Success

To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics; and to endure the betrayal of false friends.

To appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others;

to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quiet Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Silent Snowy Sunday

I Love Instagram!

Over the summer I downloaded the Instagram app for my iPhone, an app that I would never be without now.

  Instagram is a revelation to my photo taking.  I have often thought I took a pretty good pic but I've never been able to afford a fancy camera and I don't have the knowledge to produce photos with filters and effects.
  Instagram has helped me to do that and it's so easy to do.  I now have a whole album of instagram pics.  Here's a selection of my favourites.

I'm partial to a lovely sunset...

Oldham town centre

Abersoch, Wales

The hills above Oldham

Outside our house

    

Manorbier beach, Pembrokshire

             ...and I like a good beach shot too.

Driftwood at Newgale Beach

Newgale beach

Beverages must ALWAYS be included.

Stella Cidre

No description needed here

Anyone for tea?

The architecture of Wembley Stadium always makes for a good photo.

Rainbows are always inspirational

A rainbow in a cloud - beautiful

And then there are some random pictures...

Yanks weekend

More Yanks

Sonny Boy Blue

Manorbier Castle

The canal at Uppermill

A - Z

A. Age: 39

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: Ironing!

D. Dog: Sonny, a ten year old Boxer.  We rescued him from the dogs home 8 years ago.  he's old and very smelly but faithful and affectionate.

E. Essential start to your day: Brushing my teeth.

F. Favorite color: Blue, or pink...bluey-pink?

G. Gold or Silver: White gold.

H. Height: 5'4

I. Instruments you play: I learnt the recorder at school.

J. Job title: Mum, Teacher, Skivvy

K. Kids: 1 daughter

L. Live: Oldham, Manchester, Northern England

M. Mother’s name: Pat

N. Nicknames: Beanie, Keano, Knockerwoman

O. Overnight hospital stays: Once to have my girl, once for having tonsils out.

P. Pet peeves: Errr... none

Q. Quote from a movie: 'Daddy, my Daddy!'  from The Railway Children.  It gets me every time.

R. Right or left handed: Left

S. Siblings: One sister

T. Time you wake up: Usually 6.30am

U. Underwear: Small, black pants

V. Vegetable you hate: Brussel sprouts

W. What makes you run late: My husband mithering.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Just at the dentist

Y. Yummy food that you make: Lasagne

Z. Zoo animal: Orang-utans, they are so like us. I kind of wish they weren't locked up in a zoo.

I found this little game over at Faith Hope and a whole lotta Love. Play along too. Leave a note if you do so I can come and read your responses.