tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88739363867455994072024-03-07T06:23:36.538+00:00Ragged RosesRagged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-40416971514907811382012-05-27T17:41:00.002+00:002012-05-27T17:41:57.955+00:00Last Sunday In May (Saving the best till last)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wisteria framing our front door </div>
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Scinitillating sunshine & sparkly sea</div>
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Frothy cow parsley
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Afternoon walk on the rolling Downs
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Happy horses
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Crows & church spires</div>
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The best of both worlds </div>
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Returning home to a cuppa in the garden - it may not have been the sunniest of Mays, but today was worth waiting for.Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-72400358008347051832012-05-01T12:32:00.002+00:002012-05-01T12:32:57.522+00:00May Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(<i>Maytime poster from a selection in the <a href="http://millyanddottie.com/">Emporium</a></i>)
I can't help but feel a little excited about the beginning of May. Yes, I know how grey and wet it is, how unbelievably wet this drought is, how the slugs and snails are having a field day in the garden and that the peonies are being devoured before they even get a chance to put on their new summer dresses. "May" always sounds like it should bring such promise, Spring, blossom, warmer days, the start of evenings outside, long walks in the countryside, the wonderful Brighton Festival that fills the town with people, ideas, colour, creativity and the unexpected, new shoots in the garden (well, those that haven't been eaten by the slugs) and a change of food in the kitchen.
Yet, if I'm brutally honest, what I always remember at the start of Spring is my navy blue school gym knickers, smelly rubber soled plimsolls, the waxed wooden floor of the school hall, the despair at finding who your teacher has paired you up with as a dance partner and the whole palaver of the dreaded Maypole being wheeled out from somewhere beneath the stage from the cupboard "where we were never ever allowed to go..."
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Memories of the start of the summer term at Primary school for me come tied up in the different colour sashes that we were made to wear to sort out our teams in the Maypole gymboree accompanied by the wonderful whiff of wallflowers that would float into the school hall from the very green and very large fields that surrounded it (I have conveniently blocked out all the other smells that accompanied the forty of us ten year olds as we pranced around that hall).
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I remember wondering in awe how the ribbons we were holding would ever ever make the patterns intended. The worry of 'ducking' instead of 'weaving', the mass of tangles that inevitably followed us as we skipped merrily around that pole in a whirlwind of mayhem. As we feverishly danced round and round, lighting the very short fuse that was the teacher's temper, from somewhere in the corner of the room that Country Dance music kept on blaring - indefeatable in its optimism that we would master the skills required from us. After all, just how difficult could it be to create a yellow and red plait hanging from a wooden pole created by three dozen unco-ordinated children?
There were days when plaits and patterns were achieved, there were days when hoardes of us were sent out of the hall for not being able to control our giggles, there were days when we all decided it would be fun to 'accidentally fall over' each other so that the music had to stop and we would have to start all over again. There were days however when the teacher was so suitably impressed with our dancing and plaits that we were promised a slot in the summer concert, showing off our skills to our parents (but these, I seem to remember were few and far between). And in my memories there were always days, those special Maydays, when the last piece of equipment was wheeled away, we were untangled from our ribbons and sashes, smelly plimsolls were banished to our shoebags and coat hooks and we were set free onto the school field to run and laugh and show off our new found dancing skills whilst one of us stood shrieking us in some poor impersonation of our beleaguered PE teacher.
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Whilst I know deep down that the sun didn't always shine and that more often than not our dancing escapades were followed by "wet plays" where we were trapped inside the classroom looking longingly out of the windows at our beloved field outside, it's on grey, wet May days like today that a pair of rose coloured glasses come in very handy.
<i>PS</i> Sorry for the lack of paragraphs, it's not that I spent all my time at school dancing and prancing and forgetting how to create a paragraph, more a case of holding up my hand and "Miss, it's not fair, new blogger just won't let me do what I want to do." (although I do remember my last teacher at prinary school saying he wouldn't give me any more "A's until I mastered the art of the paragraph) So if anyone can help with advice on how to make a paragraph I would be very grateful and if reading this post makes you feel as breathless as I did spiralling round that maypole - I am sorry!Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-18069563982653067212012-04-19T10:28:00.003+00:002012-04-19T10:30:23.747+00:00Hello (Stage Whisper)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3oYY7JTNNc1PJ7ATkjN2vDBwEdFGaq-GYtr1Ds12hsTw4aGDBH75TqGbBYnB-9FUJFTUIPDv0ZUN8k9Xt99KnZYyr_swGyl3z1-84pYwNCePzEYQLHTt3Za8JFAuJsuCc-sJEqi49Oc/s1600/DSCN8943.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3oYY7JTNNc1PJ7ATkjN2vDBwEdFGaq-GYtr1Ds12hsTw4aGDBH75TqGbBYnB-9FUJFTUIPDv0ZUN8k9Xt99KnZYyr_swGyl3z1-84pYwNCePzEYQLHTt3Za8JFAuJsuCc-sJEqi49Oc/s320/DSCN8943.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733057006710565362" /></a><br /><br />I seem to have lost my blogging voice and am back with a whisper...Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-80807613202230063002011-12-23T19:14:00.001+00:002011-12-23T19:15:46.264+00:00Bright Be All Your Days!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXrX8udMWlftGFGg67nTRCUJOnw28roS6TrJaOXYVxnP6Cz2mR4xAck1YKU5U8CKgcHdPZxrUxaftgmM4fxgsRiA6eN9VcwOm1lhkfzDUBdefHN7jvLyv6blhhKjR4xfegvxv8LItIFM/s1600/bright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXrX8udMWlftGFGg67nTRCUJOnw28roS6TrJaOXYVxnP6Cz2mR4xAck1YKU5U8CKgcHdPZxrUxaftgmM4fxgsRiA6eN9VcwOm1lhkfzDUBdefHN7jvLyv6blhhKjR4xfegvxv8LItIFM/s320/bright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689404359529963346" /></a><br /><br /><br />And happy may you be. With very best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year xRagged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-8645349947460490732011-12-21T15:23:00.009+00:002011-12-21T16:12:19.009+00:00Paris At Midnight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e00ZHsXB01SeX0uS2NfeuHEQ6bHg8iGNqn4f2v2HPrGcQRmuo2zZIcve1C856ZnDYvbfnTw44xZgqmat5HGrYZAHPndVr8pCuiW8-yk2GioUoa6STTZICwSwtv4c5x488dHFxHKBnqeN/s1600/DSCF8330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e00ZHsXB01SeX0uS2NfeuHEQ6bHg8iGNqn4f2v2HPrGcQRmuo2zZIcve1C856ZnDYvbfnTw44xZgqmat5HGrYZAHPndVr8pCuiW8-yk2GioUoa6STTZICwSwtv4c5x488dHFxHKBnqeN/s320/DSCF8330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688603269378105346" /></a><br /><br />Well if Santa is going to be doling out any pressies around here this year, I certainly deserve prize for world's worst blogger. Not sure what's happened this year, I just can't seem to sit down and write a decent post. Apologies all round, I will try harder in the New Year. Note to Santa, "Please, if you're reading this upon your travels and happen to find my blogging mojo, please return and I'll make sure there's an extra mince pie waiting for you at bottom of the chimney".<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/atLg2wQQxvU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Looking over my blog I can see that the last thing I mentioned was a chocolate pumpkin and an earlier post on my eldest's 18th birthday. Well the two are sort of connected - and I'm not inferring that my Big Sister is in anyway related to Cinderella....<br />On the evening of her 18th we promised her a party and recklessly agreed to leave the house. We went to see Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris", hoping that in some way it would a) take our mind off of what was going on at home in our absence (it did, kind of), b) offer picture perfect glimpses of one of our favourite places (it certainly did), c) mark a return to form for Mr Allen (it almost did) and d) whet our appetites for a forthcoming holiday in Paris (it certainly did).<br />We sat through the film oohing and aahing at the most romantic nighttime shots of Paris, recognising most of them and vowing to revisit them. We gasped when we saw our favourite restaurant featured in the film (not the 'posh one" but a little bistro where much of the pivotal action happens) and vowed to retrace our steps on our return.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ_qiC6u9WWnUyVIVp7FcSOcCU8gOJF8ezS5o-aMWA-UALRbrCziN8Hu63F6sjdpES63TzlSFr_gsvIzRdFWorzz68Dm9B3e2jMJwaVHzwTaPY-khoCkTM3wT_0EmwU1OdPtPEXi_PA9h/s1600/DSCN7472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ_qiC6u9WWnUyVIVp7FcSOcCU8gOJF8ezS5o-aMWA-UALRbrCziN8Hu63F6sjdpES63TzlSFr_gsvIzRdFWorzz68Dm9B3e2jMJwaVHzwTaPY-khoCkTM3wT_0EmwU1OdPtPEXi_PA9h/s320/DSCN7472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688603276843996210" /></a><br /><br />So this time in Paris, again we were blessed with wonderful Autumnal weather, bright in the day and mild at night - we walked and we walked and we walked. Paris at night is heavenly, and definitely very very romantic. Up and down the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, along the Seine, over Lover's Bridge (Pont des Arts) which is covered in padlocks symbolising lovers' everlasting love, we walked our socks off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6ZcmaclmwKXBrRUKzvQBl4q9wJpqgn60jvYMjrngF-ubKUvAsuJ6PsbiYjKB0JfeFxhRhyooOg38nGXl5eB0wJE8Ekv5M6CKPAFsmYo07o7iob99Gvr3gVHrFd_c2qK4gp5Ot7qimkI-/s1600/DSCN7537.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6ZcmaclmwKXBrRUKzvQBl4q9wJpqgn60jvYMjrngF-ubKUvAsuJ6PsbiYjKB0JfeFxhRhyooOg38nGXl5eB0wJE8Ekv5M6CKPAFsmYo07o7iob99Gvr3gVHrFd_c2qK4gp5Ot7qimkI-/s320/DSCN7537.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688603260169504610" /></a><br /><br /><br />Not being in a position to do any shopping (boy was it expensive in Paris!), we indulged in late night window shopping along the Boulevard St Germain, choosing our favourite macaroons and designer clothes. As it was just before Halloween the windows of the chocolatiers were resplendent and it was there we saw that chocolate pumpkin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIgF_YdPWjnD1gNUmArK7VTPblX3Afjnhp8e4KMFkn6Yr-L3pJd-2wTZFKuZ8ovADqI0erK0WS1KCwZMBaPokChuQ_4uap8XC07izXJ1cptJPsFORd3fhoRe7zRE2nHXrd_cyburC3xPA/s1600/DSCN7585.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIgF_YdPWjnD1gNUmArK7VTPblX3Afjnhp8e4KMFkn6Yr-L3pJd-2wTZFKuZ8ovADqI0erK0WS1KCwZMBaPokChuQ_4uap8XC07izXJ1cptJPsFORd3fhoRe7zRE2nHXrd_cyburC3xPA/s320/DSCN7585.