Guest View

These are views from our Guest room.
Photos taken with our new Canon 500D EOS.

Cup

I love cups/mugs. I had to smuggle two mugs one for my daughter and one for me when moved to Northern Ireland because we had decided that we would sell or give away all our household goods. My husband didn't see the point of taking mugs when we were going to a house that was fully equipped with what we needed.

I had to weigh the pros and cons of adding weight to my bag for the trip and decided I could afford to take at least two mugs/cups. Thought it would be good for my daughter to have some connection so I took her birthday Princess cup. Choosing mine was a bit more difficult and had two cups that were gifts from learners etc. Finally decided on the mug I got in my swap - it was a Coffee Swap. Had my favorite color blue and good memories attached to it and I liked its design.

So far I have resisted the temptation to buy a lot (not enough space) but ove the last month or so a number of cups and mugs have gotten chipped or broken and I am looking forward to legitimately replacing them :).

My most priced cups are sitting at the moment in a box in Cape Town. They are British China cups that used to belong to my Grandma. At one stage a shop in South Africa was selling one cup and saucer for R150.00. There are not any brand names on them so their value is unlikely to increase. Just love to have an English tea party with them again (even though I prefer coffee - LOL).

Guess what A-thing is on picture? swap

"Only important, that this begin with letter A. Please do not use very specific things, because it must be fun, not hard puzzle."

The answer for this is not airplane!

Rumour Mill

When I saw todays title Rumour - this first thing that came to mind was an old gospel song sang by a quartet but I cannot remember the rest of the song or who sang it,

So instead I decided to do a search for any other song that would have the words rumour mill.
But before we get to that I thought a deinition would be interesting:

You can refer to the people in a particular place or profession who spread rumours as the rumour mill.

or

process of spreading rumors: the process by which rumors are started and spread

Banbridge

Photos of Banbridge - Town in Northern Ireland. For my Swap-bot Swap:I () My City

Main street in Banbridge

Walking home from school this is what you can encounter in the Town.

Just round the corner from my home.

The roundabout entering the main street.

The River Bann

I took this photo while walking in Huntly Wood

The River Bann (An Bhanna in Gaelic) is the longest river in Northern Ireland, flowing for a total of 129 km (80 miles)

Marching Band through the town on the 13 July 2009

The Oulet
Fairly new shopping centre on the outskirts of the town

Another view of the River Bann this time from central town

Smooth Operator

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Teeth :: Dentist
   
2. Sweeten :: Coffee
   
3. Demons :: and Angels
   
4. Pizza :: I want some now
   
5. Protector :: "knight in shining Armour" NOTTTTTTTTT
   
6. Smooth :: operator (wasn't that a song)
   
7. Coat :: of Arms
   
8. Pebbles :: river
   
9. Pregnant :: definitely not me
   
10. Sing :: a song of sixpence a pocket full of rye (nursery rhyme)

See more or join: http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Pink Window

Taken a few years back in a Play House at a Garden Center outside of Somerset West, South Africa.
These were taken by Claudelle Bender. We were investigating what a play area would need and she was also practicing her photography.

Take a Chance on Me

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Suitcase :: holiday, packing
   
2. Exhaust :: car
   
3. Olympics :: Para, Wii
   
4. Video :: Games
   
5. Cargo:: Ship
   
6. Previously :: unheard of
   
7. Wild card :: Take a chance on me
   
8. Artificial :: insemination, intelligence, AI
   
9. Gambling :: Casino
   
10. Exhibition :: Artist
    

Hosted by Luna Nina: http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Doors in Westen Super Mare

This was taken in July 2008. My visit to England. Loved the flower hangings and colour doors.

To see more Window Views: http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Choosing a car

As you know last week I was in an accident and now we are in the market for a car.

Arghhh and its driving me up the wall. What is the right choice? What is the best choice?

We have a specific price range and because we are only int eh country for 18 months we don't have access to financing. However we were surprised today when one car dealership has offered us financing.

Who ever thought we will be choosing between buying a new car and a second hand car and be leaning towards the 2nd one. All the comparisons we are making are not bringing us any closer to a decision. So now i feel I should trust my emotions - LOL.

What do you think?

