Painting Benches

My gorgeous hubby and I have a couple of benches. Garden benches. He brought me one for my wedding present (5 years: wood), to which he kept nagging at me that the wood needed protecting, to make them last longer. That was my job. That is a very long time ago!

In April of 2016 we were enjoying some fine sunny days in the North of England I decided this would be a good idea to sand down the bench. Thinking it would be an hour job... three hours later I was still at it! I always like to do a thorough job. And blimey, that bench was smooth.

It was a glorious sunny afternoon and I sandpaper'ed it all. There were a few (a lot of) choice words: I really got fed up, because I didnt expect it to take so long! I had a few cups of tea to keep me going, and with the patio doors open I listened to Radio 2 blasting out from the television. But, oh my goodness, how fiddly! Getting in between the slats was tight, and my hand ached. It was hard work. Plus, its not all that comfortable to do.

 I got out the tin and with a paint brush I started painting. Gorgeous hubby had located an old sheet to put on the cobbles so they didn't get splattered with paint. I had on some old clothes, so I set too with the painting.

I stared in disbelief as the paint went on purple. Purple! Seriously! Wow! I know I like purple, but I didn't really want that colour on my benches. I was a little taken aback. Thankfully, though,  it dried brown, "Deep mahogany", just what it said on the tin! Phew! The decision had to be made as to how to paint the underneath. Do I wait for it to completely dry and turn it over? Do I go underneath like mechanics do with cars? I opted to go underneath as I do like to fully complete a task! No matter what the task is! Gorgeous hubby located me some goggles to protect my eyes and I set to, to complete my paint job. Again, it was a laborious task to complete. It's quite hard to get inbetween the slats. At least I could tell what part had been done, so there was no "you've missed a spot" with my painting! With the wind blowing and I knew it was going to be dry for the next 24 hours (clever me, I checked the weather forecast) to complete the drying process. The tin does say "quick drying", but it is always best to go with a complete dry work. 

I finally finished my work and stood back to admire.

Now, the last part of the drying process was to watch that the cat didn't get her paws on it. Disastrous if she were to bring those painted paws into the house. She does like to lounge around on the bench to soak up the sun. We watched her like a hawk!

Finished, read the tin... 3 to 4 coats! Oh no, not again!

Sir Terry Wogan

It was such sad news to hear of the passing of Sir Terry Wogan. Never before has a death of a celebrity affected me, but I'm really upset that he has died. I really don't know why it's affected me, I didn't know him. I've never met him.
I have not seen his television shows, I was too young. I have only ever heard him on the radio.
There was something about him that was calming and gentle. He got me up in the mornings with his Radio 2 broadcast. The "Janet and John" tales would sometimes have me in stitches. Sir Terry Wogan was someone I would drive with, wake up with, potter around the house with; he was someone I loved to hear and felt comfortable listening to.
I was absolutely gutted when he gave up his morning ramblings. It's not been the same since he left. I was glad to hear his Sunday Lunch time broadcasts. He still sounded great and hadn't lost his charm. In the beginning a few programmes were recorded with audiences. I did try to go but unfortunately was unable. That would have been great to be there. They sounded an absolute riot! I would listen to him on catch up.

On Monday 15th February 2016 I listened to the first ten minutes of the Jeremy Vine show whilst I drove to work. It was a saddened tribute to Sir Terry Wogan. I made a mental note to listen fully on catch up.
I picked up the Metro from Darlington Train Station and read their amazing tribute to the Great Man. Their were words said from Chris Evans that morning on his Radio show, so I made another mental note to listen to that too!

On Wednesday I hopped on a Choo Choo to London from Darlington and plugged myself into the catch up programmes from both Chris Evans and Jeremy Vine. I cried all the way to London and back: silent tears! Such great words and sentiments from those that knew him. They really were fantastic tributes.

Never before has an emotion touched me with great sadness from a death of a celebrity: someone I've never met and didn't know personally.

RIP Sir Terry Wogan : A Great Man not forgotten

Blurbs for Book Titles

Secret Schemes and Darling Dreams

Antonio thought of his latest idea and bang, this was it! He was going to be wealthy. That was his ambition. He was always thinking of ways to get rich. And, that's all he wanted, to have loads of money.
All of his ideas had ended with disaster.  Would this be the perfect one, or will his other projects keep him awake at night? Antonio knows he's meant to succeed. Just one day his schemes and dreams may come true...

