it shouldn't happen...

Neighbour is vulnerable as she's blind and elderly, also, her health isn't good.
So, when neighbour's lads kicked a ball which broke her window, it was a very nasty shock.
Looking at it, the damage has been done probably by a ball of some sort. I think they ought to get rid of the footie nets as they are obviously rubbish at football!

Today, someone from the police service is due to interview her. She was too ill and distressed to contact them when incident happened.
She contacted a number of local police forces, the nearest police station is closed, only 'manned' part-time. The next one she contacted weren't interested because it wasn't a priority!
Hooray for St. Helens police! They class her as vulnerable, they promised to send someone to interview / talk to her and gave her a crime number to tell the insurance company. She's promised to phone afterwards and tell me what happens.

This shot shows the lads' garden (age late teens / early twenties), set up more as a playground than a garden!

Contrast it with neighbour's garden...

Hers is a very productive garden and greenhouse.

Thinking ahead...

Next Fun Monday's about...
Brand names which make life easy...Hm...that's some ask...

Here across the Pond we're not as into brand names as other parts of the World.

To quote Douglas Adams "I may have to think for a while"...

Spoof brands thanks to 'Auntie' which is a term of endearment for the 'good, old' 'Beeb' aka BBC.

Brand names make life more difficult when they insist upon re-branding, usually thanks in no small part to our neighbours in Europe.


'Marathon' was a chocolate bar confection, re-branded to become 'Snickers'. Ludicrous to folk here as 'snicker' means a half-smothered laugh, aka silent laughter. 'I'd like a silent laughter chocolate bar'...

needles, hooks and things crafty

A neighbour taught me to knit before I was old enough to start school. Mother taught me sewing and I taught myself crochet.
However, D's got a thing about such crafts being a waste of time! Hence, he's none too pleased that I'm crafting for charity.

In my time I've knitted Intarsia and Aran patterns, crocheted granny squares, blankets, tops, doilies and curtains.

My latest project has an owl theme (based upon Aran cables). If you search Ravelry you'll come across lots of patterns. 
Check out Flickr too for pix of Aran inspired owls.

Am working with double-pins, something I've not done for many a year. Happily rediscovering skills I thought I'd lost.

Shoes, sandals aka footwear

My all time favorite SHOES...Mariposa saves Fun Monday!

if this had been a few years ago, I would have shown pix of shoes with 3 inch heels.

One torn ligament later, high-heeled shoes are a big No! No!

Today it's walking sandals, hiking boots and my faves Chung Shi shoes.

They have negative heels and are superbly comfortable. Pricey? Yes! But, they last and last and last.
This is when I admit, I always buy in the sales!

Pix to follow...

 Yes, well-worn...time to order some more perhaps...

 I wander round the house barefoot or in sandals, I dislike having my feet covered up...
I ordered my new shoes online yesterday...and...they arrived today! That's truly amazing as  our postal 'service' is erratic, to put it mildly. Especially as they came postage free. Usually if free postage is the option of choice, goods can take 7-10 working days to arrive.

August 1st

A great brouhaha in the media, as Yorkshire celebrates it's 25th 'Yorkshire Day' and 'good luck to 'em'.

This has got me reminiscing and musing about history and in particular Lancashire my county.
27th November 1295, King Edward I summoned Lancashire's representatives to attend Parliament.

Another historical fact...the Queen of England is the Duke of Lancaster...  The 'Loyal Toast (at official banquets) is "The Queen, Duke of Lancaster". It's even listed in Debrett's as one of the loyal toasts approved by the Queen.

Large tracts of the County of Lancaster are part of the Royal Estates. (The Duchy of Lancaster).

In 1262, Henry III granted lands to his son Edmund.
1395, Henry Bollingbroke became King of England and the lands in North West England, Duchy of Lancaster

Paddington Bear

a much-loved character from children's literature.

