Friday, February 04, 2011
RIP Dom Froggy
Thursday, December 23, 2010
New additions
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Requests
Yes, that should probably read "shrubs and bush type thingies"!
For JRTC, with shoes being FAR more important than incidentals like houses and gardens :-) The leopardskin shoes in all their glory....

Oh, and I should just mention that of course I didn't drive all the way there in those! Instead, my black 'vegas' dress (cleavage no extra charge!) was accompanied in the car by these...

And, yes, I was VERY glad to wear them driving home again too!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Fringe benefits
(Still getting used to it myself!)
Too late now...!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Henny hen hens
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
BBQ King
gone now!
Y (in typical "Mum, put the camera away" pose), the new Jamie Oliver!?
gone now!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Vegas (and SF) - Part 9 - Friday farewell
I woke up all nice and snuggly on Friday morning, after a relatively good night's sleep, and after DM's obligatory morning fag and coffee he returned to bed for a chat. After a bit of a cuddle and chat I was starting to get a bit twitchy at being in such semi-clothed proximity, so whilst getting up for a wee decided I'd better get a shower and some clothes on to take temptation out of the way. I think that's possibly the first time in my entire life I have been out of bed and dressed before DM!
Another lazy day followed, with me quite desperate to get out of the house in the morning, due to the urge to touch him, and so we headed off for a drive to San Paulo (I think??) and a general wander around the shops and area, stopping for a coffee and a chat here and there. We had planned to go to the Golden Gate Bridge in the afternoon, but time ran away with us, (particularly after I spent an age in a book shop!), and DM was worried that we'd hit traffic and struggle to get to the airport.
As before, the conversation was easy and comfortable, and the level of physical connection remained the same, although with much more conversation about sex, both general and also about us, and much more flirting and suggestion. I remained sensible though, and stuck to my guns of no longer being a one-off to him, despite my libido telling me otherwise!
So, after another detour to the apartment, and a bit more smoking and chatting, we decided to take a blanket and walk around to the lake near him and just sit and chill in the sunshine. Which was a really, really lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. (Including the meal some woman made of putting a cycle helmet on some kid!! Again, I was a good girl and refrained from going over there and doing it for her!!)
We just lay chatting, about us, about this and that, about funny lakeside buildings that looked like hats. Some flirting, more touching, and a few pictures. It was all very quiet, and beautiful, and just bloody relaxing! But all too soon it seemed, it was time to head back, again hand in hand, stopping at the local Starbucks for a quick coffee and cake!
The last hour or so before I went everything seemed to get a bit quieter. Much less chat than there had been - from both of us. And I know I was aware that soon it would be time to say goodbye, get on a plane, and be gone - not really knowing whether that would be the last time or not. We spent the last half hour cuddled on the sofa, listening to music and not really saying much at all.
The drive to the airport was pretty quiet too, and I was trying to keep myself together, at least until I had said goodbye to him. I think he was pretty aware of that, and I think he was a little sad too. He walked me into the airport and we checked me in etc, had a big, big hug and a couple of those head/cheek kisses, a few deep breaths, a reminder from him that I would see him again in a couple of weeks, and then I headed off to security. He waited for a few minutes, but I was struggling to keep the smile pasted on at that point so I waved him away, and managed to just about hold it together until he had gone.
And then I cried. And didn't really stop until I was up in the air and halfway back to Vegas.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Vegas - Part 6 - Tuesday tanning
It was very relaxing, and absolutely gorgeous. But so, so hot! The pool dips were gladly welcomed I can tell you. We thought we would grab a quick snack by the pool, so all ordered something relatively small - only to discover that our lunchtime bites were actually significantly more and we were all subsequently stuffed!! ATM and Mr ATM were eating home made cheese rolls at this point - bless them! (I blame it on Valerie forcing them to spend money on dresses and wedding dinners!!)
So plenty of reading was done. A bit of napping. The occasional cocktail. And lots of attempting to be more tanned than I currently am. Grrr!! (What little tan I had has now faded to nothing. Waaah!)
After a lazy day, we decided to get round to that wander in Fremont street, so Mr and Mrs S, ATM and Mr ATM, CT, Lanky and I hopped on an extremely packed bus (I'm not sure they understand health and safety on these things) and took a short ride out to see the sights.
