HST, East Midland Train, Passes Flooded Field Near Little Eaton, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A Perfect Reflection...
HST, East Midland Train, Passes Flooded Field Near Little Eaton, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
A Mirror In The Garden?...
This is the aptly called 'Riverside Cottage' and was completely surrounded by water. The lady who lives there is currently living upstairs for obvious reasons...
One Thing I Don't Have To Worry About...
Whilst waiting for the odd train to go past to enhance my photo, I realised that there was someone standing next to me...a lady with a small dog. We exchanged pleasantries and spoke of the 'poor person' who lived in the house here, whose garden was completely submerged. She in turn came and said 'hello' and enthused about her darling little house which she and her husband had bought to retire to. He had died of a heart attack and never got to live there. She, a real stalwart obviously found solace in the house and was now busy renovating it room by room and still recovering from when it was flooded (inside) in July 2007.
IN BRIEF
Monday 21st January
Jewellery Lesson went very well, gate crashed the computer class next door so I could show everyone how to get onto the Derby Adult Learning website and see pictures of their own work. Everyone finished their project, which must be a first and went home happy (not a first...)
Tuesday 22nd (See above)
Had my fingers crossed that the sun would shine and I could go out and take photos of the floods today. Luckily there was enough light, but it wasn't exactly photogenic weather. Went back to Belper to capture the flood waters with a panorama. Froze my fingers off and kind of got what I wanted. Found a new road to explore in Allestree which brings you on to the ring road at the bottom of Abbey Hill. Discovered a house there with its garden completely submerged under water. The field next door to the house was also under water and gave for a very interesting shot with the trains going past reflecting in the flood waters. Stayed so long, got chatting to a lady walking her dog and then the lady who lived in the submerged garden came out and we all sympathised with her! Called in at the Garden Centre and treated myself to two pot plants and just had time for my appointment at the hair dressers for a quick trim before returning for my 4.00pm piano lesson.
Went to tap lesson, full class last week, almost empty this, so managed to catch up a bit with the steps. Not nice coming back to an empty house and having to put the recycling rubbish out. Decided against putting out the heavy glass bottles.
Wednesday 23rd
Lucy was home by 1.00pm, catching the bus from town. Went food shopping for the few things that we needed. Sat down after tea together and Lucy showed me what she'd learned at Uni about Photoshop, which was great. 'Bonding with Photoshop...'
Thursday 24th
Taught class in the afternoon. Took Lucy to catch late train, she managed to let hand brake off instead of on in the dark and I may have yanked a little too hard as the car rolled backwards. Feels as though I may be back to square one, or is it just in my head...?
Found out tonight that my mum had a bad fall on Tuesday when she tripped over some large branches on her way back from visiting neighbours. No bones broken, but a bit 'shook up' to say the least. It makes it worse when I can't just jump in the car and go and make sure she'd OK...
Friday 25th
Daren't carry anything today, lucky that enough people around who are 'willing and able'...
Back to an empty house for a quick spot of lunch, catch up on the website and then dash off to meet Lucy for a spot of retail therapy in town. Stocked up with items from M&S food hall and little things like magazines etc, dropped Lucy off at Ben's and back to base.
Monday 21st January
Jewellery Lesson went very well, gate crashed the computer class next door so I could show everyone how to get onto the Derby Adult Learning website and see pictures of their own work. Everyone finished their project, which must be a first and went home happy (not a first...)
Tuesday 22nd (See above)
Had my fingers crossed that the sun would shine and I could go out and take photos of the floods today. Luckily there was enough light, but it wasn't exactly photogenic weather. Went back to Belper to capture the flood waters with a panorama. Froze my fingers off and kind of got what I wanted. Found a new road to explore in Allestree which brings you on to the ring road at the bottom of Abbey Hill. Discovered a house there with its garden completely submerged under water. The field next door to the house was also under water and gave for a very interesting shot with the trains going past reflecting in the flood waters. Stayed so long, got chatting to a lady walking her dog and then the lady who lived in the submerged garden came out and we all sympathised with her! Called in at the Garden Centre and treated myself to two pot plants and just had time for my appointment at the hair dressers for a quick trim before returning for my 4.00pm piano lesson.
Went to tap lesson, full class last week, almost empty this, so managed to catch up a bit with the steps. Not nice coming back to an empty house and having to put the recycling rubbish out. Decided against putting out the heavy glass bottles.
