ABC Wednesday

How many X's can you see?

The gates in our village are truly rustic and fascinating!

The Unknown Gate...appropriate as we approach 2009! I pass this gate everyday And wonder what lurks behind, Mysteries and secrets I imagine To know the answer I am resigned. The latch is shackled the gate is high A stone fortress for reasons unknown, Gates are made to keep one in or out, or to simply be secluded and alone. I keep passing by this unknown gate It is never opened or unlocked, I often wondered who would answer if I simply stopped and knocked. The stone is cracked,grey and cold, Is the gate ever opened or closed? The paint chipped door and wild ivy look unsightly as neglect is exposed. Who or what will reveal the truth the old story or future fate, Who or what holds the secret key to what lies behind the unknown gate? ©Shelley Costello 2006

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More Pies?

The 3 components of a pie mould!

I have incorporated my Monday Odd Shot with my Monochrome offering. A year ago I would not have had a clue what these were, now both Jon and I are becoming pie machine experts. 2009 will be the year where we develop Jon's business into the food industry and we will be working together in a new direction which we never anticipated. I wonder what other new discoveries we will make in 2009? How exciting!

Talking of food........... Have you had one of these over the holiday period? A traditional pork pie!

I must say we haven't had one, it must be one of the few things we haven't had. I am now on food overload and do not want to look at anything fancy for a few days. However with friends coming round on new Year's Eve, a family buffet on New Year's Day, a pre-wedding get together of more friends on Saturday, dinner at more friends on 10th, a wedding on 17th and a big family get together here on 24th to celebrate nephew 2's 18th I can't see a food break being an option! Phew! For more odd shots/Monochrome Monday offerings follow the links in the sidebar!

Christmas....How was it for you?

Wilma, a few minutes ago!

