Friday, 29 July 2005

A tagging we will go

5 Qs 4 U

It is perverse, I'm enjoying this too much, but want to get on with blogging. So I have made a special link to this game. Instructions are below, and if you are brave enough to take part I'll put a link to your answers at the end of this post. If you are not sure, go read some of the other answers!

As long as there is a link to this from the top of the page, then you know I am still up to asking questions! I'm not fed up or out of questions yet. Jeez - I'm so nosey :-)



Scott-o-rama got this from Larry who got it from Large Tony...

In this little diversion the "tagger" asks five questions of the "taggee," and then the "taggee" ends the post with the instructions for how the game works so that it propagates like any good meme is supposed to.

Scott has asked me:
  1. What's the best thing about living in the UK?
    Beautiful country with history; tiny country lanes; old stone houses with thatched roofs; rolling green patchwork fields; tea; and we speak English.
  2. What's the worst?
    Imperialist, snotty nosed and racist attitude inbred in some of the population.
  3. What do you think the biggest difference between the British and Americans is?
    Contentious question! Pride. Americans have great pride in their country and in all things. The best part is the pride they have in their work - at least as far as the service staff are concerned. Pride is a positive thing that goes to extremes and can be very negative. The British lack a general sense of country pride - we know we have rampaged our imperialist rule across the world wiping out cultures that I reckon we have rather withdrawn ourselves into a bunch of mamby pamby, apologetic, not quite knowing where we stand, race of people. We take no pride in our service industries and little pride in our achievements.
  4. Where would you most like to live if you could live anywhere?
    If time became stretchy I'd live in lots of different places. I'd learn the language and live the lifestyle. Places include: Germany; Egypt; and the US. But ultimately, as long as it is with Mr Doris it could be anywhere!
  5. Tony Blair- hot or not?
    He rocked the night he came to power. Now, our socialist left-wing party is so right-wing it is scary. So 'not'. (But there is no viable alternative at the mo.)

In accordance with the rules of the meme, I need to post these instructions:

Instructions:
  1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “Interview me.” (”Tickle me” or “Caress me” are not acceptable substitutes.) You must leave your blog address so I can think of good questions for you!
  2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person’s will be different. I’ll post the questions in the comments section of this post.
  3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
  4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
  5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Don't forget, you will need to check back for your questions and it might help if you let me know when you have answered them - though I will come and check anyway :-)



I am enjoying setting the questions so be brave and submit yourself to my scrutiny..... these brave people have:

  • (Insert Cool Name Here)

  • Keris Stainton

  • /T/BLOG/

  • A Blog From The South

  • Alaskan Chilli

  • Benjamin Solah

  • Chez le laquet!

  • Ducking for Apples

  • Ella M

  • Goss

  • Knee

  • Mad Baggage

  • Mama Mouse

  • OMG I'm a housewife

  • PoetX - The Wilderness Years

  • Soup du Jour of the Day

  • tempOrary dimensiOn

  • The Psy Chick

  • You know you wanna



  • Original Comments:


    Ally said...
    Go on then, interview me! :)
    Friday, July 29, 2005 5:21:00 PM
    Cheryl said...
    Ok... Interview me!
    Friday, July 29, 2005 5:22:00 PM
    doris said...
    Ally -

    1. A 4 bedroom Victorian terrace or a 6 bedroom new build with a huge kitchen and why?

    2. Favourite film from the 70's. (Even if you are not old enough!)

    3. What part of your body would you change and why?

    4. Which zodiac sign are you most attracted to?

    5. Why do you like ducks?
    Friday, July 29, 2005 5:44:00 PM
    doris said...
    Cheryl -

    1. What passage from the Bible has a big impact on you?

    2. One favourite sweet as a kid?

    3. What are five of your favourite words.

    4. You are very happy, everything and everyone is perfect in your life, you are feeling wonderful, content and as if you are floating on a cloud. What thought has just popped into your mind?

    5. What would be your weapon of choice - assuming you had to have at least one weapon for self-defence?
    Friday, July 29, 2005 5:56:00 PM
    Cheryl said...
    Done that then, you evil meany! What questions!
    LOL
    x
    Friday, July 29, 2005 7:23:00 PM
    tim said...
    Good answers to the questions. However I think you are too hard on the British. you all deserve more credit for all the bad you have also done much good. Those who haven't failed also usually haven't succeeded.

    have a good day
    Friday, July 29, 2005 7:53:00 PM
    ella m. said...
    Interview me! (so I can practice for my fame and stardom later :D)
    Friday, July 29, 2005 9:54:00 PM
    anniebee said...
    I don't suppose Mr Doris has a single brother? He sounds wonderful from reading your posts today. Hope the tooth gives you some peace. I always had lovely dentists, but when I lived in Derby I had one who was awful. He removed one of my teeth, and told me I needed a huge amount of work done. Fortunately I moved! When I got back down here I signed up with my Mum's dentist who is lovely, and still haven't had any work done in three years! I see the hygienist every three months though, as a very dry mouth from the drugs is bad for gums.
    Friday, July 29, 2005 9:57:00 PM
    doris said...
    Ella M. -

    1. How old were you when you had your first kiss?

    2. Give one or two sentences you'd like to describe yourself from a previous life. (Or who you'd like to be if you don't agree with the idea of re-incarnation.)

    3. What is something nice a stranger has said to you?

    4. What pop song or artist are you ashamed to say you have liked?

    5. What are the strangest search terms used to find your blog?
    Friday, July 29, 2005 10:09:00 PM
    doris said...
    Tim - Yes, I know I'm a bit hard but also, you ask any British person and they would be quite clear where my preferences lay! Absurd British deprecation :-)

    Annie - 'Fraid Mr Doris's brother has been married longer than him, and his wife is as dotty about him as I am about Mr Doris! Must be something in the family jeans (oops genes!).
    Friday, July 29, 2005 10:21:00 PM
    Mama Mouse said...
    OK Doris ask away!! Love this idea!!

    By the way, how is your tooth today?
    Friday, July 29, 2005 10:26:00 PM
    doris said...
    Mama Mouse -

    The toothy peg is fine-ish now thanks! A little sensitive. On with your questions:

    1. Which is your favorite cuddly toy?

    2. What is the most annoying thing about using a wheelchair?

    3. What is a good thing about using a wheelchair?

    4. One person or situation that brings a smile to your face when you think of them/it?

    5. You can put only 5 things into a time capsule - what would they be?
    Friday, July 29, 2005 10:43:00 PM
    arrazello said...
    Interview me. Please.
    Friday, July 29, 2005 11:36:00 PM
    doris said...
    Arrazello -

    1. It is the middle of the night and you have the munchies. What would you reach for?

    2. Name two significant characters from classical literature that have impressed you and why?

    3. What is your favourite mode of transport?

    4. It is many years from now and you are very old and in your rocking chair. One of your favourite great grandchildren has come to visit. What snippet of advice would you like to give them?

