tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47044455398322231142024-03-05T05:23:09.547+00:00Strawberry Jam AnneStrawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-74627520149702481562015-07-29T15:32:00.002+01:002015-07-29T15:32:33.967+01:00R.I.P. My Dear Mum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dear Mum passed away recently, aged 93. She had been in residential care and seemed fine physically. One weekend morning in March I had a call from the home to say she had to go into hospital as they were worried about her cough, which she had only had for 2 or 3 days. In the hospital an X-Ray showed that she had pneumonia. She was kept in for just over 3 weeks and was sufficiently recovered to be allowed out again but had to go into nursing care. I was fortunate enough to find a suitable place not too far from where we live and we got her moved in. Mum settled well enough, though by then she was mentally very frail and had been for quite a while. She had been there just over 5 weeks when on my visit one day they told me she was unwell and did I want her to go back into hospital. I declined as I felt that the move again would frighten her and they agreed with me but warned that I would have to be strong and to be prepared. She died a few days later of pneumonia. She had been ill for 4 days.<br />
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I was with her, holding her hand, when she passed away. My daughter was there also and Mum knew we were both there with her. <br />
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The Minister who tok the funeral service asked if I would be prepared to write a few words about Mum and think about reading them at the service. At first I thought that although I could and would write something I would not be able to say it myself for fear of breaking down. She (the Mnister) told me she would do it if necessary or be on hand to take over if I decided to do it. I made the decision that it was the last thing I could do for my Mum and no-one else knew her as I did, after all.<br />
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This is what I wrote and read out at her funeral service:-<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">MARJORIE JANE PRESTON</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mum was born in Weymouth on 9 March 1922, a second daughter
for her parents, Susie and Tom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later
the family increased to 5 daughters (Barbara, Marjorie, Pat, twins Cynthia and
Sylvia and 1 son Tim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a loving and
close family although they were not very well off and Mum learned how to be
thrifty at an early age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This continued
throughout<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left school at 14 and at first worked in
the local laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a variety of
jobs from then on including carpentry work in a factory during the war years
where she was voted the girl with the best legs, working for Marks &
Spencer as a counter assistant, helping out in the village Post Office and also
was a wine waitress at a local restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She worked until my Dad became ill when she was 60, and she retired. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She met Dad on 3 April 1941 at a local pub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the RAF and stationed at Moonfleet
and had gone out for a drink with his mates to celebrate his birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he left that night he asked if he could
see her again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They married the
following January 31, 1942 and were together for 40 years, celebrating their
Ruby anniversary shortly before Dad died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mum remained a widow for 33 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mum was a good homemaker, very houseproud and a great
cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because she had to be careful with
her household budget she knew how to cook the cheaper cuts of meat and was a dab
hand at roasting the most delicious brisket of beef, a skill I have never quite
managed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also made wonderful cakes
and pastry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mum enjoyed her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She loved gardening and took great pleasure in the birds in
her garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She enjoyed going for walks, particularly across the cliffs
and on the beach at Osmington, the village where she lived for about 40 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At one time she made wine, her speciality being elderflower,
which she would have picked on one of her walks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She liked to sing, not just around the house but in the local
church choir and once sang with other choirs in Salisbury Cathedral, an
experience she never forgot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
also a member of the Mothers Union and of the WI.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was an excellent knitter and when I was a little girl she
earned extra money by knitting for a pattern designer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also enjoyed crochet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did some very fine work and once made a
beautiful white cotton tablecloth which I still have and use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When complimented on her work Mum always said
the skill was in the design, but we knew she was talented as well and she did
win some prizes for her craft work at the WI and various shows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She liked holidays and went abroad a few times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time was to see the Passion Play in
Oberammergau in Austria, another unforgettable experience for her. She loved
Austria and went there twice more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
at the age of 85 she travelled to Australia for a family visit and again about
