The date on this plaque is 1594. Read how The Garrick got its name here...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Still "The Fastest Knitter In The West..." (With apologies to Pete Bevington of The Shetland News)
Monday 18th February
Learned first thing that Hazel Tindall had beaten all the fastest knitters in the world to be crowned International Speed Knitter at the Knit Out 2008 held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The UKHKA (who I run the website for) had sponsored Hazel to take part. This news certainly put a spring in my step today.
Graham gave me a lift to the station at lunch time and I travelled down to the NEC to visit the ICHF Craft, Hobby and Stitch Show - one of the highlights of my year. All the main names are there with all their 'crafty bits' on display. Trouble is you can't buy, only look (and make an order). After the show I had been invited to a special meeting to welcome on board some new members to the UKHKA (best not be too specific, just in case) It was great fun, we had wine and nibbles and lots to chat about.
I had a really lovely day, a really 'normal' day. Pity Hermione had to spoil everything by the next day...
Learned first thing that Hazel Tindall had beaten all the fastest knitters in the world to be crowned International Speed Knitter at the Knit Out 2008 held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The UKHKA (who I run the website for) had sponsored Hazel to take part. This news certainly put a spring in my step today.
Graham gave me a lift to the station at lunch time and I travelled down to the NEC to visit the ICHF Craft, Hobby and Stitch Show - one of the highlights of my year. All the main names are there with all their 'crafty bits' on display. Trouble is you can't buy, only look (and make an order). After the show I had been invited to a special meeting to welcome on board some new members to the UKHKA (best not be too specific, just in case) It was great fun, we had wine and nibbles and lots to chat about.
I had a really lovely day, a really 'normal' day. Pity Hermione had to spoil everything by the next day...
Open And Shut Case...
Saturday 16th February
While I was at the tutor meeting, Graham decided to surprise me by hoovering out the top of the boiler as it keeps cutting out. (I'd insisted that that's all the boiler man does and then charges us £75) True to my instructions, he brought in the old hoover from the garage and with Robert's help, they began work. Unfortunately, just as they were about to switch off, the bag burst and covered them and the kitchen in an oily black film. There were tell tale sooty fingerprints all over my new door when we got home from Sheffield.
At least he tried... and no the boiler isn't behaving any better... may have to raid Lucy's piggy bank!
While I was at the tutor meeting, Graham decided to surprise me by hoovering out the top of the boiler as it keeps cutting out. (I'd insisted that that's all the boiler man does and then charges us £75) True to my instructions, he brought in the old hoover from the garage and with Robert's help, they began work. Unfortunately, just as they were about to switch off, the bag burst and covered them and the kitchen in an oily black film. There were tell tale sooty fingerprints all over my new door when we got home from Sheffield.
At least he tried... and no the boiler isn't behaving any better... may have to raid Lucy's piggy bank!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Beautiful Day...
Saturday 16th February
Woke up and realised that although today was a Saturday and the first day of half term, I had to go to a tutor meeting. Graham took me but even so I managed the accolade of being the last one there. Luckily the morning passed swiftly and it was soon time to leave and head off up the Sheffield for our trip out. As Robert was home for the week-end, he'd suggested that on this cold and frosty day, we head for the Millennium Gardens in the centre of Sheffield. It took ages to find the nearest car park, but only a short time to find the nearest delicatessen and treated ourselves to pork and stuffing baps.
Woke up and realised that although today was a Saturday and the first day of half term, I had to go to a tutor meeting. Graham took me but even so I managed the accolade of being the last one there. Luckily the morning passed swiftly and it was soon time to leave and head off up the Sheffield for our trip out. As Robert was home for the week-end, he'd suggested that on this cold and frosty day, we head for the Millennium Gardens in the centre of Sheffield. It took ages to find the nearest car park, but only a short time to find the nearest delicatessen and treated ourselves to pork and stuffing baps.
From The Centre Of My World...
If you peer into the globe, you may just be able to see Graham and I taking the photo. Water trickles over the surface, but they don't exactly do much other than provide an interesting aspect on the world..
