AC on a Bike~Golden Days

2012-01-09T13:26:00.001Z

ppddmmmpm
&y!

Addenda

2011-11-22T12:02:00.001Z

It seems that my blog has become unmanageable. Not by me you understand but by the host. Whenever I try to load pictures nothing happens, nada. It can be frustrating. So, not to be outdone I am going to try and create an addendum. In fact I thought I might add several starting this month with 11/11 to 11/12 then 11/12 to 11/13 and so on. Assuming I live that long. Worthy of a try methinks.

So, if you wish to continue follow the link, http://aconabikegoldendays1111-1112.blogspot.com/view/classic

It may take me a day or two to organise the new addition, still it might be fun watching me struggle around.

See you on the other side ?

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, in Shropshire.

2011-10-31T19:57:00.000Z

We have just returned from a week in Shropshire. We stayed in a lovely cottage about 5 miles from Ludlow. The local landscape is breathtaking.

Once I have sorted my pictures out I will post some of them. You might well be surprised.

18th. CAMRA Westmorland Beer Festival.

2011-10-14T11:14:00.001+01:00

Last night Mike and I had a stroll to the beer festival at the town hall. It seemed better this year as the hall had been laid out in a more sensible fashion.

The barrels are ranged along the left side of the room with the food on the right. We sat on the stage which gave us a good view of the whole scene.
I tries four or five beers, perries and ciders and my favourite was Wonkey Donkey from Swallowfields of Hertfordshire. At 5.5% abv this is a very tasty still cider, slightly cloudy with a strong apple after taste. Swallowfields also make decent perry at 6.5% a classic perry, slightly petillant with a subtle flowery perfume.
Washed down with the wild boar pie from Peter Gott along with the mature Lancashire cheese and a hunk of sour dough bread, delicious.
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So there we have it.
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All's well that ends well, or is it ?

2011-10-13T15:43:00.000+01:00

Having read quite a lot of the stuff on Chris White's facebook campaign regarding the photographing of his daughter in a shopping mall and all the hullabaloo that followed once an over zealous security guard became involved. I have to say that the wider issue here, that of the power of the individual who is prepared to use social networking sites as a means to redress what appeared to be a serious grievance.
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I applaud the shopping mall management for apologising and, in my opinion, doing the right thing regarding the incident. They have made their position a little clearer too with regard to the taking of photographs so, hopefully, that attitude will spread around all the other malls and places of public resort that seek to try and stop photography by claiming some nonsensical justification such as anti terror legislation whilst harassing people who wish to take photographs. Which, incidentally, was never written with such bans in mind.

Don't get me wrong though. I still think that Big Brother should continue to watch over us and, if someone is up to no good then the police ought rightly to have sufficient powers with which to investigate specific incidents.

I'm a photographer, not a terrorist.

2011-10-13T09:46:00.002+01:00

For a while now photographers have been targeted by police and enthusiastic security guards when taking pictures of what may be regarded as 'sensitive sites'. The appear to include shopping malls and seemingly random places in and around cities. I myself have been ticked off in places as far afield as Plymouth and Jerez. The mantra seems to be that 'terrorists take pictures of their proposed target.' That may well be so however, just how many terrorists would take the pictures openly. Surely even your learner terrorists use covert means to take pictures of their next atrocity. Come to think of it, why would they take pictures anyway ? Perhaps it is for the before and after effect in their last family album.

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So, it was with a great cheer that I greeted this news lately. In essence Chris White took a picture of his 2 year old daughter eating an ice cream inside a shopping mall in Glasgow the security guard nabbed him and the police were called. Mr White, obviously not a man to be messed with immediately began a campaign on facebook and, as you can see had the ban on photography decision reversed.
Well done Mr. White.
facebook campaign
I hope the ice cream came up to par too.

Can this be right ?

2011-10-11T13:54:00.002+01:00

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I feel a rant coming on. Just before the news came on there was an advert for rent-a-quid or some such nonsensical way of borrowing money. The fine print at the foot of the screen stated that the interest is 1734%. It does not need Einstein to work out the implications of that.
However, my rant is about the adverts themselves. Notice that all similar adverts depict young dolly bird type women, never any men, suggesting they are single parents. The same goes for the bingo on line and so forth. I'm not dignifying this tripe by posting a copy of the adverts.
I suspect that the reality is far from the happy lives these dollies lead. In my mind's eye I see less than puppet more of a muppet.
The sad creatures who find themselves enslaved to these money lenders will be a far cry from the svelte, well dressed young women portrayed on the TV.
Imagine an over-weight, greasey haired person with less than perfect skin, wearing dirty, ill fitting clothes, watching a huge TV in a room that never sees daylight or a hoover.... well you get the idea.
You never see them on the tele do you, except, perhaps in Shameless ?
Shameless, that's the word for it.
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Buttons are the new Beads.

2011-10-08T16:49:00.002+01:00

Or are they ?

For quite a while now I have been toying with the idea of using buttons when making malas. Strictly speaking I suppose once you move away from beads the end product cannot be called a mala but I have not come up with another name yet. Nothing other than the usual stuff like, necklace or worry beads etc. So, perhaps that could be the next process, find a name for japa mala or prayer beads that are not strictly beads yet fulfil the basic idea of the mala. Hmmmm. Nothing too esoteric you understand.

Anyway, this a.m. as Daisy and I wandered around the town centre and I bought a new snow shovel, well you can't leave things too long before the weather catches you out now can you ? I did my usual poke around the junk and charity shops when, stripe me pink, I noticed some very poorly made and extremely cheap jewellery that really caught my eye. Not that I am in the market for such frippery no. It caught my eye because some of the stuff had buttons threaded into it.

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Buttons, PING! Now there I could see a way of threading a mala using buttons. Sadly I dropped Mum's old button jar and it smashed to bits mixing the hundreds of buttons with the same amount of tiny shards of glass. So, most reluctantly I had to sweep it all up and dispose of the lot.

We, or rather Daisy, have quite a large collection of old buttons so once we got back home I thought I would do a little experimenting. Daisy herself has just discovered Jo Nesbo and is currently immersed in The Devil's Star. This is very weird as a few weeks ago I bought The Leopard by Jo Nesbo however, due to the intricate nature of the book I am currently reading have not got round to reading it yet.

So, I got my tools out of the cupboard and had a go.

and there we have it. For the interested it is made along the standard lines of a mala, in this case it has 27 buttons to count each one separated by a small bead. In fact, I think the small beads are a little large in this instance but, I suppose this is more a matter of taste. The experiment was to string the thing and so I reckon I succeeded. Emma will tell me if that is so.

Meanwhile I am thinking that perhaps we have a good use for old buttons. Could these things be called BUTTS ? Perhaps not.

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Trip to Newcastle arranged.

2011-10-06T15:35:00.000+01:00

Very soon Bully is due alongside over in the north east as a visit to Durham is on the cards. I have just organised a couple of nights at a local hotel so we can visit and have a rare old swalleee with the boys and girls.

On the last day we will nip over to Durham to have a look around the old city and watch the shipmates march through alongside some of the brown jobs and bootnecks some of whom are on their way back from parts eastern.

BULLY, BULLEEEE !!

New look blog.

2011-10-06T15:29:00.000+01:00

I am trying out this new blogger system, there are lots of ways to view it. If you look along the top of the page and click any of the options you might like to try something different. To look at anyway.

Happy landings.

2011-09-24T13:39:00.002+01:00

We were lucky this morning.

I heard a huge WHOOSHHHHHHHHHHHHH and a sort of thruuuump in the early hours and had a look out but couldn't see anything out of place. Later on when I went down to the river I thought the geese were acting a little oddly, well now we can see why.

I have sent NASA [the Pacific indeed] an email and they said if I could keep and eye on it they would send someone to collect the thing. They added that although they did not think there was anything untoward perhaps it would be better of I didn't mention it to anyone, go anywhere near it or TOUCH IT they thought all would be well.

I went for another peep a few minutes ago and it has gone. Perhaps it has sunk.

Hmmmm.

Meanwhile Emma has been busy.

2011-09-24T11:56:00.003+01:00

This is Emma's first go at making a picture story, I think she has done extremely well. The pictures and music bring the whole thing back instantly. I love it.

Golden Days

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Broadband back on

2011-09-24T10:40:00.003+01:00

Despite a certain ISP's efforts we are now back on line with, needless to say, another provider. The poor service from Talk Talk is, at last, over.

London and the new Olympic stadium.

2011-08-24T15:11:00.000+01:00

Whilst Emma took Joe and Maggie to visit Dr. Who Daisy and I set off to explore the building site that will soon become the venue for the 2012 Olympic Games. Much has been said and written about this project and, I have to say that, I was less than enthusiastic about the whole thing considering the colossal cost of these things. So, once I had a good look at the place I simply had to change my mind on the matter. The reclamation of the land alone is incredible and, in my opinion, well worth all the effort.

There is a very well designed visitor view point next to the DLR station at Pudding Mill Lane. It is well signed and the walk takes about five minutes. Well worth a gander.

First look as the DLR train arrives at Pudding Mill Lane station. I like the rails and catenary the straight lines adding depth and a hint of action to the picture. This is the main stadium where all the athletics and field events will take place. The red structure will form the base for the Olympic flame and just to the right of that are the swimming and diving pools.

This view across part of the Olympic site towards the City of London, the Swiss Re building and the NatWest tower. Although sited in the East End it shows just how close the whole thing is to central London.

A closer view of the flame bearing matrix. It is not quite finished at this time although I think that it will not look too dissimilar to this once it is. The swimming pools are to the right.

The sight all contestants will be hoping to pass first. This particular finishing line was built from wood salvaged from the site. Re-use, recycle and legacy are much used words at the new Olympic site.

There is even a place for Olympic loafing. Probably my best event.

[model used for illustration purposes only.]

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Los Andalusians, The Green and White Flag.

2011-08-24T11:57:00.000+01:00

I don't think this requires anything in the way of introduction.

and the beat goes on...................................

2011-08-24T11:08:00.000+01:00

.........and blow me we had a terrific run down right into Buckhurst Hill without so much as a hitchette. Once booked in we sorted our stuff out then arranged to visit Mazza and Aido. Once more the traffic Gods smiled upon us when Mazza picked us up saving me having to navigate the baffling roads around North Essex. I think I have had all the fun the North Circular has to offer.
So, Hoff parked up in the hotel car park and enjoying a good rest with a sack of [metaphorical] oats. The Hoff done good.
Anyway once we arrived at M and A's we were immediately forced to eat and drink. Torture.

No sooner had we arrived than Joe usurped my camera and started blasting away arranging people and photographing all that stood still.

Hmmmm ?

Paparazzi Joe just never gives in. Here he gets three for the price of one.

Tomorrow we head off into the city.
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Ready for the [H]off.............

2011-08-05T19:17:00.000+01:00

Well almost.

Piles of packing is being pulled together ready for loading into the Hoff. We had a good drive round in it and all seems to be in order ready for the trip. So the 169 miles on the clock at the moment will soon be turned into 2169 during the next few weeks.

Whilst transferring the kit from the old car I left the door open for a few minutes and just look who snook in when my attention was elsewhere.

Well the cat certainly can't go. Not sure of there will be enough room for Pat either.

