I'VE BEEN SAD

I cried buckets during the televised funeral of Rhys Jones, who out there knows who killed him - please speak up this person will kill again.

Jane Tomilinson died after her long battle with cancer, her husband and children are in my heart. Her funeral was also moving and poor Dickie Bird could not hold back his tears. She was selfless and inspirational - a role model for all people.

Also gone are Pavarotti and Anita Roddick. I listened to Pavarotti again and again on my CD. I am glad that I can because he raises my spirit.

I am also sickened by the continuing news of deaths of children at the hands of their parents.

You could be forgiven thinking I am verging on the depressed.

I try never to go to bed without having found something positive in my day, this usually takes the form of animals. Today for example the garden is full of butterflies. Birds are prevalent and Super Squirrel has returned. Indeed 'Wisp the Fox' has been seen several times.


Last Thursday I was sitting in St James Park in the sun, watching a man who clearly was a businessman on a stress break feeding peanuts to pigeons and squirrels who ran up his leg and along his arm to feed. Later some kind of geese walked for the lake to meet up with a young family who were picnicking. They settled down to enjoy a share of the food on offer. It was a pleasure to sit there, how lucky we are in London to have such beautiful areas to break from busy business. If looking toward the lake through the trees and you would be forgiven for forgetting you were in a major city.


Foot and Mouth has hit the poor farmers again, I am devastated to see the culling it is sickening. What is really ridiculous is that 'ramblers' are walking around the precautions in the exclusion zone.

For Northern Rock, I blame the media for stoking this run. It is stupid at this stage.

I think Boris Johnson should be the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London.

I am backing what Dr Rowan Williams with what he said today, about the conflicts in society.

Do not ban abortion but do re look at timescales, women must have domain over their body.


Love to all from Granny XXX

WHO COULD FAIL TO BE MOVED

If you saw Melanie and Stephen Jones on the televison in an appeal over the horrendous murder of their son Rhys you cannot fail to have been moved. They had such dignity despite the raw emotion. SOMEONE OUT THERE KNOWS EXACTLY WHO KILLED RHYS - SPEAK OR THIS PERSON WILL KILL AGAIN, HE HAS TASTED BLOOD WHAT HAS HE GOT TO LOSE IF HE KILLS AGAIN.

What punishment do we a society impose on this person?

Guns and knives have no place in society since we do not have to kill for food.


Let us hold the whole family in our hearts and pray that they survive. My heart is also with his young friends who he played with football with - give the courage to play on - in memory of Rhys.


For a really excellent insight into gang culture listen to Professor Gus John.


Love to all, Granny xxx

POURING WITH RAIN

The weather is pretty awful and yet more rain on the way.

I must congratulate all the A level students who got results yesterday, it is the beginning of the journey for you guys. That includes Princess Beatrice - let us hope it opens some additional doors.

I must congratulate the winner of £35 million pounds Angela Cunningham. Am I jealous, Yes, but she seems so nice and I hope that her life is lifted and not blighted. Her son's life is secure but I hope the vultures steer clear.

My anger is directed to those people who have killed children - their own in the last couple of weeks. It is also becoming to terrible for words that antisocial behaviour is developing into Murder.


My heart is with the people of Peru in an hour of darkness.


I am angry at the death of animals due to the floods, but was heartened to see that a wild life rescue centre has done stirling work in caring for sick and alling animals and orphaned animals.

Could you please stop the cold callers - on phones, just go ring someone else.


Instyle, September issue 2007. page 28 contains a picture of the best dressed woman - bar non. Dita Von Teese dressed in White, simple and clean. She is so smart and is the best kind of style icon.


I love Amy Winehouse, I am worried about her as well - but she is fitting the mould of tragic singers. The tragic situation, she will die if she is not careful. She has talent, but drugs are disasterous for such talent. Lily Allen may also end up the same way. Both girls have great style as well. Lets hope that common sense takes hold.


My ideas for the Autumn, Black, simple, chic grey, crisp white - which I will sharpen with a smart yellow cane square box hand bag. Burberry Touch for Women. I still rate Sarah Jessica Parker as a fashion Icon. I have given up eyeshadow (mostly) I now just do Mascara, blusher and glossy lippy.

