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I tell you what I want.. what I really really want...

take a photoIts that time of year for giving and I thought I would share my Christmas list with you just in case... you never know you may just want to get me something. Sorry its a want want want list *smile* But as I always say if you do not ask you do not get!

What I want and hopefully as I have been soooooooo good is at least one or two from my want list from you or your friends.

I want a *smile* from you at least once a day.

I want  to see you do chuck the duck at least once.

I want to see you join up to my Wisit whodunit site and be a fictitious character > http://www.wisitmaster.co.uk/

I want to you throw chuckwant to see you down at the Caenhill Countryside Centre and help / support if you have time.

I want to see you with a carrot and / or banana!

I want to see you follow the Children of Watamu Happy House charity I support... http://www.facebook.com/happyhousewatamu

I want to see your blog if you have one or start one. Its free and of course will bring you more interest in what ever you write about. www.blogger.com/ or use the free one on my site.

I want to get you to help with my prediction pack > http://www.facebook.com/thewisitmaster

Ido a star jump want to receive a message from you on facebook at 10-10am or pm one day!

I want to see you on one of my walks or bike rides

I want a weekly photo of you or maybe one at the same location every week like I do  in Devizes Market

Finally I want to see you have a lovely year .. maybe do a star jump.... dance... win the lottery...  be happy.... catch a sunrise.. make a difference..  and of course *smile*

Oh PS do lihelp with the prediction packke pringles!

You can feedback via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   use the feedback form

twitter @cf10ten   facebook wisitmaster  or telepathy  *smile*

Seasonal Greetings

christmas franklin and SueI guess I can say that now.... already this month is flying by and with the cold weather I guess its beginning to look a lot like Christmas *smile*  Those who follow my readings will know I always say the best gift you can give anyone is to give someone is your time a gift is nice but spending time with a friend is precious. So thank you for your time readings this *smile*

Web work is busy and pleased to be helping a lot of people start their adventure into business with a website which is the best way to promote yourself and a dynamic joomla  website can cost as little as £100 with all the features you would want. I  have lots of people who have domain, hosting but fed up with their website and want something dynamic and more control which joomla will do. All you need is an Internet connection I guess a lot of people start with a 'free' website from 123-REG or 1&1 and want to move on and take more control...

Anyway the reason for this post was really about Christmas and I had an e-mail from a client who wanted me for Christmas! Well sort of..... (maybe it was my wish?)  basically they wanted a cf10ten voucher to give to their parents so they could learn to use their new Christmas camera and use picasa3 to manage their photos.  So basically yes you can get me as present and I do vouchers for £25 which gives you an hour of my time for anything Internet, video, photography or tarot.  So 3 vouchers will give you a morning, afternoon or evening of learning and fun.  This can be for one person or a group....This can be via SKYPE or in person at the farm or your place though there is traveling expenses if more that 3 miles of Devizes.

I do like teaching / helping people and I am a qualified trainer.... of course you could book a tarot, mystical or a whodunit evening all are fun especially with a group.

I also will do special rates for a mystical, tarot or whodunit fundraiser for your chosen charity.

I will put out a list on my business site of what your could use your voucher for and I do have others is the team who will be able to help/ support you around internet, web design, photography, video, tarot and more.

Chuck does come along and I am sure you will learn lots and have fun doing so *smile* Drop me an e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fill out my feedback form.

Photo top right was me and Su a lovely lady I used to work with and I think we taught each other a lot *smile*

The photo of the locks below was taken using hdr one of the many things I can teach you *smile

Now how do I wrap myself as a present??  *smile*

 caenhill-locks

Greetings another busy week with web building , video editing and of course work on the farm project.

I decided on Sunday to do a bit of a walk around the cottage / farm so people can an idea of what it is about and to update on my other project a set of our own prediction cards which are about done but no time to market them yet. So I will be using them during December with a view to publish in the New Year as a fund raiser for the farm as a lot of the cards do have local images on.

It was funny that when I was doing my recording and showing everyone where the deer come to feed a little field mouse popped out for a feed and listen! Even the fact our cat gizmo was next to me did not put the mouse off who happily trotted away knowing his belly was full and his future good.

It was good to have out first meetings with Pete, Sue, Pete, David, Helie, Chris and Chris starting it all off with a name. It was  decided to go for Caen Hill Countryside Centre or CaenhillCC exciting times. Its hoped that other who shown and interest before will come forward to join our group and be a member. *smile*

chris pete heliesue pete helie david

mum-dad-wedding 1952 Greetings well how come its so difficult to write my blog I always say to people to promote yourself / business / charity a blog is the way to go as you are adding new content to your site with metadata. More hits more customers? I always put in easyblog to cf10ten websites. Of course you can sign in with facebook on this site and start your own blog on here for free!

Will try to update more as I can pass on free advice on creative media.

