...however why did I let the shop assistant talk me into buying something sooooo well erm large!
To be fair I do love technology and it is the bees knees but I guess I will be quite reluctant to get it out in public haha beam me up scottie ;o)

Anyway as they locked the door behind me.... as I left the shop I raced home to meet my eldest son who wanted to borrow some money....hoorah and huzzah.lol. I'm seriously considering setting him up in his own business if he could just come up with an idea...to get him away from his dull and boring bank job..at the same time Mr Satellite man was on my doorstep dropping off some new remote controls for the sky plus and then insisted on tuning them in..bless. Anyway it made my house a bit like clapham junction. I picked up my post and yes the knobs of my new cooker have arrived! But boo hiss boo nice try no cigar they were the wrong colour try again guys!! Ten minutes later my business partner was on the doorstep with a MacDonalds for ickle man and a huge box of stock..Anyway no sooner had the box landed and I had to rush out again.. I'd promised my friend Kaz I'd drop her at the SPA..I think it was about 9pm before I settled down to try and work my new gadget at which ickle man of 7 had a major strop on... cos it wasn't fair he wanted one..double bless...I managed to pacify him with the fact that there is a wicked game on there which involves bursting bubbles a bit like bubble wrap with the pda pen that comes with it...and you thought your life was Bizarre?!?

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star"

Wow what a gr8 comment, I can identify with that hehe take this week for instance...On Thursday last week I ordered a goat for my friend from farm africa
www.farmafrica.org.uk
This is where you can buy a a Chicken, Goat or Sheep for a present and Offer an African Family the Chance of a Better Life! This helps a poor African farmer to transform the way they live....we all have tooo much of everything!
Anyway it didn't turn up in time and on dashing over to my friends house with another gift my car radio just got stuck on...cd was jammed in also very bizarre! Even when I took my key out of the ignition yes it was still stuck on!! I think my friend jinxed it haha as it happened just as the phone rang!! As I arrived back in Sandbach I whizzed to the dry cleaners and when I returned spent half an hour trying to spark a bit of life into my key fob battery which had died a death!! I think the peeps in the carpark thought I was a bit nuts as I was banging it on the wall, spiking it with my shoe, rubbing it between my hands!! Relief struck when I managed it! There was nothing for it I had to stop at the mechanics en route as if the radio was going to be stuck on all night I'd have a flat battery in the morning! Also the key fob needs desperately replacing to save my embarassment. Anyway that was Monday and it's now Thursday and I am driving around in a car that looks like someone has pinched my sound system....still no key and the alarm keeps going off on my drive.
Never a dull moment ;o)

When the two teams meet on Saturday it will be the latest in a series of encounters that have been incident prone from the off:
• 1953 Match abandoned after 21 minutes due to torrential rain
• 1966 Sir Alf Ramsey bans his players from swapping shirts
• 1977 Trevor Cherry loses two of his front teeth
• 1986 Maradona scores his Hand of God goal
• 1998 David Beckham is sent off for kicking out at Simeone
• 1998 Sol Campbell's goal is disallowed
• 2002 David Beckham's penalty seals England's win in Japan

What do you think will happen this time? Oh no not sandals and socks hehe

On the 3rd of December I'm going with Commander Amanda to Liverpool on a coach....the beauty of going on a coach is you can have a nice meal with a couple of glasses of vino. It's more of a tradition than a shopping expedition..we've been to a different city every year. Anyway my lovely friend Molly has suggested we goto Alma de Cuba she says it's utterly fab. It's an amazing old Greek church which has been turned into an fantastic bar/restaurant. It's about 5 minutes off the main shopping area in Seel Street. So today we have booked and now have something to look forward to!

This made me feel better though...one for the laydees

Eight Words with two Meanings

1. THINGY (thing-ee) n.
Female...... Any part under a car's bonnet.
Male..... The strap fastener on a woman's bra.

2. VULNERABLE (vul-ne-ra-bel) adj.
Female.... Fully opening up one's self emotionally to another.
Male.... Playing cricket without a box.

3. COMMUNICATION (ko-myoo-ni-kay-shon) n.
Female... The open sharing of thoughts and feelings with one's partner.
Male... Leaving a note before taking off on a weekend trip with the boys.

4. COMMITMENT (ko-mit-ment) n.
Female.... A desire to get married and raise a family.
Male...... Trying not to hit on other women while out with this one.

5. ENTERTAINMENT (en-ter-tayn-ment) n.
Female.... A good movie, concert, play or book.
Male...... Anything that can be done while drinking beer.

6. FLATULENCE (flach-u-lens) n.
Female.... An embarrassing by product of indigestion.
Male...... A source of entertainment, self-expression, male bonding.

7 MAKING LOVE (may-king luv) n.
Female...... The greatest expression of intimacy a couple can achieve.
Male.. Call it whatever you want, just as long as we do it.

8. REMOTE CONTROL (ri-moht kon-trohl) n.
Female.... A device for changing from one TV channel to another.
Male... A device for scanning through all 375 channels every 5 minutes.

