Into The Wardrobe You Go

Hello My Darlings,

Well here we are nearly at the weekend and some one has stolen the sunshine. Yesterday was glorious in London and I went out in a dress with a little thin jacket and legging under it, with my favourite boots on.
Today I woke up to find the bed empty, Francis as returned to work and I had got so use to him being there over our long Christmas holiday, so I guess it's official now the New Year is here.

I got up thinking it was much, much earlier than it was and padded into the craft room. Which as you all know is at the front of the house and looked out over London.

GREY

Totally dark grey for as far as I can see. I watched the clouds sprinting over the sky as if they didn't even want to be in London today. As we are up so high we often have the wind whistling passed us and there it was, the horrid eerie low tone whistle that whips around the house enveloping us all in what feels like a chilling murder mystery.

I thought to myself, it's no good we all have to get out of here and find some real sunshine.
Please follow me into the wardrobe, there's a little door in the back of it that leads to somewhere magical..........



Notice there is no mirror on the outside, well that's because I don't want you lot wasting your time looking to see how beautiful you are....I already know how lovely you all are so there's no need for you to waste your time...come on.....


Ahh that's better, just feel that sun and how the warm breeze kisses your skin.
If you want you can walk across the jetty, but personally I am going to swim across (there's no illnesses on this side of the wardrobe) as I want to see the fish and say hello to them.

The fish all say Hi and if we could just refrain from eating them today they would be very grateful.......me eat fish I replied, never not this side of the wardrobe anyway!!!!!!
Ssssshhhhh don't tell them I lied, I told them we are vegetarians, they seemed happy with that.

Oh I do feel some much better for that swim. Don't I look great. I love the wardrobe as it means I can be and look any way I feel. I think I am looking rather fetching as Ursula Andress.


Oh yummie the cocktails are here,

Cheers everyone, bottoms up!!!!!

We have a choice now, we could all just lie around in hammocks and talk nonsense and gibberish.
This one is my personal favourite hammocks,



But it's ok there are loads here for all of us........

Or failing that those of you who want to stay and right the world can, but I'm all for going off for a walk and seeing what we can get up too.........................

Rocks....lots of them, ok which one of you dreamed up the rocky beach. I think I have to explain to you how the wardrobe works.
This is not a Narnia type of wardrobe, where you go through the back of it and there is a whole new world. Oh no, don't be fooled, this is far more special. You see whoever has the strongest desires and imagination can dream up anything. So stop thinking about rocky beaches.....stop it I say....this is my fantasy and I won't have rocky beaches in it....tut tut!!!!

Oh well we might as well walk to the end of the rocks and see what's around the corner..........


Oh you lot are just impossible at times...........ok lets try the next corner then......

Which one of you did that.....I think you had one too many cocktails!!!!!!!!!!!
No that is not the entertainment for the Ladies.......decorum ladies decorum.
Now come along, gosh your so naughty sometimes....lets go this way.


Can you all hear the gentle swish of the ocean slowly rolling up the beach, it's so lovely here.
Total escapism.......What's that in the water.....

Oh no!!!! It's pirates,......is that who I think it is?....Johnny Depp, well that's better and at lest he has his clothes on, although he does seem to have come across as a bit..............

.......................shy all of a sudden! What is he up to?

I think he is leading us to the pirates hang out.

Or is that a pub, oh well they have to get their rum from some where.........

I think we might need to dress up as pirates to get in there they seem to have rules which always seems to go against the way they actually live their lives.


Trust you lot to find the dressing up box so quickly, anyone would think you all had a taste for rum. Although I must say you do all look very fetching.............

Your a rum looking lot you really are, your all so getting into the spirit of this or are the spirits getting into you all!!!!!


Seeming as you all look like your having so much fun I think I will leave you all here to carry on enjoying yourselves and go home to cook tea for the family. While we have been here it has been snowing in my area of London.

Enjoy the pirate cupcakes, bet you didn't know they like to make cupcakes. Here is some they made earlier.




