Just a few Christmas bits!

I awoke to the early morning radio and Sarah Kennedy was trolling on about the latest fact that only one school in five now put on a nativity play at Christmas...and I thought how sad! I can remember playing Mary once with a blue dress and a tea towel on my head and I had my own doll for the baby Jesus which bothered me a bit because her name was actually Joyce!

I can still see middle son playing Joseph many years later ....'Mary' had the baby hidden in her blue voluminous gown....'Joseph' reached across and tapped hidden baby hard ...'You should have that out of there by now!' the audience fell about and 'Mary' reached forward and gave 'Joseph' a real thwack round the head.....'gerrorf me you pillock' she said in none too dulcet tones.....

Fast forward a few years ....same son as a server in Church for midnight mass. So proud to be there ...so grown up being allowed up at midnight. But sadly it proved too much....he sat there but instead of putting his head forward and gently dozing ...Oh no...he put his head back folded his arms and snored for England! I was mortified! The vicar gave me a wink as I knelt at the rail to receive communion and whispered ...'dont worry I will never let him forget this!' He didn't!!

A few years a go we received a note from on high...we were not to send religous cards around the offices in case we caused offence to anyone of an ethnic minority! We were somewhat gobsmacked ......hang on a mo....if we had someone of another ethnic group or religion working with us we would go out of our way to learn about their festivals and even take part....needless to say the shops selling religious christmas cards sold out that year!!

Christmas or the silly season I wonder?

I did hear a rather catchy comment on Radio 1 on Saturday surprisingly......

'Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

I quite like that.

Dear Jane

I've been tagged by Rob Clack to write a letter to myself when I was 13 years of age! This feels really weird but here goes.....

Dear Jane,
You know how much you hate maths at the moment?...Well you wont believe this but you will get to enjoy figure work ...unfortunately it will take about another twenty years but you will get there.....and French? Well you might as well stop right now because you never will fathom that out! Remember that needlework teacher telling you that you are beyond redemption? You will actually get to make clothes for yourself, three kids and four neices and you will loose count of the curtains you will make so take no notice of the daft old bat.

You may actually need to follow your first instinct rather than teeter on the edge and then draw back and later regret it....that will be a trait that will hinder you in studies, career and relationships and you will kick yourself on more than one occasion for not just following that first feeling. Learn to trust yourself ...you know yourself...even at thirteen!

Friends may drift like the tide but strangely enough the friends you have at thirteen will still feature forty years on. Talking of tides you know how you dread travelling? ...Learn to live with it dear because otherwise it will drive you mad...there will be ways and means including drinking copious amounts of brandy on cross channel ferries but not just yet! Just keep on taking the tablets! Yes I know you have been taking them since you were about four ...get used to it because you will still be taking them as you head to fifty four!!

Reading will always play a great part in your life and writing.......although your handwriting is still pretty dire it wont be long until you shock everybody and win a prize for it! Just keep on reading...it really is the best thing you can do and take no notice of your mates who scoff because mum and dad refuse to have a TV in the house and only watch it in hotel lounges when on holiday.

When you get the urge to have your long hair cut..........DONT.....you will so regret it the very next day! Keep out of school yard scraps having lost one front tooth already you dont need to loose any more!

You will have little choice but to stand up for yourself as you get older ...there are not to be any siblings to turn to in dark moments...but you can do it...even at thirteen with red hair and a tooth missing you know where you are going...............with a little dog at your heels of course!

Yours truly,

Jane



A stange little mental exercise which I will now pass on to Elizabethm, Mountainear, UPL and Cait

Part 2 ...the puppy dog tale

......now where was I?

Ah yes that infernal draw ticket....first prize ...a sheepdog puppy!

Now come on...lets be realistic here...the last thing we need is a puppy ...of any description! Poor old Kim tried to persuade us very hard to change our minds recently by being caught a number of times in a compromising position with Frazer the toy boy from up the road. Two injections finished her dreams of providing us with a Christmas litter.....shudder!

As soon as I realised what the first prize was I passed the comment ...'now that would be just our luck wouldn't it ..to win a puppy! Hells teeth and buckets of blood...I will slit my wrists or your throat if we win it!'

