Monday recovery day - Y in Galley

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First things first. An editorial correction. In the 'collage' of our Haworth trip I wrote that the top right corner thereof was Y. It wasn't. It was some other lady with whom I have no connection.

The picture on the right is the picture I intended to use. This lady IS without any doubt Y. I hope she will accept the apologies of the editor.

Today we have enjoyed a completely quiet recovery day. Y walked round to the little shop for milk (so handy!) and bread (a Luke Evans 'Bobby's foot') which we used to eat all the time but then like so many people we were lured into Supermarket Bakeries. I must confess that I am still in my 'parjies' (is that appropriate dormouse apparel Jill ?). Y has masterminded meals, lots of tea and a good time has been had by all. I feel refreshed enough to tackle the North of Scotland should the need arise.

Our National Trust outing to Sudbury Hall was another triumph for Jean. Everything went according to plan and, as usual, the sun shone. We broke our outward journey with an hour's stay in Ahbourne and I was able to point out our ex- family businesses, then named Howell & Marsden. and the picture shows the two shops which were in use at the same time. Although blocked off now, there were steps and an alleyway in between the shops giving access to the Stable Yard and the Offices.

As you can see we were directly opposite the Green Man & Black's Head Royal Hotel. I guess the name has given some civil-libbers a twinge or two. The snap was taken from just outside a Costa Coffee shop which was handy. Y found it, bless her ! She knows I really like Costa Coffee. A good flavour and reliable.

A surprise for me was how many businesses are still trading under the names I remember. Hulmes the Fishmonger, Peach the Butcher, Spencer's the Café and so on.

After Ashbourne it took under half an hour to reach Sudbury Hall which I personally found a dour and forbidding place. Another odd thing was that the gardens were devoid of flowers. This added to the atmosphere of gloom.

The Museum of Childhood was more attractive but, as Y noted, it is difficult to work out the intended audience. Most of the children I saw were bored as their parents painstakingly tried to interest them in items. Going up the chimney and getting a blackened face seemed universally popular.

None of this however spoiled our overall enjoyment of the day. It was lovely being with our Nat.Trst chums and lots of laughs were enjoyed.

An interesting feature was James May's Plasticine Garden. James May is a Top Gear presenter and his 'garden' which had been at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show was of great interest.

It was a lively, creative idea and for me it was a welcome bit of colour and I liked it. Wendy for instance hated it and some were undecided.


Until I read the notice at the side I didn't realise that this bust, of William Harbutt. an Art Teacher who invented plasticine in 1887, was itself made out of plasticine. A brilliant piece of work and if James May sculpted this too he deserves more respect as an Artist, let alone as a Top Gear presenter.

My responses to your previous comments

Bob ..... You may be right that the rear seats of coaches cause travel sickness but neither of us suffered it. I think that the 'rear seats of cars' have been known to result in 'morning sickness' !

Jill ..... Thanks for your praise for 'staying the course'. Provided I am not alone my policy now is to try and get about using my shooting-stick. As they all do, it makes a seat if I am desperate to sit down.

I have reasoned that, from stick > to lightweight wheels > to heavyweight wheels with seat, was a downward curve which sooner or later would lead to a full-blown wheelchair. I wanted to break into and arrest this downward trend if at all possible. Being 'done-for' is a small price to pay.

No more gallivanting in the near future and I think today has been a dormouse day.

Reg .... Thanks for the update on Maureen's hip and the Consultant's views. I bet it is hard to know whether to be pleased or disappointed that an op isn't recommended. It seemed like a good solution I guess. But, if you have trust in the consultant you have to go along with what is recommended.

Y will be delighted to read about the pool and your solitary possession of it. I feel sure she will fit a session in this week.

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Quotation time ......

"Why is this thus? What is the reason for this thusness ?"

Artemus Ward

Definitely an 'hour in the pub with' candidate.

Saturday - Ann & Roy's Golden Wedding do - 70F Windy

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A relaxing morning after our Haworth trip yesterday.

The collage on the left illustrates it. As usual with such places it was 'no photography' in the Bronte Parsonage Museum so the collage comprises The Church, Y at the top of the Hovis lad's delivery hill, some Church stained glass, and the cobbled path down from The Parsonage. I put the cobbled path in sepia because it suited the period and the subject.

Y and I both like 'stained glass' in all its forms, from ancient to modern and, when you get used to it, it isn't too difficult to get exposures right. Even with the Fuji compact which I used exclusively yesterday.

The coach trip, with Lavenders, worked fine. To begin with we were just two back from the driver but knee room was a major problem. We asked, and discovered that the back seat was free, so we moved to it. Brilliant ! In future we aim to book it in the first place. Plenty of room - I sat in the centre seat with my legs down the aisle and Y sat in the window with all the clutter in between us. We broke our journey outwards with an hour in Halifax. We found what looked to be (from the outside) an old pub. It was awful ! An example of the sort of pub where you wipe your feet on leaving, not when going in. The gents had the worst urine smell I've ever encountered and Y reported a similar story about the lady's. When she touched the toilet seat it fell to pieces.

Around 2pm this afternoon we went over to Ann & Roy's at Nuthall to help them celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Good luck to them. We had nice chats to lots of people and, although I was mostly in the one chair in the conservatory I 'circulated' as best I could.

Poor Maureen - she is in deep trouble with her hip. Particularly pain-wise. Nothing seems to give her lasting relief, not even a pain-killer injection directly into it. She is to see a consultant at Heanor tomorrow and all we can do is hope. You could see from her face how much she is suffering.

