10.10.10.
Best pose of the day...
Friday, October 29, 2010
Shadows In The Orangery...
10.10.10. Lovely day, so headed over to Calke Abbey for a long walk. I didn't realise that it was 'Apple Day' and everyone else had also decided to visit. Luckily I found sanctuary in the Orangery...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Rigga Lane, Little Eaton
04.10.10. It was so beautiful today that I grabbed my camera and escaped for an hour this afternoon. Nothing very remarkable here, but this is a view that is so often seen as we travel from Duffield to Little Eaton and rarely appreciated...
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Lunch At Ilam...
02.10.10: A little known gem of a tea room is situated at Ilam Hall. I had terrible tooth ache, but the wonderful carrot and parsnip soup I had for lunch made me feel lots better...
October 2010
01.10.10: I now have 10 adults whom I teach piano to - I've never had so many. Gemma, one of them got married today - hooray! Except that it was the wettest day we have had in months. Bad luck Gemma, I expect Shottle Hall was a wonderful place to hold your reception and I can't wait to hear about the honeymoon in magical Bali...
02.10.10: At last, a day out, although the weather wasn't brilliant. Went to Ilam Hall for some tasty lunch and a lovely walk round the grounds. We also watched some hand gliders circling over Dovedale, it looked relaxing, but must have been very cold.
03.10.10: We weren't invited, but today was the christening of the newest member of the Wynn family. A little girl who was born on 6th August to Rachael and Adrian Wynn and named Thea Bunny Creighton Wynn. Fingers crossed that the heart problem will right itself and the hips won't need to be put in plaster...
04.10.10: I'd cancelled all my piano lessons today (5) as I'd been asked to attend a meeting in London connected with the website. On Friday the decision was made to cancel it, as the whole of the London Underground is going to be on strike...
05.10.10: Early trip to dentist at 8.15am, but we have decided to administer a course of penicillin and see if tooth settles down. 'Art In Empty Shops' was asked to do a jewellery taster session in the Ark Shop in Sadler Gate. Three people came - two of whom I'd mentioned it to...
Tap class was a welcome escape.
07.10.10: Another crazy 24 hours of teaching ahead!
08.10.10: Jewellery class at Village went well.
09.10.10: Trip to Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace - can't believe another year has gone so quickly! Sad that Lucy couldn't come this year as she is now in Oxford. However as the Underground wasn't running and no one had bothered to tell me, it was lucky that she wasn't coming. It took me over 2 hours to get to Alexandra Palace from St Pancras and half an hour to get back!! Once there I had a good time and met some interesting people, but it sure takes the edge off things to have a bad experience...
11.10.10: Mother and father went to Cheltenham for my dad to have his eyes tested. Mother had nasty fall while on escalator and sustained some nasty bruising and a few cuts, ambulance was called out, but after being checked out they let them go home. Another session in the Ark shop, again someone I had mentioned it to, came along with a friend.
12.10.10: Last session in the Ark shop, this time no one turned up. Hung around and then went to Tap Class.
13.10.10: Graham went to Plymouth first thing. The piano tuner came at 9.00am. Now 74, he has been tuning my piano for the last 30 years - incredible! Went to my 'top up' acupuncture session at The Derby Royal.
14.10.10: Thursday/Friday teaching marathon...
15.10.10: Graham met me to help with food shopping, then met Lucy in Friargate and we went shopping the The Westfield Centre.
16.10.10: Graham went to Stafford bike show. Lucy and I went out first to Spondon to check out a fashion warehouse, then to The Beetroot Tree and then to Wirksworth. Hoped to take some autumn photos, but weather deteriorated until it started to rain. Stopped off at Croots at Duffield on way home.
17.10.10: Nice sunny day, left Graham 'bike fettling' and took Lucy to Cresswell Crags in the afternoon. Always seems very cold there, best thing was the tea and cake after our walk.
18.10.10: Graham took Lucy into Derby for her lift back to Oxford (6.45am) and then went on to meeting at Cirencester, stopping off to see my parents on the way. Back home around tea time.
19.10.10: Another trip to the dentist at 9.00am. Decided root filling would need to be removed, was overjoyed when he found the infection - hoping that another dose of antiseptic dressings will sort it out. As usual the effect of the injection is for me to dissolve in tears. Graham thought he was doing me a favour by 'dragging' me into the Sony shop to check out a new television. They did look very impressive, looks as though a 42" with internet connection is ideally what we'd like.
