tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33432685589520786122024-03-13T12:12:20.238+00:00Behind the BatPaulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-6726029290897714152020-04-17T23:36:00.000+01:002020-04-17T23:36:34.537+01:00Yesterday... was a bit of a write off in many ways.<br />
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Got to talk to our sis without the hands free which made things a bit easier. The antibiotics kicked in for a while but last night they caused her a lot of pain in her hands so it was back to hands free today. She's to be referred to the Chronic Pain Management team and hopefully will get to see a Neurologist to see if her MS is causing any of the current batch of problems. There was other news but that's for another time. We are getting her a tablet so she can use facetime to stay in touch with folks when she gets home from hospital. It will be easier than her trying to hold a phone and nice for us all to see each other. Once we are out of lockdown my first priority is heading to Newcastle to see her.<br />
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I was planning on doing a stack of masks yesterday but my sewing machine kept seizing up and breaking needles. It definitely felt like someone telling me to leave it for the day. I finally got it working and only managed 6 masks last night but rattled on with a load today and was able to give Shelagh 18 when she popped over this evening. She has so far delivered 200 to a voluntary care facility in Chesterfield, 170 to a care home in Dronfield and also supplied a few GP surgeries. We are now a 50 woman team, amazing for something that started less than a week ago. It's good to be able to feel useful at a time when there is little else for many of us to do.<br />
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This morning I noticed that my seedlings were starting to look very straggley so decided it was time to thin them out and pot them on to give each one more space. I'm delighted that so far I have 3 loofah plant seedlings, 8 cavalo Nero, 8 cherry tomatoes, 3 carrots and one single chard seedling. My expectations based on my past lack of green fingeredness, was zero so I'm more than a little delighted that things are growing. <br />
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My next door neighbours have an allotment and have promised me some plants when they are ready so I gave them my first and finest looking loofah seedling as a gift. These I am the most excited about as they can be hard to grow in our climate as they need loads of sun, which to be fair we have had in abundance these past few weeks, so fingers crossed they continue as they have started. I've cat proofed my seed trays with some lovely green netting I bought so we are all set now.</div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-47842291486476103102020-04-15T23:02:00.002+01:002020-04-15T23:12:31.670+01:00Ten Days<div style="text-align: justify;">
since my last post. <br />
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So the first two weeks of lockdown were just me trying to maintain some semblence of normality. The past 10 days have been spent digging a veg garden, pottering around and catching up on telly. </div>
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Then all that got put on hold when I saw an advert asking for people to make medical masks for local care homes and GP surgeries on a local forum. The garden will wait, my seedlings are growing but still have more time before they need to be planted out. It'll happen. Other needs must at the minute. I can't get my head around the fact that PPE still isn't getting to those who need it most. Today, four, five, six weeks into this pandemic here in the UK, the Health Minister decides just today, that it's time to start testing the elderly leaving hospital before they are put into a care home. The previous practice was just to send them without a test. And they wonder why the corvid virus has spread like wildfire amongst our elderly in care homes?<br />
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So we take up the slack. We have a merry band of 40+ women sewing masks from material they have cobbled together, or begged from donations. We know they aren't of the standard needed to stop the virus pentrating them, we can only hope that they are better than the nothing which is currently on offer ánd will at least help in some cases. Even if they are used by staff for non-corvid cases, so that the real deal protective gear can be reserved for those on the front line of the pandemic, then at least it's something.</div>
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I've given up watching the news now on TV. Standard platitudes and no real answers coming from our government. I wouldn't wish this pandemic on my worse enemy, but I feel there are many who could have managed it better than those we have in charge at the moment. I vary between trying not to be too cynical and just thinking them inept, and the other extreme of this somehow playing out exactly as they want it to. </div>
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On a more personal and more important note, last night I found out my sister was admitted to hospital in Newcastle on Sunday night. She has a progressive form of MS and has been in hospital and a rehab centre for the best part of this year. I think she has only spent around three weeks at home so far this year. Her last admission was three weeks ago. She was told she had a UTI, and was discharged before she was better. They needed the beds for corvid patients. Her discharge letter to her GP said she had urosepsis, something the hospital had omitted to tell her. She has spent the last three weeks at home, quite unwell, until Sunday when she could bear it no longer and called an ambulance. The paramedics didn't want to admit her, and hospital was the last place she wanted to be given present circumstances, but she was beyond the care of her partner so they reluctantly took her into hospital. After a chest x-ray she was told that she had the same abnormality as was shown on the chest x-ray she had 3 weeks ago. The x-ray that the hospital had said was clear. So it turns out she has had a chest infection for the past three weeks without knowing it. <br />
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We realise the hospital is under duress with the corvid epidemic but she was understandably angry to find out that not only had they missed the abnormality on the first scan, but she had been discharged with another condition she knew nothing about. My sister has fire in her belly. She will stand up and fight her corner. The only light at the moment is that she is mentally well and ready to fight with her mental capacity, even though physically she is very depleted.<br />
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It's really hard to see her go through this and not to be able to go and see her, not being able to hug her, and to have to suffice with a telephone call, one side of which is on speaker phone because she doesn't have the energy to hold her phone. <br />
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In the midst of all of this I am grateful that she doesn't have the corvid virus. I know how much worse that would be, and how many more dangers that entails. I went there mentally and emotionally last night and ended up in a state, so today I am trying to be more positive and look for where the light is shining. Hopefully once her antibiotics kick in she will gain strength enough to fight this latest infection and she will get to go home again.</div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-39017106514902589622020-04-05T23:19:00.002+01:002020-04-06T13:17:36.361+01:0013<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today has been a good day on the back of a couple of bad days. I am so, so, grateful for the those who got in touch to check in with me, and for sharing some great listening party music sessions on Facebook last night which helped to divert my attention from the awfulness that is happening 'out there'.</div>
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So today we started off by tidying up the garden and ended up digging up a whole flower bed to convert into a vegetable plot. Still a bit of work to do clearing a few plants and digging out roots and digging the plot over but the weather forecast for the next few days is cracking so I shall be out there in the morning to do a bit more. There is nothing like getting immersed in some physical activity to pull you out of your own head.</div>
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I checked in on my loofah seeds and 7 of them have sprouted roots! How exciting! That means something like 15 of them needed to go back into isolation for a bit longer, but I planted the others and will be sat with my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for the next few days to see if they take in the potting compost. Wish me luck!</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i> </i></span>Spent the evening with another couple of listening sessions on Facebook. The first was Dave Sharp who shared some footage of a gig from Strummer Camp from a few years back. It's been a while since I saw or played any of his music so was nice to listen in for a short while.</div>
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The highlight of the night though was Jesse Malin's The Fine Art of Self Distancing party from New York which went live last night, so I got it on catch up. It's a long session but a good one to dip in and out of. He is so entertaining and funny and his banter in between songs is hilarious and informative. I'm not sure how long the link will be up onYoutube but hopefully it's here below for you for a while.</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NTg1FPMYAns" width="560"></iframe><span style="color: #990000;"></span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span>Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-81423347538123716122020-04-04T14:02:00.002+01:002020-04-04T15:30:58.574+01:00Day 12 in the Big Brother house<div style="text-align: justify;">