So, last minute victualling being carried out, loading up tomorrow and off on Sunday morning. Not exactly sparrow fart but I thought an early start might get us to the outskirts of London sometime in the afternoon, notwithstanding motorway mayhem.

Had an email from Joe saying they were getting ready to fly over to Stansted then onward to Mazza and Aidos in Wanstead.

Once installed in the hotel if we are in time we may visit Aido and Mazza in Wanstead, they are having a BBQ. On Monday we are having a day in London with Emma, Joe and Maggie then on Tuesday we load them up and travel to Portishead, just south of Bristol. After brekkers on Wednesday we drive to Plymouth for a few days with the Plyms before we all go to St Ives. I love it when a plan comes together.

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The Hoff has landed [at last].

2011-07-30T20:42:00.000+01:00

Yes and due to some sort of muddle within the ordering machinery it arrived minus some of the bits I ordered. Nothing critical so say lavvy. We admitted to being disappointed and they felt so bad about things that the car was filled to the gunnels with fuel and the extra bits they did remember to order for me were not charged for, 'as a mark of good will.' Then on top of all that the embarrassed car dealers [don't you just love the picture that conjures up] refunded me a load of dosh 'as a further mark of good will.' I bet someone will be getting their backside kicked once they sort the matter out.

So, as far as we are concerned the car is good and seems to be running well. I do hope that statement is not the kiss of death.

For the uninitiated the rear doors slide open which is why the handles are in that somewhat odd place.

We had a great run out in it yesterday calling at Hodge Close where I took this picture.

A busy week.

2011-07-25T19:24:00.002+01:00

Last week started with us driving to Manchester to meet up with a party of family to celebrate the fantastic achievement of Rosie [Megan and Ray's daughter] getting a first in neuro-science. I predict that she will solve some great scientific mystery that, in turn, will cure millions of some dreadful disease or other. Watch this space.

Pround parents and cousin Kt escorting the Scientist towards the Lowry gallery. It is good to see that Rosanna still has her pigs bladder on a stick, an essential piece of equipment for a neuro scientist. After some holiday to recharge the batteries it is off to London for our intrepid expert to embark on a four year PhD course.

Bat on Rosie, you are my heroine.

We were lucky to have an oldish bloke, who was just passing by, take a picture of us all as we went off for a celebration meal at a Japanese restaurant in China town. Yum, yum anjin san and Arigatou gozaimasu to Raymond and Megan.

A golden day for sure.

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Things that get up my [ample] nose # 317(a)

2011-07-25T18:39:00.000+01:00

The ongoing saga of the News International mobile phone hacking is now getting boring. As each day dawns yet more new and more sensational revelations are revealed. It seems to me that the news media as a whole are enjoying blethering about themselves. As far as they are concerned there is no news other than that connected to the misdeeds of certain dark figures in the pay of certain news papers.

Not only that but the Metropolitan Police appear to be part of the plot too. What sort of banana republic do we live in nowadays ?

In fact, what used to be the old banana republics seem to be doing very nicely thank you. So where does that leave us ?

I had forgotten about this part written post. Since then some nut case has bombed central Oslo and gone on to shoot eighty some young people on an island just off the Norway coast. Just as you think you have seen it all yet another crazy emerges from the sludge to the surface.

Meanwhile at the LHC excitement mounts as the boffins and super boffins appear to be closing in on the thus far elusive Higgs boson particle. Rock on big brains.

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Low Borrowdale.

2011-07-06T15:37:00.002+01:00

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Last week I received an email from one of our friends about the hay meadows at Low Borrowdale so on Sunday we went over there for a quick gander before one man went to mow.

We drove up to Huck's Brow and parked in the lay by on the A6. The road was busy with motorcycles flying past in both directions and other traffic simply out for a run. The weather was superb with blue sky and crystal clear air.

For Low Borrowdale we walked back towards Kendal for a few hundred yards then swiftly crossed the main road and picked up the green lane heading down a steep slope towards Borrow Beck.

The route is very easy from here as you simply follow the beck in the direction of the flow. The path is clear and well defined all the way as it is also used as a service track to the farm further along the valley.

There was a smooth newt in one of the large puddles along the way, bright green and it scuttled off as soon as I got close enough for a look.

The walking is pleasant with no fields of cows to cross, which suited Daisy. This is indeed one of those secret valleys proved by the fact that we saw no one at all during our walk there and back.

Along the valley bottom all we could hear were the sounds of the water running along the beck, the occasional bee buzzing past hard about it's daily labour and various song birds warning their mates of our approach. Even the sound of traffic from the A6 and the mighty M6 were shielded by the steep valley sides.

This bumble bee was carefully picking it's way around a patch of wild thyme collecting nectar as it went along.

The view of Borrow Beck looking north towards the A6. The noise from the outside world is well shielded by the way the steep sides and fells make this lovely valley so secluded.

As we approached the meadows it looked as though there had been a fall of snow. This was caused by the thousands of large daisies mixed in with the other multitude of wild flowers.

Some of the biggest clovers I think I have ever seen.

A thorough mix of grasses and flowers all striving to out grow one another.

All in all a golden day.

By the way I heard this morning that the mow will be on 14th July, so if you want to see the meadows in their full glory you had better get a move on.
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Walking part of the Cumbria Coastal Pathway.

2011-07-02T21:31:00.000+01:00

Today Daisy and I walked a small part of the coastal way. The weather was glorious and it would have been churlish not to have done a walk.

We parked on the square at Flookburgh and did a circular walk passing the airfield then following the coast around westerly and back to the car 4.5 miles later. No cows but lots of sheep.

Here we have three sheep having a paddle with the Duddon estuary and Coniston Old Man in the back ground. The Old Man is the highest bit with the southern fells surrounding it. As you can see the air was clear with good light.

Daisy had a few reservations about the possibility of there being cows on the pathway and I am pleased to say that her worries were unfounded although she was bitten by flies a couple of times. That's why I take her. If she is around the flies leave me alone.

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Rain stopped play

2011-06-28T14:25:00.001+01:00

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There is a reason why the tennis from Wimbledon can only be played on one court at the moment.

and there it is. Taken at 1319 today, the white dots are strikes within 20 minutes of the time stated. All that electricity going to waste.
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Best laid plans...............

2011-06-21T12:03:00.000+01:00

Things have gone awry. Grrrrrr. Plans that were well in hand have had to be postponed or changed due to the late arrival of the Hoff.
It should have been here by now but it is not.
The garage contacted me to say that it would be here by 11th July. The delay is due to the earthquake in Japan creating some sort of problem with the supply of EMS parts. Although the Hoff is not a Japanese car some of the vital bits in it apparently are.

This hold up has blasted the Plymouth trip which included a visit to Chacombe and that great drive through the Cotswolds to pick up the M5 at Gloucester. Then I shall miss armed forces day on 25th June when I was hoping to be on The Hoe. Double Grrrrr.
We are still better off than those poor people in Japan who are suffering the effects of that terrible earthquake and the resultant tsunami.
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So, the new schedule is beginning to look something like this:~

July 7 BBQ at ours for Wine Club
July 11 the Hoff arrives
July 18 Rosie's graduation feed
July 19 over to Wath to see Joyce for a day or two
July 21 Chacombe visit
July 25 home

Later this week Emma is over working in Bristol for a while so we will fit in a trip to see her too before the August trip to St Ives which, at this stage is unaltered. Good news.

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An old hook.

2011-06-14T16:33:00.003+01:00

This last few days I have been taking advantage of the weather and re-painting the stone painted parts of the house. Not a particularly hard job nor one requiring much in the way of input from the old gray matter. So as I turned the odd bits of 10 year old 'golden rye' into bright new 'Cornish cream' my mind wandered around as it often does these days.

There was nothing remarkable about my cranial meanderings until I was painting the bit under our bedroom window when I had to negotiate 'the hook'.

During the process of painting around the hook I recalled the day I screwed it into the wall.

It was around fifteen years ago that the deed was done in order to hang a large terracotta plant holder in the shape of a queen's head bought by Emma for her mum. The idea being that the flowers would burst forth from the top of the head and look like a flower decorated crown. As I recall that is exactly what it did look like and, for several years Daisy dutifully planted various blooms in the thing and it was hung on that hook. You may notice that I had to open it out a little as the hanging loop on the planter would not fit.

Anyway, the memory that the hook really triggered was of my father who was still quite active then. I recall he was sitting in the sun watching me drill the wall when suddenly the drill breached the outer leaf of the wall into the cavity. I said, 'Damn I didn't want to do that.' and dad said, ' What ?' I pointed out that I had drilled right into the cavity and he said, ' Don't worry, the plug and the hook will seal it again so it'll be OK.' I thought, of course no big deal at all.

Dad's old wooden seat, still going strong. His dad's old seat bottom right too. My garden is a repository for old seats, if only they could talk.

I plugged the hole and screwed in the hook and there it still is. Even though since building the sun room the hook is actually redundant I shall never remove it. That hook is a direct link to my dad who, no doubt thought it was a crazy idea in the first place but sought to relieve my anxiety by stating what was surely the obvious to him and a revelation to me.

Thanks Dad.

Big situpon.

2011-06-10T15:33:00.001+01:00

For some time now I have been keeping my eye open for a couple of folding chairs. The type that scrunches into a bag with a carrying strap. The type with a sort of complex aircraft under-carriage for legs that easily opens and folds. Then like buses Daisy and I happened upon two of the said chairs for £6.99 each. A bargain I thought until we got them home.

The chairs themselves are very well made and no doubt perfectly comfortable for, shall we say, peeps of a slightly less robust build than me. I thought no more about it really as the chairs are really for our trip to St Ives in August when sitting on the beach with the children will be de rigeur. I thought the chairs would come in handy for then and, as Maggie will dive straight into mine the size of it is immaterial really.

So, I resigned myself to the rest of my life crammed into a mini folding chair with the exception of August in St Ives when, bigass put in an appearance. Incidentally, the name is entirely my own invention so do not start searching the world for a similarly named chair because, as far as I am aware, I have the only one.

The only one indeed; as it was marketed as a limited edition design [I have already named it The Hive] and it was the only one in the bin inside The Mountain Warehouse. This magnificent piece of engineering was on sale for the princely sum of £9.99, hard to resist.

Once I said I liked the design of the fabric Daisy, I thought in a somewhat cavalier fashion, ripped off the cardboard sleeve and invited me, in a rather brusque manner, to sit in it. She then proceeded to have a conversation with the shop lady about me as if I were not present. This all finished with the shop lady saying, 'I know exactly what you mean, I have one just the same at home.' Perhaps I'm wrong but I don't think she meant the chair.

After a suitable amount of wriggling about I managed to get quite comfortable in 'the hive' and, albeit felt quite committed to buying it once the wrapper had been torn asunder, accepted that this was indeed the repository for my backside during St Ives 2011. That is always assuming that Maggie or H or whomsoever else does not dive in before I have had time to roll up my trouser legs, slacken my braces and knot my hanky. Hey Ho.

And there we have it. Note the McLaren under cart.

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Freecycle.

2011-06-03T10:27:00.000+01:00

I had read about this system for passing on unwanted items. Thought it a good idea and filed the information away for future reference. So, when we called in at Age UK the other day and offered them our old dining table and chairs along with some other bits of furniture my ghast was flabbered when they [reluctantly] turned us down. ' Sorry, we have no room for any more furniture in our warehouse.'

