Sunday 18th May
Now that Sunday lunch is no longer a family occasion (with only the two of us), we decided to 'throw' everything in the car and have a Sunday lunch picnic instead!
This is the view we had at Ogston Reservoir, near Chesterfield. It wasn't quite warm enough to sit outside and eat, but we did go for a long walk afterwards - and there was no washing up...bliss!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
G is for Grey and Grantham....
Saturday 17th May
There's nothing worse than wanting a pleasant day out and the weather turns against you! Today was freezing...
Graham took Lucy to work first thing, she has her old Saturday job back at Reptonia, the bridal shop in Derby. Most weeks this will become Wednesdays and Thursdays. Having waited in for the milkman, we were late setting off, so our first port of call once we arrived in Grantham was the nearest cafe.
We all know why Grantham is now famous, but it does have some lovely buildings, an interesting museum and the famous Isaac Newton school. Newton's house is just down the road at Woolsthorpe and the Battle Of Britain Memorial flight centre is at nearby Conningsby.
End of things you never wanted to know about Grantham...
There's nothing worse than wanting a pleasant day out and the weather turns against you! Today was freezing...
Graham took Lucy to work first thing, she has her old Saturday job back at Reptonia, the bridal shop in Derby. Most weeks this will become Wednesdays and Thursdays. Having waited in for the milkman, we were late setting off, so our first port of call once we arrived in Grantham was the nearest cafe.
We all know why Grantham is now famous, but it does have some lovely buildings, an interesting museum and the famous Isaac Newton school. Newton's house is just down the road at Woolsthorpe and the Battle Of Britain Memorial flight centre is at nearby Conningsby.
End of things you never wanted to know about Grantham...
Burgled...
Friday 16th May
Lucy has been promising my mum and dad that as soon as she finished her term, she would go and visit. I put her on the train after we got back from Leicester, on Wednesday evening and they collected her from Cheltenham station. She spent a relaxing time with them and returned on Friday afternoon. After putting her on the train, they called in on my god-mother and her husband, who live in Cheltenham and who they hadn't seen in months.
They arrived back home at 5.45pm and found that they had been burgled. Thankfully all that was taken was their new (six month old) television. The burglars had smashed a double glazed window at the front of the house and gained entry by managing to open the window - which was locked. They must have spent some time in the house searching the lounge for the remote control and the manual! The police came quite quickly and arranged for the fingerprint expert to come the next day (she found nothing).
My mum has recovered quickly and is philosophical about the whole incident, knowing how heart broken she could have been had they taken something of sentimental value. My dad on the other hand is clearly in a state of depression. The burglars managed to break into his workshop in the barn (boy, they must have been disappointed!) No fancy gadgets, or electrical gizmos, but his life's collection of bits of wood and metal from which he spends his time making things from.
It could have been so much worse...
Lucy has been promising my mum and dad that as soon as she finished her term, she would go and visit. I put her on the train after we got back from Leicester, on Wednesday evening and they collected her from Cheltenham station. She spent a relaxing time with them and returned on Friday afternoon. After putting her on the train, they called in on my god-mother and her husband, who live in Cheltenham and who they hadn't seen in months.
They arrived back home at 5.45pm and found that they had been burgled. Thankfully all that was taken was their new (six month old) television. The burglars had smashed a double glazed window at the front of the house and gained entry by managing to open the window - which was locked. They must have spent some time in the house searching the lounge for the remote control and the manual! The police came quite quickly and arranged for the fingerprint expert to come the next day (she found nothing).
My mum has recovered quickly and is philosophical about the whole incident, knowing how heart broken she could have been had they taken something of sentimental value. My dad on the other hand is clearly in a state of depression. The burglars managed to break into his workshop in the barn (boy, they must have been disappointed!) No fancy gadgets, or electrical gizmos, but his life's collection of bits of wood and metal from which he spends his time making things from.
It could have been so much worse...
