Advent 2013

As we're slowly getting toward Christmas and slowly being the operative word  having been without the internet for over 48 hours (rant) my mind drifts back to how we always used to count it down.

That's right the Advent Calendar, and that's mine for this year, ready to be put up on living room wall and being with milk chocolate, also consumed!

Guessed you'd of thought it just had to feature that cat!!!

I'm so into kawaii!

Maintaining The Connection

You have things for such a while they become very much a part of your life to the point you could not bear to be without them.

For instance, I had the same mobile phone a Nokia 3410 for over ten years, two employers and a good many vacations after getting tired of relying on callboxes to phone friends from and the lines that would form from each in a Summer's evening when away.

Well, the battery started to lose its ability to store the power that would not of been bad other than Nokia seemingly no longer make the battery having discontinued the phone itself  and the third party makers in China replacement models are of so-so quality at best.

I'm currently with Vodafone whose network has a very good reliable coverage, something in this area can't be relied upon by others such as Orange, and didn't feel like having to change my mobile phone number but needed a replacement, not least for when I'm out on daytrips and the like quickly.

Because of my hands I do need something fairly robust and with my co-ordination I'm prone to falling over so models with thin glass screens aren't so good. 

As I don't need the Internet, I bought this, the Samsung E1200 which could be had for little more than the cost of a replacement battery which is simple to use with a very tactile keypad and very long battery life not just when making calls but also when in standby.

It was sold as unlocked to any one network and comes without your providers SIM card so you have to physically remove it  from your old phone to the new one, where after a moment it works like a treat.

The phone holds it charge well which will be useful for things like being away on hols or littles gatherings as not having to pack a charger does save space.

Needless to say it has had a Hello Kitty sticker applied to the back and a protective HK phone sock is coming to keep it in!

Being out and Winter hillwalking tips

 

For me Scouting and the Outdoor Life is a big part of the whole littles experience because it was that as hard and physically demanding as it was that I both enjoyed and taught me real resilience.

Some of kindest things people did for me back the was to make things harder for me by having to follow what every other child did and learn to pick myself up and carry on rather than protecting me from consequences.

I played games, camped, went hiking in forests and learned to love nature. 

Much of this is coming back into my LSG life now.

*Some winter hillwalking tips learned from experience

1. Have a permit and permission - check your route for this in advance

2. Know people’s experience, ability and limits to make it achievable

We're all different when it comes to experience, stamina and abilities and those of us with disabilities need to have then taken into account.

3. Follow any provided kit lists

Guidance on what you need is often available and in brownies and girl guides you'll be given it

4. Check the weather before you go

5. Wear bright colours to be visible

Dark colours merge at a distance into the landscape so if your jacket isn't bright do wear reflective material on you such as rucksacks so you can be spotted.

6. Clothing to keep you warm and the importance of layers

There are three layers, base, intermediate such as a fleece and outer such as rainproof jacket and keep extras on you.

7. Know your gear and its limitations so you use the most appropriate for the conditions.

Not all outdoor gear is made for every task

8. Start earlier in the morning to get home when it’s light

9. Take a paper map and compass, then practice reading it mobile phone signals can go apart from finding your battery is flat.

10. Tell someone where you’re going and how long you expect to be

11. Stay hydrated and take emergency rations

Because you expect to be out a few hours doesn't mean you shouldn't allow for any kind of emergency and all of this will fit in your rucksack.

12. Light up the way and keep a torch or in some situations a headlamp on you

13. Go with someone else or a group

Apart from the company extra bods are a back up for advance or even getting help in an emergency

14. Always know what to do in an emergency on any hillwalking activity

Basking in the glow of reality

It's been a funny month with the weather although I went out quite a bit exploring and taking a few pictures for posterity and since this blog has started I have made a few entries over the year about how being a feminine gurl on the inside shows in how I dress and my interests. 

Here in the Autumn with the soft warm glow I'm out in a garden dressed in a junior school jumper under which there is a polo shirt, gym knickers, white girls over the knee socks and pleated grey junior school skirt and finally slip on shoes.

I'm still working through the legacy issues as they affect scouting and me not least for Cubbery being the route I could of taken back then but longing for something a bit less masculine in it's form not least uniform as I just feel some much better in skirts.

I feel every inch a jane girl now.

Billy Joel, the piano man part IV

Like me we're going on back this week in time to 1981, when I was still in high school a little older but feeling still 12 to when I first heard this album.

I was just starting to come out a fog following the death from a sudden illness of a very close school friend who also really interested in music so among the many memorable release of that year, this one comes to mind.

Coming after the new wave inspired Glass Houses album, this was a live album of songs some of which were on his first two albums and a few others not previously recorded. 

Lesser artists might of called this "Greatest Hits Live" but Billy being Billy gave it a proper and meaningful title "Songs in the attic" because it comprised of songs he thought the original recordings didn't do justice to such as Captain Jack or had literally been in his attic untouched and unrecorded.

Unlike the majority of live albums too, this yielded two top 40 hits "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" and "She's Got A Way" aided by the fact Billy had a great great live band backing him and his piano playing being caught well by the recording equipment, something this disc re-issue (on vinyl and regular cd with super audio cd layer for suitable players) really does justice too.

The specialty record  company Mobile Fidelity have recent reissued it as part of their program of very high quality reissues licensed from Sony Music of his back catalogue.

As at the time I only had the European cassette to have an excellent cd version packaged like a lp couldn't be nicer and a pleasant reminder of those days gone by.

All I truly need

 

That surprisingly enough is just about the only kind of life beyond that of being schoolgurl albeit one with my quirks I really get anything from and prefer to relive these days as that adult but child self.

For me adventure, excitement, learning new skills and conquering fears mixed in with close friendship and above all fun is what love and feel I have more the need for and what I feel in the months and years ahead I'm better devoting time into making that happen.

If you could put me back there I'd be as happy as Larry or perhaps Lisa.

Out In The Woods

Fall at least in my area is almost coming to an end with the leaves having changed colour dropping on to the wood like a vast carpet of vivid colour so I thought I'd share with you this week this picture of Wild Berries taken in my local woodland.

As well, the acorns are falling which is great news for Squirrels, but not so good if you get several underneath of your feet  which happened to me on Tuesday when I was out walking!

For me that's the joy of being a Brownie in spirit, exploring, taking in the fresh air as you have fun learning and maybe earning a badge or two.