The mystery of the disappearing shopping list.

Today we drove to Naracoorte to do some shopping and so Neville could do some jobs at the farm. My cleaning lass came this morning, and we left soon after she had finished. I had some errands to do in the town, so did not go directly to the super market. We were originaly going to do this tomorrow, but, as it will be New Years' Day, there would not be any shops open, other than the super market.
I picked up one of my laybys, and am listening to the CDs now Who is on them, who else but Andre, of course. They are some of his very early recordings. I think they have doubled up with some of the tunes, but I do not care.
The son of the lady in the music shop came in while I was paying for my CDs, and he brought his mum a chicken and leek pie from the cafe nearby. It smelled so good, I went and bought one plus a cappuccino. Very nice.
I dropped a film in to be put on a disc, and I have just realized I forgot to pick it up. Darn it. .I then looked around for clothes for my grand daughter, but found none. I then checked out prices of digital cameras.The one I like is a tad expensive at over $300.00! I will need to save up for it.
I then went to do the grocery shopping, and this is where the mystery took place. When one enters the super market, one walks into the baked goods section. I wanted some cheap bread for Neville for when he goes to the farm. They had some in the catalogue. 2 for $4.00. It was nowhere to be found. I KNOW I had my shopping list in my hand at this juncture. As I could not find the bread, I walked to the info desk and asked for a specials leaflet. I walked straight back to the bread etc. I found some Home Brand bread that was cheaper, and then I went to take out my list, and the darn thing had vanished!! I retraced my steps and looked through ALL my shopping bags about three times. Nada!!I looked in my handbag, Nada. I even asked people if they had seen it. Still nothing. One woman shopper said she had not seen it, and I would probably find it when I got home! I told her again, I had had it in the shop. She reitierated, that I would find it when I got home. I am abslutely stunned that people do not listen. The young check out girls are just as bad. I have not the foggiest notion where the thing could have gone.
When Neville came for me, I was reading a magazine. We went to ask for our goods, and the woman there did not listen either.While he was waiting for them, I went to the cafe and bought a drink and some Sushi. They have only just started to make it, and it is very good.
We went to the service station and filled the car and then I asked him to call in to the furniture shop as I wanted to check out single beds and mattresses. I had promised my daughter some time ago, that I would buy her one for her daughter.
I have put one on layby. It is a tubular steel one painted white. It is a bit fancier than the ones the boys have, but it is for a girl after all. That done, we came home.

Christmas 2008

Greetings to all who celebrate this Holy Day. May God bless you mightily out of the abundance of His bounteous love and mercy and peace. May He prosper you always.
I am never sure what this day will bring each year. As our son and his family live in Perth, W.A., we have only spent one Christmas with them, and that was ten years ago before their son was born, in Perth.
As there have been certain misunderstandings in the clan, we were not able to spend any time with our daughter and her family today. We circumvented that problem yesterday. Our daughter brought the children down so we could have Christmas with them and give them their gifts. It was lovely to see the joy and pleasure on the children's faces as they opened their gifts. The boys were thrilled with their gifts. We gave Lachlan Junior Scrabble, and he was delighted. We gave Riley a large Cars McQueen car. We gave Willow, somewhat predictably, a doll. This one laughs, cries and other things, when her tummy is pressed. Willow immediately started to take it's clothes off! Willow is only 21 months old. There was a jigsaw colouring book for Riley, and some chocolates. For Lachlan, a sticker book and chocolates. We gave Willow a little book about fish, with thick cardboard pages and on the spine was a clear plastic 'aquarium' with moving fish in sparkly gel and water. She also received chocolates which no doubt her mother has confiscated to dole out at her discretion!
After they had opend their presents, we adjourned to the town, and Deb did some shopping and I took the boys to the cafe and we had milkshakes. They had very blue, Blueberry ones, and I had chocolate. We met my friend Sue and an elderly lady who has coffee there regularly. I introduced the boys to Mrs. King,(Ailsa) and they were very polite and respectfull. After we had finished our milkshakes, we went to the play ground for a while. I took some photos, and pushed Riley on the swing. He then discovered he had broken his sun glasses. We walked to the elcheapo shop, so I could buy him some new ones. To make all things equal, I bought Lachlan a truck and a bag of lollies each.I think they have done very well this year, judging by what they said they got today.
On Tuesday evening, we visited my brother and I took his gift and a huge box of chocs up. I invited him, yet again, to have lunch with us today. He was, as usual, a no show. He did not bother to let me know he would not be coming. That is par for the course with him. I hope he enjoys the book I gave him.
My darling daughter gave me a wonderful four place setting, dinner set. It has strawberries and chocolates around the edge of it. It is very novel and I love it. We used it today.I was a bit cross with her, (not really) as I had told her that the only gift I wanted today, she had already given me. A few weeks ago, she came and cleaned and tidied my pantry. That was all I wanted.
I cooked roast chicken, something that is supposed to pass for turkey breast, roast potatoes, carrotts, parsnips, brussels sprouts and green beans with slivered almonds, and gravy. We had chocolate self suacing pudding and icecream. We toasted each other with orange juice, and I prayed for peace, harmony and family unity for next year
This is the first Christmas Neville and I have had on our own for 36 years. It has been quite peaceful, if a little lonely and sad. It is the first Christmas without my beloved mother, and my little puddytat. All in all, we have much to be thankful for, as we are better off than a lot of others.

Christmas down the toilet? I hope not!

After many, many years of moaning, complaining and whinging, by yours truly, we finally have a new toilet cistern and seat. The seat was not important, but came as part of the package.
The old one had been driving me demented, as it would not flush properly, and I had to tip a bucket of water down it each time. Grrrr!
It is an ecologically designed system, and has two buttons. The old one had been here for 32 years.
We bought it at Bunnings on Monday, and you should have heard the shenanegans the sales man and The Man About The House carried on with!! They were trying to outdo each other on whether this one would fit or not. The sales man was a bit arrogant, as he had no idea what our old cistern looked like, and therefore could not know if it would fit. He assured us there would be no dramas, even after I told him how old it was. He said he had fitted one in his house and it is over 100years old. Big deal!
I just hope that The Man About The House is not thinking of fobbing me off with this as my Christmas present. The proverbial will hit the fan if he tries!!
Watch this space.

Useless inventions.

I have stated in a recent posting that I attended Andre Rieu's concert in Adelaide last week. I took my non digital camera with me, but left it in my new friend's car. We were unable to retrieve it when we went over for the concert, as we traveled on hired buses, and there was no time.
I was kicking myself, as I thought I would not be able to take any pictures. However, after intermission, I remembered my mobile phone has a camera in it. Saved by the bell, or so I thought.
I was only able to take a few pics and then it said my memory was full.
I thought it would be a 'snap' to download them onto my computer hard drive. Therein lies the dilemma. Firstly, I do not have a USB cable for the phone. Secondly, there is no memory chip either. When I went to the electrical shop this morning to see about purchasing a USB cable, I was informed that I could not retrieve my pics at all. The only way to empty the memory, is to delete the pics.
As you can imagine, dear reader, I was not impressed! As I said to the young man in the shop, "What a useless invention. Fancy making a phone with a camera in it that you can't download pictures from to keep them." He heartily agreed, and said there are camera phones now that have rectified the problem.This of course is cold comfort to me.
My friend is going to see if she can retrieve them somehow, as she has the same carrier, and is going to swap the SIM cards over and see if that works.

'Hot' Porridge.

Last Thursday morning, my daughter came and tidied my pantry for me. I had recently received my Christmas food hampers, and needed the pantry seen to and old stock disposed of. While she was doing this, I cleaned the top of the wall oven cupboard, which meant the herbs and spices were rearranged.
One of the hampers I bought contained an electric pancake maker. I used it for the first time last night. I put caster sugar and cinnamon on my pancakes. I left the cinnamon on the bench, instead of putting it back on the oven cupboard.
This morning when I arose and went into the kitchen, The Man About The House was in the process of making his porridge, and said to me, "The first lot was no good as I put that chilli powder on instead of the cinnamon, which is here." Oooops! My husband is a Diabetic and we read somewhere that cinnamon is good for keeping his blood glucose levels down. I think he would need to consume a great deal of it to have much effect, but if he is happy, why disabuse him?
I have no idea why I had a jar of chilli powder, as neither of us like spicy food. I must have mistakenly thought it was cinnamon, as they were probably close together and my eyesight is not good. The chilli was thrown in the bin.

Letter to Andre Rieu VIII

Dear Andre,

Well, you would have to be blind, deaf or worse, to not be aware of your presence in Australia. There have been more than enough knockers who call themselves journalists, passing judgment on you, and your particular kind of music and your presentation of it. If I hear or read the phrase, King of Schmaltz one more time I will SCREAM! If these opinionated deadbeats, who have probably never been to any classical music concert, don't like this kind of music, then no-one is holding a gun to their heads and making them listen to it. If they criticize you for your appearance, your hair, your type of music, or anything else, it just proves they are extremely narrow minded and would only be happy if they were pulling someone to pieces. They also probably have no finesse or refinement about them. They more than likely listen to what I term, head banging noise. Heavy Metal, hard rock etc.
I was fortunate to be able to attend your concert in Adelaide on Tuesday the 18th. I was not expecting to be able to attend any of your concerts, but, I have a very generous son, who loves his Ma very much, and I am very fortunate indeed to have such a son, and will be eternally grateful for that fact. He very kindly offered to make this particular dream come true.
When I bought the ticket over the phone, I was told I would be approximately 13 rows back from the front. It turned out I was right down the front and to the left of the stage facing it, and was able to see the big screens and did not miss very much at all.( I only mention this fact as I am nearly blind and did not think I would see much.)
The ice skaters were superb! They are very graceful and not a stumble or hesitation anywhere. Likewise the Debutauntes and the ballet. Wonderful.
It was a great shame that the ticket sales were so poor, but, you all gave your all as I expected you would, even though you would have been very disappointed about that, I think you would do that even if there were only a dozen or so people you were playing to. I hope the enthusiasm of the crowd(?) made up for that in a small way. Thank you for your professionalism and verve. Your humour and wry sense of fun.( No beer or wine in Adelaide!! Who had you been talking to, I wonder?)
The highlight of the evening for me, was when I walked to the stage near the end of the concert, and was looking up at you, and grinning like a Cheshire cat, and you bent down slightly and smiled at me, and I blew you a kiss. Thank you sooo much you lovely man.
I am sorry that Marjorie was unable to acompany you out here. I am sure she would have enjoyed the experience had she been able to come.
Best wishes to you all,
With affection,
Susan.

