ITS BEEN A WHILE

Here I am back again.

I have been working and presenting sessions, yes I am feeling tired especially today. At least the sun is out and the garden is full of birds.

A couple of days ago I saw two coal tits, blue tits, ring dove, robin and wren. Super Squirell has not appeared since our neighbours took down the peanut feeder he could get to.

WISP has been about in the Cemetary, Mick and I watched for ages as she strolled back and forth.


FEMALE SECTION

I would like to pay tribute to two women

My thoughts are with Leading Seaman Faye Turney who was taken with 14 other sailors in an aggresive act by Iran. She is a married woman with a three year old called Molly. I am thinking also of her husband and parents. She was the pilot of one of the boats taken. She chooses not to be defined by her femininity alone. She wants her daughter to grow up reliable, independent and a strong young woman - much like her mother.

I also acknowledge Pte Michelle Norris aged 19 whose life saving action won her he Military Cross. This medical orderly was acting in the best tradition a standard set in world war one by Noel Chervaise double VC winner.


Proving that what ever people might say women have earned the right for their place in the front in, actions speak louder than words. These women are moving the goal posts on behalf of other women.


I am proud of all our soldiers, sailors and airman. I am not so proud of the government nor the war which I have always considered wrong. The two points of view are not incompatible.

FOOTBALL

England had better play more imaginatively tonight than they did the other day in Isreal. Dear god these guys are high paid professionals apparently and Rooney showed neither professionalism nor coolness of head required to keep himself out of trouble. They really need to play as a team.



FASHION

H and M have some lovely linen skirts, trousers and jackets. They also do great tights and accesories. I particularly liked a twisted bead necklace, I have it in black and brown. It is made with small beads and makes a tight, rope effect. The necklace is long and can be worn doubled up or knotted. Plain simple effective.

My colour pallet this season in black, grey, brown. Outfits are matched top to toe in toning colours and highlighte with white. I have five or six outfits for work. Three trouser outfits and two skirt outfits. For the summer I will add in cream linen long line skirts with two blouses one red and cream, one brown and cream with matching vest underneath.

Keeping to the same colours my everyday or evening outfits are more edgy.


I have been building my holiday wardrobe from the archive of items that I have, adding some cheaper new items to freshen up the look. Packing an issue of course so I have found some reusable bags that compress clothes reducing the space they take up - good value from ASDA.


I am not wild about the current trend of 70's 'Pop' pattern look. It has to be worn carefully not too many combos as these designs can overwhelm. I am much more a 'hippy' ethnic person.


TELEVISION


I have really love 'Dancing on Ice' I am a big Andrei fan. I have also enjoyed very much 'Primeval' but I remain a huge Dr Who Fan.

We watched 'March of the Penquins' the other day - superb. I do recommend this film, so much so I went and bought it.

LOTS OF LOVE TO EVERYBODY. Granny xxxxx

MAX AS A PUPPY WITH ME.

TRUELY AWFUL

For a policeman to be convicted of child porn offences on the internet is beyond belief. Found Guilty - good. Love Granny XXX

POOR FATHER

I was so sad to hear about the poor father who having just walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day, collapsed and died at the reception. What a tragic thing to happen. He did die happy that can be the only concellation. My thoughts are with his family at this awful time. Love Granny XXX

ONE UP FOR THE NAVY

Well at last some commonsense. A petty officer has been convicted of Rape on board ship the victim had had a vast amount to drink, she could barely remember what happened. Now listen CONSENT means informed CONSENT, not drink induced consent. I will keep pressing this message. Men if you are even thinking of having sex with a woman who is drunk, under the influence - whatever - don't. Love Granny XXX

FOXED AGAIN

Wisp paid a visit during the week, sitting on the shed looking down at Merlot, who when called came in. I stood outside and called Wisp by name, she and I looked at each other for ages - she showed no fear at all.

Super squirrel has been around, he is so funny because the neighbours, now wise to his peanut trick are not putting them out in a simple hanging system - now he can't get at them. I saw him and this is true, thrust out his big furry white chest, hands on hips as much as to say "What's going on here then" We have come to his rescue putting out nuts ourselves in the hope he will pay a visit.


