GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

The closure of my WI went smoothly though not without sadness. Everyone put on a brave face, each person determined to make the final meeting one to remember. Why were we closing? Because membership had fallen and the cost of running the hall was prohibitive. If the money didn’t come in we couldn’t meet the bills.

The speaker we booked for the day was well known to us, a genuinely nice lady with a terrific sense of humour. We had been joined by the local vicar who came to give a blessing … WHAT, the speaker cried, A MAN? Well, it was the last day so distractions were welcome. Actually, the vicar enjoyed himself, and he laughed with the rest of us when the speaker got going, particularly when her delivery went near the mark.  I think Vicar laughed louder than anyone at those times.

Ladies had made special cakes for the occasion; the vicar enjoyed those and his compliments were like a healing balm on a difficult day.  

After the visitors went home we spent some time planning our own future. We didn’t want to give up WI so some of us decided to join one of the other institutes that meet in our hall. They used to pay rent to us for the hire of the hall so their financial affairs weren’t affecting their use of it. As owners of the hall my institute bore the brunt and the responsibility was unbearable.

But, what to do about the hall itself? The deeds were prohibitive in that we had never been able to hire out the hall to any association that wasn’t WI, cub scouts or girl brownies. You see the limitations! If we had been able to we could have hired out the hall and made a profit. Oh well, these things happen, or perhaps I should say ‘don’t happen’.

The hall being on church ground, it seemed to us that the logical conclusion would be to ask the church if they wanted it. We put it to the vicar and church trustees – who were most definitely interested. However, they needed to consult solicitors before they could agree to taking it on. The wait for news seemed interminable yet it was only a couple of months. Three of us, who had been acting trustees of our hall (on the grounds that no-one else would do it) went by appointment to receive the news.

It was good news, the church would take it on, pay all bills, and allow our neighbouring institutes to continue holding meetings. We agreed a date and that was that. Without further ado, my colleagues planned when to sort all the paperwork for archiving, a big job and one I never expected to do. That in itself will bring back huge memories of times gone by as records go back quite a number of years, with photographs to prove it. The hall has been in existence, or rather it was presented to my WI in 1932 and I don’t think anything has ever been thrown away.

In the meantime, a number of us joined the morning institute and were welcomed with open arms – literally. They are feeling relief at having acquired more members since their membership had fallen and they were on the verge of thinking they would have to close.

So it's off with the old and on with the new. One thing is certain, I will never join another committee or take on any official jobs. My colleagues are younger than me by many years so it will be my pleasure to leave it all to them. 

RESIGNING MY POST AT WI

I’ve done it. I have resigned.

It is three years since I took on the presidency of the local Women's Institute, and I said at the outset I would not serve any longer. Three years is enough. Year 1 is a learning process, year 2 is enjoyable, year 3 is a chore and a worry. It has always been the case in all walks of life that as time moves on the top of the tree becomes more tiresome than enjoyable.

I’ve done it all now so it’s time to give it a rest. I’ve done the Federation Chairman bit, which involved being head of a large county area, and being President of my local branch. I can do no more and I need a break.

Don’t get me wrong, I shall still be a member but it would be good to sit back and watch others at work. 

Like many organisations falling membership hit home. My institute is elderly; we have been around since 1932. Modern women work during the day so there’s little chance of luring them to monthly afternoon events. One or two retirees have joined but they don’t want the responsibility of an officer’s job. They just want to meet friends and listen to a good speaker.

Speakers these days don’t like to do it for free. Some charge £60 to £100 to give an hour’s talk, on top of which we had bills to pay. Owning the hall meant we must pay rates, gas and electric bills on top of speaker fees, repairs, decorators. plumbers, and more, so less fees coming in means we just can’t cope.

I said at the outset that I would only serve for the recommended three years and that time passed quickly. I faced the Annual General Meeting with determination to keep the promise I made to myself and others. Yes, it was time to elect a new president. Not one hand went up. It meant only one thing…. closure. Obviously, nobody cared about the institute.

