Books by MARILYN L RICE

            

Hello Everyone,

      

 Lady M here. I thought it was time to update you on all of MARILYN L. RICE'S  books.

Way back in 2001she published Time &Tide on her 50th birthday. This book is now out of print but second-hand copies are available on such places as eBay and Amazon.

                                                                    

'TIME AND TIDE' tells the story of Irene Joy Stephenson, born on January 1 1950. The Prologue sets the scene for her fiftieth birthday; chapter one goes back in time to her birth. She realizes that life is cruel at an early age when her mother attempts suicide and her brother dies on his first birthday. When she is ten the family move from a Nottinghamshire village to a country estate, owned by Lord Fordingham, where her father takes up the post of Estate Manager. She, and the gardener's son, Daniel become childhood sweethearts. They plan their future together; they both pass the 11+ examination and take up places at the local Grammar School. They are inseparable until he is killed in a car accident. She returns to school as a sixth-former, takes the 'A' level exams and then attends the local College of Education. In her final year she meets Philip White. They qualify as teachers and marry in 1972 before taking up posts in Birmingham. On her wedding night she realizes that it has all been a mistake. She does not love him but was infatuated by his similarity to Daniel. They drift apart; he has an affair with a sixth-former from his school. He and Irene divorce and he leaves the area with his pregnant girlfriend in disgrace. Irene is left devastated and alone again. Her Head of Department helps her pick up the pieces of her broken life. Their relationship develops; they marry and are happy but it is short lived. He has a tragic accident before he finds out he is to be a father. Irene returns to her parents at Fordingham and gives birth to a son who only lives for a few months. The local vicar tries to help her through the trauma. She becomes involved in the Church and eventually marries him. As the vicar's wife she feels that she has found her true vocation in life. In 1993 the Rev. Alistair Duncan finds that he cannot come to terms with female vicars. Priesthood for him is a male domain. His solution is to tell  the Bishop telling of his crisis of faith and his wish not to be found before disappearing. Irene spends the last years of the nineties just waiting for January 2000 when seven years after his desertion she will officially become a widow. She must carry on with her life in the new century because 'TIME AND TIDE' wait for no one'. Throughout the story, in the form of a diary written by Irene's mother, is a concise history of events, changes and discoveries during the second half of the twentieth century, possibly the most dynamic fifty years in our history.

No Regrets was published in 2003 and Stay in Touch in 2005. They are both available on the Internet or message her! 

                                                               

NO REGRETS

"When we meet the heroine, 30-something Joanna, she is newly divorced and trying to rebuild her life. We share her innermost thoughts, as she realises that she has to come to terms with being an available single woman for any predatory male among her neighbours and at the school where she teaches, a hotbed of professional and sexual duplicity. How she reconciles her new role in life, copes and fails to cope with the challenges, results in a diary-based novel startling in its frankness. Marilyn L Rice brings acute observation to her story which moves along at a pace, fully involving the reader. Many will identify with the agonising decisions facing professional women. This is reality in today’s world."  John Jenkins

STAY IN TOUCH

"Just what can drive a woman to murder? Or even three murders? Men. How can she become a serial killer, undetected and rich on the proceeds of her crimes? It all seems so simple for Christabelle after failed marriages to a homosexual and a bigamist. She confides only so much to her best friend as they recall their youthful wishes and dreams. If you have ever written down 50 things you intend to do before 30,40 or 50 you will understand and marvel at this black comedy.

Marilyn L Rice has written a story which races along with the pace of a thriller yet shrewdly observes the problems facing women today and a terrifying solution of how they can be overcome.

And when you have finished the book the story will stay long in your mind...whether you are a woman - or even more so if you are a man."   John Jenkins

In 2007, she launched her fourth book, Look After Each Other. It became the first in the Sofia trilogy although when she wrote it she was not sure it would work. 

The idea for this book was to interweave three things. The inspiration, came from events in her life. She once had the misfortune to meet a gentlemen whose sole aim in life was to complain and find fault. She  always had a strong relationship with her father and thirdly, had visited clairvoyants/mediums. What if? Could she work with a plot involving these three ideas and a lot of 'what if's?  It worked!

"Sofia Haslington is a 36-year-old mother and housewife kept under the thumb of her priggish, anal-retentive husband, Derek. Living by a second-to-second timetable and under strict rules enforced by her husband, Sofia decides to visit a well-respected clairvoyant, hoping for a bit of respite from her otherwise dreary existence. But what she is surprised to learn that day not only changes her life...it changes her. "

                                                               

(The hardback cover)

 SOFIA'S LEGACY

"This book answers the question," Is there 'life' after death?" Sofia has died, but come back from "upstairs" to watch her funeral. What a revelation! To be able to see and hear what people were saying about her now that she was dead and they had no idea she could see and hear them. And Derek? Well, if ever there was a hypocrite it's Derek. Her father, Scott was with her and while Derek was, trying to be the centre of attention, reading a passage from 1 Corinthians at the crematorium, Scott blew smoke rings in his face. He tried to shout above the smoke rings. It was hilarious..."

