Eternal Refuge

When I got in from work yesterday I made a cuppa, came upstaires and switched on my computer and ... the doorbell rang!

It was truly lovely to see them both, as they satyed for a couple of hours, but by then I just decided to have a lazy evening - chatting to a friend via text, and watching some TV ... so, sorry, my plans of being here, were shot down.

I had a lovely Easter Day ... it was a lovely service, and when I got home I actually sat in the sunshine for an hour reading - just so lovely. My great-grandmother always said that whatever the weather around Easter, it would always be sunny on Easter Day. Thank you Grandma Hillson!

I am working again this afternoon ... and want to get some icons made before then. But as it's the first post of the week I need to do my A to Z ... Week 18 – Apr 27 R is for ROOF. And, you get 3 for the price of 1. This is my house .... conservatory, kitchen, bedroom ... 3 roofs.


And ....






21. In Egypt, National Food Day is a day to celebrate the country's diverse cuisine. Do you like falafel?
Ironically, despite touring Egypt for 2 weeks last year, I don't remember seeing falafel. I don't actually remember having any, elsewhere ... but it may have been one of the things I tried when I was in Sicily, as we had a wide range of foods there.
So, the answer is, I don't know!

22. What do you have hanging on the walls of your home?
Pictures, photos, pictures, plates, pictures, clocks, pictures ... and more pictures. I have Vitorian photos of my great grandparents, to a cartoon of 5 giraffes named for myself, Nick & Tim, Brenda & Claire. (And everything in between)
As I look straight ahead of me, I have a cartoon of a lion with the quote "Sometimes I sits & thinks and Sometimes I just sits". Next to that is a painting Mum did of a village in Northamptonshire (near where she was born), and a love spoon that Dad' best man made for their 50th wedding anniversary.
In fact there is very little space left on my walls now.




Right, my artwork is calling me

I will check up on what you are all doing, as well

Did someone steal yesterday?

Actually in the morning I walked up to Tim & Claire's.  I had ordered, and received, a "Coral Anniversary" rose bush.  So, although their anniversary is on Monday I decided to take it round yesterday for them to open early so it was in their care ... if it died, then it's not my fault!!!!!!   I decided not to take it with me later today as it would just be another thing to sort out tomorrow (as they are staying overnight in the hotel)

So after that I did a bit of housework, before heading into work.  So maybe no one stole the day after all!

I have done some shopping this morning, and now I want to get the rest of the housework done.  next week I am working every morning & afternoon, and a few evenings, so I won't be around here ... so ...







21. It’s International Poetry Day - do you have a favourite limerick or haiku?
It's probably one of the first I read, but I still like it!
There was a young man of Bengal,
Who went to a fancy-dress ball.
He thought he would risk it,
And dress as a biscuit,
But a dog ate him up in the hall.

22. Today is Gryffendor Pride Day – a day to celebrate all things Gryffendor! Are you familiar with the Hogwarts houses? Did you have ‘houses’ when you were at school?
Our school introduced houses for the year after mine. Part of the school was started in 1536, part in 1701, and amalgamated partly in 1899. Ours was the last year of that partial amalgamation, and the first year of full joining.
There were 3 houses - Coborn, Guild & Gibson.
(I would have been in Coborn, as both Nick & Tim were.)

23. If money wasn’t an obstacle, what one luxury item/thing would you love to treat yourself to?
A leisurely round the world tour.

24. It’s Veggie Month, and the recommendation is to ‘eat the rainbow’ whenever you can (lots of different coloured vegetables), what vegetables do you plan on eating today?
For lunch I am having some tomatoes and cucumber. Then for pudding I will have an apple and an orange. This evening, I don't know, as it's a buffet.

25. When you were at school, what games did you play during break/recess with your friends?
Ummm, didn't have any friends. Although there were 3 boys, and myself, who played solo whist quite often at lunchtime.

26. Are you allergic to any foods?
Butter, semi-skimmed milk (But not cream, full-fat milk or cheese)

27. In the UK, the recommendation for minutes spent doing exercise that raises your heart rate is 150 minutes a week. Do you regularly meet that goal?
Not at present. I work too many hours
I also tend to only walk for exercise so that doesn't increase the pulse rate.

28. In 1944, the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren sprained her ankle and began writing down the stories she had made up for her daughter. These turned into the novel "Pippi Longstocking". Have you read it?
No.






Right, that's me done for the week.

This evening is Tim & Claire's 35th anniversary party ... so will let you know about that when I get back to you all.

But until then I shall catch up with you all before logging off.

.

This week's challenge on photo_scavenger is "Military"

Most of you know that I have followed one of my Grandfather's footsteps during WWI.

