To my dear old journal,

Having totally forgotten about this journal for a while, I intend to restart although this first entry will be short as I am tired after having summoned up the courage to reread all the previous rantings...

I intend to change or edit some names in respect of other peoples anonimity and am tempted to do a lot more editing due to pride or shame, but will try and resist the temptation, as what was previously written has a personal value due to its era.

Amusingly, I am about a month away from this years "Race for Life", I am no longer dieting but "focusing on Nutrition", and not jogging.

G is asleep and I am typing

Mickey has also gone to bed.

I don't think my dad is speaking to me.

Still proud of my Mum and Sister

I am however on a fantastic new journey . I am emerging from my cocoon....

I have been doing this for an hour or so. I have decided to write  as it amused me to consider that if I was to write my thoughts and debate them in type, would not necessarily be considered mad, or at least as mad, as talking to yourself.

Personally I have no problem (as by now you may have already cottoned on to ) absolutely no problem in talking to myself outloud.

In fact it is extremely beneficial and helpful. I work through all sorts of issues. They can be are but not the majority, with anything to do with a row. It is a case of that it helps me unwind. If talking aloud to clear your problems or re focus your head, labels you as Nuts for talking to your self, well so be it.

I think it is established therefore that I disagree with such stereotype but happily divulge in talking to myself, own home - (but nowhere else).
I draw the line as to talking to yourself outloud in an urban or social situation....

I've finished the above sentences, and i am happy on this occasion.

Unfortunately , this literary epic wasn't meant to be, tonight.

I have to go. I hope to catch up upon a silk thread in the future.......

Yes, I'm up late, but have been looking at cottages in Devon for over a month now and have finally decided to make a reservation. "Woodpecker cottage " is the one!

Frankly it becomes as important as if you were buying the place, which you are of course but only for a week. I have the joy of announcing that it is very rural (I'm hoping for clear skies and millions of stars - without the light pollution us urbanites deal with). fantastic views to wake up to, private garden and patio, HOT TUB, and obviously the kitchen has everything a kitchen should have, as does the ensuite - I'll spare you the details. 
Bedroom has a King size (not easy to source, in a cottage, trust me, combined with canine friendly and not offended by smoking downstairs!!!). This means that although it is not what we are used to  or prefer (ie our own super king) it will do.
If you are used to space and / or intimacy, as and when you want, sleeping in a double does not enhance the holiday experience! 

The final choice came down to two, and the ultimate choice is due to the enclosed garden for the dog plus Rainbow our "foster dog".
I was erring towards a tiny cottage opposite a great pub (I viewed its website naturally..) The Masons Arms in Branscombe, but a front door opening straight on to the lane opposite a busy pub, and from what I gather no back yard, didn't seem so prime if you opened the door and the dogs got hit by a car, so despite it being "pet friendly" I had to forfeit the prime opposite pub location. I wonder exactly how pet friendly realistically this set of owners are? Certainlyproperty owning capitalists.

Instead we will be in the middle of farms and villages but only 8 miles from the sea and beaches, with a patio door to let them out to a safe place for an  early or late wee).
 
Hopefully heaven! Its small, so if I take our cards it will be instantly decorated with our log fire ( but full GCH - I may be romantic but not a fool, I know how bloody cold and damp it can be in the S.W, so not risking it)

On that note, some of the places just by the pictures,I knew were likely to be bloody freeezing.

So, I'm pleased with the booking. Gary will love it when he's there.

 Gary is funny, he doesn't want to know anything as usual, just happy for me to sort it out. That is not just holiday accommo but even where we live now. Strange in a way, but so much simpler for it to be left to me, as I think of everything, or at least try to.

The same goes with packing ( either the house or suitcases) I do it all. Not just pack but pre shop for him (from razors to new jumpers) and me,(everything i might quite possibly want just in case for every  potential social occasion, plus outdoor walk etc. form flip flops to wellies, Nikes and favourite shoes and boots) considering all variants of weather but into one case / car; quite a feat of organisation, and preplanning.

