At last!!  things still  not too good but I've missed you all, been struggling to get back here but so much has occurred to prevent me, not least falling and badly injuring my back, which was quite worrying as it also affected my breathing. Dad is still not too good so that is still not a good situation,  but  with my heart condtion I am trying  not to overdo things and hope that things will improve...

              but what a lot has happened in Liverpool remember me telling you about this year being the European Capital of Culture, much I have missed  but what I have caught, Oh My..Tall Ships were pretty spectacular with some grand seafaring vessels all in grand sail down the River Mersey.. Festival of Samba dancers coming from all over the world..Mathew Street Festival with a soul stage this year for the first time and as I just love Tamla Motown with the Temptations, Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder songs this was brilliant thousands came to what is now a huge musical event.. BUT NOTHING and I mean nothing could have met the expectations of the star billing of this years events...

          Many workers commuting into the city encountered a huge spider attached to the side of a building about to be destroyed, the story was that it had appeared from the foundations and a laboratory had been set up at the dock to investigate it, afraid it may be pregnant and hatch out lots of little spiderlings.. the following day the spider was transported to this site where it began to awaken to the beautiful strains of harps, violinists, cellists, indeed a twenty five piece orchestra was distribiuted in Manzebuks (small cranes) to serenade what had now been christened La Princess, as she began to walk La Princess was startled by firecrackers and a wall of fire, and returned to the spot where a magical snow storm lulled her back to sleep.. totally magical as her gigantic legs began to draw in around her.. There she remained un til she was on the move that evening, after having a bath in the dock, where she walked on the water, perfumed, she was ready to walk along the Strand to the Cunard Building next to the Royal Liver (with the Liver Birds), where she slept again amidst another snow shower..

     For me however the next day was really fraught, my daughter was getting married in the middle of the city to have her reception later on in the Adelphi a hotel the other side of the city. All of the roads were to be closed off, so highways and byeways had to help with a route through  but La Princess followed my La Princess all day being at the Town Hall at 3.30 just across the road from where Angela was getting married (at the same time) and then at eight that  night La Princess made her way up Ranleigh street to outside the Adelphi Hotel, halting practically on the doorstep, with hundreds of  thousands of potential gatecrashers in her wake, perhaps coming to say hello, and wave a leg (one of its eight !) and wanting a piece of wedding cake. Phew, she sure added to the proceedings that's for sure. 

   All too soon she had to leave and made her way past the museums, the following evening after her sleep back on the concourse building heading towards the mersey tunnel but by now she had been taken to everyones hearts, amidst a firework display and another snowstorm Liverpool bid their farewell, many in tears as she slipped away down the tunnel. But one wonders looking in all of those childrens excited eyes, what was fired in their imaginations, I think the effects will be felt for a long time to come.    Libby (c)

Hello  my wonderful friends.. this is a short brief visit as I have not been able to be around much lately  as my Dad is very poorly I'm afraid but I just wanted to let you all know and send you  my love and let you know I am thinking of you..Thought I would share this short fun, and happy write for a little light relief..I hope you enjoy  :):) :)   LOve to all  as ever and always Lib x x x

                                           Hey!!!!

                      The  Clowns  Have come  to Town!!!