So here I am in the diary room again, cos it's starting to feel a little like being in the Big Brother house, except there are just the two of us and we aren't getting on each other's nerves yet. Which is good. We've both had a dip in spirits this week, but I'm finding for me, each day is different. I'm limiting myself to watching the news once a day. For the most part the government's updates are exasperating because they have nothing new to report by way of action, and the daily increase in numbers succumbing to the virus are heartbreaking. Yes, we will keep staying in doors, but we need to know that PPE is getting to the nurses, doctors and care staff who need it, that testing will be ramped up now, not by the end of the month and why the hell aren't we doing contact tracing? We are doing our part, we need to see you doing yours.</div>
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Sometimes it's hard to sift out the genuine reports on social media, and for sure there is a lot of propaganda flying around. Yes we all need to be pulling together, but we also need to be holding the government to account to make sure they are doing what they should be doing. That isn't a bad thing. It's not exploiting the situation. It's trying to make sure we get the best possible outcome for this awful, awful pandemic.</div>
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In other news, Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are now the new Labour Leader and Deputy Leaders respectively. I didn't vote for either. I will however admit that I was completely torn as to who to vote for, and in the end my vote didn't make any difference. Will I throw my toys out of the pram as many did when Jeremy Corbyn became Labour leader? Of course not. I will support Mr Starmer until he gives me cause not to and continue to try to put policy over personality. For sure he has been chucked in the deep end and he shall have his work cut out.</div>
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On a happier note, I listened in to Ian Prowse's FB gig from his front room last night. He was brilliant, and energic and just what was needed to pep me up. He's live every Friday night so go find him on FB, join his page and look out for him next week. Here's a taster for you.</div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-73499087901613068612020-04-02T16:27:00.001+01:002020-04-02T16:27:54.215+01:00Double Digit Day (10)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I have been giving this a whirl in tribute to Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne who sadly died yesterday from complications due to the brutal Corvid-19 virus.</div>
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I haven't played it in ages but for a while, a few years back there, it was never out of the cd player. </div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-27844074554541372732020-04-01T17:03:00.001+01:002020-04-01T17:03:20.012+01:00Day 9 - I think!<div style="text-align: justify;">
So last couple of days have been a bit grotty so not very much to report. A bit of isolation fatigue setting in I think. Spent majority of yesterday in bed feeling a bit shit and under the weather, so just decided to sleep it off. I did manage to do a bit of sewing the past couple of days. This one has been in the works for bloody ages. I designed it from a card about 4/5 years back, got permission from the artist to turn it into a cross stitch, but then did nothing with it. Found the design whilst tidying up my craft room (spare bedroom!) last year so waded in. Gonna crack on with the next part of it this afternoon. I don't really like working on the black aida, it's really hard to see the holes, so it takes me a lot longer than usual, but the black looks so damn good. Hopefully I will get it finished before we are out of lockdown.</div>
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Anyway, dragged my sorry arse out of bed this morning and went to water and check in on my little pots. Can't tell you how excited I was to see that the cavolo nero has started to sprout! I might have a couple of green fingers after all! Mind you, I had to look up what cavolo nero was. I thought it was some sort of cabbage, but apparently it's curly kale. Never knowingly had kale in my life, but if it actually grows into something half edible then I will definitely give it a whirl. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those little beauties!</td></tr>
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Decided to do a bit of baking, and made some cheese scones, one of my comfort foods. Whilst the oven was on thought I would slice up some apples which had seen better days to make apple crisps. Did all the prep, sprinkled them in cinnamon and sugar and put them in the oven. Turned it up to max, cos that's what I remembered you did and set the timer for 20 minutes. About 13 minutes in there was a weird smell coming from the kitchen, so went to investigate. The kitchen was full of awful, acrid smelling smoke and the crips were, well, burnt to one! Not exactly what I had in mind. Ha ha. Always check your recipe before you go, especially if you are prone to being a little absent minded as I increasingly am these days. </div>
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<br /><br />Fortunately the second batch turned out lovely though.<br />
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In other news, the husband's idea of isolation music is songs from War of the Worlds. <br />
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I'm avoiding listening.<br />
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<br /><br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-18825968495038213572020-03-30T20:21:00.000+01:002020-03-30T20:21:25.351+01:00Day 6 - Sunday<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been catching up on a bit of telly viewing the past week or so, although not as much as I expected if I'm honest. That will probably change!</div>
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The programme that seems to be taking my friends and social media by storm is the Tiger King documentary on Netflix. I can't believe I watched the whole series over two days. If you've not seen it, be warned, Joe Exotic is completely self-absorbed, has little hold on reality, and has a passing resemblance to the current President of the United States. It's a car crash of a show, but compelling viewing once you do wade in. It's so off the wall it can only be real.</div>
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<br /><br />I'm pleased to see the return of Ozark. I didn't realise there was another series coming up so was absolutely delighted. If you've not seen it, give it a go. It's main premise is similar-ish to Breaking Bad, though involves a whole family and how they end up in a situation where they are forced to launder money. The unfolding of how that affects the various family relationships and the journey it takes into Cartel territory is interesting. Morals are forfeited in favour of survival. </div>
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My favourite character is Ruth, played by Julia Garner. Ruth is a tough
talking trailer park girl, bright as a spark who pulls no punches when
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Of course it doesn't hurt that
Jason Bateman is the lead character either.<br /><br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS3lKXtJdjma_HoqVhtM4wnJMjpzJ3D6ndXnCwwgnkJIB4D3ve6VNwrJqVilkWj9bY__QDMABVV_1YaXa7EtwR6cyyg_BLkXc3GAWCJAq4VLn0cFmAf5K7buzw_1UpEkDgTrLo9gJHSo/s1600/Ruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS3lKXtJdjma_HoqVhtM4wnJMjpzJ3D6ndXnCwwgnkJIB4D3ve6VNwrJqVilkWj9bY__QDMABVV_1YaXa7EtwR6cyyg_BLkXc3GAWCJAq4VLn0cFmAf5K7buzw_1UpEkDgTrLo9gJHSo/s320/Ruth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-90865719142437400002020-03-29T11:28:00.000+01:002020-03-29T11:28:06.965+01:00Day 5<div style="text-align: justify;">
Decided to rename our innocent looking black cat to Beelzabub after she puked up a whole dish full of cat food on the bed. The bed I'd just put clean bedding on the night before last.</div>
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She may look all cute and innocent sat there, don't let that fool ya. She is a disgrace.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8IKoibsTBP4PykUhImaUHhDZ8ME_5i3yrPncTR1GlOL6EVgQS9vpSoIrOFOaf1SyvGk8fe9Bhpvb7_yiysp-cJmQS4LZZE2KCzGo9eN9smgmwp8S3ugHXmO5REi7vciUiplQeH3YfBo/s1600/beelzabub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8IKoibsTBP4PykUhImaUHhDZ8ME_5i3yrPncTR1GlOL6EVgQS9vpSoIrOFOaf1SyvGk8fe9Bhpvb7_yiysp-cJmQS4LZZE2KCzGo9eN9smgmwp8S3ugHXmO5REi7vciUiplQeH3YfBo/s320/beelzabub.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cat formerly known as Burdock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Spent the rest of the day cleaning the conservatory. To be fair, it usually gets its annual post-winter overhaul around about this time of year, but it was good to keep my mind occupied. I can't wait for the nights to get a bit warmer so we can sit out there and watch the early evening bats swooping back and forth above the garden. I'm dreaming of fairy lights and music sessions and wine. Happy times.</div>
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Big thank you to Jenny and Rob for working the technology to bring us a three way game of Jackbox tonight. Was really good to have the family together even if just in a virtual sense and to completely switch off from the CV words for a couple of hours. Cant wait to see you all in person folks.<br />
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Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-38090390055762506572020-03-28T17:50:00.001+00:002020-03-28T17:50:24.004+00:00Day 4. You know the drill. Friday<br />
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Flights for Becky's hen do in Lisbon next week are finally cancelled so today has been mainly sat on the phone waiting for Easyjet customer services to pick up. Hoping its not a scam number, because this on hold play list is shite and quite frankly, a waste of good listening time.</div>
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Here's a better tune:</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uWhkbDMISl8" width="560"></iframe> </div>
<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-8041995845632547642020-03-27T15:08:00.000+00:002020-03-27T15:19:24.995+00:00Day 3 in Clampdown, Mississippi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Thurs 26 March</div>