Pain Management Clinic
Friday 16th May
Today was meant to be my 'last ditched attempt' at my quest for total recovery. I had waited fourteen long weeks for this appointment and although on the day, I thought I had achieved this goal, I felt I should still attend - if only to tell the consultant that my 'magic' cream had worked!
My appointment was for 10.45am - I had thought that as I wasn't due to be teaching until 1.00pm, I would have ample time to attend the consultation and arrive in time to teach. However, I began to worry as the hand on the clock in the waiting room marched ominously round. At 11.30, the lady 'before' me gave up - requesting another appointment to be sent to her. I gritted my teeth, metaphorically speaking determined to hold out...
At 11.50, I was finally called in. The consultant was really lovely to me and listened carefully to everything I said. He explained all the options open to me even though I confessed to feeling a complete fraud - and arranged a return visit to learn more about the workings of a TENS machine. (This was day 5 of my pain free week, the pains returned on day 9)
At last someone had listened...
Today was meant to be my 'last ditched attempt' at my quest for total recovery. I had waited fourteen long weeks for this appointment and although on the day, I thought I had achieved this goal, I felt I should still attend - if only to tell the consultant that my 'magic' cream had worked!
My appointment was for 10.45am - I had thought that as I wasn't due to be teaching until 1.00pm, I would have ample time to attend the consultation and arrive in time to teach. However, I began to worry as the hand on the clock in the waiting room marched ominously round. At 11.30, the lady 'before' me gave up - requesting another appointment to be sent to her. I gritted my teeth, metaphorically speaking determined to hold out...
At 11.50, I was finally called in. The consultant was really lovely to me and listened carefully to everything I said. He explained all the options open to me even though I confessed to feeling a complete fraud - and arranged a return visit to learn more about the workings of a TENS machine. (This was day 5 of my pain free week, the pains returned on day 9)
At last someone had listened...
Sunday, May 25, 2008
End Of First Year...
Wednesday 14th May
Lucy finished her last exam on Friday and needed someone to bring all 'her stuff' home. My 'magic cream' seemed to be working and I'm free of any real pain, so I was delighted to offer to drive to Leicester and collect her belongings. This was the furthest I have driven on my own since last July and gave me such a feeling of freedom. I think I was so excited at the prospect that first I managed to head off in the wrong direction and then I took completely the wrong road after leaving the M1. I've been to Leicester enough times now not to let it worry me - I waited until I recognised a nearby landmark and then rang Lucy on my mobile. With the help of Google maps, she directed me 'in' - it was just like 'Challenge Anneka', but without the jumpsuit!
Once there it took Lucy about an hour to carry everything down to the car - (the one thing I still can't manage). However, I had a much more important job... cleaning the bathroom...!
Lucy finished her last exam on Friday and needed someone to bring all 'her stuff' home. My 'magic cream' seemed to be working and I'm free of any real pain, so I was delighted to offer to drive to Leicester and collect her belongings. This was the furthest I have driven on my own since last July and gave me such a feeling of freedom. I think I was so excited at the prospect that first I managed to head off in the wrong direction and then I took completely the wrong road after leaving the M1. I've been to Leicester enough times now not to let it worry me - I waited until I recognised a nearby landmark and then rang Lucy on my mobile. With the help of Google maps, she directed me 'in' - it was just like 'Challenge Anneka', but without the jumpsuit!
Once there it took Lucy about an hour to carry everything down to the car - (the one thing I still can't manage). However, I had a much more important job... cleaning the bathroom...!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Food Glorious Food...
Saturday 10th May
Strange how the hottest day of the year coincided with our once a year Tutor Conference. It's really difficult working up any enthusiasm when you can think of so many things you'd rather do. However, it was good to see people that I probably only see one a year, to swap ideas and similar circumstances. The day was filled with 'interesting' workshops (some more so than others). To be fair, the person who organises it does an excellent job each year, but this one failed to live up to it's title of "Dare To Be Different". Where last year's keynote speaker fired us with enthusiasm to rise to the challenge of positive thinking in our teaching, this year's speaker was the proverbial 'wet lettuce'. The highlight of the day was not the taking part in out door Tai Chi (as seen here) optimistically billed as the 'Fun Activity', but the lavish buffet we tucked into at lunch time.