Wednesday 23rd
Lucy was home by 1.00pm, catching the bus from town. Went food shopping for the few things that we needed. Sat down after tea together and Lucy showed me what she'd learned at Uni about Photoshop, which was great. 'Bonding with Photoshop...'
Thursday 24th
Taught class in the afternoon. Took Lucy to catch late train, she managed to let hand brake off instead of on in the dark and I may have yanked a little too hard as the car rolled backwards. Feels as though I may be back to square one, or is it just in my head...?
Found out tonight that my mum had a bad fall on Tuesday when she tripped over some large branches on her way back from visiting neighbours. No bones broken, but a bit 'shook up' to say the least. It makes it worse when I can't just jump in the car and go and make sure she'd OK...
Friday 25th
Daren't carry anything today, lucky that enough people around who are 'willing and able'...
Back to an empty house for a quick spot of lunch, catch up on the website and then dash off to meet Lucy for a spot of retail therapy in town. Stocked up with items from M&S food hall and little things like magazines etc, dropped Lucy off at Ben's and back to base.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Flood Waters At Darley Abbey...
Sunday 20th January
Graham left for New York again today for a fortnight. Don't know if the weather had anything to do with it, but his flight was delayed by an hour.
As he flew into crystal clear skies and freezing temperatures, it drizzled relentlessly here. Took a short trip over to Darley Abbey after lunch to see the flood waters rushing over the weir. Not very photogenic, but my little video gives some idea of the amount of water involved...
Graham left for New York again today for a fortnight. Don't know if the weather had anything to do with it, but his flight was delayed by an hour.
As he flew into crystal clear skies and freezing temperatures, it drizzled relentlessly here. Took a short trip over to Darley Abbey after lunch to see the flood waters rushing over the weir. Not very photogenic, but my little video gives some idea of the amount of water involved...
Water, Water Everywhere...
Saturday 19th January
The paper was delivered today and on the letter's page, a photo of Darley Abbey Mills with my name against it. Funny...I'd never seen it before...
Went to Denby Pottery for a spot of lunch and then a quick trip to Belper to see the flood waters.
The paper was delivered today and on the letter's page, a photo of Darley Abbey Mills with my name against it. Funny...I'd never seen it before...
Went to Denby Pottery for a spot of lunch and then a quick trip to Belper to see the flood waters.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Published Again...
Monday 14th January
Found out on Tuesday that my picture was in The Derby Evening Telegraph on Monday. It was not the best of days, a mix up with the people who deliver the paper meant that they didn't deliver as they hadn't received payment...but we hadn't received a bill.
Could this be 'Catch 23'?
Tuesday 15th
Busy morning spent with website and numerous phone calls.
Went to tap. Went well, but felt a little disheartened about the routine we are learning. The music comes from Cassablanca which I'm not that familiar with, and coupled with the many little sequences, I'm having trouble remembering which comes where...
Found out on Tuesday that my picture was in The Derby Evening Telegraph on Monday. It was not the best of days, a mix up with the people who deliver the paper meant that they didn't deliver as they hadn't received payment...but we hadn't received a bill.
Could this be 'Catch 23'?
Tuesday 15th
Busy morning spent with website and numerous phone calls.
Went to tap. Went well, but felt a little disheartened about the routine we are learning. The music comes from Cassablanca which I'm not that familiar with, and coupled with the many little sequences, I'm having trouble remembering which comes where...
Published Again...
Wednesday 16th
Published again twice in three days...must be a record!
Oil was delivered, just as I was trying to dash off to dental appointment at 12 noon. Saw one of my fellow tappers in the waiting room. It was lovely to have someone to chat to as we waited. She works at Breadsall Hill Top school (infants).
Collected Lucy from the station (train delayed due to the flooding) went to Morrisons to do food shopping and home for lunch. Graham home most afternoons this week and busy in the garage making something for work with a new Band Saw he 'just had to have'. In fact, he was so engrossed today, that when rushing back to work he jumped into my car (we have swapped while I 'learn' to drive again) and backed straight into his car smashing the front number plate and denting my bumper. Lucy and I then spent the afternoon with a very nice chap at T.C.Harrisons, organising for a new number plate to be made and booking Graham's car in as the boot lock has developed a curious habit of unlocking itself as you drive along, - most disconcerting!
