08.04.10. It was very cold, but the view was amazing. A week later the ash from the Icelandic volcanic was much in evidence here...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Blaenau Ffestiniog Station, Gwynedd, Wales
06.04.10. Our first morning in Blaenau Ffestiniog and the weather was as grey as the slate on which the town is built. Remembering the old adage: "When in Wales, expect rain"; also remember: "it can only get better..."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Moira Furnace, Leicestershire
03.04.10 At last the sun came out and gave me the type of photo I was hoping for. Moira Furnace is a great place to visit. A lovely old red brick furnace building attached to a house. The canal flanks the building and there's a bridge across to the house.
April 2010
01.04.10: April Fool's day, but didn't hear of one funny incident. Nearest I came to it was taking a jewellery workshop at the new library at Mackworth, my watch not working and staying over by an hour when Lucy was waiting for me in town - definitely not funny! Collected Graham from the station at 9.45pm and Robert eventually arrived from Salisbury at 11.30pm.
02.03.10: Rained all day. Lucy had nose to grindstone trying to get her collection ready, so we three went shopping late afternoon. Bought two dressing gowns from Primark for £11.00 total!
02.03.10. At last the sun came out a bit, so I could at least have a go with my new camera. Robert and I went to Moira Furnace - a really lovely place just over half an hour away. Very old building flanked by a canal, a real 'find'!
04.04.10: Graham went off early to an autojumble at Newark and was back for lunch. Robert and I went for a long walk via Brackley Gate and back. It was good to soak up some sunshine and have a chat. The rest of the day was spent getting ready for tomorrow.
05.04.10: A real blustery day, but at least it was sunny. This was the beginning of quite an adventure. We set off to Wales at 11.30am in two cars, Graham and I in one and Lucy with Robert in the other. We met up at 'Dobbies' a garden centre on the outskirts of Shrewsbury for lunch and set off again about 2.30pm. We made it to Blaenau Ffestiniog for 3.50pm and didn't have long to wait for the owner to come and let us in and show us round. The house was called 'The Old Surgery' and situated off the main A470 up a side street. From the outside it looked nothing, but once inside it was like the tardis, spacious and light with a large kitchen, large living room, stairs down to a small sitting room and stairs up to a landing with three bedrooms, large double, largish twin and roomy single - and further stairs down to an enormous bathroom with bath, separate shower and walk-in airing cupboard. What more could we want? Having brought in everything and unpacked we set off in search of all our old 'haunts'. First stop was Llanfair and the house where we spent 10 holidays when Robert and Lucy were small. (was it really 10?). It hadn't changed at all and is probably still a holiday let with a cold lino floor and a hungry electricity meter full of our 50ps! Next, it was down to the beach to relive the many cold, blustery days we had spent there. It was even more cold and blustery than I remember. Back quickly to the car to warm up and unfreeze my 'dead' fingers and on to Barmouth for fish and chips. The Mermaid (fish and chip shop) hadn't changed at all and luckily the fish and chips tasted just as good. By now it was dark, so after a stroll around Barmouth and more 'dead' fingers we made it back to the car and made our way back to our new 'home'. The house was centrally heated at all times and the water tank ready to be drained of it's constant supply of boiling hot water - how blissful to be warm and cosy while the wind howled outside. If only I could have slept properly in my new bed!
06.04.10: This morning we awoke to a deterioration in the weather. We had a visitor at 8.30am, Warren, Robert's best friend from university, who lives near Llangollen arrived and the two departed to climb a near-by mountain. After breakfast we three had a short walk around the town via the railway station. It was cold and blowing a gale and we knew it would get worse. Back at the house Lucy and I did some more painting to one of the jumpsuits in her collection and then had some lunch. Around 2.00pm we received a phone call from Lucy's friends who were coming to join us, Dominic and Nare. Nare was to be our 'model' for Lucy's clothes, but at this point it wasn't clear whether donning summer outfits would be practical or possible. However, we all smiled and chatted trying to blank out our thoughts of the weather... At 3.30pm, we all set off for Portmeirion, our shoot location, trying to be positive by having a dry (?) run. By the time we got to Portmeirion, it was raining heavily and very cold. We met the manager Meurig and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to pronounce his name correctly. I did take a few photos with my small camera, trying not to get any rain on the lens. Graham bravely shot his with his Olympus and when we viewed then back, each one had water droplets somewhere on the photo. Back to the house for cups of tea and then out again for an evening meal at a local hotel at Tan y Bwlch. It was pleasant enough, if a little on the cool side. I had lamb shank, determined to sample the local produce. Outside it was so wet that the sheep with their lambs were pressed up against the fence trying to keep out of the field which was now lying in water. The good news was it had stopped raining by the time we came out...
