Highlight this link below - click on it and turn up the volume!!!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=3274012619746&source=jl999
Well, here we are having survived yet another year, no matter, we have all walked down the path of 2011 that has led us to a new long and winding road known as 2012.
This has been a year of loss for some and a year of being ever so thankful for what we have accomplished. So grateful for our friends, old and new, they are the ones who help us keep our "chins up" when we feel so sure we are at our tethers-end; they do not criticize us - they love us in spite of ourselves - they comfort us when we have a tear in our eye, and giggle with us when we feel downright goofy. You know, my Mother had a wonderful expression "...ye never died o' Winter yet... ." and the longer I live the "righter" she was (please excuse the English). Then there's our families - I wouldn't change mine for the world. They love me for who I am, even if I do get up their noses - believe it or not, I do have my moments. So let me wish each and every one of you everything you are wishing for yourselves and families in this New Year and most of all, keep on being yourselves. Until next year, toodle pip, cheerio and all that jazz. Luv ya's, "Elizabeth" xox
Highlight this link below - Right Click on link, Click on Open Link - and turn up the volume!!!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=3259229529746&source=jl999
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
My Wee Pal "McTavish"
This past weekend has been very sad for the Gall Household, our wee dog, McTavish, who survived his sister Nessie by 15 months, and has been with us for 15 years+ 1 month, fought the good fight, however, he decided it was time for him to go be with Nessie, so on Saturday, 26th November at 11:15a.m. we said our final farewell, and as we expected, he took a great chunk of our hearts with him. I want to share a few thoughts as McTavish headed to "just this side of heaven to a place call Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bridge... . When McTavish decided it was time to go to sleep, he knew it was time to go Somewhere over the Rainbow Bridge to be with his sister Nessie. There are meadows and hills for Mac and all his family members before him and he and they are now all running around and playing. Healthy and free of the pains of growing old. There is plenty of food (perhaps even the chicken, lambs liver, rice, etc., that I prepared for him) fresh water and warm sunshine where he and all his pals are feeling comfortable and happy and once again young.
All his pals, McTavish included, who have been ill and old are restored to young, healthy puppies as we remember them when we first became their family caretakers. The wee guys are strong and full of life, except for one thing, I am not there to take care of him as I have for the past 15 years. I know he had to go and so does he know the ache he has left in my heart. McTavish is now running and playing with Nessie, Ginger, Kaiser, Tammy, Heather, Terry, Hotep, and the other doggies who have blessed my life. His sight is no longer dimmed, his limbs now once again strong and he is running, faster and faster towards me, his Mum. I have been spotted and when McTavish and I, and my other doggies finally meet, we cling and cuddle in a joyous reunion never again to be parted. Their wee kisses and happy sounds soothe my aching heart, and my hands, once again, caress their wee bodies and beloved heads. I gaze once again in to their trusting eyes and see their love and I know that I gave them the best life and love I could have given them - then we, together, cross The Rainbow Bridge together never again to be parted and absent from my heart.
Those of you who have had pets, doggies or cats, will know the pain I am feeling, however, life does go on. Again, time for me to say cheerio, toodle pips and what can I say... . Luv to all, "Liz" xox
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Trick or Treat... .
Hello and Happy Trick or Treating to all you Fabulous Bloganistas!!
How did Halloween Start???
Halloween was started thousands of years ago, by the Europeans. Read on to know more...
Thousands of years ago, there lived a tribe known as Celts in Ireland and in Northern France. The Celts were pre-Christians and worshiped "Nature". Their livelihood revolved around sowing and harvesting food crops.
In ancient times, winter was the season that was associated with hunger and death. Celts believed the last day of October marked the end of summer and November was the beginning of winter. So, they celebrated the eve of New Year on October 31, of each year, with a festival called "Samhain". This festival was presided by Celtic priests called Druids.
Celts also believed the spirits of the dead would visit them. Therefore, they left delicious food and drinks on the front porch for the spirits. With the spreading of Christianity, November 1st of every year, is celebrated as "All Saint’s Day". The eve of November 1st, is known as "All Hakkiwe’en" or "Halloween".
