text:
Hi Ally, so glad you and Colin had such a fantastic holiday. I was lovely to share all your lovely holiday snaps, you look so well. Enjoyed the Dimonique day very much, such a special range, I'm looking forward to seeing your special designs for your upcoming wedding. My eldest daughter is getting married at the end of the year so I will watch with interest, and maybe pick up on your ideas!
hope i'm lucky
My guess for your competition is gate being opened and latched.
"If music be the food of love play on" – words I believe Shakespeare wrote in his wonderful work Twelfth Night, and I have loved surrounding myself with your suggestions of suitable hymns and special songs for our wedding day. It's been a real trip down memory lane with a great many of them, but thank you also for introducing me to some beautiful new hymns and artists – I've loved listening to them all. Colin also passes on his thanks and we have decided on a short list, but are still struggling to make a final decision!! As I think I wrote in one of my comments, at this rate we'll be spending the day in the church singing before we even get to the reception! It was lovely to hear about all of your wedding days and the songs you'd chosen, and I hope we do you proud on the 26th June : )
The wedding arrangements generally seem to be gathering momentum and I had my first dress fitting on Friday! Ros came up from Dorset to be with me, and had very sweetly rung ahead of time to tell them about my changed shape, as extra scaffolding and padding will now be needed on the day. Rachel runs the business and is absolutely delightful, she has said that she can stitch one of my pocketed bras into place within the dress, so all will be well. She's also made allowances for my arm (so large I couldn't get it into the sleeve on Friday!) and will leave as much fabric as necessary so that Ros's husband Chris (who is a tailor) will stitch me into it on the morning of the wedding – Simples! : ) I think my biggest problem is going to be finding shoes, but my friend Jo is already on the case, and we reckon a day in London is on the cards! : )
I realise that I am writing this blog back to front, as I have my holiday pics and memories to share with you, but having returned to work within 24 hours of landing at Gatwick I don't seem to have drawn breath! That said, the weather we've been having ever since I returned is reminiscent if not better than the weather we had in Morocco! On arrival the sky was grey and Aaron, our lovely rep, told us that Agadir had just had four of their annual six days rainfall! To be fair it did clear and we had blue skies and sunshine for the next few days, but with an incredibly strong wind which was chilly as it blew in directly from the Atlantic.
I'd brought my running shoes with me so I could continue training for The Moonwalk and as I have a pacer thing on my phone, I know that the distance to Agadir Marina and back is 5k. I just love walking along the beach and when you see these photos you'll know why : ) Soft sand for as far as the eye can see, and wonderful clear water to paddle in.
We'd returned to the hotel we stayed in for our March break back in 2013, and met up with Adam and Jo whom we'd made friends with last year in Morocco. They are a delightful couple, and great company, sharing many interests with us and generally enjoying the chance to relax. They'd not stayed in this hotel before but loved it as much as we did, with its fabulous food and great entertainment. It was here that Colin and I found our inspiration for the 'I Hope' pendant.
This is one of the beautiful lanterns that gave us the idea for the teardrop shape, but we'd need a house three times as big and a hallway of monumental proportions to do this credit at home! Of course being British and terribly stoic, even when the temperature dropped to around 10 degrees that weekend and it was blowing a hooley, we continued to sit out by the pool. A large glass of sangria kept us grounded while umbrellas and mattresses flew around us and the beautiful gardens, but eventually even we gave up, and made our way back to hotel. I was very pleased I'd brought this lovely dress and bolero from Antthony Designs (pictured above) as it was still pretty chilly in the evening! However, calm did indeed follow the storm although not until around midday, and so Colin and I headed off to the Souk in the centre of Agadir.
Luckily we remembered our way there from previous years, as the word 'Souk' just means shop, and there are plenty of those around, so being pointed in the right direction can be difficult! The Souk el Ahad is a huge contained marketplace, where they sell everything from fruit and vegetables, clothes, souvenirs, even furniture and white goods! We loved the vibrancy and bustle and colour of the place, and although we didn't buy anything it was a fun morning.
The next few days were glorious though, and I do have to thank Abbi and Ultrasun for keeping Colin and I from burning in our somewhat desperate desire to get a tan! He used the Sports Factor 20 and I had the Glimmer 20, but was addicted to the Tinted Face 30 – As you can see I took them with me wherever I went, and this was a day on the beach which I thoroughly enjoyed. Our last few days could have been spoiled with the very heavy and cold sea fog that rolled in off the Atlantic and stubbornly stayed put until the morning we left, but we found that the Marina seemed to be outside the cloud and so we headed there and had a fabulous meal at a beachside restaurant.
You can see the bank of cloud behind me in this picture, which all those who stayed at the hotel had to contend with! Meanwhile we roasted in the sunshine and enjoyed what was meant to be a light lunch! The menu included some fascinating mezze with descriptions like 'wrinkled potatoes with mojo', but it was delicious, although our footprints were definitely deeper in the sand on the way back : )
All good things come to an end though, and we flew home on the Thursday afternoon, arriving at a somewhat chilly Gatwick airport that evening. I had to laugh at a couple of signs I spotted as the plane taxied towards the terminal though – "Caution! Give way to Aircraft" – as if you'd have a choice?! : )
I was back at work on Good Friday, and if you joined me then, or for any of my shows since, you may have heard me mention something very exciting that I am due to be working on prior to the wedding. I'm absolutely thrilled to have been asked by the Diamonique team to design my own wedding jewellery!! How exciting is that?! I will be speaking with them later this week, but have already been giving a lot of thought to the style and colour of stones I'd like… manna from heaven for me : ) Watch this space, as I promise to keep you in touch with the design process.
Of course it's been glorious here since our return, and I've spent several very enjoyable days in the garden, mowing, pruning, planting and feeding. In fact it was here that I got the idea for my April 'Seasonal Sound' competition! Guess what this sound is, and you could win last Sunday's Elemis TSV!
£138 worth of skin radiance products including full sizes and award winners! Jot your answer in the comments section down below, and we will draw a winner on Friday 24th April. Be lucky!
Well that's it from me – I'm heading off now to prep for my three hour Diamonique Day Finale with the lovely Charlie Brook : ) Perfect end to a sunny day. You take care, and I will look forward as always to hearing all about your week and reading your guesses below!
With my love
Ali xx
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356 Comments
April 15, 2015 at 3:01 pm -
Hi Ally, so glad you and Colin had such a fantastic holiday. I was lovely to share all your lovely holiday snaps, you look so well. Enjoyed the Dimonique day very much, such a special range, I'm looking forward to seeing your special designs for your upcoming wedding. My eldest daughter is getting married at the end of the year so I will watch with interest, and maybe pick up on your ideas!
April 22, 2015 at 10:57 am -
Garden gate being opened
April 22, 2015 at 11:00 pm -
Starting up lawnmower.
Someone typing on an old-fashioned typewriter
Removing the padlock from the garden shed.
Potting the plants
unwinding a garden hose
Opening a shed door
I think it's unlocking the shed
Unlocking your garden shed?
I think you're trying to start the lawn mower.
Is it the sound of a lawnmower being emptied?! I hope so!
Starting the mower
Trying to start the lawnmower
Starting the lawnmower x
Setting the garden table for the picnic/barbecue
April 17, 2015 at 7:57 am -
I think the noise being made is from a till being opened
Chain being unlocked
I think it's locking the shed and using a padlock on it
opening the shed door x
Taking a padlock off the garden shed
Opening a padlock on the garden shed
potting new plants/flower
Setting up the BBQ
Unwinding a garden hose?
Hi Ali – it's you opening and closing holiday bedroom door!
A key turning in a lock?
Opening the lock of your shed
shed door opening
The birds tweeting and singing
Taking the padlock off the garden shed
Oh, Morocco looks so lovely – I really want to be on holiday now! To me, the sound of the month sounds like starting up the lawn mower.
Hi alison just a quick email to say I'm pleased to say you are getting married on my birthday so will definitely be thinking of you .So glad you had a good time in agadir I think I said before I have been there .My family and I spent a lovely few days in cornwall at Easter a nice time was had by all will be doing a similar thing later in the year meanwhile need to think of somewhere for Les and I to go in June probably the Cotswolds and then maybe in August we might try Italy hopefully.Nice to see you back happy shoe shopping in london love Loraine xx
It is most certainly a lawn mower having it's first attempted start up of the season.
All the wonderful sounds of the birds and bees
Moving plant pots
Starting the lawn mower?
At first I thought you were unbolting your gate or shed, then I heard the seagulls which are plaguing us & decided you had the same problem and were loading your rifle to sort them out!!!
Opening a shed door?
sounds like starting up the lawnmower . Glad you had a good holiday . Best wishes for the wedding
I think it's pull starting a petrol lawn mower.
Loved it all , my answer is MOWING THE FIRST CUT. xx
Pulling Lawn mower starter cord
Setting up the barbecue?
Hedge trimming
Pulling the starter cord on a petrol mower
Puling the starter cord on a mower.
I hppe you heard the sound of early spring bees.
