tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/MokoFeed2009-11-21T08:38:05+01:00tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/right-7422457/QueeneMab2009-11-20T21:00:34+01:002009-11-20T21:00:34+01:00 <p>Off to pick up my Indian takeaway.</p> <p>Chicken vindaloo for me of course.</p> <p>Have a great evening.</p> <p>X</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/right-7422457/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-19:/2009/11/19/so-where-is-the-season-of-goodwill-7416150/QueeneMab2009-11-19T21:25:15+01:002009-11-19T21:25:15+01:00 <p>I read today that there is likely to be a tube strike between Christmas and New Year. <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23767130-tube-strikes-for-christmas-as-peace-talks-break-down.do">http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23767130-tube-strikes-for-christmas-as-peace-talks-break-down.do</a></p> <p>For many of us living and working in London that is a complete disaster. I am not talking about those on top executive salaries and high fliers, I am talking about those ordinary people who are the life blood of the City and those of us who rely on them. I particularly mean the emergency workers and hospital cleaners, junior nurses, ward clarkes, many of whom are struggling to raise families on incredibly low wages. Don't forget if people cannot get to work they either have to use annual leave or take a day off without pay, that is not much of a Christmas present is it? Think also of the small buisiness people, many of whom are hanging on to their business by a thread, desperately trying to ride out the recession, they are reliant on income in the Christmas period and if you go on strike they will be robbed of the business they desperately need to survive. IF they go under then think of the shop assistants, the cafe workers who are employed by them who will lose their source of income, many of whom struggle to raise a family on extremely low wages. I am also talking about those of us who rely on them. Imagine your child is taken seriously ill on a strike day and you phone the doctor and no one can come you drive to hospital desperately seeking help and arrive in A&E only to find there are no staff because there was no transport for them and they do not own a car or have the money to pay for a taxi...............</p> <p>I appeal to you, just think on it for a minute please and consider the consequences of your proposed action.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/19/so-where-is-the-season-of-goodwill-7416150/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-18:/2009/11/18/i-thought-it-was-all-over-7410519/QueeneMab2009-11-18T23:54:31+01:002009-11-19T00:34:15+01:00 <p>But it isn't. There are 7 nice dark red roses on the bush near the steps into the garden from the street. Amazing how resiliant nature is really considering how very wintry the weather has turned all of a sudden.</p> <p>Anyway talking of the wonders of nature - the laxative and diuretic effects of some malaria pills are quite stunning ain't they? Must be the quinine or summat, more tonic water anyone?</p> <p>Nite nite.</p> <p>Sweet dreams.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/18/i-thought-it-was-all-over-7410519/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/three-of-everything-nicked-from-la-spice-7374269/QueeneMab2009-11-14T21:54:29+01:002009-11-14T21:54:29+01:00 <p>As promised, I've done my best to complete the Sociable Quiz first spotted right here</p> <p>Sociable Quiz - 20 Questions</p> <p>1. Three names you go by, other than your given name:</p> <p>Mum<br> "SHE who must be obeyed" ("Aysha" - From H, Ryder Hagard. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"><br> Yogi</p> <p>2. Three screen names you've had:</p> <p>Difficult only had two really<br> Mrs F, and QueeneMab but Mr S referred to me as Lead wench in some of his tall pirate tales.</p> <p>3. Three physical things you like about yourself:</p> <p>Can't even think of one to be honest. But that doesn't mean I dislike myself either. I am what I am and for the most part I am comfortable with that.</p> <p>4. Three physical things you don't like about yourself:</p> <p>My weight<br> My age<br> My height</p> <p>5. Three parts of your heritage:</p> <p>What the hell does that mean@<br> I am a mixture of (Norman/French and Anglo Saxon extraction) on one side and Scots/Irish/Spanish Armada on the other, so what?<br> 6. Three things you are wearing right now:</p> <p>Large pewter earrings, black jumper and jeans</p> <p>7. Three favourite bands/musical artists:</p> <p>Lou Reed, Patti Smith and Alice Cooper.</p> <p>8. Three favourite songs:</p> <p>Walk on the wild side (Reed), Gloria (Smith) and Big Apple Dreaming by Alice </p> <p>9. Three things you want in a relationship:</p> <p>Love<br> Fun<br> Trust</p> <p>10. Three physical things about the preferred sex that appeal to you:</p> <p>Blimey</p> <p><del>Honesty, integrity and a sense of humour.</del></p> <p>Wait those aren't physical things so </p> <p>Nice hair, eyes you can drown in and snake hips.