tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54156098433600273262024-03-19T04:36:13.343-07:00Sue's Blog - Some assembly required.Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.comBlogger721125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-53549431871418752802016-03-01T13:08:00.001-08:002017-10-17T13:10:19.077-07:00All Good (and bad) Things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just to let anyone who is interested know.......I have moved my blog. I think I gave everyone the new address. -x-Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-38713623402235134832016-02-12T10:00:00.000-08:002016-02-12T10:02:51.688-08:00Birthdays and Daffodils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alan's Birthday cake for 2016<br />
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I have had these football decorations for ages but they still come out every year.<br />
We went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's for his birthday, one of our favourites. It was all lovely.<br />
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When we came back he blew out his candles and tried the cake.<br />
I'm happy to say it met with his approval. <br />
This year it is a chocolate cake. Last year was a ginger cake, before that there has been a carrot cake and fruit cakes.<br />
I wonder what I will do next year? Any suggestions? <br />
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The weather hasn't been very lovely though.<br />
It did this....again....<br />
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Mind you Father Christmas and his reindeer look very festive. Well, except the one that has fallen over. His nose is buried in the snow, poor thing.<br />
They managed to get the stakes of some of the decorations out of the ground but these are still totally frozen in.<br />
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Of course that resulted in this.<br />
Alan never seems to mind a bit of shovelling, which is just as well. Facebook keeps throwing up memories of "This day 1 year ago"..." This day 2 years ago" ....etc.<br />
Every bloody day, going back 6 years, shows photos of poor Alan shovelling snow.<br />
I think it might have something to do with the time of year :)<br />
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To top it all we have horrendously low temperatures again right now. We are going to see the Admiral's ice hockey tonight and I think it will be warmer on the ice than it is outside.<br />
Minus 30 C (with windchill) continuing over the weekend and into next week. <br />
Winter drawers on yet again.<br />
I understand in the UK snowdrops and daffodils are blooming........sigh....I have never seen a daffodil or snowdrop here. I have seen the odd tulip but never until about June.<br />
I do miss them.<br />
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I shall just have to make do with this arrangement of daffs and sunflowers, made and sent over to me from England, by an old work colleague.<br />
Thanks Fred. They are still on my kitchen windowsill after all these years.<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-18450529757542269582016-02-07T16:15:00.001-08:002016-02-07T16:17:10.438-08:00Sci Fi.......fond memories.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We went to Binary Bar, the one that Donna recommended, on Thursday evening.<br />
It is quite unusual for me to go out in the evening at the end of January.<br />
But, oh it was so worth it.<br />
There is nothing else like it that I know of in Milwaukee. I am so glad we managed to go during Alanmas as he really enjoyed it.<br />
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There is so much memorabilia in this place.<br />
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It was like being in 10 Forward or maybe 5 Backwards.<br />
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Everywhere you looked there was more cool stuff.<br />
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It was very busy when we first arrived but we found a table. We looked at all the games on offer.<br />
You can donate a $1, if you wish, and then play any game you like. There were, board games, card games, trivia....and just loads more.<br />
There were a pool table, air hockey...and various other pub type games.<br />
It was also a brilliant place to people watch. I am good at that.<br />
Everyone seemed so happy and friendly. Even though there were all ages in there, it still reminded me of a student union bar.<br />
Memories of GenCon at Loughborough University came back and the good times we had there.<br />
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Every now and then we would go for a walk round and find even more stuff. <br />
The food and drinks were cheap too (again like a student union). They even catered for oddities like me, someone who doesn't eat animals.<br />
I had a veggie burger, salad and chips and it came to $5.<br />
I think the carnivores had burgers too. It was all really good.<br />
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Alan and Philip had a few games of darts.<br />
Neither of them had played for years but they did really well. Well, they did a bloody sight better than I would have done.<br />
I blame my poorly hands but, in truth, I was always crap at darts.<br />
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Philip on the ockey. I think Eric Bristow would never had anything to worry about but these two did enjoy themselves. So much so, that Philip bought a dartboard the next day.<br />
They played darts in the basement yesterday too, but today there arms hurt so much they couldn't play at all.<br />
I did chuckle. Oh...and look at the sign on the wall....hehehe.<br />
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One last photo of Godzilla and the Alien Queen, at least I think that is who it is.<br />
We had a fab night and I hope we go back.<br />
We always say we will but, particularly in the winter, it is very easy to settle in front of the telly, or computer and stay indoors.<br />
We should really try.<br />
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Finally, they managed to get some of the Christmas decorations in this weekend.<br />
Not all though. The ground is so frozen that it is impossible to get the stakes out. So, Santa and his sleigh and reindeer are still out there...along with other things.<br />
I wonder if I will be able to put easter eggs in the sleigh this year?Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-41692086072902533702016-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:002016-02-01T12:23:59.402-08:00Storm Kayla draws near.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Another winter storm heading our way.<br />
Don't you just love the way they give them all names now.<br />
We've just had winter storm Bella and now her mate Kayla is hurrying to catch up with her.<br />
I am sure it will be lovely....it looks like we are in the 8 - 12 inches bit. There's a novelty.<br />
Alan will have some fun.<br />
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<br />
Another huge loss.<br />
This has been an awful year so far. So, many well loved celebs have passed away.<br />
Terry Wogan........wasn't he immortal?<br />
I loved him. His gentle humour and sharp wit, got me through many a morning when he had his radio show.<br />
He even read out a story I sent in once.<br />
It was true too.<br />
<br />
I had been coming back from London on the train. The ticket inspector was making his way through the train towards me.<br />
He was a rotund, loud and jolly sort of person, who was speaking to everyone as he passed by.<br />
As he got near me, he proclaimed loudly, "Oh yes, I've been on a course you know. Yep, they sent me on a course. We don't have problems anymore. Oh no. We don't have problems anymore we have 'solution opportunities'." <br />
<br />
Donna tells me there is a radio show in the UK where you can confess to things you have done...maybe fibs you told your kids or something.<br />
She is trying to make me tell some of the stories I have from my previous 'profession.'<br />
<br />
One in particular she likes.<br />
I was supporting my group of 'special needs' kids in a geography lesson. It had been a long, hard and tiring day. <br />
In the text book we were using we came across a picture something like this.....<br />
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<br />
