Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge 351 COMFORT and Erupt.

This is part of Ronovanwrite’s Weekly Haiku Challenge.

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When the blues attack
Don’t eat too much comfort food.
As spots will erupt!

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: Worktops, hospitals, Parliament,and Newbie

coffee-time
Coffee Time

 

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

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Do join in

Come on  in  it is nice  to  sit  and  have a  chat  after  all  the  hustle  and  bustle  of  the past  few days.   I  can  still entertain  you  all  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

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Coffee  and cakes  by  the  fire

If we were having coffee: I would have  to  say  what a busy  week  this  has been, Monday  we had  our  new  worktop  along  under the  kitchen window  by  the sink replaced. Either  hubby  I  had  to be  there  while  the  workmen  were  as  we  wanted  to  make  sure  that  the  work  was  done  properly! As it  certainly  was not  the first time. It  was an unadulterated mess! So Monday  we  took no  chance.

I had a  scan  at  11am  so hubby  stayed   with  the  workmen  and  son number two  took me  for  my  scan. When we  got  back  hubby  had  to  go  and  take  his  mother  to  another hospital  for  an  afternoon  appointment so I  was on  workman watch!

Well  the  worktop is  done  now  and I  would  say it is  a near  perfect  as it can  get!

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Before

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After

If we were having  coffee: Tuesday was  busy too the  gym  shopping  and housework  all go ! Wednesday  was  the  new Pilates  with my  friend L . We are  finding  this lesson  very  hard  but  excellent  too  as  the  teacher  is  very  very  good. In  the  afternoon hubby  and I  attended  the  funeral  of  the  wife of  our  next door neighbour . She  was a lovely  lady  and  she  will be  missed.

Would  anyone  like  another  coffee or  some  cake  or  even  something  stronger.

If we were having  coffee: I would  say  that  Thursday  I had  to  go  to see  the Dr  about  my  scan results. No  hard  or  fast  news  apart  from  the  fact  there is a problem  with  the gallbladder  which may  necessitate an operation  and a  possible  abnormality  with  my  kidneys…. the  Dr  is  arranging   for  me  to  see  a specialist   about  both. ..OH!  yes  she is  also  sending  me  for  physio  for  my  kne which  I seem to have  damaged.   OMG  I  am falling  to pieces

If we  were having  Coffee :  I would  tell Friday  we went  to London  for a  visit  to  the Houses  of Parliament  ….

We left  home  at  13.20pm   we  walked  to  the station  in  what I can  only  describe  as  wet  rain! We  refused  to let  this  dampen our  spirits  though  because  we  were both  very  excited about  the  visit ! Hubby  should  of  gone  to  the houses of  Parliament   when he was a young  lad  at  school but  for whatever  reason  he  missed  the  visit …. Then  we  had an appointment  to  go  in October  last year   but  my  sister  was on  the  danger list  and  so  we missed our  visit. My  sister  sadly  died.

So  we  were determined  that  hubby  would  make it  third  time around! We  arrived  at  Waterloo and  took  the  short  walk  to Westminster where  we met  by  security  and  and armed policemen ( I still  cannot  get used  to armed policemen  though  by  now I  should be used to them.)

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Palace  of Westminster late  afternoon

The  above  photo  is of  the  Houses of  Parliament, late  afternoon  from  the  far  side of Westminster Bridge. Why  have  I called it  Palace of Westminster , because  that is  what it is  read here.

We were early  as our  tour  was  at  16.35 pm  so  we  went to  the cafe  and  had a  coffee! Then we  went into  Westminster  Hall  and  soaked up  the  atmosphere and  buzz.

Our  tour guide  was  called Anna  and  she  was excellent, we  went  through  the  central lobby, and  along  the  voting  corridors… read  here . Then  we went to see  the royal  robing  rooms  that  the  Queen  uses  to  dress  for  occasions of state  .

Then  we saw  the Lobbies  and  then  finally  both  Houses  of  Parliament , the  Commons  and  the  Lords. Unfortunately  we  were not allowed  to take  any  photos of these .

It was an amazing  tour  and  we  learned  so  much  about  our  Parliament   and  the  buildings  which had  been a Royal place. The  tour lasted  about  an  hour  and a half. Then  we  walked  along  the  river  back  towards  Waterloo  and  the Festival Hall. We had  dinner at Pizza Express then  walked  back  to Waterloo  Station to  catch our train home. We had had a great  day  out!

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The Hammer Beam roof of Westminster Hall

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The  front entrance, the window is  for  the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

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Next  four  photos  are  taken in  St Georges  Hall.

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We walked along  the  River  to  have  dinner and  saw  the London Eye

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All that was left of Dinner

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Waterloo Station

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One  last look  at  the Westminster Hall

If we were having  coffee  : I would  tell  you  that Saturday  Core  Class was still  as hard  as  last  weeks!  When I  got  back  from  class  I  visited  our  new  neighbours  to meet  their  new  Puppy  Inca who is  an  adorable  female  Labrador Puppy. My  friend  Stan ( Jean’s  beautiful dog ) will love  her! Visit  Jean’s  and  dare I say  Stan’s blog  at  Socialbridge

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Meet Inca.

