Been talking to a girl frined on the phone it is her 30th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow.
Her husband left her on Thursday for a woman he met at the gym.
She doesn't know which way is up.
She tells me she is worried about her future and that he has signed half his pension over to his girlfriend.
I need to get my friend to a solicitor - fast.
She says she doesn't want him back although she still loves him He has never strayed before. She says it is a mid-life crisis.
She says she would prefer to be on her own.

I found myself telling her to fight for him, be there for him.

It is lonely without your other half.

She dosn't know. She won't know that for a while - maybe a couple of year. Meals for one, a silent house, solitary journey through life.

How do I make her see?

They have four children - all grown now.

They were a couple I envied. Good solid life, nice kids, everyone working, fortnight in the sun every year, half a dozen long weekends to a nice beauty spot - just the two of them. Always laughing, sharing, smiling.

Now what?

All his stuff has gone from the house she says.

She is so poleaxed I need to get her some legal help before he takes advantage of her situation. He is all loved up and she is in abject misery - she is manic.

The man he has become is not someone I recognise.

She lost her mum at 15 and her dad soon after, since then her only sister has passed on too.
Their children cannot be expected to take sides.

I will gather together the closest girlfriends and we will arrange to go to her in Ireland and help in whatever way we can.
I am ringing her again tomorrow and then I will book flights.

Sorry to burden you all with this one. But you know what - today I have not spoken a single word to a living being until I spoke to my friend tonight. That is the reality for 40 something woman in 2007.

1) NUDITY
I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, "Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt!"

2) KETCHUP
A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. "Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle."

3) MORE NUDITY
A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, "What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?"

4) ELDERLY
While working for an organisation that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"

5) DRESS-UP
A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, "Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit.""And why not, darling?" "You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning. "

6) SCHOOL
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"

7) BIBLE
A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found," the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear."

I awoke with a start and "remembered" switching off my alarm at 9:30am - except that when I moved the curtain and checked the clock it was only 8:05am

This wasn't so bad because at least I had not slept through the Archers.

I decided to get up anyway and have a cup of tea. Feeling brave I decided to get into the spare room - there is now room in there now a certain young lady has taken the "Royal Navy stores overflow" away with her I looked at the piles of paperwork there that needed filing - utility bills, insurance renewals, payslips, tax letters, recently gained qualification certifcate (Scaffold Inpection!!!), minutes of an AGM that I had to attend, Pension letters - good grief where does all this stuff come from?
Anyway I got it all sqaured away where it belonged and resolved to spend 1 wet Sunday afternoon up there whittling it all down - one day

Back downstairs I put the kettle back on and tackled the mess in the utility room - not of my making may I hasten to add - I always know when that girl has been home because no job is ever quite finished!

All finished just in time to make my boiled eggs for brekkie and sit down with the Archers. Not a particularly exciting omnibus today but it passed the time pleasantly enough whilst I did the ironing.

All I really have to do for the rest of the day is amuse myself, paint my nails and find 15 minutes to pack an overnight case as I am away tomorrow evening. A nice evening in prospect tomorrow as I am meeting a former colleague now a friend for dinner

Might have another browse on Ebay. I got another dress in the middle of the night (around 5:00am ish) after putting in a bid before I went to bed. Hardly spend spend spend cos it only cost me £2.70! Nice little sundress

Well Ebay is on form tonight. I got a fabulaous teal green Monsson dress £11:00 including P+P. I love green goes well with the red hair

How I love a bargain. Another one for the holiday suitcase

I had two smashing dresses on Ebay last weekend. Now here I am again with just a few minutes to the item ending. Fingers-crossed! Nearly forgot about it in my excitement over the brilliant Ireland v England Rugby match! Ire 43 Eng 13. My heart is still pounding furiously - I feel as if I played the game myself - mentally shattering!

For my good friend Pollygarter who is celebrating her birthday on Saturday 24th FebruaryD

Please join me in passing on your good wishes and do help yourself to a piece of cake

Thank goodness for that.D

This damn Blog is slower than a slow thing again. Pages once more changing at less than one per minute. Ridiculous. Will try again later

Back from Darlington. Bloody hell it is a long way. I thought I was going to nod off on the M1 - it is a really boring motorway and chock-a-block, you daren't take your eyes off the vehicle in front ofr a second, so if there was anything interesting to see I did not notice it!

On the way home I stopped in Ross Labels at Ross-on-Wye and had a comfort break, a cup of coffee and a scone. Stretched my legs a bit and got a new pair of shoes for work - very reasonable price too. This stop also ensure I missed the worst of the rush-hour on the M4

The trip was OK but I am glad to be home - fleetingly. Off to the parents tomorrow night and then up to Aberystwyth on Thursday.

