Well I have it and it is 8 weeks from today, though it will be actually be 10 weeks as we are away over Easter.

Very excited now.

Had a fine day at Stoney Cloud Nature reserve:
http://www.ilkcam.com/2006/060305/Sandiacre%2006.html

Here are my friends planting hedge: http://www.blog.co.uk/admin/b2edit.php?blog=149767
My husband is the one being macho by the fire. All that stuff got burnt by lunchtime.

I am not on any of the pics 'cause I usually taking them.

The site is really exposed and windswept but luckily the hedgeplanting was in a sheltered spot down the bottom of cardboard hill, so named because when there is snow the locals slide down it on big bits of cardboard. I bet thats fun.

The hot spuds were fab with lashings of melting butter.

When we got back I took my dog for a long walk and picked up a carrier full of cand which will go into my recycling bin.

Had a hot stew for tea and am now off for a bath and hot choc and an early night.

I have finished my shift, about to sup some hot choc before bed and I am of to dreamland for a few hours.
An easy day today. Post office, shopping, bit of cleaning.
Tomorrow planting some bird highway in the form of hedge and hopefully burning a load of stuff that we cut a few years ago on a tine nature reserve. We always have a good day if we have a fire because we take spuds and cook them and eat them at lunch with butter. MMMMmmmmmmmm.

Also taking part in the Great British Birdwatch this weekend. hisinvolves sitting for an hour counting feathered friends at the bird table. Really looking forward to this too.

Took littl'un swimming tonight and invested in some floats.

She was nearly swimming last week and as soon as she had the floats on she was off. Amazing. Not bad for a girl who said she never wanted to learn to swim.

Off to work now, sleep tight one and all.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6302049.stm

I used to be weird, now I am just normal. WAhahahahahaa

..... and now I know why http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6302409.stm
MMMMM chocolate.

..... and now I know why http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6302409.stm
MMMMM chocolate.

..... and now I know why http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6302409.stm
MMMMM chocolate.

had a bad morning at work and felt a little fed up and wound up, so popped in for a little light bloging. Feel better now, see you all later

Been pottering about doing stuff today that I kept putting off. Phone calls, feedback on ebay, replies to questions about stuff I put on freecycle.
I kepy ploughing through as I want to do only dog waking and writing next week.

Just my business spreadsheet to update now and some books to register on bookcrossing.

There is a conservation task at the weekend of hedgeplanting and there will be a big bonfire with spuds too. We will be burning the waste from a chopping session from two years ago.

Got a pair of blue tits and a vibrant red breasted robin at the bird table today. Very pleased as I rarely see these visitors.

Back at work for two nights so I will be dropping in only occasionally.

I did all the things on my to do list today, including the removal of a wasps nest from the shed. I watched it being built last year. The wasp got it to the size of a satsuma (a round one)

When I took it down on the end of a hoe it fell to pieces. It was very thin and brown, layered with a honeycombe at the centre. It was really very neat and amazing.

back at work tomorrow night, shame.

There is a lot of activity at the bird table. Had to clear the snow off and break the ice in the bird bath, very satisfying that. Today I got the usual visitors: blackbirds, dunnocks, sparrows, collared doves and the squirrel. There was also a blue tit. They don't come to my garden very often so I was very pleased to see one.

Had a lovely walk to school today, no trouble getting little one to get going. I saved her a few snowballs in the freezer because she may not get a chance to throw one before it atll melts.

Bit achy after yeaterdays activities. I am out in my own garden today. I ave some clearing to do and I am going to get rid of a small wasps nest from my shed. I was too scared to go in for most of last year. I am buzzyphobic. I have to relearn to live with buzzing insects each year.

After my moaning about the medical I passed it fine, did handstands and loop the loops. I have had my criminal check back and found that I am boringly not a criminal in any way ( little do they know).

When I told the doctor I was active I didn't mention that I would be with a friend directly after this appointment smashing a shed to smithereens with lump hammers and wrecking bars. What fun and so satisfying. I have nicked a bit of wood to repair the roof to my own shed which was peeled back like a banana by criminals last year and though repaired a bit, needs a proper job doing on it, which I may start tomorrow.

It is very cold out there now and I will no doubt have to break the water in the birdbath in the morning. They say ther eis going to be snow, I hope so

As regular readers will know I got a new job in December. I have sent off my police check, my references have been asked for information and now I have to have a medical. This is not standard for my work as I am working in the same organisation. However I declared that I had had a bad back and now they want to see me. They say I may not be fit for work. This is so ridiculous as I am going to be doing a lot less manual handling and I have been off sick once in the last 7 years with my back, and I was told that was viral unrelated to my usual problem.

Just ranting 'cos I don't want to go and worry that they will really think me not fit for work.

Its at 10.45 so I had better hop to it. This afternoon I am helping a friend take down her shed so it will be tonight before I get chance to check in.

