It's Someone's Birthday Today!

Hi little bloggies.  My little bakery shop has been a bit quiet lately, but a little bird told me that one of our dear bloggy friends has a birthday today, so, once again, I've been up all night putting the finishing touches to her birthday cupcakes.

"Who are we talking about", I hear you cry!  Well, it's dear Belle from British Colombia, Canada.
Belle is much loved by all her bloggy friends and her blog is a joy to behold, and I usually finish up with a smile on my face when I finish reading her posts.  Do pop over and say "hallo" - I know that she would be thrilled to see you.



Wishing you a very happy birthday my friend, and I hope that the year ahead will be filled with lovely things for you.


Meanwhile, I have a joke for you on your birthday.  Hope it makes you smile!

A gorgeous young redhead went into the Doctor's office and said that her body hurt wherever she touched it. "Impossible!" says the Doctor. "Show me".
The redhead took her finger, pushed on her left shoulder and screamed. She then pushed her elbow and screamed even more. She pushed her knee and screamed. Likewise she pushed her ankle and screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream.

The Doctor looked at her and said "you're not really a redhead, are you?" Well "no" she said. "I'm actually a blonde."

"I thought so" said the Doctor. "Your finger is broken".  (Well, it made ME laugh!!).

Oh, I won't leave you until I tell you about my new kitchen appliance and, yes, a couple of you did get it right, so give yourself a pat on the back if you were one of those.  Ta da!!

Yes, it's a crockpot  (slow cooker)! SO! As I mentioned before, if you have any tried and tested recipes, I would love to hear from you.  You can e-mail me at thisismegodwell@hotmail.co.uk.

The sun is still shining here in my little corner of the world and there are baby lambs frolicking in the fields around us.  What more could I ask for?! 

Sunday Snaps!

Another week has passed by.  A week in which I find myself back with all my bloggy friends, and a time when I can get back to my Sunday Snaps feature, as I am now back to using my laptop again :)  It is so lovely to be able to have spring flowers in the house again, all the daffodils and tulips.  It really does lift the spirits when we can look forward to better weather ahead.  Now I know that a lot of my bloggies haven't even had a winter and have been basking in temperatures in the 70's.  To be honest, I think I would rather have a proper winter in a way, because then we can really look forward to the sunshine and blue skies - yes, even here in dear old Devon!!

It was lovely having my daughter and granddaughter over from France and, fortunately, we had a couple of really HOT sunny days when they were here, so we immediately headed off to the nearest beach, with Alfred, who had a super time racing around on the sands.  To be honest, I have never seen Bigbury looking better, and as we are out of the holiday season, there weren't many people around at all.  Heaven!

I'm afraid that Emma must have taken the next photo looking into the sun, but, then, at my age, it's much better for me to be shown in a certain light!! Hee Hee!!

As most of you know, I have four favourite girls (two daughters and two granddaughters) and here are two of my blessings. This was a day when it wasn't quite so warm!



Whilst they were over here, Eleanor wanted to have a go at surfing, so she had a two hour, one to one, lesson.  I did warn her that most of the time would probably be spent on the beach, just getting the feel of the board etc.  Anyway, her mum and I were banished to the top of the beach to start off with, so we settled down with a nice cup of coffee, basking in the lovely, warm sunshine.   About fifteen minutes into the lesson, Emma said, "I don't believe this."  We looked down, and there was Eleanor in the water, stood up on the board, riding a wave and raring to go!  She had a fantastic time, so we have another lesson booked for her when they come over again in April. 

 The young lad who was taking the lesson was rather 'dishy', as we all agreed.  When they first arranged the lesson, I could see Emma and Eleanor chatting away to him, batting their eyelids (LOL!), so when they came out, I said "well, how much is it going to cost?".  Huh, they were so busy drooling over him, that they hadn't even asked that obvious question!!    After the lesson, he said that Eleanor was a natural and that it was one of the best first lessons he had ever done.  You can imagine how thrilled she was!  So I can see that the car will be arriving complete with surf boards on top for their next visit. Perhaps I could have a go!  It was difficult to capture photos, but here is one where Eleanor is right in the middle of the photo coming into the beach.

Especially for Shady, here are a few photos of Alfred enjoying himself!

