Monthly Archives: November 2015

Awards, Tuesday Chatter 2015

Tuesday Chatter 3

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Welcome to Hodgepodge! 👠👠👢👢💄💄👜💋💋💘💞 🍸🍸 👖👖👖

Happy Thanksgiving to those that celebrate and wishing everyone success and good health.

It has been a busy year, and November is exceptionally busy.  I love being busy, however, there are times when I have to reorganize in order to keep up.

Today, my blog is not necessarily a reorganization, however, it is combining a few items that must be accomplished.

First, I am utilizing my Tuesday Chatter event to address the other 2 items, since I wasn’t able to chatter this past Tuesday.  Included in my Tuesday Chatter event is my sincere thanks to Maddy for my nomination for The Real Neat Blogging Award.  You must stop by and visit Maddy at http://www.maddyathome.com/.  She offers a wealth of information, and she is an exceptionally gifted writer with an easy fluid style.

I am also utilizing my Tuesday Chatter event to address the Day 19 assignment for Writing 101.  We are to feature a guest, which I don’t have the time to respectfully allow for this assignment.  However, we are also given an option to publish a roundup of reads, and share them with our followers.

I am approaching the assignment by sharing the reads of those that I am nominating for The Real Neat Blogging Award.  My nominations are 5 of my newest followers.  I feel, what better way to share good reads than to share work by fellow bloggers.

Here is the award and the applicable rules: The Real Neat Blogger Award

  1. Thank and link the blogger who nominated you.
  2. Answer the seven questions the person who nominated you provided.
  3. Nominate seven other bloggers.
  4. Create seven new questions for the people you nominate.
  5. Display the logo somewhere on your blog.

The 5 nominated bloggers are in no particular order. There is no obligation to participate in sharing the award.  The nominees can nominate less than 7 bloggers.

Here are the questions and my answers:

1) What makes you smile?  People with  good sense of humor

2) What is your best talent?  Organization

3) Who is a hero in your life?  Maya Angelou

4) Dogs or cats?  Cat

5) Winter or Summer?  Winter

6) Movies or theatre?  Theatre

7) Beach or pool?  Beach

Here are my nominees and excerpts from their blogs:

https://ficosgamingmind.wordpress.com/

“Often I was called crazy. Or a misfit. Or an outsider. A troublemaker.”

https://cathylynnbrooks.com/

“I’m planning to promote my book, “Not My Story To Tell”. If all goes according to plan, it will be released around that time. We have plans to move closer to my daughter and grandson and live by the lake. I would love to winter in a warmer climate too. These are all my future plans. I’m sure everything will work out.”

https://sheilaseapoetry.wordpress.com/

“like thalassic velvet”

https://burnedunshelteredsouls.wordpress.com/

“I was never allowed to speak. I had so much going on inside my head that it eventually started eating me from inside. I needed an outlet, that is why I write. I write my soul.”

https://ilikemyhumordarkanddry.com/

“Having worked as a waitress, teller, secretary and cop (& having friends who are nurses), I can tell you without a doubt that bank tellers are hit on constantly- and it’s hilarious.”

Here are my questions to the nominees:

What is your favorite eye color?

Curly hair or straight hair?

What is your favorite piece of clothing?

What is your favorite season?

Do you consider yourself witty?

What time is it?

This is Tuesday Chatter, a weekly event where you can leave the link to your blog, giving others a chance to appreciate your talents. Here’s the link for the how-tos. Tuesday Chatter

Cheers!

picmonkey-image111

image credits: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/86953/coffee-art

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Memories, Spewing

As I Sip My Coffee

8 Comments

49752-Morning-Coffee

 

