Belated Wishes

Just a little note to wish you all the best for the Festive Season!

I didn't mean to be so late in posting this, but hey-ho, I'm thinking of you all!

Do follow the link to Sian's Charity Raffle, on the right. She is going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, next year, to raise money for the Alzheimer's charity. I've seen the effects of this horrible disease first-hand, with my father, so I really do know what it can do. It is such a tremendous thing she is going to achieve, so please do support her. Many thanks.

Z xx

Canine Christmas Treats

I just lurve this TV ad.

How cute is that doggy? I mean, if your owners forgot to get you a Christmas gift, wouldn't you want to get your own back?

He he he!

And having just read that Joy has a new puppy, called Zoe, I am dedicating this post to her, Zoe and her other doggy, Bernard. (And yes, I want pictures, please!).

Deep and Crisp and Even

Frosted trees

View down the road to the Park

The big, 'green' tree, at the back of our garden, that I've posted pictures of before.

View out of my kitchen door.

I don't believe that have ever seen trees frosted like they were on Tuesday morning. I'm sure if I had I would remember them, it is so pretty and delicate. Real picture postcard stuff.

*****

I went to Brum about 10 days ago to see my massage therapist, Dr Death, as one of his clients calls him. I have really deep muscle massage, which over time has help make my back and hip much more livable with. Sometimes it is really painful, hence the name!, but OMG does it work!

I had a brilliant few hours there and travelled there and back on my own, which I was really proud of. Then, the last 10 days have been a bit of a wash-out and I haven't got out of the house. Friday, Mr B wasn't in until late in the day -for a change- and helped coerce me out of the house for a coffee. Which I did...on the train up to Brum!

(picture from here)

We realised there were only a handful of performances of Cinderella left in this season, so he got me a ticket and I, a bit shakily, got to see Momoko dance the title role. She was truly wonderful. The First Act was a bit slow, but the Second is really good, and the final section in the Third Act, when the stage is clear of scenery, but has wonderful lighting effects, was truly 'fairytale princess'. I know it's going out on tour to Salford and Plymouth in January, but it also going to be on telly on Christmas Day, so if you fancy a bit of escapism, I can thoroughly recommend it!

Here's hoping I get my mojo back soon. So much to do, so little time, as they say!

Have a great week!

Zxx

The One Ad I Can't Wait For Every Christmas

I do believe I get as excited as the children in this ad, each and every year, when I first see it on TV. It is even better if Mr B and I are together and if not we always remark to each other when we have first seen it!

Mr B has had to stay in Brum during the production week of Cinderella and couldn't wait to tell me that on the way in to work, by bus, there is a giant hoarding with the trucks on and the lights are illuminated! How cool is that? I think he may've taken a photo - will have to chase that up!

Z xx

Christmas Joy

Look at this!

All this could be yours in time for the holiday season!!

Joy, (see what I did there with the title?), from All Made Up, has put together this amazing collection of goodies, for one lucky winner. At the time of writing there are already over 700 entries, but still definitely worth a punt, don't you think? It is open until the 1st December.

*****

Thank you for your supportive comments below. I do think a lot of people suffer when the clocks go back and it seems to be dark most of the time. Plus, this year the weather has been pretty vile too.

My GP suggested putting up my meds a while back, but then I pulled out of it on my own, so I am sure I will this time too. On top of everything else I've clicked into thinking about my dad, who passed away years ago. But he died on the 27 November, three days before his 75th birthday...I don't mean to think about him, but then it just pops into my head, and I go, 'ah, yes, it's that time of year again'. And it seems to have rushed in with a vengeance this year!

Oh, The Mind, what a curious thing to behold, eh?

As Coco Rose suggested, I am trying to bamboozle it with lots of fabulous colour, and trinkets and old Christmas recipes, but I just haven't picked up yet.

My 'get-up-and-go' has 'got-up-and-gone'!

If you find it, send it back, please!

Z xx

Clinical Depression Is A Bummer! * (Edited Version)

* (But It Can Get Better)

Or so I keep telling myself!

Bit slow on the posting front, I'm afraid.

I've just run out of , well, everything, really.

Having a few low days.

