Christmas Cheer & Tents and Beer!

This month has been a really busy one, what with the invites to elite music parties and showbiz dances. Well, trying to get my daughter's jumper knitted in time for her birthday on Hogmanay mainly but at least she REALLY gets celeb invites to parties! It'll be the first New Year that Kerri and James won't be making it up to Scotland for so I'm a bit sad at that. I do have my sons' gig's on the 27th and 2nd Jan to help me through.

Casino, with Val Verde, are playing at King Tuts in Glasgow. This is their main venue they've nabbed and the most sought after stage for unsigned bands in Scotland as promoters often select some for the Tuts' local talent tents at T in The Park. Sadly, No Need For Idols are too young at 15 & 16 for appearance there as the plan was to get them to support Casino! Anyhow - I promised a few links (and a few phone numbers!) for a few of my (younger) facebook mates who read this guff! Have a wonderful Xmas everyone.....I'm off to blow up a palm tree...........!

Bottom's Up - Every December 24th.....!

For around 15 years now, our family has kept to a strict ritual.  Every Christmas Eve we must watch a certain Christmas video and usually all together as a family.  If circumstance parts us (only once so far!) we must seek refuge and watch the video somehow, anyhow. This is our family tradition.

Since the 80's I have adored comedian's Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson.  British readers will no doubt know who I'm banging on about. But it's their 90's sitcom Bottom  where they partake as two 30-something society misfits that I've enjoyed the most. We made a pact all those years ago to watch the Holy episode every Xmas Eve come what may.  It then spread out to every birthday and at Halloween, too, as these topics are covered in their series'. So I'll leave with just a couple of minutes' worth of the lads in their seasonal episode. And trust me - we know every word. Merry Christmas everyone.

Ma Other Boayz....Here We Go....(again!)

I sit here with a busting heart and bags under my bloodshot eyes and I've never felt better! Last night Adam's band No Need For Idols won it's place in the Rock The Talk, senior high schools' Battle Of The Bands project final to be held in Glasgow's own Barrowlands venue on Feb 24th next year.

The boys were amazing. Oliver (or 'Clothes Off' as I nickname him!) and Adam have been best friends since primary school and to watch them perform as handsome young men in an extremely talented band was one of the biggest high's I've had.

Three mums of the group members showed up. Standing on seats, elbowing teenagers aside and jumping along with the teens' fans as the band delivered was nothing new to me but we group hugged and jumped at the verdict and as we did, Callum's (bass guitar) mum and I were exchanging 'please to meet you's'. It  beat a handshake, that's for sure! She also invited all we mum's us to her house after Xmas to get to know each other better, to cement our friendship before the finals!

And to fuel my high even more the organisers asked my older son, whose previous band The Valentines, won the BOTB competition 3 years ago, if the boys would reform again for a one off show at the end of the final. Despite the lads moving on to other pastures, it seemed they left a lasting effect with those involved in the project.

I'll leave a few of my shitty fujifilm pictures until the website uploads the bands' acts. Who needs idols? We do!

Happy 16th Adam!

My baby turns 16 on Monday, St.Andrew's Day, and I can hardly believe he's reached his first milestone.  His birth was a memorable experience in such as he was born with black eyes and a little facial bruising.  No. Neither me, his dad or our midwife dropped him, but I felt like strangling the nurse who at 7am, told me I wouldn't be giving birth until that afternoon.

At 7.30am, (and fully dilated) amongst a desperate flurry , he arrived. Because the birth was so quick (and unstoppable) he ended up with facial and body compression. It did, strangely, bring out the colour of his hair making it even more lustrous. Maternity nick-named him The Golden Child. The other babies in the ward at the time were little bundles of pink skin and dark mops or peachy with bald heads, so his thick, golden hair ( and a pummelled face) was something that didn't come along too often. And still he continues to be golden.

My baby has grown up now, following in the footsteps of his older brother. A bright, confident and cheeky chap who the girls all adore.  Lots of friends and the most chicken hearted, caring teen, who STILL volunteers to go shopping with his mum and doesn't give a hoot about bumping into pals. Whose  kisses are free and planted often as the limbs wrap around you. He's a brilliant drama student and plays drums in his band No Need For Idols and he mollycoddles the cat far too much.

His 'natural' talent is comedy. Over the years, it's Adam who has made me laugh the most. If I was to clarify his one main factor, that would be it.  Where the madcap ideas, impulsiveness and confidence comes from I've no idea. But I know they'll remain with him for life. He'll never become a boring old fart like his dad.

Here's a few pics. One from when he was a baby. And the other two from what he does best these days. His hair was dyed black and grown long in his band snap and the other doing his solo scene from his school musical.

