tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27554858214496075532024-03-21T21:05:20.833-07:00Dancing QueenVanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-79365768795478912422014-08-20T10:50:00.000-07:002014-08-20T10:50:05.803-07:00Eventful week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well this is an eventful week for the Hyde family.<br />
<br />
Ellie has bought a house near Leeds, the exchange was on Tuesday and the completion is Thursday! I don't think she can quite believe that she will soon own her own home. I do know that she is very excited and nervous. I have a feeling that I might be asked to do some interior painting soon.<br />
<br />
Then on Saturday this week Stuart is moving to London to live with Tab. The house is full of boxes and he is nearly ready for the off. I just have to check his boxes to see if he has packed the family silver!<br />
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And of course, this is the busy week for me with the run-up to the Corsley Show on Bank Holiday Monday. I have processed all the entries for the Horticulture and Craft Tent, the exhibitors cards are printed. The committee have a busy day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and hopefully on Sunday we will be read to receive over 820 entries.<br />
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Just one glitch so far, the A3 printer that I use on Show Day has finally died. I bought 2 lots of new ink carts and it will still not print. Anyhow a new A3 printer is on order and should be delivered tomorrow!! Hurrah...<br />
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Last year the show was so good and we all had so much fun doing it (mostly because the organisation made it go so smoothly) that we are all looking forward to this year's show. Pray for good weather.</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-78026444219489158332014-08-16T01:44:00.001-07:002014-08-16T01:44:24.924-07:00Japan here I come!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well what a fortunate thing that I read what I thought was going to be a 'spam'email last night. It contained a link to a Flash Sale of business class seats to Japan. I have managed to book my return flight for November 2014 for just £1000 - this is amazing value especially for business class and I feel very lucky to have got such a deal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P5cw6VRgLOgt-0O8SNnxQlzGlyYzwDlZM1CESWuuPUZz-JYLuxt87qEmWFogfd8ENKnBOZRHiuid-GiTsZ7Q4GVoICz6XoZbBqR0r7GK1_ZdtkMb8DsimbMLAPqkunJuGYVdw_MTvZk/s1600/miehina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P5cw6VRgLOgt-0O8SNnxQlzGlyYzwDlZM1CESWuuPUZz-JYLuxt87qEmWFogfd8ENKnBOZRHiuid-GiTsZ7Q4GVoICz6XoZbBqR0r7GK1_ZdtkMb8DsimbMLAPqkunJuGYVdw_MTvZk/s1600/miehina.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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My tour is with Festival of Japan - have a look at their website</div>
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Sooo excited now!!</div>
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-60724225949224013302014-07-28T15:34:00.000-07:002014-07-28T15:34:48.589-07:00Flame Thrower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">So
on Sunday afternoon having done a spot of weeding was when I realised that I do not use any chemicals in my garden. This does mean that the weeds can tend to get
the upper hand and take over the garden, especially on the patio areas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
I have found in the garage the flame thrower that David used to use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What
fun!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have burned to death a whole patio of weeds all around the conservatory. Yes I did then put water over the area
in case the house caught on fire but I did enjoy burning the bliters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It
is also a good thing that ‘health and safety’ rules do not apply to households
and I was wearing flip flops and a flowing cape – well I know I am mad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have now ordered 2 more canisters of gas so I can flame throw the rest of the
garden, very satisfying<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-76925096760177928512014-07-21T01:58:00.001-07:002014-07-21T01:58:09.246-07:00No telephones!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Please note that our telephone does not work since the lightening storm. Use my mobile 07740 468 003</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-39517057712396197582014-07-08T14:45:00.002-07:002014-07-08T14:45:39.718-07:00Heavens Gate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a beautiful evening walk with the dogs at Heavens Gate, got there about 9pm and the sun was setting but made the stones look quite different. It was warm and blissfully peaceful, I am so lucky to live here.<br />
