Photos from cruise - Madeira October 2008 - The Ventura

Evie and son in Maderia

Evie in Madeira

Photos on a Mexican Tall Ship taken during
Madeiras 500 Tall Ship Regatta
October 2008

A few photos from Madeira

Photos from La corona - September 2008

Some photos from our hols on the Ventura

Phil and David

Me and the twins in the Cinnamon Restaurant - Ventura 2008

The Ventura - October 2008

Mum and son in Cinnamon Restaurant - The Ventura

Back from our cruise on the Ventura

It came, it went and now its all over! Dont holidays go by so quickly.
Our cruise on Ventura was excellent. Good weather, nice smooth sea, fantastic entertainment. Oh - and the food!!!!!!! I couldnt resist all that beautiful food and its showing on the old waistline now.
I hear Slimming World calling I think!
The Ventura theatre company was the best I`ve ever seen on a cruise ship - or anywhere else fore that matter. Productions included Saturday Nigh Fever, Andrew Lloyd Webber show, an African Extravanza to name a few. There were numerous comedians and speakers, including Darren Day, Michael Starke (Sinbad from Brookie and Coronation Street)the sons of Bobby Ball (very funny)etc. One of my favourite speakers was Liggy Webb, a motivational speaker who talked about positive thinking, health, goal setting etc. Very inspiring (see the Learning Architecht web site).
Children`s entertainment was superb - the kids went to JJ`s (Jumping Jacks) magic shows with Mr. Biscuit, never ending games and fun, discos and competiton.
The ports we stopped at were La Corona, Madiera, Tennerife, Gran Canaria, Lisbon and Vigo.
And I`m warning you - there will be photos!!!!!

Off on our hols of Sunday

Cruise on The Ventura

Well its here at last. I booked 18 months ago, but finally we get to go on our cruise on Ventura - without T, of course. D, son`s mate is coming in his place, so there`ll be 6 of us going.
So, we`re off on Sunday. I`ll tell you more about it later - and of course there`ll be lots of photos!!!

Newly single

Can you believe it? At the age of 50 I`m single again? T (my partner of over 10 years and I have split up). It seems hard to believe that this could happen, but sometimes, differences are just to difficult to reconcile - especially where children are concerned. But they are and always will be my priority.
Its been a miserable summer - with both my personal life and the weather, but lets hope things are about to change. I cant always get internet access at the moment cos I havent got it where I`m staying. I`m not at home anymore. My lovely home! It makes me cry to think I may not be living here any more. My trees that I`ve planted, my bedroom, the kids room with their double beds and rows of dolls and toys. It breaks my heart that he is staying here, in the house next door to my mother - in the street I`ve lived most of my life - while me and the kids are cramped up together, trying our best to manage. Any decent man wouldn`t let their kids be put out of their home. But then again, he hasn`t even spoken to or contacted them, although we`re only next door. Unbelievable I know! They say that what doesn`t kill you makes you stronger, but I cant see it at the moment. I feel like I`ve been kicked in the stomach a hundred times. I feel frightened and fragile. I feel lonely and afraid for the future. And I feel betrayed!

Tonight, I`ll sit with my mother and my children and have a few glasses of wine - maybe a few snacks. I`ll watch the final of Big Brother on the television while I`m listening to this ceaseless, driving rain pelting down on the patio windows. And I`m hoping that things get better soon, because I`m a believer in Karma. I know that I have never behaved in a way to deliberately bring pain or trauma to anyone else, so there must be some happiness around the corner for me.

Sports days and Chester Zoo.................

Its been a miserable weekend! Its hard to believe that its July really and today is not better.
The kids are due for a good last couple of days at school before they break up. Molly has her school trip to Chester Zoo - the whole school are going - so it should be a massive operation. I could have gone as a helper, but decided not too as its also dolly`s school sports day today too.
And to top it all, son has two interviews today. One at JD Sports and one at McDonalds. I`m keeping my fingers crossed that he gets one of them cos he`s getting a bit despondant after getting several rejections. Good luck Phil!