Pulling the starter cord on a mower
Lawnmower pull cord
Sounds to me like when I'm trying to wrestle the lawn mower out of the shed 🙂
pulling the starter cord on a lawn mower
Starting a lawn mower
Lawn mower start up
I think opening a door
pulling the starter cord on a mower
Your pictures look great, it was nice to see you in your bikini, I have had reconstruction they used my tummy did a flap and I have to have top ups done as my body absorbs the fat taken (free tummy tuck) seeing you maybe I can be brave and sit on a beach, thanks keep well xxxx francesca
starting a lawnmower ?
Starting a lawn mower
lawn mower start up
Hi Ali
you are such a blessing and so blessed too… What a lovely holiday which will charge upyour batteries for the months to come and how exciting to design your wedding jewellery!!!! Bet it s gorgeous..
I think your spring sound is the sound of opening the shed or summer house…
I ve just opened mine and given it a fresh coat of painr and a clean.. we sat outside in it last night til about 11 pm listening to the birds singing their repertoire and with my candles lit and a lovely pot of tea, it was perfect to reflect on God s wonderful creation and blessings… Priceless…X x
Lots and lots of love Ali avnd Colin bless you both
Christine xxxxx
lawn mower starting
Starting lawnmower
Unlocking the garden shed
Soind of cutlery! !!!
Sound of cutlery! !!
Starting up a petrol mower
i think it is the sound of a lawn mower being started up..bring on the summar days! Photos look fab!
Welcome home Ali..currently watching a very tanned you on QVC with Bethlehem lights on Wednesday You have just mentioned that your mum is brilliant at flower arranging; my mum is a trained florist and made we made all the button holes for my wedding the night before. My best friend came over with pink champagne and a huge box of choccies and the three of us made 80 button holes. Great memories, mum also made my headress out of roses and diamonties.
The holiday certainly has left you glowing and just shows you can tan well and be safe..i like the f20 sports..its good for the kids too. So the beaches in Agadir ( so tempting to write Agadoo!!) look beautiful..mind you the beach at westgate looked magnificent today and the North Sea even looked turquoise! It was 23 degrees in my back garden and i had a few hours off decorating to enjoy the sunshine and potter in the garden.
May i just also say how fabulous you look in your bikini.
So wedding plans are coming together and you sound super organised..defin-ately agree with a shopping trip for shoes..how much choice is there now. I remember when I got married it was difficult to get anything more than a strappy high heel or court shoe. I found mine in the shop where i bought my dress but would have loved shoes with a bit of sparkle. In our vilage in Westgate we have a bridal shop and the shoes…well i love them all but would have struggled for choice..happy shoe hunting!
So the Easter hols are almost over and i have veen pretty much falling into bed totally knackered at the end of the day. My kitchen is now painted..no more floor to ceiling bottle green tiles but after a thorough clean, two coats of primer and two coats of kitchen paint in 'Contempory' it looks fab. I have also created a feature stripe in a sage green to compliment the work surface with skillfull placing of frog tape and it really has given the kitchen new life and it looks so much bigger. I am tiling the area behind the hob tomorrow..never tiled but if i can make a wedding cake and a two tier frozen themed caked complete with snowflakes on wires that 'boing' i am sure i can slap a few tiles up! I also ordered new slats for my vertical blinds in a pattern in colours to compliment the new scheme…they arrived today and i cant wait to put them up..have lots of work to do with the sealant tube. Only had one mishap..i opened a bottle of diet coke having given the ceiling its second coat of paint and it exploded..the lid narrowly missing my eye and coke completely covering the ceiling and dripping all over the floor..not a happy bunny and re paint of ceiling done the next day!
So i am hoping to get all the cleaning, tiling etc done by Sunday so i cn move the kitchen stuff back..its currently all over the dining room table.
Well i am sleepy so will finish. Lots of love Mary xx
Lawn mower start up
The sound of a garden shed opening 🙂
I think that it is the sound of potting plants!
I think it's the first attempt to fire up a petrol lawnmower.
Sounds like a lawn mower starting up to me 🙂
Opening the latch on the garden shed or gate
Trying to start a petrol lawnmower 🙂
a door been lock
Sound competition
Starting a lawn mower
Stable door unlocked / locked
lawn mower starting up
Lawn mower start up
A lock on a shed being opened?
Maybe starting up a lawn mower? Fingers crossed =)!
Dear Ali,
So pleased you had an enjoyable time away and met up with the same friends from last year. You look stunning and younger each time I see you 🙂 Made me smile to think of you sitting around the pool, with umbrellas and mattresses flying around! Glad that both Beryl and your arm are one less thing to worry about when it comes to your wedding dress and that Chris will stich you into it on the day of the wedding ;)Congratulations on being asked to design your own wedding jewellery. How fabulous!
No changes here I'm afraid 🙁 This April is 20 years since my diagnosis and it is worse than anything I could have imagined. There is no way a serious physical illness can be 'managed' without proper medical treatment. The idea is ludicrous! Can you imagine the outrage if people with any other serious illness were told to 'manage' and did not even have the option of medical treatment?! This is a multi-system disease that affects every organ in the body. I can see that the illness is getting progressively worse and there is nothing I can do about it.
I'm still waiting for the council to cancel my care package and collect the loan equipment. This was meant to be done at least 6 weeks ago and despite asking them repeatedly to do it, it has still not been done! The anti-social behaviour where I live is still on going. The firm I instructed to deal with it has done nothing which means making a formal complaint. I also have to write to the Housing Ombudsman. There is a service charge where I live for maintenance/cleaning inside and outside the building and nothing is being done. I have a massive tree in front of my living room which has never been cut back properly and blocks out all natural daylight. The most the landlord has done is cut away a few branches coming through the open windows and ignored two complaints!
I don't think my brain can cope at present! These issues have been on going for years and I am getting nowhere. I am very limited in what I can do let alone with making complaints because people can not be bothered to do what they're meant to do. I have no choice though as these are things that can not be ignored.
I did write at the end of your last blog and not sure if you've seen it. May I ask who/where you get your hair done please as it always looks fab 🙂
Love to Debz, Una, Jilly, Jo, Janet, Sue and all in Ali's Army x
Take care Ali,
Lots of Love, Alpa xxx
Unlocking a door
Starting up a lawn mower
It's a blind being lowered.
Trying to start a lawnmower!
I think the sound is a lawnmower trying to be started.
Starting up the lawnmower for the first time in months
unlocking the shed after winter
I think that it is either trying to start a lawn mower or putting up a wind up parasol .
Opening a shed door
Hi Ali, love your blog. I think you are putting up a deckchair
Love the pics, thanks for sharing … my guess would be starting a lawnmower.
Trying to start the mower up for the first cut of the year!!
ahhh thats difficult! I think I will go for starting up a mower
Trying to start a lawnmower
opening a mortise lock
I believe it is somebody starting up a lawn mower , (Hope im right so love Elemis xx
Starting up the lawnmower
sounds like a key opening a lock
Pushing the lawnmower and starting it up 🙂
Hello Dear Ali,
Lovely to hear from you again and what a marvellously entertaining blog it is, so much to read and enjoy. The holiday sounds such good fun, the pictures say it all and the food looks so tempting, who could blame you if your footprints were a little deeper, after all that is what holidays are all about isn't it? I love to hear about your arrangements for your wedding, I really do feel that I am reading about a friend and already I am getting excited for you and Colin, and looking forward to seeing the "Wedding Jewellery". Super to see you back at work and looking so well, wish I could enter the competition but have to say I really don't have a clue!!!!!!!!
Keep well Ali,
Lots of love,
Starting up a petrol lawn mower
It is the sound of someone trying to start a lawnmower.
Pulling the start cord of a petrol lawnmower x Loved reading all about your holiday 🙂
unlocking the shed
Starting up the lawnmower.
Dear Ali, so glad you had a lovely relaxing holiday with Colin, you certainly look well with your tan. Agadir looks like a lovely place, beautiful beach,but I have a very delicate stomach and not sure the food would agree with me, what do you think?
We had Alfie over the weekend and took him to Clarkes to have his feet measured for some summer Doodles, I remember buying them for my son when he was little, and then we took him to look at the disney store and he loved looking around,and was quite happy to leave when we asked him. Oh Ali your turn is so close now and be prepared for what your grandchild will do to your heart, wonderful. I hope all is well
with Lucy. Happy to hear that any problems with your dress fitting has been sorted out but ones things for sure you will make a beautiful bride. It really is going to be yours and Colins year and well deserved to.
I am still looking for employment, but not having much luck as I only want part time and this seems to be more difficult to come by, fingers crossed something will turn up. In the meantime I have been very busy in my garden , spring cleaning and Cancer Research UK, so I am never bored.
We are hoping to have a weekend in The Lakes soon, my little piece of Heaven and I know Jilly likes to go there too.
Well I must go and put my washing on the line and do a bit more gardening,
Love to Jilly, Alpa and all Ali's Army,
Speak soon,Love Janet (aka Mamar) xx
opening a garden shed
I think its attempting to start up a lawn mower. Love Elemis so crossing my my fingers.
Starting the Lawn mower up
starting up the lawnmower
Unlocking the garden shed.
