I am uncertain whether anyone else recalls the song “Puppy Love.” However, I have fond memories of admiring The Osmonds, particularly Donny and Marie, during my childhood. Donny is a few years older than me. Growing up, possessing positive role models was important during adolescence; I was eager to learn about their interests, including their “likes and dislikes.” I have always admired Marie Osmond. If I were to recommend role models from contemporary pop culture, I would still select The Osmonds. They were top of the list. Ok, maybe joint favourites are Westlife. 😊😁
I ate a lovely lunch at Turtle Bay yesterday afternoon. We had glorious sunshine. The weather was just perfect as I ate a delicious Trini Coconut Curry. It was a lovely setting. I was seated overlooking the church in Central Peterborough. 🙂
I found myself quite amused yesterday evening. I inadvertently let out an involuntary scream, entering the shower feeling somewhat drowsy. As I adjusted the showerhead, which was directed towards me, I encountered a sudden surge of cold water. 😱
Throughout my life, I have often felt the need to demonstrate my abilities and worth, especially in environments where others may underestimate or dismiss me. I am committed to maintaining my integrity and confidence, remaining true to myself despite any challenges. I will continue to be authentic and dedicated to my principles, undeterred by external pressures.
Q. Is it a fair question to ask someone in their late 50’s to late 60’s, where they saw themselves in 10 years’ time? 🙂
A. Asking someone in their late 50’s where they envision themselves a decade from now is a profoundly meaningful question — one that can open the door to heartfelt reflections and genuine dreams. When posed with genuine sensitivity and in a thoughtful context, it becomes a powerful way to connect on a deeper level, honouring the profound life changes and experiences that define this beautiful stage of life. While a 30-year-old might be passionately chasing career milestones, a person in their sixties may be yearning for fulfilment in their lifestyle, cherishing hopes for health, happiness, and the comfort of a well-earned retirement. It’s a question that carries the promise of understanding, empathy, and the beauty of life’s ongoing journey. 🙂
Aww, I can remember Lena Zaveroni on the Hughie Green show “Opportunity Knocks.”
Sadly, Lena died when she was just 35 years old. She died from pneumonia following a long battle with anorexia nervosa. It was so sad as she had an amazing singing voice. She won opportunity knocks in 1974 when I was just 13 yrs old. Lena was a couple of years younger than me. Therefore, she must have been just 11 years old when she won the show.
Vogue is one of my favourite songs by Madonna because the song lyrics mention BOTH of my daughter’s names in it. 🙂 Catherine & Lauren. The song was released in 1990, before either of my daughters were born. It is a coincidence that their names feature in the song.
I simply 🩷 this song. Along with Elton John’s Greatest Hits album, the album Stars were the first CD’s I ever bought. This is followed by Madonna’s Imnaculate album. I loved the song “Vogue” because it has both of my daughters’ names in the song. 🙂 🙂
I enjoyed afternoon tea at Notcutrs today before a walkabout at Ferry Meadows.
Whilst walking around Notcutrs, I saw this lovely display. I would love one of these in my garden. I have a very small garden, but I would love to fill my garden with some pots and a pergola like this one. It’s very nice.
It was a beautiful day, walking around Norwich during the Easter break.
I stopped at this church to light a candle in memory of my father as his funeral was at Easter weekend a few years prior.
The floral displays were so pretty. It was so lovely to browse in an antique shop. Ah! I can remember Beano 🙂I came across this lovely painting in the art section. It caught my eye. 🙂
I ate pizza at the Showcase Cinema this evening before going to watch the film “The Magical Faraway Tree,” which is a British family film based on Enid Blyton’s classic book. It follows a modern family relocating to the countryside, where they discover an enchanted tree with magical residents. The film starred Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.
I am a child at heart, and i feel that this film would probably appeal to children aged from 5 to 92 yrs old. 😉
I loved the December 1978 film Zorro, which starred Catherine Zeta Jones (who I named my first daughter after, as I loved the name), Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Anthony Banderos.
The photo below was captured by a friend on my birthday when I was aged just 21 years old. I was so CZJ.
I can recall learning to touch type on one of these typewriters only a few years ago.
I learned to type on our family typewriter. It was an old Imperial model, which required frequent changes of the ribbon. If you wanted a copy of your letters, you would use carbon paper. Making a mistake was quite challenging; correction involved using a typewriter rubber, which left small smudges on the page, or Tippex, which left white ridges as it dried.
It is remarkable how much technology has advanced since then.
