Just look what was waiting for me at Charnock Richard on Monday!

Time to catch up on you bloggers - better make myself a coffee - anyone want to join me?

Yesterday was the first time we’d done it this year. Immediately he was turned on and we spent an exhausting but lovely afternoon together. Today was quite a different story. Nothing I tried would get him to do it all over again. I led him gently into the garden, made sure that he was tanked up then nothing! I tried everything I could think of but nothing would rouse him. So I just ignored him and started blogging. I even thought about going out with my new best friend. Well that seemed to do the trick! He immediately responded and we were soon hard at it again.

Have a lovely evening everyone!

By the way this post is all about mowing my grass - honest!
If you don't believe me see my two previous posts!

My lawnmower is refusing to go! It started ok yesterday (despite being locked up in the garage all winter) and I managed to cut half of the grass. But today it's on strike!

I suppose I could take my camera for a walk and do the ironing later???

And tomorrow I shall do the same again!

But I wasn't alone - look here

Perhaps not!

I've just come across an interesting website called couplesupport.com produced by Dr David Sanford who writes:

"Tip for Couples: If You Want to Stay Together, Avoid Hopeless Talk

Here is something obvious that is still worth saying: If you want your relationship to succeed, stay away from doing or saying anything that would leave you or your partner feeling hopeless about being together. By definition, hopelessness is the end—right? There is no where to go from hopeless—except out. Nevertheless, a lot of couples push each other toward hopelessness. Do they know what they’re doing?

For example, you are flirting with hopelessness if you chronically complain about things that can’t be changed, especially about your partner’s character or personality or things your partner did long ago that hurt or infuriated you. You want hopeless? Complain to your wife that you should have married the other girl and not her. Complain to your husband that you should never have let him buy that condo, and when he says, “What can we do to make up for it now?” say “Nothing.”

Complaining is not the problem. The problem is complaining when you offer no remedy—i.e., you leave your partner nowhere to go but into hopeless—or indifference, which is definitely not good either.

If you need to complain about his old affair, do so in terms of something that could be helped, e.g., the insecurity about his love that you still feel occasionally. And if he says, “What can I do to help?” have something in mind—not deadly nothing. Instead you could say, “Be very loving to me today; it helps.”

When you provide a remedy, you help your partner—and yourself—feel hopeful: We can forgive each other; we can go forward; we have reason to stay together."

If you're in such a relationship, for goodness sake do something positive before it's too late.

For full details, please visit the Blogmeet Group Blog.

Calling all Pirates of the Carribbean

Don't take too long though or I might just have to throw it "down the hatch" anyway!

ps - how do you weigh an anchor? they look so heavy to me? Yes I know that you weigh whales at a whale weigh station thank you Jack!

Turned this:

For Friday 15th February 2008

Obviously yes!

Well he's either going to be a romantic sensitive type or else a criminal.

Yes I'm talking about an innocent sweet looking angel who looks like this when he's fast asleep.

Last night, both Louis (pictured above) and his sister Aimée stayed over at my house so that their mummy and daddy could have a nice meal together in peace and quiet. My Son-in-Law was born on February 14th so perhaps that's where Louis gets his romantic streak!

Two of these:

The conversation went something like this:

I just thought it was a lovely story to share. I sure he will learn right from wrong eventually!

You remember how much I wanted one of these?

See previous post.

And now I've got these!

So tell me - how do you eat yours?

Onions apart what's the strangest or sweetest Valentine gift you've ever received?

Oh - the pomegranate is a symbol of love and fertility!

Thanks for that Katie!

So this is what you sent me:

a. list seven habits/quirks/facts about yourself
b. tag seven people to do the same
c. do not tag the person who tagged you or say that you tag “whoever wants to do it”

1. I'm left-handed

A Valentine Day present with a difference. Guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes!

Take it.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring,
if you like.
Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife.

Disclaimer - I accept no responsibility for any personal damage incurred as a result of giving such a gift!

Last autumn my granddaughter Aimée, who has just turned six, started going to Aikido. I often take her to her weekly class and am amazed how much progress she has made. One of the things that has impressed me about Aikido (and I guess all the other martial arts) is the discipline and respect that is taught. Once the class starts a room of noisy children become quiet. Aikido does not use actual body force so even the smallest child can learn to defend his or her self.

I thought this brief description might be of interest:

Aikido 合気道, is a Japanese martial art. Aikido is often translated as "the way of harmonious spirit." The goal behind Aikido was to create an art practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.
Aikido is a relatively modern, non-competitive martial art for the development of mind, body and spirit. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba around 1930 based on his detailed knowledge of several traditional martial arts, most notably Daito Ryu Jujutsu. Aikido is often characterised by its fluid and dynamic movement
Aikido is primarily a grappling art in which attacks are neutralised with various types of throws or joint locks. Aikido techniques are intended to be implemented after first blending with the motion of the attacker, so that the defender may redirect the attacker's momentum without directly opposing it, thus using minimum effort.
The techniques have concern for the well-being of the attacker.

Here is Aimée ready to start her Aikido lessons:

And now she has 'earned' her yellow belt.
Oh! don't ask about the hairstyle! - She said it was "cool"

This morning I got up and watched the sunrise and then I crept back beneath the duvet. Sometimes it's rather nice having the choice of whether or not to get out of bed. I know that it's a luxury that so many can't enjoy. Each day I thank my lucky stars.

