Oasis [From Manchester]

 

Sorry, this post has absolutely nothing to do with the Gallagher brothers! 
As we move slowly and carefully back to more social opportunities post-Lockdown, our little chapel has opened a café on Wednesday mornings. 

Just from 10-12, serving tea, coffee, and cakes. We even have a fancy new filter machine from Kingdom Coffee. All free, but with optional donations to charity. We've advertised in the village magazine - and wanted a sign outside to indicate we were open. We have one of these boards, which goes out every Sunday with appropriate wording, when it is our worship service - and there was a spare plain white metal sheet with it.

For the first few sessions, I stuck a paper sheet on both sides to tell people we are open. But that is not very weather-proof or longlasting. Professional signage does not come cheap.

What I needed was a Cricut machine so I could produce my own professional quality adhesive vinyl letters and graphics. If I were younger, and still doing a lot of church and youth work, maybe I'd have considered buying one. 

Right now, I cannot see I have enough need of one to justify the purchase. However, my friend Hayley posted on FaceBook how much fun she was having with her new bit of kit. 

Hayley was our Church Youth Worker for some years, back in Kirby Muxloe. Now she is happily married, with two young sons, and lives in Manchester. So I emailed her - and she was thrilled to be able to produce the lettering for us, and posted it back to me in time to make up the sign for today's café session.  Thank You Hayley!

Now do you understand the title of the blogpost?
[D'you know what I mean? as Liam and Noel would say]

UPDATE - Everybody likes the new sign. We had a couple of dozen people come in, and I sent Hayley a picture.

No Fly Zone

There are rather too many flies around at the moment. It happens every summer in the village. We have a very efficient Zapper in the kitchen - but these insects get everywhere. After one flew over the tea tray and landed in the milk jug, I decided action was needed. My grandmother had the right idea - she never used clingfilm or tupperware, or had a fridge. She just put a little 'hat' on the jug. 

I found a hand crocheted doiley in the small box of vintage table linens which remained after my great pre-moving declutter, and a jam jar of assorted beads. I spent a peaceful Sunday afternoon stitching beads round the edge of the circle of lace to weigh it down. The hat now fits various sized jugs, and keeps the flies out.

I'm not sure where all the beads came from - but the bright pink discs were from the bracelet my cousin gave me in 1968 when I was her bridesmaid. Our satin dresses were the same alarming shade of fuchsia pink. 

There is such satisfaction in finding a simple solution to a problem using materials you already have!

This Is Not A Wind Up!

What do you do when your wind turbine is too old to use, and you have to wind up the facility and replace it with a new one? These huge structures are a brilliant way of harnessing wind energy and turning it  into electricity. But they do not last forever.

Recent blades have been made to be recyclable, but the earlier generation of carbon fibre reinforced plastic is not so easy to repurpose.

So I was really excited to learn that now one of the Scottish windfarms is due for replacement, boffins are working on constructive ways to use the parts, aiming for ZeroWaste

In The Netherlands and Denmark, these massive pieces of engineering are already being turned into play parks and bike sheds.

In Scotland they are also considering skateboard ramps, glamping pods and wildlife hides

Very creative, and safe. How much more useful than the decommissioned Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station.

It's Love What Gets Us Out Of Bed In The Morning

There was a cheerful Sally Army lady standing in the marketplace, outside Cowper Church. Smiling and greeting people, despite the damp grey weather. I saw her as I got off the bus, and by the time I reached her, I'd found some change for her collection pot. The Army have been at the forefront of caring for over 150 years,. 

During the pandemic, they have used their wisdom and experience to facilitate even more good deeds. "Have a newspaper" she said, so I took a copy of the War Cry. A cheerful read for the busride home! The paper has been sold on the streets since 1879. It’s always campaigned on social justice issues. In 1885, it shocked Victorian society with its campaign to raise the age of consent to stamp out the widespread abuse of children through prostitution. Recent War Cry issues have reported on The Army’s frontline work supporting victims of modern slavery and giving shelter to homeless people. Interviews have included an FGM survivor, a former child soldier and a climate change campaigner who took part in Extinction Rebellion protests.

What caught my eye was the photo on the front - tonight we see the return of the irrepressible Larkin Family to our TV screens. I adored the original stories by H E Bates, his glorious descriptions of the beautiful Kent countryside, mouthwatering paragraphs about Ma's cooking, and Pa's carefree, generous attitude to life.

Thirty years ago, Pam Ferris and David Jason played the couple who produced this happy-go-lucky family [it launched Catherine Zeta Jones' career] Now Joanna Scanlan and Bradley Walsh are in charge. I really hope this series proves as popular as the first one [but I suspect it may be more 'woke', and perhaps not quite as true to the original books]

But the key thing is the driving force which holds the family together- love. As Pa says "It's love what gets us out of bed in the morning". He cares not just for his family, but all the waifs and strays, the lonely and elderly, anyone 'in trouble' who crosses his path. OK, his morality isn't always perfect, and he sometimes crosses the line in terms of what is strictly legal as he is seeking to do good. But his heart is in the right place. 

Joanna Scanlan was interviewed for The War Cry [read it here] and she spoke about her role in the new series "Ma Larkin is a happy woman who's spreading the love. And there is something about that. That forgiving, kind, warmness is the solution to most of life's problems" Joanna believes that kind of love is just as important in the real world as it is in the story.

I agree - and I'm looking forward to watching the show tonight [ITV 8pm]  Perfick Sunday night viewing IMHO

But Is It Art?

Today I shall be at an online conference all day - for Thrive, the support group for those of us married to Baptist Ministers. It includes spouses of students, chaplains, retired pastors, missionaries...and those who are widowed too. It happens in alternate years, and I missed the 2019 Conference because of Bob's TIA. So I am really looking forward to this one, and reconnecting with friends- even if it is on Zoom.

There are optional workshops, and I have chosen an art based one. My paints etc are all ready. I have no idea what will happen - I am a crafter rather than an artist...we will see.

When I was at the Tate with Liz the other week, I took a picture of this - it is an installation by Peter Fischli and David Weiss, part of "Untitled" - which is "A witty recreation of everyday objects in polyurethane sculpture"

And there was me thinking it was two old tyres on a stack of pallets with some scrap wood beside it. I don't get modern art.

The Very Nice Men who put up Bob's Lathe Palace had some wood left over, which they said they'd leave behind if he could use it. [yes please!] Bob reconfigured his temporary woodstore, and wrapped it in tarps and empty builders' bags, as rain was forecast. I thought this could definitely be considered a work of art. It reminded me of the Dancing Dragons from Chinese New Year, so I added a few features.

I spent Thursday, a sunny day, working on the front path. 

My other art installation is called "I need to make my Christmas cake" - a witty reminder that all the time I was mixing cement and sand, I kept thinking of flour and brown sugar and I want to get some festive baking underway soon.  

The past fortnight has been surprisingly busy - I'm grateful to the Thrive Committee for organising our Conference, it will be a good opportunity to reflect, and take stock of things - next week we will have been retired six months! It's been a wonderful time [mostly] 

and the adventure certainly continues...

Celebrating Grandparents Day

We had a fantastic [if a little damp] weekend in Manchester with Steph, Gaz and George. On Saturday we visited Dunham Massey, a lovely NT property. We saw lots of deer in the park [see photo below]

Most of the buildings were closed, but we did look round the servants courtyard - some rather soggy laundry items pegged on a line - but in the surrounding rooms we saw the laundry, the butler's pantry, the dairy and other workrooms. There's that washing dolly!

George is very happy in the company of Mum and Dad- but decidedly suspicious of me - but he got on incredibly well with Grandad Bob

Sunday was Grandparents' Day [who knew?] And our young man was delighted to show his Grandad round the Science Museum! 

I liked the Whitworth quote- true for dressmakers and cooks as well as engineers. There asre plenty of female engineers and scientist honoured in the Museum, which is good.

