About Me
British woman with a very dry sense of humour. I have an interesting background of analytical skills, researching, compilation and verfication of informaiton combined with creative presentational experience.

Interests/Disinterests:
» Looking after my cats; they have all been rescue cats
» Diablo II, CoX a MMO and computer games in general particularly 'Sim-like games'
» Books; mainly sci-fi and fantasy but biographies too
» Loathes insects and office politics

Wasn't offered exams at school. Went back into adult education at 19 did GCSE's, A levels then an Honours Degree in Law. Believe in yourself, no one else will.

I've used the handle Bacchae and Thyiad for a long time. That is from "The Bacchae." Read here for more details.


     This is Sesimbra just south of Lisbon, Portugal. I spent a lovely birthday there a few years ago.


     This is Obidos, north of Lisbon, Portugal. Being terrified of heights, I only saw the view from the top of one part of the wall before I chickened out. The photo's in the Gallery were kindly taken by a friend. Buy a painting from the lady at the entrance to the city (not the entrance with the painted tiles, the other one with the VERY steep hill). Belo!


     Astrophe, my first cat. I grew up with dogs but being out at work all day, I felt it wouldn't be fair as dogs need company. My next door neighbour had a cute kitten that climbed up her net curtains. That was Astrophe. She was with me from 1997 until 2003 when she went missing. Affectionately known as Blobby (little black blob behind the glass in the door). I walked for hours looking for her and bombarded the area with posters. I've moved from the area and it pains me still. Not knowing is horrible. I urge anyone who ever finds an animal to at least contact the owner; even if it is dead. They will appreciate KNOWING.


     Ziggy; RIP. I was concerned Astro would be lonely, so in 2000 I got her a little friend from the Cat's Protection League. There we so many cats I just said to the young man "Tell me which one is most in need". He took me to Ziggy. He'd lived on the streets for years and although quite loving (purred like a train) he just looked a bit ragged (checkout that ear!) so he was never adopted. I took him home and he reacted really well to Astro. She hissed, he just stood there. Eventually they chilled and when he eventually would go outside, he wouldn't come back in until she did. He had a fit one night and died as I drove him to the vet. His ashes are on top of a bookcase; he liked high places.


     Meet Maria (left) and Teagan (right). I went to the RSPCA regularly to find Astro. I didn't find her but I met these guys. They were so friendly when you pat them through the bars and I was delighted to hear someone at the desk say they wanted them. They were still there the following week and when I asked the staff to open the cage, I found out why. They try to bolt when you are in the same room without the safety of the bars. A bit of time and effort later and they rule the house; Teagan's new plan is to attack things on my computer screen. Unfortunately I lost Maria to cancer and Teagan to a heart condition a year later. Their ashes are next to each other and Ziggy's. They would have liked him.


     This was Cheese. Looks cute, doesn't she? If you read Terry Pratchett, think Greebo. If you don't ready Terry Pratchett: shame on you and think ... hunting tiger. On a trip to the vet I was asked if I would mind a dog being brought near to her, to see how the dog gets on with cats. It was a mid-sized dog. Cheese charged at at, claws out. Oddly the only cat I have ever had that likes men. RIP Cheese. Her ashes are next to Ziggys. She was always trying to climb up there.


     This was Fergie. Such an incredibly timid cat. She hid a lot when I first had her. With some time, she did progress and even went outside a little. She wasn't with me long unfortunately. She had a fit one night and despite the best efforts of the local vet she never really recovered. She had such a hard life and I wish she had been with me longer so she could have enjoyed being pampered more.


     No, the camera isn't upside down, the cat is. This old girl is Minnie. She was 17 when I had her and like most teenagers she can be pretty stubborn. It's 3am and she want's food; you're getting food. She is pictured here outside in an old slider glider chair which has been around for years. She didn't scratch the arm she is great with her scratching post. She's a great old girl; loves outside if it's warm although she refuses to use the cat flap. Why would she, she has a human servant. br>

     Say hello to the only long-haired cat I've ever had. She's called Belle and she's excellent at making fur, purring like a train and hunting Minnie. I've seen them sit together once but I think that was more to annoy each other than any affection. Generally they just ignore each other. She's very sweet but totally addicted to cat-nip. Which is good for a laugh at least.br>

     I love this road sign. And yes, it is in England.



Stories - Chris' Tower Block contains stories. Most are from my old Quest PBM days (circa 1994). I wrote them when the Game 7 Newsletter, "Monthly Mumblings" was short of contributions. There are one or two Diablo 2 stories/Mat/Pat threads there too.