Louise @ Home

2012-01-22T16:29:00.253Z

my photos

down Bournemouth way ...

A welcome break if only for a day or so, to break up the monotony of work and to aid recovery of a persistent cold virus is just what was needed.

Having to get back for duty on Saturday we could only book for one night's accommodation which as it turned out was a bit of a bargain, £19 for the room, yes £19! which included buffet breakfast choices and a full English, kippers or scambled eggs with smoked salmon ..!

The hotel was modest, but the dual-aspect room overlooking the sea was perfect and passed all scrutiny with top marks.

Ideally situated on the clifftop adjacent to the superb sandy beaches of Bournemouth, with Boscombe Pier being just a short distance away, and just right for an early morning walk before that blowout breakfast!

The weather was cloudy but mild, and setting off just before sunrise was not particularly the best of light for taking photos, but when in the bleak of midwinter is it ever.

.. that doomed surf reef!

.. and a row of beach huts, stretching 'til infinity.

Only really meeting with a few joggers and dog-walkers, it's the best time of day to get out and about, with just the sound of the surf for company.

We intend to return sooner rather than later, and no doubt like on this trip we'll stop off along the way at Gunwharf Quays for a spot of retail therapy, with a pit-stop at McDonalds thrown in for good measure!

.

2012-01-05T18:59:00.005Z

Christmas 2011 ...

Well that's it for another year .. the cards are down, and just the skeleton of the tree (and lights) remain. Christmas votives (most of them) and decorations have been packed away.

The cards will be recycled (most of them) although the sheep is staying .. as I love it too much!

.. as is this rib-tickling image of Wallace and Gromit, and the cute snow baby designed by Michele at Cowboys & Custard.

Christmas-time was spent with family and friends, and quiet moments to ourselves .. many mince pies were eaten, and glasses of mulled cider drunk .. there were lots of presents to open, crackers to pull, and jokes to tell.

How do snails keep their shells shiny .. they use snail varnish!
Why didn't the skeleton go to the New Year's Eve party .. 'cos he had no body to go with .. boom boom!

.. and as for seeing the New Year in, it was great!

The folk band The Shenanigans and the hog roast were just the ticket for New Year's Eve .. as they say eat, drink and be merry!

I'll chink my glass to wish all my good friends a great blogging year ahead.

,

2012-01-01T22:25:00.002Z

The forecast for today .. blustery with rain!

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2011-12-30T17:58:00.004Z

Happy New Year ...

We've picked up the tickets for New Year's Eve.

We're seeing out the old year at The Fountain Inn, with drinks in one hand and a hog roast in the other!

Celebrated for its connections with Sir Laurence Olivier and Hilaire Belloc

click on pic to play

... and for its part in the Paul McCartney video Wonderful Christmastime!

Here's hoping 2012 is a great year for everyone!

.

2011-12-29T15:41:00.001Z

my photos

Boxing Day Dippers 2011 ...

Just sharing some pics I took at the traditional Boxing Day dip on Worthing Beach.

The tide was in, and the sea was choppy, but many braved the elements!

It's a great annual charity event ...

... guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

More pics are on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.300822456625939.67000.100000945627664&type=1

.

2011-11-22T19:40:00.008Z

Just this afternoon I put flowers on Mum's plot for her birthday - she loved lilies.

2011-11-11T08:53:00.002Z

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

2011-09-29T14:48:00.268+01:00

my photos

two go down to the New Forest ...

... travelling back in time into another world. Strange, but that's exactly how it feels. Things are so different here, and yet the forest is only a short car journey away from us in West Sussex.

Now if horses were loose on our local B roads, the police would have the road cordoned off with diversions in place!

We stayed at the Forest Park Hotel in Brockenhurst, and we got a room upgrade 'cos we didn't want to be over the bar. It's a comfortable hotel with no fancy trimmings ... you get what you pay for.

The room was lovely and bright facing south, and very floral, but although clean the bathroom was in need of an update. Can't complain, 'cos we got a good deal in three nights for the price of two, £68 pounds for the room per night which included a good choice of breakfast.

Our bikes came with us, note my new white Specialized one. I'm definitely liking it, as it helps me keep up the pace with John on his Gary Fisher! We were relatively lucky with the weather, and only got rained on the once.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this very puffed-out Robin on one of our rides. I felt a right clown though 'cos I was talking to it in a silly voice, not aware of a chap sitting in his van with his driver-side window down!

To be honest I expected to see more wildlife down here, and apart from the usual suspect birds, saw just one squirrel and a deer, which was unfortunately roadkill along the side of a verge.

One thing you're in no danger of missing in the New Forest is trees. The first photo is of a giant sequoia, one of the largest specimens in Great Britain. It's situated in Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and is part of the Tall Trees Trail, which is a pleasant walk for adults and kids alike.

Can you see what I see in this trunk of another old tree?

Brockenhurst is a great place to stay if you want to be at the starting point of many cycle routes. The whole of the National Park is well kitted out for keen cyclists, and being out of school holidays we practically had it all to ourselves.

I really wasn't expecting to see these cows stopping traffic on the road into Burley. They were hilarious, and in no hurry to budge!

We stopped here for a much needed drink, and waited a good half an hour for our coffee. Such a leisurely pace of life, and a stark reminder of just how manic our everyday lives can sometimes be.

Of course there are many beautiful New Forest ponies to be seen roaming around too. They don't need a wide berth, but not a good idea to pet or feed them, and keep to a 40-mph limit on all unfenced roads.

Remember, it's their forest so look after them!
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2011-08-05T20:50:00.046+01:00

my photos

August 7th ...

Don't forget the Big Butterfly Count and my garden blog giveaway, both end on Sunday.

Look right, over there, up the top! The links are on my sidebar.

I'll be picking out a giveaway winner at 6 pm, so good luck!

2011-07-28T22:16:00.016+01:00

my photos

Oh, I wish I'd looked after me teeth ...

I'm feeling just a tad worn down with this tooth of mine.

Just to say it's been an ongoing saga, which has so far lasted months 'n months 'n months.

... oh, I wish I'd looked after me teeth!

Anyway I'm now on antibiotics, so they just better do the trick?

For now anyway.

I'm not thick skinned, and was sad to notice I lost a follower today.

?

Crocodile, as seen a few years back on our maiden voyage to Australia.

Don't forget remaining followers - you're more than welcome to join in with the book giveaway on my garden blog.

The more entries there are, the more fun I will have picking out a winner!

2011-07-26T15:54:00.064+01:00

my photo

exclamation ...

I've developed excrutiating toothache! It's in the tooth I'm in the middle of having root treatment on.

My next appointment is in five weeks time ...she's on holiday!

I'm very tempted to yank the tooth out myself!

Thank goodness for Ibuprofen ... It's the only cure I got.

One 400mg tablet gives me adequate relief for 6 hours. Thank you Stewart Adams.

Can you believe this man never saw an extra penny for this breakthrough cure!

Edited to add:

Thanks everyone for your compassion and advice. Juggling around work hours, I've managed to get an appointment for this Thursday afternoon.

Since writing this post, I am now getting spammed with adverts for new dentures!

2011-07-22T08:00:00.007+01:00

... blue sky and a much anticipated day outside in the garden.

Have a great weekend!

2011-07-19T20:55:00.006+01:00

... everyone loves a GIVEAWAY!

The one on my garden blog is open to everyone.

2011-07-17T18:07:00.016+01:00

my photos

another baking day ...

As rain has mainly stopped play outside today, I've been doing a spot of baking.

Sticky Lemon and Lime Cake

equal 5oz amounts of soft margarine or butter, caster sugar and SR flour
3 eggs
half a teaspoon of baking powder and 2oz ground almonds
zest and juice from one lemon and one lime

This is a recipe for cupcakes, but works equally well as one big single cake, baked in a 16.5 cm fluted cake tin liner.