18 months later when a new great grandson was born.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mum loved words and until about 18 months ago she read
avidly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her favourite author, I think
was Maeve Binchy but she also read the complete works of Charles Dickens and
Thomas Hardy several times as well as other various authors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a dab hand at cryptic cross words
too, something I never really got to grips with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me that the clues fascinated and
amused her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She loved to laugh, had a great sense of humour and enjoyed
relating anecdotes, even if they were against her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One story that amused her very much was about
a telephone call that she received shortly after her own mother had died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mum was preparing a meal one day when the
telephone rang and when she answered it, a little old lady’s voice said coyly
“I’ll bet you don’t know who this is”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mum said she didn’t and the lady said “it’s your mother”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, of course Mum realised immediately that
it was a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wrong number and told the
lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently this old lady had just
had the telephone installed that day and was trying to ring her own daughter to
surprise her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All was explained and
apologies were made and Mum went back to the kitchen only to hear the phone ring
again and when she answered it for the second time she heard “I’ll bet you
don’t know who this is” and she had to let the old lady down again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We imagined that she finally managed to get
through to her daughter but the incident made us laugh on several occasions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mum was shy, very private, could be feisty but was always
kind and loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She always greeted me
with a smile, even on the night she died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She came from a loving family and loved her own family very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never doubted her love for Dad and for me
and when my children were born she was overjoyed and loved them without reserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When her great grandchildren came along, they
too were a great joy to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mum believed in God and said her prayers every
day and she always included all her family in her prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Towards the end of her life, on occasions, Mum would say to
me “I don’t think God wants me”, such sad words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would reply, “of course he wants you Mum,
it’s just not your time, He knows we still need you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well you are with God now <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mum, and we shall have to learn to live without
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you Mum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rest in Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I miss her every day.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-68474498645400751352014-12-17T14:35:00.000+00:002014-12-17T14:35:21.917+00:00Making Raspberry Jam in New Zealand!Husband and I are visiting our daughter, (my step-daughter, actually) and her family in New Zealand, for Christmas. I may say, a very different experience for us, Christmas in the warm sunshine, however we are making the usual preparations for the imminent festivities. Except that they are a bit unusual for me. We have been jam making.<br />
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Now, in spite of my blogger name, making jam just isn't my forte. Usually something to be avoided at all costs, as, apart from one very good batch of strawberry jam (obviously), it is mostly disastrous. Chutney, I excel at, but that is for another time!<br />
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So, making jam. I had been out with SD, picking raspberries from the garden when she declared we would make jam. I demurred, explaining my past history with the procedure, but was told firmly that this was easy, foolproof even and I would be doing her a massive favour if I just got on with it. So I did! And it was foolproof! And the result is delicious! I am thrilled!<br />
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I won't be changing my name of course because it's a whole story how I came by it.<br />
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So the Christmas preparations continue, in the usual? way! And I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you who read this a Peaceful Christmas Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year!Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-29035437735463022022014-09-02T19:22:00.006+01:002014-09-02T19:23:15.946+01:00ABC WEDNESDAY - H<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Hosta</strong></div>
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and <strong>Holly</strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
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Thanks to <strong>Denise</strong> and Roger and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter H, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/"><strong><span style="color: #bf277e;">here.</span></strong></a><br /></div>
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Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-10306834225696813642014-08-20T09:03:00.000+01:002014-08-20T09:03:45.975+01:00ABC Wednesday - F<strong>F is for Flamenco</strong><br />
