Amanda Jvv

There was movement! Whoohoo. is Sir H ok Wendy?

Damn! I missed the moving part!

Anyone else had a look? I think he is on the sofa still. I can only see a shadow in the bottom corner. Am I doing it right?

I really believe in life we ultimately end up where we are supposed to be and with who we are supposed to be with. Just our choices take us on a variety of routes to get there, some better than others. I often ponder that question and I'm only 30! Heaven help me in 20 years! This past week alone has made me ask myself loads of questions so it's funny you started this topic.

Lots of good thoughts being sent. Also what a lovely name!

I've finally taken photos of my veg. This is only my second attempt at growing veg, so any tips are welcome please! #1 mini stand. Courgettes/ lettuce/ cucumber/parsely/ tomatoes/ various herbs Courgettes Can anyone tell me why this courgette plant has those marks on the leaves? Broccoli/ spring onions/ lettuce/ spinach The one broccoli leaf is being eaten by something and is wilting on the edges?! Two tubs of spuds #2 mini stand - additions of all of the above Tomatoes & Salad Green Beans - trying to give them a chance to sprout in the garage before Maya cat devours them. This is the 3rd batch I have had to grow because she keeps eating the tops off them or pulling them out! Once a bit taller I will grow them appropriately.

I am so sorry

Me too. It's nice to think that no matter how insignificant I am or when things get me down and my efforts seem useless, that actually to someone or something I are making a difference (even if only maybe to just one animal or person).

Thats shocking!!!!!!

Since I posted the original one... My brief response is: optimistic vs cynical view. Glass half full/ empty scenario and that as one.eyed.dog hit the nail in the head - you make a difference to the one you help. The long winded response: Hypothetically I'd hope that were I to start saving starfish one by one, believing that saving just one is even better than saving none. I would hope I would go about saving them being informed. So I know that star fish need to live in ideal circumstances of rock pools or in the ocean as opposed to be left on dry sand with little chance and that I would follow up that they were adapting to their habitat and that I continued to spread the word about the plight of the starfish and hopefully educated people on ways to 'save' them appropriately. Should someone get it wrong I'd educate them and put myself in a position of trust & befriending rather than berating. I can more easily win over my friends than enemys.

It seems to me everyone agrees that supporting rescue animals is a priority. In addition some feel happy in supporting reputable breeders and buying a puppy in some circumstances. And in addition some wouldn't hesistate to buy a puppy/ dog to get it out of its current situation to offer it better circumstances. All agree about the welfare of the animal. So... with so many articulate, intelligent and passionate people on here why are we wasting time going round in circles instead of putting our heads together to do something about the bigger picture? (I appreciate many are) but some like me have no idea where to begin. I dont think its enough to just support rescues. I dont believe that the 'word' is spread enough. Maybe I live in a closed world but the only time I ever hear about the right/ wrong way of breeding/ buying/ rescuing etc is on these forums. Not everyone goes on forums. The only other stories I hear are about the latest 'dog attack'. One of things that always strikes me is how well intentioned animal lovers have no idea about the rewards and risks of breeding. Just the other day I encountered a person who 'loved their dog so much and all it's good nature' that they were going to breed just once so she can be a mother and we can keep a puppy (yes we have all heard it before). I sat this person down and told them about the risks to their much loved animal, about passing on traits that shouldnt be bred from. This person had never thought about it. Never imagined that it could end badly. 2 weeks later their pet was spayed. How do we start with your average Joe and educate them? So they dont breed from their pet, so those pets dont land up in pet shops, so that byb dont have demands? It's not enough to just say all those on here should never buy a dog for any reason. We are a 'small' community. There is a bigger picture.

Dissappointment is one thing but why rain on their parade? Good people, good intentions, all involved in rescue but they 'bought a puppy' so instead of saying nothing, they have to air their opinions. We are all very clear where most people stand on these issues on here. It just seems to me that people come down on that person for buying that one dog. That may further down the line end in rescue anyway after a horrible start. Do we really think that if that one person doesnt buy that one dog that suddenly the world will be sorted? Spend the energy not lamenting about the dissapointment but maybe educating people/ children/ media. (I am sure many do but but that was more what my point was about.) Instead of some people being self righteous and blabbing on about how many rescues I have, how many hours I put in etc. But I agree with you there are many who say nothing of their dedication. There are so many uneducated people about that know nothing of the dangers of byb or pet shops etc and those people will keep doing that but that doesnt mean that a lot of people could turn away from that dog in need no matter where it comes from. I certainly would find it hard to walk away. Reminds me of the story about the starfish: The Starfish Story Original Story by: Loren Eisley One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?†The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.†“Son,†the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!†After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…†I made a difference for that one.â€

Not aimed at anyone in particular: All those people that are so vehemently against breeders and pet shops, who are so quick to passionately voice their disgust when a fellow forum member posts about their new addition, I hope that those same people vehemently and passionately do more about it in the greater scheme of things than just shout how pro rescue they are.

I couldn't agree more.

gorgeous!!

Don't worry Ange most of us have been there (and are still there!!). Like others said - life doesnt always go to plan! They can take the money BUT if you have told them already about making min payments etc then they shouldn't. You have grounds to complain about this and insist that (some) the money be given back to you straight away as you need money to live on and if as a result you incurr any bank charges for bounced cheques or returned direct debits then they have to cancel that cost as it was their fault. I would just say get on to the banks, record who you spoke to and put it in writing as well. All else fails go into the bank.

Thinking of you

I luffs the Swamp Monster!!

Very impressive!

Hi I have loads of veg in pots will post pics later. This is only my second attempt at veg growing so am not clued up on what I can/ can't do! Can anyone tell me why some of the leaves on my courgettes/ cucumbers are going yellow? Also I went to pick all my salad stuff for my lunch and all the lettuce have little aphids or something at the back of them. I hate insects so was just grossed out at eating the veg! I know I can spray stuff but have to be careful as my cat goes along and bites all my veggie plants!! Any suggestions? Thanks

We had some photos taken at the PAH 'photo competition' (yes I got suckered into buying them) so thought I would share. (excuse the poor scanning on my part!)

Morning All Idiot newspapers printed the results of American Idol which is only being shown on telly tonight. Am furious as was looking forward to it and had avoided checking internet sites etc incase of spoilers! Its the only bit of 'reality' telly I watch. Idiots. Hope everyone enjoys the lovely day we seem to be having so far!

Ooh tell me how to complain too. I HATE that trailer. I have to change the channel. It's not funny one slightest bit and I like to think I am open to other kinds of humour.

It's like one those moments where you know you mustn't laugh and you are filled with worry but at the same time you just can't help yourself. You probably have more of a conscience and self control than me

you should have warned me! Trying to contain my laughter in a full office!