The Last Stand Cafe'...

Starting Over info...

2011-03-25T14:33:00.007Z

Everything re my life has moved on for me.
My house sale was 'Fast Track' even for me :)))))))))))))))))
As my life is 'Starting Over', so has my blog....
If you want to reconnect...
I'm now here...
http://blue-startingover.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday - Moving on...

2011-03-02T17:11:00.001Z

Coloured Thursday - BABY PINK!

2010-11-04T07:00:00.001Z

Babies are/were never my thing - not a maternal bone in my entire body!

But I do occasionally do girly PINK and childhood nostalgia.

What I would have given for a Dolls House like this one...

Or BABY girl dolls in PINK like these...I was certainly spoilt for choice re choosing a BABY PINK christening cake from the Celebration Cake Shop's window but settled on this particular bootie one because of who it's for...
My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends, the fun pups Doyle & Mollie @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, with me as Colour Consultant :)
Please do join in again!

Wordless Wednesday - My late Mother's 1st Birthday photo!

2010-11-03T15:56:00.002Z

Saturday Photo Hunt - Dark!

2010-10-30T14:31:00.006+01:00

To be honest was unsure whether to post today as tnchick's prompt seemed to conjured up my unfortunate present dark mood rather than an image, but then I recalled this happy memory photo of Little Buddy barbecuing me my steak supper on a dark evening back in '07...It was taken @ one of my favourite spots on Vancouver Island, CA - the Shorewater Resort, located over looking the Straits of Georgia on Qualicum Beach's foreshore, became my home from home on four lengthy vacations - I'd take up residence & LB would commute from the mainland, in between his flying job & going home to wifey!

Looking back now wonder which time I enjoyed the most - my alone time beach combing/exploring the delightfully artsy area where I could so have happily lived or my time with LB when we always had to drive somewhere & ended up in a bar - dark hindsight reflections indeed!

Coloured Thursday - PUMPKIN ORANGE!

2010-10-28T07:00:00.002+01:00

As the nights grow decidedly cooler & with Halloween this weekend, I've been thoroughly enjoying the perfect seasonal comfort food aka soup from the New Covent Garden Food Company's cauldron - it's described as a 'wickedly tasty PUMPKIN soup blended with tomatoes & mixed beans' - called 'Witches Brew' there's no 'wing of bat or eye of toad' involved but I love the hint of garlic to warn off the unwelcome... Heading through the Covered Market to that cake shop, came across these ornimental PUMPKIN coloured gourds...Plus this wonderful Autumn floral arrangement featuring ORANGE lilies...And for my cake - this is as good as it gets re PUMPKIN ORANGE & it perfectly expresses my wishes for everyone...My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends, the fun pups Doyle & Mollie @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, with me as Colour Consultant :)
Please do join in again!

Ruby Tuesday - Rosehip Time!

2010-10-26T11:41:00.003+01:00

Not as pretty as the rose blooms that came before them but these huge hips do add great autumnal colour...

Monday Blues - Labradorite Magic!

2010-10-25T12:11:00.003+01:00

When first seen the mineral Labradorite, not surprisingly originally mined in Labrador, Canada - seems an uninspiring dull, dark grey to black stone, hardly a suitable material for jewellery but it has hidden depths!
In the world of Crystal Magic it's believed to encourage patience & perseverance - rightly so for if one uses both and turn a piece in bright light or natural sunshine, in certain directions a magical play of colours called labradorescence suddenly appear.

This pendant of mine produces flashes of vibrant blue...Labradorite is also thought to protect & balance ones aura, which seems appropriate as it always reminds me of the Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights as it shimmers brightly then disappears, only to reappear & dance again.

Saturday Photo Hunt [& Camera Critters] - Orange!

2010-10-23T09:00:00.002+01:00

As tchick's prompt this week is a colour had to play along.

Butterflies fascinate me, they are the only reason I retain a Buddleia Bush in my garden since it attracts them & Bees .

So given the opportunity to visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens whilst on Vancouver Is. in BC, Canada, I jumped @ it.

An Orange beauty, a Julia, native to Central & South America, thrived in the humid glass house atmosphere, which was heady with fragrance from it's favourite blooms rich in nectar...

Coloured Thursday - COFFEE!

2010-10-21T09:00:00.010+01:00

When I came to post re COFFEE, realised I'd struggled back in May this year, it's last outing, but as due to my ever increasing short term memory I'd re-listed, had to give it a go!!!

This little fellow spotted on a shopping trip is showing all shades of COFFEE through Expresso to Latte'...At home I usually take my ground COFFEE black, but my local convenience store currently has on offer... Regrettably the end results aren't quite a good as this one was...And, on a few of my longer planned walks by the river I've been known to take along my multi COFFEE coloured mini flask filled with said beverage...
For the cake I'm reprising one of the Celebration Cake Shop's most famous pieces - the Radcliffe Camera with it's Latte' brickwork [my previous post which shows the various stages of the cakes construction and the actual building it's based on in Dreamingspires can be seen HERE]...
My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends, the fun pups Doyle & Mollie @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, with me as Colour Consultant :)
Please do join in again!

Bye-Bye 'twinny' Snowball - 10/05/98 - 19/10/10!

2010-10-20T14:43:00.002+01:00

Once upon a time I was an extremely active blogger, with lots more dog friends than I have now, hence being invited to join DWB [Dogs with Blogs] as a 'honorary' human pup!
It was on an anniversary 'Chat' of the groups, that I first encountered/met Snowball, a darling Maltese Terrier in Singapore, who always looked pretty in pink...She informed me straightaway, we had a personal connection ie being both born on the 10th of May!
My birthday 'twinny' & I became firm friends - even once hosted a 'vitual' joint pawty for both of us!
Hence, despite knowing she was poorly, has been for a while now, it was heartbeaking to learn yesterday, that she had gone to sleep, to happy & run pain free over @ the Rainbow Bridge with so many our other loved ones.
Snowball - you will always be a 'Princess' to me...Jie jie - you did everything you could to help your 'girl'.
I genuinely share your loss.
[Images courtesy of Snowball's blog]

Ruby & Two fer Tuesday - Raindrops on Dahlias!

2010-10-19T11:42:00.005+01:00

The days are certainly getting cooler and @ the weekend we had our first frost - quite a sharp one too, as it wasn't just the car windscreens that were throughly iced over but vehicles themselves were too - Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Such a chill night will certainly have taken it's toll on the last of the Summer blooms.

I haven't been to inspect the damage, preferring to remember these pretty Dahlias, as they were last week after a shower...

Monday Blues - Beautiful Blue BC!

2010-10-18T11:57:00.010+01:00

Every blogger deserves a stylish mouse mat and coffee cup coaster.

Needing new ones a while back I decided to support a fellow blogger Michele @ Rocky Mountain Retreat; an enthusiastic & talented photographer based in BC, Canada, she has a Cafe Express Store.

Having explored her locality of wonderfully mountain & lake scenery where river ferries take the place of roads & there's amazing natural Hot Springs, I was spoilt for choice re images but being Blue this was my final selection...

Camera Critters Sunday - Remembering Crunchie!

2010-10-17T08:00:00.011+01:00

I'm not fond of rodents.
Despite being an animal/wild life lover - they, mice & rats are vermin in my eyes & deserve all they get re extermination especially if they foolishly invade my domain as the former have done in the past to their cost!
Hence it is totally beyond my comprehension why anyone would want to keep them as a pets.
I feel the same way about Gerbils, as once bitten, twice shy!
Guinea Pigs & Hamsters I can tolerate - the latter I had to regrettably bisect as part of a Science exam :(
But it wasn't until I stayed @ terrier's Molly, Taffy & Monty's home, did I encounter a Chinchilla - called Crunchie, he bowled me over & won my heart with his cute friendly nature, long delicate whiskers, incredible soft soft coat & bravery - he'd do nose pokes with Airedale 'sister' Molly, showing no fear @ all, no matter how enthusiastic/volatile her greetings were!...
Although by nature nocturnal, this little fellow was often about in the day time & we'd share a word or two.
Every visit, I couldn't resist touching his fur, so so so soft, one could barely feel it!
Hence, it was with sadness that I learnt last Thursday that he had crossed to the Rainbow Bridge .
Due to his very well pampered life style of very specialist food, 3 hand feed plump raisins each evening and regular 'baths' in his sand jar, he'd lived to the remarkable age of 17 years & 4 weeks!
I know he is being greatly missed by his human & doggy family.
Run free & happy Crunchie!

Sky Watch Friday - Beware!

2010-10-15T12:00:00.000+01:00

The old saying goes...

"Red sky @ night, shepherds delight,

Red sky @ morning, shepherds warning" ...

Coloured Thursday - BRISTOL BLUE!

2010-10-14T01:00:00.003+01:00

Now with BLUE being my colour, Doyle & Mollie thought this week would be a 'piece of cake' for me but not necessarily!
Having listed this vibrant BLUE shade by many different names, many times before, I was nearly driven to drink this week re Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry in it's iconic BRISTOL BLUE glass bottle...However it is a tad too sweet for my palette but the coloured glass I do of course love & collect.
Quoted from the BRISTOL BLUE Glass companies 's heritage page...
"Nobody is exactly sure when Bristol Blue Glass was first made but we do know that the dazzling combination of the fine cobalt oxide with the recently invented lead crystal in the late 1700's gave the most remarkable deep, rich blue – the like of which had never been seen before".
This is a favourite piece of mine & the ONLY wine glass that I process that I never ever use as it's one of a kind...
Vibrant BLUE glass doesn't only come from Bristol, Venetian Glass often features it too.
This is my special pendant, purchased on my very last visit to Rome with Little Buddy in 2000...By rights he should have bought/given me the piece as we always star gazed when together!