Y enjoyed her bit of 'social' as she always does. Great nibbles, great occasion, and most enjoyable.

When we arrived home it had been my intention to have a lie-down because I felt done-for. But, I found so many little jobs to do, I didn't manage it till gone 7pm. One job was tidying up this rose which lives in a tub. The plant has earlier produced a long-lasting first bloom of flowers and I thought that this 'second' deserved some judicious light pruning, snipping off of dead leaves and a general sort out round the base of the plant. Then I took it's photo and gave it a good water.

My responses to your previous comments

Peter B.... Thank you for your good wishes for the trip. As you will see above we had a first rate time. The coach driver dropped us at the top of the hill and I managed the remaining short cobbled rise slowly but OK. I was tired out when we finished though.

Bob .... I don't know what it is about Buddleias and Bees and Butterflies. Originally I thought it was something to do with that exotic purply/red of the common or garden variety. But this plant of Derek & Betty's is a 'not very striking yellow' - so it can't be that.

Re: Haworth. It was generally accepted that the 'waterfall' wasn't worth the walk.

Re: stocking up. It might be interesting to do a tour of kitchen shelves and cupboards, garage shelves, and freezer - to see how long (with a reasonable diet) one could withstand siege. Milk isn't essential anyway - is it?

Thanks for the pictures of Moon Pig. What a lovely name for a 'staffie'. Lucky Dan & Em ! I know how envious you must be.

Jill .... Yet another collage today. I made the bottom right corner picture sepia partly with you in mind. It suits the snap anyway.

I think the last reason you suggest about the vanishing caterpillars will be the correct one. They never just vanish but they will all reach the 'chrysalis' phase at the same time.

Of course 'eggs' are a must ! Silly of me to omit them.

Yvonne ...... I know your mother could only cook egg & chips, but it has given you a life time's appreciation of the dish. And I certainly don't mind because its one of my favourites too.

Re: Ann and Roy's 'do'. I think everyone who went will agree that it was an excellent occasion. Simple, straightforward, and nice !

I assume 'Ray' is a typo for 'Reg'. Anyway, I think you ought to resume your Hayley swimming. You don't want to leave it so long that you set up a mental barrier.

jbw .... Although not officially a 'comment' thank you for your e-mail sending me the 'orchid' pictures. The modern variety is mostly Phaleanopsis and, as the linked site will tell you, their care is relatively straightforward. To have one in continuous flower for over a year though must be something of a rarity.

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Tomorrow is a Mansfield Centre for The National Trust coach trip to Sudbury Hall which should be good. Comparatively speaking it is quite close, which will take any pressure off the actual journey. Let us hope that we are lucky again with the weather. But Jean, the organiser, is usually so lucky and the sun invariably shines. We are picking her up at 8.30am and look forward to a day with all our chums. Unfortunately, Peter and Joan can't make it.

We are hoping to see them one day next week anyway - because Peter would like another hour 'hands on' learning on his PC. We would like that too because Joan and Y always find something to talk about !

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Quotation time ....

"A good pun may be admitted among the smaller excellencies of lively conversation. "

James Boswell

In view of the Sudbury Hall trip, I don't intend to publish a blog-post tomorrow. So, see you all being well, on Monday. Sleep tight, take care etc...etc...

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A day of rest - Y at BJ 'grannying' - 72F - NE wind at 10mph

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Rather than spend a lot of time doing a proper panorama of the front garden I decided on a simple 'collage' which conveys the same information. As you can see it's been a lovely sunny afternoon and the 10mph North Easterly wind doesn't spoil it. I managed to get out into the front garden to remove a 'weed' which was growing through a specimen 'Ballerina' rose. Technically I suspect it wasn't a weed - but it was growing in the wrong place which makes it a weed doesn't it?

I suppose that chronology requires me to mention first our Mansfield Centre National Trust Annual Dinner at The Hostess nr Warsop, yesterday evening. The snap on the left shows the entrance. Not a good picture because it was well after 9pm and I had to use ISO 800 which accounts for the graininess.

This is the place where I believe, some time ago, Bob's Sandra got into trouble for smoking a cigarette under the canopy entrance shown. Although outside the building there is now a notice prohibiting smoking there. Even though I'm not a smoker I feel that people who are, are pursued excessively.

Reg and Maureen called in at lunchtime to pick up a basil plant and we all agreed about 'smoking'. They aren't smokers either but no one could see any problem with the idea of a Smoking Room in licensed premises.

Anyway, about last night, the food was good and the company excellent. The after dinner entertainment though, was grim. It would have perhaps suited an old-folks home, provided the residents weren't too bright. I suppose it demonstrates people's perceptions of The National Trust. Because I was suffering a little I went and sat in the car for half-an-hour and Y told me it had been a wise decision. By the way, I have discovered that the driver's seat in the Yaris tilts back to nearly horizontal and, with a cushion, I could very happily have a 'kip' there. My life-style at the moment revolves round 'kips' so this is a useful discovery.

The last picture is by way of an experiment with my Nikon. The camera allows you to take multiple exposures to produce a single frame. The technology takes care of the exposures so as to balance them for brightness etc., and fun results are possible. This shot basically superimposes the rose I have mentioned i.e. Ballerina on top of The Rowan Tree carrying the bird feeders.

With careful forethought some interesting ideas can be experimented with. Perhaps as Steven sometimes says "I ought to get out more ..........."

My responses to your valued comments

Jill ..... I bow to your birding knowledge about the non-siskin. Roy agrees with you and he knows a lot about birds. If Bob has never seen one, his contribution is only of limited value.

