Just a few pictures I took this evening of the orchids I have in flower at the moment,
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| 3 in flower all of these are Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) |
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| This one has 24 flowers and masses of buds |
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Orchids, I love them!
Soul Survivor, Trip Three, Just Call Me Tired! Also Plymouth.
Well 1100 on Tuesday the 21st it was off to pick up from the Bath and West Showground again but this time from the slightly older ones at Momentum!
I stopped at "On The Run" for my usual Costa coffee and then on to Cartgate for a lovely curry and rice for lunch.
I arrived at Momentum at around the arranged time of 1400. I also had an extra by the name of Seb to bring back with me, quite an individual character who wanted to stop for a burger on the way so we called at Route 303 which seemed to suit him.
Lucy and the others there gave me a Journal and pen and a card signed by them all there, which was unexpected and very nice. One thing that was strange was what Seb had added, I assume he expected no one to know West Indian slang (I presume the ones there did not) as he had called me a quite an insulting and obscene thing in the card! I, having never spoken to him before, do not understand why? Anyway I dropped him by the dry cleaners in town with no word of thanks and then went on to Splatt to drop the rest of my cargo before returning to Stella's to see Sue and Lainie and to get some well earned tea.
After tea it was then off to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to pick up Stella who had been in for her final check and removal of the stent, and praise God for the first time in being admitted there everything went well and she came home with no after effects and went back to work today the 22nd!
I stopped at "On The Run" for my usual Costa coffee and then on to Cartgate for a lovely curry and rice for lunch.
Lucy and the others there gave me a Journal and pen and a card signed by them all there, which was unexpected and very nice. One thing that was strange was what Seb had added, I assume he expected no one to know West Indian slang (I presume the ones there did not) as he had called me a quite an insulting and obscene thing in the card! I, having never spoken to him before, do not understand why? Anyway I dropped him by the dry cleaners in town with no word of thanks and then went on to Splatt to drop the rest of my cargo before returning to Stella's to see Sue and Lainie and to get some well earned tea.
After tea it was then off to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to pick up Stella who had been in for her final check and removal of the stent, and praise God for the first time in being admitted there everything went well and she came home with no after effects and went back to work today the 22nd!
Monday, 20 August 2012
Back to the Dentist AGAIN!!!!!
Well I thought that was it, see the post for the 4th August?
Slowly the pain got worse again until I had to phone the dentist to get it checked out as the pain had got so bad!
It appears that an infection under the tooth was not properly dealt with and some bone was exposed at the time of extraction. I am back on antibiotics and hoping that that will be the end of the matter, I am not alas holding my breath!!
Slowly the pain got worse again until I had to phone the dentist to get it checked out as the pain had got so bad!
It appears that an infection under the tooth was not properly dealt with and some bone was exposed at the time of extraction. I am back on antibiotics and hoping that that will be the end of the matter, I am not alas holding my breath!!
Friday, 17 August 2012
Soul Survivor, trip two, Just call me rusty!
Set out at 1400 yesterday to go and pick up the ones that were delivered on Sunday, a lot more uneventful journey and arrived at 1615 and got the white pass £5.00 to see me through.
Most of the packing up was done in the dry, then when we were folding the last tent it started to rain and rain, then it rained some more hence the quip about calling me rusty!
We left about 2150 and had a very wet trip home with the wipers on the minibus packing up around Okehampton, arriving back at tesco about 0020 and getting home just about 0100.
Most of the packing up was done in the dry, then when we were folding the last tent it started to rain and rain, then it rained some more hence the quip about calling me rusty!
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| The convoy ready to leave showing the church minibus on the left |
We left about 2150 and had a very wet trip home with the wipers on the minibus packing up around Okehampton, arriving back at tesco about 0020 and getting home just about 0100.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Liz and family at Wadebridge
We had a day out today to Wadebridge to meet Elizabeth, Brendan, Alice and Emily Ricketts and of course Nina the dog.
We met them at Tesco as they did not know anywhere in the town itself. They then followed us into town where we had lovely coffee.
We then went on to have a wander around this lovely town before going to a Pub called The Falcon on the edge of town by Tesco for a lovely meal and saying farewell. A very enjoyable day all round.
We met them at Tesco as they did not know anywhere in the town itself. They then followed us into town where we had lovely coffee.
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| Liz, Emily, Alice and Brendan enjoying a drink |
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Soul Survivor, trip one. Just call me rosy?
Had an early breakfast of bacon and mushroom roll, then off at 0840 to fill up with fuel and air before going to Splatt Farm for the trailer, (2 bulb change) then off to St. Josephs for the rest of the luggage etc. before setting off with Harry at about 1020.
Stopped for coffee at Costa "On the run" then only a small hold up with a broken down car just before Exeter. All went well until we got to Ham Hill and part way down it we hit a tail back, it took us about 30 minutes to get to the first turn off and we managed to get around it without much trouble and only 3 or 4 extra miles on the clock, Stopped for a snack on the outskirts of Ilminster and arrived at the Bath and West Showground about 1330.
Merv was already there and informed us that the mini bus was going to be some time as it was stuck in the traffic we had and NOT turned off as we did.
Well we got stuck into it and had a few tents up before they got there as Naomi and Stuart had arrived as well. By this time Harry had vanished without a word so we were short but at 1500ish when the mini bus got there things soon moved as "many hands make light work" don't they mum, ha ha!
Well I eventually got away about 1610 and went back as far as Cartgate on the outskirts of Yeovil to eat. I had Cottage Pie and veg (£5.95) so just about got my 5 in for a change with the apple as well! Mind you I never ate the peas as they were like bullets. Would have liked them when I was a child because they would have been great with a big holed cow parsley as pea shooters.
My meal and now just a couple of photos to finish, these were taken by Naomi and myself.
Above is Amy and Josh at nosebag time. Picture taken by Naomi.
Left is Naomi and Merv getting hammered? Picture taken by me
So now why the "Call me rosy?"
Well if you had not guessed by the hints, it was a warmer day than I gave it credit for and failed to put on a hat or sunscreen so my head is extremely red!
Stopped for coffee at Costa "On the run" then only a small hold up with a broken down car just before Exeter. All went well until we got to Ham Hill and part way down it we hit a tail back, it took us about 30 minutes to get to the first turn off and we managed to get around it without much trouble and only 3 or 4 extra miles on the clock, Stopped for a snack on the outskirts of Ilminster and arrived at the Bath and West Showground about 1330.
Merv was already there and informed us that the mini bus was going to be some time as it was stuck in the traffic we had and NOT turned off as we did.
Well we got stuck into it and had a few tents up before they got there as Naomi and Stuart had arrived as well. By this time Harry had vanished without a word so we were short but at 1500ish when the mini bus got there things soon moved as "many hands make light work" don't they mum, ha ha!
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| A really sunny day (hint) |
Above is Amy and Josh at nosebag time. Picture taken by Naomi.
Left is Naomi and Merv getting hammered? Picture taken by me
So now why the "Call me rosy?"
Well if you had not guessed by the hints, it was a warmer day than I gave it credit for and failed to put on a hat or sunscreen so my head is extremely red!
Friday, 10 August 2012
Seeing the Family at Barnstaple
Those present: Glyn and Susan Cotterill. Sharon, Peter, Danielle, Alex, Sid and Joyce Howe.
Well Sue was not too well as on previous post so did not get away until after 1000 when she was feeling a little better...
Well straight to Crafty Devils and that perked her up no end ha ha!
We went from there straight into the town and went to find the eatery below, Sue in the meantime had started feeling considerably better!
Well Sue was not too well as on previous post so did not get away until after 1000 when she was feeling a little better...
Well straight to Crafty Devils and that perked her up no end ha ha!
We went from there straight into the town and went to find the eatery below, Sue in the meantime had started feeling considerably better!
Honeymoon Chinese Restaurant
3, The Strand
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 1EU
Telephone: 01271 325 198 and 01271 329 800
"Buffet £6.50p per person"
What can I say about this place except WOW!!! if ever you are in Barnstaple and it is nosebag time you could certainly do far worse than visit the above at lunch time. They do a buffet, eat as much as you like for £6.50p a head and all I can say is that the variety and menu was fantastic and highly recommended by all 8 of us!
Seeing Danielle and Alex again after 3 long years was a bit of a shock as they had grown so much but were both such a pleasure to be around and a real credit to their parents!
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| Alex (10) and Danielle (15) |
We also met Peter's parents Sid and Joyce who also were also good company.
From there it was around town for a couple of things then back to their hotel for a drink and a natter before returning home.
Altogether a very enjoyable day especially as Sue by the afternoon was so much better, tired but better, hallelujah!
Disappointment?
Well what IS going on?
I have been looking forward to this day for so long, seeing Sharon, Pete, Danielle and Alex and having a lovely meal with them.Let me say from the offset that I know it is NOT Sue's fault, she cannot help being ill it just seems that every time I am really looking forward to something lately something happens to mar it!