Then we  had  a visit   from  our  eldest son.

Would  you like  another  cuppa  or  something  to  eat! 5030603-moravian-poppyseed-curd-and-jam-cakes-and-a-cup-of-coffee-stock-photo

If we were having Coffee : I would  tell you that today Sunday we are meeting up  with  the  our  youngest  son  and his  wife  and  the Newbie  to  celebrate  our  son’s  birthday. We are  taking  the  hubby’s  Mum. Unfortunately  our  middle  son  has  to  work  and our  eldest  has a prior  arrangement  that  he  cannot  get out of. It  will be lovely  for  the  rest of us to be  together  though.  We are really  looking  forward   to  Lunch out….. and  the Newbie of course!

If we  were having coffee : I am amazed  to  say  that  we  are  almost into  the last  week of  Just Jot it  January , organised  by  LindaGHill   it  has  been amazing  and I have  met  some really  great bloggers.jjj-2016.jpg

If we  were  having  Coffee:  I would  have  to  say  we  are  all  sill  waiting  patiently   for  our  dear  Paul  Curran   to  rejoin us here at  the  coffee  share   but  until he is  well enough  and up  and  running again  we  shall  have  to  bide our  time!

For  now  everyone  Be  well  and  happy!

If we were having Coffee Original idea  from parttimemonster.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s
Love to you all

db19f4c50abe0dde638e8e3e2442c287
I love  you all

If we were having Coffee : Gym, laundry, and JuJoJan

Coffee

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

image

Do join in

Come on  in  it is nice  to  sit  and  have a  chat  after  all  the  hustle  and  bustle  of  the past  few days.   I  can  still entertain  you  all  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

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If we  were having Coffee:  I would  say  welcome  and  do  come on  in , find  a  seat  and  help yourselves  to  what  ever  you fancy. It  has been a  very  busy  week  with  Just Jot  It  January    nearly into  it’s third  week and  all organized  by  the  extremely talented Linda G Hill   over  at  Life in Progress . It  has  been  very interesting  and  not  without it’s  trials! Worth  checking out  so  many talented  people  joining in!

Phew

If we  were having Coffee:  It  has  also been  a very  busy  week  in  the  real  world  too  where  I have  been  busy  getting  back  to  normal  after Christmas  and New Year! Back  to Pilates, this  term  with  a new class  and instructor. The  new  instructor  is  very  different  to  the previous  one, but I  do like  her so  watch  this  space. Also  it  was back  to  core  class. After  two months off  it  was  extremely hard!   Still I am   determined  to get  back into  my  routine   and  my  gym  buddy  L  is  up  for it  too!

Coffee Girls

If we  were having Coffee:  I  would  ask  you  would  you like  another  coffee  or  something  to eat? Today  is  a  busy  Sunday  as  we have  the hubby’s  mother  coming  over and  we  are taking her  out  to lunch. Not  only  that  but  I  have  a  coffee  morning  with  the  girls  I  used  to  work  with . There  is a  monthly  Sunday  Morning  gathering  at  one or  the  other  coffee  shops in  the  town. It  is  always  a  noisy  and  fun  affair  with lots  of  news  and  catching up  to  do!

Ho Hum

If we  were having Coffee: It  has  been  a  busy  week  with  our middle  son  finally  deciding   to  sort out  the  many  boxes  he has been  storing in our  garage  for years! This has involved  him making  many trips  to  the local  municipal dump! Unfortunately  for  me  he has  found  lots  of  his  clothes  that  he had  thought  he  had  lost  and  so  who  has  been  suckered  in to  washing  drying  and ironing  them??? Well he  does have  the  biggest  brown eyes!!

If only the rain would stop

 If we  were  having  Coffee:  I would  have  to  say  we  are  all  sill  waiting  patiently   for  our  dear  Paul  Curran   to  rejoin us here at  the  coffee  share   but  until he is  well enough  and up  and  running again  we  shall  have  to  bide our  time!

For  now  everyone  Be  well  and  happy!

If we were having Coffee Original idea  from parttimemonster.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

Cosy Tea

Okay  hugs  to  you  all  until  next  week! xxxx

Pussycat!

If we were having Coffee : First one of the year!

If we were having coffee

Welcome  everyone  to  the  first  If  we  were having  coffee of  the New Year 2016. Although  the  weather has been  unseasonably mild  the  temperature has  dropped  and the rain has  set in and  the  wind has  been  really  wild.    Some  parts of  the  country  are  having  truly  severe weather with more  to  come  update   … read  here

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

image

Do join in

Come on  in  it is nice  to  sit  and  have a  chat  after  all  the  hustle  and  bustle  of  the past  few days.   I  can  still entertain  you  all  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

 

2016

If we were having coffee:   I would  say  come on  lets  sit  down  and have  a quiet  cuppa , a piece of  cake   and  be grateful  that  Christmas, New  Year  and  all that entails is finally  all behind us. I am very lucky  in  that  with  all  the argy bargy  that  goes  with family and friends at New Year  and Christmas I  do have them. Although  at  times  I wish  things  would  be more  peaceful  I should  be  counting  my  blessings  that I have  them  to drive me mad, a safe warm  home  and  food and drink! Talking of  which  what  can I  get  you.

