Olive branch

Just made Waitrose recipe for Olive and Fennel Bread. Yum. Lovely.

We are freezing here! 5c and the ducks must be hungry. Wonder if they like Olives? There are always a few crusts that drop off when slicing. I'm so cold my hands are icy, it was 15c in baby's room, time to crank up the Old Bakery's heating system......

Think all the thoughts of moving in the New Year are making me bake bread like a baker...... It won't be as cool to do in a house with no bakery-history.

Who(re) Moi?

Woah there. My husband just called me a whore! And he is right.

Stop right there you foul minded Reader!!!

We were discussing my cosmetic bag contents!!! As pertaining to Christmas wish lists.... and I have to confess he has a point. I have a total inability to be faithful to one brand of make up. I am a cosmetic whore. I will trade my soul to whichever company is producing the "must have" goodie/colour of the season. Though I know my mother would call me an Addict, as I have a need to own a thousand lipsticks and a million hues and shades of shadow, a bucket load of nail varnish...... I know, I know- I need help.

The results are of a collection of houses, Dior, Decleor, Chanel, Clinique, Clarins and Lancome, Arden and Lauder.... . All of this makes the buying of a gift voucher by him rather difficult. After years of dalliances and flirtations with all these companies, my cosmetic bag has to remain eclectic, none of them produce everything I like or need.

The only thing I am loyal to is Lauder face creams. I used to only buy Clinique foundation but alas I have gone astray..... betrayed my dearest faithful "superdouble face powder" after a liaison that lasted around 20 years. I was seduced by The Bodyshop Mineral Powder foundation. I am in love.

It has an spf of 25 !!! and it soaks up all shine and sweeps gently onto the skin, in seconds, creating a soft canvas on which to work. It glides over pores and fine lines, not caking or drying, leaving a baby soft illusion of youthfulness. If you don't believe me go ask for a make over!!!!

And for all of you expecting a dirty confessional, SHAME ON YOU!!

You should know me better by now!

Tree O'clock

IF , like me you are keen on gardening, can I direct you to BBC, Tree O'clock?

The plan is that you pledge to plant a tree, between 11-12 am on 5th December this year. They are planning to make a world record and also help the environment.

Now I took part in "Plant a tree in '73" so I am quite keen to do this again!!!

Once you have pledged, you then plant your tree on said date, email a photo with date and time setting and you're done!!

As I signed up, and it can be any kind of tree, they had 263,669 pledges.

Let them eat cake!

Maison Blanc, will not be hiring me that is for sure!

But I am delighted with the world's first every YCB Christmas cake!!! Indeed it is the first Christmas cake I have ever made and also iced! It may look slightly second rate, but it tastes awesome! We had to cut off the top to make it level, and it is delicious!!!

There is something for every one, boy and his snowman for Toddler, Christmas tree for the guest, laid back santa for Mummy and busy sack full santa for Daddy..... and lashings of brandy for everyone!!!

I imagine my mum will hang her head in despair when she notices the detail of my "icing" the base is meant to be icicles, and the dollop things are snow flakes.... no I didn't recognise them either, they do look like melting mush.

What an ampersand!!! I decided on "peace & joy 2009 " instead of Merry Christmas. I wasn't sure I'd be able to fit one huge word like Christmas on!

Ok so it ain't fabulous, or perfect, but it is mine, and I have only got room for improvement , right???

The First Post

For over a week one of our landline phones was missing. So too the remote control for the computer. Both of which are top of toddler's "toys that Mummy doesn't want me to play with but I love and need" list.

We have an office space at home for the rare occasion that Daddy works from home, and from where I blog.

In our office we have a recycling box, with a lid. Just below the lid are handles which are essentially carry holes. similar to a post box. You already know where this is going right? It should have been obvious, and I should have guessed sooner.

I could hear the phone ringing and ringing, but couldn't locate it. If you know me, you know I sometimes, quite often, suffer from "piles of messy crap" syndrome, my house starts to look like a depot or a laundrette. The office is always like that. Suddenly I am inspired. Perhaps the phone is in the guest room bin? warm. Or the laundry basket.... getting warmer. Or should I say louder? Then, out of the corner of my eye I see the recycling box.

Inside I find phone, remote, 2 pens, a red Porsche (of the ELC 3 inch variety) and a couple of green blocks from the block box.

