JAYS TAKE THE DAY

During the last week I noticed two Jays (that is a bird) trying to eat from the bird feeders in mine and my neighbours garden. This was quite odd since these birds are of a similar size to Magpies - that is big. the feeders are designed to feed very small birds who can hover. One Jay tried to hover at my feeder then tried to get at it by sitting on the bird table and the sat on the shed roof looking and I could almost see his brain working as to how to deal with the problem.

The next day two Jays tried to deal with my neighbours bird feeder they tried and tried. Does this mean food is really short in the natural environment?

Today I heard the most beautiful bird song, a tiny brown bird, I do not know what bird it was.

I spent a lovely day with my Mum, to celebrater her birthday and took her out for a meal. We nag each other but all in good humour.


Let us hope that Shannon Matthews aged 9 is found soon. Let us be straight about this, the chances are she will not be found - there is a story here. EVERY CHILD MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!!

Shoes with no heels, oh please what a stupid idea....to balance only on your toes will damage to legs and back. ALL VERY STUPID.


I did not like the Brits - all very silly except it was nice to see and hear Amy Winehous looking so much better. Beth Ditto showed what a large woman can do with red, good on you girl.

I want to see some more style around the clothes are so drab and mundane this season. Come on high street - dress real women.


Love Granny xxxx

PIGEONS ON ICE

My garden and that of my neighbours remain a hive of activity. The robins would appear to definately be back, nest building in the same location as before. I have also noticed the crows are actively building in the cemetary pine trees. It has to be spring in the air, because the squirrels were belting around the trees chasing each other round and round the trunks. The Pigeons were quite daring this morning, still in the edge of my neighbours pond which was frozen giving them a quandry since this is 'their' watering hole. Then as I watched one pigeon stepped on to the ice, and walked carefully while looking for a small break. The sun was shining and the heavy frost was melting, as if steam it was rising from the shed roof. Thank god for spring.

You will know how much I love fashion. I have been very disappointed with the way the high street have translated designs.

Let me recommend a wonderful fashion record published by Hello, it costs £6 but very put together. Let me make it clear this is about looking at high fashion and design, some you should only wear on the 'red carpet' but this is an ideas book that you can use to put together look.

I can see I will be using my collection of bangles.


I do like the following, Michael Kors page 13 sharp light trousers and sleeveless belted blouse. Chanel have a number of nice pieces, including a red and white sleeveless dress - other things I don't like.

The fabrics are stunning in all the collections but Christian Lacroix - a brilliant designer, but you have to be a certain person to wear the fabrics, there are some colours and patterns that could swamp any individual. He does have a nice black and white suit, page 74. Dior has a great three peice suit in black with a white stripe. They also have a lovely dress on page 96. I love the Stella McCartney jumpsuit, long, blue and white. Alexander McQueen has a fabulous suit in a check fabric and pleated skirt page 159. Vivienne Westwood produced a sensational black dress which I would love to own. Versace has a beautiful sea green dress page 203, simply cut with a fabulous belt. There is a similar one in brown. In both these dresses the fabric counts so if you buy a high street version, it may not work because of creasing....but love the shoes at this show. Just look at the Versace trousers and blouse on page 207 Chic, chic, chic. BY THE WAY Vivienne Westwood does some fabulous perfume....Libertine is my favourite.

I loved Roberto Cavali use of colour, lilac, lavender and blue in his very floaty collection shown on pages 216/217.

Some of the Giorgio Armani items are fabulous, the tops are the best, I especially love the jackets on page 251.

I loved Marc Jacobs '9' dress on page 269 in an orange - sensational.

Calvin Klein, is brilliant - all very simple beautiful colours, fab trousers, fab shoes p 272 to 275.

All are easy to copy.

Please..... look at the web pages about Kelsey Briggs, and the video on you tube about her.....stop child abuse.

Granny loves yer xxxxx

THERE IS SPRING IN THE AIR

Well what can I say about my beautiful garden, so full of life. Robins looking for nesting, black birds, blue tits and coal tits. Super squirel and friends was fantastic fun on my neighbours bird feeded. I am so happy to see them. Two foxes tried to mate on the lawn next door, and then chased on another across our shed. The male was big and vigourous, then there was such a different fox smaller, dark, with no brush. I thought it might be mange.

I am a huge fan of Torchwood and Primeval - excellent science fiction. Looking forward to Ashes to Ashes.

I have been looking at the fashions, and suggest women look at March issue of Harper's Bazaar - Leona Lewis is so beautiful.. I can recommend it because there are some great looks..... I have also been looking at at World Fashion and cable, the collection for Yves Saint Laurent was fab, I hope the high street translates it, because it was so wearable. Dark colours, 'A'Line swing type, short over leggings ..... really great.