The garden is alive with things you should not see yet, huge bumble bees, butterflies, lady birds and of course all the little birds. I love it. Love Granny XXX

CAPITALWOMAN

I attended the Capitalwoman conference in London last weekend. It was interesting, but really Ken Livingstone and his bunch seem to take credit for everything. Politically it was boring. The best bit was the only female bespoke taylor in London, great suits. Love Granny

I COULD HAVE SWORN IT WAS A FEATHER

I was so sure that it was a feather that floated in the wind, a small feather - but in fact it was one of the smalles moths I have ever seen. I also have to mention that the garden has been alive with Blue tits and Finches and not to mention the little Wren. Today we are watching Super Squirrel on the feeder, he is simply huge and in tip top condition, no surprise there then. He is so much fun to watch. Blossom is coming out everywhere, form the widow I can see the prettiest pink. Nature is a wonderful thing.


Yesterday evening I did a private talk to a Lions Club and it went really well. Mick helped me with the technical stuff running around getting leads and things for me.

We are booked on a holiday to Skopelos our favourite Greek Island, If anybody reads this and lives in Skopelos, do get in touch. I can't wait to go, I am so excited.

I can not believe Italy scored 3 tries in 6 minutes against Scotland. I am looking for ward to watching Ireland v England at Croke Park. Later Mick is taking me out for a meal, as a reward for my talk yesterday.

I shall be going back to work three days a week until end of March building up to full time. Fantastic. The Oncologist has discharged me from the clinic, so I really am on the way to full recovery.

Love granny xx

WHY DON'T THEY TELL US

Being a woman is 's---' First it is your periods, a pain in the arse from 13 ish to 48 ish. Messy and disgusting despite all the recent developments in personal sanitary ware. The periods are also uncomfortable and often very painful. Then there is PMT which causes all sorts of problems over which you have no control, some women are lucky and sail through, for others - ITS HELL. I stopped taking the pill in around 1983 because it made me ill, and if I was going to have sex then I felt - no condom no sex. Thereafter my periods were 28 days on the dot.

Then there is child birth, not that I've been there but I was with Debs when she had the twins, oh my God - how brave is that, giving birth is not easy!!!!!!

Now since having Chemo, periods are no more and the Tamoxifen has railroaded me into the menopause - oh my God, what 'S---' is this? I am flushed hot all the time and can't sleep, facial hair (yuk) is there a cure for this except shaving, am I going to be the bearded lady? I have no energy, no zip I can hardly bring myself to get dressed. I'm moody and I do try not to be. I have lost absolute control over my body and I hate it.


And Men get absolutely non of this 'S---' they complain about our moods, the lack of sex etc etc etc. Ladies tell them to take a hike, come back in two years. Is it any wonder men go off and look for younger women. Something tells me the odds are staked against us. If men had periods and the menopause something tells me would all so know about it and the space race would be replaced to find a high tech answer.

So what about the positive, no periods great.

I would rather sit and watch the birds in my garden - so I will. My God it's 1pm and I'm not dressed - so what!

Love Granny

WRAP IT UP

I know I have mentioned WRAP before as a fashion bible. Well the new catalogue came through for Summer very nice but too too expensive. If you dont believe me then look at www.wraponline.co.uk I like the 'preppy' look, I love the long skirts, I can get the look cheaper. I also like the sophisticated colours that they use, I need to get out there and shop.

Love Granny xxx

LONDON FASHION WEEK.

Boring, to closed to cliquey. Do we want Zero sized models - of course not, very few if any normal women can possibly want to look like a skeleton, let alone be able to achieve it. Dangerous for physical health. I would like to see some size 14s on the cat work. We are the sizes we are, how we dress ourselves is key to feeling good about ourselves. I like the older women that Dove have used. Very good looking.

If I am pushed I would say that I still like Paul Costello I have a jacket of his in black linen which I love. I like his use of fabrics. Marc Jacobs is ok (although his cat walk videos on his web site are full of very thin models who are so scarry) I am keen to try his new fragrances which are fresh a floral I would especially like to try 'Violet'.