I tink it"s someone trying to get a lawn-mower to start.
Getting the wheelbarrow out of the shed.
Setting out the garden furniture and popping a cork (or two) in celebration.
Starting the mower for the first cut of the season?
Watering can?
Starting up the Strimmer.
pulling the starter cord on a mower
Hi Ali,
Glad you had a lovely time with friends you met last year in Agadir. We've met several nice couples over the years, but never kept in touch, so what a great idea it is to meet up again. The Souk you visited is the one we visited two years ago. I enjoyed that day so much, as I just couldn't believe the wide and various goods on offer, and I can still remember the gorgeous smell of the spice stalls.
Oh, how excited you must be to have nearly finalised all the preparations for your forthcoming wedding. We were married on 21st June 1975, and it was a hot glorious day, and as this summer is forecasted to be a hot one, I'm sure you'll have fantastic weather too!
Hope Lucy is keeping well – she must be nearing her date by now.
Best wishes to all of Ali's Army. Alpa – I really hope things will soon Improve for you, as you have suffered enough – please try and keep strong.
Ali, I think the sound is you opening the garden shed. Enjoy this great weather!
Love Sue Radford xx
A lawnmower being started?
pulling the starter cord on a mower
Lawn mower start up
It sounds like either attaching or detaching the grass cutting box off the lawnmower
Starting up of a petrol lawnmower
opening a padlocked shed door
opening a old shed door ? xxxxx
It sounds like bolting a door
Starting up the lawnmower
Hi Ali! is it opening your shed door? x
Hi Ali
You look amazing , love your tan , we love watching your shows
Wishing yourself & Husband to be all the best in your forthcoming Wedding .
I think the sound is your lawnmower starting up
Best Wishes Ali xxxx
Tricky one but it sounds like a latch on a gate being opened, hopefully!!!
Opening a pair of secateurs?
Keys turning in a upvc door lock
Starting up a lawn mower xx
Unlocking the shed.
Starting or plugging in a lawn mower?
April Sound.
The buzzing of the early busy bees in the spring flowers. x
I think it's starting the lawnmower xx
Openinglegs erecting garden table/chairs xx
Unlocking the shed door ?
Starting a lawnmower
Sounds like trying to start a lawn mower? Oh well worth a try!!
Nice to see you back again and have to say you look stunning, as always, and with a fabulous tan too! Go girl! Best wishes for your wedding, health and happiness to you both xxx
unlocking the shed
Starting a petrol lawnmower.
Is it a latch on gate or door
Hi Ali, it sounds to me like you are trying to start a petrol powered lawn mower. Kindest regards, Lisa.
Fab blog… As always x competition: trying to start up a lawnmower
Trying to start the lawnmower
OMG Ali, its happened to you again..guests saying something outrageous!!. Anthony's faux par was almost innocent in the way he said it, quite funny.. Last night the guest said something to make us curl up and duck under the covers!! .how you handle a revelation like that is remarkable, managing such faux pars show your super professional abilities to the full. I would still be stuttering..
Thinking of you as you await the birth of your new grandchild..
I guessed a girl..well see.
Lovely that you have your wedding dress sorted out.. There's no doubt that you will look beautiful.
My daughter Liz who marries in Oct has decided on her style.
I now have two mother of the bride dress and jackets..
I have never been so indecisive in my whole life..I have one in aqua and one in cream so far!!.
Lovely that Jilly has one of her daughters getting married later this year, hope you make more positive choices than me.
I will enter the enemies competition as I purchased my daughter Jan lots of else is from qvc when she was going through her chemotherapy, it was her special {healing} in her mind luxury item.
I think the noise is the lawn mower starting up.
Love to All. Tricia.
Opening a pair of aluminium steps
pulling the starting cord on a lawnmower or strimmer
HI Alison, lovely to see you back. Beautiful pics and what a gorgeous beach, agree with you about Ultrasun, couldn't be without it. Or Elemis come to that.
I think the sound is you opening a bottle of drink.
Regards, Amanda x
It's locking or unlocking the gate or shed door x
Hi Ali,Think its trying too start a lawn mower. Hope you both have wonderful wedding day. lindaxx
I think it's the sound of unlocking the garden shed. Glad you had a fabulous time Morocco Alison. Enjoy designing your wedding jewellery can't wait to see it on air.
Trying to start the lawn mower?
I think it is the lawnmower being wheeled out of the shed X
Hello Miss K, You look all golden and well rested after your holiday – well done you for finding every ray of sunshine. I have made the most of the lovely weather we have enjoyed recently and revamped the middle part of our garden, however, I now feel my age and find it takes me longer to recover from all the effort which meant that I spent the evening of Easter Sunday with an arm that felt as though I was still digging..! Even though I read every word you wrote during those dark days four years ago I am always shaken and then humbled when you tell us about the ripple effect you have to deal with and I thank you for your honesty and for allowing us to share in something so personal. How exclusive to be sewn into your wedding dress, I am sure I read that Olivia Newton-John was sewn into THOSE trousers in "Grease"… I listened to your Seasonal Sound competition several times and thought it sounded like a petrol lawn mower being started or a BBQ being prepared or metal garden furniture (patio set) being set up and decided on the metal garden furniture option. Finally, a big thank you to Jilly for your kind words, I have read about the difficult times you and your family have faced and you sound so lovely and truly "glass half full". To Alpa I send love and positivity; fighting one battle is difficult, fighting so many sounds exhausting and I wish I could do something to help you, keep as strong as possible. Love to you Ali, you may be Nanny Ali the next time you write – exciting times. Jo x
Trying to start the lawnmower.
Starting lawn mower
Hello Ali
I tuned in to watch the Diamonique show with you and Charlie the other evening. What a pair you two are. Such great banter between you both!!! Ali you looked absolutely radiant with your tanned skin and so refreshed and relaxed. Your holiday photos proved this to be the case also. What a beautiful photo of you and Colin. Such a lovely couple. I loved the bikini also and hats off to you for wearing it!!! The colours in the market place were so lovely and made everything look so appealing and attractive. It's all getting very exciting now your wedding is approaching. I am sure you will look stunning in your dress. Having a shoe shopping day with your friend sounds fun – enjoy. Well this time next week I will be on my way to Mexico. All my clothes are in piles on the bed in the spare bedroom and ready to pack, including my Ultra Sun. I would not go near the sun without it. Regarding the competition. Well I torn between starting the mower and the BBQ.I am going for sorting the BBQ out – fingers crossed. Until next time take care and big hugs and love from me. Judith xx
Unlocking the shed and getting ready to for the gardening jobs
Hi Ali,
What lovely photos from Morocco! Thank you for sharing. I totally take my hat off to you as well for posting your bikini shot. As if that isn't a hard enough photo to post for a woman! You're a perfect example to us girls baring all no matter what way we were born or have been through. It really doesn't matter!
Now onto Lucy! How is all in their household? Getting excited and nervous?! I hope all goes well. We take it for granted that all will be OK so I pray it will be.
Enjoy your designing meantime! Look forward to your next news xx
Starting the lawnmower 🙂
Hi Ally what beautiful holiday pictures! I think that the sound is the door of the garden shed being unlatched.
Door being locked and unlocked
Trying to get the lawnmower started
Hi all.
I think it's a latch door being opened and shut.
Sounds like a lawnmower about to be started up to me!
HI Ali..forgot to give you my guess the sound idea…pulling the chord to start a petrol lawn mower??? Have a great Saturday. Mary x
Starting a lawn mower up.
Starting the lawn mower
Undoing the lock on the garden shed
Unlocking a shed door
Starting the lawn mower motor
Getting the Lawn mower out of the shed
Pulling the starter cord on a petrol lawn mower, exactly what I will be doing today!
Hi Ali, I think your seasonal sound is starting up your lawn mower!
I hope that you are ok & that your Colin is getting better.Your holiday photos are lovely, I used to print photos & love to capture memories I can bring home with me which is what you have done.I bet you were smug enjoying your lunch in the sunshine whilst those dark clouds were looming in the background.The lantern is stunning & I can see why it inspired you both in the design of your lovely Hope pendant.So chuffed for you that your dress is going to be altered to fit you like a glove & its lovely that everyone is doing their bit to make your day a perfect one!I managed to see you on the Diamonique finale & your face was a picture when Margaret called & said what a lovely couple you made!Poor Charlie, bless him!The highlight of the week for me was your reaction to David from Hayloft with his Polyanthus lare night story.It was hilarious & all I could think of was lots of female QVC customers sitting in their gardens having a "When Harry met Sally" moment.Its also quite interesting that they are now on waitlist!!! You are TV Gold at handling funny moments & I love your witty humour especially when you said"This could be your best summer yet"Priceless!How exciting about you designing your own wedding jewellery which is interesting because I was talking about you to my hubby & said I thought that Diamonique should design you a tiara for your wedding day seeing as you are "The Queen of Diamonique"Can't wait to see your designs, really jealous as I would love to design something of my own.I hope your lanterns arrived in time for your Baby Shower, mine arrived on Friday & I love it!Have a lovely weekend & enjoy the weather.
