Jeanni's Art & Stuff

New Steps–New Fence???

2012-01-30T18:45:00.001Z

Sods Law is it not? The week before we started on the steps we had a ferocious gale and …………………………..

one of the fence panels blew down in the back garden.The neighbours blocked it with a wooden door to prevent their dogs escaping.

As you can see the rest of the fence was in a bad way so the whole lot needed replacing.

Our new neighbours called around as they have three dogs and needed to get this sorted a.s.a.p. We agreed to go halves as a new fence would benefit us both and they said they would get a quote.

Two guys gave a good quote and arrived on Tuesday. The first day they stripped out the old fence, took down some bushes and concreted in new posts.

The next day they put up the horizontal posts and nailed on the panels ( with an old fashioned hammer) finishing by the end of the day despite it raining all day.

Here is the result -

All the way to the front

Another brilliant job by two experienced guys who have a wonderful work ethic and know exactly what they are doing. .

Well done Saunders and Co from New Road.

New Home–The changes begin!

2012-01-28T13:33:00.001Z

This is the front of the house and very attractive it is too. However, the steps up to the front door were very steep – dangerously steep and probably illegal.

Not only did I struggle with my little legs but so did Mike, the postman ( who said he hated them) and most of our visitors. We had to bite the bullet and get them changed a.s.a.p.

We called in our builder friend Paul who contacted his bricklayer Glen and between us all we redesigned the steps.

All building work seems, ironically, to start with demolition!

The building begins where the bottom of the old steps were.

The new spiral steps taking shape.

How much better is this? Note the pillar – beautifully finished to match the others but Jean spots a problem. Yes, it would be me wouldn’t it!

A wrought iron railing is needed to prevent people falling over the edge between the pillar and the wall but …………………

it will be higher than the pillar – O No!

So, the top of the pillar is knocked down and rebuilt straight up to be level with the railing.

Here is the taller pillar and you can now see where the railings will be between the wall and the pillar just on the left – hand side.

Looks a bit tall but will look OK when finished.

A word about Glen – what a worker. He arrived just after 8 most mornings, only stopped for a quick lunch and then continued until about 4. He worked entirely on his own mixing his own cement and measuring everything as he went along. Due to poor weather the last couple of days he went over budget and over time but he still finished it in 12 days. A brilliant worker and we would recommend him to anyone.

Just need to wait until the walls are dry and then Mike can paint them.

An Evening with Alfie Boe – Me and 2499 other people!

2012-01-21T16:26:00.001Z

We had waited months for this event to come around and were really excited at the prospect of seeing Alfie live on stage.
He did not disappoint but The Plymouth Pavilions is dire!
Driving into Plymouth we followed the signs to The Pavilions quite easily only to find ourselves right outside with nowhere to park. A small sign advised us to go back to the traffic lights and turn left to find the car park. Why was it not signed before hand to avoid all the congestion out side the venue.
On arriving at the multi story car park ( over Toys R Us) we slowly made our way up the ramp as every car was stopped by the barrier to take a ticket an almost blank ticket ? We left the car only to see a long line of people at the pay station. We joined the queue which moved very slowly as many people were having difficulty in operating the machine. You put your almost blank ticket in the machine and had to choose how much you wanted to pay and it took some little while for the machine to click from £1 to £3 or £4 . Eventually the ticket was spat out – “should it be put on display in the car “ – not sticky so probably not. We asked around and the consensus was – NO!
Whilst waiting at the pay station Mike overheard people saying it was free after 10 p.m so he paid £3 as did many others. Whoops.
Right, which way was the walkway? Follow the crowd seemed sensible as we did not see a sign. Passing through the doors from the car park we found ourselves in a stair well, up or down was the question then. Mike being tall craned his neck and could just see the walkway below us so down we went. From there plain sailing into the Pavilions. Phew! Scruffy looking place and not somewhere you would want relax and enjoy
a drink or a meal before the show.
a The arena appeared to be more or less full – 80% the silver haired brigade and 20% under 50’s. The orchestra took their places on stage – a very large orchestra and then – ON CAME THE MAN.

Every song, every note was superb. He joked with the audience in between songs and appeared very relaxed with his new found fame. A humble man with his feet firmly on the ground.
The interval came all too quickly but it gave everyone a chance to stand up and move about. The seats were beginning to get uncomfortable and the non existent air conditioning meant that we were all melting having arrived in winter clothes. Stupidly!
I enjoyed it all, the orchestra was brilliant and showed a lot of diversity from Classical to Pop to Rock and Jazz. I won’t go into too much detail as there were several surprises – musically.
At one stage everyone took a photo a la Robbie Williams – apparently.

A medley of James Bond tunes showed off Alfie’s voice a treat but the Zed Zeppelin song was just a bit LOUD!
The concert finished with Alfie Singing and playing the drums! WHAT A GUY.
Despite spending ages Googling I have been unable to identify the wonderful orchestra. I might come across it yet………….
So, after a magnificent evening made more interesting by sitting next to a couple who know Alfie and had been to see him backstage, we slowly left the Arena and made our way back to the car.
They told me they were involved with a Charity & by Googling I found them here - http://www.woodenspoon.com/devon
Well worth a mention – where would we be without these selfless people.
We sat in a barely moving queue for about 25 minutes but eventually could see the barrier and the road to freedom. Mike inserted the card – the machine spat it out. He inserted it again and again, the machine spat it out. Off went the engine, I could feel several pairs of eyes boring into the back of my head whilst Mike ( bravely) left the car to seek help. I sat there expecting a shunt or a hammering on the window but no – everyone must have been in a mellow mood. Mike returned having put another £! on the ticket and we were released. No honking of car horns in derision, no one chased us so I guess this probably happens on a regular basis.
It was then just a case of driving home. Easy? No. Mike thought he knew the way but did not know the old route was undergoing road works and we went round in a very large circle, then back on ourselves before we hit the Embankment road. Plus, there is something wrong with our head lights on dip; in the darkness of the motorway it was extremely difficult to see far enough ahead and the heavy drizzle did not improve matters. The car is booked in for a check on Monday.
We arrived home at 11.30 or thereabouts feeling both elated and stressed.
It was worth every second to have seen Alfie live again but we won’t be going back to the Pavilions – there must be better venues.
JJ

2011 DRAWS TO A CLOSE

2012-01-04T19:11:00.001Z

December 29th. We awake to grey skies and cold wind in Southampton and make a leisurely light breakfast before heading to our members only departure lounge just after 8 expecting quite a wait before being called to leave the ship. No! We are told we can leave immediately and make our way to the gangway and descend to the luggage claim area. Hello Jean, says Erica, one of our table mates – so glad to see you. Erica has a memory problem and could not remember her case checkout number so I accompanied her to a member of staff to help her. Whilst I was doing this Mike had found our cases and was very impatient as he waited fro me to go over with the luggage cart. The member of staff called him “nasty” which shocked him & me – but in this instance, correct.

We left Erica in the capable hands of staff and left the terminal expecting a long wait in the cold for our taxi to the car park. However, he was there within a few minutes of our phoning and we were reunited with our car and set off for Poole in Dorset.

Our friends have rented a posh pad in Sandbanks until they return to Spain in May. One of the most expensive property areas in the country it once was a wildlife haven of sand banks now covered in million pound plus properties. It is a narrow spit of land, water on both sides and is likely to be under water if global warming is to be believed so why they have built on it the way they have is a mystery to me. Of course, mega money has been attracted to the area which provides employment etc. but the mish mash of buildings is quite ugly. Some gorgeous, others hideous.

BEFORE How I remember Sandbanks from my childhood.

AFTER

L&B’s apartment is very modern and has some sea views. It is ideal for a holiday home but would be rather cramped for full time living.

We were made very welcome, taken for lunch in a very crowded pub in the New Forest which just proves I guess how very popular the area is – especially compared with Torbay. The village was called Burley and quite pretty in the drizzle.

We sat at a table near to a comforting log fire. The one on the left in this picture.

We were rather astonished when 8 people with very hairy large dogs came in and walked right through the pub.

Who in their right mind would bring 8 smelly dogs into a pub at lunch time? They were quickly ejected and were later seen outside in a covered area – looking cross!

We shared our different starters ( like Tapas); Mike enjoyed his first decent pint and we returned to the apartment for a cuppa.

Early evening we walked to their local, Cafe Shore , not a pub but a modern restaurant with a separate bar area. Very swish but very noisy as there was a wedding party in there. Then it was home for our eagerly awaited dinner and B surprised us with BBQ ribs A LA Alan in Spain. Gorgeous they were to. We enjoyed a video of Calpe in Summer which we have never seen. Very busy and the beaches packed with mostly Spanish people. We also saw C & A’s new house which looks very inviting – hint hint.

We had an early night and we parted company next day – us homeward bound and L & B off to family in London for New Year.

To be reunited on 10th January.

DAY 11

2012-01-01T01:45:00.001Z

The service on the ship has been almost perfect - just a couple of small exceptions. We have been wined and dined and waited on and nothing has been too much trouble. They have certainly pulled out all the stops to give us a great Christmas. Despite the ship being full there have not been the long waits for the lifts and fewer octogenarians racing along deck 11 in their scooters. The kids have been no problem and gave us another little show last night.

The main Show last night was incredible - the orchestra, consisting of the the 9 piece band and some other musicians around the ship were phenomenal. They played some of John Williams music - movie themes from Superman, Raiders of the lost Arc etc and it sounded like a full orchestra. The singers and dancers were exceptional and despite what Simon Cowell says - they are very talented.

As I write we are almost across the Bay of Biscay - was a bit rough but nothing like last time. However, the Channel will be bad according to the Captain - a storm is on it's way.

Me ( that’s my poorly foot ) writing my blog.

"MIKE - WHERE'S MY BREAKFAST????

DAY 12

All good things come to an end and tomorrow we will be home. It’s obvious that we are nearly there – grey skies and a grey angry sea.

However, another busy day with various events to attend including an afternoon concert in the ice rink from Zoot playing under a different name – Jamie and the First Class

Very talented young musicians especially the lead guitarist. We preferred the 60’s music played as ZOOT earlier in the week – the 80’s passed us by I think.

There was also a Guest Talent Show – Umm funny for all the wrong reasons LOL.

The Head waiter left us complimentary wine at dinner after the discussion the day before about how many bottles I had drunk – all 5 according to him! We still did not leave him a tip.

Final Farewell Show was again excellent with many of the crew coming onstage ( including Captain Teo to say goodbye. A quick G & T in the lounge listening to Rock Away and then back to our room. Cases had been packed so they were placed outside our door for collection. Then to be rocked gently to sleep as we sailed up the Channel.

DAY TEN – BOXING DAY–CONTINUED

2011-12-27T10:03:00.001Z

I slept until after nine and too tired and lazy to go for breakfast – Mike had already been and had his. I have put the DND card in the door and Sense & Sensibility

had just started. My ideal start to a “ tired day”. We have an ‘exclusive lunch invitation today at 12 for members so We will go to that – more champagne – what a bore!

Hopefully I will catch up with this later but there is a lot going on today.

The lunch was brilliant – we expected a buffet but it was a sit down meal with champagne wine or whatever you wanted. There is no way we will eat dinner tonight.

After lunch we went to a show in the theatre – it was Amanda Russell singing “diva” songs. She has a very powerful voice with an enormous range but not to my taste although Mike liked her – she looked a bit like Farrah Fawcett! Then, at the other end of the ship was the annual tug of war match between various staff teams and a couple of guests teams. It was, surprisingly very funny not least because of the quick witty comments from Joff Eaton. He is a very accomplished guy and puts in loads of hours. He did mention today he does 17 hours a day and that is believable.

I had a quick trip around the boat to photograph some of the Christmas decorations -

Whoops – not those deccies!

The chefs won the men's contest and a vey ‘big’ team for housekeeping won for the ladies. They all had thighs the size of tree trunks but obviously fit. Back here now to the cabin to get ready for dinner! walking BACK ALONG THE OPEN DECK IT IS MARKEDLY COLDER – WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME.

We Did go to the dining room for dinner but only managed to pick at it as we were still full from lunch.

