tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64058704950329965292024-03-13T02:55:42.959+00:00Simply MelMe, Myself and all thatMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-80228818018959582782009-12-31T23:59:00.000+00:002009-12-31T23:59:00.062+00:00A Rose by any other name...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UCpFEukclSz1JUqG7NdezkyiVWMkfzd99NmPYkGytZZQ-TWZTmuCcTcqML65vcL5J_iz5sOsFMlrqb-ypTFcsI8EZyafYBs4OnfGVH5AWmegzbXlPHxTU2rKoYLkNl79IC2030Q8UMD3/s1600-h/ARoseByAnyOtherName.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5018513898809852082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UCpFEukclSz1JUqG7NdezkyiVWMkfzd99NmPYkGytZZQ-TWZTmuCcTcqML65vcL5J_iz5sOsFMlrqb-ypTFcsI8EZyafYBs4OnfGVH5AWmegzbXlPHxTU2rKoYLkNl79IC2030Q8UMD3/s400/ARoseByAnyOtherName.jpg" border="0" /></a>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-83015038800044177372009-03-22T23:09:00.005+00:002009-03-23T19:51:06.469+00:00Do Something Funny For Money!<div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Eager to live up to the motto of this year's <a href="http://www.rednoseday.com/">Comic Relief/Red Nose Day</a> event and of course help my school raise lots of money for a good cause, I decided to do a few funny things in aid of charity. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I h<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU15Ky9gHKM5dxGxn1FXB26RannvlkWTLXeaaWMtE-UrgI-pwcsCISOjxAh9lkzAoPjRXMfuZ0d64_CLbMkpcdlgCU024f1maIasiDkGm-kdfJMbkb5uLKbdWvvO80KbwZcYPNOGqrvnv/s1600-h/IMG_7684.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316466031418303746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU15Ky9gHKM5dxGxn1FXB26RannvlkWTLXeaaWMtE-UrgI-pwcsCISOjxAh9lkzAoPjRXMfuZ0d64_CLbMkpcdlgCU024f1maIasiDkGm-kdfJMbkb5uLKbdWvvO80KbwZcYPNOGqrvnv/s200/IMG_7684.JPG" border="0" /></a>ave long wanted to learn and perform in a version of 'Thriller' and I managed to persuade several colleagues and students to join me. It took me a couple of hours to teach myself the choreography and then a few rehearsals to teach to others. We were the final act at the charity concert and I'm proud to say that we brought the house down. (I also sang Peggy Lee's 'Fever' with another teacher, sorry no pictures and definitely no video footage!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Not content with the effort made on Thursday evening, I made the decision to go to work on Friday wearin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlti6GcdZeTDtS9dOcvYB6ALQIzg2BfOPSXkGeHZeVg4n0znxjMDC6Mh9PznswJROkHMwqeSfe4WGmJfFbbQQboQs3h-iPBAKMsGA-Z-lq-lSsRJ5wugMoJXTyrCJLTYIHuNnnDDR_rfxo/s1600-h/IMG_7696.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316469676736334066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlti6GcdZeTDtS9dOcvYB6ALQIzg2BfOPSXkGeHZeVg4n0znxjMDC6Mh9PznswJROkHMwqeSfe4WGmJfFbbQQboQs3h-iPBAKMsGA-Z-lq-lSsRJ5wugMoJXTyrCJLTYIHuNnnDDR_rfxo/s200/IMG_7696.JPG" border="0" /></a>g pyjamas! I taught a full day's lessons wearing them, much to the amusement of colleagues and students alike. I have to say, that I felt incredibly comfortable and think that this may well be the way forward in dressing for work!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">On an important note, I managed to raise some money for charity and help make a difference to a few people. I'm able to ac<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHOW9PQcuGr875GuuH1IbRkG3J4doTe80yc98RlBXaoRkME80J8lDr7tR618w2sGgrVd36ZRcjjmy6TOL3y1qJavNzU-2HX0YMWK69BxlZ7SlquOFDRirc5aS__4d5maeNWWhtH36dNa9/s1600-h/IMG_7686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316470123102452434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHOW9PQcuGr875GuuH1IbRkG3J4doTe80yc98RlBXaoRkME80J8lDr7tR618w2sGgrVd36ZRcjjmy6TOL3y1qJavNzU-2HX0YMWK69BxlZ7SlquOFDRirc5aS__4d5maeNWWhtH36dNa9/s200/IMG_7686.JPG" border="0" /></a>cept post-event sponsorship, so if you feel you are able to give anything send me an e-mail and I'll point you in the direction of my donation page.</span></div></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-51578535326854037732009-02-08T23:59:00.000+00:002009-02-09T10:12:17.413+00:00Two already!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4KpHy5tLk0locgpd9VxgWpXhwnp-GWWAJQ8sGX-ItT5TWIPoCw9QUCj23qghZ23CZHYZhq2KS0gFDSrwa8QIgUi8ZS08vycS5piiXzsDFpgePPNZZQxZbJ7CWhykRqFBbmhcz-2tVk_H/s1600-h/IMG_7602.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300737342938481058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4KpHy5tLk0locgpd9VxgWpXhwnp-GWWAJQ8sGX-ItT5TWIPoCw9QUCj23qghZ23CZHYZhq2KS0gFDSrwa8QIgUi8ZS08vycS5piiXzsDFpgePPNZZQxZbJ7CWhykRqFBbmhcz-2tVk_H/s320/IMG_7602.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It only seems like yesterday that I was posting about <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/02/here-she-is.html">the arrival of my niece</a> and now look at her. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Hasn't she grown?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzgZFz81AnIffjDblaZ53dlmJ1NQxpLigscRy9s5XqCKdC2M6RygPXcOEIJvLHs2N9M7fjcjIhyphenhyphenr8OwiL-_553NAc5wQKi8CAAUyMhVkZSuNmLgeqLW0-0_lRrKDnU5xOM-SDgYIj51tt/s1600-h/IMG_7606-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300737349688428786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzgZFz81AnIffjDblaZ53dlmJ1NQxpLigscRy9s5XqCKdC2M6RygPXcOEIJvLHs2N9M7fjcjIhyphenhyphenr8OwiL-_553NAc5wQKi8CAAUyMhVkZSuNmLgeqLW0-0_lRrKDnU5xOM-SDgYIj51tt/s320/IMG_7606-1.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And now she has reached that milestone of a birthday, two, there is no stopping her! </span></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-23657708474328233522009-02-03T23:59:00.002+00:002009-02-05T22:53:10.735+00:00Time on my hands...