Fancy Dress...Amy Winehouse.

Well, I just had to post this picture. I can't stop smiling.
Nicola has been telling me for a while that she was going to a ''theme day'' at her 6th form school and that she was going to dress up as Amy Winehouse.
She had mentioned the ''wig'' several times, the all important wig...and here is the result of her efforts.(Nic is on the left)

Amy isn't a great role model for our youngsters, as she has some ''not too good'' habits, but her sense of style certainly appeals to a lot of the girls and Nicola is one of them.

Smiles.

Christmas Candles and Questions.

I would like to wish all my friends in blogworld a very merry Christmas.
Blessings to you all.

For my post tonight I thought I would try something a little different.
I thought it would be fun to ask myself a series of random questions, off the top of my head questions...so here goes.

Q...What were you doing before you started writing this post tonight?
A...I was watching the ''X Factor'' live final. I think the female singer Alexandra is going to win.

Q...What will you be doing tomorrow night?
A...Singing Christmas carols in the choir at the evening service at my church.

Q...What's the most enjoyable thing you have done today?
A...Walked my dog along the beach this afternoon with my youngest daughter, chatting about life.

Q...What's the best thing you've done this past year?
A...Stopped smoking.

Q...What one thing would you really like to do next year?
A...Have a go at playing the trumpet again after 27 years!!!

Q...If you could go and see a live band tonight, who would it be?
A...It would have to be ''Kings of Leon''...

Q...What book are you reading right now?
A...''The Kite Runner''...wow!

Q...What challenges will you be facing next year?
A...Hopefully moving house in January, fingers crossed and losing the weight I've gained since stopping smoking.

Q...What has been your favourite song this past year?
A...''Broken Strings'' by James Morrison. The lyrics are excellent.

Q...What would you like Santa to bring for you for Christmas?
A...Richie...sigh.

Fizz...meet...Fizz.

Whilst reading the replies to a post by Annie (see my favourite blogs), a blog friend of hers, ''Dar'' happened to make a reference to her dog ''Fizz''.
As you know, my little hound is called Fizz and I couldn't resist finding out about this other Fizz...and she lives a long way away.

I am so glad I did. As you can see from the picture, she is delightful.

To see Dar's post please click on this link and scroll down a couple of posts when you get to the page.

Dar's Post

What a truly great place Blogworld is...

Thirteen already!!!

Well,
I can hardly believe that my youngest daughter Becky will be 13 on Monday...but she will be.
Tomorrow it is her birthday party at the local school sports hall from 12 noon until 1.30p.m.
I have hired a piece of equipment called ''The Arena'', which is an inflatable play area. From what we can work out, games of ''Gladiators'' are played on it/within it!!!!

Becky has invited 12 friends and has also asked me to join in the fun and games...eeww. How could I say no?

The opponents are harnassed with safety ropes and the combat begins! I will take a few pictures of the event and share them here. Of course, I won't be sharing any of me all trussed up and flying around wielding some sort of weapon...oh no.

My good friend Val, has made a lovely cake for Becky and we will share it out tomorrow between family and friends.

Later on this evening, we are going food shopping to Asda, to buy provisions for the party...

Hope everyone is happy and well and have a good week-end.
Smiles.

Here Come The Girls...

Nicola, Caroline (my foster sister) and Becky.

I apologise for my absence...gosh, I didn't realise it was that long since my last post.

So here's a summary of what's been happening with me.
I've settled into my new job(room attendant) and my back is holding out...so far! I will be there until next February and the refurbishment is complete on my regular place of work.

I had a birthday last week, 42, but we won't go into that, only to say that everyone clubbed together and bought me a new camera. My old one was in poor shape...ha.

I've been attending a 10 week course called ''Alpha'' at a local church. An exploration into Christianity. It has been a worthwhile experience and I've met some great people. My youngest daughter Becky has been coming and my Mum too. I will post an update on that at a later date.

I held a charity quiz at my house over a week ago now and the proceeds went to my chosen charity ''Compassion''. It is an organisation which sponsors disadvantaged children around the world. I had a swear box and yes...you can imagine how I raised the funds...ha.

My eldest daughter Nicola came to stay for a few days. We went for a family meal to celebrate her exam results(better late than never), in her favourite Chinese restaurant, Jasmine House.
We had a great time and I've posted some pics of my girls and my sister Caroline on the night. It was lovely to see Nicola. She is all grown up these days. Her boyfriend Shaun had his 21st party last night so I am waiting for the pics of the night!

I've also posted a pic of Becky last night dressed as a psychedelic fairy on her way to a party. What a social life these kids have!

