A Grand Day Out: The Trossachs

This was a Grand Day Out my friend and I went on during the heatwave while the Commonwealth Games was on and has been in my queue for posting. I am not genetically or temperamentally suited to being over heated and the fact I still had my chest infection and no respite from the heat, even at night, made things hard. I'm better now and it is significantly cooler (and wet!!!) so we are all coping again. I know some of you live in significantly hotter places and cope but your average Scot is more of a larder item best kept cool and damp! You only need to see the shocking radiation style burns on the loonies who expose themselves the second the sun peeps out to know this.

There was a minor skirmish on one of the hot nights as everyone tried to find a space on the bed which was directly in the middle of the air cooler flow, on top of a cool bit of the quilt and definitely not touching anyone or anything else. My ankle got tail whacked as I managed to get my roasting hot foot too near Magic while searching for a cooler bit of the quilt. I'd have hated to see the aerial picture as there were bodies, legs, arms and paws splayed everywhere. Red wins the prize for funniest 'unable-to-cope-with-the-heat-while-wearing-a-fur -coat' impression.

 He kept doing his agonised wee howl an inch from my nose till I realised he wanted a space at the cooler edge of the bed so, with some negotiation everyone rejigged to afford him a place. This was fine till he got comfy and did a big starfish impression thus taking up more space. Once again proving that if you give a cat an inch you'd be as well chucking in the bed and all worldly goods too. Never let fluffy cuteness fool you!

My friend and I are always promising ourselves we'll make more time for ourselves and have committed to trying to find a day, or few hours each month or two to do something together. We have a notion to do something 'tourist-y' as it seems mad that we rarely seem to take advantage of what our own city and country has to offer on the doorstep. As the Commonwealth Games was taking over the city our decision over breakfast at the Wishing Well in Gartness was to do the Trossachs Trail and Callander. It turned out to be an excellent choice which was spectacular and gave some welcome respite from the heat as we drove along with the windows down and the sunroof open.

Our first stop was at the Scottish Wool centre at Aberfoyle. Inside it was more gifts and clothing rather than yarn which was rather disappointing but good for the purse!

 There was an owl display outside but it was sheltered from the scorching heat.

 Also outside was a fabulous sheep and duck herding display by this chap who was training the cutest young collie in history.

 I could not believe I didn't get a good pic of the dog as it was seriously gorgeous and so eager to work. You can almost see it to the left of the pic but I am annoyed with myself as I wanted to dog-nap Brit as he was amazing.

 

 

 

 

I think the mountain in the distance might be Ben Lomond but I'm a bit geographically challenged so don't take it as gospel.

Loch Katrine is where Glasgow's water supply originates from and is famed for being pure and clear. I'm not entirely convinced how pure the stuff is that flows from my home tap as we've had some spectacular blunders from Scottish Water over the years including an accidental diesel spill and cryptosporidium contamination from sheep poop at the Milngavie works. However, new treatment facilities have been built or upgraded and this should have improved things.

 

What really touched me about this drinking fountain was how much it reminded me of the Peak District Well Dressings that Louise has been sharing this summer.

 I've decided the next I go here I am going to petal a little plaque and place it beside the fountain as my own special link between my beloved city and the Peak District which I love. I just hope it is not prohibited to place a little petalled dressing outside of the confines of the Peak!

 

I've no idea why this pic is squinty but can only think I was probably propped on my elbow crutch taking it and am so used to listing to the one side that I didn't realise. Either that or I was wilting in the heat as it was around 1pm and fiercely hot.

 

On the spur of the moment we decided we'd like to do the cruise.

However, the lady in the booking office warned it was 'quite full' as three coachloads were booked on the one we wanted to go on in that kind of voice that says 'oh, you really don't want to do that...!' So we decided to save that for another day and go for lunch in the adjacent café.

Just as well, as the boat was utterly mobbed. This is the view from our sweet little shady pagoda where we shared an afternoon tea stand, some snacky chips and gallons of tea, juice and iced water to rehydrate.

 I liked this shot with the lavender in focus but as I am a point and shoot photographer all credit goes to the camera 

Sauntering back to the car we noticed an old fashioned telephone box beside the bike hire shop. (You'll note there is NO mention of us hiring or returning a bike...!)

 

On closer inspection we realised it contained an AED defibrillator which seemed both odd and apt. Nice as a safety touch for a tourist area which caters for high volumes of often elderly coach tour parties or sporty sorts. However, my wicked mind was off having fun at the idea of some poor foreign tourist looking to call home and ending up with a bad perm and a shocking headache! Bet they'll 'reverse the charges' next time.....tee hee!

