When I am Rich

And the love goes on …

2012-02-15T15:59:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine’s Day yesterday.

My Special Person and I exchanged cards but otherwise treated 14 February like any other day. Even when we are Rich, I don’t think we’ll be buying each other expensive gifts or indulging in lavish wining and dining just because it’s Valentine’s Day.

After all, what token or gesture could be more romantic than the fact that we’re still together after nearly 40 years?

(Mind you, I’m expecting something a bit special for our Ruby Wedding Anniversary!)

How romantic was it for you?

A Cold and Frosty Morning

2012-02-04T21:07:00.000Z

Some wintry weather here – at last! I’m not looking forward to the snow that the forecasters say will arrive in this part of the world tonight, but I do enjoy frosty nights followed by sunny days. As I rushed out early to get some wintry landscape photos before the frost started to melt, I found myself singing the old nursery rhyme:

Here we go round the mulberry bush,

The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush.

Here we go round the mulberry bush,

On a cold and frosty morning.

So that’s something I need to add to the garden I’m going to have When I am Rich – a mulberry bush. Or why not make it a tree? I’m told that the black mulberry is the best variety to grow for its fruit and it should reach about 50 feet when it’s mature. I’ll need to reserve plenty of space for it.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-23T10:17:00.000Z

I’m off for my Christmas break now.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,

and may your New Year be filled with all those wonderful riches money can’t buy.

Winter rainbow

2011-12-05T19:03:00.000Z

We’ve had a frost here – at last! So it’s time to get out the winter coats, boots, gloves, scarves and …

hmmm ...

this is last year’s woolly hat

It’s very warm and practical but not exactly the height of fashion.

Brainwave!

A new hat and a guarantee that I’ll be under a rainbow wherever I go!

Incommunicado

2011-10-26T14:27:00.000+01:00

My mobile phone has stopped working. I think it died of old age. Should I send it for recycling, donate it to a museum or keep it until it becomes a highly desirable collector’s item?

And what about a replacement? I suppose I should consider getting one of those all-singing, all-dancing smart phones that practically live your life for you. But as I only want a mobile to use in case of emergencies when I’m away from home (not for checking emails, listening to music, playing games or taking photos) it seems a waste of all that technology.

When I am Rich I could buy what is advertised as the world’s most expensive phone. It’s certainly pretty – encased in rose gold and diamonds – but I wonder if the five million pound price tag includes a guarantee that it can always pick up a good signal?

I’ve got a better idea …

I’ll just make do with my landline but I’ll employ someone to answer all those annoying junk calls about changing my energy supplier, ‘free’ home improvements and claiming compensation for an accident I never had!

Sitting comfortably

2011-10-06T14:44:00.000+01:00

When I am Rich I’ll want to put some seats in my garden, and a table for alfresco dining would be useful, but I don’t think I’ll be buying any furniture from the posh garden centre I visited the other day. A table and six chairs for almost £5,000? Another set reduced to a mere £3,500? It wasn’t just the price tags that made me shake my head – I didn’t like the designs or the fact that they were mostly made of metal, glass and various types of plastic. Not quite the thing to fit in with my wildlife-friendly eco garden.

When the time is right I’ll search out some good, solid, handmade wooden furniture like this. It’ll look good, last for ages and I’ll have plenty of money left over for more plants!

In the meantime, I’m very comfortable in this. (It’s also the only piece of garden furniture I can squeeze into my tiny garden!)

I was making the most of the unusually warm October weather here at the beginning of the week. Still sunny today but a cold wind blowing.

A-tishoo!

2011-06-25T13:50:00.009+01:00

When I am Rich I will still live in the countryside, but not in the part of our green and pleasant land where I am now. I love having trees, grass and wild plants of all kinds as my neighbours. I have no problem with fields of wheat, barley, potatoes, beans, cabbages, turnips or other vegetables. Orchards would be a delight! But I don’t want to be in a place where I can see this from my window:

A-tishoo!

Oh, what is that honeyed fragrance

that wafts on the summer breeze?

‘Tis surely the scent of ambrosia

that gods sup while taking their ease.

Is it the breath of sweet roses,

or lilies both costly and rare?

Does it drift from the north or the south,

this perfume that fills all the air?

I must find the source of this wonder,

so I follow my nose down the lane.

And there, like a giant’s spilled treasure,

is a shimmering, bright yellow plain.

