Saturday, 5 July 2008
Sunshine and Rain
Hope you enjoyed Achy Breaky Heart as I much as I did. It certainly cheered me up and got me out of the chair. I went Line Dancing a couple of time but the knees wouldn`t stand it. Love the music though. Also went to French Jive lessons for a while but then again the spirit was eager but the body let me down,love that music too. Well its still pouring down, some horrendous storms again but feeling a bit brighter in myself as between the rain we have had some blue skies and sunshine.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Friday, 27 June 2008
My Poetry Page
I miss the blue skies, sunshine and space to breath on Cape CodI have started a Poetry Blog as many of my family and friends will be more interested in my journel than my poems.And many who read my poems really aren`t interested in my journel. If you want to read my poetry than access the link. The weather has been horrendous since I got back from holiday.Days of wind and rain that beats discription. I honestly thought the trees in the garden would crash and my roof would fly away. And I think I am suffering from SAD "Seasonal Affected Disorder" and in June. I also had some extended dental work that has left me feeling so down and lathargic and miss the beautiful blue skies of New England and the warmth of the sun even though it was too much for me at times, 95 degrees. Went to lunch yesterday, during a torrential storm,as I needed to get out of the house. It was good seeing my friends and having a jolly good natter. Going to the movies tomorrow come hell or high water to see Indiana Jones ,I was so pleased when I saw he was still on the bill, I haven`t had opportunity to go for many weeks.
My Poetry
http://wwwvaleriecookuk.blogspot.com/
My Poetry
http://wwwvaleriecookuk.blogspot.com/
Thursday, 19 June 2008
New England USA
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Cape Cod 50 mile beach.jpg)
Queyside shops Nantucket
Essex Steam Train.jpg)
Chalets in the bay on Marthas VineyardArrived home Sunday afternoon tired and weary after travelling for 24hours. Cape Cod to Manchester
Every time I fly long haul I vow it’s for the last time. Then time passes and memories fade and all I remember is the good times, exciting places I have seen and the people I have met. New England is a joy, it has beautiful pristine coastline, unspoilt in places and preserved in splendour. Neat colourful shingle cottages unchanged in style over centuries, you could imagine the pilgrim fathers ,whaling ships and pirates still hiding away somewhere ready to be resurrected. I loved it ,clean ,uncluttered, cared for countryside. It was 95degrees most of the time even by the sea and never dropped below 90. In the city to stop people bringing in their cars the city trolleys were free, so we travelled all over the city when we had some free time.. We started off in Providence Rhode Island and spent five days visiting places in the area. Newport, a coastal resort famous for the large elaborate expensive summer homes bult around the 1890.Mansions complete with ballrooms that they called cottages. These homes were only inhabited for two months a year. serious money people. A few now maintained and renovated by the Preservation Society. We took the fast ferry from New Bedford to Marthas Vineyard a delightful island with villages of neat shingle summer cottages decorated with gingerbread fret work. Quaker Communities built camp sites first tents then chalets that still exist and are used today. So picturesque and quaint. The Blockbuster Jaws was filmed there and during our tour the guide was most most insistent we watch it, as he had been an film extra. It was very hot day and we had difficulty finding shade. Then we sailed over to stay on Nantucket Island for few days ,this is my favourite island unspoilt and charming . So different to Marthas Vineyard in character much more organised and pretty. Both islands are very exclusive with homes costing millions of dollars. The gardens where spectacular, full of colour and fragrant roses. Household staff are flown or sail over each day as there is no accommodation on the island for them. We stayed in the only hotel who could cope with 30 guests situated by the small airport at the far end of the island. . There are lots of tiny craft shop, museums and places of interest. Artists, potters, sculpturs and basket makers live around the island. Initially both island supported Whaling for many years the whale oil was essential for the lamps. It was very interesting to see and hear about that time. The Whaling ships would be away for home for four to five years travelling to the Pacific Ocean to hunt Sperm Whale, because they could harvest more oil from this type of whale. I learned such a lot about whales from the museum guides they were very interesting. Most women stayed home and had to manage without income so became skilled in many crafts. Some Captains families when on the voyages too. Men also manned the Lightships out in the bay for as long as eight months. So they too became skilled in making Nantucket baskets and working Scrimshaw, etching pictures on whale bone and teeth. With the arrival of the much better kerosene for lamps the demand for whale oil diminished and the California gold rush took the men. At the end of our holiday we travelled to Cape Cod to see the fifty mile beach and the lighthouses. Our tour was mainly for Rail enthusiasts. Seven of us from England and twenty three Americans from all over the USA. We rode on Old Steam Locomotives all over the state. On two occasions we had dinner in the 1920 style dining car on the train,rode the rails in the old style parlour carriages with the swinging easy chairs and enjoyed bar service as we rode the coastline and enjoyed the views and the sunsets,magic.We also got to ride the old trolley cars with open sides great fun. It was brilliant, lots of interesting things to see and hear.Gorgeous weather and great company.