New Kia Rio 1 1.4 (Black is our only choice if want one fast) or Toyota Aygo 2007 with 6500 miles on it?

Word Games

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Humbled :: eat pie, a state of mind
   
2. Buns :: Hot Cross, Easter, Cinnamon & raisons
   
3. Snowstorm :: something I don't want o experience
   
4. Sweetheart :: Darling
   
5. Punch:: An interesting Drink
   
6. Glass :: Fragile
   
7. Classical :: music
   
8. Heels :: High, shoes
   
9. Twitter :: whats the point?
   
10. Husband :: Weiers
    

Host by Luna Nina: http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Quote for the Week

Window Views

Taken year at Belfast Castle

List of Three

Heads or Tails

Three things I dreamed of and done:

1. Visited Paris
2. Been a missionary
3. married a guy with blue eyes (LOL - that criteria fell away when I got older but it still happened)

Three things I still want to do:

1. Write a book
2. Speak a third language - French (keep starting but have not followed through)
3. Bring my mom to Europe

Three symbols in my life:

1. Butterfly
2. Blue
3. Balance Scales

Rails

This is the start of the the Railway line from Mallig to Fort William.

The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct can be seen be seen in the flying car sequence in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Fort William to Mallaig railway line crosses the Glenfinnan valley via the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Sunday Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Food :: Court
   
2. Death :: Bed
   
3. Cafeteria :: School
   
4. Need :: or Want?
   
5. Born :: to be Wild
   
6. Stitch :: in time saves nine
   
7. Badly :: Men behaving Badly (Sitcom)
   
8. Blocks :: Flats
   
9. Chuck :: Norris
   
10. Spiral :: downward
    

MEME: http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Hit Song on by DOB

Thought this was an interesting thing that I never thought about. What was the Hit Song on the day you were born?

Apparently mine was Hold Me Close - I don't know it, but now I do.

Mutterings

Click here to read Life oh Life

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Weak :: Strong
   
2. Flashy :: Car
   
3. Sack :: of potatoes, fired
   
4. Business :: card
   
5. Purple :: Royality
   
6. Fan :: sports, music, Chinese
   
7. Airline :: Sabina Airways (my Gran's nickname for mom because she always seemed to be going somewhere - I becaming know as Sabina Airways no. 2). It was a real hoot when I discovered that there is actually a real Airline named that.
   
8. Guide :: Girl guides, Hiking, Nature
   
9. Lunch :: Time
   
10. Exercise :: walking, aerobics, If only I can keep it up regularly
    

Hosted by Luna Nina: http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Life Oh Life

Isn't there a song that goes like that - oh yes I found it. Nope I am not scared and superstitious. But the chorus's tone definitely summaries how I feel at the moment.
Sort of in Limbo - not exactly down but feeling a bit tired of schedule and routine.
Oh I am so in danger of slipping into bad habits again, I feel like I am at a critical point and if I just get a little energy in the right direction, this is so going to be a good turning point.

I have had a productive week. Setting up appointments, looking for information for various projects, planing and executing other projects cooking healthy meals, exercising, keeping contact with family and friends, doing homework with Jeandre, had a playdate and made a new friend. Completed reading two books!! Well the one I started the week before.
Friday I had a little dizzy episode (Meniere Disease) and my energy has been low ever since. Now I feel concentration and motivation waning as well but I so don't want to lose the positive momentum I have been building.

Plan for today: give Lily and Jeandre their third Bible study, cook, go for a walk (hopefully the weather holds) and make a to do list for this week. Got a job interview on Friday - its part-time , just 1hr a day - wish me good luck!

I say ... and you think ... ?

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Resolutions :: So last year (LOL)
   
2. Page :: turner
   
3. Narrow :: road, religion
   
4. Refuse :: garbage
   
5. Fountain :: of Youth
   
6. Grunt :: that's all you can get out of him
   
7. Construct :: build, create
   
8. Nightmare :: on Elma Street......
   
9. Inch :: by Inch, waist measurement
   
10. Instant :: coffee, dessert

.......

Hosted by Luna Nina http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

Where am I?