Took the motorhome and had a nice cup of tea afterwards - yes I know how to push the boat out LOL</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-16489293154086587552014-07-04T03:31:00.001-07:002014-07-04T03:31:50.119-07:00Scary letters from HMRC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">Have you received a scary letter from HMRC lately? Perhaps all HMRC letters are scary, but this latest nudge-letter really takes the biscuit.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">In it HMRC says the taxpayer's effective rate of income tax is lower than the average for taxpayers with similar levels of income. It goes on to suggest that there could be something wrong with the self-assessment tax return for 2011/12 and the taxpayer sho</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">uld check what they submitted for that year. Penalties and interest are mentioned, which would worry anyone - even those with nothing to hide.<br /><br />Bear in mind the period in which the 2011/12 tax return can be investigated closed for most taxpayers on 31st January 2014. This means HMRC can't open an enquiry into your tax return for that year unless it discovers new information which was previously not disclosed.<br /><br />HMRC sent these letters as part of a pilot to nudge non-compliant taxpayers into paying the right amount of tax. However, in this case HMRC made no attempt to screen out those taxpayers who have good reasons for paying a low proportion of their income in tax - for example because of a loss claim, gift aid donation, or pension contribution. HMRC did not read the disclosures on the tax return before pressing the send button.</span></div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-70148013067978760142014-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:002014-07-01T06:14:01.425-07:00Flexible working hours<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From today all employees can ask for flexible working hours - sounds like a good idea to me. When I was office based I often took a longer lunch hour and made up the time at the end of the day. <br />
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Being flexible makes the employer better to work for. Might be difficult if you have a factory to run and production lines........</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-62777658357240021342014-06-28T11:42:00.001-07:002014-06-28T11:42:31.558-07:00Wedding in November<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I have until today felt lacking in enthusiasm for making my dress
for Stuart & Tab's wedding in November. I had hoped to get a tailor
to make it for me but at £600- £750 that was a non starter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Today I have suddenly found the inspiration that I need and not
only that but I have found the fabric that I need on Ebay........sewing of elegant
dress here I come!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-28844503494093547942014-06-26T02:58:00.000-07:002014-06-26T02:58:00.395-07:00Self Assessment Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you haven't already prepared your personal tax return please send us your information in asap. We are already speeding through our 2013-2014 tax return list and are aiming to get all our clients Self Assessments done as early as possible.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions or would like to have a quick chat, why not give us a call.</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-87079611202842552712014-06-24T05:17:00.002-07:002014-06-24T05:17:49.959-07:00Duetto curtains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On a none business note I am covering the curtains in the Duetto with 'Strawberry' inspired fabric. It also gives me a chance to wash the curtains which do not ever appeared to have been done, Yuck!<br />
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So here is the first curtain washed and covered<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMHOB6wy0-RzybxIYrINqoHH9iR8hNCS71Qz5K6yzqE4h_H7eO2f37per_mxOmCQnvdSvqjIuhIsRzDCYKFIfJaht6GPYmpFPHJp6lQiMNwLkzhqkuGki3jtUxjOB9LPUaKMw9L8H5I4/s1600/WP_20140624_001%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMHOB6wy0-RzybxIYrINqoHH9iR8hNCS71Qz5K6yzqE4h_H7eO2f37per_mxOmCQnvdSvqjIuhIsRzDCYKFIfJaht6GPYmpFPHJp6lQiMNwLkzhqkuGki3jtUxjOB9LPUaKMw9L8H5I4/s1600/WP_20140624_001%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipLM-Ub8wcvT5gUBvRkAOAcQoh0-EayKzY0vhbZUu6ZcxsBonu_GTkGVejDgsPslA3NefZMenNTa3XxNHOQwRNH6KVGZwmyVE9aEpHVSp-p6RXs1Myugr_gu5P7Vh-Wzdy4sRLSz-2QA/s1600/WP_20140624_002%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipLM-Ub8wcvT5gUBvRkAOAcQoh0-EayKzY0vhbZUu6ZcxsBonu_GTkGVejDgsPslA3NefZMenNTa3XxNHOQwRNH6KVGZwmyVE9aEpHVSp-p6RXs1Myugr_gu5P7Vh-Wzdy4sRLSz-2QA/s1600/WP_20140624_002%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
