tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80785907637030716532024-03-05T21:18:47.567+00:00Winds of ChangeThoughts from an
advanced ageGillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-21242849610767399102014-12-28T14:13:00.002+00:002014-12-28T14:13:38.791+00:00THE LAST POST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to wish all my faithful followers, if there are any of you left, all my very best wishes for 2015. I hope next year brings you all that you wish for and every happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm afraid this will be my last post - I just can't seem to find the energy to write two Blogs, and certainly don't have very much news to give!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you all for reading and posting over the past years. I haven't actually gone away, you can still find me, posting photographs, at <a href="http://www.gillymaccsphotos.blogspot.com/">my other blog</a></span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-70819470687899550552014-11-11T10:40:00.001+00:002014-11-11T10:40:50.990+00:00WE DID COME DOWN THE EAST COAST........<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh dear! Its so long since I last blogged! Just haven't been around lately, for various reasons, I will be very surprised if I still have any followers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we did go round Scotland, and come down the east coast of Britain, down the north sea - fortunately calm on that occasion - and make our way to Southampton via Le Havre, on the French coast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first port of call was Invergordon. We had been there before, and didn't want to take any excursions to Inverness, beautiful town though it was, or to try and see Nessie at Loch Ness! So we stayed in Invergordon, and had a proper look at the town, which totally amazed us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing that amazed us were nesting terns on a disused pier which ran at right angles to the very long pier we berthed at. Three thousand passengers passing close by didn't faze them in the least!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Secondly were the fantastic wall art painted on the gable ends of many of the houses. They were all expertly done and very realistic, and far more than I can show here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We then went on to South Queensferry, where we berthed ready for a trip to Edinburgh. We found a handy tour bus which took us right into the centre, for a very reasonable price (far less than the Cruise ship excursions!) it was unfortunately a bit wet there, but we walked down Princes Street, to the famous monument and back up the Princes Street Gardens, which were very lovely, with the Castle looking down at them.</span></div>
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Our Tour Bus - an old London Routemaster</div>
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The Castle from the Bus</div>
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A wet Princes Street!</div>
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The Lovely Gardens, with the famous Monument on the left.</div>
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From Queensferry we went down to Le Havre, and took an excursion into Rouen, which was a fantastic town. We had a guide, who led us through little medieval streets, which were always dominated by the cathedral. Inside the cathedral were statues of saints, and a lot of history, which was hard to take in, there was so much to see. I can't really do justice to Rouen and its cathedral, but have chosen just a few photographs.</div>
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After all that, it was Southampton and a very crowded train journey home! I don't know if we will do another cruise, and I certainly don't want such a big ship again - too much walking to get anywhere! But we are tempted...........</div>
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And hopefully it won't be so long before I blog again!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_347778096"></span><span id="goog_347778097"></span></span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-66685479000021636302014-06-25T11:58:00.000+01:002014-06-25T12:00:34.822+01:00AROUND BRITAIN IN SEVEN EASY STAGES<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At last I can get down to a new blog - if I still have any faithful followers! I don't deserve you, really I don't!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have just come back from a cruise round the British Isles - in the company of a great many Americans, a large contingent from Japan and Korea and a good sprinkling of other nationalities. And this was the biggest ship I have ever been on! Don't think I would go again on such a big ship, but the cruise was great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We left Southampton and headed for Guernsey, which was lovely, and full of bright sunshine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There is a big French influence in all the channel Islands. Many street names are French</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guernsey has a beautiful harbour. Very popular with sailors of small ships!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leaving there we went off to Ireland, and berthed at Cobh. From there we rejected any excursions provided by the Cruise Company, as without exception, they were horrendously expensive. We therefore took the train</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to Cork. I am sure Cork is a lovely city, but unfortunately</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> it was very wet! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A little mooch around, and then we took the train back to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Cobh and our ship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>Cork was very wet. And had unusual street lighting</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But it has a great indoor market, selling all sorts of goodies, which I would love to have bought and taken home. But alas, they would never have stood being stored on the ship for another week!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Up on a balcony floor there were a couple of cafes, where you could have lunch and look down on the shoppers.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thick home-made tomato soup and soda bread strengthened us for the afternoon!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Cork we sailed for Dublin. Now Dublin is a beautiful city, and was not wet! We found an open-topped bus to take a tour of the city, seeing all the sights this way (which is great for me, as walking is not too good). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I loved this statue of the woman and her dog. I have no idea who she was!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Because we were on an open topped bus seeing the sights!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We walked down the famous O'Connell Street, scene of big riots in the 60's</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there we sailed up to Belfast ( change of currency back from Euros. I think the Americans got a big confused). It was a Sunday, and I had thought there might not be much to see on a Sunday, so we did take an excursion, which took us round the Antrim coast to a pretty seaside village, stopped at a Cafe in a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forest Park. Poor souls, they were overwhelmed with two big 60-seater coaches all coming in at the same time for free tea/coffee and a scone with cream and jam! But I think most people got their very big scone and tea and we set off back to the ship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some really lovely scenery from the Forest Park.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we berthed at Greenock, which was advertised as "for Glasgow". Glasgow was a 40-minute journey away, and not all that easy to get to unless you went with the excursion. Of course, we did no such thing, and went round the coast to Gourock by bus, and then took a ferry ride for 20 minutes to Dunoon, a little seaside town on the River Clyde. Dunoon had, I think, seen better days, but we pottered round the shops, had an exceptionally nice lunch in some tea rooms, and then ferried back to Gourock, Greenock and the ship.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greenock had some interesting old buildings. This had been a sugar warehouse.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The ferry looks small, but took a very large number of foot passengers very comfortably across the Clyde.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Dunoon was very welcoming, and had some very interesting spots and corners!