Had a fantastic time in Belgium. I intend writing about Ypres when I have got my head around the whole experience. It had a profound effect on me, more so on reflection, and recall, than at the immediate time, especially the war grave cemetery at Tyne Cot.
The journeys all went well, the hotel was central and comfortable. We had some fantastic meals in some favourite restaurants, and some new ones. Chocolates were purchased, and much walking and window shopping was done. We arrived back on Saturday, and are off again to Norfolk tomorrow. Coming home on Saturday. More blogging later on.
Chris
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Old favourites and new experiences
We had a wonderful time in Borrowdale. Weather very mixed, but mild. Could have, done without the tale end of the hurricane. It blew a hooley one night.
We visited many favourite old haunts, and some new places, which were very good. Grasmere is a beautiful village, and contains four super venues in a quarter of a mile, along one road. First is Barney's a. Jigsaw shop like no other, it must contain many thousands of them. Next is one of this countries best independent book shops. Followed by the Heaton Cooper Studio. They have had a change round which has revitalised the place, making room for a gallery showing pictures by the whole family, simply stunning. Well that's the three retail outlets. Let's just say, purchases were made in all three. After much browsing and shopping. We have to end the visit to Grasmere, with lunch at the Miller Howe Cafe. Just wonderful.
Two new venues this year were Hawkeshead, and Thornthwaite. Both lovely villages. Hawkeshead is were the Beatrix Potter Gallery is, housed in her husbands business premises. He was the local solicitor. I gather Healis still have offices locally. It was wonderful to see Potter's original drawings for many of her children's books. I was really surprised that she drew and painted them the same size as they appear in the books. They are really lovely.
In Thonthwaite,which is just off the A66 opposite Bassenthwaite lake. It has a gallery, which we have seen advertised over many years. Well a friend at the hotel said we ought to go, that it contained some lovely things. They were right. It was a mix of objects, pottery, glass,pictures,and furniture, any many other delights.
One way and another we were able to make a good start on our Christmas shopping whilst we were away.
What with a comfortable hotel, good food, relaxation, and a bonus day. It was a good holiday.
Chris
We visited many favourite old haunts, and some new places, which were very good. Grasmere is a beautiful village, and contains four super venues in a quarter of a mile, along one road. First is Barney's a. Jigsaw shop like no other, it must contain many thousands of them. Next is one of this countries best independent book shops. Followed by the Heaton Cooper Studio. They have had a change round which has revitalised the place, making room for a gallery showing pictures by the whole family, simply stunning. Well that's the three retail outlets. Let's just say, purchases were made in all three. After much browsing and shopping. We have to end the visit to Grasmere, with lunch at the Miller Howe Cafe. Just wonderful.
Two new venues this year were Hawkeshead, and Thornthwaite. Both lovely villages. Hawkeshead is were the Beatrix Potter Gallery is, housed in her husbands business premises. He was the local solicitor. I gather Healis still have offices locally. It was wonderful to see Potter's original drawings for many of her children's books. I was really surprised that she drew and painted them the same size as they appear in the books. They are really lovely.
In Thonthwaite,which is just off the A66 opposite Bassenthwaite lake. It has a gallery, which we have seen advertised over many years. Well a friend at the hotel said we ought to go, that it contained some lovely things. They were right. It was a mix of objects, pottery, glass,pictures,and furniture, any many other delights.
One way and another we were able to make a good start on our Christmas shopping whilst we were away.
What with a comfortable hotel, good food, relaxation, and a bonus day. It was a good holiday.
Chris
Sunday, 12 October 2014
Ten Books
Well here they are, after much thought, I've come up with this list. What can I say, it is not a definitive list. What surprised me is how many of the authors are dead.
They are not in any particular order.
Two are from the Bible, and I'll have the King James Version.
The Book of Psalms, they are enduring beautiful poems. We do not say or sing them enough in church any more. It is sad that so few people are able. To sing them using the correct pointing. It is one of the joys to listen to Choral Evensong on Radio 3 on Wednesday afternoons to hear them sung beautifully. When Arnold, Peters's father was so unwell towards the end of his life, as the dementia increased, Rose was able to keep him calm and get through the fog of his mind and reach the inner man, they would say the Psalms together something they both new by heart.
Proverbs unlike much of the O.T. still speaks to us today, and lots of people are amazed when you tell them that what they have just said was written anything up to 6,000 years ago, and it still means a lot to us - marvellous.