Having said that I am very keen to try the revamped channel perfume line, a reworking of 4 orignal fragrances and six new ones. Get the Magazine Happy and on page 61 there is a good detailed guide to these new scents. I am keen to try '28 La Pausa' 'Gardenia' ' No 22' and 'Eau de Cologne' Expensive and only sold in Chanel shops! Could a nice rich sugar daddy buy me these please? only joking.


I am also a very keen supporter of Jasmine as a fragrance, very summer very fresh. I do like to shop in L'Occitane in Bluewater and they have some new fragrances, including Rose and Reine Eau de Toilet which at £22 I could probably afford and would wear all summer.


NEXT is very much a shop I have been re drawn to, I had a great pair of Black trousers from there but I have noticed in their recent adds a wonderfull Black and White small check suit at £90 with nice pocket details, 3 snappy buttons and a really cute collar, for the business woman with 'X' factor. Still to expensive for me, but the look is great.


A key fashion item, If your doing anything at all you can hardly go wrong with the white shirt, which I have always loved. Go For it there are loads about. Also this year the Tunic dress is really rather smart in my view.


A big plea please don't do sheer/see through it is so cheap to show off all your underware. Pretty bras do it for me.


I a not a Coleen Mcloughlin fan (not that she will care) I just think she has more money than sense. She is rather boring, lets face it with Wayne as her boyfriend!!!! what else can one say. I rather prefer Kelly Osbourn and Amy Winehouse looks, off the wall they key is looking different. With Winehouse, you really have to look passed her past with the drink and drugs thing to the voice which is fab and her look. She is not however a good role model - but hey. GET HER MUSIC, IT IS FAB. Britney Spears has been a big hitter this week with her bald look, hey work with it, it looked call. I do worry about her though, but more for her childrens sake than hers.

I still refer extensively to 'IN STYLE' 'YOU' magazine from the Sunday mail and GLAMOUR for my fashion information. and HAPPY is also excellent. Rather taken with two looks from Happy one by BIBA - an old favourite and DKNY who both have the MAXI dress (page 78) I love the 1970's hippy look which is very much back. Beads and Bangles are a must. Vest T shirts are fab, there are so many great styles and colours, get loads they are cheap and you can double them up. I like a slouch look and they work perfectly. Keep them long and lean. Shabby Chic thats me.


SHOES, plenty of great looks, and I love platforms (I did the first time round as well) but please no ties up the legs - be selective as platforms can really do your legs in. There is no glamour if your feet are killing you. I like the new pumps that are about, look great with a maxi skirt. Wear with opaque tights and short skirt, colour toned and matched in for length and layer tops.

My key pieces this year will be my late aunts fan which I shall use for my hot flushes, and her black beads, very fine and delicate. I am on the hunt for very comfortable baggy cargo pants, lots about but I haven't found the one for me yet.


Fashion rules OK Love Granny XXX

RETIRING

A colleague is retiring next week, we went to a function in his honour, I thought it was nice to see so many turn out. I also thought how sad we were losing another character from the job with his huge and extensive knowledge he will be a great loss. Does he care!!!! well secretly he does, but he is off to pastures new, new starts after a 30 year career are risky but essential. Good Luck to Pat and his wife.

Love Granny

SQUIRREL CHASE

Today is a lovely and spring like. Two squirrels are chasing around the trees which is highly amusing. They have just stopped for lunch. The other day one of the squirrels came down to my neighbours pond for a drink. He had just hung upside down on the feeder with fresh nuts in so I think he ate to much. These guys are so fast it is quite breathtaking.

