Spinning!

No, I have not been on the grog! As I have been staying at work, there has been absolutely no excuse for not going to the gym. Normally I can get away with - need to get home for Pete, Alfie, going out, have to watch paint dry or anything else that pops into mind! However Jacqui, a lovely Sergeant Major at work, said that she was starting a introduction to spinning class for ladies and would I like to join them? She promised to be gentle! How stupid was I to believe that! I have discovered that spinning is actually a form of torture, obviously designed by someone with a very sadistic nature. Jacqui certainly showed her true colours, no wonder she is a Sergeant Major! And what can I say about that saddle, except that today I feel like I have enjoyed a full night's session (take that which way you like!!!). So will I be going back? Absolutely, but this time with a gel cover for that saddle!

Minted Chickpeas in Corn Wraps

These are so ridiculously quick and easy, that they are now my standard 'whip up something quick for unexpected lunch guests' dish.

Gently fry until soft a good bunch of dark greens (spinach, cabbage or kale). Add a couple of chopped tomatoes, two crushed garlic cloves, a tin of chick peas and two teaspoons of mint sauce. Cook (stirring often) until the tomatoes have softened (just a few minutes will do). Serve in corn (or even flour) wraps. Yum, yum.

Sorry no picture, use your imaginations! Xxx

Inside The Wire

So it's been snowing again and freezing cold all week and those of you that know me realise that I am staying at work again. Here is my room. A little bare, but warm and comfortable with everything you need. I also am well looked after with an armed guard prowling the perimeter at night!
The other picture was taken as I walked up from the camp to the mess. The snapshot doesn't really do it justice, but the naked tree all lit up looks really quite spooky. Keep warm folks xxx

For Sindy <3

Hiya My Dutch doggie Pal,

I have just come back from a really muddy walk along the sea wall. It was soooo gloriously muddy I could have wallowed for hours. But my Mum, who hasn't got a clue about how good this mud is for my fur and overall skin care regime, decided I should be hosed down before getting anywhere near the boat. Oh the indignity of being made to stand there in full view of that Labrador bitch from the big house on the corner. I bet she had a nice warm bath to go home to and a log fire to curl up in front of (how the other half live). I wouldn't look at the camera because I didn't really want you to see me looking like this, all bedraggled and damp. But then I remembered your mum's message yesterday and I agreed that my mum could send you this just to show that us boat pups have to put up with some tough times to be able to enjoy the wonderful happy, loving lives that we have in common. Keep your chin up babe, it will soon be spring and we can be frolicking with the best of them. Lots of licks and sniffy bottoms Alfie xxxx

Happy New Year xxx

I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year. 2012 was a good year for us. We had Stuart and Kerry's wedding, Dad gave us a few worries but pulled through, we had the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics, and made good progress on the barge. 2013 is already shaping up. We have another wedding to look forward to! In July, Philip and the adorable Lucie are getting married at Newlands Hall. Another excuse for a new dress and hat! I will leave you with a couple of images of the wedding venue. Looking forward to keeping in contact with you all xxx

Feeding the Forty Thousand!

Having had a few too many lagers yesterday lunchtime in the club, I invited 10 people back for more drink and some food. Thank heaven for the larder! I threw tins of tomatoes, baked beans, kidney beans, fried onions and sweet corn into a wok added veggie mince, garlic, ready cooked rice and chilli powder and voila, a vegan chilli. I also gently fried a bag of kale, added garlic, two tins of chick peas and two teaspoons of mint sauce. I put the two saucepans on the table along with corn wraps and let everyone help themselves, it was a feast fit for a king and even the die hard carnivores went back for more. Desert consisted of chocolate and coffee. A lovely afternoon spent with good friends. Now excuse me, I have a little headache that needs seeing to!

Growing Older Disgracefully!

I LOVE this poem!

Warning
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me,
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We will have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.


Beware I am already wearing a lot of purple!!!!