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688612499056612338" /></a><br /><br />Our eldest daughter had taken a literary guide with her and by day we followed in the footsteps of F Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway (who, incidentally lived for a while in an apartment opposite our hotel). We traced their steps through the Jardin du Luxembourg to cafes and shops along the way to visit Gertrude Stein at her 'salon". We were lucky enough to visit the most wonderful exhibition at the Grand Palais <a href="http://www.rmn.fr/english/les-musees-et-leurs-expositions-238/grand-palais-galeries-nationales-257/expositions-258/matisse-cezanne-picasso-the-stein">of the many fantastic works of art collected by the Stein Family</a> again at night. <br /><br />We pounded the streets in search of Oscar Wilde's final resting place. We walked from North to South, in search of the Beat poets, Samuel Becket and many more. We finally were able to take the girls along to visit the beautiful Pere LaChaise Cemetry and the one at Montparnasse too. It was not morbid at all just very, very interesting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeWlomvZ2xcdbpsjuJ-ucFSiPIVLzP7e6W9fy992GVGhAqV4uBs3Be8ImVLcSy_EOLXv17OTyeJ6MmV8yUmpDT1TAFAyN8AzRhYt7k3cnF3Dnsx8m8KcbkS14WHrogi128GGiIGsZc4z1/s1600/DSCN7486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeWlomvZ2xcdbpsjuJ-ucFSiPIVLzP7e6W9fy992GVGhAqV4uBs3Be8ImVLcSy_EOLXv17OTyeJ6MmV8yUmpDT1TAFAyN8AzRhYt7k3cnF3Dnsx8m8KcbkS14WHrogi128GGiIGsZc4z1/s320/DSCN7486.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688612510013760498" /></a><br /><br />We visited our favourite <a href="http://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/">ever bookshop</a> again. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgo9AmpeCching1YOgegV2p8f6UfnBV7c_yPxPC3dYs90VxxzOmCVOVSfE3YS2uABKy_9N8nzINmOWkx3k5BhREui2-f5rxadHXf__G2zGp6rkVTBilFwYHIcUpBHnnvrP66K_9us8AbN/s1600/DSCN7464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgo9AmpeCching1YOgegV2p8f6UfnBV7c_yPxPC3dYs90VxxzOmCVOVSfE3YS2uABKy_9N8nzINmOWkx3k5BhREui2-f5rxadHXf__G2zGp6rkVTBilFwYHIcUpBHnnvrP66K_9us8AbN/s320/DSCN7464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688603294351650258" /></a><br /><br />We ate our lunches at 5pm and suppers at 10pm. We stumbled out of bed just in time to catch the last of the breakfast in the hotel salon (we stayed again in the same pretty hotel as last time), <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruOF4YKGpCL2kmJO451Ru1Vk7g8qYQXrLlsbEWPA1Xpskik45NNbOP0DuDn2WmIiomeEB8nXTG6SgUGvfNoNteZ0z69NIjwpfdQYScfAk1eEkdZZBLAYxDuqYZ9WnhGhth7yLL3sRwIw_/s1600/DSCN7541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruOF4YKGpCL2kmJO451Ru1Vk7g8qYQXrLlsbEWPA1Xpskik45NNbOP0DuDn2WmIiomeEB8nXTG6SgUGvfNoNteZ0z69NIjwpfdQYScfAk1eEkdZZBLAYxDuqYZ9WnhGhth7yLL3sRwIw_/s320/DSCN7541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688612503915521890" /></a><br /><br />bathed our feet and somehow steeled ourselves for more miles of walking. We visited museums, markets, bakers and took shelter from the most dramatic rainstorm I have ever seen, and learnt that the very best way to see this beautiful city, apart from in that Woody Allen film, is on foot in the Autumn, at night when the light and romance fills the air, or during the day when the history, culture and determination of an 18 year old to complete her literary tour makes you forget your blisters and savour it all.Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-82643077626664703552011-11-04T18:38:00.005+00:002011-11-04T19:01:14.421+00:00Waiting For The Oven....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAnmQcDKihUyIyEuXFvF8n4O-2IPBdGr70bPXgWyWDXLLCUyom8ohTcqH2McA1NfpiWcCYh01i_n8lm-AaokuOGgDoUbp83N84kjzGj3B1DC5i9m_XFCipE9CjaxLwUYnlU4hlDwBU4Do/s1600/HOUSE.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAnmQcDKihUyIyEuXFvF8n4O-2IPBdGr70bPXgWyWDXLLCUyom8ohTcqH2McA1NfpiWcCYh01i_n8lm-AaokuOGgDoUbp83N84kjzGj3B1DC5i9m_XFCipE9CjaxLwUYnlU4hlDwBU4Do/s320/HOUSE.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671217171688577154" /></a><br /><br />Hello!<br />I'm sitting here waiting for the oven to warm up, so it can be nice and toasty for my carrots to roast... not good at twiddling my thumbs and the rest of supper is taken care of . So thought I'd just let you know that Dottie and I have got our skates on and opened the Grotto, and with a loud and jubilant "ho ho ho!", I'm happy to say you can find it <a href="http://www.millyanddottie.com/userimages/procart2.htm">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvyAlnpdfCuwmuLeWxuIzaYV4Suyj298c9QngM5rSptC2Of45kSKYM8jX1hU72F77r4a3vcVyLoytl-kzl5z6WY0dgk6K-VG2XLV0g8RGegZSWmMg6O-QwGiOiwmDQRGC1Hvgfijcd8Es/s1600/cpuzz1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvyAlnpdfCuwmuLeWxuIzaYV4Suyj298c9QngM5rSptC2Of45kSKYM8jX1hU72F77r4a3vcVyLoytl-kzl5z6WY0dgk6K-VG2XLV0g8RGegZSWmMg6O-QwGiOiwmDQRGC1Hvgfijcd8Es/s320/cpuzz1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671212597818504274" /></a><br /><br />We're also over the moon to say that you can also find it mentioned in this month's edition of Homes & Antiques magazine too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiair0oViwn6_uNTim5bH1kKK76xNY7iocpaIdnfuvT2UqUEruFz4_7XWd9V_g3657KEDmp9VfPdnyQEumnQz4pgxnGj-PwMcgbIj7ksw0oN-znvzeq8XfQ_kMA9V5mq11EplD78RkS2CPh/s1600/decha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiair0oViwn6_uNTim5bH1kKK76xNY7iocpaIdnfuvT2UqUEruFz4_7XWd9V_g3657KEDmp9VfPdnyQEumnQz4pgxnGj-PwMcgbIj7ksw0oN-znvzeq8XfQ_kMA9V5mq11EplD78RkS2CPh/s320/decha.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671212579333138882" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm off now to spice my carrots and crank up the heating, have a wonderful weekend and I will be back soon with tales from The Left Bank<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvgg7w42od8jN69L5Ys9zLlwlaPf_cU6olidmbD_2bXIUFS-_7iF8U_I9iXQH8vxksiwJnw5gArIRwt40LVla1HJqjWpCchNTLflI5m5nmtP4F1ERXzcaq_l4qv1uyE5kDiDvTSgEvySa/s1600/DSCF8330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvgg7w42od8jN69L5Ys9zLlwlaPf_cU6olidmbD_2bXIUFS-_7iF8U_I9iXQH8vxksiwJnw5gArIRwt40LVla1HJqjWpCchNTLflI5m5nmtP4F1ERXzcaq_l4qv1uyE5kDiDvTSgEvySa/s320/DSCF8330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671215801836051842" /></a><br /><br />and <br />Vintage gramophones....<br />and, the biggest chocolate pumpkin I have ever seen<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArL_nRPKD2cx2-q3KR7N3ERntXlD9kMfo4df-Dimtr1ofwhippt3DGB6klDyeVp-eG-sN7Ns5vGjhCq5tl7sQglX9tNQJgJDs7l4ZnPDC8-kaPG8-bKPdH7ssmVVW6ReY5ZbCr-QluDzL/s1600/DSCN7540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArL_nRPKD2cx2-q3KR7N3ERntXlD9kMfo4df-Dimtr1ofwhippt3DGB6klDyeVp-eG-sN7Ns5vGjhCq5tl7sQglX9tNQJgJDs7l4ZnPDC8-kaPG8-bKPdH7ssmVVW6ReY5ZbCr-QluDzL/s320/DSCN7540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671215794078143026" /></a><br /><br />xRagged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-86612190975168676832011-10-20T09:33:00.009+00:002011-10-20T10:09:54.821+00:00Ned's In The Nursery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq3wFioVMEkP57axJeSMTDhgd77Nvd9BGCWoVDZdCHupBENGlUhxs9wBXderUgjiIEjkVdflOWgR0O8MJWpjNxIn9iyZY-AY0jvZHh4QhSO9QVUWQll1uYurthvl1eVkYHen_XWh-TDPT/s1600/ned1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq3wFioVMEkP57axJeSMTDhgd77Nvd9BGCWoVDZdCHupBENGlUhxs9wBXderUgjiIEjkVdflOWgR0O8MJWpjNxIn9iyZY-AY0jvZHh4QhSO9QVUWQll1uYurthvl1eVkYHen_XWh-TDPT/s320/ned1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665505420863109858" /></a><br /><br />Over at <a href="http://www.millyanddottie.com">The Emporium</a>, we were slightly perturbed yesterday to hear the clippety clop sound of hooves and wheels on the Nursery floor. Imagine our surprise to find this little fellow, settling down with all the other vintage toys and games. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfqO6G-vbzUtJuUIhJYf1pI9pG303rg3Vl_0JYzCFTkhsUwV1qtXWEmTLEz5AkuH8H0GzC6kDLJLERh6cbk-iENVpy0bTHHZPCmPKvx_yUAtcfeYkRqdj84WzJE_7OhP5tS-Z5xkPMGd1/s1600/1ned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfqO6G-vbzUtJuUIhJYf1pI9pG303rg3Vl_0JYzCFTkhsUwV1qtXWEmTLEz5AkuH8H0GzC6kDLJLERh6cbk-iENVpy0bTHHZPCmPKvx_yUAtcfeYkRqdj84WzJE_7OhP5tS-Z5xkPMGd1/s320/1ned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665505423586448402" /></a><br /><br />This 1950s Chiltern Toys donkey on wheels seems to have trotted over seeking pastures new. We have both taken a bit of a shine to him and have spent rather too much of the past 24 hours smuggling carrots into the Nursery. In good condition for his age too, he really is hot to trot!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEmFdMUtdzmVS9TdpUoGsWCAIqW_9FexGHuXlCQmYG4Ikk-XMiX_U6jWnE8u3P5RiVVv9uPiYhbyMpNMc6_dzk9NiG-IAPDa3affEd_U8nT1rG0o9PtGfFxaVdiW-B2t8XgonGlWc1zCF/s1600/doll.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEmFdMUtdzmVS9TdpUoGsWCAIqW_9FexGHuXlCQmYG4Ikk-XMiX_U6jWnE8u3P5RiVVv9uPiYhbyMpNMc6_dzk9NiG-IAPDa3affEd_U8nT1rG0o9PtGfFxaVdiW-B2t8XgonGlWc1zCF/s320/doll.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665510005312257618" /></a><br /><br />Worry not, he's not completely alone, along side all the other gorgeous cuddly vintage toys, it's fair to say that Stocking Stitch Suzie has taken rather a shine to him ... those big beautiful blue eyes of hers have come over all bashful...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh497S-XijV-0KiX_rA5wgxCCb4BJReZrWbUmPHgRz93f-m4SKUjjbe3q5razRYcePNBxJYM5qKlLxLMuZ55UKt-1DNxKvpcJP0ERzDjG1SSeYRB5RUhHrEBGoM7RraZyW6DWkuekI7GeYu/s1600/crinplates2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh497S-XijV-0KiX_rA5wgxCCb4BJReZrWbUmPHgRz93f-m4SKUjjbe3q5razRYcePNBxJYM5qKlLxLMuZ55UKt-1DNxKvpcJP0ERzDjG1SSeYRB5RUhHrEBGoM7RraZyW6DWkuekI7GeYu/s320/crinplates2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665505428320662482" /></a><br /><br />Elsewhere in the Emporium, there are crinoline ladies in the Scullery (just perfect for afternoon tea) - who could resist a set of "Pinkie" tea plates?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP3PR5tBMXAURb20QPco6vtieaqzsMzrF2UMijhj2PjrRJjJD0zlN_DR6egCbl0PNKwqb7DZ_fmpzvJdHGKmZK_EjP6QVrvSzEXfHYNokqSedPygh3ibvdV5LNNVMCiHMk5NdHhsuvjNn/s1600/cass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP3PR5tBMXAURb20QPco6vtieaqzsMzrF2UMijhj2PjrRJjJD0zlN_DR6egCbl0PNKwqb7DZ_fmpzvJdHGKmZK_EjP6QVrvSzEXfHYNokqSedPygh3ibvdV5LNNVMCiHMk5NdHhsuvjNn/s320/cass.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665509992409366866" /></a><br /><br />And as Autumn takes hold and the evenings and mornings become decidedly "brrrrrr", there are recipe books full of home recipes and this gorgeous Duck Egg Blue Casserole Dish for your Autumn casseroles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrdB_qZ54PihpDIjqxWoLMuhCJOw6sMCOql4FPhReq7Kb9OvCpUOY_U8hvEjXGihXooPFxwgL8fx2R93glkD5Hw1qtgaIm7lrSiMI_wOl2zfWzpsQgXnR6At4nTIZxuvH4iOQ4FSJvPKm/s1600/40scal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrdB_qZ54PihpDIjqxWoLMuhCJOw6sMCOql4FPhReq7Kb9OvCpUOY_U8hvEjXGihXooPFxwgL8fx2R93glkD5Hw1qtgaIm7lrSiMI_wOl2zfWzpsQgXnR6At4nTIZxuvH4iOQ4FSJvPKm/s320/40scal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665510002542310626" /></a><br /><br />We refuse to say goodbye completely to summer and there are lots of summery florals in the Attic at the moment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSceM6_olzT_wSZ-xCT8_3hlAlkH_OSqcjFWbyWBlrI4MADv2MuclGFW9RWxHgyfr8V7qmwnRlIX2JRYvWAY_v7PPJiBbupQ7v8oSWUq0ybTqg0wKaylMnippVgS84FLA-_74aSRLnzzbX/s1600/cal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSceM6_olzT_wSZ-xCT8_3hlAlkH_OSqcjFWbyWBlrI4MADv2MuclGFW9RWxHgyfr8V7qmwnRlIX2JRYvWAY_v7PPJiBbupQ7v8oSWUq0ybTqg0wKaylMnippVgS84FLA-_74aSRLnzzbX/s320/cal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665509999375771650" /></a><br /> <br />1940s calendars to decorate your walls (and allow a spot of daydreaming), pictures and paintings aplenty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnY3bJmE0FDdV_gdhrbWHG1Jko24l_bqVPwakAHiIvXbPc9KWyAHuLClMSCi9YmlHFUUSlZv7Qy3Oy_Tw7eCxo9kvPo5iC5mo2lVAioUBNh3YDxN9IVsMM1lcLkLckcNOlox1azpVpbSTP/s1600/1ABC.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnY3bJmE0FDdV_gdhrbWHG1Jko24l_bqVPwakAHiIvXbPc9KWyAHuLClMSCi9YmlHFUUSlZv7Qy3Oy_Tw7eCxo9kvPo5iC5mo2lVAioUBNh3YDxN9IVsMM1lcLkLckcNOlox1azpVpbSTP/s320/1ABC.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665512068318550834" /></a><br /><br />If you can't bear the thought of wellies and woollies, then how about a spot of armchair gardening - vintage of course! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03bYifrg1OtX2xi-Zc7_MwsaWyVum05xflrAfpCs2aKwGIzjztq0K0Hiduf6tbQLyFamhznP1E8CBOmeM7Wc84YovvWJr-e23KXxxphU7sK46etIMN-I951yyX9gzp-OPg1z12ZhekIh2/s1600/mosaic2be87e27d7d580e5e631570f905538ab7a1524e3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03bYifrg1OtX2xi-Zc7_MwsaWyVum05xflrAfpCs2aKwGIzjztq0K0Hiduf6tbQLyFamhznP1E8CBOmeM7Wc84YovvWJr-e23KXxxphU7sK46etIMN-I951yyX9gzp-OPg1z12ZhekIh2/s320/mosaic2be87e27d7d580e5e631570f905538ab7a1524e3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665511848018072018" /></a><br /><br />Or childhood nostalgia or adventure - Enid Blyton style? <br />Judging by the sound of rolling wheels, I expect Ned and Stocking Stitch Suzie have trotted along to view the Library shelves too - hope they've found something good to read...<br /><br />Just thought you might like a quick peep at what's been going on over at The Emporium recently. Lots of new goodies and the odd giddyup!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGcVjDAUuHBzljC4fLVwBF_idExnsnFBwqN2RX4gORsqWEiu5_Vh0zZecgIs1KY3EmBs6d5HJxfhd2Zp70ju8leIPaIzqoUiC49y8FK1E7La7w5l9n2-SrunBQQla_96R7vifTn3ImDEz/s1600/ANDY1-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGcVjDAUuHBzljC4fLVwBF_idExnsnFBwqN2RX4gORsqWEiu5_Vh0zZecgIs1KY3EmBs6d5HJxfhd2Zp70ju8leIPaIzqoUiC49y8FK1E7La7w5l9n2-SrunBQQla_96R7vifTn3ImDEz/s320/ANDY1-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665512371656320642" /></a><br /><br />(<span style="font-style:italic;">Thank you all so much for all the lovely birthday wishes for Big Sister. She had a wonderful day and night! And has plans to do more of the same for a good few weeks to come!</span>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-45954648114049568332011-10-14T00:01:00.000+00:002011-10-14T00:01:00.636+00:00Seems Like Yesterday...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EOyhXJkkK3uaURzB2nnHFwbONlnliOuZZ-eWRfLfcm6uYct6mShfAD8D10hTeY8yrxN_8DO5IGnc8z7NiMgWGmdoBHvHS4mQ6nPz2J69q2rUbLGvPrG_IEY43R6s6Dr6iynTOLoKeeJ3/s1600/DSCF6413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EOyhXJkkK3uaURzB2nnHFwbONlnliOuZZ-eWRfLfcm6uYct6mShfAD8D10hTeY8yrxN_8DO5IGnc8z7NiMgWGmdoBHvHS4mQ6nPz2J69q2rUbLGvPrG_IEY43R6s6Dr6iynTOLoKeeJ3/s320/DSCF6413.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662886455076404482" /></a><br /><br /><br />Eighteen years ago today my beautiful daughter was born. I don't know where the time has gone, but I do know we have been blessed.<br />Open that window wide my darling, the world is yours, go and embrace it.<br />We love you - Happy Birthday! <br />xRagged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-2702182430252542182011-09-21T08:24:00.027+00:002011-09-21T09:25:17.108+00:00Food For The Soul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7L1NPk5Ma-9-BMg40P4yE5ZRw2rYTq7MZ3_HuAvUv-Du8PVLpHWKHR3wLD2QrgmOOSf04L2PiS44zmE_sw7SejVN4WgyEisF4nmiezrpfirQVezBSfxs2Cmm_lkycJmzmKIIMV4MsVL9J/s1600/DSCN6872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7L1NPk5Ma-9-BMg40P4yE5ZRw2rYTq7MZ3_HuAvUv-Du8PVLpHWKHR3wLD2QrgmOOSf04L2PiS44zmE_sw7SejVN4WgyEisF4nmiezrpfirQVezBSfxs2Cmm_lkycJmzmKIIMV4MsVL9J/s320/DSCN6872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726379726379090" /></a><br /><br />Readers, get your paniers! Mornings like this call for some serious retail therapy. When its wet and grey, when an unexpected school run forces a very unpleasant contretemps with a rude and surly man in a van, when you've already drunk your daily quota of tea and feel like your never going to feel warm and dry again, a touch of shopping is just what's required.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyxkpQv25iaZM0EjF7YiKqAx_YKYs4q_dTNG6a3Bv2oqCxeCisj2WVoR9CTdSN2C_XPIurOoscc4dmrsPbImrbHsYTyuzOEunmym8WGG_Ri2HW94rad5HmcNMCoHCZ2ULLQeyJ0XfPbMr/s1600/DSCN6875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyxkpQv25iaZM0EjF7YiKqAx_YKYs4q_dTNG6a3Bv2oqCxeCisj2WVoR9CTdSN2C_XPIurOoscc4dmrsPbImrbHsYTyuzOEunmym8WGG_Ri2HW94rad5HmcNMCoHCZ2ULLQeyJ0XfPbMr/s320/DSCN6875.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654735659657462786" /></a><br /><br />No, we're not talking ordinary trundle round the supermarket, trolley, purse and reward card at the ready - <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFNVXL6VCIOmNEWQTZSQLhfjyf2UaWnrWGVc7Sj5r58KRVJQU6YNmePOFauS7xTIfzFYVnk0WcKsAZXqbLUh9kZpm0KYdYOSgCKM7OMUO9UsBmM4P4LLdboz1kpgQ9oT2vPttydm7MfDl/s1600/DSCN6850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFNVXL6VCIOmNEWQTZSQLhfjyf2UaWnrWGVc7Sj5r58KRVJQU6YNmePOFauS7xTIfzFYVnk0WcKsAZXqbLUh9kZpm0KYdYOSgCKM7OMUO9UsBmM4P4LLdboz1kpgQ9oT2vPttydm7MfDl/s320/DSCN6850.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726390572538786" /></a><br /><br />we're talking a gentle stroll through the Provencal streets that are so hot that you're grateful of all the dappled shade you can find. Reader, on a day like this, can you imagine that?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hk5nFrcgDl_l-3EajKDnsY2kd5-KVy3Zwbm32j-Y05Xlko6ZEAJF5dyd61_XVbhy7DYRZj2bZMvde5kmjGSK65YIJo9YjPPljgSDeKi44t6GZP89MNnvxIxdwkONIBcatDlrFaCddW35/s1600/DSCN7079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hk5nFrcgDl_l-3EajKDnsY2kd5-KVy3Zwbm32j-Y05Xlko6ZEAJF5dyd61_XVbhy7DYRZj2bZMvde5kmjGSK65YIJo9YjPPljgSDeKi44t6GZP89MNnvxIxdwkONIBcatDlrFaCddW35/s320/DSCN7079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726955266849970" /></a><br /><br />Against the sunbleached ochre walls of shuttered buildings underneath an azure sky, let's take some time choosing our meals today... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYahhylHl93Z4M_od4ShumcOiAloZk5-ozMjLduj5LFnHUOrudp3CPkLvnlCZyVNCxRYu4mTj45sWQ9VRWWP6bs0J0qPO8AfCSa23_3T3aGwpIqH6-BVIm3uj4w3rxBvInEq7Tjn6quNrN/s1600/DSCN7102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYahhylHl93Z4M_od4ShumcOiAloZk5-ozMjLduj5LFnHUOrudp3CPkLvnlCZyVNCxRYu4mTj45sWQ9VRWWP6bs0J0qPO8AfCSa23_3T3aGwpIqH6-BVIm3uj4w3rxBvInEq7Tjn6quNrN/s320/DSCN7102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726962450548882" /></a><br /><br />no need to hurry, time is on our side and there's always tomorrow as there's a market every day here in Aix.<br />A kilo of this and a kilo of that, a bunch of basil, multi coloured tomatoes,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEOZnFVeXn7R4mRx_UANe9wslzxZpSoSRDMBC4IWWBP2yAK3ApKShATj_2wUD9YcadtsVLVk-Qcxm2fHXxir7vfYn0RMtyimPe_8D93hu9N0VnagZ8DHeHt7J8GLC3GwTcvt1Gj0mRjxi/s1600/DSCN7106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEOZnFVeXn7R4mRx_UANe9wslzxZpSoSRDMBC4IWWBP2yAK3ApKShATj_2wUD9YcadtsVLVk-Qcxm2fHXxir7vfYn0RMtyimPe_8D93hu9N0VnagZ8DHeHt7J8GLC3GwTcvt1Gj0mRjxi/s320/DSCN7106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654727147738741746" /></a><br /><br /> baby aubergines, zingy zesty fresh mint. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTw5LZKHWboQSJtBsCLTr0xIXWTXEgnGebWC6TrnF7nWeY6IDUaimEPI8dmKcjxX7bGcW0hgqCwOWbNuwV7_nPTT0La21zcLTDsBj1dN3t6hIMv_Fmxk_945lStoewVSUAs_Gkypoc3qI/s1600/DSCN6993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTw5LZKHWboQSJtBsCLTr0xIXWTXEgnGebWC6TrnF7nWeY6IDUaimEPI8dmKcjxX7bGcW0hgqCwOWbNuwV7_nPTT0La21zcLTDsBj1dN3t6hIMv_Fmxk_945lStoewVSUAs_Gkypoc3qI/s320/DSCN6993.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726195373604914" /></a><br /><br />How about some olives?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoH6HQiMGaLeWrkPGN3eAHxWemnxcPrRFnx8I_AV0MGxbSYVcaM50r7wYOhJzosiKulIo42c_zHatGWynnvgd0JtjOm0ODDSwy8Rsr6Xsqq1G93hzgRKH2LYTZSk9a0cXqv7pwTEmxBBN/s1600/DSCN6982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoH6HQiMGaLeWrkPGN3eAHxWemnxcPrRFnx8I_AV0MGxbSYVcaM50r7wYOhJzosiKulIo42c_zHatGWynnvgd0JtjOm0ODDSwy8Rsr6Xsqq1G93hzgRKH2LYTZSk9a0cXqv7pwTEmxBBN/s320/DSCN6982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654735660744097890" /></a><br /><br />Spices?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIMovKwcW3GnpiOlf12UWhevjGRS_EDsHQ0BIh6zpWB5uENP8SadVyKZj1duC4NZZaWe7gkbauMgo41jH0L2v2VhinF3RXWr_SjzR2-txXKnB7Z8bdN2FO5CKr81QpWnXw87lQ2FhE-Gj/s1600/DSCF6343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIMovKwcW3GnpiOlf12UWhevjGRS_EDsHQ0BIh6zpWB5uENP8SadVyKZj1duC4NZZaWe7gkbauMgo41jH0L2v2VhinF3RXWr_SjzR2-txXKnB7Z8bdN2FO5CKr81QpWnXw87lQ2FhE-Gj/s320/DSCF6343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726955564295042" /></a><br /><br />Even the peppercorns are colourful today...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaLw2xgVNh1kjvFgE9LfTuPdTTGstT7nlE9s_tUDDbttF_QS_6ldRBNu0rujcWsHqUTwsxptnIBOiNU2wW_G7-O3ekwljEGULu3GEUpsVsylYAH-Jh8SZMmS0YBDOWJuHh2jdLsdjmxo0/s1600/DSCN7056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaLw2xgVNh1kjvFgE9LfTuPdTTGstT7nlE9s_tUDDbttF_QS_6ldRBNu0rujcWsHqUTwsxptnIBOiNU2wW_G7-O3ekwljEGULu3GEUpsVsylYAH-Jh8SZMmS0YBDOWJuHh2jdLsdjmxo0/s320/DSCN7056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654735669232096418" /></a><br /><br />Some crockery to brighten the kitchen table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz0CVwW0kUK6NBOMTgy8GQg3rBMwW8aI6l_Jm13iITt7iVpQf7GvR0IpoMaRxCEBEa8b97K-XxqeyjCYKEzz__CMGPl0SNbZq-RVaFOmL2s7gfU4fOBX7Zbc_XbMotiZpOMCHB-n89hQm/s1600/DSCN6852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz0CVwW0kUK6NBOMTgy8GQg3rBMwW8aI6l_Jm13iITt7iVpQf7GvR0IpoMaRxCEBEa8b97K-XxqeyjCYKEzz__CMGPl0SNbZq-RVaFOmL2s7gfU4fOBX7Zbc_XbMotiZpOMCHB-n89hQm/s320/DSCN6852.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726381337806018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZHVtJ9ZV3QNdGgwSnoq0xiKPyM8BTzvMHRUoTSMALxCh8mRCL03P9QWX_SVdIVI_bb2MH4FPdixw13d1r0gJFHDyWFgpZcetppEqS8amLDISWfuVoGOUuYkSIb8Y89NKSQczcka2MN1K/s1600/DSCN6853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZHVtJ9ZV3QNdGgwSnoq0xiKPyM8BTzvMHRUoTSMALxCh8mRCL03P9QWX_SVdIVI_bb2MH4FPdixw13d1r0gJFHDyWFgpZcetppEqS8amLDISWfuVoGOUuYkSIb8Y89NKSQczcka2MN1K/s320/DSCN6853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726377565801810" /></a><br /><br />Sunflowers against Provencal tablecloths, carrier bags echoing their golden hue.<br />The summer sunshine increases as the morning progresses so we shall wander slowly, breath in the scents and sounds and savour the delights.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4sDmiohFK6MHYKonNxkwp1E_2zpSOlmVhKDa_7DaIrYraDnXxBbKnCYKRIPLZ8curwJFOzEFyousghVVr2tLDzsDFLLoPGPBcI0WjJo4GrjGWVoa6bcKOBXHIcvgLQvMiXAlAn_Dd-SA/s1600/DSCN7153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4sDmiohFK6MHYKonNxkwp1E_2zpSOlmVhKDa_7DaIrYraDnXxBbKnCYKRIPLZ8curwJFOzEFyousghVVr2tLDzsDFLLoPGPBcI0WjJo4GrjGWVoa6bcKOBXHIcvgLQvMiXAlAn_Dd-SA/s320/DSCN7153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654727158041537250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_73q8VIsLQ0yF3icVZ5DVFU-LA0NdECgQm04OHGyExD6rW6540oVhB4bTmxBejzP_KuJ-cp8mhBZg2Ma9WQ1YwS-5R_QxShOTy0eR5ZEHMvBNT2YE9qPWylNLfE8HpravJBlWF4bSGMo/s1600/DSCF6635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_73q8VIsLQ0yF3icVZ5DVFU-LA0NdECgQm04OHGyExD6rW6540oVhB4bTmxBejzP_KuJ-cp8mhBZg2Ma9WQ1YwS-5R_QxShOTy0eR5ZEHMvBNT2YE9qPWylNLfE8HpravJBlWF4bSGMo/s320/DSCF6635.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654727152185457650" /></a><br /><br />A gentle nod to Autumn as we discover the stalls of mushrooms, fresh and dried.<br />Nothing pressing to do, just wander and taste ... some goats cheese and figs for lunch perhaps?<br /><br />Ratatouille and salad for supper maybe?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhxaP_N0N7WP6OThT3xzwQ6ADjWt9E59dokRVIPM2rFckHCQheu-Z1L386tv7cJd5-UKGc0IXhNh-hwVlqRPlgyjqP1Hf1_hJXj1ziFApGR8jhtiFo7RMYUzPfVXSejKBNhF0V7zNb6wn/s1600/DSCN6983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhxaP_N0N7WP6OThT3xzwQ6ADjWt9E59dokRVIPM2rFckHCQheu-Z1L386tv7cJd5-UKGc0IXhNh-hwVlqRPlgyjqP1Hf1_hJXj1ziFApGR8jhtiFo7RMYUzPfVXSejKBNhF0V7zNb6wn/s320/DSCN6983.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726200888404034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhcdiJ4PP6HfFyPGF9-aiGRnIQD_Yl5MHdyQRxr2YN71Ity_rLzhE5F7RyV3zzNCtFwtvt_OsTdUDIc3OMcGi-s6owGu9-ZYncBgjAtjqImSnN_IIK_HA3Kks-L0lTI8mO_hY22_njMpq/s1600/DSCN6984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhcdiJ4PP6HfFyPGF9-aiGRnIQD_Yl5MHdyQRxr2YN71Ity_rLzhE5F7RyV3zzNCtFwtvt_OsTdUDIc3OMcGi-s6owGu9-ZYncBgjAtjqImSnN_IIK_HA3Kks-L0lTI8mO_hY22_njMpq/s320/DSCN6984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726197133958818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBNRF_aeH25THwn1lJlYIFdxUa-xd4Rn4Cj1bjRWjba_J-CV0nKLT116lS4OVR8drslkZmQoBW0j7PSIL1pBMM5dQwHa4EGgQAWuBi68cIAMKVNIEwVOW_ueco9Dc5s83HJj352NBhfah/s1600/DSCN6985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBNRF_aeH25THwn1lJlYIFdxUa-xd4Rn4Cj1bjRWjba_J-CV0nKLT116lS4OVR8drslkZmQoBW0j7PSIL1pBMM5dQwHa4EGgQAWuBi68cIAMKVNIEwVOW_ueco9Dc5s83HJj352NBhfah/s320/DSCN6985.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726200153913890" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYf39s0Tw6sZIR8Ay7UJjIIdTL8k5HtMWG0sK_7-Ppl4o2jAn2qm7c_yE2MkFXlgkZeOjnt0rTjwfe6gRrwa4Rs8q0oYpXFVHFXYmU-f0cQRMr9APDMbgK9rw8XQcmBDp3_e-9ZjQE6e5/s1600/DSCN7103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYf39s0Tw6sZIR8Ay7UJjIIdTL8k5HtMWG0sK_7-Ppl4o2jAn2qm7c_yE2MkFXlgkZeOjnt0rTjwfe6gRrwa4Rs8q0oYpXFVHFXYmU-f0cQRMr9APDMbgK9rw8XQcmBDp3_e-9ZjQE6e5/s320/DSCN7103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726966862258706" /></a><br /><br />Definitely an ice cream on the way home...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge07THRdxkrYjScDEZyhJ73883Kja7RZ9JfeSwT05Sic0-tF4wx1pnTelWcEdbvWnOGVEfjx_VwvUF6CIiIV_aDoGNUg6Dhq75y63TdSRNAo2VNfhlulHt_iEpMEx8O_ndIxbCJo6i2513/s1600/DSCN7080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge07THRdxkrYjScDEZyhJ73883Kja7RZ9JfeSwT05Sic0-tF4wx1pnTelWcEdbvWnOGVEfjx_VwvUF6CIiIV_aDoGNUg6Dhq75y63TdSRNAo2VNfhlulHt_iEpMEx8O_ndIxbCJo6i2513/s320/DSCN7080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726958037050162" /></a><br /><br />But don't worry, we can do it all again tomorrow (and believe me reader we did! A morning didn't pass without a trip to the market) - now wouldn't that be nice ....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPj8yzrXrrAMEM3-PeWTLyASKrciDFHduuodahEJQq8x9ga53w_a04H3u_uvA9Xd7TbavkEdC_h-tkYscYbEx9GlblKm0BjfluzfSHoHXSlc4u-9q90yCIoZ4lukDc_8eYZQ4WHwpKwWZ/s1600/DSCN6851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPj8yzrXrrAMEM3-PeWTLyASKrciDFHduuodahEJQq8x9ga53w_a04H3u_uvA9Xd7TbavkEdC_h-tkYscYbEx9GlblKm0BjfluzfSHoHXSlc4u-9q90yCIoZ4lukDc_8eYZQ4WHwpKwWZ/s320/DSCN6851.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654726385626733506" /></a>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-91775046862596530312011-09-12T10:26:00.014+00:002011-09-12T11:13:27.000+00:00Three trains, one underground & a whole lot of scenery...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaB2DjrvLl_Wm-VU6Z270-Fo0szQ6qMy_dNQTl50DagovByBK5cS5tF_24wuC6wy2qqnhMCwMzzKx0zlTt8EuRyq4uKyAEEzY-fWHlP1VXo-whvksHpqFlExa-bqatxitAmRJX98U4vBe/s1600/DSCF6229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaB2DjrvLl_Wm-VU6Z270-Fo0szQ6qMy_dNQTl50DagovByBK5cS5tF_24wuC6wy2qqnhMCwMzzKx0zlTt8EuRyq4uKyAEEzY-fWHlP1VXo-whvksHpqFlExa-bqatxitAmRJX98U4vBe/s320/DSCF6229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651419846361327970" /></a><br /><br />We had to wait right until the end of the summer for our holiday this year, but it was worth the wait. Amidst much excitement, anticipation and adrenalin which covered how very tired we were at starting the day so very early, we set off to catch our first train. Up to London via train and underground (never a good experience with luggage) at the crack of dawn to catch Eurostar. Laden with luggage, books, magazines and croissants we boarded the train at St Pancras and before we really had time to adjust to French time we were in Lille.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIuDTBnbysgDmVHPmRu0yPD98da-KJAt1yVMpcWrEToZQf5WsxihcnSEJ4lrpnES4jBOiNcNQx9qAnQ5ZA8oSVkMbCBjGRddtCuQlUhxce78r6Hij228tjgcwSlbtcv3yzIyrFcLRE5lS/s1600/DSCN6821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIuDTBnbysgDmVHPmRu0yPD98da-KJAt1yVMpcWrEToZQf5WsxihcnSEJ4lrpnES4jBOiNcNQx9qAnQ5ZA8oSVkMbCBjGRddtCuQlUhxce78r6Hij228tjgcwSlbtcv3yzIyrFcLRE5lS/s320/DSCN6821.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651420577420407490" /></a><br /><br />Just enough time for us to decipher where we were to board our TGV southwards (we had forgotten just how stressful this bit can be). Searching desperately for your coach number, locating the boarding point along the very long platform, negotiating the stairs, lift and escalators with 100s of other passengers and somehow managing to watch aghast as our youngest daughter disappeared with her luggage in one hand down an escalator whilst we stood waiting for the lift. I will never forget the look of horror on her face as we set off as fast as our luggage allowed in hot pursuit of her!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcT2ZOt-p8y1B9_7X8RetB_cN4CtiWC8qt3n_zgatKVKox2tsyi96mNp4bCFMGxUfvX4dJwzKnAG-L8_0BtRZOK2op57yEDIdADVhsHEU7F0zSYH1DqA10SaHGxuEUUDrcYRWAu4bpH_v/s1600/DSCN6816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcT2ZOt-p8y1B9_7X8RetB_cN4CtiWC8qt3n_zgatKVKox2tsyi96mNp4bCFMGxUfvX4dJwzKnAG-L8_0BtRZOK2op57yEDIdADVhsHEU7F0zSYH1DqA10SaHGxuEUUDrcYRWAu4bpH_v/s320/DSCN6816.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651420285269756450" /></a><br /><br />Excitement over, we somehow managed to hurl ourselves and half of the girls' wardrobes onto the train and sat back ... and relaxed... and smiled ... and ate ... and smiled ... and read... and smiled ... and played cards ... and smiled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hyv-MFct-b6rezFvvbHtaIEGWpM8AxHo4tGuJVedqRJvJRNWsNH09KUeLHngcGxG5RyD8jUr5M3XsqMj_B4oNGoaBoNm2ZGRH2W4DvrZHk81G8To0HcxgnN8_Wt0tdHyPQgF0ItMiLn6/s1600/DSCF6234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hyv-MFct-b6rezFvvbHtaIEGWpM8AxHo4tGuJVedqRJvJRNWsNH09KUeLHngcGxG5RyD8jUr5M3XsqMj_B4oNGoaBoNm2ZGRH2W4DvrZHk81G8To0HcxgnN8_Wt0tdHyPQgF0ItMiLn6/s320/DSCF6234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651420272479887682" /></a><br /><br /><br />And all the while the everchanging beauty of the French countryside surrounded us. Through flat green fields, lush green pasture lands, through rain showers, clouds and brilliant sunshine we headed south. The alps to one side the Massif Central on the other as the landscape grew more dramatic, the temperature rose. Medieval hilltop villages, olive trees, meandering streams, majestic rivers flowing through Provencal cities. Plane trees, poplar trees, cypress trees and olive trees. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jJaNTBJanjNFf6AHdWIL12AEAmbTe8l8WLhxVZjXhB3_wpTqLWrth3w-89yN8mKJfiJlvUHPmB1msaDWiS5vptJDZP6E_mIgvvhWbZPCJmPfmMNNTk4sUWM2tqlcPJ5udkcDmgBO5QMV/s1600/DSCF6233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jJaNTBJanjNFf6AHdWIL12AEAmbTe8l8WLhxVZjXhB3_wpTqLWrth3w-89yN8mKJfiJlvUHPmB1msaDWiS5vptJDZP6E_mIgvvhWbZPCJmPfmMNNTk4sUWM2tqlcPJ5udkcDmgBO5QMV/s320/DSCF6233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651420269590251346" /></a><br /><br />When i was at University I spent summers driving up and down the length of France and had vowed to do the journey this way ... I think the other passengers could gauge by the squeals of delight coming from our table just how happy we were.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNV6c50oAgHSznkXB_winQWF3hAKG4Z4J_2KTLFrw1ndINkd1eRj4WQJNTIQpY_KW6-N-aBtGbdjEej5vDKrNduSZLUoGgEchTbOmcvAK_5wACkHXxL6Aw4qufyeHfoqfRcQ3DYNUBPFe/s1600/DSCF6231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNV6c50oAgHSznkXB_winQWF3hAKG4Z4J_2KTLFrw1ndINkd1eRj4WQJNTIQpY_KW6-N-aBtGbdjEej5vDKrNduSZLUoGgEchTbOmcvAK_5wACkHXxL6Aw4qufyeHfoqfRcQ3DYNUBPFe/s320/DSCF6231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651419859903149826" /></a><br /><br />Five hours and hundreds of kilometres later we found ourselves on a blisteringly hot Provencal train platform, negotiating once more the stairs, lifts and escalators ... a quick bus trip took us to our final destination and after the obligatory "I think it's this way, no that way, no, this way" walk to our new home which took a good half an hour longer than necessary, we arrived at a huge 19th century wooden door that would be our front door whilst we were there. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9rt8J5npe_Ol8WZDYw_pkJWHy-I8mCrsHe3iF5JThBr5cenV4X_bbxPNz-rJ-kTd9fT8McgfIDAZUQ_QBeRRRPuTMF3cvYYff_HcfImWrXYdTBiYyFUn5XzTPGES-TSGTsEwn9rA4K9b/s1600/DSCF6243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9rt8J5npe_Ol8WZDYw_pkJWHy-I8mCrsHe3iF5JThBr5cenV4X_bbxPNz-rJ-kTd9fT8McgfIDAZUQ_QBeRRRPuTMF3cvYYff_HcfImWrXYdTBiYyFUn5XzTPGES-TSGTsEwn9rA4K9b/s320/DSCF6243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651422035635363522" /></a><br /><br />We arrived to half locked shutters, with tantalising glimpses of the view beyond<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY10Gt6P8BdyA85tnkyH3_IJRYMY-TkSjLNQzemiKY-hGj2TkIV-pkklla3NXBeXmQ0PqhCx27ghqmm4mHn9DtPI0dstC00IqtX3SMMUTz9kXjhNk-q11YS2tROaB6YNpqJHNCCcCEEdL_/s1600/DSCN6825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY10Gt6P8BdyA85tnkyH3_IJRYMY-TkSjLNQzemiKY-hGj2TkIV-pkklla3NXBeXmQ0PqhCx27ghqmm4mHn9DtPI0dstC00IqtX3SMMUTz9kXjhNk-q11YS2tROaB6YNpqJHNCCcCEEdL_/s320/DSCN6825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651422043051626114" /></a><br /><br />Views to the left of an already setting sun from our terrace against the bluest sky I had seen in a very long time<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTyQqwBfwtJid8C2k4gliBpWSdHBYDL6CErft9CFMgbxm99FkAZZcDc8JRUFIYFTqJROrQoOrj0tcXZu1VxzPm4ugWzafHii5cr6MMmKSMXXPMTulhl8mbIjTQApw6KXxBrnFQLz_XW5a/s1600/DSCN6826.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTyQqwBfwtJid8C2k4gliBpWSdHBYDL6CErft9CFMgbxm99FkAZZcDc8JRUFIYFTqJROrQoOrj0tcXZu1VxzPm4ugWzafHii5cr6MMmKSMXXPMTulhl8mbIjTQApw6KXxBrnFQLz_XW5a/s320/DSCN6826.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651422041249936306" /></a><br /><br />And just looking to the right stood the most beautiful 13th century church that would waken us each morning and frame our glorious view across centuries old chimneys, balconies, shutters and weather worn and sun bleached terracotta tiles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP8FIjKwgyDIMfItuwhhmuTenm3FFxMljom1emOiUKjJZqbosT1_qeeW0zxgtlbtOUXXj3YXUGxlAN5Rkjcl1gk6hqfwUki-KXJfzi_ajmDfL8N1iChNqFv5MmqlFTaFO2-Vf-OLiBCH1/s1600/DSCN7087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP8FIjKwgyDIMfItuwhhmuTenm3FFxMljom1emOiUKjJZqbosT1_qeeW0zxgtlbtOUXXj3YXUGxlAN5Rkjcl1gk6hqfwUki-KXJfzi_ajmDfL8N1iChNqFv5MmqlFTaFO2-Vf-OLiBCH1/s320/DSCN7087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651423024073631186" /></a>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-75552905260813619892011-07-05T14:24:00.003+00:002011-07-05T14:26:18.851+00:00Stuff happens....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdJsgOWvJ90H0ObOA3JKpl347w7o6HyzNDX_eHsI2sFZUAcTCfdy-i-P0lvQOv379zdw5AcnsBJkit6B230Quw6QG-0xwod3RYFMaGVXy0zXbp2IE3RSInNgkdM1sLcpWrgb2vErYM72M/s1600/DSCN6414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdJsgOWvJ90H0ObOA3JKpl347w7o6HyzNDX_eHsI2sFZUAcTCfdy-i-P0lvQOv379zdw5AcnsBJkit6B230Quw6QG-0xwod3RYFMaGVXy0zXbp2IE3RSInNgkdM1sLcpWrgb2vErYM72M/s320/DSCN6414.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625874343429673490" /></a><br /><br /><br />that keeps me away from here. But NOTHING could stop me wishing my gorgeous youngest daughter the very best of Birthdays! <br />I will be back soon I hope xRagged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-91127049136908200762011-05-03T10:55:00.012+00:002011-05-03T11:11:43.433+00:00Oh I Do Love To Live Beside The Seaside<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyD2lrdYEKoeIXIOb96kozf7wuXa-osb1e2-fBtHIBuTnC6chYrbtVOTAF1evdtbgVT4rvDpLWhzTX201dVM_um_6mSQbtSj2jNaHgkLcQ_YN7w1lodUt0ua5sqrLiMFlNfiAKYbtmEKSF/s1600/DSCN5886.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyD2lrdYEKoeIXIOb96kozf7wuXa-osb1e2-fBtHIBuTnC6chYrbtVOTAF1evdtbgVT4rvDpLWhzTX201dVM_um_6mSQbtSj2jNaHgkLcQ_YN7w1lodUt0ua5sqrLiMFlNfiAKYbtmEKSF/s320/DSCN5886.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442917302069874" /></a><br /><br />So just let me be beside the seaside<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CxyRTHt1thj02Gvgz4sKnNa1-5TceAqouPRNWjATEibfzad1mfdB0G6rIYaW44wUH1j1-g96-8ykTnfq2ACipOQVDt3slXoy7mDqoh8Gkf9fk5hxiq_7vni_V3Pv4cYHiC8qquhefr24/s1600/DSCN5873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CxyRTHt1thj02Gvgz4sKnNa1-5TceAqouPRNWjATEibfzad1mfdB0G6rIYaW44wUH1j1-g96-8ykTnfq2ACipOQVDt3slXoy7mDqoh8Gkf9fk5hxiq_7vni_V3Pv4cYHiC8qquhefr24/s320/DSCN5873.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442703370964386" /></a><br /><br /><br />I do love to stroll upon the Prom Prom Prom<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPXUQeey-2Lnnmx4MOXPRuFlcSytl9nR6msOFIsqJe2Cn24ROPbQS1lLqPAlPX5Rdj0EL5PzatewfcWD2eLsoUCmibalAzuhlsLs6nU3ErkUIYjlU46FuXb4RWCxOQg4Vf87sYX9IJVeS/s1600/DSCN5878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPXUQeey-2Lnnmx4MOXPRuFlcSytl9nR6msOFIsqJe2Cn24ROPbQS1lLqPAlPX5Rdj0EL5PzatewfcWD2eLsoUCmibalAzuhlsLs6nU3ErkUIYjlU46FuXb4RWCxOQg4Vf87sYX9IJVeS/s320/DSCN5878.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442728020191362" /></a><br /><br />Eat my chips beside the sea<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkffS9Jc3WFlWeNxNJ0HmqjCrteGKPep01ndaCCUPOyd5IVKQNzNPUWxNIfPKhGksVfk0z7Hoj_apU86QCuXQQ60M1JSg0urctBizn0U5KCzIhOiOADvKyxQegkUIuhW2GhTXezAUWa8T/s1600/DSCN5876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkffS9Jc3WFlWeNxNJ0HmqjCrteGKPep01ndaCCUPOyd5IVKQNzNPUWxNIfPKhGksVfk0z7Hoj_apU86QCuXQQ60M1JSg0urctBizn0U5KCzIhOiOADvKyxQegkUIuhW2GhTXezAUWa8T/s320/DSCN5876.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442713842024530" /></a><br /><br /><br />Stand child-like in front of the merry-go-round<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WJM06rtK1_TrRZu4tpTdf_r8gxjOWdUblpiukqGb0ORxJOf4rVdxV1ntxzWQKwm3Igb679hENv2satZKGRipWZt424zyJPReV7XzpJYBIY6Wo4u-OBTLMpWRSOUh86-v0IU3IN-oJ3E_/s1600/DSCN5874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WJM06rtK1_TrRZu4tpTdf_r8gxjOWdUblpiukqGb0ORxJOf4rVdxV1ntxzWQKwm3Igb679hENv2satZKGRipWZt424zyJPReV7XzpJYBIY6Wo4u-OBTLMpWRSOUh86-v0IU3IN-oJ3E_/s320/DSCN5874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442711750274418" /></a><br /><br />Enchanted by the myriad of colours<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ekhxSKzOJcO0mVhFzuxgG9hTpjCuXdHQoMPEPhAGn6hckQoqCGo99wDnWU2G0FVGOtLPOYoW9xcbWllj-t2yFmabfsu_iw1019UkXhlQnpd8ty5C7q7EED5AO4N_61pgoOLVZht7U4ej/s1600/DSCN5872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ekhxSKzOJcO0mVhFzuxgG9hTpjCuXdHQoMPEPhAGn6hckQoqCGo99wDnWU2G0FVGOtLPOYoW9xcbWllj-t2yFmabfsu_iw1019UkXhlQnpd8ty5C7q7EED5AO4N_61pgoOLVZht7U4ej/s320/DSCN5872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442700462094450" /></a><br /><br />Remembering days when the girls were small enough to be picked up <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_V6BCICB3zflRekDrhDPIWux-XKoDr7yDxCMjb7X51B-Ytq7rAX_UFujEEB-HQb1k1dWGvBcJpP1E4WdQPKKwKM27-2qcDEe_pk64jRQW72yLjWm4AFPzoYTyv4LuyfVnbXv_jUmw8nW/s1600/DSCN5870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_V6BCICB3zflRekDrhDPIWux-XKoDr7yDxCMjb7X51B-Ytq7rAX_UFujEEB-HQb1k1dWGvBcJpP1E4WdQPKKwKM27-2qcDEe_pk64jRQW72yLjWm4AFPzoYTyv4LuyfVnbXv_jUmw8nW/s320/DSCN5870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442301393699746" /></a><br /><br />and carried on to their chosen horse, where they would cling desperately, wide grins beaming across their smiling faces<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1XJYXfB8PsUFOJdaoV5TAQ8pCKu4nvATpH9PcODcn16kpPaTvy_2YjiUw-58MHtH-ERmJHFW48ozkcmp3fjBqSEfCrUg5jUjEp6GnkS2NseWPymHuf8jZezTrbQshA5hQNROuXpfqugZ/s1600/DSCN5871.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1XJYXfB8PsUFOJdaoV5TAQ8pCKu4nvATpH9PcODcn16kpPaTvy_2YjiUw-58MHtH-ERmJHFW48ozkcmp3fjBqSEfCrUg5jUjEp6GnkS2NseWPymHuf8jZezTrbQshA5hQNROuXpfqugZ/s320/DSCN5871.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442321451033970" /></a><br /><br />And indeed, days when I was little and trips to the seaside were the highlight of my summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxEgF4_hF02O8WHA6VFk2j9SFwq0JX3UhnV2-DmqerjiVcqTMHHuSBQLTm4rCRD4fvRk8DrrOSY8tYwcdl9FVAGKyfSsU8eAcvibn29ldR5pzD1mahbiDX1bj1LCaWIGSAfUuFIsl-cjH/s1600/DSCN5868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxEgF4_hF02O8WHA6VFk2j9SFwq0JX3UhnV2-DmqerjiVcqTMHHuSBQLTm4rCRD4fvRk8DrrOSY8tYwcdl9FVAGKyfSsU8eAcvibn29ldR5pzD1mahbiDX1bj1LCaWIGSAfUuFIsl-cjH/s320/DSCN5868.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602442296046669458" /></a>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-35291725434903330642011-04-02T16:25:00.024+00:002011-04-02T17:29:10.358+00:00Local Colour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWaSzHWp9zZ3Z3ngNJJJDjUhVLgW2HUFqsv8_y_YE3kKjoIPabkvH5e9s_ygcgycu6LD2zc9B91AXdW6OV5GuINvXX3YoBqsuzziuGJpr-mBo63YntbBDQ3C17g4JUxXLH-zw5tzYpFMW/s1600/DSCN5411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWaSzHWp9zZ3Z3ngNJJJDjUhVLgW2HUFqsv8_y_YE3kKjoIPabkvH5e9s_ygcgycu6LD2zc9B91AXdW6OV5GuINvXX3YoBqsuzziuGJpr-mBo63YntbBDQ3C17g4JUxXLH-zw5tzYpFMW/s320/DSCN5411.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023440995680338" /></a><br /><br />I love the ordinariness of Saturday mornings - the lazy start to the day, the gentle waking up to the start of the weekend, the chance to wander round in your pjs, the stark contrast to the buzz and frenzy of the week. I love days when a stroll round town, following a familiar path at a leisurely pace with one or two of my family by my side, avoiding the crowds brings me comfort from its very ordinariness. Spring days when its not quite warm enough to pack a picnic and head for the beach, just a little too early in the year to wander round a country house and marvel at the gardens - days when its best to savour the familiar and enjoy the colour on my doorstep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ60cu-llCBKZV7trRnoLuOL7zc4Y0q78RuahSU2iKkqnR9oIfDPdcvBPYMpxH__rzTAn9zNDy-h6ws4p8I1NRNxjicU9ypkBQaa6vMvKaLfW5-lOu0IwsxXadDrCoiq8UdAPqzlKC0IY/s1600/DSCN5390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ60cu-llCBKZV7trRnoLuOL7zc4Y0q78RuahSU2iKkqnR9oIfDPdcvBPYMpxH__rzTAn9zNDy-h6ws4p8I1NRNxjicU9ypkBQaa6vMvKaLfW5-lOu0IwsxXadDrCoiq8UdAPqzlKC0IY/s320/DSCN5390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591036347642048738" /></a><br /><br />Our Saturdays have changed slightly recently, Big Sister has just started a Saturday job and so we find ourselves no longer glancing at the clock watching the day disappear as she languishes in bed till noon, these days she's up and ready and out of here and our family party becomes a party of three.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7hebLI05OKRKaGdDsJFFCX_3BZz9tqo7Q6gSa37XAEIGMZ4DwBYshzxDN8b2FOAg4afIdtU_ARX0lXfYomwc4bxbfWGyi5b6LqApDPvJYHn9g67R0IIzApadV61bdxUYNF7fiv3IJKYH/s1600/DSCN5391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7hebLI05OKRKaGdDsJFFCX_3BZz9tqo7Q6gSa37XAEIGMZ4DwBYshzxDN8b2FOAg4afIdtU_ARX0lXfYomwc4bxbfWGyi5b6LqApDPvJYHn9g67R0IIzApadV61bdxUYNF7fiv3IJKYH/s320/DSCN5391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023934058343058" /></a><br /><br />We follow a well trodden path down into town, noting today the many armfuls of flowers being taken home for well deserved mums tomorrow (even my youngest can't help but smile and notice the many dads looking rather harassed in the shops, surrounded by children desperately seeking the perfect gift). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivinZzxoPkRJiM9YLjBPHld9tcHddAWybRcIWzfhdfK6Ysa4elJYO6bVOWOFnL-6nAAWnywhRUSpxf-wVngD3vEUh5W3ktbGd8sTdEEiknyGT70KW2lObgT5oEdtZpMiJb1csC4sS1CUuq/s1600/DSCN5388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivinZzxoPkRJiM9YLjBPHld9tcHddAWybRcIWzfhdfK6Ysa4elJYO6bVOWOFnL-6nAAWnywhRUSpxf-wVngD3vEUh5W3ktbGd8sTdEEiknyGT70KW2lObgT5oEdtZpMiJb1csC4sS1CUuq/s320/DSCN5388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591036863003256898" /></a><br /><br />The spring flowers and tables on the streets lighten my step as you can honestly smell the scent of Spring in the air. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT3TQE6wM5iByS6iYbDqfcp9D1ZdmApDrW4UtraoifFtb8TnAeDkNuePcuA0Hh5bVVvGLdRhdIvI-gCYTMQScEUyqdkbOn3sXBdbGhjdZwDxNU3UC23yaX6Q3sKrgoIDchL7enFvqDER8/s1600/DSCN5397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT3TQE6wM5iByS6iYbDqfcp9D1ZdmApDrW4UtraoifFtb8TnAeDkNuePcuA0Hh5bVVvGLdRhdIvI-gCYTMQScEUyqdkbOn3sXBdbGhjdZwDxNU3UC23yaX6Q3sKrgoIDchL7enFvqDER8/s320/DSCN5397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591033882069765698" /></a><br /><br />So we wander through The Lanes into the local street market, which these days seems home to nearly as many cupcakes as flea market finds, <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yk5wDb7v3H20u7fE3U-07f6Fyo5qMvKsHrAroNafEgDJRWZ7XZgdsmrrGRcmbOK8kddlH1tJlLPEhMqTSChNPMzLXOk0onXbdqlyVsTaCGSofeXIYDyPgv1HN4VjSx9UolU3rxRpUdW1/s1600/DSCN5393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yk5wDb7v3H20u7fE3U-07f6Fyo5qMvKsHrAroNafEgDJRWZ7XZgdsmrrGRcmbOK8kddlH1tJlLPEhMqTSChNPMzLXOk0onXbdqlyVsTaCGSofeXIYDyPgv1HN4VjSx9UolU3rxRpUdW1/s320/DSCN5393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023922334189666" /></a><br /><br />still I'm not complaining, it all adds to the fun of it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiuK-ANd8UmcUeAambFlIhwJWwYLv3Vmh2ij9I0j3rtFWxh_qsUWzitQsJ6U4wbwocSkR1mBtu0CfkHhq_K1TtSBZH9-R-1ZEyekroZ6bH93rEpWLg4CNSAc6zxiokxEQx_5wx__C4_Y2/s1600/DSCN5394.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiuK-ANd8UmcUeAambFlIhwJWwYLv3Vmh2ij9I0j3rtFWxh_qsUWzitQsJ6U4wbwocSkR1mBtu0CfkHhq_K1TtSBZH9-R-1ZEyekroZ6bH93rEpWLg4CNSAc6zxiokxEQx_5wx__C4_Y2/s320/DSCN5394.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023719986465986" /></a><br /><br />It's great to know that if you get too hungry looking through the pile of old books there's an Oreo cupcake with your name on waiting for you on the next table!<br />The vegetable stall becomes more colourful each week as the choice of produce increases, <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxaPd1aAMbTJj7gU6oWXXhUK7BaCVFk2Zs3SdU2wluNAGq2phQurqNOyuhPf2AXmSUJa1PoOj99Q4g0id9cB4f1VtbHFkaOm3tAMAvQRdIs5YVukKcoXu_ZipOYZpYM1eozpUAeJ92fPz/s1600/DSCN5395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxaPd1aAMbTJj7gU6oWXXhUK7BaCVFk2Zs3SdU2wluNAGq2phQurqNOyuhPf2AXmSUJa1PoOj99Q4g0id9cB4f1VtbHFkaOm3tAMAvQRdIs5YVukKcoXu_ZipOYZpYM1eozpUAeJ92fPz/s320/DSCN5395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023715151288898" /></a><br /><br /> We buy a bag of mixed salad leaves from the old tin bath and I stop to admire one of my favourite shops. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH_qylnDKKTIwzOBah4oXXtSWR2keITes09IGcbHLABlEsK8tAm4dMyqwEs1dqj7-N2z4iBTmmF8-hZbLkomQa8-QgUWYcLqcOiibHnnQCFbbjgd4l-R-jfUhZAs5e95xfoEu7443_Ihu/s1600/DSCN5398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH_qylnDKKTIwzOBah4oXXtSWR2keITes09IGcbHLABlEsK8tAm4dMyqwEs1dqj7-N2z4iBTmmF8-hZbLkomQa8-QgUWYcLqcOiibHnnQCFbbjgd4l-R-jfUhZAs5e95xfoEu7443_Ihu/s320/DSCN5398.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023713335961906" /></a><br /><br />This really is a good one, full of vintage inspired items, wonderful household goods and gifts.<br /><br />A quick walk past the shop where Big Sister walks and try not to press our noses up to the window to get a better peep at her ... onwards towards the Pavillion where we are surprise by yet more stalls and discover a food festival taking place. Oh I wish this blog was in smellorama, the wafts and fragrances were really mouthwatering...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0qnf6zxg67i1IEQHavyKBd_GDGk49eAmwfofmLoB9prLpytk34GyHY4vWGY357hX3-kLKSW2GipKQrKfmnjUqVIrDux_YdI-iyjEr42-E6t6USCPAUKs9Z4AOwRS4Jfnbi15jHC-9vz6/s1600/DSCN5402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0qnf6zxg67i1IEQHavyKBd_GDGk49eAmwfofmLoB9prLpytk34GyHY4vWGY357hX3-kLKSW2GipKQrKfmnjUqVIrDux_YdI-iyjEr42-E6t6USCPAUKs9Z4AOwRS4Jfnbi15jHC-9vz6/s320/DSCN5402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023704393038642" /></a><br /><br />huge vats of curries, handmade chutneys and pickles, cheeses, baklava, <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AcqNi6PjVX0_CrIR6dT-hKQWvURuzD3eoua-CL3TsbjYIoA1hWZC3TrVRJAyQd5zxOX9y90lDm66AHc1jsXWF8MOIJeSWXYjYEobVLm1oTG9epkQNAgZrIfGh-ynVw2HABVQ927dZQ0X/s1600/DSCN5399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AcqNi6PjVX0_CrIR6dT-hKQWvURuzD3eoua-CL3TsbjYIoA1hWZC3TrVRJAyQd5zxOX9y90lDm66AHc1jsXWF8MOIJeSWXYjYEobVLm1oTG9epkQNAgZrIfGh-ynVw2HABVQ927dZQ0X/s320/DSCN5399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023707819435570" /></a><br /><br />olives (we had some of those), <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzIADuINviUUPLG_OqIJqq4xcWKDT9yJnVXMDF_s7NeBN-Pf_ioaPyiisRbG4JrMsS_wSrHhQmZ9_7DpLzeDVYS0tz14C43k5qdDPGvvO00OL5uwZjeQ6gB-96Ukjxt6nueGLLDKjLFKN/s1600/DSCN5404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzIADuINviUUPLG_OqIJqq4xcWKDT9yJnVXMDF_s7NeBN-Pf_ioaPyiisRbG4JrMsS_wSrHhQmZ9_7DpLzeDVYS0tz14C43k5qdDPGvvO00OL5uwZjeQ6gB-96Ukjxt6nueGLLDKjLFKN/s320/DSCN5404.