Had a nice wander around looking at the various sights to see - mostly casino's and little stalls, with the odd "show" happening. While we were there we saw a band on a stage, a man playing the saxophone, and a man on the back of a huge truck tinkling on a grand piano!! Yes, I know, very strange.
At a certain point in the evening there is a light show, where all the casino's and entertainment turn off their lights and music, and the roof, which is covered in millions of lights quite literally lights up. I have to say I was expecting some kind of flashing light thing, but in actual fact it was like a massive television screen (which was a bit disappointing), and they played music video's on it for about 15 minutes. It was quite impressive, purely for scale - the roof runs the entire length of the street, which is a fair old way!
Feeling a little peckish after all the wandering we decided to find somewhere to eat (and drink) and decided to try out the Golden Nugget. On our way to the restaurant, we discovered this fabulous indoor (but uncovered overhead, so kind of outdoor) pool, which has a large circular aquarium, complete with fish and sharks, right inside the pool. Not only that, but it has a circular clear perspex waterslide right through it. I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure I'd be comfortable swimming in a pool with only a thin layer of perspex between myself and sharks (even small ones), but it did look very cool!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Vegas - Part 5 - Monday matrimony
Fortunately for me (and Mr ATM), it wasn't happening until 4.15pm, so we got to do bugger all for nearly the whole day! Poor ATM had to be up after a very late night to meet Valerie at 9am to sort out flowers. I tell you, that's dedication for you!! (Glad she's not that much my friend!)
So, after a day of skin cancer exposure (incidentally I'm sure I'm still the same colour as when I left England!!), posh frocks were donned and off we traipsed to the Circus Circus' Chapel of the Fountain. (Don't ask me where the fountain was? I didn't notice it!)
And the " loved up" couples in the group...? Well, Curtains spent most of the meal (actually the day) with a rigid smile on her face, spitting chips and giving off waves of resentment and jealousy. This may have been due to the fact that on Saturday, when we had innocently walked past the chapel and I was teasing Mr and Mrs S that they could renew their vows, she had suddenly piped up that her and Yule "could get married" . He looked a bit stricken, and I forgot myself and told him (rather loudly) that he'd better just keep on walking! (I don't think that was received very well by her!)
So, on the day, although she tried to keep smiling, there was a distinct air of "Fucking bitch, it should have been me about her!". Yule, as "best man" seemed oblivious throughout the day and the meal, and reacted in the only way he seems to react to anything, by smiling and nodding quietly.
The bride and groom (actually, the bride!) spent most of the meal discussing the fact that they hadn't had to sign the wedding certificate itself, (they apparently completed the registration documents in pencil!!), so they would have to go and check it was all okay in the morning. After all, we all want to be sure that she really is no longer a spinster!!
After the heavenly meal, with bellies full of perfect garlic mushrooms, gorgeous ranch salad starters, varying melt in the mouth steaks of varying sizes and bloodiness, garlic mashed potato/divine fries/baked potatoes, beautifully cooked asparagus and a variety of wines and other alcoholic beverages, we set off to round off their perfect wedding evening with a romantic stroll along to the Bellagio, which is quite simply a beautiful building...
I think the romantic atmosphere must have worked, as I'm sure I saw the happy couple talk to each other at one point. I think! And so the nuptials came to an end. Bride and groom were wished all good wishes, and retired off to their newly marital bed. With Sprog!
(Edit after reminder from ATM - I assumed the getting trollied! Funny that...!)
The rest of us then went to see the 'Eiffel Tower' at The Paris Hotel, (which incidentally relied on me leaning my cleavage on the bar, with dollar note in hand, and sweet smile on face, to get us all served) and I won $15 on a machine with a very similar name to X!! Yay! I then promptly lost it again! Return to the hotel, and due chatting and smoking out the front commenced!
(Incidentally, the next time anybody saw the three of them, on this mates-catching-up-holiday was on Friday evening for an hour! Nice!!)
Monday, May 07, 2007
Vegas - Part 4 - Sunday shopping
Valerie, Tim and Sprog had arrived the day before and we were due to leave early to drive out to a shopping outlet a way out of Vegas, where we would meet up with ATM and Mr ATM who had driven up from Los Angeles the day before and stayed overnight there. However, I was looking forward to seeing ATM, and figured it would only be for a couple of hours and then I could head to the pool at our new hotel for the remainder of the week, so I dragged myself out of my bed and headed off to meet them.
