Catch of the day

I love animals and am genuinely upset when I hear of animals in pain, but I honestly thought the story I’m about to tell you was a joke.

Peta has written an open letter to the manager of New Zealand’s national aquarium to request they take fish dishes off their menu. 
"We're calling on the National Aquarium of New Zealand and the Fish Bowl Cafe to get their act together", says Peta Australia Director of Campaigns Jason Baker. "How can people take the aquarium's supposed respect for fish seriously when they open their menus and choices of fish's body parts are staring them in the face?" 

The letter also reports that fish are intelligent animals which feel pain. I understand that fish are intelligent and feel pain, but I don’t expect they are going to look out into the dining room from their aquarium and say, “OMG, they’re eating Uncle Brian!” 

I find the whole story ridiculous. What do you think?

Bye for now
KB


Photo source: KB
Quote sourced from ‘ONE News’
Previously posted to Bubblews 12/12/2013

We're having company

Hi all,

A dear friend of ours is coming to stay for a few days so I've been busy cleaning and making preparations. Can't wait.

Hope you are all well,

Love KB
xxx

Poem : Racing in the moonlight

Hi all,

I haven't checked in for a while because life has been getting in the way, but all is good.  I'll leave you with a little poem and see you again soon.



Racing in the moonlight

Pic source : unknown

Across the silky sand
Two lovers laughing
Connected hand in hand

Placing a warm blanket
On the soft ground
Waves crashing nearby
For them the only sound

They cuddle close together
She’s safe in his strong arms
He promises to protect her
She’ll come to no harm

The pitter patter of rain drops
Feel cold on soft skin
They run back to the car
Begin warming themselves again

Love KB
xxx

Teaser Tuesdays ~ The Butcher's Theatre by Jonathan Kellerman

Here's my teaser for this week...

The key was to be careful. To make a plan and stick with it and clean up well afterward.

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here's how it works...

Grab your latest read, open it up and share two sentences from the page. Easy as that. Don't forget to link back to MizB and share the title and author of your book so others can add to their TBR (to be read) list if they wish.

Happy reading
Love KB
xxx

Poem: Life is good

I’m on way
To living a life
That was taken from me                                    
When I was his wife

I'm feeling better
As each day passes
No longer trying to please
Those meddling masses

Life is good
It’s taken a while
To feel at peace in my skin
Return to my smile

Love KB
xxx

Keeping Up With KB

Hi all,

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted because we've been busy enjoying ourselves. Last week was Mum's birthday and Father's Day, so we headed out to my parents' place for a yummy feast. A good time was had by all.

A friend of ours who I've known for thirty years, recently moved back to our neck of the woods, so we had a catch up earlier this week. The last time we saw him was at our wedding so it was lovely to share a couple of yummy meals, a few laughs and more than a few wines. We convinced him to stay the night rather than drive home. We made him breakfast before we sent him on his way and I was chuffed that the poached eggs I cooked came out perfectly...I've been practicing.

We spent the rest of the day having a bit of a tour around our neighbourhood. Even though we've lived here a little while now, there are still areas we haven't explored. We found a great place to walk Coco, (she loves the sea), really looking forward to going back there with her.

We dropped Coco off for a haircut later on in the day so she's prepared for the upcoming warmer months. Check out the before and after shots...

Today, we bought a new barbeque, water blaster and lettuce to plant in the garden in preparation for the spring weather.

A great week for us.

Hope you are all well,

Love KB
xxx

This post has been shared with...Our World Tuesday.

Book review: Survival of the Fittest, by Jonathan Kellerman

Survival of the Fittest is a fast-paced, suspense-filled thriller. In this twelfth instalment of the Alex Delaware series, Jonathan Kellerman takes us on a chilling journey.

The story begins with a cold blooded murder in the Santa Monica Mountains. A young, slightly retarded school girl dies while attending a school field trip. There are no signs of a struggle or sexual assault. Her father is a diplomat, which leads the police to believe the death could be politically motivated but, the father doesn’t accept this.

Alex Delaware is a psychologist, as is the writer of his character. Dr Delaware is asked by his close friend Milo Sturgis, to assist him with the case. The unlikely pairing of Dr Delaware and the rather large, gay detective is once again rather amusing. One of the reasons I enjoy the Delaware series so much, is because of the close friendship and banter between these two characters. They remind me of an old married couple.

The victim’s father tries to control where the investigation is leading, which suggests to Alex and Milo that he may be trying to hide something. After another murder is discovered, Inspector Daniel Sharavi assists in the investigation. Daniel is an excellent Israeli police detective who was first introduced to us in an earlier book of Kellerman’s - The Butcher’s Theatre.

