06.04.11. Amazing sky this afternoon making the Blackthorn blossom appear even whiter
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April 2011
01.04.11. Another new month and another invoice to be sent off. Busy day trying to organise a room to take a class in (doesn't look as thought it will happen) and buying materials for next week's teaching. Went to the local wholesaler for buttons only to find that they didn't have any suitable. Thought my luck had reached an all time low, but when I made enquiries, it turned out the rep was there and he assured me that new tubs would be there waiting for me in all the colours I wanted by Monday lunchtime.
02.04.11. Saturday lunch at Denby Pottery. Another nice meal (two in a row) of Chinese Pork Pie (think the order of words needs altering!)
03.04.11. Mother's Day today. Was very disappointed that neither offspring managed to send me a card, let alone flowers...Spent the day with my parents. My sister and her husband were there and two of her children came for Sunday dinner, complete with Mother's Day cards...
04.04.11. Spoke at length with a lady who is coming to observe me at the Fun Day on Saturday (will be less of a 'Fun' Day). Collected buttons after lunch - had so many colours to choose from had difficulty making up my mind. Contacted class to say there would be no class as I couldn't find a room and then had a phone call from the local library to say we meet there at minimal cost - isn't life depressing sometimes. Hadn't the heart to start trying to ring everyone back.
05.04.11. Spent much of today writing a lesson plan for Saturday and checking that I know exactly what I am doing and why. Tap class was a welcome relief.
07.04.11. Took my camera in to have sensor cleaned (just out of warrantee, but they did it for free or would have cost £80) Collected it at 4.00pm. On reflection, feel I have made a big mistake...
08.04.11. REceived email late in the evening to say that my adult pupil has passed Grade 2 with 112 - excellent result!
09.04.11. Fun Day at local school. Beautifully sunny and warm day. Less children seen than last year, may be the good weather kept them away. Was observed and everything went smoothly, observer helped out at busy times which was good of her. Was happy with what she saw and awarded me a Grade 2, which I'm happy with. She made the suggestion that perhaps I could have had some instructions written down for busy times when I can't get to the people quick enough. Arrived home 1.30pm and had lunch outside. Jumped back in the car and sped off to Oxford and picked up Lucy and went to view a house (first floor flat) in Wheatley. The village is wonderful, the amenities are wonderful, everything is wonderful except the flat has a flat roof, night storage heaters and the price... Lucy has set her heart in it, we'll just have to see...
10.04.11. Breathed a sigh of relief that the weather was again hot and sunny and we could spend all day outside pottering in the garden. Planted sweet corn, beans and sunflowers for Lucy's new patio.
15.04.11. Rest of week has just flown getting things ready in preparation for our first holiday of the year. Graham's work is now based in Plymouth (from February 2010), but I hadn't visited the area. So we have rented a house and set off today in my car, so I can have something to run around in while Graham is at work. Very overcast day, but felt warm as the air was so still. Set off around 11.00am and stopped for lunch at Tyntesfield, newly opened National Trust place. The restaurant is in the stables, all the walls are newly whitewashed and you sit at tables with a manger in the corner - great! Food was divine, even though my tooth is playing up big time. The house wasn't opened today, but we had a lovely stroll round. The family made its fortune from guano (like many others) and the buildings were breathtakingly beautifully - can't wait to visit again. Of we went again, stopping for tea and cake, this time at Killerton another National Trust estate (you'll see a theme emerging). Amazingly, the house is painted orange - all because it has a magnificent wisteria which was just coming into bloom. Other flowers in the extensive garden were equally stunning, so the fact that the light was dull and flat was a little frustrating.
We eventually arrived at our 'new home' around 7.30pm, collected some milk from the local Tesco threw our bags in and made for the nearest beach. We ate a picnic tea in the car and went for a short walk to the headland. Across the bay was a small island and we were intrigued to see a huge illuminated hotel - the only building visible. Time to make tracks and 'google' our find.