Every time I fly long haul I vow it’s for the last time. Then time passes and memories fade and all I remember is the good times, exciting places I have seen and the people I have met. New England is a joy, it has beautiful pristine coastline, unspoilt in places and preserved in splendour. Neat colourful shingle cottages unchanged in style over centuries, you could imagine the pilgrim fathers ,whaling ships and pirates still hiding away somewhere ready to be resurrected. I loved it ,clean ,uncluttered, cared for countryside. It was 95degrees most of the time even by the sea and never dropped below 90. In the city to stop people bringing in their cars the city trolleys were free, so we travelled all over the city when we had some free time.. We started off in Providence Rhode Island and spent five days visiting places in the area. Newport, a coastal resort famous for the large elaborate expensive summer homes bult around the 1890.Mansions complete with ballrooms that they called cottages. These homes were only inhabited for two months a year. serious money people. A few now maintained and renovated by the Preservation Society. We took the fast ferry from New Bedford to Marthas Vineyard a delightful island with villages of neat shingle summer cottages decorated with gingerbread fret work. Quaker Communities built camp sites first tents then chalets that still exist and are used today. So picturesque and quaint. The Blockbuster Jaws was filmed there and during our tour the guide was most most insistent we watch it, as he had been an film extra. It was very hot day and we had difficulty finding shade. Then we sailed over to stay on Nantucket Island for few days ,this is my favourite island unspoilt and charming . So different to Marthas Vineyard in character much more organised and pretty. Both islands are very exclusive with homes costing millions of dollars. The gardens where spectacular, full of colour and fragrant roses. Household staff are flown or sail over each day as there is no accommodation on the island for them. We stayed in the only hotel who could cope with 30 guests situated by the small airport at the far end of the island. . There are lots of tiny craft shop, museums and places of interest. Artists, potters, sculpturs and basket makers live around the island. Initially both island supported Whaling for many years the whale oil was essential for the lamps. It was very interesting to see and hear about that time. The Whaling ships would be away for home for four to five years travelling to the Pacific Ocean to hunt Sperm Whale, because they could harvest more oil from this type of whale. I learned such a lot about whales from the museum guides they were very interesting. Most women stayed home and had to manage without income so became skilled in many crafts. Some Captains families when on the voyages too. Men also manned the Lightships out in the bay for as long as eight months. So they too became skilled in making Nantucket baskets and working Scrimshaw, etching pictures on whale bone and teeth. With the arrival of the much better kerosene for lamps the demand for whale oil diminished and the California gold rush took the men. At the end of our holiday we travelled to Cape Cod to see the fifty mile beach and the lighthouses. Our tour was mainly for Rail enthusiasts. Seven of us from England and twenty three Americans from all over the USA. We rode on Old Steam Locomotives all over the state. On two occasions we had dinner in the 1920 style dining car on the train,rode the rails in the old style parlour carriages with the swinging easy chairs and enjoyed bar service as we rode the coastline and enjoyed the views and the sunsets,magic.We also got to ride the old trolley cars with open sides great fun. It was brilliant, lots of interesting things to see and hear.Gorgeous weather and great company.