And, completing the trilogy,  book SIX, 

LOVE YOU FOREVER

Five years have passed. It is 2010. The reader sees how dramatic and unimaginable events have changed the lives of everyone Sofia left behind at Haslington Towers. Even more surprising events occur that lead to devastating consequences. You really will have to read it! I am not going to give anything else away!
But to quote from the blurb,
 "This stunning book series delves into karma, the afterlife, and more things in heaven and earth than you have ever dreamed!"

                                                  

All the trilogy are available from the publisher’s website:  http://sbprabooks.com/MarilynLRice  

Amazon, online retailers or paperback copies from the author. Just email for signed copies to marilynlrice@talktalk.net

The first two are in eBook format and the final book will be soon.

LIFE IS...

Published as a result of postings on Facebook! I think that answers a popular question of where do authors get their inspiration from!

                                                        

The Blurb

"I like most people on the planet, have become a great fan of social media and in particular, Facebook. During the last six months I have been posting daily. Firstly, it was 'Words of Wisdom' and then I moved on to 'Life is…' Some of my thoughts were philosophical, others humorous. Sometimes I added photographs and emojis or I dedicated certain sayings to individual people. On a couple of occasions I even added a short story telling the inspiration behind the quotation, for example…'Life is about turning left instead of right and having an adventure!'
I noticed that I was getting a lot of those 'like' clicks and friends seemed to be enjoying my humble daily offering. I had an idea… put all of my posts into a short book and publish them. I have placed one of the 'Words of Wisdom' on each page and the' Life is…' quotations follow with some illustrations, either photographs from my albums or downloads from the Net under creative commons licence. All the acknowledgements may be found at the end of the booklet after information on my books.
I hope that those of you who download this will delve into it on the dark days and find that it puts the smile back on your face.
How would I describe it? Humorous, philosophical, satirical, stimulating, inspirational, illuminating, intriguing, thought-provoking, fresh, invigorating and delightful.
Enjoy!"

Published as an eBook only on Kindle

 THE SINGING HORSES

                                               

                                 

                                      

"The uproarious saga of the singing horses begins when they leave the paddock in Alabama and travel to Memphis for votes because they all want to win The Best Equine Author of the Year contest. Although they’re competing to win, they work together in the entertainment industry as the famous singing horses’ troupe. They are widely known for their escapades throughout the United States and Europe, causing mayhem wherever they go. Each horse has a number and a special talent, such as #00, the dancing queen, #23, a ballerina and filly friend of #7 who is related to the racing legend, Red Rum. They ride on the Orient Express to Venice, where they face the paparazzi who chase them, so they go into hiding. The paparazzi put up a €10,000 reward for information on them. A McDoodles employee takes a photo of #7 eating chips and sends it to the paparazzi, forcing them to gallop away again. They flee to Moscow, on to Athens and then to the donkey sanctuary in Cyprus, all the while performing and neighing for votes. During the long wait for the announcement of the final ten authors, they travel to New Orleans, where they enjoy numerous cocktails and much merriment. Ultimately, the announcement of the winner is a big surprise to everyone but the judges! The remaining contestants refuse to leave their lovely paddock and stage a neigh-in. Bulldozers and diggers arrive to destroy the paddock, but the paparazzi stand in protest with the equine."

The Singing Horses is a delightful story full of hilarious adventures to delight readers of all ages."   Out of print but copies still available from the author. Please leave a message.

                                                                        

THE SAD LITTLE FOAL

                                                                 

This story was written not by a human but a small orphan foal, #7, who has little legs, is only eight hands high, and loves chips. We think it is based on his life with fantasy as are most stories. Have you ever read anything written by a young member of the equine community? #7 entered his foal story in a competition. He was delighted when Mr. J. invited him to ‘The Paddock’ to take part in a contest for a much coveted prize - a publishing contract and the title, “Best Equine Author of the Year”. The story of that contest is THE SINGING HORSES. #7’s foal story, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL, caused the website to crash as every human and equine wanted to read his manuscript. Now it is published all may read it. It is about a foal meeting his mama for the first time, falling asleep by her side. When he wakes his mama has gone. He is very sad and waits for her to return. Alas, she is in equine heaven. This little foal waits for his papa to come and teach him all the little foal things he needs to know. He’s surprised to discover his papa is a celebrity… In this book, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL  you may read information regarding the author, an introduction about the story before you read it, the foal story, two chapters from THE SINGING HORSES, extra information about the special equine language and etiquette. Finally, and naturally information about the author’s other books. Enjoy.

Suitable 8 -99! Only available as an eBook at the moment and from Amazon

The Sad Little Foal: A magical moving horse story for all ages. eBook : Rice, Marilyn L: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

The author frequently sees secondhand copies online! 

Happy reading to all of my followers.