As the investigation progresses and the horrific reasons behind the killings begin to unfold, Alex must go undercover to expose a conspiracy and the people behind it. 

I found the title of this book interesting as it gave me an idea of what the content would be about. Survival of the Fittest is a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms which can adapt best to their environment. However, as I dug deeper into the plot, I discovered how this idea could be misinterpreted to suit an individual’s beliefs.

Survival of the Fittest is a thrilling, thought-provoking, page-turner. I enjoyed the combination of humour, psychology, pure terror and fun. Quite an odd combination, but it works.  Most of all, this book made me consider and question belief systems. I have read several of Jonathan Kellerman’s books and I would say this is one of his better ones. The plot is well thought out and the characters believable. Although Survival of the Fittest is part of a series, it is not necessary to have read the previous instalments to enjoy this book. I believe Alex Delaware fans will not be disappointed.

Love KB
xxx

Keeping Up With KB

Hi all,

It's been quite a week. My Mammogram results came through as all clear, which was great news.

Mum and Dad returned from their holiday and it was lovely to have a catch up with them and hear about their trip.

There was a big quake in Wellington and I was worried about a friend of ours who lived there. Such a relief when I received a text message saying he'd just moved back to Auckland that very same day.

Loved watching the return of All Black Rugby season. They kicked some Aussie butt and hopefully will do so again next week.

Anyway, hope you are all well.

That's all folks.

Love KB
xxx

Book review: Break No Bones, by Kathy Reichs

Break No Bones is the ninth in the series of thrillers by Kathy Reichs, concerning the life and work of forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. 

Dr Brennan (also known as Tempe), travels to Southern California as a replacement for a colleague. Tempe finds herself teaching at an archaeological field school in the ruins of a Native American burial ground, on the shores of Charleston. While she is working there, a decomposing body is found in a shallow grave. The body has been recently buried and is wrapped in rotted fabric.

The local coroner Emma Rousseau, who is an old friend of Tempe, asks her to stick around to help with the investigation. As Tempe follows the evidence, another body is discovered. The examination of the bones shows the victims died in similar ways. As yet another body is found, Tempe comes to a horrifying conclusion concerning the death of the victims.

During this time, Dr Brennan is juggling an extremely complicated personal life. Her boyfriend, Detective Ryan decides to pay her a visit to spend time with her. Her ex-husband is working on a case involving the disappearance of a local woman and is staying in the same house as Dr Brennan. She struggles with her feelings for both of these men.

Break No Bones contains the fascinating forensic details we have come to expect, an intricately wound plot and characters we have come to know and love. Our heroine becomes more relatable and down to earth as this series continues. At times, I found the forensic details difficult to follow and stomach, but I believe they are a necessary part of the story. Fans of Kathy Reichs will not be disappointed with this well written, page-turning thriller.

Kathy Reichs shares the same profession as her leading lady, Dr Brennan. She is a forensic anthropologist for the province of Quebec. Her first novel Deja Dead, was a New York Times bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel.

The popular TV show ‘Bones’ is based on this bestselling series of books. Being a fan of both the show and the books, I’d say they share few similarities; the forensic aspects and the name of the leading character. If you are a fan of the show, prepare yourself for a much different tone in the books. Both the TV show and the books have their own merits, but I find their styles quite different.

Love KB
xxx

God made a dog

I love this clip.



Love KB
xxx

Keeping Up With KB

Hi all,

Enjoying beautiful weather this past week, maybe Spring is coming early.

In other news, I went for my first Mammogram earlier in the week and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I'd heard different stories ranging from 'a little comfortable' to 'quite painful' and I'm pleased to say, I was in the 'a little uncomfortable' range. The nurse made me feel at ease and it was over really quickly. The hardest part for me was waiting anxiously in the waiting room. Just have to wait for the results now.



Love KB
xxx

Peter Kay Misheard Song Lyrics

Hi all,

Hope you enjoy the video, it's hilarious.

Not much to report this week. Have booked myself in for a mammogram for next week. A little nervous as this is my first time. Wish me luck.

Love KB
xxx

Keeping Up With KB

Hi all,

Whitesnake and I have been suffering with a rather nasty virus for the past couple of weeks, but it looks like we're finally on the mend.

On Sunday, we enjoyed a delicious meal with my parents to celebrate my Dad's birthday. I was a little dubious about the meal as it was at an Indian restaurant and I wasn't sure how my sore tummy would react to a curry. I ordered a vegetable korma with garlic naan bread and rice and was surprised I managed to eat most of the meal. It was sooooo good. All that food and a glass of wine for $14, excellent! The setting was the beachfront and the company was great.