Mauritius and Kisses

I can't blame the season. I love the bloody winter. But I've been feeling a little low since I was here last. Something that comes and goes in spells but not that often. I think it's just the run up to Christmas knowing that my usual rushed efforts won't be including a card and pressie for my mum-in-law who passed away in March. It just struck me that my kids don't have any grandparents at all now and that my crossed fingers don't seem to be doing much via my daughter and her attempts to make me one! She's on fertility treatment as she has polycystic ovaries, making the natural job a bit harder. Mind you, I can just picture the little 'un in a few years with his/her Prodigy tee-shirt on giving it laldy with mum in the sitting room to her CD's and him/her being fascinated by the tongue stud she'll keep popping in and out her mouth...(doesn't beat when grampa used to take out his false teeth out in front of you, Kek. You tried so hard to do the same!). So, I'm picking myself up and shaking off the blues. I'm so impatient. That's my real problem.

I know when the kids notice I'm down. Especially Ross. It's the only time he ever makes me a cup of tea with an added kiss. But he bucked me up. Even had me laughing when he told me he was about to woo his latest date with a Pot Noodle and Saw V. She giggled all the while she was in.

But my best ever pick-me-up is going through old photographs - and trust me I have thousands. It was when I came across this one that gave me the biggest smile. I can remember the first time Ross met his auntie Maryse he was amazed at how little she was. Only 4ft 10 inches in height.

  His first question to her was: "Why are you too wee...?"

  And her answer back was: "Why are you too handsome...?"

 He shrugged. She shrugged. And that was that. But Ross said he'd try and just grow to her height (he was only about six inches away from that back then!) which I suppose was his way of accepting life.

Unfortunately, he didn't manage that. This pic from after my mum-in-law's funeral really tells the story. It was only the second time the boys had met their auntie and they adored her sweet Mauritian accent and her wacky stories. So I guess I've not really got a lot to feel down about. Not with a family as rich (in unity) as mine when times need.

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

As you know it is remembrance day today. The end of WWI. Although you fought in WWII, you never let a year pass without reminding us all of the Poppy Appeal.  How you, and your brave compatriots fought for our country and future. It used to bore some family members, you know, banging on about the war, blah, blah, blah. But I was fascinated at some of the life stories you told. At times I found it hard to believe it was real, but as I grew it all came about before my eyes in books, documentaries and films. Devastating. Horrifying. It never left you. Especially your POW years.

Remember, Dad, when Ross had his Primary 7, WW2 project to do and he won a book token for the best one? It included the drawing he made of the dragon tattoo you had inked on your forearm while in France. And that wonderful interview he had with you about bombs and bombing?  Then the way you recited off your army name and number effortlessly, as if it was fresh off the tongue!! You also learned him a few 'choice' words in German! I think 'Schwein-Hund'  was the mildest one! Those didn't go in the project folder but among his bibliography source reference page, he'd included in huge letters: MY GRAMPA.

I still and will always remind the boys that you were the only one of 5 friends to return home to your little village after the war. Right to your dying day this still hurt you as you felt so guilty meeting the families of your dead friends once Hitler was put in his place. God spared you though, Dad. And I'll be eternally grateful for that, because you were a gem of a man. The most patient, funny, selfless man I knew. Heaven knows how you put up with Mam all those years - but you believed in unity no matter how bad things got.

My very fondest memories of you was when we watched Danny Kaye films together. We knew every song from Hans Christian Anderson and the one we loved best was 'Inchworm'. Your wee twin girls, Ellie and Migi, as we were nicknamed by you, would sing the 'sums' bit in the background while you sang the lyrics. Your voice had a beautiful tone to it. Of course and ironically, you're favourite song from a musical was supposedly Hitler's favourite, too. Edelweiss.  I still can't listen to that without crying. Anybody's version. Daft old sop that I am!

As I grew I loved you best after you'd had a few nips. Your quick wit and patter after a swally was so enchanting and you were a bit of an auld rascal- weren't you? Remember when Migi visited from London with her snooty husband, when her kids and mine were small? How you sighed through every karaoke song until the whisky kicked in and then you took the mic away and got my little ones to sing Irvin Berlin's 'At The Devil's Ball......?' Remember how mortified he was when you changed some of the words? Of course the kiddies didn't have a clue what it all meant but the rest of us got a laugh at it! That was ma Dad.....

Then there was the last ever Christmas you spent with us! Remember that nosy neighbour of mine who just wouldn't bugger off with her son on Xmas Eve? Yapping and yapping. You were getting fed up listening to her 'drivel' and when she mentioned her dad had just had  hip-replacement surgery you asked her loudly....."So whose hip did he get?" And Trevor struggled to keep his laugh in? She left soon after that. You old scamp!.... And don't worry Dad - we'll each keep pouring you a mini-whisky every New Year on your resting place - even if it does kill the grass! I smile at the vision of all those empty miniature Bells bottles that the green-keeper has to tidy away each New Year and Father's Days. I could carry on forever here but sadly, I can't.