Neighbour's involved me in knitting and crocheting for charity. (Royal National Institute of Blind people)RNIB fund raising.
M has been doing charitable works for them for many years. I've only begun to get to know her recently even tho' she lives nearby.
For many years the people occupying the house between us and her have not been friendly (to say the least).
Our new neighbour is lovely, we get on well. She it was who introduced M. Now, passers-by often see 3 or 4 of us grouped together, laughing and chatting. (Rather like times past when neighbours used to stand and 'camp' at front doors).
'Camp' in local 'twang' means a sociable gathering, chit-chat.
My 'D' is a keen gardener and in the past year has begun to help our two neighbours with their gardens.
Returning to Paddington Bear, M has been knitting Paddington and I volunteered to knit his duffel coat,
Today, I finished and Paddington's complete apart from his Wellingtons and suitcase,
M's truly inspiring not just for her works...she's registered blind.

Gisburn Renault advert

'Gisburn was chosen for having no new Meganes, being quintessentially British, and for having a relatively quiet social scene,'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1298645/Villagers-fury-French-mock-English-village-new-car-advert.html#ixzz0vHxmgwcN

The laugh is on our 'friends' across the Channel.

If they'd really done their research, they might have realised that in the area 4x4s are popular vehicles.(aka Chelsea taxis)

A place where people tend to drive BMWs, Mercedes and such like.

In that rural area a small car would be of little use especially when lanes are bank high with snow in winter.

squashed

Mammograms are 'necessary' yet unpleasant. This time all went well, and now there's a fortnight's wait for results.
The machine used is antwacky and has a vice-like grip. Hence the title 'squashed.
You had to be over 50 to be called in for check-ups. I missed being called up when I turned 50 by one week. Rather than wait 3 years, I paid for a private check-up. That's how I found out how old-fashioned and unpleasant the NHS machines are.
Radiographer told me next time they'd have a new machine, a digital one! Hope they make the vice-like grip more gentle.
Had to chuckle to myself when radiographer said digital images 'not as good' as films.
Here's hoping for an 'all clear' in a fortnight and gentler machinery in future.

return of Fun Monday! I hope so

Mariposa has set the theme
                            'It's all about friendship'

Friendship comes in many forms from the quick smile that lights up someone's face when you meet, the friend at the click of a mouse, childhood friends, friends of friends the list goes on.

There are 'friends' you might have because they are useful to them and they to you. A contact list of people to ask about...finding, doing and general how do I?

There are past colleagues who count themselves as friends (Christmas cards only.)

Another, won't get in contact, but expects to be contacted!

Then there's my 'let's go to the theatre' friend. So we do and it's enjoyable, apart from the travelling. But, Manchester is a city to visit by train, not by car.
Our next trip is to see Les Miserables next month.

Some 'click of the mouse friends' have built up a good rapport, it's always a pleasure to read about their doings, comings and goings FM participants in particular (smile).

Thank you Mariposa for rescuing Fun Monday.

July morphs to August

End of July and gardening continues apace.
We brought back new strawberry plants from Cornwall and have planted them in growing bags and they are on staging in the greenhouse.
Planning for September and a new crop of fruit.

The fuchsias are at their best and heavy with flowers. One fuchsia in particular is attracting lots of bees.

Took my camera, for once fully charged and ready, and managed to capture some images.

There are few roses but it's still worth capturing their faded beauty.

Now, the runner beans are ready to crop...

To think, at first the Victorians would grow them for their flowers!

Here I go again

Time for another update, since I seem to have omitted to do any posting lately.
Here's a few photographs as an update...

Meet Boris, a small pooch with big attitude! Unfortunately, his owners have omitted to train him (sigh). So he charges hell-for-leather at the gate, 'shouting' barking as loudly as he can and runs pell-mell into it.

Charlie cat is an altogether different individual. He lives up the lane with Maisie the garden cat and Molly the house cat. Haven't yet managed to get close-ups of either yet.

Never realised how loud donkeys can be when they bray. This one looks rather laid back. Perhaps it was another that caused the noise!

But, this one too looks docile...

This guy is taller than he seems, I used the telephoto lens as he'd rather inconsiderately decided to remain at the top of the hill.

4th July

Can't help but post something on the auspicious day!
Happy 4th July to all across the Pond!
Jogging my memory-banks I found I knew little about this date in history.
(Shame on me)

The idea of big, big celebrations springs to mind...but what's the origin, I ask myself.