But, he didn't, so sentimental me couldn't resist spending all her Italian Lira, as the design of the Stars & quarter Moon had another significance re our relationship @ the time.

It's summed up by this time quote from the final scene in the classic 1942 Black & White movie 'Now Voyager' starring Bette Davis... "Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars".

Enough nostalgia, moving on to this ballerina in her tutu - she is Christmas Tree decoration of mine... And finally bears Woodstock & Master Bruge' wanted in on the act...

For my cake courtesy of the Celebration Cake Shop 's window I have Grandad in his BRISTOL BLUE jumper...
My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends, the fun pups Doyle & Mollie @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, with me as Colour Consultant :)
Please do join in again!

Monday Blues - Blue Hotel!

2010-10-11T12:58:00.004+01:00

Short of inspiration today especially with BRISTOL BLUE looming up on this weeks 'Coloured Thursday' meme, have opted for a sound track!
I was introduced to the artist Chris Isaak whose music has elements of Elvis & Roy Orbison, in 1985 by friend/business partner & Springer Spanial Hero's original owner Simeon, and DJ 'Whispering' Bob Harris who always had an ear for new talent.
After his, Simeons departure from Dreamingspires, we later met up in 1988 & went together to a foot tapping, all standing concert of Chris Issak's @ the London Hammersmith Theatre, he sang this track, obviously a favourite of mine, even before I became blogger Blue...

Coloured Thursdays - AQUAMARINE!

2010-10-07T07:00:00.004+01:00

AQUA or AQUAMARINE is a difficult colour to define - its name translates as 'water of the sea' and it ranges from light blue through turquoise blue to a deep blue green!!!

Because the colours of the ocean are truly captured in the gemstone AQUAMARINE, it was believed that wearing it would give protection on sea voyages, hence it being carried by sailors as a talisman to give them courage & save them from the perils of the deep!

Sadly, despite my time in the jewellery trade and the 'Myth & Magic' world of Crystals I don't own a single piece, which is unfortunate as it is thought to provide emotional & intellectual stability and clarity & peace of mind, all of which I could do with :)

Onto my photo's - this very AQUA period ceiling...

And these interesting stained glass windows with hints of all the shades come from my stay @ the Ty'r Graig Castle in Barmouth, North Wales a couple of years back...

The dragon mosaic is from Barmouth too - their Arts Centre...

And finally me in Aqua - the dear, late WFT favourite Jackson was never allowed on the Red Sofa, so thought he was in trouble re this photo shoot, hence his reluctance to cuddle as we were good friends...

This week the Celebration Cakes Shop's window failed me!
Their website did have suitable images but regrettably of too poor a photographic quality for me to reproduce here.
So, as a last resort had to look else where - this wonderful creation is an image from Flickr ...

My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends, the fun pups Doyle & Mollie here @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, with me as Colour Consultant :)
Please do join in again!

Monday Blues - Name the Flower?

2010-10-04T12:09:00.003+01:00

Blue flowers are regrettably few & far between, found this one during the Summer...Once upon a time, thought I was reasonably good @ the naming of blooms, but of late not so.
So, am relying on you, especially Sue, who has never failed me yet :)

Postscript - 05/10/10
It seems this flower is a bit of a mystery - it's certainly not a Hollyhock, though the colours right!

Coloured Thursday - AUBERGINE!

2010-09-30T07:00:00.003+01:00

When I first encountered/ate AUBERGINE, the vegetable in the early 1970's I hated it.
All the cookery books of the time then recommended you soak the slices in salt to rid them of bitterness - the end result still tasted horrible & naturally excessively salty to me!

Recall helping college friend Prudence with her A-level Catering examination - for her practical, she made a new fangled European recipe called Ratatouille!!!

We both thought her finished dish was truly revolting however she still managed to Pass.

But in hindsight, think it was the very alcoholic Rum-Baba desert that did the trick!

Since then the cultivation of AUBERGINE's has come on leaps & bounds making it more palatable.

So, now when I find an abundance of them on the Dreamingspires weekly Wednesday Outdoor Market...And the price is right I snap them up & I make my version of Ratatouille already posted HERE.

Or this tasty, if somewhat fiddly supper recipe - that is worth the effort ...

Aubergines filled with spinach & mushrooms

2 medium aubergines, halved lengthways
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
225g mushrooms, sliced
350g fresh spinach, washed
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
6 tbsp fromage frais
3 tbsp fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
grated zest 1 lemon
25g pine nuts, toasted
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Serves 4 [I make the full recipe, as like it Cold, but it would halve well!]
Preparation and cooking times
Prep 20 - 25 mins
Cook 55 mins
Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.

Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the aubergine halves & cook for 4-5 mins.

Drain well & pat dry with kitchen paper.
Place the aubergines on a baking tray, brush with 1 tbsp of the olive oil & cook for 20-25 mins until tender & golden.

Scoop out the flesh (leaving about 15mm of flesh attached to the skin), then roughly chop.
Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large frying pan, then cook the onion & garlic for 4-5 mins until softened.

Add the aubergine flesh to the pan & fry for a few mins, add the mushrooms, then cook for about 5 mins until browned and tender.

Add the spinach & cook for 3-4 mins until wilted, stirring frequently.
Remove the pan from the heat & stir in the cheese, fromage fras..
In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, pine nuts, parsley & seasoning.
Spoon the spinach mixture into the aubergine halves.

Sprinkle the top of each with the breadcrumb mixture.

Return to the oven and cook for 10-15 mins until the topping is golden.

I serve with a nice glass of nearly AUBERGINE shaded Red vino...

Moving on, AUBERGINE the colour, a deep BLACK/reddish/PURPLE, I found in the Dreamingspires Botanical Garden 's Cacti on a recent visit...

And in this Dahlia flowers heart, is from there too...Plus in the local hedgerows in the form of Elderberries...The closest I can get to AUBERGINE cake wise is this re dark red roses...My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends Doyle & Mollie here @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, with me as Colour Consultant :)
Please do join in again!

Wordless Wednesday - RIP my dearest Mother [03/11/17 - 29/09/05]

2010-09-29T07:55:00.006+01:00

Ruby & Two fer Tuesday - Hints of Autumn!

2010-09-28T13:26:00.006+01:00

Almost a 'Wordless Wednesday' pair of photo's these...
The warm, often Ruby colours of Autumn I do enjoy.
Likewise, those warm Indian Summer days - know it's no longer politically correct to say that but I think that's madness!
Sadly, there is no sign of them anyway, just gloom & rain - so this Autumn's colours may be subdued.

Monday Blues - Belated Barkday Greetings & Barmouth Blue Waters

2010-09-27T11:20:00.009+01:00

I've been very remiss - have missed my doggy 'niece' & 'nephew' Molly & Taffy's Barkdays!

Marvelous Miss Molly celebrated her 7th Barkday on Saturday...

And, the one & only Taffster was 10 yesterday...

Two greater pups you could not wish to meet.

They will have spent their special days in Barmouth, as it was the WELTAF [Welsh Terrier & Friends] weekend there.

Two years ago joined them - hope the weather was as fair on this Saturday's walk as it was back then..

Saturday Photo Hunt - Natural!

2010-09-25T12:55:00.002+01:00

For this weeks prompt from tnchick, I'm heading down memory lane re my viewing of one of the World's natural wonders, the amazing Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona, USA.

It's hard to believe I was there 18 months ago with Little Buddy as our lives have now gone in different directions, but this visit to the West Rim was certainly a trip of a life time.

The steep-sided Grand Canyon, carved out by the Colorado River over millions of year is truly a phenomenal sight.

This is Eagle Point so called because of this natural rock formation resembling a Eagle in full flight...

Here is Guana Point with another natural oddity the Joshia Tree in the forefront & the Colorado River way, way below...

And finally, this shows my shadow @ the closest I got to the Canyons edge, a natural suicide spot...

Coloured Thursday - LAVENDER with a touch of LILAC!

2010-09-23T07:00:00.003+01:00

As usual I'm responsible for the latest Thursday colour confussion!!!
Sorry all :(
But, coming to plan my post, I realised that I'd & hence Doyle & Mollie had relisted LAVENDER a wee bit earlier in the colour scheme - we it did in the late Spring; so rather late in the day, I suggested that LILAC, another take on the shade might work better; hence you can now take your pick or do both as I'm going!!!

My LAVENDER's include the real thing in Trinity College's garden a scented paradise to me...A Teddy Bear hung up high, hoping for a winner to claim him @ this years St Giles Fair - sadly I didn't... And my LAVENDER Business folder with a postcard from friend Jeannie of Marvin fame...Re LILAC, I offer this fine bloom from a neighbour's garden - maybe someone can name it for me...
And of course a cake, from the Celebration Cake Shop's window...Isn't she just the funnest fairy you've ever seen but imagine she made some little birthday girl very happy!

My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends Doyle & Mollie here @ Blue's Coloured Thursday.
Please do join in again!

Ruby Tuesday - A Bloody One with Treats!

2010-09-21T14:13:00.005+01:00

My planned post for today is on hold as one of life's little mis-haps stepped in instead.