    5. Which of your children's births was the best?
    Friday, July 29, 2005 11:54:00 PM
    Le laquet said...
    Excellent answers! Why are we so good @ apologising?
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 6:03:00 AM
    Comment deleted
    This post has been removed by the blog administrator.
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:37:00 AM
    Mama Mouse said...
    Those questions are NOT wimpy Doris ... I answered them here ... OOOOOPS. I go now to put them on MY blog ... and issue the 'interview' challenge.
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:40:00 AM
    scott-o-rama said...
    Loved your answers! Thanks for playing. (Now you get to see the hard part is not answering the questions, but coming up with new questions for other people!)
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 8:06:00 PM
    doris said...
    Hey Scott! I really enjoyed playing and finding questions for others so would welcome doing more - even bloggers I haven't heard from before :-) That'd be a challenge.
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 8:28:00 PM
    arrazello said...
    Thanks D. I'll get round to those ASAP.
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 8:40:00 PM
    Le laquet said...
    Oh I thought you'd be sick of people's requests to be interviewed by now!! Please interview me!!
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 10:34:00 PM
    doris said...
    Le laquet -

    1. If you were a cartoon character which would you be?

    2. What is the most unusual present one of your school kids has given you at the end of the school year/Christmas?

    3. You've been to lots of places in the world - what is the strangest toilet you have used?

    4. How old were you when you first learned to use chop sticks?

    5. If you were a TV reporter what would you be reporting about?

    ***************************

    OK, that was great :-)
    Saturday, July 30, 2005 11:26:00 PM
    thebossman said...
    Interview me, too!
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 12:15:00 AM
    Le laquet said...
    Great questions!!
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 7:47:00 AM
    jane said...
    Doris,
    I think Tony Blair is kinda cute. A little too thin but he's better than what we've got, that's for sure.
    A question though, I think Camilla Parker Bowles (sp) is wrongly bashed & I don't know if it's just the American media that does it. I don't find her quite as bad as they say. Sure, she's no Princess Diana, but she's an older woman & just different.
    But aren't they all forgetting who she married? You could pin that guy up on a clothesline by his ears!! Does the British media ever bash Prince Charles too or is that just a big no-no?
    And I feel the same about Tarzan as you do about Mr.Doris, wherever on this planet, as long as it's with him. :)
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 8:40:00 AM
    Le laquet said...
    Done - that was such fun!
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 11:45:00 AM
    doris said...
    thebossman -

    1. What is your wife's best physical feature?

    2. You are happily retiring and handing over to a successor. What one piece of advice would you give?

    3. Do you sometimes fantasise about certain employees?

    4. What fruit do you love the most and which do you dislike?

    5. If money was no object, where would you go on holiday, who with and for how long?

    Enjoy! :-)
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 11:48:00 AM
    doris said...
    You're back Jane! Can I question you?

    And excuse me while I choke a little.... I don't think cuteness qualifies as a reason to be in power, but I suppose it certainly helps!

    As for C P-B I think she has history against her. I think she is applauded for how she looks these days, but I don't think there is much getting away from the past. But I don't think she has it any worse than Charles.
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 11:53:00 AM
    oOssOo said...
    First of all, I wanted to thank you for the intelligent comment you left on my blog :)

    Now would you please interiew me? :P
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 8:05:00 PM
    doris said...
    oOssOo - Ahhh. The 'intelligent comment' comment has brought you to make an intelligent comment on my blog! :-)

    Your questions:

    1. What is your favourite alcoholic drink?

    2. Do you believe in the Big Bang theory?

    3. Who was the most influential adult in your life before you were 16?

    4. Why are you so elusive and are you like that in real life?

    5. IE or Firefox and why?

    That's yer lot! Next :-)
    Sunday, July 31, 2005 8:42:00 PM
    oOssOo said...
    Thanks! I see you're good at this!
    Great blog too! Keep it up!
    Monday, August 01, 2005 12:05:00 AM
    DaFFy said...
    OK...interview me - if I'm not too late :)
    Monday, August 01, 2005 1:14:00 AM
    Mamsbug Speaks said...
    I love reading your blog Doris, and I am really enjoying reading all the questions and answers from everyone.
    Monday, August 01, 2005 4:34:00 AM
    doris said...
    Mamsbug - why don't you have a go? :-)

    Daffy -

    1. What was the most you have smoked in a day and what is the current cost for a packet of ciggies where you are?

    2. Wallpaper or paint?

    3. What names/nicknames were you called at school?

    4. How did you and Moth first meet and how long before you actually met and then move in together?

    5. Name 3 favourite old films?

    I look forward to reading your answers!

    OK - next please! :-)
    Monday, August 01, 2005 8:12:00 AM
    Sarah said...
    Good answers. I agree with you about the pride thing. I think we should be more proud in our country, its a great place with intersting people, beautiful countryside, great cities and great diversity!
    Monday, August 01, 2005 10:04:00 AM
    Karen said...
    I feel so left out - please Interview me :-)
    Monday, August 01, 2005 2:21:00 PM
    doris said...
    Karen -

    Nice one :-)

    1. What New Year's resolutions have you managed to achieve so far this year?

    2. Either deaf or mute (no singing!) - which do you think you would cope with better?

    3. What is your favourite kiddies sweet from these days and one from your childhood?

    4. What is the most alcohol you have drunk in one sitting and what was it?

    5. If you were a funfair ride, which would best describe your personality?

    *******************************

    I'm happy to do more for anyone else!
    Monday, August 01, 2005 2:45:00 PM
    Benjamin Solah said...
    Interview me! :D
    Monday, August 01, 2005 3:38:00 PM
    doris said...
    Benjamin Solah -

    1. What is your budgie called and how often do you clean out its cage?

    2. In general terms/words, how would you describe your education up to age 16?

    3. Is that a picture of you under the tree?

    4. What do you think about dentists?

    5. Who or what has greatly influenced your passion for politics?

    I hope that is interesting! I've visited your blog before and am sure I have even commented, but otherwise, it is great to do the questions for a blogger I am not so familiar with!
    Monday, August 01, 2005 4:47:00 PM
    the psy chick said...
    Interview me!
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 1:29:00 PM
    doris said...
    the psy chick -

    That was interesting - I've tried not to go for the obvious questions, tempting as they were :-) All "What" questions though!

    1. What do you keep in the cupboard under your kitchen sink?

    2. What is your ideal working space like?

    3. What is your favourite weather?

    4. What is your earliest childhood memory?

    5. What stereotype about psychics is actually true to some extent?
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 1:48:00 PM
    Benjamin Solah said...
    Thanks, those questions are fine. The answers are now up.
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 2:35:00 PM
    doris said...
    Thanks for letting me know Benjamin! Coming to visit you now :-)
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 2:50:00 PM
    tim said...
    If its not too late interview me too. Actually I dont know why I am asking because lately being asked questions has been very irritating for me. But when it involves my blog im all for a bunch of questions.

    have a good day
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 8:58:00 PM
    arrazello said...
    Still working on my questions Doris. Number 4 is a stumper. Will let you know when I have it sussed. :)
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 9:22:00 PM
    doris said...
    Tim -

    Ahhhh Tim, with the cute piccy :-)

    1. I'd rate that pic of you on the right of your page as 9 out of 10. How would you rate your cuteness now?

    2. One of the old musicals has come on TV. You are busy doing something else but can hear the music - which musical or what number are you likely to start toe-tapping to?

