Thunder & Lightening

And let there be light

The garden is really suffering with this dry weather and we start a hose pipe ban tomorrow.
When the gardener came to give the lawns their summer dressing his comment was “All we need now is some rain” So I responded with a “Rain Dance” and within 8hours we had a torrential downpour thunder and lightening and it continued all day and night and for the next two days it continued to rain. How’s that for initiative! The gardens loved it., when I am not out and about I am in the garden all day until late, its been so special in the evenings warm and quiet I love it.

Had a nice long telephone conversation with Cathi and kids last week, it was good to hear them and know they are ok. Although B. had just recovered from a nasty Rugby injury to his knee that had him on crutches for a while but he is back in the scrum again and enjoying his game.

Felt very energised these past few weeks, it could be due to the amount of sunshine we are enjoying as I never want to be indoors…so I decided to scrub the patios and the driveway till it gleamed. Had the garage door to the back garden replaced with a UPVC security door, one can never be too careful, there have been burglars in the area and the old door just wasn’t really secure but now it is..
When I took the house over in 2000 I made a long list of jobs to be done around the house and this back door was the last on the list, so I am very pleased with myself.

Took a drive out to Colne with my friend Muriel to Boundary Mill, a popular factory outlet, it was their Sale. We had lunch first in their elegant restaurant, Muriel’s treat, then began to shop in earnest .. We both came home with some brilliant bargains. I really have to stop buying clothes or at least send some to the charity shop. Since Andy came to stay I just do not have the room anymore and I hate parting with anything.

I have been fascinated watching a tree surgeon at work in the next garden. We have so many huge trees at the back its become a problem, they cut out the light to the houses and the gardens suffer too. This is the third tree in the past two years to be removed. I must admit now we have more light in the back bedroom. Also it the amount of leaves that fall in the autumn that are a problem too, and they always seem to land in my garden.

Spent a lovely day with Betty in Erby Youth Hostel, way out in the Yorkshire Dales. She is the volunteer for this week,last month she was looking after Slaidburn YH. I always try and go see her because she has free time in the afternoons and we toddle off and have a great time. We took a ride to Grassing ton a lovely village in the hills and had afternoon tea at Percival Hall, expensive and disappointing.

The slow group on the short walk.
Jamboree

Friday saw me in Slaidburn a lovely village situated in the Forest of Bowland.
It was the Lancashire Federation of Women`s Institutes 90th Birthday Jamboree, organised walks around the area and a Birthday party in the afternoon . About three to four hundred descended on this picturesque area, I chose a short walk in the morning that was more strenuous than I anticipated because of all the styles we had to climb over, it was more like an obstacle race. I had to forgo the walk in the afternoon because I was so tired and it was almost as soon as we got back, we had taken so much longer than anticipated. But the weather was good and we all had a great time. I have been to Slaidburn many times to stay with my friend who each year is a Volunteer Warden at the Youth Hostel there,this year it coincided with our Jamboree. A school friend from way back had driven up from Wales with two of her friends, to stay for a few days so I had a lovely visit with them too. It was a wonderful day even though I was so stiff and achy for days after. Each time I do one of these WI organised walks I always regret it and then turn up again for more misery.

Was back in Harrogate last weekend to witness the Knarsborough Bedrace. It’s a charity Event organised by the Rotary Club and what a spectacle. 90 beds decked out to the Theme of “Work” and pushed around the town by hundreds of people in costume with at least a dozen to each bed, fantastic. The streets where lined with thousands who stayed for the end to watch four runners race the stripped beds with someone on it, around the town then plunge into the River Nidd to get the bed to the other side.
What a day, plus we had sunshine and it was good to spend time with Stue and family again.

The World Cup Football has taken over everywhere. St Georges Flag is flying from many many cars and homes and buildings. Buntings and paraphernalia are everywhere. And the English Team has been a terrible disappointment, the atmosphere is none existent. We expected so much and have received nothing so far. I do hope they improve their form and give us something to cheer about. And I am not a footy fan .!!

Enjoy the photos

May Sunshine

What a wonderful few weeks of sunshine I have been so happy relaxing and pottering about outside it’s a few years since I remember doing this, but today we have the rain,still the gardens need it. My friends granddaughter is getting married today. I do hope the rain stops for the photos. It didn`t.

Latest news on the Tree. I was out Saturday morning attempting to prune some of the dead branches, that where overhanging the drive way, when I received unexpected help from my neighbour, who could see me struggling. He appeared with a much better saw than mine and a very strong right arm, the job was soon completed. And thanks to Andrew the writing desk is back on the wall with bigger, longer stronger bolts and empty, it will be a while before I feel confident enough to put anything in it. I have learned a very solitary lesson.

In July Dorothy and I have planned a trip up to Aberdeen Scotland . It`s a long journey so we are going by train, changing at Edinburgh. It will be our first visit so far north and I am getting quite excited. Aberdeen is a University City situated on the far north east coast and very picturesque. Really looking forward to going all is sorted I book everything on line it so convenient.

