Views on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey , you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .. . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!' May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next state; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them , at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER : Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

OFFICIAL WORLD BLACK PUDDING THROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Many places in Britain have their traditional dishes,East Midlands have pork pies, London have jellied eels, Glasgow have battered mars bars, Yorkshire have the yorkshire pudding but Lancashire boasts, tripe, Eccles cakes, meat pies and Bury black puddings.
So this weekend we joined the conpetitors young and old from around the world, and the supporters for the annual black pudding throwing championships which takes place in Ramsbottom on the second Sunday of september each year.

As part of the tournament the the "Golden Grid" is transported from Bury town centre by steam train and once at Ramsbottom Station,
is carried up to Bridge Street to the skirl of
Scottish bagpipes, to be laid in the road next to the wall which the Yorkshire puddings are mounted from a wooden platform 20 feet up.

So with one foot on the golden grid you throw a 6oz Black pudding underarm that is, and with 3 attemps to dislodge as many yorkshire puddings you can.

To claim the World Championship Crown which went to a guy called Adam who managed to knock 5 down.

This tradition has been going for 150 years and it's thought that contest is a revival of clashes between people of Lancashire and people from Yorkshire, during which Lancastrians hurled black pudding at the counterparts from Yorkshire pudding county.

And just for anyone still in the dark, Black pudding is a Bury delicacy and a type of sausage consisting of congealed pigs blood, fat and rusk, encased in a length of intestine, hmm, Yummy!

© Copyright Tina Kay 2009

La Princesse Invites Herself To Capital Of Culture

Took a trip to Liverpool but was'nt expecting to bump into a giant spider (La Princesse) hanging from the side of the Concourse Tower as we came out of Lime St Station.






The mechanical spider weighs 37 tons, stands 50 feet high and she will be crawling her way to different locations around the city, I will be honest and say, "I can't stand the horrible 8 legged freaks but what an amazing piece of walking artwork to invade Liverpool".






Also visted the Conservation Centre where you can reveal the hidden story of objects such as how an Egyptian mummy can be examined without being touched, how lasers are used to remove the dirt that damages objects and you can even have a go at rebuilding a broken statue,but my high-light of the day had to be the Maritime Museum.






You can explore the facts and legends behind 3 tragedies that shook the world, Titanic, Lusitania and the forgotten Empress. Also immerse yourself in stories of bravery, rebellion, historical and contemporary aspects of slavery and the slave trade which I found moving at times but also you see the achievements too.

Went around Albert Dock saw a few tall ships then into the Tate Gallery, "hmm, yes I know it's modern art and some of it's interesting and I was impressed, but I also found some of the work very disturbing to say the least,Oh and bumped into Billy Fury and super lamb banana".

© Copyright Tina Kay 2008

The Mancunian Way

Been a very packed week from Yum Yum Restaurants, Sex in the city, Dancing the night away, Drinking, Gambling(lol) & taking photographs.

And what a place to start the Lowry, which is set in a magnificent waterside location at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays in Greater Manchester.





The lowry is an architectural flagship with a unique & dynamic identity, rising from the regenerated docklands, it is a welcoming building designed to reflect the surrounding landscapes & flourishing waterways of the Manchester ship canal in it's glass & metallic surfaces.

The Lowry also has the biggest public collection of paintings & drawing by the man himself, L.S.Lowry. Some of his pictures on show did surprise me since they don't conform to the stereotypical view of Lowry's work, it's a "must see" & breathtaking destination.





Other photo's include the Lowry bridge that links the Lowry Centre & the Imperial War Museum, The urbis, The Wheel Of Manchester,"Who needs the London eye when you have this", & Chester, Oyez,Oyez,Oyez.

MATCH STALK MEN AND MATCHSTALK CATS AND DOGS

He painted Salford's smokey tops
On cardboard boxes from the shops
And parts of ancoats where I used to play
I'm sure he once walked down our street
Cause he painted kids who had nowt on their feet
The clothes we wore had all see better days
Now they said his works of art were dull
No room all round the walls are full
But Lowry didn't care much anyway
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And matchstalk men in boots and clogs
And Lowry said that's just the way they'll stay

And he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them factory gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs

Now canvas and brushes were wearing thin
When London started calling him
To come on down and wear the old flat cap
They said tell us all about your ways
And all about them Salford days
Is it true you're just an ordinary chap

And he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them factory gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs

Now Lowry's hang upon the wall
Beside the greatest of them all
And even the Mona Lisa takes a bow
This tired old man with hair like snow
Told northern folk its time to go
The fever came and the good lord mopped his brow

And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

Flying High

Most people when they think of kite flying, it's the image of a child running through a field with the single line kite flapping in the air.

