This picture from John is where the "Pyrenees melt into the Mediterranean" (he says).Apparently the weather in Central France was so awful they left.
He doesn't give a place name and as the messages are captions for the photographs, information is scanty. Possibly Rob will say "I know where that is".
John sent a second picture today about which he says "Encountered these poor things while out cycling". I seem to remember that they always were poor things, even when new unless you were an enthusiast like a pal of mine who ran an old Citroen like these. They had weird suspension which you could adjust. Perhaps the owner of these is intending to restore them. But I wouldn't have thought they were a 'classic car'. But it isn't my field !
We have had a pleasant day, despite thunder and heavy rain again. Some sunshine but still cold and the gusty winds have started all over.Although I didn't sleep well, at 5.30am I decided to get up and get on with the day. So I went out in the garden and cleared another 4 feet or so of border. Then I topped up the bird feeders.
The Robin, as is in the nature of robins, was closely attentive to my turning over of soil and weeding. He didn't actually perch on the handle of the spade but sat patiently a few feet away. As soon as I left the area he was keenly searching the freshly turned soil.
Super lunch. First class Scampi, Chips and Mushy Peas. Followed by Fruit Compote with Greek Yoghurt. The 'compote' was from Aldi and I can recommend it. Not over-sweet and heavily fruited.
We noticed while shopping that they do a green version based on Kiwi Fruit and Mango etc. Certainly on our list of 'something to try'.
Merriam Webster suggests 'comm pote' for pronunciation.Tomorrow is the first of our Summer National Trust Trips for the Mansfield Centre and the venue is Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge. And all we have to do is sit their and enjoy it. No Raffle to organise, no admin jobs - just enjoy the day out with our friends. We are picking Jean up at around 8.15am and the Coach leaves at 9am.
This evening at 8pm on Radio 4 is a highlight for me. The Archive Hour on Radio 4 is Andrew Motion talking about his proud achievement in setting up The Poetry Archive. The recordings are amazing. Dating back as far as Tennyson, and Yeats. Hilaire Belloc, Siegfried Sasson to name but a few. The recordings naturally are sometimes not good. But when you consider how old they are ! What an achievement !
And I forgot to mention - being carried away with doing jobs on a list - so I can have the pleasure of ticking them off ! ........... For months we have had a kitchen cupboard door which wont close. So, when I'd finished my gardening, I took the door off and straightened the sprained hinge. Then I re-hung the door which now closes perfectly !
Jill sent me some very interesting stuff about Wisterias, as we've been talking about them. She was concerned about exceeding her 'blog comment' word limit. But, as blogmeister, I don't have those restraints so here goes.....
"The oldest wisteria in Britain has been showing its true colours at Fuller's Brewery in Chiswick. The impressive flowering plant was grown from one of two samples which were brought over to England in 1816, the other being given as a gift to Kew Gardens. However, proving there must be something in the water at the brewery, their sample successfully took root unlike the one at Kew, which had to take a cutting from the Fuller's plant after the original died. The wisteria was brought over from China and was planted on what used to be the head brewer's cottage."
I am wondering whether other cuttings were handed out locally, the brewery is by Chiswick Mall, lots of old houses, most have wisteria.....
My comments on your comments
Bob ..... Publishing the Ralph 'collage' was something that gave me great pleasure. I knew him a long time and I felt that it was the least I could do, as a mark of respect for a friend. And, I know you won't be offended when I point out that 'friend' in this case was Ralph and not you.
No. Ice-cream in Cinemas is hard unforgiving stuff. A couple of sandwiches and a can of beer is the thing - rules or not.
Reg .... Your orchids do indeed do well. So that qualifies you as the only 'expert' we've got. No doubt JBW will put us right though.
I can't actually see where this syrup-py secretion is coming from. But the plant looks healthy enough.
Your comments about The Exhibition are noted. As is your e-mail about similar.
You know I share your opinion about the high quailty and some 'different' images. My heart sank when I opened this months RPS Journal and saw yet another 'Flipping Jetty'.
Rob .... Glad you enjoyed Bob's 'Ralph' collage. He was a fine dog. Also I am very sorry to hear about your recent loss. Non dog-owners don't really understand. Brian H. a Dog-Handler chum had to have 3 days off work when his Police Dog 'Flash' keeled over.
Jill ..... I feel sure you are right that there must be old 'rescue' dogs who just want a good home, some love and affection, and a bare minimum of exercise. I think that Bob should bear this in mind as a possibility. Ralph's death has left a chasm in Bob's life.
We are determined to catch 'State of Play' because I have read excellent reviews.
You are right about cookers. I use the 'timer' function quite regularly and would indeed be annoyed if I couldn't do so.
Your 'bluebell' jacket sounds great !
Re Carrie's recommended 'blog' here is the link. I will try to sort out how to actually hear her perhaps on Monday. It's too late now and we are tied-up most of tomorrow.
........................................
Losing a pet can be traumatic. A few years ago my wife came across the following:-
ReplyDeleteRainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Comforting to hear the French are having some rotten weather too.
ReplyDeleteTo me, the cars don’t look like the Citroen I remember with adjustable suspension?
The model I recall was very beautiful and considered many years ahead of its time.
Didn’t realise you had a field in France?
Today, while Sandra shopped at Label Traders, I did Aldi, Lidl, Bargain Shop (which had bird feeder stands at 2ce price of Netto’s).
Also called in at White Post for excellent fish, chips and mushy peas; generous portion, excellent quality, BOGOF £8 for the 2 and pleasant efficient service.
Sandwiches in cinemas seems very eccentric to me.
I thought it odd enough in Norway when they danced in wellingtons and stopped films halfway through to open all the doors wide to let out the fag smoke (1951).
If Jill’s too old for a rescue dog, I must be! But that’d be the way I’d go.
Present problem is resident Jester. He’s OK but I don’t want to be seen on other end of his lead.
Rob;
Sorry to hear about Tara. It’s not easy.
All right then; well done United.
Jill:
We never adjust car clock for BST.
That fruit compote looks good...the news here is that our Somerfields (in Brentford but not far) is becoming a Morrisons. Opoening soon...you must tell me what is good there.
ReplyDeleteAnglesey Abbey - went there years back - all I remember is masses of hyacinths and the gorgeous smell....Hope you have a good day there, pouring with rain when we got up (late) but sunny now. No thunder here, but lots of rain.
Rainbow Bridge - someone gave me a copy of that when my dog died, R tried to stop me reading it as it made me howl every time, even now ten years later it brings tears to my eyes. And yet it is the sentimental stuff I don't usually go for. We were told that 70 is the cut off age for getting a rescue dog?
Will try and find The Archive Hour. I saw Ian Hislop's 'Changing of the Bard' on BBC4 which I enjoyed. And an Arena programme on Dylan Thomas, which annoyed me as it went from grave to cradle, I saw no justificatioin for telling his life story backwards.
I am very sorry to hear of the deaths of Ralph and Tara, please accept my condolences Bob and Rob, I know how distressing it is to lose a dog and having another one doesn't stop you missing the one you've lost.
ReplyDeleteI think it is true that rescue centres often will not rehome dogs to older people but a cut off of 70 is silly when its your fitness to care for a dog that matters, not your age. I think some of the breed rescues are more reasonable. I once had to rehome an English Setter pup and English Setter Rescue placed her with a woman in her 70s who was able to be with her all day and take her for 2 or 3 short walks a day which was ideal.