An indoor forest?!!

It is getting interesting in Westminster Abbey!! Apparently there is going to be an English countryside theme going on...with these Maples trees lining the way to the altar!! I can't wait to see the finished thing! Wedding fever has certainly taken over in London and the whole UK. Every time I read the papers or listen to the news this is the main story, and I can see how easy it is to get caught up in the whole event. There are even people camping out in front of the abbey for the last 3 nights to ensure they get the best view of the happy couple!! My dedication does not go that far though friends of ours are going to be in London on Friday so I wish them a super time. Kentish wine is also being served at one of the palace 'do's' so that is keeping it all nice and local too. 

I was reading about the wedding in the Dutch papers at work yesterday and it was fascinating to see the difference in what is being reported or talked about, even with my colleagues. One of them was surprised that William is not having a wedding ring - how was that going to work in the ceremony she wondered - but we have different traditions to other countries and it is no big deal really. I am hoping for a degree of informality in the midst of a truly formal occasion however, as it really is only all about a boy getting married to his girl..............and love. Aahhhhhhh. I am a romantic at heart that's for sure!!!

Sue xx

The complications of tax forms

Things change here when your child turns 18 so I am trying really hard to figure out what I need to do as regards tax information, and probably getting into a helluva pickle in the process!! I have no idea whether I am doing right from wrong, but I am trying so hard to be an honest and upstanding citizen however, so my intentions are 100% honourable, your honour!!! I think I may need to seek advice yet again...........either I will end up paying too much tax or not enough, and we all know who usually wins in this race, right?!!
So anyway, I hope I have sorted out Tims health stuff by sending in the forms via the internet this evening but as to my own - well, another story entirely.
I have had no luck with the job applications. Didn't really expect I would so disappointed but not down-hearted this time. It is summer and my colleagues all need holidays so there is enough work to go round for the coming 3 months. I expect I will be more worried once they are over, so the autumn will see a return to my anxieties on this score unless something comes up out of the blue before then. Please!!
At the moment my thoughts are turning to trying to complete everything for the first year of my study. I need to start learning things off by heart for the theory exam, which means basically knowing all the different approaches to counselling as well as the ethics and code of conduct etc. One go at this exam is included in the course fee for this year so I d... well need to pass. It is an oral exam so rather nerve-wracking I feel, as there is no hiding whether you know the stuff or not!!! Scary thing is you have to book it yourself, when you think you are ready to take it; I know for sure that I am telling NO-ONE until after I have passed!! That's right, not even you!! This week I have to concentrate on my written work so I am sort of hoping for cooler weather and a desire to sit indoors at the computer and want to write and write and write. Think it will happen?
Well, today it was cooler slightly and I worked all day which was enjoyable. Tim is up early all week so that means I set my alarm clock 5 minutes after his goes off, listen to see whether he gets up or not, and then once I hear him get his bike and go, I try to sleep again. Sort of works most times, only my anxiety is greater than his so I tend to worry when he doesn't move as fast out of bed as I think he ought!!! His responsibility......I know...............
Sue xx

Its back to normal tomorrow!

The Easter break is almost over for another year. This time it was truly sunny and hot and delicious just spending time out of doors - everywhere. So many people out on their bicycles and motorbikes - even me!  I managed two rides over the weekend - mostly after having eaten too much first - and it was very pleasant. Must do it more often! There were also many, many boats in all shapes and sizes on the water around where we live - from the fancy to the very basic, 'this is still afloat isn't it'? variety. The cats have been in and out like jojo's, seeking sun or shade depending on how hot they were feeling at the time. The preferred evening spot is now the mat in front of the front door, where the sun shines in just perfectly for cats. I have the sun blind down so there is no chance of a few rays whilst sitting on the settee until later on!
I did some window-cleaning too. Not a job I enjoy cos I am terribly bad at it, but it was overdue really and I decided it would give me something to do in between bouts on the sun lounger. Pat on the back for getting it done, Suzanne!!! Still a lot of paperwork that I have to attend to this week....really, I do. But tomorrow I am working, and Tim is doing 4 days in the bakery getting ready for 30 April. So 4 mornings of early starts - hope that alarm clock doesn't let me down tomorrow morning!!!
Sue xx

Easter pictures

Finka & Genghis snuggled up together.