It all started last evening when Sue and Stella went to the Ladies evening meal, all went well until they were leaving and Sue started to feel unwell. By the time they had gone to leave the car park Sue was vomiting and continued to do so for some time! It could not have been the food as Stella had exactly the same as Sue. Well to cut a long story short she has hardly been to bed all night and is not in the best of health this morning.
I will be going but it remains to be seen what is happening with Sue?
Also ole nick I am afraid as usual is on a loser, I will not let him get me down, he seems to be doing his best of late but as long as I realize that and do not let him he has lost!!!
Will update with the outcome later?
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
A Busy 2 weeks Coming up!
Well it is that time of year again when the young people from church go to the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet for Soul Survivor and Momentum! Woohoo!
This is how the two weeks pan out for Sue and I, we do at least have one or two relaxing days but then there is the gardening and the chores?
Thurs 9th Kernow House for Glyn 1430, 1830 LCC ladies meeting meal at Bude for Sue and Stella, so Glyn is baby sitting Lainie.
Friday 10th Off to Barnstaple for the day, Shopping for Sue and then Meeting Sharon, Peter, Danielle, Alex and Peters parents for a meal as they are down for a wedding Saturday.
Saturday 11th, I think we will be resting for the day?
Sunday 12th, I have to empty the car out, fill up with Fuel and do the Oil, water and tyres and be at Splatt to pick up a trailer by 0930. Then back to meet with the rest at St. Josephs School for 1000 to go off to Soul Survivor, then take the day as it comes but at least I know the next stop is for a Costa coffee at "On the run" which will give others a chance to get there before me, easier to find where they are camping and easier to get away as well.
Monday 13th is a rest day, but as chores to be done here not very likely!
Tuesday 14th we are off to Wadebridge to meet Elizabeth and family for the day and this is another that depends on the weather so will take as it comes!
Wednesday 15th another chores day, or rest?
Thursday 16th off back up to Soul Survivor to pick up so a late night, will hope to be home by 0100?
Fri 17th and Sat 18th Recovery time and chores as early start tomorrow!
Sunday 19th to Tuesday 21st. Off Sunday at about 0630 as need to be in Holt (Wilts) by 1030 for church with Jennie and Mark. That is the only thing that as far as I know is arranged except that we are staying at Mikes in Coleford for 2 nights and I am picking up from Momentum on Tuesday afternoon (about 1430ish) then back home for a well earned rest, or more chores ha ha!!
Do not know yet whether this is going to be both of us or just me as that all depends on Stella and if she is working!
Will keep you updated as we go lol
This is how the two weeks pan out for Sue and I, we do at least have one or two relaxing days but then there is the gardening and the chores?
Thurs 9th Kernow House for Glyn 1430, 1830 LCC ladies meeting meal at Bude for Sue and Stella, so Glyn is baby sitting Lainie.
Friday 10th Off to Barnstaple for the day, Shopping for Sue and then Meeting Sharon, Peter, Danielle, Alex and Peters parents for a meal as they are down for a wedding Saturday.
Saturday 11th, I think we will be resting for the day?
Sunday 12th, I have to empty the car out, fill up with Fuel and do the Oil, water and tyres and be at Splatt to pick up a trailer by 0930. Then back to meet with the rest at St. Josephs School for 1000 to go off to Soul Survivor, then take the day as it comes but at least I know the next stop is for a Costa coffee at "On the run" which will give others a chance to get there before me, easier to find where they are camping and easier to get away as well.
Monday 13th is a rest day, but as chores to be done here not very likely!
Tuesday 14th we are off to Wadebridge to meet Elizabeth and family for the day and this is another that depends on the weather so will take as it comes!
Wednesday 15th another chores day, or rest?
Thursday 16th off back up to Soul Survivor to pick up so a late night, will hope to be home by 0100?
Fri 17th and Sat 18th Recovery time and chores as early start tomorrow!
Sunday 19th to Tuesday 21st. Off Sunday at about 0630 as need to be in Holt (Wilts) by 1030 for church with Jennie and Mark. That is the only thing that as far as I know is arranged except that we are staying at Mikes in Coleford for 2 nights and I am picking up from Momentum on Tuesday afternoon (about 1430ish) then back home for a well earned rest, or more chores ha ha!!
Do not know yet whether this is going to be both of us or just me as that all depends on Stella and if she is working!
Will keep you updated as we go lol
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Test Results, still waiting?
How long does it take to get results for tests? I have been waiting for a week now and still not back, how much longer???? Getting frustrated now!
Will have to do this more often as they have come back today and all clear so will have to look again?
Will have to do this more often as they have come back today and all clear so will have to look again?
Monday, 6 August 2012
Stella is going back perhaps?
The doctor has told Stella that she can go back to work on Monday 13th August provided she is phased back in slowly?
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Friday, 3 August 2012
Tooth is on the mend and Damned!
There is a real improvement on my tooth, or lack of it? The gum is still very sore as you would expect it to be but at least it is only discomfort this morning (a 3) whereas last evening it was real pain (a 8). Woke at 0500 with it but there again I was in bed just after 2130!
To All Men Out There (and sympathetic ladies)!
(If there is such a species as sympathetic woman?)
There is one thing that for many years has puzzled me? I may even have voiced it before and if I have I make no apology for doing so again....
I call it damned if you do and damned if you don't!
Why do the female of the species want you to tell them if you are ill? When you do one of 2 things occur, 1) they take very little or no notice! 2) they moan that you are always whinging on that you are ill!
My answer to this in the past has been to keep quiet and not let on when there is something wrong with me, and guess what even that is wrong. I then get told "if you are taken ill how do you think I would feel not knowing that you were bad".
So what is the right thing to do?
So come on lets have some answers in the comments section please?
Finished off the day watching the Olympics and enjoying them with Sue, also put in some long long phone calls to a friend of mine who is in need of love, comfort and prayer. Will be doing lots of that for her.....
Finished off the day watching the Olympics and enjoying them with Sue, also put in some long long phone calls to a friend of mine who is in need of love, comfort and prayer. Will be doing lots of that for her.....
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Goodbye tooth!
Well today is the day when at long last I will hopefully be getting rid of the troublesome lower back tooth on the left side, it has been giving me some stick on and off for some years now, so at long last it will be good riddance to bad rubbish!!!
I was not away too long and came back with one tooth less than I went with. Into the surgery on time (1120) and out inside 15 minutes, mind you he used so much anaesthetic I asked how many days he was planning it to stay numb? He said it would be needed as the roots were very long, when I saw it out I must admit to agreeing with him! It was apparently one of my wisdom teeth!
The dentist did say that there may be a little pain when the life came back into it, he was not kidding there either, I do not know which was worse, the toothache or the extraction? It has been giving me real gip all day since reawakening. So much so that I am now off to bed for an early night (2130) in the hope that there wil be a vast improvement by morning?!!! Watch this space?
I was not away too long and came back with one tooth less than I went with. Into the surgery on time (1120) and out inside 15 minutes, mind you he used so much anaesthetic I asked how many days he was planning it to stay numb? He said it would be needed as the roots were very long, when I saw it out I must admit to agreeing with him! It was apparently one of my wisdom teeth!
The dentist did say that there may be a little pain when the life came back into it, he was not kidding there either, I do not know which was worse, the toothache or the extraction? It has been giving me real gip all day since reawakening. So much so that I am now off to bed for an early night (2130) in the hope that there wil be a vast improvement by morning?!!! Watch this space?
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
New pup and kits, News from Dea?
Went over with Sue, Stella and Lainie to Splatt for coffee with Rachel and Mervyn this morning.
They have a new border collie pup just over 7 weeks old which is to be trained as a sheep dog, and some kits (young rabbits) of 2 weeks to keep everyone smiling, even in the rain!!
Denise rang me today with some news that gladdened my heart! Ring me for more as banned from putting it on here!
They have a new border collie pup just over 7 weeks old which is to be trained as a sheep dog, and some kits (young rabbits) of 2 weeks to keep everyone smiling, even in the rain!!
Denise rang me today with some news that gladdened my heart! Ring me for more as banned from putting it on here!
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Lainie's 8th birthday
Well today is Lainie's birthday, she has been so excited for so long that we were all willing it to come quicker!!
Stella could not get her to sleep until gone 2300 last night and she was awake at 0630 this morning. we were there to pick them up at 1200 and took them to Homeleigh Garden Centre for lunch as a quick stand in due to the weather, the original plan was to go to either Widemouth Bay or Roadford Lake for a picnic lunch but alas true to form for July this year we had to change the plans due to rain!
We were a little early and so had a drink before our lunch and ice cream for afters. We were a little surprised by the quality and taste of the ice cream, it was superb! and well worth the price of £1.60 for 2 scoops!!!
We then from there went home to St. Giles to take some shopping back and pick up binoculars before going on to Roadford Lake for a wander to try and wear Lainie out. What a waste of time that was she wore us out as usual haha! It was then back to the bungalow for tea and then home to Launceston for Stella and Lainie.
One thing I think this day has shown to me is just how weak Stella still is and unless she starts to build her strength up by doing something other than sitting around feeling sorry for herself it is going to stay that way. She talks about going back to work next week, it is not going to happen, well certainly not at this rate!!!!