WSPA
I am very angry at the pictures of murdered Mountain Gorillas tied out - murder yes because they are our near relatives, what happens to them happens to us. just when will we learn this. Destroy our world and we destroy ourselves. Please don't buy the exotic gifts, lets keep trying to show people in these countries that there are better ways to live (although of course we are no great example) If only we could clear those debts, have fairtrade and encourage people to sustain grow food.

As for the money markets that are in turmoil, well what goes around comes around, greed greed. Who remembers the pensioners who have lost their pension funds because of Bulls and Bears.


Love Granny

VICKIE'S CAKE

ANOTHER STORY

The Robins have left now the babies have grown up a flown the nest.

We partied with Victoria for her 21st hence the pictures.

I have had contact with Jackie and Claire who I met at Goring and an delighted to maintain our friendship.

I am mourning a friend I met at Goring, Martin Greensmith died on 19th July leaving a wife and son aged 11. His funeral is tomorrow. Rest in Peace Martin.

My dear friend Maggie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last week, she has her op on the 8th of course my prayers are with her.

The weather has improved, now I am too hot.


Love From Granny xxx

SGT PEPPER ???

HIPPY PARTY GIRL

THE LUST FOR LIFE

This little story belongs to the last picture I posted to the blog.


Yesterday Merlot came to me in a right state barking and the like she wanted me to go out side into the garden. So I could hardly not. I then realised the two parent Robins were putting up very agitated noises and putting up alarm calls. Merlot was trying to push at the huge flower tub that we use to protect the patio drain. I said to Mick that I thought something might be in the drain. We discovered one of the Robin chicks had fledged and somehow fell into the drain - don't ask us how. Mick gently picked it out the poor tiny little thing was barely alive. She was cold and wet, Mick held her in cupped hands. We took her inside (I decided she was a she) and gently blew on her to dry her wings....The parents were desperate and looking for the chick. We took her out and placed her in a flowerpot with light cover. Immediately the parents fed her.


We panicked when Wisp Jnr. the baby fox appeared on the shed. Merlot went mad. We kept watch and feeding continued.


Later in the evening the baby had gone. We believe that she is ok. Merlot would have warned me if cats, fox or magpies had come into the garden.

In the morning I watched from my usual spot to watch the Robins and they both appeared to struggle trying to pull pieces of the red tree in the garden - they fluttered, they pulled at leaves and twigs. They flew off.


This afternoon, the Robins are back in the garden normality resumed.

Lots of Love to ALL GrannyXXXX

SPLENDID

Mick took me to Whistable today, I have never been before. What a lovely place, THE PLACE for fish, great shops and restaurants. It has a beach, not sand but a great place to walk. Becoming very trendy.

We also saw James and Shannon, who are due to start school in September, can you believe it. They were so pleased to see Grandad!!!! we have new pictures soon to be posted.

My heart is still with all those who are in the flood area. But who is caring for all the animals?

I must again say the Paul Potts is superb, I lay in bed the other night listening to the album - I was in heaven. I will play it at work tomorrow.

We believe the robin chicks are due to fledge soon. Yesterday Mick, Jon and I heard them when they were being fed. The poor robin parents have been working so hard. I saw one of them fly into the Fence, totally disoriented but not knocked out. The weather has not helped. Sadly we will not see them go, they will use the times when we are not in. What have we learnt.... to love our Robins. We have had the priviledge of watching nature close to. Who could ask for better.

My brother celebrated his 47th Birthday on 20th July, congratulations for that.


Let us pray for peace for all.

Love Grannyxxxxx

STILL HAVING ISSUES

Clearly I have not done to well with labelling my pictures on the blog, sorry.

I have to tell you I have just made a big discovery - Paul Potts, a fabulous voice, he made me go goose pimply. I have the album and it is on my walkman.

THREE CHEERS

I saw my consultant last Friday and was given another cancer free six months. YIPEE, I am now full hours but restricted duties.

Sadly Mandy has had good news, her tumour had grown back and she must start the last of her three sessions of Chemo. My heart is with her as ever.

This morning I watched a tabby cat being defeated by two robins defending their nests, amasing. they pushed her higher into the tree in our nighbours garden. Their tales were up, and the alarm call was going full on. Tabby then made it down, but made for the fish pond to look at the gold fish. the along came a white and ginger cat and off sent tabby!!!!! better than Eastenders this.