I gaze at the dazzle of flowers

till my eyes and my nose start to stream.

Oh, no! Dreaded oilseed rape!
Where’s my anti-histamine?

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-29T18:19:00.000+01:00

… and I’m enjoying my miniature irises

and miniature daffodils.

Of course, when I am Rich and have my big garden there will be plenty of room for full-size flowers and even giant varieties. But I’ll still plant these little ones, they do have a certain charm all of their own.

Once in a pink moon

2011-03-25T16:42:00.002Z

Space travel is one of the things I’d love to do when I am Rich. If I had $200,000 to spare I’d book a space flight with Virgin Galactic today! I can’t get to the moon yet, but last Saturday it was almost as though the moon had come to visit me. It was closer to Earth than it had been for the past 18 years, and I had a wonderfully clear view of it.

What surprised me most wasn’t the moon’s apparent size but its amazing colour. As it rose, it caught the last rays of the setting sun, which turned it a beautiful orangey pink. My camera couldn’t capture the exact colour my eyes were seeing but it was a sight I’ll remember for a long time – and it was all for free!

The New Year starts here!

2011-02-05T19:58:00.000Z

The thing I like best about New Year is starting a new diary.

When I am Rich I suppose I could have expensive diaries: beautifully bound books with my name embossed on the covers, gilt-edged pages of the finest handmade paper …

But what’s the point? I don’t use a diary to record my daily thoughts and actions. It’s not something I want to pass on to my heirs or use as reference material if I ever write my autobiography. All I need is a plain and simple diary to help me plan what I’m going to do for the next 12 months.

I start by entering all the important dates – birthdays, anniversaries etc. – and any appointments and writing deadlines that need to be carried over from the old diary.

Next, I check the list of goals I set myself for the past year. I cross off those I achieved (hooray!) and decide whether to abandon or persevere with those I didn’t manage.

Finally, I write a new goal list in the notes section of my new diary, work out what I need to do to achieve each one, and fill in some reminders and deadlines to keep me on track. This gives me a framework to which I can add new tasks as they arise throughout the year.

It’s a good plan – except that it didn’t work out this year.

I bought my 2011 diary at the beginning of December and wrote prepare new diary on the December 30th page in my 2010 diary. This was the day after I was due to return from my Christmas break and would ensure the new diary was ready and waiting to get me off to a good start on January 1^st.

What I hadn’t anticipated was coming home to find water dripping through the bedroom ceiling! Or some urgent paid work that had to be given priority. Or the muddled weeks, filled with interruptions and minor but time-consuming problems, that followed.

I didn’t get around to starting my new diary until January 30^th.

But, at last, I have it: my blueprint to guide me through 2011. Except that it’s February already and the work I was optimistically hoping to get done in 12 months now has to be crammed into 11 months!

Do you keep a diary? What sort? Does it help or hinder you?

Christmas visits

2010-12-22T14:46:00.001Z

When I am Rich I will have a house with lots of guest rooms – no, make that guest suites – and I’ll invite all my friends and family to spend Christmas with me.

But until then …

… it’s me who’ll be doing the visiting (if we don’t have any more snow!)

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

See you in the New Year!

Diamonds under the soles of my shoes

2010-12-05T16:45:00.000Z

When I am Rich I suppose I could have the drive to my house paved with gold, but might that be a little too ostentatious? I think I’ll settle for a subtle sprinkling of diamonds. Much more tasteful.

Plenty of pretty sparkles around today but I’m being careful about walking on them!

Fleeting glories

2010-10-31T19:16:00.000Z

It’s been a good year for the morning glories. I only had room to squeeze in four morning glory plants (Heavenly Blue) between the sweet peas that I also wanted to grow up the short length of trellis, but each one produced plenty of flowers. There are still more small buds on them but we had our first frost here a few nights ago so I don’t know if they’ll survive long enough to open.

I did think about adding 100’s or even 1000’s of these lovely flowers to the garden I’m planning to have When I am Rich, but there’s a problem … As each flower lasts for less than a day I might miss some of them. With only four plants, I was able to see and enjoy every bloom from my kitchen window.

Back to New!

2010-09-02T12:59:00.002+01:00

Do you know the story about the old woman who boasted that, apart from two new handles and four new heads, she’d had the same broom for 50 years? I’m feeling like that with my computer …

After two weeks of ‘repair’ it was returned to me with more faults than it had before. So, it was sent away for another ten days and this time came back with a new hard drive, a new motherboard, more memory installed and some different software.