I love this seasons Prada bag, but at not at the cost. Equally Mulberry bags this season look good but .....not at that price.

Agyness Deyn has a fabulous look but not in the frilled dress. Bangles, big heels, wedges, I feel for Barbara Bui shoes (page 74) cost £1,065 oh don't be stupid. But the Faith bag at £30... now thats a bit better, except I know Mum has these bags from the 1940's I used to use one. I believe the real hit will be the taylored Shift Dress, for work and play. Michael Kors, green dress is heaven p 110 and Blumarine skirt and top are to die for, and Donna Karan, wow.


If I had the perfect figure and the money I would purchase just one dress, by Etro, a hippie Tie-Dye cotton dress....it is so me. I have fallen in love again with Lenny Kravitz, I also loved Terence Trent Darby.


I have just discovered a cartoon, it is so beautiful - do loook 'Belleville Rendez-Vous' the art work is sensational and the story bizzare but do give it a go.

Live Long and prosper. Devine Granny XXXXXXXX

HOW I WISH I HAD A CAMERA

On Wednesday I had a rather spectacular acccident, I fell head first down a flight of stairs at work. I landed on my head and I have to say the sound of connection of head to concrete was about as scary as it can be, horrid. I was taken to hospital by brilliant ambulance staff and was treated by the Royal London Minor injuries staff... thank god for the NHS. Lets remember what it would be like without these dedicated,hard pressed,understaff,underfunded people.


I will not be applying for a stunt woman role anytime soon.


Mick was at home to look after me today. Thank God, because Super Squirell made a spectacular appreance in the garden. He his HUGE, and so funny, he was hanging up side down on the bird table trying to get the fat balls. Merlot barked and he was off doing his 007 impression - he jumped on to my neighbours roof and then he literally threw himself across a wide gap on to a tree - he FLEW. He makes me so happy. Mick says that he saw a very fat robin which pleased us both...... we both reflect on our last years experience with the robin babies.


Long live animals. Love Granny

ME AND MY THOUGHTS

I have been looking in the shops and I am bored! the high street translation lacks style and quality - but it is cheap and looks it. Keep to basics at the moment, jeans that suit you and invest in a decent pair of shoes, they can make your look and comfortable feet make you feel comfortable as well. Shop for a special accessory to lift any dark or bland outfit to a new level, a belt, a pashmina type scarf, a brooch what ever your feel is best for you.

Thighten your belts it is going to be a hard financial year. Revisit your wardrobe and freshen good items. Look at the trends and add your own flair. I have to say the £950 has to be too much for a hand bag, it is obscene to pay this kind of money for clothes etc - high maintenance = low ethics. I am glad that last year I invested in denim, because it is the big surprise revival this year. With a white blouse and a vest type tee shirt in white or a colour underneath looks cool. Peachy blusher is a flatering colour for most, minimal make up makes for a chic understated look.

I have not been to Bluewater for nearly a year, and I don't miss it.

Love Granny xxxx

LITTLE DONKEY

A favourite Christmas carol of mine is 'Little Donkey' it continues 'with a heavy load, little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way'. Of course it matters in relation to the story of 'Ester' she is our heavy load, I was able to see a news report about her today and you only have to see how fearful these animals are around humans. How remarkable to hear that another donkey gave birth at the sanctuary, so this means that this brute of a man treated pregnant animals with such disrespect.

I have also been watching the programme 'Elelphant Diaries' it is well worth a look, with lots of tissues easily to hand.

Today is very grey, raining and cold......lets look forward to warm gentle summer days.

Love Granny xxxx

REDWING SANCTUARY

I beg people to offer what ever donation you can afford - to any horse sanctuary that has taken in the many victims of the most dreadful event of the horses and donkeys left to die on a farm in this country. I am hoping to support the 2 month old donkey foal 'Ester' who is at Redwing Sanctuary where she is being cared for. I do this in memory of Auntie Daisy who supported donkeys herself. The court process will be long and these animals have to be cared for until it is over. Hopefuly they will find homes later. I do not have the circumstances where I could take 'Ester' in I live in a small town house. We need people to take these poor defenseless voiceless creatures and standup for them. We share this planet with animals and we have a duty of care for them and the planet.

LOVE GRANNYxxxxx

OVER HUNG

Christmas is over and has been fun, lots a kids, food and drink. On Christmas Day morning I was looking out at my garden and the trees, watching 8 squirrels racing around at the speed of light - lots of birds in evidence as well. It was the same again on Boxing Day, they are fearless jumping from branch to branch.


Damn the assassins who killed Benazir Bhutto, the bright, beautiful and educated women who scared the fanatics, fundamentalists and generals. They who could not beat her at the ballot resorted to the cowardly way. Who will be next?

