mrs nesbitt's place

I have moved!

2009-09-15T09:07:00.002+01:00

Due to continuous problems with this blog I have moved here

France remembered!

2009-09-14T08:56:00.005+01:00

These would have to be some of my favourite photographs taken in France. It is in the village of St. Christophe, home to our good friends Dorothy and Keith. We arrived at their home on the Wednesday. We had spent the previous Monday and Tuesday riding the bikes through Holland, Belguim and then France. Normally when Jon and I go away on holiday on the motorbike we have fantastic weather, but whether this only occurs when we go alone I can oly guess! Our neighbours and friends John and Trish had wanted to come along for what was to be their first biking adventure. On route on Monday the weather had been ideal for biking! Not too hot and not cold. Tuesday however was a different story! The rain came with a vengence and we rode for 5 hours through torrential rain. I had given Trish some tips on packing, one being to pack all clothes inside carrier bags. As we drove through the horrendous conditions I kept asking myself why I hadn't followed my own advice? When we arrived in Clemecy we were all thoroughly soaked, worse to come was the luggage! The entire contents were soaked through. We secured rooms in a hotel and I set off on a mission, to locate a launderette. The hotel owner spoke no English, I spoke no french, but by pointing, showing wet clothes and smiling we managed to communicate. I worked out from where he pointed there was a launderette under the flag of the castle. We dried our clothes, had a shower and were soon sitting in the square drinking a well earned beer. We have come to the conclusion that at the end of any biking expedition a bath/shower and a beer makes a bad day into a good day! After a good night's sleep, a lovely breakfast we made our way to meet up with Dorothy where we spent 2 fantastic days. More to come, for now, enjoy the flowers!

For more flowers visit here

Revealed! My New product!

2009-09-12T17:03:00.001+01:00

Well I am hoping I have finally cracked the problem with Blogger, by composing this in Windows Livewriter! I have tried this before but the pictures did not show, so I have experimented by uploading the picture into a photo album, here in WLW! I will only know if it is a success after I "publish" so here goes! Yes, I have a new product, a 3D Heart Seating Plan! I will be launching this at the Gisborough Hall Wedding Fayre on October 18th! Her is the very first one, at the Reception of Andrew and Katie's Wedding, August 29th. This was the night before we left for holiday and whilst I was attending here with Maria, an order for some Thankyou notes were being collected from our house. Talk about working up to the last minute? Would appreciate your comments!

Friday allready?

2009-09-11T09:42:00.002+01:00

Blogger seems to be playing up right now and my posts are not appearing as they should. All spacing, justifying etc. seems to have gone out of the window, so I will be on the case, when I have a minute. Have had a very very busy few days. Yesterday we travelled to Huddersfield, Baradford, Pudsey and Leeds re Jon's business, so we were very late home. Just managed to collapse in front of the TV for a couple of hours before bed. I had an early start because one of the hens, Mabel had decided NOT to go into the henhouse at bedtime. Needless to say I worried, but early the next morning there she was, strutting her stuff in Jo's field. Eventually I encouraged her into the right side of the fence but last night would you believe she managed to persuade Olwyn that the branches of the tree were an ideal place to sleep the night! I will make sure they are both within the folds of the henhouse tonight. I think it is because the nights are drawing in so quickly! Although yesterday was a very warm day the night was colder than normal. The weekend seems to be a busy one, but I will sort out my holiday pictures and get some here to share!

ABC Wednesday....H!

2009-09-08T15:38:00.000+01:00

Phew! We arrived home early Monday afternoon. This is where we toured. Monday A Rouvignies Tuesday B Clamecy Wednesday & Thursday C (St. Christophe Nr Limouges with Dorothy) Friday D Saint Witz Saturday E Dordrecht, Holland
View Larger Map Over the next few weeks I will be sharing the events of the holiday, I worked right up to the last minute of Saturday on various wedding commissions and yesterday on my return there was an e-mail waiting for me referring to the current wedding commission I am working on. I also have some table designs to develop for 2 wedding fayres in October as well as promotional and marketing work for Jon's business so straight back and picking up the reigns of business! Watch this space!

Nearly there!

2009-08-27T18:56:00.006+01:00

Thought for Today:- To be accommodating, like the ocean requires a flexible mind, a humble heart, broad thinking and unlimited love. Be so full that you can accept whatever flows in - absorbing and giving without losing any part of yourself.

This was the view as we left Newcastle last year, heaing towards Ijmuiden, Holland. On Sunday we'll do the same journey again as we head for France. I guess this is the last time I will be writing in my blog as there are still lots of jobs to be done. Tomorrow I will assemble my masterpiece, ready for Katie and Andrew's wedding on Saturday. I have some Thank You cards to make for Helen and John. Wilma and Elsie have to be taken to their luxury kennels, Ella to the Hilton cat hotel. Arrangements have been made for the hens and goose to be cared for, oh and there's packing to be done. WE are all excited and it will be great to see our great friends Dorothy and Keith! The camera will be packed so we will record the whole expedition! For more skies, visit here.

F is for...France!

2009-08-25T15:54:00.002+01:00

On Sunday teatime we will make our way to Newcastle Ferry Terminal where we will sail over to Ijmuiden, Netherlands.

On Monday we will make our way through Holland and Belguim, arriving teatime in Lille

On Tuesday morning we will ride from Lille towards Limorges, depending on the distances we may well stop over night somewhere along the way! We are travelling on the motorbike together with our friends Jon and Trish! We will be staying for a few days in Limorges at our firends, Keith & Dorothy's home. We are so looking forward to it all! I am sure we will have fun!

Tuesday!

2009-08-25T09:05:00.001+01:00

On Sunday we decided to go for a SatNav adventure. This time it was Jon who typed in the post code, knowing where we were going and I was driving. It was a complete mystery tour but we ended up here. As we were making our way down towards the road these sheep were actually running infront of the van. It was all so comical as it was as though they were racing! Sat Nav adventures are real fun. We take it in turns to find interesting places of interest or in this case of astounding natural beauty and put the co-ordinates into the SatNav. Wherever we go in Yorkshire, it is always a good place to be! Yes, I am a proud yorkshire lass! For more Worlds visit the badge on my sidebar.

Today's Flowers

2009-08-24T10:01:00.001+01:00

For more lovely flowers visit here

This is another of my begonias which sits proudly on the patio table immediately outside the kitchen patio doors. It is a wonderful greeting, each morning producing more perfect flowers.

Back Soon!

2009-08-20T08:53:00.003+01:00

Creativity is a drug I cannot live without. Cecil B. DeMille (1851 – 1959) We leave for France on Sunday 30th August, returning on Monday 7th September. On Saturday 29th August, Katie and Andrew get married, Sunday Vicky and Craig and on 4th September Samantha and Ian also. I am currently working on their respective orders of service, seating plans, place cards, menus etc etc. I want to get everything delivered this weekend so I can then focus on holiday plans and start making lists and preparations. Watch this space!

ABC Wednesday.....E is for...Eating!

2009-08-18T17:12:00.006+01:00

This morning as I watered my tomato plants in the greenhouse what should be there to greet me but 2 ripe tomatoes! Timing as ever spot on for ABC Wednesday! Our lettuces were ready too!

Hmmmm! Looks like something else enjoys home grown veg!

Lunch was served!

Nothing tastes anything like it! E could have been for eggs, but the girls haven't obliged yet! Watch this space! We are! To see more eclectics visit the ABC blog via the badge on my sidebar!

View from my study window, yesterday.

2009-08-18T08:26:00.004+01:00

Quote for Today....... "Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value " Albert Einstein

Our house looks out onto a farm. Here I can see Mike the farmworker. In the distance we can see other farmland. We are at a very busy time at the moment as the farmers are making the most of the good weather to harvest their crops. We have a variety of farms in the village and we see the comings and goings, the ups and downs of the farming industry. We have been here since 1991 and have seen many changes affecting the farming community. What do you see from your window? For other perpectives see here.

Today's Flower

2009-08-17T12:18:00.004+01:00

To get different results in life, we have to rethink our thinking. This is not just a matter of positive thinking; it's about reconnecting to our well-being. We then recapture our vitality and resilience and have greater capacity to change the way we think.

Thought for Today For more flowers visit here

Monday Monochrome

2009-08-17T08:54:00.003+01:00

I enjoy joining in various projects (memes) in the blogging world and would like to take part more often, but what with my own business, and Jon's business (my responsibilities are customer manager and company secretary) I seldom have the time. Not so much to contribute but to visit other contributors as well. Today however I can share a couple of the photographs I took yesterday at the railway museum at Shildon, County Durham. We were trying out our new Sat Nav ready for Wednesday when we have 2 important new customers to visit in both Bradford and huddersfield. To add an element of fun to the day I typed in the postcode and Jon simply followed the instructions not knowing the destination. We really enjoyed our visit and I would recomend it whole heartedly! For other monochrome enthusiasts visit here

Pottering!

2009-08-16T09:33:00.002+01:00

I have been quite busy of late with wedding commissions that need 110% attention. Yesterday however I had a walk round the garden and caught the hens investigating an old wooden pallette which we thought would be of interest to them. We were right!

Every morning when I go to open the henhouse it is always the same hen who comes to me...Eva!

This is my latest table & chairs from freecycle! We can now have 15 people comfortably seated at tables in our garden. To be honest it is becoming quite addictive seeing piles of chairs stacked against the wall on the patio! The weather has been very changeable of late. Jon's prediction that it would be better after lunch yesterday proved correct. We had to go over to Stockton to collect a textile motorbike jacket for Jon, ready for our tour of France in a fortnight. We went in the van, trying out the new sat nav! Well impressed! We had to travel to York for my jacket, the usual story.....men's jackets everywhere but a tour of the globe necessary for the same for me. We went on the motorbike and the weather was glorious to begin with! The A64 was a nightmare York to Scarborough route. We could just see miles and miles of traffic going in the opposite direction, so we came home via Thirsk. Ofcourse I was watching the blue skies turning grey and we got wet but hey ho that's the name of the game. Today with the skies looking deffinately rainworthy we are going to go on a mystery tour! So I may be a while! We will put the sat nav to task! Watch this space!

I really should write more poetry!

2009-08-13T08:21:00.007+01:00

August 13th is well and truly etched in my memory as it was on this day in 1986 my dad died. Every year I find myself thinking back to the day when I was standing at a bus stop in Nottingham and the policeman told me he had a message for me to contact Guisborough Police Station. I knew straight away what had happened as Dad had suffered a major heart attack some years before and we lived with the worry that one day it wold come back to take him, which it did.

I returned home immediately and my life changed dramatically. Being an only child I knew my job was to look after mum. I got a new teaching job and a few months later I met Jon.

I always wanted Dad to be proud of me and I know he was. I still miss him and mum enormously. I still feel their pressence and the values and expectations they shared with me remain in the very marrow of my bones.

Something happened yesterday which I feel is significant to the time and date right now.

I dont wear much jewellery as I usually have my hands in some project or other, but normally I wear my Dad's signet ring on my little finger of my right hand and my wedding ring in the usual wedding ring place. Jon does not wear any jewellery at all as he operates machinery and feels it is not safe to wear anything which could cause a finger r a limb to be in danger. Last week we collected a filing cabinet through freecycle, as we were lifting it upstairs I dropped it onto the stair and it bashed my little finger so hard that it bent my ring in such a way it could have stopped the bloodflow to my finger. I panicked and as Jon ran to get some tool or other I managed to use soap and get the ring off which Jon then straightened. A few days later, in Jon's workshop I was on one of the machines, just lifting something up when I felt the ring snag on something. I felt it pull my finger. The thought ran through my mind that really I shouldn't wear the ring when at the workshop. Two or three times during this past week the same thing happened.

Yesterday whilst helping my friend Steph with some bedside drawers she had bought at the salerooms I suddenly noticed my ring had gone.....Both Steph and I felt it was meant to be, for my own safety!

My best friend Maria returns home today after a bellydancing holiday in France. Maria has recently lost her partner, Phil. A few weeks ago Phil's daughter Elizabeth graduated and Maria attended the ceremony. Ofcourse it was an emotional time for them both as we all know the pride Phil would have had as he looked on to see this wonderful achievement. Maria had told me how the whole event had been wonderful and had caused her to feel overcome with the emotion. She e-mailed me the picture and as I looked at it I found some words just sort of came along.....so on this day as I am thinking of my Dad and the pride he had in his family I would like to share the words....none have been changed.

Elizabeth with my best friend Maria

I can see why you cried, as you looked on with pride.

Into the eyes of the child.

I can see the pride in your eyes, of the dad who sighed, with pride.

I can see the pride in the eyes of the child of the guide.

I can see the strength of the child of the dad who sighs with pride as he sees his guide and his child.

Both his pride and his joy!

Both he can enjoy as he looks on with pride.

ABC Wednesday....D

2009-08-11T17:43:00.002+01:00

As many of you will know I design wedding stationery! My website is here I thoroughly thoroughly enjoy what I do and it is an important part of the contentment which I have in my everyday life. I am currently working on a seating plan which I must say is the most dramatic commission I have ever undertaken! My client wanted her guests to walk into the reception and be wowed by what they see! Well today I have been so so excited as the concept started coming together! I will be working throughout Wednesday and Thursday as my clients are coming on Thursday evening! I so so so enjoy a challenge! I will share photographs after the wedding as I know many of my clients and friends read my blog so I do not want to spoil the surprise! Watch this space, There is a guestbook on my website, so do feel free to leave a comment!

My World

2009-08-11T11:20:00.002+01:00

Sometimes on a Tuesday I take part in My World Tuesday. I was wondering what to do for it today but as I walked outside to collect the post my choice was obvious! In the field over the road from our drive we seem to have some new neighbours. I haven't seen them before so by the end of the day I hope to find out who they are and who they belong to!

Odd or what? Camera Tales!

2009-08-09T18:19:00.010+01:00

Following on from my successful experiments with nasturtiums last year I decided to plant some begonias as companions in my hanging baskets. As you can see the colours work wonderful together and I am absolutely delighted with the results.

I did not buy any new seeds this year, all my nasturtium seeds were harvested from last years plants. Here you can see this years flowers producing next years seeds!

Something is attacking the green leaves and if anybody knows a natural repellant which I can spray on my flowers I would be very grateful for the information!

So the camera........................................

I have a Samsung digital camera which uses re-chargeable batteries.

I also have a Nikon which I found when on holiday in the Isle of Man!

I did make enquires as to who it belonged to, contacting the police etc but it seemed destined to be mine.

Now I have heard that some people have jinxes on watches, I think I am jinxed with vameras....today was a typical example.

We went to Pickering Traction Engine Rally, I took along my Nikon camera.

I took a small number of photographs when it flashed "Memory Full!"

I had forgotten to put the memory card into the camera!

Returning home I loaded the memory card and took the few pictures above from round the garden. Error message flashed..."Battery Exhausted!"

Now the Nikon has a lithium battery

so I had to plug the charger in.....will be a few hours,

by which time the moment will have passed.

No worries......my Samsung camera was at hand.

I loaed up the recently charged batteries and off I went.

This time more flowers and some of my chickens.....

or so I thought!

After 1 photograph "Low Battery" and then the camera switched itself off!

Loaded up more recently charged batteries and again after 1 photograph

"Low Battery" and then the camera switched itself off!

So enjoy the photographs! I am away to do some thinking!

Is it me?

For other flowers visit here!