07.04.10: Lucy had requested that we try to get to Portmeirion by 10.30am to begin our day's photoshoot. We made it by 10.40am, which was no mean feat with 7 adults in a house with only one bathroom. The rain gave way to warm sunshine and by 4.00pm we called it 'a wrap' and while Lucy, Dominic and Nare headed for the beach for some fun and frolics (judging by the photos), us two fogies (well not quite) spent the rest of the time taking just a few more photos...
08.04.10: Another beautiful day dawned in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Nare and Dominic spent most of it at the local Slate Mine while Lucy, Graham and I went in search of the Welsh countryside. We stopped off at Roman Bridge (a station, not at all Roman), then Dolwyddlan Castle, a walk around Dolwyddlan village followed by a picnic in the local park. It was then that Graham suggested we take a ride on the Snowden Railway, something we had said we would do, but never quite made on all our Welsh holidays. So off we headed to Llanberis, down the pass with all the scenery looking spectacular in the bright sunny weather and booked our ticket on the next available train (we were 4 from last on the last train of the day). Except for a very irritating woman who thought she should have more seats than she was entitled to, the journey was a wonderful experience with breathtaking scenery culminating in a quick dash to stand in the last snow of the year on Snowden. Disappointingly, we only went three quarters of the way up as a mechanical caterpillar barred our way as did substantial snowdrifts, but even so you had a sense of being on top of the world. All too soon it was time to squash back into the little carriages - (the irritating woman decided that she would join our bench as it looked less full than the one she had been allocated) and begin our descent back to normality. Thanks Graham, I thought it was worth every penny...
9.04.10: Was up reasonably early and dashed out of the house armed with my new camera before everyone was down for breakfast. I walked up the lane and towards the nearest slate mine. It was a steep trek, but the change in view every time I looked back made it all the more worth while. The precariously placed spoil heap of slate looked strangely alluring in the morning sunshine. It was just fun to be out with my camera in a completely different environment. - Fridays should always be like this... Everything was packed up by 11.30 and we said our good-byes to Dominic and Nare and left Blaenau Ffestiniog promising to return on an equally nice day. We had an added bonus on the way home, a quick stop at Llanfair Caereinion, the home of Colinette yarns' factory shop to buy 2 skeins of luxury yarn then another stop at Shrewberry for lunch and then we were back home...
13.04.10: Tap class at a different venue at St Benedick's school. Not many there due to the holidays. Debbie gave me cheque for ticket to tap show at Stock on 23rd April as I on't feel I can go as we have been invited to aunt and uncle's Golden Wedding 'Do'.
15.04.10: Debbie from tap came over and we went for a cup of tea at The Bottle Kiln. My small treat for her taking up my show ticket.
16.04.10: Trip to London to meet up with Chris. Met at V&A and visited The Quilt Show on there. There were some wonderful quilts - especially the old ones, but there were lots I had hoped would be there and weren't (eg those of Kaffe Fassett). I think my favourite was the one made out of Chinese paper money. We had a sandwich across the road and sat and chatted until the noise from the roadworks outside meant we had to reconvene at a Bisto around the corner. There we and drank cups of tea and watched the residents of Knightsbridge swan past in their up market cars until it was time to dash off and catch a train home...
17.04.10&18.04.10: Best week-end weather so far this year. Graham had ordered the new shed/green house and it duly arrived early Saturday morning. Both Lucy and I spent the rest of the week end helping to level the paving slabs and assemble the structure. We can all be pleased with our achievement!
19.04.10: Since last Thursday flights in Europe have been grounded due to the volcanic ash being spued from a volcano in Iceland. It seems that everyone knows someone affected, most stuck in a foreign country. Our next door neighbours were stuck in Morocco and my sister in Spain. Both made it back by Tuesday - glad it wasn't me!