I could have said something along the lines of, 'if you had a bonfire and got rid of most of this tat you would easily have room for some decent stuff.' But, thankfully, I refrained. The young woman there reminded me about freecycle.

When I returned home I had a look on the freecycle site, joined a local group and posted our lovingly cared for dining table and chairs.

Nothing happened for a day or two then I was suddenly inundated with requests for more detail. I took a picture of the beast and posted it including a more detailed description. It was obvious that there are some very savvy freecyclers out there. Although no one actually asked I got the distinct impression that most of the respondents wanted me to deliver the items. Phrases like, 'I'll have to try and get a van...' etc., were very common. If my car had been big enough I would probably have succumbed. However, it is not and The Hoff is still another month from being ready but, that is a whole new ball of wax.

So, when Gary's email arrived asking whether or not 'the circular dining table had gone' I felt that here we might just have a winner.

Gary, it transpired, is a newly married young bloke with a budding building business. I arranged for him to collect [he has his own van] the table.

Bang on time Gary arrived with 'the wife' Jill. They were trying to furnish their first home on a shoestring as they were just married and were not overly funded [how refreshingly old fashioned]. They are a very pleasant couple and we took to them instantly. Gary's van [Ford Transit] although fairly new looked well used and I got the impression that he is a hard working young guy. They were delighted with the table and chairs. We mentioned a cabinet we were getting rid of too and they were very interested but thought it might be too big for their house. Gary measured it and jotted down the results.

They took a few other bits of furniture that they liked and had room for and promised they would get back to me about the cupboard/cabinet, described by Jill as retro. Well she got that right, we have had it for over forty years.

So, there we have it. Two satisfied customers and some space freed up for the new stuff when it is delivered.

Later Daisy said she was pleased the table had gone to some nice people as she had never really relished the idea of chopping it up. I was quite looking forward to that bit. Ho hum.

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Kites at the castle.

2011-06-01T20:15:00.000+01:00

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At the weekend Kendal castle hosted a two day kite flying extravaganza. It was spectacular and well worth a visit. Made my kite look very mundane.

I like the way the dog was helping to round up the flying horse.

On this one the old dog seems to be seeing off the octopus. Perhaps it is a dog fish. Hmmmm.

The octopus was getting ready to capture some small people - for lunch I suppose.

Other kites included more octopuses and a bird of prey along with some normal looking kites which were not birds of prey. Note to Sergey, a Kite is also a bird of prey in the UK.

All in all a good time was had by all.
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Iceland off loads more of it's gash

2011-05-24T21:46:00.001+01:00

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Yet again a volcano in Iceland decides to disrupt the airlines in and around the UK airspace. At least this one has a name that can be pronounced, almost. Eyjafjallajokull was a nightmare for the news readers however, this one is much more journalist friendly and, if I may say so, well named as Grimsvötn. Grim anyway.
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So, hopefully the ash will blow away from Manchester by Thursday, then we will get home. Come on Thor, get a grip.

Well by 1700BST on 260511 we will know.

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Birthday picture.

2011-05-21T15:29:00.000+01:00

I have got a birthday pic for Maggie but failed miserably with one for Daisy. I shall rectify that soonest.

So, the Magster is seven years old [going on 27] today which is no less important an age than Daisy's; what's in a number ? They have been having a good time with the odd tantrum caused I fear by over excitement and lack of sleep. We have all been there methinks.

So, after a morning of skating and bike riding around the place Emma, Joe and Maggie readied themselves for a party this afternoon to celebrate the first communion of one of their little friends. This business is taken very seriously around here with young lads dressing up as Japanese admirals and girls looking as if they have just emerged from some modelling role in Paris. I suspect the 'sangre de Christo' flows fairly well too as many of these partys do not break up until 0500.

What does the O stand for ? O My God it's early.

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a cool dude with a couple of dudettes in tow

ready to party

So, there we have it all three ready to rock and roll and a fine looking bunch they make.

Maggie also got a new bike however, before I could get any pictures of her riding it [which incidentally she does really well] she had some sort of a drama and refused to get back on it. So, a picture of the budding Victoria Perndleton will have to wait.
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TapArcos

2011-05-19T11:39:00.001+01:00

Earlier in the year Emma took part in the annual Taparcos festival. The idea is that you visit every participating bar and sample their particular tapas. With each visit the bar peeps stamp your tapassport and, when or if you have visited all twenty two the local bodegas present you with nine bottles of local wine. Later in the year there is a formal presentation of certificates to the participating bars, the waiters and the all important consumers of the various tapas.

This year four people stayed the course, one of them was Emma.

Receiving the certificate from the leader of the town council.

The four stalwarts who made it through thick and thin sauces and slices of jamon de serrano.

Some of the participating bar staff along with the consumadores.

Trying out the Mayoral seat.

A good time was had by all. after the presentations we called into a local bar and celebrated with, what else tapas and a glass of sherry. Golden Days.

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2011-05-16T11:58:00.000+01:00

It is very windy this morning so imagine my surprise when I woke up not only to a very noisy wind howling through the trees but to some extremely melodious sheep clanking and jingling their way across the meadow outside. Maggie tells me that the shepherd is the abuelo of one of her friends. His sheep dog is an alsatian which would seem quite odd at home.

By the way can you see the 'accidental face' ? It's there alright.

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Pinata.

2011-05-16T11:45:00.000+01:00

With the little Magster's birthday looming at the weekend I have been busy trying to make a pinata. Much head scratching went into this as I have never actually made one and only have the poor offerings in the local shops as a guide. Maggie did not want one shaped like a donkey so I have had to come up with something completely different. My initial thoughts were a bell and I have sort of gone with that albeit in a somewhat stylised form.

D'ya know what it is yet ?

This is the base for my pinata. So far it is just three balloons with a lot of papier mache covering them. Here it is drying aided by the balmy breeze. Joe is desparate to start painting it but that will have to wait until it has hardened. I also have some cones to fix to it yet too. Watch this space.

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Earthquake at Lorca.

2011-05-12T16:37:00.000+01:00

There has been a terrible earthquake centered in Lorca near Murcia. The news is running with eight people killed and 130 injured so I exppect there will be more to report. Hundreds of buildings have been completely demolished including the church where part of the tower came crashing down leaving a huge bell in the centre of the road. It is all very shocking.

BBC News report.

No one around here [Cadiz region] heard or experienced anything at all. They are suggesting that it is the sandy earth in the Murcia region that is to blame as it does not deaden the shock as well as the more clay type substructures.

On yer bike.

2011-05-09T10:20:00.000+01:00

Here we go again, once more in Andalusia for the double May birthday. After getting settled into Santiscal the first thing we had to do was get the Magster organised to ride a two wheeled bicycle without stabilisers. That took all of 15 minutes in the Park of Peace at Puerto Santa Maria. The peace was shattered for a short time as Maggie got to grips with the circus tricks required to ride a bike.

After a very short time she was away on her own with just the occasional hiccup the final one causing one of the pedals to knock her ankle. Mags jumped off the bike shouted, 'THAT BLOODY PEDAL !' removed her hat and threw it across the park. I know where she was coming from, when a pedal bangs into the front of your ankle it does hurt.

So after a little persuasion we managed to get her back on and she never really looked back.

So, there we have it, one final trip around the skating rink to get used to turning and The Magsmiester was finally a cyclist. Please note that the references on the sound track to incontinent dogs did not put her off at all.

Although she may suspect something is going on Mags is not certain that she is having a new 'big' bike for her birthday. This has come about as where they live now, in Santiscal, is level and perfect for cycling. I do not think it will be long before both Maggie and Joe cycle to school. It is not very far, very safe and they have bike racks to sedcure the bikes to at school.

Another kilometerstone.

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Longcast-summer 2011.

2011-05-03T10:40:00.001+01:00

Our movements for the foreseeable are gelling and complex [as usual]. In order to remind me as much as keep others, who need to know, in the loop here it is.

This week we fly to Spain via Gibraltar for a holiday with Emma. It will be good to spend some time with her and the children and we are looking forward to that. Home at the end of May. As usual I will check my emails every day and I have my cell with me.

It is a nuisance too as we miss three things connected to the wine club this month. Grrrrrr.

No sooner than we arrive home we will have to arrange to collect the new car to be called The Hoff. That will be early June. 1st of June with any luck although I'm not holding out too much hope on that one. The garage said it would be 'sometime in June' which hardly sounds like June 1st. now does it. I have had an email from Citroen to say they are quote 'building your car to your own specifications' informing me that once it leaves the factory they will email me again.

On the other hand the garage have asked me to email them with details of which stations I would like the radio tuned to ! Amazing, what did these people do before email ? Hmmmm.

Sometime after June 17th [assuming The Hoff has arrived] we are planning a trip to Plymouth. This will entail collecting Joyce on the way and calling in at Chacombe on the way down. Then a steady run through the Cotswolds in The Hoff should be very pleasant and a good 'run in' period for it. A few days seeing Roo, Flo and the boys, Joyce has never met H yet so there's a treat for her. Then return via Chacombe and Wath before coming home.

Roo is on a course until mid June so we will leave it until he has finished before we go down there. I just learned too that Roger is cycling back from Valence and not arriving home until 17th June so that is looking like a fit already !

Also around this time Emma is at Bristol University for a spell doing some work for a language school so we might be able to see her for a quick visit. We shall see.

July will see us having a celebration in Manchester with Megan, Ray, Roger, Jan and Aa plus others for Rosie's grad bash. We are booked into a Japanese restaurant for that one. Looking forward to that. Daisy and I have never eaten at a genuine Japanese place where the man cooks the food in the middle of the table whilst we all look on.

August sees us all in St Ives for a classical seaside holiday. Plans are well advanced for that, the house is booked along with the beach hut. The Spanish contingent will fly into Gatwick and visit some friends in London for a few days. We will drive down to Plymouth and help with the admin and kit required for all of us being away for a spell. I am hoping that The Hoff will be big enough to hold all the paraphernalia required, we shall see and, of course, there is always Roo's car too. This year will see the field stove used to make field coffee and field toast, an absolute must.

I have the dentist in October so we'll say no more for the time being.

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After a bit of a pause-life goes on.

2011-05-02T09:59:00.001+01:00

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Yes, it certainly does. The stuff that has happened this past month is quite astounding.

The Royal wedding has taken over our news for the last few weeks, I wonder what the news peeps will do after Friday. I suppose they will harass the life out of the happy couple.

I am miles behind with my posts so I think I'll make a start from Royal Wedding and try to fill in as I go along. Ho hum.

Pomp saw no bounds in Kendal at the weekend too. This fine weather certainly brings out the military watchers around here.

Daisy clapped and cheered from the safety of her Sunnie Manns.

The Duke of Lancaster's finest we resplendent as they marched smartly through town with drawn swords and fixed bayonets. A huge crowd of people turned out to watch and applaud them. Well done boys!
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Alternative Voting - any ideas ?

2011-04-04T09:43:00.000+01:00

This seems to be yet another mind boggling crazy idea from our hallowed leaders. I know it was promised as part of some Faustian bargain between Dave [blue corner] and Nick [yellow corner] but will it really work ?