</p> <p>11. Three of your favourite hobbies:</p> <p>Travel<br> Nature walks<br> And <del>none of your business</del> going to the pub <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"><br> 12. Three things that scare you:</p> <p>Self righteousness<br> Regligous fundamentalism<br> Politicians</p> <p>13. Three of your everyday essentials:</p> <p>Light love and good health.</p> <p>14. Three places you want to go on holiday:</p> <p>Iceland<br> New Zealand<br> Japan<br> 15. Three nicknames you like:</p> <p>Mrs F and Queenie are ok darling is only ok from those who I love.</p> <p>16. Three careers you have considered/are considering:</p> <p>Archaeology<br> Geology<br> Rock star</p> <p>17. Three ways you are stereotypically a man:</p> <p>I don't believe in stereotypes.</p> <p>18. Three ways you are stereotypically a woman:</p> <p>As above<br> 19. Three things you want to do before you die:</p> <p>See Mount Fuji, Diamond Head in Hawaii and swin in the hot springs in Iceland<br> 20. Three things you want to do really badly right now:</p> <p>Have a wee,<br> Have a glass of wine<br> Persuade Nick that tonight is the night to share his dark chocolate goddess<br> Now it's your turn.</p> <p>Have a lovely evening <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/three-of-everything-nicked-from-la-spice-7374269/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/what-a-load-of-rubbish-7374169/QueeneMab2009-11-14T21:31:03+01:002009-11-14T21:31:03+01:00 <p>The X factor is. The whole thing is ridiculous and irritating.</p> <p>God I hate TV!</p> <p>Sulkpouthairtoss.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/what-a-load-of-rubbish-7374169/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/it-s-started-again-7373864/QueeneMab2009-11-14T20:19:36+01:002009-11-14T20:19:36+01:00 <p>The awful weather I mean, high winds and bucketing down with rain. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>The weather has been dreadful all day, at 8am I was woken up by what sounded like a hurricaine and hail, outside it was pitch black. The drains in the highroad are blocked and the water is ankle deep at the bottom of the hill. Sarah had to have her riding lesson in the arena today as there was no pleasure in riding outside today. </p> <p>It is nice and cosy inside now though and Sarah is on the sofa eating a fruit winder and drawing out some designs to paint on a cream lampshade using some of Auntie Moff's fabric paint. Shipsone is cuddled up to her, she needs him there in an advisory capacity apparently, Shipstwo is sulking under the table. Nick and Shipscook are drinking Whizzbangs and I am having a raspberry sambuca with diet sprite.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/it-s-started-again-7373864/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/13/channel-change-7362403/QueeneMab2009-11-13T00:57:38+01:002009-11-13T00:57:38+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/channel_change/4103467" title="channel change"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/467/4103467_1144c98e58_m.jpeg" alt="channel change"></a></p> <p>Seems I'm not the only one that gets bored by what's on TV</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/13/channel-change-7362403/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/another-take-on-it-7353692/QueeneMab2009-11-11T21:24:43+01:002009-11-11T21:24:43+01:00 <p>Normally bloggers invite others to ask them questions. </p> <p>Today as a once only I will give you two answers and you must try to figure out the questions.</p> <p>Here are the answers.</p> <p>1. No it wasn't</p> <p>2. I certainly did.</p> <p>Hope you have a nice evening.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/another-take-on-it-7353692/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/11/cauliflower-dreams-7348295/QueeneMab2009-11-11T00:35:29+01:002009-11-11T00:35:29+01:00 <p>I was reading something in the paper today, it seems that we are not eating enough cauliflower. I think we should eat more cauliflower, I seem to recall it is allegedly very good at helping to combat bowel cancer.</p> <p>I love cauliflower curry especially with cashew nuts and potato...................</p> <p>BUT suddenly I remembered a delicious soup I had once, which was basically made from cauliflower and onions and garlic and stock with a little cream and some oil of white truffle drizzled over the top and now it is all I really want. Of course it was served with a lovely home made warm and crusty tomato bread</p> <p>Night night.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/cauliflower-dreams-7348295/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-10:/2009/11/10/brrrrrrrrrrrr-7341025/QueeneMab2009-11-10T01:25:01+01:002009-11-10T01:25:01+01:00 <p>Got in about an hour ago. It is so cold and foggy outside. A real November night.</p> <p>Had to make some hot blackcurrent with pernod for all. Used some of Sarah's Blackcurrent and apple fruit shoots. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Off to bed now.</p> <p>Totally knackered.</p> <p>Nite nite.