Coming In From The Cold...
Inside the Millennium Gardens is a tropical paradise, especially on an extremely cold day! There are several galleries to visit and while we were there, a couple were having their wedding photos taken.
Robert even managed to bump into an old school mate, who is now studying at Sheffield University.
Robert even managed to bump into an old school mate, who is now studying at Sheffield University.
The Real Hustle...?
After viewing an excellent photographic display (Sheffield Photographic Club) at the gallery inside the cathedral, we made our way across the square heading back towards the car. We were approached by a 'studenty looking' girl, who began to address Graham with phrases like: "I don't how to say this..." and "Can I ask you?' It was obvious to us all that this was going to be a "can you give me some money" speech. She told a story of how she had been shopping in Meadow Hall and lost her purse and had waited all day for it to be handed in ... and she had no way of getting back to Derby. Graham has a habit of believing people and their sad stories - not that he usually believes them, he just thinks it's the quickest way to get rid of them. Imagining that he would soon be delving into his wallet, I decided to take control of the situation by delivering a double bluff. " You're in luck" I said sweetly, "We're from Derby, we can give you a lift back... whereabouts in Derby do you live?" She took a step back, visibly trying to think of a way round the offer. After much hesitation, she backed away declining the lift.
The joke of it was, Graham only had 50p in his pocket....
The joke of it was, Graham only had 50p in his pocket....
Friday, February 22, 2008
IN BRIEF
Monday 11th February
Busy morning. Jewellery class went really well and nearly all finished making their beaded hearts ready for Valentine's day. Supported student didn't turn up, so her support worker informed me that she was entitled to leave after a certain amount of time and still get paid. Her attitude really 'sucks' to quote modern terminology. Upshot was, backed by one of the other students, she was persuaded to stay - and then her passing shot was that she was really happy that she stayed, as she enjoyed doing some beading...
Tuesday 12th February
Busy day catching up on the website. Trying to find all newspaper articles before our sponsored fastest knitter flies to Minneapolis to compete against lots of other contestants from around the world for the coveted title of International Speed Knitting Champion.
Went to tap class, coped OK, just tapped as lightly as I could.
Wednesday 13th February
Up early as men coming to fit new doors front and back of the utility. They arrived at quarter to nine and began with a cup of strong tea (no sugar). Unlike typical workmen, they got on with the job and it soon became obvious they would be finished before I'd had time to go and get them their money. I dashed off to town and to the bank. After waiting in a queue for 10 minutes listening to some poor lad who wanted to: "withdraw all my money" he was finally handed a five pound note. Soon it was my turn, everything was fine, or so I thought until the bank clerk disappeared with my passport for 5 minutes to get the payment 'authorised'. " How would you like the money?" "As big as possible" I replied, when it was clear that she only had £20 the question seemed irrelevant. Then she began to count out my nearly £2000 in full view of the now 10 people in the queue. I was so cross that she wasn't the slightest bit discreet. I even had to ask for an envelope to put it in...
Having dashed back home, I threw the money at the 'chaps' and dashed out again to my doctor's appointment arriving 5 minutes late.
I arrived back just in time to see the last few bits and pieces being loaded in to the van and the path being swept up. Money handed over, receipt signed, job done.....
I just love my new doors!
Thursday 14th February
Today began with two piano lessons. I've mentioned before about my new pupil being a healer. Today our usual exchange of pleasantries culminated in her impromptu 'laying on of hands' with a little prayer. It was a lovely gesture. To think that such a small action could have made a difference makes you want to 'believe', but writing this a week later, I am beginning to despair of ever getting better...
Valentine's Day was noted, but we didn't go out as last year. Graham bought me a dozen red roses, they were lovely and very healthy looking...except there was only 11 of them... I bought him a special edition pot of Marmite (he really does love it) which made for an unusual surprise and it did taste strangely different with it's added ingredient of champagne!
Friday 15th February
Arrived at the centre to find no only the car park cordoned off, but also the front entrance and a very large crane in operation. They have been re-cladding the building and should have been finished except that the top story of the building is 6" shorter than the rest and they only found this out when they tried to put the slabs in place!
