1212

Honen, founder of the Jodo sect of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, died in Kyoto.

1468
Pope Paul III was born. Paul would play an important role in the Protestant Reformation, excommunicating King Henry VIII, giving official approval to the Jesuits, initiating the Inquisition against Protestants, and more.

1528
Scottish reformer Patrick Hamilton was burned at the stake at the age of 24, making him one of the first martyrs of the Scottish Reformation.

1692
The Salem Witch Trials began when Tituba, the female slave of the Reverend Samuel Parris, Sarah Goode, and Sarah Osborne were all arrested and accused of witchcraft.

1736
Anna Lee, founder of the Shaker Movement in America, was born in Manchester, England.

1904
Adolph Blaine Charles David Earl Frederick Gerald Hubert Irvin John Kenneth Lloyd Martin Nero Oliver Paul Quincy Randolph Sherman Thomas Uncas Victor William Xerxes Yancy Zeus Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenberdorft Sr. was born near Hamburg, Germany; he had a Christian name for every letter in the alphabet and shortened it to Mr Wolfe Plus 585 Sr.

Crossing Bridges

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Well, a bit of a cheat really, as this is the 9th January and I now feel guilty enough to start keeping this journal.

5 years and counting until the end of this century. Sorry - I can't keep writing with this pen - it's dire!

For the first time, Stuart and Alex stayed awake for midnight (Stu had a snore mid-evening which we'll gloss over) to see the New Year in. We all put three layers on and went onto Forest Road (literally in the deserted road) in time for the first fireworks just before midnight. We knew when Big Ben had struck when the whistles, cheering and fireworks started in earnest. It was eerie. We never saw anyone - just sound effects. Stuart lay down in the middle of the road 'a la Klinsman'. I saw a fox dive across the road like a massive Persian cat at full belt. It was extremely cold.

We all had a sip of Scotch on arriving home and Alex rang Gran in Perth, Scotland; speaking to Joyce first and telling her about the seasonal teddy Father Christmas had given him. They started rushing around like mad fleas at which point they were put to bed!

Finally got around to sorting out the photos for 1994 and sticking them in the scrapbooks I bought last Saturday in Friday-Ad. I tried all over town to find the ring-binder scrapbooks by Silvine, but no-one seems to stock them anymore. Scrapbooks in general are very thin on the ground. I don't think children are that interested in hobbies these days. At least my two boys will read, draw, listen to music, play with the dog etc., as well as running around the house and causing general mayhem. Stuart is mad on 'Queen', the rock group, so bought him an album made at the time of his birth for his eleventh birthday this coming Friday. He was born on Friday 13th and maintains that it is a lucky number for him, if not for anyone else!

Heavy week this week with too hectic a schedule. I should be in Brook Street temping agency learning Words for Windows, but after being sick this morning I rang them with excuses. Tuesday was my 41st birthday and I was spoilt rotten. 17 cards, to start with (beat Stuart's 9 cards). Went to a talk at the Camden Centre, given by Tina Heath, ex-Blue Peter presenter. We thought it was going to be advice on living with teenagers, but it was more of a Christian testimony. Back to Carolyn's for lunch - Tuna and Pasta Bake and chocolate torte with a candle on the top. Yum! Flowers from Cathy, tights from Liz, and leggings from Carolyn. Didn't get a birthday cake for the day, so yesterday I bought a 'naughty pets' cake from Marks and Spencer's. Beautifully made. Expensive? Yes! at £8.99p, but so much nicer than having to make my own. Then late evening brother Colin rang me. Called in at the Browser's Market in the Camden Centre and picked up some bargains. It's cheaper than charity shops or the auction these days. I paid £4.99p for a blouse at British Heart Foundation before Christmas. Blouses were priced at £1.99p when first I graced them with my custom 3 years ago. Only problem with the Browsers Market is that I come away with more books, when our house is already swimming in them!

Helped Carolyn and her brother Nick put a new ceiling in young Nick's room. Their cat Pippa was put down yesterday. Although only 2 years old, she had a bad accident a year ago, her tail had to be amputated and she has never been the same since. Very sad because she is their only pet. They have decided to progress to a hamster.

Stuart had his 11+ exams last Wednesday and Thursday and was shattered by Friday (his birthday). I didn't give any parties this year, for the first time. In actual fact, I feel they are getting too old for parties - or is it that I am feeling my age? On the Saturday, he went with some friends tobogganing in East Grinstead, preceded by tea at friend Steven's house. He enjoyed it, but the excitement gave him a sick headache (again - too busy all week) and he was sick shortly after arriving home. He bounced back the next day, as always, and was sorting stamps, playing boardgames, making Airfix models - OTT, as usual.

A Cat Tail

lies on the boy's top bunk.

Again!'

After four days of the most atrocious sick headache I feel weak but better today.

Finally got around to moving a number of daffodil bulbs (already in leaf) into the front garden, in preparation for Fluff's onslaught on all plants above ground level in back garden. Also moved rose (what's left of it) as he has been using it as an anchor for his marrowbone chewing.

It has stopped raining (at last!) after 3 inches in the past week, and my washing is having a good blow.

Must go and be blown along to school to collect Stuart and Alex. Ta ta for now.