Using proper eggs, from proper hens, bought from a proper stall along the roadside.

I really like how they are all different shades, and of a good size too.

I can't get over the size of some supermarket eggs these days - even the Size 1s seem small to me?

I do like citrus fruits.

In fact I sometimes find myself buying them when I really don't need them?

Anyway, these two came from a large bag of mixed lemons and limes from Sainsburys for just £2.00, which I thought was a bit of a bargain.

It is, if you don't end up throwing them away!

The zest needs to go in the cake mix ...

and the juice needs to be heated with 2oz caster sugar until syrupy, for the drizzle.

I do like quick and easy, not always having the time to faff with complicated recipes ...

and good time management leaves more time to scrape the whisk, and lick the bowl!

2011-07-10T11:57:00.083+01:00

my photos

just the day for ducks ...

Today is the last day of the RHS Flower Show at Hampton Court Palace.

I went up on Thursday, which is traditionally the opening day for the general public ...

and for ducks!

An Alice in Wonderland theme was running through the Floral Marquee.

Not that you could get to see the exhibits, with the world and his wife plodding through taking shelter from the rain.

Only ducks and Mad Hatters would have been happy to frolic in such a deluge ...

and geese!

This curvy looking bench caught my eye ...

as did these stained-glass panels.

How about this wonderful creeping Thyme paving ...

and this highly desirable residence for bugs!

With an idea for a three-tiered garden ...

and what to do with an abandoned shopping trolley!

The show is filled with so many wonderful ideas, and like what to buy?

I went with a modest shopping list, with the intention of buying varieties of Lavender and Mint.

No garlic!

I've learned the lesson from previous years not to buy anything too big or heavy, as pretty much impossible to cart back on a busy London Train.

... so what did I end up buying?

Two sun-loving varieties of Lavender (Kew Red and Whero Ito), and two shade-loving varieties of Mint (Ginger and Chocolate).

I'd say that was a day well spent, wouldn't you?

o

2011-06-20T21:37:00.024+01:00

my photos

motoGP Silverstone 2011 ...

Please humour me everyone, I love motoGP!

Here's some facts from the weekend.

We had three day roving grandstand tickets, and this year we added on an extra day for Day of Champions, a charity event with mega proceeds going to Riders for Health.

Total sum raised through DOC ticket sales and auction was £194,577.00.

We also had tickets for pit and paddock access.

It was really interesting to see inside the riders' garages, although frustrating for me Hayden's mechanics kept the door to his tightly shut.

Alvaro Bautista, Loris Capirossi, Cal Crutchlow, and Hiroshi Aoyama obliged to sign my programme, along with Scott Redding from moto2.

Stoner was outside his motor-home signing autographs, but there being such a stampede, he made a hasty retreat back inside.

We got to meet vintage rider Randy Mamola, who was cruising around the paddock on his bike.

Hey Vee from The Bearister Bookcase, I know you like motoGP too.

Are you looking through my pics!

We watched free practice periods from the New International Pits Straight, sitting opposite the Repsol and Grisini Honda team garages.

I was highly suspicious of J sitting away as far as we could from Hayden's garage?

Little did he know I'd spied a hole through the fence, and could see him through the binoculars!

Lone Brit rookie Cal Crutchlow broke his collarbone in free practice, ending his race weekend.

He thinks he coming back for Assen?

The weather over the first three days stayed mainly dry, but on race-day the heavens opened, and stayed open for the duration!

We had the best vantage point from Becketts on race-day, but were very, very cold and wet.

It was an exciting wet race!

With three riders not finishing (Spies, Lorenzo and Simoncelli) Casey Stoner from factory Repsol Honda finished on top, with Andrea Dovizioso and Colin Edwards second and third respectively.

My man Hayden just missed the podium by coming in fourth.

There was a fence between me and #69 on the only occasion I spotted him in the paddock.

I'm finding this fact a bit hard to swallow!

o

2011-06-04T19:48:00.008+01:00

my photo

... where is everyone?

o

2011-06-02T21:53:00.006+01:00

my photos

bakin' ...

Not only have I been bakin' in the sun today, I've been bakin' cakes too.

Not unusual cakes, just common ones which you can make without a recipe - like this coffee/walnut cake, using equal ingredients for a 7oz sponge.

I also added a good handful of walnuts to the mix - I think the nuts I cracked had been in the bowl since Christmas, but they tasted fine!

I've made these choc/cranberry muffins before - you can knock up the batter in no time, and so healthy too.

Hmm!

o

2011-05-16T20:27:00.009+01:00

my photo

seed swap ...

A month or so back I posted off some Sweet Pea seeds to my good blog friend Simone at Linden Grove, and in return she kindly forwarded on some seeds to me.

The seeds are a rare variety of climbing French Bean, from North America

... Cherokee Trail of Tears.

Each sown in individual cells, I waited - and with patience rewarded, they are now romping away very nicely.

I'm going to use twiggy Hazel poles as supports.

Thanks Simone
o

2011-05-05T13:54:00.540+01:00

my photos

photo scavenger hunt ...

How on earth has another month passed me by?

I never quite made it with April's Photo Scavenger Hunt, infact you could say I failed miserably.

I did have something to do with Shakespeare (a 1st class stamp celebrating 50 years of the RSC), and an idea for an interesting shopname lined up.

A local sandwich shop called Big Baps!

Now I've made a good job of lowering the tone, I shall leave you with the list for May:
o
a butterfly
a bicycle
a red door
a cartoon character
an emergency vehicle
think vintage!
something blue
a street light
texture
a sign of the zodiac
an interesting local building
a portrait in black and white

I must try harder this month!
o

2011-05-01T19:42:00.003+01:00

Willliam and Kate ...

29.04.11

It's important to me that we protect our heritage for future generations.

oo

2011-04-22T15:00:00.167+01:00

my photos

Simnel Cake ...

Using my trusty Mary Berry recipe.

Whisk up soft margarine together with soft brown sugar, eggs and self-raising flour.

Adding flame raisins, glace cherries, peel and mixed spice, left to steep for a hour or so (or overnight) in a small amount of water.

Prepare the tin.

Oh dear, lining cake tins has never been my forte!

A bit of a botch up job, but will do the trick?

Add half the mixture.

Now for a layer of marzipan, and a good tip is to not use the shop bought stuff.

Make up a batch of almond paste - it's really easy, and a good idea is to prepare earlier, wrap in clingfilm and leave to firm in the fridge.

Use a third, and then top with the remainder of the cake mixture.

Bake, and leave to cool.

The next day ...

Brush the cake with apricot jam before topping, and place eleven apostles on the top, and not ten!

Like I forgot!

Happy Easter weekend everyone!

o

2011-04-18T07:30:00.198+01:00

my photos

lamb chops 'n mint sauce ...

Amazing weather again, and it's still only April?

It's been a a productive day mostly spent outside, interuppted midday by an impromptu trip into Shoreham-by-Sea for fish 'n chips.

Late afternoon I picked the first rhubarb from the garden, and mixed with strawberries from Morrisons, made a crumble.

Before supper, early evening we go visit lambs, for the third time this year!

These three little 'uns were having fun, hop, skipping and a jumping in their very own lamb gang!

See how cute they look in detail by clicking on the photos to enlarge.

Lambs at Play by Christina Rossetti

On the grassy banks, lambkins at their pranks;
Woolly sisters, woolly brothers, jumping off their feet;
While their woolly mothers, watch by them and bleat.

These size small woolly jumpers are on fields at Botolphs, east of the River Adur.

The nearby farm at Coombes is open to the public for a month or so every year for lambing time.

There's only a week to go!