Collected Lucy from the station, went shopping and then deposited her at Ben's. Graham collected Robert from the station at half past 7.
Friday's Favourite: Terry Wogan plays this song a lot, which is where, I suppose I must have heard it first. I'm posting two links to the same song as I don't like the video to the first and the second link is appropriately enough for Valentine's Day
"All I Have" Beth Nielson Chapman
Valentine's Day Three Love Songs (push the slider along to the last 4 minutes)
Monday 11th February
Busy morning. Jewellery class went really well and nearly all finished making their beaded hearts ready for Valentine's day. Supported student didn't turn up, so her support worker informed me that she was entitled to leave after a certain amount of time and still get paid. Her attitude really 'sucks' to quote modern terminology. Upshot was, backed by one of the other students, she was persuaded to stay - and then her passing shot was that she was really happy that she stayed, as she enjoyed doing some beading...
Tuesday 12th February
Busy day catching up on the website. Trying to find all newspaper articles before our sponsored fastest knitter flies to Minneapolis to compete against lots of other contestants from around the world for the coveted title of International Speed Knitting Champion.
Went to tap class, coped OK, just tapped as lightly as I could.
Wednesday 13th February
Up early as men coming to fit new doors front and back of the utility. They arrived at quarter to nine and began with a cup of strong tea (no sugar). Unlike typical workmen, they got on with the job and it soon became obvious they would be finished before I'd had time to go and get them their money. I dashed off to town and to the bank. After waiting in a queue for 10 minutes listening to some poor lad who wanted to: "withdraw all my money" he was finally handed a five pound note. Soon it was my turn, everything was fine, or so I thought until the bank clerk disappeared with my passport for 5 minutes to get the payment 'authorised'. " How would you like the money?" "As big as possible" I replied, when it was clear that she only had £20 the question seemed irrelevant. Then she began to count out my nearly £2000 in full view of the now 10 people in the queue. I was so cross that she wasn't the slightest bit discreet. I even had to ask for an envelope to put it in...
Having dashed back home, I threw the money at the 'chaps' and dashed out again to my doctor's appointment arriving 5 minutes late.
I arrived back just in time to see the last few bits and pieces being loaded in to the van and the path being swept up. Money handed over, receipt signed, job done.....
I just love my new doors!
Thursday 14th February
Today began with two piano lessons. I've mentioned before about my new pupil being a healer. Today our usual exchange of pleasantries culminated in her impromptu 'laying on of hands' with a little prayer. It was a lovely gesture. To think that such a small action could have made a difference makes you want to 'believe', but writing this a week later, I am beginning to despair of ever getting better...
Valentine's Day was noted, but we didn't go out as last year. Graham bought me a dozen red roses, they were lovely and very healthy looking...except there was only 11 of them... I bought him a special edition pot of Marmite (he really does love it) which made for an unusual surprise and it did taste strangely different with it's added ingredient of champagne!
Friday 15th February
Arrived at the centre to find no only the car park cordoned off, but also the front entrance and a very large crane in operation. They have been re-cladding the building and should have been finished except that the top story of the building is 6" shorter than the rest and they only found this out when they tried to put the slabs in place!
Collected Lucy from the station, went shopping and then deposited her at Ben's. Graham collected Robert from the station at half past 7.
Friday's Favourite: Terry Wogan plays this song a lot, which is where, I suppose I must have heard it first. I'm posting two links to the same song as I don't like the video to the first and the second link is appropriately enough for Valentine's Day
"All I Have" Beth Nielson Chapman
Valentine's Day Three Love Songs (push the slider along to the last 4 minutes)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Local Ancestors...
Sunday 10th February
Graham has found a great, great, (may be more) grand-father who was born at Milford and later moved to Chester Green. The church is one we pass by most weeks without a thought, now it has taken on much more significance. It was lovely and warm in the winter sun today, so we had a quick trip out there. Surprisingly there is no graveyard attached to the church to check for distant relations...