Should I feel guilty? Well, I don’t. What I feel is huge relief.

My involvement will continue, helping others to dispose of a hall that was a gift from the parents of a WI member all those years ago. It may be an easier job than we thought, but then again it might not.

I have made plans to join another local institute in the New Year, one where I can sit and listen and make new friends. I won’t be alone, others will do the same. I think I’ve gained something, don’t you?

Where I am and where I want to be...

Adelaide Hoodlass
who was responsible for the start of the Women's Institute
100 years ago

Doesn't time fly? It seems only five minutes since I blogged about an invitation to stand as President of my local Women's Institute. In fact, that was two years ago. 

Last Thursday was Election Day, always a nervous time for me in case I didn’t get anything or everything right. I wrote my presentation well in advance and kept updating it as the weeks went by and it seemed to go down well. I’m not the only one who has to report, the secretary (new to the job) has to present one, as does the treasurer. Mind you, the treasurer had more to worry about than I did but it’s no consolation on the day. I tried to introduce some humour before getting down to the nitty-gritty and that raised a smile from the audience members. Actually it was a good thing to do because it made me relax more.

I am not a good speaker. I dare not even try to talk without the written word to refer to. However I did practice reading with plenty of pauses and lots of looking up at the members. I have read about public speaking but it doesn’t come easy to me. Nerves play a big part; even if my subject is familiar and well known I still fear making a hash of it. Oh how I admire those who can stand there and talk for an hour without a hitch. But I’m okay with a script in front of me.

I had made my mind up in advance about what I wanted to do and decided that I would stand down if someone else put their hand up. Being President is a worrying job sometimes. No matter what you do to encourage enthusiasm it never seems to work. We’re an ageing institute, you see. Everyone has been there and done that and doesn’t want to do it again. Under those circumstances there’s only so much we can achieve.  The Women’s Institute does great things but it’s younger people who keep it going. I never thought I’d say that but we have to be realistic. All the oldies want is a cup of tea and a chat and to listen to a good speaker. Anything else would be hard work.

I was voted in. An honour really, but after thanking them for their confidence I told the members I would only serve for one more year.... adding that three years was more than enough for anyone. I shall be 82 next May (you can raise your hands in horror or merely smile) so I’ve reached the stage of wanting to take it easy. Being president doesn’t allow that to happen because there’s always things to dream up, plan, and arrange. I’m running out of steam so that back seat is beginning to beckon.

I can’t complain, I’ve had it good in the WI. I moved up the ladder quite quickly and took on responsible jobs; I was County Chairman for four years which was a big responsibility but enjoyable so I can’t complain that I haven’t seen life in the WI. 

My Monthly Angst!

President's Badge... I really should get one!

Being president of the local WI has its drawbacks as well as its positive side and even after almost two years in the chair I still feel like an incompetent newcomer. You would not believe that previous experience at greater heights failed to give me confidence. I’m okay on the outside so I don’t think people notice, but inside... well, my stomach quivers like jelly. Maybe it’s because I’m older now, who knows.

When I think about it, I remember that previous experience was helped by a team of people who each had their own job. It meant that all angles were catered for without problems. Now, though, in a smaller institute I find there are too many cooks to spoil the broth. Either that or no cooks at all! It is very hard work trying to implement change when no attempt at change has been tried before. So why bother, I ask myself. Joe is great, he boosts my ego to such a point that I keep on trying.

I was elected president on the grounds that change needed to be made. Everything was dull, no interest being shown in any arrangement until it got that no-one bothered to try anything new. That’s where I came in. It was said that if anyone could brighten the place up, it was me. So, for my sins, I was elected.

Now, have you ever tried to shift an elephant? You can talk to it, cajole it to move, but you can’t get it to move any faster than it wants. And yet it can move fast IF it wants. Same with my institute’s members, they could, if they tried, enjoy things. They could, if they tried, show a bit of enthusiasm.