Love Lady M xxxxx

One year on ….#7 neighs about the Meghan interview

 

Hello Everyone,

I was scrolling through the archives and looked back to this week last year. Can you believe it is a year since we experienced this drama? Since then, Meghan has continued to make herself headline news on occasions. It seems she does not like to be ignored for long and prefers to be in the starring role. Alas, a month later we lost Prince Philip. He joined the love of my life, Captain Sir Tom! The Singing Horses are still singing. If you have not got your copy yet, where have you been? Through all of this our lovely Queen soldiers on and on 6th February reached a milestone, her Platinum anniversary of accession to the throne and a secure place in our history as the longest serving monarch exceeding Queen Victoria by six years. In a couple of months we will have a long weekend of celebrating her achievement. Long may she reign!

                                 *********************************************

Neigh everyone, #7 here.

I have been having a rest because I only have little legs, and I tire easily. I have hoofed Lady M's weekly humble offerings, and have pleaded with her to let me host this week's blog. I am the singing horses' mascot. It is a role I love and hosting on here is another role I enjoy. We, equine, listen to all your news. Sometimes, we question human sanity while on other occasions you amaze us. The item which has attracted our attention in the last days has been the bombshell interview with Meghan and Harry. So, I neighed about this with #5 and #6 and they agreed that I should hoof Lady M's version of it on here. 

                                           

Day 351 Tuesday 9^th March, (Lockdown 3/ Day 64)

Good morning Peeps, candle, and pigeons. Okay, I am up, the sun is shining, and I am ready to face another day. Downstairs. Alarm off. Kitchen. Kettle on. Cereals in dish. Outside. It is quite warm for March. Refuge has collected the recycling material. Collect bin from the pavement. Pesky pigeons know my every move. They are ready and waiting on the fence. Two today. They stare and glare and coo coo, “Food. Food”. I surrender and put food on their table. They wait until they hear me lock the door and then they swoop for breakfast.

Inside, I take my breakfast into the lounge. Tv on. Watch pigeons through the window. There is only going to be one main item of news today. Last night’s interview was described as a ‘bombshell’ interview. If you are not aware of it are you visiting Mars? I made notes for you. Apparently, the setting was at neither Oprah nor Meghan’s mansion although they live at different ends of the same road in LA. It was somewhere in between at a friend’s home. Meghan began chatting and Harry joined her later. Why? I have no idea particularly as he was watching it from somewhere inside. Maybe Meghan wanted a solo role as an actress. She began by saying that she had met the Queen at a family lunch with Andrew, Fergie, and the princesses at Royal Lodge, Windsor. As they arrived Harry asked her if she knew how to curtsey. This surprised her as it was not a formal occasion but lunch with his grandmother. But she learned to do a deep curtsey quickly, taught by Harry. Meanwhile, the need to curtsey must have crossed Sarah’s mind or maybe she remembered her first lunch with the Queen. Meghan told of how she rushed out of the house and asked the same question. Could she curtsey correctly. So, even at family lunch you curtsy to the Queen. Memory alert. My friends, do you recall how I learned to curtsey in front of Princess Margaret for my graduation? That was a ‘bob’ curtsey. I can still see the dean trotting to the centre of the stage and showing us how it was done.  Short, sweet, and respectful. I guess it is nice to think that such things still happen in our modern-day society when so many things have been ousted.

Oprah asked was she silent or silenced. She was silenced. She showed respect for the Queen and the family throughout, the Queen made her feel welcome, but talked of the two teams, family and Institution. Where have we heard this before? From both the Duchess of York and the late Princess Diana. Does this mean that the Institution have learned nothing? Another question, did she really make Kate cry before her wedding? The media made much of this. Meghan said that it was the reverse. Kate forced her to tears over some issue and later apologised. The Institution reversed it. There were different standards for her and Kate. Her biggest regret was that she did not receive protection from the Firm. Other members of the Royal family received protection, but she did not. She experienced racism, loneliness, lies told about her to protect other members of the Royal family, constant criticism, suicidal feelings, and mental health issues. She asked for help, but it was not forth coming. When pregnant she learned there would be no title for her child and a member of the RF asked Harry what colour skin he thought the child would have. This person has not been identified but Harry has stated that it was neither of his grandparents. The comment left Oprah speechless, her face was aghast for several seconds before she uttered, “What?” I am wondering if this has all been taken out of context. She is of mixed race and he is white. In such marital situations it is a fact that the offspring may be white or not. However, from the information she received she clearly felt that her child would be treated differently from his or her cousins because of race. William and Kate’s children are all HRH princes and princess. But there are historical reasons for this, dependent on where they are in line to the throne. I think, from listening to a historian this morning, that only the children and grandchildren of the monarch are given HRH Prince(ss) titles. This means that Harry’s children would or could receive such titles when his father becomes the monarch. Prince George was given the title due to his direct accession to the throne and the Queen intervened giving his sister and brother the same titles. Meghan admitted that she did not research the Royal family but relied on Harry to guide her with regard to duties. As an American she did not learn about it in school and had little knowledge prior to her relationship with him. I think she should have done more research and then would have had less expectations of the grandeur and been more aware of the exhaustion and demands of the job. She would have realised that it was a different type of acting and she would not take the star role. Also, would have been aware of how the titles are bestowed on individuals and it has nothing to do with race. She also claimed that she and Harry were married by the Archbishop of Canterbury three days before the official wedding day. Truth or fiction? Will the Archbishop be asked? If this is fiction what about the rest of it? Remember, she is an actress.