The show was really good, a young boy band called ZOOT ( WHY?). They played 60’s music and for the first time this cruise they were the first act to do an encore.

I’m sorry to say that we did not make the Quest Show at 10.45 despite my good intentions. We went back to the cabin, were in bed in five minutes and I could hear myself snoring almost straight away. Maybe next year.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

DAY EIGHT - CHRISTMAS EVE

2011-12-26T10:12:00.001Z

In Tenerife today – Santa Cruz. My leg too painful to walk today so Mike went into town and I had a back massage, head massage and a facial. Simply wonderful. Mike brought me back a Chrissie present – a pair of blue slippers. He also brought me back some wrapping paper and sellotape to wrap up the little table presents have bought for our friends on our table.

Whoops – too busy to finish writing up day 8 & I have forgotten already what we did apart from sharing lunch with 4 other couples who were also on here in February when we were.

DAY NINE – CHRISTMAS DAY

Santa passed us by last night ( as usual) and also forgot Phoebe apparently. When I rang and spoke to her asking what she had she said – nothing actually! Precocious or what.

We watched a movie in the theatre in the morning – Scrooged and after lunch there was a Big Band concert – absolutely brilliant. The 9 musicians who form the band are all exceptional. Then it was time for the grudge match between the entertainment director ‘s team and the Captains team. A funny game of charades proving the Captain has a great sense of humour although he looks rather formidable.

Dinner was a grand affair with champagne flowing and a large choice of dishes including the traditional turkey & Christmas pudding.

After dinner a Variety show which was again of a really high standard and then, for us, bed. I could hardly keep my eyes open. One day I will manage to stay up past 11.

DAY TEN – BOXING DAY

I slept until after nine and too tired and lazy to go for breakfast – Mike had already been and had his. I have put the DND card in the door and Sense & Sensibility

had just started. My ideal start to a “ tired day”. We have an ‘exclusive lunch invitation today at 12 for members so We will go to that – more champagne – what a bore!

Hopefully I will catch up with this later but there is a lot going on today.

DAY FIVE

2011-12-24T14:07:00.001Z

At sea today on route to Madeira; weather warm but quite cloudy. Mike brought me a roll to have with a banana in bed – didn’t fancy the restaurant today. A trip around the boat offered us a quiz – I was useless. A debate on the paranormal which I sat through in silence as I did not want to embarrass Mike if I got involved. Then a lecture on the Canary Islands.

Lunch in the dining room today – steak, with onions and salad in french bread – which we both left. I indulged in a sweet – just could not resist – dark chocolate truffle with raspberries. Heavenly. Mike was good and had ice-cream – again.

The first ice show was on this afternoon and we got tickets; human nature is a wonderful thing to observe – we sat on the side whilst people stated turning up over an hour before the start. All hoping for the best seat you see the same people day after day in the front of every queue. As it was ticketed everyone would have had a seat regardless. We wandered in eventually after the main rush and went to sit on a couple of seats only to be told that they were taken by a typical American matriarch. As you are asked not to save seats in any of the venues I told her that only an American would be audacious enough to try and save 5 seats. She accused me of being rude – you have to laugh don’t you? Anyway, a couple next to us were annoyed by this woman's actions so the jumped over into two of her seats – magic. She was so put out it was really funny. Slowly her family turned up and one of them pointed to the now vacated seats next to me – “ Sorry” said I “ they are taken!” Poetic justice or what?

The show was fabulous – such speed on such a small rink and the costumes were spectacular. There was a violinist playing throughout the show – a girl from New Zealand who was a brilliant musician. Her name was “something Primrose” must look her up.

Formal night tonight so the usual dilemma – what to wear. my orange dress I think with the brown silk jacket. That’ll do.

No! I wore my purple and black silk skirt , a black top & my purple silk jacket………. and flip flops. Pretty flip flops.

Neither of us fancied the theatre show as we’ve seen it before so we went back to the cabin and read. I awoke from a sound sleep to go to the loo, looked at the clock and it was only 10 p.m. Could not believe it.

DAY SIX

It’s Madeira. We knew it was hilly but did not expect it to rise out of the ocean so steeply. My heel / calf was still painful so I took some paracetamol before we set off on the shuttle bus to town. We were dropped close to the cable car so decided to do that first.

very pleasant 15 minute ride over shacks, ruins, expensive villas and lovey apartments all huddled together on the hill side. We arrived safely at the top and had a drink in a cafe with panoramic views across the town to the sea, The ship looked quite small from up there. We then went to find the baskets and walked along uneven cobbles which really tested my leg. At the top of a very steep incline were men in white and wearing boaters. On the side of the road, were all the wicker sledges lined with a flowery curtain type material. They looked quite flimsy – the baskets not the men and we watched several people go off pushed by the men who held onto ropes on either side . God knows what would happen if they lost their grip or stumbled – it must happen. Stupidly, or perhaps not we had bought return tickets on the cable car so we wandered back very slowly my leg more painful than ever.

The trip back down was fabulous and the scenery great. It must be sensational in the Spring and summer when all the flowers are out. Definitely somewhere I would love to come back to to explore the island.

Back in town we found a pharmacy & I took some ibuprofen and hobbled, even more slowly back to the coach. Climbing the stairs of the coach I heard a pop and this searing hot pain shot up my leg – everyone had to wait until I could move into the nearest seat.

I managed to get off the bus without too much difficulty but then began the long walk back to the ship. Once inside we took the lift to the Windjammer and Mike got me some lunch and the pain receded a bit. Then another long walk along the length of the ship to get to our cabin where I am now writing this up – in bed.

After some more Ibuprofen I managed the walk to our restaurant fro dinner but wished I had not bothered. First time this cruise I have been disappointed. Cannot remember what I had for a starter but I ordered gammon as my main course. When it arrived there were three thick very pink, very shiny slices of ham on the plate. It looked like plastic and tasted remarkably similar. Never mind, I really was not hungry so I just picked at it hoping it would go un noticed. No such luck. The head waiter said I must have something else – “ did I like lamb?” Within a minute a plate was put before me with a t-bone lamb steak on it and various veggies. It tasted lovely but I still was not hungry so I left much more than I ate. Eta, the girl on our table who only likes KFC or McDonalds decided to try a jacket potato and some fish. She sliced open the potato, smothered it in butter which she mashed in until the potato was plastered all over her plate. It looked dreadful but at least she eat something.

We went to the theatre to see a speciality act and I ordered a vodka & tonic. The waiter brought vodka and coke for which he apologised and gave it to Mike. He then brought me a V & T. for free.

The speciality act was a juggler with a strange name although he was Welsh. He looked a bit like Alud Jones. Well, he was brilliant – not at the juggling but his comedy was unusual and very very funny. Best show yet. He even rode a unicycle on stage ………………………… ON A MOVING BOAT. Brave!.

DAY SEVEN = Grand Canaria

Awoke to more blue skies although a few clouds high above the mountains. 21C promised today so we must go ashore. My foot, leg, hip still playing up but some relief from the ibuprofen. Just along the dock from the boat was a Hop On Hop Off bus which seemed very good value for 16euros each.

We lined up in the sunshine waiting for a seat on the top to get the best views. OMG! what a town – traffic lights every few yards, manic Spanish drivers and it was quite cold in the narrow sunless streets. It soon became apparent that there was little of interest to see, we just accelerated and braked up one road and did the same down another. The couple behind us put their camera away – nothing worth photographing; an American family in front were, like us, bored silly but we all had a laugh and a joke about it . At one point I said I had intended staying on the bus whilst Mike went shopping but the pain in walking was preferable to this torture on top of the bus. They all laughed.

There was a large shopping Mall near the ship which we went into to get a drink. We searched, floor by floor and finally, when we got to the top there was a Mcdonalds. Poetic justice I guess. Mike went off in search of coffee and I sat at a table, glanced down to see umpteen cafes and bars serving everything! Mike took ages as no one understood “decaffeinated “coffee but he finally got some – a sachet and a mug of milk. Lovely – not.

Back on board for quick snack and then I had to lay down as my foot was so swollen.

Dinner was Ok – I think I am fed up now with all the fancy stuff. Surf and turf with lobster and fillet steak should have been marvellous but I wasn’t keen. The show was a let down too – an American pianist who had zero personality and he played some rubbish music although the ships band were brilliant. We have never seen so many people walk out of the theatre.

Then there was a Rock & roll party on the deck with one of the groups – that was good but it got a bit chilly for us so we went to bed but it was after 10.30!

DAY 2 - AT SEA

2011-12-23T15:31:00.001Z

After a good night without too much motion we walked the decks and were surprised how warm it was as the sun came over the horizon. The Windjammer was not very busy and we had breakfast and coffee and then went for a wander. Ship much the same as usual apart from an enormous Christmas Tree on the Royal Parade with the biggest golden balls I’ve ever seen.

Back to our room a migraine started so I rested whilst Mike went walkabout. Just goes to prove that my migraines come on after stress – when I relax.

By lunch time I felt better and we just had a mixed salad with french bread but we managed a little slice of carrot cake too. After lunch a siesta for both of us – I wonder why we are so tired???? Now time to get glammed up for the first formal night. Lobster bisque and duck on the menu – yummy!

What to wear?? New black trousers so that I can wear flatties and the pink & black blouse I bought from Matalan for out first cruise. It has definitely shrunk. I wore my silver & black scarf as a stole and managed a little makeup.

The lobster bisque and duck with a blackcurrant sauce did not disappoint and I bought my first bottle of red wine.

There was a nasty accident when a lady nearby missed a step and collapsed in a heap on the floor. An alert was sounded and within seconds people appeared from all directions. They eventually carried her off in a chair followed by a very worried husband.

We had two new table mates a lady from Essex with her 19 year old grand daughter. They were both very nice but the girl struggled to find any food she likes – a fast food junkie I suppose. Eventually she had chicken and chips but she did not enjoy it.

Making our way through the ship after dinner we were engulfed in a celebration party going on with the ships band and singers and free champagne was flowing. i grabbed a glass and asked Mike to too and then it was on to the theatre. Two black soul singers who were good if you like that sort of music and the audience was very appreciated. And then to bed.

DAY 3 – VIGO

Arrived to clear blue skies, sunshine but a cool breeze. We had a wander around the port covering more or less the same as last time – it did look better than we remembered it apart from the pavements covered on pile of dog mess.

This violinist plays his heart out when the ship is in Port. He can be seen on You Tube as the entertainments manager – Joff Eaton is trying to make him famous. Needless to say the woman in red did not see me!

We wandered around the town – not very exciting but there was an amazing Christmas Tableau in the Shopping centre -

Very detailed and portraying the Biblical story in an unusual way and appreciated by adults and children.

Back on board for lunch of turkey and salad and then a rest on a sunbed for a while. We have been invited to a reception for returning guests tonight – wonder what that will be like? I will let you know later.

Another long afternoon nap – I can’t believe it – I’m so tired. The Reception was a champagne buffet for members only and there was no shortage of drink! We did not over indulge. The canapés were too pretty to eat but we managed a few. Then on to dinner – I had something with aubergines by mistake SO THAT WAS ONE COURSE LESS IN MY TUMMY. They WOULD HAVE BROUGHT ME SOMETHING ELSE BUT I DECLINED. Main COURSE – LAMB SHANK – FELL OFF THE BONE FOLLOWED BY A RASPBERRY MOUSSE.

The lady who fell yesterday was back in the dining room with her arm strapped up so not badly hurt.

I opened my second bottle of red and, on top of the champagne, I was useless. I toddled off to bed whilst Mike watched the theatre show. Here endeth another fun filled day.

DAY 4 – LiSBON

Awoke to blue cloudless skies and toddled off on the shuttle bus in to town. Some very nice shops and very reasonable too – the prices are very cheap compared with ours and Spain. Had a coffee and the traditional Pastel de Nata ( custard in flaky pastry ) Delicious. It was quite hot sat in the sun people watching and it was difficult to feel Christmassy. Not a lot of decorations around , perhaps a bit too early. .

