Sunday 11th January 2009
Graham left early for his first trip of the year to the US.
Lucy packed up her things late afternoon and we headed over to Leicester for her start of a new term tomorrow. Having unloaded, and needing to find a parking space, I drove just a few streets away and managed to get lost. Where is the TomTom when you need it!
Found my way home safely by 7.00pm.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
IN BRIEF:
05.01.09
Not the best start to a new term, felt so ill that I took Lucy with me to my jewellery class to make sure I got home safely. She sat in one of the spare rooms and got on with her university work while I taught my class.
Two trips to the doctor's during the day didn't resolve the matter...
Had to phone up Derbyshire County Council as they failed to pay me last month... I now have to wait until the end of January!
06.01.09
Feeling marginally better, but still accompanied by Lucy to new Card Making class at Alfreton in the afternoon. Class went really well and extra help has been organised for next week for those who need it.
07.01.09
Went to the dentist as I've been having toothache since the week-end, except I arrived to find the dentist had just left, as he was ill...
08.01.09
Both jewellery classes are less than the 8 learners required to run, so have to decide which day to hold the one class on. One of the learners on a Monday has lots of health problems and coming to class is the only time she gets out, so we need to try and make sure that everyone can attend the Monday class.
Found out late afternoon that the Centre I teach at on a Friday has heating problems and has been closed all week. Lucky that one of my helpers thought to ring and check that I knew...
09.01.09
Lots to catch up with on the website today, so no time for anything else.
At last, took Lucy shopping this afternoon for some Retail Therapy, think we have both earned it this week! Met up with Graham and had tea at Nandos.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Start The Year...
Capturing The Hoar Frost, Brick Kiln Lane, Morley, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
The first day of a New Year should be filled with auspicious omens and and joy a-plenty - but as usual the feeling in our house was: "it can only get better"...
Having managed to dodge all the bugs going around since September, I finally succumbed to a tummy upset at the week-end and then Lucy was laid low with a terrible fluy cold on New Year's Eve. All our carefully laid plans to visit relations had to be shelved and Graham was dispatched to take Robert and all his belongings to Salisbury, stopping with my parents on New Year's Eve and visiting his mother near Malmsbury on the way down.
This was the first time in 33 years Graham and I had not seen in the New Year together. She may have not been much company, but at least Lucy was here with me ( pity Elton John was rubbish!)
Here is Brick Kiln Lane on New Year's Day about 4 o'clock, still showing signs of a haw frost which had lasted all day...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Chatsworth Picnic...
Boxing Day 26th December 2008
For a while now, Lucy and I had been planning a Boxing Day picnic. Unfortunately, we hadn't taken into account other activities which take place on Boxing Day - like the annual raft race. So when we eventually arrived at Chatsworth, there was no where to park and worse - no toilets available.
After our picnic (at the garden centre) we walked along the river to the house, up to the lakes behind the house and then back via Beeley - it was a long way and extremely cold, but we managed it, just...
For a while now, Lucy and I had been planning a Boxing Day picnic. Unfortunately, we hadn't taken into account other activities which take place on Boxing Day - like the annual raft race. So when we eventually arrived at Chatsworth, there was no where to park and worse - no toilets available.
After our picnic (at the garden centre) we walked along the river to the house, up to the lakes behind the house and then back via Beeley - it was a long way and extremely cold, but we managed it, just...
Thursday 25th December 2008
We had a lovely Christmas Day, my highlight was being able to cook the Christmas dinner - ably assisted by Lucy - for the first time in at least two years. After our big Christmas meal, we had a long walk around Allestree Park and then went to take Steven his presents from Lucy at work at Morley Hayes.
The evening was spent playing games as all good families should and eating far too much chocolate...
Evening Light, Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Wednesday 23rd December 2008
Today was again cold, crisp and dry and far too nice to spend cooped up indoors. We collected Graham from work at his early Christmas home- time and went for a long walk around the Calke Abbey Estate.
Today was again cold, crisp and dry and far too nice to spend cooped up indoors. We collected Graham from work at his early Christmas home- time and went for a long walk around the Calke Abbey Estate.