Heaven help me if he decided to tackle such a feat and guarantee a smooth trip. That would be a disaster if he organised something, he would probably start by farming the dogs off to his Ex-wife....(No comment needed there to any female for sure..) he never locks the back door or would consider any aspect of house security (Obviously I do). And bless him  he might, in all honesty. I'm running out of steam here, because this is pure fiction, he just wouldn't do it, but carrying on hypothetically, he might cleverly coerce me to Waterloo on the pretence of perhaps viewing the Christmas lights and a meal and then surprise me with the fact that actually we are off on Eurostar to Paris for a romantic weekend....

There I would be wrapped up warm, jeans and cosy jumper, not even with a hand bag with make up in even due to the liability (crowds / xmas lights) , just door keys and a train ticket and hopefully a cigarette, prepared for this wonderful surprise!

Definately good to know the strengths and weaknessess each party has within a relatioship, and be pleased!
Back to the beginning, I am really pleased to have used one of my strengths in locating the accommo. and I will be proud to organise absolutely everything and pack it into the car, including a toilet roll! and researching places to meet up with my Father & Sue.

I hope nothing above was rude to G, only humerous. he on the other hand, is my Hero.
He gets up and leaves our warm bed and home, out into the freezing weather and battles on. It doesn't make him happy at all. He is happy to come home again, but the day inbetween is horrid. When he is actually there, he would say I am sure it is horrid and I hate it, but it is better once there to a degree due to banter and the odd laughh and stuff. Naturally, thats not good enough, when the poor sod unwinds, then over unwinds with too much wine, he goes to bed miserable and it breaks my heart to see. And trapped doing the same shit, day in day out for a while. Heartbreaking, despite his loyallty and professionalism, to be potentially without work soon.

Thankfully he is so talented, that we have work ahead. I do fear the difficulties ahead, as economic problems are always imminently prevalent in the building trade, and this industry is hit hard. Its not hit, hundreds of decent men aren't being hit but slapped in the face and had there security. ie. their income pulled beneath their feet. Lifes thrown into turmoil. Hard working men on low wages, but bloody hard working proud men, regardless of colour  or nationality, being dumped. No loyalty for their efforts. The majority of these men, except perhaps the bosses of the firms, nobody else could afford redundancy insurance, and these loyal blokes won't have a job after the 18th December when Construction closes until early (5th) jan .

I've written myself into misery rather than my earlier happiness. However, I will justify it, as the man deserves a break, reboost his spirit with some quality time together after all these six day weeks his been working. I'd rather spend on being away, new experiences, with small tree presents, than be at home. It costs a fortune being at home anyway.......

I sat here feeling sad for friends lost. only one is actually lost , because her name was Sheila and she did die of cancer.

She was my best mate through my teens and twenties, and cared about me as if I was one of her precious daughters. Tragically she lost two of her own daughters. From my point of view, she was a very special friend, who was really there for me as was her wonderful husband , Roger.

Well, my emotions are very high, and have been deverstated when Roger remarried Philamena, and I wasn't invited.

That tore me apart, my expression of pain was a pain in some one else he( Gary) had never experienced.

Not because they were married but because i was excluded.

Grief and loss is a terrible thing. The point is to remember the good times and live the life that you have, as it is a luxury with a short span.

EG. Crickey this year has gone so quickly. Rediculously....and its almost bloody Christmas again! Come January, the Easter eggs will be in the shops again!

If I don't keep this journal up, I wish everybody a very merry Christmas and the very best happiness and good fortune for the New Year  x

I feel optomistic about the new US president elect, and hope and pray  he can help the planet to be a more peacefull place. I feel its a great example of the democratic system truely working.

Its such a pity that the world has been influenced by Bush, and it wasn't Al Gore made President instead.

One paragraph of two great sentences in the Times today(p2) I will quote,

GOOD MORNING, MR PRESIDENT

George Bush will be defined by his reaction to Septembber 11, He leaves America a less confident and less admired country than the one he inherited



I am not naive and certainly not tabloid led. My passion and interests in humanity, geography, sociology, psychology, politics, philosophy.religion, culture, history, economics and family et al.
 