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/10/brrrrrrrrrrrr-7341025/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/09/embra-7334588/QueeneMab2009-11-09T00:17:18+01:002009-11-09T00:50:14+01:00 <p>Had one of the best weekends for some time. It was great to spend some time with Moff.</p> <p>Found a lovely little Turkish Cafe which specialises in 21 different meze dishes. YOu can chose 5 per person. I love their lamps.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/lamps/4091213" title="Lamps"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/213/4091213_b72aa04ab4_m.jpeg" alt="Lamps"></a></p> <p>This is one of my favourite views of the City (from the castle at dusk)</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/even_tide/4091181" title="even tide"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/181/4091181_d466c0cacd_m.jpeg" alt="even tide"></a></p> <p>The weather was beautiful yesterday and again today. I love this rowan tree in the park.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/rowan/4091182" title="rowan"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/182/4091182_2515ef9b11_m.jpeg" alt="rowan"></a></p> <p>Sadly all too soon it was time to come back to the big shitty.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/embra-7334588/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/2009/11/08/i-m-in-love-7334383/QueeneMab2009-11-08T23:47:55+01:002009-11-08T23:47:55+01:00 <p>With this little goddess figurine. We met for the first time yesterday at Edinburgh Castle in the Royal Apartments.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/little_lady/4091114" title="little lady"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/114/4091114_eb4c6c30ae_m.jpeg" alt="little lady"></a></p> <p>She is over 5000 years old and comes from West Ray in the Orkneys. She is very compelling.</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/08/i-m-in-love-7334383/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/following-in-hector-s-footsteps-7308537/QueeneMab2009-11-04T21:42:01+01:002009-11-04T21:43:31+01:00 <p>Here are my deleted tags:</p> <p>Post Tag: oh-for-the-love-of-god | the-morning-after-the-night-before | the-tube-smelt-like-a-barrel-of-oysters-tonight | god-i-love-a-man-that-gives-a-good-foot-rub. | blimey-who-thinks-up-these-questions | what-is-it-with-these-guys-building-on-cliff-tops | revenge-is-a-dish-best-served-in-a-cold-jacuzzi-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | feel-like-i've-never-been-away | i-took-some-cute-videos-too | but-don't-know-how-to-blog-them. | or-jsut-stick-your-fingers-in-your-ears-and-scream-till-you-bleed. | sometimes-it-is-taxing-to-be-green | ships-#-1-has-a-day-job | dropped-one-level-from-screaming-point | now-mutliply-all-your-answers-by-6-and-find-the-corresponding-number-on-the-chart-below | what-on-earth-is-all-this-about? | btw-this-is-about-dogs-not-politics-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | ships-that-"pass"-in-the-night | the-language-of-orwellian-ministries-visits-us-again | try-thinking-for-a-change-people | and-down-came-a-spider-and-horrified-her................... | stupid-old-woman-sounds-like-a-recipe-for-a-broken-wrist | hopelessly-addicted-to-wasting-time-on-blogthings-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | well-i-never-said-i-wasn't-childish | blast-from-my-wicked-cake-eating-youth | even-worse-than-chitty-chitty-bang-bang | too-much-church-made-queenie-a-dull-pagan.-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | sick-to-the-bloody-eye-teeth-with-all-this-nonsense | not-another-cold-starting-for-god's-sake | this-one-is-small-and-this-one-is-far-far-away. | out-of-the-frying-pan-and-into-the-fire | slow-train-to-the-cold-place | please-please-don't-drink-and-drive | does-sloe-gin-get-you-drunk-more-slowly? | why-are-middleaged-people-so-techonophobic? | the-most-woryying-thing-is-that-the-bookcase-is-empty | round-the-bend-on-memory-lane | some-nights-just-seem-colder-than-others | did-any-of-the-them-actually-read-the-iliad | ocd-isn't-just-about-wet-wipes-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | the-diet-is-not-going-as-well-as-anticipated | bird-table-epping-forest-visitor-centre. | pass-the-oil-of-evening-primrose | he-is-poking-his-tongue-out | don't-ask-where-i-work-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | did-the-earth-move-for-you? | angrier-than-angry-person-with-a-special-reason-to-be-angry | i-did-post-it-on-shipscook's-blog-in-error-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | difficult-to-make-choices-but-i-am-taking-it-as-meaning-today | wasn't-that-the-answer-to-the-meaning-of-life? | yes-i-do-know-what-the-sausage-looks-like-but-i-am-sure-someone-will-tell-me-anyway-<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> | 30-years-on-same-shit-different-day | day-at-the-beautiful-british-seaside | 101-ways-to-really-piss-off-fellow-commuters | for-those-who-love-the-city-as-i-do</p> <p>Unfortunately some of my posts are now meaningless as the tag made the point.