Davies Express

We do have strange customers at times, one lady came in complaining the shoes she bought were too big, i got down tightened the laces and she said they were fine now. Another customer came in and asked for some shoes to walk in, i felt like asking what else did she plan on doing with them.

It has been about 8 weeks now since i have been unwell, including all through pack holiday, in that time i have lost my voice completely twice,  keep having coughing fits, always talking with a hoarse gravelly voice, i have a sore chest and it hurts when i breathe, sometimes i am so cold, there seems no ever getting warm, i am tired all the time, sometimes there seems no end to it. I have not been to yoga class for ages, in case it does more harm than good, or i have a coughing fit which would be so embarrassing.

I attended a Anglia Team conference, in my new role as Joint County PR advisor, i left home at 5.30am, to get to Norwich by 7.30am, to catch a bus to go to Cambridge for the conference.
It was an informative and interesting day, i got home about 7.30pm.

Sunday 4th November
I worked in Calendar Club today, this evening we had a Firework Party, there was Kevin with girlfriend Lauren, Jude, Charlotte and Kira, Jenny, Andy, Sophie and Dylan. Steven was working. We also had the chocolate fountain going.

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie

At Brownies we had a Halloween Party complete with Chocolate Fountain

Me and Debbie had spent months organising a Victorian week, most of it happened while i was on pack holiday. I dressed up (well sort of). We had falconry display (which was very popular), entertainment, punch and judy, a visit by some vintage cycles and the Victorian Strollers, a reenactment group that dress up to create atmosphere. It was a lovely day, a pity more businesses didn't help though.

Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks
Long winded
The poor salesman having just got you to commit to purchase, after telling you how reliable the product is, then embarks on getting you to sign an insurance policy by pointing out thow inefficient and unreliable it is

This week i took 1st and 3rd Hunstanton Brownies on Pack Holiday, this is the 1st time i have organised pack holiday, although i have been on loads. I am taking my Pack Holiday License, so i can take my brownies away anytime.
Our theme was festivals, we had a harvest festival, then Easter Day with an Easter Egg Hunt, then we had valentines day, and our last day was Christmas day with all the trimmings, including a visit from Father Christmas, and a full Christmas Dinner, it was a good week, everything went to plan , weather was good, i was disappointed that an assessor didn't attend though

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Saturday 20th October 2007

Bob got up at 5:00am to drive up to the Welsh border to attend Dapols a model train manufacturers open day. He is a member of their club and club members had the anouncement of new models, the day before the press and trade. He arrived home after 12 twelve hours, very tired, but had enjoyed it.

Me and Jen went on a coach trip to see Sound of Music in London, a fantastic show, on the way home we stopped at the Lazy Otter for a meal, a lovely day, Michelle organised it

Well we opened the Calendar shop today. We still had loads to do though, but we could work round customers. Another very tiring day. Kevin was at sixth form today though

Once again this year the family will be having a Calendar Club shop in Kings Lynn, today is the day we set up, Bob, Me, Jenny and Kevin got to the shop at 8am, we unloaded the van and then started setting up, it was a long hard day, could barely walk at the end of it, however, the shop is ready to open barring finishing touches

Around this time, someone I knew from my Scouting/Guiding Connections Commit Suicide, he drove himself and his ageing dog off of Hunstanton's Cliffs, it was quite a shock, he used to be Stevens Scout Master.

The Stonehenge Gate by Jack Williamson
A bit long winded

Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie

I attended a PR meeting in Norwich today, once again it was mentioned about Chris's successor, i eventually agreed to take on the role jointly with Louise, another PRA, Louise works for the BBC and is familiar with the media, so she will deal with that side, i will deal with admin and guiding stuff. I am nervous but excited, i am still concerned about time off on Saturdays, but i really want to do this, I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead, and knowing i am sharing the burden with someone else, eases the pressure.