In summary I look forward to a more peaceful world today x

These rantings are all about Council Tax....
Bloody annoying. i went a month or so ago to pay it at the bank, but realised that I couldn't. Anyway not bothered since then, but thought i'd deal with it tonight on line before I forget about it  all again. its about an extra £70.00 they want for last year for cocking it up themselves in the first place, i didn't really bother absorbing the bullshit in the first letter and i've probably paid them to recycle it by now!

Anyway, they want more and that is that. I thought great i'll pay the bloody thing on line, find a card, all going well so far, but once logged into their site I am informed of a 1.5% surcharge, which I calculated to be about £15.00 on top which I was appalled at. Writing this really is cathartic as I've just realised that it is only about a pound. I guess I saw red and lost control of my decimal point.

I'll shut up now and pay the thing on line having noticed my error. See, now there is a good example of the "its good to share" wisdom, sort of. 

G has a mate.....

Lets call it early stages, without a BIG NO.

Point is, this isn't the country to make money.

Leave it at that for the mo. I've never been to Thailand, let alone consider living there.

I'm looking forward to holidaying in Wales at the mo. 

The future is a mystery, and the present is called a gift.

I'm cynical if it sounds too good to be true.

Also, a man I was in love with, decided to go travelling vis Thailand, and I didn't wait for him longer than two months and took Gary on ( his opposite instead ) and 4 and a half years later we are still togrther.

Not sure what I feel about Thailand. Absolutely beautiful and interesting I,m sure.

Nothing more to say really, it was bloody hot and  totally unpleasant. Thankfully I had rememberd to bring a bottle( No, not wine, but red bull) and a cap on my head with an attitude to finish.  Anyway, about 2500 other women and me took part. Fair play to all of them, especially Sonia and margaret - my mates! 

Personally, I ran (mainly speed walked with intermitttent jogging) 5 k in under 50 min. 

I can  move afterwards but feel very stiff today, its the movement between sitting and standing thats the killer! but so what. I'm now pushing to achieve an extra £50 to reach £200.00 Thats the current goal although people have been very generous, I may wear my medal for another night or two to catch up with people!

So thankyou if you've sponsored me and get in touch if you'd like to, on line the address is in my profile.

Really shatterred, Good night x

 Its been hard to write post after the last entry, as I always read the last entry first, so I read my Good bye to Mr. Roy, get upset and "put the pen down " so to speak, ie. Logg off.

Well, not sure what I'll write if anything, just figured I needed to break the ice. So, here goes...

I participated in joining G at our local pub Monday afternoon, which became Roys wake. Freinds all knew or word spread quickly and we had a drink or two to Roy. The support has been very moving.
G extended the pub wake for a further two days but he needed to get it out of his system and fortunately found it within himself to return to work on Thursday rather than give up and quit everything through pain and grief.

Mickey has been quite miserable too without his buddy and unsure about his life with a pack member missing. God knows what he is feeling right now, but definately unhappy. Mind you, as with all of us, he has enjoyed great walks and a trip to the seaside (and the pub amongst mates) where he forgot his misery momentarily.

My week was dominated with a broken washing machine and delivery of a new one, and the inevitable " we're paid to install it but the pipes are blocked" so "we're fucking off now and washing our hands of the situation kind of guys". Anyway, a few phone calls and days later after a handyman cleans out the u-bend (i'll know in the future) so new washing machine now works. Great so I catch up on the back log of washing, about six loads and hey, the tumble dryer stops working after the first load! I changed the fuse on the plug tonight but it seems it might have blown something inside the wall /circuit instead, so hesitantly, I'll have to check all the fuses on the main circuit board tomorrow. Scary. Failing that, we need a sparky in.

If only a certain person would cement a pole into the garden, for my whirly line (an on running issue for a year and a half now..) his work clothes would be dry. 

G's been doing really well, he quit smoking on the 1st July and I believe he hasn't smoked since, not even allowing himself to stray off the path with the loss of Mr. Roy. I'm very proud of him. he is also losing wight and been to the Gym Sunday and today after work.

heaven help me have I got to catch up!