Apparently when I was a child I hid everything in my doll's pram. I can't be too cross. Next time I can't find my keys though, I know where to look!

MSM syndrome

My husband gets cross when I talk about MSM, as many men prefer to think it doesn't exist. So what is it? Married Single Mother syndrome.

Those of us with commuting other halves. Husbands who leave on the red eye and return long past bed time. Some Daddies even work after work at home (mine included). This leaves the Mother with a 12 -14 hour day with , if she is lucky a 2 hour nap/break.

It is hard. Really hard.

If you're a single mum, I don't mean divorced mum, you probably get a council house, paid for, all kinds of benefits, and the stability of there being one parent one rule, and a Dad who isn't interested, so doesn't interfere. (Admittedly for some it is a hell of a lot harder). You probably also get support from family and friends emotionally.

Those of us who are "unwaged" stay at home mums are dependant on our husbands and partners for everything, yet own nothing in our own right. We are, at times, despised and envied, as it is assumed we must be "loaded", as we didn't return to work. Yet often, our jobs would have left us no better off, after we paid child care and transport! Or as in my case, I would not have seen my son if I had returned to work, a I did 5 ten hour days a week.

Recently I sent for a job description only to discover that it involved 8am-6pm and 6 days a week. By the time I got home, the nanny I would have to hire, would have put baby to bed. I would have had family time on a Sunday only. Is there point in that??Especially as after I'd paid the nanny I would have had about £100 a week left! (and half of that I guess I'd need for guilty-working -mom-syndrome therapy!)

As it is, we MSM's are growing in numbers, as I tentatively ask around, I learn that I am not the only Mum left home alone all day. There are quite a few of us!!!

Sometimes too when Dads return form business trips away or don't see baby awake all week, they make assumptions that aren't correct and a rules at the weekend that don't fit the programme. This confuses the child, and annoys mummy. I am not talking about my own husband here, but about all commuter dads. (And divorced Dads I imagine too)

Of course we are grateful that Daddy has a job, that he earns enough to support us, that we then can stay home and bring up baby- but it can be lonely and sometimes soul destroying. If you want to recognise an MSM it is easy, we are the ones after 4pm wandering the parks, mooching at the swings and slides, sat in the cafes, trawling the town centre, the supermarket aisles- anywhere but home. Even in the rain! (Or home writing a blog whilst stir crazed toddler climbs the walls , destroys the soft furnishings? or plays the same musical flashing toy ad nauseam?)

Why do we go out? (We maybe don't want the house wrecked???) Well because for most mums dinner time is 4pm, and as Daddy is home at 6pm, time enough supper, for tidy up and bath. For us, MSM's however, Daddy is home sooo much later that dinner time is pushed to 6pm. So after nap ends at 3pm what can we do to amuse baby till bed time? All the afternoon activities have ended by 3.15, so that mums of older children can collect them from school. We have no where to go.

If there is an enterprising mum out there with a bit of start up capital, lets start a club or chilled afternoon activity, or child friendly cafe/playgroup anything! from 4-5 for the MSM's! then neither we nor the kids will go mental, mummy can relax and baby can let off steam.

Or.... start a post -school "baby helper service" for teenagers to come and help out, a bit like au-pairs, for a couple of hours, play with baby while mummy has a break or does the ironing or cooking in peace?

Until then though we will still be exhausted, it is a hell of a long day!

Creepy Christmas at Camps

Now then, everyone in Camps knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE the shop, it is my Mecca, my spiritual home..... A haven of style and Chic, Newbury's answer to Harvey Nicks, Daaahling.

This posting is distasteful- but so is Camps Santa, look away now if you don't want to spoil the magic of Christmas......

and I believe in equality in the work place (and fairies)

BUT WHAT IS THIS ??? Spotted lurking in their window display. And is that a whip it is wielding? Or a fishing rod??

It has to be female? or eunuch? (looking at its face) Certainly under age? (It must have lied on its application form?) Though I'm not sure either what lurks in its velveteen trousers??? (S)he certainly is excited about Xmas!!! (Perhaps it is an hermaphrodite?) Maybe its jolly belly that wobbled like a plate full of jelly just slipped?

Is it a Barbara Windsor doll???