Graham has found a great, great, (may be more) grand-father who was born at Milford and later moved to Chester Green. The church is one we pass by most weeks without a thought, now it has taken on much more significance. It was lovely and warm in the winter sun today, so we had a quick trip out there. Surprisingly there is no graveyard attached to the church to check for distant relations...
Weir Meet Again... (With Apologies)
It's only recently that the factories that lined the river Derwent at Milford have been flattened and blocks of houses have been built in their place. It was so warm in the sun that we decided to have a walk round and were amazed to find this haven of tranquility. There was obviously a mill spanning part of the river here at one time. Now only the weir, side sluice gates and pillars remain.
Can't wait to see it again in the summer...
Can't wait to see it again in the summer...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Soon To Be A Millionaire...
Blue Moon Reflection Bag, it's even prettier close to. Email me to buy one
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Awoke this morning to find I'd sold another bag on Etsy, hooray!
If I just had some time to make some more...
Shooting The Past...
Saturday 9th February
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, just the day for an interesting trip out. Ever since Christmas, Graham has been researching our family trees. He first became interested when we were on holiday in Canada in August 2006 and we visited relations of my great uncle (on my mum's side) He'd emigrated to Canada early in the 1900s, but come back to fight in the First World War. (But that's another story)
I know very little about any of the family on my dad's side, except every so often he'll come out with a gem of a story about something that happened to him or his family and I'll stop and think, wow... I must hear more and record everything before it's too late. Perhaps the most striking thing and this is very sad is that my dad (Pryce Watkins) lost his mother (Selina nee Proffitt) when he was only 11 and lived with a variety of relations between then and the time he was sent away to work on a farm near Stratford-On-Avon aged 13 and a half. Happily, there on an adjoining farm lived a girl whom he met two years later on her 15th birthday (he was having his hair cut in a field at the time) and was later to become his wife, my mum. (Marjorie nee Wynn)
Dilloways Lane was where my dad lived between the ages of 8 and 13. Both his grandparents and another uncle lived in one of the bungalows to the left.
This is probably the view my dad would have seen on his way home from one of his many escapades.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, just the day for an interesting trip out. Ever since Christmas, Graham has been researching our family trees. He first became interested when we were on holiday in Canada in August 2006 and we visited relations of my great uncle (on my mum's side) He'd emigrated to Canada early in the 1900s, but come back to fight in the First World War. (But that's another story)
I know very little about any of the family on my dad's side, except every so often he'll come out with a gem of a story about something that happened to him or his family and I'll stop and think, wow... I must hear more and record everything before it's too late. Perhaps the most striking thing and this is very sad is that my dad (Pryce Watkins) lost his mother (Selina nee Proffitt) when he was only 11 and lived with a variety of relations between then and the time he was sent away to work on a farm near Stratford-On-Avon aged 13 and a half. Happily, there on an adjoining farm lived a girl whom he met two years later on her 15th birthday (he was having his hair cut in a field at the time) and was later to become his wife, my mum. (Marjorie nee Wynn)
Dilloways Lane was where my dad lived between the ages of 8 and 13. Both his grandparents and another uncle lived in one of the bungalows to the left.
This is probably the view my dad would have seen on his way home from one of his many escapades.
Look Before You Swim...
Apparently my dad was born in Taylor Street, about two miles away and thinks one of the reasons they moved here was due to an incident which probably took place shortly before they moved.
He had been out playing a game of cowboys with his mates next to 'The Cut' as it was know (the nearby canal). He'd leant forward to wash his hands and, in his own words "taken a nose dive". Not being able to swim nearly cost him his life, but as luck would have it a chap on his way home from his shift at the local Brickworks had stopped to watch the boys (or perhaps he was riding past when he saw a small boy fall into the canal) and threw down his scarf for the boys to throw one end in for the boy in the water to catch hold of. My dad clearly remembers grabbing hold of the scarf and being pulled to safety having come up for breath for a second time. He also remembers that the man, knowing who he was, placed him on his handle bars and took him back to the Brickworks where his uncle Oliver worked. Uncle Oliver duly stripped him of his wet clothes and stood them and my dad in front of a furnace until everything was dry.