However, I have a second Grandfather!

He served from the end of WWI and into the mid 20's, and then was in the reserves until the mid 30's. In 1923 he wasn't well and spent some time in convalescence, and so he started this picture of his regimental badge. After he married, my grandmother finished it. She gave it to me and I had it framed, and it now hangs on my hall wall.



Yes, he was in The Coldstream Guards.

In fact, the way my grandparents met was "brilliant". My Grandmother & her friend had taken a day off work (they both lost their job over this), and went up to "town". They were in Trafalgar Square and saw two soldiers marching across the area ... apparently my Grandmother said to her friend that she really fancied one of the men ... so they deliberately stopped them, and chatted them up. They were late back to guard duty at Buckingham Palace, and got in serious trouble ... however, my grandparents had a "date" booked for the coming weekend!!!!

For the English, I shall add that Grandma was an Essex Girl ... so I think she may have invented the phrase!!!!

Sadly he had a serious stroke when I was 4, although he didn't die for 10 years, I never knew him as a person. Mum & Dad assured me that he was a really lovely gentleman.

So there we are - I managed to answer the prompt, and remember a bit of family history.

You can tell that nothing else is really happening her today. Although I have already had a walk, so that's positive.

Right, I shall see what you are all up to, but before that -






6. How often do you write a cheque (check) to pay for something these days?
Last year I wrote one. One of the charities I support still prefers cheques.






Catch up soon x

The blood tests my doctor ordered came back as positive for infection. So I was given some different antibiotics, which luckily I wasn't allergic to! However 5 days one and my symptoms stay the same. So, once I have finished the course it looks as if I shall be back to the doctors.

I survived the bad storm ... although my bins kept trying to escape down the road. I ended up moving my car so I could actually "trap" them.

We were due to have our family get-together on Saturday, but it got cancelled due to the weather. However our side of the family (mostly) met up yesterday ... and despite not feeling great it was a lovely time. I also learnt that I am due to become a great-aunt in June. Andrew & Jess married a couple of summers ago, so I am happy for them.

I worked, and froze, this morning. Working near the main doors is not the best way to keep warm, despite specialist heaters.

Tomorrow I am working in the morning, and in the afternoon I have a chest x-ray booked, so looks like the day is going to be busy ... so ....





5. Is there anyone amongst your friends or family who is difficult to buy a present for? How do you get around that?
My brother & sister-in-law used to be difficult, but they just want alcohol. My other brother is a pain, so i usually ask if he has a "list", which he is usually good at making.

6. If you listen to music often do you prefer vinyl, CDs, the radio or streaming?
Not much - but it would be radio or CD

7. Do you often eat fish? Have you a favourite fish dish?
I avoid fish if I can ... I don't like the texture, particularly.

8. In 1939 James Galway, the Irish classical flautist (known as "The Man With the Golden Flute"), was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Can you play any wind instruments?
Clarinet, Saxophone

9. Have you ever ridden a motorcycle (or been a passenger)?
No, and no

10. Do you have a favourite perfume or is there one you intensely dislike?
I do like Coco Chanel or Timeless (by Avon).
Mum used to love Blue Grass or L'Aimant, and I used to say that in buying her them it showed how much I loved her. They really are awful IMHO





Right, I want to try and finish off my Christmas cards today if I can ... busy tomorrow ... so I shall be back on Wednesday.

... but I have still hung washing outside.  I do like to have the washing out if I can.  But by mid afternoon I shall bring it in.  Luckily I have a 3 story house and have an airer that hangs over the stairwell, so in actual fact it does dry pretty well, and doesn't get that "stale" smell that some indoor dried clothes get.

I had a lazy morning, and ended up watching some daytime TV with an extra cuppa ... fun!  Although it was something where brides were choosing their wedding dresses ... some of the ladies, and/or some of the families certainly had some critical comments about the dresses, and wedding details.

I didn't get the photos sorted, as my computer was on a go-slow on Tuesday .... then yesterday I was working afternoon and evening.  However I should get a couple of posts up today (I hope!!)

Tomorrow I am working in the morning and as soon as I get home I am heading out as it's Brenda's brother's funeral  They live about an hour's drive from here, so I am going (as are Tim & Claire, but separately as they are heading off for the weekend immediately afterwards).  It is going to be a very, very hard day for everyone, but especially Ali (his widow), and the rest of Brenda's family.

I am then working Saturday ... so looks like it will be Monday till I am back again ... so ....






13. Gold or silver jewellery – do you have a preference?
Yes please!
Today - I am wearing 2 gold necklaces & 2 silver bracelets and I am wearing 10 rings .... 7 gold, 2 silver & 1 brass.
I just love any/all jewellery, and do change things around all the time.