Oh and don't worry about finding your way back to the wardrobe and home, this little guy will show you the way.


Much love
Lia
xx

Bouncing Like Tigger!

Hello My Darlings,

Have you all missed me, tee! hee! I thought you all would be by now!!!!!!
Well I'm ok and the family are fine, they are all still alive, so they haven't annoyed me that much!!

Went off to the hospital today to see the Specialist and finally got diagnosed. It's only been nearly five years since I became ill. I have no idea how many doctors I have seen over that time period, but it's a lot. I woke up this morning bouncing around the house like I was Tigger.

Francis was glad to get me to the hospital, although I do think that secretly he was hoping that the doctor would section me and he could have a quiet life for awhile.

So I get to see the Specialist and she tells me that it is definitely Fibromyalgia.
After running a round of some of the most extensive any doctor has carried out on me, I have had blood works to look for liver and kidney function (I was only born with one kidney, which is one reason why I don't do alcohol, too risky), mineral levels, iron, potassium, etc,red cell function, cancers (although I couldn't help thinking that surely that would have shown up a few years back if I had it.) Scans for brain.(most surprised they actually found one) heart, lungs and my whole body looking for arthritis and rheumatism and tumours. Not to mention a whole load of other things that passed over my head she finally looked up and smiled and said.......

"For a woman with Fibromyalgia and a rather severe case you are in excellent health, even your heart is doing well, considering the problems you have had with it since childhood"

I laughed what else could I do, as I have said before we were certain that Fibromyalgia was what has been plaguing me for years now, it was nice to know that on the whole I am in excellent health and that I was right.

We chatted for an age and she is very pleased that I am losing weight and that I have such a positive outlook...I MAY HAVE FIBROMYALGIA, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE ME!!!
I told her that and she likes it. We talked about what is my next step and I asked about swimming, yoga and pilates. She says I can get back in the pool as soon as I am ready.....

I'm READY.....I'm READY......I'm READY....look out pool here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She actually suggested that I do pilates, as she feels that yoga is too tough on the joints for people with stupid fibromyalgia. Now I need to find some where to go and learn pilates. But in the mean time I am to start with stretching exercises and I can use my stepper machine I think it's proper name is a latteral thigh trainer.

So this is to be the second stage of my recovery....

Keep up with the diet.
Start to gently exercise.
Get in the pool.

She was pleased that I have come so far in such a short time and basically told me to keep up the good work, positive attitude, and that while she can't really give me any treatment except pain management, should I get worse I can go back and see her any time, just call the clinic.

So lots of good news from me today and a second phase of recovery. I can't tell you how happy I am about this. Am bouncing around like Tigger......still.

Much love
Lia
xx

Return To Pooh Corner.

Hello My Darlings,
Do you know who the guy in the photo is? Don't stress if you don't I didn't either!
He is Kenny Loggins and he wrote the theme tune to Footloose the film that starred Kevin Bacon. Any way he also wrote a lovely little song called "return to pooh corner".
I found a sweet little You Tube today and thought I would share it with you.
I had Liz and Mel in mind when I saw it, they are both doting Nana's.



Kenny Loggins' House At Pooh Corner was a big hit for Loggins and Messina in the 1970's. In 1993 Kenny wrote an additional verse for his son, and re-released the song as Return to Pooh Corner on his best-selling recording of kids' songs. I found the lyrics so you can all sing-a-long

Christopher Robin and I walked along Under branches lit up by the moon Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore As our days disappeared all too soon But I've wandered much further today than I should And I can't seem to find my way back to the Wood So help me if you can I've got to get back To the House at Pooh Corner by one You'd be surprised There's so much to be done Count all the bees in the hive Chase all the clouds from the sky Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do Got a honey jar stuck on his nose

He came to me asking help and advice From here no one knows where he goes So I sent him to ask of the Owl if he's there How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bear Help me if you can I've got to get back To the House at Pooh Corner by one You'd be surprised There's so much to be done Count all the bees in the hive Chase all the clouds from the sky Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh It's hard to explain how a few precious things Seem to follow throughout all our lives After all's said and done I was watching my son

Sleeping there with my bear by his side So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going I swear that the old bear whispered "Boy welcome home" Believe me if you can I've finally come back To the House at Pooh Corner by one What do you know There's so much to be done Count all the bees in the hive Chase all the clouds from the sky Back to the days of Christopher Robin Back to the ways of Christopher Robin Back to the days of Pooh

Prayer Of The Woods.