One of the primary reasons behind the Halloween celebration is the harvest festival. Warding off the evils, in many different ways, remains another important reason behind Halloween. Why do we celebrate Halloween would give you more information.
Often, we do things we are supposed to, without knowing why we do them. This commonly happens in case of celebrations, customs and old traditions. This is evident from the fact that many people celebrate this festival without knowing the history and origin of Halloween.
The colours of Halloween are Black and Orange - Black indicating the end of the year or season when the dark days of Winter come in, and Orange for harvesting.
Scottish Halloween Traditions
October is a time when the seasons change. In Scotland it is a time when the nights grow darker and the wind chill rises as its lamenting howls are heard throughout the countryside. Its also the month when the Celtic people of old Scotland marked the end of their calendar year. Halloween, which the Celts called Samhain and which translates as Summers end, is celebrated on October 31st. It signifies the close of the light half of the year and the beginning of the dark part. The months ahead would be cold and harsh, so on that night great feasts were held, and bonfires lit throughout the countryside.
Free the souls of the dead
Like many ancient festivals, Samhain continued with the coming of Christianity. November 1st was henceforth to be All Saints Day. The night before was Eve of All Saints Day, or the Eve of All Hallows. But while the name might have changed, old habits persisted. Halloween was a time when witches and warlocks might walk abroad, engaged in wicked practices. In many parts of Scotland it was customary to leave an empty chair and a plate of food for invisible guests. People believed that it was the night when the souls of the dead were set free to roam. They might come into their houses and eat at their tables. The hour before midnight was the witching hour when the departed returned. Silence was marked as the chimes of midnight rang out.
Its not hard to understand why, in Scotland of all places, Halloween continued to be important. Much of the nations history involves the supernatural. From the witches of Macbeth as imagined by William Shakespeare to the real burning of women, accused of working with the devil, in a rash of satanic trials during the seventeenth century. There is a special atmosphere in many parts of Scotland even to this day where, as daylight fades, the flames of Halloween bonfires show up ancient ramparts of castles and buildings where devilish deeds once may have been done.
From pagans to parties
Robert Burns, Scotland's greatest bard, wrote extensively of how ancient beliefs had survived well into the Christian era, as he twisted stories of witchcraft and the devil with the traditions kept alive during Halloween. What is remarkable is how so much of the pagan past persists to this day. Bonfires, which once were lit to scare away the undead, still illuminate the October sky. Lanterns, which in Scotland were always carved out of turnips (Rutabagas), are fashioned for the same purpose. Until recently trick or treat was unknown in Scotland. Instead children here dressed up in old clothes, blackened their faces or pretended to be evil spirits and went guising (guysing) The custom traces back to a time when it was thought that by disguising children in this way they would blend in with the spirits that went abroad that night. Any such child who approached a house would be given an offering to ward off evil. These days children who knock on their neighbours doors have to sing for their supper. Or tell stories for a gift of sweets or money.
Old customs and the modern world
Children's parties are still an important element of Halloween. One of the most popular games in Scotland is dookin' for apples, where bairns (children) put their hands behind their backs and with their mouths try and grab apples from a basin full of water.
Apple dookin usually follows on from the game of treacle scones. Here again the hands of the children are put behind their backs and sometimes they are also blindfolded. Participants are invited to bite a scone, covered in treacle, hanging from a rope. Messy faces are usually then washed in the apple basin!
As part of the Tweed Valley Forest Festival in November 2008, the town of Peebles set the world record for the most amount of people to dook for apples at one time.