It’s working beautifully (I’m touching wood) but it’s like starting with a new computer again. I’ve had to adjust settings and rearrange everything so it looks something like my old, familiar computer.

Oh, well, it keeps the brain working – but I wish I could have some more memory added too!

Logging on

2010-08-10T13:40:00.003+01:00

When I am Rich I will have a spare computer – no, make that half a dozen spare computers – so that when my main machine has to go for repair I won’t feel quite so bereft.

I thought I was only going to be computerless for a couple of days but it’s stretched to nearly 2 weeks now. The withdrawal symptoms aren’t getting any easier, but there are some compensations:

I’ve rediscovered the joys of writing with pen and paper
I’ve talked to people instead of emailing
I’ve spent more time in the garden
I’ve gathered my news from the radio instead of the Internet
I’ve done research in a real library - with books!

Even so, many, many thanks to the generous person who has let me borrow his laptop!

A Special Day

2010-06-29T19:27:00.010+01:00

It’s our anniversary, what shall we do to celebrate?

If we were Rich we could give each other expensive presents, dine in a posh restaurant, perhaps spend the day in some exclusive, tropical paradise …

Or, we could go and watch the boats,

say hello to the ducks,

find a coot on her nest,

and have a home-made picnic while enjoying the view.

You can find romance anywhere – with the right person.

Does a tomato have the answer?

2010-05-30T16:42:00.005+01:00

Since my last post I’ve decided that as I can’t buy more hours for each day I’ll just have to make better use of the ones I’ve got. I wasted quite a lot of time looking at various complicated time management systems, but then I came across The Pomodoro Technique.

It was developed by Francesco Cirillo. It’s simple, fun and, best of all, it works!

When I am Rich I will buy a genuine, bright red tomato timer. Until then I’ll make do with what I’ve got.

Anyone know the Italian for silver egg?

Where does it go?

2010-03-01T19:57:00.005Z

When I am Rich I will have a time machine.

I don’t mean a device that travels into the past or future. I just want something that will slow time down to a reasonable pace.

When I was in my teens someone told me that the older you get, the faster time passes. I didn’t believe such nonsense. But now, I know it’s true. Each day seems shorter than the one before, weeks are suddenly over as soon as they’ve begun, and I can’t believe it’s March already! (Or that I haven’t posted anything on this blog for so long!)

I have been busy, but the other problem with getting older is that there is so much more I want to do. All those things I planned to do ‘one day’ when I had more time, for example!

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can work faster, or make the clock tick slower?

Pretty but Problematical

2009-12-23T18:16:00.004Z

When I am Rich I will buy a snow machine so I’ll be able to add that magical Christmas sparkle to my garden if the real stuff fails to arrive on time.

But I’ll also buy a snowplough (a big, yellow one) so I’ll have no problem in getting out and about during our wonderful British winters!

Fortunately I’m only planning a short journey tomorrow to spend Christmas with family – but keeping fingers crossed for no more snow so I’ll be able to get back next week.

Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!

Best Wishes to Everyone for whatever celebrations you will be enjoying at this special time of year!

The Bright Side

2009-12-09T19:07:00.005Z

It was only a cold, but it stopped me going out rainbow-hunting.

But it wasn’t all bad news. A rainbow came in to visit me!

(OK, it wasn’t a real rainbow, it was sunlight reflected off the edge of a mirror, but it still cheered me up!)

For the next 100 days ...

2009-12-01T16:46:00.005Z

Busy, busy, rush, rush ...
Life has been so hectic lately I haven’t even had time to blog!
So why have I signed up to do ONE thing, ONCE a day, for ONE hundred days?
I suppose I’m hoping it will make me a better person!

If you want to join me take a look here – but you’ll have to be quick, it starts today!

I have pledged to give something every day. Off to a good start, I woke up to the first hard frost of the year so I put out some extra food for the birds. I think they appreciated it.

Free Gold!

2009-11-01T14:13:00.005Z

Spent,
dry,
discarded
leaf spirals
unnoticed
until …

Look!
Here’s treasure
in a child’s
hand.

Isn't it great that you don't have to be Rich to enjoy all this gold!

It’s that time of year

2009-10-17T16:31:00.003+01:00

It’s just an ordinary trip to the ordinary supermarket to get my ordinary weekly shopping.