Off we set, after introductions to Tim and Sprog, and we finally arrived just before 10am. Met the ATM's and were just about to head off for a good old looksie at all the lovely bargains, when Valerie suddenly announces that she needs to "buy something without Tim seeing it!", a "dress without Tim seeing it!". Surprise, surprise a wedding is on the cards!!
The next two hours were dominated by (unsuccessfully) shopping for a wedding dress, before calling it quits and deciding to head back to Vegas to the Fashion Show Outlet. Both me and Mr ATM were beginning to flag at this point, but not knowing where anybody else was to meet up with, we put on our brave faces, tried to forget about the lure of the pool and headed off for more shopping... And who knew how bloody difficult it would be to find a wedding dress!!
Eventually, a suitable dress was located for the wedding the next day, (as well as a beautiful new dress for me, reduced from over $100 to $50!), but then we still had to get Bridget Jones style tummy hugging knickers, tiara's and other miscellaneous items!
We finally finished the wedding dress shopping hijack from hell, and managed to escape the blooming bride-to-be and get checked into our hotel! So much for an afternoon of lazing by the pool!
After some settling in, all 12 of us met later, planning to visit The Stratosphere and eat enjoying the view.
Unfortunately, somebody had just (very inconveniently) jumped from the top of it, causing it to close for a short while, so after the excitement of seeing several American fire 'trucks' (before realising why they were there!), we headed further into the Stratosphere and ate at a rather charming old fashioned diner, where the menu's were made out of old vinyl 45's, and the waitresses sang suitable tunes for our entertainment.
So, after dinner we managed to lose Valerie, Tim, Sprog, Yule and Curtains, and the rest of us die hards headed to the bar area of The Stratosphere, were we spent the rest of the evening listening to another band. After much drinking, all of us bar Lanky were up for a quick dance, which managed to degenerate into ATM "jumping" very enthusiastically, and me fake riding Mr S from behind, whilst simultaneously fake slapping his arse! Very wannabe porn star!
We finally dragged ourselves away at silly o'clock in the morning and headed back to the hotel The obligatory fag outside the front of hotel reception before bed for me (non-smoking ATM and Mr ATM = non-smoking room) turned into 3 or 4 or 5, and we finally rolled upstairs and into bed! Seperately!!!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Vegas - Part 3 - Saturday singsongs
The weather was warm, although not fabulously hot, and quite windy, so we spent some time just strolling along and acclimatising to the activity happening, and the sheer size of the place. You cannot imagine how big the place is until you get there, and although the maps show the hotels, they are really, really deceptive, as there is literally no gap between where one place ends and another one starts. Pretty much the entire strip is filled with stalls, shops, casino's, etc etc.
First major stop was the Fashion Show Mall, where much wandering, oohing and aahing was done, and first purchase of the week was made! Fabulous new sunglasses for me! (I managed to resist the $200 Versace number, and went for cheap and cheerful instead!)
Past Treasure Island stopping to take a couple of pictures in front of the waterfall.
Then along to The Venetian which is actually quite amazing with it's ceiling painted to give the illusion that you are outside, and it's real canal with working gondolas built right inside the hotel complex.
After all this sightseeing, everybody was beginning to work up quite a thirst, so we set off in search of a decent bar, (preferably outside in the sunshine - which is actually easier said than done in Vegas, they all want you in the Casino's not out of them!) and came across this little gem! And what a find it was!
A funky (and actually quite funny - for Americans!), cheesy, 70's rip off band playing on the stage, the bar tenders swinging cocktail shakers around faster than you can imagine and pouring free shots straight down the throats of hundreds of customers, people dancing in front of the stage, and just masses of people laughing, chatting, singing and drinking.
After getting the beers in, we managed to blag a table right at the front and sat back and watched the show. It wasn't long before we were all singing along, and Mrs S and I hit the dancefloor in front of the stage. My wannabe piss taking hip hop moves a little later must have been good because I had several calls of "You go, girl" from the Americans at the table behind, who then handed me some luminous flashing medallion style necklace before proceeding to all high five me! I'm so down with my homies!! :-)
Mr and Mrs S, CT and I eventually dragged ourselves out of there at about 6pm (Yule, Curtains and Lanky had all only stayed for a short while!) after the culmination of the afternoon with an onstage booty shaking contest! Which was just the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. There were a few wannabe pornstars/lap dancers up there, but in the main they were just ordinary girls dragged up from the crowd and having a laugh. To prove the humour of the whole thing, the contest wasn't won by this little crowd pleaser...
