tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63782971894631382142024-02-19T16:35:53.935+00:00Pen Thompson CBE- Words and PicturesCommitted senior leader, partner, mother, equalities champ, blogger, art lover. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-88396607018958212312016-04-08T15:34:00.001+01:002016-04-08T21:19:02.716+01:00Differently occupiedWe don't say the "R" word in house ; no, we are "differently occupied". And this was the subject of conversation today as we sipped coffees at a busy Hove seafront "Marrocco's" with a friend , who is in the same boat. After about four decades of full time work each, we are choosing to spend our time doing things we love and believe in......including some voluntary, campaigning or paid work .<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl00kcQ2YJ0rHA5i7oIVAH-QoTvW3Z9qQa1WnBs6gnlk4ZPMAQBVC1e6LHQqHfTQ8e3ZT4BN8rSL_kxfNh4zH7_lCXOJWsUPy7y-2LaVLeRAFa4H8ZkP9BLZ3Zqj3gBCnY4QusilLYII/s640/blogger-image-1096922923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl00kcQ2YJ0rHA5i7oIVAH-QoTvW3Z9qQa1WnBs6gnlk4ZPMAQBVC1e6LHQqHfTQ8e3ZT4BN8rSL_kxfNh4zH7_lCXOJWsUPy7y-2LaVLeRAFa4H8ZkP9BLZ3Zqj3gBCnY4QusilLYII/s640/blogger-image-1096922923.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>For all of us, time out in the fresh air , taking exercise , and enjoying the beauty of seaside, countryside and cityscapes is important . Whether walking as Penny and I do, or cycling as L does, we all want to stay fit , appreciating our surroundings, exploring new and pre-loved places . For none of us does the gym hold any interest ! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0UcS13ep5SH1snXQVG4BTreRxSnJd8sWtdy3nb1Iy9Q92fqDpypAh_cEUyUoBnXfDflvwNcID8N0YkyKv1m3LCk-VouzpG6pWncQocb5NpijDN5y0fY7P_YlrhxC19y1WC8LKK5kBBA/s640/blogger-image--908616063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0UcS13ep5SH1snXQVG4BTreRxSnJd8sWtdy3nb1Iy9Q92fqDpypAh_cEUyUoBnXfDflvwNcID8N0YkyKv1m3LCk-VouzpG6pWncQocb5NpijDN5y0fY7P_YlrhxC19y1WC8LKK5kBBA/s640/blogger-image--908616063.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Having our Merry-dog , is great. She gets us out and when we are indoors she gives us unconditional love and warm cuddles . And now I learn that having a dog is scientifically proven to reduce stress . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Being "differently occupied " over the last 10 months, has for me involved a good deal of time in carer -mode . Since early February dad has been in a nursing home .<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Apart from regular visiting, my responsibilities are largely ones of a practical and financial management nature. It's now 3 months on from his stroke, and this week we </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">visited outpatients for a follow up appointment . </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Dad's hospital doctor expressed delight at his progress . Although he can only walk a few steps , he has regained so much of his functioning and is continuing to improve . For the first time since January 2nd we were able to take him down to see the sea and visit our house for a cuppa . He has certainly benefitted from the 24/7 Heath and social care services , not forgetting our therapeutic dog whose visits he so loves. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO3Ohxu1GwPmKyQN3mHCqiWWE4HbWTFAodhtA-bUc4Rk7Qv3PfYvaquaAE46GF_xrrrSUTzCmpRT2MqghvqzhWMXcWU4m6nYYboztA_eTqAkrbjeQIvgTlx1iHINjGU-n9bX92i_rv-k/s640/blogger-image--609067950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO3Ohxu1GwPmKyQN3mHCqiWWE4HbWTFAodhtA-bUc4Rk7Qv3PfYvaquaAE46GF_xrrrSUTzCmpRT2MqghvqzhWMXcWU4m6nYYboztA_eTqAkrbjeQIvgTlx1iHINjGU-n9bX92i_rv-k/s640/blogger-image--609067950.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Being "differently occupied " I've re-found the headspace for reading novels and memoirs , something that I never managed when I was a local government CEO . Now I always have one book on the go, and a pile of others that I'm looking forward to . I have enjoyed such an eclectic range over the past months, some of which I've referred to in earlier blogs. My current read is the well reviewed " The Outrun" by Amy Liptrot , a beautifully written memoir , which begins ( and I think will end ) in the Orkneys , the beautiful place of her upbringing . </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj_Q6roEcNH2nXnVR0eTZCsPXODupJxrAuQ3u8PXrp364_f3CmNebioaaLZ35MxPjagNjYI0RPBOTYtd-6jQE2BpVqoxAebWGyXIocZlyvoy9kEZwaAKiR6AImBNl2Zm-OnOK60FO7F8/s640/blogger-image--1118755404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj_Q6roEcNH2nXnVR0eTZCsPXODupJxrAuQ3u8PXrp364_f3CmNebioaaLZ35MxPjagNjYI0RPBOTYtd-6jQE2BpVqoxAebWGyXIocZlyvoy9kEZwaAKiR6AImBNl2Zm-OnOK60FO7F8/s640/blogger-image--1118755404.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>As well as reading , i've made time for writing, and most indulgent of all, I enjoyed a term's creative writing course , from Beach Hut writer/teacher, Araminta Hall. It was such a joy to get back to classroom learning and I even relished the homework! Her most recent novel, "Dot" , is on that pile I mentioned and I can recommend her first novel "Everything and nothing". </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQYsjpKdqiL8BqQqy6yjd7-QWlbx-bFRIqQxoBbhEVYqr4SBOLtWs_uJ7RBcm9Au7G6td5yWmnoJmmpze1wPMgVsVfmgfjmjb0e4glUUaPVZV2G80QXkKXLG5ESbabG3oXTbF_lSvmVc/s640/blogger-image--1163459810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQYsjpKdqiL8BqQqy6yjd7-QWlbx-bFRIqQxoBbhEVYqr4SBOLtWs_uJ7RBcm9Au7G6td5yWmnoJmmpze1wPMgVsVfmgfjmjb0e4glUUaPVZV2G80QXkKXLG5ESbabG3oXTbF_lSvmVc/s640/blogger-image--1163459810.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Anyone who knows me, is well aware that I love art . Being " differently occupied " means that I no longer miss exhibitions that I want to see. Indeed , we travel for our art, as we did recently to see the East London Group "Out of Town" at Beecroft gallery , Southend . </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY8QX7ScwAafqniDNqDfFuumbdjc1aWHakO4CTZKeWtAekic6fOqQOyvQPtWK1U66bVD4-AVImXOzLfxWFwPiC8but5SyO6S0BMJ6EOVWGrC5ia6ZCDX64eKrXDqktZaSiQTXP13iwt0/s640/blogger-image--1410632634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY8QX7ScwAafqniDNqDfFuumbdjc1aWHakO4CTZKeWtAekic6fOqQOyvQPtWK1U66bVD4-AVImXOzLfxWFwPiC8but5SyO6S0BMJ6EOVWGrC5ia6ZCDX64eKrXDqktZaSiQTXP13iwt0/s640/blogger-image--1410632634.jpg"></a></div> Paintings by Cecil Osborne , East London Group </div><div><br></div><div> And I don't think we have missed an exhibition at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester , over the past year. The current exhibition is "the fabric of Modernism" , featuring the work of John Piper in textiles and tapestry. It's a stunning exhibition. I love his work and was amazed to learn that he did not design his first tapestry until he was in his sixties. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVpTI2yaXsF_3U1ohte7Ej_DGKmKSBVELMUTLUxwnUvQybQ2KEedrynwy5qfAyGF8g8Qc6LI2l3wOLY_cPiSBijbI6Ala3EgR68Nf_PI3F1Mlk-hJwvRZy2z5JFM08nNNkEE3xRhnCr4/s640/blogger-image--89405987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVpTI2yaXsF_3U1ohte7Ej_DGKmKSBVELMUTLUxwnUvQybQ2KEedrynwy5qfAyGF8g8Qc6LI2l3wOLY_cPiSBijbI6Ala3EgR68Nf_PI3F1Mlk-hJwvRZy2z5JFM08nNNkEE3xRhnCr4/s640/blogger-image--89405987.jpg"></a></div> Foliage Heads 1953 gouache and crayon on paper </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwDu6EUyC59JbjWsTMX9ivlql6esKJOZ8YshCFsJvpndF2wAh08JsYmnBS4wkCnGULwtyC5zKM7x7gjL8-xdHMZiGDE5fdLQuYsZip2C3kLSkb9bftIUJ0FIVSd8LRFH5JX9b_1HeRMc/s640/blogger-image-1212276695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwDu6EUyC59JbjWsTMX9ivlql6esKJOZ8YshCFsJvpndF2wAh08JsYmnBS4wkCnGULwtyC5zKM7x7gjL8-xdHMZiGDE5fdLQuYsZip2C3kLSkb9bftIUJ0FIVSd8LRFH5JX9b_1HeRMc/s640/blogger-image-1212276695.jpg"></a></div> Foliage head, Autumn, 1986 , wool pile tapestry </div><div><br></div><div>We are certainly getting value from our gallery memberships , of which Pallant House is but one. </div><div>And as well as enjoying the exhibitions, it's wonderful to meet at the member's room at Tate Modern to conduct mentoring sessions. The opportunity to support and challenge senior leaders who have sought me out is rewarding for me and ( I hope) valuable them . And I get the chance to pop into exhibitions on the way in and out . </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntLkrrsNMbQaIlWvvNxvOg55l2mx_Q4qAKKy2py_zRS3P0jm0z2PmZ5jfqMo8vKhwFjKyZ5cfcgXmzV_vk867W1aKPxC7iIUnUqe7_VorDbdmHxB-1lZCP8FXydV4SQWD8MQdzCV_gcE/s640/blogger-image-325396126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntLkrrsNMbQaIlWvvNxvOg55l2mx_Q4qAKKy2py_zRS3P0jm0z2PmZ5jfqMo8vKhwFjKyZ5cfcgXmzV_vk867W1aKPxC7iIUnUqe7_VorDbdmHxB-1lZCP8FXydV4SQWD8MQdzCV_gcE/s640/blogger-image-325396126.jpg"></a></div> Alexander Calder " Performing Sculpture " exhibition - Tate Modern </div><div><br></div><div>Twitter certainly takes up more of my "differently occupied" time and provides a continued connectedness to the world of public service and its leaders and practitioners for whom I retain huge care and respect . I manage to keep up to date with policy and practice and to participate in debate. </div><div>Even today , one of the blogs I follow, " A London inheritance", highlights a set of statues that I was first introduced to by my artist brother. The statues are by Alfred Drury and F.W.Pomeroy and were added to Vauxhall Bridge in 1907 . On the the western side they represent Agriculture, Architecture, Engineering and Pottery . On the eastern side they represent Science, Fine Arts, Local Government and Education . It delights me to think of such recognition for some of my pet subjects ! Who knows about these hidden gems? </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoApioLML8QDCzvMxFtXgfjWXLGFH7zvuylsdVw4OeABhkLG4PEIJ9EyAnDwndRPGdhQzC8aEFsdnDNtthcr0-jlLUnuY6rhf0vKQJks60Tw6RyR-7yX0iFkNQy5bL6wc2jRrI8tfBLy0/s640/blogger-image-600871840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoApioLML8QDCzvMxFtXgfjWXLGFH7zvuylsdVw4OeABhkLG4PEIJ9EyAnDwndRPGdhQzC8aEFsdnDNtthcr0-jlLUnuY6rhf0vKQJks60Tw6RyR-7yX0iFkNQy5bL6wc2jRrI8tfBLy0/s640/blogger-image-600871840.jpg"></a></div> Vauxhall Bridge east side statues : Science, Fine Arts, Local Government and Education</div><div><br></div><div>I could expand on other "work " as part of being "differently occupied " . I could illustrate the travel we have managed or the welcome extra time for our grown up children, friends and extended families . I could talk again about theatre and jazz which has delighted us . I think I will leave that for another week and end with a favourite East London Group picture . This takes me back to university in the early seventies at ( what was then) Queen Mary College, University of London , and then to social work in Tower Hamlets. Some would say being at uni was being "differently occupied" ; I hope they'd never say that about working for the citizens of Tower Hamlets as a Social Worker . </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymSd_LHaiOBNquqnIXJVdeYwPcQltZ6Y9dVI9RoUF290VyoqnQMs-CjUSiUOWuAPYuodqV7tP0owfq12iUd2198i3gkrmtCaZtkFRpKoaIUnpHc7igyLqR33siTAetOOaEuePHAQZHNc/s640/blogger-image--2008933123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymSd_LHaiOBNquqnIXJVdeYwPcQltZ6Y9dVI9RoUF290VyoqnQMs-CjUSiUOWuAPYuodqV7tP0owfq12iUd2198i3gkrmtCaZtkFRpKoaIUnpHc7igyLqR33siTAetOOaEuePHAQZHNc/s640/blogger-image--2008933123.jpg"></a></div> Canal, Mile End by Walter Steggles. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-88644344176445656472016-04-01T20:06:00.001+01:002016-04-01T21:18:47.515+01:00Mobile technology and social mediaII haven't posted for over a week since we've been travelling about and I hadn't much I wanted to share. And then I reflected on the wonders of the technology at my fingertips . These pictures from Chatsworth in Derbyshire last weekend were snapped on my iPhone. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mw1u5myffuUQjh8tIuqRXtBM8ASAPAhOycWEQCLLEzOHcOfM8nR0bZ83VEFJljaYHLqeq2H3zomr5lyzo5fIBiyOaAQ2wKW574pRFA6_xwjmoYLHaQUSR9DQ9ji-BaFIpnbvX5IJTqI/s640/blogger-image-1493361093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Mw1u5myffuUQjh8tIuqRXtBM8ASAPAhOycWEQCLLEzOHcOfM8nR0bZ83VEFJljaYHLqeq2H3zomr5lyzo5fIBiyOaAQ2wKW574pRFA6_xwjmoYLHaQUSR9DQ9ji-BaFIpnbvX5IJTqI/s640/blogger-image-1493361093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTWEGi3YNgVBHLpBarbCZnqDgoHTXnj-Km4s2DgKOByzPSX0SFjEldseZ6Odda8Tugr13eFiOkqyfPse9MptUmuqGFF7PALqY1jNTOsgWtToGsoP04pjCKtBd7t9zrpymycLVOUpDc7E/s640/blogger-image--2135586440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTWEGi3YNgVBHLpBarbCZnqDgoHTXnj-Km4s2DgKOByzPSX0SFjEldseZ6Odda8Tugr13eFiOkqyfPse9MptUmuqGFF7PALqY1jNTOsgWtToGsoP04pjCKtBd7t9zrpymycLVOUpDc7E/s640/blogger-image--2135586440.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't need special equipment to capture a reminder of a shared family Eastertime. And I was able to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">share the sun going down on Twitter , to delight my followers, should they happen to be looking. And some were. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5RW9CQgt27btvf0EQlHbmGbcxs1Pp7qml0CkU7j_UzkEHAOAD0E0J28g-6ttG7r8gPpmTnU_eO-3eYbmQh8ERYlB_UK8uoxqRSwJB8pJaip4h14ZzL52gLlEs_3wnwrSD0asHBR9Amo/s640/blogger-image-2020637909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5RW9CQgt27btvf0EQlHbmGbcxs1Pp7qml0CkU7j_UzkEHAOAD0E0J28g-6ttG7r8gPpmTnU_eO-3eYbmQh8ERYlB_UK8uoxqRSwJB8pJaip4h14ZzL52gLlEs_3wnwrSD0asHBR9Amo/s640/blogger-image-2020637909.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't know all or even most of my followers personally , nor can I be sure why they follow me. I follow about half of them back , and am confident that our shared interests have been reinforced and informed by being together on Twitter. I know that many people have taken up following @EastLondonGroup, having been charmed and intrigued by a retweet or posting of this wonderful art .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And it has been fantastic to meet fellow supporters in real life having got to know each other through Twitter. The "Sunday morning , Farringdon Road " posting has become a weekly ritual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcS97rkM3JeX0Pj6dI5Yz6AfqjznR4s94HYihOKu5P0hqI-wB_61CQrX_l7WGKeYuucG2u9vcpFZfRGSMHcoLjvLB6WlkZYtg6jqmWjID8opsQwFyVdkz0wIbI4jzILs3V_qTTltKz9I/s640/blogger-image-1482661691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcS97rkM3JeX0Pj6dI5Yz6AfqjznR4s94HYihOKu5P0hqI-wB_61CQrX_l7WGKeYuucG2u9vcpFZfRGSMHcoLjvLB6WlkZYtg6jqmWjID8opsQwFyVdkz0wIbI4jzILs3V_qTTltKz9I/s640/blogger-image-1482661691.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please don't miss a wonderful selection of the non- urban paintings at the "Out of the City" exhibition at the Beecroft Gallery in Southend, until late June. ( for more see last blog) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But art and nature aren't the only topics that are shared on Twitter. As well as news and current affairs , I've discovered the brilliant online magazine @standardissueuk started by comedian Sarah Millican, featuring wonderful women's writing . It is open, topical,quirky, entertaining ,supportive and challenging. And I've read wonderful books as a direct result of Twitter recommendations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X-I5-R71KfWgG3CQ4Kgr_onR5LeCALmTZGN1OPRku1Vur9npKWVVnlPYo7EVxf_IU3IGvFTmv-jTqPLproR9aqVW8oahJhQHV4TGtEK4SIGgh-WuoSvjhPH3ZziSGldh7869KqoGhzU/s640/blogger-image-191781830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6X-I5-R71KfWgG3CQ4Kgr_onR5LeCALmTZGN1OPRku1Vur9npKWVVnlPYo7EVxf_IU3IGvFTmv-jTqPLproR9aqVW8oahJhQHV4TGtEK4SIGgh-WuoSvjhPH3ZziSGldh7869KqoGhzU/s640/blogger-image-191781830.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My interest in organisational leadership, social care , local government,NHS, health and wellbeing, dementia and Children's safeguarding , finds numerous excellent commentators sharing research and opinion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Inspirational campaigns share their early evidence and garner valuable support through this channel . The inestimable Dr Kate Granger (@grangerkate) devised and championed the #mynameis campaign and it will be just one part of her legacy when her terminal illness finally takes her life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I was a serving Chief Executive I was accessible to councillors , staff, residents, fellow professionals and leaders in other organisations via Twitter. I found this an invaluable tool for our improvement journey , a source of support and intelligence , and only sometimes ......slightly irksome! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, social media must be approached sensibly and sensitively. (I am guided by the test - would I be happy to announce my tweet in a pub, cafe or similar) . I am convinced that like so many of the accessible new technologies available to non- specialists , social media and Twitter in particular, has to be embraced as a force for good. It <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">cannot be ignored by those running organisations. What's more it allows us to connect, learn, be active, notice and give (CLANG) even if we are restricted by age,infirmity, or disability .</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So let's end with another superb sky , this time back in Hove on Wednesday, and let's celebrate our ability to snap,share, learn and link . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcCVahPXjHRjKNjrbKejaCZsQJ_kNxo3QrU6WTf-oyyzUaHlcFxhXKwjztca8REJuEGbL2W3WrgLPLIONtm-j2Hx4Leoyxb13ZXzDyuAN75MW1dGOino5ZgwuPc7FF0kuyhHXcRwTjQg/s640/blogger-image-1994415069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcCVahPXjHRjKNjrbKejaCZsQJ_kNxo3QrU6WTf-oyyzUaHlcFxhXKwjztca8REJuEGbL2W3WrgLPLIONtm-j2Hx4Leoyxb13ZXzDyuAN75MW1dGOino5ZgwuPc7FF0kuyhHXcRwTjQg/s640/blogger-image-1994415069.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-60277463829567302302016-03-22T17:06:00.001+00:002016-03-22T22:34:23.243+00:00Pictures and words and all that jazz<div>S<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">emi- retirement/working independently is giving me increased time to indulge my love of the creative arts,you might have noticed! And this week I savour a feast of art, theatre and books , starting with the wonderful @East London Group of painters. Until June 25th you can see the stunning "Out of the City" exhibition at Southend's Beecroft Gallery , curated by Alan Waltham . And it is well worth it. For those who follow me on Twitter you will have seen many of </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the images in my timeline. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2DT91f366-CM0OczfipSduOsAqSZItP57ZoshuG1O5YXYQKHpgZ_Vtbo8dwupyNstJSNZ4MKh1eNlAOx1YJpKJA_6dYPErojU6nK6dWeiB5mxvpAeAryliGpK6Al7grgPnooinaW66o/s640/blogger-image-1308770402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2DT91f366-CM0OczfipSduOsAqSZItP57ZoshuG1O5YXYQKHpgZ_Vtbo8dwupyNstJSNZ4MKh1eNlAOx1YJpKJA_6dYPErojU6nK6dWeiB5mxvpAeAryliGpK6Al7grgPnooinaW66o/s640/blogger-image-1308770402.jpg"></a></div> Alan Waltham </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But nothing compares to the real pictures of the Steggles brothers, their teacher John Cooper , and the other wonderful artists in this group of fine painters . Thanks go to Alan, and Janeta his wife, who is the Steggles'neice , and David Buckman who researched the group and has just republished his book "From Bow to Biennale". As a result of their passion and dedication, the East London Group are enjoying a resurgence in interest, recognition and value for their work. And as an added bonus I have met all sorts of like minded appreciators of their art all through the medium of Twitter. You know who you are! </span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpCJ6EOMyWVGz6zqDzPokYniY0e7RSNDS1pWKiNoHD21Ego2s0oRurYBGFM9OuGO1DH5FNyVnRAd2tkWPzIhLe_1QaBEOIchjSncGege8RPQSQlnuP3qZPYzOtmGTNx9ieJajBXxjXdY/s640/blogger-image--312559859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpCJ6EOMyWVGz6zqDzPokYniY0e7RSNDS1pWKiNoHD21Ego2s0oRurYBGFM9OuGO1DH5FNyVnRAd2tkWPzIhLe_1QaBEOIchjSncGege8RPQSQlnuP3qZPYzOtmGTNx9ieJajBXxjXdY/s640/blogger-image--312559859.jpg"></a></div> Chesil beach from Portland Harold Steggles 1938</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapLsBIrEIsfFQ4Lo1Akj-4Qdwb3mFvInNRsduu-NsaV4u98vA8QJHM3vlMet_17u-kMKTHsypfAeICg0VwK7X9LOvBCUoE0yWW4gLD8MzwOlBpvWUc47XvsL0FOXmngJZIW_VGKhFA_Y/s640/blogger-image-1561054128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapLsBIrEIsfFQ4Lo1Akj-4Qdwb3mFvInNRsduu-NsaV4u98vA8QJHM3vlMet_17u-kMKTHsypfAeICg0VwK7X9LOvBCUoE0yWW4gLD8MzwOlBpvWUc47XvsL0FOXmngJZIW_VGKhFA_Y/s640/blogger-image-1561054128.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpATEsOZmVEOg5MAMNQ2JQKzI_XSXQdqiljZGysPUSiT0rF1AQydj7UmB6XFbQd8ioKSllDUFA_39fLz7aLBB3knra8EiNyUpNuwuItoWNW-f-aDDWtuFsJP_DRrNW7WgxkwyS8kREdk/s640/blogger-image--284291620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpATEsOZmVEOg5MAMNQ2JQKzI_XSXQdqiljZGysPUSiT0rF1AQydj7UmB6XFbQd8ioKSllDUFA_39fLz7aLBB3knra8EiNyUpNuwuItoWNW-f-aDDWtuFsJP_DRrNW7WgxkwyS8kREdk/s640/blogger-image--284291620.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>As well as my caring responsibilities , I mentor and advise on effective leadership, and remain committed to my public service values , determined to support colleagues in learning from best practice .</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Twitter plays a big part in providing me , and indeed all of us, with a sharing and support platform. This week it marked its 10th anniversary and I for one applaud the fellowship of Twitter and the learning and friendship I have gained through this particular form of social media. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBCbrnhzDp9tXyd4tBUn7twzyG3rNFOQZfbIFJfwG08d7DMWAAgp2HeO9wE3FM0vmLGkWj49EVB03B0Sr_DRUdClWf79Gix5tkGEEl_UryvGNK8sG8ktIBJpv1UqW_A_sR68udkjc_aE/s640/blogger-image-263930045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBCbrnhzDp9tXyd4tBUn7twzyG3rNFOQZfbIFJfwG08d7DMWAAgp2HeO9wE3FM0vmLGkWj49EVB03B0Sr_DRUdClWf79Gix5tkGEEl_UryvGNK8sG8ktIBJpv1UqW_A_sR68udkjc_aE/s640/blogger-image-263930045.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMKEo-v0yNm6FK8qiUOFewFhDJb5m6uVwvDy8WAAz5IBrniPwKvCHMGclklSoBkmxc9MWo4TJdXkpLdPZ2TJIEUQJYAtPTi7LTKwJfqopAvejioRIeQaTv_qVIFyQPB32Xh6zyyXZvqA/s640/blogger-image-611351457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMKEo-v0yNm6FK8qiUOFewFhDJb5m6uVwvDy8WAAz5IBrniPwKvCHMGclklSoBkmxc9MWo4TJdXkpLdPZ2TJIEUQJYAtPTi7LTKwJfqopAvejioRIeQaTv_qVIFyQPB32Xh6zyyXZvqA/s640/blogger-image-611351457.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This sculpture ,London Pride, by Frank Dobson, is one of my favourites and it graces the remodelled riverside entrance to the Royal National Theatre. It is one of the many delights of coming to the Southbank. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xxu2O8hrWhyphenhyphen9ERC9_g0LFPGkAUhWKSkoFLjnt4ErFdAUnXhLZnMWhd4lzWCJHV-ZbEUmDhJNmw2RF0ppBWoK3uaZn_JuzvIDuFbfvz2Zx46Ma_zj8ZgJAdNX9J-WwOAHyx_hHc0nVu0/s640/blogger-image-1285166588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xxu2O8hrWhyphenhyphen9ERC9_g0LFPGkAUhWKSkoFLjnt4ErFdAUnXhLZnMWhd4lzWCJHV-ZbEUmDhJNmw2RF0ppBWoK3uaZn_JuzvIDuFbfvz2Zx46Ma_zj8ZgJAdNX9J-WwOAHyx_hHc0nVu0/s640/blogger-image-1285166588.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In "Ma Raineys Black Bottom " currently playing at the Royal National Theatre , August Wilson is challenging our perceptions of race ,gender and sexuality using the real life mother of jazz, " Ma Rainey" . Through firey dialogue and dedicated exploration of a clutch of characters , challenging issues are uncomfortably explored and beautifully sung and played . As a white member of a largely white, middle aged ,middle class audience , I felt disrupted,shocked , rocked at the violence of the language and ultimately , the plot. The leading actors were also musicians and I was in awe of their performances , each and every one. We were not served up an easy or hopeful ending , and the cast must have been exhausted by the emotion and physicality of the evening. The programme provided a story of the playwright which was no less interesting , and reinforced the characteristics I would expect given the phenomenal writing and thinking in the play - here was a determined , intellectually capable,curious and underestimated man ; a brilliant writer. Try to see it if you can.