I found an article by Melissa Kite writing in The Daily Bellylaugh that might help to explain things a little. Or not.

o0o

By Melissa Kite 03 Apr 2011

As tall orders go, this was a biggie. A friend asked me to come to a dinner party at her house and explain the Alternative Vote to her friends. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked, not wanting to send everyone to sleep over their lasagne.

She assured me that it was, that people desperately wanted to understand AV and the issues at stake in the forthcoming referendum on voting reform, so she was organising an AV dinner party and I was the star turn.

That it should come to this is a pretty pass. David Cameron landed us with this referendum. I know he had to offer it to Nick Clegg as the price of entering into a coalition. But to leave the country flailing around in a miasma of confusion and apathy about it is a bit much. And it's a total cheek that I now have to work overtime to explain it.

In the interests of being a good citizen, however, I turned up at my friend's Belgravia town house with a pile of notes and sat down to dinner with a table full of people hungry for enlightenment.

As the main course got under way, I began my talk. I explained that AV was currently used only in

Fiji

Australia

and

Papua New Guinea

. "What?" one of the guests virtually screamed. "How come we haven't been told that before?"

I explained that AV was used in the Labour leadership election, which resulted in Ed Miliband being elected after his brother David led the voting for the first three rounds. "What?" another of the guests shouted, all but spitting pasta out of the side of her mouth in outrage. "Why weren't we told that?"

I explained that AV meant ranking all the candidates in order of preference, if you wanted to, or just choosing one if you preferred. "What?" someone shrieked, "but that's stupid. How on earth does it work?"

Time for my pièce de résistance. I handed out Post-it notes and invited the eight diners to say what they wanted for pudding by ranking five options in order of preference: ice cream, cake, cheese, fruit and chocolates.

Everyone went quiet and dutifully filled out their ballot card.

I confess I then spent the next hour trying to work out the result. It nearly fried my brains but I got there in the end. After eliminating fruit in the first round and redistributing its votes, then the same with ice cream, then cake, then chocolates, the winner emerged as cheese, which had been the first choice of just three people.

Interestingly, those who put cheese second were the most aggrieved. "That's not fair," said one, "I didn't really want cheese." I guess that's AV for you.

...

o0o

But I like cheese.

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Mother's Day 2011.

2011-04-03T11:45:00.000+01:00

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A Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere.

Flowers were arriving thick and fast this morning. A warm and sunny day, get on with that ironing flower lady.

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A Day Out in Staffordshire.

2011-03-26T20:10:00.002Z

If you have not had chance to visit the National Memorial and Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire I suggest you have a look. It is well worth the effort. There are one hundred and fifty acres of parkland that are being turned into the most imaginative and interesting monument to our serving men and women from all the armed services, civilian support and the various civil authorities such as police, fire, ambulance, coast guard, RNLI and so forth.

This is not a war cemetery by any means although there is a section devoted to our service personnel who have died in service since the second world war.

I was easily able to find the name of one of my friends who was accidentally killed whilst training in 1967. It was very moving to see the setting in which his name is immortalised in the beautiful butter coloured stone.

The sunlight was so strong that my camera struggled with the contrast. The walls around the memorial akeldama are either covered with names or awaiting the skill of the mason. The masons are up to 2010 now and will be up to date very soon although, I suppose, sadly it will never be finished.

The gap made by the opening door creates an shaft of sunlight that falls exactly on the wreath at 11.00am on 11th November each year and the shadow of the pointing finger falls exactly upon the centre of the wreath, 'lest we forget'.

The staircase to the memorial. The hand rail is a bronze rope. People who can't climb steps or wheelchairs can go to the top via a spiral path or, alternatively there is an electric golf cart affair that will transport anyone requiring it there and back.

It seemed to me that everything has been well designed and thought out.

There are more than a hundred memorials to every part of the services, some amusing, some moving, all beguiling .
The two significant ones to me are here and, although I took lots of other pictures I think you should see the place for yourself and perhaps you will be as amazed as I was. The place is breathtaking.

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Home again.

2011-03-26T19:29:00.001Z

The big yun arrived home safely this afternoon. We are all relieved and thankful that he is OK. Oddly I feel slightly guilty as only this week the news was littered with others who will never make it home again. I feel for their families.

We are the lucky ones.

This picture is Roo relaxing for the first time in quite a while as he waits for the flight home. Note the absence of armour plating and weaponry. One happy bloke methinks.

I hope he remembered my pakol.

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Smardale Gill

2011-03-13T17:06:00.001Z

Today we walked around Smardale. The weather forecast was somewhat indifferent and quite wrong as things turned out.

This is the old viaduct that carried the railway line from Kirkby Stephen to Barrow in Furness [pre-Beeching], I bet that was some trip behind the old steam locomotive. The line travels left from the viaduct beneath the rock escarpment, which is some of the old quarrying from whence came the stone with which to build the huge viaduct across the valley and the River Lune. On the right of the viaduct and behind the fell is a junction of footpaths linking the coast to coast foot and cycle paths that run from St Bees in the west to Wallsend on the east coast.

There were no takers today though. Pity as the sun was warm with a light and variable breeze.
As we passed the old railway station at Smardale Hall there was a somewhat unusual sign.

I rather think it is a warning to traffic using the narrow lane running past here. Unless, of course, this area is where the fabled guerrilla reds have their stronghold.

A good day.

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Earthquake in Japan creates tsunami

2011-03-11T12:27:00.000Z

There is a huge natural disaster occurring in Japan and within the Pacific Rim at the present time. This is going to be huge.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz..........

2011-03-02T15:55:00.000Z

Apologies to Ogden Nash or who ever wrote it however, the sentiment is much the same with the exception of the birdies who are well and truly arriving here in Lakeland.

Here is Stramongate Bridge with the north weir creating a 'curtain of light' as the Kent rushes south towards Morecambe Bay. In September huge salmon leap up the weir using the fish box in the centre of it for a resting place during their journey to Upper Sleddale. If they get a chance naughty people gaff the fish during the night.

.....and here come the birdies.
At this time each year large flocks of herring gulls gather before seeking out their special places to lay their eggs and rear their chicks. They travel inland during the winter and to the coast in spring. Near where I live is a sort of aerial round-about where they seem to meet up for their final mile or two to the coastal cliffs at Humphrey Head and Arnside Knott.

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New Tub.

2011-02-27T16:29:00.001Z

You might well ask 'where have you been lately ?' and I would reply, 'decorating the green bathroom.' Daisy got me at it and the job had to be done. I'm never too keen on decorating yet, I must say that it is very satisfying to see some order come out of the chaos. The green bathroom gets 'done' now and again and, it must be said, looks much the same once decorated as it did before we started. This year's effort was spent on re-grouting the tiles around the shower. If you have never re-grouted I can tell you that you have a real treat to come. Yeah, right.

Anyway all done, just waiting for the newly applied grout to dry which takes about seven days as it cures from the inside out.

One interesting [ha] feature this time has been the replacement of the plastic bath panel with a bespoke wooden one. Nothing too pretentious you understand.

The new wooden panel being fit to the tub, a work in progress.

The finished article. It is surprising how the new panel appears to take up much less room as it does not curve outwards like the plastic one did.

So, there we have it a wooden tub.

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Spring is on the way.

2011-02-12T16:44:00.000Z

This morning we walked into town in order to get a couple of things, including a pie for my lunch. Whilst wondering around I took this picture of one of the windows at Beales department store. I like the colours, the window is very striking with the spring time colours. Love it.

stylish window dressing in Beales

The pigeons are very realistic, although made of rubber they look like the genuine article. I rather think they are decoys as used by shooters.

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Picante Oil.

2011-02-11T15:38:00.002Z

If you have never tried pasta with hot oil either as a stand alone spaghetti olio or as part of a hot dressing for a salad then you really are missing a great experience. Personally I think it adds a special magic to Gambas al Ajillo although I doubt you will ever find it used in a Spanish restaurant.

Although I have tried lots of recipes and methods for making my own hot oil I inevitably return to the same one. This is a method I have developed by trial and error. Works for me.

Although I only use three ingredients or additives it is good to experiment with other culinary herbs that suit your particular taste.

If you like picante oil, making your own is well worth the little effort required.

This is an entirely cold method so there is no need to get involved in the black art and very dangerous process of heating large quantities of oil.

I start with a bottle of good quality olive oil. There is no need to buy the most expensive stuff. Although taste is of paramount importance, remember, we are going to add some very strong tastes to it so a reasonably priced extra virgin oil is ideal.

The size of the bottle is not important as the smaller the bottle the fewer additives required. My favoured size bottle is 500ml as I think this is a suitable amount for regular use that remains fresh and tasty until all gone and, it is so easy to make that getting a new bottle on the go is simplicity itself. My personal preference is Spanish extra virgin olive oil.

Although the addition of herbs, spices, chilies and so forth is a matter for personal taste and experimentation, this is what you will need for basic picante oil.

one 500ml bottle of extra virgin olive oil
six fresh garlic cloves
ten dried chili peppers
one teaspoon of black pepper corns

So, get your bottle of oil and remove the cap, set aside for re-use.

There will probably be a plastic drip stopper in the top of the bottle.

Carefully remove this by prizing it out without damaging it as this will be replaced at the end.

Pour about a quarter of the oil into a jug in order to create a space for the addition of the spices etc.

Depending on their size cut the garlic cloves into halves, or quarters and bruise them a little. Take the woody stems form the chilies and gently squeeze the pods to loosen the seeds a little.

Along with the pepper corns simply drop all the ingredients into the oil bottle making sure that you do not over fill it.

If the bottle is still not full once all the garlic, chilies etc., have been added use the oil you removed at the beginning to top it up leaving the neck of the bottle empty. A small amount of room for expansion is important as there might be a little residual fermentation from the fresh ingredients. This is particularly common when fresh chilies rather than dried ones are used. If fresh ingredients are used it is important to regularly check that there is no pressure building up inside the bottle. An exploding bottle of oil would create a real mess and worse, waste some really good oil.

Replace the drop stopper and screw cap and store at room temperature for a few days.

I invert the bottle every day or so just to mix the oil up a little and after about a week I have a taste. Once the oil reaches my optimum taste test for flavour I strain the additives from the oil and put the oil back into the bottle. This stops the process and the taste of the oil will get no stronger.

After a few days a small sediment will appear. This will not cause a problem however, you may, if you wish, decant the oil leaving the sediment behind and the oil clear. I don't bother as the sediment is harmless and more often than not sets into quite a firm deposit.

If for any reason you overdo the soaking stage and your oil is too hot for your taste, it is easily tamed by adding, pro-rata, a teaspoon of fresh oil to a teaspoon of the hot stuff to taste. Do not be tempted to dilute the whole batch at once.

So, if you have a go I hope you enjoy the taste as much as I do and I should be most interested to hear how you get on.

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The day all the evil happened.

2011-02-07T17:21:00.000Z

Somehow over the weekend I managed to press some button or other on my NEW SMART PHONE which caused it to lock me out of all my information and so forth. Not so damn smart now is it, Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Anyway I looked up what to do in the book should such a rare event occur and did exactly what it said.................... nothing happened. Double Grrrrrrrrrrr.

