I have been given an Award

I usually pop into Blogworld each day, but Friday was unable to spare any time. So imagine my surprise when I looked in on Saturday to find that I have won an award from Almost Mrs Average at: http://therubbishdiet.blogspot.com/ which I am very pleased to accept. Thank you so much for including me on your list, Mrs A, I feel very honoured to be in such distinguished company.


The rules accompanying this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog;

2. Add a link to the person who has awarded you;

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs;

4. Add links to those blogs on yours and

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

When I began blogging I had no idea what to expect and it has been quite a revelation. Its a whole new world out there and I feel privileged to be part of it. It seems as though I have made a host of new friends - never did get round to pen friends in my youth so I am making up for it now, but on a much wider scale.

As I have only been blogging since July my blog list is still somewhat limited but, for many and varied reasons and in no particular order, my nominations are:-

Fern at http://ferns-lakeland-blog.blogspot.com/

Flick at http://dustingspider.blogspot.com/

Gill at http://thatbritishwoman.blogspot.com/

Denise at http://anenglishgirlrambles.blogspot.com/

Lindsay at http://ruralvillager.blogspot.com/

Pam at http://craigpam.blogspot.com/

Ann at http://retiredandcrazy.blogspot.com/


A x

Bob's Civic Award

Sunday went well. We drove to our local Church which is situated on the sea front, as we had a parking place allocated to us! The afternoon was fine and sunny if a trifle breezy. I had decided against a hat but there were plenty to be seen. And lots of regalia, worn both by our local councillors and visiting dignitaries from the towns with which we are twinned. And the Town Crier was there, also resplendent.

The service took about an hour - we had several hymns, the first couple of which I felt the congregation weren't terribly familiar (myself and Bob included) but then we sang 'Jerusalem' and finished with the National Anthem (2 verses) and, as both are so well known, they were rendered with great gusto!

The presentations were made about half way through the service - five in all - to the various nominees who have worked so hard for the community over many years. They each received a pin badge and a framed certificate. One award was made posthumously. The intended recipient had been aware of his nomination but sadly died before he was able to receive it. His widow was there on his behalf and I thought how brave she was.

A surprise announcement was that our mayor and his mayoress had been married the previous day so they got a hearty round of applause.

After the service and a 'photo call' we all made our way to the civic hall for afternoon tea - sandwiches, vol au vents, etc followed by strawberries and cream, scones and cakes. Delicious.

Bob received plenty of congratulatory hand shakes and pats on the back, as did the other award winners. All very well deserved.

We made our way home at around 5.30 pm. It had been a memorable afternoon.

Timmy

Timmy - 1960

I have posted this picture of our much loved dog as I was reminded of him by a photograph on 'Ferns Lakeland' blog.

Happy Birthday

It is my daughter's 39th birthday today. As soon as I got up my thoughts went back, as they always do on this day, to when she was born. I had not had a good night, simply because my 17 month old son was very poorly, finally settling in the early hours. I slept myself only to wake at around 5 am with the first niggle of pain. She was born at lunchtime - around 1.30 pm. I tease her that she must have heard the nurse ask me if I would like some pudding! - (I ask you!!) and decided then was the time to make her entrance.

She and I are very close but I will not be able to see her today. We spoke on the telephone last night and she was pleased to tell me that she has had quite a few parcels in the post already. She and her little 4 year old will be going to see friends and she is looking forward to her day. I will ring her this morning to greet her and again this evening when 4 year old is in bed and we will chat and she can tell me about her day.

Happy birthday my love.

The Winning Team

Now I am not usually one to brag but several members of our family have been lucky winners lately, myself included.

My prize was won via Pam's blog: http://craigpam.blogspot.com/ - Life with our Lad". For those not aware of it the competition prize was Pam's copy of "Wife in the North" which she had enjoyed so much she felt she would like to give it as a prize in a competition - "If you wrote a book, what would be the title" . So I entered and thanks to Pam's little 2 year old son, my name was drawn as the winner. Meanwhile, 'Wifey' had contacted Pam to say that she would send a new, signed copy to the winner and Pam could keep her own copy. My thanks to Pam and to 'Wifey'.

But the first of our family winners was Jacob (7 year old grandson in Australia) who won cinema tickets for the family in a painting competition at school. Second, Leah (8 year old grandaughter in New Zealand) who was awarded a Blue Badge at school for being such a good role model. Next was Emma (10 year old grandaughter just down the road) who entered a competition to write a bedtime story and, although not actually the overall winner, as one of 10 finalists was invited to London for the final. She had a lovely day and won, amongst other things, a bed! So we're very thrilled for her and proud of all of them, of course.

As if all of this was not enough Bob is to receive a civic award. This was made public locally a few weeks ago and the award will be presented at the Annual Civic Service this coming Sunday. The announcement read "the award is a recognition of Bob's efforts as the driving force behind the promotion of tourism within the district".

We are very pleased for him. He is very pleased, although as he said, he has never looked for it. Over the last 30 years he has committed himself wholeheartedly to this task and enjoys it thoroughly. It is well deserved - well done Bob