Thursday, 3 March 2011

Award Free Blog


Yesterday Marjie  kindly gave me this "Stylish Blogger" award. As I am an award free blog, I will not be passing it on, but I would like to say thank you for the thought and I suggest that those of you that have not seen Marjie’s blog  take a look HERE.  She is a very interesting lady who has much to write about, having 9 children and an English Mastiff.
With this award, I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself; normally I would not go ahead with this either, but as a one-off and because I enjoy Marjie’s blog, here goes with some boring news about me!

1)     I was born in the UK, but lived for most of my life in Africa, before returning to the UK and then, of course, the Charente in France.

2)   I travelled from England  overland to southern Africa in a Land Rover with my parents and my brother in 1953; I have written a blog about it - see HERE


3)  On leaving school, I worked in horse racing stables for 5 years.

4)  I have Rhodesian colours for show jumping.

5)  In 2004, I cycled for charity from Lands End to John O’Groats with a friend who only has one leg ; (1610 kms – 1000 miles).  We made just over £8000 and I wrote another blog- See HERE  

6)  I have had some very strange pets in my life from a 12 foot long Indian python to a leopard cub, the latter brought up on the bottle from when his eyes were closed.
When I was a little younger!!

7) I love my vegetable garden and enjoy cooking and making interesting dishes from what I grow myself.
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92 comments:

  1. Dianne3 March 2011 at 11:21

    You have certainly lived an interesting life Diane, with some amazing pets -the leopard cub is just so beautiful!
    xx
    "All Things French"

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  2. Hélène (Cannes)3 March 2011 at 11:57

    I'm gonna have a look at your other blog, them ... You know how I love travels ... Love those old pictures too ...
    Have a nice day
    Hélène

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  3. Deana Sidney3 March 2011 at 13:16

    This sounds more like a book than a blog... Thanks to Marjie for getting you to tell the story... I am pea green over that jaguar. Always wanted a giant cat but not possible in Illinois where I grew up. Did love the horses though! Looks like we have more in common than food. I will say that bike ride would have killed me... I am in awe that you did it!!!

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  4. Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover3 March 2011 at 13:20

    Now I know you better, you have an interesting life!

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  5. Diane3 March 2011 at 13:42

    Dianne, I have been trying to write a book but I don't seem to get very far. I have a flurry of writing then forget about it for a few years:)) Diane

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  6. Diane3 March 2011 at 13:44

    Hélène thank you for your comments, hope you enjoy the other stories of bits of my life. Diane

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  7. Diane3 March 2011 at 13:49

    lostpastremembered the bike ride was fun though it had its moments!! The leopard is my favourite animal and this one was extra special. You would never be allowed to keep one these days with rules and regulations though. I miss my horses now but my back would not be happy if I had a fall. I broke it when I was 16 and over the last 20 years it has given me quite a problem on and off. Diane

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  8. Diane3 March 2011 at 13:50

    Thanks Sonia glad you enjoyed my 7 bits about myself. Diane

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  9. LindyLouMac3 March 2011 at 14:49

    Thankyou for sharing these facts about yourself Diane, you have certainly led a very interesting life.

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  10. Unknown3 March 2011 at 14:52

    What an interesting life u had..and many more interesting things to come..love ur blog as I said earlier..see u soon in your blog.
    Hugs from cold wales

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  11. Stina3 March 2011 at 15:28

    That was interesting to read.
    Thank for visiting me. I'm happy for that.
    Hugs Stina

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  12. Diane3 March 2011 at 15:38

    Deepa I think my interesting days are over, I just want a peaceful quiet life in France now :) Diane

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  13. Diane3 March 2011 at 15:39

    Stina thanks for the comments. I have been having a problem getting into your site and it is very slow loading. Not sure why. Diane

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  14. Diane3 March 2011 at 15:42

    Linda just a little bit of history :) Diane

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  15. magda3 March 2011 at 16:54

    You're a great woman and I am glad
    that to you are blogfriend !!!
    You are amazon, tamer !!!!!,you are very interestigm woman !!!
    I admire you for what you did !!!
    (i'm sorry for my English )
    Warm regards
    Magda

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  16. Jan3 March 2011 at 17:00

    You've certainly been there and done the lot I must say, and I'm going to take a look at the Landrover trip blog in a minute. One of my brothers did the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle last summer as part of a self-imposed/turning 50 challenge.