Can you see the 'Strawberry' theme? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHN6SyZ0R0NPcGxhlECNBFGu6aDvXqYHfDwMcJh3W-DVhX1ijq8qQ2uv3pPEHOSrFfFk9XLhkdlZTGNPgvx7CtFmT1676PKOCeQEvO2jW2AnWwzWP2vA9Z0mYCu2HxIuCR_YKQGDCBPg/s1600/WP_20140624_004%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHN6SyZ0R0NPcGxhlECNBFGu6aDvXqYHfDwMcJh3W-DVhX1ijq8qQ2uv3pPEHOSrFfFk9XLhkdlZTGNPgvx7CtFmT1676PKOCeQEvO2jW2AnWwzWP2vA9Z0mYCu2HxIuCR_YKQGDCBPg/s1600/WP_20140624_004%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
I know I will have fun using all this material!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FT2Vq7XgfgevQxVDCfZsJzFry-irN4fGrGVOR7Coiu4juZENg9ZKin9NUgCOnvSDU1qomAHV7K9Co3R6HgfFvRw5ikbtRj3SMyvD8PCi7e3STL3zKrij4veh6z97Bn3C9VUpmUkKlPs/s1600/WP_20140624_003%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FT2Vq7XgfgevQxVDCfZsJzFry-irN4fGrGVOR7Coiu4juZENg9ZKin9NUgCOnvSDU1qomAHV7K9Co3R6HgfFvRw5ikbtRj3SMyvD8PCi7e3STL3zKrij4veh6z97Bn3C9VUpmUkKlPs/s1600/WP_20140624_003%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-12963758214912464992014-06-24T04:12:00.001-07:002014-06-24T04:12:08.820-07:00Sales Calls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So what do you do when you receive another sales call?<br />
<br />
We have to answer all phone calls in case it is business related but Hyde Accounting gets at least 3 sales calls each day - yes 21 in a week - 156 in a year......aaarrrrgggghhhh......<br />
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The most polite thing I can think to do is to put the phone face down on the desk and they can talk to the wood!!<br />
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Any other ideas?</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-52585848063656721002014-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:002014-06-20T10:00:05.337-07:00Computer Problems<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">Knowing that I have a lot of client data that I must back up I have the following in place:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">2 hard drives in the file server that mirror each other</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">1 external hard drive that copies the file server all the time</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">Back up to 'the cloud' that takes place overnight</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">Have you got a backup plan for your computer? Even losing the family photos is horrible!</span></div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-8402696821637667452014-06-19T10:15:00.000-07:002014-06-19T10:15:04.656-07:00Colour of my mind!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Your mind is</h2>
<h1 style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 55px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Red</h1>
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Of all the mind types, yours is the most impulsive. If you think it, you do it. And you can get the bug to pursue almost any passion. Your thoughts are big and bold. Your mind has no inhibitions. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about love, your dreams, and distant places.</div>
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I think my mind has just the perfect idea for this evening....</div>
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Drink of wine in the evening sun and a burning chiminea</div>
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Lovely</div>
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-79124310072614632042014-06-18T08:19:00.000-07:002014-06-18T08:19:00.460-07:00Going over the VAT limit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Did you know that if you inadvertently go over the VAT limit with your sales but it is unlikely to happen again then you need to write to HMRC and explain that this has happened. <br />
<br />
In the future when your sales really increase and go over the VAT limit and have to register, without that letter HMRC, will apply the VAT registration back to the time you accidentally went over the limit - even if that is many years ago. Imagin the horror of the VAT bill... </div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-46347130384645907882014-06-17T07:14:00.000-07:002014-06-17T07:14:00.473-07:00Payroll Manger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here at Hyde Accounting we have the most useful and friendly software that controls all our payrolls for our clients. It is really strong on sending the RTI's (Real Time Information) which if they are late would incur a fine from HMRC starting in Oct 2014. </div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-50434569910087213712014-06-13T08:27:00.000-07:002014-06-13T08:27:00.019-07:00It's Friday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Vanessa is out - I have the Comm - don't panic </div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-77012993250797355562014-06-13T05:29:00.001-07:002014-06-13T05:29:21.780-07:00Friday 13th - lucky or unlucky?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well I had forgotten that today is Friday 13th but I consider it lucky as I will be able to see the full moon tonight - as long as I do not drink too much wine and go to sleep! <br />