The first thing I see is a big display of boxes of chocolates. I wonder why they’re on Special Offer. I soon find the answer.

I need a birthday card, but there’s very little choice. Three-quarters of the card racks are filled with Christmas cards.

Toothpaste? Shampoo? All the toiletries have been moved around to make space for gift packs.

The household goods aisle has been taken over by toys. There are fancy tins of biscuits, Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes …

One good thing – the Hot Cross Buns have disappeared. They’ve been replaced with Mince Pies.

It can only mean one thing. It’s October!

When I am Rich I will fund a Let’s Have A Real Christmas campaign.

The first two rules will be:
No Christmas Shopping before 1st December.
No Christmas decorations to appear anywhere before 24th December.

I’m not a Scrooge, but would anyone else like to join me in a loud ‘Bah! Humbug!’ ?

A Clean Sweep

2009-09-29T16:33:00.007+01:00

‘Can we come over and see you this afternoon?’ they asked.
‘Of course!’ I answered.
Then I looked around. Aargh! The house was a mess. I rushed around, tidying, vacuuming, dusting …

Phew! I finished just as my visitors arrived.

When I am Rich I won’t have this problem. I’ll employ a cleaner.

But then I’ll have another problem. Old habits die hard so I’ll have to rush around, tidying, vacuuming, dusting … because I wouldn’t want the cleaner to see my messy house!

Strictly for the birds

2009-09-16T12:01:00.005+01:00

I was looking out at my real-life garden, and making plans for my dream garden, when I suddenly realised what was missing. I need one of these …

so all the birds I hope to attract will be able to drink and bathe in comfort.

In the meantime, this little chap doesn’t seem to mind too much having to make do with a plastic dish.

And others are always happy to share a puddle.

Not needed

2009-08-23T18:15:00.005+01:00

Most of this blog is about things I don’t have, but Wipso has set me the challenge of compiling a list of things I do have – but don’t need.

It made me feel quite smug because, a few years ago, my husband and I downsized – drastically. We sold our house, sold or gave away nearly all its contents (couldn’t believe we had so much stuff) and put only our most prized personal possessions into storage while we took a gap year to go travelling. When we returned we bought a much smaller house and vowed to keep it clutter-free.

So I didn’t think I had anything I don’t need – until I started looking. Here’s the list:

A cold (not as bad as flu, but more than a sniffle and I hope it goes soon)
Grey hairs (why does nature advertise our age so obviously?)
Clothes that don’t fit me (but they might – one day)
Piles of old magazines
Last week’s Sunday paper (haven’t read it yet)
Dust (where does it all come from?)
An empty chocolate box (the chocolates were delicious and the box too pretty to throw away, but I haven’t found another use for it yet)
Too many bright ideas (well, I think they’re bright!)
All my rejected stories (waiting to be re-written and sent out again)
Egg cups
My old film camera (I might use it again – or keep it until it’s a valuable antique)
An odd sock (it would be terrible to throw it out and then discover its long-lost partner!)

Artist at work!

2009-08-16T18:13:00.009+01:00

I went to an art exhibition recently. Some wonderful paintings, but a bit pricey for me.

It got me thinking though …

I could do with some new pictures on my walls. If I can’t buy any perhaps I could paint some myself.

It’s worth a try. You never know, this could be the start of a whole new career!

But does it taste any better?

2009-08-06T15:56:00.004+01:00

I’ve just been reading about what is thought to be the world’s most expensive chocolate bar. Cadbury has wrapped one of its Wispa Gold bars in edible gold.

I suppose – if I was rich – I could easily afford the asking price of £961.48 (about US$1637). But for the same amount of money I could buy 1,748 Wispas in ordinary wrappers.

Or a year’s supply of my favourite organic, fair trade chocolate, and I'd still have some change in my pocket.

All that chocolate – or a little bit of gold?

No contest.

Summertime

2009-08-02T13:57:00.007+01:00

Hooray for the British summer!
More rain = more rainbows = more pots of gold

... if only I could find them!

This is where the rainbow ended yesterday.

Party time!

2009-07-28T18:17:00.008+01:00

The buddleia (see last post) has invited all its friends round.

Bees, butterflies, moths ...

So many visitors coming and going.

They're keeping me busy trying to identify and photograph them all.

Yes, Friko, I did get your message - thank you. I am a bit worried about where the roots are going so when it's finished flowering I think it will have to be evicted. Perhaps I'll be able to sprinkle the seeds somewhere more suitable. (You've got a big garden haven't you?)