It could be worse, you could have been stuck in the car having to listen to my friend and I prattle on like this......still, it kept us amused.

I should have taken more pics but I was just enjoying the journey and chatting so much.

 

On the return journey I was definitely in seriously soporific mood with droopy eyes as it had been such a fabulously relaxing day. Or at least I was until a BMW driver did a dangerous overtake heading into a bend and oncoming traffic and my friend had to take action. She is a very cautious driver and I feel very safe in her care but both of us were quite shaken with her having to avert a crash and me trying not to face plant the windscreen. Fair woke me up!

We had such a lovely day, and it was great to get some respite from the heat, especially as this was the car reading when I got back to mine after the air con had been on for five minutes. My friend and I have also decided she will do the summer runs as her car has a sunroof and I'll be the winter driver as mine has hot seats. Bearing in mind we usually only get a week of sun here each year I may have got the heavy end of this deal!

I hope you enjoyed accompanying us on another Grand Day Out.

Handy Hankie Box

I still have a lovely hankie box cover which used to match my old bedroom décor and have always thought covered hankie boxes are a very ladylike touch. This got me thinking of making a bedside hankie/storage box as a gift for a lovely friend's birthday last month.

Although, it is a very simple concept it took me days to do as I was shaping and designing it as I went along and kept re-doing bits that weren't as good enough as I wanted them. I found getting the edges square and straight was one of the biggest challenges. I also wanted to use a range of complementary fabrics to give it extra interest.

The top opening took ages to get a good even match

 Each pocket contains a little treat, the flat one has some pretty tweezers

 The pocket for her mobile has some Tinkerbelle socks

 The little crossover pocket has nailfiles

 This big pouchy pocket has space for all the little odds and ends like hair elastics, lip balm etc

 I made a little matching pocket hankie holder for a handbag and popped it in the larger pouch for safekeeping

  

This little holder came from a free pattern at Craftsnob here

 I wondered how to secure the bottom and had quite a few trial and errors. Eventually I decided on a simple strap with a popper that would allow the box to sit squarely while holding the cover on. Because it has lots of pockets I was concerned that it might slide about if I didn't get the bottom correct. I covered the popper with a beadwork flower I'd made ages ago which was just waiting on a use.

 As my friend loves knitting I made her a lined square bottom bag with a pocket at the front to hold her latest WIP.

Body Bag

I just have to share tonight's OMG moment as I was visiting my Mum tonight at the care home. I'd forgotten they were having a special open evening as they were updating relatives, friends and residents on some new plans and there was a buffet, drinks and entertainment.

I joined my Mum where she was sitting in the foyer and didn't go into the main lounge where the musical entertainment was but the staff kept passing with offers of refreshments. The staff are really brilliant and it is a lovely warm atmosphere so the evening was very convivial and the music helped the ambience.

However, later on, I was dumbstruck to see two ladies of a certain age smartly dressed in Country Casuals skirt suits walking out pushing a wheeled barrow containing a bulky black body bag which was the same height as the lady at the back pushing it. I honestly couldn't work out what the hell was going on with the westend's answer to Burke and Hare! The staff were helping them out and giving them fond 'goodbye's, 'look forward to seeing you again' and 'thanks so much, its been great' as they wheeled what looked like a deceased relative out the door. I was totally bewildered but caught the care home manager's eye and saw her snort with laughter.

When the staff came back in the rest of the story unravelled. The well-dressed G12 bodysnatchers were apparently lady entertainers who provide music for hospitals and care homes and the 'body bag' contained their keyboard, cables and accessories which is why it was so bulky and tall when carried on its end. They were not actually removing a deceased loved one.

Their arrival had apparently been equally eventful as they'd arrived at the front entrance which has a number of stairs instead of the ramp access at the back. A young chap who was jogging past saw the pair of grandma's with their considerable cargo, stopped, stared, popped his earphones out, stared some more and obviously wondered why they had a full body bag and were taking it IN to a care home! However, this being the Westend he was mannerly and polite and asked if he could assist them, which he did. One of the staff came out as the polite but clearly still dubious jogger was bumping the trolley up the stairs, followed by the grandma's and watched as the body bag began to sag in the middle and list to the side which made it look even more suspicious.