Harry joined her and we learned from him that our Queen is soon to have another great granddaughter. Harry moved to Canada, then to LA when he realised that his security had been removed by the Firm. This was because of his change in status, he was no longer a senior Royal even if he was the Queen’s grandson. Harry was concerned about the safety of his family and feared history would repeat itself, but it would be more dangerous than in Diana’s day because of social media and racism. He did not blindside the Queen. That info came from the Institution. There was a time when his father would not take his calls. He would not have stepped back from his Royal position if it had not been for Meghan. He was trapped by the system but did not realise it at the time. He was fortunate to be able to step away. His father and brother are trapped in the system. He was asked what he thought his mother would think about it. He thought she would be angry at how it has all panned out. He was cut off by his family and without the money from Diana he would have been broke. He will always be on good terms with the Queen. There was a lot of work to do with his father. His brother? They have been through a lot together. Now it is a time for space, but time is a healer. He is sad at what has happened but confident that he did everything he could in the situation.

The final question was she both surviving and thriving now after her comment after the South Africa tour that it was not enough to just survive. An ecstatic, smiling Meghan replied, “Yes”. I still think, and you may disagree, that this is what she wanted all along. She is back home in America as a duchess. She is annoyed that she is not the mother of a prince. She dislikes being ignored but likes being the star of the show. She was in the leading role and has managed to embarrass or even outrank the Queen in her starring role. If she really had respect for our country and the monarchy, she would have remained silent. They left this country because they wanted privacy so why do this? Who wears the trousers in the relationship? It looks to me like Meghan. Harry does as he is told. Why was he not with her from the start of this interview? Was he ordered to stay in doors? That is food for thought.

Newsflash. The Queen has broken her silence and issued a statement “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.” Well done, Ma’am. Once again, she has acted with dignity and handled a tricky situation with tact and diplomacy.

I, for one, now want to put this issue to bed and leave Meghan to hopefully get on with her life away from the limelight.

Oh dear. Piers Morgan is one of Meghan’s victims. Now his programme is too early in the morning for Moi but apparently yesterday he said that he did not believe she had been close to suicide. There were 41,000 complaints. This morning he walked out of his show and tonight we hear he has left for good. But, so long as Meghan has got her own way and is happy! Did she think about the possible consequences of the interview? Probably.

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We are still neighing about it! Remember you can read all about us by purchasing our book from The Singing Horses | Book| Austin Macauley Publishers or your local Amazon Market Place #thesinginghorses 

Love you all, #7 🐴🐎🐎🐎🐎🐴🐴

Pandemic. Plan B

 

Neigh, #7 still here.

Do you like the pic? It looks a lot like us. I found it in Lady M's archives. We, equine, are happy and relaxed animals. We take life as it comes. Humans have learnt a lot from us over the years. You can read all about us in Lady M's book "The Singing Horses" We are available from #amazon, the Internet, libraries, bookshops. If you live in England, in the Midlands we are on show at the Blue Sheep Books shop in Wednesbury. Pop along and treat yourself. Allegedly, restrictions in England are coming to an end soon. So, this will be the last time I will be neighing you from her Covid Chronicles. Enjoy!

Day 663, Saturday 15^th January 2022, (Day 47, Plan B) The end is in sight. Light at the end of the tunnel!

 It’s the weekend. Apparently, it was very foggy last night and this morning? Really? It was beautiful and sunny when I rose earlier today. Oh, it’s afternoon now. However, When I came downstairs and opened the curtains Mrs Pigeons was looking for me. I obeyed her glare and went outside into the January sunshine. I took seed outside for her and hubby. She flew to the fence and stared. Ah, I understood. Coo! Coo! There was a large block of ice on the top of the water, and she was thirsty. I, being a kind person, removed it for her. I came back into the kitchen for my brekky, and she flew to her table for her breakfast, Hubby joined her. So, all is well in my garden.

It is Saturday. I put the BBC news channel on. What is this? Our Booster Boris has been in isolation since Thursday as someone in his family had a positive Covid test. Is this totally true or is he in hiding? The Labour leader and even Tory supporters are demanding that he must go. More revelations of parties in Downing Street. I am wondering if there was ever a time when they didn’t party during our lockdown. They had ‘wine time’ Friday while Covid rules were in place. It sounds like our country has been run by a load of party revellers or alcoholics. It doesn’t inspire confidence in our government, does it?

 One person was interviewed because he had a bar in his garden. No law against that but during lockdown he was feeling low, like the rest of us. Three friends came and joined him one evening for drinks. Did they social distance? There was plenty of room. I don’t know but a law-abiding citizen phoned the police. They arrived and the four of them were fined. At the time, they thought… fair enough! Now, they are wondering if they should demand their money back. During the first lockdown it was rather like prohibition days. Peeps would have lock-in parties and if caught the fine was a maximum of £10,000. Numerous peeps were fined. How many will demand a refund or insist on our politicians paying the maximum fine of £10,000 each?