Hats off to the caterers...
Strange how the hottest day of the year coincided with our once a year Tutor Conference. It's really difficult working up any enthusiasm when you can think of so many things you'd rather do. However, it was good to see people that I probably only see one a year, to swap ideas and similar circumstances. The day was filled with 'interesting' workshops (some more so than others). To be fair, the person who organises it does an excellent job each year, but this one failed to live up to it's title of "Dare To Be Different". Where last year's keynote speaker fired us with enthusiasm to rise to the challenge of positive thinking in our teaching, this year's speaker was the proverbial 'wet lettuce'. The highlight of the day was not the taking part in out door Tai Chi (as seen here) optimistically billed as the 'Fun Activity', but the lavish buffet we tucked into at lunch time.
Hats off to the caterers...
Blue Sky At Night...
Thursday 8th May
You can tell the weather is at last beginning to improve as we spent the week on different walks in and around Brackley Gate. This evening we walked across the fields to Horsley Lodge and back via a different path. We never knew there were so many farms seriously involved in horse riding. Just as we were making our way across the last field, the owners appeared and gave the ponies 'their tea'.
A little way away, in the same field, we witnessed a very long legged three day old foal being escorted back home by a very protective mother...
You can tell the weather is at last beginning to improve as we spent the week on different walks in and around Brackley Gate. This evening we walked across the fields to Horsley Lodge and back via a different path. We never knew there were so many farms seriously involved in horse riding. Just as we were making our way across the last field, the owners appeared and gave the ponies 'their tea'.
A little way away, in the same field, we witnessed a very long legged three day old foal being escorted back home by a very protective mother...
Monday, May 19, 2008
I Saw A Mouse...
Monday 5th May (Bank Holiday)
Lucy accompanied us on this evening's walk. Strange, but it's impossible to park anywhere near the windmill if you don't come when the mill is actually open.
The climb is good for the back of your legs and the view almost worth it as you reach the top...
Lucy accompanied us on this evening's walk. Strange, but it's impossible to park anywhere near the windmill if you don't come when the mill is actually open.
The climb is good for the back of your legs and the view almost worth it as you reach the top...
Sunday 4th May
Rained relentlessly all day and although mild, refused to stop until late evening. Determined to have some exercise, we took the car and left it at Rectory Lane in Breadsall and walked along a footpath to Little Eaton. You are supposed to walk along the main road past the shops and school until you can follow it again up a very steep path. However, Graham decided we should carry on up the hill where there was a path plainly used by people on horses. Trouble was, as we reached the top, it disappeared and we were left with the choice of a long climb down or a trek across two or three fields... We were fine until we came across a particularly boggy part of the next field and Graham's foot disappeared up to his ankle. This was followed by a loud sucky noise as he attempted to extricate it! Plodding on, we eventually rejoined the top of the footpath and continued on our way up the rest of Drum Hill and down the path next to the Severn Trent water tanks which led back to the car.
They say laughter is the best medicine - and I giggled all the way home...
Rained relentlessly all day and although mild, refused to stop until late evening. Determined to have some exercise, we took the car and left it at Rectory Lane in Breadsall and walked along a footpath to Little Eaton. You are supposed to walk along the main road past the shops and school until you can follow it again up a very steep path. However, Graham decided we should carry on up the hill where there was a path plainly used by people on horses. Trouble was, as we reached the top, it disappeared and we were left with the choice of a long climb down or a trek across two or three fields... We were fine until we came across a particularly boggy part of the next field and Graham's foot disappeared up to his ankle. This was followed by a loud sucky noise as he attempted to extricate it! Plodding on, we eventually rejoined the top of the footpath and continued on our way up the rest of Drum Hill and down the path next to the Severn Trent water tanks which led back to the car.
They say laughter is the best medicine - and I giggled all the way home...