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Ventured back onto FB today after a self-imposed isolation from all that shit. </div>
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That didn't go too well so here is a nice picture of<span class=""> the River Drone, looking very fetching today. She is making an effort to stay clean and sparkly despite the clampdown.</span></div>
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<span class="">In other exciting news, I cut the grass and changed the bedding.</span></div>
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.<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_OVolP3rou9AkP7UQoiA7-GsA8Xmm1znyLWbih5i9r6yC1802ZUbTee1P9sF4UDUD6Jm_m5noMAb2uyaIlFgfxBNKb1d0XnVfNPMpSz2iaEpvVG9Z6-iHOyg2fZRhKGw6n6Xl9eH1t4/s320/River+Drone.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<span id="goog_934263545"></span><span id="goog_934263546"></span><br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-701346124716253102020-03-25T22:28:00.000+00:002020-03-27T15:17:34.665+00:00Day 2 of The Clampdown<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wed 25 March</div>
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Pretty quiet day all round. Woke up late and read in bed for a while. </div>
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Went out for another little walk around the town, this time via Sainsburys for the bits we couldn't get yesterday. I waited outside the shop again, whilst Simon went in. He was successful this time so we have bread and milk again and my oh so essential mushrooms and chocolate. Thinking of sending them in to the #jackmonroelockdownlarder challenge. </div>
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If you're not familiar, Jack Monroe is a brilliant cook, famous for
making nutritious meals on a shoe string budget. There is a veritible cacophanyof tweets on twitter
at the moment due to the BBC having employed Jamie Oliver to teach those of us who haven't stockpiled enough food to last until Christmas, how
to stretch our food supplies. Jack has been doing this for years,
and really should have been their first port of call. She's is the
beginning and end of this and an expert I tell you. An expert.</div>
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@BootstrapCook (on Twitter) </div>
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Got Simon to get the whirly clothes dryer thingywotsit out the shed where it had got well and truly wedged between the lawnmower and Joe Strimmer the other day whilst I was foraging for seed trays. Another beautiful day and got all me tea towels hanging on the line like a row of photos in a dark room - drying out. Except its very, very sunny and err, nowt like a dark room at all.</div>
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Checked on me little loofah seeds and transferred them to the plastic bag in the hope they will start sprouting. I've already neglected them for leaving them for more than 10 - 12 hours in room temperature water. They have heated up and cooled down and heated up again in the conservatory in this lovely weather overnight and through the morning. Hey ho. I'm still expecting great things.</div>
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Simon noticed that one of my seedless trays of compost was looking suspiciously damp on the top. Bloody Burdock. I forgot she likes to pee on anything that resembles a litter tray. Into theb in that goes then. Makeshift cat-proof defences now in place on the rest and hopefully we will soon see some little green shoots poking through the soil. I've used the last of my compost though so will have to wait until the clampdown is lifted and the garden centre open again to get more. My little vegetable plot is going to be VERY little at this rate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2FjWlL79E8g4Ouctx0to2MFHeyt_EFtxMyAkmZVneBTW9FAthTdQokgF4YYr7fbPkflGDMewLNFQxDOWpU5uGctqPsABNM6ir7kuMZ-COKR9LYliz9XBArevkPghHCDLqUJU887jrDI/s1600/Seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2FjWlL79E8g4Ouctx0to2MFHeyt_EFtxMyAkmZVneBTW9FAthTdQokgF4YYr7fbPkflGDMewLNFQxDOWpU5uGctqPsABNM6ir7kuMZ-COKR9LYliz9XBArevkPghHCDLqUJU887jrDI/s320/Seedlings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caught up with Jenny on Skype tonight which was lovely. We've organised to have a Jackbox session with her and Rob, Becky and Rob and us on Saturday night. Should be fun tuning in from different houses in different parts of the country. Hopefully we will have a few laughs which I think will do us all some good. </div>
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I'm starting to compile a list of things I want to do when this is all over and we are free to roam again. </div>
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1. Visit Jenny and Rob in London</div>
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3. Go wedding dress shopping with Becky. Unless we have further restrictions and it gets cancelled, it looks like theirs will be one of the first weddings in Sheffield on 1st August. She'll be needing a dress then!</div>
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2. Visit our Eileen and give her a huge big hug</div>
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3. Go to the John Rylands Library in Manchester. I was planning on going last Saturday before the Jesus and Mary Chain gig, before it all got cancelled. I've only seen photos but it.looks quite the building inside and out and I can't wait to go and get me some pics.</div>
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4. Big old get together with my Waster mates to celebrate life, music and friendship</div>
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5. Catch up with my ex-workmates, I missed out on our day out as I was full of cold a couple of weeks back, and not knowing if it was the dreaded virus or not thought it best to keep my distance. It will be so lovely to see them all again.</div>
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6 Go to a gig. Any gig! Though possibly the Rifles gig which is rescheduled for mid August - please God we are free by then! </div>
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I'll be adding to the list as I start missing more and more things I guess!</div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-49891908502193384292020-03-25T16:44:00.000+00:002020-03-25T22:19:41.535+00:00Clampdown<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, from Tuesday 24th March, 2020, the good folks of the UK, whilst not
completely confined to quarters, have entered what is possibly best termed as a, well, I'll let The Clash explain:</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b9YmHJ9Gkt4" width="560"></iframe>
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So it seems as good a time as any to start blogging again, if only to pass
some of the time in a more constructive way than sitting on my phone for large
portions of the day.</div>
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So Tuesday, the first day of The Clampdown. </div>
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I can't remember the last time I exercised, and Simon can't do his regular 3
times a week swimming at the moment with the swimming pools shut. Whilst
not quite in the age group for self-isolation, as we aren't getting any
younger, we thought if we managed to get out for a wee bit of walking every day
then that is better than nothing. So we had a wander around the town. It
was hard to equate the glorious sunny day, with what is happening, except that
fact that the park was empty, the play areas cordoned off, and I waited
outside of the corner shop whilst Simon went in. The few people we did
encounter were people walking their dogs, and either we or they crossed to the
other side of the road to give as wide a berth as possible. </div>
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We saw our neighbour from 2 doors down as we got back to the house and had a
bit of a chat about the state of things. He'd been shopping for our
mutual neighbours, an elderly couple who are self-isolating, who had requested
beer and toilet rolls. Pretty much the same supplies they had asked us to
get them the day before. I fully expect to hear drunken singing wafting
across from their garden in the next evening or two. I hope so anyway. </div>
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Yesterday I had dug out from the shed some plant pots and seed trays, and
scrubbed them and left them in the conservatory to dry overnight. So after
a spot of lunch, I set too filling them with a bottom layer of pea gravel and a
load of compost. I retrieved the seed kit that Simon had bought me for
Christmas to discover that it included tiny biodegradable pots and a small disc
of some sort of compost stuff that expanded on watering. I ignored the
stuff I'd already done and sorted out planting some veggies seeds into the
little pots that came with the kit. </div>
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Next up I had a bit of a treasure hunt, trying to remember where I had put
the couple of packets of loofah seeds that I'd bought a few months back. I knew
they wouldn't be in a logical place, like the utility room, shed or garage, and
eventually found them buried on a pile of paperwork on the spare bed. Well, it
made sense to me anyway.<br />
<br />
I got up a youtube tutorial to see the best way to plant the loofah seeds, and
apparently it all involves some nail clippers, kitchen roll, water and a
plastic bag! The mind boggles. Not a plant pot or compost needed
quite just yet. I set the pots aside in the conservatory; at least they will be
prepared for planting in a few days time. </div>
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One of my fave TV programmes is First Dates, and I just adore Fred Sirieix.
I got his book as a pressy from my birthday from Becky and Rob and thought it
was time for a bit of light reading to counteract the doom and gloom that has
been so (understandably) pervasive for the past few weeks. </div>
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Had a lovely long chat with my sister. She's had a really tough time of it
the past few weeks, having gone almost straight from a 3 month neuro-rehab
stay, into the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with urospesis.