They were very curious about these cows, but I soon explained it all to them.<br />
These were, I told them, a special breed of cow. They were mountain cows. They were specially bred with little short front legs so that they could stand on the side of the mountain with the little legs towards the top and the longer back legs, farther down. This helped them keep their balance on the slope of the mountain.<br />
They all found this perfectly reasonable and I sometimes wonder if they ever found me out.....or they might even still believe it.<br />
Sometimes when you are in a stressful job you have to have little ways of coping with your day. <br />
It was either things like that or (as I often did) collapsing onto the floor of the staff room saying "Ahhhh Mr Fawlty.....I die here.".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H72LTEmafUk" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Yes this was often me after coping with my little angels all day. <br />
Happy times.<br />
I might even tell you the one about the apples one day.<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-61912538264218498512016-01-29T10:52:00.000-08:002016-01-29T10:57:44.830-08:00Alanmas Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWEuKcRwi2RUW2UhWSID7v84IYjMn1sGCLkZnMRrvCfbr9yh6IKQrVzylnYir1Xf2FkwMxBKfoH53L1WsX8s7d-nog99vBUoJZSfOVLWj3iaW19wTEfnhyphenhyphenRXb8i7pVY6wgP7sgW9XYvg/s1600/Alanmas+Dinner+2+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWEuKcRwi2RUW2UhWSID7v84IYjMn1sGCLkZnMRrvCfbr9yh6IKQrVzylnYir1Xf2FkwMxBKfoH53L1WsX8s7d-nog99vBUoJZSfOVLWj3iaW19wTEfnhyphenhyphenRXb8i7pVY6wgP7sgW9XYvg/s320/Alanmas+Dinner+2+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Alanmas Dinner was a huge success.<br />
Starter was lobster (or chicken) ravioli with sage and lemon sauce - delish.<br />
Main course for most of our party was pork medallions with madeira sauce and a conglomeration of vegetables (did you see what I did there? That was all 'cheffy').<br />
I had halibut enrobed in a white wine sauce ( I've gone all 'cheffy' again). I haven't had halibut before but I shall certainly have it again.....enrobed or otherwise.<br />
<br />
Then for dessert we had this....<br />
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<br />
This was a <a href="http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/m%C3%A9lange" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">mélange</a> of - apple terrine, a petite apple purse, ice cream with raspberries strewn over.....(getting good at this).<br />
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<br />
It went down a treat guv. Lubbly Jubbly.<br />
<br />
We opened a bottle of fizz to slurp with it.<br />
Many thanks to the chef who did a grand job. <br />
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<br />
I have to admit it is good to have so many of the family here. Ok, I know this photo looks like the opening of The Simpsons.<br />
I wish all the family could be with us.<br />
<br />
Apart from this......we have, what could be, a nasty snow storm heading our way for next Wednesday.<br />
I don't want to complain, but I can if I like, the trouble is we still have all the snow and ice from the last one.<br />
<br />
My knee is feeling better. I had a better day yesterday. Rest, it seems, is the key. My trouble is, I don't like sitting about do nothing. <br />
So, as my hands haven't been hurting quite so much (thank goodness), I have been getting on with knitting blankets for the animal rescues.<br />
Today I can walk almost normally but I am still being careful on the stairs. I don't want to bugger it up again.<br />
Hopefully, by tomorrow I should be getting around much more gracefully.<br />
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<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-89883350943850593962016-01-27T12:05:00.001-08:002016-01-27T12:06:40.517-08:00Whoops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This made me giggle.<br />
There a lot of stickman (Bill) memes showing up on facebook.<br />
They try to tell you how to behave in various circumstances. They get on my wick.<br />
It would seem they get on a lot of people's wicks.<br />
Hopefully they will fade away soon.<br />
<br />
I seem to have hurt my knee.<br />
I was putting out the squirrel corn last night and I slipped on, what was once snow, but is now 6 inch deep ice.<br />
I didn't think I had done much damage but after a night of little sleep, I found I could barely walk this morning.<br />
I have had to sit still for most of the day, which I find quite difficult.<br />
Fortunately, it is our Alanmas dinner tonight, cooked by the man himself.<br />
So, at least I don't have to worry about preparing dinner.<br />
He is very busy in the kitchen and the aromas are wonderful.<br />
I shall take photos.<br />
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<br />
Heh heh.......I can't walk much at the moment but as soon as I can I shall be doing this.<br />
<br />
I wonder why people allow themselves to become bitter?<br />
Bitterness, like hatred, is a very destructive emotion.<br />
I rarely use the word 'hate' and never involving a person. I might hate actions, like abuse (child, animal etc) but 'hate' is such a terrible word that I could never use it against a person.<br />
Hate should be reserved for the very worst situations, wars, cruelty, violence and brutality. Even then it just eats away at the hater, making them become more bitter. I have had dreadful, really awful things happen in my life, but it will never make me hate anyone. Well, I suppose this is just my opinion and if people want to hate then they should go right ahead.Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-45207684682476271802016-01-24T17:12:00.002-08:002016-01-24T17:12:57.830-08:00Hello Dolly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
We went to see Lauren's high school musical on Friday.<br />
Here is a picture of the cast and stage crew.<br />
Lauren is about 3 in from the right.<br />
At the back you may just see a man with grey hair. He is the Mayor of Milwaukee.<br />
He had come along to see it too.<br />
We hadn't realised he was in the audience.<br />
I had never seen Hello Dolly before and I knew nothing of the plot.<br />
It was wonderful.<br />
Good god there are some amazing voices in that cast. When you are watch it, it is hard to remember that these are high school students.<br />
I love the fact that there were some many guys in it too. The leading man is also on the football team (American football of course). He was a great big lad who looked about 30.<br />
Quite surprising to us that a tough, footballing guy was proud to star in a musical like Hello Dolly.<br />
There was lots of singing and dancing.<br />
So much work had gone into it.<br />
The last performance was this afternoon. Lauren, who was stage crew this time ( she can't do a southern American accent), has really worked hard on this since October.<br />
She loves it.<br />
Alan came with us and even he enjoyed it.<br />
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Stage crew.....Lauren 2nd from left.<br />
Well done Ronald Reagan High School. You all did a great job.<br />
I know that the staff put in an awful lot of hours on this too. Well done to them also.<br />
<br />
They are already talking about the next production.<br />
There is talk of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (which I really don't like) or West Side Story.<br />
Lauren really wants to do Rocky Horror as she has more of a chance of getting in that than she has West Side Story....accent again.<br />
I asked her to suggest Return to The Forbidden Planet.<br />
I know they could do it and it wouldn't matter what accent you have for that.<br />
We shall see...........<br />
Oops.........time to Reverse Polarity.<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-75229081571395550242016-01-22T10:39:00.001-08:002016-01-22T10:40:54.230-08:00Glug, glug.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We bought a new set of taps...or faucets, whichever you prefer.<br />
That should have been the easy part but it did take a fair bit of 'looking at' before deciding which would be, not only the best, but also within our budget.<br />
Oh you can spend a small fortune on taps if you so desire.<br />
Although, in truth, my only requirement is they work without leaking.<br />
If I had a tra la posh new kitchen then maybe I would love some tra la posh taps.<br />
