Splish splash.....he was taking a bath!

I'm virtually sitting in the dark here and its only 4.30pm due to an oncoming thunderstorm. I've been watching the skyline this afternoon, like a child eagerly waiting for a sighting of Santa's sleigh. (Yeah...I know Christmas was so last year!) But it’s been quite humid for the past few days now and I really love to enjoy a good downpour when it’s been like that. Here comes the rumbling...and there goes Muffin....under the bed! 
I noticed in our office earlier a photo that's from our days living in Brunei. It shows my son having a fun time in the tropical rainstorm. (I hasten to add that there wasn't a thunderstorm at this time ~ not a good idea under an umbrella under trees!).
I can empathise completely with his sheer delight as I'm fighting the urge to go out and dance in the rain myself : D
Well it is still warm although that rain may not be.....He even got to wear blue wellies!

( Apologies for the quality of the photo because I had to take a photo of a photo...if you follow me?)

I really wasn't going to write about the rain or storm today but don't you find writing a post can take on a whole life of its own? I'm now trying to write one handed because Muffin made a dash from under the bed to under the table by my feet. She's shaking so I'm now holding her on my lap....it's such a shame.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, todays post...
I got a little shock myself yesterday when I checked the filter for the pool I opened the top and plunged my hand in to scoop a few leaves out that were floating....or so I thought, but one wasn't a leaf!
It was a furry wee beast!
Well actually after my initial jump (and I have to confess expletive) I couldn't find where he had disappeared to? Gone...vamoosh....no trace. I can be brave about these things but I just have to know where these little #@%&*$'s go, so I kept searching but to no avail.
I decided that he had just disappeared but then when I took the pool scoop to clear leaves off the water....LOOK!

I thought I wouldn't zoom in on the first photo just in case you're not fond of furry wee beasties.... but then I suppose I should have given you a warning first ~ whoops! Well I didn't get one either.

I have no idea how he got there because it was so far from where I'd seen him, although maybe I'd flung him without thinking when I realised it wasn't a leaf in my hand...it was warm and furry!

You have no idea of the 'shinanakins' that went on, as I tried to keep him here, captive whilst I ran to grab my camera. But he did seem to like the warm sun on his back and obviously needed to dry off.

I do hope he's not going to be a regular visitor ^..^ or bring all his brothers and sisters : $

Have fun day ~ and don't forget to smile : D

The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY, Wednesday 30th November 2011...

Outside my window...Its rather early in the morning and quite dark due to heavy thunderclouds rumbling by. There's a light drizzle too but the temperature is 16 degree's so the windows are wide open. It was 32 degree's yesterday so its very pleasant to be a little cooler.
Everything looks so much greener and lush with the rain.

I am thinking...how long will Muffin stay here before heading under the bed as each rumble comes closer? Like most pets she's not the bravest when there's a storm brewing.

I am thankful...for the first cuppa of the day that my OH always makes and brings to help start my day.

In the kitchen...I'm going to have a thrilling time cleaning out the fridge and freezer.Yay... I'm checking the jars and dates on everything... {I'm checking it twice ~ whoops sorry I got caught up in the moment}.....The Christmas prep work has started.

I am wearing...It should be my wellies {or gumboots} but as I haven't ventured outside yet I'm still barefooted.

I am creating...Ideas for decorating the house for Christmas. We've not had a Christmas in this new house so it's a clean sheet.

I am going...to get wet walking Muffin as soon as I post this. Needs must and all that!

I am wondering...how to make this Christmas special and join all the other wonderful memories.

I am reading...The Stephen Fry Chronicles ~ An Autobiography

Thirteen years ago, Moab is my Washpot, Stephen Fry’s autobiography of his early years, was published to rave reviews and was a huge bestseller. In those thirteen years since, Stephen Fry has moved into a completely new stratosphere, both as a public figure, and a private man. Now he is not just a multi-award-winning comedian and actor, but also an author, director and presenter. In January 2010, he was awarded the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards. Much loved by the public and his peers, Stephen Fry is one of the most influential cultural forces in the country. This dazzling memoir promises to be a courageously frank, honest and poignant read. It will detail some of the most turbulent and least well known years of his life with writing that will excite you, make you laugh uproariously, move you, inform you and, above all, surprise you.