Fancy anything?

There  are  many out  there who dread  this time of  the year. They  may have been bereaved at  this time of  the year, homeless, abused or  just have  so  many  money  worries  that  all the  month of  December brings  is  fear  and  depression. Sadly  a high  number  of  suicides  are  noted  at  this time of  year.

I have  to tell  you  about  Geoff  Lepard    who  gives  the  great  gift  of  himself  to the  charity  Christmas  at Crisis you  can read about it  here. It is  a very  worthy  charity  and it  is not only  there  for  Christmas   but is  working  to help  the homeless all year round. Hubby  and I  have  donated  to  this  charity  instead  of  buying  each other  presents  on  occasion.

If  we were having coffee: Tuesday  after Christmas  we  had  guests  all  day which was lovely  as  they were all surprise guests  so I  did not need  to  get stressed out!  Wednesday  we had a lovely  surprise, the  Newbie’s dad ( our youngest son)  rang us  early  in the morning to tell us he was taking the Newbie  to a Soft Play  Barn near us and would  we like to  join them… we did  not need asking  twice and  we had a lovely time. On  our return  the  hubby  was out to lunch  with  a friend  until 2pm  then  we were off  to  friends  for  drinks and nibbles! So we had two extremely social days!!

PARRTY

If  we were having coffee: I would  ask you did you celebrate  New Year. We did  we went out  to friends  and had  a lovely  time , what  did  you do?

If we were having Coffee:  I would  tell  you  that I  am  now, like  many  of  you  three days  into Just Jot January and  so far  managing  to keep up. Now  it is  never  too late  to  join  in  the  rules  and  the  prompts  are  here . A big  thanks  to  LindaGHill  for  organizing  these  yearly  events.

If we  were  having  Coffee:  I would  have  to  say  we  are  all  sill  waiting  patiently   for  our  dear  Paul  Curran   to  rejoin us here at  the  coffee  share   but  until he is  well enough  and up  and  running again  we  shall  have  to  bide our  time!

For  now  everyone  Be  well  and  happy!

If we were having Coffee Original idea  from parttimemonster.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s
Love to you all

See you next week

If we were having Coffee: The week between Christmas and New Year

Cosy Toes

Welcome  everyone  to  the  first  If  we  were having  coffee after Christmas. Although  the  weather has been  unseasonably mild  the last  two days  the  temperature has  dropped  and the rain has  set in and  the  wind has  been  really  wild.    Some  parts of  the  country  are  having  truly  severe weather with more  to  come  … read  here

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

image

Do join in

Come on  in  it  nice  to  sit  and  have a  chat  after  all  the  hustle  and  bustle  of  the past  few days.   I  can  still entertain  you  all  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

 

Christmas Dinner

Well Christmas dinner  came  and  went  and  it  was  not  without  a  hitch! There  was a little  stress in  the  kitchen  the  Turkey  needed  to  be  removed  from  the  oven  and  turned. Well  that  was  the  plan, but  that is  not  what  happened!  The  Turkey rashly  threw itself on  the  floor  spilling  fat  and  oil  all over  the  floor,  the  units  and  the  hubby! Thankfully  he  was  quick  thinking   and  dashed up stairs  disrobing  as  he  went! Number  two  son  managed  to  grab  the  roasting  hot  turkey  and  throw it into  a  clean pan  and  we  got it  back into  the  oven.

We washed  the  floor  and  the units  and hubby  washed  and  changed  and  all disasters  were  avoided!  Dinner was  delicious  and  fun  though  our  eldest  lad  does  have  a habit  of  winding  number  two  son up!

If we were having  coffee : 

It  has  been  a very  busy  week,  shopping,  wrapping presents, cooking  and  entertaining! Yesterday, Boxing  Day  we (  sons number  one  and  two, hubby  and  I   and  mother in law ) all trooped off  to  the Newbie’s  and  we had  a  wonderful  day.  From  an  excited welcome  to  lots  of  play   and  present  opening    and  to  round it up  a  walk  to  to  the  local  play  park!!

IMG_20151226_141401528_HDRIf we  were  having  Coffee:  I would  have  to  say  we  are  all  sill  waiting  patiently   for  our  dear  Paul  Curran   to  rejoin us here at  the  coffee  share   but  until he is  well enough  and up  and  running again  we  shall  have  to  bide our  time!

For  now  everyone  Be  well  and  happy!

