IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: Hi am so glad you could make it this week, how are you keeping? I have have had a week of two halves! Sunday last was a lovely day we had dinner with friends and spent a lovely afternoon discussing old times and shared experiences. The weather had been lovely in fact the last of a good spell that was followed on the Monday by rain, rain and more rain!
Monday was good, although wet as our eldest lad came to visit and stay over as on the Tuesday he had his car booked in for an MOT. We all had plenty of laughs and watched a daft film together !
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you that our feline visitors have returned home, their owners returned on Thursday and so they up and left us high and dry!!
Watching out the window
It was a case of “OMG where are those cats, have you left that door open again. Quick that Toffee will be scrambling out of the toilet window!!” OH! Hang on they have gone home!! Well as much as we have enjoyed having the cats here it is good to have our home back to ourselves windows open to the world and no crazy opening of doors dashing out and rushing to shut the door, before a cat escaped! Well Choccy and Toffee until the next time.
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you that I have really been enjoying the new Imogen Heap Album that I bough on 18th August, it is absolutely fabulous it has been 3yrs in the making and worth every second! She seems to be singing my life! The Album is called Sparks. here are a couple of her widely varied tracks.
I love every track, each one so different from the next. Do check it out you will love it . OH! Also good news on the Imogen Heap Front she is expecting a baby!!
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you that today is coffee meeting day, with the girls I used to work with. It is a monthly thing and great fun to catch up.
I have had toothache this week and on Wednesday I had to go to the dentist and with out any by your leave he told me that my tooth was cracked right through and there was no hope for it and it had to come out RIGHT THERE AND THEN!! I was not impressed but there was no point in arguing and so out it came. I have been suffering toothache since but it is improving!
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I’d mention we are also seeing the Newbie this afternoon! 🙂 xx
Well there is more but I am short on time this week so that will have to do!
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you how very welcome you are and how much I look forward to our weekly get together, and that I do hope they continue for a while to come. So for now be well and be happy. 😀
If we were having coffee I’d ask you : would you like another cuppa, or a biscuit . I’d tell you I have really come to enjoy these chats and I’d love to hear what you would tell me ,If we were having Coffee Original idea from http://parttimemonster.wordpress.com/
Welcome to Willow’s weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul and I’m happy to be here once again in the garden tending to your needs for a cuppa, and sweets. I must say, it’s great to see you all here in this relaxing atmosphere surrounded by flowers and butterflies. Have a seat where you choose, at a table in the sun or shade, and I’ll be happy to bring a pot of whatever beverage you prefer – we have a wide range of teas and coffees to satisfy our world-wide readership. We can relax while we discuss the affairs of the week both personal and/or worldwide. How has your week been?
I have to tell you about a really funny thing that happened on the way home from grocery shopping yesterday – we Canadians are just so polite. I was approaching a major intersection at Laurier and King Edward in Ottawa. The traffic light in my direction was red, so I was stopped only a few cars back from the intersection. From the right on Laurier came an ambulance with lights flashing and siren screaming. From the left on Laurier came another ambulance, lights flashing and siren screaming. The ambulance on the right wanted to turn left, across the other ambulance, so he stopped in the intersection to wait for the other ambulance to clear. But the other ambulance did the same and stopped to let the first ambulance turn in front of him. So for a second the two ambulances with sirens screaming and lights flashing, were sitting stopped in the middle of the intersection and each driver was waving for the other to go first. (I can just hear the conversation: “You first”; “No, no, I insist that you go first.” ; “I can’t you’re an ambulance so you have right of way.” ; “Yes but you’re an ambulance too, so you’re supposed to have the right of way.”; “Well, we’re not making much headway, so let’s go for a beer and discuss this.”; “Fine by me.” At this point the first ambulance turned and the second proceeded. Those silly Canadians – far too polite if you ask me.
So are you ready for a refill yet? A biscuit, perhaps, or a piece of cake? Have you seen or had anything silly or funny happen recently? We’d love to hear about it here in the garden.
I live in an area adjacent to a large university here in Ottawa. The students arriving for the new school year are putting on quite a show. I sit out on the steps enjoying the sunshine as I watch concerned parents arrive driving vans, hauling trailers and manoeuvring rental trucks. Beds, dressers, TV’s, luggage, desks, all pour into the rental units on the street. The teens are bouncing with excitement – freedom finally arriving –while the parents frown and give orders and chastise, knowing full well that as soon as their rear bumper disappears from sight, the race will be on. Johnnie and Joanie will be cracking the beer bottles and inviting as many friends as they can find over for a parent free celebration. The parties are spilling out onto the front porches and onto the street. Much joviality is to be had.
