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| Wind & Rain is a quote from the film The Longest Day. 82 years ago today, my friend Ted, and many thousands of other troop landed in France to start the final year of WWII. The weather we have had this week is similar to that year, as D-Day was actually scheduled for the 5th June, but had to be delayed because of the horrific weather. So, lets take a moment to remember those who fought, on both sides, in this arena, as well as other locations around the world -
They shal grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
As I said when I posted earlier in the week I had a walk round the cemetery where Mum & Dad rest. Well we have 3 areas there, with groups of WWI & WWII graves -  Commonwealth, German and Polish dead lie together   Civilians who died in one of a couple of "Baedeker Raids"   WWI graves The reason I walked round this cemetery for a stroll was to see Mum & Dad -  The general cemetery is a beautiful place for a walk though -      Work has been going well, although busy. To add to everything I picked up a chest infection, so when I get this posted I am actuallu going to log off rather than make some icons as I should be doing. However I do have these 4 to share. I love Star Trek in most of it's shows .... these 4 are from my favourite, though ... Star Trek Voyager  .  .  . 
So being busy at work and not feeling great means there is definately no news ... so ....
3. Do you still pay for things with cash? Have you been somewhere recently where they don’t take cash anymore?
If I go to the local fish & chip shop it is cash only so, yes, I have used cash recently 😉
4. Is rain forecast for your area this week?
As I said in the scribble above, it’s been rain, rain, rain this week
5. Have you learned anything new in the past year (a new hobby/craft/language/fact)?
I have probably learned some facts as I love watching a documentary, or reading a travel guide, history book, etc.
6. Can you swim? If so, what age were you when you had lessons?
Yes.
I began at 13, but was pushed in a pool (by a swimming teacher) before I could really swim, which left me with a fear of water. I overcame it, eventually with the help of a different teacher. So, yes I can swim, but any water on my face still causes me to panic.
7. Have you ever made pastry from scratch?
I have never bought it pre-made. I make shortcrust pastry off and on, and can make rough puff and flaky pastry if I really wanted to.
8. If you could share your life with any kind of animal (assume for a moment that the animal is tame and wouldn’t kill you, and you had the space and resources to care for it *g*), what kind of animal would be your dream companion (real or imaginary)?
Although a giraffe is my favourite animal, I would pick a tiger … they are “cuddlier”!
9. Do you like wearing hats?
I always wear a hat to Church.
I tend not to wear hats in English summer, but if I am abroad and sight-seeing I will have a hat. And, on a cold winters day I do like a nice bobble hat!
10. Have you ever been to a horse race?
Actually yes, although I was actually scared. I lost my Jaykub to a broken leg, so I was scared I would see similar.
However, friends were celebrating their 50th anniversary and had invited me, to which I said no. They understood. However he died the week before their anniversary, so I changed my mind and supported my friend through the day as she still wanted to celebrate their marriage and his life.
I have 2 full days of work - so it will be Wednesday before I get back to you.
Hope you are all OK ... I will catch up I promise
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| Wow, that was a busy 10 days. Still, at least it kept me out of mischief! I had hoped to check in with you all sometime over the Bank Holiday weekend, but the days got away with me. No real reason at all, just seemed to have a busy time. Those days where you are busy, but when you look back on the day you haven’t a clue what you did! Actually, on the Bank Holiday I did drive to the cemetery and had a walk around – both to see Mum & Dad’s graves, but also to enjoy the greenery, and some of the amazing carvings, and inscriptions on the stones. I will share some photos at some point. I then worked four 10-hour days. So, needless to say I was tired at the end. Especially as Britain had a heatwave. It was too hot to do too much, but as I was at work, I just pinned on the smile, drank lots of water, and felt hot!! So I had thought about posting on Saturday, but I woke up inspired to get some housework done. I also had to walk to Tim & Claire’s to check on their garden as they are in Spain. On Sunday, when I got home from Church, I made some biscuits. This week Exeter is celebrating Joyfest It’s basically a chance to do a random act of kindness. So I made the biscuits and they are with the Volunteers sign-in book, and where the portering team can see them. So, I worked another 10 hours today, but today I am back to my normal 5. I have 2 more 10-hour days, and then finish with a 5 hour on the Friday. So, as I said, nothing much to say – but let’s catch up here 23. When is the last time you ate fresh pineapple – did you prepare it yourself?Last summer, probably. Yes, I did prepare that myself. 24. If you had a pet dog, what name would you give it? What’s the weirdest dog name you’ve heard?Mum chose her 5 dogs names, and all go with a 3 letter gap, in reverse …. Vicky (short for Victory as she was born on D-Day), Scrappy, Perry, Misty and kinally Jiffy. I do think my brother’s dog’s name is a bit silly. It’s Ollie, a lovely name, but, Ollie is a Collie! 