</p> <p>Oh well, not such a big deal really, but another reason not to bother blogging.</p> <p>X</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/following-in-hector-s-footsteps-7308537/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/nostalgia-7308484/QueeneMab2009-11-04T21:35:30+01:002009-11-04T21:35:30+01:00 <p>For days when all you needed to do for a sniffle, sore throat and a bit of a cough was buy some fisherman's friends, snuggle up under the duvet in front of the telly and have a hot toddy.</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif" alt=":>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>*Puts final touches to red cross on front door, puts lid on paint tin away and scralws "GAWD 'ELP US" underneath in green crayon and retreats back in the house to make hot apple with ginger and brandy*</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Apart from that my horrorscope is full of doom and gloom but on the plus side the weather was very nice today. Pretty Peaches and cream sunrise and sunset lots of sunshine today, but very very cold. There is a hard frost in the morning at the moment and it was nice and dry today which might be a good and healthy thing and get rid of some of the germs which are hanging about. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/nostalgia-7308484/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-11-02:/2009/11/02/beltaine-fire-festival-7295001/QueeneMab2009-11-02T22:00:58+01:002009-11-03T00:12:40+01:00 <p>This spectaular pageant is the based on the Celtic tradition. It is a re-enactment, using contemporary dance, of the battle between Summer (light) and Winter (dark). The cast is huge, I would estimate nearly 200 people including their "security" team many of whom were also painted very splendidly.</p> <p>The parade begins at the castle</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/assembling_at_the_castle/4069410" title="assembling at the castle"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/410/4069410_7e8a7dac91_m.jpeg" alt="assembling at the castle"></a></p> <p>The procession including the the Green man and cloaked Cailleach (hag or crone),</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/court_of_the_summer_king/4069459" title="Court of the Summer King"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/459/4069459_822d319673_m.jpeg" alt="Court of the Summer King"></a></p> <p>moves down past the Witchery </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/witchery_lights/4070166" title="witchery lights"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/166/4070166_eb4845208b_m.jpeg" alt="witchery lights"></a></p> <p>and the junction with Lawnmarket towards St Giles </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/down_to_st_giles/4070180" title="down to St Giles"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/180/4070180_f4c9b19621_m.jpeg" alt="down to St Giles"></a></p> <p>where the Summer King accompanied by his colourful and cheerful court will do battle with the Winter King </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/duel/4069412" title="duel"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/412/4069412_733c36b199_m.jpeg" alt="duel"></a></p> <p>whose more sinister followers include ravens and the wild hunt.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/ravens/4069413" title="ravens"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/413/4069413_3ca1719a81_m.jpeg" alt="ravens"></a></p> <p>There are firedancers</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/firedance_2/4069415" title="firedance 2"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/415/4069415_1a5eaab1e1_m.jpeg" alt="firedance 2"></a></p> <p>and acrobats and it is very impressive.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/firesign/4069411" title="firesign"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/411/4069411_3d04cd9466_m.jpeg" alt="firesign"></a></p> <p>It all ends happily ever after with the Winter King claiming his bride.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/king_and_queen/4069414" title="king and queen"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/414/4069414_c08d8bcc83_m.jpeg" alt="king and queen"></a></p> <p>And they will continue to rule together until Beltaine at the beginning of May when the battle will commence again but this time for the hand of the Spring maiden.</p> <p>And we all wandered off to the pub.</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>If you want to learn more about the Beltane Fire Society visit this page</p> <p><a href="http://www.beltane.org/">http://www.beltane.org/</a></p> <p>X</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/beltaine-fire-festival-7295001/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-30:/2009/10/31/if-you-are-planning-to-travel-this-weekend-31-october-7278266/QueeneMab2009-10-31T00:19:22+01:002009-10-31T00:29:51+01:00 <p>Apparently a Halloween tube map has been produced to help us to find our way around all the spookiest haunts of London this Halloween. Wouldn't that be great.