A good use of a grey day. We have arranged and booked two holidays. One in April, and the other in July.
We will probably go for a short Autumn one later.
Grove Farm in April, and Es Moli in July. Counting the days already.
Chris
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Thursday, 29 January 2015
Cryptic
What's with the cryptic blog Miff?
I do not hold entirely with the Winfrey quote. Yes, it's important to live a full and creative life, using all of one's God given gifts, but it is not right to immediately assume that others do not have your best interest's at heart., and are trying to undermine you. I know I am a good one to talk, having been told by you that I am too proud and opinionated, but I do hope I am big enough to take criticism on the chin and learn from it. To me Winfrey's quote speaks of "I'm always right".
Just about to finish Mitch Alboms book "Tuesdays with Morrie". I can thoroughly recommend it. A good lesson in acceptance of one's own limitations, and reliance on others.
I do not hold entirely with the Winfrey quote. Yes, it's important to live a full and creative life, using all of one's God given gifts, but it is not right to immediately assume that others do not have your best interest's at heart., and are trying to undermine you. I know I am a good one to talk, having been told by you that I am too proud and opinionated, but I do hope I am big enough to take criticism on the chin and learn from it. To me Winfrey's quote speaks of "I'm always right".
Just about to finish Mitch Alboms book "Tuesdays with Morrie". I can thoroughly recommend it. A good lesson in acceptance of one's own limitations, and reliance on others.
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
New Experiences
It's good to get to your seventies and still have new experiences. Well the last 24hours have produced two.
Yesterday at 6.45pm having a coffee post supper, before setting off, Pete to Romsey and me to a practise for Thursday's Induction service in Andover, when suddenly the whole house shook. It was surreal, it only lasted a few moments, a violent shaking and a muffled noise like a gas explosion. Quite unnerving, it was not until the ten o'clock news we heard that Winchester had had an earthquake, well not Winchester, more like South Wonston. That's near, too near, for my liking. At least I can say I've experienced one.
The other experience was lunch today at Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's new restaurant in Winchester, nice venue, quite an adventurous menu. All very pleasant, but two things spoilt it for me food not very hot, and finding streaks of electric blue in my fried egg, and being told, "Well the eggs are free range, and we sometimes do find they have blue marks in them". I presumed that this was supposed to make it all OK.
Chris
Yesterday at 6.45pm having a coffee post supper, before setting off, Pete to Romsey and me to a practise for Thursday's Induction service in Andover, when suddenly the whole house shook. It was surreal, it only lasted a few moments, a violent shaking and a muffled noise like a gas explosion. Quite unnerving, it was not until the ten o'clock news we heard that Winchester had had an earthquake, well not Winchester, more like South Wonston. That's near, too near, for my liking. At least I can say I've experienced one.
The other experience was lunch today at Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's new restaurant in Winchester, nice venue, quite an adventurous menu. All very pleasant, but two things spoilt it for me food not very hot, and finding streaks of electric blue in my fried egg, and being told, "Well the eggs are free range, and we sometimes do find they have blue marks in them". I presumed that this was supposed to make it all OK.
Chris
Thursday, 22 January 2015
New year
I have decided that I really must start blogging again. Someone I could mention is putting me to shame.
What better way to start than saying a big thank you to all for a really lovely Christmas. Wonderful hospitality, food company and gifts.
On.a sad note we heard of the death of Pat Gwynne last week. Pat was a long time friend of Edna Millers, and of the whole Miller family, Peter and I had over the last few years got to know her well.
On a brighter note, yesterday we shopped in Winchester and had lunch in Rick Stein's restaurant. Wow what a success. Absolutely lovely food and a lovely atmosphere. Lots of fish dishes as one would expect, we both had grilled haddock as a main course. I started with a Crab and Prawn cocktail, and Pete had grilled Sardines. For dessert I had a scrumptious chocolate caramel and nut creation, and Pete had a lemon and raspberry creation. All excellent, any one choosing to visit will be taken there for sure.
Must comment on last night's start of Wolf Hall, I thought it was excellent, and am pleased to say all critics seem to feel the same. I thought Mark Rylance's portrayal of Cromwell was true to the book, showing him to have been a loving caring family man. It was wonderful how Mark got across his stillness and great wisdom. I cannot wait for next week. Any who missed it should catch up on Iplayer.
Chris
What better way to start than saying a big thank you to all for a really lovely Christmas. Wonderful hospitality, food company and gifts.
On.a sad note we heard of the death of Pat Gwynne last week. Pat was a long time friend of Edna Millers, and of the whole Miller family, Peter and I had over the last few years got to know her well.
On a brighter note, yesterday we shopped in Winchester and had lunch in Rick Stein's restaurant. Wow what a success. Absolutely lovely food and a lovely atmosphere. Lots of fish dishes as one would expect, we both had grilled haddock as a main course. I started with a Crab and Prawn cocktail, and Pete had grilled Sardines. For dessert I had a scrumptious chocolate caramel and nut creation, and Pete had a lemon and raspberry creation. All excellent, any one choosing to visit will be taken there for sure.
Must comment on last night's start of Wolf Hall, I thought it was excellent, and am pleased to say all critics seem to feel the same. I thought Mark Rylance's portrayal of Cromwell was true to the book, showing him to have been a loving caring family man. It was wonderful how Mark got across his stillness and great wisdom. I cannot wait for next week. Any who missed it should catch up on Iplayer.
Chris
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Belgium
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
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
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
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