Last Saturday there was an open day at at Mary's Church, Devizes so they could show off the plans for converting the church in a community centre. Great plans and it will be good for concerts, events and weddings as there will be an attached function room, restroom and kitchen. It will still be used as a church but added features. f I fin a link to the plans I will add here.

On reason for my interest was that mum and dad Ken & Coral Franklin (Knee Cave) married here on 12 April 1952 and I was christened as I was born in New Park Street many years ago. So feel attached to the church I hear they may well sell the phews so wil have to see if I can buy one for the farm project in memory of mum and dad.

Apart from the plans there was a tour up the tower I think 106 steps with a chance to see the bell ringers platform, the clock on the way up. It was well worth it and you can see some of the pics below. If you click on the banners up will pop a larger image which you can download to your PC if you wish.

What i do is use my digital camera and take a series of photos with about a third overlap then stitch together using the free version of serif panorama plus. Easy to use and with a bit of practise some great results.

Of course I do training and happy to help where I can on photography ,websites, video, software, tarot and more. I aalways make training fun *smile*  drop me a message if you want some training for yourself, business, family and friends. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Towards Library

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 Toward Centre of Town - Devizes Castle

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  Towards Roundway Hill

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 Towards Police HQ

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On our websites you can now embed your photo gallery using the great joomgallery component. Example below.

St Marys

• St Marys
• Author: chris franklin
• Hits: 65

St Marys

• St Marys
• Author: chris franklin
• Hits: 64

St Marys

• St Marys
• Author: chris franklin
• Hits: 65

St Marys

• St Marys
• Author: chris franklin
• Hits: 73

roundway walkTime is flying by October already and its a busy and going to be an enjoyable month. The farm is one step closer and pleased to have so many people come forward with offers of help and ideas. It is a community project therefore pleased others will benefit from the project and hopefully starts few new businesses with money making opportunities.

Started the month with a walk great company and views.

Of course its 10 10 Oct soon not only is it Hels birthday (who is over from Egypt) I will be launching the Wisit Whodunit website its basically a fantasy whodunit facebook site where you can login under fictitious details and be who you want and interact with fellow suspects, detectives, victims in a fun way without knowing who is who. Wisit came from my work with fundraising for Wiltshire Crimestoppers in 1993 and my first website online in 1998 a bit before its time but brought together a good team who I am meeting again after all these years. George, Lady Fran, Sophia and Wisitmaster were the nucleus. Its worth joining and its all set in 1912. Oh get asked why Wisit well its a play on words Who isit Where isit What isit When isit I guess you see where I was coming from. As I was running it I became known as the Wisitmaster *smile*

I have brought my tarot reading to the site as make it easier form me to maintain and works in well with my new Wisit cards a 52 prediction pack using my photos and 27 years of experience!

On 13th its my birthday and will be doing a walk from the farm of about 7 miles towards Poulshot > Barge at Seend and back along the Canal it of course starts at 10am or probable 10.10am.. as to age I must be getting towards 100 *smile*

brother simon cousin David and me Chris FranklinOf course what is exciting is that Sal and Nathan is back for two weeks will be great to see them over a year must book some warm weather!

Starting putting together work offers for Christmas around websites, videos, photography, whodunits and tarot. So it you want a web site or some lessons drop me a line I make a good Christmas present always good to have feedback *smile*

ALso please feedback on Franklins good to get contact and wil be sharing photos from the past as well as present

and of course at the end of the month its Halloween.... now that is scary *smile*

Join wisit here

goodbye carrotsIts been a long journey and since sowing my carrot seed we have traveled through its life's ups and down... I am afraid like must journeys its days were numbered and the cycle is now complete that's why I also see the number 10 as a celebration a reward at the end of the journey mission completed.. its an ending but where there is an ending there is new beginning and each journey we go on we learn from the ups and downs... which of course makes us wiser and stronger for what lays ahead. As for my carrot I am pleased to see it stand proud and its not weeping (leeking) a tear of sorry but a tear of joy... as the onions would say thats shallot. I had to lets his friends go and though selling your carrot is not what you always want at least you know others will get great pleasure and nourishment from it.. and maybe each one will come back with its own blog...

Those of you who know me will understand its not the end of our carrots journey and it will be with us on our next 10-10 walk on 29th September leaving from Browfort at 10.10am. I may pass my carrot on or maybe I will plant it... time will tell. I hope you have enjoyed my carrot journey and now to finish my next project. the prediction pack of 52 cards with my own pics and words of wisdom from the wisitmaster who started his journey 27 years ago thanks to Mr Banks... a long time but just as satisfying the time but does explain why my carrot is a bit tough and withered now *smile*

10-10 journey completed.. standing by

wisdom

lizzie & barry

A busy day finally swapped to my new dedicated server a few minors problem but Byron from Webfushion sorted as did Mark from stackideas makes life so much easier when you get good support.  Sometimes I spend too much time chasing people up for support its one of the areas we are strong on at cf10ten Ltd as we always give solutions not problems.. every request is 'no problem' we give service with a *smile*

I have been doing a lot weddings lately which I do in exchange for a donation to the children of watamu charity I support. It allows me to donate my time to the charity and raise some money. Do try to have some fun with my photos. Thanks to Lizzie & Barry and Karen & Paul great people.. great weddings......

paul & karenHappy to do photos for events in exchange for tickets or donation but I can't help everyone photography is my hobby I make my money from my websites and video work.... I do know a lot of good photographers so I can always point you in the right direction.