 Enough, time to look at essential item…tv mag. Ah, ‘On the buses’, a great comedy film from the 70’s. That suits me for the rest of the morning.

 Okay must make some effort today. Tv off until later. Time to potter and remove the Christmas décor form the dining room. Then, I guess I will have to flitter round with my feather duster and wander round the house until I discover where the vacuum cleaner is hiding. Be back later.

 What is newsworthy this afternoon? Our #1 tennis player is back in detention in Australia. His visa has been revoked. The Judge decided on this action after protests regarding his anti-vaxxer attitude. Will he play in the Australian Open next week? Will he be allowed to defend his title? Your guess is as good as mine.

 There has been a tsunami in Tonga in the South Pacific. We seem to have had a lot of those in the last fifteen years or so. I don’t remember any prior to 2004. Interesting.

 We are excited locally because the Commonwealth Games will be going ahead from the 28^th of July and hosted here in Birmingham. Covid will not stop us. Neither will it stop the plans for our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Events are planned from 6^th of next month, the day of her succession to the throne. Do you know, my friends, there was actually a King on the throne when I was born but as the only Monarch, I have ever know is our lovely Queen, I find it hard to believe. ‘The Queen’s Green Canopy’ has been in operation since May of last year and was set up, with the aim of planting trees during this period to commemorate her Jubilee and to increase and protect the native tree cover. Nice, isn’t it?

 Playing time. Then dinner and another quiet night in.

 Day 664, Sunday 16^th January 2022, (Day 48. Plan B)

 Greetings, my friends. All is well. I have been out and fed the pigeons. Sunshine. I am having a lazy day. but I will give you my traditional Covid update.

 Oh, Novak Djokovic is on a plane back to Serbia. He has been deported, visa revoked and will not be playing in the tournament. The decision to deport him was made on the grounds of health and good order. His anti-vaxxer principle may well cost him future tournaments.

 Covid! Things are getting better for us, in the UK, both our case figures and death statistics are falling as a result of the high number in our population being jabbed. 70,924 cases with 88 deaths.  However, we are still at #4 in the global league table with total case figure at 15,217,280. France at #5 appears to be in a worse situation, 14,000,000+ total cases and today’s figure 278,129. That is more than India who are in the second position globally. The US remain in the lead with 66,995,553 total cases, almost twice that of India (37,380,253) Then, remember, my friends, I frequently question how accurate these figures are and feel that in reality they should be doubled.

 Tomorrow is Blue Monday. So, what do we have to do? Stay cheerful!

Day 665, Monday, 17^th, January 2022 (Year 2, Week 97, Day 49 Plan B. Whatever)

                                           BLUE MONDAY!

 Greetings from myself, pigeons, and Wheelie Bins. All of my family wish you a happy Monday. I confess I was late waking up this morning and feeling blue. Psychological because I know it is ‘Blue Monday’. I had to give myself a good talking to. I told all my aches and pains to go away. Sunshine was streaming through the drapes. Happiness is a state of mind. I smiled. Right! Out of bed! Stroll into other rooms. Life is good. I am lucky (well, I will be if I win the lottery). Get a move on, girl. Soixante-neuf et deux is perilously close. I must enjoy the life I have left. Things to do.

 Downstairs. Brekky. Gyles Brandreth is on the box talking of happiness and this blue Monday. He is giving advice. Things like create a passion. Go out. Be a leaf. That one fooled me. He explained that leaves stay on tree as individuals but when they fall to the ground they die. Clever. Basically, he agrees with me. It is up to ourselves to be happy. Happiness is from within.

 Why is it ‘blue Monday’ when the sun is shining, the grass is green, buds on the trees, buses are passing by, although not many passengers travelling? Well, I guess some peeps have snow, rain and cold. Anyway, it is because it’s three weeks after Christmas, the bills are coming in, festivities are over, and gloom follows. In addition, these days we have the Covid factor which has resulted in unexpected fatalities, job losses, evictions, financial issues when Rishi’s magic beans failed to arrive.

 Tv mag. Yes, “Guess who’s coming to dinner” is on Channel 51 this afternoon. I shall watch it. Why? It’s got that drop-dead gorgeous guy starring in it. Sidney Poitier. It’s a golden oldie from 1967 and poignant highlighting the racial problem of the day. Oh, wait a minute. No- one has problems now, do they? I should say it addresses the issue. If you haven’t seen it, it is about an eminent man of colour falling in love with a white woman which shocks both families. The language, attitudes etc would not pass the censorship for films these days. It’s fantabulous!

 Okay. Get moving. Routine. Chores completed by 3.00pm. Film. Then, routine, take out Miss Bugsy Blue and Mrs Grisly Grey and converse with neighbour. A good point. The early evening is getting lighter.

