An Eventful Week

What a week I have had. Road works on the main road into town have been quite obstructive and seem to be lasting for ages. I have been taking a long detour every time I wanted to go into Bolton. Or been confined to sitting patiently on the bus, still what else would I be doing ? We had an unexpected warm sunny day last week, so I invited Mary my neighbour around for afternoon tea and it was so pleasant we sat in the garden. I regret that we have not had any summer this year , I have had no inclination to sit out at all. Needless to say that was the only day in the past fortnight that we could sit out. Horrendous rain again and poor Wales has come under floods ,Scotland last month and now Wales. Under a very dull grey sky I drove into Yorkshire to visit my son, it did not improve but we managed to walk the dog around Swinsty Reservoir again before the rain caught up with us. My grandson back from his holiday in the sun looked so grown up, he is so handsome and tall just like his father. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to find a lounge full of six foot teenagers, when I had last seen them they where children and now here they where fine strapping young men.
Speakers Club has started again, we run from September to May. As Educational Director I have to plan the meetings and arrange assignments for the members. Oh dear what have I taken on, I have great respect for anyone taking this responsibility. Still I think I have overcome a few of the hurdles. It will be a ongoing challenge but I am determined to continue, it will be trial and error but I feel sure the members will be supportive and patient with me. We enjoyed a pre session dinner at a local Chinese Restaurant, not one of my favourite choices but it was a good evening.
On the 11th July this year I fell rather heavily in the hall. I was shaken and it took me some time to recover but there didn’t appear to be any serious injuries,being a nurse I usually can tell. A carpet burn on my forearm and a few bruises on my left side. Elbow ok but bruised and within a week I was feeling fine. Six weeks later I have a haematoma on my forearm and a stiff elbow . My GP thought it was a dislocated elbow,horror of a manipulation was facing me I was in shock.. I went to straight to the Orthopaedic department at the hospital and it was X-rayed, no fracture but a suspected foreign body inside the joint . The fact that I take aspirin daily seemed to confirm the haematoma on my forearm, thought to be a result from the carpet burn that did not break the skin but was bruised. It was suggested I attend Physio to overcome the stiffness and have the elbow and lump scanned . Today my elbow works fine it aches now and then so I am cautious. I have to return to the Hospital on the 11th September .for the Scan . I pray every day that the scan will not show a foreign body that needs investigating. Been out and about promoting Poetry hoping to start new events in the town . On the 17th September WriteOutLoud has a special evening event at our local theatre The Octagon where we have visiting poets and we showcase some of our members. There will be a short open Mic that I will probably take advantage off. Travelled to Hebden Bridge one evening to support a new WOL Poetry event at the Stubbins Wharf Inn, rather a long way but worth it. My friend Anne came along as Navigator as I was unsure of the way, I hope she enjoyed herself, I accept that not everyone is as passionate as I am about poetry. .
Last Wednesday my dishwasher blew up smoke and smells filled the kitchen no surprise as it was maybe 20years old.. Fortunately I have my ex: who is well able to sort my house hold problems out. I need a new dishwasher but its not a priority now I live alone. I am waiting for my new car, it will arrive on the 6th October at Dover en rout from the Fiat Factory in Italy. This will be my third Fiat Punto, a brilliant car that I am happy to drive.

Bolton Theatre http://www.octagonbolton.co.uk/

Read Andrew Motion on Performance Poetry
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/08/29/bomotion129.xml

Go look at my new car, click on versions and go to the 1.4 Eleganza multijet,beautiful car.
http://www.fiat.co.uk/Showroom/#showroom/grande_punto_5dr/configurator