Letter to Andre Rieu VII

Dear Andre,

I read yesterday that you are copping some flack from a German baritone, Thomas Quasthoff by name, for playing your very valuable Stradivarius violin at your concerts. He is of the opinion that Senor Stradivari 'would be spinning in his grave', and you should play on a cheaper violin.
Now, several things come to mind in relation to this, it is nobody's business but yours what violin you play, so long as it produces the sound you require and like. if you got the required sound from a plastic one, it is still only your business. Because I think you play the Stradivarius so brilliantly, you could probably obtain a reasonable sound from a plastic one!
You have worked so hard to be where you are today, you deserve to play on the best one you can afford. Stradivari or any other brand, no-one has the right to dictate to you on anything pertaining to your instrument?
I think Herr Quasthoff should stick to what he knows and does best, and let you do likewise.
I would just like to say I have recently finished reading, Andre Rieu, My Music, My Life. How it all began. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is beautifully written and a very easy read. It is informative and entertaining. I felt as though you and Marjorie were sitting next to me and telling me all about your trials, etc, as friends do over coffee or such. Thank you both very much.
I would like to wish you all the best for your upcoming tour of Australia, and if there are DVDs you can bet your bottom dollar I will buy them!

Letter to Andre Rieu VI

Dear Andre,

Well, I guess you are in full swing getting ready for your concerts in OZ.
I hope you had a very happy birthday recently, and were able to spend it with your family.
I was horrified to be informed today, that you no longer shake hands with your fans as one got too enthusiastic and caused tendon strain in your hand. You have got to wonder about the intelligence and thoughtfulness of some people. I know it is one of the hazards of fame, but, really!
You would think that as you make your living with your hands, if they are damaged it throws all your schedules out of kilter. Not to mention the frustration, pain and inconvenience. I do not shake hands anymore either, but that is because I have Arthritis and I have also found people don't stop and think.
I hope all goes well Down Under. Best wishes to you all, and Marjorie.
With affection,
Susan

'nother one!

Senior moment that is. Yesterday, I was waiting for the delivery of a door, and, as I had no idea when it would come, I postponed having my breakfast. I HATE soggy cereal.
I was obviously distracted by something, because, when I was making myself a coffee later in the morning, I could not find the milk. I knew the carton was nearly full, and there was no evidence of it being put out to be recycled. I hunted high and low. Nothing.
Then it struck me, I might have put it in the pantry instead of the cereal. Voila! There it was.
Oldtimers has struck again.

Some People!!

This week we traveled to Adelaide to buy a new security screen door. We had seen an advert in the TV guide, and I checked it out on the Net. They are very cunning, as there are no prices on their web page. We finally found the store, and went in to ascertain prices. We saw one door which looked very nice. Just plain steel mesh and no filagree steel at all. We were thunderstruck when the sales assistant told us it would cost, wait for it, over $800.00!! She also offered to send one of the reps to do a measure and quote. I told her that would not be possible as we are from the country. I galls me that city people never consider that we rustics do go to the city on occasion to buy things. Not everybody they serve lives in the city.
We asked about other doors and were equally horrified by the prices. These doors are made on the premises too. The sales assistant told us the same doors would cost as much at Bunnings, ( major hardware chain) so, we decided to test that theory.
We drove halfway across the city to Bunnings and were pleasantly surprised to find a screen door that is also a security door, for just under $130.00
So much for her scare tactics.
There was a dearth of staff at Bunnings and it took a while to get served. I stood at the Trade desk for at least five minutes, with people serving and doing work on computers in front of me, before one of them decided to ask me if I was being served. That galls me too, when it is patently obvious I am not.I wished to find out how much it would cost to have the door delivered before we bought it.This took many phone calls before we were quoted a price.
Finally, a nice chap came and saw to our needs, re the door. Then we had to buy it and get the paper work done for the delivery. We were told that it could be delivered that day. I said no, we would not be home till late that night, so it was arranged for Tuesday.
Tuesday morning, just before lunch, there was no sign of it, so I rang the courier company.
The woman I spoke to sounded as though she would prefer to be anywhere but at work, as she gave the distinct impression life was too hard and everybody but her, is a moron.
She told me in a very pained voice, "I told that stupid girl, the door would be picked up Tuesday, and delivered Wednesday." She said I had better ring the chap who handles the deliveries this end. I asked for his phone number, and that was a huge effort for her too.
The thing that gets me is, we are supposed to be mind readers, and because we are not, some of these people think we are Hay Seeds, and not worthy of their time and expertise.If everything is such an effort for her, why doesn't she get an easier job? For instance, a millionaire's wife and she would have servants to do everything for her.
The door was duly delivered Wednesday and $20.00 less than we were quoted. Nice!

Wedding Anniversaries.

Wedding anniversaries are funny things, you either celebrate them with gusto and much sentiment, or, you hope they will fade into the mists of time and no-one will acknowledge them. It all depends of course on what sort of relationship you have with your spouse, and whether or not you had a row etc, the night before.
We have mostly not enjoyed ours, as for some strange reason, my spouse is always grumpy that day. There have only been two or three anniversaries which I have enjoyed because he was in a good mood. Today was one of them.There never have been flowers or any kind of gift. On rare occasions he has treated me to a meal at the pub, but they were usually eaten in stony silence and therefore not a happy occurrence. I have asked him many times if he regrets marrying me. He has always said no.
Though he remembered without prompting this morning , and has been in a good mood, nothing special took place. No meal out, no flowers, no card, etc.
I wonder, and will probably wonder many times in the next year, if next year will be different. It will, after all, be our Ruby wedding. (40th) I am NOT holding my breath.
It is also our son and daughter-in-law's eleventh anniversary today. He has his mother's personality and is much better at this kind of thing. His wife does not know how lucky she is.

Just as well he isn't a Barber!!

The Man About the House has got the renovation 'bug'. We have a verandah that has green shade cloth on it, and it has been looking very sad for quite some time now. It has come away from the facia boards and needed seeing to. Yesterday, he started painting the facia boards. There is just one small problem. I have Ivy growing up on one end of the verandah and it was covering the facia board. The boards need to be painted so as to prevent further deterioration, and they all need to be done at the same time. I have been loath to let his loose with the clippers, as he HATES my plants with a passion, and decimates them, without so much as a tiny regret.
I was therefore in a no win situation, and had to agree to let him trim the Ivy.
I was not at all surprised when I saw the results of his handy work! There is not much of the Ivy left, but that is just what I expected.
It did need trimming but, NOT hacking!There was of course, no point in kicking up a fuss. As this is what he does to plants, it is just as well he is not a barber.

Finances, what finances?

i do not pretend to know anything about fiscal matters, apart from the fact mine are in short supply. Still, I have enough to pay my way.
I have for many years had a credit card for use with my Myer/Ezybuy account. I have not bought anything for ages because,a: I do not need anything, b: their prices are out of my budget reach.
The company that redeems their debts is well known and I have been told to be careful where they are concerned.
This morning, I received a phone call from said finance company, asking if I remembered receiving the letter that was sent to me recently. I said I did. The young woman then asked if there was anything she could help me with. I asked for more particulars, and she mentioned their Personal Loans. I told her that as I am on a pension, there is no likelihood I could afford one even if I wanted one. She thanked me for my time and hung up.
I know that things in the money market are a bit iffy of late, but is it necessary to tout for business like this?

That's an idea, why not ask THEM!

This morning, while watching Sunrise, my husband noticed on the ticker tape going across the bottom of the screen, that there is a Japanese man who claims he can talk to whales.
The Man About the House made a brilliant observation when he said, "If he can talk to whales, why doesn't he ask them if they like being hunted and killed?"
I am sure if he did, the answer would be a resounding NO!

Confusion reigns, or, just another 'senior' moment?

It is not to be wondered at if people get confused with anything to do with me and my mate Sue and our spouses. The trouble lies in the fact both husbands are called Neville, and Sue is Suzanne, and I am Susan. There is a third couple in the district with the same names.
Sue and her son had to journey to Naracoorte today for medical reasons. My Neville took the opportunity to drive the tractor back to the farm, and get a lift back with them today, as it was a lovely fine day.
Now, as I have recently reported in this space, my spouse is not at all technologically minded, and it has taken years to get him to have a mobile phone, which he STILL leaves home when he goes out or to the farm.
He nearly did it again this morning but I made sure he had it with him, as Sue needed to ring him to know where and when to pick him up. Actually, her son was driving as Sue has a broken wrist.
This is where the confusion comes in to play. She told me with much hilarity when they arrived here, that she had tried to ring him and he would not answer. She knew about my anxiety on Monday, and naturally wondered if he HAD forgotten it.
She was most surprised when her Neville rang and asked why she had been calling him. Sue hotly denied it but he said he had two missed calls from her. Then the 'penny dropped', and she realized she had been ringing the wrong Neville!!! And she does not have defective eyesight like me, either! Tch, tch, tch. I dunno.

