Sunday Social (78)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

1. What is your favourite ice cream flavour?

Not so much a flavour; Ben and Jerry's 'Phish Food'.

2. What is your favourite smell?

That is a difficult one... smell is an amazing memory trigger. I think I'd probably go with my husband's aftershave; makes me think of him even when I'm not with him!

3. What is your favourite TV commercial? (past or present)

There are a couple, I find really amusing. Years ago Samuel L Jackson did an advert for Barclays Bank:-

I think it is great when famous people do adverts. Years ago John McEnroe did an advert for Tesco.

Mercedes did an excellent advert with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso (when they had quite the rivalry going in F1)

My final favourite is an commercial Ikea did, they basically let a whole heap of cats loose in their store for a night and just filmed them exploring!

4. What is your favourite day of the week? 
This time of year, Sunday. NFL day! RedZone in the evenings watching what happens with the football. Spend the rest of the day pottering with the internet and sitting on the sofa of sloth with Husband watching 'Pointless' recorded by the TiVo box during the week. We started our 'Pointless' habit during our honeymoon - so happy memories from that; and quality time together.

5. What is your favourite way to waste time?
Sitting around the house with my gadgets; WILFing (surfing the net with no real purpose), Facebook, Twitter and the rest. To change the pace, playing Xbox games. I think everything else doesn't count as a waste of time.

6. What is your favourite article of clothing?
Hmm. Once again I'm not sure that I have one. I am not really much of a 'clothes horse'. I'm rather fond my pink jacket (that I almost didn't buy as I thought I'd never wear) it and my winter coat I bought last year; unusually not black but stunning red. Marks and Spencer both.

Sunday Social (77)

Linking up with Neely and Ashley again. 

For today's Sunday Social, there are no specific questions. With Thanksgiving happening his week, we'd like everyone to share the things you are thankful for this year!

I'm Thankful for... my wonderful Husband, we're approaching the five month anniversary of our wedding. Still blissfully happy - although we've been together for 13 years getting married is special and does strengthen and enrich the relationship. Our honeymoon, the places we went and the things we saw, just getting to spend so much time together; just the two of us.

Through the ups and downs of life he is always there for me... my other half, my best friend.

I'm Thankful for... my amazing mother. Mutti is my friend, my wedding planner and my companion on many adventures. Nobody could ask for better! We had trips around London seeking wedding cake and flowers, trips to my God-mother who made my dress... and a trip to Bluewater seeking fabric inspirations and Mother-of-Bride outfits. We've had some excellent adventures too - from public gardens on rainy days, to the cable car and the aquarium!

I'm Thankful for... my amazing family. My brother (who gave away his big sister on her wedding day) and looks after Mutti and me; my Mother-in-Law who shares her house with us and puts up with all our comings and goings; my amazing Grandmother (who is twenty years older than you'd guess); my brother-in-law (I'm the little sister he always wanted) his wife and my husband's niece and nephew; my cousin, her partner, and their adorable children (who despite their complicated cousin relationship) my niece and nephew; my other cousin and his partner and new baby (who I haven't met yet he's so young!); my Uncle (who filmed our wedding for us); and before this takes up the whole page... yes, all my family and new family who I gained on my wedding day - family is so important. Below me with my brother, and me with my Gran.

I'm Thankful for... Casper K Cat. Small black feline furball. Loving, fun and sometimes naughty. Wouldn't miss a second of it!

I'm Thankful for... great friends, all of them. The ones that I've know since I was at school, ones I met at University, ones I met at work, ones I met through MS groups and ones I met online. You're all amazing. Shown below my dear friends, my bridesmaids, helping me on my wedding day

I'm Thankful for... the strength that I have found to live with my MS. There have been hard times, of course. There have also been not so hard times, I've learned how strong I can be, how much friends and family love and support me, and I've made some amazing new friends who I have met online or at MS groups.


I'm Thankful for... all the children in my life. They may not be my children, but I still love them. My nieces and nephews and my godchildren, and all the other little people. They bring sunshine and laughter every time I see them

I'm Thankful for... my job. My employers are amazing. They changed things around so that I could keep working there even though my MS meant that I couldn't do my old job. They've allowed me to forge a path for myself and continue working.

