August Washout

Me Cathi & Marnie
Amy Ben & Sam
1994

I am really getting into this mentoring its given me more enthusiasm for volunteering in fact I have started helping out another project associated with the Libraries. Over sixties groups are making Reminiscent Boxes to distribute to rest homes and schools. I am enabling them to use a computer to correlate the information and produce a contents brochure. One of my helpers is 92 years old and quite enthusiastic. I have been to the sales again looking for clothes for my holiday and feel quite pleased at the savings I have made. Trouble is I will have to throw some clothes out now to make room for them. I hate parting with old favourites, and it’s not long since I had a good clear out. . Last week it was so cold I had to resurrect some warm clothing which I had put away until winter, so that hasn’t helped the situation……. But guess I can squeeze my new bargains in somewhere. It’s surprised me too, how many women have been wearing boots throughout the summer, I should have kept my boots out and enjoyed warm feet too. May be next year I will.

I was honoured to receive my eldest’s mobile phone when he recently bought a new one. Its much more advanced than mine with a camera and blue tooth capabilities that will work in my car and on my PC. I have really enjoyed using it more than I thought I would. It has taken me weeks to discover how it works, but I now its easy peasy and show off on every occasion.

Both grandsons and my granddaughter had a birthday this month. The two boys are now 18 years old I remember the day they where born, a few hours apart in different counties, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

It was a hectic weekend but a I was over the moon, it was a wonderful time. Now my babies are tall hansom and smart young men and I am very proud of them.. My granddaughter is 22years old and that seems amazing, where did the years go . She is in college working towards a teaching degree, she is such a beautiful clever young woman, who I am also very proud of. My youngest grandson will be 8years old in November, he is gifted with intelligence far beyond his years and such a good looking boy.. Suddenly I am feeling ancient, but it will soon pass. …….hahha

Spent a most enjoyable day with children at a Literary Festival, in a nearby town Bury. It was hard work but it was fun, we had Writing Workshops, Readings and Singing, some of the children where just amazing. There would have been more attending but again is was raining hard all day and who wants to venture out in that kind of weather.

Have picked a tub full of apples this week so I am going to peel and blanch them for the freezer.

Every year I am thinking of getting another chest freezer, as my present one is not big enough. But I don’t, so maybe this year will be the year.

Bye for now,

Aberdeen City

Colis in the winter Gardens

Old Aberdeen Town

Provost Skene`s House

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen the Granite City was all that we expected. A good blending of the old and new, wonderful architecture, magnificent buildings, churches and long straight roads. A multitude of shops, restaurants and interested places to visit. Our hotel was excellent situated close to the city centre, we where out early and returned late, they where very full on days. All the places of historical interest were free and we where made very welcome all over the city. We soon found the buses we wanted and for a £3 ticket we could ride the buses all day. The city is so clean and there are roses everywhere it is noted for its floral displays. We visited Duthie Park to see the Winter Gardens, the largest indoor garden in Europe. A huge glass dome housing a fantastic display of flowers, plants and cacti from around the world, the best that I have ever seen, incredible. I took lots of photos, but could not capture the magnificence of the place. Only having the weekend we planned our visit strategically. and managed to see everything. The Old Aberdeen town with its cobbled streets and tiny house, home to Kings College and the St Machar`s 14th Century Cathedral Church where we attended Sunday morning service and enjoyed morning coffee, before setting out to see the rest of the area.. The weekend was rather wet, but we managed to dodge the showers and we did have some sunshine now and then.

There are a number of museums in the city but we chose to visit Provost Skene`s House, a delightful old house in the centre of the city, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum filled with the past and present history of the Seaport. And had a rather weird experience climbing 86 stone steps up a rather steep narrow spiral staircase to the top of the oldest building in Aberdeen. The 17th century Tolbooth. A prison for those awaiting sentencing in the court next door. On the second floor where models and displays of ancient torture and a early version of the guillotine but I gave up half way it was too strenuous a climb.

Sunday afternoon we took a short ride to the beach, a wonderful stretch of coast line as far as the eye could see. Soft clean sand, an Amusement Park, a promenade lined with rather neat individual Cafes and Bistros as well as the usual conglomerate of Fast Food and Arcades. We enjoyed afternoon tea and spent a couple of hours in the sunshine watching families and lovers stroll by before we caught the bus. We really did enjoy our time in Aberdeen it’s a very friendly city and has much to commend it.

Since getting back I have been on a trip to Windermere with the ladies of the WI .Lunch was rather special it was at Lindeth Howe Country House and Hotel that once was the home of Beatrice Potter`s mother. Filled with Potter memorabilia, it had magnificent views across Bowness and a large well appointed gardens. Their reputation was reflected in the excellent lunch we enjoyed. but £5 for a small glass of wine though, was rather much.

Friday saw me attending a Birthday lunch for my friend Diana and Sunday was our monthly WOL poetry night where I was able to recite some new poems. I have been so inspired this month, why I cannot say the muse comes and it goes. Blackpool for the day next Tuesday, I bet its raining, and we have a hose pipe ban even though the ground is totally water logged. !! Bye for now

Go visit these links

www.lindeth-howe.co.uk

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

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