The WI programme is fairly straightforward: a bit of business, a speaker, a raffle, a cuppa with cake, and a chat with friends. It’s the extra activity (EA) that causes the problem. The monthly meeting is exactly that – monthly. But in the dim and distant past someone, in their wisdom, decided that four weeks was too long a gap away from their WI buddies. Hence the EA which occurs bang in the middle.

Years ago (and I DO mean YEARS) people chose the EA to do craftwork, making things and learning stuff, but now that members have reached great ages they don’t want to know. Understandably they have been there and done that and don’t want to do it again, yet still want SOMETHING. That ‘something’ is a mystery to me. Whatever I or others suggest or organise is ignored. Nobody shows any interest. Yet still I hear the whispered remark ‘we don’t DO anything’.

What DO members like?

It is very noticeable that they like to eat or attend anything that includes food. They’ll queue up for that! I did wonder if perhaps they don’t eat at home. The trouble is that committee members, who are also in advancing years, find it too much to keep members fed as well as their own families. They’ve had enough. Consequently, with this in mind, we suggested eating out as an extra activity. The local pub does a great carvery so that pleased the membership. But then the committee decided that they should still try and lay on something else. Just when I thought I was winning......

I am rapidly coming round to using the expression ‘Tough!’ It may or may not be the right attitude but it’s very satisfying for my somewhat disillusioned soul.

This year the WI celebrates its Centenary. Yes, 100 years. I wonder how many institutes have grieved about or pondered upon the same or similar situations and how many more will follow the same route. It is comforting to know that deep down we're all the same. 

 

Titbits... and gloves!

MYSTERY OF THE MARIGOLDS

I always wear Marigold gloves for dirty work, washing up etc. But still haven’t figured out why it’s always the right hand glove that gets torn. I am right handed, therefore I assume it’s the right hand glove that gets all the knocks. But why is that? I’ve checked it out and it seems to me that it should be the left one that cops for a few slashes since it’s the right one that wields the implements or manipulates the dishcloth. I tried using a long handled brush but this proved to be ineffective in the washing-up stakes so I went back to the hands-on routine.

This has been going on for several years and only now am I querying it? Why? Because the other day I had a shock ... it was the left hand glove that got nicked. No, it wasn’t stolen, just gently sliced. I’m not going to throw the good glove away because it might come in handy next time I’m stuck with a left-hander.

WI NEWS

I am thrilled that at short notice I've been able to book a group to entertain us at the WI’s birthday lunch. The lunch is just a month away and nothing had been prepared prior to the new committee taking over. Thinking caps on!

I remembered seeing a charity group at Townswomen’s Guild and wondered if I dare approach them for a date that was imminent knowing that people book them months and years in advance. Remember the saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained? Well, it’s true. I ventured and lo and behold the reply was yes, we’ll come. Whoopee. I just know the ladies will enjoy the performance.

The charity is Music in Motion which promotes sign language through participation. It is a Birmingham UK based group of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people who use British Sign Language in a unique way to interpret popular songs by performing the lyrics in sign language. This creates pathways between deaf and hearing communities with music and Sign Language.  Their aim is to promote deaf awareness and to introduce the arts to the deaf community.

Music in Motion has performed at a variety of venues throughout the country and frequently gets invited to give repeat performances so I think I was very lucky to get an agreement to perform in such short notice.

When I saw them the ladies in the audience joined in the singing and even got up dancing. I gather that was so unusual it was remembered by the group. Who knows, that may be why they agreed to come ... in order to see us making fools of ourselves.

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My week.... the good and the irritating!

Delivered 2, Posted two. I know it sounds like a football score but actually it’s the amount of books I’ve sold this week. Whoopee! The Chairman of the TG has also asked me to read one of my short stories at the January meeting. Do you think 2^nd January is too late for a short Christmas tale?