Today I took it to the shop from whence Father Christmas got it and it managed to confound everyone in there including the 12 year old geek manager who originally said, 'give it here grand -dad you oldies are always doing this sort of thing.'

Not so confident now are you spotty. Harrumph.

Once all the staff plus a couple of what appeared [and smelled] like tramps sheltering from the cold had had a go at 'fixing' the phone geek boy said we'll have to send it away to our service centre in Wednesbury. Dammit if I had known that I could have called in there on my way back from Plymouth on SaTURDay.

Apparently it is all to do with the security that is used in the phone so that if I were [heaven forfend] to lose it or [worse] have it stolen the ne'er do wells would be faced with the same problem without the benefit of my knowledge about myself thus rendering it useless. Well, perhaps not useless as such, more transforming it from a miracle of technology into a very expensive paperweight. Ho Hum.

'It will take two weeks,' said the geek, without so much as a sympathetic glance in my direction as he hammered away on his computer filling in some electronic indictment to my ham fistedness. '........but it will be done under warranty.' Salvation.

He then very dexterously whipped out my SIM card and inserted it into another phone which he handed to me with, 'Bring this back when you collect yours.' A man of few words.

So, although I am still connected to the outside world I will only use my temporary phone for texting, checking my emails and, obviously actually speaking to people as I don't want to impinge on the borrowed one too much.

I can only imagine how I am going to manage without sat/nav, speak your weight, shopper deluxe with bar code reader, quickipedia, OED, star gazer plus, find that pub and [my personal favourite] pull my finger, for TWO WHOLE WEEKS.

Life gets tedious don't it.

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Home safe.

2011-02-03T23:08:00.001Z

Roo arrived just in time to see Alfie making his promise and law for the local Cub pack. That was good as he had hoped to make it. More than the wee man did, he decided he wanted to go to bed and even dismissed his mum mid story so he could dive in.

Diving in is exactly what he was up to earlier when he went for his first swimming lesson just after school today. I think perhaps that tired him out. A lot to pack in for a little chap.

So, Roo home safe after a 15 hour epic flight. He looks fit and well and has a myriad tales to tell. As Flo is well on the way to recovery that means we can be relieved now and return to Kendal to try and find our way around once more.

Our friends have got a haggis in the freezer so we can have a Burns' night next week. Bonza.

Traveler's Tales.

2011-02-02T18:51:00.000Z

Our man in 'you know where.' Is held up at the moment due to circumstances beyond his control. He is getting his head down in some airport and expecting to fly out around midnight. They are staging in Cyprus then calling at an unspecified place before arriving at BN. So, the theory is that he will be home sometime late Thursday or early Friday. Say lavvy.

Travel safely big lad.

It's an Ill Wind.......

2011-02-01T18:36:00.000Z

Whatever next. Perhaps Malawi is a place to side step after a plate of Brussels sprouts and a few pints of Guinness. Hmmm.

http://www.news.com.au/world/illegal-farting-law-causes-big-stink/story-e6frfkzr-1225997496727

Another keen Lego engineer.

2011-01-31T16:31:00.001Z

Although still very young H is developing a high degree of interest and creative ability with his Lego [Danish for 'play well'] pieces. I helped him the other day with one of his models and he decided that his creation was good enough to photograph. So here is the dump truck from Toy Story along with the creator.

happy with the finished article

H certainly has that 'Barnes Wallace' look about him, the disheveled focused look. As we were building the model he could not quite get a piece to fit together and in frustration and the best traditions of all good Lego builders exclaimed, "THE BLOODY THING !"

Now, he did not get that from me.

One to watch methinks.

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Arcos to Plymouth via Kendal.

2011-01-29T14:42:00.000Z

We have had a very hectic time since our month in Spain. Much ado about lots of things.

We had a great time with the Spanish contingent however, it was obvious that we were going to have to lend a hand in Plymouth as Flo had been very ill after her operation just before Christmas. So it was decided that we would take over from Flo's mum who, it has to be said has done a stirling job juggling her demanding work along with looking after Flo and the boys.

Had things been any worse Roo would have had to fly home but even an emergency withdrawal for him would present lots of serious problems. So, it was decided to leave him out of the equation unless or until the very last resort. As things turned out this was a good decision.

So, what have we been up to since my last visit to the blogosphere ? Hmmm.

Before we left Arcos we were able to help Em look at some houses and flats she is thinking of moving to. They are all in the El Santiscal area which will make things much easier for work and school. Contrary to what we thought the children were very keen on the idea. The top of their particular list was being close to their school friends and living in a level area so they could skate and cycle with much more scope than at present. In fact there seemed to be nothing putting them off moving at all. Which is good.

...
Then there has been the saga of Roo's leave and EOT date. Thankfully this has been sorted out now and all is lined up for his mid tour leave in the coming week and return at the end of March.
....
So all being well Daisy and I will no longer be required by about Wednesday and can return home to get on with some long awaited jobs to be done and the planning for the rest of 2011. HeeHaw.

A Day out in Seville.

2011-01-05T21:46:00.000Z

...

It was quite misty, almost foggy as we left Arcos and travelled to Seville along the autopista. In a little over half and hour we were in the outskirts of the city at Dos Hermanas [don't know who either of them are], and as we swept down Avenieda La Palmera we jumped into the underground car park at the Paseo de Christina and were soon having a coffee at one of the bars overlooking the Rio Guadalquivir. Sitting outside slurping wine, beer and coffee in the middle of winter. Super.

You may think you can see Pablo Picasso in this picture. Take it from me he was not there.

Like so many other cities Seville is packed with majestic buildings and huge wide roads. The thing I like about Seville [Sevilla] is the very relaxed manner of the resident Sevillianos who are by and large very pleasant and helpful people. One thing it does have in common with lots of other vibrant cities are the double decker open topped buses. They are even painted red. As with these things they have a logo on the rear panel, Dublin has a glass of Guinness, Glasgow has a bag pipe player complete with kilt and bear skin hat, Seville has a styalised picture of the top of La Giralda tower.

La Giralda is part of a former Moorish building that was converted into a bell tower forming part of what is now the cathedral.

La Giralda, as featured in 'The Blind Man of Seville' by Robert Wilson an excellent read.

an archeological dig uncovering Roman remains

A little further down the river we had a good view of one of Seville's numerous superb bridges. The most startling and modern are further out in the outskirts and are very spectacular.

The minimalist lines of the Punte Isabella II stretches across the river connecting the two halves of the city centre.

This beautiful medieval city can hardly be called backward. Two of the most recent additions include some very futuristic trams that whisper along as they slide about the streets.

The other thing is the cycle hire scheme.

This is a typical scheme that allows you to hire a bike from one of these stations and leave it at a similar one elsewhere or return it to the same one, as you wish. A great idea. We did not hire a bike this time but I'm sure we shall be trying them out before too long.

We walked round the Plaza de Espana whilst eating some freshly roast chestnuts. The only way to live.

Blas has the best hot chestnuts I have ever had.

The day was warm, the place is fantastic, Seville were at home to Cordoba for a friendly and they won. God is in his heaven and the world is well.

Bullfighting has always had a huge following in Andalucia and Seville has one of the largest and well appointed bullrings in the region. This is not the fighting season so there is much work being done on the buildings and infrastructure in order to have it in pristine condition for the opening of the festivals in April.

Curro Romero

Francisco Romero Lopez, one of the most successful bullfighters ever. His career lasted for 42 years and he retired at 66 years old. Bravo ! Known as Curro [a colloquial name for Francisco] Romero his statue graces the gardens at the side of the Bullring in Seville.

Aido, Emma, Daisy and Mazza.

The walking party having just come out of the park and ready for home. A Golden Day.

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Dancing after lunch.

2011-01-03T20:14:00.000Z

...

As the children are away some people took the opportunity to use their Wii. Very good especially after a couple of mojitos.

Join in if you like.

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OneOne:OneOne.One.One.OneOne.

2011-01-02T20:18:00.000Z

Yes it is one of those dates today, 1.1.11 and, at eleven minutes passed eleven this morning it got worse, at least for one whole minute. After quite a hectic new years eve party we all arose to the new year fighting fit and ready for anything.

I am sure all of us can look back on the old year and single out those 'Once again The Devil farts in my face' moments however, we must put all that behind us and boldly go where no man, or woman has gone before.

Our day started with tidying and cleaning the house in readiness for letting in the new year.

Daisy and Maralyn were busy sorting out the night's meal so were in the kitchen for much of the day. People came and went and a steady stream of various drinks were made and consumed. The children were very good and all went swimmingly. We had a house full upstairs with some young French couples filling up the place. They seemed very sanguine about being able to get a meal at a restaurant. Em was not so sure and offered for them to join us if they had no luck. They must have got sorted as we did not see them until well after midnight.

An interesting thing happened, or failed to happen as it happens. We were all under the impression that at midnight the local bells would go mad, as only they can round here. So as the time crawled to midnight everyone was astounded that not one single sound could be heard from the bells. It was as if all the ringers were on strike [sic].

Three generations of our girls getting ready for the party.

Our two girls looking very glamorous and ready for the fray.

Joe organising his lists and getting ready to sort out drinks and nibbles for everyone. And a great job he did too. What a guy.

A spot of carol singing to get things started. With gusto I rather think.

Mazza brought some masks which caused great hilarity. Not sure who these people are but I feel I know the one with the glasses. Hmmmm.

The whole party managed to stand still just long enough for a picture.

A good time was had by all, hope you had a good one too.

Lang may yer lum reek.

St Stephens' Day Walk.

2010-12-26T21:24:00.000Z

...

Our walk for the Feast of Stephen this year took place in the most glorious sunshine. Most unsuitable for photography but quite warm if you sheltered from the chilly wind.

The first thing that strikes you is the amount of water coming down the river. All the recent rain is flooding away from the Grazelema National Park down the Rio Guadalete, on to the estuary at Cadiz and so into the Atlantic. Well by the look of things I would say that the Atlantic will be filling up fast this year. Happily no one has been flooded out so far, let's hope it remains that way.

The walking party outside Santa Maria church whose bells have been working overtime over the last few days. Joe said he felt cold so he put his over-trousers on. This was soon reversed as we got in to the exercise.

When we got home we had coffee, brandy [small one] and something that is traditionally eaten around here at this time of year. Cats tongues. Gross, I know however, they are delicious.

So, there we have it, our Boxing Day.

.....

Pakool patrol

2010-12-20T15:41:00.001Z

I have noticed that some of my recent pictures appear to contain a rather odd looking fellow in some sort of Afghan hat, a Pakool I believe they are called. How on earth did he get onto my pictures and where is the rascal from. Hmmmm.

.....

Every Cloud and all that.......[bad weather no crowds]

2010-12-20T15:05:00.001Z

o0o

At this time of year around these parts things take on a very serious mood. For one night only the whole of the old town is turned into the place where for Christians , throughout the world, it all began. Incredible as it seems all the markings of modern society are covered over and for a precious few hours Arcos becomes an even more medieval town than it ordinarily masquerades as.

This, of course, presupposes that the weather plays the game and is dry for the last Saturday night before Christmas Day.

On SaTURDay this year it did not. For the whole week leading up to the Belen workers have been beavering away mocking up the main locations and tableaux illustrating 'the greatest story ever told'. Once Plaza Cabildo was cleared of it's resident population of decidedly twenty first century motor vehicles the transformation into year zero Bethlehem began.

