tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868479694867337992024-02-17T19:51:08.152+00:00Bonnie of ClydeWorking towards living the dream.Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-53292366441850734542017-07-11T13:31:00.001+01:002017-07-11T14:00:00.049+01:00DaisyAfternoon everyone, I would like you to meet Daisy who was born a week ago. She is absolutely beautiful and the perfect baby who only wakes once in the night to be fed. Her older brother Bobby is being very helpful and has completely taken a new sister in his stride ❤️<div><br>
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I am on the last few days of working this term and am seriously looking forward to the holidays. We are planning a trip to Wales and then I am off to Edinburgh to visit a friend. I am hoping to take in some of the Edinburgh Festival. Apart from the arrival of Daisy, we have had my Mum's 80th Birthday and shortly we have Mum and Dad's 60th Wedding Anniversary. I have organised the telegram from the Queen for them, but unfortunately she can't come to the party! For my overseas friends, the telegram is a real thing and is sent to everyone celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. So things are quite busy round here.<br>
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The allotment is going great guns and at the moment I have broad beans coming out of my ears. I have spent many hours recently podding and freezing the blasted things (although I do love them really). Soon it will be the tomatoes turn and then the runner beans. Why can't the crops space themselves out a bit more? Very inconsiderate.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXa-FLpZFzjGWC0KyQ8HcpPYU8OItZFIJhQnZajURFXs4Y8teSSdYZIB0uYcRduKHKcLNd9dTm3Fg39zzY2Aysm5JwFlNKltGlp0Bi4_tKJq5NA0c5nmWQIXnN09mpHqGjKdmhKQmi1E/s640/blogger-image--637450040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXa-FLpZFzjGWC0KyQ8HcpPYU8OItZFIJhQnZajURFXs4Y8teSSdYZIB0uYcRduKHKcLNd9dTm3Fg39zzY2Aysm5JwFlNKltGlp0Bi4_tKJq5NA0c5nmWQIXnN09mpHqGjKdmhKQmi1E/s640/blogger-image--637450040.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp1gpuyGX3nxM-lpXi25CTQlOxJKJ5HSo-Z0-HTLY27kJilC2yjVCzXHI3IA_BlK3U85HO29oyW_7PelNZBFUKUlh-TUourIROdpeUtmjnXU_ggu_KKKZv5J78Meh4toaz10BWo0ZGe4/s640/blogger-image-1588843476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp1gpuyGX3nxM-lpXi25CTQlOxJKJ5HSo-Z0-HTLY27kJilC2yjVCzXHI3IA_BlK3U85HO29oyW_7PelNZBFUKUlh-TUourIROdpeUtmjnXU_ggu_KKKZv5J78Meh4toaz10BWo0ZGe4/s640/blogger-image-1588843476.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
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I like to grow plants in pots on the barge decks and along the towpath, but watering them was a pain. Seven watering cans a time up the stairs and out was killing my poor old back. So my lovely husband put a double hose connection on the water tap/inlet and now my life is so much easier, he's not so bad I think I may hold on to him a while longer.<br>
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Two mornings a week I teach in Dovercourt and from the window I can see the sea and watch all the ships and yachts sailing by. In this glorious weather it is absolute torture for me to be stuck inside, I just want to be out there on the water. I love getting home and chilling on deck. It is like being on permanent holiday and I really couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Back soon folks xxx<br>
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<br></div></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-72402184999934011192017-06-15T09:07:00.000+01:002017-06-15T09:15:10.860+01:00Early Summer BreakWe have been off in the tent again and I bet you can't guess where from this photo!<br>
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We started the week in Chichester which is a beautiful city with some wonderful shops. The countryside around was fabulous and Alfie was very, very happy on the beach. The campsite was not so good but we had to stay a couple of nights because unfortunately we had a funeral to go to in Guildford. My lovely Aunt Maureen passed away at the beginning of May. She was very talented and artistic and made all the family's wedding cakes. I like to think that she is now up there making cakes for the angels whilst giving them a good laugh regaling her adventures of bungee jumping, white water rafting etc. RIP Maureen.<br>
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So once the funeral was done, we moved to Tenterden, to a lovely site in the countryside with woodland walks, so much more us. We spent a few days chilling and exploring Rye, Dungerness and outlying villages. We would certainly return as it is only an hour and a half from home and the area has a lot to offer. The great thing about going to 'monied' areas are the quality of the charity shops, my type of shopping! We didn't have a very good internet or phone connection and it was actually quite nice to be offline for a few days.<br>
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I didn't intend to watch the election but once the exit polls came out, that was it, an all nighter in front of the tv. Jeremy Corbyn did so well and gave the Tories a real thrashing. But what a mess it all is now, we must be the laughing stock of the world, even Trump has ditched us (mind you that could actually be counted as a badge of honour!). I really hope that they get it sorted soon, this country is on its knees with austerity and cuts. The cuts have come back to bite the Tories in light of all the tragic events that we have had recently. So many people dying or injured, our thoughts must be with them all and their families.<br>
<br>We are waiting with much excitement for the birth of our newest granddaughter, any day now. A little sister to Bobby, who will be considerably outnumbered with three girlie cousins.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NVOFeDjUNiszNtscMHRUPpTj1oan8dh8_BeX6BJOHbQXvEmYJ4UQTd3mNlsrtvmUmAaqf1xXW_6MxJHQAERCAgttTtg4nHvh9osam3dRv2N4k_EgFz2hW1i1_hsIcn_hvO30-iMcC24/s640/blogger-image--2098807904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NVOFeDjUNiszNtscMHRUPpTj1oan8dh8_BeX6BJOHbQXvEmYJ4UQTd3mNlsrtvmUmAaqf1xXW_6MxJHQAERCAgttTtg4nHvh9osam3dRv2N4k_EgFz2hW1i1_hsIcn_hvO30-iMcC24/s640/blogger-image--2098807904.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLxMcHwi1cEGopuph6EvM-KusSgj2jpMDR9_acUl12Cq6VDDNyB4tCgYzgIoLLTtWCX0UDGUeRkj824YQY9BQseIAfFzCv_DdYe5zxLunmfHHoEqug7PJWZcKJGddIspxcTTYOpwZ32Y/s640/blogger-image--394614010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLxMcHwi1cEGopuph6EvM-KusSgj2jpMDR9_acUl12Cq6VDDNyB4tCgYzgIoLLTtWCX0UDGUeRkj824YQY9BQseIAfFzCv_DdYe5zxLunmfHHoEqug7PJWZcKJGddIspxcTTYOpwZ32Y/s640/blogger-image--394614010.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I will spend Saturday morning catching up with all your blogs, but just wanted to check in so that you didn't think I'd disappeared again. Speak soon xxx</div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-59883030783142420392017-05-20T21:32:00.002+01:002017-05-22T06:31:16.482+01:00Strange WeatherFirst of all we had no proper rain for weeks and I was getting very worried about my baby plants at the allotment. Then we had a month's worth of rain in two days. Last night I took Alfie for his evening constitutional and this was the sky ahead of me.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOvS1jgzZ9U_ALhvFuK-yW2L7LXYpdN9vOHOt95-nvt579IzQsCtufPyonuY9zpDzOnu_xptBsl11qPOTabZGxnrnTiWGf3NlPBv0AjnxG6FheFfj7Yl8R9xBtw-9Nv6j2y9GWRzsGNM/s640/blogger-image-913404663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOvS1jgzZ9U_ALhvFuK-yW2L7LXYpdN9vOHOt95-nvt579IzQsCtufPyonuY9zpDzOnu_xptBsl11qPOTabZGxnrnTiWGf3NlPBv0AjnxG6FheFfj7Yl8R9xBtw-9Nv6j2y9GWRzsGNM/s640/blogger-image-913404663.jpg"></a></div><br>
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When I turned round to head home, this was the Colour of the sky the other way.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rJ3jgGN_bCbKt025FMQbJ3xJT6iNeOOZKZCs062BnLqMSzJ94MIxOopHOi7QkiW5WBx7wqqJlBCWHT3JmKt7hye32VeDiPdTU6FPc-faMzpgbdfUSju5EqyTzOxQsoUKztcpLuIo0GM/s640/blogger-image-2111376373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rJ3jgGN_bCbKt025FMQbJ3xJT6iNeOOZKZCs062BnLqMSzJ94MIxOopHOi7QkiW5WBx7wqqJlBCWHT3JmKt7hye32VeDiPdTU6FPc-faMzpgbdfUSju5EqyTzOxQsoUKztcpLuIo0GM/s640/blogger-image-2111376373.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Unfortunately the dark skies followed me home and we had even more rain. You just can't win!</div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-65065797412431615212017-05-20T11:27:00.000+01:002017-05-20T11:35:57.607+01:00KessinglandLast weekend we went away with friends to Kessingland. The site was chosen by them as it was a site that they really like and had been to several times. As it was an overnighter we decided to sleep in the van, which Pete has converted to a micro camper. We also have a small tent that goes up in seconds and which we can put all our bits in. We can back the van up to the door of the tent so it becomes almost one unit. Well, that was the plan.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtBhb3RHlC0xmH2kwWuuaK_Blq9U0oln-dSYfymyMiBAEIrCqVW1Akc1HxlD4KOPMAYvAZW6RRx35S1s1YEJmwvoErEeuL-V8c8Qq57t_2RRyhb7dVTYNG57vdDfxE9uEhkJOjnIeicY/s640/blogger-image--1687970326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtBhb3RHlC0xmH2kwWuuaK_Blq9U0oln-dSYfymyMiBAEIrCqVW1Akc1HxlD4KOPMAYvAZW6RRx35S1s1YEJmwvoErEeuL-V8c8Qq57t_2RRyhb7dVTYNG57vdDfxE9uEhkJOjnIeicY/s640/blogger-image--1687970326.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4x5A1EcowBKcMGVsuyR1Kc80CoLw5cz-eZFlNnbZd85RzakOjJGOwyHGRx2z7tcGuWl5vz-piRzM3iodmHG4CyPHNJwYqGUX5E00szsa9pbXwVqQbECS-GJC3LvpP__ciWnzUwzHk9U/s640/blogger-image--584677810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4x5A1EcowBKcMGVsuyR1Kc80CoLw5cz-eZFlNnbZd85RzakOjJGOwyHGRx2z7tcGuWl5vz-piRzM3iodmHG4CyPHNJwYqGUX5E00szsa9pbXwVqQbECS-GJC3LvpP__ciWnzUwzHk9U/s640/blogger-image--584677810.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