'Lost' one of my piano pupils today. A very capable girl of twelve who I'd hoped to put in for Grade Two this Easter. I have always battled with her to do more practice, (she can play beautifully) but refuses to practice the less popular parts like scales etc. Having struggled to keep teaching while recovering from my op, it just didn't seem worth the effort I was having to put in. She had an ultimatum last week, and having checked with her mother, nothing had changed. Was surprised by my own resolve...
Published again twice in three days...must be a record!
Oil was delivered, just as I was trying to dash off to dental appointment at 12 noon. Saw one of my fellow tappers in the waiting room. It was lovely to have someone to chat to as we waited. She works at Breadsall Hill Top school (infants).
Collected Lucy from the station (train delayed due to the flooding) went to Morrisons to do food shopping and home for lunch. Graham home most afternoons this week and busy in the garage making something for work with a new Band Saw he 'just had to have'. In fact, he was so engrossed today, that when rushing back to work he jumped into my car (we have swapped while I 'learn' to drive again) and backed straight into his car smashing the front number plate and denting my bumper. Lucy and I then spent the afternoon with a very nice chap at T.C.Harrisons, organising for a new number plate to be made and booking Graham's car in as the boot lock has developed a curious habit of unlocking itself as you drive along, - most disconcerting!
'Lost' one of my piano pupils today. A very capable girl of twelve who I'd hoped to put in for Grade Two this Easter. I have always battled with her to do more practice, (she can play beautifully) but refuses to practice the less popular parts like scales etc. Having struggled to keep teaching while recovering from my op, it just didn't seem worth the effort I was having to put in. She had an ultimatum last week, and having checked with her mother, nothing had changed. Was surprised by my own resolve...
Friday, January 18, 2008
IN BRIEF
Thursday 17th
New adult piano pupil is exhausting, - but it's great fun to have someone who can grab knowledge and run with it! Turns out she is involved with Social Work and has four grown up sons.
Jewellery lesson didn't go as well as I'd hoped and new student difficult to cope with on all fronts, not to mention the support worker... no we won't mention her...
Spent rest of day making up and practising how to marble on fabric.
Graham took Lucy to station for 7.00pm
Friday 18th January
Today's lesson was great fun. I love it when you can do a demonstration and everyone goes 'wow', it makes everything worth while.
Home for lunch, catch up with website, met Lucy near shops and having off-loaded her case, went shopping. Tried on and fell in love with 'unusual' shoes to go with unusual dress (from sale in Lime) which I shall also never wear... (but you never know...)
Worth the watch...
Badly Drawn Boy
Thursday 17th
New adult piano pupil is exhausting, - but it's great fun to have someone who can grab knowledge and run with it! Turns out she is involved with Social Work and has four grown up sons.
Jewellery lesson didn't go as well as I'd hoped and new student difficult to cope with on all fronts, not to mention the support worker... no we won't mention her...
Spent rest of day making up and practising how to marble on fabric.
Graham took Lucy to station for 7.00pm
Friday 18th January
Today's lesson was great fun. I love it when you can do a demonstration and everyone goes 'wow', it makes everything worth while.
Home for lunch, catch up with website, met Lucy near shops and having off-loaded her case, went shopping. Tried on and fell in love with 'unusual' shoes to go with unusual dress (from sale in Lime) which I shall also never wear... (but you never know...)
Worth the watch...
Badly Drawn Boy
Sunday, January 13, 2008
IN BRIEF
Monday 7th January
First day back at work in three months. People were very nice to me and asked how I was, being truthful wasn't easy, but at least they all know that I still need help with opening doors and lifting things. Even with students missing, it was very busy, but results were good. See 'Derby Learn' Jewellery Making
Tuesday 8th January
Busy day at the computer. At last have mastered (almost) the skill of uploading things on the website associated with Derby Adult Education. Put up photos of everyone's Handbags charms that they made and links to videos to help with technique.
New cooker arrived at half past one, carried by two young lads. Robert and I had to make do with soup and Jamaica cake (not together) warmed up in the microwave.
Decided to go to tap class, which was a bit of a struggle, but it was lovely to see everyone again. Coming home was difficult too through thick sleet/liquid snow.
Wednesday 9th January
Disappointed that no snow to speak of this morning. Struggling now to get a lesson for together Friday's Craft class. Had a call from one of the helpers - doesn't sound as though there will be a class...
Lucy came home from university under own steam. Has no lectures until next Monday.
Thursday 10th January
Highlight of the day - new adult piano pupil, a complete beginner. Very nice lady, picks things up quickly, slightly older than me, but much better brain! Only three for Jewellery class this afternoon, but more promised for later.
