The only way to clear a desk is one sheet of paper at a time. I have managed to deal with a few things. Some cheques have been sent out; some letters have been filed. And one or two of the other mundane domestic chores have also been dealt with. I meant to deal with some invoices M dictated last night, but somehow they were put on the back burner.
On the writing front, I have completed my rewrite of the article I've written about Goldenford and sent it to my fellow directors, Jennifer, Anne and Irene, for comments. In addition, I've been asked to send the complete ms of my novella A Bottle of Plonk to an on-line publisher of serials, Virtual Tales. I sent that off tonight.
I've also gone through my notes for a talk tomorrow at Sutton Writers. As things stand, it's an article, but I won't just read from it. My method of giving a talk is to write something down in more or less good English, using only half the width of the page, then put in notes and headings summing up what I'm going to say, down the empty half. I try not to read from the article, but it's there if I need it. I like to ramble a bit and face the audience. I'm always nervous in advance, but so far, have recovered once I'm 'on stage'. I hope it will go well tomorrow - M is taking me, as I don't do driving outside my patch.
Once I auditioned for the WI. The parking was terrible; I was a bage of nerves when I arrived, and I had miscalculated the number of words I needed, so my talk - which should have been 20 minutes - turned into about five. I was relieved to fail the audition. I came to the conclusion I really didn't want to travel the countryside getting tense about parking situations.
I still have a lot to do tomorrow. I must assemble my 'props' and some cash, in case anyone wants to buy one of my books.
Time: 11.30 p.m.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Stressed
I like activities - having the family for the weekend; going out to Goldenford meetings and Guildford Writers' meetings, but then I find that lots of trivial things have piled up and I feel stressed. That's happening at the moment. I'm not going out today or this evening and am contemplating not going to the reading circle, to which I also belong, tomorrow. (I will not miss discussing the book, which I read several years ago - The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. I found it Dickension but without the humour. I was bored and wouldn't read it a second time.)
A friend of mine says that when you have too many branches on the tree, you should prune them down to about five. Not, mind you, that she takes much notice of this good advice herself. At the moment I feel there are a lot of branches and twigs (that's what makes the difference) on the tree. There is post on the desk that requires dealing with; the talk still needs to be sorted; an article I'm writing on Goldenford needs to be rewritten. Then there's washing and ironing - I did a batch of that yesterday and there's more today. Borrrrrring! There's apples too, still crying out to be cooked/frozen/stored in some way. I will appreciate them when I have someone to dinner and can produce a quick dessert.
Last night I went to GW. A good evening with lots of really good stuff being read out. I had hardly a comment to make, because it was all so good. Of course I've brought back my own piece with lots of scribbles on it - so that's another job.
Also last night, I listened to the 15,000th episode of The Archers. I haven't looked at the website. Think I'll try to restrain myself - that really is a way of wasting time. But my own verdict was Anti-Climax. Firewords at Ambridge, they said. More like a damp squib.
Now to work. On top of the above mentioned, I haven't even started the VAT. I think I'll postpone that till next week.
11.35 a.m.
A friend of mine says that when you have too many branches on the tree, you should prune them down to about five. Not, mind you, that she takes much notice of this good advice herself. At the moment I feel there are a lot of branches and twigs (that's what makes the difference) on the tree. There is post on the desk that requires dealing with; the talk still needs to be sorted; an article I'm writing on Goldenford needs to be rewritten. Then there's washing and ironing - I did a batch of that yesterday and there's more today. Borrrrrring! There's apples too, still crying out to be cooked/frozen/stored in some way. I will appreciate them when I have someone to dinner and can produce a quick dessert.
Last night I went to GW. A good evening with lots of really good stuff being read out. I had hardly a comment to make, because it was all so good. Of course I've brought back my own piece with lots of scribbles on it - so that's another job.
Also last night, I listened to the 15,000th episode of The Archers. I haven't looked at the website. Think I'll try to restrain myself - that really is a way of wasting time. But my own verdict was Anti-Climax. Firewords at Ambridge, they said. More like a damp squib.
Now to work. On top of the above mentioned, I haven't even started the VAT. I think I'll postpone that till next week.
11.35 a.m.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Birthday blog
Another birthday. Let's disregard the actual year and move swiftly on.
Apart from dropping M at the station this morning, I stayed in all day. Much to do after the weekend visit. Lots of domestic chores and I haven't finished yet - more tomorrow. But I did manage to spend some time updating the talk I'm giving on Friday to Sutton Writers' circle.
I will print it out tomorrow and put some notes in that I can easily spot, so that I'm not just reading without looking at my audience.
Although it felt as if the birthday was yesterday, I got a card from K and family this morning and some flowers from R & J. Lovely surprise after yesterday.
In the evening, we had a Goldenford meeting. On arriving I was presented with a 'Bottle of Plonk' and Anne crowned me with a tiara, saying 'Birthday girl' or similar. This object which was stabbed into my head, proceeded to play 'Happy birthday, etc.' Jennifer took a photo, which, no doubt, will stay around to haunt me for years to come.
Got through lots of stuff, as usual. Jennifer has reported that following our presentation to Barclays' Bank, they want us to come back to entertain with readings at their Christmas party.