Back home ...time passed and as I was putting plates to warm and generally getting ready to feed six hungry mouths the phone rang ...quite common in this household...I heard Nigel answer it and waited a moment for the call...'Moth..er .....its for you...hooooooo!' Nothing ...so I carried on oblivious, I noticed him coming into the dining room looking for his glasses and a pen. He did have a slip of paper in his hand though......

I called them all to the table and wondered at the shifty expressions that were passing between them ....'Whats up?' ......stoney silence was the reply!
'Well somebody had better tell me what's going on!'
Nobody could look me straight in the face..as they busied themselves over the vegetable dishes...hang on a minute........... that telephone call has caused this visible unrest...you can see where my mind was suddenly going.........

'OH NO! We've won that berludy puppy havent we?????!'

One effervescent shepherdess all over the ceiling ...I went off the planet! I was fit to be tied!!
I told them I would leave ! I suggested asking for the cash alternative! I threatened HIM with physical violence...'no change there then!' was the caustic reply. I was DISTRAUGHT!

Its not that I dont LIKE puppies, or dogs ...I love them ...and cats and sheep and cows and rabbits... I was brought up to love animals and have always had a houseful ever since I could remember...perhaps that is why I seem to be just 'OD'd' on animals. I have said for the last couple of years ...NO MORE! I dont mean NOT EVER...just let me have a break..Pleeeeeeze! A break from ailing babies in boxes by the fire, bottles, tubes, vet bills...you name it ..I've nursed it! Kittens, puppies, lambs, calves, chicks, goslings, ducklings....I've got qualifications in animal health care!!! I'm far better with animals than people when it comes to nursing skills!

They worked out strategies of caring for a puppy...they tried appealing to my new found 'granny' status ....'Toby would 'lurve' a puppy to play with!' Granny was not for persuading ...'If you think a puppy is necessary in Toby's formative years ...have it at your house then!' Knowing full well that even a bunch of flowers can make their tiny house bulge at the seams! They kept this relentless pressure up all through the meal ...how I didn't pour beef casserole or boiling custard over the lot of them I shall never know!

As I cleared up afterwards I was still seething as husband made arrangements to return to Builth wells after work on Tuesday....I noticed they removed all sharp instruments from my vicinity.

I had to telephone a friend and as I did so I just did 1471 ...I dont know why...I just did!
Funny ...I know that number ...and it sure as hell isnt Builth Wells....ITS ELDEST SON's MOBILE.. he who is sitting there as bold as brass reading the paper.....realisation quickly dawned...........LET ME AT HIM!! A judgment indeed for once saying he hadn't got much of a sense of humour...hoist with my own wotsit!!

Physical violence did indeed break out ...many slaps were administered to what ever bare flesh a mad woman could find...hysterical laughter and much shrieking followed and bad language....an awful lot of that!!!

I woz had...well and truly!

I dont know who won the puppy ...but whoever it was I wish them many years of doggy happiness...I am just so glad it wasn't me!

A family day out!

A few years ago we decided to go to The Winter Fair at The Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, little did we realise then that it was to become an annual event, for us as a family as well as the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society! We set off on Monday in rain and fog to travel the 50 miles down to Builth Wells, first time with a baby seat ...with a baby in it of course! The journey was grey and uneventful but as soon as we rounded the corner and went into the car park high on the quarried hillside above the showground the sun came out...it was beautiful.

We had decided that unlike previous years when we had little foresight or planning in our forays into the midst ..this year ...with a baby to think about we would be a tad more organised. We donned our water proof, weatherproof, wind proof gear including scarves, hats and gloves...we have been here before....we have frozen to the spot on previous occasions believe me! So suitably clad we headed for the farthest point as yet unladen to wend our way back through the huge buildings, halls, display rings and trade stalls so by the end of the afternoon we would be quite near to the exit and the car park.