Open Markets

Hi
Well I have kept away from the cheese and butter. Ate more fruit and vegetables, chicken and fish, especially smoked mackerel and roll mop herrings, two of my favourite fish. I love all seafood, it was wonderful in Australia the fresh seafood was so available and cheap. I have recently started shopping on the open market, I pass it each time I go to the gym and it seemed only sensible to check it out as my Mum always got her fresh fruit and vegetables off the open market every week. For many years we lived near the Market.After my Grandfather died my Mum took over the licence of the Public House he ran,it was in the town centre a coupl eof years later we moved into another Pub across town. I was glad when we left and bought a proper house as we had no family life when we lived in the Pub. Mum and dad worked long hours every day, it was very hard on all of us as it was never really a home. So I now call twice a week to get a bag of fresh fruit and veg and its much cheaper than at the supermarket. Also there is a wonderful fish market where I can browse with interest all the new and exotic fish that are displayed on the slabs. We have such a diverse community now, their tastes have to be catered for too. The market has changed though from mum`s days ,its much quieter,no costermongering as its against the law,now also under cover and less fun.
Woke one morning to find my kitchen window had two long scratched down the centre. The rest of the window and frame was OK so it wasn’t intruders. We now believe it to be Magpies fighting as they are so aggressive at the moment and spend most of the day stutting around my back garden. If a stray bird dares to land, they attack and there is an awful battle some times two against one. I have stopped putting food out for the birds for a while, hoping they will go away.
Brilliant Poetry Nights at the Howcroft Bolton and the Boars Head Middleton, both nights exceptional. It is National Poetry Day on the 9th October I always submit a poem to be displayed in the local Libraries around the town . This year the theme is Work. There is a exhibition at the Museum of Humphrey Spender photographs 1930 & 1940 . I spent a few hours enjoying the displays and watching archive footage of old Bolton looking for inspiration . It really took me back to my childhood, seeing the town as it was and witnessing events that had been over the past sixty plus years. I am not going to mention the weather. Its still bad.

Market Information
http://www.bolton.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=367,128731&_dad=portal92&_schema=PORTAL92

Visit Spenders website
http://spender.boltonmuseums.org.uk/index.html

My Poem for National Poetry Day inspired by Spender`s photographs.

King Cotton

In bygone years times where hard
For men, women and children at work
In the Cotton Mills
Of Lancashire.
Industrial Revolution built
Distinctive towns of tall chimneys
Belching soot and smoke
Into the sky with menace.

Whole families toiled
Amidst the heat dust and noise.
Machinery and men
Processed the cotton.
Raw cotton picked by slaves
In searing sun and servitude.
Shipped across the sea.
Combed and spun in
Hot Humid unhealthy
Environment, ideal for the cotton
But not the workers.

Long days without daylight,
Fresh air denied.
The endless drumming of machines,
The pounding of the belts and pulleys
Detrimental and deafening .
A constant fluttering of fine fibres
Float in the air
Clogging lungs.
Accidents a common feature
Of cleaned machinery, that did not stop.

Clothes and hair
Festooned like Christmas ornaments
A permanent reminder to all
Of who they were.
Hooters heard throughout the town
Called the workers,
Equally strident
Released them.
The huge steam engine stilled.
Machines rumbled to silence,
Cog wheels coaxed singing belts to stop.
Rooms became quiet, as Cathedrals.
Lines of weary workers
Clogs on cobbles
Shuffle by like a defeated army in retreat.

Mills at night like ships at sea
Windows ablaze,
The steady beat of the pistons
Heard throughout streets of
Terraced houses, row after row.
A depressive reflection of life
In cotton towns.
Poverty and harsh times, forcing
Children and women
To take the industrial treadmill
That made Cotton King and Cotton Barons rich.

And did those feet in bygone years
Walk upon Northern cobble streets.
And did the mighty engines roar
In all those dark satanic mills.
And did those rich Cotton Barons
Live well, in English pastures green.

