Helen Monkton

Helen of Asissi

Today I have performed a good service. I rescued a blackbird who'd got themselves tangled up in the netting meant to protect our redcurrants from said birdies.

Poor little thing had obviously stuck its head through the netting hoping for a lovely juicy currant, and then got stuck. I bravely grabbed the flapping bird as it looked at me with huge eyes and carefully cut the net (sorry Dad) to let him go free. I don't know who was more nervous, I've never held a wild bird before.

Phew... that's enough for a morning!

Heel!

Missy may be adorable, but she certainly displays all the attributes of a small toddler when you try to take her out controlled by a lead! Today was day 2 of 'WALKIES' of said pup, and although better (marginally), her and I have still got a long way to go!!!

Gradients and Gardening

I can't put Carla's account of our walking trip yesterday any better, so please read hers!
Standing in the middle of nowhere in the Downs reminded me how much I love a good walk, and that it's equally enjoyable alone or with a whole crowd.
Not content with the fresh air of yesterday I wrapped up like a Michlein Man today and started drawing up plans for the chicken run in the garden. Spurred by drawing, Dad and I began to clear the area designated for our new flock (well if you can call 2 a flock). It's taking shape. All I have to do now is repair the old rabbit hutch and build a run. New skills to me, but it's a challenge!

Charity Begins in Chichester!

Since deciding to commit to buying clothes that were predominantly ethical, organic and otherwise good for the planet and people whenever possible, I have noticed that shopping is not as fun as it used to be. Going into each store is a mission and I wander round looking at all the labels and casting them aside with a sigh when a 'made in Bangladesh' sign faces me. But yesterday was different...

Birthday

Well, I'm halfway through the celebration of my naissance. And so far, I'm having a lovely day. Relaxed and enjoyable. Unwrapping gifts over coffee before heading to one of my favourite coffee shops for a light lunch, joined by Sam and Carla. This evening I am off for quiet drinks in town.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. I always struggle to enjoy my birthday due to its proximity to Christmas, but I have to say, the last couple of years, things have improved. I think, and more likely, my attitude has changed and I don't get so wound up about it.

I have also decided to have an un-birthday in June when the weather is better! It's an idea that I have often considered and with the encouragement of a friend, I decided to do it this year. Celebrate a little on the actual day and then do fun stuff later! At the moment I'm wanting to do a high ropes course called 'go ape' (www.goape.co.uk) My brother's been there before and said it was a lot of fun. Sounds good to me, so start saving the £25 now dear friends!

Maybe birthday's aren't so bad...

The Conversion

I know, I know, long time no post.

My excuse...

I have joined the dark (or light, depending on your pespective!) side of life and got myself a shiny new Mac.

Ohhh, it's so shiny and pretty...

The Apple Store in Southampton were lovely. I booked a personal shopping appointment and it was well worth it, as they spent 1 1/2 hours taking me through the features of the operating system and programs before even showing me the machines themselves. Customer service is very high on my 'will I buy from you or not' list, and they won through. I was impressed. Let's see if the live up to that when I take back the .mac that i really didn't need!

I know some of you will now be feeling a sense of betrayal at my conversion, but fear not, I am the same person. Some may even offer their congratulations. (Carla was stupidly excited as I opened the box for the first time!) Now as Charlotte, Carla and I sit adoring the dining table or couch we can match!

I could go on about their prettiness, sleek design, blah, blah but suffice to say, so far, we are very happy together!

Period Drama

I have been thorough surrounded by period drama in a variety of forms in the last few days. I have gone from Dikensian London to stately granduer finally rounded off by Austen's Country. I am thoroughly cultured.

Baking Days

Dried fruit...check

almonds...check

cherries... check

apples... err, mum can you pick some up?!

Tis the Season.

It's officially the run up to Christmas. For me, as well as the opening of the advent calendar (which I incedently don't have!) Christmas has truely arrived when I get to put up the decorations at the theatre. It's a sort of annual ritual that is approached in earnest the Sunday before the Christmas Concerts begin. I think it's the sheer scale of them that makes it fun. It's slightly grander to decorate an 8 metre tree freshly cut from the Goodwood Estate that a plastic one that's been gathering dust in a box for a year.

Last year we got new, lethal looking star decorations (lethal if they happen to 'accidently' descend from the sky onto the unsuspecting/grouchy patron) They are very pretty, but have to be assembled by us and attached by men who have qualifications allowing them to ascent ladders (Honestly, health and safety!) They do let us on ladders to put the lametta in the tree however, and the picture is just to prove that Did do some work!

They didn't let me put my cheesy christmas CD on though. I'll have to play it a few extra times whilst making the cake and mincemeat to make up for it!

Pause.

I feel like I hit the pause button at the end of the 24-7 reception last week and it's only now that I feel like taking it off.

The event itself felt, well for me anyway, very calm. I didn't get stressed and managed to see that everything came right in the end. I think it was 'successful' and I'm just glad that a lot of hard work from many people was appreciated by all who came.

I took a rain check on the swimming gala I was meant to be in on Saturday. I really hate backing out of commitments, but just don't think my body would have coped with a sweltering hot pool and a few fast lengths. While I felt really guilty for not being there for my other team mates, I decided that health and general well being had to come first... maybe I have learnt something in the past few years!