Yesterday evening, klutzy me knocked over a heavy duty water tumbler - no big deal but when it hit my concrete kitchen floor it splintered into a thousand & one fragments large & small.
After a pains staking search - even wore my reading glasses -I thought I'd swept them all up.
But today I discovered I'd missed @ least one :(
I'm still wearing Summer flip-flops around home & pottering about earlier, suddenly experienced an excruciating sharp pain in my left heal, as a shaft of glass pierced though my thin shoe sole & impaled itself into my foot.
Help!
Hopping over to a seat, I inspected the damage!
It's a good job I'm not squeamish, as when I extracted my heal from my flip-flop, there was suddenly there was an awful lot of the ruby red stuff around - must be healthy as it was so bright & plentiful :)
Anyway worry not, I've stemmed the flow & thankfully that 'renege' piece of glass seems to have come out clean.
Well, I'm hoping it has but I'm now rather lame!
The fortunate/positive side of life is that I had a rare Internet shopping food delivery this morning.
It contained lots of basic rations & some perfect ruby comfort food too...

Monday Blues - Elvis & "Moody Blue"!

2010-09-20T14:05:00.010+01:00

It was 33 years ago last Thursday that Elvis Presley, the 'King of Rock & Roll' died!

I came late to his music - it wasn't till 1975 & I was 21!

Whilst on holiday that year on the Isle of Man, I fell 'head over heals' in love for the very first time with an Elvis fan.

The holiday romance, of course didn't last but the love of Elvis's music did.

How I would have liked to have seen the 'King' perform 'Live'.

But last Spring during a stay in Brighton, I got to watch the next best thing, as one of the countries leading Elvis impersonator's Elvis Shmelvis, or as he prefers to be called Tribute Artist performed a foot tapping /spell binding 2 hour show courtesy of the Piers management...

In the second half of his act dressed in the above blue, he performed with gusto one of my all time favourite tracks.

What else but 'Moody Blue'...

Postscript...
Some months after I did my original posts - yes, there were two about seeing Elvis Shmelvis in Brighton, one per outfit, his first being pristine Presley White - I got an actual 'Comment' from the guy himself, saying how glad he was I enjoyed his performance.
He is also the 'Elvis' & 'Ricky Lopaz' [his other persona], who provided entertainment when a friend of his hosted a dinner party in the TV show 'Come Dine With Me', which I'm also a great fan of!

Coloured Thursday - BLACK!

2010-09-16T01:00:00.000+01:00

A bit of an cop out today, as all my images are from those well used Photographic Archives of mine.
But, they are new or especially 'cropped' ones!!!

The fun that is Morris Mania takes place in Dreamingspires each April - from several years worth, I give you - Men in BLACK...And Ladies too...After and actually during the Morris dancing there's lots of drinks partaken - am sure Guinness is one of them...Will own up - this is not my own photo, but one stolen from the Celebration Cake Shop's website, as the day I found this cake in their shop's window I was minus my camera :( - a rare event indeed!

The original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now Blue's Coloured Thursday - hosted by friends Doyle & Mollie.
PLEASE do join in again!

Ruby Tuesday - A Geranium Memory!

2010-09-14T15:15:00.004+01:00

I've repeatedly said here, I've not been given with the gift of growing things!
Yet both my parents were 'Green Fingered' in their own particular way.

My late Father was a Vegetable grower 'supreme' - his very productive allotment was much admired locally.
His income from it's vegitable Sales even more so!
Yet, we, my Mother & I never benefited from his best produce as he sold it for profit rather than family meals!
Did we get the financial benefits?
No - they went on the 'Gee-Gees' re horse race betting.

But, my Mother loved home gardening, pottering around outside & having house plants from which she took cuttings.
She continued to do so till to ill to do so in 2005.
I'm still after all these years, still nurturing a house RUBY Red Geranium from her days..

Monday Blues - Morning Glory's!

2010-09-13T13:53:00.001+01:00

Way back in the late Spring/early Summer I visited my doggy 'family' Molly, Taffy & Monty in their new abode, and helped their gardening enthusiast human plant out their grounds.

A kind neighbour gave them the most weak, straggly Morning Glory seedlings you have ever seen, but we duly planted them out, watered them in & hoped for the best.

This them now...

Photo's courtesy of Taffy!

This isn't really a meme, more a personal prompt to help keep me blogging.
But if anyone wants to join in, please feel free too - anything blue related goes.

Keble Re-visited!

2010-09-12T16:25:00.003+01:00

This morning I woke with a lighter heart than I have for quite a while, no idea why!
Hey, I'm soo lucky.
What is the matter with me???
I can do what I want, when I want; I answer to know one, no man.
My life's my own to do what I want with it.
Isn't that an enviable position?
I think it is, so why be depressed, melancholy & sad?
So, with the sunshine & blue skies beckoning, even though there was a definite hint of Autumn on the air, I headed off to do, what I enjoy - pottering about my lovely city, taking photo's.

This Saturday & Sunday has been Open Doors 2010 weekend, and Keble College was one of many venues participating.

It opened it's Chapel & Gardens, usually off limits the general public to all & sundry, so thought I'd take another look around.
This college, part of the University campus, is a bit different from Dreamingspires usual soft sandstone ones, being built in red brick & in a neo-gothic design by a William Butterfield...

Keble was founded in 1870, a newby by Oxford standards; as a monument to John Keble, who had been a leading member of movement which sought to recover the Catholic heritage of the Church of England; so, religious studies were foremost @ the college back then.
I like the tale, that a local labourer @ the time, described Keble as 'That new place near the Parks, what's going to stop us all from saying "Damn'''.

The Gardens are made up of four main Quads.

Lidden being, the largest with it's manicured, well stripped lawns - looking towards the Chapel...

And, bordered with huge late flowering Lilies... Next, was Pusey Quad, home to the clock tower...And, the Copper Beech tree, I'm under, that's said to be as old as the college it-self...Then, came the Warden's private boxed hedge garden...Afternoon Cream Teas was served on the lawns in Hayward Quad - I partook & very nice it was too - the window reflection of others enjoying this treat is taken via the new extension...Like all colleges, Keble has expanded, this is the reverse take - the old reflected in the new, though still not sure what the ship's funnel is really about...Anyway, this quad had the prettiest borders & trees...Returning via Newman Quad brought me to the College Chapels rear door...From my long ago studious days, & previous visits, knew it housed the original "Light of the World" painting - the larger & more well-known copy, painted later by the artist, William Holman Hunt being in St Paul's Cathedral, London.
I may not be religious, but taking photo's in this quiet private Chapel, didn't some how seem right, so this photo is courtesy of Google Images...The Chapel also has a series of amazing mosaics depicting figures from the Old Testament - this is the 'Giving of Isaac by his father Abraham' - another Googled image...

So, there you have it, my afternoon outing.

Coloured Thursday - CAMOUFLAGE!

2010-09-09T07:00:00.002+01:00

This combination of colours aka OLIVE/BROWN & CREAM was chosen by Doyle & Mollie months & months ago.

I believe it's something to do with a Jungle theme relating to Mollie's 1st Barkday which was on Monday- so after a trawl through my Photo Archives came up with this...They are Giant Atlas Moths from South East Asia & are the largest moths in the World as grow up to 12".

I found & photographed them in the closest I'll get to a Jungle, the tropical paradise that is the Victoria Butterfly Garden on Vancouver Island, Canada - was there in the Summer of 2007, with Little Buddy on our last holiday together before his retirement.

Re more recent CAMOUFLAGE images, had lived in hope of finding a Serviceman in Combats to photo but no such luck, however my local Taxi Rank did come up trumps...I've looked no further, as my 'signature' cake was was tough enough to find!

The very best I can offer is this Pony Club event cake that with it's Olive green grass, brown ponies & cream birthday No's just scraps though as CAMOUFLAGE... Phew!!!

My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted by friends Doyle & Mollie here @ Blue's Coloured Thursday .
PLEASE do join in again!

Wordless Wednesday - Blackberry Time!

2010-09-08T08:35:00.001+01:00

Monday Blues - Me & my Hero AND Barkday Greetings Mollie!

2010-09-06T07:00:00.003+01:00

All friends know I once had a Spaniel, a Springer Spaniel called Hero, who was the doggy love of my life, who's never been replaced in my heart, except maybe marginally by a pup like dear Jackson - a link to another love, my childhood WFT sister Judy!

Regrettably, back in the 1980/90's I wasn't into photography, so have very few images to remember Hero by.

The ones I do have I've posted before, except one taken in the Summer of '89, this is me in my favourite blue dress, teasing my boy in a rare photo shoot...
I love all gentle pups, but because of Hero have a special fondness for Spaniels.

And with eyes like these who couldn't/wouldn't...Today is a special day for this sweetheart - it's Mollie's 1st Barkday [photo courtesy of b].

Love, pats & pets to you!

This isn't really a meme, more a personal prompt to help keep me blogging.

But if anyone wants to join in, please feel free too - anything blue related goes.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Hot!

2010-09-04T13:17:00.007+01:00

Once again, I was hot foot this morning to Cowmead Allotment's 4th Open Day for my fresh veggies.

Taking a stroll around this green haven, found my photo for tnchick prompt for today too.

Gardeners love bonfires!

And even I love their musky smell from a distance - it's the the scent of Autumn.

But, the heart of the blaze can be flame hot...

Coloured Thursday - WHITE!