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Out on my first Caravan Club Rally with Wiltshire section this weekend, hope to be off by 4pm. Dave and Deb will join me in their supersized motorhome, so it will be a case of 'little n large'<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5c3bCeCPAkz9f0tbsLYX6Uz6kX_F7nyydLGAzpv63SzeeGu_XFDIxd570hCANQI1ZBYR5oDbrnMkCkvaDB_R-okhjZ8lpW0Nf7JVNLFmAiMS8pVIeqSc8Aa7fjvkTSY0omKCKKH61WQ/s1600/P1060793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5c3bCeCPAkz9f0tbsLYX6Uz6kX_F7nyydLGAzpv63SzeeGu_XFDIxd570hCANQI1ZBYR5oDbrnMkCkvaDB_R-okhjZ8lpW0Nf7JVNLFmAiMS8pVIeqSc8Aa7fjvkTSY0omKCKKH61WQ/s1600/P1060793.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I will call her 'Strawberry Fields'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is my little van conversion - such fun </div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-76947309408160394132014-06-12T07:36:00.001-07:002014-06-12T07:36:49.144-07:00Sunny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So who is having a BBQ this evening? The dogs and I will be in the garden with the chiminea alight - more wine anyone?</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-66551742563305421082014-06-12T07:00:00.001-07:002014-06-12T07:00:47.436-07:00Hidden Tax<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It always annoys me that our UK government does not come clean about the hidden taxes we all have to pay. If you are self employed then you pay Class 2 National Insurance of £2.80 per week and at the end of the year you complete a self assessment tax return. Tax is 20% on profits of over £10,000 but who remembers the Class 4 National Insurance of 9% on profits over £7,755 - hidden tax!!</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-40860164066509082052013-07-23T11:11:00.001-07:002013-07-23T11:11:37.801-07:00Chickens!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Saturday I went to Salisbury Rare Breed Poultry auctions with Lyn & Fraser. As I only have 2 chickens at the moment I was hoping to get 2 more at the auction.<br />
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I have never been to any livestock auction and I did find it fascinating. The auctioneer spoke so fast that I could not understand the prices so when I had chosen a cage of 2 white hens I got Fraser to bid for me. Success!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT-P5RxhYIWyEXTUz2cK20Ori88GKaNQ_nr6-sNRzKZ6o8ybpCJXBobS4Q5K7FtHPLEE1KU97Qhj8tL1eRZOiMjqSz2G-c0rfROMtqCUJhiYL4RSxKr3T1pUvRLbFmyMjcboWQchXMVw/s1600/mixture144-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT-P5RxhYIWyEXTUz2cK20Ori88GKaNQ_nr6-sNRzKZ6o8ybpCJXBobS4Q5K7FtHPLEE1KU97Qhj8tL1eRZOiMjqSz2G-c0rfROMtqCUJhiYL4RSxKr3T1pUvRLbFmyMjcboWQchXMVw/s200/mixture144-1.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Sussex hens<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We think the birds are Light Sussex hens but there was no breed stated on the sale document. Having got them home I needed to integrate them with my 2 Black Rock hens who are already well established.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PnttFyjvxCvfAN_BzqsfTD_AalfU6ny2A1mP8aPj8Sp10LLhPoarptg76D1NvjFgRBzszkmNBKWQ9jkUZOLCmLDFJGPlfdQCiHHaVm3hSp9jTAJJIhia3cdwEPYwTLPBABcG5TcG4h8/s1600/rhode+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PnttFyjvxCvfAN_BzqsfTD_AalfU6ny2A1mP8aPj8Sp10LLhPoarptg76D1NvjFgRBzszkmNBKWQ9jkUZOLCmLDFJGPlfdQCiHHaVm3hSp9jTAJJIhia3cdwEPYwTLPBABcG5TcG4h8/s200/rhode+rock.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Rock hens<br /></td></tr>
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So I divided the hen run and gave the new hens water and feed; I also clipped one wing so they cannot fly...........well that is the theory. I found that night they had both flown up onto the edge of the chicken run and were roosting for the night. <br />
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I know that it is best to introduce new hens at night when they are all roosting but you should have seen the look my Black Rocks gave them, it was just as if 'who are they and are they staying?' Very funny.<br />
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Well at the moment the Light Sussex are confined to the hen house during the day and after about a week I will let them mix all the time. Fraser thinks that they need about another 2 months before they will start to lay so they should see me through the winter. <br />
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I love doing new things.<br />
