Hilarious. Thanks to Lynda for this one!

A co-worker got a pen stuck inside our printer.

He started to try and remove the pen, but I told him "we don't have time for that now, just put a note on the printer telling folks not to use it and then report it to the Help Desk".

So he grabbed a piece of paper and scrawled on it. I left before he finished the note.

About 20 minutes later, one of my techs comes in laughing and says he was just in the lobby, saw a piece of paper on a printer and went to investigate. Attached is what he found.

Sometimes things don't always come out the way you want them to........

Politically Correct Holiday

If you want a great laugh visit Mike H's blog Postcards from Across the Pond for a wonderful poem. He really has a way with words. Worth a look folks!

Wisdom

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened
- Buddha

As with the Buddha's candle, your knowledge, wisdom, enthusiasm and happiness will never be decreased by sharing them with others. Quite the opposite: As you share your "light" then everyone, including yourself, will be better illuminated.

May I invite you to take a few minutes over the coming holiday period to reflect on how you have spread your light over the past year. More importantly, how are you going to pass it on even further in 2009?

The Cruise - thanks to Sue for this one...

The Cruise...DEAR DIARY DAY ONE I am all packed and ready to get on the cruise ship. I've packed all my pretty dresses andmake-up. I'm really excited.______________________________________________________
DEAR DIARY DAY TWO We spent the entire day at sea. It was beautiful and we sawsome whales and dolphins. What a wonderful vacation this has started to be. I met the Captain to day and he seems like a very nice man.______________________________________________________
DEAR DIARY DAY THREE I spent some time in thepool today. I also did some shuffleboarding and hit some golf balls off the deck. The Captain invited me to join him at his table for dinner. I felt honored and we had a wonderful time. He is a very attractive and attentive gentleman._____________________________________________________
DEAR DIARY DAY FOUR Went to the ship's casino did OK ... Won about $80. The Captain invited me to have dinner with him in his state room. We had a luxurious meal, complete with caviar and champagne. He asked me to stay the night but I declined. I told him there was no way I could be unfaithful to my husband_____________________________________________________
DEAR DIARY DAY FIVEWent back to the pool today and got a little sunburned. I decided to go to the piano bar and spend the rest of the day inside. The Captain saw me and bought me a couple of drinks. He really is a charming gentleman. He again asked me to visit him for the night and again I declined. He told me that if I didn't let him have his way with me he would sink the ship. I was appalled.___________________ __________________________________
DEAR DIARY DAY SIX I saved 1600 lives today...Twice.

A quiet day

After our hectic couple of days travelling to sporting fixtures we are having a quiet day in. The computer virus is still buried somewhere in my laptop, and it looks like we are going to have to get help getting it removed. Apparently it is a particularly vicious one. We have all the latest virus software but it has got in somehow.

I am having a good tidy up today. I am putting away all my lovely presents. I was really pleased with all of them. My favourite present was my Pandora bracelet. Other half bought it for me. I have a few charms on it. A jewelled football and small bejewelled cross from other half, a rugby ball from teenager and a teapot from my wonderful friend A. She and I like to drink tea together, so it is very fitting.

I will get teenager to take a picture with of it later.

I also got lots of Jo Malone stuff, and some Chanel face cream. Heaven.

Better get on with my jobs....

The fabulous Mr Jonny Wilkinson

You may have noticed that I haven't been on my blog since Christmas Eve. My laptop was attacked by a horrible parasite virus which kept telling me I had to pay $100 to solve it. This happened on Christmas day. Other half is still trying to sort it out for me.

Our desk top is in our guest room which was occupied..... I could have borrowed teenager's new laptop but he ( as you can imagine) was too busy with it. (He has now graciously offered it to me so I can do this entry). And...

...... we have been rather busy since I last posted. Other than a lovely Christmas day with wonderful food and wine, good fun and fab presents ( more about this later), we have been to two sporting fixtures.

