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.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Monday, 14 July 2008
Calder Valley
Decorated gable end hidden amongst the trees
View over the valley from Heptonstall
Distinctive sight Weavers houses in the Calder ValleyJuly 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
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
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..
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