Please, I'm not racist, ageist, sexist or homophobic, beautyist, heightist or anti-xmas, but whoever hired the creepy santa should be fired. Though I don't think they can fire this er, whatever it is, (S)he probably could sue them under the equal opportunity act.

Though I'm sure santa's job description should, read "Male, Old, Fat, Jolly, Bearded, Bespecktacled, List 99 checked." Perhaps in today's world, his new millennium contract merely said

"Wanted, someone to work 9 weeks of the year, any age, height, weight, sex , no qualifications required. Red uniform and fake beard provided, must like children (and kinky black boots), Mince pie eater preferred but not necessary. Owing to health and safety regs, no longer required to : squeeze down chimney, work with reindeer or other animals (Foot & mouth hazard) or sit in grotto."

Or is it the Christmas fairy in the wrong costume?

Come on Camps, I am intrigued..... (As well as more than a bit creeped out). UUUGhhhh..... What the hell is it? Where did you get it? and why didn't you send it back? Or did it land in the VueFO?

The starship Enterprise

Welcome to the 21st Century.......Fox

Let's play a game.

Where in the world am I?

Captains log, Saturday Afternoon, 14th November 2009.

go on hum the tune!!! woowo, wooowoowoo woo wooooooooo,

Where is EVERYBODY??? and where am I ? any clue yet??

Ok a clue, from the outside it looks like an UFO, inside the crew are all transfixed, staring at their screens. ......

Congratulations!!!! You got it!! I'm enjoying the NEW Vue Venue. Love it or hate it, I am a movie mad momma and I can't help myself.

NEW bury in deed. It is official, we are no longer an historic market town, we are URBAN MAN. No, We are Megga Urban, man.

So, just as we, as a family, have finally shaken off our metropolis coating, and exposed our gentler rural centres, gotten in touch with Mother Earth, and chilled out, stopped rushing about, slowed our pace and started to "stop to smell the roses"? Now we have to urban up again, or move further into the sticks.

Am I ready for cow pats and muddy wellies yet? Perhaps it is good fortune that I had just packed my sling backs and high heels into storage and not donated them all to charity yet.

If this keeps growing, we will have our own metro underground like Newcastle, linking us to Reading and Southampton? Then imagine.....

How long will it take before we stop chatting to and greeting strangers? stop smiling at people we barely know? till we start clinging to our handbags, keeping our gaze focused firmly on the pavement, and mistrust everyone including our own kids? How long before old folks fear to go shopping, women fear to use car parks, and nobody dares go out after dark unless in a car or taxi? How long before beer cans litter the park, (Especially after a showing of the Big Screen in the Pavilion) and needles litter the gutters, Kids avoid the parks and open spaces because of the "dodgy people" that hang out there.

You think I'm joking? I lived in one of the smartest, areas of London, and it was just like that.

Park way

Parkway? No way?

My husband informs me that Parkway will NOT look like this. That town planners have learned from previous town centre mistakes......

Yeah, I'm kind of laughing and cringing at once.

I am now cruelly thinking up all kinds of legal torture methods to inflict on him if he is wrong. (Making him shop there is probably the worst punishment??)

This particularly hideous development spoils the otherwise beautiful, historic Abingdon. Shame on you Abingdon town planners!!!

Art in the park

OK so it isn't in the park. This subway has a different "design" every month. The council must fork out a fortune. They remove the graffiti, and another spray can kid comes along..... every month.

If anyone recognises it as their mates, or their handy work, can I put in a request?

Can we have something actually decorative and tasteful? something that shows your skills to a full advantage? You know this is not your best work.

If they painted something really cool or attractive, we could save a fortune on council tax, by leaving it there? Or maybe a competition should be held for the best design, and the kids could have a panel each and spray a really worthwhile piece of street art?

Reuse, Reduce,Recycle,

Santa has gone eco friendly!

HOHOHO it's santa's Charity shop, second hand, kitchen!!!

A bargain, just hope he can get it down the chimney!

Santa refuel here please, our "reused", donated petrol station & shop front.

Hohoho, no idea what this is called but Toddler-son loves it!! Again 2nd hand.

That will be a double fronted kitchen, with hob and sink, oven and fridge.

