Tuesday 28 February 2006

Times they are a changin'

There have been times in my life when I have been completely swotted. Like a fly. Annihilated and then through the tears and the misery bit by bit rebuilt. I'd like to say that each time getting stronger, and I suppose I have, but have never particularly felt it.

Perhaps I have not had such wipe-outs since knowing my beloved Mr Doris but in the last couple of years I have had an oppressive thumb squidging me down as if how dare I even put my head up over the parapet. I don't know if it is all of my own making, shooting myself in the foot, but I like to think that I had at least progressed over the last ten years and was entitled to some happiness and success. So I was reassured when I found out last year I had some severe planetary movements and that maybe it wasn't my fault after all.

Somehow throughout it all I have kept going. I never got round to blogging about all the mishaps in the early part of last year. The time never seemed right and now it is just incredible to consider despite all that, so much has been achieved in whatever small ways. I was told that these severe planetary influences would clear by this Spring and would also herald some much needed money coming into the house. Being self-employed money is pretty vital stuff. I don't imagine we'll suddenly have monetary wealth though I wouldn't ever discount or dissuade it from showering largesse upon us, but I think it is about time we had more money coming in to provide a cushion.

The real changes though have happened this year and I have only blogged a little about them. One day you are minding your business and then out of the blue something happens that can change your entire life. The amazing thing is that you don't have to have a travesty or to lose your home or be caught up in some devastation. In a way I can't blog about it because I am living it and until I see where the cards fall I don't want to spoil it or pre-empt anything. Words can not do any of it justice as it is such an amazing story. The stuff of movies or best-selling novels!

It is mind-blowing and absorbing and completely rattling my foundations. The curious thing is that this particular experience is not just mine but involves at least a handful of other people who are equally affected and quite a few more who must also be affected but maybe not in the same way. We are affected by different aspects but at the heart of it is a love and a bonding that is so positive.

A big difference for me during this time of upheaval is that I can feel myself getting stronger inside. Of course I always have been strong or had a strength but only to a point. I have a survivors instinct but inside was often a flat battery that magically kept going. Now, I feel like something has intrinsically changed in me. Gone up a gear. Really positive stuff. I'm still me and still do what I do but something is better.


Original Comments:

Badaunt said...

I hope you are going to write that best-selling novel when this is all over! (Is anything ever really over?)

And I hope the cards fall the right way, and that the money worries become a thing of the past.

"...out of the blue something happens that can change your entire life..."

I've had that happen three times (big shattering things, that I had no control over), and every time it was horribly upsetting at first. Just having your life turned upside-down is hard enough, but also, how come the things are never GOOD things? In the long run, however, every time has been life-changing, and every time it has been for the BETTER.

I hope it is the same for you. Your post is vague, but it sounds like it.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 4:37:00 AM

Cheryl said...

Oh Shit.
No, I'm serious - I mean; if this indomitable, wonderful, humorous friend is you in timorous mode, what on EARTH will be unleashed on this planet if you go getting something like strength and confidence?
Have you actually asked Xena The Warrior Princess if she's OK with being outshone and retiring to a little island somewhere?

Tut tut.

(Hehehehe - you go, girl!)

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 7:15:00 AM

Milt Bogs said...

No movements here unfortunately, planetary or otherwise.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 10:47:00 AM

doris said...

Badaunt So you understand! But this time, they are good things and I have never known good things to bring up so much change and healing.

Cheryl LOL I love Xena Warrior Princess or was it that I loved the way her boobs hung and her groovy leather outfits and the way she sashayed around saving the world :-) Joking aside, I reckon that finally I can feel the talk that I probably already walk all the way through me instead of as a shell I project. So I don't reckon I'll change much to the world... but then again... mwhuaaaaaaaa :-D

Milt What about Ex-lax? But you knew that comment was coming! Once again, joking aside, I reckon that a lot of people are going through a lot of transitions. It is not just me. Maybe you are already perfect Milt and have no need for change?

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 10:50:00 AM

Curly K said...

Doris, can't wait to hear the full story, in your own sweet time. Those sorts of things have happened to us all, both good and bad and like Badaunt says I've always found that in retrospect they happened for a reason (usually the better).

I'm a big believer of a saying we have here in Ireland "whats meant for you, never goes by you".

You keep going girl, take your time and find your feet with all the changes and let it all sink in. It'll all be good in the end.

BTW: Us sagittarians have had a lot of planetary changes in our planetary aspects too - although I'm still waiting for the planet that rules "becoming slightly thinner, more healthy, a better housekeeper and a getting a partner" to kick into gear. Will let you know if it happens!

Cheryl: Wonder woman kicks Zena ass! (I was once told I looked like Zena - I put it down to the big piece of Newbridge Silver jewellery I was wearing at the time and not the fact that I've got an ass that would look good in her outfit!)

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 2:27:00 PM

Astryngia said...

Ooh - I can just SEE you as Xena, Warrior Princess - it's YOU to a T!!! :-)

Sure there's transition but then there's volcanic eruption and earthquake - like there was a chink in the armour where hydrogen met oxygen and the world went kerboom! Then that lit a trail of lesser explosions, one after the other, lesser but each magnifying the power of the next.