I see Spanking is getting big on this Blog site with Suzeemoon still holding firm at No. 1

I have been enjoying TimSuzis adventures too since I got home this evening. I must say this site beat just about anything on the telly, with the exception of course of "Shameless" which I shall be watching in 15 minutes

I have just poured myself a nice glass of red and I am ready to curl up on the sofa.

I just added "Sorting the Wheat from the Chaff" to my tags.

I do not wish to elaborate at this point but I have had more fun peeling potatoes. Remind me to stay in next week

I used a "sniper" on Ebay this afternoon and just bagged myself a bargain. A nice dress for my holiday in April for the princely sum of £2.35!

As there is another item I fancy which is finishing during this evening whilst I am out so I have programmed the "sniper" to have another go for me. The only way I will lose is if someone is prepared to pay more than I am. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Wish me luckD

Having a baby!

Happy Birthday to my daughterD

Today has been easier than it was 30 years ago because the only hard labour I did was in the supermarket

Seems strange not to see her on her birthday but we did text and I have no doubt she is having a good time. Although she did say it is raining in Barcleona - just like home!

I am not going to sit here all night stewing. I am putting on my gladrags I am am off out to meet a friend for a drink.

On the subject of gladrags I saw a dress I liked on Ebay and so I have downloaded one of those "sniper" tools that bids for you in the last few seconds. So with less than 15 minutes to go I shall post the outcome here shortly. Will I win or will I lose

Back soon

Strange day of mixed emotions. Today was the day I parted with my daughter for 24 weeks as she has flown out of the UK to rejoin her ship and I will not see her again until August

She said I was not allowed to cry. Our faces were wet enough from the torrential rain we endured after I had parked on the pavement (strictly forbidden) at the Central Bus Station so that we could lug her enormous suitcase off the back seat fo the car and a holdall that weighed about half her bodyweight and a heavy uniform in a suit-carrier to the bus bay for the Gatwick coach. The journey itself she tells me was uneventful and she was pleased to meet with 3 shipmates at the airport and being informed the flight was running an hour late they headed to the bar

I got a call just before 8pm UK time to say she had arrived safely. in Barcelona

I just got to get through tomorrow - my daughter's birthday - I would so loved to have been with her for that special day. Being a good mother I put some Euros in her birthday card so doubtless a few wines will be quaffed tomorrowD

I have been unwell and only logged on tonight for the first time since Monday evening. I was heartened to see so many friends had dropped in and left me a comment or message. Thank you all

Meanwhile I can hardly believe the lightning speed this blog is moving at this eveningD

Long may it last

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Thanks to Pompadour from whom I sourced this

No blogging last day or two.

Aches in my left shoulder, right thumb and both knees Have a sore throat and earache too - all started about 3pm today.

Had to go to meeting this evening, we usually have a drink after but I just had coffee and came home as soon as possible. Early start tomorrow so I am off to bed in 30 minutes - feel exhausted.

I don't do ill - no time.

Well nothing is going to plan today.

I was supposed to spend the day with my Spanish language buddy - a last day before he returns to Spain on Wednesday

But he is unwell and cannot meet me today as he is stuck in the house feeling very under the weather. I hope we can snatch an hour or two before he leaves but it will not be easy with my schedule next week

My daughter who is also off to Spain next week left me a list of items she wants for her birthday - guess what - they are both out of stock

I did manage to get her a nice birthday card which she can open on Saturday in Barcelona.

Meanwhile I popped into the beauty place to make an appointment for eyebrow waxing (short term pain only!)and they said they could see me straight away so that is sorted now and I don't feel quite so scruffy

Went into the post office and "oh my God!" there was this "lady" at the next counter to me - it was pure Little Britain! A very deep voice, a more than 5 o'clock shadow, around 13 stone and a good 5ft 9" tall - that has to be the most unsuccessful transvestite I have ever seen. The whole thing was surreal. Very dowdily dressed - I guess from the charity shop bargain bin. Odd indeed.

On the subject of charity shops I went into 2 of them and picked up 3 books. 2 paperbacks to put by for my holiday reading one is James Joyce "Dubliners" the other is Fannie Flagg "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe"

I must get in an hour at the gym later and I still have to go to Lidl's for some basics. All this and 2 rugby matches on today - I will have to see the 2nd half of the first match at the gym again I think - on the TV on the running machine.

Meanwhile I have a small amount of ironing to attend to and shall listen to the "News Quiz" on Radio at the same timeD

Hope you are all having a good Saturday?

