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| I have changed my work patterns so, am keeping busy, but it seems to be muddling up my brain as to what I should be doing! Anyway, yesterday I worked for a couple of hours and then did my first drive (of over 15 minutes) and Claire brought a picnic and we went to Killerton the local National Trust property.   ( And a quick wander round the houseCollapse )I suppose the drive was about 22 minutes each way, and then a lot of walking. It was a really great day. However, today I am really paying the price! It is really sore, but overall I am still very positive with how things are going. Still very slow, but it was another tick on the box. I want to get some things done ... so .... 1. What is your favourite temperature for inside your home (is it the same as your favourite outside temperature)? I like it warmer in winter & cooler in summer! But Spring & Autumn it's about the sam. 2. Do you like liquorice? Have you ever tried Danish salted liquorice (dansk salmiak lakrids)?No Haven't tried it. 3. Do you wear slippers/indoor shoes at home? When you visit a friend, do you remove your shoes (do they expect you to)?I always wear something as I have to wear a heel lift under my left heel (a result of the accident I had in 1982) 4. Is it International Owl Awareness Day? Do you have owls near where you live? Have you ever seen or heard one?About a year before Mum died a local shopping centre brought a couple of large owls to advertise owl awareness, and preservation. I spoke to them, and as it was actually Mum's birthday, I went and collected her and she was able to actually hold one of the large owls -  5. Where did you go on the first family holiday/vacation you remember?I was 6 and we took our caravan to Margate in Kent ... I remember watching sticks of rock being hand-made. 6. It’s International Scuba Day – have you ever been scuba diving? Would you like to learn?No - and no! 7. On this day in 1606, Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth" probably took place in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace for King James I. Have you ever seen a movie version of a Shakespeare play – or seen one on stage?I watched the film version of Henry V ... on the day before I took my O lvel, aged 16, where I was going to be answering questions on Henry IV part I. Needless to say that made life slightly stressful! Right, I will try & catch up with you tomorrow. | |
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| Well a couple of days disappeared again ... but I am here now!
I need to catch up with your comments to past posts, and to see what you have all been up to. So, as I have no real news I won't bother scribbling a load of nothing - so -
29. Wyrt is an Old English word for ‘herbs’, and the medieval name Wyrt Moon for tonight’s full moon reflects that while little has ripened yet, greenery and herbs are plentiful. Have you ever made pesto sauce from scratch?
As I don’t use pesto sauce, then, no, I have never made it!
30. It’s the International Day of Friendship – have you reconnected with an old friend or made a new friend recently?
No, and not super-recently
31. What is your favourite spread or topping for toast?
Orange Marmalade.
Or, marmite
Right, let me catch up | |
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| As I said, ny friend Christine & I spent a day in Tiverton a couple of weeks ago ... I am posting a few photos to share the day with you all.  The Lees - the original water supply for the town  The Chilcott School, started 1560   One of the stops on our day was Tiverton Castle ... the owners open it up a couple of afternoons a week, by the owners themselves. The original remains from 1106 are absent, but part of the solar of 1305 is still in the garden, and althoug some are now holiday lets. we can go round some of the rooms that were also built in the early fourteenth century, like the south-eastern tower. It was besieged during the Civil War and there are a lot of artifacts from that date -   ( Keep strollingCollapse )We also went to the Church - when we got there it was closed, but we had just found a seat to sit on for a short time when the doors opened -  ( And welcome insideCollapse )The museum is amazing - so much local history, and a great one-way system that actually worked.    Yes, Christine & I looked as assorted modes of transport ( There's more to seeCollapse ) | |
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| Wow, how have the days disappeared that quickly! I did work on Saturday, and the other days ?????? I have no clue where they went. It doesn't help that I have had to train someone for 3 afternoons. To say she was terrible is an understatement. As I told our boss on day 1, she was a very nice genuine lady, but was absolutely not suitable to the job. She admitted herself she couldn't work out directions, and that is half the job. She also said that she couldn't think sideways ... and that is essential. You need to be able to focus and do 3 things at the same time, while keeping an eye on your surroundings watching for security, or health emergencies. So those shifts, completely wiped me out. The boss has now said she will have a chat with her and see what she wants to do ... including the offer of more training! I