Have a waffle with Carol

[Tony G]

Bill

That's like saying, 'I put the food in my mouth and chewed it but I didn't swallow it - honest'

Tony.

[Carol Townsend]

Morning All!
Yes I know it's early on a Saturday morning and sensible people are only just getting up, but my other half is an early bird and woke me with a cup of tea at 7.30 GMT so here I am tapping away.
I have volunteered to sort out Himself's Tobago photos so it gets done before we both become pensioners.
Ever wished you hadn't started something? He takes innumerable almost identical shots of the same subject; often of things like plants, which don't move about very much, or long distance misty shots of rocks out at sea which could be anywhere from the Shetlands to Australia, or tumbledown corrugated buildings. Why do you need five shots of the same tumbledown building?
He then tells me not to delete too many!
I think I've deleted about a hundred so far. I'm now having to re-arrange them to fill in the gaps and tidy up, and title them, though now I'm having trouble remembering where they were!
I intend, before I go mad, to make another on-line album...eventually...
Help!
See Ya!
Noe
xxx

[David Watkins]

Depressed Am I depressed????????no sun nothing just cold damp FOG for three days!!!Do you really dislike me that much?Please let me get warm.

[Bill B]

Noe,

You obviously have the soul of a writer but not that of an "Artiste". It's necessary to take multiple shots of inanimate objects, using different camera settings, so that you can then sort through them looking for the slight nuances that distinguish a stunning photo from a merely good photo

Seriously I have found that having a digital camera allows me to take plenty of shots and then weed out the inferior ones. On our recent trip to Mexico I took over 800 pics and then edited them down to approximately 100. Even then I only consider about 10-15 as above average, the rest are just to preserve memories. If you use a photo editing program you can view them side by side and it becomes very evident that even though the photos seem to be the same there are differences that make one better than the other. Good luck in your project as I and others look forward to viewing the results.

Bill

[Bill B]

David,

I know how you feel. We've had two days of rain (the good thing is it washed away the last of the snow drifts and mounds) and cold. It's supposed to warm up to about 60f (15-16c) this weekend so hopefully spring is arriving.

Bill

[Carol Townsend]

Greetings Everyone,
I've been fighting a bout of depression this last week.The "Black Dog" arrived out of the blue and I've hardly had the energy to get out of bed, and then when I have, I've been sobbing all day.
However, I think I'm coming out of it now, so I hope to be back to "normal" soon. At least, being female, I'm not too embarrassed to talk about it.Just make sure you're nice to me or I'll start boo-hooing!

So, young Mr Brunner, I've done nothing about those damn photos yet!
You are right I'm afraid; I'm not an artist, artiste or even an artisan, but I do have an artistic friend, whose mother is a professional artist and illustrator, so I'm mixing in the right sort of company.
It's very kind of you to say I have the soul of a writer. I suppose I should publish; but I lack the self confidence to try and impress a hard-nosed publisher, who wouldn't be as generous as you all are. I do also, as my head teacher used to say back in the year dot, have what she called "galloping inertia"; in other words I'm a lazy so -and -so totally without ambition!
Well Bill, thanks for sending us your snow. I don't think we've had snow in April (Not in the south anyway) for 30 years or so!
Just wished our computerologist and electrican friend and his partner a happy holiday. They are flying to Cyprus today; somewhere they go 3 times a year.
I offered to go with them to help brush the sand off their flip flops, but to no avail.

I'll sithee!
Noe

[Tony G]

Hi Sis

Wow, you have a very tropical looking garden, even with the snow. Here on the IOW we also had snow. My mother in law warned me that it was coming but, eternal optimist that I am, I didn't believe it and then on Sunday morning the world, my bit of it anyway, was all white. Today it is cold and sunny and all the snow has gone though I am a little concerned about the seedlings in my unheated but bubble-wrapped greenhouse. Not concerned enought to carry them all back into the house though.

Sorry to hear that you have had a visit from the old black dog. I know him well. We have spent many a long week/month together. I am bipolar and he has often kept me company, miserable old bu**er that he is. Hope that he has now departed and you can begin to put yourself back together again. My thoughts are with you.

Lottsa Love

Tony

[Carol Townsend]

Bless you Bruv!
Being bipolar must be awful, but at least the conditon has a better name now. It only hits very intelligent people of course....

