That's my attempt to make a noise like a ghost, didn't really work did it. Anyway, we went to Sutton Hoo again this afternoon and I took 63 photos and had a jolly good walk. OH borrowed the buggy for the bit of the walk that it can manage and then after tea and cake he went in the exhibition hall and I went for a walk down a couple of the less beaten tracks. This photo kind of sums up one aspect of the place but I got some lovely tree pictures too which I will share in due course. The trees are not really turning that well this year but some have a bit and maybe in a week or so they will look better. Hubby reckons it will be too cold for him to go soon. I had a top up practice in his car too, just getting my brain round driving the automatic from time to time means I don't worry about the possibility of having to drive it in an emergency. It's a lot bigger than my car too. So all in all it's been a great weekend
Sunday, 25 October 2009
wooooo hoooooo
That's my attempt to make a noise like a ghost, didn't really work did it. Anyway, we went to Sutton Hoo again this afternoon and I took 63 photos and had a jolly good walk. OH borrowed the buggy for the bit of the walk that it can manage and then after tea and cake he went in the exhibition hall and I went for a walk down a couple of the less beaten tracks. This photo kind of sums up one aspect of the place but I got some lovely tree pictures too which I will share in due course. The trees are not really turning that well this year but some have a bit and maybe in a week or so they will look better. Hubby reckons it will be too cold for him to go soon. I had a top up practice in his car too, just getting my brain round driving the automatic from time to time means I don't worry about the possibility of having to drive it in an emergency. It's a lot bigger than my car too. So all in all it's been a great weekend
Labels:
Other Walks,
Photos,
Sutton Hoo
Sunday Stealing 25/10
Sunday Stealing: The Halloween Meme
You may find a theme beginning to emerge in this, move over (for a little while) Bryan
1. What is your favorite written work of horror fiction?
- The Haunter of the Dark by H.P.Lovecraft and Dracula by Bram Stoker
2. What is your favorite work of science fiction/fantasy?
- Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
3. Who is your favorite monster?
- Dracula
4. What is your favorite Horror movie?
Frank Langella's version of Dracula
5. What horror movie gives you the most chills?
- Frank Langella's version of Dracula
6. What character from any horror film would you most like to play?
Anyone who gets bitten by Frank Langella
7. Freddy or Jason?
- Frank
8. What is your favorite Halloween treat?
Watching Frank Langella's version of Dracula
9. Ghosts or goblins?
Vampires
10. Friendly-faced jack-o'-lantern or scary one?
Friendly but with pointy teeth
11. What is your scariest encounter with the paranormal?
Saw a UFO once
13. Would you rather be a zombie, alien, or psycho?
No thanks
14. Favorite Halloween costume?
Big black cloak with red silk lining
15. Best thing about Halloween?
When It's over
16. Person in your family who most likes Halloween (not counting yourself)?
Guess it would be my cousin as it's her birthday
17. Are you superstitious?
NO
18. Share an unusual Halloween story.
Haven't got one
19. What did you do for Halloween as a kid?
Wasn't celebrated (if that's the word) when I was a kid but my cousin did have a couple of parties with pumpkin lamps
20. What's the best Halloween party that you've attended?
See above
You may find a theme beginning to emerge in this, move over (for a little while) Bryan
1. What is your favorite written work of horror fiction?
- The Haunter of the Dark by H.P.Lovecraft and Dracula by Bram Stoker
2. What is your favorite work of science fiction/fantasy?
- Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
3. Who is your favorite monster?
- Dracula
4. What is your favorite Horror movie?
Frank Langella's version of Dracula
5. What horror movie gives you the most chills?
- Frank Langella's version of Dracula
6. What character from any horror film would you most like to play?
Anyone who gets bitten by Frank Langella
7. Freddy or Jason?
- Frank
8. What is your favorite Halloween treat?
Watching Frank Langella's version of Dracula
9. Ghosts or goblins?
Vampires
10. Friendly-faced jack-o'-lantern or scary one?
Friendly but with pointy teeth
11. What is your scariest encounter with the paranormal?
Saw a UFO once
13. Would you rather be a zombie, alien, or psycho?
No thanks
14. Favorite Halloween costume?
Big black cloak with red silk lining
15. Best thing about Halloween?
When It's over
16. Person in your family who most likes Halloween (not counting yourself)?
Guess it would be my cousin as it's her birthday
17. Are you superstitious?
NO
18. Share an unusual Halloween story.
Haven't got one
19. What did you do for Halloween as a kid?
Wasn't celebrated (if that's the word) when I was a kid but my cousin did have a couple of parties with pumpkin lamps
20. What's the best Halloween party that you've attended?
See above
Labels:
Sunday Stealing
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Lovely day, lovely day...