But, as we can afford neither of these then working, non drippy ones are perfect.<br />
<br />
The next test, it would turn out to be rather like the 'Krypton Factor', was getting the old taps off.<br />
They didn't like it up 'em, them there old taps.<br />
They had no plans to go anywhere and tried rather harder than expected, to stay exactly where they were.<br />
The dynamic duo took turns in trying to extricate these, stuck on, rusted in, tight as '@#$%holes faucets.<br />
It took a while.<br />
It took a lot of profanity.<br />
It took Donna, Lauren and I keeping out of the way in the living room.<br />
One of our company did mumble something about it looking like a scene from a Laurel and Hardy movie, but my lips are sealed as to who said it.<br />
I wouldn't want to embarrass Donna.<br />
<br />
Eventually, the old taps conceded defeat and were removed. I would like to say with surgical precision but the fact that a hammer, drill and, what sounded like a chain saw, were employed, that would be a bit of a fib.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, for all concerned, the new taps went on like a dream.<br />
There are no leaks......yet.<br />
Hopefully, these newbies will have a long, leak free existence.<br />
We don't want another evening like that for many years.<br />
<br />
Tonight is the school musical.....Hello Dolly......I have never seen it before so it should be interesting.Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-59775762031871759102016-01-19T14:44:00.002-08:002016-01-22T10:22:53.215-08:00I'm writing a cheque !!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A bruise appeared on my knuckle.<br />
<br />
I don't really know how I did it, so I've been telling everyone that I had a punch up with Alan.<br />
I have likened it to the scene in Father Ted where Mrs Doyle and her friend argue and eventually fight over who is going to pay for their tea.<br />
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You can view it here if you haven't seen it and would like to.<br />
<br />
Alanmas is going well. The temperatures have been brutal but he keeps 'bundled up' as they say in these parts.<br />
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<br />
I know it is sunny but......there is no heat in that sun. The frozen tundra or Narnia as I prefer to call it.<br />
Sounds nicer.<br />
<br />
We have a problem with water leaking under the kitchen sink.<br />
We did get a neighbour, who knows about such things, to fix it for us. I think he fixed part of it but it is still leaking.<br />
So, it looks like we have to have a new set of taps. I am sure that was the problem when I was trying to explain what was wrong to the neighbour.<br />
He kept talking about faucets and I kept talking about taps. He didn't have a clue what I meant.<br />
Philip has replaced these taps before so we are going out to buy another set this evening and he, with Alan's assistance, will replace them himself.<br />
Oh joy.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
After the amount of swearing that poured forth when he had his head under the sink trying to wrap a bit of tape around the pipe.......I am not looking forward to this next adventure.<br />
Plus, if you had seen the state they got into trying to put some sticky tape on a box to seal it to return something Philip had bought, only to find that the bit of paper that Philip was holding should have gone inside the box and it all had to be opened up again....... well, you wouldn't give it credence.<br />
I did hear Donna mumble something about "How many men does it take to close and stick a cardboard box"....but I don't think they heard her.<br />
<br />
Finally, just in case anyone is wondering :-<br />
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<br />
Merv was sighted the other day busily caring for his hole.<br />
It was about minus 25C with windchill when I took this photo.<br />
He must be bloody dedicated.<br />
<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-79318439478430620292016-01-14T14:02:00.000-08:002016-01-14T14:05:55.359-08:00Another one bites the dust.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SJmDb4a8upuV8QjjQjfudBODqLx_Med88L7F1PEKiZiETItd5Oo5e6srMUYhwQk-OC4ARev1K9TizNUCVH4unH_p2HU1qyY-gyAvX0F5cW3Nh4PvfNaIBLTwVbq8nUYRvl9wA4cSbQ0/s1600/Alan+Rickman+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SJmDb4a8upuV8QjjQjfudBODqLx_Med88L7F1PEKiZiETItd5Oo5e6srMUYhwQk-OC4ARev1K9TizNUCVH4unH_p2HU1qyY-gyAvX0F5cW3Nh4PvfNaIBLTwVbq8nUYRvl9wA4cSbQ0/s320/Alan+Rickman+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a great shock to check BBC News Online this morning and to see that dear Alan Rickman has died.<br />
He, like David Bowie, was 69.<br />
That is 3.<br />
My mum always said deaths come in 3s.<br />
Lemmy, David Bowie and Alan Rickman.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
What an amazing actor and thoroughly nice man he was. <br />
Yes, it is all over social media.......and why not?<br />
Although most of us didn't know him personally, he was so well loved, for his talent and for the wonderful roles he took on.<br />
Rest in peace Alan. I hope this is the 3 and that there will be no more.<br />
<br />
The first time I noticed him was in this role.<br />
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He stole the show, as he usually did.<br />
As they say, he will be a hard act to follow.<br />
<br />
On another note.<br />
My big dragon, the one I bought in Folkestone some years ago. The one that filled an entire suitcase. The one that I lugged all the way back to Milwaukee at the time when we were allowed to bring 2 suitcases.....yes that one, took a dive the other day.<br />
It was entirely my fault.<br />
It has always been a bit unstable (nothing new in this household) but now that my hands seem to have developed a will of their own, I was moving it from the cupboard with a view to putting back on the shelf, when it fell.<br />
It fell mightily.<br />
Fortunately, I happen to have the guru of model making and puzzles staying with me at the moment.<br />
He immediately took charge and said something along the lines of<br />
"We can re-build him".<br />
<br />
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<br />
He was fantastic.<br />
Such patience......and almost no swearing.<br />
My poor dragon was soon returned to his former glory.<br />
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<br />
He is, back on his shelf.<br />
I will admit I would have been devastated if he had been irreparable and been consigned to the bin.<br />
Thank you Alan. You did a great job.<br />
<br />
Today has been warmer....lol......it was almost 'up' to freezing point.<br />
All week it has been ridiculously, brutally cold. I feel so sorry for the animals here in the winter.<br />
I do put out food for the possum, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels and feral cats but I have noticed in the extreme cold they don't come out much. Even the birds don't come to the feeder when the temperature falls to minus 20C.<br />
But, they still need to eat.<br />
Hopefully, some will come out tonight and tomorrow because it is meant to be going back to frigid temps starting on Saturday.<br />
We've had some more snow on top of the our original snow with more in the forecast.<br />
Poor little animals.......I wish I could bring them all inside.<br />
<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-67831044157119629192016-01-12T08:31:00.002-08:002016-01-12T08:40:18.703-08:00Starman.<div class="headline_area" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 2.2em; padding: 0px;">
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<h1 class="entry-title" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #505050; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1.267em; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so shocked to hear about the death of David Bowie.</span></div>
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<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">What an amazing talent that man had. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">People across the world are saddened that he should have been taken at a relatively young age.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hear there will be a special tribute to him at the Brit Awards.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Goodbye Major Tom. I hope you have returned to your home planet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw the article below..........it did make me chuckle.</span></div>