Hello,

It's me again. I really can't remember where I found this photo, but I have a feeling that it was while visiting one of you lovely lot and then going off for a wander around your blog friends.
Ooops just let the cat out the bag that I go off for a wander run your friends, how do you think I found some of you!!!!!

Nosey Moi!!!! I can assure you I am not nosey, just curious about life.....that's my excuse and no amount of bribery with chocolate, shoes or diamonds will get me to change it. Off course if you are offering me chocolate shoes with diamond upon them...well maybe I might be persuaded to change my excuse, but they would have to be seriously pretty shoes!!!!!

So anyway while rummaging around in the back of your blogs I came across this wonderful photo and just had to share it with you. If you know whose blog it's on can you let me know so I can thank them and link back to them. I may be "curious about life", but I don't want to appear rude.

much love
Lia
xx

Polenta Biscuits.

Hello My lovelies,

As promised here's a photo of the polenta biscuits that I made on Sunday. I have made these often for family and friends and very few people dislike them. One of the reasons I make them is because they are gluten free, well almost and as a SIL has to have a gluten free diet they are great for her. Over the last few years we have made them with cheddar cheese, herbs and sea salt all without the sugar in them, with the sugar we have made chocolate chips, iced them, ginger, dried fruit, mint, lavender, rum, brandy and just about anything really.

They actually come from my all time favorite chef the irrepressible Jamie Oliver. There is an ordinariness to Jamie that I like. Jamie always strikes me as the sort of guy you could have a good laugh with and talk rubbish with down the pub. He seems to be just a really nice fella and in fact one of the schools he worked at while sorting out the school dinner fiasco was one my Callum went to and Callum says he was lovely to the kids and very down to earth.

Anyway these biscuits come from Jamie's book called "The Return Of The Naked Chef".
Published in 2000 by the Penguin Book Group (I S B N 0-718-14439-2)

ORANGE & POLENTA BISCUITS.

Makes around 25 biscuits

170g/6oz of soft butter
170g/6oz sugar (I use raw cane sugar, but it's simply because I prefer it)
255g/9oz polenta (I use the fine yellow polenta)
100g/3 3/4 plain flour ( I believe my American friends call it "All Purpose Flour")
zest of 2-3 oranges ( I often use orange essence instead and just judge it by taste and smell)
2 large eggs.

Rub butter, sugar, polenta, plain flour together in a mixing bowl before adding the eggs and orange zest. (TBH I use my food processor these days It's easier and quicker) but if you fancy doing it the old fashioned way it works just as well.

Once you have mixed in the orange and eggs well, cover with film and place in the fridge for about an hour. Now I don't always do this and tbh they turn out just as well. The mixture is easier to work with if you do place in the fridge as it becomes slightly firmer and less sticky, but it makes no odds to the taste if you don't place in a fridge.

Place greaseproof paper on to baking trays and and spoon small teaspoons of the mixture in lines about 5cm/2inches apart. As you can see I didn't do this, but that's because the boys spooned it out this time and they used cereal spoons, luckily they didn't use my table spoons!!!

Bake in a preheated oven at 190c/375f/gas mark 5 for around 5-6 minuets, bigger ones will take about 10 minuets. Bake until the outside edges of your biscuits are lightly golden.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15minsuets before eating.

These are great with chocolatey things or ice cream or just a cup of coffee.
So there you go give it a try. I have given you the recipe as it is in the book. I how ever use sunflower oil and honey instead of butter and sugar if I am making them for my SIL, if any of you want that recipe let me know and I will post it up for you.
I can make these in just under an hour so long as I don't chill the mixture and I use my food processor. Let me know how you get on.