Holiday to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Waaaayyyyyy! Finally got round to booking a summer holiday. Eventually we decided upon Berwick-upon-tweed - never been there before and it sounds lovely. I expect it will pour with rain as it always does when we take a holiday in this country - but what the hell!!! I`ll make sure I pack macs and wellies.

The Wirral Show

We went along to the Wirral show today. We haven`t been doing much lately so thought we`d better start taking advantage of the summer pretty quickly and it was actually a nice day - for a change.
The girls loved it. They went on quite a few of the rides and Molly cartwheeled around all day, kicking a woman in the arm at one point. (I had to apologise quickly.) We looked round all the stalls - usual sort of stuff - and had candy floss and strawberries with hot melted chocolate. MMMmmm! (Have to try these at home). We didnt buy anything though although some oft he jewellery looked pretty. One stall had lovely chakra necklaces - but I wasnt tempted. Well not much.
All in all, nice to be out in the fresh air on a sunny day,

Reflexology

I`m afraid to say I`ve been neglecting this blog lately. But in my defense, I`ve had a lot to do over the last few months. But I`m pleased to say that I`ve finally finished - and passed my Level 3 reflexology course and am qualified to practice it. This feels great as its been a bit of a struggle at lately, but I feel like I`ve achieved something at last.
I feel like I dont want to see feet for a bit though, as I`ve seen a bit too much of them lately (on my therapy bed that is - not ordinary feet just walking down the street).
I also finished my level 2 counselling course but dont think I`ll go any further with this one. I did love the course - and would like to go further, but the cost is prohibitive - £650 for one course and £1200 for the other. And thats only for level 3? Level 4 is thousands.
So next year, I`m doing Aromatherapy (advanced) cant wait for this! and Reiki.
But for now, I`m having a reat over the summer. From studying anyway.
Perhaps I`d better tidy the house!

Dolly and Molly`s 8th Birthday Party

The Eurovision Song Contest

I say it every year.
But what a complete farce!!!!
I couldnt see anything good about the song that won - and the singer was incredibly annoying!!!! The skater was quite good but that was about all. (Who has a skater whizzing round in the middle of a song though? ) What happened to Finland and Turkey? France was quite quirky - liked the backing singers all with beards. And our UK song wasn`t too bad. It deserved better than bottom.
Why do I always watch it every year? Its just a joke now.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret - Is it the real deal or just a giant marketing con? I`m reading the book and taking it in, and I must admit - I am intrigued. I`m going to give it a go - it cant do any harm, and if it works.................
well Sky`s the Limit. Nothing to lose - everything to gain.
Since-I`ve been reading it, I`ve had three separate wins on my premium bonds this month - a nice bit of luck. More of that Please Universe!
The Secret official Website.

This is how I feel today

Some pics from my 50th Birthday Party

Booky Wookey

l`ve just finished Russell Brand`s fabulous Booky Wooky and I think you`d better read it too. I know Ol` Russ is as mad as a box of frogs but when you read about his childhood, you can understand why, a bit! But I loved this book, and Russell has such an enchanting way with words. He really is lovely and is fast turning into a national treasure.

Have a look at Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/liverpoolboxingboxingbaby

Have a butchers at my Flickr photos if you`ve got time.

Happy New Year - Best wishes for 2008

Best Wishes for 2008

Lots of love from Carol

Another year nearly gone

Another year is nearly been done with - confined to the realms of history - and I cant say I`m sorry. A new year always seems like a fresh strart - and heaven knows, I need one.

So, I hope everyone has a good night tomorrow, whatever you`re doing. I dont think I`ll be doing anything exciting. Just having a drink and watching television - not like last year aboard the Athena, watching an incredible firework display engulfed by the warm Madiera breeze. Mmmmmm! And sipping champagne and having fun. I wish I could go away for christmas and new year every year.

Goodnight, and goodbye to 2007. See you next year.

Spoof version of Desiderata

Interneterata

Go placidly amid the spam and waste,
and remember what peace there may be in a decent firewall.
As far as possible without surrender
never run untrusted executables.
Post your comments quickly but clearly;
and read the others,
EVEN THE ONES IN CAPS, and the ignorant;
we too were noobs once

Avoid trolls and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the forums.
If you compare yourself with others,
make sure they've got less posts than you;
for always there will be greater and lesser members than yourself.
Enjoy reading news sites as well as your blogs

Keep interested in your own myspace, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your ebay affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for prompt delivery;
and everywhere life is full of fast payers.