Yes our garden is tropical. We have palms, bamboos, and tree ferns all mixed in with conifers, a magnolia, hydrangeas and Japanese maples, plus a rather lumpy and waterlogged lawn, but no broccoli. And a snazzy bright green rotary airer too...
Love to Bruv
Noe
xxx

[Carol Townsend]

I have a little tale in storage at the moment, which I've been saving as I don't want to bombard you with too much at once. I wrote it a few days before the Black Dog arrived and stole all my energy, so it's the last one until such time as the Black Dog is replaced by the Muse.
The last tale I told resulted in David becoming -how shall I put it? Beside himself. Fun though it is to have such an effect on someone; one has to be careful.
Shall I press the submit button?
Noe

[GillMathews]

Hello Noe,
Oh Yes please
Gill x x

[Carol Townsend]

Well, all right then

[Carol Townsend]

I seem to be telling you about our adventures out of sequence, so let’s rectify the situation without further ado.
As I'm doing things backwards I'll tell you about the flight later when I have the mental energy, but it was reasonably uneventful thankfully, until we landed at Grenada.
It was very exciting; we could see a clear, deep blue sky and palm trees a-waving as we landed, and then felt the first hint of the heat. Only an hour, we thought, then a short flight and we’ll be there!
Time passed as slowly as it always does when there is nothing to do. Once the hour had passed, we started to look at our watches, and then my son started up. I must explain that he is the Most Impatient Person In The Known Universe, and the very worst companion you could have when waiting somewhere like in a broken down lift, a hospital waiting room, or a plane stuck on the tarmac at Grenada airport. I blame it on the fact that he was born three weeks before his due date.
“How much longer? This is ridiculous. Don’t you think this is ridiculous? What are they doing? Why are we still here? What’s happening? No-one’s getting on, no-one’s getting off. We should have taken off by now. We’re not moving. I’m fed -up. Are you fed-up? Go and complain…” And on and on and….
My daughter and husband pretended they didn’t know him.
Eventually we were told that some idiot destined for Tobago had decided to get off at Grenada and had disappeared leaving his luggage on the plane, which then had to be searched for and offloaded. Are you allowed to change destination like that?
So off Son went again: “How long does it take to find a case? They must have found it by now, what’s happening? Go and complain.” (YOU go and complain!)” I’m fed-up. Are you fed-up? Don’t you think it’s ridiculous? I do. This is the worst airline I’ve ever flown with.”
Before this flight he had been on a package holiday with friends to Turkey the previous year, and prior to that went to Malta with us when he was ten. He therefore considers himself a veteran.
He is now nineteen. I’m surprised he made it this far…
We took off, much to the relief of everyone within earshot, and landed, oh happy day, at Crown Point.
It was about three o’clock and we stepped off the plane into a solid wall of heat and bright sun, and trooped into Arrivals. We waited patiently for our turn, then, with a note of panic, Son said “I can’t find my passport”.
“WHAT?????”
“Can’t find it.”
He began frantically searching the numerous pockets of his combat (NOT camouflage) trousers and found it in the leg. I think I had aged five years at this point.
We escaped, retrieved our luggage of which my esteemed son said we were guaranteed to lose at least one piece; on the way home if not on the way out, and ventured outside to look for the car hire office.
“Ah!” said the pleasant and efficient man as soon as we walked into the office. “Mr Townsend.”(I thought he was going to say “I presume”)
“You knew it was me?” said Himself.
“It’s the hat,” I said, making the pleasant and efficient man chuckle. It was, let me tell you, worse than mine; a straw Panama –type thing, like “Our Man in Havana”.
There was a poem on the desk about money not bringing happiness, ending along the lines of: “So please give yours to me”. Wish I’d written it down.
I remember seeing little sayings and tenets in various premises, and wish I’d photographed them or committed them to memory, such as “Putting out another’s candle will not make yours burn brighter”; which I think I saw in Castara.
The paperwork completed, the pleasant and efficient man handed over this little jeep-thing (I know nothing about cars!)And gave us directions to Castara. “Go through six sets of lights and then look for Northside Road.”
We clambered aboard, opened the windows and trundled off.
How can I begin to describe that first drive?
The air was hot and humid of course, but it felt softer somehow, and there were strange aromas and sounds that said “You’re in a different world.” The sky was a solid royal blue.