If we were having Coffee Original idea  from parttimemonster.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s
Love to you all

 

christmas
Yule Tide

If We Were Having Coffee – August 23/2015

Terminal Territory – a New Beginning

COFFEE BREAK AT DYSART’S TRUCK STOP, BANGOR MAINE

 

 

Paul Your Barista

Welcome to Willow’s weekly coffee and tea garden. My name is Paul; I’ll be your barista today. I’m happy to see you have come for a cuppa and a chat. I am delighted to be back at Willow’s serving you, our treasured readers, a cuppa and sweets while we chat. Please come into the garden and make yourself comfortable. Willow fluffed the cushions on the chairs and set the tables in the garden so we can have a cuppa and chat as we soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful plants. She has also brought out the heaters so we can stretch our outside tea time further into the fall. As usual, I’d be pleased to bring a pot of whatever beverage you prefer – we have a wide range of teas and coffees to satisfy our world-wide readership. Also available is a large selection of spirits for addition to your cuppa or in its place. We can relax amongst the flowers while we discuss the affairs of the week both personal and/or worldwide. How has your week been?

Well, my week had a few rough moments but things seem to be improving now so all is good. In preparation for writing this post I was pondering restarts and realized that I had told a trucking story while guesting over at Mark’s, about the very first time I pulled into the terminal with my new truck, starting a new job – and my thoughts and feelings.  You  can read it  here. I realized that the very last time I was in that terminal was an interesting story as well and thought I might tell it here, if you’re interested. It actually happened in the second week of October some years ago and it marked a new beginning.

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navymailman/4605299495

After 6 years of working for the company in Maine I was offered a position with a home town company doing really interesting work – hauling all the stuff that no one else wanted to, or could, haul- oversized, nuclear, overweight, multiple extra axles, escorted, military weapons, biohazards, etc. The company was a specialized carrier – meaning they did what no one else would or could – and elite outfit. No two loads were the same and a lot of thinking went into each load – the reward wasn’t for getting it there the fastest but rather the safest. My forte, so I switched companies. I had worked for them for about 3 months when I had an accident and rolled my truck – just body damage, no load damage or injuries, and while I was waiting for repairs to be done I drove a company truck for a few months.Then one day in Massachusetts, my dispatcher told me to come back to the yard in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia empty- a very rare occurrence. I was in one of the highest density transport corridors in Eastern North America (Boston- New York) with an empty flatbed and I was going to drive 1,000 kilometers (about 660 miles) empty? No, there was something going unsaid here. I told Jennifer – the dispatcher – that I would need money for fuel and food. Typically, I would draw an advance when I had a load aboard but heading back empty I need the cash now. We used a number of fund transfer systems, but most commonly a system called Comchek. They had an account at Comchek and if I wanted funds they would authorize release for whatever the agreed upon amount would be and give me an authorization number. With that and their account number, I could pick up the cash at any Comchek agent – which was virtually every truck stop in North America – and it was debited from their account. Jennifer hesitated and told me to call from Dysart’s – a truck stop in Bangor Maine that we all used prior to turning east to Canada. Flashing alarm bells went off in my head – it was irrelevant where in the universe I was, Comchek was centralized- if I couldn’t get money in Mass, I couldn’t get it in Maine. I had just enough fuel to get to Dysart’s but then would have no money for food or fuel. Typically, I ran close on cash and this didn’t bother me – it was a minute’s work to get cash anywhere 24/7 with a Comchek number – but apparently that was no longer an option.

With a number cash anywhere

 

I grumbled but walked out to the truck and climbed in to head out to Bangor. The trucking part was old hat now and I enjoyed the feeling of the big diesel rumbling as speed built on the interstate. The trailer was empty and followed neatly behind, ever vigilant. I could feel all the normal vibrations and taste the smells that constituted the personality of the truck. It was home now and I was comfortable and alert here. Surprises were rare and easily handled with the experience I had accumulated over the past 7 years. During that time there had been some exhilarating moments, some very sad moments and some excruciatingly hair-raising moments of unparalleled terror. All of it used to shape and guide future behaviour. I was a part of this world now and it a part of me. I could glance at a truck and tell you how heavy he was loaded, if the driver was new or just didn’t care or if I was looking at a professional. Feeling a little under the weather I plugged in Red Sovine’s Teddy Bear to have a pity party – I would never admit to the other drivers that I listened to Red’s music, but when I was down it helped.

Would you like another cuppa. We have adult beverages to add to that if you like. And perhaps a sweet or two? We are going to have some fun here, so get ready. The 239 miles to Bangor passed uneventfully as I pondered Jennifer’s cryptic comment. I used to assess customers’ ability pay for the company and I could smell a cash shortage a long ways away – and this had that stink. Sure enough when I called the office from Bangor, the owner came on the phone and told me to bring the truck back to the yard. I explained that my fuel tanks were empty – perhaps enough for 20 miles and I had no food. Mike – the owner- would give me no more info but just insisted that I find a way back with his truck. He got very blustery and reminded me that I had his equipment and any attempt on my part to do anything other than return it to the yard would result in him taking legal action. That was so out of line – my being an employee driving for him for many months at his request when I was where and when he asked me to be- it was clear to me that they were going bankrupt. He had gone to a route response, without considering the impact of his words. Hmmm, that gave me information and offered options that I didn’t have before. I told him I would get back to the terminal and we disconnected – in many ways.

So, I was in Maine, 450 miles from home with empty fuel tanks, no money for food and the company was bankrupt. No problem. My previous employer, the company in Maine, was about 100 miles away on the route home so I gave the owner a call. I knew that the two companies did business with each other and that my current employer owed Dale – my past employer – for a number of loads, likely $10,000 USD or more. When I got Daleon the phone, I told him I had a deal for him.