I have neglected my blog. For a few reasons. I have not felt sure if I should really share whats on in my mind. I have been ill and when I feel better I need to catch up stuff in the house and other projects.
Thought I would just write a short note to say that I am alive.
Had the exciting opportunity to visit Scotland. Now I have the frustrating task of finding a place to develop my disposable camera shots, then scan them in so I can share them.
Thinking of a number of things I would like to accomplish this year. each will take quite a lot of energy but I feel very optimistic about achieving success once I put my mind to them.

Reading for this Week

I will be reading Dynamic Living - How to take charge of your health by Dr. han Diehl and Aileen Ludington.

Going to Scotland for a week.

Hello

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

I say ... and you think ... ?

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Interest :: Rates, Concern, genuine
   
2. Chase :: Police Cars
   
3. Itch :: Scratch
   
4. Soothe :: rub gently, talk softly
   
5. Lamp :: bedside reading
   
6. Tutor :: mentor and teacher
   
7. Nicole :: Kidman
   
8. Sloth :: 7 deadly sins
   
9. Burn :: Crash & Burn
   
10. Bug :: sub tropics
    

Hosted by Luna Nina

Green Swap Ideas

RECYCLE
Recycle some jokes from http://blog.greenfinder.co.uk:



*REDUCE*
Looking for a a unique e-Christmas card that also sends a recycling message: http://christmascards.recyclenow.com/choose/

*REUSE
A Card Tree* - If you hate to part with beautiful Christmas cards each year, then save them to use as tree decorations. Glue the front and back halves together to make a sturdier ornament, punch holes in the top, then tie to the tree with ribbons. Or, laminate some cards and use those as ornaments. Or, cut out portions of the cards and decoupage onto wooden craft shapes to use as ornaments.
*Christmas Card Images* - This is one of the simplest of christmas tree decorating ideas. Cut the images that you like from last year's Christmas cards and color the back with gold or silver magic marker. Then hang it from the tree with a shiny ribbon. This look is especially nice on a wall mounted christmas tree that is placed next to your main entryway.

100 Things to Do During a Money Free Weekend

The Challenge list 100 things to do on your or with family and friend.
Idea from The Simple Dollar finance blog.

1. Immerse yourself in a new culture - have an African or Mexican or French weekend.

2. Plan a tour for your family/friends/ partner (DATE) - gather info from the tourist office and then give them guided walking tour!

3. Go geocaching. You don't have to exchange items in the box - you can just record the fact that you found it.

4. Read a book - one you bought a while ago or even better one from the Library.
Have a Book club night or just reading aloud for fun.

5. Have a boardgames night.

6. Play card games.

7. concert night - eveyone plans an item to show off their talents.

8. Do your own Pantomime at home:

9. Get creative - do a recycling craft.

10. Make an event of baking or cooking together.

11. Have a lazy pajama day. No housework.

12. Video/DVD marathon - watch 3-6 or more DVD's after each other. You can re-watch ones you have, borrow from the library or friends.

13. Indoor games like Bowling (making your indoor alley), table tennis/snooker (if you have that equipment.

14. Organise your photo albums.

15. Do clear-out of clothes cupboards or stationary draw or CD/DVD's. You will be amazed at what you may find.

16. Read some blogs or internet articles.

17. Play free online games on facebook etc.......

18. Go window shopping (that means you look but you don't buy :) )

19. make ATC - artist trading cards, or make your own christmas/birthday cards in advance - recycle old cards etc.....

20. Have a pamper day - do self-one or friends/ family - do each other hair, feet, hands etc...... Don't have beauty products see what you can use that is already in your kitchen like a banana mask, a milk bath, eggs for face or hair.

21. Make or colour in mandala.

22. Go on a hike.

23. Exercise at home - with a DVD or free online stuff on You Tube etc.

24. Learn a new language.

25. Learn a knew craft /skill - like changing a car tire or sewing or scrapbooking. Learn from a family member/friend/DIY books/DVD's

26. Sunbathe - if the weather allows.

27. Start writing that book or poem you always plan to do. Family Soltaire may help the process along ie. choose a spot the house or park and spend 30min to 1 hr jsut listening/writing/drawing.

