TGIF :-) Sausage & Mash Injury and Badgerwatch embarrassment

Hiyeeeeeeee Friday peops.... that was my 'Blue moon' howl....

Another whoosh week - Alex has finished her GCE A levels - so is probably under a duvet now somewhere until she goes 'down under' in a couple of weeks time..... well done chuckie - you've cracked it now.....

Well, we've had a little bit more rain this week and much of the country is under water - we're alright here in Brum tho on my travels last weekend and thru the week have been some amazing and scary sights....so hope you're all keeping fairly dry out there. Last weekend's walk in Leicestershire had a few wet moments - and that was just the walk leader - come back Gary - all is forgiven!.....but on the whole was quite nice - the bugger added on another 3 miles cos we finished early so a 9 miler turned into another marathon - and totally confused my pedometer who has only just worked out how to gauge my inimitable wobbly bum walk - I think my hip swing doubles the mileage - but never mind - more chocolate and wine in the evening!

I had a bit of a nasty accident on Sunday then - who would've thought that making sausage and mash could be so dangerous - but I've gashed my thigh and amazingly, through the cellulite have a fab bruise.... so just so Gary didn't feel left out after sending me a mobile shot of his swollen knee for sympathy I sent a shot of my thigh to Ken and Gary -just see how accidents in the home can occur so easily..... if you're curious as to how it happened - or can't work it out just ask :-)

On Tuesday night I went to Tutbury Castle on a 'Badger watch' - very nice - but oh so embarrassing! We had our talk and shown a video and fed well before being told the rules of engagement ie keep shtoom, no sudden movements, no flashes on cameras etc..... anyway Jane gets a fit of the giggles which soon spreads, we're all making sudden movements cos the midges are out in force, and then horror of horrors I adjusted my digital camera and FLASH!! off it went - I could feel 20 pairs of eyes piercing my very soul - I don't think SPICE will be asking me to co-ordinate that one again.... - see if you can spot the badger!!!

This week I've been introduced to 'Facebook' - have you all heard of it - do a Google? Is anyone a member - Alex I was surprised not to find you? Me and Waseem are up there - and I've found Maggie's daughter - the lovely Michelle Bonnard - remember the actress we all followed in Midsummer Nights Dream and Five Days - I'm trying to get her to be my friend cos Nicole at work thinks I'm sad with only three friends up there! Waseem says to get the TGIF crowd to join up - so we can all be friends on 'Facebook' - so come on - give it a whirl - you'll find me - and see Waseem too. There are a couple of options - you can either e-mail or 'poke' people when you find them, so I've decided to be a grumpy old bugger and poke all my friends' kids - Waseem says it was OK to poke his two sons - so I'll be having a good old poke this weekend I think - cos the rain is going to keep me in. Me and Sue might venture out on one of our own bimbles or Bournville Festival - we're flexible friends and don't want to get too wet!

Tonight I'm co-ordinating Jongleurs buddying Ed (an old SPICE member) who wants to get back into the swing of Brum nightlife, so I'll do my best to not do any flashing that might get me into trouble with SPICE tonight ;-)

I'm off now - but don't forget Facebook - let me have some more friends please :-)
have a good un

Kimmie No friends xxxxx

TGIF :-) Ullswater dreadlocks moment

Hi Friday peops

Been on a dreadlock holiday.................. one of the local Patterdale scruffs :-)

Happy Solstice and all that...

Aren't the nights drawing in..... ;-) Yes...dad will be saying that to mom tonight, as he has done for the past 40 odd years......actually I think they got it wrong - today felt like the longest day - not yesterday....work was typical of a Friday!