<div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">meant ti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiWj7dWN0HlePvPxY3X1AmteZT2ZlQz-le99vBu8D_PDIkT3qwC0l2Rbdt212wzdkswtGaUGkyPcnv492ePAy4uny4Zkp6SNpzyfvghPgtcnTwRUH-YhsBj4bSGZ0LcaqUgNTiwOh_mpt/s1600-h/retightening.jpg"></a>me t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzjs8FvZNU4twQim_rqpu0N1JCkrXOaHFq9E6_7wJ277lLiDA7NLdoBj6Efu1JKZkMkZ5rlfMC7sS__mD038mIeP-D0vytLF59FQ9izRkMofqDfC-rSBSaBdX3-PMZkFVS3Ozr4ukDFnm/s1600-h/retightening.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299449609551610498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzjs8FvZNU4twQim_rqpu0N1JCkrXOaHFq9E6_7wJ277lLiDA7NLdoBj6Efu1JKZkMkZ5rlfMC7sS__mD038mIeP-D0vytLF59FQ9izRkMofqDfC-rSBSaBdX3-PMZkFVS3Ozr4ukDFnm/s320/retightening.jpg" border="0" /></a>o tighten my hair. Whilst I had enjoyed playing in the snow yesterday, I was happy to stay in the warmth today tightening my hair. Actually, I had started this on Sunday with the back and I did a little yesterday after building the snowman, but overall I spent far less time on getting in done than on previous occasions. I guesstimate that it took me about 8 hours to complete, having taken up to twice that before. I think that I was helped by the fact that it is less than five weeks since I last did it; I have been going eight weeks or so between sorting my roots. (</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Note to self - regular sessions=less work!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I love the way that my hair sits when it's been done. </span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-35035232580326249252009-02-02T23:59:00.002+00:002009-02-03T19:16:50.616+00:00Snow Day<div></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Yesterday I crossed my fingers for snow, not enough to cause destruction, but enough to cause a day off work. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I wasn't completely surprised to wake this morning and find a blanket of snow covering everything, it had been forecast over a week ago; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Fish">but the forecasters don't always get it right, do they?</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I have a policy of not <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/01/snow.html">driving in these conditions</a> if I can help it and called upon the services of <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/be-careful-what-you-ask-for.html">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HoF</span> </a>who lives close to me. I was hoping that he would take my suggestion to call work and say we couldn't get in, but he insisted on picking me up and driving in. To cut a long story short, we didn't make it very far; driving at two miles per hour in thick snow seemed to help him make sense of the situation. I was back home and playing in the snow in no time. At about the same time I discovered that my school had been shut and I needn't have bothered trying to get there in the first place! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Me and my Sons had a snowball fight and built a snowman, although I was only able to stay outside for periods of ten minutes before needing to defrost myself inside. Our efforts were rewarded when we found out that our respective schools will be closed tomorrow too. Just what are we going to do!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298652026953003986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYv_q_kfPpg1ceCyAM2_F9QlF0Jp-Q-xpHmIEjE5M77kgMjRR__8FrbI5IJkHOUkqH-FXHgLNOu1Mgmvv8lajNWbrMEofD_3FPYs5HIL_CVFgfSN5fD8whPK9AZwdKAQ33-UjPrspvoco/s400/SnowDay0202.jpg" border="0" /></span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-91202638554732861332009-01-12T23:59:00.000+00:002009-02-16T19:59:09.123+00:00Sunday Styling VI<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whilst I loved the results I got with the <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2009/01/sunday-styling-v.html">braidout</a>, the curls only lasted a few days. I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAUhM34L0KajjGmgS98eqNrYz-F2P6-dyeGruzHfCTT6zo7REbl0BgGDK5FT0OZeD2kQhyOq_C40owK8IPGeEwYXR_C10kzDYqWGsBdqgsa20F2RUyCguPMR_jfNW7Ootmi-cSJF_4JW7/s1600-h/IMG_7290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300741650383847074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAUhM34L0KajjGmgS98eqNrYz-F2P6-dyeGruzHfCTT6zo7REbl0BgGDK5FT0OZeD2kQhyOq_C40owK8IPGeEwYXR_C10kzDYqWGsBdqgsa20F2RUyCguPMR_jfNW7Ootmi-cSJF_4JW7/s200/IMG_7290.JPG" border="0" /></a>wanted something that would last the course of the week and decided to canerow my hair after washing it. I put it into about ten french plaits, with my part already in place for styling! When setting my hair I always worry that I won't like the results and will be stuck for at least a day with a loo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56T9Lfl2NPHWVs5lEWOr254VyYLc27gpSKq5laOAEmRoYHhDwOzs6-UFLyxMMHld01xI6XZydINwpnP3T9zGdxQNuGkFDzcfYtV1NqjQ_i5I0vK-lUbKAypJf89Y6YcKBw1L7SnxNEvie/s1600-h/IMG_7302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300746285401875874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56T9Lfl2NPHWVs5lEWOr254VyYLc27gpSKq5laOAEmRoYHhDwOzs6-UFLyxMMHld01xI6XZydINwpnP3T9zGdxQNuGkFDzcfYtV1NqjQ_i5I0vK-lUbKAypJf89Y6YcKBw1L7SnxNEvie/s200/IMG_7302.JPG" border="0" /></a>k I'm unhappy with. On this occassion however, I needn't have worried; I loved the curls I got! My hair was full of body and bounce and I lost count of the compliments I received. I am certain that this is a styling option I will return to.