Dad you were the best of old buddies. I can remember how you'd bend down, creaking your old bones to tie a kid's shoe lace in case they tripped. You were forever checking the boys. And your parting words every time we left the house was "mind the roads". Since I was a nipper.

The biggest regret in my life was that you never got the chance to see my boys play in their bands. Dad, you were a musical genius. Remember when you learned me to play The Blue Danube with you on the piano? Well, I can still do that - but it doesn't sound the same without you on the chords! You could play any instrument by ear and always encouraged the boys to do the same - lift it and give it a try. Of course, they weren't as gifted as you, but boy did they learn fast! They had rhythm all right!  It was in their blood, their Grampa's blood. Thank you so much, Dad.

I'm saying goodbye with a picture of you with your army friends. Ted, Willie and Jim. How that guitar suits you! You guys really cheered the troops up! And this has been a remembrance day for me, too. But it's dedicated to only one hero.

Love,
Ellie
x

A Bet On Lynette

Bigging them up again! I can't help it. My son's band Casino have just recorded their latest offering called Lynette. It's a wonderful little tune, with wonderful, uncomplicated words. It's even more special (as with most of their songs) because it is based on true life.

The song is about a girl that my son, Ross, fancied from afar. As a teenager still at high school he used to hang around a shop called Fratz that was situated next to a local park, with his mates. He was euphoric when Lynette became a member of the group and basically it's about his gentle pursuit of her - in which he was eventually successful and now wonders what happened to her. And because of the lyrics, I now know that he puffed away in his latter years of high school and had the odd alcopop! But after hearing the song, I think I'll give a belated rollocking a miss. If he'd never met Lynette and her bad habits, then this song might never have come about. Older ones like my old self can even relate to it and it did take me back to my own teenage days - less the fags and booze - and daft schoolgirl crushes. My favourite lines are in the bridge lead up to the chorus that goes as such:

'Oh, Lynette, don't forget, leave me two's on your cigarette.'
Get it on, won't be long, till we kiss like we had never met.'

On November 26th in Behind The Wall in Falkirk, the band are having their first EP launch party, on which Lynette will be included. The song will be up on their website next Wednesday/Thursday after it's been mastered (bloody perfectionists!) and I gaurantee you'll be hooked after a couple of listens. The guys will also be filming their first script video (to Shadow Company) where a certain amount of acting, (with a director) will be taking place. As far as I've fished it's setting is in a hotel after/during a function and Ross will be sitting at the bar with a whisky and a black eye, while Telfer (frontman) walks in with his shirt half hanging out his suit and his tie all squint like he's been in a fight, too, in the opening scene. That's all the little bastards will tell me! The song is actually about a prossie, so I'll be curious to see if that's included. For a young band that's only been together a year, I'd say they're well paying their dues to their fans.

Last Day Of Fools......!

One good thing about friends of the offspring is, that if they're tanked up enough, wondrous tales of yore start surfacing. Some Friday nights my older son, Ross, now 20, invites a few mates to his room for a tipple before they hit the very expensive night club in town, otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford to get to 3am. But while popping up with a few snacks and things, they like to spill about silly things. Sometimes I push my luck and quiz them about this and that. Mind you, there will be things that mothers NEVER find out, and we don't want to know anyhow.

Lewis, a friend of his has one of the biggest hearts I know, but also has the biggest gob and was telling me what happened on the last day of school - three years ago. Apart from Ross attending his very last day dressed as an eedjit (photo) his group of close mates had a series of pranks made up and thus went on:

They ran into the library with one of them 'horn in a can' things - that you hear at football matches - and almost gave the clerk a coronary.

They tied adjacent classroom door handles together and banged on the doors simultaneously.

Jars of little fishes (baggy minnows) from a nearby pond were tipped into the staff room toilet sinks.

A huge dick was sprayed in cream or foam (they can't remember) on the head's office door.

And lastly (all that they were admitting to anyhow) bog roll was looted from the toilets and decorated over the trees............

I can see why Ross never confessed to any of this as behaviour like this wouldn't have been tolerated on a normal day. But I can't help smiling when I think of the poor teacher who went to wash her/his hands after a piddle.

Head Banger!

I shall be (un) gracing these pages again here soon. This is the busiest week via bands, practice and gigging. Casino are recording a new song this week called Lynette and my other son's band No Need For Idols have week day gigs - some they have to turn down because their schoolwork must come first. Yes, it's an Anadin special week this week! Back soon to catch up!

Happy Hollereen....*sniff* ...I'll Miss You!

I might not get the chance to post in time for Halloween. It might be the last of any future Halloween pictures - for a good while anyway. My kids are too old now and Trick or Treat is so popular round our area that I think I'll be forgiven for not joining in for a bit. It will be the first time in fifteen years that I'll not have contributed.

I'm posting some pictures of last Halloween. My wee sister lives in a block of flats with buzzer entry so it's difficult for kid's to get access so I threw a little solitude party for my niece instead. The pics will pretty much speak for themselves. My sister followed us with her camera.