Hundreds of teasels line the pathway.

The area looking especially beautiful as the light fades.

Aah look at the sweet chops, and sticky-out ears on that little lamb below!

It looks lost, but will soon be back with mum as it's getting late.

As for lamb chops 'n mint sauce - they're definitely off the menu for the time being, if not for good?

o

2011-04-04T12:28:00.021+01:00

my photos

flowers for Mum ...

We took flowers for Mum up to the crematorium yesterday - a lovely small Spring bouquet with narcissi, tulips, iris and gerbera.

I usually like to take a pot of bulbs as they last longer, but nothing suitable to pick up Saturday after work.

As we were walking up the hill to her plot, we expected this pheasant to fly away.

But instead it started to walk towards us, and started pecking around right in front of our feet!

It was so funny to watch, and so tame?

Maybe someone is feeding him up for Christmas!

Then thinking I wonder if the resident cat's around, looking to my left there it is walking over towards us.

It's a lovely black 'n white cat, who I get to see on most visits.

I know he's being (well) fed, as I've seen a cat loving couple giving him cat crunchies!

We always come up early, to take photos and have a little look around.

At this time of year there are thousands of daffodils in bloom, and many trees in blossom.

The weather was misty first thing with sunshine eventually breaking through.

The cat was liking the sunshine too, and lots of attention!

o

2011-04-03T22:57:00.012+01:00

MotoGP mention ...

Nicky Hayden - Third on podium for Ducati today at Jerez.

Let it rain!
O

2011-03-31T11:11:00.006+01:00

my photos

Photo Scavenger Hunt ...

Here are my entries for March - all twelve of them!

a lion

Lucky for me this one lives in my garden!

a rainbow

No real rainbow to be seen this month.

something green

Living lettuce!

an empty chair

Splash Point in Worthing.

something sentimental

One of my late Mum's gollys.

peeling paint

A fisherman's box along the beach at Worthing.

a collection

A small selection of my vintage Yellow Cornishware.

a ring

My maternal great-grandmother's wedding ring.

a fancy gate

I've always rather loved the gate in this old family photo.

a shadow

On TK Maxx in Worthing.

something as old as you

A card heralding my arrival!

a lamb

Taken in a field at Botolphs, West Sussex.

Please let me know if you are joining in, so I can list your blog on my sidebar.

I really don't want to miss anyone!

Here's the list for April:

April showers
breakfast
your camera
a set of keys
an interesting shopname
a cross
a church
eggs
something yellow
a sculpture
something to do with Shakespeare
something to mark St Georges Day

o

2011-03-23T09:15:00.002Z

... sunshine, and lots of it!

o

2011-03-17T16:00:00.011Z

my photos

banana buns ...

I baked banana buns just in time for elevenses today - using a black 'n blue banana recovered from J's rucksack.

There's always a banana to be found in our house - both of us take at least one to work with us every day.

These are about as yellow as I like them, and fossilized black ones in the main, shamefully end up on the compost.

Not this one!

Top tip - Bananas degrade quickly and provide above-average bacterial activity for your compost.

Since when did we stop selling eggs by the dozen?

Fifteen in a box, ten in a box - and in this box nine!

A dozen (!) delicious, moist banana buns, baked in my Mum's old bun tin.

Suggestion - Serve warm, drizzled in golden or maple syrup, with a big dollop of thick cream, ice-cream or custard!

These banana buns remind me of/and taste very similar to the banana cake we ate a lot of, on both our trips to Australia.

As recently featured on Kris' blog Life at Rosemary Hill.

Baked in loaf form, we often found it served spread with sweet butter, the same thickness and texture of our Christmas brandy butter.

For the banana buns, I used and adapted the recipe for honey & banana cakes to be found in 200 Cupcakes from the Hamlyn all colour cookbook series.

It's a neat little book costing only £2.49 at good old trusty Robert Dyas.

I aim to try out lots of the fabulous recipes inside - and for that taste of Australia, I may well just put that frosting on the top of my buns next time!

2011-03-12T22:58:00.009Z

o
in black and white and glorious technicolour ...

Click on image above to re-live The Bicycle scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1969.
o
I've loved this tune forever.
o
These images to follow are a bit pleasing on the eye!

o

2011-03-05T21:13:00.010Z

photos from the web

The Tudors ...

It may be seen as inaccurate, it may be seen as trashy ...

but I've loved every season of The Tudors.

Love the beautiful photography and imagery too.

It doesn't appear to be on this evening.

I shall miss the wonderful soundtrack, and the stunning visuals!

Medieval torture!

o
If you are at all interested in history from this period, watch at your peril the two clips below.

Introduced by Natalie Dormer, who held the part of Anne Boleyn.
o
Behind the Tudors - Tower of London
Behind the Tudors - Hampton Court
o
It would be advantageous for you to watch.

Remember, heads may roll, and all that!

o

2011-03-03T13:57:00.017Z

my photos

ooh lovely, a day off ...

After a wobbly start I'm having a nice day today, just pottering and drinking cups of tea.

I've vacuumed, made a Cottage Pie, and done a shop in Asda too.

I had a few tears first thing whilst looking through a few old blog posts (as you do) and clicking on this Beatles track I posted for my Mum a month or so back.

Nobody ever says how long you are supposed to grieve do they?

I guess I'm still feeling a bit run down from not being tip top too, and now I have a sty in my eye!
o
Unbelievable - when will it ever end?

Anyway, do you love Mr Pickled Onion Head by Toni Raymond Pottery as much as I do (he's been having a bit of a cry too, by the looks).

I found him in a charity shop a while or so back.

At last we have a bright day!

Twas beginning to think we'd never see the back of those damn right miserable grey days we've been having.

Lovely sunbeams have been streaming through the verticals.

The sun is also shining down on this pretty and pure white polyanthus, with it's beautiful heart-shape petals.

I've had a little stroll around the garden.

Whilst out there I took a few pics, and did the obligatory cat poo inspection.

Not even my cats!

Didn't stay out there long - don't be deceived, it's freezing in that north-easterly.

More lovely shadows being cast on the kitchen table.

A bit random - but did you know you can get three light bulbs in Robert Dyas for 50p?

Since when have they been such a bargain!

Hey, this helped to wipe away the tears.

After looking in at my comments this morning, I discovered I've been awarded a Stylish Blogger Award from The Secret Life of an Unknown Housewife.

Sarah describes my blog as quirky, quaint and clever - quirky and quaint I may be, but clever?

Thank you so much for seeing me in a light I never see myself in.

You've so cheered me up!

o

2011-03-02T20:56:00.010Z

my photos

rosy sponge cakes ...

I baked these rose-shaped sponge cakes using a 4oz mix, and a silicone mould.

Being somewhat influenced by the Hairy Bikers' Battenburg, I also added red dye to the mix to make them pink.

Slipped a bit, and then really wish I hadn't!

Being the first time I have ever used the silicone method, the whole procedure was a bit hit 'n miss to say the least.

I'm what you could say 'old school' and up until now I have always opted to use what I've always used, a baking tin!

Mixed reviews really.

The cakes came out of the cases well, but on tasting them the texture of the sponge was, well, reminiscent of rubber?

Not so springy to the touch, and still tempted to give preference to tin, but I guess there is room for both in my baking.

The mould came from Lidl, and being the girly-girl I am, was seduced by the pretty rose shapes!

o

2011-02-28T11:52:00.014Z

my photo

February Scavenger Hunt ...

Sorry no photos from me this time.

I got nowhere near completing the list for February.

Too few days in the month, too many hours spent at work, too many depressing dull and damp weather days, and a stinky cold all did there very best to get in the way.

You could say drat, drat and double drat - triple drat!