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Beast Of Beacon Hill
Saturday 3rd May
Robert often mentions how he has cycled up Beacon Hill on many occasions, which is no mean feat considering it's at least five miles from his house and all uphill! So today I thought it would be interesting to see what Beacon Hill looks like. According to Graham, we have visited before when he was at Loughborough, but I can't remember it at all. I think it much more likely that Graham went with other chaps from Uni as he remembers watching them fly their kites and model aeroplanes...
At the top was a herd of long horn cattle. Like everyone else, we walked right by them as they stood like statues. I was very lucky to capture this as it moved...
Robert often mentions how he has cycled up Beacon Hill on many occasions, which is no mean feat considering it's at least five miles from his house and all uphill! So today I thought it would be interesting to see what Beacon Hill looks like. According to Graham, we have visited before when he was at Loughborough, but I can't remember it at all. I think it much more likely that Graham went with other chaps from Uni as he remembers watching them fly their kites and model aeroplanes...
At the top was a herd of long horn cattle. Like everyone else, we walked right by them as they stood like statues. I was very lucky to capture this as it moved...
Tower On Bradgate Hill
A walk around Beacon Hill doesn't exactly involve much exertion, so once back at the car, we consulted the map and headed for the next well known nearby park.
Bradgate Hill has all the elements of 'A Grand Day Out' including an excessive car parking fee (be warned). However, the walk up the hill takes in a 'Folly type' tower, War memorial and breathtaking views over Leicester. If you happen to have a kite with you, then it really could be fun!
Bradgate Hill has all the elements of 'A Grand Day Out' including an excessive car parking fee (be warned). However, the walk up the hill takes in a 'Folly type' tower, War memorial and breathtaking views over Leicester. If you happen to have a kite with you, then it really could be fun!
Madeline McCann, Missing Since May 3rd 2007
There are some stories in the newspapers which we all find hard to believe. In the case of Madeline McCann, we think: " how did this happen?" : "how could the parents have left these children alone", but if we take time to think we, have all been guilty of leaving our children out of sight, for moments, for minutes where we think they will be safe from harm...
When we left Bradgate Hill, we went in search of the nearest tea room and happened to stop in Rothley. In front of the War Memorial was a fresh bouquet of flowers on the ground and a series of pictures hanging on the railings. People passed by and stopped to look and read what was written. It didn't mean anything at the time, but when I opened the Sunday Telegraph the next day and saw a picture of the exact layout, I realised what we had chanced upon.
Madeline, I hope you are safe...
When we left Bradgate Hill, we went in search of the nearest tea room and happened to stop in Rothley. In front of the War Memorial was a fresh bouquet of flowers on the ground and a series of pictures hanging on the railings. People passed by and stopped to look and read what was written. It didn't mean anything at the time, but when I opened the Sunday Telegraph the next day and saw a picture of the exact layout, I realised what we had chanced upon.
Madeline, I hope you are safe...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lighter Evenings....
Thursday 1st May
In our get fit campaign at our house (how I miss my tap lessons) we have been going for longer and more regular walks in the evenings. This unfortunately means I have less time for blogging, but we have seen some interesting sights. (more above)
On this particular evening we left our lane, crossed to the golf course, through the wood at the back, up the muddy (very) lane to Brackley Gate and returned along the road. Almost home we found a new mirror on the side of the road, which is where I took this photo...
In our get fit campaign at our house (how I miss my tap lessons) we have been going for longer and more regular walks in the evenings. This unfortunately means I have less time for blogging, but we have seen some interesting sights. (more above)
On this particular evening we left our lane, crossed to the golf course, through the wood at the back, up the muddy (very) lane to Brackley Gate and returned along the road. Almost home we found a new mirror on the side of the road, which is where I took this photo...
Monday, May 12, 2008
Trip To Nottingham...
Thursday 1st May
As my lesson had been cancelled today, (the centre had become a Polling Centre for the Local Elections) I decided to venture out on my own and visit Nottingham. 'Just in case', I'd arranged to meet Lucy and go round the shops together. First port of call was the Bead Shop. The 'damage' wasn't too bad, although we lost a good half hour there. After the Bead Shop we always visit Lakeland Plastics, but on the way down we had to wait a few moments for the sun to come out and for me to take a couple of photos. The sky was absolutely stunning today and I was disappointed that I was in Nottingham and not in the countryside. However I was very pleasantly surprised at the ethereal images the light quality produced...