That's what my experience feels like anyway - and yours sounds very similar.

Onwards and upwards, stout fellow. :-)

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 5:33:00 PM

Pookie65 said...

Awww, Doris, you are such a strong and amazing woman. I can only picture you facing diversity with a smile and determination. Your spirit is so good that eventually you'll overcome the nasty things life throws you and be a better person for it.

If we all could have your drive and ability to keep on going....Your kind words always give me the extra boost that I need. I pray all those who know you have the same feeling. I'm a better person for knowing you, dear.

You are officially now my Moon Cup Hero!

(((((((((hugs & kisses))))))))))

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 12:41:00 PM

hellonheels said...

wooohooo Gran! I can't wait to find out what is going on in your life. : )))) I wish you much happiness, wealth and peace.

Thursday, March 02, 2006 6:18:00 PM

ella m. said...

Well I hope that positive momentum snowballs into things that will be all the happiness you deserve :D

Thursday, March 02, 2006 6:33:00 PM

Sparkling said...

Love the way you describe a positive event as a battery charge. I would love for a big battery charge event to happen in my life, but meanwhile I will get through on the little charges; my sons' laughter, a hug, a smile and a box of chocolate.

Friday, March 03, 2006 6:27:00 PM

Writer Mom said...

Transitions are definitely in the works here. Thanks for the boost of courage & positivity!

Sunday, March 05, 2006 6:40:00 PM

Jo said...

I am agog Doris (and that's not a pretty sight!) What could this news be?!

Clearly, you have (a) Won the Loterry or (b) Discovered you are actually fourth in line to the Throne or c) Been selected to crew the International Space Station in 2008.

The Planets. What a shower they are. I had my chart done last year (I'm Cancerian - theregain you probably guessed that!), and yes there was all that turmoil there too (thanks Pluto!) 'Best' thing was that one particular 'thing' had been going on for 30 years according to the chart. 30 years! Though it's due to finish this year or next year.

Can't wait ;-)

Monday, March 06, 2006 11:07:00 AM

Wednesday 22 February 2006

Gadget heaven

We've been giggling again. This time Mr Doris has excelled himself on the gadget front. It started off yesterday when the new kitchen bin arrived from the courier. He was so fed up with the kids dripping the scrapings from their dinner plates onto the flip-top bin lid and them never wiping it off and it going gunky that he resorted to a Nastech Autobin. He managed to locate it a price much less than usual but still waaaay high for a bin. It is all gleaming stainless steel and as you approach it with anything a light sensor notes you and opens the lid pronto. It is like a beast sitting in the kitchen waiting to chat to you as you go near. If you ever know anyone who has everything then this is the thing for them. Forget boys toys and fast cars. What you want is an auto bin!

The downside is that it is narrower than a dinner plate and I wonder if the kids will now miss the hole and drip down the sides?

Today the second kitchen surprise arrived - it seems it is not enough to have a stonking new kitchen (but by jove we have worked hard on the kitchen and done a lot of the work ourselves). I knew he had wanted a projection clock for the kitchen wall. Either that or one of those glorious huge railway clocks. I had no idea what the package was when I opened it as it looked like some plastic coffee maker or kettle.... but when you pop it at the top of the cupboard and aim it towards the apex of our kitchen wall it just looks magnificent and extravagant and tickles us pink. What Mr Doris doesn't realise (but will now!) is that as a single parent living in London and not having two brass coins to rub together I used to walk past a very swish kitchen design shop and peer in the window with my urchins either in a pram or walking. They had a projection clock and I used to be spell-bound by it - they were very new back then. I never imagined I would one day have one.

This one is an analog clock in colour so you can see the hands and second hand going round. Our kitchen was looking fab (tho' not yet finished) but the clock really ties it all together and makes a focal point. I keep giggling about it all. The sheer delight and naughtiness of these gadgets. Bins that open and clocks that project on the wall. And we have a glass electric hob with no knobs to keep clean. We're in heaven!

Original Comments:

Ally said...
Oooh - a projection clock! B would lurve one of these - the whole lighting / projection thing is just up his jigger! Best of luck with the narrow bin :).
Wednesday, February 22, 2006 2:51:00 PM
Red Mum said...
It is comforting to hear about your window shopping in times gone by before Mr Doris. Gives me lots of hope as I can only gaze longingly at homey things.

Fingers crossed I am out of this flat by the summer.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006 4:10:00 PM
Cheryl said...
I can't even imagine - but wish I could.
Congratulations you flash, cosmopolitan kitchen-owner, you!

:-)
Wednesday, February 22, 2006 4:12:00 PM
Dr.John said...
Sorry you won't join the "loser's alliance". Thank's for the comment.
My kids couldn't hit a full sized garbage can that we sat right next to the table. They would never have hit one the size of a dinner plate.
We have a projection clock but it doesn't work well and it is in the bedroom.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:25:00 PM
Curly K said...
Well, well, well, how times have changed for Doris and deservedly so! I'd never even heard about projection clocks till this post (am I really, really sad?) but whey, hey, a funky bin and a cool clock - you go girl!

