GOOD NEWS

I heard yesterday that I have the all clear from my biopsy. I had a personal call from my breast care nurse. They are there to respond to my concerns at any time. I want to thank again Mr Hoque my consultant and his staff at the Queen Mary's. SAVE QUEEN MARY'S HOSPITAL SIDCUP. Local hospitals are so important as are local fire stations and police stations.


I have been delighted to hear and see that Josie Russell appears to be doing well after the awful attack that killed her Mum and sister Megan. I pray her life will remain quite and calm.

I have received several very generous sponsorship pledges already so Thank You, Thank You to all. I am really looking forward to the Race although I will walk it rather than run (except perhaps short bursts)


I am some putting some names out in the ether to try and find out information about them, they are women about who I am writing in my PhD.


Jean Stratton born in Dundee
Margaretta Gibson Low born in Edinburgh


Love Granny xxx

Dear friends, you all know about my cancer - well I have decided to take part in the Race For Life to raise money for research in cancer to give something back. This is my small effort because unless the research had not been done I would probably not be here. My best friend Maggie was diagnosed almost a year to the day from my diagnosis so it is for her. My colleague Ian - his wife has terminal lung cancer and has been told that it is now in her spine. So it is for her. Another colleague died last week from cancer so it is in memory of him. Our health is the most precious thing we have. My dear dad Ralph also died from cancer in 2001 so it is for him. My dear Auntie Vickie died of cancer a year ago, so it is for her. I try to live a healthy life style. I know however that Cancer can strike anyone.

I have chosen to run around The City of London on April 1st 2008.

Below is the official online sponsorship form and this is my own page in the official site as you can see how I am doing.



http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/helenbarnard2

TALKING FASHION

I visited Bluewater of Thursday after having seen my consultant and having the little biopsy....why I hear you mutter. Well I hoped that it would cheer me up. What was there to titillate my taste buds. Indeed I found little, all the usual shops are there and I as I wandered around I noted that there were the usual suspects shopping, people with more money than sense. The ridiculous cost of clothing and some of the cheap copies of cat walk innovations (I strongly support the fashion show system as an ideas venue) poorly finished especially hems and buttons.

The places that really disapointed were Accessorize and East.

H and M had some simple cotton skirts ideal for the beach. I am also inclinded to think that the linen/cotton longer shorts with a waist tie and on the baggy side which at the moment might work for me on the beach rather than sarongs. I have noted some attempts at kaftans on the market, forget these try the real deal from north africa (as warn by Abdel in 'You' magazine p 43 in blue and white. I used to have similar when I went to Tunisa and Morocco I purchased a few and I loved wearing them.

Despite my less than satisfying trip to Bluewater I was lucky to find a Robert Wilson crime novel to take on holiday should we go - I love his books. I also found some Ruby and Millie makeup which I like a lot.

My better shopping was done in some Sidcup secondhand shops. A beautiful stretch devoire dress in maroon, and long and coloumn like, I have some great accessories to alter the overall look. I found a nice pair of black velvet trousers brand new in from Next.


Keep it simple, go for good fabrics and finish.

Love Granny xxxx








Let me highlight a beautiful dress in the Sunday Mail 'You' magazine dated 23rd (today) (page 15) It is long sleveless and slinky in black with wonderful blue and yellow flowers in the skirt. Stocked by Banana Republic (bananarepublic.eu) I love this dress, at £75 not so bad a cost. This is a dress I would wear. Again I state this magazine is worth a read on fashion issues and it is weekly.

HEALTH UP DATE

I have been so well recently that almost forget that I still have my cancer. I had a little glitch this week.. I had a small 'spot' on my scar. I was worried so I was glad I was due to see my consultant this week, when I did he did a 'punch biopsy' to clarify if it was something serious or a small infection.. either way I have to wait for two weeks. It has depressed me a bit, because I know that it can come back anywhere any time.

My dear friend Ian's wife who has terminal lung cancer learnt recently that it has migrated to her spine. She can have no more chemo so they are trying to radio it. My heart is with them both all the tiem.


Sadly a colleague called Mick Daly died last week from cancer - a recent diagnosis. My heart is with his family at this sad time, what can you say to make it less painful.


Patrick Swazie has his own cancer battle and Dame Maggie Smith.

Life is fleeting... it is about how we live our life rather than length and each of the above has 'lived'.