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>At every Scottish Port we were welcomed in the morning (rather early) by a piper, and then "piped away" as we left. Some towns even produced marching bands. I'm afraid bagpipes are not my favurite instrument!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By this time we had travelled all the way up the west coast of the British Isles, taken lots of photographs, seen some great places, and enjoyed ourselves. I'll leave the North and East coasts for my next blog!</span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-29727251365564667172014-04-20T10:47:00.002+01:002014-04-20T10:47:44.365+01:00MORE WINDS, MORE SHOWERS AND NOT A LOT OF SUN!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the above there has been quite a lot of colour in the garden and the Park. Also on roundabouts in town, and in odd little corners. The Council does try to make the town look beautiful, I will give them that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Park, and around town, the flowers that have done best this rather wet winter have been the polyanthus. They have really sung out from the beds, and make such a cheerful show just when we need it! The pansies have not down so well, though last year they were splendid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, in my own garden the little Violas have done splendidly. I was really doubtful about them, as contrary to what I expected the on-line garden centre from where I ordered them sent me plug plants, which I had never dealt with before, but I planted them, and the finally came through with three troughs of gorgeous colour, which I can see from the kitchen window. My favourite is the velvety dark purple one. My photograph doesn't do it justice, I'm afraid!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I might have mentioned in the past that I go to a Creative Writing class twice a month. Its a bit of a laugh really, as we don't get any instruction - its part of the U3A movement, and their theory is that once we get to a certain age (about Retirement age!) then our wisdom and experience can be passed on to others in an informal setting. In other words, we learn from each other. I enjoy writing, and each fortnight we have a subject to write on. Sometimes I do a story, sometimes a poem. But I do wish those there would give me some feedback, instead of just saying "oh, that's brilliant!" and leaving it at that. I know I write fairly well, but I would like to write better, and how can I if no-one ever tells me what they really think??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week's subject was to take one of the verbs we had previously thought of that end with -ate. I don't think anyone is going to enjoy my poem, as I took "violate", but it relates to women and feminism and so I thought it had to be said. Next Friday I will honour those there with my brilliance and see how they like my hard-hitting poem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't print it here, I think some of the words might trigger filters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes I write "weird" stories, not mystery, or horror, no sex or violence (well maybe a bit of sex!) but just weird. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thinking of finding a "proper" Creative Writing course in September. My sister went to one once a week, with a teacher, and she loved it, even if she found some of the subjects hard. But I think finding a hard subject is good for us - it makes us think around the subject, and sometimes really good writing comes out. (Not always, though!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was asked, well, I offered really, to review a book for one of the quality monthly women's magazines. I got the copy sent to me last week, and I must say I really enjoyed it. It was called "The Silence of the Sea" by Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Yes, she's Icelandic, and the book is set in Iceland mainly, but it has been translated! Now I have to review it without spoiling the end! Its described as "chilling" on the blurb at the back, and I have to agree with that - its sent in Iceland in the winter!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you my faithful followers for your patience in waiting for me to write another blog!</span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-79816558636752663282014-03-18T11:56:00.000+00:002014-03-18T11:56:20.403+00:00MARCH WINDS......<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, actually, it was February winds, and not so much winds, as hurricane force blows! If you are in the UK reading this, then you will know all about the gales and the torrential rain, and possibly have been affected, in which case, I hope things are improving for you and that not too much damage has been done! If you are in the States, or anywhere else, you may have read about our gales and resulting floods, but have had your own unprecedented cold spell to cope with, with deep snow and ice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we really want is some warm sunshine and settled weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did get a lot of rather wet areas in the Park</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which meant you couldn't really walk across the grassy bits!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we did get some better weather for a while, and took the opportunity of going over to a neighbouring town. Congleton is another mill town, like Macclesfield</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, but they also wove cotton, as well as silk. Its a bit smaller than Macclesfield, but has a great market on Saturdays. We went over and I could have bought pounds and pounds of vegetables, they all looked so fresh and nice! However, there are only two of us, and we would never eat it all! We did buy some lovely fresh shrimps (caught in Morecombe Bay!) and some fish cakes. Next time we go over, I will plan my menu carefully and buy some of their wet fish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are some old buildings still standing - above is the Counting House, now a Bank, and just above here is a very old public house. It always amazes me how small these old houses look - they are totally dwarfed by the modern buildings either side, which actually are not particularly large by today's standards. I imagine the adult people were perhaps smaller on the whole, but that little pub has two stories!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in the Park, feeding the ducks is as popular as ever! Those ducks seem to thrive on nothing but bread!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though they do dive for other titbits! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now we are getting older, we seem to find it difficult to raise enough enthusiasm for "going out". Eating out is not easy - Mr.G is diabetic, and I am trying to lose a bit more weight, but hopefully with better weather coming, I can persuade him to get out to some of the surrounding towns. He enjoys looking for odd bits and bobs in the Charity shops, and I just enjoy an y shops, just prowling round, and taking my camera to find the odd shot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe April's post will be a bit more scintillating and literary!</span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-71923017918371893112014-02-08T11:59:00.000+00:002014-02-08T11:59:44.478+00:00FEBRUARY FILL-DYKE ......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>February fill dike Be it black or be it white; But if it be white, It's the better to like.</i></span><i><br /></i><br />The above is a very old weather proverb, of which we abound here in England. Our weather being notoriously variable, there are plenty of proverbs telling us what to expect if this or that happens! The black and white refers to rain or snow, but as either makes the ground wet, it doesn't much matter. The Meteorological Office tell us that February is normally one of the driest months. Not this year! We have suffered storm after storm, with torrential rain, and considerable damage. I feel so sorry for all those people who have been flooded out of their homes. It will take ages to get the water, smell and dirt out, and there is always the chance it will happen again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily we are not threatened in any way up here. Macclesfield is a hilly town, originally built on what you might call the foothills of the Pennines, and any river that has thoughts of flooding has had its defences strengthened! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took my camera found the Park this morning as it was nice and bright, though there was a very strong cold wind. Good reason to walk briskly. But you can see from the above picture how muddy it is. There were daffodils on this bank last year, but I rather think they might have rotted this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking from the further</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> end of the lake you can see some of the ducks</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, gulls and two swans we have here in the winter. We used to get a lot of Canada Geese, but the male swan is very aggressive and chases away anything bigger than a mallard!