Z xx

Edit: I downloaded this picture as I hadn't used it before. My fave CK design! I'm now thinking along the lines of Mr Cowboy lassoing all my negative cr*p and disposing of it down a canyon!

All Roads Lead To Christmas

In honour of I'm A Celebrity etc etc and the fact that it is, how many 'sleeps' to Christmas?, may I present, probably my favourite YouTube clip...ever

The Wonderful Janice Dickinson!!!!

'Nuff said!

Z xx

Catch-up Mash-up

Let's see...a little catch-up with me and my world

Was so un-enamoured of the couple she was going to help last Tuesday that I turned over and watched Holby!

Like everyone else, I enjoyed the first show and loved the house, but couldn't help but feel if the family who owned it had decorated the hall-a lick of paint perhaps?-and renovated the parquet flooring it would have looked a lot better in the first place, and was not really something that needed Kirstie to help them with.

*****

Was terribly upset at the news of Lily Allen and her partner losing their much-awaited baby at 6 months. How awful, I cannot imagine their upset. I have never been much of a fan of hers, but she just seemed to beam in all the recent photos of her and her 'bump' and she looked so happy. God, Life is so bloody cruel, and now she has had to fight blood poisoning too!
My heart goes out to them.

*****

I have been very nearly incandescent with rage over this man! No other country wants him so good ole Blighty gets to keep him. Why? Why do we have a country that gets taken for a ride by all and sundry? I do not want to ever get political on this blog, but heck, Abu Hamza takes the bloody biscuit! And on our local TV news they mentioned about a small group of Muslims in Luton burning the poppy on Armistice Day...words fail me. We have a large-ish Muslim population in our street and I enjoy having them as neighbours, so I find it dreadful that such a small minority can do so much damage.

But to finish this rant, the oldie but goodie...

Abu Hamza-not as nice as he looks!

*****

Onto jollier things-

A new 'old' chair to lust after from the new Cinderella production

and an amazing piece of 'patchwork' set. (This, I must point out is the back, as it is all hush hush at the mo!). You can check out this link for more.

Mr B's new 'friend' from Coppelia!!!

*****

A few 'old' photos from Plymouth yet to have been downloaded until now!

My mate Chloe, a MAC girl, who I always try to catch up with when I'm down there.

Chloe 'n' Zoe

(check out the fab blue nail varnish!)

Our two waitresses at Cafe Rouge, where we ate more times that week than was good for us!

I don't know how that worked out, but there just seemed to be time slots from Mr B's work for us to get there. We haven't been for ages, so it was a lovely treat!

Gabriella and me! I guess she was French, either that or she had perfected a great French accent! My attempts at read at reading off the menu were appalling, so it was so good to hear it spoken properly!!

*****

And, finally, a few Halloween shots.

This was the ladies loo at the Fishmarket, 'done up' for The Nooks' evening party!

We were actually there in the afternoon for the Bicycle Bazaar. I had hoped to catch up with Sharon, the Crafty Trundler, but alas, this time it wasn't to be. Next month!

And, to totally finish you off, a couple of piccies of me!!

So, to my newest Follower, Joy, from All Made Up, 'Hello', and are you sure want to keep following?

Have a great week,

Z xx

And The Winner Is!

Light the blue touch paper...and we're off!

And the winner is...

Just to make it clearer!!!

Rose of Victoria Rose Crafts.

Congratulations!

Have a good weekend,

Z xx

Howzat Giveaway! 100 Not Out!

I have reached 100 posts! Woohoo!

I messed up on my 1st year anniversary, so, to make amends I would like to offer you this little beauty....

Actually, she is not that little. A very generous sized bath towel, that wraps around even me, (and I'm a big lass!!). Soft, pretty and available to one lucky winner on Saturday night! Bonfire Night Weekend, to make sure it goes with a bang!

Basically, just leave a little message and if you are a lurker, take the plunge and become a follower. (You know you want to!).

I will put the names of anyone who follows in the hat anyway, 'cos I'm kind like that!!, but I would like to say thank you as you have all been such a support to me.

