My New Life in Romania

Rock Buns!!!!!

2011-10-14T14:56:00.002+03:00

Straight from the oven, 10 minutes to make 10 minutes to bake, OH!! that rhymes!!!

At Last!!!

2011-10-14T14:12:00.002+03:00

Well at last I made it back to do my Blog. Thanks to everyone who have sent messages to me about my Blog. It was a always a long hot summer and to my delight my little bit of garden did very well. The Geraniums as usual were , and still are lovely, I had a good crop of tomatoes some cherries and some figs .

My Sister, Brother and Sister in law came to see me which was great and Bill came back to help with the charity. He has been busy helping ever since raising money and sending lot's of parcels of clothing etc. which also others have helped to pay for. He is coming again next week to do some repairs at the day centre ( The Secret Garden) and probably lot's more.

I went to Manchester for 3 weeks in September and had a lovely time, I saw almost all of my family there and after the first week began to feel physically much better and have continued to feel better since I got back. It was great to go shopping in all the "POUND" shops ha ha !!! and eat "Greggs Pasties sitting on a market stall watching the world go by. and it was nice and warm whilst I was there.

Bill is staying here with me so I am busy getting ready for his arrival, lot's of meals cooked and in the freezer and all done and dusted , as they say.

Well I have just finished a batch of my "Rock Buns" which all the family seem to enjoy and varied them again, this time I have put cinnamon, cherries and sultanas in so I shall await the verdict.

Will get ready now for my visit from Yasmina, Rosie and Kathy , (Yasmina had to take a red apple today to nursery to make fruit salad Mmmmm!!!

Bill's Visit!!

2011-05-17T11:15:00.002+03:00

Decorating Easter eggs from the Handicraft Box!
My brother Bill came again on the 3rd of May. He came to see me in February with his wife Angie and my sister Betty as I had been too ill to go to see them , they came here. Bill had not been before and really enjoyed his stay but was also very impressed by the work Kate and Kenneth were doing with the poor people and street kids. He went home and started fund raising for "Vis de Copil", everyone wanted to help . He sent large boxes of clothes and handicrafts for the day centre (" The Secret Garden") by courier. It was very much appreciated by all , he also sent photo's of the children which asap. will be on the walls at the day centre. He certainly has been wonderful and of course his lovely wife Angie who is marvelous with the children.

So many, many thanks Bill. On this visit he did jobs at the day centre and at Kate and Kenneth's home which really needed doing and Kenneth has so much to do he does not get the time to do. Then to top it all he made the whole family a great meal and Caribbean pasties , Mmmmmm!!!!!!! delicious!

Thanks for coming Bill thanks for all your help and time and money spent of course and most of all it was great to see you.

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T02:41:00.002+03:00

My friend Helen came to mine at 10.45 so that we could watch the wedding togeter. What a lovely day, was so proud to be British ( even though I love living in Romania).I t was truly a perfect day and as my Dad was a Grenadier Guard I loved to see them in all their finery.

I think the Bride looked radiant, lovely the dress and seeing the Abbey annd all the thousands of people that turned out onto the streets of London plus the millions that watched on TV all over the world made it a happy day amidst all the troubles.

Good luck William and Catherine may you have a happy life together.

Alba Iulia

2011-04-15T16:15:00.012+03:00

A lot more to come, but I have to go for now. Hope you enjoy

the pictures and that it gives you an idea how beautiful

Romania is.

Fairytale Weekend!!

2011-04-15T15:48:00.005+03:00

HUNEDOARA

CASTLE

ROMANIA

Wow!! I thought I was on the set in a Harry Potter film.

Isn't it magnificent??

Kathy , Abby, Yasmina and myself decided to have a weekend break and so that Abby (our volunteer for 3 months) could see a little more of Romania and for me of course. We started off Friday mid day with a picnic packed for stops on the way. Our destination to be Alba Iulia (the old capital of Romania before Bucharest. As we were going through Lipova I we stopped to go into the Catholic Cathedral there which is beautiful and I really thought I would never visit again. I managed to climb the steps and go inside and I was so pleased to be in this wonderful place again where I can honestly say I feel God's presence. We had a wee picnic outside after before we set off again.

The countryside was so lovely with all the blossom trees out and lambs in the fields at play. Got to Alba Iulia about 8pm and booked in at The Astoria Hotel (just outside the city). The Hotel was very nice and we had evening meal then relaxed before bed. In the morning the scenery from our window was rolling hillsides and more sheep and lambs with the shepherd. The water features were super with giant carp , little streams and waterfalls. After breakfast we made for the Cetate (citadel) my goodness it was a site to be seen. More steps but well worth it. Soldiers dressed in the uniform of the old epoch patrolled. I will put some photo's on the next post and you will see how it was.

I am so glad we went and as we have now found out there are a lot of the sites we did not see , so we hope to go back and see more.

Surprise!!!

2011-04-04T11:05:00.002+03:00

Well I am going back to February now , It has been so busy also bad coughs and colds ( which is usually the case in Winter yeah?) I just have not got round to writing my blog but here goes.

Kathy had suggested we should all go for a meal in Timisoara to celebrate Her birthday , mine and Kenny's and for Jo and Philip as they missed Christmas with us, Abby too (a volunteer from UK . So although I did not really feel like going I thought I should make the effort.Decided to get a little dressed up for the occasion as we had booked the "Casa cu Flori" ( house of flowers) which is a lovely restaurant in Tmisoara. Jo and Philip came for me and off we went, nearing Timisoara we turned off towards the airport ", what we doing" ?, I said and Jo said oh! we are just giving Hilary and John (friends of ours who live here too) a lift to town centre. We all met up at the airport , had a coffee whilst we waited for landing. I went to the cash machine and someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "can I have some cash too ?" I turned and there was my Sister , Betty , I think I screamed with delight and shock ! then saw Angie and then my brother Bill!! Wow what a SURPRISE !!! as I had been in hospital and quite poorly they wanted to come and see me.

It was quite pleasant weather for my visitors and Bill and Angie walked all over Arad seeing the sites and also got very involved with the work Kathy and Kenneth are doing here with the poor people and street kids. They have been wonderful, sending boxes of Handicrafts, clothes and being good disciples getting churches and people they know , friends and family all rallying round . How lovely and my thanks go out to all who are helping it is much appreciated. Betty enjoyed being with me and we took things a little slower but it was so lovely to have them here with me. Bill is coming again in May so that's the story so far with Lot's more to come and I hope it does not take me so long to do my blog now , I must keep up to date.

Just a few Christmas pictures!

2011-01-05T11:46:00.010+02:00

New Year Party!!!

2011-01-05T11:28:00.006+02:00

Well New year at my apartment was a great success. The curry was great and Kenneth made fresh chapatti's , we had lime pickle, mango chutney rice and poppadoms yum!!! Alina (Kenny's girlfriend ))made lovely cakes and of course we had some champagne.

We had great fun with the exploding streamers and confetti , the children oh yes!! and the adults ha ha !! and blowers too , the main thing was we had Lot's of laughs and Lot's of fun , so a good time was had by all. Hope all who read and follow my blog had a good day too and let's hope we all have a good 2011 with good health and Lot's of love and peace in the world.

New Years Day !!

2011-01-01T12:56:00.003+02:00

Well what a funny year 2010 was for me anyway!! I was booked to go to Hyde in April to stay with my sister and husband and to visit my brother and his wife and friends but alas I had to cancel . My blood pressure was sky high and my leg very swollen. I booked then to go in late October but no go BP still not good for flying. Then in October I was admitted to hospital and had an operation (will not go into details) came out a week later and the Herniated discs in my spine must had got badly disturbed . The pain in my back, hip , leg and foot was so bad I could not walk. The family rallied round and got me a wheel chair so at least I could go out. I eventually decided to go back to the Clinic Eva as Doctor Patru once before had got me out of pain and walking again. I had Acupuncture and infiltration for 10days (the clinic was closing then for Christmas). The good news is with the treatment , pain killers and anti inflammatory etc I feel much, much better. As I reflect on my year I stop to think that there are thousands of people in the world so much worse and I feel thankful I have a good family to look after me , a warm home to live in and food and all I need to be comfortable.

Many thanks to everyone that sent kind messages, came to visit me and for all the prayers said for me.

On a brighter note I did however have a nice Christmas. We all went to Mariana and Nelu's for Christmas eve and had a lovely time as always. Christmas day was at my daughter Kathy and Kenneth and I helped a little with Amy to make a delicious spread. Boxing day I made meat and potato pies and we took them to Kathy's and had another very nice day. Today they are coming here to me but there is only 6 as Amy has gone back to Glasgow and Johanna and Philip are still in Australia, it will sound funny but we are having curry and rice and all the trimmings, chutneys, lime pickle etc. etc.

I hope I have not bored you with my tale of woe but I do sincerely wish you all a very, very Happy New Year and most important a Healthy one.!!!!!!!

2010

2011-01-01T00:17:00.000+02:00

what a funny year

2011-01-01T00:15:00.000+02:00

Just a few of the Jam pie in the making !!!!

2010-10-08T17:16:00.011+03:00

A Busy Time With Granny!!!!!!!!!

Well done Yasmina !!!!

Yasmina 's first pie

2010-10-08T16:56:00.007+03:00

I was just making a cheese and onion pie when Kathy arrived with Rosie and Yasmina, yesterday so with the bit of pastry that was left over I let Yasmina make her first pie. She decided to fill hers with jam and she made a jolly good job of it. Rosie quite often bakes when she comes and helps with the dinner and washing up so it was Yasmina's turn. I remember my Grandma teaching me to cook, my Mother did too as my Mother was a good cook . (She used to cook many years ago during and after the war at Eaton school for boys.)

We all had a piece of cheese and onion pie and finished off with the famous jam pie .!!!!!!! It's good to spend time with the little ones, I had felt really poorly for two days but when they come it takes your mind off yourself. Yes !!! it's lovely to see them all and it's nice when they go ha ha !!!! Peace at last.

Autumn

2010-10-07T13:41:00.008+03:00

" Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness"

As I strolled along the river on Saturday ( a lovely warm sunny day) I was reminded of school days when we made brooms with the cast off stems of Autumn leaves and collected shiny conkers for games in the school yard at break times and acorns in their little dainty cups to put in our bedrooms - they were so pretty. I was with my family and the children we had first been in the park , on the swings and slides we even had candy floss which took me back once more to childhood and the "Wakes" ( the Gipsies would set up the rides like the walzter and huge boat swings and roundabouts, also coconut shies and hoops to throw over objects to win a gold fish), we had such fun and usually went home with a coconut and a fish which of course died the day after.

I must be getting old ( almost 69yrs. now) I never thought I would start reminiscing but there you go it comes to all I suppose !!

Arad is certainly a very pretty city and different with all the seasons but I think the Autumn is one of my favourite. There are walnuts fresh from the tree now and the last of the plums and a glut of chillies. I made plum jam and chilli jam which is in great demand as it tastes great on hot chicken wings, cheese or ham.

So we await the winter, but that will be nice too with crispy white snow and icicles on the windows like lace curtains......

How time flies

2010-09-27T14:25:00.005+03:00

I can't believe it is a year since my Great grand daughter , Rafaela was born ....Gosh!!!! that was a quick year . We had two parties for her as Granny Kate and Grandpa Ken were in Scotland, so we had another party on their return. As we are still having lovely sunny days we had barbecue's and sat outside until it was dark. On her actual birthday at Jo and Philip's house Rafaela walked right across the room, she had been almost walking for a while but to actually do it on her birthday was great!

It was, as always good to be with all the family and Mariana and Nelu ( who are family anyway!!) of course we all missed Amy as she is now at Bible College in Glasgow. It is good we have computers because we are in touch with her often and as she has a web. cam. I can see her and talk to her too. She seems to be settling in very well so I wish her all the very best and hope she enjoys it but works hard too. So Happy Birthday, La Multi Ani little Rafaela x x x x x x

Rafaela's first birthday

2010-09-27T14:21:00.002+03:00

Pictures of Gabriel's First Birthday

2010-08-30T16:33:00.005+03:00

Gabriel's first birthday

2010-08-30T16:00:00.007+03:00

This is Gabriel , Irina and Viorel's little boy. He is a gorgeous little boy and very well behaved. It was his first birthday last Sunday so Amy and I went round to their apartment and took mini pizza, sausage rolls and I made a cake. It was very nice and we were made very welcome.

Irina and Viorel were on the streets for a lot of their lives but they got married and now have a little girl , Daniela and Gabriel. They have recently been given a new apartment from the town hall. The apartments are small but very nice and it is the best place they have ever had to live.

It will be our baby's first birthday on the 7th of Sept. Gosh!!! that was a quick year. Amy and I hope to be going to Johanna and Philip's for a barbecue so that will be nice. Kathy and Kenneth will still be in UK but can celebrate her birthday when they get back.