The zone system was/is a method of allocating values to the blackness in photographs and was more relevent to black&white. Don't worry about it !

As you will see above, we did enjoy our annual dinner. Re the 'entertainment' - a belly dancer would have been a considerable improvement.

Bob ..... Only 'pulling your leg' below about the siskin.

The Sea Bass is from Lidl and is really good.

My experience in Morrisons this morning mirrors you own, re Lactofree. No cheeses, and no cream. When I succeed in finding either I will surely try them and report back.

Yvonne ..... As you say, Miles would have known straight-away that the little bird was a non-siskin. Millicent too I wouldn't be surprised.

If you had been asked to stand under Lib Dem colours for The Council 10 yrs ago I would have been urging you on. But I think now the commitment would be too much.

Glad you found the Lactofree acceptable.

Roy ..... Thanks for the info about the siskin/goldfinch identification.

I understand from Reg that you are off caravanning either today or tomorrow. Whichever it is, I sincerely hope you both have a good time and that the weather favours you.

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Quotation time ...........

"Most men are within a finger's breadth of being mad."

Diogenes The Cynic

Diogenes by John William Waterhouse, depicting his lamp, tub, and diet of onions.

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We have a fairly busy day tomorrow. We need to go shopping. At lunchtime we are going to The Woodend Pub at Huthwaite for Joan's birthday. We've been before and it is good.

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"


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Normal Friday - 60F - 9mph NWesterly - Blood Test

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Awake early this morning but not due to pain, just due to having had enough sleep. The centre picture in the above collage was the trellis and roses at around 6am. Lovely light - well worth getting up for. I waited for Y to get up and shared breakfast. Tried milk in my tea again, not a wise decision but I won't bore you with the details. I've consulted with Helen C and obtained several useful tips. I had forgotten how high in protein chick-peas are and I have remembered how I used to make Hummus with them plus Tahini and garlic. Helen also says eggs are a good standby.

Suffice to say that, during shopping we bought Soya milk. Weird stuff - it looks rather like Dulux Magnolia. But I've had several mugs of tea with it in and kept them down without a problem....... I had an INR blood test at 11am and the clinic have already rang to say my level is 2.8 which is good. No warfarin dosage change but I'm to be retested on Tuesday 23rd.

Also this afternoon I managed some time in the garden. My tomato plants, and the bird feeders needed attention. As I dealt with the bird-feeders the birds were impatient for me to 'be off' and as soon as I went about 10 yards away Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Great Tits, and Blue Tits immediately descended. No Sparrows or the Robin though. They won't be far away.

I made a start on the WoW>Picasa Web Albums job and have done the Bempton Cliffs trip - I shall do the Ashford in the Water outing tomorrow. If I get time, because we are off to Long Eaton a.m. for the Carnival followed by lunch.

The snap on the left is The Walnut Tree Shades Pub in Norwich which we mentioned. I've linked you to a page where other people have said what they think about the place. It seems the live music is v.good.

My responses to your previously crafted comments

Bob ..... I think it must be your perception of the Wells Quay which is remiss.

Wells was on our itinerary when we used to stay at Mundesley in the 70s and Frarys Fishmongers was certainly there then. No matter.

Re foodstuffs. I have also consulted Helen C and picked up some valuable tips particularly on protein-source alternatives to meat and dairy produce. Don't know if you remember but I have a good recipe for hummus which I used to make for the Nottingham Writers lads. The one the link shows, is Jamie Oliver, but almost identical to my own. Fortunately Y and I both love hummus.

I yield my position on their's.

Jill ..... Please see above re their's. Don't know what I was thinking of ! You are all correct.

Re : The Shire Horses. Pleased to hear that you set a good example to that lily-livered youth.

When I referred to hanging on to the horse's halter I meant, of course, his collar. On a heavy horse the collar is an enormous piece of leather worked art to which all the pulling equipment is attached.

Usually Yvonne is also concerned about 'shellfish' i.e. mussels, whelks etc., but she seems OK with crab, lobster, and crayfish tails. She had a bad experience in Egypt ! Apart from the 'camel' already mentioned.

Yvonne ..... Lovely story about the Milkman's Horse and I can understand your concern that he might nibble your toes. Our milk also was delivered by pony and trap with two big churns and two long-handled ladles (one full pint and one half-pint). The milkman was in fact Archie Stubb's mother. His parents/grand-parents owned the farm up near Bradley Wood which I will have pointed out to you.

As you say - a busy weekend. But with benefit of frequent 'kips' I shall be fine.

Roy ..... Thanks for your support over the Seafood Stall on the Quay at Wells.

You are quite right about the Deli ..... opposite and maybe 30 yards further down the road. A fascinating place. We also bought some Olive Oil based salad-dressing with Shallot and Orange. We tried a dash last night and enjoyed it. A little goes a long way.

Brancaster Staithe we remember with affection for probably the best strawberries we have ever tasted.

Like you, I can't understand the acclaim for Scallops. I too consider them tastless but worst of all so chewy as to be almost impossible to masticate into a swallowable consistency. Are you perhaps supposed to swallow them whole like oysters ?

I've tried them twice - to be sure I wasn't mistaken first time. And that will do for me and scallops.

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Quotation slot .......

"I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white dude would come into my neighborhood after dark."

Dick Gregory

We haven't closed with Grandma for a week or two - so here goes





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Y at BJ - Me quiet and messing about - 60F - Windy

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Y has gone over to Burton Joyce as usual having managed a little rest yesterday. I stress 'a little' because whenever I saw her she was either using the washing-machine, tumble-drier, or ironing-board. Household equipment with which I seldom experiment.

