27th January
At last, the sun came out...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Making The Most of the Day...
It's a funny thing when Graham's away, sometimes it's best to immerse yourself in work and hope that time will go quickly. Sometimes you need to make the best of the situation and make a decision based on what you might have done had he'd been here. I decided I needed a change of scenery and as ever went in search of a photographic opportunity (how sad). Next decision, how far do you go before you encounter uncharted territory or where you've not been in a while. First I had to wait until my camera battery had charged (lack of planning) and then set off and headed up the M1. Coming off at the next junction, I followed the brown signs to Hardwick Hall, trying to find an aspect I'd not photographed before. As luck would have it I found the Nature Reserve that belonged to Hardwick Hall and parked as near to my quarry as possible. Out came my photographic equipment (the tripod Graham bought from Rome from a street seller) onto which I anchored my camera. I was very much aware that I needed to make haste as the light was fading fast, but also that I did not make a very convincing photographer. Even less so when I changed into my flowery wellingtons, perhaps I was hoping to blend into the scenery?! First stop was the fishing lake and just as I had secured my place, a family invaded my space and began throwing bread for the seagulls (how inconsiderate). However, I soon realised that this intrusion might actually add to the quality of the pictures I was to take. Who else would have swooping seagulls in their Hardwick Hall scenes? Luckily the bread ran out just as the sun decided to make an appearance and I took my best shots while the brief calm was restored. After this I began the long trek up to the house, luckily without any witnesses to my huffing and puffing - (it was very steep). I felt a real sense of achievement as I reached the summit, but was disappointed to find that nothing would allow me the full view of this magnificent building. With a sigh of resolve, I took what I could and made a hasty (no choice due to the incline) retreat back down to the security of the car.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The Mound, Morley
We pass this mound nearly every time we go out for a walk. Situated... "on the route of the ancient Portway, which is believed to be prehistoric in origin and probably ran down to a crossing of the Trent. The Portway carries on to St. Matthew's Church. Halfway, the track deviates to avoid Morley's mysterious mound. Many historians have put forward theories as to its original purpose; suggesting a defensive position, a Roman survey point, a deliberate obstruction of the Portway to encourage new roads to be built or the possible site of the 'Morlestone' (mentioned in 1086 and still a meeting place in 1300). The mound, once surrounded by a moat is now covered by trees and stands about 20 feet high topped by a five feet diameter platform."
Looks quite pretty with snow on it...
Looks quite pretty with snow on it...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 22nd
Back to the doctor's to arrange a hospital appointment. Government regulations dictate that you must be offered the choice of four hospitals, you even get a questionnaire to fill in to record this fact. I just asked the doctor if he were me, which hospital would he choose to visit. What I should have asked (but doctor's don't appear to be privy to this information) was: "which hospital has the shortest waiting list?"
Jewellery Class went OK, we learned how to do Square Stitch. It's interesting that any cross stitch pattern can be used as the pattern, or alternatively any pattern for a beading loom.
Tuesday 23rd
Took the car back to the tyre place to ask them to check their alignment. Not sure if there is any real difference again, but at least I didn't have to pay. Went on to do the shopping and the battery light refused to go out on the dashboard. Severe panic set in, what if the car won't go, can't get to my classes, can't go shopping...Went round Morrisons muttering to myself making promises if only the car will work properly. Was it OK? Of course, must have been the cold weather...
Monday 22nd
Back to the doctor's to arrange a hospital appointment. Government regulations dictate that you must be offered the choice of four hospitals, you even get a questionnaire to fill in to record this fact. I just asked the doctor if he were me, which hospital would he choose to visit. What I should have asked (but doctor's don't appear to be privy to this information) was: "which hospital has the shortest waiting list?"
Jewellery Class went OK, we learned how to do Square Stitch. It's interesting that any cross stitch pattern can be used as the pattern, or alternatively any pattern for a beading loom.
Tuesday 23rd
Took the car back to the tyre place to ask them to check their alignment. Not sure if there is any real difference again, but at least I didn't have to pay. Went on to do the shopping and the battery light refused to go out on the dashboard. Severe panic set in, what if the car won't go, can't get to my classes, can't go shopping...Went round Morrisons muttering to myself making promises if only the car will work properly. Was it OK? Of course, must have been the cold weather...