The pictures are of Gabriel and sister Daniela.

Lot's of new pictures !!!!!

2010-07-21T15:33:00.011+03:00

Ooooops!!!!! Just found photo's from Easter and through to July. Just shows I have not been well ! We were as usual invited to Mariana's where we started by cracking the eggs together, the laugh was my egg would not break which caused fit's of laughter !!!

The meal as always was delicious, Mariana and Nelu are such good host's and it was nice for both families to be united at Easter.

The next main event was Johanna's and Daniela's birthday party at my apartment, It was hard work getting all the food ready but I had help from Amy and it is always worth it when everyone enjoys themselves. It was a dull day so we ate inside but as you will see ended up on the terresa !!!!!

Last Saturday it was the Dorabant's Festival, the village is right on the Romanian-Hungarian border and mainly ethnic Hungarian people live there. We went early only to find the festival did not start until 4pm so we went to the Strand where there is a swimming pool and Thermal pools, it was a scorching hot day so the place was packed. We had scrummy , hot sweet, fresh, corn on the cob Mmmmm!!! Then we managed ice creams, then to the festival and eventually Goulash. The Band were great and the dancers too all in National costumes. So a good day was had by all only to collapse into a cool bath and bed on their return.

my lovely grandchildren

2010-07-14T17:11:00.003+03:00

My daughter doesn't get much time off but recently she and Kenneth have been making more of an effort. These photos were taken on a recent trip to Hunedoara castle, three hours from Arad.

July already!!!!!!

2010-07-14T13:52:00.012+03:00

Sorry I have not written my blog. ..... I have had a lot of up's and downs in the last few months and have even cancelled a trip to UK again. High blood pressure etc. will not go into details. Any way I am feeling a lot better.

It is very hot again and bright sunshine and although I cannot go out when it is so hot I have lot's and lot's of pleasure looking at the garden, which is now looking very good. The Roses are lovely, they thrive here and the Geraniums without much attention. We went to a great garden centre and hope to go again soon, the prices were so reasonable and the people very helpful.

The family have all been wonderful and someone calls every day to see I am OK and take me to doctors, shopping etc.etc. Rosie and Yasmina are growing up fast and bring much pleasure to my life. One day about three weeks ago Amy brought them up and I suggested they they went off to the little park at the end of the estate, I gave them bottles of water and crisps and some biscuits and told them to have a picnic ....... Well !!!! they thought it was wonderful and only came back to go to the toilet, they were away two hours! The only thing is, now every time Yasmina comes .. she wants a picnic. It reminded me of when we were little , my sister and brother would go off to Hyde Park with bottles of water and jam sandwiches and stay all day and thought it was a real treat. Gosh!!! those were the days when such small things brought great pleasure and it was safe to let your children go to the park all day unsupervised. Ooooops! must be getting old I keep thinking in the past but at least I have some very happy memories.

Rafaela (Johanna's little one) is almost walking now she is a real cutie . She is a good baby and alway's laughing , she is never still and like all babies into everything. All the family are doing well and planning to visit everyone in UK in August, I don't know when I will be able to go yet as the doctor does not like the thought of me flying with very high BP. I am not at all upset I love my home here and I am very comfortable. I am planning to have four days away in Hungary with Helen when they go , it will be a change and it is not a long journey.

The Day Centre ( The Secret Garden ) is very busy these days, I go sometimes and love to see the progress they are making and how nice it all is now. If you go to the "vis de copil" site (click on address on my side panel) you will see all the activities they do now. At the top of this post you can see a lovely tableau made bythe children from paper flowers which they made themselves.

My friend Gloria has gone to live in Timisoara now but comes over once a week to meet me, usually at one of our new Malls, "The Atrium" where, much to our delight we have C&A. Yes it's great, we used to love it in Britain but they closed all the stores there. Then we go upstairs and have chinese or mexican food, can't be bad eh??? I miss Gloria a lot as she was only over in the village here 5 minutes walk away and we spent long summer afternoons together chatting and drinking tea. Still it is nice to see her most weeks.We never stop talking. Must close now and try to do a couple of job's but it is so hot. Good job I have the air conditioning !!!!!!!

The Spring has brought lovely sunshine and clear skies

2010-04-28T11:28:00.003+03:00

April has been a lovely month with bright sunny days. Easter was very nice (as it alway's is here in Romania) and the old traditions still stand. We always get invited to Mariana and Nelu's house in Sanleani . She serves a wonderful spread starting with soup, then salad's and a hot meal and best of all her super cakes which are unbelievable and very scrummy. Before the meal starts we all have a glass of wine or visinata and the cracking of the eggs. It was a lovely day and as I had been quite poorly it was great to get out for a while.

My little fruit trees that were planted last year have blossomed and the fruit has set , so this year I should get a few cherries and plums. The Clematis Montana came into flower this week too , it is very pretty and a welcome site after winter. I have managed to get geraniums in my porch again and they are doing well , I had a change with window boxes and put in minature pansies , marigolds and margarites. I will get more plants to climb up the fences as soon as possible.Kathy has been very busy at the day centre and had quite a few visitors so I have to wait until she can take me .

I am at last feeling a lot better but unfortunatly could not go to Manchester for my planned visit this month. I had big problems with my leg and very high blood pressure but Dr. Bulboaca my GP is wonderful, she sent me for check ups, Diabetic , blood tests etc.etc. and changed my medication , giving me exta tablets for cardio vascular and I am now feeling much better.The medical care here is excellent , I have a friend in UK who has been waiting for weeks for an MRI scan when he could have had one here the next day.We also met a lady (well ! Amy did ) who came here from UK for extensive dental treatment , she said it was still less than half the price even with her air fares and a stay in a Hotel for a week. We are getting more and more people coming here for all kinds of medical teatment including plastic surgery, interesting eh???

I am hoping to go to the English conversation club tonight if only for a short while as I miss all my friends there, Romanian, German Italian and of course American and British , we laugh and say it's like United Nations !!!! Must try to rest a little now and then I will be able to go.

March already !!!!!!!

2010-03-06T10:56:00.019+02:00

Hello!! I did not realise just how long it was since I updated my blog. time seems to fly and the older you get , the faster it goes.

Christmas was nice, we had Christmas eve at Mariana's in Sanleani ( the village where Kathy and family live), The family have ben invited there every year since first coming to live in Romania. We are all made very welcome and have a great evening with lovely traditional Romanian food.

Christmas day is always at Kathy's, with Mariana and her family all coming. Kenneth was very poorly with pneumonia and in bed, so it was down to Amy to cook dinner for 22 phew!!! but it was lovely and she did a terrific job, pretty much single handed! Kathy always invites people over the holiday who are away from home and their families and those who would not have a Christmas dinner other than with us.

I was to do Boxing day but Kathy decided it would be too much for me, as I haven't been all that well recently. I still wanted to "host" the day though so I cooked a meat and potato pie and chili con carne in advance and we took it all round to Kathy's. Everyone tucked in and really enjoyed the pie ( it was a change to have something different.)

The winter has been quite cold and lot's of snow but Britain seems to have had their share too this year. Now the spring is on it's way and I have buds on my little fruit trees I planted last spring and the Honeysuckle and clematis Montana are also in bud . It will soon be time to be thinking of doing the window boxes again , can't wait to see some flowers out there!!

My new great grandchild, baby Rafaela is doing well. She is almost 6 months old - how time flies! She has 2 teeth and is almost crawling now.
Irina, Viorel and the children, Daniela and baby Gabriel came too on Boxing day. Wee Gabriel is coming on a treat too he's two weeks older than Rafaela - I like this photo of them both.

I paid a visit to the day centre the other day, it was great to see children and parents who live on the streets or in literally hovels in the pooerest communities tucking into bowls of hot soup and bread.

Some of the children were busy in the quiet room making easter pictures etc. The centre is a real credit to Kathy and Kenneth, how wonderful to have somewhere to get food and warmth and showers and clean clothes for them all. Amy is now on the staff too (though at the moment without pay), I just wish all the people who help to fund this wonderful place could see it for themselves, they would certainly be pleased at the hands on care and love that helps these poor souls.

Well I will try to keep putting bits of news on for those who are good enough to follow my blog. Will put a few pictures on too .

2009-12-06T12:08:00.006+02:00

Thanks for the shoe boxes from British children

Arad City Hall at Christmas

The children
loved the boxes
many thanks.

Saint Nocholas .

Trying to make time to do my Blog. again !!!!

2009-12-06T10:27:00.002+02:00

Well folks I have finally made it to write my blog again. It has been an eventful few weeks to say the least. I went to Hyde for a three week visit to see my sister, brother and family and of course to see how my home town was doing.

The first thing that hit me as I got off the plane at Manchester was the damp, it just seemed to go right through me.I thought how different it is in Arad where we do not have very much rain and so therefore it is not as damp here.It was lovely to see everyone even though I got a bad chest infection and had to visit the Doctor but had some very nice times in between.I saw my friend Janet a few times and old shcool friends Maureen and Cynthia , we talked of the teenage years we spent together (good times) and how we went dancing and walking and of course getting up to mischief. We certainly had a lot of laughs and said how things have changed, ( must be getting old ha ha !!)

I had contemplated may be going back to live in the Hyde area as I had been getting home sick and intended looking at accommodation and asking some questions but as the time went on and the more I saw and heard about muggings, drugs, vandalism etc etc. I decided this would not be a good idea , I thought what a nice apartment I have and not much crime here , also how peaceful it is where I live and how lovely the people are and all the friends I have made. So I came back home with a different attitude and have really enjoyed being back in Romania which I can honestly say is now my home.

Today is Saint Nicholas (Sfantul Nicolae) day, last night the children would have polished their shoes and put them out on the window sill or outside the front door. If they have been good they would get small gifts from Saint Nicholas of fruit, sweets or candy sticks. Today people will take gifts to friends, children and those in need.

I called at Kathy's day centre on Tues. for an hour and spent an hour colouring in with the children, Kathy was busy giving out hot soup and bread which was much appreciated as the weather is turning cold. She was also giving the poor, clothes , boots and shoes so they were very happy they had dropped in. It is lovely now at the centre and very homely and as most of them have no homes probably the only home they have. How lucky I feel when I see them in such need , thank goodness there are folks like Kathy and Ken who care!!! Amy was home from University and was helping too and putting up decorations which the children had made themselves.So it looks very festive now.

Well Christmas is nearly here , the tree is up and looking good outside the town hall and little stalls all in the square selling mulled wine and lot's of goodies . Soon there will be the carol singers too on the boulevard , Christmas is always really nice here and definatly not as commercial. You get the real meaning of Christmas which is very nice. Must get some more preparations done now ready to celebrate the holiday so will go now and get moving.

Clinic Eva / Arad

2009-10-06T23:08:00.002+03:00

I had to go back to see Doctor Patru at the Eva clinic as I was in a great deal of pain. I have had six treatments of electrosis and massage and infiltration and gosh!! I feel so much better. Doctor Patru is wonderful and so proffesional , she knows after one consultation exactly what you need and she is so kind to me as are all her staff.It is a pleasure to go there and the patients are also very kind and patient with me and include me in thier chats whilst we wait for treatment.

I would recommend anyone with problems of Sciatica , Herniated disc , Arthritis etc. to go here . Last year when I first attended the clinic I was so bad I could not walk and was in severe pain and discomfort but in four weeks of intensive care and treatment I was fine and cannot thank Doctor Eva Patru enough.

Thanks to all the staff at the clinic , I know I can always count on you all for help, I wish the care and treatment was so good in Britain !!!

Clinic Eva, Nr, 8 Octavian Goga, Arad, Romania.

Four Generations

2009-09-11T12:52:00.003+03:00

There are four generations here. Great grandma, Granny, Mummy and Baby. We are all first babies and all girls. Rose, Kathryn, Johanna and Rafaela.

More of baby More

2009-09-11T11:44:00.012+03:00

An assortment of photo's, some are of Johanna's last week of being preganant , Philip, Johanna and me having a nice meal before Rafaela was born ...

...and more of my lovely Great Granddaughter - alone, with Johanna and me and then the four generations of us ... all first born girls!

Rafaela Alisa More

2009-09-11T11:18:00.005+03:00

I would like to introduce you to my Great Granddaughter, Rafaela, Alisa. She was born on the 7th September, weighing 8lbs 6ounces.Johanna had a natural birth with no pain relief and had a pretty hard time of it but it was worth it. The baby girl is beautiful as you will see from the photo's and I am delighted . She is going home today and both Mother and baby are doing well . Philip is so pleased and glad it is all over as she was well over due and we were wondering if she would ever appear.

Thanks to everyone who sent messages of congratulations, and for the lovely gifts and flowers. I would like to say a personal thank you to Philip and Johanna for calling the baby Alisa after my mother Alice that was a lovely thing to do.