Well, I think that's more than enough for now.  In my next post, I shall be asking you if you have any tried and tested recipes for a new kitchen appliance that I have just bought.  Wonder if you can guess what it is?!

Look forward to seeing you again soon.

An Important Day for Women!

Today is International Women's Day, and I thought that was very much worth a mention on my Blog today. Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world, ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events, through to local women's craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and much more.

The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy.

With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

I would like to thank all those women, from the Suffragettes onwards, who fought so hard to gain women's rights and to make the world a much better place for the women of today, although, unfortunately, there are still parts of the world (Afghanistan and the Middle East for example) where there is still a long way to go for women to be treated with the respect they deserve.

This post is also in honour of all the wonderful women out there who, like me, write a Blog.  These women really are the very best.  When I first joined the blogging community, I had no idea just how wonderful an experience it was going to be.  I feel that it has enriched my life, with 'talking' to these women from all parts of the world.  Women who are caring, generous, funny, supportive when we need a helping hand, and only too happy to celebrate in our good times as well.

Thank you each and every one!!

Wordless Wednesday (or I'm back and on-line again!!).

Where To Order Melynda's Book

Following my post yesterday, several of you asked where you could get hold of a copy of Melynda's book.  I am very much hoping that the link I am about to put up will work but, if not, please go into Desiree's blog (Driftwood Ramblings) and you will be able to pick up the link directly from her last post.

 Please click on the link provided and order yourself a copy of Melynda's book.

Here's hoping that you all manage to have a lovely, relaxing weekend wherever you are.

Just Imagine If You Couldn't See the Beauty Of The World Around You ....

Most of my dear bloggy friends know that I have been without an internet connection for around five weeks now, but I read this on facebook about one of our own, and I just really wanted to get involved, so I have just borrowed another computer to write this post.  I have to confess that I have  copied some of this post  from our good friend Carol over at Facing50withhumour. 

 I know that she won't mind, but I just wanted to get the word out there.  Just imagine if we woke up one morning and all we could see was darkness.  One of our incredibly brave fellow bloggies needs all the help that we  can give her, and I know that all my friends will rally round in whatever way they can, because they all care so much about each other.

The lovely Melynda

    Here's the deal, Melynda from Crazy World NEEDS our help. If you don't know what I'm talking about, please go here:

This may be goodbye for now

    She's gone legally blind in BOTH eyes. I visited her recently and it broke my heart. She doesn't have ANY of the supplies she needs (such as a talking blood sugar monitor for her diabetes, or computer programs to read her emails, texts etc. aloud). 

    A few weeks ago, Melynda lost her house. Then, Meaghan (her daughter) almost died from a cyst that attached itself to an artery and leaked! Now this. Melynda is obviously sad about losing her driver's license and independence. She WILL conquer this, though; she's a survivor.
    Her strength and resolve astound me. I'll never forget when someone tried breaking into my house. Melynda stayed up all night guarding my house from across the street (because Cade was gone).  
    She couldn't see, but said she'd still 'watch' AND listen. I laughed thinking she was joking, but come to find out, she was serious. That woman stayed in her driveway ready to fight Lucifer if she had to.
    I went outside at one point. Melynda couldn't see me even in the lights from my porch. I looked over, so proud to call her my friend. She wore shorts, a babydoll top and a sassy hat. It was COLD outside, but nothing will get that woman down--and even the cold elements don't bother HER--because she's better than Xena, really.  
    She smoked into the wind, looking serious the whole time. I kept thinking how amazing she is. She couldn't see my house, but by golly she'd rather die than go to sleep and feel like she wasn't guarding it for me somehow.
    I asked her about it later. "Why did you stay up? I know you couldn't see."
    "So what if I couldn't see them! THEY could see me. I can't imagine someone trying to break in, when someone else seems to be sitting there watching."
    That's just Mel, classy and brilliant all the time.
   Any time I was sick, she'd make me food. I swear I'd sneeze and she'd make me a lasagna. Sneezing led to a good time! I learned to LOVE getting sick just so I could get yummy food.
    The point is, she's really been there for me--and she's epic--but right now it's my turn to be there for her!
    A few days ago I helped her apply for disability (she couldn't see the form let alone drive to the place). We're talking with a rep on the phone again today and filling out more forms.  It might be months until she qualifies, but she's trying to do everything she needs to.       
    She's already battling depression. She needs a purpose, some love, some support. Melynda will be fine. The woman who guards houses--even blind--that's my buddy. Anyone like that WILL beat this, but she still doesn't have what she needs. Having the proper tools would help so much.
    I've thought long and hard about this. Here's my idea:
    How great would it be if Melynda could EARN some money to be able to afford what she needs?! Her own hard work--her own TALENT, paving a way for her to succeed even through this! Many people have left her comments asking if she'd turn her blog posts into a book. Months ago I read those comments and begged Melynda on your behalf. "Please let me publish some of the stories from your blog. I could split them into the four seasons and then your readers can have four fun novellas to read anywhere!"
    "I don't know, E."
    "Listen," I said. "People LOVE your writing. This is a good idea."
    She paused.  "Having a book published is a big dream of mine. But do you think it's good enough?"
    I'd sneezed that day--so she'd made me lasagna. I shoveled some food into my mouth, then swallowed and licked my lips. I set my fork down hard. "Listen, woman. I wouldn't offer to publish just anyone, seriously. My reputation is on the line, too. Writing is my lively-hood now. I believe in you. This should prove how much. I would publish your work in a heartbeat. We need to edit it and do some fine tuning, but that's how it goes with anyone. You want your readers to have a quality product they can enjoy. Then after publishing those, you need to make a cookbook with this recipe for lasagna included! Are you up for it?"
    "Novellas, huh?"
    "Yeah, because they're convenient not only at home, but in the office, at doctors' offices and in personal bathrooms."
    She laughed. "Nice."  Then, she finally agreed. We put one book together. Fishducky edited it months ago. I created a cover and formatted it. Here's what we came up with:

