Sunday Morning Musings - Part 66

Ho Ho Ho - ..................... Greeen Giant....

Now some of you may have thought Ho Ho Ho.. Merry Christmas, but to be honest, I think the Jolly Green Giant played a bigger part in my childhood pysche. For one, I liked the advert, and with most kids of my age, I did all the Ho Ho Ho-ing along with him, and secondly, I liked sweetcorn, and it was available all year 'round... I know, call me a slave to advertising.

Anyway, today's musings finds us very close to the holiday season, and to be honest, I don't know about you but this year has been a lot less frantic for all that Christmas shopping. Maybe we have cracked it! Or maybe I have forgotten something so fundamental that it'll all fall around my ears on the day.. hey ho, onwards!


The past few weeks have been pretty hectic in a number of ways that cannot be overlooked, as it has been a pretty emotional roller coaster for some of our closest friends and I hope that they find some comfort in the fact that we are thinking of them every day and looking forward to the New year and Christmas with a smile and fondness in our hearts.

Last week we found that Peter's godson, John, was being whisked into hospital for some serious surgery, and here we have him, a week later, out of hospital, with an incredible prognosis and a bright future ahead. All I can say is that a lot of warmth and feeling was in the air last week, and whoever or whatever you may believe in, someone or something was looking on with a kindly face that day.
This incredible news was tempered by a close friend losing his sister last weekend, and all that I can say is that my heart goes out to him, his wonderful wife and their children, his Mum and Dad, and more so for the children left behind.


And I suppose really that this is the point of today's post, to take stock of the year, the highs and lows, and see what we can make of it, as I always think that this time of year is a most emotional time. I recall the December I told my sister that I was gay, but couched it in such uncertain terms, that she ended up with the wrong end of the stick and thought I was trying to tell her I was ill. So floods of tears later we managed to get the right answers in the right place, and I can still be that stupid.. no change there then.

We've had some fantastic times this year, with new additions to families along the way, with babies Mia, Felix and Ruby arriving, bringing joy to their parents and to us, their friends.
We have had the privilege to watch Andy & Clare and Peter & Alison marry, and wouldn't have missed either wedding for the world. Both where excellent days, and both Brides and Grooms did us, their guests, proud.
It was a joy, a pleasure, and an honour to be at both.



We went shopping for our tree last week and spent the weekend decorating the tree, and the house. Decorating a tree is still an experience that I get excited about (in fact so is Christmas to be honest) Everyone has favourite ornaments, some slightly naff and dog eared, especially those old ones from childhood, that secretly you love, and, maybe like us, new ornaments that are gifts from friends, that remind of a time and place, of shared experiences, of laughter and tears, and above all of a fellowship that can stretch at times but cannot be broken.



Some, like the little Buzzy Bee above, remind us of friends that, because of distance, we don't see that regularily but also remain in our thoughts and in our hearts. Thomas & Sally in New Zealand, and their gorgeous daughters, my oldest friend Thierry in France with Stuart and Douglas, and Paul and Maxine and baby Felix in Australia, and not forgetting Anne & Huw in Spain. All are dear to us and are all missed in their own ways.
This is not forgetting too, all the folks that live pretty close to us that we never seem to be able to find time to catch up with.

I thought too, that I should mention some of my fellow bloggers, and start by apologising for not keeping up this year and hope that I'll find the time to stay up to date in the new year, as I get a little stability back into what, for me especially on the job front, has been an uncertain year.

I'd like to thank driverchris whose graphics are truly art in the making, and for his love of Stokholm and, whilst being a truly dedicated biker, has a love of classic cars. He also took me out on his bike (last year I think) and what a blast! I had a more than usual stupid cheesy grin on my face that day. Cheers chap.

Wendy ensconsed in Scotland with A Wee Bit of Cooking has been delighting us with a wonderful mix of recipes, photos and slices of life. I envy her crystal clear light, love her dog, and thoroughly enjoy dropping by.

Dancingmorganmouse is a wonderful brown mouse, a town mouse with a deep respect for cats, who gives us all a wonderul take on life in Australia, and I love her for it. (Max - send me your link again too)

Jason Freeny over at MoistProduction has illustrations to die for, and I am hoping that I can play him off against Chris, in the vain hope that one of them will take pity on me and design a header for the blog in the new year. (guys, I can beg) Jason's illustrations have a take on life that fits with me, and I just think they are phenominal.