Richie and me are saving hard right now in the hope that I can go by him in the New Year...it's hard for any of us to save in the present financial climate but we are giving it our best shot.
I really miss him and would love to spend New Year with him. I don't care if it snows the whole time I'm there, I just want to see him...ha.

Well, I think that's about all my news. I will try not to leave it so long next time.
I think starting a new job and having new hours has altered my routine...but less excuses and more writing please!

I am going to go and see how you are all doing now.
In the meantime, take care and God Bless.
x

Lost...Michael Buble.

I love this song...

My Latest ''Smokeless Ellen'' post...

I have just updated my ''Smokeless Ellen'' blog and thought I would post it here too, so you know where I am at...BIG SIGH!!!

The title of the post is ''NO CIGARETTES FOR 5 MONTHS...HEADING TOWARDS OBESITY!

Well, it will be 5 months this Thursday, since I smoked my last cigarette. Yes, it's a positive and healthy achievement...but why is it that am I not celebrating?

Because, week after week, I have put more and more weight on!!!
It could be said I have over indulged in the food department and that would be true for the first couple of months, but not for the last couple.

When I stopped smoking I weighed, 11 stone 5 pounds which was my ideal weight for height, a weight I have maintained for 4 years.
Now, today, I weigh 12 stone and 12 pounds!!!

I am so disappointed that this has happened. It has been really difficult to stop smoking, and now, one health risk has replaced another. People may argue that it's a risk worth taking,(putting on vasts amount of weight quickly!) but in my eyes, it is depressing me and has started to really get to me.

Now I understand why people go back to smoking after this has happened to them.

I have read lots and lots about people's experiences(on various blogs)after they have stopped. Most people do gain a few pounds, maybe 5 to 10, but not this much.I do not fall into this ''not too bad a weight increase category''.

My friend who gave up at the same time has had the same thing happen to her.

The weight just kind of balloons and keeps going, week after week.

Cigarettes do suppress the appetite, of that I've no doubt. When I smoked, I did miss meals and I never had hunger pangs...never. Now, I do, and it's uncomfortable, particularly when I don't want to eat because I know it will equal instant weight gain.

I dread to think what would be happening if I didn't exercise as much as I do.
Even with the increase in exercise, on top of what I normally do...I am still gaining weight.

A lot of people have said that it eventually evens out. The weight gains stops and the metabolism returns to normal. When is ''eventually'' I ask myself, whilst grinding my teeth at the same time!!!!

What else am I doing to address this weight gain...apart from jumping off the nearest cliff?

Well, I am going to go and see my doctor and explain the situation. I do feel quite bloated a lot of the time so I will have this checked out and just tell him it like it is.
Maybe he will give me a diet sheet or something!!!
Then he'll ask about exercise...well at least I am OK there.

I have replaced my sugar filled tea and coffee for herbal teas, well for the most part...the reason being, that I have been drinking more tea and coffee and in doing so, having extra calories in the sugar added.

I have my ''5'' a day anyway...so it's a case of resisting the not so healthy food temptation.
I don't drink alcohol very often, so no weight gain worries there.

Sorry to offload all this on you all, but it's how I'm feeling right now.

People say ''I bet you're feeling great Marie, now you've stopped''. I think ''have you got 2 hours to spare so I can explain just how ''not great'' I'm feeling''.

I know this isn't an encouraging blog post for anyone out there considering stopping, weighing(scuse the pun) up the pros and cons. But I always promised I would be honest on my ''Smokeless Ellen'' blog.
Besides, giving up is a personal experience, and different for everyone.

I suppose I should list all the benefits of giving up just to spur me on...but right now I am fed up...and my dominating thought is ''these jeans are damn tight on me today''.

So, I will love and leave you all and continue my rant as I go on yet another 6 mile hike.
Footnote...a guy called Jim has responded on my smoking blog...and now I feel sad for him but encouraged, despite the weight gain all at the same time.

On yer bike!!!!

Hi
I hope you are all well out there in blogworld.

I have been on holiday for the last week so I have made the most of the time and have been out and about.

When I go back to work, it will be at a new location as the place I currently work at is being refurbished...and it's a greater distance away. A little too far to walk to every day and expensive on the buses.

So, I have recently bought a bike from my sister, who never uses it and it has been gathering dust in her utility room for many months now...and has been since last year when she first got it.

This morning I had to buy a tyre pump and a helmet, not to mention a bike lock too...phew, but now I am all set.