Shroud for a Nightingale by PD James
Chief Superintendant Adam Dalgleish

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

The Cold Moon by Jeffrey Deaver
A Lincoln Rhyme Book
Strawberry Moon  - Spring
Harvest Moon - Fall
Hunter Moon - Fall
Cold Moon - December
(From the Lunar Calendar)

4th of July by James Patterson
Book 4 in the Womens Murder Club

The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie
Great names including Chimneys, Pongo, Bundle

African Queen by CS Forrester

I went to a Brownie Training weekend at Hautbois Girlguiding Training and Activity Centre, it was a lovely weekend, Sue and Sara from 3rd Hunstanton Brownies went as well, we did crafts and all sorts of things, at one meal there was a range of Gateaux for puddings Sara had been saying all weekend she was intolerant to citrus fruit, the gateaux she chose was coffee and orange decorated with oranges, she sat down and said do you think this has citrus fruit in, oh well.

Me and Jen went to see Joseph in Kings Lynn, we had a lovely evening

The Enemy by Lee Child
Prequel to Jack Reacher Novels
Good Book

3rd Degree by James Patterson
3rd book in Womens Murder Club

Brownies first meeting after the holidays, i have been running brownies for some time on my own now, but Jude has offered to become my unit helper which is great, can't wait.

Kevin started Sixth Form this term, doing art and physics.

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
A huge book in 3 parts   Not Bad
It was a queer summer that year, or rather it was no summer at all.  Winter had extended its reach into August, the sun was scarcely seen, thick grey clouds covered the sky, bitter winds blew through towns and battered crops, storms of rain and hail, enlivened by occasional displays of thunder and lightning.  In many ways it was worse than winter.  The long hours of daylight denied people the consolation of darkness which would have hidden these miseries for a while.

Sound a little like 2007 dont you think

The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Not Bad

An Overdose of Death by Agatha Christie
Formerly The Patriotic Murders and One, Two Buckle my shoe

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September 2007

Bob helped out on a stand at the N Gauge Society 40th Anniversary Exhibition for the weekend. He managed to look round and took a few of his bits to show off. He even managed to get a mention in one of the model railway magazines as a result.

This is Jens 27th birthday

Steven got a job as a Kitchen Porter in Hunstanton's flagship hotel, The Golden Lion, i am pleased he has wanted to get into kitchen work for a long time

Micheal got a transfer from Sainsburys Bakery to Stock Control

Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie
Short Stories

The Double Edge by James Twining
Brilliant

Next to you by Gloria Hunniford
About Caron Keating
Brilliant
Sometimes when the sun goes down
It seems it will never rise again - but it will
Sometimes when you feel alone
It seems your heart will break in two - but it won't
Sometimes it seems hardly worth carrying on - but it is
For sometimes when the sun goes down
It seems that it will never rise again - but it does

1st Hunstanton Scouts and Guides had a tombola stall at Hunstanton's kite festival, another day taken up

Quite a few books listed here

Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs
A Temperance Brennan Novel

Doomsday Conspiracy by Sidney Sheldon
Brilliant

Dying by the book by Judith Cutler
Very slow rather boring, some interesting words though like shtoom

Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie

Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly
Brilliant book in the same vein as Indiana Jones
Fool me once shame on you
Fool me twice shame on me

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

The Relic by Lincoln Preston
Brilliant

This evening me and Bob attended the Borough Mayors concert in Kings Lynn, followed by a sit down supper, it was a very interesting and pleasant evening

This weekend was Norton Hill miniature railway, we organised and ran some traditional childrens games for the whole weekend

On the 17th I attended a PR Meeting in Norwich.
On the 18th i attended a Division social, where after the business part of the meeting, we had some food and wine

In September the Brownie programme changes slightly, and this evening i tended a meeting explaining the changes to us.

Kiss the Girls by James Patterson
What can i say another brilliant book

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
Well worth the wait

Today was the District Circus Skills day, unfortunately although my brownies attended i couldn't go because i was at work

I have finished reading The Cauldron by Colin Forbes
Main character is called Tweed, he could easily be Steed from the Avengers.

Today was Hunstanton's carnival, where i spent the day helping to run a tombola stall for 1st Hunstanton Scouts and Guides

I read Ashes to Ashes by Tami Hoag

Also Blood from a stone by Donna Leon

Today I joined the Rainbows in my PR Hat at Banham Zoo, Jen also took 1st Hunstanton Rainbows, below is the press release i did.