Indoors in Scotland it is traditional to 'dook for aipples!' A basin filled with water, with apples and monkey nuts floating in it and a fork is all it takes. You have to put the fork in your mouth, hands behind your back, aim, let go and try to 'stab' the apple to eat! (Rachel didn't cheat - honest!) It's messy, wet, but so much fun. Now she's at school it'll be parties there from now on. Silly really but it kinda hurts to have closure on such an event. But my time really is needed elsewhere now.

ps.......I just love the pic where the 'Witch' gets a fright &...... Cat's Halloween...!

Beauty and the Beasts...!

I very rarely judge other peoples' children. I don't think there is the perfect parent out there either. But there is a group of mum's - and sometimes dad's - that I don't understand. The Beauty Pageant ones. How can mothers display their daughters like so? And the lengths some go to!

I watched a few episodes through the week (another bout of insomnia!) while channel surfing. It almost made me cry. Not for the joy of watching a crown being placed on the winner's head but how these poor little girls' future expectations of the world might be.

The programme follows 2 girls in particular per episode and I could hardly believe the way they were forced into dance routines, and structured how to 'walk' and 'smile' properly. Being heavily berated for a missed movement. Forced into make up of ridiculous levels. It was more rivalry they displayed with the other contestants than after a bit of fun. Mums hollering at them, tutting from the audience if the poor kid didn't answer questions quickly or cute enough. And the make up on some of them! False eyelashes, I even seen a kid being made to wear false teeth as she had a few gaps from where her milk teeth fell out. Spray tanning!! Then they're trussed up with hair that's far too old for them, wearing dresses like bog-roll ladies from the 70's that cost a fortune.

There is this little British kid called Sasha, 11, I've also read about whose role model is a much older 'glamour model' who bares boobs and buffed up bits for photo shoots or nights out. Her mother supports her child's fantasy future of one day perhaps becoming as 'famous' by popping her tits out in the local and national papers. I bet she must be looking forward to that day of publication. The poor kid even said she doesn't care that her schools grades are low. Glamour and fame is her future. So, could it be some of these mums are living vicariously through their daughters? Or is it in fact simply a way of getting mother and child bonding in the style we females like to often do, with no future problems?

Look, I have a niece who's 5 and I adore her. Being in a house full of men I enjoy the female company when she stops over. We wear make up!! Rachel has me looking fabulous in minutes. Sparkly purple eye shadow on one eye, green on the other, mega-orange cheeks and bright red lippy! Then she combs my hair into her own (tuggy) unique style where the comb often gets lost. Sometimes she brings her crowns so we can play princesses. Sometimes we go to the shops like that!!Then once we're fed up we'll go into the garden and dirty our hands and nails digging for bugs and the worms that she loves snapping in two! Oi! We're still princesses you know - just evil worm hating ones! Then we'll share some food (after a long bath!) moan about about how 'rotten and smelly' boys are. Then off to bed with a good story and no thoughts as to how we'll pass tomorrow. Not in fear of silly steps going wrong. Or feeling the world will collapse if nothing is won. Or if our smiles or crowns are crooked.

Life shouldn't be mega-competitive for under 10's. I'm not saying these little girls don't have some fun out of it but it's the burden on their shoulders if they don't win that saddens me. Some of these mothers take their girls to every pageant they can and it costs them a fortune. PUT THE MONEY AWAY FOR THEIR FUTURE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY YEARS INSTEAD WOMAN!

There, I feel better now! Glitz and glam will always be a part of most growing girls' lives. That's natural. And the competitive stages of how women look will kick in when they're about 15 or 16 where they compare clothes or want to look as good as so and so. But not that young.

I'll leave you with two pictures. One is of my niece Rachel and a rare picture of how one of these little mites may really feel. See if you can guess which is which.....?(She says sarcastically!)
ps..........I promise to post a picture of me the next time Rachel gives me a makeover - I'm stunning! Honest!

The 20 Year Hitch!

Yes, today we've reached that milestone. Had to climb many hills and had so many spills that I dare not think about them all. I've been married for 20 years now. I just found out that your 20th Anniversary is your 'China' one - which is very apt given all the plates and cups I've threw at him over the years! Never had a direct hit. Not with one of them! Kept Polycell in business well, so I've at least managed something good.

So what are Trevor and I going to be doing about it today? Bog all. I need an emergency extraction at the dentist, (which my daughter'll go ballistic about when she finds out! She's an RDN or 'Matron' as her work colleagues named her) and he's got the cold again. So I suppose a little moan together before bedtime will be the best we can do.