trained Sue the lady who works mornings, and she just spent a 4 hour shift with me. Oh well - I have always said I love working with the general public, and it's something that either comes naturally, or something that you really should avoid. Last Thursday I actually went out in the evening. One of the other receptionists drove, and we went to the edge of Dartmoor to watch an open-air play. It was about The Land Army. One of the volunteers was the lead, and her husband did "front of house" as it was mostly female roles this time. Here is a flavour -     I went to the physio yesterday and again saw the physio-consultant. She has referred me to a consultant surgeon, but did assure me that by the time I will get the appointment, she thinks I won't need it. She is very positive and reminded me that everything is stacked against me ... and that's why it's taking so long to improve. She has added another couple of small exercises to improve things. Despite the fact I was having a bad day she said that my stability in the exercises she gave me was better than it had been. So I shall continue to persevere. About 10 days ago I went to Tiverton with Christine, as I think I told you, and I still have to post some photos. I haven't finished sorting them, so I must get on and do that. Before then .... 16. It’s World Snake Day – do you ever see snakes where you live? Have you ever held one?
Luckily we don’t have many in England … or if we do, I haven’t seen any!My nephew, Dan, has one as a pet, and although I have looked in his “cage” I have never really seen him up close. 17. It’s World Emoji Day! Do you often use them? If you do, what do you use most?I suppose I use the heart one, the laughing one … or the face blowing a heart/kiss. 18. Today, World Listening Day was created to draw attention to the way humans need to be listening to the world around us, including environmental awareness, soundscapes and acoustic ecology. What can you hear right now?I have an audio tape on, the washing machine is just running through it’s final spin cycle … oh and a bus has just come past the house. 19. 1922 American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller was the first to break the 1-minute barrier for 100m freestyle; swims 58.6s at Alameda, CA. Have you ever seen him acting in the Tarzan films? Do you have a favourite actor who portrayed Tarzan in a film or on TV?I used to love him on Tarzan … and yes, he is my favourite. 20. Today, in 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. Do you remember the name of the astronaut in the command module?Mike Collins … and, no, I didn’t Google. 21. Have you ever typed something on a manual typewriter? How about an electric, or a golfball typewriter?My first typewriter was a proper traditional typewriter. Mum had an electric one, latterly, but I could never get the soft touch, although now I love a desk-top computer with a traditional keyboard. 22. In 1959, Ed Wood's cult classic "Plan 9 from Outer Space," often called one of the worst films ever, premiered, starring Gregory Walcott and Bela Lugosi. What would you consider ‘the worst film ever’?There are loads! But the latest re-make of Emma was awful, despite getting OK reviews! 23. Were your grandparents all still around when you were growing up? Did you learn anything special from any of them?Yes … although my dad’s father had a stroke that completely left him with no memory, no real life. I was 14 when he died. Mum’s parents died when I was 17 & 21, and Dad’s mum when I was 30. 24. Today is International Self-Care Day, which was first celebrated in 2011. It was established by the UK-based organisation, International Self-Care Foundation (ISF). With the important theme of encouraging everyone to be attentive to taking care of themselves. What could you do (or did you do) today to care for yourself?Not much! 25. It was in 1993 that the Romantic comedy film "Sleepless in Seattle," starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and co-written and directed by Nora Ephron, was released. Have you ever seen it?Great film. It's fascinating to see a love story where the 2 protagonists don't meet until the last frame. 26. Mick Jagger was born today in 1943. Do you have a favourite Rolling Stones song?I love a load of their stuff - after all it's what I grew up listening to! 27. It’s National Whisky Day! The first evidence of whisky production in Scotland comes from an entry in the Exchequer Rolls for 1494, where malt is sent “To Friar John Cor, by order of the king, to make aquavitae”, enough to make about 500 bottles. Do you like whiskey (Scottish, Irish or neither)?Not particularly. However it makes a great cough medicine! 28. It’s World Nature Conservation Day! Do you reduce, reuse and recycle? Perhaps you could reconsider the transportation you use or buy second-hand rather than new? In what small way could you help reduce your impact on the Earth?I do as much as I can in recycling. I am happy to buy second-hand things, use public transport etc. Right, let's get one. I will try and catch up with you all tomorrow, I promise *fingers crossed* | |
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| Over the years 99% of my photos and artwork that have been posted here are hosted by PhotoBucket. I have never had problems with it, at all.