Welcome visitor

2009-07-25T16:20:00.005+01:00

As I have limited space and grow most of my plants in containers I usually choose the smaller varieties – and gaze longingly at 50-foot trees. But luckily nature isn’t so easily restricted.

At the beginning of summer I noticed a small, green shoot growing out of what I thought was solid concrete outside my back door. I assumed it was some sort of weed but because I didn’t recognise the leaves I left it to see what it would become.

It grew

and grew

and grew …

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful purple buddleia!

The seed must have blown here from a magnificent specimen two gardens away. It only has two stems, and is half the height of its parent, but the scent is wonderful!

Unwelcome visitors

2009-07-18T18:40:00.005+01:00

One of the joys of a garden is the wildlife it attracts. I’m constantly surprised at the number and variety of creatures that find their way to my tiny plot, and the majority of them are very welcome.

But …

When I am Rich I will offer a large reward to the scientist who can explain:

a) Why, when my house is surrounded by hundreds of acres of delicious crops and miles of roadside verges filled with wild plants of all kinds, do clouds of aphids decide to set up home on my ONE miniature rose bush?

b) How do I persuade them they’d be much better off elsewhere?

I don’t like killing anything, but that little rose is very precious to me. So, I’m giving them fair warning. If they’re not gone by the time I count to ten it will be war – and soapy water.

When I am Rich

2009-07-03T19:52:00.005+01:00

... I will have one of these!

Free Money

2009-06-25T20:18:00.010+01:00

When I am Rich I won’t have to think twice about giving to charities. I’ll cheerfully donate millions to what I think are the most deserving causes. But while my funds are limited, I’ve discovered I can give a little money in return for a few minutes of my time – without even leaving my desk!

Many charities make money from their websites simply by asking people to click on them. The more visitors, the more they make from advertising revenue.

Here are my favourites:

The Hunger Site

In less than a minute I can click on six different buttons here, helping not only organizations that are working to eradicate world hunger, but also those involved in other issues including health, literacy, conservation and animal welfare. (The site also has a store selling all kinds of ethical and Fair Trade goods, which helps to raise more money).

Free Rice

It takes longer to donate here, but it’s fun – and educational. Choose a subject and answer questions. Each correct answer earns grains of rice which are distributed through the UN World Food Program.

Helpthirst

I’m hoping the game on this site will improve my – what was it? – ah, yes, my memory. If not, I’ll still be helping someone else.

I’ve also started using EveryClick as my main search engine. Each search I do generates a little income for a UK charity. There are lots of other charity search engines, some covering different locations or types of charities. You can find more here.

Now I really must stop playing games and clicking buttons. I need to do some work, earn some money, and then I’ll be able to give even more to charity!

Cuddly friends

2009-06-10T16:54:00.005+01:00

I’ve had Little Ted for years – and he’s priceless. I wouldn’t part with him for anything.

So, as a reward for his long service as a faithful friend, confidant, sharer of my highs and lows, I’ve decided that when I am rich I will find him some companions of his own kind.

But there are so many gorgeous bears out there it’s hard to choose.

I must have this one called Bosley. And little Constanze is right at the top of my list.

Which one shall I give to Little Ted – and which do I keep for myself?

Brainwave!

2009-06-05T18:21:00.003+01:00

I know how I can get rich!
I'll patent my Upstairs Downstairs exercise plan (see previous post).
I can imagine it all now - the books, the videos, the TV show ...
And I mustn't forget the merchandise - t-shirts, headbands, comfy slippers ...
I'll be rich - and famous.
Phew! I'm quite worn out just thinking about it!

Fitness Regime

2009-06-03T13:22:00.009+01:00

When I am Rich keeping fit will be easy.

I will probably join one of those exclusive health clubs where I'll receive expert advice on how best to use their latest exercise machines, perhaps join a class or two, and relax after my workout with luxurious pampering sessions.

And for those days when I'm too busy (or can't be bothered) to go to the club I'll have a fully-equipped gym at home - and a personal trainer on call.

I've decided I need to start getting fitter now so I won't look completely out of place when I arrive at the club for my introductory tour.