As for me, holding it all together as best I can. Greatly appreciated chatting to my freind Margaret, the Life coach, (Friday pre Roy) and attending her workshop on the Saturday. She really is very good at listening and helping you see new ways forward.

I went trekking (horse)midweek in the pouring rain but enjoyed every minute and have a new lawn mower I've started to assemble tonight but will hopefully succeed tomorrow...
 Driven to the coast and back Sunday to see my mum, helped her re hang a mirror and with getting some boxes of books down from the loft ( on my head as I slowly step down the rungs bare foot - ouch).
Most importantly it was the happiest I've seen her for quite a while. She has been to her local church on a Sunday twice now and the congregation seem very freindly, with a healthy age spectrum from infants, lots of teenagers and upwards. She signed up for a day trip to the Isle of Wight on the Saturday just gone and that took a lot of courage for her to do that. She knows, that being on her own now, she wants to make new freinds and she has to be brave. The great consequence is that she had a great day, chatting all day to all different kinds of nice people.
Its a great positive start to her new journey.

I need to bite the bullitt and pay out for new carpets otherwise I will not feel the house is clean again, get washing dry / dryer /elecs repaired, mow the lawn, sort out finances, our wardrobes and drawers, buy new tv licence, pay water & council tax, repaint the walls in the whole house, more gardening, sort out the bloody airring cupboard, rejoin (the easy bit) but start going again to the gym, raise sponsorship, keep Mickey happy and long walks plenty of play and training, always look to keep Gary happy, by being organised with a decently tidy home and ideally all the organic produce for a healthy meal. 
I do know i can't do it all in one day, but an on going project. Thats fine, its my job  the one I've chosen and I'm lucky. I wouldn't swap it for another, only embelish with the extrinsic reward of making money working for myself aswell. However, albeit in a support role, i do have a role in bringing home the money, as it takes a team. The better I am in my role the better he can be in his.Teamwork is the goal.

I'm not professing to be Hilary Clinton, mind you!

I'm also supposed to be trying to go to bed earlier, which I acheived last night at eleven, but after waking 5 times before six, I then basically ended up sleeping allday  which was a disaster. This according to the ENT consultant i saw last week is probably due to obstructive sleep apnoea.
Anyway, I'm awake right now, and have quite drastically generally cut down alcohol consumption.

Mickey has turned into a louder more frequent Watch dog, he barks ferociously to warn off his imagined threats but if that fails,he would probably lick you to death instead) this last week, hence I gather somebody has just had the audacity to walk past!

Peace be with you,goodnight from me x

I have had to be a grown up  today to look after a very close and dear freind. I promised to myself ( and him) that I would be brave enough to make the right decisions on his behalf. He has trusted me for 4 and a half years and been a true companion through thick and thin. I love and am proud of him.

Today I had to step up to the line and repay that friendship with love and bravery.

I took control and decided that today was the day, to let Mr. Roy go to sleep.

Putting everything aside (eg a huge hurtful row with G last night). nothing matters except Mr. Roy and his well being. After walking MIckey I returned home to deal with Roy. Through love I managed to get him in his bed, and then (added adrenalin for strength) him in the bed into the back of my car. 
He loves being in the car as he always goes somewhere nice, be it the park, pub, beach, or even just home again for his dinner!
I had explained the situation on the vets emergency number, and advised I'll be there in about an hour. I drove to the pub to tell G that this is what is happening, composed but tears leaking as soon as I spoke. 
His eyes immediately started leaking too, in silence he put his drink down,  came with me and I drove to the vets around the corner but which actually ended up driving to Wimbledon Village. A great place to try and park in the tennis season.

Fortunately it all went very smoothly once we found the place and I drove up a narrow passage way towards the entrance. As we were expected a male Vetinarian Nurse came out (and with me restraining Mickey from shooting off over the common- a problem really not needed right then!) Gary and the Nurse carried him in his bed, inside the Animal hospital. 
It was quite Regal in a way, like a Sultan or King carried  on his bed by his adoring citizens. All he lacked was a french poodle wafting a fan of ostrich feathers and a flower bearer sprinkling fragrant petals before his arrival.( he had a particular fancy for french poodles!)
He was as relaxed and happy as possible.

