Ramblings from an English Garden

House Church Weekend Away

2012-02-16T22:57:00.000Z

It snowed over night again prior to our House Church weekend away. We had planned to leave very early to make the most of the day but as it happened we did not leave until midday when we knew that the main roads were clear

We found this very nice place to have lunch on the way

This cafe was part of a garden centre and more and more are popping up all over. One does not go to the garden centre just to buy plants any more but to have coffee, lunch or afternoon tea

In my next post I will be posting on an interesting local town and castle that we visited as we did not have to be at the conference centre until late afternoon

Early morning light the next day

For me the weekend was very much up at the top for weekends away, leaving aside the basic rooms and shared facilities.

There was a good balance of meeting time, sharing time, relaxing time and leisure time. At no time did I feel rushed or pressured as in many previous weekends that I have attended over the years. The atmosphere was great. There was a deepening of relationships as we spent quality time together.

There was a sense of freedom with opportunity for freedom in the Spirit. Everyone seemed relaxed. I think we all came away much more of a ‘family’ and with a greater understanding and appreciation of each other.

Food was great (4 star in fact), hosts were great and 24 hr access to dining room and drinks helpful.

To sum up – a great time of engaging in the Spirit and with each other while enjoying some great food together.

Saturday afternoon Alan and I drove to the coast and ascended Beachy Head so some good photos coming up

Restoration House, Rochester

2012-02-09T17:29:00.000Z

Off tomorrow for a House church weekend away and hopefully we will not be subjected to very severe weather again although it is snowing right now
Well prepared this weekend though

I'll leave you with another taste of August

This house is like a secret jewel hidden away in a side street in Rochester

It derives it's name from the visit to Rochester of King Charles II on

28/29 May 1660 when travelling from Dover to London for his restoration as king after 15 years of exile.

The house is said to have been built between 1580 and 1600

Archaeological research during conservation of the building has, however shown that it was built in several phases

It is the Satis House of Dickens' Great Expectations

The gardens are designed as separate 'rooms' on different levels

The side yard

leading to an outside toilet which at one time would have been the only one - note the herbs strew across the floor

This was the only way of deodorising a place in time gone by

I am able to take you inside by permission of the current tenant

who allowed me to take just a few photos

generally photography not allowed

The King's Room

The panelling in this room at one time hid doorways

Part of the Great Hall

Because of the limits to the pictures I could take I did not get a shot of the Great Chamber (Miss Havisham's Room)

but was very grateful to be allowed to take some not compromising security

There is an archaeological dig continuing alongside this property

How could the World Change While we ate Dinner?

2012-02-05T19:02:00.002Z

Dear Diary

I have to tell you that Saturday night was high up on the list of scariest things in my life.

Whilst eating dinner with friends our world became covered in 5 inches of snow.

How can it happen that quickly?

These friends live only 20 minutes away but on the edge of Epping Forest

We made a hasty retreat around 9.45 pm to take an advised quicker route that the familiar one

(Strangely we knew that the Sat Nav did not seem to know it was snowing and was suggesting the fast but narrow country lane route we had arrived on so did not attempt that!)

Very soon afterwards we found ourselves well and truly stuck

on a hill, in deep snow, in the dark, late at night, on an unfamiliar narrow road, in the forest and with no phone signal.

Everything we tried did not work, the tyres just would not grip the road and we knew we had to stop when the smell of burning tyres permeated the car. We did not have a map for such a short journey and we did not know where we were.

I tell you diary, I was frightened

I had heard of people being stuck in cars all night on the motorway, but with emergency services checking folk and handing out drinks that would not have been so scarey

Alone without drinks, blankets, and suitable shoes my imagination ran wild.

For the next hour we worked with a number of different manoeuvres.

First we allowed the car to roll backwards down the first bendy hill, unable to see out of the windows for the constantly falling snow.

When this became too difficult our next strategy was to try and turn around, becoming initially stuck sideways across the road.

This was frightening too as there were a number of 4 wheel drive vehicles using the road and not stopping even though we had our hazard lights on. Nobody wants to stop in these conditions in case they become stuck too.

Eventually we turned around and very slowly made the next hill with Alan driving zig-zag across the road, literally inch by inch while I pushed from behind.

Remember diary I was wearing flimsy shoes and my feet soon were wet through and freezing, not to mention sodden gloves and lots of snow on my hatless head.

Now this dear diary is a lady who walks around the park in the worst of the winter in a quilted jacket, fur hat, thick scarf, thick gloves, walking boots or trainers and thick socks.

Things were looking up a little until we came to a one-way single line traffic light system where we again became stuck.

We did however, after an hour, make it to a main road which was still quite treacherous but flat and wider.

We had no choice but to return to our friends home and initially when opening the door they did not recognise these two snow covered and shivering images on their doorstep.

Soon however they were making up beds in their spare rooms while we sat drinking hot tea.

It was 2.0 am by the time I pulled the covers over me (yes dear diary it gave us more time for lots of chatting and catching up while we thawed out) to spend the night going over our ordeal in my mind and thinking of the possibility of having to spend a second night as our car was now stuck on the hill in their road.

Fortunately, and in spite of my mental gymnastics, we were able to move our car about midday on Sunday and make it home after reaching a gritted road (seen in the photo) the long way round via. 2 motorways.

What bliss - a wide and gritted road and away from the deep forest

Our friends garden when we left

and a little of ours when we arrived home

the first bit of our journey where our car became stuck again.