This year, the younger section (age 5-7) of Girlguiding UK, the Rainbow Guides, are 20 years old. It was great to see so many well behaved, smiling children. Not even the rain shower, at lunch time, could dampen the spirits of these Rainbows.

Over 1200 Rainbows and their leaders from all over Norfolk, enjoyed a day of fun, friendship and celebration.

The day started at 10.30am and included Exclusive Amazing Animal Talks, where we were able to see and learn about animals close up, including the Kestrel, Ferret and Rats. They enjoyed Feeding Talks and rides upon the parks Safari Roadtrain.

The day came to a climax with a big Birthday Party at 3.00 – 4-30pm. Everyone was welcomed to the party by BBC presenter Carol Bundock, President of Girlguiding Norfolk and treated to fun and games with Razz the Clown. A large birthday cake was cut by Twins Alicia and Sophie, aged 7, from 3rd Thorpe Rainbows, and Eloise, aged 6, from 2nd Attleborough Rainbows who celebrated their birthdays on this magnificent day.

Each Rainbow unit designed a birthday card to be entered into a competition. 1st place was won by 1st Salhouse Rainbows, 2nd was 1st Brundall Rainbows and 3rd, 2nd Pakefield Rainbows.

The Rainbow Guides have adopted a Red Panda and the staff at Banham Zoo made a short presentation, about the Red Panda, ably assisted by Carol Bundock who joined in the the audience participation.

I attended a challenging behaviour guiding training which was very interesting

Me and Bob had a lovely day at the Royal Norfolk Show, weather was fine, if ground a little muddy

I attended a Brownie Revels at Houghton Hall, as part of my PR duties

Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs
A Temperance Brennan Novel
Lyrics popped into my head, a song about a handy smile we'd sung it in Brownies when I was 8.
There's something in my pocket
It belongs upon my face
I keep it very close to me
In a most convenient place.......

Cat and Mouse by James Patterson
Book 4 in the Alex Cross series
Good read, there should be a follow up

I arranged for library to put in a display to celebrate Rainbows 20th birthday

I took my Brownies on a Sleepover, this was part of Britains Giant Sleepover, taking part nationally were schools, cubs, scouts, brownies and guides and other youth organisations, to try and get as many people doing a sleepover on one night. We had a lovely time, our theme was Pop Stars, and Jenny used this to take her Sleepover License, so she can take the Rainbows away overnight, she thought taking her license might be easier with brownies

Today Dylan was transferred back to Kings Lynn after his successful operation. It was good to be back on 'home' ground so to speak. It felt like we were all camping at Addenbrooks at various times and the food was not very good.

Blood Work by Michael Connelly
Brilliant

Indelible by Karin Slaughter
Book 4 in Sara Linton and Jeffrey Tolliver books
Brilliant

I am on a committee with guiding organising a 12hr challenge, which is challenging people to give 12 hours per year, helping out, tonight i went to a 12 hour challenge meeting.

Mum and Dads Golden Wedding
8th June was Mum and Dads Golden Wedding, as they didn't want a party, me and Debbie got together and got a golden shoe and had a floral display done in it, we made a CD of  No 1 hits from 1957, we had an announcement in the Lynn News and the Leicester Mercury, we also framed one of their wedding photos, and made a frame of things that happened in 1957.  And then we got together with both families and did Mum and Dad a traditional 1957 Tea, Debbie made a cake.

Miss Marple Short Stories by Agatha Christie

Adam and Eve and Pinch Me by Ruth Rendall
An unusual book, a bit strange, not one of her best

Today is Sophie's 7th Birthday.