However there are a couple of comms that want me to use something els - so I have been doing it. However I am now really upset as I have lost everything because the site has dissappeared.
So I have lost so much work, which is really frustrating.
As I don't keep my icons once made, because I make at least 50 a month, I have lost the lot.
I am so upset about that. | |
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| I am not really a Facebook fan, but get linked to a few pages over there ... a few from the town I grew up in. One of those has shocked me this morning.
My brothers & I went to a schcool that was founded partly in 1536, and patly in 1701. However in 1899 they amalgamated in a building in East London It is now up-market flats. The school I went to was started in 1970, and when I started there in 1972 there was only half the school there, with the other half still in Bethnal Green & Bow. We spent the year walking round builders, unfinished building etc, and the school officially was "open" the following year. It ws a good school, and other than the fact I was bullied for most of ny time there I have great memories of the building, the range of lessons, the education, sports equipment etc.
However, it is due to be demolished, as it is now considered old-fashioned!
So, obviously I am a lot older than I thought I was!!!!
Work went well yesterday, which was great ... now I shall hope that this afternoon goes as smoothly.
I belatedly signed up for another set of icons, so I had better get on ....
15. Today is Saint Swithin’s Day, which is celebrated for its connection to weather lore. People believe that the weather on this day sets the pattern for the next 40 days. What kind of weather will you be having for the next 40 days, based on today’s weather?</b>
The clouds are just clearing, so it looks as if we will have a sunny month ahead.
Right, art programme, her I come | |
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| Well I have continued to be a good girl and do my exercises despite the fact my leg has actually got worse. But I have persevered, because I don't want it to be painful, but no real gain. So I will continue to keep going. Last week I had done short walks without a crutch, but will admit I have gone back to using it all the time. So, "watch this space" Sunday I went to Exeter to collect a few cards etc, and ended up doing part of a freebie tour. Exeter has "Red Coat" tours, and they are all fascinating. Even doing ones that I have done before I learn new things, as each of the guides say things in a different way. Also, however much my brain can only collect so many bits of information at a time. This way it slowly adds up! I actually watched the England v Norway match. I am not a great fan. but after watching a bit, I decided to watch the first half ... then the match ... and then, of course, it went into extra time!!! Work has been good ... it has been nice to have a few smooth shifts to make up for some of the nightmares that occasionally happen. Well, I want to get some housework done before I get to work ... so ... 8. Artemisia Gentileschi was born today in 1593. She was incredibly famous during her career, but largely forgotten until the 20th century. Have you ever seen any of her paintings?Ha ha – I had to Google! And, she certainly like painting "buxom" ladies! She certainly had a tough start, with a rape, and then a trial ... but great to see the beauty of her work. 9. It’s World Misophonia Day. A person with this disorder has decreased tolerance for certain sounds as well as the stimuli that accompany those sounds (for example, loud chewing). Someone with the condition will experience feelings of distress, which may overwhelm them. Are there any sounds that you find irritating, even if you don’t suffer from this condition?I grew up in a time of blackboards ... and to squeak the chalk is a terrible sound, even now as I type this my back has tightened!
10. When you eat thick-cut chips/French fries, do you add a sauce such as ketchup or mayonnaise, or do you prefer a condiment like vinegar or lemon with them?Chips - yes please. Salt & malt vinegar 11. Rubies are July's birthstone. Do you know what your birthstone isPearl. And, yes, I have necklaces, earrings, and a ring.