A Sky for Friday!

2009-08-07T10:10:00.008+01:00

The open gate is just over the road from our house, part of a local farmer's land. It shows the animals have been moved to another of his fields. The weather forecast said everywhere was going to be warm and sunny except the North East Coast which is precisely where we are so I will be watching the skies very carefully. Today the weather is very pleasant, not too hot and there is a lovely cool breeze....ideal as I am tidying up my study and having a re-organisation. Many I know are moving and sorting and it has made me realise I need to sort out a few bits around the house. I received a filing cabinet from Freecycle so this will bring about great changes, for the better in my study! One day I just may show you my study, after it's re-decoration, but dont hold your breath! lol it may be a while. For more skies visit here

All is well......almost!

2009-08-06T09:42:00.002+01:00

Well thanks to everybody out there in Blogland I am now back to normal, well as normal as I ever will be! Had to make some changes and have lost a few things....but hope to get everything back, including my blogroll later today. I am approaching my 900th post so want to do something special! Watch this space!

Help!

2009-08-05T17:17:00.001+01:00

My sidebar has disappeared from the righthand side to the bottom of the page! I have tried creating a new template but no way will it let me have any sidebar to the left! I do not like this layout! All my pictures are not central! Any ideas PLEASE?????

C is for........guess!

2009-08-04T13:57:00.005+01:00

Chickens!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we will have had the chickens for a week! They seem to be getting along just fine.

Eva

Margie left, Beverley on the right

May

Mabel left, Olwyn Right

The henhouse could have been improved. I considered painting it but as the wood is all treated there seemed little point! When the bees leave the shed to the right of the lean-to I may consider giving it all a coat of paint, but I just wanted to get the chickens in and settled as soon as possible, so they could set a routine, feel at home and get ready to lay eggs. The nesting boxes are to the left, covered in orange plastic to prevent rain affecting the structure. Wednesday last week I placed the crate inside the henhouse. Thursday when we checked on them they were all perched on the window ledge of the shed, home to the bees. We lifted them into the henhouse. Thursday, the same. Friday, the same. Saturday the same. Sunday I managed to usher 5 hens into the house. I could not see the other one, but 30 minutes later there she was sitting on the ledge, so I lifted her in. Monday, I managed to usher all 6 hens into the house. This morning when I opened the door I heard each of them jump off the perches and make their way out into the paddock where they set about scratting around! Success! I feel they know this is their home, they sleep on the perches, they are drinking water from their feeder and the same with their food, a mixture of wheat and layers pellets and finally ground egg shells to act as a grit type substance to aid their digestion and help form shells on the eggs. We go on holiday at the end of August neighbours and friends will be looking after them, ie letting them out, putting them to bed and topping up their food, so I feel confident they will behave! (the hens not the neighbours and friends! lol) Their personalities are emerging too. Olwyn and Mabel seem to stick together as do Eva and May, Margie and Beverley..... it will be interesting to observe these friendships as they grow older.

The Bench Today!

2009-08-01T17:18:00.002+01:00

On the bench from the left, Mabel, Margie, Beverley, Olwyn. Next to the bench May, Behind the bench Eva. I think the bench will feature in forthcoming posts! For more Critters visit here

Skywatching Chickens!

2009-07-30T17:03:00.004+01:00

"Keep your face twards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you." Walt Whitman

I collected the chickens last night. It was raining heavily and as I drove home in the pick up I kept looking in my mirror and seeing six little pairs of eyes peering out of the crate which the farmer had allowed me to borrow. I thought the best thing to do was to put the crate inside their new temporary house and open the lid, ensuring the house was secure. This morning the hens were out of the box so I opened the roof and left them to their own devices. I kept checking on them every hour or so and each time I could see they had gained more confidence as they became more familiar with their new surroundings. It wasn't long before 2 of them found a gap in the fence and made their way to the goose hut where they spent most of the morning. Later this afternoon they had worked out they wanted to be back with the others so I caught them and gently put them back, making sure the gap was sorted. I think they are going to be quite at home! For other skywatchers visit here

B

2009-07-28T16:51:00.006+01:00

B is for Bee Luxury Hotel! We were all set to clear out the log shed and use it for the chickens. As I leaned into the shed I heard a distinct buzzing! Our neighbour is a bee keeper so he came over to assess the situation. Bumble bees! We will leave them to their luxury accomodation! This is why the new hen house was built. The arrival of the chickens is imminent! I am sure you can guess what my C is going to be next week!

B is for my Baskets. I used the seeds produced by my nasturtiums from last year! I love colourful baskets and at a cost of nothing the results are Beautiful!

B is for Brocolli....sprouting type. This is one of my favourite vegetables which I am growing in my raised bed.

Next year I will grow more vegetables, this is my first attempt! Although we have nearly 1/3 of an acre the size does daunt me and I have to make separate areas easier to manage. My ABC Round 5 is all about our efforts to lead a more sustainable way of life. The great inspiration for this came from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a talented writer, broadcaster and campaigner, widely known for his uncompromising commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food. His books, journalism and series for Channel 4 have earned him a huge popular following. Hugh started living in the original River Cottage in rural Dorset in 1998, determined to start growing and rearing some of his own food. His steep learning curve was documented in the Escape to River Cottage series (1999), which won him a big audience. Following this success, and the publication of The River Cottage Cookbook (2001) which won several awards, he was able to establish River Cottage HQ near Bridport in 2004. Originally a collection of mucky cow sheds, the property was transformed into a rustic, welcoming venue with a professional kitchen, thriving vegetable garden and small collection of livestock. It became the location for a range of River Cottage events and courses designed to promote the “grow your own” philosophy and provide an environment where people could discuss, eat and learn about really good, well-produced food. It was the base for the fourth series, Beyond River Cottage (2004) In 2004, Hugh published The River Cottage Meat Book to wide acclaim. It has become the definitive meat cookery manual for a new generation and won the André Simon Food Book of the Year Award in 2004. Hugh and the team are now moving onwards and upwards. In 2006, we relocated to a new, permanent home on the Devon-Dorset border – Park Farm. Until recently, this was a traditional, family-run farm. It had fallen into disuse, but the River Cottage team are restoring it to its former state of busy productivity, raising livestock and growing a huge range of fresh produce to supply the kitchen and the new, improved range of events. The latest River Cottage series, The River Cottage Treatment was broadcast in November 2006, to much acclaim, and The River Cottage Fish Book will be published shortly. Hugh's latest project could involve taking on the supermarket giants as he opens his own River Cottage shop and canteen, near Park Farm, selling local, seasonal food. Hugh continues to write journalism, including a weekly column in The Guardian. He lives in Dorset with his wife Marie and their children, Oscar, Freddie and Chloe. He is Patron of the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA). He is passionate about animal welfare and his Chicken Out Campaign brought awareness to the plight of intensive farming!

Before!!!!!

2009-07-27T19:32:00.001+01:00

This is the area at the bottom of our paddock a couple of years ago! You will not recognise it now. It is the area destined and now ready for the arrival of 6 hens. I already know their names..... Beverley, Margie, Eva, May, Olwyn and Mabel! Watch this space! This is my little world! For others visit here

The Winner Takes it All!

2009-07-25T11:38:00.004+01:00

My Best Friend Maria and Moi

The Fundraising Event was a great success, achieving much needed funds for Teesside Hospice. The star prize of the raffle was a Jamie Oliver jug! Yes I won it, and 2nd and 3rd prizes too! Embarassed when my ticket was picked for the 4th prize I said to put the ticket back! Maria won! lol! When she was picking her prize 2 more of her numbers were read out! All in all Maria won 3 prizes, I won 5! A good result I would say! lol!

Here you can see the wonderful produce which Steph and others had prepared.

The food was delicious, not that we would expect any other from Steph!

The lady at the front of this picture is the Chief Exec of Teesside Hospice. At a previous event she said she knew me from somewhere. After a long discussion it turns out we both went to the same disco as teenagers! What a small world. Steph is the lady in the background sporting a little black number and a big smile!

In my element for Teesside Hospice

2009-07-23T14:13:00.002+01:00

Tonight my friend Steph is hosting a special event to raise funds for Teesside Hospice. I am going, along with my best friend Maria, Julie and her friend Lynne. I thought I would make some very special cards for the raffle.

I used dried flowers, together with an inspirational garden quote and some Laura Ashley paper.

Now my favourite part is to package these cards so they look the business!

ABC Wednesday...A is for..Apples!

2009-07-21T18:03:00.008+01:00

Apple Tree, our Garden

Round 5 of ABC Wednesday begins! With it, a new theme. This round is all about me taking stock of our way of life. Like many others we strive towards a more sustaunable, self-sufficient life and I want to use my journal to document part of our journey. A is for Apples. We have 3 apple trees, 2 very mature ones and a 20 year old Discovery tree, bought for us on our 1st wedding anniversary by Jon's parents. I often make chutney from any bruised dropped apples but this year I am going to try something different. I do have 16 demijohns to occupy remember! lol! Apple Wine Ingredients - 3 1/2 lb Apples - 2 1/2 lb Granulated Sugar - 1 Gallon Cold Water (8 Pints) - 2 Lemons - 1 Orange - 1 tsp Wine Yeast - Yeast Nutrient - Pectic Enzyme Method Wash and cut apples - do not peel or core, mince if possible. Put into a plastic bucket[1] and pour 1 gallon of cold water over them. Cover bucket[2] and leave for a week, but stir well every day with a plastic spoon[3]. After a week, strain liquid through muslin into another bucket. Add 2 1/2 lb of sugar and juice and grated rinds of washed lemons and orange. Stir well until sugar is dissolved. Add the yeast[4], yeast nutrient and pectic enzyme[5]; then cover bucket and leave for 24 hours. It will then be ready to strain and put into fermentation jar[6] (squeeze until dry). Can be used as a non-alcoholic fruit drink straight away( as if) or if left for 4 months will turn into clear wine....we will be leaving ours AT LEAST 4 months! Do you have any recipes for apples?? Do share!

My World, My Desk!

2009-07-21T09:31:00.003+01:00

This is my desk as we speak! I am currently completing 45 Thank You cards for Luoise and Chris. I designed all of their wedding stationery and everything else for their wedding day. There is quite a lot of stationery associated with a wedding and I am in my element! The theme for the stationery was butterflies, so for the Thank You cards I have used a butterfly velum with a reverse of silver. This is a new experiment for me, with some Laura Ashley papers. I have decided to design a range of garden inspiration cards which I will sell through my website. I love the inspiration from my garden . The Thank You cards will be collected tonight. I then will start on a Table Plan and hand written place cards for a wedding which will take place on Sunday. When I am doing my calligraphy I have to do all 70 or whatever inone sitting so I ensure they all match. Just by changing my seating position alters the handwriting. Once completed the cards and plan will be collected by the bride and groom. I will then begin work on what must be the most elaborate seating plan commission I have ever undertaken. I am not daunted, quite excited actually! I will share my results after the respective weddings as I know my clients and their friends and families read my blog and I do not want to share anything just yet, so the WOW factor is kept secret! So what is going on in your world today? For others see here!

The Airing Cupboard, but not as you know it Jim!

2009-07-19T10:36:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we bottled 34 pints of cider! They will stay in the airing cupboard for 3 days before being moved to the garage where they need to stay for at least 3 weeks! This leaves fermenting bin 1 free for us to start off some beer. Tomorrow I collect another fermenting bin thanks to Freecycle which I will use to start off 15 gallons of a red wine. I also have a rose to start off in a demijohn. The 2 demijohns of apricot & strawberry wine continue to bubble away in the airing cupboard. I must say it is getting pretty crowded in there and we may have to make some alterations. Less bedding = more home brewing space! I have too much bedding anyway! lol!

Watching the Sky! Update 2 of the Chicken Preparations and a Competition!

2009-07-16T18:23:00.005+01:00

Looking up from the new chicken area a few minutes ago!

We have been very lucky with the weather today but just as I went out to take some photos it started to rain, so I hope you appreciate the fact that I got wet, just so I could share some of the work we have done today! The gate has been modified so Jon can get the sit on lawnmower through. I think Nephew 3 did a great job!

I too was busy, I have these candle holders knocking around the garden for BBQ's so I nailed them to the posts and found some redundant artificial flowers destined for the charity shop.

The henhouse is really coming along! The base is our old gate and all the wood is from our stable. If you look at the side you will see the opening which eventually will lead to a nesting box. There will be three nesting boxes in all. Behind the plastic bag is the main entrance. We have some perspex type material, originally the window of the redundant shed, directly behind the hen house. Yes, our hens will have their very own patio doors! The shed is now a luxurious hotel to the bees which have set up nest in there. The entire project has cost us the price of the chicken wire, nails and some hinges. Everything else has been recycled from stuff we had lying around the place.

I have decided on the names for the 6 hens we are getting... Shirley, Beverley, Eva, May, Olwyn and Mable! Good old traditional names! Hopefully we will get the hens this weekend, if not it will be early next week! Now, I thought we could have some fun...

Look at the photograph and have a guess as to what Jon is doing in the airing cupboard! It isn't anything illeagal! lol! Have a guess in the comment section! The winner will receive one of my cards! Talking of cards I have decided to study my hens and capture them in paints, which I will then use around our house and make some card too! Go on, have a go!

For other skywatchers, visit here

Update 6pm Friday!

Congratulations Gerald! Indeed Jon was monitoring the cider...with his stethescope! lol! Checking on if it was still making any noises! e-mail me your address & I'll get cards in post!

A Sneak Preview!

2009-07-15T11:45:00.002+01:00

I am so pleased with the progress in the bottom part of the paddock, the area designated for the arrial of our new chickens. Once the fencing is sorted we will move onto the construction of the hen house. All fencing used is what we had in the garden and other wood was from the old stable which was demolished a couple of years ago. Here you can see Jo the gander walking away after inspecting the new fence. A gate has yet to be added + some wire.

This is my bench! It is a bench from Jon's workshop which he no longer had any use for. The fence post is again re-used wood from the stable. The post looks a bit boring! I need to come up with something to tart these posts up! Any ideas?

I am so excited about this project! I will keep you posted of developments before the grand tour when all completed and the girls move in!

ABC Wednesday...Z is for.......

2009-07-14T13:39:00.011+01:00

zest [ zest ] noun Definition: 1. hearty enjoyment: lively enjoyment and enthusiasm zest for life 2. exciting and enjoyable quality: an exciting or interesting aspect of something that makes it particularly enjoyable "If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind." Norman Vincent Peale I have a real zest for our life, who we are, what we are about and where we live. Each day I try to appreciate the environment in which we live in, the impact of our day to day living and the wonderful world around us. An action such as this does not cost anything, sometimes I simply sit and look out of the window but mostly it is when I am out walking with Wilma I take in the very essence of what is on our doorstep!

Up Handale Lane yesterday I fed apples to the horses!

Yes, a new addition!

The horses opposite the new foal were waiting for attention!

Mother and foal! Doesn't she have her mum's walk?

Up close for a stroke of her nose!

The dot in the distance is Wilma!

This little rabbit quickly scuttled off!

Further up the lane the Honeysuckle perfume was quite wonderful on this sunny day!

The brambles which I will pick for my winemaking later in the year!

Heading back towards home Mother and foal walking through the field

The dot in the distance is Wilma, on her way home.

More horses for apples! The red tiled roof in the distance, centre of the photograph is our house!