Over the weekend i stayed with N, my vegetarian friend. She has an organic veg box: http://www.rivernene.co.uk/produce/thisweeksbox.php?PHPSESSID=8eec89087cce00d8587c143ecfa2d80f each week and in it this week she had Kohl Rabi. Here is a pic: http://www.cwgsy.net/business/guernseyorganics/pages/Kohl%20Rabi_jpg.htm
This is a strange veg that looks like a tunip, but is sweet. I had some raw and it was very tasty.It can be used like spud and in colslaw apparently.

Also this weekend we had sweet potato in a mash with carrot and spuds. MMMMMMmmmmm. I think that these sweet alternatives should help with my dieting. This kohl rabi stuff is so good it could replace chocolate as the snack to grab.

Had a fab weekend without hassle. Did most things I intended to do and then went to my friends house for a night of wine and Lord of the Rings. We skimmed through fellowship and watched the whole of The Two towers until 1.30am. Then up at 7 am for car booty. We didn't do so well but had a chat and a look round. I managed not to buy anything.

We finished early as the crowds had dried up and we were freezing. Back to her place to watch The return of the KIng. Boy I had forgotten how good they were.

Now home, had tea, sorting stuff for tomorrow and very mellow.

Going to have a full weekend this weekend. Most of it fun. This morning , after the dog gets her long walk, I am off to the post office to send some books on for bookcrossing. The the house gets an hour of attention. I am taking my daughter to a birthday party and have the weekly shopping to do.

My other half will be tagging along with me on the shopping and hosuework. I quite like shopping with him but have to take a list of he buys lots of naughty things.

This evening I am off to my friends N's house. N is a great friend and we turn to each other for all sorts of advice and support. We are going to sell her stuff at a car boot sale on Sunday so I invited myself round on tonight so we can get an early start. We will be watching The Fellowship of the Ring and hopefully The Two Towers with wine and food. I think The Return of the King may have to wait for another weekend as I am working tomorrow night for a friend, unless I hear otherwise.

I will try to pop in tomorrw but it will be more likely Monday afternoon.

In an attempt to order my biography I did a timeline thing yesterday with all my school reports. It was funny looking back and seeing at 8yrs old I always had my head in a book oblivious to everyone

Shame I haven't got them all.

I am writing my biography at the moment. My friend got me a book on how to write you life history and I have had an intersting time.

Anyway. I was trying to work out some dates and am having difficulty as I was only small at the time of certain events and there are very few people around to tell me now. It may mean me having to speak to my step mum for more than five mins.

I always thought we were a lot younger when things happened but working it all out on paper what I think of as 1972 was actually 1974.

I am usually thankful for my poor memeory, gets me out of all sorts of situations because people know I have a colander for a brain. In this instance though, it is just irritating.

Not 100% but definitely feeling better. Still can't sit in front of the computer without feeling nauseated a bit.

Going to tidy my room and do some banking stuff today, plus walking the dog.

Back at work tomorrow night.

had some good news and some bad new yesterday.
Good. my friend who miscarried last year is pregnant again (fingers crosed).
My sister is splitting from her long term partner. I think it is a shame but I saw it coming some time ago. She is a very busy business woman who has been running his business as well as her own plus tons of other projects and he isn't willing to do the shopping or any housework, even occasionally.

She is the most intelligent and dynamic of my siblings. She helped me with my interview technique last year. I am sad for her. She is a strong person though and will survive fine.

Have been busy over the weekend. Saturday was a sort of party for my husband. He is now 40 so I invioted all his friends round. We had quite a few come though it was short notice. Hubby was unwell at the beginning of the year so I wasn't sure he would be up to it. He really enjoyed himself.

Another upside was that the house got a good cleaning from top to bottom, it was a mad 3 hour rush to get it all done. I had to get up at midday despite working the night before. Well worth it though.

Yesterday we spent with our conservation group, moving trees from the middle of a meadow to the edge. These are self seeded oak, birch and hawthorn that have come from overhanging trees on an adjoining woodland.

Felt great to be outdoors and active, but by afternoon felt ropey. Have been reating with a big headache since, I even went back to bed this morning for a few hours. Still feel grotty though a little less so.

So signing off for now, will be back when I feel better.

Hubby just informed me of some money that will be coming our way, and we have decided to spend some of it on going on hols to......NEW ZEALAND. I want to go to Aukland (my parents married there), and we both want to do some Lord of the Rings stuff.

See you at easter Skip.

Lost two pounds at weight watchers yesterday and have decided to forgoe the naughty night and be good to get another few pounds off.

Very tired at work last night despite a 2hr sleep this afternoon. Always like this at this time of month.

Still tired as Son No1 turned up with son and girlfriend at 2pm when I didn't have to get up until 4.30. I stayed up an hour and went back to bed. Didn't rest though. i will not miss this lack of consideration. I have worked on nights since he has known me, my curtains were shut.

I did enjoy seeing Grandson No1 though, he is beautiful and perfect. He is now 10lb 2oz and has a healthy appetite. He is apparently rolling onto his back already. I couldn't be really angry after a little cuddle with him.

