MYSTERY SUGAR JAR

 

I sat watching the television, having just had a curry, when my husband handed me my dessert: peaches in evaporated milk, a favourite of mine. 

Partaking of my first mouthful, I registered a difference in texture. Looking down, I saw some brown bits floating around in the milk. 

My tongue and taste buds were trying to detect what the floating bits might be; they required a bit of chewing. The conclusion was crushed nuts of some kind, and I carried on eating. 

Once completed, I asked my husband if he would like a cup of tea; he replied in the affirmative. Taking my tray into the kitchen and clearing it, and waiting for the kettle to boil, I saw a packet of brown sugar lying on the countertop, so I decided to fill the almost empty Kilner sugar jar. 

While pouring it in, I noted it was a different consistency to our normal golden brown sugar, and assumed my husband had been sent Demerara instead in our food delivery from the shop. 

I remembered we had some white granulated sugar left in the cupboard, so I added that to the jar to make it easier to use for tea. Once the kettle had boiled, I made the tea, adding one spoonful of sugar to mine. 

I carried them to my husband and relaxed to watch TV and drink my tea. As I took my first mouthful, realisation dawned. I had had this experience already, with my peaches and evaporated milk. What on earth is it? 

I turned to my husband and asked, “Did you open a packet of brown sugar earlier?” 

“Yes. Why?” 

“It is not sugar!” 

“Better look at the name on the packet,” he said.

Together we went to investigate. I grovelled in the kitchen bin, retrieving the offending packet which declared itself to be crushed goji berries, almonds and pine nuts. 

Mystery solved, but what to use this mixture for with its addition of golden and white sugar? We now had a jar full of it. 

The decision was taken and the topping from the jar could be scattered on ice cream and other fruit concoctions. We were lucky; it works quite well, just not in tea. 

We have had some other mishaps by helpful friends with the Kilner jars: salt is definitely not a good substitute for sugar. 

However, it was a very good causative element for great merriment and application of contents labels. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

MILLIE'S FOREVER HOME

 

One day a couple came to the kennels enquiring about a dog. Millie was brought out for yet another inspection. At first, she could not be bothered to show what a lovely dog she was.

She had had her hopes raised too often. However, there was something different about this couple. It was how they crouched down to her, and allowed her to sniff their hands before they touched her. Showing her respect, talking quietly and gently, perhaps this time it would be different.

She started to wag her tail, as they put a collar and lead on, before taking her for a walk around the grounds, to see how she behaved on the lead without other distractions. 

She began to raise her head, and walk more briskly; she liked this couple but did they like her?

On returning to the kennels, to her great disappointment, the collar and lead were removed and she was placed back in the cage. 

The couple left, but they did smile and pat her saying kind words. She sadly curled up in a ball in her cage ‘What am I doing wrong, why don’t they like me?’

She did not know that the couple had agreed to have her but needed to wait for her to be spayed. The operation and recovery would take about 2 weeks, then they would be back for her.

The day finally came and to her absolute delight, they arrived to collect her. She could hardly believe it. She was going to have a forever home. 

When she arrived at the house, she ran around sniffing everywhere, there had been a dog here once, but not anymore.

There was a large garden, a horse, cows and hens, there would be some adventures to be had. Millie knew at that moment, that she was going to have a very happy life with her new family.

There was only one problem, Millie had never learned to play ball or bring back sticks. Maybe in the past, she had been trained as a sheepdog, another reason why she loves long walks and runs.

NOTE:

When talking about Millie  being spayed. 

Spayed was written first, but a typo changed it to sprayed. 

Entirely the wrong word, the dog was not going to be sprayed by a hose pipe, as that would not solve the problem.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TROUBLED SLEEPLESS NIGHT

 

TROUBLED SLEEPLESS NIGHT

The cat who wishes to be mine paid a visit outside my upstairs window.

She knew I was awake and started up a loud conversation at 4.45 in the morning. I stayed still, hoping she would stop. 

She was determined to have my attention, the cries got louder and more instant.

Slipping out of bed I paraded down the stairs, every door, and stair seemed to creak, and every key made sounds which I was sure would raise the household.

I gave her a drink she was very thirsty, we had a friendly pat and a cuddle before parting. I told her, her alarm clock needed adjusting, as it was far too early to be out and about.

2023 © by Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

LILY AND OLIVER TWIST

LILY AND OLIVER TWIST

The cat who wishes to be mine put in an appearance, performing her usual antics for some food, not once but twice, like Oliver Twist.