We could not get from the road to our drive

Very soon our house church leader was busy with a shovel and Alan eventually drove in

So that Dear Diary was an interesting entry for today

don't you think!

Many in house church having fun either playing, having snow ball fights and sledging and clearing snow from the road and pavements

I am afraid I stayed indoors having seen enough snow for this weekend

Taken from an upstairs window it looks like we have

match stick men

Now Julie next door is handing out Mulled Wine

The first tray was knocked right out of her hand by a snowball

'Getting to Know You' for the Little Ones

2012-02-04T16:53:00.001Z

Yesterday was the day that some of the young ones from our Church Community and school visited our home to learn more about us and the early days of our house church fellowship, part of a project that they are studying
Click on high lighted links for more information

It took me back to the 70's when I taught a class in my home when as a fellowship we home schooled our children before establishing a fully functioning Christian School

Part of getting to know us better was getting to know about the things that we liked to do

One of Alan's activities is playing his trumpet

One of mine being a Director (and much more) of Pilgrims Hall

which I have posted on many times

so we took the children there for the afternoon

It was far too cold to have a picnic in the grounds as originally planned so here we are eating our lunch in the room that used to be the school room when this was a private house

Here we see Lynne giving the children a lesson on life in the house when it was privately owned

Musn't leave out the community support Police that drop into the Hall for a cup of tea or spot of lunch in the Tearoom

Lunch over it is time for some outdoor fun

Learning here what a Ha-Ha is

that deep ditch between the fields and the gardens of the house in order to keep the sheep out

It is so cold that the pond is frozen solid

and the horses (owned by a lady who rents a field) have their coats on

The birds had built a great nest in the Dovecote

and here the children are marching through the Italian garden

to learn to tell the time with the sun dial

Next stop is the orchard where the chickens live

Each child was given a pot of food with which to feed them

and before leaving they went into the hen house to collect the eggs, each taking one home with them

Lastly the carpenter who rents an out building showed them some of his work and how he uses a lathe

A very successful day

Rochester High Street

2012-01-31T22:57:00.001Z

This ancient cathedral city has attracted Norman's, Roman's, pilgrims and kings and queens over the centuries and has inspired some of the greatest men in history.

My interest is Charles Dickens who spent his final years near Rochester. Many of the historic buildings in Rochester today were an inspiration to him.

So having visited first the castle and then the cathedral

we are now walking down the High Street

Eastgate House built 1590 is steeped in history. During the late 1700's it was used as a young ladies' boarding school. It was also associated with Charles Dickens and featured in The Pickwick Papers and his unfinished novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Making our way back to the car

This day in August we were on our way to our 3 night break at Rifleman Cottage the B & B of a fellow blogger

We will be passing this way again on our way home

so more to come

The End of January Musings

2012-01-29T18:57:00.000Z

I am sure that I am not the only one that is amazed that already a month of 2012 has passed

As January can be a quiet month my thoughts had been to take a little time out to do some writing and possibly some de-cluttering in my home. January always seems a good time to see what I no longer need or use.

So far it has not happened as apart from Alan's surgery and all the usual hospitality and daily life it has been an extremely busy month.

Firstly I have taken on extra responsibility at Pilgrims Hall

and another highlight has been to be part of the launching of

the Conservative Christian Fellowship in my town

An amazing evening where people from all denominations met together at our town headquarters to support our member of Parliament and with a desire to see more and more of a Christian presence in Parliament

It is exciting to know that we have Spirit filled Christians in

The House of Lords and to hear such a heart of humility shared by one of our Baronesses

So many people turned up that it was a pack out and with the number of windows that had to be opened our worship could be heard by passers by

Then there has been further Hebrew studies (at Pilgrims Hall) with Rabbi Alan, a Jewish Christian that we have studied with a number of times before. When studying in Hebrew (translated of course, I am not that clever!) I always feel like I never really knew the Old

Testament before. It's like every passage relates to everything in life today.

On a lighter note I have had to drive our new car (the one that was the replacement for the one stolen when our house was burgled)

It is not that I can't drive but that Alan likes to drive and I had hardly got to grips with this new one when he was not allowed to drive for a month after surgery, nor go out for 2 weeks.

Centre of town shopping in this country can be quite a challenge at any time. Car Parks fill up quickly, the traffic can be bad and we don't get to park outside the store as in the States.

So, I got in early, found a suitable parking place fairly near to the exit and proceeded to visit the various shops I needed around town. Eventually having struggled back to the car with loaded shopping bags I could not see my car anywhere. It took some minutes to realise that there were 2 exits to this car park (it is quite a complicated lay out and we usually go up the flume to the next level - cheaper there!)

Then before going into the grocery store on the edge of the car park to buy the weekly groceries I needed to collect a shopping trolley (cart for the USA) and when I put my £1 coin in it immediately shot up into the air and vanished. Did not have another one so had to get a staff member to get a special key (she also found my coin)

I finished my shop and after loading the car I realised that I had forgotten to have my parking ticket validated in the store. Spending a certain amount in the grocery store means 2 hours free parking. So back to the store to have that done.

Soon I am sitting in the car at the barrier wondering why the machine keeps throwing my ticket out. When eventually pressing the help button I am told that I have not paid.

How could I have forgotten to go to the pay station - there are signs everywhere! OK - line of cars behind me, back-up and re-park, go to the pay station and begin to wonder if I should ever be allowed out alone!!!!!!!!!!