I have you know, I've had a lovely day. Woke up when I was ready to - always a good start. Hubby already up and porridged, he was feeling well which always cheers me up. Usual chat with mum at 8 then off for a walk through the woods to get hubby's paper and some chicken from our terrific butcher. Saw two people that I knew. Off to Ipswich to get shirt for hubby, things from the craft shop to make Christmas cards and then to Arlingtons to meet easternsparkle for lunch. She is my friend I met on the internet about 50 years ago. Time always flys when we meet and the next step is now in the planning, which is the meeting of the husbands! Got waylaid in BHS on the way back to the bus stop.
Had a little rest then cooked huge pan of chicken and tarragon stew, froze some for us, some smaller portions for mum and the juice with pearly barley and lentils for soup. And had a glass or two. Now considering my artistic endeavours for my other blog.
Ain't life grand!
Had a little rest then cooked huge pan of chicken and tarragon stew, froze some for us, some smaller portions for mum and the juice with pearly barley and lentils for soup. And had a glass or two. Now considering my artistic endeavours for my other blog.
Ain't life grand!
Labels:
The Present
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Oh Dr Beeching......
For reasons that are not very positive and therefore have no place here, I haven't been very inspired this week and so even skipped Sunday Stealing and my two arty challenges. But last night I was reminded of a happy time when I watched a terrific little jewel of a programme called Railway Walks. In it the presenter, a very healthy young woman called Julia, walks along stretches of disused railway lines, mostly ones that were closed down by Dr Beeching in the early 1960s when the railways were "rationalised" and the seed was sown for the chaos and utter horror of driving on our now far too busy and congested roads. As my mum never learnt to drive we used to travel on trains a lot and whn I started work I used to travel around by train a lot too for my job (but that's another story) What I was particularly reminded of though was that my grandfather bought a house that had been a crossing keeper's house and I remember walking along the old line and the lovely scenery and the fascinating assortment of small skeletons left by the numerous animals that had met their demise under the wheels of a train years previously. I'm not sure how much of this will resonate with my non-English readers. The places where the line crossed the road were, back in the day, controlled by a man who lived in a house by the side of the line and had to physically go out and close the gates across the road when a train was coming, no automation. And as a child it was the most exciting thing to come along and find the road barred and know that a train was going to hurtle across, even though you might have to wait 10 minutes for it to do so. I find myself back on the bench seat of a old Rover, the smell of leather upholstery and the gleam of the Bakelite knobs. Aha, that's provided me with the idea for a picture to put at the top of this... I'll have to tell you about all the wonderful old cars we had another day.
And the song?
"Oh, Dr Beeching, what shall I do
I wanted to go to Birmingham and they've taken me off to Crewe
Send me back to London
As quickly as you can
Oh Dr Beeching what a silly girl I am."
Labels:
Nostalgia
Thursday, 15 October 2009
My Auntie Joan

This is a positive story, in accordance with the ethos of this blog, although it may seem sad to start with. My mum's sister died this morning. Her daughter rang me at about 8:00 to let me know and we have spoken again this evening. Auntie Joan had a stroke about 10 years ago which took away her speech and paralysed her down one side but she remained cheerful and positive. Later she had to go to a home when it became too difficult for her husband to look after her, even with carers coming in three times a day and in the last few weeks she had deteriorated a lot and gone into hospital. But she had a strong faith, as do many of her family. I am glad she is over her pain and I am glad that I and her husband and my mum and many others can be so sure that she is in a better place and that we will all be together again one day. I do really believe that.
Anyway, we have been thinking today about her and about some fun memories and I'd like to share a couple.