I truly enjoy watching the enthusiasm and soaking up the energy. It brings back memories of growing and learning. Some of the full time local residents grumble about the noise and the parties but seldom, if ever, complain officially. The friends that are made for life, the freedom of self-control, the wonders of learning that all come at this time in life. I can’t help but be happy for them. There will be hard times and good times, the exhilaration of success and the agony of defeat, and they will grow into responsible, empathetic young women and men – the future of our society. It’s like watching a new flower start to bloom – slowly opening up and showing its beauty to the world. I never tire of watching the young people celebrate and grow, while enjoying life to its fullest. Are the students headed back where you are too? Do you have any stories of students inyour life? Are you one of the concerned parents? Do tell.
Would you like another cuppa? Willow and I are honored that you dropped by the garden today to visit. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself and the conversation and please feel free to look around at Willow’s other posts while you’re here. We look forward to seeing you in the garden again next week.
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you how very welcome you are and how much I look forward to our weekly get together, and that I do hope they continue for a while to come. So for now be well and be happy. 😀
If we were having coffee I’d ask you : would you like another cuppa, or a biscuit . I’d tell you I have really come to enjoy these chats and I’d love to hear what you would tell me ,If we were having Coffee Original idea from http://parttimemonster.wordpress.com/
I have a guilty secret I have written about it here I think it is called Dermatillomania .
The more I try to stop the habit the more it seems to plague me.
I scratch my back and my shoulders until they bleed
The more I scar myself the more I have to hide so no one will see.
I just do not know why I have to do this, what ever is the need.
I am going on holiday soon I shall be in the sun
But I shall have to cover up to hide what I have done.
My husband does not like this, he does not understand
Why I make such a mess of myself, my back, my arms and now the fingers of my hand.
Why do I do this, why can’t I handle life
Sometimes it looks like I have attacked myself with a knife.
The more I tell myself to stop the more I seem to do it
My husband tells me I must stop, as if there is nothing to it.
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I am not as bad as the picture but I do now have many scars. Unfortunately I have several new scabs on my back and shoulders. I really do not understand why I do this I am not a teenager or even a young person. I feel so ashamed that I do this when I am a mature woman with children and grandchildren.
I have to apologise I have not posted anything for four days and in truth it has taken me as long to catch on everyone’s comments and posts. I have been distracted by toothache culminating in a visit to the dentist yesterday and with no flush or flourish my tooth being removed! That I can tell you was a bit of a shock and though painless at the time due to brilliant anaesthetics it has been very painful since.
Sorry I just cannot write. So here is a story I wrote in 2011.
THE DEATH
It was quiet and dark and the sun through the window was warming him just enough to keep him alert now his fight had begun.
The bench was hard but he could take that, it was the pain in his side and chest which filled his being, everything else was flat.
Fear gripped his mind, he was so cold inside yet a sweat was rippling down his back.His sight was blurred was he going blind.
Slowly a long hidden memory came to the fore. His mother had taught him it long before he had changed. “Gentle Jesus meek and mild look upon me a little child”
OH! Jesus if you are there help me now, I did not need you then but I do now. Jesus this pain is f###ing killing me, help me help me please. Slowly he slipped forward onto the floor a darkness washed over him and he knew no more.
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Where are you going son. No, out, will not do. Listen to me boy I am asking you. Why must you run with that pack it seems to me now there is no coming back. What has happened to you, you were such a good boy at school I had hopes that you’d go far but your just like your brother playing the fool.
No your not wicked but your not a fool and I am telling you this, in my book you’re not cool.
What are you doing with that? Give it me back , don’t you threaten me son I’ll give you a smack. OH! Please will you listen to me don’t take that knife it will not set you free from the boredom in your life. It will not get you a job, it won’t make you a man what has happened to you and your world changing plan? You had vision and hunger for work a decent and pleasant boy not as you are now , just a jerk.
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Clearing up quietly the priest approached the the last row when something on the floor that caught the suns last glow. Red and sticky he knew what it was but he prayed to his God that it would not be true. The boy lying his arms out wide blood flowing from his side. A thought crossed his mind but he dismissed immediately. He looked like Jesus did, you see. Arms out wide , blood from his side a cut round his forehead dripping blood in his eyes.