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Near the Pavilion in the park is a stone which marks the site of St. Anne's well which was established for the residents of the main road where the park entrance is. It is dated 1844, but the well is no longer there, and we all have mains water now! Our dog wouldn't get out of the way, but I think actually he adds something to the photo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Park workers, of which there is now only one, and he works part-time, try to keep the beds looking as colourful as possible. These primulas are the ones making the best of the bad weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And although it was a bright morning, with some sun, the rain clouds were already gather! I took this from our gate in to the Park, as the wind was so strong I needed something to lean against to take the shot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good day for going back indoors, and writing a new post!</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_381045993"></span><span id="goog_381045994"></span><br /></span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-46752173963281720322014-01-21T14:16:00.000+00:002014-01-21T14:16:27.883+00:00A BIT PAST THE NEW YEAR !<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fully intended to post this soon after January 1st, and wish all my readers (if I have any left by now) a Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we are well into January now, so I suppose it is a bit late! I thought I'd post some of the photographs I took over last year, some good, some not so good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last winter, in contrast with this winter, was very cold and we had a lot of ice and snow. It was very pretty when it had just snowed, but you can have enough of a good thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Squirrels and Blue tits amongst a host of other birds, came to feed on the food we put out for them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZAA9jV7i6ehMkvHvhyphenhyphenWjc3xF-DiT-zmITdHE3eWwpcmFd38-QuF17uPTyvNSOpjfcPdEBsXqd6JInuwQt1dQLwvKn2AGaw4KAHucKRxB_PLg1T-ziLmL8RV7kz7ggP80p_HzXsQErEA/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZAA9jV7i6ehMkvHvhyphenhyphenWjc3xF-DiT-zmITdHE3eWwpcmFd38-QuF17uPTyvNSOpjfcPdEBsXqd6JInuwQt1dQLwvKn2AGaw4KAHucKRxB_PLg1T-ziLmL8RV7kz7ggP80p_HzXsQErEA/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the Park looked very bleak!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEP0mRiBx51zX__xHt4PgCzSYNq1tNn9n17FgUpUUTdErYre8qHZHphQLedFDJA_TTu_DQ0uBwpSPEXzMo2gcp5jEl3l9oe6mlNQV-SV_G9UiCKniU5sKTkZ-WZgfgYrnmtkb0lArTio/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEP0mRiBx51zX__xHt4PgCzSYNq1tNn9n17FgUpUUTdErYre8qHZHphQLedFDJA_TTu_DQ0uBwpSPEXzMo2gcp5jEl3l9oe6mlNQV-SV_G9UiCKniU5sKTkZ-WZgfgYrnmtkb0lArTio/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulips and later</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IKzNg1D8bN-lWOEz543kRte8QEyfTRhJeLZpq8osqg5t6FRnBgHbjwWyTFigRVs9f-kpTZksPoo_Yn-0P2JfOw8-ewIhkFPbe8mdn4bwbhwQ_NMctmFw2kXXTjyN-Yehik8oPXT0V9Q/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IKzNg1D8bN-lWOEz543kRte8QEyfTRhJeLZpq8osqg5t6FRnBgHbjwWyTFigRVs9f-kpTZksPoo_Yn-0P2JfOw8-ewIhkFPbe8mdn4bwbhwQ_NMctmFw2kXXTjyN-Yehik8oPXT0V9Q/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Foxgloves soon made the garden look a bit more cheerful, and although the wet summer soaked things, autumn brought some spectacular colours </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">especially on our Chinese Rowan tree, which I found several years ago as a tiny seedling, and managed to coax it to full adulthood!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP4mhyphenhyphenO11qQ8jcKAQPX2smMsHG0mSxer-jSWiotQh3JfyBokCM63B6S5f7BbET3WstbKe5jqSQ-UdYbaNg9W0RBLZyDMJajipkKrR7mvBc8RzXT4s5v5cMs97gj5n1MDTYCMN_CwLEqU/s1600/P1040120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP4mhyphenhyphenO11qQ8jcKAQPX2smMsHG0mSxer-jSWiotQh3JfyBokCM63B6S5f7BbET3WstbKe5jqSQ-UdYbaNg9W0RBLZyDMJajipkKrR7mvBc8RzXT4s5v5cMs97gj5n1MDTYCMN_CwLEqU/s1600/P1040120.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It continued to rain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKChQ77EISXR-jhdyP_VPPqpLUyqr5oX1wPpiEfDJ_bfIqbxnG_z4DF-RAKUwcs_o5g3d0ukPhRegAb5JiXjqHX3xQ4X_TEKzhBcjRobuGlgWpmj0XUO7cWImS6-E989Ez2WYnAB4TM8/s1600/P1040186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKChQ77EISXR-jhdyP_VPPqpLUyqr5oX1wPpiEfDJ_bfIqbxnG_z4DF-RAKUwcs_o5g3d0ukPhRegAb5JiXjqHX3xQ4X_TEKzhBcjRobuGlgWpmj0XUO7cWImS6-E989Ez2WYnAB4TM8/s1600/P1040186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and by December, the shadows were long again over the Park on my morning walks with the dog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still, the days are getting longer now, and bulbs are coming up in the garden already. I have planted a lot of daffodils that were in troughs on the patio so I am hoping that some at least will come up and make themselves felt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love tulips, so I have got more planted in big containers on the patio, and have planted the ones that were there last year in the garden. Unfortunately I didn't make a note of where I put them, so I will have to have a good hunt round in April and May to see if any have survived a second year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't seem to get out much these days, put it down to old age, but I still go to Creative Writing classes. Well, classes is perhaps a misnomer, we are a very cheerful group of would-be writers and always have a good laugh! Does you good, laughing. Its been proved!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do leave a comment if you read this - its always good to know someone is there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy 2014!</span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-3453286475157878002013-12-24T14:06:00.001+00:002013-12-24T14:06:25.492+00:00CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE AGAIN!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, its Christmas Eve now, and I hope you are all ready for the occasion, and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2014.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will be on our own this Christmas, just the two of us, which means it probably won't be much different from any other day! But I insist on putting up a few decorations, plus all the cards we get, plus my little Nativity scene. This was made in Peru, and as well as Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus, includes a sheep and a very surprised llama!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dreadful weather the UK has been experiencing this week has mostly missed us by. We have had torrential rain, and very high winds, but it is sunny now, even if the wind is perishing cold! Hopefully the snow, which is forecast for Cumbria and the Pennines will pass us by!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So all I can do is to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year, and I promise to try and publish more blogs in 2014!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunrise taken earlier this month from the bedroom window</span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-64324940804875485942013-11-28T10:38:00.000+00:002013-11-28T10:38:50.300+00:00DULL DAYS OF NOVEMBER<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November days here have been rather dreary. Two spells in hospital, one involving an operation have meant I am unable to get out much. I can't even take the dog for a walk, so everything that is going on in the Park has to be relayed to me by a rather tired husband!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80MOjo5wkTpeyBYL44ERTmWErD9aWpwJYab0iiolcmOWbsxDQYv2GAKRlPIAQ5Hte1-uEVEbodKUStGStELa4Ya2t4SWKpL7IghEx-fyWZLjwCCN6gk_fMrLA88h2FQeoMl6NI_rnhNA/s1600/P1040146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80MOjo5wkTpeyBYL44ERTmWErD9aWpwJYab0iiolcmOWbsxDQYv2GAKRlPIAQ5Hte1-uEVEbodKUStGStELa4Ya2t4SWKpL7IghEx-fyWZLjwCCN6gk_fMrLA88h2FQeoMl6NI_rnhNA/s640/P1040146.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I came back from hospital the first time I was astounded by our Chinese Rowan Tree! In the week I had been away all the leaves had turned bright orangey red and the berries were scarlet. It stood out like a beacon and was absolutely amazing. The photograph doesn't really do it justice, but its hard to show the depth of colour.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER1NT0rJxLxzvFBNzM4fGHNCj_aTSK_Be0sOKdF9OMtKMRNMEcSgiAfnrPgRV8OjvMdnkxYDu3iykmONfj_afl_DLroc216uXgbFhLUge6eH-sQqfCdceQGmarBdFM93zOhyphenhyphen00i-kRkk/s1600/P1040152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER1NT0rJxLxzvFBNzM4fGHNCj_aTSK_Be0sOKdF9OMtKMRNMEcSgiAfnrPgRV8OjvMdnkxYDu3iykmONfj_afl_DLroc216uXgbFhLUge6eH-sQqfCdceQGmarBdFM93zOhyphenhyphen00i-kRkk/s640/P1040152.