... but instead by a 70yr old woman, who was accosted onto the stage in honour of her's and her daughter's birthdays. The crowd absolutely loved her shaking her very sensibly clad behind, and even flashing a bit of beige, firm support, granny bra! It was just too, too funny!!
By the time the four of us got back to the hotel, after an entire afternoon dancing, laughing and far too many beers for most, everyone was just about worn out! We had planned to spend the evening at Fremont Street, but after an hour or so of chilling in our rooms only Yule and Curtain were up for it. Mr S was feeling a tad unwell (bad stomach!), so it was left to Mrs S, CT, Lanky and I to head out to find somewhere to eat pretty close to home.
Three (nearly) empty plates of barbecue rack of ribs later (I just had Potato Skins!), and we were ready to leave the restaurant and head for another relatively early night, in bed by 10.30pm, ready for another Vegas day awaiting!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Vegas - Part 2 - Friday travels
There was some disagreement with Virgin, who despite us all booking our seats prior to the journey, decided to give away Mr and Mrs S's seats and then seat them somewhere else away from the rest of us. (Incidentally, Lanky had decided to upgrade so was seated elsewhere). After much arguing and tussling, this was finally resolved at the boarding gate, and after some time spent generally catching up we were soon boarding the plane.
The journey wasn't too bad. I hate taking off (and landing), but I'm okay while I'm up there, and although it's a long old trek (10hrs), this was helped by the almost constant bringing round of drinks and food (I just love airline food!), and the rather nice view of several hunky rugger buggers who were off on a rugby tour! Not usually my cup of tea, but amusing for a long airplane journey. Unfortunately I didn't manage to land a seat next to one of them, but was instead between Yule, who I'd just met and is the most talkative of folks, and an elderly gentleman who by the looks of the exercises he did to stretch his legs (and his rather Kenneth Williams manner), used to be a professional ballet dancer! The latter was much more fun to chat with!
We landed at around 4.30pm US time, and after an (unscheduled) tour around The Strip (and most of the hotels) whilst on the transfer bus, finally checked in at my home for the next 2 nights (and nearly everybody else's for the duration of the holiday).

Circus Circus - photo from website
After an hour to unpack and freshen up, it was straight out to see what Vegas had to offer, and to fill our bellies with some much needed proper nosh! However, after all the travelling we couldn't be bothered to head too far away, so decided to stay local in the hotel and get something to eat before deciding what to do with the rest of the night. The Garden Grill looked most inviting, (especially as they were offering pitchers of Margarita for half price!) and the food was positively scrummy. I think we pretty much all had some kind of burger and fries (we were after all in America!), and were all blown away with how nice (and large!) the meal was.

Garden Grill -(photo from website)
Two pitchers of Margarita later, and the big plans had evaporated with all of us ready for bed, (especially considering that it was now 3am for us in British time), and we decided to call it a night and headed off to our rooms. A bath soak later, and I was in my bed by 8pm! Only to be awake again from 3.30am to around 5.30am, before catching another couple of hours ready to begin Saturday...
PS. Thanks to Vi for sorting me out with proper links! Yay, I feel so clever!!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Being brave
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Lightbulb

And in fact, even more worryingly, I have to admit, I am probably more than Liza, and actually the essence of Linda Green (but shorter and younger looking!!)!! http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/lindagreen/
(I would like to have posted Drew Barrymore, but I think I may have been liable to Trade Descriptions laws if I had done so...!)
Damn my honesty!!!!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Funky pants
* Please note, viewers of a nervous disposition may need to look away now, as the following buttocks are in no way as pert and perfect as the lovely Joie's (grrr, damn I'm so jealous of that peachy blue bottom), and I accept no responsibility for any distress or damage subsequently caused...!
** Please also note, the angle of the camera has of course made my arse look WAY bigger than it is in real life!!! (yeah right!)
(SORRY! You're too late now!!)
Interestingly, these are the pants I wore the last time me and DM shagged as an official couple (and damn that was a good shag!), I haven't worn them since! Felt the need to get them out of the drawer today and let them see some light again. I guess that's a good thing :-)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Pictures!
(Update: too late now, they gone!!!)