Here I am again!

I keep intending to update this blog, and then somehow the days escape me! I can't believe it's so long since my last post.
Anyway, we had a quick trip over to the Isle of Wight to attend the birthday party of Alan's cousin Daph. They are a lovely family, so welcoming and interested in everyone. Makes the idea of moving to the Island permanently seem very attractive. We stayed in a super B&B in Shanklin but when we left on Sunday morning I managed to fall down the steps. I hurt my right knee, and my left ankle. I have discovered it is quite hard to limp on both legs at once. The ankle is all but healed, but the knee, like the left one I injured in February, is taking its time. It is VERY painful at night, which is a bit of a bummer!
It has led me to a thought. Small kids are always falling over, but as an adult, unless you are sporty (which I never have been) you don't fall over much. I can remember slipping on the ice one winter in Cosham, so that must have been in the 80's. Since then I have fallen flat on my face in the middle of the (thankfully empty) main road a couple of years ago, and twice so far this year. Maybe I am entering my second childhood??
Had a great day at Katie's Cre8tive crop at Titchfield on Saturday last. For once I actually finished something - even if only a CJ page. I am also very impressed with myself as I have actually USED the layout sketch Debbie and Sophie gave us for our class. It doesn't have any photos on it yet, but it is all ready!!
Saturday evening saw us at the final performance of Fareham Musical Society's production of "Annie", featuring performances by Phoebe and her Nanny Lynda. These are the pictures I need for the layout and Amanda has bought the CD of stills, so I'll have to wait for them. Phoebe was very good - obviously having a ball and very much at home on the stage. Drama, dance and music festivals in the offing now! I can't keep up with her.

I'm half-listening to the news as I type this. It's full of hype about Jack Straw and the veiled Muslim women. I know modesty is required by Islam, but I don't think the full veil is, so I think he has a point. WE live in a culture which regards hiding the face as a sign of ill-intent. From the conning of Jacob in the Old Testament, through Man in the Iron Mask, to highwaymen and the Wild West, we have been taught that covering your face means you have something to hide. This unconciously learned cultural lesson must colour our relationships with people who veil themselves for another reason. WE may have to respect their culture, but THEY should at least understand the suspicion that these practices generate. The veiled girls at college are referred to as "bandits", which is hardly a positive image for them!