Redmum: you will get out of the flat. Its amazing how quickly things turn around; one day I was in a sad house-share in Dublin (crap house, great room-mates) and the next I was down the country with my own house (all on a single wage) - what is meant for you, never goes by you! (hopefully, I presume my equivalent to Mr. Doris, is out there: somewhere...)
Thursday, February 23, 2006 12:52:00 AM
hellonheels said...
I want one of those!
Thursday, February 23, 2006 2:17:00 AM
ella m. said...
An auto open trash can? That would probably scare the crap out of me when I stumble into the kitchen half asleep and wanting a cookie in the middle of the night.
Thursday, February 23, 2006 3:59:00 AM
Badaunt said...
I've seen those projecting wall clocks, too. The problem is that you need a big enough house that you have wall space to project it onto... our walls are all either sliding doors or blocked by furniture.

But I want that rubbish bin. I want to be able to walk up to it and say,

"Say AHHHH!"

- and be obeyed.
Thursday, February 23, 2006 8:25:00 AM
Z said...
Stainless steel! Have you any idea how hard it is to keep shiny? I went stainless steel mad once.
Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:51:00 AM
Snoo said...
Gadgets - mmmmm
Nice one!
Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:01:00 PM
Jo said...
You're just gadgetgirl at heart eh? Thereagain, I think there must be some gadegetgirl in all female bloggers because they obviously get a buzz out of all that virtual gadgetry, funky HTML etc etc.

I'd like a projection clock too! But probably for the bedroom (have you noticed that all clock radios look absolutely terrible, have been shopping for one recently after a knob fell off the old one). But as I wear lenses and can't see more than about 9 inches without them, all I would see in bed would be a spooky transluscent glow on the ceiling! Kind of like ectoplasm maybe.

As for the bin...cool...Don't expect the kids to get the food in though. Kids don't work like that. Always one jump ahead. I'd like to get one too - if only to have hours of kitchen comedy moments as the dog accidentally opened it!
Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:01:00 PM
Ghone said...
I so want that auto bin!!!

But Mrs Pig says I can't until I sell some more photos. Bah humbug!

She's no fun anymore...
Sunday, February 26, 2006 4:43:00 PM
Annie said...
I'm so envious! I really want a metal bin instead of my bog-standard plastic one. I'm hankering after a projection clock for my bedroom ceiling, as I can't see the wall clock without my glasses, and turning over often hurts. I'd love a station clock for my lounge, but the ceilings are so low that it would be out of proportion. I love buying 'house' stuff. My current fav. shop for it is TK Maxx.
Monday, February 27, 2006 11:14:00 AM

Friday 17 February 2006

Ducking for adjectives

Ally at Ducking for apples has come up with an intriguing activity that I just gotta have a slice of the cake.

It is a personality "thingy" and if you want to click on it and participate - you have to click on the six words that you think describe me best Doris' personality thingy. It then gives you the opportunity to go and set one up for yourself.

It will be interesting and ego expanding :-) Let me know if you do it and I'll come tick your boxes!!!


28 Feb 2006 Results so far:

Arena

(known to self and others)

caring, cheerful, friendly, intelligent

Blind Spot

(known only to others)

able, accepting, bold, brave, calm, clever, confident, dependable, energetic, extroverted, happy, idealistic, independent, kind, knowledgeable, loving, modest, observant, patient, reflective, relaxed, responsive, sensible, spontaneous, sympathetic, trustworthy, warm, wise, witty

Façade

(known only to self)

adaptable, complex

Unknown

(known to nobody)

dignified, giving, helpful, ingenious, introverted, logical, mature, nervous, organised, powerful, proud, quiet, religious, searching, self-assertive, self-conscious, sentimental, shy, silly, tense

Dominant Traits

61% of people agree that gransonbran is caring
61% of people agree that gransonbran is intelligent

All Percentages

able (15%) accepting (15%) adaptable (0%) bold (7%) brave (23%) calm (7%) caring (61%) cheerful (15%) clever (7%) complex (0%) confident (23%) dependable (15%) dignified (0%) energetic (7%) extroverted (15%) friendly (30%) giving (0%) happy (15%) helpful (0%) idealistic (7%) independent (7%) ingenious (0%) intelligent (61%) introverted (0%) kind (15%) knowledgeable (15%) logical (0%) loving (15%) mature (0%) modest (7%) nervous (0%) observant (7%) organised (0%) patient (7%) powerful (0%) proud (0%) quiet (0%) reflective (15%) relaxed (15%) religious (0%) responsive (7%) searching (0%) self-assertive (0%) self-conscious (0%) sensible (7%) sentimental (0%) shy (0%) silly (0%) spontaneous (7%) sympathetic (23%) tense (0%) trustworthy (15%) warm (46%) wise (15%) witty (38%)

Created by the Interactive Johari Window on 28.2.2006, using data from 13 respondents.
You can make your own Johari Window, or view gransonbran's full data.


Original Comments:

Cheryl said...