Be yourself.
Esspecially, do not feign wikipedia credentials.
Neither be cynical about social networking;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is actually a pretty cool technology.

Take kindly the counsel of the moderators,
gracefully surrendering to their wishes.
Nurture strength of hosting to shield you in sudden slashdotting.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of FUD and hype.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be careful what you click.

You are a child of the internet,
no less than the TBLs and the ESRs;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the web is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with W3C,
whatever you conceive It to be,
and whatever your language and protocols,
in the noisy confusion of code keep compliant with your standards.

With all its spam, privacy policies, and broken links,
it is still a beautiful net.
Use Firefox.
Strive not to be hacky.

---

If you copy this, please link back to puremango.co.uk
Thanks :-D

Have a great christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas and Best wishes for 2007

50th Approaching rapidly

My 50th Birthday is now approaching rapidly. More to the point - its my party a week on Friday, which I`m looking forward to. But I still cant believe that I`m going to be 50. It just seems so OLD! But theres loads of things that I still plan to do - perhaps it will be like a new start.
Anyway - Tony has booked a hall and caterers, and my Mum has ordered banners and posters with my ugly mug on them. Tomorrow I`m getting my hair done - back to blonde after a whole year of being darker. And then I need to find a nice outfit to wear. Something preferably that doesn`t make me too fat...........................

The Desiderata

Its been a while since I read the Desiderata - one of the most beautiful, soothing poems ever written. Just in case you`ve never read it - please take the time to look at it and think about it. Enjoy your day.

Max Ehrmann


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Busy with new courses

The new term is getting underway, and I`ve enrolled on three courses. These are NLP, which I`ve already mentioned, reflexology and counselling skills. Unfortunately, the reflexology might not run due to low numbers but the other courses are brilliant. Looking forward to getting stuck in and learning some new stuff.
I`m so tired tonight though, it isn't true. I`ve been running on a treadmill for days and could do with a rest. I cant believe it was just over a month ago we were on holiday. Took Evie for a cardiac appointment at hospital today and it was good news - everything is looking good and we don`t have to go back for a year.

NLP

Today I enrolled on an NLP course, something I`ve been curious about for a while.
As you probably know, NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. And it looks like its going to be an interesting experience or adventure, as the charismatic tutor described it as. We just had a bit of a discussion today about what we`re going to be doing - and even got into pairs to have a go at one of the techniques.
The tutor says that when we`ve finished the ten weeks - no-one will ever be able to lie to us again. Well - we`ll soon see.

A bit about NLP below


Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to psychotherapy and a "model of interpersonal communications"^[1] based on the subjective study of language, communication and change. It was co-founded by Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder in the 1970s as a method of personal development. They developed a set of practices and techniques based on modeling successful psychotherapists of the time. However, its application was not limited to psychotherapy, rather they attended to the patterns of interpersonal communications that could be applied generally. Its theoretical foundations borrowed from a range of disciplines, including various psychological fields, linguistics, cognitive science and occupational therapy. NLP and its many variants are taught through seminars, workshops, books and audio programs. The field is loosely spread and resistant to a single comprehensive definition. There is also a great deal of difference between the depth and breadth of training and standards.
An important assumption of NLP is that emotion, thought and behavior consists of, and is influenced by, how the sensory-specific modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory) are organized and give rise to consciousness.^[2] Further, the mode and limits to the underlying mental representations is revealed by unconscious choice of words, sensory-specific predicates (eg. visual language) and non-verbal cues (such as intonation; gesture; posture; facial expression and eye movements). A basic method in NLP involves asking specifying questions to help clarify the intended message in communication. It seeks to recover what has been left out and to reframe faulty thinking when the communication is distorted or over-generalised. These meta-model questions are often combined with suggestions for personal growth and potential.^[3] Another technique seeks to alter sensory-specific submodalities (eg. brightness, size or location of visual imagery or sensory representations) to affect the intensity of mental states and affect changes in behavior. A classic format has people anchor resourceful mind-body states (eg. creativity, confidence, etc.) to make them available in situations where a person wants to act differently. Generally, the intent of NLP is to increase choice in the underlying representations so that the individual has more choice and flexibility in the world.
In the early 1980s, NLP was heralded as an important advance in psychotherapy and counseling.^[4] Reviews of research in counseling psychology at this time found little empirical support for NLP assumptions or effectiveness in the literature, in particular the claim that matching sensory predicates improves rapport and influence.^[5][6] The lack of support in the literature reviews marked a significant decrease in research interest.^[7] Some psychologists and trauma researchers have criticised the hype surrounding NLP, particularly given its lack of empirical validation, exaggerated claims and continued marketing as a science which are regarded as features of pseudoscience.^[8][9][4] There has been some ongoing research efforts and pleas for further empirical research.^{[citation needed]} In contrast, the developers of NLP tend to use analogies to understand and describe their models and tend to rely on intuition, anecdotes and personal experience as evidence as opposed to experimental research. NLP and its related techniques continue to be popular in books and workshops, especially in some areas of psychotherapy, management training, self-help, education and motivational training.