Can’t believe I’m talking about January... I haven’t yet got round to thinking about Christmas. I guess that’s because we don’t know what the immediate future holds. We have bought some Christmas cards though, that’s a start. Oh, and we’ve booked our usual Christmas lunch at the lovely Moor Hall. We go there every year so it would be a shame to miss it. Still, never mind the food ... as long as Joe is okay that’s all that matters.

I suppose I’d better think of what to hint at for a Christmas present. Does anyone else have that trouble? The older I get the less things I want or need so if anyone asks ‘What would you like for Christmas’ I really have no idea. I’m in the lucky position that if I want anything I just go out and buy it, which beats hoping someone will buy a certain something and being disappointed if I don't get it.

Oh what a dilemma! I so want to delete the Blogger blog roll and move permanently to Bloglovin’ and all its faults. So why do I hesitate? It’s like this, whilst mostly I can rely on Bloglovin’ showing my friends recent posts, it doesn’t always enable me to leave a comment. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t, which necessitates getting further access to blogs without any outside help.

We rely on systems we set up and it irks when Blogger spoils things by not acting as we want. Showing older posts instead of the current one or not showing the blog at all is driving me nuts.

Because our new WI secretary didn’t know the ropes, my institute failed to book a WI Advisor to attend our AGM, which is normal procedure. The President had no choice but to run the meeting without a WIA. The day before the meeting a member rang me to check if this was legal ... it took half an hour to satisfy her that it was all above-board. 

The picture, by the way is of The Royal Albert Hall in London where our National AGM is held. Our hall is just a spacious but cosy wooden hut behind a church. 

But, I degress....

I felt reasonably confident that everything would be done according to the book since the President was just completing her ninth year of office and therefore should know all the ropes. Or so I thought! Reports were presented, but there was no vote for President (a yearly event) nor any mention of it. Disgruntled ladies went home, inwardly fuming instead of speaking out. My time at the meeting was occupied trying to right a wrong for a new member so I didn’t cotton on straight away that there hadn't been a vote.  

Next day, my phone was like a hot line with yet another lady asking me to sort it out. That’s the disadvantage of being an ex-Chair... one has to take responsibility for error-fixing, whether I like it or not. After notifying Federation and receiving their advice, I then rang the President-of-nine-years-standing only to find out that she knew nothing about WI procedure. I can only think she’s slept through all nine AGMs. It took me three-parts of an hour to explain the system. 

The next stage will be an election at the start of the December meeting, in the company of an official WIA, when I foresee huge disappointment on the part of the current President.

Joe continues to be philosophical about his medical condition, although if it was me I’d be howling the place down. On Thursday we are due to see the doctor in charge of Oncology though I don’t know what will happen on that day. An ultra-sound scan is also booked, as informed by the very nice Surgeon who appears to be somewhat mystified. 

Enjoy your week, folks. 

NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

I'm as proud as punch because, at last, I’ve done it. All my work is now in book form, eight books in total. I think I mentioned before that I am donating some to the WI auction on Thursday, it will be interesting to see members reaction, if any. The Townswomen's Guild (henceforth referred to as TG) has asked me to read one of my stories at the birthday meeting. I’m honoured to be asked but it poses a problem ... which one shall I read? Decisions, decisions! 

UPDATE ON JOE

Joe came out of hospital last week and we have a district nurse coming in once a week to do what's necessary. 

On Saturday I took him out to lunch. He paid, of course, but I took him! We had a lovely meal and it was great to be out together in a pleasant environment instead of talking by a hospital bed. We treated ourselves to starters of soup (him) and spinach and cheese etcetera (me), followed by a sea-bass meal and exotic desserts – a mess of fruit compote and meringue for him and panna cotta for me, with floater coffee to die for.

Our table faced the lake where experienced and novice sailors navigated their yachts. Although the sky was filled with heavy clouds the sun’s brilliance showed on the water. I tried to get a decent picture of it but window frames and half drawn blinds were an obstruction. I’ve cropped the pictures in an attempt to show the scene rather than the restaurant windows. Foolishly I'd gone out without thinking I might get some good photo shots so I only had the phone camera with me ... yeah, I know, I’m an idiot.