Signing off on a more positive note, here is the list for March:

a lion
a rainbow
something green
an empty chair
something sentimental
peeling paint
a collection
a ring
a fancy gate
a shadow
something as old as you
a lamb

I should manage this one.

I've a few ideas up me sleeve already!

o

2011-02-26T16:07:00.003Z

my photo

my Grandpa ...

is 97.

Amazing!

o

2011-02-14T16:04:00.019Z

my photos

chocolate and cranberry muffins ...

Baked in red gingham cases, especially for Valentine's Day.

I'd say no thanks to oysters or champagne, unless in this shape or form.

The food of love.

I'd say yes please to chocolate.

This bar of the smooth and creamy kind ended up in the shopping trolley, with muffins in mind!

Romantic red roses for Valentine's Day.

The flowers of love.

These sweet cranberries look just like dried rose petals.

Cranberries are naturally fat and cholestrol free, low in sodium, and a good source of dietary fibre. They are high in vitamin C, and contain the most antioxidants compared with nineteen other fruits.

Soft and chewy chocolate and cranberry muffins.

The new food of love!

Happy St Valentine's Day.

o

2011-02-05T15:45:00.008Z

fancy magazine ...

Have you discovered the Cooking and Baking Magazine available in Julian Graves stores?

It costs 99p, and includes £20 worth of vouchers.

I missed Issue 1, this is Issue 2.

If your passion is cooking, baking and beautiful photography ...

this magazine is definitely for you.

Included too are interesting articles and all kinds of hints 'n tips ...

and in this issue a recipe for delicious cupcakes, of the knitted kind!

2011-01-31T09:22:00.010Z

my photos

January Scavenger Hunt ...

Here are my entries for the January Photo Scavenger Hunt.

All but two were taken this month, 'specially for the challenge.

I didn't get two of the categories either.

They must have been well hidden!

an abandoned building - potting shed at Yalding Organic Gardens in Kent.

a stained-glass window - St Botolphs Church, Botolphs, West Sussex.

a goldfish - one of J's birthday cards!

yarn - bunny egg cosy!

playground equipment - playing fields, Clapham, West Sussex.

a tombstone over one hundred years old - Church of St Mary the Virgin, Clapham, West Sussex.

a reflective surface - greenbottles swimming!

something out of place - penguins on an iceberg in Portsmouth Harbour!

nature - a sparrow in hawthorn.

bubbles - a lava lamp!

The list for February is:

a bridge
something with stripes
a musical instrument
a big lorry
a round clock face
your shoes
a park bench
a newspaper headline
a postbox
eyes
red
heartshaped ...

so get scavenging!

o

2011-01-27T20:30:00.007Z

my photos

who you lookin' at ...

I'm never short of company in the garden.

Here's me thinking nosy neighbour cat was a tom, and it turns up wearing a pink collar!

Nosy neighbour cat was quite happy to sit in my composting area at the top of the garden.

One minute it was watching me, the next minute the Robin.

I fear that little bird is on borrowed time!

o

2011-01-26T20:50:00.006Z

my photos

baking is easy ...

I've had some days in lieu this week.

It's been bliss, and I've even managed to fit in a bit of baking.

I love baking, and when I retire I'm going to bake, bake, bake to my heart's content!

Look, two lovely Easimix bowls!

My step-Dad thought I would like them, after unearthing them in a cupboard - they were my Mums.

Like them, I love 'em!

Perfect for knocking up a nice gooey Sunday Best Chocolate Fudge Cake.

The recipe is from Mary Berry's Ultimate Cake Book.

No reason why you can't bake and eat one on a Tuesday, is there!

Mary Berry's Fast Flapjacks, of which the recipe says makes about 24.

I put the mix in a 9 inch square tin, and marked out nine chunky ones!

I am convinced that a recipe should not be a set of rules to be followed to the letter for a mind-numbingly uniform result, but when I hear someone praising a recipe because it always works, my heart sinks a little. I believe a recipe should be treated as a living thing, something allowed to breathe, to change its nature to suit our ingredients, our mood and our desires - Nigel Slater.

2011-01-25T20:51:00.005Z

my photos

what makes me happy ...

I must remind myself every day of what makes me happy?

It really can be something as simple as watching the birds in the garden.

I think every now and again I shall feature what makes me happy on my blog.

Just to remind myself.

How about you sharing what makes you happy on your blog?

Just when you can.

Copy and paste the above to your sidebar, and let me know if you'd like to join in.

You never know what makes one person happy could make all the difference!

o

2011-01-24T19:17:00.025Z

my photos

Clapham Woods ...

Clapham is a small village which sits on the South Downs in West Sussex.

It's where my Dad and step-Mum live.

We moved here when I was in my late teens, when my parents' marriage broke up, and my Dad left his life in farming.

I made sure to set aside a few hours on Sunday to go visit them.

I had the idea of also taking a short walk, with photos for the Scavenger Hunt on my mind.

Dad came along too.

First stop was the local Church of St Mary the Virgin, which sits at the entrance to Clapham Woods.

Clapham Woods is locally known as a place of unexplained mystery and unusual phenomena.

Can you believe these woods are listed amongst the Amityville Horror, and suchlike!

Are you someone who believes in fairies, or maybe sees ghostly apparitions?

Be prepared to be scared!

To be honest all I can see whilst walking through these woods, are how many beanpoles and peasticks I could make use of in my garden at home!

Oh yes, and dog poo some of which I was unfortunate enough to tread in, of which somewhat marred what had been a lovely walk.

If you're prepared to hang around long enough in the woods, there's a lovely bench made out of driftwood you can sit on.

In the tree above there was a large number of agitated birds.

Eeek!

Maybe time to get back for that second cup of tea!

This poster was pinned to the fence next to the village stores and tearooms.

It's for a talk to be held in the local village hall - Gardens of a Golden Afternoon, Gertrude Jekyll and her gardens.

Now that sounds more up my street!

o

2011-01-23T10:20:00.015Z

my photos

thank you for being a friend ...

A big thank you to everyone who was there for me on my last post.

I just needed to take off that brave face I wear some days.

Your thoughtful and caring comments mean more to me than words can express.

A cheerful friend is like a sunny day, which sheds its brightness all around - John Lubbock

Feel free to cut and paste the above onto your sidebar, to remind yourself what a lovely person you are.

I made it 'specially for you.

o

2011-01-22T19:33:00.003Z

my photos

grey, and no colour ...

I feel really down.

I cry all the time.

I see grey, and no colour.

2011-01-08T17:53:00.039Z

my photos

in a different light ...

I've been having a bit of fun playing with images of presents given to me at Christmas time, using Photobucket.

I have Glo to thank of Porcelain Rose whose very creative adaptations of her own photos gave me the idea to experiment.

The image above of a Little Book of Pins (from my lovely niece Laura) has been edited using the Popart button.

The image of wall graffiti (from my equally lovely sister-in-law Stella aka Florence Hope) has been edited using the Inkstamp button.

The image of this wonderful little sewing kit (from my friend Val) has been edited using the Old Photo button.

I think I am going to have some fun using all three!

Talking of fun, I am participating in the Photo Scavenger Hunt.

Having originally read of the challenge on Kathy's lovely blog Postcards from the PP, it seemed like a good excuse to start making headways with my new camera, and time for escapism from the humdrums of life too.

Basically you have a month in which to photograph each subject on the list set for each month.

Here is January's list.

an abandoned building
a stained glass window
a goldfish
yarn
playground equipment
a library
a tombstone over a hundred years old
your front door
a reflective surface (not a mirror)
something out of place
nature
bubbles

At the end of the month you display them on your blog, for all to see.

o

2011-01-02T19:29:00.025Z

my photos

Holiday Monday bike ride ...

Our starting point being home, we find ourselves on the outskirts of Shoreham Airport meeting up with The Downs Link heading north towards Bramber.