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  17. Unknown3 March 2011 at 17:29

    All photos are wonderful but I bet you know which one especially caught my attention... The leopard and you, of course! :-) Awesome!

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  18. Diane3 March 2011 at 17:33

    Magda if only my French was as good as your English!!! As a Greek speaker I think you are wonderful. Thanks for your very kind comments. Take care Diane

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  19. Diane3 March 2011 at 17:35

    Jan I had just turned 60 when I did it and Mike is a couple of weeks older than I am. I had it easy with two legs!! Diane

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  20. Diane3 March 2011 at 17:38

    Thanks JM, the amazing part is being brought up on the bottle he was just like a big cat around the place. He loved it when my Mum swept up, he thought that the brush was there only for him to play with!! Diane

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  21. GaynorB3 March 2011 at 18:11

    What an interesting life you've led so far Diane. I'm also sure there is a lot more to come.
    I often wonder which way round things are -
    Do interesting people lead interesting lives, or does an interesting life make you an interesting person? I think it is the former!

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  22. Anne in Oxfordshire3 March 2011 at 21:18

    An amazing life .. it was the story about your family leaving UK to South Africa that amazed me .... and then there was more .. your cycle ride from one end of the UK to the other .. which is a massive achievement .. and your show jumping .. well done .. :-) xoxo

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  23. bikim3 March 2011 at 21:38

    oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    it's out of africa your own way!
    gorgeous photos!
    Rosa

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  24. Joyful3 March 2011 at 21:50

    You have led an interesting life so far. It's cool that you continue to be interested in new adventures, like living in France ;-) Have a great upcoming weekend.

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  25. Roz3 March 2011 at 21:54

    Wow! Love those photos - what an amazing life so far!! xx

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  26. Pam3 March 2011 at 22:32

    What a fun and interesting life you have lived. I am so glad you shared this with us.

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  27. GaynorB3 March 2011 at 23:03

    Hi Diane,
    I have 'followed' you. I thought I was already doing this as I read every post, but it must have slipped through.
    Best wishes

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  28. Happy Frog and I3 March 2011 at 23:11

    Congratulations on your award. Loved the answers to your questions and the photos to. I've been offered this award but have decided I will only do it if my readers come up with 7 questions which I will be announcing on Monday, so do get your thinking cap on please! :-)

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  29. tattytiara4 March 2011 at 00:31

    Well you're definitely an interesting person. What adventures you've had!

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  30. Amanda4 March 2011 at 02:44

    Diane, I think your french is getting better and better. The comments you are leaving in "le jardin de Lucie" are always nice and without spelling mistakes. You have had a fascinating life and it is wonderful to find out more about you. I will check out your other blogs too.

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  31. Christmas-etc...4 March 2011 at 06:14

    You are a most interesting lady!! That first picture of you with your parents and brother is just gorgeous... your mother is looking down on you with such love. And your father's body language... he is just so pleased with his family and everything he is doing! Really really nice and heartwarming photo.
    Thank you so much for sending info on the St. Nicholas church close to your husbands work! I will feature it soon! If you know of any others... do let me know!! I try most of all to feature churches that people tell me about or that I know of personally.
    Many blessings in your continued journeys!
    Ann

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  32. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:33

    GaynorB, I think that my parents were very interesting especially my mother, so thanks to them I have had an interesting life. If that is the case then interesting people make for an interesting life :) Diane

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  33. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:41

    Anne my Mum was a very adventurous person as you may have gathered. Not may adults would take on a trip like that with two kids in 1953!!
    Hoping that we will get our day out together on Monday if the weather improves :) Diane

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  34. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:42