Snowy Path With Warm Hues...
I think this is my favourite photo from Wednesday.
In a bigger size you'll see there's a row of stakes on the right that lead your eye round along the path.
In a bigger size you'll see there's a row of stakes on the right that lead your eye round along the path.
IN BRIEF
Wednesday 24th
Thought there was a light on outside last night and looked out of the window to discover it had been snowing. Awoke to a cold crisp sunny morning and lucky for me was able to pull on wellingtons, grab my camera and disappear outside for an hour. Came back with 130 images and very cold toes. Was a bit disappointed with what I captured, but my theme for the morning was snowy paths.
Lucy wanted to go out for tea, but we arrived at Ikea to find the restaurant was being refurbished (just my luck) So after a quick look round. returned to the Fish Bar at Heanor and returned home with fish and chips (naughty, but very nice). We made our own entertainment on the way home wearing Lucy's newly purchased finger puppets and singing along to songs from Police (well it was snowing...)
Thursday 25th
Have been dreading today as comment from my class had been relayed to me that I'm 'strict' (yes, I know, I should have fallen about laughing) Decided to let the class have a very 'free rein' and it seemed to go ok. There are some people who are just difficult to get on with... No time to brood as training course on RARPA from 6.00pm - 9.00pm. We were shown a short video of a 'before' and 'after' of someone sketching. Couldn't help making a contribution of: "Can you see what it is yet?" It was funny at the time...
Friday 26th
Class at Rycote were lovely in comparison to the Thursday class, the atmosphere was so different. Calendars now complete with pictures and we discussed where the names for the days of the week come from. Answers on a postcard, please...
Went to hairdressers for a quick trim and then on to town with Lucy for some retail therapy.
Wednesday 24th
Thought there was a light on outside last night and looked out of the window to discover it had been snowing. Awoke to a cold crisp sunny morning and lucky for me was able to pull on wellingtons, grab my camera and disappear outside for an hour. Came back with 130 images and very cold toes. Was a bit disappointed with what I captured, but my theme for the morning was snowy paths.
Lucy wanted to go out for tea, but we arrived at Ikea to find the restaurant was being refurbished (just my luck) So after a quick look round. returned to the Fish Bar at Heanor and returned home with fish and chips (naughty, but very nice). We made our own entertainment on the way home wearing Lucy's newly purchased finger puppets and singing along to songs from Police (well it was snowing...)
Thursday 25th
Have been dreading today as comment from my class had been relayed to me that I'm 'strict' (yes, I know, I should have fallen about laughing) Decided to let the class have a very 'free rein' and it seemed to go ok. There are some people who are just difficult to get on with... No time to brood as training course on RARPA from 6.00pm - 9.00pm. We were shown a short video of a 'before' and 'after' of someone sketching. Couldn't help making a contribution of: "Can you see what it is yet?" It was funny at the time...
Friday 26th
Class at Rycote were lovely in comparison to the Thursday class, the atmosphere was so different. Calendars now complete with pictures and we discussed where the names for the days of the week come from. Answers on a postcard, please...
Went to hairdressers for a quick trim and then on to town with Lucy for some retail therapy.
Friday, January 26, 2007
The Call Of New York...
Sunday 21st
Graham left the house early to catch the 9.00am flight to New York from Birmingham Airport. Over there it was minus 7degrees, here we had our first sunny afternoon in months. In next to no time he was on the phone to say he'd arrived safely. Have a good trip!...
Graham left the house early to catch the 9.00am flight to New York from Birmingham Airport. Over there it was minus 7degrees, here we had our first sunny afternoon in months. In next to no time he was on the phone to say he'd arrived safely. Have a good trip!...
IN BRIEF
Wednesday 17th
Took car to local tyre fitters to have wheels balanced as car insisting it wants to pull to the left. Seemed fine as I left, but was pulling to the left again by the time I got home. Looks as though I will need to go back...
