Saturday 31 May 2008

Saturday.

Well ! Eureka ! Had got it right in the first place. Must have more confidence in my blogging abilities. Going up for a bath now. Goodnight all.

Saturday.

 

 

More dianthii. Hadn't got it right. Thought I'd got two photoes on blog. Being called to dinner. More later perhaps.
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Saturday.

 

 

Photos of dianthus (I think that should be dianthii) in garden. Going to publish post to see if I've got it right. If I have will publish more later.
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Thursday 29 May 2008

More Thursday.

 

Snapshot of alcove in my undercroft. The name of the gentleman in the centre is Mr. Duggery. This is because, although he looks like a skull, in fact he is made of plastic, therefore a certain amount of skull-duggery is going on.
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More Thursday.

 

Had planned to go over to see Gran today. She says she has a mild tummy upset and is afraid of giving it to us, so the trip was cancelled. Half an hour later Jenny Frodsham 'phoned to say that today is Frank's birthday, and could she bring him over for coffee. It's great news that Frank is up to the trip. He had a stroke about a year ago and this will be the first time he has been to see us since then (though we have been across to their home - and Jenny has been here). Ann changed it from 'coffee' to 'lunch', and details were agreed on. Snapshot is of Ann, Matthew, and Frank. It was lovely to see them. Ann put on a light lunch (smoked salmon- home made bread, jacket potatoes, and a fresh fruit salad) and I opened a bottle of Niersteiner (most of which was drunk by Matt and I). Not at all the day we'd planned but a very nice one anyway. They went at about 3.30 pm - hope it hasn't tired Frank too much- but he appeared to enjoy it. May add more later.
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Thursday.

 

Photo of Ann and grandson Matthew going out shopping this morning.
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Tuesday 27 May 2008

Tuesday.

 

This is a snapshot of a pair of goldfinches in the garden. The picture improved and given better definition by Matthew's assistance and expertise!!!!!!!!!
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Picked up grandson Matthew from Manningtree Station at 2.30 pm today. He is staying for a few days. Snapshot is of aforementioned grandson in kitchen just after arrival. Will try and add more later.
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Thursday 22 May 2008

Thursday P.S.

P.s. Snapshot is of Orford Castle in Suffolk taken earlier this year.

Thursday.

 

Yesterday I went to London. By train. I don't want to dwell too long on the shortcomings of English public transport, so suffice it to say that every train I travelled on yesterday (including London underground- Circle Line) was badly delayed. Other than that, a very pleasant and successful day out. Met Lizzie for lunch. Got on 9.18 am at Manningtree, and met Lizzxie in South Kensington at mid day. Lunched at small Italian restaurant in the Old Brompton Road we've tried before. They do a three course lunch for £12 a head - it's gone up a bit since last time,but it was a very good lunch. Then to sale at Christie's. Got the three lots I wanted - all reasonably and one for a good deal less than I'd have been prepared to pay. As I was travelling on a senior citizen's railcard which cannot be used between 4.30 and 6.30 took a taxi to Lizzie's and had supper with then. Then took a mini cab to Liverpool street. As one of the lots I'd purchased was rather heavy Georgia and Matthew came with me - they carried the heavy stuff, accompanied me to the Manningtree train and loaded the goodies into the luggage rack. They told me they were going to return home by tube. Of course I slipped them some dosh in case of unforeseen expences en route. They really are good and deserving grandchildren and excellent company. Ann met me with the car at Manningtree. Train was an hour and a half late in. Thank goodness for mobile 'phones. Today I've been getting the goodies ready for a fair at the weekend. Tomorrow is going to be a heavy day I fear, so we're going to grab what's left of an early night now. Goodnight all.
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Monday 19 May 2008

Monday.

 

Late the other evening I took one or two photoes by flash, and was rather pleased with the results. This is one of our small herb garden, and I rather liked the details of the Grannies Nightcaps (or aquilegia). Today has been a pottering sort of day after two fairly heavy days (Saturday at the agricultural show, Sunday in London, viewing auction, etc.) Auction viewed was Christies arms and armour with grandson Matthew's help. Whilst we were looking at early Dutch pistols, I was heartily greeted by old friend Mark Stephen, who invited us upstairs (when we'd done viewing arms) to look at the oak and metalware sale he's organising. He'd got a very unusual and interesting English engraved and dated (1655) pyx to show me. The more I looked at it the less happy I was about it. I don't think he was entirely happy either, which was probably why he was showing it to me. Don't think I'll be bidding for any metalware, but will probably go back to the arms auction. We'll see. Oddly, had a 'phone call from a friend of a friend this afternoon asking for a flintlock long gun to go over his chimney breast, which has decided me to have a go at one lot in the auction. As I said a moment ago ; we'll see. More tomorrow perhaps.
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Saturday 17 May 2008

Still Saturday.