............ I'm taking you for a virtual afternoon drive. Our destination is the Gironde Estuary so just sit back and enjoy the view. I hope you don't mind me chatting to you as we go along?

First things first:

A pit stop at the Boulangerie! Good job I packed a flask!

Right, why don't we sit a while and watch the wild flowers grow.

Do you remember Windy Miller?

Here's our first view of the estuary. Notice the fishing nets?

See how golden the rushes are and just look at the size of that driftwood!

This is the first lamb I've seen since arriving here over six years ago.
He seems to be enjoying the camera attention.

This is the port at Mortagne sur Gironde - we'll get out and stretch our legs for a while.

Now we'll walk towards the end of the port - remind me to put my walking boots in next time!

The deep channels and the mud banks look very dangerous at low tide.

This channel is one of many to accommodate the water when it's in full swell.

This is an even bigger sluice gate.

Here's another view of the port as we make our way back to the car.

Feeling thirsty? Well this is definitely not a "teasmaid". Don't worry we're nearly back home now.

Here we are - the end of a perfect afternoon - fancy an aperitif?

If you've enjoyed this why not take My Virtual Walk?

Each week LandersUK puts up five questions on his Friday5 blog. This week the first three questions were provided by rowtheboat. Here are my answers:

I don’t remember what I wanted to be but I guess forgetting things is what happens when you grow up!

Now copy the questions into your blog, answer them and leave a comment here saying you've done it.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

And here's the proof!

As it's just a week until St Valentine's Day I thought perhaps you ladies might need to drop a hint or two about what perfume you like.

Sapphire_Night has just posted about her favourite perfume "Par Amour" by Clarins who say this about it:

"Love saying it, love feeling it, love sharing it... the innocence of childhood, tender souvenirs, like this fragrance of love, forever."

At the moment, my perfume is "Ange ou Démon" by Givenchy and this is what has been said about it:

Leave it to the folks at Givenchy to develop a fragrance created around the idea of a naughty and nice schizophrenic demeanor. The brand's latest fragrance, which hit shelves in July, is dubbed Ange Ou Démon, or Angel or Demon in English.

The first thing that hits you about the new release is the fresh and light smell. As may be expected, this new scent begins with the essence of mandarin, a subtle dose of white thyme and the spicy and sweet hint of saffron.

And yet, a few curious notes make Givenchy's fragrance a shade more interesting than your average creamy floriental on a base of soft woods. Ylang Ylang, for example, adds a touch of floral essence, known as the "coconut orchid" for its distinctive coconut scent. Rosewood then adds a surprising, inexpressible effect that is velvety and almost creamy.

The bottle itself is similarly understated – a wide face, with thin, chiseled, geometric angles. Designed by Serge Mansau, the bottle slightly resembles the chunk of Kryptonite that was pulled from Superman's side.

As for the naughty and nice personality, I’d guess that this could be the ultimate compliment, in that women are prepared to sex up both personas; perhaps at post-work cocktails to keep acquainted with that feminine side. and then at home with their partners…

Says it all doesn't it?

Right ladies - it's over to you! Which perfume do you like?

Whilst out walking last month, I came across this scene which reminded of that childrens' television programme "Tales of the Riverbank". It also put me in mind of Toad of Toad Hall.

OK where's Ratty gone?

Usksider's swan pictures sent me searching for these pictures I took on a rainy day in The Lake District.

I think they were having a lover's tiff!

He was certainly getting it in the neck!

Spiritbird has invited me to join him for a virtual lunch on Thursday. After reading what his plans are I'm not sure it's a good idea. I wonder if his good lady wife will be joining us?

I wonder if he's had a bit too much sun on his recent cruise or perhaps he's been reading this poem I posted on my poetry blog:

Separate Tables

At seven pm I dressed with care
Put on my perfume, brushed my hair
I lit the candles dead on eight
He was there waiting, he wasn’t late
We discussed what we would like to eat
The choice of wine the cut of meat
The starter, pudding and the cheese
We planned it all with such great ease
We said it was good to share a meal
We laughed and talked it was surreal
We discussed all sorts of things together
The world, its people and of course the weather!
Then midnight came we made our goodbyes
Two virtual diners under the starry skies
We both agreed to meet again
Next week come sun or snow or rain
Same tables, same time, same place
We’d meet for dinner in cyberspace

©Marian Barker

On Saturday afternoon I decided to take a little walk. I thought that you might like to have a little tour of my part of the world. So please join me.

These boots are made for walking!

There's no cat on this old tin roof!

Home Sweet Home!

I really had to resist having a go!

A view from the vineyard

A bygone age

Rust-ic charm!

Good job I'm wearing my boots!

A castle in the air?

Not quite the wildlife I wanted to find!

A hint of colour

Des-erted Res-idence

Almost back home

Marian

A Year IN THE LIFE MEME - started by someone who passed it to someone who passed it to Faffajane.

Let me know if you’ve already taken part and I won’t set you a date.

Usksider has just posted another lovely image and challenged everyone to submit a photo.

This isn't clear blue skies but it's one I took the other evening.

I was intending to post it on my poetry blog along with the following poem:

For Sharing

So morning, noon and night time too
We share all three
Just me and you!

©Marian Barker

Right - I just might have to take my camera out for a little walk! Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Have a lovely weekend!