2010-09-02T08:00:00.004+01:00

When one thinks of Lilac blossom I for one, tend to think of all shades of LILAC, but the sweetest fragranced is often snowy WHITE...These rather elegant WHITE wrought Iron gates lead to house envyingly backing onto the River Isis...Where this fine Swan resides...Along with this little lost birdy - breed unknown...And, now for my second Wedding Cake of the week...When blogging, what would I do without the Celebration Cake Shop???

My original meme 'True Colours Thursday' is now hosted here @ Blue's Coloured Thursday - PLEASE do join in again!

Ruby Tuesday - Anniversary Greetings!

2010-08-31T09:00:00.005+01:00

It's hard to believe it's 3 years since friend BJ 'virtually' tossed her Ruby Red Rose wedding bouquet across the 'pond' to me, in the hope that me catching it would bring now retired pilot Little Buddy & I finally together!
It was a lovely thought - it didn't work but I'll never forget the gesture.

I've no rose photograph to share today to celebrate her & Bob's anniversary but an appropriately decorated cake instead... A very Happy Anniversary to you both!

Monday Blues - The Negative Side of Life!

2010-08-30T12:06:00.011+01:00

In hindsight, I should have saved my blue toned oil painting posted for Saturday's Photo Hunt for my own meme here.
And since I've been lazy, I've no blue mosaic either, despite 'cousin' Miss Peach sending me details of the web site she uses.
So what do I have???
A Negative take!

Fiddling around a while back with the features of my small Samsung digital camera, discovered you could create a negative image of your taken photograph; but what delighted me the most was that all brown/reddy/orange colours - not my favourite shades - in negative form go blue to turquoise...
A bouquet of orange & red flowers given the blues...Brown Garlic Cloves likewise...And, finally Black & Tan Welsh Terrier 'nephew' Taffy resting his head on his 'Auntie' Blue's knee...
This isn't really a meme, just a personal prompt to help keep me blogging.
Friend BJ, always supportive, has joined in - feel free to too - anything blue related goes!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Framed!

2010-08-28T09:59:00.002+01:00

tnchick's prompt for this week 'Framed' has two definitions...

"Nown - encasing of a painting/picture."

And...

"Slang - concocted false charge etc"

I've gone for easy traditional option, a framed image!

This is a much treasured, original oil painting, done by my late Mother's old school friend At Joan, framed in a Copper Gilt frame - sadly, my photograph does not do it justice...

The setting is the Highlands/Lochs of Scotland where she & husband Uncle G. holidayed regularly.

I, of course love it's depth of atmospheric blue shades.

But it's the fisherman & his dog that win my heart and make it special to me!

The former with his boat & rod, always reminds me of Uncle G who loved to fish.

This gentle man was the Father I would have wished for & was so grateful to have in my life since he showed me nothing but love & kindness, even to his own son's annoyance re preferring me over his daughter-in-law!

The Black & White pup in the painting looking to see what the catch was, is of course, in my mind, my beloved Spaniel Hero who adored freshly caught fish!!!

Blue's Coloured Thursday - KIWI!

2010-08-26T08:50:00.002+01:00

When playing any meme, it's always wise to get ones 'prompt' facts correct.
For some strange reason, till gently put right, I'd got Burgundy on my mind rather than KIWI - maybe it was because I've been enjoying tippling on red wine!!!
Anyway, had to really think about KIWI as a colour as to me, it's more a delicious fruit...I remember clearly, my very first taste in the early 1970's of this then new luxury item, also called a Chinese Gooseberry here!!!
I was @ Technical College, my friend & I each bought one to try, and with a 'borrowed' knife from the college canteen carefully peeled back the furry coat to reveal lush brilliant green sweet succulent flesh - have loved them ever since!

As @ the moment I'm sort of living the life of a hermit, have regrettably not been down to the Covered Market's fruit stands to purchase some to photograph for today & then eat with pleasure; so it's local KIWI greens in nature looking lush after the recent continuing rains that I'm featuring instead...
I do have a KIWI coloured cake though from the Celebration Cake Shop's window - taken this year & not previously posted [I think?]...
As lately my blogging has been more miss than hit, KIWI as in New Zealander & not as in green friends Doyle & Mollie [who I suspect picked picked this weeks colour :)] have taken up the slack re me failing to post on 'True Colours Thursday' - they with my blessing now host the 'Blue's Coloured Thursday' meme HERE!
With no pressure, I'm happy to play with colours again - why don't you?

Ruby Tuesday / Two fer Tuesday - Roses Red!

2010-08-24T13:25:00.000+01:00

As I was unsure which meme to play today, did both!

Late blooming old fashioned Rambling Roses, not from my garden but a neighbours ...

Just wish I had 'smell-o-vision' as they're so headily fragrant.

The newer fancy scentless hybrid roses have NO follower in me - as a Rose without perfume, is no Rose however pretty!

Monday Blues - Miss Peach's Blue Gifts!

2010-08-23T15:00:00.003+01:00

To keep me blogging, as some long standing friends seem to want me to despite my blues re life issues, I need a new and easy peasy challenge, so have come up with 'Monday Blues', where anything goes as long as it has a blue connection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not asking anyone to play along with me - but if you want to, do!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I was missing from Blogland, my concerned dear pusscat 'cousin' Miss Peach, knowing I was blue in every sence, sent me the following weeping blue roses and two delightful collages made especially for me...

They touched my heart and I send my love & thanks to her and Karla!

Once upon a time, I was creative too as did Art @ College & did well - guess I missed my way there as have in many things in my life - only Blogger has given me free expression, so maybe next Monday I'll post my own blue mosaic!

Night Owl ( full version) - Gerry Rafferty

2010-08-22T18:57:00.007+01:00

Just a memory from the late 1970's to go with my earlier post!
Not my favourite Gerry Rafferty track but it does conjures up many fond memories of a lost Gay love, dancing late, late, late & more...

Waffling on to a Camera Critters Sunday - Twit-to-woo's!

2010-08-22T12:44:00.002+01:00

Not sleeping well of late - infact very badly due to an over active mind, disturbing dreams/nightmares - has meant I've been tossing & turning in the wee small hours and listening intently to every night time sound.

The inside ones of my Victorian Terraced house creaking are concerning - have a new set of neighbours!
So once again, builders are pounding on our adjoining homes walls, which brings the fear of new deeper cracks appearing in my elderly plaster ceilings & the worry of another fall!

The outside night sounds are more fascinating.
Come Winter or Summer I always 'sleep' with an open bedroom window, so hear lots!
Sometimes when the wind is in the right or maybe wrong direction, it's been the distant roar of traffic on the city's Ring Road that I've heard; other times the night Mail train passing by on the rail tracks a few blocks away - the latter never disturbs me, just reminds me of my early years growing up in a railway community, where I was lulled to sleep by steam trains puff puffing by enroute to London or the North on the now long defunked Great Central Railway Line.
Other night sounds have included regular cat flights & caterwauling and more mysterious garden noises - the scrambling over fences, the rustling in the bushes, all put down to visiting Urban Foxes.

But last night, I heard initially in the distance 'twit-to-woo', then it gradually grow closer & closer & louder, till I imagined it's maker was perched in my Apple Tree - was it a Barn Owl, a Tawny or a Little Owl ???
Most likely the latter - I just hope my caller was as handsome as this guy...
Or as funny as these...
I love Owls, so much so I have made the Barn Owl Trust in Devon, a beneficiary in my recently written Will.
And I have Ollie, meant to be an outside bird scarer but he resides in my hall...

Saturday Photo Hunt - Numerical!

2010-08-20T14:45:00.003+01:00

Because of an unexpected & very welcome find earlier today, have an image to post for this weeks prompt from tnchick.
All plots @ Cowmead Allotments are numerically listed, this is Plot No. 31 ...
Today was the second 'Open Day' there this year - am seriously grieved I missed the first one last week!

Once again, local gardeners are sharing their surplus produce with the non-green fingered like yours truly, for a voluntary contribution to the allotments improvement fund.

I discovered it was on purely by accident, having decided IT just wasn't happening this August, as no advisory leaflet had been pushed through my front door giving details of days & times as in past Summers.

But, apparently the young lad paid to deliver said leaflets around the neighbourhood a few weeks ago, pocketed the cash & promptly dumped them in Hinksey Lake, creating a soggy mass to be fished out by an annoyed Park Keeper!!!

Anyway, I came home with just picked Green Runner Beans, a seasonal favourite of mine; baby Beetroot, which I'll eat raw as great shredded in salads; a bunch of Carrots; two small curly Ridge Cucumbers and a very fat Butternut Squash, which I plan to roast with garlic - would have taken much more but was regrettably cash strapped :( - but next week will remember to have more funds available to hand on a Saturday morning as nothing beats fresh produce & Cowmead's gardeners are the closest I get to it now adays.

True Colours Thursday - RAINBOW!

2010-08-19T12:53:00.020+01:00

Since my self inflicted 'exile / time out' from ALL things blogging, blog life has moved on as it does without me, even my own meme has! :( ...
It's now 'Blues Coloured Thursday' and hosted by pup friends Mollie & Doyle.
In truth, I have no problem with this, as they were loyal TCT participants, and since they did not want my Colours to run out started their own meme.
It is sweet they dedicated it to me, & have included a cake announcing the following weeks colour.
What better tribute to my time spent blogging/making friends can there be than that?