The bridge over the river is a copy of the Golden Gate bridge and is very impressive. Towers over everything – except the ship. It looks as though she will not be able to go under it when we set sail tonight – I wonder

Back on board we had lunch in the Windjammer and then, as I am suffering from a pain in my heel I went in the hot tub and boy was it hot? It took my breath away. The jets are very strong and the whole thing is suspended out over the sea – awesome.

We had a drink in the Schooner bar before dinner which was casual tonight and I had melon & ham for starter and cock au vin for main. T’was very tasty. Our companions are becoming more chatty. There is John who Mike has discovered was in the services and Will, with long flowing grey locks who comes from near Glasgow. don’t much about him – he leaves the table as soon as he is finished.

Then we have Evie and her grand daughter Eda – a Turkish name taken from Evie’s husband who died this year. They come from Romford and know Morney road where Mike was brought up.A new recruit was Erica, on her own and befriended by Evie. She was widowed quite young and her son aged 21 lives in Australia. She was a lecturer At Exeter Uni in Psychiatry and Psychology but is not computer literate ! She also lived for a while in Teignmouth.

There was a hypnotist in the Theatre – we have seen him before and he is very good but does not embarrass the volunteers on stage.

Goodbye Teignmouth Hello Independence.

2011-12-23T15:30:00.001Z

DAY 1

After finally packing our cases with some of the clothes we could find we set off on a strange route to the motorway.

Leaving home at 8.45 we marvelled that we passed Exeter services in under 15 minutes and , barring accidents and lost keys, it would be less than 2 hours to Bournemouth; very handy for our trips to see Lynne & Barry.

Talking of accidents and lost keys - we had a minor panic on route – Mike forgot to leave Emma a garage key; well, he says he did not forget he was pretty sure that there was one on my key ring which I left with her. Despite me saying – “ I’m sure there was only one key on that ring with the alarm button “ it took a phone call to prove me right. “ we will have to post it on route” I said and drove off the main road to go into Dorchester. Did you know Dorchester appears to have a new town on the western outskirts completely separated from the old town? Well, it does and there was no way through. Back to the main road and a search on Tom Tom advised us that there was a Post office 1.8 miles away in Bere Regis. We found it, bought some pens, a jiffy envelope and put in the key to Emma.

“ i would like this sent express delivery please “ I said. “No problem, that will be £15. 35 to arrive by 9 a.m. Monday” the postmaster said. “ I’m sorry,” I said. I only want one little garage key sent less than a hundred miles not the whole garage!”

“ That is the charge I’m afraid but it would only be £5.60 to arrive by 1 p.m. Will that be OK?”

“O, that is so much better I said but I though highway robbery died along witDick Turpin”. He smiled, knowingly and stuck the very expensive label on to my teeny weeny envelope. It was almost too big.

Outside I said – “Mission accomplished Mike but don’t make the same mistake again”……….. When I told him the price he went very, very pale.

Back in the car I tried to reprogram Tom Tom but all I got was “ no route available” . Time after time it did that and we could not find the A35. Then the light came on – I was putting in the post code and hitting ‘ 0 ‘ instead of ‘O’. Easy mistake although stupid Jean! Once sorted, Tom Tom took us on a circuitous route back to the main road and we made our way to the car park on the outskirts of Southampton.

We were then dropped off by the ship, our luggage put on the carts and we entered the terminal……………… along with at least 3000 other people. It was heaving. We snaked our way around the hall having a laugh and a joke with a couple every time we passed one another. Mike took charge of the paperwork so I had my hand bag around my neck; my laptop on my shoulder and I wheeled the overnight case behind me.My impression of a donkey! I actually left the case behind at one stage and a kind lady retrieved it for me. Then we progressed (slowly) to the X-ray and finally on to the booking hall. At last we were climbing the ramp on to the ship and headed straight for the Windjammer for a late lunch.I was starving & had pork & mushroom casserole with mash followed by …………………. chicken & chips. Only a couple of chips. Resolution straight down the drain.

We found our room, cases arrived and I unpacked and then it was time for dinner. I requested a table for two but got a table for 6. Never mind – it was quite entertaining as we had three octogenarians ladies from Cardiff who were fantastic. One had just returned from Australia.

We also had a scholastic looking old guy who got very hot under the collar as the service was a bit slow and made a big fuss to the head waiter. We didn’t mind at all, first night of a new cruise there are bound to be hiccups. Then it was off to the Theatre where we struggled to keep our eyes open and we were both in bed asleep before 10. The gentle rocking helped.

Here endeth the first day. Night night.

Goodbye & Hello

2011-12-10T15:01:00.001Z

On Monday, 12th December we will be saying goodbye to our home in Paignton

We have been here just over 10 years – very happy years. We will never find another home so perfect. Quiet, Secluded with views over the town towards the sea.

The garden although beautiful is too much for us now -

We will be happier with less to worry about but will take the very best of memories with us.

It is time to move on – this house is much to large for us and we also feel in need of change. Post Mid – Life Crisis?? Who knows but we are excited about our move to Teignmouth.

Teignmouth where Mike grew up; a smaller town than Paignton but much prettier and more attractive in every way ; We will still be up a hill ( difficult not to be in this neck of the woods) and we have a sea view from the garden.

All on one level, no stairs it will be easier for us both although I have to negotiate the steps to the front door. That will be my daily exercise LOL.

A light bright airy lounge with a balcony off one end

A large conservatory off the kitchen so we will probably spend most our time there

And a manageable garden which I am looking forward to seeing come to life next year. Exciting not knowing what to expect.

There is a bus stop in the road so we can walk into town and bus back – for free with our bus passes and avoid all the hassle of trying to find somewhere to park. Always difficult especially in summer.

As I type this I am surrounded with cardboard boxes – an over enthusiastic packer has left us with very little to survive until Monday but a great excuse to eat out. Toby & Phoebe are coming to stay tonight and will have to share the double bed upstairs – Whoa! will we get any sleep I wonder?

The next time they stay over it will be very new to them both and I hope they will like our new home as much as we do.

Next time I will be writing from Teignmouth – exciting times.

Normal Service will be Resumed – Eventually

2011-11-21T18:54:00.001Z

Just a quick apology for my absence but we are in the midst of a house move which, from start to finish is scheduled for under 6 weeks. Things are manic and the uncertainty of it all is not helping my stress levels.

We are due to move on 12th December and then we are off on holiday on 17th December.

Hopefully, the New Year will see me back to normal and having the time to spend on my computer and chatting to you all.

MY TRIBUTE TO SIMON & CO

2011-11-13T09:26:00.001Z

Below I have written about the sale of our house. When the estate agent called he remarked on my pictures in the hall saying he also loved colour!

So, what could I give them to say thank you for their excellent service ? Yes you’ve guessed it

I am having it put onto canvas and I only hope they like it.

In Praise of Estate Agents Honestly!

2011-11-09T07:07:00.001Z

Not words you normally associate together are they but I can confirm that there are little gems out there if you are very lucky.

We recently decided to put our house back on the market; the garden is too big; we have two bedrooms upstairs which are never used and we would like to release some capital so that we can enjoy more holidays.

Mike wanted to wait until the spring when the market picks up but I thought that as there is less property on the market we would have less competition. If it did not sell it was not a problem.

Next question – who to choose? Having lived in this area most of our lives and having done business with many we quickly crossed off quite a few. Mainly those who under price for a quick sale and those who are not very efficient.

I decided on the agents who are nationwide thinking they would have more exposure

But I made a mistake and rang one of the local agents. Never mind, lets see what they all say when the call.

Agent 1 – Very nice lady, smart and of an age you could trust. She spent a great deal of time walking around making notes and taking measurements. We thought that was a waste of time as initially we were only asking for a valuation.

She gave us the usual preamble about it being a difficult market, and prices had dropped and we waited for the bottom line expecting a low figure. We were pleasantly surprised as it matched what we thought having “sold” the house in 2006 but it fell through.

Agent 2 – another national agent called and was very pleasant. Gave us the same spiel about the market etc but he only had a walk round and did not bother with measurements thank goodness. However, he did hit us with the low figure, 25K less than the previous agent. He spouted on about properties he had sold recently in the area and I’m not surprised his sale figures were good when he devalues properties to that extent. He did offer to reduce his commission rates and I wonder why? Could it be because he would have sold it very easily at that price! Good bye Agent 2!

Agent 3 – the “mistake“ then called. He was polite and straight to the point asking if we only wanted a valuation at this stage. He showed us other properties nearby on his books which were comparable with ours although, as he pointed out, our house has many unique qualities. Eventually he came up with the same figure as the first agent. That was fine with us and we warmed to him. He seemed to be very straight forward and gave us the right answers to our questions. I asked him if he would reduce his commission rate and he said no, that was his rate but if there was a need for negotiation on price etc. at a later date he would consider it. Fair enough. As he said, a sale was to his advantage as well as us.

We decided to engage him. He came back and took measurements and photos and asked if his girls could come and look around so that they could answer any queries from potential buyers. Good move. That was Friday 21^st October.

The draft brochure was prepared for approval and it was fine, just one thing needed to be added in my opinion. By Wednesday it was on their website and in the local paper on Thursday.

Friday we received a call making an appointment for Monday. Then another viewing on Tuesday and Wednesday, two viewings. We then received a phone call saying they had received an offer but it was far too low- we agreed. Thursday a lady came back for a second look and the agents kept us informed all the time of what was happening and providing feedback. Not once did we have to phone them.

Late Thursday the agent rang and said this lady wanted to come back again the next day with a friend – no problem. “O, but it might be Mrs Fisher, she can only come at 9.30 and we know you prefer viewings after 11a.m.” she said.

I promised to get myself out of bed and out of the way before they came and was just leaving as they arrived. Tipping down with rain for the third day running I did say that if she liked it in the rain she will love it in the sunshine.

Later that day whilst we were looking at a property in Teignmouth the mobile rang and Mike was told that there was another offer on the table. Mike said we would want a little more and said a figure. The agent came back asking if we could meet half way and – deal done! This was all in the space of two weeks from asking for a valuation and only one week on the market.

The surveyor came on Monday and everyone is hoping for completion before Christmas.

Who are these fabulously efficient Estate Agents? Caslings of Paignton. All the staff are exceptionally professional and knowledgeable about their business and I cannot find any fault (and I’ve tried!) We have been made to feel valued as clients and nothing has been too much trouble.

Thank you – Simon, Jo and Marcella.

Yesterday – we agreed the purchase of the property in Teignmouth. Our heads are spinning!

Yesterday – Toby went into hospital and had his appendix removed! That was a real shock but I’m glad to report he is doing well. O, and Olli went into hospital 2 weeks ago for an operation on his arm. PHEW!

REAL ART??

2011-10-21T08:58:00.001+01:00

I have posted photos of my art many times on this blog and two of my favourite pictures are these

A few weeks ago I uploaded the above to You - frame to be put on to canvas.

I waited and waited for them to arrive but as I had taken advantage of a special deal the company were inundated with orders.

I eventually received one and was some -what surprised that the canvas was rolled up in a box with the bits and pieces for the frame. I was expecting it to be assembled. How stupid am I?

No, don’t answer that. That is why it is called YOU – Frame Duh !

Putting it together is very simple, according to the instructions – Yeah. Right. Mike and I eventually managed to do it between us, not without a few expletives and threats of violence.

We made some mistakes which are not too obvious but we made a much better job of the second one despite the instructions missing from the parcel.

Anyway, here they are hanging in the hall

I am thrilled to bits with them although they are rather large. Certainly make a statement! As they can be touched and viewed from different angles I now feel that perhaps my digital art will now be considered “real” art.

I can see me having trouble in deciding which other ones to have done. The reproduction is brilliant.

I might try some flower photos next ……………… but which to choose.

Beautiful Bristol

2011-10-18T14:39:00.001+01:00

It is many, many years since I last went to Bristol so, when I saw the Premier Inn offering a room at £29 per night – I booked it.

We set off on a rather grey day but as we travelled east, the weather brightened up and the sun poked his head through the clouds.

Our Sat Nav lady took us into Bristol past the Clifton Bridge and we found ourselves down by the docks. We carried on to make sure we knew where the hotel was and then doubled back to the dockside and easily found a FREE parking space right next to a riverside cafe.

We sat outside right next to an elaborate houseboat.