Waitng for Baby!!

2009-08-19T09:03:00.003+03:00

Well we are on countdown now , Philip and I and of course Johanna. The baby is due on the 25th August but think he may come early. Johanna is well , she is tired now especially in this hot weather but she is bearing up well and never complains. I am so excited !!! I shall be Great Grandma Rose and Kathy's Great Grandma was Rose too which is rather nice. I am on standby waiting for a phone call so that I can go to the Hospital to be there for the birth.

I am so pleased for them as they now have internet, TV and landline phone in Dorabants now and the bathroom is finished , all in time for babies arrival. Their house in a lovely village will be a nice place to bring a little one up. They have baby chicks too , and they brought me fresh eggs last week that taste lovely.

I am still knitting and have quite a collection of nice clothes for the baby now. Johanna has got very organised and everthing is ready , her bag is packed too so we wait !!!!!

HOTEL CORVUS AQUA/ Oroshaza Hungary

2009-08-01T14:53:00.003+03:00

Oroshaza

2009-08-01T14:22:00.004+03:00

Yesterday I went with my friend Helen to Oroshaza, Hungary. It was very hot but in the car we had a breeze so was not too bad. We went to look at a Hotel there, I had seen it on the internet. We wanted to go to the Wellness centre there where there are Thermal pools, swimming pools and all kinds of treatments for Rhumatism etc. etc. or you can pamper yourself and have a pedicure, manicure or a hair do. It is in a lovely setting and you can just go to relax, if thats what you would like.

We arrived at the" Hotel Corvus Aqua", it looked really nice and has it's own lake. At reception we asked about special offers and decided on a three night stay with a lovely room and including breakfast and evening meal for £100 each this also included two passes to the spa and wellness centre which is right next door to the Hotel. We then had a superb lunch overlooking the lake - it was delicious! We then got talking to a very nice young lady, Erika who turned out to be one of the directors. She was absolutley charming with excellent English. I am sure we will enjoy our break there in the second week in August, the staff were great and very polite, they showed us the room and evrything is perfect and spotlessley clean. I would recommend this Hotel to anyone who wants a calm relaxing break. They also have conference rooms and cater for groups and children. If you would like to view the Hotel go to www.hotelcorvus.hu They have all kinds of special offers and are most helpful.

Assorted pictures

2009-07-28T10:49:00.009+03:00

Just some pictures of my Geraniums etc etc !! They have done very well , but everything is growing quickly with all the sunshine.

The goats in the field across the road from me, some of Johanna's garden, barbecue at my place

Hot, Hot !!

2009-07-28T10:04:00.005+03:00

Well at last I have found time to do my blog. and it is a little cooler today so I feel much better for that. It has been in the 90's F for weeks now and some day's reaching 100F which is far too hot for me but we must not complain as a lot of people in UK would love all this sunshine and no rain.

It was Kathy and Kenneth's silver wedding anniversary this month , gosh it just does not seem that long since we were all in Scotland to watch them get married and what a lovely day it was. We all went to the Hotel Arad on the Terrace for a lovely meal. Dave and Beryl were over ( they do spectacles for the poor people and the street kids) and their son Mark was here too doing all kinds of jobs to help . So they came too and Helen ( who helps with the charity) and another friend so there was quite a big sitting and we all had a very nice evening.On the Sunday Mariana (Kathy's best friend here) wanted to do something for the anniversary so we all went for a meal at her house in the village.

I have had to refuse alot of outings as I did not feel too well but some of it is because of the heat, I am getting more used to it now and do venture out a bit more on hot day's and the excercise is good for me any way. Hajni is back at work now and she passed all her exams so the pressure is off. Amy passed her exams too so will be joining Kenny in Timisoara to go to Uni. there in October. Johanna and Philips baby will soon be here now , I am really looking forward to being a Great Grandma. I wonder what it will be I would like a little boy as we have nearly all girls. Rosie came to stay with me for a weekend and we did all sorts of things togather. Some baking , gardening , cleaning and of course playing. Little Yasmina is growing up fast and is talking very well now , the two girls both have good english which I hope will stand them in good stead for the future.

Well having read this through it seems a bit boring but sorry folks it's just my life story really !!!! I have booked flights to go to UK in October to see my Sister , Brother and all the family so that will be nice and I got a really good price from Lufthansa because I booked early. I will include some pictures and sign off for now . Hope you all are well and have a nice day.

Fruit !!!! Lovely!!!!!

2009-06-19T11:23:00.003+03:00

The fruit trees this year are laden with fruits, the cherries and apricots are ready now and every one is busy making jam and bottling the fruit. Gloria gave me lovely apricots , about 3 pounds so I hope to make jam tomorrow when I have been for extra sugar. I walked through the village of Subcetate twice this week to see Gloria and sit on her terrace and as I walked I was amazed at the amount of fruit this year . The plum and walnuts, pears and apples are all there waiting to ripen ( can't wait!!) and the joy is some of the trees are on the street so you can pick what ever you like as you walk along.

It is really hot at the moment most days reaching 86 deg.F to 90 deg F , I try not to go out in the afternoon as it is too hot for me but lovely and cool in my apartment and the flowers on my front are so nice now I just sit and do some knitting and enjoy the garden , also watch the goat and her babies skipping and playing in the field opposite. There are a lot of birds of pray hovering over the trees and then swooping down for their pray but good to watch. Also noticed a lot of beautiful butterflies and huge grasshoppers and very unusual insects which as yet I cannot put a name to. I must try and take some photo's of them all so I can maybe know what they are.

Got to go and water the plants now , they need twice a day at least now as they dry out very fast.

Hot Weather!!

2009-06-14T15:26:00.003+03:00

Well I am not complaining but with all the hot weather we are having I find it hard to sit on the computer when I should be outside enjoying it, however I will make the effort. !!

Last Saturday was a big day for Kathy and Kenneth as all their dreams of opening a day centre in town for the poor people and street kids finally came to fruition. I did remark to them it was D Day after all. It was a lovely hot sunny day and what a good turn out. People came from England who support the charity and from Scotland. There were people from the town hall and social services departments, volunteers , friends and family. Kathy made a wonderful speech , the centre looked wonderful and everyone was impressed. The food too was great , Sorin ( an old friend) did a marvelous job and Lot's of others contributed too.

Johanna is blooming !! don't know if I mentioned I am to be a Great Grandma in August. The pregnancy is progressing well and they are both excited as am I. I have been knitting all kinds of things for the baby. Also knitting for my friend Narcisa who works at Sensi Blu (pharmacy) and who has been very kind to me, she has her baby in January.

Amy had her Prom. on Friday night and came to show me her dress etc. she looked lovely , It was at the Hotel Park so I hope they had a good time before the big exams at the end of this month. Kenny I do not see much of as he is busy at university in Timisoara but saw him at the opening , sporting his kilt , he looked great and seems to be doing well and has a lovely girlfriend , Alina.

Johanna and Philip now have Geese and ducks and are enjoying being in their house in the small village and living true village life. I expect they will have chickens next and I know they have been busy in the garden with veg. and herbs and flowers.

It is getting very hot again so I think I will go and sit out and look at my flowers now and do some knitting. So bye for now .

Visit to UK

2009-05-23T10:29:00.008+03:00

Well at last I have time to catch up on my blog. There has been so many things going on since I came back. Problems with the boiler meant I had plumbers and engineers here for four days altogether. The boiler had not been installed properly ( another disaster from Casa Rom) so the engineer Zoli who was such a nice man and knew his job , excellent worker . He brought very good plumbers in and without too much detail the job was completed and is now all OK.

It has been very hot here in the 80's and I sometimes find it hard to do much when it is so hot and humid. I have also been busy getting the garden done and it is paying dividends now, when I look out of my windows there is a lot of colour.

Well to my visit to Manchester (Hyde) , I had a wonderful time staying with my sister Betty and Tom her husband and was made very welcome. She had all the foods in that I love and miss so much in Romania. We shopped till we dropped but unfortunately never got to Manchester centre it was just a little too much and there were day's when I needed to rest. I did need to take pain killers but it allowed me to go out shopping with Betty etc. etc. We had nice meals out with the family and Easter Sunday went to my nephews , Tony who is a really good host and did a wonderful buffet as it was Gabriel's 18Th birthday too. I saw almost everyone and stayed over night with Bill and Angie and went for a curry with them and Robert and Pattie and Alice too , Angie and I went to the garden centre on the following morning then Kirsti and Nick came with the children and Karen called too . So it was all very nice and nice to be with Angie and Bill.

I saw Janet my good friend and Joyce and Rebbecca in fact saw Janet three times this time , I think she misses me as I do her and every one but it was still nice to get home to my own little palace and of course my own bed ha ha !!! My flight with Lufthansa were very good and the wheelchair assistance proved to be excellent. Ever body that helped me were very kind so thank you Lufthansa ans staff and thanks to my nephew Tony for taking me to the airport.

I have settled back into my life in Arad again now and have seen friends here again and been to the English Conversation club again. Today Mark is coming to do some work that needs doing in the bath room ( sealing the bath properly and some grouting ) I will post a few pictures of my visit not too many to bore you all. Thanks to all for reading my Blog and thanks very much to all in Hyde for making my visit such a good one .

Well I am ready to go !!!!!

2009-04-05T09:18:00.004+03:00

At Alast I am ready to go to UK to visit family and friends. It is lovely warm weather , with bright sunshine here and the trees are already full of blossom . I love this time of year when everything just bursts into life again. This year I am so pleased to have two fruit trees on my front garden , a cherry and plum and raspberry's , honeysuckle and roses. I hope to get Lot's more in when I get back.

I shall be in Manchester for Easter so that will be nice although I will miss the Romanian Easter , it is celebrated much more here with all the old traditions still carrying on. Everyone eats lamb at Easter but not the rest of the year and lovely decorated eggs are on every ones table.

Well I must get the last things done, Kathy is coming for me soon to take me to Timisoara airport and from there I change at Munich then on to Manchester then a cab to my sisters where I shall be staying , it will be lovely to see everyone . I also look forward to fish and chips etc etc

Happy Easter every one !!!

Sincere Symoathy

2009-03-19T11:47:00.002+02:00

A sad day for Liam Neeson and his family. Just to express my sincere sypathy to Liam , his sons and all the family. It just make you so glad that your family are all well .

International Ladies Day

2009-03-11T11:58:00.008+02:00

It was International Ladies Day and Mothers Day last Sunday, on the Friday I went with Johanna and Philip to Rosanna's wee school in Levada, as Kathy was away we were representing her. It was very nice , the children sang songs and said some poems. Although I did not understand all of it , it was still good to see the children and Rosanna was very pleased we were there for her. Rosie presented me with a lovely a basket and card that the children had made themselves. It is a lovely little village school and a credit to the staff , who work hard with the limited resources they have. Great wall charts are all around the class rooms and mobiles all made from paper but very impressive.

I received lovely flowers from Hajni and Alina ( Kenny's girlfriend) and Alexandra did drawings for me. It certainly looks as if Spring is here at last. Kathy did not arrive back until late Monday but although she was tired after a long journey brought a lovely card for me .

My visit to UK is creeping up on me so I must start to get everything ready to go , I cannot stand leaving every thing until the last minute, and the past few day's I have not felt well (may be over doing thing's) when you feel a little better you forget you should not be doing certain things , the back does not like it ha ha !!! Gloria is coming soon for a coffee so must get on.

Staying inside in the warm!!

2009-02-19T13:31:00.010+02:00

MY LOVELY DAUGHTER OF WHOM i AM SO PROUD, i LOVE HER MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD, With me of course ! ! !!

Kenny , Alina and Yasmina . Sylvia with Rosie and Yasmina all wrapped up for the snow! Me cutting mine and Kenny's birthday cake which Mariana so kindly made for us. Lastly my little French Madelines Yummy!!!

It is so cold and the snow is quite thick still and it froze last night that I am afraid to venture out .(Don't want any more falls!) So I decided to bake some Madelines (the dainty cakes from France) The first lot I put too much mixture in the special shaped trays (They tasted delicious though) but the second batch were perfect as you will see in my picture.

Just going to put a few random pictures on today as I must get on and do some house work!!!!!

OH!!! Gosh we have snow now!!!

2009-02-17T12:16:00.007+02:00

Oh !! I spoke too soon, we have thick snow now and it's still snowing. It is very pretty out there but minus 5 deg. I shall be staying in today I wouldn't want to slip and upset my back again and it is jolly cold, I chanced it to the dustbins and that was bad enough. The strange thing is; things have not come to a stand still as they did in UK !!!!!

I got a phone call last week on Wednesday from Catherine at the BBC , she asked if I would go on Radio Manchester again , I said OK. So Thursday am, I was on the radio talking about communications.I told them how good Skype was for me, to be able to talk to my sister in Hyde who has no computer but I speak to her on the land line for an hour or so , usually Sunday when she has time to talk and it only costs me about 50p and of course to Angie and Bill in Oldham for nothing as they have a computer. We also spoke about the Blog and how people contact me from all over the world to ask about Romania. They also mentioned Twitter but I have not as yet explored that.

