Yes! I know it is not Twelfth Night but by the time all the decs are down and put away it will be Twelfth Night!!! I am retired - read slow! I shall leave the tree till last and no doubt it will take as long to undress as it did to dress ......sad in a way.
The first time we went out to Africa I came home to a commercial Christmas that I could not comprehend. So many lights and people going around like headless chickens whereas this had not reached the Nigerians properly. Well, I suppose it had but the struggle to survive overtook the desire to celebrate, this date passed almost quietly, no extra services here and definitely no present swapping. I have now overcome this ........ I live in England and my lifestyle is so very different. I have tried to explain but they cannot understand, we are two different cultures, two different ways of life. No matter how poor I am I can never be as poor as they, but saying that - I will never look down on them as their rich do ......... The Bible says that 'there will always be poor' but it doesn't tell us to ignore them, belittle them but to love them for 'all men are equal in the sight of God'.
So my Christmas is full of lights, trees and decorations ..............
which must come down now and be put away until next year .............
then the house must be cleared up, all the boxes, packages back in the loft. The windows cleaned to remove all the suction pad marks left by the decs, the fireplace to hold a fire instead of a village!!
and then I shall sit in my lovely clean house and sing in the New Year.
May 2013 bring you, my readers, good health, contentment, much friendship, laughter and joy. May the Good Lord watch over each and every one of you as you go about living your life - even if you don't believe ....... I pray God's blessings on your life.
Amen
Monday, 31 December 2012
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Christmas Day two - Boxing Day
Going by train to N for dinner. Raining.
Heavy presents to carry so train might not be a good idea ........ did I say it was raining? Pouring down? it is! We could get very wet.................
So we went in the car (smiley face)
We all unwrapped our presents ................
some were funnier than others .............
This girl walks from the train station to home which is about 10mins - in the dark..............
WEAR SOMETHING LIGHT AT NIGHT
Put on your glasses just in case...........................
Much laughter again.......... lots of sweets passed round ............... lovely grub, plenty of it.
Then we all played stupid games from out of crackers - I am sure the boys think we're mad!!!
A couple of card games ........... more food............. more drink ........... time for home............ containers of food so we can eat tomorrow - bonus!!
Home safe - what an excellent Christmas.
We thanked God.............. prayed for those who have not been so blessed - all this rain, snow, wind and deaths - so many families will have so much sorrow this time of year ...................... we are truly thankful.
Heavy presents to carry so train might not be a good idea ........ did I say it was raining? Pouring down? it is! We could get very wet.................
So we went in the car (smiley face)
We all unwrapped our presents ................
some were funnier than others .............
This girl walks from the train station to home which is about 10mins - in the dark..............
WEAR SOMETHING LIGHT AT NIGHT
Put on your glasses just in case...........................
Much laughter again.......... lots of sweets passed round ............... lovely grub, plenty of it.
Then we all played stupid games from out of crackers - I am sure the boys think we're mad!!!
A couple of card games ........... more food............. more drink ........... time for home............ containers of food so we can eat tomorrow - bonus!!
Home safe - what an excellent Christmas.
We thanked God.............. prayed for those who have not been so blessed - all this rain, snow, wind and deaths - so many families will have so much sorrow this time of year ...................... we are truly thankful.
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Christmas Day One
Raining!!
I think I am ready now ...............
our tree is up.........................
the windows are lit................
the village is set up and the lights are on.........
BUT
have to point this one out ....................definitely my daughter .......... the box is recycled from another pressie ........ the snow glitter is recycled from office desks ............ the bounty bars recycled from the office leftovers............ I get a brill pressie!!!
Don't cha just love that girl!!!
There were lots of other pressies - psychedelic vegetable seeds for PJ - Magic Painting book for C - laughter and love all round.
Off to the pub for Christmas lunch - the pub was heaving but the restaurant was good - nice food, friendly staff - great Christmas!
I think I am ready now ...............
our tree is up.........................
the windows are lit................
the village is set up and the lights are on.........
the pressies are ready for opening .............
have to point this one out ....................definitely my daughter .......... the box is recycled from another pressie ........ the snow glitter is recycled from office desks ............ the bounty bars recycled from the office leftovers............ I get a brill pressie!!!
Don't cha just love that girl!!!
There were lots of other pressies - psychedelic vegetable seeds for PJ - Magic Painting book for C - laughter and love all round.
Off to the pub for Christmas lunch - the pub was heaving but the restaurant was good - nice food, friendly staff - great Christmas!
Birthday Time!!! day three
We decided some time ago to visit a garden centre and then the Pub nearby.
We collected C, who had no idea what was happening except we were having lunch together at the Robin Hood.
We managed to put off telling her where we were going, we did say that we were going to look at houses in the end as she kept asking where we were going.