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On a recent holiday in Spain we went to a local restaurant for Sunday lunch and were entertained by <strong>Flamenco</strong> dancers. <span style="color: #bf277e;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I realise how this next picture appears but I'm sure the only thing he was <strong>Feeling </strong>was the music!</span><strong></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I <strong>found</strong> these tiny <strong>Fans</strong> whilst we were on holiday, perfect for a handbag.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Thanks to Denise and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter F, please click </strong></span><a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>here.</strong></span></a><a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/"></a></div>
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</strong><a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/"></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a><br />Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-36503247084467348432014-08-13T09:01:00.002+01:002014-08-13T09:04:10.314+01:00ABC Wednesday - ERecently our 3 <strong>Exhuberant</strong> grandchildren (ages 14, 11 and 10) were <strong>Expected</strong> for a visit. I was very <strong>Excited.</strong><br />
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They have plenty of <strong>Energy</strong> and <strong>Enthusiasm</strong> so <strong>Each</strong> day, quite <strong>Early,</strong> we took them out until <strong>Evening</strong> to <strong>Expend </strong>that <strong>Energy</strong> and hopefully <strong>Educate</strong> them along the way. They all had different appetites for <strong>Eating</strong> so a variety of meals was <strong>Essential</strong>. Being <strong>Elderly </strong>(in our 70's), we were glad to <strong>Escape</strong> to our bed at the <strong>End</strong> of the day.<br />
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We had <strong>Exceptional</strong> weather <strong>Every</strong> day, the time didn't seem <strong>Endless</strong> and we did not <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Exhaustion, </strong>(though it was close) Their behaviour was <strong>Exemplary</strong>. <strong>Eventually</strong> they left to return to their parents, our home felt <strong>Empty</strong> and I am <strong>Eagerly </strong>planning<strong> </strong>the next visit.<br />
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Thanks to Denise and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter <strong>E</strong>, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-80459750530912690362014-08-12T18:42:00.002+01:002014-08-12T18:42:18.594+01:00Donkey Derby updateThanks to everyone who commented on the Donkeys!<br />
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The derby did take place last week, the rain held off long enough and only started again during the last race. They managed to raise £1300 that night. (the previous week in better weather the total for the night was £1800). At the end of the six week season the total proceeds will be split between 3 local charities.Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-4322718363685347672014-08-05T17:19:00.005+01:002014-08-05T17:47:35.355+01:00ABC Wednesday - D<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each Tuesday for the 6 weeks of the school summer holidays husband Bob runs a <strong>Donkey Derby</strong> in aid of local charities. This is the 29th year and in all that time there have been very few occasions when the event has been called off <strong>due</strong> to bad weather. </div>
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Today has seen <strong>darkening</strong> skies and <strong>downpours</strong> of rain, in fact at one point it was a <strong>deluge</strong> and the streets were like rivers! However, a few minutes ago Bob set off to see if the event could take place this evening. Fingers crossed as it is very popular and raises approximately £1,500 each week which will be split between 3 local charities. </div>
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Here is a picture of some of the <strong>donkey</strong> runners enjoying a <strong>diet </strong>of hay for their <strong>dinner </strong>(lunch)!</div>
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Thanks to <strong>Denise</strong> and Roger and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter D, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a><br />
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<br />Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-35911603686411842202014-07-29T01:59:00.000+01:002014-07-29T02:00:05.558+01:00Another Quick Update!<br />
I look into blogworld so infrequently now that I find it a bit difficult to negotiate my way around (or is it just my age - 70 earlier this year)!<br />
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At the time of writing it is 1.20 am. I have got into a silly habit (not every night) of going to bed, and then sleep, at the usual time and waking about half a hour later feeling completely refreshed. So tonight I thought instead of reading or playing games on my kindle, I would use the time to see what is happening to my blogging friends and acquaintances. I am amazed to see how many, like me, have "fallen by the wayside", but I have looked up a few old friends and left a comment. <br />
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A quick update on what has been happening to me and mine.<br />
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Husband Bob who suffered an unexpected heart attack in January has been signed off from the hospital. He just has to "keep taking the tablets" and see his GP if anything else occurs. He is keeping very well, staying sensible and pacing himself. We had 3 of our grandchildren (aged 10, 11 and 14) to stay for a few days last week and he was brilliant.<br />
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As far as my mum is concerned - well that is a bit of a story! On her 92nd birthday in early March I felt that she possibly wouldn't see another birthday. She was sleepy and uncommunicative most of the time, wouldn't do anything or go anywhere. I asked the staff at her residential home to mention this to her GP. He is not a new doctor just new to the home as the previous one (who I never really rated very highly) had retired. So the doctor said to reduce the dosage of the antidepressant that Mum had been on for about 3 years and I noticed the difference within a few days. I've got my mum back, it's like she has woken up. So now she enjoys going out in the wheelchair and in particular going onto the sea front and having an ice-cream. There are other age issues but as I say she is 92 and most of them are to be expected. <br />