It was Amy's birthday on Sunday so the gang came and we had cheese and biscuits , nibbles and cakes and a little champagne , it was nice to see everyone if a bit tiring but that's normal, we had eight adults and three children, Mary Beth who has come as a volunteer to help for three weeks is wonderful with the children and is a lovely girl we will be sorry when she leaves, her Mum is a nurse and she came last year to help the charity that Kathy and Kenneth run for the poor people and street children.

I am looking forward to my trip to Hyde and have booked wheelchair assistance as the walking across Munich airport and Manchester are too much for me with the state of my back and I want to get there feeling OK so that I can enjoy my stay with Betty and Tom and hopefully see Angie and Bill and all the rest of my family and friends. I will be there for Easter so that will be nice.

Hope you like the photo's I took this morning from the apartment. The snow is so pretty !!!!

Spring is on the way!!

2009-02-04T11:52:00.003+02:00

Well while Britain is experiencing the worst snow fall in 18 years we have nice sunny days and much warmer temperatures. The first snowdrops have popped their heads up which to me is a sure sign that spring is on the way.The big difference with Britain having snow and snow here is , we have very low temperatures with it IE. 16 degrees below zero on the coldest day in Arad this winter.

I managed to go to the English conversation club last Wednesday with Gloria and Kate and Amy came too, It was nice to see everyone again and there was endless chatter about all sorts of things.I think we shall all be glad again when the Terrace opens at the end of April beginning of May. It is so pleasant to sit outside and the gardens are lovely. The speed life is passing it will not be long, I never used to believe it when folk used to say "time passes quicker the older you get" but now I know they were right.

I am hoping to visit Manchester in April to see my family, it will be almost a year since i went , so it will be good to see everyone and walk round Hyde market, go to Ashton and Stockport on the bus and of course to eat "HOLLANDS" meat pies ha ha !! Yum oh! and of course fish and chips.

Well it is Wednesday again already so Gloria (my friend from Ireland) and I hope to go to the club again tonight. I have a few jobs on the agenda today so must get on.
I was just comparing prices the other day whilst shopping and everything here is dearer now than UK, you can not get a tin of tomatoes or baked beans for under 40p., butter is £1.50 for half a pound and the gas and electric are so much dearer. It seems people think things are cheap here but that is not the case, however that does not stop me from still liking living here .!!!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-23T11:46:00.002+02:00

Well I must say I welcome 2009, and hope it will be a year free of accidents and illness , not just for me but all my family and friends ,in fact for everyone. It is Chinese new year on the 26Th January, the year of the Ox , so who knows the Ox might bring some good things!!!! I had a quiet New Year, the family came to see me new years eve ( which was lovely) before they all went off to watch the fire works at the town hall. I was invited to Kathy and Kens for new year dinner but to be honest was glad to just have a quiet time.

The weather has warmed up now and faint signs of spring approaching. The coldest day we had in this part of Romania was 16 degrees below freezing wow!! that is cold. I try not to go out when it is too cold. I am feeling a lot better and just have to be careful now, no lifting, no falling and some gentle exercises. We have all had coughs and colds but then who hasn't?? it's all part of winter and as it has been so cold it will be good to kill the bugs and good for the fruit trees and gardens. Talking of frosty , we went to Helen's for a meal after Christmas and she did sprouts from her garden Mmmm delish!! with a lovely pork and wine stew followed by apple pie and a trifle, it was a very nice evening enjoyed by all, thanks Helen.

I have not been doing any going out in the evenings due to not feeling well but I really feel I should make the effort and try to go this next Wednesday, I miss my friends there and all the Banter. I am quite pleased with my self as I had a pile of emails outstanding and I have almost answered them all. I must get in touch again with my friend Jan who diligently follows my blog and sends me endless patterns , bless her.

We had a visitor over Christmas from the foundation, Susan Davies. She was a breath of fresh air and made me laugh so much , you just had to feel better. Especially good as she has the same Lancashire accent as me. She was very upset as the boy sh mainly came to see Cristi had been moved from a nice home to a hovel with rats running about. Poor Susan was distraught. I hope the people responsible may take note and try to help him . Any way thanks Susan for your company and for the Jellies and Oxo cubes you sent me on your return to UK.

Hoping I do not loose my readers and will try now to keep my blog. up to date, also hope to resume my Romanian lessons and get out more. All the best every one for 2009.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-23T12:08:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone!! Just to wish all who read my blog a very Happy Christmas, Sarbatori Fericite!! and a healthy new year.

I am feeling a little better and hope to celebrate with my family and extended family. We are all going to Mariana's and Nelu's for Christmas eve , the Romanians big celebration is on Christmas eve and usually lot's of carol singers and good food. Christmas day is at Johanna and Philips house in Dorabant's and I hear we are having goose and lot's more goodies, I just hope I can do it justice.

Best wishes Rose x x x x x

Parties for Yasmina and Rosie

2008-12-14T10:33:00.006+02:00

Well I have made it at last to do my blog, the past few weeks have been endless trips to the eva clinic for treatments on my back. It is a lot better than it was and now waiting to see the surgeon in Timisoara on Wednesday.

We had a small tea party for Yasmina at my apartment ( the girls did all the work) it was easier for me to have them here than to travel to Kathy's and back. You will see from the pictures they had a good time and Yasmina loved the doll and push chair from Granny!!! The following week it was Rosanna's birthday , we put Cd's on of all the children's songs and danced to " in and out the dancing bluebells" m "The wheels on the bus go round and round " etc etc. I managed to make a trifle and used two chocolate Swiss rolls to make a cake for Rosie.A good time was had by all including little Daniela (Irina's daughter) .

Some how I have managed to get most of my Christmas presents with the help of Kathy , Amy and Gloria. I hope to be able to wrap some today. The Christmas boxes have arrived from UK 800 I think. I also had a visit from Rosemary who is an old friend, she spends a lot of time here helping the children. She brought some of her visitors with her , they were lovely people , Kevin I remembered from Kathy's wedding and two nurses who are a delight and have done a lot of good work here.

The weather is very mild , most days warmer than Britain, ( very unseasonal) we are all hoping it will snow for Christmas. The Primarie looks fantastic with a really lovely tree and a nativity , crowds of people go to have a look every day and in the evening as it shines at night. I must go now and start to wrap presents and maybe ring my sister.!!

Eva Medical Centre

2008-11-20T15:08:00.003+02:00

Eva Medical Clinic was founded in 2003, has 10 employees and is managed by Dr. Reghina Patru, Primary Doctor in Balneophysiotherapy,and medical recuperation with competence in homeopathy, acupuncture,gemotherapy and physiotherapy.

Therapeutic behaviour is based on the combination of alopatic (classic)treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and physiotherapy with minimally invasive repercussion over the body and with good results. In our cabinet, the most common pathologies are of rheumatic (rheumatic polyarthritis , ankylosing spondylitis, cervical and lumbar discopathy), neurologic (polyneuritis, neuralgia) and of physical rehabilitation types.For pediatric affections,good results are obtained by combining homeopathic treatment with physiotherapy.

More details on www,medicaleva.ro ( still under construction)

Centrul Medical Eva, Arad

2008-11-20T13:34:00.002+02:00

I want to tell you about the clinic where I have been having intensive treatment for my back problems. Mainly because I would like people in UK and all over the world for that matter what really good health care we have in Romania. Many people say to me and the media what a backward country Romania is, well I can tell you that is definitely NOT the case!! Not only did I get immediate help but we have all the very latest machines and technology. I was sent for an MRI within a few days of me going to the clinic, the results of which showed three Herniated discs and Oedema and infection on one of the discs. I then was given an appointment to see a Neurosurgeon ( Dr. Plesh) in Timisoara on the 17Th Dec. ( yes that quick).

I arrived at the clinic on Strada Octavian Goga on Monday morning and had ultrasound massage, electrotherapy, massage acupuncture (with infusions) and pain killing injection and peripheral nerve damage injections. By the end of the first week I was feeling better than I had for a long time (considering I could hardly walk and was in a great deal of pain) It was a small miracle to me!!

The atmosphere in the clinic is warm and friendly and I was soon talking a little Romanian to all the other patients , who were very kind to me and made sure I got my turn to go in for Physio. The girls in Physio (most of whom spoke some English) were very good to me and very respectful. The nurse and I had fun , she used to call me Manchester United (I wonder why?) Costi the young doctor helped me enormously, translating for me and answering any questions I had. And last but not least Doctor Reghina Patru was and is superb. Her diagnosis was spot on and verified by the MRI scan. She is caring, efficient and very clever indeed and I owe my thanks to her for helping me to feel better. She has told me my back will not get better but she will make me as comfortable as possible, bless her.

I would recommend any one to this wonderful clinic, it is only small but my word they see a lot of people and I am told people come from all around Romania to see Doctor Patru. Well done to all and many thanks for everything.

Is It November ????

2008-11-02T10:46:00.003+02:00

Is it November I ask myself?? It is 21 degs C today and yesterday it was 28C . It's wonderful bright sunshine and warm , more like late spring early summer. I wonder if we will get any snow this year we had very little last year. The winters here used to be so cold even down to minus 20 . We shall see but really the people here need some frost etc. for the fruit trees and other produce.

I have not been well at all but without going into too much detail ( you don't want to read of my moans!!) I have now a Herniated disc in my back, spondylosis very bad, but to cut a long story short the specialist has put me on Tramadol and starting tomorrow every day I go for Electro therapy, Physio, Massage and Acupuncture and some pain killing injections and even Homeopathy injections. They certainly get a move on here I also have a MRI on Wednesday, so hopefully in a couple of weeks I will feel better, they told me they cannot cure but will try to make me more comfortable.

Enough of me now, Kathy came with the two little ones Yasmina and Rosie on Halloween , we had a lovely evening playing and singing songs and of course sweeties as it was Halloween. It was also nice to spend time with Kathy as she is so busy most of the time she comes often but usually cannot stay for long.

I think they are coming for me today to take me out for coffee and cakes and as I will be in the car it will not be too much walking. It will be nice in the sunshine . Will go and make myself presentable now, bye from sunny Romania.

Johanna and Philips wedding

2008-10-30T14:23:00.002+02:00

Just to say a very big thank you to everyone for making it such a lovely day, and to all the people of Romania who are good friends thank you for making us all feel so welcome in your lovely city of Arad. Thank you to the Continental for a job very well done , thanks to Lili and Angie for all the fantastic hair do's, thanks for all the flowers ( a Romanian tradition at weddings) they were beautiful. Thank you to the Minister, and God parents , Thank you from a proud Granny Rose .

Just some more pictures but what a day to remember!!!

2008-10-30T13:58:00.019+02:00

The Wedding of Johanna and Philip

2008-10-30T13:09:00.010+02:00

My sister Betty arrived safely with Gabrielle ( her grand daughter) on Thursday night 9Th October, Kathy had picked them up at Budapest airport along with other guests from Scotland. It was late when they got to my apartment but we sat chatting until the early hours. Friday we had a late breakfast and then went into town for a wee look round ( Betty has been before but she does love Arad) , had a bite to eat at MacDonald's and the sun was shining , it was a good day.

Well Saturday we awoke to bright sunshine and lovely and warm . So glad for Johanna and Philip and we all got ready to go to church. The church is "The Red Church" on the main Boulevard (I have posted pictures of it previously). Some friends I met here years ago Cassie and Dana came for us in the car so we arrived early which was nice as I got to see everyone before we went inside.It was so different having guests from Scotland, England, Australia ( Philip is Australian) and of course all the many good friends, colleges and neighbours from Romania. I did not realise just how many friends I had made in Arad and it was lovely to see them all. The church was packed and looked very beautiful and the bells rang out proudly for the brides arrival.

Philip looked very good in his kilt and when the bride arrived with her main bridesmaid Amy and the little ones I felt a tear in my eyes, they all looked amazing. I will of course put some pictures on this post but we have not got the official ones yet as the bride and groom went on honeymoon to France and on to Australia .

The Continental Hotel did a wonderful spread for the Buffet and it was a cold one first followed by a splendid hot buffet. The food was delicious and I think the nicest wedding cake I have tasted. Everyone joined in the dancing ( Scottish country dancing and some Romanian too) , it was uplifting to see all the different peoples mixing so well even with a slight language barrier, but then as I have said many times the Romanian people are so friendly, kind and polite, they welcome strangers and make them feel at home. We went home , Betty and I about 12 midnight but I believe the festivities went on well into the night. A very nice day, a happy day and I wish Johanna and Philip every happiness.