ValCook 2008

Birthday Month

My Grandson the Surfer Dude

Still no let up in the weather “ Rain Rain go away come again another day.” a flash back to my childhood. Between the showers I have been walking more, almost daily. I had my routine medical check and was told my Cholesterol was raised to 6 mmol. So its more exercise and cut back on the cheese and butter. Boy that will be a sacrifice as I love all types of cheese and bread isn’t the same without butter. But I will survive my B/P is good, all other tests OK and I feel fit and well.
“It was on a Monday morning the gas man came to call “ by Flanders and Swan one of my favourite songs. (click link below) Yes I had my Gas Central Heating Boiler replaced and was very impressed, it was all done in six hours with very little mess . I was also pleased that they agreed to take my old asbestos soil pipe that had laid on the garage roof for months. It was a heavy 16 foot pipe that was replaced in February following damage by strong winds. It was swinging off the gable end after breaking lose from the wall United Utilities replaced the pipe but refused to remove the old one as it required specialists removal due to complicated health and safety aspects of dealing with asbestos. I could not find anyone locally to remove the pipe so it had laid up there in safety since, but it was a relief to see it go.
Can’t wait to use my new boiler controls that are now situated in the kitchen as apposed to the boiler house. Plus my water pressure seems to have improved especially in the shower Wow Wee !! Great Fun. August is Birthday Month for Amy Ben and Sam my wonderful grandchildren. In 1992 I was delighted to have two grandsons, born within 12 hours of each other. But Amy is special because she was the first grandchild and our only granddaughter. I also have my darling Ryan who is the youngest born in 2002 and lives just five minutes away. Amy and Ben live in Australia and Sam lives in North Yorkshire. When they were little children I enjoyed spending a lot of time with them but now they are young adult its not the same, I still love them lots and value each precious moment I have with them. I have been knitting tiny hats for the charity "Save the Children" it only takes me an hour to complete one. Babies lose so much heat through their head especially premature babies wearing a hat can save many tiny lives. Once I start knitting it becomes an obsession,I relax so easily and lose time clicking those needles. I regret that children today don`t like to wear home knit any more,they prefer to wear labels and young mothers dress their babies in mostly designer wear. I have seen tiny babies so uncomfortable wearing denim wear ,why to impress, I think its an age issue.

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/5072.htm Get clicking those needles and save a premature babies life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPZM8Ebt-mU Listen to Flanders & Swans song

" It was on a Monday morning the gas man came to call"

Trip to Tate Liverpool

A tall ship at berth in the Albert Dock Liverpool

Antony Gormley`s Iron Men on Crosby Beach. There are 100 Men 7 foot tall situated along the beach all looking in the same direction.

The Albert Dock the Liver Building in the background

Well the Music Festival was cancelled the day before the opening. The Council Officials said it was due to a lack of funds. It seems odd to me that it was left so late in the day to cancel the event. Some of our poets had hurried back from holiday to attend and I am sure many others were just as disappointed. To top it the weather was terrific all weekend, warm sunshine and vivid blue skies. Typical.
It has been hot and sticky most days wet or dry, I hate this high humidity it so tiring. There have been some very hot days recently which have kept me indoors. I chose one day to go to the movies to see Mama Mia in the air conditioned theatre. I loved the music and the scenery but I thought the story was too weak. Abba are a great favourite of mine, their music always makes me feel good.
Drove over to Middleton Sunday night to the Poetry Gig there where lots of new faces and some great poems shared.
Spent most of the week doing housework. I tend to leave it until it is screaming at me from all corners. I am quite tidy and keep things together but it’s the “bottoming” that I hate. Still its done now so I can relax for another few months. Ha ha.
I can`t believe its August, where is our summer? The shops are full of summer clearance bargains,no one is buying this year. I know I haven`t bought much and I won`t be buying even now at these bargain prices. I don’t think I have worn a dress or a skirt since last summer.And I have worn shoes and socks more than sandals too.
Had a great day out yesterday at the Tate Liverpool. With 48 members of the Women’s Institute we attended the Gustav Klimt Exhibition . Prior to the viewing we had an hours lecture by one of the guides, it was an essential prerequisite to the exhibition and made it so much easier to understand what we where seeing. There where furniture and designs as well as paintings and drawings, some rather exotic as Gustav Klimt was very interested in the female form and had a rather risk`a reputation. I have for many years admired Gustav Klimt`s paintings and have three of his prints on my wall at home. The Kiss: Birch Trees and Mother and Baby. After the exhibition we travelled by coach to Crosby Beach to see Antony Gormleys Iron Men. It was a lovely balmy evening, the sun came out so we enjoyed a walk along the beach where we had the opportunity to take some photos. A tiring but very interesting day.

http://www.gustavklimtcollection.com/

double click on the thumbprint images and their beauty will surprise you.

http://www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/exhibitions/gustavklimt/tour.shtm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2005/07/05/art_antony_gormley_feature.shtml