Technology: We initially found electric typewriters impressive, then moved on to word processors, and later experienced significant excitement with the advent of personal computers. What next one wonders? 🙂
Well, men and women can fly to the moon now. Therefore, will modern technology rapidly change change over the next 20 years? Watch this space! 😃
The 9/1 favourite “I am Maximus” became the first horse since Red Rum, to win the Grand National, having lost, but came back to win the title again! The horse was ridden by Paul Townsend and trained by Willie Mullins. I really wished I’d backed this horse. 😁
Q. Do you use/post anyone else’s photographs on your blogsite, Frances?
A. No, I do not use photographs belonging to others; I only share my own work. Sharing images created by others would contradict the purpose of showcasing my own artwork. While I appreciate and admire the art and photography of others, I only ever post my own creations. I remain true to myself and do not claim to be anyone else.
Anyone gaining access to any of my photographs and who posts them on the internet, they all owe me! This is the only place on the internet, where I post my own photographs publicly. The other photographs are private.
Shortly after my father died, this little Robin used to frequent my garden. He’d sometimes come very close as I sat in my garden reading. He was very persistent and he was extremely friendly.
A robin appearing after the passing of an individual is often regarded as a spiritual sign, symbolising that a departed loved one is nearby, observing over you, or offering reassurance.
A robin came at break of day, Soft light upon his feathered grey, A blush of red upon his chest, A tiny heart that beats its best. He hopped along the garden ground, In quiet search, without a sound, Then paused beneath the waking sky, As morning whispered, drifting by. With eyes so bright and head held high, He sang a song both sweet and shy, A melody so pure, so clear, It felt like hope was drawing near. Through winter’s chill and springtime bloom, He dances lightly past the gloom, A gentle soul, so brave, so small, Yet it carries warmth enough for all. Oh, little robin, stay awhile, And grace the day with song and smile, For in your wings and ruby hue, Lives something tender, kind, and true.
As some of you know, my father was in the British Royal Air Force. I lived in Penang, Malaysia, for almost 3 years as a child back in the 1960’s. The weather was very hot.
Here is a photograph of me as a child, sporting a very good suntan. I attended the Minden Barracks Primary School. I was a very angelic child. 🙂
The photograph below is a picture of me in Malaysia (left) with my best friend at the time, Lesley Turner (right). Lesley’s father was in the Royal Air Force, too. Her mum Aunty Anne was lovely. She had an identical twin sister. Lol, i can remember the funny trick she played on me when we lived in Salisbury, Wiltshire. I went to call for Lesley, on my way to school, and she sent her twin sister to greet me. I was chatting to Aunty Anne as usual, then she appeared in the kitchen, and I thought I was seeing double! It was quite funny as I had no idea she had a twin! 🙂
The green and white checked dress I am wearing was our school uniform, and Lesley and I swapped footwear. I am wearing her flip-flops, and she is wearing my slip-on shoes. 😂
This is a photograph of me wearing a Cowboy hat, which I bought during my visit to San Diago, in America. The photograph was captured of me at a barbecue event, at a ranch where I was staying. It was a fun event. We had a country and western band playing in the background as we ate lunch. 🙂
I am still missing some photographs from a wonderful day I spent with my sister during a pony trekking day at Stapleford Park. I was delighted to ride a beautiful white horse named Porridge. I feel quite disappointed that those pictures are still missing as i had a lovely photograph lf Porridge. 😢
Sometimes, I like to be called señorita. 😉 🙂
This was a sheriff I met at Calico. He showed me his pistol. 😉
I captured this photograph at the ranch. Lol, he bears a striking resemblance to Sylvester Stallone, don’t you think? 😁
Artemis II “is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately The scheduled splashdown of Artemis II in the Pacific Ocean, at 8.07 pm ET
5.07pm PT;
12.07am GMT
on Friday, April10th or Saturday 11 April British time according to NASA
The spacecraft is expected to reach a whopping 23,839 mph as it speeds back down to Earth before safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
2330hrs (gmt)- They are close to splash down.
God bless them.
I stayed awake last night to welcome the 4 astronauts home. I watched splashdown live. It was so incredible. They were all given the ok by each of the four medical officers assigned to each of them. The whole mission was approximately
9 days, 1 hour, and 32 seconds. It was a Mission Possible 😉
I watched them set up the porch around Integrity, as the Orian Four all slowly emerged to eagerly await the rescue mission, which entailed them all being safely hoisted into the helicopters.
I am quite excited as my Exochorda or Machrabtha, also known as ‘The Bride’ (Pearl Bush), will be flowering soon. It has an abundance of little white flowers on it. This is mine looking quite splendid in 2004. 🙂
A. Lol, I was born a female, and I still identify as a female. I have always had very feminine ways. I’m not likely to change sex. I quite like being me. 🙂
During my childhood, I was always very feminine, enjoying dresses and skirts; however, I occasionally wear leggings and jeans for comfort these days, particularly when I am at home . I have generally maintained a feminine appearance, favouring long hair. Currently, my hair is shoulder-length and has a dark brown with reddish hue. Overall, I consider myself to have a feminine presentation.
