In which Jane Elizabeth nearly dislocates her shoulders trying on ....

the "Body solutions - moulded multi-way full slip" in Marks and Spencers lingerie department changing rooms on thankfully, a very quiet, Wednesday morning! The previously mentioned garment is needed to encase my voluptuous form (nice way of saying a bit cuddly) for the bridesmaid dress that has just arrived in Berketex for a fitting - in fact for me to fit into it.

This was no mean feat, to which I will now explain in full! Having carefully chosen many and various forms of body sculpturing, waist nipping and fat flattening garments I located the changing rooms and with wishful thinking, in my part, tried on the above mentioned items. Nobody can fully explain this experience to you, rather like childbirth and/or learning to swim, until you've actually done it. The scene in front of the VERY unflattering full size mirrors was not something for the faint hearted, in fact during the trying on of the "full-slip thingy" I did very nearly dislocate my left shoulder and perhaps wistfully dreamed I needed rescuing by some very strong and masterful firemen from Nottinghamshire County fire brigade in very big boots and shiny yellow helmets but stop now, they would not have liked what they saw, as I certainly didn't. I sheepishly took back all the garments, looking perhaps a little flustered, and stated I needed a bigger size to which the lady, receiving my body solution garments, stated "Did you work out you should pull it up from the bottom and not over your head". Had they heard me struggling, was there secret CCTV in the cubicle or did my hair looked tousled in a very un-sexy way.!? Probably all three! Back I went in again with a larger version of the previous versions and did manage to pull this sculpturing device on without serious harm to myself or any furnishings and walls! The only problem with these underwear items is where the extra/excess skin/fat goes - I will leave this to the readers imagination......

You may ask why a flower, a passion flower at that? To take your mind of the very unkind images that I have described.

Always happy to help, love from the Very Magic Janey XXXxxx

Ben goes up to Scotland and Max goes down to Speedwell!

Last Friday Ben hitched a ride with Carole and Luca up to Aberdeen and while I type will be returning via train due to return at about 11pm tonight (Thursday). I spent the weekend fumigating his bedroom, whilst Max reveled in spending more time than usual on his big brother's computer! Nick, Max and myself took a day trip last Saturday to North Derbyshire near the village of Castleton where we visited the Speedwell Cavern. This is an old, disused underground cavern once mined, rather unsuccessfully, for its lead. This hour long adventure included a ride on a boat (with 15 other tourists!) along these underground tunnels, it was very cold, dark and atmospheric! Max was quiet for nearly 5 minutes, (world record for him) he even admitted to being a bit afraid! Above are a couple of photos taken whilst down the mine, in one photograph he is praying that his mum and dad don't leave him down there as we were told by the rather insightful guide that "he had started this job when just a small boy rather similar in age to Max!"

Carole and Luca visit to Lincoln - July 2010

Carole and Luca visited Dad and Valerie's last week and on Thursday myself and Ben and Max popped over to Lincoln to spend the day with them all. Valerie cooked her legendary crinkle cut chips (done in a proper deep fat fryer) with various salads and tuna and prawns. Fortunately the weather was fair but did decide to rain in the afternoon while Carole, Ben and myself took a walk to the local shops. We did get a little wet!

It is with great relief ....

... that I have completed the first year of my foundation degree. It is no surprise, due to a change in government, that there may not be the funding available to complete it. Back to washing up for me then - ha, ha, ha!!

More sunny days

Above photos taken of us all at Nana's (Nick's mum) in Lincoln on Saturday. The first 2 photos were taken this week in the back garden, world cup fever has now thankfully passed- you will notice the football sticker book! Dad and Val came over to us for the England v Germany match on Sunday where we all became armchair experts in football for 90 minutes or so. I personally think we should have lost about 7 nil but would obviously not dare to tell anyone this!

Big Ben and Mad Max

There are certain times in your life when you have to pause. Both of our boys, as you can see from the photos, are at very different stages in their life.

Ben has just finished his 'A' levels, thank goodness. I feel we have all been doing them! A great big sign of relief has been felt by all, things were a little tense. Revision was done and exams now finished. Prom night for Ben is this Friday for all 6th form pupils leaving his school so a suit was needed. We went to M&S. Ben has never worn a suit before and I will have to admit that I got a little emotional in M&S when he stepped out of the changing room - Mum's of big boys will know what I mean! He just looked so grown-up! Soppyness over with now. Since finishing school he hasn't been in before 1am, has now got 3 ear-rings and no job is forthcoming!

Max has been enjoying the fabulous weather that we are all experiencing in the UK at the moment. I do believe it has been nice for nearly a week. The above photo, taken of Max ,was one of many as he swung across the monkey bars then splashed into the paddling pool. As I said, we have had several weeks of warm weather now so long may it last.

More photos of family

Photos of us all - hope they are in the right order! The above photos are of Neville and Sylvia and their children Anya, Maya and Joost. With the Armstrong rabble, Grandma, Carole and Luca.