The path, originally the Steyning Line is used by both walkers and cyclists.

Robins, blue tits and blackbirds seen along the way.

I couldn't help but notice how spectacular the sun was looking behind the clouds.

Alongside the banks of the River Adur there's a most wonderful view of the East facing side of the church of St Botolph.

Arriving in Bramber we take the road into the historic village of Steyning.

If you love crafts or collecting antiques, bric-a-brac or bits for dolls houses, pints and pub grub or coffee and cake, I can recommend you visit.

There's beautiful Tudor, Stuart and Georgian architecture to take photos of too.

Coming out of Steyning, we meet up with the road which leads through the small villages of Annington, Botolphs and Coombes.

It's all up hill and down dale, so this part of the route is quite heavy going, for me anyway!

From the top of Annington Hill spectacular views of the Adur Valley can be seen, so it's worth going the extra mile.

Well that's what I tell myself, when I find myself puffing like a steam train!

This is the view of the church of St Botolph facing West. The oldest parts of the church being over a thousand years old.

We stopped here for a breather, drink and a banana!

There's more information on the history of the church here, and just who is St Botolph.

After having a very quick peek inside the church, we continue along the road which meets back up at Shoreham Airport, and then home.

A fourteen mile round trip.

Not bad going on a tummy full of mince pies and Christmas cake!

I'd like to return to take more photos of the inside.

Until then, I shall leave you to look through the arch window!

2010-12-31T10:02:00.027Z

Last New Year's Eve we pulled out all the stops.

This one we did on the cheap!

Happy New Year everyone.

o

2010-12-26T18:59:00.027Z

my photos

the Boxing Day Dippers ...

As viewed from the Pier, in extreme conditions!

For a different effect, I saved this group of images as Outline in Photoshop.

It gives a Lowry-esque finish of sorts.
o

Just as Lowry observed, these images capture the spirit of recreation.
o

Lowry spent many of his childhood holidays by the sea.

L S Lowry, is an Icon of England.

2010-12-04T21:24:00.039Z

my photos

it really isn't all bad news ...

I have 'arf felt groggy.

Nothing much, just a dose of laryngitis caused by a viral infection, with a hacking cough and sneezing fits thrown in for good measure.

Dosed up to the eyeballs with Benylin mucus (conjures up all sorts of unpleasantness) linctus, and rather nice sweets (the said wrapper above), there is nothing more to do than sit it out.

Frustrating to say the least being without a voice for well over a week, albeit much to the delight to him indoors!

After many restless nights on the sofa nearly going off my head with coughing, I can happily say today I feel I've turned a corner.

It's been a long time since I've put type to blog. A variety of reasons has kept me away, one being a major loss of heart with all that is blogging.

I figured we all love talking ailments and the weather, so now seemed a perfect time to make my return.

Many parts of the country have seen copious amounts of snow. I was beginning to think we'd escaped it in our neck of the woods, but no it finally arrived, and in plentiful supply too!

With crippled transport networks and mail services, no refuse collections, and panic buying of everyday essentials, it's all been a bit glum.

That's our car under the veil of snow!

Things can only get better, and better they did when the rain came and took away all the snow, and brought back the milk!

Not before I'd taken lots of photos of the white stuff in the garden though.

Keeping warm has been a necessity, and no doubt another astronomical fuel bill is in the making.
o
I love real fires, but a gas coal effect one is a good substitute if you're not in enough during the day to keep a real one ticking over.

There's no spits, but you do have to remember not to throw your sweet wrappers on it!

Being home all day I've been able to spend time in our little garden room.

It's quite snug out here with a radiator on, and a good place for keeping an eye on all that is going on in the garden.

Like this lucky black cat, a regular visitor, quite happy just to sit and watch the robin on the birdtable!

o

2010-11-22T20:27:00.010Z

Remembering Mum ...

on her birthday.

Bright are the stars that shine, dark is the sky.

2010-11-14T18:41:00.004Z

my photo

Remembering our fallen heroes ...

A red poppy - for those who went to do a job but never came home.

o

2010-10-25T10:44:00.010+01:00

my photos

flying high on the Dyke ...

Well the gorgeous weather continues, the past weekend being no exception.

On Sunday afternoon we spent an hour or so up on Devil's Dyke, just north of Brighton.

Parascenders and hang gliders regularly descend upon this popular beauty spot in West Sussex.

The weather was pretty breezy up the top, so imagine good for this sport.

The sun was shining, although misty down in the valley.

It was cold, and I should have taken gloves, of the fingerless variety, for taking pics.

Had a good roast in the van coming home.

I must say the thought of throwing myself off the side of a hill doesn't do it for me!

Has got me thinking of base jumping. Yikes!

Many wires appear to be getting crossed!

East/West Sussex boasts stunning scenery!

Green fields, pretty villages and hedgerow boundaries.

Anyone out there know what it feels like to be exposed to the elements like this?

Whatever the buzz, they seem to be having fun just sitting up there!

o

2010-10-19T11:01:00.011+01:00

my photos

it's a real nice place ...

Views from Lydney Harbour in Gloucestershire - in October!

Bring on the sunshine!

o

2010-10-18T09:48:00.009+01:00

my photos

hello possums ...

I've had Australia on my mind over the past few days.

Here are some pics of Melbourne taken by me on our last trip to Oz.

They show the really lovely area of the Docklands.

You can get there by tram.

Back in January 2010, the state of Victoria was experiencing some kind of freaky weather.

The temperature soared to 45 degrees!

There was cloudless blue sky over the Etihad stadium.

Melbourne's equivalent of the O2!

Sand sculptures baked in the heat.

We baked in the heat!

Next time.

I want to visit Melbourne in the cold, with no heat and no humidity!

Never have we been in need of so many smoothies, ice-creams or bottles of water.

Or so thankful for shelter!

2010-10-17T20:38:00.008+01:00

my photos

apple festival at Middle Farm ...

We mingled with like-minded pomophiles at the weekend!

We do this sort of thing down here in West Sussex!

The lovely Bessie May!

Call me strange, but I love a cow's lashes!

This home is where the heart is!

What I got up to at primary!

No good without a load of apples!

Best to pulp up your friends pre-walk!

2010-10-13T15:47:00.004+01:00

my photos

where the racetrack meets the sea ...

This weekend the MotoGP is being held at the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia.

We got to visit there in January 2010, and even got to stand on the podium.

Robbo is the resident Phillip Island Circuit cockatoo, who for some reason is behind bars?

not my photo

I think he's got dillusions of being Nicky Hayden!

o

2010-10-10T17:34:00.008+01:00

not my photo!

are you on Twitter, or Facebook ...

Once I get started, only an Elastaplast can shut me up!

With this is mind, would you like to keep in touch with what I am up to, on Twitter or Facebook?

Yes, I know I said I never would, but I have!

To be honest, it is an easy way to keep in touch with anyone you know (a friend or colleague), or wish you did know (a music star or sports celebrity), using short and timely messages.

It's a great way to share mutual interests too.

So far there's a lot of MotoGP talk on mine, but the season is coming to an end in a month or so!

Please come and find me @LouiseCoulter64 on Twitter, or just plain old Louise Coulter on Facebook.

o

2010-10-09T22:23:00.013+01:00

not my photo!

John Lennon ...

My Mum was a fan of John Lennon.

Today would have been his 70th birthday.

Can you believe it?

Right now my Mum would have been 70 too.

It's difficult to comprehend.

We chose to play Imagine at my Mum's funeral.

I do my best to avoid listening to it.

Apart from today.

It's getting easier.

2010-10-04T11:25:00.012+01:00

photo from the book - Chloe Preston and the Peek-a-Boos

with a couple of friends, over tea and fruitcake ...