On Boxing Day we went to see Wigan Athletic versus Newcastle United. We lost 2-1 but the atmosphere was good ( and at times extremely interesting...).

Today we went to see Newcastle Falcons versus Worcester Warriors. It was a 16-16 draw. Sigh.
We went corporate and had lunch there ( three course carvery and unlimited wine- lovely!). During lunch, guess who wandered in? See below...


I would walk a thousand miles to see that smile...


Jonny and teenager

Lakeland Jo with teenager. Can you see any likeness?

We had a great time. It was mum's Christmas present from other half and I and it was very jolly, especially with our lovely visitor. The match was very exciting- I wish we had won. Never mind- next time.

I hope everyone had lots of fun over Christmas. I hope I will be back on my own computer soon.

Christmas Eve

Teenager and Grandma have gone to bed.

Now the Christmas elves can get the stockings and present sacks filled up.

Carrots have been left out for reindeer and Santa has been left his usual snifter ( this year it's Bushmills Whiskey).

The kitchen is clean, clear and ready for chef in the morning.

Other half is looking forward to cooking his COPAS turkey ( which was so expensive securicor are here to guard it over night). Apparently the turkey spent its days in cherry orchards and meadows. I kid you not.

It had a better life than most of us according to the box.

SERVED AT FIVE O CLOCK....

The menu is

PINK CHAMPAGNE

TURKEY

ROAST PORK AND CRACKLING

APPLE SAUCE

CRANBERRY SAUCE

STUFFING

GRAVY

SAUSAGES ROLLED IN BACON ( pigs in blankets)

ROAST POTATOES

HARLEQUIN AND ACORN SQUASH

PARNSIPS

SPROUTS

CARROTS

CABBAGE

GRAVY

CHRISTMAS PUDDING

TRIFLE

CLOUDY BAY WINE

CHOICE OF FAB REDS

Happy Christmas everyone!

We Three Kings

Do you like my three kings? Photo taken by teenager.

It's a busy day for the three kings in our house today...

1. Collecting turkey and pork from butchers ( around seven miles away)
2. Get a new tyre for car ( yes- we had a flat ) -groan- why do these things always happen at Christmas
3. Final wrapping ( me -for other half)
4. Buying stuffings and vegetables, and lots of groceries which are missing from our cupboards.
5. Interflora -to send some festive flowers.
6. Delivering presents around the area- it's good to play Santa.
7. Having pals round for fizz and nibbles- can we start now?
8. Wine stocks for the festive season. I have got the white wine in already - lucky enough to find two bottles of Cloudy Bay. If you haven't had it, you are missing a real treat. We need red now...any suggestions
9. better get going....
   

No sniggering please

I found this great quiz on That British Woman's blog. Gill always has great ideas and interesting stuff to look at.

Anyway- it's a quiz asking how well you would survive another great depression. Click the link and try your luck.

I got 63% and the following comments:

"Even though you may not be expecting the worst, you're the type of person who prepares for the worst.You live a relatively modest life. You don't overspend, and you aren't very materialistic.You are also quite self sufficient and independent. You have many useful skills.You can take care of yourself and those you love... which is crucial to surviving another Great Depression. "

Before there is great mirth from all who know me well... the stuff in red is NOT CORRECT !!

I do have skills, but few ( any?) practical ones. I love bling and beautiful things, I am not a bit austere and love to spend. I crave luxury, being warm and comfortable, and being pampered. I am less indulgent than I was.... but not to the naked eye!!

I have lots of lovely practical, creative friends who can make things, build things, grow things and cook things. If there is another Great Depression I will move in with them, promising them that when it is all over, I will lend them my Louis Vuitton handbag anytime.

Mind you- I must have done something right to get a relatively high score of 63% and some nice ( but inaccurate comments).

How did you do?

http://www.chemoangels.net

I read about this on Leslie's blog, Flowers of Life. She blogs about an organisation called Chemo Angels.

I recommend you visit this site. What a wonderful idea.