Asked to give some photos for the Mayors 2013 Devizes calandar always try to help as I know many will help me when the farm project is up and running.. which is getting closer *smile*

As to photos happy for people to share, us my photos for personal, community or charity use and a mention now and again is nice.

Photos are important as they do capture social history as does video just need more hours in the day.. tonight scanning in old negatives for Mr Banks a man with a passion for social history just like me *smile*

carrot timeIts been some journey for my carrot and time has slipped by so quick since sowing the seed but like all good things its time to look towards the end of the journey. My carrot has now been pulled and is now led out with some of his friends who also been on this growing journey. It does raise the question why is my carrot not as big as others? I am sure we all shared the same conditions.. maybe it will leave a sweet taste in the mouth but it goes to show that even though you try to treat your seeds the same some will be longer, fatter and different shades of colour. Each with a story to tell and of course pleased to have made it and as a mature carrot can now hold its head up high and look to its root and the legacy its has left.

A nine can be confusing so much going on... some worry.. over doing it... things to sort but its something you do not have to say 3 times as the only emergency is what to do to celebrate at the next step which is 10 *smile*

But what now for my carrot?  Numerous options .. maybe go for a gold medal in the vegetable Olympic games.. chuck the carrot is one of the favourite events..... maybe the carrot will be allowed to go to seed but there is a lot of stiff competition or maybe end up a stew..... a salad.. there is of course the option to move into Wisit and take part in a whodunit mystery. Carrots do make good detectives due to the fact of their good eye sight.... so till the next and the  last time take care of your carrot enjoy it.. wash it... admire it.. play with it.... as 10 looms its soon to be crunch time and a vegetable quiz called know your onions...   oh we will need to celebrate so how about some carrot wine? how do you make carrot wine... no not by stepping on it but like this > http://www.wine-making-guides.com/carrot_wine.html

*smile*

Well I was just about to start the blog in an entirely different fashion when I received an unexpected knock on my door. Flowers! For me?! Apparently, yes, they are for me *Smile*  Ohh-err indeed and they really are rather lovely. Well what a wonderful surprise for a little potato like me... who are they from you may ask?... you may ask, but should I tell?... (Maybe later.. I do like to keep you all in suspenders from time to time)

...

So I’ve had a week of hot potato fun involving *leather, lubricant, and racy behaviour*... oh and a man in uniform (sort of). Sound interesting?...Yes it was thank you ;-)... and no, I haven’t been taking hints from ‘that book’ (chuckles).

My lovely new racing carrot (the motorbike) has proved to be an endless source of fun and entertainment.... I must make a general observational comment at this point; I do find it rather amusing how a lady in leather appears to ‘stir the sauce’ for some members of the human race... but that’s another story, so back to my week...

The main event involved a lovely ride (now don’t even get me started on that pun or I’ll have to start x rating my blogs!) on one of the rather surprisingly sunny evenings we have had. ... surprising as the weather does appear to be rather confused at the moment; tropical fruit one minute and autumnal apples the next (well... I had to get the fruit/veg ref in here somewhere).

So to the ride - a hot potato and some CHiPs set out to ride off into the sunset in search of sustenance    ... a nice veggie dish is what I had in mind but I suspect I would have ended up with meat and two veg (as I said earlier don’t get me started on the puns!) as we were heading to some good old fashioned pub grub...     joyous, wind in the hair riding, unhindered by the traffic, a little *racy* at times (chuckles), when oh no, one of the bikes broke down (a red hot Ducati chilli pepper, in case you are interested in the detail)! Darn those dills and bugger those bananas (general swearing and absolutely no puns intended)!

Being a prepared and ‘protected’ rider (the only one in the group with Radishes And Carrots membership) it was up to me to save the day.

So we spent the next three hours in a lay-by... ... ...

....

Can you tell it was a long wait?... ... ... ...

Eventually the cavalry arrived wearing a rather fetching orange *uniform (well I did tempt you by saying there was a uniform involved ;-). The cavalry ruled out a *lubricant issue (see I don’t make it up ;-) but alas the ailing machine had to be towed home. ...  for all of those that are now worried for the health of the chilli pepper, you’ll be pleased to hear that it wasn’t a major breakdown and parts are on order.