Lost two pounds at weight watchers yesterday and have decided to forgoe the naughty night and be good to get another few pounds off.

Very tired at work last night despite a 2hr sleep this afternoon. Always like this at this time of month.

Still tired as Son No1 turned up with son and girlfriend at 2pm when I didn't have to get up until 4.30. I stayed up an hour and went back to bed. Didn't rest though. i will not miss this lack of consideration. I have worked on nights since he has known me, my curtains were shut.

I did enjoy seeing Grandson No1 though, he is beautiful and perfect. He is now 10lb 2oz and has a healthy appetite. He is apparently rolling onto his back already. I couldn't be really angry after a little cuddle with him.

After my grumpiness yesterday I took my husband out as it was his 40th birthday. Felt really relaxed after that.

Feeling tense this morning but I think I am tired. i am going to bed this afternoon as I am working tonight. I am taking a cup of hot choc and a hot water bottle. Hope no one disturbs me.

More clearing up today as we are having a gathering of friends on Saturday for C. birthday. It is one of those occasions where peoplecome and go all day and so it should be reasonably easy going.

We have a massive ple of polystyrene and collapsed cardboard boxes freecyclers have yet to pick up. it is sitting in the lounge making the place look tiny. C. will take it to the tip on Friday if no one comes for it.

Get weighed in tonight, hope to have lost a few pounds, even one is better than nothing.

Have agreat day everyone, will nip in over the next few days.

I was fine today, happy to plod though my days off clearing and sorting all the stuff from the loft.
Son No 2 is at work, excellent and Son Mo1 came for a visit with his friend and his girlfriend. His friend helped me move furniture around which was great.

Son No 2 comes in from work and within half an hour he says he is missing £4.00 from his coat.

Immediatly I am wound up. of cousrw Son No1 say he hasn't nicked any money. I don't know about his friend so I can't accuse him. Son No 1 and followers go back to YMCA and I am now in a foul mood.

PMT doesn't help and neither does Son No2 who is aggressive and crabby and winding up littl'un

Will hopefull feel better later.

Woke up this morning,
Outside it was wet,
trod in some dog poo,
my sock is a mess.

As I moved on further
My mind was not there
I squished a poor snail
but what did I care

To be sung to some blues music.
Feel free to add to it

Woke up this morning,
Outside it was wet,
trod in some dog poo,
my sock is a mess.

To be sung to some blues music.

Feel free to continue it

Went to visit a friend yesterday who had a baby girl just before Christmas. She now has two children. Her othe daughter is 2 and a half. My friend has been suffering the baby blues but is feeling OK now.
last night I helped a friend pack up his bookshop which was closing. Quite depressing. They were all old books that no one wants. He is going to put them in storage and eventually sell them elsewhere.

I got two fruit trays worth of sci fi and fantasy and another load of books on various subjects. I will be putting most in the loft for now. Now I have space

Got a lot done yesterday. Today its sorting through the pile of boxes from the loft.

Weather generally windy here today, abut not wet. So the dog is going to get a long walk.

Went to visit a friend yesterday who had a baby girl just before Christmas. She now has two children. Her othe daughter is 2 and a half. My friend has been suffering the baby blues but is feeling OK now.
last night I helped a friend pack up his bookshop which was closing. Quite depressing. They were all old books that no one wants. He is going to put them in storage and eventually sell them elsewhere.

I got two fruit trays worth of sci fi and fantasy and another load of books on various subjects. I will be putting most in the loft for now. Now I have space

Got a lot done yesterday. Today its sorting through the pile of boxes from the loft.

Weather generally windy here today, abut not wet. So the dog is going to get a long walk.

Had a rocky start to my weight loss attempts on Friday due to birthday cake an wine, but have manageed to stick within my points allowance (just) and do a bit of excercise. This means dog walking more and generally getting off my butt. I watched an awful lot of TV over the last month and feel I wasted so much time. At the same time I think I needed some down time.

Otherwise the start to the year has been fair and I am looking forward to the spring, although it feels like it is spring at the moment.

One of my projects last year was to clear the house I had left the loft until winter as it gets hot. So yesterday was L day. I went from one end to the other in three hours chucking out at least 20 empty boxes fo everything from vacuum cleaners to computers and loads of bed stuff, quilt and general detritus. One of my area if weakness is paper. I have all my bank statements from 1980 onwards, letters, reeipts,old school reports divorce papers. Maybe I should pass them all on to a museum. Also found were a car seat and high chair, buggy and cot. All the boys school stuff from when they came to live with me nearly 12 years ago. I am going to phtograph some of the art work and then chuck the lot.

I am going to sift through and keep whatever I need to write my biography, which I started last week, and have a bonfire with the rest.

SO thats me busy for the next week.

Well maybe I won't go that far, but having a relax before bed watching our feathered friend eating breakfast of my bird table. I don't know who said sparrows were getting rare 'cos my garden is full of them.
Boris the pidgeon hasn't been down yet. i fooled him by putting food out early. I thought it was the sqirls eating all the peanuts 'til I watched him stuff his fat face y