    3. Would you consider changing your tag line from an 'ex-smoker' to a 'non-smoker'? {I think there is supposed to be a psychological difference with one keeping a connection to smoking and the other stating this is you.}

    4. What would it take for you and your sister to be on talking terms and if this is too long/personal to answer then just answer if it would be possible for you and your sister to be on talking terms?

    5. During pillow talk what one feature of your boyfriend's face is most endearing?

    Enjoy and I look forward to reading the answers :-)
    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 9:30:00 PM
    tim said...
    Those were interesting questions and Ive answered them on my blog.

    Thank you
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 12:57:00 AM
    Carolyn said...
    That sounds cool interview me!
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 2:16:00 PM
    doris said...
    Carolyn -

    1. Do you actually knit and what was the last thing you knitted? (Note to readers - this is not a dull question as Carolyn has had pics of knitted vaginas on her blog!)

    2. What is the best thing about living with your Grandmother?

    3. How old where you when you moved from the US to South Australia?

    4. What one piece of advice can you give regarding taking part in Blog Explosion's Battle of the Blogs?

    5. What is the most unusual item or book you have come across at your weekly stint volunteering at the charity shop?

    I was going to ask "How does it feel to thrash me on the BOTB" but that wouldn't be fair ;-) LOL Enjoy your questions and don't forget to put up the rules too - and it would help if you let me know when you are done so I can come read the answers!
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 2:50:00 PM
    Alaskan_Chilli said...
    I am a meme virgin so go on then, interview me..
    Debbie
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 3:29:00 PM
    Alaskan_Chilli said...
    I am a meme virgin so go on then, interview me..
    Debbie
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 3:34:00 PM
    doris said...
    University_girl -

    1. Jalapeno slices or dried chili flakes?

    2. Which real estate on Monopoly do you reckon is always worth acquiring?

    3. What branch of science are you studying or are interested in?

    4. What is your favourite colour Smartie?

    5. What was your best buy at Camden market?

    Thanks - I enjoyed visiting your blog and look forward to reading more :-) Let me know when you have posted your replies and I'll put a link to it.
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 4:17:00 PM
    Sydney said...
    O.K. Interview me, I'm not scared.
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 4:33:00 PM
    doris said...
    Sydney -

    1. What protective gear do you wear on your Harley and what is the fastest you have done?

    2. If you did have a Lemonade Stand as a kid, what would you have called it?

    3. Being a Christian I am sure that you have faith that the Bible is the word of God. However, the Bible has been translated and re-printed many times. How can you trust that the Bible is still the word of God? (If this question is too heavy, too personal, or too difficult etc then I'll put a substitute question at the end - I don't mean to be offensive, and having read a lot of your posts I really feel like reaching out to you in kindness.)

    4. What is one of the romantic moments you and your husband have shared?

    5. Do you wear a uniform and what is it?

    I hope that is OK :-) Let me know when you're done as I love finding out the answers.

    And now the substitute question:
    S. Which is your favourite item of jewellery?
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 5:16:00 PM
    oOssOo said...
    Hey Doris :)
    I thank you once again!
    Btw I'm a sexless bunny. Didn't you see me? I put a up a good fight with a horse, go on, check out my picture :P

    Ok, enough stupidity, I'm a girrrrlllll lol
    Ok.. I haven't had enough sleep.
    Forgive me!
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 7:53:00 PM
    doris said...
    Congrats oOssOo One's gender is to be applauded but sometimes it is good when it is not the most obvious thing :-)
    Wednesday, August 03, 2005 8:24:00 PM
    bentley92 said...
    Okay, I'm game, Interview me. My blogs are Knee and BuildingBedford
    Thursday, August 04, 2005 4:07:00 PM
    doris said...
    bentley92 -

    LOL - this has to be the hardest and most challenging yet! You have provided me with a blog about a knee-op and a blog about a town! However, I like rising to a challenge ;-)

    1. You were a young fit man when you sustained your knee injury. I know lots of people who have also sustained sports injuries so my question is: Do you now think sport is bad for your health?

    2. What is your favourite house paint color?

    3. Which is longer... your big toe or your second toe?

    4. Where is your favorite vacation place?

    5. A while back you helped out some people who had run out of petrol. They seemed in a hurry to get away with little thanks. If you had the situation over again, what would you do different? And is there any chance they were nicking the car and you had assisted them?

    Don't forget to let me know when the asnwers are done - I look forward to reading them!
    Thursday, August 04, 2005 6:00:00 PM
    bentley92 said...
    Done. The answers are on Knee. Thanks, was much fun.
    Thursday, August 04, 2005 8:10:00 PM
    DaFFy said...
    Ok Doris - I've done my questions - better late than never hey? :)
    Friday, August 05, 2005 12:55:00 AM
    Sydney said...
    All done Doris, whew.
    Friday, August 05, 2005 2:32:00 AM
    /T/ said...
    Since I'm on your stalking list anyway, you might as well interview me :)
    Saturday, August 06, 2005 2:25:00 AM
    Jaxia said...
    I'm up for it - Interview me!
    http://www.youknowyouwanna.net
    Saturday, August 06, 2005 6:21:00 AM
    doris said...
    /T/ -

    1. What is the most unusual thing you have seen on one of your treks?

    2. We usually have all sorts of half used jars in our refrigerators. Name a couple of things in your refrigerator that really need finishing off or throwing away?

    3. What do you miss most about Sweden?

    4. Why the Stratosphere for your wedding?

    5. What three things do you look forward to for the future?

    Hope that is OK - and I look forward to the answers!
    Saturday, August 06, 2005 5:26:00 PM
    doris said...
    Jaxia -

    Nice to 'meet' you Jaxia :-)

    1. What is the most acrobatic or athletic thing you can do? (foot behind your head, cartwheels, etc)

    2. Have your studies improved your poker form and how, or why not?

    3. What is one thing you love about your partner?

    4. What did you want to be as a kid and how does that compare to the reality so far?

    5. Describe your favourite bed sheets/cover?

    Let me know when you're done and I'll pop a link to the answers :-)
    Saturday, August 06, 2005 5:54:00 PM
    /T/ said...
    Doris,
    I did my best and I wrote thanks to you my biggest post so far. You sure ask interesting questions. Thanks for taking the time to prepare the questions. And go ahead.. keep stalking me, I am honored :)
    Sunday, August 07, 2005 3:58:00 AM
    Carolyn said...
    i have answered my questions like a good girl
    Sunday, August 07, 2005 8:10:00 AM
    doris said...
    Thanks Carolyn aka (Insert Cool Name Here) and /T/ - I've commented on your answers and popped a link to it on this post :-)
    Sunday, August 07, 2005 8:34:00 AM
    Keris said...
    I'd love to be interviewed, too!
    Sunday, August 07, 2005 3:19:00 PM
    Jaxia said...
    My answers are up! Thanks for the interview :)
    Sunday, August 07, 2005 6:10:00 PM
    doris said...
    Thanks Jaxia - I'll be along shortly to comment as I can't keep my mouth shut :-)

    Keris -

    Nice to meet you! You are one of those lovely people who thoughtfully provide a good bio and write in a way that lets people in .... so I am going to have to be suitably superficial and vacuous ;-)

    1. Which episode of the recent series of Dr Who would you sit down and watch again without hesitation?

    2. Without saying what your child's name is (unless this is public knowledge) what were the possible names you had considered?