So, not quite the food feast I had in mind, and boy was I as hungry as a haricot by the time I got home, but still, the chilli pepper and CHiPs appear to have been thankful for the use of my 'protection'... hence the lovely flowers. *Smile*

Whilst talking about protection, and I do feel I haven’t mentioned the leather enough, I am overjoyed to have finally found a pair of biking trousers that fit – as after all, a good girl must use protection (chuckles).

I’ve spend endless hours trying on leather biking trousers these past few weeks with little success; it seems that the makers of girly biker gear don’t expect us to have a bum or waist! Grrr! But sing the sweet potatoes praises! I’ve finally found some... I’m much relived to be finally properly protected when engaging in my racy past time... ;-)

So on that note I’m off to stick my head out of the window in the hope of a break in the cloudy skies ready for my next racy adventure...

Have a great week folks and just remember -

“Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly”     ... or at least make sure your angel carries the right kind of (breakdown) protection LOL – I’ve never been called an angle before *Smile*

I cannot believe how big my carrot has got since pocking its shoot out of the ground it has grown and grown.... the problem is now do I pull it and stop it from growing or should I let it keep on growing.. the trouble is I guess at some point it will go to seed and I know what that is like *smile*  The other question is should I eat it? Can you eat your own carrot? .. have you tired? is it wrong?..... or should I give it to someone else?? and if so who???  so many questions.....8 is my number of connection and it will have to be given to someone who connects with my carrot.. what if I get it wrong and give it to the wrong person??  anyway enough of this worry just let me know if I should give it to you... I am just going to admire my carrot on this sadly damp Saturday but I assume a washed carrot is good.

All a bit crazy and lots if ideas at the moment .. okay every day!.. I have opened my carrot & banana group to all and now allowed in other veg, fruit and dare I say flowers..... its been blooming lovely and now able to send virtual flowers to all my friends.. so please join  http://www.facebook.com/groups/ghomats/

Added a couple of pics below to celebrate the openness...It was good this week to see potatoes, carrots & onions hitting it off and as for the Lady I found in Lacock, which may I add took hedges and hedges.. wow what a bush... not a privet moment but I think she was all yew *smile* You saw it on facebook... of a pic of some flowers just for you and a pic of me in 1965 with my sis on the farm.... not changed a bit have I? Bo I am not the dog nor is my sister.. I see slap coming my way *smile*

carrots potatoes now onionsbushed lady

What happen this week e-mail messages from Mr Banks..... won a driving experience at Castle Coombe.... Got my proofs prediction cards from China in 2 days can't believe it.. moved 50 websites to new server... taken wisit whodunits to a new level.. created 8 wisit profiles on facebook... the magic number.. but looking for people to take them on for me! Helped launched a new shop  in Devizes called push.. went to Lacock at War.. thanks Gary.. met with Karl to sort out new  10-10 bike club or should that be 8-8? .. and lots more but most of all  pleased I have spent time with you and hopefully see you at the Devizes street festival on Sunday (Green) Monday (Market Place)

Have a great bank holiday weekend and don't forget you are what you 8!

flowers for youme and my sister

I cannot believe how my oh so little carrot has grown since popping its head out. I guess once it was out in daylight its courage swelled and the sun did its work. I do not think anything  is now going to stop our 007 carrot reaching its full size.  It may seem strange but I now have developed a bond with our 007 carrot I guess M is the word....  Looking at its shape it could have a license to thrill though we will have to wait for its training.  You don't get anywhere without good training, mentoring........

Not sure how you train a carrot but I am sure there is a manual and if you google you are sure to find something. I did google and found the Great Carrot Train Robbery.. link at bottom of this page  *smile*

A lot of things rhyme with seven but at the moment no time to right about Devon but I bet many of you have been there?

 The first command to teach to a carrot is stay I have tried this on a carrot recently. I placed my carrot on a table and its not moved for a week!! It has withered a bit but I can understand that as I am sure many of us have been there... Hopefully my carrot will of course reach this standard.

Other news this week is I have opened the secret banana's & carrots facebook group up and extended to other vegetable, fruit and flowers its so exciting to see the group grow.. fruit salad, stew and bouquets are all in order. So please join us > http://www.facebook.com/groups/ghomats/ together we will make a good crop which I think is a separate blog entry....

Going back to google I  typed in by accident ' secret diary wiltshire' and wow was impressed with what I found I never know this was going on in Wiltshire and it seems that the life of a certain potato is not only below ground its seems a lot is going on top ... I think I may convert this to an e-book.. I am sure a movie is on its way... talking of things on its way Wisit Whodunits will be going strong and by September wil life for all to see. It will be fun and you can of course can  play detective...  all we need is a secret agent... hmm...  I know 00 Carrot *smile*

Check out Wisit Whodunits here > http://www.facebook.com/wisitwhodunits

Have a great week and I hope others will see their life through vegetables, fruits and flowers....  how clever Mr C loads more key words google will love this *smile*

.... better go tend to my carrot as its needs some watering.. maybe time for a sweet pea *smile*

Gosh haven’t I been remiss at writing my blog recently; you’ll be thinking that I have gone to seed.... but I have an honest excuse; I’ve been away on a course in London!