The Cuesta Belen is closed to all traffic except the vans and lorries delivering sand, stones and all the paraphernalia required to convert Arcos de la Frontera into Bethlehem en Judea.

The route of the procession is marked by the arches of palm fronds. These are fixed to the walls of the buildings by wires attached to small screws rawlplugged into the walls.

Others are tied to the stobs surrounding the entrance to Santa Maria and such places. This cleverly disguises the stobs whilst using them for support.

Workers toil away turning a car park into a multi-event scene including a water wheel and river where washer women will pound their clothes, a huge oven for baking bread, a mill for grinding corn and so on. All the while over a hundred participants in this spectacle sing carols and Christmas songs.

Painters painted and spruced up the old town until it shone like a new pin. At this stage all was looking well for the pageant, the watery sun did little to warm things up but provided a little light to lighten the gentile's labour.

As Saturday night approached we had a walk around the route. The rain lashed down in great torrents and some of the elders were actually muting the theory that perhaps the Wrath of God was being visited upon the town. I managed a few pictures between showers however, the final presentation was so much less than was the original intention. A sad shame considering all the hard work and effort that had gone into the project.

Here we have a representation of the marriage of Joseph and Mary hence forth known as St.Jose and Santa Maria. As with all joyous occasions this wedding party are singing and dancing and, despite the weather were having a thoroughly good time. Just like any other wedding, food was passed around the audience at the end of the ceremony.

Perhaps one of the warmest and driest of the venues was the Forge. Here a couple of smiths toiled away taking out their frustrations on a very hot piece of steel.

-o0o-

A little further round the route was the Court of King Herod. As we passed by they were not quite ready. Joe and Maggie were intrigued as to exactly what goes on in a royal court.

Well a glimpse through the partially opened door gave us a clue and Joe, in particular, found it very interesting.

So did I. Hmmm.

The essential ingredient to all this fuss was having a little cry as we passed by. San Jose watched over Maria and her new born son as any proud father would. I noticed that Maria had a very trendy hair style to go with her traditional blue and white outfit.

A more traditional view of the most famous family on earth can be seen further down the Cuesta Belen in the patio of the clinica.

San Jose himself is not actually present as this is a women only clinic. Perhsaps a certain irony about this methinks.

So, there we have it. On the one hand the weather ruined all the hard work that had been put into making this year's Belen. On the other because the weather was so bad few people turned up so viewing what tableaux were there was remarkably easy. Ordinarily around twenty thousand people crowd into the old town in order to see an amazing annual spectacle. I suppose you pay your widows mite and you take your choice.

And, I wonder what the stone thought about it all ? Sadly we shall never know.

.......or shall we?

.o0o.

A Hectic Few Days.

2010-12-16T19:07:00.002Z

...

I hardly know where to start with the unfolding events of this week. Perhaps I should start on a positive note and see where it takes us.

The nine month saga that is procreation ended for our niece, Helen, on Monday when she produced a very healthy and beautiful girl who will rejoice in the name of Ruby.

Judging by the look of baby Ruby she was obviously named after the wonderful colour of her chubby cheeks. Well done Helen and, with a somewhat lesser part in the process, well done Bill.

Welcome Ruby, lang may yer lum reek as they say in Burns' country.

No sooner had we digested that rare bit of good news than the atom bomb exploded concerning Flo, that's her doing yoga on the beach with Emma at the top of this page.

Now - we were aware that Flo has not been too well lately and I, like many others, thought things were under control and well in hand as appointments had been made with the medicos etc. It was, as far as I was aware, just a matter of time before she was seen by a doctor, given a bottle of 'THE EMULSION', take three times a day until all gone then hey presto back in time for tea and medals.

How wrong can a person be ?

True to form the little scouser confounded everyone by soldiering on, or should that be sailing on, enduring what must have been excruciating agony until Tuesday morning when without the aid of a safety net she collapsed and her friend Beccy who, incidentally happened to be there, called an ambulance.

Well done Beccy because after quite a short period of investigation and assessment Flo was operated upon on Wednesday and was relieved of a seriously infected and abscessed ovary.

...

All this drama continued to play to the background of Roo being four and a half hours or five time zones adrift. Thankfully he has his laptop equipped with Skype etc., so can be contacted and can contact within a reasonable time frame.

Both Beccy and one of the other 'sisters', Siobhan, were feeding me with information that I was able to pass on to Roo until direct comms between him and the hospital were finally established. Thankfully the hospital has a military wing so it was fairly straight forward from then on.

Meanwhile Flo's mum Trish was arranging her life so she could travel to the hospital and take over the looking after of the boys from Beccy.

Due to what some may call the strange comings and goings of their husbands this event is a fantastic endorsement of the support network that these girls have developed between themselves.

Make no mistake these are formidable young women. I, for one, take great comfort from the fact that it is these very people who will be making me get washed as I get more and more forgetful.

Whilst all this seeming mayhem was swirling around us Daisy and I were trying to 'keep calm and carry on' as we had a date with destiny at Manchester airport on Wednesday morning. As it happened all was neatly taken care of and our actual presence in Plymouth was not required. So, whilst others do their bit we take to long view and quietly worry in Arcos. At least it is marginally warmer here than in the UK at present. A better temperature in which to agonise.

...

Anyway, things are beginning to resemble normality within the clan. Flo is recovering from her surgery and has, I like to think, a metaphorical memento in a jam jar to put on her mantle piece in order to remind us all that it is never a good thing to put all your eggs in one basket.

...

Perhaps a good note on which to finish.

.....

Winter Weekend.

2010-12-07T20:46:00.000Z

...

With visitors from as far afield as Cambridge, Banbury and Riponden we had a rare house full this weekend. The weather threatened the whole arrangement then suddenly gave us a window for the whole of the weekend. Brilliant.

Lucia's latest hair-do took everyone by surprise. Not sure what the eager young hopefuls will make of it all. I like it.

The group negotiating that very slippery slope down to the river bank and the stile onto Helsington Laithes. Out of the darkness, into the light.

Steam was actually rising from the river. Little Eve asked me why so, to my eternal shame I said it was because the water was very hot. I swiftly went on to say that it would not be a good idea to go in though. Shame on you !

The low angle of our winter sun casting eerie shadows along the riverside path.

Two sisters, two nieces and a brother in law grabbing a few rays.

Final assault. Footprints in the snow are a testament to the popularity of the riverside walk. We were walking off lunch but others that we saw were running or dog walking.

A Golden Day indeed.

.....

Snow

2010-12-02T13:08:00.000Z

...

Winter is well and truly upon us as can be seen by the copious quantities of white stuff falling from the skies above the UK presently. We, here in Lakeland, are fairing better than most at the moment. The forecast suggests that thinks are beginning to change. Our unseasonal easterly wind is veering to northerly and probably round to westerly very soon. At least that will put things back where they should normally be for this time of year. Grrrrr.

At this time of year we get to see the fields on the far side of the river.

Although the snow plough and gritter have been round we still have a covering on the road.

I managed to get some of the front cleared but parts of it had been driven or walked on which made it hard to get away. Grrrrr, say lavvy.

.....

Good thought for the big lad.

2010-11-23T20:25:00.000Z

.
Around 0530 today Roo took off from Brize Norton heading for KDH or Kandahar as it is better known. He spent the night in a new bag we bought him for this trip so I hope it worked well for him. Flo and the boys are being very stoic about the whole thing which is good, his mum is very quiet. All will be well.
..
So, send him a good thought. After 'Kar' he tranfers to Kabul and his next assignment which, although it sounds crazy, he is looking forward to. After all living in the midst of a stone age society must engender a certain amount of interest.
...

Mum and lad taken in February this year. Drake's Island in the near back ground and Jennycliff beyond it across The Sound.
....
Stay safe son.
.....

Plymouth - November visit.

2010-11-20T19:41:00.000Z

As Roo is due to go away next week we went down to Plymouth to see them all before he left. He is all packed up and ready for the off. He is due back sometime in April.

We had a good couple of days and managed to get some Christmas shopping done whilst we were down there. Although Flo is suffering with a little anemia she is addressing that with the odd daily glass of Guinness [alright for some]. The boys are well and growing fast.

Roo, Flo and the boys went ice skating at an open air rink set up in the middle of Armada Way. H took the sensible root and opted to be pushed round on an orange plastic seal. Poor Alfie fell off a triple salko and banged his bonce. A large egg appeared on the side of his head and he had to have a little time out in order to gather himself.

I took this after the 'event'so you can see he was OK soon afterwards. Thank goodness.

Some Pizza Hut helped.

Although you could be forgiven for thinking H was not enjoying himself, he did have a good time , honest.

It's that time of year again.

2010-11-09T15:42:00.000Z

...

Some rotter has dumped a load of leaves onto my garden overnight. Ordinarily I wouldn't mind but I had only just cleared up the collection that accrued whilst we were in Arcos. Grrrrr.

So without further ado, this morning, I had a rake around and managed to compost a good heap or two before the wind got up and started to disperse them all over the place once more. I made a tactical withdrawal. It's guaranteed that you will never beat the wind when it comes to leaf raking.

I like this picture. I think it gives the impression of the tide coming in. Well I can tell you, it is on it's way out now alright.

.....

Late Autumn walk.

2010-11-07T16:11:00.000Z

...

Back from Espana at least until December and it was our turn to lead the walk today. As the weather looked good we decided to do one of the classical Lakeland routes. The Rydal round.
A circuit of Rydal Water starting and finishing in Ambleside.
In order to catch the light early on we did the route clockwise. As many people park at White Moss they tend to go the other way so we met lots of walkers enjoying the day and the super scenery.

These are the stepping stones across the Rothay at Clappersgate. We avoided this crossing by using the footbridge further down stream as we thought the recent rain may well have inundated the stones. Well some of them are usable, would you fancy hopping across ?

The road was very busy at Rydal with last minute week-enders taking advantage of the warm sunshine. In order to avoid the traffic we took the high route which gave us some superb views of Wordsworth's old patch.

This is the island on Rydal Water. To the right of the island is Nab Cottage which sits on the A591 Ambleside to Grasmere Road. Beyond that and round the shoulder of the fell is Dove Cottage one of Willy's old houses. His main place was at Rydal Mount which is off to the right of this picture.

The air was cool thus making it as clear as crystal added to this the warm bright sunshine lit up the place making taking pictures a dream.

All change now though, the barometer is dropping like a stone so I suspect today may well be the last we see of the late autumn sun. We shall see.

.....

Grazelema.

2010-11-04T21:55:00.000Z

...

During our trip to the Grazelema I managed to get a picture of Maggie with the sunlight catching her hair.

I like it.

The Magster.

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Brekkers.

2010-10-28T14:15:00.000+01:00

...

We had a little treat this morning, brekkers out. I heard there was to be a parade so suggested that we walk down into the town centre for a look. Quite honestly I thought it was a little early for a parade but, when in Spain and all that so off we went.

As we descended the hill towards the town centre it was obvious that something was occurring and that something was out of the ordinary. There were police all over the place and people were gathering in large groups. A couple of official looking men were handing out small plastic whistles and a large banner was being unfurled.