Yesterday I got up early early to take Carol shopping to Boundary Mill in Walsall. Ickle man went to his Dad's. The weather on the M6 was nasty pasty and we were down to about 2m visibility at one point...still it keeps your eyes on the road..quite exciting really.

Anways we made it to the shopping centre nice and early and managed to park right at the front of the building so we didn't get wet! 1st stroke of luck..headed straight for the coffee shop for a croissant and c blank blank f blank e hehey they were all free before 11am...2nd stroke of luck...then started looking at towels as I've been looking for something to co-ordinate with my fuschia and black accessories in my bathroom....3rd stroke of luck found exactly what i was looking for, three huge Janet Reger bath sheets in black with fuschia detail 99p each...lol....you can't even get a flannel for 99p in this world....haha but in my world you can get exactly what you wanted for 99p! 4th stroke of luck all the Mexx skirts were down to £4 get yourselves there girlies!! Every gal loves a bargain! Carol treated me to lunch which was very lovely of her and I'm counting that as my 5th stroke of luck as it's not everyday your friends buy you lunch, bless ;o)

My eldest son was on the phone a lot today which was pretty cool and I saw him tonight which always makes my day...Happy Birthday to my chum Don wherever you are and nite nite or is it morning? haha

Does anyone remember Bonnie Tyler big hair big song and these lyrics...

Turnaround, every now and then I get a
little bit lonely and you're never coming around
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit restless and I dream of something wild
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit helpless and I'm lying like a child in your arms
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit angry and I know I've got to get out and cry
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround, every now and then I know
you'll never be the boy you always you wanted to be
Turnaround, every now and then I know
you'll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am
Turnaround, every now and then I know
there's no one in the universe as magical and wonderous as you
Turnaround, every now and then I know
there's nothing any better and there's nothing I just wouldn't do
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

I suddenly realised many of our friends around the world don't celebrate bonfire night and I guess it's kind of strange to think they miss out on such a lot of fun ;o)

Guy Fawkes Day is still celebrated in Britain every year with bonfires, fireworks and the burning of the ‘guy’ usually a grotesque effigy, planted on the top of the fire.

Guy Fawkes (1570 -1606) conspired in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up King James the First and members of both Houses of Parliament. He was arrested in the cellar below the House on November 4, 1605 tortured and executed.
We've been to an organised bonfire in Sandbach! The fireworks were amazing! Also bumped into my friends Nicky and Stuart who had a bag of lagers which seemed like a cool idea so we opened a tinny each and sat back and enjoyed the display while ickle man and Nicky's ickle daughter played. They both wanted flashing light things and rides on the fair, candy floss and sparklers so we managed all of that and a warming by the bonfire! Anway we ended up in the pub with about 20 friends and loads of kids...crisps and treacle toffee all round!! Excellent fun and I think ickle man enjoyed it so nice warm feelings all round ;o)

Bonfire night is a time for joy
Dress up now you girl and boy
Bring your purse bring your smile
Line up now in single file

Firelight pushing darkness back
Lining in a dance attack
Feet of many hands held high
Lifting torches in the sky

Many hats many shades
Walking steady in the haze
Sounds of laughing and of fair
Sandbach has now been reborn

Burgers filled with tender meat
Colourful people in the street
Drinking laughing singing high
Watching procession drifting by

Down to the bonfire blazing bright
Push back the chill of winter's night
A faint sound echo's as if to start
A beat of music, a beat with heart

The sky is filled with fires passion
The music is power with a fashion
Fireworks of colour light up the sky
Sparks fly down as if to sigh

Heads are looking up into the air
Eyes wide open smiles they share
As the music stops the cheering starts
They want more it's in their hearts

Goodbye my friends for another year
150 years of laughter and of cheers
Thank you for bringing me a night full of love
And a night full of passion coming from above

The feeling of comfort watching this sight
Looking forward to it on a winters night
Sandbach bonfire celebrations will never rest
It will be always in my heart and always the best.

Last night went for early tea to Curshaws bar in my home town Sandbach Troughed on Jalepeno peppers, Camenbert wedges and cranberry sauce yum yum.;o) Sandbach ....is a picturesque Medieval market town noted in the Doomsday Book and surrounded by fascinating history. Ever since Queen Elizabeth I granted Sir John Radcliffe the right to hold Fairs and Markets in 1579, Sandbach has become known for it(markets that is). Of particular historical interest are the Ancient Saxon Crosses in the market square immediately opposite Curshaws.

The Sandbach Crosses were completed in the 9th Century A.D. to commemorate the advent of Christianity in the Kingdom of Mercia about 653 A.D. during the reign of the Saxon King Penda (626-655 AD). The two sandstone obelisks bearing engravings which tell the story of the life of Christ and Penda's son, Peada, return to Mercia, were smashed by Puritan iconoclasts in the 17th century and restored in 1816 by Sir John Egerton.