</div>
</h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzECD2PfqkjsJpDxd19Qp6DZR_N0yYuI4u_9t14Rk0qWwlvfxW4Y98J4I-AY2pyez4Eqw9sLFoJnB_BmQEh6pEBNzVH0m4uCWiw51lABJ2enlB3j6tPj_tFtegaa8Y6BnIwyssZ5zYIY8/s1600/David+Bowie+Starman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzECD2PfqkjsJpDxd19Qp6DZR_N0yYuI4u_9t14Rk0qWwlvfxW4Y98J4I-AY2pyez4Eqw9sLFoJnB_BmQEh6pEBNzVH0m4uCWiw51lABJ2enlB3j6tPj_tFtegaa8Y6BnIwyssZ5zYIY8/s320/David+Bowie+Starman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h1 class="entry-title" style="letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1.267em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 1.267em;"><span style="color: blue;">Man declares everyone stupid for mourning David Bowie awaits medal</span></span></h1>
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<fb:like class=" fb_iframe_widget" fb-iframe-plugin-query="app_id=222869257753954&container_width=450&href=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2Fnewsthump&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&send=false&show_faces=false&width=450" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" href="http://facebook.com/newsthump" send="false" show_faces="false" style="color: #4f4f4f; display: inline-block; font-size: 10px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="450"><span style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify; vertical-align: bottom; width: 450px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" class="" frameborder="0" height="1000px" name="f21423fea4" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?app_id=222869257753954&channel=http%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter.php%3Fversion%3D42%23cb%3Df316b9d704%26domain%3Dnewsthump.com%26origin%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fnewsthump.com%252Ffb28c262c%26relation%3Dparent.parent&container_width=450&href=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2Fnewsthump&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&send=false&show_faces=false&width=450" style="border-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 450px;" title="fb:like Facebook Social Plugin" width="450px"></iframe></span></fb:like></div>
<div class="format_text entry-content" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em;"><span style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em;"><span style="color: #4f4f4f; font-size: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em;"><img alt="Smug man on computer" class="post_image alignright" src="http://newsthump.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/smug-man-computer-small.jpg" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1.571em 1.571em; padding: 0px;" width="353" /></span><strong style="line-height: 1.571em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: purple;">A man on Facebook is being incredibly smug about the fact he doesn’t care about something.</span></strong></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #4f4f4f; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.571em;">Simon Williams, 38, took to his Facebook page to declare everyone “sheep” for being sad that a great musician died.</span></div>
<div style="color: #4f4f4f; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
“It’s stupid, your feelings are stupid,” beamed Williams, before leaning back in his chair and folding his arms like he’d just discovered time travel, the twat.</div>
<div style="color: #4f4f4f; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
“It’s really very silly that you’re mourning the loss of a musician who wrote great songs that obviously spoke to your heart, or that gave voice to a feeling you couldn’t previously put into words, or might have been the backing track to some significant moments in your life.</div>
<div style="color: #4f4f4f; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
“None of those concepts are relevant to me here, and I wasn’t a fan of Bowie, so it’s entirely right that I belittle you for your silly little emotions.</div>
<div style="color: #4f4f4f; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
“Mocking feelings that I don’t have or understand is obviously a brilliant thing to do, so I think its right that I get some kind of award here and perhaps a gift voucher. So, chop-chop.”</div>
<div style="color: #4f4f4f; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<i>Simon Williams’ friends were unavailable for comment, mainly because he has alienated every single one of them over the course of his lifetime.</i></div>
</div>
Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-17063005960024501672016-01-08T10:09:00.000-08:002016-01-08T10:12:32.672-08:00 Arrived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLI-xGRbfUZJYQIav_chKBum2lLDVrijiNYJMTnEAbqVz_q22uGFnZoYzhpcOEmtkn9L9-JqOw4vm29BkSkkVh4T-DUzL__orkemiZjil_6JciPm1rOCjewEveIUXy8l_nqR9B0gnpm0/s1600/Alan+%2526+TommyJones+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLI-xGRbfUZJYQIav_chKBum2lLDVrijiNYJMTnEAbqVz_q22uGFnZoYzhpcOEmtkn9L9-JqOw4vm29BkSkkVh4T-DUzL__orkemiZjil_6JciPm1rOCjewEveIUXy8l_nqR9B0gnpm0/s320/Alan+%2526+TommyJones+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well that didn't take long.<br />
Alan's first evening and TommyJones had already decided his lap looked inviting.<br />
TommyJones had never met Alan before but he isn't shy.<br />
<br />
Alan seems very pleased to be here.<br />
He had a good night's sleep in the magic bed. Everyone who has stayed in our spare room has remarked on how good that bed is.<br />
So, it was dubbed "magic". It is probably way better than our bed which is far from 'magic'.<br />
<br />
Last night, Philip, Alan and Lauren went to see Star Wars. This was the third time Philip and Lauren had seen it.<br />
Unfortunately, Alan didn't seem too impressed with it.<br />
But, it made for a night out so I am sure they had a good time.<br />
<br />
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Not to be ousted by a recent usurper, Lily laid claim to Alan's lap too.<br />
Since then he has been visited by Sally as well.<br />
Quite a popular chap it seems.<br />
<br />
Looks like Alan's snow shovel might see some use at the weekend.<br />
The recent snow storm happened before he arrived so all the paths, drive etc had been cleared.<br />
The weatherman now informs us that we have another due to hit Saturday night. This should make for an interesting Sunday morning.<br />
He must like it because he keeps coming back for more.<br />
<br />
The Christmas decs, inside only, have to come down at the weekend too.<br />
We can't do the outside ones as there is too much snow and the ground is too frozen to get the stakes out.<br />
We would usually have got the tree etc down on the 6th as we were of the opinion that it had to be on 12th night.<br />
But, good old QI (love that programme), which I can now watch on youtube on the telly, told us that traditionally they should be taken down any time before Candlemas.<br />
Candlemas this year is on February 2nd.<br />
So, we should be ok taking them down at the weekend. <br />
As much as I love Christmas, I shall not be sorry to see everything packed away. It is a massive task but this year we have help.<br />
The tree this year was ok but not up to the standard of previous trees.<br />
It seemed to sag rather earlier than most and this means that ornaments etc kept fall off the branches.<br />
Next year's will be better.<br />
<br />
Haha......Alan has just informed me that TommyJones visited him at 4am to play bed mice.<br />
He was laughing.<br />
<br />
Just noticed that Philip "<i> photo bombed</i> " the picture of Alan and TommyJones.Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-61952996362497441262016-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:002016-01-05T12:49:31.340-08:00Alanmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alanmas begins today.<br />
He has about another 30 mins of flying time before landing in Chicago.<br />
This should be about 3pm our time.<br />
Philip will be collecting him from the airport. It could take up to an hour to get through customs and immigration so they should be home around 5.30pm.<br />
It looks like we are having something of a warm up for Thursday and Friday - by warm up I mean it may get a degree above freezing point.<br />
But, after that...........it is going to drop dramatically to minus 20C.<br />
<br />