I had to see the funny side but it was also a day when I was glad to get home - it was raining too!

Rochester Cathedral

2012-01-28T17:27:00.000Z

Walking away from the castle grounds round to the cathedral

Passing the outer castle walls

as we enter the cathedral grounds

where we pass this ancient tree

We go inside

and out again under the organ archway

into the inner gardens where we see here the 12th century

Chapter House briefly incorporated in a Royal Palace for

King Henry VIII

We will be walking back into the town next

Rochester Castle in August

2012-01-21T18:52:00.002Z

Looking over the Medway River as we walk up to Rochester Castle

First timbers were built in 1066 after Norman (French) invasion

One of the best preserved castles of it's kind

The keep, seen here is 113 ft high and a notable element is it's one round tower set against three square towers. This is the result of a siege in 1215 by King John.

We climb up and up and round and round

stopping off at each level

At the top now looking down on the cathedral which we will be visiting later

Looking down from the very top

I have to lean against Alan while I take photos up here as I do not like heights

Lots more to see in Rochester, the town associated with Charles Dickens, although he did not actually live here but a few miles away

Alan progressing well but still not allowed to drive for 2 more weeks

More because of insurance issues while he still has dressings on his legs

A Day in July

2012-01-15T18:29:00.000Z

Some time ago I posted on a visit to Heybridge Basin on the coast

On that particular day in July we also visited this old Steam Pumping Station which is now a museum

It supplied water to the Southend district with giant steam engines pumping up to eight million gallons of treated water every day and became obsolete in the 1960's

The tea room (where we had morning coffee) was very much a part of the museum

As you can imagine this was far more interesting to Alan

I guess they needed the phone closed off because of the noise of the engines

Miniature steam railway

Later after our lunch and walk in Heybridge Basin we drove to the river estuary at Maldon

Where we see the old Thames barges moored on the River Blackwater that were used on the River Thames in bygone days

Contrasting with modern times

Alan is doing fine and healing well but still well bandaged up for another week. Can move around the house now but still not allowed to walk outside

Fortunate that house church is next door!

Trusting all Will be Well

2012-01-11T17:14:00.001Z

Trusting that all will be well and that Alan will be able to be rid of all this tomorrow!

A Different Week

2012-01-07T13:05:00.002Z

I just wanted to say a big Thank You

to everyone for the prayers, best wishes and sense of support during what has been quite a difficult week but nothing compared to what some folk are having to deal with I know

Alan's surgery went well and he arrived home looking like a 'mummy' with his legs and feet bandaged and unable to even put on a pair of slippers. He then had an unscheduled visit to the hospital the next day as there was much bleeding and leaking from the site of the skin removal for the plastic surgery

The hospital is a specialised unit so is some distance away

He got home 10.30 pm and in no time the different kind of dressing was slipping down his thigh and exposing bare flesh so

back to the hospital again the next day

After another long wait the third dressing seems to have worked
so we await his scheduled visit next Thursday
He was meant to keep his feet higher than his heart for 48 hours but some hope with the hospital trips
He discarded the foam that was supposed to protect the bandages on his feet, but instead were breaking up and making a mess on the carpet yesterday, which enabled him to wear his slippers
He has to keep his legs up as much as possible but able to get around too now which means he is back to filling and emptying the dishwasher!!

Sun setting in the park this week

Will be back to visiting everyone ASAP

Done and Dusted before Alan's Surgery

2012-01-03T15:27:00.000Z

Christmas came and went

Very enjoyable with my children and grandchildren

as did New Year's Eve

Great meal, games then prayer, praise and worship

Tree and decorations down early - just the cards now

before Alan's surgery tomorrow

He will be having Basal Cell Carcinoma's removed from his legs followed by Plastic Surgery then

no walking, standing or driving for 7 days

so wanted everything back in the loft while he can do it

Wishing you a Happy and Peaceful
New Year with a couple of photographs from this week

and the cards made for birthdays this week

Hopefully will be getting back to posting lots more from last Summer outings

Cakes Galore at Leigh-on-Sea

2011-12-30T18:05:00.002Z

A change of scene with a visit to the wedding cake shop

in Leigh-on-Sea

The pictures taken through the window show lots of reflections

Which one do you like best?

It has to be the two in the above photo for me I think

This shop contains a small tea room and there are lots of cup cakes to choose from

Having just had lunch we passed on this and I did not buy any to take home!

Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a

Very Happy New Year

A Week of Happenings

2011-12-23T21:27:00.004Z

Quite a mixed week. It began on Sunday with house churches together at our Christian school for an informal time of praise and worship followed by a table laden with food

Relationships and eating together is an integral part of our worship

Followed the next day for Alan and I, the celebration of our 52nd wedding anniversary

and a Nativity Play in town put on by local churches (hourly over 2 weeks)

On the following day, painting a property on site that will house a group of young people from Ywam (youth with a mission) that we are hosting through 2012

with the funeral of an elderly neighbour the following day

Thursday Janie and the Grandchildren were here for 9 hours

loved having them but ended up too tired for evening Carol singing in the street

So it was back to planning for Christmas today - quite a mixed bag

so taking the opportunity to wish all my blogging buddies a very Happy Christmas and Blessed and Peaceful New Year

Christmas Scenes Around My House

2011-12-17T18:43:00.000Z

It's Christmas
the tree is up

along with my knitted Christmas craft

with a different view from the conservatory

with a peep into the dining room

and some lights in the front

the cards are made, written and posted

the cake is made

marzipaned

and iced

and the Blackbird feasts every day outside my kitchen window

I think wrapping the presents will be next

in a week's time I will be looking forward to the Christmas edition of Downton Abbey

Did I say that life was looking good!