Later on I met up with my friends Nicky & Yvonne and we hit the ancient pubs...on the way home we had curry and chips..where's the slim fast when I need to resist them haha

"Ye Olde Black Beare Inn" formerly owned by Lord Crewe, is a timbered black and white building and the only building still to boast a thatched roof. Note the date of its construction over the door - 1634 AD. It is conjectured that Dick Turpin stayed here on more than one occasion, and it was certainly here that bear-baiting took place. It is located at the entrance to the market square. Can you believe bear baiting?? ugh

This morning got up mega early to clean the house and hang a few pictures. As had viewers at 11am...had a bit of a funny moment with the two pumkins on my window sill as in they both disintergrated as I was carrying them to the bin...I had about 2mins grace before the viewers turned up it was everywhere haha... Walked to town to pick up my car thouroughly enjoyed the walk in the rain with ickle man we talked about all kinds of things! Hit the shops, bought a new coat..keep me warm later haha any excuse..now need c blank blank f blank e to revive me as off to the bonfire shortly yippee
Edmund Finney
The Spirit of Sandbach
(a poem for the Millennium)
There’s an old town in Cheshire called Sandbach
That is well known for all sorts of things,
Such as lorries, brass bands and silk stockings,
And rolls of drawn wire from Prings.

The stockings were made at Heath’s Silk Mill,
And Conlowe’s too, had a mill,
It was just behind ‘Wakefield’s the Butchers’
On the street which leads down to the Hill.

There was Palmer Mann’s Salt Works at Elworth,
Where old ‘Sifta Sam’ made his name:
Nearby were both ‘Glacia’ and ‘Shaka’
Which added to Sandbach’s fame.

The famous brass band known as ‘Fodens’,
Won contests at th’palace you know:
Not at Buck House, but Crystal in London
And brought back the trophies to show.

There are black and white buildings to look at
Like ‘The Old Hall’ and ‘Ye Olde Black Bear’.
The old Parish church of St. Mary’s
Can be seen from the town’s cobbled square.

The town holds a market each Thursday,
Over four hundred years I am told.
People visit from neighbouring districts,
It’s where all sorts of items are sold.

The town is well known for its ‘Crosses’,
They are Saxon and so very rare;
Knocked about by Oliver Cromwell-
They can be seen on the town’s Market Square.

The town has a crier called Dennis:
He summons the crowds with ‘Oyez’.
In his costume he stands so resplendent
As he reads out the news of the day.

All the salt works that flourished are gone now:
The silk mills that prospered, closed down:
Fodens are still making lorries
Which can only be good for the town.

Through the years the town has seen changes,
Some old ‘Famous Names’ now are gone,
But in spite of its changes in fortune,
The Spirit of Sandbach lives on!

Apparently we can train the other side of our brain by doing things in the dark, every time we use our right hand try doing it with our left,swing things backwards and juggling!!

Anyone know any more?

Callisto

IO

Such beauty

Yay today is Friday and I'm going for an early tea. Last night watched Spanglish DVD with ickle man, which actually had it's funny moments. Especially when she walked into the patio windows!! Ickle man enjoyed it anyway. Then had an early night. Was up mega early this morning looking for cardboard. Bonfire night makes me all sentimetal cos fire's are just sooo romantic. Wish I had someone to share it with this year, but I'll still have fun with ickle man. I've bought some treacle toffee, baked potatoes, sparklers,toffee apples sooo just need to find a big bonfire with lots of fireworks!! oooo and must dig out the hats and scarves

I think Saturn is one of the most beautiful objects in the solar system
Saturn is the second biggest planet, but it’s also the lightest planet
More than 30 Moons... Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second largest moon in the entire solar system

Just for Mr Perspex this is Jupiter!

Yes it too is very beautiful...like marble...Jupiter soooo looks like the marble balls I sell...lol

A friend is someone who:
Accepts you as you are,
Believes in you,
Calls just to say "Hi",
Doesn't give up on you,
Envisions the world of you,
Forgives your mistakes,
Gives unconditionally,
Helps you,
Invites you over,
Just wants to be with you,
Keeps you close at heart,
Loves you for you,
Makes a difference in your life,
Never judges,
Offers support,
Picks you up,
Quiets your fears,
Raises your spirit,
Says nice things about you,
Tells you the truth when you need to hear it,
Understands you,
Values you,
Walks beside you,
X-plains things you don't understand,
Yells at you when you don't listen,
and
Zaps you back to reality.

I've often thought I'm very lucky to have such a fun filled life..there just really isn't a dull moment, I don't have time to have one! Yesterday was busy busy rushing around... new oven was being fitted, had a meeting in Manchester then met my business partner for a swifty in the Players bar at the Marriott. Bizarre cos I've been there once already this week had to nip to their loo on Sunday on my way to see a client.haha funny where your life path takes you!! When I arrived home picked up ickle man and then my lovely parents visited. Anyway after they'd gone I managed to fall asleep with all the lights on, tv's on downstairs and upstairs..all the racket woke me up early so I was wide awake and busy at 6am!! ho hum! Today has been much the same we've got a new postage machine with scales to work out how to use and some art has turned up....very nice too....trying to sort out a recky to Boundary Mill in Walsall with Carol on Sunday...a meal with my parents at Crewe Hall...a bonfire night..getting a coat back to Avril...a visit to a supplier in Birmingham. Alas all the secrets of so-called success will not work unless you do haha....i love waterfalls don't you?

I also think Neptune is very beautiful ;o)