Monday 31 May 2010

We Are Back...

From a Very Busy Weekend in Scotland.

Just popped in, just home, Ralph has worked so hard getting his mum's bathroom sorted for her and he has made a fabulous job of it. Stupidly I did not take a photo:(

My relationship with his mum reached another place, a wonderful place. 
She is a wonderful lady and so determined to get moblie again.

Well tomorrow is June 1st and I have a
PLAN TO GET BACK ON TRACK.
Each Tuesday will be my Truthful Tuesday, it will be my weigh day, my review day, my honesty day.
(I mean a completely hand on heart honesty day)
So if there is anything you wish to know about me, ask me on a Tuesday and I will tell you.

Good night, hope you have had a great weekend.

Friday 28 May 2010

I'm Sooooo Tired.....

We had a five hour delay at Dalman airport, at the time we were picked up at the hotel, the plane due to bring us back, hadn't even left Manchester. It was not a pleasant experience at the airport. Besides being held to ransom for a bottle of water £2.60 for 250ml. We were getting it for 25ct's in the resort.  They had us held captive, with the security thing of no liquids coming in, which I thoroughly agree with.  But a price hike of 5000% is immoral. 

I have never experienced a delay like last nights and I hope I never do again. I'm not going to whinge about it, we were lucky, just us to look after, the families with children were the one's entiltled to have a rant, boy if I was one for those mothers you would hear me ranting right now!!

We arrived back in the shoebox at 5.30 this morning, neither of us feeling very well, we went to bed straight after checking the post.  My man is still there snoring for Scotland...

I got up at 10.30, awoked by the sound of his snoring;)
I got up, got on the scales.....OMG.....OMG.....OMG......

I only put on four pounds.....  I'm dancing a happy dance. Can you see me...LoL
I really did expect more, even though we ate healthily most of the time, and we walked miles, plus the bike ride on day,  so I am very happy with that.

My plan starts on Tuesday, so you never know the official weigh in could be less, I have four days, mind  you that is for days in Scotland...mmm..Well we shall see, I am very happy with the numbers this morning.

I am very happy to be back in our little shoebox, the sun is shining, ok so it's not Turkey, but it's England, it's home and we are safe and sound and one of us is blissfully snoring.

Thursday 27 May 2010

Time To Go Home


Here I am sitting in the reception area of the hotel, where I have sat each time I have written a post.  Now I am sitting waiting for the transfer coach to the airport. Writing a post...

It has been very hot today, I have been most uncomfortable as have most of the people I have spoken to, staff and guests alike here in the hotel.  It feels like there is a storm comming.  It better come and go before we get to the airport!

I feel quite sad leaving here today, the staff from the receptionist through to the waiters who have taken care of us have been absolutley wonderful.  Our chambermaid was quite emotional this morning when we said our goodbye to her. The Turkish people really are wonderfully warm and genuine folk and I feel quite terrible in that for many years I have thought they were miserable and hard.  I make an apology to them all here.  The only miserable one I have come across is the manager here. I think the global economic situation is affecting holiday bookings and he is looking like a man with a lot of worries on his shoulder's. They have done a lot of refurbishment in the closed season and they are looking to recoup some of it this year. 
I hope things pick up for this hotel and all the other's in the town.  It was extremely quiet in the town last night, some of the bar's and resaurant's were completely empty.  It is half term in the UK next week so maybe it will pick up at the weekend. Turkey is cheaper than most other European holiday destinations as they are nort in the EU.  So not in the Eurozone which is floundering badly at the moment. It is a little more expensive than we were led to believe but still cheaper than Spain, Greece etc.

I have taken photo's of the people we have enjoyed this past eleven days and will post photo's when/if I get the chance over the weekend. We have just heard the flight is delayed but don't know for how long:(  I have warned my man if we are delayed more than an hour, we will not be driving to Scotland tomorrow.  He is not happy with me, but knows I am only concerned about his health and safety.  Driving six hours on just a few hours sleep in a fools errand and I ain't no fool. The flight is due in to Manchester at 11:25pm, by the time we get through baggage and customs and get to the car, we are looking at getting home by 1:00am at the earliest.  If delayed it will be later.  He wants to drive to Scotland late morning, who is the fool?  But he is my fool and I adore him.



Catch up with you soon, here's to a safe flight home.

