Gung Hey Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year,

I've just found out I am an Ox- 1961
This is what it says about the Ox:
The Ox of Chinese Astrology is no bull in a china shop. Steadfast and solid, this powerful Sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Oxen tend to be plodding and methodical; they approach projects in the step-by-step manner that serves them best, and they never lose sight of their goal. They are tireless workers who are detail-oriented and believe in doing things right the first time. The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. This sturdy sort is less than social by nature and tends to become introverted in a crowd. To make things worse, they can't be bothered with what other people think and prefer to do what makes them feel best. Behind that calm facade, though, lives an Ox who can feel hurt, lonely and unable to connect with others. Friends and family are a great source of comfort to this beast, even if they don't always understand what makes the Ox tick. As a lover, friend, family member or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable. Out in the world, though, Oxen tend to be stubborn, dogmatic, my-way-or-the-highway kind of people who have no concept of when to back down. Oxen don't care to be pushed, especially since they think they're the good guys of the Chinese Zodiac. There is some truth to that theory, since the Ox is smart, trustworthy, caring and honorable. If you need honest, steady and unbiased advice, call on the Ox. A good lesson for mighty Oxen is to strive to overcome a judgmental nature that keeps them from getting close to others. If they can learn to value their own good qualities, they'll have more room in their hearts to invite others in.

I do think I'm solid and dependable, not a great leader though, I enjoy being sociable with people I know, but I do not like crowds of people , I'm not a social party mixer, so that is right, always prefer to be in the kitchen,serving drinks and food, rather than trying to talk to others I don't know.I wouldn't call myself stubborn or dogmatic. I'm the least judgemental person and very open to others and caring- so some points match other do not.

Interesting though

Valentine's Joy & disappointment

Valentine's as a child was always a fun event. Father Valentine wouldcome round after dark and knock on the door and leave little presents. Each time there was a knock at the door my sister and I would run to the door and open it, no one would be there, but we'd look down and there would be a little package one for each of us. This would go on for 6-7 times and each time there would be a small gift.

I don't know where this tradition started, I was brought up in Norfolk and many seem to do it there, but hardly any one I know down here in the South of England has ever heard of it.

I continued the tradition for my children and they loved it, now my daughter intends to carry it on with her daughter as she gets older.

As a teenager Valentine's was a dreaded date to avoid. I was a very romantic soul and used to day dream alot about romantic gestures that boys might make but never did. I never received any Valentine Cards, it was such a disappointment to get home from school and see that the post man had not delivered any cards, doubly so as my younger sister usually got some!

My hubby is not the most romantic either, he's the type that says I was going to get you some flowers today, but I didn't get chance to...........story of my life!

Wendy Cope sums it up well in her little poem

Some men never think of it
You did. You'd come along
And say you'd nearly brought me flowers
But something had gone wrong

The shop was closed. Or you had doubts -
The sort that minds like ours
Dream up incessantly. You thought
I might not want your flowers

It made me smile and hug you then.
Now I can only smile
But look, the flowers you nearly brought
Have lasted all this while.


I've given up on romance and go for the unconditional love I get from my dogs now!!

Look what I found hiding under the leaves!

I went out into the garden to tidy up some of the plants after all the snow had flattened them. Started moving the leaves on one bed and found all these little Snow drops peeping through at me! Lots of other bulbs beginning to shoot up too, one brave little daffodil is even in bud!

I know we're due for another cold spell and possibly more snow, but the Spring is getting nearer and it lifts my heart with joy!

A glimmer of Spring is in the air

My hyacinths are beginning to flower indoors.