20.04.10: Start of term yesterday. Wasn't convinced that my Jewellery Class would run in Alfreton, but I have 8 students (3 with Learning Difficulties), all very enthusiastic, two are 'real characters'...Went to Tap class
21.04.10: Was notified that PAT testing was taking place at Rycote, so hot footed it there and took advantage of this facility after the non-event at Village.
22.04.10: Dress rehearsal for our entry in the Derby Arts Festival, went OK, interesting to see all the other groups that Pauline teaches.
23.04.10: First Jewellery class of the term at Village Centre. I have 10 and two helpers. This term I want to concentrate on Recycled jewellery as a forerunner to a course I hope to run at The new Eco Centre being built at The Stones' Centre at Wirksworth. This week we made a bracelet from sweet wrappers...
Went shopping with Lucy and hurried back to get ready to go to The Guildhall. Graham wanted to come to and take some photos. In the event we (I) rushed as I'd said I'd collect Debbie (very silly in view of the fact it was rush hour on a Friday evening) and when we got there we had to wait ages for the last of the group to turn up, Graham had to leave after I'd finished as he was suffering badly from hayfever and - you've guessed it - we came last...
24.04.10: Graham off early to Stafford bike show and back by 3.30pm, then we set of to my mum's and arrived at 6.00pm. Got changed and scooted off to Condicote Village Hall where my uncle and aunt (Ted and Chris) were holding their Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrations. Nice evening with nice food and found out that my cousin's daughter (nearly 16) runs for the County and hopes to take part in the Olympics! Got to play the Grand piano, which was great, but it was a bit dark in the corner, or is it my eyesight?
25.04.10: Stayed over last night, but left at 11.00am and back for 1.00pm. Didn't have time to make dinner, so went to The Spotted Cow at Holbrook, if only all meat tasted like theirs...
27.04.10: One piano lesson and then off to Jewellery Class at Alfreton. Two more piano lessons and tap class in the evening. Have entered 3 of my pupils for their Grade one Exam - is a record ...
28.04.10: Up early and off to the Pain Clinic at Derby Royal (was the City Hospital). Getting there for 9.00am was a bit of a tall order in the rush hour and unusually Graham and I differed in the route we favoured! In hind sight I made the right decision... Very quick visit, yes I can come back for a further course of acupuncture, almost no questions asked.
29.04.10: Graham off early, back to my Mum's to collect parts of a bike, don't ask... I found my own way to Heanor Hospital to start physiotherapy (why did no one say there's no parking). Was very sceptical that I could be helped, but came away pleasantly reassured that I do have muscles that need exercising, I won't tell you where...
30.04.10: Second Jewellery Class at Village. Paper beads this week, but was disappointed that students weren't interested in learning about triangles to know how which ones make different shaped beads (understandably) Forgot to hand in pay claim, again!!
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Spring Is In The Air...
16.03.10. A sunny day and a short walk around Horsley. The crocuses in the graveyard were 'a picture'. I sent one in to the Derby Evening Telegraph on 29th March and they printed it on the letter's page on Thursday 1st April. (not this one)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Mother's Day Walk
14.03.10. Robert and I had a long walk around Little Eaton. The chimney of Peckwash Mill dominates the skyline for miles around and is just as impressive close up. We used to be able to see it from our 'old' house, but it's only in the last few years that I've learned its history. Originally it served as a corn mill way back in the 13th Century and ended it's days as a paper mill of international importance. A complaint from a neighbour about the amount of smoke it emitted in 1906 ultimately led to its demise - a very early case of NIMBY...
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Haven Of Tranquility...
07.03.10
I have never seen the point of spending hours sat in one place waiting for a fish to bite. However, sitting in one place does have it's appeal when your foot hurts and you can only hobble. I would willingly have swapped places with any of these fishermen and probably have forgotten why I was there - it was so beautiful...
I have never seen the point of spending hours sat in one place waiting for a fish to bite. However, sitting in one place does have it's appeal when your foot hurts and you can only hobble. I would willingly have swapped places with any of these fishermen and probably have forgotten why I was there - it was so beautiful...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Look Into The Depths...
01.03.10.
At last the ground seems to be thawing out and the days are becoming longer. This was the sort of puddle you could look into and see so many things...