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Some Turkish Food Delights

Apple Tea...
Deliciously Refreshing.
Fresh Fuit Cake, Deliciously Naughty.




Turkish Bread, Garlic and Parsley Butter and Goat's Cheese, Delicously Warm.


Phyllo Pastry Parcels Deliciously Vegetarian.


Spinach Ravioli with Yogurt and Garlic, Delicously Fabulous.


Fish Casserole, I didn't try it but Ralph says it was delicious.

The Claypot the casserole was cooked in.



The traditional end to a Turkish meal, Turkish coffee.


We are just about to get ready to go out for our final evening meal here in Turkey, feeling a little sad the holiday is coming to an end, but at the same time looking forward to getting home.  Even if it is only for a few hours.  We are heading up to Scotland on Friday to help sort things for Ralph's mum with Heather, his sister.  She is being discharged from hospital on Saturday. There is an awful lot to get organised in the three days we up there.


Will send my final post from Turkey tomorrow afternoon, while waiting for the coach transfer to the airport.

Then it is back to getting healthy....

Tuesday 25 May 2010

Hello I'm Having too Much fun to Blog;)


My Very Favourit Flower in All the World


Just been dipping in and out, usually when my man is having a swim.  I am having a wonderful time.  This has been a totally relaxed holiday, one we both needed.  We have met some really lovely people, the Turkish are so genuinely friendly.

I have enjoyed some delicous meals, delightful pastries and to die for salads.  I have put weight on, I can see it and feel it around my middle.  Do you know something, I don't care right now.  I have a plan for when we get back, so right now I am enjoying every moment, every morsel.

Although,I do have a body image problem that won't let me wear a swimsuit in public, we went to the beach and I sat fully clothed on a sunbed under a canopy. As I looked around I questioned why I am like this, as there are many women much larger than me, stripping off and wearing bikini's, appearing not to give a toss.  Why can't I be like that. It is not something that upset's me as it has always been part and parcel of who I am since childhood. So it is nothing new and it is not raw, if you know what I mean. It does bother Ralph though, he is proud of me and wishes I would wear a swimsuit to the beach.  I have no body image problem as far as he is concerned, I am so confident of his love and commitment to me, I don't hide from him. In fact we have had a lot of fun:o)


Yes here is the proof, I did ride a bike on holiday.
Her name was Alice...God love her, having to carry me..lol

Friday 21 May 2010

A Bouquet from Turkey



 We have had another relaxed day; the weather forecast was for rain, so we didn’t catch the dolbus to the beach. Instead we went for a walk around the local shopping area, checked out a local supermarket. Looking at the food in the local market and the super market we have decided if we come or should I say, when we come back to Turkey, we will rent a villa or an apartment. It is cheap enough to eat out and we would still do so most nights. But for breakfast and lunch there would be more control over the food we eat.

 This collection of photos is of all the flowers I have come across. The perfume from some of these flowers is most intoxicating. Oleander is beautiful, both in its self and its perfume. We came across a villa called “Villa Jasmine” and the planting there was out of this world, of course there was Jasmine, but intermingled there were perfumed roses, honeysuckle and passion flower. It was a heady mixture and I must try to recreate the perfume in the garden at home.

 The rain came, with thunder, it is now feeling a bit chilly, I’m wearing a cardy... I believe it is 27 degree's at home...It is 22 here but feels cold because of the rain.




The photo ey the byccyle and me will be here tomorrow, thank you for the great advice about my wrists and managing with a bicycle. Ralph has been on line and found some wrist supports so the to to plans are back on track. Sorry Suzi about the Turkish Delight, but I am being tortured by a box of mixed flavour's bought by
 he-who-is-cruel, last night.  They are on the bedside table, but are for taking home....Why didn't he wait until next Wednesday night to buy them?  He is supposed to love me!!!

Thursday 20 May 2010

Turkish Delights Three





                  The view from our room after the gardener trimmed ton's of branches off the Bouganvillia.


We had a lazy, relaxed day yesterday, Ralph went for his Turkish bath while I surfed some blog’s and did a post. Then we had lunch by the pool, I had a vegetable pitta which was to die for, I will be having that again. Then we went for a leisurely walk around the outskirts of the town. Took some photo’s some of which are below.