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a bit the leaves fell off, but the berries are still there - its looking rather Christmassy now! The birds are gradually getting interested, I think it will have to get a good deal colder before the blackbirds descend and strip the tree. Meanwhile, I enjoy looking at the berries!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBG6e-ADkTBhb1kek66gKhEVjmC5CieNNSm3CrhK5xTeNydCPC6t4gk3PHmSQHyZn9smxzmMJXOgZTK5ZdCqS3JubKaN6HwmZkZTxFzD2l3RIPq_SUulTn1PciO-cZhZu7FD9AWFvpk0/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBG6e-ADkTBhb1kek66gKhEVjmC5CieNNSm3CrhK5xTeNydCPC6t4gk3PHmSQHyZn9smxzmMJXOgZTK5ZdCqS3JubKaN6HwmZkZTxFzD2l3RIPq_SUulTn1PciO-cZhZu7FD9AWFvpk0/s640/IMG_2880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just to remind us that Spring will come again, this is a picture of some of the tulips I planted in pots last year. They were very bright and cheerful, and I saved the bulbs and have planted them again this year. They probably won't be as good, but a bit of brightness is what we need at all times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything now is geared towards Christmas - all the ads on TV, in papers and magazines and in the shops encourage us to gorge ourselves on chocolates and loads of sweet things. Recipes for ways of cooking turkey and ideas for other things fill the magazines. At first I felt quite hungry but now I don't want to see another picture of a huge turkey, brown and steaming, leering at me from the page. Mr.G and I will be by ourselves this Christmas, so we can enjoy it as we wish!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my followers - I don't deserve you, but thank you for hanging in there! </span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-33338074894643170962013-11-03T09:41:00.001+00:002013-11-03T09:41:52.395+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSXEpo0CKlolDQP8inOTQl58XCeV5y1U_CWFB6gU-fH93lnBGmmZk_FrVqQenvAHWDEJI7gGP8VG1b56yFnZHgHFN0IWo2Ncmvrl7YdHEYp4EiPoxcqsb7sR5qbuOXYBbeGqORdieJj4/s1600/P1040090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSXEpo0CKlolDQP8inOTQl58XCeV5y1U_CWFB6gU-fH93lnBGmmZk_FrVqQenvAHWDEJI7gGP8VG1b56yFnZHgHFN0IWo2Ncmvrl7YdHEYp4EiPoxcqsb7sR5qbuOXYBbeGqORdieJj4/s640/P1040090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel very guilty at not having posted here for so long - I am surprised if anyone still reads my blog! I have no real excuse, except that life, in all its rather tricky ways, has got in the way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The above photograph was taken in the summer, when the early morning sun slanted in the garden in a rather attractive way. Now alas, the early sun, if there is any, is from the other corner of the garden, and the sun stays low all day! There are a lot of tallish trees on our right hand side, which belong the the garden next door, which give shade most of the day now, so we don't get much sun. The house belongs to a very old lady, who, I suspect has no idea what the garden is like now. Oh well, maybe if her son comes over from Australia again, we can prevail upon him to trim the hedge/trees a bit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our holiday seems a long way away now. We occasionally think about booking another cruise, but we would like to go to the eastern Mediterranean this time, and that means flying to somewhere, like Venice, first. I've no objection to Venice, but the hassle of flying, or rather, actually getting on the the plane, rather puts me off. So we have decided, more or less, to wait until much nearer the time, see how we are healthwise, and then get a last minute, cheaper, holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Otherwise our family stays as it was. We still have the dog, who is as ever fixated on food, my daughter is moving house later this year, and our great granddaughter is now at proper school, being a "Rising 5". It just doesn't seem possible that time has gone so quickly!</span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-90488698123274861602013-09-23T10:22:00.001+01:002013-09-23T10:22:31.991+01:00HOLIDAY JOTTINGS - LISBON, OUR LAST PORT OF CALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My deepest apologies for any readers I have got left. I don't seem to have had the time to sit down to write a new blog lately, but as I am suffering from a bad cold now and want something simple (?) to do, I have got going at last!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last port of call was Lisbon, in Portugal. Going under the famous bridge was a close run thing for our big ship!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is the capital, but not a tremendously enormous city, so we bravely set out on our own to explore. Actually, we had been to Lisbon before, on our way to the Canary Islands, and enjoyed a coach ride round the city and a boat trip along the waterfront. When we were there before we found Lisbon to be a bustling, beautiful city, with lovely tiled pavements and squares, with fountains on roundabouts, in parks and all sorts of places.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time we took the shuttle bus into the city and were taken to a busy square, with buses trams, and a little market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The young man here was selling cheese - it all seemed to be one sort, but I couldn't discover more about it. I would have liked to buy some, but thought it might not travel well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to go to the Castle this time, and took a taxi as it seemed a rather steep walk up there. The taxi driver was a bit put out, but eventually took us up, through very narrow winding streets - very much the old part of Lisbon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Castle gateway had interesting stonework. Note the beggar on the left - I was rather surprised to see beggars in Lisbon. (The man on the right in a blue sweater is not a beggar - that's Mr.G!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Castles go, this one wasn't tremendously interesting, but the surrounds and gardens were old and rather lovely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As was the guardian cat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The views, however, were spectacular! that was the square where the shuttle bus went from, which encouraged us to walk down back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The square contained some rather tatty apartment buildings, with grass and plants growing in the gutters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking down was quite an experience, but a tremendously helpful and friendly man in a tile making shop drew us an accurate map of where to get an elevator down to the bottom. We would never have found this on our own. It was free, unmanned (luckily there was another, Portuguese, passenger with us!) and they were busy building another one alongside. We definitely saw a different side to Lisbon from last time, and I was glad we had made the effort to go out on our own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop, Southampton, and the coach home. We did say that would be our last cruise, but I have noticed Mr.G looking at brochures!</span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-91105621647330571812013-08-16T11:16:00.002+01:002013-08-16T11:16:54.606+01:00HOLIDAY JOTTINGS - GIBRALTAR <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At last! I have got round to posting about the end of our holiday. I am surprised there are any of you who still read me, but if you do, you are most welcome.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Palma we set sail to Gibraltar. Now I know a lot of people go for holidays to Gibraltar, and its got beaches, lots of sun and cheap booze, but I have to admit, I didn't like it! It just felt strange to me. Here it is, a big rock and surrounding land (a lot of it reclaimed from the sea) packed with white houses and biggish apartment blocks. There are palm trees all over the streets, and bougainvillea tumbling down balconies obviously a Spanish ambience, and then you come across a red British post box, or one of the old red telephone boxes In the High Street, there is Mothercare, Marks and Spencer, plus WH Smiths and other British High Street Stores, but in between, and seemingly every other shop is cameras and electronic stuff, leather goods, or alcohol is every shape or form. And cheap. Very cheap. I did indulge myself and buy a leather bag, small, just what I need when I don't want to take my ordinary big bag (purse to you across the pond!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approaching the Rock at dawn was spectacular!