Eternal Refuge

Still a bit behind with a few, but am going to try and do them all this year. Last year I only got less than half of them done.


Challenge #15

Talk about an unexpected joyous moment you experienced last year.


I had quite a few memorable and joyous moments last year. Hard to pick a favourite.

For a fandom thing I suppose having one of my icons picked as an example of an on-going competition was pretty special. I see such amazing work, so was actually shocked to see one of mine on a description of the competition.

I was overjoyed to at last get to Egypt. It is a country that I have wanted to visit since I was a child. Dad was the same, and never got there. Back when I was 10, Tutankhamen's mask came to London and I never saw it - so that was amazing to at long last see that. The temples were stunning, as well. A great trip.

Over the years I inherited Mum's jewellery (as well as both grandmother's wedding rings). I wear Mum's stuff all the time. However I didn't know what to do with the 2 wedding rings. Then I spoke to a designer and she has made the 2 into a necklace, where the integrity of both rings survive. So to wear rings that are over 100 years old, and belong to those 2 ladies, is a pretty momentous event.

On a personal note - yes, I had an amazing event ... but it's personal (maybe one day)

I do hope, whichever way, the USA votes that it will end up best for the country ... best for the world.

However today, in England, we celebrate "Bonfire Night."

For those who don't know it is to commemorate Guy Fawkes ... who was one of the conspirators who planned to blow up the King (James I) on the opening of Parliament in 1605.

As is often said ... he is possibly the only man to enter parliament with a clear agenda.

So, how ironic that as we remember The Gunpowder Plot, USA has gone to the polls to elect their new President.




Most of us know the beginning of the poem ... but that was all of it.

Well I am off to London tomorrow for Remembrance weeked. 

I am looking forward to it, except that the bugs that stopped me meeting up with Brenda yesterday are a bit worse, so I spoke to the GP and he has started me on antibiotics for a chest infection.

So that is annoying, but atleast I can start treatment today and not have to go hunting for a hospital over the next couple of days.

As a result of me being away ....




5. Do you like fireworks displays, or are they just annoying at this time of year? Have you ever made your own fireworks display at home?
Until I was 12 we always had a firework display at home … I have fond memories of them.
I think the last large display I went to was 4th July 2017 when I was in Oregon. That was special, as well.

6. Pockets or a handbag/purse? Are you guilty of carrying things you don’t need in a bag because you haven’t decluttered for a while?
Pockets, please. Not really a fan of a handbag, at all.

7. Do you have a favourite apple?
I like most of them.

8. In 1895 German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range today known as X-rays or Röntgen rays. Have you ever had your feet X-rayed?
Possibly as a child, as it used to be “normal” in some shoe shops.
The last time was back in 1982, when I was run over … they had to check on the injuries of both my ankles.

9. Wes Craven’s ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ premiered in the US in 1984. Have you ever seen it? Are you a fan of horror films?
Never seen it – and not a fan of the horror genre.

10. If calories didn’t affect your weight and you didn’t have to worry about the health implications, what would be your favourite thing to eat as a treat every single day?
Proper chips, from a good chip shop.

11. It’s Calista Flockhart’s birthday – did you ever watch Ally McBeal?
No






See you on the 12th x

Hope you notice the song quote .... It might be corny, but I do love the film "Sound of Music"

Any way, the point is I am heading off to France/Belgium for my WWI trip very early on Monday, and won't be back until the following weekend ... when I am then working. So, I very much doubt I will make it here until the Tuesday.

So -






24. Today in 1932 Amelia Earhart left California on the first transcontinental non-stop flight by a woman. What is the longest distance you’ve flown without stopping?
In 2017 I flew from London to Portland Oregon … a 13 hour flight.

25. In London the Nottinghill Carnival takes place today and tomorrow. Have you ever been to a street Carnival?
I lived in North Cornwall for 25 years, and for about 15 of those I was a steward for the carnival … so, yes, I saw that! I also grew up in a town that had a carnival that I went too throughout my teenage years.

