Currently reading

This book tells one woman's tale of spiritual and physical survival through
China's invasion of Tibet and her subsequent years of imprisonment. It is a
moving account, from Ani Pachen's happy childhood, her attempts to lead her
village in defiance against the Chinese and her years of imprisonment and
torture and finally her freedom her story is compelling. It graphically brings
to life an episode of recent history to many who may not be aware of this
tragedy other than as an event.

7/7

I should have written this post yesterday evening, but I was busy chatting on the phone to son who has decided to come and visit us again next week. When he was with us a few weeks ago he asked if either myself or his Dad would like to spend a few days with him in London, but we didn't think we could go because of work committments. So son is coming back to see us, he wants to spend more time with the dogs I suspect, and I have asked for a few days off work anyway.

Next time I go to London, I want go to Hyde Park to visit the memorial which was unveiled yesterday, to the 52 people who were murdered on 7th July four years ago.

Four years ago I was on my way to visit my Mum, unaware of the breaking news of the bomb attacks on the tube trains and bus in London, could barely believe it when she told me, and then fretting because I was unable to get hold of son who works for London Underground in central London. That day will stay in my memory forever.

Twitchers

At work today we were having a conversation about cherry flavoured sweets. I mentioned that I had a cherry tree in my garden, but have never eaten any cherries as I just leave them for the birds. I was asked why not eat them and I said because I suppose I've never been sure they were safe to eat. So I've been asked to take some into work tomorrow. We joked that if they were poisonous we could all be off sick together.




Then my sales assistant told me that last year she spotted some men hiding behind the bushes in her garden. They were wearing green coats and had binoculars. We found this very amusing, can you imagine the scene? Anyway, she went to ask them what they were doing and apparently they were birdwatchers looking for rare birds. I asked what the birds were called and she said waxwings.

I've done a bit of searcing on the RSPB site, and found that waxwings are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia but move inland in search of food. So I decided to search for waxwings in north Wales and found this forum. It's members give the exact location of her home!

I'm still chuckling. I'll be checking behind my bushes this winter!

Video links

Chastting to Barry on the phone last night, I asked him if he'd seen this TV advert as it always reminds us of him, and he said he hadn't. So after a bit of searching on the internet, I've found it.

http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA8998

Also told hin about this video...hope this guy lives on the ground floor!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRfmETZCCsQ

Look what I found

Doing a bit of tidying up and sorting out today, I found this little book and I can't remember where or when I bought it.

The very last postcard in the book is of the Rhyl Monorail and I remembered that earlier this year Barry had written a post asking for more information or photos.

Well the same photo is in the book and this is the information:

Rhyl Monorail which was erected in 1979 and opened by T.V. chat-show host Terry Wogan.

It was short lived and lasted only about six weeks. It was later pulled down.

So no, you didn't imagine it Barry, but you were only four years old at the time. I don't think I took you for a ride on it, though I do seem to remember it did come off the rail. If any one knows any different...

Quote

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."


-- Bill Cosby

MOT

I've been for some blood tests this morning, and then this afternoon I went for some dental treatment. I'm hoping that's my full MOT for this year and that I am roadworthy.

Goodbye for now

We've just waved goodbye to Barry, he's on the train back to London. I know he's enjoyed his stay with us, and that he needed the time to relax and unwind. The five days days have flown by. We've really enjoyed him being here with us.

Hopefully it won't be too long before we see him again.