Expedition

There are some things I'd never do: I'd never audition for the X Factor. I'd never get up in front of 200 people and give a talk on making the perfect Victoria sponge. And I'd never, ever in a million years (not even for a million pounds), take a rucksack and a tent into the Scottish hills for an overnight stay. Not even if I was still 14 and it meant another shiny for my school blazer.

That just goes to show how much more adventurous Daughter is, because going off into the hills is exactly what she did last week, when she went on her Duke of Edinburgh bronze expedition.

The weather was horrible. Her rucksack weighed almost as much as she did. And, I'm sure she wouldn't mind me saying, she's not the sportiest of girls so she found it really difficult.

Despite my spending a fortune on the correct equipment - and making sure the rucksack was properly fitted - she still has bruises on her shoulder and her hips. And her boots were so wet and muddy, she suspects she may have contracted trench foot.

But she did it. And I'm very proud of her.

I know this is supposed to be a writing blog - it only seems like I've forgotten - so I'm happy to report some good writing news: A short story sale on Monday to lovely, lovely People's Friend. I was especially pleased as one of the characters was based on my very wonderful daughter. She approves for the moment, but will no doubt complain I'm using her life to further my writing the next time she falls out with me. :0)

Ten random things here soon. I might even manage to think of some writing things. :0)

Why I love my Mother's Day TV

For years, we peered from a distance at a 24" tv. Technology might have moved since it was bought, but it worked fine. And frankly we didn't know any better. 

So what if I couldn't see the screen properly? I'm getting on and it's only to be expected at my age.

And then, for Mother's Day this year, I was given a new tv.

I grumbled a little. After all, what were we to do with the old one? There was nothing wrong with it, but nobody would want it because they all had large flatscreens. And this new one is a 42" - and sat uncomfortably large in the tv corner.

Valiantly, I overcame my objections and forced myself to watch - and was instantly smitten as I was transported to a magical wonderland. Whatever I watch now, it's like I'm really there. We popped The Sound Of Music (hooray) into the Blu-ray player and I could very nearly breathe the fresh mountain air. John Barrowman is practically life-sized. And as for Pobol Y Cwm - well, it's exactly as though I'm back in Wales.

I can actually see the screen properly - without squinting. Every viewing is a cinema experience. And it's largeness has quickly been accommodated so it now looks as though it belongs.

Now I'm only cross we didn't get a bigger telly years ago.

Other news:

Lovely Teresa has tagged me: Ten random things coming soon :0)

New Voices excitement has arrived again. I've decided not to enter this year - my nerves couldn't stand it. But (in alphabetical order) Minx Catherine Coles and Minx Romy Sommer have both posted up fantastic chapters (they really are good - and I'm not just saying that because they're friends). Click on their names to read their entries.

And can I ask you to please send positive vibes for dry weather over the Ochil Hills this weekend? My wee angel and friends are currently in the wilds with rucksacks and tents on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards expedition. And the weather aint good. :0(