Matthew I can't agree with you about the Guardian article about Terry Pratchet. Neil works very closely with Terry but I do not believe he has understood Pratchet.
Yes Terry is angry about the laws preventing him and others choosing when they end their lives, and up to a point I would agree with him,especially in the circumstances in which he finds himself. However I think his argument regarding Terry,s personality, and writing, does not equate to an angry man. Whenever I have seen Terry interviewed, he has come across as a pretty well balanced sort of chap, neither a cuddly white haired man, or a miserable angry man. Anyone as creative as he is needs a balance in his life.
Has everyone seen the latest Book People catalogue, a good one for offers. Hilary Mantel box set, a must, and I am taking up the chance to read a book recommended by Matthew, The five people you meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom, and his book Tuesdays with Morrie. Have you read the later Miff?
Been to Hedge End today to make use of some offer tokens. New Sports Jacket and trousers for Pete, and some woollies for me, managed a saving of £78 .
Attended the funeral yesterday of a gentleman who had been in the Amport Church choir when Pete first joined. He had had dementia for some time before he died aged 86. Dementia is such a cruel illness.
His granddaughter a women in her thirties spoke so beautifully and movingly about him. He obviously had meant so much to her. Even in the later stages of his life, she had been able to still see glimpses of the man he really was behind the dementia. Lovely.
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Monday, 8 September 2014
About Time
I've just looked through my blogs and seen that one had not been published. So I've sent it, if you've seen it before, I apologise.
Had a crazy time lately. Most of the last few months have been geared up to creating a job spec. Sending a Parish Profile, and creating an ad for the Church Times. All to hopefully be able to find a Team Rector. Well a few weeks ago we were thrilled that our hard work had produced five applicants . We shortlisted to four. The interview took place last week over two days. I'm pleased to say we made an appointment. This cannot be made public until, the Bishop gives it the green light, and police checks are complete. With any luck they will be able to be in post either by Christmas or early in the new year.
On a lighter note, I have started a new book. Hodder and Stoughton, are publishing what they are pleased to call 20th Century classics. What should be on the list but "Green Darkness" a novel by Anya Seeton. A much loved novelist of Rose's. She introduced me to her way back in the 1970's.
Rose encouraged me to read the novel Katherine, now this is Anya Seetons best known book and a definite classic. A fantastic read.
We are looking forward to seeing family next weekend when we will help Harry and Oliver celebrate their birthday.
Chris
Had a crazy time lately. Most of the last few months have been geared up to creating a job spec. Sending a Parish Profile, and creating an ad for the Church Times. All to hopefully be able to find a Team Rector. Well a few weeks ago we were thrilled that our hard work had produced five applicants . We shortlisted to four. The interview took place last week over two days. I'm pleased to say we made an appointment. This cannot be made public until, the Bishop gives it the green light, and police checks are complete. With any luck they will be able to be in post either by Christmas or early in the new year.
On a lighter note, I have started a new book. Hodder and Stoughton, are publishing what they are pleased to call 20th Century classics. What should be on the list but "Green Darkness" a novel by Anya Seeton. A much loved novelist of Rose's. She introduced me to her way back in the 1970's.
Rose encouraged me to read the novel Katherine, now this is Anya Seetons best known book and a definite classic. A fantastic read.
We are looking forward to seeing family next weekend when we will help Harry and Oliver celebrate their birthday.
Chris
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Inks and Books
I feel duty bound to answer these two blogs.
Talking about Inks with Peter, we think they were purchased on the Isle of Wight. Probably from the art shop on the hill in Ryde. I think you were probably about ten Miff. It was not really generous of me, I was always really keen to foster any interest in art that either you or Becky showed.
I do know what you mean about colour and packaging playing a large part on what we find attractive to own. I'm still hooked by beautiful things, and have made many purchases which are still waiting to be used or displayed in some way. It has never worried me that you have not as yet used them, you will in the fullness of time, enjoy.
As for joining all those libraries, what are you thinking of! You'll not have time to go to work, let alone fit in any other hobbies, already followed or new ones, if you read more books, you may be a fast reader, but this is ridiculous.