    3. Share one sentence from one of your novels (includes part novels, half-started or half finished novels etc!).

    4. Name three places in this world that you want to visit?

    5. Which celebrity could you happily marry if you didn't have the life you have?

    Let me know when you are done! Thanks :-)
    Sunday, August 07, 2005 7:34:00 PM
    vertigo25 said...
    I have an idea...

    I want to be interviewed, but I want to put my replies in my next podcast.

    I think mine might be a bit difficult, though, since I don't really tell much about my real life on my site, but I think you're up to the challenge.

    g'head... try me.
    Monday, August 08, 2005 12:15:00 PM
    doris said...
    Andy -

    Ha-ha, I sure am up for the challenge! I'm not quite sure at this stage what you are going to do at your end regarding a podcast - can I view it online? I'd like to see the answers.

    Your questions:

    1. What is printed on your current favourite T-shirt?

    2. What is the highest score you have got on the music game on your iPod? (I got 30 out of 100 on my daughter's iPod and considering we are a good generation apart I was impressed!)

    3. Where were you the last time you snogged someone, or thought about snogging someone?

    4. How true is the story of how iPod Nirvana was born?

    5. If you could invent anything, what would it be?

    That's it - let me know :-)
    Monday, August 08, 2005 1:06:00 PM
    doris said...
    Andy - I found this, "What the hell is this podcast bizznus anywayz?" so that that should answer my questions about Podcasts!
    Monday, August 08, 2005 1:09:00 PM
    doris said...
    Andy - Cool! I'm listening to your lovely voice on today's inaugaral podcast on www.ipodnirvana.com
    Monday, August 08, 2005 1:11:00 PM
    PoetX said...
    In for a penny in for a pound. Interview me !! ;)
    Monday, August 08, 2005 10:02:00 PM
    doris said...
    PoetX -

    1. Be careful! Blogging is addictive. What else have you been addicted to?

    2. What do you like to consume for your morning break at work?

    3. What is one of your favourite sayings or mantras?

    4. Stop doing anything else you are doing. Hug yourself warmly, whilst smiling. What does that nice fuzzy feeling put you in mind of?

    5. Which of your comics has the most sentimental connections for you and why?

    Have fun and let me know when you are done :-)
    Tuesday, August 09, 2005 12:02:00 PM
    PoetX said...
    Okay that's me done, all answered. Good questions. I actually quite enjoyed doing that ! Thanks ! xx
    Tuesday, August 09, 2005 11:40:00 PM
    Keris said...
    Thanks, Doris. Good questions, even if you did call me superficial and vacuous!! They're up now.
    Wednesday, August 10, 2005 11:31:00 AM
    doris said...
    Oh no! I wouldn't have dreamt of saying such a thing! LOL at the thought of it. I meant I was with my questions. I'm so sorry!
    Wednesday, August 10, 2005 12:41:00 PM
    Gimikera said...
    I hope you take the time to interview me.

    - Jocelyn (a.k.a. Gimikera)
    Saturday, August 13, 2005 1:58:00 PM
    doris said...
    Gimikera I will be delighted to interview you but it will be in a day or so. I'll pop a note on your blog when the questions are ready for you :-)
    Sunday, August 14, 2005 12:51:00 AM
    doris said...
    Gimikera

    1. Did you know that from the pic on your blog you look a little like a US celebrity psychologist on UK TV? Her name is Jenni Trent Hughes. Do you see a resemblance?

    2. I am wildly jealous that you are in a place on this world where you could see the Perseid meteor shower outside your door. When is the next one due for you and do you think you would make the effort to drive out of town and away from the light pollution if you could?

    3. You use Gimikera like a noun. What does it mean?

    4. Describe something beautiful where you live?

    5. What is one childhood memory that you cherish?

    Let me know when you have done as I like to read the answers :-)

    PS. About question #1 - the number of times I have come across your blog through Blog Explosion and wanted to say that to you...!
    Monday, August 15, 2005 1:14:00 PM
    doris said...
    Gimikera Having just gone to your blog to post a message tells me why I have never posted a comment. Sorry, I don't want to sign up for yet another sign-up service. Not unless it is being used by a lot of people... but I may relent.

    I hope you get back to me :-)
    Monday, August 15, 2005 1:17:00 PM
    Jo said...
    Intrigued...Interview me ;-)
    Monday, August 15, 2005 3:21:00 PM
    Linda said...
    Interview me!!
    Monday, August 15, 2005 4:38:00 PM
    doris said...
    Jo Harris

    No apologies from me for the unashamedly girly questions :-)

    1. Pierced earings or clip-ons?

    2. What is one of the best make-up tips you know that you can share with me?

    3. Describe one of your favourite outfits complete with accessories?

    4. Stockings and suspenders or hold-ups?

    5. How do you keep your finger nails and how do you dress them up?

    I so look forward to your answers and hope to read more of your blog in time. Let me know when you are done :-)
    Monday, August 15, 2005 5:32:00 PM
    Jo said...
    Ooh what delicious questions...will have a think :-)
    Monday, August 15, 2005 5:56:00 PM
    doris said...
    Linda

    Phew! What a life you must lead, so I want to keep reasonably upbeat with my questions :-)

    1. What are three of your favourite treats? Just for you and assuming that everything else has been taken care of.

    2. In your mind, see if you can float above your present life and somewhere else. Look into the distance and describe what you can see?

    3. You have had to cope with a lot of difficult situations and had to find some excellent management skills. There must have been times that you have coped really well and can turn around and say that you know that you did well. Tell us one of your good parenting tips?

    4. Do you have a favourite saying that inspires you?

    5. What are two of your favorite TV programmes?

    I hope those questions are OK for you? Let me know and I look forward to reading your answers.
    Monday, August 15, 2005 6:03:00 PM
    Linda said...
    1. What are three of your favourite treats? Just for you and assuming that everything else has been taken care of.

    A chocolate covered cherry blizzard.

    An Ice cold beer

    Chips and dip

    2. In your mind, see if you can float above your present life and somewhere else. Look into the distance and describe what you can see?

    Peace amongst all people no matter race, religion or creed.


    3. You have had to cope with a lot of difficult situations and had to find some excellent management skills. There must have been times that you have coped really well and can turn around and say that you know that you did well. Tell us one of your good parenting tips?

    Never contradict anything that you feel is wrong in your gut. If you think there is a problem persevere until evrything has been resolved to your satisfaction.

    4. Do you have a favourite saying that inspires you?

    Not really, but there are some lyrics to a TSO song that I adore....Dream child, stars have been rumored to see dreams, within newborn eyes, and in their are I believe they do, keep safe until your arise.