Last weekend in Ullswater with SPICE and the Walkwise guys lived up to its reputation (as always), and somehow me and Sue missed the headliner rain - on the drive up on Friday - and Tipton tornadoes - yes folks we did it again! We think it was our singing in the car on the way up that did it :-)

We managed by the power of text to time it perfectly and meet up with Dawn & Ken for lunch at the Gateway Inn in Kendal and then onwards to Lakeland Shop for some retail therapy before heading to Patterdale and our Hotel. I did laugh when one of our TGIF members - Shirley - strolled over on the Friday evening to our dinner table - rolling her eyes as she'd planned a quiet weekend away with hubby Dave - and of course had chosen our Hotel - with 40 odd (and some of them were.....) SPICERS.....however she and Dave had a fabuloso time I think - and we didn't misbehave at all (not so's you'd notice anyway....).

On Saturday I broke my duck and did the harder walk with Andrew leading - up St Sunday's Crag which was 3000 feet and 10 miles (or was it 10 feet and 3000 miles?) anyway we also visited the Priest's Hole - a cave where there is a tin box of goodies - and a Visitor's book! Pic here of me and Ken outside the Priest's hole... and one of Andrew and the group

Sue went on Brian's walk to a lovely waterfall called Aira Force - where (allegedly!) Brian broke the record for losing walkers - out of the 18 he lost 16 - I'm not sure when he noticed - but they were all survived to tell the tale in the pub later!

On Sunday morning, when I got up, I was walking like Julie Walters' 'Mrs Overall' - so did the easier walk - following a nice steam boat ride across Ullswater and up Beda Fell - only 1750 feet and 8 miles this time - we got a little wet but it was warm and so we didn't mind - rather comforting in a weird way - see me, Sue & Dawn -the SPICE Girls.

I'm curious to know whether Shirley & Dave's planned walk up Helvellyn was as wet as ours? ... and then, kindly, Sue took me to show me Aira Force on the way home - quite spectaclier waterfall and then home via Tebay (of course!) for a pie frenzy :-?

Ken & Dawn stayed on for a nice romantic break in Hawkshead, and kindly sent a pic via Ken's mobi of their Cheese & Wine party on the top of Latterbarrow Hill right in the middle of my working week - so that was nice :-)

The week has thankfully flown - one trip to the gym.... no pics on Blog :-/, Tracy, John & Chloe came to collect the train cake - see pic last week - and I did a 4 mile walk round Preston Bagot on Wednesday evening and am still tingling from the stinging nettles - or was it the excitement of one of Steve D's walks?....and I could have baked a loaf or twenty with the amount of wheat in me boots - thank you again to the kind farmer who planted his wheat across the right of way - probably a relation of the farmer who nailed the gate shut last week?!

Off to Loughborough with Sue on Sunday for a walk - hope this rain stops!

Have a great weekend
Kimmie x

I've chosen a couple of apt Tommy Cooper moments to share - :-)....

I phoned the local ramblers club today, and this bloke just went on and on.

I phoned the local gym and I asked if they could teach me how to do the splits. He said, "How flexible are you?" I said, "I can't make Tuesdays or Thursdays."

TGIT :-) Apprentice Pillock and Gary's dad dancing gate vault

Heya Friday peeeeeps

Having been hooked for the last 3 months, I'm taking heart from Sir Alan's choice of new 'Apprentice' Simon - who he called him a pillock a few tasks ago - and that is pretty much how I'm known at work, so think I might apply for the next series :-). Actually... been a right telly addict all week - have any of you been watching 'Britain's Got Talent'? What a fabuloso prog - especially if you like Ant & Dec too - I've been howling all week - bring back 'Variety Shows' that's what I say..... who remembers the 'Good old Days'... "Down at the old 'Bull and Bush.....'.? No...? :-/

Last weekend's bimble in Gloucester ended up with the walk leader vaulting a gate - and missing his aim - well he is a bloke..... and landing on his butt after apparently quite a nice 'dad dancing' manoeuvre- so to the kindly farmer who had nailed it shut, despite it being a walking route - thank you for that - as poor Gary has got a very painful knee now - at least that's what I think it was - when he sent me a photo on my mobile phone - I thought my flasher was back - all pink and swollen it was.....