But kites have advanced as you can see from just some of the photo's I took at the festival. The kites with some of the largest in Europe, some measuring a staggering 20 metres across also giant shaped kites.

© Copyright Tina Kay 2008

Friendship/Soulmate

THERE is a very lovely word,
Whose letters number six.
It stands for someone who will help,
If you are in a fix.
Someone you can always trust,
In whom you can confide.
Whose loyalty will never swerve,
Of whom you speak with pride.
Whose presence is a blessing,
In times of stress or storm.
Who speaks such words of comfort,
So loving & so warm,
Whose every word is genuine.
That lovely word of letters six,

Can only be but "Friend".

There's warmth in the house when my friend comes,

It fills every part of my soul,

And loneliness leaves when my friend comes,

And the day is perfect and whole.

I never feel low when my friend comes,

Every moment is precious and sweet,

So here's to the next time when my friend comes.

Greek mythology – Originally humans were combined of four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces, but Zeus feared their power and split them all in half, condemning them to spending their lives searching for the other half to complete them.


Soulmate (or soul mate) is a term sometimes used to designate someone with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, friendship, love, intimacy, sexuality, and/or compatibility.

Lying in her arms that's where I want to be,safe in her embrace letting her love all of me,feeling skin on skin feeling the warmth within.
Feeling the softness of her flesh wishing we were'nt apart,lying in her arms that's where I want to be.Safe in her embrace letting her love flow over me. X

© Copyright Tina Kay 2009

Hibenation Season Over!

Yawn,Stretch,rub eyes."Okay, I've slept the winter away, is it really over? Has the cold weather gone?Hmm, Perhaps these photo's I've took could answer that question for me!

© Copyright Tina Kay 2008

Hybrid Motorbike

What is your vision of the future of high speed transport? Jetpacks perhaps? Driverless pods, bullet trains, scram jets?

Well according to Dr Peter Markus, a former Mercedes-Benz and Porsche engineer, it is an enclosed hybrid motorcycle capable of 340mph and Lucerne to London in an hour and a half. Its maker intends it as a long-distance commuter for a world in which city transport is provided by solar powered electric vehicles.

The Acabion GTBO looks remarkably like a 1950s Bonneville Speed Week contender, often fashioned from B-52 drop tanks, but its specifications sound bang-up-to-date. An electric motor and 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit together produce a scarcely credible 750bhp making the GTBO capable of 100mph in first gear. Hitting the triple tonne takes 30 seconds and top speed is 340mph. But don't think the GTBO has run out of steam; that is simply the point at which the electronics rein things in - 330mph is achieved on half throttle. A low kerb weight and very slippery shape makes it efficient as well as fast; fuel economy at 100mph is said to be 100mpg.

At a Veyron's top speed of around 250mph, the GTBO can still achieve 25mpg and unlike the Bugatti, the GTBO actually has some luggage space. There is accommodation for two and steering is by motorcycle style handlebars although with such a lengthy wheelbase, handling would be interesting to say the least; the two small drogue wheels retract at anything above around town speeds. Although simply intended as an awareness builder for Dr Markus' ideas for future transport solutions, the GTBO is fully functional and anyone willing to part with £1.4 million and wait three years can have one. The bit I like best is the tail - what other machine gives a V-sign to the car it just overtook?

Feng Shui

When people refer to Feng Shui, they are generally referring to the impact that the environment has on a person. This theory can be exercised on a wide range of levels – but essentially it is all about understanding the space around you, and how that space affects you as a human being.The most obvious place to start implementing Feng Shui is in the home, since that’s where we spend the majority of our time.