So until next time, keep an eye out for those wee ghouls and goblins - cheerio, toodle pips and all that jazz. "E"
Like many ancient festivals, Samhain continued with the coming of Christianity. November 1st was henceforth to be All Saints Day. The night before was Eve of All Saints Day, or the Eve of All Hallows. But while the name might have changed, old habits persisted. Halloween was a time when witches and warlocks might walk abroad, engaged in wicked practices. In many parts of Scotland it was customary to leave an empty chair and a plate of food for invisible guests. People believed that it was the night when the souls of the dead were set free to roam. They might come into their houses and eat at their tables. The hour before midnight was the witching hour when the departed returned. Silence was marked as the chimes of midnight rang out.
Its not hard to understand why, in Scotland of all places, Halloween continued to be important. Much of the nations history involves the supernatural. From the witches of Macbeth as imagined by William Shakespeare to the real burning of women, accused of working with the devil, in a rash of satanic trials during the seventeenth century. There is a special atmosphere in many parts of Scotland even to this day where, as daylight fades, the flames of Halloween bonfires show up ancient ramparts of castles and buildings where devilish deeds once may have been done.
From pagans to parties
Robert Burns, Scotland's greatest bard, wrote extensively of how ancient beliefs had survived well into the Christian era, as he twisted stories of witchcraft and the devil with the traditions kept alive during Halloween. What is remarkable is how so much of the pagan past persists to this day. Bonfires, which once were lit to scare away the undead, still illuminate the October sky. Lanterns, which in Scotland were always carved out of turnips (Rutabagas), are fashioned for the same purpose. Until recently trick or treat was unknown in Scotland. Instead children here dressed up in old clothes, blackened their faces or pretended to be evil spirits and went guising (guysing) The custom traces back to a time when it was thought that by disguising children in this way they would blend in with the spirits that went abroad that night. Any such child who approached a house would be given an offering to ward off evil. These days children who knock on their neighbours doors have to sing for their supper. Or tell stories for a gift of sweets or money.
Old customs and the modern world
Children's parties are still an important element of Halloween. One of the most popular games in Scotland is dookin' for apples, where bairns (children) put their hands behind their backs and with their mouths try and grab apples from a basin full of water.
Apple dookin usually follows on from the game of treacle scones. Here again the hands of the children are put behind their backs and sometimes they are also blindfolded. Participants are invited to bite a scone, covered in treacle, hanging from a rope. Messy faces are usually then washed in the apple basin!
As part of the Tweed Valley Forest Festival in November 2008, the town of Peebles set the world record for the most amount of people to dook for apples at one time.
So until next time, keep an eye out for those wee ghouls and goblins - cheerio, toodle pips and all that jazz. "E"
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Happy Birthday to MacTavish!!!
Well, my dear Bloganistas, time to go get some polishing etc., done, yuk!!! Until next time, cheerio, toodle pips, adios and all that jazz. "E"
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Safety in Driving!!!
Hi to all you fabulous Bloganistas -- it's been a while since I was last on my page, however, this morning made me think, long and hard about today's events and that I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings with you on the safety of driving and our responsibilities, not only to ourselves but also to those other drivers who share the roads with us.
Bob and I were to meet our son, Robert, for breakfast this morning, as we do most Sundays around 10a.m. at Eat 'n Park. At 9.15a.m. the 'phone rang and it was Robert asking if he could meet us around 11a.m. since he was out on a call since 5a.m. My son, Robert, is a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Marshall Township a suburb North of Pittsburgh, PA. This was fine. He said he would explain when he saw us. Robert has been a Volunteer Fire Fighter since he was 16 years old - he will be 35 on the 24th of September. (That's him to the foreground at a different scene). At 5a.m. today, while travelling north on Interstate 79 at the Route 910 Overpass, a young man was doing a friend a favour and driving him home - the friend had drank too much last night, presumably at a party, and the boy wanted to make sure his friend made it home safely. Something went drastically wrong, because as the Good Samaritan's car drove under the Overpass, Fate stepped in and his car veered off the road over the centre median and collided with a large tanker truck heading south on I-79. No need to tell you what the outcome was except that the driver did not survive - he was 19 years of age... . By the way, the passenger who was not capable of driving, survived.