Oh and for anyone interested I finished the antibiotics today and my tooth has improved, at least I am not taking so many pain killers. It is tender to the touch but bearable. Still only have to last until Thursday and it is history!!
Stella could not get her to sleep until gone 2300 last night and she was awake at 0630 this morning. we were there to pick them up at 1200 and took them to Homeleigh Garden Centre for lunch as a quick stand in due to the weather, the original plan was to go to either Widemouth Bay or Roadford Lake for a picnic lunch but alas true to form for July this year we had to change the plans due to rain!
We were a little early and so had a drink before our lunch and ice cream for afters. We were a little surprised by the quality and taste of the ice cream, it was superb! and well worth the price of £1.60 for 2 scoops!!!
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| Lainie very much enjoying her strawberry ice cream. |
One thing I think this day has shown to me is just how weak Stella still is and unless she starts to build her strength up by doing something other than sitting around feeling sorry for herself it is going to stay that way. She talks about going back to work next week, it is not going to happen, well certainly not at this rate!!!!
Oh and for anyone interested I finished the antibiotics today and my tooth has improved, at least I am not taking so many pain killers. It is tender to the touch but bearable. Still only have to last until Thursday and it is history!!
Friday, 27 July 2012
Blasted tooth part 3!
I have skipped a day as it has been so delightful having my wonderful wife back home, I have been revelling in her company and enjoying every minute of it, so now to come back to reality! (I know I am such a creep). Mind you we know she is back because the internet is playing up again lol.
My blasted tooth? I was under the impression (correct me if I am wrong) that anti-biotics makes things better!!! Why then has my tooth got more tender and more painful since I started taking them on Tuesday evening!!! Is it that there is so much crap in my system that it has to get worse before it gets better? Well I suppose it is only fair to say that only time will tell. As long as it is OK by the 2nd August because the girl at the dentist true to her word fitted me in with a cancellation! I had rang to cancel the 10th because I had forgotten we were meeting Sharon and her family for a meal as they are at Barnstaple for a wedding on the 11th.
We have to wait in for the post today as my wonderful wife has bought me an early birthday/Christmas present. a 10.1" Tablet pc. I know I am only an old sod getting to grips with new technology but they are so handy and can be linked to a wifi etc. to get you online anywhere and are a lot cheaper than a laptop. I did have a 7" real cheap one but it only lasted about 6 or 8 hours as butter fingers here dropped it onto a pavement and it sadly died. Sue in her wisdom and loveliness thought it was something I really needed so has bought me this! Will upload a picture at a later date as picture uploader playing silly devils and refusing to do what it says on the tin?
Just heard from Stella and she sounds so much better today, so pleased to hear her almost her old self!
My blasted tooth? I was under the impression (correct me if I am wrong) that anti-biotics makes things better!!! Why then has my tooth got more tender and more painful since I started taking them on Tuesday evening!!! Is it that there is so much crap in my system that it has to get worse before it gets better? Well I suppose it is only fair to say that only time will tell. As long as it is OK by the 2nd August because the girl at the dentist true to her word fitted me in with a cancellation! I had rang to cancel the 10th because I had forgotten we were meeting Sharon and her family for a meal as they are at Barnstaple for a wedding on the 11th.
We have to wait in for the post today as my wonderful wife has bought me an early birthday/Christmas present. a 10.1" Tablet pc. I know I am only an old sod getting to grips with new technology but they are so handy and can be linked to a wifi etc. to get you online anywhere and are a lot cheaper than a laptop. I did have a 7" real cheap one but it only lasted about 6 or 8 hours as butter fingers here dropped it onto a pavement and it sadly died. Sue in her wisdom and loveliness thought it was something I really needed so has bought me this! Will upload a picture at a later date as picture uploader playing silly devils and refusing to do what it says on the tin?
Just heard from Stella and she sounds so much better today, so pleased to hear her almost her old self!
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Blasted tooth part 2!
Tooth had me awake for long periods of time again last night, will be so happy when the penicillin kicks in! Also up early again and seems to have got worse again towards evening.
Had a busy day on the mag and only waiting to hear from Di S and it will be ready to print.
A little angry with Stella today as she was supposed to go to sort out her Housing Benefit and Council Tax but all she could do was sleep apparrently!!!
Another scorcher of a day so sat outside in the shade for most of the afternoon and drank and drank!
It is now 2050 and just cool enough to be comfortable!
Had a busy day on the mag and only waiting to hear from Di S and it will be ready to print.
A little angry with Stella today as she was supposed to go to sort out her Housing Benefit and Council Tax but all she could do was sleep apparrently!!!
Another scorcher of a day so sat outside in the shade for most of the afternoon and drank and drank!
It is now 2050 and just cool enough to be comfortable!
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Blasted tooth
Well I had one heck of a night due to tooth ache, finally got up at 10 to 5, So glad I have a dental appointment for this afternoon at 1640!
Well dentist says I have an abscess under it and I have 2 choices, a root canal job and crown or wait for abscess to go and have it out? He preferred the former and I preferred the latter, obviously I won!
Start a course of anti-biotics tonight for 7 days and then back on the 10th August to have it out. The 10th is the earliest they could fit me in so lets hope for a cancellation?
Then to Stella's for evening meal with them and home to relax as much as I can in this heat.
The outside temp is at last dropping now and is down to 24.2 degrees but inside where I have been out and it has been closed up it is 27.7 so now the window and door is open hopefully will drop. Been rather uncomfortable as the humidity is rising so getting closer!
Now then what to do tomorrow?
As the church what's on mag comes out Sunday I had better get as much of that sorted as possible. Not going to be able to finish it though as still waiting on GAAF news etc.
Well dentist says I have an abscess under it and I have 2 choices, a root canal job and crown or wait for abscess to go and have it out? He preferred the former and I preferred the latter, obviously I won!
Start a course of anti-biotics tonight for 7 days and then back on the 10th August to have it out. The 10th is the earliest they could fit me in so lets hope for a cancellation?
Then to Stella's for evening meal with them and home to relax as much as I can in this heat.
The outside temp is at last dropping now and is down to 24.2 degrees but inside where I have been out and it has been closed up it is 27.7 so now the window and door is open hopefully will drop. Been rather uncomfortable as the humidity is rising so getting closer!
Now then what to do tomorrow?
As the church what's on mag comes out Sunday I had better get as much of that sorted as possible. Not going to be able to finish it though as still waiting on GAAF news etc.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Stella returns home and H/G BBQ
This morning Stella returned to her own home to settle in hopefully soon, then I can have Sue back with me again, they left the washing up for the family dishwasher of course, and yes I am only Joking (maybe).
Rang the dentist to get appointment for aching tooth, managed to get one for 1640 tomorrow, result!! All I will have to do now is try to work my food around it? oops!!
I came back home and did a few chores and then it got too hot so had a shower, relaxed then before the house group BBQ this evening. Unfortunately that heralds the end of the House group for the summer break. Starts again in September and probably on another evening? Have to wait and see what develops on that one......
There was a very interesting end to the evening as Chris and Jayne have several hundred bats roost in their house. As they were leaving a Sparrow hawk appeared and took a bat on the wing, it seemed to come back for a second but I am not so sure it was the same bird came the second time, it appeared to be quite a bit smaller than the first and also a lot more streamlined?
I have a feeling it was either a Hobby or a Merlin that took the second one?
It is such a shame that by this time it was so dark that you could only see the outlines of the birds!
There is one thing that is absolutely certain and that is that it was definitely NOT A PIGEON as thought by one of our party, not mentioning any names Amy!
Rang the dentist to get appointment for aching tooth, managed to get one for 1640 tomorrow, result!! All I will have to do now is try to work my food around it? oops!!
I came back home and did a few chores and then it got too hot so had a shower, relaxed then before the house group BBQ this evening. Unfortunately that heralds the end of the House group for the summer break. Starts again in September and probably on another evening? Have to wait and see what develops on that one......
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| Chris, our chef for the evening and a wonderful one at that! |
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| Sue and Ali enjoying the evening |
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| L to R. Mike, Sue, Rachel and Naomi doing what ladies do best with Mike listening! |
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| Lydia left and Amy right striking a pose with father Mike rather amused. |
There was a very interesting end to the evening as Chris and Jayne have several hundred bats roost in their house. As they were leaving a Sparrow hawk appeared and took a bat on the wing, it seemed to come back for a second but I am not so sure it was the same bird came the second time, it appeared to be quite a bit smaller than the first and also a lot more streamlined?
I have a feeling it was either a Hobby or a Merlin that took the second one?
It is such a shame that by this time it was so dark that you could only see the outlines of the birds!
There is one thing that is absolutely certain and that is that it was definitely NOT A PIGEON as thought by one of our party, not mentioning any names Amy!
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Sunday, the day of rest?
They say Sunday is the day of rest, today I do not think so but it is all so enjoyable that who minds?