</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-47898434349773614292009-01-05T23:59:00.004+00:002009-01-05T23:59:00.705+00:00Sunday Styling V<div></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's been a looong time since my <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/11/sunday-styling-iv.html">last Sunday Styling post </a>and I can't promise to make it a weekly fe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYTD16_2k1wQOsZj9vZQ-dBySCH7AyPKGH4psBllgObz4Q0Gu_YSWoWg6R895KBkEkqODG47J5l3dbNHDnPEwhtJjCMGFkM9io1DCi2eNzS4FJGE1TiF6wtQwedtZg8TAZPNdrK5NZ3eW/s1600-h/Sunday+Styling+V.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287940851963226018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYTD16_2k1wQOsZj9vZQ-dBySCH7AyPKGH4psBllgObz4Q0Gu_YSWoWg6R895KBkEkqODG47J5l3dbNHDnPEwhtJjCMGFkM9io1DCi2eNzS4FJGE1TiF6wtQwedtZg8TAZPNdrK5NZ3eW/s320/Sunday+Styling+V.jpg" border="0" /></a>ature; but I was so inspired by <a href="http://lockanddontstop.blogspot.com/">Meikmeika's New Year style </a>that I decided to give the old braidout another try. Last night I sectioned off my hair, plaiting about ten locks and securing at the end with an elastic band. I do prefer to use cotton hair bands, but I seem to have lost most of them and I'm down to a collection of four! This morning I took the plaits out and was pleased with the results; my hair was really full of body. The crinkle is subtle, probably due to the fact that I plaited my hair when it was dry, but you'll remember that <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/03/experiment-too-far.html">I don't like too much curl!</a> </span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-71407425111247937102009-01-04T23:59:00.001+00:002009-01-04T23:59:00.227+00:00Why are the ends of your hair THAT colour?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I don't know , why are the ends my hair THIS colour!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well actually I do know and</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I was able to satisfy my sister's curiosity when she asked me this question.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaSq_t7KcFJaV6xtXY7aUG_AegOr34eeTZIFPrN3wBfRCYtsmLfEeB2CpvvpgL_S3KEbQ9NPNf1hJmjmsxGiGSITlFecYJgYu8g_uNpzvHyYMS0GVTuFOkjLNnUsSxfiU7ZM3FxDWR07M/s1600-h/IMG_7172.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287430252790050210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaSq_t7KcFJaV6xtXY7aUG_AegOr34eeTZIFPrN3wBfRCYtsmLfEeB2CpvvpgL_S3KEbQ9NPNf1hJmjmsxGiGSITlFecYJgYu8g_uNpzvHyYMS0GVTuFOkjLNnUsSxfiU7ZM3FxDWR07M/s320/IMG_7172.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The oddly coloured ends are the remnants of a dye I had put on my hair four years ago (said dye also in part led to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SL</span> installation, but that is another story). My hair was red, a colour I favoured for a long time and I really liked it this way. However, of late I and evidently other people, have noticed that my ends are looking a strange rust like shade. This is one of the reasons I have been considering adding some new colour to my hair. Now, in my previous life of experimental hairstyles and shades, I used <a href="http://www.beeunique.co.uk/Hair-CrazyColor.html">Crazy Colour</a> to frequently change my look. I often used Fire Red but have been known to use Capri Blue! It's an easy to use, although <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">slightly</span> messy product that you wash it in and wash it out and that doesn't contain peroxide. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I am now seriously considering buying a bottle of Fire and adding it to my hair, it would probably give an aubergine/plum hue to my locks. I know that lots of have added colour to your locks and would love to hear your two pence worth on the subject. To dye or not to dye, that is my question!</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-58009135771604097432009-01-03T23:59:00.002+00:002009-01-04T13:26:50.960+00:00If you can keep your head...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">JB loves readi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvntlkduJUxRRsRd7xdTSGT7nCRWmVQDdYE41dxp1u59Nf31T4_HGyVGvJRzx1LCOZoPto-xvZJx9J2Itr6GEugwwkJhiyR2ZYUVZUkzWxckDX_qZ-9pkjoxUz5JLqg_VOP64JYvQ24GxY/s1600-h/IMG_6214.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286763057668136818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvntlkduJUxRRsRd7xdTSGT7nCRWmVQDdYE41dxp1u59Nf31T4_HGyVGvJRzx1LCOZoPto-xvZJx9J2Itr6GEugwwkJhiyR2ZYUVZUkzWxckDX_qZ-9pkjoxUz5JLqg_VOP64JYvQ24GxY/s320/IMG_6214.jpg" border="0" /></a>ng, no I really mean it, he LOVES to read. In fact I would go as far as to say it is a slight addiction of his; he will read absolutely anything. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I taught him to read at an early age, using magnetic letters on the fridge and from then our literary monster was born! We have been told at Parents Evenings (and teachers have been very apologetic for telling us) that he reads too much! I think the problem was that he read at the wrong times; he continues to do this and it adds at least ten minutes onto his getting ready time in the morning!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's a real job keeping up with his passion and making sure that new books are available, although he will re-read favourites again and again. This love of reading is not uncommon in my family and we are able to maximise on this by swapping books with relatives.