As my lesson had been cancelled today, (the centre had become a Polling Centre for the Local Elections) I decided to venture out on my own and visit Nottingham. 'Just in case', I'd arranged to meet Lucy and go round the shops together. First port of call was the Bead Shop. The 'damage' wasn't too bad, although we lost a good half hour there. After the Bead Shop we always visit Lakeland Plastics, but on the way down we had to wait a few moments for the sun to come out and for me to take a couple of photos. The sky was absolutely stunning today and I was disappointed that I was in Nottingham and not in the countryside. However I was very pleasantly surprised at the ethereal images the light quality produced...
And The Sun Shone...
In fact I was so pleased at the way my snaps turned out, I joined the NottinghamUK group on Flickr so I could post them for others to see. The same evening there was a thread on their discussion group stating that they are going to have an exhibition later this year and if you want to be considered you have to apply to be accepted to a further group.
I am pleased to report that I was accepted and I intend to submit this image. I'll let you know how I get on...
I am pleased to report that I was accepted and I intend to submit this image. I'll let you know how I get on...
IN BRIEF
Monday 28th April
Normal Monday, with Jewellery lesson in the afternoon. Today we made jewellery from buttons, always a fun thing to do and very effective. All my student's work goes straight onto the Derby Learn part of www.adult-learning-derby.org.uk.
Tuesday 29th April
Had a phone call from my line manager saying that as I only have four students in each of my Jewellery classes, I must amalgamate the two. If those figures were true, then I'd accept this situation and plod on - as it is, the class on Monday has two Learning Partners, which makes six and Thursday's lesson had apologies from three absentees, making 7.
I am upset, especially as I add up how much money I will lose...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Rover's Return...
Saturday 26th April
Very much the bus syndrome again, Robert returned Friday night, Lucy came and went to Ben's as usual and Graham arrived first thing on Saturday morning. After a sleep and a bath we bundled him into the car and stopping off at Denby Pottery on the way for lunch, we headed for 'them thar hills', well, the Peak District - with a promise of tea and cake after a 'long' walk.
Very much the bus syndrome again, Robert returned Friday night, Lucy came and went to Ben's as usual and Graham arrived first thing on Saturday morning. After a sleep and a bath we bundled him into the car and stopping off at Denby Pottery on the way for lunch, we headed for 'them thar hills', well, the Peak District - with a promise of tea and cake after a 'long' walk.
The Short and Not Particularly Winding Path...
After negotiating a field of rather docile cattle we made a round trip up to a hill and back through the village of Birchover. On the way we found some rare breed's cattle, ancient stone sheds, daffodils still in bloom and a barn containing white emus (presumed).
Birchover is well versed in catering for walkers, providing a well equipped shop (Graham and Robert couldn't go past without having an ice cream) and plenty of strategically placed seats along the way.
Birchover is well versed in catering for walkers, providing a well equipped shop (Graham and Robert couldn't go past without having an ice cream) and plenty of strategically placed seats along the way.
Rowsley Tea Rooms
After a long walk, you need a rest, so we headed just a little further on to Rowsley Mill where you can relax in strangely rustic surroundings and contemplate how many calories you have burned whilst tucking into giant pieces of cake. (No, you're right, I just had a bit of Robert's flapjack)
And the wildlife there is always rather jolly...
And the wildlife there is always rather jolly...
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Prize Number Two...
Nearly forgot that Robert had news of another prize this week. A while back, he had the opportunity to enter a competition to design something wacky to help with sport's injuries (or was it just sport?!) There was a time limit to enter of just one week and working with a friend, they managed to come up with two products - and both won prizes. Well, I say 'prizes'... The prize turned out to be one of their products, I won't spoil it by telling you what it is, just follow the link!
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