Bugger, I've just pinched that too.
I'll play yours - hope you'll play mine! :-)

Saturday, February 18, 2006 12:11:00 AM

doris said...

Very curious. It is hard to stick with 6 items, challenging even. But will be interesting to see the results.

Saturday, February 18, 2006 12:19:00 AM

Badaunt said...

That was HARD. Only six?

Saturday, February 18, 2006 6:16:00 AM

Mr Doris said...

Well, I selected: independent, caring, sympathetic, calm, warm, accepting. But then I get to snuggle up in bed with you! I was going to choose either Clever or Wise, because you pointed out the difference between the two... which is rather intelligent. But when you're snuggled up in bed, who wants intelligent :-)

Saturday, February 18, 2006 5:23:00 PM

Annie said...

Johari windows seem to be the in thing this weekend. Thanks for selecting things on mine.

Sunday, February 19, 2006 9:12:00 PM

Z said...

That's brave! Lol. I think I lack the courage for that one ;)

Monday, February 20, 2006 12:27:00 AM

Milt Bogs said...

I thought you meant having a cup of tea in a shared bath. That's what Ally was doing last time I dropped in. If you see what I mean.

Monday, February 20, 2006 7:38:00 PM

mrshellonheels said...

Hi Doris! I filled it out, but didnt do one for myself. It was hard to only pick 6 tho, so many fit you. : )

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 5:27:00 AM

Anji said...

That was fascinating and confirms what we already knew, what a wonderful person you are!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:39:00 AM

doris said...

Thanks all for taking part and to the mysterious person too!

It was a rather nice ego trip I'd have to admit and guessed it might be. In some ways I am a very confident person who gets on and does things but the flip side is a scared person who doesn't feel too good about herself.

For me, it turned out to be quite uplifting especially as there were some common themes positively re-inforced.

However, keeping in mind it only skims the surface and deals with the positives (if one sees them as such) it is not to be taken entirely seriously. But thank you anyway because it was warming and encouraging.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 1:43:00 PM

Writer Mom said...

Hi Doris! I was too chicken to put up my own, but I promise I was completely honest on yours.
I'm having fun with thoughts like, "Now, a witty person HAS to be an intelligent person already, or they can't be witty...but I really want it enforced how smart I think this woman is, so I'll give it a double dose..." and click.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 2:59:00 PM

Jo said...

Hey gimme gimme gimme!!! :-) What a cool thingy. Naturally Doris you have received a glowing set of adjectives from me!

And I'm going to do one too - this kind of stuff is right up my strasse (as they say)...

Thursday, February 23, 2006 3:53:00 PM

Jo said...

BTW Doris...if you want to have a take on the 'dark' side of you, there is a 'nohari' test you can take too!

(If you're like me then...er...I don't think so (!) I can do that one all by myself quite well thanks!)

Great to see Mr Doris breaking into print here too :-) Is that his debut?

Thanks for doing mine. At the mo, it's just you and my friend Kath. So I'm not yet having quite the positive stroke that you got [sniff]

But I did like what you put :-)

Saturday, February 25, 2006 12:17:00 PM

Wednesday 15 February 2006

Dancing Eyes

Valentine's day last night. Usually I'd have nothing to say about it. Mainly.

On Monday I checked our online family calender as I knew I have a dentist appointment sometime this week. Only to find an entry for the next day, Tuesday 14th, 7.30pm Surprise event for 2. The only information Mr Doris was prepared to share was that we shouldn't eat before hand.

We set off in the car with Mr Doris driving and with very little time to spare. Mr Doris seemed to be going round in a circle as I joked whether we were going round the block to come home for a micro-waved meal. No such thing!

He pulled in to the rather pretentious and swish looking restaurant and hotel round the corner with it's sign billing "Valentine's Dinner". It was lovely. The surroundings were lovely and the pianist began just as we were seated. The food was absolutely superb. The charlotte of carrot with the sea bass was a dream. The service was attentive.

Between the second and third course Mr Doris held my ring hand across the table. My hand looked so tiny and beautiful in his as he stroked each finger like the strings of a viola. The hands which had, up to an hour or so before, been assembling flatpack kitchen units now looked like a princess's! His gentle but electric touch as my eyes were drawn to his face looking serene and loving. He looked up, the romantic pianist playing in the background, and our eyes met. As if he took me by the hand and danced me round the room I felt our eyes dancing. Neither of us has particularly compelling eyes but we were hooked. With each other. It was a beautiful moment in time during an especially lovely evening.

Three and a half hours later, long after other couples had been and gone, we finally left. Full to the gunnells with wonderful food we made it to the car and the thirty second drive home. I giggled all the way. Somehow it was so deliciously and outrageously funny to be driving home from somewhere we could have walked. But if we had walked then it wouldn't have been a surprise.

Thank you Mr Doris. For everything.