    5. What are two of your favorite TV programmes?

    Days of our Lives
    What not to Wear
    Monday, August 15, 2005 8:55:00 PM
    Mikestar said...
    Interview Me (I dare you) :D
    Tuesday, August 16, 2005 12:44:00 AM
    Jo said...
    :-) Answers up on my blog now...had fun answering them!

    x
    Tuesday, August 16, 2005 1:02:00 AM
    doris said...
    Mikester

    I have nothing to fear! :-)

    1. What do you think of snow?

    2. What is your favourite McDonalds order?

    3. Since you have given 29 ideas for an episode of '24' what did you actually think of the series?

    4. What is your usual mode of transport and what is your favourite?

    5. Which, do you think, is the best spoof you have written?

    OK - over to you! I look forward to reading your answers on your blog together with 'rules' so that others can play with you ;-)
    Tuesday, August 16, 2005 1:17:00 AM
    Keris said...
    Hey, Doris, completely forgot to tell you that my interview's up - sorry!
    Tuesday, August 16, 2005 8:28:00 PM
    doris said...
    I know Keris! And I already commented on them and put a link on this post but out of alphabetical order so it is near the top but as I have a few more to add I might get it into order sometime soon :-)

    Thanks though - nice to hear from you.
    Tuesday, August 16, 2005 8:50:00 PM
    MattyD said...
    hiya doris! :)

    cool blog!!

    feel free to interview me if you have any spare time :)
    Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:07:00 AM
    |_ /-\ i |_ /-\ said...
    Interview me, if you can!
    Wednesday, August 17, 2005 4:46:00 PM
    zandperl said...
    Ooh, ooh! Pick me! Pick me! Interivew me! :)

    Did you ever think this meme would go on this long? I would've given up long before now if this many people responded to me.
    Wednesday, August 17, 2005 5:23:00 PM
    doris said...
    I've gone slow on this for the moment due to work committments and summer holiday activities with the kids - but I will get back to it with pleasure when I have a mo :-)
    Friday, August 19, 2005 10:03:00 AM
    Laura Blair said...
    Please interview me! Thank you!
    Sunday, August 21, 2005 4:31:00 AM
    zandperl said...
    When you do get back to this, can you let me know on my blog? Thanks! :)
    Saturday, August 27, 2005 5:36:00 AM
    doris said...
    Of course Zandperl, and Laura, Laila and Matty - I'll get back to you on your blogs to let you know when the Qs are ready :-)
    Saturday, August 27, 2005 9:44:00 AM
    Wonko the Sad Clown said...
    Interview me!

    http://wonkothesadclown.blogspot.com/
    Tuesday, September 13, 2005 10:27:00 PM
    doris said...
    Sorry!

    I am putting this on hold for the time being.

    When I am ready to come back to it with excitement I will and those I have missed I will be pleased to 'do' first!

    Wednesday, September 14, 2005 4:34:00 PM

    Generously F. Murdered...

    ... has sent me the funniest eye boggling piece of spam. I don't want to give it status on the search engines and instead have used the images from the email!


    I am promised it can increase length and width, though I don't see how it can feasibly increase girth. Ideally, one is supposed to wear it for 3-5 hours a day and you could gain one inch in just over two months!

    If you really want to see the other pic that comes with the email then be warned - it shows the gadget on a private part of the male body, but it is probably a rubber one.
    As long as you know what you are doing then click here!

    PS. I forgot to say how much this pleasure is! $289.95 for one or two for $489.95. I suppose so that you can have one on and one in the wash? And you get some free pills with it too! Whoopee!

    I wrote the other day about spam.


    Original Comments:

    Red Mum said...

    Ohhhh Holy Jaysus, my eyes, thanks for the warning about the pic, but I couldnt resist opening it despite being in work and OUUUCCCCH.

    Would you really? (if you were a man).

    (sitting now with legs crossed and hoping the IT department doesnt discover this on its cache)

    Friday, July 29, 2005 10:58:00 AM

    Karen said...

    LOL - For crying out loud - you'd at least think they'd put pretty bunny heads on it, like they do for womens things. I tell you what If I was a man I'd just learn to wiggle it better rather than try and stretch it.

    Friday, July 29, 2005 11:25:00 AM

    Ally said...

    Oh my goodness ... :).

    Friday, July 29, 2005 1:23:00 PM

    Vito said...

    OUCH! I can just hear it now, "Are you wearing one of those male enhancement extenders or are you just happy to see me?" LOL!

    Friday, July 29, 2005 1:48:00 PM

    Cheryl said...

    P'twang!!!

    ROFL!

    Is that a gun in your pocket? No its my patent penis extender.

    I guess by the state of the glans they either expect all purchasers to be circumcised, or the require you to get it up and keep it up during first fitting?

    Still chuckling. Why not just get a piercing and hang weights from it - much more discrete......

    Friday, July 29, 2005 3:32:00 PM

    Cheryl said...

    "Like a rubber ball I'll come bouncing back to you, bouncy bouncy, bouncy bouncy"
    Bobby Vee.

    Friday, July 29, 2005 3:33:00 PM

    Le laquet said...

    Umm *struggling to work out how it's going to increase girth!*

    :o)

    Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:37:00 AM

    Mama Mouse said...

    I guess some men are just 'hard' up! ROFLMAO!!!

    What an interesting way to start my day!

    OH ... I had to peak at the OTHER pic too! LOL

    Saturday, July 30, 2005 11:26:00 AM

    decrepitoldfool said...

    No. Way. In. Hell.

    Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:39:00 PM

    jane said...

    why on earth would someone need 2? and 3-5 hours a day? that just isn't practical at all! if i had a penis, which i don't, i wouldnt wear that thing, it looks like it would hurt. and what if it snapped or something? yikes!

    Sunday, July 31, 2005 8:37:00 AM

    Cheryl said...

    Ohh Jane, you made me think!
    What if a fella was wearing it when he fell off a boat into cold water, or had a scare, you know, times when its all supposed to involuntarily head in-land to hide?

    How would you explain a ripped tendon there to the doctor?

    Sunday, July 31, 2005 10:47:00 AM

    bulb said...

    Why make fun of this? I wear one all the time.

    Sunday, July 31, 2005 4:35:00 PM

    doris said...

    And does it work Bulb? ;-) Should we call you Bulbous instead?

    Sunday, July 31, 2005 4:37:00 PM

    DaFFy said...

    Omigod...if I went anywhere near my other half with that he'd run for the hills - and I don't blame him!

    Monday, August 01, 2005 1:10:00 AM

    Erin Monahan said...

    lmfao!

    Monday, August 01, 2005 6:42:00 AM

    Milt Bogs said...

    I had two of those email invites back in April. They confused me a bit because it seemed that it was women who were wearing the extenders. At least I now know what they cost. I have linked to your page from my April post to help anyone who feels they are in need. :)

    Monday, August 01, 2005 12:31:00 PM

    Nony Mitchell said...