Having been a long-term uniform wearer though, I can put a tidy crease into a pair of trousers - if necessary, but so seldom these days.

The snap on the left from Wells-next-the-Sea will please Norfolk Coast fans because this firm have been trading here as long as I can remember. And we certainly enjoyed our dishes of freshly dressed crab. He also had a small amount of freshly gathered samphire and I wish I had brought home a small amount to use with our salad today. But I fear it would have gone soggy and limp.

This morning I thought I was fully recovered even though still on the anti-biotics. In consequence I risked milk in my tea. Bad decision because the feelings of sickness immediately returned. I shall stick to my green-tea with lemon and black coffee for the time being. Is that CoffeeMate stuff diary free I wonder ? Must read the box carefully.

Having mentioned the Heavy Horses in their field I attach the above collage of two snaps from the bedroom window. Jill said she liked the idea, so here they are.

I note from my EXIF data a timing of 5.03am which accounts for the attractive lighting. As a boy (about 5yrs old) I was allowed to sit on the back of a super Shire Horse pulling a haycart, and holding onto the top of his halter tightly. The horse seemed enormous and I was so high in the air. Elf & Safety would probably prosecute the farmer these days but, there you are, I remember it vividly nearly 70yrs later.

The picture on the right is a collage of the front/rear of the packet of Smoked Maldon Sea Salt. I tasted a few grains this morning and it is certainly a subtle and interesting flavour. I'm preparing a salad for our evening meal which will be a good opportunity to try it out.

If my problem with dairy produce and meat continue I must consult Helen C and Bob's Sandra who are both experienced in the field. Missing out cheese long term would be the biggest problem. I feel that, with regard to meat, I am going off it steadily anyway.

I have heard nothing from my fellow WoW-ers and don't even know where they went on Wednesday. I'm sure I shall though in due course. If they haven't read the blog they probably don't even know I'm back. This evening I'll probably ring Reg....

My responses to your previous comments

Yvonne .... I wouldn't have rated the Walnut Tree Shades as the worst pub. My feet didn't stick to the floor for one thing, and there was no lipstick on the glasses.

And what about that IRA pub near Waterloo Station where the hubbub of conversation died when we walked in ?

I maintain my position over the greengrocers' apostrophe. My aim was to discuss 'their' Carnival and to say we would visit their's rather than our own. A moot point I think. Other opinions would be welcomed.

David ..... We too are looking forward to coming over to see your Long Eaton Carnival. I love the countdown timer at the bottom of the web-page. At the time of writing I have just 1 day - 20 hours - 11 minutes - and 27 seconds to wait.

It will be great to see you all and have a little lunch with you.

jbw ..... I can recall the house you mention and I agree with your assessment of its architecture. Unfortunately I didn't take a snap or I could have blogged it.

Jill ..... Just to clear up the point about the hotel food. It was very good indeed.

After the first morning I decided to leave the fry-up alone and have a more continental start to the day. Although the actual food was super the waitering was sloppy. You'd ask for toast and nothing would happen. Then you'd ask again and two lots would arrive. But minor irritants only. Some of the starters and puddings were exceptionally good, especially those based on sorbets.

I didn't complain to the Farm Shop because I can't quite be sure about the pork pie. And re-reading what I have just written about going off the 'fry-ups' I wonder if my tummy started to be iffy earlier.

We didn't like the singer in the purple tent either. I found neither her voice, nor the rest of her, at all attractive.

Bob ..... Please see above re food.

You are right about the weight-loss - I lost nearly 3 lbs. Not an attractive way to do it though.

Really sorry to hear about your chickens. Usually there is no doubt if it is a fox, due to the feather debris left behind.

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Quotation time ......

"The English country gentleman galloping after a fox - the unspeakable in full pursuit of the uneatable"

Oscar Wilde

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Back home, back to normal - 60F - heavy rain

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We seem to have been away ages but in fact just under a week. The Mansfield Centre of The National Trust's long weekend in Norfolk was a great success. The organiser, Jean, had done a super job and, as usual arranged for us to have excellent weather.

Our itinerary included so much of interest I think it best not to list them all. But we included stately homes and gardens plus the seaside.

Picture 1 is of Sandringham the Queen's country retreat and everything was in lovely condition. I spent more time in the gardens than the house.

Our seaside day was at Wells-Next-The-Sea where again the weather favoured us. We enjoyed fresh crab and Y discovered a delicatessen which deserves mention. A fascinating find and although I just went to look, inevitably I bought things. One notable purchase was Maldon Sea Salt (smoked). I use the ordinary all the time but I'm interested to encounter the smoked version. I shall report back.

Our room was exceptionally good with a magnificent view from our bay window. Looking right you could see the sea and looking front and left were lovely meadows, village houses, and a Shire Horse Rescue Station. In the mornings you could see the heavy horses in their fields.

We never had time in our busy schedule to fit in a visit to them. Perhaps next time.

On the return journey Jean's control over the weather only held out as far as our last visited place, Norwich where we had several hours. Some people visited the Castle, some the Cathedral, some, including us, just had a good mooch about. Just 20 minutes after we left Norwich the skies opened.