At last the ground seems to be thawing out and the days are becoming longer. This was the sort of puddle you could look into and see so many things...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 2010
01.03.10: Usual busy Monday. Took Graham to station to catch 2.30pm train to Plymouth. He left with a cheery wave and made the comment that although he would be 5 hours away (that would normally have been two thirds of the way to America) he would still be in the same time zone!
02.03.10: Have had an infection in my big toe for a week now and since Friday it has worsened considerably. Decided this morning that I really would have to take it to the doctors. I feel so annoyed to be 'floored' by such a small thing. At least there was no quibble this time; I was prescribed 5 days of penicillin, 500mg four times a day.
I still went to tap class as I needed to get out and we are doing a demonstration on Saturday for 'Women's Day' and needed the practice. Unfortunately my toe was too swollen to fit in my shoes, so danced in my boots (please don't laugh). It was a bit like a bad dream when you find you've gone somewhere and can't find the shoes you wanted.
03.03.10: Over a week a go I booked to see the doctor, so as always happens, I end up going on two consecutive days. Reasonable result, I am to be referred back to the pain clinic for the acupuncture I think will help and for physiotherapy to help strengthen my stomach muscles. I am not to be referred for a bone density test for although I have never drunk milk in any amounts, butter infrequently, cheese and cream never or only by mistake, I am not deemed to be at risk of osteoporosis as there is no history of it in my family...
04.03.10: Another celebration of Graham's 52nd birthday. We went to The Spotted Cow at Holbrook for a delicious carvery together with Kev (made redundant just before Graham but has now secured a new job) and Sally and Al (still at Delta Rail, but not happy) and Jan, who had us in hysterics all evening, especially with the tale about Al's 'Great Medieval Story' and the size of Merlin's sword...
05.03.10: Jewellery Class would have gone well except the person who came before half term to observe my class and decided after an hour that she couldn't observe it because there were only 4 learners that day, came back...Collected Lucy from the station and hobbled to Boots and back for pain killers. Having an infection in my toe has meant having to wear different shoes, I have now injured my foot and can't put any weight on it. Spent £40 on new pair of shoes that don't hurt my toe.
06.03.10: Was determined to do the Tap Demonstration for Women's Day, but as I still couldn't walk (or put my tap shoe on), this proved impossible... Spent rest of the day feeling very sorry for myself.
07.03.10: Bright sunny day. Felt like a prisoner, so planned an escape by car and went out to locate a school I'll be teaching at next Saturday. Lucy came with me, which was lucky as she knows the area!
08.03.10: Woke up this morning and was able to put weight on foot with care, hooray! Spent morning wrapping up two magazines I'd sold on eBay and taking them to post. Met Philippa at The Coopers Arms for lunch and long chinwag. Then we went to Village Centre for meeting with a SWOT team. Have since learned that SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats - all in a day's work...Gave my Line Manager a lift home as her car in garage for suspected major operation.
09.03.10: Went to tap as managed to fit foot in shoe - although still very painful.
12.03.10: Jewellery Class, all as planned. Came home to very welcome cooked meal, thanks to Graham. (May need to help him expand repertoire). Collected Lucy from station and went for a full 2 hour shop - we were even given a free car park ticket by someone who was leaving.
Robert finally arrived just before 11.00pm exhausted from his 3 and a half hour drive from Salisbury.
13.03.10: Up early and off to a 'Fun Day' at Ironville school making button jewellery with adults and children. Came home to another cooked meal, many thanks to Lucy. Suggested we have a trip to Buxton, but by the time we got there it was overcast and freezing cold. We should have learned from last time... Home to 'Chinese' and a film.
14.03.10: Mother's Day. I have trouble with days like this as I always find myself in denial that anyone should want to buy me anything 'in appreciation'. Consequently I am unable to accept gifts graciously. I did however receive two bunches of flowers, one very pretty (petite) orchid and three carefully chosen cards. So if I didn't say 'thank-you' properly, I will now say it again, thank you, I loved them all...
15.03.10: First job of the morning was to order some mirrored acrylic for Lucy's university project. Went to doctors at 4pm and was prescribed a second course of penicillin, this time for 10 days instead of 5. Was concerned that I was given the same capsules when the first lot don't seem to have helped.
