Susan's Place Transgender Resources

After giving it some thought I have decided to start scrawling my thoughts into a blog of my own.

I have never written a blog before nor have I ever kept a diary so this will be a steep learning curve for me. I'm not entirely sure what I'm supposed to say or talk about to be honest!

I think I lead a pretty mundane existance so don't expect pirates and car chases but I figure if it helps me process my own thoughts and issues it can't be a bad thing overall. Apologies in advance if I send you all to sleep with my ramblings.

For those that don't know me I'm Sarah (Sarah Louise actually, that was what my mum had named me before I was born as she was convinced I was a girl). I turned 50 in February, started HRT ooooh at least 3-4 years back. I'm not currently living full time as Sarah due to family issues but I let her out to play every chance I get.

I joined Susans Place in January 2026 though I have been a bit of a lurker for many many years. I have known I was transgender since my ealiest years and have never been in any doubt who I really am. I have been single most of my life and have no children so life is pretty simple compared to some I suppose.

My goal is to fully transition as soon as I am able and I hope to one day get FFS, sort my horrible male voice out and eventually go the whole hog and go for GRS.

I live in North East England in the county of Northumberland. The county borders Scotland and is the most remote and sparsely populated county in England. Famous for Hadrians Wall which runs through it.

Anyhoo, that's my introduction overwith. I'll drop in from time to time to update you all on the incredibly exciting things I get up to!

Sarah xx

@Stotti Girl
Dear Sarah: (Sarah Louise)
I am so very thrilled that you started your personal Forum Blog Thread.

Your Blog thread is your journal and becomes your "HOME" here on the Forum where members can find you and catch up with your life endeavors.

I find that when I have difficult issues that I am working through that writing down my thoughts helps me to ponder and to formulate positive solutions.    When things are going well, I certainly write about those things as well.

I not only keep my Blog thread frequently updated but I also keep a private (for my eyes only) personal journal at home... an "old school" pen&paper three ring binder (not a fancy journal book with a nice cover) stuffed with barely legible notes, snapshot photos, memorable greeting cards and letters that my friends have given to me, etc ....  On cold nights I can found sitting in my comfortable chair in front of my fireplace reading over and over my past entries, many times with tears in my eyes. 

When you share your "good news" all of us on the Forum will rejoice with you... and if you report "not-so-good-news" we will offer our shoulder for you to lean on.

Along with your avid readers and followers, I will be eagerly looking for your future postings as you unravel your continuing "The world according to Sarah" and also your postings with your comments and thoughts around the various threads on the Forum.
              ❤️ 
Many HUGS, and more HUGS
Danielle   [Northern Star Girl]
    Forum Adminitrator

Congratulations on your new blog Sarah. That intro is lovely, and now I know your middle name! Beautiful story as to how you found your chosen name too.

Definitely look forward to seeing you progress and find that freedom you just soo need to have.

Love and hugs
Charlotte 😻

Congratulations, Sarah! Welcome to the Blogosphere.

As Danielle said, this is your home here on Susan's Place. So you get to pick out the drapes, rearrange the furniture, and settle in as you see fit. How you decide to use it and what you choose to write about are up to you.

You can get ideas by reading other members' blogs to see how they use theirs.

Welcome home!

Hugs.

Thanks for the kind words Danielle and Charlotte. Both of you have been very welcoming to me from the start. It's very much appreciated.

Danielle, I do still have a "little black book of thoughts" from a year or so ago which I used to snap myself out of depression so, while not a journal, it's along the same lines. I am also a sentimental soul, I have been clearing out my attic today ready for my impending house move and found a box with all my personal things from my life so far. Things like, school reports, swimming badges, my first (and only!) valentine card, letters to distant friends who I am no longer in touch with and so on. i've been having a lovely day going through these.

Quote from: Lori Dee on March 31, 2026, 02:26:03 PMCongratulations, Sarah! Welcome to the Blogosphere.

As Danielle said, this is your home here on Susan's Place. So you get to pick out the drapes, rearrange the furniture, and settle in as you see fit. How you decide to use it and what you choose to write about are up to you.

You can get ideas by reading other members' blogs to see how they use theirs.

Welcome home!

Hugs.

Thanks Lori, I'll find my feet with it in due course I'm sure. It will probably evolve over time as it's a new thing for me.

Hey, neat! I'm glad you're doing this.

You've read enough of other people's blogs to know that it's perfectly fine to talk about less-than-exciting stuff. Life brings what it will, and it's worth sharing.

Welcome!

Sarah!

Awesomeness! Can't wait to see what wonderful things bloom here!!! 🌻🤗🌻

I know it sounds like I shouldn't get my hopes up but, I am holding out hope for pirates and car chases!!! Ninjas might be cool too!

Onward We Go Brave Sister!

A💕

As I like to say welcome to the basement (as this is at the bottom of the page!) . I just put stuff down of what I am up to, I find it good at clearing clutter out of my brain. Just everyday stuff, not much to do with being trans but after being fully out and fettled that is what my life is like.

Yea you.
Im proud to be watching this grow. I'll try not to use this for insomnia.
I've pretty well decided to start mine right after my next therapy session. Keep me updated

Quote from: tgirlamg on March 31, 2026, 02:46:06 PMSarah!

Awesomeness! Can't wait to see what wonderful things bloom here!!! 🌻🤗🌻

I know it sounds like I shouldn't get my hopes up but, I am holding out hope for pirates and car chases!!! Ninjas might be cool too!

Onward We Go Brave Sister!

A💕

Never say never Ashley, Who knows what adventures are round the corner!

Quote from: Pema on March 31, 2026, 02:44:12 PMHey, neat! I'm glad you're doing this.

You've read enough of other people's blogs to know that it's perfectly fine to talk about less-than-exciting stuff. Life brings what it will, and it's worth sharing.

Welcome!

Thanks Pema! You were one of the first to welcome me to the site and I guess I haven't sent you to sleep so far!

Quote from: davina61 on March 31, 2026, 02:49:03 PMAs I like to say welcome to the basement (as this is at the bottom of the page!) . I just put stuff down of what I am up to, I find it good at clearing clutter out of my brain. Just everyday stuff, not much to do with being trans but after being fully out and fettled that is what my life is like.

Thanks for the tips Davina. I don't have a car to restore so I guess I will have to bore everyone one with house renovations or something! At least it will give me something to yak about!

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on March 31, 2026, 02:52:29 PMYea you.
Im proud to be watching this grow. I'll try not to use this for insomnia.
I've pretty well decided to start mine right after my next therapy session. Keep me updated

Good on you Kellie though to be honest, I think your "lost" thread has become your unofficial blog anyway whether you realise it or not!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 31, 2026, 03:00:48 PMThanks Pema! You were one of the first to welcome me to the site and I guess I haven't sent you to sleep so far!

Far from it. I sleep very soundly at night, so I'm not easy to knock out that way. And I'm a huge fan of "the magical in the mundane," so we may just be very well matched.

And if pirates, car chases, and ninjas do creep in, I can handle that, too.

How about aliens?? Can you add some aliens?? That would be fun.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on March 31, 2026, 03:51:15 PMHow about aliens?? Can you add some aliens?? That would be fun.

I'll do my best just for you Kellie!

So I was in my car this afternoon with Captain Jack Sparrow chasing down this Ninja who had stolen the Captain's hat. When all of a sudden a huge spacecraft appeared overhead...........

Actually I've been stuck in my dusty attic all day clearing out all the junk I've accumulated over the last 18 years, I'm absolutely knackered. I think I might have to go do something fun (ish) tomorrow before I go back to work. Moving sucks.

Moving is a 4 letter word. It should only be done out of an absolute necessity.  My last move was across 3500 miles. It was horrible. I made the drive twice. I ended up in the ER with a blood clot in my leg

Oh moving is a miserable experience and always more stuff than you imagine! Having moved 7 times since 2003 I'm not planning to ever move again!

I hope you're making good progress sorting everything out Sarah? It'll be done one day then you can enjoy your new place!

C😻

DEARH BEFORE MOVING.
I may have a little Klingon in me

Quote from: Stottie Girl on March 31, 2026, 04:07:13 PMSo I was in my car this afternoon with Captain Jack Sparrow chasing down this Ninja who had stolen the Captain's hat. When all of a sudden a huge spacecraft appeared overhead...........

Now we're talkin'!!! 😅👍

How about finding a magic item that will give you any wish she wants. That could be fun

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on March 31, 2026, 04:29:51 PMOh moving is a miserable experience and always more stuff than you imagine! Having moved 7 times since 2003 I'm not planning to ever move again!

I hope you're making good progress sorting everything out Sarah? It'll be done one day then you can enjoy your new place!

C😻

It's progressing along nicely. Surveys have all been done, draft contracts exchanged but as I'm in England we can always be gazumped until the contracts are signed. I will have such a wendy on if it falls through after moving all my stuff to my parents place!

Quote from: tgirlamg on March 31, 2026, 04:36:09 PMNow we're talkin'!!! 😅👍

Reads like a lot of my school English essays that one ha ha!

I hate moving.

My dad gave me good advice: Don't move heavy furniture. Sell it, then use the money to put toward new furniture when you get to the new home. That way, you reduce moving costs, and you can get exactly what the new home needs.

When I moved from Illinois to South Dakota, I had everything I owned in the back of my pickup truck. When I moved from SD to Colorado ten years later, everything fit in the back of a small U-Haul truck. I didn't sell my bed, so I had to haul it.

Don't wear yourself out. Packing a little each day gets it done.

The furniture isn't too bad. My current house is a teeny tiny two bed turn of the century coiliery house so there isn't much furniture to worry about. It's all the little things. Like I spent hours packing books into 7 boxes and I'm not even half way through the book packing!

I'm only moving about 2 miles down the road. I'm trying to avoid having to move everything on moving day as I'll have to vacate my house by 12:00am. Will probably just do it myself in a truck hire.

2 miles isn't bad. Never underestimate the drama of an across the country move. It will make you question the sanity of the universe

Agreed. 2 miles isn't bad, and if you can move a load of boxes a little at a time, it makes moving day so much easier.

Well, I had a lovely dream last night. I dreamt I was a RAF fast jet pilot. It felt so real. I remember having breakfast in the officers mess with my best friend Katie (I was her wingman) before going to a briefing and taking off on a training flight flying very low following Katie through the valleys and hills of the lake district. I remember my call sign was "little minx", Katie's was "bombshell" Which is daft as RAF pilots do not have callsigns like the US pilots do. I was sweeping over a town in the lake district where I often holiday before being woken up by my cat lucy jumping on me and purring in my ear! Thanks a bunch!

It is a poignient dream for me as I was Sarah in it the whole time, something that has been happening more frequently since I joined Susans Place. I hope I don't sound mad saying this but I feel like Sarah is becoming a real person inside my head rather than just a "what if" concept. I really feel like she is developing a personality of her own and she is starting to take over my dreams. I hope this doesn't mean I'm developing schizophrenia lol! I'm not sure if I am explaining that right.

It is also poignient as becoming an RAF pilot was my career path growing up. I was an air cadet when I was young and was in regular contact with the RAF careers office I even went down to RAF Leeming air base on a careers day where I got to meet frontline pilots, sit in an operational tornado jet, ate with the pilots in the officers mess, got a full base tour etc. Still the best day of my life so far.

On their advice I took recommended A levels and started a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (You needed either a science, engineering or mathematics degree). During my first year of uni I decided I wanted to get a head start and started learning to fly privately. Before I did my first solo I had to undergo an aviation medical exam and it suddenly dawned on me. If I joined the RAF I would have to have regular medical exams, I wouldn't be able to transition as I wouldn't be able to hide it and at the time female pilots weren't allowed to become fast jet pilots let alone transgender ones. Faced with a choice of having to bury my real self or continue on that path I decided I couldn't deny who I was and so I left University (I had no desire to be an Electrical Engineer) and tried to find a new career. It is the single biggest regret of my life as the RAF started allowing pilots to transition in 2011. I could have been a trailblazing pioneer!

I guess the point of all this is that despite all the negative media and anti trans rhetoric, young trans people have so many opportunities available to them these days. We cannot allow our rights and freedoms to be erroded back to where they were.

As for learning to fly, when I left University I had amassed 45 hours training, done at least 6 solo flights (3 crosscountry to visit other airfields) but hadn't taken the exams. After leaving my course I struggled to get a well paid job, moved out of home and could no longer afford it. So there I sit. The nearly girl.

It may have been a dream last night but it was nice to experience what could have been, if only for a moment.

Sorry for the lengthy ramble!

Wow that's quite the vivid dream Sarah! Sounds like the dream of being a pilot is pretty etched in your subconscious. And even more interesting that you're having the dream as Sarah so that's also very set in your mind too.

Its a shame you missed out on your dream career due to archaic rules that should never have existed, but then we can't change the times that we were born into. I guess each generation comes with pros and cons. I hope that despite missing out on this you have generally been happy with your path? I wonder how many people actually get to live out the dream they had for their lives and if so that really did turn out to be as good as they expected? Life is definitely good at throwing curve balls and taking you to unexpected paths the moment you think you have it all worked out! Sounds like you're very intelligent being able to achieve all the education you did however up to that point.

If our dreams were real I'm sure we'd have all had some very brilliant but also very harrowing experiences. I guess it's your minds way of processing the things that may have been and working through various possibilities.

Charlotte x

Thanks for your kind comments Charlotte.

We can't change our past but we can stand up to ensure future generations don't suffer the same limitations.

I went back to uni later and got an HNC in Architectural Design so I still managed to get some higher education in. I enjoyed my time as an Architectural Technican, it wasn't a bad comprimise but I was made redundant twice in a row and had to change career path again. I've never really reached my full potential.

I'm now 50 and starting my career all over again (5th time!) and back doing a training qualification again on a path to become a building inspector. Too many career restarts to be a top earner but I get by and I enjoy my new job even though the pay is very low.

Great dream
Sorry to hear you had to give up on your dream career.  I'm sure what ever you do you'll be amazing at it.

I loved the lengthy ramble and follow-ups!

Your blog is amazing despite the relative absence of aliens and pirates.

But I just gots to ask: What's a 'wendy'?

So glad you started your own blog, Sarah. Looking forward to the Pirate stories as well.

@Dances With Trees  cc:  Stottie Girl
Dear Anni:
I likewise was confused with the term "wendy"
As you know, the Brits and the Yanks are separated by a common language.

In British slang, commonly in Northern England, "Wendy" is
a description for a coward, a "wuss" or a weak person.

    *Sarah may have more to add to my definition.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Dances With Trees on April 01, 2026, 11:32:22 AMI loved the lengthy ramble and follow-ups!

Your blog is amazing despite the relative absence of aliens and pirates.

But I just gots to ask: What's a 'wendy'?

Definitely a northern word as I've never heard of it! Wendy is just a name to me. I was just called a cissy by my family. Taken in the right way I'd say pretty accurate now!

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 01, 2026, 01:18:58 PMIn British slang, commonly in Northern England, "Wendy" is
a description for a coward, a "wuss" or a weak person.

And here I was thinking it was a menu item from the local burger joint.

🤣

Ha ha!? Sorry didn't mean to be confusing. I thought it was a more widespread phrase. It means to have a hissy fit or a strop! Hopefully that clears that one up!

We do have a particular dialect up here "north of the wall" where the wildlings live.

Hopefully Lauren has heard of it being the only other northern lass on here that I am aware of.

Had a break from the drudgery of packing to go to a local nature reserve. Just beyond it is an abandoned building that I thought was a ruined farmhouse but turns out it was a regional headquarters/ Monastery for the Knight's Hospitaller and was used to recruit and train knights for the Crusades. Just sitting there in a field, overgrown. No signs to it as far as I could see. Sadly the path had turned into a bog so I couldn't reach it. Will take my wellies next time and get some pics. Love the hidden history of the UK. I've lived in Northumberland all my life and never knew it was there.

Not much to see at the bird reserve either but it is nice to get a walk in near the seaside for a change.

Ok, Wellies, strop? Bloody hell what is she saying?. It sound so sexy the way you say it. I can imagine the English accent. Here we just call wellies, muck boots.

No pirates but knights, cool!

Quote from: Gina P on April 02, 2026, 07:33:12 AMOk, Wellies, strop? Bloody hell what is she saying?. It sound so sexy the way you say it. I can imagine the English accent. Here we just call wellies, muck boots.

No pirates but knights, cool!

I agree. I can get into the knights. I thought wellies were slipping on boots. I've heard cowboy boots refered to as wellies. No one on this side of the pond said it. Here, there boots. I have 2 nice pairs one is more for riding horses one is for dressing up

Quote from: Gina P on April 02, 2026, 07:33:12 AMOk, Wellies, strop? Bloody hell what is she saying?. It sound so sexy the way you say it. I can imagine the English accent. Here we just call wellies, muck boots.

No pirates but knights, cool!

Ha ha! I aim to please!

I never thought wearing wellies and having a strop would be sexy lol!

Wellies is short for Wellington Boots named after the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. I have no idea why he has rubber boots named after him! Funnily enough my boots are Muckboots, that's the brand!

I'm going to have to include a glossary at the end of all my posts at this rate!

Had quite a nice chilled day working from home today, watching the farmer in his tractor from my window ploughing the field behind my house. I am going to miss this view when I move but I'm craving quiet and more space.

It's been a lovely sunny day today as well but apparently we have stormy winds coming over the weekend. Typical bank holiday weekend, grrr.

Might need my wellies and a brolly unfortunately.

Ok now what is a brolly?

Is it like a slicker?

Hi Sarah, I'm just catching up on your new blog. I looks great so far and I didn't fall asleep once.

I'm looking forward to see what happens next.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 02, 2026, 11:44:10 AMOk now what is a brolly?

Is it like a slicker?

A Brolly is slang for an Umbrella, I have no idea what a slicker is.

Slicker is a rain coat.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 02, 2026, 12:06:38 PMSlicker is a rain coat.

Its true, you do learn something every day.

Quote from: PhilippaRees on April 02, 2026, 12:13:51 PMIts true, you do learn something every day.

Yep I was drawing a blank on that one too!

@Dawn Kellie So the film "City Slickers" is about wearing a raincoat in the city? Thought it was about cowboys ha ha!

*peeks in and smiles*

It's your turn to educate people, Sarah. ;D English is a hundred different languages. :P

All I would say is that you could have pirates and car chases in the same thing. I can even see the movie title: "Pieces of V8!"

*monster hugs*

I will be watching from the shadows. :)

@Stottie Girl
I bet if you went off on an American with a proper rant, the American would look at you as if you had 2 heads and a third growing.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 02, 2026, 02:52:31 PM*peeks in and smiles*

It's your turn to educate people, Sarah. ;D English is a hundred different languages. :P

All I would say is that you could have pirates and car chases in the same thing. I can even see the movie title: "Pieces of V8!"

*monster hugs*

I will be watching from the shadows. :)

That sounds almost sinister Lauren ha ha!

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 02, 2026, 03:27:15 PM@Stottie Girl
I bet if you went off on an American with a proper rant, the American would look at you as if you had 2 heads and a third growing.

Oh dont get me mad, you wouldn't like me when I'm mad lol!

I can have a potty mouth too when I'm riled ha ha I can swear like a docker! Kind of ruins the image a little bit!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 02, 2026, 03:57:57 PMThat sounds almost sinister Lauren ha ha!

I always like to see an angel fly on her own wings is all. <3

I can be a potty mouth as well. Military service and a lot more years in construction than I want to admit to. My mom should wash my mouth out, especially as a younger person. I try not to but....

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 02, 2026, 04:00:54 PMOh dont get me mad, you wouldn't like me when I'm mad lol!

I can have a potty mouth too when I'm riled ha ha I can swear like a docker! Kind of ruins the image a little bit!

The proper term is "Swear like a Navvie". And yes, this is something we share. ;D You really don't want to hear a Brit get riled up about something. :P

We American's get a bad rap for being obscene, and nasty. Sounds like someone has been using the American's as fodder

Thanks Danielle and Sarah for the clarification. And to Charlotte and Lori for sharing my confusion. Wendy is firmly ensconced in my lexicon. I don't dare mention my ignorance of wellies but assume they're appropriate for crossing a bog. Photos when you get there, Sarah! Please.

I'm pretty good at swearing. I grew up in Fleetwood, mum was a Scot, dad son of an Irishman and English mother. Dad had been in the RAF and a sailor in the merchant navy.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on April 02, 2026, 09:02:38 PMThanks Danielle and Sarah for the clarification. And to Charlotte and Lori for sharing my confusion. Wendy is firmly ensconced in my lexicon. I don't dare mention my ignorance of wellies but assume they're appropriate for crossing a bog. Photos when you get there, Sarah! Please.

(https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.Z1CuWkBrnXcaVz5qO3CP9AHaHh?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3)

They are things that farmers wear, almost exclusively where I live. They are weatherproof things that come halfway up your calves. More sometimes depending how short you are. They were popularised by the Duke of Wellington, hence the name. A bloke called Arthur Wellesley.

Thank you Lauren, Saved me the bother. They look pretty close to mine actually. Are they called gumboots in the good old US of A?

Woke up with excrutiating sciatica this morning😪 Sort of put paid to my plans for the day. Going to have to spend the early morning rolling around on the floor doing stupid exercises again. Feeling like it will clear up later though. I might still get up to some mischief today.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 03:55:05 AMThank you Lauren, Saved me the bother. They look pretty close to mine actually. Are they called gumboots in the good old US of A?

Woke up with excrutiating sciatica this morning😪 Sort of put paid to my plans for the day. Going to have to spend the early morning rolling around on the floor doing stupid exercises again. Feeling like it will clear up later though. I might still get up to some mischief today.

I had to google that. It sounds horrible, Sarah. I am so sorry you have to deal with that. I really hope it clears up for you and that you can get back to... haha, mischief. Have you dealt with it for long, honey? It really doesn't sound pleasant at all.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 03:55:05 AMThank you Lauren, Saved me the bother. They look pretty close to mine actually. Are they called gumboots in the good old US of A?

Woke up with excrutiating sciatica this morning😪 Sort of put paid to my plans for the day. Going to have to spend the early morning rolling around on the floor doing stupid exercises again. Feeling like it will clear up later though. I might still get up to some mischief today.

That's terrible news you've woken up in pain. Why on earth does that have to happen when you get a day off. I hope you can get it under control and make something nice of your day.

Sending you healing and hugs x

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Sephirah on April 03, 2026, 04:08:13 AMI had to google that. It sounds horrible, Sarah. I am so sorry you have to deal with that. I really hope it clears up for you and that you can get back to... haha, mischief. Have you dealt with it for long, honey? It really doesn't sound pleasant at all.

It's been there since September last year unfortunately, though it's not always this painful. It sort of has flareups every so often. It's just picked the bank holiday to do one. It normally eases off during the day though. It's a shame because I'm more of a lark than an owl so it feels like I'm wasting my day. Minor problem in the grand scheme of things though.

What's everyone else up to this Easter weekend?

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 03, 2026, 04:15:31 AMThat's terrible news you've woken up in pain. Why on earth does that have to happen when you get a day off. I hope you can get it under control and make something nice of your day.

Sending you healing and hugs x

Charlotte 😻

Thanks Charlotte. Appreciate it.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 04:31:06 AMIt's been there since September last year unfortunately, though it's not always this painful. It sort of has flareups every so often. It's just picked the bank holiday to do one. It normally eases off during the day though. It's a shame because I'm more of a lark than an owl so it feels like I'm wasting my day. Minor problem in the grand scheme of things though.

What's everyone else up to this Easter weekend?

Is there anything you can do for it? Medication or... I mean the weird form of Human Origami known as Yoga seems to help with some stuff. Tie yourself in knots to untie knots. It's apparently a thing!

This weekend I will be indulging in the age-old practice of Bugger All. I can't stand chocolate so the Easter Bunny knows to stay away. I might get out and about if the weather is okay, just to get some fresh air. Other than that... nope. No plans whatsoever.

There's no cure really and yes Yoga is part of the treatment. Well specific poses of it anyway. I'm on painkillers which work for the most part but they can't deal with the flareups.

I actually quite like Yoga, I've dabbled with it off and on for quite a few years. I'm more bendy than my shape would suggest ha ha! It's meditative when I'm feeling overwhelmed. My house is so small though I can barely fit a mat in and my hands hit the chandelliers in some poses, kind of breaks the concentration!

If I ever reach full transition I would love to go to a proper yoga class. ain't no hiding what I've currently got in yoga pants though! Don't have the same urge to do it in boy mode.

On a cheerier note it's the easter weekend so it's time for the traditional Easter message.(https://i.ibb.co/BKYwzzz9/img-p-p9aw-9-large.jpg)

Happy Easter.

Muck Boots.

I hope you're feeling better, Sarah!

Happy Easter!

Quote from: Dances With Trees on April 03, 2026, 10:32:31 AMMuck Boots.

I hope you're feeling better, Sarah!

Happy Easter!

I am, Anni, much better thanks. Happy Easter back at ya!

Happy Easter Weekend, Sarah.

I'll be fishing on Saturday. Not quite sure about Sunday. It's just my wife and I, so not much fuss here.

So sorry to hear about your discomfort. I hope it feels better soon.

Quote from: Courtney G on April 03, 2026, 02:43:02 PMHappy Easter Weekend, Sarah.

I'll be fishing on Saturday. Not quite sure about Sunday. It's just my wife and I, so not much fuss here.

So sorry to hear about your discomfort. I hope it feels better soon.