I believe you will find it difficult to read a book, and then have to part with it. I know I do. Time will tell. On the subject of books, don't forget, Cat Out of Hell by Lynn Truss. I'd like your thoughts on it.
At the moment I'm reading a book of short stories, I've come to the conclusion, it!s not my genre, not enough to satisfy the creative mind, unless they are really good. If anyone can recommend an author who has the gift of writing short stories do let me know. In my eyes they are probably very difficult to write. You have a short time in which to
Talking about Inks with Peter, we think they were purchased on the Isle of Wight. Probably from the art shop on the hill in Ryde. I think you were probably about ten Miff. It was not really generous of me, I was always really keen to foster any interest in art that either you or Becky showed.
I do know what you mean about colour and packaging playing a large part on what we find attractive to own. I'm still hooked by beautiful things, and have made many purchases which are still waiting to be used or displayed in some way. It has never worried me that you have not as yet used them, you will in the fullness of time, enjoy.
As for joining all those libraries, what are you thinking of! You'll not have time to go to work, let alone fit in any other hobbies, already followed or new ones, if you read more books, you may be a fast reader, but this is ridiculous.
I believe you will find it difficult to read a book, and then have to part with it. I know I do. Time will tell. On the subject of books, don't forget, Cat Out of Hell by Lynn Truss. I'd like your thoughts on it.
At the moment I'm reading a book of short stories, I've come to the conclusion, it!s not my genre, not enough to satisfy the creative mind, unless they are really good. If anyone can recommend an author who has the gift of writing short stories do let me know. In my eyes they are probably very difficult to write. You have a short time in which to
Monday, 4 August 2014
Ages and Ages
It has been ages since I did a blog. It's not as if we have no news, quite the opposite.
Our holiday in North Yorkshire was excellent, but extremely tiring, up and out by 9am every day.
Day one, Fountains Abbey. It's a place I've wanted to see for a long time. For those who have not been, I thoroughly recommend it. But do get yourself a good guide. Ours was very knowledgeable, she made a ruin a living place, and answered all our questions. She was obviously a local archeologist, and historian, who has done a lot of work on the site. The day was very hot, and by we had finished, were to tired to also do the Water Gardens, which make the whole place a World Heritage site. The. Gardens will have to be done on another trip.
Day two we went to Castle Howard. A vast pile still lived in by the Howard family. Lots to see and do, walked our socks off both in the grounds and the house. Had a good lunch in their cafe and took a
tractor ride back to the entrance, where we visited the shops, and made a few purchases. In the afternoon we went to Harrogate, what a lovely place it is. Very hilly but full of interesting shops, parks etc. . Dad and I of course had to take afternoon tea in Betty's. Well what can I say, it was delicious, refined, decadent, expensive, and filling. Four different finger sandwiches, scone jam and cream, three different cakes, and that's each! We came out fit to bursting. When we got back to the hotel, we decided to give dinner a miss that night. Full English breakfast, a good lunch, and a splendid afternoon tea, is enough for anyone!
Day three. Straight into York. Dad and I decided our priority was the Minster. What an awe inspiring space. Took photographs which I will share at a later date. We tried unsuccessfully to book up a hotel in York, for the weekend. Everywhere was fully booked due to the races. Tourist Information said we would have to go some way out of the city to book anywhere, so we decided to motor on home on the Friday, and chill out. But I digress, on the third day in the afternoon we went to Beningbrough Hall and Gardens. A large House but on a smaller scale than Castle Howard. The setting was lovely, the house was a little disappointing, but contained some good art work on loan from the National Portrait Gallery in London. These included many images of the current Royal family, all very interesting.
In all it was a good holiday, the weather was very hot which made sightseeing exhausting. We must go back to North Yorkshire for a longer break and a chance to visit some of the places again in more depth.
This last week has been busy, shortlisting candidates for interview for the post of Team Rector. We had five applicants and shortlisted four. I personally am not overly impressed with any of them, for one reason or another, anyway we will see how they interview in September.