She's back home now though, still not 100% but getting there and sounding like
her normal self again. Having MS she's self isolating and I am desperate
to see her but just need to be patient until we get through the pandemic.</div>
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Caught up with the girls and friends via the various message aps. It's
a gruelling and worrisome time for all in different ways, especially those who are ill or on the
front line working for the various emergency services. It's heartening to see how everyone is doing their best to lighten the load for others and pulling together though, and it's those things I need to concentrate on as much as possible over the coming weeks.<br />
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I'll leave you with the loofah vid as I know can't wait to see what on earth you need the nail clippers for!!<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-52369532476970549362019-04-14T18:47:00.002+01:002019-04-14T18:47:38.204+01:00Record Store Day 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy to be the proud recipient of these little albums from RSD2019 this weekend:</div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-64481727508593012512019-04-14T17:43:00.002+01:002019-04-14T18:22:26.465+01:00Seaham, Newcastle and Cramlington<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's lovely now that the weather is starting to change. We had a lovely journey up to Newcastle on Friday. One of my '57 things to do before I'm 58' was to visit the coastal town of Seaham, which is famous for its sea glass. I had hoped to go a month or so ago when Kim was over from California, but the times and tides were against us so that had to be shelved.<br />
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It was glorious spring day. The sun was on full beam, although there was a bit of a nip in the air, it is April still afterall. It's lovely how the sun can make us feel more relaxed though isn't it and we drove northwards without a care in the world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoxH-2elspCRKx5pqWG8VdceK0pkd8VZfXxgpFdbMHPBB0AERgwG7FjxL2-ezsO_CARuqrAjilLI-2CxviI40e3wOcms3iIP1iPGD5LQ7k90BpfhvRqadl4FkBF4apGEZBncLN_PYoIk/s1600/Seaham+Beach+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoxH-2elspCRKx5pqWG8VdceK0pkd8VZfXxgpFdbMHPBB0AERgwG7FjxL2-ezsO_CARuqrAjilLI-2CxviI40e3wOcms3iIP1iPGD5LQ7k90BpfhvRqadl4FkBF4apGEZBncLN_PYoIk/s320/Seaham+Beach+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Once we got to Seaham we had a quick reckie before heading to the closest fish and chip shop for chip butties to munch in the car. Not a bad way to spend a Friday lunch time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2xIpeeAVn3Qr8X6tuYv_swDzbBQymmhaD7DhN7ThHAfd9vt19FkDYrPH5F19mkdx71YJPWGe1WIHG2M0f6p9gnwj0jH6NKCkxCqD3T8H8Mm-iDtYj-96GQ17L98ZzbcJ23qkR50Zzho/s1600/Seaglass+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2xIpeeAVn3Qr8X6tuYv_swDzbBQymmhaD7DhN7ThHAfd9vt19FkDYrPH5F19mkdx71YJPWGe1WIHG2M0f6p9gnwj0jH6NKCkxCqD3T8H8Mm-iDtYj-96GQ17L98ZzbcJ23qkR50Zzho/s320/Seaglass+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>We drove onwards to Seaham Hall Beach and took the steps down to the pebbled area. There were a few scattered groups of folks sat on the pebbles, armed with buckets and trowels, looking for the infamous sea glass. I'd remembered to bring a container for my spoils, but as we were visiting on our way up to Newcastle, weren't planning on spending a whole lot of time there. At first it was hard to spot the sea glass, you really had to bend down and ferret amongst the pebbles, but we managed to come away with a nice little selection which may find their way into a mosaic piece. It's a lovely little pastime, and very relaxing, and I can see myself heading off up that way regularly for a day or afternoon in the not too distant future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fuFu9JZT98gEhyt0sLEpczqYg8fVxoCZo6UOBOcK-ECXxjSaTYLRIe92V0V6Jwv94xH5gQi2SCOYgWU-iipaVxSoEeND0qk_ZyxpB48QwTxkpNdW7YKEA1oX9lXNGpc3MVf4TuTxIXY/s1600/Northumbriana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fuFu9JZT98gEhyt0sLEpczqYg8fVxoCZo6UOBOcK-ECXxjSaTYLRIe92V0V6Jwv94xH5gQi2SCOYgWU-iipaVxSoEeND0qk_ZyxpB48QwTxkpNdW7YKEA1oX9lXNGpc3MVf4TuTxIXY/s320/Northumbriana.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northumbriana's profile</td></tr>
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Once out of Seaham we called at Eileen and Richies in Newcastle for the late exchange of Christmas and birthday pressies, then we all piled into the car up and headed up to the reclaimed open cast site now known as Northumberlandia. It's amazing what they have done there, and the new landscaping is such an innovative way to make good the devastation caused by open cast mining. It was nice to wander around the various parts of Northumberlandia's anatomy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the world, or rather, boob!</td></tr>
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Someone, not saying who mind, had the bright idea of pushing Eileen up to the higher reaches in her wheelchair. I think she really appreciated being able to see the views across Northumberland, and, as you can see, was particularly excited to reach the top of Northumbriana's right boob. </div>
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The trip back down proved to be a bit more precarious than first thought mind with one little slip which almost saw her taking the quicker route down, straight over the edge. We did managed to get her safely back down in the end though, and in one piece, albeit amidst lots of shrieking and laughter.</div>
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Next we went the short journey to Cramlington to meet up with Les at Pannuci's, a nice little Italian restaurant that we'd not been to before. It was really good to see him, and he gave us some top tips of where to go when we are in Nice next month. Didn't manage to see Micky though due to him being at work which was a shame, but look forward to catching up with him in at Jenny's wedding in August, if not before.</div>
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Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-50133444329794437812019-04-11T20:37:00.004+01:002019-04-11T20:50:59.499+01:00It's been a wee while ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
... hasn't it! I suppose like the rest of us, life has gotten in the way over the past year and a half, and I've not had the time nor the inclination to blog. Mostly due to going into my final year of my degree - which is now well past me, having graduated back in September, but boy was it a stressful year. Which isn't to say that I didn't find it enjoyable, informative or interesting. The knowledge I amassed has been fantastic, but I'm glad I'm this side of it all now. </div>
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I'd like to say that things have calmed down since, but I think after six years of study, it's taken me until now to decompress from it all. I've found it really hard to get back into any sort of groove, especially on my weeks off. It's not like I don't have lots that I can be doing, or even want to do. I have a list as long as me arm of projects that I want to get stuck in to. It's just the motivating that's been lacking. I think I'm coming out of the other end of the tunnel now though, less mornings spent in bed, and starting to pick up the pace again.</div>
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On the plus side, since I last blogged, both girls have got engaged and are planning their weddings to their respective Robs. Jenny and Rob get married this August, in the beautiful hills of Dovedale. We are all well immersed in preparations and pulling it all together at the moment, and its great because we get to see lots of Jenny and Rob with their frequent visits here for cake and pizza tasting and meeting the different people involved in the various components of their big day. Becky and Rob are tying the knot in August 2020 in Sheffield and are also making great strides with their wedding preps. I'm sure I will be blogging much, much more about both in the coming months. </div>
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Sadly neither are planning on having Batman at their wedding, well, not to <i>their </i>knowledge anyway, mwa ha ha. But how good would that be? I wonder if Simon fancies renewing our vows? </div>
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-56175437977368393802017-08-08T21:46:00.000+01:002017-12-26T21:47:46.091+00:00Tomorrow we are back up in the North East to say goodbye to my Aunty Esther who passed away last week. Esther Jervis, nee Campbell was the only daughter of five children and I've been thinking about her a lot the past few days. I realised that most of my early memories are of her and Uncle Jack and holidays we had on the farm in Northumberland where they lived for a large chunk of their working life.<br />
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None of the family were well off when we were growing up, mostly council estate tenants. Uncle Jack would come and pick us all up from Newcastle and take us the 30 miles to the farm in Broomhill which seemed like a huge journey to little me back then. As me and my sisters got older and he couldn't fit five of us into the car, Dad would go on the bus, although I remember getting the bus with me Mam at some point too, but that might have been for other reasons.<br />
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Aunty Esther was the strongest woman I knew. Not in the way she was built or even physically strong, she was quite petite, she just had this inner strength and air of competence and just got on with stuff. Life on the farm must have been hard at times though. Uncle Jack would be up at the crack of dawn to let the cows out into the fields, and retired to bed at the same time as us kids. One of Aunty Esther's jobs was to clean the milk churns and the milking equipment. I see her now in the shed with her rubber gloves on elbow deep in the huge stainless steel sinks, the smell of milk hanging in the air. The big tankers would come and collect the milk from the tanks on the other side of the shed. They were quite idyllic times and there are lots of family photos from back then. <br />
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As well as the farm work, Aunty Esther was very much a home maker. She always put on a huge spread at tea time for us all, buffet style. I remember watching her baking in the kitchen, and the way she hummed along to the radio whilst she was busy. Plates of scones, and rock buns, salad and ham. <br />