The rear of the boat had strong railings around and when a toddler appeared, playing footie with his Dad, I knew why. The old warehouses across the river had been transformed into apartments but there were still a few buildings waiting to be modernised. The mix of old and new was interesting.

Whilst enjoying a hot cup of coffee I smiled, watching a pigeon having a swing on the tow rope.

After our coffee we went walkabout and the sun came out.

Across the river was a large Amphitheatre – great piece of architecture

Further down the river was the SS Great Britain. We could see it in the distance but ……….

By that time my poor feet were killing me.

Verrucas and cobblestones are NOT compatible

Don’t worry, I am not going to post photos of my verrucas.

I fell in love with this row of Georgian houses and wondered who lived there many years ago.

After lunch we crossed the river and found many different bars including a Weatherspoons.

Much busier there than on the other side and there were the remains of a market and a guy playing a fiddle standing on a tightrope!

No, I didn’t photograph him in case he fell off. What some people do for a living eh?

That concludes our walk around the harbour. I then hobbled on the cobbles back to the car. Ouch!

I was intrigued by the many different types of cobbles and the iron kerbs around many of the pavements

Needless to say I googled it and here is the answer :

A distinctive iron pavement kerbing was frequently used in Bristol streets, to prevent iron cartwheels damaging the stone paving. Many sections of the old edging still exist - Lower Park Row (below left) and Temple Street (below right) are typical examples. The iron kerb is almost unique to Bristol, Southampton being one of the few other places.

Iron kerbs were still being installed in the early 20th Century, when they were made by the Douglas Company of Kingswood. They used surplus metal left over from manufacture of their famous motorcycles.

Then we went to the hotel, mooched around the shopping mall and ended up seeing a movie. Tinker Taylor, Soldier Spy – very, very complex but we enjoyed it sitting back in the most comfy cinema seats ever. I struggled to keep awake.

Out To Lunch In Brixham

2011-09-27T11:51:00.001+01:00

The boys’ Dad is now working at a new Restaurant in Brixham so we all went over for lunch on Saturday.

Here it is from the back – looking very smart.

It is right on the Quay – a lovely position on a warm summer day.

A rather swish glass balcony off the main restaurant looks very inviting.

Rob the Head Chef.

Whilst waiting for our meal Toby and Phoebe went off to explore.

Ready and waiting for her burger and chips.

An arty shot of through the doorway.

A trip to Dartmoor

2011-09-12T20:53:00.000+01:00

Despite being threatened with the tail-end of a hurricane the morning was quite bright even if a little windy. We treated ourselves to bacon sandwiches and, as we would not want lunch (!) we decided to go up on the Moor. A banana for me and an apple for Mike was thrown in a carrier bag with a bottle of water.

We drove through Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey and then up to Haytor. Lots of people in the car park and several climbing up the Tor. We used to do it regularly with the dogs and discovered a large pond just behind the Tor where Brandy loved to swim. There is also the remains of an old railway line which carried the granite down to the river Teign to be put on ships and carried far, far away.

As I cannot walk up hills anymore we drove on but stopped in a lay-by to view the view.

Looking back towards the coast there were blue skies with fluffy cotton wool clouds and despite the wind it was quite warm.

Looking North – East even less cloud and the promise of a lovely afternoon.

Perhaps not, clouds were getting bigger and darker to the North. There appeared to be caravans and other vehicles parked on the ridge in the distance. Sadly, too far to identify.

Some more beautiful skies.

We drove on to Widecombe In The Moor, very famous and attracts loads of visitors but nothing much there. A larger than average Church, a couple of pubs and a large village green.( This is not my photo).

Of course there is Widecombe Fair this coming Tuesday - £10 to park a car in a field. Small price to pay I suppose to see –:

Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney Peter Day, Daniel Whiddon, Harry Hawk Old uncle Tom Cobley and all………………

We drove past the pub in the village and took a left turn onto a narrow lane and ended up at The Rugglrstone Inn. One of the prettiest inns I have ever seen.

http://www.rugglestoneinn.co.uk/

It really is that pretty and a very good menu too.

Chickens and geese roam around free and some of the chickens are very unusual.

You may remember we were not going to eat lunch. Umm, we ordered two halves of shandy and just needed a little something to soak it up.

A hot pork bap with stuffing and apple sauce called out to us and it seemed rude to refuse.

It was fabulous; the pork , slow roasted, melted in the mouth, The sage and onion stuffing was delicious and the bap was toasted. a very nice touch. Real Ales are served too which pleases Mike and his friend Barry. They love to sample different ones.

Dinner will be delayed by at least two hours.

We then decided to cross the Moor to Badgers Holt and intended to walk beside the river.

There is a very large car park and recent additions of many small animals. However, I headed straight to the river where it tumbles at quite a speed over the stones and boulders creating it’s own tune.

See how clear the water is despite the fact it is coloured brown. Harmless as far as I know.

Signs of Autumn already showing in the yellowing leaves on the trees on the opposite bank.

Also along the bank were several clumps of bamboo – 15 to 20 feet high. A relatively new addition to the English flora. Moe like an invader I’m afraid.

As we walked up the valley there were numerous animal pens containing goats, pot belly pigs, geese, turkeys, rabbits and several different types of chickens.

Really does not go with the surroundings but I suppose some see it as an attraction to families.

I took a few photos but as there was netting etc. over the pens they don’t look too good. Best left out I think.

These are the animal you come to see on the moor – ponies.

This one was very tame and he enjoyed Mike’s apple

As the weather closed in we headed for home

Past the newly grown heather and gorse

Stopping every few minutes to allow other cars through

Slowly descending down from the Moor to the lush tree lined roads below

And home for dinner.

Bloody Depression

2011-09-04T18:58:00.002+01:00

Over the last few weeks I have been feeling more and more unwell and this is mainly due to the Whooping Cough I think, it has made us both very rundown and we are still coughing

Add to that the family problems which have dominated our lives over the last three months; My painful feet and the inability to now wear ANY shoes and my breathing is very laboured as I cannot take my inhaler. Energy levels are in the minus region and tears are always there ready to fall.

I wrote this poem this morning & thought I would share it with anyone who looks in.

Even in sleep I cannot find peace.

My mind is full of images I don’t want to see.

Also full of sounds I don’t want to hear.

Just let me sleep, sink into the soft blackness; be enveloped in the swirling liquid waters of tranquillity.

I don’t want to be awake. It is too painful.

Jumbled thoughts and worries going round and round.

Always growing, getting bigger. Like pebbles rolling, growing

Into boulders. Boulders which block the way.

Boulders which block the light.

There’s no escape. I’m trapped.

All I can do is repeat my mantra-

It will pass. It will pass.

Eventually it will pass.

It always does. You know it does.

What’s that? That voice deep in my head?

What are you saying?

Yes, I know – it just may not pass this time.

And then what?

Strangely, I have done a few drawings recently, three for a competition I enter every month. It does help to release the tension and dispels some of the blacker thoughts.

The subject this month was – “Eye Spy with my Little Eye” A scene through a window.

Here they are :-

THE PRISONER

OUR DECK

CALPE BACONY

In addition, school starts again tomorrow and Toby will be off to St, Cuthbert Mayne’s in Torquay. This means that we will not see him anywhere near so frequently, he will not be sleeping over and having his breakfast of Beans and scrambled eggs with Mike each morning. He will not be coming after school to enjoy his cup of tea and umpteen biscuits whilst he watches some American teen rubbish on TV. We are going to miss him so much.

Cheers Toby, wishing you lots of joy and happiness in your new school.

RANT!

2011-09-01T15:52:00.001+01:00

In my previous post I reminisced over my teenage years and this brought up comparisons in my head with todays teenagers.

If you transported my 15 year old grandson back to 1959 he would think he was in The Dark Ages.

We did have a TV – only one, black and white and a very small screen with two channels BBC and ITV.

He has a TV in his room connected to Sky so his choice of programmes are numerous.

We did not have a car or a telephone – I had to walk to the phone box to contact friends if they were on the phone.

His mother and father have cars and there is a phone in the home with two extensions plus he has his own mobile. This is his lifeline to his friends and they contact each other umpteen times a day.

No electronic games or videos or computers. No junk food such as Macdonalds or Kentucky.

No School holidays abroad – Olli went to Sweden last year and it cost a fortune!

No lifts to school – walked or caught a bus.

No themed birthday parties or School proms.

What we never had we could not miss but despite the children of today having SO much – are they happier or more fulfilled – NO.

They constantly complain of being bored, nothing to do, nowhere to go etc. Incapable ,in the main, of amusing themselves without it costing money – mega money at that.

One thing that hasn’t changed much is teenage fashion – or lack of it depending on how old you are!

In my previous post I drew some typical teenagers to illustrate my youth.

Here is todays youth -

Note the baggie jeans around the bum and the almost naked girl. OK, I know she looks odd, figure drawing isn’t my forte but you get the idea.

Now 67 would I want to change places with the youth of today? No. Despite all the material things they have they are facing such enormous pressure at school and then in the workplace that I worry how they will cope. I know that is a sweeping generalisation as there will be those who are able to cope but, in the main, we are producing young adults badly equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

I hope I’m wrong!

THE WAY WE WERE

2011-08-31T15:14:00.002+01:00

Watching the riots on TV really brought it home to me how very lucky we are to live in the relatively peaceful area of South Devon. Although we see in the local press on a weekly basis that someone has been killed or badly injured in a fight it had no impact on me at all. Well, no impact other than not want to go into town on a Saturday night anymore but when I was 16, I was more frightened of Dracula appearing from behind a bush than seeing anyone have a fight.

There were the Teddy boys of course with their slicked back hair, tight, tight trousers and brothel creepers; the bikers ( more my type) with leather jackets and powerful bikes and then later, there were the Mods with their parkers and scooters and umpteen mirrors decorating the handlebars.

At the Jive Club on Thursday night in the Church Hall there was never any trouble despite the fact that knuckle dusters and flick knives were mentioned- no I never saw any. Neither was there any drunkenness, just hours of jiving to the latest records – Elvis, Bill Haley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers et al. This was around 1958 – 1960 when I could dance all evening mostly with my girlfriends, the boys were propping up the walls waiting to take someone home if they were lucky.

Remember Elvis’s King Creole ? Loved it!

http://youtu.be/yA_zS6-dO7Q

Fashions were varied, for jiving we wore sloppy joes ( usually our Dad’s jumper ) over tight trousers and baseball boots on our feet for that extra spring in the step. For “ going out” we wore pleated skirts, rolled up around the waist over several paper nylon petticoats which crackled as we walked. On our feet were the winkle picker shoes with the highest heels we could find.