This really impacted me and I could only begin to imagine the horror, devastation and grief the poor Mother and Father and all his family and friends are now being forced to face and endure. Sometimes we forget that life itself, is like throwing a pebble in to a pond and we watch all the ripples reaching out, and out, and beyond. That's what a single life does, it touches, it reaches out creating ripples out and beyond the immediate life itself and we carry thoughts of that life forever.
So dear friends, please, when we are driving, be very aware of what is around us and let us give Thanks to those Special Men and Women who risk their own lives to save those in need. Do you know that VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS make up 70% of all Fire Fighters in America - so, a motto to drive by "Never Drive Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly".
Until we meet again, cheerio, toodle pips and all that jazz. Luv to all, "E"
Bob and I were to meet our son, Robert, for breakfast this morning, as we do most Sundays around 10a.m. at Eat 'n Park. At 9.15a.m. the 'phone rang and it was Robert asking if he could meet us around 11a.m. since he was out on a call since 5a.m. My son, Robert, is a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Marshall Township a suburb North of Pittsburgh, PA. This was fine. He said he would explain when he saw us. Robert has been a Volunteer Fire Fighter since he was 16 years old - he will be 35 on the 24th of September. (That's him to the foreground at a different scene). At 5a.m. today, while travelling north on Interstate 79 at the Route 910 Overpass, a young man was doing a friend a favour and driving him home - the friend had drank too much last night, presumably at a party, and the boy wanted to make sure his friend made it home safely. Something went drastically wrong, because as the Good Samaritan's car drove under the Overpass, Fate stepped in and his car veered off the road over the centre median and collided with a large tanker truck heading south on I-79. No need to tell you what the outcome was except that the driver did not survive - he was 19 years of age... . By the way, the passenger who was not capable of driving, survived. This really impacted me and I could only begin to imagine the horror, devastation and grief the poor Mother and Father and all his family and friends are now being forced to face and endure. Sometimes we forget that life itself, is like throwing a pebble in to a pond and we watch all the ripples reaching out, and out, and beyond. That's what a single life does, it touches, it reaches out creating ripples out and beyond the immediate life itself and we carry thoughts of that life forever.
So dear friends, please, when we are driving, be very aware of what is around us and let us give Thanks to those Special Men and Women who risk their own lives to save those in need. Do you know that VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS make up 70% of all Fire Fighters in America - so, a motto to drive by "Never Drive Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly".
Until we meet again, cheerio, toodle pips and all that jazz. Luv to all, "E"
Monday, August 1, 2011
Update etc.,
Gladys says "smile the fresh air is good for your teeth... ." actually Jack Bogut said that, no really. If any of you think Gladys and I look alike, smile-wise, hey, I, too have healthy teeth.
Good news is mine to share -- I had the Laser surgery on my right leg this past Thursday, 28th July, from prep time to me walking out the door (under my own steam) took less than an hour. It was no fun getting the 7 shots of Novocaine in my inner right thigh from knee to groin, however, it was fun watching the monitor and seeing what was going on - had to make sure the doctor knew what he was doing... . He was great and so were Penny and Leslie, the nurses. I had to apologize to them, I was so nervous I was nattering on like a Budgie in heat, Although I'm sure there are those out there who will tell you that is par for the course with me. I have to wear a surgical stocking (such a passion killer) until this Friday when I go back for another Ultra Sound - this is a giggle, I am not strong enough to get it over my foot and up my leg, so --- every morning Bob has to put it on my leg. As a wee reward today, I am baking him half a dozen Banana Nut Bread loafs (bake them in soup cans and they look so cute) as a little Thank You for his patience. Anyhoo, glad to say yours truly is well on the mend.
The weather here in The Burgh is still miserably hot and humid - last week we had such a deluge of rain that it stripped the blossoms off my lovely Pink Phlox and ripped the Petunias to shreds - and, with the weather being so hot, the next day the ground was parched again. Not looking forward to seeing my water bill this month.