We then came back and I had a nap, while Ralph had a read. I am just about to have a shower before we go out to dinner (posh again) tonight we have booked into the restaurant we went to on our first night. they are having a “Tandir Night” I am led to believe it is lamb cooked slowly for two days, I think it may be similar to the Greek Klephtiko, which is delicious. I hope I am not going to be disappointed, haven’t been so far.

Thursday Afternoon...

The Tandir was delicious and we had a lovely evening. Today we hired bikes, yes you heard me, and we hired bikes at 10am and went for a two hour ride. Ok we stopped several times so it was probably a one and a half hour ride. There is a photo to prove it, still in the camera. I did learn a lesson today though, cycling and arthritic wrists do not mix. I terrain here is rough, not smooth ride at all. So it has got Ralph worrying that I won’t be able to cycle when we get back home. The bikes we were supposed to get last year are on the to do list for when we get home. Now do I go ahead and by one or will my wrists hurt no matter what surface I ride on? All advice welcome.

Here are two examples of villa's for sale here in Dalyan...



 
 
 
This is my idea of idyllic, I must try to grow som climbers up and over my shed.
Some random photo's from our walk yesterday. Ralph is just back from his cycle ride so we are going over to the pool bar for a drink.  Oh this is the life...

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Turkish Delights Part Two

Good Morning from Dalyan, the weather is perfect, I am sat alone in the reception area of the hotel.  My man has gone for a Turkish Bath, I am not into pain so giving that a miss.

Yesterday we sent on an all day coach trip which was very enjoyable.  We visited a gold centre and I am so glad we left the plastic at home.  There was a ring there I would definately have had if I had had a little bit of plastic in my purse. Do I need  ring? No, do I want a ring? Well I did when it was on my finger, but I am not missing it now. So I am very please the plastic is in my knickers...

We then went to Fethiye and there was a large market, which was fabulous. Even in the torrential rain, it was so entertaining watching the stall holders shifting the rainwater from their tenting.  the laughter and shouting was brillant, it was an impromptu entertainment, I don't know who enjoyed it most, the Turkish stall holders or the tourist's.

My man haggeld over a pair of long shorts, it is all part of life over here.  I am not comfortable with it, but Ralph used to do it in Saudi so he knows the ropes so to speak.  Anyway the stall holder wouldn't come down to Ralph's price, so we walked away, or should I say Ralph did,  I was already 12ft away!!  We were about 50 yards down the row and we heard "sorry...sorry" we turned around and the stall holders wife was there, with the shorts, in a bag and saying "sorry, yes 20lire". I was gob smacked and Ralph was chuffed. So seemingly it does work..lol.

We  then went for a buffet meal at a ghost town, the meal was delicious, but I found the ghost town very sad.
It was a Greek village, but was cleared in 1929, I think I have the date right but it might be 1923. When Atta Turk lead the fight for Turkish Independance.  The Greeks had to leave overnight and no one has lived there since. This is not the first village I have seen like this, there is one in Cyprus, where the reverse happened, the Turk's had to leave overnight and no one has lived there since either.

We visited a small hippy type market just outside the ghost town and I treated myself to a bracelet and necklace. So that's my soveneirs of the holiday sorted.  After that we were taken to Oledeniz another resort down the coast, they have the Blue Lagoon beach which is one of the best beaches in Turkey.  My man went for a swim, I didn't.  I am a Piscean,  love to be by water, walk by water, but get in the water, no way...

On the way back we visited a Turkish Delight factory, it was heavenly, the smells were mmmmmmmm.....  We were shown how it is made, very interesting, but I must stay away from it.  Pure Sugar!! They also sell spice's and part of the entertainment was the owner mixing spice mixes, one for marinading meats and on for spaggetti based meals.  They again were aromatic heaven,  we bought some of the spagetti mix to take home.  Can't wait to use it.  We didn't buy any Turkish Delight, oh it was sooo hard leaving it..















Tuesday 18 May 2010

Turkish Delights Part One

Turkish Delights


Here we are in Dalyan, Turkey. A place I always thought I would visit but I am glad I changed my mind. The people are so friendly and helpful.

We had a delicious meal last night and I am trying to stick to healthy food. The Greek salad (seems strange having a Greek salad in Turkey) was delicious. I then had meatballs with yogurt, fantastic!