20.10.10: Graham came with me to the hospital for my second top up acupuncture session. Then we went and bought the television, which came to a round number(!) and had some lunch at Bennetts which was very pleasant. Next a quick diversion to Thorntons for Graham to buy some chocs for his American trip tomorrow. Was questioned by a market research chap in Thorntons - had mild hysterics when he asked Graham what were his main purchases from the internet...
21.10.10: Graham was up and on an airplane almost before I was awake. Even busier (for a Thursday) than usual today as it was Thornton's AGM. Packed car for lessons, then got changed into my posh frock and headed for The Assembly Rooms. Usually there is a notice by the car park stating that is closed for normal use due to the AGM. Today there was no notice, just two traffic wardens having to tell everyone they couldn't park there. Judging by the spaces in the car park there were even less people than usual attending. I had my cup of coffee and my statutory one Thornton's choc (which I saved), bought £27 of merchandise (which has 20% off) and went and found a seat in the auditorium. Each year the atmosphere seems unfriendlier, which would appear to be in direct correlation with the average age of the attendees (90% have walking sticks) So the first comment/grumble was that no one could see the figures on the screen and it just got worse... I had to leave at 12, but was then made even later as no one would admit to knowing if there were any free chocolates this year even though there were stacks of boxes next to the cloakroom where they are usually dolled out from... I didn't come away without them...!
I got to the Eco Centre late, had to change my clothes (in the car) and have something to eat - the learners were in the classroom before me. Anyway, we had a lovely session making fabric jewellery - can't wait to see the finished items next time. Was late leaving as I had to have my documents photocopied for a new CRB check (my previous one is about to expire) and the photocopier decided to jam... On the way home I just had to stop and take a photo of Black Rocks with the sun shining on the autumnal leaves just down the road. Home for a welcome cup of tea, an hour answering emails and then off to my next class. Eventually home by 9pm to a dark empty house...
22.10.10: Up quite early (for me) and off by 9.00am. Class went well and they enjoyed making earrings and pendants. Home to catch up with the website and then my contractual 2 hours of window shopping. Robert arrived at 8.45pm, we had tea and went to bed late after watching a film and having lots to talk about.
23.10.10: Set off for my parent's house at 10 past 10 and arrived in just under the 2 hours. Lucy had bee left with the dinner to make, which she made a sterling job of. WE three went to Bourton during siesta time and Robert and Lucy were very patient while I took some photos. About 5pm Robert decided we should go out for another walk - which was great until we got caught in a torrential downpour near- as Robert calls it 'Swiz' Cottage. Just when we thought we would be completely drenched, it stopped raining and the sun almost came out. We eventually arrived back to find my poor dad had been out in the car looking for us - pity mobile phones never work when you most need them...
24.10.10: Beautiful morning, so took Lucy down to Lower Slaughter to take some snaps. Unfortunately tourists get up earlier than me and we had trouble finding anywhere to park. Robert had a short walk with his grandmother and then walked all the way down to where we were - and hand a ride home. Robert and I left at 3.15, got 100 yards and found a gate open and some cattle about to escape. I reached for my phone to let my parents know and realised that Lucy stil had my phone from this morning - lucky I was only 100 yards away... Robert stopped for some tea and then loaded up his table and a few more belongings and set off for Cambridge.
25.10.10: First day of my half term. Still had 4 piano lesson (all adults) Hastily did some tidying up before Judith my ex-next door neighbour came with her new dog Millie (5 months) for a walk. As dogs go, Millie is lovely, and reasonably well behaved. We had a very long walk as we were just on the 'home straight' and came across a tractor spraying the field. I did a very quick turn around as any spray can be harmful, but it could have proved very serious if Millie had come into contact with it. We had all earned our cup of tea by the time we got back which we took out side with Millie...
26.10.10: Not much time to get straight before it was time to head off and meet Debbie from tap. Saw the inside of her house this time - they have an extension at the back with windows in the roof which makes for a light studio feel. The day was far from light - rainy cold and miserable. Our lunch and long walk didn't go according to plan, lunch was cold and with lumpy mashed potato and our walk was confined to the inside of the house. It's a beautiful house, but I've never known it quite so cold. We left about 3.00pm and I collected Calligraphy pens for my workshop tomorrow on the way home.
27.10.10: I have been trying hard to do some Calligraphy practice every day since Monday. It's something I love and wish I was asked to take more workshops. Set off for Belper Library at 1.15. Found the Library, but no parking spaces - did manage to squeeze in next to another car. Had a lovely time, but unfortunately only 3 of the 7 showed up. Afterwards went to see Philippa who also lives in Belper, got to meet her son Tom whom I've heard so much about. Hard to believe he is only 15.