Alan keeps some thermals here (I don't think he needs them much on Guernsey) and it looks like he will certainly need them this time.<br />
He still seems to enjoy staying with us though.<br />
<br />
Donna and Lauren are looking forward to him being here.<br />
Donna went to a brilliant bar last night with her friends.<br />
It is more than a bar. It has lots of tables, boxed games and SciFi memorabilia.<br />
It looks amazing. <br />
We are all planning a group outing there. She took some pictures.<br />
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There is a lounge area with a fire.<br />
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There is a restaurant too.<br />
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One or two games to choose from, if you want to.<br />
I think we could have a fun evening here. We can take Lauren too.<br />
We hadn't heard of it before but apparently it has only been open about a year.<br />
<br />
So, we shall have to "bundle up", as they say in these parts. Then brave the frozen tundra.<br />
Brrrrrrrrrr..........<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-21937828120417223672016-01-01T11:24:00.001-08:002016-01-01T12:11:51.287-08:00There it was.......gone.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've put this photo up again because this is what it looks like again now.<br />
I knew that this 'snow free' mallarky couldn't last.<br />
Alanmas will be white for sure. It was minus 15C yesterday.<br />
Winter drawers on.<br />
<br />
Christmas and New Year have come and gone.<br />
We had lovely Christmas, with all the usual feasting, playing silly games and having a tipple.<br />
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This guy turned up.....Ho Ho Hoing all over the place..........I think the shock may have killed that cat too.<br />
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Pressies were opened.....some by a weird looking panda.<br />
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A feast was prepared.<br />
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The feast was then eaten. Surprisingly, there were not many leftovers apart from turkey.<br />
I suppose a 14lb turkey between 4 should last a day or two.<br />
I had 'plastic' turkey, made with Quorn. I was hoping the beef variety that I have heard such wonderful things about, would have made its way across the pond by now.<br />
Sadly, the opposite is true. We used to be able to buy turkey Quorn at two locations. It is now down to one. I do hope they don't stop selling it.<br />
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Games were played. This is a new Dungeon game.<br />
The one person who didn't have a clue what was going on, won it. She must take after me.<br />
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You have to give RockBand a bit of a whirl too.<br />
One of us had made the basement rather festive.<br />
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So, cheers to all.<br />
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I look a bit 'natchered' in this photo.........I probably was.<br />
<br />
It is only a week ago and yet seems ages.<br />
The weather has gone from record warm temps to chuffing freezing.<br />
The roads are piled high with snow and ice mountains. One of our Christmas reindeer had fallen over ( he looks like he has been shot) and buried in the snow with just his antlers showing.<br />
<br />
So, all has returned to normal for a Wisconsin winter.<br />
Alan will be here on Tuesday. <br />
It only seems like a little while ago he was here. <br />
We are looking forward to his arrival.........his shovel is at the ready.<br />
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<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-40062086578803707022015-12-24T19:18:00.001-08:002015-12-24T19:18:27.736-08:00Shhhh.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This popped up on my facebook today.<br />
It is a photo of our garden taken on Christmas Eve 2 years ago.<br />
This year we have no snow.<br />
It all seems very strange not to have snow in Milwaukee at Christmas.<br />
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This is a photo of me with the real Father Christmas.<br />
He is at Mayfair Mall every Christmas.<br />
I was very excited to meet him. Such a nice man.<br />
<br />
Today has been difficult.<br />
I am not at liberty to say why but I have shed many tears today.<br />
Not that anyone in this house would know.<br />
I have hidden myself away so that I don't put a dark cloud over anyone's Christmas.<br />
I have been near to tears all day but every time I felt I couldn't contain them I found somewhere to hide until I was back in control again.<br />
Oh well.........this too shall pass.<br />
<br />
I wish a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year to you all.Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-8938502124911407772015-12-23T16:49:00.003-08:002015-12-23T16:49:45.481-08:00For auld lang syne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Firstly.....a few photos of this year's house decorations.<br />
I have been waiting for the snow, as they look more festive in snow.<br />
But, it seems our visitors must have brought the UK weather with them and we have had mostly rain, winds and fog.<br />
It is extremely mild for us.<br />
The lake isn't frozen. Nothing is frozen.<br />
Will this last into Alanmas? I doubt it.<br />
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So, I took these photos without snow.<br />
It is extremely odd for us to have these mild temperatures at this time of year.<br />
It has made Christmas not seem quite so Christmassy.<br />
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As much as I am enjoying being able to get out and about easily.........I will admit I am missing the snow.<br />
Even Wisconsinites, who got cross every time Donna mentioned she couldn't wait for snow, are starting to complain about the rain and fog.<br />
We never usually get much rain, but we have had loads lately. I suppose, if it were colder, it would have been snow.<br />
How odd.<br />
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I wonder if Alan will get to see grass this visit.<br />
That would be very unusual.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">For auld lang syne......... I had a phone call the other day. I recognised the number. It was my former friend....the one who threw a hissy fit at me because I didn't mind children having free school meals. Do you remember?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">She sort of lost control and was really awful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">She did try to phone a couple of times afterwards but I was too upset to answer. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">Anyway, would you believe that was over a year ago? 16 months in fact.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">I have wondered about her from time to time as she is getting older and isn't in the best of health.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">Anyway, it was her number.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">I will admit I hesitated for a few moments, but then I thought....it is Christmas........goodwill to all ........peace etc. so I answered it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">She had phoned to explain why she hadn't sent me a Christmas card.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">I had sent her one last year, even though the friendship was dead, and she also sent one to me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">I sent her one again this year but I did think it was getting a bit late for cards so I thought she had maybe decided not to send any more.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">But, she explained that she had had surgery on a heart valve and hadn't been able to send any cards. She said she didn't want me to think she just hadn't sent me one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">We didn't mention 'the episode' and chatted quite normally. She asked me about my family etc and I asked about hers. I wished her better and we agreed to speak again in the New Year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">I have to say it felt good to talk to her and to heal some wounds.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">Who knows what had got into her that day? Who knows what might have happened in her life that made her explode at me over nothing? It wasn't like her but it was very upsetting.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">It must have taken a lot of courage to phone me after all this time. I take my hat off to her for that. So, this friendship may recover. It may not be the same as before but life is too short to nurse grudges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">It wasn't like a facebook "I unfriend you", which seems a rather childish, adolescent thing to do. It had been a parting of the ways, but maybe those ways will join up again.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">We shall see.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"><br /></span></span>Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-9706523211796944122015-12-21T09:33:00.000-08:002015-12-21T09:33:01.351-08:00Ha Bumhug..........again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, Sunday, we went to see Christmas Carol at the Pabst theatre, shown above.<br />