When I was little, I never understood why my dad would never come swimming in a swimming pool. He'd reluctantly come into the sea with us, but never in a pool. Now I understand why...
He had been out playing a game of cowboys with his mates next to 'The Cut' as it was know (the nearby canal). He'd leant forward to wash his hands and, in his own words "taken a nose dive". Not being able to swim nearly cost him his life, but as luck would have it a chap on his way home from his shift at the local Brickworks had stopped to watch the boys (or perhaps he was riding past when he saw a small boy fall into the canal) and threw down his scarf for the boys to throw one end in for the boy in the water to catch hold of. My dad clearly remembers grabbing hold of the scarf and being pulled to safety having come up for breath for a second time. He also remembers that the man, knowing who he was, placed him on his handle bars and took him back to the Brickworks where his uncle Oliver worked. Uncle Oliver duly stripped him of his wet clothes and stood them and my dad in front of a furnace until everything was dry.
When I was little, I never understood why my dad would never come swimming in a swimming pool. He'd reluctantly come into the sea with us, but never in a pool. Now I understand why...
The White Church...
This is the church my dad most clearly remembers and it's easy to see why, it truly is magnificent. Except as a child, he remembers it as being on a hill. On Saturday, we may have walked up a bit of a slope, but not exactly a hill...
Since our visit we have made contact with Linda, who is the grand daughter of my dad's uncle, George Arthur Watkins, (daughter of his cousin Florrie nee Watkins). She sent us a photo of a wedding taken outside this wonderful church in 1955. It was the joint wedding of two daughters of my dad's mother's sister, Rebecca (nee Proffitt).
It's amazing that a I might be related to all those people pictured in the photo...
Since our visit we have made contact with Linda, who is the grand daughter of my dad's uncle, George Arthur Watkins, (daughter of his cousin Florrie nee Watkins). She sent us a photo of a wedding taken outside this wonderful church in 1955. It was the joint wedding of two daughters of my dad's mother's sister, Rebecca (nee Proffitt).
It's amazing that a I might be related to all those people pictured in the photo...
More Building...
At the time of Selina Proffitt's marriage she lived at 29 Gozzard Street which runs along the back of St Mary's church. It only 'goes' to 18A now, part of the street having been bulldozed to make way for 'The Black Country Route', opened by Neil Kinnock in July 1995.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Selina Proffitt and Thomas Watkins
On 8th June 1924 my paternal grandmother was married in this beautiful church.
We arrived just as a homeless group were coming out from a service, so we asked to have a quick look inside. It didn't seem 'right' to take a photo of the interior, but it wasn't what I was expecting ... a bit like a Methodist layout with seating upstairs supported by pillars. Behind the small modern altar were four beautiful plaques of inscriptions in red and black gothic script.
There were no old grave stones in the ample churchyard at the back.
We arrived just as a homeless group were coming out from a service, so we asked to have a quick look inside. It didn't seem 'right' to take a photo of the interior, but it wasn't what I was expecting ... a bit like a Methodist layout with seating upstairs supported by pillars. Behind the small modern altar were four beautiful plaques of inscriptions in red and black gothic script.
There were no old grave stones in the ample churchyard at the back.
IN BRIEF
Monday 4th February
Busy morning. Arrived at teaching and had to ask 'other' support worker for help with carrying my things. She maintained that she didn't know why I needed help. I found out later that one of the other students 'explained' things to her. Don't you just love it when people stand up for you.
Tuesday 5th February
Day spent catching up with the website. No tap lesson as tutor away, but not really up to it still.
Wednesday 6th
Nose to the grind stone, but nothing interesting to share.
Thursday 7th
Jewellery class went OK, had new enquiries, so two new students to start next week.
Friday 8th
My nice caretaker at centre not there today. Person left in charge had been fully briefed of my needs and was very helpful. As the car park is full of cranes and cordoned off, I couldn't help but ask the question: "what happens if there is a fire" as it's the assembly point. It caused much consternation to those I asked, I'd never seen so much head scratching and chin stroking. Even men with florescent orange jackets got involved. Word came back that we should take an alternative route and assemble at the front of the building. However, when the man in the orange jacket put his oar in, the decision was reversed and the original instructions reinstated.