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As for myself, I keep very well and count my blessings every day.<br />
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See you again soon!<br />
<br />Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-70471736181423013922014-02-12T12:46:00.002+00:002014-02-12T12:46:04.368+00:00Taken For GrantedI imagine that most of us take things for granted. I know that I do. And sometimes circumstances give us cause to think about that. <br />
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Until recently husband and I have said that we know just how lucky we are to be in such good health, given that we are 72 and 69 respectively. Many of our friends are not so fortunate and are having to undergo treatments and operations and to take all sorts of medication to get by. We have had to do none of this. Only the odd headache pill or indigestion tablet and our annual 'flu jab. Until recently. Bob was lucky that his heart attack actually occurred whilst he was in the care of the medics in the ambulance. So now he is on prescribed medication to keep him fit and well and will have to undergo an MRI scan in a few weeks to determine what further treatment may be necessary. <br />
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Yes, we did sort of take our good health very much for granted. Last autumn some friends suggested that we go on holiday with them in March and we all agreed on 2 weeks in Lanzarote, the holiday was booked and the balance paid just before Christmas. As we are hoping to go to New Zealand to see step daughter and family for Christmas 2014 we decided to wait until nearer our March holiday to take out travel insurance. Why not, we are fit and healthy, or so we thought. Then husband, completely out of the blue, had a heart attack. His heart specialist has said he feels that we should not go because it is in such close proximity to the MRI scan. So we have had to cancel our holiday and, naturally, although we have had some money back from the travel agent we did not have travel insurance and have lost about half our money! A timely lesson. <br />
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A few days ago, as we were sat having lunch, stepson turned up with a large bouquet of flowers for me.<br />
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What's this? It is not my birthday and Mother's Day is a few weeks away yet (March 30 in UK). They were to say thank you for looking after his Dad so well since his heart attack. Obviously I thanked him very much and said how much I appreciated the thought. "Well" he said, "everyone is fussing around Dad and no-one has asked you how you are". <br />
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Not completely accurate but at least he hadn't taken me for granted!<br />
<br />Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-70896469727000280912014-02-08T15:43:00.002+00:002014-02-08T16:15:37.617+00:00Happy New Year<br />
2013 proved to be a really good year for me and husband Bob. It all began with his being awarded and MBE in HM Queen's New Year Honours (although we knew about it in late November 2012). Early January saw us jetting off to the other side of the world to visit daughter and family in New Zealand as well as visiting some other Antipodean countries and returning via Fiji and the USA. We were away for just over 6 weeks. Then after a few weeks we had another holiday (this time with friends) in Goa thus spending the best part of winter in lovely warm sunshine whilst the UK was freezing in the ice and snow. <br />
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All through the year we had some lovely weekends away, two more holidays (in Spain) and of course the highlight, in June, was Bob being presented with his MBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace - a very special day and many happy memories.<br />
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This year hasn't started so well. We had a lovely Christmas with family and saw the New Year in with friends. However on Wednesday 8 January, at around 6.30 am Bob woke saying that he felt unwell and that we needed to call someone. After a brief conversation when he explained that he had been having burning pains in his chest whenever he walked upstairs and they were now much worse (after 7 hours sleep) and seemed also to be in his mouth and gums, I dialled 999. The ambulance was with us with a few minutes and although Bob said the pain was now lessening they decided to take him to hospital in Weston Super Mare to be given the "once over". Did I want to go with them?<br />
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I decided against it as I would need to get back home and would need transport for Bob anyway. They told me to give it about an hour then ring the hospital to clarify the situation. I went back inside and made another coffee!! A few minutes later the phone rang and it was the medic to say that Bob was actually having a heart attack and they were now taking him to Taunton (in the oposite direction) and I should make my way there. That was about 8 am. I rushed around getting essentials to take to Bob, not really thinking straight, and drove to Musgrove hospital in Taunton (about 35 minute drive). On arrival at the coronary care ward at 9.10 am I found husband sitting up in bed, quite chirpy and feeing much better. The doctors and staff had been waiting for him in the car park, took him straight to the operating theatre and inserted a stent into his main artery, job done! Incredible. I still haven't really taken it in. He was back at home 3 days later. <br />
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We cannot praise too highly the NHS doctors and staff and the ambulance crew (and the paramedic they also called to administer care on the way to the hospital) for the care and attention he was given. His other 2 arteries aren't looking too good and he will have an MRI scan in a few weeks to determine whether or not to stent them also. He is doing really well now and getting stronger each day. No more pain! He had had a bad cold over Christmas and he thought the burning pains were a chest infection and had resolved to see the doctor later in the week. He hadn't mentioned anything about it to me! Of course we now know it was angina pain.<br />