Original Comments:

Ally said...
Aw! I am temporarily putting aside my usual Valentines-related cynicsm and experiencing a warm glow. In fact, I have gone a little bit weepy. Thank you for sharing that! :).
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 10:18:00 AM
Annie said...
Oh, how lovely! Has he got a single twin brother?!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:33:00 AM
Cheryl said...
Aww
I shall make my Husband read this when he gets home. Hopefully by this time next year he might think it was his own idea.....
Glad you had a lovely evening/
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 1:17:00 PM
ChelseaFCChick said...
What a lovely valentines!

(I think I should take a leaf out of Cheryls book and get my Hubby to have a read of this post)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 3:24:00 PM
Red Mum said...
What a wonderful evening, Mr Doris sounds like a honey:)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 8:42:00 PM
Astryngia said...
Very romantic - as it should be. :-) I especially like the chauffeur-driven ride ALL the way to the restaurant!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:26:00 PM
Writer Mom said...
Yay for Mr. Doris!!

Of course, it always comes across how sweet these men are for coming up with such wonderful surprises...but let us not forget, he is honoring you for an entire year of loving companionship.

(Nobody has asked yet what Mr. Doris got for Valentine's. Perhaps that's a vulgar American question...in poor taste...spoils the beautiful romance? I couldn't help WONDERING! You DO have a naked man in your previous post!!)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:58:00 PM
Badaunt said...
Mr Doris is a darling.

But I'm still stuck on the tiny hands thing. My hands will never look tiny. They are spidery, I've been told. (Which is only marginally better than 'gnarly.')
Thursday, February 16, 2006 7:13:00 AM
Curly K said...
Thats just lovely - you deserve a night like that - well done Mr. Doris!

Don't you love those moments like you've described - the ones you really remember and still get a little flutter in your tummy!

PS thanks for the link!
Thursday, February 16, 2006 11:54:00 AM
Jo said...
Doris what a lovely, romantic post :-) I too have gone slightly mushy inside ;-)

Full marks to Mr Doris - he sounds like a real sweetie (from this post and from how you've talked about him before)

(And thank for dropping in on my blog hon. I'm fine, just a bit maxed out of work recently, and starting to put together Blog Mk 2!)
Friday, February 17, 2006 12:22:00 AM
doris said...
Ally Awww. I think you are right to be generally cynical because there is such a commercial build-up and then the whole point is slightly missed. And as I said, I rarely have anything to say about VD so just had to share ;-)

Annie LOL haven't you asked me this before?! 'Fraid not. And I bet if you saw my Mr Doris in the street you wouldn't look twice and yet he can be pure gold :-)

Cheryl Thanks!

Sarah Indeed it was, thanks!

Red Mum Next time you enter a blog competition then come let me know! Thankfully I got in in time to vote before voting closes sometime today. :-)

Astryngia :-)

Writer Mom Absolutely right, but I'm afraid that despite my turning my nose up at the commercialism of VD et al that I am still suckered into it and want all that it entails! Mr Doris may not do surprises like that often but on a daily basis he is just too wonderful for words so we really do appreciate each other every day.

And what did I get him? Well, it wasn't very expensive but as we were going out I bought him a lovely new shirt and a woolly jumper... I didn't wrap it but threaded the shirt into the jumper and laid it on the bed with one of the Bailey's Truffle Hearts (chocolates) on top that he gave me at breakfast. I didn't say anything so when he went up stairs to consider what to wear to go out he wouldn't have to worry about what to choose!

However, it turned out that he was prepared to wear his full tux as he knows I love him in it! But he looked good in either and the tux would have been a tad too much. Though I reckon I'd have matched either look!!!

Badaunt That's the thing - I have such a poor self-image and that includes my hands. This is the first I have ever had anything nice to say about them! And that felt good.

Curly K Yeah, memories of pure gold to keep us going. BTW the link was purely selfish.... much easier to come and stalk your blog!!!

Jo Glad you are OK though guessed that was probably it - thanks for confirming. Good luck with the work and have fun with MkII
Friday, February 17, 2006 7:39:00 AM
jane said...
That Mr.Doris is one amazing man. I think after being alone for years makes us appreciate having one who loves us. In the words you wrote, I can feel how comfortable & warm the mood was. You could have been anywhere, as long as your hand was in his & your eyes met.

Absolutely divine, Mr. & Mrs. Doris.
Friday, February 17, 2006 8:55:00 AM
doris said...
Thanks Jane :-)
Saturday, February 18, 2006 12:26:00 AM

Thursday 9 February 2006

Men. Again!

Do I walk around life with my eyes closed? Today I saw two separate incidents about 20 miles and 7 hours apart. Each took place by the boot of a parked car in a retail centre car park in full view of everyone. A man changing clothes and getting bare down to his waist. The first time it was a young lad who I thought was quite plucky for his age and he ended up in white shirt and black suit. Looked cool. The second time was an older bloke. I didn't see what he ended up wearing as I wasn't too enthused to stand and watch his hairy body. I know it is not that cold but I don't think it is much fun getting down to bare skin in about 4C or 39F. And in a public car park? I've never seen this before, very strange.

Original Comments:

Curly K said...

I'd have stayed to watch both but then when you're a barren spinster you take it when you get it!!!!!

I wish more carparks were like that, I'd probably spend an inordinate amount of time in them if they were!