We stopped in a Farm Shop/Restaurant at Holbeach where I inadvisedly ate a pork pie. I think it had recently been defrosted - it was suspiciously cold to the touch. But, fortunately after dropping off Jean and Wendy, I just managed to get home before I was violently ill. Sickness, diarrhea and violent and uncontrollable twitching - at my request Y sent for the Doctor who was out making visits and called in. She prescribed anti-biotics and things for the sickness. By today I was well enough to go for my blood-test and I know my INR level will have gone haywire again. I was so ill I didn't take my Warfarin on Monday and the tablets prescribed will affect it anyway. I await the results with interest.

My replies to your previous comments

Jill .... Your keyboard is fine. Apparently the 'wireless' ones which transmit a signal to the PC leave enough space for cybercriminals to intercept and download account numbers etc.

Glad Ro's results were OK.

The bridge at Ashford in the Water is, without doubt, of the pack-horse persuasion.

Yvonne .... It seems well-dressings no longer are limited to religious themes and are simply works-of-art in their own right..


Bob .... I'm pleased your trouble is diagnosed as Achilles rather than DVT which is more serious. Colin Fletcher has DVT trouble and it has made him quite poorly.

There may be some mistake. Your Ashford-under-Water sounds post deluge. Our WoW trip was to Ashford-in-the-Water.

jbw ... I know Tissington very well, being an Ashbourne lad. My father's firm owned the village pub there.

Rob .... Thanks for your good wishes for Norfolk - all of which were fulfilled. We met a local in Norwich who directed us to The Walnut Tree Shades pub down an alley. Every word was intelligible - our objective was a quiet pub without juke-box and this was spot on.

Y may well say more in her comment.

Thanks for The Haiku from the Sports Desk. It is undoubtedly a gift you have there. Just wish for your sake there was some money in it.

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The fun-fare is arriving bit by bit on the Football Field opposite, prior to The Carnival on Saturday. But we are going over to Long Eaton to enjoy their's. Previously we have sat out on David and Helen's forecourt and watched it go by. Here's hoping the weather allows us to do so again.

Quotation time .....

"No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one"

Elbert Hubbard

Some TV to watch tonight Y tells me, a programme about the Pre-Raphs on BBC 4 and a whole hour about The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition on BBC 2 at 7pm. Yvonne and I have always loved the Summer Exhibition and it must be about time for us to pay another visit.

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I don't believe I've shown you The Ducks yet




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Quiet Sunday - Gone cold again - 52F - 16mph ENE

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I bought this gadget in Ikea yesterday and have already used it successfully several times.

They must have a proper name but I can't remember what it is. The idea is to put a spoonful of leaf-tea in the wire-mesh end (it opens by compressing the two arms against the spring) then you put it in your mug and pour boiling water over. Obviously, when your tea is a suitably brewed colour you take it out.

Ingenious ! The one we had at home wasn't spring loaded and had holes in the metal rather then mesh. The results so far have been more than satisfactory.

The rain has been extremely heavy and our poorly draining bits are awash. Going down now though (6pm) because it has stopped raining. Also very cold and an ENE wind with 29mph gusts. I am so sorry for people just about to set off on holiday. Let's hope it brightens and warms up abit.

For lunch I cooked fresh Sea Bass and decided to oven-bake it which worked well. As accompaniments I did Jersey Royals and Mange-toute peas. Followed by a Y jelly and Greek Yoghurt. Delicious.

Microsoft have introduced a new search-engine, to rival google. It is called Bing and has one or two nice features. As 'google' now does, it offers suggestions to possible sites when you enter a search term. But a new nicety is that, when it opens a list of results, it offers a summary of each site before you decide whether to open it or not. This is achieved by hovering your mouse over the right hand edge of the listed site. So easy and useful when you get used to it. I could become a convert !

Picture number 2 needs no explanation. It is a cartoon by Bob.

As usual, beautifully drawn.

My responses to your comments

Jill ..... You may be right that John & Yvonne are now heading for home but yesterday we received a real post-card (the sort with a stamp) from Port Fréjus. This apparently is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Lucky old you, going to Alaska while it was so unspoilt.

I wasn't as much in favour of the Sheila Hancock Poetry programme as you were. I realise that much of her chosen work was relevant to what she had found comforting after the death of John Thaw. But I think she has milked this dry. Maybe I just don't like the woman very much.


Bob .... I think we do the same as you. In the first place, years ago, we set ordinary cooking coriander seed. Then harvested some seed from the result, and have simply kept it going ever since.

The service buses I have used very occasionally are, as you say, and Y affirms, uncomfortable. Her main complaint though, is the thoughtless behaviour of the clientelle.

Coaches on the other hand always suit me fine. So long as we sit on the driver's side so I can stretch my really bad left leg down the aisle. I would go so far as to say that I actually like and enjoy coach travel. Maybe because it's mostly with our Mansfield National Trust chums whose company we love.

Alaska to Siberia via The Bering Strait is just a walk. When the sea is frozen, which it mostly is. My memory tells me there was a move afoot once to build a land-bridge. Don't know what happened to the project.

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Quotation time ......

"To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world"

John Muir

Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow



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A busy Tuesday - 53F - Gusty wind - heavy rain.

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This is the entrance to Anglesey Abbey, located what seems miles from the Visitor's Centre and Restaurant.

The meal in the Restaurant, Roast Pork with cauliflower, carrots, roast potatoes and gravy was so awful Y complained. At £9.30 it was seriously over-priced. Y was offered a refund which she pointedly refused, saying she wasn't trying to get a free meal but registering a considered complaint about the quality.

