Some of you might have seen this rose before, it's beautiful isn't it - unfortunately the time has come for us to part…I didn’t want to do it knowing it would be a painful experience.
It’s a bloody (excuse language) vicious thing however wanting to remain friendly with new neighbours last season - they thought it would be lovely having a rose rambling down their side of the fence - we didn’t prune consequently it has grown into such a almighty tangle that even sparrows can’t find a way through…I only found one abandoned nest.

Why don’t men accept that woman is all knowing and just DO as they are told first time
“Put your gumboots on Brian you know how vicious that rose is,” I called sweetly at his disappearing back but no he waits until he feels the pain and first blood is drawn before limping saddly off for the first-aid kit dripping blood every where only then stopping to put on his gumboots…I wouldn't mind but he passes them everytime he leaves the house!
His legs look like they have been stung by a dozen bees lol, well you have to laugh.
I had the overseers job up the ladder (again!) so kept relatively safe…one or two angry looking scratches across my wrists which actually look worse than they in fact are and one across my cheek, very becoming I don't think

Brian went for his gallstone removal on Tuesday. All went well, he went into the operating room at 8am and was released at 3.30pm - It was a very tiring day for all but not wasted…in one of the numerous magazines I perused was a cool recipe for fried zucchini/courgette which was quite fortuitous as one of my old ladies gave me 3 large ones on Monday - Personally I think they are tasteless slimy things only good for “bulking” out a soup but shhhhh don't tell her :o)

A very strange thing happened Tuesday…I lost my blue comb…actually I only have one comb so the colour is immaterial still it’s nice to have the whole picture, right? And isn't it a huge picture - I don't know how that happened, N-E-way
My last memory of it (the comb) was when we were getting ready to leave the house on Tuesday…I remember picking it up thinking I'll take this with me today and that’s it...Yesterday I searched high and -

OH MY GOD!!! I think I was just rude to Brian’s surgeon.

Do you get call centres phoning you at all times of the day and night? I think our call centres are based in India or China as we get people who can’t speak English properly and as they phone at inconvenient times I can’t be bothered with them so usually say “sorry can’t talk byee,”…well the phone just rang and an Indian voice asked to speak to Brian…there is nothing gets me so riled up as being side stepped for the male of the household…I take it as a personal insult and sexist toboot LOL - I know it’s probably not meant that way but I can’t help it having experienced being talked over as if invisible once.
We had gone in to make wills but you'd think Brian had gone on his own. All questions were addressed to him even though I answered them grrrrrr.

Anyway I said abruptly, “NO he isn’t here can I help you?” and it was only as I was saying the words I realised it was…Dr Palipane. He is such a nice man, very soft spoken and sweet, anway we chatted for a few minutes so I hope he forgave my Big Bad Bear attitude.

As I was going to say - I searched high and low for my comb on Wednesday, in my bag, AGAIN, in the fridge, under the bed, in the pot cupboard (I have been known to put things there) I even looked where the dog’s biscuits are kept then I asked Brian to check my bag, all the same places plus some I might not have thought of - result - a big fat ZERO.

It was my work “DO” last night . I only went because I was bullied; hard to believe huh but I had no real excuse as all the obstacles I put forward were removed; a friend who is also a collegue was also going so I needn’t take the car (she doesn’t drink) and so we spent a pleasant couple of hours; had eats and drinks and were home by 8pm just when I was beginning to enjoy myself too.

Today I was telling one of my ladies about my comb. I decided to go into town to buy a new one because as everyone knows as soon as you buy a replacement for something you have lost you find the old one.
And so it was. As I walked out of the shop to the carpark I opened my bag to put away my new comb and yes you guessed it, there as bright and as blue as can be was my old comb.
I think I said something like “Well blow me down,” or maybe it was, “well, I’ll go to our house,” (Brian would say the latter being a Yorkshire man,) but what I actually said was...no asorry can't repeat it, makes me blush LOL...have a nice Christmas all ye who enter here and don't forget to SMILE:O)

Not a Weekly Ramble

I’m just going to go with the flow see what comes out so be prepared and if you see this post twice it's because I can't fathom the "also post to," feature on Multiply lol.

If you were my friend - oh yeah that’s right YOU ARE! but then so is Mary L in England. Actually, she probably thinks we are not any more as it is almost 6 months since I put pen to paper for her.
There is a 2 page letter sitting in my “letters” file just waiting for a “well this is it for now catchya later and don‘t forget to write soon, love Bev” ending but I can’t be bothered to even open it. Sorry Mary but I will get to it promise. Yes I’m so bad but I do feel guilty about it truly I do.
Mary, is the only person I know without a computer.

My son wrote me at Facebook a few weeks ago; his opening sentence was to ask if there is any mental illness in our family! I thought, isn’t there in every family? It set me to thinking about my mother who suffered post natal depression of and on for years.
She had 8 pregnancies but only 7 live births. That’s enough to send anyone “round the bend” I reckon.
In those days it wasn’t diagnosed as such and she was put through the most barbaric treatments. I’m sorry I didn’t know what the matter with her was, we were too young and mental illness was spoken of in whispers and behind closed doors; we just thought she was nuts…no not really

Anyway I’m worried about my boy in England. If you were to read his statements on Facebook you’d think he was having a fine life and coping with the stresses of his job etc but now I wonder if maybe he’s just putting on a brave face but I’m here and he is there, what can I do!