28.10.10: Had hoped to have a day out in London, but didn't wake up early enough and then the weather wasn't that brilliant. Busy day with emails etc - at last found time for some hoovering. As it was Thursday went to the Designer Outlet (something Lucy and I would have done during half term) was surprised that I made two purchases, a pair of black ankle boots I have been on the look out for ages (£35) and a new Tula handbag (only £16!). Getting used to coming home to an empty house...
29.10.10: Again didn't quite get to London... More tidying up and more shopping in town - 2 pairs of trousers from Primark.
30.10.10: Weather looked more promising, so left for Hardwick Hall at 11.15am. Stopped off on the way to take some autumnal scenes and by the time I arrived at Hardwick the light was glorious and the sky a perfect blue colour. Took photos until my tummy rumbled and then waited ages for a place to have some lunch. Compared with the food at Kedleston Hall, the meal was divine, chicken and mushroom pie with pastry 'to die for'. Straight out after, but by then the sky had clouded over and there were few photos to be taken. I did however discover a walk around the back of Hardwick Hall which was quite delightful - through a wooded glade flanked by trees in autumn shades, I felt privileged to be there albeit on my own. When I arrived back, I still wasn't ready to go home on my one day out, so then visited the inside of the house. Now that you are allowed to take photos in the house of National Trust properties, it is like seeing them in a whole new light. Hardwick Hall is the darkest of all the houses I have ever visited, however there was just enough light in the Long Hall to get some very atmospheric photos of my favourite painting ever - that of Queen Elizabeth 1. I eventually left about 4pm and headed home, but not before making detour to Heage Windmill to get a quick glimpse of a golden sunset. It's odd having a lovely day on your own, but my day was not yet over - BBC1 played host to an evening of Elton John, a perfect ending to my day...
31.10.10: Last day on my own, made myself a proper Sunday lunch and then went for a long walk. The weather was windy, damp and cold - I didn't even bother taking my camera with me.
Wedding Car, Chatsworth Stables
25.09.10
After a long walk, we returned to the stables hoping for tea and cake. Unfortunately the restaurant had closed early for a wedding reception...
After a long walk, we returned to the stables hoping for tea and cake. Unfortunately the restaurant had closed early for a wedding reception...
Collection Pool Above The Aqueduct...
25.09.10
Last year I took a similar photo and was very pleased with the result. Returning with my new camera, it's interesting to see it through a new lens. I think the view wins on it's own merit.
Last year I took a similar photo and was very pleased with the result. Returning with my new camera, it's interesting to see it through a new lens. I think the view wins on it's own merit.
The Hunting Lodge
25.09.10
A bit early for the wonderful autumn colours, but a lovely sunny afternoon gave my photos a powerful blue sky...
A bit early for the wonderful autumn colours, but a lovely sunny afternoon gave my photos a powerful blue sky...
Eco Centre Launch
18.09.10
Today was the launch of the Eco Centre at Wirksworth where I hope to be teaching next week. The event was a huge success with lots going on throughout the day. I had lots of interest in my course, but everyone who enquired works full time and cannot make a Thursday afternoon.. .
Today was the launch of the Eco Centre at Wirksworth where I hope to be teaching next week. The event was a huge success with lots going on throughout the day. I had lots of interest in my course, but everyone who enquired works full time and cannot make a Thursday afternoon.. .
Monday, October 18, 2010
September 2010
01.09.10: The first of September and the last day of our holiday. As we mounted the car this morning the temperature gauge said it was 86 degrees and it was only 10.30am. First we visited a State Park, but it wasn't anything to write home about. The most notable thing was the 'earth closet' which seemed odd that they felt they felt they had to be eco friendly when there was air conditioning and hand dryers in the block! Next we headed for downtown Sleepy Hollow, which was originally called Tarry Town, but renamed after the film was made 15 years ago. We visited Phillipseburg Manor, a most beautiful large stone white house by the side of a mill pond which dates from 1693. Strangely we were given the tour on our own as there was no-one else there - probably due to the fact that the temperature was now well into the 90s. We felt sorry for our guides dressed in authentic heavy woollen clothes, but there was much to listen to and discover. Graham was in his element when our second guide pulled at some ropes, diverted water from the trace which in turn turned the huge cogs and milled some corn without a hint of electricity. After a hasty sandwich we dashed a few miles down the road to Sunnyside, the home of Irving Washington who wrote The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. There again we were treated to an exclusive tour with a little old lady wearing a long dress with a puff skirt. We explained that we were in a bit of a hurry as we needed to leave by 3.30pm in order to be at the airport on time. She graciously obliged, timing the talk to the second and including enough time to walk back up to the shop without pausing, pretty impressive seeing as the temperature was well into the 90s. We promised to go back one day and I'm sure we will...