Marriage is a unity with so many odds against you. No guarantee it's gonna last. I showed him on facebook recently how easy it was to divorce him! Well, he kept interrupting me to look for google tips on killing chocobo's or similar for a ruddy computer game! But I doubt we'll ever part now. Although we have very little in common (really we don't) he still makes me laugh. Virtually raised the boys himself when they were little as I was never out of hospitals. Honestly, as with today, I went to the dentist looking forward to having my feet up for a bit. Not in the least bit scared of needles. Had more pricks than Kerplunk me and it shows right over the gynaecological region. But he's the biggest prick I've ever had. And I wouldn't want it any other way. Hubby, I doubt if you'll be reading this but:

I BLOODY LOVE YOU, I DO!

And here we are on our wedding day. A simple do with family mostly, and that's my brother Rab with the fag in his gob! Never let it be said that I pick pictures with no class! Just look at how Trevor nervously fingers his tips. Yeah - you've done it now mate!
And us today where he's lost his hairline and I've lost my waistline! Well, all marriages are give and TAKE aren't they!!

Life's Big (and small) disCRAPancies.

I don't know where some people get off. How some dog owners think it's alright to let their pet drop it's back end, let out a steamy one and then just casually walk away. Abandonment. Some dogs get public praise for it, which is only fair as it's keeping to it's toilet-training bargain side of things but I'm sure if the dog could understand, it'd be appalled. Why is this still going on..?

The park next to my house is a haven for inconsiderate dog owners. The amount of times we mums in the street have had to clean our carpets and prize muck from soles on shoes is unbelievable . It's angering that a kid can't get a slide on a slide or swing on a swing without bringing home feaces on their shoes and clothes. Ironically, as they grew, we parents made sure that our children took turns in picking up litter (while trying to dodge the dollops) and used to get designated duty days.

Sadly, it brings needless shame to the true caring dog owners that live on our street and surrounding area. Even with park bins for the doggy-do to go in, and free poop scoop and bags from the local council, our park is still being abused. And the culprits aren't always busy families with busy lives but older and uppity owners (one with a big car and plenty of golfing time to kill). They'll be toodling off home to a neat garden and stain free carpets. I swear if I knew their addresses I'd post a few neatly tied presents through their letterbox.

The worst one is this retired lady. She has two lovely black Labradors. Mother and daughter. The older one always trails behind but on approaching the park it's arse goes into bowel release mode and it never makes it to the grass in time. It shits as it walks!! I've said to her a couple of times about it and she picked up right away then, but I get real miffed if I see the infamous dollops lying outside my neighbours' path. She knows it can only be her Lab doing this and must pass it on her journey back.

Anyhow, talking of crap, I've prattled on enough. Here's wishing you a happy and squish free walk home wherever you reside.

Totally Eggsited...!

This has been an excellent week. The biggest news is that after fertility treatment, my daughter has released an egg. Diagnosed with polycystic ovaries last October after 18 months of trying to conceive, there was fear that motherhood may not even happen but she seems to be progressing wonderfully. Fingers crossed - apart from her legs!

Of my oldest son's good news - his band, Casino, have received their confirmation date for playing King Tuts - a renowned Scottish venue and the biggest sought after performance stage!

Of my youngest son's good news - his band, No Need For Idols, have recorded their first demo, with amazing tracks for 15 year olds to have composed and have their new website up and running!

Now all I need really, for all 3 of them, is a direct hit - and my job here is almost done.

Violet Sky, Here We Go, Walk Away......coming to an ear near you very soon!

My youngest son and best friend Oliver have just arrived home from the recording studio, their band having just finished their first demo. As with Adam's brother's band, they're getting gigs galore, sometimes having to turn them down. Where do the years go? This picture below is Adam and Oliver 3 years ago when they were both 13 - little dreamers:
And messing in the garden:
Helping me support my favourite charity by way of their very first performance - still only 13:
And proud of it:Now 3 years on they've recruited new members and formed No Need For Idols and they've stormed into the semi-finals of our local Battle Of The Bands and today recorded their first demo? Children no more. Onwards boys!
So from left to right there's Callum, Oliver, David, Adam and Connor. I'll put in a link once their new songs are internet available - hopefully tomorrow!

Friends since they were six, and even with them attending different high schools, 'Addie and Ollie' have always been in touch and remain to stop over at each others houses, these days to write songs, instead of on walls - we'll sometimes their bedroom walls if inspiration can't wait for a note pad. Despite falling out a hundred times, they'll always be mates. They've never let a silly row last. For they know when somethings feel right......and now they're cementing that in song. Good Luck Guys! Maw's very proud of you!

and here's the link;
http://www.myspace.com/noneedforidols

For Toasty!

Having endured lots of drum practice over the weekend, I reminded myself that there is another mum out there sharing thoughts, headaches and pride along with me. So Marmite Toasty I give you:

Ordinary (kinda) Days 2

Took a short time out to kick the washing machine as I still couldn't work out how to get the knob (not my cheaper half) to give me a cooler wash, so I had to succumb to getting Trevor to show me. I'm trying not to leave my carbon footprint in the world so much, although I thought the machine deserved a muddy one!