See what I mean about obstacles!

See the glistening water. ... it positively shimmered

Mel, you will be pleased to know that I’m sticking with the cleaner. She’s GREAT, well at half my age she should be, don’t you think? Last week I asked if she would concentrate on my work room/office, which is always the last place to get much. Before I knew what was what, the girl had the nets down and was cleaning the windows. That was after she vacuumed throughout the bungalow, mopped the kitchen floor and my rather large laundry room. Oh to have youth at one’s side! I love her to bits. 

I am now a dab hand at ordering groceries on line; just had my third delivery. It’s great that I can have it all delivered when I want it and not have to wait for them to decide. If I forget something it’s no sweat to pop out to the local store and at least I don’t have to break my neck to do it.

Any more tips, Mel, and I’ll be pleased to consider them... yeah! 

It always takes a while to get into the swing of things when joining a new outfit but after a year’s attendance I now feel at home at the TG monthly meetings. What is noticeable is the difference in people. The last meeting I attended is a case in point ... after telling one or two about Joe’s medical condition the word spread and lots of women came to me at the end to give their best wishes. That’s more than they do at WI. Members there are a lot more reserved.

For several years Joe has played a part in the local institute by checking their books at year end and giving the benefit of advice, so I guess something will be mentioned at the next AGM. He hasn't exactly pulled out but it has been suggested by letter that it might be in their best interest to find someone else, purely as a just-in-case situation.

My eyes have been opened lately, surprisingly so. I have been a member of the WI for 21 years, a comparative newcomer compared to some, and always thought the organisation was the be-all-and-end-all of establishments for women. That is until I met Marion, an old WI colleague who had also joined the Townswomen’s Guild. She invited me to go along. After retiring as WI County Chairman I was at a loose end with regard to outside commitments so I took her up on the idea.

Marion was with a different WI for many years, until it was closed for lack of officer support. The usual story, nobody wanting to take office and run the institute so it had to be suspended and then closed. Not wanting to lose out on WI altogether Marion and a few others joined another local institute and invited me along. And you should hear them complain: it’s cliquey, nobody speaks, we can’t hear what’s going on, this isn’t for me, are complaints thrown around every month ... and I thought it was only me that noticed!

It is said that fame goes before you. One thing I’ve discovered is that an ex-County Chairman doesn’t fit in easily. Joe said that would be the case but I didn’t really believe it. The President of the WI in question, who was once very friendly, now keeps her distance and if I dare make suggestions (requested) about, for example, raising much needed funds, she responds with a look which I interpret as a sort of ‘who do you think you are’ attitude.  Perhaps she thinks I might dictate rules or something. Well, far be it from me to do such a thing. It’s all very off-putting but there's some consolation in knowing that other ex-chairs have experienced similar things. I cannot see the TG ladies behaving in that way... they are much more relaxed and waste no time bending a few rules if the mood takes them. 

It’s a shame, because the WI is a fantastic organisation that does a lot of good for communities far and wide. Maybe in time, with new and younger blood coming in, things might change. Maybe younger members won’t learn how to whinge or constantly complain about rising fees, or maybe they will pass on their untainted views and teach the oldies a thing or two. We can but hope. 

A Force to be Reckoned With, by Historian Jane Robinson

It was thanks to Twitter that I learned of this book about the history and eminence of the WI and I couldn’t wait to buy it. It is written in modern language with a thread of humour running through which makes for an enjoyable read.

Other books have been written about the WI and its origins, many of them factual but dull. None that I’ve read portray the original founders like real people. It is my opinion that Jane Robinson has produced a book that everybody should read and every Federation should possess. It is our history, something to be proud of.

Cover blurb:

Everyone knows three things about the Women’s Institute:

They spent the war making jam; the sensational Calendar Girls were WI members; and more recently the slow hand-clapping of Tony Blair.