As she has been missing for a few days I spoilt her. I have a suspicion she has found another willing victim to support her when we are away.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A CHORUS OF BIRDS

 

The early morning mist the sun has kissed, meeting the river to die. 

With the gentle sigh of bird wings as they flit importantly by.

A chorus of birds chirping delicately at first, gathering voices to give their songs a full burst. 

Welcoming the new day full of cut and thrust.

The dews heavy coating in drought, encouraging insects out of their hideouts to stray. 

So begins this morning the new day.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

I LOVE YOU!

 

I LOVE YOU!

The last line,

‘I never said goodbye.’ 

Plan for that day,

And always say I love you!

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

FAIRY CROSS COINCIDENCE

 

When walking home late one evening, a fairy rushed past, before returning to look at me and asked, “Are you a reader?”

I said “Yes.” I was startled, what is a fairy doing here? However, I believe in fairies, don’t you?

“Do you have a book in your pocket?” she asked anxiously, glancing behind her from time to time.

“As a matter of fact I do!” I replied.

“Have you read it?”

“Yes, I have, several times I know it by heart.” She glanced back again looking anxious.

“May I have it please?”

I looked at her in amazement, “Whatever for!” I asked.

“It is a surprise and would be my good deed for the day. I have not managed to complete a good deed for today and I have to. The Fairy Queen will be very upset if I don’t. I have to place a book at the Fairy Cross bus stop before morning, otherwise, the good deed won’t work.” 

She looked at me so appealingly, that I agreed against my better judgement, as it was the first book I had ever written. Though I had several saved copies, I had not released them for publishing yet.

The Fairy was so pleased and clasped the book in her arms before flying off, calling back her thanks to me.

In the morning the book was picked up at Fairy Cross bus stop, by a passenger and taken on the bus. He worked for a publishing house. He could not stop reading the book and showed it to his boss in the office.

Later that day I received a phone call from the publisher, asking if I was the author of the book called “Coincidence.” I admitted I was! He said,  "This book came into my hands by coincidence, at the bus stop at Fairy Cross in Devon and we would very much like to publish it, it is a great read! Would you be interested?”

I was flabbergasted that the fairy’s good deed was responsible for all this. Taking a deep breath I said, “Yes, thank you, that would be wonderful and I would be delighted to discuss details at a time of your convenience.”

When I put the phone down, I called out in glee to the family and related the absolute coincidence that happened to me and my book “Coincidence.”

Always help a fairy in distress when asked to, as they often quietly help us.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A LANE WELL TRAVELLED

 

A LANE WELL TRAVELLED

A country Lane well-travelled sign was posted in plain sight. 

Generations have journeyed along it’s way. 

Some head down burdened by packs to carry, others dawdling along, stopping to admire the view. 

Paths crossed and conversations exchanged, trading of animals, fruit and veg with a handshake. 

Promises later to pay over a pint and a pipe in the pub Peddler’s too have passed through with trinkets to haggle. 

On Village doorsteps, customers would gather to have a laugh and hear their sales patter. 

Gossip too of loves and babies born, news of those that have sadly passed on. 

Would be carried from place to place down the lanes, 

Part of the convoluted chain of life in beautiful isolated places. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

SAILING ALONG

 

SAILING ALONG

Sailing along in my little blue boat, 

Along a river so fine. 

Cuddled and cosied along the banks, 

By lush green tree branches. 

Sailing, sailing, 

Till we meet the bright blue skyline. 

Out into the freedom and expanse of the sea. 

Having a truly most memorable time. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

WHEN?

 

I hate it when he leaves the house and locks the front door,

As I have no idea when he is coming back again for sure.

The first hour is not so bad, I settle and have a snooze.

Then I start my parade I have many rooms to choose.

I pop up on the settee to see out the window.

Dash up the stairs to jump on the bed and lie watching on a big soft pillow.

At the slightest noise, I fly down the stairs in a flash.

To thrust my nose through the letterbox to sniff if it is him coming back at last.

How I hate his disappearing never knowing when he will return home.

When he does I give him such a fantastic frantic welcome, in the hopes he will never ever want to leave me on my own again.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

INSIDE EVERY POET

 

INSIDE EVERY POET 

Inside every poet 

There has to be 

An understanding of truth.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

I AM NOT A BUG!

 

I AM NOT A BUG! 

Hello, what a lovely bug you are. 

🐞 I am not a bug! I am a bird!

No you're not; you’re a bug like me. 

🐞 I am not a bug, I tell you. 

You look like me, though in much brighter colours and I am a ladybug. 

🐞 Well I am not! I am a ladybird! 

Where did you come from to be so misinformed? I bet it was from that place called America. 