It is an old, beautiful theatre that I adore.<br />
We sat in the front row of the balcony......brilliant seats. <br />
The story is, of course, always the same but they change little things every year, just to keep it fresh.<br />
We have been almost every year since we came here over 18 years ago.<br />
Last year there was a new actor playing Scrooge, the others change from year to year but Scrooge generally stays for a while.<br />
Last year was amazing. Philip and I thought it was awesome. The reviews agreed with us.<br />
So, we were pleased to see excellent reviews again this year, before we went.<br />
The reviews said it was even better...........well they lied.<br />
It wasn't better.<br />
It wasn't anywhere near as good as last year.<br />
I know they make changes from year to year but they had taken out so many good, little bits that the whole thing seemed a bit flat.<br />
For instance.........there is a scene in the house of Scrooge's nephew where they are having a party.<br />
The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to see what is going on.<br />
Now this is usually a lot of fun....lots of humour ....and it started well.......<br />
Mr Topper, who is making eyes at Miss Lucy, was played by a brilliant actor. He reminded me of Rick Mayall when he played Flasheart.<br />
He was so funny as he made his advances on Miss Lucy. She was equally brilliant, getting all of a twitter over it.<br />
Usually, this is continued as they play the game Blind Man's Buff........with Mr Topper manipulating the game to be able to steal a kiss from Miss Lucy.<br />
But, it didn't happen.<br />
Just as we were all chuckling at the antics of Mr Topper and Miss Lucy and waiting for the game to start........they all started singing Christmas Carols.<br />
They had taken that whole part out. Why? <br />
Apart from this, the actors all seemed a bit fed up. Apart from Scrooge himself and a couple of others....they were all a bit lack lustre.<br />
I wonder why? It isn't at the end of its run yet so they shouldn't be tired of it. We have seen it much closer to Christmas before and it has always had lots of energy.<br />
But, who knows what goes on backstage. Maybe there are problems with the cast.<br />
I did notice when they all came out to take a bow, that one of them actually pulled a face as everyone was applauding.<br />
After the spectacle of The Nutcracker, it was a bit disappointing.<br />
Maybe next year we will have a break from it and find something else to see.<br />
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I did finish off the Christmas Cake.<br />
I cheated this year and ordered a small British fruitcake online.<br />
I then soaked it with brandy and sherry, added a thick layer of marzipan and iced it.<br />
It smelled wonderful by the time I finished tarting it up.<br />
If it tastes better than my own I shall be bloody annoyed.<br />
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<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-90827470026028250352015-12-17T14:38:00.001-08:002015-12-17T14:38:28.244-08:00Nutcrackers....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sunday it was off to see The Nutcracker ballet at the Milwaukee Centre for Performing Arts.<br />
It was spectacular.<br />
The costumes, colours, dancing and athleticism are all quite amazing.<br />
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Before the performance started we spent some time in the foyer of one of the downtown banks.<br />
They put on a magnificent display every year.<br />
We try not to ever miss it.<br />
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They change it every year and it just gets more beautiful.<br />
The foyer is kept open right over the weekends so that people can come inside to see it.<br />
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It made a change this year not to be fighting our way through snow and ice to get there. This is much to Donna's disgust as she can't wait to get cracking with her shovel. This is the warmest December we have ever known. Just one of those things........or global warming? We shall see.<br />
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Then into the theatre where we were greeted by some of the children taking part in the ballet.<br />
Bit fierce looking.<br />
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We were also treated to Christmas Carols played by a Milwaukee youth orchestra. Some of the kids were very young ......and bloody good.<br />
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It was then time to enter the theatre where I took this photo of the stage....and then I got told off for taking it. I thought this was a little bit silly as, of course, I wouldn't have taken any of the performance but it wouldn't hurt the stage. <br />
Never mind.<br />
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<br />
We then settled down to watch The Nutcracker......I didn't take the photos of the dancers.......no honest.<br />
I found these last two and the first one on the internet and used them.<br />
<br />
If you have never seen this ballet I really do recommend it. It is stunningly beautiful and funny.<br />
<br />
This Saturday we will be off to see Christmas Carol.<br />
Last night we did Candy Cane Lane. <br />
<br />
Donna gave me a massage last weekend too. It was lovely. If only she wouldn't say it was like massaging a twig. Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-5962631226469101212015-12-10T07:21:00.002-08:002015-12-10T07:21:54.206-08:00All good things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tootsie isn't a lap cat.<br />
She is, however. a box cat.<br />
So, Lauren figured out a way to get a cuddle that both of them could live with.<br />
<br />
Bit of a pants day yesterday.<br />
Got to work and had an angina attack. I hadn't felt all that great when I was waiting for the bus but I suppose the walk from the bus stop didn't help.<br />
I think I am going to have to re think doing that for the winter months.<br />
It might have been stress though. <br />
I miss little Ellie (the dachshund). She was my office buddy.<br />
<br />
I felt a bit rough for the rest of the day. Today I had intended to go to the mall.<br />
I still intend to go.<br />
I don't feel too bad this morning. It is quite likely I will feel worse tomorrow.<br />
This does seem to be the pattern. <br />
<br />
Philip took the presents we buy for the underprivileged children in to work today. They will then be taken to the school to be handed out just before Christmas.<br />
Underprivileged is really not a strong enough word. These children are well below the poverty line.<br />
The gifts we send will probably be the only ones they get.<br />
We managed to fulfill the wishes they had sent us in their Santa letters.<br />
This year we gave to two kids, both aged 10, a boy and a girl.<br />
It breaks my heart that there will be those that get nothing and haven't even got enough clothes to wear.<br />
It shouldn't happen over here.<br />
<br />
Finally, a thank you to all those who contacted me re the facebook unfriending etiquette.<br />
It is as I thought. You all seemed to be in agreement and I do appreciate the advice.<br />
I will not be publishing your comments, messages or conversations as I don't want you to be 'unfriended' too.<br />
<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-45671031379630786392015-12-08T11:33:00.001-08:002015-12-08T11:33:12.301-08:00Getting festive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Lauren giving TommyJones a cuddle.<br />
