More madeira........................The Ventura

Madeira

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.