Family – willowdot21

Ronovan Writes SIJO Wednesday Poetry Challenge #59. Use FAMILY as your inspiration this week.

They make the house too crowded, no room to move too loud
Balling and squabbling until a common enemy threatens one or all.
Then nature shows blood is thicker than water and roots run deep.

PART OF RONOVANWRITE’S WEEKLY SIJO CHALLENGE

Ronovan Writes SIJO Wednesday Poetry Challenge #55. Use DISTRACTION as your inspiration this week.

My eldest brother, he a twin to girly, was know as boy.

DISTRACTION

“What’s that?” my brother would ask, staring over my shoulder.
Being young I’d turn everytime. He’d steal my food, drink or toy.
Simple then, not so now. Me distracted? not so easily Boy.

PART OF RONOVANWRITE’S WEEKLY SIJO CHALLENGE.

Daily Prompt – JusJoJan the 26th, 2023

LindaGHill’s was here again earlier and she said:”Hey there! I’m back with your regular daily prompt. Today is our twenty-sixth prompt for Just Jot it January 2023, and it’s brought to us by J-Dub. Thanks loads, J-Dub! Please be sure to visit J-Dub’s blog to read her posts and say hello. And follow her while you’re there, if you’re not already.

Your prompt for JusJoJan January 26th 2023, is “family.” Use the word “family” any way you’d like. Enjoy!

If you’d like to see what I have so far on your prompt list and what’s to come, you can find it HERE.“

Family : well Mum met Dad and they fell in love. Not only were they from different ends of the social scale but he was catholic and she a protestant but somehow they overcame the odds and had a life long loveafair, nine children six of whom six survived. I was the youngest, I had three sisters and two brothers to look up too. Now I have told you all many tales of my family life and how Mum and Dad taught us all good family and christian valves.

some of the siblings and cousins: me at the front.

Family Maths

First there was me then I met you
We united and that made us two
Growing close we became one
Then a new life came along
We became two plus one.
Moving on and we soon had another one
Our total rising up to four
A nice round figure, then along came one more!
Our numbers added up to five
Our youngsters keep us alive.
Five was our sum for a long while
Then number five met number six and that Made us all smile.
So there we stayed for a while.
Not quite the same as before
Different for all, then suddenly we find there is one more!
So here we are at seven
All is good and seems like heaven.
We all learn new roles and tricks
As grandparents and uncles we enter the mix.
We just get it off all pat
When number eight lands on the mat!
So here we are a family of eight
There may be more and that will be great.

Then there is my Blogging Family all of you who I love and lots of whom I have met at the Bloggers Bash. I have written about you all too my bloggily. Photos of some of you, those still with us some sadly gone. If you are not there you still count , you are all important to me.💜

Family, The fur Family, Steve, Minky 1,2,3,4 and 5 Multi and Tinker, Rebbo and Ruby.

KLCaley’s #writrphoto Approach.

Last week we left Morgarna, Merlin and Gail jumping away from sorting out a history medling, serial killer from the other side of the universe. They jump just in time for Christmas.

So here we are at KLCaley’s#writephoto.

After they had drunk in the view they walked along the beach to a fish and chip bar that Merlin knew and they sat outside and ate their super as they watched the sun set.
“That was the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. I am so full!” Sighed Gail rubbing her tummy and finishing her vodka and orange.
Morgarna sat back and lit a cigarette and watched the moon come up.
“It’s getting chilly ladies let’s go and find our Christmas home. Come on follow me!” Merlin got up and was heading up the slipway towards the village.

They followed Merlin up the streets and then they turned down an alley which was cold damp and mossy …. The place was lined with terraced cottages with mostly green doors… One cottage even had a satellite dish on it. They went straight past that one and up to the one at the top of the alley.
Merlin handed Gail the key to the door and asked her to lead the way. Opening the door she was delighted with the scene that greeted them. It was warm and cosy, there was a huge tree decked with lights and faires! A huge roaring fire with Christmas Stockings hanging from the mantle,five marked with initials.
There was a table all set for Christmas dinner and in the kitchen was Gail’s Mum and Dad preparing vegetables, the sweet smell of mince pies filling the whole house.
“Gail, Honey, you made it, we were so hoping you would.”
Gail looked at the place and her parents, the sound of the rest of the family upstairs .
“Who are your friends, come on honey come on in you’re letting the cold in!”
Gail’s dad put down the brussel sprouts he was peeling and he came across the room his arms extended , Gail’s Mum hot on his heels beaming from ear to ear!
Gail finally grasped the fact that this was as real as it could be in this mad new world she now moved in and thought to herself….”hell yes I’ll go with this” as she jumped into her dad’s arms.

