Saturday, August 30, 2008

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.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

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.

Friday, August 22, 2008

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.

Friday, August 08, 2008

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.