30/01/2012 by Aileen.

Well, St Beuno’s was a lovely as ever. Peaceful and spiritual, although we learnt lots about the Enneagram. Fourth time at St. Beuno’s and we’ve done at least six workshops on the Enneagram. We hope Myles is going to do a follow-up. We bought an M & S curry from a service station on the way home, and were both sick as dogs through the night. It might have been the curry, but we were sitting next to a lady who had been ‘taken ill’ at St Beuno’s, so might have caught it off her.

Last week was spent in recovering! Then I went back to the gym. First time since before Christmas what with visitors, a bad cold and St. Beuno’s. I’ve made up for that as I went three times last week!

Today dawns dull and gloomy. However, I have lots to do. I had to get a few days’ extension on my OU essay, but submitted it yesterday. Lovely essay, but I don’t think I answered the question. Anyway, I’m free now, so today is my usual dash round the house with duster, vacuum and mop, then Viewfinders tonight. Tomorrow I have a ‘review’ at the gym. Wednesday, we are venturing as far as Scarborough for Birding, then I have an ECG in the afternoon. (Oh yes, my blood pressure is a bit up, and I’ve had ‘bloods’ taken, and need an ECG - hence my forays to the gym!) Thursday. I’m sure I’m doing something on Thursday. Must be. Same for Friday.

Oh, I forgot. I met my OU friends last week for a look round York Art Gallery, a quick walk in the rain round a bit of the Wall and a scrumptious lunch. When we left I went shopping, and I can hardly believe it, but I tried on three tops in Debenhams and bought them all. It’s not often things fit me and look nice on me, so I had to take advantage of the opportunity. I also bought a top in Per Una (M & S) I shall have to get rid of some of my old stuff.

Bye all. Have a good week.

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16/01/2012 by Aileen.

Yes, I know it must be annoying, but I’m full of the joys of spring as usual. Lovely time at church yesterday, when the First Communion preparation got under way. Four really lovely little children, although one had his birthday party, so will not start until next week. I’m really really looking forward to this year.

And I’ve decided to give myself a project for my photography each month. January = frost, so I ought to get started as we’re halfway through already. February = signs of spring I think. Or I might limit it to snowdrops?

This week John and I are away at St Beuno’s http://www.beunos.com/ on an Enneagram course.

Anyawhat? Here is one site that explains it http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/intro.asp

Lots of opportunities for photography in the beautiful welsh countryside. (Except, of course, we’ll be working!)

St. Beuno’s is the lovely sort of monastery where they filmed The Great Silence just over a year ago. We’ve been there several times for retreats and workshops. Last time it was for an eight day silent retreat. We weren’t very good at keeping the silence, but it was a wonderful experience. Looking forward to a great time as usual.

Well, that’s enough for now. Things to do, places to go. Byeeeee.

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14/01/2012 by Aileen.

I must keep my promises, so here are two photos of our grandchildren. Not the best of photos. It was impossible to get them all together, as if one wasn’t asleep the other was. And my middle range zoom lens is broken. And how come they don’t all smile at the same time? Never mind. Here they are.

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09/01/2012 by Aileen.

I just don’t know where to start, as it’s so long since I wrote. I’ve told you about winning my compact, going to have two photos in the East Riding WI Calendar next year, and starting a new OU course. Think I’m up to end of November, when my birdwatching group went to Donna Nook to see the seals. It’s my third time there, and once again the day was fabulous. Lots of photos of seals, but much the same as previous ones, so may not get round to posting any here. (Might do on Flickr, which I haven’t used for ages) Unfortunately, the weekend affter we saw the seals a bad storm devastated the seal colony, and many pups and mums were separated, causing great distress to the animals.  http://lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/nr/reserve.php?mapref=15

Can’t remember the beginning of December. I don’t do any Christmas preparations until the second half of the month, and John bought nearly all the pressies online this year. Oh, I’ve had two assignments back from the OU. 85% and 88%. Will talk about the course in more detail another time.

Christmas itself was quiet. The two of us with a couple of fillet steaks. Then on Boxing Day Martin, Fiona, Alexander and Olivia arrived, followed on the Tuesday by Ali, Eric, Liam and Kieran. We had such a lovely time. Good chats, food, drink, fun with the kids. Olivia is so pretty. She’s five months now (more come to think of it - time is rolling on) My photos are still in the camera(s) so will upload them when I have a minute. Everyone had gone by New Year’s Eve, so we had a quiet time again, and then I started tidying up the bomb site. Then, damnation, I caught my first cold since we moved to Yorkshire in 2003. So, so, so annoyed. I really enjoyed boasting that I hadn’t had a cold for so long. Anyway, it hit my badly, so just played on Second Life for a few days, or read. (Sally Vickers, Dancing Backwards, at the moment. Didn’t make Mass yesterday, but forced myself to get up this morning, as the New Year starts today for me.

Plans, plans plans. (Not resolutions) Still a bit groggy, but determined to put in a lot today. Usual Monday rush round the house with duster, vacuum and mop, ring two friends, write copy for Look leaflets, meditate, hour’s walk, Viewfinders tonight. Must get back to studying too, but probably tomorrow, when I whall also return to the gymn. (Not well enough today)

Well, there you are, fair reader.Whistle stop tour of my life for the past month. As I say, new year begins today, so goodbye. Places to go, things to do.

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02/01/2012 by Aileen.

Still here

For another year.

I’ll tell you more

When I’ve cleaned the floor.

(Nothing changes!!!)

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