1030 Church, good Spirit filled service with Henry Bailey giving the word.
1500 Church Summer Family Party http://www.launcestoncommunitychurch.co.uk/
A fun filled event with Sumo suits, Puppets, Cream teas, Ice creams, Bouncy castle, Face painting, etc.
left: Jayne doing a paint job on Rosemary's cheek
Right is a general view of some of the entertainment
Left the Sumo Suits
The weather was fantastic and any proceeds made went to GAAF.
1030 Church, good Spirit filled service with Henry Bailey giving the word.
1500 Church Summer Family Party http://www.launcestoncommunitychurch.co.uk/
A fun filled event with Sumo suits, Puppets, Cream teas, Ice creams, Bouncy castle, Face painting, etc.
left: Jayne doing a paint job on Rosemary's cheek
Right is a general view of some of the entertainment
Left the Sumo Suits
The weather was fantastic and any proceeds made went to GAAF.
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| Well time to start packing up |
1830 2-4-5 at Central was a fantastic time of worship and Lydia Ellicott was on the couch,the word came from Colosans 1 and was given by Jonny Libby.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Stella's homecoming!
Well we have heard that Stella is definitely coming home today, will post details as and when I have them!!
Update 0930 is that Stella should be ready to be released at 1400 if all the paperwork is done by then, well I will be there by then if it is?
Update 1230, early lunch then off for 1400 pickup as not heard any more.
Update 1800, Back at ours at 1740 as got away from the hospital eventually at 1645, waiting for the pharmacy to send medication, well they only had the prescription at 1100. They say that they are a law unto themselves!!!
Now being dispatched for a Chinese take-away and have to pick up in Launceston at 1830 then I can kick my shoes off for the evening, woohoo!!!
Well I still get to do the washing up!! no change there then lol
Strange how the washing up works in this house, if Sue gets the dinner I wash up, If I get it I wash up, something does not seem quite right there and Sue wonders why I say that I am the family dishwasher haha!
Update 0930 is that Stella should be ready to be released at 1400 if all the paperwork is done by then, well I will be there by then if it is?
Update 1230, early lunch then off for 1400 pickup as not heard any more.
Update 1800, Back at ours at 1740 as got away from the hospital eventually at 1645, waiting for the pharmacy to send medication, well they only had the prescription at 1100. They say that they are a law unto themselves!!!
Now being dispatched for a Chinese take-away and have to pick up in Launceston at 1830 then I can kick my shoes off for the evening, woohoo!!!
Well I still get to do the washing up!! no change there then lol
Strange how the washing up works in this house, if Sue gets the dinner I wash up, If I get it I wash up, something does not seem quite right there and Sue wonders why I say that I am the family dishwasher haha!
Friday, 20 July 2012
Getting ever closer!
What is getting ever closer?
The day Stella comes out of hospital and I can have my wife back!!
So the Stella marathon continues, today she had the last of the drains out and has been told that providing everything is OK she can go home 24 hours after they have come out? That will be about 1530 tomorrow so I will hopefully be there ready and waiting. Then we have to decide, does she come home to her maisonette or to our bungalow? I do not think I am going to become involved in that one, I am just going to let the two of them decide because as I said at the top, I do not give a shit as long as I get my wife back sometime soon!!!!Apart from going to see Stella and having a KFC for tea when I left, very little else has happened today! Lainie is still in quarantine and Sue is still at Stella's.
Now 2100 listening to worship music and trying to reload the original Audacity sound editing software because the download of the updated version has something that means the record level cannot be adjusted low enough!
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Normal Thursday up to now?
Normal Thursday that is except I do not have my very beloved wife here with me.. Oh I do love her so much and am missing her tremendously!
Things may change but been very quiet so far!
The smell coming from the kitchen is so tantalising, bara brith for the housegroup BBQ this evening, although I do believe it has been changed to a Pot Luck Supper due to the weather and the ground being saturated. Well I never actually got there, had a short time of prayer before going and God said not to and to go and see my wife, so glad I did as really missed her and she is missing me so much now as well, I bought us a chinese take away and we spent a very enjoyable evening together. I now have nearly a whole bara brith in the bread bin but hope they can use it on the fun day Sunday.
About the weather? we so far this month have had 3 times the normal rainfall for July. We have been out to Roadford Lake a couple of times over the past weeks and seen it go from very low a few months ago to very full and near to overflowing the sluice, that tells us the state of it?
The point of all this about the weather is that summer seems to be arriving at last!!! It is a beautiful day out there!!!!
Having to wait in for a phone call from the doctor to moan at me again, I presume about my blood sugar levels. Told her to ring by 1300 as do not know what is happening about Derriford and Stella today, she can ring any time, not worried as I will as usual take very little notice and just put my insulin up a couple of increments and forget about it until the next blood test in September, at Peninsula where I do the clinical trial..... Well doctor rang but too late and I was right. Put insulin up tonight and hope for the best.
Looks like Stella is coming out tomorrow so not gone in to see her today. If she is home tomorrow lets hope Sue will be home soon. Can't wait!!!
Things may change but been very quiet so far!
The smell coming from the kitchen is so tantalising, bara brith for the housegroup BBQ this evening, although I do believe it has been changed to a Pot Luck Supper due to the weather and the ground being saturated. Well I never actually got there, had a short time of prayer before going and God said not to and to go and see my wife, so glad I did as really missed her and she is missing me so much now as well, I bought us a chinese take away and we spent a very enjoyable evening together. I now have nearly a whole bara brith in the bread bin but hope they can use it on the fun day Sunday.
About the weather? we so far this month have had 3 times the normal rainfall for July. We have been out to Roadford Lake a couple of times over the past weeks and seen it go from very low a few months ago to very full and near to overflowing the sluice, that tells us the state of it?
The point of all this about the weather is that summer seems to be arriving at last!!! It is a beautiful day out there!!!!
Having to wait in for a phone call from the doctor to moan at me again, I presume about my blood sugar levels. Told her to ring by 1300 as do not know what is happening about Derriford and Stella today, she can ring any time, not worried as I will as usual take very little notice and just put my insulin up a couple of increments and forget about it until the next blood test in September, at Peninsula where I do the clinical trial..... Well doctor rang but too late and I was right. Put insulin up tonight and hope for the best.
Looks like Stella is coming out tomorrow so not gone in to see her today. If she is home tomorrow lets hope Sue will be home soon. Can't wait!!!
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Poxy Chickens and Camille
It seems Lainie definitely has chickenpox and is infectious until next Monday or Tuesday.
Latest on Stella is that she is getting a scan and having the drains out today or tomorrow and will be released from hospital either tomorrow or Friday, seems we are turning a corner woohoo!!!!
I can only say that rejection of the enemy and positive prayer are paying dividends, praise God
On the way home from town there was a lot of traffic due to a couple of accidents around the castle so was forced to call in the chippy on Newport Ind. Estate and get an OAP special, cod, chips and mushy peas. Absolutely gorgeous except as usual there were about 3 times as many chips as I could eat!! Sorry Sue but had no choice. Love you.
Over the past few days I have received both a picture and a letter from Camille our sponsored child with Compassion. He lives in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in Africa.
It is thrilling to hear from him and I shall be writing back to him very shortly, if not today it will be in the next week.
Usually we are sort of a letter adrift, he has just answered the last but one I sent so it is like a delayed reaction.
My he has certainly grown in the last 3 years that I have been sponsoring him. He was 7 on the 11th May
Latest on Stella is that she is getting a scan and having the drains out today or tomorrow and will be released from hospital either tomorrow or Friday, seems we are turning a corner woohoo!!!!
I can only say that rejection of the enemy and positive prayer are paying dividends, praise God
On the way home from town there was a lot of traffic due to a couple of accidents around the castle so was forced to call in the chippy on Newport Ind. Estate and get an OAP special, cod, chips and mushy peas. Absolutely gorgeous except as usual there were about 3 times as many chips as I could eat!! Sorry Sue but had no choice. Love you.
It is thrilling to hear from him and I shall be writing back to him very shortly, if not today it will be in the next week.
Usually we are sort of a letter adrift, he has just answered the last but one I sent so it is like a delayed reaction.
My he has certainly grown in the last 3 years that I have been sponsoring him. He was 7 on the 11th May
Change of title
I have today changed the name of this blog to Glyn Cotterill's Blog primarily because I no longer get input from any other source!
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Well it is still pouring!
The latest on the rain to hit our family is that it is still pouring!
Due to Sue and Lainie being in isolation I have had to run a few errands in town before I went to Plymouth to visit Stella.On that front Stella appears to be considerably improved since I last saw her on Saturday.
I slipped and gave my knee one hell of a crack on the pavement outside Boots in Launceston, did not seem to hurt too much when it first happened, just seemed to shake me up a bit? Since then the pain has increased in intensity. There really is going to be one heck of a bruise there.
All these things are sent to try us they say?
Jennie Jones!
The visit of Jennie Jones to St. Giles-on-the-Heath.
Unfortunately Sue was looking after Stella & Lainie so Jen has to come back at a later date so that Sue can get to know her properly as well!