I noted that Adam (my youngest)'s head cold was getting him down. Worried that he was missing valuable time from his drama production (Disco Inferno) by way of moaning too much, I said I'd go over his lines ect, with him to cheer him up. Thought it a bit weird with the Kathy and Heathcliff characters and pictured strong winds and moors instead of dodgy clothes and mirror-balls. We ended up harmonizing to Foo Fighters 'Times Like These" instead which has nothing to do with the musical. Adam was a bit pissed when I told him that his voice actually sounded better with a bit of phlegm behind it!

Then I had a nice 'conversation' with a member of staff at my local bank when I realised that for the past three months I had been charged for being overdrawn while there was no record of it on checking my account online. They were suppose to waive a charge in August, so I think this is all a knock-on effect from that! I am waiting on a phone call back to see where the problem is lying. If only you could send punches down a phone line! Any banking experts out there feel free to help........

Then late evening I shouted at my older son who, for the past month STILL hasn't bought a router to go with his new laptop, as he preferred a vanity night out with the money instead. So the rows as to who gets on the computer (via modem) are still existing! At least I'm no longer scared as to what 'history' may pop up - or pop out!!

Apart from that - the usual!

(Un) Guilty Pleasure No 1.

There is something innate in all of us, that keeps us from being readily open to admit to liking certain somethings. A song, magazine, hobby, food choice, item of clothing, film, keepsakes ect. Simple things that we couldn't live without for it makes our day just that little bit easier to pass. It comes in all shapes, sizes and forms.

I used to be a bit paranoid when I revealed what my favourite 'show' was! After having cable television installed in 1996, I saw this programme once and I was hooked, but people scoffed so I tended to keep it to myself. It didn't have a fit bloke in it, nor was it a cartoon or Jerry Springer, or Scottish soap opera. It was Judge Judy!

I now say that with pride. I haven't missed an episode in the 13 years it's been available in Britain. On holidays or in class, reminders were always set or sent. Life wasn't worth living if anyone forgot to press that record button!

The woman is flawless in her judgements, never misses a thing. Compared to other Judgey shows (eat your heart out Brown, Hatchett and Ephriam) they just 'ain't got the primal flair of Judy. In, out, no mucking about. I adore her patter, balls, orderly structure, the way she reduces older children to tears if they try to piss her about and despite her eyebrows from Hell - compassion.

Sure, Judy is raking in millions from her shows, and I don't blame her. She's paid her dues tenfold. Her 25 years served as a family court judge has huge impact on her small claims courtroom results. Cases with children are the ones that fire her up the most if she feels kids are suffering at the hands of useless and selfish parents. And woe-betide any claiment that interrups her a time too many. But some of the things she's had to deal with in court! There even was an earthquake as she interrogated!

I have seen episodes where some-one was sued over a bit driftwood, a woman suing her 78 year old neighbour, as the old dear posted a community flyer through her door and her Jack Russell hurt it's leg jumping for up for it and wanted the poor old sod to pay the medical bills and two old men fighting over whose space for their garbage bins it was! She goes nuts at these ridiculous cases -nuts! But I suppose my favourite episode was when John Lydon (Sex Pistols) appeared suing his mate over music copyrights or something. He was effing and blinding a bit, but the ex-punk who vowed he would never say sorry to anyone, was forced by Judy to apologise to Byrd - her courtroom officer. He did, albeit a very sarcastic apology, but the very word parted from his lips! Go Judy! You are my heroine!

So there you have it. My guilty pleasure in the open. My adoration doesn't quite go to the lengths of the tattooed bloke , but I reckon a tee shirt with her face on it shouting 'Baloney' wouldn't be too criminal....!

'Ears A Turn Up For His Looks!

My gorgeous and clever son, Ross, makes me so proud. In his music and sound production studies he zaps me speechless with what he can come out with. Words that I'll probably never be able to understand (or spell without checking!). Polar patterns. Equilization. Anatomy and Construction of the Ear. Quantization. Psychoacoustics. Destructive Phasing Interference. And such like wordies. Pretty impressive. The only thing I know about ears is that if you don't stick your fingers in your lugholes enough, they get waxy - something that is to do with sound. Wax build up is down to the amount of sound level you're exposed to! (So THAT'S why my 2 boys needed extra scraping out over the years! Thank you, Ross, for at least educating your mother about something I do, partly, understand).

So then, why with such knowledge and musical talent (and he's got highers and everyfink) could he not manage to work out how to turn up and shorten the sleeves of his shirt and button them smooth for his night out last night? Both sleeves looked like a ra-ra skirt I once wore in the 80's. God, origami would have been easier than the state he left the sleeves in!

"It's true then, that there's some things only mothers can do!"
he exclaimed after I saved him the struggle.

And the problem was sorted as shown. Not quite equiliberryhearypolarpattycake stuff - but it's not that difficult. Surely..?