 What is newsworthy? Wow! Do I not always say that you get away with nothing in life? Today, the 66 year old, Paul Shakespeare, has been sentenced for the crime of rape he committed over 30 years ago. He moved on with his life, even moved 250 miles away and judging by the look on his face when the police arrived at his home last year to arrest him, he had forgotten all about it. Got away with it. Wasn’t he clever? DNA! A sample was taken at the time, but DNA was in its infancy then and there was no match on record. As a result of another crime and Paul’s DNA was taken and hey presto! A match!

 Princes Harry and Andrew are in the news again and seem to be there more frequently than the rest of the Royals who are still ‘Royal’. Prince Harry is planning on coming back to England with his children this year presumably for the Jubilee celebrations. He is concerned about protection and wants to pay for the Royal protection squaddies to look after him and his children. Alas, not possible. It’s all to do with red-tape and legalities. He is not a working Royal and therefore is not entitled to it. Neither can it be paid for. Is Meghan coming? Doesn’t sound like it. As for Andrew, Jeffrey, and Miss Maxwell. Well, Jeffrey went for sword rather than dishonour allegedly committing suicide in jail. Miss Maxwell is awaiting her sentence. Why? When she is unlikely to see the light of day again. Andrew? Facing a civil court case in New York having been stripped of Royal titles and dignity? He will face the court as an ordinary man and not a prince. Maybe, that is what it is all about. Retaliation. Virginia Giuffre just wanted him to lose everything. Guess we will find out in time.

 A more serious problem has hit the headlines tonight. Life in Kabul under the Taliban ruling. The reporter showed us families homeless, in financial despair and without food for the winter. Snow on the ground and children with bare feet. Dismal. Aid should have got through to these people. Alas. No. One man is even selling his daughter because he cannot care for her.

                                                          *************

Aw, that is so sad. A papa selling his daughter because he cannot look after her. Sad. We neigh you a happy week ahead. Brighter days are coming. Stay positive and happy. The Singing Horses love you all.

                                        The Singing Horses | Book | Austin Macauley Publishers 

                                                         

 Neigh, #7!

Plan B

 

                                                         

Neigh, #7 here,

At last I am back and from all the equine community I neigh you 'A Happy New Year'. We all enjoyed ourselves in our new Oklahoma home. Remember, you may read all about us in Lady M's book, THE SINGING HORSES. The Singing Horses | Book | Austin Macauley Publishers. #exciting, #adventure #escapism #gift 

We equine know about things in the human world and watch your behaviour with interest. We find you amusing. This week, I am bringing you Lady M's account of Day 657 of your pandemic. #enjoy

Day 657 Sunday, 09 January 2022, (Plan B Day 41) Songs of Praise Day.

 

I was so pleased this morning when my eyes opened at their usual time. 9.30 am. I beheld sunshine through the drapes/curtains. Yes, smile. Much better than yesterday. Out of bed. Look out. All is good. Free parking on Tesco’s car park therefore our little street is deserted. Beautiful. Downstairs. Cereals and first cuppa.

 

Time to be brave. Coat on. Shoes on. Go outside, feed pigeons, put recycling material in Miss Bugsy Blue Wheelie. Shocked. That Mr Sunshine is deceiving. He is still blinding me but… it is cold. Never mind. I will still clear some of the things out of the garage store. Take Mrs Grisly Grey round to the front and prepare. Back inside. Close up the back of my mammoth property in case I get an intruder while at the front. Collect car key. Out of the front. Open garage. Little car excited. She thinks we are going on a little jaunt. Oh dear. Disappointed. She is just parked on the road. Time to pick up some of the rubbish from the front garden and then a few items that have been stored needlessly into the waste bin ready for their disposal by the refuse department on Tuesday. (That will be Day 43 of Plan B). Return car to garage ignoring her disappointed tantrum. Lock garage. Inside. Remove coat and shoes. Time for the well-earned second cuppa. Relax. It’s not even noon yet!

Hey, those buds on the trees are deffo getting larger. Leaves will be coming soon. I did observe while collecting the rubbish from the front that I have shoots growing through the bark. I will have pretty flowers, too, soon. Isn’t nature wonderful?

 

Next thing today. Songs of Praise. The theme is baptism, as it is baptism Sunday, and brought to us by Sean Fletcher. A lot of hymns which I enjoyed and sang along with joy. In particular, O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end… Memory alert. The first time I sang that after my confirmation in 1965, and fully aware of its meaning. Yes, it was in Holy Trinity Church in that little Derbyshire village I have frequently referred to, Ashford-in the-Water. I remember the Bishop confirming me into the Church of England, and then taking my first communion at the altar rail. I remember the white dress I had specifically for that purpose and how different I felt after that first taking of the bread and wine. I had freely taken a vow to live my life as a Christian and that meant putting Jesus first, then others before myself. Or as someone recently described it. JOY! Jesus, Others, Yourself. Fifty-seven years ago. My life, probably like yours, my friends, has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, good times and bad but through it all I have held fast to my faith and promise. I was flattered a few years ago when one of my Sikh neighbours told me I was the most Christian person he had ever encountered. Maybe, I’ve got it right. Well, at least some of the time!

