LADY BANANA

Winter Trees [Flickr]

LadyBanana — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:58:29 PST

LadyBanana posted a photo:

I Did A Bad Thing With "Sunny Smiles"

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Back in the 60's and early 70's I went to a Methodist Sunday school.

Every so often we were issued with a little booklet, about 2 inches square as far as I remember.

This booklet contained tear-out photos of little African children which we were asked to sell for a charity - no idea what charity it was though.

I loved these photos, I used to look at them and try to imagine what kind of world they lived in, how amazing it must be to have a skin so dark, how beautiful they were.

Let me explain, I was growing up in a small market town in Oxfordshire and had NEVER set eyes on a black person at that stage.

I hated selling the photos, I wanted to keep them all for myself. I had no money to pay for them all though. So, after selling maybe 2 or 3 I couldn't bear to part with anymore.

So I pretended I had lost the booklet and had not sold any, I kept the rest of the photos and BAD BAD me kept the few pennies I had sold the others for.

I felt terribly guilty, terrified I'd be found out and punished in some way, if not by my parents or the Sunday school teachers but by God himself.

As far as I know, I wasn't found out and I kept those photos in a secret box for a long time.

I have no idea what happened to them when I grew up though.

Anyone else remember these Sunny Smiles booklets?

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:20:00 +0000

I've been blogging for quite a few years now and I see such changes in blogging now.

Over the years I have amassed quite a collection of blogs in my Google Reader that I have enjoyed reading.

But I'm noticing less and less get updated these days - so many have fallen by the wayside, which is rather sad.

I'm guessing people have found better things to do in their lives than blog.

My life is much the same old boring routine as it was when I began.

Today I spent some time clicking the Next Blog button at the top of my blog in an attempt to find some new ones, but 95% of the blogs I landed on had not been updated in ages or were not English anyway.

This has thereby affected the number of people who visit/comment here, it doesn't matter that much, but it was nice when I had lots!!

Pinching Foods! [Flickr]

LadyBanana — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:05:39 PST

LadyBanana posted a photo:

Selfridges London [Flickr]

LadyBanana — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:26:30 PST

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New Bedding

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

I bought some new bedding which I think is lovely, it reminds me of Cath Kidston style, but it's from Primark and a fraction of the price!

Freddie seems to like it..

But funnily enough my partner says he doesn't like it, are flowers not manly enough?

photo-1 [Flickr]

LadyBanana — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:18:14 PST

LadyBanana posted a photo:

photo [Flickr]

LadyBanana — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:18:10 PST

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The Help - Kathryn Stockett

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:31:00 +0000

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book!

I never wanted it to finish as I felt these ladies, Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter were my friends and to finish would mean they would not be there to keep me company whenever I wanted.

So I took my time with it, even though at the same time I wanted find out what happened as quickly as possible.

This really is the best book I've read in a long time!

View all my reviews

Google Thinks I Am A Young Man!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +0000

Google thinks I'm a man aged between 25 -34.

The reasoning behind this is my interests, things I "Google" about.

It list's the following as my interests:

Arts & Entertainment - Music & Audio

Beauty & Fitness - Body Art

Computers & Electronics - Computer Security - Antivirus & Malware

Computers & Electronics - Software - Multimedia Software - Desktop Publishing

Computers & Electronics - Software - Multimedia Software - Photo & Video Software

Games

Shopping - Apparel - Casual Apparel - T-Shirts

Hmmm no sewing, cooking, shoes, fashion or make-up advice, so I must be a man, and a young one at that because us fuddy duddy over 50's couldn't possibly have such interests!

Funny eh!

Find out what Goggle thinks about you HERE

(If for some reason the link doesn't work for you in countries other than GB, then Google for "Google Ad Preferences")

Then scroll down to Demographics..

Worming Fun, or Not

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:57:00 +0000

I got a worming tablet for each of my 2 cats.

I was fairly negative that we'd be able to get them into the cats but my partner was sure we would - somehow.

Well, we tried wrapping them in meat and cheese, we tried opening their mouths to drop them into their throats, we tried crushing them and mixing them with food.

None of these ideas worked.

I'm going to have to get the real expensive stuff that goes on the back of the neck, which is also a bit of a battle, but one we usually win - just about!

