14. Amazed!

I am totally amazed that it is almost exactly a year since I wrote on here!
Where does time fly?
There has been massive 'social media' learning curves this year to say the least.
It's a stunningly cold, crisp beautiful day here in South Yorkshire but (wouldn't you know) snow is apparently on its way.
Dave will be pleased as he can justify digging out the Defender. Good luck all!

13. Think big - be a dreamer

Have been reminded today of how fragile life can be.
If I have learnt anything from 33 years of teaching and 29 years of supporting budding entrepreneurs it is that no one ever got anywhere without a dream. From small things like owning a puppy to buying a car to travelling abroad or bigger things like running a marathon or moving to another continent.
Of course the dream is just the begining and is just pie in the sky without a plan.
It's easy for me to say all this with no annoying alarm clock and beautiful, inspiring countryside to wander with my dog. So friends, take some time out in the next few days and just free your mind to stretch to it's full potential. Remember that famous saying, "Whatever the mind can concieve and believe it can achieve".

12. February already!

My, how time flies. February has just snuck up from nowhere.
The snowdrops are well into flower, the birds are nesting and I've been moved to sweep the front path. Sweeping the front path is a big thing for me as we rarely use it and I begrudge the effort just for effect.

However, I am determined to keep it nice for 'curb appeal'.

11. Leave me alone it's my birthday!

I've always hated fuss where I'm concerned.
I love making a fuss over other folks but I wish people would understand I hate being the centre of attention unless it's recognition for an achievement I have made. Birthdays don't come in that category you just get given them (sorry for the poor grammar).
Anyway, back to village life.
The birds are confused. They think it's Spring. I have seen Collar Doves mating and Sparrows collecting nest material and the little chubby Bluetits are pecking the life out of my Forsythia buds. Yesterday the temperature outside got up to 13 degrees!

I spent some time today clearing 'litter' from the public footpath at the back of where I live. I say litter but most of it was left behind by the folks who kept horses at one time in the field. Couldn't be bothered to pick up bits of binder twine, shattered feeders or bits of electric fencing. Makes a change from the usual used condoms, beer bottles and crisp packets I clear from other footpaths and bridleways (with council provided litter pickers I might add).

Just had a giggle at two friends sat in the same home, two different studies falling out on facebook with me stuck in the middle. Ah, the modern world.

10. Alone at last. December 31st. 2010

I just had to write 2010 for the last time. It's New Years Eve and Dave and I are spending it quietly at home with our favourite Indian Takeaway.
Christmas was very 'social' but it's good to be on our own, not concerned about who is designated driver and oops, foot in mouth again situations. I'm a slow learner in the area of sensitive comments.
I'm thinking it may be a tricky year ahead but at least we won't be bored or boring- I hope. You'll all have to keep me informed on that front.
Hope you have a great New Years Eve and all you can dream of in 2011.

Happy New Year! Embrace change. Jill x

9. December 24th 2010 - nuff said!!

Well Christmas has arrived. As it says on the front page of eBay 1DAY! I think we are ready. Today we got up rather late - 8am. It was hearty porridge for breakfast but as the box was nearly empty it inspired a run to Morrison's. I wasn't sure if I would be met with madness but it was wonderful. Not at all busy, a happy mood for the staff (nearly done for their hols), treats at half-price and a really good browse. However, I bought the aforementioned Porridge Oats and £37 more of other groceries. Included amongst them were a packet of Walkers Cheese & Onion flavoured crisps and a tin of beans. The two items I have been craving ever since we started our diet on June 1st.
They are to be my Boxing Day treat.
Happy Christmas everyone. Love to all xx

7. Following.......

I have spent some time today trying to work on this thing called 'following'.
Having come recently to this idea of blogging I am finding it really fascinating in many ways.
In some ways it is a comfort to know other folk are out there with similar experiences and expectations. This is a unique experience for me since I stopped being a student. Ever since I left that homogenous band of Matlock Training College Students (all with high ideals and great expectations) in 1974 I have somehow felt like that fish trying to swim up stream. Now I find like minds out in blogland.
So, back to following, why is it so difficult! I guess it's that privacy thing but I have got there in the end - I hope.
Message to my readers (such a cool phrase). If there are bloggers out there who want to be followed just call on me.

Rockside - Matlock College.