Health disappointment; bent down to pick something up and felt a very painful twinge in my side which then disappeared, only to reappear later in the form of familiar stabbing pain. Tried to keep as still as possible and kept hot water bottle in place for rest of the evening.
Friday 19th
Had good class this morning making Calendars. Met Graham for lunch at Sainsbury's and glad of his help with carrying shopping.
Saturday 20th
Felt a bit better today, fingers crossed that I'll be fit to go out this evening - to a Murder Mystery Night Out. In the event, wife of Graham's colleague wasn't well enough to attend, so we took our 'secret weapon' in the form of Lucy (our own Miss Peacock) to make up the numbers. The evening was hugely enjoyable, (and twinge free). We were given statements to read and then allowed a first course of French bread and pate then more of the story was acted out. This continued between main course (Lasangna, salad and baked potato) and sweet (chocolate gateaux) with the actors coming round to all the tables for us to interrogated. Unfortunately we chose the wrong person as the murderer, sorry Lucy, I should have listened to you...
Wednesday 17th
Took car to local tyre fitters to have wheels balanced as car insisting it wants to pull to the left. Seemed fine as I left, but was pulling to the left again by the time I got home. Looks as though I will need to go back...
Health disappointment; bent down to pick something up and felt a very painful twinge in my side which then disappeared, only to reappear later in the form of familiar stabbing pain. Tried to keep as still as possible and kept hot water bottle in place for rest of the evening.
Friday 19th
Had good class this morning making Calendars. Met Graham for lunch at Sainsbury's and glad of his help with carrying shopping.
Saturday 20th
Felt a bit better today, fingers crossed that I'll be fit to go out this evening - to a Murder Mystery Night Out. In the event, wife of Graham's colleague wasn't well enough to attend, so we took our 'secret weapon' in the form of Lucy (our own Miss Peacock) to make up the numbers. The evening was hugely enjoyable, (and twinge free). We were given statements to read and then allowed a first course of French bread and pate then more of the story was acted out. This continued between main course (Lasangna, salad and baked potato) and sweet (chocolate gateaux) with the actors coming round to all the tables for us to interrogated. Unfortunately we chose the wrong person as the murderer, sorry Lucy, I should have listened to you...
Friday, January 19, 2007
A Grand Day Out?
Saturday 13th
The weather has been so awful (little did we know it was going to get worse) that Graham and I decided we needed a day out, or as much of one as the weather would allow. Needing a change of scenery we headed North on the M1 (after depositing Lucy at work) and after an hour's drive we had arrived at our destination. I make no apologies for our frequent visits to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, if you want to visit a place which is within easy reach, has beautiful scenery, a relatively easy circular walk and the air of somewhere different, you should go. On arrival, first we made an inspection of the toilets, no change there, but anywhere with fresh flowers has my seal of approval. Next on the itinerary is a quick perusal of the craft shop - not too long in case you're tempted to buy something, then upstairs for a leisurely cup of cappuccino and a view of unadulterated countryside. (Don't look too critically or you may just spy the M1 in the distance) With a short pause to eye up the menu, we made it back outside within half an hour. Joy of joy's the sun came out as we set off down the hill towards the new James Turrell Deer Shelter, but although there was a brief glimpse of blue sky, this was unfortunately short lived. Good for James Turrell, but can someone please explain to me why deer would want to sit on a stone bench and peer upwards towards a hole in the roof to view the sky? We found it therapeutic and different, but would the deer?
The weather has been so awful (little did we know it was going to get worse) that Graham and I decided we needed a day out, or as much of one as the weather would allow. Needing a change of scenery we headed North on the M1 (after depositing Lucy at work) and after an hour's drive we had arrived at our destination. I make no apologies for our frequent visits to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, if you want to visit a place which is within easy reach, has beautiful scenery, a relatively easy circular walk and the air of somewhere different, you should go. On arrival, first we made an inspection of the toilets, no change there, but anywhere with fresh flowers has my seal of approval. Next on the itinerary is a quick perusal of the craft shop - not too long in case you're tempted to buy something, then upstairs for a leisurely cup of cappuccino and a view of unadulterated countryside. (Don't look too critically or you may just spy the M1 in the distance) With a short pause to eye up the menu, we made it back outside within half an hour. Joy of joy's the sun came out as we set off down the hill towards the new James Turrell Deer Shelter, but although there was a brief glimpse of blue sky, this was unfortunately short lived. Good for James Turrell, but can someone please explain to me why deer would want to sit on a stone bench and peer upwards towards a hole in the roof to view the sky? We found it therapeutic and different, but would the deer?