Today had a very healthy breakfast, muesli and yogurt, followed by boiled egg and tomato with two slices of Turkish bread. Mediterranean tomatoes are sooooo delicious. For lunch we had a waffle with tons of strawberries and ice cream. We are so full right now I don’t think we will be going for dinner (notice I have gone posh, dinner instead of tea, that’s because I’m on holiday;))

I am sat at the poolside bar typing this, listening to Turkish waiters laughing and joking with music in the background, it is 7:30pm. Mind you, I am not sure what time this will go on my blog as I have to go around to the front of the hotel to get a signal. So it may even be in the morning

I have found apple tea and I love it, I am drinking water like there is no tomorrow, wish I could drink like this at home.

Here are some delights from today...



Suzi you would love walking here:)

It is the following morning and it is another glorious day...
 
 
 

Saturday 15 May 2010

Just a Quick Hello Goodbye...

I am away in the early hours flying to the sun for some much needed rest and relaxation. It has been hectic the past couple of days getting things sorted, but we are finally ready to go.

I don't know what the internet facilities are at the resort we are staying at, so I will just say, see you in a fortnight. 

Take Care

Thursday 13 May 2010

Thursday Thoughts

My man has started snoring again, so I have been awake most of the night, up since 3am. He will scold me when he gets up, for being up, but what else can I do? Nudging him all night long doesn't work, I don't do ear plugs or ear phones. So the answer is get up have a cuppa and read and doze on the sofa.

His alarm has just gone off, so wait for it...lol

"Darling what are you doing up?"
"You are snoring again sweetheart"
" Oh am I? Sorry, but you need to be in bed"
" Yes I do, but your snoring drives me out of bed"
"Sorry,wonder why it has started again?"
"Me too!"

I watched the unfolding of the new coalition government yesterday, and as David Cameron and Nick Clegg stood on the steps of 10 Downing Street it scared the living daylights out of me.  That is all I am saying on the matter.

It's Curry Night tonight with the girls from work, so a good time should be had, we enjoy these nights.
Then tomorrow my Beloved Snorer and I will begin to pack for our holiday on Sunday. Eleven days of sun, sea, sand, rest and relaxation.  I can't wait. We had considered cancelling the holiday due to mum in law being in hosptial.  But after discussions with Ralph's sister we are going after they decided it would upset mum and worry her if we did cancel. So we fly away at 7am on Sunday morning..YaaaaaY !!!

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Heaven Help Us

Davids Cameron is our new Prime Minister.
The poor will get poorer and the rich will get richer.
Gordon Brown left with dignity, Good Luck to him.

Our's is a quiet house tonight.

The Carpenters - Top Of The World



As I was dancing through the houswork this morning, I played a cd of The Carpenters, haven't played them for a while. This song played and I was "singing" along to it and it suddenly dawned on me. This song is just how I feel about my man.

Now you might be thinking, sentimental old fool, maybe I am,
but I spent a lot of years at the bottom of the world and it is
SOOOOOOOOOOOOO VERY GOOD to be
On Top of The World finally!!

What song/songs are special to you and your relationships?

Monday 10 May 2010

Moody Monday

Monday started off beautifully in this house. My husband was home and we had a delicious morning together.

Then I went to work and everything changed. The patients were sooooooo moody!! I had three people, one at the main desk and two on the phone, that I was being so helpful to, well I thought I was, but seemingly I was being obstructive and unhelpful.  I was Gobsmacked, I checked with my workmates who were around and they said I was so helpful they really couldn't understand what the problem was. I wasn't the only one who had the problem though, we had a few other moments throughout the afternoon and we decided that the local chemical works were pumping out nasty gas again. There really wasn't any rhyme or reason for the nastiness today.

I was so happy to get home to my wonderful husband and to know I am a good person, he wouldn't be with me if I wasn't..  The three days of separation have reinforced our feelings for each other, it's flipping fantastic...LOL

Sunday 9 May 2010

I'm A Happy Bunny

My man is on his way home, I have spoken to Ann, my mother in law on the phone.  She sounds very tired, but tells me she feels she has turned a corner. She has eaten properly for the first time today and enjoyed the hospital food, she had a Sunday roast and said you wouldn't believe it was hospital food..lol. She told me her son is looking good :o) and that she misses me..Made me cry.  This lady has become so very dear to me over the past five years.  Thank you for you good wishes for her, I really appreciate the kindness that out here.

I didn't do as much decluttering as I had planned, I got sidetracked as usual. Maybe I need to get someone in to do it for me. The bedroom is looking nice though with the new bedding and candles....
Roll on midnight;o)

Solitary Sunday...