This afternoon, Becky and me set off on a trial run to my new place of work...not as plain sailing as I had at first thought. Busy roads, huge roundabouts that are safer crossing on foot and a very sandy cycle path, which is the alternative route, but my bike doesn't like...all that sand!!!.

We made it in one piece though and luckily the weather today has been fine. I am not going to think too much about the colder, wetter weather on its way this winter...eeww.

So, my plan is to cycle to work each day and back too and in the process, become fitter, and hopefully lose the stone in weight I have gained in the 5 months since I stopped smoking. See my 'Smokeless Ellen'' blog for more details on that!!!!

Jeepers, I am a little saddle sore right now...it's a long time since I went on a cycle ride.

Here are a couple of pics taken earlier.

I have also included a pic of Becky in her new outfit I bought her yesterday, all ready to attend her friend's 13th birthday meal last night. I can't believe how grown-up she looks. Becky will be 13 herself in November. How the years fly by. She also has a new haircut, which I think really suits her.

I am looking forward to reading all your blogs...when I get back from taking my dog for a walk...what an energetic day this is!!!!

Serenade...

It's a really special thing, when someone writes a song...just for you.
Richie does it all the time...writes songs for me, sings them to me. I consider myself a lucky girl indeed.

I do tend to want to keep them all to myself though...to listen to as and when I choose...

It makes me feel all warm and secure when I listen to Richie's music and singing. I can shut out all the not so nice things in life and just appreciate the moment.

But, I've decided to share this latest song with you...and have embedded it on my blog...not without a little technical help though, you know me! This latest song is called ''Close My Eyes''.

I love the lyrics to this song..they are very poignant, and of the whole song, I love the last line the best.

Richie and me are hoping to be together in the New Year for two weeks. That is our goal. It was lovely bringing in the last New Year with him and so this next one will be too.

Richie doesn't have a blog as such, just has his music site...so he keeps an eye on my blog...

We hope all our friends in blog world are well...

Marie Ellen and Richie...

Starry Student!!!

Well, I am having one of those ''proud mum moments'' again...ha.

Nicola received her exam results on Thursday and did so well.She was in Ibiza in Spain on holiday with her dad when the results came out and phoned her headteacher from Spain...ha.

Both her dad and I and other family members have treated her to some money so she can buy herself something nice. Nicola starts college next month and will be studying for 4 ''A Levels''.

She got straight A stars and A's in the following subjects at GCSE level (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

We are all so proud of her. She worked very hard and it has all been worth it.
Well done Nicola...your results are fantastic...big smiles.

English Language...A

English Literature.A

Science 1..........A

Science 2..........A *

Maths..............A

Physical Education.A

Religious Education.A*

History.............A*

Art.................A

Welsh Language......A*

My guy, my girls...

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but there has been so much going on in my life...some good some not so good.

My foster sister Claire recently got married to Rob and I thought I would post some pictures here of the happy occassion. It was a Sunday wedding (27th July), and a great time was had by all.

My foster sister Caroline(Claire's real sister) in the pink, was chief bridesmaid and the other lady is Charlotte, our friend and hairdresser.

The other pics are of Becky and me taking an evening walk with my dog Fizz, and a neighbour's dog, Judy. I have known Judy since she was 14 weeks old and have become very attached to her...I take her out on a walk with us now and again.

My youngest daughter Becky has returned from her holiday in Spain with friends...so am posting a pic of her too...in Spain.

My eldest daughter Nicola is anxiously awaiting her GCSE exam results...they are due on the 21st this month...fingers crossed for her. I have posted a pic of her (on the left of pic)in the last week of school...

Richie has written a new song called ''Close My Eyes''...and I'm going to try and put it on my blog...ha. I always have trouble with these things so I will need assistance. I really love it and would like to share it here with you so watch this space.

Well that's all from me. I hope all is well with all of you.

Smiles from over the miles.

Snowdon...what a climb!!!

Hi
Well, I had a great week-end with my friends Denis and Steve. It was all over too soon and I could have happily stayed there for keeps...the place where they live is the kind of place my dreams are made of...sigh.

On Saturday night we had a lovely meal and caught up on the last few years and then on Sunday Denis and me decided to walk up Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in England and Wales...I did make the journey many years ago and I certainly knew I had done it when I/we reached the summit!!!!

I think we covered approx 15 miles altogether and it took us about 6 hours, but we did stop for a packed lunch and a rest or twenty. It was a struggle in parts but the views from the summit make it all worth while.

So here are some of the pics of our mammoth walk. There's walking and then there is serious walking!!!! Ha.

The first two pics are of firstly me, and then Denis at the summit.

There is a picture of a train on the Snowdon mountain railway...another way of getting to the top (tempting too).