Very distressing to say good bye, but I am proud that I haven't let him down by doing it a day too early or a day too late . Some how , you know.

Both  Gary and I stroked and cuddled him and said our Goodbyes. Roy and I looked into each others eyes and he was at peace trusting me to look after his best interest as always. I thanked him for being such a good  freind, stroked his head and kissed his nose and told him , My Mate, to go to sleep-sleeps now...

I'm very distressed again, with tears streaming  crying right now, struggling to breathe, with a painful golf ball in my throat.

Goodnight from me x

 Mr Roy doesn't bother with the stress (and fortunately danger) of the stairs anymore. his bed is at the bottom and he retains his dignity guarding the bottom of the stairs.

I've joked in reference to my fathers opinion about losing Roy, in reference that "you have another one" and what a rediculous statement that was. I recall questionning whether if I lost a breast , the same logic would apply. Mind you,  he's apparantly skilled at emotionally abandoning one to coldly take on another and profane what can only be cheap vows. This time not in church. Thankfully. That, despite my loyalty to him, I couldn't have attended. 

Back to the point, Roy is old and getting increasingly incontinent (urinary) now which isn't pleasant for me. I came home tonight at 10.30 back from my Mums ( I am so proud of her!) and I am sad to admit my house smelt of dog piss. Its Roy. Dribble dribble on my carpets. I'll deal with this the best I can until when we no longer have such a super canine companion and family member, but when that sad day happens, I'll throw out two new rugs (six months old) and  pay out again to clean the carpets. That I confess to looking forward to, as it gets me down.  Nevermind, I'll cope for as long as he is still a happy dog, which he is. Although its got to the stage he can't go to the park anymore with Mickey as its too much to run around. So of an evening when its cool, he has his own special walk, just me and him, gently up the road or round the back circularing St. Pauls Church. Just the right amount for him to stay active, physically and mentally.

Back to the subject of Roy, I take him to the "poodle Parlour" as I jokingly call it ( bear in mind he's a Collie - too intelligent and trained to waste his time to get his back end trimmed and washed,"like a poodle" when he would prefer to be running around mountains (or hurst park meadows by the Thames!)

So, if normally its a bi-annual trip, he went only three months ago, but I think I will get him an appointment a.s.a.p as an extra treat, as despite his winter coat removed in say March - a guestimation. He actually enjoys the pooch pampering. I know this because I often hang around and watch to make sure he's comfortable at all times, and the lady that does him , so to speak, is obviously very kind and caring. The most hilarious thing used to be that he would walk out of the groomers, literally feeling Top Dog, hand on heart, he strutted like John Travolta . I walked with him, laughing in my head with the tune, You can tell by the way I use my walk, I'm a bitches man, no time to woof....


Back to the old gent he is now, he deserves an extra trip.  Gary, bless, really appreciates how I take Roy for his own little walk of an evening when its cool (without the Mickey!), and that I'm getting him booked in asap. 
Before I continue, let me say that I know I might have only days or at a maximum another 9 months with Roy to care for, so this I know. 
Men say the weirdest things.
 Gary in his way was almost saying to me, (he'd had a few - well we both had) you do realise we might not have him in a few months time...I perceived that as a male logic saying thankyou for looking after him but you do realise his hair cut might not last that long..I have to smile and shake my head at that logic, its all about Mr Roy feeling as comfortable as possible, and Top Dog for however long he has, which I reckon might be a couple of months .If I knew he might  want a  pink or blue rinse , despite the longevity of the dye, he can have it so to speak!

What it was , was my G's way of reminding me that we won't have him forever, in a logical ( but not tight) way of saying he might not outgrow his haircut. That I guess is what I was trying to communicate. 
On a differrentish note...