Yes, I am. How did you know that? 

🐞 Because some of your ancestors left here and over there changed some of our words. How they decided to change my name to bug I will never understand! Most bugs are called ugly here. I am not. I am a beautiful ladybird. You must be hungry coming all that way? 

I hitched my way on a few ships, rested on some islands, never knew where I was going till I hopped off here. It looks a mighty fine place. 

🐞 Why don’t you join me? I see something tasty over there. Just remember I am a ladybird and we will get on just fine. Don’t try to change any more of our words. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

My Writing Day

 

WHAT A DAY!

 

Oh boy, what day it has? 

I feel as if I have run my legs off.

What a day I had yesterday, 

I made so many friends, it was amazing.

I have exhausted my sniff mechanism, 

As it seems a bit slower,

As for my tail, it just wants a rest.

I am not going to agitate for a walk today either.

I am so tired, 

Back to sleep for me before Lily comes in, 

Or she will keep me up talking.

I just need an hour or two longer in bed.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THERE ARE CREATURES IN MY GARDEN

 

There are creatures in my garden, yet rarely are they seen at all.

Hidden in the walls are spiders, the odd lizard, leather jackets, ants in battalions patrol, as magic cleaning up insect and debris machines.

Weeds scatter seeds for their plants to keep on growing, for snails to slimily keep on their contented munching and gnawing. Sadly your cherished plants are on their menu, as they have a hankering for them too.

Tiny frogs seek shelter in the dampened cracks, hiding from aerial birds and ground, fox, cat and dog attacks.

A mole surfaces to leave a hill in the middle of the lawn, blindly, burying, furiously underneath, hunting juicy worms from dusk to dawn, leaving the molehills for you to pat down.

Butterflies and ladybirds, gavotting about giving amazing colourful displays.

The foxes lay against the wall, enjoying the warmth of the sun and dappled shade after a night on the essential food hunting run.

Squirrels, furiously battling in the trees, as nuts rain down to be lost in the ground. To start new tree growth in this fascinatingly active garden of mine.

Where all I have to do is sit, quietly, relax, whiling away some precious me time.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TELEPHONE CONNECTION

 

Telephone boxes are now unused

When once we stood in queues

To connect with loved ones 

Far away over land and sea.

Appointments had to be made

To connect up at a special time

On a special day

Or we had no connection.

If there was a storm 

Wires would come down,

Our tears would flow

There would be no conversation.

Now in our pocket

Or bag we slip a phone

In constant action,

Never losing contact with you.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Anna Almeida 

YES! YES, IT WAS YOU!

 

YES! YES, IT WAS YOU!

Yes, yes, it was you!

I knew it was you at the very first glance.

You swept me into your life entranced

Round and round with the very first dance.

Years have slipped by not all bliss, 

Just enough for me and you.

Money was tight and we had the odd fight.

Yet we loved well and stayed true.

Yes, it could only be you!

I knew at first glance,

Love moved in unexplained,

To last and last!

Yes, yes, it was you!

I knew it was you! 

At the very first glance.

You swept into my life,

Round and round,

With that very first dance.

Today we are back here once more

To celebrate all that has gone before

Memories we have treasured amongst friends,

As we glide across the floor

For our anniversary waltz together.

Yes, yes, it was you!

I knew it was you at the very first glance

Love moves in unexplained to last and last.

As you swept me into your life 

And around the floor at our very first dance.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BEDTIME

 

Growing older on your own creates new demands, with no one there to call on. You put yourself to bed when you like with a glass of water, pills, spectacles, hearing aids, book and denture pot.

Occasionally when tucked up snug in bed you realize one or two of these you have exasperatingly forgotten. Fighting the bedclothes, struggling free and upright, sometimes happens more than once. 

Another trip to the loo is fitted in, after all the to-ing and froing before you settle again for the night. 

Who needs physiotherapy? Don't forget to switch off the light.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

OUT OF TUNE

 

OUT OF TUNE

What is love?

When I don’t sing the right song.

When everything I do does not meet,

Your new standards, it’s wrong!

As I try to placate, 

Another challenge is made.

My hands start to shake, 

Food dances on the plate.

Failure is now the norm,

Every request becomes a storm.

Thoughts are confused,

I retreat into my own space.

Trying to contemplate,

A future without you!

For the sake of others and myself,

I have to regain confidence, 

And strength to step out,

And find my single self again.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A CAKE FOR TEA

 

I often sit for afternoon tea

With no cake placed in front of me.

I’m Gluten-Free!

Watching others devouring 

Small decorated tasty delights,

With small noises as they disappear 

Appreciatively out of sight.