He can stand a lot of that.<br />
Christmas seems to be galloping up. I can't believe it is now only a couple of weeks away.<br />
Sunday we will be going to see The Nutcracker put on by the Milwaukee Ballet Company.<br />
We haven't been for a couple of years. It really is quite spectacular. Lauren wanted to see it so we got tickets a while ago.<br />
Now that is almost upon us.<br />
The following weekend we will be seeing Christmas Carol at the Milwaukee Pabst Theatre.<br />
This is something we do every year. I have read that it is supposed to be even better this year.<br />
I am looking forward to finding out for ourselves.<br />
We have also to fit in a trip to Candy Cane Lane and The Country Springs Hotel....to see all the Christmas displays.<br />
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Looby Loo under her Christmas tree. <br />
She so loves the tree. I always feel so bad when we take it outside.<br />
I am not so in love with this tree this year. The needles are not falling off but the branches are bending already.<br />
That doesn't usually happen for, at least, another couple of weeks.<br />
I am watering and feeding it twice a day, so it shouldn't do that.<br />
<br />
It will soon be Alanmas.<br />
He arrives here on Jan 5th. I shall be so grateful for another pair of hands to help take all the decorations down.<br />
I know Philip will welcome his help with the outside display. That is, of course, if we are able to get the stakes out of the ground.<br />
Santa etc was out there until almost Easter last year as the ground was so frozen. I had visions of putting Easter Eggs in his sleigh.<br />
It has been much milder, so far, this year.<br />
We have had only one major snow storm. <br />
I probably shouldn't have said that. It is probably all waiting for Alanmas. <br />
Isn't QI great for finding things out. Apparently, the decorations don't have to be taken down on January 6th.<br />
They are traditionally allowed to stay up until Candlemas, which is February 1st.<br />
Who knew?<br />
We might not have to rush so much now I know.<br />
<br />
I just had a lovely phone call from one of my old friends in England. We have missed seeing each other this year.<br />
I really want to get over there next year. I love bimbling about around Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury..........which raises a question.<br />
Ok, all you facebook experts.....I have a question on etiquette.<br />
What does it mean if someone 'unfriends' you on facebook?<br />
Does it mean that they have 'unfriended' you from their life?<br />
If you have known someone for 20+ years and they 'unfriend' you then does that mean that if you bumped into each other in the street you are likely to be blanked?<br />
There wasn't a blazing row, in which case, of course the friendship might be totally over.<br />
In real life you wouldn't say to someone, "I unfriend you."<br />
I have 'unfriended' people before but it has always people I didn't really know in the first place.<br />
Sometimes I have found people on my list and I have no clue who they are. That is different I think. I doubt they even noticed.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am looking for opinions. What does it really mean?<br />
What is the protocol? Do I stick my nose in the air and walk on by.....or what? <br />
Private message me and let me know what you think. I shall be interested to see what others think.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-30027272215987925852015-12-04T09:21:00.001-08:002015-12-04T09:21:22.350-08:00A sad farewell.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
What a crap week.<br />
Well, friends of mine will know that this week is always very bad for me.<br />
It is full of terrible memories, feelings, emotions and indescribable pain. These are from many years ago but return each year as if it all happened yesterday.<br />
Time has not faded them in the slightest.<br />
So, this week, every year I am always on the verge of tears so I try not to get upset over anything as I have enough to deal with.<br />
This year that was made impossible.<br />
The picture above is of Ellie. <br />
She is my friend's little dog. The friend I work for. Little Ellie had back problems at the beginning of the year. She did seem to get better and for a few months she seemed pretty good.<br />
Just lately though she was having problems. First with one back leg, then with a front one too.<br />
The vet said this was all related to her spine.<br />
Dogs like Ellie has long spines and little legs. This puts a strain on them and you have to be careful about the sort of exercise they take.<br />
Well, for the past couple of weeks Ellie has been getting worse.<br />
Then I got a phone call on Monday to say she was totally paralyzed and would have to be put to sleep.<br />
So, when I got there Wednesday I was told they would be taking her that day....while I was there.<br />
I really didn't need that.<br />
I sat and cuddled sweet Ellie, who was always my little office buddy, and cried and cried.<br />
I cradled her and rocked her. She couldn't walk at all but she was so pleased to see me. She kissed my face and made the little noises she always made when she was so happy.<br />
I was heartbroken when they took her.<br />
When my friend came back we both wept together. <br />
<br />
Another little mate gone. I will miss her. Poxy week.<br />
<br />
<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-47919815667305954632015-12-01T11:52:00.000-08:002015-12-01T11:52:59.274-08:00Remembering.<br />
<header class="entry-header" style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.2px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><h1 class="entry-title" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 4.8rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0.75em 0px; text-align: center;">
For Our Lost Children | A Poem</h1>
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<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Butterfly and dandelion" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5082" src="https://aliisaacstoryteller.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/hope.jpg?w=1000" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.75em auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
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<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
Another morning dawns bright and clear,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
a winter’s day, cold and still.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
I should be glad,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
but I’m gripped by fear,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
heart heavy, slowed by an aching chill.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
I feel only empty and sad.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
*</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
I miss their smiling faces.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
They smiled a lot. I see them everywhere,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
just a fleeting glimpse, a flash of light,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
then they move on to other places.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
Stuck in the moment, I can only stare</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
into the void left behind by their flight.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
*</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
They were too quick for me, for us.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
They lived their whole lifetimes</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
before we were ready to let them go.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
So we endure, comforted by memories, pained by loss,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
guilty of love, of ignorance, of hope, our human crimes.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
We did our best, I hope they know.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
*</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
Life goes on, we are told,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
but for a while it passes us by.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