Liverpool Ode

Liverpool Ode

Once a thriving shipping port

Now more famous for its sport

Men grew rich through human trade

Slaves transported fortunes made

Trading links brought untold wealth

Splendour bought with pain and stealth

As years roll by and time moves on

Those trading links long since gone

The docks fall into disarray

We learn the phrase urban decay

As jobs are lost along with pride

Life seems bleak on Merseyside

But as sail through eighties gate

We hear the term regenerate

The Albert Dock restored inside

Houses built or gentrified

No longer desolate and forlorn

The City Centre is reborn

Now this city has new fame

The Capital of Culture name

A chance for growth and to create

Will culminate in year 08

Art and culture celebrated,

Musicians, writers, artists feted

But urban troubles still remain

The yobs that treat us with disdain

Graffiti, litter, theft with knives

Guns and violence blight our lives

Still Liverpool's spirit can't be broke 

No longer always England's joke 

The people full of fun and humour 

Rise above the scorn and rumour 

Always changing, vibrant, cool 

The dynamic city Liverpool

A poem about love going wrong!

Losing You

Today I looked at you 

And wondered who you were?

You looked the same

Smelt the same

Had the same air about you

But you were gone

Your smile curls with contempt

When once alight with pleasure

And eyes that crinkled with love

Now flat, Artic orbs that do not see

Although they look at me

In dispassionate scrutiny

Today I looked at you 

And wondered where you were?

A lover's bed

A winding road

A player's turf

Anywhere but here

Today I laughed without mirth 

And bought you wine and beer 

I laid on the floor and cried 

Wore a new dress 

Started a diet 

Pretence is my only defence 

Against losing you 

Although I know you've gone

Monster Stink.....................

I just cant seem to get to grips with getting our holiday cases unpacked and tackling all that horrible washing. Oh yawn! I just wasn`t cut out to be a housewife.
But the day has been busy. Had to get my 16 year old son up and out to enrol for his A level courses at a city centre college. Then I had to take the twins to some arts and crafts type thing called Monster Stink, which they`re attending all week. Trouble is, I`ve got no transport this week and its quite a distance away - so I was shattered from walking the journey four times. But it was worth the effort as Monster Stink seems to be a success.
So I started the washing and housework at last, but then my Laptop called to me!
I just cant keep away.

There`s a giant firework display in Liverpool town centre tonight to celebrate Liverpool`s 800th Birthday. Unfortunately, we cant get there tonight so didn`t get to see it. shame really!

Liverpool`s 800th Birthday

Liverpool is 800 years old this weekend.
A mammoth party featuring one of the world's biggest fireworks displays will be held to celebrate Liverpool's 800th anniversary tomorrow. The centrepiece of the 800th anniversary is a four-day party extravaganza over August Bank Holiday, to mark the granting of Liverpool's first charter, by King John on August 28, in 1207. This proves to be an incredible day in Liverpool`s history. Already flags are flying in many streets, lined with bunting as individual communities have their own street parties. Then of course
we are the European city of Culture in 2008..........