I thought, 'I'm gonna die!'

We traveled to Naracoorte today. Not our usual shopping day, but Neville had a second dental appointment, and as it was with the school dentist, they only do health card holders on Mondays. I got him to drop me off in town as I had some other errands to do before I did the shopping. Neville had to go to the farm and round up the sheep so he could drench them after he had been to the dentist. I did not fancy sitting around in the car for hours.
I got to the super market by 11.30 am and was finished by 12.30. I thought he said he would be back in town by then. I sat waiting with the groceries for 2 hours. I decided to have something for lunch at 1pm, and started to think by 2pm that he had gone home and forgotten about me. I tried ringing his mobile, as, once again he had left it home! I thought, 'If he answers, he is dead!.' He finally arrived at 3pm.
I said I had to return to Target to finish an errand for our daughter. I also had to go back to the music shop so I could speak to the proprietor about some items she was ordering for me.
I walked to the end of the street so as to meet Neville, and, I looked for traffic coming around the corner, nothing. Then, as I got to the middle of the road, a medium sized truck came barreling around the corner and I had to jump back to the other side, as there was no way I could have made it in front of him. That is when I momentarily thought it was 'curtains' for me. Steaming great pillock!!!

The Mystery of the Disappearing Egg Lifter.

I have no doubt this is not of the calibre for 'the little grey cells' of Hercule Poirot, but , it is a mystery nonetheless.
I have this 'good fairy' who washes the dishes, but, he has an annoying habit of putting the utensils in the WRONG place. I have not been able to prevail upon him to change his bad habits, either.
He just gets grumpy and 'spits the dummy'.
This week, the egg lifter has vanished without a trace. We have a plastic one for use with Teflon coated pans, but this is the steel one. He usually leaves the utensils on the bench so as to avoid my wrath, but the egg lifter has apparently grown legs and walked!
I have even looked in the frying pan in the cupboard, nada!
I daresay it will turn up when I am not looking for it as most things seem to.
Watch this space.

Attack of the Killer Spiders.

A week ago, my mate Sue,fell and broke her wrist. As she has a husband who is legally blind, she has to do the driving. She can't do that for at least six weeks, so, he son is supposed to. He does not surface until midday most days, so there is a problem.
He was supposed to drive us down town yesterday for our coffee morning. Sue could not budge him, and rang me at 10 am to say she would come if and when he 'rose from the ashes', so to speak.
As Neville had come home early from the farm, I suggested we pick her up. Sue was surprised to hear he was home. He was about to have his 'elevenses', so I said I would ring once on the mobile to let her know when we were coming.
We duly picked her up and I had to 'belt her up' and we got Neville to drop us off down town. I got out of the car and put my hand on the top of the door to close it and something tickled me. I looked and let out a scream. Not too loud you understand, as I did not want to frighten anyone. There was a Huntsman spider on the door.
I am PHOBIC about spiders, and was therefore not at all pleased. I knocked it off with my hand bag, and killed it. I probably could have let it go, but, Sue is just a phobic about them as I, and was NOT getting out of the car until she knew it was dead. It certainly got my pulse rate up, I can tell you. Yuk!

Dopplegangers.

It has been said many times, that we each have a double. I have yet to meet mine, and feel exceedingly sorry for her, whoever she is.
Last Monday we were in Naracoorte as The Man About the House had a dental appointment.
Our daughter and her husband and little girl were there as well.
I did not expect to see her because of the nature of her business.
We were sitting in the car, waiting for her to call me, when a car pulled up along side us. Now, I have mentioned before that I have very poor eyesight, but my husband does not. When the car pulled in next to us, he said, "Look, here she is now." I was about to step out of the car to speak to her, and was surprised when the young woman ignored me and went down the nearby alleyway.
Then we laughed with relief that I had not made a faus pas.Phew!!
The girl was a 'dead ringer' for our daughter. You would think that her father would recognize his own daughter. Hmm!

Not as 'dippy' as I thought!!

Well, folks, I was getting concerned that I was having too many 'senior moments' of late, but my husband takes the cake on that score!
He has gone to the farm which is 80Kms from here. He is a diabetic and normally takes his glucometer with him. Last night, I charged his mobile phone up so that if , I needed to call him today or tomorrow, I could do so.
He has a shoe box and an icecream container next to his arm chair with his tablets and the glucometer in them. I asked him this morning which one he would be taking with him so I could make sure he took the phone with him. He told me which one so, I duly put the phone in it.
I have just picked up the mail and needed to speak to him about it, so, I rang his number.
I got the shock of my life when I heard his phone ringing in the lounge room!!!
It would appear I have nothing to worry about, as he forgot to take his tablets AND the glucometer AND the phone!!!
Not happy, Jan!!!

Miss Bossy Boots

Yesterday, I went with my daughter and her litte girl when she did her grocery shopping. I have not had as much interaction with Willow as with her big broters,and she does not know me well. Willow has been unwell of late and was not at her happiest.
We were next to the meat fridge and I put my hand on Deb's trolley. Willow took great exception to that and growled and frowned at me. ('Get your hand off my Mum's trolley, at once!' ) Maybe she was saying I was getting too close, I dunno. I just thought it very funny.

Daylight Saving. Bah, Humbug!

I have never been a supporter of this inovation, and am dismayed to read in the daily press yesterday, we are to have it for longer this time round. I read it will start on October 5th, and end on April 5th. I may be being narrow minded but, Summer in this country is from Dec1 to February 28th . It will not be of any advantage to extend it beyond the end of March, which in my opinion, is too long anyway. It is not natural.
I have no objection to people having fun after a hard week's work, but this is ridiculous!
There was a survey on the internet asking what people thought about the extension of daylight saving, and the majority said it was great, would make Summer more fun.
The point is, it will be half way through Autumn when it is finished. I can't see how it will be cost effective, as people will be getting up in the dark and having to use more electricity for longer.
It is not going to help the environment either because of that.

Believe it or not.....

Yesterday, we had occasion to go down town on some errands. Neville drove me to one of the electrical stores. There is a clear view of the police station from it's location. He observed a police vehicle drive down the main street from the station. Nothing untoward about that, except, there is a STOP sign on that side of the street, as there is on the opposite side. He observed the police vehicle drive straight through without stopping.
Later, we were looking for a parking spot further down the street. Funnily enough, he found one, right behind said police vehicle. As he was trying to back in to it, the woman in the car behind him pulled out and got stuck because she can not drive properly. She did not drive her car out at the correct angle and was too close to ours. She then proceeded to blast us on her horn. Neville was waiting for her to move off, but she kept honking. Then she could not move off as a car was coming from each direction on the street. Eventually, she pulled out and drove off. All the while this was taking place, the police officer who had ignored the stop sign at the other end of the street, was watching the proceedings. The irony is not lost on me. When Neville was finally able to back in, another woman on the pavement was 'directing' him in!!He was not impressed.

Letter to Andre Rieu. V

Dear Andre,

I just thought I would drop you a line again, as it has been a few weeks since I last wrote.
I have been enjoying some of you latest CDs, namely:- Andre's Marches. I love marches as they stir the blood and lift the spirits Love Letters, Happiness, Andre's Seasons, Around the World, & Farewell. I have three others of these new releases on order.
Once again you have excelled in you choices of music and the playing of them. Thank you.
There are many of my favorites from all time and your concerts.
I love the DVD of Gala Concert. It is the only one I have seen where you sit out for a couple of numbers. A very rare occurrance for you.
There have been some musicians heaping coals on your head of late, but, it is just sour grapes in my opinion. You have been referred to as 'a crossover musician', whatever that means.
I know you will not care a jot about these vinegary people, and continue to do what you do so well. For that I am ever grateful.
It is not long now and you will all be in
Australia for the first time to give concerts. I hope you all, including Marjorie, have a fabulous time.
With affection,
Susan.
P.S. I have been wondering if you wear contact lenses when you are on stage, as you wear spectacles when you are rehearsing etc?

Smiley Riley. Funny kid.

Yesterday, I was talking to my daughter on the mobile, (cell phone) and she said her eldest wished to speak to me. She gave him the phone, but he is not the best of speakers, and it was hard to have a conversation with him as I had to ask questions so he could answer them. She then said Riley wished to speak to me. He is a bright little sprite and not lost for words at any time. He has a grin fixed permanently on his face.
Riley said, "Hullo, Nanna. (ooh I hate being called that but they have always done it because their father won't listen when I protest.) He then said, "Thank you for the Shrek stuff, Nanna." I said that was a pleasure, and I would be buying more of it soon. I told him it comes on sale once a fortnight. I explained that is every second week. He said, "Every second week. I'll ask Mum." He duly asked his mother, and she confirmed what I said. He came back and said, "Yes, that is right , Nanna, every two weeks." I fell about laughing, he is such a trick. I love that boy, I just love him!
The Shrek stuff is an activity book and stickers etc the children can collect and enjoy.

A little bit of fat can cause big problems, if you let it!

