Sunday 28 July 2013

We Got Married!

Henceforth the Better-half will be known as Husband. Two weeks ago we got married!

It was the most amazing day. We were totally traditional so I stayed in a hotel the night before. The day started at the crack of dawn (I was too warm, and too excited to sleep much). Breakfast was at 7:30am and the hair and make-up girls arrived at 8:30am. Whilst they were unpacking I washed my hair.

Over the next couple of hours my bridesmaids arrived, my mum (and gran) came and went and the hair and make up girls worked their magic. During this time the photographer (and his assistant arrived) and the flowers were delivered. My brother (who gave me away) arrived too and there were moments I wondered if we were going for a 'most people in a hotel room' record. The magic happened; hair, make-up and getting into the dress (including the bridesmaids doing up 23 buttons) all were accomplished.
 
Taken by lovely Bridesmaid Liz
We were ready to leave; my Mum had gone off to help my driver and good friend Alpha attach the ribbons to his car. And then we were off... the girls in one car and my brother and I in another. A very short trip to The Valley where we were getting married.
 
We chose The Valley because Husband and I met after a football match and have spent a lot of time there, so we thought it would be romantic to get married there.
 
A few last minute details with the registrar and so forth and suddenly there we were, 'The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' was playing and my brother was walking me down the aisle.Time slowed down; I actually noticed all my family and friends; but mostly Husband waiting at the Registrar's table.

The ceremony flew by. The beautiful readings we had chosen, exchanging the rings, the first kiss. Then there were the photographs... we took the group shots out in the stands. It was so hot... people kept vanishing back inside where it was air conditioned! It was great for me; as I only had my walking stick I just sat there and people climbed around me.

Then it was food time... it was great, but I was too hot and still excited to have much of an appetite. I was sensible and didn't drink much either, so at least I remembered everything. 

Husband had been dreading the speeches, but they went off just fine... suddenly were taking more photos, cutting the cake and the DJ was ready. First dance time. As I can't walk unaided we had chosen a short song for the first dance (Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World). Contrary to expectation I managed the whole dance!
 
First dance
The DJ was very popular with the kids (yes 'Gangnam Style' was played). The adults mostly sat around and talked, and Husband and I did a reasonable job between us mixing with our guests.

Before we knew where we were it was the end of the day... my Mum drove us to our hotel (which was amazing) and the honeymoon started!


Sunday Social (60)

Sunday Social
Linking up with Ashley and Neely
 
1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Salmon, gorgeous and good for you!!
 
2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?
It's a drink not a food... hot chocolate with marshmallows melted in. If I can't sleep at 3am or am under the weather it is my go to treat.
 
3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?
I'm not much up with the weird or crazy (maybe as I've never travelled much?) - dragon-fruit is quite weird?
 
4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?
Not many, I'll eat nearly anything. I don't like tapioca (oh, bad childhood memories) and I don't like ochra (also called 'ladies fingers') - that is the comprehensive list!!
 
5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?
Oh, so many. Until she died my Granny (Dad's Mum) lived with us. She was a real traditional cook. Shepherd's Pie on Monday (mince made with left over roast cut with bread) or stew with dumplings or oxtail with pearl barely.
 
6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.
My pottage/soup. You can find the recipe here. The first time I made it I was living in a flat share, I was home alone sick; and those were the bits I found in the fridge. When Better-half and I moved in together I made it for him once, and it has been a firm favourite in our house ever since.


Saturday 13 July 2013

Wedding Day

Today, after over a year of planning the Better-Half and I are getting married.

Yesterday we were at the venue, setting up. Last night, in traditional manner I stayed at a hotel - the groom mustn't see the bride before the wedding!*

Now I'm just about to go and get dressed before breakfast and then the day begins!

Hair and make-up are here in two hours... the photographer a couple of hours behind.

Meanwhile; down at the venue... balloons, flowers, cakes, chair covers... busy, very busy.

Then we're of to the venue together married and share our special day with friends and family.

By the time I write here again, I'll be "Mrs"! 

The best part is that the Better-half (soon to be Husband) and I get to share this amazing day together.

Flowers from my lovely Mum to "brighten the room"


*talking on cell phones is however allowed!



Monday 8 July 2013

Unresolved Cliffhangers That Ruined Great TV Shows

6 Unresolved Cliffhangers That Ruined Great TV Shows | Cracked.com

Earlier today my better half Tweeted this link. I popped over for a read.Well it has to be admitted that apart from 'Twin Peaks', occasional student hangovers with Spiderman and about half the first series of Stargate Universe I didn't watch these shows... but I've got a few endings of my own to gripe about... they may not have ruined the shows - but boy, did they frustrate me.