I think it would be a understatement to say we had a great Christmas Day, all the family together. I had taken time to do most of the preparations, everything was set and would you believe I was one minute late! I had planned to load the heated trolley before the Queen's speach at 3pm but wasn't quite ready and did not want to leave anyunattended food in the kitchen, following last years incident with the beef joint! This was my action plan! Melon Cocktail White desert dishes Chipolatas On large rectangular dish serve on plate Yorkshire puddings Gravy Roast Parsnips Hostess dish Roast potatoes Hostess dish Vegetable Bake (Potatoes, Cauliflower cheese, cabbage, onion, carrot, green beans, cream, cheese.) Large rectangular dish British King Edward Creamy Mash White covered tureen Button Sprouts Hostess dish Stuffing Balls Hostess dish Beef Lamb Turkey Pork Pheasant Cook meats over night – take out at 1.30 to rest Am Defrost Vegetable bake Sprouts Stuffing Chipolatas Put crackling in Put gravy in fridge to separate Defrost vegetable bake. Place in bottom oven then move to hostess trolley @ 3pm Defrost stuffing balls & place in dish, in hostess trolley @ 2.55pm Cook & mash potatoes Then place in white turrines @ 3pm Hostess Trolley Cook frozen sprouts & place in dish, move to hostess trolley @ 2.55pm Cook roast parsnips and potatoes. Place in dishes, in trolley @ 3pm. Heat Yorkshire puddings with defrosted chipolatas place in large bowl ready to assemble on plates. Put gravy in pan. Sit down to watch Queen’s speech. Get gravy…then enjoy! A few days ago I had the idea to make our own crackers. I located a "bang" supplier, 144 for £5! and I set to work on the cracker making. I made our oen individual hats out of newspapers and magazines and printed off jokes for each of our family! here are a few snippets... Mavis, Jon's mum who is hooked on solitaire! LOL! A Scoutmaster was teaching his boy scouts about survival in the desert. "What are the three most important things you should bring with you in case you get lost in the desert?" he asked. Several hands went up, and many important things were suggested such as food, matches, etc. Then one little boy in the back eagerly raised his hand. "Yes, Timmy, what are the three most important things you would bring with you?" asked the Scoutmaster. Timmy replied: "A compass, a canteen of water, and al laptop with solitaire." "Why's that Timmy?" "Well," answered Timmy, "the compass is to find the right direction, the water is to prevent dehydration..." "And what about the laptop with solitaire?" asked the Scoutmaster impatiently. "Well, Sir, as soon as you start playing Solitaire, someone is bound to come up behind you and say, 'Put that red nine on top of that black ten!'" Andrew (Musician, shortly to study music at university. In the 22nd century, how many guitar players will you need to replace a light source? Five. One to actually do it, and four to reminisce about how much better the old tubes were. What do you get when you drop a piano down a mine shaft? A flat minor. What do you get when you drop a piano on an army camp? A flat major. What do you say to an army officer just as you are about to run him or her over with a steam roller? Be flat, major. Jon(His mum lives in Guisborough!) A man stops by the local Garage to have his car fixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far and would just walk home. On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and an anvil. He stopped by the feed store/livestock dealer and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem: how to carry his purchases home. While he is scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, "Can you tell me how to get to Guisborough ?" The man said, "Well, as a matter of fact, I live there,. I would walk you home but I can't carry this lot." The old lady suggested, "Why don't you put the anvil in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in the other hand?" "Why thank you very much," he said and proceeded to walk the old girl home. On the way he says, "Let's take my shortcut and go down this alley. We'll be there in no time" The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, "I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me. How do I know that when we get in the alley you won't hold me up against the wall, and ravish me?" The man said, "Good Heavens lady! I am carrying a bucket, an anvil, two chickens and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?" The lady replied, "Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the anvil on top of the bucket and I'll hold the chickens." Ben ( Shortly to join the navy) Three guys, one Navy, one Army and one Royal Marine are taking the test to join the SAS. They have all passed the mental and physical sections and are down to the final interview. Guy from the Navy walks in to be confronted by the SAS Head Shed who gives him a gun and says, "There are 6 bullets in that, your wife is upstairs, go up and kill her". The guy disappears but comes back 2 minutes later to say, "Sorry I really want to be in the SAS but she's my wife and I love her" "Sorry" says Head Shed,” But if you can't take orders, we don't want you" Guy from Army walks in and the same thing happens, he gets the gun and is told to go upstairs and kill his wife, but also can't do it, so is told to thin out. The Marine walks in and is given the gun. Off he goes and suddenly 6 shots ring out from upstairs, followed by an almighty commotion, and 10 minutes later he walks back into the room drenched in sweat. He looks at the Head Shed and chucks the gun at him saying, "You swine, they were blanks, I had to strangle the woman!!!" Steve (Maureen's Canadian Partner!) A French guest who was staying in a hotel in Edmonton phoned room service for some pepper. "Black pepper or white pepper?" asked the concierge. "Toilette pepper!" A Canadian bloke is walking down the street with a case of beer under his arm. His friend Randy stops him and asks, "Hey Dave! Whatcha got that case of beer for?" "Well, I got it for my wife, you see?" answers Dave. "Wow," exclaims Randy, "Great trade." Maureen HOW TO IMPRESS A WOMAN Wine her, Dine her, Call her, Hug her, Hold her, Surprise her, Compliment her, Smile at her, Laugh with her, Cry with her, Cuddle with her, Shop with her, Give her jewellery, Buy her flowers, Hold her hand, Write love letters to her, Go to the end of the earth and back again for her. HOW TO IMPRESS A MAN Show up naked, Bring beer. Richard Knock Knock Whose there? Adolph Adolph who? Adolph ball hit me in de mowf. Knock Knock Whose there? Keith Keith who? Keith me, thweet heart! Knock Knock Who's there? Aardvark! Aardvark who? Aardvark a hundred miles for one of your smiles! Knock Knock Who's there? Acid! Acid who? Acid down and be quiet! Knock Knock Who's there? Ada! Ada who? Ada burger for lunch! Knock Knock Who's there? Adair! Adair who? Adair once but I'm bald now! Knock Knock Who's there? Adelia! Adelia who? Adelia the cards and we'll play snap! Denise What do you call a farmer who used to like farm machinery? An ex-tractor fan. What do you call the cat who ate a duck? A duck-filled-fatty-puss. What do you call a hippy's wife? Mississippi. What do you call a snake who is employed by the government? A civil serpent. What do you get if you cross a snake with a set of building blocks? A boa constructor. What do you get if you cross Dracula with Sir Lancelot? A bite in shining armour. What do you get if you cross a thief with an orchestra? Robbery with violins. What do you call a man who walks through the autumn leaves? Russell. What do you get if you cross an alligator with a flower? I don't know, but I'm not going to smell it. What do you get when you cross poison ivy with 4 leaf clovers? A rash of good luck! What do you get when a dinosaur has a car accident? Tyrannosarus wrecks What do you call a barber who cuts hair in a library? A barbarian!! What do you call a rock group with Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Handel, and Chopin? The Decomposers. Q: What do you call a cow that's just had a baby? A: Decalfinated What do Eskimos get from sitting on the ice too long? Polaroids. What do you get if you cross an artist with a policeman? A brush with the law. What do you call a man with sports equipment on his head? Jim What do you call a woman with a cat on her head? Kitty What do you call a woman with a nut tree on her head? Hazel What do you get if you cross a baby with a ufo? An unidentified crying object. Q: What do you call a psychic dwarf that just escaped from prison? A: A small Medium at large. What do Jack the Ripper and Winnie the Pooh have in common? The same middle name.