Last night, I cooked a roast. I usually start them off by putting a little bit of water in the pan. This renders the fat out and means the meat is not drowned in it.
I have not been functioning too well in the brains department at times of late, as I am still trying to come to terms with the death of my mother. I can only offer that fact as an excuse for what I did last night. I removed the lid of the roasting pan and let it crisp up the meat, as it would otherwise have been 'stewed'. I later took the meat out and , wait for it, tipped the liquid down the sink!!! I then returned the meat to finish cooking.
This morning, the Man About the House was getting ready to wash the dishes, something he has done for some time, as I can not stand for long because of my bad back. I was in the sitting room, doing the crosswords, and heard him splashing water. I asked him what he was doing, and he said, in a very grouchy manner, "I am getting the water out of the sink so I can unblock it. It is not a good idea to pour fat down the sink!" OOOPS!!!
You would have thought it was the worst crime in all creation from his tone of voice. He is sulking too. Can't stand bullies. I am usually very careful NOT to do that, but hey, I am only human. It is the FIRST time he has had to unblock the sink in the nearly thirty two years we have lived here.There was not a lot of fat, but it would appear it does not need much to block the pipes.

Letter to Andre Rieu IV

Dear Andre,

Hullo again.
This will be short and to the point.
I am very sad this week, as my mother has died, I am able to derive great comfort from watching one or other of your DVDs when ever I feel particularly vulnerable. I particularly love your Gala Performance, as I love the Tirol Rock, and the antics you fellows get up to while you waited for the ladies to return after doing The Clog Dance. The ladies do the Tirol Rock so well and it always brings a smile to my face. Thank you once again for all the joy and pleasure you bring to those of us who love you.
God Bless.
With affection,
Susan.

Mum/Kate/Grandma.

It is with deep sadness I 'put pen to paper' and write this posting.
Although it is part of the cycle of life, none of us relish the task of realizing that our parents have died. I have heard it said, one never fully comes to terms with not having someone like a parent to turn to for advice. This however, is the case for me and my family this week.
Our mother. mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma, died on Wednesday morning. She had had a stroke in October last year, and recently had been rapidly declining.It is a blessed release for her, and no one would wish her to be kept alive by artificial means. She certainly did not want that.
Mum was a brilliant academic/scholar, and had several degrees. She was also a teacher. She started training as a Primary school teacher when her youngest child started school. She did it all by correspondence while looking after a family and helping on the farm.
She was transferred to Bordertown Primary School, where she taught for many years. She had resigned from teaching when she was approached to fill in at the local high school a few times. The Principal obviously realized she had great talent, and she finished up teaching full time at the high school. This led to her needing extra qualifications, and she started a Bachelor of Arts degree, again by correspondence, while still looking after a family and the farm with Dad.
She and her youngest child moved to Adelaide in 1970 and mum taught part time and finished her degree with part time study at Uni.
Mum had served in the W.R.A.A.F during the second world war, as a stenogropher and radar operator.
I was reminded today by my mother's youngest sister, (not that I needed reminding) just how kind and generous Mum & Dad were. They would always help others worse off than themselves, even though they had very little money. Mum used to buy clothes and shoes for the poorer children. I suppose that was when she was teaching, I am not sure, but it did jog my memory. They frequently put a box of groceries together for some poor creature, out of their own larder. We kids never felt deprived and would never think to complain. We would have been scolded sverely if we had.
Mum travelled extensively around the world, and was with one of the first groups of tourists who were allowed in to China. She had travelled around Europe and the UK. A lot of the time she travelled alone, something that makes people think twice these days. She had a blast.
She definately lived life to the full.
She had lots of friends and loved her family very much. We are going to miss her greatly. I certainly will miss our games of Scrabble, as I could beat her quite often. Not a small achievement given her vast vocabulary and understanding of words.
Rest in peace Darling Marmy.

Letter to Andre Rieu III

Dear Andre,

Hullo, again. I do not know why I persist in writing these letters. Maybe it is some kind of mild insanity, because, the likelihood of you ever reading them must be zilch, and the likelihood of me getting a response worse than 60 below zero. But 'never say die' is one of my mottos.
There are some things I would like to know, if you don't mind my asking.
a) As your family is Dutch, why have you all got french names, apart from your brother Robert?
b) You said once in an interview that you can be on stage for three to four hours. As the DVDs only have one and a half to two hours on them, what happens to the other footage? I know some of the presentations end up as bonus tracks, but that still does not account for that length of filming.
c) How much, if any, of the programmes are improvised? If none of them, then you are all very adept at making it look that way. It is all great fun.
d) I think you are a 'ratbag', and I mean that in the nicest possible way. In Australia a Ratbag, can be a devious, scheming person, or, someone with a wry sense of humour, who likes to have fun, but not at someone else's expense. You are the latter.
You have said on a DVD that you get very nervous before you go on stage, and wonder why you do it. Your nerves must disappear once you are on stage, as you thorourly enjoy yourself once there, and your introductions of the pieces are so professional. We who love you and your music, are very thankful for that fact.Bravo!
It is a great pity I will not be able to attend one of your concerts, as I am sure the atmosphere must be electric! I 'sing' and clap and smile and laugh as I watch your DVDs, and can almost believe I am actually there.
I have just bought a 4DVD set with the 2003 New Years Eve concert in Hanover.
I was thrilled to find one of my favourite clarinet pieces on it, played so skillfully by Manoe and the lovely 'chorus girl'. I am referring to Klarinettenmuckl. of course. I have loved that piece ever since I heard Acker Bilk play it.
I was also delighted to see for the first time, the girl band, Bond. They are gorgeous, sexy, talented young ladies. I just love the 'futuristic' looking instruments.
Thank you once again Andre, for all the wonderful music and fun.
May you continue to do it for as long as you enjoy it.
With affection,
Susan
X X X X

Another day shot to ....

There goes anothe day in my humdrum existence. Grocery shopping etc. I did some other shopping this time. Credit card is looking a bit sorry for itself, though not too much. I have needed a black blouse for ages, and I somehow lost one of my favourite nighties when I came home from hospital last year. I bought another one the same. I dunno where it could have gone as I was not in hospital long enough to require someone to do my washing. Ah, well, such is life.
My mate Sue came around last night as she had been to Naracoorte with her son. She was like a kid when they know or have something you don;t. You know the sort of thing. 'I know something you don't know'. She had bought a 4DVD set of Andre Rieu music and an interview with him. Now, I am what is colloquially known as an Andre 'tragic', and I did not think she was that enamoured.Sue was not brought up with classical music or any refinememts, so I am surprised she likes this music.Sue was like a kid whose birthday and Christmas had come together. It was very funny to see. She had some of the DVDs I was hoping to get, and she said there were only two left. Naturally, I was in like a shot first thing this morning and purchased a set. It turns out, this is a limited edition so I was lucky to get them. Sue is a real mate in things of this nature. If she knows I like something, she will let me know about it. If I can afford it, I will buy it.
We went to our favourite watering hole and had lunch as usual. Neville had Porterhouse steak, I had a large bowl of chicken and corn soup. It was quite nice except for the slight greasyness. It was only $3.00 cheaper than Neville's steak! I had a cup of tea as well. That certainly was NOT value for money. The cup was so small, and, at $3.50 not a lot of it. I thought they would have brought me a pot of tea.
I had been up before dawn this morning, and rang my sister in Britain. Consequently, I was tired and slept all the way home. Not very comfortable, and I woke up every time my mouth dropped open. Not a pretty sight I am sure.

Letter to Andre Rieu II

Dear Andre,

Hullo again.
I first wrote to you in May. I was warned you probably would not reply and, so far, that is the case. However, it is not going to dampen my enthusiasm for your music whether on DVD or CD, as I love watching your concerts. It is the only way I will ever be able to see them, as I have very poor eyesight and even if I were to get front row seats, I would still miss so much of what was happening on stage. This way, I can 'go to one of your concerts' any time I choose, and not miss a thing. I also have the amazing luxury of watching them over and over again. I get fresh enjoyment every time I watch them. If it is possible to wear out a DVD, I certainly will! I think my DVD laser will wear out first though. I am able to watch them on my computer LCD screen and using the head phones, I do not disturb my husband.
I was very pleased to read that Marjorie is coming with you to Australia. I know she is terrified of flying, so she obviously loves you very much to put her fears aside to do this for you. I hope she has a great time here.
I recently bought your CD set of The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies. I was thrilled to discover some of my particular favourites on there. Romance. (The Gadfly), The Swan, The Annen Polka, to name a few. There are plenty of 'real' classical pieces too, which prove that you are NOT wasting you training or talent. Enough for the purists to be going on with.
I watch one or other of your DVDs every day, if possible, and feel deprived if I can't. Thank you Andre and the JSO for all the wonderful music and funny antics which give so much pleasure to those of us who love you. I am starting to get to know the orchestra members by name because I look up everything I can about you all. I think Ruud Merx is a great chap. He is a brilliant trombonist and sooo funny. Keep up the good work, you all do a terrific job. I was sorry to read the Carla and Carmen are to leave soon. I will mis them.
Best of luck for your future, and safe travel,
With affection.
Susan.
X X X X X X

Nude Child 'Art'

There is a report in The Australian newspaper today, about the photo of a six year old girl on the cover of an art magazine. Some artist organization has said that KMart's catalogues are more offensive. They also said it is inapproriate for Kevin Rudd to comment. I presume they mean, on art. Kevin Rudd is a free agent, just like anyone else, and is therefore permitted to comment on what ever he so chooses. Kevin Rudd, as our leader, has the resposibility of the safeguarding of our children from any kind of exploitation. It is all very well for these people to critcize Kevin Rudd, but, why can't they be specific in the crticism of the KMart catalogues? What on earth can they find that is offensive in those?