So to my last couple of weeks, and yes they have been smashingly busy again.... I’ve been internet shopping and I am due to pick up the fruits of my e-browsing tomorrow – Ooo how exciting (for me at least). I’m going to be the proud owner of a motorbike (my first bike in a few years). Now I can play CHiPs and ride like a hot potato at my leisure.  But enough about my lovely, wonderful, lovely, shiny, did I say lovely (?), new toy. It’s the colour of roasted carrots by the way... well a lovely metallic burnt orange actually, so a very stylish carrot in truth :-D and it’s lovely... oops sorry I am going on too much about my lovely new toy?! I’m sure I am...

...and back to my past few weeks....

I’ve been in... well near... the big smoke. They were cramming my vegetable brain with facts and figures, information and knowledge; so much so that I now feel like a pickled cabbage!

One of the best bits about my week away, other than the plane spotting opportunities... every 30 seconds... was the food! Oh my, what a choice, I’ve come back looking like an overstuffed jacket potato!  So I have a stuffed brain and a stuffed belly - all I need now is to sprinkle myself with a little seasoning and I’d be truly ready to be cooked (well I do like a little spice from time to time you know).

A lovely cooked breakfast every morning... with hash browns of course... followed by an assortment of fruit. The most amazing lunch time choice, stuffed aubergines, vegetable moussaka, ratatouille... there’s a theme here just in case you haven’t noticed... but I did also indulge in a lovely roast dinner as one cannot live on potatoes and veg alone you know! (Well apparently you can but this potato prefers a variety).

The food highlight involved a 20 mile trek across central London to a little cafe restaurant that serves South Indian food... which is all vegetation by the way. A taste sensation indeed! Spicy but not too hot, tasty and not at all bland, in fact it was soo good I would be surprised if anyone, who hadn’t been pre warned, would realise that it was totally vegetarian!  South Indian food is totally different to your normal UK Indian fare and there is not a single vindaloo in sight!

So where does the indecent proposal enter into my week you may ask??? Well!... South Indian food customs included eating with your fingers  - when in East Ham as the saying goes... so I indulged in some rather messy finger work. All’s well and good... until.... dramatic bollywood moment... my dining companion very calmly asked if he could help me clean my hands... by... wait for it... licking my fingers for me!!!!!

Well ruddy rhubarb, I very nearly choked on my carrot Dosai and spat out my Poha Vegetable Upma!!!

As I naively... and a little worriedly... scanned the room to check if this really was a genuine and customary practice I couldn’t help but notice the smirk on my dining companions face!... ... ... Hitting your escort around the head with a limp Dosa (type of pancake) isn’t customary but it sure did wipe the smirk of their face. So with the gentle tittering of the other surrounding diners suddenly resonating around the room the realisation dawns that this was an ‘in joke’ and a ‘customary’ wind up for those new to this dining culture. Ooooh those cunning Cumins! (Chuckles) and a good laugh was had by all.

And on that note I’m feeling rather peckish so I will wish you all a lovely week

...and just remember “Half the world is composed of idiots, the other half of people clever enough to take indecent advantage of them”  ...well, unless they are armed with pancakes ;-) *Smile*

...but on second thought as “Nature knows no indecencies; man invents them” perhaps I should just say yes to the next offer of a finger licking *Wicked Smile*

... and I have to report I really have been, warm, wet, dishing up sauce, and in pain this week – hmmm it’s already starting to sound like a chapter from that book!

OK, so with that in mind let’s just get the book review over and done with – I’m nearly half way through and I still can’t seem to get past the mills & spoon ‘feel’ of it; the tension, the expectation that emotions might be mashed, is it right, is it wrong... mills & spoon with a dash of Worcester sauce if you ask me! Take out the adult language and replace it with a dollop of good old fashioned ketchup and we are back to it being a plain ‘samey’ romance story. I have to ask where is the intrigue, character building, and plot twists, which makes a great novel. Perhaps this style of writing is just not my cup of tea, although there are a few hobnobs... (Refer to blog ‘X&Y edition’ if you want to understand that reference).

Still, half a book to go, so we shall see...

This darn book is the current , and only (it seems at times), chit chat subject at my workplace, but, if what you are actually after is a sizzling hot potato style story, then I’m reliably informed that the Black Lace series are the books to read (well....according to my work sauces ;-).

So to the warm and wet part of my week –

....

I am of course referring to our grand British summer!