I am just being facetious, Christmas is more than these outward symbols as we know so I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus and enjoying the company of my family, aware that many do not have that privilege for whatever reason. My heart goes out to them and they will be in my prayers.

London on a July Sunday Pt. 5

2011-12-10T17:21:00.001Z

My 5th post on one day walking in London away from the tourist areas. It is mid-afternoon now and we need to make our way back to the car, same direction but different route

The Duke of Wellington on his horse

J.H. Greathead - Chief Engineer of of the City and South London railways

George Peabody - born Massachusetts 1795 - an American Philanthropist and great benefactor of the poor of London

The Guildhall has been the powerhouse of the city since the 12th century. In an era when the Lord Mayor of London rivalled the monarch for influence and prestige, this was where he and the ruling merchant class held court, fine-tuned the laws and trading regulations that helped create London's wealth.

Law Courts

Small building in the middle - the entrance to the ancient Knights Templar church - depicted in da Vinci Code book

A close-up

Royal Courts of Justice

and Twinings Tea Company opposite

and The George Pub - founded 1723 as a coffee house

and finally feeling pretty tired after a long day walking we opt for afternoon tea at the Courtauld Gallery again

interestingly everyone sitting in this courtyard is American

I had Stem Ginger cake this time and Alan Iced Lemon Drizzle

The Courtauld Gallery is situated within the buildings of Somerset House and we walk through the courtyard where children (and some adults) are cooling off in this water feature which becomes an ice rink in the winter

before picking up the car and driving home

There is current talk of stopping free parking on a Sunday and charging a hefty £2.40p an hour. This could seriously cramp my style

London on a July Sunday Pt. 4

2011-12-06T21:35:00.001Z

According to my records this is my 600th post
blogger says more than that but I think they are including drafts

Having left St. Paul's we now walk into Paternoster Square

This was the centre of London publishing trade but was devastated by the bombing in World War II. Many years before that it was a livestock market. It is now home to the London Stock Exchange and a number of investment banks, 2 of them being Merrill Lynch & Goldman Sacks

This 23 metre tall Corinthian column holds an air shaft down to underground passages below

The gold leafed flaming copper urn is illuminated by fibre optic lighting at night

Memories of the live stock market

We continue our walk and turn onto Cheapside which takes us away from tourist London into the business areas with a mixture of the old and the new

These areas are alive with people during the week but this is Sunday

Flowers in the city

I don't think this car will be stolen!

Even in the business areas people want to shop

The Royal Exchange

was founded in 1565 to act as a centre of commerce in the city. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth I who awarded the building it's Royal title. The original building was then destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

A second Exchange was built on the site which was also destroyed by fire in 1838.

The third building which you see here today (and adheres to the original layout) was opened in 1844 by Queen Victoria.

and The Bank of England where my son works

One more post will complete this day's walk

London on a July Sunday Pt. 3

2011-12-02T16:28:00.001Z

We are now walking towards the south side of St. Paul's cathedral

passing a war memorial on the left

Looking towards the front entrance

and Queen Victoria

before going inside where one is not allowed to take photographs (naughty) The only way to see the cathedral these days is with a tour guide or if there is a service to attend which offers limited viewing. One was just finishing here. I remember the days of unlimited access and photography but that was before the days of mass tourism

Looking down Ludgate Hill from the steps

before walking around to the north side to enter the Crypt where we had lunch

next to many interesting statutes

Here we are walking around the north side ready to continue our days walking

Before I leave you thought you might like some history

St. Paul's is the 5th cathedral to have stood on this site since 604 ad and was built between 1675 and 1710 after it's predecessor was destroyed in the great Fire of London. This was the first cathedral to be built after the English Reformation in the 16th century when

King Henry VIII removed the Church of England from the jurisdiction of the Pope and the Crown took control of the church's life.

For those who enjoy history the following is some extra information taken from St. Paul's website.

Throughout its history, St Paul's has been a place where the individual and the nation can express those feelings of joy, gratitude and sorrow that are so central to our lives.

Among the events marked at St Paul's are royal occasions. In 1897 Queen Victoria chose to commemorate her diamond jubilee here. More recently Queen Elizabeth II has celebrated her jubilees at St Paul's , and also her 80th birthday in 2006. Royal weddings have been held here as well: the marriage of Catherine of Aragon to Prince Arthur in 1501 and famously the wedding of HRH the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

As the nation's church, St Paul's has also been the site of state funerals of British military leaders, including Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and of the wartime Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. Services have also been held to mark the valuable contributions made by ordinary men and women involved in armed conflicts in the Falklands, the Gulf and Northern Ireland. A vast crowd also gathered at St Paul's following the terrorist attacks on New York on 11 September 2001, as London expressed its solidarity with the people of New York at a time of grief.

People of other faiths have a place in national services at St Paul's. In 2005, at the service of remembrance following the terrorist bombings in London in July of that year, young people representing different faith communities lit candles as a shared sign of hope during turbulent times.

In these symbolic ways London's cathedral seeks to be a house of prayer for people of all nations. It is a place for protest against injustice and for the public express of hope for a better society. Martin Luther King stopped at St Paul's en route to collect his Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Involvement in the global community and social justice is as much a part of the working life of St Paul's as prayer and ceremony.