Thanks Courtney. That sounds relaxing, enjoy your day tomorrow.

Happy Easter. Hope you enjoy it x

New wig day today.

What do you think? It's supposed to be the exact same style and colour as the old one but it's definitely different. More of a centre parting.

Didn't mean for my mug to be quite as big as that ha ha! Sorry if I scared anyone!

(https://i.ibb.co/ZR5K0ZWx/New-wig.jpg)

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 03, 2026, 02:53:35 PMHappy Easter. Hope you enjoy it x

Cheers Charlotte same to you enjoy the weekend off.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 02:53:52 PMNew wig day today.

What do you think? It's supposed to be the exact same style and colour as the old one but it's definitely different. More of a centre parting.

Didn't mean for my mug to be quite as big as that ha ha! Sorry if I scared anyone!

(https://i.ibb.co/ZR5K0ZWx/New-wig.jpg)

Looks perfect on you. Very pretty 😍

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 02:53:52 PMNew wig day today.

What do you think? It's supposed to be the exact same style and colour as the old one but it's definitely different. More of a centre parting.

Didn't mean for my mug to be quite as big as that ha ha! Sorry if I scared anyone!

(https://i.ibb.co/ZR5K0ZWx/New-wig.jpg)

You look great. A smile always helps

That's not me smiling, just for the record! Ha ha!

I love the wig. I am partial to that color and style, as you might have guessed.

Happy Easter!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 03:31:00 PMThat's not me smiling, just for the record! Ha ha!

Oh, my bad 😂🤣🤣

Thanks Lori. It is a good match for my natural colour. I figure wearing my natural colour means the change wouldn't be so dramatic if/when I grow my own hair out.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 04:18:36 PMThanks Lori. It is a good match for my natural colour. I figure wearing my natural colour means the change wouldn't be so dramatic if/when I grow my own hair out.

That's good thinking, as it will maych your skin tone.

I went the opposite. Had dark brown hair most of my life, but always thought I should be blonde. I prefer a strawberry blonde, but most are too red. It is time to recolor, so I may try a salon again. The last few times were failures. I did a better job myself.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 03, 2026, 04:22:02 PMThat's good thinking, as it will maych your skin tone.

I went the opposite. Had dark brown hair most of my life, but always thought I should be blonde. I prefer a strawberry blonde, but most are too red. It is time to recolor, so I may try a salon again. The last few times were failures. I did a better job myself.

I love strawberry blonde and red hair in general. One of my good friends growing up had the most gorgeous long strawberry blonde hair. I was very envious of her. I think you would suit going a red shade personally Lori.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 04:40:09 PMI love strawberry blonde and red hair in general. One of my good friends growing up had the most gorgeous long strawberry blonde hair. I was very envious of her. I think you would suit going a red shade personally Lori.

I have a red wig, and I got a lot of compliments on it. Surprisingly, or not, they all came from sister redheads. I prefer blonde with just a touch of reddish tint.

This was too red. So I am looking to go somewhere between my profile pic and this one.

Really? I think you quite suit that personally but if you don't feel right about it go for something else. It's personal confidence that matters more than what other think.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 03, 2026, 04:46:46 PMI have a red wig, and I got a lot of compliments on it. Surprisingly, or not, they all came from sister redheads. I prefer blonde with just a touch of reddish tint.

This was too red. So I am looking to go somewhere between my profile pic and this one.

I like.it. it doesn't look harsh or over powering. Give it a chance

Thanks, ladies.

It's always good to hear from others and get their viewpoint.

I do appreciate it.

My first wig was red. I've just dug it out of the bottom of the cupboard! I love the colour but I definitely don't suit that ha ha! awful style on me too. It was the cheapest of the cheap wigs too.
(https://i.ibb.co/LzbWb2WB/PXL-20260403-220901297.jpg)

It does work with your eyes. It's not my favorite. I like your blond look better

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 03, 2026, 05:18:20 PMIt does work with your eyes. It's not my favorite. I like your blond look better

I think it's bloody horrible personally but thanks kellie ha ha!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 03, 2026, 05:22:15 PMI think it's bloody horrible personally but thanks kellie ha ha!

I said it worked, didn't say it was great

It isn't that bad.

I'm not a fan of the mahogany colors, so if it were a lighter shade, it might work. I do like your blonde wig better, though. The longer hair looks better.

Love the newest blondie! 💕🤗💕

Quote from: tgirlamg on April 03, 2026, 11:04:32 PMLove the newest blondie! 💕🤗💕

Thanks Ashley! I'm a natural blonde so it seemed errr natural to go blonde! I'm not changing now. Blondes for life!

Gentle day today I think. I'm feeling a little bit better from the Sciatica after another bumpy start this morning so I might salvage some of my favourite plants from my garden to take over to my new house once the jungle is tamed! My mums doing chicken fried rice for lunch and some of my relatives are joining us. Will be nice to catch up.

We are expecting storm force winds around 4pm today so I don't think I will get up to much mischief today.

Tomorrow looks canny though so I might see if I can get to that ruin maybe. Will remember my wellies this time though!

I wonder if it might be interesting to people if I did some visits to some of the interesting castles and other places local to me. I could pop a picture or two on here. Would people be interested in that or would I be boring the pants off everyone?

As an example, this is Howick Hall, The home of Earl Charles Grey (yes, the tea guy!) and still owned by the Grey family today.

(https://i.ibb.co/dJ6sGjd6/2JN6782.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 04:06:52 AMGentle day today I think. I'm feeling a little bit better from the Sciatica after another bumpy start this morning so I might salvage some of my favourite plants from my garden to take over to my new house once the jungle is tamed! My mums doing chicken fried rice for lunch and some of my relatives are joining us. Will be nice to catch up.

We are expecting storm force winds around 4pm today so I don't think I will get up to much mischief today.

Tomorrow looks canny though so I might see if I can get to that ruin maybe. Will remember my wellies this time though!

I wonder if it might be interesting to people if I did some visits to some of the interesting castles and other places local to me. I could pop a picture or two on here. Would people be interested in that or would I be boring the pants off everyone?

As an example, this is Howick Hall, The home of Earl Charles Grey (yes, the tea guy!) and still owned by the Grey family today.

(https://i.ibb.co/dJ6sGjd6/2JN6782.jpg)

Please add pics. Love history

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 02, 2026, 04:35:59 PMI can be a potty mouth as well. Military service and a lot more years in construction than I want to admit to. My mom should wash my mouth out, especially as a younger person. I try not to but....

One of my first transitioning goals was to clean up my speech. I tried to eliminate the 'F' word and a few other slang terms I had been using. Trying to be more lady like. Whenever i hear a girl cursing, it makes me think how trashy she is.

Wow, castles and wigs.  I'm in!

My hair is a little thin and, unfortunately, I can't grow it out, but wigs are so much fun.  Unlike making a mistake with a stylist's haircut or dye job, you can just change the wig...or, as I have done...just throw it out.

I personally agree, both you and Lori look stunning as blondes!

I would love to view as many photos of your stomping grounds as you can post, Sarah!

Not only do I find the English countryside enchanting, you have an artist's eye for photography.

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 04, 2026, 08:32:42 AMWow, castles and wigs.  I'm in!

My hair is a little thin and, unfortunately, I can't grow it out, but wigs are so much fun.  Unlike making a mistake with a stylist's haircut or dye job, you can just change the wig...or, as I have done...just throw it out.

I personally agree, both you and Lori look stunning as blondes!

Aw thanks Emma! I'm a damn site better as a blonde than that Auburn abomination ha ha!

Quote from: Dances With Trees on April 04, 2026, 09:52:39 AMI would love to view as many photos of your stomping grounds as you can post, Sarah!

Not only do I find the English countryside enchanting, you have an artist's eye for photography.

You're on then Anni! Thanks for your kind words.

I'm with Anni on this.

I love castles and spent many weekends visiting castles all over Germany and Austria.

Post away!

As a AD&D player i see things that i can describe to players. It helps things come to life. I'd even trade pictures of warm beaches and warm water

Woohoo! I just won £30 on the lottery off a free entry. Not sure I'll be able to retire on that win but a win nonetheless!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 05:29:01 PMWoohoo! I just won £30 on the lottery off a free entry. Not sure I'll be able to retire on that win but a win nonetheless!

That's half a takeaway!

Go you! <3

Sarah, you know what I think about your photography. It's an expression of you. It's your eye on the world, and.. I already have your work adorning my living room wall. You are exceptionally gifted. Please do this more!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 04, 2026, 05:36:00 PMThat's half a takeaway!

Go you! <3

Sarah, you know what I think about your photography. It's an expression of you. It's your eye on the world, and.. I already have your work adorning my living room wall. You are exceptionally gifted. Please do this more!

Aw thanks sweetness. If you see my images next other peoples in photo groups or on instagram, I'm distinctly average really but flattery will get you everywhere!

Sarah xx

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 04, 2026, 06:11:37 PMAw thanks sweetness. If you see my images next other peoples in photo groups or on instagram, I'm distinctly average really but flattery will get you everywhere!

Sarah xx

I don't compare. When you make me go tingly, then that's all on you. Doesn't matter what other people do. Let them eat cake, as it were.

I make you go tingly Lauren? ha ha! Well I'm glad I have that effect on you😜

You have a gift, Sarah. You see the world in a unique way.

Well, it's been a bit of a boring day so far. I've been dismantling and packing up my shed workshop today. I've spent ages getting that space just the way I like it. It's a bit sad seeing it all taken apart. It will be quite a while before I can get it set up again too as I have so much to do on the new place.

It is one of my happy spaces where I can go if I'm feeling stressed. It has helped me through two bouts of depression too. I love the smell of timber when you work it. I haven't had the space to do it properly, I've mainly just done small projects as my shed is so small but I'm hoping to try making furniture or other larger scale projects to keep me out of mischief.

It's been a weird day for the weather. Raining one minute, Glorious sunshine the next, dark forboding clouds then back to rain, sleet then sun again. rinse and repeat. I don't think the weather has been the same for longer than twenty minutes!

Glad you managed to sort your shed out today and do something productive. Sad breaking it down but hope you can do bigger and better at your new place?

Charlotte 😻

Moving sucks. I've said that before.
We're in the upper 80's today.

I am always a little envious of people who can work with their hands like that, Sarah. Create something that lasts for years. It's a gift!

What would you make first?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 11:01:59 AMI am always a little envious of people who can work with their hands like that, Sarah. Create something that lasts for years. It's a gift!

What would you make first?

Oooh that's a good question! I wouldn't mind making a coffee table. I quite like using recycled timber like scaffold boards so maybe that but I could also do with another bookcase to be honest. I have a pile of English oak stored at my folks house so I have enough timber.

I like doing as much as possible by hand, it's very threaputic.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 11:14:14 AMOooh that's a good question! I wouldn't mind making a coffee table. I quite like using recycled timber like scaffold boards so maybe that but I could also do with another bookcase to be honest. I have a pile of English oak stored at my folks house so I have enough timber.

I like doing as much as possible by hand, it's very threaputic.

Make a coffee table that you can store books beneath! Two birds, one carpenter!

Quote from: Sephirah on April 05, 2026, 11:20:08 AMMake a coffee table that you can store books beneath! Two birds, one carpenter!

Have you seen how many books I've got!!! The coffee table would need to be 10 ft wide and 10 feet tall! Good idea for some kind of book storage though.

Carpenter....ess? is that a thing?

You cant beat the smell of a workshop, for me its old oil and burnt metal!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 05, 2026, 11:46:38 AMHave you seen how many books I've got!!! The coffee table would need to be 10 ft wide and 10 feet tall! Good idea for some kind of book storage though.

Carpenter....ess? is that a thing?

It is now!

Ever since I said I was going to bring you pics of interesting stuff from round my way I've woken up with Sciatica every morning and Storm Dave has been causing havoc! It's kind of put a dampener on things. I will get to it as soon as I feel able, honestly I will!

I didn't create this blog to moan on but it is a bit taxing being in pain every morning.

It usually wears off by mid-morning though so I'll see if I can go for a wander somewhere locally. You can't keep a good girl down for long!

Sorry for your sciatica. I hope you get feeling better.
If you didn't want to share pics you can just say so.  😋

So sad that yet again you've woken in pain. Hope you're feeling better by now and managed to make something of your day. Sounds like such a debilitating condition when it flares up.

Love and hugz
Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 06, 2026, 07:25:23 AMSorry for your sciatica. I hope you get feeling better.
If you didn't want to share pics you can just say so.  😋

Oi cheeky!

Managed to go for a wander round where I'l be living (hopefully) soon. Was only a mile or two but it's good to get the legs moving again. All the birds are courting and it's a gloriously sunny day today. Lifes pretty good when you sit down and think about it really. Fingers crossed I'll get out and about tomorrow.

I am so sorry about your sciatica.  I had it years ago, and it was brutal.  Spent a lot of time on the floor, with my feet resting on a chair, watching TV or playing on my phone.

Hang in there, and it will eventually fade away.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 06, 2026, 08:47:01 AMOi cheeky!

I need a translation in to American 🤣

Or a can start saying y'all and pardner

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 06, 2026, 09:37:06 AMI need a translation in to American 🤣

Or a can start saying y'all and pardner

It means "How dare you mock me madame, I am quite perturbed!"

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 06, 2026, 09:05:08 AMI am so sorry about your sciatica.  I had it years ago, and it was brutal.  Spent a lot of time on the floor, with my feet resting on a chair, watching TV or playing on my phone.

Hang in there, and it will eventually fade away.

Yep spent this morning lying on my back on the floor doing knee rolls and bridge pose. Then just lay there, frightened to move! I'm glad you said "years ago" You haven't had it since I presume? So there is an end to it after all!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 06, 2026, 09:57:21 AMIt means "How dare you mock me madame, I am quite perturbed!"

Thank ya pardner 🤣

I had it and it took months to go and it has left my left leg weak, that was the side it was on. I hope you recover soon XX

My wife has a nagging case that comes and goes. Not debilitating but painful and annoying.  I think she got some spinal injections that helped.

It took months but it faded away but those months felt like forever.

Hang in there and do your exercises...and no high heels until you feel a lot better!

How did I miss this thread?  That was some serious catching up I had to do, and the thread is barely a week old!  You look great in that wig; moving is always a PITA (we are moving soon, too), sorry about your sciatica.  I love your flying dream.  Now, about those pirates, aliens and ninjas...

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 07, 2026, 07:01:35 AMHow did I miss this thread?  That was some serious catching up I had to do, and the thread is barely a week old!  You look great in that wig; moving is always a PITA (we are moving soon, too), sorry about your sciatica.  I love your flying dream.  Now, about those pirates, aliens and ninjas...

Thanks Kathy, better late than never eh? No joy on the pirates, aliens or ninjas but knights on the other hand..............

Right then, we're off on Sarah's world tour of Northumberland - episode 1.

It is a lovely day so went for a walk to my first castle location today. This is the ruins of Warkworth Castle. Built in the mid 12th century and owned by the Percy Family, a powerful Northumbrian family and still the current Dukes and Dutchess's of Northumberland. This was the home of one of Englands most famous knights Sir Henry Percy KG aka Harry Hotspur.
He was a legendary knight who fought in many battles against the french in the 100 years wars and the Scotts (regularly). He was instrumental in the deposition of King Richard II. He eventually rebelled against the new King Henry the IV and was killed for his troubles. Harry Hotspur was so famous he was imortalised in Shakespeares play Henry IV Part 1 and also named in Henry IV Part 2 and Richard II.

The castle was in use until the English Civil War after which it fell into ruin. It now stands proudly above the quaint little village of Warkworth on the Northumberland Coast. Handily not far from the harbour town of Amble and the best fish and chip shop in Northumberland. Guess what I had for lunch!

(https://i.ibb.co/5Wcv0r6f/Druridge-pools-Apr-2026-0258.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/rKhqBnS2/Druridge-pools-Apr-2026-0264.jpg)

Castle is huge. Were you able to go inside? Cool way to spend a day.

Interesting castles!

Quote from: Gina P on April 07, 2026, 10:24:17 AMCastle is huge. Were you able to go inside? Cool way to spend a day.

I'm too cheap to go inside! Been in a lot when I was a kid though. You can go in and climb up part of the keep. There's actually quite a lot you can explore within the walls. You can't see it but on the other side of the cars is a moat (no water in it anymore) with a drawbridge going over to the gatehouse.

The beautiful river Coquet (pronounced Coke-utt) winds around the castle and village too. Along the bank there is sometimes a ferryman who you can summon by ringing a bell and he rows over and takes you over to an otherwise inaccessble part of the riverbank where a hermit used to live. He carved out a house in the rock face for him to live in.

It's an interesting spot.

Beautiful picture. Please keep them coming.

I love the history. I went to Washington DC and Boston. The history there is great. My wife likes to do the ghost tours. Not that we're looking for ghosts but you get a lot of the dirty history

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 07, 2026, 11:02:19 AMBeautiful picture. Please keep them coming.

I love the history. I went to Washington DC and Boston. The history there is great. My wife likes to do the ghost tours. Not that we're looking for ghosts but you get a lot of the dirty history

One of our local castles (Chillingham Castle) is actually the most haunted in Britain. You'll probably like that one. Not sure when I can get up there as it's quite far North (like about an hour and a bit)  but I've never actually been so I'm as interested as you about that one.

My mum grew up in the little village of Washington which is where George Washington's family are from. They were the big landowners at the time. Washington Old Hall (his ancestral home built 1183) is still there and you can go in. I could have a pop over there, though strictly speaking it's County Durham not Northumberland. Durham is a pretty epic place too mind. Washington became a "newtown" in the 1960's so it's ended up a huge place but the old village is still nestled in amongst it all.

I don't have anything close to that anywhere close to me, Sarah.

Thank you.

I am a massive history buff. And people who live in places where they have these things always amaze me. Thank you for sharing this. It will likely be in my dreams. I wish I could capture something like that.

You are more in the north than I am, where there was more of an attitude of "Build fortifications to protect from the heathen masses..." back when England and Scotland liked each other less than we do now.

You are the quintessential northern lass. And I find where you are utterly fascinating. Thank you for your eye on the world. <3

I'm glad I don't bore the arse of you Lauren!

Northumberland has around 70 castles in total. We needed them because of the pesky Scots and marauding border rievers. A lot of them are just piles of rubble now but some are magnificent fortresses.

We also have Hadrians Wall of course which was as far North as the Romans were able to sustainably push their empire. We are the real life wildlings from game of thornes up here you know. You are the Starks.

Maybe you could start another blog Stotties History. It could be a big hit

Haha, I am like the 0.1% of people who never watched Game of Thrones. Kind of like Harry Potter. From what I gather it was the best thing since sliced bread, until people forgot how to slice bread.

I would kind of like your part of the world, Sarah, if it has people like you in it. :)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 05:07:32 PMHaha, I am like the 0.1% of people who never watched Game of Thrones. Kind of like Harry Potter. From what I gather it was the best thing since sliced bread, until people forgot how to slice bread.

I would kind of like your part of the world, Sarah, if it has people like you in it. :)

Being soppy again Lauren ha ha!........thanks though😁

One of the oldest houses around here is a manor house that started as an Elizabethan building, I worked on their cars and have been to the house and seen the brickwork . Most of the big houses here are Georgian.   

Supremely awesome, Davina. Would love to see some parts of where you live sometime.

I am rather a fan of history. I like thinking about what stories places can tell. Outside of the graffiti on the walls telling you that "Kaz luvs Baz, or Shaz. Or even Daz. Maybe all of the above." I find the history locked up in a place to be rather romantic, and fascinating.

The view from the top of the Malvern hills is great across the Severn valley from just about visible Droitwich to the north down to almost Gloucester in the south and the Cotswold hills to the East. Looking West you can see (just about) the black mountains in Wales. No wonder there is an Iron age fort up there. 

Gloucester, like Worcester and Leicester... breaks a lot of people's brains when they try to pronounce it, haha.

It sounds idyllic. I know the Cotswolds are an incredibly pretty place. Makes where I live look like an industrial estate.

Evesham , my grand parents said it like aysham.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 07, 2026, 05:07:32 PMHaha, I am like the 0.1% of people who never watched Game of Thrones. Kind of like Harry Potter. From what I gather it was the best thing since sliced bread, until people forgot how to slice bread.

I would kind of like your part of the world, Sarah, if it has people like you in it. :)

I never watched Game of Thrones either. My wife did and said it was really good. It just never seemed interesting to me.we can be 0.1% together

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 09, 2026, 10:19:50 AMI never watched Game of Thrones either. My wife did and said it was really good. It just never seemed interesting to me.we can be 0.1% together

Trust me it is epic! I didn't partake until the 4th series was out then I watched ep 1 round a friends house and I was hooked. It's like Lord of the rings but more political and loosley based on the war of the roses and british history in general except with zombies, magic, and dragons.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 09, 2026, 10:19:50 AMI never watched Game of Thrones either. My wife did and said it was really good. It just never seemed interesting to me.we can be 0.1% together

I never watched it either. But I haven't watched TV in almost 15 years. I don't miss it.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 09, 2026, 11:17:55 AMI never watched it either. But I haven't watched TV in almost 15 years. I don't miss it.

One of the very few shows worth watching in my view. Chuck the telly away when you are done!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 09, 2026, 11:20:42 AMOne of the very few shows worth watching in my view. Chuck the telly away when you are done!

I stopped watching because I absolutely hate commercial ads. They spend 20 minutes on ads and 10 minutes on content, for a 30-minute program. And it isn't even new and exciting products they advertise. They run the same tired ads about drugs that I can't buy without a prescription, for conditions I don't have. At least with a movie, I can watch it from start to finish without interruption.

I have heard many people say that Game of Thrones is good. Maybe someday, when I am too old to do anything else, I will buy a box set and watch it. For now, I have too much to do. The only time I watch a movie is when I am eating dinner.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 09, 2026, 11:43:44 AMI stopped watching because I absolutely hate commercial ads. They spend 20 minutes on ads and 10 minutes on content, for a 30-minute program. And it isn't even new and exciting products they advertise. They run the same tired ads about drugs that I can't buy without a prescription, for conditions I don't have. At least with a movie, I can watch it from start to finish without interruption.

I have heard many people say that Game of Thrones is good. Maybe someday, when I am too old to do anything else, I will buy a box set and watch it. For now, I have too much to do. The only time I watch a movie is when I am eating dinner.

Well it is excellent but I don't think any Brit would watch anything if that is what we were subjected to ads wise! On terrestrial TV we get about a 5 min ad break every 15 mins on commercial TV, none on the BBC of course. Streaming services seem to stick about 2 mins at the start of each program these days but that's it.

I've heard about these drug company adverts they sound barking mad! We don't usually get to choose which medicine we use, our GP just prescribes the best one for the job normally. £9.00 for the prescription and off you go!

I've not got much to report after the last couple of days. Sorry, lifes a bit boring right now. Went into work yesterday but had to come home and work there as the Sciatica started playing up and the seats are bloody uncomfortable in the hot desking area.

Been working from home today too but feeling much better overall.

Had to deal with a rogue homeowner who just demolished his house and started building a new one without planning permission, demolition notice or Building Regulations application. Neighbours weren't best pleased!

Sorry to hear about your discomfort. If I had a magic wand I would offer to take your pain away.
I read a book once, one of many, pain is the universe's way of telling you you're alive. I bet right now you feel very alive

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 09, 2026, 12:08:39 PMSorry to hear about your discomfort. If I had a magic wand I would offer to take your pain away.
I read a book once, one of many, pain is the universe's way of telling you you're alive. I bet right now you feel very alive

Well the universe can stop now thanks, I got the message! Thanks Kelly but if you had a magic wand could you turn me into the girl of my dreams instead, sod the sciatica! Fed up with it really it's been going on since September.

Talking of magic wands one of my former customers had an original Harry Potter wand from the first movie. Her son worked as a special effects artist for the movies and created them. It didn't work sadly, I tried it.
She also had a silicone mould of Angelina Jolie's lips (no idea why!) and mini me's fist from Austin Powers. Her son also made the batsuit from Batman Begins and kept it. He said it will be his retirement fund! Complete with pic of him and Christian Bale at the fitting, signed by Bale!

@Sephirah  @Stottie Girl  @Charlotte Kitty
Dear Lauren, Sarah, Charlotte:
Again the British and Americans are separated by a common language.
Hugs, Danielle

Quote from: Sephirah on April 08, 2026, 03:48:34 AMGloucester, like Worcester and Leicester... breaks a lot of people's brains when they try to pronounce it, haha.

AI Overview
The city of Leicester in England is pronounced "Lester" (IPA: /ˈlɛstər/). It is a two-syllable pronunciation, despite the three-syllable spelling, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a silent "cei".

How do British people pronounce Worcester?  (also a city in the USA State of Massachusetts near Boston)
AI Overview
In the UK, Worcester is pronounced "WUSS-tuh" (sounds like woos + tuh), with the stress on the first syllable. It is /ˈwʊs.tə/ in IPA notation. The city name is a two-syllable word, often mistaken for having three or four syllables by non-natives, as the "ce" is silent.

Gloucester is pronounced GLOSS-ter (also a city in Massachusetts, USA)
). It is a two-syllable word with the stress on the first syllable, where the "ces" is silent. It rhymes with "foster" and follows the same silent-syllable pattern as British place names like Leicester (Less-ter) and Worcester (Wuss-ter).