Trip To York
Tuesday 23rd December 2008
Back from Nice, it's been 'all steam ahead' preparing for Christmas. Robert arrived home on Saturday 20th, having organised a permanent place for himself to stay now he'll be working in Salisbury for the foreseeable future.
Lucy went to a friend's 21st Birthday party on Sunday with Steven (having broken up with Ben during the last month) (Steven is 'just' a friend) after we went out for a posh meal at Shottle Hall near Belper.
With Lucy back by Monday evening and Graham at work until Christmas Eve, we decided to take advantage of the time to go and visit York.
Unfortunately, it was freezing, so first we headed for York Minster, where it was warm, if a little pricey to get in. The architecture was stunning and the few Christmas decorations they had up added to the atmosphere.
The afternoon as spent perusing the shops and then home for 6.00pm.
Back from Nice, it's been 'all steam ahead' preparing for Christmas. Robert arrived home on Saturday 20th, having organised a permanent place for himself to stay now he'll be working in Salisbury for the foreseeable future.
Lucy went to a friend's 21st Birthday party on Sunday with Steven (having broken up with Ben during the last month) (Steven is 'just' a friend) after we went out for a posh meal at Shottle Hall near Belper.
With Lucy back by Monday evening and Graham at work until Christmas Eve, we decided to take advantage of the time to go and visit York.
Unfortunately, it was freezing, so first we headed for York Minster, where it was warm, if a little pricey to get in. The architecture was stunning and the few Christmas decorations they had up added to the atmosphere.
The afternoon as spent perusing the shops and then home for 6.00pm.
Nice Beach And Town
Wednesday 17th December 2008
The day dawned sunny and bright....
First we had a walk around the old part of the town, somewhere I was desperate to explore. Graham felt he'd had enough exercise, but I was adamant that we should climb the steep steps and admire the view. Luckily my insistence paid off - (I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't have taken this photo.)
All too soon it was time to pack everything in the car and head back to the airport. Except, it was too soon and having handed over the car Graham realised that we were two hours early...
Suppose there's always next year to look forward to...
The day dawned sunny and bright....
First we had a walk around the old part of the town, somewhere I was desperate to explore. Graham felt he'd had enough exercise, but I was adamant that we should climb the steep steps and admire the view. Luckily my insistence paid off - (I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't have taken this photo.)
All too soon it was time to pack everything in the car and head back to the airport. Except, it was too soon and having handed over the car Graham realised that we were two hours early...
Suppose there's always next year to look forward to...
A Birthday Not To Remember...
Tuesday 16th December 2008
Today, we'd planned a trip to Monaco, but the rain was so heavy and relentless that we ended up having to turn back to Nice. About 3.00pm, the sky began to lighten and after finding something to eat. we headed towards the gap in the clouds and ended up at Antibes.
Antibes is a beautiful place with a harbour full of the largest, most exotic boats I have ever seen.
Today, we'd planned a trip to Monaco, but the rain was so heavy and relentless that we ended up having to turn back to Nice. About 3.00pm, the sky began to lighten and after finding something to eat. we headed towards the gap in the clouds and ended up at Antibes.
Antibes is a beautiful place with a harbour full of the largest, most exotic boats I have ever seen.
Cannes Film Festival
Monday 15th December 2008
The plan for today was a visit to Cannes, followed by lunch and a trip to a perfumerie in the afternoon at Grasse. Cannes was a complete wash out. First we watched surfers on the beach in their wet suits trying to ride the waves. Then during a brief lull in the rain, we just about made it around their Christmas Fair stalls and found something to eat - but as a consequence my feet were soaked.
The plan for today was a visit to Cannes, followed by lunch and a trip to a perfumerie in the afternoon at Grasse. Cannes was a complete wash out. First we watched surfers on the beach in their wet suits trying to ride the waves. Then during a brief lull in the rain, we just about made it around their Christmas Fair stalls and found something to eat - but as a consequence my feet were soaked.
Petal Water Feature, Fragonard Perfumerie, Grasse, near Nice, France
Petal Water Feature, Fragonard Perfumerie, Grasse, near Nice, France
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
In The Mountains, Near Nice, France
By then, it was getting dark, but I had expressed an interest in seeing some snow close to, so off we sped up into the mountains. Past torrents of water, (in the rivers and on the roads) until we reached the snow line.