January
As I sip my coffee, there is a fire in the fireplace. The flames dance and dazzle. It is a friendly fire emitting warmth and light. It is a perfect setting for me to write. I may even make some New Year’s resolutions. Then, maybe I won’t. I never keep them anyway. My friend the tree looks cold and bare.
February
As I sip my coffee, it is still cold. There is snow blanketing the ground. It is beautiful as it glistens, catching light from the elusive sunshine. The fireplace is aglow and inviting. It is a perfect setting to write. I did make a couple of New Year’s resolutions. I thought one step at a time and to my own self, be true. My friend the tree is dressed in pure white and quite stunning.
March
As I sip my coffee, the chill is still in the air. The snow is slowly melting, as it waters the earth. From earth to sky, and from the sky to earth. I made that up but perhaps, it has been said before. The fireplace is lit and I feel the urge to write. I am keeping up with one of my New Year’s resolutions. I’m not ready to divulge what it is. You know, in case I don’t keep up with what I resoluted (I just made up this word and kind of like it). My friend the tree has sprouted a few buds.
April
As I sip my coffee, the amazing feeling of spring is in the air. It is still chilly, but the sun is shining and bringing life to the earth as plants and trees reach for the sky. There is a fire in the fireplace making the room cozy and warm. Maybe I will write – one of my resolutions, you know. My friend the tree is covered with delicate pink flowers and seems to be smiling.
May
As I sip coffee, it is beautiful outside. What an amazing time for mother earth, at least in my part of the world. Flowers and trees are in bloom as if to be donning their finest jewelry. I won’t put a log in the fireplace today. I have the windows open to bring in the freshness and scents of spring. I feel like writing. A whole new world awaits me, and I am going to take advantage of every moment. By the way, I am still keeping up with my New Year’s resolution. My friend the tree is ablaze with limey green leaves.
June
As I sip coffee, I can’t believe I’m half way through the year. My birthday is this month. My, how time flies. I don’t want to think about it– at least not today. I may write about it. My days of yore may make a good story or two – maybe more. I can fill in the cracks with some really juicy stuff. I may want to allow intrigue and mystery to filter in and add appeal for my audience. My friend the tree is full and its leaves are a very pale yellow – emitting a sunshiny glow.
July
As I sip my coffee, it’s warm and humid. The sun has taken over with its glowing rays that are warm and bright. Children are outside playing and the pool is packed with sunbathers and swimmers. It is a long weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July. I feel like I should write something patriotic. I will do some research in order to write a factual story about this special time in my country. And, in case you are interested, I am still keeping my New Year’s Resolution, in tow. My friend the tree is in dressed in bright green large leaves and exceptionally beautiful.
August
As I sip my coffee, it is quite warm outside. In fact, it is downright hot. Not much goes on in August. A lot of people take their vacation this time of the year. The pool is still busy with children frolicking and teenagers sunning themselves. I am sitting on the back porch getting ready to write. I really need some inspiration today. August is such a boring month. My friend the tree is still full of itself, with its summer attire.
September
As I sip coffee, I didn’t realize that September can be so hot and humid. The sun is shining very brightly and really bearing down on the flowers and trees. Our ground coverings are in need of water and a good rain will be truly welcomed. The children are getting ready for back to school and those familiar yellow buses are everywhere. Traffic is snarled and patience is wearing thin for the commuters. I am happy I don’t have to commute anymore. Those days are behind me, now that I am retired. I think I’ll write about my freedom from the corporate world. Oh, and I am keeping up with my New Year’s resolutions. My friend the tree is still full and lush and getting ready for the change.
October
As I sip my coffee, I think about how much I love this month. October is my favorite month. The leaves are changing and the air becomes somewhat cooler. Towards the end of the month, the air is crisp and the wind has a bite to it. Fall festivals are popping everywhere enticing people to get outside and mingle. Of course, there are pumpkins upon pumpkins, which I adore pumpkins. Every beverage and food product is now laced with pumpkin spice. I love it! I am very inspired to write during this time of the year. Our friend the tree is has changed its attire in keeping with the seasonal change. Its leaves are taking on a golden hue.
November
As I sip my coffee, I am sitting on the back porch and enjoying the crisp weather. I like cold weather as I like to bundle up. I also like winter fashions and lit fireplaces and the feeling of the season. Again, I am very inspired to write. Ok, we are in the eleventh month of the year and I am still working my New Year’s Resolution. I didn’t say working on, I said working – there is a difference. My friend the tree is OMG – is in its most glorious form. It is swathed in gold, magenta and brown with a touch of burnt orange. I find it amazing that Mother Nature can reflect such beauty but can turn ugly as well. I believe Mother Nature is fickle and likes to kick up her heels every now and then – just to show us she is the boss.
December
As I sip my coffee, I can’t believe it is already the end of the year. Where has this year gone? Time flies when you are having fun – right? The Holidays are here and everyone is busily scurrying around trying to do what they do at this time of the year. People seem a bit stressed around the Holidays, however, more caring and giving than usual. I don’t understand why people can’t be caring and giving all year – why so much during the Holidays?