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">As you can see from the picture, not even the chaos of moving house can keep him away from a book!</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-12353375211503268922009-01-02T23:59:00.001+00:002009-01-03T22:56:38.927+00:00My List of 99<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">I saw <a href="http://brunsli.blogspot.com/2008/12/list-of-99.html">this post</a> on Brunsli's blog and decided to give the list a go. On account of my being an English girl and never having visited the States there are few things that I am unable to tick off...</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><strong>(those I have achieved appear in bold)<br /></strong></span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:100%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1. <strong>Started your own blog</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2. Slept under the stars </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">3. <strong>Played in a band</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">4. Visited Hawaii </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">5. Watched a meteor shower </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">6. <strong>Given more than you can afford to charity</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">7. <strong>Been to Disneyland - Tokyo and Paris, do they count?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">8. Climbed a mountain - fall down them whenever I'm skiing!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">9. Held a praying mantis </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">10. <strong>Sang a solo</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">11. Bungee jumped - contemplated it in my youth, but I now recognise the dangers associated!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">12. <strong>Visited Paris</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - although I have been a storm at sea, <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/05/back-on-terra-firma.html">remember</a>?</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">14. <strong>Taught yourself an art from scratch</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">15. Adopted a child </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">16. <strong>Had food poisoning</strong> - <strong>an experience I don't wouldn't wish upon anyone</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">18. Grown your own vegetables </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">20. Slept on an overnight train </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">21. <strong>Had a pillow fight</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">22. Hitch hiked - No and not likely to happen</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">23. <strong>Taken a sick day when you’re not ill</strong> - <strong>don't tell anyone!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">24. Built a snow fort </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">25. Held a lamb </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">26. Gone skinny dipping </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">27. Run a Marathon </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">28. <strong>Ridden in a gondola in Venice</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">29. <strong>Seen a total eclipse</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">30. <strong>Watched a sunrise or sunset</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">31. Hit a home run - does it count if it was on the Wii?</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">32. <strong>Been on a cruise</strong> - <strong>a mini one</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">33. Seen Niagara Falls in person </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">35. Seen an Amish community </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">36. Taught yourself a new language - everyone knows I'm trying!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">37. <strong>Had enough money to be truly satisfied</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">39. Gone rock climbing </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">40. Seen Michelangelo’s David </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">41. <strong>Sung karaoke</strong> - <strong>as recently as last week</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">44. <strong>Visited Africa</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">45. Walked on a beach by moonlight </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">46. <strong>Been transported in an ambulance</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">47. <strong>Had your portrait painted</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">48. Gone deep sea fishing </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">49. <strong>Seen the Sistine Chapel in person</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">52. <strong>Kissed in the rain</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">53. <strong>Played in the mud</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">54. Gone to a drive-in theater - I have always wanted to do this</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">55. <strong>Been in a movie</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">56. Visited the Great Wall of China </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">57. <strong>Started a business</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">58. <strong>Taken a martial arts class</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">59. Visited