Friday, February 10, 2006 12:07:00 PM

Cheryl said...

Do you suppose its something to do with public toilets being made smaller and smaller, or just with the way the gents always smells? At least if we girls need to change 'on the hop' we can do it in the ladies, but those doors and walls are inching in, so these days, only just.

Friday, February 10, 2006 1:01:00 PM

Dr.John said...

Well I was going to visit England but if this is what goes on in your parking lots I think I'll stay home. In our parking lots you just get to see people stealing radios out of other people's cars.

Friday, February 10, 2006 1:34:00 PM

rashbre said...

i must admit I've also done this. Last time was Heathrow Exec Park for T1 on the way back from Germany. It was quite cold too.

rashbre

Friday, February 10, 2006 9:43:00 PM

doris said...

Rashbre You do it too? In public..... in the cold.... I'm not against nudism, nor against convenience. It is just so strange. I clearly need to think about this some more until I find a peace with it!

Dr.John Er.... choice of crime or nudity. Hmmm. Hard call!! LOL

Cheryl Maybe you have a point. Women's toilets usually have a shelf or something. Though last time Mr Doris and I went to a wedding, last year, the only convenient place we could find to change were the disabled toilets in the mens. I'm practical and didn't mind sharing with Mr Doris in the mens. It wasn't so bad but probably raised a few eyebrows as I came out looking all elegant.

Curly K LOL Have you checked out the dogging car parks..... you can see a whole lot more in them! ;-)

Saturday, February 11, 2006 12:35:00 AM

MrsDoF said...

And you don't have a video!?!
Well, okay, you have given us a little bitty photo as a substitute.

Saturday, February 11, 2006 12:48:00 AM

Britmum said...

Very interesting indeed. Haven't seen much of that here yet!!!

Saturday, February 11, 2006 5:24:00 AM

jane said...

Well, aren't you the lucky one? Were there horns honking at them? I know here there surely would've been, regardless of their age.

Saturday, February 11, 2006 6:00:00 AM

Ghone said...

Must be a guy thing - I've done it also a few times.
Usually after getting approval from Mrs Pig that I have purchase the correct shirt!

Saturday, February 11, 2006 9:38:00 AM

Pearl said...

Yes, I've seen shirts changed in parking lots too. I've noticed men in Canadian department stores doing this, pulling off their shirts, undoing their pants to try on a sweater, or wandering around rack to rack, not being bothered to put it back on between changes. Caused me a double take.

My guess is that women showing their body is sexual or taboo but men are allowed to walk around in just shorts in hot weather and be neutral and less naked.

Saturday, February 11, 2006 10:12:00 PM

Ally said...

I've gotten changed in car-parks. And a couple of times behind a set in a conference. The guys just look the other way. I hope, anyway!

Re ladies toilets - along with my campaign against the high price of motorway tea, I am also thinking of starting a 'size of toilets' petition. You can tell that they're all designed by skinny men by the fact that the sanitary bin is so uncomfortably close to the loo ...

Sunday, February 12, 2006 4:18:00 PM

Writer Mom said...

I've got to get out more.

Sunday, February 12, 2006 7:09:00 PM

Curly K said...

Doris,
Haven't checked them out although I've heard what goes on! Not my scene, I'd prefer just to watch naked men and leave the rest to my understimulated, overactive imagination!!!!

Monday, February 13, 2006 11:41:00 AM

Dr.John said...

Hey be nice. A man has to do what a man has to so. Speaking of nice thank you for being so nice and leaving a comment on my blog. I loke your template.

Monday, February 13, 2006 12:43:00 PM

hellonheels said...

I need to hang out in parking lots more often! I miss all the fun stuff

Monday, February 13, 2006 5:18:00 PM

Annie said...

I have to admit that I find Jamie Oliver quite cute, but I'm not sure whether it's a case of 'phwoar' or just wanting to mother him!

Monday, February 13, 2006 10:16:00 PM

Minerva said...

Look, Doris, I know I am not desperate or anything (guffaws from the back..) but could you just let me know which car parks these were? *grin*

Minerva

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:01:00 AM

Milt Bogs said...

That guy looks like Blair to me. Some people will do anything to get votes.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 2:28:00 PM

ella m. said...

Though you'd get hypthermia if you tried that here in the winter, random male strip shows of this sort are rather common in the summers. Unfortunatley it is very rarely the good looking who indulge, but rather the eyesores whom make you want to gouge your eyes out with a spoon to get the visual out of your head.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 5:24:00 PM

Carol said...

I would've stayed to watch, and grabbed my camera phone for a few pics:-)

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 4:09:00 PM

Tuesday 7 February 2006

Cute Tradesmen

Fluff alert!

The poor sod. I could barely keep my mouth closed nor my tongue in my head as this cute guy with his tousled hair a la Jamie Oliver stood in our house. He's done work for us over a few years but now he has grown his hair from his usual close crop and what a difference it made. And not being one to keep my mouth shut I told him how cute he looked. With my beloved Mr Doris there I had to ask his opinion too! Mr Tradesman blushed in a way that is so adorable and makes a grown woman want to sweep him off his feet and tickle his funny bits. Of course I wouldn't and he hasn't made it to my imagination but for those few moments I was lost to wild abandonment. Sigh. :-)


Original Comments:

Milt Bogs said...