The carrots seemed to have been cooked for around 10 minutes and were virtually raw. Ditto the cauliflower. The cook obviously thought cauliflower needs around the same time as broccoli i.e. 12 minutes. The resultant florets were too resilient to sink a fork into. Not that there was broccoli - there was no greenstuff at al, not even peas. The Pork had been carved 'with the grain of the meat' rather than against it. But the 'piece de resistance' was the gravy which had settled-out, leaving the top 3 inches of liquid fat. You only discovered this AFTER pouring because it was in a thermos ! Not a place to be recommended.

Anyway, today has been fun. The first thing was calling in at the Hayley Centre so that Yvonne could register as a member of the Leisure Club and enjoy the Swimming Pool You will immediately see the pool area if you open the link. There's a pleasant lounge/bar where I can settle down with my laptop while Y does her 40 lengths ! I'm sure she will tell you more about it via a 'comment'.

Then it was my blood test, followed by Y's Hair, some shopping then over to Sherwood for the monthly 'nails' service.

Before Sherwood I nipped home to put frozen things in the freezer and Karen told me that Willis (garage-owner) had called in about some paper-work to do with the new car. When we called in, thinking the cheque must have bounced ha ha!, he handed us two gents umbrellas, a spray can of flysquat remover, a small purse with old coins in. So much for my clearing out the old car !

In Sherwood there was a whole new set of Charity Shops for me. The Oxfam is a gem to which I shall return. On the left is my 'haul' but I bought the Big Issue from a chap on the street. Looks like a good issue too !

I think it was my most expensive purchase because I gave the vendor £2.

All the Charity Shops, - Oxfam, The Children's Society, Mind, Nottingham Hospice, were thoroughly checked for a pottery/china butter dish for Bob, but I'm afraid I was unsuccessful. It is in my mind now though so watch this space.

This afternoon Y has been keen to get out and deliver her allotted number of Lib.Dem election circulars which arrived this morning but the weather has ruled it out. The sun shines and 10 minutes later the clouds open. And I didn't want to have to collect a bedraggled, saturated, Liberal Democrat from the bottom of Mansfield Road.

My responses to your comments

Bob ..... I have identified the trees as 'Betula utilis var. jacquemontii' - 'Silver Shadow' and if you open this link I hope you well agree. Thanks for the Alder suggestion but, of course, you hadn't had the advantage of having seen the trees.

Re Rainbow Bridge. You will have read my thoughts previously expressed and I agree with yours. Steady on though about People's Friend ! I once had two pieces published therein which earned me the princely sum of £15.23p.

However, a decent bit of poetry on the subject, is Byron's Poem to 'Boatswain' his Newfoundland. Even the Gravestone at Newstead is moving.

My 'bird-feeder' comment was my preference for the feeders hanging in the Rowan Tree anyway. The point I had added was that, now the tree is in full leaf, I can't see the birds clearly enough for a snap. Not really important though. Aesthetics is all !

Jill ..... Thanks for your comment about 'The Trees'. Y says it is one of my best pictures.

I also read about the Hockney Trees. I cherish the hope that one day this Summer I shall be able to see his big picture, made up I think of 40 panels. I think it is in Tate Modern.

We often treat ourselves to a burst of Central Heating. Trouble is the 'bursts' often need to be of several hours duration.

Yvonne ...... You have caught up with me 'blogwise' so well today that you are in fact in the lead.

I've known you long enough and I've never considered you 'vain'. And, if you remember, in this respect I do know what I'm talking about.

You are wise to read carefully the pamphlets you are delivering. It would be so embarrassing, and counter-productive, if some potential voter said "Whats this all about then?" jabbing a finger at an article, and you not to know the answer.

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Quotation time ..... And while we are talking about Byron, this quote of his is relevant this year isn't it?

"The English winter—ending in July,
To recommence in August."

Lord Byron

Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow

The gusty wind persists - 58F - a Rest Day

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Today's wet, windy, and cold weather makes us realise how lucky we were yesterday at Anglesey Abbey. Stormy during the journey but after arrival we had warm sun and everyone was able to see outside things as well as indoors.

Our route from Car Park to house was longer than the most direct but one of their volunteers recommended it and, thanks to my wheels, we managed it. And I'm so glad we did for the sight of these trees.

One of our ladies assured us they are 'Silver Birch ' but we doubt it. Most indigenous Silver Birch don't acquire this absolute whiteness when young, if at all, and we think this is one of those tree species that in the Autumn have a really attractive bark-peel. Does anyone know?

Inside the house the Art Collection was a high point for us. In one room was the last picture Richard Parkes Bonington painted and remains unfinished but delightfully bright perhaps in consequence. He has a special place for Nottingham people because of his birthplace in Arnold. There were other treasures - Holbein, Constable, Claude de Lorraine, Munnings, a Landseer or two, one of a Spaniel that looked as if it had been fed sugary sweets - awful!

The second picture is of Lode Mill which we didn't manage to pull in. This picture was from the closest point we reached. Y would liked to have gone down to it but I was flagging a bit by that stage.

The Mill is still functioning and people bought stone-ground flour and oatmeal etc.

The coach journey was good fun and we had lots of laughs. Peter G is still in his plaster cast (broken wrist from being knocked over on a crossing in London by a cyclist) but Joan has stepped into the breach by taking on the driving. On Friday we are going out with Peter and Joan, and Jean to celebrate Peter's and Jean's 80th Birthdays. They are an example to us all.

Tomorrow I have a blood-test, Y is having her hair done and then we are off over to Sherwood for a nails service. Charity Shops will beckon and I must keep an eye open for jigsaws for Joan G. While we are over there it would be nice to call in on Joan B but Yvonne hasn't managed to contact her yet.