    Rosa thanks for the comments, out of Africa LOL. Diane

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  35. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:43

    Penny I don't think any new adventures will compete with my past ones but we shall see :) Diane

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  36. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:44

    Roz thanks for the comment. Not long now and I will be home, looking forward to meeting you for a glass or two! Diane

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  37. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:45

    Thanks Pam, it was a pleasure to share. take care. Diane

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  38. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:48

    Gaynor B sorry should have said thank you for following in my answer to your first comment but that also slipped through somehow!! Thanks Diane

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  39. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:48

    Froggy, my thinking cap is on LOL. Diane

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  40. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:55

    tattytiara thanks so much for your visit and your comments. I have just had a laugh visiting your blog LOL. Diane

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  41. Diane4 March 2011 at 08:57

    Nadege I really do not think my French is any better, if only you knew how long it takes me to write those comments but I do try LOL. Take care. Diane

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  42. Diane4 March 2011 at 09:00

    Ann thanks for your lovely comments. If you enlarge the photo of me winning the race, you will see that it is my Dad leading me in on Thorstone. He has an expression of complete satisfaction on his face because we had beaten the hot favourite. We did not even have a bet!!! Diane

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  43. Noushka4 March 2011 at 10:22

    Well-well! I can say we MUCH in common! So you have raised a leopard? So have I... a black one with wonderful green eyes! As it grew older, it was always trying to hypnotise people visiting! Please don't mention in on my blog...
    You must miss Africa as much as I do, but for us and I guess for you too, there no going back!!
    I also had several horses, and was involved in Dressage!
    Nice to know you better, I guess you'll be back soon in France, spring is 'round the corner now!
    Love, and keep well!
    XXXXX

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  44. Diane4 March 2011 at 10:30

    Yes Noushka I do miss Africa but I also love France and I prefer feeling so much safer. Living behind an electric fence where we were was not pleasant!! Amazing how our lives have run along similar paths, I just wish I had your ability to speak French!

    I have always wanted a black leopard but I will remain happy with what I have had :) I only ever did dressage for 3 day eventing, I did not have the patience to spend hours training!

    Yes the warmer weather is very close now and not long before I return :))))) Diane xx

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  45. Amanda4 March 2011 at 14:59

    I read all the way to Part IV. I will finish your African adventure this weekend. Your mother (with your help) wrote really well. I can't wait to finish the story and take time to look at all the pictures.

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  46. Diane4 March 2011 at 15:24

    Nadege I am glad that you are enjoying it, it is sad that my Mum never got to see it in print or at least on a website. If I ever get around to finishing the book of my life it one day may go to print!!
    I had an interview only yesterday, by a guy who is going to put photos, and part of the story into a 4 wheel drive magazine. My Dad would have been thrilled about that and almost 60 years after the trip!! It is amazing how much interest there still is. Diane

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  47. Peggy4 March 2011 at 15:35

    Wow, a leopard cub! What an interesting life you've led Diane!

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  48. Kirsty4 March 2011 at 16:22

    Wow! Brilliant big cat shot!

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  49. Diane4 March 2011 at 16:43

    Peggy my life has had its moments but in general mostly interesting :) Diane

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  50. Diane4 March 2011 at 16:44

    Hi Kirsty it is good to have you back but I guess you miss the Kalahari! Diane

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  51. Mary Bergfeld4 March 2011 at 16:54

    What an interesting life you have led :-). It must have been difficult to settle down after such adventures. I'm thrilled we get to read about them. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  52. Olga4 March 2011 at 17:31

    Wow, you could write a book of memoirs! It's definitely not an ordinary life. It made such an impression on me.
    The last photo is unbelievable.

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  53. Diane4 March 2011 at 17:41

    Thanks Mary for the kind comments and glad you enjoy my adventures. Take care Diane

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  54. Diane4 March 2011 at 17:43

    Olga I have been trying for several years to write a book but I get easily distracted LOL !! One day :-) Diane

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  55. art is in the kitchen4 March 2011 at 20:26

    Wonderful to know more about you Diane! You do have volumes to write about! Now I am understanding more about your comments on JM's blog that have to do with your adventures too. What a colorful life you have. I am really glad to have met you, I have to say! Cheers!!!