Hi Doris,
Yes I think Roy Orbison is probably less cool than J.O. cooked worse but sang better.
In 1960 or whenever, girls liked the Grrrrrr bit in 'Pretty Woman'. I always thought he sang off pitch.
I'd like to find a female plasterer.
I understand the abandonment - not sure about the wild though.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 1:54:00 AM

Cheryl said...

Doris and Milt - faux codgers the pair of you.
Hehehe.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 6:55:00 AM

Ally said...

I completely agree, Doris. V cute :).

Milt, I'm quite good with a plaster. Where would you like it stuck? ;)

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 10:53:00 AM

Jo said...

ooh I do enjoy my funny bits being tickled too :-)

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 11:00:00 AM

Writer Mom said...

He probably blushed so cutely because you've made it into HIS imagination. Grrrrrrr

*Carol's (Purple Dragon) post today...that's open for everyone and all. The more the better!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 2:59:00 PM

Curly K said...

We all need some "fluff" in our lives - mind you it's been a while for some of us!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 5:04:00 PM

Hannah said...

Oh, yum. Why do all the men who come to our house to do things look like the utter personification of grumpy Glaswegian that they are, when you get that?!? It's Just Not Fair. Sulk.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 5:36:00 PM

doris said...

LOL I've loved all your comments. I hadn't thought about tradesmen not normally being good looking but then of course, isn't it supposed to be the fictional stuff of fantasy? But hey, in my life, anything is possible ;-)

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 7:59:00 PM

Le laquet said...

Lol!

I love it when you can do that to someone who thinks he's above the whole blushing thing!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 6:11:00 AM

Anji said...

I agree with Curly K.
I think that men look less agressive with longer hair.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 2:34:00 PM

Karen said...

well well Doris and I thought I was the female equivalent to a dirty old man

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 3:23:00 PM

jane said...

I left a message here yesterday, but it's not here. How weird. Anyways,
I've moved my blog to a new domain, if I'm on
your blog list or blogroll, would you please update
it to: http://www.janelovestarzan.com. My other
blog is no longer active.

Thursday, February 09, 2006 5:28:00 AM

Z said...

Yeah. I used to think JO was cute too.
So - you wanna share your tradesman details? I'm sure I can find a wall that needs plastering or something. ;)

Friday, February 10, 2006 11:53:00 AM

Friday 3 February 2006

Suicidee did not die!

Briefly, after a lot of effort trying to get through to the police and for them to actually find the right records on the right computer, we have been told that the guy who jumped had extremely minor infuries amounting to a bruise and a single cut! Apparently he had landed on his feet. I had been to the scene and would say it was about the height of two standard trains on top of each other, plus shoulder height for the wall, which is a distance.

The young man was already receiving psychiatric treatment and after the event was taken to hospital and then to a psychiatric unit. I hope he gets help and finds some peace in his life.

Meanwhile, I am delighted for my daughter. She saw what she saw and was having flashbacks and had been quite disturbed. This morning I have told her the news which was much to her relief. I have told her that I was proud of her for what she did and for the way she cared.

The other thing, was that I had contact with the police since two days ago and they could not find the incident on their computers and again they were searching this morning. I didn't at any point doubt my daughter but I did begin to wonder what is was that she had actually seen. Thank goodness I never shared this question mark with her as that would have been awful to add to her pain.

Phew and double phew!

[This post refers to this original post: Suicide is painful]


Original Comments:

Carol said...

Isn't it funny how we will doubt those around us before we doubt those closest to us! I've done this before.

Anyway - I'm glad to chap didn't die. He obviously has issues, and hopefully now he can get them addressed.

Friday, February 03, 2006 1:44:00 PM

Cheryl said...

:-)

Hurray!

Friday, February 03, 2006 3:16:00 PM

Writer Mom said...

What a relief!

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Doris heals the world.

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:06:00 PM

doris said...

Carol Certainly an interesting experience showing that things are not always what they might seem. All very well to be wise after the fact but it is a lesson for us all. I still think my daughter coped amazingly.

Cheryl Sure is great news.

LOL Writer Mom I shall be insufferable for quite a while. It is just one of those days and then my black, sexy, lycra superwoman suit came back from the cleaners today and I got to wear my knickers on the outside again :-D

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:28:00 PM

MrsDoF said...

Oh, some nice news over here.
Thank you for the update.
I hope your daughter is able to move on.
Maybe it might help her if she were to write a letter about all this, and then pass it along to someone who would be able to give it to the guy later--after his therapy. Just thinking aloud, I am. He may not want any reminders.

Friday, February 03, 2006 8:10:00 PM

Annie said...

I'm so glad he was ok, and I hope he gets the right sort of help. I read somewhere that suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem. I only did the cry for help/tablets thing, but I'm glad now that I was so half-hearted about it. It is not a nice place to be in. I'm glad your daughter is dealing with it well. hopefully now she knows he's ok she can put it behingd her.