“Which Christmas is this?” whispered Morgarna looking Merlin in the eye.
“The one before she killed herself, she always said she wished she’d gone home that Christmas, things might of been very different if she had….. “
Morgarna looked from Merlin to Gail and her parents then said….”but we can’t change history can we Hun?”
Merlin looked at her and replied, ” no we can’t but this way she gets her wish.”
Morgarna smiled as Gail took her and Merlin by the arm. “Mum, Dad these are my dear friends Merlin and Morgarna “
“Well Gail’s Mum beamed welcome both of you you are most welcome I hope you are all staying there’s plenty of food for tomorrow. “
Morgarna smiled and said they’d love to stay.
“Right who’s for a drink , Morgarna, Merlin what can I get you? Are you still drinking vodka and orange Gail?”
Asked her mum.
They all sat down in the living room with their drinks and they all had a cigarette, in fact Gail’s Mum got out her special Christmas stock of Sobrainie cocktail cigarettes. Merlin did his best not to look too grumpy as they all smoked…. His Whiskey and ginger helped soften his mood, while Morgarna knocked back the Bacardi and coke, they all relaxed and chatted , then the Christmas episode of Dr Who came on the TV and Gail’s two brothers came charging down the stairs to watch and eat the nuts a d chocolate!
Everyone, yes even Merlin looked happy.

Two days later after much fun, games and eating and drinking too much Merlin said “Well it’s been really great but we must be on our way.”
Gail was going to complain but obviously had second thoughts and stopped, realising she had been given the most beautiful gift by her friends. The Christmas she never had and really wished she had!
“Yes she smiled… Mum, Dad it’s been wonderful but we must be off!”
So after much hugging and kissing they left the cottage.
As they walked up the alley a cold wind swept past them …it left Morgarna and Merlin untouched but Gail felt a soft warm presence …love.
The cottage stood cold dank and empty suffering from years of neglect, empty like most of the cottages in the alley, only three were still inhabited the rest were just empty shells full of memories.

As they reached the top of the alley Morgarna took hold of Gail and whispered “that was lovely wasn’t it love? come on I’ll race you back to the beach.”
As they reached the beach the Anomaly arrived “Okay they all shouted grabbing hands they jumped?”

As they landed they found themselves, not in the lab but on the approach to a large, almost-symetrical, castle with cylindrical towers dominating the landscape.
“Wooo! Squealed Gail, it’s a fairy castle! “
“I doubt that Hun” said Morgarna lighting a cigarette and taking a drag!
No said Merlin ….”I suppose we just better take a closer look.”
The all walked arm in arm toward the entrance.

Song Lyric Sunday: Following in Father’s footsteps. Following the dear old man.

It’s Sunday again and time for Jim Adam’s Song Lyric Sunday. It’s November 6, 2022 – This week’s prompt is Songs from artists who have famous musician parents, suggested by Paula of Light Motifs II.

I have chosen Dhani Harrison son of George Harrison. Dhani is very much his father’s son.

Dhani Harrison (/ˈdæni/; born 1 August 1978) is a British musician, composer and singer-songwriter. He is the only child of George and Olivia Harrison. Dhani debuted as a professional musician assisting in recording his father’s final album, Brainwashed, and completing it with the assistance of Jeff Lynne after his father’s death in November 2001. Harrison formed his own band, thenewno2, in 2002 and has performed at festivals,

Harrison was born on 1 August 1978 at HRH Princess Christian’s Hospital in Windsor, Berkshire.^[9] He grew up with his parents in Henley-on-Thames, in Friar Park, the estate on which his father had lived since 1970. His mother, Olivia Harrison, is an American of Mexican descent. One of Harrison’s earliest memories, from the age of six, is receiving a drumming lesson from his father’s friend and bandmate, “Uncle” Ringo Starr. He recalled that before the lesson, he had been an avid drummer. However, when Starr began to play, the loud noise frightened him so much that he ran out of the room screaming.

Harrison attended Dolphin School near Twyford, a Montessori method school, followed by Badgemore Primary School, Henley-On-Thames. He later attended Shiplake College, also near Henley, where he enrolled in the Combined Cadet Force, and showed a keen interest in rowing which continued into his later years.