I do not require anyone else to be me, as I believe I am quite capable of presenting myself effectively.
Q. Do you care about what others think about the way you look Frances?
A. No, not at all. If an individual has a slim physique, they may be regarded as underweight. If they are slightly overweight, they might be considered fat. If someone does not have a favourable opinion of you, they may resort to mockery or ridicule. You can’t win.
When my children were young, I liked the public figures or models who maintained a healthy appearance rather than extreme thinness. My youngest daughter believed she needed to resemble a stick insect to gain acceptance. It is important that children enjoy nutritious meals during their growth periods rather than resort to unhealthy dieting due to media influence. My aim was for them to maintain a healthy and balanced weight. It can be quite concerning for a parent when they notice their child or children not eating properly because they feel pressured to conform to a particular appearance. I was a concerned full-time mother.
Generally, an individual’s appearance is not of primary concern. What is more significant is the influence that media exerts on our children. This may be the reason I have a particular fondness for the 1970s, when there were only four television channels, which were more selective regarding the content they broadcast. During that period, programmes were often of better quality.
I believe it is important not to form judgments about individuals without taking the time to get to know them. People possess a range of qualities across all areas of life, and appearances can be deceiving. By making an effort to understand someone personally, you may discover valuable insights and qualities that were not immediately apparent.
Q. Frances, I have noticed that there are some pretty good photographs on your blogsite. Does anyone else have access to any of your photographs, Frances?
A. In a nutshell, “No.” If anyone else has access to any of my photographs, then they are out of order as I have not given anyone else my permission to use any of them. They are for my website only, and NOBODY else should be using them!
I have never earned a single penny for any of my photographs. Nobody has ever offered me money for any of my photographs. Therefore, my photographs are all out of bounds. Nobody should be using them. This is my own website, not associated with anyone else.
Anyone using any of my photos, all owe me. My price, and not theirs!
None of my photographs are displayed publicly anywhere else, but on my blogsite (here). Anyone else displaying my photographs anywhere else, they all owe me! All photographs here are viewing only.
Q. Why do you use a black and white website?
A. Because it is easier to read and the photographs look much nicer on a black background. I notice that you do not ask the same questions to the newspaper publishers! A newspaper is black and white. Please stop being so pathetic re the colours I use here. It has no reflection re my nationality. I like the colours black and white. I am not so stupid, like some, to associate the colour of my photographs or blogsite with my background.
I went for a lovely walk at Ferry Meadows yesterday, and I photographed this lovely carousel. It reminded me of how we loved to ride on the carousel when both of my daughters were younger. They loved the fair, just as I did as a young girl. My ex-husband, J Alan, and I took them to the fair regularly. I often frequented the Stamford Fair.
It also reminded me of the film Half a Sixpence, which starred Tommy Steele and Julia Foster. I loved this musical film so much. It is one of my early film memories. 🙂
This is me riding on the carousel with my daughter Kitty when she was younger. 🙂
This little catouselnwas photographed by me at Peterborough Cathedral.
As we remember the resurrection of Your Son, fill our hearts with peace, joy, and renewed faith. Help us to walk in kindness, to share love freely, and to trust in Your promise of new beginnings. Bless our homes, our families, and those we hold dear. May we carry the spirit of Easter within us, today and always.
That is a very good question. I previously volunteered at a local pre-school when the children were young, dedicating my time on a voluntary basis. I sincerely believe that individuals should consider contributing their valuable time by volunteering and engaging in community activities, particularly when they are not currently employed. It can be very rewarding, and it looks great on your CV when looking for employment.
I often think about Rosie, my pet cockatiel. She is the reason I joined Twitter. Rosie had a charming personality and was quite amusing to watch. She frequently perched on the top of my head and gently nibbled at my ears whilst I worked at my computer beside her cage. She chattered away happily.
I once sent an email to our local dj Rob, at Rutland Radio, to ask if he’d mention her name on the radio. I often left the radio on for her to listen to, whilst I was out. When she heard my car return, she chirped very loudly with excitement. Then one day, she struggled to climb onto her perch to bid me goodnight, as she customarily did. The following day, she passed away. I was deeply saddened by her death. She lived for nearly ten years and is greatly missed. My mum helped me to bury her in the garden. It was so sad. RIP Rosie.
I can remember taking so many beautiful photos of Rosie, with her wings spread. She looked so beautiful. I am sad that someone could remove my lovely photographs of her. It was bad enough coping with her death, but how could someone take my memories of her away. 😢
A Poem
A cockateil bird on Twilight Wing, With feathers dipped in shimmering spring, It sips from blossoms, sweet and bright, And dances through the velvet night. Its colours swirl like drinks well-spun, Of orange flame and setting sun, With hints of berry, gold, and lime, A living toast to joy and time. It flutters near with sugared grace, A crystal gleam upon its face, Its song—like ice in glasses clear— A melody we long to hear.