I used to go and stay for a week in the summer holidays when I was a lot younger and one year I totally disgraced myself. After I had come home Joan phoned my mum. She had tried to get her younger daughter to put on her new pyjamas and she had said "I don't want those bl**dy things on" She was about 5 or 6. Joan, horrified, asked why she had said it. "Well, Janet says it"
We used to go and visit quite often in the day time, mum and me. We would get off the train and then walk along a long road which got a bit much for my little legs. I can feel myself now, holding my mummy's hand, somewhere about my shoulder level and the feeling of rejection when she said I was too heavy for her to carry! But I loved visiting, There was the tree we used to climb in the track at the back of their house, the hedgehog we found in the garden, my cousin going over the fence into the school gounds next door and nearly getting caught and the night my Uncle put fat in the little boiler that made the hot water tank boil so that steam came out of the taps. I shall have to write all this down for my cousin, as I don't know if she remembers it all. I did tell her something today that she didn't know, which my mum told me and that was that her mum threw a whole rice pudding at her dad not long after they were married, dish and all. She was really happy I told her about that and is sharing it with her sister and their children.
Rest in Peace Auntie Joan
Labels:
Nostalgia
Monday, 12 October 2009
Monday Miscellany

Today has been a days of several parts. In accordance with tradition, Monday is washing day in this household, although it is so easy when you have a machine to do it that it hardly seems a chore. No boiler to be lit and brought up to temperature, no yellow soap to rub on the collars and cuffs, no soda to redden your already chapped hands, no steam filled kiitchen, no mangle to trap the baby's fingers and no sheets to heave in and out of the bath tub. Aren't I lucky - I hope you are too.
In the afternoon I go to Bible Study at the Vicarage. I go for my lovely walk through the woods to get there (and back again) and today was dry and sunny.
Now I have to bring my brain to bear on an award wot I have been awarded. My friend easternsparkle sent me this award and now I have to get my head round the rules of acceptance which are:-
1. Thank the person who gave this to you ....Thanks Sparkle
2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog - Done!
3. Link the person who nominated you Easternsparkle
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know
OK, I'll go for the things that the people reading this probably wouldn't know
1. My mum was convinced I was going to be a boy and I was going to be called Mark
2. My big round vaccination mark is on the sole of my right foot
3. I knew a murderer
4. I went to the same school as the actress Joan Sims (but not at the same time!)
5. My mother's cousin invented OMO
6. I have had a conversation with Cliff Richard
7. I have never seen "The Sound of Music"
5. Nominate 7 bloggers for the award, post links to their blogs and leave a comment to tell them that they have been nominated
Now I have a problem here because I am not a very busy blogger and so almost all the blogs I know seem to have already had the award from someone else so you'll have to make do with this one for the time being and then I'll add some more when I find them.
Illustrations vert pistache
Labels:
Nostalgia
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Sunday Stealing 11/10
The Magical Mystery Tour Meme
Welcome back to Sunday Stealing. Today they ripped this meme off a blogger and blog called Magical Mystery Tour. He's from the UK where they spell words strangely.
Sunday Stealing: The Magical Mystery Tour Meme
Can I just comment that we spell "words" the same way you do. Colour, catalogue, favour and many others however.......
1. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet?
-No, because it would mean gravity was going wrong and we would all soon follow
2. How do you flush the toilet in public?
- I don't understand this question. The flush flushes the way it flushes
3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
- Yes, why are meme-ers obsessed with this
4. Do you have a crush on someone?
- Bryan Ferry
5. Name one thing you worry about running out of.
- Far too well organised to run out of stuff
6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble?
- Years ago someone said I looked like Jane Wyman - these days it's more like Bill Wyman
7. What is your favourite pizza topping?
- Not really a fan of pizza - I make scone bases sometimes and just put lots of onions mushrooms and cheese on it
8. Do you crack your knuckles?
- Used to
9. What song do you hate the most?
- No, not going there, don't want to even think about what it might be because I have anticipated the next question!
10. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head?
- See above
11. What are your super powers?
- I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you
12. Peppermint or spearmint?
- Spearmint
13. Where are your car keys?
- In my handbag
14. Last song you listened to?
- I've got a Leonard Cohen CD on at the moment, he's just finished 1000 Kisses Deep
15. What's your most annoying habit?
- Not putting things away when I've finished with them
16. Where did you last go on vacation?
- Years since I went away on a proper holiday. Last time was Portugal in about 1985
17. What is your best physical feature?
- Depends on who's looking
18. What CD is closest to you right now?
- See 14
19. What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator?
- Orange Juice (ours), Soya Milk (mine), Stewed Apple (his)