Happy Sunday and Happy Mothers Day to those over the pond..

The sun is shining on Runcorn this morning, the tree's are all dressed in ther new green finery.  The birds are singing and all is well with the world...Or is it?

I'm still home alone, my darling is in Edinburgh, he was quite upset yesterday after seeing his mum at afternoon visiting. He was shocked at the weight she has lost (She is usually around 7st soaking wet!)
She had a collapse yesterday morning and wasn't too good at all at visiting time. My heart went out to him when he called home. He went back in the evening and she was much better. He has had discussions with his sister and hosptial staff bout mum's rehabilitation. So that a postive sign, talking rehab means they believe she is getting better? We did have doubt's about going on holiday next Sunday but right now the holiday is still on.

I had a wonderful day with Trish yesterday, we went to a craft festival and both spent more than we should, but it was FUN!!  Some Fabulous new ideas and I am itching to get playing with my new toys.

So today is a tidy up and sort out day for me, I have bought and borrowed some books on decluttering and I am making a start today.  I think my man may be shocked when he gets home in the early hours of tomorrow!!

Friday 7 May 2010

Home Alone:o(

My husband left me this morning..

He left at 4am and headed to his beloved Scotland, but left me behind...

His mum is in hospital in Edinburgh after suffering a cracked pelvis
while playing golf  THREE WEEKS AGO!!
She wouldn't go to hospital after her fall, independent little madam.

She has been staying with her daughter and has been telling everyone she is fine. but the pain finally beat her a few days ago and she was admitted to hospital to get the pain under control. I am told she is floating on a morphine induced cloud at that moment. The worry is with her age and size (she is tiny) morphine depresses the respiratory system, so we hope the doctors are getting it right.

I couldn't go up to see her with Ralph, as I have no leave left in work, I could have booked compassionate leave but we did not think it appropriate at this time. So for the first time since we married we are going to be apart for four days. It is going to be very strange.

My Bezzy Mate Trish is coming this afternoon until tomorrow evening so it will be a natter marathon...
I am so looking forward to seeing and being with her.

Well it looks like we have a Hung Parliment here in Britain, not an ideal situation by any means, but the people have spoken and we need to make the best of a bad situation. It's going to be a busy weekend in Downing Street.

Thursday 6 May 2010

Ranting and Election Day

Thank you for the comments on yesterdays post, it was a rant that got me really wound up and I am still wound up. One of the two mum's came into reception today, looking very sheepish.  I chatted with her about other stuff and she seemed quite relieved that I didn't continued yesterday's discussion.  I am not one to push my opinion's on to others and I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable with me. As for the other mum, the over weight one, I do want to try to encourage her to grow her self esteem. Any hints as to how I can would be greatly appreciated.

It's General Election Day here in the UK, so there have been some lively discussions in work and at home over the past few days and of course today. My husband and I tend to agree about most things, but we are poles apart when it comes to politics, so today we went to vote and effectively cancelled out each others vote!! But never the less we voted and I am more than grateful for the opportunity. Freedom of speech and the right to vote are the precious gifts of living in a democracy.  I honestly believe you should use your vote or pay a forfeit. If you don't vote, don't moan!!

Here Endeth the Rant!!

Wednesday 5 May 2010

What Ever Happened to Discipline and Respect?

At work today I overheard a conversation between two mothers of young daughters. The daughter’s are 11 years of age. The conversatation was about the behaviour of these children. I could not believe my ears. One mum says she is treading on eggshells with here “Little Angel” as her hormones have kicked in and she has turned into a nightmare child. This mum says she runs her daughter’s bath each morning, lays out towels for her and lays out her clothes. Then goes to wake the child and asks what she would like for breakfast.

This mum is in her mid thirties, overweight and although she puts on a jolly front, I know she has self esteem issues. (I recognise me in her) What she said next really got me mad. She said if she upsets her daughter , this child calls her “ An Evil Fat Ugly Cow!” and the mother said to the daughter “Less of the Evil” I had to interrupt the conversation, I was incensed that this mum had so little respect for herself that she let her child speak to her in such a way. I asked why she let her child speak to her in such a way, laughing it off she said “But it’s true, I am a fat ugly cow”.

