Pilots no more!

How time flys!

It's two years ago today since little Buddy officially retired, & our regular meeting's ended.

His flying career had spanned over 41 years, he having, obtained his private pilots licence when he was just 18 & flown for a living, in one form or another from then onwards.

My full post about his retirement/career is here for anyone new, vaguely interested.

LB, in typical modest style, choose to slip quietly away after his last flight as a Boeing 767 Captain with Air Canada.

But, yesterday he was back in Vancouver for another retirement, that of his long standing 'wild card' friend Shamus who was hosting a party @ The Flying Beaver Bar & Grill, Richmond [a terrific spot, I know well - see it here] to mark his final trip & then having even more drinks back @ his home in White Rock, BC!!!

I suspect both will be seriously hung-over this morning, bless them!

So, in memory of these two careers now ended, and the many other great pilots who I was privileged to met, over 16 years of liaisons before Little Buddy retired, a little flying humour!

First, this cartoon of how a Captain's viewed...

Secondly, A Pilots Log versus Maintenance Report...

P = The problem logged by the pilot.
S = The solution logged by the mechanic.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire!

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft!

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit!

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on backorder!

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed!

P: Suspected crack in windscreen.
S: Suspect you're right!

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search!

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious!

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed!

P: Radio switches stick.
S: Peanut butter no longer served to flight crew!

P: Screaming sound in cabin at start-up.
S: Company accountants now deplaned as standard!

P: Funny smell in cockpit.
S: Pilot told to change cologne!

P: Aircraft 2,400 lbs over max weight.
S: Aircraft put on diet of 92 octane!

P: #3 engine knocks at idle.
S: #3 engine let in for a few beers!

P: #3 engine runs like it's sick.
S: #3 engine diagnosed with hangover!


Happy Retirement Guys!

I miss you.

Sky Watch Friday - Lake Reflection!

Despite the recent & continuing heavy rains, all too reminiscent of late July '07, the lake in my park is holding it's own.
Took this shot in a moment of recent sunny respite...This 'reflective' spot, was once a working gravel pit, now long since flooded!
The bridge, from the parks entrance takes one over the water, then the railway sidings to the pathway known as the Devils Backbone & through to South Hinksey Village.

Re Sky Watch, that I no longer officially participate in, the site is HERE!

True Colours Thursday - RED, WHITE & BLUE!

To complete this weeks colours challenge on the home front, I once again had to rob my bear, Sir Woodstock of Hug members, this time Tommy Tomato, Snowy & Bruge' - then, I found this small glass, a holiday gift from a childhood friend which shows Austrian flowers, and the beaded detail on my rather gaudy Christmas Cardigan also fits the RED, WHITE & BLUE bill...

It was then, off into town for further inspiration!

The city of Dreamingspires insignia spotted in the Town Hall's foyer, shows the Ox crossing the Ford [river]...

And, I've always admired, this stained glass detail above the Crabtree & Evelyn shop...
Now, when I listed this particular combination of colours, I said I was thinking along patriotic lines.
So, I had to find a Union Jack!

Whittard's window provided these very British looking tea-pots with matching teabags...

But, I finally found the actual flag, fluttering over the back entrance to the Covered Market...

The Celebration Cake Shop inside the said market, didn't provide me with a cake.

But, couldn't believe my luck!
What about these Footballers in their RED, WHITE & BLUE kit, waiting to decorate a cake...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week. If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that's fine.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
And, I will try to up-date throughout the day.
Next weeks colour - it's up to YOU - it's personal choice week!
You can post your own VERY, VERY favourite colour & its story!

Wine Glass Memories!

This is a post-script to the image I posted earlier for Little Buddy's Birthday!
I've visited Vancouver Island, Canada on many occasions - love it dearly!

Our last time there together was in June 2007.

It took us initially to Victoria, as I was keen to re-visit the wonderful, world famous Buchart Gardens, made from an exhausted limestone quarry...Upon leaving, Little Buddy & I passed a small vineyard, who's road side sign said "Tasting bar open!"

How could we resist?

We did not.
Church & State Wines, are a 25 acre winery, located on a hillside, overlooking the farmland of the Saanich Penisula.
They grow both Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris grapes on site...

