I've just spent a lovely afternoon meeting my beautiful, 5 day old niece Evie, then to my parents for tea and a failed attempted at repairing their computer.

Came home got annoyed with Porl, very rare, but probably justified.

Phoned a friend following an unexpected email and found out that one of Porl's oldest friends commited suicide a few days ago.

It's my birthday tomorrow.

Duke is outside on the patio torturing a mouse as a present for me.

I had an adventure today, I went along to the North Cheshire Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers. It's near Warrington, which is about 45 minutes from me, but it's the nearest one. I've been promising myself I'd go, but kept chickening out, then I realized that Ali, whose blog I've been reading for a while, is a member. I love how blogs give you enough information about people to think of them as friends even without meeting them, so that, added to the fact her photos of meetings showed young people gave me the extra courage I needed to go.

My plans were nearly thwarted by a colleague spraining her ankle, meaning I had to stay on at work and do the night shift, but thankfully the guys slept pretty well which meant I did too. I was still shattered, but I made it through the day without falling asleep (until I got home) I was just a lot quieter than normal.
We had a class on Rainbow Dyeing, which was good fun, I dyed some sample yarns which I'm sure I can turn into something, then I at the last minute I threw some merino fleece into the pot. I didn't soak it for very long, and wasn't expecting it to work very well but it seems to be a success.

I keep telling myself that next time I'll try muted colours, or shades of the same colour, but I always end up with rainbows. Oh well :)

Of course Gonzo had to get in on the action, and he got a slap for getting his claws stuck in the fleece.

Now I'm going to bed because I'm exhausted, and I have another sleep-in tomorrow. 3 more shifts till my next week off... and my birthday :)

Speaking of my birthday. We're thinking of having a barbecue on the Sunday beforehand, (if the weather is okay) it's the 30th July. Open invite to anyone who wants to attend. I'll probably get in touch with people a couple of days before though. I realize not everyone leaves things till the last minute like I do, so I'm trying to give people advance notice.

The fires are still burning across the road, they keep dying down in parts, then suddenly getting loads worse again. Shell took some pictures of them earlier today from higher up the valley. The area on her photos has got worse this evening, we can see flames there again now instead of just smoke. The helicopters were dropping water on them again early.

If we don't get enough rain by Sunday to put them out we could forget the barbecue and just go across the road to cook everything.

Sorry for apparently dropping off the radar recently. After coming back from Cornwall I had a week off, where I was busy doing house and garden things, then since being back at work I can't get back into the swing of it. I still love it, but I want another holiday. Quite handy then that it's my birthday in a fortnight so I've got another week off.

So what's brought me out of my lurkdom?
Dramatic Pictures!

There may be someone out there who hasn't heard that it's Really Bloody Hot in the UK at the moment. For that person... believe me, it is... Really Hot.

I've been at work today, lounging around, trying to keep cool, trying to keep clients calm and entertained on a day when they can't go out. I've spent most of the day on the phone, trying to get a new fridge before the one at work dies completely. That was pretty much solved when we had drama!
There is an area of the garden overgrown with trees which we never venture into, we were sat relaxing in the lounge when there was a huge *CRACK* as a large branch fell off one of the trees. It didn't fall to the floor but stayed suspended high up in the air, just about supported by the other trees. There was no breeze at that time, so it can only be the heat that caused it. We spent a little time trying to figure out which tree had fallen and whether it was likely to bring anything else down, but the ongoing creaks and groans convinced us it wasn't safe (it felt like an episode from "Lost") so we retreated to safety and I spent the afternoon trying to phone people to find out who could look at it for us.

But, that drama wasn't what I have pictures of.

This was the view out of my window a couple of hours ago. The moors opposite have been burning since about midday today. The fire was apparently moving away from us, towards Derbyshire, and the smoke was blowing over towards Stalybridge town centre so missing us.

Here's the BBC news article about it. I think the picture must have been taken from the end of the road.

The fire was not near any property, and was thought to be about one mile away from the nearest road.

Yes, that would be our road, and I reckon it's a lot less than a mile.

Since taking this the wind has picked up a lot and changed direction, the view is now one big smokey blur blowing over our house.
Not only is it Really Bloody Hot, but it's Really Bloody Hot And We Can't Have The Windows Open! Even with them all shut it's making my eyes sore, getting to my throat, and bringing my asthma on. I can't see the source of the fire anymore so don't know if it's getting closer to us or not. I doubt we're in much danger either way... but I'm glad I'm not on the other side of the road.

