The Eleventh Hour

These are taken at the National Aboretum Memorial near Burton upon Trent where the various armed forces are remembered with a reverent silence .

I couldn't do as I normally would tweet or Instagram as I go .

Respect.

Is called.

For.

When you see name upon name reaching out to you.

Words upon wreaths .

"Remembered and not forgotten"

There is space upon the walls for names to be carved if only it would stop but it won't sadly , we need to honour those who serve in the name of peace.

I remember .

Will you .

Getting A Child To Write A Pleasure Not a Chore

Getting children to write should not be a battle after all they discover the world through play and if writing becomes a battle to them , then it can step up many battles for years to come. Children want to uncover the mysteries of the world we and and such we need to encourage them through active play . It doesn't have to cost money you can use what you have after all everyone has a teddy called Teddy.

My Teddy is called "Teddy"

Everyone loves a teddies bear picnic I don't know a child on earth that doesn't love the jolliness of a tea party . If you have a reluctant the presentation of a blank invite might spark a modicum of protest but if you gently build up to the actual writing of an invite then it will be less of a shock. This can start with the the planning of the sandwiches , which flavour jelly and then obviously a choice of outfit. So if you follow the simple steps below then it could help your child on the road to the start of a beautiful friendship with written word.


1. Build up to the event by describing what is going to happen .

2. Read books about teddy bear picnics.

3. Plan the menu.

4. Find some lined paper or any paper will do and draw a teddy bear shape onto the paper, you can ask the child to do this and then cut it out ( with supervision)


5. It doesn't matter where the child does this a desk is preferable but as I work in education any where a child can write is a bonus. My son has an expensive desk ; yet despite this I often find him doing his homework on the floor, I don't stop him as writing is a gift that needs to be expressed any where.

*Bansky* Graffiti is ok a he is an artist

When Teddy has his invite he is good to go * you are humming that Teddy Picnic song aren't you now ?

Britmums Sponsorship I need you ! please .

Britmums Sponsorship I have never asked before so here goes .


Why do I want  Britmums sponsorship?

Well it would help attend a fabulous event that Britmums is  bringing great brands and bloggers together  as it is over 2 days it can be quite expensive . The break down of my costs is so.

Ticket : £70
Hotel: £80 that is for 2 days as I can share.
Train fare : About £75
Tin of tuna £1.00 Well I have to look after the cat.

And no he isn't coming to Britmums.

I have been to Britmums before and it is out of this world !

What can I do for you?

Alas I can not wear a costume fun as that might be but what I can do is perhaps wear a nice outfit that perhaps comes form your company or a logo T-shirt etc . I like cats and I like most colours though custard yellow I may draw the line at , having said that I am wearing a minion T-shirt for Book week at school ( Custard yellow )



I can also write articles for you one before the event announcing you as my sponsor ,  one after the event and any possible review that you might need me to do in a hey look at this fabulous company and look what they do sort of way. I can also add an advert in my sidebar . I will also tweet about you before and during the Britmums live event.

 I am passionate about cooking , I love walking and photography , I am not keen on olives ( though if you are an olive company I can learn to love them )


What can't I do ?

I can't hand out samples and marketing merchandise how ever awesome glow in the dark beer mat s may be.

So if you want to contact me you can find my contact details here 

Nana Cool

Nana's are cool aren't they now ? I'm not talking about the ones that knit , bake   , parachute or walk on stilts . I am talking about the unsuspecting Nana , the one that quietly sits and observes the world weighing things up and then speaks. And when she speaks it is with purpose delivering some earth shattering wisdom or what likely leaves you thinking " OH my my Nana didn't say that did she?"

My Nan or for these purposes my Nana; the word delivers us in a cosy after glow of wether originals, Lavender perfume that was always advertised in the 80's at Christmas. Appearances are after all deceptive no one was safe when Nan was around but only if you crossed her. She wasn't like the Nan from Catherine Tate then again ...

There was one time when we were in a car and we were sitting at the back and we got cut up by some motorist or other . My Nan then wound down the window , the other motorist wound down theirs it was like a Mexican stand off except in was in Kent and a bit posher. My Nan delivered only what can be known as a 2 fingered victory salute but the other way around with the words"Bugger off"

OH my.

Then there was the time she was watching American Gigolo ( she thought it was going to be just a war film, now as I am an adult I'm not convinced ) I was only a kid and somehow ended up watching it when I shouldn't, she seem to cover my eyes on what I presume were naughty bits. And when I caught a bit of the action so to speak she coolly said "She's giving him a wash"

Still haven't seen the film.

Then there was the time she went to see a film called the "Mona Lisa" she thought it was going to be about the painting ; sensing a theme here aren't you.


Then the ultimate one was the time my Nan bought some can only be described as crotchless tights and even when her error planned purchase ( I swear) was pointed out she said " They will keep my flaps bits cool"

SO if you want to find you Nan's Mafia name you take one thing they did and there you have your Nan's Mafia name ...


Her Mafia name would be  "Nanna Cool"

This a royalty free image.

What is Mumsnet favourite Muppet Character?

I thought long and I thought hard.

I thought I could fit this way blog wise.


I thought I could fit that blog wise.


I have tried being all Greta Garbo .

Didn't work noone noticed.


I DO do Mary Berry style cooking posts * we are getting there.




I do, do * home style * I blogged about a lamp it's work in progress.


I do take pictures really, really well.

I blog about my cat .

I have dressed my cat up in a Chef's hat before .

I blog lots about my cat.

I am what I am .


You see when I tried being all serious about some lost earrings once no one got it , even when I explained no one got it.

SO I have just decided to blog as I always do about anything and anything that pops into my little head.

SO today I have been ill distracted by the net and misreading thing like "Harrison Fords biggest parts "and misreading them as "Harrison Ford biggest pants"

He might have big pants I don't know he has a lot to accommodate.


I tried the other day to make a Mumsnet joke it when something like this.

"What is Mumsnet favourite Muppet's character "

Bit of a tumbleweed moment as no one asked so I am going to telly you anyway

"It's Beaker "

This is in reference to beaker gate

So I shall remain as random as  this ..

Suits me ? Yes ?