Go see these beautiful baskets http://www.nantucketbasketworks.com/
Go see the Gingerbread Cottages on Marthas Vineyard
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Bolton Speaking Clubs A.G.M
I have tried to grow Lupins for a few years ,but the slugs and snails eat them. I remember Lupins from my childhood, our garden was full of them. So last year I decided to have another go and I planted them in a pot and just look how they have grown,I will have to get a bigger pot.
I am so proud of my Rhododendrons,behind on the fence is honeysuckle and Iris.
The view through the ConservatoryI felt so energised at the beginning of last week that I cleaned all my windows inside and at the back of the house. Then I was on a role and continued washing down the greenhouse, patio and conservatory. Quite a feat really as the sun blazed down and it was hot. But I was so pleased with myself my back garden looks so much better for the effort.. Monday 12th was Bolton Speaking Clubs AGM where I passed my Presidential chain of office over to Heather. I will be continuing on the Committee as the Educational Director which should keep me on my toes for a few months till I become familiar with the role. Looking forward to September when we start our meetings again. Most of that week was spent reading, writing and getting ready for my holiday in a few weeks. I need to check on luggage allowance and any specific arrangements needed. Leaving and returning to this country has become a complicated issue. We are flying into Heathrow Terminal 5 from Manchester . Then on to Boston New England in the States. Yes its the New British Airways Billion Pound Terminal that has caused so much trouble when it opened a few months ago, thousands of bags where lost never to be seen again. It is a constant worry that it could happen to me. I took heaps of clothing to the charity shop and have enjoyed shopping for new summer stuff. Even took to sewing again something I really enjoy but have little time for these days. I am pleased to say I altered some favourite blouses, shortened sleeves and added new detail to give them a fresh look. And took in some trousers that where too baggy and didn’t suit me at all. Sunday was another successful evening of poetry at the Howcroft always look forward to going and sharing my poems with others. Nothing new at the moment but I have plenty to draw on.
Sam rang me so excited, he has had a poem accepted for publication by the Writers Youth Guild. He has every right to feel proud, it’s a good feeling to have your work recognised and published especially when your only 15years old..
Sam rang me so excited, he has had a poem accepted for publication by the Writers Youth Guild. He has every right to feel proud, it’s a good feeling to have your work recognised and published especially when your only 15years old..
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Slaidburn Youth Hostel
The courtyard behind the Youth Hostel.The roundobject near the door was used to mend cartwheels.
One of the picturesque cottages in SlaidburnIt took me a few days to recover from the weekend and by Wednesday I was fit to mow the lawns . Green Thumb`s Spring treatment had boosted the grass so much, it took me a long time to get it neat. I am always pleased when the grass has been cut, it is a constant effort throughout the summer to keep the gardens tidy. But its worth it, I love to see the flowers and the colour returning as spring turns to summer. I am going to buy new containers this year and do something different out front, but the problems is people steal nice plants, ornaments and containers even though they may be secure and fastened down,they still get taken from the front of houses and sold on at Car Boot sales. So you see its not good to attract attention. On Friday, Dorothy June and I drove up to Slaidburn a village in the Forest of Bowland and met up with Betty and Astrid . Betty is volunteer Warden at the Youth Hostel for the week and Astrid was company and helped out. I stayed at the Hostel with Betty in 2006 /07,it’s a cheerful place and always full of interesting people cyclists ,walkers and families. The weather has been lovely this week, warm and sunny every day so I have banished my winter clothes and enjoy wearing lightweights again. I am surprised every time, by the summer bargains I bought at the end of last year and packed away, especially the shoes. Sunday I was invited to a surprise 70th Birthday party that Sheila’s family had arranged . We all met up again at her sons home, following her birthday lunch on Thursday and had a great time. Caterers provided heaps of Thai food to die for.