I know its my birthday - let me sleep!

This is where the sun is first thing in the morning!

My favourite flower.

Easter Blooms!

The serious shelf.

Old favourites shelf.

Where I do my dreaming shelf!!

So this is a selection from yesterday when I was using the camera to shoot birthday photos of  Genghis. It was so warm he was hardly outside, so hence these are all indoor shots. He went for a short wander from the back garden, to the corner, and round to the front door, but that was it!! He is currently lying asleep on the window sill here in my snug whilst I type this up!! The two cats are inseparable, that's for sure. I suppose being Siamese, that makes sense.............

Then I took some shots around the room, of our pretty flowers - which were mostly lying scattered under the table this morning curtesy of Miss Finka - and some of the bookshelves. In some things I am very ordered - not obsessive ( well, a tad, maybe) but I like to be precise with books. Have the ones I love the most to hand, for a spot of reading every now and then. And my study books are increasing steadily so they have a whole shelf already!!! My dream shelf has books about England and places to visit in the world, and interior decorating, cos I love that. Then there is a gardening shelf underneath as they are the largest books and the heaviest I guess.......and then there is always the Other Book Case - the one with.............maybe I'll shoot that one today!!!

Sue xx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...........

to our beloved cat GENGHIS KHAN who turns 14 today! Yey!! He is the sweetest, most affable, most quiet, most loving creature and deserves nothing but love in his life, which he gets in abundance from us.
So enjoy the sunshine Geng, and the treats, and sleep your way through your special day with us.
Sue xx

HAPPY EASTER

Just to wish you all a very HAPPY EASTER. Be careful in the sun and enjoy the wonderful weather we all seem to be having this time!
Sue xx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...........

...Your Majesty.
Our Queen is 85 years old today which is pretty amazing I think. Just listening to Radio 2 and the National Anthem is coming up shortly!!!

Yes, I am patriotic I guess. I enjoy all the pomp and circumstance of tradition and heredity and of belonging. I was looking at the photos of my friends walk along Beachy Head, this morning, and thinking how wonderful it would be to just go out and do that in the weekend................I felt twinges!!! For a moment I forgot my worries and cares, and just enjoyed their lovely walk from a distance.
Tim and I are thinking about plucking up courage to drive down to France and across the puddle home later on this year.........if we are brave enough........if the roads are quiet enough.......if it is light enough.........if it is cheap enough.........if desire wins over fear!!! Ha!!

But today is a day for doing as little as possible once I have got through my chores. The local bakery has told Tim he can make my Lemon Cake there this morning as they were happy with the one I had made
( 9am and the National Anthem plays - all stand). and if it works out then they are adding it to their wares!! Have to admit, I would be chuffed if they do...............
the sun is high in the sky and it is warm enough to wear shorts - wow! No wind either so a day for the sun lounger I think. Hope it lasts over the bank holiday weekend......would be nice.
Now, it is cheap petrol day at the pumps so I am off to get in the queue!!
Sue xx

and I quote............

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. "
Sue xx

Just a few photos

Birthday boy!

Our friends

Neighbours.....

....plus their tiny dog!!!

Tim's driving lesson car.

Carrot Cake!

Cupcakes for Kiki.

I didn't get around to taking many photos but these are a few of the ones I did manage to get. As usual I have to try and catch Tim unawares so sometimes his photos are rather blurry!! The cupcakes are the ones I was making this morning, early doors, which Tim iced for me super fast. I am feeling tired but satisfied this evening so am calling it an early night.

Sue xx