Have you ever tried to buy charcoal out of "season"? I mean - it really brings home how our lives are controlled by the powers that be in the world of commerce. All we want is to be able to fire up our newly made barbecue this Saturday for Anthony's birthday. Shouldn't be hard really. But no. It's "the wrong time of year" to have a bbq apparently. Why? Who decides when we're supposed to do these things? I can understand in March that it's not top of the retail priority list, but honestly - you'd have thought you could at least get it somewhere!

Still - I think I've sorted it by paying a ridiculous amount of money to Argos for their last 2 bags.

So yes - we're doing a bbq tomorrow night for Anthony's birthday. He's made a fabulous looking half oil drum barbecue for the event, and we'll have at least 3 chimineas available to keep us warm (which is a LOT of heat!). Plus the copious amounts of alcohol that are inevitable on these occasions mean we probably won't feel the cold anyway! :-)

Well what a revelation dog training classes are! I mean - I knew we needed a little assistance with our rather strong-willed intelligent puppy, but I hadn't realised quite how much was really required! We've only done 1 class and seen a massive difference already. In us, that is, not the dog. He already knows what needs doing. In fact I suspect he's breathing a huge sigh of relief today thinking 'finally - they're actually doing things properly now. I was waiting for them to figure it out'. It's quite scary thinking that your dog is actually probably more intelligent than you!

Here he is sitting on the sofa with the cat. It's nice that they get on so well, although they are a little Tom & Jerry-ish sometimes! It's odd to think that only 3 months ago these two were actually the same size!

Anyway I'm having a squeaky toy pressed into my leg as I'm typing so I think that's a hint that I've been on the computer ignoring him for long enough!

Spring has Sprung!!

Well at least that's how it feels anyway!

The sun is shining, it's not really cold, the daffodils are definitely growing (not flowering yet but it's only February after all!). There's a good feeling in the air today for some reason.

I think it's spring in my head as well - after a rather dark autumn and winter it's definitely feeling like time for a fresh new start for me. I don't mean in terms of what I'm doing - but in terms of how I'm feeling. It's good. Suddenly I feel like things are dropping into place and life is positive again. I am back in control of me again - which feels fab.

Wishing everyone who reads this a smiley Friday (or whatever day it is you read this on). :-))

S xx

You're not going to believe this...

I don't think I do either. But after FOUR MONTHS of waiting (actually it's a week or two longer than that, but what the heck) - we have a fully connected functioning landline!!!!! Yaaaaayyyyyy! (said in a Kermit style)

In fact it's been so long I can't actually find where I've hidden the phone cable! (minor detail - really not bothered by this.)

No more sitting in the garden when it's freezing just to make a call, or huddling on the freezing granite windowsill at the front of the house in the hope the signal will get through. No more me thinking my phone has signal but if the wind speed changes it doesn't so no-one can get hold of me. What a novelty this will be!!

Now I wonder how long it'll be before the broadband's connected..... ;-)

Brrrrrr.......

It's a little chilly here. Probably not as bad as the rest of you, I'll admit - but Cornwall doesn't have snow. Or so I was told. Anthony hasn't been able to get to work since Wednesday. It's only 5 miles away. (For those who have been here - the little lane at the front of the house is frozen solid. We can't actually move the car due to the ice.)

On the other hand, the dog absolutely LOVES the snow. He can't get enough of it. It's hard work keeping him inside - he just wants to play in the garden all the time - and when it's actually snowing as well it's worse - he tries to catch the flakes. It's very cute but I prefer sitting by the fire with a hot drink, personally!

Hope everyone else is coping with the weather.

A new year

So here we are - a brand new year, and maybe a bit of a new focus. I'm sitting here after a few days of feeling pretty damn miserable (not sure why) - and am trying to put into place a new positive attitude.

There are no problems that cannot be solved - and those that can't probably weren't the right ones to be trying to solve anyway. It's time for me to stop worrying about things I can't control, stop worrying about things that might happen because the chances are they probably won't anyway, and instead put my energy into solving the few things I can do something about. Like finding a new job. Hey - it's January in a recession in one of the more deprived parts of the country - how hard can it be?! ;-)

No - seriously - here's where I start a new year with feeling positive and being determined to get out of this odd place my head has taken me to, and to make life what I want it to be rather than being stuck somewhere because I think I ought to. Daft really.

Anyway - Happy New Year everyone. I hope yours is as positive as I intend mine to be.

Merry Christmas!

Well - it's Christmas Eve tomorrow so close enough!

I've been busy cooking yesterday and today, only a few things left to sort tomorrow morning and then we're all set! I think I'm ready to feed 28, never mind 8. (Is a choice of 3 puddings overdoing it, or just catering for all possible tastes?!) The home made decorations only sort of came about - we've got lots of holly everywhere, and some lovely dried grasses that have been sprayed shiny colours. None of the garlands or wreaths happened - but I guess that was a little optimistic anyway!

Dad & Lynn turn up tomorrow for a few days, which will be lovely. We've also got Jen & Ray (Anthony's parents) and Sara & Tony (Anthony's sister & partner) coming on Christmas morning. It'll be fun squeezing into the cottage with all 8 of us, plus over-excited puppy and cat...!

Anyway - I probably won't get a chance back on here for a few days now, so wanted to wish you all a very merry christmas.

Sonia xx