Spent most of Monday with my friend Ann and her husband who have just returned after spending the winter in New Zealand. Its always good to have them back I do miss them. I first met her as a Student Nurse back in 1959 and we met again after many years when my son started work at Fairfields Hospital prior to commencing his Nurse Training, she was the Theatre Superintendent at the hospital. They emigrated to Australia the same year Catherine and Co went. We visited them in Cairns that winter whilst during our stay in Adelaide with Cathy. They have now returned home and winter in New Zealand, close to their youngest son and family. In 2005 I went out to visit for a couple of weeks during my visit to Cathy, who was now living in Perth.. I loved new Zealand it is England at its Best but its a long flight .
Thursday evening it was the Midwives Reunion at a local Restaurant. An annual event that has seen our number decline steadily but its good to catch up with everyone.
Take a walk through the village of Slaidburn www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_b/2216
Spent most of Monday with my friend Ann and her husband who have just returned after spending the winter in New Zealand. Its always good to have them back I do miss them. I first met her as a Student Nurse back in 1959 and we met again after many years when my son started work at Fairfields Hospital prior to commencing his Nurse Training, she was the Theatre Superintendent at the hospital. They emigrated to Australia the same year Catherine and Co went. We visited them in Cairns that winter whilst during our stay in Adelaide with Cathy. They have now returned home and winter in New Zealand, close to their youngest son and family. In 2005 I went out to visit for a couple of weeks during my visit to Cathy, who was now living in Perth.. I loved new Zealand it is England at its Best but its a long flight .
Thursday evening it was the Midwives Reunion at a local Restaurant. An annual event that has seen our number decline steadily but its good to catch up with everyone.
Take a walk through the village of Slaidburn www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_b/2216
Friday, 2 May 2008
WI Interfederation Walk at Cartmel Cumbria
Rather a wet start to the day.
Cartmel PrioryThe Womens Institute Inter-Federation Walk was a great success even though the weather could have been better . Approximately 600 members of the W.I. descended on this little picturesque village of Cartmel . The village was once a Monastery and Cartmel Priory was saved from destruction by the villagers who insisted that ancient law stated that it was their place of worship and as such could not be sacked by HenryVIII,its a beautifully preserved building in a perfect setting..
Because it was so wet Marian and I decided to take the guided tour around the village and Priory. Hazel who is a regular walker set of and completed the 7miles hike and returned elated. It was a long day but most enjoyable and after our picnic lunch found a cosy spot by a blazing log fire in The Royal Oak, soon dried us off. By 1pm the sun came out and we sat around the village square chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. Inevitably Jerusalem was heard echoing around the village as we said our goodbyes and headed home, but not before buying the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding from the Village Shop.
The following evening I presented my B6 speech to Burnley and District Speakers and passed the assignment. The three day ASC National Conference in Blackpool was a great experience. Intense and demanding as AGMs can be, but the Speeches and the Gala Dinner made the weekend. There where eight from our club, four with partners all good companions. Thursday I had a double booking for lunch. First with friends from my old school and later to celebrate another friends ( midwife) birthday that was at the same restaurant, but didn`t eat two lunches honest.
Because it was so wet Marian and I decided to take the guided tour around the village and Priory. Hazel who is a regular walker set of and completed the 7miles hike and returned elated. It was a long day but most enjoyable and after our picnic lunch found a cosy spot by a blazing log fire in The Royal Oak, soon dried us off. By 1pm the sun came out and we sat around the village square chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. Inevitably Jerusalem was heard echoing around the village as we said our goodbyes and headed home, but not before buying the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding from the Village Shop.
The following evening I presented my B6 speech to Burnley and District Speakers and passed the assignment. The three day ASC National Conference in Blackpool was a great experience. Intense and demanding as AGMs can be, but the Speeches and the Gala Dinner made the weekend. There where eight from our club, four with partners all good companions. Thursday I had a double booking for lunch. First with friends from my old school and later to celebrate another friends ( midwife) birthday that was at the same restaurant, but didn`t eat two lunches honest.
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