Everything else went like clockwork, we arrived at the airport, took the car back, got changed and still had half an hour to have a cup of tea in the Premier waiting rooms. Graham had worked out that as this might be our last trip, we may as well use up any remaining points on a first class seat on the way home. It was the perfect ending to our best trip yet...if only I hadn't had toothache...
02.09.10. We arrived at Birmingham 20 minutes early, collected our suitcases and were on our way home within 30 minutes of landing. The air was fresh and the sun shining, although by the time we approached Derby it was foggy with a distinct chill in the air. Lucy was on her way to yet another job interview, so the house seemed very quiet. Thankfully I had a dental appointment at 12.30pm and frankly it couldn't come soon enough. The needle with the anaesthetic really hurt going in, but I was so thankful to be free of pain. Apparently the nerve had died in my tooth and was duly removed and an appointment made for a root filling in a fortnight, lucky me... The rest of the day was uneventful, just very quiet...
03.09.10: Lucy has now accepted a job as a buyer with Oxfam in Oxford, she starts next Tuesday 14th.
06.09.10: We all went down to Oxford to take Lucy to see some rooms up for rent. Of the half dozen she saw, only one was even slightly suitable, a converted loft with own shower room - except that the lady would rather rent to someone during the week and not over the weekend...
07.09.10: Lucy's 22nd Birthday. Graham went off to Plymouth and we went to Nantwich for the day. Warm, but with some torrential showers on the way home. Had lunch at our favourite pub The Boot and Shoe where the food is excellent and costs less than the beer!
08.09.10: Had to get up 'early' and be at the first tutor meeting of the year. Was nice as I sat next to one of the few people who said nice things to me about the article in The Derbyshire.
Most of my time since returning from America has been spent catching up on the website and today was no exception. As there is a Training Day in Derby tomorrow, I collected the people who are taking it from the station at 5.oopm and took them to their hotel - The Mackworth. Stayed there while we talking things through and had a carvery (excellent). Was surprised to find at the end of the evening that I am to introduce the proceedings tomorrow as the lady who was coming is unwell - my chance to shine?
09.09.10: Met the others at the Training venue in Sherwin Street at quarter past 9. We had about 21 people come, roughly half WI and half who are keen to take yarn crafts into school. Day went exceptionally well, really enjoyed being in charge of proceedings and can only hope that great things will come of today. Special mention to the members of the WI who served copious amounts of tea, coffee and home made cakes - not to mention the lovely lunch they also laid on. I took the three ladies back to the train station, met Lucy in town (eventually as there had been an accident) and had a 'bit of a shop', before heading home via Morrisons.
11.09.10: Went to our favourite lunch venue, The Spotted Cow at Holbrook and had a lovely meal (couldn't finish mine) to celebrate Lucy's birthday/getting a job. It's funny how things have changed so quickly - will we now be proper 'Derby and Joan' (perish the thought!)
12.09.10. Wasn't sure that I'd sleep last night - Lucy's last night at home - but we did. As Graham has had a busy week, I thought it best if I took Lucy down on my own. I tried to make it a jolly occasion by stopping off at The Designer Village at Bicester for lunch. Amazing place, which only has Designer Shops and you feel like to have to have a Designer wardrobe to even shop there. We almost had a nice lunch, but after first queuing for a table and then waiting 20 minutes for the food or which Lucy's seemed very small and my chargrilled salmon was raw inside, it was a bit of a disappointment. Onto Lucy's new pad. It is a really lovely bedsitting room with own bathroom, a newly converted loft, which has everything she could wish for except any wardrobe space! There were a few tears as I left. I managed to save mine for the trip home, although I was cheered by Classic FM playing Dvorak's Slavonic Dance opus 46, no.4 as I turned on the radio, it was as though someone knew...
13.09.10: This week everything will be back to normal. A full compliment of piano pupils. Five on Monday, three on Tuesday and three on Wednesday. Lots to do on the website. Teaching will start next week (if I have any classes).
14.09.10. Lucy started her new job. The people are lovely and have looked after her well. Unfortunately, her new shoes have shredded the backs of her ankles which has made things very difficult. You can plan for everything except the unexpected... Went back to tap class.
16.09.10: Tutor meeting at the Eco Centre at Wirksworth 6.30pm-8.30pm. We went there to lear about the Centre and about the launch which is on Saturday. Unfortunately, some over officious manager decided to hijack the proceedings and go on and on about how to fill in registers and how to plan for RARPA - I felt a slap would not have gone amiss! I finally got home at 10.00pm.