28. Start a journal/blog

29. Write a letter.

30. Try a new hairstyle - or be brave and cut your own hair.

31. Look for and contact old friends via facebook/Skype/telephone.

32. Visit a new church/religious centre. It could be a really interesting experience.

33. Volunteer for a river/park clean up.

34. Walk the dog - if you don't have one offer to walk a neigbours'/friend's one.

35. Make a dream/vision collage.

36. Plan your week.

37. Family meeting to create mission statement.

38. Show & Tell

39. Picnic Day - In Winter/bad weather have an indoor picnic.

40. Set up the tent in your back yard or if live in a flat put it up in your lounge - just for the fun of it (could be romantic).

41. Collect sea shells/leaves/stones

42. Make your own potpourri or bath salts

43. Build a puzzle - you could frame it afterwards.

44. Boost your brain power by doing crossword puzzles or soduku

45. Go swimming - beach, public pool, checkout for free swimming passes if you don't have one in your backyard.

46. Do some gardening.

47. Start a compost bin.

48. Do the important paper work you have been putting off like your will /taxes/budget.

49. Have a drumming session - you can make your own drums using recycled material.

50. Try out meditating / yoga

51. Have a clothes exchange party with friends.

52. CSI / other game you have not played for ages - make an event of it - have bring & braai /potluck party.

53. Make gifts in advance for birthdays/thank you's or Christmas.

54. Plan your next holiday.

55. Play with some kids - your own, your friends or family's kids - hide and seek or take them to the park.

56. ride a bicycle or learn to ride one.

57. Photography Day - play around with your camera and computer software.

58. Become a tourist in your own town/city. Check online for free activities in your area eg. Tourist website or Community Website. I have found free walking tours and museum tours that sometime even include refreshments!

59. Discover new music by listening to Last FM or exploring You Tube.

60. Have a No-TV or no-digital stuff weekend.

61. Take time to sew the button or hole in your clothes.

62. Do some household maintenance.

63. Write a shopping list /menu plan for the new week.

64. Cook meals to freeze.

65. Make your own bread - fun and brings a great smell into the house.

66. Learn to dance or learn a new dance. You don't always need a partner.

67. Have a weekend Detox.

68. Learn something new about your computer - eg. try out a program you have used like excel or powerpoint or explore linux or other free software.

69. Listen to music. To add extra spice do dedications or play DJ.

70. Rearrange the furniture in one of your rooms.

71. Write a list of 100. On any issue. Interesting to compare with others.

72. Join a group in the community or online.

73. Go Birdwatching.

74. Do your own Stargazing.

75. Take time to cut up coupon or go on price-compare websites.

76. Make a family recipe book - you could even take photos of your finished products.

77. Make a family Newsletter / paper.

78. Research a topic.

79. Have an official family meeting to plan your next Money free Weekend.

80. Exchange a house/apartment with friend or family member for the weekend.

81. Do a garage sale.

82. Go Puddle Hunting.

83. Blow Bubbles - even better make your own - having a bubble photo shoot.

84. Challenge yourselves to complete 5,10km walk or cycle a specific area.

85. Watch the sunrise and the sunset.

86. Browse through a bookstore. When my kid was little it felt like a nightmare but it soon paid off and she wanted to be like mummy and daddy.

87. Colour in a whole colouring book.

88. Go to a free museum.

89. Soak up the culture in an Art gallery

90. Have a themed weekend - to activities around the 60's - watch movies, listen to music, you can download quiz questions from the internet etc......

91. Play chess or learn to play it. Have a chess tournament.

92. Make your own indoor or outdoor labyrinth from stones you collected or tins/glass jars/paper bags with candles in them. Choose a design together, build it and then walk it.

93. Give your parents/children breakfast in bed.

94. Go feed the ducks in the park.

95. Have an upside down dinner - dessert, then main course, then starter.

96. Have a traveling dinner with friends - eat one course at the one person's house/apartment then walk to drive to the next person etc......
only use what you have already - do it like a potluck.

97. Build a snowman or sand castles or make mud pies.

98. Look around for free cheese, wine or chocolate tasting events or shops.

99. Make a family time capsule

100. have a family meeting to make another 100 more or less ideas of they would like to do on money free weekends

Paris Doors and Windows

Open door of a French Bar in Paris


One of the doors of the Louvre



French Resturant Toilet door and window - LOL.
The Dames reminded of Afrikaans. Its the same spelling of the word for Ladies in Afrikaans.