I had a bit of a problem really as how does a 63 year old man entertain a 22 year old young lady, well it turned out to be incredibly easy, we just seemed to hit it off as friends, we have, it seems, quite a lot in common, mainly Christian interests and also she does alot of charity work that involves handicapped (disabled sorry) children and swimming. eg, Bath Swim Therapy http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bath-Swim-Therapy/288977751128305 which seems incredably interesting and time absorbing.
Saturday morning Jennie went to see a friend who lives very near us at Whitstone.
We had a couple of trips out on the Saturday one to Roadford Lake for a walk and coffee, also we went to Bude and found a very interesting cove called Duckpool.
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| Jennie at Bude |
On Sunday we went to church and had Lainie for the afternoon to give Sue a break and so that she could play on her trampoline here.(Lainie that is, not Sue hehe)
Jennie was supposed to return home to Melksham after lunch on Sunday but had mislaid her car tax! not that she is scatter brained or anything? so had to call in Exeter dvla on the way home to get another which delayed her departure until Monday.
Jennie also has a blog and here is the link: http://thelifeofjenniejones.blogspot.co.uk/
I do so hope that Jennie enjoyed her visit and will return again soon, perhaps as part of her convalescence due to a recent injury, but not until Sue returns home! (see previous post)
It never rains
They say it never rains but it pours!
Well over the past few weeks I am starting to believe this more and more and today it just got worse?Where to start, well the beginning is I suppose the best place, so lets go back about 8 weeks or more when Stella had some quite severe pain which turned out to be gall stones. 3 weeks ago today she had another attack and 2 days later went into hospital for an op (keyhole) to have her gall bladder removed.
You would have thought that after a short period of recovery that would be the end of the matter? WRONG!!! If something could go wrong it seems it has!
Firstly when she came out of hospital there seemed to be an inordinate amount of pain which increased considerably over the following days until the doctor was called and they said it was a "water infection" and gave her anti-biotics and told her to drink more!
Well as time went on the pain did not get any less but seemed to intensify, so Sue called the doctor again who, with their usual aplomb, just spoke to Stella over the phone and told her if it did not improve to call again the following day???
It did not improve so the doctor was called the following day, he was due to come out to see her but due to the intense pain Stella was in at this time an ambulance was summoned before he arrive and the crew rather reluctantly took her back to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth!
Well that was 12 days ago and Stella is still there, she was very ill for a few days and for a week or so there seemed to be very little improvement then all of a sudden overnight last Thursday BINGO!!! Friday there was such a noticable difference it was almost unbelievable.
I know that I put it down to 2 things really, (ok folks here is the preachy bit).
Firstly because of things that had happened within the family unit in the recent past, satan was doing his best to undo all the strides forward that had been made in Christ and we had as a family made and we had actively started praying protection on our family.
Secondly and more importantly Stella had started coming to church and seeking Jesus! Lainie was also thoroughly enjoying Sunday school, so again we started praying against the influences of darkness and for protection over them!
Since then there has been a steady improvement but I will say this for old nick, he does not give up easily?
Last evening Sue told me that Lainie did not seem to be herself and seemed off colour. During the night Lainie was sick all over her bedding, has a fever and is covered in spots. Sue Has rang the doctors and is waiting for a return call and she got one from a nurse, app 1015 tomorrow for confirmation of illness.
We are all as a family and a church praying protection and healing on Stella, Lainie, Sue and myself!
We are all assured of our power over satan and not his power over us, he has none as we have the blood of the Lambs protection, hallelujah!!!
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
The Birth of Kira-Joy Cotterill
Kira-Joy Cotterill born 26th May 2012
It is with great pleasure that I can announce the arrival at 1124 a Daughter to Richard and Samantha weighing in at 7lb 2oz
19 short years
Do you know it is 19 years since mum died, I know we all still miss her greatly but her wisdom and her sayings are a constant reminder to us all how we want to remember her. Love you still Mum xx
Saturday, 5 May 2012
The birth of "Nugget"
Monday, 30 April 2012
Dates to remember for April 2012
Birthdays!
8th Danielle is 15
13th Andrew Ayling
21st Lee
27th Sarah Jane
These are the only ones I know of! Perhaps you know more? So why have you not let me know lol?
8th Danielle is 15
13th Andrew Ayling
21st Lee
27th Sarah Jane
These are the only ones I know of! Perhaps you know more? So why have you not let me know lol?
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The Funeral of Georgina Catherine Wray 5th April 2012
Went to Derbyshire and arrived on a very snowy Wednesday 4th in preparation for
A beautiful poem was written by Emma Ayling, her Aunty as follows.
You are a promise unfulfilled
Our darling, precious, baby girl
Hearts full of what you might have been
A world full of things you should have seen
You are a puzzle left unsolved
A jigsaw piece to make us whole
Those deep brown eyes, that turned-up nose
Hid mysteries we longed to know
All gathered in your watered room
You lived, you heard, you felt, you moved
Not separate but married in
Intimately, safe within
Knitted into kith and kin
Knotted on and grafted in
Floating in your mother's hug
All you ever knew was love
You'll never know the cold of night
Eyes open now to heaven's light
Nor know our hurt or grief's despair
Singing songs of joy now there
But how we want to have you here
How we'd love to hold you near
Babe with beauty on your brow
Carrying you with us now
Though we see the smallest part
We know God keeps you in His heart
Alive in Him, safe up above
All you'll ever know is love
Georgie was buried in a wonderfully beautiful graveyard behind the church with many graves of other children around her.
After we gathered at The Boat Inn, Cromford for refreshments.
Monday, 9 April 2012
Visit to Ruth 3rd April 2012 (Day 5)
Well it is going home day!
Up as normal and then breakfast, pack the car said our goodbye's and set off about 0930 for home, very uneventful trip and home about 1245.
Overall it was good for me to reacquaint myself with Ruth and enjoyed almost every minute of our time there. Thank you Ruth and so glad to know you xxx
Up as normal and then breakfast, pack the car said our goodbye's and set off about 0930 for home, very uneventful trip and home about 1245.
Overall it was good for me to reacquaint myself with Ruth and enjoyed almost every minute of our time there. Thank you Ruth and so glad to know you xxx
Visit to Ruth 2nd April 2012 (Day4)
We had a quiet day in today except we went to Asda at Melksham to get the ingredients for a curry that Sue is going to cook for Alan as he has gone to work. So guess what? Ruth and Glyn did a lot more talking and not much else until the evening when after we had enjoyed Sue's curry we played Rummykub, do you know I had forgotten what a good game that was. Alan and Sue went to bed early and Glyn and Ruth stayed up to do some more talking before we go home tomorrow!!!
Forgot the time until Alan came and reminded us at 2330!!!!! so it was off to bed..........
Forgot the time until Alan came and reminded us at 2330!!!!! so it was off to bed..........
Visit to Ruth 1st April 2012 (Day3)
Up as normal and off to church at St Thomas's in Trowbridge and meet up with Mike and Jane Bullock. It was a lovely service but was more than a little disappointed by the welcome (or lack of it) that we received.
After church it was back to Ruth's to have a lovely roast chicken dinner and to meet Jennie and Mark, well Jennie again, mind you the last time I saw her she was about 11 years old, really the only thing I remembered about her was the very cheeky grin which she still has, the only thing she remembered about me was my voice!!!
We had a lovely afternoon and we played a game called Wildlife after tea until quite late, of course we talked while playing.....Jennie and Mark left around 2300 and then it was off to bed!!!
After church it was back to Ruth's to have a lovely roast chicken dinner and to meet Jennie and Mark, well Jennie again, mind you the last time I saw her she was about 11 years old, really the only thing I remembered about her was the very cheeky grin which she still has, the only thing she remembered about me was my voice!!!
We had a lovely afternoon and we played a game called Wildlife after tea until quite late, of course we talked while playing.....Jennie and Mark left around 2300 and then it was off to bed!!!
Visit to Ruth 31st March 2012 (Day2)
Slept well after a latish night and had a lazy breakfast then eventually got dressed as Ruth had to take Daisy the guinnea pig to the vets so we went into town to have a wander around the Shires and a Costa then back for a spot of lunch, a lazy talking afternoon then out for dinner at The Bell on the Common at Broughton Gifford. A lovely meal it was as well then dropped Sue back home and Stephanie to a friends in Trowbridge then into the Cricket Club for a further drink. Never stayed too long though as they had a function which I enjoyed but the young ones found little too crowded and noisy haha, the staying power of the young!!!
When we got back, Alan went to bed and guess what the rest of did, TALKED!! until bedtime........
When we got back, Alan went to bed and guess what the rest of did, TALKED!! until bedtime........
Visit to Ruth 30th March 2012 (Day 1)
To start off with we left here (home) about 0830 to go to Trowbridge to meet Ruth at the Crowing Cock for lunch at 1200, in fact we arrived about 1115 as we had a faultless trip up so met her early as she did not have a fare!