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Our friends had said there was a good pub next to the site that served good food. Great we thought. Anyhow we arranged to meet them in the pub, which turned out to be like a sports bar with pool tables, live music etc. Not a quaint little pub that the UK is renowned for. Things went from there. We pulled into the camp site (which was huge) and before we said a word, a little jobsworth came out and said 'I hope you are not sleeping in the van, it's illegal as it has no windows and curtains'. Who knew it was 'illegal', maybe against site or council rules but certainly not against the law of the land! He took a look at Alfie and said 'the dog has to be kept on a lead', fair enough but it was the way he said it. Another couple were due to join us but the lady had only come out of the hospital that morning after having had a reaction to chemotherapy. But the jobsworth explained that as she was now out of hospital we couldn't get the deposit back (we should have lied!) The children in a nearby camper were not allowed to play ball and apparently our BBQ was not the regulatory height off the ground. So many rules for old rebels like us! The final nail in the coffin was the two great big wind turbines each side of the camp, whirring away.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh82eGVh2vivx83d6ivDjAzhokShyBGpyG43jlzogZw_eSp1u9QSLg4__-sfLy9dWpKmvUn0haJGUIxUdls6q-iski6lZRNS5k1iVtDP9TaVzrWmTbsHMoDR83k3JH8DQdSacOuOp-xFg/s640/blogger-image--583787842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh82eGVh2vivx83d6ivDjAzhokShyBGpyG43jlzogZw_eSp1u9QSLg4__-sfLy9dWpKmvUn0haJGUIxUdls6q-iski6lZRNS5k1iVtDP9TaVzrWmTbsHMoDR83k3JH8DQdSacOuOp-xFg/s640/blogger-image--583787842.jpg"></a></div><br>
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If it had been just Pete and I, we would have told him where to put his deposit and left, but our friends were so keen and we didn't want to upset them, so we laughed it off. We did have a lovely BBQ that evening and played Rummikup, which was a game new to us but we loved it so much I have bought a travel version for us to play. We put the van side-on to the tent and crept into the van under cover of darkness. It was like being in a nest and I had the best night's sleep. We couldn't have slept in the tent as the sound from the turbines was like camping on the runway at Heathrow airport.<br>
We went to a boot sale the next morning and picked up a couple of bargains and then made our escape as soon as we could without being rude. We will not be returning to Kessingland and next time we will pick the site!<br>
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Next weekend we are off to Hampshire and staying in the grounds of a seamen's mission. I keep telling Pete that we can book his place while we are there. Will keep you up to date.<br>
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Oh and here is a gratuitous picture of a Pete trying to talk Alfie into going for a walk in the rain. Alfie was so comfortable that in the end Pete gave up!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB07vVCAmaNeu7QyDNm8BNQz1XeALYNl6RV_YeQ0VipL8kr-zqD-nF3-N2aXftQwGO41sxhTtpGZMHbVVYwKbFjiSre4IAoXKQhElll4z304eKszXzQ_v76E4GuZ1GJxSji2djqPkI5G0/s640/blogger-image--1542209829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB07vVCAmaNeu7QyDNm8BNQz1XeALYNl6RV_YeQ0VipL8kr-zqD-nF3-N2aXftQwGO41sxhTtpGZMHbVVYwKbFjiSre4IAoXKQhElll4z304eKszXzQ_v76E4GuZ1GJxSji2djqPkI5G0/s640/blogger-image--1542209829.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-25017179236117212112017-05-12T09:35:00.001+01:002017-05-12T09:40:01.460+01:00UpdateWe have had a busy couple of weeks, lots of paid work for me and unpaid work for Pete (well he is a pensioner now!). The mast on Carpe Diem has finally gone up today after two years. It is quite scary to watch but also looks magnificent. It seems such a shame to sell her, but we have new adventures to go on.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ_tBh0nQE4Zui_UMZ4qyuJLcvI59-z3kOBxBynj3tRZLfSFlrML7NfY9l9nf0XJt42KbT5HQ-yjB3mii-rpGI4XMtI3YTI_b0G8TKGOYL7AqMLBRVnVuEqi8VSzddyXZWEmao9ghbwM/s640/blogger-image-1717346295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ_tBh0nQE4Zui_UMZ4qyuJLcvI59-z3kOBxBynj3tRZLfSFlrML7NfY9l9nf0XJt42KbT5HQ-yjB3mii-rpGI4XMtI3YTI_b0G8TKGOYL7AqMLBRVnVuEqi8VSzddyXZWEmao9ghbwM/s640/blogger-image-1717346295.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Every morning about 0600, Pete feeds two ducks by throwing suet pellets and mealworms over the side. The other day he was not feeling too good so got up really late. The ducks had obviously got fed up with waiting and were on deck, tapping at the back door. Cheeky little mites! Before you ask Pete is fine now. As you can see, we have beautifully wide decks. This is one of the features that attracted us to the barge in the first place. They look at bit scruffy now, but we are planning on going over to Bradwell so that the barge can be lifted out, hull and decks shotblasted and painted. When will depend on selling Carpe Diem as it will not be a cheap job. We will have her surveyed again at the same time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3VtZjV6WTaWPywQwnbZfOpsyxZC0UqthSRCVJyqmo4CdgDFlEgphT8Ujf7TcsgWFXjRtoPjMwNTy2n43IZCFfoWzn75IVGpU3yd05od8SVQhfDYSYFkU7V_G4wH-wKfNxcKxamN-D_Y/s640/blogger-image-1446420123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3VtZjV6WTaWPywQwnbZfOpsyxZC0UqthSRCVJyqmo4CdgDFlEgphT8Ujf7TcsgWFXjRtoPjMwNTy2n43IZCFfoWzn75IVGpU3yd05od8SVQhfDYSYFkU7V_G4wH-wKfNxcKxamN-D_Y/s640/blogger-image-1446420123.jpg"></a></div><br>
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One of my new jobs is in Dovercourt, right down on the seafront. I don't know how I am going to concentrate when my working view is like this.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdiJmlpRzzrJiKT7usAfuITsF7WOHGOUa6Jvmq1Hj-j4_A5kvdtkaZfooqheqcUrZdjBi3dMElji3VhMBQSrLSStfYLDc_rSj4NhsRgfbR_LD89elF3IEcvkAEi6SWYGhl4iLUK33Nh0/s640/blogger-image-1224447346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdiJmlpRzzrJiKT7usAfuITsF7WOHGOUa6Jvmq1Hj-j4_A5kvdtkaZfooqheqcUrZdjBi3dMElji3VhMBQSrLSStfYLDc_rSj4NhsRgfbR_LD89elF3IEcvkAEi6SWYGhl4iLUK33Nh0/s640/blogger-image-1224447346.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnuscbexkuRN5QiqJAs1dAods1VSbRivAMYBwnmgyYztpAVErMf2sHD_VxvFofgflTIQBgK5aMOs2iBT9J5x_ZfKMiSzICfogQGdIPdkL_iILBNq5EUivflSBdNcSeLixQttDvsH-D_s/s640/blogger-image-1059177008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnuscbexkuRN5QiqJAs1dAods1VSbRivAMYBwnmgyYztpAVErMf2sHD_VxvFofgflTIQBgK5aMOs2iBT9J5x_ZfKMiSzICfogQGdIPdkL_iILBNq5EUivflSBdNcSeLixQttDvsH-D_s/s640/blogger-image-1059177008.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-64514549560004453732017-04-22T07:57:00.001+01:002017-04-22T08:05:02.690+01:00This & That<div><br></div>We are back from our holiday and back to work. I have taken on a few more teaching sessions for the next six weeks until the GCSEs. I am saving the extra money to buy a polytunnel for the allotment so that I can extend the growing season. Apart from an abundance of rhubarb, I have had a very special harvest. Five years ago I planted some asparagus crowns and nothing came of them. Last year I threw a load of chive seeds into what I thought was a redundant bed. Well, asparagus obviously like chives because this year it has begun poking its head through the soil. Here are my first ever two asparagus spears and more will be ready later in the week. Unfortunately, I adore asparagus but a few years ago I developed quite a violent reaction whenever I ate it, so now I am growing it just for Pete.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v_ZNmGV9XEvSRrMWA7iHm24ia-gOxB1JDNQ5QOXfdDIkRe50tkvgapAEBFAR-9WV4bn-yy-0vB-IUF6Hycaa3WIsXza_mpo2ZuT5zZnXF4gNbbhK2i7jTfg4GGfcJRCxE0QQ4JrsQIw/s640/blogger-image-1064156916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v_ZNmGV9XEvSRrMWA7iHm24ia-gOxB1JDNQ5QOXfdDIkRe50tkvgapAEBFAR-9WV4bn-yy-0vB-IUF6Hycaa3WIsXza_mpo2ZuT5zZnXF4gNbbhK2i7jTfg4GGfcJRCxE0QQ4JrsQIw/s640/blogger-image-1064156916.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Easter weekend was busy preparing for teaching the following week, but we did get Easter Monday out. All my boys, their wives and my grandchildren joined us at The East Anglian Railway Museum for a Thomas the Tank Engine Event. It was a fabulous day and the kids loved it. They rode on the different trains, played in the playground, walked round the very child friendly exhibits and watched Dusty and Rusty performing their daft antics. Young Bobby was particularly taken with the model railway layouts and kept going back to watch them going round and round. My Mum and Dad joined us for our picnic. All in all, a fabulous day out, precious memories.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMcUmNvTMYeO067UQI_wMGNUVoHLd5WXXub74sDgaA2oGxyxlpOQQO68a0f38O8VGyxgzdgjRHkaU8t7XvwSia-KztM6VhVAYpukjt32C-FFuCiNqlD2oK0VCuaC75WMOxvB6Z034Ezg/s640/blogger-image-1309046462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMcUmNvTMYeO067UQI_wMGNUVoHLd5WXXub74sDgaA2oGxyxlpOQQO68a0f38O8VGyxgzdgjRHkaU8t7XvwSia-KztM6VhVAYpukjt32C-FFuCiNqlD2oK0VCuaC75WMOxvB6Z034Ezg/s640/blogger-image-1309046462.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LBqkwykzvD1dTujPrUFhCCS7_fyAAGEu55CtlQNh4sasdoiIexeib4XBIgrUS-uezanl3FU9O-s9B21UNt6jH5g9H_MhT06rWxnz5pmcTHujtzYvjQtaX-FbMCmd9YC3GGU2gfKw5gI/s640/blogger-image-176010774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LBqkwykzvD1dTujPrUFhCCS7_fyAAGEu55CtlQNh4sasdoiIexeib4XBIgrUS-uezanl3FU9O-s9B21UNt6jH5g9H_MhT06rWxnz5pmcTHujtzYvjQtaX-FbMCmd9YC3GGU2gfKw5gI/s640/blogger-image-176010774.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