Just a PS everyones hair looked fantastic so many thanks to Lilie and Angi x x x x

These pics are of : me and Betty, Gabrielle, Hajni and Alexandra, Cassie, Dana, Gloria, My lovely daughter Kathy, Johanna and her Dad, Philip and family, Amy, Rosie, Judith and Daniela.

A little bit of sunshine in my life!!

2008-09-27T13:58:00.008+03:00

This little girl has brought a lot of sunshine to my life, just as Rosanna has, she is Kathy and Kenneth's latest foster child , Yasmina!! She is a joy and while I was feeling very low after my accident she made me laugh and took my mind off things for a while bless her, I really love these two little girls!!!!

Well Done Dr. Johanna Cloke!!!!!!

2008-09-27T13:46:00.007+03:00

I am so proud of you Johanna, well done on your Graduation and becoming Doctor Johanna Cloke. It was hard work and lot's of study but even though you had to do all that in Romanian , you did it. !!!!!!!! We are all so pleased for you and your next big event, your wedding coming soon and I know you had to work hard with all the arrangements for that. I wish you every happiness Johanna and Philip and am sure you will both be very happy. I love you very much Jo and am so proud to be your Granny.

Disastrous Holiday!!

2008-09-27T13:34:00.003+03:00

I will not write a long boring blog about the holiday in Kusadasi, just to say it was awful. The journey was full of hold ups, the luggage was wet through on arrival and worst of all I had a bad fall and ended up in hospital. I have broken my nose and as you will see from the picture I am slowely recovering from the terrible bruising.If I had been drinking I could have said it was my own fault but I hadn't so really do not know quite what happened except I tripped over on the way to the bathroom in the night. That is why I have not written my blog as I have difficulty wearing my glasses, but I am putting my best foot forward and trying to get better for Johanna's wedding on the 11th October!!!

Cooler!!!!!!

2008-09-01T11:47:00.004+03:00

Good morning all, I have been busy making Pitta bread and Rock Buns this morning and ironing and getting some things ready for my week away in Kusadasi with Amy. I shall take a few Rock Buns with me to Tina's (my tutor) this evening as they are always very kind and Tina's Mum makes pancakes for me so I would like to return the favour.

I had not been too well last week so on Friday night Amy suggested we should get our best tog's on and go out, we went to the Hotel Arad on the Terrace and had steak and three nice salads it was very nice and the food was delicious as usual. We just had one drink each and chatted about all sorts, but then the heavens opened and the rain just fell down in torrents. We decided we would go home but it was good to get out for a while. Kathy rang later on Skype and we all talked for an hour and Amy and I were singing for them all, they were all at Lesley's (Kathy's dearest friend.)

Yesterday (Sunday) I got all my housework done then Hajni came with Alexandra for a couple of hours, I watched a little TV ( good programme discussing the "Davinci Code") went to bed early as I was tired, I seem to get more tired lately (old age creeping on!!!) Well I will go and sweep the porch and path now and clean some windows , then may be a wee rest before my lesson at 5.30 pm.

Keep well every one and enjoy each day as it comes, you never know what may happen , so enjoy today!!!!!!!!!!

Projects

2008-08-28T15:18:00.002+03:00

Angie Hope you are feeling better, we all love you and are thinking about you ,I am sure Bill is a good help and will be looking after you. Keep smiling!!!!

My goodness, where is the time going to?? each week seems to go faster. On Friday Amy and Rosanna came to stay with me, Johanna and Philip went to Brasov for a short break and to show Philips Dad Malcom so I had said I would look after Rosanna and Amy was missing her Mum and Dad so she came too. I made some nice meals for us, we went out shopping and as you will see from the pictures Rosanna made some good things too, she also made Blueberry muffins all by herself. Amy helped with the washing up, making beds etc etc and a lot of other things too.

On Monday I went for another lesson with Tina, she is lovely and very patient with me . It is going to be a slow process but I am sure I will be pleased when I can have a conversation with my neighbours and friends. Angie managed to get us on Skype, it was lovely to hear her and see her. She had an op. last week (Not nice) but was being very brave and positive , she did look tired we all love her very much and hope she has a speedy recovery.

It has been slightly cooler this week and Rosie and I got the hanging baskets all down and sorted all the dead bits out and gave them a really good watering. I got a lot of little jobs done , but had Neuralgia for three days and found it very painful. Amy came again yesterday and I had decided not to go to the ECC as I did not feel so good , but she convinced me to get ready and said it would do me good, which it did!! Must get ready for my lesson now and make sure my homework (Tema) is right. Hope you are all OK out there!!!!

Learning the Language

2008-08-17T11:15:00.006+03:00

Buna Ziua, ce mai facetí?

Má numesc Rose,eu am saizeci si sase de ani. Locuiesc ín Romania din Decembrie douá mii sase.

Hobby-urile mele sunt, crosetatul,cititul,grádináritul si calculatorul. Mi-am fácut multi prieteni ín Arad si Subcetate locuiesc aici, acum si nu má voi íntoarce sá locuiesc ín Marea Britanie.

This is a little of the Romanian I have been learning. It is difficult to write it properly as my key board is not the right one. Hope you can understand some of it!!!!

Sunday Afternoon at the Strand

2008-08-11T11:27:00.003+03:00

I spent Sunday afternoon at the "Strand", It was buzzing, hundreds of people enjoying themselves. I went with Kathy , Kenneth, Amy and Yasmina, we went to watch Kenny MC for a promotion. He is working there for 5 weekends during the summer holidays, and he is very good. It was very hot and most people were in the pools ( I think there are four pools) and now a new ripple pool. I had some whitebait freshly cooked , delicious. The last time I had them was in Cornwall but , my goodness they cost a lot more there. There was a lot of stalls selling hot corn on the cob, crepes , hamburgers, freshly made chips , and lots more. It only costs three new Ron (60p) to go in so quite a few families can afford to go and swim, picnic, laze on the grass or whatever! We have three girls here helping (students) they thought it was great and as good as being at any of the holiday resorts.

Well I am going for a Romanian lesson tonight after a break as my teacher Tina was on a well deserved holiday, she works 8 hours a day and does tutoring in the evening and has a little boy to look after too.I have been practising , but still find it difficult, the older you get the harder it is to learn new skills.

I made plum jam this week. I went to see an old friend in Saleani (Mariana) and she gave me lots of delicious plums and home made Tomato juice , she is wonderful and she was so pleased to see me and the same for me too , I wish I lived a little nearer and I could see more of her.

Gloria ( my friend from Belfast) has been away and I have really missed her, be glad when she comes back. Hajni has been good though and now has a little car, she took me to "Jackson" and I got a couple of things and we hope to go in to Hungary soon to the markets.

Must go now and practise some more before my lesson ha ha !!!!

Another Hot Summer!!

2008-07-29T14:09:00.003+03:00

Yes it is another long hot summer with temperatures in the 30's every day for weeks now. I see UK is not having it so good with all the rain and just a few hot days. Everyone is busy here, Kathy had 25 norwegian visitors at the day centre yesterday plus of course the street children, they all had a barbeque. Kenneth is working hard as usual mainly on the house at Dorabanti for Johanna and Philip to go and live in when they are married. Johanna is doing her final exams and arranging things for the wedding. Kenny is sorting out things ready to restart uni. and Amy is learning to drive, helping with the little ones Rosanna and Yasmina and helping me too, she comes to the supermarket with me and helps with everything.Phlilp is working and getting ready for a visit from his Dad, who is coming from Australia.

As for me I do keep busy with keeping the apartment clean and tidy, trying to study Romanian, ( which I find difficult) going to town, meeting friends etc and hope to go to the ECC ( English conversation club) tomorrow night, I did not go last week and really missed seeing everyone. I am getting to know the city very well now and don't get lost as I used to. There are the most interesting shops to see in the side streets and lot's of them are down in the basements, (no space is wasted here) and very qaint.

As I walked through the village the other day I saw many Damsons , Plums, Grapes all nearlly ready for picking (Hope to make Damson Gin for Christmas) and it looks like a good crop of walnuts too, how wonderful and there are so many you can just walk along and get as many as you like Yum!!!! It also seems to have been a good year for roses they are beautiful , there are so many flowers here and everyone makes the effort with window boxes and hanging baskets.

I just fancied Pitta bread the other day and as you can't get it here I made some , it was so good I shall make more tomorrow, much better than shop bought and of course the smell whilst it is cooking Mmmmmm!!! Well must go now and do some more study I so much want to learn the language, wish I wasn't so thick !!!! Bye for now!

So much to do!!!!!!

2008-07-16T11:02:00.006+03:00

Hello everyone, well there is so much to lately I have to write down what I am doing each day on my calender and really have not much time left to email friends or Blog, ha ha. However I seem to be able to have a quiet day today so here goes. We have had my niece and family here, you remember baby Oliver and Niamh. They have every moment of the visit and loved all the different food they had. I was having a party for some of my friends from the ECC and it was Estela's birthday so it was great to have everyone at my house. I made chili and rice, cold buffet, trifle and summer pudding. It all went down a treat we all laughed and sang , it was a great evening and well worth the hard work to see everyone mixing with each other and having a jolly good time.

It is still very hot on Sunday we all went to Hajni's house in the village and had a nice meal there and more singing and dancing. It was almost 90deg F so the barbecue was done outside but we had to eat indoors it was too hot to go out.The children were fantastic and Niamh sang 5 or 6 songs for us she is a lovely little girl and very well mannered too, of course we had performances from Daniela, Rosie and Alexandra too .

I felt rather fragile come Monday so had a quiet day and studied my Romanian as I had a lesson at 5.30pm. Tina said I had done very well and got fairly good marks for my homework.On the way home there was the most fantastic thunder storm (Fortuna in Romanian) the sky lit up with the streaks of lightning I just managed to get indoors before the down pour, but we do need the rain. The people rely so much on their home grown veg. and it was so dry so they will be pleased and by Tuesday the air was lovely and fresh.

Tuesday and it was Kirsy's last night ( Gosh!!! that went quickly) we wanted to take them to the "Bulzan" for traditional food but they are closed so we went to the Terrace at the Hotel Arad. We had a very good meal and the children played in the gardens. Niamh was heard saying "Oh it is so nice here , I must come again" and we hope they will all come again we shall miss them.

It is Wednesday now and very pleasant outside just warm enough with a slight breeze. Hope to get a few jobs done while it is cooler , so I must get on now. It is the ECC again tonight phew!! I have never been out so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quite a busy week

2008-07-07T10:29:00.002+03:00

Monday,Wednesday and Thursday I was at the dentist to sort out my teeth.By Thursday I had new teeth and all a success. Wednesday I called to see Gloria, she said she had really enjoyed the crumpets I gave her so I must make more asap.We went to town together on Thursday, I called at the bank, payed my phone bill etc etc. We called at Elefantul ( a little shop on the Boulevard) and I got a summery bag in cotton. We called for a couple of coffee's and cold drinks as once again it was very hot. Found a new shop next door to Ziridava where they have bit bigger sizes and got two cotton tops , ideal for this hot weather.

Friday I stayed in and got some jobs done in the apartment and Eddie came with plumbers to fix my tap etc.I also stayed in on Saturday and Irina and Daniela came to see me which was nice. Also Paul and Kenny dropped in for a quick visit. Sunday again already, I decided to make the chili for next Saturday for a wee party for Estela's birthday, I will freeze it then there will not be quite so much to do on the day.Kathy and Ken took me out in the evening , we went to the Hotel again on the Terrace, very good, I had Papernash(hot fresh doughnuts with jam and cream) delicious!!!!! So all in all another good week.

Last Weeks Diary!!

2008-07-01T09:59:00.003+03:00

Dana , the sweet girl who waits on us all on Wednesday nights, We have become friends now, she is a lovely girl. The other pictures are of the Terrace at The Hotel Arad, it is a very nice place to sit and while away the evening and the food is very good too and the service excellent.

The weather is still very hot here , so I do not venture far as it just doesn't suit me, I keep in the shade and if all else fails "Wear a Big Hat!!" By the way I must tell you my good news,,, only three Mosquito bite in eight weeks , wonderful and even the ones I had did not react as bad as they used to. Thanks to Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) , one tablet 100Mg's per day and it is proving to be very successful.
Wednesday evening I went to the English conversation club on the Terrace at the Hotel Arad. It is a beautiful terrace with Honeysuckle perfuming the evening air, conifers , geraniums, begonia, fuchsia and roses. We all had a good time and Kathy , Ken and Amy came too. It is always a pleasure for me to see all these lovely people and to chat the night away.
On Thursday because it was too hot to go walking I went to Gloria's house in Subcetate, it is a lovely house and they keep the garden looking lovely. We sat out on the balcony for hours chatting and drinking refreshing elder flower cordial with mineral water. Gloria got the binoculars out as I spotted a pretty bird with yellow and green wing and tail feathers it was sitting in the apricot tree. What a nice afternoon, thanks Gloria and I went home with mange tu and apples and i think i may get some apricots next time they have lots on the tree.
Sunday I decided to make crumpets and to be able to give some to Gloria to try. I was in the middle of cooking them (it is a slow process) when Kathy and Ken came with Yasmina so of course they had crumpets with their coffee. It was good to see them and have a chat , Sundays are such long days when you are on your own. Anyway they also called for me in the evening and we spent at least two hours all the family on the river on a pontoon, having snacks and drinks, it was really good as we watched the little boats going up and down and every time one passed the pontoon rocked .
Well that was my week more or less !! A good one!!

