27/02/2012 by Aileen.

I stopped doing ’servile work’ on a Sunday a few years ago. And it means Sundays really are special. Mass with a lovely community, good roast (cooking doesn’t count) and then play. It’s really restful. However! I’ve been quite disorganised for the last few weeks, and decided I really must get plenty done this week, so I gave myself a head start yesterday (Sunday) and changed the sheets, and vacuumed and dusted the bedroom. I usually leave that room until last, as John doesn’t exactly get up early. So here I am. Wasting time on the computer instead of capitalising on my head start.

Last week was good. Walk in Humber Bridge CP with two other WI members on Monday, (Hence not being organised last week) By coincidence I had been there the previous week with my birding friends, and knew to bring seed, as there are really tame bullfinches there. We enjoyed watching them, had a short walk, and finished with a coffee in the Country Park Hotel.

Oh, I forgot. I got 90% for my TMA on Wordsworth and De Quincey. I’m over the moon. That’s 80%, 85% and now 90%. Don’t suppose I’ll get 95%  for Wuthering Heights!

Another thing I’ve done (such a time gobbler) is to improve my web design skills. I’ve put rounded corners on some elements in the church website, and I’m really pleased with them. Also, given the site a mauve theme for Lent. Anyone using Internet Explorer won’t see the changes, but if you use that - shame on you. It’s the crappiest browser out.

www.sacredheartstjoseph.org.uk

This week, tour  around a photo place tonight (if I go - I’ve been too tired lately) Snowdrop Walk in Burton Agnes with OU friends, gymn three times, plus Birding and Creative Writing. I’m getting itchy for the coast, so maybe John and I will have an outing there before too long. Also, I think a visit to Ikea is long overdue, but John isn’t so keen on that.

Well, I’d better go. I’ll just upload some bird photos then I’ll hit the week. Bye.

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11/02/2012 by Aileen.

Oops, I didn’t post last week. And a lot happened. On the Friday I went to Hedon for Creative Writing. It was fine where we live, but Hedon had a fair covering of snow. I skidded into the kerb just before reaching my destination. It was a blessing in disguise, I think, for two reasons. First, it delayed me about five seconds, and I crawled for the last few yards. On turning left into my destination a woman was coming out, pushing a bicycle. If I had skidded then she would have been minced meat. The tyre looked fine to me, so in the afternoon we motored to Oxford for Alexander’s second birthday. Martin looked at the tyre and said it was almost illegal it was so bald, so on Saturday morning we went to QuickFit for a new one. We had a great party. My brothers and their wives, and Rob and Charley were there too. Andy nearly came but at the last minute went to the Natural History Museum with a friend down from Leeds. Of course Caroline is always too busy with the horses to get away. Anyway, we left at 5.30 as I had duties at the church, and the snow was just starting. It is amazing how quickly it fell, and we had a nightmare journey home. I was so glad we had the new tyre, as skidding was minimal. The journey took six hours (normally three and a half including a coffee break). I didn’t want top stop as I thought the Service Stations would be really thick with snow, but I was almost wetting myself so had to near Derbyshire. John couldn’t drive as he’d been drinking. Anyway, we got home about 11.30pm, and were mighty glad to tumble in to bed. We had had a lovely day, so it was all worth it.

As it happens, I didn’t go to church after all, as I thought the roads were too bad. Canal Side was really iced up. So we could have stayed a bit longer darn sarth.

We had a lovely few days in. I didn’t go birding, as although it was to Potteric Carr, and I love that place, I didn’t fancy trailing around in the snow with wellingtons that are too big for me. (The previous owners left them, and my little ankle wellies would have been no good). Didn’t go to Creative Writing either, as there was more snow. I took the car out today, so will go to Mass tomorrow unless there’s a big freeze overnight.

Well, I must put up some photos. I didn’t take many at the party. Too busy talking and eating. The snow scenes are from our garden. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

Birthday Boy. Blurred, but I like it.

Sister-in-Law Mag with Olivia.

Brother Kev, with John

Nephew Rob, son Martin, Brother Don

Alexander with birthday toy

Rose in our garden

our garden and view

view from bottom of garden. It’s a little island.

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01/02/2012 by Aileen.

It’s about time I uploaded a few photos. First one is what I found in the garage the other day. The remains of the Christmas turkey. No maggots but rather green and fluffy.

Next three were taken when I went birding today. Didn’t get any special bird photos, but I took a couple disappearing into the distance, a bench and its shadow, and a close up of an icy puddle. I did intend to take ice photos for January, but didn’t get round to it, and today is the 1st February. Oh well.

I had the results of blood tests today. Kidneys ’spot on’, liver fine, and cholesterol 4 point something. Delighted, as it was six point something last time. I had to go as my blood pressure is a bit up, but I persuaded the doctor that I am going to the gym, and I can get it down on my own. He said I weigh 11st. 7oz (he didn’t take enough off for my heavy clothes!!!) and I need to lose a half a stone. I’m seeing him in three months time.

Down to Oxford on Friday for Alexander’s second birthday. We’re staying overnight. Home on Sunday for First Communion programme and Children’s Liturgy. Bye.

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