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And finally a picture of my boys - Lads On Tour at Thomas the Tank Engine (how times change as they grow up!). I am so proud of these boys and my heart swells every time I look at this picture xxx</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkhL0a4w7l6GHbo9dQV3f4Ukt2_4V-euOQD1E8IYkU6W0ouGz2-u9ICw6Rdt3hrcq9PDv0nlDXK7xMD0s9G9DAKfpzEgEssJJ-KOc9OzisdEzdYqhzCc5rgpkIBcNdHVcCbdAgP91juQ/s640/blogger-image-341397249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkhL0a4w7l6GHbo9dQV3f4Ukt2_4V-euOQD1E8IYkU6W0ouGz2-u9ICw6Rdt3hrcq9PDv0nlDXK7xMD0s9G9DAKfpzEgEssJJ-KOc9OzisdEzdYqhzCc5rgpkIBcNdHVcCbdAgP91juQ/s640/blogger-image-341397249.jpg"></a></div><br>
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<br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-82566363187641211672017-04-11T15:58:00.000+01:002017-04-11T16:01:25.133+01:00Dunwich & LeistonFirst thing today we went to the village of Dunwich. A very pretty little village with a population of about 100 people. It is hard to believe but this place in Medieval times was actually a city and the capital of East Anglia. It had a thriving fishing industry with 40-50 boats, a shipbuilding industry that supplied Richard I with 20 ships when he went to war, merchants from all over the world settled there and it had 12 churches, a fortress and a leper's hospital. Slowly over the years, the sea claimed the land at a rate of 80 metres per century and now it is a quintessentially English village. Such a shame. There is a lovely little museum that tells the whole sorry tale. Not the best picture, but the gateway to the only existing church in Dunwich.<div>
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Then we went onto Leiston Abbey which is just down the road from where we are staying. We wouldn't have found this except for the Ordnance Survey Map, so glad we bought it. The Abbey dates back to 1136 and must have been enormous. Good old Henry VIII sent it into ruins and eventually a farmhouse was built alongside. The Abbey ruins are now being preserved and you can see the magnificence of it all. The buildings are managed by a music school and as we were walking around the very peaceful site, we could hear some beautiful music being played through an open window.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbV2MANWQ3nhqQLH8aosbMT_pGXqGVaCBtRCOlDbVMI2yQ0zlR4xaumsyOrSkTfixnqATCKuEaGwvD8ebfvbDS9D2qavc7noKYFYbfN0OmqDEGeDhFpcFa61nmDmR5Ao5IqHEfFExEZw/s640/blogger-image-1968197742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbV2MANWQ3nhqQLH8aosbMT_pGXqGVaCBtRCOlDbVMI2yQ0zlR4xaumsyOrSkTfixnqATCKuEaGwvD8ebfvbDS9D2qavc7noKYFYbfN0OmqDEGeDhFpcFa61nmDmR5Ao5IqHEfFExEZw/s640/blogger-image-1968197742.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX2wIjFJ-UvOP3kRCdpnF5GgPybzENGvT5UA0aZmQwBhFTXBHMry6fodihKuxh9oDdHm_4shkyAloQAi5FlBa_eNdvIYa6YUEAEjWVqxxheDTQSfKJ0r7dJgi2QrvqnNcKWTqwciTQ00/s640/blogger-image--1607603032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX2wIjFJ-UvOP3kRCdpnF5GgPybzENGvT5UA0aZmQwBhFTXBHMry6fodihKuxh9oDdHm_4shkyAloQAi5FlBa_eNdvIYa6YUEAEjWVqxxheDTQSfKJ0r7dJgi2QrvqnNcKWTqwciTQ00/s640/blogger-image--1607603032.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>
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Tomorrow my son is coming to join us with his wife and my granddaughter, so we are off to Aldeburgh for some seaside fun.</div>
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Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-84705756360021722262017-04-10T19:35:00.000+01:002017-04-10T19:35:41.146+01:00Snape MaltingsAfter spending half a day driving around deepest Suffolk looking for a 30mm spanner, two jubilee clips and two lengths of hose, we ended up not having a lot of time for adventures. However, we did pay a visit to Snape Maltings. All I knew was that there was a concert hall and a lot of old buildings here. The buildings were beautiful and have been very sympathetically restored. They were originally barley maltings and the malt was shipped to breweries all across Europe. The cargo ships and barges came up the Alde to collect the malt. Today it is the main venue for the Aldeburgh Festival, which is an annual celebration of classical music. There was also a wonderful barge moored up, which of course caught our attention.<br />
There are also some lovely craft shops, food shops and boutiques within the complex. Mind you, it was so expensive, very much for all the foreign tourists. I don't care if the peanuts were grown in gold pots, I am not paying £9.50 for a jar of peanut butter! Prices are a bit steep round here. <br />
I popped into a bakery in Woodbridge for some bread. The chap in front of me asked for a sliced sandwich loaf, which was actually what I wanted. When the young lady handed it to him and asked for £2.70 my jaw hit the floor and I left. We have a really good bakers in Tollesbury (with the oldest bread oven in England) and the exact same loaf is £1.30. Both bakers could be considered artisan bakers but one is in a fashionable area and one isn't, I really don't know how they can justify the difference. I ended up buying some bread in Waitrose, which was very good and nowhere near as expensive.<br />
After a busy day we are shattered and Alfie has already taken himself off to bed. I shall not be long behind him, but Pete is listening to the Arsenal game on the radio before he turns in. I hope to goodness they win, I want him in a good mood tomorrow x<br />
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Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-81878190174293147542017-04-10T14:07:00.001+01:002017-04-10T14:12:39.447+01:00Spring BreakThe weather has been so lovely that we decided to take ourselves off and try out our new tent. So we headed for Suffolk, which is not too far from home but far enough away to be on holiday. We acutually read the instructions before we attempted to put the tent up and I have to say, we were pretty impressed with how quickly it went up.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCNEwm4pk8bHeUPiOQ6AT48v7TdtIoHKbra8U5aMJkDvCe78lMi_uXYMY0Wbli9gp7zJAJo_lrAoNipTU2ouskqn-rOXry66lR_KU46meQSI0uImZcO_acrHo91m3Jl1QH0HeZlWe0zM/s640/blogger-image-401042608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCNEwm4pk8bHeUPiOQ6AT48v7TdtIoHKbra8U5aMJkDvCe78lMi_uXYMY0Wbli9gp7zJAJo_lrAoNipTU2ouskqn-rOXry66lR_KU46meQSI0uImZcO_acrHo91m3Jl1QH0HeZlWe0zM/s640/blogger-image-401042608.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We have really made ourselves at home now. The new camp kitchen pictured with fruit bowl and kettle, the two essentials of life. Bunting put up, which Pete objected to and he also drew the line at my fairy lights! New sleeping bags laid out, these are heaven with their brushed cotton liners but I suspect they may be a bit warm in the summer. Pete forgot the spanner for the gas so the new cooker try out is going to have to wait until we find somewhere that sells the right sized spanner, but we do have the Safari Chef to cook on which is a great multi purpose bit of kit. This is camping in style, certainly not roughing it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcTiw9WVA-f8_zNfyvRnB3mLV8KVilW6TQTJAEMtfxN-gdLrkkS1KjKgYdJndee1a6LATbqrH777WQJLKG8vMy3P7DdZNL9S3GjteL-RdTu5U_S6nisShW4AZM9WbcYuecWFZHry_N_E/s640/blogger-image--100442486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcTiw9WVA-f8_zNfyvRnB3mLV8KVilW6TQTJAEMtfxN-gdLrkkS1KjKgYdJndee1a6LATbqrH777WQJLKG8vMy3P7DdZNL9S3GjteL-RdTu5U_S6nisShW4AZM9WbcYuecWFZHry_N_E/s640/blogger-image--100442486.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xd_fS3ex4wt8LHqY2F-woQaAGW0w8zw7UqKU8uv_7LUjp977j8cKN50G-4QbgykMw8EKstWDG2tU4QV4MtRvJGGPRLMEeCeMatvqsnXAAAlGZZfDE_PqokpDdOioE6Fn4a3StpD5s28/s640/blogger-image--1212123075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xd_fS3ex4wt8LHqY2F-woQaAGW0w8zw7UqKU8uv_7LUjp977j8cKN50G-4QbgykMw8EKstWDG2tU4QV4MtRvJGGPRLMEeCeMatvqsnXAAAlGZZfDE_PqokpDdOioE6Fn4a3StpD5s28/s640/blogger-image--1212123075.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today I bought an ordinance survey map of the area so later we are off on our adventures, finding all the little hidden gems. Will report back soon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oh, and I have my holiday reading. I have read this before and it is a brilliant book, worth reading again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF63YTlF82mrrofn57vRiujou5gbwoN9FWPc42l464Oey25R4LCfgK8LyJmOrwGP1Z-QLvGHFjstG1iwmGuaEgyGYULpRgjYBXdxwO3UC0AzwJfz3JSGJ0ZerM4Trw-4QuE7Ipuqjt5R8/s640/blogger-image--1486273996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF63YTlF82mrrofn57vRiujou5gbwoN9FWPc42l464Oey25R4LCfgK8LyJmOrwGP1Z-QLvGHFjstG1iwmGuaEgyGYULpRgjYBXdxwO3UC0AzwJfz3JSGJ0ZerM4Trw-4QuE7Ipuqjt5R8/s640/blogger-image--1486273996.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br>
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<br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-27250199851937692032017-04-06T14:38:00.000+01:002017-04-06T14:40:38.631+01:00More Allotment StuffThe weather has been so beautiful and I am on Easter Holidays. We are planning to try out our new tent next week, so I thought I had better spend some time at the allotment whilst I had the time. So I planted up a new strawberry bed. There are early, mid and late fruiting varieties, so hopefully we will have strawberries late into the autumn. The broad beans and peas are also in. There are another lot of broad beans in the allocated squash bed, I LOVE broad beans. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That is garlic you can see in the background. I found those little wellies in a skip and it seemed such a shame that they had just been discarded, so now I grow flowers in them, they seem happy.</span><br>