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We are in the second week of February and now all is well! Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-24547822211270562432013-12-24T09:35:00.001+00:002013-12-24T09:35:04.330+00:00I haven't posted anything for 6 months and will try to do more next year (not a New Year resolution)!<br />
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However, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a Peaceful Christmas and Good Health and Happiness throughout 2014.Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-11309404181860882922013-06-27T14:26:00.001+01:002013-06-27T14:26:33.243+01:00A Right Royal Occasion As you know, until a short while ago I have not been posting anything recently. We have had a busy year so far but more of that at a later time. What I would like to tell you about now really began back in late November 2012. <br />
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One morning, about the third week in November my husband received in the post an official looking letter. Now these letters are not completely unfamiliar because he has, for the past 25-30 years, been very much involved in tourism and has had on occasions had correspondence with our local MP.<br />
So he opened the letter and just stared at it, saying "I don't believe it". It was a communication from the Prime Minister's office informing him that he had been selected as a recipient for an MBE (for services to tourism in Somerset) in H M Queen's New Year Honours. If he accepted the honour he was to reply immediately but was requested to say nothing at all until it was announced in the London press on 29 December. He would hear nothing further until he was sent the date for his investiture. <br />
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He was delighted to accept, of course, and I was thrilled for him. <br />
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We both kept the secret but on the evening of 28 December we rang our 4 children and broke the news, daring them to say anything at all to anyone else, particularly on Facebook, until the following day. They were all thrilled too.<br />
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So the news broke and Bob received countless congratulatory messages but also contacted the investiture office to inform them that we would be away for most of the first 3 months of 2013. He was duly sent the date of 7 June, to attend Buckingham Palace. We had 2 months to prepare. He was allowed 3 guests so for many and various reason he chose our daughter who lives in Stratford on Avon and a colleague of 35 years who has always been a staunch supporter of what my husband has tried to achieve. And me.<br />
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Daughter and I had fun shopping for our outfits and a hat each! Husband decided to hire a morning suit but stopped short of a top hat.<br />
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We made our way to London the day before and were excited to see that the Royal Standard was flying over the Palace indicating that HM Queen was in residence but the following morning the news told us that in fact Her Majesty would be visiting the BBC that day so we were doubtful that we would actually see her. In fact it HRH Prince Charles who carried out the investitures that day (97 in total).<br />
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We arrived at the Palace in due time and showed our invitations and were able to walk through the gates then through the archway that is situated under that famous balcony. Once inside the Palace we were impressed by the splendour of it all including the horseguards who were stood to attention at various points inside. We then had to part company with Bob and took our seats in the ballroom (the room where the royal wedding photos are staged). Bob and the other recipients were in a room to our left receiving instructions for when their turn came. <br />
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It was marvellous. Just before 11 am 5 Yeomen of the Guard marched in and took up their positions on the dais. Then the National Anthem was played and the Prince of Wales entered with his entourage and the business began. It was timed to perfection, each participant being presented and the Prince having a few words with each. He appeared to be warm and welcoming and very friendly. Finally Bob's turn and I have to tell you that I was immensely proud. It was all over by 12.15 pm, we met up with Bob and then made our way to a celebratory lunch at a restaurant overlooking Tower Bridge.<br />
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There is so much more I could tell you but have tried to keep it relatively concise. However, below is a photo of him with his medal, and one of the Yeomen preparing to get into their transport back to the Tower!<br />
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<br />Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-23350177698343316702013-06-16T13:55:00.000+01:002013-06-16T13:55:47.342+01:00Happy Father's DayIt is more than 5 months since my last post but I have missed it and was determined to find the time to start blogging again. Father's Day is as good a time as any to make a start.<br />
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Although my own dear Dad is no longer with us I do have 4 men in my life that deserve to be greeted. Obviously my husband comes first. He is such a support to me and is a good hearted and caring man, to everyone. My own son, who this time last year was forced to separate from his wife and family. No details on that for obvious reasons, except to say that he was heartbroken. A year on he is in a much better place, sees his 3 children every weekend and is enjoying life again. My step son in law who was so welcoming when husband and I visited the family in New Zealand in January (more of which in a later post). Last but not least, my stepson who is a full time fireman. Also a caring man he lives with his wife and 2 daughter so is a bit outnumbered and takes himself fishing to relax and brings us fresh fish from time to time. Happy Father's Day to all of them.<br />