It was almost dark by this time, but the sights were like something from fairyland...
It was almost dark by this time, but the sights were like something from fairyland...
Ferris Wheel At Night, Nice
When we eventually arrived back on Monday evening, we walked back to our favourite restaurant and after another wonderful meal there, we walked the streets and found more things to photograph.
Hotel, Nice, France
Sunday 14th December 2008
Having a 'big' birthday is rather a scary event. This begs the question "how best to celebrate it?" Ever since my 40th birthday, which turned out to be a non-event, we've been away for my birthday (well, for the last 5 years) and it's been great for both of us - having a reason to have a short break just before Christmas. We've travelled to Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and Milan. Always before the weather has been reasonably kind to us - but not this time. My 50th Birthday will be remembered for rain, rain and more rain...
Having a 'big' birthday is rather a scary event. This begs the question "how best to celebrate it?" Ever since my 40th birthday, which turned out to be a non-event, we've been away for my birthday (well, for the last 5 years) and it's been great for both of us - having a reason to have a short break just before Christmas. We've travelled to Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and Milan. Always before the weather has been reasonably kind to us - but not this time. My 50th Birthday will be remembered for rain, rain and more rain...
Friday 12th December 2008
Today was a busy day which culminated in a party at one of the centres I work at. As a trial event, we all weren't sure what to expect, but as it turned out everyone had made an effort and we all had a good time. It was wonderful to see past students of my classes, who now make jewellery and sell it at craft fairs...
The Palm House & Fountain, Kew Gardens
Saturday 6th December 2008
The next day we visited Kew Gardens. We were so lucky with the weather - cold, crisp and with bright sun and amazing blue skies. As the sun set, we retreated to the car and set off home - but not before we'd visited a few streets where some of Graham's forebears once lived...
The next day we visited Kew Gardens. We were so lucky with the weather - cold, crisp and with bright sun and amazing blue skies. As the sun set, we retreated to the car and set off home - but not before we'd visited a few streets where some of Graham's forebears once lived...
Tree Top Walkway
I wasn't too keen on going up this structure, but luckily there was very little wind and it didn't sway too much...
The view was impressive...
The view was impressive...
Friday 5th December 2008
In the last two years (ever since we went to Canada in the summer of 2006 and looked up some relatives there) Graham has spent every available spare moment tracing both sides of the family with amazing success. The appeal to him is that it's all done via the internet and it costs money...
Anyway, the good news is some of his relations (who are still alive...) asked us to come along and celebrate his second cousin once removed (or close...) 60th Birthday - which was great. I wasn't sure that I wanted to go, but was happy to go along on the premiss that it would be a one off. So while I agonised on what to wear, Graham worked out who he needed to interrogate to fill in a few of his missing links.
As it was, the worst part of the evening was the journey into the middle of London on a Friday night. Otherwise, they were all very welcoming and even gave us a Christmas present - just as though we really were part of the family...
Tuesday 2nd December 2008
With the term at last drawing to a close, it was time to catch up with one of the other tutors. We teach roughly the same subjects but in a very different way, which is interesting to say the least. What we did agree about is that basically we are all in the same boat...(and wish we were not in a job where paper work and recording work is more important than the act of teaching...)
Saturday 22nd November
Christmas Craft Day at Alfreton. It was a good day, but far too long 10.00am-4.00pm. I had to take Lucy with me as I was worried about managing the doors (is there a name for a phobia of heavy doors, I wonder?) And as it turned out, I needed her help with some of the students.
Afterwards we went to Ikea for tea and eventually, after a good look round we came home...
Last Night Shopping Expedition...
Thursday 20th November 2008
With Graham still away, Lucy came home to keep me company. We decided to make use of the late night opening hours and went shopping.
The new Quad building looked strangely attractive and I took some photos. I haven't seen it look quite as colourful since...
With Graham still away, Lucy came home to keep me company. We decided to make use of the late night opening hours and went shopping.
The new Quad building looked strangely attractive and I took some photos. I haven't seen it look quite as colourful since...