Russia </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">60. Served at a soup kitchen </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">62. Gone whale watching </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">63. <strong>Gotten flowers for no reason</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">64. <strong>Donated blood</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">65. Gone sky diving </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">67. Bounced a check </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">68. Flown in a helicopter </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">69. <strong>Saved a favorite childhood toy</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">71. <strong>Eaten Caviar</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">72. Pieced a quilt </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">73. Stood in Times Square </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">74. Toured the Everglades </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">75. Been fired from a job </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">76. <strong>Seen the Changing of the Guards in London</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">77. <strong>Broken a bone</strong> - <strong>the same one, twice!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">78. Been on a speeding motorcycle </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">80. Published a book </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">81. <strong>Visited the Vatican</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">82. <strong>Bought a brand new car</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">83. Walked in Jerusalem </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">84. <strong>Had your picture in the newspaper</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">85. Read the entire Bible </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">86. Visited the White House </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - I dont envisage this ever, ever, ever happening!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">88. <strong>Had chickenpox</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">89. Saved someone’s life </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">90. <strong>Sat on a jury</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">91. <strong>Met someone famous</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">92. <strong>Joined a book club</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">93. <strong>Lost a loved one</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">94. <strong>Had a baby</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">95. Seen the Alamo in person </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">97. <strong>Been involved in a law suit</strong> - <strong>and won</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">98. <strong>Owned a mobile phone</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">99. <strong>Been stung by a bee - several times!</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So I haven't quite managed to achieve half of the list, I need to get to work on putting that right!</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-44035444634867479382009-01-01T00:01:00.002+00:002009-01-01T23:57:10.234+00:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mWRWADPqsXSh0OlgcUhN1m9-cI-nAZQhDfaWy6cqlCgm8_naLrcCG1GkvbSUjl8Q9Aeb58reIrvA2G0JNIsTOO2fglC-fDZHyiQjKig6FsiCiVWcc0JBIyF19PDSnboOEpjmH8gpyZIo/s1600-h/IMG_7137.JPG"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286478512148517170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 64px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfp9YGTBxyFGqBVSGQ4Nb1vroRjlBLPakTOksYSwgfCZNYRx2lZIdl0t62AwWRCdHC7qIqqT3OEY9yp395kUER1KvIIVOGVj5vDOUyMXt6KXHGYoplqV8wn6XbBarHvCNKPN9hGkD01v8/s200/IMG_7137.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;">Happy New Year to each and every one of you!</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:180%;">Xxx</span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-42887857795295186842008-12-22T00:01:00.000+00:002009-01-04T22:25:00.953+00:00I should have been...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">in this 8th century castle for my birthday today, enjoying a lavish meal and<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAngFvFkyYQJO9elIlPXqGEVUISPS3F7JPPde94YJfjq0udLWKd-hvaBln9xdXDU2z6VA3Mkxuaz6GYFKVxhMMoYLdkUp_hUz_U_nRpCACkqhjCR9TMZR5L__DJr6CY8KY8yOftRIZ9tlv/s1600-h/palarcext.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285146200711941042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAngFvFkyYQJO9elIlPXqGEVUISPS3F7JPPde94YJfjq0udLWKd-hvaBln9xdXDU2z6VA3Mkxuaz6GYFKVxhMMoYLdkUp_hUz_U_nRpCACkqhjCR9TMZR5L__DJr6CY8KY8yOftRIZ9tlv/s320/palarcext.jpg" border="0" /></a> good wine with <a href="http://brunsli.blogspot.com/">Brunsli</a> and Breadfruit. However, due to a minor(replace with major) mishap with my passport and the fact that being part of the EU doesn't really count for much when it comes to travelling to Spain, I had to cancel and stay in England. To say that I was disappointed would be a major understatement. Despite the fact that they weren't expecting me to be in the country, my family and friends rallied round to celebrate with me (and to cheer me up) throughout the weekend and today. On Saturday I went to <a href="http://www.shish.com/">Shish</a> for a meal with friends; I have to admit to having mixed feelings about the food, I enjoyed my starter but wasn't enamoured with the main course. It has a great atmosphere and was packed on all floors, but I think it is a place to visit for drinks and snacks. We had post dinner drinks <a href="http://thequeensbury.net/tq.html">here</a> and I loved it; the decor is great, it's a bit like popping into someone's house for a glass of wine!