I see the NFL Players have reached an agreement with the owners; perhaps they expect the fans who pay exorbitant money for tickets, to throw them a pity party!!! how would they have managed to survive without their $-millions in pay. James Harrison and Hines Ward of the Steelers apologized, on TV, Harrison for his "personal" comments about Geidel (spelling???) and Ward for his DUI, however, he did say he has been a stand-up-guy for the past 13 years. Did any of you notice that Mendenhall was not made to apologize to the Country for his unbelievable remarks about the attacks on the Twin Towers on 9/11 having being staged... . I guess the Rooneys are more interested in counting their Green Backs instead of honour and respect for the USA - Shame On Them.
Now that I have that off my chest I'll wait for the NHL to start in late Fall and cheer on Sydney Crosby. Time to get on with putting my leg up on a soft pillow (after baking the cakes that is) have to relax you know. So, until next time, Cheerio, Toodle Pips and all that Jazz "E"
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July Update... .
Here I am again -- been a while since I last put contents into my Blog. Have had a lot going on. I have been seeing doctors, specialists, etc., regarding my back and now my legs. Back fella said my 3rd and 5th Vertebrae in Spine are totally capoot, said the crippling pain in my legs are not emanating from the back, so he sent me to see a Vein Specialist -- had ultra-sound done today (not looking good) anyhoo, will be seeing him on Monday 11th and we can go from there...
Weather here in The Burgh is really hot, well, at least for me it is, (Polar Bears are my favourite animals) so I like it in the low to mid 70's. right now we are having high 80's mid 90's and the humidity level is a killer, of course, that's how it is in most of the States. Really shouldn't complain when you look at the Mid-West States with their floods etc.
Hey, if you like this plate, I have it for sale - send me an email and I'll send you information on it - selling for $35.00 plus shipping/handling makes a fabulous gift for birthday, anniversary, wedding etc., So send me an email at abritishaccent@gmail.com
Take care, cheerio, toodle pips, adios, and all that jazz... .
Luv to all, "E"
Monday, May 23, 2011
As time goes bye... .
Monday, May 23, 2011
As time goes bye... .
Well, let me tell you, yesterday the 22nd of May 2011 was my 40th Wedding Anniversary, yes, 40th... .
I need not explain to those of you who are/have been married or are in a relationship, how difficult it can be, and that is putting it mildly.
Yet, through all the tears and heartaches, there are the good, happy times that make up for all the rest. My son, Robert Edward, being the cream of the crop.
Bob and I went out for dinner to Peter's Place in Bridgedville, (many moons ago, Bob's Dad, Sam, did all the finished carpentry in the bar/lounge area) and we had a really lovely, dare I say Romantic Evening eating Gouda (or Houda as the Dutch say) Cheese Wheel wrapped in Panko Crumbs; Steak, Bob had his favourite medium rare Prime Rib, mine a New York Prime Cut medium (my favourite, except for Lobster from Fanad in Co. Donegal, Ireland - there is nothing on this Planet to come close to it) Johannesburg Riesling wine, and dessert, loved mine, it was an extra yummy Pecan ice cream ball smothered in Caramel Sauce and pure whipped cream, and Bob had his usual Peanut Butter Chiffon and Chocolate pie with oodles of whipped cream.
It was a lovely evening, so relaxing, and the waitress, Karen, brought two musical Teddy Bears to the table (Bride and Groom) playing "Love and Marriage" sung by Frank Sinatra - when people at the other tables heard this, they joined in (much to Bob's embarrassment, perhaps because I was singing right along with the other patrons and Teddy Bears.)
On Sunday morning we had a lazy start and believe it or not, the sun was shining, yeah, so we sat out on the front porch having our coffee, and me, my tea, and that is when I took these two picture of my Rhodedendrons that have just started to bloom and my front path showing the Rhoddys.
So, cheerio, toodle pips and and all that jazz for the time being -- Luv to you all, Elizabeth
Friday, May 6, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Many people come in and out of our lives, but never forget, we can only ever have one Mother - she is the woman who gave birth to us.