Great viewing that I recommend  and have discovered tonight : On demand 04, Faking It series 5 ep 01, back from 2004, A choirgirl grasps to the max of her ability to be a Rock chick. And a second one I've half watched and post typing this will rewind, was faking It series 5 episode 05, about a city consultant thrown into the dog training and even dog dancing world! Total respect to both of them and their journey and accomplishments.

Wishing everybody peace and happiness and a good nights rest

x

Although I am trustworthy, in this modern wonderful age of the internet, I don't have to chase you post race for your sponsorship. All you have to do is go to this site below. Its very simple, professionally done and advises its secure.

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarah34


Voila!

I guess the only trust rlies in me actually completing the race. I will. And to prove so, between now and then I will work out if my new digital camera is in fact compatible with Vista ( rather than return it) well basically, I will find a way of having my photograph taken in my medal and work out how the hell to put it on line!

I might even get carried away and do it topless! Now there's an incentive! 

Only a joke - i've half been watching a program about women financing cosmetic surgery via the internet - got a bit overly philanthropically inspired!

I may not have successfully dieted or trained with the jogging, but I will be participating .

It's  less than a month away now at Kempton Park Sunday the 27th of July..Its a five k course to get women from all backgrounds and ages doing something together, for the common cause of cancer and breast cancer research. The whole idea is that with effort it is an acheivable distance for most, regardless of walking, jogging, or athletically running.

I started this blogg with the intention of sharing a journey to fitness, the ups and downs and triumphs, well I have shared some aspects of life and dogs rather than jogging triumphs. I will accomplish the 5k as quick as I can, but realistically feel I may not be able to run the whole thing. However , I do know I have such stamina and sporting determination, that once again I might actually jog the whole thing anyway out of pure bloody mindedness!  Point is that I will complete the course.

I would love to inspire other women to do it! Contact me, don't be shy!  I know I have encouraged one other lady at least to run and one other sponsor, its a great feeling. Its a wonderful team spirit event.

Regardless, I am now going to start asking for sponsorship from family , freinds and acquaintencies should they wish to support the Charity and help spur me on. I hate asking but get really proud of your support and backing. Thankyou.

I also still have four weeks left to improve my fitness...

Wish me luck and should you feel inclined to sponsor me for as much as a pound, it would be great! I 've checked that the address is in my profile. Its direct to the charity that way and secure.

Every penny that I am sponsored by , will make me run as quick as possible! I will be so proud to raise with your help as much as I can.

Love Sarah x

My home is our sanctitued.

 Home is where the rest of the world stops. 

It is safe and secure and ours. If an english mans home is his castle, well that saying goes with us. 

Home is a special place. Not to be violated. A place of safety, love and security. A place of laughter and of disagreement. A place of resolution and respect. A place where you safely sleep next to your partner, cuddle up, relaxed and at peace, with the dogs having their own order and alarm system.
Home is a place where you can relax in your own bath, dressing gown, or entertain guests in your finest. Ideally you can entertain at any moment to welcome and feed your guests, beacause they are always welcome.
Home is a place from which you can entertain freinds on the spot, and welcome family at Christmas.

Home is where you constantly battle to be clean and tidy, but will never win if you have balance in your life.  Its not a show home, although I love it to look nice. Home is where a woman is judged by the cleanliness of a toilet, but never the man. 

Home in the ideal is where your loved one wants to be,and  to be with you.

A special space.

That is my definition of home off the cuff.

 

My riding teacher Wes, asked if I had any questions, and I said not really. There's nothing really you can do is there between lessons to practice on.....

We both grinned and left it at that.

I hate horror films, so therefore I don't watch them.

For no logical reason, further to napping on the setee, I have "got the creeps". 
Badly.
 I've double bolted the back and front door, chains etcetera. A very horrrible thing having the creeps. I do trust my intuition. Hence the action. Anyway going upstairs to join G in a minute and I have the two dog early warning system aswell. Safe and sound.
I'll be fine then.

x

 Been to Gatwick  to re - collect Mel ( who left 5 weeks ago for Corfu). She is back for cancer check ups post breast cancer.