Graham took Lucy to Ben's after tea.
Friday 11th January
Went to centre early as rumour no parking, but on arrival found not to be true. Had influx of students - all with special needs, but at least had enough help. Perhaps need to rethink what I've planned for the term.
Weather miserable and very cold. Took Robert to Ikea at tea time to buy the desk he needs for his room at Loughborough. He treated me to tea, which was nice. Journey there and back in torrential rain...brrr...
Lucy back about 10 o'clock, just after I'd rung to see where she was...
Monday 7th January
First day back at work in three months. People were very nice to me and asked how I was, being truthful wasn't easy, but at least they all know that I still need help with opening doors and lifting things. Even with students missing, it was very busy, but results were good. See 'Derby Learn' Jewellery Making
Tuesday 8th January
Busy day at the computer. At last have mastered (almost) the skill of uploading things on the website associated with Derby Adult Education. Put up photos of everyone's Handbags charms that they made and links to videos to help with technique.
New cooker arrived at half past one, carried by two young lads. Robert and I had to make do with soup and Jamaica cake (not together) warmed up in the microwave.
Decided to go to tap class, which was a bit of a struggle, but it was lovely to see everyone again. Coming home was difficult too through thick sleet/liquid snow.
Wednesday 9th January
Disappointed that no snow to speak of this morning. Struggling now to get a lesson for together Friday's Craft class. Had a call from one of the helpers - doesn't sound as though there will be a class...
Lucy came home from university under own steam. Has no lectures until next Monday.
Thursday 10th January
Highlight of the day - new adult piano pupil, a complete beginner. Very nice lady, picks things up quickly, slightly older than me, but much better brain! Only three for Jewellery class this afternoon, but more promised for later.
Graham took Lucy to Ben's after tea.
Friday 11th January
Went to centre early as rumour no parking, but on arrival found not to be true. Had influx of students - all with special needs, but at least had enough help. Perhaps need to rethink what I've planned for the term.
Weather miserable and very cold. Took Robert to Ikea at tea time to buy the desk he needs for his room at Loughborough. He treated me to tea, which was nice. Journey there and back in torrential rain...brrr...
Lucy back about 10 o'clock, just after I'd rung to see where she was...
Terracotta Army, Here We Come...
Friday 4th January
We'd been busy all week trying to catch up ready to go back to work on Monday. So there was great relief when the big hand on the clock reached half past one and we could escape by jumping in the car and catching a train to London.
As we rolled into St Pancras International, the sky was darkening and the murkiness we'd been aware of all afternoon showed itself in the form of steady drizzling rain. It didn't matter on the Underground, but it meant there was little chance of taking any interesting night-time photos.
We'd been busy all week trying to catch up ready to go back to work on Monday. So there was great relief when the big hand on the clock reached half past one and we could escape by jumping in the car and catching a train to London.
As we rolled into St Pancras International, the sky was darkening and the murkiness we'd been aware of all afternoon showed itself in the form of steady drizzling rain. It didn't matter on the Underground, but it meant there was little chance of taking any interesting night-time photos.
Jewel In The Crown...
Having spent all week working on his university project, Robert was suffering from 'melt-down syndrome' and try as we might to lighten his mood, spending the rest of the day in a stuffy train and in a museum with old relics (not his parents) did little to lighten his mood. For this reason, I suggested that we make a 'short' trip to the Tate Modern in the hope that he might find a book to lead him out of his depression with new ideas for his design. I'm not keen on the exhibits there, but their book shop is a jewel in an oasis.
All It's Cracked Up To Be?...
When I first heard about 'The Crack' being 'exhibited' at the Tate Modern, I was incredulous - that while people are being denied funding for life saving illnesses, thousands had been spent making a crack in the floor. And you know what?.... having seen it has confirmed my worst fears ... what a waste of money!
So it's slightly ironic that having put two photos of it on Flickr, I was invited to add one of them to a special group of 'The Tate Modern Crack '!
So it's slightly ironic that having put two photos of it on Flickr, I was invited to add one of them to a special group of 'The Tate Modern Crack '!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Visiting The Terracotta Army At The British Museum...