We went in & tasted their three award winning reds!
The 2005 Pinot Noir - smoother less peppery than some; the 2005 Merlot - which was luscious but did need serious breathing time then to bring out out its true flavour potential; and the 2005 Syrah, [French style Shiraz] from their Saddle Ridge estate in the Okanagan.
The latter was our favourite.
It was rich in colour & flavour, loads of fruit, they said "plums & cherries" - whatever, it was excellent.

A bottle was purchased.

Along with a couple of quality designer goblets made especially for the vineyard - the wine deserved them!

It's one of these glasses, that's in my Wordless Wednesday photo, the views from our very favourite resort on the Island, it's @ Qualicum Beach, where we shared some wonderful times and wine.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Little Buddy!

Two fer Tuesday - Remembering Oscar!

28 May 2006 - 28 July 2007

Oscar was one of my very first blog friends along with WFT Jackson.

He was also, my very first Airedale love.

And, he & his Katy, were the very first 'virtual' blogland friends I met face to face.

Our get together was such a happy event.

We'd arranged to meet @ the dog friendly pub, the Tawny Owl.

I was a little late arriving due too flooded roads enroute to Swindon, so they were there before me.

But, I quickly spotted the handsome features of Oscar sitting in the gardens, even though he wasn't wearing one of his famous bandannas, as he had his car harness on.

We had drinks, sat out & got acquainted, in person that was.

And, when it started to drizzle with rain, Katy kindly invited me back to her & Oscars home for a further visit.

I left there, knowing I'd made two 'real' friends & we had planned to met again.

The darling boy was just as his blog depicts - lovely & funny & friendly & impeccably well behaved as befitting a Gold Obedience Award winner.

Hence, his sudden, tragic death, exactly one week later came as a great shock.

I cried as if Oscar was mine & the then smaller Dogs With Blogs world was equally upset.

Even two years on, this saddest of days brings a tear to my eye.

I'll always remember him with affection.

And, smile when I recall his love of garden pruning, which he demonstrated for me...I'm sure he would be pleased to learn, my Airedale 'niece' Molly continues the tradition on!

Katy, of course now has Cassidy & Harry, but today I know who will be in her thoughts.
Oscar was a special boy and I hope he's running free & happy @ the Rainbow Bridge with my beloved Springer Hero & all our other lost but never forgotten pups!

Twofer is friend Jonna's meme & calls for two or pairs of photo's.

Stamps from OZ!

My weekly meme, 'True Colours Thursday' has brought me in contact with a range of new bloggers.

One is Angie in Australia, who once lived in Brighton, UK & like me, loves Postcards.

But, she goes one step further & makes her own cards, from stamps to send to friends.

Seeing her wonderful efforts on her blog, I asked to be the beneficiary of one of her OZ based ones.

It arrived today - even it's stamped envelope was wonderfully colourful.

Here they are together, per my scanner...It suggests to me, that Australia must have fancy stamps as standard, while here in the UK, we only have special issues.

So, responding like wise will take considerable time.

I think I will be back in Brighton sooner!

But, she did say, thankfully - she would be happy with one from there!

Anyway, Thanks Angie, your card brightened my other wise dull day.

Monday's Monochrome - The Garden Gate!

This is the rather imposing gated entrance to the Universities Botanic Garden, that I visited on Saturday...

Aileni's site for dedicated Monochrome Maniacs is HERE!

Camera Critters Sunday - Boulin!

It's amazingly, a year today, since I bid good-bye to good next door neighbours Aria & the Animator - he was my 'hero' when I broke my wrist wrestling with my Buddleia/Butterfly Bush in '07 - see the post "Opps!" if curious.

They had decided to return to London living as, the Animators computer graphic film company is based there, and his daily commute to the capital was taking its toll on their family life.

Unable to sell their house in the uncertain financial climate, they 'Let' it to friends.
However, before leaving, they held a final 'Open House'.

Everything was packed, boxes were tables, the wine glasses were plastic, apart from the champagne flutes they borrowed from me; the Italian nibbles were on paper plates but the atmosphere was lively & relaxed.

There was wine a plenty, & the promised bubbly for a farewell toast.

I met my new neighbours, who I've infrequently seen ever since.

In all it was a enjoyable event, if tinged with sadness.

They were a lovely couple & their two children were, well acceptable - LOL!

Promises were made to keep in touch but they have busy new lives.

But, who, I do I really miss the most after their departure?