26. Today is the International Day of the Dog to promote the homing of rescue dogs. What’s your favourite breed of dog (and have you ever owned one)?
I have been around Cocker Spaniels in the past, and Jiffy was a West Highland White Terrier. I loved both breeds – I think most breeds have some really great points … but if you want “mad” then you need a Westie out of those 2 breeds!

27. Have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon? Would you ever consider it if you haven’t?
No
I am scared of heights, so although I would love the view … it’s a case of “no way”.

28. Do you like the design of your kitchen? What would your ideal kitchen look like?
My kitchen is pretty good overall. I would like it bigger, as my table is in the middle – I could do with a small island, and then a table at the far end.

29. Have you any favourite phone apps you use regularly? Are there some you have to use in your area (e.g. for parking your car)?
I don’t have an “app” phone … so What’s App is as complicated as I get.

31. Do you organise your banking online, or do you prefer to go to the bank in person?
I do much of it on-lin on my computer … although would be happier to do it in person.

September
1. Have you ever played snooker, billiards or pool?
Yes, yes, and yes.
Dad played snooker & billiards, both brothers played pool. So can play the basics, although not great at any of them!

2. It’s World Coconut Day - what’s your favourite way to eat coconut?
Within a biscuit … eg, an ANZAC biscuit






Right, see you next month x

I made this set for Round 34 of gen10in30 ....

1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10

As ever, all are snaggable, but credit would be appreciated.  All the images are photographs that I have taken, both locally and in California. The credits are available over at my icon journal - d4s_icons

After our trip to the pyramids we went to The Egyptian Museum ... we saw the golden mask of Tutankhamun, which is something I have wanted to see since I was 10! No photos were allowed there, although we did see some of the other items in his tomb.
( Clicky for photos )

Yes, another very wet and cold day ... yet as you can see by yesterday's photos the sunset was lovely -





My yesterday was good in the end.

Yes, I did meet up with Toni & Pete and we had lunch, and it was good to catch up with her (them). She was actually looking really relaxed, so that was nice to see.

In the afternoon I did some shopping on my way back home, and then began to sort out clothes to pack ... because, yes, early Saturday morning I am off for 11 days.

Just as I was thinking about what to get to eat, I had a phone call from Claire. So ended up walking to a pub about a mile and a half away for a chat and a meal. (It was on the walk I took the photos). Tim & Claire are having an ongoing problem with their neighbours over some very large & awkward planning permission. There had been another positive response from the city, so that's the reason for the meet up ... but, as ever, it was lovely to see them.

My plans were to do shopping etc today, and pack tomorrow, however I am meeting Claire on Friday afternoon for a cuppa, so the days have reversed. This makes me think that I won't have much time to turn on the pc, so I am waving farewell now ... and will return DV on the 6th March.

So -



22. Today there's a full moon - will it be cloudy, or will you be able to see the moon tonight?
Seeing as it is raining, now, and more is forecast I would imagine seeing the moon will be hard tonight.

23. It's Banana Bread Day - did you make banana bread during the Covid 19 lockdowns?
I love fruit … except bananas … so, no

24. What's the weather like - warmer or colder than the average for the time of year?
It was warmer last week, and now gone back to where it should be. So, it feels colder!

25. Do you know how to swim? When was the last time you went swimming and where?
I can swim, although am actually scared of water. I was pushed in a pool, by a teacher, before I could swim. Now I can’t get my face wet while swimming.
My last swim was probably 18 months ago, in the sea, when Brenda was staying with me for a week in the summer.
I hope to get a chance for a swim while away.

26. Tell a Fairy Tale Day - have you ever read any of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales?
Only in Ladybird Books ... so probably a much softer version.

27. John Steinbeck (author) was born today. Have you ever read The Grapes of Wrath?
No

28. National Tooth Fairy Day - did you get coins from the tooth fairy when you were young?
Yes. In fact about 10 years ago I had a retained baby tooth extracted by a dentist, and did ask if I could have the tooth to put under my pillow. I did tell Dad, but he said it was the wrong time of year for fairies to be out collecting booty (I think a very poor excuse!)