Well the centre of town had hardly changed at all over the years since we were there last and nor had Ruth. From there we had a walk about and then went to the cafe for lunch and I enjoyed proper faggots and peas for the first time in ages and Sue had fish and chips! Alan (Ruth's hubby) turned up as well.
After lunch we wandered about a bit and then visited the old market and some old friends still had stall there, it was nice to see Margaret and Gordon and Sue got lost on Margarets stall who now does crafting bits and pieces. Sue spent so long there that I had to go and move the car as we were about to overstay the 3 hour limit!!!
About 1600 we made our way to Holt to get to see where Ruth lived and where we were staying. It is a lovely house and a really nice garden, with pool...
Around 1700 Stephanie came home, a very pretty and sassy young lady who is 14 and causes all the problems a normal 14 year old causes...
Ruth finished work at 1800 and Alan went to pick her up and she had finished work for 2 weeks...
Well all we did on Friday evening was talk and talk and talk and then talk some more!!!! well we did have a lot to catch up on and it was lovely seeing Ruth again!!!
Well the centre of town had hardly changed at all over the years since we were there last and nor had Ruth. From there we had a walk about and then went to the cafe for lunch and I enjoyed proper faggots and peas for the first time in ages and Sue had fish and chips! Alan (Ruth's hubby) turned up as well.
After lunch we wandered about a bit and then visited the old market and some old friends still had stall there, it was nice to see Margaret and Gordon and Sue got lost on Margarets stall who now does crafting bits and pieces. Sue spent so long there that I had to go and move the car as we were about to overstay the 3 hour limit!!!
About 1600 we made our way to Holt to get to see where Ruth lived and where we were staying. It is a lovely house and a really nice garden, with pool...
Around 1700 Stephanie came home, a very pretty and sassy young lady who is 14 and causes all the problems a normal 14 year old causes...
Ruth finished work at 1800 and Alan went to pick her up and she had finished work for 2 weeks...
Well all we did on Friday evening was talk and talk and talk and then talk some more!!!! well we did have a lot to catch up on and it was lovely seeing Ruth again!!!
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Georgina Catherine Wray
Our hearts and prayers go out to Amy, Michael, Dea, Andrew and Emma at this time.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
How Ruth found Glyn again!
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| This is Ruth, trying to get a picture of her by herself is a nightmare!!! |
I first met Ruth in either late 1990 or early in 1991 when she was working with my then wife Margaret at Airsprung Beds. We met socially with her and her then husband Scott a couple of times at the Anchor and Hope and got on very well. Shortly after Margaret got the sack from there but we kept in contact with Ruth. Well time went on and Ruth left Airsprung and started driving Taxi's. At this time Ruth had a small child Jennie and her marriage was very shaky, as was mine. We found we could talk very easily and got on very well and became very good friends to each other.
Well as time went on I split up with Margaret and moved to Chichester at weekends and lodged with Ruth, Scott and Jennie during the week, when I was working as a driver for Airsprung and I was away several nights a week.
It was whilst I was staying with Ruth that her Marriage broke up and I moved out and lodged with Phil (my brother) for a while.
Well from there we kept in touch when we saw each other and still got on great.
When Sue and I took the shop in 2000 we sort of lost touch and when I started on facebook a few years ago now I did try to search for her but the stupid girl had got married again and changed her name haha!!
So imagine my surprise when a couple of weeks ago I got a friend invitation from a Ruth Pepler yay! She had apparently driven past the old homestead in Frome Rd and thought "I wonder what happened to Glyn" did a search on Facebook and the rest is history so they say.
We are very much in contact again now and looking forward to the 4 of us getting together at some point in the near future.
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| Ruth and Alan with their Daughter Steff. Looks like mum? |
Dates to remember for February 2012
Birthdays
25th Mike is 66
25th Tony is 57
25th Andy is 42
26th Rob (Rob who?) is 47
Anniversary
22nd Louisa and Kelvin 9 years
25th Mike is 66
25th Tony is 57
25th Andy is 42
26th Rob (Rob who?) is 47
Anniversary
22nd Louisa and Kelvin 9 years
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Catching up 1
Have been very busy over the past few weeks with the 2012 directory for LCC. Then getting the new news sheet off the ground, first issue out 29th January, now the next one due to be out this coming weekend, up to my eyeballs in that at the moment but can do no more until I get news from GAAF!
Lets go back to the end of January then, Mike and Jane went back on Monday the 23rd to get ready to move as they had heard they now have a 2 bed flat, still in the same complex but number 30 instead of 41 Douglas Yates Court, even the postcode is the same! Well they moved on the 11/12th February, they have the phone ok but as yet are still waiting on BT for the broadband, no surprise there then!!
On the 26th January I gave up smoking, up to now I have gone nearly 4 weeks and my body seems to be rebelling as I have constantly had the runs for all that time, the Dr says it is due to the changes in my metabolism and will settle down eventually. I am giving it until next week and if still the same I am actually going to go to the doctors!!!
Weather wise it has been a right wierd winter, we did get a cold snap for about 3 days and then it warmed up again with the flowers and even the birds even more convinced that spring has arrived.... We have just under half a tank of heating fuel left this year. By this time last year I had had to put a further 500 ltrs in to see us through to the end of the winter. As I say right wierd! There is still time for it to get colder but they are forecasting temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees tomorrow and Friday.
Lets go back to the end of January then, Mike and Jane went back on Monday the 23rd to get ready to move as they had heard they now have a 2 bed flat, still in the same complex but number 30 instead of 41 Douglas Yates Court, even the postcode is the same! Well they moved on the 11/12th February, they have the phone ok but as yet are still waiting on BT for the broadband, no surprise there then!!
On the 26th January I gave up smoking, up to now I have gone nearly 4 weeks and my body seems to be rebelling as I have constantly had the runs for all that time, the Dr says it is due to the changes in my metabolism and will settle down eventually. I am giving it until next week and if still the same I am actually going to go to the doctors!!!
Weather wise it has been a right wierd winter, we did get a cold snap for about 3 days and then it warmed up again with the flowers and even the birds even more convinced that spring has arrived.... We have just under half a tank of heating fuel left this year. By this time last year I had had to put a further 500 ltrs in to see us through to the end of the winter. As I say right wierd! There is still time for it to get colder but they are forecasting temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees tomorrow and Friday.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Dates to remember for January 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
12th Mark is 42
15th Anna is 2
17th Claire is 36
21st Karis is 3
26th Maggie is 67
12th Mark is 42
15th Anna is 2
17th Claire is 36
21st Karis is 3
26th Maggie is 67
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Mike & Jane's arrival
Well Mike and Jane have arrived in Devon and guess what, it is raining!!! The weather is expected to get better later if the weather forecast is to be believed?
They had a safe journey and it is good to get to know Jane a little better.
Jane seems good for Mike and they get on so well, laughing alot anyway. Sue and I are quite looking forward to the time they are spending here as Mike is so easy to live with and as yet Jane appears to be the same............
They had a safe journey and it is good to get to know Jane a little better.
Jane seems good for Mike and they get on so well, laughing alot anyway. Sue and I are quite looking forward to the time they are spending here as Mike is so easy to live with and as yet Jane appears to be the same............
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Beautiful Sunrise
What is it they say, "Red sky in the morning, shepherds warning". Does not bode well for Mike & Jane's visit tomorrow! Still they are coming for a few days so you never know it may brighten up?
Friday, 13 January 2012
Another Challenge
Well now that the 2012 church directory has gone to print I have been set another challenge!!!
Rachel asked me last evening if I could produce a monthly church news sheet. I do not exactly know where to start but will do a bit of research on Microsoft word and see what I come up with?
Any suggestions would be most welcome as there must be a template somewhere for this type of product?
Just as another note here we are on the 13th of January and we have actually got our second air frost of the winter!!!
Rachel asked me last evening if I could produce a monthly church news sheet. I do not exactly know where to start but will do a bit of research on Microsoft word and see what I come up with?
Any suggestions would be most welcome as there must be a template somewhere for this type of product?
Just as another note here we are on the 13th of January and we have actually got our second air frost of the winter!!!
Monday, 26 December 2011
Christmas Day 2011
Well Sue and my day started at 0500 and Stella's at 0600 expecting Lainie to be up bright and early? I believe it is called murphy's law, Lainie never even stirred until gone 7!!!
Left is what was in the box, Hermoine Granger's wand from Harry Potter.
We then had a pressy opening time and the results of Lainie's endevours can be seen above.
This is what Lainie found, the remnants of Santa's meal and a present for her on the plate.
Left is what was in the box, Hermoine Granger's wand from Harry Potter.
It was then time for breakfast and then get dressed in her new finery (left) ready for us all to got off to church for the Christmas day service. Sue had already got the turkey in before we went off and finished it upon our return, as usual it was a superb meal.
Then a nap after lunch until the Queen at 3 then tea. It was a lovely day with lovely company.
Chrstmas eve 2011
Later in the evening Lainie gave us adults a Christmas carol recital which consisted of, Away in a manger, Silent night, Little drummer boy, No room at the inn and Have you noticed the Christmas tree. Then after putting food and drink out for Santa and the reindeer it was an early night ready for the BIG DAY!!