Bye Bye, Tarot.....

You'll remember from a few blogs ago how I told of my best friend and neighbours' Doberman being of ill health? Tarot has since passed away. I have never seen my mate Liz so distraught. I felt it for her housemate, Tam, too, who helped look after the dogs. I think we both were trying to be brave for her sake, but I still felt totally lost. I was by her side the second I was told. He was a remarkable dog with boundless love and friendliness. The biggest example ever of 'bark worse than it's bite' for he truly was a gentle giant.

On Saturday I doggie sat her other Doberman, Tealc, while she and Tam fetched Tarot's ashes. It's amazing how animals sense when life's not the same. He lay up in the settee, not interested in playing and it took around 2 hours of encouragement to get him to spend some sun in the garden with me. All he wanted was his friend and owners back.

When they did return a few hours later, I held Tarot in his oak and gold urn for a few minutes and said my goodbye's. Bereavement will now take it's course. But I can't say enough how much this gorgeous canine was adored and cared for along life's difficult journeys.

Sadly, these are all the only pictures of me with him that my son Adam took on his camera-phone thingy a couple of years ago one doggie sitting session. I can still feel the sloppy countless kisses on me yet! Bye Bye big guy!

Casino - Take Two

It's not quite fitting in but at least I've got it in the blog this time! Thank you, Jay. I'll master it one of these days! So for those who haven't yet seen it, I'll keep it up for a bit longer here and a little feedback would be great! These comments have boosted the guys no end. A huge thanks, everyone!...Lena....xxx




ps.....I will be posting on the Nippy Side tomorrow!
pss....I'm a smart arse - I managed to work out how to shrink to fit!

Can You Spare Me A Few........?

I'm not asking a lot this week. Just a few minutes of your time to listen to my son's band Casino (he's the drummer!) and tell me what you think of their new video The High! Don't worry, it's easily listening and over 40 friendly! And you'll find it to your right on my profile (the top one). I know I bang on about my offspring a lot but the guys worked so hard on their music and for uni students with part time work and constant gigging I commend them very much! Remember to double click for the full pic!

Thank you

Lena
XxX

ps......if anyone can tell me how to actually pop a video into a blog I'd be grateful. I've forgotten!



pss or pps or whatever....just a reminder that I have another blog on the go, too, that one may want to visit. What Lena Leaves can be a bit boring at times!

http://tigerlilley.blogspot.com/

Coincidentally........?

I've decided it's done to me on purpose. As a fairly quiet, easy-going, okey-dokey type of girl, I really do just want the simple things in life to be that, but alas, it didn't quite work out like that. It's the past 15 years that the little idiosyncrasies have arisen. I'll start with my children.

Of my three gorgeous offspring, their arrival dates in the world were as follows: St.Valentine's Day, St.Andrew's Day and Hogmanay! Now being Scottish, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, but the buck don't stop there. They are so fitting to these dates.

Kerri, my oldest, born on Dec 31st (Hogmanay in Scotland) is still a party animal. Despite her 11 years in London, she still makes it up with her hubby, James, on her birthday for the Edinburgh Street Party. Kerri turned 18 on the last day of the old millenium and THAT was the party of her milestone-turning life. Not bad planning if I really tried, but it wasn't until she turned a teenager that I realised this. Kerri arrived slap bang in the middle of the two due dates I was given! That's my girl!

Next come my two Saints:

Ross (full Christian name Peter-Ross with a hyphen but not many mates know that!) was born on St.Valentines Day. Now, I hate to admit it (because he is the vainest git I know - but a git with a huge heart) he is an extremely handsome young man. Genetically, he took more from his dad's side than mine and with a snout like mine, I am thankful! But the girls have been falling at his feet since primary school. Mother's telling me how their daughter's adore him and one even said that her girl had carved his name inside their new kitchen cupboards! Cards, gifts and phone calls have flooded in over the years but more so on Valentines' Days. One who didn't have to lie about the amount of cards he got. And on HIS birthday, too! Did he brag? The little shit gave it laldy. At least when it did come to girlfriends he settled for a bit. Hopefully his now girlfriend will be the one. I adore her scatty head and inability to tell the time! Ross came bang on his due date!

Now, Adam was born on St.Andrews Day (November 30th). My little mite. The one the nurses told me at 7am wouldn't be born until the afternoon, and who arrived at 7.30am amid a whammy of unprepared staff and unprepared vaginas. Born with bruising to the face and black eyes because of the quick compression. He had this mass of golden hair with distinctive red through it. The only baby in the ward among the vast amount of dark or hairless miracles, he was named the Golden Child by the nurses. Was something of a show piece in his incubator for both the bruises and the napper. That wasn't his only party-piece. Born two weeks early, he arrived on his Grandpa Frank's birthday, too! Sadly he never got to meet his father's father (who was English) but took his name, as was planned, in his full title of Adam Frank Thomas. He kept the hair only it went more ginger as he grew. Oh, those true Scots with their red hair. I've a picture of him in a kilt I'll need to post soon. These days he's dark haired no thanks to music and hairdye but only this morning he said he wanted to get back to natch. Gingers just look like they're balding when the roots grow in.