Further to my previous blog, Game pie did feature largely at dinner (supper?), as did a bunch of asparagus, also purchased at show (locally grown- Hollowtrees Farm), our first bait of the season, eaten on toast as a starter- and eaten the traditional way necessitating the use of a finger bowl - absolutely delicious (must go and wash the whiskers). I've also completed the job mentioned earlier - a (hopefully) invisible mend on a Sheffield plate taper candlestick previously in two pieces, which news will please one of my readers - but patience, it still needs a good clean. Once again, goodnight all.
 

 

 

 

Same 'oss. Longhorn cow and calf. Line up of horse drawn driving equipages. The same traps, pony chaises and dog carts are shown by the same people year after year. Try enlarging this one as the drivers are as well turned out as the vehicles and the horses, and show quite as much character. It has become almost a tradition that it rains on the day of the show, and this morning a steady downpour of fine rain started at about 8.30 am and looked set for the day. At about eleven we decided we were going anyway and donned wellies, waterproofs and hats and set out. The rain gradually slackened off and finally ceased at about 12.30 pm. In the meantime we had splodged round, met many of our local friends (similarly attired) and purchased some garden plants, various foodstuffs (mostly sampled first), and a moleskin waistcoat for me, and a pair of moleskin trousers for Ann - the clothing to be delivered later when made up. Moleskin wears better than any material I know. When we decided to treat ourselves I said to Ann that we must choose carefully as we would be wearing them for a long time. I am wearing my second pair of molesking trousers ever, and the only reason I'm not still wearing my first pair (purchased about forty years ago) is that they seem to have shrunk a bit over the years. Ann has just called that supper is nearly ready - as we bought half a game pie at the show, I'm hoping it will now put in an appearance. Goodnight all.
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Saturday.

 

 

Today we went to our local agricultural show. It has been running continuously since the 1830s (with a short break for the hostilities -1939 to 1945). We were particulary impressed with the flower arrangements by the under elevens - mostly they used vegetables as well, but as I hope one of the snapshots illustrates, they had some nice ideas. The other snap is of a four year old Suffolk punch - lovely, docile creatures, having massive traction. Got to go and finish a job. Will blog more later.
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Thursday 15 May 2008

Thursday.

 

 

Both snapshots are of things coming up in the garden. On Tuesday gave a small dinner party for two friends of ours from Manningtree, and for Heather and Eileen (six of us being about right to fit round our dining table). Very pleasant and sociable evening. Yesterday the Saint Mary's Bible reading group met at ours for a shared meal. After the meal, Sheila (our leader) suggested that as there were only five of us (usually ther's about double that) and as there were so many things bothering us in one way or another that we should change it from the usual Bible reading to a short prayer meeting. Without going into detail we all thought this a good idea. Ann has gone off across to Wisbech today to accompany her mother to Peterborough hospital for a cheque up. Ann 'phoned this afternoon to say that all's clear with Gran, and all's well. So that's one of the prayers answered. Choir practice this evening. Went well I thought. Ann's staying over with Gran tonight and coming home tomorrow. Hope she hasn't forgotten we're taking part in a quiz night tomorrow. She should be 'phoning shortly. Must remind her. Supper time I think. Goodnight all.
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Wednesday 14 May 2008

Still Wednesday.

Rather to my surprise, successful attempt, as mentioned below, to put up old photo. It is of a village, Monks' Eleigh, a few miles away. The trouble appears to be in the USB, which is the cable connecting the camera to the computer. I don't know what USB stands for but I suppose the S in the middle stands for 'string'. Ann tells me there is a camera shop in town, so I will try to find a replacement piece of string there in the morning. Otherwise I'm afraid you will be seeing a series of old pictures on this blog. The village name mentioned above, Monks' Eleigh, probably doesn't need an apostrophe it, as there were never any monks there, and it probably refers to the fact that the village is along a small river, so that there was an abundance of monkshood flowers in the area. Soppy poem to end on :-

Rumblings.

Do you know why I'm envious of youth ?
Now, I'll guess you've som lively suggestion.
But no - if I tell you the truth,
what I envy the young's their digestion.

Wednesday.

 

This is just a trial run. I have been having problems with the camera. I think the problem is with the USB. I am trying to put up an old picture on the blog. Here goes.
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Monday 12 May 2008

 
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Still Monday.

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Monday.

Photo is of senior offspring Sarah and her husband Mikey in our kitchen yesterday morning, trying to work out how to get into a couple of puzzle snuff boxes. Both are extremely difficult of access unless you know the trick, and are then childishly simple. Ann has accompanied our good friend Terry Turk to Snape today (shopping). This morning I spent pottering about in my workshop completing jobs. This afternoon went to lipreading class. I think I've got a difficult decision to make before the end of term. I'm just coming up to the end of my fourth year of lip reading, and whilst I am still enjoying it, I think I've probably had my share -places are scarce and I don't want to be greedy. Anyway, unless an 'advanced' course in lipreading is started (and there was talk of this at one stage) I think I've learned nearly all that this class can teach me. That sounds vain. I think I'd better have a talk to Jill, our teacher, about the way forward for me.