I always try to find something beautiful and positive in the day, my key to good mental and physical health. Love Granny

FRAUD WARNING

Keep your eyes on your money. I lost £108 out of my account via a scam they took £8 congestion charge (I don't take my car into London) and then £25x2 and £50x1 through a facility in Luxembourg to use a casino gaming site (I don't gamble)

Police will only report the Theft of any card. The fraud is initially investigated by your bank. This was an online fraud. I mayhave been 'attacked' when I purchased a book online and I believe the transaction was not on a secure site I also remember being asked for my card details twice!!!!! I did get my book although not addressed to me bu my husband which we both found strange. I had done everything in my name. BE AWARE. Granny

I SAW IT WITH MY OWN EYE'S

And so did Mick. About 12.50pm I looked up from the sink in the kitchen, Merlot was barking and there on the shed roof was Wisp the fox. Face on and unfazed she looked down at Merlot who was now quiet. We missed the perfect photoshot with the two in frame, but we tried. We did get one of Wisp which I hope to publish if only I could work out the new system for posting pics to the blog. Wisp has been about a lot at night and early hours, like 4am when Merlot goes into a frenzie and sounds like I am killing her. It was an amazing sight andeven when we opened the patio door she did not seem concerned. Brilliant.

If like me you love animals then you must have been heartbroken to see the picture of the Polar Bears stranded on a piece of ice.

Sadly my Aunts funeral is on Thursday 8th 2007 so if you get a chance light a candle, think about spring flowers and wish her peace. I am not very keen on flowers at funerals especially big displays. We are taking a sheath of flowers and I hope that the funeral directors will collect them and take them to a local old peoples home so that they can be enjoyed as Auntie would have wanted.

There really only the three of us left in my birth family, Mum, Neil and I. We will all be at the funeral on Thursday.

Love Granny

THE END OF AN ERA

Sadly my beloved Auntie Vicki aka Joan Riodean nee Cowlin died yesterday afternoon. She was not alone, she was in her own home and she died peacefully.

I saw her the day before her death onTuesday. She was sitting in her arm chair, looking out at her garden. She was dressed in white trousers, a red shirt and white cardigan and we joked that she could play for Manchester United dressed like that. Her hair was blond, washed and lightly set in waves. Her friend Julie had taken the trouble to do this for her. Auntie was a hairdresser and how she looked mattered to her, I never saw her anything other than smart and stylish - even when so ill. She maintained her dignity to the end. Her mind was active and she knew what she wanted. She had told both Julie and I that she was not afraid of death and was happy the end was near, but she wanted to sort out her buisness before hand. She was trying to eat and drink but even the liquid she tried to swallow hurt her "It feels like a ton of coal" she told me. Yet she had continued to do her crochet, to keep her mind and hands active.


She was fiercely independant and had been the rock that had supported her sister Ruby and her husband John. When Ruby's husband Peter died (he was the first to go) it marked the change of all their plans because all 4 had done everything together and planned a long and happy retirement doing lots of things. This never happened. Ruby became ill, and six weeks after Peter died John had a stroke so Auntie Vicki was left to cope and cope she did. Uncle John developed Altzimers but auntie coped with him at home until he died. Then there were 2. Ruby always the most fagile leant heavily of Vicki until she also died 9 years ago. Vicki moved to live in Ruby's bungalow having sold her own house and thank god she did.

Auntie kept all their pictures on a special shelf in her lounge along with other family photos of those who had died - including Young Ron her brother who died age 12 in an accident. She kept Ruby's room as it had been while she was alive, in memory of her. Beside the bed was the big picture of Ron. Neither sister ever forgot their brother. Auntie always kept the house immaculate, decorated and the garden cared for. Eventually last year she was fortunate to find Julie who helped her maintain her home when she became less able to do the physical stuff.


Auntie Ruby and Auntie Vicki were my god mothers and as I child I was often in their company and they were my role models. I was never child like - I was always an 'oldie' in my ways. I was spoilt by them and both Uncles (God Fathers) I remember these times with love and affection. Neither Aunts had children, and so I was, as the only child in the family from 1954-1960 the object of much attention. I know that Auntie Vicki, loved Julie whom she told me was like the child she would have wanted. They loved to talk and Julie held her hand as she died, surrounded by the nurses, she just slipped away.


When I left her on tuesday I had satisfied myself she was where she wanted to be with the support and care she needed, with Macmillian nurses and night staff. I nealt by her side and said - "This is a girl thing, you and I are going to fight this" She smiled and said "Yes we would"
She smelt fragrant, her skin was soft and her eyes despite weariness had that wicked look she gave me when we shared a joke. I have her wedding photograph for a keep sake, she looked so beauiful and John so proud. I am happy to know they are together again.