And, there are new names too! A big "hello" to Caroline, Roo, Delia , Belinda and Susy. Thank you for taking the time to follow me, I really do appreciate it. And I need to do some reciprocating too!!

So, Mr B will do the honours once it gets dark enough for fireworks, 'spose about 7pm (GMT),Saturday 6 November. We have the hat, we have the white gloves, we have the fireworks, we have the gift!

We just need you to enter! And to my USA chums, that means you too! It's open to all corners of the Globe!!

Good luck, Zoe xx

The Loveliest Train Journey

I was going to upload these sections of film because they show, what I think, is some of the most beautiful railway views.

The area is Dawlish, which is a big summer holiday place. But imagine all this out of season. Magical!

This second film shows the continuing view but out of the other side of the train. It looks out over the deer park at Powderham Castle. Stunning!

Then I read about 'Little Man', (Christy's little boy) going on his train journey and loving it, so that made a double reason to upload it. I must apologise for the sound quality, or lack of it (!), but sticking your camcorder out of a train window that is hurtling along at probably 100mph doesn't create the best sound environment going!

I do hope you enjoy...do follow the links. Lovely pictures and info.

Also, there is a webcam available to view at Dawlish Warren.

Z xx

And Then I Saw Her Face

Now I'm a Believer Follower.

(With apologies to The Monkees)

What am I waffling on about, you may ask?

Well, about a month ago, I was trundling round Superdrugs' make-up displays. Now, when I do this either here on in Boots, I always keep an eye out for Lou of Sprinkle of Glitter, as she likes a bit of make-up! So, as I turned round, I saw a face that I thought I recognised, in the angled mirror above the display, behind me. I sidled up and very quietly asked "Mrs Watson?", probably giving the poor, pregnant girl a near-heart attack!

Thankfully, it was Lou and we had a very nice little natter. We must do it again sometime, with a sit-down and coffee included!

So, seeing as Lou asked what I'd bought on her lovely post about our meeting, (that she did ages ago), here it is! I had bought a different mascara, (Ultra, I think), but when I went to use it, it was all dried out! I took it back and stuck to my guns when the sales assistant said 'we don't exchange make-up', saying it was sold unfit for purpose, and swapped it for this Collection 2000 one. And as it was cheaper I also got a fiver back too! Result! It's not waterproof, but a coat of Clarins 'Fix' Mascara' and job done.

Here's a little piccie of it in use, so to speak. It is unlike anything I tend to use and the quality I think is really good. Mind you, I don't think this picture does it justice!

So, at long last Lou, it was brilliant to meet you. And, yes, I've done a bit of photo thievery too.

Let me finish off with Lous' Luscious Lips and her phrase "Mwah! Thanks for stopping by!"

Z xx

How To Loose A Cat...

...In One Easy Lesson!

Now, our Rene cat likes a hidey-hole, such as this cupboard in the bathroom, on a narrowboat.

But yesterday she did herself proud, and didn't do my blood pressure any good, into the bargain.

We rent a basement flat which gives the kitties access to the 'outside world', invariably under supervision, and with no use of the catflap.

Ren's been a bit wary this week - there's been a lot of big, noisy seagulls, sitting around on top of the house and next door has a cat that she met last time and wasn't too happy about. So, she's been quite happy using the litter tray.

Anyhow, we wanted to go out and couldn't find her!! Argh!! Thinking it unlikely that she'd disappear off outside we looked all over the (large) flat. No joy! We have now met all the immediate neighbours too!

We went and had tea and Mr B went into work. Several hours later, I'm on the laptop, and who should come and sit next to me? Rene! I felt her coat and she was all warm and cosy - definitely not come in from the by now, very cold outdoors. And anyway, I had shut the kitchen door to the lounge, so she couldn't have got into the flat only the kitchen! Of course, she wouldn't let on where her hideout was and I checked there was no fur on/under the duvets on the 2 spare beds. Nope!

Now, when we have stayed in nice hotels she loves sitting right up against the edge of the bed, under the counterpane. So, we had checked for that too and we moved all 4 beds out to check. Where had she been??

This morning Mr B moved his suitcase and caught the corner of one of the beds which pulled the dust ruffle up, and, lo and behold...