To see more Windows and Door or to participate go to:

http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Soft

HEADs OR TAILS

HEADS: SOFT


SOFT

cool, cushy, cozy, creamy, comfy
the feeling of being homey
SALF

SOFT

affectionate, kind, gracious
the type of behaviour is infectious
SALF

My first attempt at concrete poem I am entitling it: I by SALF

Fun site that helps you create your concrete poetry : http://www.wild-about-woods.org.uk/elearning/concretepoetry/

Concrete poetry

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Concrete poetry, pattern poetry or shape poetry is poetry in which the typographical arrangement of words is as important in conveying the intended effect as the conventional elements of the poem, such as meaning of words, rhythm, rhyme and so on.

It is sometimes referred to as visual poetry; a term that has evolved to have distinct meaning of its own, because the words themselves form a picture. This can be called imagery because you use your senses to figure out what the words mean.

Free WORD Association

http://subliminal.lunanina.com/

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Marathon : Pietermarizburg to Durban Comrades, Bruce Fordyce
   
2. Debt :: Collector
   
3. Turn :: aside
   
4. Image :: portrayed
   
5. Sofa :: relax, read, lounge
   
6. Envelope :: letters, writing, friends, swap-bot
   
7. Cart :: wheels, Horse & cart, Cart-blanche
   
8. Process :: ongoing, patience
   
9. Question :: Answer
   
10. Rumor :: not necessarily true, be careful what you say and belief
    

Window View - Paris Part III

Bakery. French are well know for their breads.



Don't think I need say more - LOL



Louis Vuitton
French fashion house

Free Christmas Tour of Belfast Castle

I have booked for the 6 December to this tour and then to make Christmas wreaths at the Coin Glen Forest centre. Should be a fun day for the kids.


Christmas Tours

Saturday 5th December 2009—10.30am
Sunday 6th December 2009—10.30am
Saturday 12th December 2009—10.30am
Sunday 13th December 2009—10.30am
Monday 14th December 2009—7.30pm
Saturday 19th December 2009—10.30am
Sunday 20th December 2009—10.30am
Tuesday 22nd December 2009—7.30pm

Each FREE tour lasts approximately one hour with and will include an illustrated talk on the history of the castle and its development to the present day. The tour finishes with complementary tea, coffee and mince pies afterwards. To book a place on one of the tours please contact the reception at
Belfast Castle on 028 90776925

Update

I feeling a bit better. I am managing to get some task done.

The weekend was horrible, was getting concerned about dehydration because I couldn't even keep tea in my system for long. Spent most of the weekend either laying in bed or sitting in lounge looking miserable. Then yesterday I just had a surge of energy and I was unbelievable hungry tried to not over do things. I managed to do a basket of ironing and cooked supper.

This morning is so-so - didn't keep my breakfast down. But managed to drink a glass of water. The fogginess in head has lifted a bit. going to have a few people come in and out of the house today. The lounge and half the kitchen is tidy and that's about all I think I can manage maybe later I will iron.

Here's hoping for a good day!

More memories, less spending

Suffering

Argh I am feeling a bit hopeless today its been a bad few days and I finally have an answer to what's wrong with me but the prognosis is not that positive. Meniere's Disease.

The episodes are getting worse instead of better and I am wondering if I am not bringing them on because I am feeling stressed and guilty about it. Finding it hard to think rationally. And trying to to escape into a book or anything else does not quite work because the attacks get so bad I cannot even lay down and read.

Its so surreal.

Window View - Hall of Mirrors

Hall of Mirrors part of palace of Versailles, was constructed at the end of the 17th century with 17 mirrors opposite 17 windows, and lit by glass chandeliers.



It was difficult to capture the view and exclude all the people but I tried.


Imagine dancing in this room it must have been glorious.

These are window views taken from the Kings Apartment just before entering the Hall of Mirrors.






To see more window views http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Short note of reflection

It seems to be the time in my life when I start reflecting on what has been, what is and what may come.

I still feel a bit disorientated as if I have two starts to the year one in September and one in January. Some people that have moved from the Southern Hemisphere say that even after 20 years it still feels weird to them. Its amazing how something so simple can be unbalancing.

to be continued..................