Friday, February 03, 2006 9:26:00 PM

Jo said...

So glad Doris :-)

Friday, February 03, 2006 10:27:00 PM

Reia said...

that's good news. he should be seeing this as a new life for him... and a new hope!
i admire your daughter for being so brave :-)

Saturday, February 04, 2006 1:49:00 AM

MrsDoF said...

Totally off topic, but I want to tell you that I rented _84 Charing Cross Road_ on video and watched it and absolutely loved it! I would never have given it a second glance except I remember reading about the movie on your blog.
Thank you for its good mention.

Sunday, February 05, 2006 4:03:00 AM

jane said...

Things always happen for reasons. I wonder, if we were to jump ahead 20 years from now & look back at your daughter's life, why did she see what she saw? Did it affect her career choice? Did it change how she saw herself?
Undoubtedly something strong will come as a result of this, in your daughters life. Also the fact that you didn't question her. She now knows she has a solid voice that should be listened to.
I pray that man finds peace for his soul.

Sunday, February 05, 2006 11:37:00 AM

Pearl said...

Wow, still traumatic for your girl, but good news for the boy.

Monday, February 06, 2006 9:32:00 PM

doris said...

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Who knows what influence this will have in the future on daughter or the young man. Tonight I met the young friend that daughter was with that night and she too was disappointed by the insensitivities of their friends about the whole situation.

Mrs DoF - so glad you tried out that video. Ahhhh, ain't it great :-)

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 12:56:00 AM

Anji said...

I'm glad for everyone. Let's hope he can get the help to sort himself out

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 2:36:00 PM

Thursday 2 February 2006

Wheelchair Snogging & Sadoku

At some point in the life of every blog it seems bloggers cannot resist sharing the weird and wonderful terms used in search engines to bring up their blog. I am used to all the usual gran porn and variations but for true stat counter whoring then I don't think Sadoku can be beat. My counter whizzes round courtesy of that purposefully mis-spelled word and have been thinking I need to use that word again! That's partly why stat counters mean nowt and are just a bit of fun. After all, when someone lands on your blog looking for the porno pics of "very old women" and then find some prat whittering on then they are gone faster than that.

I don't understand this gran porn thing.... I really thought it was a joke but then I actually clicked on some links to the dodgy stuff and well, as broad-minded as I like to think I am, I'm afraid I find it very hard to understand. We are not talking sexy grandmas or elegant older women. These are great-grandmother women who are spoken about in a derogatory and non-consensual way.

It all depends on which search engine is being used but a search on "bran" often turns up this blog on the first page of results. And what is this "fun bran" that a lot of people search for?

I've never kept a list of the weird and wonderful search terms used but this evening someone searched for "Wheelchair Snogging" in the BBC search engine which has really impressed me. Not sure why but I just like the idea of "Wheelchair Snogging".


Original Comments:

Cheryl said...

ROFL!

Do you think they look for carburettors holding hands, or walking sticks cuddling?

Friday, February 03, 2006 12:08:00 AM

Z said...

I don't bother looking at referrals or counting visits. I'm sure for me, the whole thing would be an entirely depressing business and just emphasise how totally unvisited my blog is.

I could do without the weirdo's anyway.

Friday, February 03, 2006 1:42:00 PM

Carol said...

I posted a comment here once already, and it crashed! Can't remember what I said now :-( (sulk)

Friday, February 03, 2006 1:43:00 PM

Writer Mom said...

(I'm going to visit Z next, btw)

Ever heard of googlewhack?
Some ladies left a message for me, telling me my site is a googlewhack for "skidmarking elf"...which means my site is the ONLY site that pops up when those two words are used together.
(Of course, now that I've commented, your site might also appear, and I've lost my googlewhack honor).
I've noted some interesting ones.
May have to blog on this.

Wheelchair snogging. You may have to give 'em what they want.

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:10:00 PM

doris said...

Writer Mom said: "Wheelchair snogging. You may have to give 'em what they want." Only if you give 'em a "skidmarking elf" !!! Ha-ha :-D

Carol What a bummer when your message gets shomped up.

Z I bet you that it could actually be quite amusing. Is your site on Blogger in which case it gets automatically submitted to the search engines.

Cheryl !! LOL

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:22:00 PM

Steve said...

googlewhack.....hmmmmm..not heard of that one, but that coud be a bit of a challenge, to find out what you could post to make you the only person who comes up in a search.
One other point Doris:- you said, "find some prat whittering on" if you use this phrase does it bring you to my blog??

Monday, February 06, 2006 2:42:00 PM

birdychirp said...

Good grief! So that's what its up to...

Monday, February 06, 2006 9:06:00 PM

Z said...

And you did! Thanks WRITER MOM.
Um, yeah, well, Doris. I think I better stick to tryig to make a post and get a few reads in. Maybe when the summer rolls round and I have endless lazy days then I'll be able to look at stats, for now, it would be a time sink.
I'll be sure to let you know if I get any interesting ones ;)

Friday, February 10, 2006 11:51:00 AM