Here's my exercise diary for today:

Got up early.
Breathing exercises (3 big yawns)
Warm-up stretching exercises (bending down to find slippers, reaching up to rub eyes, pulling on clothes)
Weight lifting (filling kettle for tea)
Mental workout (deciding to go for a brisk walk)
Walking upstairs - walking downstairs (forgot why I'd gone up)
Walking upstairs again (I remembered!)
Walking downstairs (no, gone again)
Walking up and down stairs several more times
Weight lifting (more tea)
Relaxation (stretched out on sofa)
Review and assessment (now I remember - I was going upstairs to fetch my shoes. Oh, well, not bad for the first day. I don't want to overdo it. Perhaps tomorrow ...)

Did you know that short-term memory loss is nature's way of ensuring middle-aged people get plenty of exercise?

Tea for two - or three, or more?

2009-05-25T20:44:00.011+01:00

When I am Rich I will invite all my friends to join me for afternoon tea at The Ritz.

It's only £37 per person for the cheapest option. And, as I'm doing the inviting, I'll also pay for the travel to and from London with an overnight stay for those who live too far away to do the trip in one day.

Can I trust you all to turn up in the required formal dress? To be on the safe side perhaps I should provide outfits as well.

OK - it's a date!

But until then, you'll have to make do with tea at my place.

The china doesn't match ...

... the cake is home-made

... but there's as much tea as you can drink!

Enjoy!

Adding to my collection

2009-05-19T16:33:00.006+01:00

I do like rainbows - with or without pots of gold.

Here's the one I found last week.

A Girl’s Best Friend?

2009-05-14T20:07:00.008+01:00

I have to thank Mika of Photos Tricks for drawing my attention to this little gem.

A record price of 10.5 million Swiss francs (that’s US$9.5m or £6.2m) has been paid for a rare blue diamond at an auction in Geneva.

You can find out more about it here

It’s pretty and sparkly so perhaps I will put ‘blue diamond’ on my shopping list When I am Rich. Or a yellow one, or pink … Why not a whole rainbow of diamonds?

But what will I do with it? It’s not the kind of thing you can wear every day. Or leave lying around.

Along with the diamond I will have to

- buy a safe

- install a top-of-the-range burglar alarm

- hire a security guard to accompany me whenever I wear it

- pay a huge amount of money to insure it

- employ a therapist to help me deal with the stress of owning something so valuable

On second thoughts … it’s only a stone, and a very small stone at that.

And just think how many lives £6.2 million could transform.

Fluffy white cloud day

2009-05-09T14:44:00.007+01:00

When I am rich I will spend a whole day (or week, or month …) just watching the clouds drift by.

But while I still need to earn some money I’ll have to make do with quick visits to The Cloud Appreciation Society

Have a look – and be amazed.

Walking Boots

2009-05-04T15:56:00.021+01:00

When I am Rich I will enjoy more walking holidays. As well as revisiting some of my favourite walking places (Wales, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Cornwall are the first that come to mind) I would like to tackle some of Britain's long distance footpaths.

And then there's the rest of the world ... Where should I start? The Alps? The Andes?

Think I'm going to need some new walking boots, so I've put these Dalesway boots made by GreenVee on my Wants List. Strong, comfortable, traditional style but non-leather and made by a company that has adopted green ethical standards.

photo © GreenVee

I'll be able to stride out with a clear conscience!

The only drawback is the price (although I'm sure they're worth it). Never mind, while I'm saving up my pennies I think there's a good few miles left in these.

Can you recommend a favourite walk? I'll add it to my list.

Neno's Award

2009-04-30T14:46:00.011+01:00

What’s better than one award?
One award that two people want me to have!

Christine from Now What very kindly sent me Neno’s Award but I didn’t have time to put it on my blog straight away. When I checked my messages a few days later there was the award again – this time from MzzLily at Becoming an Author – My Journey. (Hope you found my message and that your comments box is now behaving itself MzzLily!)

So, what can I say but Thank You! Twice.

NENO'S AWARD The award is:

1) a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
2) to seek the reasons why we all love blogging.

The aims of this award:

1)As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.

2)To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.
3)Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.

4)Don't forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
5)Answer the award's question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
6)Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
7)Don't forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

Why do I love blogging?
Because it’s an improvement on talking to myself.
Because getting these thoughts out of my head makes space for even more brilliant ideas.
Because it’s good writing practice.
Because I meet all sorts of interesting people I might not meet in real life.
Because it makes me feel connected.