Friday, January 09, 2009
Chatsworth House, Encased In Autumn Colours
Sunday 16th November 2008
Last week's trip to Chatsworth whetted our appetite to discover more of this wonderful place, so with Graham on his way to the US, Lucy and I drove back to the estate. First we had a look around a Christmas Fair that was on and had caused a huge number of people to descend on the place, then we queued for nearly an hour in the freezing cold for a meal (it was worth it) and then we made our way back up through the grounds. We discovered even more beautiful sights than last week and with the combination of the last of the Autumn colours, and the afternoon sun, it was quite magical.
This photo was published on the Derby Evening Telegraph
Last week's trip to Chatsworth whetted our appetite to discover more of this wonderful place, so with Graham on his way to the US, Lucy and I drove back to the estate. First we had a look around a Christmas Fair that was on and had caused a huge number of people to descend on the place, then we queued for nearly an hour in the freezing cold for a meal (it was worth it) and then we made our way back up through the grounds. We discovered even more beautiful sights than last week and with the combination of the last of the Autumn colours, and the afternoon sun, it was quite magical.
This photo was published on the Derby Evening Telegraph
Published Again...
Reflection In Collection Pool Looking Down Towards Chatsworth Cascade Waterfall
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Thursday 13th November 2008
Even more pressure today - I had my Jewellery lesson observed, colloquially known as an OLT. We are subjected to them every two years, just in case we forget how to teach...
It went really well all thanks to the great bunch of students I have. Even the ones who 'have problems' managed to turn up on time. It made me feel very proud of them all...
Trip To Chatsworth...
Saturday 8th November 2008
Today saw a welcome relief in the form of a trip out and about. We ended up at Chatsworth and managed a walk right up to the Hunting Tower.
Today saw a welcome relief in the form of a trip out and about. We ended up at Chatsworth and managed a walk right up to the Hunting Tower.
Please Can I Have One...?
Parked next to the Tower was this silver Audi. In fact there were two cars parked, but I managed to delete the other one with the help of Photoshop...
Tuesday 4th November 2008
Today was not the best day. The evening before I'd received a phone call from my new Line Manager at Alfreton. "Was I prepared for my new class tomorrow afternoon?" It was one of those awful moments of realisation when something beyond your control is going to happen and you just wish you'd not convinced yourself that it wasn't going to happen".
So as well as going to the hospital for acupuncture treatment in the morning, which made me feel better. I had to go to a new Centre to teach Glass Painting in the afternoon - which had heavy fire doors - which made me feel much worse...
Saatchi Gallery
27th - 31st October 2008 was half term and Wednesday was the only day I didn't have any commitments, so off I went to London. (Hermione wasn't keen, but I insisted!)
On Robert's recommendation I visited the new Saatchi Gallery which is housed in a wonderful building just off Sloane Square. I wasn't too keen on the contents, but you were allowed to take photos which made up for it...
On Robert's recommendation I visited the new Saatchi Gallery which is housed in a wonderful building just off Sloane Square. I wasn't too keen on the contents, but you were allowed to take photos which made up for it...
Victoria & Albert Museum
Afterwards, I walked down to the Victoria and Albert Museum which looked wonderful in the late afternoon sun...
Thursday 23rd October 2008
Thornton's AGM.
For the first time in 21 years I missed this yearly event as I was teaching. I arrived at 12.30pm, just as everyone was pouring out of the main auditorium. Luckily I was still able to register, buy some choccies at a discount and return home with my free gift of yet more chocolate...
Tuesday 21st October 2008
Today saw my first appointment at the DRI for a six week course of acupuncture. I went without any preconceived ideas of what would happen... I just hoped that something would start to take the pain away. I drove there - on my own - in pain from driving the car. I came home without the pain. The relief stayed for a couple of days, but then returned, but to have experienced any relief was wonderful and there was always next Tuesday to look forward to...
Saturday 18th October 2008
Went to stay with my parents for the week end as we'd been invited to go to a school reunion (for my year) as we would all be 50 this academic year. Had a great evening renewing old acquaintances and catching up on everyone's news.
The event was held in a new hall built on the site of the old tennis courts.
Oh the memories...
School: Westwood's Grammar School, Northleach, Gloucestershire
Talk Derby Library
Thursday 16th October
Attended a talk given by John Tunley about the exhibition of photos he has at the museum.