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIcGsy8RJ6j7q7QPofC39bZEkxkPldv5cN4x_NzA9vi_Gv7XIadGFPt0yIbusRpUlt05-iZD26vO7Jxd8PqlNTGikXZq9iAenPSwjYm6TIB-Sy2cG3jjyf07xymhQgapEbVAFYaDL6eE/s640/blogger-image--1280671178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIcGsy8RJ6j7q7QPofC39bZEkxkPldv5cN4x_NzA9vi_Gv7XIadGFPt0yIbusRpUlt05-iZD26vO7Jxd8PqlNTGikXZq9iAenPSwjYm6TIB-Sy2cG3jjyf07xymhQgapEbVAFYaDL6eE/s640/blogger-image--1280671178.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then we come to the newly announced Makar ( Poet Laureate ) of Scotland, the fabulous Jackie Kay. She wrote this book "Trumpet " almost two decades ago, but I only got round to reading it this week. It's the story of a popular talented , dual heritage jazzman and loving husband , who is actually a woman . This revelation is beautifully explored from the perceptions of his wife, son and ultimately a journalist who sees herself writing an explosive book . The themes of gender, race and sexuality are so present and just like "Ma Rainey ", this story speaks meaningfully to us in 2016 . It does give hope, however. It is a story of love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's a reassuring message , especially on this day, 22/3/16 , which has seen more indiscriminate carnage as the result of terrorist attacks on Brussels . More than thirty are dead and many more are left with life changing injuries. Defiance ,hope and love are now finding expression across Europe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qQeRkoczC5I2k2rel4LzSsAZtDWgqX0QD-GWFceH5lxVbWMNhEAVcHXq4d0AzGta-YKYzw7J8JtGgcKbJdBtJ4rdOUc6WKUW53-4wHza5foEVyWCknEovxv0sMGFiX49UUch4YJseLo/s640/blogger-image--2100229654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qQeRkoczC5I2k2rel4LzSsAZtDWgqX0QD-GWFceH5lxVbWMNhEAVcHXq4d0AzGta-YKYzw7J8JtGgcKbJdBtJ4rdOUc6WKUW53-4wHza5foEVyWCknEovxv0sMGFiX49UUch4YJseLo/s640/blogger-image--2100229654.jpg"></a></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> The Eiffel Tower lit in the colours of Belgium as a show of solidarity </font></div><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-26116727863871214062016-03-13T19:19:00.001+00:002016-03-13T20:54:07.790+00:00Creative writingAs a prelude to Damien Barr's Literay Salon , we spent last weekend in south east London . It just so happened that it was Mothers Day and we were house guests of my daughter, her boyfriend and my eldest son. Mother's Day weekend included a choral concert ( see last blog), walks around Peckham Rye and Camberwell ; delicious tapas ; and being treated to the master bedroom rather than the sitting room floor! <div><br></div><div><br><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDscrYiOt1mCKyYoarbM7nbRRa0gV5bLB6Wj61padv52wEXNsoXIRO5cM3rX6c2gkNOvRn0YwZR5KOZcmnMQRKHkEsCqJrWD0LvFllbeASKHiOqDGI1cYRxcMExRGy1noL-oz07X33-c/s640/blogger-image--663304074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDscrYiOt1mCKyYoarbM7nbRRa0gV5bLB6Wj61padv52wEXNsoXIRO5cM3rX6c2gkNOvRn0YwZR5KOZcmnMQRKHkEsCqJrWD0LvFllbeASKHiOqDGI1cYRxcMExRGy1noL-oz07X33-c/s640/blogger-image--663304074.jpg"></a></div> This mural on Choumert Road, is just one of the Southwark's visual gems .</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And on Monday , sunny Brockwell park served up more delights to reinforce the coming of Spring with a lovely walled garden , gorgeous budding Magnolia and bright horizon views of the city .</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuwnoiKgz5d8P6OjFSbwPnC9b-Rv3tA0mil4WLNaNvOeywgIuHU1b70MmvqZobv9WGeMeWClCMDA5kZEsiLfNqOMGEzyGU5hAY7tualow6dewebB7r7f8U4uFVQ_BrCcEvN2ZjnoH2kU/s640/blogger-image-1042908189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuwnoiKgz5d8P6OjFSbwPnC9b-Rv3tA0mil4WLNaNvOeywgIuHU1b70MmvqZobv9WGeMeWClCMDA5kZEsiLfNqOMGEzyGU5hAY7tualow6dewebB7r7f8U4uFVQ_BrCcEvN2ZjnoH2kU/s640/blogger-image-1042908189.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> </font><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6zC9YGXJQSiYr4vYqwLB-nx__wFfqk8OtszKYgqrA1OCA4SArBMpRaaQs7qBrb7bm-UpGZoQJAAM2TVESdLH8yZMnwiMa5TARQ_KcYqRsCV7H0b1gnUpDC4Ktw2Hx0d28TXJIHYAqbE/s640/blogger-image-842696374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6zC9YGXJQSiYr4vYqwLB-nx__wFfqk8OtszKYgqrA1OCA4SArBMpRaaQs7qBrb7bm-UpGZoQJAAM2TVESdLH8yZMnwiMa5TARQ_KcYqRsCV7H0b1gnUpDC4Ktw2Hx0d28TXJIHYAqbE/s640/blogger-image-842696374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAXFrQcF_XrZMqZRtE8fziw_91zur8j79ccZpjVPDo16W10Rvk8Oj-AYGkkmWK75IEUcPFgBYrUMfRaDlHVG3m6A2cDPAU7hHZ-8sfN_MOsIB6Zdy2EQt7F0U8kMwslJzCkAODBNZDTM/s640/blogger-image--2026018027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAXFrQcF_XrZMqZRtE8fziw_91zur8j79ccZpjVPDo16W10Rvk8Oj-AYGkkmWK75IEUcPFgBYrUMfRaDlHVG3m6A2cDPAU7hHZ-8sfN_MOsIB6Zdy2EQt7F0U8kMwslJzCkAODBNZDTM/s640/blogger-image--2026018027.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">As well as enjoying London street and park life , our mission was to catch the Lee Miller exhibition at the Imperial War Museum . The timing was especially appropriate for the week of International Women's Day. My Christmas present " Lee Miller : A woman's war " the book of the exhibition , had worked its magic and I was keen to see the exhibition . It did not disappoint and is on until 24th April. These photographs shine a light on the role of women through the Second World War , as well as giving testimony to the brilliance of Lee Miller (1907-77) , an embedded war photographer and reporter. That her son only learnt of her war work after her death is shocking. </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0sN-Nd0o3X0S-BodsHxKL1z6qtI7YS1YOXfQsCxki235ouYFjf4oL7MQtdwDwy-9v-gZnBpimv6vpjho7WgUvFf6I6DP8NyJ1T4yC4jn-4mrvI1HDM6XPuVlOTfQx-LWjcW7wu2j6ac/s640/blogger-image--649334781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0sN-Nd0o3X0S-BodsHxKL1z6qtI7YS1YOXfQsCxki235ouYFjf4oL7MQtdwDwy-9v-gZnBpimv6vpjho7WgUvFf6I6DP8NyJ1T4yC4jn-4mrvI1HDM6XPuVlOTfQx-LWjcW7wu2j6ac/s640/blogger-image--649334781.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDStmyof5ZcLbkLYkclz9QlIpLzS2m9XXotctf4bvw_h3yDT72aLeGXSSZcn0SZixc_FVXbXtnvJ2Y0RLNHzG94VYI3fhnGdKe64H3A7opilf5k64pY4j8TvH4j_xNSxpXvYhoBTW9EI/s640/blogger-image--1725784244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDStmyof5ZcLbkLYkclz9QlIpLzS2m9XXotctf4bvw_h3yDT72aLeGXSSZcn0SZixc_FVXbXtnvJ2Y0RLNHzG94VYI3fhnGdKe64H3A7opilf5k64pY4j8TvH4j_xNSxpXvYhoBTW9EI/s640/blogger-image--1725784244.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"> Night and Day , London ,1937 Roland Penrose </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">The exhibition informed us that " Lee Miller met Roland Penrose , a leading British Surrealust artist,collector and curator ,while visiting Paris in 1937. Although both were already married ,they immediately became lovers. Their passionate,turbulent but highly creative relationship was informed by Surrealism and endured for the rest of Miller's life. .....Night and Day.... depicts Miller's personality as well as her physical features" . </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqG19si36_9P-2SQCEozc4OdVzh-YLf-5ScZ_wtd1tLYuDjEeCDusNK5zCUW9RXEhDrp8HIjs_ZNPwdigpf9ri0qJ5Bfeklr0mWXQc8zOQdlLdUK8irFWvErCiTDaKa_1AYCbQOy7WAM/s640/blogger-image-353991106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqG19si36_9P-2SQCEozc4OdVzh-YLf-5ScZ_wtd1tLYuDjEeCDusNK5zCUW9RXEhDrp8HIjs_ZNPwdigpf9ri0qJ5Bfeklr0mWXQc8zOQdlLdUK8irFWvErCiTDaKa_1AYCbQOy7WAM/s640/blogger-image-353991106.jpg"></a></div> The Imperial War Museum </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj947IGLk59qumCSIzDtmUveEwCMjUIelRR8rHZGnMXzIo5PhZktDXxXYg8tUlHbdiN8tDbWdwPCIJQ65BjjYWbxP4aPJGIGROC6J2dESmM733YFdlDAqCaffU5Bbm4nS-eFlTOxawKqiM/s640/blogger-image-93361901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj947IGLk59qumCSIzDtmUveEwCMjUIelRR8rHZGnMXzIo5PhZktDXxXYg8tUlHbdiN8tDbWdwPCIJQ65BjjYWbxP4aPJGIGROC6J2dESmM733YFdlDAqCaffU5Bbm4nS-eFlTOxawKqiM/s640/blogger-image-93361901.jpg"></a></div> Paul Nash ( 1889-1946 ) Battle of Germany 1944 </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">Outside the museum, as well as lovely gardens , we encountered an unmistakable piece of the Berlin Wall , with an example of punchy writing , acquired by the IWM in 1991. </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN27ZmUpnhJfcZX1SxnLjhSmEyUy18IYZi55O9QuZXRNk6IvCkWIeeMdGuUamaoM9CaXy7zw4ynWxZBHldC7S8QUj2Kj0KeTYVdxmJgNxYtsgu-yQbQsUsomH7et69GP12ALOKnfjrDiU/s640/blogger-image--552255241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN27ZmUpnhJfcZX1SxnLjhSmEyUy18IYZi55O9QuZXRNk6IvCkWIeeMdGuUamaoM9CaXy7zw4ynWxZBHldC7S8QUj2Kj0KeTYVdxmJgNxYtsgu-yQbQsUsomH7et69GP12ALOKnfjrDiU/s640/blogger-image--552255241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;">Our Monday evening was to bring us more creative culture in the form of Damien Barr's Literary Salon , newly moved to the Savoy . And in preparation for this we enjoyed the sun setting over Southbank from the window in the American Bar. </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQgUUVW1qL9cHomjcTMTMX08oMvZHvubPGXmrSD1sU8zWJv4GcPOMlfmnuC-3iXMzUjgWWpqJCLQfyD26fQ5YR3kGwQtKbVEYQdd6fPGeGe3eZ0jrEEugoX26phiVGhmiTJ515LZs7nE/s640/blogger-image-1031986532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-C5MKGYXb26k8Ts6IvSmtrClKP1OgWwW9Nn2IBPJtEPsYIPy9J7wbGUq9ZtDGjgVGxCE-sQLZCzMn3Hh9Y5q5HR0RJV3g4xOKteAlN6_3njDuwB1se3x7l9a90drTt5Kqla-fYt-uVTo/s640/blogger-image--571301610.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQgUUVW1qL9cHomjcTMTMX08oMvZHvubPGXmrSD1sU8zWJv4GcPOMlfmnuC-3iXMzUjgWWpqJCLQfyD26fQ5YR3kGwQtKbVEYQdd6fPGeGe3eZ0jrEEugoX26phiVGhmiTJ515LZs7nE/s640/blogger-image-1031986532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">What a fantastic line up we enjoyed , all different , all tempting us with their readings and interviews . Susan Calman , a comedian with a love of cats , a legal background and a struggle with depression, is one of the funniest voices on Radio 4 , and tantalised us with her memoir. </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Garth Greenwell's debut novel "What belongs to you" was beautifully read , and this poet won us over,tempting us to read his book whose narrator explores his sexuality whilst teaching in Bulgaria. </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I had especially wanted to hear and see Joan Bakewell , who at 82 ,</font>is as vibrant and vocal as ever. She did not disappoint and I enjoyed her reading from "Stop the Clocks", just as I did when it was "book of the week" on the radio . Finally, Maggie O'Farrell discussed her new novel , "This must be the place" which will be published in May , and explores a marriage in "freefall" . I have never read Maggie before , but will start now. </div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Savoy has longstanding literary connections we learnt, and new ones were being forged in the Lancaster Ballroom on Monday at this sellout salon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMAIdSGdBEGcqq6eHDrUFaYdNthtPEWbFaq2kCUf6CH5qk5yrCp2TaSMJGf2fn4dqPsoEaJ1bI0QK7ntJH6e2Ym1M6B0EKtEjvwBhMXKsuxEN7N7747YY5H7jTwZNSVKj2H632zuJc40/s640/blogger-image--1695141979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMAIdSGdBEGcqq6eHDrUFaYdNthtPEWbFaq2kCUf6CH5qk5yrCp2TaSMJGf2fn4dqPsoEaJ1bI0QK7ntJH6e2Ym1M6B0EKtEjvwBhMXKsuxEN7N7747YY5H7jTwZNSVKj2H632zuJc40/s640/blogger-image--1695141979.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMAIdSGdBEGcqq6eHDrUFaYdNthtPEWbFaq2kCUf6CH5qk5yrCp2TaSMJGf2fn4dqPsoEaJ1bI0QK7ntJH6e2Ym1M6B0EKtEjvwBhMXKsuxEN7N7747YY5H7jTwZNSVKj2H632zuJc40/s640/blogger-image--1695141979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7wU69rvtaCg9zdt8cWjILHJrrWfcQXZqD4ebg2bnlV9wgzY8CeTNxyTTCfLxOC2Lnc8GXbLeT7WPnqqTIuDMl11TyFXanxs0jPx2zCpT3okQ0ZUPdllT8Hq_XVW4axUA-haffxfqVBU/s640/blogger-image-492759182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7wU69rvtaCg9zdt8cWjILHJrrWfcQXZqD4ebg2bnlV9wgzY8CeTNxyTTCfLxOC2Lnc8GXbLeT7WPnqqTIuDMl11TyFXanxs0jPx2zCpT3okQ0ZUPdllT8Hq_XVW4axUA-haffxfqVBU/s640/blogger-image-492759182.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Damien Barr and Joan Bakewell </div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">As well as completing a 6 week Creative writing course this week with the excellent Araminta Hall, on Saturday I attended the first Beach Hut Academy Writer's conference. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu8pbHJD1vOfgug4m_XfB0qYUZDBP4v6YrM06Oll3K-oJC84vcNbuH8XZdTVz0nq7r-i2KfF-qTKBab3MYyFRkoXpCGENFqM5L8wwrtXvcXHzNA6g-wM2a81Sv8Gkf1die47WRqCTLFM/s640/blogger-image-141362432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu8pbHJD1vOfgug4m_XfB0qYUZDBP4v6YrM06Oll3K-oJC84vcNbuH8XZdTVz0nq7r-i2KfF-qTKBab3MYyFRkoXpCGENFqM5L8wwrtXvcXHzNA6g-wM2a81Sv8Gkf1die47WRqCTLFM/s640/blogger-image-141362432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> A sunny hazy seafront walk to the Conference , "Write by the Beach" </div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">With a packed agenda and a wonderful line up of published authors, literary agents and publishers this was a stimulating and informative day. It had been brilliantly organised , and feedback has been universally positive. And it all took place at the beautiful Angel House , a stunning Regency Town House venue on Brighton seafront . I learned a huge amount , met up with others interested in reading and writing , and was intimidated by the challenges of becoming a published writer . </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGczGYV-nMo5Hwaoe287sTWKLVTgG5SgFNQ3Rzk_ryXBA3N2uL-PEUAtdcL1ytsdy6Qbpd8TROuYnkrPoLWI2umaelMHPVgj30q0_179q3KLrUZRmK9aM4VtBeakV_L9wHgzlZTU85TyU/s640/blogger-image-390173461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGczGYV-nMo5Hwaoe287sTWKLVTgG5SgFNQ3Rzk_ryXBA3N2uL-PEUAtdcL1ytsdy6Qbpd8TROuYnkrPoLWI2umaelMHPVgj30q0_179q3KLrUZRmK9aM4VtBeakV_L9wHgzlZTU85TyU/s640/blogger-image-390173461.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Angel House 1 Brunswick Terrace, Hove BN3 1HN </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Inevitably , this has been a heavy book buying week too ! So there's even more reading to do , and more writing too. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div></div></div><div><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-25975529662183300532016-03-06T23:21:00.001+00:002016-03-07T16:12:25.399+00:00Listening, learning togetherBefore I had left Brighton station to travel to the exciting Queen Elizabeth Park for what to you may seem a dull sounding "Leadership Forum" on Thursday , I encountered a powerful manifestation of learning in action. During my ten minute wait I enjoyed the playing from Jeremy on the station piano. I told him how much I valued this musical start to my day . He gave me a powerful insight into the joy of learning a skill, and being creative . As an adult he has learnt to play and compose on the piano .<div><br></div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3-QE2DRMtNN-tA40aJH-12KWw-L2l5S5snwpDAORP2VnQbb4GIdzhqmZSqFma29g9h_BpaDKYeENvgaXkFAlKXvlwF-v1I8sG7XCMOkQ3hZhu-oUixnhxNkGTrEadi30adtIMz_uTro/s640/blogger-image-2039699881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3-QE2DRMtNN-tA40aJH-12KWw-L2l5S5snwpDAORP2VnQbb4GIdzhqmZSqFma29g9h_BpaDKYeENvgaXkFAlKXvlwF-v1I8sG7XCMOkQ3hZhu-oUixnhxNkGTrEadi30adtIMz_uTro/s640/blogger-image-2039699881.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jeremy sometimes plays ( for free ) at the Grand , and is self taught. He doesn't regard himself as a pianist, but he's certainly a piano player . And learning by doing is giving him pleasure and meaning. I do hope he does find someone who can transcribe the recent composition he played me . Meeting him was inspiring. I hope he comes across someone who can assist his musical development. Sadly I can't help with music; I can only appreciate it.</div> </div></div><div>I was visiting the Olympic park for the first time since 2012 , and it was a real treat to experience the "Orbit" and to see this regenerated part of London flourishing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ShnLSR1SBVyB4UnW7VAc2eGvHbDOGpf1Up5BCXZRx6M3dPG-Toi_dDuwCwQHNVdwMNqk3A2MfmaOj9MBNYxoMEuIdm0wboDDzLeoW___9a78NqhJJKbSI08yj2cKVJOG51PMsrrt-A8/s640/blogger-image-382815139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ShnLSR1SBVyB4UnW7VAc2eGvHbDOGpf1Up5BCXZRx6M3dPG-Toi_dDuwCwQHNVdwMNqk3A2MfmaOj9MBNYxoMEuIdm0wboDDzLeoW___9a78NqhJJKbSI08yj2cKVJOG51PMsrrt-A8/s640/blogger-image-382815139.jpg"></a></div> The Orbit in the morning </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf0rC1W-jZB_Y0cHdTzd4m7LTOaw0boNwO12Kle47HGcMhjgHx4d_tpO5b1hYZFAZdOO5XEFSvKReojnYxwJ2rqRK_NmI_z1mseoHzQKxUG6fUkhAitT6VH2_vhEL0exMY41bwVNVbEk/s640/blogger-image-645894422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf0rC1W-jZB_Y0cHdTzd4m7LTOaw0boNwO12Kle47HGcMhjgHx4d_tpO5b1hYZFAZdOO5XEFSvKReojnYxwJ2rqRK_NmI_z1mseoHzQKxUG6fUkhAitT6VH2_vhEL0exMY41bwVNVbEk/s640/blogger-image-645894422.jpg"></a></div> The Orbit at dusk </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RzpaQaI57eGYGv_L-ytIAO_Bq6wd5zi7fUIFKFMJ8XMp927HTlJfLTw0U31CQfxrSY6ozguV9NCX95KCXrovoKQ066qtCdV9SNysYr1dx8sQ-_c5kHgJ0QtC__o2w5TRn0NKUZWzVT4/s640/blogger-image--207881818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RzpaQaI57eGYGv_L-ytIAO_Bq6wd5zi7fUIFKFMJ8XMp927HTlJfLTw0U31CQfxrSY6ozguV9NCX95KCXrovoKQ066qtCdV9SNysYr1dx8sQ-_c5kHgJ0QtC__o2w5TRn0NKUZWzVT4/s640/blogger-image--207881818.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> London in the gloaming</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this impressive setting, which stands testimony to effective vision , investment and delivery, senior public servants came to listen and share. Assisted by business, voluntary sector and academia we reflected on leading in uncertain ,volatile, connected times . The conclusions of the day were reinforcing of the essentials of leadership : clear purpose, well articulated vision , shared commitment , positive values and expectations leading to a principled culture , motivated empowered people and thus effective outcomes. Follow our speakers on Twitter and read them for more substance .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExe1WpWigTh28rCiUInPY4Jy1LmpaTew3M6D_N8-4mhiIkWMqBPOYHL12yYNIp1lvdGMKBc62VetAVWer3tHZHLSQ74m_xSVI2EVe7xBILugxM_iOlziDg6ub1ZrA9p4TsaXiBiZEHIE/s640/blogger-image-1390850608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExe1WpWigTh28rCiUInPY4Jy1LmpaTew3M6D_N8-4mhiIkWMqBPOYHL12yYNIp1lvdGMKBc62VetAVWer3tHZHLSQ74m_xSVI2EVe7xBILugxM_iOlziDg6ub1ZrA9p4TsaXiBiZEHIE/s640/blogger-image-1390850608.jpg"></a></div> Sacha Romanovitch , Chief Executive of Grant Thornton </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgazWEFCl-gwTimJQ4tN2D3uthxpqUgUgV8nrpRFbvYDzs0op50WeiQ1TyqtQ3cCRBYwumgtibMixp6xmt8Vu5O5Iz8h_iHjWZKbDnzlPE1PyPOxrGExx6s3OzhZw2z4man1tLTogfKU/s640/blogger-image-1759902620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgazWEFCl-gwTimJQ4tN2D3uthxpqUgUgV8nrpRFbvYDzs0op50WeiQ1TyqtQ3cCRBYwumgtibMixp6xmt8Vu5O5Iz8h_iHjWZKbDnzlPE1PyPOxrGExx6s3OzhZw2z4man1tLTogfKU/s640/blogger-image-1759902620.jpg"></a></div> Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the RSA </div><br></div><div> The space to listen,exchange,and think is something we all need . In my work now , I'm focussed on good leadership through mentoring, advising and assessing rather than heading up a big organisation, and I need this reflective learning opportunity quite as much as my colleagues. Our evening charity dinner allowed more networking,learning and catching up with friends and colleagues . </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mtoz90JmsSKU4F8sYQY_c0Xw0psHznIas_4rOJActXATzgx1x2CdjsItDv-TBukZwoe_boFqeDGFXOOeR53K3YaNme6gpSMq2gC7cv6ovYXgMKQL66JMfNKPXOmhOQfQ72niWeW0DOk/s640/blogger-image-1232876608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mtoz90JmsSKU4F8sYQY_c0Xw0psHznIas_4rOJActXATzgx1x2CdjsItDv-TBukZwoe_boFqeDGFXOOeR53K3YaNme6gpSMq2gC7cv6ovYXgMKQL66JMfNKPXOmhOQfQ72niWeW0DOk/s640/blogger-image-1232876608.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div></div><div><br></div><div>When on Saturday night we listened to the Thames Chamber Choir in St Marks Church by Regents Park , I was enchanted by the music (Thomas Tallis , Rachmaninov and more) with amazing sounds produced by human voices in harmony . I was also proud of Jordan now making his living from singing, conducting and teaching music . And my thoughts came back to Jeremy and whether he will<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> benefit from the camaraderie of other musicians , and achieve his dreams . I hope so. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnpv_cGTWk_mW62IwPvts1c4HIadJL_-Ufy1WJUpa1qgW1Jq53jasmWbdDFOjvvMkuarrcqUyr3KJ3X54gh8P3kP_cQWt5RriVdFGbA0yc5ev2X9oE-nk_Lio8bO4Tk5NssF7mZOnDLE/s640/blogger-image--1796415257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnpv_cGTWk_mW62IwPvts1c4HIadJL_-Ufy1WJUpa1qgW1Jq53jasmWbdDFOjvvMkuarrcqUyr3KJ3X54gh8P3kP_cQWt5RriVdFGbA0yc5ev2X9oE-nk_Lio8bO4Tk5NssF7mZOnDLE/s640/blogger-image--1796415257.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2pEnggc69FFHAoOpYxfpLN2iBJjtIL5pfJ-y99Mh7r6fBkkU_oacvYZdxLMl-zZVYzvHYoUTgOEusieh9R5-dV5qsgg3-kfBzm8bOHIlEE154aHhuAXBb_U4U6V9EGgEkoKRuouZsfM/s640/blogger-image-922564671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2pEnggc69FFHAoOpYxfpLN2iBJjtIL5pfJ-y99Mh7r6fBkkU_oacvYZdxLMl-zZVYzvHYoUTgOEusieh9R5-dV5qsgg3-kfBzm8bOHIlEE154aHhuAXBb_U4U6V9EGgEkoKRuouZsfM/s640/blogger-image-922564671.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-70289563757713750392016-02-27T15:35:00.001+00:002016-02-27T15:38:46.463+00:00North and south<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01Vv7Q0u1_X6cVL3S5N1g-uL1sAbMrKmLkZ2V9yuKUQLUj38WzuIZc6Dy40eUxVQ3xoZlIqTR9II9Vr9bi3iZZki4aoPh-RiVz_9J_9UxwzOO7qZjcPyZ-lyIU4xXq5D1aoaqrP1g3II/s640/blogger-image--1429476247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01Vv7Q0u1_X6cVL3S5N1g-uL1sAbMrKmLkZ2V9yuKUQLUj38WzuIZc6Dy40eUxVQ3xoZlIqTR9II9Vr9bi3iZZki4aoPh-RiVz_9J_9UxwzOO7qZjcPyZ-lyIU4xXq5D1aoaqrP1g3II/s640/blogger-image--1429476247.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Chatsworth park- sheep and deer </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leaving behind the sea and shore of the south coast , last weekend we ventured north for a short break in our Campervan. In our sights were the haunts of our past life in the environs of Sheffield, S.Yorkshire , the biggest village in England (4th city after London, Brum and Leeds) . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just 25minutes drive from Sheffield, Chatsworth's campsite is beautifully situated with a gateway into the parkland surrounding the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">magnificent country house , it's farm and gardens. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f18b0z5uNrU7IzTQMduHe5SRLaX2xpIHAw30dhnuU1JauNFk-HkkVpDPdao73Y5FuRhunEWLl34bdgYBau5yrVNAnQUo-uAYMsjeqESClrqunQfkCVRBjf94auQMZR4NnIbaq-IlCbk/s640/blogger-image-180714359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f18b0z5uNrU7IzTQMduHe5SRLaX2xpIHAw30dhnuU1JauNFk-HkkVpDPdao73Y5FuRhunEWLl34bdgYBau5yrVNAnQUo-uAYMsjeqESClrqunQfkCVRBjf94auQMZR4NnIbaq-IlCbk/s640/blogger-image-180714359.jpg"></a></div> Bridge over the River Derwent at Chatsworth </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The gloriously bright crisp days and acres of parkland provided brilliant dog walks and a chance to revisit this magnificent estate whose house dates back to Bess of Hardwick in the 1560s. Its south and east fronts were extensively rebuilt in the late 1690s , with later additions in every century since. And the result is a very handsome country house , now owned by the 12th Duke of Devonshire. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdHnmTJkqovIFC4c3Q4KnIW1eqqLOM7tOelBQ3Rm8xntRlnth2Tl4oqxfcWRn8K3egykUtVdo82MVHh6Ak3nm34zvq4EmFdPLOE6me8ENAUnWrJHxa6_yD0S7A0bVuU-xGAUGHUCcdZI/s640/blogger-image-1597179417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdHnmTJkqovIFC4c3Q4KnIW1eqqLOM7tOelBQ3Rm8xntRlnth2Tl4oqxfcWRn8K3egykUtVdo82MVHh6Ak3nm34zvq4EmFdPLOE6me8ENAUnWrJHxa6_yD0S7A0bVuU-xGAUGHUCcdZI/s640/blogger-image-1597179417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHrzknm3Fu3WpT6V82scO44hkZ5_BYICsnPzjnHIi4bSbT4fjDAPTWxCk3Mw_GgceEv2Ct2zpX6fZAbxiT_ZQuRwKwWSxTKPb2H5E629NZ9zggMvi7z5UKyS40AUo3tPNpaK55FrhI0w/s640/blogger-image-159259110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHrzknm3Fu3WpT6V82scO44hkZ5_BYICsnPzjnHIi4bSbT4fjDAPTWxCk3Mw_GgceEv2Ct2zpX6fZAbxiT_ZQuRwKwWSxTKPb2H5E629NZ9zggMvi7z5UKyS40AUo3tPNpaK55FrhI0w/s640/blogger-image-159259110.jpg"></a></div> Chatsworth </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxLgjFtaaOV75y-2Tmvdnr-TYPmberZeAej4b2ahJ9e_ZJGDxR-6h5lW77SLH-htG8uWsnBlgbEitjpRsNFz_FYcbeOgl2NgtYodoId_iMu8QHXm4tAczZ3AusGQ2u1_YhhUhQrVzTgg/s640/blogger-image-828066896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxLgjFtaaOV75y-2Tmvdnr-TYPmberZeAej4b2ahJ9e_ZJGDxR-6h5lW77SLH-htG8uWsnBlgbEitjpRsNFz_FYcbeOgl2NgtYodoId_iMu8QHXm4tAczZ3AusGQ2u1_YhhUhQrVzTgg/s640/blogger-image-828066896.