29. It's a Leap Year - what will you do with your extra day? Do you know anyone born on the 29th of February?
On holiday, so won't really notice it.
I don't know anyone, but occasionally a patient will give it as their DOB.

March

1. The Welsh Saint David died in 589 and was canonised in the 12th century. Ever since then, he has been celebrated in Wales and by people of Welsh descent. Have you ever eaten Welsh cakes?
When I lived in Wales, Mum & Dad had a lot of friends, so yes, we had them a lot then.


2. Dr Seuss was born today in 1904 - do you have a favourite book of his?
Never read any

3. Have you ever had a hearing test?
No

4. British Pie Week starts today, so there are lots of opportunities to make a pie! What would be your favourite (there are lots of ideas here)?
I love all types of pies ... Mum used to make them all the time. All types of fruit ones, as well as a really lovely chicken one (which I wished I remembered her recipe)

5. Rex Harrison was born on this day in 1908, have you ever seen his version of Dr Doolittle (1967), what about Eddie Murphy's (1998) or Robert Downey Jnr's (2020) version?
Seen the original, but not the remakes ... I am not often a fan of a remake.

6. It's National Dentist Day - do you make sure you have regular check-ups with your dentist? When did you last visit the dentist?
Yes, every 9 months ... last time was when I broke the tooth off my plate (I lost a front tooth when I lost Mum & Dad ... now wear a plate. My dentist did a check-up for me at the same time, so am booked in for about 3 month's time.



Right, so I am waving goodbye now.

And, for those who wonder/can't remember, I am going to Egypt, so prepare to be photo-spammed on my return.

Hope you all have a fun time, keep safe ... see you in a fortnight.

I have a lot to do.

Tomorrow I head off to Belfast for a week's holiday, and I still am not 100% sorted, and haven't even thought about packing yet. I have decided to book a taxi to the airport rather than catch the bus, as they only run hourly from the city centre, so if I miss it, or one is cancelled, I am stuck. I am using a different company as the previous one is getting "too big for their boots". They amalgamated with 2 smaller ones, and since then their service has been worse. I think they are working on the theory that most people know their name/number so will use them. However, a new company has started, so I shall see how that goes. At least having an internal flight means I have a little more leeway, although not much.

Yes, Allie's training went well, although I had to remind her twice what my name is ... I don't like being called Debbie, and she kept calling me that rather than Deborah. Next time I see her (I am taking over from her when I have my first shift there on my return to work), I shall see what she calls me. She spent a time moaning about the previous team she worked with ... however 6 or 7 of them came to wish her Good Luck in the new job. So all in all mixed feelings about her.

I still have a set of icons to finish, they are almost done, and then I will post here (and over at DW which is where the comp is)

Now, as I said, I will be away for a week (and missed yesterday), so -



5 – Be Late For Something Day: Does the mere thought of "celebrating" this cause you anxiety? Should lateness ever be celebrated?
No – there is no excuse for being late

6 – Fight Procrastination Day: Procrastination can really be the bane of our existence, with another day coming around the corner, there’s no real reason that we can’t put it off till tomorrow is there? What are some of the things you do to fight putting off those things you keep putting off? To-do lists? Setting your alarm for earlier? Enlisting friends or family to give you a hand?
Oh, I am a procrastinator, first class!
Yes, if family/friends work with me I can be inspired.

7 – Buy A Book Day: Do you buy books or are you pretty much a borrower -- be it from the library or friends and family? What was your most recent book purchase? Did you buy it for yourself, or as a gift for someone else?
Nick gave me an autobiography about Audrey Hepburn during WWII. He had read it, and thought I might like it.
Can’t think which book I bought last – probably a guide for Belfast.