17.03.10: Up early and off the Long Eaton Library to take a workshop on Napkin Decoupage on a terracotta pot. Was disappointed that no one turned up, although I did make friends with the librarian who owns a 5x4 plate camera and a new Line Manager called Carol. Went to The Beetroot Tree on my way home and saw a really lovely exhibition on the written word. The quality of some engraving on stone was superb. Wish I had a spare £1000 to spend... Was realised an ambition to photograph the local mill. An amazing red brick mill now standing empty. The weather wasn't perfect, so may revisit when conditions are better.
19.03.10: Graham went off to America at the crack of dawn. It seems strange that less than two months after being encouraged to take 'early retirement' he is back in the US as though nothing has changed. Good Jewellery class followed by appraisal of recent OLT. Was awarded a Grade 2 and a very thorough and complimentary write up. Wonder I need to do to get a Grade 1.
Collected Lucy from the station and eventually arrived home from shopping around 7.30pm.
20.03.10: Bad weather day, only just brightened by a trip to Lichfield to buy some beads. Highlight of the day was the purchase of a Viennese Whirl, I'd forgotten how much I love them. Bought a new phone from Argos ( as the answerphone is very temperamental) and called in at Currys on the way home and bought a new kettle as the old one is disintegrating.
21.03.10: Spent the morning making up jewellery for Lucy's project - a true labour of love. In the afternoon we popped to Wingfield Manor to have a walk round and take some photos. Toe showing some improvement - wore my old shoes for the first time in nearly a month!
22.03.10: Appointment at doctors to seek some reassurance that my toe will get better. Doctor quite dismissive and suggested I go to a chiropodist. Only just back in time for piano lesson with lady who comes all the way from Belper by bus.
24.03.10: Second workshop at Long Eaton, 5 turned up which was better than last week. Chose Iris Folding technique with Tulip and Chick. Was surprised that they had no idea why it's called Iris folding - one helpfully suggested it had something to do with an Iris flower, 'nil point' my dear...
25.03.10: Trip to NEC to Hobbycrafts Show. Spent most of the time with Chris discussing knitted related things. Was interesting to meet with Pat the Crafts coordinator of the WI and sound out ideas for the next competition. No further details here, but will be announced in the August newsletter. Long day, finally home at 6.30pm, with wallet a little lighter...
26.03.10: Had be informed that PAT testing would be done at the Centre where I teach - this being the last class of term. Was thrilled to find that after working for adult education for 14 years, I was finally in the right place at the right time. If only the chap had turned up!
Graham home from America. For the first time ever, he was seriously late only landing at 10.00am instead of 6.00am. Had cooked dinner for me when I arrived back from teaching which was lovely. Collected Lucy together and we all went shopping. Graham lasted about an hour and then had to retire to the car.
27.03.10: Planned to go down and see parents for the week-end. Graham suggested that if I was to have a new camera, I should have it before we go away to Wales to photograph Lucy's collection at Portmeirion. So off we went to the London Camera Exchange... The camera is beautiful, a brand new Canon Eos 550D. Lucy and I went when we were ready - about 12.00pm and Graham was following on once he'd done a few things in the garden. Lucy and I stopped off at the Craft Centre just off the A38. Meals were really good and not expensive. I had pan fried salmon fillet with salad and Lucy scampi and chips. Finally arrived after two more stops (one at garden centre for basket of flowers and the other at Tescos) at 4.30pm. Went for a long walk with Robert who had come up from Salisbury to see us.
28.03.10: Summer Time with clocks going forward. Set off to go and see Graham's mother just before 11.00am and arrived before 12.30pm. Took her out to lunch at a quiet local pub. Food OK, but wouldn't win any prizes. Had decided to visit a nearby windmill afterwards, but due to unforeseen circumstances, (lorry unloading wood blocking road) took us longer to get to than anticipated. Left about 4.15 and then Lucy and I left my parents for home about 6.15pm.
29.01.10: The reason we had gone to my parents separately was because Graham had arranged to see someone to do with his new job near Cirencester on Monday morning. I didn't want to stay over as I had a piano lesson and didn't want to cancel it. Of course the lady rang early on Monday to say she couldn't make it... Sent off for findings for Thursday's workshop. Graham home by 3.30pm. Three piano lessons today.