Note the fridge is Mother -hubbard- bare, any donations of play food, (or instructions on how to knit, or make out of clay/etc please comment below!!) crockery or pots and pans, second hand, donated or for a fee to charity, you know where to send them!!

I hope to inspire those mummies who are thinking..."can we really go that route? shouldn't we be spending a small fortune to show them we love them?" "NO NO NO" says eco santa, show them you love them by saving the planet for them!!!

Yule tide greetings to all readers.

Gratitude for those who came home safe!

At this time of year the tribute emails start to do the rounds for the troops, in Afghanistan, to remember the widows, the children of the fallen, and the soldiers themselves, who did not come back. To say prayers for them. For the first time in my blogging history, I write on behalf of my husband as well as myself.

If you are reading this M, we are so glad you are home!, safe and in one piece!!!! (Little jubilant, gleeful dance)

Our prayers are now for the families of those still over there, that they too will come home safely, and to those yet to go, keep safe.

Oh crap!

Out of the mouths of babes?

Today I made a really dumb mistake, and curse rather loudly "OH SHIT" . Baby made no appearance of having taken it in so I was quietly relieved............. I do try to modify my language in his presence.

Then at home , whilst I was busy doing the housework he pulled all my sweaters and scarves out of the cupboard and dived in. I came in and looked at him, swamped in knitwear, he looked up at me ever so sweetly, frowned and said "Shit!"

Shit indeed, the little tyke obviously is taking in far more than he lets on!!!!!

Naturally he scampered off, leaving me to put away all the items of winter wear, trying hard not to let him hear my hysterical laughter, muffled into my sweaters!!!

If only he would be so obliging with the please, thank you, help me and I'm hungry instead of just whining or yelling when he wants something!

He had quite an outstanding day all round today, we had to miss our usual music class, as he slept in, then threw a tantrum, demanding M&S butter cookies for breakfast (No way matey!) and refusing his milk. Follow this with the screaming abdabs when I tried to put him into his coat! We left the house hungry, cold, and late!! My God, when did he turn into a teenager???

Before you ring child line and accuse me of neglect, starving and freezing my kid, be reassured, he was coated and fed (and he probably knew it would be this way) once we arrived in town. By car. In-fact he is a regular haunter of cafe society in Newbury, quite the suave, sophisticated gent, with his toasted teacake and bambino-cino. To put the icing on the cake, once fed and having had his own way, he then flirted charmingly with all the shop assistants, waitresses, Grannies, and fellow Newburries, smiling his high wattage smile and batting his eylashes..... they have no idea what a cantankerous little imp he can be when he hasn't got his adoring audience to encourage him! But I love the little monkey to bits, despite his Rumpelstiltskins.

Lest we forget

It seems almost ironic now that the poppy should represent those who gave their lives in war, now that essentially the war in Afghanistan is because of poppies.

For those who grow the poppy are under the rule of the poppy /heroin crop dictators, the Taliban.

And the casualties of this war are not just the soldiers who die in Afghanistan, but the kids on the streets here, who are seduced into buying Afghanistani heroin, at low prices, thus destroying their own lives, their families and communities. A new kind of warfare.

If someone added up the casualties of war and the increase in heroin addicts since the new millennium, we would have the true total.

But November 11 is about the Military Dead. Much as I have respect for those who gave their lives, I also fear for those who came back. In WWII my grandfather was amongst those who eventually came back. He was lucky and full bodied. Yet those veterans still had their memories and ghosts to live with.

But what about today's soldiers? How do you rebuild your life when you are now disabled? blind? paraplegic? Who supports your family? who rehabilitates you?

The one man I find quite inspirational, though he is one of the rare survivors is Major Phil Packer, it would take me too long to go into detail, so his website is listed below. Please take a moment to read it.

And what about the boys still there? fighting for whom , and what, exactly? under equipped, under resourced?At risk through lack of funds, equipment, defences, medical resources, kit. It appals me.

How dare we send our young men and women into combat unarmed, for that is what they may as well be, peasants with sticks. Either do the job properly or don't do it. If we can't afford to arm them sufficiently- bring them home. Otherwise, Brown & Co you are guilty of war crimes against your own army.

http://www.armybenfund.org/youcanhelp/

http://www.helpforheroes.co.uk/

http://www.philpacker.com/

Just me and my pearl

(The above image is from an American designer Judith Arnell

Your diamond in the Pearl District.