I've chosen the winner of my 300th post giveaway.

Well to be honest, it was over coffee, on my own, with no cake!

I asked you what you thought Haurel and Lardy's scruffy-looking ginger mog was keeping a lid on?

The winning suggestion would come from the person who put the widest smile on my face - and who did that?

It was you Lyn, from Everyday Life!

I think it's Robbie Williams in a union jack thong!!!

Laugh, I nearly cried!

It was tricky to choose an outright winner, so there will be a little something for three of the more thought-provoking comments received.

A small treat will be going to Kath at Juicy Fig, Marie at Dreaming of Wild Roses, and Sarah from The World of Twiggypeasticks!

I need all of your addresses, please.

A big thank you to everyone who finds the time to comment, and to follow me so avidly on the blog.

If you possibly can, please continue to make my day!

o

2010-09-24T21:09:00.009+01:00

my photo

a blog award ...

The photo above is completely irrelevent to this post. Besides it's a colourful one!

All my blog posts come with a photo. I will put off posting my thoughts until I have one.

Quirky I know!

Anyhow, Kathy from Postcards from the PP has given me an award. A Blog with Substance!

Thanks Kathy.

What I have to do is sum up my blogging philosophy, motivation and experience in five words.

They are:

Heartening - Loyal - Moving - Thoughtful - Inadequate

Maybe you have five words you can share?

o

2010-09-20T12:25:00.025+01:00

image from google images

a Bouquet of Barbed Wire ...

These days I have to be a bit picky with what I watch on TV.

Usually I will record something, or catch up later with it on Player, when I have time off work during the day.

No good trying to watch it in the evening, the TV in our place is dominated with constant channel hopping, between Sky Sports and the music channels!

At the moment my fix is the ITV remake of a Bouquet of Barbed Wire, and it takes something worth watching to get me to sit down for more than five minutes at a time!

I'm really enjoying this drama, and Trevor Eve like in everything else he does, is just brilliant. I'm liking Tom Riley too.

I just hope, as in so many other dramas, this one doesn't have a weak ending?

Edited to add - Oh my god Peter ends his life, free-falling from a hot-air balloon!

o
Like many a child of the seventies, I remember the original series only by name, and of course Susan Penhaligon was all the rage back then.

Don't you think Frank Finley looks pretty scary in this intro!

o

2010-09-19T22:17:00.019+01:00

photo - motoGP official website

Aragon ...

Casey Stoner top, and Nicky Hayden third on podium.

Result!

I'm still recovering from the 'lil backyard move Nicky Hayden made on Jorge Lorenzo on the last lap!

A great day for Ducati!

o

2010-09-11T13:32:00.009+01:00

my photo

sea and boulders in high contrast ...

I came across this quote, and thought it would sit nicely alongside this photo, taken on Lancing beach this summer.

The loneliness you get by the sea is personal and alive - it doesn't subdue you and make you feel abject - it's stimulating loneliness: Anna Morrow Lindbergh.

Can you imagine yourself sitting alone on this rock?

When the tide is on its way out, of course!

o

2010-09-05T09:29:00.028+01:00

my photo

happy swap ...

A month or so back I joined in with a Happy Swap over at Lisa's blog Periwinkle.

Remembering feeling at a real low ebb at the time, I thought it would help cheer me up, and it did.

With the help of Milo and Gabe, her two boys, I was paired with Jackie from Button Tree Crafts.

This is what Jackie sent me, all beautifully wrapped in pink/silver butterfly paper.

~ a pretty CK regal rose facecloth, which shall be put aside for my next trip/holiday;

~ The Gardener's Palette, a lovely book with lots of ideas, and photos of colourful plant combinations to drool over;

~ and a toast stamp, which comes with a handy hint not to put in the toaster!

Ooh, and a big bar of Galaxy which due to circumstances well out of my control, was unable to make it to the photo shoot!

o

2010-08-29T20:49:00.016+01:00

my photos

please be(e) happy ...

I hope these sunflowers bring sunshine to your day, as much as they did to mine.

No, this field of sunflowers isn't in France or Italy, it's on farmland at Michelgrove in West Sussex.

We came upon them unexpectedly whilst on a bike ride which started from Ford, ending up back home in Lancing, along a stretch of the Monarch's Way between Arundel and Findon.

Not knowing whether grown for commercial purpose or as good countryside practice, these sunflowers in all shapes and sizes, for now, are making the bees buzz themselves happy.

If only the faces you came across in life could be as cheery as these.

There are some right miserable people around, I can tell you!

Michelgrove is an area just north of the exit from woodland off the Angmering Park estate, an area for forestry, shooting, agriculture and wildlife.

If you love to be outdoors, and you're ever in the West Sussex area, try and make time to visit. There are lots of footpaths and bridleways to enjoy, woods and country paths and lanes to explore.

You may even get to see the big cat!

I wasn't the only one very reluctant to leave the sunflowers behind.

I may just be able to get back in a month or so, to check out if the birds are having such a great time as me and this bee was.

ooooooooooooooooooooooo~~~oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Would a little something sent to you through the post make you feel great?

Keep those comments coming in for my 300th post giveaway below.

I have already had some really funny suggestions as to what is keeping that lid from shutting on the cat's hamper!

o

2010-08-22T21:11:00.034+01:00

my photos

a post from the Shoreham Airshow 2010, and a giveaway for my 300th post ...

Celebrating 100 years of Shoreham Airport, the 20th anniversary of the airshow and the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this year's show was down to be extra special.

With sharp showers, drizzle and low cloud marring the proceedings, the majority of planes and display teams had to be cancelled, with many stranded down in Bournemouth, and at other bases across the country.

The Swift Aerobatic team did attempt a display to open the show, which unfortunately saw the glider pilot crash on landing, who fortunately managed to crawl from the wreckage, and who reportedly and remarkably sustained non-life threatening injuries.

With this happening, and the absence of any significant plane engine or propeller noise around the airfield, it really was most unsettling, although a good job was done by the commentator over the tannoy system to keep everyone happy.

These pilots can hear something? I'll have some of what you're having!

Even Haurel from Haurel and Lardy fame was scratching his head as to what (or wasn't in this case) going on!

There was action on the ground though with interesting static displays, stalls to look at, tents to look in, and food and drink to buy.

Thank goodness, we needed something to keep our pecker up.

We had a cappuchino mid morning, and a very tasty burger from the NAFFI tent for lunch, and J bought a near new army surplus Gortex jacket for £20, which is to come in very handy for colder fishing trips ahead.

Dad's Army were there again this year, with the usual parapheranalia.

First time I've seen this contraption called Olive ...

... and this bright red fire truck.

The Catalina, which this year returned to the show, was able to put on a short display.

To be honest after the unfortunate incident earlier in the day, I was relieved to see it back on terra firma, taxi-ing in along the runway.

Less than half a dozen aircraft managed to take to the skies.

Mid morning saw the G-SUSX Police Helicopter doing a bit of a hover!

Later in the day a Hurricane pilot entertained the crowds with a routine of the highest quality, and for me the saviour of the day was the return of the Harrier which gave a great demo just above the runway.

The German airfield attack and scramble was rumoured to be taking place at the end of the show, but feeling a bit worn we didn't hang around for that one.

With little action to speak of going on in the sky for much of the day, I could have quite easily fallen asleep standing up!

No Hawker Hunter, no BAC Strikemaster or De Havilland Vampire, no Yakovlevs or Gnats Display Team, no RAF Hawk, Tucano or Tutor, no Breitling Wing Walkers, no Sally B Flying Fortress or Lancaster to name but a few, and most disappointing for me was the missed opportunity of being mesmerised once again by the spectacle of the Avro Vulcan flying overhead .