30.03.10: Chap came to give us a quote about a new boiler. We were hoping to take advantage of the new boiler scrapage scheme, but of course this has now ceased! Took Graham to the station to catch the 2.30pm train to Plymouth. Four piano lessons today and then tap class.
31.03.10: Quote of the day from my 'new' piano pupil: "Playing the piano has given me a new dimension of happiness". Tutor meeting 4.00pm-6.00pm and then two further piano lessons 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
The Market Hall, Tetbury
19.02.10
Tetbury is a beautiful little town built on top of a steep hill. The buildings indicate great wealth, which at a guess would have come from a prosperous wool trade of the Middle Ages. It has a beautiful church too.
Tetbury is a beautiful little town built on top of a steep hill. The buildings indicate great wealth, which at a guess would have come from a prosperous wool trade of the Middle Ages. It has a beautiful church too.
St Pancras Behind British Library
17.02.10
The Midland Grand Hotel (as seen here) has to be one of my favourite buildings in London. They are currently converting it into a hotel (I think) and most of it is shrouded in scaffolding. Can't wait for it to be finished and back to it's former glory. Hope it will be as magnificent inside as out...
The Midland Grand Hotel (as seen here) has to be one of my favourite buildings in London. They are currently converting it into a hotel (I think) and most of it is shrouded in scaffolding. Can't wait for it to be finished and back to it's former glory. Hope it will be as magnificent inside as out...
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Outside The National Gallery
17.02.10
This chap was performing outside The National Gallery. At this point he had his leg behind his head...as you do.... In order to get his body through the tennis racket he needed to take his tee-shirt off. It was beautifully sunny, but still below zero! Having said that, he did work up a sweat and was very entertaining...
This chap was performing outside The National Gallery. At this point he had his leg behind his head...as you do.... In order to get his body through the tennis racket he needed to take his tee-shirt off. It was beautifully sunny, but still below zero! Having said that, he did work up a sweat and was very entertaining...
James May's Plasticine Garden
13.02.10
Not sure what to say about The Plasticine Garden. Perhaps just that it looked better on TV...
Not sure what to say about The Plasticine Garden. Perhaps just that it looked better on TV...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Eco Centre, Stone Centre, Wirksworth
Eco Centre being Built At the Stone Centre, Wirksworth, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
I hope to be offered a class in Recycled Jewellery, hopefully in September 2010. Watch this space...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
May Your Dance Together Be For Life...
02.02.10: Pauline who takes our Tap Class' daughter is getting married on 13th February. We have all been invited to the reception at Repton School. We've made a collection and I elected to make a card. I wasn't sure what to do, but when Lucy and I visited the local art shop I found a beautiful piece of card. I know it's black, but looked very stylish. As Caroline and Will (husband to be) both tap, I thought it appropriate to make that the theme of the card. I searched for a picture of Fred Astaire tap dancing and found how he'd begun his career as the partner of his sister Adele in 1915. I'd never even heard of her. Although Ginger Rodgers would have been the natural choice, I did a bit of research and found that Fred's most talented tap partner was a lady called Eleanor Powell. It wasn't easy finding a suitable picture of the two of them, but I persevered and found this one. A quick flip followed in Photoshop to enhance the quality and fingers crossed while I printed it out. Next I had to crop it to size to mount it on matching holographic card and attach to the main card with sticky fixers. The peel off was mounted on black card and then onto holographic card and mounted as before. Inside I made up my own words and wrote them out three times in best. That was also cut out and mounted on holographic card. One more piece of writing 'from The Tuesday Tappers', a bit more glue and all was finished. I spent 75p on the card, 99p on the peel offs and the rest I had in my 'store'.
I'd love to be going to the reception and will be thinking of them, but Hermione wouldn't like the music...
I'd love to be going to the reception and will be thinking of them, but Hermione wouldn't like the music...
February 2010
02.02.10: Spent day making a wedding card for the daughter of the person who takes the Tap Class I attend. Graham caught the 7.20am train down to Plymouth for a two day interview. He called me at 10 past 11 just as I had settled down to watch television - just as though he were in America. He will at least be home tomorrow. Piano lessons and then out to tap class.
03.02.10: Went to Burton to take a glass painting workshop. I'd found some storage jars to paint from our last trip to Ikea. Went really well, favourite word painted was 'Treats'. Graham home 6.00pm.