For those who don't know why I suddenly stopped blogging - all I can say is that as after 3 +++ years in Blogland, scattered over many blogs, I've quite literally run out of things to write about, even photograph as my life has become very futile.
Am I back blogging again - probably NOT, but I am here today to play my 'True Colours' one more time because the 'Wizard of Oz' was a fav. magical film and Dorothy's song wistfully conjures up how I feel as want to be able to dream even though I nolonger have any...

"Somewhere over the RAINBOW, way up high,
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the RAINBOW, bluebirds fly.
Why then, oh why can't I?"

From my RAINBOW archives, have chosen old images as not taken a new photograph in months!
I'm not religious however love Stained Glass windows in churches.
Christ Church, the city Cathedral, small it may be, has wonderful ones whose reflections create a RAINBOW spectrum...And there is my colourful Hug of bears, all who will soon need new homes - if you can help, please email me...And from my favourite diner in Brighton aka Bills, where J1 and I have met on my visits there..Sadly, I have no cake as not been cake window shopping.

Sky Watch Friday - Prairieland, English Style!

2010-06-18T09:01:00.001+01:00

Photo opportunities were slim while I was away; as busy, busy, busy but snatched this one from my locality...Skies always seem extra big when the farmland is flat, and England has such an area that can even rival the Prairies of Canada!

True Colours Thursday - PURPLE!

2010-06-17T07:00:00.000+01:00

It's a year since PURPLE had an outing which is surprising as TCT has now being running for 19 months!
Please do remember suggestions for forthcoming colours would be extremely welcome.

On a walk to town last month I fortunately found, a PURPLE car - very well polished by the rain pools on it's bonnet...Dreamingspires favoured means of transport with students with a speedy PURPLE look...And dark Lilac buds - just love the fragrance...

This very PURPLE party frock's from a 'window shopping' trip last Autumn - once upon a time I could have worn it too, now I'll just keep to that classic string of Pearls...PURPLE's also the colour of religion as seen, giving out Christmas Chocolate money one Saturday last December... As for the cake, that shop's window showcased this one a while ago...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Next week is colour is MANGO as suggested by Doyle & Mollie.

Wordless Wednesday - A Rainbow Trap!

2010-06-16T08:40:00.004+01:00

Okay, not wordless as have a postscript!

Trying to catch up re my photo meme's, found I'd missed tnchick's prompt for last week's Saturday Photo Hunt, it was Bubble(s); and as one of my few recent photographs fitted the bill perfectly, couldn't resist sharing it today.

Happy Birthday Wilma!

2010-06-15T13:08:00.013+01:00

I've been very remiss with my blogging lately - being away from home hasn't helped either & yes, I'm now home.
To be honest, I very nearly missed my good CA Prairieland friend Wilma's Birthday, tutt-tutt indeed; only a Facebook alert saved my blushes today!

For a serious lover of handbags, a special cake is called for...And heart felt greetings...
"Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Wilma,
Happy Birthday to you!"

Hope you have a great day filled with wine & wonderful things.

True Colours Thursday - GINGER!

2010-06-10T07:03:00.001+01:00

Low & behold, I'm on my fourth week of staying with friends - I must be a good worker as they keep extending my visit!!!

Now Welsh Terriers are really Black & Tan, but Taffy's paws certainly look GINGER in the sunshine...

As does his snout when thrust into my lap...And then there are his homemade doggie biscuits, not GINGER flavoured I might add...While the wood in the Log Roll edging of the shingle pathway I'm helping lay seems GINGERish in colour...

Once upon a time, Boulin was my pretty friendly GINGER tabby pussycat neighbour - she'd only drink water...

This pottery figurine I gave to GINGER Jasper's mum friend Carol to say 'Thank-you' for all the postcards she sends me...

And for my cake, what about this handbag with it's trim & handles...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Next week is colour is PURPLE!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome

True Colours Thursday - RASPBERRY!

2010-06-03T10:45:00.001+01:00

Apologies for this late posting, but I'm STILL away from home helping friends out and much to every ones consternation their Internet crashed earlier in the week, the Broadband connection was only restored fully earlier today.

Now unlike 'nephew' Taffy seen lounging in his RASPBERRY coloured bed with his RASPBERRY antlered reindeer toy...I've been kept very busy, so opportunities for taking photo's has been limited, so apart from this pretty floral jug...It's been a case of delving into the archives again.
From when Morris Mania was in Dreamingspires in April...Flowers, name unknown from last Summer...And a keen eye & a touch of imagination is needed for this weeks cake entry...Did you spot the individual RASPBERRIES topping the three cakes on the front plate of the teddy bears picnic???

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is GINGER!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

True Colours Thursday - CREAM!

2010-05-27T01:00:00.010+01:00

I'm still away from home helping friends redecorate, unpack & garden!

Naturally two of the first items to find a place in their new home was this light CREAM mounted portrait of marvelous Miss Molly, my Airedale 'niece'...And this fun coaster...A brief shopping trip to the local market town provided me with a CREAM house...Plus this impressive clock tower which was presented to the town in 1878 by local draper, grocer & clothier James Scott; it was renovated in 2004...And the the country style kitchen gained these useful items from the shops...

While the verges by the local dykes are full of CREAM blossom...

As are a neighbours hedge rows...

The closest to actual CREAM I have to offer is on this cake from that shop...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is RASPBERRY!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

True Colours Thursday - RED & WHITE!

2010-05-20T01:00:00.003+01:00

Since the weekend I've been staying with Molly, Taffy & Monty, my doggy niece & nephews, and their humans in their new abode and we're all busy, busy, busy, cleaning, decorating, unpacking & soon to be gardening - all of which is leaving little time for blogging.
Also with 'rescue' Airedale Monty still being very camera shy, photo opportunities remained few & far between, so it's down to Welsh Terrier Taffy, the showman, to start this post sporting his RED & WHITE 'Walkies' Winter scarf...And this is local cottage's window...Hopefully next Spring the garden will boast pretty Tulips like these RED &WHITE frilly ones...
Before leaving Dreamingspires I found a new Barbers had opened with a traditional RED & WHITE stripped pole...And with the Football World Cup just around the corner, the Celebration Cake Shop had on display this patriotic Mini with the English /St George Flag emblazoned on it's roof ...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour CREAM is !
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Half!

2010-05-15T09:31:00.002+01:00

This week tnchick's prompt made me think of lemon halves...Why?

Because as a frequent drinker, one slices one's lemon in half before cutting those individual slices for one's Gin & Tonic...

Sky Watch Friday - Moon [River] Seashore!

2010-05-14T08:42:00.004+01:00

This is actually from my previous stay in Brighton, when my hotel room over looked the seafront & the moon was full...It reminded me of the song "Moon River" by Henry Mancini, it's lyrics by Johnny Mercer ...
"Moon river, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin',
I'm goin' your way.
Two drifters off to see the world,
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end,
Waiting round the bend
My huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me."

My favourite version - Audrey Hepburn, wistfully singing it in that delightful film "Breakfast@ Tiffiny's"...

True Colours Thursday - AZURE!

2010-05-13T06:25:00.010+01:00

AZURE is simply another name for BLUE.
And to be BLUE is to be sad.
So, it certainly is a doubly appropriate colour for me this week, since it was with an over whelming sense of sadness, still with me, that I learnt that my favourite, much loved WFT Jackson had passed away on of all days this Monday - my birthday & whilst I was in Brighton in the hope of seeing him one last time.
Now AZURE wasn't necessarily his favourite colour, like his J1, I suspect he preferred Greens & Reds, but I like to believe I, Blue was one of his favourite people and as I want to start this post with a photogragh of Jackson, here he is peaking out of his AZURE chariot...May he be running, rather than riding, pain free, over @ the Rainbow Bridge with all his friends that went there before him like Oscar, Charlie & Miss Snickers and may he meet my Hero too!

On my belated Birthday lunch with Jackson's J1, she delighted me with this 'Forever Foxed' greetings card... And this great bag - both images are based on the Jax...
After our lunch together, I as usual strolled the North Lanes looking for inspiration for TCT - they never fail me!
A pretty sun dress in all shades of AZURE - if only my figure would do it justice now...And an upper shop front...
Then walking back via the sea front found the pebble beach so loved by Jackson was decked with BLUE chairs blowing in the breeze... While by Brighton Pier, there was lots of bouncing action...And, even my hotel's restaurants tables that evening were laid with AZURE napkins for me to photo...
I've no cake, birthday or other wise to finish off with as normal.
However, pup friends Doyle & Mollie told me to buy myself a Birthday treat in Jackson's memory aka a Stuffie as he was 'the Master' when it came to their destruction, so I did...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is RED & WHITE together!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

Wordless Wednesday - A Pot of Tea Shared [May '08]!

2010-05-12T08:54:00.004+01:00

A Lunchtime filled with Jax Memories!

2010-05-11T18:25:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was no day for celebrating my birthday, so plans of a special lunch with friend J1 were postponed.
Today, we tried again, this time to recall happy moments with Jackson.
We meet as usual @ Bill's Produce Store Cafe'...And amazingly, we both managed to keep our emotions in check & not blub in public or over our food - I did though, go prepared with a bag stuffed with man-size tissues, my main stay of yesterday!
Instead we talked, we smiled, we even laughed lots about Jackson & his character and the fun times we'd shared together with him on my visits to Brighton; Jackie recalled fetching him from Fox Terrier Rescue and me, my first meeting with them both, when he walked out to greet me as if he knew I was his good blog friend Blue.
At the time I was touched but never realised how special that moment was, till Jackie told me later that Jackson rarely acknowledged let alone greeted anyone but her, yet he always did come to me as if we had a special bond!
It was a lovely lunch if tinged with great sadness re special Jax memories.