The last picture is of Denis and Steve's place. It's called ''Pen-y-Ceunant'', an 18th century Welsh cottage situated on Snowdon and has been converted into tea rooms.

I am looking forward to my next visit, very much so.

Smiles.

Heading for the hills...

Tomorrow I am heading for the hills to stay with friends of mine, Denis and Steve. They live on Mount Snowdon where Steve has his own business in the form of a cafe.

The last time I stayed with them they lived elsewhere, although that too was in the middle of nowhere...ha. Not that I'm complaining...if I had a choice, I'd be ''away from it all'' too.

I am taking Fizz with me and she is going to have a playmate called Jasper, Denis and Steve's dog.

The weather forecast is for rain, rain and more rain...but it will be nice to just sit and talk and catch up on the last few years.

They have always been good friends of mine and I remember once, when I was having a really bad time in my life, they came to my rescue. They appeared like two rays of sunshine when I was in a very dark place. I will always remember that.

Denis and me have many happy memories of our teenage years and it was Denis who first taught me to drive, when I was only 14 sshhhhh. I can remember him shouting at me a lot and then apologising profusely...ha.

Here are some pics taken during a week-end we spent in the city of Manchester in England. These were taken in the Science and Industry Museum if I remember correctly. I am not 100% sure what year these were taken but I will find out...ha.

Picture one is of Steve and me.
Picture two is of Steve, me and their friend Neil.
Picture three is of Denis (on the left), me and Steve. Note how short my hair is...eeww.

My daughter Becky flies off to Spain in a few hours with my friend Angela and her children and my eldest, Nicola arrives next week with her beau Shaun, to spend a week here...so I am going to make the most of my time away...and maybe...relax a little.


Hope you all have great week-ends...

Smiles.

Happy July 4th

Happy July 4th to Richie, Pris, James and Kai and any other US citizens who happen to pass by.

I remember spending this special day with Richie when I first flew to the US.
We sat under the stars on a very warm July 4th evening watching the fireworks...it was so lovely.

I've posted this flag, which flies outside one of Richie's neighbour's homes.

I took this pic in March just gone when we had all the snow...ha.

I hope you all enjoy your day, whatever you are doing to celebrate.

Smiles.

Balloon Burst!!!

Well, even though Becky is no longer at the school, I agreed to once again do the balloon burst stall at this year's Summer Fair...

It took all day yesterday to blow up 200 balloons (with the help of Berenice) and a rather useless balloon pump. (Must invest in a better one for next time).

Then we had the problem of transporting them to the school field.

No worries...Claire and kids to the rescue in her people carrier. It was fun going up the street with all the balloons and watching the faces of the passers-by...ha.

My Mum took the money and gave out the prizes whilst I ensured the kids didn't hurt themselves with the balloon-popping pin.

The idea is to pop the balloon and a ticket falls out with a message on it saying ''you have won a prize'' etc. I put all the paper messages in the balloons before I blew them up...phew.

It all went great and here are a few pics of the day.

Smiles.

Unwanted attention...

Well Fizz has fully recovered now and her breath smells like roses...well...almost.Ha.

Here she is on a field close by where I live just a couple of days ago, putting this male dog firmly in his place.

You have to give him ten out of ten for persistance though. He does eventually give up after a lot of jigging about.

Fizz...what a lady!

My poor pooch...

Well, my dog Fizz had her dental operation today at our vets...eeww.
I dropped her off at 09.00a.m. and left with a tear in my eye...sigh.
I didn't get a call to pick her up until after 4.00p.m. and had missed her company all day.

She was booked in to have two back teeth out, although I knew she had other ''problem teeth''. When I got there, the nurse said Fizz needed to have 11 teeth out in total!!! Jeepers.

She was a sorry sight and I just wanted to get her home.
I carried her on the bus and tucked her in her bed straight away. She had been given a pain-relieving injection that lasts 24 hours and was wibbly-wobbly from the anaesthetic.

I followed the post-operative instructions and made her some scrambled eggs and rice earlier this evening and she managed to eat it...slowly.

Tomorrow she starts a 5 day course of anti-biotics to cover her against infection and I have to take her back to the vets Friday for a check-up.

The surgery cost me a small fortune but it was necessary...

At the moment she is in her bed and I have made her a small bowl of warm tea.

I will be glad when she has recovered and is back to her old self. I love my pooch very much...and it's hard watching her bewildered look right now.

I've posted a picture of her taken last year whilst on holiday at a caravan park. She's on the beach with her eyes closed in the warm wind.

Get well soon Fizz.