Satire is very often the most incisive form of political comment. That's why I find the following so interesting: http://www.tomburka.com/
I would never dare to say such things.
But they did make me laugh out loud.
The Presiding Officer at our island polling station told me that the turnout here is always remarkably good. When I was there it was a little flurry – six of us in a queue. What a choice of candidates on offer. Makes one realise how fortunate we are to have the democratic system we do – whatever one thinks of the various parties and issues in Europe.
The pictures in the paper show the shadow of Venus travelling across the sun.
How nice it would be to see the sun.
Apparently Scotland gets cooler, mistier weather because we are between the North Sea and the Atlantic. There has got to be an advantage somewhere, if only I could think of it.
The naturalised garden grows ever longer, and to my great delight wild flowers are starting to appear. They were always chopped off previously. Most of the grasses are now almost half a metre tall – apart from the part where the dog likes to lie down. She has created a natural hollow for herself; absolutely ideal for a country girl like herself.
Reminds me of the hollows we create for ourselves in life. Places where we can relax, lie down and contemplate the world.
Usually I am quite fond of spiders. At least as long as they are small and well-behaved. However, this weekend's adventure concerns a rather large and fast moving arachnid. It succeeded in running away from my bug-buster machine and hid under a bookcase. I gingerly sat in the lounge waiting for it to appear and then forgot about it. the next day whilst tidying the couch cushions – there it was – lurking and laughing. Horror came over me as I thought of how it would have been had it decided to make a bid for freedom and run over me.
This time the husband wielded the bug-buster with great success.
For anyone who is interested the bug-buster harmlessly sucks the insect up and enables it to be taken outside and released.
The front cover of the Church of Scotland's Life and Work Magazine is graced with a hunky-looking Darius, (of Pop Idol fame). Whatever next? Apparently he prays every day and his Muslim father encouraged a Christian upbringing. The headline on the cover says “Young, Sexy and Christian – the Pop Idol runner-up who prays every day.”
Who is this aimed at I wonder? Reminds me of the John Bell fan-club (the old ladies who whisper as he comes into church, Doesn't he look like Jesus….)
I was sorry to hear of the death of Frances Shand Kydd, mother of Diana, Princess of Wales. Probably most of us here on the island have a story to tell of when we met her or how she seemed in public. How awful to have to live your life in the public gaze. I can't help remembering one of my mother's homilies about being kind to people – never criticise another until you have walked in their shoes – When somebody dies, it is as well that we usually want to remember the good things, the funny things, the special things. Sad that with Frances Shand Kydd we have to remember the tragic things.
May she rest in peace.
Yes – I am an ageing blogger, but I have been enjoying reading another over the last few weeks. Check out http://www.timegoesby.net/ for some thoughts on the baby-boomer generation. She has an interesting angle on what is happening worldwide as well as in the States.
Being off sick has given me a whole new way of looking at the world. There is more time to read and to listen to others. Pity I do not really feel well enough to enjoy it yet. I guess when I do start to enjoy it, it means that I am ready to go back to work.
It is good to see the good ship Halcyon of Seil afloat again. This is the latest launch of any year to date. Minor mishaps so far include: several small leaks in the hull (the experts tell us the wood will “take up” – or swell and stop leaking); a loose toilet valve (now mended); galley sink emptying directly into galley cupboards (also fixed); and plenty of painting inside still to be done. In between there are davits and pulleys and a dinghy to play with.
Who ever said boating was leisurely.