Today surprise, surprise!

I cheekily asked for any Gluten-Free.

Yes, we had a McMillan bake in today!

So on offer is chocolate 

Or pistachio Gluten Free cake.

Shrieks of delight burst from me.

As I enjoyed and took full part 

In the Afternoon Tea.

Thank You!

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

IN PRAISE OF MY RIGHT LEG

 

What do you say to a leg that has been with you since birth.

Supporting, lifting, moving you around. Protecting your landing when you jump off, with risk and adventure onto the ground.

A graze or two you have suffered when miscalculations were made. You have stood upright for ages in school attendance parades. Disaster when it came caught the whole of me in it’s grip, Yet you alone managed to keep your muscle attachments, in check.

As nerves rattled and shook out of control taking my balance away on my left. You stayed calm and strong with the occasional tweak and squeak of pain. As I tried to stand and move my body painfully along.

So it continued through out my life, yet my left leg suffered more in the disaster than you. Not fair it is true, it had to cope with multiple injuries over time too.

Now old age is making itself felt, for the first time you are the one complaining. Arthritis is attacking you, not fair after all you have had to endure. I certainly do not want to lose you, if there is anything we can do.

So a walking stick has become a bit of a reliable saviour, helping us to soldier on for goodness knows how long. Thank you right leg, for all that you have done and are doing for me. You have been truly amazing.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER

 

After taking delivery of our hire car, on holiday in Spain, my husband and I set off for the day. 

He had to immediately accustom himself to manual gears, new road signs and driving on the opposite side of the road. I had to become the fastest navigator imaginable. 

Needless to say, the atmosphere was fraught for the first few hours. At last, we stopped for lunch and normality returned. 

After lunch we felt better, only a short while later to have our confidence destroyed by losing a wing mirror, passing badly parked cars on a very narrow road.

It took us several days before we could manage to get a replacement mirror, but somehow we did, before returning home.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

LOVE

 

Love is on my mind, it is such a powerful emotion.

For generations, it has been talked about, written about, sung with musical scores about, painted and sculptures made about. 

It has been longed for, lost, rejected, and slow to appear.

At other times it arrives with a glance, a touch, a kiss that lasts a lifetime.

Amazingly love can move compassion across the World to people and animals unknown and unseen to us.

That is powerful! 

Its power is in how it affects us in our relationships through life, starting in the womb with our mother and later with our husband or wife and our children.

It is not plain sailing, jealousy, gentle letting go, total rejection and loss hang on this emotion called love. 

If not handled carefully can blight others over time.

Love is like sand in your hand, some sticks, the rest with no feelings left to slip off.

How does love fit in your life now?

What benefits does it give to you?

What care and knowledge about this emotion long studied and experienced called love, can you pass on?

See what a difference you can make in the name of love.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

DANGEROUS GAME

 

DANGEROUS GAME

Looking out of my window a stealthy movement caught my eye along the edge of the trellis marking the boundary of our home. It looked too secretive to be a squirrel.

It was Jake, a small cat I was friendly with. What's he up to? Watching patiently, I spotted a lovely little Robin red breast sitting on the top of a section of the fence.

Jake with his eyes firmly fixed on the robin and his paws gripping hard to maintain his balance on the narrow fence top-edged towards him.

The Robin sat waiting, with one eye on the cat. Once Jake got too close for comfort, he flew to the next section of the fence and awaited the arrival of the stalking cat.

When it finally looked as though disaster would strike, the Robin flew onto a revolving clothesline he alighted on the arm farthest away from Jake. There the little bird fluffed up all his feathers, to make himself look as large as possible.

Jake the cat, eyed the distance between them and realized he couldn’t make it without jumping to ground level. He was a small cat and the thought of the long drop to the ground scared him.

He started retreating along the fence, with several scathing backward looks at the triumphant Robin.

Score: Bird one, Cat nil.

Quite a change!

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay

LOVE EXPLAINED

LOVE EXPLAINED

I want to be loved,

Not left.

I want to be cherished

Not abused.

I want to feel safe.

Not insecure.

I want to give love.

Watch it blossom.

See our feelings

Slowly grow.

That is the love

I want to share

And know.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

GLASSES

 

GLASSES

The days arrived that I've always dreaded.

My arms aren’t long enough to get my needle threaded. I have to screw up my eyes till they are horizontal slits, trying to make out the constantly shimmering little blips. I try to manoeuvre till I am in bright light, but I have now to admit I am losing my sight.