I was helping out at a charity fund raiser this past weekend. When we arrived it was glorious sunshine *Smile*; when the family fun day officially opened.... torrential rain! Boy, soggy potatoes indeed! It was fun though and we did manage to cook up a storm with our BBQ hotdog and burger stand.... with a selection of sauces available of course.  Hopefully a few pennies were raised with the very brave souls that came to see what was happening on the day.  The clown and punch & Judy show continued despite the lightning, the band played on... well until the *bouncy castle started floating down the field (*some artist licence has been used here).

An early finish and a very interesting drive home – I learnt the new skill of fording when driving on the main roads out of Chippenham! Always look on the bright side – my instinct to slip the clutch and rev like I’d swallowed a shot of Tabasco sauce faired me well... better than some poor souls at least. Oh and let’s not forget the steamy bit (to complete the warm and wet subject)... blowers at full blast as I dripped and steamed nicely under the warmth of my car heater.

Ah and let’s not forget the pain! There are professional sadists out there for those that want to try out some of the suggestions from the ‘book’!... Not really, but with a crick in my neck I dutifully made appointments with a local chiropractor.... Ooooo, Ouch, and Crunch! Crumbling potato wedges, is my neck supposed to turn that way? :-o With a recommendation to use frozen peas to ease my discomfort (“not carrots?”... I did ask) I can now turn my neck again. Thankfully the Chiro did have a sense of humour when I asked about his 50 shades dungeon services.

So with my bag of peas at the ready I’ll wish you all a lovely week

...and try to remember when reading a book review “What is sauce for the goose may be sauce for the gander but is not necessarily sauce for the chicken, the duck, the turkey or the guinea hen”  or a potato.

...now where can I get the Black Lace series? ;-) *Smile*

Six is the number of love and as we know love makes the world go around.. though my physics teacher did say it was something to do with gravity. So when your having six think of love but also gravity as both help.... *smile* Our carrot has now grown and his head is above ground he has found he is not alone and there is a whole family of carrots growing. A lovely sight and knowing he is not alone he will grow stronger with all of the love.

Interesting how people love carrots in different ways. Some say carrots are good for your eye sight but I do not see that.

carrotsSo why the love of the carrot? Its been a symbol of 10-10 for over 20 years and started with my cycling group which was called 10-10. Why 10-10? I hear you ask... so many questions but basically we met ever Sunday at 10am at the Wharf in Devizes but a few cyclists were late so we left at 10.10am... hence 10-10 was born. Of course my family of cyclists wanted more and someone asked my what do they get when cycling with me....  another question!!  I had to think about that as I thought the fact they were cycling with me was enough..... as it was free I was limited of what I could give... wrong they wanted something.. so I came up with the idea that if someone cycled with me 3 times they got a carrot and so it started we became a group of carrot nibblers and we would go out have a ride and stop for our nibble. It did develop as another cycling group formed and became the banana's but that's a different blog! Not going banana's yet *smile*

So the carrot was the incentive and is often dangled to encourage others... Its been a golden week for cycling with our Olympic cyclists I wonder if they train using the carrot?...  now I'm asking questions...so carrots have six appeal the number of love.

There are differen coloured carrots and there is a golden one called Lobbericher. This carrots grow to around 10 inches, display a bright golden yellow color with a greenish core, have an average taste with mild sweetness. Mouth watering?... another question agh....Cetainly will bring some of these into our family.. there are of course other colours but not going into the Purple Dragon... oh arr.

Its time to go feel the love of my carrot.. will be back with soon with 7.. Do I here you saying Oh Oh 7? have a great  day *smile*

carrot love

The whole week has been busy and very positive around the farm. Even the deer were running around trying to make us look busy too.

Early morning, the new moon peeped out from a few clouds and shone down on the ground below. Always a good time for events. It is possible to calculate the moon yourself - but I think that a google search will do it for me.  Sunshine, moonlight and harvest, all good for the seasonal calendar. Maybe there's a song there?

Went along to the local Devizes market today. Always good to see so many people out enjoying the town scene and the well laden stalls. A good variety on offer for everyone. Quite a lot  of fresh produce on the stalls this week - lots of salad goods and soft fruits. Lots of people were filling up baskets with the produce. We even have a new stall in the Brittox, Devizes. Jimmy Deane's fruit & veg stall has opened up. That too had queues as people are keen to buy fresh goods.

The sunshine has been out there this week, keeping the farmers going. Signs of frantic activity around the whole area with tractors in the fields. The combines are also busy - we need a good harvest. Plenty of sightings of crop circles - someone has managed to get into the fields to leave their mark. Maybe it was an alien?

The rains arrived this afternoon so all the field work was on hold again. Couldn't even fight my way along the path to clear things there.  At least the work carried on with the Highways. Usually at this  time of year, the land is a little scorched but this year, due to the rain, the verges, hedges and weeds are thriving making it hard work to keep it all under control.