Anyway as we sat eating our breakfast the 'parade' approached. It turned out not to be a parade at all, once again my Spanish let me down as the parade was in fact a demonstration. The banner in front reads, 'A DAY CENTRE NOW' in red and the black writing says, 'No more tricks and lies.' I think the tricks might be deceptions however, I'm sure you get the drift.

In front of the police officer was a car with some loud speakers blaring out a message that was so loud I could not make out the words at all.

The guy in the bar where we had breakfast said that it was due to the fact that the local council were closing down the day centre or perhaps moving it to another location not so handy. He was not sure.

All in all it added some colour and excitement to our morning. I agreed with everything they had to say, I think.

So, back to the business in hand, this was breakfast. It must be said that this is a once a week treat and perhaps it is easy to see why. The victuals consist of a mollete [ a sort of toasted bread bun] spread with mantequilla [ pork dripping] with salt and pepper. Washed down with coffee and a small brandy. And the sun is no where near the yard arm. I have to say that we share the brandy which I suppose mitigates things a little and, helps poor Daisy's pulled back muscle.

Speaking of Daisy, here she is suffering in silence, a few more painkillers washed down with brandy, just what the doctor ordered.

.....

Cafe Albeniz.

2010-10-27T14:48:00.000+01:00

...

Although Cafe Albeniz is named after a very famous Spanish composer with a terrific name, Isaac Manuel Francisco Albeniz, I like to pretend that Albeniz means Albany. It's silly I know but it makes for a good story.
The place looks a bit run down and seedy however, they do make excellent coffee and the queso y jamon tapas are superb.
So, as today whenever we find ourselves in that end of town around lunchtime Cafe Albeniz is as good a watering hole as any other despite it's outward appearance

Perched right on the busy main drag through the town there is always plenty to watch as the world steadfastly and, at times quite noisily, travels by. The waiters have to run the gauntlet of the traffic as they service the tables on the Paseo.

Daisy patiently waiting for her Canasta [the local poison] and tapas. She looks a little grim today as she has pulled a muscle in her back and it keeps catching her out when she least expects it to. Grrrrrrrrr.

And there we have it, or not as the case may be.

.....

Geocaching.

2010-10-24T22:35:00.001+01:00

...

After I received my monthly e-letter from the geocache site I decided to have a look to see whether or not there were any in or about Arcos. Well there is one so we decided that we would see if we could find it this afternoon.

The cache itself is well hidden with very good directions although we managed to miss it on the first pass and ended up doing some interesting scrambling on a very loose red herring bank.

Anyway all was well when the cache was revealed exactly as the instructions detailed.

Needless to say the children were very excited about the find and enjoyed examining the contents of the cache which were plentiful and interesting. Maggie was a little disappointed as there was nothing that took her fancy although she left a couple of things anyway.

They could not quite grasp my stance which is that I am perfectly happy to put something into the cache without taking something out, particularly if there is nothing I want or need. It must seem very strange to them.

We all filled in the log with our names and the date, repacked the box and replaced it in it's hiding place. Good cache.

.....

Mobile Uploads

2010-10-22T22:45:00.000+01:00

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The hidden face.

2010-10-22T11:07:00.002+01:00

...

Since coming to Arcos I have been sitting in more or less the same place each morning as I get the blood pumping with the first coffee of the day. Sitting absently looking through the kitchen window that over looks the bustling street.
Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I just sit. As always this is an interesting view of life in rural Spain.

So, for years I have viewed that same view and listened to the sounds of local people heading for work and school. Imagine my surprise when only yesterday I noticed something in the stone carving of the building opposite that I have never noticed before. I have looked at this building hundreds of times yet I have never seen the face hidden in the stone carving above the door. When I mentioned it to the others, no one else had seen it either. Amazing, as now I can't not see it.

Have a look...

The face is in the frieze just above the doorway. It is well hidden. I rather think he is winking although Emma suggested that he may be resting his head on his right hand. Maybe

On closer inspection I think the stone mason was having a joke, perhaps it is the mason himself. This caricature seems to be winking as it surveys the grand entrance. The face is positioned right in the centre of the doorway, anyone passing through would walk directly beneath the cheeky chappie.

.....

Hippo Birdie Two Ewe Big Lad.

2010-10-22T08:51:00.000+01:00

Yes it's Roos birthday once more and he is still late for Trafalgar Day. Anyway, have a great day son we are having a good thought for you.

Note the nonchalant way Emma is eating her sandwich.

Afternoon walk around Arcos de la Frontera.

2010-10-21T13:37:00.000+01:00

...

As the late summer weather is holding in Arcos de la Frontera Daisy and I decided to walk one of the new paths that have been constructed around the old town. It has been a bit of a false start for the pathways as no sooner were they nearing completion when some terrific storms washed parts of them away and made other parts impassable due to all the debris washed down from the hills and the peña. Not good.

Anyway things seem to have taken a turn for the better now as the paths are all clear and fully usable.

Before we make our way to the top end of the footpath we took a look over the mirador [view-point] on the Plaza Cabildo. This is one of the classic views from the old town and, hardly surprising, everyone who comes here takes pictures of it.

On a clear day like this a fantastic view. From here we can see Bario Bajo with it's metal bridge and the foothills of the Grazelema National Park in the distance.

So, from the mirador we follow the wall of El Alcazar round to the start of the footpath.

We set off from El Alcazar which, incidentally is owned by a Brit. It always strikes me as a pity that they are absentee landlords as the old fort is only occupied on rare occasions and the seemingly mean-minded owners will not allow it to be opened to the public even for short periods to allow a little sight seeing. So, there we have it, a lovely old fort obviously well maintained and cared for but unavailable to the common herd for even the most fleeting of glimpses inside.

This is the view from pathway down the very steep hillside from the alcazar to the main road at the bottom of the hill. Here we are looking along the line of the Rio Guadalette which eventually runs into the sea at Cadiz. To the left of the river is the route we are taking. The land here is mostly arable farming with olive and orange groves. The oranges are very green at the moment and will not be ready for another couple of months or so.

Here the footpath turns towards Bario Bajo and the metal bridge over the river. We will be swinging round to the right before long and away from the Bario as we head towards the barato [field where the market sets up] at the bottom of the hill in Arcos.

Once down to the foot of the path we follow the river along this rather dusty track. This is where all the orange growers have their groves. As you can see the bamboo does well here too. This picture gives the observer some idea of the scale of the peña [cliff] that the old town is perched upon. The church of San Pedro stands out surrounded by the whitewashed walls of the houses.

This cliff is one of the reasons why Arcos was built here and why it has been awarded the title 'de la Frontera'. Andalusians from here are still proud of the fact that their fore fathers defended the country from the marauding moors and this is where they held the line. The perfect place in which to do it too.

Just to the left of this picture is the mirador from where we stared this walk.

And finally, we make our way back into town following a more gentle approach towards the shops and bars. It's nearly 5.00pm. so places will be opening up once more, I'm ready for a cool drink. Y tu ?

.....

Autumn in Arcos..

2010-10-19T11:56:00.002+01:00

...
Well we are back in Arcos again and all is very well. All our friends are fussing over us and claiming that they have missed us blah, blah, blah. Perhaps they have missed us as there seems to be lots of little things to do and sort out. My old friend Andreas has not been very well however, he seems to be on the mend now so fingers crossed...

As you can see Gibraltar is the usual chaotic carry on. I even managed to get the rock hanging from a lamp post, Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

The airport control tower is just visible on the right side between two signs and the runway is out of sight to our left. This busy road has to be closed each time an aircraft lands or takes off as the runway takes up the whole length of the protectorate.

The weather has been incredible since we arrived. Everyone is saying that we have brought some decent weather with us. True.

The sun is still very hot and I really must have a word with that dentist.

The children are settling back into school well and seem to be busy all the time with various activities. Emma is teaching at the same school at the moment so that can be useful and sometimes not so.

We went to IKEA in Jerez on SaTURDay. Big mistake really however, we were early so missed most of the rampage. Sadly the thing we wanted was not in stock and will not be for three weeks. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

The shopping complex that is developing on the outskirts of Jerez is amazing. Acres of car parking with massive shops and malls in every direction. There is even a map to help you get into and out of the car parks.

El ultimo arbol acientuna

The whole development is built on what used to be an ancient olive grove. To be fair the olives were getting old and unproductive so they would have been grubbed up anyway. This picture is the only one left. The builders have left it in the middle of a round about. I am pleased as it serves to remind us all of what once flourished here. Now all the olive wood is turned into futuristic furniture which is on sale in IKEA.

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Cocktail night-round up

2010-10-13T18:58:00.002+01:00

...

Went the night well. As you would expect there were winners and losers amongst the assemblage. Sadly I had few converts towards Bloody Mary however the Mojito and Dry Martini went very well indeed.

So, there we have it yet another interesting and convivial evening.

And so to Spain. We are on full steam ahead for the early start on Friday morning when we slide down to Manchester for the Gibraltar flight. Em will be picking us up and as usual we will go to Morrison's, of all places, in order to get la compra Ingleses. Em generally has a huge list of things, unobtainable in Spain, to get for her friends and neighbours. No booze or fags though as there are border restrictions between Gib and La Linea de la Conception.

Hopefully we will have a quiet, comfortable flight.

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Cocktail Party [to the strains of Scott Joplin]

2010-10-11T11:46:00.001+01:00

...
For our talk and tasting this autumn I am making:~
Mojito, Margarita, [Dry] Martini, Manhattan, Cape Cod Sunrise and Virgin Mary.
The last two are actually mocktails as I am using recipes with no alcohol in them at all.
Will not tell the group about the lack of alcohol until they have tried them. Vodka is easily missed out anyway.
Daisy assisted by her mates is making lots of lovely canopes to go with them. I have just tried some roast chillied almonds and can confirm that they are delicious.

.....

Fergie's old dress.

2010-10-10T14:15:00.001+01:00

...

The staff have finished the dress now and I believe it might just do the job. Now then, all we need is a little girl with dark hair and some music played by the Black Eyed Peas. I wonder where.........

Until we get to Arcos [next Friday] we will not know whether or not it fits. Very nerve wracking.

.....

What's going on here then ?

2010-10-10T12:22:00.000+01:00

...

I take my eyes away from the sweat shop for a second and the next thing you know the staff are on the blower and slurping. Was das hellen !

Maggie made it known that she would very much like a dress as worn by that very famous rock star Fergie from the equally famous Black Eyed Peas. Well, after I had drawn out a picture of the dress Daisy set about making it. She said that she got the hard bit, I'm not convinced as the only thing I had to go on was a fleeting glimpse on a You tube video.

I think there was mention of a brown wig as Maggie was rather disappointed that her hair was blond. I wonder how long that will last ? Hmmmm.

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Gin and tonic marmalade.

2010-10-10T11:57:00.000+01:00

...

Some might say that this is the latest craze. Me ? I'm not so sure.

Mike with his jam jar full of gin and tonic.

.....

101010

2010-10-10T09:40:00.001+01:00

I had a complaint from my sister in law yesterday. I am not keeping my weblog up to date. This is true as lately I have had the odd problem with the mystery machinery that makes it work. All now seems in order. Sorry Joyce. And just look at today's date, looks binary to me.