</p> <p>Here is the link</p> <p><a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/events/article-23762773-celebrate-haunted-london-this-halloween.do">http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/events/article-23762773-celebrate-haunted-london-this-halloween.do</a></p> <p>Unfortunately, apparently the following tube restrictions may affect your plans this weekend:</p> <p>Bakerloo line<br> Between Queen's Park and Willesden Junction there is no service on Sunday due to Network Rail engineering work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Circle line<br> There is no service on the entire line due to track replacement work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>District line<br> Between Tower Hill and Upney (eastbound) and between Barking and Tower Hill (westbound) there is no service due to track replacement work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Hammersmith & City line<br> Between King's Cross St. Pancras and Barking there is no service due to track replacement work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Jubilee line<br> Between Waterloo and Stanmore there is no service due to line upgrade work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Between North Greenwich and Stratford there is no service due to line upgrade work. This will affect services to North Greenwich station (for The 02). For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Metropolitan line<br> Between Aldgate and Harrow-on-the-Hill there is no service due to signalling work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Northern line<br> Warren Street station is closed for improvement work. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Clapham North, Tooting Bec and Colliers Wood stations are closed for improvement work on Sunday from 2200. For further details and alternative routes, please click here</p> <p>Piccadilly line<br> Piccadilly line trains will not stop at King's Cross St. Pancras station due to improvement work on Sunday. For further details and alternative routes, please click here<br> I see that a helpful Halloween tube map has been produced so that we can have lots of fun visiting spooky places in London this weekend. What a great idea especially as it is the last weekend of half term.</p> <p>Isn't London a great place to be?</p> <p>Pah!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/if-you-are-planning-to-travel-this-weekend-31-october-7278266/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-28:/2009/10/28/i-am-really-really-tired-tonight-7265215/QueeneMab2009-10-28T23:55:28+01:002009-10-28T23:55:28+01:00 <p>But strangely, oh so very wide awake.</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Nite nite.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/28/i-am-really-really-tired-tonight-7265215/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/what-am-i-7243178/QueeneMab2009-10-25T22:12:16+01:002009-10-25T22:12:16+01:00 <p>Another mystery fungus, this time on our lawn and possibly unwelcome.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/what_am_i/4041582" title="what am I"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/582/4041582_7b2ef80860_m.jpeg" alt="what am I"></a></p> <p>Un-nibbled by birds and beasts (squirrels), thereforeI am deeply suspicious. Is it an ink cap or worse a juvenile stink horn? I have decided not to take any risks and have disposed of it.</p> <p>Am curious though, does anyone recognise the type?</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/what-am-i-7243178/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/near-miss-7242387/QueeneMab2009-10-25T20:00:32+01:002009-10-25T20:00:32+01:00 <p>Have got a pan of home made lentil soup (Dahl to be exact) on the go to treat Mr S's cold and another pan of mead which I am warming with the intention of adding some ginger wine. Vaguely distracted about this and that I almost added some asafoetida to the mead instead of to the dahl. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wth.gif" alt="|-|" class="middle" border="0"> Might have been interesting I suppose...........</p> <p>*cheers*</p> <p>X</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/near-miss-7242387/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-25:/2009/10/25/pink-roses-7239333/QueeneMab2009-10-25T11:02:46+01:002009-10-25T11:30:15+01:00 <p>It is sparkling sunshine and a wedgewood blue sky outside today.</p> <p>The front garden is still full of pink roses and fuscias - amazing how hardy they are! Sadly the dark red perfumed roses seem to have given up which is a shame as they are my favourites.</p> <p>Today I am going to talk to Sarah about the meaning of Samhain as she seems to be very focused on Halloween as the traditional Christian rather Americanised festival. I was incensed to find that "someone" (ahem) has told her Christians do not celebrate Halloween!!! That is absolute crap, in Mexico it is celebrated as the day of the Dead and in Ireland it was always celebrated and the party games included fortune telling and predicting the future as well as scarey pranks. It is also a celebration of the 3rd and final harvest before the winter.