Harrison is an alumnus of Brown University, where he studied industrial design and physics, earning a bachelor’s degree. Harrison pursued a career as a car designer at McLaren Automotive before deciding to follow in his father’s footsteps as a professional musician.

all information from Wikipedia

And here is Dad my favourite Beatle.

Happy Sunday Everyone 😊😊

One Liner Wednesday. Family Communications.

Middle son: “Hi Mum here a plant for you and Dad!

Me: “Thank you that’s lovely! What’s that for?’

Middle son : “Nothing, Err. Can I use your tumble dryer, mines not working”

Part of LindaGHill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

One Liner Wednesday on Thursday. Family Communications.

Travelling to hotel for the wedding, on phone to eldest son, ( Hubby driving) .

Me on phone to eldest Son. “Oh! P. We’ve just past a sign for Prison ! “

Eldest Son: “Keep driving Dad , don’t stop whatever you do. “

part of LindaGHill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

Throwback Thursday #54 – Raindrops on Roses

This week’s Throwback Thursday ( Maggie and Lauren’s brainchild) prompt comes from Maggie, she said “Welcome back to Throwback Thursday. Lauren had us dressed to the nines last week, so I thought this week we could be a little more casual and relaxed. I thought it would be fun to remember our adolescence and just think about a few of our favorite things.”

This week’s prompt is: Favorite Things Pick any period of your adolescence and think back to all your favorite things. Feel free to elaborate as much as you want.

Who was your favorite relative? Not to play favorites, but who was the person you connected with more than others? Aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent, or parent? Why were you closest to them?

Apart from Mum and Dad and the family, my favourite relative was not a real relative. My mum’s close friend Aunty George. As I said she was my mum’s best friend. My mum was not a well woman and she was in hospital a lot and I usually got to stay at Aunty George’s house which was a very posh house! She had two daughters and a son and of course Uncle George. I spent lots of time in that house, I even joined the choir at their church and went there with Christine and Kathryn. Yes I loved Aunty George she was kind, patient and taught me a lot!

What was your favorite TV show? Share a clip if you can find one.

The Woodentots

And Ready, Steady Go!

What was your favorite book or favorite family story?

What Katy Did is an 1872 children’s book written by Sarah Chauncey Woolsey under her pen name “Susan Coolidge”. It follows the adventures of a twelve-year-old American girl, Katy Carr, and her family who lived in the fictional lakeside Ohio town of Burnet in the 1860s. Katy is a tall untidy tomboy, forever getting into scrapes but wishing to be beautiful and beloved. When a terrible accident makes her an invalid, her illness and four-year recovery gradually teach her to be as good and kind as she has always wanted. More information at

What was your favorite, song, record, or album. Feel free to share a YouTube video of it.

I loved The Rolling Stones, The Monkeys, The Hollies, Beach Boys, Adam Faith, zombies, well everyone really!
Favourite Album hard but it has to be The Rolling Stones Between The Buttons.

Who was your favorite teacher? What grade were you in and what subject did they teach?
Miss Jones, she taught Geography in senior school.

What was your favorite subject (not teacher) in school?
English.

Who was your favorite (aka best) friend? What things did you do together?

Anne , she was in the year above me and we got a lot of stick from the Nuns and pupils from our year forms. We had lots of fun together staying at eachother’s homes, shopping, going to youth club, listening to music..
Here’s a song that reminds me of Anne.

What was your favorite way to pass the time?

Listening to music and imagining what life would be like. Hanging out with Anne and helping out at the Library.

What was your favorite holiday? How did you celebrate?

Christmas:
I really don’t know how my mum used to produce such wonderful Christmas dinners, for so many people because money was so tight but she really always came up trump’s.
It all started on Christmas Eve when we all went shopping with mum…. We all regardless of age had stuff to carry home. Everything was bought, then it was home and busy in the kitchen…mince pies were made, veg prepped, turkey stuffed, gravey prepared. The Christmas pudding and cake were made weeks before yet always tasted as fresh as if they had been made the day before. As fast as my mum made mince pies my brothers pinched them!
The Christmas decorations and the tree went up on Christmas Eve too, when I was old enough I went to midnight mass with my older brothers and sisters.
We had a tiny kitchen and how we all got in there to help here was a miracle.
Mum’s old gas cooker was very temperamental and often blew up.. nothing worse than singed eyebrows thank goodness.
There were eight of us plus numerous waifs and strays! No one was ever turned away from our door.
I have always followed my mum’s tradions, her menus and her panicks.
Breakfast : scrambled eggs and salmon with buckfizz.
Dinner:
Turkey and Ham or Pork or occasionally Beef. Stuffing, sausage meat, roast parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, basted with honey.
Coliflower and Broccoli cheese, Brussel sprouts, peas and gravy, Yorkshire pudding, bread sauce and Cranberry sauce, apple sauce and horseradish sauce!
Christmas Pudding, Cheesecake as mice pies.