320 NW 10th Ave

503.227.3437 )

I mentioned in an earlier posting that Baby had fished me a pearl oyster in the Anglesey Sea Zoo Marine Centre. Being me, I didn't want it just to be caged and hung on a loop. So who would have the creativity and vision to come up with an unique and beautiful design?

When my husband proposed, I was at a time of life where I had long given up the idea of meeting my soul mate. The thought of "what kind of ring?" hadn't crossed my mind for decades. All I knew was that if it was "for life" I wanted something that expressed my character and personality, but yet could still be worn when I'm 80 (G-d willing).

So, off on a trawl through Bond street for ideas I set. Tiffany had some beautiful diamonds, (if you were prepared to re-mortgage the house?) and Boucheron had some cool designs..... Eventually, researching "diamonds" on google, as you do, I came upon the Asscher cut *, and the history of the diamonds.

We fortunately, or otherwise , watched the movie "Blood Diamond". At this point I decided that I didn't want a diamond at all! Who wants someone's death on their finger? Then I spoke with a Jewish friend who told me about Israeli diamond merchants who do not deal in "conflict diamonds". Thank Heavens!!!

My engagement ring was made by Bradley& Willows, as was the wedding ring that wraps around it.

It was just meant to be. I saw a design I liked by and another Georg Jensen one, days later I noticed B&W for the first time. (I rarely venture beyond M&S when in Newbury). Not only are the team talented and artistic, but they know what works. Originally I took in a complex design that I had drawn. With ultimate patience and gentleness, they spent a long time tweaking and altering my design to come up with something very similar but which would work. And it did.

*The “Asscher cut diamond” was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a stepped square cut, often called the “square emerald cut” and like an emerald cut, the Asscher has cropped corners.

So who else but Bradley and Willows to speak about my pearl? Within 10 minutes they had examined the pearl, listened to what I wanted, made a beautiful sketch and given me an estimate for silver, gold, and some additional ideas!!!!

But best of all, they did not pressurise me to have it made right now, or to buy an alternative. They are a delightful team and I highly recommend anyone who wants bespoke jewellery to visit them. Should you want something cool and different but ready made, then also go look. They have a fabulous selection and genuine people skills, They won't fob you off with something, they will advise you and listen to you. And you will get a fabulous piece of jewellery that you will treasure!

As for me & my pearl, well I 'm holding on to it for a while longer, I want it set to the B&W design, but I want to wait until we can afford to do it! We are in a recession don't you know.

Going off the rail(ing)s

Dear Readers, These rusty old railings (surely they deserve a lick of hammorite?) are the only historic part of the park!
They are the reason the Performance Pavilion can't be built on the Parkway (public loo) side of the park. They are actually pretty nice railings.....

Eureka!

The pavilion could go by the footie club, (which already has utilities) on the wharf/canal, in the park, in the town centre!!! Then it could share parking with the FC and log into existing water, gas and electricity!!!!! Saving money in construction! Leaving the play park and boating pond as it be. Nobody ever uses that part of the park as it is.....

And the plans they had for that, well they would be ideal where the current loos are?

What an excellent solution? I'm sure I am not the only one to have had this epiphany! I imagine that some one in Planning or WBC or even the dear Architect himself has had it already and I am just tapping into their cosmic energy ,the fall-out of their brainwave !

Incognito no more.

Today I spoke to members of West Berkshire Council & The Newbury Town Council and discovered that they could not find a boating/pond yachting club in Berkshire to consult about the boating pond so they asked a club from Southampton!!!!!

Should the people of Southampton really have a say in what happens in Newbury? I think not!

After a few meaningful exchanges of glances with my husband, I spoke out.

There is a Newbury Pond Yacht club, and we were not consulted. We use the boating pond all year round. We tried to have it listed by English Heritage. We love the traditional and the circular pond. We contacted the 20th Century society to have them look into saving the pond.

If they google Newbury Pond Yacht Club they will come across this blog, (and a website that I have yet to design, despite owning the domain name!) If they care to see how much we care, then go to the right hand side and scroll down to "earlier posts" and start at the beginning....

I discussed this long and passionately with my husband and decided to unveil myself, to come out of the anonymity closet. Yes there is a Newbury Pond Yacht Club.