Poem :- Crime - Now and Then.

He who takes what isn't his'n,
when he's caught should go to prison.
While she who takes what isn't her'n,
good from ill cannot discern.
And if you scorn this little verse,
and then from bad go on to worse,
Well then, wise men, both State and Church
will advocate the use of birch.
And Teacher says ( for I have heard her)
that if you kill someone it's murder.
Murderers' careers the Courts will check
By hanging caught ones by the neck.
And these wise punishments really should
persuade survivers to be good.


Well, that was then,
Victorians, theirs attitudes robust;
knowing their punishments for crime were all quite fair and just.


But now :- a 'phone call in the middle of the night --
A son's voice whining with self centred fright,
"I've been arrested , Dad. I'm in the nick,
for nothing really bad. It makes you sick.
My offence was minimal, nothing shady.
Not really criminal, just mugged a dear old lady.
It wasn't for profit, 'cause her purse was bare.
So I made nothing of it. It just ain't fair.
So Dad, come out and bail me.
or they'll jail me".

Words fail me !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Sunday 11 May 2008

More Sunday.



These three photoes show Amelia and Ruby, parrot tulips (overshadowed by your blogger), and Lucy with Ruby. Sarah and the two younger children accompanied us to church this morning. Family service, and then the baptism of Paul and Sheba's son, Thomas. A good service that interested the children. Before the service Lucy helped John Everett, the churchwarden, to light the candles, and afterwards Guy helped to snuff them out. Roast beef, yorkshire pudding, etc. for lunch, followed by apple and apricot pie. Lovely lunch, much appreciated by all. Afterwards played nine mens' morris with guy. He was a little out of practice and I managed to win two games out of the three, all of them well fought struggles. Guy really is becoming a sportsman. He is doing a project on the Romans in history at school. So I dug him out a bronze denarious of Hadrian, and a rather battered roman ring- key for a lady's casket. Guy was very taken with them both, but he offered to return the key to me after the project is done. I told him it wasn't particularly valuable due to its condition, so he was welcome to keep it, which he agreed to do, with an air of relief, and looking as if he felt that honour had been satisfied on both sides. Sarah, Mikey, and family set out for home at about five o'clock. We are both feeling a bit tired, but very relaxed, and with a feeling that we've had a lovely weekend. We've both now got a good deal of tidying away to do. Goodnight all.
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Still Sunday.



The top picture is of Amelia and their new family member, Ruby, who is a cocker spaniel puppy, and is thirteen weeks old. Lower picture is of Ann making friends with Ruby.
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Sunday.

This is a photo of youngest grandson, Guy. We've had eldest daughter Sarah, Mikey her husband, and three of her children, Amelia, 16, Lucy, 10, and Guy, 8, to stay this weekend. They came on Friday evening. Yesterday morning, Saturday, we motored over to Orford, and went crabbing. We caught 129 crabs on three lines during an hours crabbing. At the end of that time we set them all free a yard or so from the water, and it's really quite a sight to see all those crabs running sideways back to the water, their claws held high. We've never yet caught one that I consider really big enough to be edible. After lunch we decided to lay siege to Orford Castle, but as Guy had left his crossbow at home, and I had come out without any cannon on me, we paid to go into the castle and look round. We all enjoyed it. There is quite a good museum in part of the castle. Well worth a visit. We then went and looked round an art exhibition in the Methodist church, where it turned out they were also serving tea and cakes (very opportune), so we ordered (and did justice to) a pot of tea and a cake apiece. Lovely day out, and the children and I slept nearly all the way home. Going to try and blog another picture, and will (D.V.) continue.
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Tuesday 6 May 2008

Still Tuesday.

'Parrot' tulip near garden gate. Superb things. Which reminds me that I should have said that today was a lovely warm, sunny day. Incredible amount of wild flowers out, meadows full of buttercups and daisies; cowslips, tall and in great abundance, bluebells in the woods, and everywhere the grass verges foaming with cow parsley. Lovely day for a drive across Suffolk and North Essex. Goodnight again.
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Tuesday.


This morning we drove across to a village near Saffron Walden, to install a long case clock I have been repairing. On the way we stopped off a a village church and found these two brasses let into the floor. They are down in the guide book as a gentleman and lady of early 16th century date of whom nothing further is known because the details which should have been in the floor below their feet have been missing for some centuries. Seemed sad really but the surviving brasses (about two foot long) seemed such little works of art that I had to have a record of them. On to Angela's and we installed the clock movement whilst she prepared lunch. The clock went well, and the lunch went down well. On the way home we stopped off at our good friends' Sue and David, and had a pot of tea and some ginger cake with them. Very satisfying day out. Got to close now and make final preparations for Long Melford tomorrow. Goodnight all.
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