Beaver Moon

Why is it called a Beaver Moon? Throughout history, people have used the Moon, and the light it reflects, for different tasks - like hunting, planting and harvesting. Cultures across the world give these full Moons different names to fit with what was happening in the month.

Every month we have a full moon and they all have names, well, this month is no different and it is called the Beaver Moon because it is said this is the month the Beavers start building their dams, which is where it got its name. Just to be more confusing, the North Americans call it the Frost Moon. Maybe they picked up the wrong story.

Granny June always said, when there is a full moon, mad people tend to walk around naked, flashers heaven. A little like summer here, average Britain cannot take the heat and they get really grumpy.

Hackers and phishing are the norm now. It does seem the authorities have not answered for it and the consequences are tedious at the best of times.

Notice a suspicious amount on your bank statement? Now the fun begins, where do we find the number to phone? Use the chat, no, they do not deal with fraud but they are willing to give you a number to call. After selecting many very confusing options we are talking to a gentleman from Ireland.

I tell him the problem and he confirms it is in my account. I supposedly had hired an electric scooter in New York, not sure what made me do that. Then he asks the stupidest question.

‘Sorry sir, did you say it is pending?’

‘Yes.’

‘We can not do anything if it is still pending.’

‘Can you see the transaction in pending?’ I asked.

‘Yes, but as I said, we cannot do anything pending, please give us a ring when it appears in your statement and we will be able to do something about it.’

I do wonder why he asked the initial question, he can see it is in Pending.

Please give me courage!

Talking of courage, I read this quote a while ago and thought it would be good to repeat.

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying,

"I will try again tomorrow."

Susan is still swimming every morning before work. Quite a commitment as it is dark and cold at 6 in the morning. She does like the touch of wild water and the taste of chocolate and the feeling of being fully alive. Probably outlive all of us. She and Lady Vivienne have taken to Pilate with gusto, must admit, I would love to see them in action.

11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - we will remember them. What a powerful 2 minutes, which seemed to last longer. I was working on a client's website when the radio played Big Ben striking 11 times before 2 minutes of silence. The world seemed to pause and one cannot but help to remember all those we have lost, rest in peace, as long as your name is spoken, you will not be forgotten.

Mark, Granny June, Bill, Margaret, Albert and Sam, Baxter and Jess. You are not forgotten.

I am hoping to get everyone to learn a song to sing at Christmas, like the Flower of Scotland or something different that we can all enjoy. We have done the Flower of Scotland and as Susan pointed out, it does not have to be just one song.

Maybe start with the old favourite and then move on to a traditional Christmas theme. I do fancy Hallelujah, perhaps this will be the new song for Christmas. Singing together for a while will bring the joy of Christmas.

I do need an idea for another song, maybe Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. When was the last time you listened to Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues. Close your eyes and give it a go, and if you aren’t a nervous wreck by the end, your heart (like that Christmas jumper) is two sizes too small. ‘Fairytale of New York is all about hope, despair and heartbreak – and it ends with love. My only reservation is that some of the lyrics are not suitable for children, and Christmas is all about children. Some suggestions will be welcome.

Have a listen when you have a quiet moment, the lyrics are powerful.

I am surprised it is the middle of November, the winter is creeping in, soon time to get those jumpers down from the loft. What do you call a sheep on a trampoline? Susan and Jenson have watched many a sleeping sheep at Kingston Lacy, under all those layers she has on is a woolly jumper, now you get it.