Our stay was over all too quickly, it was so good just to be together as family. Steph gave me a classy manicure too [thank you!]  We got back home Monday evening, having called on our 'Midlands'  SIL en route. It was too dark to see the completed Lathe Palace* - but I'm happy to say it is all built now. .Also happy to see no evidence of slugs either. Maybe they are all teetotal Wesleyans round here?   [*photos of LP will follow later]

Thank you for yesterday's dolly comments. Regarding Barbra Streisand and hats, I was amused to learn from Steph that on Thursday George found a hat he liked in the dressing up box at nursery. His daily journal said that he confidently put it on his head, and was very excited, and proudly went to show his friends. It looks like a good hat to wear if the weather gets colder...

Hello, Dolly!

 "I need a dolly" said Bob. 

And you realise how crazy our language is. If he had said it to Rosie, she might have thought of Baby Annabel

Having recently visited a Museum with an ancient laundry, I might have thought of one of these tools for beating the dirt out of the washing.

It's Harvest Festival time, and many of my friends will weave a corn dolly to decorate the church.

But no, what he actually wants is another one of these nifty little gadgets for moving large tools round the lathe Palace!

Aren't Barbra Streisand's outfits amazing? Not that one could stroll round this village dressed like that!

October Thoughts

 

It will not always be like this,

the air windless, a few last

leaves adding their decoration

to the trees’ shoulders, braiding the cuffs

of the boughs with gold; a bird preening

 in the lawn’s mirror. Having looked up

From the day’s chores, pause a minute,

let the mind take its photograph

of the bright scene, something to wear

against the heart in the long cold.

[A Day in Autumn, by R S Thomas]

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

Despite many people thinking that phrase comes from the bible, it doesn't - it was John Wesley said it in a sermon entitled "on dress". He stressed that Christians should be 'pure in heart' - but that it was also good to be clean of body. His words had a great impact on a young Methodist in Nottingham, John Boot. John was a herbalist by trade, who became conscious of his responsibility to his fellow citizens. He began offering medicines, and offering healthcare to the working poor, for little cost . Sadly he died aged just 45, leaving a young wife, Mary, and a 10 year old son, Jesse.

Jesse followed his dad's beliefs, and when he inherited the business aged 21, he set about expanding it. He bought medicines in bulk, so he could offer them at lower prices, and he took great care of his workforce. 

The business grew and grew, and Jesse became wealthy. He protected open spaces in the city from development, donating Highfields Estate [now Nottingham University Campus] to the city.  He provided a public swimming pool, and several public libraries. 

His stores included lifts, public toilets, and many facilities which were quite innovative in  Victorian times. 

Throughout his life, Jesse and his wife Florence were committed to ensuring that the poorest members of society were able to obtain their basic hygiene requisites and medical requirements at an affordable price. 

So I think Mr Boot would be really pleased to know that his company has partnered with the charity The Hygiene Bank to continue his original aims. You can buy items in store to donate, drop off unused toiletries, or just make a monetary donation.

Jesse and Florence understood that feeling clean is so important to a person's sense of self worth and ongoing health. Soap is a necessity not a luxury. Many more people in the UK are struggling since the pandemic, especially now the government furlough scheme is ending. HygieneBanks deserve our support just as FoodBanks do. 

"Boots the Chemist" has been a presence on our high street for so long, we almost take them for granted. I hope they survive a lot longer, especially when they are doing good things like this to help others. Thank you Jesse for your legacy 

Get Knotted!

Back in the 1970's I had a very trendy bathroom [imho] in our rented flat. The walls were painted mushroom brown, and at the window, in front of the textured glass, 

there was no blind or curtains - just a number of macramé hangers, holding pots containing lush green spider plants which dangled over the bath taps [similar to this one]

Last week, discussing crafts with my SIL Marion, she said that macramé is back in fashion. 

Then we saw a load of plant hangers in the florists [£12 not  including pot or plant!]

It is indeed an up and coming craft among the young it seems- the fact it is handmade, from biodegradable cotton yarn and wood makes it very eco-friendly.]