Ronnie never fails to make me laugh and cry, usually in the same sentence, and long may she prevail, although how she will find the time with her beautiful daughter Sarah, and the new baby on the way, I have no idea. I imagine she will somehow cope and make it look so easy that it will put us to shame. I love dropping in.


My young friend over at Tiddly's Bookshelf has started up again with his book reviews, and I hope he continues. When we usually see him with his family, he's good company and he is as barking as me, but there is hope for him as he is young! He's a whiz with all things computers too!

Ilva over at Lucullian Delights has continually provided me with inspiration throughout the year with food and photography that is pretty impossible to beat. She has that crystal clear quality of light that I so envy of Wendy, an eye that turns the mundane into something wonderous, and a feel for food that could put a trained chef to shame. Tack sa mycket and Molte grazie.

Lee over at Pink Granite has given us an insight into her life with family, friends, and her wonderful husband Chuck. If I where to drop in through their ceiling right now, I'd feel like one of the family, slightly dusty and bruised, but still one of the family. Lee has been another constant source of laughter, tears and encouragement, and her slice of American life has provided constant reading for me. Thank you both.

Remaining out of the great, the good and the mad is Swimpig, who I don't see enough of, but who, as an old and valued friend, originally gave me the support and inspiration to go out and pick up a camera again, and then to start this blog. Without him, I would never have met all the fantastic people I link to, the fellow bloggers, the bands, and the different websites. I think I may have thanked him before, but I'd like to do it again too. Thanks JT.



My final mentions go to the snow that fell yesterday and today, finally infusing me with a proper sense of Christmas, grasped with a child-like glee, and to all my close friends, and family, for their support this year, but especially to Glen & Fernando, for their unswerving friendship. To all of you, you all have a place in my heart, but the biggest chunk still goes to Peter.

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, God Jul, Nadolig Llawen, Buone Feste Natalizie, Joyeux Noel, Froehliche Weihnachten, Nollaig chridheil huibh, 

Happy St. Andrew's Day

Sunday Morning Musings - Part 65

It's a cold blustery day out there today, so what better way to start the day than with coffee and the newspapers. We've had a quiet weekend to ourselves, catching up, as Peter was away in Spain last week, visiting the in-laws (my in-laws, his folks) with his brother. Unfortunately, as I am fixed to factory closure holidays, and the fact that he gets about a dozen more days off then me, I tend to miss out on these trips.

It has been a funny old week at work; In first I can't believe that I have been in my new role for four weeks, and as such, I have decided to take it on formally. Now I know that I am underutilised, and slipping out of a purchasing role might not stand me in good stead for future roles elsewhere (not keeping up to date etc) however, I have had more excercise in the last 4 weeks than I have had in the past 4 years, (and yes it's cold, but that's what thermal vests are for) but more importanly, I am really enjoying it, and that surely has to be a key factor for anyone, let alone me.
The biggest thing I have had to moan about is getting paint on myself! Well, that, and the fact that in the high winds last week, a 12ft painting gantry was blown over onto me! Luckily it caught my arm as I had almost walked past it, otherwise it would have flattened me. I have a bruise the colour of oil slick on black water and the size af a tea plate, on my arm, and it has only just stopped hurting to touch. I reckon that it was an assassination attempt, so they won't have to try and make me redundant three times ;o)

My sister sent through a whole host of photos to me the other week, from various holidays away, when we were kids. Ali also sent through a lovely photo of me and Peter, attending her and her husband's wedding last month. Now I had promised to post a photo of me in a kilt, so for all those anticipating the event, here you are. Ok, so I am sitting down, so as soon as I have a photo that somebody else took, where I am stood up, I'll post another. In the meantime, you can also coo (or laugh) over the cute kid photo too (although I do say it myself, and yes I did have blond hair to match the blue eyes)




I'm sat here in the kitchen, keeping Peter company while he makes roast pumpkin soup, and he's even managed to bake some biscuits, hurrah!
Now any antipodeans reading this can feel free to let the rest of the world know how good Anzac biscuits are (we used the Edmonds flour cookery book recipe, that was given to us in NZ). The Edmonds book is basically a direct equivalent of the Bero book that was the mainstay of many a housewife's inspiration as I was growing up. My mother has an old Bero book that I would kill for, does anyone else have an equivalent, I wonder?