AI Overview
Worcestershire sauce is widely known as the condiment no one can pronounce. Often referred to as "the big W" or "whore-sauce," it is actually pronounced "WUSS-ter-sher" (or "Wuh-stuh-sheer"). Originating from Worcester, England, this savory, fermented condiment is a complex blend of vinegar, anchovies, molasses, and tamarind.

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 09, 2026, 12:28:37 PM@Sephirah  @Stottie Girl  @Charlotte Kitty
Dear Lauren, Sarah, Charlotte :
Again the British and Americans are separated by a common language.
Hugs, Danielle

Quote from: Sephirah on April 08, 2026, 03:48:34 AMGloucester, like Worcester and Leicester... breaks a lot of people's brains when they try to pronounce it, haha.

AI Overview
The city of Leicester in England is pronounced "Lester" (IPA: /ˈlɛstər/). It is a two-syllable pronunciation, despite the three-syllable spelling, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a silent "cei".

How do British people pronounce Worcester?  (also a city in the USA State of Massachusetts near Boston)
AI Overview
In the UK, Worcester is pronounced "WUSS-tuh" (sounds like woos + tuh), with the stress on the first syllable. It is /ˈwʊs.tə/ in IPA notation. The city name is a two-syllable word, often mistaken for having three or four syllables by non-natives, as the "ce" is silent.

Gloucester is pronounced GLOSS-ter (also a city in Massachusetts, USA)
). It is a two-syllable word with the stress on the first syllable, where the "ces" is silent. It rhymes with "foster" and follows the same silent-syllable pattern as British place names like Leicester (Less-ter) and Worcester (Wuss-ter).

AI Overview
Worcestershire sauce is widely known as the condiment no one can pronounce. Often referred to as "the big W" or "whore-sauce," it is actually pronounced "WUSS-ter-sher" (or "Wuh-stuh-sheer"). Originating from Worcester, England, this savory, fermented condiment is a complex blend of vinegar, anchovies, molasses, and tamarind.

Well I would pronounce it as WUSS-TUH or WUSS-TUH-SHUH. But then I'm from the North East where we have a very distinct accent and dialect, supposedly the oldest in England apparently. Maybe Lauren and Charlotte could chime in with the way they say it

I would love to hear your speaking voice. To an American southerner that has lived all over the USA. I would be in awe. Little Lady 🤪

Wostershur and woster ,glouster and the other Hereford is said herfod. Malvern is said molvern as well, I can vouch for this as thats the area I live.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 09, 2026, 12:35:07 PMAI Overview
The city of Leicester in England is pronounced "Lester" (IPA: /ˈlɛstər/). It is a two-syllable pronunciation, despite the three-syllable spelling, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a silent "cei".

How do British people pronounce Worcester?  (also a city in the USA State of Massachusetts near Boston)
AI Overview
In the UK, Worcester is pronounced "WUSS-tuh" (sounds like woos + tuh), with the stress on the first syllable. It is /ˈwʊs.tə/ in IPA notation. The city name is a two-syllable word, often mistaken for having three or four syllables by non-natives, as the "ce" is silent.

Gloucester is pronounced GLOSS-ter (also a city in Massachusetts, USA)
). It is a two-syllable word with the stress on the first syllable, where the "ces" is silent. It rhymes with "foster" and follows the same silent-syllable pattern as British place names like Leicester (Less-ter) and Worcester (Wuss-ter).

AI Overview
Worcestershire sauce is widely known as the condiment no one can pronounce. Often referred to as "the big W" or "whore-sauce," it is actually pronounced "WUSS-ter-sher" (or "Wuh-stuh-sheer"). Originating from Worcester, England, this savory, fermented condiment is a complex blend of vinegar, anchovies, molasses, and tamarind.

Well I would pronounce it as WUSS-TUH or WUSS-TUH-SHUH. But then I'm from the North East where we have a very distinct accent and dialect, supposedly the oldest in England apparently. Maybe Lauren and Charlotte could chime in with the way they say it

I say it like this.

Worcester (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qj7MKhM6JGufWJb6o_ly90eogNOqUOGk/view?usp=drivesdk)

Sorry I been quiet. Been struggling a bit xx

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 09, 2026, 02:00:27 PMI say it like this.

Worcester (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qj7MKhM6JGufWJb6o_ly90eogNOqUOGk/view?usp=drivesdk)

Sorry I been quiet. Been struggling a bit xx

You are loved. Im giving you a hug right now.

I vot that we remov all unnecessary letters to improv clarity.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 09, 2026, 12:20:55 PMWell the universe can stop now thanks, I got the message! Thanks Kelly but if you had a magic wand could you turn me into the girl of my dreams instead, sod the sciatica! Fed up with it really it's been going on since September.

Talking of magic wands one of my former customers had an original Harry Potter wand from the first movie. Her son worked as a special effects artist for the movies and created them. It didn't work sadly, I tried it.
She also had a silicone mould of Angelina Jolie's lips (no idea why!) and mini me's fist from Austin Powers. Her son also made the batsuit from Batman Begins and kept it. He said it will be his retirement fund! Complete with pic of him and Christian Bale at the fitting, signed by Bale!

Batman Beyond was one of my favorite movies.  It was the closest Hollywood got to portraying Batman correctly.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 09, 2026, 02:30:43 PMBatman Beyond was one of my favorite movies.  It was the closest Hollywood got to portraying Batman correctly.

My favorite is The Dark Knight. I just watched it again last night. I'm a huge Heath Ledger fan (RIP). His portrayal of the Joker is the best, in my opinion.

@Charlotte Kitty  @Sephirah  @Dawn Kellie  @davina61

Dear Charlotte, Sephirah, Kellie, Davina:
Thank you ladies for clarifying how some of these cities and words are pronounced in proper British.
This has always been a mystery to me and most of the Yankees born in the USA.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]


[/quote]

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 09, 2026, 02:00:27 PMI say it like this. @Stottie Girl 

Worcester (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qj7MKhM6JGufWJb6o_ly90eogNOqUOGk/view?usp=drivesdk)

Sorry I been quiet. Been struggling a bit xx

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 09, 2026, 02:37:03 PM@Charlotte Kitty  @Sephirah  @Dawn Kellie  @davina61

Dear Charlotte, Sephirah, Kellie, Davina:
Thank you ladies for clarifying how some of these cities and words are pronounced in proper British.
This has always been a mystery to most of the Yankee born in the USA.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Alas, I'm just a poor Yankee myself. A southern Yankee you can tell because I can use y'all in a sentence

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 09, 2026, 02:37:03 PM@Charlotte Kitty  @Sephirah  @Dawn Kellie  @davina61

Dear Charlotte, Sephirah, Kellie, Davina:
Thank you ladies for clarifying how some of these cities and words are pronounced in proper British.
This has always been a mystery to me and most of the Yankees born in the USA.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

The problem is Danielle, if you go 10 miles down the road in the UK they will have a different accent and likely say everything differently and use different words ha ha! You can't win!

Where I am the accent is known as Geordie (I don't have a strong accent but can turn it on when required) Geordie has some similarities with German, Danish and Nordic. For example we would say "Am Gannin Hyem" which means "I'm going home" Norweigian for home is "hjem" and pronounced the same, Geordies say "Bairn" for child, Norweigians and Germans say "barn" We say "Canny" which means "nice" (though it can mean several other things depending on the context and often baffles strangers) Norweigians say "Kanning" with similar pronounciation.

An example sentance could be "Av had a canny neet so am gannin hjem to see wor bairns and grab some scran cos am propa clammin"-  Meaning "I've had a nice night but I'm going home to see my kids and get some food because I'm hungry."To be fair Geordie can catch out a lot of Brits too! lol!

There are those that speak English correctly and those that don't. This can easily be determined by asking the person in question to say the words bath and grass! 😂

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 09, 2026, 04:13:35 PMThere are those that speak English correctly and those that don't. This can easily be determined by asking the person in question to say the words bath and grass! 😂

Well "correctly" is subjective! I would say it determines if you are a Northerner or a shandy drinking Southerner! lol!

Which side of the fence do you reside on? You've lived both North and South

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 09, 2026, 04:20:13 PMWell "correctly" is subjective! I would say it determines if you are a Northerner or a shandy drinking Southerner! lol!

Which side of the fence do you reside on? You've lived both North and South

Oh to be honest I'm a mongrel these days! There are little bits of Yorkshire in my generic nowhere twang. I use the word 'owt' a lot. But I'm also a bit urban using words like 'innit'. But I do pronounce bath and grass the southern way 😅

When I'm trying to talk feminine I just gravitate to posh sounding. Not really what I want!

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 09, 2026, 04:31:07 PMOh to be honest I'm a mongrel these days! There are little bits of Yorkshire in my generic nowhere twang. I use the word 'owt' a lot. But I'm also a bit urban using words like 'innit'. But I do pronounce bath and grass the southern way 😅

When I'm trying to talk feminine I just gravitate to posh sounding. Not really what I want!

Charlotte 😻

Tsk Tsk there's no r in bath! It's not barth! And people say we can't talk properly, sheesh!

Bugs me when Southern people say "Newcarstle". No, it's New castle because they built a new castle there! Interestingly it was called Gotham town before NYC too!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 09, 2026, 04:39:51 PMTsk Tsk there's no r in bath! It's not barth! And people say we can't talk properly, sheesh!

Bugs me when Southern people say "Newcarstle". No, it's New castle because they built a new castle there! Interestingly it was called Gotham town before NYC too!

You can tell I've had that banter with Northern folk a few times hehe. Its always fun to mix up your rose colours in Leeds too...you know that red rose!! Lol.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 09, 2026, 04:44:38 PMYou can tell I've had that banter with Northern folk a few times hehe. Its always fun to mix up your rose colours in Leeds too...you know that red rose!! Lol.

OOOOH that's a dangerous game to play Charlotte! Surprised you made it out alive. Did they force you down to Birmigham with pitchforks? lol!

If you head towards Boston the place you parked your car would be a " caa paak"  for what ever reason they seem to be afraid of saying "r" sounds

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 09, 2026, 05:18:22 PMIf you head towards Boston the place you parked your car would be a " caa paak"  for what ever reason they seem to be afraid of saying "r" sounds

I have heard them claim they paahked theh caah in the yaahd.

I like the scene in The Heat (Melissa McCarthy) where Sandra Bullock is trying to understand them as they ask her if she is a Narc (a Naaahk).

🤣

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 09, 2026, 05:25:16 PMI have heard them claim they paahked theh caah in the yaahd.

I like the scene in The Heat (Melissa McCarthy) where Sandra Bullock is trying to understand them as they ask her if she is a Narc (a Naaahk).

🤣

Sounds almost Mancunian that Lori!

Im not sure if they even teach the letter r in schools

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 09, 2026, 05:47:19 PMSounds almost Mancunian that Lori!

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 09, 2026, 05:52:48 PM

Maybe not then lol!

So how you doin?

I think all British accents are great.  Of course, I speak English as a second language.  I speak American with a New "Yawk"/"Bruklyn" dialect.


This guy is from Bensonhurst, a little over a mile from my house, and he is a world away from my accent. 

I'm being a bit quiet as I have a coursework assignment due tomorrow and I've left it to the last minute as usual!! I will never change ha ha! Got the bulk of it done now just have a multiple choice question assessment to do but I will rattle through that tomorrow. Last minute lucy!

My football (proper football!) team is playing on TV tomorrow afternoon so I'll be keeping my dad company for that but hopefully Monday-Wednesday I will have an opportunity to get out and explore again. Sods law the weather is gogeous today! I bet it rains next week, would serve me right

Sciatica seems to be fading to the background again though so that's good news.

Hope your assignment goes ok. Sure you'll ace it!

C😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 11, 2026, 09:15:41 AMHope your assignment goes ok. Sure you'll ace it!

C😻

Cheers! Aren't you supposed to be doing furry things today?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 09:19:38 AMCheers! Aren't you supposed to be doing furry things today?

Yeah all done. Going to head home shortly when train is due.x

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 11, 2026, 09:30:50 AMYeah all done. Going to head home shortly when train is due.x

Did you enjoy yourself at least a little bit?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 09:32:23 AMDid you enjoy yourself at least a little bit?

It was ok. Better then being at home I guess

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 11, 2026, 09:42:59 AMIt was ok. Better then being at home I guess

Well that is a glowing review lol! I guarantee it was a better day than I had today!

I have been thinking about how I have changed since I signed up here at the end of January. I have really started growing in confidence and I'm.....well, just happier. Before boring you all on here with my inane stories, I knew I was trans, that I've known since I was a wee nipper, but I guess maybe I didn't know how to become something more than just the feeling or concept. I'm not sure I'm making sense there.

When someone asked me what my femme name was, Sarah Louise just popped into my head instantly and felt so right (Thanks Lauren!) and I guess from that moment on she has been growing inside me, evolving and becoming a real person. Taking over my thought processes to a large degree. Interacting as Sarah has fundementally changed my outlook on the world, how open I am to relationships, who or what I am attracted to, how I see myself in the years to come. It has all been unexpected really. It feels so natural now that dressing and going out in boy mode feels more like I'm cross dressing and I can't wait to get back home and return to normal.

I feel more like a woman than ever before. I have even caught myself signing off emails and letters at work as Sarah unconsiously! It just felt natural and I liked seeing it in print though I need to watch out that I don't accidently press send!

I'm not sure what the point of this post is really except I guess it's to maybe just say....thank you.

Anyway, these thoughts have been rolling around in my tiny brain and I thought I should write them down somewhere, I don't keep a diary so here is where I will download I think.

Sarah
You and Charlotte are my heroines.
I really think in a face to face world we could be friends. Even for an American I have a more British sense of humor and I appreciate yours. We may need a translator at times we would have fun.
I agree this place has helped me immensely. I have come to terms with Kellie and she is more me than Kyle (my male name). I have started talk therapy  not because of Susans.org but because of the love and support. Same with wanting to start HRT. Kellie has always been there. She didn't have a name or recognition.
Now Kellie is in the world. I feel Kellie is who I am and she is tired of being pushed down.
To all of us who pushed down who we are because the world said boys do this and girls do that. I raise a glass and say look out we have a voice and you had better listen

@Stottie Girl @Dawn Kellie
I've definitely seen you both blossom, particularly in the last couple of months. It's lovely to hear you're more connected than ever to your true female selves and so importantly your beautiful names.  Must say that it always feels special when you remind yourself of your perfect feminine name. The fact that is you in your truest form. Sometimes it feels bit surreal it's actually happening.

It's been lovely and lively around here with both of you Sarah and Kellie. I thank you both too for your kind encouragement and support. Nothing around here is ever just one way. I think we all give something and gain the sum of everyone's love and experience back.

Love you and all,
Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 12:23:48 PMI have been thinking about how I have changed since I signed up here at the end of January. I have really started growing in confidence and I'm.....well, just happier. Before boring you all on here with my inane stories, I knew I was trans, that I've known since I was a wee nipper, but I guess maybe I didn't know how to become something more than just the feeling or concept. I'm not sure I'm making sense there.

You are making complete sense.  Those of us who started transitioning a while back recognize this feeling.  Knowing you are trans is one thing.  Doing something about it - even if it is only online - is what brings joy.  For many of us, joy is an unfamiliar experience.  Enjoy it!  There is plenty more ahead.

Just be careful whom you share it with until you are fully out!  Good idea to proof-read those work emails.

Thanks ladies for the wonderful comments you are all responsible for my improvements in mood and confidence. love you all for it.

And Kellie, you definitely have a British sense of humour, we are sometimes lost in translation but you really can make me chuckle!

Sarah xx

Thank you for that.
When my kids were still young I introduced  them to Monty Python and Dr Who. The girls latched on and still love both.
One time my wife, my youngest and I were at Disneyland. We were getting on a ride and a cast member was checking how many in our party. I told my daughter to play along. When asked I did the one, two five bit and my daughter said three sir. So I said. The cast member looked at as like we were stupid. We were both very upset he didn't get it.

I recently discovered the series Broadchurch. With David Tennant. Wow it's good.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 11, 2026, 03:12:16 PMThank you for that.
When my kids were still young I introduced  them to Monty Python and Dr Who. The girls latched on and still love both.
One time my wife, my youngest and I were at Disneyland. We were getting on a ride and a cast member was checking how many in our party. I told my daughter to play along. When asked I did the one, two five bit and my daughter said three sir. So I said. The cast member looked at as like we were stupid. We were both very upset he didn't get it.

I recently discovered the series Broadchurch. With David Tennant. Wow it's good.

Ha ha! I'm not surprised Kellie, that's elite level Python there!

Never seen Broadchurch to be honest. Crime dramas aren't really my thing but we do a lot of them in this country. A lot of people say Life on Mars is quite a good one too. A time travelling crime drama set in the 70's. Also The Bodyguard and Line of Duty get rave reviews.

If you like Python we have some very surrealist comedy shows over here. Despite the writer being a trans hater I have to recommend Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd. A trio of comedy masterpieces. If you can handle those you might graduate to the really dark and weird stuff like the League of Gentlemen (see clip that Lauren posted a couple of days ago). Advanced stuff only mind, stick with the other suggestions first!

I love dark humor.
My wife is a doctor. She was told once when she was a resident. She was a resident and dealing with a suicide attempt.  She couldn't get a bleeder to stop. An attending walked by and she asked for assistance.  The attending looked down and looked at my wife. In as straight a face as you can imagine said "all bleeding stops eventually" then walked away. My wife realized at that moment. She had only herself to rely upon.

I was in the military and looked in to a law enforcement career.
I can do dark humor

I never knew the writer of Father Ted was a trans hater. Shame as I loved that too.

I guess my list of favourites is a little different! Keeping up appearances, Last of the summer wine and Some mothers do have em being ones I love.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 11, 2026, 03:40:33 PMI never knew the writer of Father Ted was a trans hater. Shame as I loved that too.

I guess my list of favourites is a little different! Keeping up appearances, Last of the summer wine and Some mothers do have em being ones I love.

Charlotte 😻

Graham Linehan is the writer. Doesn't change the fact that the comedy is brilliant. I'm not one for cancel culture.

I grew up around the birth of alternative comedy. Comedians like Alexie Sayle (still love his podcasts) and later Stewart Lee (one of my favorite comics) or earlier comedy shows like Blackadder, The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Red Dwarf. But it's surrealist humour that gets me the most. Things like the IT crowd and Toast of London or The league of Gentlemen. Totally nuts.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 11, 2026, 03:31:01 PMIn as straight a face as you can imagine said "all bleeding stops eventually" then walked away.

Eek, talk about black humour.  Especially if said within earshot of a patient!  😲

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 03:43:51 PMGraham Linehan is the writer. Doesn't change the fact that the comedy is brilliant. I'm not one for cancel culture.

I grew up around the birth of alternative comedy. Comedians like Alexie Sayle (still love his podcasts) and later Stewart Lee (one of my favorite comics) or earlier comedy shows like Blackadder, The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Red Dwarf. But it's surrealist humour that gets me the most. Things like the IT crowd and Toast of London or The league of Gentlemen. Totally nuts.

I used to watch red dwarf loads as a kid! Loved it. Trying to get Kryton to say smeg head 🤣

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 11, 2026, 03:57:24 PMI used to watch red dwarf loads as a kid! Loved it. Trying to get Kryton to say smeg head 🤣

Yeah, I'm not sure how well it's aged but it was a gem of a show back then. sssmeeeeeeg heeeeeeeeeed!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 07:37:53 AMMy football (proper football!) team is playing on TV tomorrow afternoon so I'll be keeping my dad company for that but hopefully Monday-Wednesday I will have an opportunity to get out and explore again.

I have to ask, Sarah. What football team is that? I am not huge on the sport but I know the rudimentary stuff. And... I mean my natural instinct is say Newcastle, haha. Please correct me. <3

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 11, 2026, 03:57:24 PMI used to watch red dwarf loads as a kid! Loved it. Trying to get Kryton to say smeg head 🤣

Yup. This is why I get you and Sarah, Charlotte. We are birds of a feather. Red Dwarf was my go to. Sarah... I love your taste also. I will admit some alternative stuff was a little bit "too" alternative. Shows like "The Young Ones". I just thought that was a more modern version of Monty Python. And equally silly.

Blackadder, absolutely. Rowan Atkinson is just.. he's one of a kind.

Did you ever watch "Peep Show" or "Spaced", Sarah?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 05:55:40 PMI have to ask, Sarah. What football team is that? I am not huge on the sport but I know the rudimentary stuff. And... I mean my natural instinct is say Newcastle, haha. Please correct me. <3

Yeah it's Newcastle United. We have no choice, We pop out the womb and are handed our black and white stripes immediately. I'm not a die hard fan when compared to other geordies but football is different up here. We only have one club for the whole city. It really is united. Every man women and boy follows the team. When they do well everyone is smiling the next day, when they loose you can see it on peoples faces.

The ground is right in the heart of the city centre so when they are playing, it doesn't matter where you are in the town centre you know when we score because the roar is deafening everywhere. The ground is often called the cathedral on the hill and it is for good reason.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 05:59:31 PMYup. This is why I get you and Sarah, Charlotte. We are birds of a feather. Red Dwarf was my go to. Sarah... I love your taste also. I will admit some alternative stuff was a little bit "too" alternative. Shows like "The Young Ones". I just thought that was a more modern version of Monty Python. And equally silly.

Blackadder, absolutely. Rowan Atkinson is just.. he's one of a kind.

Did you ever watch "Peep Show" or "Spaced", Sarah?

Oh my god Lauren! we were cut from the same cloth all right! They are two of my most favourite shows of all time. One of my favourite things is to watch americans reacting to peep show, it is so funny to see their jaws drop at the cringe!

Spaced might as well be a documentary on our lives for anyone who grey up in the 90's. Simon Pegg and Nick Frosts glorious debut (not counting peggs buttercup syrup advert)

Girl, every time I speak to you, I think I get you more, haha. It's rather awesome. <3

Both of them are shows that are somewhat uniquely British. I have kind of a thing for David Mitchell, though. I think he is singularly amazing.

I will say, however, for anyone who ever liked Red Dwarf.. there was another 90s show with Chris Barrie, called The Brittas Empire. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Brittas_Empire). It was very much of its time.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 06:31:11 PMGirl, every time I speak to you, I think I get you more, haha. It's rather awesome. <3

Both of them are shows that are somewhat uniquely British. I have kind of a thing for David Mitchell, though. I think he is singularly amazing.

I will say, however, for anyone who ever liked Red Dwarf.. there was another 90s show with Chris Barrie, called The Brittas Empire. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Brittas_Empire). It was very much of its time.

Yeah David Mitchells rant's are a thing to behold. Big fan.

I remember the Brittas empire. Set in a leisure centre. It was pretty good too, you're dragging some oldies up there.

Must be honest with you I never did like The Young Ones either, or Bottom I never liked that side of rick Mayal. Much preferred him as Alan B'stard in The New Statesman, Lord Flashard or in the Comic Strip presents.

I will say, Bottom was somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine. He played off with Ade Edmondson incredibly well. It was pure slapstick, haha.

Girl, you're talking to someone who grew up on 60s and 70s radio comedies. Never think you're an old fart, okay? Because I will see you, and raise you "Steptoe & Son" :P

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 06:16:50 PMYeah it's Newcastle United. We have no choice, We pop out the womb and are handed our black and white stripes immediately. I'm not a die hard fan when compared to other geordies but football is different up here. We only have one club for the whole city. It really is united. Every man women and boy follows the team. When they do well everyone is smiling the next day, when they loose you can see it on peoples faces.

The ground is right in the heart of the city centre so when they are playing, it doesn't matter where you are in the town centre you know when we score because the roar is deafening everywhere. The ground is often called the cathedral on the hill and it is for good reason.

It's very much like the two Sheffield teams. United and Wednesday. People are born into it. I was never too much bothered with either, honestly. But one of my friends in school was a die hard Blade, so I kind of just went with it.

Haway the lads! <3 All I know about Newcastle is Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 07:00:29 PMI will say, Bottom was somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine. He played off with Ade Edmondson incredibly well. It was pure slapstick, haha.

Girl, you're talking to someone who grew up on 60s and 70s radio comedies. Never think you're an old fart, okay? Because I will see you, and raise you "Steptoe & Son" :P

Hey we have to have some differences otherwise it would get boring!

I listen to radio 4 too. I remember the Hitchikers guide on the radio before the TV series. I still listen to just a minute or I'm sorry I haven't a clue, The news quiz etc. Alexi Sayle sometimes has some funny shows on there too.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 07:08:08 PMIt's very much like the two Sheffield teams. United and Wednesday. People are born into it. I was never too much bothered with either, honestly. But one of my friends in school was a die hard Blade, so I kind of just went with it.

Haway the lads! <3 All I know about Newcastle is Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer.

Well like I say we don't have a choice. We only had a football team growing up. I know we have the Falcons rugby team now but they weren't around until recently really. Northumberland doesn't have a decent county cricket side and Durham didn't have a notable team either until more recently. Must get round to going to Chester-le-Street one day. The Tyne Wear derby is fierce too. It's pretty unusual to have two cities who hate each other just 12 miles apart. So there is constant banter going on.

The fact that you can share this with people is magical, Sarah. I kind of always admired that about sports. Doesn't matter what it is. Who is obsessed with it... it's a medium which brings people together.

I need to ask something, though. Newcastle Brown Ale... is that an actual thing or a myth?

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 07:46:30 PMThe fact that you can share this with people is magical, Sarah. I kind of always admired that about sports. Doesn't matter what it is. Who is obsessed with it... it's a medium which brings people together.