Some parts of New Zealand have experienced an earthquake and aftershocks this week. Luckily, there hasn't been too much damage and nobody has been killed. I remember when I moved to NZ fifteen years ago, earthquakes weren't a common occurrence, but since the huge quake in Christchurch a few years back, the frequency has increased. I've only experience a short volt a few months ago and that was scary enough. Here's hoping New Zealand settles down again and everyone stays safe.

I LOVE reality TV so I've been enjoying watching The X-Factor NZ style. Jackie Thomas won the X-factor title this week and I'm so happy for her. A talented young lady who appears to be a real sweetheart. Let's hope she stays that way and doesn't fall in with the wrong crowd.

Of course, this week will be remembered for the birth of the royal baby. I'm so pleased the baby is here and healthy. Wonderful news.

I haven't written any articles this week, but I'm looking forward to getting back into it in a couple of days.

Well, I think that's all from me folks. Time to chill out in front of the heater and enjoy the rest of the day with Whitesnake.  Hope you are all well.

Love KB
xxx

Blonde joke of the day

Hi all,

Not much to report today so I'll leave you with a blonde joke.

Pic source : Andrew Schmidt

Two blondes were going to Disneyland . They were driving on the Interstate when they saw the sign that said Disneyland LEFT. They started crying and turned around and went home.

Love KB
xxx

Friday Flash 55 - That certain smile

Hi all,

It's Friday, it must be time to write a story in exactly 55 words! I cheated a little this week, this isn't a story of fiction, it's about how Whitesnake and I first met...

Pacing the motel room floor, he checks for the hundredth time to see if she’s arrived. They have communicated for years, but this is the first time they will meet in person. He’s excited, nervous and completely terrified. She steps out of her car and smiles, that familiar smile, like she just saw him yesterday. 

 

If you'd like to contribute to Friday Flash 55, visit the host with the most...G-Man and let him know you've played.

Have a great day/night

Love KB
xxx

Friday Flash 55 ~ The price of crime

It's Friday, it must be time to write a story in exactly 55 words!

Hi all,

It's been almost a year since I last wrote a 55, but I've been rather busy. Let's see, I finalised my divorce, sold a house, became engaged, bought a new house, married Whitesnake and visited South Australia for our Honeymoon. Phew!

Here's my short story for this week...

Picture source : George Hodan

A sharp knife against his throat, for the sake of a few dollars. The robber serves time in prison, provided with food and shelter. The victim requires counselling, while trying to keep his job and a roof over his head. He relives the trauma the remainder of his days. Who is paying for this crime?

If you'd like to contribute to Friday Flash 55, visit the host with the most...G-Man and let him know you've played.

Have a great day/night

Love KB
xxx

Teaser Tuesdays ~ Total Control by David Baldacci

It's pouring with rain today which makes it a great day to stay in an read a book. I've only just started this one, but I have a feeling it's going to be a great read.

Here's my teaser for this week...

After today he could actually say for the first time that the risk had been worth it. All he had to do was survive today.



Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here's how it works...

Grab your latest read, open it up and share two sentences from the page. Easy as that. Don't forget to link back to MizB and share the title and author of your book so others can add to their TBR (to be read) list if they wish.

Happy reading
Love KB
xxx

Dead pig for all

A couple of nights ago Whitesnake and I decided to treat ourselves to a feed of pork belly. YUM!

I prepared a potato and courgette soup for starters, which almost didn't happen as I forgot to turn the stove on.

Followed by our delicious pork belly (cooked by my talented husband).

A dear friend gave us a bottle of outstanding wine for a wedding pressie, which accompanied the pork beautifully. Thanks Andrea x

Whitesnake doesn't eat crackling (the best part in my opinion), so there was more for me!

I restrained myself by not eating all the crackling myself and gave a little to Coco.

A great night with good company and delicious food and wine. The downside of the night was that I am still the scribble bitch, Whitesnake kicked my arse AGAIN.

See you tomorrow.

Love KB
xxx

Look what's cooking for dinner

Winter is rapidly approaching in New Zealand and the days are getting colder. Yesterday, we decided to take advantage of the cold weather by staying in, cranking up the heat and playing scrabble. I'm very competitive when participating in any form of indoor game, (probably to make up for the fact that I suck at outdoor sports), so when Whitesnake took the lead, I was not happy. Of course, we had to continue playing until I overtook him. This never happened. I won a couple of games but never caught up to him.  I had to acknowledge defeat and be named Whitesnake's Scrabble Bitch...until next time. Was lots of fun though.