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-72416915863554462822013-07-08T12:50:00.001-07:002013-07-08T12:50:29.085-07:00Elderflower cordial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have a beautiful elderflower bush outside the lounge window and over the weekend I stripped it of flowers and made elderflower cordial. It is really wonderful and very fragrant.<br />
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I have never made cordial before but if this is the result then I will try again next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr10iSIdZiPX88FjVcJU4-yWGrQ7nOGuli4m0pN9NDuJKR-7KaJ-YSpPSzHBxsFfQnTvviWE9Sk6KBlv2vAo48K42yjHAUPz9ItvSqf42FlINdbnnW5B_mJ_gHUeyUwiPRH_wA_Me9QM/s1600/Elderflower-600x472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr10iSIdZiPX88FjVcJU4-yWGrQ7nOGuli4m0pN9NDuJKR-7KaJ-YSpPSzHBxsFfQnTvviWE9Sk6KBlv2vAo48K42yjHAUPz9ItvSqf42FlINdbnnW5B_mJ_gHUeyUwiPRH_wA_Me9QM/s320/Elderflower-600x472.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The recipe made 3 bottles but I have already drunk half a bottle so I made need to make more this year!<br />
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Cheers!!</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-42129832912443030972013-06-23T07:14:00.000-07:002013-06-23T07:14:07.936-07:00House work!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Possibly from the title you might expect me to say that I have suddenly become domesticated....Nooooooooo........not me!<br />
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I have had a very satisfying weekend of house maintenance, I have cleared 2 gutters and unblocked a down pipe so the rainwater flows well. <br />
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I found an electric wood shaver (I did not even remember that we had one) and managed to shave the top of the door into my en-suite bathroom and now I can close the door again, hurragh!<br />
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The creeper that was going up over the velux window has now been chopped down and I weeded out all the grass around the pond. <br />
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The chickens are now in the greenhouse and making a good job of clearing all the ground weeds so that just leaves the run free for me to clean out the chicken house. <br />
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Last job today will be to open the velux window and do some maintenance work. I just feel so satisfied that I have been able to get these jobs done on my own.<br />
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-62717783571869987332013-05-19T15:31:00.000-07:002013-05-19T15:31:32.990-07:00Cornwall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8SWCwMqVvKQGGqKIk6BU0RORqV5wYQncuqPmP80E7MW-ArbMLAjKQlSHGm9piMFdCg2iIkzB2xaw3cSMQ9xBo9uBjnf0bEPCooomZIKB1cXKpGOi8OOHir6Cb1CNplv0dKYaEanFGTo/s1600/P1050936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8SWCwMqVvKQGGqKIk6BU0RORqV5wYQncuqPmP80E7MW-ArbMLAjKQlSHGm9piMFdCg2iIkzB2xaw3cSMQ9xBo9uBjnf0bEPCooomZIKB1cXKpGOi8OOHir6Cb1CNplv0dKYaEanFGTo/s320/P1050936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie at Heligan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYhxWY7KKBpvobpzOho8LdnYdjvexWH7QQtBUnqcopo0Y_uqaGLFFQxjbpPLieNZJzfAgYjsnyTIqJygVOuRH9B6t8k2bHIvAJykO2LiVt9KP34dLVdS6A6QFLOfyfuZ7xZMoZNHBzEw/s1600/P1050933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYhxWY7KKBpvobpzOho8LdnYdjvexWH7QQtBUnqcopo0Y_uqaGLFFQxjbpPLieNZJzfAgYjsnyTIqJygVOuRH9B6t8k2bHIvAJykO2LiVt9KP34dLVdS6A6QFLOfyfuZ7xZMoZNHBzEw/s320/P1050933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa, Socx and Maia at Heligan</td></tr>
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How blessed we have been with the weather this week. Debbie and I visited Cornwall and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. I was last at Heligan about 13 years ago just after it opened to the public. Now the gardens have matured and so much work has been done that it really is a very special place.<br />
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I also stayed with my nephew David and his wife Karen who are both Druids. The evening conversations were wonderful and opened my eyes to another way of viewing life and this planet. David has a connection to the spirit world that I find fascinating and intriguing - I would so like to know more but I am uncertain as to whether I want to know.<br />
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One evening we took the dogs for a late walk up the lane near David's cottage, the moon was crescent and the first evening star was just visible. There are a lot of bats in the area and some came really low so they were easy to see, I love bats and find them fascinating. In fact Debbie and I saw a bat in daylight over a lake at Heligan which is very unusual. <br />