Just shows what men in orange jackets know... what good is an assembly point if the area is barricaded off?! I'm thinking of my next question for next Friday...any suggestions?
Collected Lucy from the station as she's still having trouble with her ankle. Fell in love with two tops from Next and couldn't choose, so had both. One was £15 and the other £16. Went to the desk to pay and extracted £30 from my purse. "You need another £1.00", Lucy prompted, but somehow when the tags were scanned it came as £30.00. The last time we were there I chose some black cords which were very reasonable at £22.00. Went to pay for them and was only asked for £10.00. As we made a hasty getaway towards the door I was thinking: "I hope we don't set of the alarms and they find out we've been under charged". As we passed the door horror... the alarms went off, but no one took any notice. Outside I checked inside the bag and found the tag still attached. Felt I had to go back and confess...back through the entrance, off went the alarm...no one batted an eyelid. They were very grateful to get their tag back!
Lucy says she's not coming with me to Next again unless she can be sure she gets the bargain...
Friday's Favourite: Not music this week, but a spot of 'Cold Calling'. If you need cheering up today I guarantee this will do the trick!
Monday 4th February
Busy morning. Arrived at teaching and had to ask 'other' support worker for help with carrying my things. She maintained that she didn't know why I needed help. I found out later that one of the other students 'explained' things to her. Don't you just love it when people stand up for you.
Tuesday 5th February
Day spent catching up with the website. No tap lesson as tutor away, but not really up to it still.
Wednesday 6th
Nose to the grind stone, but nothing interesting to share.
Thursday 7th
Jewellery class went OK, had new enquiries, so two new students to start next week.
Friday 8th
My nice caretaker at centre not there today. Person left in charge had been fully briefed of my needs and was very helpful. As the car park is full of cranes and cordoned off, I couldn't help but ask the question: "what happens if there is a fire" as it's the assembly point. It caused much consternation to those I asked, I'd never seen so much head scratching and chin stroking. Even men with florescent orange jackets got involved. Word came back that we should take an alternative route and assemble at the front of the building. However, when the man in the orange jacket put his oar in, the decision was reversed and the original instructions reinstated.
Just shows what men in orange jackets know... what good is an assembly point if the area is barricaded off?! I'm thinking of my next question for next Friday...any suggestions?
Collected Lucy from the station as she's still having trouble with her ankle. Fell in love with two tops from Next and couldn't choose, so had both. One was £15 and the other £16. Went to the desk to pay and extracted £30 from my purse. "You need another £1.00", Lucy prompted, but somehow when the tags were scanned it came as £30.00. The last time we were there I chose some black cords which were very reasonable at £22.00. Went to pay for them and was only asked for £10.00. As we made a hasty getaway towards the door I was thinking: "I hope we don't set of the alarms and they find out we've been under charged". As we passed the door horror... the alarms went off, but no one took any notice. Outside I checked inside the bag and found the tag still attached. Felt I had to go back and confess...back through the entrance, off went the alarm...no one batted an eyelid. They were very grateful to get their tag back!
Lucy says she's not coming with me to Next again unless she can be sure she gets the bargain...
Friday's Favourite: Not music this week, but a spot of 'Cold Calling'. If you need cheering up today I guarantee this will do the trick!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Winter Wonderland...
Saturday 2nd February
Snow had fallen late last night and we awoke to a Christmas card scene outside. Unfortunately it was very dull, but with Graham home from the US by 9 o'clock, we had the opportunity for a day out. Robert was home for the week-end after his three hour journey from Loughborough last night. (There were no trains all day due to a lorry knocking a footbridge onto the track somewhere near Loughborough first thing). Robert found us a National Trust property that we'd not visited before; Ilam Hall. We've been to Dovedale many times, but never realised this gem of a place is about 100yards down the road from Dovedale car park.
...and the sun shone...