We had a lovely day on Tuesday, we visited Jenny Gilbert in her new workshop, and had a good pub lunch.
On Saturday we drove up to Kent to join with others to celebrate Jo and John Sutton's Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Many people there we did not know, but all the family were present. We had a good natter to them all and took some photographs as well. We will share them when we meet up. Andrew and Francis were there. They are going out to Chicago I. September to see Christine. Who it sounds is pretty immobile now, and doesn't think she would manage visiting Francis..
Hope all have enjoyed your holidays look forward to seeing and hearing from you all
Chris
Our holiday in North Yorkshire was excellent, but extremely tiring, up and out by 9am every day.
Day one, Fountains Abbey. It's a place I've wanted to see for a long time. For those who have not been, I thoroughly recommend it. But do get yourself a good guide. Ours was very knowledgeable, she made a ruin a living place, and answered all our questions. She was obviously a local archeologist, and historian, who has done a lot of work on the site. The day was very hot, and by we had finished, were to tired to also do the Water Gardens, which make the whole place a World Heritage site. The. Gardens will have to be done on another trip.
Day two we went to Castle Howard. A vast pile still lived in by the Howard family. Lots to see and do, walked our socks off both in the grounds and the house. Had a good lunch in their cafe and took a
tractor ride back to the entrance, where we visited the shops, and made a few purchases. In the afternoon we went to Harrogate, what a lovely place it is. Very hilly but full of interesting shops, parks etc. . Dad and I of course had to take afternoon tea in Betty's. Well what can I say, it was delicious, refined, decadent, expensive, and filling. Four different finger sandwiches, scone jam and cream, three different cakes, and that's each! We came out fit to bursting. When we got back to the hotel, we decided to give dinner a miss that night. Full English breakfast, a good lunch, and a splendid afternoon tea, is enough for anyone!
Day three. Straight into York. Dad and I decided our priority was the Minster. What an awe inspiring space. Took photographs which I will share at a later date. We tried unsuccessfully to book up a hotel in York, for the weekend. Everywhere was fully booked due to the races. Tourist Information said we would have to go some way out of the city to book anywhere, so we decided to motor on home on the Friday, and chill out. But I digress, on the third day in the afternoon we went to Beningbrough Hall and Gardens. A large House but on a smaller scale than Castle Howard. The setting was lovely, the house was a little disappointing, but contained some good art work on loan from the National Portrait Gallery in London. These included many images of the current Royal family, all very interesting.
In all it was a good holiday, the weather was very hot which made sightseeing exhausting. We must go back to North Yorkshire for a longer break and a chance to visit some of the places again in more depth.
This last week has been busy, shortlisting candidates for interview for the post of Team Rector. We had five applicants and shortlisted four. I personally am not overly impressed with any of them, for one reason or another, anyway we will see how they interview in September.
We had a lovely day on Tuesday, we visited Jenny Gilbert in her new workshop, and had a good pub lunch.
On Saturday we drove up to Kent to join with others to celebrate Jo and John Sutton's Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Many people there we did not know, but all the family were present. We had a good natter to them all and took some photographs as well. We will share them when we meet up. Andrew and Francis were there. They are going out to Chicago I. September to see Christine. Who it sounds is pretty immobile now, and doesn't think she would manage visiting Francis..
Hope all have enjoyed your holidays look forward to seeing and hearing from you all
Chris
Thursday, 26 June 2014
More news
So far this week we have had one success and one failure on the holiday front.
Success was a booking for a week in the Autumn at The Borrowdale Gates. Hooray.
The failure was an attempt to book a break in Bruge for 4 days, by Euro Star, with a company that offered a day trip to Ypres as part of the holiday. Unfortunately they could not take a booking that allowed us to travel from Ebbs Fleet. Going from St. Pancras for us is such a trial, as we would have to leave our car for the duration in the car park at Micheldever, which is incredibly small.
Anyway. We will continue to work on this.
The other news is that my cooker has packed up. We have chosen a new Bosch model, but it can not be delivered and installed until next Thursday. Shucks we shall just have to eat out more. Today the White Swan in Barton Stacey did us proud.