4th July, 1776
Congress declared (unanimously) the Thirteen United States of America!

This being depicted even today by the flag having 13 stripes.

So, for the first time I've found the Declaration and read through it word by word. An amazing piece of Literature, historic, authoritative and to use modern parlance...Life Affirming.

To think that over here (Blighty) we have no such nor similar document. The closest we get (I think) is the Magna Carta or Great Charter that the Barons forced the King to sign.

17th June 1215

At Junior school we did a very brief outline of the Grand Charter, so as am having a 'finding out' day; I've downloaded a copy of it to read.
I hadn't realised what a lengthy document it is.

The two documents are so different from one another!

The Declaration is as relevant today as when it was written.
The Magna Carta is truly an historic document, but also a snapshot of Medieval life.

So, if you have time and inclination, why not do as I did and read both documents (smile).

It's been a good year for the roses...

Now, as roses leave the 'stage' the fuchsias add colour to the garden. But, I'll miss the roses for their fragrance and colour.

Flowers appear on the runner beans...

Soon it'll be time to pick beans fresh from the garden...

Already we are serial cropping the salad veg (lettuces, radishes and cucumbers)

Strawberries

June is the month for fresh strawberries. They grow unhindered, allowed to roam freely through the rose beds. Fewer fall prey to birds and slugs than if they had their own patch. The downside being you need to be careful when harvesting or you end up with hands/arms full of thorns.
This year with the prolonged sunny weather after copious rainfall has been ideal growing weather. Far too many strawberries to eat fresh...but I won't freeze them as to me it's such a waste.

Instead, I got out the rumtopf and layered alternate 1lb strawbs /cane sugar then filled with dark rum. Covered to prevent access by flies and made sure the fruits were well immersed in the rum.

Leave for a minimum of 3 months, top up with fresh fruit such as nectarine slices and more rum if required. My intention is to wait until Christmas before sampling the resulting rich liqueur. Some people remove the fruit and dispose of it! Daft thing to do as it makes a base for very alcoholic trifles and other fruit desserts.

Alas and alack

Fun Monday has ceased... Hope it'll reawaken, relaxed and rejuvenated some time in the future.
Guess with the summer weather (phew) and busy times folk are having difficulty blogging let alone participating in Fun Monday.
Hoping against hope to see FM back in it's rightful place after the summer???

June glorious June

Now the garden becomes a blaze of colour in the rose-beds and along the wall. Today, I spent a happy time with camera photographing roses. What a pity I cannot share with you their wonderful fragrance...

From palest pink to



deep, velvety red



Most are F1 hybrid tea roses or climbers...

Then there are the various rich yellows, oranges, pale creams and bi-colours...

Sombre

This week's FM takes on a sombre outlook, courtesy of the Church Lady

Hello all!

I am hosting Fun Monday for May 31st and since here in the states we are observing Memorial Day, the assignment is to post a photo of something patriotic or post a photo honoring a veteran.
Most towns and villages in the UK have War Memorials, which were erected in memory of the fallen. They were set up to remember the sacrifices of the Great War (WWI). Then the lists of names were added of those lost in WWII.

In my home-town the memorial is in the grounds of the Castle (ruined keep).

A soldier stands with head bowed and rifle reversed.

Debs Fun Monday

Debs of 1crazystitcher says: We all eat it. We all have the kind we like and the kind we dislike. What are some of your favorite foods? Which food do you find disgusting? Have a recipe you want to share?

Been off-line for fortnight so late catching up/joining in. Thank you to Debs for setting our topic this week.
Fave foods? All the stuff that's a moment on the lips but lifetime on your hips, of course...
Just returned from the West Country where Cornish clotted cream comes from. (licks lips)
Yes, I can now buy it at home, but it's too tempting.
Recipe (courtesy of himself) (quick n easy)
Fresh raspberries, Vanilla ice cream and pouring cream layered in a sundae glass. Topped off with Cointreau.

Another ice-cream fave is Vanilla ice cream, cream with Advocaat.
Yes, I like my ice cream with a drop of something alcoholic but not too much.

The 'yucky' 'disgusting' category has got to be dessicated coconut! Fresh coconut from the shell is delicious, creamed coconut goes well in curry and Thai food.