Snow had fallen late last night and we awoke to a Christmas card scene outside. Unfortunately it was very dull, but with Graham home from the US by 9 o'clock, we had the opportunity for a day out. Robert was home for the week-end after his three hour journey from Loughborough last night. (There were no trains all day due to a lorry knocking a footbridge onto the track somewhere near Loughborough first thing). Robert found us a National Trust property that we'd not visited before; Ilam Hall. We've been to Dovedale many times, but never realised this gem of a place is about 100yards down the road from Dovedale car park.
...and the sun shone...
Cottage Pie For Lunch...
Ilam Hall is fairly predicable for a building built in the early 1800s. However, laced with snow it became quite jolly for the day and we had a lovely walk along the river after our lunch of cottage pie in the tea rooms. (Three meals for less than £20.00!)
Definitely earmarked for a return visit later in the year.
Definitely earmarked for a return visit later in the year.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Across From The Dentist...
This beautiful building used to house the Derby Gas and Coke Company. It's now used as a Casino, but Photoshop has helped me to erase the evidence...
IN BRIEF
Monday 28th January
Morning went in a blur. Was feeling so rough that I've decided not to do any lifting or opening of doors when I go teaching. It's OK on a Monday as I have two support workers in my class (one is very helpful), Thursday may prove more difficult.
Tuesday 29th
Second night of disturbed sleep and I seem to have developed an infection in my Wisdom tooth. It never rains...
Went to tap class, but was hurting so much I had to stand out for most of the lesson. It's so upsetting...there are three competitions coming up. I have to face reality that it would be fairer to bow out now before final placing have been made, rather than run the risk of having to drop out at the last minute. If I have to give up, it will break my heart...
Wednesday 30th (See above)
Third night of disturbed sleep and beginning to feel like a zombie. Realised that I have to do something about my tooth, so rang up and made an emergency appointment with my dentist. Only had time to read half of a "Digital Photographer" magazine in the waiting room. The dentist was relieved to hear that the tooth I had visited him for a fortnight ago was not the cause of today's problem. Amazingly, he remembered that he'd had to come out to our house 20 or so years ago when I had a similar infection just after Robert was born. He prescribed a five day course of Metronidazole, three huge tablets a day with food, but no alcohol, not until 48 hours after the last tablet. Roll on next Wednesday...
Lucy rang as I was leaving the dentist to ask me to pick her up from the station. Called in to do the food shopping on the way home.
Rushed lunch as chap coming at two to give me a quote for new doors front and back in the utility. They would have cost £1224 each, but as it's January he let me talk him into giving me the VAT off (he told me last year, when he quoted for soffits and facias - they do this during slack times of the year) making a reduction of £386 and a total of £2090. He told me all about his 1000cc Apprillia and I told him about Graham's Triumph Daytona 955i, (I think I won on points)
Must remember to tell Graham...
Thursday 31st
I would have slept, but the gales kept me awake last night. The house was shaking so much at one point, I wondered if we might wake up in Kansas...
No such luck. Jewellery class went OK, was disappointed that two were missing and hadn't bothered to ring up with apologies.
Man came to measure doors as I got back. Told me how he'd gone down with a cold today and hoped it wouldn't turn into 'man 'flu'. If it was sympathy he was after, he'd come to the wrong house...If he'd kept quiet he may have been offered a cup of tea, but as it was...
Took Lucy to catch her train at 7.00pm
Friday 1st February
Arrived at Rycote Centre to find the whole of the car park cordoned off due to building work. Parked up and went to find the care-taker to see what to do. Was very touched to find that he had allocated me 'a space' at the front of the building, while everyone else was across the road. I could have hugged him with gratitude...
Although it is now the fourth week of term we had three new students starting, two of whom had attended previously. Thinking we were likely to be oversubscribed, I went and 'borrowed' someone from the office, only to find that those expected didn't turn up. Wonder what will happen next week...
As a new feature for Fridays, I intend to find some of my favourite music from You Tube. Here's another classic, Elton John with Carla Etude...