I would like to pass on the award to the following blogs:

1) Friko at http://frikosmusings.blogspot.com/

I knew I was going to enjoy Friko’s blog as soon as I saw it. A colourful mix of gardening, poetry, present day life in Shropshire and reminiscences of life in Germany after WW II.

2) Viv’s secret at http://thesecretlifeofviv.blogspot.com/

I’ve only just discovered her, but Viv obviously has great taste. I like all the things she likes! Antiques, pretty stationery, inspiring photos … and I wish I’d written her Daily OM!

3) Jon at http://www.insanefreelancewriting.com/

Jon is a talented freelance writer and photographer. His blog includes glimpses of his work and home life, book reviews, writing tips and photos of his beloved Ireland that I think he should be selling to the Irish Tourist Board!

4) A Lighted Flame at http://alightedflame.blogspot.com/

A new blog that deserves more visitors. One moment of gratitude can improve your whole day.

They’re back!

2009-04-25T18:03:00.014+01:00

When I am rich I will be able to fly to Africa whenever I please – and I will be very pleased.

I have never set foot on that vast continent. I’ve seen photos, watched documentaries, read traveller’s tales … and I’m impatient to experience some of those things for myself.

Now, Africa has come to me. The swallows are back!

Was the first one I saw an English swallow returning home from a holiday in the sun? Or an African swallow coming here to start 4 months of hard work raising 2, or perhaps 3, new families?
I like to think birds have no boundaries. They belong to the whole World.

I haven’t been able to get any photos of this year’s swallows, but here are some of last year’s visitors.

Noblesse Oblige Award

2009-04-22T15:52:00.006+01:00

Oh, my goodness! An award! And I haven’t got an acceptance speech prepared …

SquirrelQueen at The Road To Here has very kindly given When I am Rich the Noblesse Oblige Award.

I only discovered SquirrelQueen about 6 weeks ago but I immediately became a fan. I enjoy her thought-provoking Thoughts For The Day, glimpses of her life, and her photos that have inspired me to put Alaska on my ‘must visit one day’ list.

Here is what the award is all about –

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

1) The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2) The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3) There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
4) The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5) The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:

1) Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.
2) The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.
3) Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older post to support.
4) The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5) Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

What has When I am Rich achieved so far? Well, when I began with the first post about my Dream Garden I felt like a very, very small fish in the vast ocean of blogging. I didn’t know if anyone would ever find my blog let alone bother to read, leave comments and even follow it. But the response I have received in such a short time has certainly been encouraging. My blog is simply a list of my personal daydreams and I don’t take them too seriously but, in the words of John Lennon, it’s good to know I’m not the only one!

I am passing the Noblesse Oblige Award to:

1) Jean’s musings
Jean is a busy person! Her blog is a mixture of posts about her freelance writing career, home life and travels. I admire her talent for summing up her life in haiku.
2) FoodThirsty
Nicole gives us recipes, food facts, cookery tips and her own entertaining thoughts on all things edible and drinkable. Something to suit everyone’s taste.
3) Here It Goes
Mrssmith hasn’t been blogging long but her sense of humour shines through.
4) Career Changing in the Credit Crunch
Afternoon Tea Break is recording her experiences of giving up a secure career to start a new and more fulfilling way of life. And she’s hoping to help others who have the same dream.

April showers

2009-04-15T18:55:00.005+01:00

When I am rich I would like to live somewhere that has the perfect climate – for me.

Warm enough so I won't need a coat.
Not so hot that long walks are uncomfortable.
No rain when I want to be outside.
Gentle showers to keep my garden watered.
Blue, blue skies.
Plenty of wind for kite-flying.
Not enough wind to mess up my hair.
Early morning mist to add a touch of magic.
No fog.
Snow deep enough for tobogganing and making snowmen, but only if combined with sunshine.
No snow or ice on roads.
Brief sparkles of frost to admire from indoors.
A few clouds to add interest to sunrises and sunsets.

Until then, I’ll adapt to the weather – as usual.

What kind of weather do you like best?

Hot Cross Buns

2009-04-10T19:12:00.016+01:00

Even when I am rich I will still only eat Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday.
I remember a time when I had no choice. They were only baked on this day.

Then supermarkets began selling them a few weeks before Easter, then immediately after Christmas, and now they're available all year round.

I love them, but I'm convinced that a large part of their deliciousness will be lost if you have them more than once a year.

Would you like one? Help yourself - before they're all gone!

Pure gold

2009-04-07T15:57:00.010+01:00

When I am Rich I will be able to fill my home with exotic flowers from faraway lands.