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I have a lot of bats in my garden here at home and this evening I was sitting with my neighbours in their new summerhouse watching bats (and drinking wine). There are a lot of insects in the gardens and there must have been at least 4 different bats about tonight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU_5rfCC6EYNrPZg35TAa8lpyLO9jGf3NLALoe2yj5Cqfr9E8c-sB9B4qDOuAgiFwSsN8T6UjpAnp9vA3akXANbibPunrrusHTj-XJOI-rQULCioFGHYpDfojoGqA0mQ7fni6xHx0RHo/s1600/Dragon+loo+roll+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU_5rfCC6EYNrPZg35TAa8lpyLO9jGf3NLALoe2yj5Cqfr9E8c-sB9B4qDOuAgiFwSsN8T6UjpAnp9vA3akXANbibPunrrusHTj-XJOI-rQULCioFGHYpDfojoGqA0mQ7fni6xHx0RHo/s1600/Dragon+loo+roll+holder.jpg" /></a>I also love spotting owls when I drive home at night. David has a captive African Grass owl in his garden; Issie was not sure about another 2 dogs in her garden and she kept a close eye on both Socx and Maia. I was not sure if she viewed them as 'lunch' or 'predator'. <br />
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Do you like this toilet roll holder? I do! this is in David and Karen's home! Wonderful. xx<br />
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Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-56574620864810817002013-01-22T03:24:00.001-08:002013-01-22T03:24:39.508-08:00How lovely!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As most people will know 2012 was a lovely year until the 28th September when David died suddenly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I really have not felt like blogging..... until today. I have received a lovely email from a client that has restored my faith in life and made me smile.</span></div>
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'<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hi
Vanessa,</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You
very kindly sent my last year’s tax return and some good advice in order that I
could complete my own self-assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
am triumphant to say that the mission is accomplished! I really didn’t
think I would be able to do it without you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
prevailing factors in our turbulence have been flooding and M's Mum.
One is receding, the other keeps going! At least we have no snow, unlike
your poor self and thousands of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
was so saddened to hear of your loss; the heartbreak of losing the beloved is
beyond description and my heart goes out to you. As you struggle to make
your new normal in the months and years ahead, I pray that your memories and
the love that continues, will warm you and bring comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
will contact you if I need your help in the future, but I am deeply grateful
for all that you have done for me, you are a true professional and a lovely
lady,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Always
with kindest regards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">S'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am sitting here smiling and crying just a little, it means so much to me that S has said such kind words. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Being without David 'sucks'; for over 35 years I had his love and support that never wavered (I was not always so kind in return) but being without my life partner is just LONELY. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755485821449607553.post-41103244042902417162012-07-26T00:16:00.000-07:002012-07-26T00:16:57.870-07:00Impulse!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do any of us do much on impulse? <br />
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I did last night. I went outside at about 11pm to shut the chickens away for the night, the house has been really quite stuffy and the night air was cool and inviting; so inviting that I decided to sleep outside! The garden chairs were all still out with cushions on so I took a blanket and got comfy in 2 chairs. The night sky was really visible it was like soft crushed velvet with glitter sprinkled all over it. In fact it was so mesmerising that it was hard to sleep. I woke at one point and saw a shooting star - what are the chances of that? <br />
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Socx came out in the night and found me in the garden so got comfy in a chair next to me and then Maia followed; she slept by my feet. <br />
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By about 4:30am the light was changing the colour of the sky and it was cold and damp, so I retired indoors. It was such an adventure and I am still smiling about it now. I watched the earth rotate against the stars, the garden was peaceful and safe - what fun!! Well my idea of fun...</div>Vanessa M A Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12230427399661172148noreply@blogger.com0