20. What superstition do you believe/practice?
- I am not superstitious
21. What colour are your bed sheets?
-Mauve
22. Would you rather be a fish or a bird?
- Bird, I can't swim but have always wished I could fly
23. Last thing you broke?
- Can't remember
24. What are you having to eat tonight?
- Not sure, depends on how hungry Hubby is
25. What colour shirt are you wearing?
- Not wearing a shirt, pink jumper
26. If you could be doing anything else today, what would you rather be doing?
- As it is Sunday I would love to go to a church service in Canterbury Cathedral
27. Do security cameras make you nervous?
- No, quite pleased to see them
28. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
- I have already started it and it's called "Church Halls I have stood about in"
29. Last time you went to a cemetery?
-1992
30. Last concert you went to?
-It would have been something at Snape Maltings but a long time ago
31. Favourite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert?
- Can't think of anything
32. Next concert you're planning to attend?
- Don't go anymore, can't sit for that long
33. Do you talk to yourself?
- Isn't that what I'm doing now?
34. Have you ever adopted or purchased a pet?
- Not since I was a child
35. Have you ever been present when an animal is being born?
- Yes, seen puppies and pigs being born
Welcome back to Sunday Stealing. Today they ripped this meme off a blogger and blog called Magical Mystery Tour. He's from the UK where they spell words strangely.
Sunday Stealing: The Magical Mystery Tour Meme
Can I just comment that we spell "words" the same way you do. Colour, catalogue, favour and many others however.......
1. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet?
-No, because it would mean gravity was going wrong and we would all soon follow
2. How do you flush the toilet in public?
- I don't understand this question. The flush flushes the way it flushes
3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
- Yes, why are meme-ers obsessed with this
4. Do you have a crush on someone?
- Bryan Ferry
5. Name one thing you worry about running out of.
- Far too well organised to run out of stuff
6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble?
- Years ago someone said I looked like Jane Wyman - these days it's more like Bill Wyman
7. What is your favourite pizza topping?
- Not really a fan of pizza - I make scone bases sometimes and just put lots of onions mushrooms and cheese on it
8. Do you crack your knuckles?
- Used to
9. What song do you hate the most?
- No, not going there, don't want to even think about what it might be because I have anticipated the next question!
10. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head?
- See above
11. What are your super powers?
- I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you
12. Peppermint or spearmint?
- Spearmint
13. Where are your car keys?
- In my handbag
14. Last song you listened to?
- I've got a Leonard Cohen CD on at the moment, he's just finished 1000 Kisses Deep
15. What's your most annoying habit?
- Not putting things away when I've finished with them
16. Where did you last go on vacation?
- Years since I went away on a proper holiday. Last time was Portugal in about 1985
17. What is your best physical feature?
- Depends on who's looking
18. What CD is closest to you right now?
- See 14
19. What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator?
- Orange Juice (ours), Soya Milk (mine), Stewed Apple (his)
20. What superstition do you believe/practice?
- I am not superstitious
21. What colour are your bed sheets?
-Mauve
22. Would you rather be a fish or a bird?
- Bird, I can't swim but have always wished I could fly
23. Last thing you broke?
- Can't remember
24. What are you having to eat tonight?
- Not sure, depends on how hungry Hubby is
25. What colour shirt are you wearing?
- Not wearing a shirt, pink jumper
26. If you could be doing anything else today, what would you rather be doing?
- As it is Sunday I would love to go to a church service in Canterbury Cathedral
27. Do security cameras make you nervous?
- No, quite pleased to see them
28. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
- I have already started it and it's called "Church Halls I have stood about in"
29. Last time you went to a cemetery?
-1992
30. Last concert you went to?
-It would have been something at Snape Maltings but a long time ago
31. Favourite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert?
- Can't think of anything
32. Next concert you're planning to attend?
- Don't go anymore, can't sit for that long
33. Do you talk to yourself?
- Isn't that what I'm doing now?
34. Have you ever adopted or purchased a pet?
- Not since I was a child
35. Have you ever been present when an animal is being born?
- Yes, seen puppies and pigs being born
Labels:
Sunday Stealing
Friday, 9 October 2009
Fiddling about on Friday
Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day so I am trying to take my mind off it by getting on with my weekend challenges in good time. In fact, both of them are Friday Challenges but one posts the theme a lot earlier than the other one so I've done one here it is and then I have made a birthday card for a friend and maybe now I will go and help hubby eat some of the buns I baked yesterday. The sun is shining so I really ought to go for a walk too, before it starts to rain.