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">On Sunday I enjoyed a mulled wine and mince pie evening at my Dad's, this was preceeded by watching the nativity story at the local church. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Today I was treated to breakfast in bed, a lavish lunch and then a wonderful Thai meal in the evening along with a large number of my family. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I had a fantastic birthday and feel lucky to have such wonderful people in my life; you all know who you are and I love you all. </span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-75820829298500781782008-12-19T23:59:00.002+00:002008-12-21T12:33:20.800+00:00Two Years!<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282216615244260258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQsD51mixffOjcnjV-sbgWViiWT93iGeQf0F0Ygtgyfb2RPPI3DyYobmkHLV6ioghCh6dTJtG6EbHfX3s_WIz0zjs1llfo_nNAhIn-lRyzZtmteTlhDXg3POf6HsaEtwGXecE3i2a9gnT/s320/IMG_7065.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">This isn't exactly an anniversary picture as it was taken about six weeks ago; however it's the most up-to-date one I can lay my hands on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;">As you can see, I am still very much a freestyle girl, although I am constantly plagued by my hair falling into my face!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Lately I have been thinking about adding a little colour to my hair, only a rinse, but something to spice things up. As always, I'll keep you posted!</span> </div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-41990667474622791362008-12-14T23:59:00.000+00:002009-01-02T15:10:58.523+00:00Posh Party Portrait<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrH1H3LQMXy6yW3rD-GA1R-02Lk1jOb_ns7YkBIxORRxqq-BhcM0KPQoUPLHEWoPtSSMITJfLtdsPflTIQBUNzdyNNJa74MAZ79fjHhxrwDRZWYK5pdbpW5s8tkQ5R73uY8NwkIDxFTak/s1600-h/IMG_7098-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282214631073131250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrH1H3LQMXy6yW3rD-GA1R-02Lk1jOb_ns7YkBIxORRxqq-BhcM0KPQoUPLHEWoPtSSMITJfLtdsPflTIQBUNzdyNNJa74MAZ79fjHhxrwDRZWYK5pdbpW5s8tkQ5R73uY8NwkIDxFTak/s320/IMG_7098-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I attended the Christmas party of a very exclusive London hospital yesterday, it was held in a plush hotel in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Lane_(road)">Park Lane</a>. This company spend an awful lot of money on their staff functions and their 'more than £180 per head budget' seriously overshadows the fund I have to organise my work celebrations! One of the little extras they had on the evening was a caricature artist and of course I jumped at the chance to have mine done. I am not convinced by it's accuracy (but then caricatures aren't meant to be), but I do love it!</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-34060091569663532872008-12-08T23:59:00.000+00:002008-12-09T23:37:47.035+00:00Twitterbug<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Yes, I have caught it and can now be found twittering my every move (well not every single one) for those who are interested. It's a great way to get up-to-the-minute (almost) updates of those you know and those you don't!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">If you want to keep up with me, check <a href="http://twitter.com/SimplyMel">this</a> out.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">What are you doing now?</span> </span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-71926117338686929452008-12-05T23:59:00.001+00:002008-12-06T12:58:56.432+00:00Come Dine With Me<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am fast becoming addicted to <a href="http://www.channel4.com/food/on-tv/come-dine-with-me/">this programme</a>! So much so that I have even considered taking part; I went as far as to see if they were looking for contestants in my area, (perhaps luckily) they weren't. So how does it work? Over the course of a week, five strangers, who consider themselves to be good cooks, host dinner parties for each other. At the end of each evening the other four give their host marks out of ten. Following the final dinner party the contestant with the most points wins £1000. I have thought about what my menu would be if I were on the show and I have a few ideas. But I wonder, if you were hosting a dinner party for people you didn't know, what would be on your menu?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">BTW, you can catch up on past episodes <a href="http://www.channel4.com/video/come-dine-with-me/catchup.html">here</a> and if you just want recipes, they are <a href="http://www.channel4.com/food/browse.jsp?siteName=food&keyValues=TVshow%3AComeDineWithMe%2EContentType%3Arecipes&source=gsa&keyDefs=true">here</a>.</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-84530305680342437582008-11-05T06:15:00.004+00:002009-01-03T22:59:31.605+00:00<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>Congratulations America!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><strong>Congratulations America!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#000099;"><strong>Congratulations America!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><strong>Congratulations America!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;color:#000099;"><strong>Congratulations America!