25. It’s estimated that gaming now holds around an 11% share of the global entertainment market. Have you ever played an electronic game (on your phone, computer or a game console)?I do play a free game on my phone from time to time … as well as solitaire, of course. 26. When you look up into the sky, can you identify any of the cloud formations, such as Cumulonimbus, Cirrus or Stratus?Not really. 27. Have you ever tried box breathing? It is an effective way to calm yourself if you are feeling panicky or overwhelmed. I have had breathing problems over the years, and have a specific exercise I have to do from the consultant. So, no! 28. Do you have a favourite cologne or perfume? Don’t often wear it. 29. When was the last time it rained where you live?Today! 30. What is your favourite way to eat vegetables?Just cooked in boiling water, with a little salt. 31. Have you ever been in a self-driving car? Would you want to try it?No - that would be too scary. 1. Is anything (minor or major) irritating you at the moment?Yes, my computer is on a go-slow today! 2. Have you ever used a photobooth? Are they still around where you live (where’s the nearest one?) In the past for a couple of ID photos.I don't think there are any around now. I really need to get some icons made as I have a set due soon, so I shall get on. I will catch up with you as soon as I can, I promise. | |
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| My eldest nephew is a great Star Wars fan, and he knows that I love the films, as well. So for Christmas he gave me a 1,000 piece like jigsaw as my pressie. A really lovely image, although the pieces were slightly smaller than normal ... Good news, bad news. yesterday I "finished it" ... all the pieces are there, but I have 4 spaces, and 4 pieces that don't fit ... Good news, bad news! So, I now have a major project ahead, finding where I went wrong. The problem is, as well as slightly smaller pieces, that much of the image is black ... as you can see. If I go cross-eyed I shall blame Andrew!  I still haven't sorted out the photos of the museum yet, so I must get on with that. So ... 21. It’s International Tea Day – do you like a cup of tea every now and again? What type of tea do you drink?I am pretty addicted to tea! I drink English Breakfast tea ... if it's black I have it week, if I have full-fat milk available that's what I prefer and I have it very strong. Both of which made with boiling water. 22. Today Vivid Sydney starts in Sydney, Australia (and continues until 13th June). Iconic landmarks and urban spaces glow with stunning light installations and 3D projections, captivating both locals and tourists with a vibrant playground of lights, music, and creativity. Have you ever seen a city light show similar to this?When I went to the Laying-In-State of Queen Elizabeth the whole of London had a blue glow, so as I was along the Thames for a few hours I got to see that glow. So, not the vibrant light, but a very special memory. Right, I still need to catch up with you all. | |
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| This house was designed by 2 cousins in the 1780's ... Mary & Jane Parminter. As part of their will, it was only ever to be owned by ladies.. The 2 ladies, plus a friend, did a grand tour of Europe. They travelled without gentlemen and when they returned designed the house so that they could have sun at every part of the day.   ( And indoors ...Collapse ) The laundry - with a history of ladies underwear! | |
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| Yesterday was a fun day out ... although we had a few showers. Ironically they seemed to arrive when we were standing waiting at Bus-Stops! But it was good. Despite having been to A La Ronde a few times there is always something new to see, something new to learn ... the volunteers all have snippets of intormation to impart. So always glad to chat to them for a short time.
We had a lovely lunch and then went round a museum ... Exmouth is a town "just up the road", but seeing the museum, which is very locally focussed really brought a lot of local history with it.
So, I have loads of photos to share, although probably tomorrow as I won't get organised before work ... so ...
20. It’s International Customer Support Day. When was the last time you had to contact customer support? Were they able to help you?
A couple of weeks ago PayPal managed to block my account, and even though they agreed it had been their mistake, they weren't super helpful. Although did suggest the classic "delete the account and start again", which did work!
Right let's sort some photos | |
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| I should have actually been at the physio this morning - I was all psyched up to try and get some answers, as my doctor had suggested I did. However I was on the bus ... and got a phone call to say that Emily was still stuck in traffic. There has been an accident on the motorway on the outskirts of the city, and 3/4 of Exeter seems to be stationary. Apparently my physio is stuck on the motorway, and has been for 3 hours!
Oh well, I got back off the bus, walked home via the post office as I had a small gift to send to one on y nephew's girlfriends. It's her birthday at the end of the week.
I couldn't get to Church yesterday as I had a frantic phone call from Claire early Friday evening ... they were going to her Mum's 80th birthday, and the car had broken down. So I drove over there, walked home and my car went off on a "holiday". It will have actually been good for it, as for 6 months it never moved, then these last few weeks it has just done a few 2 mile drives.
Now I am here and hoping to get the last couple of icons of a set done and posted, before heading to work.