    That thing looks extremely painful...hmmmm...I can think of some ex's I would like to subject a torture device to...but I wouldn't pay that kind of money and possibly give them any benefits...but I seriously doubt the thing works...

    Oh well...that just made we wince

    Monday, August 01, 2005 3:07:00 PM

    vvoi said...

    that's not fair. how come i never get any cool spam?

    Monday, August 01, 2005 3:52:00 PM

    Mark Rogers said...

    Whoever invented this device is an evil, sadistic person.

    Tuesday, August 02, 2005 1:07:00 AM

    Thursday, 28 July 2005

    4am

    Jay wrote a mini story which put me in mind of something that happened just last night. Or rather, early hours of this morning as I sat here with my rum numbed festering tooth ache. I crawled upstairs just about 4am (same as Jay's mini story!) and climbed into bed. Mr Doris was fast asleep and as I climbed into bed, his fast asleep body melted around mine and held me close. Like molten metal from the exterminator film, he moved, edged closer, his knees backed into mine, his groin snuggled into my bum, he slipped his arm around me and his chest rested next to my back, and his face nestled in my neck. Still fast asleep. It was a beautiful moment and I lay there with a stupid grin on my face before slipping off into my alcohol filled oblivion.


    Original Comments:

    Chandira said...

    Those moments are nice, aren't they? Makes all the laundry and spilled-salsa-on-the-carpet worth it.. :-)

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 11:43:00 PM

    Mama Mouse said...

    Awwwww ... so sweet! We have those moments too ... and they last until I virtually get pushed off the bed because he wants to get closer than he already is! But for a few precious moments its wonderful!

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 11:57:00 PM

    DaFFy said...

    Awww how sweet :) And I bet you felt better for it. Well done mr Doris ;)

    Friday, July 29, 2005 12:18:00 AM

    Cheryl said...

    :-)

    Friday, July 29, 2005 8:42:00 AM

    Mamsbug Speaks said...

    That is sweet for about 30 seconds for me, then I would be pushing him off of me so I could sleep!!!! No touchy when Im sleepy. And isnt it amazing that when your in bed and tired and hubby throws an arm or leg over you, it feels like it weights 20 ton? Or is that just me.

    Friday, July 29, 2005 9:17:00 PM

    Pookie65 said...

    That is the very best part of true love. It's not always about sex or even talking. Sometimes just being together is enough to make everything in the world seem all right.

    Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:45:00 PM

    s4essene said...

    There are times even I can be jealous of Mr Doris' fortune!

    Keep up the lovely and beautiful work you do and thanks, as always, for your continued support.

    Take Care

    Mark

    aka s4essene

    Monday, August 01, 2005 12:53:00 AM

    Toothache

    I'm not sure if I have toothache or if I have just prodded and poked so much it now throbs and the the throbbing won't go away. I've been to bed but can't sleep so I am up again bloggin' and a swiggin' a very strong white rum of the Caribbean knock-your-head-off variety in the hope it does just that. I want anaesthetic and I want it now!

    In the continuing saga of my teeth and my dentist phobia I had my first appointment this week with the dental hygienist. The last time I saw one was about five years ago and who was an utter butcher and continued whirring and scraping on despite my protestations. I'd never been to one before nor since. This time round, and knowing that I probably have "treat with kid gloves" in red all over my files, it was not too bad. Things still hurt but she was sensitive and considerate.

    In fact, and I don't know if they say this to all the dental phobics to cheer us up, but she said that whatever I was doing to take care of my teeth was perfect and that I should just keep it up. She gave me a printout of the few teeth areas that I need to pay extra special care with but otherwise my scores for plaque and bleeding were below the 'normal' level! (Which means they were good!)

    Thanks to a lot of encouragement from fellow bloggers regarding flossing I took a look at all the flossing products available in the stores. There is something about buying all these little plastic gadgets that have to be thrown away after each use that disturbs me. I know it is only small amounts of plastic and we probably get through far more in our regular food packaging but I just can't bring myself to add to the waste in this world. So I settled with wooden dental toothpicks in a neat little plastic box. They have been fantastic, and as the dental hygeinist was impressed with my dental hygeine they must be OK. She didn't even tell me to floss, "just carry on what you are doing"!

    However, it is a pain that I currently have in one of my teeth that is due to be removed in a few weeks time. I'm hoping that it will be feeling better by the morning. Maybe some more white rum is needed. (For medicinal purposes only of course as this stuff is something like 70° proof. It actually tastes yummy as long as you don't leave it on your tongue or in your upper throat for longer than a nano second.)


    Original Comments:

    14 Comments - Show Original Post Collapse comments

    doris said...

    My nose feels like it is about to fall off.... this feeling will soon move to my tooth. Hoooray. And my typing is becoming more considered and prrofed 10 times...

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 2:39:00 AM

    Just Wandering said...

    Just go the dentist, it's good for you! Just keep telling yourself that. A little prevention prevents a nightmarish dentist visit down the road that involves root canals and teeth pulling.

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 2:59:00 AM

    Mama Mouse said...

    Oh Doris ... You are quite definitely in bed by now ... I HOPE!!! Its 4 a.m. there (11 pm here) .... and I would HOPE you are asleep dreaming of pirates and "yo ho ho" bottles of rum!

    I know how you feel about dentists ... I feel the SAME way and avoid them myself! I've had one root canal ... and one ALMOST root canal that was luckily not needed. But I have lost several teeth totally.

    Just go ... and whine a lot each time ... let them know you are scared to death ... and really DON'T want them in your mouth. They'll be extra gentle!

    Hugs.

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 3:58:00 AM

    MrsDoF said...

    The single use picks bothered me too, until one day one of the males of the house left one too close to the burner on the stove and it melted into this tiny little ball.
    What we do is toss them into a little bucket, then I rinse them all off and put them in with the bottles to be recycled.
    Maybe good, maybe not, but my own mind rests better.
    Hope your head gets well soon. Root canal x 3, crown x 6, and one fake in my mouth. I think I paid for all the furniture and carpeting in the dentist's waiting room.

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 4:36:00 AM

    Neutron said...

    I am also a bit suspicious when they say things like, "hey, you really look after your teeth well!" Cos I DON'T...and I hate it VERY much when you are lying there and they say, "you are doing fine!" Cos I am NOT!!
    As for the rum...that's the kind of stuff about which my dad (who was in the wines and spirits trade) used to say, "that would take the enamel off your teeth!" So maybe you should find a different "pain killer"!

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 6:21:00 AM

    Bernadette said...

    There is a dentist here whose name sounds encouraging, at least--Dr. Loving! Good luck, Doris!

    How I enjoyed your post on your trip to Northumberland!

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 7:29:00 AM

    Ally said...

    And the rum will kill any bacteria doing Bad Things in your mouth, as well. Sensible choice! :).

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 9:58:00 AM

    Cheryl said...

    If its still aching today, can't you make an emergency appointment?
    You shouldnt have to put up with throbbing pain for a week, even if its only in the gum, or only kicks in when you're tired.
    I rely on Anbesol, alcoholic liquid teething rub for babies, antiseptic and anaesthetic. Those gel preparations are useless, I find they slide off to the wrong place.
    How are you today?