2013 has been quite the year... we're looking forward to our Thanksgiving meal on Thursday (and the football!).

Remembered always

For my Dad, who we'll miss always.

Autumn weather

Today was a perfect example of a fine Autumn day. Clear blue sky, pale gold sunshine. It was, I'm assured, cold. I don't have personal data as it looked cold, so I didn't leave the office. All those who went to meetings or to fetch lunch came back complaining it was cold. I retorted it was colder in Scotland, where a colleague in Edinburgh told me it was minus figures. In London it just felt like sub-zero.

If this is your kind of Autumn weather, enjoy it while it lasts. The reliable weather app (I have four to make comparison from) says it is going to rain, and become slightly warmer.

Out of my office window today, the last two about half an hour apart. Fast falls the eventide!

Hospital Day

Today I was to and from the hospital, which is fortunately only half a mile (two bus stops) from my house.

My first appointment was at half nine. I was off to Orthotics, happily I checked at reception as they had moved across the building since I saw them last year. I eventually found them in Area C of Outpatients (previously only visited for the coffee stand in Area D which it shares the space with. 

This turned out to be an exercise in futility and frustration. No appointment, no record of an appointment being arranged. I was sure that this wasn't the case I had rearranged the afternoon appointment when I received two letters for he same time.

I went back home, muttering all the way.

I looked up the letters (finding them in the black-pit of my paperwork). It turned out they were two different style letters sent on different days for the same appointment! Go figure.

Back I toddled in the afternoon for the actual appointment. This time I was in Area B which is where Neurology used to hang out when I first went there. A nice Doctor and a charming student in Rhuematology. I was put on a table and pulled and pushed until I was even more sore than when I arrived. Good news, discharged from Rhuematology clinic. Prescription to be filled by my doctor for a capsaicin cream (pain relief via chili, yes the sort you eat). 

Sadly also sent to phlebotomy. Phlebotomy has never been so empty, two people in front of me. I checked in and was given my printout, terrifyingly last as long as my arm. Ten vials. Amazingly I didn't pass out, which nearly always happens when my rain catches up with the fact that I'm having a blood test! I rewarded myself with coffee and a cake, and it replenish my energy after giving the hospital so much of my blood.

So we wait to see what the answers that come back from the blood test - and rub my knees with chili paste!

Me, Myself and I

There is a plague sweeping the land. It seems to be extremely contagious and spreading at amazing speed.

The problem is the massive increase in incorrect usage of the reflexive pronouns.

Depending on your education you may be agreeing with me and shuddering as you think about recent cases (which is like having someone draw their fingers down a chalkboard); alternatively you may be shrugging and wondering what I'm on about.

Reflexive pronouns are used as objects when the object is the same as the subject of a verb it is  is preceded by the noun, adjective, adverb or pronoun to which it refers (its antecedent) within the same clause. The object must be the same person as the subject for correct usage.

Examples would be:-

After I broke my arm I was unable to dress myself

We put up the tent ourselves; nobody helped us

The reflexive pronoun cannot be used in a clause as the pronoun. It is absolutely incorrect to say the following (heard repeatedly) as the pronoun at the start of the sentence are not the same person as the subject:-

You can send that to myself

I will call yourself tomorrow

I have even heard them just used as the pronoun in a sentence. Absolutely painful - I can only put the plague down to people thinking that the lengthy reflexive pronoun sounds more serious and business like.

Time for the government to fix education and teach some basic English language at schools.

I cannot wait, myself. 

Google... not Doodle

Lest we forget

Armistice Day - 11th November, 11am

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them.

Remembrance Sunday

The nearest Sunday to 11th November - the fallen of countless wars are remembered across the country in church and other places today.

Throughout November the Royal British Legion has been out and about offering poppies for donations from the public. As a child I used to tag along with my grandmother in the little village where she lived at the time; back in those days maybe one or two poppies in the tray would have a leaf. Not like now where all poppies have leaves and there is the constant debate over where the leaf should be placed!