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Though I'm a Londoner by birth, I'm the result of the union of my northeastern mother and south London father , and the pull of the north has always been strong for me . Indeed I've spent the majority of my adult years living in the North. So it was a delight to return to familiar favourite places, including Bakewell on market day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32G7fE4-LGNH0uYLvXKhrq69mIoDkM_H3eXDnFBnzAn4fcvZFtmb5yYbMLxfd1VpdU4CCsjTJ490Yjvh4m6Q-ArjHFLGa3jnjQnLj-TX1B5OlWch5kQvRPxMwdDu209t2OrjFrA2aPfs/s640/blogger-image--1024977740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32G7fE4-LGNH0uYLvXKhrq69mIoDkM_H3eXDnFBnzAn4fcvZFtmb5yYbMLxfd1VpdU4CCsjTJ490Yjvh4m6Q-ArjHFLGa3jnjQnLj-TX1B5OlWch5kQvRPxMwdDu209t2OrjFrA2aPfs/s640/blogger-image--1024977740.jpg"></a></div> Bridge at Bakewell </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> On Tuesday we revisited David Mellor's workshop and shop outside Hathersage , and then sampled the delights of the Plough , with its magnificent views over the Peak . </div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnfgHSTdXSnmA2vrE1bSD9BVS3qH3SxHjx6BAsLBKoesp9f3WZ2gTw6nqM3-Sdcq6qZ3TV7me61TYfjd_PXArTeZ8Rork3Teu57fWWXF3FtBPZc0AudNTD_i2U9UucMPs4T4KlvR7-4s/s640/blogger-image-207332304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnfgHSTdXSnmA2vrE1bSD9BVS3qH3SxHjx6BAsLBKoesp9f3WZ2gTw6nqM3-Sdcq6qZ3TV7me61TYfjd_PXArTeZ8Rork3Teu57fWWXF3FtBPZc0AudNTD_i2U9UucMPs4T4KlvR7-4s/s640/blogger-image-207332304.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And of course jaunts to visit the family in Sheff were interspersed throughout our tour, bringing us happy play times with the grandchildren ( when prized from their iPads) and tasty meals with their parents. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdBNL65EtjDShYDKW1tWHF-FmMcue_7uM2FdggK6LPs9WLcaFl6N8KpzS9AbfV7WyvnzBPz0k4sm6h_5XvMNM8FHcCohWfnVE3P-dszwl59zmH1jMHwlCuIrFKFL7cEODhCef-WbaZ5E/s640/blogger-image--671724380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdBNL65EtjDShYDKW1tWHF-FmMcue_7uM2FdggK6LPs9WLcaFl6N8KpzS9AbfV7WyvnzBPz0k4sm6h_5XvMNM8FHcCohWfnVE3P-dszwl59zmH1jMHwlCuIrFKFL7cEODhCef-WbaZ5E/s640/blogger-image--671724380.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Our final day was frosty and sunny ; Chatsworth park at its best . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRz-gzMTXui838UTCYXAZ3MyUAwx8oIc_8zOjEqgOPV4-tKMGmklipEM-4HYYNB3X0S91kwenckcTm9BuvxEnPEHuLqzfWp7TRfDZ7skEPSPfpjsJIk_Q_DevAz3alu3nGs6ag5UylXI/s640/blogger-image-1122633053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRz-gzMTXui838UTCYXAZ3MyUAwx8oIc_8zOjEqgOPV4-tKMGmklipEM-4HYYNB3X0S91kwenckcTm9BuvxEnPEHuLqzfWp7TRfDZ7skEPSPfpjsJIk_Q_DevAz3alu3nGs6ag5UylXI/s640/blogger-image-1122633053.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3u8Xr3-9LcQRIlFITB-G-dXr41N1la3qafgABJMP6TG6ahUV6u7-nMCmyQlvBwBvIUULeVoYShqhXkEPXbdQJYqYjbN9pJsMYSKlSdEer9F12UniDN0y3kD1hVIGANOeUtBOYayPMCQ/s640/blogger-image--70628649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3u8Xr3-9LcQRIlFITB-G-dXr41N1la3qafgABJMP6TG6ahUV6u7-nMCmyQlvBwBvIUULeVoYShqhXkEPXbdQJYqYjbN9pJsMYSKlSdEer9F12UniDN0y3kD1hVIGANOeUtBOYayPMCQ/s640/blogger-image--70628649.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so on Wednsday we left our Chatsworth idyll and set off on the long journey home, determined to appreciate both north and south, city and country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOhxcb1JPqJsj35S7Qvh_z-vNpw8jDTnLAb7dZrGYa83hJt40DBP9e8z9cfHvec9KRowhyphenhyphen5s7JQisBY8E_bG_4RvVl275p2-w7nssuQ9aYQJ4BUEKfpY3-N_9j0-mlPXotd9DDV5aY40/s640/blogger-image--1980713940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOhxcb1JPqJsj35S7Qvh_z-vNpw8jDTnLAb7dZrGYa83hJt40DBP9e8z9cfHvec9KRowhyphenhyphen5s7JQisBY8E_bG_4RvVl275p2-w7nssuQ9aYQJ4BUEKfpY3-N_9j0-mlPXotd9DDV5aY40/s640/blogger-image--1980713940.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-8647318027203582752016-02-17T21:17:00.001+00:002016-02-17T21:17:18.934+00:00CaringThis week is half term for most places, but not for Sheffield; theirs came a week early. So last week whilst local children were still working away, our South Yorkshire cherubs came down for a few days by the sea with Grandma and Penma and Merry. And the seaside did not disappoint. There was even paddling! <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYho2-_j61D1gHc7vJGVWifTfbQRCiBiPJ-sVO9QnXrUyS30upe_1w4HHFaeUZb1JIS1DcPso0yTzW9nNAk3hqY9FBFVW7ijxrNhQEKyl5tQJr0PBjkXrJ87qc26C_JN0b3WdIzLZK3M/s640/blogger-image-583095387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYho2-_j61D1gHc7vJGVWifTfbQRCiBiPJ-sVO9QnXrUyS30upe_1w4HHFaeUZb1JIS1DcPso0yTzW9nNAk3hqY9FBFVW7ijxrNhQEKyl5tQJr0PBjkXrJ87qc26C_JN0b3WdIzLZK3M/s640/blogger-image-583095387.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSp3c5tFtxWaYR0MaHz3kg6lJj5D1ojoLnkh5HxJZ7g170jaiZaIrf0hSetTuD6DkFfWksw9UELVkI-JYVaGFCpvdS3jz9_q9K2TVsx-_TZkARsTXcaO4Rmw46CqVSqNLOt0vMXhMbmM/s640/blogger-image-666144790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSp3c5tFtxWaYR0MaHz3kg6lJj5D1ojoLnkh5HxJZ7g170jaiZaIrf0hSetTuD6DkFfWksw9UELVkI-JYVaGFCpvdS3jz9_q9K2TVsx-_TZkARsTXcaO4Rmw46CqVSqNLOt0vMXhMbmM/s640/blogger-image-666144790.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Caring for lively growing children, giving their mum a break, playing bird bingo and walking the dog , was tiring and great fun! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa1dwzc3ITjIHa5RyM7SMMRs0Dfvz13VabL_X1UtdMXBDF1st9B0PzwnnscX2HKMvb4HdojnW9Etp2O4HmYqjVAhqPeO95xESTvskKvH24h-nJHW-pnH1AWJGiF1-BX5xGYjPdD6EFyw/s640/blogger-image-112291107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa1dwzc3ITjIHa5RyM7SMMRs0Dfvz13VabL_X1UtdMXBDF1st9B0PzwnnscX2HKMvb4HdojnW9Etp2O4HmYqjVAhqPeO95xESTvskKvH24h-nJHW-pnH1AWJGiF1-BX5xGYjPdD6EFyw/s640/blogger-image-112291107.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Anenomies for no occasion at all </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At the same time, the planning for my dads future continued to take shape , and on Friday he moved into our chosen nursing home . After six weeks of superb stroke unit care up at the Royal Sussex County Hospital , he was ready to start the next chapter of his story . He had already declared his house move and the stroke as marking "an end of an era". We were keen that he begin the settling process before the Valentine's Day anniversary of the death of his beloved wife, my stepmother, whom he'd cared for throughout her Alzheimer's until her peaceful death at home exactly a year ago. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p0Xj1RwhYSLrpaa64F0poU2B8D1S95FXssRnLwOJ2zWTjUMdNJDZxdPJ7DpEDUsB3_89sh5_OXcCWlO0LOuH2hGSzi4sNmKsN8iSODjRl1IuxQmMaHQwr0y9x0wY-HFtzT57J5hoH4U/s640/blogger-image--1448842218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p0Xj1RwhYSLrpaa64F0poU2B8D1S95FXssRnLwOJ2zWTjUMdNJDZxdPJ7DpEDUsB3_89sh5_OXcCWlO0LOuH2hGSzi4sNmKsN8iSODjRl1IuxQmMaHQwr0y9x0wY-HFtzT57J5hoH4U/s640/blogger-image--1448842218.jpg"></a></div> Valentine's flowers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Unable now to enjoy walks with Merry, dad has to settle for home visits ,for looking out on the garden, and to hearing of Merry's adventures on the Downs and the beach. Hopefully, in time, his strength will return enough for trips out, even if only in his wheelchair. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Monday's blue skies and snowdrops at Highdown , a Worthing hidden gem , offered just such an adventure to recount . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06cscqUeaXoJVmui97aK-IfDWN0vqhz8AORW0Nw7_3aXQH68uEJGuKtj73ElG42AeHHSnxXNcGcxIr0bQNGhy_6uLtMqA49qiyre5-AgR17ey-eIm_TLLVmyCpks3-2rUH3LjrBVSw9k/s640/blogger-image--1468456024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06cscqUeaXoJVmui97aK-IfDWN0vqhz8AORW0Nw7_3aXQH68uEJGuKtj73ElG42AeHHSnxXNcGcxIr0bQNGhy_6uLtMqA49qiyre5-AgR17ey-eIm_TLLVmyCpks3-2rUH3LjrBVSw9k/s640/blogger-image--1468456024.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN32ohkA0RpzsUdCThwVVp2j30wY_7Z9rKEUGP4D9fmyWVByxD8kGp7A7juXLqjCLRKs4gMj521wUplET5y3ep-35LoUPvHGKJ-8k8X_VdHf9vFj-vjM-2uJhju7pfcxMCMA0GacRRS-g/s640/blogger-image-430453244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN32ohkA0RpzsUdCThwVVp2j30wY_7Z9rKEUGP4D9fmyWVByxD8kGp7A7juXLqjCLRKs4gMj521wUplET5y3ep-35LoUPvHGKJ-8k8X_VdHf9vFj-vjM-2uJhju7pfcxMCMA0GacRRS-g/s640/blogger-image-430453244.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></div> Highdown sees Spring springing early </div></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I see a lot of discussion in the media about the NHS and weekend care, and can give testimony to the superb response we received from the ambulance service and the hospital on Saturday 2nd January, and indeed, ever since ....24/7. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today, I took a card and biscuits and goodies up to the Stroke unit, on dad's behalf . The message had to be dictated; it was sincere and appreciative, nonetheless. And it was addressed as much to Paula, who served meals and offered us cups of tea, and Tom the nursing assistant, as it was to Lisa, Joanna, Emma and countless other kind and patient nurses. It was a message for physios Nicola and Liz , the senior OT,Sally , the student Social Worker, Mary, Jonathan the responsible doctor, and ward manager, Mark. And it was a message that I have already passed onto Amanda the acting CEO and Brendan the interim Deputy CEO of the whole Hospital Trust .....for they set the tone in the way they lead the organisation, value the staff, focus remorselessly on patient care , and take on the huge challenge of making ends meet . The simple message was "Thank you". </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's not just the NHS that we need at times of illness and with the infirmity of old age, it's public health and social care too. To sustain our health and wellbeing we need to do what we can for ourselves, living the mnemonic CLANG - Connect ,Learn , be Active, take Notice and Give . We need to value caring and carers . We also must have services that can support the frail and vulnerable , whether it's to stay independent and at home , or as my father is choosing, to be looked after. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And for all of this we need to invest in our public services, value and train the caring professions and their support staff , and to appreciate those who work in these services and institutions. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I've mentioned before the key role that Merry is playing in my father's care and recovery , and so I will end with a picture of one of the ways we care for her , by giving her lovely runs on the beach. Yesterday, she enjoyed on a cold ,sunny ,wintry day's romp, before her nursing home visit . </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSXdUS54JXe6hPl3ZEGUKpqC9GB-3AqktBO5rFvcHSTwIPPG4ZwUdREJSgyO1WczD00NVoxXixmBahZcyothIrJhyphenhyphenCQkkS7xViFJfPh4QeCbq6DOlbPBdQkon7WXG8pwsdf8t_XllKwo/s640/blogger-image-1498876164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSXdUS54JXe6hPl3ZEGUKpqC9GB-3AqktBO5rFvcHSTwIPPG4ZwUdREJSgyO1WczD00NVoxXixmBahZcyothIrJhyphenhyphenCQkkS7xViFJfPh4QeCbq6DOlbPBdQkon7WXG8pwsdf8t_XllKwo/s640/blogger-image-1498876164.jpg"></a></div> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-61955435373400244392016-02-10T09:11:00.001+00:002016-02-10T13:25:14.998+00:00Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3mH5eZ72iId6dCmjCNE92H-xZsnw9hYlPuraqVaGc_MkpB2L8x6I8AqlLgk2-PIKAPylBWM-w3r6aD5aTGdw0gWTHjL_ObHTlgaP7AKylSKiTP_WwMS9PKDl4DQotPGcMPf0ZX8GKmI/s640/blogger-image-157946521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3mH5eZ72iId6dCmjCNE92H-xZsnw9hYlPuraqVaGc_MkpB2L8x6I8AqlLgk2-PIKAPylBWM-w3r6aD5aTGdw0gWTHjL_ObHTlgaP7AKylSKiTP_WwMS9PKDl4DQotPGcMPf0ZX8GKmI/s640/blogger-image-157946521.