Until another apple feed the horses make do with grass!

So, end of ABC Round 4! Last week it was decided quite categorically to carry on with ABC Round 5. This will take us into a 3rd year of the weekly project. It has been so much fun and I have been thinking about what I will do for Round 5. I like to have a theme or focus and I have decided that Round 5 will be based on our strive towards a more sustainable self-sufficient life. All my photographs/thoughts will be based on our little piece of land here in North Yorkshire where each day my zest for life is re-kindled by all I see around me. To feel the beauty of nature absorbed into my bones inspires me to improve all we have.

I have many friends who are like-minded one in particular, Brigit Strawbridge has been a total inspiration and her concept The Big Green Idea is awesome! Check it out, it may be coming to a town near you!

Earth I am the Earth And the Earth is me. Each blade of grass, Each honey tree, Each bit of mud, And stick and stone Is blood and muscle, Skin and bone. And just as I Need every bit Of me to make My body fit, So Earth needs Grass and stone and tree And things that grow here Naturally. That's why we Celebrate this day. That's why across The world we say: As long as life, As dear, as free, I am the Earth And the Earth is me. Jane Yolen

To see more ABC visit here

No Rest for the Wicked!

2009-07-11T16:34:00.004+01:00

My friend Steph, the one who gave me a ticket to the ladie's Ascot Day a few weeks ago, is heavily involved with Teesside Hospice. Steph is shop manager of one of the most successful charity shops in the area. I have known Steph for many years, initially I taught her son but we became friends immediately and the friendship has lasted. Like me she likes a good laugh and when we are together we always end up having a hoot! Steph has a heart of gold and her latest venture is to host a Jamie Oliver party. I am going, along with some of my best friends. Steph is making some jam and cookies so I offered to make some posh labels. I made them Saturday afternoon and just need to put some sticky tape on them. It was a joy to sit down at my desk because we have been really busy today. We set off early to go into Middlesbrough as Wilkinson's Store is selling home brewing equipment and we have made the decision to make our own wine and cider.

This is inside our airing cupboard! 37 pints of 7% cider just started today!

Also I have started off a very special couple of demi-johns, Apricot and Strawberry. It belonged to our dear pal Phil who passed away some weeks ago. His partner, Maria, my best friend gave it to me, together with a demijohn so I was able to start both flavours off! I am going to keep a journal over the next few weeks, so I know what to do, to what, when! The arrival of the chickens has now been put back to September. When sorting out the area we discovered a bees nest inside the shed. We had used it to store logs and somehow the bees had managed to find a way inside and are now snuggling up inside the logs. We have taken advice and one friend in particular, Compostwoman gave us this useful information. Bumblebes die off at the end of each year and only that years new queens survive and hibernate. They mate before winter and hibernate with the sperm inside them which they will use to lay eggs which will produce larvae in the spring of the next year... These are the big bb you see in sunny spring days, queens coming out of hibernation.... so if you make sure you leave the nest well alone until all activity has stopped in the autumn, chances are the new queens will have gone somewhere else to hibernate and the rest have sadly died off ,as is the norm..... Sad more info here http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/# so leave your logs bee until then and it should all bee ok...

So we are doing just that! I have been going to the tip with lots of garden clearings, imagine my surprise when I discoverd somebody had thrown away a patio table and chairs! This isn't the actual set, my camera is charging up as we speak, but it will give you an idea of what the furniture looks like. It is almost the same as our original set, the tables will be great together and we will have seating for 8 people! Why people throw such excellent stuff away annoys me. I use Freecycle so much. receiving as well as giving!

So a fruitful few days!

Rose Scattering Fire in the IOM Sky!

2009-07-09T16:09:00.002+01:00

Though the day still lingers, the rose-scattering fire of the evening star already scintillates through the azure sky. - Willem Kloos,

Continuing with my Isle of Man Skies, this was another evening, another sky at Port Erin. Quite late evening, you can just see the lights on the bay indicating something was going on! For more skywatchers go here

ABC Wednesday.....Y!

2009-07-07T16:09:00.004+01:00

Y is for YUMMY!

Auntie denise's home made plum jam + Nephew 3!

yummy?

lick every last finger!

yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmy, delicious!

Clean plate now!

I make plum jam, or conserve to be exact! If there are big pieces of fruit in the jam it is a conserve, according to Margatert Pattern!I use the damsons/plums from our own garden.If I can do it anybody can. 1 kg plums, 1 kg sugar! Put plums in pan, simmer away (this releases the pectin) add sugar until it dissolves,bubble away for a while... getting scalded by the mixture! Test...saucer business, brings back memories from school! Pour into hot jars, seal with waxy paper! To join in the ABC lark, go here

My Village, my World!

2009-07-06T18:37:00.003+01:00

Our Village

This is our village, home for the last 18 years. Our house is in the middle of the photograph. If you click for a closer view you just may see Jo our gander in the garden! We are surrounded by farms and the majority of the neighbours have a large plot, just as we do. Over the next few weeks we will be seeing the fruits of our harvests. 3 apple trees will provide apple wine, cider, chutneys. The Elderberry trees will become our Elderberry wine and winter warmer recipes, the damsons will be used for jam and again wine. My veg plot is coming along too. The tomatoes are coming along well and ofcourse our big addition is going to be the chicken enclosure. I am quite excited about this! Although we have kept chickens in the past it was the taste of our neighbours chicken's eggs which re-kindled the memories of lovely poached eggs for breakfast. I have been looking after their garden whilst they have been away, watering etc etc so it was fun to imagine getting some of our own. There is still a lot of preparation to do, involving fitting some screening wire up, getting the redundant shed looking like a hen des res and I want to build a big composting area at the bottom of the paddock........I will keep you informed! We are quite content in our little spot! It is a wonderful little piece of heaven, so very quiet yet so resourceful.

Home by Edgar Guest It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home, A heap o' sun an' shadder, an' ye sometimes have t' roam Afore ye really 'preciate the things ye lef' behind, An' hunger fer 'em somehow, with 'em allus on yer mind. It don't make any differunce how rich ye get t' be, How much yer chairs an' tables cost, how great yer luxury; It ain't home t' ye, though it be the palace of a king, Until somehow yer soul is sort o' wrapped round everything. Home ain't a place that gold can buy or get up in a minute; Afore it's home there's got t' be a heap o' livin' in it; Within the walls there's got t' be some babies born, and then Right there ye've got t' bring 'em up t' women good, an' men; And gradjerly as time goes on, ye find ye wouldn't part With anything they ever used they've grown into yer heart: The old high chairs, the playthings, too, the little shoes they wore Ye hoard; an' if ye could ye'd keep the thumb-marks on the door. Ye've got t' weep t' make it home, ye've got t' sit an' sigh An' watch beside a loved one's bed, an' know that Death is nigh; An' in the stillness o' the night t' see Death's angel come, An' close the eyes o' her that smiled, an' leave her sweet voice dumb. Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an'when yer tears are dried, Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an' sanctified; An' tuggin' at ye always are the pleasant memories O' her that was an' is no more ye can't escape from these. Ye've got t' sing an' dance fer years, ye've got t' romp an' play, An' learn t' love the things ye have by usin' 'em each day; Even the roses 'round the porch must blossom year by year Afore they 'come a part o' ye, suggestin' someone dear Who used t' love 'em long ago, an' trained 'em jes t' run The way they do, so's they would get the early mornin' sun; Ye've got t' love each brick an' stone from cellar up t' dome: It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home. For more worlds visit here

ABC Wednesday XXXXXXXXXXXXX

2009-06-30T18:57:00.006+01:00

My Menu Planning!

Today I had fun in the kitchen and cooked various meals which I then chilled and portioned up in containers which I put in the freezer.

As I put a pile into the freezer I make a note as you see above. I then go through the diary and allocate a meal for a date, ensuring there isnt duplication in any week.

Here you can see how it works in the diary.

All in all what with current freezer contents and todays cooking session results I have sufficient meals now to last until our holiday. We leave on 31st.

I even have something planned for the night we return.

It takes me about 20 minutes to sit and plan the diary but it is time well spent.

At the beginning of each week I go into the garage where the chest freezer is and take out the meals for the week, which I put in my other freezer in the kitchen.

The time it saves is amazing!

Instead of pondering over what we are having for any mealtime I just refer to the diary!

I had a shopping delivery today and I had planned to have a cooking session.

Next time I shop I wont need to spend as much.

When I worked full time I was on a monthly salary.

The first week was a good week but by the time we reached a the fifth week in a long month my money managing let me down and I would find myself scrounging from mum's freezer.

Now we have our money paid every 3 months so I am really sitting down and working out some systems. By using my menu planning it does help me manage our budget and certainly illiminates any food waste.

I must admit I was worn out after such a session, especially following our hectic weekend, but now all is done and I can concentrate on othet chores!

To see more ABC's visit the ABC Blog!

Friends, Family & Flowers!

2009-06-28T12:10:00.002+01:00

Today's Flowes

Last night was a great success. I was surrounded by a great family and fantastic friends. Jon had been working this weekend but he came home at lunchtime to put up the tarpaulin so we could sit outside for the BBQ. I had prepared the salads and BBQ stuff during the afternoon. We had beefburgers, saysage kebabs, a new idea which proved popular. Sausages, tomatoes, potato, onion and tomato.We also had Chicken fillets. The first to arrive at 7 was our godson Andrew who had braved the drizzly foggy night on hs motorbike. Steph and Dave arrived shortly afterwards with this wonderful gift of flowers. My Mother in Law, the other Mrs Nesbitt came with my best friend Maria and nephews Ben and Richard. More friends, Martin and Virginia came with a beautiful necklace which matched my new top wonderfully! My sister in law Maureen and her boyfriend Steve bought me a tamborine which ofcourse I had to try out! Our neighbours came completing our night. Jon was in charge of the BBQ and the nephews all helped. All I had to do was enjoy the time surrounded by my favourite people on the planet. We had a great feast and danced into the early hours of the morning! I love times such as this and realised how lucky I am to be part of the Nesbitt family and have some of the best friends in the world. One of my very first albums I bought was Elton John's "Friends" album. The words sum up what I felt, sitting amongst this wonderful group of people.

I hope the day will be a lighter highway

For friends are found on every road

Can you ever think of any better way

For the lost and weary travellers to go

Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there then everything's all right

It seems to me a crime that we should age

These fragile times should never slip us by

A time you never can or shall erase

As friends together watch their childhood fly

Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there then everything's all right

Skywatch Friday

2009-06-26T08:31:00.002+01:00

As mentioned last week, my skywatch photos over the next few weeks will feature Isle of Man captures. Was it really only 2 weeks ago? It seems ages!

These are taken from the bench on the promenade at Port Erin, a favourite place of ours to sit and mull over the events of the day and plans for the next day.

Author: grooveysaz@hotmail.com

The sun is setting on a lonely day

The colours are splitting, the perfect way

Your strolling home as you see this too

And I watch from a window thinking of you

From this day on, Ill look forever

That magical sunset, our memories together

To help me through when my life gets tough

And when I feel that Ive had enough

The sun you see, makes me think of you

The miracle of it, the wonder too

I see you both everyday as you know

To stop seeing either, Id have to say, no

The bright colours shine from within my heart

The colours of a sunset, a special part

Of a day in my life I wish you could see

Just whats its like, just to be me.

For more skies visit here

Maroon Flowers

2009-06-25T09:54:00.001+01:00

Yesterday my best friend came over to visit.

She isn't having a very good time right now.

She brought me a lovely bouquet of flowers, burgundy!

My photography does not give the credit the flowers deserve.

I am a kind word uttered and repeated

By the voice of Nature;

I am a star fallen from the

Blue tent upon the green carpet.

I am the daughter of the elements

With whom Winter conceived;

To whom Spring gave birth; I was

Reared in the lap of Summer and I

Slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze

To announce the coming of light;

At eventide I join the birds

In bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with

My beautiful colors, and the air

Is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of

Night watch over me, and as I

Awaken I stare at the sun, which is

The only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to

The voices of the birds, and dance

To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;

I am the memory of a moment of happiness;

I am the last gift of the living to the dead;

I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,

And never look down to see my shadow.

This is wisdom which man must learn.

- Khalil Gibran

For more maroon magic visit here

ABC Wednesday....W

2009-06-23T15:04:00.003+01:00

Is for WORK!

I have been working really hard in the garden. Behind my greenhouse was an area of weeds which has now been cleared and I now have a manageable area of raised beds which I will be planting with some young vegetable plants later!

This is the view from the area, overlooking the grazing field next door to us. Often the horses come right up to the fence and peer over to see what I am up to.

More work to do......You can just make out Joe's shed here, well next to it is a spare smaller shed. We have decided to keep chickens again, so now I am concentrating on getting the area sorted, beyond the goose shed. Once the area is fenced off and ready we will get the hens....watch this space!

More work here too. The area behind the greenhouse is in need of some making over, again it is on my list of work to do!

My tomatoes are doing really well, infact today they are enjoying the sunshine as I have left the door open.

And yes, more work this week. I have to get the patio area all spruced up for our BBQ on Saturday. It is my birthday next Tuesday so we always have friends and family round the nearest Saturday!

W is also for..........WELL I had better stop blogging and get out in the sunshine and WORK!

Skywatch Friday! Isle of Man 1!

2009-06-18T17:55:00.006+01:00

The Irish Sea

Sunday 7th June

It is so hard to imagine that this time last week we had just spent a great time with Babooshka in Parliament Square, Ramsey.

As it happens an ex-pupil of mine is now manager of a bar in the very same Parliament Square so once again connections are made through networking.

I am going to join in Skywatch Friday for the next few weeks as I have some of our recent holiday to the IOM TT Races.

We sailed on the Sunday, as you can see Blue skies took us all the way to the Island and stayed with us for the entire week!

However the Saturday before we arrived saw torrential rain stopping the Saturday races.....

fortunately we brought the sunshine so racing resumed on the Monday.

This was the sky through the lounge window..

and the porthole seemed to frame this scene of excited bikers making their annual pilgrimage to the Island!

More sky photographs from the Island next Friday!

(Hope you like my new peonie header...see previous post to this to see where I my inspiration originated!)

For more participants visit the Skywatch Blog here

Hats off to Teesside Hospice Ladie's Day @ Ascot!

2009-06-18T08:55:00.002+01:00

Teesside Hospice Ascot

Yesterday @ Gisborough Hall

A ggod friend of mine Steph invited Margie and myself as her guests to the Teesside Hospice Annual Ladie's Ascot Day yesterday.

Steph, on the left and Claire.

I won a raffle prize of B&B for 2 @ Gisborough Hall.

As you can see, between us Margie and I won many prizes.

I made my own hat decoration and received many comments throughout the day!

Today the hat is back to its basic design

I now have 2 small posies as a reminder of the day!

ABC Wednesady....V is for View!

2009-06-16T14:26:00.002+01:00

Port Erin, this time last week!

I dont know about you, but when I am getting in the mood for an approaching holiday I will say to Jon....."This time tomorrow....etc etc!" So last week when everybody had been dropped off at the various kennels and cattery as Jon and I sat together in a quiet house I said..."Jon, where will we be tomorrow?" Jon replied...."Isle of Man dear!" "Why are we going to the Isle of Man Jon?" "To the TT dear!" "Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!"

Sounds quite daft really but then that's the kind of person I am! Many of you know only too well! lol! So yes, this time last week this was the view which greeted us each evening outside our hotel.

