Old mates and different styles.

The cat!

The same one who thought the Real Estate Agent was her long lost friend, decided that she would be all nervous around my sister.

Trouble was, my sister was supposed to be feeding the cat - Bleach - while I went away for a few days.

My trip was on a knife's edge while Bleach decided whether or not she was going to co-operate.

In the end she decided she would play the game and away I went.

Wasn't an overly successful weekend.

My mate has an issue with his six offspring. He has decided to marry a Thai lass. His offspring have all stopped speaking to him.

They are of the opinion he shouldn't be doing it.

Doesn't matter that he is very happy with the prospect - and he is very stubborn.

All weekend he was very angry and short with me - probably because it is Christmas and none of his kids have rung him.

We had a big blue when I had enough of his behaviour.

We both almost came to tears.

Anyhow, we sorted something out and remain friends.

Life's for living, I suppose...

Nervousness and success...

On the 20th December I went for my Silver medal in ballroom - composite - Latin, Modern and New Vogue.

Samba; Quickstep; Tango Terrific.

I achieved a "highly commended pass" - score of 85 to 95%.

It was incredibly nerve racking. I felt intense pressure on the day.

Yet I was prepared. In spite of not having a regular partner, I practiced almost every day. Going to the local athletics track and dancing around the track. That sort of practice has probably never been done around there before!

It was challenging, it was frightening, it was invigorating!

I will definitely do it again. It has restored my interest in dancing.

What was really inspiring was to see the other people from the dance studio have a go at their medals.

Some of them have had to really struggle to learn their dances and get in the rhythm. Their efforts were awesome!

It was a marvellous day.