Three Things That Made Me Smile Today

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:08:00 +0000

1. On Christmas Day I partly watched this beautiful ballet, I now own a copy on DVD and today I watched it in it's entirety! It's amazing!

2. This man was playing, very seriously, when a mobile phone went off - see his reaction!

3. My daughter who is currently away in St Lucia emailed me her phone number, so through the wonders of Skype I was able to make a reasonably priced call to her - it was lovely hearing her with the goat noises in the background. I so wish I was with her!

My View On The Benefits Cap

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

I don't often get too heated up about anything political, most of the time it's not worth it, but the benefits cap story has made me mad.

The Government wants to cap the yearly benefits to families with children at £26,000

Yep, £26,000!!!

I had no idea families on benefits got so much money! This is equivalent to earning £500 per week after tax!

For goodness sake, what am I doing going to work?!? I DO NOT earn that much. And before you say that amount is for families with several kids, I don't think my boss would kindly increase my wage just because I had kids.

I earn what I earn no matter how many kids would be in my family.

So it goes to prove it, living in the UK, having kids and not bothering to work is not a bad situation to be in at all.

You can't tell me kids living with that (benefits) income are in poverty!

What defines poverty in this country these days? Not being able to afford food/clothes or not being able to afford the latest smartphone/cigarettes/beer?

So yes, I wholeheartedly support the benefit cap!

What other country has such a generous benefits scheme?

Benefits Cap Explained

I Am A Rooster

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Being the Chinese New Year it made me wonder which animal I was.

So I looked HERE and found out I am a ROOSTER (have a look and see what you are)

So, taken from that site, this is what I am like, apparently! :)

The rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the rooster's crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. Another symbolic meaning the rooster carries is exorcising evil spirits. People used to worship ancestors and believed in fortune telling for a long time.

StrengthsRoosters are deep thinkers considered to be honest, bright, communicative, ambitious, capable and warm-hearted. They have strong self-respect and seldom rely on others. As most roosters are born pretty or handsome, they prefer to dress up. They have a quick mind and hot temper. They like to be busy and neat. Roosters are not reluctant to fall behind others and hate dawdlers.

WeaknessesThey might be enthusiastic about something quickly, but soon might be impassive. They are often a bit eccentric and have difficulty relating with others. They are critical and think they are always right. Like their fortunes, roosters' emotions swing from very high very slow. They can be positive but selfish, caustic and too outspoken. They are narrow-minded and vain. They probably refuse suggestions but would like to lecture others. If they can overcome their arrogance being sincerely in speaking, they will make more progress.

Horoscope and Numerology ElementsEarthly Branch of Birth Year: you 酉
Wu Xing (The Five Elements): jin (metal)
Yin Yang: yin
Auspicious Directions: west, southwest, northeast
Lucky Colors: golden, brown, brownish yellow, yellow; Avoid white green
Lucky Numbers: 7, 5, 8; Avoid: 3, 9, 1
Lucky Flowers: gladiola, impatiens, cockscomb
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: ox, dragon, snake; Avoid: rat, rabbit, dog

Fortune Foretelling in 2012Overview: Rooster people will get rid of the bad luck in the past rabbit year and gradually be on the approach of good omen in this dragon year. After the change of luck, roosters will have many good things happening.

Career: Their career will run smoothly this year and things are going fine to start their own business. They are likely to be helped by good friends, get recognition from the superiors and make promotions.
Wealth: Rooster people also have good luck in making money this year. A proper investment will meet with a satisfactory result.
Love: This year is especially good for rooster women’s love and marriage. Single roosters are likely to find their love, and for married people, they should know that their popularity may constitute a latent menace to their marriage stability.
Health: Beware the injuries caused by accidents.

Sometimes I Think It Would Be Fun To Have A Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:58:00 +0000

Sad End To Picnik

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:19:00 +0000

This is so sad...

I love playing around with the effects in Picnik, I can't believe it's closing - Google you disappoint me!

I know it says they are moving the editing tools to Google+ but I can't imagine it will be as good, PLUS I doubt if it will have the inbuilt integration with Flickr :(

EDIT: I have now found the Picnik style tools on Google+ it's called Creative Kit. They are very similar, BUT I don't want to have to upload my photos there to have to use these features!!

Weekend & Headache

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:08:00 +0000

At last it's the weekend.. I could actually cry with relief, it's been such a manic week!