Remember those wonderful Jukeboxes in the corner of every cafe belting out the Top Twenty but not deafening as is today's music.
Along with the Jukebox went the Espresso coffee in chic glass cups. The machines took some getting used to with the fresh coffee in the filter and the steam jet, very hot, to froth up the coffee – I just loved it. We were never taught how to make pretty patterns in the froth though – that is a modern idea.
The coffee bars were mainly for teenagers, we were quite content to drink coffee of coca cola or juice in those days – alcohol was not on our minds. Perhaps drinking laws were enforced more strictly then and, of course, it was not easily available. You could only buy it from a pub or an off license. Perhaps we should return to those days – definitely take it out of supermarkets. Other countries are far stricter :-
Alcohol in America
Legal Issues
By and large, alcohol consumption rules are set by the states, and in some places, by the counties or cities. Closing times vary from city to city, and in some states (primarily rural areas) there are still 'dry counties' in that you cannot buy alcohol in that area.
In many areas grocery stores can sell beer and wine, but not hard liquor, for that you will need to go to a liquor or 'package' store. In some states, the sale of liquor is controlled entirely by the state and you will need to go to an ABC (Alcohol and Beverage Control) store to buy it.
A few important rules:
1) You cannot drink alcohol in public. Taking a beer out of a pub onto the sidewalk is illegal in most states. Public consumption of alcohol, while tolerated at places like sporting events (the 'tailgate party'), drive in movie theatres and a few other situations, it is generally not allowed in the US. At most bars, you'll either have the cup taken from you at the door by security, or channelled into a 'beer garden' which is separated from the public sidewalk by a small fence. Walking down the street with a glass of beer is certain to get you a citation for 'public consumption'.
2) The drinking age is 21 (with LEGAL PROOF). You are 50, you have grey hair, you look like a geezer, technically, this is not enough to buy alcohol in many states. To get into many bars and buy alcohol, you often have to produce a government issued ID (drivers license, passport) that shows your picture and has your birth date. Some stores will only accept a US drivers license or liquor ID (ID for people over 21 who do not hold a drivers license), so not even a military ID or US passport will be accepted, but this is usually the exception to the rule. In some cases, only ID from that state or a neighboring state will be accepted. It may seem silly, but many a bartender can tell you about how they have turned away grey-haired old ladies because they couldn't produce proof of their age. If you plan to go out drinking, take an ID and avoid any problems. Whether they 'card you' (ask for ID) varies, but better safe than sorry.
3) Driving while drunk is a big no-no. This happens thousands of times a night, and some bars miles from anywhere you have to just ask 'how the hell are you supposed to NOT drink and drive with a place like this." But getting stopped for a DUI test can really cause some problems with your insurance, losing your license for a minimum of six months in many states, and also creating a lot of problems for immigration and VWP. It's best to find a 'designated driver' (i.e. the buddy who gets free Cokes from the bar) and have them deal with you getting home.
4) Every state has a minimum alcohol purchase age of 21 (18 still persists in some US territories). Before the mid 1980s some states had a lower age (it's a matter of state law) but the federal government made certain highway funding conditional on adopting a 21 drinking age. However, the laws still differ in detail by state (for example, in some cases it's illegal for under 21s to consume alcohol as well as buy it, in other cases it is only illegal to purchase alcohol). Providing alcohol to under 21s may be banned by a specific statute or something more general like "contributing to delinquency of a minor". People have been jailed for allowing under 21s (their children, or more usually, friends of their children) to drink alcohol at a party in their house.NIH APIS explains some of the complexities regarding underage possession or consumption of alcohol.
5) In some states, under 21s are not allowed in certain areas of bars, hotels or liquor stores.
6) Taking alcohol across state lines brings you within the scope of federal law. It is not a problem to bring alcohol for your own use from one state to another, but anything, for example, involving under 21s, could lead to offences under federal law as well as state.
7) Being deemed an "alcohol abuser" - which can happen if you are convicted or cited for alcohol related offences (eg DUI) - can cause complications for your immigration status, if you are not a US citizen. Even if you manage to overcome the problems DUI will cause in getting US resident status or citizenship, it could prevent you entering Canada (Canada is even stricter on DUI than the United States) and especially if you live in a border state, this could be a real inconvenience.
8) US state and federal laws on alcohol use among recreational watercraft users (many waterways are under federal jurisdiction) and commercial drivers are stricter than in many other countries. Also, if you cause an accident or injury/death while under alcohol influence, US laws are also stricter and you face the real risk of a jail sentence (and deportation if you are not a US citizen).
Perhaps if we did tighten up on alcohol abuse by young people my grandson(aged 15) would not have been rushed to hospital recently in an ambulance , having been knocked unconscious with a savage blow to his right eye. Perhaps I should make a comparison with “then” and “now” in my next post.
JJ

LONDON AND ALFI BOE

2011-08-15T10:22:00.001+01:00

Well, we packed our case and headed east.

After listening to all the news bulletins we decided to take a chance and go to London on Wednesday despite skirmishes being reported in Canning Town where we were staying. Had we not booked and paid for our hotel and Show we would have stayed at home – just in case but…………………………………

WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME!

A good journey up the M5 & M4 guided by Mss Tom Tom we arrived shortly after lunch and after checking in we thought we would pop over to Canary Wharf and enjoy a glass of wine by the river.

It was hot and sunny and it was a perfect way to relax after the long drive. And not a hoody in sight.

Thursday we thought we would go to the West End on the bus which would save us a bob or two as we could use our bus passes. The 115 took us a far as Aldgate through Poplar and Aldgate which were also devoid of hoody. Very close to the Gerkin which switched to the 15 and got off at Covent Garden.

It was buzzing, full of life with everyone enjoying the day after the initial rain. People of all nationalities and colours eating and drinking and inspecting the variety of goods on sale. Almost a carnival atmosphere after the horror of the events earlier in the week.

From Covent Garden we walked and walked enjoying the atmosphere until I really needed to sit! Leicester Square we knew had seats in the little park in front of the Odeon, but no longer. All shut off making ready for 2012.

We found ourselves outside The Garrick Theatre and, as we had theatre tokens, we decided to go in and watch the matinee performance of Pygmalion.

It has had good reviews and Mike really enjoyed it. I did not – I am a Philistine when it comes to stage plays – I cannot accept the dramatic acting – perfectly normal but I don’t like it.

I also got a little scared, every so often there was a loud rumbling noise and police sirens in the background and I wondered what was going on! Of course, I eventually realised the rumbling was from the underground trains.

After the show we made our way to Shaftesbury Avenue so that we would be close to the theatre we had booked for the evening. We found a little pub opposite the Windmill and had a light supper.

It was then time to make our way to the Queens Theatre to see Alfie Boe and Matt Lucas in Les Miserables. There was a was a small window when they are performing together and, subject to illness, they should be there. They HAD to be there.

There wasn’t a spare seat and all we had to worry about was not having a coughing fit once it started.

The orchestra struck up and we were transported to a magical place by the most wonderful singing and acting you could ever see on a stage anywhere in the world.

Does that mean it was good? No, it was very nearly perfect. Alfie’s voice is so well suited to the music( he is SO handsome with big brown eyes) and Matt Lucas was hilarious as the Innkeeper. The whole cast was excellent, although it was the fourth time we have seen it, the production was very different and exciting.

After the show we were picked up by Keith ( Young Goat) and transported safely to our hotel. Whilst we waited we enjoyed the music coming from a bar next door – lots of singing came bellowing out in to the road , young people gathered outside enjoying the balmy evening and, apart from the ever present police sirens – no trouble to be seen.

I was so high on adrenalin that I could not sleep despite such a busy day. Never mind, I had Alfie for company!

Next day, back on the bus and we decided to get off at the Tower of London.

It was very busy with long queues of mostly foreign tourists. I think half the population of France was in London that week.

We sat down and enjoyed a cup of coffee and were joined by some very tame starlings. I haven’t seen them for years in Devon.

Then we went on a boat trip up to Westminster which took us past many interesting landmarks.

Tower Bridge and Boris Johnson’s office.

The Tower from the river and the Millennium Bridge.

The Eye and Cleopatra's Needle.

The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey – note the queues.

London in August is not for the faint-hearted.

We then took a bus to Hyde Park Corner, grabbed a sandwich from Pret A Manger and went into the park for a rest.

A magnificent specimen of a botanical curiosity is the Weeping Beech, Fagus sylvatica pendula, cherished as "the upside-down tree"

Kids were having so much fun running in and out and climbing to the top.

Just a few snaps from Hyde Park. Must go back – it is beautiful but VERY big!

Our last evening was spent with a forum friend – Keith. He drives a taxi and he picked us up from our hotel and we went to the O2 arena, just across the river from our hotel.

What a surprise – full of different types of entertainment and restaurants. We had no idea that this was on our doorstep.

We had a nice if rather noisy meal in TGI Fridays and a long chat with someone I have known only on the internet for over 10 years.

Then back to the hotel, early to bed after another busy day.

We left the hotel fro home about 9.30 and Tom Tom gave our ETA as 1.20! Rather optimistic. We were taken over Tower Bridge, all round the place on the south side of the river then back across Chelsea Bridge – to avoid the Congestion charge I guess.

Then there were warnings of heavy traffic on the motorway – and there was, Very heavy!

We finally arrived home about 2.45 – safe and sound.

A great little break in the Big City.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Post Whooping Cough

2011-07-31T16:58:00.002+01:00

After five weeks of feeling pretty rough we were both beginning to go stir crazy. I’m pleased to report that during the day we are almost back to normal ( no cheap jokes please) but night time is still dreaded. Mike is worse than me and his coughing fits are longer and more severe than mine. It's a good job he can get by on little sleep.
Our normally pristine bed looks a mess as we both have 5 pillows and the satin throw has been thrown into a cupboard for fear of spoiling it.

However, we have ventured out twice this week, a trip to Brixham and a trip to Totnes.
First Brixham, a picturesque fishing town – the busiest in the country. There has been a lot of controversy about this building on the quay as to what it should be used for. Currently undergoing renovations it now looks more in keeping with the other buildings.
The pirate ship is a big attraction and Brixham now has an annual Pirates Day in April bringing in much needed business.

The old fish market now provides shelter for people and cars and provides an excellent venue for many different entertainments such as the Brixham Orpheus Male Choir

Next Engagement

Brixham Orpheus Male Choir

When: Next Wednesday, 3^rdAugust at 8:00pm
Where: Old Fish Quay, Brixham
Event: Quay concert; collection for Salvation Army

CLAWS - a seafood restaurant favoured by my friend Mary from America. The food looked delicious so we intend to go back soon for lunch. Fresh crab sandwiches can’t be beaten.
Umm, Blue lobster pots? Guess they can’t be seen in the water.
Are lobsters colour blind?

The very smart, new fish market

One of several murals on the outside which I admired.

Past the fish market there is a pathway leading to Freshwater where there are several private boats moored and a car park which few visitors know about. Note the typical English Summer sky.

I paddled on the slipway and it was absolutely freezing but, enjoyable once your feet got used to it.
A slow walk back around the harbour to the car and our first outing was over.

YESTERDAY WE WENT TO TOTNEs
Actually, we set off for Marldon Apple Pie Fair but it was impossible to park anywhere near and , as we didn’t feel like hiking up and down the lanes we followed our noses and ended up in Totnes. I often wonder just how many miles of lanes there are between Paignton and Totnes – quite a few I reckon.
We drove down to the end of the quay as it is a gentle walk along side the river.

The tide was out.

We used to walk here a lot with Sam and we thought that, had he been with us he would have been in the water like a shot. Somewhere I have a picture I did of him in the river Dart – here it is.

There is a meadow which runs alongside the river and I took several photos of the wild flowers

Blackberries almost ready to pick

Trees ladened with conkers

On to the river to walk the tow path back to the car park

I fancied a Salcombe Dairy ice-cream so we headed into town and parked in the main street as we have always done.
Slowly, very slowly we walked up the hill to the market – pity this bike had flat tyres

Found an icecream cart- my blackcurrant cone was delicious. Not Salcombe Dairy but an other Devon maker – Yarde Farm .
By now we were very tired, had a quick look around the market stopped at a baker’s for a couple of pasties for tea and back to the car.

What is that on the windscreen?

Umm, a very expensive ice-cream! We could have kicked ourselves not looking for a parking meter but, as we have parked there for years it did not cross our minds. Hey Ho - £25 to be sent off to the council tomorrow and we will now be parking aware. Our first ever parking fine so we’ve done well.
GRRR!

IT HAS TO BE ……………. PINK

2011-07-30T09:50:00.001+01:00

She has arrived, that precious bundle of pink loveliness. A daughter, grand daughter, niece or sister. She has arrived on the planet and what does she need?

P I N K !

But what shall we get? A hat, a toy, a dress? What shall it be?

This fluffy bunny with a kiss mouth – sweet.

Silky soft teddy to cuddle.

A slightly scary dolly.

A spotty sun hat.

Stylish bonnets.

Booties to keep those tootsies warm.

Just a few of the gifts on offer. What shall we choose? All of them!

Happy Pink Saturday to you all.

Don’t forget to visit Beverley at - http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Pink Saturday–Pink(ish) Bunnies

2011-07-22T20:22:00.001+01:00

A series of pictures drawn for my grand daughter’s nursery

Plus two A5 pictures

FISHING

FLOWERS

For more PINKS go to Beverlys at -

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

PINK SATURDAY- 16th JULY

2011-07-16T03:57:00.002+01:00

Back from our cruise I thought I would share some holiday snaps with you but – very limited on PINK in the Baltic.
So here are some of my favourite Sunrises –

I just found this one from my bedroom window on a morning when sleep wasn’t there!