I am heartbroken, but she is at peace, no longer in pain and my memory of my last meeting with her is brilliant because she looked so peaceful and she seemed like her old self. She never lost her dignity what more can a person ask when they leave this world. What of her life and death?well she did it her way.


I love you Auntie. Granny XXXXXXXX

CASINO ROYALE

This is a real must see film. Mick took me on wednesday to see it. It is brilliant. Daniel Craig reinvents James Bond, he is fantastic in the role. The film is a real thriller. This is the best yet with a really good villan played by Mads Mikkelsen and Judi Dench's 'M' is excellent. Not for the faint hearted and men attached to their balls !!!!!!! Love Granny.

GOODY GOODY GOODY

At last people are waking up to the fact that Jade Goody is a terrible example of british womanhood. She is and always been loud, rude, ignorant and objectionable. She and Dannielle and Jo are classic girl bullies of the type that inhabit our society, you find them in every playground. They are shallow and stupid and pick on people they know show them up. Shilpa is beautiful, elegant, graceful, intelligent, successful and provides a threat to the other three who know they cannot compete.


I do not watch hours of big brother, I do dip in and out, out of curiosity which of course is the whole idea. What I should do and so should every one else - is switch off. I imagine that few people will want to wear a perfume known as Jade now since she has caused such a stink, by showing her true character. Hang on a minute, didn't we put our favourite 'Chav' up there in the first place.

It actually sends out as a strong message about class, education and culture as it does about racism. While I don't think it is purely racisim, it is the unconsious kind we heard about in the Macpherson report. It is the mix that is dangerous. We can see that these three are uneducated, and heaven forbid are role models for our daughters and grand daughters. It has also been clear that Jade in particular is a product of her mother's upbringing of her.....like mother like daughter. Well clearly she has never been taught manners nor good behaviour. We have all seen the pictures of Jade in the papers at a brawl where she 'intervened' to help someone so I would say to Shilpa don't be tempted to hit any of them, that would be an excuse for them to really hurt you.


I have dealt with females like them all my service, they are the same girls you see in the much publised binge drinking culture. Perhaps what hurts us also so much is seeing a reflection of british society as others see it. This summer this tribe will swan off to the sun and prove to the host countries that we are - awful, binge drinking, engaging in public sexual activity, being sick, nosiy, rude and frankly unbearable.

What I have noted is the concern that Cleo Rocas has shown, about the situation, trying to befriend this poor girl. Who has we must also accept lived a priviliged life and was protected by a loving faminly. One of the other things I have noted that it is along age that the lines have been drawn, the older sensible housemates versus cras youth.


This is reality TV....... yes reality, the three girls show clearly what and who they are in reality.

Please note that I do not want to be judged by their actions, I am nothing like them I HOPE!!!!!


vote Cleo. Love granny.

KYLIE TAKE CARE

Kylie, please listen to your body. I worry you are in denial about the fact you have been through arduous breast cancer treatment. Like me your body has been stripped of its immunity, your body has been physically stressed by an operation, poisoned by chemo to kill the cells and radiated. Do not think that because you are 18 months on that you are free to do anything you want because 12 months of that 18 months included these treatments. You have not allowed your body to regenerate itself. I know how tired I feel all the time.

Of course you must not be defined by it, limited either for that matter but....reality reality reality means by all means push yourself but with baby steps!!! a contradiction NO just sense. I am back at work but on very limited hours directed by advisors who understand what I have been through. Yes you look wonderful, yes you are brave but please listen to your doctors a severe infection could kill you. It was a big fear of mine, a chest infection since I am prone to them and realised that if I acted inappropriately I would pay a heavy price in my recovery.

In your particular case your career requires huge physical demand (on stage) and to be an icon of fashion and beauty requires you to put on a positive face all the time for the cameras! this is not worth your life.