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Most folks of a certain age know where they were when England won the World Cup back in 1966, and depite being five, and not really into football, I know too. We were in Aunty Esther & Uncle Jack's front room, all sat around watching their telly. I only have flitting memories of it though but assume there would have been lots of jubilation at the end.<br />
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There was an upright piano in the room, and like my sisters, if I woke early on a Sunday morning, I would sneak downstairs, carefully open the lid, and try to depress the ivory keys quietly. I never managed it, and I would quickly be followed by one of my parents coming down and shushing me. It drew all of us kids I think with a kind of magical fascination. Aunty Esther was the pianist, I don't know when she learned to play, whether it was growing up or after she left home, but she was good. I have memories of her playing some classical piece. I guess it was probably my Uncle Jack who taught us how to play chopsticks though, that's the memory I have. <br />
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I don't have many memories of my cousins being around. I think John, the eldest had already left home, and Linda, was a typical teenager, off out enjoying herself. If Sylvia were still here, she would have more memories of my cousins than I do. Mick, the youngest I remember hung around the farm a bit, he seemed quiet and we didn't really interact.<br />
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I loved the front garden, which always seemed to be full of pansies when we were there. It was the first time I had seen pansies, and my memory is that they filled a bed at the corner of the garden, and a bed down in front of the living room window. <br />
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It was in the garden that I met Minty, the golden labrador who lived up at the big farm house. I used sit in the garden with my arms around his neck telling him my secrets. Not that I had many, more my angst and worries.<br />
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I remember games of hide and seek with my sisters and some of the kids who lived on the farm, Sandra and her brother David. My two favourite places to hide were either behind the huge milk barrell, my eyes peeking over the top of its cream topped rim, or in the hay loft where the sun worked its way through the slats of the roof casting intrusive rays into the dry half light. Those of us who were a little more adventurous hid behind the farm and up the track into the ruins of a small tower, whose original purpose may have been a war time lookout, but to our young imaginations it was the turret of a castle long lost to the midst of time. <br />
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When we'd had enough of playing outside, or if we'd fallen out with each other, one or all of us would make our way back into the house and the front room where the grown ups would be sitting having a chat. It was very much a case of sit there and be quiet if we stayed there, and I remember Aunty Esther's friend from down the road, who would come and read her and Mam's tea leaves whilst catching up local gossip.<br />
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I think I was quite a mardy child looking back. I know I was quiet and lost in my own little world most of the time, frightened to say boo to a goose, although me and Sandra did become friends and wrote to each other for a wee while once I moved back home. There were lots of family photos taken up at the farm. I must get copies from Eileen next time I'm back uphome. Most of the family photos I have my tongue stuck out, so I was probably a little horror really. I remember whoever was taking the photo would implore me not to stick my tongue out, and I really never intended to, until right just before the shutter clicked, when the temptation became just too much for me, and the evidence is there in the photos for all to see. What a horror!!<br />
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During one of the last trips that we made to the farm, I must have been in a teenage mood and everyone else had gone out, so was by myself. There was a knock at the door and there stood some deshevelled hippy looking couple. They were campaigners for nuclear disarmament and they left me with some of those bright yellow 'nuclear power, no thanks' stickers, and an information leaflet. It was a complete revelation to me and the first time I remember engaging with anything at all political. I came home and joined Friends of the Earth and read as much as I could get my hands on about green politics. <br />
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That's my memories of the farm. The last time we visited Aunty Esther and Uncle Jack was after Sylvia was diagnosed and we went with her to visit all the family. There's a lovely picture of the females of the family all sat together outside the bungalow, my aunty and uncle's farming days having been left far behind. The last time I saw Aunty Esther was back in December last year at the unexpected funeral of our cousin Linda. As we waited in the little room before the funeral, I was looking for Aunty Esther and Uncle Jack and at first didn't see them. I didn't recognise the frail, bird-like woman who was sat in a wheelchair, and it was only recognising Uncle Jack stood behind the chair that I realised who it was. There's more about that in the post before this one. It's sad and distressing the way dementia devastates families and I'm know it would have been difficult and heartbreaking for my uncle and cousins during Aunty Esther's last few months and days. I know it's easier for me to remember the better times as they are my memories, and that's the way I will remember her. With gratitude for the holidays she gave us, the way she made us welcome in her home, in lovely surroudings, her time and hospitality and the love that she showed us.<br />
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-22894211724237765932016-12-18T17:30:00.002+00:002017-08-08T15:05:42.300+01:00Life's rollercoaster<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've often said that my life is like a rollercoaster, one day positive, the next negative and often having to learn to hold the good and bad in tandem. This week has been another of those rollercoaster rides and coming to the end of it and trying to process it all is quite a challenge.<br />
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Monday I spent back up in the North East with the Queen's Terrace Girls (how soon before that becomes shortened to The Queens?). Linda, Toni, Kathy and I all shared a house in Jesmond, Newcastle back in the early 80's and have kept in touch and been firm friends ever since. Indeed they are my oldest standing friends over 30 years later. <br />
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Lately our trips up to Newcastle have been condensed into a single day, not even staying over night so there has been little time to catch up with friends, only family. I had to make a concious decision to put aside a day just for my friends and we scheduled it in for December and a little Christmas celebration. As most of the girls live out in Northumberland, Morpeth was chosen as the place to meet. It was lovely to catch up again, and also to see Sue, one of our other friends who has been around through the intervening years although never actually lived with us. We shared some prosecco and had a lovely meal at the Electrical Wizard, shared our joys and woes, with a sad departure of a husband having walked out for one of the girls, and the joyous news of an impending wedding in around six months for one of the other girls. See, good and bad in tandem. Always.</div>
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Afterwards we managed to have a quick tea at a local Italian restaurant with my sister Eileen and her boyfriend Richie. Too quick although I know I will see them later in the week when we will have more time together.</div>
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Tuesday I spent haring around the house cleaning everything that didn't move, although I think the cats may have had a spray of furniture polish and an accidental encounter with the hoover along the way. I had set aside two days to sort out things for some lovely friends who were staying over later in the week, but as we shall see, unforseen events took over and I was left with making the most of one day and getting as much as possible done as I could. I also had a slimming world weigh in, and after my indulgences of yesterday thought I would have blown it, but I guess the exertion of the housework worked in my favour and I lost two and a half pounds, bringing me to my lightest weight for some years. Hurrah.<br />
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Sadly Wednesday saw me undertake numerous trains (6), cars (2), metro (1) and taxi (1) journeys to travel to and from Northumberland again for the funeral of my cousin Linda who has unexpectedly passed away. She had been in hospital the fortnight before with COPD, discharged as she was getting better then re-admitted last week as she took a turn for the worse. Deaths of loved ones are never easy, and sudden, unexpected passings leave you particularly unprepared for the impact they inevitably make.</div>
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It was heartbreaking to see my aunt who has dementia, wheelchair ridden and unrecognisable from the time I saw her last. Having worked on a farm for most of her married life it was really difficult to see such a strong, capable lady reduced to a shell of her former self. Im not sure how much she had taken in of the circumstances, but she cried when she saw us which was heartbreaking in itself. <br />
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The service was beautiful and conducted by a humanist who outlined much of Linda's life and the people and things that she loved and held dear. Such a sad day.<br />
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It was a long day, and we didn't stay for the wake, which I now chastise myself for, we don't get to see our wider family very often and really should have stayed longer. A trip up in the New Year will definitely be on the cards.<br />