RIP Jackson!

2010-05-10T13:31:00.014+01:00

Words don't come easily today - only tears.
Dear darling Jackson passed peacefully away in his sleep early this morning, in his own bed, in his own home.
This is one of the final photographs I took of my favourite WFT, looking as handsome as ever on the Fox Terrier Fun Walk the other week, his final 'public' appearance in front of his adoring fans & friends...He was one very special boy, who was much loved by many including me - he will be sadly missed.
My heart breaks for his J's, especially his devoted J1, who loved him as much as he visibly loved her.
I feel privilaged to have personally known him & will always remember the Jax with great fondness.
As many of you know, I'm in Brighton and it is my birthday, but it's not one I'm celebrating.

True Colours Thursday - COFFEE!

2010-05-06T01:35:00.004+01:00

This weeks colour sounded easy when I listed it but I confess to having struggled re posting, could find nothing new!

Okay, I drink COFFEE - like the real article made from good quality ground beans, no instant granules in my house.

I also enjoy that occasional Cappuccino when out in town - very bad image from early photo archives...

But defining COFFEE as a colour is difficult, as we all see/take this beverage differently!

Is garden ornament Peter Rabbit a Latte' shade...

Are these odd Art figurines a Black/Dark cuppa ...

What about Irish Terrier Shamus - is he a Milky Espresso & what about the WFT's prick ears being a really White COFFEE...At the least the Celebration Cake Shop's cake is definitely all shades of COFFEE - just wonder if the cake underneath the icing is a COFFEE flavoured sponge - it certainly should be...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is AZURE aka BLUE by just another fancy name !
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

I'm returning to Brighton today, so my visit's will be late!

Camera Critters Sunday - Gull Dawn Chorus!

2010-05-02T08:39:00.003+01:00

After waking me up he settled down on my Brighton hotel bedroom's window sill as it's only 6am...

Saturday Photo Hunt - Black!

2010-05-01T08:30:00.002+01:00

Host tnchick has got on the colour trail this week!

And, I think this young man in his black t-shirt fits the bill...

The pup is black & tan too - it's Welsh Terrier Jody, a WELTAF friend.

Both were attending last weekends Fox Terrier Fun Walk in Brighton.

Sky Watch Friday - Pavillion Turrets!

2010-04-30T08:36:00.000+01:00

Still milking my long weekend @ Brighton!

Last year, parts of the frontage of the Royal Pavilion were blighted by ugly scaffolding, but the exterior renovation is now complete - snapped this as I headed to the Railway Station to catch my train home...

True Colours Thursday - CHARTREUSE!

2010-04-29T01:00:00.005+01:00

Until friend BJ suggested CHARTREUSE I'd never really thought of it as a colour, just a rather sweet French liqueur, vaguely the shade of the jacket Jackson's J1 just happened to wear to Saturdays Fox Terrier Fun Walk...And this deck-chair found on Brighton's pebble beach the next day..

However, to be sure checked Wikipedia - they describe it as, "a color halfway between yellow and green that was named because of its resemblance to the green color of Green Chartreuse, introduced in 1764" - Google image...

So, I'm sticking with my other findings in Brighton - from the North Lanes, this dress...And a dark CHARTREUSE upper shop front..Finally, this plant spotted in the Royal Pavillion Gardens - no idea it's name...

The cake has to come from home territory & the closest the Celebration Cake Shop could offer is this...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either blog, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT blog's Roll Call in it's side bar.
Next week is colour is COFFEE - make mine a Cappichino!

And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Postscript - to all friends & TCT players, sorry for lack of visits over the past two weeks - will try to do better!

Wordless Wednesday - "No way, are we talking..."!

2010-04-28T09:26:00.002+01:00

Two fer Tuesday - Blue Mews!

2010-04-27T16:00:00.001+01:00

My time in Brighton always includes a stroll through the funky North Lanes, usually after a lenghthy lunch @ nearby Bill's Produce Store cafe' with Jackson's J1.

This visit was no exception, windowed shop & looked for new street art and wasn't disappointed re this end terrace...Naturally a blue home appeals, but insure if this design is quite me!!!

Camera Critters Sunday - Terriers Galore!

2010-04-25T20:49:00.005+01:00

Yesterday dawned bright & sunny in Brighton for the 3rd Fox Terrier Fun Walk to promote Fox Terrier Rescue and as the day wore on it got brighter & sunnier and warmer - I'm sure all human participants today have a rosy glow, I for one certainly have.

Everyone was to meet @ the Marina complex, I waited anxiously for my favourite WFT Jackson to put in an appearance after his recent strokes, and bless him, he did - seen here in the arms of his J1 - he's noticeably frailer but still happy to be out & about...

As the terriers arrived the usual doggy greetings ensued...For my sins I was again 'official' photographer, for the Forever - Fox Terrier Facebook web page which meant taking individual shots of every doggy family as well as attempting a group photo before the walk commenced - I had my work cut out as the turn out was good but what fun work!

At my count, 17 Wire Fox Terriers attended - a small selection of images, more will go on FB when it lets me download them - sadly names elude me re the first two charactors....

Finn & family from Norwich, who I encountered again this morning...

Jackson & his camera shy J's...Friends Sally & Paddy with their D & C...One very lively Smooth-haired Fox Terrier, a first of the breed to attend...Four Welsh Terriers - Dooley & Jody, WELTAF friends & 20 month old newcomer Ted [Edwin missed this photo call]... But I caught him later...Three Irish Terriers - Bramble on the left then Jackson's best friends Shamus & Molly...And one Airedale - Lulu here with her newly adopted brother Douglas, who last walk was being fostered by Sally & Paddy...All recieved doggy bags containing Mint & Carob flavoured treats from Dog Dogs Bakery... With so many pups & their entourages, a full terrier group image defeated me...Then Sally & Paddy's D directed us to start the Undercliff walk ...

Jackson lead the way...

Followed by his security team Molly & Shamus...

And the rest of us followed...A beach stop was made for refreshments - tender toed Sally who hates pebbles, was carried down ...

And partically blind sweet Paddy, affectionately known as 'the Little Man' & the 'Duracell Bunny' because he keeps on going and going then stops dead, & who like Jackson has many health issues was hand feed by his doting daddy...

I believe everyone had a great day, I certainly did surrounded by fun terriers under blue, blue skies!

Saturday Photo - Addiction!

2010-04-24T09:02:00.005+01:00

As I have an addiction to alchol, when in Brighton, on a lovely sunny day, I ~~am addicted to~~ enjoy relaxing in one of the off beach bars with a nice cold larger by my side...Yesterday was one such occassion.
tnchick is this meme's mine host.

Brighton Time Again!

2010-04-23T17:48:00.006+01:00

Fox Terrier Fun Walk #3
by Forever Foxed

Today I headed down to the Sussex coast as my favourite WFT Jackson despite his current serious health issues plans to put in an appearance in tomorrows event organised by his J1 & Fox Terrier Rescue's D of Sally & Paddy!
No worries re rain, the weather forecast is for more sunshine!

I'm staying @ my usual hotel over looking the Brighton Pier and this is my view from my 5th floor bedroom's window...The only downside is the hotels lift isn't working, guess I'm going to get a lot of exercise just climping stairs - well, they say they are the poor mans 'step-machine' & I certainly need the work-out!

True Colours Thursday - PRIMROSE!

2010-04-22T01:55:00.006+01:00

As TCT participant Mollie pointed out last week ,PRIMROSE is just another name for pale yellow - she's a smart pup!

But, when I came to look for a photo of the actual flower, initially drew a blank - maybe a Cowslip is good substitute...

Then, remembered my Kensitas Silk Cigarette Card collection - the PRIMROSE is No. 46 in Series 1 [1933]...

Per which, in the 'Language of Flowers' means 'Girlhood: Loves, Doubts & Fears' and the Greek name of a PRIMROSE was 'Paralios', so-called after a youth who died of grief for the loss of his betrothed & was changed into the flower!

And passing through the Covered Market, finally found a real, if cultivated bloom on display...

While last Saturday's 'Morris Mania' event saw these ladies parading in their PRIMROSE pinafores...After my fill of that fun, headed to the Celebration Cake Shop, that's window offered this decoration on a wedding cake...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either site, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is CHARTREUSE as requested in the spirit of odd colours to challenge us all by BJ, so blame her, not me!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

A Huge Two fer Tuesday - Morris Mania!

2010-04-20T10:55:00.002+01:00

As part of last weekends Folk Festival here; on Saturday, my city centre responded with the sounds of bells jingling on leggings & shoes, sticks being rhythmically smashed together with gusto and music, lots of music, as Morris dance groups from all over the country descended upon Dreamingspires for this annual entertaining event, which I for one always enjoy immensely.

Proceedings started with a colourful parade - I staked a good place to watch - action shots aren't my forte but...The Green Man also put in an appearance...Then the different Morris groups dispersed to various locations to continue performing their dance routines...And socialise...

The history of Morris Dancing goes back to the 15th century & is a traditional ritual to welcome the return of Spring!

Two fer was the idea of blog friend Jonna - it only requires two or pairs of photo's - just hope my figures add up!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Covered!