17.09.10: Went to Village Centre to attend enrolments for my class (the one that hasn't been advertised), and no one turned up! Went to the dentist straight after for a root filling. Needed tea and sympathy when I got home, but Graham has been away since Tuesday!
18.09.10: Up early and off to Wirksworth for the launch of the Eco Centre. Luckily, the weather was very kind and the sun shone while the speeches were being made. I was given a place outside where I would have perished had not my Line Manager arranged a better space for me inside to promote my class, thanks Jane! Graham brought Robert (who had come home for the weekend) just before 4 and was pleasantly surprised by the building and surroundings. I only have 5 enrolled, it seems there is lots of interest for the class, but everyone who wants to join works and can't make Thursday afternoons... Came home, got changed and went out of a meal at Nandos and then went to The Quad to see Tamara Drew. (Tamara?!)
19.09.10: Very strange to have Sunday lunch without Lucy being there... Robert left about 4pm.
21.09.10. Was introduced gently back into teaching by taking a Craft Club session at a library today. Taught 12 ladies the Iris folding Technique and everyone went home happy. Realised later that they were all eligible to come to my Jewellery Class, so then had to ring them all up. Several said that they will come. It would be wonderful if my Friday class runs...
23.09.10: My first class at The Eco Centre. Four learners came (one is on holiday). had a lovely time teaching them how to make a Friendship Bracelet. Home 10 past 4 and then left at 6.00pm to go to Noel Baker School to teach Jewellery again 7.00pm-9.00pm. This is not really my class, but have arranged to teach it till half term (5 weeks)
24.09.10: First Jewellery class at Village and 8 learners came (6 from the Craft Club I attended last Tuesday) so this class will run after all...joy! Lucy came home today for the weekend. Her boss lives in Derby and comes home every Friday. We met and went round the shops - just like old times. Unfortunately I'd done the food shopping before she came (to prove that I can do it on my own) lifted something I shouldn't and after nearly two months of Hermione being quiet, I have reawakened her...
25.09.10: Went to Chatsworth for the afternoon. Queued up for a very nice lunch and then had a good walk round the park and up to the hunting lodge. Lucy wore my shoes without backs and managed to get a blister on the arch of her foot. Bit chilly, but the sun shone.
26.09.10: Graham went to Newark auto jumble sale in the morning and was back for Sunday lunch. I took Lucy into town as there was a Next sale. Couldn't decide on a dress, so went and asked the people in M&S to put a coat 'by' for me. (It costs £79)
27.09.10. Graham took Lucy to the centre of Derby for her lift back to Oxford for 6.40am. Luckily they managed without me...
I received a request from an Italian holiday website on Friday asking to use one of my Tuscan landscape photos I have on Flickr. They asked how much...I have been agonising al weekend. In the end I asked for £100 for unlimited usage, but not copyright. They said fine...I can go and buy my coat...
28.09.10: Had my hair trimmed. I always find going to the hairdressers very traumatic as my hair always looks so short after. However, as my hair seems to be falling out at a rate of knots at the moment, it is probably for the best... Went to town and bought the coat I had 'put by' on Sunday (although I haven't actually received the money for the photo yet) New tap shoes for class.
29.09.10: Such are the delights of teaching that it took me all of today to work out and print Schemes of work, Initial and End Assessment forms et alia... and so far only one of my classes is likely to run...
30.09.10 Second class at The Eco Centre. We spent a pleasant afternoon making paper beads. I'd shown the ladies hold to make Plarn last week (yarn from plastic bags) and one of them brought in a bag she had crocheted from recycled plastic bags, yay! Lesson at school went OK, but managed to get lost in deepest Alvaston on the way home, boo!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, New York
01.09.10. On the hottest day of the holiday, we stumbled across this delightful 17th Century Manor. The guides were all dressed in authentic clothes which wasn't ideal in the heat. They were all so interesting and imparted their knowledge of the era with real passion. Wonder what they're doing today...
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Fairy Glen...
30.08.10 After the excellence of the Glass museum in the morning , we stumbled across an enchanting State Park in the afternoon. When I first spotted 'Watkins Glen' on the map (iPad), I knew we had to visit there. It's not every day you find a park named after you! (my maiden name) As we ate our picnic lunch, we noted that the car park bordered an insignificant stream, - little did we know what delights awaited us just feet away...
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Curly Whirly...
30.08.10. Monday morning saw us taking a short journey from our hotel to the world famous Corning Glass Museum where you can touch, see, smell, 'taste' and experience glass in all its forms. A morning didn't last anywhere near long enough to see it all. What we did see and experience was mostly breathtaking - glass can be so exciting!
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