8 – Star Trek Day: Star Trek speaks of a hope-filled future where our nationality no longer matters, and yet each of our personal heritages is still something we can be proud of. We are all citizens of the same quadrant of the galaxy, and at the end of the day that’s all that matters. Are you a Trekkie/Trekker? If you are at least somewhat "into" Star Trek, which series have you watched at least some of? Do you have thoughts on the JJ Abrams reboot films?
I like all the spin-offs, but am not really a fan of the original (I was busy watching other things, including Blake's 7 as a teen).
My favourite, by a mile, is Star Trek Voyager. And, I do hope to get to see Star Trek Prodigy at some point, but as it's only on-line at present, I am stuck

9 – International Sudoku Day: Do you sudoku, or are you more of a crosswords puzzle person?
I do crosswords, and an occasional sudoku every day. Number wise I prefer a suguru.

10 – Arts in Education Week: Every year beginning the second Sunday in September, National Arts in Education Week celebrates the transformative powers of creative skills. Sadly, governments everywhere are cutting arts programs in schools, citing budget concerns, or to favour more "career-oriented" programs. Did you take any type of art courses in school (art, music, dance, etc.)? What benefits are there to arts education?
We had to do art every week until we were 16 ... however most of my teachers found it hard to accept that I am as colourblind as I am. I learnt to copy-draw, but not to a great degree. Pottery was something I was useless at.
We had music lessons every week until I was 14, but didn't do dance after I was 11.

11 – No News is Good News Day: From where to you get most of your news? Do you find the daily onslaught of usually pretty bad news overwhelming? Do you take, or have you taken, breaks from news – essentially avoiding all news as much as possible?
I listen to the headlines on an hourly news, either on the radio or headlines on the BBC

12 – Day of Encouragement: Are you the type of person who naturally tries to encourage others when they need it? Does anyone in your life do the same for you?
I have always tried to be super-positive.
Now my parents are passed I don't have regular positive support.

13 – Defy Superstition Day: From throwing salt over your shoulder if you spill some, avoiding stepping on cracks in the pavement, to worrying about black cats, the world is full of superstitions. Even if your rational mind knows these strange dictates have no influence on your life, are there any superstitions you do find yourself observing? Have you ever done something considered a superstition that actually happened, e.g. you broke a mirror and then had seven incredibly unlucky years?
I suppose the only thing I am aware of is one of my great-grandfather's clocks. It did stop when family members died ... the last time was when Jiffy crossed Rainbow Bridge. So, a couple of times when it has stopped, I do wonder how the family are.

14 – Live Creative Day: Live Creative Day encourages us to let the world see our creativity all day long. How can you bring more creativity into your daily tasks, either at work, or at home?
I enjoy making the icons ... and handcraft, when I get focussed enough. But working in a hospital means that you can't really be too creative, as 99% of things are done for a reason etc.



Right, let's get on.

Hope you all have a lovely week, see you then x

... Much of the rest of England seem to be having snowball fights, but not me.  Even a friend of mine who lives about 15 miles away posted snow pictures on Instagram.  Oh well, at least I haven't got to go out and try to take some pretty pictures, have I?

Eventually the holday got sorted yesterday so I am booked to go to Egypt in February.  This year it is Sicily, Northern Ireland and Belgium ... and my regular trip to London.  So now I have the beginning half of the year booked it means I can decide what to do.  I may go back to USA, Scotland, or go to another of the Greek Islands.  Lots of the world to see.  My 2 real aims are still China and South America ... so looks like one of them will be 2025!  I don't have kids, so it's my nephews inheritance I am spending ... sorry boys!

Once I get this posted I am going to do a bit more sorting, but it will be bedroom cupboards/drawers, as I am gradually working my way round the room. 

But, as ever -



8 – International Women’s Day (March is also Women’s History Month): This was first celebrated in 1909, have you ever celebrated it? How do you think women should be honoured on this day?
Unlike most people I am not a feminist. However what has always annoyed me is that people should be judged on their own personalities/lives. In other words are you a decent person? Can you do your job correctly? Have you got a fascinating life? etc ... It shouldn't matter on your age/sex/nationality etc



Right, let's check on what you are all up to before heading upstairs

Wow, I have been a bad girl ... definately MIA  Sorry, work, and Christmas has taken over.

I have worked most of last week, and will be working most of next ... and the plus side is that I am looking into next years holidays!  The trip I had hoped to do to China has been cancelled for a variety of reasons, but it is somewhere I still hope to visit, but it looks like it will be 2 or 3 years down the line.  I had thought about going back to my original plan of South America, however one of the places is Machu Picchu, but the altitude is quite high, so I am delaying that for another year to get my breathing further settled, as my asthma still isn't under full control since I was taken ill 3 years ago.  A friend of mine acyually died there, so don't want to have similar problems ... if I don't get better then I will have to do a different trip because I so want to go to Rio and see the Christ Redeemer statue ... so those plans continue.

This week has been busy at work, but that always keeps the time moving faster.

Tim & Claire popped in Wednesday evening and we ended up having chips, and drinks ... and a really fun evening.  I will be seeing Nick & Brenda for Tuesday lunch ... so nice to have Christmas time with both boys.

I had hoped to see Toni & Pete today, briefly ... but that didn't work.  Pete's chemotherapy has gone weel, but sadly he caught Covid last week, and it has knocked him down ... now Toni has it, so we shall meet up in the New Year instead.

I spoke to Auntie Joyce today and she has a bad cold, but is also hating the home ... which is what I had predicted.  So I am glad I had no part in the pre-planning, so I can honestly say "nothing to do with me".  Anyway, looks like my New Year is already planned, with a trip to get her back home.

Today I had a baking morning ... now once I have done this I have some ironing to do, bed to re-make, etc, than I am "Christmas". As you can see it is fairly Christmassy already, so nice to relax, and watch a film, and also see a Carol singinging that's on TV this evening.







But before I sort everything out ...



21. True or false: people only eat cupcakes for the icing.
Maybe ... although as I am allergic to butter, that isn't my reason!

22. Do you have a TV series that you wish had run longer than it did? What about one that you think ran on too long?
Stargate Atlantis is truly one that I wished had lasted longer ... in fact I am trying to finish the series as I would have liked! That's how I got into fandom ... writing a new end to Buffy. Would love to have seen more Star Trek, Voyager, as well.
If one runs too long, I just abandon it!

23. What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear them?
"Every time we say Goodbye" ... reminds me of my regular goodbyes to Mum & Dad.
"Ill be seeing you" ... again brings memories of M&D, & Jiffy.

24. Which of your vices or bad habits would be the hardest to give up?
Tea, sweets

25. Do you self-censor a lot?
Yes ... well, at least I think so.




Thank you for being my friend ... wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas (for tomorrow) xx

... Whenever she saw me back in jeans for the first time in the autumn/winter season she would always say "Winter draws on" .... so had to say that today.  That was the other job I did yesterday - swap my winter to summer wardrobe.  I have a case and a single wardrobe so swap as soon as the weather changes.  I had hoped to last a few days longer before putting back on full-length jeans (etc) and sox ... but in the end decided that it was silly to wait.  So I am feeling very cosy as I type this, and it also means I can delay putting the central heating back on for a bit longer.

Haven't done my normal shopping trip, just to my local supermarket ... add a sore ankle to rain and I decided I needed milk, fruit etc so had to shop, but decided not to do the longer walk.

One of my projects this afternoon is to start thinking about seasonal_spuffy in November .... I shall make some icons, but am thinking around a short fic, so I shall see how that goes.  Maybe if I get organised this time, I shall manage something.

My other task is to continue writing up my holiday journal.  I have done a third of it, but want to get some more done.  In the past I have written each evening but that was one thing that I decided to skip this year to keep my energy levels better.

Mind you I have a couple of letters I need to write ... so looks like I will have a busy afternoon if I do it all!

But, before I head off -


2. Have you seen someone recently you used to talk to, but don’t anymore?
No

3. What color are your eyes?
Blue-grey


Well those questions didn't take long!

Hope you all have a good weekend - see you Monday x