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Thursday was up bright and early to finish some last minute chores, make the beds for the guests and a quick visit to the supermarket. Then it was off on the train again but this time to Nottingham to meet up with my friend Kim who had flown over from California to catch Frank Turner's 2000th show in Nottingham. We met at the train station, then headed to the bus station to put her luggage into a locker and to meet with Amy. We wandered up to the Old Jerusalem Inn for a spot of lunch before meeting up with Simon and Richard our friends from Wales. After a bit of sightseeing we wandered down to Turtles, a Caribbean eatery where we met up with Lauren and Steve, which almost completed our little band of merry people. Simon had been working all day so met up with us just before going into the gig, so we were all there, our little circle of friends complete, </div>
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The show was great, crowd was in good form and Frank sang his heart out and gave it 150%. I'd not done any of the dates on the current tour as I had gotten a little Franked out over the past few years, but I enjoyed this one immensely, up on the balcony looking down at the frenzy of the audience beneath. It was a good show, although I was a little disappointed to learn that he hadn't much varied either the set or the adlibs between songs from the whole tour. I know its a strenuous life-style touring, and must be extremely tiring but would have liked to have seen something a wee bit different for what had been built up as a very special event. Not so much for myself more for those who had taken in a gig or two of the tour. Still, I've never done the job so I guess I shouldn't criticise.<br />
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Friday Simon, Richard, Kim and myself headed to Bakewell for a meet up with Rue and his adorable son Elijah, before Simon and Richard headed back off to Wales. We had a wander around, and a lovely lunch in the famous Bakewell Pudding Shop, one of my regular haunts when in Bakewell. After leaving the lads, me and Kim headed off to Chatsworth for a tour of the house and gardens, which was lovely. Every Christmas the house has a theme and this year it was the Nutcracker Suite so the rooms of the tour were decorated with toy soldiers and ballerina paraphenalia, multiple christmas trees adorned with sweets, some a little on the tacky side, some very well executed, and also a real life ballet dancer performing her piece on one of the great stairways.<br />
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Its always lovely to catch up with my music friends, we never have enough time, especially when some of them live so very far away. I'm pleased to have been able to see so many friends and family this week, albeit in very differing circumstances. Relationships are the most precious things we have, especially when we don't get to see some of our friends and family on a day to day or even weekly basis and I don't want to take any of them for granted. After a very lazy morning on Saturday I drove Kim to the train station for her onward journey to London before her flight home to Santa Cruz on Sunday.<br />
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Sunday has been a slow starting day after the busy-ness of the week. With the house suddenly empty again, and feeling a little bereft my thoughts turn towards my family once again. It's the 5th anniversary of another traumatic week up in the North East which saw the end of Sylvia's illness and her passing out of this life. I miss her more as the years go by and still catch myself almost reaching for the phone to call her up for a chat every now and again before reality kicks in and the sense of loss that inevitably brings with it. She was the best of sisters, and today is a time for reflection and remembering and thankfullness for being able to share a lovely person for the years that we had. <br />
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<br />Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-62028837478705807132016-11-12T00:42:00.001+00:002016-11-12T00:42:30.380+00:00Another goodbye <p dir="ltr">Today we said goodbye to my Uncle Jimmy. He was the youngest of my Mam's siblings a funny guy who lived his life completely on his own terms, uncompromisingly, unapologetically and lived it to the full.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Family funerals are always very emotional. For the goodbye to the deceased and for the time we have catching up with relatives we haven't seen in way too long. A reminder that time marches on regardless of our circumstances and a reminder to hold your loved ones close.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sleep well Uncle Jimmy. </p>
Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-35040590991186340032016-10-29T16:03:00.000+01:002016-10-29T16:05:05.757+01:00This is nowhereI love this song by Malojian from their new album This is Nowhere.<br />
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It speaks to me of the need to connect with our fellow humans. We have a social media structure that can give us the means to interact on a daily basis, but oh how it falls so far of the mark of physically connecting with one another.<br />
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I don’t like the way
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My feelings are falling
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Everyone’s a robot these days
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I know what you’ll say
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The black pot is calling
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At least I’m tryin to free my hazy head
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It’s tearing up my soul
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And wearing out my heart
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I’m trying to get home
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Cos don’t you know
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This is nowhere
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A social disease
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And everyone’s got it
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Help me find the cure now won’t ye
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I’m down on my knees
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I think that I’ve caught it
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So much to endure now don’t ye
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It’s tearing up my soul
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And wearing out my heart
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I’m trying to get home
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Cos don’t you know
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This is nowhere
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I’ve been waiting for you brother but you don’t come round
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So I’m going undercover to the underground
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Who are you
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Where are you
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I’m lonely
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Aren’t you lonely
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It’s tearing up my soul
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And wearing out my heart
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I’m trying to get home
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Cos don’t you know
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This is nowhere<br />
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Malojian - 2016Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-84289026457066992502016-07-24T12:20:00.001+01:002016-08-14T10:27:38.369+01:00Black Sheep and Wensleydale<div dir="ltr">
Friday we saw the amaze-anti turned down somewhat. Our last full day of the holiday and our first stop was the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. Smaller than I thought it would be yet no less impressive for it we arrived an hour early for the next available tour so took advantage of the restaurant and beer tokens you get on entry.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>
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The Portobello mushrooms with blue Wensleydale Sauce were out of this world but I was glad of the deep cut fries that I shared with Simon as they weren't particularly filling. We washed them down with our free three thirds each. I had a microbrewery third chosen randomly at the bar by Simon, a blonde brew and the dark <u>Riggwelter</u> which I later found out meant 'rolling over' and at 8.5% I can see why. It was my favourite being smoother and having a less bitter taste than the others. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>
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The tour takes just over an hour and is well worth doing. The family history is interesting with Black Sheep being set up by Paul Theakston who is part of the Theakston brewery family who still have a brewery in Masham also.</div>
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We'd not visited Masham itself so far so drove into the centre and had a wander around the town square and visited the church. Simon had his wits scared half out of here when a horse came up behind him and nudged him whilst he was taking a photo. We had locally produced Brymor ice cream from the local cafe which was just lovely and so creamy.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>
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We headed back to the cottage for a few hours and to see where the owners recommended eating for an evening meal then headed out to The Three Horseshoes in Wensley itself another place we had only driven through thus far. The pub was bristling with folks, one of the locals remarking to me that they'd never seen it so busy. On leaving later on we spotted the 'happy hour' sign which not only explained the pubs popularity but also why the 2nd round of identical drinks cost nearly £3 more than the first. Had a lovely veggie pizza which was huge and I ended up asking for a doggy bag and Simon a steak and ale pie he said was out of this world. Well he would have said that if he was one for superlatives but he isn't so I'm translating for him :-)</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>
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We took the long road home over the tops and parked up on the top of the Moors to watch the swifts and swallows again. I sat and finished off the pizza whilst overlooking Wensleydale in one direction and Coverdale in the other.</div>