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Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-75763120768113341322012-12-23T16:52:00.004+00:002012-12-23T16:52:49.880+00:00Merry ChristmasTo all my blogging friends<br />
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I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.<br />
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You have all been in my thoughts even though I have not posted much recently. I hope to be back on a more regular basis in 2013.Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-69381743352052847812012-10-08T04:45:00.002+01:002012-10-08T04:47:00.414+01:00Night ThoughtsI'm normally a good sleeper - a very good sleeper. Bed at 10.30-ish, read for a while and then settle down. I usually have to get up to go to the bathroom a couple of times but get straight back into sleep and wake up around 7 am. Occasionally though there is a night when suddenly I am awake and thoughts begin to filter in which keep me awake. <br />
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This summer I have had family problems occupying my thoughts causing a few restless nights but tonight (it is now 4 am and I have been awake for about an hour) suddenly my mind was filled with the children's cartoon character Pocoyo! For goodness sake, where did that come from? And then I remembered his friends Patou and Ellie. A charming enough programme for small children ( I believe it is Spanish or maybe Portuguese) narrated by Stephen Fry. My grandaughter Imogen, now 8 years old, always loved it and was always enthralled by it - well I did say it was charming. <br />
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So I then remembered a holiday at Centre Parks Bob and I had with my daughter and grandaughter when she was 2 years old. We had taken some DVDs with us for her entertainment whilst tea was being prepared. Her choice was always Pocoyo so one day, feeling we really had seen enough of the dear little boy, we named some of the other choices.<br />
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Adults - what about "Percy the Park Keeper"<br />
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Imogen - Pocoyo<br />
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Adults - <u><strong>or</strong></u> "Hairy McClary"<br />
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Imogen - Pocoyo<br />
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Adults - <strong><u>or</u></strong> "Winnie the Pooh"<br />
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Imogen - Pocoyo<br />
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Adults (desperately) -<strong><u> or</u></strong> (whatever else we had for her to choose from - I really can't remember now)<br />
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Imogen gave us a steady look and said "<strong><u>or</u></strong> Pocoyo". <br />
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We laughed, we gave in and we watched Pocoyo for the umpteenth time. But it was charming and I can still quite see why she loved it.<br />
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I have just sent my daughter an email to remind her of the incident which we do mention occasionally. I do hope she isn't awake at this time of the morning though.<br />
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<br />Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-11493774941360739382012-09-19T18:11:00.006+01:002012-09-19T18:19:17.628+01:00ABC Wednesday - J<strong>J is for</strong>:<br /><br /><strong>JACOB</strong>, my grandson who will be 12 years old on Thursday. He is still at <strong>JUNIOR</strong> school and will go to High school next year. After school he <strong>JUST</strong> likes to wear <strong>JEANS</strong> and <strong>JERSEYS</strong> or <strong>JACKETS</strong>. He writes stories in his <strong>JOTTER</strong> and loves to tell <strong>JOKES</strong> which means we all have a <strong>JOLLY</strong> time. He is a <strong>JOY</strong> and I love him. Happy Birthday <strong>JACOB</strong>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBXJH13L5PXN1xAIgZrZzxm3kuB_ML25DKVrVEBN6OKGeNu2eusRkBSK4-E8SFQSaY2zSQwXAHU7GO8uselfeYgKEEvA5oizbhmwE3WhgCtBX6OWQSk54m6sb1f1zQpHolZzrc1_cFBVA/s1600/Jacob.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBXJH13L5PXN1xAIgZrZzxm3kuB_ML25DKVrVEBN6OKGeNu2eusRkBSK4-E8SFQSaY2zSQwXAHU7GO8uselfeYgKEEvA5oizbhmwE3WhgCtBX6OWQSk54m6sb1f1zQpHolZzrc1_cFBVA/s400/Jacob.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5789938340887714722" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter J, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-60614581247849368672012-09-12T09:00:00.001+01:002012-09-19T18:18:43.729+01:00ABC Wednesday - I<strong>I</strong> am not usually <strong>INTERESTED</strong> <strong>IN</strong> sport of any <strong>ILK</strong>, almost completely <strong>INDIFFERENT</strong> to <strong>IT</strong>, but I have been so <strong>IMPRESSED</strong> by each <strong>INDIVIDUAL</strong> who took part in the Olympics and Paralympics. The Paralympians, <strong>IN</strong> spite of whatever <strong>INCAPACITY</strong> they had, perhaps because of <strong>IT</strong>, have <strong>INSPIRED</strong> this nation, <strong>INDEED, I IMAGINE</strong>, the <strong>INTERNATIONAL</strong> audience.<br /><br />My grandaughter, <strong>IMOGEN</strong> <strong>IS</strong> keen on sport and fully <strong>INTENDS</strong> to work <strong>INTENSELY</strong> enough to be able to take part in future Olympics (she is 8 years old). <br /><br />So, the 2012 Games have been very <strong>IMPORTANT</strong> in having such an <strong>IMPACT</strong> on the young, so bravo to each and everyone.