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| Lainie with Nannie putting Reindeer Dust on the lawn to help them to find her. |
Later in the evening Lainie gave us adults a Christmas carol recital which consisted of, Away in a manger, Silent night, Little drummer boy, No room at the inn and Have you noticed the Christmas tree. Then after putting food and drink out for Santa and the reindeer it was an early night ready for the BIG DAY!!Thursday, 22 December 2011
Love Came Down 2
Still Buzzin'
Well I have been up since 0430 and I am still buzzin' from the excitement of last evening, it was a wonderful time that really gave glory to God through the storey of Jesus' birth.
The choir I feel was a resounding success thanks to Becky Bailey and Rachel Bate.
The Nazarene Gossips (see post below) seemed to be well received and was wonderfully performed by Chris & Jayne Biddle.
I gave Testimony (also see post below) as did Dan Blackwell and Suzannah Strong.
Hope to post more Photo's at a later date?
My Testimony
This was a testimony that I gave at Love Came Down last evening, not word for word as this was only in longhand in case I got stuck, which is far from unknown HA HA!
My early life
Where do you start after 63 years of life, 43 of those as a Christian? I also have the problem of fitting this into a maximum of about 5 minutes, well here goes!
I was born in 1948 & Baptised as an infant at Trinity Church, Pontycwmr, Nr Bridgend in S. Wales on the 10th July 1949.
I spent my early life in Southwick, a village near Trowbridge in Wiltshire. I was the 2nd of 5 children. It was a very happy and loving childhood. We were poor but happy.
From a very early age I went to Sunday school, often twice each Sunday at the local Baptist Church. It was only in later life that my mother told me it was the only way they could get any peace at weekends! I enjoyed it anyway, especially the Bible stories.
When I was about 14 my parents became Christians and that was in 1963.
What was I Like
I had my 1st brush with the law on my 11th birthday and continued to be in trouble with the police many times over the next few years. In fact I remember my father remarking that Greenwood our village bobby seemed to spend more times looking for me at our house than he spent in his own home! I had many appearances at juvenile court and although I was often warned that I would be, I was never actually sent to Approved school or Borstal.
I was often in trouble at school for fighting because I hated bullying and would always side with and stick up for someone who was being bullied.
How I found God
At 18 I got married, my eldest child was born 10 months after and my wife fell pregnant again. My second child was born at 26 weeks which was 3 months premature; she weighed just 2lb 4oz. that is just a little more than a kilogramme bag of sugar. Obviously she was not expected to survive. This was back in the dark ages of 1968 when it was very rare for children born this prematurely to survive. When she started to lose weight and got down to 1lb 10oz we were told to expect the worst. What do you do in times of dire need, turn to God and pray for his help? That is what I did and I told him also that if Elizabeth survived I would give my life to Him.
It seemed from that moment Elizabeth started to gain weight.
Well Elizabeth did survive, she was 43 this year and I prayed a prayer giving my life to Jesus!
About 4 months later I was baptised at Southwick Old Baptist Church.
Difference since then
Well I have only been in trouble with the law once since then and there were extenuating circumstances for that which kept my children safe.
I have moved about the country with my job, as well as the church in Southwick I have belonged to churches in Rode in Somerset, London, Hilperton, Trowbridge and Trevethin in Wales.
Romans 8 v 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV)
I have seen over the years how true this is, even when to start out with you cannot see it and think it is really crap! But as they say hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Lets look at the latest thing, how we come to be here?
I first had contact with The Community Church at Egloskerry when we came down to stay in one of Mervyn & Rachel’s barns on holiday about 4 years ago now. I found a very warm welcome and felt very much at home and every time we came on holiday we went there. I felt God was really moving within that fellowship and calling me to be here, but work was a must for me and my job was in Avonmouth. That would be a long commute!
Strange how things work out, about 3 ½ years ago my wife became so ill with arthritis she was forced to give up work.
2 ½ years ago I was found to have stress angina. As an HGV driver they took away my licence and hence my job and the job centre told me I was no good to them so they retired me.
To cut a long storey short we decided as we could move where ever in the country we wanted, so I prayed as to where God wanted us to be. Well He kept coming up with here and found us a lovely bungalow to rent in St Giles-on-the-Heath which has helped my wife no end with her arthritis, no stairs.
We moved to St Giles about 1 month after the church moved from Egloskerry to here at St Josephs.
We have had to be totally reliant on God for our income and He has more than adequately supplied everything we have needed.
When I look back I can see God’s hand in everything that has happened to me over the past 4 years as well as the preceding 39.
Remembering again Romans 8 v 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV)
I still get a real feeling of joy, love, belonging and excitement when I walk through that door on a Sunday.
At Housegroup last week someone said something that I felt fitted my situation and the way I feel now to a Tee.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO POOR, YET I HAVE NEVER BEEN OR FELT SO RICH
My Testimony 21st Dec 2012
My early life
Where do you start after 63 years of life, 43 of those as a Christian? I also have the problem of fitting this into a maximum of about 5 minutes, well here goes!
I was born in 1948 & Baptised as an infant at Trinity Church, Pontycwmr, Nr Bridgend in S. Wales on the 10th July 1949.
I spent my early life in Southwick, a village near Trowbridge in Wiltshire. I was the 2nd of 5 children. It was a very happy and loving childhood. We were poor but happy.
From a very early age I went to Sunday school, often twice each Sunday at the local Baptist Church. It was only in later life that my mother told me it was the only way they could get any peace at weekends! I enjoyed it anyway, especially the Bible stories.
When I was about 14 my parents became Christians and that was in 1963.
What was I Like
I had my 1st brush with the law on my 11th birthday and continued to be in trouble with the police many times over the next few years. In fact I remember my father remarking that Greenwood our village bobby seemed to spend more times looking for me at our house than he spent in his own home! I had many appearances at juvenile court and although I was often warned that I would be, I was never actually sent to Approved school or Borstal.
I was often in trouble at school for fighting because I hated bullying and would always side with and stick up for someone who was being bullied.
How I found God
At 18 I got married, my eldest child was born 10 months after and my wife fell pregnant again. My second child was born at 26 weeks which was 3 months premature; she weighed just 2lb 4oz. that is just a little more than a kilogramme bag of sugar. Obviously she was not expected to survive. This was back in the dark ages of 1968 when it was very rare for children born this prematurely to survive. When she started to lose weight and got down to 1lb 10oz we were told to expect the worst. What do you do in times of dire need, turn to God and pray for his help? That is what I did and I told him also that if Elizabeth survived I would give my life to Him.
It seemed from that moment Elizabeth started to gain weight.
Well Elizabeth did survive, she was 43 this year and I prayed a prayer giving my life to Jesus!
About 4 months later I was baptised at Southwick Old Baptist Church.
Difference since then
Well I have only been in trouble with the law once since then and there were extenuating circumstances for that which kept my children safe.
I have moved about the country with my job, as well as the church in Southwick I have belonged to churches in Rode in Somerset, London, Hilperton, Trowbridge and Trevethin in Wales.
Romans 8 v 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV)
I have seen over the years how true this is, even when to start out with you cannot see it and think it is really crap! But as they say hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Lets look at the latest thing, how we come to be here?
I first had contact with The Community Church at Egloskerry when we came down to stay in one of Mervyn & Rachel’s barns on holiday about 4 years ago now. I found a very warm welcome and felt very much at home and every time we came on holiday we went there. I felt God was really moving within that fellowship and calling me to be here, but work was a must for me and my job was in Avonmouth. That would be a long commute!
Strange how things work out, about 3 ½ years ago my wife became so ill with arthritis she was forced to give up work.
2 ½ years ago I was found to have stress angina. As an HGV driver they took away my licence and hence my job and the job centre told me I was no good to them so they retired me.
To cut a long storey short we decided as we could move where ever in the country we wanted, so I prayed as to where God wanted us to be. Well He kept coming up with here and found us a lovely bungalow to rent in St Giles-on-the-Heath which has helped my wife no end with her arthritis, no stairs.
We moved to St Giles about 1 month after the church moved from Egloskerry to here at St Josephs.
We have had to be totally reliant on God for our income and He has more than adequately supplied everything we have needed.
When I look back I can see God’s hand in everything that has happened to me over the past 4 years as well as the preceding 39.
Remembering again Romans 8 v 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV)
I still get a real feeling of joy, love, belonging and excitement when I walk through that door on a Sunday.
At Housegroup last week someone said something that I felt fitted my situation and the way I feel now to a Tee.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO POOR, YET I HAVE NEVER BEEN OR FELT SO RICH
The Nazarene Gossips
As I said in a previous post now the above has been given an airing I will post it so that it is availiable for anyone wishing to use it.
I am not worried about copyright all I want is to give GLORY TO GOD and if this does that, then I am happy!
The Nazarene Gossips
Written by Glyn Cotterill
Two people nattering by the well in Nazareth, George and Ethel?
George: ‘Ere Ethel have you heard the latest?