At the highest point of the walk there's a stone style to traverse. I just love the way the blocks of stone have been carved and shaped so that everything fits. It was down hill all the way after that, but the weather was now closing in and I was pleased we'd decided to have a walk first to work up an appetite. Anything on the menu would have sounded good, but the venison and cranberry pie tasted even better than it sounded and boy was I hungry!!
After lunch we just had a short walk around the remaining walled garden, but soon decided that we were ready to get back in the car and drive a bit further. We headed West towards Holmfirth (town of Last Of The Summer Wine) and were pleasantly surprised when for 60p we could have parked up until the next morning. Even better - Graham found a clothing recycling bin which had some room left and quickly filled it with the coats in the back of the car we had liberated from the hall cupboard over Christmas. (There wasn't any room in Derby as everyone had had the same idea.) After a brief walk round, the heavens decided to empty any rain it had left, not vertically, but in sheets along the line of the valley, it was time to return home. By 5 o'clock we were back in Derby and waiting outside to collect Lucy from work.
After lunch we just had a short walk around the remaining walled garden, but soon decided that we were ready to get back in the car and drive a bit further. We headed West towards Holmfirth (town of Last Of The Summer Wine) and were pleasantly surprised when for 60p we could have parked up until the next morning. Even better - Graham found a clothing recycling bin which had some room left and quickly filled it with the coats in the back of the car we had liberated from the hall cupboard over Christmas. (There wasn't any room in Derby as everyone had had the same idea.) After a brief walk round, the heavens decided to empty any rain it had left, not vertically, but in sheets along the line of the valley, it was time to return home. By 5 o'clock we were back in Derby and waiting outside to collect Lucy from work.
Tying Up The Last Few Ends
I happened to mention my 'story' to my dad and he was sure the correct initials were E.P. More research has turned up Colonel Edwin Percival Brassey of Copse Hill Upper Slaughter and more pieces of the jigsaw:
Lt.-Col. Edwin Perceval Brassey1 (M)
b. 2 October 1882, d. 15 March 1973, #16736
Pedigree
Father
Henry Arthur Brassey1 b. 14 July 1840, d. 13 May 1891
Mother
Anna Harriet Stevenson1 d. 15 July 1898
Lt.-Col. Edwin Perceval Brassey was born on 2 October 1882.1 He was the son of Henry Arthur Brassey and Anna Harriet Stevenson.1 He died on 15 March 1973 at age 90, unmarried.1
Lt.-Col. Edwin Perceval Brassey was educated in Eton College, Eton, Berkshire, England.1 He was educated in Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Berkshire, England.1 He was decorated with the Military Cross (M.C.).1 He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) in 1919.1 He was Joint Master of Foxhounds, Heythrop between 1925 and 1936.1 He gained the rank of Captain in the service of the 7th Queen's Own Hussars.1 He held the office of High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1946.1 He gained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of the Coldstream Guards (Special Reserve).1 He held the office of Deputy Lieutenant (D.L.) of Gloucestershire in 1956.1
Lt.-Col. Edwin Perceval Brassey1 (M)
b. 2 October 1882, d. 15 March 1973, #16736
Pedigree
Father
Henry Arthur Brassey1 b. 14 July 1840, d. 13 May 1891
Mother
Anna Harriet Stevenson1 d. 15 July 1898
Lt.-Col. Edwin Perceval Brassey was born on 2 October 1882.1 He was the son of Henry Arthur Brassey and Anna Harriet Stevenson.1 He died on 15 March 1973 at age 90, unmarried.1
Lt.-Col. Edwin Perceval Brassey was educated in Eton College, Eton, Berkshire, England.1 He was educated in Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Berkshire, England.1 He was decorated with the Military Cross (M.C.).1 He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) in 1919.1 He was Joint Master of Foxhounds, Heythrop between 1925 and 1936.1 He gained the rank of Captain in the service of the 7th Queen's Own Hussars.1 He held the office of High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1946.1 He gained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of the Coldstream Guards (Special Reserve).1 He held the office of Deputy Lieutenant (D.L.) of Gloucestershire in 1956.1
Monday, January 15, 2007
A Story To Share With You...