Love & hugs
Mandy xxx
p.s I did order some plants but not the Polyanthus ha ha x
Unlocking the garden shed.
I am sure I wrote ELEMIS twice not enemies!!.& else is?.must double check predicted text!!.
Just got some results that show I have pernicious anaemia…my eldest Jan was also diagnosed several years ago. I started my first injection of cytamen yesterday . I have another five over ten days then three monthly..same as my daughter.I hope I will then get some of my old self back.it would be lovely to feel better for my youngest daughters wedding..love to everyone. Tricia.
I think It's a lawn mower being started up, Ali.
Opening a bolt.
Opening a bolt
Hi Ali,
I think the sound is putting up the garden parasol and furniture.
Glad you enjoyed your holiday, your looking lovely, great tan and you look really well.
Still putting on the lippy and smiling, just like me.
Take Care
Love Jacqui XXXXXX
I saw this competion after reading Ali,s great story and there were no answers and straight away I thought gate latch being opened or old fashioned type writer where you type and push the end to start again I'm sure it's that and only one other person out of 151 at the minute thinks so like me so hope we are right with. Old fashioned typewriter is my answer. Love love elemis as I have said before I'm on lots medication like so many others and spend most of my time in bed and I use loads of elemis products to help me feel nice and breathing in the oils to help relax me. Just adore the bliss capsules use every day am and pm and in between sometimes!!! Fabulous prize to win would be great fingers crossed. Goodluck everybody.
Glad your happy Ali and bet your so excited about your wedding you deserve all the happiness that your having with your holidays and breaks and special days with the love of your life and family.
A large gate being unlocked and unlatched
A door shutting and locking.
Firing up the lawnmower?!x
Unlocking and removing a padlock
Someone mowing the lawn.
Think it sounds like trying to start a lawn mower – lovely to read your blog hope you both have a wonderful wedding day – my husband and i got married on 25th June 1977 nearly 38 years ago (doesn't seem that long ago!!) I'm sure you'll both look fab – enjoy the dayx
pushing a manual lawnmower.
Locking or unlocking of door
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful and you look great. I think its the sound of you open and shutting you front door after a long journey. Enjoy the weather and make most of it while itnis fine
door being locked/unlocked
I think it's someone starting a lawnmower… which reminds me I'd better do the same myself! Love your photos, especially the bikini one, you are beautiful and an inspiration.
Starting up the lawnmower
Starting the lawnmower
Lawn mower start up
Birds singing
Trying to start petrol mower for first grass cut of the season
Hi Alison. I believe it's a lawn mower being started
Starting up the lawnmower.
I think it's unlocking and then opening the shed door x
I think you're getting out the Barbecue tools and putting them on the little metal shelf beside the grill.
How lovely to get all these answers – I will answer all of you as soon as I can, and thanks in advance for your guesses!! I just wanted to say to those last eight or so folk who wrote on the previous blog, I did find your comments and have replied 🙂 Many thanks, love Ali xx
Hello Jilly, how exciting for you to have a wedding to look forward to as well! I hope your daughter is cracking on with her plans. Yes, we are hoping to have a themed Diamonique show prior to the wedding, but I may have to keep my designs secret as I don't want Colin to have any idea of what I'll be wearing on the day 🙂 That said, I plan to give more than a few hints each Thursday at 9pm leading up to the day itself! So glad you enjoyed Diamonique – so did Charlie and I 🙂 Love, Ali xx
Dear Loraine, how lovely that we will be sharing our wedding day with your birthday! I remember you telling me that you'd also been to Agadir, and am glad that you had a break over Easter in Cornwall. My nieces were both there and had a great time. As far as you and Les visiting the cotswolds – you can't go wrong with a break there in my opinion. Colin took me there for my birthday some years back – had a ball. I'll let you know how I get on with my shoe shopping! Have a great week, love Ali xx
Hi Ali
I've not written on your blog before but have followed your stories avidly ever since I heard you had breast cancer. I was diagnosed with it in 2009 – just weeks before getting married for the second time. In fact we had to bring our wedding forward by three weeks so that I didn't lose my hair from the chemo for the wedding photos! Unlike you I decided against reconstruction because I didn't want to face such a long op although I feel sad sometimes because I love clothes shopping and have to always consider the lowness (if that's a word!) of a top or dress so that the dip or hollow on my chest doesn't show
We've just moved house and we have a beautiful garden and your mystery noise sounds like my husband starting up our new petrol mower.
Best wishes and I look forward to your next amusing blog x Yvonne
I think the sound is starting a lawnmower
Unlocking the door to the shed – sounds like a padlock and chain!
Opening a stiff garden shed door for the first time in ages
Lawn mower start up
Putting fruit into juicer
Potting the plants
That sounds like a padlock being opened and removed from your garden shed to me.
Hi Ali, I think its the sound of you opening your lock on greenhouse/garden shed
Opening the garden shed
Pulling the starter cord on a lawn mower
starting up the lawn mower I think
Trying to start a lawnmower
Starting the lawn mower (I think!!)
Hi – Opening and locking the garden shed
Using key to unlock door.
Hi Alison, congratulations on your pending nuptials. you are a true inspiration to all of us, whether we have had trials or not, your love of life is infectious.
I think the sounds on your video reminds me of starting the lawn mower.
Take care and enjoy the preparations for the big day, love to you both.
sliding the bolt open on a gate.
Starting up the lawn mower.
Sounds like starting a mower
Just read you are down my way today it is lovely hope you enjoyed it must have passed my house in ringwood on your way did you go in the cafe on the beach love Loraine xxx
Hi Ali
Looks like you had a fab holiday despite the fog, wind and rain! You looked truly stunning in your bikini and so brave of you to be Beryl less!! Not sure I'd be brave enough even to wear the bikini!!
The picture of you and Colin is just lovely. Not long now until the big day! Plus, you'll soon be a Grandma to boot! What a lot to look forward to. It's going to be quite a year!
Can I put in a late bid for Love Divine as a wedding hymn? Neal's Mom and Dad had it at their wedding and it was also one of the hymns sang at his Mom's funeral when we so sadly lost her 18 months ago.
Ainzley's health has deteriorated, although no one has told him! The vet has told us that his heart is failing and he's now on a form of digitalis to control his heart rate but once that no longer works then there's nothing else they can do for him. Apart from him losing weight you'd never know there was anything wrong with him. He's a bit slower and has to have a rest when climbing the stairs but so do I if I'm honest!!
I am having to liquidise his food at the moment as his appetite is quite poor and he just won't eat anything and would much rather lick at stuff so, luckily we have an old blender that we can use for the job. Not my favourite job first thing in the morning but if it means he eats then I'm willing to do it. So far it seems to be doing the trick. Fingers crossed.
Alpa my lovely, you do seem to have so many battles to fight and no one to help you. I'm so sorry that such a lovely person has to face so much hardship and I hope that one day you will find someone who is willing to pick up your fight and relieve you of at least some of your burdens. Stay strong and we are all here for you. Although we can't support you in a practical way we can be a sounding board for you.
Finally, the sound is, I think, a padlock being taken off a garden shed door.
Love to all in Ali's Army.
Debz & Ainzley (=^-^=) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Opening/closing garden gate
Welcome back from your super Hols
Please enter me into this competition for fab Elemis products…..
I think the sound is that of opening or closing your shed door with a bolt lock mechanism. hope I win, luv Shazzababes xxx
Starting the lawnmower.
Unlocking and opening your front door on your return from your hols?
Starting a lawn mower
I think it might be opening a shed , isn't the weather beautiful at the moment makes a change not to use tumble dryer. Fiona in Exeter.
Lawn mower start up
Sounds like a padlock being opened and removed 🙂
Unlocking the garden gate/ shed door??