Within half an hour we realised we were somewhat overdressed for the day ...it was warm...very warm. Cups of scalding hot tea added to the overall glow! Layers were removed and hung on the back of the pushchair...gloves shoved into pockets...scarves into bags. So different from the year it was so cold we had to find a stall to buy gloves from as a matter of dire urgency! The whole atmosphere is Christmas crossed with the Carnival feeling of an agricultural show. The animals are all preened and petted before being taken into the ring. Farming friends meet and greet each other as though they haven't met for years...perhaps it was the last market in Dollgellau or Weshpool or perhaps like us this has become an annual day out. Strangely enough we always meet the same people here as well......ah well great minds etc

I love the antique sellers hall with the old linens hanging pristine white, the china glinting under the lights and the beautiful old jewellery in the wooden cases all with such stories that could be told. One year I fell in love with a pair of Staffordshire spaniels....I next saw them comimg out of a Morphy Richards kettle box on Christmas Day. I keep looking at the Moorcroft china ...but somehow I doubt any of that will reappear on Christmas morn! The old tools are oiled and polished, copper saucepans piled up on each other, earthenware steins, old cutlery, beads and bottle stops.

The food hall is an amazing mass of bodies and smells as everyone gathers around tasting cheeses, chutneys, wines, whiskeys, curries, cawl, ice cream and waffles. Its like a huge party everyone clutching paper cups of something or other as they move on to the next stall clutching a bag of goodies to take home. I tasted cassis liquer one minute, mulled cider the next and Tracey passed me apple and blackberry wine with a hint of cinnamon and ginger that was delicious.....our bags were soon filled. Neil appeared..'Try this curry mum...' Nigel popped up...'have you tried this ....'

The trade stalls and shopping halls had to be explored for Christmas shopping ...books, cushions, clothes, toys...I had to find the man on the pure wool stall ...I bought a lovely blanket for the baby from him last year...I appliqued some frogs and flowers onto it ...Toby loves to stroke the patterns and I wanted to tell him that it washes like a dream...much betther than I ever imagined...I found him ...he was so pleased I had returned...especially when I bought another blanket.

The band played Christmas music in the winter sun and mince pies were on sale in The National Trust pavilion. I found a new handbag, a replacement for 'the black hole' which is virtually worn out...well its done some miles...my handbags always do! The men inspected the farming machinery as we found the cookery and floristry halls. The Souk was filled with far eastern fabrics, shoes, soaps, rugs and clothes ...at the summer show it houses goats!

The animal halls were vibrant with noise and the smells of sawdust, we laughed at Toby's face as we introduced him to his first close up view of cows, sheep, pigs and sheepdogs...his eyes were like saucers, his chubby hands reached out into the wool of a tame sheep and grandad exclaimed with glee.......'Natural shepherd this boy...can tell quality sheep when he sees one!' I saw grandad buying some draw tickets .....mmmm ...that's odd I thought!

By 4;30 we were exhausted and decided to head for home. I knew we had a pushchair for something .....where's the baby...he's not in the chair thats for sure!

Home ...back across the moors, hills and wooded valleys to a casserole that had been simmering away all day. The log burner lit we were soon unpacking and admiring our purchases...Christmas shopping? No problem...done and dusted!!

However just rewind a moment .....himself buying a draw ticket? First prize was a sheepdog puppy....I went berserk at the thought and threatened dire consequences should we have a winning ticket...........anyway as I was dishing the meal up.....the phone rang................

Mother lays the law down!

Write 50,000 words in a month? Not a hope ...I doubt I will manage 500! I would have loved a bash at it though and will be watching those that are taking part with envy ...and support of course!!! Good luck ladies ...go... go... go!!!

We had our 'street' party on Saturday night...the catering is down to a fine art now ...always the same menu, but we know what we are doing now..so its basically stress free. A large beef stew with at least 75 dumplings, sausages...dozens of 'em, a vegetarian curry and every house does a pudding....no problems! The fireworks were OK, the mulled wine flowed and was kept warm in the fire embers.

Youngest son had invited four friends along ...they've been before ....G says they dont need asking twice! They have some cans of lager or cider 'hidden' in our trailer so they dont get into the adult supplies. Not enough to get them in a state ...just a few so they feel part of it. I have always let my boys try alcohol at home and at 'do's' such as this so they know what they do and dont like, and the side effects ...before they get out in public! My laying down the law includes 'should you feel sick ..stay outside on the garden bench ...neither me nor my Persian rug 'do' vomit!' OK?

Then I watched them ....they all played 'Star Wars' with the little ones that had been allowed to stay up for the event....they didn't care...these sixteen year old boys normally quite aloof and oh so cool.....with light up swords and goodness knows what all shrieking and running around with six year olds .....so gentle with them as well. I dont know who enjoyed it the most.