Groovy Sunday.

The Man About the House had not been feeling too well on Thursday. He was giddy, and could not lift his head off the pillow. This is NOT like him, as he is one of the fittest O.A.Ps I know. He therefore, spent the day lying on his bed, and not eating or drinking much. I think he slept a fair bit too.
I asked him if he wanted to go to the doctor, but he said,"How would I get there?" Fair point, as I can't drive. I suggested calling an ambulance, as he could lie down in that. He declined that as well.
He was going to go to the farm that day. That had to be postponed until today.
I decided to go with him, not that I thought I would be of much help, all things considered. I was wrong as it turned out. I wanted to make sure if anything did go wrong with him I could call for help on my mobile phone. There would have been a problem getting the car and myself home in that eventuality though.
When we arrived at the farm, I drove the car, (not the Ford.) around the paddock and rounded up the few sheep in the front paddock. Now, I have stated before, I am legally blind, (in Australia this means the person has 10% or less vision)this however is no barrier to my driving on the farm. But be warned, unless you have strong nerves, don't come with me, as I will put my foot down if I have to to head the sheep off so they go where they are meant to. Stirling Moss eat your heart out!
We then drove into the back paddock, Neville driving, as this is the irrigation paddock, and I can not negotiate the check banks safely.
We were after the ewes and lambs, as Neville was going to tail the lambs and drench the ewes.
Usually, when you have to drive ewes and lambs, they scatter, and go in all directions. We were lucky today as they were not much trouble at all. I got out of the car a couple of times, to head them off I actually RAN a short distance. I have not been able to run for many, many years. I will not be doing that again, any time soon, as it will damage my knee, which has not completely healed yet.
Neville did not want me to get in the yard with the sheep, as he said they are feral, and would knock me over as quick as look at me. I had my best shoes on anyway. I will have to invest in a pair of Wellies.
He got the two tasks done by 1.30 pm. and we went in to town and bought petrol and a couple of things at Woolies, then came home.
I did enjoy my 'day out'

I don't believe you just said that!

This was one of those 'senior moments' we all have from time to time, and wonder how we could have been so silly.
Yesterday, I was doing the washing, when hubby said, " You're washing dirty clothes, aren't you? I had better put a couple of my hats out for you to wash." He immediately realized what he had said and said, "Well, I don't suppose you would be washing clean clothes, would you?"
I gave him the look that said, I don't believe you just said that. He just laughed.

And she isn't even blonde!

The Man About the House took me down town this morning, as I had to get a few things from the super market, I did not get yesterday, as I had forgotten my shopping list. I have not done that in ages. I must have a better memory than I thought, as there were only about six or seven items I had to buy today. When I got to the check out, the young woman picked up my green shopping bag and scanned it very closely. I could not work out what she was doing until she asked me if I had brought it with me. I said I had. Then the 'penny dropped'. As it is fairly new, she was looking for a bar code. The thing is, it is a Woolworths, the Fresh Food People bag, and I was in Foodland/IGA!!!
I dunno!!!

No pressure. Sure!

I have had no less than three phone calls from charities today.That is a record, as I usually only get one, when I do get them.
The first one, and the one I am writing about, was from a charity I used to support, but have not been able to for some time. They still send me the usual paraphernalia, which I think is a huge waste of time and resources. I also think it is bad business to ring people to tell them that they are going to receive a communication in the mail. The conversation went something like this,: Me. "Hullo". charity worker, "Could I speak to Susan please?" Me. "Susan who?" "Oh, she's not at home." "No. I said, Susan who?" "Susan Ham." "Speaking." "Oh, Susan, this is .... from .... I am ringing to thank you for your past generous support, and to tell you there is a letter on it's way to you, as we are supporting the relief effort for Burma. (Myanma)I informed the lady I was unable to help at this time, and she assured me, there was no pressure to send a donation. Yeah, right!
I have NEVER had a phone call to alert me to the fact a letter from any charity was on it's way to me before. I think this is a very bad use of their charity dollars, and an insult to all who donate for these appeals.
I had a chat to the third lady about the fact I had so many calls today, and she told me that they have to work much harder to raise funds, as the government did not give them anything in the budget. I said I thought it was obscene, as the Treasury is bursting at the seams with the surplus. With interest rates and every other commodity on the up, it is harder for us to make ends meet, and I for one, hate to turn these deserving causes down.

For Yu-Jin.

Hey Yu-Jin, how are you today? I am going to try to post a picture of some of the sheep and lambs on our farm. I have not done this on my own before so hope it works.
I believe it was a warm day over there, today. It is quite cool here. Grandpa will be warm, as he is cutting wood again.
See you soon.

Name sakes

Today, in our daily paper, there is a picture and short story, about a young female postie who is going to Beijing to help deliver mail to the athletes. I was surprised and delighted to see she has the same name as my mate Sue. And it is spelled the same. I thought, 'I am going to have some fun with Sue.'
When Sue arrived to take me out, I said to her, "You have been holding out on me."
She of course, had no idea what I meant. I thought I would be able to show her when we arrived at the coffee shop, as they usually have a copy of each day's paper. Not this morning. I had to let her in on the secret, and she played along with me. She said, "I have to have SOME secrets." Then she said, "You are forgetting the quiz we did yesterday. I said no flying." I said, "Are you going to swim, then?" She just laughed and said, "Oh, sure!"
I showed her the article when we went to the news agents. She was quite surprised to know there is another Sue M......
There is another lady in town now who has the same name as myself, though I have not met her. I know there are several others in this state alone. Never met them, either.

Letter to Andre Rieu.

Dear Andre,

I first became aware of your existence late last year, when I purchased your 'New York Memories' CD. I love some of the tracks on it, particularly, Pie Jesu and Yackety Sax. I will be honest, I was not immediately enamoured. I must say, although I did enjoy your rendition of The Music of the Night.
I was in my local Post Office a couple of weeks ago, is it only so short a time, and saw they had some of you DVDs for sale. I purchased your Live from Dublin, and watched it that day. I was instantly hooked! I purchased the only other one that was at the Post Office, The Flying Dutchman, and loved it too. I love the Dublin one so much, I have played it nearly every day since I bought it.
I have since acquired seven of your DVDs and was fortunate enough to be able to buy the last copy of New York Memories DVD. What a joy that is. It is so much better to be able to see what you did, and there is so much to see. The lovely young Saxophone player is brilliant! You and your orchestra obviously have a great time when you do these concerts, and I pray you will be able to do it for a long time yet.
Akim Camara is, as you say, adorable and a prodigious talent for one so young.
I intend to buy everything of yours, whether CDs or DVDs, that I can.
I have read recently there are some who think what you do is irrelevant and 'over the top' pure schmaltz and showmanship. That you are dishonouring your classical training. In other words, wasting your talent. What a load of garbage!
I have also read that the 'purists' think Johann Strauss was a light weight in the music genre.
Well, what a lot of snobby, stuck up stuffed shirts. I am a lover of music, that is, anything with melody and tunefulness. There is a lot of so called classical music I would not give you tuppence for. It is lots of clanging noise, and not worthy to be acknowledged as music. I could not possibly sit through an evening of such a racket. These people are of course, perfectly at liberty to 'enjoy' this kind of classical music. Why do they think it is necessary to criticize those of us who do not like it?
What you do is wonderful. You make people feel happy.You touch their very souls and, make some of us weep with the beauty of the melodies you play. I wept when I watched your Romance DVD, and you played the Nightingale Serenade. Don't ask me why, I just did.
I also laugh at the antics of members of the orchestra. They are so funny. I 'crack up' every time I watch the Dublin DVD, especially the poor lass running out of the theatre being chased by the fake bull. I am still not sure if that was a 'set up'. I love The Chianti Song, The Red Rose Cafe and the Marino Waltz.
My all time favourite though is, Carmen Monarcha's rendition of, O, Mio Babbino Caro. It has been a favourite of mine for over thirty years, and always moves me to tears, because it reminds me of my late father.
You said once in an interview, you had reached a place where you are happy in your skin, Bravo!
You are living your dream, and you are very fortunate to have such a wonderful wife, who supports you and who gives you the freedom to pursue it, even though it means lengthy
separations.
I firmly believe you are doing what you were put on this earth to do, Please keep doing just that and ignore the stuffed shirts and knockers. There are millions who love you for what you do.
God Bless you and your orchestra and the people behind the scenes,
With affection,
Susan.
X X X X X

Humans. We're funny/strange creatures.

I thought i would note down some of the odd things people have said to me, or I have seen them do.
Last week, an elderly couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I happened to walk down the street, something I have not been able to do for some time. I passed their house on the way home, and as the lady was in the front yard, I stopped to chat, and congratulate her on the occasion. I said it was a wonderful achievement, and wished them well. I then said,"1948 was a good year," and she said, "Was that the year you got married too?" I laughed and said, "No, that was the year I was born." She must have felt a bit silly for her faux pas, but we do these things and wonder at our stupidity.
This week I was in hospital overnight, as I had to have day surgery on Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock, the RN in the day surgery recovery room rang my husband to tell him I was ready to go home. An hour later he had still not arrived, so she rang him again. Five minutes later, Linda, the ward clerk brought him in to where I was waiting. He told me later that when he came to collect me the first time, he went into the ward where I had been, but of course I was not there. He then asked one of the nurses where I was. She said I was still in theatre, so he went home. The second time, a nurse asked if he was looking for Mrs. Plumb. He said "No, Ham." She said there was no-one there by that name. Linda must have happened along at this point, and brought him to me. When Linda rang the next day to see if I was OK, I told her about this, and she said they did have a patient called Mrs Plumb. I don't know the lady.
Yesterday, while I was doing my shopping, I was walking down an aisle, keeping to the left, as there was a young woman coming the other way, with a small child in the trolley. Next thing, and elderly woman came barreling down the aisle, head down and going full steam ahead. She never had any intention of stopping, so the young mum had to back pedal to avoid a collision.
As we passed each other, I pulled a face, and said, "Oh, excuuuse me!" She just laughed. When I told the check out operator, she said there is one old woman who rides a Gopher/motorised scooter through the forecourt and around the supermarket, at top speed, and is a bloody menace to everyone. She said if she hit someone, it could be very serious.
It appears thoughtlessness is not just the perogative of the young.