But look what I found today ...

for free!

Another HairCut?

2009-04-04T17:26:00.020+01:00

When I am rich I will go to the most expensive hairdressers in town.

‘Transform me!’ I will say to their award-winning stylist.

My hair will be cut, coloured, curled, straightened and subjected to all the latest techniques known to art and science. It will be arranged this way, and then that way …

But will I end up with a hairstyle I actually like? It hasn’t happened yet.

I dream of beautiful hair, but I dread visiting the hairdressers. I’ve had too many disastrous haircuts over the years.

I’ve just bought a copy of Another HairCut? edited by Marit Meredith. It’s a collection of poems and short stories all on the theme of – you’ve guessed it!

I sympathised with the schoolgirl named Bog Brush, smiled at the tale of the grandfather who achieved his boyhood ambition to be like Samson, and chuckled at the tangled relationships of a Barber Shop Quartet.

It cheered me up no end to discover I am not alone in my failed quest for the perfect hairdo. And, if you need another reason to get your own copy, Marit is donating all the proceeds from the book to The Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association.

Spending the kids' inheritance

2009-03-28T13:02:00.008Z

When I am Rich, my daughter wants me to buy her a big house in the country, a mews house in Mayfair or Portobello - and a pony.

Hmm ....

Parents - is it a good idea to give your little darlings everything they want?

Children - will you be equally generous to your parents when you are rich?

Starry Nights

2009-03-24T16:36:00.004Z

When I am rich I will buy a powerful telescope and spend clear nights exploring the universe. Until then, it's amazing what you can see if you just remember to look up.

Any other stargazers out there?

Supermarket Friday

2009-03-20T15:47:00.003Z

Friday is supermarket shopping day.

Every Friday I check my cupboards and fridge, plan menus, write a shopping list, drive to the supermarket, push the trolley up and down the aisles, look for bargains, compare prices, queue at the checkout, pack my bags, load them into the car, drive home, unload the car, unpack the bags, put things away in the cupboards and fridge ...

When I am rich I will be able to employ someone to take care of this chore.

But if I hadn't gone to the supermarket today I wouldn't have seen trees clouded with blossom and a bank of daffodils reflecting the sun. I wouldn't have heard an infectious giggle, or an old pop song that took me back to my disco days. I wouldn't have paused by the bakery counter just to enjoy the smell of fresh-baked bread. I wouldn't have smiled at the banter between one of the cashiers and his regular customers. I wouldn't have overheard an intriguing snippet of conversation that is now tucked away in my memory and might - one day - re-appear in a story.

So, although I complain, 'It's Friday again, I'll have to go shopping,' perhaps I will keep doing it - even when I am rich.

Rainbow morning

2009-03-16T16:39:00.009Z

I haven't found a crock of gold yet, but this morning I got out of bed and stepped into a rainbow.

I had a feeling this was going to be a good day!

Goals

2009-03-11T16:20:00.007Z

When I am rich will I have achieved all my goals? Or will more money fuel even bigger dreams? I only know that if you don't have a clear picture of your destination you'll never find your way there - or know when you've arrived.
Whether you have your whole life planned to the tiniest detail, or have no idea what you might want to do tomorrow, you'll find lots of inspiration and encouragement at 43things.com

Rich Lists

2009-03-07T18:41:00.008Z

When I am Rich

Perhaps my name will appear on the Sunday Times Rich List

But if I want to compare my wealth with others I’d rather check the Global Rich List

Do you know how rich you are? Find out now.

You might be surprised.

When I am Rich

2009-03-05T19:21:00.006Z

I will plant a garden.

It will have:

- lawns with drifts of Spring bulbs
- old-fashioned cottage garden flowers
- a vegetable plot
- herbs
- apple trees (and pears, plums, damsons, cherries …)
- a wildflower meadow
- a beech wood
- an oak wood
- three silver birches at the end of a winding path
- a wooden seat built round the trunk of a cedar
- dandelions and daisies
- a maze
- wisteria
- a secret place
- a greenhouse, a potting shed
- a stream
- a pond (a lake would be better – with a waterfall!)
- statues
- a surprise around every corner
- aquilegias (because I love the name as much as the flowers)
- did I mention strawberries, a swing, and stinging nettles for the butterflies?

In the meantime …

… I’ve made a start.

Do you have a dream garden? I’d love to hear about it.