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Soundtrack today was Springsteen then Simon's shuffle which included Bad Company, The Kinks, Dr Feelgood and Echo and the Bunnymen.</div>
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Haven't managed to find out what this is yet but by its weather beaten appearance it looks very very old</div>
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St Mary the Virgin, Masham</div>
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Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-77419984344005126142016-07-22T09:38:00.001+01:002016-07-22T10:39:20.604+01:00'That's easy for you to say!<p dir="ltr">So we've somehow managed to get to Thursday in our holiday already. The week is flying by.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">Today we decided to take things easy and mostly chill around the cottage. My phone is warning me it's almost out of storage space so Simon downloaded my photos to his laptop and cleared my phone of the unnecessary apps and other bits and pieces that were slowing it down.  I did a bit more embroidery.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We decided to venture out mid afternoon to go look at Jervaulx Abbey which is just this side of Masham so about a 15 min drive away. We've passed it every day whilst out and about so had it on our list of places to visit.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As you enter the grounds from the roadside, and walk over the grass to the ruins the small part of the Abbey you can see from the wrought iron gate barely prepares for what is to follow.  The site is way larger than first impressions show and is a meandering wander through ruinous rooms carpeted with grass and walls adorned with wild flowers. It truly is a magical place and so romantic. The perfect place for an outdoor summer wedding. </p>
<p dir="ltr">That the Abbey is privately owned and not administered by a heritage organisation is apparent by the arbitrary use of crumbled wall and pillar sections stacked upon each other to make the boundary wall of the site. It's as sacrilegious as it is enchanting.  As a civil engineer Simon was appalled that some of the remaining great walls of the Abbey are  supported with very little in the way of weight bearing stones with very thin sections supporting gigantic pieces of wall above.  The site is free to visit and open from dawn til dusk. The literature about the Abbey says that it's the proceeds from the  provision of an honesty box that is the only source of funding for the upkeep of the Abbey which is much in keeping with the promoted air of romance, although I did read somewhere that grants from English Heritage have been forthcoming in the past.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">A true spectacle in the Yorkshire countryside,  this corner of the county has produced daily delights which had made our holiday truly magical and a perfect foil to the distressing events reported around the world on a daily basis at the moment. Next week I will be back to reality with my job at the hospital and unprecedented political debacles abounding but for now it's good to unwind, relax and partake in some much needed recharging of the human batteries.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After our lovely walk through the Abbey we visited the tea shop adjacent. I had the most wonderful piece of sticky toffee cake. I'd have bought multiple slices to bring back with me except I don't want to blow my weight loss efforts completely this holiday. Washed down with organic Dandelion and Burdock whilst discussing with Simon alternative ideas for the distribution of land and hereditary laws, which was quite amusing.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the way back we stopped off at Holy Trinity, Coverham another little ancient church we'd passed daily. It's set back from the road amongst a cluster of trees, it's approach by foot hidden until you almost touch the stonework.  Norman built with its square tower it has some amazing stained glass windows but the surprise and piece de resistance for me was the pristine tiled sections behind the altar and under one stained glass window.  The tiles looked as new as anything yet the <u>border</u> declared they were installed in 1878.  Stunningly beautiful and well worth the visit alone.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On leaving the church and wandering around the graveyard I noticed that my necklace had come undone and the small hand made heart pendant had fallen off. I was upset as it was a present from Simon on my last birthday. It took some doing but we eventually found it nestling amongst the grass. I was so relieved. The silver chain had snapped close to the clasp so I'll need to replace that when I get home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I spent a lot of time in the conservatory this evening just watching the rabbits playing in the field their little white tails bobbing up and down. The swallows and swifts swooping and gliding outside the window are enchanting. I will be sad to go home on Saturday.   I'd love to see these views in the different seasons so hopefully we can book a long weekend in the autumn. Despite getting out and about every day it has been the most relaxing holiday ever with so much to do just a short distance away. We will leave having a list of things we didn't get to do but that's ok because we will be definitely be back.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today's soundtrack was Pauline's shuffle including Future Kings of Spain, TV Smith, The La's and Jason Isbell.<br></p>
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Forecast for light rain we packed our Kagools and suncream and set off in a southerly direction on the hour's drive to York.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We used the park and ride and got the bus to the station then wandered down to the National Railway Museum. The museum is a great resource housing some amazing trains and carriages. The Mallard, an engine and carriage of a Japanese Bullet train, old Royal Mail train and a Euro Star carriage amongst them. There's loads of memorabilia too, signage, furniture, stained glass panels and even a decorative cast iron toilet screen. We enjoyed wandering around although it was very hot and we only lasted about an hour before heading into York for some light refreshments. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We had a leisurely lunch at a small cafe called Burr which I'd highly recommend. The falafel wraps were lovely and they have an extensive home made cake section which Simon partook of. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We did a bit of browsing and some clothes trying on but that didn't last too long as it was way too hot for those sort of shenanigans so we found a pub and indulged in more liquid refreshments. It had greyed over and looked like rain and the covered courtyard of the Old White Swan was a perfect choice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On one of my solo visits to York a few years back I'd done the Snickelway trail which follows around 3 miles of ginnels and alleyways throughout the town. Some of them had revealed hidden gems and the pub was right next to one which housed a 12th Century church that I had happened upon on that visit. Holy Trinity on Goodramgate is one of 45 mediaeval churches in the parish of York and has rare stained glass windows the oldest dating back to 1470. It's the closest you will get to a post-reformation church. Since my last visit there has been the addition of a huge bell situated outside the main entrance with the words 'Ring for peace' carved into its wooden frame. I must investigate how and why it's there. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We had another wander heading towards the Minister and found the entrance to the gardens of the Treasurer's House which are open to the public and truly are an oasis of peace and quiet. We sat there for a while soaking up the sun, the threatened rain showers having failed to materialise. We then headed off through the shambles in search of a needlework shop for some black embroidery thread as a finishing touch to the cacti designs. However that little quest was fruitless so we made our way to The Hole in the Wall pub for, yes, more liquid refreshment and an early tea. Its become my traditional evening meal pub whilst visiting York, and the food is good so was keen to take Simon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We got back to the cottage around 7.30 so had a full day out with my York cravings satisfied until the next time.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">Today's soundtrack was mainly alcoholic ramblings with a few ouches thrown in here and there.</p>
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<u>We</u> had a slow start to what looked to be an even hotter day than yesterday. I started the 2nd cacti cross before heading out for today's adventure.</div>
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Our destination was The Forbidden Corner. Set in acres of stunning countryside Forbidden Corner is a myriad of trails, tunnels, staircases and ramparts. All are littered with statues, sculptures, fountains, giants, devils, skeletons, crystals, animals and revolving floors for you to find and tick off the accompanying leaflet. Beware though none of them are in order and for each trail or passageway there are three others you could choose. </div>
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The fantasy playground was built by C R Armstrong as a folly to entertain his friends and family but was soon opened to the public due to overwhelming demand. Additional parts have been added over the years making this a truly extensive treasure trail and no expense spared on the buildings and artefacts littered throughout.</div>
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It really is an amazing place, suitable for all the family. I was a bit worried it would be child-centric and that we would look out of place without any kids with us but that was totally unfounded as there were people of all ages enjoying the adventure. You just need to be young at heart and have a sense of fun.</div>
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It took us just shy of three hours to complete the challenge although we were short of 4 ticks from our list. To say Simon is a completist is an understatement yet he was happy to let the last few go. Once out through the exit though there were still a few surprises to find.</div>