The 13 Secrets

Tilly never told anyone that she kept a diary. Her diary was the source of many happenings over the years. It was her secret.
Alone and single, in her 30s, she found her diaries when moving house, and came across those dark secrets she'd written about.
She promised herself that she would tackle each and every one of those 13 secrets in her diary.

Summer Of The Sisterhood

Barbara, Lucy and Fiona have one thing in common; they are triplets. They don't speak to each other and lead independent lives as far away from each other as possible. They are each happy and successful.
Disaster strikes! Their parents die on a summer holiday to Dorset. The triplets are reunited and discover that all their parents ever wanted was for them to speak. Will the triplets grant their parents wish, or do their troubles run too deep to make up?

Untouchable

Relax in a romantic story between Holly and Jeremy. They are made for each other and run a successful café partnership: The Soup Ladle. They want to expand the business, but each one has their own ideas.
Unfortunately the original soup recipe is secured under lock and key in the bank labelled "The Untouchable". Legal battles begin as to who ought to have the rights to its legal ownership.

Chains

Five coloured rings are scattered around the North Yorkshire County forming a treasure chain. As part of the Brownie competition, Brown Owl embarks on a mission to unearth these rings. Taking her brownies on a camping weekend they are all expected to follow the Brownie Guide Law: "A Brownie Guides thinks of others before herself, and does a good turn every day", and work towards their activity badges. All is not what it seems as Brown Owl was expecting as sinister occurrences start a chain events.

The day after New Year's Eve...

The snow is falling fast and cold on the tarmac. It is quiet. Street lights dot the pavements in full bloom. Bottles and streamers litter everywhere. I am cold. I stretch out my legs from being tucked in to gain warmth. Arrgh, pins and needles, not a good sign. That is the least of my worries. I carefully open my eyes and boy, they sting! The snow keeps falling. I am thirsty. Don’t eat yellow snow, but I need to. Melting the snow I am able to get some liquid in me. The back of my throat hurts like hell. My focus is non-existent, my head thumps and thumps. No chance of me remembering last night. I feel for my clothes; still there. My eyes are beginning to focus, slowly. Where the heck am I? I need warmth, and fast.

“Sors d’ici” says a gruff voice.

“Eh?”

“Sors d’ici”, and a black laced boot hits me hard on my legs.

“OW!”

I could just about make out two feet walking off and a voice mumbling.

Where am I?

I hear a phone ring. It stops. It rings again. It takes me ages to work it out. In my black jeans front pocket is my mobile. Fumbling to locate it, it keeps ringing off and starting again, I eventually answer it.

“Dude, where are you?”

“I don’t know,” I mutter incoherently.

“Hell of a night, dude!”

“I don’t know,” was all I can muster. My head is still thumping and my eyes are focusing slightly.

“Oh dude, you were out of it. Proper smacked up dude”.

Nope, no memory.

“Top night to have your Stag Do. Neva had one New Year’s Eve before. We were all off our rockers”.

Still not coming back to me.

“Then, we got you on a train. Eurostar, I think”.

“Eurostar!” that made me sit up, “how the hell...”

Laughter was all I can hear on the end of my Sony mobile. My mind is swirling, and still banging. France! Could I be? No, surely not!

“Hey Buzz how’s Paris?” came Ian.

“Paris!” I manage to splutter.

“Yeah Paris. We got you on the train and you past out. Dunno how, but got you past security and off you went”.

I am flabbergasted. Somehow the cold has disappeared. How am I going to get home? I fumble for my wallet. My fingers have gone numb now. I hang up. I need to get my act together. It doesn’t half sober you up. Head still throbbing. My mobile rings again.

“Hey dude, we’re coming to get you. Whereabouts are you? Stay put!”

“I don’t know,” I really had no idea.

“Right, stay where you are.” Slaz says in all seriousness. “I’ll get a track on your phone and we’ll come to you. Keep it on.”

“Hurry up as there’s not much battery,” I slowly reply.

“We’ll see, just keep it on. You got money?” he asks.