Even Haurel and Lardy's cat was having trouble in keeping its eyes open ... or was this down to having had a too bigger lunch?

He's having trouble in keeping a lid on that supplies hamper too!

Leave a comment (UK and overseas welcome) on this post on what you think may be inside.

If your suggestion makes me smile the widest, a little something will be winging its way to you in the post, in celebration of my 300th blog post!

2010-07-25T13:43:00.010+01:00

images from the web

he's the one ...

I went to see Robbie Williams, er Lee Pashley last night!

Sssh ... so he's not the real one, but for £15 he's great value.

Robbie Williams, the sort of lad you could take home to meet your mum?

image by Mario Testino at the National Portrait Gallery

Er, perhaps not!

o

2010-07-22T12:33:00.024+01:00

photos - BBC Iplayer website

little penguins ...

Have you been watching Penguin Island, a series on BBC One following a breeding pair of little (fairy) penguins Bluey and Sheila, and their two offspring?

They all live on Phillip Island, off the south coast of Australia.

I have been sat glued watching, 'cos at the beginning of this year, on our road trip between Sydney and Adelaide, we had the once in a lifetime opportunity to see these little penguins for real, staying within walking distance of their colony.

At the time, really not wanting to leave them behind, it is so lovely to see them again.

These little darlings, you can't help but love em!

There really is something about this little bird's character that makes me grin from ear to ear, every time I see one.

Well that's another one ticked off those 1001 things I must do before I die!

o

2010-07-18T17:18:00.037+01:00

'Choosing' - a painting of Ellen Terry by George Frederic Watts circa 1864.

my photos

Smallhythe Place ...

If you are ever down Kent way, you must visit Smallhythe Place.

Owned by the National Trust, the property was the once home of Victorian actress Ellen Terry, between the years of 1899 and 1928.

The house itself is early 16th century.

Ellen Terry along with her husband Henry Irving were the golden couple of the stage towards the end of the 19th century.

The story goes, they were driving in Kent when they noticed an old farmhouse, which Ellen announced would be the place where she would like to live and die.

No wonder. The building is strikingly beautiful.

Step through the front door of the house into a box of delights for Thespians, antique and art lovers alike.

With very steep stairs and extremely creaky floorboards, you can see many of her costumes and possessions on display, including an evocative death mask.

After her mother's death, Ellen's daughter Edy converted the barn into a theatre.

The necessary funds were raised by suggesting that supporters subscribe a pound for a chair to commemorate themselves or a friend.

You can see these chairs all lined up inside the theatre, where talks and theatrical events are staged.

The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard and a nuttery.

The critic E V Lucas, after a visit to Smallhythe Place, wrote that the house was very like Ellen Terry -

There was something of wildness in her nature, something wilful and untamed, something almost fey, which assorts well with this brave old house, with these rich beams, these windows giving on to the green valley, this isolation among fields. I thought, when I was there the other day in spring, that it was very like her; like her in its grace, like her in its independence and Englishness, like her in the sunshine that irradiated it, and in the gaiety of its yellow wallflowers.

The rather beautiful image evoked in these words was lost just for a moment, when this Chinook helicopter thundered overhead!

With the parking being rather limited down by the bridge, we parked up a few hundred yards away in the grounds of St John the Baptist Church.

2010-07-16T18:16:00.008+01:00

my photos

a short break ...

We've just got back from spending a few days in Kent, staying in an annexe of an old barn in Bethersden.

On the way down we stopped in Battle for a coffee and a light snack for breakfast.

The Annual Battle Scarecrow Festival was in full swing. There was one every which way you turned.

I would have loved more time to walk around the village, photographing and documenting each scarecrow I could find.

In the daytime, not at dusk!

As we were staying near to the town of Tenterden we stopped one afternoon for a quick mooch around.

There's some lovely shops.

You can see reflections of the town in the shopfront windows.

I've more photos of other perfick places we visited, so feel free to pop back soon!

o

2010-07-04T21:55:00.013+01:00

my photos

want to go to the seaside ...

Jellied eels, crabsticks, lobsters and whelks ...

... and a sandy beach.

Shingle shoreline ...

... and a Victorian pier.

Fishing ...

... and seafront residences.

A wooden jetty on wheels ...

and chalk downland.

Floral carpet gardens ...

... and blue sky.

That's Eastbourne!

2010-06-25T11:45:00.018+01:00

my photos

one night in Bladon, and a walk through lovely Lechlade ...

The photo above was taken in the village of Bladon, being our first nights stop on the break away we took over the weekend.

We had a room up top, with some view!

The place where we stayed was not only a guesthouse, but a teashop too. Although we couldn't stay long enough to get to sample a cream tea, the full English breakfast was good ... or get to visit the final burial place of Sir Winston Churchill at the local church, sigh.

We did have other things on our mind, like getting off to the racetrack at Silverstone.

On the other two nights we stayed at the Witney Four Pillars, a very comfortable hotel with a great brasserie, which had a breakfast buffet style and a quality dinner menu.

It's on the edge of the village of Ducklington. Isn't that just the best placename!

On our way home we took a detour slightly off track, stopping at Lechlade.

Would you believe miles away from home, J bumped into someone he knows from fishing at the local Horseshoe Lake. There really is only so much nodding and smiling one can do, so I made a polite excuse and walked on ahead to take some photos.

Arkwright's DIY is quaint, especially with that old bicycle parked outside. Gr-Granville!

A pretty pastel exterior to the village Florist shop.

A not such pretty exterior to the Gent's Hairdressers. Two words come to mind, Shabby Chic!

Hat's off to the village local!

It wouldn't take much arm-twisting for me to up sticks here!

I so love these old Cotswold stone buildings, traditional to this area of the country.

What a surprise, no queue outside the Post Office, and on a Monday morning too!

Last stop, the Lechlade Antiques Arcade.

I could've quite easily spent hours poking around the units, but with J in tow and him not being remotely interested in bric-a-brac, I was going round like a scalded cat.

I was rather hoping to say hello to Lucy Bloom, as she sells from here.

I didn't find Lucy, but I think I may have found her unit?

Whoever it belonged to, the shelves were packed with lots of bits 'n pieces to look over, and this lovely dark blue jelly mould caught my eye.

I had to have it knowing it would go really nicely alongside my vintage Cornishware ...

and so it does!

o

2010-06-24T13:02:00.037+01:00

photos - motoGP official website

Silverstone weekend ...

We had an amazing time at the weekend at round five of the 2010 Moto GP World Championship, with the Air Asia British Grand Prix returning to Silverstone.

The weekend was a big-5o birthday treat for JC, and for me!

I restricted taking photos, as I wanted to enjoy and lap up every minute.

Anyway, with my camera there really is no point in trying, when the bikes are doing speeds of over 200 mph!

Our team is Ducati Marlboro, and on race day Nicky Hayden and Casey Stoner finished fourth and fifth respectively.

No podium!

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We had designated seats in Woodcote A, on the end of a row.

From here, there's a fantastic view of windy sections of track, the back end of Pits Straight, and the finish.

The rest of the time we were able to rove, so we watched practice and qualifying from other areas of the track.

The weather was mixed, Friday and Saturday was brass monkeys!

For the middle of June it was freezing, with a north-easterly ripping through the grandstand seats. I can't believe how sensible we were in taking spare warm clothes and a fleece!

Fortunately on Sunday it was warm with sunshine, and we could peel off for race day!

There were a few thrills and spills in practice and qualifying.

On race day, Melandri came off into the kitty litter pretty much in front of us. We blinked and missed it, but did get him walking back to the pits.

Marco!

Valentino Rossi crashed out in the last round at a home race in Mugello, and is out with a shattered leg for who knows how long?

It was great to see so many get well wishes for him on this display board from his adoring fans.

Not me!