By the way, I have a fire in the fireplace and I definitely have the urge to write! There is something about a fireplace that brings on a feeling of coziness and security. Well, I made through the year by keeping up with my New Year’s Resolution. I am so proud of myself that I actually reflected on the past, the present and the future by writing at least once a week, if not more. I also kept up with my exercise routine, as well. Hooray!

My friend the tree has again changed its attire and this winter has proven to be a gorgeous time for the tree. Its branches are laden with sparkling snow, which the tree has taken on a completely different personality. Beautiful, delicate, and absolutely stunning.
As I sip my coffee, I think back upon the year and I am very appreciative of what I see and hear. There are times when I have to block out the doom and gloom projected by the media. Why dwell on bad news! Too much of a waste of energy, in my opinion. A cup of coffee; a fireplace; a tree is I need to brighten my day. I think I’ll write about it.

Cheers!

 picmonkey-image111

image credits: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/49752/morning-coffee

 

Spewing

Worth the Time to Remine

5 Comments

183182-Live-Love-Laugh

“ Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use. ” ― Emily Posta

I posted this quote on LinkedIn On July 10, 2015.  Would you like to know why?  Well, I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn.  Unfortunately, I found LinkedIn, like other social networks, have their share of negative viewers.

internet

Ah, the theatre, the theatre.  The internet has become a plethora of judgmental people that lurk around social networks with the intent to do more harm than good.  Do you think these bullies and trolls would be gutsy enough to act this way if they didn’t have that almighty computer screen to hide behind?  Maybe, maybe not, but some can play the villain’s role without a hitch.

“Those” and “they” are the ones that do not have any awareness of the sensitive feeling of others.  Perhaps, “they” just don’t care; and/or perhaps, their uncaring persona is a shield to hide their own sensitive feelings.

No matter what the reason, poor manners is growing in leaps and bounds.  It’s unfortunate that poor manners are even an option for discussion.  Isn’t it just as easy to be kind to someone, as it is to be unkind to a person?

internet3

 

I believe if we have an awareness of how we would like to be treated, then we would have some clue as to how to treat others. The earth is becoming atilt and not in an upward position.  We need to add weight to the positive side of the scale.  We need to bring back good manners!

It doesn’t matter how we do it or what fork we use, as per the quote.  But we need to do it!  Life it too short not to.

I posted the quote on LinkedIn as a reminder to remember good manners.  I thought it a worthy idea to reiterate the quote as its message needs to be heard now more than ever.

internet1

 

As Ellen DeGeneres states at the end of her show “be kind to one another”.

 

 

Cheers!

C25

 

 

 

 

Spewing

Listen to the Music ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬

6 Comments

 

168023-Rock-On-Purple-Electric-Guitar

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”

— Maya Angelou

I have always adored music.  As a pre-teen, a teenager, and as a young adult, I have always loved to wrap myself in music.  As an older adult, I still drown my problems in the lyrics and notes of music.

I am right there with Maya Angelou, in that music was, is and always will be my refuge.  I can crawl into the space between the notes and put my back to the world.  There is no loneliness when you have music.

My preferred genre is rock and roll from the oldies of the 50’s are to the tunes of today.  My favorites being music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me

♪ ♫ ♩ ♬

You rock the world – Maya Angelou, always has and always will.

♪ ♫ ♩ ♬

And, Joan Jett, keep on Rockin girl, as you have music in your soul.