There were people everywhere; not hurrying to get somewhere else like at home, but just sitting around. We saw one man lying across a table, with not a care in the world. “That” I thought,” must be “liming.” Must try it!”
We later realised that life is lived outdoors for the most part; with people only going inside to sleep.
Everything was unfamiliar: the buildings, the people, the shops, the advertisement boards, the road signs. We were stared at constantly, which made us feel rather self-conscious.
We found Pennysavers, fretted about where to park the car, and did our first shopping, again, with so much being unfamiliar and strange. We saw our first truly free-range chicken mooching around on the path outside.
We hurried back to the car, Himself very anxious to get to Castara as quickly as possible in case we got lost and found ourselves wandering around trying to find it in the dark, and having to sleep in the car, which we had to do once in Somerset many years ago, but that’s another story!
We continued up into the country, drinking in the lush greenness of the scenery. I always felt in Tobago that Nature was watching and waiting to claim the island back. Turn your back for just a moment and all the roads and buildings would be swallowed up by the vegetation. Perfect! That is how it should be. Do we ever stop to think, in our arrogance, that if humans disappeared, Nature would give a sigh of relief, claim the planet back and carry on without us?
Where was I?
There was no need to worry; we found Castara easily, and felt very pleased with ourselves.
We drove slowly down the hill, looking for Jackson’s Trace, but could not see it. We were tired, and felt like every yard was a mile, so I suggested that we break the Man Rules and ask for directions. I have no shame!
A lady in a shop pointed to a sign fifty yards away.
“Ah! Yes!” we said, “Thank you!” trying to cover our embarrassment at our hopelessness.
We had arrived. We parked the jeepy thing on the grass, being careful, as I have said before, not to run over the tethered goat, looked around us, and gave a sigh of relief. The journey was over.
I was so tired I could hardly see straight. There in front of me was a sign advertising “Nature Boys Tours”. I read it as “Mature Boys Toys”, and thus I will remember it as such forever.
I have previously described The Steps, so I will now talk about the front door of the house.
It was in two halves like a stable door, with a bolt and two keyholes. We had been given a bunch of about six keys, all identical to the naked eye, with no clue as to which to use, so I, who is always Key Monitor, had to figure out which went where. This took at least ten minutes, until at last both halves were open just before we took the somewhat drastic action of kicking the door down.
We collapsed inside gratefully.
The house was wooden, with virtually no glass, except in the doors leading to the veranda, so it was surprisingly cool.
“Hey! The walls don’t meet the ceiling; it’s all open!"
So it was. We would really be living outside, with the walls being there to give some privacy, and a deeply – sloping roof to keep the rain out.
Being open meant that the local wildlife thought it had every right to come and join us, which it did every day. The first thing we saw on that first day was a grasshopper on the wall, identical to the British variety, but six times larger!
My daughter was the first to use the bathroom, and within seconds of entering gave an ear-splitting shriek that could be heard in Venezuela. A tarantula? A scorpion? No, a moth. A huge, harmless moth. It flapped away, terrified out of its wits, poor thing. We never saw it again.
We unpacked and investigated the kitchen. Himself is very good; despite having driven all the way from Crown Point he was willing to cook, as he always does when we’re on holiday to give me a break.
He turned on the gas- except that there wasn’t any.Oh no!
The house was privately-owned, with no-one on hand to help and advise.
“Let’s not worry about it now. We’ll phone Doris in the morning.”
We had some packet soup, which we prepared using the ferocious (incredibly slow) kettle, and made sandwiches; all washed down with some PG Tips which we had brought from home.
Next morning it dawned on us to check the whereabouts of the gas canister; which we found cunningly concealed behind a curtain. It had been turned off, of course. A quick flick of the wrist, and behold! We could cook!
We were tired, as I said…

[GillMathews]

We continued up into the country, drinking in the lush greenness of the scenery. I always felt in Tobago that Nature was watching and waiting to claim the island back. Turn your back for just a moment and all the roads and buildings would be swallowed up by the vegetation. Perfect! That is how it should be. Do we ever stop to think, in our arrogance, that if humans disappeared, Nature would give a sigh of relief, claim the planet back and carry on without us?