Sports Desk - Y had a nice chat with Margaret M and her grandson 'Lachs' is doing extremely well. Although he is one of Nottingham Panthers stars his actual team is 'Lions' and recently he has had 4 other offers.

My comments on your comments

jbw...... Thank you for 'Rainbow Bridge' which I am sure will bring comfort to bereaved pet owners. For my taste it was rather sugary and cloying I'm afraid.

Bob .... As you know, I only have one actual 'field' but that can be located anywhere. On reflection, perhaps I have two. One is a 'field' and the other is a 'small enclosure'.

The fact that I could not find a bird feeder-stand anywhere was nature's way of telling me I prefer the feeders hanging in the Rowan Tree anyway. The fact that sometimes I can't see the birds clearly enough to photograph them is but a minor hitch.

Jill .... I hope you will enjoy your Morrisons. Like Debra you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices and also the quality and range of goods. It is our favourite Supermarket.

I can easily understand your reaction to Rainbow Bridge and my 'comment' above should not in anyway be interpreted as a put-down.

Helen C .... I think your comment will be much appreciated by both Rob and Bob. It is over a year since Ralph died but I know how much Bob misses him still.

Your remarks about the silliness of the 'dog rescue' 70yr limit are absolutely right. There are so many 40yr olds who are not fit to have a dog and many at 70+ who would be ideal. Often more so because they have the time and the commitment.

Tilly .... Great to have you commenting!

Thanks very much for the update on the Great Tit chicks. I guess that, by Thursday when I collect Grandma, the situation may have changed again. Lets hope there are no more casualties.

We would all love a picture of them outside the nest box.

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Quotation time ..... While I was looking up a quation for May I came across this old dictum, known to all Bee-keepers ........

"A swarm in May
Is worth a load of hay;
A swarm in June
Is worth a silver spoon;
A swarm in July
Ain't worth a fly."

The reasoning behind it is that a swarm (usually around 18,000) in July won't have time that year to grow into a honey producing colony. So you have to look after them, feed them if necessary, all for a nil return.

In the original Derbyshire version the 4th line read "Ain't come too soon"

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Sleep tight - catch you tomorrow


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Soggy Sunday - 12C - 24mph gusts again - French Weather

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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.

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Quotation time ........

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's"

Mark Twain

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Action-packed Tuesday - still a coldish wind

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Thought I'd better start with the Great Tit chicks, courtesy of Y, from Steve's Telly. Shame the nest-box camera isn't colour because you can just imagine those wide open yellow gapes. But gosh, the technology is wonderful enough anyway and who am I to knock Black & White ? Roy would probably say "It looks better anyway"

Nice photo Y and it records where the little family are now at.

This morning I had my regular blood test and then Brian came to sort out my printers. And what a difference he has made. We did a print on my old Epson (after he'd got it going) and then he adjusted the colours, minus a little magenta to rid the clouds of a pinky tinge, then adjustments to cyan and yellow to rid the greens of a blue-ey cast, and the difference is truly remarkable. And he decided that the problem with the HP was probably simply that the black cartridge had expired.

This afternoon I was at the obesity-clinic and I have regained over 2lbs. At least it reassured my 'advisor' that my weight-loss IS due to changing the amount I ate and not due to some underlying or worrying cause. So, back to more rigorous eating habits.

Picture 2 is part of the steel-band from yesterday and is again, courtesy of Y's new camera. The band was actually about 3 times this size and filled the rest of the stage to the left (the bit shown was about a third).

TJ had organised this item, see Y's comment. And all in all the event was a great success and Steven in his role as Chairman, did extremely well. But Oh Boy ! did he work hard. Well done.

I enjoyed my picture-judging contribution which, Steve assured me had "gone down a storm!" - (I think that is good?) and that everyone had much appreciated my hand-written comments on their entry cards. I only put comments on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each category - not on all 50+.

Picture 3 is from David and family at Whitby. They have returned now but had a super time.

They caught crabs and enjoyed the Morris Dancers.

Their Caravan was based at Low Moor nr Sneaton and, from the look of the website, seems well up to normal Caravan Club standards. Which ARE high and well justify the annual subscription in my opinion.

As David says re Robin Hood's Bay/Whitby I would have speed-control difficulties going down the hill to the sea-front. He says nothing about the return journey.

This evening was the last National Trust Tuesday lectures of the winter season and was an excellent talk, with films and slides, by Stuart Rose about the Historic Village of Laxton which is still farmed on the medieval 'strip system'. Stuart is Trustee of the Visitor Centre, among other responsibilities which you will understand better if you open the link. Lovely website which is a credit to its author. He came with 'assistants' and I suspect that the lady operating the Microsoft Powerpoint programme was that person.

Laxton is only a few miles from Bob and I believe he knows Stuart Rose.

We saw Peter and Jean and Colin and Margaret, Wendy and and and -- too many to mention. There was a certain attraction to being able to sit and gossip without tearing up raffle tickets, counting money, making notes to thank the speaker and all of Y's previous multifarious jobs.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to WoW and, as usual we are meeting at Reg's just before 10am to decide on a 'place to go'.

My responses to your previously made comments

Helen C .... Trust me ! The Atrium picture will do well for you.

Re words ..... 'Lapidary' seems a fair swap for 'Eidetic' (in your e-mail)

Garages are strange things. Y always hopes that ours can remain tidy whereas I consider it a place in which to store things. I think Reg once said that you keep lengths of wood knowing you will need them one day. And then when you do, each piece is just 6 inches too short. Most young people think it reasonable to have £12,000 worth of car standing on the drive whilst the garage is full of £120 worth of junk.

