Steam cleaning

You can tell from the title that this post is going to riveting in its interestingness, can't you? Yesterday, the postman brought me this.

It's a steam cleaner and I bought it so that it would magically restore every bit of the house to its original pristine condition, having been cunningly seduced into the belief that no home is complete without one.

So far, I've used it on the hard floors - good,

and the grubby bits on the arms of the sofa and on the pouffe - not much difference, but I am hoping that with a squirt of 'One thousand and one' that result will be improved. 

"It doesn't really clean," said someone I was talking to about it the other day, "but it freshens things up."

Why would you want it if it doesn't clean? I asked myself, but I had already ordered it by then.

Anyway, we will see. I suspect the greatest challenge will be for me to be motivated enough to actually use it! 

Well, cleaning is not the most fascinating way of passing one's time, is it?

On a more interesting note (for me, anyway), I have been sent my first certificate for my Welsh course. My first ten weeks have earned me 2 credits at level one. It's a start. I'll be the new weather girl on S4C before you know it.

In trouble

Thursday morning is when Jenny goes to her welsh class. We got a quick march round the block and by just after eight o'clock, she had gone to her class and Keith had driven off in his van.

We were left alone...

But soon, she'll be coming back and she won't be pleased. Only yesterday I heard her saying how good it was that Jake had stopped having 'little accidents', which shows that he has finally settled down here. Well, maybe he has, but this morning we seem to have had a hiccup and there is a puddle and a mess in the dining room.

The other thing is that, although we KNOW we're not supposed to do it, when the humans are out, we like to lie on the back of the armchair in the window and watch the world go by - only this morning, we were watching the orange cat from across the road go by and I got a bit excited, as any self-respecting terrier would, of course. So the throw is now on the floor instead of on the chair and the cushion is looking a right mess.

Looks like we're going to be in trouble again...

Where else but the USA would you find politicians going by the names of Newt and Mitt? It could almost be the name of a comedy duo. However, I suspect they will continue to plague our airwaves for some months to come yet, which may or may not fill you with anticipation.
In the meantime, yesterday's promise of Spring has come to an untimely end.

Back to the rain, but at least the Canada geese were back.

Let's hear it for Julia!

I am all for a policy of 'live and let live' but there are times, and increasingly so, when I fear that, in Britain, the policy is becoming more along the lines of 'Come over here, do as you like and we'll let you get on with it, whether good or bad.'

Don't you just wish we had someone over here among our so-called politicians who would stand up for us!

Prime Minister Julia Gillard- Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks..

Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:

'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT.. Take It Or Leave It.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. '

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society ... Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves in UK, Canada & USA , WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths. 

Mae'n braf heddiw!

Today is one of those lovely days that present you with a tantalising glimpse of what you hope Spring will be like when it finally gets underway. Lots of photos from dog-walking, when they would let me stand still long enough!

Ond mi fydd hi'n stormus yfory.

Drawing elephants

I know this is really aimed at children and I won't do the old chestnut of how we are all children at heart. Suffice it to say I LIKE this and I thought you might too.

Spring?

In spite of the fact that the weather has become colder again and wet (yes we never escape the rain for long!), there are a few daffodils beginning to make their appearance.

Not a great photo, I'm afraid but let's hear it for the advent of Spring!