Went up to spend time with the Stu & Co in Harrogate last weekend. It was a lovely day I so enjoyed the drive over the Yorkshire Dales at this time in the year its so green and the scenery is spectacular. I was hoping to take some photos of the kittens that arrived a few days ago as they are so tiny and cute, three ginger and white bundles of fur, but I had mislaid my camera.. I remember back to when Josephine our cat had her kittens she was a very attentive mother. Its such a joy to see and a good experience for children, they where so proud and excited by the event.

Had some work done on the outside of the garage . UPVC now covers all the woodwork so I don’t have to paint anymore. And he fixed the Conservatory roof as the panels had slipped again due to the hot sunshine. . So now all my jobs are done.

May Blossom

May Blossoms.

Well the Election is over we have an Conservative/Liberal Alliance in other words a hung Parliament.. The next few months are going to be life changing for many. Any way that’s all I have to say on thatas I am so glad its all over.
I was more interested in welcoming my friends return from New Zealand, they spend 6 months of the year there and are now home for the summer. Its always good to see them especially Ann, we did our nurse training together, she is a good friend.
The weather has been changeable nothing new about that, only we have had rather a chilling wind and frost at night which has been unexpected. The Chelsea Flower Show has been particularly hit by frost and spoiled some displays.
Attended the Japanese Bookbinding day at Alston College T Longridge and really enjoyed the experience came away with lots of ideas and two books I had made. It was very interesting , yet simple techniques and skills are the only requirements.

The following Saturday I was opening the writing bureau, that has been fixed to the wall over the sideboard these past 30years, when it suddenly came away and crashed down on to the sideboard and me. What a shock, but it was my own fault as over the past few month I have been using it to store a couple of tea services that I never use and the weight was just too much. Needless to say the pots where smashed along with a beautiful special large blue bowl and plate I so love, and some glassware.. but I wasn’t injured just a bruised shoulder, I was so lucky. This past week I have been going around taken stuff out of all wall cupboards in a panic that more will fall. What a plonker I am.
My way of recuperating was to have a good old spending spree, I always find that a new handbag cures most aches and pains.

This week I have been out to lunch four times, so much for my resolution to restrict them. Also enjoyed a coach trip with the WI ladies to Fleetwood, we had a excellent lunch at Southfields Hotel set in wonderful gardens.We had sunshine all day, it was a Great Day out.

I am so pleased to report that my Crab Apple tree at the front appears to be recovering. It has been very sickly with a fungus and poor distribution of leaves for the last three years. It was after I had my Patio and Drive re-laid it started to wither, maybe due to being disturbed or deprived of water. Today it has a heavy covering of deep red blossom and the fungus is not as evident. I am so happy its been in the front garden for 40years I would hate to lose it.

Attended the last Historical Society evening now, until next September. We enjoyed a nostalgic trip into Bolton`s past, accompanied by many slides which generated a great deal of interest. Bolton has changed so much over the years but we could recall many of the buildings and street scenes.
I missed April`s Poetry at the Howcroft as I was in London, so I enjoyed Sunday evening poems. I have not been writing much poetry as I have been distracted by whatever and have not been inspired at all.. It will come back ! Looking forward to seeing Stue &Co this weekend, They have three new arrivals, ginger kittens and I understand one is called Rambo!!

This is May Bank Holiday weekend, another boring long weekend. The sun has been out most of the weekend so thats a bonus. I have been relaxing on the garden reading and enjoying the quiet stillness that is quite unique to my little oasis. There are no noisy teenagers blasting out there infernal music anymore, as they have moved on. Its to early for BBQ`s and parties, I have that pleasure to come. Plus most of the dogs that used to bark almost all the time are now silent! We do have one manic moterbike enthusiast that hurls around the streets for a couple of hours every weekend, he has been and gone. So I shall make a pot of tea and go out again and enjoy the rest of the day. Pity none of you live close by,as we could open a bottle of wine and make an pleasant evening of it.Enough of my moaning the truth is I really enjoy my space. Bye
Some photos of my trip to the big City.


The River Thames
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=214018&id=577402844&l=e8d966a3c7

London City
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=214009&id=577402844&l=6f470cb8bf

Hampton Court
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=214006&id=577402844&l=00543452d0