12. If your physical condition were no object, is there a sport or activity you’d like to have tried and learned to a high level?Dance.
13. Do you own a swimming costume? When was the last time you went swimming (pool or ocean)?Yes - in a pool, every day I was in Egypt. In the sea, 3 years ago.
14. Do you own a tape measure?Yes, more than one ... I also have rulers. Enjoy your day x | |
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| Brenda is amazing – she drove down to me, picked me up, and then we went to Greenway House, which is Agatha Christie’s home, Greenway, on the River Dart in South Devon. Gorgeous weather, super scenery, a lovely home … and wonderful company. All finished off with an ice-cream … what more could I want?    ( Clicky to complete the tourCollapse ) | |
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| Yes, we seem to have blue skies and sunshine again. However this week it is a bit cooler. And, the main thing is that it's not as humid this time, there is a slight breeze. So it's OK this time. And, sleeping is slightly easier than the last heatwave that hit.
Yesterday Brenda drove down and collected me, and we went out for the day. She is one special person. I do feel guilty that I can't drive, but she just brushed my concerns aside.
This morning I have done my exercises, and had a slow unsupported walk ... now I am here to say Hi, and try and get some photos sorted before work.
So -
6. Today is the beginning of Great British Pea Week in the UK. Do you like eating peas? Have you ever grown them?
Yes I do - it's an easy go-to vegetable that I keep in the freezer.
Mum never tried growing them, as I think she said that it was one of the vegetables that failed for her parents, so she didn't bother.
7. It’s the seventh day of the seventh month, and in Japan, it’s the day of the Star Festival (Tanabata). For one day only, wishes, hopes, poetry and dreams are written onto streamers and tied to trees. What would you write on a streamer today?
Other than world peace, and perfect healing!!!
I think it would be that people, including myself (!), learned tolerance, patience.
Right, let's get photo editing
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| But I don't really know why! As fast as I get one thing done, there seemed to be two things added to my mental "to-do" list. How can that happen all week? Oh well, maybe if I really focused I would realise I got a lot of long-awaited, but small, tasks completed. But at the moment all I can think of is that it's Saturday again and I really haven't had a chance to catch up with what you have all been doing. So, I hope that you are well ... happy and enjoying July. That's another freaky thing ... I spend time registering cars for 6-month parking, so I am dating everything 2027. Again, how can that be? I am sure it was not all that long ago we were all debating what the millennium would bring ... coming to terms with the great world of the internet, etc. Or, am I just getting old, and asking all the same questions I heard my parents and grandparents ask - LOL Well, at least I managed to do these 4 icons for MyFavourites over on DW. They had a Stargate theme, and as you know I love Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate SG1 ... after all John Sheppard & Jack O'Neill are "easy on the eye" aren't they?  .  .  .  Work has actually been good. I have been pleasantly surprised how relaxed most visitors have been this week. I don't suppose it is permanent, but it was nice while it lasted! Yesterday I saw a consultant physio. My physio, who was also there, was concerned that she had somehow missed something, and I have been concerned for some time how permanent the disability is going to be. Anyway, she has said that it's odd that almost 9 months on, I am still struggling. She has given me a couple of specific exercises to do, as she thinks that my main calf muscle won't repair any more than it already has, but that I need to really build up the other muscles of the calf to do the work. She is going to see me again in 3 weeks to see if I can make progress in that time, as she is also saying that I do have a lot of strength, I just need to retrain muscles to do the work of the damaged muscle. So, I am going to focus and see how this will progress, but it does sound as if there is so positive news there. Well, this morning I walked down to pick up a few bits at the supermarket, and the super odd thing was that I bought some salad servers ... a plastic spoon& fork ... basic stuff. However I had to get age verification! Now that's super odd. On that note, I will get this finished ... 29. If you could restart your life aged 16, would you do anything differently?My life is absolutely nothing like I expected ... location, marriage/single, occupation, etc, etc. So, no I wouldn't change it, as it changes itself as I go along. 