Chris
Success was a booking for a week in the Autumn at The Borrowdale Gates. Hooray.
The failure was an attempt to book a break in Bruge for 4 days, by Euro Star, with a company that offered a day trip to Ypres as part of the holiday. Unfortunately they could not take a booking that allowed us to travel from Ebbs Fleet. Going from St. Pancras for us is such a trial, as we would have to leave our car for the duration in the car park at Micheldever, which is incredibly small.
Anyway. We will continue to work on this.
The other news is that my cooker has packed up. We have chosen a new Bosch model, but it can not be delivered and installed until next Thursday. Shucks we shall just have to eat out more. Today the White Swan in Barton Stacey did us proud.
Chris
Dracula Rides Again
Well what do you know? The teeth are out again. Or not if you believe the Uraguan press.
What a lot of words and hot air have been generated, all because a footballer can not keep his teeth in his mouth.
I would have said after watching the game and seeing the footage replay of the incident that is was conclusive. The press however in Uruguay, would have you believe, that the footage was photoshopped. According to them both England and Italy have got it in for Mr Suarez
In today's Guardian there were lots of English pundits making comment on what their thoughts on the whole saga were. What I was interested in was the comments from the world's media.
"Has Suarez finally bitten off more than he can chew". Spain.
"The return of Dracula. Suarez is worse than Tyson". Italy
"The tooth of God". Belgium
"A crazy biting attack from footballs vampire. ". Germany
"Incredible, Cannibal Suarez bites Chiellini". Switzerland
" Suarez fell on his opponents shoulder like an eagle on his prey. And bit him". Belgium
"Cannibal Suarez strikes again". Netherlands
Maybe the press in Uraguay need to see what their fellow world workers made of the incident..
Personally I would ban him for life from all levels of the game, it is the third time it has happened, and probably would not be the last. The man clearly has a problem, and is in need of some anger management help.
Chris
What a lot of words and hot air have been generated, all because a footballer can not keep his teeth in his mouth.
I would have said after watching the game and seeing the footage replay of the incident that is was conclusive. The press however in Uruguay, would have you believe, that the footage was photoshopped. According to them both England and Italy have got it in for Mr Suarez
In today's Guardian there were lots of English pundits making comment on what their thoughts on the whole saga were. What I was interested in was the comments from the world's media.
"Has Suarez finally bitten off more than he can chew". Spain.
"The return of Dracula. Suarez is worse than Tyson". Italy
"The tooth of God". Belgium
"A crazy biting attack from footballs vampire. ". Germany
"Incredible, Cannibal Suarez bites Chiellini". Switzerland
" Suarez fell on his opponents shoulder like an eagle on his prey. And bit him". Belgium
"Cannibal Suarez strikes again". Netherlands
Maybe the press in Uraguay need to see what their fellow world workers made of the incident..
Personally I would ban him for life from all levels of the game, it is the third time it has happened, and probably would not be the last. The man clearly has a problem, and is in need of some anger management help.
Chris
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Footie
I'm really enjoying the World Cup. The only thing that bothers me is the unnecessary violence.
Many of the tackles are very little to do with attempting to get the ball, more. To do with taking out the opposition, caring very little about the injuries sustained by the recipient.
I have watched so many men carried off the pitch, and all the guy gets is a yellow card. Come on refs, show a bit of guts and start issuing a few reds. At least that might make managers and players alike sit up and take notice.
Having said that the whole tournament seems to be well run, with very little crowd problems.
Well let's hope England can make a real go of it tomorrow.
So far I'm backing the Dutch.!
Chris
Many of the tackles are very little to do with attempting to get the ball, more. To do with taking out the opposition, caring very little about the injuries sustained by the recipient.
I have watched so many men carried off the pitch, and all the guy gets is a yellow card. Come on refs, show a bit of guts and start issuing a few reds. At least that might make managers and players alike sit up and take notice.
Having said that the whole tournament seems to be well run, with very little crowd problems.
Well let's hope England can make a real go of it tomorrow.
So far I'm backing the Dutch.!
Chris
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