Don't call me madam

I hate being called "madam", it makes me feel so old. A young girl asked me if I "wanted chocolate on your capuccino, madam," today.
I feel like the Dick Emery character who used to hiss: "miss," when called madam.
But it's true, it's a long time since I've been a miss, and unlike Lulu I don't have the elixir of youth.

Clever Marketing

I ended up ordering a Jack Wills sweater even though it costs quite a bit more than I would usually spend. (although tbh I got this nearly new on ebay.) I was curious about what the attraction was.
Opened up the wrapper, seemed like many other fashion tops.
Then I look at the labelling: just like school/college outfitters. Clever.
(However my daughter is "label proof" as it happens.)

Spring has sprung

The blossom is sprouting out at last and the birds are getting busy. Also, the first of the year's bluebells are out. Got to catch it while it lasts..you never know when it's going to start raining again.

Indignity of old age

My older, dog, Lucie, is 16 now. In doggie years that's over 100. So you have to be understanding in the fact that she's pretty incontinent now. Have got used to newspapers, mops etc but the whole process, I must admit, is quite wearing.
But she's been around so long, that I sort of feel duty bound to care for her.
All the love, the fun, (and the clearing up) we have had.

Reasons to be cheerful

I finally remembered my "bags for life" at the supermarket and didn't need a single carrier. Pat on the back for me.

Chavs and Chav Nots

My daughter, A, was telling me about Jack Wills branded clothes and how popular they are among people she knows.
I googled Jack Wills and read the Wikipedia description of a "British clothing and accessories retailer aimed at young upper class British students."
They are a sort of British version of Abercrombie and Fitch, popular among young royals and A list celebrities. They also hold social events and have a networking site.
So the class system really is still going strong...
And I thought everyone wore Primark these days.

back from the Isle

Got back late last night after docking in at Liverpool early evening. Had been at Douglas on the Isle of Man to watch D in the first Lotus car race of the year. The 1962 Elite kept breaking, so it was good that we took a tool kit.
You know what it's like, the bonnet of a car comes up and suddenly six guys appear and start scratching their heads.
The public roads were shut for the event and we had "base" in some quiet residential streets. The householders were very generous about letting race drivers leave their cars, trailers, gear etc stacked up against the garden walls.
Walked out with a tall lady called B to view from a point called Hairpin Bend, and my little legs had to run to keep up with her.
But we had a great view, saw some cars spin when they took the corner too fast. My hubby's car didn't like the steep hills and kept conking out mid-race. Never mind.
Heard lots of stories about the TT races, and in our age of health and safety you wonder how long it can keep going in that format. There are no MOTs on the Isle, and fewer rules and regs.
Oh, and I remembered to say "Good Morning Faeries" over Fairy Bridge. It's the custom, you know. And the island does have a sort of eerie atmosphere, set against the powerful backdrop of the Atlantic. I'm sure real faeries do exist there.