Traditional poppy (with leaf); extremely liable to part company with the pin attaching it to the wearer. Anecdotal evidence in my office indicates two per annum is an average amount required to keep a poppy on your jacket!

 I first saw this big silk poppy being worn by my mother some years ago. It comes with a long wire stem which can be wrapped around things or through button holes. I have mine attached to my handbag.

These are little pin badges; both procured for me by MiL. I wear the sparkly one on my jacket and the one with the leaf on my shirt/top.

Because I have given up on the paper poppy and re-use my poppy pins I am prone to purchase whatever new and exciting extras the Royal Legion man outside Asda has on his table. This year it was this little poppy bracelet.

The important bit is to give some money to the Royal Legion - even if you don't need a poppy!

Pageantry alert!

Tomorrow the City of London will be celebrating the annual election of the new Lord Mayor - this year the Lord Mayor is Fiona Woolf a member of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors. She is the first woman to hold the office since Dame Mary Donaldson in 1983. Even though she is female she is still the Lord Mayor of London not the Lady Mayoress.

Check back later in the weekend for photos from the Lord Mayor's show.

Here is 2008 and 2009

Google - say what you see...

Today's Google Doodle celebrates the 126th  anniversary of Hermann Rorschach's birth.

Inventor of the famous inkblot test, there are several opportunities to play and share your answers on Google+, Twitter or Facebook.

Fireworks

"Remember, rememeber the fifth of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot

I see no reason why gunpowder and treason

Should ever be forgot"

Did you know...

...until the Nineteenth Century (1859) 5th November was a national day of thanksgiving enshrined by Act of Parliament

...the effigy originally burned on the bonfires was the Pope, or less commonly the devil

...the sentiment of 5th November was until recently fervently ensnared with religious bias

...the hapless Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators were attempting to blow-up Protestant monarch James I and replace him with a Catholic monarch (see above)

...even the Puritans (who generally banned fun) didn't abolish 5th November

...the phrase "Fireworks Night" only became common in the first half of the Twentieth Century, most likely thanks to purveyors of pyrotechnics...
...by law fireworks in the UK may not be discharged between 11pm and 7am with the exception of New Year's Eve, 5th November (not the nearest Saturday to it), Diwali (today) and Chinese New Year (cut off 1am)...

...did you know any of that. If I had my way there would be only public fireworks displays. Failing that all purchasers of pyrotechnics should be required to answer correctly the above questions. Failure so to do, no fireworks and a cessation of the annual (quite literal) money up in smoke that is Bonfire Night.

Yes, bah and humbug.

Incidentally I have always hated fireworks and bonfires... even as a child.

Sunday Social (74)

Linking up with Neely and Ashley 

1. What is currently on your wish list? 
I am super-organised when it co mes to this. I keep one on Amazon. It is quite diverse, ranging from books to garden stuff, from desk tidies to cosmetics. 

2. Share a new iPhone, droid, iPad app that you have recently discovered that we all need.
The last app I downloaded was on my iPad for Bitstrips. This is a Facebook app which like so many has branched out to iOS and GooglePlay. You make little cartoons and status updates starring you and your friends.

It isn't universally liked though as this article from the Huffington Post indicates.


3. What is a new fall tv show that you have added to your dvr?
Oh the 2013 Freshman class! Usually by four or five shows in I've dumped half the new shows... but this set seem to be pretty cool. I think my far out favourite (at the moment) is James Spader and the fabulous The Blacklist.

There is a lot of new comedy which is actually funny, and in addition there are lots of returning shows which still continue to amuse and surprise.


4. Share your social media links so we can follow you. (Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, etc) Tell us which is your favorite and why.

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/natgrove/boards/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMrsNatG
Instagram: http://instagram.com/themrsnatg
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kitten_cat_casper
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/njmgrove
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/CasperKittenCat
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/LondonCallingBlog
Tumblr: http://itsthemrsg.tumblr.com/
Tumblr: http://kitten-cat.tumblr.com/
Flickr:http://www.flickr.com/photos/beansmail/
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/nat_mach
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/beansmail
Get Glue: http://getglue.com/nat_mach

Favourite - probably Twitter. I have made loads of friends (and friends I knew already and Husband also use it) so there is always something to talk about. Facebook is probably a close second as lots of my friends who live far away and my family use it. I'm a pretty regular of all of the above you will see!!