While I'm on the subject of books, does anyone remember the Observer series of books when they where growing up? Certainly the animal and plant ones may have been very "country" specific, so I am not sure if they where produced on a global scale.
We used to have quite a few of these as kids, though I have to admit I never got the idea of an Observer Book of Big Bands.... anyway, I bought the book here, plus the Book of Trees and Shrubs, when I was made redundant a few years back as I had been out of work for a few months (the same time that I was inspired by my good friend JT to start a blog and pick up a camera again). I can't believe how handy the Bird book has been, it's a little gem for identifying all the birds that come and go through the garden. The Tree one let me down though, as when we where getting the extension done, the surveyor asked if I knew what the large tree in the hedgerow was. "Yes" I said with Observer book confidence, feeling very chuffed with myself, "It's a Rowan".... "Oh" says he, "you'll have to go another good metre and a half down on the foundations this side then"...... DOH! Needless to say it gets less attention than it's birdy sibling.

It's funny how you can get nostalgic over the simplest of things, and I have noticed it recently in the way that food is packaged. There seems to be a trend at the moment to give things a retro, almost homely feel. I'm not sure if this is related to the current financial state that folks find themselves in, giving them a comfort feel as they pop it into the basket,  but packaging is the big "pull" in getting a product off the shelf, so it does make me wonder if I am being too cynical. That said, I actually asked Peter to buy this butter, for the very reasons above, I just love the packaging....



Right, that's it for this week. The kitchen is looking warm and cosy, and the smell of baking and freshly made soup are far too pervading for me to ignore any longer. Enjoy your week folks,

Sunday Morning Musings - Part 64

Well here we are, another weekend nearly over, and back to the coalface tomorrow. Still I hope you've all had a good weekend. I know it's baking hot in Oz, but spare a thought for all the poor buggers that have been flooded out of their homes in Cumbria, not something I would wish on anyone.


Peter has been away this weekend, visiting the his Mum and Stepfather in Spain, so I have had time to myself, and have managed to potter around the house, and do stuff.

Friday I cooked for myself and vegged out in front of the TV to watch the new Star Trek movie, and demolish the best part of a Sticky Toffee pudding at the same time ... it wasn't pretty, but it had to be done.

Saturday was dinner at an old friends, who I bumped into doing some mooching around the shops on Friday night, basically scheming my way to an invite by pleading "billy no-mates" status (although I could have caught up with G&F had I remembered). This morning I was up with the larks, ironed all the shirts for the week before scooting over to the shops for staples, the papers and some new work shirts.

Now anyone that knows me, should be proud of me, because as a general rule "I DON'T DO SUPERMARKETS". Sorry to shout, but it's true. Maybe it is due to the fact that I worked in the Catering trade for so long, but at the best of times, I can't stand the sheer amount of humanity all bunched up together in supermarkets. I can recall one time when I had braved it with Peter one weekend and on the third shop, he actually turned to me and suggested I should go outside and get some air... I was out of the store as quick as a rat up a drainpipe... I could feel my teeth buzzing...
It's strange because I can quiet easily turn up at the centre of town and mooch around, spend 5 hours (or so Peter says) in a book shop, and no problem. And foreign supermarkets, no issue, love going around them... I'll put it into the same tick box as my irrational fear of deep water.

Put it another way, when I was out with Peter last weekend ( and I feel so pround that I didn't try and kill anyone) just as we where leaving Asda (Yes Asda - part of Wallmart for our colonial friends) a couple walked in, and within seconds he said " Oh my God, it's hell in here - Get me out!" .. so it's not just me. 



The glass photos are part of the set I took at my Goddaughter's party, and the other two on the Flickr site where taken by Tom (he of swing and cupcake photos) One of the shots I have of him,  I sent over to him as I messed with it a little through photo shop. He likes the results as much as I, but if there is anyone out there that has an idiots guide to Photoshop (Ghone/Chris), then I can supply food and drink for some additional pointers as I underuse the software I have, and typically (like a bloke does) I can't be bothered to read the 300 page set of instructions ( I may exaggerate)


I may use this photo to scare small children at the door next Halloween..we shall see!