Not them, but Boulin - their perfect, friendly Ginger pussycat..She was a sweetheart who spent a lot of time with me.

My natural, wild garden was a heaven to her.

A sanctuary from her two young boisterous human siblings tautings.

She waved her paw in greeting every time & purred endlessly...

We even picked my Lavender together one year...

Camera Critters is Misty Dawn's creation, the blog is HERE!

Color Carnival & Todays Flowers - A Summer Garden Visit!

This morning, with that rare phenomena this Summer, a bright yellow ball, glowing high in a clear blue sky, I took myself off to Dreamingspires historic University's Botanical Garden.
They're the oldest in the country, and I have a visitors 'Season Ticket' that this year, is getting little to no use!
The original walled Garden was established, along the banks of River Cherwell, that feeds into the Isis/Thames, three hundred & eighty eight years ago, in 1621, as a 'Physic' garden to aid research into the medical benefits of plants - the belief being that if God gave the ills, he would also provide the cure in nature!
Now, over 7,000 species of 'Flora' are grown in colourful formal borders or informal beds within its now enlarged domain...The oldest tree on site is a Yew planted in 1645!
But, the most ancient species present is this, the 'Ginkgo Biloba' - Maidenhair Tree; it's a sort of living green fossil being one of the oldest trees forms on Earth today...There's seven glasshouses, housing all manor of tropical cacti, lilies, palms, fruits & spices.
This, the Water Lily house with Magdelan College's tower in back ground, was built in 1851...To grow the Victoria Cruziana, with it's large round 'pie dish' like leaves that are strong enough to support a child, in...
No matter what the season, there's nearly always something fresh to see.
The blue Convulvia 'Bindweed' is new to me, despite having the wild invasive White blooming freely in my garden...The red Hot Peppers by the conservatory were still showing fire, mine are long burnt out...It was lovely to see pink Oriental Lillies not in a Supermarket bouquet of flowers...And, there was a wealth of other colour too, but forgotten to note the names of these two individual blooms as I snapped away...As ever it was a lovely tranquil visit.

Then, I came home to my personal wilderness, loosely called a garden - no photo's, just too ashamed!

And, guess what, it's thundering as I post!

Martha is the creator & host of Color Carnival, that just requires a colourful photo.
Today's Flowers - self explanatory, was created by Luiz Santilli Jr.

Saturday Photo Hunters - Utensils!

Having baked cakes for a living, 'once upon a time' I have a kitchen still full of utensils.
So, was spoilt for choice re host tnchicks prompt this week.
But, in my world now, after a knife, there is only one other utensil, I can NOT live without...

The 'Final' Peril of Solitary Living!

Most lunch times, while I have my 'soup & sandwich', I listen to the radio - BBC Radio 4 by choice.
Today, I caught 'Face the Facts', a documentary programme, that was taking a disturbing look at the rising number of deaths, never discovered till long after their event, and where the Local Authorities have, had to bury the remains as there was no on else to do it.
Morbid listening but fascinating!
Each year, a thousand or more, and it's an ever increasing number, of lost souls in the UK, lie dead in their own homes - from, anything from 5 weeks to 2 years - even 5 years as in a recent Edinburgh incident - before being discovered!!!
They had no immediate family, few friends, no close neighbours and had slipped under the Social Service systems net.
No cared, let alone missed them.
It sounded all too familiar/possible to me!
The saddest cases, I thought, were those who had kin who didn't give a dam!
I believe, it's a fact of modern life now, that many of us, who live alone, live lives that will end that way!
Once upon a time here, the Milkman delivered a daily pinta & noticed things, now we buy from Supermarkets.
The Postman/Lady changes weekly - the Electric/Gas meter reader calls once a year!
As one, who is a confirmed Solitary by choice, it could very well happen to me.
To be honest, I suspect it will, hence the broadcast striking a cord & this post.
The programmes consensus was, that those living alone should organise a daily call from someone!
I, laughed - such as who???
Besides which, the likes of me, like our privacy far too much.
I'd, in fact, personally consider it an invasion of my life.
And anyway, I frequently don't take my telephone calls - LOL!
Little Buddy, if he repeatedly received no answer to his, would probably just think I was in a strop with him!
And although, Pussycat Paul is a good neighbour & friend, we can go weeks without any contact.
So, that's why I see & understand how many individuals can passing away quietly, quite unnoticed.
Sad, but possibly a personal decision to be respected in some cases!
Now, I know that is highly controversial as a dead corpse rotting away unattended is not good.
If it's a case of neglect as most are, of the Health Care Services - well, I worry too!
But, some of us, have a right to choose how we live our lives & die!
I do for one.
Re me - I guess, as long as I keep blogging - I'm still here!
It is certainly the likes of BJ and other close blog friends that would notice my absence first!
So, I promise, if I need a break I'll tell!