Everyone knew what it looked like so were falling over themselves to explain how it was all very innocent but their effusive protestations made them look even guiltier. To the jogger's credit he took the stuff right into the lounge and set it down as one of the grandma's desperately tried to unzip it to reveal the contents so that the chap didn't think he's been aiding and abetting a crime. The staff member said she was scarlet in the face between being mortified and trying not to laugh.

All this lead us onto a conversation about the wonderfully silly 80's film Weekend at Bernie's which always creases me up. The story is very simple but the expressions on the eponymous, and very dead, Bernie's face are priceless. It is not high art but it is very amusing.

I don't recall much of the music they played tonight but I certainly wont forget their finale.....!

July/Aug Year in Books

I have been joining in with Laura at Circle of Pine Trees: Year of Books but haven't been good at posting my monthly books. I always have a physical and an audiobook or two on the go but my posting hasn't kept up. This is a review of some of my July reading and I'll do a catch up on the others when I get time.

The Bird that Didn't Sing by Alex Gray is about a terrorist plot to blow up the Commonwealth Games and people trafficking. It was recommended by a customer and the sales assistant at the till in Waterstone's last month and I loved the idea of a very topical subject in crime fiction. Not so wild on the idea of something happening at the Games but this is why I only read crime fiction and never the true stuff.

The title refers to the Glasgow City Crest which represents the legend which is told of Saint Mungo who is the Patron Saint of the City.

"Here's the Bird that never flew

Here's the Tree that never grew

Here's the Bell that never rang

Here's the Fish that never swam"

The book was well written and apparently had many references to previous books in the series but this doesn't spoil the enjoyment as I've only read one other of her books. It is a little pedestrian and the characters seem a little 'dry' and predictable but it was ok. I was very keen to finish it before the end of the Games just on point of principle.

My other physical July book was the fab James Oswald Dead Man's Bones but I am going to give that a post of its own.

I have been listening to two audiobooks. The first is Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy. Normally I avoid short story type books as I find too much bitter-sweetness and repeated poignancy a real turn off. However, since the sad death of Maeve it is just too tempting to hear some of her stories read beautifully by Kate Binchy. Some of the stories must have been published elsewhere as I recognised one or two. Chestnut Street is less short story-ish and more a collection of stories about the neighbours on Chestnut Street. It is curtain twitcher heaven told in gentle Irish tones and sad with the knowledge that this is the last of these stories which have been a reading strand of my life since the 80's.

The other audiobook, Hurt by Brian McGilloway, is kind of hard going and I usually reserve it for my journey to or from work. It is a crime fiction novel and ok to pass a journey but it is formulaic and not in anyway gripping. It is also made worse by the beautifully mellifluous tones of Caroline Lennon being shaped into an uncharacteristic Northern Irish accent. I love listening to her narrating novels set in Eire and, if she is the reader, I find that can be the clincher when I am choosing an audiobook. However, in this book her accent seems too slow and clunky. If I was reading this as a physical book I'd probably check the end to see if it was worth continuing with.

My august book is going to be one I picked up from the bookshelf in the kitchen as work. There are a number of different departments which use this kitchen and I love finding something I would not normally choose to expand my reading repertoire. Normally, if I purchase a book I will buy something I know I am definitely going to like which leads to me always buying similar types of novels. I also love the sharing aspect of the communal bookshelf as people who work in fairly close proximity, but only know each other to smile at in passing, are actually sharing their reading tastes.

Commonwealth Games Snippets

As promised some little snippets from my life as the CG's have touched it. I still have no interest in televised or spectator sports and have spent time avoiding any traffic issues which mercifully have not really impacted on my journeys at all even though the liveried Games vehicles depot was on my route to work.

 

I suspect the lack of disruption to my long work journey that passed multiple games venues that might have something to do with the traffic management plans which left games fans walking for ages to venues or using park and ride facilities that almost incurred the need for passports. This sign in Hamilton had me laughing as I thought it sounded like the height of meanness for those going to the Triathlon.

  

However, I think that what they meant was free parking for those walking to the event rather than an instruction to abandon your vehicle and start hoofing it! 

 

Two nights before the Games started I managed to see the Queen's Baton Relay which changed over at Lincoln Avenue in Scotstoun.

 

 I'd love to say I'd planned this but I actually happened upon it on my way home so it was opportunistic rather than organised.

