Children Chocolate & Wine

Another one of my dead people.

2007-06-19T19:40:00.000+01:00

Sorry if my blog today looks like a bundle of figures towards the end. They're dates, and actually when you notice the significance of them, it gets you in the eyeballs, well it did me when I first found them. I've only just realised that I didn't point it out, and not saying: "READ THE DATES" really loudly might mean they get skipped over, leaving people wondering what the hell I'm burbling on about. ( No change there then.)

Blossom sent us...................

2007-06-19T18:06:00.000+01:00

............................she said "There is a party at Purplecoo and would we help with the drink?"then again she might have said do the washing up in the sink.

No matter we are enjoying ourselves helping with the drink so will will stick with that.

Naughty Chipmunks

Forgive me if you think I'm paranoid - kid's photos

2007-06-19T17:26:00.000+01:00

I've said this before, and don't want to keep going on about it, but I feel I should mention it. This site is open to anyone in the world to read, and we must be careful what we put on our blogs and on CCW.

When I did my Home-Start volunteer course at the beginning of the year, we were given talks by various people, including a police officer who works in the unpleasant area that deals with unsuitable images of children on the net. He said it is not at all unusual for photos of children to be taken off and merged with other photos - for example your child's head on another's body.

As you no doubt have heard a big internet ring has been busted recently with the mastermind being a young man still in his 20's (isn't that awful, to be so depraved so young). This stuff does go on, we know it does.... please keep your children (and images of them) safe by only showing distant photos of them, if at all.

(I have not used words that could help anyone searching to come across this site - i hope!)

With love and sincerity,

Faith x

Confessions of a serial mower - Capricorns

2007-06-19T17:17:00.000+01:00

Just a random question, but there seems to be a lot of us Capricorn folk on the site - are we the predominant sign I wonder.

from an Incandescant shepherdess

2007-06-19T16:52:00.000+01:00

Victor Meldrew voices please..' I do not belieeeeeeeeeeeve it!'
Just look at what some theiving swine has done to the purple poppy patch! Un berludy believable!
OK so they were not in my garden ...just along a track ...but was there any need to dig them up or carve them off at ground level and leave flowers just lying around?
I had full permission from local farmer to have the heads for drying...bags are ready...hooks in the summer house...and I was just waiting for them to dry on the stalk a bit! Humph!
Purple curses on the theives I say.....may they have purple hands to identify them and big purple warts on their noses...and.......and.......I
know......CYSTITIS.....inflamed at that!

Self-esteem - the psychology lesson

2007-06-19T16:17:00.000+01:00

Hi all....been catching up and was fascinated by Zoe's comment on Pipany's blog (hope I've got that right - I share with Pipany post-natal memory loss - in my case eight years later)....
Anyhow, it was about how many people on this site seem linked by issues of self-esteem, shyness, depression, anxiety (though Zoe put it far more eloquently). I found this fascinating as it is something that has been poking me in the eye over the last few weeks.
Even those of us in the supposedly 'out there' professions like journalism seem to suffer... myself most definitely included.

This is a bit of a change in mood after all the party stuff but I find it fascinating.... So wondering if it chimes a chord with others out there... Maybe, if so, it could give a clue to why we love this site so much and why we are all so very kind and careful with one another....

Alert?

2007-06-19T15:46:00.000+01:00

Um, Headmistress, have you considered alerting the local gendarmes/fire service/whatever?

MIDSUMMER PARTY 21st JUNE

2007-06-19T14:38:00.000+01:00

Brilliant response –ok girls here is what we are doing so far.

Country Craft Angel is resurrecting Chicken Licken – whoop whoop - to be our roving reporter. Hopefully Blossom Cottage will take her trusty camera along to record our event . . . oh good grief pictures of the event is that wise . . . . Matron . . where are you.

Suffolkmum has suggested asking Devonlife if we can borrow her 'tent' however Faith has said that Hub3 will lend us his – does he know about this Faith? Faith has also offered to clear up around Cowarts – I'm sure she could do with a hand – no stop clapping – not that sort of hand.

I've not heard from Countrymousie – but really hoping she will be able to do the lawns assisted by Tattie Weasle. No Tattie Weasle you can't set things off with a bang with your Dad's hand grenade – thank you (clipped tones) and yes you can come dressed as a Cinnibar Moth – but a very small one, because Bradan is scared of moths.

Muddyboots – big yes to the purple ice-cream with purple sauce and chocolate, chocolate sauce and a purple sparkly thingy.

Er do make sure you have enough crates of Champagne Elizabethd.

Toady is meanwhile working on our latest batch of Chateau peez du chat appelation Controllee – no Un Peu, best you don't translate that – ok. Actually I know Toady is currently testing the latest batch and hasn't been seen for a while – someone go and find her please.

Jaynebeth is bringing sloe gin, sloe pocine, bramble wine and elderflower champagne. . . good grief . .