30. Do you shout at bad drivers when you are in the car?I don't shout, but have been known to say the word "twit", when I see a car hesitating at a narrowish route 1. What salad vegetables do you enjoy, and what’s your favourite salad dressing?I love tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, cress, and celery (in the winter after a good frost). I tend to have salt, pepper & malt vinegar ... or sometimes a small amount of a honey-mustard sauce (thanks Lidl's) 2. If you had driving lessons, did you learn in an automatic car, or in a car with gears (stick shift)? What type of car do you drive these days (auto/stick shift/electric)?I drive a manual/stick shift car. I have driven an automatic across a car-park, but that's all. My car is petrol. 3. Do you enjoy picnics? When was the last time you ate out in the open air?Yes ... providing there are no ants (I am allergic to ant bite), or wasps. 4. Chess is considered the most popular board game in the world, and has been proven to improve cognitive skills and boost empathy. Do you know how to play chess?I can play, but not to be able to work out moves ahead, just enough that I wouldn't look a complete fool if challenged. 5. Do you have a smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector in your home? I live in a 3 story house, so they are mandatory for insurance purposes. Right, I need to get this posted, before I write any more and you are all asleep! Have a lovely weekend, everyone x | |
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 I do hope that you have a great 250th birthday (although I do wonder if you are all managing without us to look after you ... LOL) | |
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| This set of icons are of Hercules, from the TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys which I have been rewatching recently.
10 THEMES
| Outlined |
Faceless |
Blocking |
Monochrome |
Negative Space |
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| Close Crop |
Textures |
Best Friend |
Vibrant |
Fake Background |
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5 CATEGORY (Song Lyrics)
5 ARTIST'S CHOICE
As ever, theses are snaggable and most of the credits are over at my icon journal -  d4s_icons The photo in #10 is of Dyrham Park, Bath, that I took last year. The song lyrics I chose are actually the theme tune from a 1960's French TV show that is dubbed in English, and brings back great memories of watching it. Flashing BladeYou got to fight for what you want, For all that you believe. It's right to fight for what we want, to live the way we please. As long as we have done our best, then no-one can do more, and life and love and happiness are well worth fighting for. And we should never count the cost, or worry that we'll fall. It's better to have fought and lost than not have fought at all. Let's always take whatever comes and never try to hide. Face anything and anyone together, side by side. You got to fight for what you want, For all that you believe. It's right to fight for what we ... | |
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| But I had a really lovely day yesterday. Christine came over on the bus and we met in Exeter. Our local buses have been all over the place for timing with the heat, so yesterday as I walked out of my house it was to watch a bus coming up the road. I am not near the stop so I just stood there and grimaced, before going to start towards the bus stop anyway ... only to have the bus stop literally where I was standing, and he opened the door asking if I would like to get on. Yay!! One advantage of having a crutch ... then having the heat ... so I literally went door to door. I couldn't have done better if I had paid out for a taxi. Christine and I had originally planned to go to Salisbury, but the weather changed our plans. So we had a long walk around the city ... saw a few more of the "grass animals", and then a walk along the quay. Christine bought me lunch as a birthday pressie, and then we walked round one of the city Catholic Churches. Neither of us had been round it, so that was interesting to discover it together. Then a bit more of a walk, an ice-cream, and so to head home. A really lovely day ... and photos to share. I have done a bit of housework, but basically I am also taking today off, so that I have a full 5 day break. I said I had been making some icons, and these are for My Favourites over on DW, and had a Star Wars theme this time. Of course the favourite characters are the Ewoks, and Chewbacca!  .  .  .  Nice to play with my furry favourites! Right, I want to get out for a walk, and then sort out the photos I took yesterday so I can hopefully get them posted here later. So .... 26. What’s the temperature today where you live? Is it around the average for this time of year?Hot!!!!! 27. Do you have a favourite pasta dish?I have pork and macaroni dish I make, that I do like. 28. Do you have a favourite morning beverage when you wake up?I start every morning with a pint of water. Then I have cereal for breakfast, with a lot of milk, and 2 large mugs of tea. Right, lets get this posted. | |
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