Starting a lawn mower
Well this sound has certainly sparked your imaginations! Thanks so much to the following for your guesses – Jane, John, Kath, Michelle, Darren, Tina, Be Ku, Lisa M, Tam, Mary, Liz, Philippa, Louise, Carol, Brigitte, Margaret, Collette, Andy W, Joanne, Margaret, Lorraine, Tracy, Gillian, June and Clare. All correct answers will go into a hat and the winner drawn out on Friday! Love Ali xx
Chey Dakota – what a great name! Thanks to you, Hayley, Fionalynne, Susie M, Jim, Jennifer, Emma, Kate and Louise. Nice ideas and lovely of you to take the time to enter. Only a couple more days to wait until we announce the winner! Love Ali xx
Dear Chris, You had me laughing out loud – more pigeons than seagulls around here, but disgusting amount of mess to clear up – I wonder what on earth they are eating and if I can introduce Immodium into their diet!!! 🙂 Thanks for your truly original guess, love Ali x
Sue, thank you for your good wishes and your guess! Make sure you check the blog on Friday to see if you were right! Love Ali xx
And there's more!! Thanks to Marion, Maddalena, Laura, Christine, Cecelia, Karen, Sally, Pamela, Clare, Ruth, Angela, Rebecca, Cheryl, Francesca, Dale, Clare and Victoria. Some great ideas, so I hope one of you will be lucky!! love Ali xx
Dear Francesca, thank you for your kind comments, and I'm glad you enjoyed the blog. I have to be honest and say it took a fair bit of nerve to go out with my bikini on, and I was definitely more comfortable on the beach away from folk than round the pool where it was busy. But you know it's funny, the first time is the hardest, in truth people don't notice, and it is what it is… I am sorry that you too have been through this, but I'm sure you look great and if you're with someone who bolsters you up that first time, it'll be fine. Take care, love Ali xx
Hi there Christine, So nice to hear from you, and thank you for your sweet comments. I do indeed feel blessed, and the holiday was a lovely break made even better by the fabulous weather we've had since coming home! How funny that you and I have both been painting our summer houses – it looks so much nicer now and I treated myself to the Bethlehem Lights lanterns with the flameless candles in to hang from the roof – they look lovely! You're right, a great deal of birdsong at this time of the year and a sense of peace – much to be grateful for. Take care and enjoy the rest of the week, love Ali xx
Well, I think we're on a roll now, but there have been some quite random guesses too! Many thanks to all of you for taking part, particularly, M Smith, Rebecca, MaryCarol, Paul, Margaret, Linda, Shannon, Hassina and CJ Smith. Lucky Bluie also and Rebecca England. All correct guesses will go into the draw and we will announce a winner this Friday, Love Ali xx
Hello there Mary, and thanks as always for keeping in touch. So glad you liked the blog and the Bethleham lights show – my lanterns arrived yesterday and very pretty they look hanging in front of the summer house 🙂 Your mum sounds like an angel, and how nice to get to do the buttonholes together before the day itself. Your headress sounds stunning too – I may have a few flowers in my hair, but they will be at the back! Soooo glad to hear that you made the best of the 23 degree heat to potter if not sit, and enjoy the garden. I was at Hengisbury Head just yesterday, and honestly, we'd never travel abroad if you could guarantee the sunshine – it was stunning. Is there no end to your talents Mary? Painter, domestic decorator, cake maker and decorator extraordinaire (such a shame you can't post your photo of the 'Frozen' themed cake here on the blog – it was incredible!) Good to know that the paint you put over your tiles has worked – they must have improved it in the last 10 years as when I last tried it, it was terribly tacky and showed all the brush strokes. Had to get new tiles in the end! Good luck with tiling behind the hob – you've probably finished that already! Thank heavens the coke bottle wasn't pointing at your face – whole different story if it had have been! Hateful though having to clear it all up – I can go one worse tho, as the aftermath following an exploding tin of boiled condensed milk is like glue! 🙂 As always, lovely to catch up with you Mary, and I hope your week isn't too exhausting! With love, Ali xx
lawn mower starting up
Unlocking a door with a key
Starting a lawnmower up
Starting the petrol lawn mower for the first cut of spring.
starting a petrol lawn mower for the first cut of spring.
sounds like you are starting up a lawn mower
Garden gate latch being opened and closed.
Sounds like you're unlocking the garden shed…xx
pulling back a bolt
Lawn mower start up
Starting a petrol lawn mower
Starting up a lawnmower? 🙂 x
Garden gate being opened
Agree with quite a few of the others – starting a petrol lawnmower
Starting up a lawn mower
Lawn mower start up
Starting a lawnmower
switching on the lawnmower
lawnmower starting
a lawnmower trying to start up?? Cx
You love your gardening Ally so I'm guessing its your lawn mower starting up.
It sounds like the pull cord on a petrol lawn mower.
I'm going with attempting to start up a lawnmower.
A key unlocking a padlock
unlocking the padlock
Im a private person (but unlocking a gate sounds good) The BIGGEST NOISE i could hear in a weeks time is the shriek of my scan being a good one. So much luv to you Ali xxxx
Trying to start the lawn mower
Opening/closing a latch on garden shed or gate xx
Starting the lawn mower 🙂
putting coins in a parking/ticket machine.
Unlocking the garden shed
Starting the lawn mower
opening the garden shed
turning of a key to unlock a door
turning of a key to unlock a door
Hi Ali,
I think that it is a key in a padlock which is attached to a gate which has opened & then closed. x
I think you're unlocking the shed door to get the mower out and trim that grass!
setting up your garden furniture
A door security chain being put on
Starting up a lawnmower
I think its a clay pigeon machine putting the play thing in then it being released. Alison you looked fabulous on you hols. X
I think it is the shed being opened, love Diane x
Hi Ali, fab blog, really enjoyed reading it! My guess for the sound is 'opening the shed door' xx
Sound competition: unlocking a door with a key
Putting a key into something metal and opening it.
Starting a lawn mower
I think the sound is early morning birdsong x
You are looking and sounding great Ali. Glad to see that you enjoyed a well deserved holiday. Sounds like a cord being pulled on a petrol lawnmower.
Hello, I think you're trying to get the lawn mower going!
pulling the cord to start the lawn mower x
someone opening a window with shutters knocking in wind
shed being unlocked
The whole household has been listening & we think it's a shed/gate door with a padlock
I think it sounds like you unlocking or opening something – probably the garden shed?
Opening the garden shed
I think it's someone trying to start up a lawnmower……
The sound of opening the shed door
an outside door being shut and locked
Tricky.. I'll go with trying to start the lawnmower
Starting up the lawnmower
Sounds like my husband in the cutlery drawer… Especially as it wasn't closed afterwards!
It's sounds to me like locking a garden gate
Hi Alison, I think the answer is: Starting up a petrol mower.
The starting up of a lawnmower I believe
Lawn mower being started up
Trying to start the lawn mower.
I think the sound is of you trying to start your lawnmower up.
Starting up the lawnmower – which I wish mine would do, think it's decided to retire!
Starting up the lawn mower
Pulling the starter cord on a mower
Starting up the lawn mower
Starting the lawnmower
It sounds like a lock being opened!
I think its someone opening and closing a garden gate? Good Luck everybody x
Sounds like a key opening a lock
Starting the lawnmower
starting a lawn-mower
Starting a lawn mower?
Lawn mower start up
starting a petrol lawn mower
Lawn mower start up
starting the lawmower
Wheeling a wheelbarrow?
I think it's a door/gate being unlocked and opened
opening a padlock?
Starting the mower
Since you spent time in the garden mowing – am guessing this is the sound of your lawnmower starting up! 🙂
Shed door opening/closing
starting the lawnmower
Happy Saturday Evening everyone – I have just had a laugh that there are two Jilly's here – and I thought I bet some of you might think I have two daughters. I only have one darling daughter, my Annie, but I am very sure the other Jilly will be busy arranging or helping to arrange her daughter's wedding – just like you Tricia with your Liz. We still have Annie's wedding dress hanging up. It is very beautiful even after 12 years and was hand made for her by an Italian tailor so I am sure your wedding dress will be perfect Ali and more so that you will be able to have your sleeve fitted for you on the day. How great is that to have your own personal tailer to hand!! and wonderful to have such friends to help you.
You looked completely and utterly stunning on the Diamonique show – I was about to send a quick blog to say so but Bertie (large springer spaniel) decided at that very moment that he wanted to go out – and needs must for a spaniel!! So although the time has passed here I am saying your tan and dress and your hair were the best and I thought if that is how you look at "work" what are you going to look like on your wedding day – perfection indeed!!
Loved the piccies and update on your holiday. I also think you seem to be getting younger and younger and it is wonderful to see that even after all you have been through you can look so great. Super meeting up with friends and fancy having a training ground like the one you had. Humm now can you match that??
Annie has a provisional date for her final reconstruction which will be sometime near the end of May and she is counting the days but sorting out a lot of bits before hand as she will not be able to do lifting etc for a while. Her hubby is doing not too badly and hopefully in a few weeks will be off the horrid steroids. We can just take one step at at time for him and hopefully get there in the end. My lovely hubby took them all to the Lakes for a week (I could not take the time off work) and they came back full of a wonderful time and lots of lovely piccies. You are so right Janet, we just love the Lakes.
How very sweet to get some sandles for little Alfie and so lovely you had him to yourselves. Like you I also know that Ali will be beside herself when the little one arrives and cannot wait to hear what the baby will be. Very exciting times to come. Not long to wait now!!! 🙂
Tricia, I do hope that you have found your dress – I always think that the mother of the bride is the second important person at the wedding – or maybe that was just me thinking it when I was mother of the bride. My hat was spray painted to match my outfit (hand made by the same Italian tailor) – with car spray paint – yes, really it was and turned out perfect. I love wearing hats and have a few in boxes which I try on now and again just to remember how much I like them.
Alpa, I am horrified that your problems are just not getting any better. I am sure we are all just gutted for you and we feel so helpless that we cannot do anything to make your life easier. Just sending you big huge hugs and to let you know that we are thinking of you and hope that somehow there will be help and understanding round the corner. It is just so horrid for you.
My Elemis order came today so I have had a special facial tonight and hope I look ten years younger tomorrow – I will let you know!!!!