11.35 p.m - And so to bed, as another diarist said.
Apart from dropping M at the station this morning, I stayed in all day. Much to do after the weekend visit. Lots of domestic chores and I haven't finished yet - more tomorrow. But I did manage to spend some time updating the talk I'm giving on Friday to Sutton Writers' circle.
I will print it out tomorrow and put some notes in that I can easily spot, so that I'm not just reading without looking at my audience.
Although it felt as if the birthday was yesterday, I got a card from K and family this morning and some flowers from R & J. Lovely surprise after yesterday.
In the evening, we had a Goldenford meeting. On arriving I was presented with a 'Bottle of Plonk' and Anne crowned me with a tiara, saying 'Birthday girl' or similar. This object which was stabbed into my head, proceeded to play 'Happy birthday, etc.' Jennifer took a photo, which, no doubt, will stay around to haunt me for years to come.
Got through lots of stuff, as usual. Jennifer has reported that following our presentation to Barclays' Bank, they want us to come back to entertain with readings at their Christmas party.
11.35 p.m - And so to bed, as another diarist said.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Early birthday celebrations
We've just returned from lunch at the Chinese restaurant. Very successful. It was self service and my two granddaughters, seven and four respectively (both with birthdays in December) were able to go backwards and forwards to the food table choosing a bit of this and a bit of that. As they are both active and like being up and down all the time anyway, this was right up their street. There was a huge party in the restaurant when we arrived and we were ushered upstairs. This was also good, because, apart from the serving table there were only another four or five tables up there, so very few people to annoy. This was Rob and Jayne's birthday treat for me, but before we left home I opened my cards, including the ones which the girls had made specially; I opened the present which Ella had given me - a brooch, which I wore on my trouser suit and also the family present - some chocs and a copy of A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - which I had already decided to read.
The family has gone home now, and OH and I are unwinding in our respective ways - me in front of the screen and he in front of the other screen, on which I understand, some rugby will soon take place.
Yesterday was also very successful. The family arrived at lunch time and in the afternoon, we collected up dead wood and branches to add to the huge bonfire already built. Naturally, the girls loved wheeling the barrow and adding their contribution to the wood pile. Harriet, the girl next door, had made an impressive Guy and he was stuck on top.
At six, we reassembled and Harriet lit the fire, which, within minutes, was raging. Friends, parents and in-laws of the group of neighbours all turned up to stand around this furnace, which threw out tremendous heat, despite the cold. The teenagers from two houses and their friends made up the main bulk of the participants, and fireworks were contributed by two neighbours and friends; food from others. We moved to a garden for the fireworks and watched the show for at least half an hour. There was a bright moon, and it was cold and crisp as it has been for the past few days.
Then to another house where the barbecue was churning out burgers and sausages, and chicken legs were arriving straight from the oven. The neighbours all did a terrific job. My brownies apparently went down OK and there were enough for the teenagers' lunch today, after a sleepover in two houses.
I'd already fed the girls, as the fireworks was quite late enough for them. They wanted to be part of the continued jollity, and they each had a baked pototo before coming home to bed. I called it a day too. My toes were getting cold. But M (OH) stayed on to consume a few chicken legs; then arrived home and fell asleep for the next two hours - in fact till bedtime.
Tomorrow is my actual birthday and I'll be at a Goldenford meeting in the evening. That's fine. It's quite a social event. I've got things happening almost every night in the coming week. I shall be exhausted at the end of it.
Later: as usual, the time was incorrect and this addition is taking place at 11.15 p.m. In addition, I've looked at my so called profile to be told my birth sign is Gemini. What rubbish. I'm a Scorpio, of course, known for my sting in the tail.
The family has gone home now, and OH and I are unwinding in our respective ways - me in front of the screen and he in front of the other screen, on which I understand, some rugby will soon take place.
Yesterday was also very successful. The family arrived at lunch time and in the afternoon, we collected up dead wood and branches to add to the huge bonfire already built. Naturally, the girls loved wheeling the barrow and adding their contribution to the wood pile. Harriet, the girl next door, had made an impressive Guy and he was stuck on top.
At six, we reassembled and Harriet lit the fire, which, within minutes, was raging. Friends, parents and in-laws of the group of neighbours all turned up to stand around this furnace, which threw out tremendous heat, despite the cold. The teenagers from two houses and their friends made up the main bulk of the participants, and fireworks were contributed by two neighbours and friends; food from others. We moved to a garden for the fireworks and watched the show for at least half an hour. There was a bright moon, and it was cold and crisp as it has been for the past few days.
Then to another house where the barbecue was churning out burgers and sausages, and chicken legs were arriving straight from the oven. The neighbours all did a terrific job. My brownies apparently went down OK and there were enough for the teenagers' lunch today, after a sleepover in two houses.
I'd already fed the girls, as the fireworks was quite late enough for them. They wanted to be part of the continued jollity, and they each had a baked pototo before coming home to bed. I called it a day too. My toes were getting cold. But M (OH) stayed on to consume a few chicken legs; then arrived home and fell asleep for the next two hours - in fact till bedtime.
Tomorrow is my actual birthday and I'll be at a Goldenford meeting in the evening. That's fine. It's quite a social event. I've got things happening almost every night in the coming week. I shall be exhausted at the end of it.
Later: as usual, the time was incorrect and this addition is taking place at 11.15 p.m. In addition, I've looked at my so called profile to be told my birth sign is Gemini. What rubbish. I'm a Scorpio, of course, known for my sting in the tail.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Frosty mornings
Another bright and frosty start to the day and another dozen or so huge apples fallen from the tree. These late fallers are the best ones - ripe and sweet, and not usually infiltrated by worms like the early fallers. Two years ago, when we had a good crop, I stored them in a cold shed, and was still cooking them in the following March. Bramleys in the shops are never rosy like these are, because they pick them all much earlier.
Yesterday was the first frost and the busy lizzies in the garden turned black and limp. Time for them all to go, and the hanging baskets too. They've given us lots of colour through the summer, and the weather we had in October was unbelievable. I remember when I lived in London, the only time I realised it was spring was when I saw the little white flowers on the privet hedges. One is much more aware of seasons in the country.
I have a lot more to do in view of the busy weekend ahead. And a special request for brownies! I may have to do another batch. Can't disappoint my fans.
2.15 p.m. my time. Even though I haven't yet adjusted my watch, or my car clock, I know it's not 6 in the morning.
Yesterday was the first frost and the busy lizzies in the garden turned black and limp. Time for them all to go, and the hanging baskets too. They've given us lots of colour through the summer, and the weather we had in October was unbelievable. I remember when I lived in London, the only time I realised it was spring was when I saw the little white flowers on the privet hedges. One is much more aware of seasons in the country.
I have a lot more to do in view of the busy weekend ahead. And a special request for brownies! I may have to do another batch. Can't disappoint my fans.
2.15 p.m. my time. Even though I haven't yet adjusted my watch, or my car clock, I know it's not 6 in the morning.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Some things accomplished
It's been a busy day. I went with OH this morning to have flu jabs. Then he decided not to bother to go to a job and stayed home. It was pretty cold today, though bright and beautiful; I refrained from putting the heating on, until OH said he was cold. I dressed up warmly and went to post some letters in the local box, but didn't stay out long.
I hope it stays bright for the fireworks on Saturday night, but perhaps not quite so cold.
Tonight I've printed out the end of month statements and the few invoices from last night. So I'm feeling virtuous about that. I also spent some time making two large batches of brownies. I've sampled a couple, but the nuts in them have made me feel shaky. Still they seem all right. I don't think I've ever made them before, but I found a recipe in the depths of my old scrap book. I transferred the recipe to the computer. Much easier to do a print out instead of fumbling through old books. I may have to do another batch tomorrow. I want to achieve at least sixty small squares, as there will be a large number of teenagers at our bonfire night do.
I hope it stays bright for the fireworks on Saturday night, but perhaps not quite so cold.
Tonight I've printed out the end of month statements and the few invoices from last night. So I'm feeling virtuous about that. I also spent some time making two large batches of brownies. I've sampled a couple, but the nuts in them have made me feel shaky. Still they seem all right. I don't think I've ever made them before, but I found a recipe in the depths of my old scrap book. I transferred the recipe to the computer. Much easier to do a print out instead of fumbling through old books. I may have to do another batch tomorrow. I want to achieve at least sixty small squares, as there will be a large number of teenagers at our bonfire night do.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Time for a chat
A good day. Irene came over for lunch and I had a chance to unburden myself. I've been feeling depressed since our visit to Hereford.
We've also arranged to have a table at a Christmas Fair locally where hopefully, we might sell some books.
Although I'm trying to write an article at the moment, domesticity and office work are both queuing up for my attention. I've done some invoices tonight - or rather taken dictation, so that I can print them out tomorrow. Also in the queue - more apples to be stewed and filed in the freezer; a cake to be made for Bonfire night; some crumble mix for my famed apple crumble for the family visit. I've booked a Chinese restaurant for Sunday, as my son and family are taking us out for lunch. It's time for end of month statements too and starting on the bookkeeping.
It's all go, isn't it?
However, I just spent ten minutes on the Archers' website. It's good fun to read, particularly some of the outraged comments. Although I have a name, I haven't got anything to say at the moment. I feel surprisingly shy about it.
Time: 11.45 pm
We've also arranged to have a table at a Christmas Fair locally where hopefully, we might sell some books.
Although I'm trying to write an article at the moment, domesticity and office work are both queuing up for my attention. I've done some invoices tonight - or rather taken dictation, so that I can print them out tomorrow. Also in the queue - more apples to be stewed and filed in the freezer; a cake to be made for Bonfire night; some crumble mix for my famed apple crumble for the family visit. I've booked a Chinese restaurant for Sunday, as my son and family are taking us out for lunch. It's time for end of month statements too and starting on the bookkeeping.
It's all go, isn't it?
However, I just spent ten minutes on the Archers' website. It's good fun to read, particularly some of the outraged comments. Although I have a name, I haven't got anything to say at the moment. I feel surprisingly shy about it.
Time: 11.45 pm
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