London on a July Sunday Pt.2

2011-11-28T16:57:00.001Z

Having come across the bridge onto the South Bank we see the Globe Theatre. It is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse, first built in 1599, where Shakespeare worked and for which he wrote many of his greatest plays

photograph from website as obviously one is not allowed in during performances

The foyer area is modern and quite a contrast

walking back to the bridge - seen here behind the Silver Birch

Where we wonder if she has changed her mind!!

But no, all is well - just waiting for a film crew

The invisible man

The old and the new

Lots more to come on this day yet

St. Paul's Cathedral next

Back to the 2012 Olympic Site & More

2011-11-25T20:37:00.001Z

Had occasion to revisit the new Westfield Mall at the Olympic site this week and once we had enjoyed our coffee we decided to visit the viewing tube for the whole site leaving our shopping until after lunch

Just one stop on the Docklands light railway

a driverless computerised train

alighting at Pudding Mill Lane where we make our way over to the viewing area

The main stadium

and a structure to support a revolving restaurant

A massive building site which ever direction one looks

the covered over viewing tube

with lots of local history depicted on the walls plus pictures of the end results

Here we see the projected Olympic park

and the stadium lit up at night

the outdoor running track which Alan says is for practice

Back to the Mall where we are looking out of the window onto the bridge that spans the railway lines while we have lunch

an unusual jewellery display in a window

There are lots of outside shops as well as the indoor mall

which I have shown in recent posts

Yes I did - afternoon tea - lemon & orange cup cake

Alan managed to spend some of his recent birthday money on a very smart jacket & trousers

My only purchases (bought by hubby of course) were from Hotel Chocolate

6 packs of Caramel Cheesecake chocs

I limit myself to one each evening so they will last well into the new year

On a completely different tack

My dear husband Alan went to visit a friend this morning who had broken his arm right up into his shoulder when riding on a Sedgeway.

I think he must have been trying to compete as I arrived home from a walk to be greeted with "you're just back in time, there's blood everywhere"

He had been drilling through a wall to connect a cable when he stood up and cut his forehead in 2 places against something that should have been moved first - he then fell back against the drill and cut his hand in 2 places while along the way managed to open up a Basal Cell Carcinoma on his leg that he is waiting for surgery for. He was bleeding in 5 places! Quite a clean up job.

Why do these macho men dive straight into a task without checking safety issues first?

Happy Thanksgiving USA

2011-11-23T20:06:00.001Z

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American blogging buddies

I bought this Thanksgiving table runner about 17 years ago when driving through the mountains travelling from

Gatlinburg in Tennessee to North Carolina

and have often thought to use it as a greeting

Have a great day

London on a July Sunday Pt.1

2011-11-20T16:49:00.001Z

It is hard to imagine that I am posting on July - the time just flies by and I am not the only one saying that

Here we have just parked on the Embankment and it is always good to start our day with coffee at one of the restaurants at

Somerset House (where all records are kept)

Here we are looking at Tom's that looks out over the river

It's quite early for a Sunday so not many people around yet

We are today going in the opposite direction to my April postings

we are walking in an easterly direction along the north side of the river to begin with

If you like walking then come with us - it is going to be a long day

Looking back

Waterloo Bridge

walking under the bridge

Lots of refurbishment on Blackfriars Bridge

Then we come to the Millenium bridge

when this was first built it swayed so much that some people became dizzy so it had to be stabilised

Southwark Bridge

To the left of the bridge are the steps up to St. Paul's but we will be leaving that until later

instead we are now going to cross the bridge onto the South Bank

This new 'not yet finished' building called The Shard can be seen from home. Will eventually be the tallest building in Europe

stabilisers on the bridge

Many apartments along the riverside

Looking up the river towards Tower Bridge

and now down on to the South Bank for the next post

Alan likes people watching

Late November Garden

2011-11-17T14:11:00.001Z

Thank you for all the lovely comments and best wishes for my last post

I really want to get on with all my Summer postings but first

I think it worth a look at the garden today

Looking out from the kitchen

and from upstairs

and my new roses still in flower

I have on order 4 of these bushes to replace my Lavender bed

and a climbing one for behind to give a big splash of this

beautiful pink Strawberry Hill by David Austin

Back to Summer in my upcoming posts

I think I am up to July!

80 Years Young

2011-11-13T18:28:00.001Z

The comedy book I gave Alan for 80 year olds does not remotely mirror his life but it was funny all the same

I congratulated him on 'getting there' but also said 'it was too soon'

How could my young and handsome husband be 80!!

Here we see his birthday cake at the party I put on for him

In case you wondered, it is a golf bag

Making life easy with a cold buffet

we were very blessed to have guests contribute food

and I bought lots of delicious desserts that I forgot to photograph

He enjoyed an evening with friends and our children and grandchildren

Some quick random shots around the house - hopefully unobserved

Bekah wants to be involved in the cutting of the cake

The feedback today was that everyone enjoyed just being together while chatting and sharing a meal amidst an enjoyable and peaceful atmosphere

The above is the basis of a card I made for him with a few glimpses of his life

His main presents were a laptop and kindle and some money to treat himself (a very difficult thing for Alan to do)