Fingers crossed we don't have long to wait to hear your special news Ali – we will keep watching and waiting and sending lots of love to you all. I am sure Lucy will be counting the days and be very thankful that she can for a little while put her feet up – and just think Simon's boys will both be big brothers soon rather than just one being a big brother. Looking forward to more updates, Love Jilly XX
I think they answer us unlocking a gate, love your tan, you look so healthy x
Starting a lawn mower! X
My dear Debz, so sorry I missed this earlier – that's the trouble with writing two blogs so close together!!! Still, it was really good to catch up on all your news, although I was sorry to hear about Ainzley. Great that he has a mummy as caring as you are 🙂 Bless you for your kind comments about my photos – Beryl stayed in her bag for most of the holiday except in the evening, although a great many of my summer clothes just don't work without a prosthesis! Thank you so much for your hymn suggestions – I can' believe it's been 18 months since Neal's mum passed… so glad you have each other to lean on. You take care, and thanks again for keeping in touch, with love Ali xx
Crikey, I turned away for a few days and so many more of you have entered the competition – suffice to say all the correct ones were entered into the draw and I will be announcing the winner in my new blog next week. In the meantime, many thanks to Susan, Sharon, Sue, Muna, Rebekah, Fiona, Andrew, Karen, Victoria, James, Cheryl, Steph, Graham, Ms Barton, Frances, Jean, Linda, Andrea, Michelle, Liane, Kristy, Sarah, Suzanne MCC, Mrs. Bowers and Kelly Hooper! Love Ali xx
Thanks also to Shirley, Shazz, Claire, Caroline, Kerry, Louise, Jane, Norma, Mel, Sandra, Alison Wynne, Jacqueline, Elizabeth, Sarah, Sue, Julia, Sandra, Claudine, Jenny, Margaret, Steve, Kim, Janice, Diane and Julie – so glad you enjoy reading the blog and here's hoping you'll be lucky!! love Ali xx
And just so you know that I read ALL my replies 🙂 , many thanks to Lindsey, Valerie, Jun Mo, Christine, Fiona, Rebecca, Anita, Pauline, Sofie, Shelley, Jessica L, Beth Bowdler, Margaret, Linda and Linda Mihkelson. love Ali xx
Dear Linda, I found your comment in and amongst all the others, but wanted to say that I SOOOO hope your scan results will come back with the results you need. Stay strong, love Ali xx
May 1, 2015 at 8:25 pm -
Thank you so very much Ali. You are a massive inspiration and great proof that there is cure and a great life that follows sadness. Much love to you and all xxxx
Gosh, this is certainly a popular prize! Thanks also to Sue, Ruth, Alexandra, Sam, Christine, Marie, Sarah, Jackie, Alexandra, A Benson, Pauline, Elisabeth, Suk Wai Lee, Kathy, Kirsty, Linda, Chris, Debbie and Angela. I will announce the winner in my next blog after the Bank Holiday Weekend! love Ali xx
Dear Jilly, am guessing from you reply that I have replied to a different Jilly, attributing your news to hers! Do forgive me – both of you! Loved your comment though and all your news, and hearing about your Annie's Italian made wedding dress – and your outfit too. Although I have to admit being somewhat taken aback by the use of car spray paint, but it may well be where I head for my shoes -although I reckon the chaps at Halfords may be a little surprised!! 🙂 How lovely that Annie and her dad had time away at The Lakes – just sorry that you were too busy to go! I think I must have missed Janet's comment as I have no recollection of her buying sandals for Alfie – I can't wait for the arrival of my grandchild so that I can start to spoil him/her immediately! Loving also your note about George and Henry both being big brothers now – Henry will like that 🙂 You take care and I will of course keep you in touch with all that is about to happen! Apparently if Lucy gives birth on the same as The Duchess of Cambridge then she gets a Royal memento! Fingers crossed! With Love, Ali xx
And finally….. I think! Very many thanks to Liz, Joanne, Helen, Allison, Chirag, Rennene, Clare, Lindy, Rachel B, Elisa Wright, Sue, Eliza Wilder, Susan and Rosie D – a shame there's only one prize and one winner, but I hope that those of you with the right answer will check out the blog next week, and find out if you've been lucky, and won all those Elemis goodies! Love Ali xx
Just got letter from Doc's who has asked me to see them. Hoping that all is ok.. Lots of love to you xx
sounds like trying to start the lawnmower…unsucessfully


text:
This is what's written in Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You about Cockatrices.
Cockatrices (Family: Serpentigentidae)EditThe cockatrice can cause death with a single glance. Reports indicate anything catching sight of the lethal bird's eyes is turned instantly to stone; but just as deadly is their poisonous saliva, able to fell even an elephant!
Also known as a basilisk, the cockatrice has the head and feet of a cockerel and the tail of a serpent. The cockatrice is believed to be to product of a seven-year-old cockerel's egg, laid during the full moon and then heated for nine years by a serpent or toad.
There are few ways to protect ones' self from a cockatrice. One is to carry something reflective — like a mirror — and turn the creature's gaze back on it. Another is to keep either a weasel or cockerel nearby. The weasel is said to be the mortal enemy of the cockatrice, but the crowing of the cockerel is even more effective, causing the cockatrice to have fatal fits and to thrash itself to death.
Known speciesEdit
- European Cokatrice (Basilicus europeanus)
- False Cockatrice (Scientific Name Unknown)
Additional factsEditFalse cockatrices: Even in the Invisible World, mimicry exists. Note the lack of horny growths on the heads of these fantastical cockerels. This is the key feature in differentiating between these and true cockatrices. Their feathers mimic the dangerous creature, so predators leave them alone.
Arthur pictured the Cockatrice in warning stance with the colorful neck frill fully extended and the feathers ruffled.
Known CockatricesEdit
Arthur Spiderwick at some point found a dead specimen on a farm, together with a petrified mouse. When he showed the mouse to the farmer, the latter revealed a cigar box filled with stone mice.
Behind the scenesEdit
The Cockatrice first appeared in myth and folklore of the Great Britain in the 12th century, where it looked like a Wyvern with a rooster's head. The creature was said to either petrify or kill people by looking at them, touching them or sometimes, by breathing at them. It could fly using the wings on its back, and the only things able to kill it were either the bite of a weasel, the crow of a rooster, or if it looked into something reflecting its deadly gaze back on itself.
The Basilisk was said to be the King of Serpents, and looked like a giant snake with a crown on its head or the head of a cockerel. It had the same abilities as the Cockatrice. In modern fantasy, the Cockatrice and Basilisk are often mistaken for the same creature.
- Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide (First appearance)
- The Nixie's Song (Mentioned only)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Antiques Digest
|Browse Auctions
The French Diamond Necklace
( Article orginally published August 1957 )
These gems have life in them:
In 1774, Louis XV, king of France, wishing to give his sweetheart, Jean Becu Du Barry a gift, ordered the courts to secure the finest diamonds in the land for a necklace. It was to be the most beautiful creation of its kind, and much time was to be spent in selecting the stones, the largest, purest, and most brilliant that could be found.
However, in the same year, and before the necklace was completed, the king died. Work was too far advanced on the necklace to be abandoned without a terrific loss, so the two jewelers decided to finish it with the hope that the new king would purchase it for his queen, Marie Antoinette. But the king's finances were low, and the necklace, valued at 1,800,000 francs (72,000 pounds siterling) remained in the jewelers shop far some years.
In 1772, Prince de Rohan, a French Cardinal, and grand almoner to Louis XVI, was appointed Ambassador to Vienna, and thus begins the scandal of the necklace.
It seems that Madame du Barry read a letter from Ambassador de Rohan to her at one of the royal parties, which gave some intimate details in the life of the Empress of Austria, the queen's mother. Louis evidently had left one of the Ambassador's private letters in the hands of the Duke d'Aguillon, and he had given it to Du Barry.
Marie Antoinette being very angry, disgraced de Rohan at court, and made his life very miserable from that time on.
When an adventuress, calling herself the comtesse de Lamotte, presented herself to the Cardinal de Rohan, asking him to help her secure aid from the royal bounty for charity, he advised her to gain audience with the queen. He also told her of the humiliation he had endured. When Madame Lamotte returned she told Rohan that she had secured permission to lay ?before Her Majesty his vindication also. The apology was given to Lamotte to be delivered to the queen. In due time the reply was brought to de Rohan. Lamotte in the meantime had made sure the Cardinal had not seen nor did not know the queen's hand-writing. Through the services of Madame Lamotte more correspondence went back and forth. One day a note came asking for 60,000 francs for charity. De Rohan borrowed the money, and received a note of thanks. A second loan was obtained the same way.
Then Lamotte sent him a note supposedly from the queen, asking him to go away for a while and he promptly set out for Alsace.
Madame Lamotte, knowing the court jewelers were still holding the priceless necklace, had it rumored that a lady of the court might be able to dispose of it.
De Rohan had now been summoned back, and was told that the queen desired the necklace and would pay for it from her own income as she did not wish the king to know about it. It was to be bought on the installment plan by the Cardinal as a token of confidence. He was to receive an authorization written and signed by the queen, but the contract was to be in the Cardinal-Prince's name.