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023461035763906" /></a><br /><br /><br />baker's stalls with piles of rustic bread and patisserie (almond croissants and pain au chocolat for Mother's Day breakfast) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FR0w000BPM__uh02daakarSZ5KzZO85Mx9gk-7x-Y29aAD4aJdsAYqgC6Pn38hnclnH1Z2LCdh3JwQQyAhB39kXMi49MzEkJJlXuE_HlKQJ_N7Rj_zsaCP7QY3bTCTtz6g831wdJ-9c7/s1600/DSCN5418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FR0w000BPM__uh02daakarSZ5KzZO85Mx9gk-7x-Y29aAD4aJdsAYqgC6Pn38hnclnH1Z2LCdh3JwQQyAhB39kXMi49MzEkJJlXuE_HlKQJ_N7Rj_zsaCP7QY3bTCTtz6g831wdJ-9c7/s320/DSCN5418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023949642634514" /></a><br /><br /><br />and we couldn't resist, and nor would you, buying some of this delicious ginger beer. It's not, I fear, the kind advocated by Enid Blyton, this is of the alcoholic variety and I'm not sure the Famous Five would have solved nearly as many a mystery under the influence... and as I sit here typing, i am trying really hard not to open a bottle now as it is so darned tasty...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0sjCKBtqQ4tkunlTtwOK0XoruHY0bf6oEhA6l4epLIuSERHXt2tR5pj9OIvJNoPANLg4yFplTtx_q3a6-xnDEJKEm9Op0pMM3wcyW6yY1ZJCOcIMxEcQf2qWH2VRq7iXBmapFQfCfiNA/s1600/DSCN5407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0sjCKBtqQ4tkunlTtwOK0XoruHY0bf6oEhA6l4epLIuSERHXt2tR5pj9OIvJNoPANLg4yFplTtx_q3a6-xnDEJKEm9Op0pMM3wcyW6yY1ZJCOcIMxEcQf2qWH2VRq7iXBmapFQfCfiNA/s320/DSCN5407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591023460388585378" /></a><br /><br />To round it off a very unexpected and lovely treat from Mr Roses - lunch in our favourite - Bill's. A riot of colour and a feast for your tummy and your eyes. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ScQgBFncuXmE2OpQ8deSsJ-41Fahz6iJApUJT2NUiRI2Lyje8opuD_Kp9GoAPMqMilbNJdD0K7RLU3syv07J-QfrLgrON-MpHsrPfxJ40Su0-kxiq02eweHHMN2KILqaZW2lAQfTcXLe/s1600/DSCN5409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ScQgBFncuXmE2OpQ8deSsJ-41Fahz6iJApUJT2NUiRI2Lyje8opuD_Kp9GoAPMqMilbNJdD0K7RLU3syv07J-QfrLgrON-MpHsrPfxJ40Su0-kxiq02eweHHMN2KILqaZW2lAQfTcXLe/s320/DSCN5409.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591039412183846850" /></a><br /><br />So I guess in many ways not quite the ordinary Saturday morning that we envisaged and full of enough local colour (and ginger beer) to last a weekend or two.Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-75686011906795787232011-03-25T08:28:00.002+00:002011-03-25T08:30:47.914+00:00Fanciful FridayToday feels like an Amelie kind of day<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rcmktJEKCvE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Hope you find some sunshine tooRagged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-83572129700852852782011-03-24T15:20:00.005+00:002011-03-24T15:26:10.758+00:00Tulip Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7EcgP3-o_1HV6FcUhNBIBfu-Y-5UgQO2DEbMc3Ix8y3WEda2uYMvoRhaKIYXUlb0Zp23tP0PhsA79FMbagmIFUPRj_Ie7YKzMsp6XjIlvw4fxCeX_tA1gYWwUnuKbDikloU6pkCZ95IB/s1600/DSCN5348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7EcgP3-o_1HV6FcUhNBIBfu-Y-5UgQO2DEbMc3Ix8y3WEda2uYMvoRhaKIYXUlb0Zp23tP0PhsA79FMbagmIFUPRj_Ie7YKzMsp6XjIlvw4fxCeX_tA1gYWwUnuKbDikloU6pkCZ95IB/s320/DSCN5348.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587666870216741938" /></a><br /><br />Not so much a 'Tip toe through the tulips" kind of Thursday, more of a "saunter into town, meet a friend for coffee and take time to smell the roses" kind of day...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQW1goUHS3k_HHDwnpb4aqiIj11vqrscHrzsDSrgRmR7hKYjcWBBKvYsuecyQXBxfAIqnky2RE_cc5YYau2vr1y6ayffvcQ5d-nf4WS3hjXovqc4xXG4yejKmmYbhUgCVyDQRbFxFN03A/s1600/DSCN5349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQW1goUHS3k_HHDwnpb4aqiIj11vqrscHrzsDSrgRmR7hKYjcWBBKvYsuecyQXBxfAIqnky2RE_cc5YYau2vr1y6ayffvcQ5d-nf4WS3hjXovqc4xXG4yejKmmYbhUgCVyDQRbFxFN03A/s320/DSCN5349.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587667616396948610" /></a>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-61949892901332619762011-03-23T14:57:00.001+00:002011-03-23T14:59:13.820+00:00Wednesday - Finding my Glee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunmdmf6Gnhmuk9LvqTfrN33YPEyiV5hU5a4bf_BcGFxPqy8TMgymKhkDmIV5K96n20fHTuMXhHmdIpUWT8-iazGc9AZEqLU-O3We74UqIcioz7E3onuIfYw1K104tmDeujpuki5Yo0_66/s1600/glee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunmdmf6Gnhmuk9LvqTfrN33YPEyiV5hU5a4bf_BcGFxPqy8TMgymKhkDmIV5K96n20fHTuMXhHmdIpUWT8-iazGc9AZEqLU-O3We74UqIcioz7E3onuIfYw1K104tmDeujpuki5Yo0_66/s320/glee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587289784036580402" /></a><br /><br />My kind of Glee - 1940s style...Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-86387087111686180042011-03-22T12:09:00.004+00:002011-03-22T14:04:59.074+00:00Same Again Tuesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVllzTmlFJqVgo8TjZht_h2oCjd43jvp7QSlG-onv6Gui6chbGKUhPfkwwprZ56HwN3KSbbL4zO3Px85eNsWDFyMqQsZQIPyirx1pwIE4C0T9i-LzFJvrUbEIozNiY54AYayKgmk89__p8/s1600/washing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVllzTmlFJqVgo8TjZht_h2oCjd43jvp7QSlG-onv6Gui6chbGKUhPfkwwprZ56HwN3KSbbL4zO3Px85eNsWDFyMqQsZQIPyirx1pwIE4C0T9i-LzFJvrUbEIozNiY54AYayKgmk89__p8/s320/washing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586875261324202034" /></a><br /><br />Not that I'm complaining! And so happy to hear that I'm not alone at the prospect of washing being able to dry on the line again. Never thought I'd do a post (let alone two) about my dirty washing ... oh the whiff of freshly line-dried washing....!Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-85029806649054628922011-03-21T11:34:00.004+00:002011-03-21T11:39:36.884+00:00This Week - Good Morning Monday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO2KfpHPK0miE2HU0Ie7S8w0Jhh2r1o8eE2_K28sIU-bOgHACZxdVP0WLPvQFCprqySLxiu9reVIkN1x1RDOwJiikZcmAM_i9Zsuhe2FJb2mSrAFzI-z8X3JJj4yl0G4g5BxV7V0ReBEn/s1600/DSCN5323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO2KfpHPK0miE2HU0Ie7S8w0Jhh2r1o8eE2_K28sIU-bOgHACZxdVP0WLPvQFCprqySLxiu9reVIkN1x1RDOwJiikZcmAM_i9Zsuhe2FJb2mSrAFzI-z8X3JJj4yl0G4g5BxV7V0ReBEn/s320/DSCN5323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586495348154863346" /></a><br /><br />The perfect full stop to a sunny Spring weekend. Wall to wall sunshine. Time for some gardening, spring cleaning, catching up with some old friends over a glass or two. The gentleness of a Spring Sunday that allows you to nurse a hangover, spend time together, do some more gardening, get the homework out of the way. Open all the windows and let the sunshine in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfGb7K3G4P9Ajpi0c1Ht_MDPkVEgKutjWUHddifIwMDrVU1G8WeG-Ms2pEYfEbZpdBhtIwVmxf2MFwdasr3U5nUsyyaPvAdHhv7hGUvpmzDziXHRDAhvcp6Ux02C1yRSfKRatWO-UGmzH/s1600/DSCN5325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfGb7K3G4P9Ajpi0c1Ht_MDPkVEgKutjWUHddifIwMDrVU1G8WeG-Ms2pEYfEbZpdBhtIwVmxf2MFwdasr3U5nUsyyaPvAdHhv7hGUvpmzDziXHRDAhvcp6Ux02C1yRSfKRatWO-UGmzH/s320/DSCN5325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586495346771654562" /></a><br /><br />In short, the kind of weekend that makes you not mind about airing your washing in public!Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-84683398489240477882011-03-16T13:30:00.006+00:002011-03-16T14:05:56.056+00:00A lot to embrace...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN8PItTvKBhqjxA-QX1chMa-1ybOeFvTKQGCordTTiMQ2vrdvhNgrQEHzQClDmyLkatDKuO-lNtI73vrbtrEqRCLh2uRHdcs4RuAAh9Ce779GjsNGWk1HkXhzG8siecpDZ4Vq07zpBi29/s1600/DSCN5269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN8PItTvKBhqjxA-QX1chMa-1ybOeFvTKQGCordTTiMQ2vrdvhNgrQEHzQClDmyLkatDKuO-lNtI73vrbtrEqRCLh2uRHdcs4RuAAh9Ce779GjsNGWk1HkXhzG8siecpDZ4Vq07zpBi29/s320/DSCN5269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670103608749458" /></a><br /><br />It's been a very domestic kind of week here. Lots going on, dance shows, concerts, usual homework stuff and all of this unfurling against the tragic backdrop of what is happening in Japan. It is so hard to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster and I sit typing this with one ear constantly listening to the very sad and unnerving updates on the radio.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaLX3zmCaXz8LTVnyZAZVYKke-actePj1yhtXMsE8ju-9CdiIkvYe2yb6JtkD7TTRVXz7nwBJoWgEO7R-0TUWWCZJ2aOs4h8UhyphenhyphenCPsIahGGAB8llPJoOnE6B-drjbb1X49IEuHKJR0ind/s1600/DSCN5261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaLX3zmCaXz8LTVnyZAZVYKke-actePj1yhtXMsE8ju-9CdiIkvYe2yb6JtkD7TTRVXz7nwBJoWgEO7R-0TUWWCZJ2aOs4h8UhyphenhyphenCPsIahGGAB8llPJoOnE6B-drjbb1X49IEuHKJR0ind/s320/DSCN5261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670092352040434" /></a><br /><br />It has been a week of sunshine and grey skies, mist rolling in from the sea days followed by spring in your step kind of days. The sunny days are of course what I have been waiting for, the chance to go out into the garden, feel that sun on my face and start to unfurl from my winter hibernation. In corners of the garden, hidden under winter foliage, the primroses are starting to appear, their creamy hues adding a much needed boost to the tired, neglected garden. Underneath the apple tree the daffodils are blooming and the old, discarded hyacinths that sat on my fireplace last year have popped up to keep them company.<br />All of this has brought a much needed smile to my face. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wyjjVv6iPqCe60x8lMBrdPldij3fVNdKbdE_w3pbqpjft399Or0xPD3snsr3dcpKjq37Eu7iVzpNfezZTI_rJ61h6okxb1JY0tiIoliP-mwmOVTgP3bKm2QbljLKUwTnHR79-BK60Np-/s1600/DSCN5278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wyjjVv6iPqCe60x8lMBrdPldij3fVNdKbdE_w3pbqpjft399Or0xPD3snsr3dcpKjq37Eu7iVzpNfezZTI_rJ61h6okxb1JY0tiIoliP-mwmOVTgP3bKm2QbljLKUwTnHR79-BK60Np-/s320/DSCN5278.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670348726319170" /></a><br /><br />Last week my eldest daughter finally had her braces fitted. After seven years of trips to an orthodontist and a year in which she had to have 8, yes, 8, teeth removed she was finally referred to the local hospital for her treatment. The staff have been lovely, thorough and her treatment has been remarkably quick in coming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VBNf8fqbFd53kT5j-GqovKMy9N82X2bSC3QUbRjlvdUyzN-FFvUntGQDX4D2PlrEQDwXwzquUfqtbN8jWBrZD7mZacOYYkHR72owlmStnC1GwmVVVZidV4373Nl97tG9Fok4wkADI0_j/s1600/DSCN5276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VBNf8fqbFd53kT5j-GqovKMy9N82X2bSC3QUbRjlvdUyzN-FFvUntGQDX4D2PlrEQDwXwzquUfqtbN8jWBrZD7mZacOYYkHR72owlmStnC1GwmVVVZidV4373Nl97tG9Fok4wkADI0_j/s320/DSCN5276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670347633143154" /></a><br /><br />But it hasn't been easy. I had no idea what a painful process it was. Watching your child cry and not being able to do anything is the worst, isn't it? For three days we were counting the hours before the next painkiller could be taken.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO1TD-xEXsPDwr1Bgf46FYUBbZo8YtWoMwPCHg4uBXR1FRt9i0aGPhfZxFixULp940bBS5xYZV8Pj9OpDIxQPCCHQ-dCO-nx1EqwNztPZnvrMIJBmlmV245a-0NoPmkYdecFeyKRfXE9v/s1600/DSCN5267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO1TD-xEXsPDwr1Bgf46FYUBbZo8YtWoMwPCHg4uBXR1FRt9i0aGPhfZxFixULp940bBS5xYZV8Pj9OpDIxQPCCHQ-dCO-nx1EqwNztPZnvrMIJBmlmV245a-0NoPmkYdecFeyKRfXE9v/s320/DSCN5267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670098135266802" /></a><br /> <br />Two days after they were fitted, with a mouth full of ulcers and blisters, she had to stand at the front of a stage, grinning inanely with her mouth wide open for a drama piece she is working on at college. I don;t think I could have done that...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtF3_Iwzu_mg94rG5K_sgyKbfpObXL7SviEJHOIkJpUDlp0V1GvnY5RLbDEpUsBD2A_x2Ubxfr_3VNO5UO4VtXXWpU4LpSpIau7_VTzqSU9pDs3vjqpmS3epoVhkUgVcmPwuuIYP4XLlA/s1600/DSCN5273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtF3_Iwzu_mg94rG5K_sgyKbfpObXL7SviEJHOIkJpUDlp0V1GvnY5RLbDEpUsBD2A_x2Ubxfr_3VNO5UO4VtXXWpU4LpSpIau7_VTzqSU9pDs3vjqpmS3epoVhkUgVcmPwuuIYP4XLlA/s320/DSCN5273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670343203668546" /></a><br /><br />In a desperate attempt to get some carbs down her the other day, she grabbed a ball of bread and threw it down her throat which resulted in a very scary moment with me attempting a very poor heimlich manoeuvre on her (she is at least eight inches taller than me, and were it not so scary at the time, it must have been very funny to see). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyS9frRptiFBsOfr1_X0F_3IOpinwgsj00Uo3gV8v4H9SpJ4oHH7ZAQjNvVCIgXqeQ3UGNznFN04KLbuCWlXyglFpBvU5dXaa1pf9pP-ECsbqFG03NkhD-d1GVNuf4VOb3IdstRrtpLg0/s1600/DSCN5265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyS9frRptiFBsOfr1_X0F_3IOpinwgsj00Uo3gV8v4H9SpJ4oHH7ZAQjNvVCIgXqeQ3UGNznFN04KLbuCWlXyglFpBvU5dXaa1pf9pP-ECsbqFG03NkhD-d1GVNuf4VOb3IdstRrtpLg0/s320/DSCN5265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670092387297330" /></a><br /><br />What has impressed me so much this week is her complete embracing of the brace. She has tried to see the funny side of things at all times. she has not once tried to hide away in self consciousness and I am incredibly proud of her. I know that deep down inside she must be counting away the days till the darned things are removed and hoping that they will be off before University. And I spend my days planning calorie filled meals that are as sloppy as they come and that will keep my beautiful girl smiling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqScAYQbSSi6LqJ0xiXxaxhXwtRxzkf8MTgL2YlD6WotQCnYQ7RCG1qhbef1jGe2jrQPwHSYKx8szq7aAprdo6Ll4jN1-bLTN4z0lqTg67ghZBnOIHeqwXJLZ2nW-EzZbePELomwd6d8CZ/s1600/DSCN5271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqScAYQbSSi6LqJ0xiXxaxhXwtRxzkf8MTgL2YlD6WotQCnYQ7RCG1qhbef1jGe2jrQPwHSYKx8szq7aAprdo6Ll4jN1-bLTN4z0lqTg67ghZBnOIHeqwXJLZ2nW-EzZbePELomwd6d8CZ/s320/DSCN5271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584670100907162290" /></a>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-15701440078879236362011-03-06T09:21:00.006+00:002011-03-06T09:50:24.557+00:00For Lily<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA5fhwJmILeANc-O5hHls7O1KaH_0NNEUNn2GXlIs2WHl8gfcz35yujqtVNUbYFzuhvfBvVioaOzEC6IXLKxjshdZwF0Uo30zEfBnfq6ahvSUYjEGl-OeaBqnDg8nT7mMuOU3qM7klotk/s1600/DSCN5202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA5fhwJmILeANc-O5hHls7O1KaH_0NNEUNn2GXlIs2WHl8gfcz35yujqtVNUbYFzuhvfBvVioaOzEC6IXLKxjshdZwF0Uo30zEfBnfq6ahvSUYjEGl-OeaBqnDg8nT7mMuOU3qM7klotk/s320/DSCN5202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580894997674590466" /></a><br /><br />Mr Roses bought me this bottle of Lily of the Valley perfume from Penhaligon's for Christmas. Whenever we are in London and near to the shop we pop in for our fix of heady, floral scents. It is like walking round the most delicious greenhouse or woodland walk in the height of Spring. Each time we visit we daub ourselves in various aromas and spend the rest of the day trying to decide which is our favourite and, more importantly, which scent our favourite actually was...<br />You might remember that we bought Bluebell for our eldest daughter's 16th birthday and that for my birthday a couple of years ago I was lucky enough to receive Elizabethan Rose so we are well on our way to recreating our favourite cottage garden smells... But on this visit, I stumbled across the little bottle of Lily of the Valley and was immediately transported back to my childhood.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVY8teCo2ZL2Ie8nK6w0C4vq5u3HpjmcLUjdnQEhiGrBKCCBfUNMNvAeYYNhA5YMPwEKonkPyX6LoHTvd9Tjt2lEwD6opCz0XoKOEhw35I8eMw0G46nmzMgtpSzA0pHf3_ip9GAQkZl3L/s1600/DSCN5200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVY8teCo2ZL2Ie8nK6w0C4vq5u3HpjmcLUjdnQEhiGrBKCCBfUNMNvAeYYNhA5YMPwEKonkPyX6LoHTvd9Tjt2lEwD6opCz0XoKOEhw35I8eMw0G46nmzMgtpSzA0pHf3_ip9GAQkZl3L/s320/DSCN5200.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580895004133133250" /></a><br /><br />Not only did I fall in love with its deliciously sweet but fresh fragrance but it conjured up so many memories for me. Past Christmases of boxes of Lily of the Valley soaps, talcum powders and bath salts piled up in the bathroom or in my mother's bedroom. At the side of her dressing table were two little cupboards where she kept her perfumes. I remember so vividly the pretty packaging and fragrances that would fill the air each time I opened the cupboard doors... for me as a child, it was the equivalent of having my nose pressed up against the sweet shop window. Dreams of growing up, luxuriating in lily of the valley scented baths before putting on a new dress, applying my make up and spraying myself in some new scent would fill my head.<br />The scent was very much part of my early years, even my mother's handbags would offer up its beautiful fragrance when they were opened as she always sprayed her hankies with perfume before putting them in amongst her purse and keys (oh how times have changed).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKvKDJpDn4u4BaDajbd2N4W2dtagvCGWjYN6d4RwNYAW2xaJ1GXXuI6ANzNI-FCqoDmP3opc1Tvvbb7M_HmANRyS4CMyqGAjlN1CQE4jz7vApQ_z5CBdEO-h0-SrL7aUZig2_OudV8bBc/s1600/DSCN5201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKvKDJpDn4u4BaDajbd2N4W2dtagvCGWjYN6d4RwNYAW2xaJ1GXXuI6ANzNI-FCqoDmP3opc1Tvvbb7M_HmANRyS4CMyqGAjlN1CQE4jz7vApQ_z5CBdEO-h0-SrL7aUZig2_OudV8bBc/s320/DSCN5201.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580901390377333522" /></a><br /><br /><br />Strangely enough Lily of Valley is purported to strengthen the memory and in the language of flowers signifies the return of happiness. So it seems very apt that today on what would have been my mother's birthday (her name was Lily), I bring out my bottle, take a sniff and remember.Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-29008075863278744252011-03-02T11:51:00.005+00:002011-03-02T17:30:14.937+00:00A Right Royal Do...Well if ever there was a reason to get me trying to knit again...<br /><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FqiIcFEDvT8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Failing that, I'd be more than happy to attend - got my woolly tights, twinset & pearls, favourite conga shoes at the ready... pass me a knitted tiara someone...<br /><br />PS I have it on very good authority from somebody in the know that there's more on this one - fast forward for scenes from the Royal Knees Up after wedding party<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bJwTejGSb5k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-85241862584407644752011-02-23T12:06:00.014+00:002011-02-23T13:30:46.401+00:00In search of some rays...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XF5rn3XHkeXhqp5IEJXxeiNapK8NMsSfSMg_ig6EJzoopFvqxD6nkCH8K94B0FfGNm20CbY171nQJMYNG2dPoSitOpn8O1vHi0uw5e248WYrJX6c7bNGMVsaDw2GaqCiq-9uN41JUfaO/s1600/DSCN5052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XF5rn3XHkeXhqp5IEJXxeiNapK8NMsSfSMg_ig6EJzoopFvqxD6nkCH8K94B0FfGNm20CbY171nQJMYNG2dPoSitOpn8O1vHi0uw5e248WYrJX6c7bNGMVsaDw2GaqCiq-9uN41JUfaO/s320/DSCN5052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576864307150217970" /></a><br /><br />A lazy, rainy, grey half-term so far. A trip up to London to see some lovely paintings and a lot of much needed lazing around at home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjo9PFOvLbWwTi7R15zfmV9sMipXIx5B7_sRZr4dilSWRetkVgDhTsHK2nEIPtT00t1HMknaCLHnYItqx_lLOLXyX_3cUihgS0VUdZNGnrZokV5M29rFwGiuL7WTfq6YbPzZXTJLQ4L9C/s1600/DSCN5055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjo9PFOvLbWwTi7R15zfmV9sMipXIx5B7_sRZr4dilSWRetkVgDhTsHK2nEIPtT00t1HMknaCLHnYItqx_lLOLXyX_3cUihgS0VUdZNGnrZokV5M29rFwGiuL7WTfq6YbPzZXTJLQ4L9C/s320/DSCN5055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576864306405000658" /></a><br /><br />The sun's gone AWOL, the clouds have taken over and whilst we're all snuggled up at home watching the rain pouring down the windowpanes, I find myself in desperate need of some colour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMie0Ur-EhGDAYIaIse66iHVHIu5QwY6PjO1YtyBMeKL807IlBCvlsEaIWogG53_veRhXz9B8AoADgYF_-f0VdOoJp_CFsWuMR65aIskWnu6Dq3_VM3IwjO8BDG6RBexK8yh8ppWVLJ2Ks/s1600/DSCN5064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMie0Ur-EhGDAYIaIse66iHVHIu5QwY6PjO1YtyBMeKL807IlBCvlsEaIWogG53_veRhXz9B8AoADgYF_-f0VdOoJp_CFsWuMR65aIskWnu6Dq3_VM3IwjO8BDG6RBexK8yh8ppWVLJ2Ks/s320/DSCN5064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576864321781252882" /></a><br /> <br />So please indulge me whilst I just post some colourful pics from around the house, nothing special just splashes of much needed colour...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NJpQPGavrXA84053QaID1d5T-IQtxYjPqx1MqX_rU9qtHpUVf7srR2OetDIlK337PyzlF5xjraGStzS8m3c7Hvz55qQx42wNBOCqnvU36RP58Ul4U1loBZ-Vqi6pTcsFAYhWw_vP7roA/s1600/DSCN5059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NJpQPGavrXA84053QaID1d5T-IQtxYjPqx1MqX_rU9qtHpUVf7srR2OetDIlK337PyzlF5xjraGStzS8m3c7Hvz55qQx42wNBOCqnvU36RP58Ul4U1loBZ-Vqi6pTcsFAYhWw_vP7roA/s320/DSCN5059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576864322205034882" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9-18VhGa_2ViBN11EFM1H98up-vjhkIWIqTytaO0IQ7vdBXoZiRtCDf0fwLz4U7t_mq9EB9JcGoiKVLnPBJkHFV5_W2iR0dLCO_i-14-GXg1yktew45V6-7_PTv1umV9tOjdFKhvARnO/s1600/DSCN5057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9-18VhGa_2ViBN11EFM1H98up-vjhkIWIqTytaO0IQ7vdBXoZiRtCDf0fwLz4U7t_mq9EB9JcGoiKVLnPBJkHFV5_W2iR0dLCO_i-14-GXg1yktew45V6-7_PTv1umV9tOjdFKhvARnO/s320/DSCN5057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576864311784932786" /></a><br /><br />And today I added the most colourful eiderdown I own to our ""princess and the pea" of a bed...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASfoTwHlVUF_xVFd0bOWNTGG2t4QECmNlwTAyo4AUfY4zm1czUbX9LawfMme5MBjGZsZ_WT7zppSAHEZxDOPMbT1TDDaKPMz26ieAChlb9E518mzUnjwP-sDv9FDkxufbegkAx7KpNI_w/s1600/DSCN5071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASfoTwHlVUF_xVFd0bOWNTGG2t4QECmNlwTAyo4AUfY4zm1czUbX9LawfMme5MBjGZsZ_WT7zppSAHEZxDOPMbT1TDDaKPMz26ieAChlb9E518mzUnjwP-sDv9FDkxufbegkAx7KpNI_w/s320/DSCN5071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576866231174533378" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUca4gCWulbdXFAy4c2jkmioKSVY7IpjE6dNUvPXIV2PCXfJDIpwNi5zK5anymoL0x_hUgYnFko5YVWVFzTf0F1jrnh_UbuuzM20t6I6ZmyEnE6XnuN-aMRp62BuEPKuMW2bGi7Tp8TRUF/s1600/DSCN5065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUca4gCWulbdXFAy4c2jkmioKSVY7IpjE6dNUvPXIV2PCXfJDIpwNi5zK5anymoL0x_hUgYnFko5YVWVFzTf0F1jrnh_UbuuzM20t6I6ZmyEnE6XnuN-aMRp62BuEPKuMW2bGi7Tp8TRUF/s320/DSCN5065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576866223418909906" /></a><br /><br />Oh and some lovely images from some goodies in the Emporium right now that again have nothing to do with anything in particular other than they're full of colour and make me smile...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzXhOyrPTsXd8W_BYRcisbl_88N6lIUZUmsHj0TcjK0WETAhUZr-916cAnVyau7QHmAJk3zrz8TKNZqdmXAtnjmNQoFHjHybN6l8cPjnpHSdrffX7zenaw-2v5n_WXa-kyIiVod77SY4l/s1600/5424943922_5d92d0e103_o-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzXhOyrPTsXd8W_BYRcisbl_88N6lIUZUmsHj0TcjK0WETAhUZr-916cAnVyau7QHmAJk3zrz8TKNZqdmXAtnjmNQoFHjHybN6l8cPjnpHSdrffX7zenaw-2v5n_WXa-kyIiVod77SY4l/s320/5424943922_5d92d0e103_o-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576859828109938658" /></a>Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-83490249120052170982011-02-14T10:06:00.009+00:002011-02-14T10:28:58.710+00:00A Thing Of Beauty...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOd0Og1UhcUspE0qLmgF7cspvs0r_1_BylUnM599ma2oSwWQMIFnmCaF7ZXBAF9iEQHy30Gh8f-jn8uEsYp9xXozLKvmbHZWxH6qOuZkjcOsjjXtj6VyZ1SIJThIP5LdJw1fVwGm3IX4L/s1600/DSCN5002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOd0Og1UhcUspE0qLmgF7cspvs0r_1_BylUnM599ma2oSwWQMIFnmCaF7ZXBAF9iEQHy30Gh8f-jn8uEsYp9xXozLKvmbHZWxH6qOuZkjcOsjjXtj6VyZ1SIJThIP5LdJw1fVwGm3IX4L/s320/DSCN5002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573489721134732674" /></a><br /><br />Well, it seems very apt that I share this book today on Valentine's Day. A romantic treasure that I found a few months ago, at the bottom of a pile of books on a shelf, going for a song... how could it have been overlooked?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1V1UwWwmEbaB-PiR06Cz7URI1HCpVv_TzNj2OSNQeQTU4yvP-D1009mzI1YmzcdFWt8PokCFDyxG3-vit7d187QqHIczVwm320vwcG26HhqW1BowAGakL_TfRmVmOmsrLoh3l0uDKtp8/s1600/DSCN5005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1V1UwWwmEbaB-PiR06Cz7URI1HCpVv_TzNj2OSNQeQTU4yvP-D1009mzI1YmzcdFWt8PokCFDyxG3-vit7d187QqHIczVwm320vwcG26HhqW1BowAGakL_TfRmVmOmsrLoh3l0uDKtp8/s320/DSCN5005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573484630731063922" /></a><br /><br />An 1895 edition of the collected works of John Keats that I love for so so many reasons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0Nl7nJTxVv8_uWvqRwA2nbkO1axhSPZ9xO6_ToavY4xOQ5PCC6CiXqyNG3bIzOfv-623auYHriO3dxh_fTPkBZOdJncKpt0j8uHJDcTFtYzE3zmoJ-b9c2OEgDW5IyTgoVLx2OsohP9K/s1600/DSCN5006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0Nl7nJTxVv8_uWvqRwA2nbkO1axhSPZ9xO6_ToavY4xOQ5PCC6CiXqyNG3bIzOfv-623auYHriO3dxh_fTPkBZOdJncKpt0j8uHJDcTFtYzE3zmoJ-b9c2OEgDW5IyTgoVLx2OsohP9K/s320/DSCN5006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573484631807229170" /></a><br /><br />Its beautiful bronze leather covers embossed with gilt lettering. The golden branch with bird (a Nightingale perhaps?).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_eOyNlS5lSxA0ewTfyc2DL8UYv8gLSU62K_BDDcg28qq5vejdRMxAMNmYEF1zIDMTsfxVmIfVIddOcFi2kHsqkjfyV8dy-Aa78dLakmqsYkXvVNUGX8F7Vr8nICdDRUJTfsU8JVuCdLs/s1600/DSCN5008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_eOyNlS5lSxA0ewTfyc2DL8UYv8gLSU62K_BDDcg28qq5vejdRMxAMNmYEF1zIDMTsfxVmIfVIddOcFi2kHsqkjfyV8dy-Aa78dLakmqsYkXvVNUGX8F7Vr8nICdDRUJTfsU8JVuCdLs/s320/DSCN5008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573484646560185010" /></a><br /><br />The tissue paper that protects the photograph of John Keats at the front of the book. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauZVz1YlzUhXQm5GwTjPss1Aiq7ZAUXtkmJwxXoaRIh5QYi7rsniEojBVBG82KcM0A_3QjukdOq06zYzTAeIR669ApFOKSVuSfbGr31OeDYEESOBRo7jCulej2CuwWEwaHwahUndD9sOE/s1600/DSCN5009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauZVz1YlzUhXQm5GwTjPss1Aiq7ZAUXtkmJwxXoaRIh5QYi7rsniEojBVBG82KcM0A_3QjukdOq06zYzTAeIR669ApFOKSVuSfbGr31OeDYEESOBRo7jCulej2CuwWEwaHwahUndD9sOE/s320/DSCN5009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573484708151055458" /></a><br /><br />Its foxed, browning pages illustrated with beautiful Pre-Raphaelite pictures.<br />The smell, the weight and age of the book.<br />And then there's the words<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57vTac9CpqyBuMbX5eb6_eAvd0SaugSes6w1KhyRMZ0ds-D1Kst-XAa8A7E1GmVm0gAXGESkSLPFoVWcV91vr_-19XeVz7hmi7RodiZsOa2VWejEtCncqsP6VI8Nqdo_fd9XeeqR-TWjD/s1600/DSCN5007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57vTac9CpqyBuMbX5eb6_eAvd0SaugSes6w1KhyRMZ0ds-D1Kst-XAa8A7E1GmVm0gAXGESkSLPFoVWcV91vr_-19XeVz7hmi7RodiZsOa2VWejEtCncqsP6VI8Nqdo_fd9XeeqR-TWjD/s320/DSCN5007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573489926727222306" /></a><br /><br />The beautiful words, the achingly sad poems to his love Fanny Brawne - it's better than any black and white weepie that I know!Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-73768143194771404492011-02-08T14:04:00.005+00:002011-02-08T14:27:30.450+00:00Blue Is The Colour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfrEkWG1vpUQi6W7csDlgSgh0e4XPId_bCNv1n_Ka-JLVnXcM8thmGaTcU-S-pBtkWPlG7sopL2WoYbsEXGJNsEItUyUYXYznvbZgBtLK2Xs76PdR8Tux89_GYNdM18-RtFWvBcqRFqKl/s1600/DSCN4994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfrEkWG1vpUQi6W7csDlgSgh0e4XPId_bCNv1n_Ka-JLVnXcM8thmGaTcU-S-pBtkWPlG7sopL2WoYbsEXGJNsEItUyUYXYznvbZgBtLK2Xs76PdR8Tux89_GYNdM18-RtFWvBcqRFqKl/s320/DSCN4994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571319909853392594" /></a><br /><br />Weatherwise it wasn't the best of weekends. Back to back grey with drizzle and gale force winds thrown in for good measure. After braving the elements on Saturday morning and returning home drenched and frozen, I decided to throw anchor and stay put for the duration. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lq89VjHAc1vsomQg5nu-oOJS6WcylKYigWg47T5gGEmxFrEK0H-LTcBjoPX7xG1ZvpoEKEdAzf7-KDCT52Ho_12gCt61Okdrs80KnSVP0VW-Ul3Rh4U5ICfRdYBvZUdZetVlGWdYD2BH/s1600/DSCN4996.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lq89VjHAc1vsomQg5nu-oOJS6WcylKYigWg47T5gGEmxFrEK0H-LTcBjoPX7xG1ZvpoEKEdAzf7-KDCT52Ho_12gCt61Okdrs80KnSVP0VW-Ul3Rh4U5ICfRdYBvZUdZetVlGWdYD2BH/s320/DSCN4996.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571319903767879138" /></a><br /><br />The girls had plans aplenty and weren't deterred by the bad weather. Left at home I took stock of the million and one jobs that had been left half done or unstarted around me. Paint pots and brushes in the hallway, sandpaper in the bathroom, the sewing order that needed to be finished and sent off and all the goodies that needed to be photographed for the Emporium... <br />Well I've always been more than a bit of a procrastinator and will find a thousand odd things to do rather than the one that matters most. Which led me to the cupboard under the stairs. The dreaded cupboard understairs where nobody goes unless it absolutely necessary. It'a an 'enter at your peril' kind of place, the sort of cupboard that explodes each time the door is opened. The kind of cupboard where our cats have been known to disappear without a trace for hours on end...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo03oULu7ki4DBsOAAVUhgQ9FTD_dgqgNMD_QmFsBExqn45_0QyC8HhVFDtfOTFQ1KErhOUAsKW6kbCyatwf-MP8gyrU8uFUzyiCgtb7k-7QEKGAf4VnnTwzvInNmjObXuqua5NQam2iON/s1600/DSCN4997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo03oULu7ki4DBsOAAVUhgQ9FTD_dgqgNMD_QmFsBExqn45_0QyC8HhVFDtfOTFQ1KErhOUAsKW6kbCyatwf-MP8gyrU8uFUzyiCgtb7k-7QEKGAf4VnnTwzvInNmjObXuqua5NQam2iON/s320/DSCN4997.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571319906483966530" /></a><br /><br />Like a woman possessed, I grabbed bags, piles of cushions, sleeping bags, camping kettles in search of my prey. And there it was in an old plastic bag, the rather worn, stained old woollen blanket that I had managed to hide from the ruthless Mr Roses. Well this blanket takes the word "pre-loved" to its limits, you would have to be truly smitten to take this blanket to heart, to wrap it round you and enjoy its comfort. But there were bits worth salvaging, I was particularly taken by the blue striped edging and grabbed the sewing machine whilst nobody was looking.<br />In the time it took Mr Roses to go and buy some tomatoes, a newspaper and lose his umbrella, my cushion was made. A quick encounter with some lavender water to freshen it up and a casual chuck onto the blue armchair in the living room and, hey presto, nobody would ever know... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULFAUBtgKhZVCVHVm9-FY3_m8wMXTgUcB9K9upSVkDSEO2cYXQ1OsVdRvAG_hqGgxblpULR9WBqv6IqACUspwigzpgb0MWyHK77Kawlpi2hiMwFRN9vGGzMfEDv_Q7-s6MfswJtiHitRR/s1600/DSCN4999.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULFAUBtgKhZVCVHVm9-FY3_m8wMXTgUcB9K9upSVkDSEO2cYXQ1OsVdRvAG_hqGgxblpULR9WBqv6IqACUspwigzpgb0MWyHK77Kawlpi2hiMwFRN9vGGzMfEDv_Q7-s6MfswJtiHitRR/s320/DSCN4999.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571319895646349730" /></a><br /><br />Well, there were no protests from Mr Roses about the smelly blanket from under the stairs, the cats love it, there is a bit more space in THAT cupboard and whilst I may not have touched the sewing order that should have been number one on my priorities list, it did bring a smile to my face to see it finally sitting there soft, blue and finally re-loved.<br />And if that wasn't enough, look what's going on here today<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SeBNyaZfhzGOhF02HoGLzehXbP36w4tP5BRFIWllRONLY2v9ecEb1DHYvbmFdLi3uOHhiNOjA8L6Oiv0VFjjB5STcFaVXpt6psdG4SJQ8qTABWLf043zb0ILUtF9InGxzXkj0Jk1TWDK/s1600/DSCN4982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SeBNyaZfhzGOhF02HoGLzehXbP36w4tP5BRFIWllRONLY2v9ecEb1DHYvbmFdLi3uOHhiNOjA8L6Oiv0VFjjB5STcFaVXpt6psdG4SJQ8qTABWLf043zb0ILUtF9InGxzXkj0Jk1TWDK/s320/DSCN4982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571319914285216706" /></a><br /><br />Blue sky!<br /><br />Like a siren calling to me this morning I couldn't sit still until I'd gone out for a walk in all that glorious sunny daylight. As I said to a friend, it was like the world was a huge box of chocolates, urging me to open the door and tuck in. And tuck in I did.Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8873936386745599407.post-7960419850389797352011-01-31T15:01:00.005+00:002011-01-31T15:35:13.340+00:00A Spot of Daydreaming - January's Good Things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMsob489VUOOcD8AyA-_PnW1WcoIeTmPVKq_3qtwGyKssdJMA9Oe4j-S0MeVpLrzQUVqgf62u_4o7ekSuwmTdkMxaNyl4bAYIOfmhC5Z0YG4t4A1OVU25R5sR5WqyYudWvmnmKuhDsln4/s1600/DSCN4927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMsob489VUOOcD8AyA-_PnW1WcoIeTmPVKq_3qtwGyKssdJMA9Oe4j-S0MeVpLrzQUVqgf62u_4o7ekSuwmTdkMxaNyl4bAYIOfmhC5Z0YG4t4A1OVU25R5sR5WqyYudWvmnmKuhDsln4/s320/DSCN4927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568366338828228770" /></a><br /><br />It took a couple of weeks but I finally managed to turn the cold, grey days of January to my advantage. Instead of sitting and staring at the steamy windowpanes and wishing and wishing for some sunshine and fresh air, I succumbed to a little daydreaming...<br />We bought this poster from a junk shop last year on the Isle of Wight. An auction poster for the contents of an hotel (incidentally just found via Google that the hotel remains). It's easy to be swallowed up by those words, how I would have loved to have been at the auction. What would I have bought? One of the 17 black and brass bedsteads - maybe. Definitely if the bed came with the bedding - I bet there was some wonderful lace linen and the odd eiderdown or two on offer...<br />Probably indulged in a marble washstand or two and wouldn't have said no to some of the garden chairs either.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnFSa6R2cASU41jrfzImwGdn9TG4ODyZp2YfZnC-j749Xj_rY3rU1fdfZvyQ3nsTlNb27ITmap6u4kk6s3e18BMFBF6O1l5Go-dSTjaKA49USDIlnpHkVqmR9QdrSyZSA8Asc9mTJ6Svs/s1600/DSCN4924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnFSa6R2cASU41jrfzImwGdn9TG4ODyZp2YfZnC-j749Xj_rY3rU1fdfZvyQ3nsTlNb27ITmap6u4kk6s3e18BMFBF6O1l5Go-dSTjaKA49USDIlnpHkVqmR9QdrSyZSA8Asc9mTJ6Svs/s320/DSCN4924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568366340291331842" /></a><br /><br />But what I know for certain I wouldn't have been able to resist is "The Bathing Tent". If I'm going to be daydreaming about living in an Edwardian seaside hotel I would just HAVE to have the bathing tent. Visions of Queen Victoria in "Mrs Brown" emerging majestically in her swimming garb from her bathing machine have filled my thoughts this past weekend. I'll have to settle for a bathing tent rather than a bathing machine, but would make sure mine was striped, candy striped or if the Edwardians didn't run to that, then definitely billiard green and clotted cream in colour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP0etJsVx2B_NWkXmGxao32Q77O1uzbwNBe8-wfnc9MOCMPVIRJL6-j1vOe22z2ltmhmenyVX3OpDcQcIoG-wjxn6VoedXbKeTJSzuckDAwBcB_LZC0EWv_FZ65eV0L2QyQ3a8V85bb27/s1600/DSCN4938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP0etJsVx2B_NWkXmGxao32Q77O1uzbwNBe8-wfnc9MOCMPVIRJL6-j1vOe22z2ltmhmenyVX3OpDcQcIoG-wjxn6VoedXbKeTJSzuckDAwBcB_LZC0EWv_FZ65eV0L2QyQ3a8V85bb27/s320/DSCN4938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568366334410062530" /></a><br /><br />And then this weekend as the temperatures dipped, I gave in to it, Totally gave in to doing nothing. Washing, ironing and cooking either completed or ignored, I took refuge under a pile of blankets and eiderdowns and filled my head with thoughts of 1930s country homes and stately piles, sensible tweed skirts and permanent waves, debutante balls and love's young dream. My eldest daughter, who had miraculously done her homework, gave in to it too and she sat on the opposite sofa her head full of Scott Fitzgerald, glamorous dresses, cocktails and chandeliers... I remembered how my mother use to call me "Dolly Daydream" and for the first time I understood why, but then if you can't indulge in January, when can you?Ragged Roseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08339985100168927169noreply@blogger.com10