It was soon time to make a dash out in the drizzle to the nearest Underground and head for The British Museum in order to meet our entry time of 6.10pm clearly marked on our tickets for 'The Terracotta Army'. I'm sure you will, like us, have seen at least one of the many programmes about it. My mum was a bit dismissive, but it had become a bit of a quest; one because of the difficulty of obtaining tickets and two because it was a chance in a life time. We wondered whether the British Museum was still open as we edged out of the dark street across the courtyard. We are so used to bright lighting in shopping centres that it was a welcome change (almost) not to be blinded by the light - but you needed to be careful you didn't bump into anyone. The best bit about the exhibition was where it is housed...in the centre library on a special platform. I love the whole building, but looking up at the ceiling, (which was so close), it was easy to become mesmerised by the gold relief on the dome. The exhibition itself was interesting, if a little crowded, it was just as shame that there weren't more than the dozen or so figures on show, considering over 7000 have been unearthed. We had a quick bite to eat after, followed by a dash in the pouring rain, ending with us missing the train by about 30 seconds. Please make a note that catching the 9 o'clock train takes you to Nottingham first, and doesn't arrive in Derby until 11.30pm...yawn...
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Early Start On New Year's Eve...
Monday 31st December
Graham and Robert rose at 6.00am, caught the 7.00am train to London and joined an extremely long queue at The British Museum around half past 9. They had hoped to be early enough to get four of the 500 hundred tickets released daily to see the Terracotta Army currently on display. This was not to be... However, they were allowed to book other tickets and we now plan to return on Friday for a 6.00pm viewing. (The only tickets available on the internet are on Thursdays at 10 to 10pm) Lucy and I followed at a more leisurely pace on the 9.00am train and headed off to the Victoria and Albert Museum...
Graham and Robert rose at 6.00am, caught the 7.00am train to London and joined an extremely long queue at The British Museum around half past 9. They had hoped to be early enough to get four of the 500 hundred tickets released daily to see the Terracotta Army currently on display. This was not to be... However, they were allowed to book other tickets and we now plan to return on Friday for a 6.00pm viewing. (The only tickets available on the internet are on Thursdays at 10 to 10pm) Lucy and I followed at a more leisurely pace on the 9.00am train and headed off to the Victoria and Albert Museum...
The Ice Man Cometh...?
There was hardly any queue at the Victoria and Albert Museum, so we decided to see both the Lee Miller and Golden Age of Couture exhibitions. The Lee Miller was much more interesting than I had anticipated. Not only was she a model, but having become a photographer she was a war photojournalist for Vogue Magazine. There was even a bizarre photo of her in Hitler's bath! The Couture exhibition was excellent - including all the fashion styles from 1947-1957. The best bit were the miniatures, all the latest styles on tiny mannequins, even down to tiny gloves and bags.
Having left the V&A, we headed across the road back to the underground, stopping briefly to snap these skaters outside The Natural History Museum.
Having left the V&A, we headed across the road back to the underground, stopping briefly to snap these skaters outside The Natural History Museum.
The Houses Of Parliament On A Grey Day
Half expected an alien life form to come out of these clouds...
Several Hundred People In A Boat...
From the V&A Museum, Lucy and I dashed over to Westminster, met up with Graham and Robert and were just in time to catch the 10 past 2 river boat. I'm not usually keen on boat rides, but it was interesting to see London from a different view point. Pity the weather was so dull, but it was surprisingly 'warm' for New Year's Eve. Also interesting to see all the barges ready for the evening's firework display.
Did You Know?
It was 4.00pm by the time we reached St Paul's Cathedral, and as the light failed, we pondered over whether or not to spend the £9.50 each on an entry ticket. Deciding on warmth over wealth, I proffered my credit card only to find that we could now enter for £5.00 each, but not go up the tower. We were all in complete awe of the interior, especially the ceilings, all painted with twinkly gold paint (is it mosaic?) and trompe l'oeil. Most interesting was the crypt where numerous famous people are buried including Sir Christopher Wren, Millais, Alma Tadema, JMW Turner, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Arthur Sullivan and Florence Nightingale.
On leaving, I turned back to see this picture. Unfortunately, not my crispest shot, must have been something to do with the cold...
On leaving, I turned back to see this picture. Unfortunately, not my crispest shot, must have been something to do with the cold...
Our Strange Tradition...
As we'd been walking around London all day, by the time we reached Covent Garden, we were all ravenous. We sat outside, as near to the overhead heaters as possible and tucked into bacon butties and chips.
Blue On Blue...