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did take a tour of the Rock. The views were amazing, and it was very interesting to hear about the history. The Rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels, made by successive armies, linking natural caves etc. It was used as a Hospital in WWII and as a shelter for the inhabitants when it was bombed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's our ship down there! And Spain across the Bay</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We saw the Apes, well you couldn't avoid them! They knew tourists fed them (although we were asked not to!) and were all over the mini-coaches before the driver had even got the brakes on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The caves were enormous, big enough for a concert hall inside! I didn't go inside, but Mr.G did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it was very hot there. We needed a restorative sit-down and cold drink! (No, that's not us over there!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was going to add Lisbon jottings, but it would make this post too long, so you will have to wait until next time! </span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-75352284488259090682013-07-29T09:52:00.000+01:002013-07-29T09:52:20.364+01:00HOLIDAY JOTTINGS - PALMA, MALLORCA<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next port of call was Palma. We had visited it years ago, and I was astonished at the building and change that had gone on since we were there. We moored quite a way from the town, and the journey in to the centre by the free shuttle bus was not only longer than I had thought it would be, but heavily built up all the way, with hotels, office blocks and blocks of flats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the bus dropped us more or less outside the Cathedral. The area there, and the park next to it was all on reclaimed land - when we were there it was beach! We decided to keep to the old town, neither of us wanted to go shopping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going towards the cathedral, we crossed the park, which had a large lake and fountain. The Spanish are very fond of water and fountains and here in front of the cathedral precinct, was no exception.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deciding that rather than aimless wandering around the old town, it would be better to have a definite place to aim for, I announced I wanted to see the Arab Baths. I honestly hadn't a clue what they were, except that I had read they were worth seeing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We walked along beside the cathedral, and then along the narrow streets, and finally arrived at the Arab baths, which had been well sign-posted, so I felt they were obviously a tourist attraction I was amazed when I got there. We went through a narrow passage and came out in a pretty walled garden, with four square plots of trees and plants. It wasn't very big, but was quite delightful. The entrance to the baths was narrow and keyhole shaped, and inside was a biggish sort of chimney shaped area, corbelled up to three holes in the roof. There were notices explaining how the baths worked, something like Roman baths, with warm, hot and cold areas. The arches that kept up the roof were beautiful, and in very good nick considering they had been there since the early 11th century!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all that sight-seeing, we wandered back and found a shady place to have lunch, then just walked round the marina and looked at the yachts. Some of them must have been worth millions of pounds!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then it was back to the ship, and a farewell look at the old town from the Port area as we set sail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop, Gibraltar!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-999964624933650022013-07-01T09:51:00.000+01:002013-07-01T09:51:15.798+01:00HOLIDAY JOTTINGS - SETE AND AIGUES-LES-MORTES, FRANCE<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next port of call was a small town called Sete, on the western end of the bit of France that borders the Mediterranean. We were pleased we were calling there, as one of the excursions went towards the Camargue, and we hoped to see birds and maybe, even, white horses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"White horses" on the waves were in evidence as we anchored outside Sete, and the swell was too great for the tenders to be used. We all waited a fidgety and anxious two hours before the swell had died down enough for us to board the tenders. Even so, it was a bit hairy as the ships went up and down, totally out of sync with each other!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The coach set off at a very brisk pace towards Aigues-les-Mortes, a fortified medieval town on the edges of the Camargue, our destination. It was further than I had realised, but on the way we called at Grande Motte, a specially designed seaside town, with a big marina, beach and some very interesting-looking buildings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These were both taken as the coach went slowly past, and the guide told us that most buildings were built on a pyramid shape, partly because of the sandy nature of the ground there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got to Aigues-les-Mortes, the guide took us outside to show us the massive towers which are at each corner of the square town, and then we were more or less free to do our own thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a moat outside part of the walls, which were absolutely massive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You could walk along the ramparts. MrG went up there but not having a head for heights, and not fancying all those steps, I stayed firmly grounded!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The streets were narrow, with a gutter down the centre. Not hard to imagine the smells there would have been in medieval times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the windows had shutters, and I spotted this pretty curtain inside the window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a Sunday, the restaurants and cafes were full of big French families enjoying long, relaxed meals in the sun. It was almost impossible to find a place where we could get a snack, so we finally ended up with a gorgeous ice cream each. Then found somewhere selling sandwiches. Too late!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the coach journey there we saw a lot of the salt pans that were one of the principal industries in that area, and in many of the watery pans were big flocks of flamingoes! It was impossible for me to photograph them, partly because I was on the inside seat on the coach and partly because my camera does not have a very good zoom lens. So you will just have to imagine them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time - Mallorca!</span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-61207629442006619792013-06-22T12:07:00.000+01:002013-06-22T12:07:40.802+01:00HOLIDAY JOTTINGS - BARCELONA, SPAIN<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Alicante we went to Barcelona. Now, I have to say that mostly I didn't enjoy Barcelona. it was extremely crowded, very hot, and very busy. The traffic was horrendous! Added to which there was so much pollution that my eyes and nose just streamed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, having said all that, there were some very interesting and fascinating places we went to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Spanish are very fond of architectural structures on their roundabouts and road junctions. They also use statues and fountains. Makes the road scene much more interesting that Busy Lizzies trying to survive on British roundabouts - if you get that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are approaching Barcelona - you can just see the Gaudi church in the centre, and there is also another cruise ship there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes a change from flowers on a roundabout!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Famous "Ramblas". I loved the old houses with their balconies. There isd a pedestrian area in the centre, where all the market stalls are, plus all the pickpockets and small criminals! We were warned to take great care of our bags etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four stalls in the fantastic Market. Chillies, fruit spaces and dried fruits and nuts - I could have spent a fortune in there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There were lots of stalls selling fish, and lots of Spaniards buying them. I didn't know what half of them were called, much less how you would cook them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the fish were positively ugly!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The National Maritime Museum was very new, and mercifully cool. <br />The architecture inside was lovely, even if there weren't many exhibits</span>!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm not sure quite what this big ship was, whether it was a reconstruction or partly the original, but it wasa HUGE!! Mr. G obligingly stood in front of it for scale purposes!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the biggest, and hottest, squares in Barcelona, and where Mr. G lost me and went back to the ship without me! (You don't want to hear the rest!!)</span></div>