“Dale, I am here to make your day brighter.” “More likely you want me to help you, you mean.” Dale could be so cynical. “Well, I may end up getting some benefit, but you will come out the big winner, guaranteed.” “What do you want Paul?” “Mikey is going bankrupt and no one but you and I know yet. I know he owes you and you’ll never get your money – unless of course you have something of his.” “What do you mean Mike is going bankrupt? He has two of my loads right now.” Ahhh, the stakes grow. I explained my request for fuel and food and Mike’s surreal response. “So what do you think that means Dale?” Dale was no man’s fool and had dealt with other companies for years. “You’re right, he’s losing it. What do you propose I do?” He knew I wouldn’t be on the phone to complain – I had a plan or I wouldn’t have called. “Well, you send me $100 for fuel, $200 for food and travel expenses and I will deliver to your yard one tractor-trailer that is the property of our common friend Mike. There is no way he will be able to get at it being as he is in another country and you can hold it as collateral against any money he owes you. If one of your guys will give me a lift to Dartmouth so I can get home, I’ll be happily on my way and you can be assured of getting paid.”

There was a long pause on the line while Dale processed this. “You mean you would sell out Mike?” “Dale, I am obeying orders – he told me to find my own way home and left me 450 miles away with his equipment and no money. I promised him I would get home. He just assumed I would bring his truck with me but if I have to sell it to you for the amazingly low price of $300 then that is what it takes. He has other creditors who would be interested too, I’m sure – it’s just that you’ve been good to me before, so I am offering you this amazing deal first.” Honestly, I should have made a living selling used cars. Ha! “Done. But how do I know I can trust you?” “Come on Dale we worked together for 6 years, you know you can.” “Right. OK. Here’s an authorization number for $300 by Comchek” as he rattled off a number, “When will you be here?” “Give me 2 ½ hours and you will have $100,000 worth of collateral; Don’t mention this to anyone until I am in your yard – if Mike gets whiff he could have the State Troopers stop me. That would be bad for both of us.” Ahhh, co-conspirator of mine,

With a spring in my step, I crossed to the fuel desk, gave them the Comchek number and received my $300. I put in $100 worth of fuel (less than ¼ tank), grabbed somesandwiches to go and headed down the Airline (Route #9) for the terminal.

Airline – Route #9 Maine

 

 

The truck was purring along, not even caring that it was headed for purgatory through no fault of its own. In fact it felt surprisingly jubilant. I pulled into the same now-familiar yard on a late fall afternoon with the leaves changing in rural Maine. There was a light breeze as I parked in the line-up and grabbed my already packed suitcase to step down from the truck. Dale was standing waiting for me as I crossed the lot and I held out the keys and then dropped them in his out-stretched hand. “There you go sir, as promised, one tractor trailer for the princely sum of $300. The best deal you ever got.” “Tom over there is going to Dartmouth as soon as he is done his paperwork, you can ridewith him.” “Thanks Dale. Oh, and Mike will likely try to steal this back so you should have one of the mechanics remove a critical component or two.” Dale just nodded. That was the last time I ever saw him or the terminal yard where so many memories had been made. It felt like a cheerful parting.

Dartmouth after Dark

 

Not long after Tom and I headed out to home. With only 350 miles to go, we took turns driving and chatting and we were in Dartmouth in the wee hours of the morning. I had my girl friend pick me up from the industrial center where Tom was delivering and we dropped my paperwork from my last load at the office and then went home to sleep. The next day, bright and early I called Mike. “Hey Mike, I’m back. Thought you’d want to know.” “Where’s the truck Paul?” Apparently he paid attention to what was, or more specifically wasn’t, in his yard. Ha! “Well, remember I said I didn’t have any money and you wouldn’t send me any?” “Where’s the fucking truck Paul?” “So”, I continued,” I ran it until it was out of fuel and I had to leave it in a safe place, because you know you wouldn’t send me any money for fuel for your truck.” “The fucking truck Paul, the fucking truck –WHERE IS IT?”

 

I was enjoying this far too much. “Well Mike, I knew you would want it safe so I left it all locked up in Dale’s yard.” “Bring me the fucking keys Paul.” “Well, Dale’s yard is quite small and he needed to keep the keys to move it when he needed to. I thought you would be happy that the truck was safe Mike.” Bwahahaha!

Bawhahaha

On that note, that’s about all we have room for this week, so it’s time to settle in with another cuppa and enjoy the garden. Sweets anyone? I hope you didn’t mind the story today, it seemed to mean a new start for me- a Fall new start as so often happens in life. Please join me in thanking Willow for her invitation to tea. We are all happy that Willow is back and honored that you all dropped by today to visit. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself and the conversation and please look around at Willow’s other posts while you’re here. Willow is over there serving her guests and chatting it up. Let’s go see how she is today. Have a great week. We look forward to seeing you back here for sweets and beverages of your choice again next week.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

Fancy Coffee at your request!