Katherine by Anya Seton. The first historical novel I ever read, recommended by Rose. Seton was able to weave fact with fiction in an incredible way. Her research was impeccable. It is the story of Katheryn Swynford, a remarkable actual emancipated woman of the Middle Ages.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, it could well have been many of the other Austen novels. Here we have a woman daughter of a clergyman, unmarried, leading a sheltered life, caring for her father and his household, able to write with such insight and depth, about the times in which she lived. Her ability to bring humour to her characters is understated and totally believable. Mrs Bennett is a wonderful example.
Wolfe Hall by Hilary Mantel. A meaty read, I found it quite a difficult read. That is not to say I ever wanted to stop. Mantel is a master of the English Language . The period in which the book is set is one I felt I knew a lot about, but Mantel made it more alive than ever. This book is more an extremely well delivered history lecture than a novel as such, and no bad thing. I have purchased Bring up the Bodies, and look forward to it.
Tales of Body and Soul by Lionel Blue. Lionel is no longer with us, which is such a shame. I always looked forward to 10 to 8 on Monday mornings when Lionel was on Thought for the Day on Radio4. Lionel was a Rabbi blessed with the rare quality in a cleric of saying profound things in a way which was very palatable, very truthful, and very funny. These thoughts wether on current issues or issues he was facing in his own life, spill over into his books. This one is a firm favourite of mine. But any of this books are a joy. Over the course of his broadcasts we learnt such a lot about the man and his humanity, not least his struggle with severe depression. I will never forget him telling us some mornings he struggled to get out of bed and put a matching pair of socks on.
The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard. This is he first of four books about the Cazalet family. Set from the end of the First World War to the 1950's. A comfortable read, I so looked forward to curling up with these books. This one sets the scene and introduces the characters in the family. It is a book which impels one to want to know more about the family and about the times in which it is set. It gave me a wonderful insight into the era in which my parents were born and grew up.
The School at Thrush Green by Miss Read. Read wrote a lot of novels about the life of a single women, head of a village school she herself was a head of a village school, though married. I have since learnt that she lived near Newbury. The school was set at the foot of the South Downs, and the books are full of the nature and life of that beautiful area,.Arnold himself a primary head teacher introduced the books to me, and I have loved everyone, as he did.
The Choir by Joanna Trollope. This is the first of Trollope's novels. A book which came out at a time in our family life when our church choir was going through heartache. It definitely helped me to see things in a more considered manner. I have since read all of Trollope's books of which there are many. Apart from just two I believe she has made a favourable comment on everyday issues. Her book The Soldiers Wife, is a powerful insight into what it must be like for wives adjusting to having their husbands return from war in Iraq.
Shroud for a Nightingale by P D James. This is one of the Adam Dalgleish novels by .james. Set in a hospital, with the death of a nurse. Why is means so much to me is that I was a Nightingale Nurse. If you trained at St. Thomas's hospital you are a Nightingale. This is the hospital were Nightingale set up her nursing school after the Crimean War. It's a typically good who dun it by James . I can also recommend her sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberlly. A clever murder mystery with all the characters from the original Austen novel.
If you have managed to read all of this you deserve a medal. I think it's ten but I have lost count.
Chris
They are not in any particular order.
Two are from the Bible, and I'll have the King James Version.
The Book of Psalms, they are enduring beautiful poems. We do not say or sing them enough in church any more. It is sad that so few people are able. To sing them using the correct pointing. It is one of the joys to listen to Choral Evensong on Radio 3 on Wednesday afternoons to hear them sung beautifully. When Arnold, Peters's father was so unwell towards the end of his life, as the dementia increased, Rose was able to keep him calm and get through the fog of his mind and reach the inner man, they would say the Psalms together something they both new by heart.
Proverbs unlike much of the O.T. still speaks to us today, and lots of people are amazed when you tell them that what they have just said was written anything up to 6,000 years ago, and it still means a lot to us - marvellous.
Katherine by Anya Seton. The first historical novel I ever read, recommended by Rose. Seton was able to weave fact with fiction in an incredible way. Her research was impeccable. It is the story of Katheryn Swynford, a remarkable actual emancipated woman of the Middle Ages.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, it could well have been many of the other Austen novels. Here we have a woman daughter of a clergyman, unmarried, leading a sheltered life, caring for her father and his household, able to write with such insight and depth, about the times in which she lived. Her ability to bring humour to her characters is understated and totally believable. Mrs Bennett is a wonderful example.