We all have vivid childhood memories, stored in our heads, snapshots of a previous life which when analysed as an adult may not be quite as we remember. One such memory was reawakened on a visit to my parents in October. In my dad's barn is kept a wide array of useless objects which have been collected over his lifetime (he's now 78) and which came into his possession, not for their value, but because noone else could find a use for them. Everything from 'pale mushroom' paint, - (we had a spate when everything that needed painting had a liberal coat, thankfully I think it's all used up now! ) to bits of old turret clocks. Everything's in there, ends of farm sales, house sales, the detritis of people's lives. When all the best pickings had been sold, our barn became an archive of other people's left overs. This is not to say that my dad took on the semblage of a rag and bone man, he just couldn't resist anything that had a piece of wood attached to it. So it was that whilst being shown his latest creation that day back in October, I spied a sort of wooden box that had it's resting place ontop of another cupboard and was being used as a storage cabinet for all those odds and ends. On the side in dashing swirls was the owner's name, the faded markings belying the importance of the owner now long since dead. " H.E. Brassey 7th Hussars"
Legend had it (my mum and dad always said) that Colonel (as he was to become) Brassey's money, used to buy the Copse Hill estate and build the huge house had been made 'on the railways'. Setting out to prove or disprove this theory has unearthed some very interesting facts. True, the original money was made 'on the railways', but by Colonel Brassey's grandfather, not he himself. The grandfather was called Thomas Brassey who was born near Chester and apprentised at an early age to a firm of surveyors. To cut a long story short - and you must read the link to his life story, Thomas Brassy as in all good stories, managed to be in the right place at the right time. He was friends with George Stephenson and competed with him on several occasions to build bridges and railway. During his lifetime he laid 8500 miles of track (including famous bridges and viaducts) in England, France and Canada. He even survived the collapse of the bank that had most of his money. It's just unbelievable that he isn't as well known as his contemporaries Stephenson, Brunel and Telford.
Entrance to Copse Hill, Upper Slaughter
These pillars are a relatively new addition, but the road is still the original. This picture is facing the road from Upper Slaughter to Lower Swell.
Linked with this is another picture I have in my head, of many a summer's evening when Cinders (our dappled grey pony) was harnessed up in our trap, (which must have been minute, but seemed roomy enough for the four of us), trotting along our road and down through the leafy estate of Copse Hill. Permission had been granted for us to use this route as a short cut and though it was tortuous in places and very steep in others, we used it regularly never needing to worry about anyone coming in the opposite direction (it could only have been one car wide). The fact that this would only have taken place between me being 7 and a half and eight and a half just shows how childhood summers lasted for ever and everything you did, however short, was seen as something new and exciting. Cinders was sold when we went to New Zealand for a year (Christmas 1967) and when we arrived back the days of this extensive estate were numbered. I think Colonel Brassy must have departed this life sometime in 1969 (although I've been unable to find the exact date of his death) and the house (minus its contents and wooden box) and estate were sold as a whole.
This isn't quite the end of the story, the new owner turned out to be the nephew of Ian Flemming (writer of the James Bond novels). He was a very strange person to look at to my young eyes as he'd been seriously burned when the light aircraft he was flying caught fire. Because of this, he always wore a baseball cap to hide his disfigured face. He must have overstretched his finances buying Copse Hill as he soon hatched a plot to burn down the stables and claim the insurance money. Trouble was, it took him so long to douse the place with petrol that by the time he lit the match, much of the petrol had vaporised causing a mighty explosion which blew a door out catching him on the back of the head and killing him instantly. It may have been straight out of one of his uncle's book's, but unfortunately the plot didn't work in real life.