I need to ask something, though. Newcastle Brown Ale... is that an actual thing or a myth?

Yeah "the dog" as we call it is real. It's been brewed for over 100 years and still going strong. No longer brewed in the city centre though or in newcastle to be fair. Shame I used to like the malty smell of the brewery wafting through the streets of the West End. Be careful with it though, it's loopy juice! apparently it became popular in the states for a while too.

Why do you call it The Dog?

I mean I am sure it probably has something to do with "Hair of the dog"... but I would rather hear it from you than an AI bot.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 07:12:12 PMHey we have to have some differences otherwise it would get boring!

I listen to radio 4 too. I remember the Hitchikers guide on the radio before the TV series. I still listen to just a minute or I'm sorry I haven't a clue, The news quiz etc. Alexi Sayle sometimes has some funny shows on there too.

I love Hitchhickers Guide. I've listened to the BBC radio version the TV version. Read the 4 books of the trilogy seen the movie.
I have a tattoo of one of the book avatar on my side. I feel Douglas Adams helled develop my out look and sense of humor

Total anglophile you are Kellie ha ha!

My mum did a DNA test and it revealed. Her side of the family was 70% British. I must be returning to my roots 😀

Quote from: Sephirah on April 11, 2026, 08:06:10 PMWhy do you call it The Dog?

I mean I am sure it probably has something to do with "Hair of the dog"... but I would rather hear it from you than an AI bot.

I think it goes back a very long way the beer was first brewed in 1927. I think it used to be something the blokes would tell their wives so they could sneak off to the pub. Something like "I'm off to walk the dog" meaning they were going to get sloshed! We also call it a "bottle of broon" but never ever "newkie brown" that's a southern thing that will get scornful looks up here ha ha!

What are your local tipples?

Ok, I need the translator
Tipples?

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 12, 2026, 06:33:00 AMMy mum did a DNA test and it revealed. Her side of the family was 70% British. I must be returning to my roots 😀

Not surprising considering the colonial past. Even the Irish were British back then. We did get about ha ha! "The sun never sets on the British Empire" was actually very true at one point.
Did it sugest a region? sometimes surnames can give an indication though with it being your mum the orignal surname would need to be traced.

How easy is it research family trees over there? Did the US always have acurate census data to track?

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 12, 2026, 06:36:58 AMOk, I need the translator
Tipples?

Lol! Tipples are drinks as in "do you fancy a tipple?"

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 11, 2026, 08:02:04 PMYeah "the dog" as we call it is real. It's been brewed for over 100 years and still going strong. No longer brewed in the city centre though or in newcastle to be fair. Shame I used to like the malty smell of the brewery wafting through the streets of the West End. Be careful with it though, it's loopy juice! apparently it became popular in the states for a while too.

I remember the smell in the city centre when the brewery was there. Early 2ks I think. When I was young I drunk quite a bit of it. Nothing tastes quite like it to be honest. Very lethal though.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 12, 2026, 06:46:53 AMI remember the smell in the city centre when the brewery was there. Early 2ks I think. When I was young I drunk quite a bit of it. Nothing tastes quite like it to be honest. Very lethal though.

Charlotte 😻

Yeah the smell somehow reminded me of weetabix or malted shreddies!

My personal drink of choice is a bourbon neat. I don't like beer or wine. I will drink Twisted Tea. Which is iced tea with a bit of alcohol added.
In America as a whole beer is the drink of choice the brand varies by area.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 12, 2026, 06:40:13 AMNot surprising considering the colonial past. Even the Irish were British back then. We did get about ha ha! "The sun never sets on the British Empire" was actually very true at one point.
Did it sugest a region? sometimes surnames can give an indication though with it being your mum the orignal surname would need to be traced.

How easy is it research family trees over there? Did the US always have acurate census data to track?

The region i don't recall. I remember some Irish and English.
My sur name is very Dutch German, but my dad's side of the family has never done DNA as far as I know.
Census on this side of the pond are hit and miss. I can trace my sur name back to the first American. There is an entire web page on it.

Family history is interesting. Geneology even more so. I will have to get a DNA thingy done on me one day. I can trace my roots on my dads side to Cumbria and Germany. My mums side we've never done the family tree. I'll have to get round to that one day. I defnitely have a scandi like nose! blue eyes I get from my dad though.

Did you find any noteable connections?

Bizarely, on my dads side we have a relative by marriage who was the first person in the world to be knocked over and killed by a train! A dubious claim to fame if you ask me ha ha!
 

My ancestry has some interesting stuff. I've seen pictures of ancestors at some famous battlefields in the American Civil War. My  maternal grandfather was a tank commander in WW2. My paternal great grandfather was a engineer for and friend of Henry Ford.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 12, 2026, 07:27:53 AMDid you find any noteable connections?

My father was into genealogy, so I have our entire family tree on disk somewhere.  Nobody interesting, though.  Unless you count William the Conqueror.  But he was so many generations back that a person's ancestors in that generation outnumber the entire population of the British Isles, meaning that odds are good that anyone is related to him.  I can't count that as a brag.

When I was planning to join the local volunteer fire department, their web page had a list of members.  I saw that one member had the same surname as me.  Just for fun, I looked at the page of unlabelled photos to see if I could spot him, even though, to the best of my knowledge, we had no relatives in North America.  I picked out one photo of a member that had my dad's eyes.  Sure enough, he was the one with my surname!  Apparently, some relative a few generations back must have emigrated.

I researched my family history for over forty years. My database has over 4,000 relatives dating back to the 1700s.

There is a lot of online genealogy databases online but most are crap. They are more of a collection of surnames and lack proper verification that the families are linked. It takes time to check records and cross-reference with other records to maintain accuracy.

I have certified birth, marriage, and death certificates for my direct lineage going back to Lincolnshire in the early 1800s.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 12, 2026, 07:41:42 AMMy ancestry has some interesting stuff. I've seen pictures of ancestors at some famous battlefields in the American Civil War. My  maternal grandfather was a tank commander in WW2. My paternal great grandfather was a engineer for and friend of Henry Ford.

The civil war stuff must be pretty cool.

My great grandfather was involved in either the seige of Mafeking or Ladysmith during the Boer War in South Africa. My grandmother had left notes saying he had been involved in both but I find that hard to believe as they were close together timewise.

We were also told that when he returned home the local mayor had arranged some sort of celebratory welcome home event at the train station but he got wind of it and jumped off at the station before his!

Apparently he knew Cecil Rhodes who went to be the founder of Rhodesia (now Zambia & Zimbabwe). Rhodes gave him a job as a diamond mine overseer for a while but his wife would not emigrate so he gave it up for her. He must have done something noteworthy during one of those battles. I will look into getting his war records one day if I can.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 12, 2026, 10:15:53 AMI researched my family history for over forty years. My database has over 4,000 relatives dating back to the 1700s.

There is a lot of online genealogy databases online but most are crap. They are more of a collection of surnames and lack proper verification that the families are linked. It takes time to check records and cross-reference with other records to maintain accuracy.

I have certified birth, marriage, and death certificates for my direct lineage going back to Lincolnshire in the early 1800s.

Lincoln is a lovely city Lori, very underated. I've been there with work before, very impressive cathedral, used to be the tallest in Europe for quite sometime.

Mum was a Scot from Buckie. Dad son of an Irishman and English mother. Likely a bit of Viking in there too  as I'm tall and blonde/silver and Mum was tall and fair haired.
Would have liked the red hair of our Great Grandfather's, it skipped my parents and sister and myself but both her daughters are red heads and grandson.

Quote from: big kim on April 12, 2026, 11:18:31 AMMum was a Scot from Buckie. Dad son of an Irishman and English mother. Likely a bit of Viking in there too  as I'm tall and blonde/silver and Mum was tall and fair haired.
Would have liked the red hair of our Great Grandfather's, it skipped my parents and sister and myself but both her daughters are red heads and grandson.

Buckie's a fishing town isn't it? You could be a bit Viking yeah, I'm probably the same, blonde hair blue eyes, scandi nose, I'm not very tall though.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 12, 2026, 11:17:33 AMLincoln is a lovely city Lori, very underated. I've been there with work before, very impressive cathedral, used to be the tallest in Europe for quite sometime.

He was born in Marsh Chapel in 1808. He moved to Leeds for work as a Potter. When the potteries shut down, they moved to Swinton. Then that one went bankrupt, so they moved to Louth, Lincolnshire. He is buried there. After his death, his wife and children moved back to Leeds.

I have read some books about Louth by local historians, but I would love to visit his grave someday. I would stop by the Parish church (St. Margaret's?) and have a peek at their registers to see if I can learn who his parents were.

While in Leeds, they married at Leeds Minster. I have some old photos of what it looked like before all the remodeling was done.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 12, 2026, 02:28:51 PMHe was born in Marsh Chapel in 1808. He moved to Leeds for work as a Potter. When the potteries shut down, they moved to Swinton. Then that one went bankrupt, so they moved to Louth, Lincolnshire. He is buried there. After his death, his wife and children moved back to Leeds.

I have read some books about Louth by local historians, but I would love to visit his grave someday. I would stop by the Parish church (St. Margaret's?) and have a peek at their registers to see if I can learn who his parents were.

While in Leeds, they married at Leeds Minster. I have some old photos of what it looked like before all the remodeling was done.

Never heard of Louth before. Looks like a lovely little place, Very impressive church by the looks of it.

I've got some relatives buried at Arlington. We went after some wet weather and my youngest and I got stuck in the mud over the grave. It was horrifying and funny at the same time.

Well my surname is Germanic in origin and came over with the Normans in 1066, my paternal family came from the Forest of Dean . Maternal family from south Birmingham with mums dads family from Evesham area. 

Had a lucky escape today. Went for a bit of a walk in the sunshine this afternoon, left my phone on the roof of my car by mistake and drove home only to discover my phone was gone! Got my mum to ring it and someone answered to say one of their staff members spotted it in the middle of the road in a little village 2.5 miles away from the carpark where I set off from. How on earth it had stayed on the roof for that long on twisty single track country lanes I have no idea! They stopped the van, picked it up and handed it into reception at ....... my own office at county hall! lol! You couldn't make it up! Kind of restores your faith in humanity a bit!

Figured my lucks in so I bought a lottery ticket on the way home ha ha!

Sarah's world tour of Northumberland - Episode 2.

Sun was shining today so went for a wander to Bothal Castle a few miles down the road from me. This is the closest castle to where I live so only about 10-15 mins away.

Bothal Castle is a bit of an odd one, it is half ruin and half private home. Built around 1095 on the site of a former pre Norman stronghold. It's a pretty castle, nestled next to the River Wansbeck and surrounded by a steep river gorge on three sides. As it's a private home you can't go in but someone has a rather nice gaff there if you ask me!

The picture postcard village of Bothal is to the left of it and is likely estate workers houses as they all look the same. There is a lovely old church too that I will have to explore one day. There are only about 10 homes there but unfortunately a couple of the houses in the village had scaffolding on them so It didn't make for a good picture.

(https://i.ibb.co/WWpf7v0J/Bothal-2.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/S2ysmcc/Bothal-3.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/HT3v9vq0/Bothal.jpg)

You have so much history there!  Around here, 1604 is as early as there is recorded history.  (Of course, there were people here long before then, and stuff happened, but that's when the first Europeans arrived and started recording history.) 

I used Google Maps to see where Bothal Castle was, and as I zoomed out to get my bearings, saw that there is another castle just down the road (Morpeth).  And didn't you show us yet another just a few days ago?  And weird to think that any of them are still private homes.  I imagine introducing myself to a neighbour and saying, "Hi, I'm Kathy.  My wife and I just bought the castle across the street."

While touring Salzburg, Austria, my friend and I accidentally found our way into the castle. We just followed a road, and there we were. We met a nice young lady who told us that the city had taken over the castle and converted it into apartments. She lived there. We asked if she would rather live in the city, and she said, "No way!"

I wonder what her mailing address is.

Just the other side of the hills to me is Eastnor Castle, not a proper castle its a privet residence for the family that owns Eastnor estate just built in a castellated style .1811 to 1820 is when it was built.

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 13, 2026, 01:34:48 PMYou have so much history there!  Around here, 1604 is as early as there is recorded history.  (Of course, there were people here long before then, and stuff happened, but that's when the first Europeans arrived and started recording history.) 

I used Google Maps to see where Bothal Castle was, and as I zoomed out to get my bearings, saw that there is another castle just down the road (Morpeth).  And didn't you show us yet another just a few days ago?  And weird to think that any of them are still private homes.  I imagine introducing myself to a neighbour and saying, "Hi, I'm Kathy.  My wife and I just bought the castle across the street."

Ha ha! Nice detective work Kathy! There is yet another around 2-3 miles further on called Mitford Castle. Morpeth and Mitford are both ruins though. There are 70 castles in Northumberland so I won't be going to all of them, just picking out the nicer ones. Will probably do some of the stately homes too.

I kid you not, my boss in a previous job lived in a castle which I will go visit for you all. We used to have an annual works cricket competition on the castle lawn! We also have the second largest inhabited castle in the UK. Second only to Windsor. All to come. It's giving me an excuse to get out and about so I'm quite enjoying it.

Quote from: davina61 on April 13, 2026, 01:47:36 PMJust the other side of the hills to me is Eastnor Castle, not a proper castle its a privet residence for the family that owns Eastnor estate just built in a castellated style .1811 to 1820 is when it was built.

You'll have to show us a pic one day Davina.

Well I've managed to make myself feel really flat and depressed tonight. Not how I thought my day would end.

Hopefully start afresh in the morning. Think it's going to be another good day weather wise so that should brighten my mood.

I hope it wasn't something I said. If so, I apologize.

You are a warm and wonderful woman, and I would never intentionally try to make you feel bad.

Cheer up, petal! We love you here!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 13, 2026, 05:53:09 PMWell I've managed to make myself feel really flat and depressed tonight. Not how I thought my day would end.

Hopefully start afresh in the morning. Think it's going to be another good day weather wise so that should brighten my mood.

Sending you all my love and hugs hunni. You are beautiful and kind, so hoping you feel better soon. If anything particular is bothering you  you know I'm always happy to listen and definitely not judgemental.

Love Charlotte 😻

You are a beautiful person.  Please feel free to lean on me. I've said it multiple times. In a face to face we would be great friends. Though I suspect we'd need  a translator at times.
I could see us tearing up a town shopping and making everyone jealous on how fabulous we were

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 13, 2026, 06:00:02 PMI hope it wasn't something I said. If so, I apologize.

You are a warm and wonderful woman, and I would never intentionally try to make you feel bad.

Cheer up, petal! We love you here!

No, it wasn't anything you said. Lori. It was what I said about feeling lonely. The truth hurts sometimes. Anyway it's a glorious day in paradise today so onwards and upwards as they say.

Thanks Charlotte and Kellie. It's good to know I have virtual friends at least! Sorry to moan on, I always try to present a positive happy front on here but I let things slip a bit last night.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 14, 2026, 02:12:24 AMNo, it wasn't anything you said. Lori. It was what I said about feeling lonely. The truth hurts sometimes. Anyway it's a glorious day in paradise today so onwards and upwards as they say.

Thanks Charlotte and Kellie. It's good to know I have virtual friends at least! Sorry to moan on, I always try to present a positive happy front on here but I let things slip a bit last night.

You're like one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. So don't apologise for being down last night. We all have tough times which don't define you. It can be hard not having so many people in your life so get that. You definitely deserve a life partner if that is indeed what you desire. I found my partner totally by accident at a fur meet. Started as friends and he wasn't really my type per se, but now totally my type. Life tends to throw things in the mix when you're least looking for them. I'm sure you'll get such opportunity, just got to know when to grab it!

Love Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 14, 2026, 02:46:59 AMYou're like one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. So don't apologise for being down last night. We all have tough times which don't define you. It can be hard not having so many people in your life so get that. You definitely deserve a life partner if that is indeed what you desire. I found my partner totally by accident at a fur meet. Started as friends and he wasn't really my type per se, but now totally my type. Life tends to throw things in the mix when you're least looking for them. I'm sure you'll get such opportunity, just got to know when to grab it!

Love Charlotte 😻

Thanks for saying that Charlotte.

I was OK without a partner for most of my life and didn't feel like I needed one or that I was missing out as I did have friends but one by one I've been ditched to where I only have 1 friend left but she has a family and I don't get to see her as much anymore. I think it's the realisation that when my parents go I will be totally alone that set me off feeling melancholly. I have time to rectify things though so I need to look at building confidence and self esteem (which I've never really had) so these episodes are a thing of the past.

I've got a lot to offer I think if I can only get a chance.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 14, 2026, 02:58:34 AMThanks for saying that Charlotte.

I was OK without a partner for most of my life and didn't feel like I needed one or that I was missing out as I did have friends but one by one I've been ditched to where I only have 1 friend left but she has a family and I don't get to see her as much anymore. I think it's the realisation that when my parents go I will be totally alone that set me off feeling melancholly. I have time to rectify things though so I need to look at building confidence and self esteem (which I've never really had) so these episodes are a thing of the past.

I've got a lot to offer I think if I can only get a chance.

Absolutely you have loads to offer as you're a well rounded, kind, funny, intelligent and beautiful person. I mean what else can anyone ask for!!

I wish I was closer as would definitely go on some walks with you,  even though I'm a bit socially inept until I get comfortable with someone at let the guard down.

I must say I don't really understand friendships especially as an adult so in a similar position. I guess I have acquaintances at furry meets which helps. I can highly recommend geeking out at furmeets 😄

Charlotte

Well I'm definitely "well rounded" ha ha!

Thanks Charlotte, you're a canny lass!

I'm ok today though, not down like last night. Going to get myself spruced up to get dirty in the garden I think lol!

I have friends in the hot rod club but the only other friend is Deb and she only gets in touch if she wants something now as she has turned into a recluse after her son got killed in a RTC.
 I live on my own but I like it as I can do what I like, easy to get bored sometimes though at night.

Quote from: davina61 on April 14, 2026, 04:09:19 AMI have friends in the hot rod club but the only other friend is Deb and she only gets in touch if she wants something now as she has turned into a recluse after her son got killed in a RTC.
 I live on my own but I like it as I can do what I like, easy to get bored sometimes though at night.

Well there is that! I have been alone so long it might be hard to adjust to not having everything my own way anymore! Not sure it's healthy though. Learning to co-exist would probably be good for me as I've not had to do that since my flatmate moved out 23 years ago!

I sometimes forget not everyone is as lucky as I am. I wish the best for you. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Just from our virtual friendship I think your amazing.
My daughter is very similar to you and I nudge her out of her comfort zone alot. Just little steps at a time.
I'm also an introvert but through small steps I've learned to put on a face in public. Im usually good for 3 to 4 hours then I'm done and need to get away.

Thanks Kellie. I've done it to myself I suppose. I can't help people ditching me for no reason but that didn't mean I had to retreat in on myself.

I'll figure it out, I can be strong when I need to be. I beat smoking, I beat alcohol, I lost 10 stone (held it off for about 15 years too so I can do it again), that takes a strong will.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 14, 2026, 10:48:39 AMThanks Kellie. I've done it to myself I suppose. I can't help people ditching me for no reason but that didn't mean I had to retreat in on myself.

I'll figure it out, I can be strong when I need to be. I beat smoking, I beat alcohol, I lost 10 stone (held it off for about 15 years too so I can do it again), that takes a strong will.

I need the translator again. How much is a stone?

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 14, 2026, 10:59:48 AMI need the translator again. How much is a stone?

6.36 kg.  Oh, you want that in American?  14 lbs.

I always get a giggle out of Brits measuring body weight (and nothing else) in stones.  I thought we Canucks had the market cornered on bizarre combinations of metric and imperial units.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55207468148_20eb3da70b_c.jpg)

Huh? I thought Americans used imperial measurements? You're doing it wrong!

Actually you can buy a stone bag of potatoes too!

Depends who you talk to in the UK some measure in oz, lbs and stone, some just measure in lbs and some use KG. We like to keep visitors on their toes.

The switchover to metric was a complete and utter shambles here so we effectively have 2 concurrent systems.

We use furlong in horse racing and agriculture, the older surveyors used yards and chains for length too. Don't know why the vehicle industry never changed. Almost nothing is in metres except low and narrow bridge heights!

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 14, 2026, 11:21:16 AM6.36 kg.  Oh, you want that in American?  14 lbs.

I always get a giggle out of Brits measuring body weight (and nothing else) in stones.  I thought we Canucks had the market cornered on bizarre combinations of metric and imperial units.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55207468148_20eb3da70b_c.jpg)

Ha, very similar to us Kathy but some of ours are the other way around. I never knew Canadians had the same issues with metric. Makes me wonder about the Aussies now.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 14, 2026, 11:39:02 AMI thought Americans used imperial measurements?

Stones are different.  Although we (sometimes) and the Americans (always) use Imperial (except for American gallons, which are just weird), stones are a uniquely British unit of measurement.

I'm definitely more a metric kind of person. Base 10 just makes sense to me, particularly for engineering measurements. I nearly died when I got a drawing from Disney imagineering in inches and had to convert it all!

It's also convenient for weight as our scales at work are in Kg so I weigh in on those often as I walk past. A steady 83Kg at mo. It's distance which is the odd one out as all miles on the roads.

Charlotte 😻

When I was a wee lad, (I did that for my English friends). The schools taught Pounds, inches, miles and the like. When I hit middle school (that's 7th & 8th grade where I was), schools started trying to push metrics. I have a general understanding. I have to convert to approximant American in my head. My wife uses metrics being a doctor. It will be a hard push to convert the USA completely. One thing I always found interesting is electricity is all metric. Watts, Ohms and voltage are all measured in the metric system. I understand that completely. Its hard changing what you have been taught as a kid.
Yet I was taught a boy is this a girl is that. Here I am learning that is wrong. I may have fiddily bits but I'm a girl. You can teach an old dog new tricks. The dog just has to want to learn 😁

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 14, 2026, 01:24:20 PMWhen I was a wee lad, (I did that for my English friends). The schools taught Pounds, inches, miles and the like. When I hit middle school (that's 7th & 8th grade where I was), schools started trying to push metrics. I have a general understanding. I have to convert to approximant American in my head. My wife uses metrics being a doctor. It will be a hard push to convert the USA completely. One thing I always found interesting is electricity is all metric. Watts, Ohms and voltage are all measured in the metric system. I understand that completely. Its hard changing what you have been taught as a kid.
Yet I was taught a boy is this a girl is that. Here I am learning that is wrong. I may have fiddily bits but I'm a girl. You can teach an old dog new tricks. The dog just has to want to learn 😁

Well electricity like all serious physics uses SI units of which most if not all are metric. This is great because a lot of very different properties of the physical world can be crunched in equations without too much complexity.

Charlotte 😻

I use both when measuring bits to make, usually what is closer on my rule! Metric spanner (wrench for the US) on most things but the engine for the Herferod is imperial or AF and a lot of the original bolts on it are Whitworth head size so a right mix. Good job I have spanners for all these.

At work we get a lot of equipment from Europe. We have to keep a full.set of wrenches, sockets, and her heads for both SAE and metric.

Haven't posted for two days, Nothing to report really. I've been a bit flat the last few days. I need to perk myself up at the weekend. Just struggling to get the positive energy going this week. We all have times like that though I suppose.

Hopefully a weekend free from packing stuff and going to the waste tip. Bored with that for now.

I can't wait to get moved into my new home but at the same time I will have to pack up all my clothes, shoes and other stuff and I won't be able to dress how I want for a week or two, maybe more as I will need to stay at my Mum & dad's place until the new house gets a rewire, heating system and a multitude of other things. It's going to be a bit hard for me to be honest.

Anyway I'll stop feeling sorry for myself and stop waffling on.

If the weather holds I might get out somewhere again. I enjoyed my little wander the other day.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 16, 2026, 05:01:56 PMHaven't posted for two days, Nothing to report really. I've been a bit flat the last few days. I need to perk myself up at the weekend. Just struggling to get the positive energy going this week. We all have times like that though I suppose.

Hopefully a weekend free from packing stuff and going to the waste tip. Bored with that for now.

I can't wait to get moved into my new home but at the same time I will have to pack up all my clothes, shoes and other stuff and I won't be able to dress how I want for a week or two, maybe more as I will need to stay at my Mum & dad's place until the new house gets a rewire, heating system and a multitude of other things. It's going to be a bit hard for me to be honest.

Anyway I'll stop feeling sorry for myself and stop waffling on.

If the weather holds I might get out somewhere again. I enjoyed my little wander the other day.

Definitely hard to be massively upbeat doing repetitive graft all week so totally understand! Hope you have a better weekend as you deserve. It's not far off now and I like you am totally ready for it as wiped out from work already!

Gonna be tough not having your clothes . I hope that time flies up to your moving in date.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 16, 2026, 05:17:39 PMDefinitely hard to be massively upbeat doing repetitive graft all week so totally understand! Hope you have a better weekend as you deserve. It's not far off now and I like you am totally ready for it as wiped out from work already!

Gonna be tough not having your clothes . I hope that time flies up to your moving in date.

Charlotte 😻

it will keep me motivated, my metaphorical carrot on a stick! 24-7 boymode won't be fun!