 

Earlier in this pandemic I probably told you of my humble, but unsuccessful attempt at Origami. That is high on my list for this year. I intend mastering it if it is the last thing I do.  More recently, thinking of my spiritual and psychic side I purchased a crystal ball. I have had one unsuccessful attempt at looking in it. I, also intend getting the hang of that this year. Stay tuned, my friends.

 

The weather today 6° or 43°. I prefer the latter, but it is still too cold for Moi!

 

3.00pm. Lunchtime. Chicken and mushroom pie with a vanilla latte while watching the classic film, Jane Eyre on the Classic channel. Oh, Mr Rochester and Grace Poole. It’s a black and white classic, (1943) but it is still a film depicting the time of writing. I just love watching that, what is now, primitive way of life. Whether I would have liked it is another matter. No Motorways, traffic jams, mobile phones, television, fridge-freezers or washing machines. Just a slower life eating the seasonal food, accepting life for what it was. I love the dresses as well.

News. What is happening in the world today?

 

In America the great Golden Globes ceremonies begin in Los Angeles. However, no red carpet, no stars present, no glamour, not even televised. Changing times.

 

While we were enjoying the ‘personal responsibility’ approach to Covid after our shackles had been removed in July, there were big changes in Afghanistan. America withdrew its military forces, and Britain followed. The Taliban took advantage of the situation and were in control again. Panic and despair ensued. Chaos and confusion as thousands with UK or US passports descended on Kabul airport to escape before the deadline in August. They feared for their lives if they remained beyond the deadline. Alas, it was not possible to get all of them out in time. In all of the chaos a baby became separated from its family, was handed to a US soldier, then lost but found in the airport on the floor crying by a taxi driver. He took him home where he and his family looked after him. He would have brought him up as his own if the child’s family could not be located.  After five months the boy has been reunited with his grandfather still in Afghanistan, his parents have been able to see him via video links. They are now in Texas and hope that their son will be joining them soon. Don’t you just love a happy ending and one where you can see the kindness of strangers?

 

At least twenty-two tourist are dead after becoming stranded in their vehicles as a metre of snow fell overnight in North-East Pakistan. What an awful way to die. Freezing in your car with no escape.

 

Kazakhstan! Apparently, 5,000 peeps have been arrested over the last few days because of rioting over the rising price of fuel. I didn’t even know it was happening.

 

Here in the UK, there is talk of reducing the isolation period, if testing positive, from 7 to 5 days. This would ease the problem of staff absence. Our case figure today is 141,472 with 97 deaths. Not bad. Looking good unless you are one of the fatalities. It is the lowest figure of the week. Two days ago, Friday, we had 313 deaths. Things are getting better. What is the global figure? We have passed the 300 million mark and now have 307,862,252 total cases. The death figure has passed 5.5 million and stands at 5,505,967. The US is at the top of the league (61+ million) followed by India (35+ million) and then Brazil (22+ million). We remain in fourth position with 14,475,192. Almost 14.5 million total cases. France is catching up with alarming speed, at 12+ million. It’s scary.

 

I think that is enough from me for today. I am going to enjoy my evening. I hope you will all do the same. Best wishes and stay safe. Goodnight!

Neigh #7 

 

 

 

Happy New Year...Plan B!

Hello Everyone,

It is 2022. I hope you all survived New Year's Eve and did not suffer from the malady of a hangover on new Year's Day. 

I am beginning my blog this year by posting my latest Covid Chronicles which returned in December when we went into a kind of lockdown called Plan B! Yes, it really is 649 days since we first went into a full lockdown in March 2020. It was only supposed to last for twenty-one days.

 Day 649, Saturday, January 1^st, 2022 (Day 32 Plan B. Get ready for more restrictions, lockdown 4 on its way)

                                            

                                                     NEW YEAR’S DAY

 

Good morning on this bright sunny day in the UK. We have the warmest New Year on record. Well, I am not complaining. May I wish all of you, my friends, wherever you are every happiness, success, and good health throughout 2022.

 

I arose just after 9.00 this morning and considering I did not retire until 2.00pm that is remarkable for me. Maybe it is a sign of things to come. I love New Year’s Day; I see hope and excitement ahead. On auto-pilot I take my lateral flow test before breakfast. Negative. Will report it online later. Time for my New Year’s day treat, watching the traditional concert from Vienna. Then, there is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s message. He and I have one thing in common… our belief that hope is essential. His message was on the theme of hope for the future after trying times.

 

Okay, pop out and take calendars to my neighbours. Spread a little happiness before I watch another fav film, The Sound of Music. Memories and love the music… Climb every mountain…

 

The New Year’s Honours list is headline news. Call me cynical but we have examples of how some are benefitting from their Covid work. NHS, teachers, frontline workers? Nah! Professor Chris Whitty, and Jonathan Van Tam, our chief medical officer and his deputy have been knighted. Other peeps include the talented Joanna Lumley, Ashley Banjo, and Bill Roache, (better known as Ken Barlow of Corrie).