Ofcourse, we were blessed with exceptional weather. The Saturday prior to our journey saw the races cancelled due to torrential rain. Sunday, when we set out the sun shone and continued to do so throughout the week. On the Wednesday as Jon and I sunbathed in the hot sun of the grandstand, others were experiencing hail stones in Ramsey! lol! yes Babooshka, the sun shines on the righteous!

Ofcourse the holiday was absolutely fantastic, great to meet up with Babooshka! My how we laughed as we sat in Parliament Square!

Returning home on Sunday yes, a little low in spirits but the sun was shining and our neighbours met up with us in Hawes and travelled home with us on their own motorbike. I couldn't help realise yet again what lovely countryside surrounds us, so by the time we arrived home I felt glad to be home.

The house was very quiet but all returned to normal on Monday after we had collected Wilma, Elsie and Ella.

So as our life fits back into a routine I feel quite excited about events to come....tomorrow I am attending a ladie's Ascot Function ran by Teesside Hospice. My friend won tickets so I will be dressing up in my best clothes and donning an exceptional hat which I will share with you later! I will take my camera along so I can share with you the details later! There are invitations to send out to my birthday BBQ on June 27th, a couple of weeks after which we will be at the Road Races up in Scarborough and there are plans to make for the first week of September when we tour France on our motorbike, together with our friends John and Trish!

So how can I feel low after such a great time with so many wonderful things on the horizon!

For some time now I have been debating about setting up a blog for the duck and now I can share the new blog, purely for his adventures from the back of a motorbike. You can see it here!

Happy ABC Wednesday!

Watch this space!

The Duck is Ready to Fly!

2009-06-05T17:29:00.004+01:00

Well here is the little fella last Sunday at Bridlington! Tonight he will be having his bath ready to look his best for our visit to the Isle of Man! The bike will be loaded tomorrow evening ready for our early start over to Heysham!

The ferry journry will take us a couple of hours.

So what's in store for us?

Who knows? I was reading Babooshka's blog the other day and noticed there was a very negative comment, annonymous ofcourse re the TT experience for locals, apparantly they found it noisy. Well the TT has been around for many many years and brings a great deal of revenue to the island. We know some places put up prices because they know us visitors do not have a choice. However the TT Teas are a wonderful way the residents show their appreciation for the visiting bikers. The church halls are turned into tearooms for the fortnight and the locals produce the most outstanding home baking for us bikers. It really is apprciated! I am sure you will be seeing various events on the National News but look out for Cameron Donald! He was flying today! John McGuiness................watch out! Stop Press...........Valentino Rossi will be riding the TT circuit on Tuesday! I'll be there with my camera! Back soon, till then.. Watch this space!

ABC Wednesday....T is for....

2009-06-02T14:24:00.005+01:00

Well it could only be one thing! The TT! Isle of Man TT where Jon and I will be travelling to on Sunday! The races take place on public roads, closed for the events, hence the term Road Racing. This is the same type of racing which takes place at Olivers Mount Scarborough! We know lots of the riders but here are some significant ones................... John McGuiness. Current holder of the Senior TT Trophy!

Ryan Farquer who we know from Scarborough and is one of our particular favourites.

Guy Martin, tipped to win last year but mechanical problems prevented his victory!

This is what I love about Road Racing! The relationship between riders and spectators! Do you think F1 racers would pose for the camera with a duck? Exactly! Follow the races on ITV4!

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

Happy Birthday Jon!

2009-06-02T08:59:00.005+01:00

My World Tuesday!

I guess my world centres around the life I share with my husband, Jon! Here he is with our nephew 3, Richard! Tomorrow we will have been married for 21 years!

I love you because you understand dear Every single thing I try to do You're always there to lend a helping hand dear I love you most of all because you're you No matter what the world may say about me I know your love will always see me through I love you for the way you never doubt me But most of all I love you because you're you I love you because my heart is lighter Every time I'm walking by your side I love you because the future's brighter The door to happiness you opened wide No matter what the world may say about me I know your love will always see me through I love you for a hundred thousand reasons But most of all I love you because you're you

To see more of people's worlds visit here

Skywatch Friday!

2009-05-28T19:40:00.004+01:00

Blue sky over the mountain. Jon & Andy contemplate life and other things!

As many of you know I haven't been blogging as much of late due to wedding commissions which I need to complete and deliver. One down one to go and then I can begin on the preparations for our visit to the Isle of Man! We are so so excited! I will be sharing more later but for the moment enjoy the view! For more skywatchers visit here!

ABC Wednesday...S is for....

2009-05-26T16:54:00.002+01:00

Stationery! Many of you will know I design and make wedding stationery. My latest commission is for a couple who are having the Wedding Reception aboard the Yorkshire Pullman Dining Car owned by North Yorkshire Steam Locomotive Preservation Society. The brief was to have a railway theme......so what do you think?

You can see more of my commissions here I am very busy with my wedding stationery right now, hence my lack of blogging posts, I just do not have the time. I have 2 commissions on right now which I want to complete and deliver this week so I can then start preparations for our visit to the TT on the Isle of Man. I do however keep up occasional bits of news over on Facebook, so do pop over some time.

ABC Wednesday...R is for...Ruth!

2009-05-19T19:02:00.003+01:00

Ruth and Joe, last Saturday!

In our village church, check out the lovely dress!

Notice the flowers on the end of every pew, 20 in all.

The flower arrangements...euphorbia from our garden and lilacs from Ruth's grandad's garden, two houses up from ours.

I made the arrangements and posies, so now you know why I was so busy last week. I made the invitations and orders of service too. I am very busy with quite a few weddings right now but love every minute of it. Ruth's wedding was special however. We have known Ruth for nearly 20 years and were thrilled when she announced she was going to marry Joe. So to Ruth and Joe, congratulations, as the vicar said, two beautiful people. One of the hymns we sung was one which Jon and I had at our wedding. Apparantly it is called the "Engineer's Hymn" on account of verse 2, which is precisely why we chose it.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy, Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray, Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day. Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith, Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe, Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray, Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day. Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace, Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray, Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day. Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm, Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray, Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

ABC Wednesday.....Q is for.....Quiet!

2009-05-12T18:22:00.003+01:00

Peace and Quiet! I feel like a plate spinner right now. There is so so much going on I just need to find a quiet little space. One of my all time favourite songs is by Supertramp......enjoy! I know that theres a reason why I need to be alone I need to find a silent place that I can call my own Is it mine, lord is it mine? When everythings dark and nothing seems right, Theres nothing to win and theres no need to fight I never cease to wonder at the cruelty of this land But it seems a time of sadness is a time to understand Is it mine, lord is it mine? When everythings dark and nothing seems right, You dont have to win and theres no need to fight If only I could find a way To feel your sweetness through the day The love that shines around me could be mine. So give us an answer, wont you, We know what we have to do, There must be a thousand voices trying to get through. To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

My World Tuesday

2009-05-12T08:26:00.004+01:00

View from our window

It seems quite a while since I wrote anything here on my blog and I guess that pretty much says a great deal about my world right now....as there seems to be so much going on. I try to speak to my friend Maria every day following the loss of her partner Phil, Wilma needs her daily walks, I am getting stuff together for a carboot sale on Thursday, Garden chores are knocking on the door and I have quite a few wedding commissions on the books too. Saturday sees a village wedding so on Friday, together with some neighbours I am decorating the church with flowers ready for the big day. Our holiday to the Isle of Man is not far away so today Wilma, Elsie and Ella are all off to the vets for various booster jabs ready for their stay in the bording kennels and cattery....this sums up my world right now but despite what is going on at least I can look out of the window and get everything in perspective! My World Tuesday.....see others here!

Fisherman's Blues

2009-05-06T18:39:00.005+01:00

Sing along!

I wish I was a fisherman Tumblin’ on the seas Far away from dry land And it’s bitter memories Casting out my sweet line With abandonment and love No ceiling bearin’ down on me ’cept the starry sky above With light in my head You in my arms Woohoo! I wish I was the brakeman On a hurtlin’ fevered train Crashing a-headlong into the heartland Like a cannon in the rain With the beating of the sleepers And the burnin’ of the coal Counting the towns flashing by In a night that’s full of soul With light in my head You in my arms Woohoo! Well I know I will be loosened From bonds that hold me fast That the chains all hung around me Will fall away at last And on that fine and fateful day I will take me in my hands I will ride on the train I will be the fisherman With light in my head You in my arms

ABC Wednesday.....P!

2009-05-05T17:40:00.006+01:00

(The Teacher logo, designed for "Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd)

When I was in junior school one particular teacher sticks in my mind for all the wrong reasons...Mr. Pallister! I was on free meals at the time, being from a one parent family this was one of the benefits. Now really there was not much I did not like when it came to food but two particular dislikes of mine were cheese pie and coconut pudding! On one such fateful day both were served....cheese pie as our main course, coconut pudding for desert. I tried in vain to hide the cheese pie underneath the potato but the pile loomed on my plate and as we were not allowed to leave any my plate found its way back to the table with strict instructions from Mr. Pallister that I had to clear my plate. I tried in vain to enjoy the cheese pie, with each mouthful I felt the reject signals coming from my stomach. The empty plate was returned to make way for desert. This time I felt myself wretching at the mere thought of the coconut pudding. Mr Pallister was watching me and came over to the table. I told him I did not like it and he replied something to the tune of... "People like me(him) payed their taxes so people like me could have privelages like free school dinners, and we didn't have a choice in the matter. Totally embarassed and mortified by his comment (I was only 8) I forced the coconut pudding into my mouth! Moments later whilst skipping (wrong choice) I felt the contents of my stomach beginning to rebel, and very soon appeared on the playground surface. I was so scared incase Mr Pallister discovered this and would point out that people like him payed taxes so people like me were not allowed to be sick I ran home to Auntie Dot's. Auntie Dot was baking at the time, rolling out pastery on the kitchen cabinet unit. I was sick again and after I had cleaned up I told her the tale. Armed with the rolling pin she left for the school. I do not know what she said, but I do know Mr. Pallister never demanded I finish a plate again. The family took me off free meals and from then on we found the money to pay for my dinners. Mr Pallister was my class teacher for 2 long years. He made a lasting impression on me. Later when I became a primary school teacher I vowed I would never be such a bully to any pupils who came my way, never insisting they eat something they did not like with a vengence.

Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 (Waters) We don't need no education We dont need no thought control No dark sarcasm in the classroom Teachers leave them kids alone Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone! All in all it's just another brick in the wall. All in all you're just another brick in the wall. We don't need no education We dont need no thought control No dark sarcasm in the classroom Teachers leave them kids alone Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone! All in all it's just another brick in the wall. All in all you're just another brick in the wall. "Wrong, Do it again!" "If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?" "You! Yes, you behind the bikesheds, stand still laddy!" To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

Away Beyond the Blue!

2009-04-30T19:09:00.004+01:00

A lovely sky for a lovely person. My very best friend's partner died yesterday, so Philip Argument this is for you! RIP!

Away beyond the blue Away beyond the blue One star belongs to you One star belongs to you And every breath I take And every breath I take I'm closer to that place I'm closer to that place Yeah baby, I'm gonna meet you there On the outskirts of the sky Yeah baby, I'm gonna meet you there And we will fly Away beyond the blue Away beyond the blue One star belongs to you This life is but a dream This life is but a dream Go gently down the stream Go gently down the stream Skywatch Friday

ABC Wednesday....O is for outdoors!

2009-04-28T17:04:00.002+01:00

As a child being brought up in North Riding of Yorkshire I was fortunate in having such wonderful places right on the doorstep. Holidays and weekends were always spent on the beaches and when Uncle Moss bought his Austin A35 we would often tootle around the moors. I moved away from the area in order to take up my first teaching post and really missed the scenery! Now back home, where I belong I take in the surroundings every time I am out with Wilma or exploring with Jon on the back of the motorbike!

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

True Colour for Thursday...Rust!

2009-04-23T09:38:00.001+01:00

Being married to a tinkering engineer there are various implements around the place, many which I try to incorporate in the garden. This part is from a Fordson tractor if I remember correctly! The picture itself annoys me as I can see a huge weed right at the front! Hopefully the lovely colour of the tulips will distract your eyes! lol! For more rusty examples see here Talking of weeding, yesterday I worked all afternoon digging up some dandilions and wild daisies from part of the garden where I want to plant bulbs sometime soon. I planted 100 bluebells too, so I am looking forward to the flowering period, not sure when, but that is the fun of the garden I guess. One of my very favourite houses in the village is up for sale. Parkhouse Farm, details here It is an entire farm consisting of many buildings, a wood, a bungalow as well as a wonderful house. Sadly it is £1.2 million! It made me look at our own home and appreciate it more than I have been. hence the work in the garden! Sometimes the size of the garden overpowers me but once I sit and do some thinking I partition the many chores and feel more in control! We have plans for the paddock which involve some digging, construction of a wall to terrace what is an awkward slope, a veg plot and the erection of a chicken plot which is really exciting! We have had hens in the past and when the last ones died we decided to have a break. However this week I have been looking after our neighbours hens and the taste of a fresh egg every morning has brought back lovely memories, so once we return from Isle of Man on June 14th we will sort out some hens. We have a spare wooden shed and will modify it with nesting boxes and will sort out a fence to contain the hens. We have over 1/3 of an acre so they will have sufficient room to scrat about, as hens like to do! Watch this space.

ABC Wednesday...

2009-04-21T19:05:00.002+01:00

Nesbitt Clan Tartan

“The thing that a lot of people cannot comprehend is that Mother Nature doesn't have a bullet with your name on it, she has millions of bullets inscribed with 'to whom it may concern”

Do you like your name? I love mine, I love being Mrs Nesbitt. As a child I had a surname which meant nothing, as it originated from a man who caused much distress to the lives of mum and I,looking back, I could have changed my name but it never really occured to me at the time. Recorded in the varied spellings of Nesbit, Nesbitt, Nesbet, Nesbett, Nesbeth, Nesbath and Nesbut, this unusual name is both locational and Anglo Scottish. It originates from either the barony of Nesbit in Berwick, or the villages of Nesbitt or Nesbit, in Northumberland and Durham. However spelt the origin is Olde English pre 10th century "nesebit", a word which describes a steel bit which joins the cheek pieces together. This would suggest that either the villages were originally famous for manufacturing this type of bit, or that second element does not mean bit but bight, a north country word for a bend, meaning that the villages stood on "noselike bends" of a river? What is certain is that the villages were recorded as "Nesebit" in the 1242 Court Lists of Northumberland, and as "Nesbitt" in 1311. The surname has remained largely true to the village name over these past seven centuries, almost a record in itself. In the Feudal Rolls of Durham, William de Nesbite appears in 1250, in the reign of King Henry 111. He is believed to have been a Knight Templar (Crusader), although this is not proven. A later Nesbitt showed equal enthusiasm for a cause, one John Nesbitt of Edinburgh (1661 - 1727) displaying rather too much protestant zeal, and in consequence he was forced to flee to Holland. He returned with King William 111 of Orange in 1689, and was given various posts in London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Nesbit, which was dated 1160, A charter witness at the Abbey of Kelso, Scotland, during the reign of King Malcolm 1V of Scotland, 1153 - 1166. To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

2009-04-20T09:44:00.003+01:00

Odd or not this little device is going to be popular over the next few days as I strive to de-clutter and have a spring clean! The sun is out and there are jobs to do both inside and outside the house! Watch this space! Spring cleaning time! Emerged from winter’s slump We’ve trucked a load of refuse to the dump -- Old things once valued, bought with hard-earned cash, Mementos of our lives, devolved to trash. The treasures tykes unwrapped one Christmas morn With shrieks of glee, are disused and forlorn. Bent rackets, a deflated basketball, A battered box of battered Barbie dolls, A chipped, old conch shell from some tropic isle, A beat-up, floral couch long out of style, A bicycle, a lamp, a plastic Jeep, Lie broken and discarded in a heap. Once prized possessions, now computer junk, Land in the trash pile with a sullen thunk. There goes that printer – and if truth’s to tell, The darned thing never did work very well. A bust of Elvis with a busted nose Begs, “Don’t be cruel!” -- but to the landfill goes. A fond reminder of their childhood past, Our kids’ old booster seat gets chucked out last. A hunk of scrap is much more than it seems. Here in the bone-yard of our worn-out dreams The crunch of boots on shards of broken glass Reminds us that, tout passe, tout casse, tout lasse. Neil Harding McAlister For more odd shots see here!