She has seems to have no self respect, so how can she inspire respect from her daughter? A conversation then ensued about parental respect and discipline and neither of these young mothers could understand why I was so upset. They seem to believe their daughters have the right to demand whatever they want, be it clothes, shoes, phones, to name but three things.

Now I might be very non pc here, but I believe you cannot be your child’s friend in childhood. You have to be a parent. Parents give love, stability and discipline. They set boundaries so children know where they stand. They teach respect for people, property and for the world we live in. Friendship with your children arrives when they reach adulthood and you reap the benefit of being the loving but strong parent in their formative years.

From where I stand looking at the children growing up now, there is a disconnection, an isolation that is scaring the living daylights out of me. So many young people do not know how to communicate verbally. We see it every day, so many young people wearing earphones, listening to music, playing video games, surfing the internet, texting on phones. I know it looks like I am tarring all young folk with the same brush. I’m not, but I am alarmed at number who cannot hold a conversation without being attached to some sort of electronic gadgetry.

I have gone off on a tangent and nearly fallen off my soapbox, but it is something I do feel strongly about. My children where brought up to respect their elders and each other. I was a strong displinarian, so much so that one of my daughters told me recently that two of her friends thought I was wicked. This was because my rule when they were playing out was, when the street lights came on, my children came in. These two young children were allowed to play out until 10pm on a school night...I asked my daughter what she thought now about how she was brought up, she said “Can’t you see what I think mum? I have the same rules for my kids”.

I didn’t always get it right with my kids, we all have differing situations and relationships. I just feel that we need to get back to simple family values. Families doing things together, eating at the table together, playing games, talking, going for walks. Instead of a television or a computer in every room in the house and every on being disconnected.

Monday 3 May 2010

OMG!!! OMB!!!


I have been awarded the WILD award
by the lovely Karen and 266,
does that mean I have to do two of the dares?
As Below?
Here's the copy & paste stuff:

 Get really excited that you got the coolest award ever!
2. Choose one of the following options of accepting the Oh My Blog! award:
(a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight,
or for as long as you can focus.
(b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.
(c) Write a “soundtrack of your childhood” post.
(d) Make your next blog a ‘vlog’/video blog where
you’re basically talking to the camera about whatever.
(e) Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning,
before you do anything else (hair, make up, etc) and post it.
3. Pass the award onto at least three, but preferably more,
awesome bloggers and let them know.



Right let's consider the options:

a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, or for as long as you can focus.
I don't get drunk...Honestly I don't, friends and family have tried often to get me there,
but it just does not happen.
b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.
Erm...... let me think on that.
(c) Write a “soundtrack of your childhood” post.
This is a possiblity as I started a list for my recent birthday
whatever.
d) Make your next blog a ‘vlog’/video blog where
you’re basically talking to the camera about whatever
I don't think so, I wouldn't know where to start wiuth that one.
e) Take a picture of yourself
first thing in the morning,
before you do anything else
(hair, make up, etc) and post it.
Isn't there a law against this? I would hate to scare anyone of a nervous dispostion??
I  may do this but with a mental health warning attached.....

If you have a low pain threshhold pleased don't look at my blog tomorrow, just in case
And now the nominations
(Drum Roll)
for this
Magnificent Award.
In no particular order:

Trish
http://thisaccidentalcarer.blogspot.com/
Kathleen
http://ruralmainelife.blogspot.com/
Beth
http://merryperennial.blogspot.com/
Loretta
http://lorettasjourney.blogspot.com/
Brenda
http://bfitby40.blogspot.com/

I could go on but it's time for tea....

Have fun, but be warned only call back here if
you have a strong constitution tomorrow...

oxoxoxo


Saturday 1 May 2010

May Day May I

May Day the start of one of my favourite months.

As a good Catholic girl I loved May as a child, it is Our Lady's month and there are processions all over the world in honour of her. I remember always bringing fresh flowers to her shrine at school.  I also had a small shrine in my bedroom where I prayed my sincere and innocent prayers to the Mother of God.

There was such faith in that little girl, in the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ and his Beloved Mother. Over the years of my adult life my faith came and went in waves. People effected my faith, people who hurt me. let me down, made me doubt and turn away.  I stopped praying, became hard and bitter, the complete opposite of that little girl.

Today when I woke my first thought was
"It is Our Lady's Month"
and for the first time in many years I felt a surge
of the JOY about the month of May.

May I wish you a joyful, flower fill month of May and may
Our Lady smile on you this month and always.