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I do a sort of planting plan each year, which always go to pot for various reasons, like a bed being ready for planting before the one that was planned for that veg type. But this year I am trying really hard to stick to it. I am also going to try some more experimenting with polyculture to try to confuse those damn cabbage white butterflies and other bugs that get to eat my veg before me! Polyculture is where you grow lots of different things in one bed, it is supposed to cut down on the weeding and keep the bugs away. Well, that's the theory, I'll let you know if it works. I have spent quite a lot of time over the winter reading about permaculture and polyculture, so now is the time to start putting some of it into practice. <br>
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I have planted a patio apple tree and a patio plum tree in large pots on the path to the barge. I figured if they were close to hand, I could keep them watered. Apparently they produce a lot of fruit for such little trees, we'll see.....<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKhNxCq30Dlcz_l1JYg3vX8JsdR3fTAIJ0Rd0CVTQLc6KNKJoohR0APz6YNxaY81Juf1sFzRFWLodM92O1DcGNfDHZ-l-YIioYZYj_DJvRev06GQqVQYFD8DrgcoZnBGwsPcYcPozRyc/s640/blogger-image-1170635153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKhNxCq30Dlcz_l1JYg3vX8JsdR3fTAIJ0Rd0CVTQLc6KNKJoohR0APz6YNxaY81Juf1sFzRFWLodM92O1DcGNfDHZ-l-YIioYZYj_DJvRev06GQqVQYFD8DrgcoZnBGwsPcYcPozRyc/s640/blogger-image-1170635153.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqVqAgQXHGoTKXX3_pVSUJRalosxnY1kC9aS-l9TrnaKC_VBRkJTTk3F2j9mxQqEycgw8-rIKb8uyg1xok6cyPTFPWSg-K0AWhCPp_Ssrp3e9ixum010pney2HQA5x2inXtFI-_0aoPE/s640/blogger-image--1061783808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqVqAgQXHGoTKXX3_pVSUJRalosxnY1kC9aS-l9TrnaKC_VBRkJTTk3F2j9mxQqEycgw8-rIKb8uyg1xok6cyPTFPWSg-K0AWhCPp_Ssrp3e9ixum010pney2HQA5x2inXtFI-_0aoPE/s640/blogger-image--1061783808.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
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<br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-41594950519925188602017-03-25T08:16:00.000+00:002017-03-25T08:16:30.130+00:00Feeling GratefulUntil Wednesday, this week was fairly mundane. I worked some extra hours (saving for a new polytunnel), I concentrated on healthy eating (you will gather from the pictures below that I love mushrooms!), I did a bit of babysitting (always a pleasure) and we went out for a fabulous dinner with friends to a local Gurkha restaurant.<br />
Then on Wednesday some jumped-up criminal decided to murder several innocent people in London. People going about their everyday lives, who were just looking forward to getting home to their families. This act of murder was personally very close to home to me, too close. As soon as I saw what was happening at Westminster, I picked up the phone to check all was okay, thankfully I got an answer. I feel sick to my stomach that another poor mother/wife didn't get the same answer. The police, NHS staff and other emergency staff/civilians that rushed towards the danger to help, deserve our utmost respect, they are the heroes of the day. The names of the victims should be remembered and broadcast, not the murderer, he was a nothing, not worthy of being remembered for anything.<br />
I am upset and angry, but my life carries on. I am so very thankful that my mundane world was not turned upside down like the families of the victims. I feel very blessed right now.<br />
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Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-82070170642049290732017-03-18T07:19:00.000+00:002017-03-18T07:22:38.118+00:00Spring has Sprung (and gone again!)We had a few days of beautiful spring weather this week and what a difference it makes to how one feels. Sunshine and some warmth in the air, suddenly makes you forget about the gloom of winter and the promise of summer seems just around the corner. I decided that my poor neglected allotment needed a spring clean in preparation for the growing season ahead.<br>
Unfortunately a few weeks ago I suffered from an attack of Sciatica. I have never had it before and was in agony. Luckily my wonderful physiotherapist friend immediately came to the rescue with her magic hands and took the pain right away. However, she also gave me a stern talking to about not doing any heavy lifting etc for quite a few weeks and especially whilst the treatment was still ongoing. Pete, my hero, has been doing all the vacuuming etc (do you think I can spin this out for a few months?!) and also offered to do the heavy work at the allotment.<br>
So after a few hours of him working and me 'directing', most of the raised beds are mulched and have a fresh cover of compost, although more compost is needed yet. The early potatoes are in, parsnips and beetroot sown and new raspberry canes planted. Instead of flowers for Mother's Day, my boys are going to do a bit more digging and spreading woodchip over the paths between the beds, they are such good lads.<br>
Last year I missed the main sowing and planting season as Mum was in hospital for 10 weeks and I was visiting every day, so I am looking forward to a more productive season this year. You cannot beat freshly harvested fruit and veg, the taste is so different.<br>
Only two more weeks until the Easter break and I cannot wait. One of the downfalls of being a teacher is that you spend half your time wishing your life away til the next holiday :)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WqEMT6Mz9_H8vRd8TkCvmMnRs5BqLzZ0v2Yg9lGOtsAzSZQ_lD4RdSuX9-ZpZrdcQMetw6oSpaJlLoLTJAxgM94MRpLviHhcT2g_0YQox8xX5pLw_RbwtiXT48YlMQabZxensIrq1tg/s640/blogger-image--356461739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WqEMT6Mz9_H8vRd8TkCvmMnRs5BqLzZ0v2Yg9lGOtsAzSZQ_lD4RdSuX9-ZpZrdcQMetw6oSpaJlLoLTJAxgM94MRpLviHhcT2g_0YQox8xX5pLw_RbwtiXT48YlMQabZxensIrq1tg/s640/blogger-image--356461739.jpg"></a></div><br>
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<br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-17062476984446827612017-03-12T05:57:00.000+00:002017-03-12T05:58:26.831+00:00Getting Ready For SpringI spend half my time moaning at Pete for not clearing up his tools in the wheelhouse, making it look more of a workshop than a pleasant living space. Now I have turned it into a greenhouse! My allotment greenhouse took a bit of a battering in storms over the winter and I lost several panels. I am going to replace it with a small polytunnel, but until then I needed somewhere light and warm for my precious baby seedlings. So the wheelhouse was the obvious place.<br>
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The only thing growing in the allotment at the moment is the garlic, which Scarlett helped me plant last year. Scarlett came with me to the garden centre last year to buy the garlic. I wanted white garlic at £1.99 for three bulbs, she wanted pink garlic at £1.99 for one bulb, so guess what I am growing? Yep, pretty pink garlic! We also harvested the new potatoes at the same time, which according to Scarlett, was like a treasure hunt. Later when we were eating them, she declared that they were the best potatoes she had ever had in her life (all three years of it!).<br>
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Anyway, I digress. Pete and I spent a couple of hours at the allotment, mulching and adding new compost to the raised beds, getting them ready for planting. This gave me the incentive to start sowing once we got back to the barge. I have soooo many seeds that I really must not buy any more this year, just use what I already have. However, any allotmenteer will tell you what an empty pledge that is - there are so many lovely looking new varieties to try each year, that it is nigh on impossible not to buy the odd packet, just to try you understand.<br>
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So this is the chart table right now and I haven't even started on the window sills!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSDcCnj9NtP7IyL5Jg7h5Oel3x7xiao7lEJQiIy3k3rHk95OlKwTgnzyOJ9vYWXpSgXRb18WYLdovQ5XOM4sivr62IoiiQ2SZs374T5XhqakgpN25yRYaGhvDQ4drSRSPVeDNNDOVzow/s640/blogger-image-1853821089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSDcCnj9NtP7IyL5Jg7h5Oel3x7xiao7lEJQiIy3k3rHk95OlKwTgnzyOJ9vYWXpSgXRb18WYLdovQ5XOM4sivr62IoiiQ2SZs374T5XhqakgpN25yRYaGhvDQ4drSRSPVeDNNDOVzow/s640/blogger-image-1853821089.jpg"></a></div><br>
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<br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-80329438304350544342017-03-11T08:26:00.000+00:002017-03-11T08:28:24.184+00:00A Teaching Day OutFor those that don't know, I teach children, that are for many reasons are not in school, on a one to one basis. Usually these lessons take place in the library or the child's home. I love this work as I have a certain amount of freedom and poetic licence with the core curriculum as I am also commissioned to teach life skills to many of these children.<br>