ABC Wednesday

2009-04-14T17:51:00.003+01:00

M is for...Mirror Mirror on the Wall I am my mother after all! It's another grey day! Why oh why did I rush to get the washing out yesterday only to be rained off? I could just as easily hung it on the airer in the warm kitchen, as it happens I had to do eventually when for a split second I did not look outside to see the lovely drying day had turned into a rainy dull episode! But, when the wind is up I insist on it being a good "Drying Day" and set forth to wash for the nation. Indeed if there isn't sufficient laundry in the basket I go in search to justify a full load for the washing machine. I guess it is one of the many facets of my nature which although I find strange, I know I am not alone and know where I get it from.......my mum! Do you ever find yourself saying something and remembering your parents said exactly the same things? I do frequently! Is it my age? LOL! A few years ago when I was teaching full time I was attending a management course at a local stadium. I hasten to add we were using their conference facilities, not the training area! LOL! Talking amongest ourselves later on one of my colleagues announced she was going into the town to do some shopping! I said I was doing the same, I needed some new slippers. "Are you getting Mules?" She asked. "Mules? You can break your neck in a pair of mules!" was my reply. We all laughed as others recognised exactly why I had retorted in such a way. The words had been said many times and many years earlier to me by my mum. What is more I remembered them and have never bought mules! LOL! On another occasion, only a couple of weeks ago, I had to take a delivery from Jon's workshop to one of his customers. I delivered what I had to and thought I would pop into the local shops and get one or two bits and bobs. It would be about 11am. As I packed away my shopping I said to the girl at the till, "Well once I get home and put this lot away I am in for the night!" It was 11am in the morning for goodness sake and there was I saying such a statement.... again a phrase from mum. Other phrases I remember....... "If you think for one minute that I'm letting you out of the house in THAT, you've got another thing coming... " "Wipe that smirk off your face!" "Don't make me come up there!" "When I was your age I could have shown you a thing or two!" "Money doesn't grow on trees!" "Do you think, we live in a field? Close the door!" " Do I look like I'm made of money???" "Just wait till we get home!" "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times..." "This place is a pigsty." A particular favourite one, when I had not buttoned a blouse or coat right up to the very top button... "Cover that bare chest up! You will catch a cold!" LOL, the mere thought eh! When I do find myself saying such words I smile, and just remember mum. It is a part of her which will never disappear as it is in the very marrow of my bones. As we enter another working week following the Easter break day, the sky may be grey but I have lots to be getting on with. I have washing I need to dry and another load to deal with....and dry on the airer and I have housework to do. Once all this is done, the dog is walked, the goose is put in his shed, Jon is home from work we will be in for the night! Yes, mum will have smiled! The Images of Mother: 4 YEARS OF AGE My Mommy can do anything! 8 YEARS OF AGE My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot! 12 YEARS OF AGE My Mother doesn't really know quite everything. 14 YEARS OF AGE Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either. 16 YEARS OF AGE Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned. 18 YEARS OF AGE That old woman? She's way out of date! 25 YEARS OF AGE Well, she might know a little bit about it. 35 YEARS OF AGE Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion. 45 YEARS OF AGE Wonder what Mom would have thought about it? 65 YEARS OF AGE Wish I could talk it over with Mom..... Author unknown To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

My World, My Kitchen!

2009-04-14T10:10:00.002+01:00

This is my kitchen, very much the heart of the home. Despite managing to get out on the motorbike on Sunday, the weather forecast is pretty grim today. Yesterday we did try and find some sunshine and indeed for a brief few minutes found ourselves warm under the short burst of sunshine somewhere on the moors. Eventually, in Malton we found bitter cold fog so we headed home! Today we have the same cold thick fog but I will find plenty to do in the home! To see what others are up to in their own world visit here

Odd Shots from York

2009-04-13T09:50:00.003+01:00

Well I dont think you will find a more odder shot than this one! York always has such interesting people and street events. Yesterday we came across this chap! His whole body & clothing had been painted with an emulsion of some kind, capturing the movement and action of his whols person! Amazing!

Normally there is an entrance fee into York Minster but as it was Easter Sunday it was free, so we made the most of it!

The ceilings are quite awesome!

Mirrors are placed around the building so the very highest of detailed architecture can be captured!

This was one of my favourites as no supportive structures were visible, so it appeared to be hanging in mid-air! So appropriate for Easter Sunday! Happy Easter. For more odd shots visit Katney.

Good Fences make Good Neighbours!

2009-04-10T16:28:00.003+01:00

Behind the shrub bed you may just be able to see some conifers. These provide some privacy from the neighbour. Today we have bpoght and planted some more conifer hedging to thicken out the sheltering! It turns out I went to college with the nursery owner so we got a very good deal. He also gave us some daffodils, violas, primulus and pansies. I feel I am going to be very busy over the next few days finding places to plant everything! Watch this space!

The Glory of the Garden Our England is a garden that is full of stately views, Of borders, beds and shrubberies and lawns and avenues, With statues on the terraces and peacocks strutting by; But the Glory of the Garden lies in more than meets the eye. For where the old thick laurels grow, along the thin red wall, You will find the tool- and potting-sheds which are the heart of all ; The cold-frames and the hot-houses, the dungpits and the tanks: The rollers, carts and drain-pipes, with the barrows and the planks. And there you'll see the gardeners, the men and 'prentice boys Told off to do as they are bid and do it without noise; For, except when seeds are planted and we shout to scare the birds, The Glory of the Garden it abideth not in words. And some can pot begonias and some can bud a rose, And some are hardly fit to trust with anything that grows; But they can roll and trim the lawns and sift the sand and loam, For the Glory of the Garden occupieth all who come. Our England is a garden, and such gardens are not made By singing:--"Oh, how beautiful!" and sitting in the shade, While better men than we go out and start their working lives At grubbing weeds from gravel-paths with broken dinner-knives There's not a pair of legs so thin, there's not a head so thick, There's not a hand so weak and white, nor yet a heart so sick. But it can find some needful job that's crying to be done, For the Glory of the Garden glorifieth every one. Then seek your job with thankfulness and work till further orders, If it's only netting strawberries or killing slugs on borders; And when your back stops aching and your hands begin to harden, You will find yourself a partner in the Glory of the Garden. Oh, Adam was a gardener, and God who made him sees That half a proper gardener's work is done upon his knees, So when your work is finished, you can wash your hand and pray For the Glory of the Garden, that it may not pass away! And the Glory of the Garden it shall never pass away! Rudyard Kipling

ABC Wednesday L is for laughs!

2009-04-07T17:53:00.005+01:00

Moi Age 7!

When I was about 9 I went to Brownies. As part of the session we were asked to spell Mississippi! I spelt it Mrs Sippy! I thought it was the name of Brown Owl the leader! One of my favourite activities was to go to jumble sales. Many of the neighbours looked out for me as they were aware of our situation at home. In those days there were few one parent families. One lady in particular, Mrs Cripps ran regular jumble sales at the local church. Like so many other children I loved going to these events and on one occasion as I entered the church Mrs Cripps called me over. She had put to one side a baby doll for me. It was quite tall and dressed in shocking pink hand knitted clothes. Everything from a bonnet, jacket, leggings, booties, gloves. The full works! I was really awe-struck and thanked her with a profuse enthusiasm ( as I had been brought up ALWAYS to say Thank you!) I ran home to show mum. "I hope you said Thank you to Mrs Cripps Denise! " were her first words. "I did mum!" "Good! That was very kind of her you know!" "I know mum!" I went upstairs to my room with my new doll. Being a typical 8 year old the first thing I did with my new doll was to undress her. I took all her clothes off, but as I removed her bonnet I made a shocking discovery....the doll only had half a head! The back of her head had been stuffed with newspaper and concealed with the bonnet! I could see all of the mechanisms which controlled her opening and closing eyes! Being the inquisitive potential nurse I examined the intricate workings with a pencil! As I poked about I heard a "snap" and part of the plastic structure snapped off! I panicked and dressed the doll, taking pains to pack in the newspaper into her head. I sat the doll on my dressing table and all was well......well to start with. A few moments later, as I was looking at my doll one of the eyes rolled and looked directly at me! Can you believe it? Can you imagine the terror it struck in the heart of an unsuspecting 8 year old like myself? The mechanism I had broken controlled one of the eyes of the doll! from then on I was absolutely petrified of the doll. I couldn't tell mum as she would have reminded me how kind Mrs Cripps had been and how ungrateful and thoughtless I had been to break such a lovely kind gesture! So I was stuck with it! I found a place for it where I could not see its face, but often I would hear the mechanism move, for no reason the eye would roll and always seem to end up looking right at me....well it would at that age! I attended a Salvation Army Sunday School. The Sunday School Trip was an annual treat! Now the Salvation Army makes a stand against any form of gambling, including Bingo. Auntie Dot and Auntie Joan went to the bingo once a week. On one of the Sunday School trips we went to Whitby and it rained all day. Escaping from the dreadful weather, mum and I went to play Bingo! As luck would have it I won! Now in those days we didn't have a choice, we were given the prize. As a 9 year old I was given what every young girl dreams of, a bright blue, 3 tier plastic vegetable rack! It was hardly the type of thing I could hide under my coat, away from the Major's prying eyes! The Major was standing on the steps of the coach as mum and I approached. I could see her looking at me in an enquiring way but I gave her a smile which indicated that THE thing to buy in Whitby was not a toffee apple or a stick of rock I could see other children had brought onto the coach! No! THE thing to have was a bright blue, 3 tier plastic vegetable rack! I can tell you the journey home was rather uncomfortable and I had a lattice imprint on my thigh for the rest of the day! LOL! Still, it found a good use in the kitchen! To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

My World Tuesday!

2009-04-07T09:45:00.002+01:00

We are only a few minutes drive from the sea and it is a regular visit for Wilma and I. I never under-estimate the joy of living so close to the coast. I think it is because I lived in the Midlands for 10 years when I started teaching. Although city life in Nottingham was interesting and the shops offered so much choice, as did the theatres and other city attractions, I missed the sea. My favourite poem of all times reflected this, I often shared this with my pupils in Nottingham.

maggie and milly and molly and may went down to the beach(to play one day) and maggie discovered a shell that sang so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and milly befriended a stranded star whose rays five languid fingers were; and molly was chased by a horrible thing which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and may came home with a smooth round stone as small as a world and as large as alone. ee cummings What is your world like today? To see more see here

Double Take!

2009-04-03T10:01:00.004+01:00

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, has been named as the next Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster. The 63-year-old is set to succeed Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor next month following his retirement as leader of Catholics in England and Wales. Is this Louis? Definately a double...yes or no?

Skywatch Friday

2009-04-02T19:33:00.002+01:00

Taken last year, Isle of Mann during the TT Races

"Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling." lol!

I have decided to re-join Skywatch Friday for the time being and think this one is so appropriate as in 2 months time we will be going to the Island again, for the TT races. We are staying in Port Erin and I am beginning to get excited. I love the anticipation and preparation of holidays!

Boo!

2009-04-02T13:09:00.001+01:00

For true colours Thursday I have decided to share my motor vehicle, our beloved pick-up. Looking at this picture it is evident that Wilma is tired after a stint on the beach, hence her laying down on the seat. Normally she sits on the seat and stares out of the window. Talking of pick ups, here are some pick up lines! lol! You must be in a wrong place - the Miss Universe contest is over there. Was that an earthquake or did u just rock my world? I may not be a genie but I can make your dreams come true Are you a magnet cuz im attracted to you Does this rag smell like chloroform to you? I wish you were DSL so I could get high-speed access. I know its not Christmas, but Santa's lap is always ready. Baby your like a student and I am like a math book, you solve all my problems "Why does it feel like the most beautiful girl in the world is in this room?" Can I take a picture of you, so I can show Santa just what I want for Christmas. Do you have any raisins? No? How about a date? I was blinded by your beauty so I'm going to need your name and number for insurance reasons. I'm sorry, were you talking to me? Her: No. Well then, please start. I know I dont have a chance, but I just wanted to hear an angel talk. Roses are red, violets are blue, how would you like it if I came home with you? Hey I just realized this, but you look alot like my next girlfriend. Are your legs tired, because you've been running through my mind all day long. Are you lost? Because heaven's a long way from here. POOF! (What are u doing?) I'm here, where are your other two wishes? I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away. Girl, you better have a license, cuz you are driving me crazy! If you were the new burger at McDonalds you would be the Mcgorgeous! Do you have the time? (she gives you the time) No, the time to write my number down . Let's make like a fabric softener and snuggle. Are you an interior decorator? When I saw you the room became beautiful. Hello, I'm a thief, and I'm here to steal your heart. For other Colourful inspirations visit HERE

ABC Time! Are you sitting comfortable?

2009-03-31T17:08:00.007+01:00

K is for.....Kid stuff! In my alphabet spanning my auto-biography I find myself at K....Here are some random facts about me as a kid! 1. I went to Red Cross classes for many years. Part of the class was spent on bandaging and dressing of imaginary wounds. We each took turns as the patient. On one such occasion when it was my turn I asked Mrs Longstaff the leader if I could go home sporting the black eye and bruising make up as well as the sling which was supporting my right arm. She agreed. As was the norm, after Red Cross together with my pals we would go to the chip shop. When we entered Mrs Wall asked me what on earth had happened. I told her my Auntie Dot had hit me with the yard brush! How we laughed! However a few days later Mrs Wall bumped into Auntie Dot! Hmmmm the laughter soon stopped! 2. A few years later in biology class I had to collect the bulls eyeballs for disection, from the butchers, at the same time I had to buy sausages for Auntie Dot! I deliberately switched the packages. How I howled with laughter at the thought of it all.....again the laughter didn't last long! 3. I had my tonsils removed when I was 8. The nurse was an absolute dragon....so whilst she was making my bed I picked off a candle of blood which had trickled down my nose and flicked it into her hair! The pleasure of seeing it fly through the air and land in her bun was wonderful! The joy lasted for the whole shift! I could see the offending object in her hair everytime she passed! 4. At the age of 12 I was making mum's tea. I wanted to surprise her when she came in from work. The phone rang and when I had finished I was petrified to see the kitchen was on fire. Typical common chip pan fire. Polystirene tiles were all the fashion so when the pan caught fire the flames rose to the ceiling and the tiles quickly demolished the entire roof structure. When mum arrived home she was greeted by 2 fire engines. I left home for an hour! 5. When our neighbours emigrated to South Africa they gave me their upright piano. We didn't really have the room and mum wasn't keen. Anyhow she let me keep it and I tried to teach myself. Trouble was, Uncle Moss kept cadging some wire for his car so over the years more and more keys would not play. In the end it had to go! I hope you have enjoyed these 5 random facts about my childhood! It was a very interesting time. Looking back I honestly think I am pretty much the same now as when I was 8! LOL! To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

My Wonderful Family!