Question in need of an answer, or just a dumb question.

I had a filling done in February, when I went in for a check up, and possible clean. I was advised to take $100.00 with me, to cover the 'gap' payments of my health fund. The filling was not scheduled, but I understood the reason for the dentist deciding to do it there and then. It cost me $170.00, and I had to use some of my grocery money to make up the difference, as I only received $38.00 refund from my health fund. I told the dentist I had another tooth that had lost some of it's filling, and he said to make another appointment for that. I said I would, further down the track, when I had saved some money. I had a message on my answering machine a few weeks ago from the clinic, reminding me I needed to get the filling done. I tried to call back, but the line was busy.
I have just had a very 'bright' dental nurse ring me, to once again remind me about the filling. I told her I do not have the money, and, as it is not giving me any trouble, I would get back to her when I have got some money to spare. She said,"Alright, I will put it in the closed file, just so long as you remember it is there to be done."
Question in need of an answer:- as it is my tooth, am I likely to forget about it?

We'll all be old, one day.

After I finished the grocery shopping, we had a little time up our sleeves, before we went to the pub for lunch. We sat in the car for about 15 mins, then I asked the man about the house if he had tried the $2.00 shop in Naracoorte for the glasses the eye specialist had recommended. He said he didn't think he had, so he walked across to the shop to see if they had any. No luck. By this time, it was nearly 12 o'clock, so we drove around to have lunch. There were only four people in front of us waiting to order their meals. There were two women, one older and one about my age. The older lady was paying for her friend. She scrabbled around in her hand bag for about 5 mins, and I thought it was going to be a case of 'Oh, dear, I haven't got my purse.' She had one of those bags with umpteen inside pockets, and she went through them all at least three times. At one stage she pulled her wallet out, but continued to search the pockets for something. The lass on the till said she would serve us and give the lady more time to find what she was looking for. Then, Voila, she found what she had been looking for. It was a big handful of gold coins! I do not know if she was embarrassed for holding everybody up, but she did not offer any apology either. I felt sorry for her, as I thought she may have had some sort of memory loss, but no. Why she didn't just use some notes to pay for the meals, I do not know. She may not have had any.

The wheels grind sloooowly.

It is one of life's little irritations, but, government departments are never in a hurry to oblige us with what we require. I am referring to the massive procrastination of our local library staff in obtaining a car manual for me, so Neville could fix my side window. I inquired about the availability of one in January. After numerous inquiries, I finally got it last Friday, nearly four months after I first asked about it. Our local library did not have a copy on their shelves, and several others who did, were loath to lend it out outside their district.
I am pleased to say my window now works quite well, though I have to be careful when winding it up, as it is still a bit stiff. Neville had the inside of my door off again this morning, so he could fix the wing mirror which was very loose. That also is fixed. It would have been great if we could have had this done earlier, as it would have been nice to have been able to get some breeze in the hot weather.

Surprise visitors.

Yesterday, I was in the process of defrosting one of the freezers. I happened to be at the sink, when I noticed a lady outside. She looked at me and smiled and waved. I thought she was my friend Sue, then I realized she looked nothing like her. It dawned on me that she was my brother-in-law's lady, Margaret. I was surprised to see them, as I had not expected them to be in the vicinity this weekend. They had been to stay with his eldest son and his family. Peter usually lets us know when he will be in town. This was shortly after lunch. It was a pleasant surprise of course. They came in and we chatted for a while, then I asked them if they were in a hurry to get home. They said not, (Margaret mad a joke about her curfew being 10.30, but that is another story.) so I invited them to stay for tea. Now, they have only had one meal with us and it was an unqualified disaster.
I decided I could not go wrong with mornay and apple crumble. Wrong! I am still not au fey with the workings of my oven, and what temperature to set it at, so of course I burned the topping on the apple crumble. I was lucky enough to be able to scrape the burnt stuff off, and it did not taste burned, thankfully. Phew!!
After we had a cup of tea and a home made blueberry muffin, Peter and Margaret went to his daughter's place, but she was at work, so they did not stay long.
We filled in the time before tea chatting about all sorts. I was ready to dish up, and suddenly remembered I had not cooked any rice to go with the mornay. No problem, as it was only 5.30 anyway. We had tea, and they enjoyed it and said it was very nice.
I can't for the life of me understand why I make a cooking gaffe when they come for a meal, as I am quite a competent cook. Even great chefs, ( and I do not class myself as one,) have the odd disaster I guess.

Oh, Puleeeze!

Most of us expect and believe that when someone is in politics, they are supposedly wiser and more knowledgeable than the masses. They are also supposed/expected to be more mature as well. They are also expected to leave their egos at home when they are are commenting on things in the public arena.
I am of course referring to the hoo haa attributed to our Prime Minister's 'salute' to the American president. What a load of garbage! Brendan Nelson and Bob Brown need to get over themselves and grow up!! They also need to focus on really important issues, and not try to divert our attention away from their ineptitude, and get on with doing something useful and productive for this country. This petty bickering and back stabbing is not what is needed. I can not see the harm in what Kevin Rudd did. I would probably do they same thing if I met the president. He is after all, just a bloke, albeit a very powerful one.

My little puddytat.

I have a cat whose name is Eddie. She (yes, she) has been part of this household since Dec.1994, when she and her brother Tiger, came here with my daughter, when she moved back in after she broke up with her boyfriend, and she had nowhere else to go. Eddie was only two months old and so small she could fit in the palm of my hand, and my hands are not very big. I had no hand in naming Eddie, as she was my daughter's cat and she decided to name her Eddie. I did ask her why, and she said she had always wanted to have a female cat with a male name?? When my daughter found somewhere to live, Eddie had bonded so strongly to me, that I refused to let her go. Deb took Tiger though.
Eddie has enjoyed very good health and lots of love and care from me.
Four years ago she became very ill, and it took nearly two years to return her to health. She has been well ever since. But, last week she was off her tucker, and , as it was the Easter weekend, I had to wait until yesterday to get her to the vet. The vet checked her out and said she seemed OK,but took blood and had it tested. I got the results today. Eddie does not have cancer, but her Thyroid gland is way out of whack.The reading is very high. She must be feeling dreadful, but she looks alright.
I asked the vet what treatments were available and she said there were three options:- 1. we could take her to Melbourne so she could have radiation treatment, This would cost thousands. :-2 we could take her to Adelaide so she could have the thyroid operated on, but there are side effects and risks involved.:3 we could give her tablets every day for the rest of her life. I chose this option, as it is within my financial scope.I picked up the tablets and they cost $35.00 for fifty, and she will need another blood test in three weeks. As she will need two tablets a day, I will have to renew them every three weeks. I was informed there are side effects to the medication too, but that will be monitored.
I know there are many who would not understand my going to so much trouble and expense over a cat, and would have had her euthanased, but. she is just as much my mate as your dogs, or other pets. She is old for a cat,(13) but I would do no less for any animal or human, for that matter. I will do anything to make her last days as happy and stress free as possible. It is not much to ask for all the years of companionship and devotion she has given me.

Social Pariahs.

It is with some misgivings I use this space to add my thoughts about Wayne Carey. I wonder if it is a good use of this space, considering I think he is getting more than adequate coverage in the tabloids.
I can not for the life of me understand why people like him are feted in the press, and paid handsomely for the priivilege no doubt, He was interviewed by a mass produced women's magazine, and now, is to appear on Enough Rope. What is it about these 'fallen heroes' that is so fascinating?
The guy is out of control in so many aspects of his life. A life we don't really need, or for my part, want to know about. He needs some anger management counseling. He is reported to be a woman beater, drug user and drunk.
How long can he live off his celebraty? He is a private citizen now, let him and what he does in private, stay there please. I think there is something rather tacky and distasteful about promoting these people. The guy needs help. I just hope he realizes it and does something about it, soon.

I say, I say, I say, did you hear the one about.......?

A funny thing happened this morning when my mate Sue and I went to the nondenominational church service at Charla Lodge.
I went in through the door in to the activity centre, as I needed to go to the loo, and we are not allowed to use any in Charla. This meant I did not enter from the usual direction, the front door of Charla Lodge.
Gwen, one of the residents,a lovely lady, greeted me and asked me where my 'mother' was today. I, being the possessor of a 'wicked' sense of humour, cracked up laughing, and said Sue was my mate, not my mother. Sue was absolutely horrified that anyone would think she is old enough to be my mum.
Now, Sue was born in October 1949, and is therefore younger than I am, by a year and nine months. She is however, completely gray, and her face is much more heavily lined than mine. That notwithstanding, she does not look THAT old!
My Mum may be nearly 84, but even she does not look old enough to be the mother of two women in their early sixties.
Sue was SO overcome with horror, she went on and on about it, until I told her to give over. I, however, think it is the biggest hoot and can not stop laughing about it. I asked her what she was most upset about, that someone thought she was old enough to be my mum, or, the thought of me as a daughter.