But there’s so much more to this remarkable movement. Over 200,000 women in the UK belong to the WI and its membership is growing. It crosses class and religion, includes all ages – from students and metropolitan young professionals to rural centenarians – with passions that range from supporting the 1920s Bastardy Bill (in response to a wartime legacy of illegitimate babies) to the current SOS for the Honey Bees Campaign.

The WI was founded in 1915, not by worthy ladies in tweeds, but by the feistiest women in the country, including suffragettes, academics and social crusaders who discovered the heady power of sisterhood, changing women’s lives and their world in the process. Certainly its members boiled jam and sang Jerusalem, but they also made history. This fascinating book reveals for the first time how they are – and always were – a force to be reckoned with.

The chapters:

1.      The Beginnings: 1897-1913

2.      Taking Root 1913-1918

3.      The Women Carry On: 1^st World War

4.      Golden Eagle: Lady Denman (this was an eye-opener!)

5.      Marthas, Marys, Pigeons and Crows: the 1920s

6.      Change the World  in an Afternoon: the 30s

7.      Mum’s Army: 2^nd World War

8.      Halibut Hall and the Revolutions: 1945-1960

9.      How to Be Happy though Educated: Denman College

10.   Not According to Schedule: 1960-1999

11.    Bloody Marvellous: 1999 onwards

When I was asked to read a taster at our 81st Birthday Lunch I was hard pressed to find something to fit the allocated 15 minutes, because I couldn’t find a suitable break in the WI story. Today's the day, and I've decided to read a mid-chapter selection. I hope the members will enjoy it as much as I have. 

Catching up with events....

Apart from the fortnightly visits to the chiropractor, I almost joined the Townswomen’s Guild (otherwise known as TWG) but had to cancel because at long last we were having the real Broadband installed at home. I say real because for four years I had been operating on mobile broadband by way of a DONGLE.

The telephone system proved to be very complicated when we tried to install Broadband twice before. The first time we applied to have it was just after we had our driveway paved and the engineer said he would have to dig it up to install the new system. We turned it down and decided not to bother.

However, we tried for Broadband again at a later date, this time going through AOL with whom we had accounts. Okay, fine! Things were put in place for the installation. The router arrived and a man from the telephone company called to install a box in the porch.  Please don’t ask me what the box was supposed to do.

After that was done we tried getting on line ... and failed. We contacted AOL who said the fault lay with the phone company. The phone company said it was AOLs responsibility. After several weeks of arguing (by phone) we felt disheartened by the whole thing. It seemed there was nothing we could do but demand our money back.

The financial side was sorted and I cancelled my account with AOL. Didn’t need an account anyway since everyone was offering free email. Hotmail, Google, Yahoo, and even AOL.

Then I heard about the newly introduced DONGLE and promptly bought one. My Guy followed suit a short while after, specifically to use on his own laptop. Admittedly the speed for getting on line was not high but it suited us.

And so came the time when my computer bit the dust and I was obliged to buy a new one. Unfortunately the new acquisition only had two USB ports. Don’t manufacturers realise that people like me need about five USB ports to survive? I do, of course, have one of those hub things, well several actually, but one has to remember that it also needs a USB point to operate, and when there are only two there are problems.

By the time I’d connected everything via a hub (including the dongle) I couldn’t connect anything else. By this time we had acquired iPads and needed to log on to iTunes before we could work them. We managed, but only after considerable difficulty on my part because of the lack of USB ports.

So we contacted our own telephone company and asked them to provide to Broadband, knowing that whatever was wrong with our system they would have to put it right. Which they did. We got the new Fibre Optic Broadband, no less. No digging up of driveways, no blaming anyone else for anything.

And to convince us that they were the cats whiskers in providing peace of mind, the phone company also installed CALLER DISPLAY, so that now we don’t need to answer the phone to unwanted callers. I have great satisfaction in ignoring INTERNATIONAL NUMBER UNKOWN.