The basics
Chi, or energy, is a word that will appear time and time again when discussing Feng Shui. Feng Shui literally translates as "wind-water", and since Chi is invisible it is often associated with the “Feng” part of Feng Shui. The Chinese believe in good Chi and bad Chi, and its presence in the environment – and any house hunter that has claimed that a property just doesn’t have the right “feel” will know what they mean!
The Five Elements
The Five Elements are a deeper understanding of Yin and Yang, and it is believed that they represent all aspects of an individual’s life from health to wealth. These elements are all part of a continuous cycle: water, which gives birth to wood, which erupts into fire, which transforms into earth, which turns into metal, which reverts back to water.Understanding which of these elements represents an aspect of a person’s life enables Feng Shui consultants to focus on the relevant aspect of their home.
The Pakua
The Pakua, or Bagua, is essentially a compass that denotes eight areas of the home. Each area represents a part in your life and, by concentrating in this section of your home, you should be able to improve the corresponding area of your life. The following list denotes which areas reflect which parts of your life:South: Fame/RecognitionSouth West: RelationshipsWest: Children/ProjectsNorth West: Mentors/Friends/TravelNorth: Career/JourneyNorth East: Study/ContemplationEast: Family/HealthSouth East: Wealth/Blessings If you are planning on concentrating on one particular area, it is essential that you pay some attention to the opposite sector too – after all, Feng Shui is all about balance!
In the home
The essentials of Feng Shui are really common sense by Western standards. By Feng Shui principles a home must have a positive flow of Chi – by today’s understanding that simply means plenty of fresh air. A cluttered house can stop the positive flow of Chi – or you could say that a cluttered house means a cluttered mind. Bad Chi can be created by dust and dirt, so ensure that your property is always sparkling. You get the picture…However, if you have made all of these basic changes to your home, and still think that there are areas of your life that could do with a helping hand, then read on.
In the bedroom
We can spend up to a third of our lives in our bedroom, yet it is a room that is often overlooked. Ultimately it needs to be a room that you find relaxing – somewhere that you will emerge from feeling well rested and ready for the day ahead.The position of your bedroom is something to consider, for example a bedroom over a garage isn’t ideal due to the “empty” space below. In reality, however, this isn’t likely to be something that you can change – so what should you do?The bed itself is the most important object in the room when it comes to Feng Shui. Firstly ensure that there is no clutter underneath it, so that the Chi can circulate freely around you. Secondly, ensure that it is stable – a stable bed should result in a stable relationship. And, if it is an improved relationship that you are after, ensure that there are no mirrors reflecting you while you are sleeping, as this can invite a third person into the relationship. Finally, ensure that the first thing that you see when you wake is a picture or object that you find inspiring – waking up to positive thoughts should set you in good stead for the rest of the day.
In the kitchen
Many people believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home – and Feng Shui experts are no exception. As a result, a Feng Shui friendly kitchen must not have a through draft – if you can see the back door through the kitchen from the front door, for example. If this is the case, then install a mirror above the hob so that the cook can see any bad Chi coming.The biggest problem in a modern kitchen, however, is the conflict between fire and water. While fire is encouraged, use a gas hob whenever possible, it shouldn’t be located either next to, or opposite, water. If your stove is situated near the sink, then place a wooden object (such as a chopping board) in between them in order to realign the Chi.Lastly, make sure that your fridge and cupboards are well stocked. Having a full larder represents abundance and generosity – and even wealth!
In the hall
The hallway of a home has a job, and that is to direct visitors where to go next. Therefore, if the first thing that they see when they walk in the door is a mirror they could get slightly confused – and it will reflect the Chi straight back out from where it came. Instead, hang an inspiring piece of artwork that will invite any guests into your home.Do hang a mirror, however, if the first thing that you see as you walk in is a cloakroom, as this represents the act of flushing money away. If this is the case in your home, ensure that the door is shut at all times.If you can see the back door as you enter the house, you risk the Chi disappearing straight out. Place plants and wind chimes in strategic places in an attempt to slow this fast-moving Chi down.
In the bathroom
Make sure that everything in this room is absolutely spotless. Also ensure that no taps are dripping, as this encourages you to waste money. In order to stop opportunities being flushed away, you could place some pebbles on top of the toilet, as such proximity of the element of Earth will realign that of Water.You are more likely to see loss of money if your bathroom is located in the South Eastern area of your home. If this is the case, always leave plugs in the sink and bath when you aren’t using them, and try hanging a full-length mirror on the outside of the door. Worst still is a bathroom that is situated in the centre of your house – mirrors are again the answer here, with one on both sides of the door, but even this is not ideal.Also avoid bathroom cabinets that have two mirrored doors – the division in your reflection will not show you the whole picture, and could lead to obstacles in your life.
In the home office
As an area where we need to concentrate and create, it is more important than ever that this room is tidy and clutter-free. Hang a painting or photograph that you find inspiring in front of you, and ensure that your back is against the wall, as this solid presence will provide you with necessary support. Similarly, don’t sit in between two windows, as this direct flow of Chi will result in all your ideas going straight out one of them!Remove any shelves that are located above your desk – especially if they are laden with books and papers. Such mess located directly above your head will leave you feeling burdened, and therefore less likely to concentrate.If your home office shares a space with another area, a dining area for example, try investing in a screen or room divider – a divided room should result in a divided mind.
And finally...
Good Feng Shui will allow people to feel comfortable in that room, without realising that it has been specifically designed. Therefore, banish all clutter and ensure that there is no dust present. Whatever specific Feng Shui practices you introduce will depend on what area of your life you want to improve, but it is important to do your research. A wind chime placed in the wrong position, for example, could have the opposite effect that you are after. If in doubt, have a professional consultation. Ultimately, the art of Feng Shui is about making you feel as happy as possible in your own home – and if you are happy at home it makes sense that other areas of your life will follow suit.x

Wildlife in the garden.

Click image to enlarge: Just a few photo's of the wildlife we have spotted up to now in the garden.