Look what we're having for dinner...Whitesnake's going to cook it first, hehe. I'm preparing a soup for starters and we're opening a very special bottle of wine ( it was a Wedding pressie), to enjoy with our Pork Belly. Yum. I cannot wait.

Off to make soup preparations.

See you tomorrow.

Love KB
xxx
 

Happy birthday, dear blog

My dear blog will be six years old on Sunday. It's hard to believe I wrote my first entry so long ago. We've been through a lot together; the break up of a fifteen year marriage, the break down of me (OK, make that the many breakdowns of me), a new romance, a different life, a divorce and a happy marriage.

Pic source : by Petr Kratochvil

She's always been there for me. I used to get so lonely when my ex was away for his job.  I'd write about my day and things that were on my mind to share online with perfect strangers who became great friends.

Since I've met Whitesnake, my dear blog has become rather neglected. Now when I have something to share or discuss, I do so with best friend, Whitesnake.

I do believe now that I am happy and settled, it's time to dust her off and start blogging every day again. I've missed my old friend.

Hmmm, now what to write about?

See you tomorrow.

Love KB
xxx

Happy holidays

Our time off is going well. Hair cut, eyes tested, pjs and jacket bought and Japanese food eaten. Going to stay in for the rest of the day, it's raining cats and dogs.

Love KB
xxx

I'm so lucky

My man is cooking lunch for us and a friend. Fish, prawns and Chardonnay. He isn't making the Chardonny, hehe! I'm so lucky.

Love KB
xxx

Holiday time

Looking forward to spending some time chillin' out at home with Coco and Whitesnake.

Happy days.

Love KB
xxx

Out of control

In the past I was in a controlling relationship, but when I tried to reach out to certain people they said I was overreacting or I should stick around and sort through the problems in the relationship. Thankfully, I came to my senses and eventually left the relationship, but although I believed I was emotionally abused for a long period of time, a part of me still believed what I'd been told and that maybe it wasn't as bad as I remembered. Even as I write this I find myself editing myself in case he reads this. Still afraid to be me when it comes to him.

Anyway, today I was researching the subject of 'controlling behaviour' for an article I intended to write for the Helium website. I was shocked by what I read, the controlling behaviour described could have been written about him and the way I reacted to him, there it was in black and white. I felt sick at first, followed by anger and a few tears. I'm not sure how I feel now, but I feel better. Since I left, there have been days I have struggled with the past and how it has changed me. I have felt guilty for the way I left him, especially after he made himself the victim in all this. I know I have done wrong and have to accept some responsibility for the problems in the relationship, but it helps me to see it printed in black and white, by professionals, that the way he treated me was wrong and to know that I shouldn't have had to go through that. It wasn't my fault.


Thankfully, I have found a wonderful person who accepts and loves me just the way I am, doesn't want me to change into someone I'm not, treats me as an equal and listens to what I have to say. I'm truly thankful for him every day.

Well I finally finished my article, didn't need much research help in the end, I knew enough on the subject as it turns out.


Love KB
xxx

Book reviews: Song of Susannah, by Stephen King

Song of Susannah is the sixth book in Stephen King’s, The Dark Tower series. With over 400 pages of a blend of western, science fiction, horror and fantasy, it’s an intriguing read. As with earlier books in this series, it is important to read the previous instalments to fully appreciate this book.

The Dark Tower series centres on the last gunslinger Roland Deschain and his quest to reach the top of The Dark Tower. The tower is the point where the hearts of all worlds join and something or something is trying to destroy it. Roland’s character was inspired by the Man with No Name, which was portrayed by Clint Eastwood and from Robert Browning’s poem, Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came. He begins his journey alone but encounters many friends and enemies along the way.

Song of Susannah continues from where the previous book The Waste Lands ends. Our hero and his travelling companions, a young boy Jake Chambers, his pet Oy, a Catholic priest Father Don Callaghan and Eddie Dean a heroin addict, are on a mission to find the woman of their group. She is pregnant and missing. The party is separated to different times and place Jake, Father Callaghan and Oy arrive in New York of 1999, while Roland and Eddie go back to Maine 1977.

Susannah Dean is on a mission of her own. Since her pregnancy, she has been suffering from split personalities and is mainly under the control of a demon named Mia. It is important to Mia that this baby is born in a certain place and she is determined to reach it.

This book includes the usual revelations and horrors we come to expect from Stephen King. The characters are like family to us now and easy to return to time and again. This book is certainly not my favourite of the series but the suspense kept me turning the pages. The most enjoyable parts for me were the incorporation of Stephen King the writer and Father Callaghan from Salem’s Lot, into Roland’s journey. I imagine there will be mixed reviews from Stephen King fans regarding this book but it is part of the journey which must be taken before the final book in the series can be read.