We ended up at Webbs of Wychbold, I wanted to visit Hobbycraft and we hoped to buy some more for my Christmas Village, ergo ..... going to look at houses!! They were not stocking the one that we wanted but they did have a very pretty Christmas Tree, all flashing lights, revolving and playing O Christmas Tree tune. Well ....... it was on display but they had sold out of the actual items. Ah! Well!
We wandered around and several items found their way into ourbasket trolley and buy the time we arrived at the restaurant side .............. we stopped for a cup of coffee and piece of cake.
We left in plenty of time to go to the Robin Hood and when we arrived the car park was very full - ooer! we thought!
But no, we had a very pleasant meal and C gave me my present -
which opened into ............
very good perfume that I had fallen in love with - chuffed? really made up!
This has been a really good birthday - nice and long - how I like it!!!
PJ did manage to get the tree later as you will see from another post
We collected C, who had no idea what was happening except we were having lunch together at the Robin Hood.
We managed to put off telling her where we were going, we did say that we were going to look at houses in the end as she kept asking where we were going.
We ended up at Webbs of Wychbold, I wanted to visit Hobbycraft and we hoped to buy some more for my Christmas Village, ergo ..... going to look at houses!! They were not stocking the one that we wanted but they did have a very pretty Christmas Tree, all flashing lights, revolving and playing O Christmas Tree tune. Well ....... it was on display but they had sold out of the actual items. Ah! Well!
We wandered around and several items found their way into our
We left in plenty of time to go to the Robin Hood and when we arrived the car park was very full - ooer! we thought!
But no, we had a very pleasant meal and C gave me my present -
which opened into ............
very good perfume that I had fallen in love with - chuffed? really made up!
This has been a really good birthday - nice and long - how I like it!!!
PJ did manage to get the tree later as you will see from another post
War of the Worlds Stage Show
Way back in December 2011 two seats were booked for the War of the Worlds Stage Show. It was over twelve months into the future but I had promised myself that I would go one day.
Slowly the time came for us to go to see the show, we were excited but apprehensive at the same time. Up until now Richard Burton was the voiceover but now the show had been labelled "The New Generation" and the voice over and holograms would be Liam Neesan. I don't have a problem with this but in my opinion Liam was stepping into BIG shoes. I knew that Marti Pellow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marti_Pellow - was singing the main lead and I did not find him that strong a voice in Blood Brothers so I was trying to keep an open mind. Jason Donovan was also starring and I had no worries there having seen him in Joseph long ago.
We left home early so that we could have a meal out at the Boat before going to the NEC.
We had a lovely meal although the service was atrocious - non existent really - and the meal was generally overcooked but PJ's was fine. As it wasn't really a good experience and we were very cold by then we decided to go to the show and wait there, it might be a bit warmer.
As we drove towards the car park on the NEC complex, we could not find any signs to the show so I had another look at the tickets only to find that the show was on at the NIA. For those who do not know the NEC is on the outskirts of Birmingham and the NIA is smack bang in the centre!!!
This was not really a problem as it was only 18.30hrs and the show did not start until 20.00hrs. We cut along the motorway but then hit such traffic ........... it felt as though the world and his wife were also travelling into Brum that night! What should have taken 5 mins actually took an hour and a half!! I kid you not!! an hour and a half!!
And we were only at the show place, we still had to park.................. park? what's that?!! We finally reached the car park roof by 20.15hrs and then ............. nothing .............. jammed ......... no-one can move .......... no places to park so no-one had anywhere to go!!
I phoned the ticket office and explained that we had been travelling since 18.30hrs and now were in the car park but it was ramjammed and nothing was moving - would we be able to get our money back as obviously there were still a lot of people to go to the show. He rang the NIA and then came back to tell us there would be no refund.
I have waited one whole year to see this show!!! I AM GOING IF I ONLY SEE THE LAST HALF HOUR!!!
A carpark attendant appeared and directed us out of the car park but we knew we would never find anywhere else to park ........ we tried the side roads but to no avail ......... then .......
we spotted where some cars and vans were parked in the middle of the road and there was one space left ......... we drove immediately towards it ......... yeah! we got it!!!
We parked and startedrunning walking fast (it was running for me!!) towards the NIA.
We got to our seats at 20.40 ..... well, we arrived at the row but there were no places ..................
we fetched the attendant who checked our tickets and said our seats were at the other end of the row ............
'where exactly?'
'ahh! it looks like someone is in your seats'
Now, we have a man making everyone stand up so he can look at tickets, then he is leading two (I imagine very red faced) people out of the row and then lights the way for us to sit.
It is now 20.55hrs and all the time the show is going on.
It is loud........... very loud.
It is dark ......... except when the alien machines cast their spotlights over the audience.
The alien machines are huge!!!
I think that in this photo (taken at the end of the show, it had been standing all through the show with legs extended down) you can see a guy on stage, just underneath the alien machine, the tiny guy ........ standing up .......... he is really.
