Thumbs Up!

A bruised and sprained thumb did little to affect my reputation for wonderful cuisine! A simple tuna pasta, instinctively spiced and herbed, provided a most satisfying repast.

And what of the abnormal thumb; I have no idea where/when the injury was sustained and, I'm trusting the discomfort will disappear as swiftly as it emerged last evening. One lesson I have learned, in this short time, is just how versatile (in synchronicity with other digits) this thickened and shortened finger is!

Feeding Time

Having contributed, in the past hour, to Heterocon's rant "Can there be smoke without fire", I feel surprisingly calm and at peace with my world.

Just popped out to the garden, to feed the fish, which brought about the usual flurry of activity in the pond and, am currently contemplating the preparation of a meal for my beloved and myself. Hopefully, our response to the meal will not produce such frenetic activity.

How fortunate and privileged we are to 'know' where our next meal is coming from!

Escapist Delights

Two evenings running my beloved and I have revelled in a bit of pure escapism. Last night we watched, and recorded to DVD, "The Mask Of Zorro" for some quite captivating buckling of swashes. Tonight it was the turn of "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" which, despite the gratuitous violence, is redeemed by the pure unreality of a tale excitingly told.

Tonight's viewing was accompanied by an appropriate, typically Oz, wine. Very gluggable but, totally upfront in both fruit and oak - 'Penfolds Winemakers Selection Chardonnay, 2004'. If subtlety is what you seek, neither the wine nor the film are to be recommended; it so happens that, on this occasion we enjoyed both!

Of Exercise, Sleeping and Eating

My mid-morning awakening led to the saga of the mysterious intruder, recorded by Heterocon but, since that time, there have been no major incidents to report. Fish-feeding routines, at both the garden pond and the aquarium, have been efficiently performed and, shortly before five pm, I even managed to get out for a (not so) brief, (not so) brisk, walk around some of the more tree-lined roads and avenues! The combination of sunshine and breeze was just about right for me and, didn't interfere unduly with my hypersensitive eyes.

Shortly after the return home, old Morpheus really held me in his thrall; a shock awakening, actioned by my beloved, signified it was almost time for dinner. An almost vindaloo heat minced beef Rogan Josh variant, prepared by yours truly on Saturday evening, went down bootifully with new potatoes, broccoli and leeks. Yesterday, we'd had the traditional saffron rice but, these days, I'm equally happy with pasta accompaniment. 'Tis the quality that counts!

An attempt to overwhelm tiredness

This afternoon's short walk proved quite enjoyable but, I was certainly ready to slump down on return; that's what ten minutes gentle exercise does for one! Subsequently began to feel extremely tired, in spite of interesting company.It's been rather a weekend for entertaining! This afternoon, Phyllis a friend from Helen's schooldays has called in with her son Sharif.

In order to prevent myself falling asleep, as if I hadn't already had enough, Helen suggested I pick up the laptop and, that is why you are being confronted with a further brief report on my day so far. My eyes are suffering from (an imagined) sleep deprivation so, that's it for now!

Ah! ... that's a refreshing change

Awoke, for the second time, at around 10.15 am but, after a further snooze and relaxation, finally plucked up the courage to disengage myself from bed around the time that Helen returned from her second visit to chapel at 11.40. I must admit to feeling quite refreshed today and, I've actually managed a bbw this afternoon. I'm certainly feeling much more alert than I did at the corresponding time yesterday.

Before my venture into the bed-free domain, I enjoyed playing around with Photo Story 3, creating the odd mini-video on my laptop. Oh what a life of luxury I lead.

A Visit from Ruby

It's amazing how much better Ruby's visit made me feel; she certainly is an absolute charmer. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet her mummy on this occasion, as she hasn't been feeling too well. In fact Ruby herself had been a bit off colour this morning so we (Helen & myself) were extra-pleased to meet her in the flesh and, to take our own snaps to add to the digital Ruby collection.

I also discovered that Ruby doesn't particularly like men, at least I'm not the first of my gender to have this young female crying on my shoulder. We also were pleased to meet Anne, Ruby's maternal grandma; a real family occasion.

Not One Of My Better Days

Well, I managed to force myself out of bed a little bit earlier and, I haven't felt right since! Afraid it's one of my "pale" days; if I was a dog my nose would be dry and my tail down between my legs. Ruby's visit has been postponed until a bit later in the day, she's sound asleep at the hotel at present; perhaps the delay is a godsend, as I may feel a little more awake when the visitors arrive than would have been the case earlier.

Popped into town to settle a credit card bill this morning but HSBC, with whom I have an account, have no human counter-presence on a Saturday and, Halifax, with whom we also have accounts and, which is part of the same banking group (Halifax Bank Of Scotland) as my credit card company (Bank Of Scotland) don't accept these payments. Got to admit, I voted against their becoming a bank but, it seems that as a bank they're far from fully fledged!

The certain fact is that none of the banks give a toss about their customers, their one aim in life is to pay their directors exorbitant salaries!

Meeting Ruby

Tomorrow morning I'll be seeing my great-niece Ruby for the first time. Never before I have received so many photos (via e-mail) of any one person as those I have received of Ruby, ranging from her being a couple of hours old at the end of last October up until recent weeks. Of course it will be good to see her Mummy and Daddy but, I've met them before, so the real excitement is at meeting Ruby!

So, tomorrow morning, I'll have to make sure that I unencumber myself from the duvet realm in plenty of time. All other distractions are on hold at present and, I look forward to a restful night.

Boys and their toys

Just been downloading MS Photo Story 3 and, am impressed at the ease with which one can create a video from still-images. When it comes to graphics programmes I love creating my own images but, it's rather nice to lazily place a folder of images into a programme which automatically creates a slide show, with quite acceptable transitions, together with generating the soundtrack music.

My first little video certainly sets off some of my paintings to advantage! No doubt I'll enjoy filling some of my many lazy moments experimenting with this programme.