Catch you later - Hasta Luego

Just booked myself a fortnights holiday in Tenerife in April - all on my own. Might get some writing done eh?

Will definetly get to practice the Spanish as I am not going to the "touristy" South of the Island.

Now I must sort out some gym sessions to look trim and slim and a few good books for reading whilst reclining on my lounger in the sun

Going to look at property also whilst I am out there, as this will spur on my savings regimeD

I just checked my Euromillions ticket. £66m up for grabs tonight.

Yes I have one of the "lucky star" numbers on each of my 2 lines.D

Do I have anything to go with it NO

That is another week of work I have to look forward to

And tell me this - how do I tell Molty

I have been promising him for ages I would make him my PA when I win. I thought somewhere warm and sunny. I don't need a lot doing for me and he could spend his time writing songs and looking for a wife (one who could cook for us all!)(Molty we cannot live on Chocolate Crunch)

I would just write and walk and indulge a little in the stockmarket and the odd game of poker. Ahh I have it all planned

It is just those pesky numbers keep letting me down

Goodness knows we could both do with a break. Thinking about it most of my friends here could do with a nice respite from winter, work and worries. £66m would have really sorted it all out eh?

Ah well - I will have another go next week

I took this from my stationary car this morning

Naughty but made me laugh!

look what greeted me at 6:50am!

I am trying to get up the courage to book myself on a holiday to South America. To dangerous to go alone as a single woman. So I am looking at a holdiay for a small group of people (20 ish) I have emailed an enquiry to see if they depart in Spetember/October.

It is described: -

This is an exciting tour with non-stop action from start to finish. It is designed to show you the highlights of Peru and a little of Bolivia in a short amount of time.

This tour offers our travellers the opportunity to see wonderful scenery, indigenous people, Inca ruins and an array of wildlife while travelling through the Andes and Amazon Basin.

Among our many included excursions are a visit to the Amazon jungle, the Lost Inca City of Machu Picchu and Uros, Amantani & Taquile islands on Lake Titicaca before we finish in La Paz.

Quite fancied Venezuela - but that really is a dangerous place with a massive increase in crime, murder and burglary/robbery being the favourites especially targetting holidaymakers Hmmphh thatis no way to build a tourist industry!

My weekend was so busy I did not time to Blog much Sometimes this is a good thing yes?

Friday night my daughter and I met with my Spanish language buddy, where we started off in a Tapas bar with a few dishes - chicken, lamb, paella, mushrooms - mmm delicious!
We then took him on a tour of Irish bars as he had friends coming from London to be in Cardiff the weekend to feel the "buzz" of an International Rugby game between the 2 great Celtic Nations of Ireland and Wales. D.

Saturday of course there were two Rugby games to fit in, so I was up early and stripping beds and filling the washing machine like a mad-woman! My daughter took each car in turn to the car-wash - they were disgustingly dirty WHilst she was out I raced the hoover around the place like a loony and cleaned the windows. When she returned with each car I hoovered them both out

Straight after a light lunch I watched the 1st half of the Italy v France game - not very exciting So at half-time I went for a quick run around Morrisons supermarket and then onto the gym where I caught the last 25 minutes of the rugby whilst on the running machine

Did another 20 minutes workout and then rushed off home for a shower to be sure of seeing the England v Scotland game.

Sunday was no better!

We had breakfast whilst listening to the Archers - traditional in my house

Then daughter ironed for Britain whilst I mowed the lawn - yes mowed the lawn - it was ankle deep but dry and I felt quite smug after I had finished it!

Daughter then went to the tip with a load of Argos catalouges, phone directories etc, whilst I cooked a nice roast lamb dinner

Lunch finished at 2:30pm and we washed up and were firmly ensconced in the pub by 3pm for the big game - Wales v Ireland. Top match, highly entertainingD

On the whole a nice weekend and the sun shone throughout and that can't be bad for February ehD

Strange days indeed.

My daughter is 99% likely to get an early recall to her ship and will fly away within the next fortnight - so it looks exceedingly unlikely that I will spend her birthday with her
She is most likely to join her ship at a Spanish port.

Meanwhile my Spanish language buddy is also leaving the country and returning to Spain where he has a secured a very good job (he is a Pharmacist)sooner than expected. He also wil fly to Spain in the next fortnight

I am feeling most unsettled too.

Wondering what life is all about.

Wow! We have all been busy haven't we. Some of the people I voted for did not get short-listed but in the majority of categories my votes are represented. So I have filled in the form and whooshed it off to Paddy

Good luck to all the finalists