We had an absolute riot! Above you can see the hat I made for Jon! Well, we are still partying. Tonight we are going to Jon's mums with the nephews for more drinkypoops and eats. We are enjoying the holidays and I hope evrybody has had a wonderful time. Watch this space!

W is for......

Bishop of Whitby and myself, last December at the Village Carol Service at our local inn.

Each year the village meets for a Carol Service at our local inn. The Bishop of Whitby always shares a few words with us all. He often reads my blog and wrote a special greeting for you all, last week.

Christmas Message from the Bishop of Whitby “I bring you tidings of great joy”; these were the words of Angels spoken to shepherds on the hillside near Bethlehem that first Christmas, The “good news” was that Christ was born; the great God of heaven had been born on earth as one of us. He had been born as man to show us God’s love and to save us from our sins. All that was 2000 years ago but this Christmas brings the same message to a waiting world. I want to say to each one of you “I bring you tidings of great joy”. For the old message still is true. Christ is born today for you and for me with my love and blessing to you all, to your family and friends this Christmastide. Robert of Whitby

In the New Year the Bishop leaves for a new post in London and we wish him and his wife Roberta well in his new post. It has been a great honour to get to know the Bishop. I made him a special card which he cherished. He always loves receiving my Christmas Cards which I find very humbling. Such an important, spiritual man who took time midst the service to sit and write these words for all the readers of my blog to share. I am deeply touched and appreciate his way with people. My life has been enriched by his generosity, spirituality and integrity.

May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. Celtic Blessing To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here To see the ABC Anthology, visit here

5 more minutes!

This is the design I am using for my Christmas Cards. It is nothing like the type of commissions I undertake it is just a simple image which I will print off. I thought it was appropriate for todays colour, which is red.

What is Red? Red is a sunset Blazing and bright. Red is feeling brave With all your might. Red is a sunburn A spot on your nose. Sometimes red, is a red red rose. Red squiggles out when you cut your hand. Red is a brick And the sounds of a band. Red is hotness You get inside When you’re embarrassed And want to hide. Fire-cracker, fire-engine Fire-flicker red – And when you’re angry Red runs through your head. Red is an Indian A Valentine heart, The trimmings on A circus cart. Red is a lipstick Red is a shout Red is a signal That says, “Watch out!” Red is a great big Rubber ball. Red is the giant-est Colour of all. Red is a show-off, No doubt about it – But can you imagine

Living without it?

Author: unknown

For more True Colours this Thursday follow the link in the side bar.

In January I will start working on the wedding commissions which are in the pipeline. All very handcrafted and bespoke so for now I am happy to use simple designs for our own cards. I have had some printed of Jo which I have shared on many occasions here. After weeks of sniffling along a couple of days ago I developed a cough. This morning I kept looking at the clock and thinking..."Just 5 more minutes!" then I started rounding off the time and planning to get up "At half-past" then "quarter to!" I had taken a hot lemon as I really have so much to do and haven't got the time for colds or flu! I will boost up on vitamin C, eat plenty of fruit oh and pies too! LOL!