SUNSETS
Looking west towards Dartmoor

Calpe

If you look very carefully you can see the skyscrapers of Benidorm in the distance.

And finally, not Pink but very atmospheric.

Happy PS to you all and don’t forget to visit Beverly at -http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Goodbye Baltic–Hello the North Sea

2011-07-10T14:39:00.002+01:00

Yes, time to make our way home after a memorable cruise to a perfect Scandinavian Summer and not the frozen north as we feared. Apart from rain one day in Germany, we had warmth and sunshine and HEAT in Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Back on board I took a few more photos - our favourite lounge fro pre dinner cocktails during Happy Hour.

See the flowers on the left? Fresh lilies and they were everywhere. Truly beautiful flowers were in every corner and, in the Lido restaurant, real orchids on every single table.

The Atrium bar below

Pre dinner snacks with cocktails

As all my friends know I have always been very anti – veal and they have teased me about it for years. However, having learnt that it is humanely produced now I thought I would give it a try. This is one of the advantages of a cruise, there is always new foods to try and if you don't like them you order something else.
Here is a veal chop I ordered! It was the size of a T bone steak and almost 2 inches thick.

This grotesque piece of meat was too much for me and, after trying a little sliver, I was suddenly full up. The waiter was most concerned that I did not eat it or have something else but it was just too much.
On the other hand, Mike tried most steaks on the menu and every single one was juicy and tender even though he likes them well done. I did have the fillet with the lobster thermidor and can vouch for it’s tenderness but the lobster got my vote. I really don’t think meat and fish go together – do you?

Prawn cocktail anyone?
The last night the staff put on a show whilst also serving dinner – they really seemed to enjoy it. Time to let their hair down a little as they work 11 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 months and then …………………. get 2 months off.

Our waiters and Miss Antoinette – our bar steward. Very nice people indeed.

After a quick trip to the theatre to catch the last show it was back to room 8013 for the last night. A little choppy in the north sea tonight but certainly not rough. A wonderful calm cruise from start to finish. Apart from the ……………………
C O U G H !
Finally, a map of where we have been in 12 days. Amazing.

Stockholm–Wow what a city!

2011-07-10T13:35:00.000+01:00

We sailed through the archipelago, very carefully, to arrive around 7.a.m. It was cloudy and overcast and we were moored out in the sea as the port is not deep enough to take the ship . Lifeboats were soon lowered to tender us onto the land and they are huge. Take 150 passengers each I think .

A very neat & clean two decker bus took us in to Stockholm via the motorway – it took roughly an hour. Not a lot to see to be honest, trees, trees and more trees. The occasional field, horses and some small towns.

The clouds cleared, the sun came out and by 10a.m. it was about 72/73F. Very pleasant and no need for the jackets we had brought or the long jeans.

We were taken straight to the harbour side and it is stunning; the whole place is stunning. As the city is built on 14 islands there is water, water everywhere and actually it could be drunk. Certainly clean enough to swim in we were told. It is Regatta time and the biggest traffic jams we saw were all on the water. Boats of every size and description narrowly avoided each other and they were full of happy laughing people – enjoying their day on the water.

Because there is so little pollution the air was crystal clear and the contrast between the green trees and the blue sky and silver, sparkling water looked almost unreal.

We were ushered on to a tour boat – again it held many people and we set sail around the harbourside and beyond.

Stockholm

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Magnificent architecture everywhere, beautiful private houses right on the water’s edge and the locals walking , and jogging and just revelling a beautiful summers day. If there is one place we both want to come back to it is Stockholm.

No litter, no graffiti, no obvious poverty although there probably is, it is a little piece of heaven..

We were only there 2 hours so I don’t have much information to pass on except it is a magical place, especially on a hot summer’s day in July.

Helsinki Finland

2011-07-10T13:15:00.000+01:00

Another good day weather-wise and no excursion until the afternoon thank God as we are both so very tired with this virus.

Room Service – wonderful.

It was only a short trip around town the overwhelming memory, like so many of these Scandinavian countries, is bicycles everywhere. Young and old, short and tall, thin and fat – everybody rides a bike. Well, not everyone, there are cars of course but not too many.

And the occasional moose.

The public transport is excellent and on time and there are two types of tram; the green one is the normal one but the red one is a – BAR. I kid you not, you can get a drink whilst on your way home from work.

A mixture of building types, brick built churches, golden turrets and green copper roofs. I was expecting wooden buildings but all apparently burnt to the ground a couple of hundred years ago.

A food market was by the harbour – magnificent fruit and veg everywhere. Strawberries piled high and wonderful cherries at 5 euros a litre. Delicious.

In the harbour we saw two large icebreakers which keep the harbour ice free all year. The ice can be thick enough in winter to drive a car on if you felt so inclined.

We stopped in Cathedral square – a fabulous building but neither of us had the energy to negotiate all the steps.

Next a drive into the countryside, again water everywhere and people just relaxing and enjoying the outdoor life while they can.

Next stop – the Rock church – sorry – i did not get that at all – hideous building on the outside – literally just hewn roughly out of the rock. I stayed on the bus.

Then on to the Monument celebrating Berlioz the famous composer. It looks like the pipes of a church organ, no one knows the connection with Berlioz so they have put a statue of him there so people do know!

Now, I will tell you a little story, I had terrible tummy trouble here and had to sit on a seat by the water’s edge and pray. Mike said there was a toilet on the bus so I inched my way back to the driver but he said no. However, right next to the bus was one of these modern loos, all steel and stuff and the driver kindly put in 50cents to open it. I guess he knew I was desperate. The sound of water rushing underneath and down the sides was quite off putting but I was O So thankful. There is a God without a doubt.

Back on the bus a drive past the Olympic Stadium of 1952 and a final drive around the very neat town found us heading back to the ship.

Another nice day was had by all.

St. Petersburg Russia–3rd July WITH PHOTOS

2011-07-10T10:34:00.000+01:00

The land of snow, cold and fur coats! No, not today – 85F today and clear blue skies.

Another bad night both coughing and watching the ship leave the sea and enter the Neva river; it doesn’t get properly dark so it’s very difficult to know what time it is.

Most people have gone ashore today so it’s very quiet and I went in the pool on my own after lunch.

The Russian air force put on an air display just for us -

We are going tomorrow and hope it won’t be quite so hot; we have a 3 hour coach tour followed by 3 hours on our own to see the sights. Hopefully much more attractive than this port area which is full of high tenements, building work and industries.
We went to watch Wimbledon on a big screen and were given strawberries and cream as we sat down – lovely. The screen was a bit blurry though and then is American football player, 7 ft. tall and 2o+ stone sat right in front of me. After telling him what an ignorant man he was we decided to go back and watch it in our cabin as it is a decent sized flat screen.
As well as the cough, I have pulled a muscle in my side so as well as making a noise coughing I also let out a little whimper and clutch my side at the same time.Good job Swan Lake was cancelled.
The food on this boat is fabulous. I missed breakfast so had salad again for lunch when I spotted some roast beef being carved. I asked for a slice – the guy could not believe I didn’t want anything with it but, it was the best beef I have ever tasted. Tonight we are slumming it in the self service restaurant as we are too late for dinner in the main dining room plus we don’t want 4 courses!
I have had half a bottle of red with dinner each night and Mike has had one Vodka and tonic so not too much on our bar bill.
It’s 7 p.m here, 4p.m. at home and just as we decide to go to dinner, Rafa makes a comeback so it could be room service tonight. We had tea and toast this morning at 4.20 - great service.

Tomorrow hopefully I will have some fab fotos of St. Petersburg to show you.BFN.

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN–WITH PHOTOS

2011-07-10T10:15:00.001+01:00

Awoke to clear blue skies – no not strictly true. We had in fact been awake most of the night coughing in unison. This virus is really nasty, no wonder Ollie has been poorly for nearly 3 weeks. We were sitting on our balcony at 3 in the morning , hardly dark, watching other boats going our way but much slower.

Mike went up for breakfast whilst I still tried to get some sleep before going ashore at lunchtime. No chance!

We booked a coach tour and canal tour of Copenhagen and it was beautiful. A lovely city –, very clean but overrun with bikes going every which way. I would hate to drive here.

Our coach driver was a handsome blue eyed blonde and our guide- wasn’t!

First stop was of course The Little Mermaid -

Strangely tucked away from the town and not too overwhelming it has to be said.

We drove around the town past various historical buildings and everywhere looked very clean and tidy. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was getting hotter by the minute. Although we were sitting right behind the driver it was difficult to get any great photos as the reflection from the glass and the huge wing mirrors got in the way. Let me see what I can find worth showing -

Then it was down to the canal boat

Lots of very low narrow bridges to navigate

Houseboats moored on both sides of the canals

An old lightship

Back on land just time to visit the Winter Palace where the Queen of Denmark stays only in the winter. We watched the changing of the guard – not quite like it is in London

Mike in front of a huge yacht – aptly named.

Back on the coach – and pleased to be. and then to put our feet up.

Warnemunde – Germany , Thursday–Mike’s 70th Birthday. WITH PHOTOS

2011-07-10T10:06:00.001+01:00

It’s raining but we have nothing planned today so it doesn’t matter. Most people are going to Berlin a 2 1/2 hour train ride each way – no thanks. Apart from which we are both really struggling with this coughing virus – it is really bad and we are both now on antibiotics and I’ve been on steroids since we left home but nothing is touching it. I was walking the deck at 3 :11 this morning trying to get some air and find a hot cup of tea. It is really bad during the night – neither of us can lay down and we just cough in unison. It’s pretty bad on the coach trips too – lots of dirty looks from other passengers. My biggest disappointment is that I have had to cancel a trip to the ballet in St. Petersburg on Sunday to see Swan Lake. A once in a lifetime event but I can ‘t go and cough all the way through it. Mike’s happy though, We got my $99 back!

Mike did go into town yesterday but I didn’t budge – it looked a lovely area, nice beaches but spoilt by the rain.

A very busy port with loads of ferries coming and going.

I originally booked a special dinner in the Canaletto Restaurant for his birthday but we did not feel we could do it justice so I cancelled and we went to the normal dining room. At the end of the meal a cake appeared along with 6 singing waiters and Mike slowly slipped under the table. He thought I had planned it but I had not – they obviously keep an eye open for any birthdays – they have all the dates. As it was a special occasion we did go for cocktails in the Crow Nest Bar and listened to a folk singer but eventually bed called – or rather, the privacy of our room to cough as necessary.

The following day was a sea day whilst we travelled north east to

TALLINN ESTONIA SATURDAY JULY 2ND.

The clocks went on another hour today so it was 6.30 I think when we docked. Get’s light very early up here, in fact, it does not get very dark at all. Land of the midnight sun??

We booked a 3 hour coach trip around the town and surrounding area – we went everywhere at least twice ( it is quite small) everywhere except the Old Town which Is where I wanted to go to see the medieval buildings. All we saw were the remains of the Russian occupation – row after row of tenement type buildings looking vey dour and depressing. We had not realised that Estonia was only freed from the Russians in 1994 – very recent.

A diverse mixture of architecture – stone castles, wooden clap board houses – typical Estonian, modern shops and offices.

Statues, yellow cabs and blue trolley buses. Trees and parks everywhere.

A typical Russian tenement.

Some prosperous houses, the site of the Olympic flame in ……………….. Beautiful flower beds everywhere. The obligatory stop at a market where I managed to buy a sun hat having left mine at home

And back home to the boat and a lunch of every salad ingredient you can think of. Yummy.

Tonight – Beef Wellington and Coq Au Vin – I might just have to have BOTH .

ON BOARD THE EURODAM NOW WITH PHOTOS

2011-07-10T09:56:00.002+01:00

Room 8013 on the starboard side of deck 8. A long way down the corridor from the lift we had taken but we were pleased to find that there were more lifts fairly close to our room but not too close.
First impressions – smaller than The Independence obviously , not so bright and brash – more conservative and classy. The room looked smaller than I imagined but having a balcony it was light and bright although the artwork was unappealing. The first thing I noticed – no tea or coffee – I cannot believe in this day and age it is not standard and it reminded us of our early visits to America where you had to get cold drinks form vending machines in the corridors.
Yes, there is 24 hour room service but that is not as convenient as having the facility in your room to make a drink when you want one. BLACK MARK HAL!
We had a wander around the boat and was impressed with the pool area which can be covered, the Lido restaurant serving everything imaginable and so many staff everywhere.