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Forbidden Corner can be found at Coverdale in North Yorkshire.</div>
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We headed out to Leyburn to get some supplies before making our way back to the cottage to put our feet up for a few hours.</div>
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For tea we headed into Middleham and ate at Richard III. The interior was very shabby and the décor littered with photos of successful horses from the local stables. The home cooked food was really nice though and it was a good way to end a brilliant day.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Today's soundtrack was mainly laughter.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2VOViMYmCZmCfVUmCT66yq1NpjjKoIzcvw71S3CANA3DInddZs82T-UUKTthxKeaNcxY3V708s4kYgogud398W9D3o9lxg3vmvD5FT8dKlLzHTM34p_fdC90EOQGNaZxxkiue87UqDc/s1600/20160719_161618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2VOViMYmCZmCfVUmCT66yq1NpjjKoIzcvw71S3CANA3DInddZs82T-UUKTthxKeaNcxY3V708s4kYgogud398W9D3o9lxg3vmvD5FT8dKlLzHTM34p_fdC90EOQGNaZxxkiue87UqDc/s640/20160719_161618.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFGdVohF9KC6irDG4j1m9wY8-h3h_ZanntS81BJc2URR1AQvu-3J_iFCPFiRiwWqcd-vXyZd0b64MhlVYzSjMGzuf2c2Tx0TdlE70tB4p695R5y1OY0b32NrY45L7UDL0Fe-T-v5Jg-k/s1600/20160719_151442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFGdVohF9KC6irDG4j1m9wY8-h3h_ZanntS81BJc2URR1AQvu-3J_iFCPFiRiwWqcd-vXyZd0b64MhlVYzSjMGzuf2c2Tx0TdlE70tB4p695R5y1OY0b32NrY45L7UDL0Fe-T-v5Jg-k/s640/20160719_151442.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHDOkEHvl8fwUCHQf9Ia9jbo1g8HNGRVVlY1U3USLanTRTDkeAiMF4hEtaAVyHisS9tYElZf2Lc20WMoH4cSMNe7QYrRApO5qBh4kbQkqglCqBBxo7WwMg_hNR-wK9md8gCdDr5BdU0I/s1600/20160719_142022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHDOkEHvl8fwUCHQf9Ia9jbo1g8HNGRVVlY1U3USLanTRTDkeAiMF4hEtaAVyHisS9tYElZf2Lc20WMoH4cSMNe7QYrRApO5qBh4kbQkqglCqBBxo7WwMg_hNR-wK9md8gCdDr5BdU0I/s640/20160719_142022.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHRU5bNMKACy1b5owVMrMRtTlMZ17fvyPFTD5NCqo9S3kuoevi1lMAxKrXLQciCXjIfkfEmjyZuB5wLch1OjwqFAxwW0ygTxUC3GKRiG7rReQ4oylLArvH2tQToot65usS3WbE1506RM/s1600/20160719_192416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHRU5bNMKACy1b5owVMrMRtTlMZ17fvyPFTD5NCqo9S3kuoevi1lMAxKrXLQciCXjIfkfEmjyZuB5wLch1OjwqFAxwW0ygTxUC3GKRiG7rReQ4oylLArvH2tQToot65usS3WbE1506RM/s640/20160719_192416.jpg"> </a> </div>Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-19153083293024156602016-07-19T09:39:00.001+01:002016-07-19T10:07:07.438+01:00Richmond<p dir="ltr">Was up fairly early so finished the first of the cross stitch cacti. Didn't feel so good with a poorly tummy so we got off to a slow start and left for a planned trip to Richmond about 1pm when I started to feel better. We parked alongside the river which looked so welcoming on what turns out to be the hottest day of the year thus far. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We walked up the steep winding road to the castle passing lovely cottages. The castle was built just after the battle of Hastings by Alan of Brittany, a relative of William the Conqueror to strengthen the Norman hold on the north of England. Overlooking both the river and the town it afforded some cracking views of the surrounding area. I particularly loved the garden and it was easy to imagine courtiers relaxing there on a similarly sunny day in years past. The garden is still well maintained although full of flowers and the area which would once have grown vegetables to feed the residents of the castle and herbs for medicinal purposes is now a very neatly manicured lawn.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Afterwards we wandered into the town for a late lunch and settled on the Red House Hotel. I had a gorgeous halloumi in beer batter sandwich with roast vegetables, fries and coleslaw. I'm not too keen on the current trend to serve things in brioche buns which are too crunchy and not easy to eat. I'd have preferred a soft bap but other than that it was lovely and washed down well with a Golden Sheep bitter shandy</p>
<p dir="ltr">When we got back to the cottage we drove past to see what was further up the hill. The village is literally two streets at right angles to each other. Beyond that is glorious Yorkshire moorland full of sheep and nesting birds and we could see a lot of the route we'd travelled earlier in the day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We turned round to come back to the cottage which is when I noticed the red telephone box we'd passed on the way up. The other side had a sign saying 'Book Swap'. I was very excited as I've seen these things posted on Facebook but never encountered one in real life before so once we parked up I picked up my phone and camera and wandered up there to take some pictures.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It was a delightful surprise and the perfect way to finish the day out.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We watched The Intern after tea with Ann Hathaway and Robert De Niro Alot of De Niro's recent films are about the challenges facing older people post-career and family raising and decry a bygone age of chivalry and snappy dressing. The Intern touches on those as well as the role the more mature person has to play in a society so geared up to youthfulness. A lovely gentle watch.<br></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">Today's soundtrack was the Pauline ipod shuffle which included Skinny Lister, Jason Isbell, John Fulbright and Don Henley.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj8RiTFqyRPFG7A1L6Ig9Z4udHZtRcaTWMO6W-hSeDdo2TBwaVoZDp9i7502AXHRSO1r3BOaYd2aR1u6C8_xem5-E8B8YVeBYZuge1PUGDDNJNwkhxKhzdFmx-Nn5UIrmxgboSF3lB24/s1600/20160718_143340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj8RiTFqyRPFG7A1L6Ig9Z4udHZtRcaTWMO6W-hSeDdo2TBwaVoZDp9i7502AXHRSO1r3BOaYd2aR1u6C8_xem5-E8B8YVeBYZuge1PUGDDNJNwkhxKhzdFmx-Nn5UIrmxgboSF3lB24/s640/20160718_143340.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nNk5v_kdahPdTcAXbgQhwfKgyyQxtVwhDQDC8zUm0bkneGexgcBxiHununeJiQxtXA4yQxRoeFGNQPQt3Rq5INjrBErdIy4tU4WskegfKsoBnbeTJ1Lz9cbymx9_R5d2uTCDJPPK8Ng/s1600/20160718_142717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nNk5v_kdahPdTcAXbgQhwfKgyyQxtVwhDQDC8zUm0bkneGexgcBxiHununeJiQxtXA4yQxRoeFGNQPQt3Rq5INjrBErdIy4tU4WskegfKsoBnbeTJ1Lz9cbymx9_R5d2uTCDJPPK8Ng/s640/20160718_142717.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly0QYM1agpIHqQNJQ2-mY_F2A-pERFo4F0MMsnwex5ATCfxL2kofA4Ja_YAmz4cKUjBzve-pmIitmVOUhyphenhyphenxiM-3OGEmbmxrKtKoFZo2xKms5XRygojjbyjEcZeYk8jL32LcPkFkCGHrY/s1600/20160718_172010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly0QYM1agpIHqQNJQ2-mY_F2A-pERFo4F0MMsnwex5ATCfxL2kofA4Ja_YAmz4cKUjBzve-pmIitmVOUhyphenhyphenxiM-3OGEmbmxrKtKoFZo2xKms5XRygojjbyjEcZeYk8jL32LcPkFkCGHrY/s640/20160718_172010.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGle6Jhq04khg5wrDP4vB8AGbaeK4JHFy2G0uN1HkBL3Hq2kPf8UUqCG-CQQMijy6U9zARX0m4Tu107_0a03r9vPEM4-Gs7TapWaL0E057TrhcBwK33kRFH88ZutCOpot7F0fLjxt8Fk0/s1600/20160718_172028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGle6Jhq04khg5wrDP4vB8AGbaeK4JHFy2G0uN1HkBL3Hq2kPf8UUqCG-CQQMijy6U9zARX0m4Tu107_0a03r9vPEM4-Gs7TapWaL0E057TrhcBwK33kRFH88ZutCOpot7F0fLjxt8Fk0/s640/20160718_172028.jpg"> </a> </div>Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343268558952078612.post-85586458950373126792016-07-17T23:08:00.001+01:002016-07-17T23:14:35.160+01:00Mostly Masham<div dir="ltr">
Today started off dull but quickly brightened up. Headed off to Masham for their Steam Rally. Lots of stalls selling strange and wonderful things. Bought a cast iron rail sign from Sheffield for our next door neighbours as a thank you for feeding our cats while we are away. They are big rail enthusiasts and have a few such plaques in their home bar already.</div>
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Two stall holders stood out. one chap collected oil cans complete with model of the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. He was impressed I got the connection. Or maybe more that I was the only person all day who mentioned it. He must have had a couple of thousand different oil cans there which are a mere fraction of the 15,000 that he owns.</div>
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The other chap I spoke to collected gramophones. He played a couple of his cylinders which he explained were made from wax with grooves in and worked with a stylus much like vinyl records do. Like vinyl they are easily damaged and also prone to cracking. Given that both systems he played were over 100 years old they sounded remarkably clear.</div>
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Took loads of pics of the vintage vehicles, fire engines, motorbikes, trucks and caravans but they need downloading from my camera so I'll add some when we get home.</div>
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Wandered back to the cottage mid afternoon and so started some embroidery for Becky and Rob's spare bedroom (cacti designs to fit their Mexican theme!) whilst Simon listened to the golf on the radio.</div>
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Made pasta with pesto, mushrooms and parmesan with garlic flat bread for tea which we ate in the conservatory while watching the rabbits in the garden chasing each other around and counting the different birds that were visiting the garden. So far we've had sparrows, wood pigeons, starlings, wagtails, doves, blue tits, swallows and swifts.</div>
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Simon proceeded to whoop me at Backgammon. Boo.</div>
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Tonight's soundtrack was mainly Ryan Adams.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ow8ZI0WE2Sz6hJuOBr2ITE-0U_-chuSBjw6c8mn3XCRjglhZqGfFxo0sQWljnCGGPTEG83y2Zg2XxB1lwQo7_5Z-gjT_-Y1pRQNYObXMXOXn8PWT8TBMCOwu6NkAwLOfwOxVYUlDzf0/s1600/20160717_130321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ow8ZI0WE2Sz6hJuOBr2ITE-0U_-chuSBjw6c8mn3XCRjglhZqGfFxo0sQWljnCGGPTEG83y2Zg2XxB1lwQo7_5Z-gjT_-Y1pRQNYObXMXOXn8PWT8TBMCOwu6NkAwLOfwOxVYUlDzf0/s640/20160717_130321.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjTc5pM161xdufTvTl57U5VXD2EwtPy2n3rflP0UJxLqPdM9hdIKHLiFdtg1swe6M0GYP__Hwtj88uCYvpHKI6QnuBKMxFm_OE96at5QeyQy0_NuJWCycAYbYx9FNl4NRlHJVFFLhLn8/s1600/20160717_200458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjTc5pM161xdufTvTl57U5VXD2EwtPy2n3rflP0UJxLqPdM9hdIKHLiFdtg1swe6M0GYP__Hwtj88uCYvpHKI6QnuBKMxFm_OE96at5QeyQy0_NuJWCycAYbYx9FNl4NRlHJVFFLhLn8/s640/20160717_200458.jpg"> </a> </div>Paulinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15105530250129724501noreply@blogger.com0