Copy & Paste

London Trip

Yoeman of the Guard Hampton Court Palace

Ancient Yew Trees Hampton Court Palace

Entering a Thames Lock

London Routemaster Bus

Trip
My friend Dorothy and I had a great time in London, thankfully it was dry and sunny but a cold wind especially in the Thames area was rather chilling .
We where out all day finding our way around London on foot and on the bus. Last time we where in the city we used the Underground and really saw little of the place. So this time we decided to stay up top and explore every street and alley way. We soon found Trafalgar Square and the National Art Gallery. I am always blown a way by famous paintings, I could have stayed for hours but we had to limit our time. A bonus for me was, I stood next to William Hurt the actor for a few minutes appraising a painting, don’t ask me which one, I was to overcome to notice and he smiled at me. He is exactly the same as he is on screen hansom and charming, absolutely awesome
We took the river boat up to Hampton Court and spent the day looking around the palace and gardens. It was a long journey in which we negotiated two locks and it was interesting to see all the different communities along the river. Richmond was almost a resort with riverside restaurants , beautiful homes with manicured lawns rolling down to the waters edge. Some wonderful buildings and some quite surreal tower blocks, with apartments available at millionaire prices, another world.. I now know where many famous celebrities live. We sailed along gently, enjoying the views and sipping wine, what a great way to travel. Hampton Court was amazing and we met King Henry V111 and Kathryn Parr who where getting married that day.
It was to late to attempt the maze, as the ride home was the last on the river that day. We got back much faster than we went, the boat was a veteran of the Dunkirk Evacuation a wall full of memorabilia told her story, a solid old boat but with a new engine she ran well.
London`s West End is alive and kicking after 5pm we seem to gyrate towards that area each day it was an exciting place. We obtained discounted tickets for `Priscilla Queen of the Desert` from one of the Ticket booths and was delighted to find we had superb seats. It’s a brilliant show, a funny unique show with great music and songs with lots of audience participation, I was hoarse the day after from singing and shouting.
http://www.priscillathemusical.com/
　
. Greenwich was good except the Cutty Sark the ship was under wraps being renovated but the National Maritime Museum and the Queens House where very interesting. I didn`t fancy the climb up the grassy mound to see the Greenwich clock as the amount of walking we where doing was very tiring Also we where on the river where the wind was exceptionally keen, so we had a fish and chips dinner in a cosy café down in the town..
The Victoria and Albert Museum was delightful we could have spent all day there but again time was against us . I did manage to buy some designer jewellery that is very different to anything I have seen before, very special. Also found huge book shops where I bought four poetry books that I hadn’t seen up north, so that pleased me. We had an hour in the British Library a fabulous building, masses of books, I could have happily spent the day there. We took sightseeing bus rides, got lost often, but with the city map found our way home again exhausted. We eventually became more familiar with the bus routes and the city landmarks. It was a great week and I feel we will do it again, its really exciting to be surrounded by so much history, I think London is a terrific city.

Easter

The New Breightmet Health Centre & Library

What a great start to Easter, snow and gales, when will it ever stop. In Perth WA they have declared a National Disaster after hailstones the size of bricks rained down on the city for about 5minutes damaging building and caused chaos on the freeway, most cars written off beyond repair. And my friends in New Zealand had a Cyclone that damaged buildings and flooded the town. So I recon` we have had it mild compared to them. Weekend before Easter I drove up to Harrogate to visit Stu and Co, it was a sunny day cold and windy but a nice bright day. I always enjoy the drive over Lothersdale and down into Skipton. We had an excellent lunch at The Union, Stue`s favourite local Pub, then we did a bit of shopping. I spent some time with them all, it was a good visit.
http://www.kfcc.co.uk/theunion
It was my brother`s birthday on the 28th Palm Sunday. I hope he liked his Birthday card, I wrote him a poem ! Hope you had a wonderful Birthday Bill.
In 2009 we had a huge new Health Centre built just five minutes walk away from where I live. The idea is to decentralise most of the services that are based at the General Hospital miles out of town. Also housed in the building is our local Library. Most libraries contain a public Computer Suite and each week hold sessions for PC beginners but there are never enough advisers. So as I have a few hours a week to spare and miss teaching, I have applied to be a volunteer adviser. I was asked to complete a comprehensive form and obtain two referees, if accepted I will have to wait for police clearance. Fingers crossed X
Oh how I hate these long weekends, its pointless going anywhere because traffic is bad,the roads are still full of pot holes and you can`t find a parking space or a decent cup of tea anywhere. I don’t feel up to a picnic in this weather. I have actually read six books in the past week. Its ages since I have read anything apart from what I download on the Computer. For years I visited local libraries looking for new exciting reading but gave up as they never had what I was looking for or I had read them all. The public libraries in Perth WA are brilliant,they carry so many more books than in the UK. We have a book table at the WI but our ladies do not read my kind of books,thrillers mainly, or they get snapped up the minute they are out on display. Charity Shops are a good source for books and I have friends who pass them on to me, so I always have one to hand. I have just enjoyed reading "To Kill a Mocking Bird" by Harper Lee.The book had been sitting on my bookshelf for years and I never fancied reading it ,but I am glad now that I did. I do on occasions buy books and every one barr my poetry books get circulated otherwise my shelves would be overflowing. I was amazed to learn that poetry and some literature had been removed from some libraries in Bolton, as not required reading. No poetry books, how sad. I was asked to do a Poetry Review on the Australian Poet Banjo Patterson for Write Out Loud`s monthly online Ezine “Features“. Its called Binalong Time. I love Banjo`s poetry it is full of humour and just brilliant, check him out .
http://www.writeoutloud.net/public/features.php?year=2010&month=4&tag

Getting ready now for my trip to London, we have been promised a heat wave this weekend, oh boy what should I wear!