The Sunbird by Wilbur Smith
Not very good, I didn't finish

Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs
A Temprance Brennan Novel

The antibiotics didn't appear to be clearing Dylan up completely, there was still infection, it was decided he needed to have his hips drained of poison but the Kings Lynn Hospital didn't have the capability to do this on a child this young, so he was transferred to Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, for the procedure, he was operated on, quite quickly

Today is Micheal's 21st Birthday, but he decided he didn't want to do anything special

Dylan was admitted to Kings Lynn hospital on the evening of 30th May, he was very poorly, no strength or energy. Dylan was recovering or so we thought from Chickenpox (which he caught from Sophie). Dylan has now been diagnosed with Blood Poisoning (used to be called Septaceamia), he remains in hospital on antibiotics, I made Jen go home for a proper nights sleep and bath, she had stayed at hospital all the time and was really tired, so I pulled the night shift.
Andys Mum and Dad were over here from Sheffield so stayed an extra week to help with Sophie, Sophie had her 7th Birthday during this time, we took her to the hospital, and had some birthday cake with her. On the 8th June Andys parents left for home, then we heard that Dylan was to be transferred to Addenbrooks hospital, to have an operation to release Poisonous fluid from his hip joint, as the antibiotics didn't appear to be doing their job properly, he had the operation and it took time for his to recover he was eventually transferred back to Kings Lynn on Wednesday 13th June, and discharged for home on the 20th June, an awful 3 weeks where we virtually lived at the hospital

Today although Dylan is still in hospital we took Sophie to the Princess Theatre to see the Singing Kettle, as tickets had been purchased for a while for her birthday on Thursday, Bob had to use some persuasion to make Jen leave Dylan, but Sophie also needed to be considered.

Hautbois House, Anglia Girlguiding Activity and Training Centre, has had massive alterations done and today was the official opening by the Chief Guide and our President Carol Bundock, it was a lovely afternoon

Today Bob had an hospital appointment for an endescopic examination, and before anyone asks, it was down the throat.
Dylan is still quite poorly in hospital, he is on a high dosage of antibiotics.

Silencer by Campbell Armstrong
Didn't finish it a bit harsh.

Harm Done by Ruth Rendall
Inspector Wexford Mystery

Today we went on a coach trip to Cadburys World, there was Jen and Andy, Andy's Mum and Dad, Kira, Sophie, Dylan, Me and Kevin.
We had a really lovely day, though it rained most of the day, on the way home, i was concerned about how Dylan (18 mths old) looked, he was very floppy, no energy, I told Jen if he was no better tomorrow she must take him Doctors, however during the course of the journey we decided to take him to A and E, so I bundled as many as i could in my car, to get the children home. Needless to say Dylan was admitted to Rudham ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn

I have recently finished Violets are Blue by James Patterson
An Alex Cross Novel
A well written unusual story,
Love is finding someone you can talk to late into the night

The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
A Pierce Quincy Novel
Brilliant

I had a Tupperware Party today at St Ives, Cambs, it was a long journey

During this period Jen took a Working with Children Course, and passed it, considering some of the course was while Dylan was in hospital, and she got bullied into attending while i stayed with Dylan that wasn't bad

The Mobile Library by Iam Sansom
Or The case of the missing books
A  humourous book about a librarian.

Candle for a Corpse by Ann Granger
A Mitchell and Markby Mystery

Today i took my Brownies to Wild about Wensum, which was at Pensthorpe Wildlife Park in Fakenham, we had a lovely day, listening to stories, making things, looking round the Park

The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn by Colin Dexter
An Inspector Morse Mystery
A good read if a little slow

Looking Good Dead by Peter James
A Detective Superintendant Roy Grace Novel
Brilliant

Today was 1st Hunstanton Scout and Guide Group AGM, of which i am the Secretary, once again virtually no support

2nd Chance by James Patterson
2nd book in the Womens Murder Club series
A good read

All Hallows Eve by Richard Laymon
OK

I attended a Rainbow Bash meeting, in Norwich

The Five People you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom
An interesting easy read.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The cemetary of the forgotten books.
Good story if slow at times
I never allowed her to know me and i never took steps to know her, we spent our lives like two strangers who see each other every day and greet one another out of politeness

1st to Die by James Patterson
Book one of the Women's Murder Club Series
Brilliant

After Brownies I attended the Division Sausage Sizzle, it was a bit cold and blustery

The Clocks by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie at her best, Hercule Poirot made an appearance

Today i took a First Aid course, to update my certificate

I had a PR meeting in the County Office at Norwich, it takes me an hour and a half to get there, that means a long day.