Patsy has offered to 'man' and quality check the Pimms tent. She will need an assistant I suspect.

Crystal Jigsaw – would you like to be our fortune teller – perhaps you can foresee events and we can all avoid getting arrested this time . . . .er lots of misunderstandings at our last party for anyone who doesn't know.

Bradan Smoked Salmon – perfect.

Preseli Mags – The Chocolate cherry trifle sounds perfect and yes making it in the children's paddling pool is a great idea . . .you will clean the pool out first though won't you?

Camilla – Punch – fabulous and Giant chocolate cake – excellent.

Zoe love the idea of all the lights – please make sure we don't set fire to anything – sigh – like last time.

SBS is going to organise a Purple Sheep shearing contest – great idea. I have my reservations about the team of swarthy Australian's – so against my better judgement let's go for it. If you are feeling hot – perhaps you had better go and lie down dear.

Er . . Mountaineer has er . . offered to help rub linament into the Aussie's. I am told this is strictly necessary! Mmmmmm. And she is also bringing glasses – no drinking glasses not binoculars. Oh . . both . . ok!

Fennie of course you can dress as Puck – excellent. And the syllabub sounds yummy . . . girdle, earth, weee!!!!!! WHAT?

And we will round-up with Breakfast cooked by Pondside . . .pancakes, sausages . . .maple syrup . . . .coffee and oh droooll.

Crystal Jigsaw has suggested a murder mystery – we could do that now, or save it for the skool play which will be taking place after our Purple Sports Day.

Er Blossom have you emptied your gym bag out yet . . . . pooo what IS that smell?

Yes, yes Matron, stop sulking, you can come dressed as a fairy . .

Have I missed anyone out?

Now Grouse about this idea of yours . . . .

TELL ME TUESDAY

2007-06-19T13:40:00.000+01:00

Not sure if I'm allowed to post this here but...
I'm starting a regular post on my blog called Tell Me Tuesday. I want to know people's thoughts/tips/advice on a variety of subjects. This first one kicks off with how to retain individuality while fitting in.
Any thoughts from your children's experiences or yours will be gratefully read.
Next week's topic is...................heavens I haven't a clue. No, that's not it. I seriously haven't.

Pop over and tell me what you think. When I have time (around 2008 hopefully) I'll add a thing for you to add a link to a post on your blog about the given subject, if anyone's up for a discussion. Otherwise it'll be me. Chatting on my own.

Hope everyone's well. Luverly weather here. Take care,
MamaHen x

Test Match at the Riverside - I was there!

2007-06-19T11:41:00.000+01:00

A lovely day's cricket at the Riverside, with Lumley Castle in the background. An 80th birthday present to G from his younger daughter and husband. Weather was good and the sun even came out in the evening! And the cricket was good too. England ended up with 400 runs and we saw a little of the Windy's 2nd innings and 3 of their wickets fall. What more could one ask?

oooops

2007-06-19T10:42:00.000+01:00

But where did the photo go?

OOOOOPS!

2007-06-19T10:41:00.000+01:00

Champagne

2007-06-19T10:31:00.000+01:00

Champagne.........mmm. Definitely my drink of choice!

What could be nicer than sitting on the terrace on a sunbaked evening, a chilled glass in front of you, bubbles rising to the brim.

I'll hurry off to the supermarket and get...what was it? seven cases??

Barn Farm Birchover

2007-06-19T08:51:00.000+01:00

Wondered if this would be a more accessable idea for most people. Its just across the valley. There is camping, caravanning (or motor home parking) and the camping barns. The advantage of the camping barns is that, if you wanted to do it, it could be arranged in the autumn/winter for thos with holiday cottages etc, who couldnt get away in th summer.
http://www.visitderbyshire.co.uk/fa_camping_2006_barn_farm.ihtml

Anyway, enough of future planning.........lets get on with the party in hand! Toady- have you got the still going yet? Blossom- empty out your kit bag- we're going to need some muscle for setting up the marquee! Who's bringing the music?

For Francis just to let you know I'm thinking of you

2007-06-19T08:19:00.000+01:00

Hope your fellow jurors are as interesting as this lot, Not sure why one in top row right seems to be being sick down neck of man in front but in any case you might be better making sure you get a seat in the back row just in case it is a NY custom! I think the one standing up at the left on the top row looks as if he might stand you lunch if you play your cards right!

ps they all seem to have red or green hankies about their person do let us know if these are provided !

Bonne Chance !

Silly idea

2007-06-18T22:58:00.000+01:00

Wasnt actually sugesting Friday

Silly idea

2007-06-18T22:45:00.000+01:00

My birthday is 22nd June and I have spent my life feeling as though I came a day too late!!!!!!!!!! 22nd June is also my wedding anniversary and it is our 20th this year. So would anybody mind if the party was a day or two later? Dont mind if you all start now..........

But while we are on the subject, if you really want an actual get-together..........