I open my black wallet. English pounds. “No, you idiot!”

“Well go to the bank and get some cash out.”

Good idea, I think, as I locate my card. Phew! I hang up. Panic. I cannot think straight. My head is still fuzzy. The snow is laying thick now. I look around and come to realise I am outside the train station. Probably been thrown here, Paris Gare du Nord. Slaz’ll know to come here.

It feels like years as Slaz and Ian finally arrive. I have managed to get some Euros and a coffee. Surprisingly on New Year’s Day. I could kill them.

I’ve always wanted to see Paris, but this wasn’t how I planned it!

The End

EasyJet versus Ryanair

I am a traveller by heart and love going to places: whether it be new or repeat destinations.
I have the fortune presently of flying to these wonderful places by the UK's low budget airlines. I can easily travel to all the Airports within England and Scotland in order to get these cheap fares. And, with having a parent living in Italy I am able to fly frequently.
I use both EasyJet and Ryanair, all dependant on who is offering the cheapest fare and my preferred time to travel.

EasyJet  (www.easyjet.com)
I fly less frequently with this Airline. It has improved somewhat over the years, but it's distinctive orange exterior is easily recognisable.
Their travel allowance is one baggage. I opted for two: both of which were under the advised guidelines, and thankfully, was able to board unchallenged, phew! I was fortunate to fit my carry on luggage in the overhead lockers and place my handbag under the seat in front of me.
I boarded quickly using their online booking requirements.
The seats were small and cramped, but I was able to sit ok with my five foot 7 inch height.

Ryanair (www.ryanair.com)
I fly more frequently with this Airline due my mum's location in Italy and Ryanair offering these destinations. Again, it's colouring and harp design is distinguishable.
This Airline now benefits with pre-booked seating when checking in online. Thankfully, there is now a more orderly way to queue to board.
Their carry on luggage requirements are bigger, being able to have a handbag and carry on. The carry on luggage is stowed in the overhead luggage racks and my handbag under the seat in front of me.
The room of seats appear bigger and I have a comfortable flight.
However, it is spoilt by their numerous constant announcements that can be lengthy.
Once landed people will clap, completely unnecessary. Also, when the flight is on time or early there's an annoying announcement telling you so! So frustrating and pathetic!
Ryanair can have their airports miles away from the city you fly to, so extra consideration is required.

Both Airlines have made travel to Europe affordable and accessible. Neither my husband and I pay for the priority boarding, extra leg room or have an award system. We don't see the point.

Pre-booking seats has made life easier and more relaxing. Although the luggage space is still a worry and fight over.

We will continue to use both Airlines purely for their cheapness of the cost of the flights. And, we're both happy with that!

Top Gear

I do miss Top Gear that used to be on BBC2 Sunday nights. Now, I'm not a car enthusiast by any means, but I did thoroughly enjoy the programme with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Three very over priced presenters driving and discussing cars! Not my idea of fun, only owning a Seat Mii, whom I love unbelievably! With this programme they made it immensely fun and attractive to everyone, and I laughed and laughed all the way through. It really helped when I would be back at work the next day! It was exciting seeing the challenges they were made to tackle, the famous people talking and speeding around the course in a "reasonably priced car", the knowledge of each car that was talked about, and the banter between the three was brilliant. A very rare talent for people to pull off. The best enjoyment was watching this with my gorgeous hubby and hearing him laugh throughout. It really is a very big shame it's been removed and brought back with different presenters. I for one will not be watching it. It won't have the same appeal.
I really do miss Top Gear!

Take Off...

There's something fascinating about sitting on a plane: strapped in: the next destination is the one you've paid to go to: HOLIDAYS start now!
The plane taxis off slowly, emptying it's parking bay, and heads off to its designated runway. The anticipation grows: my excitement is overwhelming!
There's silence as the plane prepares. The pilot and co-pilot are processing their final checks. Then, the engines fire up to full throttle, the plane moves forwards gaining tremendous speed. I am propelled against my seat ready for the nose to lift moving faster and faster along the runway. As the planes speeds my weight is pressed heavier into my seat. The nose lifts. I feel weightless, as I lift off into the sky leaving land below.
The plane powers upwards before finally levelling out, the seat belt sign is switched off, and I relax into my flight. Book out. Writing to do. It's an excellent feeling.