We left Dover just after 5 and waved goodbye to the White Cliffs – until we meet again -

There is a fabulous spa pool but it cost $199 for the length of the voyage – a photo will have to suffice!

We had booked early dinner which started at 5.30 so we had just enough time for a quick beer and then back to our room for a wash and brush up. Our luggage had been delivered but no time to unpack and change – too tired anyway to be honest.
The dining room is beautiful and there are several different layers which mean that despite it catering for a huge number there are quite a few intimate areas. We have a table for two, right in the centre of the dining room but it is a circular area, divided from the rest and only has 5 tables for 2 people. VERY NICE.
The Menu :
Wow, FOUR courses – good job I bought my fat clothes!
1st. course – I had crab and shrimp with avocado & Mike had citrusy fruits.
2nd course - I had smoked salmon with pear salad and Mike had butternut squash soup.
3rd course – I had roast chicken with corn stuffing and Mike had Prime rib.
4th. course – I had to try the chocolate and raspberry torte and Mike had pineapple something or other.
Finally coffee. All fabulous – no criticism whatsoever. Service fast and efficient.
Needless to say I did order a bottle of red – you would not expect less of me would you. The wine list is comprehensive and it is expensive but there are a couple of reds under $30 which isn’t too bad if a bottle lasts me two days. I ordered a South African Shiraz and it was very nice. Yes, there is some left for tomorrow.
After another walk around the boat, checking out the BBQ on the Lido deck, we went off to bed as we were both very tired. It was a bad night, we both coughed and coughed and were wide awake at 3 so we ordered tea ( like you do) It has to be the worst tea I have ever tasted so I will be on decaf for the remaining voyage.
Mike was up and dressed by 5 ( the clocks had gone on an hour) and he went walkabout. I eventually dropped off and was woken up by breakfast arriving. It was OK but tomorrow I will go to the restaurant.
Well, it is now 10.11a.m Mike is upstairs somewhere reading. the cleaners have knocked twice to do this room so I had better shut the lid on my laptop and get moving.
More to come later,
Another day in Paradise draws to a close. A lazy day after our bad night but no less enjoyable.
More decks to explore, more things to see and before we knew it it was lunch time. The menu in the Restaurant was far more appealing to me so we had a table for two and restricted ourselves to 2 course. Mike had fruit followed by an open steak sandwich & I had gazpachio soup and the sandwich. OMG! The open sandwich was half a loaf of foccachio bread EACH, enclosing slices of steak and onions in a a very tasty sauce. We ditched the bread, even though it was delicious and just had the steak and a few chips. No dessert – just coffee.
We had a Cruise Critics meeting at 1 in the Crows nest but, trying to chat with everyone made us both cough badly so we made our excuses and left. Wished we had done the tour of the galley but it wasn’t to be. Back to our room where I watched some fabulous women's’ tennis and dozed a bit.
Far too soon it was 5-30 and a formal dinner – OUCH!
We slipped into our finery and made the dining room before 6. Had only 2 courses, one of which was surf and turf! Eat your hearts out boys and girls – a whole lobster thermidor tail and a filet mignon steak. Washed down by the remaining bottle of red – very, very nice.
The theatre show started at 7 but we crept in a bit late – all singing all dancing show – not bad and finished by 8 Perfect – JJ in bed before 9!
A couple of photos before I go to bed of passing ships to show you the nice calm sea and still quite warm -

Night night. Tomorrow – Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen.

St Petersburg–The Land of the White Night

2011-07-10T07:00:00.000+01:00

What a city! What architecture and a taste of Russia’s Rich and Opulent past. Every street lined with huge Palaces and imposing buildings. Tree lined streets criss-crossed by several canals and rivers – a hint of Venice on many corners. There are hundreds of draw bridges allowing bigger boats into the city and these are all raised simultaneously in the middle of the White Nights. A tradition which brings locals down to the waters edge apparently.
THE LAND OF THE WHITE NIGHTS ?? In June and July each year it does not get really dark and this brings many tourists to the area at this time of year. It is strange to be looking out at 3 a.m. and seeing everything quite clearly Not quite the land of the midnight sun but similar.
We toured around the city in a coach and, because the traffic is very heavy there were ample photo opportunities which I will show you later. The contrast between the crumbling grey Soviet buildings around the Port

and the beautiful French and Italian inspired buildings in the centre was difficult to understand.

Shopping Malls have been built within the old buildings and we saw no modern shops or houses in the city centre.Beautiful clothes and fashion items are freely available but very expensive and everywhere we turned we were confronted by the extremes of rich and poor.

A battered old Lada car could be parked to the latest Lexus or Mercedes.Immaculately turned out ladies in their designer gear and men in dark suits jostled on the pavements with the average Joe.

The beautiful parks and squares were totally litter free and I did not see any graffiti – the first time on this trip.
Today was a Monday and many of the Museums and Churches were closed ; a bonus for us as the town was far less crowded , in fact it was very easy to walk around and nowhere near so hot as the previous day.
We were warned by all the guides on our excursions about Pickpockets and to be vigilant. This is common place all over the world now and Mike still keeps his money in his back pocket. Not anymore he won't! He lost the lot – without even knowing it had gone. We had changed a few dollars into Roubles so that we could down a Vodka in Russia, as you do and he had given that to me.
Note – no tonic just 7UP.

All his Dollars and Euros were in his back pocket and then ………………. they were gone! Luckily, his credit card was in an inside pocket and I had the passports in my bag.

BE WARNED – IT CAN AND DOES HAPPEN TO YOU!
The photos will show you more of the city than I can write about but it is worth more than one visit that is for sure.
Just a selection of fabulous buildings everywhere -

St. Petersburg

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AND – the most famous building of all - Church on spilled blood, St. Isaacs Square.

Back on the ship, starving as we had not had lunch, we called room service and tucked into a steak sandwich and a chocolate cake. Guess who had which?
The Theatre show was good – a singer with a very good voice who sang lots of 60’s numbers. He was once part of the group who sang Winchester Cathedral – The New Vaudeville Band.

Seems very appropriate given the photos above.

Then a walk around the deck, back to our room and another night of coughing and choking but with a little more sleep than previous nights. It should be much better by the time we get home. LOL.

WARNEMUNDE GERMANY 30TH JUNE MIKE’S BIRTHDAY TEXT ONLY

2011-07-05T07:01:00.001+01:00

Mike did go into town yesterday but I didn’t budge – it looked a lovely area, nice beaches but spoilt by the rain.

A very busy port with loads of ferries coming and going.

The following day was a sea day whilst we travelled north east to

TALLINN In ESTONIA SATURDAY JULY 2ND.

The clocks went on another hour today so it was 6.30 I think when we docked. Get’s light very early up here, in fact, it does not get very dark at all. Land of the midnight sun??

A diverse mixture of architecture – stone castles, wooden clap board houses – typical Estonian, modern shops and offices.

Statues, yellow cabs and blue trolley buses. Trees and parks everywhere.

A typical Russian tenement.

And back home to the boat and a lunch of every salad ingredient you can think of. Yummy.

Tonight – Beef Wellington and Coq Au Vin – I might just have to have BOTH .

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN TEXT ONLY

2011-07-03T16:16:00.001+01:00

Mike went up for breakfast whilst I still tried to get some sleep before going ashore at lunchtime. No chance!

We booked a coach tour and canal tour of Copenhagen and it was beautiful. A lovely city –, very clean but overrun with bikes going every which way. I would hate to drive here.

Our coach driver was a handsome blue eyed blonde and our guide- wasn’t!

First stop was of course The Little Mermaid -

Strangely tucked away from the town and not too overwhelming it has to be said.

Then it was down to the canal boat

Lots of very low narrow bridges to navigate

Houseboats moored on both sides of the canals

An old lightship

Back on land just time to visit the Winter Palace where the Queen of Denmark stays only in the winter. We watched the changing of the guard – not quite like it is in London

Mike in front of a huge yacht – aptly named.

Back on the coach – and pleased to be. and then to put our feet up.

ON BOARD THE EURODAM– LOADING PHOTOS IS TAKING FOREVER AT 75C A MINUTE SO LETS JUST TRY TEXT FOR NOW AND ADD PHOTOS WHEN I GET HOME

2011-07-03T16:12:00.001+01:00

Room 8013 on the starboard side of deck 8. A long way down the corridor from the lift we had taken but we were pleased to find that there were more lifts fairly close to our room but not too close.

First impressions – smaller than The Independence obviously , not so bright and brash – more conservative and classy. The room looked smaller than I imagined but having a balcony it was light and bright although the artwork was unappealing. The first thing I noticed – no tea or coffee – I cannot believe in this day and age it is not standard and it reminded us of our early visits to America where you had to get cold drinks form vending machines in the corridors.

Yes, there is 24 hour room service but that is not as convenient as having the facility in your room to make a drink when you want one. BLACK MARK HAL!

We had a wander around the boat and was impressed with the pool area which can be covered, the Lido restaurant serving everything imaginable and so many staff everywhere.

We left Dover just after 5 and waved goodbye to the White Cliffs – until we meet again -

There is a fabulous spa pool but it cost $199 for the length of the voyage – a photo will have to suffice!

We had booked early dinner which started at 5.30 so we had just enough time for a quick beer and then back to our room for a wash and brush up. Our luggage had been delivered but no time to unpack and change – too tired anyway to be honest.

The dining room is beautiful and there are several different layers which mean that despite it catering for a huge number there are quite a few intimate areas. We have a table for two, right in the centre of the dining room but it is a circular area, divided from the rest and only has 5 tables for 2 people. VERY NICE.

The Menu :

Wow, FOUR courses – good job I bought my fat clothes!

1st. course – I had crab and shrimp with avocado & Mike had citrusy fruits.

2nd course - I had smoked salmon with pear salad and Mike had butternut squash soup.

3rd course – I had roast chicken with corn stuffing and Mike had Prime rib.

4th. course – I had to try the chocolate and raspberry torte and Mike had pineapple something or other.

Finally coffee. All fabulous – no criticism whatsoever. Service fast and efficient.

Needless to say I did order a bottle of red – you would not expect less of me would you. The wine list is comprehensive and it is expensive but there are a couple of reds under $30 which isn’t too bad if a bottle lasts me two days. I ordered a South African Shiraz and it was very nice. Yes, there is some left for tomorrow.

After another walk around the boat, checking out the BBQ on the Lido deck, we went off to bed as we were both very tired. It was a bad night, we both coughed and coughed and were wide awake at 3 so we ordered tea ( like you do) It has to be the worst tea I have ever tasted so I will be on decaf for the remaining voyage.

Mike was up and dressed by 5 ( the clocks had gone on an hour) and he went walkabout. I eventually dropped off and was woken up by breakfast arriving. It was OK but tomorrow I will go to the restaurant.

Well, it is now 10.11a.m Mike is upstairs somewhere reading. the cleaners have knocked twice to do this room so I had better shut the lid on my laptop and get moving.

More to come later,

Another day in Paradise draws to a close. A lazy day after our bad night but no less enjoyable.

More decks to explore, more things to see and before we knew it it was lunch time. The menu in the Restaurant was far more appealing to me so we had a table for two and restricted ourselves to 2 course. Mike had fruit followed by an open steak sandwich & I had gazpachio soup and the sandwich. OMG! The open sandwich was half a loaf of focaccia bread EACH, enclosing slices of steak and onions in a a very tasty sauce. We ditched the bread, even though it was delicious and just had the steak and a few chips. No dessert – just coffee.

We had a Cruise Critics meeting at 1 in the Crows nest but, trying to chat with everyone made us both cough badly so we made our excuses and left. Wished we had done the tour of the galley but it wasn’t to be. Back to our room where I watched some fabulous women's’ tennis and dozed a bit.

Far too soon it was 5-30 and a formal dinner – OUCH!