Ethel: No, what’s that George?
George: Well I don’t really know that I should repeat what I heard in the pub last night from Eric as it is really only gossip? I am surprised you have not heard as you seem to hear most things before me!!!
Ethel: Are you trying to say I am a gossip George?
George: Who me Eth? Now would I? (Pause) Does that mean you have not heard about that nice Mary getting herself pregnant?
Ethel: (gasps) You are joking!!
George: No I aint, do you know what excuse she is using? The hussy, she says it’s the Holy Spirit that did it! She must think that we are pretty gullible!
Ethel: She is from such a good home as well, and betrothed to that nice Joseph.
George: Oh they got married straight away. Well mind you I would as well, her dad is a pretty mean shot with that 12 bore!
Joseph says that it was all foretold by the prophets about a virgin conceiving. Well he seems to have slipped up there because they said it would happen in Bethlehem, this is Nazareth!
About a month later over the garden wall
Ethel: Hiya George. Do you remember a while ago we were talking about Mary?
George: What and her being pregnant you mean.
Ethel: Yes, well they have even roped her cousin Elizabeth in on it now!
George: Who’s Elizabeth when she’s at home?
Ethel: You know, old Zachariah’s wife Elizabeth, well she is pregnant as well when everyone thought she was past it!
Mind you I think she did as well. She says that what Mary & Joseph are saying must be so because her baby jumped for joy in her womb when Mary called to see her the other day.
George: (sceptically) Well I suppose blood is thicker than water Eth.
Around 9 months later.
George: Hello Eth, people are going to start talking about US soon if we carry on meeting like this!!!
Ethel: Oh George, you are awful, but I like you (as Dick Emery)
George: I may be awful but all this about Mary & Joseph has given me a lot to think about!
Ethel: How do you mean George?
George: All of the things that have been going on up Bethlehem way? It is too many things to be just coincidences!
Ethel: What things? You do infuriate me at times George!
George: You mean I have beaten you to some news again! You are slipping Eth! Ha-ha!
Ethel: (affronted) Well!!
George: Well it’s like this Eth. I bumped into old Daniel the other day who had to go up to Bethlehem for the census. He went up a few days before Mary & Joseph so he got digs ok.
Well that was the first odd thing!
Ethel: What was?
George: Mary was in Bethlehem when her baby was born!
It was a boy and they named Him Jesus, by the way.
Ethel: So?
George: Just as the prophets had foretold.
Ethel: You said the first odd thing, what is the other?
George: Others, plural!
Ethel: OTHERS! How many are there?
George: Oh there are a few which is why I said that it has to be more than a coincidence.
The next one is that they arrived too late to get digs so Joseph managed to find them room in a stable which is where the baby Jesus was born!
Then during the night some shepherds came to worship the baby!
Ethel: What do you mean worship him? He is only a baby.
George: That’s just it, IS HE only a baby?
The shepherds said that a host of angels appeared to them up in the hills and told them “that their Saviour was born this day, in a stable, in the city of David, Christ the Lord” they said.
Ethel: Who said?
George: (exasperated) The Angels! (pause).
Then there were these three old men turned up. Kings they were, they had followed a star all the way from the east. They brought some presents, gold, frankincense and myrrh.
They called in to see King Herod on the way through and told him they were on the way to see a baby who would one day be “King of the Jews”.
I understand they left him “not a happy man”!
Ethel: Is that why all those children were killed? Now that I did hear about! Was Mary & Josephs baby among them?
George: I am beginning to think it is not Mary & Josephs baby at all, just Mary’s and that what we were told all those months ago might just be true about Mary being visited by the Holy Spirit?
Ethel: George, get on with the story!! Was their baby, Jesus among them?
George: No, that is another strange thing. After the three wise men had left, an Angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him that Herod wanted to kill the child. So Mary and he fled with the baby Jesus to Egypt.
As you heard, Herod had all the boys two years old and younger killed. Not just in Bethlehem but in all the surrounding area as well.
Ethel: There really seems to be something special about the baby Jesus!
George: We seem to be living in times when prophecies are being fulfilled!
Ethel: I wonder if they will ever be able to come back to Nazareth?
I do hope so as Joseph is a good carpenter and my front door is in a shocking state!
The End
I am not worried about copyright all I want is to give GLORY TO GOD and if this does that, then I am happy!
The Nazarene Gossips
Written by Glyn Cotterill
Two people nattering by the well in Nazareth, George and Ethel?
George: ‘Ere Ethel have you heard the latest?
Ethel: No, what’s that George?
George: Well I don’t really know that I should repeat what I heard in the pub last night from Eric as it is really only gossip? I am surprised you have not heard as you seem to hear most things before me!!!
Ethel: Are you trying to say I am a gossip George?
George: Who me Eth? Now would I? (Pause) Does that mean you have not heard about that nice Mary getting herself pregnant?
Ethel: (gasps) You are joking!!
George: No I aint, do you know what excuse she is using? The hussy, she says it’s the Holy Spirit that did it! She must think that we are pretty gullible!
Ethel: She is from such a good home as well, and betrothed to that nice Joseph.
George: Oh they got married straight away. Well mind you I would as well, her dad is a pretty mean shot with that 12 bore!
Joseph says that it was all foretold by the prophets about a virgin conceiving. Well he seems to have slipped up there because they said it would happen in Bethlehem, this is Nazareth!
About a month later over the garden wall
Ethel: Hiya George. Do you remember a while ago we were talking about Mary?
George: What and her being pregnant you mean.
Ethel: Yes, well they have even roped her cousin Elizabeth in on it now!
George: Who’s Elizabeth when she’s at home?
Ethel: You know, old Zachariah’s wife Elizabeth, well she is pregnant as well when everyone thought she was past it!
Mind you I think she did as well. She says that what Mary & Joseph are saying must be so because her baby jumped for joy in her womb when Mary called to see her the other day.
George: (sceptically) Well I suppose blood is thicker than water Eth.
Around 9 months later.
George: Hello Eth, people are going to start talking about US soon if we carry on meeting like this!!!
Ethel: Oh George, you are awful, but I like you (as Dick Emery)
George: I may be awful but all this about Mary & Joseph has given me a lot to think about!
Ethel: How do you mean George?
George: All of the things that have been going on up Bethlehem way? It is too many things to be just coincidences!
Ethel: What things? You do infuriate me at times George!
George: You mean I have beaten you to some news again! You are slipping Eth! Ha-ha!
Ethel: (affronted) Well!!
George: Well it’s like this Eth. I bumped into old Daniel the other day who had to go up to Bethlehem for the census. He went up a few days before Mary & Joseph so he got digs ok.
Well that was the first odd thing!
Ethel: What was?
George: Mary was in Bethlehem when her baby was born!
It was a boy and they named Him Jesus, by the way.
Ethel: So?
George: Just as the prophets had foretold.
Ethel: You said the first odd thing, what is the other?
George: Others, plural!
Ethel: OTHERS! How many are there?
George: Oh there are a few which is why I said that it has to be more than a coincidence.
The next one is that they arrived too late to get digs so Joseph managed to find them room in a stable which is where the baby Jesus was born!
Then during the night some shepherds came to worship the baby!
Ethel: What do you mean worship him? He is only a baby.
George: That’s just it, IS HE only a baby?
The shepherds said that a host of angels appeared to them up in the hills and told them “that their Saviour was born this day, in a stable, in the city of David, Christ the Lord” they said.
Ethel: Who said?
George: (exasperated) The Angels! (pause).
Then there were these three old men turned up. Kings they were, they had followed a star all the way from the east. They brought some presents, gold, frankincense and myrrh.
They called in to see King Herod on the way through and told him they were on the way to see a baby who would one day be “King of the Jews”.
I understand they left him “not a happy man”!
Ethel: Is that why all those children were killed? Now that I did hear about! Was Mary & Josephs baby among them?
George: I am beginning to think it is not Mary & Josephs baby at all, just Mary’s and that what we were told all those months ago might just be true about Mary being visited by the Holy Spirit?
Ethel: George, get on with the story!! Was their baby, Jesus among them?
George: No, that is another strange thing. After the three wise men had left, an Angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him that Herod wanted to kill the child. So Mary and he fled with the baby Jesus to Egypt.
As you heard, Herod had all the boys two years old and younger killed. Not just in Bethlehem but in all the surrounding area as well.
Ethel: There really seems to be something special about the baby Jesus!
George: We seem to be living in times when prophecies are being fulfilled!
Ethel: I wonder if they will ever be able to come back to Nazareth?
I do hope so as Joseph is a good carpenter and my front door is in a shocking state!
The End
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Love Came Down
Love Came Down
Well it is getting ever closer to the Launceston Community Church Gospel Choir's first public performance! Only 6 days to go.
Also on this evening a little sketch I wrote is being performed called "The Nazarene Gossips". This is a comedy (hopefully) and is being performed by Chris & Jayne Biddle who will, I am sure do it justice.
I will post it on here in its entirety after next weeks performance so that anyone may use it if they wish.
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