We arrived back at the station with 20 minutes to spare. Couldn't resist a few more photos of St Pancras station. With my camera set for tungsten light, the blue of the girders is enhanced.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Published Again...
Saturday 29th December
Apologies for this being a little repetitive, but it was lovely to have yet another photo in The Derby Evening Telegraph, slight niggle was that they'd drained the picture of colour!
Graham and I were invited round to one of his colleagues for the evening. Expecting lots of other couples to have been invited, I did toy with the idea of wearing one of the outfits Lucy had bought me for Christmas. Glad I didn't as we were the only ones there and it was therefore a low key affair. We did have a very enjoyable time and was a big step for me being one of the few times I've been in company since my op. At the end of the evening, plans were made for the next time - will look forward to it, but hope there is less cheese...
Apologies for this being a little repetitive, but it was lovely to have yet another photo in The Derby Evening Telegraph, slight niggle was that they'd drained the picture of colour!
Graham and I were invited round to one of his colleagues for the evening. Expecting lots of other couples to have been invited, I did toy with the idea of wearing one of the outfits Lucy had bought me for Christmas. Glad I didn't as we were the only ones there and it was therefore a low key affair. We did have a very enjoyable time and was a big step for me being one of the few times I've been in company since my op. At the end of the evening, plans were made for the next time - will look forward to it, but hope there is less cheese...
Published Again...
Thursday 27th December
I always thought this as one of my best autumn photos of last year. Unfortunately, the image was fuzzy and cropped, missing the lovely autumn colours in the background.
New milestone achieved, as I took Lucy to town shopping, then onto Next at Ikea to search for a coat I wanted in the sales, (didn't find it) and then deposited her back to Ben's. First solo 'flight' in car (only third journey) since just before my op in October.
I always thought this as one of my best autumn photos of last year. Unfortunately, the image was fuzzy and cropped, missing the lovely autumn colours in the background.
New milestone achieved, as I took Lucy to town shopping, then onto Next at Ikea to search for a coat I wanted in the sales, (didn't find it) and then deposited her back to Ben's. First solo 'flight' in car (only third journey) since just before my op in October.
December 25th 2007
Today was quite a nondescript day weather-wise, but the perfect sunset made up for it
Little and Large...
There aren't many times when my dad and I get together, so it seemed a good idea to have a record of the occasion in my blog. I inherited my love of making things from him, but was never aware of this while I was still at home as he was always too busy working on the farm. Since he retired he has been able to make up for this and as a sprightly 79 year old has quite a few years left yet...
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Christmas Together...
Tuesday 25th December
As we grow up, and more so now, you realise how precious Christmas Days are, spent in the house you grew up in, and with your parents still around.
By the time I got up the 'bird' (from my uncle) was in the oven and Robert and Lucy had already made a start with something chocolaty they had found under the tree.
We began the day, with a trip to Stow church to take part in the morning service. This was disappointingly bland and without the eagerly anticipated Christmas message, but I don't think anyone noticed. Afterwards, we stood outside and chatted to our 'old' woodwork teacher from Westwood's, Mr Ricketts. We all remember someone who has steered us and influenced how we approach life, and I think this is how Graham feels about Mr Ricketts. You can never thank these people for their guidance, but, to be able to exchange pleasantries once every two years, is something to be cherished...
As we grow up, and more so now, you realise how precious Christmas Days are, spent in the house you grew up in, and with your parents still around.
By the time I got up the 'bird' (from my uncle) was in the oven and Robert and Lucy had already made a start with something chocolaty they had found under the tree.
We began the day, with a trip to Stow church to take part in the morning service. This was disappointingly bland and without the eagerly anticipated Christmas message, but I don't think anyone noticed. Afterwards, we stood outside and chatted to our 'old' woodwork teacher from Westwood's, Mr Ricketts. We all remember someone who has steered us and influenced how we approach life, and I think this is how Graham feels about Mr Ricketts. You can never thank these people for their guidance, but, to be able to exchange pleasantries once every two years, is something to be cherished...
Doing The Rounds... pm...