Right, I'm off to see what can be foraged from the refrigerator, have a great week folks

Sunday Morning Musings - Part 63

So ok, it's Monday evening again, but I blame the dark nights, and that's the excuse I'm sticking with so far for this week ;o)


The weekends seem to fly past at the moment, maybe it's because the nights are drawing in and we are about to rush headlong into the Christmas mania, maybe it is an age thing, who knows. This weekend saw us catching up with friends, out for beers and pizza Friday night, a whole day to ourselves Saturday (apart from Kate popping over for coffee and to collect everything that was left up North last weekend - more to come on that) and on Sunday we had friends around for brunch, which I think has to be the most civilised way of having people over to eat, its relaxed, easy going, you can delve into the food as much or as little as you want, have more tea or coffee (pots of it), check out the papers and generally catch up and relax into a lazy day, which is exactly what we did. There is something about a good cooked breakfast, when you have all the time in the world to enjoy it, I don't think it can be bested.

Once we'd said cheerio and cleared up, another coffee and the papers set me up for sorting out dinner for the evening. I bought Peter a book by Nigel Slater for part of our anniversary presents (the other part being we both bought handmade shoes.... think what you want, but at one time in your life, buy a handmade pair of shoes and see how right I am) Anyhow, I bought "Tender: A cook and his Vegetable patch", and not only does this book offer an array of wonderful recipes, but it gives you a daily insight in his home growing of vegetables, snippets and anecdotes, it's like three books in one, Cookery Book, Gardening Book, and Autobiography. If you get the opportunity to read this book, do, as it won't let you down. So anyway, looking at Dinner, I cooked something I haven't had in years, Oxtail. (we don't keep Oxtail swishing around either, I did buy it on Saturday with an idea in mind)

So I cooked it according to Nigel's recipe, and well.... it was just fantastic. The sauce was creamy and oniony, the meat, casseroled for 2 and a half hours, flaked off the bones in juicy tender morsels. With a glass or two of a robust red wine, a hot bowl of this was all that was needed for the second feast of the day.
And even as I type, the leftovers are bubbling away on the hob, with an extra dash of red wine, some stock and a generous amount of leftover roasted vegetables, with butter white cannelini beans thrown in too. Peter is in the kitchen doing his tutorial online (He is learning Spanish with the OU ), I'm lazing in the living room (god bless WiFi)


Well that was Monday and now it's Tuesday. I don't think I have spanned a Sunday Morning post across the best part of the beginnings of a week before. It must be something to do with the new role I have at work. I may be punching way below the pay scales that I should be on, but I get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and a whole lot less of the bullshit I used to have to put up with. I'm really enjoying it, so I think at the moment I will stick with it and see what becomes of it. Mind you with the colder weather coming in, I have had to resort to wearing long sleeved thermal tops under my shirt, and I think the last time I wore a vest I was about 4. (For the record, a vest is an undershirt, not a waistcoat.. just in case)
I could also do with wearing a hat to keep my little ears warm but to be honest, I think there are some people in the world that have a head for hats, and some that don't, and I think I fall into the latter. BUT.... I am going to give it a try and get a Beanie on my bonce and see how it works out, after all, you lose a tremendous amount of heat through your head... which may explain why I also think hats make my head too hot, even christmas party cracker hats are worn for minutes at most!

This brings me neatly to another great site that I have found, and  I have to thank the team there for permissions letting me link to their site. Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you

Who? I hear you ask... well these fantastic people have already got my Beanie order and it should be winging it's way to me soon. Grannies, Inc. is an inspired website and I urge you to check out the new link on the left hand side, and if you are feeling particularly impressed, get yourself a Beanie! I caught 10 minutes of a link on the radio a week or so ago, with the creator of Grannies, Inc. talking to Chris Evans about the idea behind the site, and apart from being impressed,  and I just thought, what a brilliant idea, so simple and so incredibly clever. I clipped off an email smartish and they replied giving permission for the link. So take a peek, tell me what you think, better still, tell the lovely Grannies what you think!