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 10:43:00 AM

    doris said...

    It's the next day and I feel like a bear with a sore head but my mouth feels neutral and not sure if I can feel anything at all. Maybe the rum killed off the pain receptors as well as a few brain cells!

    I've been busy this morning out the house when I really want to curl up and do nothing. I guess that is just a coincidence, and my toothache was temporary and down to my over zealousness with the jiggery pokery of the dental toothpicks.

    If it continued to bother then of course I'd make an emergency appointment with the dentist. But at the middle of the night the home remedy worked fine!

    Thanks for your various tips :-)

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 12:49:00 PM

    Pookie65 said...

    I despise going to the dentist. It's not the actual exam that bothers me it's the chitter chatter of the hygenist while they prod & poke. I've not had a hygenist yet that didn't play 20 questions during a cleaning. Like how in the world are we supposed to talk???

    Dentists are a cruel necessity IMHO.

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 2:54:00 PM

    Karen said...

    Yes yes more white rum - pour me a glass whilst you're there. I hope you are feeling top tastic soon

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 3:06:00 PM

    arrazello said...

    Very few pains are worse than toothache or earache. Hope it goes away real soon. I always treat myself to a Baileys if I feel I have a sore throat. It's very soothing, seems to coat my throat. As it happens, I quite often feel as if my throat is a little sore ;)

    Thursday, July 28, 2005 4:07:00 PM

    John said...

    One tip I picked up somewhere is to rub on Bonjella, the salve for babies with teething problems. It's supposed to work a treat. When I was living in Spain and had toothache, I went to a pharmacia and asked for a dental antibiotic to tide me over until I could see a dentist. They sold me one which cleared it up in a very short time, and it didn't come back. I doubt you could do that here, but you might try a small chemist, especially if you know the people. They may be sympathetic about the state of NHS dentistry. Other than that, if the Bonjella doesn't work, amputation of the head is very effective :-)

    Friday, July 29, 2005 3:28:00 PM

    Pearl said...

    My dentist had the motto "we cater to dental cowards". There might be softer touch ones local to you too.

    Saturday, July 30, 2005 4:39:00 AM

    Tuesday, 26 July 2005

    NASA Launch

    The crew are strapped in and you can watch and listen online now as they go through various procedures.

    Click on your chosen media player at the middle of the page in the grey block.

    Sky news have split the screen and showing a better rendition but as I don't have a Sky service, the sound for the computer does quite well. Sorry to Tony Blair....

    Lift-off is scheduled for 1039 local time (1439 GMT; 1539 BST) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    Discovery is due to touch down at Kennedy Space Center on 7 August at 0546 EDT (0946 GMT; 1046 BST).


    Original Comments:

    Neutron said...
    Are they really going this time...I'll get straight over to the website. Thanks for the reminder.
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 1:47:00 PM
    doris said...
    Less that an hour and 20 minutes before take off!
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 2:20:00 PM
    John said...
    I noted that they would ignore a fault in one of the four fuel monitors if it happened again. How on earth can these state of the art instruments fail so regularly? I can't possibly see how they can launch if a vital instrument goes AWOL.
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 5:30:00 PM
    s4essene said...
    Hi gran, great post. I'll definitely check it out. By the way, thank you for taking the time to leave a message on my site, I do appreciate it, and I am fine and practising safe travel to work...Not going in! (Read 'third day of blinkin' bombing!')

    You're right, it is hard for me not to look a bit dodgy in London - even with my clothes on - It's the bald patch that does it, what can I do?

    And carrying a rucksack to Uni this afternoon on the tube even made me frightened of touching my pockets - and usually that's quite a nice feeling!

    I hope you, too, are keeping well, and have seen my new links list with a recommendation for your site, 'Fabulous!'

    I do love you really, I mean, really!

    Take Care, and thanks again for dropping by.
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 9:29:00 PM
    dog1net said...
    Hello, Doris:

    Seeing the Space Shuttle lift off is quite a marvel. I used to live in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and whenever they had a shuttle launch, I'd find myself amazed with the long, rumbling vibration you would experience as you stood outside on the lawn watching it go up. Car and burglar alarms would go off, dogs would bark, and people would just stop what they were doing so they could watch the shuttle traverse out over the Atlantic. Thank you visiting my site, and for taking the time to comment.
    Scot
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 2:51:00 AM
    DaFFy said...
    Oh no! Bits have fallen off ...again. And our Aussie Andy has to check it all out. EEEK! SPace travel is exciting and all that, but freaks me out somewhat.
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:10:00 AM
    Lynda said...
    Thanks for the reminder... I just turned on the news, and since I live in Houston, it's always good to hear there is NO problem :-)
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 4:00:00 AM
    Cheryl said...
    DOH
    How could I miss something like that. Did it happen?
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 7:49:00 AM
    doris said...
    Daffy - it took me a minute to realise you weren't talking about "your" Andy who was wanting to find out more! LOL

    Andy is one of the astronauts who is Australian and he is one of the specialists for doing the outside jobs... putting out the trash and the like (am I allowed to joke?!).

    Seriously though, my life sure has changed.... normally first thing in the morning I check the BBC news website but now it is check my blog email and here I first hear the news that some of the tiles have come off, again. At least there are procedures in place to deal with them. Andy will be a hero when he's done his job!

    I'll have to come back later to respond to the other comments :-)
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 9:54:00 AM
    R. Edmondson said...
    I am glad that the Space Shuttle lift off went smoothly. Thank you also for taking the time to review and comment on my site. I appreciate it very much, thank you!:)
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:13:00 PM

    Monday, 25 July 2005

    Dirty weekend

    Mr Doris, being the romantic sort, took me for a dirty weekend away. It was good to go and do something different and be in the great outdoors of Northumberland. We stayed in a beautiful old house dating from 1725 where we had full English breakfast that fills you and takes through the entire day.

    Good job really as the dirty bit of the weekend involved traipsing across moors; scrambling up hills and rocks; through gorse bushes which I unashamedly squealed all the way through as the prickles poked through my inappropriate clothing; dealt with stampeding killer cows as we had to go through their fields (have you any idea how intimidating cows can be - especially when faced with 25 of them, all eyeing you suspiciously and following your every move); fighting our way through fern higher than us; and eating at a dubious fish and chip cafe by the seaside.

    All for the search of petroglyphs which are the prehistoric carvings you find on rocks. The interesting thing about these carvings is that a good many of the same or similar images can be found on rocks all round the world. These are commonly thought to have been created about 4,000 to 5,000 years but is also reckoned on being about 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. Which, if you think about it, makes you wonder why these similar images are being recorded. Were they all seeing the same thing?

    These images do not look like animals they are hunting, or pictures of their Aunt Freda and Uncle Ug.


    This stone is about 2 meters across (as we look at it in this pic) and is called Weetwood 3 as it is in Weetwood, Northumberland. There are a number of cups (scooped out rock) each surrounded by 3, 4 or 5 concentric circles with a single line coming out.