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-33254164581294204342013-06-17T09:30:00.000+01:002013-06-17T09:30:37.212+01:00HOLIDAY JOTTINGS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm really ashamed that I last posted so long ago! Why I still have followers I don't know, but I love you all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have just come back from what, I am sure, will be our last cruise. Mr.G got the dreaded norovirus and was confined to his cabin for 4 days! Luckily (?) we were at sea all those days, so he didn't miss anything. Meals were sent up to him, in a suitably delicate menu for recovering bodies, and the "Hit Squad" came in twice a day and disinfected us thoroughly! I soldiered on, with very rough seas across the Bay of Biscay, and administering TLC to husband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we eventually got into warmer and quieter waters, the sun came out, and Mr.G was released from his cabin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southampton Water, from our cabin window, a lovely, sparkling summer day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some very rough seas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sun at last came out.........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And people began to kipper themselves! Haven't they heard of sun cancer??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. That is Africa over there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first Port of call was Aliocante, on the Costa Blanca of Spain</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got off the Shuttle bus which ran into town, we found an open top bus, which went round the sights of Alicante for a very reasonable price.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spain is very fond of erecting statues and modern art on their roundabouts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bus took us up to the castle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which we wished we had got off and had a proper look at.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">\It was very hot, and we welcomed our iced and foaming glasses of beer with our lunch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spain has some marvellous paved pedestrian walks in all their towns, small and large, and some of them give a rather nauseous impression!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next stop was Barcelona and then onto Sete, in France, and Mallorca - but I'll save those for my next blog!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-13210495989349366442013-05-03T11:12:00.000+01:002013-05-03T11:13:41.056+01:00SPRING IS HERE AT LAST !<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its lovely to see the leaves on the trees and flowers blooming at long last, after the long, long winter we've had!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just outside our gate into the park this tree is looking gorgeous against the blue sky. I thought it was young leaves at first, but when I looked closely, it was flowers. Its some sort of Maple, so we will be getting little winged seeds everywhere soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Weeping Willow is looking fresh and green. Just behind there is a little island, and the female swan has been sitting on eggs there for ages. We are all waiting anxiously for cygnets to appear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the top end of the lake, the garden on the right hand side is private, belonging to a rather lovely house. Funny place for a house, right in the middle of a public park, but I daresay there is some historical reason for it! The house is up for sale, and I am hoping they respect the wildlife that take refuge in their garden. The willow tree fell down in the gales, but coots are nesting at the end, where it is right in the water. it would be a shame if they removed it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the house that is up for sale. There doesn't seem to be anyone living in it at the moment, but they may be just very quiet people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Council employees always keep the Park looking neat and tidy, and plant out loads of plants each summer and autumn. Usually they have six beds of pansies, which last year looked fantastic, but this year were clobbered by the snow, ice, frost etc. However, the primulas have done very well, despite the weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's always something to look at in the park, which is just as well, as its about the only place where I take the dog for a walk! The leaves aren't on the big trees yet, but it is warmer and Spring has definitely come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-1716243894493339482013-04-13T15:54:00.000+01:002013-04-13T15:54:28.164+01:00SATURDAY MORNING AT LEEK MARKET<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sunny Saturday morning tempted us out at last after all the dreadful cold weather! Leek is a small market town in Staffordshire, and has a good Flea Market on Saturdays. It's about a half hour journey from home, and though we knew perfectly well its higher than we are, being in Staffordshire Moorlands, I was amazed to find that there were still big piles of snow at the roadside on the highest, twistiest bit of road. It must have been very bad up there, where the road was on the north side of the hill, and I suppose never saw the sun. I would have liked to have taken a photograph, but I was driving at the time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The market is held in the Market Square (where else??) and there are stalls selling all sorts of items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things for the garden...............</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMc4D0A1LBpvP8uxjgpa5035rmtfxuOcSDBksTtLyQLWT-XtSK2_-k6rU-IE4hWlYfvAF4GO3QOtXR1zrqmYeunqsXz214aReV5QhQBH3coFvEhZbqO1pdhPot0Fy3iceu3_5apHMGVs/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMc4D0A1LBpvP8uxjgpa5035rmtfxuOcSDBksTtLyQLWT-XtSK2_-k6rU-IE4hWlYfvAF4GO3QOtXR1zrqmYeunqsXz214aReV5QhQBH3coFvEhZbqO1pdhPot0Fy3iceu3_5apHMGVs/s400/IMG_2864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things for the cook (and that the biggest colander I have ever seen!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bits of linen clothes and lace.........</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha49yA0wxEXD55OruiXh5odGj8q3AGPafzZP0q9DLz6HaN8FjyUKpMtHplgxCLoqp6CW2HuMKpwRysXTxhLzAQ65_m7ZkIeOrGHovVK4cWCbKgZNcgpYl-_OmCwY8clHhxtZPkXqCl93Y/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha49yA0wxEXD55OruiXh5odGj8q3AGPafzZP0q9DLz6HaN8FjyUKpMtHplgxCLoqp6CW2HuMKpwRysXTxhLzAQ65_m7ZkIeOrGHovVK4cWCbKgZNcgpYl-_OmCwY8clHhxtZPkXqCl93Y/s400/IMG_2867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All sorts of cutlery...............</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBYX8AHCUxzX1wiHirFGZq22LnPuJbFbPp-FKEylGMg5GZyP4zQJZ9Kl8D3TVH-Jp2IqVq0UDL5SuAhcu4m0NQsb-p_wRHtrIQSfovApFvbhm3IdtQ8eCecj4kLGD-ldNwZXX7yHfIGY/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBYX8AHCUxzX1wiHirFGZq22LnPuJbFbPp-FKEylGMg5GZyP4zQJZ9Kl8D3TVH-Jp2IqVq0UDL5SuAhcu4m0NQsb-p_wRHtrIQSfovApFvbhm3IdtQ8eCecj4kLGD-ldNwZXX7yHfIGY/s400/IMG_2866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just all sorts. There were also "bits for the boys" like model soldiers, tools, a jumble of keys, hooks, washers, grommets and things I don't know the names of, but I didn't shoot those!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHPwSf_qRGYC_7AeNFY0x375KMeG5Eq0V_dm7l7yKndEGXTOZQEOenzUQ_QbzvOrG-v-VEnyc_9JReE5-rbKMMgx4xID77-XBsKqefzFaUcMnFtkf972tuZXJpu30AycCiIOSQFETwyo/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHPwSf_qRGYC_7AeNFY0x375KMeG5Eq0V_dm7l7yKndEGXTOZQEOenzUQ_QbzvOrG-v-VEnyc_9JReE5-rbKMMgx4xID77-XBsKqefzFaUcMnFtkf972tuZXJpu30AycCiIOSQFETwyo/s400/IMG_2871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a good Greengrocer, who flows out into the market place with a couple of stalls, and where I saw these really yummy eggs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside in the old Butter Market, these are lots of permanent stalls, books, needlecraft, cheese, fish - you name it. There is also an old painting on the wall, presumably showing the merchants trading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was very difficult taking photographs inside, so I went out, bought two packs of strawberries, three mangoes and some new potatoes from Cyprus, which are a sort I particularly like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weighed down with this lot I went back to the car, where I met Mr.G who was laden with books, and we drove gently home to lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although we found it tiring, I really enjoyed it, as I haven't been out much all winter, and it was really good to see the countryside again, even if there wasn't a breath of green along the hedge and there was still snow in the fields. But there were lots of lambs around, so maybe the farmers didn't have the really bad experiences farmers elsewhere did.</span></div>