Wolfe Hall by Hilary Mantel. A meaty read, I found it quite a difficult read. That is not to say I ever wanted to stop. Mantel is a master of the English Language . The period in which the book is set is one I felt I knew a lot about, but Mantel made it more alive than ever. This book is more an extremely well delivered history lecture than a novel as such, and no bad thing. I have purchased Bring up the Bodies, and look forward to it.
Tales of Body and Soul by Lionel Blue. Lionel is no longer with us, which is such a shame. I always looked forward to 10 to 8 on Monday mornings when Lionel was on Thought for the Day on Radio4. Lionel was a Rabbi blessed with the rare quality in a cleric of saying profound things in a way which was very palatable, very truthful, and very funny. These thoughts wether on current issues or issues he was facing in his own life, spill over into his books. This one is a firm favourite of mine. But any of this books are a joy. Over the course of his broadcasts we learnt such a lot about the man and his humanity, not least his struggle with severe depression. I will never forget him telling us some mornings he struggled to get out of bed and put a matching pair of socks on.
The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard. This is he first of four books about the Cazalet family. Set from the end of the First World War to the 1950's. A comfortable read, I so looked forward to curling up with these books. This one sets the scene and introduces the characters in the family. It is a book which impels one to want to know more about the family and about the times in which it is set. It gave me a wonderful insight into the era in which my parents were born and grew up.
The School at Thrush Green by Miss Read. Read wrote a lot of novels about the life of a single women, head of a village school she herself was a head of a village school, though married. I have since learnt that she lived near Newbury. The school was set at the foot of the South Downs, and the books are full of the nature and life of that beautiful area,.Arnold himself a primary head teacher introduced the books to me, and I have loved everyone, as he did.
The Choir by Joanna Trollope. This is the first of Trollope's novels. A book which came out at a time in our family life when our church choir was going through heartache. It definitely helped me to see things in a more considered manner. I have since read all of Trollope's books of which there are many. Apart from just two I believe she has made a favourable comment on everyday issues. Her book The Soldiers Wife, is a powerful insight into what it must be like for wives adjusting to having their husbands return from war in Iraq.
Shroud for a Nightingale by P D James. This is one of the Adam Dalgleish novels by .james. Set in a hospital, with the death of a nurse. Why is means so much to me is that I was a Nightingale Nurse. If you trained at St. Thomas's hospital you are a Nightingale. This is the hospital were Nightingale set up her nursing school after the Crimean War. It's a typically good who dun it by James . I can also recommend her sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberlly. A clever murder mystery with all the characters from the original Austen novel.
If you have managed to read all of this you deserve a medal. I think it's ten but I have lost count.
Chris
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Happiness
Miff having read your blog this morning it got me thinking. I've spent most of the day trying to think how I can respond without looking like I'm always disagreeing with you, but I feel justified because it's not your ideas, more like you agree with them. What the hell am I on about. Well, you listed qualities of happiness, two of which were moral freedom and economic freedom. We'll think about it. How can either be true. Or have I misunderstood the quote.
Moral freedom would lead to universal chaos. If we all spent our lives living by a moral compass that happened to fit our whims at the time, there would be anarchy. We have to live by a moral code. My moral code may not be the same as yours, or anybody else's for that matter, but it must be a constant, rather than a matter of freedom .
I do not believe that you believe economic freedom leads to happiness. What does economic freedom mean? You cannot have a freedom from a nebulous concept. Economic freedom will surely mean different things to different people. If by economic freedom you mean, having enough money to lead your life the way you wish to, well that is surely a transitory thing. If you mean having enough for ones needs, rather than desires, well that is another thing. How do we individually honestly decide what is a necessity. Your necessity may be my wish. And the other way round.
In summary, have I totally misunderstood the blog, and your response to it?
We could carry on with this in a conversation some time.
Chris
Moral freedom would lead to universal chaos. If we all spent our lives living by a moral compass that happened to fit our whims at the time, there would be anarchy. We have to live by a moral code. My moral code may not be the same as yours, or anybody else's for that matter, but it must be a constant, rather than a matter of freedom .
I do not believe that you believe economic freedom leads to happiness. What does economic freedom mean? You cannot have a freedom from a nebulous concept. Economic freedom will surely mean different things to different people. If by economic freedom you mean, having enough money to lead your life the way you wish to, well that is surely a transitory thing. If you mean having enough for ones needs, rather than desires, well that is another thing. How do we individually honestly decide what is a necessity. Your necessity may be my wish. And the other way round.
In summary, have I totally misunderstood the blog, and your response to it?
We could carry on with this in a conversation some time.
Chris
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Offers Plus
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.
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.
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
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