Turbaned hat of a yellow balloon with a dangling heart like a ruby jewel
stripey tights in pink and blue, huge orange waisted trousers, with gigantic yellow buttons
held in place by bright green braces.
Huge purple shoes with liquorice laces, that is Doo - doo - doodley - do, Doodley for short
he loves to clown and comes quite often into town. Jester Jake his funny mate has rosy cheeks and a red shiny nose with ears that squeak, bells on his hat with a quivering jingle and balls on his feet that merrily mingle but he brings such cheer to all of the children when he comes to town.
When Doodley and Jake get together there's merriment and fun whatever the weather.
Jake dances waving a flag with legs flying asunder and Doodley blows balloons giving to all the children golden chocolate doubloons.
Rainbow hair with spirally curls and magical tassels in fiery swirls.
Spinning plates and custard pies, treasure finds are what they like the best and coloured blinds playing games of hide and find. Producing baubles from behind an ear. Has the audience clapping and cheer 'Ahaa he be pirates you see' chants Jake and his mate Doodley.
'Come with us and sail the sea 'and then they get the children to be rolling waves standng up and down with their arms swaying in the air. A magical wand and a box of tricks, Jake and Doodley are a heady mix. Jokes and tickles from a huge coloured feather duster reaches out across bobbing heads, shrieks of laughter cobs of fun when those clowns come into town. If you hear they're about to appear get your tickets right away and try not to dally or delay 'Whose the clown' they ask the children all shout out 'it's you'..dear Jake and Doodley Doo   Wahey....
Written by Libithina  (c)
18.05.2008

A lady with a shelaghley

Danced a jig whilst at a ceiladh

She danced on the tables,

Then on to the floor

And with her shelaghley

Went out of the door

Down the road

The people followed

As she danced through crook

And hollow

The little people all joined in

Soon they were caught

In a moighty spin

They spun so fast

They flew up in the air

The moon shine skimmed

Off her ginger hair

What could they do

To get back to earth

With so much, fun, dance and mirth

The shelaghley was made into a tree

By which they returned

Almost instantly

 ©  Libithina

  'The little mouse, had come in out of the cold, when the weathr had gotten really bad, when the snows had fallen and the pond had frozen over. Under the floorboards he now lived, peeping out when all was asleep, feeding from discarded crisp packets, sweets and biscuit crumbs scattered in the tiniest of pieces on the floor. He loved his new home and when the Spring came, he didn't want to leave but he did miss seeing all of his friends, the little birds in the garden, where he used to share in their food, dropped from the bird feeders in the tree. Oh, what could he do ! ! He could hear the birds whistling and chirruping cheerfully. So he thought of an idea, so simple, why didn't he think of this before, I can go into the garden and see my friends and then come back inside, and have the 'best of both wonderful worlds'. Indeed I will share with my friends, some of the treats that I find. But little did he know, that the people that lived in the house knew about the little mouse, they had heard him scratching about in the night 

but they were quite content, with the state of affairs

 and allowd the little mouse his tiny share,

 of biscuit crumbs and morsels of food,

 to have not done thus, would have seemed to be rude !' (c) Libithina

         A little tale not dissimilar to many tales that may have been read by Mums to a child at bedtime. To all Mums, have a happy Mothers Day x x

   On the 7th February starts the year of the Rat, people born under this sign are hard working, passionate, practical.  Indeed the Chinese cycle commences with the sign of the Rat. People born under this sign do not tend to be the ‘followers' as they set the trend, placing many wheels in motion, with innovative ideas, the Rat is definitely the leader and the pioneer. They love to travel, not being tied to the tedium of everyday but they have put in the ‘miles' first, with a lot of thought and consideration being given to a project or scheme. It is their acute perception that enables them to sift through much minutae. Extroverted these are the ‘party animals' also making great parents thinking up and getting involved with adventurous, imaginative, fun games.

     The 7th Feb marks the start of a 15 day celebration as they prepare to welcome in the 'Gods of the heavens and earth' also known as the Spring Festival as the earth comes back to life.  The sacred dragon dance symbolizes positive power, goodness and fertility. On the last night is the very beautiful lantern festival. The food that is eaten has symbolic value, noodles for long life and oranges and tangerines symbolise abundant happiness. Trays of candied fruits are prepared for visitors and colourful blossoms decorate. All the home is swept clean and the doors flung open to let out the old year. The wearing of red, hold promise for a bright and sunny future. Wishes are written and are given on red paper in rhyming couplets 'May the star of happiness, wealth and longevity shine upon you'. Small red envelopes are given to children with the inclusion of one dollar bills for good fortune.

  There are many interpretations of ‘Congratulations and be Prosperous', I hope that this comes close    'KUNG HEI FAT CHOI'.