I had a training day today and it went well. So after a year I am back at full potential.

Mum is so much better as well.

I HAVE BEEN TARDY

Due to problems with my server and things I have not been able to edit my blogg. So a big sorry to colleagues and friends.



I have continued at work, happily enjoying the company of my friends. Sadly Kelly's mum died after a short battle with stomach cancer. It has been hard for Kelly and we all are trying to help.



I am so grateful that the NHS have given me a second chance. I will make the most of it.



Mick and I have had a wonderful holiday in Skopelos, it remains our dream to live there. We enjoy the Greek life style and people. Our villa was at the top of over 130 steep steps - heavy going so not for those with difficulty in breathing or walking. We met a lovely people, a british family with a son and Marion at the internet cafe. I loved it there because I could keep in contact with home over fresh juice and coffee. I liked to sit out on the patio garden in the warm afternoon sun. We found some lovely restaurants and had some excellent meals. I discoverd 'Greek Beans' with garlic and tomato and sausage devine with a glass of wine. I hope to manage to publish some pictures.





Mum had shingles while we were away and we have been worried about her health for over 12 weeks as she recovers. She seems a little bit better, she is at last eating and going e out. I have made contact with Rags to Bitches a company I saw on the ONE PROGRAMME that deal in vintage clothes. We need to give Mum a positive focus on the task of down sizing.





I have purchased a lovely garden furniture set to remember my much loved Auntie Vicki, so when we sit out I know she is with us. It is so her. Mind you with all the rain some hopes.





What rain, my heart goes out to those who's homes have been destroyed. But it does show how important insurance is - crisis happen.



I support the search for Maddy - missing, taken from her room in Portugal. I am on her side,not necessarily on her families side. I am afraid that I would not left three such small children on their own in a room, even if I was in the restaurant a few floors below. They will have to pay for this error in judgement for the rest of their lives.

My heart goes to the family of Beverly Samuels, Kesha Wizzart 18 and her brother Fred age 13. This is an unimaginable tragedy and these beautiful people have been bludgeoned to death lost to wider society and that is our loss. Know one has the right to take life in this way, and should not be mollie coddled.


Equally the rich like Conrad Black should expect to be found out for their crimes and we should no pity him and his family. It is pay back time.


Every child killed is a loss to wider society and those who deal with potential abuse should not be made fearful by 'pressure groups' one life saved is one life saved for the good.

I have also been away to Goring, a place to recoup from my cancer, but excercise, treatments and structure in a restful environment. To all those I met there, thanks for your friendship.

My garden has remained a peaceful haven for birds and animals. Wisp is now a regular visitor and sits among the trees (literally on the branches) and watches the world ( and wood pigeons)

We have a Robins nest and we get an unrivalled view of their behaviour. Is this normal in July?



Merlot remains my faith companion and is daft as ever.


More later, bye for now. Love Granny xxxx

I AM STILL HERE

I have been less than active on my blog as you can see. However what with work and getting back to my research there is less time to work. I have started to walk to the station, to reduce my carbon footprint - I started on Monday. However it seems that I tried a step to far to quickly because I am exhausted to day and can barely move or think.


Mick and I have been worried about his Dad who has been ill, but now thankfully on the mend. My Mum also is unwell which is a worry. I went to see her the other weekend and of course I speak daily. We had a great visit actually, we went on mass to my brothers house and met up with his step children etc. Monty and Eddie the dogs had us in hysterics.

The weather has been great this week, but the worry is about our rainful which is well down for the time of year.


I have become addicted to Oranutangs following a BBC series with Steve Leonard and Michella Strachan. Could some one tell me why we have Palm Oil!!!!!!! for which rainforest habitats are being destroyed.


My heart is with the families of the soldiers killed by a road side bomb in Iraq recently including a Female 2nd lt and a nurse from my town Southampton. Yes1 Faye Turney was wrong to sell her story but I understand why she did. She was wrongly advised. Arthur, well he is just a child really and should have not been there anyway.

My heart is with the families of those killed and injured at Virginia Tech. Go Hoggies!


The world is a sad place.

Back soon, Love Granny.

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