Postscript on 25 July @ 7am.
Just discovered when I originally published this, I had inadvertently, opted not to accept Comments!
Fate taking a hand.

Sky Watch Friday - Strips & Clouds!

The one good thing about all the recent rain is it's been excellent for grass!!!
It is growing & growing & growing, and looking lush & very green!
Now, my lawn will never, ever, ever have strips in it.
The thought is laughable!
But, the playing fields of Univercity College certainly do.
Taken, last month, because I just loved this Summer sky above them...For those brave enough, to visit the now crowded skies of SkyWatch, the site is HERE!

The Male Heart versus the Female One!

A joke heard minutes ago, on TV, that amused me greatly!
It is another wet afternoon here, hence watching!

A family have a member, seriously ill with memory disorders.
The Doctors, after much consultation conclude, the only answer is a brain transplant.
The surgery will be free but the brain must be paid for.
The family ask the important question - 'How much?'
The Surgeon replies - £2000 for a male brain & £200 for a female one.
Silence falls.
Then, the men in the family can't help but start to smirk.
Finally, a daughter, plucks up her courage & enquires why the huge difference in cost?
The sheepish response...
'It's general practice. We have to reduce well USED organs!'

No offence meant to male readers.
Then I think, Aileni & Little Buddy are the only ones I have and I know they have a sense of humour!

True Colours Thursday - EMERALD!

Being a May/Taurus birthday girl, like my good friend BJ, EMERALD, as in the gem, is our birthstone, yet I for one, have no genuine jewellery, since I prefer Diamonds & Sapphire's - LOL!
However, from my days running for absentee owners, an alternative/Celtic/New Age gift shop called 'Otherworld', I do own a small raw piece of the real thing.
Yes, this unprepossessing green rock is, if poor quality, an uncut EMERALD...And, in the world of crystal healing & magic, it represents love & harmony, stimulates positive actions, wards off negativity, enhances spiritual insight and the ability to remember dreams!
Maybe, we all need a little EMERALD in out lives!

On the 'fake' front, this Seahorse is one of many striking & loved Attwwood & Sawyer broaches set with Swarovski crystals, that Little Buddy has given me over the years...These fun figurines are of Canadian 'Mountain Blue Pottery'!
However, to my eyes, their glaze has always appeared EMERALD green...Guess they are now, 'collectibles' as the Ontario based company ceased trading after 57 years in 2004!
On the 'Window Shopping' about town front, I found a simple but stylish dress...And, EMERALD painted window shutters above B. H. Blackwell's famous bookstore in Broad Street - as you might guess the image was not taken this month but in February no less...
Now, a Peacock certainly has EMERALD in its tail feathers as this one shows...So, what about a glittering Peacock on a celebration cake...The 'Odd Shot' cake frame I saw on Monday still remains empty!

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week. If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that's fine.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
And, I will try to up-date throughout the day.
Next weeks colour - RED, WHITE & BLUE, together, am feeling patriotic!

Wordless Wednesday - Days for Ducklings!

A Postcard from JR Territory!

From the late 1970's, through the Eighties I watched every week on TV the eventful life of the Ewing family.
The show 'Dallas' & the Southfork Ranch, Texas - were as familiar to me as any UK soap opera was.
It's hard to believe the exploits of JR, Sue-Ellen, Bobby Ewing & co, filled the small screen for 13 years & 365 episodes!
But, they did & I remember them all well - the conniving of JR, his 'shootings', the power dressing of Sue Ellen, the Bobby 'shower incident', the many complicated love affairs - guess, I'm a sad case!
So, was thrilled when my friend BJ with her family Marigold & Pansy, on their recent trip to Dallas, the city to see friend Cee Cee, another blog contact - revisited again the homestead where the series was filmed & she, BJ posted about HERE!
Receiving this postcard from all four of them this very morning, was the icing on the cake...It's especially sweet, as we all plan - well, certainly hope too, meet in the city of Dallas next year, when they, will just have to repeat the Southfork tour for 'little old me'!