Attended a talk given by John Tunley about the exhibition of photos he has at the museum.
Golden Tree
The light was so lovely when I came out that I went in search of an Autumn Photo to show off the wonderful colours this year.
This was the best I could find...
This was the best I could find...
Autumn Walk...
Sunday 12th October 2008
Had another lovely walk, this afternoon, this time around Dale Abbey with Robert and Graham.
This photo was published in the Derby Evening Telegraph.
Had another lovely walk, this afternoon, this time around Dale Abbey with Robert and Graham.
This photo was published in the Derby Evening Telegraph.
Saturday 11th October 2008
Lucy accompanied me to Alexandra Palace to The Knitting and Stitching Show. It was a very busy day, but I had a great time and didn't have to worry as Lucy was there to look after all the doors and carrying the things we bought.
We attended a teacher's seminar about taking knitting back into schools. For which there's now information on the website and I got to chat to Erika Knight and the organiser of the French Stitching Show (her name escapes me) Took pictures of entries for The Knitted Student Textile Awards and spent lots of money...
Happy days...
Jason Donovan, Westfield Centre, Derby
Friday 10th October 2008
Jason Donovan came to the Westfield Centre to celebrate its first year of being open. Was very lucky to get close enough to take some (almost decent) photos.
Not so sure about his singing...
Jason Donovan came to the Westfield Centre to celebrate its first year of being open. Was very lucky to get close enough to take some (almost decent) photos.
Not so sure about his singing...
Opening Day At Derby Quad...
Friday 26th September 2008
Robert and I went to see what was on offer...
Robert and I went to see what was on offer...
Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire
Saturday 27th September 2008
Robert and I had a drive out and experienced one of the few days of summer we had this year.
I did have this photo published in the Derby Evening Telegraph, but they used it in a piece about how popular Elvaston Castle is - so no credit!
Robert and I had a drive out and experienced one of the few days of summer we had this year.
I did have this photo published in the Derby Evening Telegraph, but they used it in a piece about how popular Elvaston Castle is - so no credit!
Photographic Exhibition At Nottingham 15th-27th September 2008
Just posting this photo again, as I just love it! It was one of three I had entered at the Flickr Exhibition in Nottingham.
Nothing came of it, but it might have...
Nothing came of it, but it might have...
Family Group At Upton House
21st September 2008
Graham headed back in the US today, so with Robert as chief driver, we spent the day with my parents and visited Upton House on the way home.
Graham headed back in the US today, so with Robert as chief driver, we spent the day with my parents and visited Upton House on the way home.
Photocamp Leeds 2008
Saturday 6th September
While we were on holiday in Italy, I'd received an email to say my image had been chosen for the publicity of this event. I was thrilled and decided that it would be good to go and see what it was all about. Robert had promised to accompany me. We had planned to travel by train, but arrived at the station to find all trains to Leeds were cancelled to due engineering work. Once home, I decided I really did want to go, so we two jumped in the car and off we went (I even forgot my handbag) Arriving a bit later than we'd hoped we did get to attend some interesting talks and lectures, but had missed the initial introductions. I did go and introduce myself to the organiser, but he was too busy to say anything other than 'hello'. We were on the point of leaving for home, but something made us hang on for the final ''rounding up' at the afternoon - this proved to be lucky as everyone was handed a card with a code to be able to extend their Flickr subscription by a year. Good result?
There is another Photocamp Leeds planned for 2009, the details of which are out now. I don't think I'll be going as the average age was nearer Robert's age than mine and I have to say I was disappointed... I had so hoped for some kind of recognition for the use of my image (there were lots of things they gave away like copies of CS3) but I received nothing...
whinge over...
While we were on holiday in Italy, I'd received an email to say my image had been chosen for the publicity of this event. I was thrilled and decided that it would be good to go and see what it was all about. Robert had promised to accompany me. We had planned to travel by train, but arrived at the station to find all trains to Leeds were cancelled to due engineering work. Once home, I decided I really did want to go, so we two jumped in the car and off we went (I even forgot my handbag) Arriving a bit later than we'd hoped we did get to attend some interesting talks and lectures, but had missed the initial introductions. I did go and introduce myself to the organiser, but he was too busy to say anything other than 'hello'. We were on the point of leaving for home, but something made us hang on for the final ''rounding up' at the afternoon - this proved to be lucky as everyone was handed a card with a code to be able to extend their Flickr subscription by a year. Good result?