Back from Devon

Son

Ellie and Evie donkey riding

Ellie in our caravan

Ellie and Evie in the Talent Show

Goodrington Sands

Hello then. I`ve not been around for a while cos I`ve been on my hols to Devon with the family. It was a good two weeks - we spent one week in South Devon (Paignton) and one week in North Devon (Woolacombe) Such beautiful parts of the country.
One problem though - THE WEATHER! The first week was very mixed and the start of the second week - well it poured down. But then we had some glorious days which we spent on the beach and by the pool. GORGEOUS!
I`ve posted the above photos, but the bulk of my pictures cannot be loaded onto the computer for some reason. I think there`s a fault with the memory stick - but heres a few I`d taken using the camera on my phone.

And back in the allotment...................

Its still pretty muddy down the plot. Squelchy underfoot - but I still tried to put a few more things in. Carrots and spring onions. I`m not too optimistic about them taking, but its worth a try anyway. Its not quite so wet as last week but still quite grim. A chap was telling us that the plots on our side were prone to getting waterlogged since some houses had been built nearby. Why would this be?
He gave us some cabbages to plant - good since we lost our other cabbages in the rain - and some rhubarb to take home.

My strawberry plants and gogi berry plants arrived today. We need to clear the top bit of the allotment to put them in - its drier up the top end and these plants dont like to be waterlogged. They look quite good. Must get them potted tomorrow till I get a chance to plant them properly.

Writing morning pages for therapy

Writing morning pages for therapy
Writing morning pages is a truly cathartic experience. It is supposedly a good way to release our inner artist, and is described as the key to a meaningful life. It is a way of unlocking our unconscious minds and releasing the creative side to our nature.
So what are morning pages? Firstly, we get up a half hour earlier than usual (not easy I know, but worthwhile). We then write three pages of long-hand in an A4 note pad - and it should be stream-of-consciousness writing - that is, do not thinking about what you are writing - just scribble away. Even if if seems like nonsense that you are writing, don't worry. If you don't know what to write about, just look at something in front of you and write about that. Write anything! Then - very importantly - do not read these pages or allow anyone else to do so. Put them away and leave them. Now -repeat this every morning!
This process will ignite your creative spark. We are vulnerable and exposed first thing in the morning and are in a prolonged spell of relaxation. Our inner-critic is not yet awake so ideas are able to germinate in our uncluttered mind. Morning pages allow us to get to know ourselves better and we can express hidden feelings. It is well worth a try and a good way to spring-clean our overloaded minds.
For more information visit www.psychologies.co.uk
__________________________

Still havent heard about School

Although we`ve spoken to people from the education department and the speech and language department, we still haven`t heard in black and white that Dolly has firmly been offered a place in the school that she`s apparently been pencilled in for.
I`m sure it`ll be fine, but I`ll be happier when I finally get that letter. Times running out. Its end of term in about 18 days.

COME ON EDCUATION DEPATMENT LADY!

Money saving website

Martin Lewis`s Money saving tips

Take a look at this brilliant money saving site, by TV expert Martin Lewis. This is an ad free site and offers brilliant, practical advice for getting your finances in better shape. There`s a great feature on reclaiming bank charges that I`ll be using myself.
Very useful and informative!
www.moneysavingexpert.com

Allotment Flooded!

Help! We went down to the allotment yesterday to see how things are getting on - we`ve not been able to get there for a while because of the heavy rain. And to cut a long story short - the whole plot was a lake. The cabbages we planted the other week had just been completely swept away. The water was up to the top of Elli`s little pink wellies - she nearly lost a leg in the mud. LOL! I just dont know what to do.
Is our plot prone to flooding of is it the way we`ve laid it out. We noticed that most other people seem to have raised beds - although I do recall the secretary, Rod, telling us that the plots our end sometimes got waterlogged. Perhaps we should try and move - although I`m reluctant to do this as we`ve done a lot of digging and got a nice shed set up now. Maybe I`ll wait and see for a bit................