A PC died on duty, with a heart condition that was known about so why was he passed fit and by whom to work on the frontline which is the most stressful of roles. Government take note - are you going to pay £200 back pay for this mans salary. Binding arbitration means just that, the talks were entered into in good faith, the government broke that faith. Now there is a debt to be paid.


Love Granny

CHRISTMAS WORD.

Well Christmas is once again descending into a battle about the shops and that is an awful condemnation of our society. Money does not matter, profits do not matter life matters. I hate the shops and there is nothing of design quality in the shops, what small amount there is, is far to expensive the rest is tat. The discounts are already happening.....which really says it all.

My view of the general financial situation in the world is that the mega rich get richer and the poor get poorer and poorer. The credit crunch is the result of the greedy lenders expoliting the media promoted desire for a particular life style - Paris Hilton for example, who would no about her if not for the press and TV - who wants to be that shallow, defined only by the $.

My heart is with the women of Basra who are being driven back to the veil under a harsh religious boot. This is the counter balance, faith should not be a tool of repression. No woman should be killed because they choose not to hide themselves. Smart, bright and clever women should be celebrated which ever choice they make. Childern should never be bought or sold for any reason. Female children of 12 should not be married to 40 year old men as per the disgusting photo in the papers the other day, the poor sad childs face spoke volumes. Every woman of every faith and culture should stand up against this. Whatever happens to this child could happen to you - wake up. The way to control a society is to control women and children. Every woman and child should have access to a roof, food, education and medical care.

Maddy remains 'lost' someone out there knows what happened, shame on you. May your life never be normal.

My joy remains my garden, full of birds as always, what I note is there are less berries about so I am putting out food for the birds. Super Squirrel remains a delightful visitor, the other day I was watching out of the window when I saw 'Super' come up over our fence at the top looking around the coming down the other side. Then staying low to the ground moved across the the bird table, then to the otherside of the garden. It was just like 'James Bond' squirrel, it was so funny.

Let's speak up about our planet, the Polar Bear and the Whale should be our guides. I am an Al Gore fan. I would like to see a complete ban on the production huge 4x4 vehicles.

I agree with the move toward tough punishments for those who use their mobile phone while driving, but prison?

Let's spare a thought for those unfortunate to have lost their homes in the floods. Many will not have a Christmas this year.

Spare a thought for our soldiers in far off battle grounds. I have never agreed with the war in Iraq but I support the soldiers doing the work demanded by government.

Rhydian should have won X factor, his voice is surprising and wonderful- he will grow into his talent. Leon was sweet, but really it was an injustice for him to win, over sentimental voting. I have so enjoyed Strictly Come Dancing the standard of development has been fantastic it will be close.

Work remains busy, the last year has past in a flash. I will be 53 this year and I am still in remission. I 'will' watch To The Manor Born, but that might be a battle with Mick. Doctor Who will also be a must watch with a turkey sandwich and strong pickled onion (bliss) I also hope to get dripping and jelly - not politically correct but a delicious memory of Christmas past.

LOVE TO YOU ALL. GRANNY

HELLO AGAIN HELLO

Hello out there, and welcome home Gillian Gibbons. What a lovely lady.

My garden continues to be my pleasure, Super Squirel was back yesterday, as were the Coal Tits, Blue Tits and even a green parrot (there are a lot in this part of the country). Squirrel was hysterial - acting just like James Bond crossing the garden.

My Mum up for a few days, the ultimate showgirl, Kylie eat your heart out, she is going to be singing to the old folks at the Christmas Party locally. I drove down to collect her yesterday, the sun made the December country side appear beautiful - which it is. what shocked me was the proliferation of Mobile Phone masts everywhere.

I am now in possession of my Body Bible the Trinny and Suzanne book is fun. I also like their prog on TV. Still keeping up my fashion checks, but I have not been to Bluewater for ages partly due to work commitments and partly - I am increasingly bored by shops, it is all same same same. I also get bored by the staff, the crush and cost ----- everything is far too expensive. The idea of visiting at Christmas Time is such a horror, listening to "I want" "I want" from kids who demand to more than they should and parents who get it for them. Spend less and think about the meaning of Christmas.

Please please, lets ban mobile phones in the transport system, I am fed up to the back teeth with listening to peoples sordid personal lives unfold. The affairs, relationship issues and debts are not my business. I listen to my Sony to block out inane chatter.


I am loving 'Cranford' on TV and Strictly Come Dancing with Len my hero. Of course Robin Hood is excellent and enjoyable.


Let's promote reading, I plan to read Cranford now.


Love Grannyxxxxxx

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