2009-03-29T19:00:00.002+01:00

This that and the other, catching up!

2009-03-28T10:05:00.003Z

I noticed that this is my 875th post! If I looked closer I see there are some posts I have not published, just thought about only to decide later not to post. It was when Bob told me he was celebrating his 500th post which made me think! I dont seem to have been blogging much lately, as I am very busy with wedding commissions at the moment. My new website has had 569 visitors to date... wayhey! I have included a visitor's book for comments and it would seem people like the website layout etc. I am particularly chuffed as I made the website myself! Blogging tips helped me a great deal! So it is back to the desk right now and on with the commissions.... 125 place cards Table numbers Seating Plan 70 invitations 70 RSVP's 50+ orders of service..... Just this weekend! But....at least spring is on its way!

Daffodowndilly She wore her yellow sun-bonnet, She wore her greenest gown; She turned to the south wind And curtsied up and down. She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: "Winter is dead." AA Milne

ABC Wednesday...J IS FOR...JACK!

2009-03-21T15:06:00.007Z

Friday 55 Flash Fiction is brought to you by G-man (Mr Knowitall). The idea is you write a story in exactly 55 words. If you want to take part pop over and let G-man know when you've posted your 55. Here is mine for this week!

Missing

Gentle Man kind blue eyes wearing a loving broad smile.

Smart appearance, tweed jacket and matching hat.

Interests include his family, home and garden.

Endearing sense of humour and a very generous nature,

Looking after all around him.

Last seen August thirteenth nineteen eighty six

Answers to the name of John Henry Davison, Dad.

The greatest gift I ever received come from God, I call him Dad! - Anonymous

John Henry Davison came into my life when I was 7. Mum had just got a new job at the prestigious ICI, Wilton Training Centre. One of the Training officers was John Davison, or Jack as he was known. Mum was one of the secretaries. This was her first job following the harrowing divorce she had gone through, a visit from the bailiffs to strip the house we lived in, seizing goods to cover my biological father's bankrupted business debts, a nervous breakdown. Mum borrowed the deposit for a small terraced house from her 2 brothers, Uncle Bob and Uncle Stan. It needed lots doing to it, including total rewiring. We all know how single women are targeted by unscrupulous workmen, and back in the 1960's things were no different, so Jack helped Mum by making sure she was not taken for a ride. He also helped where he could, as electrics were his "thing!" The very first time he came to our house I was introduced to "Uncle Jack!" Years later I learned he had been more nervous than me! I was playing with my doll's house. He spent time talking to me and I liked him. He re-wired my doll's house, I had the best there was! Independent switches in each of the rooms, as a real house would. Over the years a friendship developed and he would visit us every Saturday. It was quite a treck for him as he did not drive and travelled from just outside Guisborough. Mum eventually introduced him to her own parents. My Grandad, a man of few words took him out for a walk! He wanted to know his intentions as Mum had been through so much. Jack assured him he had her and mine best interests at heart. Grandad was re-assured and a great friendship was kindled between them. Jack liked a flutter on the horses. He and his brother Frank would visit the races and shadow the big horse trainers. He noticed they seldom backed their own horses. Jack and Frank would bet the same horses, and win! Our family always had a flutter on the Grand National. In 1967 we all picked our choices. The family studied the form, I at 11 looked at the numbers. I figured 100 to 1 sounded good! Everybody laughed, but I went ahead. Jack took everybody's money and the bets were placed. Foinavon, my choice won! £50 was a lot of money then! LOL! My Nana really took a shine to Jack. He would sit with her and talk about this that and the other. Nana was ill and as her health deteriorated in 1970 we kew she was gravely ill. On one of his visits as Jack sat with Nana she drew him close and asked him to promise he would look after Madge and Denise....he promised. On June 17th, 1970, Nana died. On November 1st Uncle Jack and mum were married, the day before mum's birthday. We moved to a bungalow and after a couple of years we all moved to Guisborough, Dad's home. Mum and I loved this change although by this time I was at University. Mum and Dad were both still working at ICI. Dad had a very stressful job and in 1983 he suffered a massive heart attack. It resulted in him having to stop work. In those days ICI was one of the best emloyers, with very good benefits. Both Dad and Mum left with "Golden Handshakes". Mum decided to leave in order to ensure Dad had the rest he was to need. Happy with their bungalow in Guisborough, they bought a static caravan at Rosedale Abbey. They loved to visit and stay whenever they had the time. Infact, the photograph above was indeed taken in the caravan, by mum. On the morning of August 13th 1986, whilst staying at the caravan, Dad told mum he would prefer go home. He wasn't feeling very well. They had planned on going to Egton Country Show, one of their all time favourites. They packed up and set off for home. It would have been a very busy day on the roads. Holiday traffic. The Whitby to Guisborough Road in particular! As the car passed Gisborough Hall, Dad brought the car to a stop and slumped forward.He had died, literaly at the wheel. I was teaching in Nottingham at the time. I received the news later that afternoon and returned home the following day. This was to be a turning point in my life. I was to return home and look after mum. I had a fantastic relationship with Dad, he was indeed my Dad. Notice how he suddenly evolved as Dad from Uncle Jack? It was the same in our relationship. I don't know when it happened, it just did. One day I just called him Dad! Dad recounted the event to mum..he had cried at the time, privately, with pride and love. I often sit in Dad's chair and remember him. When Dad was at school he learned the poem " Meg Merilles" off by heart. This he would recite when his teacher asked the class to stand up, one by one and sing. Dad was incredibly shy as well as tone deaf, this was his contribution. Here is the poem in it's original form, for Dad!

Meg Merrilies Old Meg she was a gypsy; And liv'd upon the moors: Her bed it was the brown heath turf, And her house was out of doors. Her apples were swart blackberries, Her currants, pods o' broom; Her wine was dew of the wild white rose, Her book a church-yard tomb. Her brothers were the craggy hills, Her sisters larchen trees; Alone with her great family She liv'd as she did please. No breakfast had she many a morn, No dinner many a noon, And 'stead of supper she would stare Full hard against the moon. But every morn, of woodbine fresh She made her garlanding, And every night the dark glen yew She wove, and she would sing. And with her fingers old and brown She plaited mats o' rushes, And gave them to the cottagers She met among the bushes. Old Meg was brave as Margaret Queen, And tall as Amazon: An old red blanket cloak she wore, A chip hat had she on. God rest her aged bones somewhere — She died full long agone! John Keats

Friday Fun thanks to Tommy Cooper!

2009-03-20T09:39:00.003Z

Tommy Cooper was one of my favourite comedians of all time, so here are some one liners which I hope will bring you a few smiles! Have a Good Weekend! I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought, 'That's Aboriginal.' This lorry full of tortoises collided with a van full of terrapins. It was a turtle disaster. I told my girlfriend I had a job in a bowling alley. She said 'Tenpin?' I said, 'No, permanent.' I went in to a pet shop. I said, 'Can I buy a goldfish?' The guy said, 'Do you want an aquarium?' I said, 'I don't care what star sign it is.' I bought some Armageddon cheese today, and it said on the packet. 'Best before End' I went to buy a watch, and the man in the shop said 'Analogue.' I said 'No, just a watch.' I went into a shop and I said, 'Can someone sell me a kettle.' The bloke said 'Kenwood' I said, 'Where is he then?' My mate is in love with two schoolbags. He's bi-satchel. I went to the doctor. I said to him 'I'm frightened of lapels.' He said, 'You've got cholera.' I met the bloke who invented crosswords today. I can't remember his name, its P something T something R. I was reading this book today, The History of Glue. I couldn't put it down. I phoned the local ramblers club today, but the bloke who answered just went on and on. The recruitment consultant asked me 'What do you think of voluntary work? I said 'I wouldn't do it if you paid me.' I was in the jungle and there was this monkey with a tin opener. I said, 'You don't need a tin opener to peel a banana.' He said, 'No, this is for the custard.' This policeman came up to me with a pencil and a piece of very thin paper. He said, 'I want you to trace someone for me..' I told my mum that I'd opened a theatre. She said, 'Are you having me on?' I said, 'Well I'll give you an audition, but I'm not promising you anything.' I phoned the local builders today, I said to them 'Can I have a skip outside my house?' He said, 'I'm not stopping you!' This cowboy walks in to a German car showroom and he says 'Audi!' I fancied a game of darts with my mate. He said, 'Nearest the bull goes first' He went 'Baah' and I went 'Moo' He said 'You're closest' I was driving up the motorway and my boss phoned me and he told me I'd been promoted. I was so shocked I swerved the car. He phoned me again to say I'd been promoted even higher and I swerved again. He then made me managing director and I went right off into a tree. The police came and asked me what had happened. I said 'I careered off the road' I visited the offices of the RSPCA today. It's tiny: you couldn't swing a cat in there. I was stealing things in the supermarket today while balanced on the shoulders of a couple of vampires. I was charged with shoplifting on two counts. I bought a train ticket to France and the ticket seller said 'Eurostar' I said 'Well I've been on telly but I'm no Dean Martin. I phoned the local gym and I asked if they could teach me how to do the splits. He said, 'How flexible are you?' I said, 'I can't make Tuesdays or Thursdays.' I went to the local video shop and I said, 'Can I borrow Batman Forever?' He said, 'No, you'll have to bring it back tomorrow' A waiter asks a man, 'May I take your order, sir?' 'Yes,' the man replies. 'I'm just wondering, exactly how do you prepare your chickens?' 'Nothing special, sir. We just tell them straight out that they're going to die.'

ABC Wednesday...I is for Intelligence.

2009-03-17T18:08:00.003Z

Mum aged 12

The ability to focus attention on important things is a defining characteristic of intelligence. Robert J. Shiller

Mum was definately the more intelligent sibling! As her first marriage deteriorated and found mum and I alone in our new house it was her own intelligence which was to be a major factor in our future. Because she had applied herself at school she gained a place in secretarial college and achieved great results in both shorthand and typing. This was to come in really useful when she applied to ICI Wilton, an organisation famous for it's high standard of entrance qualifications. Mum was successful in gaining a position with them and soon was on the promotional journey which over the next few years would take her to the rank of Secretary to the main personel Officer. This experience rubbed off on me and I am a firm believer in individuals having a certain amount of choice with their own futures. Work hard, achieve and you will have a certain choice with what you do in life. ..just as mum did. It allowed us to live a decent life with a good home...oh and she was to meet her future husband at ICI, but I will save that story for next week. To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

My World Tuesday!

2009-03-17T05:50:00.004Z

Hmmmmmmmmmmm! I have seen this mentioned in a few blogs and so have decided to give it a go. My world..................is a tiny farming village in North Yorkshire, UK. A few miles from the coast. We live within the North York Moors and make the most of our surroundings. When I say we, I am talking about my german shepherd Wilma as we go for walks every day and my husband Jon and our motorbike, A good combination eh? As spring dawns I think a weekly photo will be fun!

Monday Monday!

2009-03-16T09:01:00.000Z

Monochrome....Jon, Moi and Humber Bridge!

My odd shot Monday was taken yesterday under the Humber Bridge. We made the most of the good weather and had a bike ride out with our friends Jon and Trish. It was a good opportunity for John to try out his new motorbike, a Yamaha Fazer! When I was taking the pictures I did try to position the bridge so it appeared to come out of heads! Always fun! On our way back home John had to make a quick exit from the motorway and John and Trish missed it, hence the photo of Jon waiting on the bench, then John and Trish pulling up on their bike. As usual we had a good day. We are going to France with John and Trish in September on a biking adventure. I am sure there will be fun to be had by all! To visit more Monday Monochrome or Oddshot, follow the links on my sidebar!

Pieces of art, pieces of art!

2009-03-14T13:21:00.000Z

Today I have uploaded these pictures of the sky I captured somewhere between Holland and Newcastle last June. I have been looking to have them made into canvas prints for some time. I am really excited now. Can't wait to see what they are like. The bottom one will go above the fireplace, the three above it will go on one of the walls in the lounge. Watch this space!

A smile for Friday!

2009-03-13T09:48:00.003Z

Vimrod! always makes me smile!

Purple for Thursday!

2009-03-12T09:36:00.002Z

We are so fortunate in having some wonderful purples on our very doorstep, in particular the Yorkshire Heather which really inspires my work. Heather is at its best mid August. Great quotations are always so appropriate to use, I feel this one by Vincent VanGogh says it all! For more Thursday purple inspirations follow the link from the sidebar.

ABC Wednesday...H is for

2009-03-10T19:18:00.004Z

Homepage, my new website...see it here I have been so busy following the wedding fayre I had to take a break from my autobiography posts, but I will return asap. In the meantime check out my website and feel free to leave a comment in the guest book! To see more ABC posts click on the logo on the sidebar!

Mellow Yellow!

2009-03-05T09:44:00.003Z

I adore yellow roses, probably because they were Dad's favourite too! The Yellow Rose They say a yellow with long and thorny stem, stands for friendship's of which we may not amend. They say its flower petals collect a human dew. One tear of gladness one of sorrow, in a light a sharing, to best pronounce its hue. They speak of gardens as long as lifetimes, where many yellow roses grow. Where we tread carefully, yet graciously, among the myriad of friends we know. They say the paupers gardens, are where the hardiest flowers may be. For there they grow abundant both wild and free. They also say, if I picked just one, and handed it to you my friend. It would mean a whole new garden for me! Author : Bob Morrow © I have been busy pottering away with my new website. I am particularly chuffed as I have done it all myself. Ofcourse, I had to use a yellow rose! To have a look, please click here I am adding a guest book soon! For more lovely yellows visit HERE

G is for. Girly things!

2009-03-03T17:53:00.005Z

Auntie Dot and Uncle Moss were the first people I knew who travelled abroad for a holiday. It was the 1960's and a local coach company began tours to Ostend, Netherlands. It became an annual event and I would look forward to the presents Auntie dot would pack in her suitcase. On one such occasion she brought me a Traditional Dutched Doll. Along with lots of my friends we started collecting these dolls. My dutch doll really inspired me as the tiny cloggs were genuine wooden ones and I loved the detail of the costume. I think it must have been 1965 when mum and I went on our very first excursion with the bus company, again to Ostende. The shops wre fascinating and amongst the glamour of the traditional souvineers I came across a toy section. A tiny doll, no bigger than my hand caught my eye. It was simple and inexpensive. I bought it, naming it Ginette. On my return home I would play for hours with my new doll, nobody else had one. I made furniture out of boxes and clothes out of scrap material. At this age I really enjoyed making my own creations, inspired by Blue Peter. Anything I made was for Ginette. I was a very content child, enjoying playing at home always creating, something which never went away. In 1964 I remember getting my first Sindy Doll. It was Christmas and mum took me to see Father Christmas in the prestigious Binns Store in Middlesbrough. Mum bought me my Sindy Doll, and when I opened the box the smell of the new plastic really had an impression. To this day I can still picture Sindy when I come across the smell of new plastic dolls.