Unfortunately I missed the mulled wine completely and was quite happy with some plain soft red......I can remember the curry ....I can remember the red wine ...I can remember laughing because my feet were hot ....and 'frothy'! I swerved down the track to our house for a loo stop and to check the dog was OK after the fireworks. Couldn't find the dog! Searched round the house ...she is not allowed upstairs. Strange lump in our bed? One dog right under the quilt ...and refusing to come out! I can remember sitting on the bed laughing helplessly at her and me! I cant remember another thing!

......Later...much later Nigel tried valiantly to remove my waterproof windproof zipped up jacket....apparently I got quite aggressive at not being allowed to sleep in my coat. I had however managed to take my shoes and socks off...well my feet were sooooo hot! The dog wouldnt move and positioned herself between us...he gave up rather than upset her...and slept elsewhere!

The boys sat around the fire discussing education, politics, Christmas commercialism and social reform with the adults......somehow I think it will be me getting the 'talking to' before the next street party!

The last word has to go to one of the sixteen year olds cocooned in sleeping bags next morning on the lounge floor as I teetered in with a tray of tea and toast for them...wishing I could just go back to bed......'Good job you weren't feeling sick Mrs P otherwise it would have been a night on the garden bench for you!' I gave him a black look and muttered those inevitable words...'smart a*se!' and went back to bed with much tittering following me.........

Meanwhile back at the sheep ...Fergal a lovely young gentleman ...quite a 'toy boy' in fact arrived from Wales! Unfortunately 'blue tongue' restrictions are in force in England but not in Wales..so Fergal is here and cant go home until the restrictions are lifted..despite the fact that his home is only about 10 miles away! Red tape and agriculture ...again! I just feel so sorry for farmers trying to make a living in agriculture ...because the bottom line is...they cant!

For Small Cross One

They all shouted Hi!

Boys and their toys ...and dogs

It seems an age since I have been in here ....October 20th ...the day Bodran descended on her turquoise steed....since when I had to go back to the mundane routine of working, cooking cleaning and little or no time for blogging!

Last weekend saw us on the trail of new wheels for him! We left home at some ungodly hour and by lunchtime we had trailed around numerous forecourts in three counties....Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys, it was a gloomy grey day and the highspots for me included coffee in De Greys in Ludlow where I also spent a fortune in the Castle bookshop .....all those books mentioned on the forums and elsewhere...they were all there!

Things were getting dire ..not a suitable chariot, or rather one in our price range, anywhere. The atmosphere was getting tense, I started to feel ill on the journey from Llandrindod Wells to Newtown...that is one road I shall not be travelling on again..ever! Desperate for weak tea we stopped in Newtown in the hope I was going to find my 'sea legs' again to get home. I never grew out of travel sickness as a child and its getting worse as I get older...think I had better invest in a horse!

'Just two more garages' he pleaded .....by this time I couldn't care less I just want to get home and dusk is falling. On the very last forecourt only 25 miles from home ...he found it! The new love of his life!

On Friday I had to take a day off to enable him to fetch the 'green godess' as it is now referred to. The sun shone, it was a beautiful day and so we just had to take the monster for a spin....down through Clun..(of course) to Knighton where we had lunch...at least I could eat this time! The weather was unbelievable and the colours of the wooded hills against the pure blue sky were amazing. An old man sat on a bench outside the church reading in the sun ...remember it is November!!!

Well I can heave a sigh of relief as he will now leave my car alone and not tke it off road anymore!

Meanwhile ...at home ...the dogs!

I dont think I have ever inflicted our dogs on you ...well here they are!

Kim ...is looking guilty on the left as well she should ...she has been caught red handed in a compromising position with the toy boy from up the road..TWICE this week!

Skye in the middle is Kim's daughter ...as you can tell ...a real 'in yer face' type..still very puppyish at three years old!

Aunty Lucy is the spaniel modelling for Staffordshire potteries ...an adorable dog...she mothered all Kim's pups because Kim really wasn't bothered. Unfortunately despite 3 attempts she has not been able to have her own litter....I expect if the toy boy from up the road was to get in....dont go there!

I think Skye is just having to show off ...that isn't what was left of the postman ...honest!

All three have been trained to a very high standard by Mid Wales Gundog Society and husband of course. They do look a rather smart outfit when they are out working which they will be doing this week...travelling in the 'green godess' of course