Love Granny xxx

IN MY GARDEN

Today it is so cold and even snowy that I am worrying for our Robin chicks. The adult birds have been very busy feeding over the last two days. We have seen the grubs in the mouths of both birds. They have a set flight plan using our garden chairs as a stop off to check out for preditors then fly into the nest. They have not been able to feed themselves so Mick put out seed and this morning the birds were feeding like crazy - probably to build up reserves for the coming awful weather. I hope the chicks survive the cold.

Talk about cheek.... we spotted super squirel making use of our bird table, which has a roof. There he sat eating nut after nut under the shelter of the roof...it was raining...clever old thing.


Love Granny xxx

TIBET

There is no greater injustice than the Chinese occupation of Tibet, if you believe the controlled media output coming from the Chinese - then wake up. If you can't see that China bans foreign media for the reason that it does not want 'You' to know what is really happening. Only a country with something to hide does this, witness Mugabe in Zimbabwe. The rich and powerful in both states are the winners, keeping the poor down and controlled - the corruption of commercialism. Do whatever you can, the smallest effort can move mountains - never forget, don't ignore it (it's in your back yard and could happen anywhere)


Support the Dalai Lama - peaceful demonstration and non violent action - raise voices in protest telling our politicians to pressure the Chinese government - you have the Olympics that does not give you carte blanch to ride rough shod over other peoples in fact it is the opposite. The Chinese are breaching the Olympic ideals.

This Easter people around the world are being crucified for freedom - Easter should be a time for the Christian voice to speak out on behalf of others, regardless of their religion.

Love Granny xxx

TOWER HAMLETS CHILDREN

Today I attended a training day for 8-13 year olds from Tower Hamlets borough, the topic was Hate and Faith Crime. It was held at Oxford House. I was so impressed with the young people, who had a strong voice and were wise beyond their years and we as a society underestimate them. They deserve the people who teach them to be the best that they can. We had some guest speakers at the end of the day and the children listened carefully to some very dry comments. This was a multiracial group of kids, getting on together, adults take note. I was even a tree covered with postits with their ideas on Hate crime, even on my nose! but think it through, we have to advise children about Hate Crime, what a sad world.


It was a real privilige to meet these kids, who if you talk to them frankly and honestly respond so well.

PS I LOVE BETHNAL GREEN (TOWER HAMLETS ALL OVER) it has colour and life.

Love Granny xxxx

CULTURE

Listen to the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album, well I like it!!! Discovered the Culture Show on BBC 2 Saturday, excellent..... excellent group The Editors. Think Nigel Kennedy still fab after all these years. Watch Coast if you can because you get to look at how beautiful Britain is. Music is the greatest therapy.

Love Granny xxx

OUT SPOKEN LADY

News is my drug and I have views about everything - the current picture is not any exception.

Well done to Bjork, lets get real about China. I believe that the Olympics should not be held there so in my small way I shall boycott watching this summer. Talk about commercial interests prostituting themselves....there has been no move on Human Rights or pollution. The sponsors are hoping for big bucks, lots of coverage SO LET'S BOYCOTT THE GAMES. The Chinese are so selective in their conservation issues as well but do still promote traditional medicine for which many animals must die. MONEY talks, stand up against it.

A man killed himself, his passengers and three others because he was overtaking...a man described as loving speed and convicted drink driver....if ever an example for removing these drivers from the road this is it. He was always going to kill, he had a warning which he ignored so he is a murderer.

Sharron Matthews remains missing, let's all call out....own up bring her back of give her mother closure. JOIN TOGETHER to bring her back. Someone has lied and is still lying.

My heart goes out to the family of Carol Barnes, who died following a stroke. She was part of my growing love for news.


Please support with your prayers Amy Maria Molloy at 23 a widow, her husband died of cancer eight months ago. Read her article in 'You' the Sunday Mail 9th March 2008.

NEW'S NEW'S NEW'S LOVE GRANNY.

I HAVE TO SPEAK OUT - ITS MY DUTY

ODE TO MARTYN (Martyn Compton, Lance Corporal)

I looked at the screen
I saw your face
disfigured by fire - by war.
I looked at the screen
I heard you speak
made stronger by war
I looked at the screen
and screamed at the set
why again, how many more?
This is a look I have seen before.
Identity blurred not diminished
the fire in your eyes.
Martyn the man
Like so many before
victims of war.
Soldering - governments demand.
Then government must pay.

Love Granny

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