We Three Kings and all that!

Just had to post a picture of my new nativity scene. It was knitted by Aunty Nora (85 years) and Uncle Harry (86 years). Isn't it great!

Autumn Afternoon

Lest we forget

Crabbing

I think my brother Brian was surprised when I accepted his offer to go crabbing whilst I was in Australia.

Here he is launching the boat.

I was very sensible and wore my hat


Here are the baited nets ready to be cast in the water, which apparently was my job. Brian had already baited them so I didn't have to do that. The bait was raw meat.

It was a beautiful still and sunny day, this is a view of the marina.

The first sweep of the nets was unsuccessful and all we caught was seaweed. We moved further into the marina and cast them again. The job of catching the floats and pulling the nets in also fell to me! After about 2 hours we had caught about 12 Blue Manna crabs. Unfortunately they were all under size so we had to throw them all back.

This is one of our catch.

Just Desserts

And weren't they JUST delicious!

Panacea Dream Gig

I have created a link for you to listen to Panacea Dream, my sons' band. They had their first gig on Monday night and apparently it went very well. http://www.myspace.com/panaceadreamuk

Wee Small Hours

Here I am back in Wales and it is just after 2am. Managed to stay awake until 6pm yesterday and had to give in to sleep.
What a change in weather. Left Perth temperature of 32C and very sunny and arrived home to 12C and pouring rain.
Must try to sort some holiday snaps so I can share my holiday here but first must try to sleep some more.

Caught speeding

Royal Perth Show, caught speeding with wheelchair

Panacea Dream

This is the name of my youngest son Sam's band. Don't know what it means but must mean something to him! They have their first gig booked in October and are planning a demo CD so hoping it goes well for them. Big brother Darius is playing drums with the band as well as playing in another band, Ram-Man. Links to both their websites can be found in the links on the right.

Summer showers!

One of this summers numerous "showers", more like the biblical deluge. Can't understand where it all comes from. It's making gardening very difficult.

Hollyhocks

The latest overseas addition to my garden are Hollyhocks from New Zealand. They have not grown very tall but are beautiful nonetheless. Thank you for sending me the seeds Joy.

Birdland

The village of Bourton on the Water is well worth a visit if you are ever in the Cotswolds. As with other towns in the area all the houses are built of local Cotswold stone as are the many footbridges which cross the crystal clear river Windrush as it flows through the centre of the village. The one place to visit there is Birdland. Not only are there many birds from all over the world, (the penguins are my favourite) but also many sculptures which appear to be made of old motor cycle parts. A great way to recycle.

and finally, the star of the show no doubt is Metal Mickey. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_5320000/newsid_5327900/5327922.stm

Walima

Marriage in Islam has two main parts. The first which is called Nikah is arranged by the parents of the bride and is the actual religious ceremony. This is followed by the Walima which is arranged by the parents of the groom.

My son's Nikah was last May and this weekend we eventually celebrated his Walima. This has no formal ceremony and is a reception where all the friends and family get together to celebrate the marriage with a meal.

This was held in the Holiday Inn Hotel in Newport near to where we live. We had a lovely day with excellent company, food and service from the hotel staff.

We had about 220 guests of many nationalities and faiths. Guests from Malaysia, my daughter in law's home, some of my husband's family from Pakistan and other people from various Asian and African countries as well as all parts of Great Britain.

Thanks to my hairdresser

I had a bad hair day on Sunday when my hair colour turned out darker than I expected. My hairdresser came to the rescue and gave me some highlights which much improved matters. In fact I like it so much I might make it permanent. Well until I want a change.

Thank you Judith ;-)

http://www.cwmbraninfo.co.uk/beaut/haird/hair03.htm

Where wishes really do come true

Where have all the flowers gone?

The squirrels ate them, every one!

This is all that is left of my climbing rose. My neighbour has a bird feeding table just over the fence from this rose where he puts lots of nuts which the squirrels just love. For dessert they seem to be partial to rose buds

Another columbine.

More columbine

Sweet Columbine

This is the first flower from the aquilegia seeds which were sent to me by my friend Donna in Canada. Like the morning glory, that did so well last year, they appear to like it here.

Thank you Donna ;-)