There is another Photocamp Leeds planned for 2009, the details of which are out now. I don't think I'll be going as the average age was nearer Robert's age than mine and I have to say I was disappointed... I had so hoped for some kind of recognition for the use of my image (there were lots of things they gave away like copies of CS3) but I received nothing...
whinge over...
Day 16
Monday 1st September
Industrial Portland welcomed us with open arms, the hotel right next to the airport was surprisingly quiet. An early start meant breakfast at the airport where we were treated to a wonderful meal of scrumptious toast and bacon with tea in tall glass beakers.
The flight didn't last for much more than an hour and we were standing in Newark airport by 11.00am. Our flight back to England wasn't until 7.00pm - should we shouldn't we..? After last time (2006) I couldn't face a whole day in the airport, so we jumped on the nearest train and headed into Manhattan for one last time.
It was incredibly hot, but the thrill of being back there was wonderful. We divided our time between a visit to the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA) and then walked down along 5th Avenue to Bryant Park for a long sit in the shade. It was like going home...
Day 15
Sunday 31st August
First we stopped off at a Motor Museum at Seal Cove which had such a collection of unusual cars that even I was impressed! We would have been among some of the last people to view some of the exhibits as the owner had died earlier in the year and many of the best vehicles were been sold off to raise money to keep the museum going.
Now on the last leg, we left Bar Harbour and shunned the freeway, preferring to hug the coast and visit some of its interesting towns and villages on the way down to Portland. We found a wonderful restaurant to stop and have lunch at which overlooked one of the many bays. Graham and I both had mouth-watering burgers - Graham spent ages grilling the waitress about what it was like to live in Maine...
Day 14
From St John we journeyed down to Bar Harbour and stayed just inland. Bar Harbour is the most beautiful place to visit and the sunset from the harbour was stunning. Now back in Maine I discovered that their native stone is tourmaline in all it's most gorgeous colours of pink through to green. Graham encouraged me to buy a necklace and matching bracelet - I must get them out and wear them again...
Day 13
Friday 29th August
Spent most of the morning having a walk around Charlottetown, lots of shops with an 'Anne Of Green Gables' theme. you could even buy a hat with red pigtails!
Touring round in the afternoon, the sun managed to pop out once while we were at a deserted beach - just long enough for some mosquitoes to hatch and one to bite me under my eye... ouch!
After findings some ice to apply at a roadside diner, we made our way back across the 9 mile bridge and back to St John.
Day 12
Thursday 28th August
Not very well today, the travelling had caught up with us! Managed to see a couple of 'Anne Of Green Gables museums, but everything very over commercialised - was very disappointed. I expected dirt roads of red and people still travelling around by horse and cart... how wrong could you be!
Day 11
Wednesday 27th August
Beautiful morning after drizzly rain the night before. Managed a trip to an old fort at St John first thing. (Before the coach loads arrived from the luxury liner which docked during the night). Great view and great place to explore. We even found some gunpowder caskets (empty) with the name Curtis on the side.
Another day 'on the road' but with our destination within reach. Eventually arrived at Charlottetown, Prince Edward island at 6.00pm. Left hotel at 7.00pm and managed to get tickets to see a local production of the musical 'Anne Of Green Gables' - superb...
The Old State House, Boston
Day 9
Monday 25th August
We spent until early afternoon visiting some of the museums and buildings of Boston's Freedom Trail. The Old State house proved to be unmissible - to listen to the words of the the Declaration of Independence (July 18, 1776) spellbinding...
Monday 25th August
We spent until early afternoon visiting some of the museums and buildings of Boston's Freedom Trail. The Old State house proved to be unmissible - to listen to the words of the the Declaration of Independence (July 18, 1776) spellbinding...
Boston At Night
Boston was an amazing city. Thoroughly modern in all aspects, but with old historic buildings dotted about it's centre.
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