Glamour magazine has voted you top of 50 best dressed women, and you have been in the last year congratulations. I do admire you and your look BUT the cost my dear fellow survior may be too much. GOOD LUCK. GRANNY.

IT REALLY IS A MUST - Fashion comments

I took a slow walk round Bluewater on Tuesday prior to going back to work, to see what remained of the sales and to see what I had been missing all these weeks.

A real MUST. Please take a trip to the 'Oriental Pearl' The ultimate fashion jewellery shop. It does Bags and Hats as well, but best of all (since this place makes Alladins cave look dull) you can have a piece made up to your own specifications right there and then. Loads of pretty beads to choose from. Go on - just for the fun of it.

I was on the whole disappointed, nothing really excited me. Could someone please tell me why I cannot buy ordinary Navy Blue tights, is there a 'ban' in place??????

M and S has upped its game and I do like to shop there now. The Monsoon sale is always worth a look, but it does reflect the huge mark up their dresses etc. Definately the time to by that evening dress.

I had a great encounter with a young sales woman for 'bellapierre' make up. She did me a face make over and I felt very good and she was interested in my grey hair - growing back nicely. She made me feel important and normal and I loved the look. www.bellapierre.com


I have been developing my look for work, Black, grey and white work really well, because I like to feel that I look professional and right when I am at work I certainly don't want to look ill.


A very good idea in this seasons Littlewood catalogue is the inclusion of a little book 'Trinny and Susannah - THE RULES -a beginners guide to better dressing. clear clever and focused advice.


I am a big fan of the Maxi Skirt ( a 1970's term making a come back) I loved them and wore them in the 70's and of course I still do. I also like to wear footless tights under my cotton ones, I wear a lot of sandals (my preference) and this combo works for me.

When I hit the beach from now on I shall have to wear a shrug to protect my left arm - this is fine since I love them, especially the light weight type with a T shirt. Littlewoods have some great colours, so they will look OK on the beach with a swimsuit.


I saw a classic fashion Fopah in the Magazine In Style on page 15 a picture of Miscah Barton in Matthew Williamson design dress in black, one shoulder style short puff ball with foot less tights and sandals (THIS WAS NOT A GOOD LOOK, IN FACT HIDEOUS.)


I also spotted a nice sleeveless black and white shift type dress in the magazine and went to seek it out at H and M in Bluewater, at £34 pounds it will make a nice spring summer staple with a dress up or dress down making possibilities endless. It will look fab with my long line Paul Costello Black Linen Jacket, which is a long standing friend. I might buy this dress.

I continue to beg you not to wear roman sandals with ties that go up the leg - Yuk.


As a rule I am against cut off trousers, but I noticed some nice Clamdiggers in denim by 'Love Label' in the Littlewoods catalogue. Will look great on the beach with kaftans or long jumpers. Tight trousers cut like this are not really for those over a size 16 and anyway should always be worn with consideration to bulges and outlines. These along with shorts should not be worn to the officer or for meetings. OH NO> I am not sizeist, but I think people need to make the best of themselves and not all fashions work on all people.


I am begining to put on weight due to the hormone treatment so I will have to watch what I WEAR. It always settles around my middle. So I shall be doing some excercise, while continuing to watch my diet re fats (a hangover from having my gall bladder removed)


The WRAP catalogue dropped through the letter box the other day as usual great items - but too expensive. I love this catalogue but only use it as my style guide. I am glad to say trouser and skirt waists are up at the waist in this seasons selections - please let this mean no more bellies on display (unless pregnant)


I am a bit of an oddball where fashion is concerned, I like a coordinated look, you know matching and toning - but I do like the daring, a statement if you like of my personal style, the inner me. This has it's place you know, but not in the workplace (unless this a funky and up beat sort of location) Dress appropriately and see your professional staus raise, you are taken seriously as a contender for the next project promotion etc. For me this is important since I have spent much of my life in uniform.


I have made a hair decision. When it has grown back just a little more, I shall keep it at the shorter length, grey looks better this way and it has opened up my face. I have had to give thought to changing my make up colour, and I will make a play on my eyes. I am comfortable with it this way and I like the look.


Time to go, have fun with clothes. Love Granny