Leaving aggravations and going to Brighton

Yesterday morning Mas took the video player back to the shop for repairs, and bought some new batteries for his computer keyboard, but when he tried them on his return it would still not work. At this point my computer started misbehaving too, and switching itself off after having clicking fits.

We had some home made vegetable soup for lunch and I went into the garden and cut the grass and viciously swept up leaves till I felt less frustrated.

Today we got up and organised quickly, and went off to Mill Hill to take the train to Brighton. There were problems because of a suspected fire so we had to take a different route and go for part of the journey on the tube, all of which took more time than we had planned for.

Once in Brighton we walked to Pete's house, but momentarily no one was in, so we were much relieved to see him when he came back from the corner shop, as we were beginning to think we had come on the wrong day. From that point on we had a lovely day, meeting Pete's friends and chatting to everyone. We had a really nice pub lunch together, and then moved to a pub across the street where the chatting and drinking continued. It was nice to see so many people enjoying each others' company and looking so cheery.

The jorney home was very slow, and we ended getting home around 1.00am, and had some soup before going off to bed; a memorable day!

Anthroposophy before voting

This morning at breakfast I sneezed, almost fatally startling Mas, and causing me much mirth.

I had to go down to Euston today as I had an appointment to see my Anthroposophic doctor. I was surprised to see that hundreds of special bicycle racks have been installed by the station which seems a good idea. I saw my doctor and was prescribed more Iscador injections.

Walking back through Euston I was presented with a lime in connection with a drinks advertisement. I picked up a bit of shopping on the way home. Later I popped out to vote in the church hall just up the road, and ran into Myk and Maria and friends I had not seen for a long time. Maria was being very funny in a conversation about Madonna.

Mas and I watched the X Files whose plots seem to be getting more absurd by the day.

Garden party

Today we rushed around in the morning, me tidying up, and Mas making final preparations to the food. Satish bought plastic plates, napkins and food round that Maheena had made. In short order around 3.00pm there were eleven adults and four children present, and all in our small kitchen at once which was very confusing for Mas. We managed to shepherd them into our sitting room and conservatory and finally into the garden where they settled; the weather was warm and sunny for a change.


Everyone had drinks and food and seemed very cheerful, with lots of joking going on; a lot at Manu's expense. Mas and I were busy trying to make sure everyone had the things they needed and also to talk to everyone. The children were trying to play with Salty, but he was being a bit wary. I did call him over so that Radovan could stroke him for a moment. I had my camera, but did not have time to take pictures.


People began leaving as twilight came; I had to almost arm wrestle a few people to stop them helping with the clear up. When the final person left we were happy that things had gone well, and that we had the chance to do it. It is remarkable how many friends we have that resulted from taking classes locally; sadly these classes are no longer available for us.

Found friends and the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency

When I got up this morning I looked out of the window and saw Salty running dutifully along fence tops after a squirrel, into the middle distance. After breakfast I headed off to Edgware, took back my music CDs to the library and walked home by a circuitous route. Later, looking at my emails, I discovered that a long lost friend, (one of the good guys,) had tracked us down through my website, so he and Mas spent time catching up with each others' news which was the high point of the day.

In the evening we watched the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency that was shown once before, and this series will continue tomorrow. The stories were written by Alexander McCall Smith and are the antithesis of most detective stories as they have a very strong feel good factor and are very entertaining too. After that we watched a good episode of Frost, before taking ourselves off to bed.

The postman called while we were having breakfast. I received a parcel from Tobe and Romy containing some beautiful wool made by the Fleece Artist in dark bluey greens and some black wool to knit a beret with, and some bamboo knitting needles. I can hardly wait for my hands to be healed enough so that I can begin knitting! Also included in the parcel was enough of my favourite soap to last a year; what a luxury.

Monika, Oktay, Milan and baby Radovan arrived as planned, and we had a lot of talk to catch up with. Monika is frightened of cats, which I had not known, but she let the children play and touch him so that they would not be made to fear cats as well. Salty was on his best behaviour, and although he fights me with tooth and claw was really gentle with the children.



















Later we were invited to go for a Chinese meal in Edgware which we enjoyed. The restaurant was cheerful and busy, and the meal was self service where people were invited to eat as much as they could. I also enjoyed tickling Milan who has an infectious laugh. It was a nice day.

Thank goodness for Thanksgiving

Pete, Lorraine, Mas and I went off for breakfast to the Man in the Moon before returning home and Mas preparing the Thanksgiving meal. Tania and Robert arrived as planned, but sadly Diane was not feeling well enough to come over as usual.

Lorraine gave me a bunch of Freesias which I really like, but had not arranged very well, so Tania did a pretty arrangement of them for me, and she also bought a bouquet of flowers, some from her garden.