 Apologies to the young lady carrying it as I managed not to get a decent shot of her

 

 

Last Saturday I was involved in doing another glucose curve on my newly diabetic cat and had only 2hrs between each test. 2hrs sounds not too bad but it is very limiting and a bit like an Anneka Rice dash to get out, do what is needed and then be back bang on time for the next one.

 

I only realised the Flotilla was coming up the River Clyde from Greenock the night before and really wanted to see it. If I had realised it was happening in advance I would probably have tried to join one of the passenger vessels and do the glucose curve on the Sunday. I feel very attached to the river as I've lived my entire life around its banks, my father was a shipbuilder and, for almost all my working life, I've crossed over or under it daily.

I calculated that they would be passing a little local spot where I could see it between doing the 12pm and 2pm blood glucose tests. Great vision for a midget like me as I could see perfectly, little to no walking distance and places to sit if needed, choice of car abandonment space and all within a couple of minutes of home.

Across the river there was another little locals viewing spot too

Compare our little nooks with the volume of people across the river at Braehead Shopping Centre who were absolutely crowded. Yes, we were on some amenity free industrial ground and they had all the facilities of the centre but I would certainly not swap.

 

It was also lovely as a friendly older couple who were joined by their daughter began chatting and we had a very amusing time as they were very witty. Coincidentally their daughter, who is of a similar age to me, is having a career change from the Navy to go into a career allied to mine so we had lots to chat about as we watched the boats.

 There were boats of all descriptions joining the Flotilla and these are just a selection of the different crafts.

 

This was one of the newest Cal-Mac Ferries which had passengers on to enjoy the Flotilla on board.

 

It was great fun as each of the boats was hooting horns, waving and there was much shouting and responding to "Oggy, Oggy Oggy..!" 

 

  

 

The boats were making their way up to the temporary pop-up marina at Springfield Quay.

The girl I was chatting with and I were laughing and trying to spot Simon Le Bon as we both remembered his boat from the 80's. We also reckoned it rather accurately pegged our ages! However, later checking shows Drum is apparently now is owned by Arnold Clark, the car dealer, and not the delicious lead singer Mr Le Bon.

Today is the last day of the Games and it is such a pity that the weather is playing foul with odd spots of sun drowned by torrential such that an Ark is looking like the transport of choice. I just hope the closing ceremony goes as well as the opening one and well done to all those who brought joy and medals to their own countries.

Ps. Re: the 'we will dress like numpties' Irn-Bru poster. I've now seen it televised as part of an advert and it seems it is a comment on fans who dress to support events rather than a direct comment on the bizarre parade outfits. However, some people might believe there is no such thing as a coincidence!

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

I've just finished watch the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and found it very touching. There is always some anxiety in wondering how your city will present itself to the world but this was a really lovely ceremony. I was not completely taken with the initial stages which seemed very 'bitty' but, as the athletes filed in, the ceremony seemed to develop its stride and purpose by capturing the welcoming spirit. Even the speeches were succinct, dignified and underlined the message of welcome. It will be interesting to see how much the event raises for UNICEF as this will be another strand of the commitment to creating a legacy of common good.

It was fabulous to see each and every team being cheered into the stadium and watching the excitement on the faces of the athletes. It was particularly heartening to hear the roared cheers for our nearest neighbours, England, particularly after all the nonsense which suggested they would be treated in any less than an hospitable manner. I cannot abide malicious mischief-making. As for Team Scotland the delight on the faces of the athletes rendered the strange kit meaningless as they all shone with pride as the stadium erupted. Well done too to the wee Scottie dogs leading the teams out.

As with all events there is always a little hiccup and Prince Imran and Sir Chris Hoy wrestling to liberate the Queen's message from the baton got funnier as it went along. It looked like the Prince was just not getting it even after Chris Hoy loosened it and showed him what to do. I did wonder if they were going to have to resort to upending it and giving it a wallop on the rail to get the message out. However, the best bit was Chris Hoy's spontaneous 'good grief' eye roll at the caper. It was just so natural and seemed to say "Help ma boab...!".

I have taken some local pictures over the last few of weeks that I'll aim to get written into posts. I am not a fan of spectator sports so I can only offer some local flavour. Sadly, I have absolutely no competitive tendencies so will probably only snatch glances of the action on the news. I'm also not sure how this insanely hot weather will affect the local athletes as we are much more used to being kept cool and damp so they might have to pop them in the fridge for half and hour before their events.

I do hope that all the teams get a chance to enjoy the sights and culture of the city and may the best athletes win and enjoy their moments of glory.