I mentioned earlier that Kate came to visit to pick up everything that had been left behind when we went up North the previous weekend. We traveled up their for my God-Daughter's 18th birthday, and I do believe we all had a fantastic time. Not only was it a delight to see her so grown up, after holding her as such a tiny bundle when she was born, but it has always been, and will always remain so, a privilege to be part of her life, and that of her brother (and their mum and dad). I'm incredibly proud to be a godfather to all my godchildren, and I might not say it a lot, but they all mean so much to me in many different ways. They each have their own characteristics, and maybe some times I don't see them as much as I should (and I don't, fact) but they all mean a lot to me. She had a whole host of friends for the party and amazingly, they must have been the best behaved bunch of teenagers I have ever come across. They bopped like hell, ate some of the food, and didn't drink too much, paving the way for us oldies, to take over the dance floor at midnight, get tipsy as hell and let our hair down after the day's preparations. The freshly cooked Pizza at 1am was a brilliant idea, and then we made the party girl open her presents. It was a great day, fantastic night, and a wonderful weekend. Oh and did I mention there was cake....... (and some...)


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
What you see here is only part of the production line that was set up in the kitchen on the morning of the party, and that was just the frosting and presentation workhouse! Preparation beforehand had been made on an industrial scale, planned like a military operation, and apart from one tiny glitch (silver glitter looks rubbish on crispy cakes if you use the whole container of glitter - basically they look like they've been rubbed in Granny's ashes - I put my hand up to this, as I thought it a good idea - I think it may go down as one of those "lessons learnt".. to be honest I thought Linda was going to kill me, but she rallied round, made me feel like a complete dunce and we moved on..  she's amazing) On top of this lot, there where: Cupcakes in reserve, Home made Rocky-Road (to die for), un-glittered Crispy-Cake (melts in the mouth) and pizza to feed a small army (alongside bucketfuls of crisps etc) Oh, and including two very 70's cheese and pineapple hedgehogs that the kids thought where great and demolished... fickle youth! Oh and that photo of me looking like I am part of a care in the community programme, being helped by a youth worker - that's Tom, the wee chap that was sat on the swing a few years back... He's got older and much taller! (they all have)

Right, well as the night draws in, I'm off to work on what to have for dinner, have a great week (what's left of it ;o)

Remember

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance

Photo Credit - Angela  Hall(All rights reserved)

B&W set - Hotel pod shots

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

These are a small selection from an interior we did on the last showcase development I worked on.

Sunday Morning Musings - Part 62

Well it is Sunday, but late, but seeing as I have been absent of late,this is me trying to get better.  I did give last week a miss though, as we have been on vacation for the week, and I decided to take a complete chill out. It also gave me a chance to get out and about with the camera, as I always feel slightly guilty posting without anything new.... hey ho. So we have spent our week visiting places and catching up with folks, and tidying up the garden (the pictures of the leaves where taken AFTER I swept up a whole load... and still they came....)


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

We took a trip out, one day, to the historic town of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, as I have always wanted to visit the Cathedral there. Unfortunately the view I was anticipating getting must be on the approach from the other direction (from the Sea), as we came across it, and the town, all of a sudden and I know that there is a particular view of the building rising out of the plain. Maybe it gives me an excuse to go back!


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Anyhow, we had a good day there, a mooch around and a decent lunch too (always time for a decent lunch) The day was pretty overcast so when running the photos through for selection, I have used a cross-process filter on them, giving them a grainy quality but enhancing the vibrancy of the autumn colours.

I love the interior shots, as I feel they have a slightly Potteresque feel to them (as in Hogwarts, not the playwrite), and as we have just celebrated All Hallows, here are a few atmospheric shots for you.
I was taken with the Bishop in repose on his tomb, although I feel that he may have led an equally lazy life! Who knows. The cottage belonged to a rogue or savior, depending on whose point of view you have, Mr Oliver Cromwell.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

We spent last night at a fantastic firework show in Milton Keynes Village, a big well done to the Fireworks Committee, as the show was brilliant. I believe that the show was put on through Kimbolton Fireworks, a marvellous outfit started by the Rev. Ron Lancaster, and run as a family concern. These guys are probably some of the best.