This is definitely one of my favourite British films. 🙂
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
My parents resided in British India. Did you know there are approximately 19.9 million to 23 million Roman Catholic Indians, representing around 1.55% to 1.57% of the total population. While Christians make up about 2.3% of India’s population overall, the Roman Catholic Church is the single largest denomination within the Indian Christian community.
My parents were both practising Christians, with one originating from a traditional British background and the other from a Christian family of Indian heritage.
(Orange and White).
Both of my parents adapted to the British language and culture after they relocated from British India to England. They were both Roman Catholics and exclusively spoke English as their primary language.
Today is Good Friday. It is not a day of celebration, not in the traditional sense but a crucial, sombre remembrance within Holy Week. Good Friday is a solemn Christian observance honouring the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
Today, I plan to eat some Hot Cross Buns, with my daughter Catherine. Hot cross buns are an age-old tradition, traditionally baked to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. My entire family was brought up as Roman Catholics. My background is Christian. Both of my parents were both Roman Catholics.
Today, my daughter gave me a lovely treat. I love her so much. Thank you, Kitty. 🩷
A Good Friday, Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus Christ, on this sacred day, we remember Your great sacrifice. You bore the weight of our sins and gave Your life out of love for the world. Help us to stand at the foot of the cross with humble and grateful hearts. Teach us to understand the depth of Your mercy and to live in the light of Your forgiveness. As we reflect on Your suffering, strengthen us to carry our own crosses with faith, to love others as You have loved us, and to walk in obedience to Your will. May this day of sorrow lead us to hope, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Your resurrection. We thank You, Lord, for Your endless grace and redeeming love. Amen.🙏
I chose this hymn because my Father’s funeral was at Easter weekend, 9 years ago. He was a choir boy at church in his youth. This is one of my favourite Easter hymns as a young girl.
When someone keeps comparing you with other women and he makes you feel measured, then maybe he’s not the man for you. You need to be with someone who values you as a person. Someone who makes you feel special always. .
Sometimes, going away on your own can be fabulous and very therapeutic. I loved my own company, but it was also nice to chat yo a few friendly people on my travels. It would have been nice to go away with a friend or a member of my family. However, all of the people I know were all working. Rather than stay at home, I decided it would be good to have a nice little getaway, just to chill out on my own. Somewhere lovely and peaceful.🙂
Frances
My holiday began by staying at this lovely hotel called Petwood. My room was just lovely. The staff were very nice. 🙂
This was a quaint little Police Station
I then headed off to my next destination, to continue my lovely holiday.
The ceiling in the tree house. It was beautiful xMy favourite place to relax.
My beautiful photo of the day.
Beautiful – My view from my roomSo delicious. Salmon Encroute. I loved doing G&T’s Relaxing in a hammock
Feeling so relaxed.
The birds love this!😀At the end of the dayBags all packed
Happy Mothering Sunday to all mothers out there. 💐🌼🌹🌸🏵
I woke up to my lovely daughters voice this morning. I realised just how much I have missed her since she returned to Australia, but distance does not have to be far away, especially when love transcends physical separation, proving that distance does not have to be a barrier when hearts are deeply connected.
Thank you for making me feel happy today. I love you with all of my heart. 🩷
I have chatted with both of my daughters recently. They were very warming conversations, heart to heart. I love you both more than words can say. You are both always in my heart.
Always remember — no matter how grown you are, you will forever be my precious daughters. 🩷
Children are the morning light that slips gently through the day, little voices filled with wonder as they laugh, run, and play. They carry dreams in tiny hands, hope shining in their eyes, turning ordinary moments into a beautiful surprise. They grow like flowers in a garden, each one bright and free, yet somehow in their growing they grow a part of me. And though the years may guide them far to paths I cannot see, my love will walk beside them— wherever they may be. 🌷
Omg! A box has just arrived. 😳
So beautiful! So beautiful
Thank you Catherine, from the bottom of my heart. When you receive the most beautiful flowers, it makes you want to smile and cry at the same time.
The F-16 and F-22 are among my favorite aircraft. I greatly admire the Royal Air Force, as my father served with them for 28 years. I have been passionate about airplanes since childhood and enjoy photographing them; RAF Duxford is a location I have visited frequently. I also hold great admiration for the Red Arrows.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to many countries around the world with my father. Fx
I had great pleasure of spending the day at RAF Duxford last year. It was a beautiful hot summers day.
SmileyRose Ramblings by
Frances Rose Agnes Napper (She/Her) 