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Yesterday was a glorious spring day, much too nice to spend indoors so I decided that to take my young person to the East Anglian Railway Museum in Wakes Colne, Essex. I have never been here before, but what a fabulous place. We saw all sorts of different engines, carriages and wagons back to the invention of the railways. There is a huge restoration shed, with all sorts of trains in various states of repair, there are ticket offices, freight sorting offices and so on. It is very child friendly with lots and lots of hands on things to do and touch. You can clamber in and over most of the engines and carriages. The only thing was that I ended I feeling quite old that the trains of my youth are now deemed Museum pieces! <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I also learned more about the old line that ran to Tollesbury. It was called The Crab and Winkle Line as it used to carry the fresh crabs and oysters straight from the fishing boats to market. Sadly it was demolished in 1951.</span><br>
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Over the Easter period Thomas the Tank Engine comes to visit and there are lots of activities, including a train ride. I am thinking of taking the grandchildren, as they will absolutely love it, Bobby in particular is a huge Thomas fan.<br>
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But one job that desperately needed to be done was the wardrobe doors. The wood burning stove seems to produces soooo much dust, along with Tollesbury being the dustiest place on Earth (second to the Sahara perhaps). Consequently all our clothes in the wardrobe were always covered in dust. Clothes that were worn on a regular basis were okay, but anything else needed washing again before it could be worn. We decided on sliding doors as they take up less room. So Pete got to work and did his usual magic, transforming an area. It was quite funny before the stops were installed, as every time the tide came in or out the doors would open themselves, first time it happened was in the middle of the night. It made us jump as they are heavy doors that made quite a racket. The doors are fabulous, yet to be painted, but they do have nice crystal handles! I also took the opportunity to clear out clothes that really weren't worn or waiting for the day I could get back in to them, so the charity shop did well too. Sorry the pictures are not so good, it is very hard to show the doors off to their best. There are three doors on each side and the wardrobes are deep because they go underneath the decks. The second picture is of my 'accessory' wardrobe, how posh does that sound! But I definitely have too many shoes, bags, scarves etc I need to have a good clear out there xxx<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf_PnMi8EE4ojercEiRxTyEPRHTsBRFeZOXXDuopcUqphHSbi_ra9eGmdb-kbgug6f4Opmq-Ri06BZNDN1j3MgIk_0TRgcEiB4VUzArD3EbWRv9-phAVW8XvCi-ViMd2Snr3ghlpbkjU/s640/blogger-image-570365311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf_PnMi8EE4ojercEiRxTyEPRHTsBRFeZOXXDuopcUqphHSbi_ra9eGmdb-kbgug6f4Opmq-Ri06BZNDN1j3MgIk_0TRgcEiB4VUzArD3EbWRv9-phAVW8XvCi-ViMd2Snr3ghlpbkjU/s640/blogger-image-570365311.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjZHPXXknIhTNn5tzoC4jS_A9jNBdtpBiAe2fW4BEjdWRBEDWzqfcBxRVTWDNin_6s4owX0NI7sKN9rwTM7sJrHAWYnDjRM4lgJuOhTKAhyphenhyphenpHfzhRle6JKXMKL3Eg5vzkerOuZXimWoY/s640/blogger-image--44389752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjZHPXXknIhTNn5tzoC4jS_A9jNBdtpBiAe2fW4BEjdWRBEDWzqfcBxRVTWDNin_6s4owX0NI7sKN9rwTM7sJrHAWYnDjRM4lgJuOhTKAhyphenhyphenpHfzhRle6JKXMKL3Eg5vzkerOuZXimWoY/s640/blogger-image--44389752.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
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<br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-8944338313670292292017-03-05T08:37:00.001+00:002017-03-05T08:45:19.458+00:00HelloI decided to take a short break from blogging, however I admit it has been longer than I intended. I felt that the blog was just sort of drifting without any real direction. Other blogs that I follow often have 'themes' or some great ideas and amazing photography. My blog was a mish mash of shots of life here and I suppose when you are living the life, it doesn't seem that interesting. <br />
Pete and I also seemed to just be drifting along; working, eating and sleeping. For years our life had been about sailing, getting out as often as we could, going to new places and exploring. We thoroughly enjoyed that time in our lives and have some great memories to look back on. But for the past few years all our time has been taken up with the barge. Carpe Diem (our yacht) suffered when we lived on it full time and then took a battering during a storm when it was put back on its mooring. It is now out of the water being renovated and will shortly be put up for sale. We had to make a decision about whether to buy another (smaller) yacht or not. We decided on the not, but still felt that we needed to do something to add some spice to life. A campervan was our first choice, but to be honest, at the moment is a little out of our price range for something decent. Another option was a caravan, but Pete didn't fancy towing it and again, if we wanted to take it abroad it would prove more expensive.<br />
As you know, the last couple of years we have had some short breaks camping and have loved every minute of it. Our tent was bought second hand for £40 and has served us well, but there were just a few niggles with it. So we decided that for the next few years we would concentrate on camping. As we are getting a little older (!) we thought that we should make it as comfortable & easy as possible. So we have bought an amazing blow up tent that goes up in 10 minutes apparently, some super duper extra large, brushed cotton lined sleeping bags and a couple of beautifully padded chairs. The new tent has a sewn in ground sheet, carpet, a porch for cooking and sitting under and is big enough for at least a couple of grandchildren. I cannot tell you how excited I am that we are going to be off exploring and looking forward to our adventures. We plan on going away at Easter, though I think we may practise putting the tent up first so we don't look complete idiots!<br />
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I don't want you to think I am miserable because I am definitely not, life is actually good. The grandchildren are all great and growing up way too fast. I am very lucky to be able to spend a lot of time with all of them and have a great relationship with them. We have another granddaughter due in June and my Mum and Dad celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary in July. Pete reached the grand old age of 65 and now gets his state pension, unfortunately being 'considerably' younger than him and changes to the state pension age, I have to wait another 10 years before I get mine. But I do get my teachers pension in two years and eight months, not that I am counting, and I have dropped down to part time work. The government might think we should work until we drop, but blow that, we want to enjoy our retirement and enjoy it now!</div>
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So I have decided that my blog is just going to stay being a simple diary of a simple, but fulfilling, life along with all its ups and downs. Nothing fancy but then that's me all over. I am looking forward to catching up with all my blogging pals who I have neglected so badly in recent months, I have actually missed you all. Take care and speak soon. Oh, and here is a totally gratuitous picture of my wonderful grandchildren having a ball at Bobby's 2nd Birthday party xxx</div>
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Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-74898532071950375222016-08-16T10:24:00.002+01:002016-08-16T10:33:44.977+01:00Holiday comes to an end with a Bump!We had a lovely time during the last week of our holiday. We moved to a camp site near Hereford, which was very central to a lot of wonderful areas. We actually spent quite a lot of the time in Wales and it is definitely an area that we would like to go back and explore more. Our site was overlooked by the Black Mountains, which were magnificent.<br>
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We also spent a day in the Brecon Beacons, which were stunning. We got out of the car and walked and walked, the scenery was breathtaking.</div>
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I had forgotten to take my walking boots on holiday and walked the mountains in a really cute pair of cerise pink ballet pumps, which were immediately binned when we got back to the tent as they got so wet the sole fell off!</div>
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We also tried to get in to Merthyr Tydfil as I wanted to pay homage to Kier Hardy. However, the place was packed and we couldn't get parked anywhere, so we gave up and went into the Welsh Valleys. It was only later that we learned that the reason it was so busy was because Jeremy Corbyn was in town. I really wish we had made more effort to find a place to park as I would love to hear him speak. We really did have a lovely relaxing time on holiday and came back completely chilled, until......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div>
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.....my daft husband fell from the top of his ladder to the stony ground, hitting his side and back as he went down. Having spent his entire life running up and down ladders, Pete is well aware of ladder safety rules, he always ties his ladder off. Anyway, he had untied the ladder that was against the yacht when we went on holiday to prevent any theft, and was putting it back and was going to tie it off again. The ladder slipped on the stones and down Pete went, about 12ft. He has broken several ribs and punctured his lung and had to spend several days in hospital. He is in considerable pain and will be for sometime yet, but he is also aware that it could have been a lot worse. Pete is not one for sitting around doing nothing and I see problems ahead in keeping him down. Please send all jokes that I shall save for when he is being particularly difficult!</div>