 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s funeral took place this morning in Cape Town Cathedral, South Africa.

 

Our Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, has indicated that the next few days are critical for the NHS and further restrictions cannot be ruled out. Hospital cases have risen by 68% in a week. In one attempt to prevent the lurgy spreading it will be mandatory for secondary school children to wear masks during lessons when school recommences next week. Our daily figures are still high and as this is the weekend, they are usually lower than in the week due to lack of data but today it is 161,692 new cases and 154 deaths. As 95% of cases are now the Omicron variant, I am assuming that those deaths are the Omicron variant. Just to refresh your memory we were told that this variant was more transmissible but milder than Delta. If that is the case then I have one question, why is the number of daily deaths so high? Surely, it should be in low double figures not treble ones.

 

Looking forward to tonight’s premiere showing of Downton Abbey, the film on the box. I missed it when it was on our Silver Screen at the Odeon on a Thursday morning because I was in Cyprus. Ah, the good old days of my youth. Those long ago days when life seemed so simple, and we took everything for granted. Wait a minute it was only a couple of years ago. The last Silver Screen was March 2020. My last visit to Cyprus was 2019. It just seems like an eternity ago.

 

I bid you a fond farewell for today. I wish you much happiness for the future. I hope you have made positive New Year Resolutions and you will keep them.

 

Back tomorrow.

 

Day 650, Sunday, January 2^nd, 2022. (Day 34. Plan B. Just wait awhile…)

Later rising this morning after yesterday’s exciting day. It is still mild here for the time of year, 14°. Alas, in Colorado, just north of Denver they are suffering from the effects of climate change. I see today they have had a massive snowfall but sadly, three days too late to prevent tragedy. They had a drought followed by raging fires which razed properties to the ground. Residents were forced to evacuate and on returning today they attempted to salvage what they could of their possessions through the snow covering the ruins of their properties. What a start to 2022. Count your blessings, my friends if you are not in such dire straits.

 

Okay, back to the start of my day. I saw the bright light of that phenomenon named Sun through my drapes. Happy. Jump out of bed. I lie. I carefully, and slowly arose from my bed. Smiling. Approaching soixante-neuf et deux and still alive. Looked out of the windows, dressed, and ventured downstairs. The Paddington films are on the Beeb prior to the news and Songs of Praise. I listen more than watch the films as I have brekky and play with iPad. Then, pop outside because pesky pigeons are making me aware of their presence. How dare I eat before I feed them. Also, need to feed Miss Bugsy Blue Bin.

 

Songs of Praise began with that glorious hymn, Morning has broken… ‘like the first morning’. Yes, my friends we are lucky enough to see another day. We must embrace it and enjoy it.

 

For the rest of my day, I shall be working on three of my projects. Writing these chronicles, reading through them, and writing my next novel.

 

Covid update time. Today’s UK figure is 137,583 with 73 deaths. The total global case figure is 290,668,26. What was it twelve months ago? Let me check. 85,102,771. That is 215,566,430 cases more than last year. What about the death figure? How do we compare with other countries? We have a fatality figure of 193,438 for every million of our population. Let’s compare it with India who as far as case figures go are second in the league table to the USA but their fatality rate is only 344 for every million of their population. Aren’t statistics fantastic? Oh, we still remain at #4 in the global table with 13,235,401 total cases. Brazil at #3 have a total of 22,293,228. India have 34+ million and the USA 56+ million but look at the size of their countries and population in comparison with our small island.

 

Other news. The South African parliament building in Cape Town is on fire and the damage is serious to a building with part of it dating back to the 1800’s. Experts fear it may collapse. Fortunately, the building was empty due to the holidays, but it is the second fire in ten months. In Amsterdam there are protests over the government’s imposed lockdown.

 

At home twenty Conservative MP’s and peers have called on Booster Boris to take action over the proposed energy rises from April. They want him to reduce the taxes to ease the situation on households who will also suffer from the general rise in the cost of living resulting from the double whammy of Covid and Brexit. Our Booster Boris is insisting that there will be no further restrictions. I am smiling at his ostrich approach to problems. Thinking. His reply to problems resulting from Brexit. He just said peeps voted for it, he delivered it and now it is up to them. Red tape? Price rises? Problems with exports and imports? Not his problem! That’s how Booster Boris survives. Right now, he is delivering boosters at a record pace. That is our salvation and nothing else matters. Case figures, hospitalisations, businesses collapsing, economy on its knees, no furlough, staff shortages in all sectors of society due to Covid… the ostrich approach.

 

Football matches are going ahead. Chelsea played Liverpool this afternoon in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home ground. The result was a draw 2-2. But history was made. Spectators were standing again. It has been illegal since 1994 after the horrific Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

 

Tomorrow, we have another Bank Holiday Monday like last week and then on Tuesday our live goes back to the new normal.

 

Have a nice evening my friends, wherever you are. Goodnight