Yes I am a Councillors wife. But my views and Opinions are mine and mine alone, I do not speak for my husband and I do not influence him in his decisions..... (If only?) I speak and write for myself. I am not expressing views of any political party in Newbury, and am entitled to speak out and write out as an individual in my own right.

The blog is now 90% about "loving life in Newbury as a Mummy with Baby" it is 5% "trials, tribulations and successes in the domestic arena", and 5% "Pond Yacht club". It began as a Save The Boating Pond Blog and after my failure to List the pond, I meandered off course, but folks still read and enjoy- and I love to blog.

Finally Mummies who are fellow Yachtie Totties, please add your comments below, anonymously, regarding your views on the Boating Pond the new BP and Pavilion, I do not mind if you agree or disagree with me, just please have your say, so that WBC can see that the people of Newbury and Thatcham who actually do use the Boating Pond, the motor boat & pond yacht owners and those wonderful "handmade, home made" floating vessel owners, those who sail yellow rubber bath ducks, have an opinion and wish to have it made known.

I am sending the link to the blog to the department concerned, and our views, all our views, will be seen.

In the meantime, do not forget, you can still sail on the pond in Autumn and Winter, just wrap up warm! We plan to be there Wednesdays if it isn't raining....

P.S. oh and one last thing, the idea of the "double pond plan" is apparently because the pedaloes and yachts collide etc etc- my Sweetpea frequently "goes her own way" (just like her owner) and either grinds to a halt or is too far out for me to fetch her, the kids on pedaloes, well they help me out by setting her back on course! They don't disturb me and I don't disturb them!

Lock stock and smoking barrels....

Newbury Tourist Information should be paying me to advertise the town!!! (They don't- and I have never asked.) Some images of Canal side. First time ever baby and I saw the lock in use and the swing gate! coooool!

If you are a single city girl reading this- read to the end! (Forget internet dating, follow my advice!!)

Father and son on a weekend walk in the town....

If you are a family and fed up of city life, I highly recommend moving out. When I think back to West London, the traffic, the aeroplanes every 3 minutes, the crowds, the junkies , drunks and unemployed immigrants in the park, the needles in the gutter, and the shootouts, (and we had a W post code!!!)

I'm glad we live here. The kids I knew couldn't ride their bikes around without Daddy as bodyguard, or play outdoors unless it was in their garden. They were indoor kids, computer and TV kids. Cooped up kids, stressed kids.

But we didn't move as a family....

If you are a single female, as I was, then move out of the city! I was turning 40, bought a house in Thatcham, (for the same as I would have paid for a bedsit in Acton) moved out of London, and 5 months later met my husband to be! We got engaged, discovered I was pregnant and brought the wedding forward. Just before turning 42 I gave birth to my gorgeous boy. We now live quietly, in harmony, in the country.

Baby and I watch the birds in our garden, and listen to them, did you know that birds sing in unison an hour before dusk? It is a real choir practice! We hear them on our way home after an afternoon stroll through town, to feed the swans and ducks on the canal.

If a picture paints a thousand words.....

Some readers may have noticed that often I allude to songs or works of literature for my headings, in this case I have no words, just images from my mobile phone of houses and buildings in Newbury that make it a place where I love to live..... and if you live in one of them, enjoy! you are lucky!!!

Talking of the 7 Dwarves

How can you tell me that the Cinema doesn't dwarf the town?

I met two trendy, thirty something dudes today opposite the Cinema, discussing its ugliness, hugeness, urban- ness. I had to talk to them. They had moved out of the City to "get away from such hideous Urban Sprawl" and chose Newbury "For its historic, country market town- ness".

"And now they are spoiling Newbury!"

We agreed that a cinema was great , but why in the centre? Why not on the outskirts? or in a more industrial , or less historic part of town? Why not indeed? Who is in charge of this insanity that calls itself "town planning"?

I am not alone!!!!

Thanks Guys, I was afraid it was just me screaming in a vacuum.

The Gnome who came Home

Meet Octavius Munchkin Corbett. (Snow white and the 7, self explanatory,Ronnie). Our new member of the household and Head Gardiner.....

We Love the New Sainsbury's!!!

We can go up and down all day long......... Baby's new toy!!!

Seriously though Good job ,Well Done.