Jeff Wayne was conducting the orchestra on the stage and the main characters acted out their scenes coming down the central stage. This was also where the hologram of Liam Neeson appeared - to the left of the stage there was a big screen which showed him telling the story - amazing production!
When the 'Autumn Leaves' song came on ......... tissue paper leaves fell onto the audience!
Slowly the time came for us to go to see the show, we were excited but apprehensive at the same time. Up until now Richard Burton was the voiceover but now the show had been labelled "The New Generation" and the voice over and holograms would be Liam Neesan. I don't have a problem with this but in my opinion Liam was stepping into BIG shoes. I knew that Marti Pellow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marti_Pellow - was singing the main lead and I did not find him that strong a voice in Blood Brothers so I was trying to keep an open mind. Jason Donovan was also starring and I had no worries there having seen him in Joseph long ago.
 |
| The bright square in the centre is a 3D picture |
We had a lovely meal although the service was atrocious - non existent really - and the meal was generally overcooked but PJ's was fine. As it wasn't really a good experience and we were very cold by then we decided to go to the show and wait there, it might be a bit warmer.
As we drove towards the car park on the NEC complex, we could not find any signs to the show so I had another look at the tickets only to find that the show was on at the NIA. For those who do not know the NEC is on the outskirts of Birmingham and the NIA is smack bang in the centre!!!
This was not really a problem as it was only 18.30hrs and the show did not start until 20.00hrs. We cut along the motorway but then hit such traffic ........... it felt as though the world and his wife were also travelling into Brum that night! What should have taken 5 mins actually took an hour and a half!! I kid you not!! an hour and a half!!
And we were only at the show place, we still had to park.................. park? what's that?!! We finally reached the car park roof by 20.15hrs and then ............. nothing .............. jammed ......... no-one can move .......... no places to park so no-one had anywhere to go!!
I phoned the ticket office and explained that we had been travelling since 18.30hrs and now were in the car park but it was ramjammed and nothing was moving - would we be able to get our money back as obviously there were still a lot of people to go to the show. He rang the NIA and then came back to tell us there would be no refund.
I have waited one whole year to see this show!!! I AM GOING IF I ONLY SEE THE LAST HALF HOUR!!!
A carpark attendant appeared and directed us out of the car park but we knew we would never find anywhere else to park ........ we tried the side roads but to no avail ......... then .......
we spotted where some cars and vans were parked in the middle of the road and there was one space left ......... we drove immediately towards it ......... yeah! we got it!!!
We parked and started
We got to our seats at 20.40 ..... well, we arrived at the row but there were no places ..................
we fetched the attendant who checked our tickets and said our seats were at the other end of the row ............
'where exactly?'
'ahh! it looks like someone is in your seats'
Now, we have a man making everyone stand up so he can look at tickets, then he is leading two (I imagine very red faced) people out of the row and then lights the way for us to sit.
It is now 20.55hrs and all the time the show is going on.
It is loud........... very loud.
It is dark ......... except when the alien machines cast their spotlights over the audience.
The alien machines are huge!!!
I think that in this photo (taken at the end of the show, it had been standing all through the show with legs extended down) you can see a guy on stage, just underneath the alien machine, the tiny guy ........ standing up .......... he is really.
Jeff Wayne was conducting the orchestra on the stage and the main characters acted out their scenes coming down the central stage. This was also where the hologram of Liam Neeson appeared - to the left of the stage there was a big screen which showed him telling the story - amazing production!
When the 'Autumn Leaves' song came on ......... tissue paper leaves fell onto the audience!
Had to collect some at the end, not just as souvenirs - free - but I'm a card maker and I recycle!! lol
We managed to get a programme - very glossy and good!
I would show you more but Blogger has tipped the photos on their side ! hrrrrmph!
We waited after the show until the people cleared a bit and then made our way back to the car, it was raining quite heavily now so I was glad it was not parked too far away. We both agreed it was worth all the hassle but it also taught us a valuable lesson - CHECK THE VENUE AND TIME BEFORE SETTING OUT!!!
Oh! by the way .............. did I mention that when we got back to the car ................. there was a parking ticket stuck to the windscreen .................... yeah! ............... 10mins after we had arrived!
We managed to get a programme - very glossy and good!
I would show you more but Blogger has tipped the photos on their side ! hrrrrmph!
We waited after the show until the people cleared a bit and then made our way back to the car, it was raining quite heavily now so I was glad it was not parked too far away. We both agreed it was worth all the hassle but it also taught us a valuable lesson - CHECK THE VENUE AND TIME BEFORE SETTING OUT!!!
Oh! by the way .............. did I mention that when we got back to the car ................. there was a parking ticket stuck to the windscreen .................... yeah! ............... 10mins after we had arrived!
Monday, 24 December 2012
What not to do with wine...............