Garage Door Keys...where are they?

We have two garage door keys and whenever I want to use the garage I can never find a key. Usually then I have to go hunting in various garment pockets to find a key. My gorgeous hubby is very good at putting a key in his pocket and forgetting which one. After various tantrums, from myself, over a lengthy period of time I then contact my gorgeous hubby at work by text, and wait patiently, over another length of time for an answer. A reply comes back located in another trouser pocket I had failed to check. By this time I've completely forgotten what it was I wanted to go in to the garage for or given up because it's taken so long!

For the previous six months we've been down to one key. The same above actions happen each time. I have always thought we have two keys, but you know when you get that doubt sets in! Do we really? Finally, yes, we do have two keys. One key has been missing for so long we've been cherishing the other one. A couple of months ago, possibly a month, the same thing happened again. I hunted and hunted before contacting my gorgeous hubby on several occasions, but no joy whatsoever. When my gorgeous hubby comes back from work he hunts too for the missing one garage key. We were totally and utterly baffled and turned the house upside down,

This time I wanted to take my bike out to get it serviced in the nearby village. I put the car seats down, very proud of myself. Then looked for the garage door key to retrieve my bike. Damn! Lost it! By which time I had lost interest. I put my car seats back and fumed for the rest of the day! I finally settled with something else; read a book.

Then I had an idea. We have so many keys on the four key hooks that sometimes when retrieving another key one of two keys may drop off and onto the floor. This can go unnoticed. So, I took all the items out of the cupboard, and there it was: on the floor right at the back of the cupboard. I then text my gorgeous hubby straight away and feeling completely chuffed with myself: I had found the missing door key.

Quite a relief!

I was out with my friend some time later on a Friday night. We enjoyed a few drinks in the bar before heading to a Turkish restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne (I'd been driving past this particular restaurant for months and was wanting to try it out)! After the meal my friend went to the toilet I checked my mobile to se if I had received a message. My gorgeous hubby had texted to say he had found the other garage door key...in the clothes peg bag. Now, we are proud owners of two garage door keys...but for how long? Hahaha

Great North Swim 2014

This year I chose to do two miles in Lake Windermere, Cumbria, of the Great Swim Series. The last two years I had been doing one mile swims, so I wanted to stretch myself and do two miles, which resulted in two laps of the lake.

I did very well with the first half mile and quite pleased I was swimming well. Although no watch or time devise present I thought I'd done well. Getting around to the mile post I pushed myself to continue instead of getting out! I swam to the half mile ball again of the second mile I was getting tired by this stage. Each bouncing ball I swam around indicating the course seemed an impossibility, and a very long way off. They never seemed to get bigger as I swam closer; always this orange dot in the distance. So, getting around this half mile ball I was shattered, but not one to give up, with so little distance left I forced myself to do breaststroke. I began to feel sick too, retching quite frequently, but determined to finish.

I had set myself an hour and a half to complete. I had achieved two miles in a 25m pool in an hour and ten minutes. I knew the open water would take longer, and not wanting to be disappointed I set myself a target to achieve and be proud of.

So, with the end in sight I kept going and had convinced myself that as I was going slower than the desired time I'd set myself to complete. With my determination to finish and may be next year to come to do a quicker time. Each year the swim gets better with enjoyment. This being my third consecutive year it was the first time I actually enjoyed it. Now I was struggling, getting slower and weaker. My stomach doing somersaults. I'd slowly reached the end and had to be helped to gain my footing on the platform to get up.

Up I struggled, tired, my name being called out, and there was dad with his camera. Click! I felt horrendou and goodness knows what I looked like. I stepped further on, and dad had joined me saying something, thrusting his watch in to my eye line.  He was saying approximately an hour and fourteen minutes. And there was his watch with the little hand pointing towards the 12 and the big hand just above the 45 degree angle. Wow! Took a awhile to sink in, but wow! I just couldn't believe it. That's amazing by my standards. My gorgeous hubby must've gone online as some time later I received a text to say one hour fourteen minutes and twenty six seconds. Chuffed! Massive smile for me!