</strong></span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-59651167134244919642008-09-28T23:59:00.000+00:002008-12-21T12:38:42.105+00:00Parks: What have you done to your hair? It looks really flat!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Me: Erm, tightened it!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVfPkaYyv21dnrQcBI_pmfj04_5No2p9KO7YW9jSQir4YeaG_x3Ch8VPYXff3JcjlTFw93kchW9msL7pAqQF68JaviQ4l5lsL_ReO-jO-JPW0OipLWHWY43oBfVS1_DuoOZDyYHH95bwC/s1600-h/IMG_6559.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251929983310864306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVfPkaYyv21dnrQcBI_pmfj04_5No2p9KO7YW9jSQir4YeaG_x3Ch8VPYXff3JcjlTFw93kchW9msL7pAqQF68JaviQ4l5lsL_ReO-jO-JPW0OipLWHWY43oBfVS1_DuoOZDyYHH95bwC/s200/IMG_6559.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Parks is usually really good at noticing that my hair has been done; however, I have noticed that the bigger it gets the less noticeable the parts are. I guess flat hair has replaced <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/03/finally.html">spacey hair</a>!</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-13683626476405667152008-09-20T23:59:00.004+00:002009-01-03T23:00:36.047+00:00I am still here!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Life has been very busy and for one reason or another I haven't got round to posting all of the blog posts I have written. I will be posting them below (in date order!) until I catch up with myself...</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-18697655222627493322008-06-05T23:59:00.000+00:002008-12-21T12:39:35.319+00:00Imagine our surprise when...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">...picked up the keys to our new house, entered it and found this<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZEtNYkVxo4bU2-q15vIMcP-1ZL-iPRVk8pPtGZl7kXQK1xSEyZ5GKWzIgvEuNb0V8qO8Fxp8FvagZsthZnLmt0gglWMppEcMDb0gOnhVD3iR4NR7An9Ntu3yH55GMviOEN4Yt_svGxPg/s1600-h/IMG_6174.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275288961345595586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZEtNYkVxo4bU2-q15vIMcP-1ZL-iPRVk8pPtGZl7kXQK1xSEyZ5GKWzIgvEuNb0V8qO8Fxp8FvagZsthZnLmt0gglWMppEcMDb0gOnhVD3iR4NR7An9Ntu3yH55GMviOEN4Yt_svGxPg/s200/IMG_6174.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">and this</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJk42BxOuwG2RrNw-4Ls_jc1zSSpuPh6nYLQbXWOIi0tkXMom6PNw_70vUyN3COPrnHecyryuR2xabBZ1kY3_NPUMaCooadxl36IZKb9-t16etAwvqZRcNkGwNLEwINMcopgTc5qNKVlR/s1600-h/IMG_6185.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275288970877822498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJk42BxOuwG2RrNw-4Ls_jc1zSSpuPh6nYLQbXWOIi0tkXMom6PNw_70vUyN3COPrnHecyryuR2xabBZ1kY3_NPUMaCooadxl36IZKb9-t16etAwvqZRcNkGwNLEwINMcopgTc5qNKVlR/s200/IMG_6185.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">and this</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJGoibGv3aTXQbZ1IF83Yca6KrJhFVZR3Do4-t2kUPDuC747Vr1CCI32mWyBDd6N49yqetTJWobphx4iTEjK_68v5pQ_dxBxxB2qdNpiqjErHv2wxt1QmcKLwT3ND5vTf4kEPtOZZ6fcD/s1600-h/IMG_6187.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275288981543777858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJGoibGv3aTXQbZ1IF83Yca6KrJhFVZR3Do4-t2kUPDuC747Vr1CCI32mWyBDd6N49yqetTJWobphx4iTEjK_68v5pQ_dxBxxB2qdNpiqjErHv2wxt1QmcKLwT3ND5vTf4kEPtOZZ6fcD/s200/IMG_6187.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">and this</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygUOVoLj2deiSkdljttZuEHU1RdY_rfvpmTv9KKJRB8-6K-t4rHB_6zzXOFFhgQPOyWItwFls4VgXcuNVlnXtANitDS8dtQ4P7yDs1kCHBDxPArBPeSaF06RgKEX7Mj_9hcbfhSqCSba_/s1600-h/IMG_6177.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275288965751100434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygUOVoLj2deiSkdljttZuEHU1RdY_rfvpmTv9KKJRB8-6K-t4rHB_6zzXOFFhgQPOyWItwFls4VgXcuNVlnXtANitDS8dtQ4P7yDs1kCHBDxPArBPeSaF06RgKEX7Mj_9hcbfhSqCSba_/s200/IMG_6177.jpg" border="0" /></a>!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-64890401864653686212008-04-28T23:59:00.000+00:002008-12-12T01:31:52.566+00:00Yes, my hair will grow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob7Vs6cg7fy6S_r-L8EIlm7WLlgoDdABEEzfT_8qEfzU2qvg5Wunhn8e6ORJul8qvrNP29Giw59EwYzfQUgsJjVEm6uiwkhI1NrxmFvdBTJpKAefNafMDMSCl0Am-SZMg0laTgK6JOCUl/s1600-h/collage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252300800510386306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob7Vs6cg7fy6S_r-L8EIlm7WLlgoDdABEEzfT_8qEfzU2qvg5Wunhn8e6ORJul8qvrNP29Giw59EwYzfQUgsJjVEm6uiwkhI1NrxmFvdBTJpKAefNafMDMSCl0Am-SZMg0laTgK6JOCUl/s320/collage2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The first picture was taken in July 2007 after I cut my hair. The others were taken a few days ago when I realised I was still amazed by the question I was asked. </span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-25081835979926573032008-04-17T23:59:00.000+00:002008-12-12T01:30:39.026+00:00Will your hair grow?<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong>Yes! </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"><strong>Somebody actually asked me this question!</strong></span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-29756496735806822352008-04-15T23:59:00.002+00:002008-11-02T21:32:32.396+00:00Back to the slopes<div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You'll remember that my first time skiing was last year; you'll also remember that I had a really good time (see <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/oh-for-straightforward-journey.html">h</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSAHas4eqKJcHsF9Wv2D4o3Ww6ip9voEbJUm0Yxby2VXek0I3EFGmT_fAQCpHS6hbcwp4xtlOac6vWrExwcpweQfYzk-XJLXGobigPpulpO3o2tUHwV6Mfc2Pn1vunb_QggWqVFsSOWOY/s1600-h/IMG_5803.