♪ ♫ ♩ ♬

Cheers and rock on!   ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬ 

C25

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/168023/rock-on-purple-electric-guitar

 

Spewing

Our Night Out

9 Comments

54337-Blue-Shot-Glasses

The weather couldn’t be much worse.  It was murky and drizzly all day.  It was obvious I was going to have a bad hair day.  I kept interrupting my computing and chores by continuously tracking the weather channels.  I was so hoping it would clear by the evening.

We had a big night out planned.  A celebration, which we felt was so well deserved.

The rain continued and the softly falling pitter patter became an unwelcome pounding of large droplets of water.  I finally came to terms, with myself, that I was going to not let this ugly weather ruin our evening.  We were meeting with a very good friend and wanted everything to be picture perfect.

I decided that I better determine what I was going to wear.  Such a dilemma I had on my hands.  I wanted to look nice and not look like a drowned rat by the time we arrived at the restaurant.  I opted for black leggings, my black Uggs, and a tunic length turtle neck.  I accessorized with a colorful scarf, which I love scarves.  They add so much interest to an outfit, and I wanted to wrap myself in some colors to offset those bluesy feelings that sometimes come with bad weather.  I topped my outfit off with a black, hooded raincoat and I was ready for the deluge of water falling from the sky.

lightening

 

So, we set out for the restaurant amidst the pouring rain, which now the weather has worsened.  We are under a flood watch!  We are under a tornado watch!  Good Grief!!  We found the restaurant doesn’t open until five, so we drove across the highway to our favorite pub to kill some time.  Our friend was running late due to the weather  – so far, so good.  After a nice and calming cocktail, we again set out for the restaurant.  This restaurant was a new experience for us and fared well with reviews, and was highly suggested by several friends.

By this time, the highway resembled the Hooch river.  It was a maze of snarled traffic combined with flowing water.  To add to the mess, those with normally good driving skills are becoming tested by those that don’t drive so well in inclement weather.

We made it!  Hooray!!  Now mind you, we are not in the restaurant yet.  And guess what?  There is no easy access from the parking lot to the restaurant.  Much to our dismay, it is quite a trek and flooded.

At last, we are inside and greeted very warmly by the hosts.  We were led to the bar, which is dimly lit and most welcoming.  Our friend arrives and she is a bit wet, but maintaining her composure after her grueling drive.

Ah, it was so worth it.  We forgot about the stormy weather and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the warm cozy atmosphere.  Imbibing in wine and relishing every bite of the excellent food.  Added to our enjoyment was the excellent conversation with our friend, as well as the cheerful bartenders.

 

As it turned out, all and all it was a glorious experience, which we will always cherish.  We didn’t let the mean side of mother nature ruin our celebration!

I can’t wait for us to celebrate again, however, next time I will consult with mother nature.  Perhaps, she will be in a better mood and show the good side of her complex personality.  Maybe if I send her a memo?

Cheers!

C25

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/54337/blue-shot-glasses

 

 

Tuesday Chatter 2015

Tuesday Chatter 2

8 Comments

 Don’t be Shy, be Sly

I want a Smattering, of your Chattering

A Tuesday Event, it’s time well Spent

There are no rules as long as you’re cool

From A to Z – what do you see?

Please come near – what do you hear?

Let it peal – what do you feel?

Your Chattering is up to you. Chatter can be about everyday “stuff”!

This is Tuesday Chatter, a weekly event where you can leave the link to your blog, giving others a chance to appreciate your talents. Here’s the link for the how-tos. Tuesday Chatter

Here is a great coffee recipe, perfect for the Holidays.

In Spain, Cafe con Miel (Spanish for coffee with honey) is often served after dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh-brewed, hot coffee
  • 1/2 cup milk (or milk alternative)
  • 4 tbsp. honey
  • 1/8 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  • dash nutmeg
  • Prep Time: 1 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Preparation

Over low or medium heat, warm all ingredients in a small pot, but do not bring them to a boil.

Stir well to dissolve the honey, and then serve hot in small mugs.

Reference: http://coffeetea.about.com/od/coffeerecipes/r/Cafe-Con-Miel-Recipe.htm

Cheers!

picmonkey-image111

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/211193/have-a-lovely-day

Poetry, Spewing

I Can’t Help but Admire

4 Comments

198831-Fireplace.gif

I can’t help but admire

Your beauty and warmth, your captivating glow.