    Did I say how spectacularly beautiful Northumberland is? It is stunning. A patchwork quilt of fields and stone walls, ancient castle ruins, old farmhouses, hills and valleys, and there is the coastal drive along flat land with the rugged North Sea with its salty air. It was a privilege to be there.



    Original Comments:

    Red Mum said...
    what a wonderful telling of your ahem dirty weekend. Lucky for some.

    Sounds like the perfect weekend for me, well except for the hiking and gorse bushes, then I would probably complain a lot and want wee rests before trudging on, I don't think I would be much fun...

    But the stones and the drawings wow.
    Monday, July 25, 2005 9:10:00 PM
    arrazello said...
    tThe cows are not intimidating, they are merely observing human behaviour. Take this from one who lives on a farm. Sometimes I take my guitar outside to play and I have a lovely cow audience all lined up at the bottom of the garden. ;)
    Monday, July 25, 2005 10:32:00 PM
    Minerva said...
    I have always found cows intimidating.. I believe that they would quite happily just walk over you and not be bothered.. Give me fiery stallions anytime..*wink*

    Minerva
    Monday, July 25, 2005 10:57:00 PM
    MrsDoF said...
    My allergies are giving me the sniffles just reading about traipsing through brambles and over boulders. Though to see such artwork might be worth the pills and hankies coming at the end of the day.
    You and the Mister have my admiration for enjoying such a time together. One to tell the grandkids someday.
    Monday, July 25, 2005 11:00:00 PM
    Neutron said...
    Oh Doris...you have really hit my nostalgia button!
    These carvings are weird though huh? What did they actually use to carve them...metal??
    Monday, July 25, 2005 11:23:00 PM
    dog1net said...
    I find that I'm becoming a regular visitor to your site, which I find to be quite creative and original. But I especially enjoy reading your narratives. Good use of descriptive details and humor put me right in the scene as if I was on the hike with you. I've linked your site to mine. I'd be appreciative if you link my site to yours.

    Thanks.

    Scot
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 12:53:00 AM
    Mama Mouse said...
    Obviously I must now visit Northumberland if I ever get back to England! You have made it sound absolutely wonderful and while I couldn't hike and therefore be intimidated by the cows ... I could at least see it from a more comfortable location!

    AHHHHHHHHHH .... to be there and see it!

    I love old things ... and I do mean OLD ... as in these petroglyphs and Stonehenge!

    But you haven't been intimidated until you have been eyed down by a male buffalo protecting his harem of females! Now THAT was intimidating!
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 4:16:00 AM
    Cheryl said...
    I love cows - they only follow you if they like you, otherwise you get the cold shoulder. The only thing I worry about is whether there are a matching number of udders in the field. Bulls can be very unfriendly if 'competition' enters the field.
    Love that rock. What do you think, Roman tiddly winks?
    Too jealous of you getting away to have any sympathy about the brambles!
    xxx
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 7:12:00 AM
    Karen said...
    I agree, I think cows are very scary - hell hath no fury like a bunch of cows in a field - don't let their big eyes fool you....
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 9:10:00 AM
    doris said...
    Red Mum - Hee-hee! I did mention divorce a couple of times and loudly questioned my love for Mr Doris but it was all in humour.

    Arrazello - Ha-ha! I can imagine you sitting outside playng to the cows :-) At one point Mr Doris went into a field with cows as there was a rocky outcrop to be checked. In the distance I could see him talking to the cows, describing the size of the rocks and wondering if they had seen them!

    Minerva - I'd probably be just as scared of stallions too. Maybe I am just a scaredy cat.

    MrsDof - Thanks :-) You know, you have so much artwork in the States, and probably without the hayfever.

    Neutron - Hi! (I've just had a quick look at your blog and will be over there shortly [I've visited before]... teeth and dental treatment is prominent in my life at the mo!) These carvings would have been made long before metal is thought to have been around so likely they used stones harder than the rock they are carving. Either way, it would have been a laborious task.

    Dog1net - I am sorry about the affliction you are feeling with my blog! I hope you recover soon. Meanwhile.... I have visited your blog and as you will see from the number of comments I have made there is plenty to have got me talking!

    Mama Mouse - You would love Northumberland. Just driving around and stopping and sitting and doing nothing would be blissful. The castles are like something out of medieval stories and films. The stones are just not accessible nor easy to find. However, you do know that the South West of America has vast numbers of petroglyphs and as I recall from our visit there a few years ago, some are actually made to be wheelchair accessible!

    Cheryl - LOL It's OK about the teasing, I can take it! I love the idea of tiddly winks!

    Karen - I know that the cows are really grass eating softies but there is just something terrifying about their bulk. Maybe I exaggerated a little about them being killer cows! The mini stampede happened when one must have slipped and lost its footing causing the others to all jump and then next thing I knew I was flying to the nearest fence. Worst of all, leaving Mr Doris calmly standing there watching them sort themselves out. I felt very bad about that and very disloyal to my Mr Doris. Made me think about way too much the way I was prepared to let him be stampeded to death.....
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 10:31:00 AM
    Mike Hitchen said...
    Sounds like a great time! I really love this blog and your style of writing.

    Mike
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 12:12:00 PM
    Milt Bogs said...
    Those damn graffiti artists ruin everything.
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 12:30:00 PM
    doris said...
    Mike Hitchen - Thank you for saying so! :-)

    Milt Bogs - LOL! Mr Doris joked that maybe these pictures had been put there by pre-historic teenagers knowing that in future years we would spend much time trying to work out what they meant. We reckoned they must have pee'ed themselves laughing while they carved them out!
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 12:45:00 PM
    arrazello said...
    Next time I play to the cows, I'll take a photo of my audience. It is very funny, they seem to enjoy human company.
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 4:23:00 PM
    doris said...
    Arrazello - I look forward to the cow pic! :-)
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 7:18:00 PM
    Ghone said...
    I bet the stone felt nice under your fingers...
    Tuesday, July 26, 2005 11:32:00 PM
    DaFFy said...
    As far as cows go... I crashed my car a few years ago through a fence and into a paddock containing very large and curious bovines that quickly surrounded me and my car.
    They figured it was about time they received some hay, and were all drooly and icky.
    Oh yes cows can be scary.
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:07:00 AM
    Ally said...
    It sounds fantastic. Maybe we should try Northumberland instead of Cumbria next time we get away for a weekend ...
    Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:27:00 AM
    WarpedTourMom said...
    I'm jealous.

    One of the things we want to do when the kids are grown is head to Europe for a pre-historic site tour. The stone circles, the burial mounds, all those wonderful old places. There's only one site like that all all of the Northeast US. There used to be more, but they were destroyed in the name of progress. :(

    Your petroglyphs picture came out great. With so many of them it's hard to really get a good look at the carving, but yours shows it in all it's wonderful old glory. Great post!
    Thursday, July 28, 2005 12:43:00 AM
    ella m. said...
    I got distacted mid way through by the mention of fish and chips.....I'd be overjoyed if I found a single restaurant here in the US that made them properly, rather than something that looks like a warmed over mid century tv dinner. ~sigh~
    Thursday, July 28, 2005 12:58:00 AM