Labels:
The Present
Monday, 5 October 2009
This was going to be a film review but.....
Monday is washing and shopping in the morning and Bible Study in the afternoon. It has been drizzly today, very autumnal, but cold and damp. On the walk to the Vicarage I saw a lot of those spider's webs all picked out with the rain drops. Next misty morning we get I shall be out there with the camera. Hubby still feeling a bit grotty when I got home so put my feet up in front of the tele with the CD of Frost/Nixon. I enjoyed it. I remember all the fuss at the time so for me it was interesting to find out a bit about the background. Also, I am a Frank Langella fan. He was gorgeous about 35 years ago in "Dracula" but hasn't made many films, he's more a stage actor I think. And I knew David Frost's mum. His father was the minister at Beccles Methodist Church (before I was there) and his mum lived in Beccles and was a member of the congregation at the same time I was. I liked her. I remember watching That Was The Week That Was, with Millicent Martin in her lovely black cocktail dresses singing the topical song every week. Do I really remember the one when JFK was assasinated or is it just that I have seen it since? Did I say I enjoyed the film? Yes, well I do recommend it.
Labels:
Nostalgia,
The Present
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Sunday Stealing 04/10
I think I shall have to do a few Memes of my own, questions relevant to ladies of a certain age. This one wasn't too bad tho'
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
- My horse chestnut pill
2. Where was your profile picture taken?
- In the kitchen of our last house
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
-Don't know, is it a board game?
4. Name someone who made you laugh today. What was it about?
- My husband describing the Formula One
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
- 9:30, cream crackered
6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why?
- I'd like to be able to afford to go and rent a house in a different place every six months or so. Lots of places I'd like to live for a while but Cathedral cities would be top of my list
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
-Yes
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
-Carolyn on the Heath
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits?
- Don't know, never tried it
10. Do you like Dr. Pepper?
-No
11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling?
- Day before yesterday. Don't get me going again
12. Who took your profile picture?
- Hubby
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
- Hubby
14. Was yesterday better than today? Why?
- Today hasn't really got going yet but yesterday was a whole lot better than the day before (see 11)
15. Can you live a day without TV?
- Yes and I often do
16. Are you upset about anything now?
- Yes but don't get me going again (see 11)
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
- Absolutely
18. Are you a bad influence?
- Of course, much more fun than being a good example
19. Night out or night in?
- Never go out at night
20. What items could you not go without during the day?
- My glasses
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
- Hubby
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
- From easternsparkle with the number of a man who might help fix my computer
23. How do you feel about your life right now?
- Unsettled
24. Do you hate anyone?
No
25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
- Last thing is arranging lunch with easternsparkle
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
- Yes
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
- Too modest to remember
28. What song is stuck in your head?
- "Senza Mamma" from Puccini's opera "Suor Angelica" - had the CD on yesterday and it's still going round in my brain this morning
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be?
- It would have to be someone with a ladder, does the man from Littlewoods still come calling?
30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50?
- No, didn't want children, haven't got them, over 50 now
31. Tell us your Saturday night.
- Trying to finish off the customer accounts for work
32. Do you think too much or too little?
- Way too much
33. Do you smile a lot?
- Yes, but through gritted teeth sometimes.
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
- My horse chestnut pill
2. Where was your profile picture taken?
- In the kitchen of our last house
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
-Don't know, is it a board game?
4. Name someone who made you laugh today. What was it about?
- My husband describing the Formula One
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
- 9:30, cream crackered
6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why?
- I'd like to be able to afford to go and rent a house in a different place every six months or so. Lots of places I'd like to live for a while but Cathedral cities would be top of my list
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
-Yes
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
-Carolyn on the Heath
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits?
- Don't know, never tried it
10. Do you like Dr. Pepper?
-No
11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling?