Two fer Tuesday - Fresh Garden Produce!

Last Saturday as I've already said was the only fine bright day in a while & still is, as the heavy, showers continue unabated!
I know... I'm becoming a weather bore here!
But, July was once the month for the best sunshine - sadly no longer.
So, it wasn't just the 'Mamma Mia' film showing that was fortunate with our poor Summer weather the other day.
I'd almost forgotten about this morning event, till it was nearly over...
Cowmead Allotments, just down the road from me, is land owned by the City Council; they rent it out in plots, large & small to local residents to grow their own vegetables on.
It's not for 'non- green' fingered me.
Even, though, a few fond memories of my Father relate to his allotment produce!
He was a good gardener - will never fault him on that.
However, he did 'Market' his best produce, leaving the rejects/runts/tough for Mother & I.
I use to steal up to his allotment to take young Peas, Beans, 'mark' Marrows & the rest - the rows were worth it, as 'We' his family, were never the beneficiaries of sales, as the proceeds went on the 'Horses' ie betting!

Sorry, drifting here!
Back to the present!
Last year they, the Gardeners held a single 'Open Day' in September.
It proved so successful, this Saturdays was just the first of three openings - one each month.
The idea really is about encouraging new folks to take up vacant or over-run plots.
But, all were welcome to take a look around the allotments.
And, best of all for me, they have surplus produce stall, they even only ask for contributions!
As I was very late in the day this time, my pickings were small...But, the early Cherry Tomato's grown in a tiny greenhouse on one plot were particularly sweet.
And, as Pussycat Paul had given me Spring/Salad Onions & Parsley from his back garden, I did a Courgette [Zucchini] stir-fry to go with a herb omelette for supper...The fresh Beetroot, & Carrots I'm using shredded in salads for maximum taste & texture.
Can't wait for the August event, when I will be there early with basket or two for my produce.

Twofer is friends Jonna's easy-peasy meme!
All you need is a two or pairs of images - the subject is yours!

Odd Shot Monday - The Cake Frame!

I didn't have an Odd Shot post for this week till earlier today.
Then, went into the Covered Market to check out the Celebration Cake Shop's window - I do every time I'm in town.
And, what I found was this rather strange looking metal structure...Instructions suggest three tiers of cake are to go inside it!
I can't wait to see the finished, fully decorated result!
Will look in again later in the week & report back.

Odd shots home & host is Katney's Kaboodle.

A Monday Monochrome - Boaters needed!

This month has seen little activity on the River Isis in the form of small craft.
Usually @ the weekend, all the punts & rowing boats @ Folly Bridge would be out, with prospective customers lined up, awaiting a turn to enjoy an hour or so on Dreamingspires interwining waterways.
Yesterday it was the boats waiting to be hired...
Monochrome Maniacs is Aleni's project.

Camera Critters Sunday and Today's Flowers - Busy Bees!

The bees were quick to enjoy yesterdays brief respite from the rain...
Camera Critters is Misty Dawn's creation, the dedicated blog is HERE!
Today's Flowers was created by Luiz Santilli Jr.

And, the weather did stay fine for last nights outdoor film screening in the park of 'Mamma Mia'.

Regrettably, the attendance was pitifully small - even, so only recognised a few locals.

I didn't take along my camera, as didn't want to draw attention to solitary me by taking photo's.

The show went off without a hitch & was as enjoyable as ever.

But, I was rather chilly by the time I'd returned home due to rising damp, as the lawns were decidedly soggy underfoot.

Happy Birthday Twins!

Last Wednesday, I recognised my Prairieland Cousin Lucy-Lu's 92nd Birthday!

She is my late Fathers first cousin, so is my second cousin!!!

Today is her twin grandchildren Birdling & Peterpan's Birthday.

That makes them, my - 4 times removed/generation cousins!!!

The family connection is now getting pretty thin, especially as the Atlantic Ocean separates us.

Miss Birdling, is a talented, creative theatre costume designer based in Toronto...

Master Peterpan, a travel loving 'happy go lucky' chef, now in Vancouver for the Winter Olympic Games of 2010, who will rustle up breakfast for a roof over his head & boy, are the ones he does good...

I wish you both well.

Love & Birthday Greetings Birdling & Peterpan!