When I had chemo and radiotherapy last year ( urggh!) a good friend of mine ( hello wonderful Sheila) sent me cards ( sometimes every day) and gifts ( lots of them- they were all lovely). It made such a difference and really cheered me up.

I also received cards and gifts from many people, both good friends and those more distant. They made a major impact on me and gave me massive encouragement. I will never throw them out ( and I am not usually a hoarder of cards etc).

Very inspiring!

BS wild life photography

http://bswildlifephotography.blogspot.com/

Please support a new blogger folks- my good friend BS who is a wonderful wildlife photographer, and new to the cyber world of blogging.

Enjoy the pictures!

Newcastle Falcons Rugby Christmas Quiz

Last night Teenager, Mum and I went to the Newcastle Falcons Christmas Quiz at Kingston Park. It is held every years for their young fans and their families.

The team turn out to spend time with the kids, and they make a real effort. Two players sit at each table, where the kids and the families are sitting. We do the quiz together and have good fun. They provide a lovely buffet and prizes.

All the players are really friendly and happy to pose for pictures. They are really supportive of the kids. Premiership clubs and their footballers could learn a lot from how they do it: a bit of respect and kindness to the young fans. (NUFC are you listening?)

Here is teenager with Ollie Phillips. He is one of the nicest fellows I have ever met. Cheerful, warm and happy to chat. He was delightful. A wonderful rugby player too.

A great night was had by all. The long drive in the dark and fog was worth it.

If other half doesn't object, a couple of rugby players in my Christmas stocking would suit me just fine?

I guess he would object. Shame.

You know it's nearly Christmas (in the Lakes) when....

Our Christmas tree. I love all the colours and it has lots of presents underneath.



Anyway- you know it's Christmas in the Lakes when:

1. Lakeland Jo is seen dashing down the path first thing on a dark icey morning to give the bin men their festive beer.


2. Lakeland Jo is leaving beer out on the doorstep for the milkman as well as empty milk bottles.


3. Lakland Jo is listening intently for postman to give him his festive treat, only to find its a temporary helper and not the usual man.


4. Lakeland Jo is missing M and S food ordering deadlines, and interflora deadlines.


5. Lakeland Jo is buying a large bottle of Baileys.


6. Windermere and Bowness are very very quiet- mainly locals in December.


7. I am stocking up on M and S stuffings in the freezer- they are lovely!


8. The heating is on all day if you are in the house


9. The lights are on all day if you are in the house


10. Lakeland Jo is seriously considering buying a light box to mitigate the impact of the interminable grey skies


11. Christmas tree lights, lovely shop windows and candles burning at night are a welcome sight in the perpetual gloom.


12. Teenager is eating his advent calendar over breakfast and counting down the days.

Now over to you, and thanks to Gill - That British Woman for the idea!

Monday Morning...

If you fancy cheering yourself up! ( Freezing fog here today so I do).

Visit Pamokc's blog called Capturing Life's moments and putting on Fairy Wings. There are some lovely pictures on there.

Spent a cosy day yesterday doing Christmas odds and ends. Teenager stayed indoors and helped out. He is a lot better now, but yesterday still didn't feel quite up to going out with his pals. I enjoyed having him with me.

I can't believe how much there is to do at Christmas. I have finished my cards, and did lots of present wrapping. I also did a little cupboard clearing. Always a good idea at this time of year, before all the presents coming flying in.

Today I am off to meet my favourite aunt and uncle for lunch. They live in York. We meet half way and exchange Christmas parcels. We are having a traditional festive turkey lunch at a pub called the Maypole at Long Preston. I will let you know what it is like!

Toon Army and the Falcons- two mighty victories

Hurray Hurray- wonderful success at sport for the North East today!

Portsmouth Nil

Newcastle United Three

Newcastle Falcons 21

Overmach CariParma 16

Excuse the indulgence- it is a long time since we had a lot to celebrate!

What a happy weekend for Geordie sports fans. I hope both teams keep up the good work over the festive season.