Hobbies and Crafts

I think one of the worst places now according to rep[orts, is around the Eifel Tower. We had them in Florence about 15 years ago so it isn't new. It was like the artful dodger, the children would come up to you and pretend to be selling newspapers. I wore a bum bag even then which was around my waist with the bag in front, I was suddenly aware of a little hand reaching out for the zip. I soon slapped that away, put my face right close down to his and shouted in his face 'go away', police were patrolling and as soon as they appeared the children all melted into nooks and crannies.

How upsetting to have your purse stolen at the airport, I am always wary when crossing Madrid airport but wouldn't have thought to be alert at Stansted.

I was warned about the pickpockets and thieves around the station .The worst place I have ever been for that problem was Barcelona.There was even a notice in the Hotel warning us to be careful..Yes those with the Babies are terrible.I do often wonder if they drug them as the ones I have seen are always asleep !!!!!!
I did have my purse stolen from my handbag at Stanstead airport just before our flight .It had all my cash and travel cheques and bank cards in :-S.The policeman who came to us was brilliant .He even called through to let people know that we would be just a few minutes late boarding .I felt so embarrassed entering the plane as everyone was seated and waiting to take off and we were all hot and sweaty and panting from rushing ,plus me all red eyed from crying.Not he best start to our holiday that year.

We haven't been for a couple of years but we have been almost every year since we got married.

I agree with Ann, watch out for the pick pockets and beggars, they will thrust a child at you as a diversion tactic so be on your guard and if you can ignore them.

It's a lovely city, we will stop off in august on our way down to Spain, maybe on the way back as well.

M. :-)

Maryanna Lol, bet it didn't do a lot for you! I love Paris Been four times now. Jane do watch out for the E European pick pockets,they were having problems with Romanians.

Mine is next May, Jane.

We went to Paris for our 25th, nearly fifteen years ago now, saw a show at the Moulin Rouge.

We had a great time, nice meal and three other very nice couples on our table, one German, one Australian the other Americans. We were on a table right at the front with the stage next to us.

Himself couldn't believe his luck, birds eye view right up the girls' skirts !!!!!

M. ;-) :-)

Lesley I would love to do that ,but I know for sure that isn't what he was booking lol
He would hate it :-S
Must brush up on my French now !! :-D :-S

Happy Birthday Jane x

Maybe your OH is booking tickets to see Moulin Rouge.

Lesley x

They always pace Maryanna.Son just came down and said "How is it doing"
My answer as always is "It will be ready when it's all cooked" :-D
OH was doing something on his computer just now and I walked in ...I think he was trying to book a Restaurant in Paris.I got told to 'go' lol..he just said pack something smart......Now I better have another look at what clothes to pack :-S..
When is yours then Maryanna??
I am just looking forward to not having to think about what to cook for a fw days ,and be waited on :-D

Happy birthday Jane. Have a wonderful time in Paris. 60? You're a mere babe :-D

Have a lovely time in Paris Jane and a very Happy Birthday. . ( it's mine next birthday. ). Double Eeek !!!!

Love your banded agrion, Vera , we saw lots of them a couple of years ago when we did a trip down the River Wey on a canal boat. They were just such a beautiful colour..

Will have a look at your new photos after I have cooked tea Ann. Himself is pacing, a good sign he is getting hungry !

M. :-)

Ann I'm inclined to agree with Vera

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Common_Shrew

If you click on Shrewd living you can watch a great short film about shrews, the end is brilliant.

Lesley x

We thought it might be a shrew, no it was alive but just seemed to roll around I wan't sure if it could see. It seemed quite happy.

In case I don't speak again then Jane have a great time. Sixty gosh, I wish, I can give you fourteen years!
Vera and Jane, glad you liked the photos, 3 vey photogenic areas.

Friday Ann,on Eurostar.We are going for my 60th ! (eek)
Just looked at all your lovely pics from Cornwall ,Dorset and the Lakes.They are stunning :-D.Yes I agree it looks like a little Shrew.(was it dead?)

Jude it was nice to see Madoc in your pics.I hadn't liked to ask if you still had him as I haven't heard you mention him for a while.Love him looking for his Dad :-D.
I miss my old Chester terribly sometimes and would love another dog but OH is not for it .The one good thing not having one is that we are free to go away whenever it takes our fancy .

Thanks KenSE. Now I've looked at some images of the banded agrion I think that is what we saw in the garden. I don't know how far they would fly from their "home" - we are probably about a quarter of a mile from the river but I expect some of the houses round here have garden ponds.

Love your Lake District photos Ann. My first instinct on seeing your unidentified little animal is that it's a shrew but someone else might have a better idea. My old eyes aren't as good as they used to be lol

When do you go Jane?

I counted 17 starlings around the feeders this morning, since Monday they have eaten half a coconut and almost all of 5 fat balls, plus they have now found the new bird table and have been eating the fat cake on there.

I haven't seen a frog in a very long time.We would get them when we had the fishpond but not since we filled it in.
One of my Sisters cats used to catch them and she would just see their little legs sticking out of the cats mouth lol
Damsel flies are so pretty with the iridescent (is that the right word?) coloured wings.

The little young Moorhen has been pottering in the garden for most of the day :-D.I think it must like the peace and quiet here instead of the dog barking and causing mayhem next door .

The window cleaners have been today and managed to knock all the pellets out of the window feeder.When I looked `thought the pesky squirrel had visited ,but then I noticed the food all on the ground :-S.I have picked up most of it ,but the rest will be soon gobbled up I'm sure :-D

I have spent most of the day trying to sort out and decided what clothes I need to pack for Paris.I always take far too much and only wear a fraction of what I take.
I still can't make my mind up and have had enough now so it will all be done tomorrow.

Will have a look at your pics Ann

Thanks Kense :-)

I think the dark damselfly that you have seen is a banded agrion. They don't look black in pictures but they do in the flesh. They are noted for flying like butterflies.

Lake District photos on my blog for those interested

Vera when we were in the Lake District we saw a dragon or Damsel fly with very dark black/blue wings it was lovely.

We have frogs in the garden, they make OH jump when he cleans out the water features. We also have or had a field mouse but not seen it for a while.