Monday....

... and the week's off to a good start...

 

Shop, Shop, Shop- that was our morning. We jumped in the car and went up to Splau as we decided we needed some new summer shirts / t-shirts, and as Splau has both a C&A and a Primark we decided that this was the shopping centre we should head to. A couple of hours later , after enjoying a coffee in the sunshine, we came home with a great selection of new clothes, even something for our cruise later in the year- well there was a sale on.

 

Home and I threw together a leek, potato and spinach soup

Well here we are again, lunching in the garden -well I was , whilst the cats were just taking it easy.

BTW Tommy really is sleeping in what looks liek a really uncomfortable position.

Dreams

I love seeing people realise their dreams. I really know what it can mean having realised a few of mine lately, which is one of the reasons I like watching talent shows like Britain's got talent.
And here's another reason - Pudsey the dog - tonight's top act, and yup I have a tear in my eye!

A great ending to another wonderful weekend.

BTW has anyone seen the new 'Harvey' advert- an advert for advertising- Yup another cute dog.

Looked after

 A couple of nights ago I dreamt I was on the Camino, and I was walking with my Nan, who died many years ago, but whom I often feel is with me. On the night she died Tony and I were in Spain. That night I dreamt about her too - she simply came to say goodbye -I cried for hours and when we got home we found out she had died whilst we were away. To know that she's coming walking with me is fantastic and makes me even more secure in knowing it will be OK.

This morning I woke after a great night out last night - drinks in the sidreria followed by dinner in the Indian - with very little idea of what I was going to teach in my morning's classes.

I walked the dogs, still no inspiration, sat on the bus, still no inspiration, got to school picked up a book and it fell open on something that was relevant -to whichever of my angels that was looking after me then - a huge thank you.

Happily both classes went as well as always - I really enjoy my Saturday classes, and hope my students enjoy them as much as I do, and from my view it does appear they do.

On arriving home my dear husband had lunch ready for me - a broccoli an potato soup which was delicious, and eating in the garden makes all the difference. I then spent the afternoon reading -what luxury, before dozing off for half an hour or so on the sofa cuddled up with Cuddy.

This evening I've done a bit of writing, and the story is really coming together, and like before there are many paths it could go along- I'm leaving it to my characters to lead the way.

All in all it seems like someone is caring for me every way I turn today.

MUFFINS

Nothing wrong with today either. The builder man visited and says he can adjust our door sizes without any problem. We're just awaiting a quote from him now.

Made muffins this afternoon after finding blueberries in Lidl during my morning shop. Added seeds to the mix and fresh strawberry icing to the top. Went down well with everyone.

After cooking I spent the afternoon reading a new book I've just picked up and am already gripped by. I'll add it to the side bar tomorrow when I have a bit more time. For now  I'm watching long-lost families on ITV - bit of  a tearjerker as always.

Goiong my way

Wednesday and back to school after a wonderful long weekend (puente).

Today we popped round to the lumberyard- yes you did read that right- the lumberyard - to try and get another quote for replacing our doors. The main problem we are having is that the doors are all different sizes- so far from 'standard'- well of course it is our house. We want to standardise the sizes simply so I don't bash my head intermittently, mainly because I don't have any hair on top for protection or to hide the cuts when I do bash my head! So the upshot of our visit to the lumberyard is that we need to get a paleter (builder) in first to resize the frames. Fortunately the man at the lumberyard (yes I do like that word) has a brother in law who is a builder who can help. We got his number, I called him as soon as we got home and he's coming round tomorrow. Let's hope this is the step forward that we want.

This afternoon I finally got on and designed my t-shirt and cap for this year's Camino. I had been putting it off as, although outwardly I was being brave and saying everything was ok, inwardly I was worried that my back/leg problem would prevent me going. After the weekend's walk I'm confirmed back on my Way. Once the designer-ware arrives I shall model it and post pics.

Later on I started a new private class. It's with a previous student of mine who is taking a University entrance exam in a few weeks and needs a bit of revision. I was a bit worried how the lessons would pan out as it's a one-to-one whereas before we had a whole class. Within minutes I realised everything was okay, and it adds a little more to the coffers.

And the upshot of all this rambling.....well I guess I'm just grateful that things are still so much going my way.

From where I'm sitting, everything in the garden looks rosy - and I mean thgat literally as well as figuratively.

Tommy's birthday

Another great day here at Casa TulStig - not in small part to the book I've just finished:

I think I may have mentioned before that I haven't always liked Louise Hay's writing, but this one has pushed me back onto the positive life track that I so love. It has many affirmations which I've started using, and it's also reinforced my beliefs in the laws of abundance and attraction.  A definite recommendation for reading.

As per usual I started the day by feeding the kids- and as today was Tommy's 4th birthday breakfast included an additional treat of tuna. Then a walk with Xali and Cuddy in the warmth of the sunshine.  Next job to answer e-mails and other posts etc, and write the TulStig newsletter for last month (did you get your copy- if not and you want one let me know and I'll add you to our mailing list)


Lunch was in the garden - cream of garlic soup- delicious

Followed by a bowl of strawberries and cream. For the animals there was a selection of pork chops- another treat for Tommy's birthday. Strangely (not) there are no pictures of the meat!!

After lunch we relaxed a while in the garden.

  Cuddy, Xali (Vinnie in the background)

 Birthday boy Tom and Sprout

before retiring to the living room for a little writing, some TV and a delicious dinner of (veggie) meatballs with a tomato sauce and spaghetti.Once again followed by strawberries with mashed banana.

The perfect end to another perfect day.

Two sides

This was the blog I meant to post yesterday evening, but for technical reasons (I forgot to put the laptop on charge!!) it never happened.

One side of being Gay in the 1990's:
Thirteen years ago Tony and I, and our dear friend Kath walked out of the Admiral Duncan pub in London virtually unscathed. The place had just been hit by a hateful bomber whilst we were enjoying an after work pint or two a was our preference of a Friday evening back in the day.

Two days later we found ourselves centre stage in the Observer newspaper.  A sad day for all concerned, yet happy as we survived.

And the other side:

Nick and I have been emailing back and forth this week about a wonderful performer Tony and I , and our dear friend Kath (I'm sure) used to enjoy watching back in the day.  Regina Fong was a master drag queen and we were proud to call ourselves Fongettes, knowing the 'choreography' to almost all of her numbers.  Not to everyone's taste but always a fantastic night out for us.

Happy days - what fun we had, but sad too as Reg died too long ago (2003) of cancer. However there is to be a Regina Fong charity night at the Black cap in May with tribute performances.