As well as plant hangers, there are wall hangings and even wedding dresses [this is carrying things a bit too far for my liking. They surely would be cold, require very carefully chosen underwear, and run the risk of getting hooked on the bridegroom's cuff buttons during the first dance] but each to their own I suppose.

Real Simple Magazine said in the USA in December 2019 "While we love macramé as an art form and the handmade quality it brings to a room, we expect the trend to taper over the course of 2020. Handwoven wall hangings, bohemian hanging chairs, and hanging planters all had their moment in 2019, but we have finally reached peak macramé." I am not sure they were right, in terms of UK trends. 

I can do macramé - I learned as a teenager in Girls' Brigade. But that doesn't mean I want to! I kept a huge tub of macramé beads for years. I used many of them a couple of years ago, to make snakes with children at church, then gave away the rest.

But knotting string to make plant holders is a craft I am happy to leave to somebody else now. Maybe this is an activity for people on the fringe?

Thanks for all the comments about sunflower seeds yesterday - I shall leave some for the birds, put some in the snack jar, and keep some to sow next year. 

Beyond My Wildest Dreams

In Matthew 18 [The Message Translation] It says "Jesus said...“What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed …and some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”

I had a tin of random seed packets in the shed in Dorset - and I just slung them into the earth alongside the side fence, outside the back bedroom window.

Look at these beauties- truly beyond my wildest dreams- three massive sunflowers and a few pretty pink cosmos. 

My SIL says this shows the Norfolk soil may be good, fertile earth. I do hope so!

But thinking about it, these flowers have very little to do with me - all I did was plant a few seeds then forgot about them. I never really expected much to come of it [all my gardening efforts have been focused on the three tomato plants and the Raised Bed Project]

It has reminded me that just the simple act of sowing a small seed can produce amazing results. 

Even if we are not green-fingered [or 'green-thumbed' as they say across the pond] 

every one of us can scatter seeds of love, and kindness and peace as we go about our days. 

And we may find these result in a harvest beyond our wildest dreams

Free Beer!

The progress of the raised bed; Huw's book tells me I should cover the empty sections with cardboard to keep them weed free through the winter months, so I have.

The 'red frills' mustard, and mixed salad leaves are coming on a treat, and I'm excited to see the spinach peeping through. Row 10 contains freshly planted garlic [to deter winter vampires]

Huw also advises making 'slug pubs' to trap these unwelcome visitors. He says "Bury a jam jar and half fill with beer - and make a little roof to keep the rain off."

At one end I have two pubs with 'DanPak' roofs, for slugs who may like continental beer.

At the side, I've used the lid from a tin of custard powder, supported on BBQ skewers. I am not convinced slugs can read, or will appreciate the red colour. We wait and see. Obviously the best result is no slugs at all - but if they do get into the bed, then they can die a happy inebriated death...[in Lidl's cheapest booze]**

My Tatsoi seedlings are struggling, I think I will only have half a dozen to plant out - but never mind, there is always next year. 

** Huw's book does not tell me how to dispose of drowned slugs. Any advice on this would be very welcome, please!

Appealing! Great! Cor!...

or is it A-peeling! Grate! Core! ?

Not all the apples from our neighbour's 'freebie basket' were in perfect condition. If there is a blemish or a bruise, the fruit will decay much more quickly. I put the best in the fruit bowl, but four were not really good enough. So I decided to make an apple cake. I've been doing Dorset apple cake for years [well before we lived in that fine county] the recipe is here. That recipe needed 4 eggs, I only had 2. So instead I used a recipe from my Abel and Cole Veg Book, and made two loaf cakes - freezing one and keeping the other in a tin. It was a simple recipe - I didn't have enough apple juice, so made up the liquid with orange juice and water. It came out really well.

The method is simple, and the hints and tips alongside the recipe were good. So I have been lazy and just photographed the pages! I used up more of the rye flour I'd found on Monday too.[I added a generous handful of sultanas to each cake]

I served slices spread with butter, accompanied by a good cup of tea.