Lazy is Time; sly, cruel, unkind,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
beating us with remembrances, ragged and bold,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
softening emotions, smoothing grief while we cry,</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
eventually bringing peace of mind.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdfd; box-sizing: inherit; color: #606666; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;">
<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Time doesn't heal........not at all.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
</div>
Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-2351276664411886862015-11-29T14:42:00.000-08:002015-11-29T14:42:25.774-08:00Giving Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
We had our Thanksgiving dinner.<br />
Gary joined us. I had some spare Christmas crackers from last year, so, as it feels like Christmas, we pulled them.<br />
It is always fun reading out the silly jokes and wearing paper hats.<br />
I think Lauren's was a bit big.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I cooked enough for an army, but then I usually do.<br />
I find it very difficult to cook for smaller numbers. Nothing goes to waste though. I sent Gary home with another dinner and the leftovers are now all gone.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we went to the Christmas craft fair and, to be honest, I was a little bit disappointed.<br />
There wasn't quite as much variety as we have seen in recent years. <br />
But, it is one of our traditions, so after two turns round the fair we bought a couple of things, then had our cappuccino (way too sweet) and went to buy a Christmas tree.<br />
We got a beauty.<br />
We go to the same store every year. They seem to have the best trees.<br />
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We brought it home on the roof of the car and Philip got it into the tree stand.<br />
I gave it water and tree food and we allowed it to rest over night.<br />
Today, Sunday, Philip and Lauren have been busy putting, what seems like, a million lights on it.<br />
Tomorrow I will begin the task of decorating it.......if I can find room between the lights.<br />
We have finished our outdoor display and actually lit it all for the first time last night.<br />
It does look good.<br />
While we were doing it, one of our neighbours came past walking his dog. He stopped to chat and said that he looks forward to our garden display every year and really enjoys it.<br />
How cool was that? Such a nice thing to say. <br />
We saw a car stop outside our house last night and the people were looking at our Christmas display.<br />
We've never noticed that before.<br />
We have gone, even more, overboard this year. We have the front and the side of the house decorated, numerous lighted sleighs, Santas, reindeer, Christmas trees, ermmmmmmmmm oh a lighted mailbox with Snoopy on top. It opens and Woodstock pops out........and quite a few more.<br />
Philip even bought one of the new projector thingies which projects swirling snowflakes over the walls of the house. It even changes colours. He got it for $19.99 in the sales. <br />
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I will take some photos ......of course.<br />
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TommyJones wore my Christmas hat.<br />
He didn't think much of it I think.<br />
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<br />Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-17753238382078815162015-11-25T08:40:00.002-08:002015-11-25T08:41:15.751-08:00Decked out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you like my Christmas hat?<br />
It is just a dear little one. <br />
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Lauren is off school this week as it is Thanksgiving tomorrow.<br />
I have mentioned this before, but it really is a big deal over here. For families it is bigger than Christmas.<br />
People will travel right across this huge country to be together on Thanksgiving Day and have the equivalent of one of our Christmas Dinners.<br />
People really, really stress out about it. Hosting Thanksgiving Day is something of a nightmare....or so it would seem.<br />
Anyway, here in the Banks household, we do have a Thanksgiving dinner, although ours does have roast potatoes and yorkshire puds.<br />
They don't do those here.<br />
We don't have turkey, as that is our Christmas meal, we usually have roast pork (not me I am a veggie....I have Quorn). This year, Donna and Lauren's first experience of Thanksgiving, Donna expressed a desire to have roast lamb.<br />
Ye gods.....trying to buy lamb is like trying to find hen's teeth here.<br />
We eventually found some and we are now having roast pork and roast lamb (which was bloody expensive).<br />
Gary will be here too for dinner and I doubt he has ever tasted lamb. It will be interesting to see what he makes of it.<br />
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Lauren has been helping (bossing me about) with the Christmas decorations indoors. I like to get some (most) of them up before Thanksgiving as we put up so many it takes ages.<br />
So, we have made quite a good start.<br />
The Christmas Craft & Gift Fair is on at the weekend........my favourite. We shall probably go on Saturday and then afterwards we will buy our Christmas tree.<br />
Lauren has already put up our artificial one in the basement and tinselled everything that stands still long enough.<br />
I love the gift fair but I am always sad afterwards as it over and I won't go for another year.<br />
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And finally............a certain young man has changed his facebook status to declare that he is now in a 'relationship' with a certain person in this house.........uh oh indeed.Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415609843360027326.post-79088994496937262832015-11-21T18:12:00.001-08:002015-11-21T18:14:01.131-08:00It's Herererererererrerre.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well Donna got her wish at last.<br />
She has been a bit miffed because, up until now, the weather here has been rather mild. Well, for us it has been mild.<br />
We were warned days ago that this snow storm was coming.<br />
The amount of snow varied every time we heard the news. They said it would begin in Milwaukee at 9pm last night.<br />
At 8pm we were at Walmart shopping for big coats and snow boots.<br />
We got Lauren both coat and boots but could only find boots for Donna. When we came out of Walmart the sky seemed clear......not a snowflake in sight.<br />
Donna was very miffed.<br />
"Just like England", she remarked, " they keep telling us we will be getting tons of snow, but we rarely get any.".<br />
Philip and I exchanged glances.<br />
That doesn't really ever happen here.<br />
We got home and at almost exactly 9pm, she was looking out the window, when she squealed, "it's snowing!"<br />
And so it was. And so it did. And so it still was when we got up in the morning. And so it continued all day.<br />
The good part is that the temperatures are not brutally cold yet. So, if you wanted to, you could go out in it.<br />
We didn't though. We stayed in, well most of us stayed in, one of us went out on a date !!! One of us went to the cinema with a young man. His mum, dad and sister went too, which was lovely. He did seem very grown up and had a very deep voice.<br />
Oh oh.......here we go.<br />
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Meanwhile, chez Banks......<br />
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the excited one was clearing the snow off of her car. She then shovelled the paths with Philip. She said she really enjoyed doing it. I mumbled something about asking her in February if she was still enjoying it, but I don't think she heard me.</div>
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Elsie had discovered the snow. This was her first glimpse at Milwaukee snow, it won't be her last, and she found it fascinating. Neither she, nor TommyJones showed any inclination to go out in it.</div>
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And finally..................</div>
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This is, apparently, The Snow Fairy...............he looks vaguely familiar to me...............</div>
Sue Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06653368244942699815noreply@blogger.com0