One plus side is that icecreams are really good for helping to cool you down whilst also soothing on smoke inhaled sore throats (made worse by having to go cat hunting in it because we were getting worried about them.)

I've been busy making things, and tking pictures of them. I've also got pictures of the deck which now has a railing, so is safe to explore, also the grass has gone so at some point it will be full of lovely plants, at the moment it's mostly bare dust dry soil.

Finally, today is the day I'm due to become an Aunty for the first time, but baby obviously isn't ready yet. I'm not sure what seems worse, being 9 months pregnant in this heat... or being in labour in this heat. I guess hospitals are air conditioned though.
Mental note, don't get pregnant in September/October/November.

I've a billion things I want/should be doing... most of them crafting for swaps... but it all feels a bit too much like homework... so procrastination it is then.

A meme pinched from Kat's Paws

Accent: Sorry, English Language student, my pet subject, forgive my rambling on this bit. My accent changes depending on who I'm talking to, or what I'm talking about. I pick accents up pretty easily (but wierdly I'm rubbish at imitating them.)
I've got a definite Northern accent, but beyond that it's a little confused.
It's definitely not Sheffield, (I don't sound like Jarvis Cocker or the Arctic Monkeys) even though I lived there for 18 years, but it does get broader when I spend any time there. Some words come out with a strong Scouse twang thanks to the 9 years in Ormskirk, sometime a Lancashire accent creeps in. Since moving to Stalybridge I've realized I speak quickly, a little quicker than the Mancs and Stockport people I work with , and about 10 x faster than the Tamesiders, I often get bewildered looks off people who haven't caught a word I've said, I'm slowing down though.
My Mum once told me that since going to Ormskirk my accent had turned "sing-song" which I quite like. Basically quick and the tone going all over the place. In my head my voice is far deeper than it is in real life. I always wonder who the squeaky person is when I hear recordings.

Booze: Not much anymore (except for all the cider I've drank since coming back from Cornwall.) The pubs withing easy walking distance are rubbish so if we do go out I usually drive. I'm too forgetful to drink much in the house. As for what I like, proper ciders if I can find them, good strong lagers like Staropramen, San Miguel and Stalla Artois, I occasionally like real ales too. If I'm not in the mood for lager then I'll have a Vodka & Lemonade (no ice), if I'm at home and determind to get drunk it's usually Gin & Bitter Lemon which I love but can't afford in pubs. I don't like red wine, it gives me chronic hangovers and makes me thirsty, I will drink a nice medium or sweet white though.

Chore I hate: All of them? unless I'm in the right mood. I always hate hoovering the stairs though

Dogs/cats: Two cats, Duke & Gonzo, love 'em to bits.

Essential electronics: Computer. Unlike almost everyone else in the world I don't care about my mobile phone. In fact workmates curse me because it regularly runs out of batteries and I don't realize.

Favorite perfume: Pass, I rarely wear it, I've got a few bottles that people bought as presents but I don't know what there are (one might be Calvin Klein, haven't a clue about the other 2.) I did find one called Celeste, or Angel though which I was quite tempted by, but it was a bit sweet smelling.

Gold/silver: Silver, but most of my decent jewellery is gold because it's all inherited.

Hometown: I still think of Sheffield as home because that's where I was born and grew up and my family are there. This house feels like home.. because it is, and it's mine, but Stalybridge as a town doesn't yet, even though I love it and the area. Plus Ormskirk will always have a special place in my heart because I had so many good years there and my friends are there.

Insomnia: Only at the end of the month :) I find it realy hard to go to bed before midnight though, even when I have to get up for work at 6 the next morning.

Job title: Support Worker (which is so undescriptive) so I generally say NHS Support Worker for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Kids: Nope... ask again this time next year. ;)

Living arrangements: Me, Blokey, 2 cats. He's my "Domestic Partner" oh how I hate that phrase.

Most admired trait: The ability to smile, laugh and stay calm, even when everything is going to shit.
My years in Customer Services, dealing with complaining customers 8 hours a day made me realize that shouting at people gets you nowhere. If you keep your temper and keep smiling people will go out of their way to help you, if you lose it you'll get put to the bottom of the pile (I know I've done it to angry people so many times myself.)
Now if only customers would realize this, then Customer Services might be a bearable job.

Number of sexual partners: :P Not a chance.

Overnight hospital stays: None, unless I was kept in when I was born, I'll have to ask.

Phobia: Spiders, getting water in my ears.

Quote: I've had a quote tumbling round the back of my head for months, but can't find it anywhere, these 2 give the general gist though:

"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it."

Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784), quoted in Boswell's Life of Johnson

"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "As You Like It", Act 5 scene 1

I've just found this too which I quite like:

"Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked."