V is for........

Village! We are approaching the end of Round 3 and these pictures sum up our village. The village is a close community, this week we held our Carol Singing in the village pub and chatted amongst ourselves during the evening. We will all be attending church on Monday, sadly one of our elderly neighbours has passed away. Amy was old, so no tears, she was a happy content lady. Next week, W is something very special, so be sure to visit!

 

 

 

 

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Childhood Memory!

I think I was about 8 when this photograph was taken. (I am the blonde!) From this scene it is evident I enjoyed myself at every opportunity. My family all had great senses of humour, a quality I am happy to say was passed on to me. Whilst mum was establishing herself in her new job as a secretary at ICI it was her sister, Auntie Dot who looked after me, seeing I got up for school, had a good breakfast and of an evening there would always be a good meal on the table. When mum called for me after work we would go to mum's house in the next street. I would run errands for Auntie Dot, the butcher at the time was Peter Macdonald. I was a well known face in the shop. When I was at secondary school we were disecting eye balls in biology. The teacher, Mrs Purnell asked if any of the class knew any butchers. I put my hand up, volunteering to collect some eyeballs from the butcher. It just so happened, a day or so later Auntie Dot asked me to go to the butchers and get some sausages. Off I went, planning a little surprise for Auntie Dot! I went to the butchers, collected both packages and on my return home I handed Auntie Dot the package containing the eyeballs. She opened the package and let out such an horrendous scream I heard her whilst I was playing in the back yard! How I laughed! A few days ago I had cause to call in to the same butchers, Peter is still there, as is his son, John. They still laugh about the eyeball story!

True Colour Thursday

Something White.......................

This is our white van! I was out in it most of yesterday as I took my neighbour to Newcastle Airport. The roads weren't too busy and I did pass The Angel of the North, Durham Cathedral and a couple of bridges of great interest. I also took a trip down memory lane which I will share with you sometime soon! For more True Colours use the link on my sidebar!

U is for!

UnbieveBLE¬ Thia is just 5 seconds away! Every day!

Today's Flower

Today's Flowers are roses, red roses, deidicated to Olive, seen here at her grandson's wedding with her daughter Margaret. Sadly Olive had a fall last week and died shortly afterwards in hospital. Margaret was with her when she died, travelling home from Turkey at short notice. It is Olive's funeral today. Our thoughts are with the family. The last memory I have of Olive is when Margaret and Frances her husband brought Olive to our house. My did we laugh. Rest in Peace Olive.

For more Flowers visit here

Monday's Kick off for the Week!

I am using our pets for today's theme. My Odd Shot is Wilma winking at the camera. Notice the tears in the cushion? This was Max's handywork. When somebody knocked at the door he would bite the cushions! LOL!

The star of my Monochrome is Ella. As she is black and white she is a natural for a monochrome. Considering her size, she holds her own against two huge german shepherds who will never learn! LOL!

If you would like to see more odd shots or monochromes follow the links in my side bar!

Memories!

I got my very first record player Christmas 1966. One of the records I received contained The Little Drummer Boy! When I heard this song it brought back memories. Christmas is all about memories. This will be released on Monday, with proceeds going to Children in Need! I'll be buying my copy! What memories do you have of Christmas Songs?

Skywatch Friday and Wilma!

I haven't done a skywatch for a while as the sky has not been particularly exciting. Yes we have had some dramatic sunsets or evening skies but always when I didn't have my camera with me or when I have been out and about. I always notice the sky when I put Jo into his hut. Sometimes the sky is so dramatic by the time I have locked his door, returned to the house, picked up my camera the moment has passed. However, this little fella was captured through the kitchen window. A timely reminder we should be looking after our garden visitors at this time of the year! For more skywatchers visit here It was strange I should find this picture. I have noticed a particularly intriguing idea on a few of the blogs I visit. basically you look into your photo storage section and look in your 6th file and chose 6 photos, post them together with the story behind them. When I did the same I found the little fella above and 5 of Wilma. These photos were all taken arouund the same time of the year back in 2007. I know this because we had just finished decorating the bathroom in time for Christmas and I noticed how Wilma complemented the colour of the painted bathroom walls.