    We sent it back to Melynda, but her eyesight went downhill fast after that and she never got to really "SEE" her book.

   Here's the deal, Melynda's book is now in the review process! I plan on working my butt off to get this project done by March 1st! 100% of the profit will go to help Melynda.
  
   I'm trying to be sneaky and surprise the woman.  Ka-pow!
    She needs something positive to happen in her life. She's lost her house, her sight; her fifteen-year-old son moved to Italy; now, she almost lost her daughter! The woman NEEDS a break.

    She'll be thrilled to have a published book, and know others are enjoying it! Plus, I'D be thrilled knowing she can make money to afford what she needs. "

     Do you have any additional thoughts or ideas? I know that all of us who have started blogging, feel that we have gained an extensive family, and this is one member of our family who really could do with a helping hand right now!

Thank you so much for reading this.  Sending hugs to you all, as always. My new Router has arrived, and I really hope that I will be back on line next Tuesday, the 6th March.  Please keep fingers and toes crossed for me!

The Dark Side Of Women!

This is probably the dark side of thisisme as well! It gave me a smile to start the week off with, and I hope it will do the same for you.




The Dark Side Of Women...

A woman was in town on a shopping trip. She began her day finding the most perfect shoes in the first shop and a beautiful dress on sale in the second. In the third, everything had just been reduced by 50 percent, when her mobile phone rang.

It was a female doctor notifying her that her husband had just been in a terrible car accident and was in critical condition and in the ICU.

The woman told the doctor to inform her husband where she was and that she'd be there as soon as possible. As she hung up she realized she was leaving what was shaping up to be her best day ever in the boutiques... She decided to get in a couple of more shops before heading to the hospital.

She ended up shopping the rest of the morning, finishing her trip with a cup of coffee and a beautiful chocolate cake slice, compliments of the last shop.
She was jubilant.

Then she remembered her husband. Feeling guilty, she dashed to the hospital.

She saw the doctor in the corridor and asked about her husband's condition. The lady doctor glared at her and shouted, "You went ahead and finished your shopping trip didn't you! I hope you're proud of yourself!
While you were out for the past four hours enjoying yourself in town, your husband has been languishing in the Intensive Care Unit! It's just as well you went ahead and finished, because it will more than likely be the last shopping trip you ever take! For the rest of his life he will require round-the-clock care. And he will now be your new career!"

The woman was feeling so guilty she broke down and sobbed.

The lady doctor then chuckled and said, "I'm just pulling your leg.
He's dead. Now show me what you bought!"

Have a good week y'all!