We had arranged to have an early meal so that it would not make it too late for the journeys home afterwards, and it was Robert's busy weekend as he publishes and puts together a financial journal fortnightly.

We had a really nice meal, and sat about talking for a while. Robert took Pete and Lorraine off to Mill Hill station so they could catch the train back to Brighton before it got too late. Unusually everyone seemed rather tired, not just me, and when everyone left Mas and I had an emergency rest, the kitten coming for the rest as well, before clearing up and relaxing.

Friends and a harmonious picture

Mas took my computer off to see if there was a problem with the hard drive, and I did not seem to have the energy to do very much all day, and that applied to Sunday as well. Christiane phoned, and I made some soup. All pretty uneventful.

On Monday morning Glen called in, and we talked of different places to find a kitten amongst other things. Mas took the computer away again so that it could have a diagnosis of the problems which will probably take a week to sort out. Diane phoned, and Chris emailed giving a very graphic description of his stomach upset.....thanks for sharing that Chris!

On Tuesday we went shopping, and had a late breakfast at The Man in the Moon where Sunil saw me and came over to chat. He went to school with Toby and is a teacher too. It is half term, but he still had to go into school to work, and was having lunch with the headmaster. It was nice to see him again. The weather turned rather cold, and in the evening there was a thunder storm and later it snowed. Joan sent this warm picture of bulbs drying on a mantelpiece, and how the colours blend perfectly with the wallpaper.

Breakfast with Pete

We had a long breakfast, Mas talking about films which was making Pete laugh with Mason's descriptions and turn of phrase. Pete and I talked about the Skelly picture a bit, and I read some of the story which Pete had sent me earlier, but most had not been shown in the first download. I hope I can get Skelly right, and do justice to the story.

We took Pete off to the station just before lunch, and we went off and got some shopping before coming home again. Mas phoned Robert for a chat, and I called Diane, and Manu phoned too.

We watched Ghost Whisperer in the evening, the story line has got much more sinister and ended before the story was complete, which was a bit annoying.

Autumn flowers.

A lunch time feast with friends and visit from Pete

On Monday I heard from Poppy and Florence, and I tried to paint the right kind of skeleton face for Peter, but somehow he turned out too sinister. Mas went to the doctors with a list of things to discuss with him; it is hard to get an appointment so it is important not to miss anything. Despite the list Mas forgot to mention the most important thing, his hurting arm and leg, so another appointment will have to be made. I suggested it would be useful to give the list to the doctor in case anything was missed again.

On Tuesday we were invited by John and Margaret for lunch. Christiane and Eddie were invited too, having returned from France, and it was nice to see everyone. Margaret had prepared a really lovely lunch, lovely to look at as it was so well presented, and very tasty as lots of the vegetables were home grown. For dessert a colourful display of seven kinds of fruit were put in front of us, and there was a home made apple pie too. A variety of different cheeses were served with the coffee. We were very touched at how much thought and effort had gone into this meal, especially as it had only been arranged the evening before! Mason and I will obviously have to pull our socks up in the entertainment area!

Pete arrived around four as planned, and we spent a long time sitting in the conservatory which was warm and bright despite it being a rainy day as usual and talking and drinking tea. Mas showed Pete some of my pictures which have been framed, and look much improved by exactly the right framing and mounting; it seems to me that the framing is just as important as the picture in making the end result.

We had a leisurely dinner and lurked around for a while before going off to bed rather early as we were all a bit tired.

Cheerful meal with friends

Today was hot and sunny so we thought we would push on with the gardening while it was nice.
Diane phoned which was nice and we arranged that she would come to us for Sunday lunch.

Christiane called in the morning and we arranged to all meet up at The man in the Moon for a meal. We met as planned with Christiane, Eddie, John and Margaret. A different manager was on duty, so everything was as nice as usual. Eddie had bought a huge pile of coupons which were offering various meals at reduced rates, so confusion reigned while everyone decided what to eat. Eventually we settled down and enjoyed our meal and the conversation. Sadly I had to break it up so I could return home and take my pills at the specified time, but it had been a fun evening.

I took my pills, and we sat in the garden for a while as it had been so nice yesterday. Later we watched a couple of Frasiers; we are stretching them out by only watching two episodes a night.

St. Albans lunch and I Claudius

Today we went to St. Albans to have lunch with Tania and Robert and get fruit and vegetables from the market. The drive was lovely as all the trees are in leaf now and everything looked fresh and green; it seems a long time since we last did this customary drive.

Despite the gloomy overcast weather the market was busy and we got most of the shopping before going to Buai Thai restaurant.

We had a lot to catch up on as we had not seen each other for a while, and both Robert and I had been in hospital and we had a lot to talk about. We had a lovely lunch and as usual the friendly owner came to talk with us, she almost wants us to eat there for nothing, and we have to insist on leaving a tip as she tries to give it back to us, and kisses us when we leave.