Bit of a challenge for me to make myself do some motorway driving. "Some" was the way I saw it. The outbound journey, i decided to do cross country so to speak, by cutting towards Epsom, and picking up the Reigate Road Southbound, incorrectly believing I could get straight onto the M23 towards Gatwick, having missed the M25 out.
No.
I still had to join the M25 for one junction. This turned out to be two junctions as I realised that the 2nd and third lane weren't both filters for the M23, it turns out it was only the 2nd lane. In a split second ( of almost semi-panic) I looked to rectify it but fortunately brain power told me not to risk any quick manoevre I'm not experienced enough to try. So we sailed on( one of the Mels was with me on the trip to collect Irish Mel) and I don't mind being ribbed for not quite getting something right. We were safe. We can drive to the next junction which was only a few miles further as it happened luckily. I scared myself, because for a split second I could of made the wrong decision.

Joy of joys , I now have to rejoin the M25, which I never wanted to join once, and all was well. Mind you, its horrific the amount of information you need to read in a demi second whilst driving near Gatwick. Signs re North or South Terminal , no problem as I had done my homework about, but 4 lane wide roundabouts, other traffic , signage and road markings as per normal , plus detailed sentence long signs overhead to read- when your eyes are needed at car level - about exactly the type of car park! All a learning curve.
Anyway all went smoothly including making Mel(of Mel and Vince) giggle as i'm rallydriving up this spiral carpark route (jokingly) saying I hope nothing is coming down!
They have "a great" labelling system in the car park on every pillar to remind you where you are parked.Fair enough, we were in row L on level two. And the poster reminds you courteously to not forget. However we take the lift down and start walking following signs to Arrivals, and I start noticing references to different coloured car parks. Red ones Orange ones.
Don't get me wrong, I am a competent airport user,International traveller but never of carparks!
So looking for a sign pointing to the direction that we have come from, it appears that we were parked in Blue.

Now I ask you, what extremely highly paid "Customer Experience" manager, paid all that money for metal printed signs to remind the customer that they were in row L on level two, but never thought of reminding the paying customer that it would also help to know that they were in the BLUE carpark! Don't get me wrong there was no overt colourcoding where you park as a memory jog!

We seek to find open air for a cigarette before entering the terminal. Spiral down three flights, respectively walk 10 metres away from the door and light up. One minute later we were personally chastised for smoking, OVER A TANNOY SYSTEM and advised that you may smoke at bus stop 10, FOUR floors up. Naturally we walked 5 metres further hoping that Big Brother would appreciate a polite gesture, and felt like two kids, but we'd done our best.
Long story short, it seemed flights from Corfu were 6 to 7 hours late, and Irish Mels had no information. She and we were lucky, as her flight was only 40min. late.
We got back and I had a few with the girls before getting home an hour later than planned at 9.30. Had a good little chat with Gary about what he'd done that day which included a Physio appointment, and my  day etcetera.He as it turns out has really hit the wine in my absence, and was totally quite drunk , in an exhausted way. He keeps telling me that "after this one, I'm sorry mate, but I've really got to go to bed babe" which from experience, takes at least three repetitions.
On about the third, I encouraged him to go up. Then he told me something I didn't know. He was quite rightly feeling  "the world is against me style of being drunk". The poor sod told me that he was woken at six because the bed was wet near him, as Mickey had either wee weed or made it wet washing himself, so he had to get up but he didn't want to go to bed to that.

Heavens above! Who would?Poor sod! 

Drunk and over tired. So naturally I sorted it all out, added fresh linen, and led him up. Poor sod,.Jesus, we all have our breaking point and need to ask for help sometimes!
This house gets untidy, but I hope its always a home, a safe comfortable place to retreat to and never is that acceptable.

I think that my father is a fucking stupid  insensitive idiot tosser pratt dickhead idiot up his own arse under the thumb stupid tosser,  foolish embarrassing twat.

(Almost the rudest words I could think of) .

 I think "Cunt "is a great  word ,not to be used as an insult necessarily, but instead of feminine physical wonderfullness.

I feel a bit better now. 

x 

Twat -  apparantly a word for a pregnant goldfish, will do for him.