A Message from The Sponsor...

Now this is more like it. This is much more like the Glasgow humour that I know and love. On the way to the supermarket I saw this sign right beside the Squinty Bridge over the Clyde and nearly wet myself laughing. I have absolutely no idea if this advert refers to the deeply unfortunate Scottish Commonwealth Games Parade Outfits, or to some earlier campaign, but either way it could not be more apt.

 What made it even funnier was when I got to the supermarket at the entrance I saw this display proudly asserting Irn-Bru's sponsorship of the Games....

 Irn-Bru are known for their wickedly funny adverts and, whether this was intentional or not, it might just be one of their best!

The Emperor's New Commonwealth Games Outfits

Do you remember the 70's with naff patterned fabric and men's foray into colour? Well lucky you as it's obviously back to have another go at trying to be fashionable. Bonus points too if you remember the dancers from STV's Thingummyjig.

I'm not into the Games themselves but as it is showcasing my city and country then it is reasonable to have an opinion on how we present ourselves to the world. These outfits are dreadful and the tailoring and fit is woeful. There is nothing innovative, stylish or inspirational about them that shows pride in Scottish athletes at the pinnacle of their prowess.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/glasgow-2014-ltd-the-commonwealth-games-organising-committee-rethink-and-change-the-official-scottish-uniform-for-the-commonwealth-games-opening-ceremony

The Men's 'blouses' are in a hideous turquoise pattern and don't even fit the models properly. The mustard socks are pretty vile but on the positive side Scots don't generally tan well so this is probably the nearest thing to a tan we'll see on legs!

The poor ladies are the recipients of a tie front gown in a pattern and style which is more commonly seen in the waiting rooms of the mammogram or ECG clinic. In true hospital style the 'goonie' is accessorised with a blanket in case they get cold while waiting. I wonder if the handbag contains a parade invitation or an appointment card?

I love seeing men in a kilt as it usually denotes a special occasion and I actually rather like stylish modern twists. This tartan is not great but I can appreciate it is hard to create a totally new colourway with all the variants already available. However, navy, purple and white would have been a much better starting point rather than colours made to appeal to your nana for her new riser-recliner chair.

Initially the online Evening Times reported that the designer was proudly asserting that she didn't expect everyone would like it. Yesterday she claimed she was now a victim of 'bullying'. 

On the news tonight the Sports Minister praised the outfits for being very visual and easy to see on camera (yer not joking there, Missus!) and urged people to set aside their views and get behind Team Scotland. What she didn't make clear was how far exactly one would have to be for the nightmarish vision to recede.....?

Rollercoaster report of the week

I have lots of nascent blogposts I would like to write but simply don't have enough time to write them, or more accurately wait for blogger to load the pictures. So instead of not posting I am just going to do a sweep of the week then do the others with pictures when I've got more time. Sorry if this is only vaguely coherent and swings from plus to minus but it matches my week!

My chest infection and sinusitis is not yet gone and probably needs a trip to the GP tomorrow and another week's blast of antibiotics. I am miles better than I was which is a huge relief. I'm still not able to sleep flat but I think in another few days that will sort itself out. I am fairly certain, in retrospect, that the infections got hold partly due to medication that I am on but mainly due to the calamitous amount of stress and concern that has been around me for these past few weeks.

My Mother has been attacking her carers and the other vulnerable residents over the past few weeks in explosive outbursts of purest venom. Interestingly she never attacks anyone who might reciprocate so I struggle to believe it is 'just' her condition as she is surprisingly selective. It has been worrying as I don't know why she is doing this, sickening to see the bruising, gouges and scratches on those she has attacked and shameful that this is my mother. I have also had to go up and down to support the staff as, although they are brilliant and only call if she has gone off totally, I can still handle my Mother better. My chest infection has put paid to this since Monday as taking a rip roaring respiratory infection into a care home is dangerous and stupid. Instead of giving me a rest this has made me berate myself as being restricted to telephone calls meant I couldn't give her a present on my birthday as my thank you to her for giving birth to me which I've done since I was nine years old. She'd no idea it was my birthday but this didn't help me stop feeling guilty.