...found this!!!

A little slide-y door to a divan base storage cubbyhole. And there she was, again, tucked in right at the back!! Now, bear in mind, this bed had been moved last night in 'the search', not a meow or anything!

Who are you calling a 'cheeky miss'?

Like, butter wouldn't melt!!

Still, at least we didn't have to go home without her....

Z xx

This week...

I have been 'on tour' with Mr Blossom down in Plymouth, Devon.

Today I did a BIG walk from where we stay in West Hoe right around through Millbay to Stonehouse. I was intending to go to the car boot in Stonehouse but got rather waylaid just meandering around enjoying the beautiful weather and the lovely surroundings.

I was very surprised to see these swans fly in and land on the sea; I thought they were 'fresh water' birds, but this is right where the sea and the River Tamar join, so I guess that makes it a little of each!

Looking back towards Devils' Point.

Looking over the Plymouth Sound to Staddon Heights.

Looking across the bay to West Hoe with Smeatons' Tower standing tall in the background.

Two views looking over to Mount Edgcumbe with the River Tamar running out from the right. This is where the Navy ships come in and go down to the Naval Base, Devonport.

Plymouth Sound. The Sea!!

Artillery Tower and across to Mount Edgcumbe.

And today I'm...

still enjoying the views

and downloading the photos I couldn't do last night!

And here, for Alex, is the scrummy dessert.
(No dessert face Bernie, no job)

Belgian waffle with vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and fresh strawberries.
So light and crunchy and fluffy and fruity and on the specials board at Cafe Rouge yesterday evening!

Z xx

Today...

...I've been mainly enjoying the views

...eating the scrummiest, lightest dessert, ever

...and finally got to see the dance piece that I always have missed

...I don't seem to be able to upload any photos due to Blogger Maintenance!

(so, photos to be added at a later date)

...and I seem to have lost a follower. How very strange!

Z xx

Blowing My Own Trumpet!

A little bit of something completely different today, readers!

A few posts ago I put a picture on, of a plastic bird. A new reader, Sarah, left a comment saying that she would be ridiculously impressed if I had made it myself. Now, this touched a nerve; yes, I probably could've made it (someone has!), but, I'd bought it in Homesense.

So, I thought, "Right, let's scan some piccies of stuff that I have made." That was going to be my next post, and then I found out that Catherine had passed away and did a post on that, instead. (Many thanks for your kind comments....I didn't feel as if it was a loss to me, as such, but more a remembering of a very special time in my Life. Me and Mr B had only just become an 'item' after I joined there, and as I said, she always made him so welcome).

*****

So, without further ado, a few shots from my portfolio!!

Here I am doing a headdress fitting, 'wearing vintage', or as it was known in those days, secondhand. A jumble sale mohair shawl artfully draped and pinned across one shoulder!! The dress belonged to my mum and somewhere I have a photo of her in it, in Paris with her father, (I never knew my grandad), in the early 50s.

This was little skullcap I made for myself for a fancy dress party. The theme was "Rainbow" and I went as the pot of gold. I made a little gold lame 'romper suit' and wore gold-flecked tights and shoes. And I am relieved to say that I don't think there is photographic evidence anywhere!

These were costumes for a Christopher Bruce piece, that premiered at the Coli.

(Photo credit, Angela Taylor)

Headdress and jewellery for a college project, that I was very kindly allowed to photograph at Goodwood House.

My very own cover shot!!

My gorgeous boys at Festival Ballet, (now ENB).

Three Mother-of-the-Bride hats.

And finally, a girl with a very big nose. Sorry, no(se), The Queen of Hearts headdress, from Alice in Wonderland.

So, I hope you've enjoyed and that has made up for no photos on the last but one post, 'cos we all seem to like a post with piccies!!

Have a great weekend. Do buy a raffle ticket from Sian this Sunday. It is for a very good cause, the Alzheimer's Society; my dad had it and Parkinson's too. Horrid, horrid things, so cruel. So, follow the links, either the picture in the sidebar, or click Sian's name.

And, yes, I haven't forgot you, Lou. That should be my next posty-wosty, as long as no-one dies and I get my piccies done!!

Z xx