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  56. Diane4 March 2011 at 20:58

    michelangelo I must say I am delighted to have 'met' you as well, I love your blog and your food sculptures are brilliant. I am glad you understand me a bit more now :) Cheers (red French tonight!) Diane

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  57. Our Juicy Life4 March 2011 at 21:40

    wow - love the horses and the leopard! Makes my childhood seem rather dull.

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  58. Diane4 March 2011 at 21:54

    Notre Vie Juteuse, Ah but you go rock climbing, I still have that to try :) Diane

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  59. Marjie4 March 2011 at 23:07

    Oh, Diane, thank you for telling us all of this! I love your leopard; I always wanted a big cat (which must be why I have a big dog). My parents drove across the entirety of the United States with me in the back of a station wagon 4 times that I recall; I wish I'd had a brother to keep me company. You have had a most interesting life, and I'm glad you broke your own rule and played along with me. I promise, if I ever get another award, I won't pass it on to you, even though you are most deserving!

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  60. Joyti4 March 2011 at 23:35

    I feel the same way about awards - they're nice but my blog is award free too.
    How amazing that you once had a leopard cub. You must have had a great childhood.

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  61. Diane5 March 2011 at 09:16

    Marjie my brother and I were very close even though there was a big age gap. I was distraught when he was killed in a car accident when he was only 21. Even today I still look at his photos and think if only he were here. As neither of my parents had any brothers or sisters I have no close blood relations left :(
    I would be happy having a mastiff but it may not be quite the same as a big cat!! Diane

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  62. Diane5 March 2011 at 09:18

    Indie.Tea, yes I did have a good childhood and I have to admit to being pretty spoilt! I would love to have another leopard walking around the house now :)) Diane

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  63. Anonymous5 March 2011 at 11:50

    Beautiful memories. What ever happened to the leopard?

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  64. Andrea5 March 2011 at 13:02

    You really didnt't have time to bore in your life :)
    I love the last picture:wonderful!!!

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  65. Diane5 March 2011 at 18:30

    Honest Abe Lincoln, We had the leopard up until his very last day. Never once did he turn on us. Diane

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  66. Diane5 March 2011 at 18:32

    Andrea life got quite exciting at times LOL. I am very sad we have not more pictures of Felix the leopard but I have a few. Diane

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  67. Yasmin6 March 2011 at 11:26

    Wow, what a full and happy life you are living! Mine hasn't become that exciting yet, however I have recently spent my first time overseas in America on a Choir tour, that was a great experience! I hope to learn more about you as I visit your blog again. It was nice to meet you,

    Yasmin

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  68. Diane6 March 2011 at 12:26

    Hi Yasmin, thanks for the visit, just had a look at your blog and I was impressed. Hope you manage to do lots of travelling over the next few years. Take care Diane

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  69. Liesl6 March 2011 at 13:26

    Hi There,thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I am so glad to have met another African friend through blogging. I would love to live in France for a while,maybe I would get to see it one day...

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  70. Diane6 March 2011 at 14:51

    Liesl I was so happy to find your blog and I will enjoy following your stories. It makes me feel like I am at home for a short while :) It would be great if you had a trip to France it would be fantastic to meet you. Diane

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  71. Christmas-etc...6 March 2011 at 15:23

    That last picture is just amazing!!! They all are!
    Have a nice Sunday!
    Ann

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  72. Diane6 March 2011 at 17:01

    Ann I also like that last picture, it has many good memories! Take care. Diane

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  73. Quay Po Cooks6 March 2011 at 17:08

    Diane, congrats on the well deserved award. It is nice to know you better. You have quite a colorful life.