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Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-64436141441542826242013-03-26T15:14:00.000+00:002013-03-26T15:14:51.929+00:00SPRING DISAPPEARED AND WINTER CAME BACK!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAKnGUAytM_vbNjnKAo0xoOEf_i1m7tv6GlurFz1xFeZrD04AANvN4pQURfzANvWZVXieIf_W2V83SzZQ4a-IibvgpZy5HmoVs1iCWLRadzu4Ft77FF2Vd5OubwVLApAerRSwhrjrnfc/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAKnGUAytM_vbNjnKAo0xoOEf_i1m7tv6GlurFz1xFeZrD04AANvN4pQURfzANvWZVXieIf_W2V83SzZQ4a-IibvgpZy5HmoVs1iCWLRadzu4Ft77FF2Vd5OubwVLApAerRSwhrjrnfc/s320/IMG_2837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Winter has still got a grip on us here in the North West of the UK. And in other parts too - out of the town there are snowdrifts and blocked roads. The pictures on TV look horrendous. Luckily we have gas and electricity, and all the roads are free, certainly in the town. My Tesco (supermarket) order came early, as the delivery man said some orders had been cancelled as the roads to Buxton, across the moors, were blocked with snow.<br />
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But this time last year we were basking in hot sunshine, wondering if anything in our garden would grow if the hot weather continued. But of course, it didn't and it was the wettest and coldest summer on record for I don't know how many years! And now we have the coldest March and the coldest Easter for some years to make the record books. Though I can remember, when my daughter was much younger, that we had snow at Easter, and we actually went sledging on Easter Monday. That was very early April.<br />
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Those That Know tell us it is all due to global warming, and the loss of Arctic ice has somehow pushed the jet stream further south, which is why we are dragging cold air from Siberia down to here. And global warming is also blamed for the hurricanes like Sandy, and the droughts/floods/cold in the USA.<br />
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I can't see any reason to doubt these Scientists. I know there are those who say its all a natural cycle, and so it may be, but I am sure the human race has speeded it up a lot. I try and do my bit towards all this, but its hard sometimes to know what is right - saving on one thing seems to involve using a lot of something else which is more dangerous!<br />
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But whatever the reason for the cold spell, I wish it would pack its bags and go away! I am tired of negotiating slippery ice-covered paths in the Park, or having to walk on the grass. (Did that yesterday and fell into a small snow drift!) I want Spring back, with Summer on the way, so I can pack away all my winter woollies, most of which are now wearing out, and look several pounds thinner in lighter clothes!<br />
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Happy Easter to you all!Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-11157124479267152742013-03-11T09:54:00.000+00:002013-03-11T09:54:44.251+00:00SPRING !I always think Spring is just around the corner when the crocuses come out. At the end of our garden, under an apple tree, we have a little group that come out, usually first - before the ones nearer the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MjNI_YDRI0m0vaTjDucTzEsm4cKtaWhuFAs8IL4-rk9RfrzK0gsXvk1Le4gvE0ilztprfvCah-8sy7LtL4zpqvQyRQuFbEk2ADN1il-LSCnzBnqM2cBOBE2uK42NR19tCOFEmJ-9xeM/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MjNI_YDRI0m0vaTjDucTzEsm4cKtaWhuFAs8IL4-rk9RfrzK0gsXvk1Le4gvE0ilztprfvCah-8sy7LtL4zpqvQyRQuFbEk2ADN1il-LSCnzBnqM2cBOBE2uK42NR19tCOFEmJ-9xeM/s320/IMG_2823.JPG" /></a><br />
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The ones nearer the house are unfortunately under the bird feeders, and so tend to get trampled down by blackbirds and wood pigeons looking for bits that have been dropped. Also by big furry paws - our dog cannot tell a flower bed from a nice well-cut lawn!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bLswvJO6MZNhshIaghw-HgAiGqqNVd7frBtEur6vWOst91jJEWa_6z3aZjoXG9uUigq2OjP27s3sOTjEdhOIZjtiG5WBKv5Pv8mGCHhTUGRF0jiSMbjwrmFcHf2Ua5eXtpWuK0Yleak/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bLswvJO6MZNhshIaghw-HgAiGqqNVd7frBtEur6vWOst91jJEWa_6z3aZjoXG9uUigq2OjP27s3sOTjEdhOIZjtiG5WBKv5Pv8mGCHhTUGRF0jiSMbjwrmFcHf2Ua5eXtpWuK0Yleak/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" /></a><br />
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I can never decide whether I prefer the white and purple striped ones........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScJj6o_tTBCYCSwpiBwHB4T9rr_m3OTMJRiIma6k3IQe4SHKOnZd1cOJ8OTRxBqoiBJjMhwwBGOyBEYYs0LvRqUxwyhw-BpNCrhaTH89pcwZbYpe7r3gpH99Furw4_jhivvvuhCKmjIY/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScJj6o_tTBCYCSwpiBwHB4T9rr_m3OTMJRiIma6k3IQe4SHKOnZd1cOJ8OTRxBqoiBJjMhwwBGOyBEYYs0LvRqUxwyhw-BpNCrhaTH89pcwZbYpe7r3gpH99Furw4_jhivvvuhCKmjIY/s320/IMG_2822.JPG" /></a><br />
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.........or the big purple ones. So I make sure I have both.<br />
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Gardening-wise, I have done a bit of pruning, rescued some daffodils in danger of being dug up/trampled on as Mr.G did a bit of gardening work, and studied the bulbs in pots and troughs. Which are rather slow coming up. However, the daffodils I planted on Boxing Day are coming up nicely, though the 40 free ones Mr.G brought home from the Garden Centre, and which got planted at the right time, are rather dilatory in appearing!<br />
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I have some beautiful flowers indoors, which my daughter brought me for Mothering Sunday (I much prefer the old, and correct name, rather than Mother's Day!!) plus some daffodils from Church. The children, rather over enthusiastically sometimes, make sure every woman in the church has a bunch to take home. No enquiries made as to motherhood status! Which is really as it should be, I think. Nothing is more embarrassing for a single woman, apart from teenagers maybe, to have to stand whilst all around her clutch flowers!<br />
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I will be glad to get home this afternoon to enjoy my flowers - I have a dental appointment to look forward to first!<br />
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Spring will soon be here - and Easter as well! Then surely the year will turn the corner into some sun and warmth?Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-72499891655267769652013-02-26T11:50:00.000+00:002013-02-26T11:50:11.009+00:00CHECKING IN ........If I don't get a new post up, you will all think (those of you that are left) that I have given up! But I am still here, though not doing very much.<br />
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We had some lovely sunny days last week, or maybe the week before, and the Park really looked good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXs3J6OV8kfHu9_NvZ8UM48Xa2yETgzZpg06yp6mTtfiCWtPs5MqwretfiVKcAdjQvbLDVYfKHOyKbYrvRgGMTVjmmEb67meLOQBTgkUrZG-fuH6bSyP-crZeYYLdt_VyKMXPT1xP4Ko/s1600/IMG_2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXs3J6OV8kfHu9_NvZ8UM48Xa2yETgzZpg06yp6mTtfiCWtPs5MqwretfiVKcAdjQvbLDVYfKHOyKbYrvRgGMTVjmmEb67meLOQBTgkUrZG-fuH6bSyP-crZeYYLdt_VyKMXPT1xP4Ko/s320/IMG_2813.JPG" /></a><br />
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I noticed there is a big mob of gulls on the lake. They fight and squabble for the food that people give to the ducks, but they do look good, wheeling against a blue sky. Of course, when I was there with my camera, they just sat on the water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBHLg046HOddb4QjL44H_svFXbue9iessKBlDLxztFFFx7UL9mxbhTEYp0ZtVODV4AJSLGPW61f8zu_9qWH9FhSL-hQ7wIAfkAUQIrcpNgkinCMgCgFID0t24KTRLok4x-keBh6Qrc-k/s1600/IMG_2816.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBHLg046HOddb4QjL44H_svFXbue9iessKBlDLxztFFFx7UL9mxbhTEYp0ZtVODV4AJSLGPW61f8zu_9qWH9FhSL-hQ7wIAfkAUQIrcpNgkinCMgCgFID0t24KTRLok4x-keBh6Qrc-k/s320/IMG_2816.JPG" /></a><br />
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The swans were feeding on the grass by the picnic area. I was a bit wary of them, having Max with me but he was on a lead and took no notice of them. And the swans more or less ignored us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuWqf_ac4BMAw7RzEyeT2F4CUY7h9xDwNfYQ2DWWhi4f1ycV_m7dFR5i-yMZk_obTMwalh9Kjl5Rk5DTk_0Mt666EMR4K1fkICcBHGUWd9pLJA3c38QWpwbZE1ROc9ojghE6r8VltQjA/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuWqf_ac4BMAw7RzEyeT2F4CUY7h9xDwNfYQ2DWWhi4f1ycV_m7dFR5i-yMZk_obTMwalh9Kjl5Rk5DTk_0Mt666EMR4K1fkICcBHGUWd9pLJA3c38QWpwbZE1ROc9ojghE6r8VltQjA/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" /></a><br />