I wont tag anybody but do have a look in your 6th file, you never know!

I dont know why we always need to do jobs in time for Christmas. This year it is the porch which we are working on! Watch this space! Well the snow seems to have made it's point and has now started to melt, so hopefully the village will still hold some lovely scenes which I hope to capture when out with Wilma. Weekend plans? I think we are off to York tomorrow for the monthly auto-jumble. Mostly machinery man's stuff. Jon will be in his element. Mind you, I do love a good rummage and like to bag a bargain. A couple of months ago I got 100 dishwasher tablets for £1.99. What a bargain eh? They have been superb too! What are your plans for the weekend? Have fun whatever you do!

Weather here today, Thursday!

Whilst I knew the village would look magical today I did not venture from the house, so these photographs come to you from the comfort of the kitchen and the porch!

Heavy snow expected tonight, so I wont be driving tomorrow. The road is being re-surfaced at the moment so we have to use the back lanes which do not get gritted. This morning Jon went to work in the 4x4. Apparantly the cars were sliding everywhere and he had to turn round and get to the workshop via the untarmaced road, the type of situation he would describe as fun! LOL! Birk Brow, at the base of the Moor Road was closed by the police at 8.30am so our village was quite issolated. I settled down with a good old fashioned detective story by our very own Nicholas Rhea, the author behind the Heartbeat Series. I had to finish the book....a great way to spend a cold, wet day! What's the weather like where you are?

Yellow!

True Colour Thursday is the idea of True Colours

This is one of the many yellow roses I have in my garden. Dad loved roses and indeed it was yellow roses which formed the beautiful wreath mum and I chose for his funeral. Years later it was my choice for mum's flowers for her funeral. As mum and dad were both cremated, (their own choices) it was yellow roses I decided to plant in my garden so each time they were in bloom I would think of mum and dad. I will plant some more in 2009. It is so hard to grasp the fact that it was 22 years ago we lost Dad, 14 years ago we lost mum.

A Yellow Rose in Winter A yellow rose in winter Souvenir of summer sun Amidst the ice a splinter Unending as unbegun Of hope which smiles in greeting Forgotten but never gone Gone but never forgotten Invincibly defeating Winter dusk as summer dawn Eternally begotten Blooming ever always new Rose unfrozen in the snow My sweet love I think you know That this rose belongs to you Steven Curtis Lance For more Colour inspirations visit here

ABC Wednesday....T!

Please note I have encountered great difficulty with Mr Linky and could not even load it up on the ABC blog! Please leave a comment here and use the ABC Anthology blog! This is why I am posting earlier than usual! Thanks Dxx Thanks to KB Guy in Malaysia who was going to do the introduction, being a member of the team! Make sure you pay him a visit if you have time. I love spontaneous inspiration......................so knowing it was T on this ABC Wednesday I decided to find Twelve T's about the place, so as Jon opened the bedroom blinds what should be waiting for me but my very first T of the day!

Coming downstairs to breakfast my second T of the day was infact my first cup of tea of the day! Having picked out my favourite mug, made by the lovely Lisa I went about my morning routine.

Having done the housework and visited the local shops it was out for a walk with Wilma.

As we walked up the lane I noticed two of the foals in the newly fenced field.

It was then time for our Training Routine. We take Two balls, Wilma learns to "drop the ball" and then I throw the other one.

This was fun to watch! Notice the two foals running alongside Wilma. This happened throughout the fetching of the ball.

I wonder what they were whispering about? LOL!

They always come over for a rub of their noses.

We noticed an old tree in the other field.

This horse is called Colin! He always comes to the fence to see Wilma.

Although the snow was melting we could still see some Tractor Tracks!

Home, our newly painted timber gates in Trafalguar blue!

The Toyota...this is what i am driving now. What a wonderful change to drive with confidence. The timing of changing over my BMW with our pick up has been excellent. Snow arrived but I was not worried. More snow is expected too! T is also for Treatment. Two of our very own bloggers are undergoing at the moment! Arne, in Norway. and Jay, We send you our best wishes honeybunches! Hope you are back feeling pretty terrific very soon!