Assorted Photo'e of my time in Cyprus

2008-06-25T16:52:00.009+03:00

Susi Yum !!!

At least I got in the sea once!! Lovely wedding

I thought I would just show you a few of the photo's in Cyprus.......

Gosh!!!! it's hot

2008-06-25T10:21:00.002+03:00

Good morning, it is so hot here at the moment it is hard to concentrate so I am going to get a few things done this morning before it gets too hot, it is going to be 86 deg. (F) today. I did get in the sea in Cyprus but only one day, it was lovely in the water, shame I could not have gone in every day. The Doctor I saw was trained in Bucharest and he was telling me how much he likes Romania and he would like to live here again. I also met two Romanian girls working in one of the shops, they were so delighted to talk to me ,it was a little difficult with my limited Romanian and there little English but we managed to talk for quite a while. It was obvious they were home sick and were pleased to talk about their home. I also met young people from Bulgaria, Poland and Germany who have all gone to Cyprus to earn some money. The culture and traditions in Cyprus are very similar to the Romanians and they are a caring people too.

To be continued late.

Home at Last Hurrah!!!!!!

2008-06-21T11:14:00.004+03:00

Well I am home at last, it was a long time to be away and do not think I will go away for that long again.However I had some good times , the wedding was wonderful and a perfect day for Pattie and Robert, The meal at the Japanese restaurant was a great experience where the food was cooked in front of you on a great flat grill (pictures to follow) and the last night at the Mexican restaurant was really good too. Cyprus is a lovely island unfortunately I did not see much of it I had wished to go to different places and do all sorts of things , like snorkel etc.etc. but I had not been there long when I had to visit the Doctor. My BP was 195/100 and my left leg and foot were swollen so much I could not get my shoes on. The pain was awful but I tried my best to get on with as much as I could. The doctor had told me to rest in the afternoons and gave me water tablets. I was so disappointed I had gone all that way ( and the ex pence) and could not be with the others on the beach and swimming in the sea. Just unfortunate but we met a lot of lovely people some of whom joined us most evenings, (Karen and BJ and Tony and Cindy) we had many laughs.

On my return to UK I had three teeth out which proved to be very painful so that when I landed at my Sisters (Betty) I was feeling quite ill. She looked after me and so did her husband Tom and I began to recover. I just though can anything else happen on this holiday???? I had also lost two suitcases to damage on the airlines . My nephew Tony invited us for a meal which was lovely and it was great to see all the family, he did Salmon with ginger for me as my mouth was sore, it was delicious. I also managed an evening out with my niece Gaynor (Betty's daughter) we had a lovely meal at "The Hare and Hounds" on top of Werneth Low. I also got to see my old school friend Janet and we chatted about all sorts of things.

Well I will probably have Lot's more to say about my month away but for now I must go, I just wanted to get back on line for now.

On Count Down Now!!!!

2008-05-13T19:02:00.007+03:00

Well I just have not had time to do my blog. Getting ready for my visit to UK and then Cyprus to Pattie and Roberts wedding and a holiday, can't wait I haven't had a holiday for a long time and really feel in the need for one. It's the getting ready that gets me down but I shouldn't moan should I ? some people never get a holiday.
Wednesday night was a good night again at the ECC and more than ever people there, didn't get home until 1.15am but I do so enjoy the company they are all such a lovely group of folks. I had also been to Gloria's in the village to have tea and biscuits and wish her Drum Bun (good journey ) as she was off to Ireland Thursday. Friday was Daniela's birthday , she was five and as her adopted Granny I felt I had to do a party for her. I just made nice dainty sandwiches for the children and chili and jacket potatoes for the adults and Hajni made one of her delicious cakes. She had Lot's of nice presents from our family and a good time was had by all. I really must get cracking now as I have had a house full again today , must get packing etc etc so I may not be on line for a while but will tell all about my time away when I return. Bye for now!!!!!

Quite an eventful week!!

2008-05-04T13:06:00.020+03:00

Hi Folks, well it has been an eventful week to say the least.I had my first pedicure ever which was super and so relaxing, also a manicure which together cost me all of £6 my goodness!!! needless to say I gave the lady (Addy) a good tip, the Romanians certainly have to work hard for just a little money and sh did not even want to take it but I insisted.Gloria took me as this is where she goes for a little pampering too. Whilst I was "being done" she went to pay her gas and electric bills and called back for me. We sat by the fountain for a while then walked along the river Mures and ended up at the Continental Hotel to have coffee and cakes (theirs are some of the best in town, the cakes I mean - though there are many good cake shops!). Friday Hajni came to take me to shop and we came back to my place for hot chocolate. I had a wee rest as I still don't feel too well (will get sorted out eventually), I received a txt from Andreea from the ECC ( English conversation club) inviting me to her birthday party that evening at The Hotel Arad at 8 pm. I must be honest I really did not feel like going but it would be the first time since I came to live here that I would go out socially in the evening, I was a bit dubious of going on my own but why not just go for it??? I had a bath washed my hair and got my togs on etc.

Wow!! I was so glad I went, the food was amazing, the starters were Brinza,(cheese), a fabulous home made salami, mushroom Pate, salata de beouf (similar to what we call Russian salad), pickles etc etc and great fresh bread. After an hour roast pork chops and chicken, mashed potato and chips also with pickles and last but not least, Pancakes with jam or chocolate or fresh fruit salad. It was all delicious. The drinks were all free too, you could have what ever you wanted and champagne at midnight. We all had a really great time and sang and laughed all night, I got home at 2.15am Thanks to all, that's Romanian hospitality at it's best.

Needless to say I had a quiet day Saturday reflecting on the night before and thinking again how nice the Romanian people are ... also how good the food is. Oh ... and the beer and wine here! Ursus and Silva are my favourite beers and I particularly like the black beer yum! They have a wine called Murfatler which is excellent (vineyard pictured).

It is Sunday now and the family are back from their short break (which they badly needed) so they are coming to see me and we can swap stories of the last weeks events.
Happy Sunday everyone.

Good Morning, It is Easter here (Orthodox)

2008-04-26T10:05:00.006+03:00

Hi Everyone!!

Busy week again so not had much time to do my blog. but here we go. I spent a lot of time at the beginning of the week researching Mosquitoes and solutions to them biting me, I have 26 bites already and it is only April. I am afraid they just like biting me!! However after many hours (yes hours), I found out about a patch, a Thiamine (Vitamin B1) patch which has been tested in severe circumstances and one patch on your body gives protection for 36 hours. I have of course tried everything else, sprays, gels, plug ins, electronic devices and antihistamines but I remember being advised by my doctor in UK 3 years ago to take Vitamin B1. So I have ordered some and will let you know the out come later in the summer, meanwhile I am eating Marmite every day (VIT. B) and taking as much of the vitamin as I can. Well that was a bit boring, yes? but you never know it may help someone else.

On Wednesday Ramona had a special class for the Italians so I did not go but went to the English club at the Hotel Arad. Gosh it was packed!! Met Chris from Dorset, a girl from Poland, Tim was there from America and all the usual crowd from Romania of course. We had many laughs and Lot's of good conversation, a few drinks and Papernash (a kind of hot fresh doughnut with jam and sour cream) delicious! I did not get home until 11.45 but once again had a great time with people I now consider to be my friends.

As promised Gloria came for me at 11am Thursday and we took a Taxi to the Primaria then walked along the Boulevard chatting and looking in the shops along the way. I took her to a nice dress shop I know where I manage to get larger sizes as my waist line is expanding ha ha! I got a lovely pair of summer trousers . We then crossed over and I got the lovely hand made glasses I wanted for Pattie and Roberts wedding present. It was time for a sit down so off to Libalula for apple strudel and coffee ( no wonder I am expanding) we sat for nearly an hour chatting about our lives here, family etc etc.She is a lovely lady and I am sure we will be good friends. Lastly Ziridava and then back to her house in Subcetate. It is a great house, huge, and a lovely garden and balcony where we sat another hour with green tea, biscuits and more chat. We are hoping to go for a manicure and pedicure next week so I shall look forward to that.

It was Good Friday now and Kathy was putting on a party for the street people at The Secret Garden so I wanted to do my bit, I cooked 30 eggs (hard boiled) got nice biscuits and some packs of fruit teas. Hajni made cakes and potato salad, some ladies from the church came with meat and salad and we all made sandwiches. Also a lot of young people from France, Poland, Spain and Germany were there to offer help. We waited for the street people but no one came just two boys and a young couple, Kenneth went to look at the station, where they hang out to see why they hadn't come. They were all at the back of the station holding a birthday party for little Lissa... so I went home then, I was tired and needed a wee rest but Kathy decided they should all go to the party and take our food with them. I will let you know what happened then later when I find out myself. So that was my week,certainly not boring I seem to meet new people all the time and it is great, I love it.

Happy Sunday to all my fellow bloggers

2008-04-20T18:39:00.005+03:00

Just to say , have you time to read my Daughters other blog, clokescrazycasa , you can click onto it from my blog. I think it makes interesting reading it is about her family and her extended one too, go on give it a whirl, thanks Rose.

Surprise!!!!!

2008-04-20T12:42:00.008+03:00

Well I finished my last post by saying "you never know what may happen" (or words to that effect). Kathy and Kenneth came to see me, great!! we sat and chatted and Kathy gave me a few guidelines on my Romanian study, which really helped a lot. She seems to think I will master it, hope so, there are so many reasons why I want to learn the language. I want to be able to chat to my neighbours, to the Taxi drivers (who are so kind and patient with me) I usually use Verbita, they have never let me down and very polite on the phone.also to be able to go to the doctors and all sorts of places and be able to ask questions and converse with them. Instead of having to ask Kathy or one of the family to go with me , they have enough to do with out always having to help me they do a lot anyway and look after me in Lot's of ways, so thanks gang!!!!

We then decided to go for a meal at Pizza King and on to their home in Saleáni so that was a nice change too and the apartment now looks lovely and cosy. Yasmina was a delight as usual, she is quite a character and Rosanna had been out at a friends and she came in to see me too. Kathy suggested we go to Practikca a store similar to B&Q , we got plants to brighten up my porch. Hydrangeas which I thought were very appropriate for me , coming from Hyde ha ha !!!! and a nice "Box " to go in the lovely pot which was a present from Betty, Angie and Pattie on their visit, so I have made a start but hope to have Lot's more and maybe a couple of fruit trees. So I ended up having a super day thanks Kathy and Kenneth, Oh I also got brass numbers to go on my door.
Well I have had a really busy morning, cleaned the budgies, hoovered, swept and scrubbed the porch and front path and now I think a short rest is deserved yes???

Learning the Language!!!!

2008-04-19T10:31:00.002+03:00

On Wednesday I made my way to Strada Marasesti to the ILC (International Learning Centre) where I was to sit in on a class to see if I thought I would like to attend regularly to learn Romanian. There were four Italian men and me !! They did not speak English and I ,of course know no Italian so it was a little confusing to say the least but I actually was able to follow what was going on. The tutor is very nice , Romona, and she took me on one side and said if I would like to go she would address me in English and that she thought I could do it as I do know a little already. So I shall go again next week and give it a whirl, I really do want to be able to speak the language.

Feeling slightly brain dead and a headache(through concentrating) I set off for the Hotel Arad to the English Conversation club, I soon relaxed with the friends I made last week and we all had a great evening talking about alsorts . I really do enjoy this club , the people are so nice .

Thursday Hajni came , my friend from the village (Subcetate) with her little "KA" and took me to Billa (supermarket) to replenish my food supplies.We had a coffee when we got back and I played with little Alexandra.

Friday I was busy in the morning doing my jobs and then sat down to try to study the Romanian exercises I had given to me on Wednesday. The door bell went and standing there was a lady, I greeted her in Romanian but she answered in English!! She had been trying to find my apartment for a few days , then saw my name on the door, I asked her in and gave her some tea ( Yorkshire tea of course!!). She is called Gloria and is from Ireland, she lives in Subcetate and had heard an English lady was living here. We chatted for ages it was so nice to have the company and compare notes. Anyway we are going to go to town next Thursday and do some shopping and have a coffee. It will be lovely to go with someone as it is not the same going on your own. She is a very nice lady and I am sure we will become friends , she too gets a little lonely as her husband works here but is out all day. Well that was my week , it is Saturday now and I have no plans but who knows what might happen!!