You can always reach out and say hi. I work the next few days but always try to check in at breaks.
Someone has to keep me focused

Good grief, Sarah. 0-14 pages in the blink of an eye. Old Top Gear would be proud. <3

To go back to one of your much earlier posts... the last time I drank was on my 18th birthday, a brand called "Caffrey's"

It made me so loopy that I never touched alcohol again. I have thought about it a time or two since, but with the medication I am on, it would likely kill me.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 17, 2026, 11:28:38 PMGood grief, Sarah. 0-14 pages in the blink of an eye. Old Top Gear would be proud. <3

To go back to one of your much earlier posts... the last time I drank was on my 18th birthday, a brand called "Caffrey's"

It made me so loopy that I never touched alcohol again. I have thought about it a time or two since, but with the medication I am on, it would likely kill me.

Ha it's mostly waffle Lauren! Plus I'm a bit of a gobby cow as you know!

Oooh Caffreys on draft, I haven't had that in a long time. I remember it being a really creamy bitter, nice.

I'm not far off tea total myself now Lauren. It's just not worth it for the hangover the next day. Total lightweight now.

Went out to a local plant nursery today and gutted to find out it is closing as the owner is retiring, Can't blame her it's got to be a hell of a lot of work. It's only ran by her, her husband and her daughter. I've been going there for 20 years so it will be a big miss. She always stocked unusual plants that you couldn't get anywhere else. Still, got the rest of this year to raid her stocks. It's a rather lovely place the house dates back to the 14th century. You can wander round the house garden before browsing the plants and it's worth it.

(https://i.ibb.co/23vgDJHR/caption-2.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/C5Jd5v9P/caption.jpg)

The pics were from last summer not today.

I left there £50 odd pounds lighter with a Bramley apple tree, a wood anenome, dhalia, 6x flat leaf parsley and belly full of cake from the farmers wife who sells from the Gin Gan. All washed down with a hot chocolate.

I shared a slice each of chocolate and hazelnut cake and a Rhubarb and Ginger cake. Delish.

I need the translator again
Gin Gan

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 18, 2026, 08:17:21 AMI need the translator again
Gin Gan

It's a circular agricultural building with a conical roof that was used as a horse engine for driving farm machinery. The horse was attached to a wooden boom which turned great big wooden gears and gogs transferring the power to grinding stones and the like in the adjoining barn. The horse was walked round in circles inside the building. Tough life!

These days they make great interesting spaces like a garden cafe in this case.

This is an unconverted one in Northumberland

(https://i.ibb.co/Lhtrc0BB/Gin-gang-003.jpg)

Thank you.
I'll have to come up with some strictly American terms so you can call on the translator 😂

Sarah's World Tour of Northumberland - Part 3

Today I spent time at a local bird reserve with my camera but while there I managed to get out to Low Chibburn Preceptory at Druridge Bay. I have never been here before but I have been able to see it from a distance. It is just sat in the middle of a farmers field. It doesn't look like much compared to the big sites but this was a Preceptory built by the Knights Hospitallers the rivals of the Knights Templar. It was used as a monastery and military HQ/training centre for Crusader Knights getting ready for the next crusade.

Obviously a ruin now, there is no good path to it although there is a right of way across the fields. No signs to it, a piece of forgotten history just lying there un-noticed in the middle of farmland. I love that. I was the only one there today. I'm very surprised to find oak timbers still inside.

It may not be a pretty ruin and it may look underwhelming but the history attached to it is facinating.
(https://i.ibb.co/7J1Btsv1/Low-Chibburn-Jan-2024-0002.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/99QjtkF2/Low-Chibburn-Jan-2024-0005.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/TqkTNhqr/Low-Chibburn-Jan-2024-0010.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/bjTvw7hJ/Low-Chibburn-Jan-2024-0016.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/JRnvYYjw/Low-Chibburn-Jan-2024-0019.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/SwdCbs8Q/Low-Chibburn-Jan-2024-0022.jpg)

Looks fascinating. I bet the story is great

I love the forgotten history and the pics. Thanks for sharing!

Wow, Sarah!

I could hear the echo of clanking armor from somewhere inside the ruin. You are a sorceress with a camera!

Thank you ladies. I particularly liked the arabesque windows in the 2nd pic. I've not seen that feature on any local medievil structures before I don't think. It is definitely a nod to the crusades in the holy land. The people who built this must have had first hand knowledge of middle eastern architecture.

I've not been about much recently so I'm just catching up and I don't know why but I love your new profile picture.

Quote from: PhilippaRees on April 21, 2026, 04:07:42 AMI've not been about much recently so I'm just catching up and I don't know why but I love your new profile picture.

Thanks Philipa! I got bored with the same old smiley pictures so started pulling silly faces for some reason! Not sure why either but I liked that one!

Sarah, I love the photos. You can feel the history in each one and what a great day to be out and about!

Love the avatar photo as well.

By the way, does this look familiar?

(https://i.ibb.co/gbkWt88s/haltwhistle-uk.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 21, 2026, 08:01:17 AMSarah, I love the photos. You can feel the history in each one and what a great day to be out and about!

Love the avatar photo as well.

By the way, does this look familiar?

(https://i.ibb.co/gbkWt88s/haltwhistle-uk.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)

Hey! Haltwhistle market square and my old office! We were on the second floor at the back! The estate agency was on the ground floor. By, that takes me back a bit! I was still in my 20's working there! Thanks for sharing that Emma, I half expected to be in it!!

I'm going to have a tootle over to Featherstone castle for one of my days out, not sure if you would remember that one but it's not far from Halty just off the A69.

Sarah, I'm glad I finally found out what that office was. The view is from the flat I rented over the years when I was excavating at Vindolanda.  I still have my pint glass from the Black Bull.

I'm sorry that I never got to Featherstone Castle.  Spent too much time excavating the local Roman ruins and drinking beer in the pubs like Twice Brewed.  Great memories.

Have a great trip to the castle!

Beautiful picture. 

Another lovely sunny day today. Shame there is a chilly wind coming in off the North Sea though. Nipped out to my local local nature reserve this afternoon with my mum. Was a nice 3 mile walk in the woods. Didn't see much, a couple of squirrels, a parakeet, a tree creaper, lots of little brown jobs and the rear end of a deer as it bolted into the undergrowth!

It's just nice sitting in the hides looking out over the lake and listening to the birdsong and the quiet. Back to work tomorrow sadly.

Quote from: Emma1017 on April 21, 2026, 11:09:17 AMSarah, I'm glad I finally found out what that office was. The view is from the flat I rented over the years when I was excavating at Vindolanda.  I still have my pint glass from the Black Bull.

I'm sorry that I never got to Featherstone Castle.  Spent too much time excavating the local Roman ruins and drinking beer in the pubs like Twice Brewed.  Great memories.

Have a great trip to the castle!

The castle isn't open to the public but it was owned by the office director from that very office! We used to have an annual cricket tournament and afternoon tea at the castle in the summer each year. I think he will be long gone now sadly as he was in his mid seventies back then. Nice fellow. There is a path you can walk that goes past the castle though so I can still grab some pics.

To my shame I have never been to Vindolanda!

I've got work today and tomorrow.  Then off for 3 days.
I get ti see deer fairy regularly. I almost took out 4 last week. They ran across the road on my way to work.

Glad you got out with your mum. My parents are across the country from me. Get to see them every 3 or 4 years.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 21, 2026, 11:23:11 AMI've got work today and tomorrow.  Then off for 3 days.
I get ti see deer fairy regularly. I almost took out 4 last week. They ran across the road on my way to work.

Glad you got out with your mum. My parents are across the country from me. Get to see them every 3 or 4 years.

My mum and dad live just over a mile away! I can't get away with anything!

This i from our house when we lived in California they were 50 feet from our front door

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 21, 2026, 12:04:12 PMThis i from our house when we lived in California they were 50 feet from our front door

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F%5Bimg%5Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fi.ibb.co%2FfdWXrCCf%2F20190702-060541.jpg&hash=209d465435503a8e918d631ae67e6254c0a74d7b)[/img]

Well poop it didn't work. Sorry I'll try again later

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 21, 2026, 02:07:16 PMWell poop it didn't work. Sorry I'll try again later

You need to use a bbcode link from a hosting site. I use a free account on imgbb. You just copy and paste the link directly into the text. The insert an image button doesn't work. My mum often sees them from her kitchen window in the mornings.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 21, 2026, 02:07:16 PMWell poop it didn't work. Sorry I'll try again later

Kellie, go to https://postimages.org/

You don't need an account with them. Just choose an image (or images) to upload to the site from your device. They will then give you a link to use to put between the IMG tags.

(You want the one that says "Direct Link" from the list of links they provide for you)

Quote from: Sephirah on April 21, 2026, 03:24:05 PMKellie, go to https://postimages.org/

You don't need an account with them. Just choose an image (or images) to upload to the site from your device. They will then give you a link to use to put between the IMG tags.

(You want the one that says "Direct Link" from the list of links they provide for you)

Thank you

(https://i.ibb.co/fdWXrCCf/20190702-060541.jpg)

I was trying to use the button up top.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 21, 2026, 05:11:35 PMI was trying to use the button up top.

That looks like a painting of the deer! Good capture.

Utterly gorgeous!

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog of late. I don't have much to say as I haven't really done a lot. I  don't want it to just turn into some sort of travel blog!

I will say that I am feeling the pull of full transition more and more. I decided I was going to hold back as my dad is 81 and I don't think he will understand if I come out. I love him to bits and he has been the best dad anyone could have hoped for for the majority of my life, but his world view has become quite strongly right wing. I have heard him say disparaging throw away comments about trans issues before and I had to hold my tongue. Not easy with my big gob!

As I keep saying, I am an only child and never had any partners so we are a very small tight family unit and I'm so afraid that it might break us apart. But it is getting so so hard to keep going back into boymode. I'm concerned that I am running out of time too.

I think when I get into my new home and don't have paperthin walls between neighbours I will start voice training. For me that is a hurdle I need to clear before I could go full time and it probably buys me some time. To those who managed to obtain a semi or reasonably passable female voice roughly how long did it take you? Were you able to do it without voice surgery?

I will also see if my finances might allow me to start electolysis soon though I think my money is going to be tied up with renovating the new house. I don't earn very much money so I can't spend as much as I would want to on this stuff.

Anyhoo, just a bit of a download of my thoughts really.

Hope that you can go full time sometime soon. I can't imagine how tough it is keeping all that caged, but I do understand your reasons.

Sounds like your new house will really help.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 22, 2026, 03:19:01 PMHope that you can go full time sometime soon. I can't imagine how tough it is keeping all that caged, but I do understand your reasons.

Sounds like your new house will really help.

Charlotte 😻

Thanks Charlotte.

Coming on Susans and seeing all you lovely ladies living my dream is enjoyable but tough but it helps me get a feel for what to expect at least.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 03:13:25 PMTo those who managed to obtain a semi or reasonably passable female voice roughly how long did it take you? Were you able to do it without voice surgery?

I will also see if my finances might allow me to start electolysis soon though I think my money is going to be tied up with renovating the new house. I don't earn very much money so I can't spend as much as I would want to on this stuff.

I would focus on the electrolysis first. It is a long process, but worth every penny spent. Voice coaching is available for free, and you can track your progress with free apps like Voice Tools.

I was able to get voice training for free from the VA, until a certain someone decided transgender veterans do not deserve any transition-related care. Fortunately, I have been seeing the voice therapist via video chat for six months, and only my last session was canceled.

I do not feel my voice is "passable" by any means. But I realized there are many women with deep voices, and people think that is sexy.

Kathleen Turner
Lauren Bacall
Emma Stone
Demi Moore
Suzanne Pleshette
Kirstie Alley
Grace Jones
P!nk
Janis Joplin
Kim Carnes

I figure we are in good company. Electrolysis will be the best investment, in my opinion.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 22, 2026, 03:28:39 PMI would focus on the electrolysis first. It is a long process, but worth every penny spent. Voice coaching is available for free, and you can track your progress with free apps like Voice Tools.

I was able to get voice training for free from the VA, until a certain someone decided transgender veterans do not deserve any transition-related care. Fortunately, I have been seeing the voice therapist via video chat for six months, and only my last session was canceled.

I do not feel my voice is "passable" by any means. But I realized there are many women with deep voices, and people think that is sexy.

Kathleen Turner
Lauren Bacall
Emma Stone
Demi Moore
Suzanne Pleshette
Kirstie Alley
Grace Jones
P!nk
Janis Joplin
Kim Carnes

I figure we are in good company. Electrolysis will be the best investment, in my opinion.

Well I can't really afford either at the moment. My thinking was that there seemed to plenty of free online resources to practise the voice whereas Electrolysis costs money that I may not have for a while.

Everyone says the same thing, I wish I started electrolysis earlier so I know you are probably right. I'm not sure if you can go do that sort of thing when in boymode either. They always seem to be in beauty salons and I'm not sure whether I would be welcome in that environment, particularly in the current climate. It's a litle on the scary side.

Honestly there are loads of men go into beauty salons to get laser / electrolysis. I've seen a few come for appointments in places I've had treatments. It's really no big deal, and this is in Walsall - flag waving central!

Is £60 p/hour a reasonable rate for electrolysis? There might be a lady in my town of birth who might do transgender customers. How many sessions would you normally plan to have in a month?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 04:08:10 PMIs £60 p/hour a reasonable rate for electrolysis? There might be a lady in my town of birth who might do transgender customers. How many sessions would you normally plan to have in a month?

Thats pretty reasonable to be honest. For facial hair I don't know how frequent, as I use laser for my face.

Only done electrolysis down there. You do need to grow the hair about 3-5mm long though.

C😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 22, 2026, 04:20:39 PMThats pretty reasonable to be honest. For facial hair I don't know how frequent, as I use laser for my face.

Only done electrolysis down there. You do need to grow the hair about 3-5mm long though.

C😻

Another reason to do it while still in hybrid mode. I don't think laser would be worth it as I'm blonde haired and my facial hair starts light brown but goes ginger. I hear it is usually only effective with darker hair.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 03:13:25 PMTo those who managed to obtain a semi or reasonably passable female voice roughly how long did it take you?

I did five hour-long lessons, enough to know that there was no way I could get my voice up into "typical female" range.  My voice is not passable on the phone - I get "sir-ed" a lot.  In person, no one seems to mind and I don't get misgendered, at least not out loud.

The lessons were valuable because I learned about voice inflection, which is a much better indicator of vocal gender than pitch is.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 03:57:24 PMI'm not sure if you can go do that sort of thing when in boymode either.

I did.  For the first few months, before I was out full-time, I went in boy mode.  The electrologist didn't mind.  It's actually less conspicuous in boy mode, because you can't shave for three days prior to a session.  A bit of stubble fits better in boy mode than in girl mode, believe me.

What I did about the stubble in girl mode was helped by using liberal amounts of topical anesthetic.  (Brand name: Emla.  It is a blend of lidocaine and prilocaine, and is a restricted over-the-counter medication.)  It works best if you cover it with gauze and plastic wrap, so I arrived for the electrolysis sessions with bandages on my face.  Not inconspicuous, but more stealthy than a stubbly face.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 04:08:10 PMHow many sessions would you normally plan to have in a month?

I had one one-hour session per week for three years.  Then, after a nine-month break for covid lockdowns, I resumed once a month for another couple of years.  The job wasn't quite finished, but I had had enough.  I shave daily, though I could get away with skipping a day if I had to.

Mine tries to get me in for an hour every two or three weeks.
I tried one laser session, but with too much gray/white, it didn't work.

Thanks for all that Kathy, it helps a lot.

Once a week is roughly £240 a month. I don't think I have the funds right now unfortunately. I'm hoping to be made full time this year though so that might change the equation.

I understand getting the voice pitch higher will be tough without surgery but I have seen many examples of lower voices that are passable. I should be able to improve it from where I am now at least. I must admit I struggle with some of the concepts when it comes to voice training. I am not very musical and I've never really sang since my voice broke as I found that to be a bit traumatic so I stopped.

I had the same singing voice. Though my dog chimes in when I try. Seems everyone is a critic.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 05:05:48 PMI understand getting the voice pitch higher will be tough without surgery but I have seen many examples of lower voices that are passable. I should be able to improve it from where I am now at least. I must admit I struggle with some of the concepts when it comes to voice training.

The best lesson I learned is that it is not about pitch. If you just raise your pitch, you'll sound like a cartoon character. The key is not to speak from your throat and chest, but to speak from your mouth. I struggled with understanding what the therapist meant by that. She had me put a straw in a glass of water and talk while blowing bubbles through the straw.

It took some practice, but I finally realized the difference. After that, I could speak through my mouth instead of the sound coming from my throat and chest. Experiment with it.

If you can master that, raising your pitch just a little and speaking a little softer is a huge help. I got ma'am-ed today, so I must be doing something right.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 22, 2026, 05:12:55 PMI had the same singing voice. Though my dog chimes in when I try. Seems everyone is a critic.

I'm not sure that its a bad voice it's just that it was the early indications that I wasn't developing the same as the girls in my year and it upset me so I stopped. It didn't help that I was the first person in my year whose voice broke so I was the brunt of everyones jokes when we had to sing in assembly each morning.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 22, 2026, 05:13:36 PMThe best lesson I learned is that it is not about pitch. If you just raise your pitch, you'll sound like a cartoon character. The key is not to speak from your throat and chest, but to speak from your mouth. I struggled with understanding what the therapist meant by that. She had me put a straw in a glass of water and talk while blowing bubbles through the straw.

It took some practice, but I finally realized the difference. After that, I could speak through my mouth instead of the sound coming from my throat and chest. Experiment with it.

If you can master that, raising your pitch just a little and speaking a little softer is a huge help. I got ma'am-ed today, so I must be doing something right.

Well it still sounds an odd concept but I'll grab some straws next time I'm grocery shopping and give it a try. At least it sounds like a practical demonstration I could get my head around.

Thanks Lori

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 22, 2026, 05:24:20 PMWell it still sounds an odd concept but I'll grab some straws next time I'm grocery shopping and give it a try. At least it sounds like a practical demonstration I could get my head around.

Thanks Lori

I still need to try this as all other avenues just make my voice break and my throat get quickly congested due to ENT issues. I'm hoping this might help as i cant even sustain my male voice without problems

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 23, 2026, 12:54:45 AMI still need to try this as all other avenues just make my voice break and my throat get quickly congested due to ENT issues. I'm hoping this might help as i cant even sustain my male voice without problems

I would laugh if Lori is just trolling us for a giggle! I can't help thinking I'm going to blow water all over the place!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 23, 2026, 09:07:33 AMI would laugh if Lori is just trolling us for a giggle! I can't help thinking I'm going to blow water all over the place!

Oh its deffo a strange concept but very much rooted in professional speech therapy. I believe it strengthens the vocal cords and warms them up. Can apparently reduce inflammation of them too. Thats why I'm considering it as i have a lot of throat and voice issues before trying to feminise.

Yes, you may blow water all over, but I'm not trolling you. It teaches you to use the breath from your mouth to speak, instead of using the air from your chest. It is called forward resonance and is helpful for many things, such as singing or other voice issues. There are other exercises for this, too; just do a search. This was the one that made it click, so I understood what she was trying to teach me.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 23, 2026, 09:34:46 AMYes, you may blow water all over, but I'm not trolling you. It teaches you to use the breath from your mouth to speak, instead of using the air from your chest. It is called forward resonance and is helpful for many things, such as singing or other voice issues. There are other exercises for this, too; just do a search. This was the one that made it click, so I understood what she was trying to teach me.

I'm joking, I trust you Lori 🤣

I've not done anything much at all today. To be honest I've been really depressed and flat all day. I haven't even been bothered to cook anything for my tea.

I am somewhat neurodivergent and have an extreme sensitivity to sounds. It can be an alarm in the distance the sound of someone eating, rustling papers, someone clicking a pen or tapping their feet, people whistling, there are many examples. I even have a pair of indudtrial ear defenders that I have near me at home as I sometimes have to kill all noise to stop going crazy. It's either autism or misophonia according to my therapist, I'm not sure which, but I don't see the point in chasing a diagnosis as it doesn't really make any difference.

Anyway, I was in the office yesterday and there was a lot of "keyboard clackers" as I call them. People who hammer excessively hard on their keyboards or people with long nails tapping away loudly. It can be a real trigger for me and I had a bit of an overload/ attack yesterday and had to go home earlier than normal. For some reason, after I've had an attack like that, for the next few days I seem to be really depressed and have a really blue mood. I also get migraine headaches too. I'm guessing it's linked somehow but I don't know enough about it to be sure.

Anyway I'm hoping I'll snap out of this funk tomorrow and go and do something else or this blog will sound so miserable lol!

I hope you have been chilling out today.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 25, 2026, 12:30:52 PMI hope you have been chilling out today.

Been feeling a bit sorry for myself to be honest Chrissy. I'll snap out of it soon though.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 25, 2026, 12:52:15 PMBeen feeling a bit sorry for myself to be honest Chrissy. I'll snap out of it soon though.

Good.  No one should be in a funk for very long.

Listen to some music while you relax. It will change your mood and get you back on track.

I will do that, or watch a comedy movie.

I wish it were that simple Lori, it's not like I'm just sad, I get this everytime I have an anxiety attack (which is what happened yesterday). It's depression, exhaustion, I can't focus on anything and I get migraines (which I have now). Apparently it's well known as a thing. It bums me out a bit to be honest. I thought I had managed to get on top of the anxiety attacks but I've had two in two weeks.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 25, 2026, 12:26:09 PMI've not done anything much at all today. To be honest I've been really depressed and flat all day. I haven't even been bothered to cook anything for my tea.

I am somewhat neurodivergent and have an extreme sensitivity to sounds. It can be an alarm in the distance the sound of someone eating, rustling papers, someone clicking a pen or tapping their feet, people whistling, there are many examples. I even have a pair of indudtrial ear defenders that I have near me at home as I sometimes have to kill all noise to stop going crazy. It's either autism or misophonia according to my therapist, I'm not sure which, but I don't see the point in chasing a diagnosis as it doesn't really make any difference.

Anyway, I was in the office yesterday and there was a lot of "keyboard clackers" as I call them. People who hammer excessively hard on their keyboards or people with long nails tapping away loudly. It can be a real trigger for me and I had a bit of an overload/ attack yesterday and had to go home earlier than normal. For some reason, after I've had an attack like that, for the next few days I seem to be really depressed and have a really blue mood. I also get migraine headaches too. I'm guessing it's linked somehow but I don't know enough about it to be sure.

Anyway I'm hoping I'll snap out of this funk tomorrow and go and do something else or this blog will sound so miserable lol!

I hope you got rested a bit today Sarah, as on top of all that migraines are a miserable experience. I'm guessing the depression is down to your battery being drained so to speak. You've exhausted all your emotional energy dealing with those stresses the other day. Unfortunately then I'm guessing you feel drained but still desire to do more but because of pain and just being down its impossible. Anyways that might be why or something totally different.

Wishing you lots of love and energy to heal. Tomorrow is a new day.

Charlotte 😻

You need a dose of Davina positivity dear, just go with the flow and stuff works out. I got told when I started work ,you die if you worry, you die if you dont so why worry!!

OK, then maybe a bubble bath and thirty minutes with the Magic Wand?

It can't hurt. 😁

Sorry about the migraines. I haven't had one in decades, but I remember them well. Not fun. Take it easy and just chill as best you can.

Hugs!

The last super migraine I had, my wife was in private practice. She told me to lay still ran to her office. When she got back I got two injections. I woke up a day and a half later. No migraine. I've been afraid to have another.

I'm sorry you're hurting. My heart is out to you.

Hope you're feeling a bit better today Sarah? Sad to hear you been suffering since friday 😢

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 26, 2026, 03:49:04 AMHope you're feeling a bit better today Sarah? Sad to hear you been suffering since friday 😢

Charlotte 😻

Thanks Charlotte. Jeez I was a bit of a moaning minnie last night! Sorry about that.

I slept from 11:30 ish to 9:00 this morning! That's not like me! I'm still not 100% but I'm feeling a fair bit better yes.

Think I will do a bit of cooking today to kick start my mood. I haven't even been showered or properly dressed yet! Lazy mornings aren't normally my thing!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 04:50:57 AMThanks Charlotte. Jeez I was a bit of a moaning minnie last night! Sorry about that.

I slept from 11:30 ish to 9:00 this morning! That's not like me! I'm still not 100% but I'm feeling a fair bit better yes.

Think I will do a bit of cooking today to kick start my mood. I haven't even been showered or properly dressed yet! Lazy mornings aren't normally my thing!

Awww dont ever be sorry about your feelings. It's ups and downs for us all and I'm here whichever. I call getting up at 9am a win lol. Last week depressed I got up at 1200. My worst i slept in until 1900, I was not feeling great!

Enjoy your cooking. Hopefully some tasty stuff 😋

Charlotte X

What are you cooking?
Glad you're doing better.

Thanks Kellie.

Not sure yet. Looking at the store cupboard, options are chicken chow mein, crispy beef in chilli and garlic sauce, creamy dijon chicken (though I will need to nip out for kale or spinach) or pancetta and mushroom pasta in a green pesto sauce, maybe mac n cheese as well.

Might make more than one, see how it goes. Or I might end up with beans on toast lol!

Well that was a bit of a disaster. Was going to make the crispy beef but ran out of cornflour, didn't have any spinach or kale so couldn't do the dijon chicken, got half way through making the pesto and realised I didn't have any pine nuts, the butter I had was out of date so I couldn't make a roux for the mac n cheese. Gave up and decided to drive 3 miles to the supermarket to stock up, realised I had forgot my shopping bag and my wallet so had to drive all the way back. Still got brain fog clearly!