This is part of a wall panel in the restaurant, the inlaid fish are all mother of pearl.

This evening we are planning to start watching reruns of 'I Claudius' which was an excellent historical production, even though it is now so old. There is so little of any interest shown on TV lately.

Royal Free Hospital visit

On Friday Mas and I went to the hospital and after waiting for a while got the results of my tests from the doctor. We went straight home afterwards as it was raining. Diane and I spoke on the phone for a while; she is going to Kent for a week for a change of scene. Jana phoned and we made plans for tomorrow. Robert sent a cheering e-mail too. Mas and I watched TV, doing familiar low key things.

Friends, family and Tommy Cooper

The other day I was walking home and feeling a bit blue, probably just because it is January. To cheer myself up I began making a list of all my family and my friends and people that I have known and loved throughout my life. I reached home about 20 minutes later and had not stopped counting, but I was feeling extremely lucky to be me.

Here are a few of some old Tommy Cooper jokes that Tania and Robert sent me yesterday: ( they liked 9 best, but I liked 2 as it reminded me of silly breakfasts with Mas.)

1. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.

2. My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him in.

3. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

4. So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me 'Can you give me a lift?'I said 'Sure, you look great, the world's your oyster, go for it.'

5. 'You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, 'Parking Fine.' So that was nice

6. Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other 'Your round.' The other one says 'So are you, you fat bast**d!'

7. A man walked into the doctors, he said, 'I've hurt my arm in several places’ the doctor said, 'Well don't go there anymore'

8. A man takes his Rotteweiller to the vet. 'My dog is cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him?''Well,' said the vet, 'let's have a look at him' so he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then he checks his teeth.Finally, he says, 'I'm going to have to put him down.' 'What? Because he's cross-eyed? No, because he's really heavy.

9. Two elephants walk off a cliff...boom, boom!

Sickness at Christmas.

After we recovered from our trip we caught up with friends and relatives, and got back to doing the usual things in preparation for Christmas. The weather was very cold and frosty, but got warmer as Christmas approached. Peter had asked us if we would like to spend Christmas with him. We wanted to do this, but Mas got increasingly tired until he came down with a virus and became ill, and had an awful cough.

I made a brief foray to Brent Cross shopping centre, which was like a descent into hell ( I hate shopping at the best of times), and finished my Christmas shopping, as usual resolving to do next year's Christmas shopping in February. By this time Mas had lost his voice (unbelievable!), and one of our neighbours visited, and left shocked when he tried to talk to her.

Pete came to stay with us on Christmas Eve, and ominously he was feeling very tired too. In short order he came down with the same kind of illness as Mas. Despite all this illness, we had a cosy time, eating by candlelight and watching TV around the fire. I did get the feeling sometimes that I was running a kind of gourmet hospital, and from time to time, if I thought my throat seemed sore I would sip some neat, strong, rum to sterilise my throat (if it had not been medicinal I would have had a G & T), and it seemed to work. We cheered ourselves up listening to some of the jazz compilations Toby had put together a year or so ago, and the one we kept repeating was the Hi de Hi song by Cab Calloway.

Things continued in this way until Mas began to feel a bit better, and Pete returned home despite still feeling ill, on my birthday, December the 30th. Maheena called in with a present and card,(her son has his birthday on the same day), and later Diane and then Toby phoned telling me of his recent trip to Belize.

Lunch with 'Alternatives'

I am feeling a bit rushed at the moment, trying to do illustrations of eight year old children which is difficult, as I do not remember their proportions because it is so long since my children were that age; I had to borrow a friend's child for this purpose.


Yesterday I was invited to lunch by some of my 'Alternative' friends. Previously I went to classes to learn about various alternative therapies, but sadly my time seems to have shrunk this year, and I could not go this term. It was good catching up on what I have been missing, and meeting some of the new people who have joined the class.

Neolithic remains and friendship

Pete and I took the bus then walked along the coast for hours, and through a nature reserve where we saw some butterflies called Baby Blues locally. We stopped at a kiosk and had tea and chips, and I had cheese with them too.














We reached Lancresse common which has a golf course and some neolithic remains, one called La Varde which is a passage grave, and Les Fouillages which dates back to about 4000BC and is possibly the oldest remaining manmade structure in Europe as indicated by pottery found at the site. There is also a rock called La Roche qui Sonne for no obvious reason as the site has been dismantled and stones removed, but it is said that there was a hollow stone which when struck made a sound that carried for a considerable distance.














Les Fouaillages



















La Varde passage grave





























In the evening we met Poppy and Ben and went to the Bella Luce Hotel for another tennerfest meal which was very good, and the company even better.