We completed the living room redecorations this week. The rooms look good too all that’s left is a bit of “fine tuning,“ and the main curtains.
I’m stumped for a colour but never being one to rush into anything it can wait. Hey Karen was I always so patient? No, no photos until I have the drapes okay
The first day of summer this week dawned grey and miserable and today I’m back in winter wear…at the moment there is a shawl over my shoulders and I remind myself of Nanny who used to carry babies on her back cradled in a blanket; you will have seen pictures of womenfrom many countries doing the same thing…what a woman, she’d be out there in the kumara patch or digging potatoes with one or other of my siblings asleep on her back.
I don’t remember being carried like this and I wonder, how did she managed when there were 2 and then 3 of us for her to look after?

I have had a poem sitting here for months. Actually it’s in 2 parts so maybe it’s two poems? that is the problem i.e. is it one or is it two poems.
As one poem it maybe too long and as two poems I can't seem to make them meld. Every time I look at it I wonder, one or two? shall I add another verse perhaps and then oh hell I close it down to think about another day when I might be struck by, oh i don't know, a solution would be good!
Yes, I’m in a quandary but what does it really matter and who but me cares anyhow!

My garden is going great guns…oh that’s right, NO, it’s not, how quickly one forgets.
I was out there admiring the cucumbers the other day which up til then had been going “great guns” when I discovered one had been decapitated at ground level…then the next day another one was wilting also having been cut off at ground level! So okay what caused it? Some grub no doubt.
I wonder if it’s too late to plant more. I love growing them and Brian eats them until the “wind” doth blow and it gets abit malodorous around here LOL

I tried to reverse into a tight spot the other day…(it‘s amazing what my little Rav can do) I’m sure I could have managed it with no trouble at all but have to admit I probably wouldn’t have been able to open the doors (roars with laughter) Brian stopped me. He’s such a spoil sport.
There’s a wee scrape on the car door but nothing that can’t be removed with a bit of wet and dry. It’s MY car after all.

Weekly Ramble - 06/11/09

We are decorating. I have to say “We” because Brian has been telling folk “he” is decorating. What he actually does quite well is follow instructions LOL.
This morning I finished painting the woodwork and tomorrow I’ll be ready to start wallpapering.

My hands are telling me this will definitely be the last time “we” do our own decorating. Unfortunately I find it difficult to stop and rest up when I should especially when there are things that need doing because as everyone knows, “if you want a job doing right, do it yourself” but don’t you just love being able to stand back and say “I did that,” and it’s pleasing also to be the only one who knows where the faults are. - oh yes there will be some for contrary to popular belief I am not perfect but I do think if a job is worth doing it’s worth putting an effort into getting it right. That was a problem when I was a production supervisor…my expectations were somewhat higher than everyone else’s which led to frictions. I guess if I’m guilty of anything it’s pride, so gowon shoot me

If it appears I’m not around much it’s because I’m spending more and more time on Facebook. It’s so comfortable and with more and more of my online pals also there I am still able to keep up to date on their comings and goings. Oh alright then I admit it, I’m hooked on Mafia Wars and play it once or twice a day until my energy is exstinguished LOL, harmless fun surely?

Apparently last October was the coldest NZ has experienced since the 1940‘s. Thank goodness it’s over; I wonder though perhaps we should start getting used to it?

A couple weeks ago Brian and I began watching a Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace.” Unfortunately we missed the first two episodes but via the wonders of the internet caught up on the story line which is loosely based on fact.

Set in the 15th and 16th centuries it’s about a woman who becomes Koreas first female Royal Physician. She experiences much hardship and strife but in the end perseverance wins out.

The shrillness of the language takes some getting used to and although there are subtitles I think much is lost in the translation because it‘s obvious by the body language there is humour.
I am not even going to try and remember the names of the characters believe me they are not Bruce or Lee because of this I found it hard to recognise the grown up versions of each female character at first as they start off as 7 year olds then suddenly in episode 4 or 5 they are teenagers and portrayed by older actresses. Could be an interesting ride ( 54 episodes.)

I’ve managed to take time out from decorating to plant up a vegetable garden with cabbages, cauli, carrots, spring onion, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. Oh there’s also potatoes (Brians effort) and broad and runner beans, the former are being harvested as I speak but the latter have yet to show. Better walk about with the hose so catchya later and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, bye for now.

Weekly Ramble - 15/09/09

Shew! I’m cream crackered! A few hours in the garden is ok but I really shouldn’t try it all in one hit. Smaller doses is the key in future…will I never learn.
My broad beans got a bit of a battering that last storm we had so goodness know if we’ll get any veggies from them. We might have to rely on Uncle Jim again cheers Uncle Jim.