Made the chow mein so at least something went right.

Not sure I should have got out of bed this morning!

About like when I go to make something, nearly always short of recipe ingredients. Planning on making a fish pie for next week but will have to get a pint of milk!

One year my oldest daughter wanted a Boston Cream pie for her birthday. I decided to do the whole thing from scratch. We lived 15 minutes from the nearest store. 3 runs to the store later she had her birthday wish.
I haven't made one since.
Since my wife and I have been married we lived in town one time, it was only for a few months. We've always lived on a holding 😉

Quote from: davina61 on April 26, 2026, 11:02:56 AMAbout like when I go to make something, nearly always short of recipe ingredients. Planning on making a fish pie for next week but will have to get a pint of milk!

And some fish?

I guess this is why i like living in the suburbs. Local shops 5 mins walk away, supermarket about 2 miles and Walsall town centre 1 mile. Never a big issue to get things. Dont have such stunning countryside though!

I like the solitude of the country. Besides, people get weird when you have horses, goats and chickens in town.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 26, 2026, 11:37:09 AMI like the solitude of the country. Besides, people get weird when you have horses, goats and chickens in town.

There's people with all of those just 5 mins walk away from me 🙂

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 26, 2026, 11:32:43 AMI guess this is why i like living in the suburbs. Local shops 5 mins walk away, supermarket about 2 miles and Walsall town centre 1 mile. Never a big issue to get things. Dont have such stunning countryside though!

Oh there are shops closer Charlotte but they are all hell on earth on the weekend so I go to a newish one that's pretty quiet!

It has a neurodiverse hour in the afternoons where they turn off the music, turn down the volume of the beeps on the tills and don't do shelf stacking. It's bliss! Plus the local ones don't tend to have the more exotic ingrediants.

I have fish defrosting, that's why I am doing a fish pie!!!!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 12:16:07 PMOh there are shops closer Charlotte but they are all hell on earth on the weekend so I go to a newish one that's pretty quiet!

It has a neurodiverse hour in the afternoons where they turn off the music, turn down the volume of the beeps on the tills and don't do shelf stacking. It's bliss! Plus the local ones don't tend to have the more exotic ingrediants.

I'm with you on avoiding anywhere busy! Supermarkets on a Sunday have caused meltdowns on many occasions! I do my main shop at 1900 on a Tuesday for that reason. Sounds like you need some very specific ingredients however. The midlands is quite good though, because of diversity here i can find stuff from almost anywhere!

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 12:16:07 PMOh there are shops closer Charlotte but they are all hell on earth on the weekend so I go to a newish one that's pretty quiet!

It has a neurodiverse hour in the afternoons where they turn off the music, turn down the volume of the beeps on the tills and don't do shelf stacking. It's bliss! Plus the local ones don't tend to have the more exotic ingrediants.

I've heard of shops doing this. I wish there were more.
I don't know about your side of the pond but restaurants on this side had gotten so loud. I end up turning off my hearing aids and have to rely on my wife to deal with the wait staff. It gets painful. I wish restaurants would go back to a subtle noise level

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 26, 2026, 12:27:59 PMI've heard of shops doing this. I wish there were more.
I don't know about your side of the pond but restaurants on this side had gotten so loud. I end up turning off my hearing aids and have to rely on my wife to deal with the wait staff. It gets painful. I wish restaurants would go back to a subtle noise level

I'm going to sound like a real sad bugger here but I have no one to go to restaurants with so I haven't been to one for years. No idea if they are loud or not!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 01:29:52 PMI'm going to sound like a real sad bugger here but I have no one to go to restaurants with so I haven't been to one for years. No idea if they are loud or not!

I go to restaurants alone. I'm a bit out going and will start a conversation with anyone.  My daughters can't do this. I've had some great conversations and not so great. My daughters say I'm weird

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 26, 2026, 01:33:10 PMI go to restaurants alone. I'm a bit out going and will start a conversation with anyone.  My daughters can't do this. I've had some great conversations and not so great. My daughters say I'm weird

Apart from being too shy for that, I would feel like I'm table blocking. I don't even go into cafe's on my own. It's silly really, Single people have a right to enjoy the nice things in life too.

I go alone too. I don't go for conversation or just to be out. I go to EAT, and where I go depends on what I plan to eat. Alone, or with somebody, doesn't matter to me. It is nice to share a meal with friends, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the foods I crave.

You can do it.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 26, 2026, 01:41:28 PMI go alone too. I don't go for conversation or just to be out. I go to EAT, and where I go depends on what I plan to eat. Alone, or with somebody, doesn't matter to me. It is nice to share a meal with friends, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the foods I crave.

You can do it.

I just don't think I would enjoy it Lori, I'm too self concious. I love that you and Kellie can do it, but you are both stronger people than me.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 01:53:28 PMI just don't think I would enjoy it Lori, I'm too self concious. I love that you and Kellie can do it, but you are both stronger people than me.

Maybe that is my adrenaline, going out and doing something unusual alone. Several months ago I took my wife to Tampa, I still hadn't come to terms as Kellie. I went to a bar in the gayberhood. Not only did I go in alone the bartender bought me a drink.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 01:53:28 PMI just don't think I would enjoy it Lori, I'm too self concious. I love that you and Kellie can do it, but you are both stronger people than me.

Awwww i wish I could give you some of my dont give a ____ energy! I totally get it though as i was similar at one time. But then I started my job and got sent to China, USA, Sweden etc all alone. So i ended up eating alone sometimes and those fears along with many others went.

Sometimes things come up in life that push you forwards however uncomfortable it is at first.

But honestly most people dont even notice you exist let alone care out there. But again its about holding your head high, shoulders up and walking in with conviction. Exude confidence even if you aren't. Takes energy and sonetimes a good day, but can be done.

Maybe a day when you're feeling on top of the world is the day to try it. Take yourself out for a treat to celebrate a good day. Push that energy to your body and smile. Stand tall because you are great in yourself.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 26, 2026, 02:06:00 PMMaybe a day when you're feeling on top of the world is the day to try it. Take yourself out for a treat to celebrate a good day. Push that energy to your body and smile. Stand tall because you are great in yourself.

That's good advice. It doesn't have to be an hour-long seven-course meal. Just go for ice cream, sit, and enjoy it. As Charlotte said, most people are not paying attention. They are in their own little world, and you are not a part of that. Be brave, Little Sister. Walk in like you own the place, and everyone will assume you do (except the owners).

😀

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 26, 2026, 02:06:00 PMAwwww i wish I could give you some of my dont give a ____ energy! I totally get it though as i was similar at one time. But then I started my job and got sent to China, USA, Sweden etc all alone. So i ended up eating alone sometimes and those fears along with many others went.

Sometimes things come up in life that push you forwards however uncomfortable it is at first.

But honestly most people dont even notice you exist let alone care out there. But again its about holding your head high, shoulders up and walking in with conviction. Exude confidence even if you aren't. Takes energy and sonetimes a good day, but can be done.

Maybe a day when you're feeling on top of the world is the day to try it. Take yourself out for a treat to celebrate a good day. Push that energy to your body and smile. Stand tall because you are great in yourself.

Charlotte 😻

Here here. I agree totally. As a whipper snapper i was real shy. I just started taking small steps out of my comfort zone..it does work

Just do something small. Go out and set in a café with a coffee or tea. Read the news. Just do that a few times then get a pastry one day. If it get overwhelming take the pastry home. You don't have to scream I'm here alone. Just enjoy a nice day or some kind of win in your life. You don't have to do it the first time, just getting into the mind set I want to do this will open you up.

I don't have much self esteem or confidence for a multitude of reasons. I'm a bit broken on that front to be fair. I'm a solitary creature.

Self esteem is a myth. Everyone has low self esteem, it's just how they hide it. You are beautiful and smart you deserve happiness. Always know you have friends that love you.
My father told me that he and my mom where raising my brother different because they felt they made mistakes with me. I was a teen at the time. That's a self esteem crusher.
When you are ready you will be fabulous.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 02:24:58 PMI don't have much self esteem or confidence for a multitude of reasons. I'm a bit broken on that front to be fair. I'm a solitary creature.

You've still got to do things at your pace and that make you happy however. Please dont feel like I'm ever saying you should be a certain way,  as i know how tough it is when your mind is telling you something. Whats easy for one is impossible for another. But I'm here if you ever need encouragement or anything to help you along. We'll all get there...in our own time...our own way 🙂

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 26, 2026, 02:33:17 PMYou've still got to do things at your pace and that make you happy however. Please dont feel like I'm ever saying you should be a certain way,  as i know how tough it is when your mind is telling you something. Whats easy for one is impossible for another. But I'm here if you ever need encouragement or anything to help you along. We'll all get there...in our own time...our own way 🙂

Charlotte 😻

Again here here
I will also be there for you.

Please no there is no pressure. Im just trying to encourage not push

I am a solitary creature as well, so I understand.

We are not pushing. We see what a wonderful and beautiful woman you are, and we just think the world would be a better place with you shining on more of it.

Big Hugs!

Wishing the best to each of you.


Chrissy

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 01:38:07 PM

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 26, 2026, 01:33:10 PMI go to restaurants alone. I'm a bit out going and will start a conversation with anyone.  My daughters can't do this. I've had some great conversations and not so great. My daughters say I'm weird

Apart from being too shy for that, I would feel like I'm table blocking. I don't even go into cafe's on my own. It's silly really, Single people have a right to enjoy the nice things in life too.

I travel for work quite a lot, If I didn't go to a restaurant alone I would starve. You get used to it pretty quick, no one looks or cares if its just you at a table. If I want to be left alone I sit at a table and if I want to chat or be quick I sit at the bar or counter. There are always single seats at the counter and someone who asks if my English accent is Australian.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 26, 2026, 02:23:46 PMJust do something small. Go out and set in a café with a coffee or tea. Read the news. Just do that a few times then get a pastry one day. If it get overwhelming take the pastry home. You don't have to scream I'm here alone. Just enjoy a nice day or some kind of win in your life. You don't have to do it the first time, just getting into the mind set I want to do this will open you up.

Thats what I have been doing since I got back to the UK to get used to going out dressed as Philippa.
I often go to a coffee shop where I am a regular, in the morning and sit with a coffee and croissant and read the news. Its usually full of single people with laptops anyway. I wear my Tshirt dress and leggings so it looks like I'm being sporty. No one has shown any sign they noticed.

Thanks ladies. It's appreciated. I'm a bit of an emotional wreck at the moment. The loneliness is getting on top of me a bit here. I'm not much company so I think I'm going to turn in and try again tomorrow. Sorry if I'm being a bit of a debbie downer.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 26, 2026, 04:57:24 PMThanks ladies. It's appreciated. I'm a bit of an emotional wreck at the moment. The loneliness is getting on top of me a bit here. I'm not much company so I think I'm going to turn in and try again tomorrow. Sorry if I'm being a bit of a debbie downer.

Night night. Hope you have a nice sleep.

Love and hugz. Charlotte xx

You let it out and we will listen. If you don't like my advice, I will stop.

You are loved and looked up to.
Get some rest and start over in the morning

I don't know what came over me last night. I cried non stop for an hour and a half last night. I'm normally pretty upbeat. I think the enormity of having to deal with all this on my own just got to me a bit. Plus I might still be suffering a bit of a panic hangover from Friday.

I like to try to lift other people up on here and make them smile if I can, I'm not very good when I'm in the doldrums like last night. I don't like to post my woes on here if I can help it. Sorry for being miserable.

The sun is shinning this morning. I have a lecture at 12:00-14:00 which gives me some focus for the day so hopefully I will be a bit brighter.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 27, 2026, 02:10:58 AMI don't know what came over me last night. I cried non stop for an hour and a half last night. I'm normally pretty upbeat. I think the enormity of having to deal with all this on my own just got to me a bit. Plus I might still be suffering a bit of a panic hangover from Friday.

I like to try to lift other people up on here and make them smile if I can, I'm not very good when I'm in the doldrums like last night. I don't like to post my woes on here if I can help it. Sorry for being miserable.

The sun is shinning this morning. I have a lecture at 12:00-14:00 which gives me some focus for the day so hopefully I will be a bit brighter.

Hope that you have a lovely day today and feel better. Always happy to see your posts no matter how you're feeling. We are often good at helping others but less so ourselves. Guess thats just the nature of life.

Charlotte x

A bit late to this post but first time I went out to the shops I thought everyone would stare, not a look or glance! Be positive and no one will notice.I am a loner as well, always been happy in my own company as long as I have something to occupy my brain.

Quote from: davina61 on April 27, 2026, 03:50:13 AMA bit late to this post but first time I went out to the shops I thought everyone would stare, not a look or glance! Be positive and no one will notice.I am a loner as well, always been happy in my own company as long as I have something to occupy my brain.

I have always been happy being alone with myself but until a few years ago I did have a circle of friends I could go to the pub with and unwind but after covid (people don't go out as much anymore it seems) and after an unreconcilable bustup with one of my oldest friends (I still don't know why), I have ended up with just a single friend left. I think being on here and being chatty to everyone and getting to know people and share my thoughts and feelings has made realise how alone I am IRL. It just gets on top of me from time to time.

It's nothing to do with being out as I'm not actually doing that right now but that is a looming challenge in itself. A lot of people on here have significant others in their lives and it makes me a little bit sad that I don't have that and never have had that. I go through phases like this but I'll be ok in a bit Davina. Going through transition with no one around you is a scary prospect is all. Thanks for the pep talk though, it's appreciated😀

Thought I was the only one doing restaurant dining alone! Haven't done it for a long time

Change of subject needed!

Why do people do this with rocks? Is this just a UK thing?

(https://i.ibb.co/pvWh3cyK/untitled-Sep-2022-0006-5.jpg)

Where I'm at we don't get a lot of rocks. It's mostly sand.
Why would you make a garden of stacked rocks?

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 27, 2026, 07:06:11 AMWhere I'm at we don't get a lot of rocks. It's mostly sand.
Why would you make a garden of stacked rocks?

They do it all over Kellie, You find them at beaches, beauty spots, mountain tops, this one was in a cave. They seemed to start to appear about 10 years ago maybe.

Is it an alien conspiracy. 😀
Or a tiny army?

It's not something I've really seen before.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 27, 2026, 07:02:17 AMChange of subject needed!

Why do people do this with rocks? Is this just a UK thing?

(https://i.ibb.co/pvWh3cyK/untitled-Sep-2022-0006-5.jpg)

Never seen that before! But then i don't get out much. There's some serious effort there.

C 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 27, 2026, 07:35:51 AMNever seen that before! But then i don't get out much. There's some serious effort there.

C 😻

I've seen them all over northumberland and scotland. usually near a pebble beach hence the stones. There is a large pebble beach behind me in this image.

Just weird!!!

Maybe it's aliens? I've never seen anyone building the stacks!🤣🤣

Or the fairies building a community

I'm feeling much much better today thank god. Maybe I just needed a good cry to reset and move on!

Might head out somewhere for a mini adventure tomorrow.

I think you should. Very cathartic

Wednesday my daughters and I are off on an adventure.

Stone stacking, or rock balancing, is a meditative practice that has become a creative art form. On the meditative side, it involves finding the center of gravity of each of a wide variety of stones, then balancing them atop one another, sometimes precariously. This is the case when large stones are balanced on smaller ones. It requires a lot of focus, and sometimes multiple people.

If the stones just gradually get smaller from bottom to top, it is likely an art exhibit. That cave is clearly done for art based on the number, general size, shape, and colors of the stones used.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 27, 2026, 09:48:22 AMStone stacking, or rock balancing, is a meditative practice that has become a creative art form. On the meditative side, it involves finding the center of gravity of each of a wide variety of stones, then balancing them atop one another, sometimes precariously. This is the case when large stones are balanced on smaller ones. It requires a lot of focus, and sometimes multiple people.

If the stones just gradually get smaller from bottom to top, it is likely an art exhibit. That cave is clearly done for art based on the number, general size, shape, and colors of the stones used.

Not art, at least not by a single artist. They start off small and people start adding their own piles and they gradually spread out and get bigger. there is another cave a bit further on that only had a few piles, If I went back again it would probably have more. It's like the top of mountain fells in the UK where people always place a stone on the top of the mountain cairn it's like a signature I suppose to say I was there.

I do like your rock balancing theory though. Sounds like that could be the origin of it.

Hello Stottie Girl! I wanted to pop in and say hi, I'm Kellie's daughter I finally managed to get on here! Thank you for all the love and support you've shown her and me💙

Quote from: Snowangel500 on April 27, 2026, 09:05:37 PMHello Stottie Girl! I wanted to pop in and say hi, I'm Kellie's daughter I finally managed to get on here! Thank you for all the love and support you've shown her and me💙

Hey you! I've just stuck a welcome note for you on Kellie's blog! Thanks for stopping by!

You don't have to thank me, Kellie has been very supportive to me also, it's a two way street. She has a very kind heart, as I'm sure you know!

I hear you are taking Kellie shopping on Wednesday for a girls day out! She is so looking forward to it and I can't blame her!

Thank you for being supportive to her. It must have been shock news but you are dealing with it amazingly well. Shows what sort of person you are. Feel free to message me anytime. I'm still finding my way in life really but if I can help in anyway let me know 😀

Oh, and you can call me Sarah! Stottie Girl is a bit of a mouthfull.

Hmmmm grey and miserable and cold today. I think that has put paid to my mini adventure plans for today but I'm off tomorrow too so hopefully I'll get another bite at it.

Off to Ikea instead to get some inspiration for my new kitchen. I need to get a design finalised before I move in as I will need the sparky to move the cooker point and sockets etc pretty much straight away.

Ikea is pretty cheap nasty for most stuff but they do have a good kitchen section.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 28, 2026, 02:56:43 AMHmmmm grey and miserable and cold today. I think that has put paid to my mini adventure plans for today but I'm off tomorrow too so hopefully I'll get another bite at it.

Off to Ikea instead to get some inspiration for my new kitchen. I need to get a design finalised before I move in as I will need the sparky to move the cooker point and sockets etc pretty much straight away.

Ikea is pretty cheap nasty for most stuff but they do have a good kitchen section.

I get lost in the Ikea kitchen area. The cook ware is pretty good. I have several pieces

I think I need to take some more selfies, I can't seem to find a new one that doesn't have me pulling a weird stupid face!

Please show us your pretty smile

Smiling is better than not smiling, usually!

I like the stupid and not-so-stupid faces. Some just make me smile, others make me laugh. Keep them all.

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 28, 2026, 08:32:30 PMI like the stupid and not-so-stupid faces. Some just make me smile, others make me laugh. Keep them all.

Thanks Lori!

I try not to be boring lol!

(https://i.ibb.co/yDmG3mF/PXL-20260412-190457616.jpg)

Awwww your photo looks great and you do have a talent for cute comedic expressions.

Did you say you had a day off? If so hope you enjoy it. Looks like sunshine even if not mega hot.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 29, 2026, 01:44:58 AMAwwww your photo looks great and you do have a talent for cute comedic expressions.

Did you say you had a day off? If so hope you enjoy it. Looks like sunshine even if not mega hot.

Charlotte 😻

Yes, off today. I might nip up to Alnwick seeing as the sun is out.

I hope you enjoy a restful and beautiful day

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 29, 2026, 01:39:27 AMThanks Lori!

I try not to be boring lol!

(https://i.ibb.co/yDmG3mF/PXL-20260412-190457616.jpg)

I think that smile is over the top. Kind of a joker look

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 29, 2026, 07:35:16 AMI think that smile is over the top. Kind of a joker look

There's no pleasing some people!🤣

What can I say I'm a picky bitch

Sarah's World Tour of Northumberland - part 4

This is Alnwick Castle, pronounced "Anne-ick", about 35 mins drive North of me. One of the big 4 landmark castles in Northumberland and the second largest inhabited castle in the UK, second only to Windsor Castle. This is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland aka the Percy Family a very powerful family.

This one really is a beauty. I had the whole walk to myself this morning, I took some snaps before just sitting and chilling by the weir a bit further along.

Yes you can go inside most of it though there are private quarters in the main keep. There is also an attached gardens which are a major tourist draw. I'm not going in as I've been many times before but if you want to see inside the walls watch the Harry Potter films as this is the real Hogwarts.

(https://i.ibb.co/wqgPCQN/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0258.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/xt2NWRnt/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0267.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/JjW9xY92/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0275.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/5WM3DDyR/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0278.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/r2ZpqSkD/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0279.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/M5PFMM5j/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0281.jpg)

After the castle I called into my favourite nature reserve to see what birds I could see and for a bit of a chill. However, I managed to get buzzed by the RAF! Not the type of flying objects I was looking for!

I'm used to this flying over my house but this was very very low. It was practising tactical landings on the adjacent beach. Sorry the pics aren't great but I was trying to shoot up through the slot in the hide!

All in all an interesting day out and the weather was gorgeous again.

(https://i.ibb.co/gMqWTPxQ/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-0978.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/HjgJy1R/Alnwick-Castel-and-Low-Hauxley-Apr-2026-1051.jpg)

Lovely pictures of Northumberland. Looks like you had a nice day too. Its been ages since I've been and my boyfriend has never been so will probably come up again sometime for a break.

You are never boring, Sarah.

Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

Hugs!

The pictures are amazing. 
Looks like you're having a nice outing. 

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 29, 2026, 09:57:21 AMLovely pictures of Northumberland. Looks like you had a nice day too. Its been ages since I've been and my boyfriend has never been so will probably come up again sometime for a break.

That's the castle I think you went to Charlotte. Am I right? Obviously you would have been unlikely to see it from this angle though.

Bloody Eurofighter Typhoons going over my house now. That's the third one since I got back. I think they're on to me!

Not sure where my post went? Anyway I said the fly that low over here, if you are on the hills you look down on them flying up the valley. Pics are smashing my dear, all of them !!!

I still prefer f22 & f35.
I had a Mitchell Bomber take off from our local airport. Right over my place of work

Quote from: davina61 on April 29, 2026, 11:46:21 AMNot sure where my post went? Anyway I said the fly that low over here, if you are on the hills you look down on them flying up the valley. Pics are smashing my dear, all of them !!!

Thanks Davina😁😁

Are you near a military range or something? I knew they flew into Wales for the Mach loop and the lakes too. Didn't know they buzzed the Malvern Hills. We have a huge RAF military range called spadeadam up here plus the huge Otterburn Range for the Army. They use Newcastle as an emergency direversion airfield so I get all sorts coming over to practise. Spadeadam is where the UK used to have a rocket program and is where Top Gear lauched their reliant robin space shuttle if you remember that one!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on April 29, 2026, 11:26:09 AMThat's the castle I think you went to Charlotte. Am I right? Obviously you would have been unlikely to see it from this angle though.

Went to both castles though didn't pay to go in as back then money was poor. But had a look around which was nice. Also went to Seahouses and Cragside. Stayed at Ashington in the Premier iNn as was cheap!! Just a 3 day visit.

Charlotte 😻

I use to watch Top Gear. I thought it was an amazing show. I laughed so hard when they tried to laugh the Robin.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 29, 2026, 11:55:39 AMI still prefer f22 & f35.
I had a Mitchell Bomber take off from our local airport. Right over my place of work

We have f35's too but not seen one fly over my house yet. Seen them in the lake district though. I think the Eurofighter is more elegant but the F35 looks tough and stealthy.

Oh I love the B-25 Mitchells lovely looking things. Never seen one IRL though. From your side I've seen a B17, P51 Mustang, Catalina flying boat, C130's,C17's, F15's, F16's and F35's. Seen a lot more static US aircraft though. I particularly like the f4 Phantom, love the look of that one. Really want to see a B1 lancer one day. That thing is second only to concorde in the beauty stakes. Fabulous looking thing. I think it's even more good looking than the Vulcan. Not as manouverable though. The Vulcan was a thing to behold, Earth shattering noise!

I'm a bit of a plane nut in case it wasn't obvious!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on April 29, 2026, 11:59:15 AMWent to both castles though didn't pay to go in as back then money was poor. But had a look around which was nice. Also went to Seahouses and Cragside. Stayed at Ashington in the Premier iNn as was cheap!! Just a 3 day visit.

Charlotte 😻

Guessing Bamburgh was the other one. I'll head up there at some point as it's another breathtaking one. We do have more than two though!

During multi-force training ops, we would be sitting in our tanks while Apache and Black Hawk helicopters hovered overhead and fired missiles at targets. Then they would clear out, and A-10 Warthogs would fly in and unleash their autocannons. They fired at 3,900 rounds per minute, which means they emptied their magazine in 18 seconds. And they are LOUD. Brrrrrrrrrrttt!

My favorite aircraft has to be the A10. It's just a flying brute.

I think they fly this way from bases in the Cotswolds on the way to Wales and of course to the SAS.

How much is a ten pence coin (dated around 2015) worth?

1/10 of a pound?  Is it spendable now?

It is about the size of a USA or Canadian quarter. 

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 29, 2026, 02:32:28 PMHow much is a ten pence coin (dated around 2015) worth?

1/10 of a pound?  Is it spendable now?

It is about the size of a USA or Canadian quarter. 

I think it's worth 10p Chrissy I'm afraid, it's still currently legal tender so yes you can spend it. You won't get much for 10p these days though! It won't be rare. The old 10p coin changed in 1992, that was larger, still don't think you would get much for it though. It tends to be rare or limited edition coins that have value.

I mean you can buy roman coins here for a tenner or less!

I guess it is worth 12-13 US cents.

Thanks!  It was found with some quarters in change!