16.04.11. Because we came down on a Friday, we decided that a Saturday would be the quiestest day to spend at The Eden Project. Again it was a very mild dull cloudy day. I'm not sure what I expected from The Eden Project. I thought it would be bigger and more eco-friendly. It is an amazing place with lots to see/do/experience, but it is run to entertain rather than educate. However, it was a good day out and I'd love to go again. We left about 5pm and then stopped off at Plymouth and were treated to a spectacular sunset. The grey clouds parted and let in the most amazing light.
17.04.11. Today was Graham's choice to go to the seaside. It was really sunny, quite warm if a little windy. We drove first to Torquay and had a lovely walk round watching boats in the harbour and hardy holiday makers going for boat trips (brrrr!) I had half expected to see tall men thrashing small cars, but we didn't spot any on our way in (Flowery Tarts?) Next we saw the delights of Paignton, memorable only for its colourful beach huts. A small detour on the way home led us to Burgh Island, to see the hotel we had spotted on our first evening. Graham had found out that the hotel rates start at £385 a night and was already planning his stay. What we hadn't planned for was our next meal and we managed to arrive just as everything was shutting up. Not wanting to forego an interesting walk, I persuaded him to come with me along a sandy path which seemed quite popular with everyone else and seemed to lead to the next cove. As with many situations, as one door closes, another one opens, the path led to a caravan site complete with pub and restaurant where we ordered a pleasant meal and watched the sun go down.
18.04.11. Monday was an early morning as I needed to get up and take Graham to the car hire place on his way to work. By 9o'clock I was parked up at the Hoe, watching the inhabitants of Plymouth running, dog walking, cycling etc along the sea front. We all departed at precisely at 10.00am when the car parking charges came into force. Then I made my way to Drake Circus shopping centre, credit card in hand, convinced that the clothes I had brought were not suitable for the unseasonal summer weather. I was much happier once I had found the local Primark and purchased two tops, a skirt and a pair of Capri trousers for £25. Next I found Saltram House (the nearest National Trust place) and ate my sandwiches, answered emails and made some phone calls while watching a set of twins playing in the long grass together. Being alone in a beautiful place was not so bad after all. Saltram House is lovely, but very similar in many ways to Kedleston Hall - both have rooms designed by Robert Adams. I arrived home at 5.15 and Graham not long after. I cooked us some simple tea and then I persuaded Graham to go for a walk around Aveton Gafford, a mile or two down the road where the road disappears under water at high tide, very odd...
19.04.11. Today, Graham went off to work and I went to Exeter for the day to meet up with two college friends. Kimberley, who lives and teaches in Weymouth and Julie who lives in nearby Crediton. I hadn't seen Julie in 30 years, but once we three were back together, it was as though all those years had melted away - we have resolved to try and meet up again soon, especially as I now have a reason to be 'down there'. I arrived back around 5 and with a 'quick' turn around we were out of the house for 7 and on our way back to Plymouth to have dinner with Graham's boss. By now, (Tuesday) - it was warm enough to wear skirt and light jacket, appropriate too for the poshest restaurant in Plymouth. Called Tanners Restaurant, it was launched by Chris and James Tanner (one of whom regularly cooks on TV - no, I've not seen him either) If the place was anything to go by (originally the Treasury) then the food was going to be marvellous - and it was. I was going to describe the food, but perhaps best to read the menu - when can I go again?! Even my constant toothache couldn't spoil it for me.
20.04.11. Wednesday dawned bright and warm. A whole day in front of me - the world was my oyster. First I washed my hair then jumped in the car and set off for Buckland Abbey which Kimberley had recommended to me yesterday. It seemed to take ages to get past Plymouth, but just before I turned off I saw my first glimpse of Dartmoor - and I was smitten.
Buckland Abbey is a wonderful place, built by the Cistern Monks in the 1400s, it is steeped in history and entwined with the fortunes of Sir Francis Drake. It nestles in a hollow which captures the sun and at this time of year plays host to a myriad of tulips, rhododendrons and wisteria. I left at half 4 and made my way back to Plymouth to meet Graham at the car hire place. We then back-tracked and headed for Dartmoor, stopping off at Two Bridges for a steak meal al fresco and a long walk up the hill and into the sunset...