So, if you're not already bored, let me add a little more to the run of things. Not only did I remarry after my daughter, I also married taking on a surname that was the same (in pronunciation anyhow) as my daughter's Christian name! Oh, how I joyed telling her on our wedding day that she was to be called Kerri Kerry henceforth. Even at 8 she knew we were bluffing, but it was worth a shot! I also ended up with the same name as my mother-in-law as we shared first-names. The story of the nurse and the enema may surface one of these days!

So to say that I've had a bit of explaining over the phone and so forth goes without doubt. But there was one last bit of coincidence that almost topped the lot. In the below pictures are my daughter holding my 6 month old niece, Rachel Kerri, and one of Kerri herself at 6 months. Taking the pictures and putting the faces together I cannot believe how astonishingly similar the ' 6 months' cousins are. And if only my little sis had refused the morphine which slows birth down, they'd have shared the same birthday, too. Rachel Kerri was born in the early hours of New Years' Day! I'm happy to report that it's been 5 years since any other birth or name has popped up on days of significance or just out of pure coincidence. Oh, and I almost forgot, I'm an identical twin, too! I've some stories I could tell you, of how we've fooled people - but a long time ago!

A Lifetime Away.

I haven't got dressed today. It's been kinda weird. It's not because I'm depressed about anything in particular - well, probably these pyjamas, but they're replaceable. Time isn't.

This morning my oldest son went back to college for his 3rd year. It was just an enrollment day and a meeting with his lecturers and teachers for his timetable and so forth, so he was back by 11am. He saw I was teary eyed as I asked him how he got on. I was shown his new timetable and he said he'd had a word with 'Big John' - who's only 5 foot 2, and his lecturer from last year - and he said his recommendation for appliance to university this November was himself and his band-mate, Scott (wee Mick).

They both have passed the requirements that will lead them on to sitting their Masters degree in music and sound recording at Edinburgh uni - and that's when my stomach lurched. Not for a sodding year yet and already I'm wondering what's gonna fill the gap. For the first year there they get Halls Of Residence accommodation and then have to find lodgings but there's usually enough mates to share scruffy pads with and share the rent ect. He has said he will come home at week ends but I'm not so sure.

Who will I nag then for leaving his phone charger plugged in? Who will give me bags under the eyes when his besotted girlfriend comes to the door at 3 in the morning coz she's missing him? Who's ears can I inspect after each bath or shower he takes to make sure he's stuck his fingers in the lugholes enough for a good clean out? The list could go on. I know it's a year away, but it'll whizz by. I knew he was sensing all this, I didn't have to say a word. They know. Told me that there is lots of courses at college for people of any age. Even older than me! One has a walking stick! Bless him.

Before we knew it we were bonding. Just him and me. Something we don't do that often. But we sat and watched the Xmas special DVD's of The Office. It made us laugh together and he knew as much as me that the ending would bring a lump to both our throats and we would struggle to see who kept their cheeks dry the longest. I won. I had to.

Bravery is something I'm rather short on. But when it comes to parenting you need it. It's vital. It's just that there are no scissors sharp enough to fully cut away that cord. And I know that I'll have to get used to not being able to wind it in when I feel like it.

Relight My Ire!

Please take a couple of minutes to read the below link:

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/2601333/Good-kids-out-ASBO-yobs-in.html

The lad to the extreme left is Blair, a best friend of my son, Adam. He has been so enthusiastic in his cadet training. Blair and his family live directly across the road from us and we have been good friends for the whole of the boys' lives. The lad is a good-natured, law abiding, mega-funny and popular young man. I've always had a soft spot for Blair, you can't help but like him and I've so many memories of him and my boys. It was no surprise that he'd choose a career as such.

As you can imagine, his parents and whole family are so proud of him - especially 'Greta', the nickname he uses for his granny Edna. But they're not the only ones. The first time I saw Blair in his uniform I struggled to hide the tears. How joyous it is to see a youngster looking ahead to his future and enthuse over such a noble occupation. He looked so grown up when it really wasn't that long ago he was swapping Pokemon cards, going swimming with us, tents and trampolines out the back. If a kid ever deserved such a uniform, it was Blair.

What a hard blow to a bunch of kids who were willing to put their future lives on the line in the name of duty. I do believe in second chances and rehabilitation but this is an out and out slap in the face. Quite simply, I'm blazing mad!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of our little hero from my family album. I know he'll keep his hopes alight and earn that hose one day!

The first time we saw him in uniform.

A proud-chested pose-------------------------------

My daughter Kerri wishing him well on a recent visit.