So apart from catching up with friends last night ( and a couple of nights in between - a sumptuous Indian Meal with G&S springs to mind), with lazy week too, it just leaves me to check on our dinner: Roast Chicken, bucketfuls of Roasted Veg (Beetroot, Turnip, Potato, Sweet potato, Parsnip) a good thick gravy and cabbage from the garden. The only thing else of any significance is that I deleted my Facebook account... more on that another time!

Have a great week folks, enjoy

PS - the other reason for the delay is getting Pictobrowser to work on setting up the slideshows, and as you can see, I had to find an alternative. If the good folks at Pictobrowser contact me, I'll let them know what the problems are.

Sshh!

I like this idea, a lot. I don't normally promote one way or the other about lifestyles, choices etc, but occasionally something catches my eye and I mention it in a post.

David Watkin's idea is very simple, and as with all simple ideas it takes a great leap of faith to try it out. But all those small tiny leaps of faith can make a big difference, so see what he has to say, think on the idea, and maybe even try it out, after all, it's only holding onto someone's hand.... what harm can there be in that?

http://www.adayinhand.com/

Sunday Morning Musings - Part 61

Autumn has struck, this was Saturday morning at about 7.30, with the sun just beginning to peek over the tree tops, unfortunately, it stayed there, so no glowing shots of green and gold fields or clouds on fire.. oh well!

I can't recall ever posting a Sunday Morning musing on a Wednesday lunchtime before now, and I think a two week absence is pretty bad too, so I can only apologise and say that we have been pretty busy and a few things have cropped up along the way that needed dealing with.



First up was that on the 11th of this month, Peter and I celebrated our first anniversary! Where that year has gone I don't know, it seems only months ago at the most that I was posting about the day's events. We had a quiet celebration, kept it simple and had a really nice evening. Thanks to everyone for the cards and warm wishes.



On the Sunday (the anniversary day itself) we stayed at home, had a nice easy breakfast and read through the papers, with the obligatory pots of tea, something that Autumn mornings where just made for.



As well as quietly celebrating our anniversary, we also spent a weekend back at my mother's home, helping my uncle celebrate his 90th birthday. It was great to get up to see cousins and family I haven't seen in years, I just wish we could have spent more time with them. As it is though , we have a wonderful photo of my Uncle Ray, my Mum, Aunty Ethel, and Aunty Joyce, all gathered together, totting up a whacking 337 years between them. I so hope I have the Murphy genes!

The only one downside of the past few weeks, and one that has been occupying most of my time though, is the impending redundancy notice. Yes, before anyone else says it, this will be the third time in 6 years, however there is an option of an alternative role, which I have literally just accepted (17.12). It will be a change of pace, teams, and levels of expertise, but it will also give me another insight into how our business runs. So wish me luck, as I start in just over a weeks time.

Getting back to my point about Autumn, I think this season is my favourtie season of the year. When things are beginning to feel a little drab and the nights begin to close in, the trees and shrubs offer an alternative source of colour and interest in the garden and countryside, all we need to usually do is just look up above our heads.

Trees especially take on a new persona at this time of the year, as the nights draw in and the temperatures drop. Suddenly as the leaves begin to fall, we are greeted by splashes of colour and texture, more so than any other part of the year I think.



The trees in garden and hedgerows become a predominant feature at this time of the year and everything and everyone are drawn to them, from those of us that have favourite trees to sit under (and a lot of people do) to the flora and fauna that use the shelter of the trees to feed and grow. a natural hedgerow is a glorious thing all year 'round, however at this time of the year, for me at least, they sparkle.



So with Autumn bedding in, a new role on its way, and a lot of celebrations under the belt, I'm off home soon to sit and listen to the radio and watch the sun go down. Enjoy the rest of your week folks, and I'll catch up soon.

Blog Action Day - 15/10/09

Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.

This year the day is all about climate change and how we can all affect it in some way. Some time ago, we decided to start thinking more about how we use our resources at home and especially our utilities.

Simple things like putting on a jumper instead of whacking up the heat help, but more so and by complete accident, we've managed to reduce our electricity bills by a staggering 26% in the last 5 months... how, simple, the dishwasher has been out of action. 26 PERCENT!! That is frightening to know that a dishwasher uses so much energy. Even allowing for summer and daylight lasting longer, that is a big chunk of usage saved. I don't even know what the knock on effect is on water saving etc.