The iron men on the beach at Crosby

Decisions; Decisions

Hi
Today we have sunshine with a promise that it will last for a few days and it was hot on the garden. But very pleasant indeed,I took tea on the patio in style. I had been out to lunch with friends, the usual group, girls I went to school with, we attended Derby Street School for Girls many moons ago. It was different then, a happier time without the pressures that today’s school children have to face. We always have lots to talk about . Its been a tough week for me, making decisions with Andrew my son advising me. But I did decide and I am pleased with the outcome and happy to be free of all that angst that I put myself through. I now have a state of the art 32" Digital TV and PVR: Personnel Digital Recorder 250 gigs hard drive 130 hours of recorded TV, will I use all that memory, time will tell.
I love technology and a challenge so I am having fun learning to use this new equipment
I have also signed up for a new digital ! Central Heating Gas Boiler which should use 30% less gas and help reduce my carbon footprint.
On Saturday my thought where with Matt and Nichol in Montana, it was their wedding day.
It would have been so special to have been with all the family once again but it wasn’t possible. I have been close to my cousin Mona and Leonard and their family since we visited Butte Montana in 1972 to attend Laurel ,their daughter and Bills wedding. Alan and I have revisited maybe a dozen time since and we always had a great time. I was last over there in 2005 but it is so far way, as is Australia and Cathy & Co. I know I will probably go again its just the thought of that long haul. I have been very inspired these past weeks writing poetry almost daily and its good too, even though I say it myself. I have no control over this, it takes over my life and then I have a mental block out for weeks. But its so good while it lasts. Our Poets are performing at the local Music Festival on Saturday. I might fill in if there is a slot, always go prepared is my motto. Its sometimes difficult giving everyone the opportunity to read or perform when your watching the clock. It should be a good day out especially if the weather is as today.

Calder Valley

Decorated gable end hidden amongst the trees

View over the valley from Heptonstall

Distinctive sight Weavers houses in the Calder Valley

July 14th
I have started to get back into my usual routine. It takes a few weeks for me to come down from a holiday as there is so much to catch up with especially chores around the house that have been on hold whilst I was getting ready for my holiday. Living alone and being responsible for all that entails takes some organising. Any way all went well and I am up to scratch with commitment, obligations and preparations for Speakers Club that starts back on September, as I am Educational Director which means I am responsible for the monthly programme. Write Out Loud`s committee work seem to be growing at a terrific rate. WOL have started a new monthly Poetry Gig in West Yorkshire at Stubbins Wharf Pub Hebden Bridge organised and run by Sean. Not being familiar with that area I had a ride out to Hebden Bridge with friends and was surprised at how easy the venue was to find, the Pub is on the canal by the main road. As it was a fine day, we toured the area, Todmorden is a pleasant busy little market town and if you follow the main road it leads on to Heptonstall a quaint village high in the hills, cobble streets and cottages it has a `step back in time` feel. On to Mytholmroyd where Ted Hughes was born and soon to have a Ted Hughes Foundation Centre in the Old Railway Station. FRom there we roamed the hills and found some wonderful picturesque treasures hidden off the main highway it was a good day out.
Met up with my good friend Dorothy to debrief about the holiday, photos and memories. The weather wasn’t very good so we went for dinner to a local Italian Restaurant. I had a excellent Lasagne that melted on my tongue, I am so impressed I intend to buy some fresh pasta next time I shop and taste the difference again. We have experienced torrential rain storms and cold winds up to now this summer. After enjoying 95 degree sunshine and blue skies in New England, I find I hate this weather. To top that, fuel is rising at an exorbitant rate and we are being threatened with a recession . I know this is not news to any one but I just want to have a moan.. Something else that set me off too is, I need a new Gas Boiler for my central heating and that is a big priority before the winter. Signed up this week it will be fitted the first week August as it’s the earliest dates I have free. Nice surprise last week the trees that overhang my back garden have been lobbed. Because of the fierce winds we have been experiencing the trees had presented a threat to my home. I had intended speaking to my neighbour, but obviously he had recognised the hazard and acted.. I have more light shining into my windows now, so that has cheered me up. I bought a Teak Patio Set, table chairs and brolly,my old tired out set was dumped a few years ago and I needed a replacement. This was a bargain at the local Garden Centre so I can enjoy eating el fresco again. Yesterday was sunny but I was busy mowing grass and weeding , I will get it out soon. No chance today the sky is dull grey with a cold wind, its the pattern, rare do we get two sunny days together. Moan moan moan.. Sorry

Pay Hebden Bridge a visit

http://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/tourist-info/info2.html

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.