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My daughter gave me an Amaryllis for Christmas, and it has grown really fast. The second stalk is very high, I measured it this morning and its 31ins. high, which is 80cms to you metric people! The first one was about the same.<br />
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The flowers are very unusual, delicately coloured, and pointy rather than big and blowsy! I think they are very beautiful.<br />
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I am hoping the weather will soon get warmer. I find I am disinclined to go out when it involves coats, scarves, gloved and an extra layer or two! I also tend to get house-bound, and can't even get myself out to social meetings. I still go off to my Creative Writing Group, where we all have a laugh, read out what we have written and generally enjoy ourselves. I have also rejoined a Church Group of Elderly Ladies who have talks, or knit squares for blankets and just chat. It is a very gentle time, and very restful, whilst still being able to meet other people and chat. I have also gone back to the church the group belongs to on the occasional Sunday morning. I would like to keep this up. At least they have chairs and not the Victorian pews, that I can't sit in for more than 10 minutes, that my Church of England is stuck with!<br />
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Thank you to all those of you who read my blogs (including <a href="http://gillymaccsphotos.blogspot.com"my Photographic one at this link></a>)<br />
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Do leave a comment, I love hearing from you!<br />
Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-6518550087897657312013-01-31T12:00:00.000+00:002013-01-31T12:00:53.317+00:00WEATHERWISE...............We've had a fair old mixture! We've had snow, ice, and rain, rain, rain! But life goes on,and apart from an emergency hospital admission (which is why this post is very much overdue, I'm fine!<br />
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The snow looked very pretty from the bedroom windows.<br />
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And the tree in our front garden looked quite spectacular with the contrast between the snow and the branches.<br />
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We put lots of food out for the birds, but the squirrels were apt to come and steal it! This one was right outside my kitchen window on the water butt!<br />
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This morning when I took the dog for a walk, the park seems under water! It had rained so hard during the night, and we had had hail and thunder as well.<br />
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On the plus side, the tulip bulbs are coming up in my pots, and the daffodils are showing signs of stirring! The ones that didn't planted until Christmas so far haven't sent out the tiniest shoot!<br />
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I'll get things planted early, next year! But Spring is definitely on the way!<br />
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Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-77507582800727890632013-01-14T10:51:00.000+00:002013-01-14T10:51:27.997+00:00SUNNY AND FROSTY SUNDAY IN THE PARK<br />
For once the grey cloud lifted, the sun came out - albeit a bit hazy - and the Park sprang to life.<br />
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Ducks were being fed -<br />
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and the gulls were screeching trying to get some of the scraps!<br />
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And the swans were doing whatever it is swans do in the reed bed!<br />
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and the play ground was full of excited children.<br />
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There were also small children on scooters and slightly larger children on bicycles - all of them a bit of a hazard to a dog on a long lead with no sense at all. Lots of dog walkers, throwing balls and sticks, and LOTS of dogs! I would have taken photographs of the children, as they looked rather good, but I thought people might think me a bit, well, weird, if I did that.<br />
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So I came home and tried to take a photograph of a blue tit on the fat we have put out. Its not the best photo I have ever taken!<br />
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Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-56972156822726349842013-01-07T10:32:00.001+00:002013-01-07T10:32:11.991+00:00HAPPY NEW YEAR !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dINIJvK4OFC2ZxHNPMr1TueSFHOnMDKnkIEC0v3KI8Alk1c4yFm1WWPn9cKmW3N17DmyBf2d2Zw_Z0XA2ocxKAbZkLJLxzHwaiGhiTglU7J3WqsirbDZy3Af9b5a3mPQfiXnExvtJGU/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="272" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dINIJvK4OFC2ZxHNPMr1TueSFHOnMDKnkIEC0v3KI8Alk1c4yFm1WWPn9cKmW3N17DmyBf2d2Zw_Z0XA2ocxKAbZkLJLxzHwaiGhiTglU7J3WqsirbDZy3Af9b5a3mPQfiXnExvtJGU/s400/IMG_0568.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I thought I had better get on with wishing everyone a Happy new Year, or before we know it I will be saying "Happy Easter"!<br />
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There's nothing like this blossom yet, but I'm posting it so that we can all cheer ourselves up with thinking what is coming when Spring arrives.<br />
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Well, I do hope so. We've all had such odd, unusual and really nasty weather last year, that we can only hope and pray that it gets better this year! Though with all the grim warnings of more extreme weather coming, and jet streams and the like moving around, I'm not getting out my bikini yet (as if I did!!)<br />
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I hope you all had a good Christmas. We were very quiet, and unable to have a family Christmas this year, but it was still nice.<br />
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I walked round our garden this morning, and found a lot of bulbs coming up, new shoots peeking out of the ground, and a Robin singing his heart out not two feet away from me! I planted a lot of bulbs in pots this year, but have several little pots where I planted some bulbs that were over and some that Mr.G got free from the Garden Centre. Now I can't remember what I've planted where! The two biggest pots I know have Tulips in and a big trough has little early daffodils, but the others are a bit of a mystery. Looks like I will be having a surprise when they come out!<br />
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I hope 2013 will be a really good year for you all!Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078590763703071653.post-91829382383588160492012-12-23T15:24:00.000+00:002012-12-23T15:24:46.989+00:00HAPPY CHRISTMAS!A very Happy Christmas to you all - that is if I have any readers left!<br />
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We went to the "Treacle Market" this morning, which took on a good Christmassy air, even if there was a very brisk and chilly wind a-blowing!<br />
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We went fairly early, by the time we were ready to come home, it was heaving! There were a lot of foodie stalls:-<br />
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This man always has beautifully fresh vegetables. There were also bread stalls, with 'artisan' bread, gorgous-looking loaves with nuts, fruits, onion, garlic in (not altogether!) and foccaccia, ciabattam everything you can think of. The loaves are lovely, but from experience we know that they go stale very quickly, are absolutely huge, and there are only two of us! So we came away with a mini pannetone!<br />
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There were various fast food stalls:-<br />
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If you couldn't get what you want here I would be very surprised!<br />
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And there were lots of craft stalls, stalls with pictures and odds and ends, and a couple of book stalls, where I found three books, one of which will be a present for one of the gardening women in my family!<br />
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So now its nearly Christmas. It will be very quiet this year, as we are on our own.<br />
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Happy Christmas to you all!<br />
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Gillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00322140697547406511noreply@blogger.com6