The week has been swallowed up by a choo choo - for Trace's partner John - who hits the same age as me on Wednesday - and is a bit of a closet train spotter apparently - picture for all you cake spotters out there - it has been good for me cos it has stopped me nibbling the leftovers - I learned that my worms enjoy cake - so fingers crossed the neighbours didn't see me out there this week with the leftovers sat by my wormery - saying "One for me....one for you....". it is bulging this evening :-)

Off to Ullswater today - Sue driving - and going to try and meet up with a couple of pals - Kenny & Dawny - at a pub for lunch. There's a guy who'll be there - who is affectionately known as 'Swiss Tony' (Fast Show) for his corny chat up lines - and he hasn't a clue why - so in tribute to the weekend we are all looking forward to - here's a list of Swiss Tony's top words of wisdom.....

Have a great weekend folks - and good luck to the SPICE 'Three Peakers' who are up in Yorkshire clambering up Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m). We'll be thinking of you in the Patterdale Bar ;-)

Kimmie xxx

MAKING COFFEE ... Making a cup of coffee is like making love to a beautiful woman. It's got to be hot. You've got to take your time. You've got to stir... gently and firmly. You've got to grind your beans until they squeak. And then you put in the milk.

LAYING A CARPET...Laying a carpet is... very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You check the dimensions, lay her out on the floor, pin her down, walk all over her. If you're adventurous - like me - you might like to try an underlay.


HANGING WALLPAPER... Well, hanging wallpaper is also very much like making love to a beautiful woman. Clean all the relevant surfaces, spread her out on the table, cover her with paste, and stick her up. Then you clean your brush, light your pipe, stand back and admire your handiwork.


PUTTING UP A TENT... Putting up a tent, is... very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You rent her, unzip the door, put up your pole an'... slip in to the old bag.


WASHING A CAR... Washing a car, is very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You've got to caress the bodywork. Breathe softly and gently. And give every inch of it your loving attention. And make sure you've got a nice wet sponge.


ANSWERING THE PHONE... Answering the phone, is... a little like making love to a beautiful woman. In that you've gotta... lift the receiver, put it to your ear, speak ...loudly and clearly ... oh, yes - and don't forget to state your name.


BEING IN THERAPY... And yet, having therapy is very much like making love to a beautiful woman. You ... get on the couch, string 'em along with some half-lies and evasions, probe some deep dark holes, and then hand over all your money.


BEING IN A CRASH... Going to the brink of death and back, in a nine car pile-up on a dual carriage-way, is ... very much like making love to a beautiful woman. First of all, brace yourself, hold on tight - particularly if it's a rear-ender. And pray you make contact with her twin airbags as soon as possible.


GOING FISHING... Of course, As you know, I'm a very keen fisherman myself. You know, I've often thought that going fishing was very much like making love to a beautiful woman. First of all, clean and inspect your tackle, carefully pull back your rod over, and remove any dirt or gunge that may have built up whilst not in use. Then, extend your rod to its full length, and check that there are no kinks or any wear. Particularly at the base, where the grip is usually applied. Make sure you've got a decent float, the appropriate bait, and that there's plenty of shot in your bag.

TGIF :-) June 65 and Trentham Gardens with the old uns

Hi Friday peops

Last weekend I went round the ‘Back to Backs’ - second time - still a good trip - learned a few more things - and the lady who showed us round (real Brummie) lived just along from these remaining ones, so had some good stories about the families who lived there- made it very real.

Have been out every night this week so looking forward to Sunday when I'll finally get round to decorating the cake I baked on Monday - doing a steam train - will keep you posted - I feel like I'm running out of steam that's for sure. Apparently my worms eat cake - so if I have some leftover bits after carving the funnels and other trainy bits I shall be going out and having a slice with them!

On Tuesday went for a nice evening bimble in Alvechurch - it's quite amazing that in 15 minutes we were in beautiful rolling countryside enjoying the warm weather.