So it is off to the opticians and it's glasses for me, long-range and short, two pairs it will have to be, so that, I don't greet total strangers as though they belong to me. I might then be able to keep a comfortable distance between myself and the TV.

If any of this is familiar to you, it is time you went to see who you know. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes; just don't scream too loudly, when you first have a glimpse through glasses of the contours of your face or catch sight of the marks on the kitchen's clean white surface.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

MARRIAGE

 

MARRIAGE

Marriage is one of the important decisions as individuals, we have to make. 

There is no advanced training expert, following the best examples of your parent's or family member's marriages.

Trying to avoid the pitfalls. 

Keep love and trust strong.

‘Never go to bed on a quarrel,’ an old saying that helps.

‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure,’ is another, not my words.

Remember your marriage may be the example for any of your children to follow.

Give them the good parents and life however humble, children long for.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

KEEP WRITING

 

KEEP WRITING

You never know, 

From what raw material, 

Great creativity will grow, 

So keep writing.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BEACH TRIP

 

BEACH TRIP

My Dad took me to the beach, for the first time and I saw the sea, it went on and on.

A man was walking along the beach I thought at first it was Wobbly’s husband, my other dad.

I was not brave enough to rush across the sand to look.

However, a breeze hit me from that direction and I knew the scent was not his. I was sad!

For a while, then the pesky seagulls started bombarding me.

Why can’t they leave me alone?

Dad chased them off and picked me up until they were tired and left.

I was quite pleased to go home, but I now know what the sea looks like.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay

SNAIL MANNERS

 

SNAIL MANNERS

Two snails were out walking towards each other on a crack on the patio floor. Neither would give way to the other, as a certain word was called for.

The grey snail said, ’If you say the magic word I will let you pass.’

The brown snail replied, ‘That is a shame as I simply don’t have a clue what that word could be.’

The grey snail then replied,  ‘You learned it at your mother’s knee.’

Still, the grey snail would not move and the brown snail kept on pushing and pushing.

He begged, ‘Please, please, tell me the magic word as I am thirsty and I want to crawl home for tea.’

‘You have just said it! You have just said it!’ 

The grey snail said with glee, ‘Please is such a clever word and when used often, it will get you out of trouble you’ll see, you’ll see!’

The grey snail moved to one side and they passed one another, with the brown snail saying, ‘Oh thank you!’

NOTE:

A lesson here was learned. 

Good manners are for everyone including you and me.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

POETS

 

POETS

Poets produce their special work,

To showcase to their friends.

Subjects diverse from birth to death,

Love declared or lost recorded

With joy or soul-searching despair.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

STEP BY STEP

 

Hope is the building block to recovery, no matter how long the journey!

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THE CONNECTION

 

THE CONNECTION

In love, the seed of my beginning was planted in your land, bathed and nurtured and your wild weather, culture and music, stirring my soul, there ever to remain. 

No matter where I wander or how far, the name and culture of Scotland will follow me, your music continuing to calm and fill my heart with pride.

The other half of my beginning came from an adjoining land, England. Then, with instructions for my family to go overseas, there could not have been a better classroom to stretch an enquiring, attentive mind. 

Lands I could only dream of, people and customs, too, became precious to me, balancing my thinking of East and West to share the best with the world.

The strongest connections have been, as far as I can tell, truth, justice, honour, respect, peace and friendship. Without these as our united bonding, none of us will do well.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BIRDS PARTY

 

We bought a metal owl-shaped bird feeder on a spindly, twisted, slippery pole. We were assured it was completely squirrel resistant, and expecting a triumph we carried it home.

On it, we hung three types of birdseed containers, dangling, to meet most seed bird's needs. It took a while for them to feel safe enough to drop in for a feed;

Cautiously flying down to inspect it before trying a single seed.

Early one morning as I opened up my curtains, I saw to my shock and dismay. A squirrel dangling from a container, holding on by only one toe, upside down and swaying, at the seeds, he was having a good go.

He pulled out the seeds with his teeth and passed them to his eagerly waiting hands. As he quickly chewed the nuts, his cheeks began to expand. Time and time again he tirelessly repeated this movement, as fast as he possibly could.

One by one the birds started to arrive, inspecting the ground for bits of seeds that might have survived. It started with sparrows, greenfinches too,

Pigeon’s strutting in quietly for a free nibble without a coo.

Now we are quite pleased the feeder failed, as we have early morning squirrel and bird parties. Come to think of it!

Early evening rave-ups are quite commonplace too.

Though we do not partake in the menu, laughter and stifled giggles we have more than a few. As we watched, hidden by the curtain, from the furry and feathered party revelers cautious view.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License