14. In 2006 Daniel Craig became the 7th actor to play James Bond in Casino Royale. Who is your favourite James Bond actor (if you have one?)?
I love either Pierce Brosnan or Timothy Dalton
Have yet to see any of the Daniel Craig ones ... that's a plan for "later".

15. What’s the first thing you do when you walk through the door after a day out of the house?
Depends on the weather/time of day etc
So really nothing specific.

16. In 1974 ABBA began their first tour of Europe outside of Sweden. What is the first song you think of when you think of ABBA?
"Take a Chance on Me" or "Money, Money, Money"

17. Today, in 1798, a five-day New England blizzard began that covered thousands of houses and killed hundreds of people. What’s the deepest snow you’ve ever experienced in one continuous snowfall?
When I was 2 and a half ... so don't remember it! I was living in North Wales at the time, and didn't get to see the grass again until Easter.






OK ... will try and get some photos sorted and posted ... but really won't be properly around until Monday x

Yes, I am slowly getting there ... both yesterday and today I have managed a short walk (only about a mile each day), but am going with the positive seeing how last week just walking across my lounge seemed a long way ... and I don't live in a mansion!!!!

I will try and catch up with you all in a moment, but until then I will apologise for the deya.

I had aimed to pop in yesterday ... BUT ...




( BEWARE ... talk of suicide )




I am hoping to get some artwork done today, as don't have work.

The bank balance is not happy, but at least I have the time to fully rest and relax ... and recover.

So, before I post this ....







3. On National Poetry Day do you have a favourite poet or poem (link if you want to)?
Don't have a favourite ... but I tend to like some of the silly poems.
I prefer ones that don't need explaining ... maybe that's why some of the war poetry works for me ... or something silly like -
Little girls should love their brothers
But I so good have grown
That I love other people's brothers
Better than my own!!

4. Do you have any lights in your house that are on a timer so they come on automatically?
No ... if I had lights on a lot that would be wrong, as i tend to like dimmed rooms anyway!




Right, lets try and get on ... answer some replies, and catch up with you if I can x

The great thing is that I am getting extra shifts over this month, so I have money in the bank account. But I have a list of things I want to get done, and no time.

It is slightly worse as I have heard that a friend is aiming to come for a visit ... so I need to "dig out" the spare room. I am sure that there is a bed in there somewhere ... although, at present, it's not very visible. Still doing this now means that when Brenda visits in August it should still be fairly tidy (I hope).

I met up with Toni & Pete this morning which was lovely. I was slightly stunned as to how much weight she has put on ... the trouble is when she gets stressed then she eats chocolate, and more chocolate. Her husband is 20 years older than her, and has come through cancer treatment last year, but sadly he is beginning to show signs of memory loss which is worrying. Her mother, who is only a year older is in very poor health ... so I think stress is really getting to her. However I was pleased to hear her talk of future plans about building a summer-house, and of replacing her laptop that died a few years ago.

The rest of today has been on buying Nick & Brenda a card ... despite their tensions at present, I will be their 32nd anniversary next week. Tim & Claire celebrate their 35th anniversary next year and I have already received a "save the date" as they are having a formal party to celebrate. When I saw Claire on Monday she was talking about her outfit that she had already decided on. As she talked I realised that I have to actually plan properly for this, probably more than I did for Andrew's wedding!!

Right, that's my ramble up to date ... I had better start some housework, but before that I will do today's question -




Today is the National Day of Norway with parades and events all day. Does your country have a National Day?
April 23rd is St George’s Day, but very few people even know it exists. I do always wear a red rose on the day. Some towns have local traditions, but sadly not everywhere.



Right, I am going to see what you have all been up to x

This is only going to be a short post ... no photos, no questions as ...

I had thought Iwould be working today, but had to cancel as I had a fall when out for a walk with the family ... yes, it was great to spend time with family, although I had to head home early ... to go to A&E ... and they think I broke my wrist, but as it's not 100% definate, I have a removable splint on.  The hand is still very sore, and basically typing etc one-handed.  I also have a bruised rib where I fell, so all in all feeling very sorry for myself!!!

So, sorry, but am aiming for a lazy day, and hopefully catch up with you all tomorrow x

It was a very long 2 days, compounded by the fact I ended up doing an 11 hour shift on Wednesday.

