And A Big Warm Welcome to 2011.

Hey ho you lovely little Peeps, and a very Happy New Year to you all. If I am going to be perfectly honest, I had all sorts of wonderful plans to start this new year off with a bright and shiny new blog layout. Oh yes, it was all happening, sort of, in my head at least. But as is often the way with wondrous plans...well...it didn't really pan out. Time, or lack of, has been rather a problem of late. Where on earth have the days been going ? It's all been a blur of socialising, singing .... oh yes, *ahem* did I mention that I have been dusting off the pipes recently ? Well if we've engaged in happy banter on Twitter you would know all about that, but if not, I'll fill you in later. What else ? Oh yes, I've been playing with my new toy, my Christmas gift from The Coach, a Bamboo Fun graphic tablet and pen.

Oh what fun I tell you. I have been absolutely bamboozled by the endless options that are available on this baby. Now I don't want you think that I am being big headed or anything, but really, I think I am an absolute natural on the tablet and pen. It's a gift I tell you, I'm sure Monet felt exactly the same way when he smeared his first glob of oil paint. No, truly, look at this.........

Yup.....uh ah.....mmmmmm......I can tell that you are speechless because you are so incredibly impressed right ? Admiring the exceptional use of colour and texture. The skill used in those perfect outlines. Perhaps you should squint your eyes and tilt your head to the left ? No ? Okay, try standing on you head whilst wearing a pair of sunglasses, I know you know what I'm talking about.

Oh okay, perhaps it still needs some work. But the point is that I am having a great deal of fun trying out all the different mediums whilst I bumble around the program. Rome wasn't built in a day you know.

Playing and drifting days aside, I have a really good feeling about 2011. This is the year that I intend to grab the proverbial bull by the horns and just go for it. Life is too short and I feel like I have been in a holding pattern for the last few years. This year I intend to shine, one way or another and I hope you'll enjoy coming along and sharing the ride with me :)

Dinner Time.

"Do you know that guy mum ?"

"The actor from the movie ?"

"Yes, him, I think I'm going to look just like him when I grow up."

"Really ? Just like Zac Efron ? That would be impressive." (And as about as likely as you turning into a werewolf when there's a full moon, but dream big little man)

"Yes and I'm going to sing just like him. I'm a really good singer."

"Are you ?"

"Hmm mmm."

"Mama,"

"Yes Petal,"

*High pitched squeals*

"I'm a really good singer too, see ?"

"Umm yes, but you will probably be better without a mouthful of minestrone."

"Mum, I want to grow my hair long and let it hang over one eye. That would be cool."

"Ooooooh that's stuuuuuuupid, you won't be able to see, will he mama ? That's so dumb."

"You're dumb,"

"Am not, you're dumber."

"Muuuum, she just called me dumber and I could so see, out of my other eye, see."

*demonstrates by covering one eye and enthusiastically rolling the other eye*

*Roar of laughter* (that's Petal) "You're a pirate," *hic**hic**hic* "mama *hic* I've got the *hic* hiccups *hic*"

"Yes I can see that sweetheart, try not to choke on a butterbean,"

*snort* *guffaw* (that's Le Artiste) *fine spray of minestrone across the dining table*

*hic* *giggle* *sigh*


Just your average night around the dinner table at Casa Del Waffler, we've a few spare seats if you would like to join us one evening, it's a riot, just ask the children.