I still have a $10 bill from when I went to Florida in the 80s, thats not worth much either!!

On the chocolate thread, I noticed that the 1960 advert for Fry's Turkish Delight listed the price for small and large bars at 4d and 6d.  Given that an old penny ("d") was 5/12 the value of a new penny ("p"), that means that those chocolate bars cost 2p and 3p, respectively.  In Canadian money, that would be 3 cents and 5 cents.

Yikes, now I feel OLD!  "Yes, sonny, I remember when you could get that $3 candy bar for 3 cents!"  😂

Quote from: KathyLauren on April 29, 2026, 05:41:20 PMYikes, now I feel OLD!  "Yes, sonny, I remember when you could get that $3 candy bar for 3 cents!"  😂

I remember my mom sending me to the store to get a loaf of bread. It was 25 cents!

I'd get a $1 for school lunch. There was a 7-11 on my way to school and get 20- $.05 candies. Not every days probably more than I should

Prices seem to go up for most things over time.  Sometimes a lot, depending on how far you look back.

I think some old English coins, such as the penny, were sized much bigger last century.

And they are worth less than the current penny?

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on April 29, 2026, 01:47:09 PMMy favorite aircraft has to be the A10. It's just a flying brute.

Everybody loves the A-10. I wasn't in the military, and it's one of my favorite planes.

I can't speak for UK forces personnel, who probably have a different view, but the A10 is tainted for me after two friendly fire incidents that killed British Troops. Whenever I see them I think of the awful stories.

It's silly really, it's not the planes fault after all.

Well, I wish I had something to report on here but as it's a British Bank Holiday and I don't like lot's of crowds I tend to keep my head down.

I'm in a much better place mentally this weekend.

I'm on week 9 of the conveyancing process for my house move. I'm told it takes typically 10-12 weeks to get a sale done so I mustn't be far from completion. I hope at least. Not looking forward to moving back in with my folks even if it is a temporary measure. I like my independence and it also means Sarah will have to stay hidden for a while. I'll be on here though, you aren't escaping me that easily!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 02, 2026, 04:28:14 PMWell, I wish I had something to report on here but as it's a British Bank Holiday and I don't like lot's of crowds I tend to keep my head down.

I'm in a much better place mentally this weekend.

I'm on week 9 of the conveyancing process for my house move. I'm told it takes typically 10-12 weeks to get a sale done so I mustn't be far from completion. I hope at least. Not looking forward to moving back in with my folks even if it is a temporary measure. I like my independence and it also means Sarah will have to stay hidden for a while. I'll be on here though, you aren't escaping me that easily!

Keep smiling.  Just remember it's a short time. I always enjoy hearing from you. I wouldn't try to get rid of you.

Glad that you're feeling better this weekend. Totally get not wanting to be back at your folks. You get used to being able to just do what you want!

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 02, 2026, 04:32:30 PMGlad that you're feeling better this weekend. Totally get not wanting to be back at your folks. You get used to being able to just do what you want!

Charlotte 😻

I can see bickering and fighting happening before long!

It would be a good time to get that butt moving and get some more pictures

It's a great wig! Perfect with your skin color and a flattering style. 

Thanks Krista. It's a Jean Renu Zara, colour is Laguna Blonde in case anyone wants to try it.

If you didn't mention it was a wig I would never have known

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 03, 2026, 07:39:35 AMIf you didn't mention it was a wig I would never have known

Thanks Kellie. It's the same colour as my natural hair pretty much but obviously I haven't grown it out yet. I'm not balding or anything so this is the style I think I will aim for when I do finally let it grow. I don't like wearing wigs to be honest as I don't find it comfortable but needs must.

Currently my hair is longer than it's been in years. I use to keep it in a military style. I'm going to have to get a trim to clean it up but I'm letting it grow. I'm planning on getting it to a point where I can style it and when I have to be boy mode I can do something neutral

A big frog sunning itself on the edge of my friend's pond. Got frogspawn in there again but the fish usually eat the tadpoles. Been interested in wildlife since I was a kid in the 60s, love to see our few native reptiles.

Quote from: big kim on May 03, 2026, 10:56:29 AMA big frog sunning itself on the edge of my friend's pond. Got frogspawn in there again but the fish usually eat the tadpoles. Been interested in wildlife since I was a kid in the 60s, love to see our few native reptiles.

Well it's certainly good weather for frogs Kim. It hasn't stopped raining all day here.

Sarah,

I hope your week ahead is nice!


Chrissy

Thanks Chrissy! I have Monday and Tuesday off work so it is a good start! I hope you have a great week too.

I'm off Monday as well. I work Tuesday and Wednesday. Then I have Thursday Friday and Saturday off.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 03, 2026, 02:42:36 PMI'm off Monday as well. I work Tuesday and Wednesday. Then I have Thursday Friday and Saturday off.

Not a bad week that Kellie! Enjoy!

Damn am i the only one stipid enough to work 40 hours all 5 days! Doing something wrong lol

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 03, 2026, 02:58:49 PMDamn am i the only one stipid enough to work 40 hours all 5 days! Doing something wrong lol

All my shifts are 12 hours. I do a 36 hour week. Then a 48 hour week the next. I would love a straight 40 hour week.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 03, 2026, 03:10:28 PMAll my shifts are 12 hours. I do a 36 hour week. Then a 48 hour week the next. I would love a straight 40 hour week.

Its better now as im mostly office based so generally only doing my 40 and of course travel. But when projects are on can be 60+ and im salaried so no overtime pay!!

Our regional manager keeps trying to get members of our department to travel to other plants. No one in our department wants to travel. It's bad enough we have to travel a couple times a year for training.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 03, 2026, 03:29:00 PMOur regional manager keeps trying to get members of our department to travel to other plants. No one in our department wants to travel. It's bad enough we have to travel a couple times a year for training.

Yes, I understand.  I try to avoid travel out of town for the most part.  I travel (more than commuting) when it really is needed. 

Chrissy

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 03, 2026, 02:58:49 PMDamn am i the only one stipid enough to work 40 hours all 5 days! Doing something wrong lol

Aw are you working the bank holiday Charlotte? Bummer.

What is a bank Holiday? Our banks only close on major holidays like Memorial day, 4th of July and the like.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 04, 2026, 09:07:42 AMWhat is a bank Holiday? Our banks only close on major holidays like Memorial day, 4th of July and the like.

They are national holiday days. England has 8 days a year (including Christmas). Scotland has 9, Ireland has 10. These are extra to your normal paid time off.

Most business shut down for these days. Though a lot of shops and attractions are still open but work Sunday hours. I guess Thanksgiving and xmas day would be your examples. How many do you get in the US?

Always worked shifts so usually worked bank holidays. Loving retirement.

We have 11 national holidays, federal and state governments get all of those as holidays. I get 5 holidays where the plant is actually shut down. The ones where the plant is shut down I get paid for. For Christmas and Thanksgiving its a 2 day holiday. During Christmas through New Year's the plant is down and we do maintenance we have been putting off.

Quote from: big kim on May 04, 2026, 11:01:19 AMAlways worked shifts so usually worked bank holidays. Loving retirement.

Yeah it's the luck of the draw job wise unfortunately. I used to have to work bank hols when working for British Gas. They always wanted their pound of flesh!

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 04, 2026, 11:04:48 AMWe have 11 national holidays, federal and state governments get all of those as holidays. I get 5 holidays where the plant is actually shut down. The ones where the plant is shut down I get paid for. For Christmas and Thanksgiving its a 2 day holiday. During Christmas through New Year's the plant is down and we do maintenance we have been putting off.

So how many paid national holidays then? If you have 11 days then it sounds like American workers are ahead of us on work benefits for once!

There is no standard for paid holidays. If you are a federal or state worker you get all 11 as paid. My last employer had 0 paid holidays. My current employer pays 5 holidays.

In the IBEW (Electricians Union), we got holidays off, but not all were paid. We spent months negotiating a contract to get Veterans Day as a paid holiday. Employers refused, saying we can take off any day we want and call it Veterans Day, but they won't pay.

So we took off a couple of days every week to celebrate Veterans Day. They hated it and finally agreed to having Veterans Day as a paid holiday once a year.

🤣

Oh that's harsh. All our holidays are paid. I have 24 paid days holiday this year plus the 8 bank holidays though a lot of them fall on a monday and I don't work Mondays so I get extra days holiday to compensate. It's actually surpisingly difficult to use up the holiday when I'm part time. There is never any need to take occasional days off as I have so much free time. Of course that also means I have a low income but you can't have everything.

I'm also on flexi-time so I can build up my hours and take time off or choose when I want to start or if I want to finish early. I currently have 15 hours built up.

Does your holiday time accrue so that when you hit a certain amount, you can cash it in?

When I was in the Army, we got 30 days paid vacation per year, and you could accrue up to 60 days before you lose it. But you could cash it in (for a month's pay) or just take a vacation. A few times, I did both. Save up 60 days, cash in 30, then take 30 days off. I found that I don't like more than a two-week vacation, so I planned better around that.

It definitely differs amongst employers in the UK. I get 30 days but that is working full time. The company shuts between xmas and new year so those days are subtracted from our holiday entitlement without choice. I can't carry days over, so lose them if not taken. I can only gain days by working a day off like a weekend. Hours over during the week are unpaid.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 04, 2026, 02:47:25 PMIt definitely differs amongst employers in the UK. I get 30 days but that is working full time. The company shuts between xmas and new year so those days are subtracted from our holiday entitlement without choice. I can't carry days over, so lose them if not taken. I can only gain days by working a day off like a weekend. Hours over during the week are unpaid.

Oh Absolutely right. As I'm part time my holidays are pro rata so I'm supposed to get 11 days but as there are several monday bank holidays that I wouldn't work I end up with 15 days. I have 5 days carried over from last year and I am owed 4 training days which are supposed to be used for doing assignments but I tend to do them in the evenings or weekends anyway. If I was full time I think it goes to 24 rising to 28 based on years service. It's bloody confusing!

I also get 80 hrs paid vacation. They don't count towards the holidays.

@Dawn Kellie  @Charlotte Kitty 
@Stotti Girl @Lori Dee

I am having a difficult time attempting to navigate with my employer, my work hours, sick time, holiday pay, unscheduled time off, PAID vacation time and possible bonuses.

Oh WAIT! I am self-employed, I have none (ZERO) of those benefits unless I PAY for them, and for 3 months during Federal income tax season I many times work 7 day weeks and long 15+ hour days. If I don't work there is no paycheck and no future growth in my business.

Now, mind you, I have worked with past employers for many years HOWEVER I am very happy with my present situation, I would make a terrible employee for any company.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on May 04, 2026, 05:03:10 PM@Dawn Kellie  @Charlotte Kitty 
@Stotti Girl @Lori Dee

I am having a difficult time attempting to navigate with my employer, my work hours, sick time, holiday pay, unscheduled time off, PAID vacation time and possible bonuses.

Oh WAIT! I am self-employed, I have none (ZERO) of those benefits unless I PAY for them, and for 3 months during Federal income tax season I many times work 7 day weeks and long 15+ hour days. If I don't work there is no paycheck and no future growth in my business.

Now, mind you, I have worked with past employers for many years HOWEVER I am very happy with my present situation, I would make a terrible employee for any company.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Your boss should give you a raise.  😋

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on May 04, 2026, 05:03:10 PM@Dawn Kellie  @Charlotte Kitty 
@Stotti Girl @Lori Dee

I am having a difficult time attempting to navigate with my employer, my work hours, sick time, holiday pay, unscheduled time off, PAID vacation time and possible bonuses.

Oh WAIT! I am self-employed, I have none (ZERO) of those benefits unless I PAY for them, and for 3 months during Federal income tax season I many times work 7 day weeks and long 15+ hour days. If I don't work there is no paycheck and no future growth in my business.

Now, mind you, I have worked with past employers for many years HOWEVER I am very happy with my present situation, I would make a terrible employee for any company.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Ha ha, been there bought the T-shirt Danielle. I had my own business for 11 years and it's the same as the US. No time off, paid or otherwise, No pension (other than the state one) No private healthcare (But Had NHS at least), the boss was a real slave driver ha ha!

I watched my dad do it. I never will

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on May 04, 2026, 05:03:10 PM@Dawn Kellie  @Charlotte Kitty 
@Stotti Girl @Lori Dee

I am having a difficult time attempting to navigate with my employer, my work hours, sick time, holiday pay, unscheduled time off, PAID vacation time and possible bonuses.

Oh WAIT! I am self-employed, I have none (ZERO) of those benefits unless I PAY for them, and for 3 months during Federal income tax season I many times work 7 day weeks and long 15+ hour days. If I don't work there is no paycheck and no future growth in my business.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Definitely rather you than me! The stress would end me. My ideal working week would be zero hours! I'll keep dreaming!!


Charlotte 😻

I did that for 8 years, trouble is once you have worked for yourself it make you a bad employee as you want to do stuff your way!

Quote from: davina61 on May 05, 2026, 04:10:33 AMI did that for 8 years, trouble is once you have worked for yourself it make you a bad employee as you want to do stuff your way!

Yeah, you are right. My current job gives me a large degree of self autonomy as we all work in sperate offices or from home. We do not have a direct manager for our role and are pretty much left to our own devices. It's a perfect fit for me really.

I woke up in a very good mood today with a smile on my face, even going to work and having to cover for two other people as well as my own job didn't lower my mood. The sun is shining too which helps.

Checked my email this afternoon and my buyers solicitor has agreed the contracts for my house sale so I'm signing the contracts at my end tonight. It's not legally binding yet but it's pretty darn close. Still waiting on the sellers of the house I'm moving to but that is near the finish line too. I could be gone in a few weeks hopefully.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 06, 2026, 11:49:26 AMI woke up in a very good mood today with a smile on my face, even going to work and having to cover for two other people as well as my own job didn't lower my mood. The sun is shining too which helps.

Checked my email this afternoon and my buyers solicitor has agreed the contracts for my house sale so I'm signing the contracts at my end tonight. It's not legally binding yet but it's pretty darn close. Still waiting on the sellers of the house I'm moving to but that is near the finish line too. I could be gone in a few weeks hopefully.

That's awesome news. I'm so happy for you. When are we having the party?

Congrats, Sarah!

I hate moving, but I love starting fresh.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 06, 2026, 11:49:26 AMI woke up in a very good mood today with a smile on my face, even going to work and having to cover for two other people as well as my own job didn't lower my mood. The sun is shining too which helps.

Checked my email this afternoon and my buyers solicitor has agreed the contracts for my house sale so I'm signing the contracts at my end tonight. It's not legally binding yet but it's pretty darn close. Still waiting on the sellers of the house I'm moving to but that is near the finish line too. I could be gone in a few weeks hopefully.

Having just been through that process myself, I know how that feels.  That is worth smiling about.

Quote from: KathyLauren on May 06, 2026, 01:55:42 PMHaving just been through that process myself, I know how that feels.  That is worth smiling about.

Still not there yet but I'm starting to believe!

When I get the keys to the wreck of the new place I might be wondering what the hell I've done but it's a blank canvas, a fresh start. I'm getting excited!

At least its not a rambling French chateau!!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 06, 2026, 11:49:26 AMI woke up in a very good mood today with a smile on my face, even going to work and having to cover for two other people as well as my own job didn't lower my mood. The sun is shining too which helps.

Checked my email this afternoon and my buyers solicitor has agreed the contracts for my house sale so I'm signing the contracts at my end tonight. It's not legally binding yet but it's pretty darn close. Still waiting on the sellers of the house I'm moving to but that is near the finish line too. I could be gone in a few weeks hopefully.

Glad to hear thats sorted. One more sress out the way. You'll be moved before you know it x

I'd offer my truck but getting it there would take to long. I don't think it would fit on your streets

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 06, 2026, 02:41:11 PMI'd offer my truck but getting it there would take to long. I don't think it would fit on your streets

I don't know, you won't fit me some doors now you won't lend me your truck. I'm beginning to think you don't like me Kellie🤣🤣

When I was younger me and my housemate moved a few blocks away using a shopping trolley. Even put mattress and bed on it lol. Thats how classy we were living in one of Leeds roughest estates at the time!

C😻

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 06, 2026, 03:04:59 PMWhen I was younger me and my housemate moved a few blocks away using a shopping trolley. Even put mattress and bed on it lol. Thats how classy we were living in one of Leeds roughest estates at the time!

C😻

I think I might strugle with just a shopping trolley ha ha! Life was so much easier back then, none of the baggage we have today.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 06, 2026, 02:59:47 PMI don't know, you won't fit me some doors now you won't lend me your truck. I'm beginning to think you don't like me Kellie🤣🤣

It's that little bit of water I'd have to get past.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 06, 2026, 03:17:35 PMIt's that little bit of water I'd have to get past.

You'll need a LONG snorkel!

Congratulations, Sarah.

When we moved from my parents place to our own house we put a box of stuff in the attic, it was still there 30 years later!

Quote from: davina61 on May 07, 2026, 03:44:38 AMWhen we moved from my parents place to our own house we put a box of stuff in the attic, it was still there 30 years later!

Always put things away for a later that never comes. I need to empty some junk my ex left in the loft.

Sarah might find interesting things in her new loft!

I left this in the attic opening when we moved from our last house.
(https://i.ibb.co/qtR9j7b/20221227-144739.jpg)

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 07, 2026, 03:12:24 PMI left this in the attic opening when we moved from our last house.
(https://i.ibb.co/qtR9j7b/20221227-144739.jpg)

Love it!

🤣

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 07, 2026, 03:12:24 PMI left this in the attic opening when we moved from our last house.
(https://i.ibb.co/qtR9j7b/20221227-144739.jpg)

Ha Ha you nutter Kellie! That could kill someone with a dicky ticker!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 07, 2026, 03:07:39 PMAlways put things away for a later that never comes. I need to empty some junk my ex left in the loft.

Sarah might find interesting things in her new loft!

The house has been empty that long I hope I don't find the previous owner up there! I will be content with a stash of gold bullion though!

Hopefully not haunted hehe!

When I was in high school, I found a box of foreign coins stashed under some stairs in the basement. Nothing really old, 1950s, I think. But it was cool seeing coins from all over the world.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 07, 2026, 04:20:45 PMHa Ha you nutter Kellie! That could kill someone with a dicky ticker!

Does nutter mean evil crazy?

I mean it can but it can also just mean, as in this case, that you have a wicked sense of humour (like most Brits to be fair)

I can see why english is hard to understand for non speakers as context matters hugely. So many words in the UK have multiple meanings depending on the context. Is is not the same in the US?

There is a word used by Geordies (People from my area) that perfectly illustrates this, The word "Canny" can mean:

"She's a canny lass": She is a lovely/nice girl.
"These crisps are canny, like": These crisps are quite good.
"Gan canny": Go carefully / take care.
"Canny good": Very good.
"Canny job": You did a good job there.
"He's a canny man".Careful/Clever: Shrewd, knowing, cunning ("He's canny to your tricks").
It also sometimes acts as an intensifier (e.g., "I've been working canny hard")

Sometimes baffling to outsiders.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 08, 2026, 01:27:37 AMI mean it can but it can also just mean, as in this case, that you have a wicked sense of humour (like most Brits to be fair)

I can see why english is hard to understand for non speakers as context matters hugely. So many words in the UK have multiple meanings depending on the context. Is is not the same in the US?

There is a word used by Geordies (People from my area) that perfectly illustrates this, The word "Canny" can mean:

"She's a canny lass": She is a lovely/nice girl.
"These crisps are canny, like": These crisps are quite good.
"Gan canny": Go carefully / take care.
"Canny good": Very good.
"Canny job": You did a good job there.
"He's a canny man".Careful/Clever: Shrewd, knowing, cunning ("He's canny to your tricks").
It also sometimes acts as an intensifier (e.g., "I've been working canny hard")

Sometimes baffling to outsiders.

I'm an American speaker and I have a hard time

Well I'm glad my working day is over today. I have been covering for 3 other people today, to say today has been manic would be an understatement! Think I'm going to have a soak in the bath and unwind ready for the weekend, I might even use conditioner @KathyLauren lol!

Raining again here, hope it fairs up for the weekend.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 08, 2026, 10:35:02 AMWell I'm glad my working day is over today. I have been covering for 3 other people today, to say today has been manic would be an understatement! Think I'm going to have a soak in the bath and unwind ready for the weekend, I might even use conditioner @KathyLauren lol!

Raining again here, hope it fairs up for the weekend.

Enjoy your soak. I wish I could send you some of our sunshine. We're going to be 36c as a high for the next 3 days. Atleast we will be low on the humidity

36c? urgh too hot for me I'm afraid, no thanks. It's not cold here, just raining (in Britain? Who would have thought it ha ha!). It might actually have stopped actually, but I can't be bothered to go out anywhere, batteries low. But I've got 5 days off barring a 2 hour lecture on Monday!

We complain its cold but us Brits are made for cooler climates, mid 20s is as much as I can stand. Saying that any thing below 10c is a bit to cold for me!

Quote from: davina61 on May 08, 2026, 01:50:43 PMWe complain its cold but us Brits are made for cooler climates, mid 20s is as much as I can stand. Saying that any thing below 10c is a bit to cold for me!

I'd like it to be 16C all year to be honest. Anything over 19 is too much and i sweat constantly!

We are just getting in to our rainy season. It will get in to the high 20's to low 30's*c rain hard for a couple hours then the temperature will jump back up with an oppressive humidity. We got near freezing in late December early January it lasted a couple weeks then 15 to 20*c the rest of the winter.
If you ever plan to visit Disney world do it in December or January. The weather is great. The summer would melt my English friends.

Get any American person to have to deal with the stuff we do here and they will be like "Yeah okay, it was no joke."


We do not ever have a dry heat in the UK. It is always nasty and horrible.

Also.. Hii Sarah. <3

Hiya Hon!👋👋👋👋👋👋 nice to see you in my gaff!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 08, 2026, 04:49:47 PMHiya Hon!👋👋👋👋👋👋 nice to see you in my gaff!

<3 I like the scatter cushions.

Well I didn't manage to get out again today, awful weather. Going to have to go somewhere tomorrow, even if it's raining. Need to get out of the four walls, going stir crazy.

I wish I could send you some sunshine. It's really warm here.
Stay strong. You are loved

Oh its rough when it just rains all the time. I'm starting to even think some of my improved mood is down to it being sunny more days and less rain. I was broken throughout that period of constant rain.

Hope you get some better weather soon.

Charlotte 😻

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 09, 2026, 02:03:54 PMWell I didn't manage to get out again today, awful weather. Going to have to go somewhere tomorrow, even if it's raining. Need to get out of the four walls, going stir crazy.

I like the perspective,

"The weather isn't the problem
The clothing is"

Or

"Weather is never unsuitable
There is always suitable clothing"

I hope this helps

Quote from: Moonflower on May 09, 2026, 05:08:07 PMI like the perspective,

"The weather isn't the problem
The clothing is"

Or

"Weather is never unsuitable
There is always suitable clothing"

I hope this helps

Yeah we have the same saying pretty much. No such thing as bad weather just bad clothing. I don't really mind the rain to be honest it's just that it's been continuously oppresively grey and overcast with it.

Tomorrow I shall venture forth and do something!

With our summers you can only take off so much clothing. Then the prudes start complaining

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 09, 2026, 08:05:57 PMWith our summers you can only take off so much clothing. Then the prudes start complaining

You could go to a clothing optional resort.

Not rubbing it in but it was hot and sunny here yesterday, 21C !! I got sunburn on my chest in a V from my polo shirt, Oh hang on that was welder flash burn! Cloudy this morning it must have slipped south.

Yeah the country is split in two weather wise at the moment. We're getting air from scandinavia and the arctic up here. It's keeping things cooler at the moment. To be honest I prefer the temperature, it's the complete low cloud cover I don't like, it's oppressive. Supposed to be cold and sunny with the odd shower going into the week though, that's more like it for me.

I don't know where people get this idea us Brits talk about the weather all the time ha ha!

OK, opinion please.

a) Is this morally wrong to use dead animals as art?

b) Is my cat likely to want to eat this?

I've been to Fannies Emporium (a local antiques centre) and I really, really wanted to buy it! It's just soooo cute!

(https://i.ibb.co/whDw2BFy/PXL-20260119-111227056.jpg)

I think it's interesting but I don't have a great opinion on this. Your cat will probably push it to the floor and think it a toy.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 10, 2026, 11:07:45 AMOK, opinion please.

a) Is this morally wrong to use dead animals as art?

b) Is my cat likely to want to eat this?

I've been to Fannies Emporium (a local antiques centre) and I really, really wanted to buy it! It's just soooo cute!

(https://i.ibb.co/whDw2BFy/PXL-20260119-111227056.jpg)

I don't see a problem. Personal preference really. It is rather comedic for sure. As for kitty...you know they're totally unpredictable, but i don't think mine would care. Would be too dumb to work out what it was lol.

Charlotte 😻

Not for me but I think its funny!

I would not buy it or have it at my place.

But you have your own place!

Totally my kind of thing. But then I am not a cat person. I find the idea of Jerry being armed and slightly psychopathic kind of funny. Would have made the cartoons very different.

You could make an exhibit called "Sarah's Mouse of Horrors". I would come visit.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 10, 2026, 03:08:50 PMTotally my kind of thing. But then I am not a cat person. I find the idea of Jerry being armed and slightly psychopathic kind of funny. Would have made the cartoons very different.

You could make an exhibit called "Sarah's Mouse of Horrors". I would come visit.