Magic, my sweet cat, went back to the vet hospital to be checked and the good news is things are improving clinically but she is still not eating which is worrying and baffling. Her vet is most supportive and has called every day to ensure any changes can be made or problems picked up promptly. This meant there were additional trips to the vet school too for additional medications to be added to see if they would improve things. A variety of cat illness supplies had to be sourced and although I am so grateful for the internet it all still adds up and the money just seems to be flowing through my fingers. I've been so grateful for practical support from a friend in helping me with the feed and care set up for Magic which has been invaluable. I'm also trying to decide which pet insurance policy would be right for the younger cat. If he became seriously ill that could tip us over the edge and I could not face making a choice over who to treat. Magic is uninsurable due to her condition and age but the little one can be covered. Advice and support from fellow cat bloggers has been a great help too.

A close friend has been the victim of a nasty financial crime by someone she trusted and there was a worrying period this week where things had to be checked to ensure that I had not been a collateral victim too. This would have been quite the worst timing but luckily, for me at least, it looks like I have not been affected. However, I am still worried for my friend who has had to disclose what happened, the impact on her and the destruction of her trust by the perpetrator.

In all the chaos, I'd even forgot my physio appointment. When I called to apologise and rebook I got one for the following day. I should probably have said no but I felt bad for missing the last one. However, I was very limited in what could be achieved especially as I was more breathless than I was prepared to admit to. I was able to walk slowly or talk briefly not both so he settled for advice instead of testing my exercise tolerance.

I am increasing my working hours now as I have used up all of last year's holidays and my phased return. I am delighted to be back at work as I enjoy my job and like my colleagues. I am also grateful to have been so well supported but I am concerned that I'll be up the mark and manage the full week.

I am also another year older-woo hoo! This year I got a long service extra day off which I used for my birthday. I am normally on holiday now but as my gammy knee wont take me anywhere it seemed kind of futile and my petted lip is threatening to suffocate me. I'm insisting this is only a postponement till I am fitter as I just cant see the point in driving all the way to the Peak District to stare at it through the car windscreen then drive home again.

A wonderful friend offered me a Grand Day Out as part of my birthday treat and another friend made me an amazing meal the evening before. At first I was going to decline both as I was breathless, exhausted, concerned about leaving the cat any longer than necessary and felt as though the week was just a series of demands and must do's and worries. However, both were able to accommodate the essential timing for cat feeds and must do's etc. So I made the decision to dial down the worry for one whole day and evening and stop pretending I was what was holding the universe together with the result that I had the most marvellous occasions. There were special perfect gifts, beautiful cards and lots of heart-warming kindness which made me feel most special. I also managed to get to a book launch and have the latest James Oswald autographed. I love having a new birthday novel and use it as a sort of diary as I note where I am and what I am doing each time I start to read it. This means if I reread it, I also get a little reminder what I was doing the first time I read it.

Every summer I usually have a big personal reflective point at the summer solstice and stay up to see the dawn. This year unintentionally I watched the dawn rise as I sat in the garden worrying and praying for news of my little cat on the night I'd had to take her to the vet hospital. By the time the Solstice rolled round my mother had turned into Arnold Schwarzenegger, one cat was still in vet ICU, the other was distraught and needing lots of support, my financial cushion was vaporising and my own health was taking a beating. I could not even bear to take a reflective glance at my life as it just seemed like everything was falling apart so I made the brave decision to stick my head under the pillows; if nothing else I needed the sleep!

One phrase seems to keep repeating in my head...'Just because you can, doesn't mean you should'. I'm not actually hearing voices, as that really would be the last straw, but this recurring thought is something I probably need to find a way of incorporating into my life. I am becoming so bogged down with doing what is right for others that I am neglecting myself. It is quite apparent this is the case but the fixing it and doing things differently is what seems insurmountable at a point where I don't have the energy to fix it and tackle my own life.

Ironically, before even more began unravelling, I'd decided I was going to make my life better and become more Zen. So I ordered the fashionable mindfulness book-de-jour by Jon Kabat-Zinn called Full Catastrophe Living. Well, I have not had time to read the book, or live in the moment, as I've been too busy firefighting imminent catastrophe. The book seems to have been a bloomin' Jonah and has brought disaster instead of contentment. So I'm still trying to decide whether to find the time to read it or call a priest to have it exorcised and cremated.....?

In the meantime, as the house looks like a bomb has landed, I am going to go out to bring the emptied bin back and smell the roses while I am there. I will even snip a couple to bring indoors to inspire me. Then I am going to try and make a dent in the housework otherwise I'll end up on one of those crazy home makeover/decluttering/forensic cleaner programmes!

I hope your week has been good and hopefully next time I'll share some better news and events. Please God...!