When taking a glass of wine it is advisable to place the filled (or half filled) glass in a safe place.
DO NOT place glass on floor close to where you are seated.
If you try to open a tub of Honey Roast Peanuts and slip ............. not only do most of the peanuts end up on the floor ....BUT..............BUT.............
They also end up in your glass!!!!
Peanutty wine or Winey peanuts do not taste the best !
DO NOT place glass on floor close to where you are seated.
If you try to open a tub of Honey Roast Peanuts and slip ............. not only do most of the peanuts end up on the floor ....BUT..............BUT.............
They also end up in your glass!!!!
Peanutty wine or Winey peanuts do not taste the best !
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Birthday time!!!! Day two....
We were off to meet up with members of the Birmingham History Group for our annual 'do' today. We don't know where we are going or who we will meet ................. life is an adventure.
We caught the train into town but then found out it was going to the Jewellery Quarter so we didn't have to change - bonus!!
We found the pub quite easily, just round the corner and close to the station -
I won a book about a Birmingham boy from 1911 onwards in the raffle and the bottle of Cava, which we had donated, was won by a couple who had come all the way from Winnipeg in Canada - us Brummies get everywhere!
Slowly folk started to leave and we gradually became a small group in the room to the right of the door in the picture. We chatted toBernard, ColinB, Ragga and Bojolus - interesting chats which included Birmingham changes, research, our introduction to the Forums.
We left about 16.00hrs, PJ had been chatting to the locals there (we might just go back another day!) who were really friendly as well. We wandered across to the station and .......... the train was going straight through back to Tyseley - bonus!!!
Altogether a really good day out, not only having good food and drink but meeting some very nice people.
 |
| From Canada |
 |
| Postie looking at the raffle prizes |
 |
| some more 'good friends' |
It's Saturday, it's 12 0'clock
I'm off down "The Meet"
I think i'd better hurry
or I may not get a seat
But being with a "lady fair"
Carolina, a true Brummie wench
when we get to The Jewellers Arms
we find ourselves a bench
There's Bisopsmate and Brian C
David Fowler and Chocks 2
Key Hill Brian and Pete R
and look, there's Sister Sue
Shera, Ragga, Irene and Pam
Their cousin Brian too
thanks to all Jim's badges
I now now who is who
A special mention for the girl
who made it a success
so take a bow our guiding light
Lyn, aka Astoness
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Birthday time!!! Day one!
What a brilliant birthday I have had!!!
Lots of events going on so I have been celebrating for three days!!!
When I woke up on my birthday ....... it was raining!!
There were emails waiting for me from some of my groups and some of the members also. I opened the cards already received .............
Have to share this one is from a work colleague - oh! how I suffered in that office! lol! he! he! what a wicked sense of humour!!!
and made cards most of the day in my craft room so I could watch the weather.
I eventually conceded that it would be tooo wet to walk round the Christmas market so we just went for a meal instead.
We journeyed down to the Horse and Jockey , which we quite like and found ourselves a quiet table. It was not very busy so we settled down and ordered (Prawn cocktail for starter) and I had smashing Thai Chicken Curry. For once one could taste the flavours and it was so very light.
Lots of events going on so I have been celebrating for three days!!!
When I woke up on my birthday ....... it was raining!!
There were emails waiting for me from some of my groups and some of the members also. I opened the cards already received .............
Have to share this one is from a work colleague - oh! how I suffered in that office! lol! he! he! what a wicked sense of humour!!!
I eventually conceded that it would be tooo wet to walk round the Christmas market so we just went for a meal instead.
We journeyed down to the Horse and Jockey , which we quite like and found ourselves a quiet table. It was not very busy so we settled down and ordered (Prawn cocktail for starter) and I had smashing Thai Chicken Curry. For once one could taste the flavours and it was so very light.
Monday, 17 December 2012
Christmas is coming ...............3
The lights are switched on and the bull is ready for Christmas!!
I feel sorry for him in a way but it certainly puts a smile on people's faces ............ when they're not taking photo's of course!!!
my photos are not brill as it was only dusk, not really dark enough to show off the lights.
this one is my present fave -
this lady was also in Brum when we were there on Wednesday - http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.co.uk - she has some super photos on flickr of the German Market.
Borrowed this one as it is a lovely photo of the reason we usually go to the market ...............
Fried potatoes and mushrooms .....
yum! yum!
I feel sorry for him in a way but it certainly puts a smile on people's faces ............ when they're not taking photo's of course!!!
my photos are not brill as it was only dusk, not really dark enough to show off the lights.
this one is my present fave -
this lady was also in Brum when we were there on Wednesday - http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.co.uk - she has some super photos on flickr of the German Market.
Borrowed this one as it is a lovely photo of the reason we usually go to the market ...............
Fried potatoes and mushrooms .....
yum! yum!
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