The Blades were doing a display on Saturday albeit in a different colour. They are now blue, sponsored by Barclays Bank.

I took the photo above last year at our local Shoreham airshow close to our home, when they were sporting a more striking Ducati Red colour!

It was a shame to miss the parachute display by the Red Devils on Friday, but we did get to see the eardrum-bursting display by the Typhoon Eurofighter on Sunday, which I have to say was as jaw-dropping as ever.

Love it!

Late afternoon we watched live music by groups in the Arena eZone, who were very good.

On Friday evening World Cup was being shown on the big screen. We stood bedraggled in the cold and rain to watch the whole 90 minutes of that very bad match England vs Algeria!

It really isn't worth doing a rewind on the football, but if you want to catch up with highlights from a day at Moto GP click here.

Rule Britannia, and Ducati!

o

2010-06-10T15:30:00.009+01:00

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how to be happy ...

When you're busy in life doing all those things you really don't want to be doing, we sometimes forget to -

take a reality check - cherish friends and family - show affection - be kind often - have a laugh - look after yourself - be grateful - spend time in nature - slow down and learn to relax - forgive.

Words by Maggie Richards - an interesting article if you want to read it.

Photo by me - the light and dark side of a perennial Geranium.

o

2010-06-04T12:29:00.012+01:00

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curious calves and English idioms ...

These snapshots were taken whilst up on the South Downs, over the Bank Holiday weekend. There's more in the following post.

Don't you think these calves look pretty cute together?

When I'm blogging, I invariably find myself going off on a tangent.

In this post I deviated somewhat by looking up meanings of idioms and phrases. I find myself using them all the time.

Here's some cow related ones!

Awkward as a cow on a crutch - very clumsy or off balance.

Work your tail off - you work extremely hard.

All hat, no cattle - when someone talks big, but cannot back it up.

Chew the cud - you think carefully about something.

Until the cows come home - for a very long time.

Calf lick - a weird parting in your fringe where your hair grows in a different direction, usually to one side.

I've got one of those!

2010-06-04T10:16:00.020+01:00

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chasing one's tail ...

Of which I have been doing rather a lot of lately, being busy and not very productive.

We decided to make time on Bank Holiday Monday to get out on the bikes, finding ourselves parking up in the village of Southease, near Lewes in East Sussex, which meets up with the South Downs Way.

Somewhat sultry, and what with a steep incline and a blustery wind, I found the going a bit tough, to say the least!

J ended up cycling on ahead, as he needs to build up his fitness for the charity cycle ride he's doing at the end of July.

J's received £197 sponsorship so far for the British Heart Foundation, and J's employers have pledged to double the final total. How fantastic is that!

Talking of tails, it was a treat to be able to get up so close to the animals.

This lamb wasn't lost. Its mum was close by.

Aaah, or should I say Baa!

Back into the fold, with a huge expanse in which to roam, to run free without care or purpose.

Sounds like a good plan to me!

oo

2010-05-23T13:51:00.009+01:00

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it was an ...

itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka dot bikini ...

Wasn't I so the cutting edge of fashion, wearing blue polka dot bottoms!

I could do with them today, not forgetting the top half!

It's a scorcher!

This is me and my 'big bro' down on the coast, back in the late sixties/early seventies?

Click on the photo above, to hear a crackly old recording of this classic tune on You Tube.

o

2010-05-16T18:52:00.004+01:00

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hidden treasures ...

I found this treasure of a purple violet today, hiding in dappled shade underneath a low hedge in the garden.

More treasures recently unearthed, packed away in a box in the loft, is my collection of Devon and Torquay Ware Violets perfume bottles.

Collected back in the early 1990s, for what you would say peanuts!

Some have decorative metal stoppers.

Some don't!

You can find these bottles, at relatively low prices on ebay.

I must say to being just a tincy wincy bit tempted at times, to further my collection!

I love this A Bunch of Violets Dubarry Talcum bottle, bought around the same time.

It's the epitome of the Art Deco period with its Sunburst design and cloudy glass.

o

2010-05-15T21:50:00.004+01:00

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today's catch ...

We love Mackerel - full of calcium, selenium, vitamin E, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Not only does it maintain cardiovascular health, balances hormones and strengthens the immune system, it tastes good too!

It's a good time for Mackerel right now, so get some when you can.

We bought ours from Fish at Aldrington Basin, Portslade.

Just serve with a wedge of lemon, iceberg lettuce on the side, and crusty doorsteps of buttered bread.

Simples!

o

2010-05-14T22:20:00.011+01:00

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sun, sea and sculpture ...

Thank goodness the local council has finally seen sense, and re-opened the stretch of cycle path which runs between the Pavilion Theatre and George V Avenue.

We've both had time off work this week. Today we spent a couple of hours out and about on the bikes.

o
The Eco-Garden Beach.
o

o

2010-05-09T20:36:00.007+01:00

Click on link above for more Today's Flowers

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Primula auricula, a real show-stopper of a plant!

o

2010-05-06T21:33:00.011+01:00

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The Orchard ...

Holds an Apple Day every year in October.

There's beautiful blossom to be seen on the trees right now.

Attractive wooden plaques identify the variety, Egremont Russet, a classic apple from the Victorian era.

The blossom of an old English Cooking Apple.

Newton Wonder!

This orchard is only small, but if you want to take a quick peek, or have a hearty breakfast in The Orchard restaurant, both are along the A272, parallel to the old West Grinstead Railway Station.

You may even get to hear, or better still see this dear little fella too!

2010-05-03T19:28:00.024+01:00

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n'er cast a clout 'til May is out ...

Keep your coat on, until the May blossom's out!

The weather over the last couple of days has been cold and wet, but not a total washout.

Not put off with the forecast of yet more rain, we set off in the search of our native English Bluebell (seen above mixing in quite happily with the beautiful white almost heart-shape petals of Greater Stitchwort), knowing of an area a bit off the beaten track, where it would hopefully be just us and the wildlife.

It wasn't long before we were cycling past spectacular glades of English Bluebells.

More Bluebells, and batches of native Primroses here and there too.

Much of the bridlepath was above ankle-deep in clay mud, and pretty much impassable on a bike.

We were surprised at how boggy it was, considering the long continuous spell of dry and sunny weather we've been having over the past month.

On the path above we were now able to hop back on our bikes.

I was astounded to see the large areas of Euphorbia, never having seen the plant in such an excessive quantity before.

On the return part of the ride, this time along quiet lanes, we pass the tiny Parish Cemetery at Shermanbury.

It's curiosity draws us in.

A pretty mass of Primrose vulgaris, surrounds the headstones.

Calm and unmoving, with only a male Pheasant for company.

Cuckoo Pint? Otherwise known as Lords and Ladies!

At this stage we were both very soggy, muddy and cold!

This area is alongside the layby where we park up.

Up until recently you could only see the top of this picnic bench, the area having been left overgrown with long grasses and allsorts of weeds.

It's a huge improvement for us, but a loss of the veritable wildlife habitat it had once become.

2010-04-25T18:03:00.008+01:00

Click on link above for more Today's Flowers

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Anemone blanda, the Grecian Windflower.

o

2010-04-24T20:51:00.007+01:00

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bittersweet memories ...

The photo above taken in 1950, was in the belongings of a Great Aunt, who passed away this month at the age of 93.

From the left it shows her father John (who I knew as Gampy), and her mother Ethel (who I knew as Old Nan), who passed away many, many years ago.

From the right is my Nan Iris, who is no longer with us, and my Grandpa Eric, who at the age of 96 is alive and well, and lives in Mallorca.

The young girl in the middle (aged 10) is my lovely Mum, who sadly passed away this month back in 2002.

Old photos are bittersweet, a mixture of both pain and pleasure.

o