- Day before yesterday. Don't get me going again
12. Who took your profile picture?
- Hubby
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
- Hubby
14. Was yesterday better than today? Why?
- Today hasn't really got going yet but yesterday was a whole lot better than the day before (see 11)
15. Can you live a day without TV?
- Yes and I often do
16. Are you upset about anything now?
- Yes but don't get me going again (see 11)
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
- Absolutely
18. Are you a bad influence?
- Of course, much more fun than being a good example
19. Night out or night in?
- Never go out at night
20. What items could you not go without during the day?
- My glasses
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
- Hubby
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
- From easternsparkle with the number of a man who might help fix my computer
23. How do you feel about your life right now?
- Unsettled
24. Do you hate anyone?
No
25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
- Last thing is arranging lunch with easternsparkle
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
- Yes
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
- Too modest to remember
28. What song is stuck in your head?
- "Senza Mamma" from Puccini's opera "Suor Angelica" - had the CD on yesterday and it's still going round in my brain this morning
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be?
- It would have to be someone with a ladder, does the man from Littlewoods still come calling?
30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50?
- No, didn't want children, haven't got them, over 50 now
31. Tell us your Saturday night.
- Trying to finish off the customer accounts for work
32. Do you think too much or too little?
- Way too much
33. Do you smile a lot?
- Yes, but through gritted teeth sometimes.
Labels:
Sunday Stealing
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Me, the intrepid explorer
The large town nearest to where I live is Ipswich (UK) Won't bore you with statistics (mainly because I can't be bothered to look them up at the moment) but like so many places of similar size it has a shopping centre and then it has the bits that are not quite in the centre, often with shops that have closed, boarded up, grotty etc. Today I had to go exploring in the depths of one of these areas and I was amazed at what I found. Hubby had ordered some boots and wasn't well enough to go and collect them so, doing my wifely duty, armed with his exact directions, I made my way out of the comfort zone and went almost 500 yards into the dark interior of the exterior. At least one person who will read this will laugh when I say I went past the Radio Suffolk border and down Norwich Road. Anyway, I found a Polish shop (no, not a shop selling stuff to brighten up your silver, a shop selling goodies from Poland) a Jamaican snack shop, a Halal shop and a shop selling European and American goodies like Hershey bars and goodness knows what else. And there, amongst all these small independant and exotic emporia was Coes, an amazingly large, well appointed and up market gentlemans store which seemed quite out of place. I mean, so out of place that when you go in (and come out again) you can't help wondering if there is a wormhole just on the threshold.
Labels:
The Present
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Long time no see
I haven't seen my mum's brother for about 10 years or more. We write, and talk on the phone, but just haven't been face to face. He and his wife and another couple came on holiday our way so this morning mum and I met them in their hotel and had coffee and a good chin wag. It is amazing the difference 10 years make when it's the difference between 70 and 80. But I guess the difference in me was probably just as noticeable to them. When I was much younger my uncle used to call in on his way home from work and we would have a cup of tea and discuss all sorts, including religion quite a lot. I think it is fair to say that he had a lot to do with setting me along my spiritual path. It's the third day running I have been up at 6:30 and out by 7:30 so was feeling very tired this afternoon. Hubby had gone shopping so I put a CD on and put my feet up on the settee, just for a few minutes you understand. I thought there was something wrong with the CD because it finished only a few minutes afterwards, then I realised there was something wrong with the clock as well. My afternoon has disappeared down a rift in the space time continuum.
Labels:
The Present
Monday, 28 September 2009
A Funny Old Weekend
It's been a curate's egg of a weekend so, in accordance with my mission for this blog, I will only tell you about the parts which were excellent. Firstly, mending my crashed computer and making the decision to buy a new one before it happens again. Secondly, taking an hour out on Sunday afternoon to finish the book I am reading for the book group I have joined. It was sunny and hot and I sat in the garden and really felt my spiritual batteries being replenished. My little greenhouse now has some shading so the second lot of cuttings hopefully won't wither up and die (my fault entirely) Thirdly, listening to some good music. Janacek Glagolitic Mass. I buy CDs of things I haven't heard before in charity shops and this was a find. My musical tastes are very wide and it does depend on my mood so I don't always like things the first time I hear them and then change my mind if I give them another go, but this one was a hit first time. I've also been putting Radio 3 on in the car for a change and drove home on Friday to Choral Evensong from Chelmsford Cathedral. Think I need a bit of Alice Cooper today just to even thigs up a bit!
Labels:
The Present
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Sunday Stealing 27/09
I have to say I am struggling with this one as the person who wrote the meme is so not in my demographic or on my wavelength, but we'll give it a go
Sunday Stealing: A Fall Meme
It’s not really fall in until...