So -
16. Henry Fonda was born today in 1905 – have you seen any of his films?
12 Angry Men is a fascinating film.
And, one of my favourite films is The Longest Day
But other than that I have probably seen some of his Westerns as I like that genre.
17. It’s World Telecommunications Day – have you ever learned something new online?
Loads - after all just chatting to all of you helps me learn about different lifestyles, countries, museums etc
18. There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta – Farfalle (butterflies), Campanelle (little bell flowers), Orecchiette (little ears), Rigatoni (ridged), amongst others. Which is your favourite pasta shape to have with a sauce?
I am not a great pasta fan, but always have the spiral one in stock.
19. How’s your gut microbiome? Your gut is linked to your immune system, so eating a large variety of plants each week (at least 30), and eating fermented foods regularly (such as live yoghurt, kefir, fresh sauerkraut and kimchi) is said to have a huge impact on your gut health and therefore your weight and immune system. Do you make an effort to do that every week?
I eat a pretty varied diet.
So i don't focus on anything specific, just work on the theory that I must cover most things, most of the time!
You may have spotted I have also done tomorrows, as Christine is coming over and we are going out for the day ... so hopefully there will be photos to share at some point!
Right, let's catch up with you all | |
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| Wow - It's Friday ... did we actually have a Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday ... I am sure someone must have deleted them, as the week is now on a Friday and I have nothing really to show for that week!
Tuesday evening Tim & Claire invited themselves round for tea ... but a classic move from them, they said to save me they would bring food ... for themselves, so I could just have my normal food! They brought a chicken salad ... and I had my normal sandwich tea. However it was nice to see them both. Again, typical of them Claire is sad that my leg is still causing problems ... after all how many times will I be able to get down to water their garden while they are on holiday soon!!!
Othere than seeing them, and working I have rested loads and am beginning to get my Chronic Fatigue re-settled. So that's a positive step.
Well I need to get some groceries bought ... then lunch and off to work.
So am only popping in, as I hope to catch up with you tomorrow (*fingers crossed*)
So -
12. It’s the International Day of Plant Health! Healthy plants mean a healthy planet! Have you ever planted something and watched it grow? Do you look after your houseplants or your garden plants diligently?
I have quite a few around, but sadly it's more luck than judgement if they do OK. Although I have had most at least a couple of years so something is obviously OK with what I am doing.
13. It’s Top Gun Day! Ever seen it (and/or the sequel)?
Seen the original, but not a great Tom Cruise fan. If I spot the sequel on TV I shall watch it, though.
14. Have you ever seen a ‘mockumentary’ film or TV show? The term was coined when the 1984 “This is Spinal Tap” film was released, and notable examples on TV include “The Office”.
No ... and no
15. Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the plants we eat (a current estimate is that they are responsible for every three bites of food we eat). Have you seen any bees this year?
No, haven't spotted any, so far.
Right, see you tomorrow | |
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| I had to make some B&W icons ... and made the 10 from the first episode of BtVS
As ever, all are snaggable, but credit would be appreciated. The credits are available over at my icon journal -  d4s_icons | |
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| I enjoyed Church again, yesterday morning. I still can’t drive any further, but at least I can get there to the services, so that’s a great tick in the box for me. Then I had a walk round the block, as I had a few photos to catch up on for photo_scavenger … and it was lovely to see a few flowers as well, so thought I would share those here …     I also thought I would share one of the photo prompts here to see how many of you recognise the logo on the mug ...  I actually saw my GP this morning, as it is now over 7 months since I ended up in hospital, and the last couple of months nothing has really progressed for me. We had a good chat, I even shed a couple of tears, but the upshot is that there aren’t any other things I could do. He suggested that on my next physio I ask if it would be worth asking for an overall revue to see what the orthopaedics team think. I got home and actually got a bit of housework done, now am here catching up with you all … and making a couple of icons before I head out to work. So … 11. When was the last time you took a photo?Yesterday – and that’s what I posted above! Right, let’s see what you have all been up to ETA, from Saturday's post. I said I had problems with colours for clothes etc ... but realised that is whay I very rarely wear pastel colours. So, although I worry that a skirt/top may clash colours, at least I can see them! Pastel colours all blend together with my eyes! However, my house is decorated in colours ... pale, admittedly, but again, strong enough that I know what they are! So, yes, being colourbind I realised I avoid pastels most of the time! | |
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| Yes, Saturday morning and I have managed to get a few bits done.
Things like dropping off my out of date morphine that I brought home from the hospital in November ... I had used about 10% of it, so actually was quite pleased to note that ... but it needed to go back to the pharmacy and not just poured down the sink, or the loo, like I am sure a lot of people would do.
On my way there & back I walked a slightly longer way, the sun was shining and there were a lot of lovely colours in the flowers/trees etc. So another lovely tick in the Saturday morning box!
I am now here and hope to see what you have been up to and get a few icons made, as well. Although I am off to work for a couple of hours later.