Couple that with a local council that has incredibly robust re-cycling policies, meaning we practically throw no general waste out now (less than quarter of a bin bag), and I think we are doing pretty well.

So tomorow is the day, think what you can do, even if it is the smallest thing, because everything makes a difference.

http://www.blogactionday.org/

Sunday Morning Musings - Part 60

Yesterday we spent a wonderful day helping our friends Peter and Ali celebrate their wedding day.

Peter (the Groom) and my Peter went to University together, many moons ago, and I have known him a little over 15 years, after becoming part of (my) Peter's life.

Ali we met a little over a year ago, and after me attending her Hen weekend last week, I feel like I have known her for years (although and surprisingly to me, at first she thought I didn't like her).
Both Ali and Peter have been married before, but this time around they have found something special in each other, and we can rejoice in that.
Yesterday saw all the elements that these two people enjoy with, and about, each other, come together in a day of celebration. The gathering of their friends and family, their sheer joy of seeing these people come together to help them see the day through with excitement, enjoyment, tears and laughter.

The bride was radiant, attended by her bridesmaids, and escorted down the aisle by her mum, to a Groom and his Best Man, both looking resplendent in their morning suits, the smiles on their faces reflected by the smiles on everyone that was there to witness the day.

During the signing of the register, Peter's niece played guitar and in a crystal clear and wonderful voice, sang a song of her own composition (she has to go far, she is truly incredible) and then the new couple walked out into the beaming sunshine, to be joined by the gathering for photos, drinks on the lawn and a catch up of old and new friends.

Siting down later to a wedding breakfast that was truly delicious, (and credit to the staff of the Hotel here, as they where honestly marvellous throughout the whole of the day) as well as credit to Ali and Peter for picking such a truly wonderful menu, we came at last to the speeches. First up was Andy, whose eloquence, charm and warm humour dragged Ali's past kicking and screaming into the room, fuelled mainly on tales that involve an enormous amount of cocktails, to have the gathered party reaching for anything to wipe away the tears of laughter. Such was the quality of the speeches that I gave up taking pot shot photos, to listen and enjoy them. Next up was Peter's son and Best Man, who gave a short, funny and confident speech, handing over to his father, the Groom.

Now Peter is an excellent public speaker, with his skills honed through his student years, and through many years as an adult involved in local politics, and his speech kept that entire room rapt with attention, wracked with laughter, and on a couple of occasions, soliciting tears too. It was a speech that would have made anyone proud to have spoken, and from me to him, it was a pleasure to be there to listen to it, to hear his words of wonderment, love and fortitude. For this speech had to encompass many things, and touch on the untouchable, which was Peter's (the groom) cancer, that was diagnosed in the spring of this year. But this was no maudlin affair, yes there were tears, but no surprises, we all knew the score and we knew too, as sure as God made little green apples, that Peter would discuss it, and this is what he surmised his predicament with, and you know, this should be shouted from the rooftops in celebration of this wonderful, mad, and truly in love couple, he said this " I have cancer.. but cancer doesn't have me". By god, we gave that man a round of applause.

So how do you follow that? Well that was down to my Peter, who, by sheer fact that he cannot find it in him to throw anything away (and it truly irritates the bejezzus out of me, but for this he gets dispensation) managed to find a number of posters and news papers that both he and Peter (groom) where involved in in their student days. My how young they both looked. A hard act to follow, but he gave a speech delivered with humour and the friendship of years that shines through on these occasions.

We decamped to the bar for a while to gather our strength, greet new friends, laugh, cry and steel ourselves for dancing and revelry, and boy did we dance! Yes there was a tribute to Patrick Swayze by me and Claire, with the help of a dining chair, Peter and his son's tap steps to Adam Ant where a treat, and his niece's singing while the evening buffet was served kept people in rapt attention. The night drew to a close with a nightcap in the bar, kisses and good nights, and exhausted we slept the sleep of the contented.

We enjoyed a breakfast with the bride and groom and guests this morning, and finally said our goodbyes, while the happy couple prepared to jet off for a week in the sun. ..... And that's the whole point of this post, the happy couple, because that is what they are, utterly happy. Nothing can take that away from them, and I think my life is richer because of them, and when you can say that, what can stop you from being happy.....