One good thing to come of it (the garden) I’ve discovered the compost heap has gotten along quite well all winter with the minimum of input from me. It’s a kinda magic

Yesterday my computer went haywire but it seems to be ok now. How would I know if it’s been infected

More news from the specialist/surgeon…he wants Brian to have a MRI scan asap. What exactly does asap mean when we are still awaiting an appointment date. More waiting. More worry.

Brian was bad week last week with back ache and a really bad nose cold. Thank goodness he’s alot better now. Well enough to play a snooker tournament this afternoon.
I had a whole paragraph here but on rereading it sounded a complete jumble of unrelated thoughts - oh hang on that's what a ramble is huh LOL anyway
rambling is okay so long as people can understand you otherwise it just becomes sad and worrying. Am I sad and worrying anyone yet? No? Well give me time LOL.

We bathed the dog this afternoon; he needed it. Poor guy took off round the house soon as he saw the bucket of water. He likes his bath well enough once he’s in the tub; at least he doesn’t struggle while Brian holds his head and I‘m shampooing him, (the dog). He is so snugly clean now. They both are

Brian’s ex has added me as a friend on Facebook! The last word we had from her was threatening and now she wants to be friends? Oh well she always was a bit strange. I was going to snub her but hey life’s too short and she is the mother of his only child even if they don’t communicate. No they haven’t fallen out as such. More like years of mutual neglect I guess.

I just love garage sales and last weekend there were 6, all on one day
I want a huge house where I can display all the lovely things I find. Fortunately we have a very small house so I have to sell most of it.
Last weekend I found a pair of 1971 West German vases. Aren't they lovely.
I have to keep them, at least for a little while. I also I came across the garishly coloured ashtray above signed by Georges Briard and the set of 1976 Hornsea cups and saucers. All in all a successful day.

Weekly Ramble - 15/08/09

First of all I'd like to say farewell Lilyiris. One of my friends from Yahoo has either blocked me or canceled her account here. She has had personal problems for some time. If anyone has her personal contact details please tell her I wish her all the luck in the world.

Moving smartly on:-
"A mans close encounter with a right whale off the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington on Friday may cost him dearly. Not only did he get ticketed for illegal parking and having an expired car registration, he may be fined for getting too close to the whale.
He said he got so close that at one stage he stood on the whale’s back as it swam under him.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, people cannot be closer than 50 metres from whales, and fines for such breaches can amount to $30,000."
Personally, I hope they make an example of him. Off with his head

"Police say three Chinese tourists who were robbed in the Far North at knife point by men they had stopped to help yesterday are "stunned and shocked" at the incident."
This type of incident is happening way too often in this country. Sometimes I’m ashamed to be a Kiwi.
It seems to me some people think they can do what they like because they imagine they “own” this land. No, don’t go there because I’m not getting into THAT! Argument.

Brian has an appointment for an ultrasound Friday to see if he has gall stones or not.
I hope that’s all it is because I don’t want to think of the alternatives. Also an appointment has come through for him to see a specialist on the 3rd even though we don’t know if he’ll need it. He still has a bit of pain but seems to be managing reasonably well even tho he's not a grin and bare it silently type of fellow
Addendum: Brian arrived home from snooker a while ago in severe pain and went straight to bed. He doesn't want me to call the doctor who did say at the last appointment Brian would have to either bear the pain or if it gets unbearable he should call an ambulance and go to the hospital. I'll let you know tomorrow.

By the way sorry if some of you didn't like my last poem. It was done in rather a hurry and maybe needs more thought by yours truly, or maybe not



At the weekend we collected from my friend Karen a load of stuff for Brian to sell at market. Amongst the stuff were around 60 miniature oil lamps like these: aren't they so cute I'm keeping these 6 clear glass ones a while Karen:)


It’s been beautiful gardening weather lately even though most evenings we've had rain. Spring is here that's for sure.
Talking about weeds, oh weren’t we Anyhow I was weeding the other day when I thought ‘hey! you look edible, maybe we could eat you’ but then I thought, 'don‘t be silly' It wasn’t so long ago I had to ask my sister if it was normal for pistachios to be a greenish colour. I was going to throw them away. Yes I did like them actually.
On my walk with Max I pass mounds of a weed called “Dock” I don’t know what it’s called in other countries but I seem to remember it being used in poultices when I was a kid and cut my foot and I’m sure I’ve heard of Dock soup.
It’s a pity everyone who would know is dead. Yes it really is a pity because I could also find out what happened to the lamb I had as a pet when I was 7. Truthfully? it was more a humongous ram by that time LOL and used to follow me all over including into the house One day it just wasn’t there when I returned home from school…did mum serve it up for Sunday dinner?
I think she did but it would be nice to know for sure.
Also, I‘d like to know if mum ever did find that pillow case.

The story is, I had just finished making the beds (I was around 9) but when I turned around the pillow case, which I swear I put on the bed was gone.
I never saw it again and she blamed me for losing it.
It’s a pity one can’t remember to ask these important questions while people are still alive.

If you could ask what would your question be and who would you ask.