04.02.10: Lucy came home so she can go to Birmingham tomorrow to source fabric. Graham collected her while I cooked tea.
05.02.10: Dropped Lucy off at the station, then went to Jewellery Class. I taught my favourite technique of Millefiori. We are already down to 7 students with 2 absent and 1 who has paid to come back, but hasn't yet attended. Will need to do some chasing up before next week. Shopping as usual in the afternoon after picking Lucy up from station. Just for once Graham came too.
06.02.10: Went to the Stone Centre at Wirksworth for a meeting for all Arts and Crafts Tutors who would like to be involved in taking classes at the new Eco Centre
being built there. About 25 tutors attended, which was an excellent turn out. Finally got home 1.30pm.
07.02.10: Another very dull, very foggy day. Graham and I went to Allestree park for a walk in the afternoon.
08.02.10: Graham took my car into TC Harrisons for a service and MOT. Then he went into town and met up with work colleague, Kev who is in the same situation as him. At lunch time TC Harrison's phoned to say back brakes needed replacing, one of the tyres and the windscreen wipers and that would double the original estimate. I took Graham in to collect the car and hand over the money, well £700 seemed like a ransome...
10.02.10: Still cold and still trying to snow. I was so fed up at staying at home I went out for a drive, originally meaning to go to town for a walk round, but by the time I got to the roundabout I could see snow on the hills, so changed direction and headed off that way. I wasn't quite sure where the best photos would be, but the sun was out which was a bonus. Of course by the time I'd settled on Heage Windmill, the sky was threatening to snow again and the sun was playing hide and seek. There was nowhere to park either, so I left the car at the entrance, climbed over the gate and walked the quarter of a mile to the windmill. It was cold and the light fragile, but it gave me a couple of photos I was quite proud of.
11.02.10: Graham drove to Middlesex to collect a bike and was back by half past one. I went out again and visited Darley Abbey and had a walk up to the church and round through the Park. Was back just as Graham was setting off to his leaving 'do' at The Brunswick and after that he went to a meeting of the Morley History Society at Brackley Gate. He finally rolled in at 10 past 10. Expect this is something else I will have to get used to...
12.02.10: Off to work teaching. Was greeted by one of the Managers there with a :"Oh, I'm coming to observe you this morning - nothing to worry about!" The fact that my one deaf learner had decided to turn up for the first time (5th class) and her communicator had phoned in sick didn't exactly bode well. For some unknown reason, my healthy class of 7 had disintegrated into only 4 and was deemed 'unobservable' "I'll have to come back next session" she added cheerily after staying over half an hour. Lucky, lucky me...
Collected Lucy from the train at 3.30pm and went shopping, finally home by 7.oopm. Robert made his first journey home in his 'new' car. Travelling on your own in the dark is never easy and he eventually arrived at 10.30pm.
13.02.10: Robert took Lucy to town to help him choose some shoes from T K Max, then she cooked us all some fish and chips. Robert went off to visit someone he works with who lives in Chaddesden and we three went to Burton for somewhere different to go. On the way there I realised that we could go and see James May's plasticine garden which is currently on show in The Octagon Centre. When we got there we found it upstairs in a dimly lit corner. A lot of work has obviously gone into the making of it, pity they hadn't chosen some brighter colours...
Went to see 'A Single Man' with Colin Firth at The Quad. It is beautifully filmed, but I'm still not sure about the content...
14.02.10: Today was Valentine's Day... After lunch Lucy, Robert and I went to Calke Abbey for a walk all the way around. I was disappointed that the sun didn't come out until on the way home.
15.02.10: My dad took my mum to see eye specialist at Moreton Hospital. Apparently the cataract on her good eye isn't affecting her vision and disappointingly a Field of Vision test scored less than 25%. Have rung and arranged a home visit for her to be assessed and advised about help available. I'm hoping that this will mean that there will be some help and support for them both.
16.02.10: Graham had a blood test at the doctor's.
17.02 10: A day out in London. Caught the 9 o'clock train and arrived just after 10.30am. First stop British Library to see a Photography of Britain Exhibition. Really interesting exhibition with something for everyone from old photos to old cameras. There was even a photo belonging to someone who won a photography competition in Amateur Photographer in 1892! Then lunch at a pub across the road. Caught a train to Piccadilly to the National Portrait Museum to see the Twiggy Exhibition.