2012 Olympic White Water Rafting and the Rest of the Day

2011-11-09T17:06:00.001Z

While on the subject of Olympic posting I'll show you the new white water rafting site. This is to the north of London and just 30 minutes from home.
When visiting it was open to the public and a number of our friends have already taken advantage and hired a raft and guide.
For us we just wanted to have a look for the moment
It is now closed to the public until after the Olympics so that it can be got ready for the event
It is said to be the best in the world and the professionals like it because they do not catch any bugs in the constantly filtered water

An outside R & R area outside the cafe which looks down on the course

Which size wet suit?

one of several viewing bridges over the course

travelling up to the top of the course

The oldest person in the rafts today was a lady of 82

the temporary cafe where one can also watch a video of their trip

Much larger restaurant accommodation will be needed for the event

The site is alongside the Lee Navigation Canal and having had lunch we are now off for a walk

We will walk for an hour and then make our way back if you would like to accompany us

canal walking is easy as it is flat, not like my regular walking at home

the first lock in the distance

always good as it tells you where you are

This canal runs right down to the main Olympic site joining with other navigation systems before entering the River Thames

the dreaded Japanese Knotweed that is talking over on river banks - very difficult to keep in check

a resident barge that sells teas etc

had a long chat with the owner who told us he and his family had decided to get 'out of the rat race' and lead a simple life

we are now on our way home and stopping for afternoon tea in the village of Theydon Bois

at the Belgium tea rooms

A lot of choice but we decide on Apple Strudel

the downside was that we arrived at the same time as

after school happy hour - we'll manage!

Something I forgot to mention on my previous post -

if one forgets where they left their car amongst the 5000 parking spaces in Westfield, then key in number plate on the information touch screens and it will find your car

Shopping at the 2012 Olympic Site Pt. 2

2011-11-06T18:06:00.000Z

Continuing our walk around the mall, food is very much on the menu in this post
and you know what it is like wondering around these places
round and round and up and down
We did actually have a successful shopping trip finding everything on my list

A bit confusing this photo, Waitrose is a high class food shop

while the market is a number of different separate shops

This was our first port of call on arrival

Costa Coffee

there are 84 places to eat or snack

We are now browsing the Eastern Market

Whoopie Pies

The description of these Indian sweet treats sound very tempting

and then there is Waitrose my favourite food store where I bought some goodies for Alan's upcoming 80th birthday party on Saturday

Must not miss out the ice-cream

or the cup cakes which as a child we called fairy cakes

There's nothing new under the sun!

Waiting for a table at Jamie Oliver's Italian

The policy is that once seated one must be served within 10 minutes which we were

and enjoyed a delicious tasting meal of Porcetta

Pork belly rolled and stuffed with salami, pine-nuts,vine fruits, rosemary and thyme

marinated in white wine and slow cooked for 24 hours

with potato wedges roasted in caramelised onions

(the reason I was not tempted to buy anything in the Eastern market)

Downstairs at Jamie's

and then into John Lewis my favourite department store

where I found my Granddaughters Christmas present

Have not seen a Harvey Nichols food market in a mall before

Harvey Nichols being the department store in Knightsbridge favoured by Princess Diana

It's rush hour so will need to have a little patience on the journey home

Shopping at the 2010 Olympic Site Pt.1

2011-11-04T17:37:00.001Z

Wednesday saw us visiting the new Westfield Shopping Centre on the 2012 Olympic site.
Only 28 minutes by car to the turn off into the Olympic Village
I'm posting in 2 parts as I do not want to bore you with 60 photos in one go so if you are interested come join us

The Olympic village

over the bridge

where we get our first sight of the Olympic Park with the main stadium to the right

The site is not finished yet but there is enough to be able to see how impressive it is

(on the way in lights flash up every few hundred yards to show the speed one is travelling)

We have parked on the right in one of several car parks and I am walking out here to see more of the site

There will be a restaurant at the top of this sculpture

and then into the mall

with reminders of Christmas

and now to part of the outside area for a glimpse of Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant to where we will be coming back later

back inside with interactive touch screens for all the information one needs

if you cannot remember where you parked your car

just key in number plate and it will show you

Who cares about the rain with umbrellas like this

more like a top hotel in the restrooms

one continuous slope where the water runs away with no sight of plug holes or basins

and the hand dryers hidden behind continuous length mirrors

then back to check on Jamie's opening times for when we stop for lunch - pasta, pasta, pasta

They are preparing for opening but happy to let me take some photos in advance

we were glad we came early as by afternoon it was packed

an international station that brings trains straight from Paris via. the channel tunnel - straight up these steps and into the mall

Obviously there are people who like to drink champagne while shopping

a nice men's outfitters amongst the 324 shops

84 places to eat or snack

Forgotten the name of this shop but they are springing up in malls

a Californian chain where one shops in the dark

A view of the 3 levels

slightly noisy here - kids play area on the top floor

Does not matter what time of day - Apple stores are always busy

many rest areas throughout

obviously the stores do not want us to go home but to replenish our energy for a little more shopping

to be continued..............

Today (Friday) is my birthday and I have just had a great

birthday present - hearing that Downton Abbey is to have a third series!

Filming will start in January for release in September and will take place in the 1920's.

Last episode of series 2 this week but there is still the

Christmas bumper edition to look forward to.