 

 

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE: FORESTS AND FARMS

If we were having coffee abroad

Welcome  everyone  this  week  is  a little  different   we are  having  coffee  today  somewhere in  France. Don’t  worry  everything  is  as it  always  is  with tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

If we were having  Coffee: I would ask  you what  has been going on in your world this week, has  anything  deeply affected  you, have  you need a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry  on or  just  needed someone  to make  you laugh! If  yes  feel free to talk it out  here  with us. We will all help if  we can.

Lets  join  everyone  here  and  all the  other  “IF  WE  WERE  HAVING  COFFEES”

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

If  we were having  coffee:  You  can  either  sit  inside this  beautifully  converted barn, it is  so  comfortable  and  beautifully  equipped or  we can sit outside  in  the huge garden  with  wonderful views  of  the  countryside, so  verdant  and lush, or  again  you can  sit  on  the  farmyard  side  and  see  the  farm buildings and  the  orchard, the  chickens and  the  Dove  Cote  which  dates  from  1539 there has  been  a  working  farm here  ever  since  that  date   when  Francis 1st  of  France  was  on  the  throne  and  Henry V111 was on  the  throne  of  England. In  fact  they  met  in  France  and  the  event  was  so colourful with  each  king  showing how  rich  he  was  that  it  was  called  The  Field  of Cloth  of Gold .

Field of Cloth of Gold

If  we were  having  coffee: I  would  tell  you  that  we  have  just  come in  from  a  wonderful  four  mile  walk,  from  the farm  through  fields  some  crops  and  some  with  cows in  to a  wonderful  forest  and it  was  a real  forest not  a  wood or  a copse. There  were  signs  up  saying beware  traps (  signs  in  french)  and  we had  to  walk  through  a  gate  in  an electric  fence.

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View from a picnic table of the lake.

There  are  deer  in  the  forest , sadly  we  did not  see  any …mind  you  they  are  big  and the males  have  huge  antlers… and  they are  very  nervous ! Well  we  almost  got  lost  but  eventually  we  found  a  lake  and  we  sat  for a  while  and  took in  the  view. Then  we  wandered  back  and  when  we  got  back  we  had  tea coffee  and  cake  of course!

If  we were  having  coffee: Last  week  we were in Normandy  and  the  weather  was  amazing  we  went out  every  day  visiting  Cathedrals  and  towns  and  villages  and  some  wonderful  Botanical Gardens. I lost  my  phone, I  had placed it on  the  boot  of  the car ( the  trunk  if  you are  an  American)  and  then jumped in  the  car  forgetting  about the phone…… bye  bye phone. I  did  not  realize  until  we  got  back  to  where  we were  staying  that it had  gone… so  we had  to  ring up  and  block  the phone  and  have  the  sim  killed!! Hassle  but it had  to  be  done! Hence  my  poem  about  the Lost  phone.

Here  are  some  photos  of  our  trip  so far.

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Botanical Surprises
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Flowers by a gate

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Evening lake

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Early morning farm

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View from the window above the sink

If we  were having  Coffee: I have  to  say  now  that  after  4hrs  travelling  across  France  in  at  points  torrential  rain and  the  walk  this  morning  I  am exhausted and  need  a rest so  I  shall love  you  and leave  you  all to  enjoy  I  am  putting  my  feet up  now  and  taking  in the  view  so  come  and  join  me  or  wander  over  to see Paul who is  over  at  Mark Bialczak   in Syracuse this  week  and  all this  month. Let us  see  what  they are  all discussing  ! It has  been lovely  as always  to have  you all here  and  I  hope,  as does  Paul  that  you will all join us here and  at Mark Bialczak ‘s again  next  week.

Exploding Dog

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

If we were having coffee: Wet Bank Holidays, Triffids, and Newbie fun!

Coffee Break

Hello  everyone  welcome  to  the garden  we have a marquee  and  heaters, all the garden  furniture  has  been washed  and  I have put out cushions for your  comfort.

Well what  do  you  think  shall  we  chance  it . Now  as  always  we have  tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

If we were having  Coffee: I would ask  you what  has been going on in your world this week, has  anything  deeply affected  you, have  you need a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry  on or  just  needed someone  to make  you laugh! If  yes  feel free to talk it out  here  with us. We will all help if  we can.

Lets  join  everyone  here  and  all the  other  “IF  WE  WERE  HAVING  COFFEES”

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster

If  we were having  coffee: I would  say  it has  been  a  very  busy  week  Monday  and Tuesday  we were  away  at a music  festival  with  friends  followed  by a  visit  to  a house  owned  by  the Rothchild’s, two lovely days indeed  even though  the  weather on the  Bank Holiday Monday  was  awful…… it  did not  stop  raining we  still have  lots of  fun!!

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The  rest  of  the  week  has  been  a busy  blur  too!

The  Newbie  has  been  away  with his  mum, dad  and  maternal grandparents, and  by  all reports  he has  had a  wonderful  time. He  has  been very  happy,  he loved  digging  at  the  beach, having  dad chase  him around  the  airport. I am  very  proud  to  say  that  he  behaved  very  well on  the  plane  journey  out  and  the  return  home  too! Partly  I  suspect  that  Dad  wore  him out before  both  flights!