2010-04-17T08:48:00.000+01:00

Host tnchick's promt this week has only one meaning to me, the Covered Market with it's original rafted roof...What can I say I haven't said before - it's the cities most original shopping venue, with an atmoshere all of its own!

Sky Watch Friday - The Clarenden Centre!

2010-04-16T14:28:00.004+01:00

Like most cities, Dreamingspires has several shopping centres in it's heart.
The Clarendon is one the modern one I favour, because it's light & bright due to it's partial glass roof & huge windows...The above was taken yesterday - no sign of any Icelandic Volcanic dust locally affecting the clear blue skies!
And how lovely to have them quiet, not a plane to be heard.

Zen Needed for Jackson Again!

2010-04-15T08:22:00.007+01:00

Checking my emails this morning I learnt via Eric, the sad & worrying news that Jackson has had a relapse...Apparently he had, what could have been a couple of mini strokes or seizures on Monday but he rallied well , however yesterday he was back to where he was immediately after his first stroke the other week.

His vet has warned friend J1 that Jackson's time may be close.

This is the most awful of news, if not totally unexpected.

Darling Jackson & dear J1 are both very special to me and so good together - he's devoted to her as she is to him, so know just how worried she will be - her heart will be breaking as is mine if truly these are the last few days of a favourite WFT - it can't be, I'm going to see him next weekend!

But, Jackson is such a trouper, we can only hope he will rally once more, so please keep him & J1 in your thoughts.

My prayer flags are out [google image] - please post yours for him...

True Colours Thursday - TURQUOISE!

2010-04-15T01:31:00.001+01:00

Every time I re-list TURQUOISE, when I come to post I wonder why, why why, & not because I don't like the colour???

But, it does remind me that I should buy re-chargable camera batteries!

Thankfully, just learnt my local supermarket has a re-cyclying programe re these...

This oil painting of a Scottish Loch was done by Aunt J, my late Mother's school friend, now in her Ninties...

And, it's over a year now since I went to Las Vegas & on my British Columbia, CA road trip with Little Buddy; this silk purse holds my loose change from then, it's to go to charity - the Dollar notes were long cashed in...

Never thought the cake shop would do the business but yes, a Christening Cake was sitting there waiting for me to photo...

And whilst in the Covered Market found these TURQUOISE leather Radley purses - no link as they seem to have issues...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either site, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next week is colour PRIMROSE yellow!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Unconscious Mutterings - Week ???

2010-04-14T14:47:00.007+01:00

Not done this for a few weeks, so it's time again to play the free word association meme hosted by LunaNina.
She says, I think & say what pops into my head and you ponder my thought process!

Habit :: Drinking too much too often!
Relaunch :: Me, some day soon...
Mondays :: Moody!
Bootstrap :: ??? No idea!
Fuck :: Off - What I hate to hear but often regreatably do think about some!
Appreciate :: my Blog friends.
Yay! :: Yes!
Life :: Mine, running out ...
Sheets :: Newly laundered - Clean white linen, Lavender scented!
Date night :: Red wine & a DVD movie alone!

Mellow Yellow Monday & Today's Flowers - The Small Celandine!

2010-04-12T14:30:00.004+01:00

Usually this bright little flower, that opens it's petals in day light & closes them @ dusk or on a dull cloudy day, would appear in my wild garden borders in late February - not so year, only this weekends warmer days & sunshine has seen it bloom...

Romantic British poet William Wordsworth [1770 - 1850] is renowned for his love of Daffodil's but he also wrote three poems celebrating the tiny Celandine, this is a quote from my favourite one...

"The Small Celandine

There is a Flower, the Lesser Celandine,

That shrinks, like many more, from cold and rain;

And, at the first moment that the sun may shine,

Bright as the sun itself, 'tis out again."

Wordsworth never wrote a truer line of verse!

Camera Critters Sunday - Remembering Pepper!

2010-04-11T08:00:00.003+01:00

Glad to report that hopefully, my Internet connection problems are a thing of the past, as late yesterday afternoon a hunky young Virgin technician spent 30 minutes servicing/tweaking my cable link & modem back into life!
Will try to catch up with what everyone has been doing whilst I was missing action during today.

In the morning, I walked into Town, & passing by the coffee house Cafe' Loco, I thought recognised the pup tethered close by & went over...

A couple of years ago I encountered Pointer Pippa with her bother Pepper @ exactly the same spot...

Seeing me admiring her, her owners came out of the cafe' & I remarked about seeing two of them before.

Tears welled up in the ladies eyes.

Pepper crossed to the 'Rainbow Bridge' recently after being hit by a car, having uncharacteristically jumped his garden fence & raced across the road in pursuit of some unknown prey!

I felt terrible about bringing back such an painful memories, but his family ashored me it was nice that I recalled him.

We exchanged email addresses so I could send them this fun photo of Pepper howling his displeasure @ being left...

Run free pup with all our other lost ones!

True Colours Thursday - LAVENDER!

2010-04-08T01:00:00.008+01:00

This is not my usual complete post, as for days my Virgin cable Internet connection has been increasingly iffy, now it or my modem has crashed totally, and I can't get a technician out to resolve my problem until Saturday PM - Grrr!
I'm now surfing via neighbour Pussycat Paul's Wireless Network, but the signal is rather weak, keeps fluctuating wildly & so dumping me!
Please forgive if I can't get around to visiting & commenting till the W/E!

"LAVENDER blue, dilly dilly,
LAVENDER green
When you are King dilly dilly,
I shall be Queen.
Who told you so, dilly dilly,
Who told you so?
Twas my own heart, dilly dilly,
That told me so"
17th century English folk song

LAVENDER is a favourite herbal fragrance of mine!
I have a straggly LAVENDER bush in my garden...
Lots of LAVENDER products in my home...A favourite postcard of mine is this painting of French fields in bloom..
This Spring, the Golden Cross Shopping Centre's Pitza Express has dark LAVENDER tables out with matching LAVENDER Blue Grape Hyacinths pots... And, the Celebration Cake Shop hasn't let me down either...

Next weeks colours is TURQUIOSE

Monochrome Monday - St Johns!

2010-04-05T09:15:00.002+01:00

This follows on from the other weeks Sky Watch Friday!

Thought the detail of St John the Evangelist, my parish church would tweek well to Black & White for Alieni's Monochome Weekly theme...

Camera Critters Sunday - Chick, Chick, Chicken, Lay a Little Egg for Me!

2010-04-04T08:20:00.000+01:00

This Easter decoration made me smile...Here's hoping everyone finds lots of eggs this morning, chocolate & otherwise!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Sweet AND Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T08:18:00.007+01:00

A sweet tooth I don't have, but tnchick's prompt this week suggests sweet treats & sweet images!
So, think this Easter cake from you know where's window, with it's sweet little chick decoration fits the bill perfectly; and it also says what I wish all my friends this weekend...
Just a bit of triva - the marzipan balls on Simnel cakes are meant to symbolise Jesus's disciples minus Judas.
Sadly, the Celebration Cake Shop have put on twelve balls instead of the correct eleven!
Tutt-tutt!

A Fishy Good Friday!

2010-04-02T08:20:00.003+01:00

Religion does not come into it, but as a fish lover have always followed the Good Friday tradition of eating fish today!

Any valid excuse is good to me, as it is regretably a luxury re cost so need a reason!!!

This was yesterday's Haymans Fishery's stall in the Covered Market - Red Snappers with Daffodil decoration...

I confess to chickening out off them & these ugly looking guys too....What I did buy & will cook later is Salmon steaks, and use one of my favourite fish recipes.

Okay, I've blog posted it before but no matter - here it is again because it is so easy & so delicious...

'Salmon Parcels with Watercress Sauce'
Ingredients for a serving of 2
1 red onions, sliced
sprigs of fresh dill - I use parsley or thyme
2 salmon steaks or fillets
1 lemon
freshly ground black pepper
175g virtually fat free fromage frais - use half a pot
75g pack of fresh watercress, finely chopped - use as much as you like, me lots!
Preheat the oven to 180C, 350&F, Gas Mark 4.
You will need 2 sheets of foil.
Method:
1. Divide the onions between each piece of foil, and place a sprig of chosen herb on the onion.
2. Place one piece of salmon on top of the onion & herb and squeeze over the lemon juice. I also add a little grated lemon rind.

Add seasoning to taste.
3. Wrap the foil around the fish to form a parcel and place on a baking tray in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine the fromage frais with the chopped watercress & a little black pepper
5. Remove the salmon from the foil and serve with the sauce and new potatoes & fine green beans

I also have to share this funny - no offence is meant...
'A Protestant minister moves into a staunch, tight-knit Roman Catholic community.
Every Friday, he could be seen cooking steaks etc.
Finally, the people approached him & asked him to change to the Catholic Faith. He readily agreed to do this.
The Bishop anointed him with Holy water, sprinkling him three times and saying "In the name of the Father, the Son & the holy Ghost you are now a Catholic."
The villagers gave a great sigh of relief!
All was now well in their community.
The next Friday, he was outside Barbecuing a roast of beef .
The people horrified, vehemently protested to him.
So, he got some water, blessed it, and sprinkled it on the meat saying "In the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Ghost you are now fish"'

Don't you just love it???

True Colours Thursday - BLACK & WHITE and Early Barkday Greetings!

2010-04-01T01:00:00.006+01:00

As a certain cute little BLACK with a wisp of WHITE ~~bird~~ doggy, told me it's his special day soon, I decided to take animals as my theme for this weeks TCT.