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264176025556844514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSAHas4eqKJcHsF9Wv2D4o3Ww6ip9voEbJUm0Yxby2VXek0I3EFGmT_fAQCpHS6hbcwp4xtlOac6vWrExwcpweQfYzk-XJLXGobigPpulpO3o2tUHwV6Mfc2Pn1vunb_QggWqVFsSOWOY/s320/IMG_5803.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/oh-for-straightforward-journey.html">ere</a>, <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/is-it-too-late-to-turn-back.html">here</a>, <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/be-careful-what-you-ask-for.html">here</a> and <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/heres-to-next-year.html">here</a>) and that I invested in a few <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2007/04/jeremy-et-moi.html">lessons</a> while I was there. But, for some reason, this year, I didn't enjoy the skiing as much as I had anticipated. It could have been due to the absolutely freezing conditions; yes I know it's meant to be cold, but we were buying additional items of thermal ski wear on a daily basis (my purchases included this very handy ear-muff/head band thing). It could have been due to me spending a lot of time worrying about what was going on back in England with the new house purchase. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">However, I suspect it was largely due to the fact that my skiing just wasn't up to scratch. I spent such a lot of time on my bottom or taking my skis off and walking down the mountain! And of course there was the day <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-did-this-feature-in-myskiing.html">I thought my number was up...</a></span></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-34233486567426739272008-04-14T23:59:00.002+00:002008-11-02T21:14:19.658+00:00How old is too old to wear a bib?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlV91M12JBLcLvfjy1TI77tUoXbLuRKZ76ItqcH5ZsM6cZbblxjhOEsSUdhW7Y6cQX8VYaEY1MDE2sFfw90Ph58tl5RKbf1NG87ALq-ZUAO0_vVwG9QqwPaqcuu82MZUiz5F9VFf-6VL0/s1600-h/IMG_5811.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258921287743979698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlV91M12JBLcLvfjy1TI77tUoXbLuRKZ76ItqcH5ZsM6cZbblxjhOEsSUdhW7Y6cQX8VYaEY1MDE2sFfw90Ph58tl5RKbf1NG87ALq-ZUAO0_vVwG9QqwPaqcuu82MZUiz5F9VFf-6VL0/s320/IMG_5811.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This delightful accessory is provided when having the speciality fish broth at a lovely little restaurant in Briancon. The dish is only served on Fridays and is popular with both locals and tourists; I used my best French to book our table as soon as we arrived in town. The substantial broth contains a variety of seafood and fish and lots of potatoes, it's served with rustic bread, cloves of garlic, garlic mayonnaise and Gruyere cheese. Whilst it does <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC-Scb_x2N8tc-1Ll-Qwk74uN-DJxAnT3x-MShJ_kf6X-b9WYPKyrsmApkeZ7SBxKQtFNiQzgA0qm0d3tdXsi6iXCoMvmjC-SDTBKejMKPPvjHwISriRlNSiYgqaH8_EA52KTI3g4GRPZ/s1600-h/IMG_5812.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264170862652410626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC-Scb_x2N8tc-1Ll-Qwk74uN-DJxAnT3x-MShJ_kf6X-b9WYPKyrsmApkeZ7SBxKQtFNiQzgA0qm0d3tdXsi6iXCoMvmjC-SDTBKejMKPPvjHwISriRlNSiYgqaH8_EA52KTI3g4GRPZ/s200/IMG_5812.jpg" border="0" /></a>have the potential to be a bit of a passion killer, it is absolutely delicious and perfect comfort food to eat after a day in the snow.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">BTW, look at how burnt my cheeks are!</span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6405870495032996529.post-13027630676811677212008-04-13T23:59:00.000+00:002008-11-02T20:24:58.568+00:00Je peu parle Francais!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Not entirely in keeping with the sentiment of my last <a href="http://whatsnewmel.blogspot.com/2008/02/tagged-parts-three-and-four.html">'tagged'</a> post, I managed to spend a little time brushing up on my French. Although I had every intention of working on my language skills on a daily basis for six weeks in preparation for being in France, living life got in the way and I found myself having to do final cramming sessions two days before heading to the airport.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am pleased to report that whilst in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briançon">Briancon</a>, I did a very good job! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Although I was able to converse on a basic level with some confidence, I came across lots of people who wanted to practise their English; so I often found myself in conversations that took place in two languages!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I use the <a href="http://www.champs-elysees.com/products/french/instant-french.aspx">Instant French</a> system, which works towards the student learning a bank of words that can be used in everyday situations. I have to admit to paying very little attention to the grammar, which means that I use my word bank to construct sentences as if I were speaking in English. Of course this is not the right way and certainly not the way I was taught at school; but I seem to make sense to the people I'm talking to and that's all that matters, right?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">In the future I would like to enrol myself on a course, when I can find a window of time in my very busy life!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034382445342391174noreply@blogger.com3