Well now  if  we were having  coffee : I will be  asking  you  about  now, if  you  would  like  another  drink  or  some  cake, or  sweets  as  Paul  calls  them.

Love cakes

If  we  were having  coffee: I  would be  congratulating  Deborah  at Container Chronicles  who  is  celebrating  the  birth of  her  new Grandson Jack!  WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! for  Deborah!

Come  on  Sheri  I  am waiting   for  a  chat  and  to  see  what  delights  you have  brought  for us  this  week!

Now  don’t  forget  that  Paul  my  usual  guest  “If  we  were  having Coffee” poster  is  over over  at  the  Itty  Bitty  in Syracuse with Mark, Karen  and Ellie B, shall  we  go  and  see  what  they are up  to?

You  can all breath easy  as I have  not  got  time  or the  wear with  all  to share  any garden  news  this  month , yes  I can  hear  you  all  sighing  a  sigh of  relief! Just incase  any of  you  are  suffering  withdrawal  effects  here is a  piccy  just  for  you!

Triffids

Okay  relax  I  am only  joking! But  joking  aside  I  have  to be  off now  so:

If  we were having coffee : I would  ask  if  I  can fill up  your  cup, or  glass  or  get  you anything  else  to  eat  it is  all  calorie  free!

Let us  go  and Join Paul and the  gang  they  are  all over  at  Mark Bialczak  this  week  and  all this  month. Let us  see  what  they are  all discussing  ! It has  been lovely  as always  to have  you all here  and  I  hope,  as does  Paul  that  you will all join us here and  at Mark Bialczak ‘s again  next  week.

Cakes made by Tibbs with love

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

coffee break

If We Were Having Coffee : Shopping, Hospitals, Rain, and the Newbie

exploding dog

 

Hello  everyone  welcome  to  the garden  we have a marquee  and  heaters, all the garden  furniture  has  been washed  and  I have put out cushions for your  comfort.

Well what  do  you  think  shall  we  chance  it . Now  as  always  we have  tea  and coffee  from all over  the world not to mention all our cakes  and muffins  and  as Paul  calls  them sweets! Every single  one  is  calorie  free! Plus of course  we now have spirits  and liquors  to warm the coldest of  you.

If we were having  Coffee: I would ask  you what  has been going on in your world this week, has  anything  deeply affected  you, have  you need a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry  on or  just  needed someone  to make  you laugh! If  yes  feel free to talk it out  here  with us. We will all help if  we can.

Lets  join  everyone  here  and  all the  other  “IF  WE  WERE  HAVING  COFFEES”

Join in !

If we were having Coffee: I would  remind  you  that  there  are lots of  other  coffee mornings  all shared  and organized  By  Diana  and  Gene’O  over at,Part time monster  

self harm

If  we  were having  coffee : I would  have to admit  that I have  been  preoccupied with  the plight  of  my  friend’s  daughter who has  been in  and out  of  a psychiatric unit  like a  yoyo  in  the past  fortnight. It  has been a roller coaster  for  my  friend, her  other  daughter  and  for the husband  and myself. Trips  to  and from the unit, not being  allowed  to  see  the patient  or  even  call without  express  permission  from the patient . Even my  friend  could not  get  any information  about her  daughter  unless  she had  allowed it first.

My  friend has two  daughters  both beautiful  bright young  women  and I have known them  since  they were little  girls of  about  6yrs  and 8yrs repectively. So it  has been a an awful  and deep  shock  to   see  the  younger  daughter  now  21yrs  fall apart, in what  looks  like  a fortnight. It  was  even  worse  for her  mum  who  also had  no idea  there  were any  problems.

The  sad  facts  are  that  she has  been suffering  for a long  time, she has been  self harming   and  covering her  misery  for  ages. None of us  knew  none of us  had  any idea.

If  we  were having  coffee :  I would  tell you  that  I have  had  my second  eldest  sister  on my  mind  too. She  has been in  hospital  since  24th April , she  went in to have a heart operation,  a  double  bypass  and  double  valve replacement . Well since  then  she  has developed an infection  in  the  wound in her  leg   from  where  they  took  the    veins  use in the operation  and  somehow  she has  a bone infection in her  chest, there  has been a long  catalogue  of  setbacks  that have befallen her   but  the  fact remains  she is  still  very unwell  and  any  prayers  you  may  have  to  say  for her  would be  appreciated.

If  we  were having  coffee :  I would ask if  you would like  more tea, coffee  and  cake? We have  plenty  and  all is  calorie  free!

 

Keeping an eye on you

Lots of eyes

 

If  we  were having  coffee : I feel I  should  lighten  the tone of  this  post  so  lets  see? Monday  the  husband  and I  went into  town  to  do  some  shopping ( clothes  shopping ) well we  parked  a 15min  walk  from the  shops. Not  a problem it  was a warm  day ….. well  we only  had  2hr  parking so half  an  hour  would  be  walking  to  and  from  the  shops,  leaving  an  hour  and  a half  to  pick, try on  and  pay  for  the  goods. We  accomplished  that …. rather  rushed  but  done. On  the  way  back  to the  car  the  heavens  opened up  and  boy  did it  rain. We  got  soaked  to the skin!

Tuesday back at  the gym then housework , ironing and  trip  to hospital  with my  friend , mentioned  above. She  and her  daughter  stayed  for  dinner.

Wednesday  Core  Lesson  at  the  gym, then  take  friend’s  daughter  back  to hospital, in the  afternoon I  met  my  gym  buddy  for  a coffee and a chat, we arranged  to  go into  town  the  next  day  ….. so I  could  change  most of  the  clothes  I had  so  hastily  bought  on the Monday!

Thursday  after  the  gym  my  buddy  and I  caught  the  bus into  town  and  took our  time  I  changed  my  hastily  picked  goods  for  more  suitable and  better fitting  ones, she  also  bought  some  tops  and  three pairs  of  shoes. Then  it  started  to rain  and  we  got  soaked  …. for me  again! We went  and had a cuppa  and  a cake  in a department  store, by then we had  dried out  and  so had  the weather  so we  carried on to  the Apple  store  where  my  friend  had  some  queries  to  sort out! After which  we caught  the bus  home.

Soaked  twice in one  week,  not  very  fair! So  Friday I  had  the  new  drive  again  to  the Pilates  class, which I  found  with  no  problem at  all  I did not  get  even  slightly  lost in  either  direction  and really  enjoyed  the class. Busy  afternoon  and  evening.

Today  was  special  because  the  Newbie  and his  Daddy  came  for lunch  and  we had a lovely  time  with lots of  giggling and  fun!!

If we were having coffee : I wowuld say it is  time  for  garden  round up!

and  now for  from  veg  to  flowers!

IMG_20140713_163629534
Honeysuckle

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Lollypop Holly Bush

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White Rose

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Red hot Pokers

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View through the Fuscias

Okay  well  that  is  about  all there is  time  for  this  week  so

If  we were having coffee : I would  ask  if  I  can fill up  your  cup, or  glass  or  get  you anything  else  to  eat  it is  all  calorie  free!

Let us  go  and Join Paul and the  gang  and  see  what  they are  all discussing  this  week! It has  been lovely  as always  to have  you all here  and  I  hope,  as does  Paul  that  you will all join us here again  next  week.

And of course  the

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE:  WEEKEND COFFEE SHARE

over at Part Time  Monster  and Gene’O’s

Nom,Nom, Nom

 

Stream of Conciousness Saturday: Will you be Ready?

This  is  part  of LindaGHill‘s Stream of Concious Saturday  here is  the pingbak.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “ Ready.”  Choose one, fact, fiction, poetry or prose it is up to you. Have fun!

Ready

Will you be ready  for this, really  are  you ready  for this? I am  but I  cannot  attend  the  meeting of  minds  that  is  The Annual  Blogger’s Bash!  See here    They  will be  swarming  towards  the British  Library  to  meet  at 11am  then  mouching off to  Pizza Hut! for 12.30.

Some  will no  doubt  be already  on their  way. There will be  awards I have  voted, I was ready  to  give  my vote. There obviously  is  a counter  move  to  stop  this  event or at least  to  throw  a spanner in  the  works!! What  I  hear  you  all gasp…who  would  do this . Well if  you are  sitting   and  ready  for  the anwser  I  shall tell you ! The  first  distraction  tactic  is  The  Prudential London  Ride  terrifying  enough in itself  and  threatening  to  bring  the entire  capital  to  a  gringing halt. The  second  and in a way  laughable distraction  tactic  is  a meeting  in  Parliament  Square  Westminster  where hundreds of people are planning to inhale laughing gas outside Parliament in a mass protest against a planned government crackdown on ‘legal highs’. …… sounds like  the ABBAs and BOOBs might  be  behind  this!

So  all I  can do  as I am unable  to attend  is  to hope  that  all those  attending   The Annual  Bloggers Bash  are  ready  to  have a great time  I  do  wish I  was with you  all , I  shall  be in  spirit ( Bacardi  and  coke please) .

Those of us  unable  to  go  will expect lots of  info, reports  and photos!! The  other  question  is , is  London  ready  for  three  major  events?  Is  the  end of  the  world  nigh?  read Tangental’s take on  things  here ( he is  a big  noise in the  BOOB  and ABBAs )

So will you  be ready ?    Have  a great  time  Bloggers  I hope  to  be  allowed  to be ready  for  the  next  one!!

 

Badge by: Doobster @ Mindful Digressions

Here are the rules:

1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing, (typos can be fixed) and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.

2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.

3. There will be a prompt every week. Linda will post the prompt  on her blog on Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a subject. For instance,  Linda  will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” or “Begin with the word ‘The’.”

4. Ping back! It’s important, so that Linda  and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of Linda’s post into yours.  Your link will show up in Linda’s comments, for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top.

5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read everyone’s! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later, or go to the previous week, by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find right below the “Like” button on Linda’s post.

6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!

7. Have fun!

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