I remember one year when I was about fourteen years old. Dad was washing up at our Belfast sink ( before they were fashionable) he put the plates on the draining board, we dried them and put them on the dresser behind him. What we didn’t realize was that he was lifting the clean dishes and washing them again 🤣🤣

What was your favorite toy or possession? Doll, camera, radio, bicycle?

My rabbit Osie and teddy Jungles. My best friends and I still have them. Osie’s outfit is made out of one of my Dad’s old socks!

Bonus: What was your favorite adventure? Family trip, amusement park, field trip, or vacation perhaps.

I used to love going with Dad every few weeks to the Barbers. We’d go on the bus and tube to Chiswick Park, dad would have his hair cut and a shave and I would sit and watch. Then he’d buy me an ice-cream from the Italian ice-cream parlour on Chiswick High Street before we went home. I always felt special because it was just me and dad!

One Liner Wednesday. Cement.

Part of LindaGHill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

Throwback Thursday #52 – Transitions and Modifications

Welcome to Throwback Thursday the brainchild of Lauren and Maggie. This week it’s Maggie’s turn and she said : “Here we are again, taking a trip back in time. This week might take a little memory work to recall a few things, but it should be fun. Part of growing up is finding you own way of self expression. This comes about in many ways so think back. Are you ready? If you care to join us, it’s easy.”

This week’s prompt is: Transitions and Modifications

Think about your first haircut. Were you the kid that cut your own hair? Did you go to a salon or did your parents cut your hair? Did your parents save a lock of your hair?

Right…. Mum was a hairdresser before she married dad she actually had her own salon in Oxford. Like most little girls in those days I had long hair and every night mum would tie it in rags so as to produce long thick ringlets. The trouble was it was a very uncomfortable process and I hated it!
As I got older mum would always cut my hair as she had everyone else in the family. She even did my first perm …. A disaster, I got really teased about that. When I was about thirteen I got my first professional cut at a salon I had a Cilla Black cut! Not unlike the style I have now. In between I have had all sorts and colours!

How about shaving? Fathers often teach their sons to shave. Most girls I know, decided for themselves when to shave their legs and their underarms. Some cultures do not shave at all.

My sister’s gave me tips on when and how to shave , though we also used to use Immac Cream which is now called Veet Cream a lot safer than a razor .

Did you alter your clothes? Cut jeans into cut-offs? Cut the sleeves off t-shirts? Wear graphic tees? Tie-dyes? Sew patches on your jeans?

I used to buy Jeans then sit in the bath until they shrank to my size. I did a lot of tie-dyed, cut off T-shirts and jeans too.

Was there a time you remember challenging the authority in your household. Do you remember the first time you found your voice?

No not really….I can remember arguments with mum …. But never with Dad . I might of muttered behind his back but never to his face.

What about piercings? Girls getting their ears pierced was a rite of passage for girls. Then boys started getting one ear pierced. As time passed, piercings became more mainstream and accepted.

I never had piercings even to this day I have no piercings.

Did you walk on the wild side? Smoking? Drinking? Did your parents know?

Yes I tried both but I was married by seventeen.
At first I didn’t tell my parents but as I got older they knew. I stopped smoking in my late thirties and never looked back.

What about tattoos? Did you get a tattoo while still living at home? Did your parents approve?

Never wanted a tattoo I don’t think any of my brothers or sisters had them either. Two of my son’s have them .

What about language? Was swearing allowed in your family? Did you use the same language around your friends as you did at home with your family?

We were not allowed to swear or blasphem. We also had to speak correctly. Again I found people would take against me if I spoke correctly and they would call me posh . Yes I did speak differently with friends and school to when I was at home.

Think back to high school. Girls, did you iron your hair? Did you color your hair? (using Sun-in counts!) Guys, did you grow a beard or moustache? Did you grow your hair long? Feel free to share a photo of yourself back in the day.

I was definitely au natural at school, we were taught by nuns!!

Many people think our authentic self is the person we were as young children. Are you still inherently the same person you were as a child or have you changed your personality and demeanor along the way?

I am what I am always was and always will be. What you see is what you get …. perhaps a little wiser and definitely a lot older. Now I colour my hair and my nails Dad would call me a painted lady if he saw me now.