View of Lower Slaughter
Copse Hill Estate is half a mile up the road to the top left of this picture.
After that, the estate was divided up and the plots sold off individually; the main house , the laundry, the stables , the walled garden, the lodge and the 'gas houses' across the road where at one time gas was made and pumped up to heat the house. And that's how it is today, planning permission was eventually granted to make the bothy in the walled garden into a house, which became another mansion in its own right. To get round regulations, they dug down and built it below ground level so that it wouldn't impinge on the sky line. The stables has also mushroomed and has just been sold again to (as my dad put it) a pop star, but which one, I don't know. Sadly. I don't really have any relevant images to go with this story, so if anyone has any more information, please get in contact and let me know. I hope this is one small step towards championing the man who we should all have heard of, Thomas Brassey 1805 - 1870...
Thursday, January 11, 2007
The Rain to the Wind said, "You push and I'll pelt" quote from Robert Frost
I'm beginning to think that the weather is never going to improve, so I'm going to look out some photos from the summer to cheer us all up with...
IN BRIEF
Monday 8th
Went to my Jewellery class full of trepidation thinking that no one would turn up, imagine my delight when we had a full house - all full of enthusiasm for the projects I have planned for them, my heart was warmed...
Tuesday 9th
Trip to doctor's to see what is next plan of campaign to get me better/improved. He prescribed me new tablets, different anti-spasmodic ones, Buscopan. Was surprised to see same tablets advertised in Sunday magazine to help IBS sufferers (if you have been diagnosed by a doctor) Having great difficulty remembering to take two four times a day!
Wednesday 10th
Heart sank as I watched the dustbin men pick up all plastics bottles left for them - just as I remembered I've planned to do marbling with Friday's class and I need some to transport the mixture in, whoops!
Best programme: The making of The Vicar of Dibley, not only hilarious and containing serious issues, but my name has been popularised in the best possible way. I'm no longer only associated with the goat from The Good Life. Thank you Richard Curtis...
Thursday
Will it, won't it, was the question today. Started teaching a new course over at Kirk Hallam, 5 weeks of silk painting and with only four enrolled, not sure it will run. Met some lovely people who had organised it and who by the end of the afternoon had cajoled enough students for us all to breathe a sigh of relief. Just have to organise resources to a strict budget, but it'll be fun. Have lots of exciting things planned for them and first project really well.
Friday
Graham disappeared off to London today at the crack of dawn and I had my first session back at The Rycote Centre. I sometimes get panicky and think " will this work, will the students enjoy the activity?" Needn't have worried, had them making marbled paper and gave them all a 'feel good factor', including myself. Crafts are never so exciting as when you can't predict the outcome. You drop paints onto the marbling medium, swirl them around, place the paper on top and you've created the most wonderful designs. It's great to share this thrill with others.
Graham came home with a metaphorical bottle of champagne. His 'team' has just secured their first major project in America worth four million dollars. Slight panic on Wednesday when the 'wire' containing their security payment was delivered to the wrong address, but 'all's well that ends well'. For the cherry on the cake, Graham hopes to fulfil his life-long ambition of working in America for a two year period. Will I still be able to write my blog from there...?
Monday 8th
Went to my Jewellery class full of trepidation thinking that no one would turn up, imagine my delight when we had a full house - all full of enthusiasm for the projects I have planned for them, my heart was warmed...
Tuesday 9th
Trip to doctor's to see what is next plan of campaign to get me better/improved. He prescribed me new tablets, different anti-spasmodic ones, Buscopan. Was surprised to see same tablets advertised in Sunday magazine to help IBS sufferers (if you have been diagnosed by a doctor) Having great difficulty remembering to take two four times a day!
Wednesday 10th
Heart sank as I watched the dustbin men pick up all plastics bottles left for them - just as I remembered I've planned to do marbling with Friday's class and I need some to transport the mixture in, whoops!
Best programme: The making of The Vicar of Dibley, not only hilarious and containing serious issues, but my name has been popularised in the best possible way. I'm no longer only associated with the goat from The Good Life. Thank you Richard Curtis...