On February 1, 1785, the necklace was placed in the Cardinal's hands, and 20,000 livres were deducted from the original price. Quarterly payments were agreed to and the prince's note accepted for the entire amount. It was to be delivered on the eve of a great fete, at which Madame Lamotte tbld de Rohan the queen would wear it. The jewel casket was taken to Versailles, to the house of Madame Lamotte where it was to be delivered to the queen's messenger. When the queen's messenger arrived Madame Lamatte gave him the casket. So cleverly was this deception carried out that de Rohan said he actually recognized the queen's valet.
Lamotte began to plan the acknowledgement of the necklace. She noticed that when the queen passed from her apartment daily across the gallery intothe chapel she made a motion with her head as she passed the OEil d'e Boeuf. Lamotte met the Cardinal on the terrace of the chateau and told him how delighted the queen was, and that if he would be in the OEil de Boeuf the next day. she would acknowledge it with a motion of her head. The Cardinal was there and was satisfied.
As Madame Lamotte had, no further use for de Rohan, she again had him go to Alsace, and her husband went to London with the necklace. It was broken up there and the small Stones reset in rings and bracelets for their accomplices. The balance were sold to jewelers and the money placed in the Bank of England under a fictitious name.
Then Cardinal de Roban persuaded the jewelers to write and thank the queen for her patronage. They were soon summoned to explain, and requested to bring a copy of the agreement and leave it with Her Majesty.
When the first payment was due, the Cardinal received a note saying the queen was making an effort to meet the note.
The queen's attitude had not changed toward him, and she, as far as he knew, had not worn the jewels, and the Cardinal demanded a meeting with the queen. Madame Lamotte arranged a meeting between 11 and 12 in a grove near Versailles. She engaged Madamoisells Leguet to impersonate the queen, and she was to thank him for all he had done, raise his rank, and present him with a small box containing a miniature.
The scene took place, and the Cardinal was so taken in, that he endeavored to borrow the 300,000 livres for the payment. However, a note came saying if the July payment could be delayed a month the jewelers would receive 700,000 livres at the end of August, 30,000 livres being tendered as interest which Madame Lamotte contrived to pay out of the proceeds from the sale of the diamonds. The jewelers gave the extension, but refused any further delay.
Her Majesty denied giving the authority of purchase, nor ever receiving the necklace. Madame Lamotte was branded and imprisoned. De Rohaal was summoned before the King and Queen to answer charges. He admitted buying the necklace with supposed authority from the Queen. He was arrested and sent to the Bastille. On May 31, 1785, he was proved innocent, but was ordered by the king to resign his posts at court and was exiled to his Abbey of La Chaise Dieu in the mountains of Avergne.
Although Queen Marie Antoinette had no actual part in it, the affair of the million dollar diamond necklace and other scandals revealed a moral laxity in her court, and greatly increased her unpopularity.


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I have been through two powerbot's (both refurbished). My second one has been going strong for about 3 months, but it has now started getting really loud. It is kind of like a rattling noise. Not as pronounced when the vaccum is on carpet, as it is on hardwoods. I am guessing that it is coming from one of the small pivoting wheels under the center of it, but I can't say for sure.
I have cleaned it thoroughly, and it doesn't seem to be coming from any blockage around the brush.
Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone have instructions on how to daignose where it is coming from, or service it yourself?
Solved! Go to Solution.
hypnospastic, unfortunately, this will require service. Please send us a private message with the full model code and serial number if you would like to get set up: Link
My powerbot is all but new and it has a rattle also.
After running a Powerbot 9000 series over 150 hours cleaning about two years the wide plastic drive pulley for the brush started rattling in its bushing. The drive and belt are integrated into a single assembly with the motor, with a transparent screwed on side over the belt drive.
The noise occurs only at high speed while cleaning; manually turning the brush will not reveal it.
Some dirt accumulation or drying of lubrication caused the pulley to rattle. Applying silicone grease (petroleum lubes can damage plastic), in small tubes for cameras, or o-rings etc., on the bushing surface including the inside facing which might rub the pulley, restores quiet operation (one of the most quiet in the industry).
To access the brush motor assembly the front part of the 9000 series only must be opened with four screws on the bottom, two under the brush. Two screws on top of the sensor assembly inside must be loosened, and the the assembly lifted just slightly to allow pulling the motor (fastened in the front by a single screw), out to access the drive belt. How the 7000 series is built I do not know. Samsungparts.com sells some service manuals with parts id's and disassembly instructions, on thumb drives. Examination can usually reveal how this case is handled. The 7000 I think is no longer divided into two parts, to achieve the lower profile.
Thank you for the input!
05-31-2018 02:23 PM - last edited on 03-27-2019 09:39 AM by SamsungCole
My powerbot 7040 is only 5 months old and is making the same very loud rattling sound. Removed the rotating brush and it goes away. Placed it back on and it makes a very loud rubbing/rattling sound. So loud, you cant hear anything else. Vacuum power is still good. Should i return it to Bestbuy, where i purchased it, or should i do a warranty claim with Samsung?
Please let me know.
Can I get the full model number of the unit to better assist you?
I have this exact issue. And if I push home button and vaccum shuts off the very loud clicky noise goes away.
My Model is SR1AM7040WG
Thanks for any help
The model code that you sent is incorrect. The model code will start with VR. I have provided a link for troubleshooting this issue.
my model number is SR1AM7040WG and VR1AM7040WG/AA
purchased end of nov 2017.
I also have my serial number but dont want to post it on a public forum.


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Doodle 4 Google 2018 is live! If you aren't sure why this is exciting, or maybe you're not quite sure what doodling means, let us explain. You know that little picture above the search box if you visit Google.com? The one that celebrates historical figures or events and changes every day? Your students can make one!
This year is Google's 10th anniversary of their contest "Doodle 4 Google" competition. This competition melds art and technology by encouraging students to create their very own Google doodle. The contest theme this year is inspiration.
The contest is open to K-12 students around the world. The national winner of the contest will receive a $30,000 scholarship, a $50,000 technology package for their school or non-profit organization and the opportunity to work with the Doodle team to make their doodle become interactive for Google's homepage! Each doodle needs to incorporate the letters G-o-o-g-l-e but the student can be as creative as they would like, mixing any type of media to create their master doodle.
Help your students and children follow these easy steps to participate in this year's event!
- Download or print the entry form.
- Make the doodle using any materials you'd like.
- Write a description about the doodle and what inspired it.
- Fill out the rest of the entry form and sign it.
- Submit the doodle following these guidelines.
Learn more fun facts about Doodle 4 Google on their site- you don't want your students or children to miss out on this opportunity to show Google what inspires them!
Make sure to read the contest rules before getting started.
Doodle 4 Google is accepting entries from January 8 – March 2, 2018 so…get doodling! If you want to take your class a step further, have them code their own animation for their doodles using CSFirst curriculum.
Did your students enter the Doodle 4 Google contest? Share your experience (and awesome doodles) in the comments.


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The Multinational Task Force on Friday disclosed that it repelled a dusk attack by Boko Haram terrorists who were trying to overrun markets in some communities close to Monguno and areas close to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in New Marte , along the Chadian border in Borno State.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Olukolade stated that items recovered from the terrorists included more than 50 assorted types of grenades. He also made it known that cordon and search operations are still going on in the area. He also disclosed that one of the specialised human butchers of the Boko Haram sect was arrested in the course of the operation.
The statement signed by Gen Olukolade reads in part: "the interrogation of captured terrorists from various locations has been yielding useful information as to their mode of operations. Among those in custody is a lead specialist in butchering human beings who insists he does not use firearms but daggers and cutlasses for his assignment."
The General also stated that "more assaults and encounters are continuing in other identified locations as intelligence sources confirm the routes being used by the fleeing terrorists. Troops have been directed to sustain aggressive patrols in certain areas where terrorists' actions are anticipated."


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- Home |
- Create Your Own Crystals |
- Crystals By Shape |
- Multi Facet Rectangle
More than just a simple rectangle, this rectangular shaped photo crystal adds several facets to the classic shape to create a visually interesting gift for someone special, and one that catches the light at every angle. Perfect for preserving special family occasions, there is also room to include your family's name or holiday greeting and year. Preserve special family moments in a 3D engraved picture to keep those memories alive forever. The next time you are considering a gift to commemorate a special event, consider the multi-faceted rectangular shaped photo crystal.


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In 2012, despite a more favorable political environment, Mitt Romney managed to do worse among Latinos and Asian-Americans than John McCain in 2008. Romneys voters skewed older than Obamas and will likely be dying off faster. The younger cohorts are increasingly nonwhite, and Obama won enormous margins among nonwhite voters. As time goes on, Republicans will have to win over some people who either voted for Obama or whose parents voted for Obama.
The liberal writer Jamelle Bouie suggests that Republicans could reach out to minority voters (and presumably other Obama supporters) if they treat the president with respect and refrain from hating President Obamas health care law. But Republicans do not have to embrace the presidents health care law and there is more than one way to show respect for President Obama.