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I have had enough of Broomfield Hospital this year, what with mum being in for several weeks and now Pete (funnily enough they were both in the same bed, not together obviously!). But once again, the staff did an amazing job especially considering the pressure they are under. I am always in awe about how cheerful and caring they are. So thanks again to the staff there. Oh, and to finish, I bought the girls little Welsh National costumes and Bobby a flat cap and waistcoat, so here is Jessica modelling her outfit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPMHGg2qixe9w63LSN473ryhqoo_dLyQVJGyf6TlnuUL0fgF9oufy62EmnAuoENm76THtsVRILaWTW6ui1oCfKIMDF1j8axLjxc583yycR5YIwTncZNJ9snw2RnJgC1XSSk3Gn7wI5uc/s640/blogger-image--1858665628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPMHGg2qixe9w63LSN473ryhqoo_dLyQVJGyf6TlnuUL0fgF9oufy62EmnAuoENm76THtsVRILaWTW6ui1oCfKIMDF1j8axLjxc583yycR5YIwTncZNJ9snw2RnJgC1XSSk3Gn7wI5uc/s640/blogger-image--1858665628.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Back soon ......hugs and kisses all.</span></div>
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<br>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-25475398160150541982016-08-05T06:39:00.001+01:002016-08-05T06:39:52.247+01:00More ExploringYesterday we took a trip north of Hereford to Weobley and Ludlow. Weobley (pronounced web-lee) is a beautiful little village. It is one of the 'black and white' villages and is so pretty. The Delacy's had a castle here in the 13th Century but they upset good old King John I and he confiscated all their land. All that is left of the castle are the earthworks. Brewing and glove making were the Saxon industries, although there is no evidence of this today. We had brunch in a really sweet little cafe that allowed Alfie in and served an excellent cup of tea. As you can see from the photo, I think summer has departed as we have not had any sunshine, just cloud for days.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsctR-7f8yFopeqfoSlqxAMUN_xnoJ0PQ2B9TOD025aponr7CtFBrlQldU9kzrfWiQ4kMKwqkk2OYf5J8riQTjay7dmSGhQnHQgTb5YQ1HWfj15XszCTuccO31QwS46MeUhpBgbf6RrwA/s640/blogger-image-710241694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsctR-7f8yFopeqfoSlqxAMUN_xnoJ0PQ2B9TOD025aponr7CtFBrlQldU9kzrfWiQ4kMKwqkk2OYf5J8riQTjay7dmSGhQnHQgTb5YQ1HWfj15XszCTuccO31QwS46MeUhpBgbf6RrwA/s640/blogger-image-710241694.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then moved on to Ludlow, which is a medieval town with another castle. The town had many really beautiful medieval houses and was bustling with activity. There was a small market selling local produce and 'antiques' and Alfie got to taste his first Liver Cake - how revolting does that sound! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We didn't actually pay to go in the castle, as we are getting a bit tight in our old age, however we did walk round the perimeter which certainly gave us an sense of just how big it actually was. Set on the hill it was quite imposing. It is another of the DeLacy's castles; just how rich were these people! It is a mixture of Norman, Medieval and Tudor architecture and has a long association with royalty, becoming a royal palace in the fourteenth century. The two boy princes lived here before they were taken to the Tower of London and mysteriously disappeared (their bodies being found under a staircase a couple of hundred years later), Mary Tudor, Queen of England, spent her winters here and Catherine of Aragon spent her first honeymoon here with Prince Arthur before she then married her brother-in-law Henry VIII and we all know how well that marriage worked out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY-ONpXGDrnMdVgnIMeo8Nk0JBnm9PXtgJ1j6ExzU-TR3MqicbsPva9z5yrtOb-5t-YiAPrMT3IQdBFjlAwptUT9FVKONNQi6XJH964DK98mH5muRpdb7oxyoPDVqlVJRnu3puxdHGTQ/s640/blogger-image--1575174459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY-ONpXGDrnMdVgnIMeo8Nk0JBnm9PXtgJ1j6ExzU-TR3MqicbsPva9z5yrtOb-5t-YiAPrMT3IQdBFjlAwptUT9FVKONNQi6XJH964DK98mH5muRpdb7oxyoPDVqlVJRnu3puxdHGTQ/s640/blogger-image--1575174459.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ludlow was a typical medieval town with lots of little streets and courtyards and looking down into the little passages gave you a glimpse into bygone days. This passage was such beautiful colours, but the phone camera is not so good at showing that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RPbht12YE3XBwPZS6mp7LrSZJETc_RrA5B_uF2RCz2jyUgRyp8eu3nYW8VyX-vEMEzyfKdSNMZHy3YSFfDby0Ph7FlHTZd1M0dV0405n0o1MAQQ7kTzwPOVi89bBFIOhwW7oo0nDM5s/s640/blogger-image--967997106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RPbht12YE3XBwPZS6mp7LrSZJETc_RrA5B_uF2RCz2jyUgRyp8eu3nYW8VyX-vEMEzyfKdSNMZHy3YSFfDby0Ph7FlHTZd1M0dV0405n0o1MAQQ7kTzwPOVi89bBFIOhwW7oo0nDM5s/s640/blogger-image--967997106.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today we are off to explore the Brecon Beacons and its Neolithic history, more later xxxx</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-38232697585841596762016-08-03T09:31:00.001+01:002016-08-03T09:31:14.274+01:00WalesThe campsite we are now at in Herefordshire is absolutely wonderful. The best showers in gorgeous wet rooms that I have ever used whilst camping, a real pleasure. It is also very central for a lot of veryinteresting places.<div><br></div><div>Yesterday we decided to check out Abergavenny as this is where Pete's grandmother was from. Such a lovely town with a wonderful market. It was a 'proper' locals market not one of these arty farty ones with exorbitant prices that claim to be town markets. Anyway we also took a trip to the castle and a sweet little museum. I love the Welsh National Costume. I got my granddaughters some little aprons but have yet to find the tall hats in their size. I got Bobby a flat cap that he will look really cute in.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnL6vYvCX0J4EtW2M9o6psXRcUi_i_LphZbvhAfE1M32vAjosTsSVQbz-rtZ1ubGyo7ZHgX-h-GChmiaariiXSsn3bkXeKkZTkHrY6_CQO0lnFovUIBqmTwEwbVVY7HPrDRPlHQS_GX5k/s640/blogger-image-1594753079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnL6vYvCX0J4EtW2M9o6psXRcUi_i_LphZbvhAfE1M32vAjosTsSVQbz-rtZ1ubGyo7ZHgX-h-GChmiaariiXSsn3bkXeKkZTkHrY6_CQO0lnFovUIBqmTwEwbVVY7HPrDRPlHQS_GX5k/s640/blogger-image-1594753079.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the locals had knitted/crocheted squares that had been sewn together and wrapped around trees in a 'knit the community together' project. So colourful, fabulous idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtnxj_rB-ysMs1XbHUxnt2mbsl6Bwjovq5KVN5gmhP7_5EiOK-EJEuuxZILZOY3a3-kBSpl4l9xVdmseoz1uHwYCX6KZ7qii-MTGPhjxCMl70G3pBccBc5P9eiZQe7HPs_MkZNrS2p2o/s640/blogger-image--849528622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtnxj_rB-ysMs1XbHUxnt2mbsl6Bwjovq5KVN5gmhP7_5EiOK-EJEuuxZILZOY3a3-kBSpl4l9xVdmseoz1uHwYCX6KZ7qii-MTGPhjxCMl70G3pBccBc5P9eiZQe7HPs_MkZNrS2p2o/s640/blogger-image--849528622.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then went on to Raglan Castle, which really is worth a visit. The original castle was partly destroyed by the Parliamentarians but enough of the castle remains so that you can see what a magnificent place it must have been. A walk up to the top of the great tower via a narrow, stone spiral staircase results in stunning views across the Black Mountains. I recently treated myself to a digital SLR camera and have been playing with that for a lot of the holiday. Unfortunately, I have to wait until I get home to put all my photos on to the laptop, so I can only show you some photos here that I took with my phone. I will post some of the mountains on my return, until then you have to take my word about how beautiful the mountains are or google it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5I1RNMw_uFd93ySLT7OtIEJ4UylpBJr9Lb3qxCRWs7QgfdL4ndntfPqYjRBGwEaCzoaU5yZX6JJecPRh5jULlo7trexeh4hNNkPr-ooVpNfl-JTom9Ff3ACLqV7Eh6Ejs-K32WBzI00/s640/blogger-image-1519479394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5I1RNMw_uFd93ySLT7OtIEJ4UylpBJr9Lb3qxCRWs7QgfdL4ndntfPqYjRBGwEaCzoaU5yZX6JJecPRh5jULlo7trexeh4hNNkPr-ooVpNfl-JTom9Ff3ACLqV7Eh6Ejs-K32WBzI00/s640/blogger-image-1519479394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Raglan Castle. What impressed me was that you could see all the many fireplaces at all three levels, the poor servants must have spent all their winter days just keeping the fires going to keep the place warm. The size and grandeur of the fireplaces also depended on which room they were in, the differences fascinated me as you got a good sense about the use of individual rooms and the people who lived there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today we are off to Blackwood in the mountains to visit Pete's Aunt. But I have to go now as Pete has just said that my breakfast is ready, veggie sausages, beans and toast. It's hard work this camping lark!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-56724657412422233892016-08-02T07:17:00.001+01:002016-08-02T07:19:26.251+01:00PeterchurchWhen Pete first told me about the village Peterchurch, I thought he'd looked at it wrong on a map and was really looking at a church, but I was wrong to doubt him, it turns out there really is a place called Peterchurch. Obviously we had to go there and see the village that Pete says is actually named after him due to some heroic act (Pete is a great storyteller as all the kids will tell you). So........