Hippo Birdie Bro'

2010-10-09T19:41:00.001+01:00

Today is my little brother's birthday. He is almost seven years younger than I and is infinitely more clever.I remember the day as if it were last week. I was in my granny's garden when Dad came over to me and said, 'You've got a little brother.' Me; Where is he ?Dad; He's still at the hospital with mummy.Me; Why what's wrong with mummy?
Hippo Birdie my only brother, I hope you have a terrific day.

Turnchapel.

2010-10-09T19:36:00.002+01:00

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Turnchapel is a lovely old village right on the eastern bank of the river across from the city of Plymouth. Not only has it some very interesting architectural features the village is the home of 239 Squadron Royal Marines.

In the centre of the village is the pub, the Boringdon Arms. Well worth a visit, you can hardly miss it.

If you think the pub is colourful take a look at the rest of the street, fantastic or what ?

Pity about the cars however, a sign of the modern times methinks. Notice Daisy striding off in case she were to get into the picture. Grrrrrrrrrrr.

I noticed this interesting building adornment on one of the houses on this street. Looks very South American, perhaps Inca or maybe Australian Aborigine. Anyway most intriguing.

At the end of the colourful street is the public slipway. This lets onto the estuary of Cattewater and eventually to the Sound and the open sea. There are hundreds of boats of all sizes and hue moored hereabouts.

This view is looking North up the river towards the city of Plymouth and eventually Dartmoor.

And finally, this is, I think, the lantern from a light ship. It now reposes near to a chandlers and is simply rusting away. Shame. What caught my attention were the concave mirrors, they are real beauties. Can you spot the odd thing I did with it ?

So, there we have it. Turnchapel well worth a look.

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Britain from the Air.

2010-09-29T19:04:00.000+01:00

Always worth a peep. This series is worth a minute or two of anyone's time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11427007

Reflective Mood.

2010-09-19T09:57:00.000+01:00

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One of our friends who I call Alf Tupper, but is actually called something else caught looking out over the Sound from Jennycliff yesterday evening. we were launching some lanterns for the children just before we dropped Alf off at Camel Head Gate in order to board HMS Albion to sail this morning.

Red sky at night.......

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TILTEL.

2010-09-17T21:41:00.000+01:00

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I don't know about you, I have a few real favourites within my 'ThingsILikeToEatList'. In fact when I start to think about it I have several. Without further ado I put forward number five in my TILTEL. Well to be strictly accurate it is from my summer TILTEL.

So, here we have it, numero cinqo.

A genuine Devon Cream Tea. We enjoyed this particular one at Kitley House near Brixton, [deepest sunlit Devon] just the other day. Simply looking at it brings back the tastes, smells and memories of the super treat. Although I like strawberry jam my absolute favourite is morello cherry.

What is on your TILTEL list ?

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Tonic Water.

2010-09-13T19:03:00.001+01:00

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Fever Tree Tonic water

Tonic water was patented in England for the first time in the mid 19th century. Around 100 years later Schweppes, known at that time for their ginger ale, introduced it to the USA. It has been very popular in both countries ever since that mass marketing.

Strange as it may seem the popularity of tonic water is largely down to an urban myth regarding quinine. Tonic water in itself never will be a cure for malaria nor will it ever make it as a preventative medicine. At around 27mg of quinine per 240 ml the amount of quinine in Tonic water is said to be too small to act as a drug or even interact with other medicines.

So, no matter how much you try to persuade yourself or others of the efficacious nature of your G&T I'm afraid you are deluding yourself.

The modern drink significantly derives it's bitter taste from the addition of quinine. Lemon or lime, sugar and often caffeine are also used in the mix. In addition to the traditional use as a mixer, with gin or vodka, tonic is often used with sweet drinks such as vermouth in order to produce a balanced taste.

A very tasty tonic water that uses natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, worth a try with gin, vodka or simply with a little ice and lemon or lime.

Remember to drink responsibly.

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Homeward bound Bonny Lad ?

2010-09-08T19:47:00.002+01:00

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We were lucky today as we happened to be on the Hoe when F220 Hamburg slid out of the Sound and off back home by the looks of it.

HMS Daring in the background making sure the Germans leave without pinching anything.

It was a glorious day as we wandered about on the sea front. Up on the Hoe there was something odd going on though.

I couldn't understand what was going on until I realised that this statue of Sir Francis was actually commissioned and donated to Plymouth by the good people of California which he discovered and named Nova Albion in 1579. Can't say as I blame them for changing the name mind you.

Anyway, the California connection sort of explains the somewhat camp Sir Francis methinks. Arl reet Franny, bonny lard.

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This is the whole of the below place.

2010-09-06T15:05:00.001+01:00

The airport, which has a very interesting name, can be seen at the SW part of the island. The picture is orientated for N at the top.

Where on Earth is this ?

2010-09-06T11:45:00.002+01:00

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Now here is a place you don't get to see every day. Very isolated and peaceful. The night sky is crystal clear and the fishing fantastic. But, where is it ?

It has a runway right next to a volcano.......

and it is 4830 miles from London.

Any ideas ?

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Welcome to my world.

2010-08-30T19:24:00.000+01:00

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A while ago now I bought Daisy a silver ball, about the size of a football. I think they are supposed to sit somewhere in the garden in order to enhance the bucolic charm of our quiet corner.

Anyway the silver sphere never did make it to the garden, it was stalled in the sun room which, it could be argued is as near as makes no difference.

During times of family visits, which really means grand-children visits, the silver ball tends to get abused and I have said for a while that perhaps we ought to do something with it before the ball becomes a cube.

After much head scratching and committee meetings the answer to the maltreated mirror-ball was obvious.

Dangle it from the roof.

And so I did. A couple of small holes drilled into the base with a little copper wire threaded through them solved the problem.

I can't stop looking at it now. It gives us a completely new perspective on life overlooking the garden, and the children ? I'm sure the boys will find a way of getting it down.

Welcome to my world.

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A Mala for Emma.

2010-08-26T19:54:00.001+01:00

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As I was thinking about Emma and her birthday I posted her picture which included a mala that I bought her a while ago. Not so long ago I asked the guy in the yoga shop about one and he promised to ring me when he had some in. He must have forgotten as he looked quite oddly at me when I mentioned it the other day.

Then I got to thinking about making her a new mala or, at least another to rotate the old one with.

There is lots of bumph on the internet about such things so after looking up the salient stuff I cycled into town and, in keeping with true Buddhist traditions, had a poke around the charity shops. Oxfam came up with the goods in the form of a belt made up of string and coloured wooden beads.
I found a pair of ear rings in Age UK that had a sun on them. In truth it looks a bit Aztec but I dare say Lord Buddha would have smiled. I have all the tools and glue etc., so as Daisy was out with Joan and Marjory checking out the WI exhibition at the town hall, I had a go.

The mala is made up of 108 beads. In this one I made four lots of 27. The rows of 27 are separated by one guru bead and 3 counter beads. I put a lighter counter bead between each row of 27 beads.
The string is used to count mantras in sets of 27, 56 or 108. It is an ancient tool used to concentrate the mind or focus on meditation.

I'm quite pleased with this effort. I will have a good look around now for some glass beads or perhaps some semi precious stones I might be able to use to make a rather swish mala. Probably not in the strictest sense of the Buddhist ideal but it would be interesting to have a go.

Rather have a go than never know.

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Due South.

2010-08-25T23:18:00.001+01:00

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As it is Emma's birthday we decided to send her a good luck lantern.

Daisy sending our love and best wishes towards Andalusia. As well as Emma we are sending a good thought to Andreas who is not very well at the moment.
Los buenos pensamientos.

And lo' it headed due south straight away. Fantastic.

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thirty nine steps

2010-08-25T14:56:00.001+01:00

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A mere thirty nine years ago today I rang the hospital in order to arrange a time to collect my wife. She wasn't ill. On the contrary she was extremely healthy as, thankfully, she always is.

'No, you can't collect her she's just had a baby' were the words I heard. This came as quite a surprise as only the day before I had been told that she was not actually in labour that, in fact, 'she has at least another two weeks to go.' Terrific.

I was so shocked that I thanked the nurse and immediately hung up.

No sooner had I put down the phone than I wondered what the new addition to our family [so far of two] was. Was it a boy or a girl ? Plus all the other questions that fly through a befuddled brain once the line had been disconnected after receiving such momentous news.

I thought for a minute or two then decided to drive round to the hospital to confront the news head on.

So, thirty nine years on with a couple of extra adornments here she is. Just as good looking as she was on that first day I met her.

I should have liked to have been with her to celebrate but that will have to wait. The nose ring has since gone as it was too uncomfortable. The japa mala are some I gave her and I am pleased to say she is very attached to them.

“Om Hreeng Dung Durgaayai Namah”

Hippo Birdie big girl. I hope you have a very peaceful day.

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Abell 1689.

2010-08-20T16:30:00.002+01:00

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Now who would have thought it. Our galaxy will continue to expand probably forever. Terrific. Dark matter, now that's the stuff.

Abell 1689

Great name, wish I could see it.

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Mattress recovery squad.

2010-08-20T13:59:00.000+01:00

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I suppose every town, city or village with a river running through it suffers from the fly tipping brigade. Kendal is no exception.

How the owners of this mattress hope to dry it out ever again is a mystery. Dirty dogs.

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Charlotte's Web.

2010-08-15T15:28:00.000+01:00

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Today was one of those flying ant days. Thousands if not millions were being released from nests around and about. Our garden was completely inundated with them. The males are very small and the females are vary large. They mate on the wing and once impregnated the females land and their wings immediately fall off. The hapless ladies then begin their search for a perfect nest site. And the males, well they simply die as their job is done.

However, we have our own private ant collector, Charlotte and she is doing stirling work just above the sun room door.

Well done C. keep up the good work.

Another effect of the ants release is the feeding frenzy this causes among the local bird population. The garden birds gorge themselves from the lawn and terrace and the high fliers perform terrific aerobatics catching the ants carried upwards on the warm air currents.

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Lucky Beer.

2010-08-14T20:28:00.000+01:00

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Lucky used to be brewed by Australian Independent Brewers, who specialize in contract brewing. However, it is now brewed and bottled in Chengde, Hebei Provence, China by the Lucky Drink Company. The bottle is actually shaped like a laughing Buddha. An Asian-style Lager, brewed with rice, malted barley and Bohemian Saaz hops.

Pours crystal clear lemony yellow with a bit of fizz on top crowned with creamy white lacing. Subtle aroma of pale malts, apples and some spicy Saaz. Smooth and creamy on the palate, very light with a fluffy carbonated mouth feel. Tends to fall away once the taste buds have had quite a limited experience of the beer. There is a slight hint of malty sweetness with notes of apple, boiled rice and slight grassy bitterness that gives the beer some backing. The finish is course and hay like.

Fans of Kirin beer and the like will enjoy this. It's extremely easy to drink although it has an abv tag of 4.8%. The bottle is very unusual and pairing it with nearly any Asian food will work very well since the beer is so neutral and very easy to drink.

If you like Budd or Coors light you will not be disappointed with this beer which is presently retailing at 99 pence per bottle. Can't be all bad then.

The beer could use a cleaner finish, better hop presence and, perhaps, slightly more carbonation to be a worthy contender in the present market place.

Sold in 330ml bottles.

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