He took out his mobile and took a deep breath as he dialled , ambulance , police he begged his mind running wild. The operator was telling him what to do, “Keep him warm and stem the blood is what I want you to do.” He ripped off his cassock and swaddle the lad he then notice blood on his jeans ( the best ones he had) He cradled the boy and prayed in his ear “keep trying to stay ask now, Jesus will hear.”
It was half an hour until anyone arrived the paramedic crew gently moved the priest to one side. It was too late the boy was gone, then with their radios crackling loud, the police taped the area off,with people from everywhere arriving, such a crowed.
Standing back and looking around the priest said a prayer with out making a sound. “Dear God take the soul of this boy who died here today and give him some peace, and if you have time help me find words to sooth his family, at least ” Then sat down exhausted, he was just a man even though he was called priest.
A woman on her way home from work regretting an argument at the start of the day was wondering how to fix things and what she could say. She always said never give up, never leave a good word unsaid. Never leave things, sort them before you go to bed. Passing the church she saw her youngest boys friends , he wasn’t there perhaps they could make amends.
He awoke with a jump. It was his brother rolling in drunk! Damn only 4am please don’t go over what’s to happen again. I know I must do this. I must prove myself.
It was all too easy a year a go when his best friend introduced him to the boys “you need to know” It had been simple things at first making old ladies jump, stealing traffic cones all laughing fit to burst.
When he was really trusted, got himself a name.Things became more serious it suddenly was a whole new game. They met the older boys, the ones with big fast cars. They all wore hoodies, bling and they all had facial scars.
It was money and messages that he had to run he was fit and had a bike.Now that is how easily it had begun. He often skipped school though not always willingly. There really was not any choice, what the big boys said, had to be.
His teachers all asked him why his work had slipped away he had a brilliant future and he had thrown it all away. He was a little worried but he shrugged his shoulders and wondered off, his teachers called him back but his friends told them to f### off.
Mum, she was desperate working on her own doing all she could to keep the house,the boys and make for them a home. The oldest she had lost him he had gone to drugs. She had tried so hard but he just robbed her blind and made her look a mug.The young one she had dreams for she had prayed to the Lord each day but now he was on the wrong track and now he was slipping the same way.
He knew he had become a waster, he knew that he was bad . It was the only way to be accepted and safe but the pain in Mum’s eyes made him feel bad. So he just avoided contact and hardened to her pleas. He was knocked back the other day when she begged him to stay home down on her knees.
He tried to ask his brother who ran with an older crew but he was useless as he was trapped there too. What chance was there, his brother asked, what was there for them to do there was no work or opportunities running with lads was at least something to do. It was all about status and how hard you are , what clothes you wore , what trainers and did you have a scar.
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His brother had one, his was on his face, from a fight with a rival gang. Okay it hurt , six days in hospital 17 stitches but he was now a big man?? Today was his chance to join the glorious crew. To take part in the big ruck was all he had to do.
Two weeks he had known about the fight , where and exactly when. It was on his mind both day and night . His thoughts were full of dread , through his blood ran pure fear it was nearly six now, the day was finally here.
Later in the kitchen when he was taking the knife , his mother caught him and shouted at him. He raised his hand to her for the first and last time in his life. Luckily she was small so he pushed to one side he crashed through the door and out the gate . His mother sat on the floor and cried.
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Later he met the guys when mum had gone to work , they knew a squat they could use to complete their plan. By 4o’clock they were jumpy they were ready to a man.They left the squat and through the railings ran. Jumping , punching the air and making feral calls they had it now they all knew the plan, they had all the balls.
He wished he’d picked a smaller knife this one was too large . As he was changing it’s position. Into him a couple of the lads all barged. At once he felt a sharp and stinging pain as he fell to the floor, it felt worse again. His side felt wet and his forehead was cut where he had scraped along the floor..
By Banksy
What’s wrong man, stop messing we haven’t got the time it’s 5 oclock now hear those church bells chime. Oh! hey you’re hurt man what did you do. You stupid f### you stabbed yourself. We have to leave you here, no good to have a burden on the crew.
His best friend helped him in to the church and sat him at the back , hold on, he said, laters. then ran off to join the pack.
So he alone now, life ebbing from his side thought of mum, school his brother and he cried. He asked the lord for comfort but comfort did not come. He prayed a childhood prayer from deep inside his mind. The priest found him,and he was very kind. He wrapped his chest and held him and asked him not to go . He tried to but he couldn’t stay he felt too tired too low.
He heard the priests’ desperate call as he slipped away forget the ambulance he though and just pray for me today. The priest felt him go, but he would not loose his grip he felt he needed to guide this lost boy, some mothers pride and joy.