21.04.11. Today I felt guilty about being away from home-all I could think about was the work piling up on the website. Graham was very amenable and agreed that we should go home a day early and besides, the traffic would probably be lighter if we travelled today. So, we packed up, cleaned the house and set the Sat Nav for Castle Drogo for our National Trust lunch stop. The weather was still lovely and warm, so we had an enjoyable time at Castle Drogo and lunch outside. I have to say I was surprised at the starkness of the building, but loved the contents inside. The guides were happy to let visitors play the numerous pianos, so although I didn't have a go there was an 10/11(?) year old girl who delighted at playing her Grade 4 pieces to everyone - she was very good! All too soon it was time to head back to the car and set off in the direction of Derby. We arrived just in time to go and collect Lucy from the station. She has a whole 10 days off work what with Bank Holidays/Easter/Royal Wedding etc
22.04.11. First catch up day with the website.
25.04.11. Did some bike riding up and down the lane, managed to hurt foot.
26.04.11. Today was the first of two days spent at The Quad on a free photographic course. Arrived early to find the doors firmly locked, so sought refuge in the covered market until nearer 9.30am (difficult as foot still very painful). Also had to change seats as the air conditioning was so fierce, but besides those minor details everything went very smoothly. There were 12 all together age range 20-60 and wide range of ability too. Two sets of partners (one girl was deaf and whose partner signed relentlessly for her - such dedication) girl who made headdresses and partner who painted watercolours. Lad still at Uni and into time lapse movie making, girl who works at Deda (arranged to contact her to take photos of dancers), newly retired now hopes to set up in consultancy (can't remember what type of work), henna painter who specialises in weddings (has since been in the paper), girl who works at The Quad. First we were sent out to take some photos and come back, download them and show to others - freezing outside. Took so long, coffee break, allowed up to £10 per day free refreshments. Brief chat about 'Rule of Thirds' sent out again to take photos to demonstrate this rule. Lunch. Looked at each others photos and discussed what we'd like to do tomorrow.
27.04.11. Began with introduction of how to use certain things in Photoshop CS3. Chose a photo from yesterday, moved part of it into another photo and cloned out excess. Coffee break. Further work in photoshop. Lunch. Took some photos using studio lighting - so hot 2 x 500w bulbs. The difference was obvious what you can do with strong lighting. Tea break. Showed selection of photos that we'd altered using Photoshop, exchanged contact details, said our 'goodbyes' and went home.
28.04.11. Had phone interview with Katrina my acupuncturist at the hospital. I am booked in for one more session, but have been warned that due to cuts this may be the last time. Went to town in afternoon with Lucy - to take posters to visitor's centre, library etc. Dress rehearsal for Tap Dance at Derby Arts Festival. Didn't go brilliantly, but felt a bit more confident for tomorrow, just hope foot bares up.
29.04.11. Graham flew off to Chicago, Emma came and collected Lucy to watch The Royal wedding with Steven's family and I watched the whole event on my own, mostly with tears streaming down my face. Loved everything except the tree in Westminster Abbey...'why?'... Took photos from the television! Lucy home about 3pm. Went down and had a quick chat to people at our Royal Wedding party, took a few photos and came home. Emailed a photo to the paper and then packed up and went to The Guildhall. Performance went very well - one of the other dancers commented that I looked like I was enjoying it - what a complement. We came joint third (85) - can't win 'em all!
30.04.11. Lucy wanted to go shopping in Meadowhall and I wanted to visit The Harley Gallery. So we compromised and went to both, lovely lunch at the Gallery - bought a dress from Oasis. Glad to get home.
A Face For Tomorrow
25.03.11. Took my DSLR with me to the NEC (Sewing For Pleasure) to take some pictures of our stand and anything else 'photogenic'. Was really pleased with the results from the Fashion Show "Creativity On The Catwalk". All the clothes were made by the students and modelled by them as well.
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