The Sindy doll was launched in September 1962 by the Pedigree Doll Company. Pedigree had a long history of making dolls and wanted to branch out with a teenage doll. Sindy was one of many teenage fashion dolls reflecting wider popular culture and was nicknamed ‘the girl you love to dress’. She had a girlish figure and flat shoes at first, with a head of big, curly blonde hair. She also had a promotional gramophone record, featuring The Dolly Beats – no doubt gaining inspiration from the iconic youth band of the era, The Beatles. And with fashion influenced by the likes of Mary Quant, and models such as Twiggy, it’s no surprise that Sindy became Britain’s top teenage doll.

Sindy had everything a teenager of the 1960s could wish for, including a handsome boyfriend, Paul. Although as a keen follower of fashion she had a huge wardrobe of designer clothes and accessories, I enjoyed making her clothes and remember making her a bed out of a shoe box. I loved to colour and draw, creating lots of written material for my dolls. I guess it was the beginning of the creative road I would follow later! To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here

White Rabbits!

2009-03-01T10:06:00.003Z

March is here and we definately noticed a spring in the air yesterday, Saturday. However a short sharp cold few days are ahead of us, so we are hoping to make the most of what appears to be a nice day and go to York on the motorbikes with our friends. Last week we paid the balance on the Ferry Crossing to the IOM TT week, our hotel in port Erin is also paid for so come June 7th we will be heading out on holiday number 1. We have begun discussing holiday number 2, probably in the first week of September over to France, so this sounds fun. We will just book the ferry crossings leaving everything else to chance, a real advenure.....God Willing! lol! Anyhow should be fun! Our friends have never taken a bike abroad so this will be a first for them. We went with them to buy the bike pannier bags yesterday plus a tank bag. Fortunately it was Sale time, so they got the lot, together with a new jacket for £240! A good deal, so now the planning begins. Any tips of places to go in France? We have been before, twice my favoirite being Loire region, could possibly do a few wine regions...hmmmm now there's a thought. I also understand France has a very nice cider region...hmmmmm another thought! Watch this space! Written in March: While Resting on the Bridge at the Foot of Brother’s Water (Complete Title) this poem by William Wordsworth seemed to match today! Hopefully Spring is on its way! The cock is crowing, The stream is flowing, The small birds twitter, The lake doth glitter The green field sleeps in the sun; The oldest and youngest Are at work with the strongest; The cattle are grazing, Their heads never raising; There are forty feeding like one! Like an army defeated The Snow hath retreated, (we hope) And now doth fare ill On the top of the bare hill; The Ploughboy is whooping—anon—anon: There's joy in the mountains; There's life in the fountains; Small clouds are sailing, Blue sky prevailing; The rain is over and gone! ( Hmmmmmmmmm)

True Colour Thursday

2009-02-26T08:46:00.001Z

Yesterday morning, through the kitchen window!

As we were having breakfast yesterday morning Jon noticed this fella in our front garden. Behind him you can just see the peanut holder which had fallen from the tree! Peanuts are obviously a favourite of his as he soon ploished off the few left. Once he had finished I collected the bag, fear a bird could become trapped in the mesh. I think the colouring of pheasant feathers is just awesome, so many browns yet the contrast with the red plumage around the head is just so beautiful. We often get pheasants from neighbours who go shooting. I am not a vegetarian and do use what we are given as I do not want to waste the bird, it would not seem right. However I always feel it is a thing of beauty which man has popped out of the sky.

Pheasant by Sylvia Plath You said you would kill it this morning. Do not kill it. It startles me still, The jut of that odd, dark head, pacing Through the uncut grass on the elm's hill. It is something to own a pheasant, Or just to be visited at all. I am not mystical: it isn't As if I thought it had a spirit. It is simply in its element. That gives it a kingliness, a right. The print of its big foot last winter, The trail-track, on the snow in our court The wonder of it, in that pallor, Through crosshatch of sparrow and starling. Is it its rareness, then? It is rare. But a dozen would be worth having, A hundred, on that hill-green and red, Crossing and recrossing: a fine thing! It is such a good shape, so vivid. It's a little cornucopia. It unclaps, brown as a leaf, and loud, Settles in the elm, and is easy. It was sunning in the narcissi. I trespass stupidly. Let be, let be.

For more Brown Inspirations visit Poopsie here I haven't been blogging much of late as I have been seriously de-cluttering my study. Once I was started I knew I had to see the job through. ie I have 3 major wedding commissions approaching and had to have my study tidy so I could work efficiently, ie know where things where! Well I am happy to say I am almost there, a couple more hours today will see it completed...then it will be in a position to be re-decorated. I think everything could be lifted out in the boxes I have been organising so the walls then can be stripped, skimmed and painted.....hmmm wonder what colour I will go for....watch this space. I had a rather scary incident in the pick up this week. It had been in for a major service & MOT last week. It was a humongous £450 but the front brake pads were replaced. On Monday as I was travelling down Loftus Bank I had to stop as a car in front had stopped to let a bus turn right. I saw the car, had plenty of time to brake but when I did so the pick up, although eventually coming to a stop was very slow. The tyres screached so loudly everybody was looking! The red light which indicates a brake fault came on. We phoned the garage and on Tuesday dropped the pick up off on our way to an afternoon in Whitby! When we returned the garage owner told us in the few minutes the pick up had been standing on the forecourt before a mechanic drove it into the workshop a substantial amount of brake fluid had leaked onto the ground...on investigation they discovered a calliper had snapped and over a perod of a few days all of the brake fluid had leaked out! I tell you, it just does not bear thinking about....what could have happened eh? Pick up is now back in the garage! Phew!

F is for......

2009-02-24T17:18:00.006Z

I have decided to use ABC Wednesday as a way to help me structure the writing of my autobiography, last week was E for Elizabeth, my middle name after my nana, Elizabeth Ellen. I will have to edit A - C but I am sure I can fiddle something like A is for Autobiography, B is for Book and C is for Childhood etc etc.D ofcourse was for Denise. I have only written children's fiction in the past so my biography is quite a challenge. Last week I describedthe influence my nana had on my life, so this week I guess I have to keep to some chronological format and write more about my early years. Sooner or later I am going to have to set the scene and this means I have to tackle F for Father. To go on from where I left last week, I feel some thoughts I shared quite a few months ago are so appropriate, amazingly the title begins with an F..... here is the article. I feel it explains F for Father stuff....

Me, the blonde in the middle!

F is for family Fortunes...Dream On! Junk mail is a common place in the everyday life in the Nesbitt household. This day was no different. The letter arrived, addressed to me and I glanced over the contents before tossing it to one side. Did they think I was stupid? They were after my money, that wasall! Well dream on soldier, you’ve picked the wrong one here. I had visions of people all over the UK getting similar letters. Watchdog would be featuring it as the latest scam…hey I may even be on TV! The letter was left on the work surface and I carried on with my morning jobs. Jon came home at lunch time and as we had a cup of tea I remembered the letter. I showed it to him and we both laughed. Sure, somebody was trying to trace a Denise Nesbitt! LOL! There was a number to call…yes right! No doubt premium rate…yes yes, heard it all before. Seemed a normal number, I called. Answer machine…… I left a message. Went to the shops. On my return Jon said there had been a phone call….could I phone again! Asked for the name on the bottom of the letter….. A conversation followed, mentioning certain names, dates and circumstances…..I indeed was the Denise Nesbitt somebody was trying to trace. There have been only a few moments in my life which has deemed me speechless….but this was certainly one of them. It would seem the family of my biological male parent were wanting to contact me. I use the words biological male parent with particular care and deliberation. Notice I do not use the words natural father, because he could never be that! People often use the word “natural” as a compliment, as in being a “natural teacher” or “She’s a natural you know!” NO, certainly not a natural father, he never knew what it meant as he never owned up to the responsibility, choosing instead a life of drink and violence, having several affairs bringing about his business going bankrupt. I do remember however his mother, my nana from Hull. I also remember her grand daughter; my cousin I suppose called Pattie. Silence. I didn’t know what to say. Panic! There was a phone number given to me. I wrote it down. Eventually I drummed up the courage to make the phone call. Pattie’s mum. Brenda. Apparently nana from Hull had always wanted to know how I was getting on and in deed wanted to get in touch. Following a re-union on some programme or other she had written a letter to the BBC asking them to find me. The letter was never delivered as she was involved in a traffic accident on route to the post box. She died with the letter still on her person. Her daughter, Pattie’s mother was now finishing the quest her own mother had set out to achieve. When I spoke she cried. I have that effect on some people, but I did find myself with a lump in my throat. All these years, people had been thinking about me. Then she told me….he was still alive. Well, they say the good die young and this could not have been so true. When I think of all the lovely family and friends who we have lost and to think HE was still alive beggars belief. “Your Dad…” “No, he’s not my Dad” I spoke quickly, didn’t want to utter the words. Apparently HE has a photo of me as a young child! Big Deal eh! I thought of MY DAD, Jack, who had looked after mum and I, helping mum to build a life following the dreadful divorce and nervous breakdown…….I felt I was betraying him, by having this conversation. Panic again! Sensing my rising hysteria Brenda assured me she was doing this for her mum, nana from Hull, HE didn’t feature. “Let’s keep it that way!” I insisted. Phew! She was overjoyed, ecstatic, thrilled and emotional. I was miffed. Touched yes, people had been thinking and wondering about me. Brenda gave me Pattie’s number. “She’d love to hear from you Denise. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! I called…. Tears again, Denise, it’s you…it’s you! There followed some moments of recollection, memories remembered and shared. She asked me if there was anything she could do. Yes….never ever let HIM know you have spoken to me. I begged. This was scary! She assured me. “Do you have any photographs?” I asked. She said she would have a look. I left her my phone number. To have all of this unfolding was all too much for me to deal with. That night I talked extensively with Jon……. What I intended to do…..was it confrontation? Humiliation? Annihilation? I needed some time to think. A couple of weeks later Pattie phoned me. “Pattie, Pattie who?” I had completely forgotten. “Your long lost cousin Pattie!” Oh yes,it all came flooding back. I explained how, in my own heart and conscience I could never ever have any contact with “him” How, I had a Dad, a proper Dad my own Dad who I had loved, respected, adored and now sorely missed. I didn’t want to know of “him” how he was, how he had been, I wasn’t in the least bit moved by the fact he had a photograph of me, it meant nothing. Keeping a photograph in a pocket does not display any great parental quality, it meant absolutely nothing, I wasn’t touched, moved or even bothered,. The opportunity to reflect came in the form of our wonderful holiday. In my mind, in my own little world, as we travelled around on the motorbike I pieced together bits and pieces, trying to comprehend the situation, planning how to deal with it all. I guess a bit like osmosis the important bits filtered through, the rest has simply washed away. Nothing has changed. One thing I did realise was the fact that I am Denise Nesbitt. I have no part of any of His name anymore. As a child I just had the name of a person I never knew, only feared. The name stayed until I was married, when I had a choice, when I embraced the name of Mrs Nesbitt. I remember my class of 7 year olds practising, on the first registration following our wedding they all said together, “Good Morning Mrs. Nesbitt!” It brought a lump in my throat. There may be the odd phone call from Pattie, but that is it. That’s all there will ever be. I have got this far with those who are with me and have loved me. I don’t need anything else.

"May the East fling open your windows, and fill your rooms with air; May the South send you strong sunshine, and give you the strength to dare; May the West wash rivers into your heart, and oceans into your soul; May the North share the secrets and gifts of the earth, to heal and make you whole." M. Flanders

Thanks for the inspirational quote True Colours it says it all!

To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here

ABC Wednesday....

2009-02-17T18:45:00.005Z

It is a whols week since I wrote something here on my blog and I must say how touched I was to receive so many encouraging comments about my childhood memories. Looking back I wish I had used childhood memories as a theme for this round of ABC, so as it is my blog and I did originally decide to base it on things and people around me which I apprciate I am infact going to change it slightly at this early stage and base it on my childhood memories.... so this week, E is for Elizabeth, Elizabeth Elen to be precise, my nana, or grandma a term many of you will use more frequently. My middle name was after nana and our middle goose, Dolly was named again in memory of this great person. My mum's mum, (my nana) was a Schumacher. ie, her maiden name was Schumacher before she married my grandad, a farmer from Thetford in Norfolk, when her name changed to "Self" Her dad was german and moved to England when the unrest in Germany started. He was a clockmaker. He moved his family to York, where he had a clockmaking shop. When the war started he had his shop windows smashed repeatedly, so he moved his family. I wonder if I am related to the legend F1 driver? As I explained last week, mum secured a job as a secretary at ICI Wilton when I was a child. Whilst she was there she met Jack, a great friend who took a shine to mum and wanted to help her get the house sorted. As electronics was his speciality he helped with the re-wiring and other electrical stuff! Mum eventually introduced him to her own parents. My Grandad, a man of few words took him out for a walk! He wanted to know his intentions as Mum had been through so much. Jack assured him he had her and mine best interests at heart. Grandad was re-assured and a great friendship was kindled between them. My Nana really took a shine to Jack. He would sit with her and talk about this that and the other. Nana was ill and as her health deteriorated in 1970 we kew she was gravely ill. On one of his visits as jack sat with Nana she drew him close and asked him to promise he would look after Madge and Denise....he promised. On June 17th, 1970, Nana died. I rember nana quite vividly. The storiesour family recall show a family, who, although surrounded by adversity and limited funds had a rich dialogue of their exploits which remain with me to this day. I guess this is where I get my love of story telling from. Tears would flow down our cheeks as each family member recalled events, which however sad were always laughed through, with great understanding. I remember nana always in the kitchen cooking, fatty cakes, a very basic scone mixture served with gravy. I still use her green gravy jug which has been used for the same purpose for 3 generations. To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here

ABC Wednesday....