<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvRqUCS9LGpSJO4zqArPE3Qdjc9XovqYNTlF3eeMfdYd7688CIqAmX01bivvoLiBSHHyE2EoVusAZB_uT04UeXQ5T4OybWSB9q6FY1kd8i-dganC2xv7YY-YhQxwJxDTXXZVl3B39DGI/s640/blogger-image--1413345034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvRqUCS9LGpSJO4zqArPE3Qdjc9XovqYNTlF3eeMfdYd7688CIqAmX01bivvoLiBSHHyE2EoVusAZB_uT04UeXQ5T4OybWSB9q6FY1kd8i-dganC2xv7YY-YhQxwJxDTXXZVl3B39DGI/s640/blogger-image--1413345034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To be honest I think the sign should actually read 64 3/4! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Peter has always been fascinated by the Battle of Rorkes Drift, he has read so many books about it and I don't know how many times he has watched the film (albeit a very romanticised version of a very bloody battle which ignores the massacre that followed it). Anyway Private Robert Jones (aged 21) who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroism at Rorkes Drift is buried in the local churchyard. Robert Jones along with William Jones fought the Zulus off through the windows of the hospital. They moved six of the seven patients to safety and all survived the battle. The seventh patient refused to go and when Robert went back for him, he was being stabbed by a Zulu. 150 soldiers fought 3000 to 4000 Zulus that day. Robert returned to Peterchurch, married and had 5 children. Unfortunately nightmares about Rorkes Drift plagued him (today it would be known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) and he committed suicide aged just 41. Due to his suicide, his headstone faces the other way to all the other headstones around him, such a shame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu43EpfMpD7o_4Acd9RUHyX9z-OJH4FC9bbd9Aa7rasOVqxEW0FoExKomOtVQTAL8pAh7zpyGvYpL4YPNGb1KtVRroW4NJJjw7rIomCLySmMEYrUMW29AP1kRbf55MFtYSZLG0CDwibo/s640/blogger-image-1125137545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu43EpfMpD7o_4Acd9RUHyX9z-OJH4FC9bbd9Aa7rasOVqxEW0FoExKomOtVQTAL8pAh7zpyGvYpL4YPNGb1KtVRroW4NJJjw7rIomCLySmMEYrUMW29AP1kRbf55MFtYSZLG0CDwibo/s640/blogger-image-1125137545.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We walked the entire length of the village and were quite surprised at how 'new' most of the houses were. We chatted to a lady who had lived there all her life and she said that most of the older houses were in the surrounding hills and that the village, as it is now, had grown in more recent years. Unfortunately we were far too early in the day for Pete to walk into the local pub and announce 'I'M BACK......'!!</div><br></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-10107366181996745442016-08-01T07:47:00.001+01:002016-08-01T07:47:27.691+01:00Holiday SnapsWe are having such fun exploring. We have now moved to Herefordshire as I have always wanted to go to Hay On Wye. Unfortunately the book festival finished a while back, but I am sure I will still have fun browsing the second hand book shops. We went to Bath and had a wander round - Abbey, Roman Baths etc. It has been many years since I went to Bath and it has changed, but I had forgotten what a beautiful city it is. I loved this art exhibition, just about sums up the British weather.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe-a2tQarcoLRgs95eUpBIil4kRp_Aeap0hMYPqUErolCSvkjSyieGphPHdIB7gEU9KSgToXAbW3KQSDsOd816PtxkN1uwLaEu-CNIQRSfgh__8ZVSidgJ9sAlclSR0mS0_06msMcZxE/s640/blogger-image-1539906642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe-a2tQarcoLRgs95eUpBIil4kRp_Aeap0hMYPqUErolCSvkjSyieGphPHdIB7gEU9KSgToXAbW3KQSDsOd816PtxkN1uwLaEu-CNIQRSfgh__8ZVSidgJ9sAlclSR0mS0_06msMcZxE/s640/blogger-image-1539906642.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was a lovely young lady advertising free samples of homemade fudge, I asked if they made vegan fudge and she said they did and gave me a huge sample. Now, it would have been very rude not to buy a slab of salted caramel fudge. I didn't know that fudge should be kept a room temperature, so instead of putting it in the cool box I put it next to my bed, Ooops it just seemed to disappear! On reading the info supplied, it says that the fudge can last up to ten days, hahahahahaha!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTk0f8vyYnhWKoBkpQNGWV6sS_wAuBL-sTgMTp_tcS5Dzjx_1O1gyF_VWNGA94SRDdheqoJURFwAQ6exz37BnxiCQAauzo9A6HL6eki94Fbix8YS8WqWhzz_07XT_rySMJ5OQVlkAdsg/s640/blogger-image--1236021230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTk0f8vyYnhWKoBkpQNGWV6sS_wAuBL-sTgMTp_tcS5Dzjx_1O1gyF_VWNGA94SRDdheqoJURFwAQ6exz37BnxiCQAauzo9A6HL6eki94Fbix8YS8WqWhzz_07XT_rySMJ5OQVlkAdsg/s640/blogger-image--1236021230.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also had the most amazing Turkish meal. The Meze they served as a first course would have been sufficient but we had to plough through two courses of delicious food. Note to self - hang head in shame at first Slimming World meeting after holiday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuNcggQjvKysFFCGgcZ4SviBatQXawCZyc6OauoV4QMGX5n4YBG8y2FRr3omv05ddMiVJ1EqBfcPFFkT-ebqFoCnoipqlYVQzVq7FkBnxDHzNi77Lq812P4EW-PiBwHqySv2mg3APwHA/s640/blogger-image-1205373136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuNcggQjvKysFFCGgcZ4SviBatQXawCZyc6OauoV4QMGX5n4YBG8y2FRr3omv05ddMiVJ1EqBfcPFFkT-ebqFoCnoipqlYVQzVq7FkBnxDHzNi77Lq812P4EW-PiBwHqySv2mg3APwHA/s640/blogger-image-1205373136.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alfie is having an absolutely fabulous holiday. He has even more freedom than he normally does and is walking around with a permanent smile on his face. He is worn out by about 8, as are we, and is the first to bed every night. As it is a strange place, he does get a little anxious if either of us disappear to the shower/loo and keeps a watch out until we return.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn3Bx9fmFmh6Beh6f608Y3iFvMY6qHcQjyYfduvbpWlgXHDEo_HjeV-iNC9Vj2zS6wKlwVHbTZiHhufuURhpWaEy3Gz6bOTqt5uhNtVh4RXbahLjPGFBSvSmjI6LLztYfVoEOPHyrqkE/s640/blogger-image-1897805424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn3Bx9fmFmh6Beh6f608Y3iFvMY6qHcQjyYfduvbpWlgXHDEo_HjeV-iNC9Vj2zS6wKlwVHbTZiHhufuURhpWaEy3Gz6bOTqt5uhNtVh4RXbahLjPGFBSvSmjI6LLztYfVoEOPHyrqkE/s640/blogger-image-1897805424.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today we are off to a very special village, but I will reveal more about that later. And yep, that is me laying in bed waiting for my breakfast to be cooked and my third cup of tea to be served. If I stay here long enough, the washing up will be done too, I could get used to this lark.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-52080031847366720192016-07-29T08:23:00.001+01:002016-07-29T08:23:49.183+01:00What Have We Been Up To?It has been a crazy few weeks, just as the end of the school year always is, quite a bit of admin to finalised. I have also taken on a new role, visiting new learners in their homes, doing the initial interview, risk assessments etc and then finding a teacher to match the learner's needs. That has been really interesting. I am still only doing a couple of days a week and a lot of the admin can be done from home sitting in my lovely wheelhouse.<div><br></div><div>Pete has converted his work van into a micro camper van. We planned on touring the West Country in our tent but we saw some similar campers on Pintrest and thought it was a great idea for an overnight stay somewhere. We could have bought a kit ready done for about £500 but Pete said 'I'm not paying that!' so out came the tools. We reckon, including a new futon mattress, that it has cost about £100 all in, so quite a saving.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRYfYXvoI5Nty9kJ4zWS-eDaDbbOQzhtWgD451yVQQiGoMkOzNxar0Ah0DJ9bjAyNwhMwUkSXLM7zzxs2GTMrJBG8MObtSI8IOOQ-V_Zrg8RuMMZCp5r9g987riZye7icICxdOLBFNhg/s640/blogger-image-1695145278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRYfYXvoI5Nty9kJ4zWS-eDaDbbOQzhtWgD451yVQQiGoMkOzNxar0Ah0DJ9bjAyNwhMwUkSXLM7zzxs2GTMrJBG8MObtSI8IOOQ-V_Zrg8RuMMZCp5r9g987riZye7icICxdOLBFNhg/s640/blogger-image-1695145278.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It actually gives us more room for camping gear too using the van, as my poor little car was packed to the rafters last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we have now left for our holidays. The first site we stayed on was near Brighton and we had booked and paid for three nights. At first it had great potential; it had great reviews, was behind a country pub that served wonderful food (and it did, we tried it) and it looked so pretty and well maintained. Unfortunately it was also under a flight path for Heathrow/Gatwick and on a main road. For country bumpkins like us, that meant three nights of no sleep. Also the toilet and showers were not cleaned at all for the three nights, so we won't be going back :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVONn4MFBjqs-a_XnZcFczDCC9dvAulPK3XzaBQL4XVfm7In-Md1r6LEnhmUVY9MiDnrXiGSvEDRWEda2XV_3wkS_YU8QtBGrTnNSlLR8_I_jwS1R-WHtMKJiGUcbbD78nSSvfZMFmFis/s640/blogger-image--1675149805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVONn4MFBjqs-a_XnZcFczDCC9dvAulPK3XzaBQL4XVfm7In-Md1r6LEnhmUVY9MiDnrXiGSvEDRWEda2XV_3wkS_YU8QtBGrTnNSlLR8_I_jwS1R-WHtMKJiGUcbbD78nSSvfZMFmFis/s640/blogger-image--1675149805.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we have found a real gem of a campsite in Wiltshire. The toilets and showers are beautifully clean, there is no noise (not even from military planes). We have friends in the area and have managed to wangle ourselves an invite to a BBQ tomorrow afternoon which will be fun. Look at our views from the front of the tent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZVBbH7zAQy5vjTsgZu6_tsUxny2ymXQyHaH0m3qfB_47AEWX2oa7Mw1l2ymY0N_eVDQwonl6GoRJgrCJmfsROkmSPnv9TLQn1MsQ9QQ0cWND515MZNK6VbabN9GTDUcz7kRN8UqAxps/s640/blogger-image--1459686371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZVBbH7zAQy5vjTsgZu6_tsUxny2ymXQyHaH0m3qfB_47AEWX2oa7Mw1l2ymY0N_eVDQwonl6GoRJgrCJmfsROkmSPnv9TLQn1MsQ9QQ0cWND515MZNK6VbabN9GTDUcz7kRN8UqAxps/s640/blogger-image--1459686371.