The Last Week in October

2011-10-30T16:54:00.000Z

Late October always seems a dreary time in the garden but if one looks more closely the colours, shapes and textures defy that notion

From the garden it's off to the farm shop

Where the influence of the USA is apparent

Back home with 2 new deliveries in the post this week

Having had my last mobile stolen in the burglary

It's a Blackberry for me this time

another sharp learning curve!!

and these more than wonderful slippers made in Australia

made with genuine Shearing - the wool of a special sheep

I won't be showing the other 2 deliveries expected tomorrow

Alan's first Laptop and a new digital HD tv for the dining room

Then there is the card I made for the wedding we attended yesterday

I am always mesmerised at the gifted voices so many West Indian people possess

Another amazing voice - did not want her to stop

and now I think it is time for me to stop for afternoon tea

with cupcakes from Barbara's kitchen

Heybridge Basin,Essex

2011-10-26T20:42:00.000+01:00

On a dreary overcast day in July we decided to drive 45 minutes up the coast from home to Heybridge Basin.
You might like to accompany us on our walk

passing a roadway to the left as we continue along the creek which is on our right

We have now reached the mouth of the river which flows out into various creeks, skirting around some small islands before flowing into the North Sea.

A lock to the right

and The Old Ship Inn to the left

We arrive at The Lock tearooms where we sit outside and have lunch

Wilkin & Sons is an old family run jam and preserve company in Tiptree (that I have posted on in the past) that is not too far away

Opposite one sees The Jolly Sailor Inn

Looking across from the other side of the creek

I hope you enjoyed your walk, as we did, even though the sun did not shine

On our way here we visited The Museum of Power

and from here we visited Maldon on the other side of the creek

photos in a future post

Mompesson House & Garden

2011-10-22T17:27:00.000+01:00

Looking further around the Cathedral Close we come upon Mompesson House which was built for the local Member of Parliament, Charles Mompesson in 1701.
Wandering around allows visitors a step back in to a past world.
This house now belongs to The National Trust
(seen here in the middle)

The back garden

Where we had lunch

The dining table set for tea

and a sitting room set for afternoon tea

and study

bedrooms

and the library

A house next to Sir Edward Heath's house

The house to the left of Mompesson House

We have left the close now and are on our way back to the car park

I love this wall in flower

and lastly this is the end of our cottage holiday in June

nearing Heathrow Airport we want to hit the London orbital

before the late Saturday afternoon traffic

(see the red lights - there's heavy traffic ahead)

Arundells, Cathedral Close, Salisbury

2011-10-20T18:30:00.000+01:00

Arundells in Cathedral Close was the home of the late Sir Edward Heath, Prime Minister from 1970-1974.
He served under Sir Winston Churchill and was leader of the Conservative party for 10 years.

We did not take a house tour as the times did not fit in with our travel schedule but we did walk around the garden

http://www.arundells.org/

The above link gives lots of information and history and you can also take a mini house tour by clicking on the picture gallery

The back of the house is much prettier than the front

Imagine having a view of this beautiful cathedral every time one looks out of the window

Still 2 more posts to come on the close

Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

2011-10-16T21:02:00.001+01:00

On our way back from Somerset in June we had planned to visit Highclere Castle the location for Downton Abbey.
It was closed Saturdays for weddings so we decided to visit Salisbury instead.

We walk through the gate into the cathedral close

Where some are taking a rest

This 13th century cathedral boasts Britain's tallest spire (404 feet)

and Britain's largest cloisters

and in the Chapter House with it's beautiful fan ceiling (which I forgot to photo) is the home of the best preserved of the 4 surviving original 1215 Magna Carta.

It's significance spans the democratic world, inspiring important texts from the United States constitution to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is seen as one of the foundation stones of modern civil liberties. In August 2009 the worldwide stature of Magna Carta was recognised when it was inscribed in the UNESCO 'Memory of the World' register.

We were not able to take photographs as there was a service in the cathedral so we sat for a while and took part instead

Do double click if you want to enjoy the architecture

Salisbury has the largest cathedral close in the country with many interesting buildings surrounding it

We will visit some of these in the next post.

Those Sometimes Infuriating Little Monsters do Grow Up

2011-10-12T19:53:00.002+01:00

Had a lovely time last evening. Our son took us out to dinner and we were thinking it was because of Alan's upcoming 80th birthday next month when Peter would be away. Not so, he just wanted to take us out before he went off to South Africa on safari.

Don't know what it is with me though when it comes to teeth, holidays and meal out treats.
A few hours before our meal 2 front teeth broke off my part denture. I was determined to manage!

I have posted on this historic Tudor Manor House before so will just show you the grand Baronial Hall again, part of the original

16th century building

The men both chose Fillet of Beef with Morel mushrooms, baby onion and Dauphinoise potatoes with Truffle Jus

and I chose Wild Sea Bass with Butternut Squash and Salisfy (looking here a bit like upside-down mushrooms!) Shallot Compote and Pistachio oil. Was delicious.

Unusually we all chose the same dessert.

Mango & Passion fruit mousse, mint jelly, and yoghurt sorbet wrapped Croustillant with Muscat.

Equally delicious

I forgot to photograph the chef's complimentary dishes

Soup in a miniature cup with smoked salmon and pate

whilst waiting and

Frangipan with real vanilla ice-cream between courses

Must get back to my Summer postings and visiting you all again

Looking after Rebekah all day Friday and Oliver after school while Janie spends a day alone in London replenishing her Winter wardrobe so probably won't be before the weekend.