It was an interesting week to say the least!!!!!!

2008-04-13T16:17:00.003+03:00

I had not been feeling well for about 10 days, so Kathy took me to the doctors on Tuesday, I was having a lot of pain (won't go into details), they asked me to go back Wednesday and gave me an Ultra Sound (how quick is that? No chance in UK of getting a test that quick). The result was I had a kidney infection so antibiotics were prescribed and I soon began to feel better. Kathy said if I felt well enough would I like to go to the Hotel Arad Wednesday evening to the English club where Romanians who want to speak better English gather and just chat in English over a beer and a snack. It is run by Marius (a charming man) and was great fun. They like English speaking people to go and as I have a broad Lancashire accent it was a big challenge for them to understand me.

My daughter Kathryn was brought up in Scotland and spent most of her married life there too and she speaks beautifully with a lovely Scottish accent so she has been before but it was easier for them to know what she was saying. The people there were very nice and very friendly, we had a laugh and a few serious discussions , I really enjoyed myself and look forward to going again next week. The room we were using at the Hotel was as near an English pub that I have seen here, the staff were great and the food excellent. Marius also suggested I go to the Romanian class on Monday so I shall give it a whirl and see if I can improve my Romanian, Kathy doesn't need to go as her Romanian is excellent.

On Friday Hajni was so excited as she now has a little car , so she took me to Metro shopping . I got a suitcase for my trip to UK in May and stocked up on household stuff, it was good not having to get a Taxi as Kathy is so busy most days she just does not have the time to take me. Saturday I got some housework done and then Rosie came for a few hours as Kathy and Kenneth were moving furniture for Johanna and Philip to their house in the country, so all in all a busy, interesting week and to top it all the weather was superb, hot and sunny some days 20 degrees.

Weekend with my family

2008-04-04T09:46:00.009+03:00

Last weekend was spent mainly with my family. Amy came Friday night and stayed overnight. We had a nice breakfast of poached eggs on toast together and chatted. Then Irina came to do a little cleaning for me, I give her some money and some food and it helps her out. Daniela came too and insists on helping . I did not feel well at all so Amy went for my shopping for me. Later in the afternoon Kathy called me to see if I would like a short stroll in the park and go for coffee at the continental hotel so I made the effort and went. It was nice to be with them all and this is how Romanians like to spend the weekend, with the family. Amy came back with me and we had a good evening together. On Sunday we all went to Timisoara, it was a beautiful day sunny and warm and the square was full of stalls selling lovely hand made gifts. We went to our favourite restaurant, Casa cu Flori (House of Flowers) where I had trout again. The whole weekend was great and I saw Kenny too and his apartment in Timisoara.

I have not been well all week and very unlike me have not been out. I kept myself busy with a bit of knitting so I didn't keep thinking about how ill I felt. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and I hope to have a better week next week.

The Secret Garden

2008-03-28T18:13:00.002+02:00

Could I ask all the people that visit my blog. if you have a little time to spare, to take a look at my daughters blog. http://visdecopilarad.blogspot.com it is interesting reading and may give you a little glimpse of the work she and her husband do. At this Easter time I think we all should stop and think of all the things we take for granted , including myself of course. Thank you hope you enjoy reading.

A Good Day

2008-03-26T20:46:00.006+02:00

I had a good day today, feeling better!! Going out did me good. Kathy took me to change the hotel booking for Kirsty and Nick, then on to the supermarket Kaufland for fresh supplies of vegetables mainly for my new meat free diet. I got lovely fresh spinach, so for the first time I made Saag Aloo (potato and spinach with spices and onions , garlic and ginger), It was a great success and I really enjoyed it, Kathy told me how to make it as she and Kenneth lived in India for a while and know lots of spicy vegetable recipes. My Grandson was born in Pakistan. Then I went to the Textile shop on Strada Emminescu to get a gift for the couple of friends who have their civil ceremony at the Primaria tomorrow. I then offered to have wee Yasmina for a couple of hours, she is a sweet, clever little thing and no trouble to look after , she plays happily and never cries. It was a pleasure to have her, we are all very fond of her and dread the day she may have to go back with her Mummy. I will post a photo of her and one of Daniela helping me when she came last Saturday. Will go and relax now and watch a little TV. Yes !! it was a good day indeed.

Easter

2008-03-25T14:46:00.007+02:00

It was Easter for the Catholics in Arad this weekend but the Romanian Orthodox celebrate Easter at the end of April 27Th being Easter Sunday. It has however still been very quiet as there were still a lot of people not working. Kathy and family celebrate Easter with the Romanians and usually attend the village church along with friends and neighbours. Most Romanians eat spring lamb on Easter Sunday , it is very young lamb and very good tasting.

I am not eating meat at the moment I just seem to have had too much lately , so have gone vegetarian temporarily. It is a good time to eat veg. the markets are full of the most delicious fruit and veg as you will have seen on my photo's of the market here most of it from the local gardens. The forsythia is out now along the river bank and along the Boulevard the fruit trees are all in blossom, it looks lovely. I saw some great plants in the market too and can't wait to get my tubs planted now for outside and maybe a tree would be good too.

Last Easter here we went on a picnic run by the church in the woods and every one had a great time most people brought a barbecue with them and everyone shared the food, there was music , dancing and games for the children and for the adults so I am hoping we can go again this year. As most things here Easter is a big family time to share good times , meals , walks and time in the park etc. I went into the Red Church ( Lutheran) the other day when I was in town as it was open and all the candles were lit on the altar it really was quite moving.

I don't get many emails these days I think maybe Skype has something to do with it. It is a great way to communicate at very little cost and my Brother and his wife talk to me about three times a week and we have web cams so I try to make sure I have done my hair and look decent ha ha!! I also can speak to my sister on her land line for an hour for about 50p. wonderful!!! Technology has certainly come a long way since I was a nipper hey!! Still for folks like me who have moved away it deserves a big thank you to Skype for helping me keep in touch with family and friends.

Must motivate myself to do some jobs now and wonder what I will write about next??

Good bye , Betty, Angie and Pattie

2008-03-20T16:42:00.006+02:00

Oh dear!!! at the airport , checking in. Everyone came to say goodbye . There were a few tears it was sad to see them go, but we will remember the visit and all the laughs .Just wished it had been a little longer. We left to go back to Arad as it was Irina's baptism and I had promised I would go. I am afraid I fell asleep in church but did see Irina get baptised. It felt very strange when I got back home , very quiet and I was glad when it was time for bed . I will try and look on the bright side and think of how I am going to enjoy all the treats they brought for me yummy, can.t wait for potted beef sandwiches, black puddings (from Hibberts butchers , in Hyde) Hollands meat pie , cheddar cheese and Marmite. there is lot's more but I won't tell you all my secrets ha ha!!! Funny the silly little things you miss when you have moved away. The bacon here is much better than UK and the pork is far better, succulent and very tasty and a lot of things are better but I still miss a good CRUMPET;well done with lots of butter Yumpt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday oh dear!!!! the last day.

2008-03-15T12:03:00.005+02:00

The last day, then tomorrow would be travelling home for my dear friends and sister.Guess where they wanted to go again , yes back to "Jackson".We had a good rummage round and all bought a few things then back to town as the girls wanted to buy a gift for Hajni who they think a lot of because she is such a good person and for the way she helps me.They got lovely earings from Ziridava and had got a wee present for Hajni's little girl too. We went home quite early as I had decided to take them and all the family to "Casa Bulzan" the traditional Romanian resturant. There were twelve of us with the baby, Kathy had asked them to put on the traditional starter platters for us. Three huge platters came with a fantastic array of meats and salad. There was Antelope pasrami, Bear, Wild Boar, Rabbit sausage, Lamb Paté, wonderful smoked hams, Salami's it was just amazing!!! every body really enjoyed them all and tried a little of everything. We all ordered a main meal too,everybody choosing different meals. Pattie and I had the Trout ,Wow!! delicious! and we got two each, Betty, Amy and Johanna had Lamb cooked slowely in the oven , I didn't keep track of what every one else had but we all enjoyed it all , the service was , as always very good. We went back to my apartment and ended the evening with champagne , music and a little dancing. I think it was a good send off to my visitors, I shall be sad to see them go tomorrow.

Szeged

2008-03-15T11:40:00.004+02:00

We had decided to pay a visit to Hungary, Szeged is about a two hour drive and Kathy and Kenneth were going to Budapest and said they would drop us off in Szeged. We arrived bit too late for the market but had a quick look round and bought a couple of things. We then found a bus that took us to the centre, there was a lovely square there with very impressive building and the most unusual statues. We couldn't find a resturant so ended up in Macdonalds. Betty got a lovely piece of jewelery and we just strolled around the square in lovely sunshine again and took some good photo's. We then made our way to the huge Tesco's there and had a coffee and peroused the shops inside Tesco, lots of nice shoes , handbags , gifts of all kinds. Kathy and Kenneth were held up badly in Budapest in traffic so we made our way back home in a Mini bus. It was a bit of a dissapointing day but at least we had been to Hungary and all decided we all like Romania better. We still had a good evening chatting and laughing and of course a few voka's were enjoyed.

Gosh Wednesday already!!!

2008-03-11T10:33:00.004+02:00

My goodness it was Wednesday already, the time was flying past. The weather was glorious every day, bright warm sunshine , the girls were quite surprised all this lovelysunshine and warm too in February!!! I thought I would take them up the other end of town where the Orthodox Cathedral stands proudly over looking the city.We called in Ziridava ( a big store) and all the other shops and I picked up some great pork ribs to cook for supper at my favorite shop which is below street level and quite facinating!!
We met Kathy and she took us all to "The Secret Garden" (day centre). It is really looking good now with lovely voile curtains at the windows and little tables and chairs where the street kids sit sipping coffee and chatting.The "girls" met a lot of them and the children and babies and agreed it was a nice place for them all to go. One girl had had a shower and washed her hair and her clothes were being washed, these kids like to be clean when they have the opportunity to be able to do so.
Irina who used to be on the streets is doing a great job helping Kathy and is trying very hard to make a decent life for herself and her little girl,Daniela, good for her, i wish her all the best.
I think it made Angie, Pattie and Betty how hard it is for these people , it makes you appreciate all the little things we all take for granted, soap and running water for a start. They will go home with a different outlook on Romania and be able to tell people first hand what a lovely country it is and how warm and friendly the people are and all hard working, also much more respect from the young people, for instance, when I travel on the tram or bus the young ones will always get up to let me sit down, and help me get on and off the tram!!
Thursday we went to Hungary so more about that tomorrow.

The Visit part 2

2008-03-05T13:50:00.004+02:00

Actually the first day here was Sunday, which in Arad is a quiet day spent going to church and time to visit family and friends, so we had a lie in and then went for a walk round the village of Subcetate in bright , warm sunshine , whilst Britain was freezing. Then back home and then Pizza King for dinner. A good first day nice and relaxed.

On Tuesday I took them to see "Jackson" a market with indoor and outdoor stalls, they had heard me speak often of "Jackson" so much so it became a joke like in the song "I'm goin to Jackson"!!!!!!! Pattie, Betty and Angie bought nice handbags etc. etc. I think by the end of the trip Pattie had got 5 handbags, (they have lovely , different bags here a lot of Italian leather). Kathy came to meet us and we then called in at Keketch a place where the poor families live. I think it was an eye opener to see before you how these people live with very little assistance except of course from Kathy and a few others and of course her main concern is the children. We came back to the apartment and I did a roast pork dinner and everyone agreed that the pork here is scrumptious!!!! Yet another day of sunshine and it was 20 degrees wow!!!

My First Visitors

2008-03-05T10:46:00.000+02:00

Well the day had come at last, Angie and Pattie were arriving in Timisoara at 1.30, we all piled in the mini bus to be there when they got here. We mustered as many of the family as we could to give them a good welcome, we picked Kenny and Johanna and Philip up from Timisoara on the way. In actual fact they were waiting outside for us , it was lovely to see them and there were lots of hugs and kisses. As we were about to drive away a lady strolled up , strange she was wearing sunglasses and a fur coat, oh my goodness!!! I couldn't believe it , it was my sister Betty they had kept the surprise for me for weeks, ( how did three women keep a secret for so long!!) So there were more hugs , kisses and tears ( of joy of course). We took them to the lovely square in Timisoara and for a coffee, then back to my apartment. The things they had brought for me were great, jars of potted beef, suet , HP sauce,Cheddar cheese , crumpets and lots of magazines oh!! what a feast I was going to have but best of all they brought themselves.