You’re mesmerizing, as you play out your show.

I can’t help but admire

Your mesmerizing flames as they dance around,

with a purpose to allure fond memories abound.

You bring pleasure and are truly a treasure.

I can’t help but admire

Shall we conspire, as we gaze into the fire?

Is your role to encapsulate my soul?

Please say it’s so and please stay? There is no need to stray.

Your nearness, my friend, is my dearness.

I can’t help but admire.

Cheers!

picmonkey-image111

image credits: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/198831/fireplace

Spewing

Dear Friend

8 Comments

153803-1421923929_Good-Morning

Dear Friend,

Let’s begin with our morning rituals.  I know by now, that sets the precedent as to how our day is going to play out.  Once I awaken, my much-needed starter upper is first and foremost in my mind.  As I stumble to the kitchen, I push that little button which is my jolt button for my day.

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Ah, that wonderful sound of brewing coffee, not to mention the aroma.  I can’t wait to have that first hot, steaming cup of joe.

So, here we are together again, my friend, as we have been many times before.  Sorry, I don’t have time this morning for chatting about days of yore.  There will be plenty of time for that later.  You know I will never let you down as I enjoy our chats.  Perhaps, it will be a bright sunny afternoon, and we can sit, sip and enjoy the warmth on the porch.

I need to get to work, as I have a lot on my plate today.  I have my Day 8 assignment for WordPress that I must tackle this morning.   The assignment is to blog in a letter form, and I find myself having difficulty in deciding on a subject.  Dear who?  Dear me, meaning a letter to myself?  Dear You?  Dear Politician?  Dear Hubby, I love you.  Dear Amanda (cat), I love you too.  They are so spoiled, my hubby and my cat.  But, can you see my dilemma – too many choices!

I have considered – Dear Mom and Dad, I will always love you and I miss you dearly, on this Veterans Day.  My dad was a Veteran and my mom passed away 42 years ago today.  I couldn’t bring myself to continue with this letter, as the words just wouldn’t flow.  Even though their passing was long ago, they will forever be in my mind and in my heart, and I’ll leave it at that.

candle1-everything_thumb

 

To ease my mind and move forward, I thought more about that special cup of enjoyment in life because it is memorable of those very special people in my life.  My hubby loves coffee, and we enjoy our times spent together with our cup of brew.  My mom and dad, yes they both loved coffee, as well.  It is evident some of my fondest memories are attached to times spent with my loved ones while enjoying our coffee.

candle7-peace_thumb

I am taking this opportunity to express my appreciation for them and to say thank you for being a wonderful part of my life.

 

No matter where we are, in life, we will always be together.

Sending hugs and love,

Cheers!

C25

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/153803/good-morning

Tuesday Chatter 2015

Tuesday Chatter 1

4 Comments

 

128607-Coffee-And-A-Good-Book

It’s Tuesday afternoon, and I am adding my first chat to my Tuesday Chatter event where you can chat about anything and everything.  Please stop by and visit me at https://amanpan.com/category/tuesday-chatter/.

This is the first day I have seen the sun in I don’t how long.  I live close to Atlanta, which we have been inundated with rain for 2 weeks.  To add to our woes, there are fall leaves on the ground, and they have become mushy and extremely slippery.

rain

So, what to do on these gray days?  Going outside to run errands is an immediate bad hair day!  Also, have you noticed how people drive when it is raining?  OMG!   Do they act like this when it is not raining?  It’s only water folks!  You’re not going to melt!  Hey, I am already in this parking space – excuse me but 1 car to a space, please!!  The drama of it all makes you want to order everything, including groceries, from Amazon.

While I am on the subject of rain and Amazon, and since we are amidst seasonal changes, I get this urge to shop online.  Does this happen to you too?  Please tell me it does and that I am not alone in my craziness.

I made a rule for myself, a long time ago, that if new stuff comes in, old stuff goes out.  Hmmm, I can’t say that I abide by my rule all of the time, but, sometimes I do.