In the end Auntie Joyce's funeral went well .. and I was able to focus on the fact that she was family.  Tim wasn't able to go due to work (aggrevated with some health issues).  So I took Claire up the day before and we stayed overnight near the sea, so had a nice walk on the morning, and then went to the soliciters to pick up my great-aunts ring, and so to the chapel in the cemetery.  The chapel caretaker was there to meet us and he was great.  We then met Nick & Brenda, and Andrew, so it was lovely that there was another generation of the family to be there to commemorate our aunt's life.  Claire didn't want to do anything, but Brenda did the Bible reading, I did the eulogy, Andrew led the service and Nick took the sermon and the committal.  Auntie Jooyce had chosen her reading and hymns, so that bit was nice to know we were honouring her wishes.  We walked from the Chapel through the cemetery as it was such a lovely day.  The undertaker & team, were lovely, and so respectful.  They also stepped back and let us do what we wanted, in timing ... so a massive thumbs-up, and thanks to everyone.

From there we went to the chapel that Auntie Joyce had attended for 35 years ... we didn't have the service there as the last 3 years, when she needed the help, they weren't supportive of her.  But we had a nice "bun-fight", and left about 3.30pm.

It was a good journey home, but tiring.

This morning I woke at normal time, so have sat and watched some "old" TV, and then had a long walk to the shop to get some groceries.

As I type this I have "Traitors" on in the background.  The TV in my hotel didn't work, so I am 2 episodes to the final, although sadly I have noticed who won (although not really suprised)

Let me catch up with the missing questions -




24. National Peanut Butter Day - have you ever made your own peanut butter? If not, which type do you prefer?
I have never tried to make it, why bother? I like crunchy, but don't always eat it ... I tend to open a jar to make biscuits, then use it up in sarnies!

25. It's Burns Night - will you be raising a small dram?
No ... I'm not Scottish ... and I was working

26. International Customs Day - have you ever been stopped at Customs when travelling?
No

27. Are you a fan of chocolate cake? Have you ever made one?
Yes, and yes. My grandmother (auntie Joyce's mum) used ot make the most stunning Chocolate Cake possible

28. Lego has been around since 1932, have you ever made things with Lego?
Yes - loved it, and won a competition when I was 11. I love watching Australian LegoMasters when it was on.




Right - photos to follow

Hope that you are all doing well ... will try and catch up soon x

Yes, my shift yesterday was nice ... actually most of the enquiries were made by nice people ... but the real classic was that for an hour there was a "scratch" band playing Christmas Carols ... they were all members of staff, and the tone & tuning was truly amazing (and I speak as someone who has been a member of a high level band, and also a classical orchestra).  I really enjoyed singing along and was happy to walk a few steps to speak to people who were still asking questions.

However once home I was really tired, so had a very early night ... I have learned the lesson (almost) over the last 3 years, that sometimes I need to switch off.

So, today washing is already hanging ... and i have to give the kitchen a good clean, as well as baking a cake.  I also hope to get out to the local National Trust property to see the Christmas decs, but if not will go next week.

I aim to get back here later whatever, but before I do that, I will finish here, just in case I don't ... and as tomorrow is a sunday (and in actual fact I am working), then Christmas Day I will only log on to say Happy Christmas.  Boxing Day I am at Nick & Brenda's ... I had aimed to stay overnight, but am in clinic on the Wednesday morning.

So -




23 – Roots Day: How much do you know about your own family history? Do you know the names of your great grandparents? Have any of your ancestors been a part of any significant historical events?
Great Grandparents ….
Dad’s side ….
John & Sarah ... he was a policeman in Lincolnshire
? & ? (can't remember!) ... he was in the Merchant Navy, and they lived in Essex
Mum's side ....
John & Sarah (just realised the same names!) .... he was a leather dealer in UK, USA, & Canada (where my grandmother was born)
William & Jane .... he was a "gentleman", a farm & pub owner in Northamptonshire.  (My granddad used to laugh and see he was born in the Baker's Arms (Yes, the name of one of the 3 pubs he owned)
This is Mum's mum's mother (Sarah)

Other than WWI & WWII, I don’t know.

24 – Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is filled with both religious and nonreligious traditions and a variety of foods. What are some of your holiday traditions? How did they begin?
Church is the primary focus, as for me Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus ... God's Son.  Born in a stable in Bethlehem, with shepherds as His first visitors.
But, yes, it is great to spend time with family & friends ... and a great excuse to contact people, for example one friend and I write newsy letters to catch up (we met in 1978).

25 – Pumpkin Pie Day: Pumpkin pie, yes or no?
NO

26 – Whiner's Day: National Whiner’s Day is here to encourage people to appreciate what they have instead of complaining about what they don’t! What do you have to be thankful for today?
So much - I am alive, I have a roof over my head & food on the table ... and money in the bank.  I have family, I live in a lovely city .... just so, so much.




Catch up on the 27th, if not before x