Monday 28th January
Morning went in a blur. Was feeling so rough that I've decided not to do any lifting or opening of doors when I go teaching. It's OK on a Monday as I have two support workers in my class (one is very helpful), Thursday may prove more difficult.
Tuesday 29th
Second night of disturbed sleep and I seem to have developed an infection in my Wisdom tooth. It never rains...
Went to tap class, but was hurting so much I had to stand out for most of the lesson. It's so upsetting...there are three competitions coming up. I have to face reality that it would be fairer to bow out now before final placing have been made, rather than run the risk of having to drop out at the last minute. If I have to give up, it will break my heart...
Wednesday 30th (See above)
Third night of disturbed sleep and beginning to feel like a zombie. Realised that I have to do something about my tooth, so rang up and made an emergency appointment with my dentist. Only had time to read half of a "Digital Photographer" magazine in the waiting room. The dentist was relieved to hear that the tooth I had visited him for a fortnight ago was not the cause of today's problem. Amazingly, he remembered that he'd had to come out to our house 20 or so years ago when I had a similar infection just after Robert was born. He prescribed a five day course of Metronidazole, three huge tablets a day with food, but no alcohol, not until 48 hours after the last tablet. Roll on next Wednesday...
Lucy rang as I was leaving the dentist to ask me to pick her up from the station. Called in to do the food shopping on the way home.
Rushed lunch as chap coming at two to give me a quote for new doors front and back in the utility. They would have cost £1224 each, but as it's January he let me talk him into giving me the VAT off (he told me last year, when he quoted for soffits and facias - they do this during slack times of the year) making a reduction of £386 and a total of £2090. He told me all about his 1000cc Apprillia and I told him about Graham's Triumph Daytona 955i, (I think I won on points)
Must remember to tell Graham...
Thursday 31st
I would have slept, but the gales kept me awake last night. The house was shaking so much at one point, I wondered if we might wake up in Kansas...
No such luck. Jewellery class went OK, was disappointed that two were missing and hadn't bothered to ring up with apologies.
Man came to measure doors as I got back. Told me how he'd gone down with a cold today and hoped it wouldn't turn into 'man 'flu'. If it was sympathy he was after, he'd come to the wrong house...If he'd kept quiet he may have been offered a cup of tea, but as it was...
Took Lucy to catch her train at 7.00pm
Friday 1st February
Arrived at Rycote Centre to find the whole of the car park cordoned off due to building work. Parked up and went to find the care-taker to see what to do. Was very touched to find that he had allocated me 'a space' at the front of the building, while everyone else was across the road. I could have hugged him with gratitude...
Although it is now the fourth week of term we had three new students starting, two of whom had attended previously. Thinking we were likely to be oversubscribed, I went and 'borrowed' someone from the office, only to find that those expected didn't turn up. Wonder what will happen next week...
As a new feature for Fridays, I intend to find some of my favourite music from You Tube. Here's another classic, Elton John with Carla Etude...
Monday, February 04, 2008
Stop, Look and Listen...
Saturday 26th January
Today was meant to be Robert's and mine 'Grand Day Out' when we go and paint a town red (while Graham is away). Unfortunately the day did not bode well. I wasn't up to it and Robert had 'exam-itus' (exam on Tuesday) and was revising. By three o'clock we both needed to escape whatever the cost. So I 'jumped' in the car and drove down to see Robert and we spent an hour at the steam extravaganza at Loughborough Central Station. (£5.00 for a platform ticket, thanks Robert!)
Today was meant to be Robert's and mine 'Grand Day Out' when we go and paint a town red (while Graham is away). Unfortunately the day did not bode well. I wasn't up to it and Robert had 'exam-itus' (exam on Tuesday) and was revising. By three o'clock we both needed to escape whatever the cost. So I 'jumped' in the car and drove down to see Robert and we spent an hour at the steam extravaganza at Loughborough Central Station. (£5.00 for a platform ticket, thanks Robert!)
Red Hot?...
Fire In The Engine, Great Central Railway, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Sunset Over Signals...
Sunset At Great Central Railway, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
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