So Nwreadphotography has finally kicked off with photoshoots. I have been lucky enough to photograph a lovely lady during her pregnancy (photo's can be found on my facebook page). Solo and family portraits of Katie and lillie will be published onto site soon.

things are looking up. 

heres to more photoshoots!

Nwreadphotography

http://www.facebook.com/Nwreadphotography

It’s been a strange sort of week... or is it just me that is strange?

Don’t answer that one or I might spud you up! (Chuckles - personally I like to think of myself as well rounded individual (which is an almost perfect shape for a potato) with just a touch of fruit salad ;-).

What I have I been up to... riding with CHiPs again, sampling French fries at various establishments (none worth recommending), planning a charity event with a great bunch of grapes, a stroll along the riverside,.... OH and an encounter with a pointy carrot! An unexpected and muddy occurrence... phew blushing beetroots and cringing cabbage indeed!

But in true potato style I’ll leave you cooking on that and come back to that point later, te,he,he...

So my week... whilst I keep you in suspense (devilish grin)...

I read the first chapter of that curly fries book (currently available at smASDA 3 copies for £10), and was a little disappointed; girl meets millionaire, man makes girl blush – hmm a bit mills & Spoon so far. But still, it is only the first chapter...  can I skip to the roasting and vegetable tossing I wonder (?) No, I’ll give it a fair trial, chapter two tonight...

The lovely weather! I need not comment on that I’m sure; pure char grilled veg weather indeed, now where did I put my sun frying oil *Big sunny smiles*

A few meals out, a gossip with the girls... but alas not a hot potato gossip in sight!

Are you still in suspenders? Shall I get to the point (literally!)?

...and then a trip to the quiet, sleepy, quaint, town of Calne – quiet/quaint I don’t think so! Radical radishes and peculiar parsnips indeed!

The town was potato sack packed to the rafters for a bike meet and fun fair so the local establishments were rather jammed like a tin of sardines - and then it was my turn to venture to the bar. So with a polite “excuse me” and “sorry” I wiggle my way towards the refreshments... people to the left of me, people to the right, in front, behind, it sure was an orange squash! So there I am minding my own peas & quenepa (it’s an exotic fruit, just in case you were wondering)  when I feel something pressed up against my leg ... with nowhere to move a quick glance tells me that I have a male member (...no not yet, wait for it, don’t jump to the punch line just yet) of the species pressed close enough to breath down my neck.  An alarmed look to my companion and a quick exchange of lip reading and she mouths the words “mobile phone” at me...  Phew, relief and thank the crunchy veg! So with the occasional sensation of pressing, I venture on...

What’s this?!?!?! A new sensation of vibrating but further to the right, now I really am one confused cauliflower! A phone is extracted and answered so why oh why do I still feel this strange pro-tuber-ance sticking into my leg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  A quick glance over my shoulder and a slimy smile given in return and I challenge anyone to have parted the red sea faster than I!!!!

Needless to say I exited the establishment faster than a speeding runner bean! !!!

So shocking shallots aside - I have now been the subject of turnip teasing, marrow mirth and merriment, from my girl ’friends’! Thank you kindly you bunch of terrible tomatoes; I’ll stop blushing like a beetroot as some point this millennium I sure! Chuckles.

Now to save myself any mental torture, and further severe ribbing from my female companions, I have convinced myself that most men carry a carrot in their pocket... indeed I actually know somebody (not the offender I might add) that does – no kidding, you know who you are! ;-).

So on that note... and safe in the knowledge that men do carry comic carrots in their pockets...

have a great day, evening, week folks - and always remember what your mother told you:

It’s rude to point!... well in that manner at least *Smile*

carrotsThe number 5 can be negative when doing a reading which is strange as 5 is a positive especially when you look at the five Olympic rings and talking of Olympics what an opening I am sure I saw dancing carrots.

Back to my five just checked my hand and foot 5 digits on each so maybe five is not all bad it is in face half of 10... oh forgot a boy band hm.......

Back to my carrots, 5 and connecting it to readings it is seen as a lone number usually comes up when someone is hiding away which is okay as you do feel safe and protected but in reality shutting yourself off is not good as you need the interactions the good and bad to move forward. I guess for a carrot its a problem as you know when you pop your head out of the soil the carrot fly (or is that five) will attack.

Of course the five solution is not to put your head out of the soil but it does mean your kept in the dark and any growth will not happen.. stunted carrots are not good and very pale. By being brave and popping out you may be open to attack but of course you are open to help, just need to ask or for our carrot to wiggle its shoots... maybe us humans need to do the same, wiggle, wiggle... of course what comes next after 5...  wow your quick yes six the number of love....