Thursday
Will it, won't it, was the question today. Started teaching a new course over at Kirk Hallam, 5 weeks of silk painting and with only four enrolled, not sure it will run. Met some lovely people who had organised it and who by the end of the afternoon had cajoled enough students for us all to breathe a sigh of relief. Just have to organise resources to a strict budget, but it'll be fun. Have lots of exciting things planned for them and first project really well.
Friday
Graham disappeared off to London today at the crack of dawn and I had my first session back at The Rycote Centre. I sometimes get panicky and think " will this work, will the students enjoy the activity?" Needn't have worried, had them making marbled paper and gave them all a 'feel good factor', including myself. Crafts are never so exciting as when you can't predict the outcome. You drop paints onto the marbling medium, swirl them around, place the paper on top and you've created the most wonderful designs. It's great to share this thrill with others.
Graham came home with a metaphorical bottle of champagne. His 'team' has just secured their first major project in America worth four million dollars. Slight panic on Wednesday when the 'wire' containing their security payment was delivered to the wrong address, but 'all's well that ends well'. For the cherry on the cake, Graham hopes to fulfil his life-long ambition of working in America for a two year period. Will I still be able to write my blog from there...?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 1st
Happy New Year to everyone, those I'll see soon and those I might not see in ages. Hope you all have made resolutions that will make 2007 a time to look forward to. Me, I can't think of any resolution other than trying to get my health back on track and just to be 'normal' again.
Robert had work to go back to work tomorrow, so popped him on a train at Derby Station at 2.30pm. Lucy and I thought we'd indulge ourselves with a 'quick flip' round the sales, no one had told us there weren't any shops open. (well only about two!!)
Tuesday 2nd
Graham back at work, so had no choice, but to throw myself at the website. Virtually no emails over the festive season, visitors down, but not a disaster. Put up a new page on books available, a bit bland, but the information is all there. Lucy went shopping with a school friend after lunch, so I posted a Birthday present I forgot to give to my dad and Robert's pyjamas (!) and spent the rest of the afternoon hoovering and tidying - it was surprisingly satisfying.
Wednesday 3rd
Took Lucy to school after lunch to give blood.
Conversation: Lucy; "Why don't you come and give blood with me". Me, holding up my 'little' arm; "I don't have a pint to give" Apologises for this not working on paper, it was a visual joke and you have to know the Tony Hancock sketch!
On to Ilkeston to collect package which turned out to be new Freeview Box for kitchen (we now have three Freeview boxes - not kitchens!) then had to find Kirk Hallam Community Hall (where I'll be teaching next Thursday) which turned out to be much nearer home than I thought. I had a guided tour of this well equipped building complete with panic buttons in every room (just in case) including the toilet where the pull switch is often mistaken for the light pull!! Went to town to put in Christmas cheques and buy materials for the class. Got phone call from my Line Manager whilst in M&S, wanted to arrange a 'one to one' next Friday to discuss targets. (Should I take a dart board?!)
Thursday 4th
Spent the morning finding ways of not doing what I was supposed to be doing (preparing next week's lessons). Wrote email about a job I'd seen in the paper yesterday about being a feature write for a beauty magazine, yes, it is laughable, but it just shows what lengths you can go to when the job in hand doesn't appeal!! Graham came home at lunch time and I had to pretend to show interest in the model aero engine he'd bought off eBay. Conversation: Graham: "But it's got your favourite singer's name on the side. (Enya)" Me: "Ha, ha, very funny, but what is it for?"
Spent part of the afternoon at Derby City Hospital with Graham who had appointment for a diabetic eye test. Took longer to walk from car park and find the correct department, than we spent in the clinic, NHS efficiency at it's best! Will take up to ten days to hear how the blood vessels in his eyes are bearing up to all the pills he now has to take (6 a day)
Had reply back from magazine, perhaps writing up lesson plans isn't that bad...
