About Toni
Basic facts
If you've clicked on the link and found yourself in here, it's either by accident, or you really want to know more about me! So, I'd better make it interesting, hadn't I !
Ok, I was born in 1947, so that makes me a wrinkly - and I love it! One advantage of age is having grandchildren, and if I'd known before how much fun they were, I'd have had them first!
I was a primary school teacher for 20 years, and a primary school Head teacher for another 8, and having to retire early through ill-health nearly broke my heart. But that's life, and some things you have to learn to accept.
I was born in Michigan, so I'm a Michigoose at heart, but my mother was an English GI bride, and so I ended up in Wales, and married a Welshman in 1968. Yes, we're still together! We've been married longer than most of you have been born! We have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, 3 girls and a boy, and they are my pride and joy. I still have family in Michigan, and try to go over every 2 years to visit.
Hobbies and interests
I've had many hobbies over the years.
I used to breed and show Persian cats. I still write the odd short story from time to time, and poetry, too. I've had a couple published, but I don't hold my breath for the Poet Laureate accolade to come my way! I do it for myself, not for other people, and that's what is important to me. I dabble a little in oil painting, but don't have much time for it these days. I used to read volumes, but seems that since I discovered the computer, all I read these days in emails!
I have a little blind Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who decided when he was 5 weeks old that I was his, and after the grandchildren, he is the other love of my life. I'm afraid poor old hubby is WAY down the list!
I watch a little TV sometimes, but I tend to be picky. I love programmes like ER, Chicago Hope, Casualty, anything medical, in fact (frustrated doctor, I think) and a good film. Favourites? It's a Wondereful Life, The Graduate, Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Green Mile, Poltergeist, (I like spooky, but not gory), Sixth Sense. A good story is important.
My one and only claim to fame was that I met Patrick Mcgoohan, when he was filming the 60's cult series The Prisoner, in Port Meirion in North Wales. My heart still flutters a little when I think of it!
I'm also disabled, and my mobility had declined rapidly in the last few years. My website has been a mental life-saver for me, as I'm no longer able to get out and about like I used to. I've made some good friends on AOL over the years, and we meet up regularly, well, about twice a year, at different venues all over the UK.
Rules for taggers !
Here's a fun page that will give a laugh to anyone who has tried making tags. This was sent to me by a friend (or I thought she was, lol)
Links
Here are some links to websites of people who help support my work by giving me permissions to use their material, or whose sites I use a lot and whose work I am impressed with:
And here's a link to the organisation which receives all the surplus Tonitags membership fees once the costs of maintaining the site have been met. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is the UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. Founded in 1884 as the London SPCC by the Reverend Benjamin Waugh, the NSPCC is the only UK children's charity with statutory powers that enable it to take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse.
Thanks
Many thanks to my webmaster, TechWriter, and hosting service, Net24, (both in New Zealand) for their help and support.
Awards
It's nice being honoured, and over the past two years I've received several awards from some very kind people, and am proud to know that they appreciate my work. To view my awards cabinet, click here.