A hectic week but a step forward and looking to start doing some chats shows with the YA, YA YA girls... interesting times *smile*

Oh if you missed a bit of carrot scandal as a bunch were spotted networking with beetroot! *smile*

So the FB group I belong to has gone all covert ops are now operating underground!...see, I knew they harboured hidden desires to be potatoes after all! It’s the best place for a potato, a dark, (...ok not so dark, but still, it would ruin my link to potato growing if I described it as light, warm and welcoming!) secret world of intrigue, excitement, and mystery ...  I guess this means that the clandestine knowledge of how to maintain a good strong and straight carrot will remain privileged information indeed. If we tell you, we’ll have to kill you.... this message will self destruct in 5... 4... 3... On seconds thoughts, what a mashing mess that would make!!! Perhaps not then, as we all know what a surprisingly sticky gloop mashed potatoes can make!

So what on earth (dark and damp for a good potato) am I blathering on about you may ask... The group admin has discovered that our FB group can be set to secret, oh-err, and I just can’t help but to start humming the mission impossible theme. ... (but perhaps that’s just me (chuckles))

So pointless notations about FB group settings aside...back to my mission of finding fellow new potatoes...  (I’m humming that tune again!)

I really have been busy in my search, so much so that my poor sautéed mind can’t keep up with my own comings and goings to-ings and fro-ings; a hotpot of vegetables and potato variety indeed.

From the sandcastle building to visiting Bristol to discover my ancestors import roots, from an Idiot band to a thrilling ride with some CHiPs!

So what did I discover in Bristol? The most amazing Bombay potatoes! I titter ye not, a lovely Indian restaurant that tickled my taste buds and pleased my senses. I ‘like’ Indian food but this was just yummy! (The Raj Bari in Hotwells for any that are in the area). It was also great just spending time catching up with an old spud friend who I haven’t seen in too many years.

Another bunch of fruits and funny veg that were, brilliant, funny, and totally entertaining - “The Idiot basta*d band”! Despite the group’s name there was only a touch of spice, but oh how I laughed until I nearly split my potato jacking seams... Hmm this seems to be turning into a recommendations blog rather than a secret mission report, but hey, I won’t tell if you don’t!

Other than the seagulls trying to steal my fries on the beach... yes they did!... I met a great bunch of CHiPs (for those that remember Ponch & Jon you’ll understand this reference) who offered me a ride on the back of a motorcycle. It’s been three years since I last got on a bike, where unfortunately I was mashed by an inattentive car driver, so it was definitely time to get back in the saddle and regain my confidence. (I did consider at this point trying to make a potato sack into a metaphor for a saddle, but that would come across as an entirely different story... time to get back in the sack... nope, not one for this week ;-)...

So with the wind in my hair (hmm potatoes don’t have hair but I’m sure you’ll forgive me that descriptive oversight) and wrapped tightly in a leather (potato) jacket we sped off into the sunset in search of... fried chipped potatoes (I’m a glutton for punishment and decided to challenge those seagulls to another round). So here is another recommendation; WSM bike night (Thursday eve - runs until mid September), free music, a few trade stands and lots of lovely shiny machines to drool over... oh and don’t forget the opportunity for some fish & chips by the sea, just lovely.

Some may think I’m half baked returning to the biking scene after being sliced and diced by a car driver, but actually there is just no feeling like it! Whooshing down the road like a hot potato... ahhh such fun.

...but alas my secret mission report must end as I’m off to plan my next smashingly busy week.... and I think my “this message will self destruct in...” has more than passed its detonation setting... oh dear you are left reading a charred lump of overcooked potato indeed.

So have fun folks and just remember:

“There is more to life than simply increasing its speed”-  if you are on a mission, don’t forget to enjoy the ride! *Smile*

yesterday wa sa good day for me, it was bright sunny and warm and in weather like that it would be rude not to remove the t-shirt to the disgust of my neighbours, i don't think the french like it much. in fact they are still dressed in their winter coats, i can never really understand how they seem to live so long they cant get any vit.d. but they will out live me. today is also sunny so i have been taking advantage of the sun by doing the washing and getting th house up together as i have people staying for about a month now. just need to do some dusting and vacuum throughout. wsa watching the news this morning and saw that exercise is back in the forefront of our lives. 2.5 hours brisk exercise a week, and housework is deemed to be good for you!!!!

so on that reckoning i should be as skinny as a bean pole, i never seem to stop and walking well i walk for miles i never park near the shop doors always walk across the car park. anyway i am not so will have to keep trying to loose some weight. they say sex is also good for you, but in france i don't think that will happen, maybe the women of my dreams will arrive soon, if the tarot cards are right!!!!   

enough on that subject anyway hopefully the weekend will bring a lot more sun and chris and the walkers can get out and explore the lovely scenery around devizes. i have to say i worked in the area for many years and never saw that much of it. so if chris is doing a walk you should go, i guarantee you will see so much and chris and helie have a wealth of knowledge about the location so take to a walk its not a hard slog.

well time for me to do some more better try and do something in the garden this afternoon, have fun whatever you do and my favorite saying is " do something for yourself today" what that really means is bugger everyone else do something you really what to do. just for you. enjoy.