The first day, which was warm and sunny I took them to the market, the huge textile shop, Leonardo's ( our favorite shoe shop) and a walk up the main Boulevard. They couldn't believe how lovely the weather was and we all had a really nice day and finished up chatting and having a drink at the apartment. There is so much to tell I will have to do a blog every day for a week , so this is the end of this one on "The Visit"

Curtains for the apartment

2008-02-21T15:26:00.001+02:00

I was hoping I would get the voile curtains up before Angie came but I am afraid Kenneth and Kathryn have been to busy at "The Secret Garden", Lot's of street children are coming every day and it is lovely to see them but hard work again for Kathryn and Kenneth but this is what they were hoping for so all is going well and what does it matter about my curtains as Angie says " we are coming to see YOU Rose, not the apartment" Better get on I get carried away when I am blogging.

Projects

2008-02-21T14:40:00.001+02:00

Well I am nearly ready for my visitors now, been out today to do the last of the shopping, the beds are made up and all ok. Although I have been really busy I still have managed to get on with my projects.

Olivers blanket is finished and I have started another for the jeweler and his wife on the boulevard, they are expecting thier first baby. I made friends with him a few years ago when I was just visiting , he is very kind and a "Gentleman", I also started a little pullover top for Alexandra and am finishing a scarf for Pattie to take back with her to UK for her sister Alma.

The last two days have been lovely here with lots of bright sunshine and quite warm , hope it keeps like this for them coming.Must rest a little now , my arms are hurting,,,, No wonder !!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Oliver!!

2008-02-16T19:41:00.000+02:00

Just to welcome the new addition to our family , my brother Bill and his wife Angie have a new Grandson and a brother for Niamh. Their Mummy , Kirsty was one of the first volunteers to come over to help with the charity, the street kids loved her and are so pleased she is coming again this time with her husband Nick and the children. I hope this time instead of working hard as she did before they will do some sight seeing and have a bit of time with the family.

It has been snowing all day today and looks very pretty but it is freezing, I had to put my boots and thick coat on to take out the rubbish. Glad I opted to stay in and have got lots of jobs done for Angie and Pattie coming next Saturday, can't wait to see them I am sure they will like it here and lots of lovely shops and markets to see . I hope to take them to Timisoara as well (the city of flowers).

Well I will take a break now and watch a film I have down loaded and have a beer or maybe two!! Must try to finish the blanket for Oliver it is almost big enough now.

"The Secret Garden"

2008-02-14T21:24:00.000+02:00

The day centre is up and running now and some street children come most day's. We have called it "The Secret Garden" because it reminds us of the house in the childrens story.Think you will agree it does? It is looking better every day hard work for Kenneth and Kathryn who are trying to make it like a home as it is the only home these kids have. The room I will show you is sort of the reading room and they get a little education as Kathryn and Kenneth are both school teachers. There is a play room too and showers for them to wash and get a change of clothes. They get hot drinks of coffee, tea or soup and sandwiches as the kitchen is not done yet , we await more funding.I think they have done wonders with the help of many volanteers and all the people who have given money and gifts for the secret garden, many thanks to all of them and a lot of young folk come to help which is lovely to think they spare their time and effort to help these kids. The street kids vary in ages there are small children , babies, teenagers and young adults,all desperatly in need of help and love which we all try to give them. I do try to help in small ways but wish I could do more , but every little helps eh?????

My New Apartment

2008-02-12T12:11:00.000+02:00

I thought some of you may be interested to see my new apartment, so I inlude some photo's. It is really feeling like home now ans Kenneth does a few jobs for me every time he comes. He put some pictures up the other day and soon he will put the poles up to hang the voile curtains I had made last week. My two budgies have settled nicely and seem to like their new home too. They are called Anica (yellow) and Theodore(green) I am hoping for some babys but they are still quite young birds so we shall see!!!

I am crocheting a blanket for the newest arrival to the family Oliver, George my nieces new baby, hope to have photo's of him soon and his sister. Will try to get some crochet done today I have done all the cleaning I intend doing and have a head cold so it is a good excuse to have an easier day.

Martisor

2008-02-07T11:53:00.000+02:00

Gosh !!! it is nearly " Martisor " again, always a nice time of year when we herald in the Spring. Here in Romania we give each other little Amulets, exchanging them is a gesture of love , friendship, respect and appreciation. These amulets at the beginning of the 19th century were worn around the neck or on the left hand in the belief they protected and brought you good luck for the year. People wore them from the 1st. March to the 12th March and waited for the first birds to appear in their village then they hung them in the first tree they saw in blossom. I think this is one of the nicest traditions but there are many more here.

I saw the first snowdrops yesterday, lovely a sure sign Spring is round the corner. I must say it has been a very mild winter here again , not many days that I had to wear my thermal undies!!! I am hoping my visitors (Angie and Pattie) from Oldham, near Manchester will be able to see the many little stalls on the Boulevard selling flowers and amulets for "Martisor" I am sure they will think it is a lovely tradition too.

Shopping in Arad

2008-02-06T17:39:00.003+02:00

Well I have been busy shopping for things for my new apartment I haven't had time to do my blog. On Monday I went to look at voile curtains I have nice blinds, but wanted curtains to dress the windows and look pretty and homely. The textile shop I went to on Strada Eminescu is fantastic . It makes me laugh when people say Romania is a backward country , I think UK have a lot to learn. The array of curtains and soft furnishings is awesome, They have a bedding department too and splendid haberdashery. I also thought I would call at the Piazza Mica ( big market) and get my fruit and veg. and some freshly baked bread it's yummy.

Tuesday I was off out again and had a hair cut and blow wave then met Helen a Scots lady who has lived here 10 years. We had a coffee in town , called for sheets of pork ribs at the Alimentara then she ran me home and we had Yorkshire tea and digestive biscuits and chatted.

Wednesday I have Rosanna she stayed last night and practised her knitting , she is doing very well and doing the purl stitch too.We had breakfast and did some cleaning then off to town again to pick up the curtains and called at Billa for food etc. So at least I have had a productive week so far.

It is only 17 days now to my visitors coming I can't wait and they are bringing goodies with them , Oxo cubes , jellies mixes for chili and bassets liquorice allsorts ha ha . Hope you like the pictures of the markets.

Churches,inside the catholic cathedral and the Lutheran church

2008-01-23T11:24:00.000+02:00

I found a picture of the inside of the catholic cathedral and one of the Lutheran church on the main boulevard were Johanna and Philip will be married in October. The picture at the top is the catholic cathedral isn't it splendid?

Well I have been here over a year now and there is still Lot's more to see and do. Things have changed here , I have been visiting for seven years, there are a lot more cars on the roads for a start but still you don't have to travel far to see the old way of life that still exists in the villages, thank goodness we don't want too much change it is lovely just as it is.

I would like very much to thank all the people of Arad and surrounding villages for all their help and friendship during my year living here. I could not thank them individually there are too many but a big thanks to all the Taxi drivers , they have all been kindness itself to me and helpful, to all the shop keepers and assistants and the ladies in the bank who are lovely with me, to friends I have made especially Hajyni who has been like a daughter to me , last but not least thanks to my family Kathy, Kenneth Johanna, Philip, Kenny , Amy and Rosanna, I could not have done it without you all and hope everyone will help me through the next year. I do know quite a lot of the language and learn a little more every day.

Traditional Romanian Restaurant in Arad

2008-01-22T18:19:00.000+02:00

I was telling you about the great food in a restaurant in Arad but forgot to tell you the name and where to find it ( how could you go for a meal there if you don't know where it is!!!!) It is at Boul Rosu (The red Bull) Cafe Bulzan, wonderful worth a visit if you like typical traditional food of the area you are visiting.

I was in town on Friday to get new plugs etc (I was managing with English plugs and adapters) huh ! never enough adapters so running round swapping them from appliances. I decided to call in the Catholic cathedral as I knew it had been recently renovated. It is quite splendid and huge inside, I also strolled slowly up the main boulevard looking at all the wonderful doors, yes Doors!!!! I cant remember seeing as many different and ornate ones before, will try to get some pictures.

I went to put my rubbish out this afternoon and there was a goat quietly nibbling away on the field and all the cows were out there too (how nice) I do so love it here. I wonder every day what new things I will discover in this wonderful place I now call home ?????

Moving day again !!!!!!

2008-01-21T09:55:00.000+02:00

Well you may ask where have I been since Christmas?? I bought a new apartment two years ago and with a lot of problems it has only just been finished , I was living in a rented apartment for over a year but YIPPEE!!! at last I have moved yet again , and am now at last in my own home and it is a great comfort to me. I have been too busy to write my blog but now hope to be able to carry on. We had a house warming party on Sat. with Romanian friends and Scottish friends and family, It was good fun and we all enjoyed it.

I have my first visitors from Manchester, UK coming on the 23rd February , my sister in law Angie and her friend Pattie and am looking forward to showing them round Arad and Timisoara. My daughter and husband took me to a traditional Romanian resturant for my birthday so I hope to take my visitors there too. They actually serve Bear, wild boar, venison, trout, pike, quail, pheasant, veal well I could go on the menu is amazing and delicious, the service is excellent and well worth a try if you ever visit Arad.

Hoping all my readers had a good Christmas and new year, it is nice to be back online and lovely to be in my new home.

I Wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy new year

2007-12-21T23:28:00.000+02:00

I wish you all who read this blog a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year, may all your wishes come true. I will post my finished nativity and a glimpse of Arad this Christmas time. Best wishes and Seasons Greetings. ( Sarbatori Fereceti!)

Almost finished yippee!!!!

2007-12-13T21:44:00.000+02:00

Well the nativity is almost finished, gosh it took some doing. I have just made a stable from a shoe box, it's not bad and the main thing is the children will love it. Went to Hungary shopping yesterday, such a long day but got a lot of presents etc. Needed a wee rest today but have managed to do the ironing, clean my two budgies and wrap some presents, (small resta in between). , and knitting too.

People ask me do I get bored, gosh how could I???? Helen is coming tomorrow a friend who has lived here about 8 years, she is from Scotland, it will be nice to have a chat and show her my apartment.She took in a young couple of children from an orphanage when they were quite young, a boy and a girl. They fell in love and are now married , still being looked after though by Helen they live with her and are very happy.

It is very cold here -3 today but sunny and bright. Well I must get on and knit the sheep and donkey, more later bye everyone.

The Nativity in progress

2007-12-04T22:33:00.000+02:00

Well it is almost time to go to bed but I may manage a shepherd, hope so. Still I feel pleased if I keep at it now it could , , just could be ready ffor Christmas eve !!!!!!!

Getting There

2007-12-04T16:15:00.001+02:00

Hurrah!! I have at least got one thing done today towards Christmas, as you will see my Joseph is finished and it is only 4.20pm. Because I did not feel well at all , sick and tummy ache I thought it would be a good idea to rest and get on with the nativity. I will go and make a start on Mary now and of course baby Jesus, (must try to find some straw for the stable)!!!!!!! Also it is a very dull day today which is unusual , it is not often the sun doesn't shine. Be back to show you more I hope later or tomorrow.

Almost Christmas Again

2007-12-03T08:10:00.001+02:00

Well it is almost Christmas, I can't believe I have been living here almost a year now. I went to UK on the 31st of October for almost three weeks and saw all my family and friends. I stayed with my sister Betty and her husband Tom and had a wonderful time and many laughs, lots of chats and catching up. I had all the things I miss , like fish and chips, pork pies, black pudding and crumpets. I went out for lunch in Marple Bridge with old school friends and for a chinese meal with my best friend. Also I spent a long weekend with my brother Bill and his wife Angie and had a lovely time with them, going into Manchester for a curry and a visit to the casino ( i won £10).Boy !! did I do some shopping and got presents for all the folks here and some tit bits for myself .

So now it is not long to go before the festive season and I must get a move on and try to finish the Alan Darts nativity I started to knit. We will get the trees from the piaza the same as last year. My friend in the village has made a lovely door ornament for me from all natural materials from the garden. I will go out shopping today and try to get some presents.

3000 shoe boxes arrived last week from UK , so a big thankyou to all of you, it brings so much pleasure and many smiles. It will be all hands to the pumps now to get them all distributed. Happy Christmas.

In The Summer Time

2007-11-24T09:59:00.000+02:00

Living in Romania was, to me like being in the forty's and fifty's in Britain. A slower pace, not as much stress and as you see many still using horse and cart. Some of my memories of my childhood in Hyde were of going out with the local farmer on his horse and cart delivering the milk. The milk was in churns and we ladled out a gill of milk and poured it into jugs that customers left on their doorsteps.

I did go quite often to visit poor villages with Kathy to see what we could help with, we took food and clothes and of course our love., for , "There , but for the grace of God go I ". I always used to help two old lady's in town who begged every day to make their meagre pensions spin out, they were very grateful and it was nice to be nice.

The country side was beautiful with fields and fields of sunflowers, lots of lovely wild flowers. We took some of the street children for picnics they thought it was great fun and enjoyed the food and juice, we played ball and other games. It was great to see them smiling and having fun.