Friday evening and now I have a headache - that's not fair :(

But you know what started it, walking behind a guy who was smoking. I accidentally got a whiff and straight away it seemed to hurt my head. It's not the first time this has happened to me either.

I'll have to start wearing a mask!

Hopefully a little relaxation will get rid of it and I can enjoy the next 2 days :)

Busy, Busy, Busy..

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:53:00 +0000

I don't mind being busy. It passes the time, it makes me feel good especially when I've achieved *stuff*

BUT just recently I seem to have been over busy, particularly at work.

Everyday more and more is piled on top of the already huge workload I have, so that I don't know what to do first and I never get to finish anything, which is very stressful.

There is no simple solution, I might have to speak to those higher up soon and work out what can be done as I can't go on like this for too much longer.

It is impacting on my homelife in many ways which is not nice as I need the energy to visit my little Grandson Jacob on my days off..

Just wish I could retire!

Miserable Monster

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

Today I'm a bit of a miserable monster..

A bit irritable, unsettled and tired.

I think the tired bit is the worst part as I don't know why, I've not been up silly late or anything. Must be just the busy hectic week I've just had catching up on me.

Wish I was one of those that could take a daytime nap, but alas, I bumble through the day being not much good for anything..

Here's hoping tomorrow will be better :)

Scramble With Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Scramble With Friends is a new game which like Hanging and Words With Friends is rather addictive.

There is a free version as well as a paid for one, so if you have an iPhone or iPad and fancy a game my user name is, no surprises, LadyBanana!

-Posted from a mobile device

-Posted from a mobile device

Today I Was...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:20:00 +0000

Babysitting!

Jacob, 11 days old, a photo by LadyBanana on Flickr.

St Lucia Project Update

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:14:00 +0000

Back in July last year I posted about my eldest daughter raising money for a project she was planning HERE

This is an update and thanks to all those that contributed.

Today her dream was realised as she left for St Lucia this morning.

I'm really going to miss her!

On the Gatwick Express!

Happy Birthday to....

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +0000

...ME!

Jacob, 4 Days Old...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Jacob 4 days old... a video by LadyBanana on Flickr.

I'm A Granny!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:11:00 +0000

I have a Grandson, born 1.1.2012 at 11:53pm. Weighs 9lb 3. Was the longest labour ever but all is well and he is beautiful :)

-Posted from a mobile device

Happy 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:58:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL

I've been a bit preoccupied to do a proper post, but hopefully it won't be long now till I can share some happy news. Regular visitors will know exactly what I am talking about! :)

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - Ballet

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:44:00 +0000

With all that's been going on I almost forgot about this beautiful ballet I (mostly) watched on Christmas Day. I say mostly as I was also chatting, cooking etc etc.

Since then I have found it on DVD, (I might ask for that for my birthday) and I've found out it is returning to the Royal Opera House in the spring 2012, (have to keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale!)

But for now there are snippets on YouTube:

No STUFF Is That Important!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Just look at the pictures in this news article in the Daily Mail

I just don't get it!

You will NEVER see me doing that, ever!

Were you out in the sales?

Embarrassing Inbetweeners!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:56:00 +0000

There hasn't been a lot of good stuff on TV over the Christmas period, so the other day we watched this - The Inbetweeners movie.

I must say I was quite shocked, it was certainly not a family film, and guess what, I was watching it with the family.

It was a tad embarrassing! It made some laugh, but it made me cringe. But, I must admit I stuck it out to the very end ;)

Still No Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Banana) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:11:00 +0000

So, Christmas Day has now been and gone, prezzies openend, good food consumed and everyone had a good day..

But there was one little person missing, my Grandbaby who still has not made an appearance!

Today, Boxing Day makes baby 11 days overdue. Never in any of our imaginations did we think we would have had the big day without him/her!

My DIL had an antenatal visit at the hospital Christmas Day morning just to check all is well, and it is.. so for now we continue to wait. but it cannot be much longer, it has to be this week even if it means induction.

I really feel for DIL though, she is very very tired, her poor ankles are swollen like tree trunks and I think she's had enough, she needs her body back and her baby in her arms. It's easy for us, making all the reassuring comments but it's clear to see she's now really feeling the strain of it all.

So come on little baby, we are all more than ready for you!!