I knew you would appreciate it Lauren! You're just a bit twisted, like me! There are loads of them.

(https://i.ibb.co/ptC99gY/PXL-20260119-111235753-MP.jpg)

I like the seller name "curiosities killed the cat"

There was a movie with Steve Carrell. His character made things like that. I cant find the movie now.

I love it. I wouldn't buy it, but I know people who would. Not my thing for decor, but it is still funny.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 10, 2026, 03:22:23 PMThere was a movie with Steve Carrell. His character made things like that. I cant find the movie now.

I found it. "Dinner for Schucks" it was made in 2010 and had Paul Rudd

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 10, 2026, 04:33:16 PMI found it. "Dinner for Schucks" it was made in 2010 and had Paul Rudd

I need to watch that movie, haha.

Nothing much to report today. The temperature has dropped to 10C today and we have an icy north wind coming in off the sea which makes it feel like 6 or 7C. I think we were one of the coldest places in England today.

Had another course lecture this afternoon which was a bit soul destroying!

I have just managed to get pork scratchings down my cleavage and into my bra! The hazzards of womanhood ha ha!

Think I'm going to go on a mini adventure tomorrow to take some pics of interesting stuff.

Hope tomorrow is a bit better then. At least you'll have no lecture.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 10, 2026, 06:08:52 PMI need to watch that movie, haha.

It's not a great movie but has some funny spots

Sarah's World Tour of Northumberland Part...??????
Sarah's continuing adventures in Northumberland!

Another cracking day in paradise! Honestly, you guys are going to think it's always blue skies and sunshine in the uk at this rate!

I had a little tootle up the coast to see another great Northumberland Castle and my personal favourite, the majestic ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. Build in 1313 it's one of the more recent castles. It was hugely expanded in the 1380's by John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and was fought over and changed hands several times during the War of the Roses and it never recovered from those seiges. It occupies a large prominant site perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and is one of the most splendid ruins in England in my humble opinion.

Let me know what you think.

(https://i.ibb.co/TVS2kf9/untitled-May-2026-0045.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/C31jxgv5/untitled-May-2026-0144.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/chLw3Jgd/untitled-May-2026-0163.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/MkBdxWzS/untitled-May-2026-0438.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 12, 2026, 08:17:37 AMSarah's World Tour of Northumberland Part...??????
Sarah's continuing adventures in Northumberland!

Another cracking day in paradise! Honestly, you guys are going to think it's always blue skies and sunshine in the uk at this rate!

I had a little tootle up the coast to see another great Northumberland Castle and my personal favourite, the majestic ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. Build in 1313 it's one of the more recent castles. It was hugely expanded in the 1380's by John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and was fought over and changed hands several times during the War of the Roses and it never recovered from those seiges. It occupies a large prominant site perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and is one of the most splendid ruins in England in my humble opinion.

Let me know what you think.

(https://i.ibb.co/TVS2kf9/untitled-May-2026-0045.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/C31jxgv5/untitled-May-2026-0144.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/chLw3Jgd/untitled-May-2026-0163.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/MkBdxWzS/untitled-May-2026-0438.jpg)

I like the photos. You do real good work. I wish you could take me on a tour of the area.

I love old castles, and your pics are beautiful!

Thanks for sharing.

@Dawn Kellie I'm giving you a virtual tour at least Kellie! Best I can do from thousands of miles away!

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 12, 2026, 10:33:00 AMI love old castles, and your pics are beautiful!

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks as always Lori!

This one is my favourite one as there are no roads to get to it. You have to walk 2 miles or so along the coastline to get to it. No other buildings there either bar the odd WW2 Pillbox. Actually the castle was re-occupied during WW2 as an observation post and was also kitted out with machine gun posts for keeping the nazi's at bay! I kind of love that we would have resorted to manning our castles again if there had been an invasion!

Such beautiful pictures. I especially love the one with the flowers and the castle in the background. You are quite the photographer!

Quote from: Gina P on May 13, 2026, 07:46:33 AMSuch beautiful pictures. I especially love the one with the flowers and the castle in the background. You are quite the photographer!

Thanks Gina! Glad you liked them. The flower one was probably my favourite too. I got a few funny looks lying down in the middle of a field next to the path! They are just daisies and buttercups but pretty nonetheless!

There are far better images of the castle than I could ever make. In fact there is a famous J.M.W. Turner painting of it from 1798.

Not much going on today really. Been to the DIY shop to look at kitchens and stuff. I think I have my design nailed down now. I guess all I need now is the keys to the house! God it's dragging on! This should have been a simple move but here we are 10 weeks on and still not complete.

I really want to get cracking on my new pet project!

I hope you're remodeling the kitchen in your new home soon!

The ruins were magical!

Thanks.

You should take before/after photos to showcase what you have done.

I love doing that.

Quote from: Dances With Trees on May 13, 2026, 12:25:10 PMI hope you're remodeling the kitchen in your new home soon!

The ruins were magical!

Thanks.

Thanks Anni! one of my favourite walks that one. You start from the little fishing port of Craster which is home to the famous Craster Kippers. You might just be able to see the smokehouse at the top of the road in this picture I took on my way back.

(https://i.ibb.co/6LKcbHR/untitled-May-2026-0455.jpg)

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 13, 2026, 12:47:21 PMYou should take before/after photos to showcase what you have done.

I love doing that.

I might struggle as it's a tiny space and I don't currently own a wide angle but I will try my best. That's if I ever get in there!

It certainly won't be hard to improve it!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 13, 2026, 02:19:44 PMThanks Anni! one of my favourite walks that one. You start from the little fishing port of Craster which is home to the famous Craster Kippers. You might just be able to see the smokehouse at the top of the road in this picture I took on my way back.

(https://i.ibb.co/6LKcbHR/untitled-May-2026-0455.jpg)

I love this!

Really a beautiful shot, Sarah.

Beautiful photos, Sarah.

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 13, 2026, 03:28:54 PMI love this!

Really a beautiful shot, Sarah.

Thanks Lori!

It would be a good jigsaw picture that one I think!

Quote from: Courtney G on May 13, 2026, 03:32:20 PMBeautiful photos, Sarah.

Thanks Courtney!

Such a lovely looking town! Thanks, Sarah!

Of course, I'll be on the lookout for Craster Kippers.

A mutual friend strongly recommended Henderson's Sauce (Hendos, she called it, adding it goes on everything). So I ordered some. We'll see how it does on kippers.

Hugs,
Anni

Quote from: Dances With Trees on May 14, 2026, 09:06:01 AMSuch a lovely looking town! Thanks, Sarah!

Of course, I'll be on the lookout for Craster Kippers.

A mutual friend strongly recommended Henderson's Sauce (Hendos, she called it, adding it goes on everything). So I ordered some. We'll see how it does on kippers.

Hugs,
Anni

Town is a stretch! It's a teeny tiny little fishing village. You're looking at most of it!

Hmmmmm yeah, she is Hendo's mad she is! ha ha! It's a Yorkshire thing I think.

I don't know whether Hendo's should be applied to Craster Kippers, they are regarded as the finest kippers in the country, that could be considered sacrilidge ha ha! I'm not the biggest kipper fan actually. I love the flavour but I can't be doing with all the bones.

I've actually never had Hendo's before to my shame. I'll have to see what all the fuss is about one day.

Haha, can't think who that person was, Anni... *whistles*. If you ever find yourself in Full Monty country, Sarah, you should grab a bottle. For science. ;)

I am a big fan of Kippers. My grandad used to get them ALL the time. Mind you this was the guy who also used to swear by Tripe (you really don't want to know what that is) and beef dripping on sandwiches. The latter of which is actually very nice, but just don't ask what it does to your waistline.

Anyway... they have kind of a strong flavour from the smoke. I am not sure how much Hendos would add to them, if anything. Always worth a try though.

Sarah, I love your photography, but then you know this. You could have a sideline in making postcards from the UK. You would clean up!

Quote from: Sephirah on May 14, 2026, 12:52:47 PMHaha, can't think who that person was, Anni... *whistles*. If you ever find yourself in Full Monty country, Sarah, you should grab a bottle. For science. ;)

I am a big fan of Kippers. My grandad used to get them ALL the time. Mind you this was the guy who also used to swear by Tripe (you really don't want to know what that is) and beef dripping on sandwiches. The latter of which is actually very nice, but just don't ask what it does to your waistline.

Anyway... they have kind of a strong flavour from the smoke. I am not sure how much Hendos would add to them, if anything. Always worth a try though.

Sarah, I love your photography, but then you know this. You could have a sideline in making postcards from the UK. You would clean up!

I will search a bottle out Lauren. Anyone would think you're on the Hendo's advertising committee!

Shudder..... My gran used to make tripe, I'll never forget the smell and the look of the damn thing, Truly culinary nightmare fuel! We always have roast beef with hot beef dripping sandwiches at my mums house on Christmas eve. It's the only time of year we have them but my god they are friggin lush!

Haway man Lauren, you're just biased, they're not that good! ha ha!

I was told I will definitely be made full time at work though it might take a month or two to get clearance from the bean counters upstairs. It will be a huge load off my mind. I have to say though, if I could be part time still for a couple more months that would give me loads of free time for doing up the new house!

My buyers have signed their side of the contracts now and we are ready to book a date in. That side is sewn up now, I'm just waiting for a slight issue to sort out with my new house lease but it has gone to the land Registry to sort out. I hope they can work quicly otherwise I will be moving out and having to pay for storage until they do.

I have just booked up my first boat trip of the year to the Farne Islands on Wednesday, one of the premier bird reserves in the UK. So I might end up flooding the photography pages with lots of cute Puffin close ups soon. I can't wait!

Weekend look like it might be canny weather too😀

Congrats on the job and the house! I know both of those issues have been on your mind. And now you are another step closer to having it resolved. That is great news.

Thanks Lori!

Congratulations, good news on both counts x

I look forward to the puffin portrait!

Glad the big move is coming together and great news on the job!

Enjoy the weekend, Sarah!

Puffins can be cute birds!

Thanks Charlotte!

Thanks Anni! I'll do my best for you but honestly, it shouldn't be hard. They have zero fear of humans on that island they literally walk right by your feet! I'm wanting to get the guillemots and razorbills too. Plus the arctic terns but that's a little more tricky as they like to attack you when you get off the boat. You absolutely need to wear a hat as they do peck you!

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on May 15, 2026, 04:11:02 PMPuffins can be cute birds!

Yeah they are very cute. This is the closest I got last year as they had mostly left their burrows. I'm expecting much better opportunities this time round.

(https://i.ibb.co/2HkbMnY/Farne-islands-210725-Jul-2025-1156.jpg)

I saw some in Iceland.  Was careful not to get too close to the cliff's edge.

Not seen one living on the other coast. I get plenty of different bird habitats though. Surrounded by sea on 3 sides, lots of woodland,marshland and Marton Mere, a large freshwater lake and nature reserve.

Quote from: big kim on May 15, 2026, 11:55:41 PMNot seen one living on the other coast. I get plenty of different bird habitats though. Surrounded by sea on 3 sides, lots of woodland,marshland and Marton Mere, a large freshwater lake and nature reserve.

You should totally pop over on your bike Kim, it's a fantastic day out really. It's right next to Bamburgh Castle too so you can add that into a weekend or two day visit. We have woodland and marsh, sand, salt marshes but we don't have the big sandy esturies that the West Coast has.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 15, 2026, 04:22:05 PMYeah they are very cute. This is the closest I got last year as they had mostly left their burrows. I'm expecting much better opportunities this time round.

(https://i.ibb.co/2HkbMnY/Farne-islands-210725-Jul-2025-1156.jpg)

So cute and pretty! Never got over to that island when i was there.

No bike. Visited the north east a few times when riding. Shincliffe,Guisborough, Whitley Bay

Quote from: big kim on May 16, 2026, 05:37:39 AMNo bike. Visited the north east a few times when riding. Shincliffe,Guisborough, Whitley Bay

I thought you had motorbikes?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 16, 2026, 06:23:00 AMI thought you had motorbikes?

Until 62.

Where is your next outing to? I so enjoy the pictures. I drove for 5 hours yesterday and only saw some Sandhill Cranes and a couple ponds i suspect had gators. Maybe I'll get some pictures of my wife's goats and share

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 16, 2026, 11:59:09 AMWhere is your next outing to? I so enjoy the pictures. I drove for 5 hours yesterday and only saw some Sandhill Cranes and a couple ponds i suspect had gators. Maybe I'll get some pictures of my wife's goats and share

I'm doing this on Wednesday😁😁

(https://i.ibb.co/0yJqVB1T/Screenshot-2026-05-16-at-19-05-04.png)

Not sure what I'm up to before then though.

Sarah is the Sir David Attenborough of her generation.

"And here we see a Newcastle fan in their black and white finery. Watch how the fan becomes territorial when its claim to greatness is threatened. It truly is a wonder of the natural world!"

You left off, and see how it adorns itself with glamour when hunting for a mate!!!!

Quote from: Sephirah on May 16, 2026, 01:51:11 PMSarah is the Sir David Attenborough of her generation.

"And here we see a Newcastle fan in their black and white finery. Watch how the fan becomes territorial when its claim to greatness is threatened. It truly is a wonder of the natural world!"

Oi!, you sayin I'm an old bloke like!

If I can't get any pictures on this trip I'm doing something wrong!

Looks like a nice boat ride. Hope it is glass calm.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 16, 2026, 03:04:48 PMLooks like a nice boat ride. Hope it is glass calm.

It's the North Sea Kellie! I'll be lucky!

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on May 15, 2026, 05:45:56 PMI saw some in Iceland.  Was careful not to get too close to the cliff's edge.

Now Iceland would be a cool trip! Always fancied a trip there. My Grandad was stationed there during the war. My Grandad always said "what the hell do you want to go there for? It's just Rocks and Ice, there's nothing there" I don't think he got it lol!

There is a scuba dive you can do there the water is so clear it looks loke your flying. You can touch touch two geological plates at the same time. I think it's the north American and the European plates. It would be da$$ cold but is a bucket list dive

Nope, Scuba diving isn't for me. I find the rocks and darkness very spooky. Plus the things in the sea don't like us, they bite us!

It's actually like a spring. Wide open and little fishes.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 16, 2026, 02:57:40 PMOi!, you sayin I'm an old bloke like!

If I can't get any pictures on this trip I'm doing something wrong!

No just that you see the beauty in the world. I am sorry.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 16, 2026, 04:50:11 PMNo just that you see the beauty in the world. I am sorry.

errr I'm just being daft Lauren, I know what you meant. You ok?

Enjoy your trip!


Chrissy

Have a good time my dear, went to Sweden on the ferry and sea was as calm as a mill pond on the way there. Choppy on the way back and my friend got so sea sick he was still green the next day when I dropped him off at his place!

Quote from: davina61 on May 17, 2026, 03:47:01 AMHave a good time my dear, went to Sweden on the ferry and sea was as calm as a mill pond on the way there. Choppy on the way back and my friend got so sea sick he was still green the next day when I dropped him off at his place!

It's not till Wednesday Davina and this is a small boat (About the size of small trawler) not the big ferries so you feel the swell. I don't get sea sick though.

I was on a North sea ferry from Rotterdam to Hull once and we went through stormy weather, that was err interesting lets say! I was trying to get to sleep and I was sliding up and down the bunk as the ship rolled about, I kept banging my head against the wall. All I could hear was the sound of people in adjoining cabins throwing up! lovely trip!🤣🤣

Right, shed contents packed up, garden store emptied and garden tidied up, perhaps for the last time. It's looking quite lovely at the minute despite me pinching half the plants for my new garden! It's tiny but I will miss it when I move.

Made some griddled chicken tikka so about to have a chicken tikka salad with yogurt and mint dressing.

Weather is absolutely gorgeous today. Popping round to my parents in an hour or so to watch the last NUFC home match of the season. I have a couple of little beers with me so just need a win to round out a nice day all round!

I just hope my irritating neighbours aren't partying in their back garden with loud music again like they did last night. 12:15 and the music was still blasting😡 They have built a bar with hot tub complete with giant outdoor speakers in their garden and have regular parties whenever it's hot. That I will not miss!

I can send you some Florida mosquitos you can release when they have the parties. 

Oh definitely you should take any plants you love. The new owner might not appreciate them anyway. I guess its a good job the new buyer didn't come to see the place during party time!

I hate neighbors like that. So inconsiderate. If they kept me up, I would wait until they went to bed and reciprocate with speakers in my window. If you want to keep me up all night, don't even think about getting any sleep yourself. Payback is a b*tch.

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 17, 2026, 10:06:26 AMI hate neighbors like that. So inconsiderate. If they kept me up, I would wait until they went to bed and reciprocate with speakers in my window. If you want to keep me up all night, don't even think about getting any sleep yourself. Payback is a b*tch.

Maybe a power outage at an inconvenient moment.

Quote from: Lori Dee on May 17, 2026, 10:06:26 AMI hate neighbors like that. So inconsiderate. If they kept me up, I would wait until they went to bed and reciprocate with speakers in my window. If you want to keep me up all night, don't even think about getting any sleep yourself. Payback is a b*tch.

I would love to do that but I have other neighbours so it wouldn't be fair to them.

It is a multigenerational household but it is the father/ grandfather who is the main one, it's his bar! the guy is in his late 70's. Rides a harley davidson which makes the windows shake when he goes past my door. Pain in the arse frankly and one of the many reasons I'm off!

I think the only issues at my new place will be low flying jets but I have that now so I'm not too bothered.

Thanks but no thanks, you can keep your mossies Kellie ha ha!

Thought I would make the offer.

When i was about 16 to 17 I used to have a 2 x 150w and a bridged 350w amp running two big speaker cabs and a 15" subwoofer. Needless to say my neighbour was not happy when i got home from college or days off. I used to play tech step drum and bass with the clipping lights flashing on each amp. He'd go out in the garden looking for any random jobs to do!

I also remember the light falling off the ceiling downstairs due to the vibrations!

Of course would never be so antisocial as an adult now. Unless i had your neighbours. I'd connect an 18" sub to a signal generator at 35Hz sine then go away for the weekend!

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on May 17, 2026, 11:38:36 AMWhen i was about 16 to 17 I used to have a 2 x 150w and a bridged 350w amp running two big speaker cabs and a 15" subwoofer. Needless to say my neighbour was not happy when i got home from college or days off. I used to play tech step drum and bass with the clipping lights flashing on each amp. He'd go out in the garden looking for any random jobs to do!

I also remember the light falling off the ceiling downstairs due to the vibrations!

Of course would never be so antisocial as an adult now. Unless i had your neighbours. I'd connect an 18" sub to a signal generator at 35Hz sine then go away for the weekend!

I love the deviousness. Through in some intermittent spot lights at the windows

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 17, 2026, 09:55:41 AMI just hope my irritating neighbours aren't partying in their back garden with loud music again like they did last night. 12:15 and the music was still blasting😡 They have built a bar with hot tub complete with giant outdoor speakers in their garden and have regular parties whenever it's hot. That I will not miss!

A couple of burly Rotweilers would solve that issue in short order. Along with a subtle suggestion that parties make them irritable, they have a taste for inconsiderate, and know how to dig under fences. ;)

Quote from: Sephirah on May 17, 2026, 12:17:14 PMA couple of burly Rotweilers would solve that issue in short order. Along with a subtle suggestion that parties make them irritable, they have a taste for inconsiderate, and know how to dig under fences. ;)

Love it. Or some Malinmas. Fur covered patriot missiles.

They fly over fences. My wife wants one. We don't have the energy.

3-1 to the toon! What a belta! a cracking day all round today then!

Excellent suggestions all round though I'm not sure my cat lucy would be overly keen on two rottweillers moving in!

Quote from: Stottie Girl on May 17, 2026, 01:48:54 PM3-1 to the toon! What a belta! a cracking day all round today then!

Excellent suggestions all round though I'm not sure my cat lucy would be overly keen on two rottweillers moving in!

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/12/08/23E332FB00000578-0-image-a-54_1418072264415.jpg)

Creased!!!! Cats have such expressive faces!

To be fair, Lucy is a bit fiesty! She might have the Rottweillers running scared!

Low flying aircraft, I was sat on the sofa and a C10? flew past, from my 2nd floor flat I was looking at the side of it. What you need is my youngest lads old junior drag bike and fire that up, it was an RD 125 twin on expansion boxes and everyone complained it was painfull even at the drag track!

Quote from: davina61 on May 17, 2026, 02:17:23 PMLow flying aircraft, I was sat on the sofa and a C10? flew past, from my 2nd floor flat I was looking at the side of it. What you need is my youngest lads old junior drag bike and fire that up, it was an RD 125 twin on expansion boxes and everyone complained it was painfull even at the drag track!

I don't want to fight noise with noise, I crave quiet. I'm a bit too sensitive to noise unfortunately! i have a pair of industrial ear defenders in my study so I can put them on and chill out, I must look ridiculous but needs must! So far so good, no noise from them tonight I might get lucky!

Don't fight fire with fire. When firefighters use water. A girl after my own heart.

You deserve quiet, Sarah.

Quiet is good.

Thanks Lauren. I've got it tonight so far. I can hear the birds twittering and apart from a low flying Merlin helicopter that shook the ceiling twenty minutes ago all is quiet on the western front

How did your football club do?

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 17, 2026, 02:55:22 PMHow did your football club do?

3-1 win! We have had a torrid season this year, I'd like to see the back of it really.

We have by far the richest owners in all world football and yet we aren't allowed to spend money and buy the players we need because of stupid rules from the Premier league to try and stop teams going bust. There's no way we will go bust, we're owned by the Saudi Royal Family! We've been doing well up to this season though. We've qualified for the Champions league twice and won the League cup too that was our first silverware for over 70 years!

Next season I hope for an improvement in squad and performance.

As  Gunners fan I'm happy this year

You don't wa t noise, that i get. How about a laser light show into the windows.

Quote from: Dawn Kellie on May 17, 2026, 03:19:26 PMAs  Gunners fan I'm happy this year

I bet you are!

I've been a fan since the 90s. Tierrae Henry is amazing

I've had a lovely day sailing round the Farne Islands and photographing all the wildlife. It is a magical place. I have however taken 1,809 photographs which is going to take me some time to work through!

Here's a quick little snapshot.

(https://i.ibb.co/k64JYV8c/Farne-Islands-200526-May-2026-1197.jpg)

I will spend the next few days trawling through the images and eliminating all the pictures of boat railings, the backs of peoples heads and my own feet and I should have some gems I think!

The main thing is that the boat didn't sink and I made it back to dry land! There was quite a bad swell so it was difficult taking pictures from the boat.

That sounds like a great adventure! Looking forward to the pics.

Do those islands have lots of fjords?

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on Today at 01:11:06 PMDo those islands have lots of fjords?

No, they're tiny islands Chrissy. Totally uninhabited. Little lumps of volcanic rock poking out the North Sea. No fresh water on them other than rain that collects in a few pools. The one I landed on you can walk round it in 15 mins! On that island there is a lighthouse, a watchtower and a very old chapel though no congregation to speak of (unless you count Puffins!).

Sounds like a great place to be right now. Just me and puffins.

I had never heard of the Farne Islands.  But, from the name, I guessed they might be close to Lindisfarne, which I had heard of.  Sure enough, it is only a few km away.  Interesting place.  I am looking forward to seeing more pictures.

Quote from: KathyLauren on Today at 03:15:54 PMI had never heard of the Farne Islands.  But, from the name, I guessed they might be close to Lindisfarne, which I had heard of.  Sure enough, it is only a few km away.  Interesting place.  I am looking forward to seeing more pictures.

It is very close yes, you can see Lindisfarne and it's castle as well as Bamburgh castle and Dunstanburgh castle from the island. I'll nip over to Lindisfarne on one of my next trips so you can see what that's all about. Here's a couple more pics in the meantime.

(https://i.ibb.co/V0yQL5sJ/Farne-Islands-200526-Jan-2024-0031.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/yc8Vdzz7/Farne-Islands-200526-Jan-2024-0065.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/rGCtq9dt/Farne-Islands-200526-Jan-2024-0067.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/pB3Y6gLH/Farne-Islands-200526-May-2026-1329.jpg)

Oops, forgot to edit the boat rail out of one of those!

Great pictures as usual. You do great work 

Stunning photos, Sarah and the birds are so cute!

Thanks Kellie. How you doing today? Perked up any?

Quote from: Emma1017 on Today at 04:35:03 PMStunning photos, Sarah and the birds are so cute!

Aw, thanks Emma! This is just a few that jumped out at me. I'll play around with the rest and see if I can find some gems there.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on Today at 04:37:01 PMThanks Kellie. How you doing today? Perked up any?

Yea, a bit. In about an hour I will be off for the next 3 days. I have a therapist appointment tomorrow, I'm looking forward to. 

Very pretty pictures and glad you got out and had a good day 😊

One more then I really should head to bed.

(https://i.ibb.co/gMSFMz3J/Farne-Islands-200526-May-2026-0488.jpg)

Quote from: Stottie Girl on Today at 03:36:23 PMIt is very close yes, you can see Lindisfarne and it's castle as well as Bamburgh castle and Dunstanburgh castle from the island. I'll nip over to Lindisfarne on one of my next trips so you can see what that's all about. Here's a couple more pics in the meantime.



Oops, forgot to edit the boat rail out of one of those!

Wow, spectacular photos!

Wow, Sarah. These are spectacular. Good job and thanks for sharing.