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ2o0JkRzQR1U3UfAQf3QKHQd4loZLIkeKogWGNX805tHVEjJvVYtrtyDEgsH4bNkoUeyOgX4r_OPCW2FBWVlLZv5NbUu6evlkkMUD9qgZlwCyCn5KMY69Rzy3RnCqF3dlZXmqjp69i0/s640/blogger-image--1316302889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ2o0JkRzQR1U3UfAQf3QKHQd4loZLIkeKogWGNX805tHVEjJvVYtrtyDEgsH4bNkoUeyOgX4r_OPCW2FBWVlLZv5NbUu6evlkkMUD9qgZlwCyCn5KMY69Rzy3RnCqF3dlZXmqjp69i0/s640/blogger-image--1316302889.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And today the sun has come out, a real bonus! We do like a quiet life and are quite happy to do a bit of exploring and then back to the tent to BBQ a simple meal and enjoy just lazing around listening to the radio or reading. More about our trip to follow ......</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-6124846893873974882016-07-06T17:00:00.001+01:002016-07-06T20:29:57.578+01:00For Pete....Hello Daddy, I hope you are having a good time in Scotland. The weather here is fabulous and Mummy has taken me for lots of walks. I have been swimming too, just what I needed to cool down. I couldn't sleep the first night you were away, so Mummy gave me your dressing gown and that worked, I slept like a baby. I think Mummy did too, coz she was snoring away. She said something about enjoying the bed all to herself, so I snuggled in close and kept her from messing up your side of the bed.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05AeExBnL_GFzVfAPkdLWS2SFRrViTLBzlMLK6STVqftslFStfPhfVPPYZ3lU1UqNDZVx4qOFua04EjiEMej6uRL0oP6VXX5Lg8KEV1tInp7wWY9eFnTAjPdqbjuIS2o9ntuxaMJn_MU/s640/blogger-image--1984949249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05AeExBnL_GFzVfAPkdLWS2SFRrViTLBzlMLK6STVqftslFStfPhfVPPYZ3lU1UqNDZVx4qOFua04EjiEMej6uRL0oP6VXX5Lg8KEV1tInp7wWY9eFnTAjPdqbjuIS2o9ntuxaMJn_MU/s640/blogger-image--1984949249.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I went to the beauty parlour today and had a haircut and manicure, don't I look gorgeous. I wanted to look my best for when you come home. Mummy had a haircut too with Auntie Emily, she was muttering about how it cost three times as much at my hairdressers, but I think I'm worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz5IXLtM_ln5URyUbPmnQ68Fsp4c8_Oam-Dp5Cs3hZd0lDuwPxIvIvafNDBelf8G_XOzDnbGtl4UCwmozSY4Ff6B0luquL2bBiQwUeLJouvGsdUSId8gNb_URPD0ds6uWkyJ3Hi21GKk/s640/blogger-image--765145001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz5IXLtM_ln5URyUbPmnQ68Fsp4c8_Oam-Dp5Cs3hZd0lDuwPxIvIvafNDBelf8G_XOzDnbGtl4UCwmozSY4Ff6B0luquL2bBiQwUeLJouvGsdUSId8gNb_URPD0ds6uWkyJ3Hi21GKk/s640/blogger-image--765145001.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have got to go now as we are going to Uncle Rob's for a yummy dinner. I saw baby Bobby earlier and he was throwing the ball for me. Everyone got excited that he was calling me dog, strange coz my name's Alfie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love and miss you Daddy, come back soon (and Mummy sends hugs and kisses too) xxxxx</div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-26000155975493105492016-06-05T13:57:00.001+01:002016-06-06T18:17:59.125+01:00View From My WindowHere are some views from the wheelhouse today. These views constantly change depending on state of the tide, weather etc, but that keeps life interesting. I am so lucky to live here. Sorry about the poor quality of the pictures, but the glass makes it hard to photo.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqvnRM6n5ZKEpMC-0f-9SOsh_7W5cbTJwdn3FMrv7puYWttZ9sZSkNKSMt49CQCcjDm3PmdHjqlYxrkssTPhQLXy0dPkksDsDU6KnImi1GWQ9XmGMI2N8NSHZUmFNXJjDOvyqnSs-vcE/s640/blogger-image--764575964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqvnRM6n5ZKEpMC-0f-9SOsh_7W5cbTJwdn3FMrv7puYWttZ9sZSkNKSMt49CQCcjDm3PmdHjqlYxrkssTPhQLXy0dPkksDsDU6KnImi1GWQ9XmGMI2N8NSHZUmFNXJjDOvyqnSs-vcE/s640/blogger-image--764575964.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcipCoyoTBuCU4jFtVRLxz0l3mkJd1FEHHnZUjaNRgk3guBVm5Jowxalic2eTjNdyDPZ4rcMMws-_la03zCCI0yxFyzrlIBZ7ZaXQOjefhFrUryZrYcgxYIiiafSozBHeBvKvMr1DDrw/s640/blogger-image--1465854491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcipCoyoTBuCU4jFtVRLxz0l3mkJd1FEHHnZUjaNRgk3guBVm5Jowxalic2eTjNdyDPZ4rcMMws-_la03zCCI0yxFyzrlIBZ7ZaXQOjefhFrUryZrYcgxYIiiafSozBHeBvKvMr1DDrw/s640/blogger-image--1465854491.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_hLzKb9gKEf0iqG2pnf_djAcb4pvyykxBml-oEwZYzGJC8IOFUvql93H03YRlJZxUWU05YKki97OAMQ2gBl_9s1mB_YVKhobR4k4MWbR3orKz9XTh9icHYEQ48JX78B-WFO8C7DNBQw/s640/blogger-image-486418349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_hLzKb9gKEf0iqG2pnf_djAcb4pvyykxBml-oEwZYzGJC8IOFUvql93H03YRlJZxUWU05YKki97OAMQ2gBl_9s1mB_YVKhobR4k4MWbR3orKz9XTh9icHYEQ48JX78B-WFO8C7DNBQw/s640/blogger-image-486418349.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8_mSXAA2CO1cx4tgpal2uyqAitFqaQzU2nZjh1qc3iyALGuYUhab-h79nkdtq-F0Dr6crLv1xc4eACdE7-r6VIg_Ew08Q06liB_C8Ofv1tp39rywOPR78Bc4JQYnr2qcrxBp6sdJ6aM/s640/blogger-image--877129368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8_mSXAA2CO1cx4tgpal2uyqAitFqaQzU2nZjh1qc3iyALGuYUhab-h79nkdtq-F0Dr6crLv1xc4eACdE7-r6VIg_Ew08Q06liB_C8Ofv1tp39rywOPR78Bc4JQYnr2qcrxBp6sdJ6aM/s640/blogger-image--877129368.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86847969486733799.post-31941653504372423322016-06-05T09:11:00.001+01:002016-06-05T09:11:15.608+01:00This and ThatThe weather has been awful this week. The beginning of June is supposed to be summer but we had to light the woodburner to take the chill off the air. And the rain, I think we have had our year's quota in a week! It has also been half term, so a whole week off work. I have really just been pottering in my new kitchen, practising new recipes on Pete. I have made a few loaves of bread and some cakes, here is my spelt loaf and banana bread:<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfha-LprSY2z54uYMGKjzt_tL7nBcJlLs64LDqUjbZODykhLPMVp4WwT-ef35g9zYa1Irj3Dc7VBAE3bY9tWpKDj5R5LDLbdaMjSgHR8QhLAQnkn-azJglhfFHiGIHvS6h14oAvtAqKls/s640/blogger-image--1891644517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfha-LprSY2z54uYMGKjzt_tL7nBcJlLs64LDqUjbZODykhLPMVp4WwT-ef35g9zYa1Irj3Dc7VBAE3bY9tWpKDj5R5LDLbdaMjSgHR8QhLAQnkn-azJglhfFHiGIHvS6h14oAvtAqKls/s640/blogger-image--1891644517.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The banana bread was a new recipe and is amazing. Here it is in the cake box that I inherited from my grandmother. When I was a child it was always full of homemade goodies, something to really look forward when we visited. My Nan was renowned for her fruit cakes, both light and dark ones, they were delicious. I asked for the recipe once and was given a cutting from a 1930s Woman's magazine. I made it and it didn't taste the same at all. I questioned Nan and she said 'did I remember to tell you I soak the fruit in tea?', no she hadn't, so I tried again, still not the same. Again 'oh, did I remember to tell you about the glug of brandy' tried again, still wrong. And so the story goes on and I still didn't get the full recipe! My Nan didn't use scales, everything was done by eye. I miss those cakes (and her pease pudding).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EXbU_oXkOa6jdBweySp7TEhKPpc2MwVnhc50c5ik_PXR_UZ8IKFid28IS1jLJKacqgWXIokyi7aLze9xETdfMzV6tmixJ8qagutvKr5h_4mEJJpXVHbiFlbxsfrogo6YjSfKU2P3ytc/s640/blogger-image-539024217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EXbU_oXkOa6jdBweySp7TEhKPpc2MwVnhc50c5ik_PXR_UZ8IKFid28IS1jLJKacqgWXIokyi7aLze9xETdfMzV6tmixJ8qagutvKr5h_4mEJJpXVHbiFlbxsfrogo6YjSfKU2P3ytc/s640/blogger-image-539024217.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have also been looking after grandchildren this week. I gave Lucie a break with the new baby by taking Scarlett out for the day to a small local wildlife centre. She is now two and a half and is such good fun to spend time with. She has an absolutely wicked sense of humour! We got absolutely soaked but it didn't put a dampener on the day. Here she is feeding the fish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cek-IhkeEeQmGItqd671mbmFzb-dO9XFl_B5OucvFjxToF98ZIguY-n3r_ykh8fnqXO11FQkVXhWDbW4sJ6FvvecKS4Qs2KikNO8aOKEMX1bAvxWY-CAwhVLXUf47HaoZAn7F1V7e7k/s640/blogger-image--904259117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cek-IhkeEeQmGItqd671mbmFzb-dO9XFl_B5OucvFjxToF98ZIguY-n3r_ykh8fnqXO11FQkVXhWDbW4sJ6FvvecKS4Qs2KikNO8aOKEMX1bAvxWY-CAwhVLXUf47HaoZAn7F1V7e7k/s640/blogger-image--904259117.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday I found this little guy sunning himself by the boat. He didn't even scurry off when I took his picture. The weather is set to improve this week, typical when we go back to work. However that is the joy of working part time, I get to enjoy the sun. I need to get to the allotment this week. The weather has put me so behind with planting, and the weeds obviously like the rain :(. Take care xxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3thYEFUbJu3P5dEkwpYjOif30KVEDvVVK05fPOoZjL5vODMQFTlziWiBbjLM_ZGb4PxQcXHyKGXzZxABvE0_kdKxKb9ETabYozkildQS7V0kVnPlGx8DK63L1tA2vGnUSjFGPxSpgqmY/s640/blogger-image-346987188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3thYEFUbJu3P5dEkwpYjOif30KVEDvVVK05fPOoZjL5vODMQFTlziWiBbjLM_ZGb4PxQcXHyKGXzZxABvE0_kdKxKb9ETabYozkildQS7V0kVnPlGx8DK63L1tA2vGnUSjFGPxSpgqmY/s640/blogger-image-346987188.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08117681021989984923noreply@blogger.com8