Other yucky foods include rabbit, frogs legs and things in shells such as whelks and mussels.

No pix or photies today, my cameras have yet to be unpacked.
Happy Fun Monday everyone!

P.S.
Debs now has a new Fun Monday blog

Fun Mondays many thanks and...

A big thank you to Thom and Debs for their kind offer to host Fun Monday.

Please host May 17th Thom?
Debs would you please host May 24th?

Fun Monday May 10th

Fun is the theme this week. Toys, games and pass-times. If like me you have pets, and/or children which are their favourite toys? Photos please... Or what are your favourite pass-times?

I've suggested a broad topic, hoping you'll play along with me.


Zaq's latest toy, meant for chewing; hopefully he'll leave other stuff alone.


Many thanks to all participants. Please take a look at the following... (Enjoy!)

1. Debs (1crazystitcher)

2. Sayre (Sayresmiles)

3. Jan (the Prytz Family)

4. Thom (Thom's Place)

5. Lynn (ladybug-chronicles)

6. Faye (Summit musings) take a look at Faye's posting, her paintings are a 'must see'

7. Gattina (Writer cramps) Gattina's cat Rosie is a very clever cat indeed

8. The Church Lady

9. Shakira

After a few days!


Chewed by a happy doglet (smile)

Another new toy, which ought to last a bit longer...
Tough toy meant for chewing (see below)...



A Big
Thank You
to everyone that took part.

Volunteer needed for next week, please...
Fun Monday 17th May

New to us

Time for a change... It all came together as they say...


Okay the sign might say Bailey, but our new caravan is an Avondale. Four-berth with a proper bedroom (luxury).

View of the front area and seating.

Now we have a full cooker (don't anyone expect full roast dinners tho')

All Avondale's have a drinks cabinet...
View looking towards the rear...
The bedroom and shower room are thro' the doorway.

Below is a view of our old caravan...we've had it for 12 years so it must be 16 years old.

Fun Monday up close

Sayre hosts Fun Monday!
It's a photo challenge - I want to see your pet(s) up close and personal...

When Harry met Lady...

So, let's start a while ago, when Zaq was small and only a few weeks old.


Favourite girlie 'Lady' by name and by nature...



closer, come closer!


Oh am tired...yawn!!!


Just look at me now...all grown up

In at the deep end

Just a quick note to say I'm taking the plunge!

Finally decided to have a go at setting a topic for Fun Monday.

Sticking with tradition I'll post the show n tell info on Wednesday.
Please join in with me.

Any takers for the following Monday??? I do hope so...
Please visit Sayre to let her know.

Late joining in Fun monday but...

"My question is, what do you drink in the morning, coffee, milk, tea, or something else ? and in what do you drink ? A cup or a mug or a bowl ?
Please show us a picture !"
Friendly, Gattina set the topic

Just a few...

My morning cuppa has to be coffee! Haven't been a tea drinker for many a year. First became regular coffee drinker at school (sixth form) and continued throughout college days.
For reasons I won't go into here, tea drinking is associated in my mind with funerals and nasty accidents.

Now to take pix of coffee cups/mugs something of which I have quite a collection.


The 'usual' cuppa coffee and glass of fruit juice to wake me up in the morning.

A recent addition and a favourite...

Fun Monday aka wash-day

Jan said
Everyone has laundry. Where do you do yours? Show us your Laundry room, or where you go to get those clothes clean! Photos, please.

Thank you to for setting this week's topic.

Took several shots with rather less success than I'd hoped...
Treated myself to a new washer no too long ago...
It is as the saying goes 'all singing' all dancing...

Complete with display panels, it also plays a tune when it finishes and shuts off automatically after that.


Living in what can be a damp, rainy and cold climate a tumble dryer is a 'must'.
I argue that there's less damage when a tumble dryer is used, both for people and to buildings than putting washing along radiators to dry.
It's April, and only in the past few days have I been able to use my outdoor washing lines.

As you might tell from the photo, my tumble dryer 'lives' in the workshop. Mustn't call it a garage as it's his 'boy's toys' place. (grin)