This evening we attended the Meatloaf Story at Kings Lynn Corn Exchange, it was a brilliant tribute to Meatloaf band

I attended Sophies Annual Review at School, Sophie is 6 and does not yet speak, she has been diagnosed with Verbal Dyspraxia, this meeting was with her school and the school she will be going to in September, to discuss her needs and progress.
Me and Bob were invited to the Mayors Annual Reception, but Bob had car trouble and was late home so we didn't go.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
An intrigueing story but very slow, about a Historian and his daughter on the trail of Dracula

This year is the 20th Anniversary since Rainbow Guides were formed, the county of Norfolk decided to hold a birthday party at Banham Zoo in celebration, and called it the Rainbow Birthday Bash as part of my duties on the PR team I was asked if i could do the PR, i agreed to do this, so this evening i had my first meeting with the Rainbow Bash Team

Labyrinth by Kate Moss
Set in 1209 and 2005.
A brilliant book.

The Abortionists Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde
An OK Book.

Today is Easter Sunday and Charlottes 9th birthday

I read Jaded by Lucy Hawking
Pleasant light hearted read.

The Day after Tomorrow by Whitley Streiber
Based on the movie
Very like the film, a good story

I attended at coffee evening this evening, at 1st Heacham Guides

I have finished Greyfriars Bobby by Eleanor Atkinson
Childrens classic, i gave up, i didn;t enjoy it

Finished Wicca the Coven by Cate Tiernan
The 2nd book in the Wicca series.
Not bad, but very shallow on its own, might be better read as a series

After my Brownie meeting, me and Susanne had a meeting with James Lowe, we have been invited to have a stall at Norton Miniature Railway Weekend at Snettisham, all proceeds from the weekend will be split between 3 charities.

I finished The Torment of Others by Val McDermid
The series Wire in the Blood is based on these books.
This is the 4th book in the series about Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan
A great book with lots of twists and turns

I had an Hunstanton in Bloom meeting today.

Debbies Dog a lurcher called Bandit, became very ill and ended up in hospital in Newmarket.
This is a picture as Bandit was getting better.

Debbie and Bandit

I have finished reading Child of My Love by Sue Ryder
This is an autobiography, i ended up skimming through it and finally gave up, very boring.
 I am surprised at the number of well meaning people who desire to help, look at the problems facing humanity and say the problem is too big, there is nothing i can do to help. The truth is that there are few problems confronting humanity that are incapable of solution if a sufficient number of people apply their hearts and energies.

Me and Jen went to see Guiding Star, which was the local heat of a talent competition, for girlguiding members, we had a lovely afternoon.

I have read Goodbye Jimmy Choo by Annie Sanders
Poets Day 'Piss off Early tomorrows Saturday'
A fantastic book

I read Moonseed by Stephen Baxter
Started off promising, but very slow, i ploughed through it and finished it.

Today our Brownie Meeting was held at the Library, where we learnt about recycling.

In March Micheal Started a new job in Sainsburys Bakery Department

Kevin said he is NFU I asked what that meant he said Normal for Norfolk

I finished reading The Houdini Girl by Martyn Bedford
The magician is supremely honest, he tells you he is going to decieve you and then lives upto his word.
Not a very good book, lots of bad language.

I also finished reading Codex by Lew Grossman
Good potential but very disappointing

Today i went on a Guiding PR Training entitled Project Perception, i joined up with Chris Bond (County PR), Jane Eaton, Louise Jones who are all part of the Norfolk PR Team, we had a lovely weekend, learning how to use Microsoft Publisher, we also had a tour of BBC Norwich Studios, and we met and talked to the County President Carol Bundock.
This was the first time becoming the County PRA was raised, Chris's term of office comes to an end on the 31st December 2007, and her successor was discussed, i was concerned about the amount of potential saturday meetings and also didn't feel confident enough in dealing with the media, however i was very tempted and the challenge appealed to me

Today i had a District Meeting at the Union Church Hall