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter I, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-36821167580002208472012-09-02T16:39:00.009+01:002012-09-05T22:05:34.633+01:00ABC Wednesday - H<strong>H is for Hedgehog</strong><br /><br /><strong>HERE</strong> are some photos I was sent via email a couple of years ago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQjBzsxAJ0UNkKjPUzVRTLEYUWKQKwzcK1TO0MmGSSbMJ5fXwZg4HJlVRaonKIlpMNaaO4WUpEF34qEEmFcPTo6n2bbPrfUgA6OITCN9JjlmgJCWLGjd1qHzUoxNMTP6xp5ioPM009Fx_/s1600/i+have+come+here+to+tell+you+to+be+so+very+careful+when+you+are+driving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQjBzsxAJ0UNkKjPUzVRTLEYUWKQKwzcK1TO0MmGSSbMJ5fXwZg4HJlVRaonKIlpMNaaO4WUpEF34qEEmFcPTo6n2bbPrfUgA6OITCN9JjlmgJCWLGjd1qHzUoxNMTP6xp5ioPM009Fx_/s400/i+have+come+here+to+tell+you+to+be+so+very+careful+when+you+are+driving.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784800119503347218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBLzhR5Saaqg3TunUmEzb-Q9we1gzOC5EStfp3bxkyTIwJ0vzyUloy-iPE_6lAtOK3k4tdvIGnhM_KScN5od9CMTCShxgjOqjtfEmujFI04lqyMW7Y2qNiPdV2it0DmKwPKn3poOHgjH2/s1600/because+this+is+the+time+of+year+when+I+am+just+learning+to+walk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBLzhR5Saaqg3TunUmEzb-Q9we1gzOC5EStfp3bxkyTIwJ0vzyUloy-iPE_6lAtOK3k4tdvIGnhM_KScN5od9CMTCShxgjOqjtfEmujFI04lqyMW7Y2qNiPdV2it0DmKwPKn3poOHgjH2/s400/because+this+is+the+time+of+year+when+I+am+just+learning+to+walk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784799405893238642" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1F6nm_sH6zJInFGgjrNhtpedyN1FpbMZDoeaa3z-DXdBPsfzTqcYEzh_yNIdUW4N_wJ8ncDVhD7wt5GILHrnys-AS9D8PgtBa0EPoFOtnrmwYvIhZYIyAx6r4mHDNHmUnYGrB2NDXWA8/s1600/so+please+don%2527t+run+me+over.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1F6nm_sH6zJInFGgjrNhtpedyN1FpbMZDoeaa3z-DXdBPsfzTqcYEzh_yNIdUW4N_wJ8ncDVhD7wt5GILHrnys-AS9D8PgtBa0EPoFOtnrmwYvIhZYIyAx6r4mHDNHmUnYGrB2NDXWA8/s400/so+please+don%2527t+run+me+over.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5784799879202242162" /></a><br /><br />It was part of an appeal to prevent <strong>HARM</strong> coming to the babies from the <strong>HAZARDS</strong> of cars. <strong>HOW</strong> tiny they are, especialy seen in someone's <strong>HAND</strong>.<br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter H, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-82478836083871267592012-09-02T16:26:00.007+01:002012-09-02T16:41:58.040+01:00ABC Wednesday - GVery late with the letter <strong>G</strong> simply because I had to <strong>GO</strong> away. I went to stay at my daughter's house, whilst she and my <strong>GRANDAUGHTER</strong> went on holiday, to take care of the <strong>GOLDFISH</strong> and the <strong>GUINEA PIGS</strong>, also two cats and some hamsters. Actually the hamsters were <strong>GUESTS</strong> as their owners were also on holiday. I expect you can <strong>GUESS</strong> that I had a lovely time. The weather wasn't too <strong>GOOD</strong> but I did manage at the end of the week to cut the <strong>GRASS</strong> for my daughter thus <strong>GIVING</strong> her one less task on her return. <br /><br />It also <strong>GAVE</strong> me the opportunity to travel across to see my <strong>GRANDSONS</strong> and my other <strong>GRANDAUGHTER</strong>. <br /><br />I <strong>GOT</strong> back home last night.<br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter G, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-1633305933220310722012-08-21T19:03:00.012+01:002012-09-02T16:38:32.935+01:00ABC Wednesday - F<strong>F is for Friends</strong><br /><br />Where would we be without them. The <strong>Following</strong> picture is of me with my <strong>First Friends</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhHOGbyNSFkTJNXhkqwtigqhf4tsPl0zQEGO32MEEjMtYuXLK7PSbHoHcCHls13pIC68OL-hoX5n19M5eLn08LHkajiaHSowOapZGtR7D-TstQzGD-fA3jSUECC0_cGPrBDGdHTxvAV_Y/s1600/Quads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhHOGbyNSFkTJNXhkqwtigqhf4tsPl0zQEGO32MEEjMtYuXLK7PSbHoHcCHls13pIC68OL-hoX5n19M5eLn08LHkajiaHSowOapZGtR7D-TstQzGD-fA3jSUECC0_cGPrBDGdHTxvAV_Y/s400/Quads.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779189585197329522" /></a><br /><br />I think we were 2 - 3 years old at the time and lived quite close to each other. The <strong>Four</strong> of us used to ride and round on our tricycles for many an hour, our <strong>Feet</strong> going <strong>Faster and Faster</strong>. <strong>Fate</strong> took a hand and, sadly, I have no idea what became of them as my <strong>Family</strong> moved away from the area when I was quite small. The boy was called Roger and his <strong>Father</strong> was a <strong>Farmer.</strong> I am next to him and the other girls, Pam and Diane, were twins. Perhaps we should have been called the <strong>"Fab Four".</strong><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter F, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-85443762626985451352012-08-20T18:28:00.006+01:002012-08-20T19:03:28.542+01:00A Tragic EventTragedy hit our little town yesterday evening.<br /><br />It had been a lovely, sunny, summer day and there were lots of people still about at 6 pm. At the beach a little 4 year old boy was on the slipway, with his parents when he slipped into the sea. At that time the water was about 5 feet deep but the tide was rising and the currents here are very fast (we have the 2nd highest rising tide in the world). We are situated at the end of the Bristol Channel and the water is muddy and murky. His parents jumped in immediately to try to save him but they couldn't find him. The emergency services were called within a couple of minutes and from about 6.15 onwards there were helicopters circling, the lifeboats were out from this town and the surrounding areas and our local hovercrafts also joined in the search. It carried on through the night and most of today but the latest news is that the search has been called off; it feels as though the town is cloaked in sadness.<br /><br />Three of our grandchildren are going through a traumatic family time at the moment and I sometimes have difficulty sleeping. Last night I got up around 1.30 and looked out of our front windows, which overlook the beach. I could see the lights of the boats that were still patrolling, looking for the little boy. I felt terribly sad as I gazed out into the blackness but at least I knew that my grandchildren were safe in their beds.<br /><br />Poor little Dylan never stood a chance.Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-75971119366890287242012-08-14T18:43:00.010+01:002012-09-10T18:35:55.763+01:00ABC Wednesday - EWe were <strong>Excited</strong> that our 3 <strong>Exhuberant</strong> grandchildren were <strong>Expected</strong> for a visit. They have plenty of <strong>Energy</strong> and <strong>Enthusiasm</strong> so <strong>Each</strong> day, quite <strong>Early</strong> we took them out until <strong>Evening</strong> to <strong>Expend </strong>that <strong>Energy</strong> and hopefully <strong>Educate</strong> them along the way. They all had different appetites for <strong>Eating</strong> so a variety of meals was <strong>Essential</strong>. Being <strong>Elderly</strong>, we were glad to <strong>Escape</strong> to our bed at the <strong>End</strong> of the day.<br /><br />The time didn't seem <strong>Endless</strong> and we did not <strong>Experience</strong> <strong>Exhaustion</strong>. <strong>Eventually</strong> they left to return home and now our home is <strong>Empty</strong> and I am <strong>Eager</strong> for the next visit.<br /><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter E, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-42607191546534442972012-08-07T19:41:00.009+01:002012-08-14T19:26:59.334+01:00ABC Wednesday - D<strong>D is for Donkey</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Delightful</strong> creatures - they have such lovely faces. This first picture was taken whilst we were visiting <strong>Dundees</strong> in Adelaide, Australia.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnMPKR4fJjd5x0gX_Yc3Ro4DkEu63Q7lIFgIyjaln-0nuhK42hVdcZ6ZpK97B63Xel9dAc1dLSxViKsmcUPTCciEfJ2aMwkqqXgqip4EmYsB7olz9fGpLbSOaLmG_YxAhFce36boNcGKC/s1600/Donkey+at+Dundees.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnMPKR4fJjd5x0gX_Yc3Ro4DkEu63Q7lIFgIyjaln-0nuhK42hVdcZ6ZpK97B63Xel9dAc1dLSxViKsmcUPTCciEfJ2aMwkqqXgqip4EmYsB7olz9fGpLbSOaLmG_YxAhFce36boNcGKC/s400/Donkey+at+Dundees.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774013921731815938" /></a><br /><br /><br />and this one of <strong>Donkeys' Dinner </strong>was taken on our local beach. For the past two <strong>decades </strong>husband has run a local <strong>Donkey Derby </strong>during the summer holidays to raise money for charity. <strong>Depending</strong> on the weather they usually raise about £1500 on each of the six weeks.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzqWDtftvJbXEeTwwIDaSvKjf9pBQNYYsxv75cZHJ7EZSImZwDBb1GzPciFmrv6wgwYmycI3kT7qb2F0y0exai1PhI59hs-rW4u2HGnT90LMX6MGYFW7DyE7DbzqLRq7gNS1T-LoFykkV/s1600/donkeys+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzqWDtftvJbXEeTwwIDaSvKjf9pBQNYYsxv75cZHJ7EZSImZwDBb1GzPciFmrv6wgwYmycI3kT7qb2F0y0exai1PhI59hs-rW4u2HGnT90LMX6MGYFW7DyE7DbzqLRq7gNS1T-LoFykkV/s400/donkeys+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5774013719148104802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter D, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-63992584325280286292012-07-31T19:47:00.010+01:002012-08-07T19:41:53.278+01:00ABC Wednesday - C<strong>C is for coasters.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT7UQXqN9KjawoQEVuDIbhlKvG-6lraMcd07UOztrt3rw4LlR0P3OOjBJ6NwkroPTQ_4iIzighPhqhN9VEsiOglZSfOi_ajRMZRj6Iy33BtrvxxODQqb7npxKvUx3J8p1R_GXW_itonj4/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT7UQXqN9KjawoQEVuDIbhlKvG-6lraMcd07UOztrt3rw4LlR0P3OOjBJ6NwkroPTQ_4iIzighPhqhN9VEsiOglZSfOi_ajRMZRj6Iy33BtrvxxODQqb7npxKvUx3J8p1R_GXW_itonj4/s400/039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771407551662471842" /></a><br /><br /><br />These are some that we have <strong>collected </strong>over the years. The top square one is of a set of 4 given to us by friends. The white round set on the right we bought in Nelson, New Zealand and the wooden Australia shape in the <strong>centre </strong>came from Adelaide. The veteran <strong>car coasters </strong>are plastic and quite old themselves but it is the <strong>curious</strong> orange one that has the story. <br /><br />As well as having a late night <strong>chat</strong> show, Graham Norton hosts a radio show on Saturday mornings and part of the show is "Tune with a Tale" - the <strong>clue</strong> is in the title! To take part in the show you have to suggest a tune that has a story to tell. I decided to apply and to my surprise, within a few days, was asked to take part on a particular week. The programme was live and I was able to <strong>chat</strong> to Graham Norton for a few minutes before my <strong>chosen</strong> tune was played. I was very nervous but he was very friendly and put me at my ease. For my trouble I received a set of <strong>coasters</strong>. He jokes about the quality of the coasters and once I received them I wrote to say that I was lost for words when I saw them. He read my <strong>comment</strong> out on the radio and <strong>chuckled </strong>and said "I hear what you are saying Anne".<br /><br />My <strong>choice</strong> of song was <strong>Country</strong> and Western - "Rock and Roll I gave you the best years of my Life". <br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RSJEsBwH4FQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter C, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704445539832223114.post-24575766865478117642012-07-25T07:47:00.005+01:002012-07-25T07:54:36.911+01:00ABC Wednesday - B<strong>B </strong>is for:<br /><br /><strong>Boy</strong> (my <strong>Beloved, brilliant </strong>grandson) on a <strong>Beach</strong> with a <strong>Big Bouncing Ball</strong>. <strong>Behind</strong> him the <strong>Blue</strong> sea with <strong>Breakers Bubbling </strong>on the shore and a <strong>Boat </strong>on the <strong>Blue</strong> horizon.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXsJcBxNwVntiBY4n5lhoojF_YRFKHnNVyZhz6sblTDOHYObEgrNjrW9Ncr2bm5zyh2kh3oiucIdzoz_Grv3wJoJtpsBJ8Om1kmUkZuLVgdoAKRpBTjaaWg7xlQHKvjWc7d2VfaF1eyDv/s1600/Jacob.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXsJcBxNwVntiBY4n5lhoojF_YRFKHnNVyZhz6sblTDOHYObEgrNjrW9Ncr2bm5zyh2kh3oiucIdzoz_Grv3wJoJtpsBJ8Om1kmUkZuLVgdoAKRpBTjaaWg7xlQHKvjWc7d2VfaF1eyDv/s400/Jacob.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768995651038730162" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Mrs Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Wednesday team. For more looks at the letter B, please click <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/">here.</a>Strawberry Jam Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695110960213262472noreply@blogger.com16