I've been tagged!

Mary from ‘In the corner of my eye’ (and other blogs) has tagged me. Thank you, MaryJ

The Rules Are:

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post 11 fun facts about yourself.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 11 more to ask the ones you tag.

4. Tag however many bloggers you wish.

5. Let them know they are tagged.

6. Have fun!!

I’m not good at approaching other people so if anyone reading this feels like having a go, please doJ and please let me know so that I can post your answers.

11 Fun Facts About Me

1:  I love the smell of coffee but can’t stand the taste.

2:  I once kept soft-boiled eggs warm in the water they’d boiled in and wondered why they’d become hard-boiled eggs.

3:  I sing when I’m in the garden.

4:  I talk to the birds (as well as the dogs, the cat and, occasionally, my husband.)

5:  When I was little I used to go into the shops on my way home from school and read to the shop-keepers. (My parents owned a shop and knew all the local shop-keepers.)

6:  When I was eight I told my parents’ friends that my parents had married on 16^th April and I was born two days later. This caused something of a stir as I was the youngest of three.

7:  I cannot make pastry – it turns out like rubber sheeting.

8:  Apart from my husband, who always makes me laugh, I prefer the company of younger people – they’re much more fun.

9:  I’ve never been able to do a backward walkover or the splits – guess I never will now;-)

10: I like eating fish but dislike the sticky feeling it leaves on my lips.

11: Sometimes I have a giggling fit for no reason and laugh till I cry.

1. What is your earliest memory?

I think my earliest memory is of Bob the dog, a black and white collie. My father laid a place for him at the table and he sat up to eat tea with us. It probably only happened once but it’s a fond memory. I was about 3½. Shortly after that I followed him into a busy main road . . .

  

2.  Who was your FIRST best friend?

Her name was Anthea and we were at junior school (7-11) together. At 11 we went to different schools and lost touch.

3.  When did you first realize you had writing talent?

From the day I learnt to write I always enjoyed writing ‘compositions’ at school. I would have spent all day writing if I could but I don’t know if that could be called talent – more like procrastination to avoid tasks I didn’t like.

4.  What kind of food is your favorite in a restaurant?

Steak, medium rare, with salad.

5.  How old do you feel?  (Never mind how old you ARE!)

For many years I didn’t feel much older than 21 but now I feel more like 35. I’m waiting to see what it’s like to be truly adult.

6.  What gives you greatest joy?

A baby’s laughter and I’ve been lucky to hear a great deal of that. Who can hear a baby chuckle and not join in?

7.  Are you a dog person or a cat person or both or neither?

Dogs and cats are a constant delight. I’d find it very difficult to choose one or the other. I’ve had both all my life and would find life somewhat duller without them. They’re entertaining, wonderful company and they’re always in a good mood and pleased to see you! As I write this Winston Ocicat is sitting next to me having a comprehensive wash.

8.  Do you dream?

My dreams are vivid and usually completely nonsensical. Last night’s dream had me at the dentist and disappointed that the dental nurse wasn’t the lovely South African with the miniature Schnauzer. I dream every night but can’t often recall them.

9.  If you could have dinner with one person you never met, who would you choose?

The children’s writer Michael Morpurgo. His books are so beautifully crafted and full of informed detail. He’s a writer who can make me cry – not so good when you’re reading aloud to children! I’m looking forward to seeing ‘War Horse’ at the theatre some time this year. I shall take plenty of tissues.

10.  In what way are you 'old fashioned'?

I like to hear Ps and Qs and to have doors held open for me in the same way as I hold them for other people. I don’t like obsequiousness but I do like good manners. ‘Manners maketh man.’

11.  What skill, that you do not have, would you wish to have?

I would love to be able to draw and paint. Artists always make it look so easy but it’s not. That’s the gift of the expert, I suppose.

Now, for any brave souls who would like to participate, here are my questions.

1:  If you believed in reincarnation who or what would you like to come back as?

2:  Which organism could you happily live without? (Consider carefully the ecosystem.)

3:  Are you a talker or a listener or are you a nicely-balanced blend of the two?

4:  How much time do you spend day-dreaming?

5:  Have you ever walked in your sleep?

6:  What is/are your favourite quotation/s?

7:  What is the greatest advice you would give an eighteen-year-old (one who’d asked, obviously . . . )

8:  What is your favourite time to get up?

9:  If you could choose to live in a different era which one would you choose?

10: Would you accept an invitation to travel in space?

11:  Would you rather walk or ride a bike (or horse, or skateboard)?