</p> <p>The American festival that we know in now seems to be an amalgamation of the two. I will try to explain that whether we celebrate All Hallows Eve as Christians or Samhain as Pagans, it should be a time for remembering and respecting one's ancestors and the beginning of the pagan new year a time for regeneration and rest. I have talked to her about the belief that on All Hallows Eve the spirits of our ancestors walked the earth, that the carved and illuminated turnip head or pumpkin was placed outside the door to frighten away evil spirits whilst we welcomed the spirits of our beloved ancestors into our homes with the feast and games inside. I want to try to explain how the pagan calendar tried to work hand in hand with nature and that in a sense in the modern world we are constantly spanking nature in the face. This morning, we will plant an amarylis and watch how although it looks dead and appears to be sleeping it is just resting and will grown in strength and come back to life in a few weeks and bloom. </p> <p>After that we will go horseriding.</p> <p>XX </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/pink-roses-7239333/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-24:/2009/10/24/chocolatey-goodness-7237746/QueeneMab2009-10-24T23:42:37+02:002009-10-24T23:42:37+02:00 <p>Went to Hotel Chocolat today with Sarah and Nick. They were very generous with the free samples and so I was inspired to buy loads of chocolate for family and friends for Halloween. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>These are really delicious <a href="http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/cid/BPQTLT6GK8P1Z4AF2XJ9K77PMHN3ZH4E/Halloween-chocolates-P430010/">http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/cid/BPQTLT6GK8P1Z4AF2XJ9K77PMHN3ZH4E/Halloween-chocolates-P430010/</a></p> <p>Sarah has decorated the house with loads of tinsel spiders tonight and we helped her to carve a pumpkin lantern she has done it really well.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/24/chocolatey-goodness-7237746/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-23:/2009/10/23/salivary-gland-spasms-7232013/QueeneMab2009-10-23T21:07:50+02:002009-10-23T21:07:50+02:00 <p>Ever had these? When the salivary glands so all fizzy and feel like they are going to sneeze.<br> I find I get them from Wine gum sours and champagne. Can't decide if it feels good or bad.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/salivary-gland-spasms-7232013/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-23:/2009/10/23/maybe-i-d-like-to-buy-7231735/QueeneMab2009-10-23T20:09:51+02:002009-10-23T20:09:51+02:00 <p><del>A replica handbag</del> whatever that is. The spamming on here is seriously getting on my tits.</p> <p>But joking apart, hope you all had a good week.</p> <p>Thanks to Scoobydoofus I did get to see the Orionoids and they were well cool. Samhain is a magical time of year.</p> <p>There have been some splendid sunrises and sets this week so that has been good too.</p> <p>The trains were rubbish tonight btw, but then I saw the new moon smiling down on me for the first time this month as I waited on the platform.</p> <p>Had some cornish yarg and a nice glass of chilled old jenevre when I got in tonight.</p> <p>In other news I have a nasty cold.</p> <p>X</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/maybe-i-d-like-to-buy-7231735/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-20:/2009/10/20/east-or-west-7211455/QueeneMab2009-10-20T22:11:21+02:002009-10-20T22:11:21+02:00 <p>Ok, assuming I do get my lazy butt out of bed at 4.30am to watch the meteors and assuming it is not too cloudy to see anything, do I face East to observe them?</p> <p>I seem to recall that is correct given our direction of rotation around the sun?</p> <p>x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/east-or-west-7211455/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-18:/2009/10/18/instead-7196947/QueeneMab2009-10-18T22:19:13+02:002009-10-18T22:19:13+02:00 <p>Of gardening today, I decided to invite my dear friend Mr Wolf round for lunch.</p> <p>I made lasagne for lunch and split pea and bacon soup for tea.</p> <p>All in all we had a very nice day.</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif" alt="B)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Next week, I may have to sort out the flower beds a bit as they are getting a little bit er rustic.