Maybe a very brave thing to suggest, but I have a plot in the epicentre of blogland...........if any of you really did want to get together.........I have about an acre of flat ground you could put a marquee on and a few tents round...........the rest of the 40 acres are too wild to contemplate but an acre should accommodate you if you fancy it.............is it a very silly idea?

This lot...........................

2007-06-18T22:01:00.000+01:00

.......................................have started to pary already if they keep you up I'm sorry.

Blossom

Sally's Chateau

2007-06-18T20:07:00.000+01:00

l have emailed!!! Twice!!

MIDSUMMER PARTY 21st JUNE

2007-06-18T19:12:00.000+01:00

I have just realised that we haven't had a party in ages . . . not since the last time anyway.

MIDSUMMER PARTY 19.00 on THURSDAY 21st JUNE 07 - yes we are going to have a Midsummer Party in the grounds of Cowarts. Toady - how much . . er . . fruit juice have we got from the still. Why do they call it a still it is always jiggling around and making odd gurgling noises. CountryMousie can you mow the lawns please. Can someone find a good marquee company, as we set fire to the last marquee we are banned from 73 marquee companies - but I am sure one of you can find someone out there willing to hire us a big tent.

Ok - you artists out there we need a poster for the party.

OH THEME - yes I forgot there is a theme - everyone has to come dressed as a Fairy, or Pixie, or Witch . . . what . . yes Matron, or a Troll - sigh . . . or anything mythical . . . what . . . no I have got my teeth in SBS - Naughty corner for you.

CCA perhaps you would like to be our roving reporter for the event - maybe Blossom could help with the picture side of things.

No Wizzard you can't bring your worm farm to the party.

Un Peu could Mme G act as the bouncer?

So lots of Volunteers needed . . . . food, entertainment, the gardens need quite a bit of tidying up and perhaps a lick of paint here and there - Matron that is the smallest dog you are using as a paint brush . . . . .

Ok . . .off you all go and sort out your costumes . . . . and let me know which jobs you are doing.

I am unashamedly going to crow from the roof top...

2007-06-18T17:37:00.000+01:00

I am unashamedly going to crow from the roof tops and do the proud Mum thing, praise is something that was lacking in my own childhood, despite my best efforts, so I am going to over compensate!

LittleBird phoned me to tell me she had had some Final Results in for the National Diploma she had be studying the past 2 years. She got Distinction Distinction Merit, and in UCAS points terms , thats the same as A level grades A A B! She still has 2 A level results to come in when the rest normally do in English Literature and English Language. She is sooooo happy, and it's a perfect thing to happen today, as today is the final Fashion Show at 9pm tonight at Festival Place shopping mall, Basingstoke . Hopefully thats a place guarenteed at her first choice Uni, fingers crossed! Now I am off to buy the girls dinner before we watch the final show.

I promise not to be so boastful in future, I am just soooooo thrilled for her.

PHOTO FOR EXMOORJANE'S SON

2007-06-18T16:13:00.000+01:00

Hello James,

As promised, here is a photo of my grandson Ben, as you can see he is Football Crazy. The photo was taken last year on his 7th Birthday, he is an England Supporter.

How was your day at school today James? hope rain did not stop play, it is raining "cats and dogs" here in Norfolk, well not literally of course! Please give my love to your mum, thank you James, speak to you again soon.

Camilla.xx (:)

If you want a big laugh and a big surprise today, ...

2007-06-18T14:26:00.000+01:00

If you want a big laugh and a big surprise today, then do go over to Milla's blog. It's fantastic.

Paul Potts - Britian's Got Talent

2007-06-18T13:03:00.000+01:00

I'm so glad Paul won. I hadnt actually been watching this programme but Em was and I got interested and of course had to see the final. I thought I'd better vote as I thought he deserved it! Also I didnt want Connie to win as I think its a bit much for a child of that age.... though I see from the paper that she has been offered a big record deal. Voice of a mini angel no doubt, but would she go far if she were not such a pretty, charming child? I don't think so! Some children have faces only a mother could love, and unless extremely talented just aren't going to make it - but Connie is a real sweetheart. Lets hope life will be ok for her. I keep thinking of Lena Zavaroni (poss got spelling wrong there!).

Paul deserved to win, and I'm sure Her Majesty will enjoy his performance more than a bum-wiggling monkey or some guys throwing things round a bar!

Grandpa

2007-06-18T12:50:00.000+01:00

A man came to visit his grandparents, and he noticed his grandfather sitting on the porch, in the rocking chair, wearing only a shirt, with nothing on from the waist down.
"Grandpa, what are you doing? Your p***s is out in the wind for everyone to see!" he exclaimed.
The old man looked off in the distance without answering.
"Grandpa what are you doing sitting out here with nothing on below the waist?" he asked again. The old man slowly looked at him and said:
"Well... Last week I sat out here with no shirt on, and I got a stiff neck. This is your grandma's idea."