Saturday 6th
Robert rang mid afternoon to share his news. Conversation: "Guess where I am and what I'm standing next to?" Me: "A new bike in a bike shop?" Very close... He'd taken the train into Cambridge and bought a bike from a New Zealander off back to New Zealand. He was at the station waiting for his train with two bikes in tow (homophone) It was lovely to feel the phone tingle with his excitement at his purchase. Our (at home) excitement covered putting the Christmas decorations away and getting wet going shopping...
Sunday 7th
Trying very hard to get up to date with New Year 'To Do' list (sound familiar?) Managed to sign contract from last year, send cheque to pensions department (not sure why as I won't get a pension of my own) and a letter to the Building Society telling them that I no longer qualify for gross interest (back dated). The most important letter still didn't get written - to the tax man, help!!...
Monday 1st
Happy New Year to everyone, those I'll see soon and those I might not see in ages. Hope you all have made resolutions that will make 2007 a time to look forward to. Me, I can't think of any resolution other than trying to get my health back on track and just to be 'normal' again.
Robert had work to go back to work tomorrow, so popped him on a train at Derby Station at 2.30pm. Lucy and I thought we'd indulge ourselves with a 'quick flip' round the sales, no one had told us there weren't any shops open. (well only about two!!)
Tuesday 2nd
Graham back at work, so had no choice, but to throw myself at the website. Virtually no emails over the festive season, visitors down, but not a disaster. Put up a new page on books available, a bit bland, but the information is all there. Lucy went shopping with a school friend after lunch, so I posted a Birthday present I forgot to give to my dad and Robert's pyjamas (!) and spent the rest of the afternoon hoovering and tidying - it was surprisingly satisfying.
Wednesday 3rd
Took Lucy to school after lunch to give blood.
Conversation: Lucy; "Why don't you come and give blood with me". Me, holding up my 'little' arm; "I don't have a pint to give" Apologises for this not working on paper, it was a visual joke and you have to know the Tony Hancock sketch!
On to Ilkeston to collect package which turned out to be new Freeview Box for kitchen (we now have three Freeview boxes - not kitchens!) then had to find Kirk Hallam Community Hall (where I'll be teaching next Thursday) which turned out to be much nearer home than I thought. I had a guided tour of this well equipped building complete with panic buttons in every room (just in case) including the toilet where the pull switch is often mistaken for the light pull!! Went to town to put in Christmas cheques and buy materials for the class. Got phone call from my Line Manager whilst in M&S, wanted to arrange a 'one to one' next Friday to discuss targets. (Should I take a dart board?!)
Thursday 4th
Spent the morning finding ways of not doing what I was supposed to be doing (preparing next week's lessons). Wrote email about a job I'd seen in the paper yesterday about being a feature write for a beauty magazine, yes, it is laughable, but it just shows what lengths you can go to when the job in hand doesn't appeal!! Graham came home at lunch time and I had to pretend to show interest in the model aero engine he'd bought off eBay. Conversation: Graham: "But it's got your favourite singer's name on the side. (Enya)" Me: "Ha, ha, very funny, but what is it for?"
Spent part of the afternoon at Derby City Hospital with Graham who had appointment for a diabetic eye test. Took longer to walk from car park and find the correct department, than we spent in the clinic, NHS efficiency at it's best! Will take up to ten days to hear how the blood vessels in his eyes are bearing up to all the pills he now has to take (6 a day)
Had reply back from magazine, perhaps writing up lesson plans isn't that bad...
Saturday 6th
Robert rang mid afternoon to share his news. Conversation: "Guess where I am and what I'm standing next to?" Me: "A new bike in a bike shop?" Very close... He'd taken the train into Cambridge and bought a bike from a New Zealander off back to New Zealand. He was at the station waiting for his train with two bikes in tow (homophone) It was lovely to feel the phone tingle with his excitement at his purchase. Our (at home) excitement covered putting the Christmas decorations away and getting wet going shopping...
Sunday 7th
Trying very hard to get up to date with New Year 'To Do' list (sound familiar?) Managed to sign contract from last year, send cheque to pensions department (not sure why as I won't get a pension of my own) and a letter to the Building Society telling them that I no longer qualify for gross interest (back dated). The most important letter still didn't get written - to the tax man, help!!...
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