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/gardening_2/4017581" title="gardening 2"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/581/4017581_490d83ffe8_m.jpeg" alt="gardening 2"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/gardening_1/4017580" title="gardening 1"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/580/4017580_bdc3d72b4d_m.jpeg" alt="gardening 1"></a></p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/instead-7196947/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-17:/2009/10/17/carves-with-the-help-of-jane-7190029/QueeneMab2009-10-17T21:02:13+02:002009-10-17T21:05:26+02:00 <p>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('e5377a61-76a6-4e72-9c64-f038212415ba');Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/carve-a-pumpkin">Carve a Pumpkin</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>! Not seeing a widget? (<a href="http://docs.widgetbox.com/using-widgets/installing-widgets/why-cant-i-see-my-widget/">More info</a>)</p> <p>Had fun carving my pumpkin, but find I cannot save it. I think it is meant to be a widget rather than a picture, but I don't have the facility for widgets so maybe that is the problem.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/17/carves-with-the-help-of-jane-7190029/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-17:/2009/10/17/horses-and-toffee-apples-7187936/QueeneMab2009-10-17T14:58:25+02:002009-10-17T15:00:38+02:00 <p>Nick and I took wee Sarah for a pony ride this morning as she has been saying she wanted to learn to ride a horse for ages now. </p> <p>During the week Nick and I checked out some local riding schools till we found one that fitted my slightly OCD health and safety spec and has a nice indoor arena with a nice safe thick floor made out of soft stuff from recycled car tyres. The yard is clean and tidy and the horses look happy and well cared for, there is a plump friendly tortoise shell cat name Alice who presides over the yard.</p> <p>The ride was booked for 11.30 and Sarah was not disappointed, she got to ride a sweet little Palamino Mare about 11 hands high called Fleur who was pretty and nice mannered, despite dancing a little bit when she first went into the field. I fell in love with Turandot a large sweet faced black cob who was sulking nearby as Fleur was led out, I think he was a little jealous because Fleur was getting so much attention, but it is 25 years since I have ridden and after breaking my ribs about 2 years back I am now afraid of falling, but I think he was booked to go out anyway as he was all tacked up.</p> <p>After the ride we had a reasonable pub lunch and then headed home to warm up. It is freezing in the London today, more like November than October. The sudden change in the weather has taken us all a little by surprise I think. Sarah is now watching Lord of the Rings in front of the Fire and eating Toffee apples.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/17/horses-and-toffee-apples-7187936/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-16:/2009/10/16/diwali-fireworks-7184353/QueeneMab2009-10-16T21:58:00+02:002009-10-16T21:58:00+02:00 <p>All around me I can hear the sound of Diwali Fireworks. As I look out of the window the sky is alight with them. Soooooooooooooooo pretty. BUT the problem is that from now to Guy Fawkes night there won't be a weekend when we are not filling the sky with carbon deposit and when A&E won't be full of people with burns and firework related injuries.</p> <p>I love fireworks, they are a great way to celebrate, but I wish there were more formal licensed displays. I believe that this would cut accidents and pollution. I think you should have to have a licence to buy them and this would cut down on people using them in an antisocial way.</p> <p>What a killjoy I am.</p> <p>X </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/16/diwali-fireworks-7184353/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-16:/2009/10/16/bloggers-pledge-courtesy-of-bda-and-mala-7184238/QueeneMab2009-10-16T21:30:39+02:002009-10-16T21:30:39+02:00 <p>The Bloggers Pledge thanks to Mala</p> <p>by brokendownangel Pro @ 2009-10-16 – 08:15:47</p> <p>My name is QueeneMab and I will no longer tolerate online stalkers.</p> <p>I will not feed their fire by responding to their comments or posts except in three ways:</p> <p>1. I will choose to delete their offending comment if I can<br> 2. I will ignore their comments/posts on another blog<br> 3. And then, I will move on.</p> <p>I will not give them blogging space or another thought for there are many other people here that deserve my energy and attention.</p> <p>May this blogging community regain its blogging spirit and take back this community from stalkers and claim it as their own.</p> <p>If you believe this as well, then copy and post this on your blog with your user name.</p> <p>That is all. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/16/bloggers-pledge-courtesy-of-bda-and-mala-7184238/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:queenemab.blog.co.uk,2009-10-14:/2009/10/14/the-sin-of-gluttony-7171094/QueeneMab2009-10-14T22:34:58+02:002009-10-14T22:36:27+02:00 Greed: Medium   Gluttony: Medium   Wrath: Medium   Sloth: Low   Envy: Very Low   Lust: High   Pride: Very Low   <br> Take the <a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/seven_deadly_sins.html">Seven Deadly Sins</a> Quiz</p> <p>Nicked from Old Nick. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://QueeneMab.blog.co.uk/2009/10/14/the-sin-of-gluttony-7171094/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>