- OK, this doesn't actually make sense but I assume the word "in" wasn't meant to be there so my answer would be when the big spiders come out If the word "in " is meant to be there then my answer is until someone pushes you off the edge of the swimming pool
What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete?
- Get all the bulbs in and the cuttings done
A person I know was wrong for me but about whom I frequently thought after a break-up was...
- Oh for goodness sake, I've been married so long, I don't remember
If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be?
- A Test Match between England and Australia (that's cricket) and actually it's the only sporting event that would tempt me
Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar?
- I'm the one that doesn't go to bars
Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche?
- The assassination of good English
If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you?
- Age 12, Dad's right, you really will regret not learning to play the piano
Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared?
- Quite a few
If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least?
- The only thing I would miss would be listening to music, and I mean proper music, otherwise, if there were trees and enough food and a safe place to sleep I don't think I would ever want to come back
On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts?
- What a good example of the assassination of the English language
How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt?
- We've got fences
The sexiest thing a man or a woman can say to you (or has said to you) is:
- That's for me to know and you to find out
Sunday Stealing: A Fall Meme
It’s not really fall in until...
- OK, this doesn't actually make sense but I assume the word "in" wasn't meant to be there so my answer would be when the big spiders come out If the word "in " is meant to be there then my answer is until someone pushes you off the edge of the swimming pool
What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete?
- Get all the bulbs in and the cuttings done
A person I know was wrong for me but about whom I frequently thought after a break-up was...
- Oh for goodness sake, I've been married so long, I don't remember
If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be?
- A Test Match between England and Australia (that's cricket) and actually it's the only sporting event that would tempt me
Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar?
- I'm the one that doesn't go to bars
Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche?
- The assassination of good English
If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you?
- Age 12, Dad's right, you really will regret not learning to play the piano
Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared?
- Quite a few
If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least?
- The only thing I would miss would be listening to music, and I mean proper music, otherwise, if there were trees and enough food and a safe place to sleep I don't think I would ever want to come back
On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts?
- What a good example of the assassination of the English language
How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt?
- We've got fences
The sexiest thing a man or a woman can say to you (or has said to you) is:
- That's for me to know and you to find out
Labels:
Sunday Stealing
Friday, 25 September 2009
Do I need another Blog?
Well, yes, actually, I decided I did as I want to keep my crafting things seperate so if that's what you are here to see go to "Not Cute and Not Funny" courtesy of the link on the side there, just there, look, on the right, you need to scroll down a bit,that's it!
Labels:
No Label
Monday, 21 September 2009
My Pride and Joy
A good gardening weekend. I planted about 120 bulbs, some in the garden and some in pots. This meant weeding and digging first and so I did it in easy bites, having a little lie down and reading an old "Saint" book in between. Also took about 150 cuttings from various plants and tucked them up in my new pride and joy, a little plastic greenhouse. I've been trying to find a good old fashioned cold frame but they seem to be horrendously expensive and I have a horror of broken glass so this seems like a good compromise. Any bets on what percentage will survive?
Now here's a positive thought. I had said that over the last couple of weeks I didn't do half the things I had planned, but this morning I thought "I did at least half the things I planned" and felt much better.
If you have been, thanks for reading
Labels:
Garden
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Sunday Stealing 19/09
Ha ha ha beat you all! (at least I had when I posted this, don't know how someone slipped in front of me!)
27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Depends how tired or how hungry I am
28. Do you look like your mom or dad?
I'm a girl - guess
29. How long does it take you in the shower?
How long does what take?
30. Can you do the splits?
Not intentionally
31. What movie do you want to see right now?
The original "Solaris"
32. What did you do for New Year’s?
Not a lot
33. Do you think The Grudge was scary?
Never heard of it
34. Do you own a camera phone?
No
35. Was your mom a cheerleader?
No but she was a WREN
36. What’s the last letter of your middle name?
Officially I don't have a middle name
37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
7 or 8
38. Do you like Care Bears?
No
39. What do you buy at the movies?
Never go
40. Do you know how to play poker?
Yes
41. Do you wear your seat belt?
Yes, it's illegal not to
42. What do you wear to sleep?
Not telling
43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown?
Sure
44. How many meals do you eat a day?
3 (ish)
45. Is your tongue pierced?
Certainly not
46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins?