5. What is a tv show, movie, or song that you could watch or listen to over and over and never get tired of?

TV Show:- do I have to pick just one?! There are so many. For all time comfort 'eating' TV I think I'll pick 'The Simpsons' although 'Friends' comes a close second. There are literally dozens of shows that could join that pair though!

Movie:- 'Gone with Wind' (favourite movie of all time)... joined by 'Clue' which I think is fabulous.

Song:- again there are heaps and heaps. Right now it is 'What a Wonderful World' which was our first dance at our wedding. I'm also massively fond of 'quirky' songs:- 'Ca plane pour moi', 'Ghost Town', 'They're coming to take me away', 'Coin Operated Boy', 'Drowning in Berlin', 'The Eyes Have It' and the Scottish Football World Cup Team with 'We have a dream'... to name but a handful.

I'll also listen to The Beatles, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones for hours.

Chem-trail Wednesday

The flight patterns seemed to be stacking over South London today. All morning. New ones, fading ones, plane or two spotted. Chem-trails everywhere!

Stormy Weather

The UK braced itself for storms on Sunday night. There was much comparison, before the fact, with the "hurricane" of 1987. It wasn't really a hurricane, but Michael Fish (famous weatherman at the time) on the lunchtime bulletin reassured a caller that there wasn't a hurricane on the way.

As it goes there was no comparison. It was unseasonably windy Sunday into Monday. We lost a tree, and our patio table made a bid for freedom. 

The BBC compares the storms here:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24708614

Tree down, uprooted (not helped by evil wall builders who butchered the roots). The wood pigeons loved the berries, little birds lived there, squirrels played there, and, most importantly it blocked the view of the wall and building over the wall.

The patio table made a bid for freedom. It took out the bird-bath too but that was only dismantled not broken. Amazingly the glass table was (apart from being upturned) unscathed, tempered glass is a great thing. When I noticed it from the bedroom window it was making a bid for freedom down the path.

The greenhouse had already blown over and we'd left it down. Good choice in the circumstances. Wrong angle and the shelves drop out and it could have clown off like Dorothy's house in 'The Wizard of Oz'.

The weather through the day was changeable. Grey and even raining to sunny skies. The constant was the wind, dropped from the night before but still gusty.

We were lucky. We lost a dearly loved tree but that was about it. In London our power cables are below ground, we have cable for phones and TV so inside life went on uninterrupted. A good few services were shut down as a precaution; sensibly the Air Emirates cable car... less explicably (on Sunday afternoon) TfL's Overground.

Sunday Social (73)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

It's Halloween again! 

1. What was your favourite Halloween costume as a kid?

We didn't do Halloween much when I was a kid. There were usually pumpkins with roast pumpkins seeds (but I think that is mostly because my kindergarten teacher was American!).

Compared to what today's children get up to I've got nothing! This is my friend's daughter last year as a witch (a fairy witch?)

2. If you could go back to your childhood and dress up as something what would it be?

A pumpkin. Definitely a pumpkin. Although some of those princess outfits are pretty cool too!

3. What was your favourite Halloween costume as an adult?

I don't have a picture of me in the white Marilyn Monroe dress I made of bin bags (which nearly went up in smoke in a pub). I the only other time I ever remember dressing up was on a student pub-crawl when I donned a witches hat. What you can't see here is the green streaks; 'not to be used on bleached hair' which wouldn't come out for weeks and got me some very odd looks from my lecturers.

4. What is your favourite Halloween candy?

I don't think we have Halloween candy. It's all the same, so as long as chocolate is involved...

5. What is your favourite Halloween memory?

Every year I carve a pumpkin. So, general pumpkin carving I guess.

2008

2009

2010

2011 (1/2)

2011 (2/2)

2012

Left on a wall (not one of mine)

6. What is your favourite scary movie?

I don't have one. I hate and avoid wherever possible horror movies. The closest I get are amusing ones like the 'Scary Movie' franchise.

Happy Halloween!