Getting off the bus and heading for home, she was tired her feet ached but she was determined not to moan. This was important , it had to be done she needed to put her whole being into saving her youngest son!
Pushing the front door shut behind her putting the bags down on the kitchen floor she looked into the living room but there was no one there. No television no shoot’em’up games standing in the hallway she called out both boys names.
OH! well, she put the kettle on and maybe she’d ring around she had both their mobile numbers but they did not always want to be found. The doorbell rings , damn she had only just sat down she, walking toward the door the phone begins to sing.
There it is the sight every mother dreads , a policeman and a policewoman , OH! god she thinks someone must be dead.
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The hospital was noisy but she didn’t hear a sound her lungs were filling up as she were about to drown. She had been waiting for an age now, would no one take her in. She was feeling really sick now and and felt like things were crawling on her skin.
It was so cold in there and he only had a sheet on . God he looked so pale but she supposed that was what you would look like when all your blood was gone.
Lost Boys
She woke up with the headache she had had since that day the shock of the police visit and what they had to say. She she knew she had to get up she knew she must today, it was the funeral and that would not go away.
Things had been different he elder boy had staid home he seemed to want to help his mother and not leave her on her own. She dare not hope he had changed but she was glad that he was there. She slowly put her face on and then she brushed her hair.
His friends were at the church like they had been that day , he was not not with them. Would this pain ever go away. The priest seemed glad to see her and he offer his support, she felt close to this man who was with her boy when for his life he fought.
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His favourite track finished and the last notes drifted away she stood up and looked at everyone and said she had something to say.
She knew that there was no work and that there was not much hope but joining gangs and using guns and knives was not the way to cope. Please listen she pleaded you are slipping away too many lives are wasted too many die this way. Something must be done and it must be soon we are loosing a generation it might be two if something is not done soon. How many more mothers have to suffer like I have we really need to sort this out……… her voice trailed off to silence as she repeated, how many more mothers like me.
Well this is so nice of you Gene’O inviting us all over to yours for a coffee , I am really pleased to accept not least of all because I have been doing the Sunday, ‘If we were having coffee’ along with your Diana , who is part of your group at partimemonsters for a good few weeks now. Recently Paul Curran blogger extraordinaire of no fixed blog has been making use of my garden to hold a coffee gathering and meeting of minds. So if it is Okay we will join you and all your other guests!
I do like what you have done with the place Gene’O it is very, very you! It feels odd to be sitting here instead of handing cups and cakes to he the guest.
Okay what’s been happening this week so IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: blogging wise, Johncoyote got me up on to my soap box and I dug up some old posts and wrote a new one or two on the subject of how badly we are treating our beautiful plant. Taking her for granted, burning and deforesting her, raging wars on her belly and her back killing not only each other but all her flora and fauna and any poor creatures trapped in the war machine’s way! Mining, covering her with concrete so she bleeds and is starved of air. Time is running out and we are the only ones who can do anything to save mother earth/ mother nature for our children and our children’s children!
Oh! you have all gone quiet, I got up on my soap box didn’t I …..sorry I did mean to get carried away! I am not a raving loony honest!
New Shoes
Right I am embarrassed, what else … IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you that on Wednesday I went shopping with my friend . I needed shoes, thanks to a bunion on my left foot I now appear to have difficulty finding shoes that do not hurt!
So we went off in search of sensible shoes. It was a hard job but someone had to do it! Was it a successful trip I hear you asking.
New Dress
I managed to buy three pairs of sensible wide fitting shoes that did not look too awful! Not to mention a pair of pretty platform sandals….. well they were in the sale and so pretty. I also bought a lovely floaty pink and white polka dot dress it was not on the shopping list but it is also very pretty, also not on the list was an outfit for the Newbie, buy outfits for the Newbie well that just goes without saying!
IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would tell you that while I was at Pilates on Friday my phone rang and it was my youngest son asking me where I was, at pilates, I replied, where is dad, he asked he is not answering his phone, polishing my car I replied OH! he said we are coming to visit you ! Hooray I thought returning to pilates excited about an extra chance to see the Newbie and his mum and dad! It was lovely to see them they were on their way out to lunch but it is always lovely to see them flying visit or not!
strange flowers
Today after my core class we went over to see them , two days in a row such a treat! We spent the afternoon gardening, while I was tiding up one of the flower beds I spotted these fabulous flowers does anyone know what they are ? I certainly do not recognize them. I have had a lovely time with my husband, my youngest son and his family.