Me and Sue went to see the latest Pirates of the Caribbean on Wednesday - rather a complicated plot for us girlies but we're pretty sure Will Turner is dead, leaving Elizabeth Swann a widow after about 20 minutes, and Jack Sparrow, camper than ever, is alive again, and the ghost ship isn't a ghost ship any more so old Octopus face, Davy Jones falls down a bit of a whirlpool and Will Turner's dad, who was one of Barbossa's crew is back to normal, all because Davy Jones heart which is in a treasure chest thingie has been stabbed - Wikipedia has a good explanation - but I still don't get it really - I still don't really understand how Davy Jones from the Monkees fits into all of this - sorry if I've ruined the storyline for anyone who hasn't been yet ;-)

I'm off to Sharpie's and Junie's later - Junie is 65 either today or tomorrow - you know what I'm like with birthdays - but have found a fab rose for her at Trentham Gardens - took mommy and daddy there yesterday - oh they were good - they were so well behaved in the car that I promised them a pound each when we got there to spend - so they put it towards my birthday present and I am now the proud owner of a chiminea thingie - and had a nice little fire last night in my back garding - fabuloso. It was sort of to celebrate daddy's birthday - he's managed to get to 76 - with only a few dodgy moments along the way - on Wednesday. It's a great place if you haven't been - check out the photos.

I'm off to Gloucester tomorrow for a longer bimble - and then hopefully over to Meriden in the evening to warm Heather's new house up for her. I'll probably be dozing up a corner somewhere at this rate!

Have a good un folks

Kimmie x

Another one from Tony's list:
I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.

TGIIF :-) Big Brother & why I love ironing

Hello Friday peops

What a lovely bank holiday weekend - tho the weather was pooh. Went for a bimble on the best weather day - Saturday - with Sue & the SPICE crowd up Kinver edge on Saturday with Stevey D, but Sunday was a deluge so we went for some retail therapy to 'Go Outdoors' and got some nice new mid boots for New Zealand, and other gadgets and gizmos, plus matching gillets - how twee. On Monday I fed the old dears Ostrich stroganoff - to give them wings.... it worked.

There has still been a lot of interest in my Morris dancing from last week - with the photos on the Blog - and all.... my work colleagues are realising (too late) that I was a bad choice for Risk Manager ;-)... secretly I think they envied me all that hanky waving - the engineers were offering me bits of wheelchair tubing to use as sticks - but it wouldn't have had the same effect really....I was ironing my dad's hankies to return then and my iron died, so I have bought a new one - and calling it Morris - I love Morris and my ironing board is called Wil' - you can see below why I love ironing.........:-) Did you know you some of the most expensive irons were £80!! I'd want them to do the bloody ironing for that much!

The Big Brother text frenzy has started - with the launch this week - all women in there so far - no tottie at all - very disappointing -so it's been low key with Numpty & H' so far. Apparently a geyser goes in tonight - hope he's got ear plugs.....and Sarah is coming round for girlie TV night to watch it.

It's been a pooh weather week - rain, rain and more rain, and yersterday corking storms - a man got struck in Coventry but survived with singes, and some local shops got blasted - but it's glorious out there now and a full moon tonight so that should be nice - I'll get all my crystals recharged - including my new dousing crystal from Charlie - I'm still training it at the moment - but haven't really had any deep and meaningful questions to ask it - any suggestions from the TGIF floor?

I'm just hoping the daft dog from next door but one doesn't bark all night again at the moon - I am a bit bleary eyed at the moment - but not asbleary eyed as some of you men out there it seems - loved this link which Herty Boy Owen sent me to share with you all this week - so that's why you're all a bit impaired......... :-D

Paste this into the box bit.... (that's technical IT speak)

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2259967.html?menu=news.scienceanddiscovery

Hope you men all sleep well this weekend - I will be

And finally one from Tony's list - 'The Philosophy of Ambiguity'....

IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?

more next week - have a great one folks :-) xxx