The 21st Century is hard for TV. You don't get much of a chance to make and impression, and with a few exceptions there are no second chances. When you are canned, you are canned; and the execs who hold the purse strings are not swayed by unresolved cliff-hangers. If you are really lucky you might get a short order to sort things out (Warehouse 13) or if your fans run enough of a campaign (Chuck, Jericho) you might get one last 'hurrah' to bow out with dignity.

The 4400
 So, exactly 4400 people who have disappeared over time since 1946 all reappear in Washington non of them having aged a day, or remembering what happened including their disappearance. Of course Homeland Security gets involved and stories develop from there. The series ran on the USA Network from 2004 until its cancellation in 2007. Part victim of budgetary problems, lower than expected ratings and that famous strike of the Writers Guild of America.

Over the course of the seasons the returnees develop abilities and it is determined that this is down to a neurotransmitter in  their brains which is (of course) synthesised - Promicin; 50/50 chance that you'll develop abilities on end up dead. At the end of the last episode Kyle (one of the 4400) is seen with his father, Tom, who worked with NTAC (part of Homeland Security) giving him a syringe of Promicin telling him "It's time Dad" - cut scene to a "Welcome to Seattle" sign graffitied over with "Promise City" (taken over by the growing population with abilities). Short, confusing synopsis - it was good though. Well acted, well written. But what happened... did 'Heaven on Earth' spread beyond Seattle, did Tom take the Promicin... how did all the abilities beginning to manifest play out?

There was a campaign (similar to that which gave Jericho a second season) where fans sent sunflower seeds to USA and it's execs; but to no avail. The show remained a distant memory.

John Doe
What is it about Seattle, Washington? Back in 2002/03 a naked unidentified man wakes up there. He remembers nothing about himself; but knows just about everything else! He has a mysterious brand on his body; is colour blind (except when seeing the red scarf of a lady) and suffers extreme claustrophobia. John uses his abilities to help the Seattle police solve crimes, but in the meantime it is revealed that a sinister organisation; Phoenix are watching him. The final episode reveals that John's closest friend Digger is the head of Phoenix. I should think that the wails of frustration echoed round the world! A year later an article in Entertainment Weekly spilled the beans. I'm not satisfied. They had a year to come up with that, I find it unsatisfying and not in the least in keeping with the show to that point.

I'm not adding Jericho to my list. I was annoyed only because I kept watching as long as I did to find out the end, but then end, when it came; I could have lived without it . Warehouse 13 is on the cusp; Season 4.5 left a lot of cliff hangers out there, so if their extra order doesn't clear these up... well there will be a lot of mad fans out there.

Some shows have it easy; they have a finite run... or enough time to bow out with grace and dignity. Noteable excellent endings:- The West Wing, set some years in the future you get to see that everyone's stories resolved satisfactorily; Six Feet Under, best finale ever... as a series it had ups and downs, but the final episode was awesome.

There are some who know the end is coming, and to me don't do themselves justice with their wrap-up:- Buffy the Vampire Slayer, they're all Slayers? I'm sure there is some positive message... but really? Angel, well they go out fighting, but that is it. Deep Space Nine, fine - resolved, I just didn't like it. Lost, resolved - I just thought given all the smoke and mirrors that it was a pedestrian and unimaginative ending.

TV is subjective, not objective. We all take something different away from a series - and, it is still a universal truth... you can't please all of the people all of the time!

Sunday 7 July 2013

Sunday Social (57)

Sunday Social
Linking up with Ashley and Neely

1. What is the best trip you've ever been on?
My trip to NYC in 1999. I'd never travelled alone before - I had the most amazing time. I was lucky enough to be able to stay with friends and family... including my Mum's flatmate from when she was in New York 30 years previously.
 
2. What is your best idea for a girls weekend trip?
Spa day, tea somewhere lovely, cocktails and dinner somewhere smart and a good hotel. Sitting around over lunch and drinks the next day - doesn't matter where, it's the company not the place.
 
3. What is your best idea for a couples trip?
For this couple it would be a two city trip to Boston and New York (maybe a day trip to DC) definitely taking in a baseball game; Red Sox/Yankees. We're not beach people, we're going places and seeing stuff people!
 
4. What is the best vacation on the cheap?
I hate the word but a 'staycation' - you'd be amazed what is on your doorstep that you have missed!
 
5. What is the place you most want to visit?
The list is very very long. Washington DC(never made it when I was in New York nearly 15 years ago and I meant to). Also Egypt and the pyramids; Jerusalem; the Burgs of the Middle East... problem is that as I can't deal with the heat and I'm scared of flying it is pretty unlikely!