2009-02-10T18:49:00.004Z

I am the blonde in the middle, with the sensible sandals on! D is for....DENISE, Auntie DOT and a near DEATH experience! I love telling stories. When I am teaching I love to use examples from my own childhood/life to illustrate a point. I have always wanted to write a book, it would be called “The Amazing Adventures of Flossy Flupipe…why? Read on! In my work as a teacher I come across many children who are going through a particular bad time at home. More and more children have to deal with broken relationships and parental problems. I know how they feel! By the age of 5 my parents were divorced. At an early age I decided to try and make my mum proud of me..... I didn't always get it right, but I tried. When parents come to me and say their child is being difficult/rude/cheeky/dis-interested because of problems at home it doesn't really wash with me, and the children know this. They too have the choice to either make their parent(s) proud...or not! Flossyflupipe was the name my mum called me, and my book is going to be about the early years of my life...............................hence the title! The amazing adventures of flossy flupipe! Enjoy! My mum was the middle child, having two elder sisters and two younger brothers. Starting with the oldest the running order went like this.... Joan, Doreen (Dot) Marjorie, Robert, (Bob) and Stanley (Stan) My nana was Elizabeth Ellen, my Grandad was Robert Charles. My grandad originated from Thetford, Norfolk and my nana came from Germany. Her maiden name was Schumacher. Her father had fled Germany when all the troubles of the First World War started. He did not support the Nazi's and wanted to give the family a better start in life. He was a clockmaker and he set up his business in York. Sadly when the war started his shop was targeted by anti-Nazi protestors and the windows were often stoned. Eventually he moved further north. Nana and Grandad had an ice-cream round which they did from the back of a horse. Eventually grandad worked in the steelworks. He was a passionate gardener and allowed me to grow some flowers. He was the character Mr Green finger in a children's story I wrote called Cedric the Caterpillar. In my story Mr Green finger grew flowers for Mrs Green finger’s windowsill...just as grandad had always done. My nana was the home maker. Her role was to bring up the children, look after the home and ensure there was always a good meal at the table. Out of the five children mum was the one who had an aptitude for learning and secured a place at secretarial college. This was to be her tool of escape in later years. Education was her passport and it allowed her to make a choice! I was to use this knowledge myself and pass the secret on to others! Mum enjoyed her work as a typist and worked in a Solicitor's Office. Her best friend, Enid and she would always enjoy their times out together. It was on such an occasion she met Jim, James or whatever! He was a roofer. Says it all! Mum was infatuated with him and took him to meet nana and grandad. They didn't take to him. As the relationship developed his intentions became apparent. Nana and grandad did not want mum to marry him. Mum married him! Now the interesting fact here is that they were married in September 1955.... 9 months later Denise Elizabeth was born! I often asked mum if she was pregnant when she got married, she always denied it.....but I still wonder. Mum married him! It wasn't long into the marriage that things started going wrong. He was a heavy drinker and a womaniser. He was also violent. I do have a fear of stairs even to this day. This is because he pushed me down the stairs, be it accidentally when I was 2 or 3. Even if it was as a result of him being drunk and careless, at that age it was quite frightening for me. He had his own business and the money management was not helped by his bouts of drinking....so he went bankrupt! Mum was home alone one day when there was a visit from some not so nice people....the Bailiffs. They stripped the home leaving only a bed and a chair. They even took my toy pushchair which nana and grandad had bought me a few days earlier. Mum had spoken to Grandad about the home situation, but his words had been... "We told you he was no good...you've made your bed now lie in it!" The stress of everything was telling on mum. As the home situation was not good to bring up a baby, moi, I was moved to live with Auntie Dot & Uncle Moss. They lived in a terraced house in Eston. I remember going for a walk with Auntie Dot and she pointed to a window in the town's hospital. My mum was waving. Unbeknown to me she had suffered a nervous breakdown. It was through mental and physical exhaustion. She was living still in Stockton, travelling extensive distances on the bus each day to work, and then calling to see me every night. Shortly after mum bought a house in the next street. She had borrowed the deposit from her 2 brothers, Uncle Bob and Uncle Stan. She left my natural father and divorce proceedings were started.. Auntie Dot and Uncle Moss met through work. They both worked on the buses. Uncle Moss was a driver and Auntie Dot was a conductress. They had no children. I don't know what the arrangements were i.e. if Auntie Dot stopped working in order to look after me, or if she had all ready stopped work. But she was there for me whilst mum worked. From the age of 5 I would get up on a morning for breakfast, go to school and after school I would have my tea and then watch television whilst waiting for mum. Mum would collect me and I would spend a few hours with her at our own house, 61 West Street. Around 9pm, Mum would take me back to 57 William Street where I would have a wash or bath and then go to bed. On a weekend Mum collected me on a Friday evening and I spent the entire weekend with her, returning on a Sunday evening ready for school. When mum had holidays I would stay with her. The arrangements stayed like this and we were all happy. here were times when I missed my mum and let it be known, but on the whole everybody had my best interests at heart and we soldiered on. One of the great events was when Uncle Moss bought a car. An Austin A35. Uncle Moss's driving had to be experienced to be believed! Being a bus driver he assumed he always had the right of way. He also had the ability to smoke whilst driving, drop his cigarette, set himself on fire, continue driving, somehow have a small fire somewhere about his person and arrive at his destination completely unscathed by the episode. One of the most vivid recollections is of him driving up Saltburn bank. Mum and Auntie Dot were in the rear of the car and I was in the front passenger seat. It was the age of cigarettes and all 3 adults were smoking. Uncle Moss, as per usual dropped his cigarette into his lap and as the smell of the singing trousers alerted and alarmed the rest of us he started fumbling around to find the burning cigarette. Of course he couldn't see as he was watching the road and burnt his fingers on the lighted cigarette which was in his lap. For a moment he lost his concentration, missed a gear and the car started rolling backwards down Saltburn bank! I was panic stricken, gasping for breath anyway as I battled to get some air in the smoke filled car as it rolled backwards! I could see the sea and had visions of us ending up in it! Fortunately Uncle Moss, still singing away managed to gain control and brought the car to a halt. He found the right gear and we carried on, be it Uncle Moss arriving home with several holes in his trousers and a telling off from Auntie Dot! To be continued! To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here

Monday Monday!

2009-02-09T08:40:00.002Z

Jo, waiting for his crust!

My Monday odd shot features Jo, my adored gander who has enjoyed paddling round the garden in the snow. By looking at his prints I could see exactly where he had been yesterday in the snow. When I opened the blind in the kitchen I saw two pheasants walking through the village, it was a lovely sight. The contrast of their colourful plumage against the whiteness of the snow. Wilma and i went for a walk and I could see many prints, probably foxes and badgers, it was lovely. To look at more Monday shots click on the links in the sidebar.

My odd shot was taken on 7th February last year. Yet last Friday the scene was exactly the same, so it was an ideal subject for a monochrome project. Although we have had no snow during the night the village looks wonderful and I will indeed be taking some photographs later. I did take some yesterday but there are issues with the re-chargeable batteries in my camera and I could not load my efforts, but this will be sorted later. Today sees me embark on a mammoth spring clean throughout the house. Today it is to be the kitchen cupboards. I will show the end results but not the current oes as the place needs a good sort. I have plans for each room and am very keen to get started. With the kitchen my plans will involve NOTHING to be stored on any of the work surfaces other than the kettle, knife block, microwave and possibly the toaster....toaster not used everyday just some days. I know I will be taking stuff to the charity shop as well as the tip so I need to be organised about it all, which I do feel I am. Rather than thinking "Oh the place is JUST SO Cluttered" I am thinking, yes there are issues here and I will address them. LOL! ie tackle each room at a time. I am making progress with my new mobile phone, having managed to send picture messages to poor unsuspecting friends and family. I also play a daily brain refresher exercise, involving maths, logic, mamory and visual skills.......room for improvement me thinks, especially on the memory skills as i can't remember where my mobile is, still I know my number so I can always ring myself! LOL! I

Hey! Day 1 with my new mobile phone.

2009-02-06T17:44:00.004Z

Roseberry Topping,on our way home.

Roseberry Topping is a hill near Great Ayton, on the edge of the North York Moors. The hill is popular spot for walkers and photographers, with excellent views of the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire area from the summit, and forms part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. The distinctive rocky shape of the landmark is due to a combination of mining and a geological fault, causing a part of the hill to collapse in the early 20th century.

Well I took my first picture with my phone camera as we drove through Pinthinthorpe a few hours ago. My previous mobile was terrible with pictures, always such a faff on really, this one however does seem efficient. I have downloaded the necessary software to my laptop so hopefully I will learn something new each time I have a fiddle. Tomorrow, (Saturday) we are going to Rufforth, a huge auto-jumble so I will see if there are any interesting bits and bobs. Sunday, Jon is working so I am hoping to take some pictures on the beach or around the village.

Watch this space!

Waiting!

2009-02-05T08:45:00.004Z

My new mobile phone is due today, between 8am and 6pm. As I have to sign for it I can not leave the house.This doesn't bother me as I have plenty to be getting on with and looking outside and listening to the weather forecast of more snow I know I am in the best place. I am not a particularly technological wizz kid when it comes to mobile phone use, unlike Jon but I must make an effort to get to grips with various features which will help my role with Jon's business development. I do want to be able to sort out sending photographs via e-mail and this in itself should be an eye-opener. I know I am going to be reading the instructions for my new mobile phone.... here are it's specifications! Features of the Samsung Steel include: * 3G with video calling and 7.2 Mbps HSDPA * 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and 3x digital zoom * Video recording * Second video camera for video calling * Display: TFT, 262K colours, 240 x 320 pixels (2.2 inches) * Music player * FM radio * 64-voice polyphonic ringtones / MP3 ringtones * Integrated handsfree speakerphone * Personal organiser functions * Memory: 30 Mbytes plus MicroSD memory card slot (expandable to 8 GB) * Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB * WAP 2.0, GPRS Class 10, EDGE, 3G HSDPA * Triband (900/1800/1900 MHz) plus 3G (UMTS) * Size: 104 x 49 x 14 mm * Weight: 109g * Talktime: 296 minutes * Battery standby: 568 hours Phew! I may be sometime! LOL! watch this space!

ABC Wednesday......C

2009-02-03T18:42:00.005Z

C is for Community. "a locality inhabited by such a group" This is an aerial shot of our community. We have been part of this community for nearly 20 years. In the bottom photographthe building on the far left is our village church. The local pub can be seen to the far right and the village hall can also be seen. We are a close community yet we dont live inside each other's homes. If anybody needs anything they can be assured somebody will know and help out. What type of community do you belong to? A viilage, town or city? To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here Have a good Wednesday! Dx

In the Pink!

2009-01-29T08:50:00.003Z

One day when we were out on the motorbike we came across this lovely front door in a village somewhere between Malton and pickering! I just had to take a photograph! What a lovely cheerful comour! What colour is your front door? Ours is Navy Blue, Police colours. Visit here for more pinks today!

ABC Wednesday! Yes Yes I know I am early!

2009-01-27T09:24:00.005Z

Continuing with my theme of writing about what is close to my heart, appreciating what is around me I can honestly say B is for BUSY BUSY BUSY! Andrew's Birthday was a great day and I cooked a lovely family dinner. Andrew loves my mashed potatoes. I cooked rib of beef...awesome. My typical day starts at 7am when we get up and I make Jon a cooked breakfast to put a lining on his stomach for the day's work ahead of him at the workshop. After Jon has left for the workshop it is housework time, washing machine loading etc etc. At 10.15 I go to the workshop, just 5 minutes away and take Jon his snack. Over a cup of tea we always play the Radio 2 Popmaster quiz at 10.30. I am on a role at the moment and have beaten Jon every day except one! LOL! After the quiz, around 11 I drive to the beach with Wilma and spend anything up to an hour racing around throwing the ball in an effort to tire her out. Home in time to prepare Jon's midday snack, usually something like a sandwich. Jon returns to the workshop and takes Wilma, I am left with Elsie who is content to lay by the door whilst I get on with whatever jobs I haveplanned to do. Yesterday I was dealing with some telephone calls re Jon's business, setting up appointments etc so I multi-tasked and had a big cooking session whilst I was on the phone. I am a huge fan of menu planning and produced... 7 beef curries 5 portions of sausages in onion & mushroom gravr, 5 chicken stirfries moroccan style 5 spicy pork steaks in sauce 5 pasta bakes 5 mince & onions These are all now portioned up and in the freezer. No more main meal cooking for 32 days which will take me well into February. Today my afternoon job is to start on my current wedding commission which I need to complete by the weekend ready for them to be delivered. Tomorrow afternoon we have a village funeral to go to. Sadly one of our neighbours died last week. It is sad and her husband is devestated, alongside other neighbours we will go to the church to support Les and his family. Thursday, we have a very important business meeting re Jon over in Darlington. We are excited about this, it is a very significant possibility for future work. Infact meeting new custiomers is always exciting, it is what business is all about. Friday there is a possibility we may have to travel to Lancashire, again regarding new business for Jon's business. All of these are important and significant to me and I appreciate them all. Working with Brides, Business, Busy busy busy. Oh and I am co-ordinating a Wedding Fayre for March. I have a new bride to meet on Friday evening and once I have delivered the current wedding commission I am working on I have another one to start and complete asap. I must admit I have not been able to find time to comment on many blogs but I do hope people appreciate what is going on right now. To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here Have a good Wednesday! Dx

Happy Australia Day

2009-01-26T08:20:00.003Z

I noticed it is Australia Day today....so tonight I am going to cook this menu and we will no doubt have some Australian Wine! Spicy Australian Salmon Cutlets Ingredients: 6 Australian Salmon cutlets 3-4cm thick 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons white flour 3 tablespoons curry powder 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespsoon tumeric 1 tablespoon paprika chopped parsley lemon wedges soy sauce * Mix flour, currypower, brown sugar, tumeric, and paprika. * Pat dry cutlets with towelling and coat with mixture until covered. * Heat pan on high and add oil. When oil starts smoking, reduce heat to medium. * Fry cutlets, turning after 5 min. * Cook until golden brown. * Serve with soy sauce, and lemon wedges and a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

ABC Wednesday..Round 4!

2009-01-20T20:08:00.006Z

I so much enjoyed Round 3...it was great to focus on our village. I have a new theme for Round 4........ Basically it is based on the things around me which I treasure. I felt it would help me appreciate the lovely family, friends and little bits around our home which mean so much to me.... A is for.... Andrew, our godson, we love him to bits. Andrew was 18 last week. We are celebrating here on Sunday with a family meal. Andrew loves my dinners, my number 1 fan! To see more posts, visit the ABC Blog here

The Great Tony Hart has died.

2009-01-18T18:02:00.004Z

I watched many many Tony Hart programmes as a child. He was a great inspiration for creativity. I LOVED how he made us believe in having a go at making something. So so artistic! He appeared on art programmes for nearly 50 years before retiring in 2001 because of health problems but was most famous for fronting children's art shows including Take Hart and Hartbeat. His agent Roc Renals said he died in the early hours of Sunday morning. Fellow artist and television presenter Rolf Harris described him as "a very gentle and talented guy". He said: "He brought huge creativity to his TV programmes Vision On and Take Hart, particularly using unexpected sources and materials. He enthused and inspired a whole generation of kids into creating their own works of art, simple or complex." His shows inspired generations of children to get involved in art. He was also instrumental in the early success of Aardman Animations, creators of the Oscar-winning adventures of Wallace and Gromit. The company was set up by students David Sproxton and Peter Lord but only went full-time when they created the character of Morph for Take Hart. A spokesman for the company said: "It's a very, very sad day. Without that programme and without Morph there would be no Aardman. "Every animator that comes through the Aardman studio has to make a Morph and animate it. It's a tradition and if they can make it properly then they are probably good enough for Aardman. "Even Nick Park made a Morph when he joined Aardman."

Black Jack? I wouldn't have a clue!

2009-01-15T11:33:00.005Z

A Black casino chip for True Colour Thursday! THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING IN LAS VEGAS, BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS. NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED. SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS. THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN. THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS. YOU DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT COMING, DID YOU ? Had to share this! Well it is an understatement to say I am going to be busy over the next few days. This afternoon I have a meeting with a local hotel manager about a wedding fayre in March which I am organising. I am awaiting delivery of materials for a wedding commission I have to deliver by the end of next week, then I have another commission to undertake once current one is completed. Jon and I are at a wedding all Saturday and Evening Reception....I am taking the photographs. I have a new commission to sketch up some ideas for and meet the client probably Sunday, Friday night possibility. On Friday I am driving over to Malton to follow up six butchers re Jon's business... It is our godson's 18th birthday on Friday. I am cooking a family dinner for Sunday 25th! I am working on a powerpoint presentation as a surprise. I have lots of photos to scan! so if all appears quiet here you know I am too busy to get up to any mischief! Update! Delivery of Materials...11.30am today, so off I go to work!