Short, Sweet & Precious

2011-10-10T20:30:00.000+01:00

What a sweet and precious visit we had with

Joyce a blogging friend from Louisiana

Joyce and her husband Don managed 24 hours at our home while in the UK this weekend

While here Joyce and Don were keen to experience house church and we too were blessed to have them with us

After Sunday lunch it was off to Greensted to show them the oldest wooden church in the world. I have posted several times on this church but for newcomers, it dates back to the Fifth century and here we see the original tree trunks from nearby Epping Forest

In front of the church we see the grave of a Crusader

Joyce and Don had the added advantage of chatting with one of the warden 's who was there clearing up after Harvest Festival

She shared lots of history and even some facts that we did not know

While out Don said that although we had met for the first time only this morning, it felt like we had always known each other

We agreed entirely as we have always found that when there is a spirit connection there is that instant bonding

Having such a short time together and with so much to share with each other we talked and fellow shipped till 1.0 am

with a break for the current episode of

Downton Abbey in the middle

It seems ages since I posted from Barbara's kitchen so included here, the cake we all enjoyed at tea time

Crunchy Lemon Drizzle Cake

Cake Mix Topping

250g butter Juice of 1 medium lemon

200g caster sugar Granulated sugar

250g self-raising flour

4 large free-range eggs

1 tspn baking powder

zest & juice of 1 medium lemon

1. Select a suitable loaf tin (about 1.3-litre capacity) and line the base with slightly greased baking paper. Pre-heat oven to 170C/350f/gas 3.

2. In a food processor, cream together the butter and sugar. Add half the flour together with the eggs, and blend. Add the rest of the flour, the baking powder, and finally the lemon zest and juice and whiz everything together until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into lined loaf tin and bake in pre-heated oven for around 50 minutes.

4. Allow to cool in tin. While cake is cooling, blend the lemon juice for the topping (about 3 tablespoons) with sufficient granulated sugar (about 3 tablespoons) to form a syrup.

5. Take out the cake while a little warm and spoon topping mix liberally over the top.

Using the Railway Line & with History

2011-10-05T12:33:00.002+01:00

Before leaving Somerset entirely behind let me share with you the current use of this disused railway station just a few hundred yards from where we were staying.
It's 8.30 in the evening and the light reflects that

Many of our local railways were closed down in the 60's and quite a number are now used as walking or cycling paths

This one at Donyatt Halt has a little added interest

See the war time Pill Boxes behind the station

This statue is in memory of all the children that were evacuated to this area during the second world war

They would have arrived at this station carrying a small bag or suitcase not knowing when or if they would see their parents again

My husband was one of them at just 8 years old although living in the North he was evacuated to Yorkshire

For myself, I was just a baby so was evacuated to Wales along with my Mother and Grandmother

Here on the station we can read Doreen's story (one of the children who arrived here) by clicking until you have a full screen

The Mother's letter is heart breaking

It begins - At 11.0 am on 3rd September 1939 Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced on the wireless the dreadful words, "Britain is now at war with Germany"

Immediately a long planned Government Evacuation Scheme sprung into action.

3,000,000 people, mostly children were evacuated....

and finishing on a lighter note, Somerset being Cider country, this was a hospitality gift left for us at the cottage

Leigh-on-Sea in an Autumn Heatwave

2011-10-01T15:38:00.001+01:00

It's Saturday 1st October and we are sizzling in 86f heat, far hotter than anything we had in the Summer

Wednesday of last week we decided to go out to Leigh, have a walk and enjoy some sunshine. Being the middle of the week we were amazed at how many other people were out too

For newcomers to my blog I have done many posts on different aspects of this town as you will see from the sidebar

It is not far from home and sits on the Thames Estuary

Today we are walking along the front which is dominated by the fishing industry

We began with a picnic sitting at the tops of the cliffs where all the vegetation is definitely in Winter mode

before finishing off with a nice pot of tea here looking down over the sea

We then walk back to the top of the cliffs and make our way down

I don't think Alan is flirting, he is helping someone with the car parking machine

We will walk along taking some random pictures on the way

A seafood restaurant right next to the unloading quay

People eating all kinds of shellfish next to the kiosk

and sitting drinking beer

and tea for some

lunch for others

tea and cakes or ice-cream for others

as we had already lunched we had ice-cream

A walkway down to a restaurant deck

Sea Scouts boathouse

till we come to the beach

I put my camera away at this point and we take a good walk until it is time to turn around

We do not stop again for tea but visit the wife of our dear friend who passed away this summer and take tea with her

I can only imagine what it is like this weekend!!!

Beer, Devon

2011-09-27T21:06:00.000+01:00

We arrive in the town of Beer to see numerous Seagulls sitting on the sun warmed roofs of cars

A few shots of the town as we make our way down to the beach

A gully runs the length of the main street ferrying water down from the hills to the sea

The peaceful cove with fishermen aplenty

fishermen's sheds with many people lunching in the pub garden to the left

Looking left along the cliffs

and up to the cliff top walks

with such large shingle, mats are put down to walk on

the cliff top path from down below

erosion of these ancient cliffs with many rock falls

We eventually leave Beer and make our way a little along the coast to Seaton

in time to see this old tram leave the station

and on our way back stop at this tearoom in Mumsbury

not sure what Alan is up to!

These photos were taken in June but today on Tuesday the 27th September we are beginning an Indian Summer with temperatures in the 80's and set to last in to next week

A High Pressure from Greece is pushing back the Atlantic lows

So much appreciated after a cool and wet summer, the wettest for 15 years.

Of course my shorts and beach gear etc have all been put to bed for the winter. Might just have to get them out again.