They are a jolly lot,
These men of dancing folk,
`Tis a history that goes way back,
Though no ones sure when,
But enjoy one of the oldest traditions,
These jolly men do joke!
These Rutland Morris Men have been going a fair few years and it brought many a smile to quiet(ish) part of Edith Weston, Rutland and the very damned good Wheatsheaf Inn, where food is good value and drink with entertainment exceptional!
The traditional costumes that now adorns most Morris Men was only brought in at the turn of the 19th century with the bells on the legs added later, before that, The Morris Men didn`t exist as we know them today, they were known by another name and their attire was somewhat different, though there dancing may not have differed all that much, and traditionally, dancing round the maypole was very evident.
But enjoy there jolly dance and the ringing of the bells, for many a tradition to uphold is what we like, so come on lads, give us a ring of those bells and a clattering of the sticks, put down yer pint and dance the night away!!
A good night was had by all on a warm summers evening!
Everybody knows how back pain can be quite debilitating and I`ve suffered with it for over 20 years, but its no excuse to "let yourself go"
So, I decided after my recent operation of having my coccyx removed that I would try and get myself back into shape.
Anyone who`s ever had coccyx pain, where even everyday sitting (something we all take for granted that we can do) is a painful experience, will know exactly what I`m on about.
I also suffer from spondalithesis, but this has not stopped me from doing any job - or exercise, marathons can be painful, but train right and its almost a doddle!
So, when I saw an advert for The Insanity workout, I thought yeah, why not?
But, there was a problem, I couldn`t register my details, so decided to take it upon myself to keep a log and then e-mail Team BeachBody to say I`d done it and I deserve my T-shirt!
Well, I hope anyway!
I know many people in the UK who cannot register either, or get the support we need, so hopefully if the Team BeachBody personnel read this, they maybe able to set up something over here in the UK - it would be in their interests, as us Brits love a challenge!
So come on Team BeachBody cheer us Brits on - we need your support!!
The kit doesn`t come cheap, when I bought it at the beginning of the year it cost me £200, extortionate you may think, but as it will go on for years, the benefits should outweigh the pounds.
Armed with the workout discs, body fat interpretation charts and nutrition books, wall chart and roll mat, I was ready!
Well, I hope so!
There is only one problem with these books and that some of the drinks they recommend are tailored for the American market, so I`ve engineered my own UK version of the drinks, supplements and even some meals which should hopefully be just as good as the versions in the books.
The wall chart is pretty impressive, it should tell me of my progress, I hope!!
I just have to look at the bodies on the poster to get an idea of how I would like to look!
Oh well, beggers can`t be choosers!
And now for me!
Ok, I`m embarrassed, I do look a little like a wobble woman than someone who should be quite lean and fit!
So, these are my current results:
BMI : 31
Body Fat : 28-29 mm = 35.4 for my age group of 41-45, which means I`m "overfat", UK terminology Obese!
Weight : 76.3 kg
Vital Stats : 38, 44, 39 (weird combination!)
Height : 164cm
Looks like I`ve some work to do and changing diet and everything else is not going to be easy, so wish me luck, first up is the Fit Test.........
What a scorcher, I don`t think my arms and legs have had so much sun since 2009 when myself and four legged companion (which I miss to bits) completed our 1000 mile walk for Macmillan.
My body has shifted a bit, so the sun no longer frequents the wobbly bits but it has a positive attribute to everything else!!
The picture above shows a rape which is used for oil.
No, it is not Lavender and yes there are different types of rape, the yellow rape can just be seen in the distance and this colouring only comes out first thing in the morning when the air is cool, so if your thinking of trying to see it later in the afternoon, I`m afraid the flowers will not be out, they hate the heat!
Poppies have also come out in abundance..
From the poppies to other flowers and insects frequenting our countryside, don`t half give you a good glow, enjoy the summer, whatever you're doing!!
There are many wonders in the garden, we just have to look after them.
Our hedgerow seemed to be awash with strange caterpillars, but I believe it will turn into a red admiral, though not sure and then there is equal sharing, the ladybird and the snail toying with a spiders web, now there`s a book....
Finally, the Red Admiral, up close and personal, and the Peacock butterflies, Summer is here - at last and hopefully stays a little longer than the last two winters we`ve all endured.
Happy Holidays!!
