Comment from RoostyNester

Excellent

Very nice poem of the castle on the hill. That is sometimes the way we look at things. We seek the riches and in the end lose it all. Very original. Well done!

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you so much, Roosty, for your great review. I'm delighted you enjoyed it. :) Sandra xx

Comment from l.raven

Exceptional

HI Sandra, very well written sweet girl...the house on the hill and the families within...and no more money to spare...LOL...the thing about being rich is...you have to always have a way to stay that way...love you story told angel...I would love to own the house on that hill...but first the lottery...LOL...very well written ....and I love the picture ...love ya you...Linda xxoo

how is Ian???...I hope and pray in good spirits...he is in my prayers every night...Bless you both...love xxoo

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you so much, my dearest friend. So many seem to try and go down that road, but always end up with nothing. Yes, it has to be the lottery for me too, so I could employ a cleaner!! LOL.

We are playing the waiting game here, dear friend, they are taking so long in doing anything. Ian went back into hospital on Sunday, his potassium levels keep shooting through the roof. Although there is no way he can know this ordinarily, he has to keep testing himself, and it is happening a lot now. I have learnt a lot since Ian has had this, I hadn't heard about the dangers of potassium, it is something unique to cancer suffers and is a danger to the patient on its own. He could have a fatal heart attack. It is all so worrying, Linda. Thank you, you are being such a wonderful friend, and your prayers are so appreciated. So much love is coming your way from us both. xxx Sandra

reply by l.raven on 02-Aug-2016

HI Sandra, give it some time...they may be able to level it off sweet girl...I pray and light a candle for him...I know it can be worrying...but our bodies can change and do so many things right when you think nothing else can be done...lots of prayers sweetie.....you both get rest...it will be ok...so much love for your both too...and you are so welcome my beautiful friend...he's a lucky brother...God Bless ...love ya Linda xxoo

Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin

Excellent

Hi, Sandra

= A bargain indeed!
= BUT--I insist the moat be in pristine condition upon possession. (*<*)
= This was a fun story. Great interpretation of the picture.

(*>*) A Smile Is A Frown Turned Upside-down (*>*)
Cheers & Blessings ... Jacqueline

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Oh, absolutely! LOL, thank you so much, Jackie! I'm delighted you have enjoyed my take. :) Sandra xxx

Comment from alexisleech

Exceptional

As you know, Sandra, I'm no expert when it comes to poetry, but I do enjoy it when it tells a good story, and you've nailed it with this one! So sad when people think a big house will buy them friends - so many have made that mistake, including the people who bought our castle hotel behind our backs 10 years ago after we renovated it. Now they have a huge liability, and no business - what a shame!

Thank you for reminding me with this excellent poem!

Alexis xxx

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

LOL, Alexis, I can hear the 'sadness' in your words for those rogues!! Serves them right, is what I say! Thanks, dear friend, for the lovely 6 stars, you are lovely. And yes, I will always remind you of what is going on, on FS, can't have you missing out on anything!! :) Sandra xx

Comment from barkingdog

Excellent

Pretending to be what you're not never turns out well in the end. I guess they enjoyed their time as 'royalty' while it lasted then back to the flat lands, no more house on the hill.

I always enjoy a good story in a poem and this give status climbers a head's up.

Lovely visual presentation, Sandra, and a smooth, easy read with excellent rhyme.

:) e

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

There are many people who do pretend, but they have to come back to earth sometime. Thank you, Ellen, for this lovely review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. These challenges are good brain food! lol! xsx Sandra

reply by barkingdog on 01-Aug-2016

My brain needs to go on a diet. haha
So much to feast on ... I've been gorging.
Musie's begging for a vacay, screaming OVERLOAD.

:) e

:) e

reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

LOL! Send him my way, mine went on holiday, but forgot to tell me he had a one way ticket!! :( xx

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Sandra, and is this a great on the picture this challenge. Wonderful, you've nailed the 'nouveau riche' down to an inch. Loved it. Hugs. Ulla xxx

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

Thank you, dear Ulla. Your review is wonderful too! Those people are so silly, aren't they? Of course they will lose everything in the end. Thanks again, dear friend. xsx Sandra

Comment from frogbook

Excellent

This was very, very original and clever. Even a bit of humor there at the end that made a fabulous finale. I think this is a hard one, but you did the job well!

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

Thank you so much, JoAnn, for this lovely review. They've been getting harder each time! It will be my turn to choose soon, so I'll look for an easy one! :) Sandra xxx

reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

Thank you so much, JoAnn, for this lovely review. They've been getting harden each time, but it will be my turn to choose a picture soon, so I'll make sure it will be an easy one! Thanks again, my friend. xsx Sandra

Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Excellent

I love to see the different ways others come up with the challenge picture.
Great rhyme and flow and quite a story in a poem, told with ease and reading was quite an experience...keeping up with the Jones' is not the best.lol

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

I do too, and they are always so different. Thanks for reading and for the lovely review, Barb, so glad you enjoyed it. :) Sandra xxx

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

The best laid plans of mice and man often go astray.
Deception is a sticky plan that makes you lose your way.
LOL Cute story in a poem Sandra. Well done. xxx Nancy

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

Hey, I've never heard that rhyme before, is it yours? LOL. I've heard the first bit of the first line, that's all. LOl, love it though and does tie up this poem well. Thanks Nancy! :) Sandra xxx

Comment from Domino 2

Excellent

Hi, Sandra.

Top imaginative theme-take on the picture challenge.

Excellent meter throughout except for:

'this life was what they all wanted, but now could ill afford' - I pronounce as, 'WANT-ed', so maybe, 'RE-quired', instead.

A HUGE problem of vanity and/or trying to buy into something they aspired to but could never be.

I hate our privileged class system and would have no sympathy for would-bees like this.

Excellent story in a poem, my friend.

Cheers. Ray xx

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016

Thank you, Ray, I can see what you are saying and will change that word. I tested them both out and 'required' does sound better. Thanks for that, my friend, and for the lovely review. :) Sandra xxx