Monday 24th December
After lunch we loaded up and set off to see Graham's mum, who usually spends Christmas in Cheltenham with Dave, (the eldest of the clan). Although we had two phones dialled into Google maps, we still had difficulty finding his house on this, the third consecutive Christmas visit! Dave's greatest love is Moto Cross (not taking part), but this year we were pleasantly surprised and interested to hear his knowledge of local history, especially about the old steam trains which used to run from Stow to Cheltenham. We all 'just' remember these trains, but never rode on them before Dr Beeching came along and axed them all. Most impressive was the viaduct at Andoversford, which again is long gone. Can't help but give a brief mention here to Flanders' and Swan's 'The Slow Train' where they sang about all the lines and stations lost. Having looked this up on Wikipedia, it's interesting that there's virtually no mention of the Cotswold local stations, but loads up here near Derby - even Ambergate, which I'm slighly baffled about as I know trains do still stop there!
Had this photo been taken in 1963, you would have been able to see the smoke billowing along the bottom of the valley...
After lunch we loaded up and set off to see Graham's mum, who usually spends Christmas in Cheltenham with Dave, (the eldest of the clan). Although we had two phones dialled into Google maps, we still had difficulty finding his house on this, the third consecutive Christmas visit! Dave's greatest love is Moto Cross (not taking part), but this year we were pleasantly surprised and interested to hear his knowledge of local history, especially about the old steam trains which used to run from Stow to Cheltenham. We all 'just' remember these trains, but never rode on them before Dr Beeching came along and axed them all. Most impressive was the viaduct at Andoversford, which again is long gone. Can't help but give a brief mention here to Flanders' and Swan's 'The Slow Train' where they sang about all the lines and stations lost. Having looked this up on Wikipedia, it's interesting that there's virtually no mention of the Cotswold local stations, but loads up here near Derby - even Ambergate, which I'm slighly baffled about as I know trains do still stop there!
Had this photo been taken in 1963, you would have been able to see the smoke billowing along the bottom of the valley...
Doing The Rounds... am...
Monday 24th December
We are always so busy, it seems, that the only time we get to see relations is at Christmas time.
Went down to Condicote before lunch to see my aunt and uncle, Chris and Ted. As I am usually met with, (how should I put this...?) 'rough and tumble' from my uncle, I was relieved that he wasn't there until I was safely positioned round the far side of the kitchen table. Chris was full of helpful advice about how I should exercise to get strength back in my tummy muscles, I shan't repeat her suggestions - they seemed just a little bizarre...
After a life time of never venturing far on holiday, they have just discovered air travel. They visited Canada last year and have just returned from 5 weeks in the outback of Australia, where it rained every day! Luckily, it has not deterred them and they plan to visit friends in South Africa in the coming year...
We are always so busy, it seems, that the only time we get to see relations is at Christmas time.
Went down to Condicote before lunch to see my aunt and uncle, Chris and Ted. As I am usually met with, (how should I put this...?) 'rough and tumble' from my uncle, I was relieved that he wasn't there until I was safely positioned round the far side of the kitchen table. Chris was full of helpful advice about how I should exercise to get strength back in my tummy muscles, I shan't repeat her suggestions - they seemed just a little bizarre...
After a life time of never venturing far on holiday, they have just discovered air travel. They visited Canada last year and have just returned from 5 weeks in the outback of Australia, where it rained every day! Luckily, it has not deterred them and they plan to visit friends in South Africa in the coming year...
Home For Christmas...
Sunday 23rd December
Took forever to pack up, so stopped home for lunch and left around 2.00pm. The fog that had fenced us in all morning gave way to brilliant sunshine by the time we reached Burton-on-Trent. Stopped at my sister's for cup of tea and to off-load some presents and to take more on-board. Sarah has been off work for the last three weeks with pain in shins and swollen ankles. Blood tests have luckily come back clear - how do you point out politely that it's her body's cry for help to shed a few pounds? Wish my diagnosis had been (seemingly) so straight forward.
Perhaps not a good idea to invite her to read my blog...
Took forever to pack up, so stopped home for lunch and left around 2.00pm. The fog that had fenced us in all morning gave way to brilliant sunshine by the time we reached Burton-on-Trent. Stopped at my sister's for cup of tea and to off-load some presents and to take more on-board. Sarah has been off work for the last three weeks with pain in shins and swollen ankles. Blood tests have luckily come back clear - how do you point out politely that it's her body's cry for help to shed a few pounds? Wish my diagnosis had been (seemingly) so straight forward.
Perhaps not a good idea to invite her to read my blog...
Another Sale From Etsy.com
Blue Moon Reflection Bag, it's even prettier close to. Email me to buy one
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Two sales in one month, I'll be able to construct a graph soon!
Have written to say I think it best to wait until the New Year to post it, thanks 'dnapper', you have made my day...
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