The presidents health care law is popular among nonwhite voters, but that does not have to be an obstacle provided that Republicans offer a comprehensible alternative that is a better deal. Latinos and African-Americans are much more likely than whites to lack health insurance coverage. John Logan pointed out that even middle-class and affluent Latinos and African-Americans are more likely than middle-class and affluent whites to have people within their social networks who are struggling. Artur Davis described this dynamic within the African-American community, but Davis observation has applicability to other populations of nonwhite voters:
I recognize most African-Americans are middle-class. I recognize most African-Americans work. There is a great sensitivity in the African-American community toward low-income people because most African-Americans are only a generation removed from that kind of poverty and still regularly face it and encounter it even in family reunions.
If you go into the African-American church, you might have a pew full of doctors and lawyers and a pew behind them is many cases full of people on welfare. There is a social confluence in the African-American community of high-income and low-income people that creates a sensitivity toward poor people.
That means that the coverage expansion elements of the presidents health care law can, in the absence of a visible alternative, seem worth whatever costs are associated with the law, and any complaints about the law can come across like selfish carping from those who are already secure.
The answer is not to deemphasize opposition to Obamas health care law. The answer is to combine criticisms of the laws effects with alternative policies that will deal with peoples legitimate concerns. It is fine to point out that the presidents health care bill will raise health care costs for young people (a disproportionately nonwhite population). It is fine to argue that the Presidents health care law discourages full-time hiring. These criticisms just need to be coupled with a plan that can offer coverage to the uninsured, and a better deal for young people at a lower cost to the government.
Bouie is right that Republicans who are seeking a wide audience should be respectful to Obama. One path open for Republicans is to adapt Ronald Reagans tactics in talking about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Reagan was trying to win over FDR-loving working-class Democrats. Reagan would quote FDR in support of cutting government spending. It did not matter that FDR might have disagreed with Reagan on price controls or the top marginal income tax rate. Sometimes it is enough just to show that you share some values with the other partys supporters, and that voting for you does not mean throwing away a lifetime of commitments.
Whenever possible, Republicans should try to use Obamas rhetoric to their own purposes. In his First Inaugural, President Obama said:
Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted"for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things"some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
It is great to celebrate the doers and especially those who do uncelebrated labor, but also to mention how a Republican agenda would make it easier for those doers to find jobs, make it easier for them to keep their health insurance if they are changing jobs, and make sure they can maintain coverage if they have to make do with part-time work. Republicans could use Obamas own words against Obamas own party by supporting changes to the tax code that would reward both the work of middle-class working parents and the risk-takers of business.
That does not mean that Republicans can beat Obamas party primaril y by using Obamas words. FDR was dead when Reagan snatched his body for the Republicans, and Obama is likely to be with us for many decades. Republicans will still need to construct an agenda that speaks to the priorities of the struggling middle-class. But the point is not to prove that the Republicans are more like Obama than the Democrats. The point is to show the persuadable fraction of Obama voters that you understand that Obama spoke to their legitimate concerns even while explaining why Republican policies are better. Republicans need to remind these voters that they can switch parties without having to abandon all of their values.
Pete Spiliakos writes for Postmodern Conservative . His previous On the Square columns can be found here . Image via Wikimedia Commons.
Become a fan of First Things on Facebook , subscribe to First Things via RSS , and follow First Things on Twitter .


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Morningside of Beaufort is a beautiful assisted living community tucked away in a neighborhood setting conveniently located to historic downtown, coastal wetlands and several shopping areas. As a premiere provider of assisted living in Beaufort, South Carolina, it's our goal to make every day an enjoyable one.
Discover our caring staff, comfortable apartment-style living, activities and entertainment all waiting here for you. Stop by for a tour today!


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Ismar Schorsch is the sixth chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary and its Rabbi Herman Abramovitz Professor of Jewish History.
Founded in 1886, JTS is the spiritual and academic center of Conservative Judaism. Dr. Schorsch has worked throughout his thirteen years as its leader to convey his vision of Conservative Judaism as the most authentic contemporary expression of rabbinic Judaism. In 1995, he published Sacred Cluster: The Core Values of Conservative Judaism, his highly-acclaimed monograph outlining the seven fundamental tenets of Conservative Judaism.
Under Dr. Schorsch's leadership, JTS continues to inform and elevate the religious lives of Jews far beyond its Manhattan campus. As an engine for outreach, JTS is committed to introducing religious alternatives and new leadership in Israel through its Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem; to training a new Jewish intelligentsia for Russian Jewry through Project Judaism, its Jewish studies program in Moscow; to raising a generation of literate and observant Jews in North America through the Ramah camps and Schechter schools; to providing Jewish knowledge and experience to adults through a panoply of innovative programs; and to creating a responsible Jewish voice on public issues from religious pluralism in Israel to bioethics.
Chancellor Schorsch's belief that the survival of the Jewish people depends on education resulted in the creation of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at JTS in September 1996 thanks to a generous gift of $18 million from William Davidson of Detroit. Through this premier graduate school, the chancellor hopes to effect a revolution in the field of Jewish education in this country. And Dr. Schorsch was a guiding force behind the Solomon Schechter High School of New York, established on the JTS campus in 1992. The only Schechter high school serving New York City and northern New Jersey, having outgrown its space, the school recently relocated to a new state-of-the-art educational facility on Central Park West in Manhattan.
Commitment to Israel remains a top priority. The leading voice in the fight to expand the rights and religious identity of Conservative Jews in Israel, Dr. Schorsch continues to strengthen JTS's Israel campus. His public statements and published writings have attracted wide attention in the secular and Jewish press, including front and editorial page coverage in the New York Times. His longtime support of the peace process was capped by an invitation from President Clinton to serve with the official presidential delegation witnessing the peace treaty signing between Jordan and Israel in October 1994.
Dr. Schorsch continues to enhance JTS's standards of academic excellence. A top scholar in the field of modern Jewish history, Dr. Schorsch addresses the important issue of modern Jewish scholarship as a central factor in the reconstruction of Jewish identity and self-presentation. In 1998, the Russian State University awarded Dr. Schorsch an honorary degree in recognition of the extraordinary success of Project Judaica--the first time in that country's history that such an honor was given to a Jewish scholar. Dr. Schorsch's most recent book, From Text to Context: The Turn to History in Modern Judaism, was published by University Press of New England.
During his tenure as chancellor, Dr. Schorsch has become increasingly recognized as one of the foremost spokesmen on a range of critical issues besetting society. He brings a unique Jewish dimension to such national issues as the environment, separation of church and state, health care and welfare reform. Dr. Schorsch achieved national recognition on the environmental crisis through his participation in a Middlebury College symposium, televised nationally by Bill Moyers, entitled "Spirit and Nature: Religion, Ethics and Environmental Crisis," where he shared the podium with the Dalai Lama. And working closely with Vice President Al Gore, Dr. Schorsch helped create the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, a coalition of religious and scientific leaders, which succeeded in using the moral influence wielded by religious leaders to effect change.
He also spearheaded the creation of a coalition to bring that moral influence to the debate over the delivery of health care in this country. The chancellor launched this partnership effort with a national conference in 1996 entitled "Health Care: Right or Privilege?" jointly sponsored by JTS and its neighbors, the Union Theological Seminary and the Columbia University School of Public Health.
Dr. Schorsch and his wife, Sally, have three children and seven grandchildren.


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What a day! After arriving late last night (flight was delayedand delayed), then getting up earlymy day went like this:
- Live Interview on FOX and Friends on the FOX News Channel (aired nationwide)
- Live interview with the FOX News radio station in Sacramento, Calif.
- Live interview with the FOX News radio in Tampa
- Live interview with the FOX News radio in Chicago
- A recorded interview with the FOX News radio in Louisville, Ky.
- TV interview outside the American Museum of Natural History of New York with CNN SPAIN
- Recorded radio interview with Family News in Focus (a radio outreach of Focus on the Family)
- Interview with a reporter from Newsweek
- Interview with a reporter from Religion News Service
- Interview with a reporter from the Christian Post
- TV interview with BELIEFNET
- Live radio interview with ABC radio Australia
- Live interview with Alan Combs FOX Radio with arch creation enemy Dr. Eugenie Scott on the phone
This past weekend, the home church of our family (Sunnybank District Baptist Church) in Brisbane Australia (we are official missionaries from this church to the USA) featured the missionaries associated with the church. I sent over material for the church to display about the Creation Museum. See the photograph of the booth set up for this occasion.
I received a lot of feedback from my appearance on FOX and Friends Monday morning. Here is an excerpt from an email:
PRAISE GOD! This morning on Fox news I found out my prayers have been answered. For over 30 yrs I have attended a large church in Ithaca NY. Cornell University is here, and the church has many members in the science field who hold PHD's Like many churches, they refuse to take a stand on the issue of the Biblical account of Creation. Many of these men consider themselves believers. They claim they believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God. But. There's always a 'but' in 'The Beginning'. I have been told "it would be a mistake to teach your children that God created the world in six days, because when they are older they will learn the truth, (?) that the earth is _millions of years old and then they will lose their faith" Thanks for TruthPlease continue to pray for all the media interviews, and for staff and contractors as they continue to finish out the Creation Museum.
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying