Nine Years.

Nine years today since we married.

We met when I was thirteen.

We went on our first date when I was fourteen and he was sixteen.

1989.

Perms were all the rage as was black ash furniture and shoulder pads.

It seems so long ago.

We split up, then got back together.

Finally, after lots of ups and plenty of downs and after dilly-dallying for long enough, we got married.

It was 13 years after our first date.

2002. 

The world hadn't ended when 1999 had turned to 2000.

The computers of the world didn't melt down.

Planes didn't fall out of the sky.

And people weren't driving flying cars.

2011.

By now we had a total of nine children, drove a 17 seater minibus and kept chickens in our garden.

It was not what we ever imagined in 2002.

And certainly not in 1989.

We didn't know it when this photo was taken but there were already another two children on the way.  We only knew about one of them.

We've grown up together though not grown old.

We haven't changed, have we?

Happy Anniversary, Mike.

You make me smile every day and I'm so lucky to have you.

I love you more than you can imagine, even when I don't show it.

Thank you for putting up with me.

My love forever,



Edit: This post was also linked to Cafe Bebe's Flashback Friday, even though I didn't post it on a Friday.  What can I say?  I'm a rebel. 

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21 years

That's what it is.

21 years since our first date.

Mike and I.

Me and Mike.

Us.

Yes, I was only four. (Teen).

We met at school.

We haven't changed a bit.

Of course.

Some of you won't believe me.

Some of you who know us will back me up.

Of course, some of you make convincing liars.

But that's ok by us.

We were together for two years, then split, then got back together again.

It hasn't been an easy road at all sometimes.

And we've been through some tough things.

In 21 years, what couple hasn't?

But we're here.

And the tough times, though they really hurt, and really were horrid, made us what and who we are now.

And I just want to say...

I love you.

More than you'll ever know.

And more than I can ever say.

And one more thing...

I'm really glad...

... that you've almost finished decorating the downstairs shower room and lobby.

Because they really looked awful.

And they are looking much nicer and cleaner now.

But...

... the kitchen now looks horrid.  Because it links onto the nice, freshly decorated lobby. 

Just thought I'd mention it.

Because let's face it. 

21 years later.

Our lives aren't what they were then.

Decisions have been replaced from what film to go and see to what wallpaper we prefer and (sometimes) which bill takes priority.

Wonder where we'll be in another 21 years?

Love you always,




Just a reminder that if you haven't already entered, the giveaway to win a £50 (UK) or $50 (US) gift certificate is over here.  You've got until August 1st to enter!

So did he or didn't he?

Otherwise titled "If something makes you laugh, share it!".

Later today we're going to pick up two new chickens for our garden.

It's almost two years to the day since we bought our first chickens.

Six of them, we bought. Two Bovan Goldlines, two bovan ambers and two cuckoo marans.

We didn't have a clue about looking after chickens. We were new to it. We'd never even held a chicken. There was a natural curiosity.

Since then we've lost one to a fox attack in our garden, but the others are fine and doing well.  And more importantly, laying well.

Before we bought them we worked hard and prepared. Mike built a chicken house which, when new, looked like this:

It doesn't look like this any more. It looks, um, darker, thanks to a red mite attack last summer. Resulting in having to kill them via blowtorch. "Them" as in the red mites. Not the chickens. They live on.  Chicken Palace now sports a scorched look. It's fine. It's "character".

Red mite.  


Blighters.


But what of all the blood, sweat and tears that went into building it in the first place? Actually, I don't recall there being any blood loss, and nobody cried (much). Sweat? That's debateable really.

But this did happen!  Or did it?

This still makes me laugh so hard I end up crying! I've watched it over and over and still can't get over it!

Now, did Mike hit himself with the hammer or not?!  Because it really looks and sounds like he did.  But if he did, why is there no reaction?!

Watch it again!

See?  

No reaction!

None!!

You can even hear Ben trying to stifle a snigger as he's videotaping it all.

We watched this over and over and Mike didn't even remember doing it. He didn't remember this happening. Amnesia from a knock on the head perhaps?

To me it does look like he hit himself. To everyone else here it does.

But if he did why didn't he feel it?!

What do you think? Did he hit himself or not?

Oh and in case you are wondering and thinking I'm a mean wife, I did get permission to post that video on the blog. Really, I did.

When Michael Met Tania - The Movie

Forget Romeo and Juliet!

Ignore Mickey and Minnie!

A true love story is right before you!

Here is the film you've all been waiting for!

"When Michael Met Tania - The Movie*"

*Full historical accuracy is not guaranteed

If you're really lucky we may make a whole series. 

Can't wait, can you?

Happy 20th Anniversary to Us!

Dear Mike,

Twenty years ago today we went out on our first date.

I was fourteen. You were sixteen.

I was so excited!

But I was cool. You know.

On the outside.

You came and picked me up from my parent's house at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

We were going to the cinema to see "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels".

We travelled on the bus where we sat upstairs at the front.

You made some stupid joke as the bus passed a cemetary.

You said it was the dead centre of town.

Our hands brushed and then they clasped onto eachtother letting go only if absolutely necessary otherwise we'd have died immediately.

Then, no doubt, we'd have ended up in the dead centre of town. *Sigh*.

We went to see the film.

Then we went to KFC.

Then you took me home.

Michael, I just want to tell you something.

The joke wasn't very funny then.

I still don't find it very funny now.

Despite you repeating it most times we pass a cemetary.

Please stop.

Hearing the same joke for twenty years doesn't make it funnier.

One more thing.

I cannot stand Michael Caine.

I didn't enjoy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I don't much remember it to be honest.

And since I have your attention can I just add...

I do not eat chicken. Hence opting for the corn on the cob at KFC and trying to pick sweetcorn out of my teeth for the rest of our date.

Did I impress you?

Still, something must have gone right (eventually. There were ups and downs in between).

Because here we are.

And to celebrate our anniversary I made you a cake.

But because it's my special time of the month I couldn't decide what cake I wanted to make, so ended up making a chocolate box filled with an eggless sponge, topped with buttercream and icing.

And then I ate most of it.

Oh well.

Happy Anniversary anyway.

love from your wonderful wife,

(in case you weren't sure).

True love

Text from me (at home) to Mike (at work): "I'm missing you."

Text from Mike (at work) to me (at home): "More than usual? (If that's possible.)"

"Of course. And the kids aren't even playing up."

"What have you broken?"

"Nothing. I'm just missing you."

I think for a minute or two and text him again: "Do you think it's hormones?"

"You're not pregnant, are you?"

Yep, true love.

A note to my husband

I will tell you one more time that we are still married even when you claim you can't find our marriage certificate.

And no, it doesn't make a difference if it got burnt to a crisp/ripped to shreds/blown away in a hurricane or any other accident it could possibly be involved in.

You lucky, lucky man.

"I'm going to write a book!"...

...I declared.


"On what?" asked Mike


"How to be the perfect wife" I told him


He looked at me silently, then turned away.


I take that as his full support and agreement. Don't you?