About the Author...

Stephen Fry is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and director. He rose to fame alongside Hugh Laurie in A Bit of Fry and Laurie (which he co-wrote with Laurie) and Jeeves and Wooster, and was unforgettable as Captain Melchett in Blackadder. More recently he presented Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, his groundbreaking documentary on bipolar disorder, to huge critical acclaim. His legions of fans tune in to watch him host the popular quiz show QI each week.

I adore listening to Stephen Fry and always seem to learn something new every time. He uses such wonderful words that renders me spellbound. Strange but true.

I am hoping...that our magic Christmas Elf finds us in this new house. The Elf usually appears every year on the 1st December until Christmas Day when his job is done.

I am looking forward to...just over two weeks....YEEHA...my daughter will be arriving!!!! I know you're probably sick and tired of hearing it....BUT I'M EXCITED!

I am hearing...wow a huge thunder clap......that's it Muffy's disappeared. I just love thunderstorms. That is until it wipes out the Internet. Then I'm not a happy bunny.

Around the house...its quiet and peaceful other than the music playing quietly in the kitchen.

I am pondering...although I'd really like some chooks I think bee's might be more appropriate. We eat a staggering amount of honey in this house. I don't mind the idea and there are bountiful amounts of lavender, flowers and general pollen that I'm sure we could sustain quite a happy hive. The only trouble is I don't fancy dealing up close and personal with them. I'd need a volunteer to help and when I mentioned it at the breakfast table....as they say....some fell on stoney ground! They just like to eat it!

One of my favorite things...having my daughter join us so that all my chicks are in the one nest. Perfect.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I've got post to write and sort in order to reach the four corners of the world, so a trip to the Post Office will be required during the next week.
I've just been to the Dentist yesterday so that's one good tick off my list.
I've also got to shop obviously to round up more pressies and essentials to help with the celebrations.
I'm probably missing lots more but my minds a little fuzzy....need a cuppa I think to help clear it.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:
This photo was taken when we lived in Brunei. If you think you're having a tough day....think again!
The team of ladies ~ yes woman, would walk along the sungi and dredge. Clearing all the debris and plants blocking the drains dug on each side of the road to allow the tropical rain to run off the road and drain away quickly. It was a never ending job with unbelievable temperatures.
I'm not sure what the function of the guy standing to the side was...but he never seemed to get his feet wet!!!

Brunei

I have to smile to myself because my husband used to say to our daughter, if you don't do your school work you could end up doing a job like that. Does that constitute to child abuse I wonder?

It worked though...she now has a Law Degree!

And that's it for this week . . . my day book. Don't forget to pop over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries : D

Sunshine and Showers.....

I spent most of today outside...you guessed it...a beautiful sunny day at last. It has been really quite cold lately, so it was good to get outside and do a little gardening with the sun warming me.
I had planned to tidy up the debris left from my trawl last weekend through the boxes of old photographs but as they say when the sun shines.....

Here's a glimpse of a few of the packets, albums and boxes.

How we managed to pay the mortgage on top of all this film developing...I wonder? I think the waiting for the processed results was traumatic too...sometimes days....can you imagine snapping something now and not seeing the results immediately? Sometimes by the time you went back to the shop to collect them, it was difficult to remember what you'd actually snapped!

As you can see...both Muffin and Zac aren't impressed that their play area is taken up by all this rubbish. They don't get to leave their toys lying around....shocking!

This photo is one that I've had in my mind to find for some time.

It goes under the heading 'Life in Brunei'

Gone are the days that my son volunteers to help in the garden.

Apologies for the quality....I just took a photo of the photo {if you get my drift} just to show you.

How cute....

And here's another from my memory bank....

Such sheer joy at being out in the tropical rainstorm. The temperature would be in the high 30's so what better way to cool down and have fun....

Now that's rain!!!

It's nearly the weekend {again} so remember to make the most of it and seize the moment.

Whether your wet or dry....

Enjoy ; D