Make up your mind,'Sam".

It has been widely reported in the media, that 'Sam Newman has prostate cancer. This is not good, and, even though he is not one of my favourite people on the box, I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery.

His mate, Eddie McGuire, wrote an article in today's paper, telling us how 'Sam' broke the news to him and one of channel nine's producers. Now I ask you, was that really necessary? This is a private matter and should have remained so. He said that 'Sam' had wanted no fuss or publicity, and was even contemplating going to the U.S.A. for the surgery, just to keep a lid on it. Now, this is where they have lost me. If that were so, why the report at all? And, why did 'Sam' have the channel nine cameras rolling all through the operation?
Is this just 'Sam's' huge ego in play, or hypocrisy at it's worst? Is his 'mate' trying to make mileage out of his mate's predicament? I think the only good that may come out of this whole sad story, is, more men will drop their reluctance and their pants, and get checked by their doctor. If only one man's life is saved by this, great.I can forgive them both for that.

Germaine Greer. Pooh to you.

There is an editorial by Germaine Greer in today's Sunday Mail, giving her opinion of Adelaide. She says , it is a 'good hearted little town, not overburdened with imagination'. My first reaction when I read the headline on the front cover was, "Who gives a damn what you think?" "I will give you 50 cents so you can go tell someone who does." I think this person is a vitriolic, vituperate viper, who is too enamoured of herself, and should get over herself.I think, Germaine, you should live by one of my late father's maxims:- if you can't say something nice about someone or something, say nothing at all.We humans do not appreciate being slapped around and demeaned all the time. Try saying something helpful encouraging or kind.It is not altogether a bad thing for us to stay in our comfort zones sometimes, although, I do not think it is good for us to be lazy or inert.
A person's character shows in their faces, and this person's countenance is very forbidding and harsh. She is a very negative person on the whole, and it shows in her face.
There is nothing wrong with Adelaide! The fact that it is my capital city not withstanding, I prefer it to any other city I have visited in this country, apart from Townsville. Adelaide is still my first choice. It probably is a bit parochial, but I would rather it be that way than end up like Chicago, New York City or even London.I think it could hold it's own with any of them.

Can I spot a bargain, or can I spot a bargain?

Just over two weeks ago, after we had had lunch at the pub, I walked to the curtain and blind shop to see if they had any specials. I was not intending to buy anything, but, could not resist it when I saw some lovely burgundy curtain fabric out for $5.00m. as it was the last of it on the roll.
I bought five metres, and had it sent away to be made up. I went there again yesterday, to make a payment off the cost of having them made. I was very pleasantly surprised to know they were back, and, it was only going to cost me $66.00 for the making up. That is of course, the princely sum of $91.00 all up! Now, is that a bargain or what? The curtains look wonderful, as I expected them too, as I have had some done through these people before.
The next thing is to get the Man about the House to hang them for me. This will be a major undertaking, as I have a queen sized bed, in a room that really only has room for a double bed. The bed head is across the window, therefore, he will need to move the bed and head board to do the job. I will take the opportunity to vacuum at the same time. The curtains have block out backing, which is why I decided to do this now. I am hoping it will allow me to sleep later than the crack of dawn.
The young woman who served me yesterday, said I could take the curtains, but I was reluctant to do that until I had paid for them. Just then the boss came back, and she asked him if if would be OK for me to take them. He said,"Yeah. I know where she lives." I thanked him and told him he was a cheeky sod.

Once more.....Part the second.

After lunch, I asked Neville to meet me just up the street a bit at the curtain and blind shop. I was just going to browse, as I was thinking of getting new curtains for my bedroom, as the old ones I have let in too much light in the wee small hours, and I am sick of waking up at the crack of dawn and not being able to go back to sleep.
They have a special deal for curtain sales. If you purchase certain fabrics by a certain company, they will make them up free. I liked several, but, as they were around the $30-$40 mark per metre, I balked at the idea. I was just about to give it the flick and leave, when I spied some remnants on rolls. I liked a burgundy one very much. I liked the price very, very much. $5.00 a metre. The owner and I worked out how much fabric I would need, and I bought it, and I told him I would measure the curtain rail and ring him with the details as soon as I got home. It will cost me just over $60.00 to have them made and the owner has agreed to let me pay that off gradually. He knows I will not let him down.It is good for business anyway.

Once more in to the breach, dear friends, once more.....

I am not sure if we are gluttons for punishment, or just slow learners. It might just be that we have very little choice in this burg, but the Man about the House and I went to the pub for lunch again today.
It was about 11-35 a.m., and he asked me if I would like to go to the pub for lunch, as it is seniors day, and cheaper. We were unable to enjoy our usual pub lunch last week when we were in Naracoorte, as I had had a large filling and was not allowed to eat for two hours.
We checked the menu and I decided to try the pasta, as I have no confidence in the cook's other meals. When we ordered our meals, we were told that the pasta was not on the menu for seniors. If it was with all the other dishes they could have, why was it NOT for us?
I settled for the 'beaten up butter fish' and salad, and Neville had the corned Silverside and veg. When it arrived, the salad portion was so miniscule one needed a magnifying glass to find it! Neville's meal looked passable, but the 'white ' sauce was yellow. Don't know what it tasted like. When the desserts were eventually brought round, he had trifle, or what passed for it, and I had a banana fritter. Very nice.
I will; have to finish this later as the pressure pump for our water is not working, and he needs to remove fuses to see if that is the problem.

Where do they find 'em?

Yesterday, while in Naracoorte, I was going to do an errand for my daughter, when my spouse asked me if I would put a prescription in at the chemist for him, as I was going past it anyway. I asked which one he preferred, there are two, and he said the one we were parked behind would do. I duly entered said premises, and was approached by a young female assistant, who asked what she could do for me.I said I would like the script made up for my husband. She asked if I had had scripts done there before. I told her, yes, but this was not mine, it was my husband's. She then asked if I had my Medicare card, or my pension concession card. Once again I told her it was not my prescription, and that information should be on the script. All this time she had not once looked at the script. I walked back to the counter, as I had started to walk out the door to do my errand, and pointed to the script and asked her if the numbers she was asking about were on it, as I could not see them, as I am legally blind. At this point, one of the older shop assistants came over and pointed to the script and said "There is the Medicare number, and there is the concession number." She was a bit exasperated like me. I would appear it is easier to glean the relevant information from the customer, than it is to actually look for it. How some of these young people get the job in the first place I don't know. What gets me is, how they manage to keep them. Grrrr!

Methinks something got lost in translation.

I have just opened the box containing the wonderful foot spa my son and his family gave me for my recent birthday.
I was reading the instructions before using it. I was highly amused to read some of them, as they are reminiscent of those he has posted from other countries.
To wit:- If you are pregnant, consult your health care professional before using. Please explain.
Do not use appliance if you are SLEEPING or drowsy??? Is there some danger one would pitch forward and drown? One would need to be VERY small, and an acrobat.
Never leave an appliance unattended while in use! Bit difficult, as you have to sit down and have your feet in water.
Do not place the appliance on a gas flame or hot electric element, or on a heated oven. Do not place on top of any other appliance.
Do not let the power cord of the appliance hang over the table or bench top or touch any hot surface! The mind boggles! Where the heck are you going to be using the thing?
They say laughter is the best medicine, and I certainly had a good belly laugh over these.
Enjoy!

Gonna have a gripe!

One of these days I am going to post a list of my pet peeves. Today, I am just writing about one that has me wondering about the wisdom(?) of the ad men.
I have purchased a certain brand of sugarless chewing gum now for over a year. It was always a pack of six packets. There are seven sticks of gum in each packet. Yesterday, I bought what looked like the same product, packed the same way as I have been used to. However, when I opened one I was stunned to discover three cardboard boxes of 14 inside the wrapper, each one of these was wrapped in cellophane.Now, why on earth was it deemed necessary to wrap the little boxes in cellophane?
Ok, I think it is much better for the gum to be in little boxes, as it is more convenient and the gum stays put, but, the cellophane is an unnecessary waste of paper,and resources, as the boxes are already in a wrapper, and it is not helping the environment.
This also applies to all products that we buy, as I have thought for a long time, there is far too much packaging which is a waste, and they are not always easy to open.

Spoilt rotten!

