Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Thassa Lud A Squit*
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Steeples, Spires And Stamps
Royal Mail 2024 Christmas stamps went on sale last week. I send very few cards these days - but I always buy a sheet of the 2nd Class stamps to last me through the year [I have seven left from last Christmas!] Like the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge "O keep Christmas in my heart, and honour it all year" It is fun sending Xmas stamps on a letter in June.
These stamps feature 5 British Cathedrals - I have been in three of them - Edinburgh, Liverpool and Westminster. One day I shall get to Armagh and Bangor, perhaps
The promotion says
"These special stamps are a reminder that for centuries past,
cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy and wonder at the birth of
Christ. And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our
cities.
All the UK’s cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of
all faiths and none. For services, prayer and celebration, to find peace, or to
enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture and treasures, visit a
cathedral this Christmas!
Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an
important role in local communities. They also offer space for peaceful
reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can
be especially important at Christmas."
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh was designed by
Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott
Worship has taken place on the site of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh since
the 5th century
Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster
Liverpool Cathedral was consecrated in 1924 but not completed until 1978 - Britain's largest cathedral.
St Deiniol's Cathedral in Bangor was where St Deiniol established his Celtic
monastery in the 6th century
Penzance based artist, Judy Joel, was chosen last year to produce these stamps, in her characteristic naive style. Her artworks have been sold all over the world, for 50 years. Specialising in commissions of ‘life stories’, weddings,
houses, and gardens, Judy also enjoys painting local Cornish scenes and scenes
of her favourite pastimes and fondly remembered places. Every picture features her white-haired Mum and a little dog.
Having met Robin Carter last month, I feel I have a better understanding of the work of stamp illustrators now.
Do you like these stamps? I think they are quite fun [but I did like last year's angels. I may ask Steph, our local postmistress, if she has any angels left...]
Monday, 11 November 2024
Stick To Your Saucepans, Jamie!
- Michael Morpurgo [81] A cracking storyteller, and a good man doing so much for under privileged children
- Nick Butterworth [78] Back in 1970 I met one of his student friends who told me that NB was going to be a great illustrator, and I should look out for his books. I have at least 6 of them!
- Jacqueline Wilson [78] She is great fun, and her characters are believable. She's helped girls to be true to themselves and have confidence.
- Julia Donaldson [76] the A-Z of readable books - from A Squash and A Squeeze, to Zog, by way of the amazing Gruffalo [which Jess appears to know by heart already]
- Mick Inkpen [71] Four million books sold [I love Percy the Park keeper] Like NB above,[and me] he was born in Romford. And his Dad Stan was friends with my Dad [also Stan] in Boys' Brigade in the 1930s!!
- Rob Biddulph [52] The youngest on my current list - but what a great guy. A true encourager of young readers, writers and artists. With practical tips on his website. Peanut Jones a definite heroine [thank you Rosie for introducing me to this author's work] Here's hoping Rob produces great books for many years like the guys above
- Jill Murphy [sadly died in 2022, aged 72] Rosie loves the Worst Witch, I am happy with Five Minutes Peace [in every sense]
Sunday, 10 November 2024
Wearing Our Poppies...
Saturday, 9 November 2024
Weekend Round-Up
Friday, 8 November 2024
All Ads Up
We are into November, Hallowe'en is over [Hallelujah!] and now the Christmas ads are appearing thick and fast. Some better than others
Waitrose is bringing out a series of ads, entitled Sweet Suspicion. prepared by Saatchi and Saatchi, with a star studded cast led by Matthew McFadyen. I'm reserving judgement till the denouement!. I'm not that keen on the M&S clothing one. Many ads feature animated characters [Asda's Gnome of Christmas, Sainsbury's BFG, Aldi's Keven the Carrot etc] I do not expect any Barbour garments in my stocking, but their ad, starring Shaun the sheep is good fun
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Hand-Me-Gowns
Bob's father was such a generous Grandad. He always gave the girls such thoughtful gifts, often pjs and dressing gowns [as well as lovely books]. I kept the red 'Mickey Mouse' dressing gown from the 1980s. And when Rosie started having sleepovers at Cornerstones, it became a favourite garment. She wore it after her evening bath when she snuggled up for bedtime stories, and often again in the morning to eat Grandad's famous breakfast pancakes
But last week, we passed another family milestone - both girls came for a sleepover. So now Rosie has moved on to the larger red dressing gown [towelling, with a hood] and Jess wore the Mickey Mouse gown. To be honest, both garments currently have plenty of "growing room" and I shall have to hem the smaller one for Jess [its a bit of a trip hazard - note how she lifts the hem 'like a princess'] . But how they both loved donning them when they got out of the bath.
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
When You're Smiling...
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Autumn Stitching
My latest CoverStory Parcel arrived on Saturday morning [thanks K]
All sorts of stitching, backstitch, stem stitch, French Knots etc. Behind the three leaves are trailing vines.
The bright red berries are pops of colour bringing extra life to the piece.
And the use of the print fabric is so much more interesting than just a plain beige background. This is a superb piece! It sums up 'Fall' so well
My November idea is still 'in my head' but I know it will be smaller and narrower when I do get it done!
More info on my parcel to Kirsten here
Monday, 4 November 2024
Happy Birthday, Bob!
This year has certainly had its ups and downs - lots of great family times and celebrations, good involvement with the community, but also health issues. Through it all you have remained cheerful and positive.
I was talking with Rosie about people who inspire us - and she mentioned a few famous characters [contemporary and historical] and then she said "and Grandad"
Have a happy birthday - we all love you so much! God bless you today and always
Sunday, 3 November 2024
Take Comfort...
My apologies- only when I went to turn the calendar to November, did I realise I had not posted the October picture!
"The Lord Will Provide!" was something I remembering parents and grandparents quoting to me since I was a young child. I am nearly 70 now - and I can honestly say God always has provided what I have needed
That's not necessarily all I have wanted or asked him for. I love that quote from Ruth Bell Graham [wife of evangelist Billy] "It is a good job Gopd does not always answer our prayers by giving us what we have asked for. Otherwise I should have married the wrong man ...several times!"
Saturday, 2 November 2024
The Play's The Thing
Rosie's set has a flat battery - so on Saturday we all had to make our own burps [even more laughter]
You often see these games in Lidl and Aldi too - I got the Manchester boys a box of 3 dinosaur games in the summer.
When Liz and Steph were small, I tried to get them Ravensburger games, which were good quality, and designed to be enjoyable and educational. Orchard Toys are similar.
- an excellent website, easy to find what you want, sorted by age and subject
- a blog with news and ideas
- lots of free downloadable printables
- a replacement service if parts do go missing, or you lose your instructions
Friday, 1 November 2024
A Girls' Day Out
Yesterday I took Rosie and Jess into Norwich on my own, the other adults were all busy. We had lots of fun. We began at The Museum Of Norwich [at the old Bridewell prison] where there was a lovely scavenger hunt, throughout the museum, following the orange clues from one exhibit to another. Nothing to write down or scores to keep, just a fun trip - and stickers at the end.
Then we went to one of the rooms where there was a 'make a black cat' activity - well organised with card, pritt, templates, safety scissors etc. Obviously Jess needed a fair bit of help, Rosie managed virtually unaided. The other family who were round the table with us clearly enjoyed it too. I got into conversation with the Gran, who didn't realise there were benefits to having her own Museums Pass, if she was regularly bringing grandchildren to the different Museums.
They cleared their plates, and enjoyed their desserts.