Don't belong to MySpace
47. Do you like funny or serious people better?
No preference
48. Ever been to L.A.?
What? Luton Airport? No
49. Did you eat a cookie today?
No
50. Do you use cuss words in other languages?
Oui
51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Pay
52. Do you hate chocolate?
No
53. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
This question could upset those who no longer have their parents. Never fight with my mum, dad died a long time ago
54. Are you a gullible person?
Try me
55. Do you need a girlfriend to be happy?
Explain "girlfriend"
56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be?
Professional singer
57. Are you easy to get along with?
Yes
58. What is your favorite time of day?
Play time
27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Depends how tired or how hungry I am
28. Do you look like your mom or dad?
I'm a girl - guess
29. How long does it take you in the shower?
How long does what take?
30. Can you do the splits?
Not intentionally
31. What movie do you want to see right now?
The original "Solaris"
32. What did you do for New Year’s?
Not a lot
33. Do you think The Grudge was scary?
Never heard of it
34. Do you own a camera phone?
No
35. Was your mom a cheerleader?
No but she was a WREN
36. What’s the last letter of your middle name?
Officially I don't have a middle name
37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
7 or 8
38. Do you like Care Bears?
No
39. What do you buy at the movies?
Never go
40. Do you know how to play poker?
Yes
41. Do you wear your seat belt?
Yes, it's illegal not to
42. What do you wear to sleep?
Not telling
43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown?
Sure
44. How many meals do you eat a day?
3 (ish)
45. Is your tongue pierced?
Certainly not
46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins?
Don't belong to MySpace
47. Do you like funny or serious people better?
No preference
48. Ever been to L.A.?
What? Luton Airport? No
49. Did you eat a cookie today?
No
50. Do you use cuss words in other languages?
Oui
51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?
Pay
52. Do you hate chocolate?
No
53. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
This question could upset those who no longer have their parents. Never fight with my mum, dad died a long time ago
54. Are you a gullible person?
Try me
55. Do you need a girlfriend to be happy?
Explain "girlfriend"
56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be?
Professional singer
57. Are you easy to get along with?
Yes
58. What is your favorite time of day?
Play time
Labels:
Sunday Stealing
SomComDiff Challenge


I've called this SomComDiff because I have discovered that SCD stands for some other inferior entertainment on television ! Why watch a lot of people who can't dance when you could be crafting! Anyway, this weeks challenge was another Moo card with the subject "metal" I've posted two as I wasn't sure if photos really counted so one is a photo of the huge copy of the Sutton Hoo helmet that hangs over the entrance to the exhibition hall and the other is a "GoldenWeb" made using one of my Fiskars texture plates of which I am inordinately fond.
Don't forget to join me again tomorrow for Sunday Stealing
Labels:
Photos,
Sutton Hoo
Friday, 18 September 2009
A lovely day
My plan for doing lots of work at home while I could forget about office work for a couple of weeks have not quite gone according to said plan and so yesterday I made the decision to stop trying and have a couple of days rest. As we don't travel far we decided to go to Sutton Hoo (I may or may not have achieved a hyperlink at this point) which is somewhere we go a lot. Hubby can borrow a motorised buggy as pushing a wheelchair round there would be well nigh impossible and it's somewhere that we both find very restful when the school holidays are over and we are no longer in danger of being mown down by screaming kids. Mind you, in term time you can get caught by the occasional crocodile. Anyway, we got there for an early lunch and then went for a walk and I found a place to sit and try and sketch a bit while H sat and read The Week and took my photo on the sly. The sun was very bright and hot but pleasingly tempered by the light wind, it was quiet enough to hear birds singing and the trees did that thing they do in the breeze. The first time we went there it was a dull damp day and quie spooky as there was no one else there but now it is a bit more popular I doubt we will catch that atmosphere again easily. No matter, it is still a calm and serene place to go. I have been for a walk through the woods (buggy not up to that path so he has to go and have another cup of tea) but didn't today. So we both sat on the veranda with tea and cake and people watched for a while. I forgot to go in the second hand book shop this time - might leave a few Book Crossing books next time I am there.
Then to cap it all I came home and found two new followers on my blog - what more could a girl want!
Labels:
Other Walks,
Sutton Hoo,
The Present
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
SCD Challenge

This is the first time i've tried one of these challenges. The challenge was a Moo card with the theme "Circles" Now all I have to do is work out how to do the link.
Labels:
No Label
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