We have had our W.A family members here for four days, as I had a birthday last week. They were not able to come over for the actual day, but that is of no consequence to me. The fact they were able to come at all is what matters.
It was a hectic four days, as there was so much we wanted to do, and see while they were here, and so much traveling to be able to do it.
They arrived on Saturday morning. It was a new experience for us to meet someone at the refurbished air terminal, and not a pleasant one. It is such a maze of roads and no signs to tell you where to go. I was not even sure if we were in the right place, as I wasn't sure if the international and domestic terminals were in the same building. They are. The flight was a little late, and I did not want to go through the metal detector in the arrivals area, as my knee would have set it off, and I do not relish being made to feel like a terrorist, which is how the security people make anyone feel who set off the alarms.
We drove over to the nursing home to visit my mother. Mark had not seen her for nearly two years. She knew who we all were, even recognising Mark with his full face beard, and was especially pleased to see Yu-Jin who is seven. Mum loves the little ones. My sister arrived and was surprised to see us, as she did not know we would be there.
On Sunday, we all traveled to Keith to have lunch to celebrate my belated birthday. My sister and her husband came from Adelaide, and my brother from here. Our daughter and her family live in Keith. We had a really nice meal and my daughter had made me a chocolate cake as I never have a birthday cake. She filled it with strawberries and cream and more of the same on the outside. For some unknown reason, I decided to make fruit salad and take it up for dessert. I had misunderstood my daughter, as I thought she said the did not serve dessert. I got myself in a bit of trouble about that! Not a big deal.The waitress asked who was the birthday person, and I told her it was me. When she brought my meal out, it had a sparkler in it. After dessert, Deb went into the kitchen and put the candles on the cake and lit them, and brought it out. Everybody sang Happy Birthday, and gave three cheers. Lovely! The children behaved beautifully, and ate all their lunch.
Mark and his family gave me a Gel wrist rest and mouse mat, a gorgeous oblong white china platter, and a foot spa. My sister gave me the most beautiful quilt that she had made. She belongs to a quilter's guild, and does exquisite work. I was absolutely blown away, as I never expected a gift, nor that I would one day own one of her lovely quilts. She also brought me her 'old' computer desk, as she has a new one. It is much bigger than the one I had, and much nicer to work on.
There is more to come, but I will finish it later.

Flowers from my family

These are the lovely flowers my son and his family sent me after my last operation.

Birthday Milestone.

Yesterday was my birthday. It was another 'milestone' birthday, which means, another decade has passed. They seem to zoom by faster as one gets older.
It was 'all systems go' and I had a fantastic day for once.
My husband wanted to get my breakfast for me, as I had done for him two weeks ago. But, as I am not a morning person and do not get going until after eight, it was not going to happen, as I do not know from day to day what I want for breakfast, or when I want it. I got it myself later.
I had received an arrangement of beautiful flowers from a dear friend the day before. I knew they were coming as I had rung her on Sunday evening, and she had told me. When I rang to thank her on Monday night, she thought it would probably been better if she had had them delivered on the day. I said it was fine as it was, as Tuesday is my morning out with another friend for coffee, and I would not be home to receive them. We were down town on Monday morning when I remembered they were coming and went into the florist shop to see if they had been delivered, as it was after 10.AM. The woman said the proprietor was away, and she would not be dong deliveries for about half to 3/4 of an hour. We had been home about two hours when they were finally delivered. Usually, Neville is at the farm, but he was here this week. He would have been able to take delivery of them. He went to the farm this morning.
Sue and I went out for coffee, and she said as it was my birthday she would shout me instead. At the cafe we regularly attend, they have little orange/red cards they stamp with each coffee. After the seventh, the eighth one is free. As luck would have it, we were both entitled to freebies yesterday! Due to that fact, I thought it prudent to purchase something to eat so we at least paid for something. As a treat I bought two pieces of Mud Cake from the adjoining bakery. It was still not Sue's shout! The cake was too rich and made us feel a bit queazy as we are not used to it anymore.
After coffee, which was two 'skinny' iced coffees, which were also sickly sweet, we did some other things. At the super market, I admired some Lillies on a flower stand. I was NOT hinting, but Sue bought me some others anyway. I discovered, they probably used coffee syrup instead of real coffee, hence the sickliness of the drinks.
We went to a church service at the age care home. They have one every Tuesday morning. As we entered, the lady sitting at the organ called out, "Hullo, Sue." I was not able to see her clearly, and was not sure if she was talking to me or my friend. As we sat down, I asked Sue who she was. Sue asked her, "Who dat?" The lady then realized her faux pas, and came over so I could see her. She was a friend and former neighbour I had not seen for some time. After the service, I went over to speak to her. She asked me how I was, and I whispered in her ear that I was 60 that day. She immediately shouted to everyone , "Hey, everybody, Sue's having a birthday today." I said "Keep it down. Don't advertise it." The minister asked if it was a 'special' one, and she said,"Yes, she is sixty today." Then all the lovely oldies started to sing Happy Birthday to me. I got all overcome and silly, and said, "No, no, don't do that.' I put my sunglasses on and said I was going to hide. Then I took them off, and waited for them to finish and said thank you very much. I turned to Margaret and said, "You can't keep a secret, can you?" She looked at me with a cheeky grin and said, "No."
After that, we went back to finish our shopping. I was thrilled to receive two more arrangements of flowers in the afternoon. One from my friend in Queensland, and the other from my son and his family in Perth. I had text messages and phone calls as well. All in all, it was a happy day.
I bought the makings for a card and made my daughter a card, as it is her birthday today. I will get to see her on the day, for once.

I thought it was a woman's perogative to change her mind!

On Tuesday evening last, I asked the Man About the House, how early we would be leaving to travel to Naracoorte to pick up our wool and then transport it it Edenhope to sell it. As the forecast was not for very hot weather, he said we would take our time. I suggested several times and he said there was no need to get up all that early, as we did not need to beat the heat.
At 5.45 am, I was still asleep, and he asked me if I was going to come to Naracoorte and to sell the wool. I said I thought he had indicated the night before, we did not need to get up THAT early! His excuse, the sooner we get going the sooner we get home. Men! He did have a hidden agenda though. He wanted to catch his brother before he left for work, as he wanted to give him some parsnips he had grown here. We certainly achieved that objective. His brother and his wife were not even up, when he knocked on the door. They very kindly gave me some toast and a cup of coffee when they got their own breakfast. We chatted for about an hour, then Haydn had to go to work.
We got a good price for the wool, but it would have been nicer if we had more to sell. The farm is not big enough to carry very many sheep unfortunately.
When we got back to Naracoorte, we took the trailer back to the farm and went in to have lunch at our favourite 'watering hole'.
Neville had Schnitzel, and it overlapped the plate on both sides, by about two inches! He said it was very tender. I had fish and salad. I said , if we had known how big the Schnitzel was, we could have ordered one and an extra plate, as it really was very big. Nonetheless, he made short work of it, and ate the lot.
We then did the grocery shopping and some other errands and came home. Just outside of town, there was an RBT and licence check point. When the WPC asked him to 'breath in the bag', I said it was a waste of time as he does not drink. The male officer said, "Don't drink, eh, Sir?" Neville told him he has never had a drink in his life. I don't think they believed him though.

Good Manners. A thing of the past?

Call me old fashioned if you like, but, I think it is a crying shame parents of my children's generation and this one, are not teaching their children the basic protocols of etiquette and good manners.
I am a woman of mature years, I am nearly 60, and I find it very galling when I introduce myself, or am introduced by someone else, as Susan and that person presumes and assumes on our brief acquaintance, and calls me Sue. It is particularly annoying when the person is only 18 or so. Whatever happened to Mrs H...? I am well and truly old enough to be the mother of these young people. I know there are those of you out there that will say I need to 'get over myself,' or 'lighten up.'
I am a very relaxed and easy going sort of person, but If I say my name is Susan, then I would appreciate it if the other person, regardless of their age, would ask me if it is alright to call me by the shorter version of my name, or any other derivation of same. I have ALWAYS loathed being called Sue, but I am having very little success in getting the message across.
It may seem like a trivial issue to be making a fuss about, but I think it is indicative of the lack of courtesy in general, and the casualness of society today. I myself would never presume upon an acquaintance and start calling anyone by a shorter or longer version of their names. I would wait until we had gotten to know each other quite well, or ask them what they prefer to be called, and stick to that.
I suppose no-one means any affront by this attitude, but I would like to be asked, and my preference acceded to. Does anybody have any helpful hints?

Who Called the Cook a fool? Who called that fool a Cook?

The Man about the House and I went to the pub for lunch today. Yesterday was his birthday, and, as I had won a voucher from said pub before Christmas, , and today is seniors day, I thought it would be nice to treat him for once. The food was not very nice when I was there for the Christmas do, so I was not expecting it to have improved, unless they had sacked the 'cook' in the interim. Sadly, they had not.
I had my hair permed this morning and we went straight to the pub from the salon. We ordered our meals and I bought a Cappuccino and a diet Coke for the man. Our meals were brought to us very quickly, but no sign of my coffee. Just then, a bus load of senior citizens from the Activity Centre arrived for lunch. They were given preferential treatment, and served equally quickly. They go every alternate week, and we had struck the wrong week to go out. Still no sign of my coffee, and this was about 45 mins later. After I finished my main meal, I went to the ladies. On the way, I asked the younger waitress if i could have my coffee. She said, "Oh, you would like a coffee, would you?" I said, "No, I just want the one I have paid for, please."
I was back at the table about 5 mins before the older waitress brought it over.
The meal was less than appertising, and was NOT asthetically pleasing to the eye, either.
We were told when we ordered it that there would be, cauliflower in white sauce, roast potatoes, beans, and carrots. The miniscule bit of cauliflower on our plates, had no discernable white sauce. If it had been there, it had dissolved while it was being kept
'warm.' It had been cooked to death! The carrots had been kept warm for so long they were separating, and the beans were mushy. The roast spuds were JUST cooked.
There was a little house fly buzzing around in the window, and I managed to kill it with a paper napkin. I dropped the fly on the floor and, after I had finished my coffee I put the napkin in the cup. The younger waitress came and asked me, "Have you finished with that?" I said something sarcastic along the lines of, 'I would not want to use it with that stuff it it, would I?' She took the cup, and I said, "Excuse me." She turned around to see what I wanted and I said, "What about the glass?" It was empty and right next to the cup. She gave me a filthy look and took them both. We eventually got our dessert, after the seniors had been served. I said we would go somewhere else next year. Neville said he would stay home and cook his own lunch.