Thank you Noe,
How lovely! You have captured exactly the essence of Tobago's charm and mystery.I always feel that the island is graciously allowing us to share it's magic whilst remaining all powerfull.The wonderfull greens of the vegetation,multiple blues of the water and vivid floral colours all bathing in tropical sunshine are stunning.Add the warmth of the Tobagonions and mix. Paradise I am nearly as exhausted as you were when you finally arrived just reading your story.Return trips still have the same impact on me. I can't wait to savour that 'feel the heat' moment from the top of the steps from the plane.
I hope the B.D will abandon you soon and let you feel the sunshine again .We all want you to be restored to 'muse' soon.
Luv n Hugs
Gill x x

[Bill B]

Spring is in the air - unfortunately it's in the form of snowflakes Yep, the weather forecast for Friday night/Saturday morning is for snow flurries. And to make matters even worse the long range forecast shows snow possible again on the 19th.

Noe,
Is it due to the gender divide or the fact that you speak a different version of English that I have no idea what the Black Dog and the Muse are? Nice pic of your "tropical" garden (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).

Bill poyap

[Carol Townsend]

I always feel that the island is graciously allowing us to share it's magic whilst remaining all powerfull.The wonderfull greens of the vegetation,multiple blues of the water and vivid floral colours all bathing in tropical sunshine are stunning.Add the warmth of the Tobagonions and mix. Paradise :!

Gill,
You have quite a poetic turn of phrase. I wish I'd thought of "mutliple blues and vivid floral colours"!
I'm a little concerned that you feel exhausted just reading my story. A little too long, huh? I'll have to shorten the next one!

Mr Poyap,
The term "black dog" is used to describe depression; the kind that lasts more than a day or so and is almost a physical illness in that it robs you of all your strength.
I had a visit from the black dog last week when he stole all my energy and "joie de vivre", dragged me into a dark tunnel and made me want to stay in bed and weep all the time, but the fact that I'm back on this forum shows that I'm putting up a fight. But this is not a counselling service so I'll leave it there!

Now, "Muse" is from the nine Muses of Greek myth.They were the goddesses of the arts and sciences, and would visit and inspire the chosen few.There was one for poetry, but I can't find one for prose! I daresay these days there would be one for film and photography too...
And what's with the "nudge nudge wink wink"? Have you been watching Monty Python?
love
Noe
Waiting to be "a"mused
xxx

[Bill B]

Dear Muse Noe,

Now I understand. I'm glad that the Black Dog has departed you and the Muse has returned. Actually I think the Black Dog has come to Chicago and chased away our Spring

The "nudge, nudge, wink, wink" was just a hint that we are all still waiting patiently for the completion of your photo project.

I agree with you and Gill that the lush vegetation, beautiful colors and the blue waters of Tobago are the images that come to mind when you say the word "Paradise"

Bill

[GillMathews]

Thank you Noe,I used to dabble a bit with poetry at school (in the last century!) and always loved writing descriptive essays or compositions as they were always called.
I meant that I was immersed in the business of journying with you and the family. Phew! its hot just being in the car round those roads after a long flight.I was sorry to get to the end of the story and want to know what happened next.Or was it the end
In anticipation
Gill x x

[Tony G]

Aaaaah Sis

xxx

[Carol Townsend]

Succinct as always Bruv!

Gill,
Have you been hiding your light under a bushel?
It seems we have another writer here; but one who is a little more poetic! Let's have some more...
I don't want us to be rivals, so maybe we should visit Tobago together and start up a writing partnership!

Young Mr Poyap,
You are obsessed with photos!
You must have seen Monty Python: "Nudge nudge wink wink, know what I mean? Say no more!"
'Bye fer now
Noe
xxxx

[GillMathews]

Sounds like a plan Noe,
I reckon we would get on famously and undoubtably 'Bago would manage to accomodate our combined idiosynchrocies with laid back grace .I would however be a little about 'himself'. Might be double trouble for him. .
As for the hidden light,modesty prevails.When I come back inspired from Paradise with tales of soporific afternoons watching lazy waves on the beach or being totally invigorated by sea spray in my face on a coastal trip I will try to share them with you all.
Still got about a month to work before flying and still wondering how I am going to get the preverbial quart into the pint pot Luggage Bought a smaller but easily spottable suitcase (bright pink with white daisies ) to encourage self disipline in the absence of a reasonable significant other.Hope it works.
Luv Gill x