One of the few regrets I have about being car-less is not being able to visit Millet's Farm anymore, where I found these guys a couple of Summers ago...

But closer to home I have a friendly BLACK & WHITE horse...

Critter figurines...

My personal lap-top dust collector...And, finally this pouch baring my beloved BLACK & WHITE Springer Spaniel Hero's portrait - it's his spitting image...

A gift from my birthday 'twinny' Snowball, it was painted by her clever Jie-Jie, who to raise funds for Snowball's health care & a new camera is looking for commissions now - details can be found HERE on her special blog for this project.

For my cake this week, have a smug graduate in his predominately BLACK subfusc attire on a WHITE cake...

And, last but not least, I have the up & coming Barkday boy [photo courtesy of his b]...

Greetings for the 4th Doyle!

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either site, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.Next weeks colour LAVENDER!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday - An Easter Tea-time Treat!

2010-03-31T08:30:00.000+01:00

Two fer Tuesday - Dilly-Dilly Daffodils!

2010-03-30T09:00:00.002+01:00

Now, although, I'm not big on yellow - it's certainly not, my colour of choice, I delight in Daffodils!
After a long grey Winter, one just has to love they're cheerful splash of colour, especially when seen dancing on a breezy Spring day in my local park...

Or brightening a college's lawn - St Edmund Hall...

Daffodils are also, my older cousin in Prairieland CA, Lucy-Lu's favourite flower.

So, when I see them, they always remind me of her & the poem, she wrote in my childhood Autograph Book back in 1963!

"I wondered lonely as a cloud,

That floats on high o'r vales & hills

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host of golden daffodils."

William Wordsworth

[1770 -1850]

Monochrome Monday & Face of the Week - Jax Up-Date!

2010-03-29T10:26:00.005+01:00

I had a text yesterday evening from this handsome Wire FoxTerrier's J1, giving me the very welcome news that Jackson continues to improve day by day after his mini stroke last Thursday.
She is not sure re the full degree of mobility he will have but he's determined to walk/stagger and if he can trample all over her Crocus's all the better - Bless him!

And, he's always his 'Dog Stroller' to fall back on for those daily outings he so enjoys...

Monochrome Weekend's creator & host is Alieni.
Face of the Week is a new theme and the brainchild of Sistertex.

Wishing & Hoping for Jackson!

2010-03-28T10:46:00.019+01:00

My very favourite WFT & dear doggy friend Jackson has suffered a mild stroke!

He's home with his loving J1 and sleeping in her lap, the first crucial 24 hours are over and he's improving slowly but he's not out of the woods yet as his vet has warned he could be left with some disability.

The treatments is steroids which he unfortunately can't have because of his other health issues.

This darling boy has been through so much, he really doesn't deserve this.

But Jackson's a true trouper with a terriers tenacity, so I wishing & willing him to keep fighting the good fight.

Please keep him in you thoughts - I want to be able to see him in Brighton for a long time yet!

May the Dog Star that Asta created for him watch over him...

***************************************************

Saturday Photo Hunt - Fresh!

2010-03-27T08:33:00.007Z

With no local fresh produce around @ the moment, for tnchick's promt am recalling my visits last Summer to Cowmead Allotment's late Summer 'Open Days', where I found & purchased a basket full of fresh goodies...

This year, they plan to 'Open' earlier - can't wait!

Raindrops!

2010-03-26T15:00:00.009Z

A favourite song of mine is 'Raindrops are falling on my head' from a favourite film of mine - 'Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid' - now I have a new take on it...

In the Autumn of 2007 I acquired new absentee neighbours.
A few months later they started redeveloping the property next to mine.
But when they came to build a kitchen extension, they found I was a problem, as they would have to build over my central heating/water boiler's flue, which had planning permission as well as neighbour take 2's permission.
They had two choices - build around me or replace my boiler!
They chose the latter, then launched a campaign to make me contribute!
I wasn't having any of it, my existing boiler worked fine!!!
So in January '08, I acquired a new highly efficient system courtesy of them.
All's been well, although I have noticed the odd drop of water below the tank, till last night when we had a heavy storm - driving rain - & suddenly I hear ... drip, drip, drip, drip!!!
The source, where the boiler's flue pipe goes through my flat kitchen roof - water was pouring in & running through the electrics!
I quickly turned my power off & dined by candle light.
Today every things thankfully dried out & working fine.
I've subsequently called the plumbing company who installed said boiler for assistance.
The response was interesting ... no way will they help me as they have still to be paid after two + years for the installation and it & other work undertaken in good faith @ the same time, are all now part of an on going law suit re reimbursement!!!
Obviously the property developing couple who had such big plans, have run out of funds which explains why the house remains to this day incomplete & empty!
Not that I am complaining re this as, as I can music rock!

Sky Watch Friday - St Johns!

2010-03-26T08:52:00.001Z

As friends know I'm not religious, but I do like architecture.
This is my neighbourhood parish church, St John the Evangelist, a Grade I listed building, completed in 1896...The red bricks match the terraced homes it serves which include mine.
Although Church of England, it's follows the High Church tradition close to Catholicism.
One day I'll take a look inside, but regrettably it's doors like many other churches now a days, is frequently locked to prevent desecration - what a sad reflection of our society!

True Colours Thursday - CRIMSON!

2010-03-25T03:00:00.001Z

It's a about a year since I did my controversial 'SCARLET Women' TCT post - it stirred up a variety of reactions/feeling amongst followers/friends and produced my third highest number of Comments ever!

So in comparison this red post will seem boring, but Little Buddy now history, does get a mention because whilst on our last but one holiday together last March in Las Vegas, he showed me around the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, with it's striking CRIMSON ceiling decorations...

And, colourful Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, then set out with Spring flowers...

Also, I do have another red convertible, however this one resides in my road rather than in Hawaii...

Back to earth, with the recession biting hard, Sales are constantly on...

Not that these CRIMSON accessories were on offer...

Or the Celebration Cake Shop lacks customers either, their team of confectioners are constantly busy.

Now, the Oscar film award season maybe over but this red carpet has a birthday 'Starlet'...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either site, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in that blogs side bar.
Next weeks colour BLACK & WHITE together!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday - Puppy Jig-Saw Puzzle Crazy!

2010-03-24T13:58:00.000Z

Two fer Tuesday & Today's Flowers - The First Pinks of Spring!

2010-03-23T08:19:00.001Z

It is so lovely to see the return of flowers, suggesting Spring may just have sprung!
I've no idea of this ones name, it has masses of small florets clustered together on bare leafless stems and it smells heavenly...The next is the solitary Gardina blooming on an otherwise bare bush...Sadly, neither are in my garden but my neighbours!

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - Reflected Home!

2010-03-22T08:15:00.002Z

Welcome bright sunshine and a squeaky clean & shiny car produced this reflection of a neighbours house's ground floor windows, spotted when walking down my road last week...Monochrome Weekend's creator & host is Alieni.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Three AND an Early Camera Critters Sunday!

2010-03-20T08:13:00.003Z

For this week's prompt from host tnchick, I'm recalling an adorable Signet threesome from last Spring...This delightful sight I hope to enjoy again.

Sky Watch Friday - Down my Road!

2010-03-19T13:02:00.004Z

Parking is a real problem locally.
When my terraced road was built curium 1900, cars were a luxury, now many homes have several!
Although finding a parking space is no longer an issue for me being car-less: what is, is the infuriating habit of many neighbours of parking up on the pavement, forcing me to walk out in the road as I had to this morning - Grrrrrrrr!

True Colours Thursday & Color Carnival - RAINBOW!

2010-03-18T01:00:00.001Z

Window shopping is one of my pastimes, and as I've probably said before once if not twice, if not more times, Dreamingspires Covered Market is a favourite venue of mine - no trip to town sees me not walk down it's parades.

So for my RAINBOW theme, have chosen colourful sights from there.

The florists The Garden was my first stop...

Then, The Hat Box...Followed by the various fashion boutiques for their wares...

And Cardrews the specialist Coffee & Tea shop for their kitchen section's RAINBOW items...Which just left a visit to the Celebration Cake Shop's window...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either site, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next week is colour CRIMSON!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Martha is the creator of Color Carnival, that simply requires colourful photo!

Two fer Tuesday - Treasure Trove!

2010-03-16T07:55:00.005Z

My secretive Mother's ability to squirrel away her most treasured items in inappropriate places never ceases to amaze me.

Over the weekend I was sorting through her childhood Stamp Collection, which besides a book includes an old biscuit tin filled with match boxes containing unused stamps, only one box didn't!

Wrapped in newspaper I discovered this previously unseen Silver bar broach...

Inside the locket are two faded photographs...The gentleman is my Great Uncle Arnold who brought my Mother up from the age of six & who she always spoke very fondly of, unlike his wife Great Aunt Lucy; and the young girl is my Mother [aged ?] with one of the many Spaniels she loved as her Uncle breed both Cocker & Springers.

The locket broach is priceless to me, but the knowledge that there is no one to value it after me did bring tears to my eyes.

It made me reflect again on what will become of all my bits & pieces, valuable & otherwise.

A while back I watched a TV programme that included the sorry story of an elderly lady dieing without any family & friends to sort though her processions; so her Council house was ruthlessly cleared by a house clearance company so it could be reallocated - they simply filled a refuse skip!

Okay, I own my own home and I do have a Will & professional Executor, but the tale gave me food for thought!