My Mum left this Earth on Boxing Day 2001, however, I speak with her every day - I miss her wise counsel, yet when I listen very carefully, I hear her speaking to me.
So ladies, my wish to you all this Mother's Day is to hug your children and thank them for making you A Mother.
To Mum,
Thanks for being you and making me who I am... .
Happy Mother's Day,
Love you always,
Your Daughter, Elizabeth xox
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Winter Skyes and Waiting for Spring... .
Recently the hard drive on my computer crashed so I have lost all my pics of the inventory for A British Accent (r) - once I get some new pics taken I will post a few new items here and perhaps you would like to make a purchase - the products are top-of-the-line quality and make the perfect gift for that special friend or for yourself. So, until the next time, enjoy and be happy. Here's two of the pics that survived - a Scottish Shetland wool handloomed sweater with an all-over pattern priced at $98.00 (Size Medium); and a handloomed 100% Cotton Knit in Navy with Winter White Bands and a Burgundy band on the sleeves priced at $80.00 (Size Large)
Monday, March 7, 2011
That time of year again!!!
Hello all you wonderful Bloganistas!!!
Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.
In the European Union, Summer Time begins and ends at 1:00 a.m. Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time). It begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October. In the EU, all time zones change at the same moment.
Just as sunflowers turn their heads to catch every sunbeam, so too have we discovered a simple way to get more from our sun.
evenings by moving our clocks an hour forward in the spring.
Yet, the implementation of Daylight Saving Time has been fraught with controversy since Benjamin Franklin conceived of the idea. Even today, regions and countries routinely change their approaches to Daylight Saving Time.
Most U.S. residents set their clocks one hour forward in spring and one hour back in fall. However, residents of Arizona and Hawaii—along with the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, among others—will do nothing. Those locales never deviated from standard time within their particular time zones.
So, now you have the low-down on this recurring event, the choice is yours, you can either wait until 2a.m. Sunday morning, the 13th, or, as millions of us do, perform the task as we go to bed on Saturday night the 12th - either way, Happy Spring to one and all... .
When we change our clocks
Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.In the European Union, Summer Time begins and ends at 1:00 a.m. Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time). It begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October. In the EU, all time zones change at the same moment.
> See more information about elsewhere in the world
Just as sunflowers turn their heads to catch every sunbeam, so too have we discovered a simple way to get more from our sun.evenings by moving our clocks an hour forward in the spring.
Yet, the implementation of Daylight Saving Time has been fraught with controversy since Benjamin Franklin conceived of the idea. Even today, regions and countries routinely change their approaches to Daylight Saving Time.
Most U.S. residents set their clocks one hour forward in spring and one hour back in fall. However, residents of Arizona and Hawaii—along with the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, among others—will do nothing. Those locales never deviated from standard time within their particular time zones.
So, now you have the low-down on this recurring event, the choice is yours, you can either wait until 2a.m. Sunday morning, the 13th, or, as millions of us do, perform the task as we go to bed on Saturday night the 12th - either way, Happy Spring to one and all... .
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Cyberspace Frustrations and more!!!
Hello all you fabulous Bloganistas,It has been some time since "Herself" has been in to my Blog, hope you all missed me as much as I missed all of you. Computer problems, serious, serious, hard drive crashed and all that jazz.
My cousin's daughter, Katrina, who lives in Scotland, gave birth to her third child, a boy, 7lbs.8oz. on the 23rd of January. I am glad to report that the Wee Man and Mum are both doing well - once I get a picture of Louis Charlie Bryant I will post his pic.
Finally got over the bronchial problem I had, so now I am back to Curves and huffing and puffing my way round the machines - each day is one closer to Spring, happy thoughts.
Valentine's Day is this Monday, so let me wish all of you a very Happy Day and remember to say I Love You to everyone you know, and then some.
My dear friend is having health problems at the moment, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers - she is such a kind, good hearted soul. I am lucky to be able to call her Friend.
Until I can get some more pictures, enjoy this "cool" one outside my front door.
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