We slipped into our finery and made the dining room before 6. Had only 2 courses, one of which was surf and turf! Eat your hearts out boys and girls – a whole lobster thermidor tail and a filet mignon steak. Washed down by the remaining bottle of red – very, very nice.

The theatre show started at 7 but we crept in a bit late – all singing all dancing show – not bad and finished by 8 Perfect – JJ in bed before 9!

A couple of photos before I go to bed of passing ships to show you the nice calm sea and still quite warm -

Night night. Tomorrow – Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen.

Day 1– IT MUST BE ….DOVER?

2011-06-30T09:59:00.001+01:00

The best laid plans …… and it all started so well.

Actually, it wasn’t the perfect start to our holiday – Mike finally succumbed to the nasty coughing virus he had so carefully avoided last winter and, being the generous soul he is – he passed it onto me the day before we left. After a quick trip to the medicine cabinet to make sure I was fully equipped with steroids and antibiotics for the trip we packed the car and left home at 8.20a.m.

Half way across the ring road I realised that I had forgotten my sun hat – “I’m not going back” says Mike. We decided to call in at M&S but they weren’t open so ended up buying the biggest straw hat in Sainsbury's for £4. That will have to do!

Back on the road we sailed through the bottleneck which is Kingskerswell in top gear – no traffic at all – brilliant. I switched on Tom Tom who told me our ETA in Dover was 1.16 – great. After a a slight delay on the A30 at Exeter we were soon winging our way eastward past my home town of Ilminster looking pretty in the sunshine.

It had been forecast to be a very hot day and it was 68F when we left and slowly increased the further we drove.

A comfort stop around 10a.m. was required and we pulled in to a cafe – Jolly Somethingorother. Not good! I didn’t even fancy a cup of tea so chose a cold juice from the fridge assuming that would be fairly clean. Mike drank his coffee without a second thought and we left passing a vintage Rolls Royce in an adjacent room – weird.

Now on the A303 with the temperature outside rising despite there being no sunshine, we entered Wiltshire and the traffic increased alarmingly until we were down to a slow crawl and then … STOPPED. The Straight old Roman road across Salisbury Plain was chocablock with cars, caravans and lorries. Then it dawned on us – “Glastonbury”. This was the aftermath of the music festival with people heading home; we eventually passed several old bangers, splattered in mud from the festival, parked on the sides of the road with young and not so young passengers sitting on the road sunbathing. By then the temperature had climbed to the high 80’sF.

Tom Tom’s ETA had now increased to 2.10 but that looked optimistic in light of the queues in front. I was feeling rough and we were both coughing in unison and just a little bit panicky. Discussion led to us wondering if we missed the boat (!) we were covered by our insurance.

Eventually, as fast as the traffic jam built up it disappeared as if by magic; we reached the M3 and Mike found 5th gear again. We called in to Fleet Services for a quick toilet stop and found half the Glastonbury revellers there – a wonderful sight in their muddy wellies on their feet and bare chested ( the men that is). The place was heaving inside and out but surprisingly, no queues for the loos. It was very hot 91F and we were happy to get back in our air/con car.

The M25 was the next hurdle to overcome, traditionally manic and home to many accidents; it did not bode well as we joined it to see the speed limit was down to 40 MPH. Still, the major part of our journey was over and we should arrive in good time after all – barring accidents!

Thank goodness, no accidents, traffic eased after we passed Gatwick and it was a lovely ride down into Dover. The terminal was found, we offloaded our luggage, Mike parked the car and we embarked.

A much better experience than Southampton, lots of staff, very clean and tidy and check-in took less than 5 minutes.

Now to find our stateroom – 8013.

WE ARE GOING ON A SUMMER HOLIDAY

2011-06-25T20:03:00.001+01:00

Yes another cruise, this time to the Baltic Sea to celebrate Mike’s 70th birthday. We were going to London to see Les Mis ( again) with Alfie Boe but, as Take That are in town next weekend a hotel room could not be had for love nor money! Well, not the sort of money we can afford.

So, when we received this very special offer on a cruise to places we have never been, Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden et al, we could not refuse.

First stop is Copenhagen – Denmark

Then on to Warnemunde in Germany from where we can go to Berlin.

We will probably stay in the port – it looks interesting-

Then onto Tallinn in Estonia

Umm, hope it isn’t snowing!

Then we dock in ST. Petersburg ( Leningrad that was). for 2 days as there is lots to see. such as The Hermitage

I will have a very sore finger from taking loads of photos that’s for sure.

Then, whilst tucked up in our super comfortable bed we travel to Helsinki in Finland.

Another overnight trip takes us to Nynashamn in Sweden from where we can get to Stockholm

Finally, two sea days will bring us back to Dover and the end of our voyage.

Full report to follow on our return.

Au Revoir

PINK SATURDAY / PINK DRAWINGS

2011-06-24T18:24:00.001+01:00

Well, you’ve seen some Photoshop work – here is another programme I use – Serif Drawplus.

I use this mostly for making cards for friends and family. These are just a few of the “PINK” ones.

An anniversary card for a dear elderly couple to which I added “diamonds” to the centres of the flowers.

A Congratulations on Engagement card including their names on the champagne label.

A card in memory of a dear forum friend known as Dragonlady. She loved to paint and go hiking.

A wedding cake

A Diamond Wedding card for a couple to whom I was a bridesmaid aged 5.

A card to show appreciation to our pharmacist who is an extra special person. She also has purple and pink hair!

Now, I want to share this one with you. My husband will be 70 on June 30th and we will be celebrating on a Cruise to the Baltic.

It is only a card – not a promise……………………………

For more pink go to see Beverly here -

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

PINK Saturday / PINK Photos

2011-06-17T20:04:00.001+01:00

Last week I showed you some flowers given the Photoshop treatment.

Here is the original photo of one very tired fairy snoozing in Mummy’s arm

And here she is sleeping wrapped in a pink flower.

Here is my photo of a wild English rose.

Here is a birthday card done for a friend

Finally, a beautiful rose – Silver Jubilee

Given the canvas treatment.

And then becomes a handmade card

For more Pinks go to see Beverly’s Blog – here

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Happy PS to you all

PINK SATURDAY FLOWERS

2011-06-10T19:23:00.001+01:00

I thought that you might like to see some of my ‘flower fotos ‘ given the Photoshop treatment.

Some of these would make beautiful wallpaper or fabric prints don’t you think ?

For more fabulous PINKS – go visit Beverly at -

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Have a fabulous weekend

Personalised Greetings Cards A to E

2011-06-07T19:18:00.001+01:00

I love making very individual cards for friends and family and here are a few.

A friend who was a jockey on his 60th.

A card for friends who love to walk and also love Calpe ( the rock is in the background)

A dear friend who lives in her beach hut – weather permitting

A special friend who really is superman

Again with Calpe rock in the background. A place we all love.

Brett a very special birthday

A commission for a friend’s aunt who lives on the Norfolk Broads – the boat designed by her husband

Calpe rock again with Deryck in his convertible VW Golf.

An Arsenal fan at 80

More another day

A Day Out

2011-06-05T19:42:00.001+01:00

“ Shall we go for a drive somewhere?” said Mike.” It’s a beautiful day and we have nothing planned”

As always I avoided eye contact and said “ If you like”. What is it with me? I never ever want to go anywhere but, when I am dragged, kicking and screaming out into the real world, I love it. Of course Mike knows this and never passes comment, well, rarely passes comment – he is not a Saint!

So, I started throwing obstacles in the way – I must go and feed the fish before we go -

They were hungry and came up to feed -

Including my new babies who are learning that they must compete with the bigger ones.

“Where shall we go , do you fancy Exmouth or Sidmouth “said Mike The next dreaded question which always follows the first. Now I bet you are thinking what a miserable cow she is – how does he put up with it etc. etc. So, I had better explain myself briefly.

I am a depressive and have been one all my life although it was not recognised in my younger days and then, when it was recognised it was a curse. You never told anyone you were depressed, you were ill with any illness on earth but not a mental illness. O no, you must hide that at all costs – which I did.

Then in 1998 I had a total breakdown and have been unable to work since. I officially retired in 2009 so it doesn’t matter who knows now plus, it no longer has the stigma it once had.

I am much better and lead a fairly normal life and I love my family and my computer and my dear friends. So, after spending such a long time at home, my “safe place” I do find it difficult to go out and become enthusiastic about most things. That’s OK, everyone in my life accepts who I am and I don’t have to pretend. Well, not often!!!

So, what next? Any other diversions that could be made?

“ I’d like to collect my glasses from the opticians” I said. Fine we will do it on the way says Mike so ………… off we went.

An hour later and £35 better off ( yes, I got a refund) we hit the road.

I suggested a visit to Lustleigh, not so far so we would be home quicker, but Mike drove past the turning. We turned off the motorway for Exeter and stopped at the first pub we came to The Cat & Fuddle as we were hungry. A very large pub but the food was expensive frozen stuff. Would not revisit.

Further up the road there were several nice looking pubs – needless to say. Hey Ho!

Despite deciding on Exmouth we found ourselves on the Sidmouth road ( Tom Tom was being very quiet in the glove compartment). But I saw a sign for Budleigh Salterton and that is where we went. Lovely little seaside village

There is a pebble beach which slopes steeply down to the sea; we didn’t go down but remembered the time when as kids we would have run and slid on the stones without a care in the world.

Boats laid on the top of the beach, safe from the highest tides except, perhaps a tsunami. They have to be winched up from the sea which must be exhausting.

Budleigh Salterton and East Budleigh both won Britain n Bloom gold awards in 2010 and I’m not surprised – everywhere was immaculate and flower displays were well in advance of mine.

I photographed the weedsValerian and Daises DUH..

A picturesque stream runs down the main street

A charming Tea Shoppe with Very posh china

And a super Icecream shop – amazing choice of flavours.

We eventually went back to the car which showed a temperature of 85F! No wonder I was flagging walking around. We hit the road to Exmouth but took a diversion via Sandy Bay ‘cos it sounded nice.

Well, it was quite nice but not what we expected – the biggest caravan park in the world I reckon! There were hundreds of them, all stacked in neat rows and looking quite pristine.

There was a nice sandy beach but a long way down and too far for this physically challenged old lady!

It was very busy and full of happy families who were getting redder by the minute.Ii bet there were a few painful back s and necks that night.

Then back in the car and on to Exmouth.

We parked in the wrong place so just had a stroll along the prom and back but it was too hot to do very much. We did notice how clean and tidy it looked.

Then homeward bound albeit VERY slowly due to an accident on the M5. All roads in and out were jam packed and we spent ages trying to avoid going on the motorway, as did most others I guess. Eventually we drove through the city centre and decided to stop for a drink on the water-front and let the traffic clear a bit.

Some lovely boats moored by the quay

A nice little bar to sit outside & enjoy a glass of red.

Good God! What is that -

HUBBLE BUBBLE PIPES – IN EXETER! Well I Never! The smell of the tobacco was lovely, reminded me of Holland House a pipe tobacco Mike used to smoke. The demon in me so wanted to try it but sense prevailed but it looked so satisfying - glad i didn’t after reading this -

“ Each hookah session typically lasts more than 40 minutes, and consists of 50 to 200 inhalations that each range from 0.15 to 0.50 litres of smoke. In an hour-long smoking session of hookah, users consume about 100 to 200 times the smoke of a single cigarette^] in a 45-minute smoking session a typical smoker would inhale 1.7 times the nicotine of a single cigarette. The water used to filter the smoke does not remove harmful cancer-causing chemicals from the smoke as is believed by some.!

O.K. Mike , let’s go home for tea.

Pink Saturday – June 4th.

2011-06-03T20:51:00.001+01:00

I did enjoy my journey back to PS last week and visited lots of very interesting blogs. It really is amazing how many different pinks were on show – very creative.

And that got me thinking – what to post this week. I have loads of pink photos on my laptop from flowers to frills; from china to chintz. Umm, what shall it be? ………………………..

Being a bit of a graphic artist ( A very small bit at that) the big advantage of painting and drawing on the computer is that you can change your picture or design with a click of a button.

So, here is a selection of some of my paintings given the “PINK” treatment.

I hope you like them