‘One more turn of the path, and then we reach the clearing. Come along with me, will ya not?’ – Stephen King.

Giving up wine

Thanks to my husband for forwarding this joke to me. It made me LOL!

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of quid for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out a tenna and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop drinking years ago', the homeless woman told me. 

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said.
'I must spend my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.
'Are you NUTS!'
replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money.
Instead, I'm going to take you to dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for that.
I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she gives up shopping, hair appointments, and wine.'

Love KB
xxx

Poem : What's forever for?

What's forever for
If I can't be with you
Long years lie ahead
Meaningless without you

What's forever for    
When I'm frail and alone
Waiting for the end
A heart without a home

What's forever for
I question every day
How foolish I was
To let you slip away 

P.S. I got him back though, so it all worked out in the end :)

10 ideas for fun dates on a budget

Fun dates don’t have to break the budget. With a little planning and imagination, there are many ways to entertain each other without spending a lot of money.

1. Visit each others childhood neighbourhoods.

Checking out old schools, homes and hang outs is a great way to reconnect to the past and sharing the experience with a date is a fun way to learn more about each other.

2. Sightsee

Many people live in a town without knowing much about it and save their sightseeing for when away on holiday. Pick up a visitor’s guide and visit local tourist attractions. It’s fun to explore together and in some areas cheaper or free for locals.

3. Be creative

Draw a portrait, write a poem or love letter for each other. Listen to romantic music, open a bottle of wine and stare into each others eyes for inspiration. This will result in a beautiful drawing or poem to cherish or outbursts of laughter at your lack of creativity, either way, a fun time.

4. Walk hand in hand

Walking along a sun soaked beach, taking a moonlit stroll or an energetic hike are wonderful ways to improve health and romance. Take a camera along to record images of the day to relive the moments over and over again.

5. Share a picnic

A picnic is enjoyable indoors or outdoors. Sharing food together is a fabulous way to connect and have fun. A picnic doesn’t need to be extravagant.

6. Cook favourite meals

Lean each others favourite meals and cook them together or for each other. Set the table, light a few candles, burn essential oils and share the meals when the cooking is finished.

7. Visit a psychic

Lots of fun for believers or non believers alike.

8.Take a class together

There are so many fun classes available these days, check out local community centres and schools to find something to suit both tastes.

9. Host a potluck dinner and invite a few friends.

A good time will be had by all with as little or as much cost as the diners prefer.

10. Take in a dress rehearsal

Many theatres open dress rehearsals to the public. A great time at a fraction of the cost of the feature play/musical.

There are so many fun, inexpensive ways to go on a date. Often, the best dates are the ones that cost less money but have more thought put into them. Try a few of these ideas and with a little imagination and creativity you’ll be coming up with more inspirational ideas in no time at all.

Poem : Just for you

All my love is
Just for you
Sounds corny
But it's oh so true

All my life waiting
Just for you
Never imagined
You'd feel it too


The rest of my life
Just for you
Old loves forgotten
Don't compare to you

Poem : The old me

The old me was weak
That is what you told me
Constant criticism
I began to believe your story

I finally found another
Who pulled me up, not down
The old me is no more
True love I have found

Poem : As it should be

Exhausted from the day just passed
I stumble into bed
You're lying there fast asleep
I rest my weary head

I toss and turn, I cannot sleep
You fold your arms around me
Your touch takes my pain away
All is as it should be

Poem : There you are again

There you are again
My trusted friend
Just when I need you most
You appear like a ghost

We've been through thick and thin
We probably will again
I close my eyes and think of you
And there you are again

Family Time

Whitesnake and I were invited to a family bbq while we were in Adelaide. I'd already met some of his family, but it was fantastic to meet some more and they made me feel right at home. There are too many pics to post here so I'll just share some of the pics of us oldies :)

Last of the holiday pics tomorrow.

Love KB
xxx

Meeting up at the Midway Tavern

Whitesnake's brother picked us up and took us out for the day. Whitesnake is a big supporter of the Adelaide Crows and it was fun to visit their home ground.

 

We took a tour around Whitesnake's old neighbourhood and visited his Mum and Dad at the cemetery.

 

 

I've heard many stories or Whitesnake's time at the Midway Tavern so it was a real treat for me to visit and share a meal with friends and family. I even tasted the legendary Chicken Schnitzel with Diane Sauce.

 

 

 

One of the things I've loved about visiting Whitesnake's former home is meeting the people in person I have known via facebook. I feel like I know some of them so well already but it was wonderful to talk to them and see them face to face.

 

 



A fun day.

 

More pics tomorrow.

 

Love KB

xxx