Much love
Lia
xx

ps. I made it...I weighed in at 13st 1lb today, so I have managed to loose a stone and I have the hospital on Thursday, can't wait to see the Specialists face when she sees how much I lost.

If The Mood Takes Me!

Hello my lovelies,
Did you all have a nice Sunday. I decided to get busy in the kitchen and bake biscuits. Will put up a photo and the recipe tomorrow. I made them with polenta and they are rather nice.


If I look half as good as this at 53, I think I will parade around in my underwear too, should the mood take me.
Kim Cattrall was in one of our papers over here this week and I was totally shocked by the way the female reporter spoke about her. This reporter seems to have not realised that one day way, way, way, sooner than she expects she to will be a woman of 53.
No matter what any one else thinks, to be honest, I think she looks amazing and very sexy.
What is it with the World that as soon as a woman hits 40-45 we are all suppose to wear twin set and pearls, start knitting, drink coco and go to bed early. Nothing wrong with any of those, if that what a woman wants.

Heaven forbid that we have opinions, options and our own money.
Oh and ladies don't even think about talking unless you want to be patronised and patted on the head. Why is it when a woman turns 40 she goes from being addressed as Miss, to being called Madam?

If you look this good or even feel as great as Kim seems to in these photos you can rest assured that you could give any young pretender to the throne a run for her money.
I'll admit, if I had her money and I was paid to look this good it would influence me to drag my wobbly bits to the gym, but regardless of my tardiness when it comes to the gym if I feel sexy and vibrant I'm sure as hell going to show it off, should the mood take me. Although I will be wearing more clothes, it could get cold out there and I might have to go to Wal-Mart or Asda as we call it here, don't fancy being up in their rouges gallery!!!!

The reporter goes on to call Kim middle-aged. See what I mean about patronizing. Kim at 53 does in fact fit into the box labelled "middle-aged" if you feel so inclined to shove women into boxes and stick labels on them, by why is her age even an issue?
What is it about women that we must go around shredding each other to bits and sticking labels on each other. Am I the only one to notice how it is always younger women that feel the need to deride an older woman?

We are so much more than daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, co-worker.
Despite what we are told we really can't have it all, well not all at once anyway. I think you can have different things at different times of your life and if you have been way too busy raising a family, going to work and running the home, you might not have had the time, money or energy to have been able to invest in the woman of your dreams.

But if like so many women you have run the gauntlet of raising a family, going to work and running your home, you may just now have the YOU time, you have so longed for.
It won't stop you being the wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt , co-worker but it might just give you the chance to be the YOU , You want to be.

Women have come along way from where we were just a few short decades ago. Even in my life time. For crying out loud unmarried women couldn't even get the contraception pill until 1967 in this country.
When I look at how much our lives have changed when compared to our Grandmothers and Mother, when I think about all the things that I can do or that my daughter can do, I am so very proud of all those so called middle-aged women who having achieved the impossible of pushing water up a hill while juggling, work deadlines, school reports, and home making somehow find the time to be their selves and follow their own dreams for a while, making it so much easier for me to follow in their footsteps and find my own path I want to shout from the tallest building in the World "THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!"





So quite frankly while most of us won't achieve a body like Kim Cattrall, due in part to the fact that we don't have an airbrush tool to help us out, I do celebrate the fact that because there are so many vibrant, sexy, wonderful women out there doing their thing and loving it. As it means should the urge ever take me to parade around in my underwear, middle-aged or not I can bloody well do it.

I'm very lucky in that most of my girlfriends are older then me (expect Nutty, who is younger than me) not only that but while I have been blogging I have found some amazing and inspiring women to look up to and these women are showing me a path that was never available to my mother and Grandmother.
Younger women should do well to remember that one day when they aren't looking, they to will fall into the box labelled MIDDLE-AGED. I just hope for their sakes that they can find at lest one sexy vibrant, "if I want to parade in my underwear" woman to help them find the path to finally having the time to be who they want to be.

Much love
Lia
xx