I did get back on track with the TWG and to date have attended three meetings. I also paid a visit to another WI ... feeling the need to spread myself around. My own institute has got a bit dull lately and there doesn’t seem to be any prospects for livening things up. Added to this there was the Federation’s Annual Council Meeting to attend. That was really enjoyable. The afternoon entertainment came in the form of Two Blokes and a Piano with songs made famous by Flanders and Swann and Richard Stilgo. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a picture of them or of the women singing their heads off.

Hubby's birthday went off like a birthday should, with nice presents, a call from Australia, and good food. He was also pleased to see all the good wishes on the blog from you lovely people. Thank you so much. Here are a few pictures to give you a flavour of the celebration meal.

Mixed Vegetables

Fillet Steak with peppersauce

Pan fried veal with mushroom sauce

Pinot Grigio

Dessert Menu

The Gavino family knew it was a birthday lunch but they didn't let on until the end of our meal. This was their way of wishing him a Happy Birthday.

Not only did they produce the surprise plate but they sang the usual birthday song accompanied by five people at the next table. The next picture shows a nice touch for the star of the day.

We were also given on the house drinks, the name of which I cannot remember, but I do remember how potent they were. 

The last time we were there was in May, for my birthday treat. I blogged about it at the time and was pleased to be told that the blog had been read by the family. What a lovely family they are. I do so love Italians.

Hiccups

The last week could have been better. It seemed to be filled with incidents that tried my patience.

On a recent visit to the garden centre to purchase new plants, hubs and I spotted some small mats designed to absorb water off wet boots. The label stated that they were also suitable for use in kitchens. Since the mat in our kitchen was looking the worse for wear we decided to buy a couple. The colour was right and they looked ideal for positioning by sink and cooker.


They’d only been down five minutes when we noticed bits of green fluff all over the floor, fluff that had been ‘walked off’ the mats. I began to feel guilty for suggesting we buy the damn things. Anyway, after a few days of picking up and sweeping away hubs dealt with the mats by giving them a once-over with stiff brush and vacuum cleaner. Since then, and it’s been several days, I’ve only picked up a few green bits so there’s hope yet for keeping them.


Why don’t cameras pick up true colours? Those mats are green, NOT the colour shown.

oOo

In between rain showers I decided to go down the garden to top up the bird feeders. Two years ago I purchased a ‘baffle’ to cover one of the feeders. 


The baffle is made of a transparent and extremely hard material. It fits like a dome over the feeder thus defying the squirrel access to the bird seed. It worked well until last week when I discovered what the squirrel had done. He’d only been gnawing the edge of the baffle in an attempt to ‘eat it away’. I can only imagine the little beggar lies across the dome to do this! You wouldn’t believe how cross I felt. I’ve now smeared the baffle with Vaseline in the hope that it will make his little paws sticky.


It’s an ongoing battle between him and me. Actually we didn’t see him for quite a few days and now I’m wondering if chewing the baffle had made him sick ... (insert witches cackle) ...  I can but hope! A US pal told me about the Droll Yankees method of defeating the squirrel and for your entertainment and mine here is a short video of the squirrel fling. There is also a squirrel catapult but I think I'd draw the line at that.

There was some sad news that stepdaughter’s partner had been made redundant. They’re okay but readjustments will have to be made. Wish they weren’t so far away.

Then there was a disagreement with a WI member over the WI blog which left a sour taste in my mouth for several days, plus a feeling of why did I bother! I so dislike altercations.

Talking of blogs, with all this going on I felt pushed to find the time for updating this one, so I’ve decided to cut down on the amount of posts per week. For instance, I might leave the stories for a couple of days instead of one, which should please friends who say they keep missing them.  What's the betting I revert back to old practices when I find out how much I miss the daily contact. 

But you know, throughout the irritations and upsets hubs and I can still laugh. Just lately we find ourselves laughing at the silliest of things. As I look back over recent days, it makes me feel truly grateful.