Now just before I go IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: I would ask if you remember me telling you that I have been looking after our friends cats while they are away on holiday. The cats have been staying with us for 3weeks so far. Well they are lovely cats, house cats which means we are not allowed to let them out at all. Well I have to report that they are very mischievous animals. One of them has made several escape attempts luckily we have foiled them all! ( so far) , here are some photos of them at play!
who attacked my dog?
who has stolen a biscuit!
where did it go??
where has it gone?
Toffee
Kissy kissy
Well all that remains is f0r me to say thank you to Gene’O for having us we have aha a lovely time!
Welcome to Willow’s weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul and I’m happy to be here once again in the garden tending to your needs for a cuppa, and sweets. I must say, it’s great to see you all here in this relaxing atmosphere surrounded by flowers and butterflies. Have a seat where you choose, at a table in the sun or shade, and I’ll be happy to bring a pot of whatever beverage you prefer – we have a wide range of teas and coffees to satisfy our world-wide readership. We can relax a while but this week we are not stopping here, we are off to Gene’O’s place, he has invited us all to his place for coffee!! Willow and her guests will be meeting us there too. We can still discuss the affairs of the week both personal and/or worldwide Just somewhere different For one week only. .
The weather here has been hinting at fall this week – cooler night time temperatures and warm but dry daytime weather. Not wanting summer to fade, I chose a Spring Garden painting this week to celebrate life bursting free. I hear from bloggers in the North Eastern US that some trees are starting to show their colors already. Not so here yet, but it won’t be long. How about where you live – any signs of season change yet?
It always surprises me when those who live in the southern hemisphere report the arrival of their spring when our fall is just starting. Intellectually, I know this is so, but I’ve only ever lived in the Northern hemisphere so for me the arrival of September is the beginning of Fall followed by winter. Fall is arriving soon
Would you like refill of your beverage? Perhaps a scone or a piece of cake? It’s all free of calories here even at Gene’Os.
I read the news daily and it all seems so negative and violent – Iraq, Ferguson, Africa, Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, Ebola – and on and on. I think I may stop and focus on the good things that happen everyday, perhaps on a much smaller scale but still positive. For instance Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada – where I grew up) is getting a new library according to the Globe and Mail. It cites increasing library visits and usage as an important part of the decision. I would never have guessed that in this wired world, that library usage would be increasing. I am always surprised when I visit the library here, at how much they have embraced the changing world with computers, tutorials, and an increasing book collection.
Above is how the library will look when finished. How is the library in your area doing? Do you visit often? Why do you think that book use is increasing in this electronic world?
When I was growing up, much was made of the development of electronics to the point where it was predicted that we were entering a paperless society. It seems that total shared information has increased, including paper
based assets. Personally, I love the feel of a book in my hands, feeling a part of the story.
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So what good news have you heard lately? Is there anything special happening in your town or life that has cheered you up? Or any good news you’ve heard? Personally, I was accepted recently to a prescription insurance program and have just started using it. There were a few glitches to work through requiring some more paperwork (for instance because I’m a dialysis patient the program will cover calcium and vitamin replacement medication with special dispensation – so all that info had to be faxed to the pharmacy). But now I sit happily with a supply of the medication I need and a program that will allow constant replacement as needed. It feels good not to worry about that anymore.
How does the medical/ prescription system work where you live? Could it use improvement or are you happy with the way it is?
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Would you like another cuppa and a sweet? Don’t be shy, ask and ye shall receive.
There’s lots to go around. It’s beautiful out here in Gene’O’s garden with the flowers and butterflies, isn’t it?
Mind blowingly beautiful
So, back on the topic of good news, we just finished up an international fireworks competition (during a 2 week period) here in Ottawa. It was historically held over at an expensive resort (Casino du Lac-Leamy) that was not very accessible. This year they moved it to a much more viewable site in the city at the Canadian Museum of History. I twas absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful.
This site is on the Ottawa River that runs through the city, and the participants used the reflection off the water to enhance the effect – even, in the above right case, drawing a giant bug in fireworks and reflections. That shot is from the Denmark presentation. You can take a look at the highlights of the competition by country here It is fabulous.The Resort which sponsored the spectacle kindly moved it so that everyone could see it for miles on both sides of the river.
Have there been any celebrations or community events in your area this week? Do you attend or watch?
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Would you like another cuppa? Gene’O Willow and I are honored that you dropped by the garden today to visit. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself and the conversation and please feel free to look around at Willow’s and Gene’O other posts while you’re here. We look forward to seeing you in the garden again next week.
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