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  74. Diane6 March 2011 at 19:06

    Thanks Rose, it has been an interesting life :-) Diane

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  75. Mya6 March 2011 at 20:16

    If that is what you call boring I am interested in what you call exciting. Though it is not a parallel, your life reminds me of my sister's family. My brother-in-law was a veternarian and traveled to many countries on consultations. He had many clients with exotic animals, both large and small. His children are both bikers, racing on and off road bikes, and the daughter was also an equesterian in jumping, and dressage. She trained horses (and riders) and raised Trocanters. She is also an artist in various mediums. My BIL after being declared free of Hodgkins traveled with his son diagonally across the USA on bike.
    It took the three of them to come close to what you have done. I know my BIL would have enjoyed knowing you and talking with you about much.
    Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences?

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  76. Diane6 March 2011 at 21:31

    Hi Mya have emailed you with an answer which I hope is in greater detail than it would have been here. DCiane

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  77. Deb from WhatsInMyAttic7 March 2011 at 02:17

    Incredible what we DON"T know about those that we read regularly! I'm off to view your 1953 Land Rover adventure!!

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  78. Diane7 March 2011 at 08:10

    Deb, yes you feel like you 'know' someone when in fact you do not know them at all!! Hope this post helps though to know me a little better. Diane

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  79. Becca's Dirt7 March 2011 at 18:40

    That is so interesting about you girl. I'm gonna read the story of your travels. Looks like you have had a traveled life. Love knowing more about you my friend. Hope you are having a good day.

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  80. Sue Swift7 March 2011 at 19:37

    Have just found your blog via Mud, Gorse and Pines and really like it Congrats. Am also a lifelong rider - but would never have got on a racehorse if you paid me. If it has more than three legs, I pass...

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  81. Diane7 March 2011 at 20:31

    Becca hope you enjoy the story of my travels and glad you enjoy knowing a bit more about me. One day when I get to write my book...... Have a good day and take care. Diane

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  82. Diane7 March 2011 at 20:42

    Sue, glad you found me now I can follow you as well. Love your comments LOL. You appear to be a language whizz kid, wish I was!!!! Diane

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  83. Chubskulit Rose7 March 2011 at 23:46

    Oh wow, your old photo with the tiger/leopard is beautiful!

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  84. Diane8 March 2011 at 08:53

    chubskulit this is definitely a leopard and not a tiger, the latter has stripes rather than spots. Take care Diane

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  85. My Little Space10 March 2011 at 16:55

    This tells the story behind you. I'm sure you're still enjoying & exploring life around you. There's still so much more to do. I bet you're going to add in more & more great pictures with more wonderful stories.
    Love, Kristy

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  86. Rosebud Collection10 March 2011 at 21:15

    Now that is what I call an interesting life..not sure I would want the python..only because snakes and I are not friends..haha.
    Always fun to read about someone's life..Thanks for sharing..and congratulations on the award..
    xoRosebud/Carolyn

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  87. Dolly11 March 2011 at 01:30

    I too am not one for any sort of awards, but I am happy you chose to do these seven items. How fascinating and the photographs are so lovely, I enjoyed this post very much. That is some cat pet!

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  88. Diane11 March 2011 at 08:24

    My little space, I think my travelling days are mostly over now as the cost of travel now is just too expensive for us. I will try to see as much as I can though and of course the camera will be will me :) Diane

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  89. Diane11 March 2011 at 08:28

    Carolyn I am quite happy with snakes around as they keep the rats down. So long as I know what they are and to have respect for the poisonous ones. Apart form the adder there is not really a huge problem in France not like S.Africa. I have to say the leopard was much more cuddly LOL. Diane

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  90. Diane11 March 2011 at 08:30

    Dolly glad you enjoyed the post, yep that cat was extra special, I would be happy to have another one but in this day and age you would not be allowed! Diane

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  91. Sebab14 August 2011 at 22:06

    I like your pet! I always wanted a big cat pub! Now we have two street dogs living and sleeping with us. That the most wild things we can keep in our city house :D

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  92. Diane15 August 2011 at 09:32

    Sailor thanks for the comment, I would be happy to have a leopard strolling around here but it may keep the locals (who I love) away LOL. Diane

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