Yvonne .... Thanks for your report on the Carnival. A great success indeed. And great credit to your boy.

Bob ..... Thanks for your Gar(b)age photo. Space limitations are the only reason it isn't 'blogged'.

Like you my knowledge of Rimbaud is limited. I suppose I must have read something of his, in an anthology or something. But nothing that hit me between the eyes. His wiki page describes him as a French libertine and a restless soul - so he might be worth a dib into.

Pete .... I think Y could set up a garage-tidying service ! But its the travel you know and I'm not sure I could release her just at the moment.

Thanks for the swing bridge picture. Again - pressures of space ......

Jill ..... Thats a good thing about 'Golden Slumbers' - it seems to have spawned a host of versions.

Re Yvonne and Garages...... I'm afraid she can't be spared at present. Far too much to do looking after me. I hope your planned 'meet' comes to pass while she is down your way. And I know she would really like to see Barbara again.

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It's nearly 11pm and I'm too tired to dig out a quotation


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Beset by problems - Wet and windy - Blood Test

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This is a 'blogger experiment'. I won't bore you with technical details but by ticking a 'none' button I have managed to display 4 separate images side by side so each should be responsive to a 'click' and thereby enlarge to a readable size. So far so good. This blend appealed to me in Bulwell Morrisons and it is very pleasant. A mash-up of Assam, and Darjeeling with a hint of fermented Oolong. Interesting and attractive flavour. Mentioned in my big 'Tea' book

The problem of the day stems from my routine INR blood test first thing this morning. Around mid-afternoon the Clinic rang to say my INR level had rocketed to 6.5 from its proper level of 3. The last time this happened I had to be admitted till they got it down. But this time I have been counselled to miss completely my Warfarin this evening and I am booked in for another test at 10.25am tomorrow. And they will play it from there.

And I was desperately keen to WoW tomorrow and all the arrangements had been finalised. The walk is being led by Helen C, in her familiar territory of Cromford where she is a volunteer guide at Awkright's Mill. Reg had worked out where I could park and take snaps in Cromford without moving far and in any case I know it quite well and would like a record-shot or two of the pond, and the Mill itself etc. My first thought was that WoW was out, but Y suggested that, after my blood test, I could drive over to Cromford and join them on their return from their walk. Moreover she would come with me for supervision purposes. She will enjoy it anyway because they all make a fuss of her. So that is the plan. No doubt we will finish up at the Cliff Inn which is always popular. The link is to the best site I could find.

I won't detail the rest of the problems. Final AGM Minutes for the National Trust. The document insisted on reformatting itself into 'red' half way through. Then we had paper-feed problems again. All surmounted. My Epson scanner has gone on a playing-up outing. It simply won't scan. It keeps telling me that Microsoft has encountered a problem and needs to close. But it won't tell me what the problem is. This has the hallmarks of a Brian S problem and fortunately I'm seeing him tomorrow. All being well.

The Chaffinch on the left was snapped through the kitchen window. I thought it first it was some strange sub-specie with a tuft on top of his head. But the tuft is merely a piece of twig behind his head. Never mind, he is a cheery chappie and at the moment I'm using the image as my 'desktop' because my 'icons' sit nicely in the kitchen-blind at the top of the frame - it looks 'made-for-the-job'.

The day hasn't been completely negative. At 3.20pm I had an appointment at the 'obesity clinc' and Amanda was pleased with me. On her proven scales, wearing the same clothes and shoes as last time, I have lost 5lbs in the fortnight. Not a lot but a sound start - she said. I no longer need to keep my food diary, which she went through with me, and I am to c0ntinue along the same lines. Mainly - smaller portions ! And I am to return in two weeks time.

My responses to your previous comments

JBW ..... I think Bob is a little older than you. But he never seems i, t and prefers not to brag about it.

Yvonne .... I also can remember old fashioned roneo skins and cranking those enormous machines which technicians visited to service. And the alterations in the skins that were sometimes necessary. We had a girl whose nickname was 'Snow-pake Sally'.

Helen C ..... Obviously the Dogues de Bordeaux owners are not of the responsible persuasion. Do your other neighbours share your concerns. It just isn't right that you should have to change your route.

The 'bird of paradise' is a fitting name for the flower. It really is like a bird with a pronounced beak and a tuft on top of its head. Rather more pronounced than my little Chaffinch.

A quick google seemed to suggest there is a flower called an Ecum - but the site was in French and time . etc.. If 'nifty-googler' chances by, he may help.

Jill ..... I think we agree about Yellowstone. Worth watching for the pictures. Y and I decided ages ago that what we really like is a 'lecture with pictures'. About almost anything that keeps our interest. The guy-ser geezers were off putting, but so weird as to be nearly compelling.

Y has always enjoyed Trout, and I don't dislike it. Prefer Salmon and really fresh Cod though. Caught by rod/line from a beach in Norfolk in November is good.

Bob ..... I like the idea herein that Moses must have been under the influence of hallucinogenic substances when he witnessed the 'burning bush' . Now that would explain an awful lot I think.

You are quite right about document transfer by 'memory stick'. I experiment too much. I admit it.

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Quotation time ...... I always want to live in the present, with hopes and aims for the future, so this appealed to me .....

"I have a lot of great memories, but I can't imagine anything more exciting than the life I have now."

Rob Lowe

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"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow"


And now, by popular demand
Another Cartoon from our Squiffy's Mutliple Sclerosis excellent site