Lord Chesterfield (1694 - 1773)

Religion: Technically a Christian, I was Christened, but only went to church at Christmas or Remembrance Day, sometimes Easter and Harvest Festival, mainly only when my brother was playing the trumpet or with Scouts & Guides. I was never taught about Christianity so know scarily little, maybe one day I'll read the bible, just for the story, and because I suppose I should know some things for pub quizzes.
I was once told my beliefs were Pagan, I believe in looking after the planet, treating everyone equally, and as Bill & Ted say "Be excellent to each other."

Siblings: A big brother Sam, he's 4 1/2 years older than me, and in about 3 weeks will be a Dad ! Scary!

Time I usually wake up: If I'm working then I have to get up at 6:30. If I'm rested and able to wake up naturally then it's usually about 10am. I don't go to bed till at least 1am if I don't have to get up though, often much later, so I'm not that lazy really... I just have an unsocible body clock.

Unusual talent: I honestly can't think of any. If any friends can think of any let me know, I feel so boring and dull right now.

Vegetable I refuse to eat: Peas & sweetcorn, if the odd one slips into a mix of something I will eat it, but if possible I'll pick it out. Also cauliflower and beans (the big long green ones). Pretty much anything else I'll eat, but some things, like cabbage I'll have to eat with potatoes. I know I sound fussy, especially for a vegetarian, but believe me, I'm far far less fussy than I used to be.

Worst habit: Procrastination. Messiness. Buying books and craft things. Pack-rat.

X-rays: Only Dentist ones.

Yummy foods I make: My Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies & Broccolli Mush (not together) are most popular, but I'm quite proud of my veggie stews and veggie lasagnes (the meat ones are apparently quite good too, but I've never tried them.) Basically I'm quite good at really hearty, comfort for type meals.

Zodiac sign: Leo. Star signs fascinate me, I've had my chart done and can see a lot of truth in the results, but then I think of my friend who is 8 hours 10 minutes older than me, yet so completely different to me it's unbelievable.

There, several hours wasted. Bed time now, crafting tomorrow.
Ni-ni

I think I've found my spiritual home.
Cornwall has the wide open spaces and hills I love of the Peak District, plus the sea, plus little craft spots, (I passed so many wool shops and even managed to go in a couple) plus Cider, plus cream teas, plus ice cream (I ate soooo much!). They also seem to be making a genuine effort to do something about climate change, seeing Wind Turbines everywhere makes me so happy. And for any people who say "Hmph fine so long as they're not in my backyard".... well personally I'd be delighted if the vew from my living room was peppered with Wind Turbines.

To top it all, my hayfever was managable with a couple of tablets a day, and my excema seemed to clear up too. Unfortunatly both have come back with a vengence since I got home.

My nerves about my fellow staff mamber were unfounded, we got on really well and I'd be happy to go with her again. My client was also wonderful. At home he wakes somewhere between 6:30 and 7, then goes to bed about 8:30. We were told he was the same on holiday, but we got him to sleep in till 9 most days (10 on one day) and he was going to bed at about 9:30, though he stayed up till 11 one night, we couldn't believe it, we kept asking him if he wanted to go to bed but all we got was "no, not yet". We had to take a picture of him with the clock becuase we knew no one would believe us.

We visited The Maritime Museum at Falmouth (but it rained so didn't see much of the town), St Austell, which wasn't too nice, but it's going through a regeneration project at the moment so I'll let it off. Plymouth I loved, even though pushing the wheelchair up the hills was hard it was worth it. We went on a boat ride, then sat on Plymouth Hoe eating ice-creams that were melting quicker than we could eat them, I found loads of little junk/crafty shops and would have happily spent a few days there on my own. I got sunburnt too, but that's nothing new. I loved the Eden Project, annoyingly the other staff member wasn't interested so we only go a couple of hours to look around. We had ice creams at Widemouth Bay, then cream teas at Crackington Haven, then felt ill. A gentle stroll around the shops at Boscastle soon set us right though. We went to Bude beach a couple of times, but chickened out of pushing the wheelchair around the shops there, far too steep. On the second trip to the beach we swapped the wheelchair for a Sand Buggy which meant we could actually get on the beach, and even take our client for a "paddle", the weather was gorgeous, so we had a couple of hours sunbathing.

I missed Porl loads though, he must have thought I was gloating, I kept phoning him from places with spectacular views, or when I was eating ice creams, but I was just wishing he was there with me.

I've got 2 weeks off in September, so I think we'll have to go back there together.