I found some really great clothes online and decided to take an inventory of my closet before I got too involved in ordering.  Some my clothes are to my liking and I enjoy adding to or replacing items, in order to make my wardrobe more fun.  I am retired, however, I’m not dead and I love fashion, and I love to dress.  I love to accessorize with scarves, hats and interesting jewelry.

scarves

My wardrobe is casual as our activities are cruising around, hanging out, antique shopping and day or weekend trips.  Yep, we never grew out of our love “to be cool”, which leads to one of my questions posed in my Tuesday Chatter https://amanpan.com/category/tuesday-chatter/.

What are your favorite things to wear?  Jeans. IMO, jeans are the ultimate of cool!  They go with anything and can be worn in any season.  My other love is leggings.  There are so many ways to put together looks with jeans and leggings.  Also, they are perfect clothes for travel.

If you cleaned out your closet, what would you donate or throw away?  I just filled a bag, with “I am so tired of this” or “it has seen better days”, clothing, etc.  I am sticking to my rule and feel I deserve a pat on the back.  Thank you.

What is your favorite car?  Bad question for me to try and answer, as my taste can vary from time to time. As long as they are fun and fast, work properly and are safe, I like them.

What is your favorite color?  Black

What is your favorite food?  Chocolate

What is your favorite beverage?  Coffee

Why do you blog?  To communicate creatively

Miscellaneous useless or useful information?  I am going to share a coffee recipe

 Hot Buttered Coffee Recipe

1 heaping tablespoon of Kerrygold Butter
2 cups of coffee
Optional: 1 tablespoon of agave
and/or 1 tablespoon of coconut oil*

Heat the container you are going to froth your coffee and butter in with hot boiling water. Dump the water.

Put the coffee and the butter into a hot mug or hot blender. Wait 10-15 seconds for the butter to butter melt. If adding sweetener, add it before blending the beverage. Froth the coffee (either with a hand held frother or a blender). Serve immediately.

Credit: http://www.foodwoolf.com/2013/06/buttered-coffee.html

 

 Cheers!

C25

http://www.lovethispic.com/

Spewing

My Space is my Place

1 Comment

My space where I write is where I spew, of course! And as I am spewing, I sip on my brew, meaning my coffee. I love coffee, black with a touch of cinnamon, pumpkin spice and nutmeg. Coffee is a must have to clear the cobwebs from my attic. I refer to my head as my attic. There are times when it is pretty busy in the attic – some thoughts are old, some thoughts are new. Some thoughts are just waiting to unfold and others should not be told.

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My device is a laptop, about five years old now. We have accomplished a lot together in our travels and at home. I was able to upgrade to Win 10 with no problems, and thoroughly enjoy the new features offered. I am very picky about my electronics and become annoyed if they don’t work properly.

My laptop resides on a bakers rack, which I am guestimating has been with me about 25 years. It has survived several moves and fared quite well without too many scratches. The bakers rack is an attractive piece, made out of oak, and it is a rich brown color. It is equipped with shelves, which work well with my laptop, printer and desk items. Also, it works especially well with providing a space for my coffee, right next to the laptop.

spewing space

My writing space is a cozy space, which I adore coziness. I sense a feeling of warm and fuzzy along with security in my space. I believe one’s writing space has an impact on one’s thoughts, which are reflected in what is penned.

I don’t use any materials, other than the laptop. I have an array of browsers and programs installed, which I use in my daily activities. I use my reliable little friend every day – first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Addicted? Perhaps!

My writing habits are no different than my other habits. I am a fairly organized person and like everything at my fingertips, when I set out to accomplish something. I try to be relaxed in order for my thoughts to easily flow, however, there are times when I hit a brick wall.

To sum it up, I am in my comfort zone as I sit in my space trying to bring magic to my thoughts and fruition to my words.

I am open to writing about any subject, except I prefer not to write about religion and politics. Those subjects are better left to those that are knowledgeable in those areas and enjoy voicing their opinions.

Please stop by and visit Tuesday Chatter where you can chat about anything and everything.

Cheers!

C25