18.02.10: Catch up day. Took Graham to Ilkeston Hospital for his diabetic eye test. Sound really uncomfortable; first they put in eye drops to dilate the iris, then take pictures of the inside of his eyes using flash photography. Made up for it with a trip to a motorbike shop on the way home...
Heard at last that we are now the proud 'owners' of our own allotment - well half an allotment, which we have waited for for 13 years - is that a record?
19.02.10: Trip to see my parents, but had to wait for Lucy to have a meeting with her tutor and catch the train to Derby. Set off at 11.30am, stopped off at Stratford for lunch. Nice lunch, but felt I was being prevented from taking photos as it was lovely and sunny outside. Went for usual trip to Lakeland to find shop boarded up - relief later when we came across it in it's new building... Eventually arrived at 3.30pm after a detour around Moreton as the High Street is being dug up and the road is closed!
Graham heard that he has been offered a job in Plymouth. He was due to collect some motorbike bits from Tetbury after tea. I went with him to make sure nothing happened to him as I didn't think he'd have his mind on the 'job'. Had a nice walk round the town while he 'oohed' and 'aahed' over bits of rusty metal.
20.02.10: Came back early as Lucy had a 21st Birthday Party to go to. We didn't get home till 20 past 6 - Lucy had washed her hair, dried it, straightened it (with my help) got changed and put make-up and left the house by 10 to 7. Pity she forgot Alisha's present...
22.02.10: Graham gave me a lift to the station to catch the 9.06am train. It eventually arrived in Birmingham at 10.07am and my connection left at 10.10am from the opposite end of the station. At least it proved I can still run!
Had a good day helping to man our stand at the Trade Show, Stitches, handing out leaflets and chatting about the Craft Club. Came home with a pack of ready threaded needles and a ruler with a calculator on it...don't ask...
23.02.10: Felt a bit shell shocked after yesterday. My class was relaunched at Alfreton, but only had three learners, so that is re-cancelled (if there is such a word).
Lucy went to London with Steven where they went to see Les Miserables and stayed in a youth hostel opposite St Pancras (in bunk beds). Went to my tap class.
24.02.10: Sent off my first ever entry to the Amateur Photographer magazine. I would like to be proved wrong that they don't accept that compact cameras can take excellent photos.
25.02.10: Went for a test drive in a new Focus and a new Fiesta. Felt the Focus was too big and the Fiesta too small, so in the short we had left nipped across the the Audi garage and had a sit in their top of the range Audi TT soft top. I'm sure I could learn to love it...
26.02.10: Back to routine of Jewellery Class. Contrary to expectations, manager did not come to complete Observation, so have that to look forward to another week...
New window fitted in my music room, lots of work taking things out and then putting them back, but looks lovely inside and out.
Met Lucy off train, wore new top and legging to go shopping.
27.02.10: Miserable day weatherwise and we didn't go out. Went to town at 6.30 had tea at Nandos and then went to see Helen Mirren in The Last Station; a film about Tolstoy's last days. I enjoyed it so mush more than A Single Man, it's worth going to see for James McAvoy.
28.02.10: Graham's Birthday. It wasn't a very exciting day for him, especially as he had worn himself out by 9 o'clock laying slabs for his new shed due tomorrow. Lunch at home then a short walk around Shipley Park. Cake was a tray bake from M&S which we adorned with cake cubes from Paperchase spelling out Happy Birthday.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Launch Of 'The Wool Project'
26.01.10. On the right is the old Tithe Barn where the meeting was held. On arrival we were told to wait in an outbuilding opposite. It was outside and it was freezing. I was so cold, having left my coat in the car, that a kindly gentleman soon wrapped his scarf around my neck without even being asked. Once inside (entry was by passport) we were given hot coffee, except it wasn't that hot. I explained my plight to the chap pouring the coffee and he immediately offered me his own coat (he wasn't wearing it at the time) which I gratefully accepted. At this time I made the decision to ring Graham to ask him to bring my own coat back. It turned out it was the right decision, but he had just arrived at the museum he had planned to visit and understandably wasn't keen to return. However, my coat did reappear after another 20 minutes and I was saved from frost bite.
Which all goes to show the age of chivalry is not dead after all...
Which all goes to show the age of chivalry is not dead after all...
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