But, as ever -
9. In 1896, the first horseless carriage show in London featured ten models. Do you own a car? What kind of car is it?
Yes, I have a Toyota Aygo ... red, with a white contrast
10. Are there some colours you would never wear or use in your home?
Impossible to answer - being colourblind I don't always know what colours i have, or don't have
Right, see you Monday x | |
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| How can that be, it's yet another week ticked off!
Yesterday, before work I walked down to the local Methodist to vote (for Council elections). When Jiffy lived with me he used to go down with me, but wasn't allowed to vote as he was still under 18!!!!!!! However I often think with most elctions he would have as much idea who to vote for as me, I used to think about putting the paper on the floor, and let him put his paw on the paper, and then vote that way!!! But yesterday, no Jiffy, so I had to pick instead! Anyway, for good or bad, I chose, and the results are in.
I may be a bit cynical about voting, but still think it is something we all shoud do ... not every country has that choice, and in some countries, not all females have that choice either.
Work was super busy yesterday. I haven't a clue why ... just seemed to end up with lots of super-complicated questions that took ages to sort out for them. Still at least the time went quickly.
I am off to work again in a short while ... so ...
7. Do you take your phone everywhere, or sometimes leave it at home and not worry about it?
Yes, but it isn't connected to the internet!
It's just in case I need to get hold of someone as I travel by myself.
8. Henry Dunant was born today in 1828 – he was the co-founder of the Red Cross. Have you ever learned first aid? Could you resuscitate someone?
I hope I can ... but I hope I never have to!
I have worked at the hospital for 15 years ... so I have had resuscitation training every year during that time.
Right, let's get this posted | |
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| I don't believe in bad luck ... yet I seem to have had a run of it again!
I have managed not to miss any work, but I have also had a flare-up of my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so have had some very late mornings and early nights.
My leg injury continues to cause me problems, although nothing worse than it was.
Add to that I have had some problems with my internet here ... so the days have really disappeared quickly.
Despite the gap, I have no news at all. I will have some icons at some point as I was able to "play" from time to time while things are un-busy at work.
So, sorry, a gap, but nothing really to share. However, I was stunned when I saw how many questions I had missed ... oooops ....
22. If you took part in a quiz, what would be your specialist subject?
Random facts!
I suppose possibly the human body.
23. In 1895, Ngaio Marsh, New Zealand detective writer and producer, was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Have you ever read any of her detective novels? If not, who is your favourite detective novelist?
The only detective novels I read are the Dresden Files, which are supernatural, and I listened to them first as they were read by James Marsters!
24. It’s Barbara Streisand’s birthday – are you a fan of her music or movies?
I do love Hello Dolly
25. When’s the last time you had to use a plumber?
About 4 years ago the washer died in my kitchen tap.
26. Do you still have a landline, or do you only use your mobile phone/cellphone?
Landline went a couple of years ago
27. What sweets/candies do you remember from your childhood? When was the last time you ate some?
I love sweets, had some jellies last night. So hard to know what are childhood memories.
28. In 2004, Shrek the sheep from Tarras, Central Otago, New Zealand, was finally shorn live on TV after 6 years of avoidance; the fleece weighed 27 kg (60 lb). Do you own, or have you made anything from sheep’s wool?
I have a few jumpers & cardigans that are actually real wool
29. When was the last time you received a letter (not junk mail)?
I get a monthly crossword book, which arrived yesterday.
30. In 2018, Sweden's official Twitter account confirmed that Swedish meatballs actually originated in Turkey. Do you like Swedish meatballs? Ever had them in IKEA?
We have one a couple of miles away, and I have been once! I managed to get lost!
1. Have you ever contributed to something being crowdfunded? Was there an incentive to do so?
Don't think so
2. Have you heard of the ‘Language of Flowers’, published in 1884? Victorian Britain and America were caught up in the concept in the 19th Century. Do you know the secret meaning of any flowers?
No, I have sadly never learned any of them.
3. Have you ever traced any of your family tree?
My brother did for all 4 of our grandparents ... going back to the 1700's in 3 of them and the 1300's in one of them
4. Today is a holiday in many countries, either to celebrate Labour Day or May Day. If you have a day off today, what are your plans?
I worked on Bank Holiday Monday
5. Do you like rhubarb?
Yes
6. Have you ever completed a cryptic crossword, or do you stick to the easy ones?
There is one I do from time to time with both clues, so I tend to look at my answers and see how the cryptic thing works.
Well I hope I haven't missed any vital news - if so, please link me.
I will endevour to keep up from now on ... well, I will try, anyway! | |
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| This set of icons has an "outdoor" theme, and I chose Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman as my basis.
As ever, all are snaggable, but credit would be appreciated. The credits are available over at my icon journal - d4s_icons | |
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