Writing competitions

Yesterday I finished the 10 competitions set by Christine Carr for Crystal Magazine. Maybe they're not literary marvels, but at least I finished them! Back now to trying to finish other projects I've started, some a few years back. I'd like to complete them and clear my computer and files.
The writing group I go to was rather depleted yesterday, due to family problems mainly. We struggled on without our leader and managed to set some 'homework' too. Several ideas now for future workshops.
This morning I went to the intermediate computer group I belong to. We were mainly a self-help group today, with discussions as well to solve any queries. All quite interesting, but once I get home things don't seem to work quite the same as they do there! Back to the drawing board as they say.

Do my eyes deceive me?

Feeling quite excited. This afternoon, while walking Gizmo on the field opposite, (recreation ground), I'm about 90% certain that I saw a pair of hoopoes. They flew away so quickly, hence the 10% doubt, but how great would that be, here in Dorset? I shall look again tomorrow, and will put out some porridge in the garden in the morning. You may wonder at that, but when we lived in Spain, we put out the scrapings from our pan of porridge, and saw hoopoes eating it. Strange but true.

 Cara, as a puppy in Spain

I guess most people have at least one pilgrimage they'd like to make. Before I'm too old to do it, I'd really like to travel to the countryside in Spain, to the tree where Cara, my lovely dog who died last year, was brought up. (Non dog lovers need not read on.)

It was such a privilege for me to share Cara's life, and those who don't know her story may not understand why. Her mother led me to an olive tree where she'd hidden her puppies, and I was then the only human who knew where they were. When she was old enough, Cara came to live with me, and I tried to arrange for the other dogs to be cared for. I think the mother and one puppy were cared for, but we moved house shortly afterwards, so can't be sure. Cara was a delight.

Grown-up Cara living in England.

Last year, Cara died after developing osteosarcoma, aged only 6 years. I miss her still, but would love to visit the tree where it all started.

Cara with only 3 legs, (but you can't tell when she was sat like this.)

Squirming worms

Yesterday Mike decided to clean out the wormery. He had probably a thousand of the squirming creatures when he tipped it all out. They'd broken down all the vegetation with the exception of egg-shells, so now we have some good compost to use, and the worms are back in their home with some fresh food and new soil to start all over again.

Weekend in Mudeford

Last weekend we took Gizmo to Mudeford, the first time we've taken him anywhere on holiday with us. Also the first time we've stayed in a caravan. The weather was glorious, though cold at night, and we all enjoyed it. We can't leave Gizmo in the kennels any more as he's too old now, and has never been in kennels without his late companion Cara. It would be too cruel.

Views all around us were lovely; we were directly opposite The Needles, but the view above is looking at the quay and beyond to Hengistbury Head. Very peaceful although loads of people about. I've never seen so many children crabbing! Great place for them.

Gizmo on his holidays.

Computer group

First visit today to the Purbeck U3A intermediate computer group. Subjects today were communications, such as Skype and Yahoo, and media streaming. All very interesting, and not above my head as I'd feared. There were about 30 at the group, most had been before many times. Next group in April will be about databases.

Insomnia

Throughout my life I've endured frequent bouts of insomnia. Like many people, sometimes it happens when I have something on my mind, but often happens for no apparent reason. The strange thing is the time I awake during the night.

More often than not, I awake at 3.33 am. When I spoke to others about this, they said the same thing. Is there something magical about that time, or could there be a scientific reason for it?

Can anyone explain it?
According to some web-sites, it could be due to angel activity!