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This time last week Merry and I were making our way to Heathrow for our eagerly awaited rendezvous with the wanderer, my cherished partner, making her way back home from her month away in New Zealand. I reckoned that if the hospital welcomes Merry as a daily visitor, then the airport could have no objection. And I was proved right. So we waited in the glass arrivals area , and managed to miss P altogether ...well a few seconds anyway ! Happily the day was blue and bright and the homecoming sweet. She had had a wonderful family time in Queenstown, South Island , but was pleased to be home ...I was completely delighted to have her back ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9R0DQMj2yDoFs17dY10h2CRSwKj-Vvk0HbwX0dPDEYlSUGhFsfxAJrquS2ltxAOH_jBNf1azwYzT1OZwqU8b_uy6RKjaTLoV3yG5aAMe9xR9zhpAdYB_XjXGF5Vy_LHT7YZj33IgHHk/s640/blogger-image--824828610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9R0DQMj2yDoFs17dY10h2CRSwKj-Vvk0HbwX0dPDEYlSUGhFsfxAJrquS2ltxAOH_jBNf1azwYzT1OZwqU8b_uy6RKjaTLoV3yG5aAMe9xR9zhpAdYB_XjXGF5Vy_LHT7YZj33IgHHk/s640/blogger-image--824828610.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the Royal Academy a marvellous reunion has been created with the generous and inspired bringing together of a Monet triptych. This is the crowning glory of a lovely exhibition, Painting the Modern Garden , celebrating the garden as an inspiration for Monet, Matisse and so many others. And it marked the start of a real treat - a spontaneous arty weekend courtesy of my brother the polymath, Piers Ottey. I should mention thanks to our very good Hailstone friends for giving Merry a weekend break too! The win win arrangement of us lending, and them delightedly borrowing, Merry, is brilliant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxDQ5-oAhZZUFj6zRyZbDVAOFKScIkWT5YRrMuz_kKlVauQDR6aOR_9Nb9i-j96QLt3Lgba5wwkMceinwCqDl3xVgKSituyfDbLkwp9CxXmzhnSlfGELNLJa6qYDEFRRtJ_DpcM3qJdI/s640/blogger-image-1187216245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxDQ5-oAhZZUFj6zRyZbDVAOFKScIkWT5YRrMuz_kKlVauQDR6aOR_9Nb9i-j96QLt3Lgba5wwkMceinwCqDl3xVgKSituyfDbLkwp9CxXmzhnSlfGELNLJa6qYDEFRRtJ_DpcM3qJdI/s640/blogger-image-1187216245.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Artists garden at Vertheuil 1881 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD88I8jeKVUn7vdK7VnYYpzG9AMHGxHA37yibdNkTEub1F7UHIDM68ASd3t8ESof758NflfdEBE6i7T-AWcqoij_C0g14UeCxbRL3293s7YC-eI8fMcUJSEhoTPqVHBRBS1CyrleWQt3A/s640/blogger-image-724179963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD88I8jeKVUn7vdK7VnYYpzG9AMHGxHA37yibdNkTEub1F7UHIDM68ASd3t8ESof758NflfdEBE6i7T-AWcqoij_C0g14UeCxbRL3293s7YC-eI8fMcUJSEhoTPqVHBRBS1CyrleWQt3A/s640/blogger-image-724179963.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Poppies - a study for carnation, lily,lily,rose - John Singer Seargent 1886 </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1rFBbX9twerfJg9LRkF2_eUh89T1Txn8LSBgYI7wJZ4diyfIlQEX9zjYYS22rpnBLwLwySKBIwpmCWCfEQD9OXKzTReUJp30lE2c175G9elu181GOKRnJLZzkYINkvO1Sr-EM7rn01s/s640/blogger-image--495656379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1rFBbX9twerfJg9LRkF2_eUh89T1Txn8LSBgYI7wJZ4diyfIlQEX9zjYYS22rpnBLwLwySKBIwpmCWCfEQD9OXKzTReUJp30lE2c175G9elu181GOKRnJLZzkYINkvO1Sr-EM7rn01s/s640/blogger-image--495656379.jpg"></a></div> Monet - WaterLilies 1914 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't think I've ever stayed in fashionable Chelsea before, nor indeed been treated to supper ,bed and breakfast by my brother . What a treat it was - a delicious meal and great company. And it meant that we were on the spot for sung Matins at Westminster Abbey on Sunday . This was a cultural and spiritual experience rather <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">than a religious one; we enjoyed the singing and surroundings more than the sermon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-gfGogFHDjykOdBUwrOWWdRlnPNZe0-GVcZQTtyTZvayJsJNTy3s__wqoo5WALdZyCduA2xPrr2XhvQKk7-acRwtmfCUBeZ2wBSHWm6Hnxn60FpNp53SBsjdztQeR5Vo0bXu_4ZHZRs/s640/blogger-image-1199995489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKplnDhF0u8XN6E6BnbTgaNriFFK3DU0QlnPtkFMLFKLjBVTOyEOT2hixKxWvYEpCI0OWQajqgwzI2ICEWjqLak45nzQdhgJgXGHMqUUP40hd2q-OKLTJran74UOP8HGpm9r_eEyafg8o/s640/blogger-image--936517334.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-gfGogFHDjykOdBUwrOWWdRlnPNZe0-GVcZQTtyTZvayJsJNTy3s__wqoo5WALdZyCduA2xPrr2XhvQKk7-acRwtmfCUBeZ2wBSHWm6Hnxn60FpNp53SBsjdztQeR5Vo0bXu_4ZHZRs/s640/blogger-image-1199995489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-gfGogFHDjykOdBUwrOWWdRlnPNZe0-GVcZQTtyTZvayJsJNTy3s__wqoo5WALdZyCduA2xPrr2XhvQKk7-acRwtmfCUBeZ2wBSHWm6Hnxn60FpNp53SBsjdztQeR5Vo0bXu_4ZHZRs/s640/blogger-image-1199995489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1QAjfwYWwOVeuRZ3-XgveTTquPKoO4ga9dG4bSxgZ7bD6HULGqE3AZb87F0hQ6jLUhSj-slqL4L9hVC6DIfa_Awz8mgXjDVubxU4yS0GaTnUYJmYXW38uXFgUOCY_jrxAEl9dLd4V3w/s640/blogger-image-1359141540.jpg"></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-gfGogFHDjykOdBUwrOWWdRlnPNZe0-GVcZQTtyTZvayJsJNTy3s__wqoo5WALdZyCduA2xPrr2XhvQKk7-acRwtmfCUBeZ2wBSHWm6Hnxn60FpNp53SBsjdztQeR5Vo0bXu_4ZHZRs/s640/blogger-image-1199995489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">In the afternoon, we took our final chance to visit Wapping Hydraulic Power Station and to see the final day of the Annie Leibovitz exhibition , Women: new portraits . The building , an industrial archeological site in its own right, fascinated us. I hear it will soon be developed . The portraits were often outshone by those looking at them and my artist brother got a number of group shots which he found inspiring. It will be interesting to see if they end up on canvas. We all thought the split screen projection of images rather irritating , though many of the portraits were very interesting. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdEReCcXECUE4ulrurtuwfkVbkVN6dQFLl6xWyVbOZVDVbd_XRMEZkxBAiMJx2gPMs4JeQSqkJdMTh3jOgPl739VzIi5VfBruWYSL0pGrqYWu_LK4VMmplrfgcYVrxQkksdYXCDj4U6g/s640/blogger-image-1630664738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdEReCcXECUE4ulrurtuwfkVbkVN6dQFLl6xWyVbOZVDVbd_XRMEZkxBAiMJx2gPMs4JeQSqkJdMTh3jOgPl739VzIi5VfBruWYSL0pGrqYWu_LK4VMmplrfgcYVrxQkksdYXCDj4U6g/s640/blogger-image-1630664738.jpg"></a></div> The queen and portraits lookers </div></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWV9op8W4g6UfxW533mB02ovhW1XREA4xkTtrkeG6c3axwdSh_bzZ8VaR3xgpZvaL0VL2KuDDvFduarYDUbAebR49J01htrP4eHQQ7gnE2P2ABskI1RSFEYQAHEKt-dyETL3hlUjBgHI/s640/blogger-image--1544980126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWV9op8W4g6UfxW533mB02ovhW1XREA4xkTtrkeG6c3axwdSh_bzZ8VaR3xgpZvaL0VL2KuDDvFduarYDUbAebR49J01htrP4eHQQ7gnE2P2ABskI1RSFEYQAHEKt-dyETL3hlUjBgHI/s640/blogger-image--1544980126.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Wapping Hydraulic Power Station </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Monday , we were reunited with the sea. It was a stormy , hurricane Imogen day of huge waves and the beach stones crashing onto the promenade. It was rather wild and wonderful , if all you had to do was look and wonder...like us. Not so good for travelling, clearing up , or using the leisure centre. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDSELH3KdED4o3XbmS2EUqtKg5bs2Tnloqg-ULfxJUBsPKr7lpqULjYBx91Zty8gRofzLnyAMbilva7o-Cy7RRQ8K6x-KULpB5ii_2HfikM8pHyY-INZ5QmoplDEGQb_6d4Rb8g3JNIY/s640/blogger-image-434224630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDSELH3KdED4o3XbmS2EUqtKg5bs2Tnloqg-ULfxJUBsPKr7lpqULjYBx91Zty8gRofzLnyAMbilva7o-Cy7RRQ8K6x-KULpB5ii_2HfikM8pHyY-INZ5QmoplDEGQb_6d4Rb8g3JNIY/s640/blogger-image-434224630.jpg"></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPJjmgWwGcsRbuEEssd8sHRUtjDy4O_6qBTUhWDwn293iwxNtSZRevMf_P7t9-PD76iV6mP29tkrITLQ1_ieshvZR4lCq5mQOkujFKQ3BQ97GQ5rAI-ayaNH2caOtB65ymeBgEQNbmaM/s640/blogger-image--1405281480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPJjmgWwGcsRbuEEssd8sHRUtjDy4O_6qBTUhWDwn293iwxNtSZRevMf_P7t9-PD76iV6mP29tkrITLQ1_ieshvZR4lCq5mQOkujFKQ3BQ97GQ5rAI-ayaNH2caOtB65ymeBgEQNbmaM/s640/blogger-image--1405281480.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a brief break at the weekend , my hospital visiting of dad in the stroke ward has continued , with steady progress being made . He is now getting close to being able to move on and is clear that he wants to be looked after , now that his mobility is compromised . So we have been searching out the right place . We can't praise the stroke unit and its multidisciplinary staff too highly, and are determined to find a residential nursing home, that can continue the good work . We hope we may have found the right place; this thought and the embers of sunset brightened my journey home last night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Cg84ymaTHxlgm4vs3MtfkRuRGo-9K-7X4d6CqhYVE2MvvYNu8rKZJh2eZy-B0RX5zo1zFLd0-S9BadL6QTi7kbuC1f62Q97qOCf2mkOJVOkNCStxGIu8HWwCbU1AAhGi7qXnATfPC6M/s640/blogger-image--359340467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Cg84ymaTHxlgm4vs3MtfkRuRGo-9K-7X4d6CqhYVE2MvvYNu8rKZJh2eZy-B0RX5zo1zFLd0-S9BadL6QTi7kbuC1f62Q97qOCf2mkOJVOkNCStxGIu8HWwCbU1AAhGi7qXnATfPC6M/s640/blogger-image--359340467.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Going home </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This morning it's been lovely to be reunited with the sun and blue sky , even just for a while , before heading off to Tate Modern for art and work and seeing my no2 son for lunch . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN84zFJH82WrPaDFKSXHgPgt0sQPpQEVNKRKZrCAiydu72GVc9u0sJTcV62Pb6HkQL0PX6zA1thH-dQulbBUAM4zL7uezMypz01VD1b56-2uPCEfZ8lnWoKDMcrD82p4NjByn_vC9vBY/s640/blogger-image--405781789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN84zFJH82WrPaDFKSXHgPgt0sQPpQEVNKRKZrCAiydu72GVc9u0sJTcV62Pb6HkQL0PX6zA1thH-dQulbBUAM4zL7uezMypz01VD1b56-2uPCEfZ8lnWoKDMcrD82p4NjByn_vC9vBY/s640/blogger-image--405781789.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGhhXGroUNmdWW5slSgLiPg5MELoDQDDtUfvZwWors2ZTFc89_D2aiCJrpTg5cvHv1Xwz5UWxSeEZ0hsma7REDPNsG4WTSwHnGRx4czbHBrJYf4SQ6yf9yhCOanKj4gMIJGfMA6SKTl0/s640/blogger-image--1266907850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGhhXGroUNmdWW5slSgLiPg5MELoDQDDtUfvZwWors2ZTFc89_D2aiCJrpTg5cvHv1Xwz5UWxSeEZ0hsma7REDPNsG4WTSwHnGRx4czbHBrJYf4SQ6yf9yhCOanKj4gMIJGfMA6SKTl0/s640/blogger-image--1266907850.jpg"></a></div> Merry on Hove beach at low tide ,8am , 102/2/16</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> </div></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-57226937895094070592016-01-31T16:48:00.001+00:002016-01-31T17:13:21.008+00:00Family & friends. .....with art,music and dogs !What a treat it is to have friends. This week , the fourth week of my father's hospitalisation following a stroke, coinciding with my much missed partner's family visit to New Zealand , has found me welcoming friends from across my lifetime. And what a cheering time it's been. <div><br><div>Mary and I forged our friendship, aged seven , by walking and bussing to and from school together, returning to our very different families in houses across the road from one another - 131 and 132. O<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ver five decades later, living in different cities, we remain strong friends with some treasured shared history, lots of shared interests, providing care and support at times of change and trouble. Mary is not a dog lover, but Merry wins her over and I was able to take a photo we would not have expected to see! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRBonwBJT0NZTyMCe-exo6XyMiGwy_ydHk9jWr-tyTSF8nypmwa0jYPq9mnQt1-QuvChZCUeDi75HmF1dfzgh33iU5aN1_w5kfaFSPQ2TxBU9O0xtMAi9hIZqZIN3WqHF3njDqb1iYSQ/s640/blogger-image-740904801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRBonwBJT0NZTyMCe-exo6XyMiGwy_ydHk9jWr-tyTSF8nypmwa0jYPq9mnQt1-QuvChZCUeDi75HmF1dfzgh33iU5aN1_w5kfaFSPQ2TxBU9O0xtMAi9hIZqZIN3WqHF3njDqb1iYSQ/s640/blogger-image-740904801.jpg"></a></div> Mary and Merry </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We shared my daily visit to the hospital and she was a well remembered and cheering figure at the bedside. Mary reminisced about my dad . She had always rather envied me having a father with a young, smart , slim look and Chelsea boots in the early sixties ! Now he cuts a different dash , cradling Merry on his bed top and proving a magnet for dog loving staff and visitors! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ug52uN0k3xz8_7tSI7uhTiv4u__ssdyQ-GbXzPeSMe2YgapFLi-ZvpgHrArSMJyUR6mLqwDWWQE2hc4lqjypgMONcgcGx3CocRO0nd0PtExKNJqtQ8BKwgI-s9IYGLuG3an9d6jVccA/s640/blogger-image-1614002348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ug52uN0k3xz8_7tSI7uhTiv4u__ssdyQ-GbXzPeSMe2YgapFLi-ZvpgHrArSMJyUR6mLqwDWWQE2hc4lqjypgMONcgcGx3CocRO0nd0PtExKNJqtQ8BKwgI-s9IYGLuG3an9d6jVccA/s640/blogger-image-1614002348.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And on Tuesday we took a joyous trip to Pallant House Gallery and the Evelyn Dunbar ( 1906-60) exhibition (third time for me) , bringing my newest friend along to meet my longest standing friend ( not my oldest one!) and delighting in the wonderful work , and a pleasure shared . </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj85p1H-gT6yskJy1XAyB2ox2STOuJ_4lNOkUvFrIG_0HYEWtdGKKDstrbq3BC2M-AMugjidrtnDcx9mBqg2yoE3O1nARqgSSk-tIes0UgW1C-bM7LzMIUmVybszlu7kHrtXn5Zk7kToQ/s640/blogger-image-1560023245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj85p1H-gT6yskJy1XAyB2ox2STOuJ_4lNOkUvFrIG_0HYEWtdGKKDstrbq3BC2M-AMugjidrtnDcx9mBqg2yoE3O1nARqgSSk-tIes0UgW1C-bM7LzMIUmVybszlu7kHrtXn5Zk7kToQ/s640/blogger-image-1560023245.jpg"></a></div> Old Mother Hubbard 1946 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I digress but can you see a resemblance between Mother Hubbards dog and my brother's dog, Audrey below? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxORiprQ1ECeW7dJMRnTFGsNcTyL-Z6_pVLvWJFrWc7sAE_6IlDp9HdKVsALnc-xuUpNSt8DUJxwwxcP_W8gfiYtgd2oKMLAD08vue36QKwX7Jh0pZFtx1NKdyTOAJdvuZmu0cEKNtbg/s640/blogger-image--539620408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxORiprQ1ECeW7dJMRnTFGsNcTyL-Z6_pVLvWJFrWc7sAE_6IlDp9HdKVsALnc-xuUpNSt8DUJxwwxcP_W8gfiYtgd2oKMLAD08vue36QKwX7Jh0pZFtx1NKdyTOAJdvuZmu0cEKNtbg/s640/blogger-image--539620408.jpg"></a></div> My brother, my newest friend Amanda, Audrey the dog , and me </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCecRDRFEsQhDBK3X1bRCaENOzRXFnrur4SHxjOYTBv9Q5TBpYmclRtu7IaXUZ1VSaQYtgcNMF63KvCmrT-KxBXA-cEdrIkU30UK4CvGBvMf8Qr1jTRGC3dn3YKAX2fgdD8k9LskZZSA/s640/blogger-image-1787892700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCecRDRFEsQhDBK3X1bRCaENOzRXFnrur4SHxjOYTBv9Q5TBpYmclRtu7IaXUZ1VSaQYtgcNMF63KvCmrT-KxBXA-cEdrIkU30UK4CvGBvMf8Qr1jTRGC3dn3YKAX2fgdD8k9LskZZSA/s640/blogger-image-1787892700.jpg"></a></div> Men Stooking & Girls learning how to Stook 1940 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOSSV1YDCOMSYd3kRcin6RERUn7EV8xnz_GZSmrcVDmwDhK8adCz_Pxxl8RZlWRStpxOZhZ5WAbsT4egozRUXyIy1KXNJBVIbPJSO4cPQU6A5adR-_rQBbpJZOoV4L1CK1LQaJeGolMA/s640/blogger-image--1310952123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOSSV1YDCOMSYd3kRcin6RERUn7EV8xnz_GZSmrcVDmwDhK8adCz_Pxxl8RZlWRStpxOZhZ5WAbsT4egozRUXyIy1KXNJBVIbPJSO4cPQU6A5adR-_rQBbpJZOoV4L1CK1LQaJeGolMA/s640/blogger-image--1310952123.jpg"></a></div> Study of two trainee land girls 1940 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My newest friend Amanda, is also one of my brother's longstanding friends , till recently separated from us by land and sea , very recently returned to these parts ; we had such a laughter filled day .</span></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Pleasures shared are so much richer, and that's what I found when my friend , Richard , and I visited Komedia on Wednesday to hear the Wainwright sisters. Martha and Lucy are daughters of the marvellous Loudon Wainwright 3rd , and are part of a musical family dynasty , which boasts two sister acts - the McGarrigles and the Roches . Their mothers were each a key part of these groups, and now Martha and Lucy are building on the tradition, with a "dark" set of collected lullaby songs . They were superb in their Rufus Wainwrigt-gifted dresses , providing marvellous harmonies and intriguing songs. I already had the CD and had to work hard not to sing along ! </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO5dYDSbu96KLGzT9JkNrNnpy5qBCIXJCwSuvo6CiFKfJOGvpaCxCPbYaha4CrHSTfZHwSv2DxD1JDMqAzHJ8EryG-C3idCEGNkjnWGpUtssoTo-ktwwqZyRIuh7JT1NI17krgnriQw8/s640/blogger-image--1170496896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO5dYDSbu96KLGzT9JkNrNnpy5qBCIXJCwSuvo6CiFKfJOGvpaCxCPbYaha4CrHSTfZHwSv2DxD1JDMqAzHJ8EryG-C3idCEGNkjnWGpUtssoTo-ktwwqZyRIuh7JT1NI17krgnriQw8/s640/blogger-image--1170496896.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both; display: inline !important;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlkSTo87Vug5XscfVtKOOS0d2jTi6osQNomRal0O5tMlsP7yGN8-c-TWskbDISrICpGTJbjVFCoI_b9K9Gk3GHc4LkOON-0C1Mnm8HaujYRILCudwmZ9_K24rTh4IM920q70Qei_iW3E/s640/blogger-image-1823286111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkV_VW0mJGgt2CqQmJV774Z5MZ6uDYD1p6Laa7cDqBoO6-Ro7-Scwshw6RRgRFNHmpfzMQonhCF43F1F_8zDhYHBGc3vjq9JHKtSzQHAijtz5oyYlwtLF-zKCcSucVeXbq2SjcPS44FU/s640/blogger-image--1083742758.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlkSTo87Vug5XscfVtKOOS0d2jTi6osQNomRal0O5tMlsP7yGN8-c-TWskbDISrICpGTJbjVFCoI_b9K9Gk3GHc4LkOON-0C1Mnm8HaujYRILCudwmZ9_K24rTh4IM920q70Qei_iW3E/s640/blogger-image-1823286111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> The Wainwright Sisters </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAvjqQJ-IhIZ8xRo9wFAYXqis2SKDRPN5V-eMtX9l7qqOeI7WBEUH7Pr9xkAhcPa7MbbhyUkW3InNGfUA-fa6qrp2YRUWtYLO5EUfHIRiZ2lHl4Fr6Mb5Me-edSHh-P0oIp79AVRzZWQ/s640/blogger-image-11434124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAvjqQJ-IhIZ8xRo9wFAYXqis2SKDRPN5V-eMtX9l7qqOeI7WBEUH7Pr9xkAhcPa7MbbhyUkW3InNGfUA-fa6qrp2YRUWtYLO5EUfHIRiZ2lHl4Fr6Mb5Me-edSHh-P0oIp79AVRzZWQ/s640/blogger-image-11434124.jpg"></a></div></u></font></div></font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For my father, it's family and friendliness that he is reliant on now. On Wednesday he experienced the rather marvellous and unexpected gift of an actor visiting his bedside . Her name was Heather Deaville and she comes from InterAct, a stroke support charity whose actors come to share stories and jokes with the patients, if they would like it. My dad and his neighbour Derek enjoyed the joke in the story of Edna and Fred . And then Heather, picking up on dads love of dogs, told him about Endell the Millenium dog of the year - a dog who gave a badly injured serviceman some independence , becoming his family's lifeline and hero. I am so grateful to Heather and InterAct.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrk6sk-crCzCa_EMGJ0xn3Y2QbPhpRjz9eGbtxQ7APoD3rsIm9wsyQAakorW8lMg1ihKQyp5Rr4rYNOlbvxvoWFmDT8_-a5wfKBvffAAqGKN4LkZOsTXF9Yd7LJ4d0JiGdircH3M8_XE/s640/blogger-image--566235148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrk6sk-crCzCa_EMGJ0xn3Y2QbPhpRjz9eGbtxQ7APoD3rsIm9wsyQAakorW8lMg1ihKQyp5Rr4rYNOlbvxvoWFmDT8_-a5wfKBvffAAqGKN4LkZOsTXF9Yd7LJ4d0JiGdircH3M8_XE/s640/blogger-image--566235148.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to add to our delights, Thursday brought a glimpse of blue sky and sunshine, and Merry for one was very happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh82jRpVOfxa7-5IMgwtL5XtlI5H7Tgpw4Cx93317ddYAkUUjSt9WA1V5WzVaIeUrapavYqeloIphWzBZKqosfaWl6IyZty-l5eqAJjVxmGOZH9kxp7jwXx4iCZiBrhHvLjcKW-9kiBnA/s640/blogger-image-37834099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh82jRpVOfxa7-5IMgwtL5XtlI5H7Tgpw4Cx93317ddYAkUUjSt9WA1V5WzVaIeUrapavYqeloIphWzBZKqosfaWl6IyZty-l5eqAJjVxmGOZH9kxp7jwXx4iCZiBrhHvLjcKW-9kiBnA/s640/blogger-image-37834099.jpg"></a></div> Merry by the sea </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But back to friends , and thanks to Linda for coming down from London for a night stop on Friday . We enjoyed a tasty meal and traded remembrances of working together 40 years ago as young and enthusiastic social workers in Tower Hamlets. Our shared experiences of motherhood, daughterhood , emotional partnerships and work , provided serious solace and lightening laughter . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycwjTIW8KrlnpGc9_G0JhF_Tz0D6CCCZGVNZLBjNPAfruH-SaopRcDsp8k11FejnJex6OeGEMwTHXQEIIG2K6ZjwJydYqxrfKswAHM-WeUpdlNkHKBtF9pHR2i_xOVFfsP-ETkIjF36A/s640/blogger-image--1637615885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycwjTIW8KrlnpGc9_G0JhF_Tz0D6CCCZGVNZLBjNPAfruH-SaopRcDsp8k11FejnJex6OeGEMwTHXQEIIG2K6ZjwJydYqxrfKswAHM-WeUpdlNkHKBtF9pHR2i_xOVFfsP-ETkIjF36A/s640/blogger-image--1637615885.jpg"></a></div> Intriguing ice maker </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the treats of visiting friends didnt end there. Bearing an ice maker with more than a whiff of a Moomin about it , Tracey&Dave arrived yesterday to share food, wine and laughter. This morning we suffered the agony of an Andy Murray losing Australian grand slam final and commiserated over the sad death of the gentle generous broadcaster Terry Wogan. And then they speeded off back to the bright city lights of London and Merry and I took a soggy seaside walk . Now it's back to the hospital , to appreciate the unfailing care of all the staff on the stroke ward and to wish that I could be shaking those ice cubes into a G&T for dad at home, just as we were doing over the festive season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-27627721072499169142016-01-23T09:08:00.001+00:002016-01-23T22:24:41.732+00:00Diary of a carer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4Z9o1klGBVkXWDbenhsiXlic1cmUH5jb2hxqck7oqZeSp1cMBdaHScaDh2sLHeuiA-93Up8GNVGoIhuONO9Lbw-B_HOgX9l7dI6eGMFfPUicrkfttay1LWCchFvbMeodWDzuygHCfpI/s640/blogger-image--1445901365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4Z9o1klGBVkXWDbenhsiXlic1cmUH5jb2hxqck7oqZeSp1cMBdaHScaDh2sLHeuiA-93Up8GNVGoIhuONO9Lbw-B_HOgX9l7dI6eGMFfPUicrkfttay1LWCchFvbMeodWDzuygHCfpI/s640/blogger-image--1445901365.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This still life courtesy of glorious amaryllis' from my sister has kept me going this week . Some of my favourite pictures, our warm red walls and these flowers combine beautifully. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another thing that's kept me going has been the ever enthusiastic Merry, who has enjoyed the cold but sunny plays on the beach, everyday . She has run and fetched the ball with wild enthusiasm and huge energy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuqqqls2tEmCroKNjxKTMD_hb6Zi4v0XkmlXQogSczvg5ZPGvMfaRoSoRekC2EPj7tSfwg6_gdY-HFgZ2yGJBHOZmNyE9ucOQpc8MPI1p_n3ecRn9O6yzURT2dI5pX3iXMd0wDfW2KGQ/s640/blogger-image--1405146401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuqqqls2tEmCroKNjxKTMD_hb6Zi4v0XkmlXQogSczvg5ZPGvMfaRoSoRekC2EPj7tSfwg6_gdY-HFgZ2yGJBHOZmNyE9ucOQpc8MPI1p_n3ecRn9O6yzURT2dI5pX3iXMd0wDfW2KGQ/s640/blogger-image--1405146401.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCM0F5MdWEX-VIgI2tDM9q87hlJqcBGhqHpYIVhRKkhORmZKx52L7aerlVyN3igyC2hb1aurv_y8QvAjtNhHuv0IWAXZONYxyaaAviVpRhGqXaTqxY5Pi888TecUSI2_Hrs1EGytS0Lk/s640/blogger-image--707400419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCM0F5MdWEX-VIgI2tDM9q87hlJqcBGhqHpYIVhRKkhORmZKx52L7aerlVyN3igyC2hb1aurv_y8QvAjtNhHuv0IWAXZONYxyaaAviVpRhGqXaTqxY5Pi888TecUSI2_Hrs1EGytS0Lk/s640/blogger-image--707400419.jpg"></a></div><br></div>To see the sun has been wonderful , even though it's been necessary to wear four or five layers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The light , the warmth , the beauty of the sea shimmering , are so uplifting. And when the rain returned yesterday and we couldn't get out before 3pm, we appreciated those earlier in the week crisp days even more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The daily FaceTime calls from my partner half a world away in South Island , New Zealand visiting her much loved grandchildren , continues to be a tonic ( if not a lifeline ) for me. I'm sure time is passing speedily for her. Is it not amazing to be able to talk and see each other with a 13 hour time difference ? Last Sunday we were talking ( safe, hands free ) on What's App as I travelled back from a lovely birthday celebration with my grown up offspring in London . Who'd have thought this would be possible a few years ago? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I don't know if my sons and daughter understand how much I appreciate their frequent calls and texts as I manage the daily visits to dad in hospital , continue to organise his house sale, and plan his future with him, the professional multidisciplinary team and my brother and sister . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta4Lv-1iNI9dhF9CKnHpLk5sOyMjOkhj5u1bGlp8R7nMFyEAnWFSiU2wVAXuasO3FO8HbUbgkuMUSvPYdum4CKXpj5QFTGC_4OdnxTSYn7S4DhKxraI_cyAzqENRgpRf0uPxXioKNGgk/s640/blogger-image--548146812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta4Lv-1iNI9dhF9CKnHpLk5sOyMjOkhj5u1bGlp8R7nMFyEAnWFSiU2wVAXuasO3FO8HbUbgkuMUSvPYdum4CKXpj5QFTGC_4OdnxTSYn7S4DhKxraI_cyAzqENRgpRf0uPxXioKNGgk/s640/blogger-image--548146812.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another tonic this week has been the joy of music. Indeed I'm enjoying a number of new CDs .After the wonderful melancholy of Bowie's Black Star last week , I am enjoying the Unthanks collection and Liane Carroll's Seaside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFXAAmlUTUKoNKhJg5RvLpyhKQIY2LYaJj5e_iqSvGshUpJxDX6g24dY3v6wDae2A3GdNhn2h2O-98x4JXT-ryP_20p6P2JJ2FsGpM6tnbI3rR31iloojy66WeQd6fyKFpc_O5_O34ss/s640/blogger-image--51499175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFXAAmlUTUKoNKhJg5RvLpyhKQIY2LYaJj5e_iqSvGshUpJxDX6g24dY3v6wDae2A3GdNhn2h2O-98x4JXT-ryP_20p6P2JJ2FsGpM6tnbI3rR31iloojy66WeQd6fyKFpc_O5_O34ss/s640/blogger-image--51499175.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visits , texts, phone calls from friends trading stories and plans, bringing flowers and sharing tea have also been vital for keeping me going,in the face of a filthy cold and an emergency tooth extraction .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And so has reading . This week I finished a wonderful book , The Vanishing Man - part mystery, part art appreciation, part memoir , Laura Cumming has given us a very special read which I thoroughly recommend.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ522EODPimB_5SFQlKGwnJ64n9vz-uzNZ3JjP5TFW-qphY-ZNZgd8XOdsjjPKfibnfOrQgX_uERGxwGmVjPSXowkSg5yv5jzmUWqHSgHttMx2CMEh1LTHaae3Pq6hLISySHEdCzLZOI/s640/blogger-image--156194090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ522EODPimB_5SFQlKGwnJ64n9vz-uzNZ3JjP5TFW-qphY-ZNZgd8XOdsjjPKfibnfOrQgX_uERGxwGmVjPSXowkSg5yv5jzmUWqHSgHttMx2CMEh1LTHaae3Pq6hLISySHEdCzLZOI/s640/blogger-image--156194090.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">family, friends, flowers, music , pets , books and home are all keeping me going . There are two other things I haven't mentioned yet . One is Twitter - the connectedness to people known and unknown and information and stimulation from far and wide . Everyday I learn something, or experience a smile at a joke, cartoon or anecdote. Everyday I connect with hard working professionals improving services where they work and live . Everyday I see pieces of art that I love and which cheer me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And the other thing that's keeping me going is our public services , and in particular our Health and social care services. For the first time in his life, my father is entirely dependent on health and social care professionals . He is benefitting from their knowledge ,skill, and commitment to public service, and so are we. I have just read a brilliant piece in the online journal @StandardIssueUK, about the author @hazedavis delight in paying her taxes and having a stake in society. I wholly endorse her enthusiasm and can testify to the importance of services being there when you need them . </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So thanks to them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Back to Merry. Ever since we learnt that she can visit dad in hospital , she has been acting as a "pet as therapy" , bringing joy to all the patients and staff on the stroke ward , not just my dad . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A70Uy5XO5Cb_kUbzzx3LPYtQbEJEWy0RtKa0FWBFHiNRik3UbNbmih4fUJ7xYyCBxR2CzXMidHLPBaUxOBf1HVD3r2UyUOqYh8ctMfTthxKTtBxmNoT7Dh1A8tt1qak6s6AjV3cyj0w/s640/blogger-image--970572390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A70Uy5XO5Cb_kUbzzx3LPYtQbEJEWy0RtKa0FWBFHiNRik3UbNbmih4fUJ7xYyCBxR2CzXMidHLPBaUxOBf1HVD3r2UyUOqYh8ctMfTthxKTtBxmNoT7Dh1A8tt1qak6s6AjV3cyj0w/s640/blogger-image--970572390.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>So she has earned those plays on the beach and after the rains yesterday , she was delighted to discover sand ! Yes that's Hove - who says we only have a pebbly beach? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wfdkro7qqJPOofMQY4CZhlpiAu4s2X7WylzZyt6hF2LIZqqy7KzvVjHddUQxjVwvDsK2dja-zQhfPpef1MIKq-avONGNzNdEUzRKRdci86pEDIf_NR4NLqed0w_bWPRuUh8afFg52i4/s640/blogger-image-1276673373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wfdkro7qqJPOofMQY4CZhlpiAu4s2X7WylzZyt6hF2LIZqqy7KzvVjHddUQxjVwvDsK2dja-zQhfPpef1MIKq-avONGNzNdEUzRKRdci86pEDIf_NR4NLqed0w_bWPRuUh8afFg52i4/s640/blogger-image-1276673373.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtv-wH_jSQWwvTr9EFDprRj47Jzz8dSUCx2qX9Sna4nSEiYV1l9XWzBTjYtg9JNXsezMwetXBeC8PfdYMkwD2VJgbvgCjqkW4QbEzG43DIVXpuYMGH4WWrCK727QHOVFv84kGNYD6X2FQ/s640/blogger-image-756073644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtv-wH_jSQWwvTr9EFDprRj47Jzz8dSUCx2qX9Sna4nSEiYV1l9XWzBTjYtg9JNXsezMwetXBeC8PfdYMkwD2VJgbvgCjqkW4QbEzG43DIVXpuYMGH4WWrCK727QHOVFv84kGNYD6X2FQ/s640/blogger-image-756073644.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-74534562854010105232016-01-15T09:34:00.001+00:002016-01-15T12:00:35.398+00:00A new year thank you message<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I want to start by thanking Brighton stroke ward nurses,doctors, health assistants, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">for your care of my dad and the other stroke patients who you so patiently and respectfully treat and look after every day . I can only endorse the sentiments of royal "approbation" in the 1830s. You have our appreciation for the quality service you are providing. And I am seeing it every day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAnS83j_4ojIHdLSdBnTwHI4pXgF6fb9_anwi_CSyNbUd_XWvLcSADvALH3ZHdQCLBmB7_PxmApoUOmvKue-rOaJxd5ihPNqk2hpzimNtQ0PMTpiCUfBaSthbbvBpagp6mGaoL5qg1Mk/s640/blogger-image-2083352978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAnS83j_4ojIHdLSdBnTwHI4pXgF6fb9_anwi_CSyNbUd_XWvLcSADvALH3ZHdQCLBmB7_PxmApoUOmvKue-rOaJxd5ihPNqk2hpzimNtQ0PMTpiCUfBaSthbbvBpagp6mGaoL5qg1Mk/s640/blogger-image-2083352978.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In these days of criticism and devaluing of our public services , I want to shine a light on what you are doing and to thank you. Dad and my family are truly appreciative, and are daily aware of the gruelling hard work involved in 12 hour nursing shifts . We are in awe at the patience, thoughtfulness, and most importantly, kindness, that we experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8UPugr1BYS9Tk_JY5BbRutywRL26etiicwLuibWDBLlyL3pz8KhKRArBIzNPMfd9S9WHQ4-41dbH-w84fQEoNbaQi5TeWAbBh3REip6NNppo2S7W6AoNvjntnqqZNWNowjV1aLDmxcE/s640/blogger-image-1620006951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8UPugr1BYS9Tk_JY5BbRutywRL26etiicwLuibWDBLlyL3pz8KhKRArBIzNPMfd9S9WHQ4-41dbH-w84fQEoNbaQi5TeWAbBh3REip6NNppo2S7W6AoNvjntnqqZNWNowjV1aLDmxcE/s640/blogger-image-1620006951.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The view of the sea from the Royal Sussex Hospital entrance </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfGOBXEXGRzY02iXtiqX7AFnf9zBI80QboH4ofEMgWpuLSk6EtZBV39ZNF9SzHS-Kc_aELGBOYYEwRfxFr7DUqqniKo6WUJMJvK3sqovBB9zlx0y1dGwV1PXHlof8qkwtBQEkmCPmDZ0/s640/blogger-image-831123499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfGOBXEXGRzY02iXtiqX7AFnf9zBI80QboH4ofEMgWpuLSk6EtZBV39ZNF9SzHS-Kc_aELGBOYYEwRfxFr7DUqqniKo6WUJMJvK3sqovBB9zlx0y1dGwV1PXHlof8qkwtBQEkmCPmDZ0/s640/blogger-image-831123499.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last Friday, I was felled by a bug and it meant my weekend was one of poorlyness and forced rest and as I recovered, comfort reading. Matt Haig's simple message gave solace - it turned out to be much needed, since week two has provided so much grim news. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmBuCTET8KLQEUTsyr99NL4L3Fvx_1qisB06LVhiNgwDzE9c4Bcvmj5V8K9DntuYsrlLamNVSHFi2Ir8RwqZo1hllO2f_0-JHuHZMQC9HyNt26IXTDeVTZgmoJPmIs0cFsOhWCS_SYoI/s640/blogger-image-1812020724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmBuCTET8KLQEUTsyr99NL4L3Fvx_1qisB06LVhiNgwDzE9c4Bcvmj5V8K9DntuYsrlLamNVSHFi2Ir8RwqZo1hllO2f_0-JHuHZMQC9HyNt26IXTDeVTZgmoJPmIs0cFsOhWCS_SYoI/s640/blogger-image-1812020724.jpg"></a></div> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I was woken on Monday to the ping of my mobile phone - announcing the surprise death of David Bowie . I was not alone in my spontaneous sadness and appreciation of so many songs and albums that have provided much of my life's soundtrack. I was not alone in appreciation of boundaries that Bowie had pushed,making otherness wonderful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later in the morning the hospital rang; dad already recovering from a New Year stroke had had another one. I rushed to the hospital. Prompt careful attention had already kickstarted recovery. My feelings were relief and appreciation . <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The sunset that evening was magical, comforting and poignant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWCC1UH0szS_tQI1nGRH4jKLU4_HgmynBvthIQy8-oN0K4oTBdHvSreWl7tE76NAlbtQA8xQPkUExNTxqp8BrOwkgvMCLVr6tqqR_lZHuESOtzI5BgxioAc9EKbHnirVNHdtf8EcHcvc/s640/blogger-image-1344991119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWCC1UH0szS_tQI1nGRH4jKLU4_HgmynBvthIQy8-oN0K4oTBdHvSreWl7tE76NAlbtQA8xQPkUExNTxqp8BrOwkgvMCLVr6tqqR_lZHuESOtzI5BgxioAc9EKbHnirVNHdtf8EcHcvc/s640/blogger-image-1344991119.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>And the week's news has continued to be depressing - Junior doctors driven to strike, Southern Health's poor Board meeting to consider the (initially) uninvestigated death of Connor Sparrowhawk, an ISIS Jakarta bombing , more sadness with the untimely death of Alan Rickman.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So reasons to be cheerful this cold January week , with loss and ill health all around ? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Friendship - phonecalls, messages, cups of tea and stollen with P&P; a new friendship via my brother with A ; a warming risotto with P&R; a promised visit from my longest standing friend M.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The gift of flowers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vqG_dmrUPfGc2DEmFsiDMvVPE_H04TKVHzXDBLij0w4p0GR8XAbBa1QK2Fh3RucQmoX7V-kdj1hQfUSszml52VsBg6UvntPxQEQH2S8m1GizqR0T0fCGc8ZT3yZhjQ4DT2ujIgX-lQA/s640/blogger-image-1097513030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vqG_dmrUPfGc2DEmFsiDMvVPE_H04TKVHzXDBLij0w4p0GR8XAbBa1QK2Fh3RucQmoX7V-kdj1hQfUSszml52VsBg6UvntPxQEQH2S8m1GizqR0T0fCGc8ZT3yZhjQ4DT2ujIgX-lQA/s640/blogger-image-1097513030.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jazz - the marvellous Scott Hamilton and Smalls house band made a special Tuesday </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">evening .</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF5bMzlGPqNTnrT10y2TJCbk51SzGjmj6xCApQzjGzze4XpVf97LasfmtwHCJ4vRxPDNGDcsY-URzpYiQHxDp72WB9-1PKGLCQT1hrx8l-RlENjMSUi8l8gUEUJcCFEaQC8aNDcRKHr4/s640/blogger-image--2071480850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF5bMzlGPqNTnrT10y2TJCbk51SzGjmj6xCApQzjGzze4XpVf97LasfmtwHCJ4vRxPDNGDcsY-URzpYiQHxDp72WB9-1PKGLCQT1hrx8l-RlENjMSUi8l8gUEUJcCFEaQC8aNDcRKHr4/s640/blogger-image--2071480850.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Family - on the 13th I managed to time arrival of a message to my eldest son at the minute of the 32nd anniversary of his birth ! The frequent call from him and his brother and sister seeking to support me in the face of grandpa's illness is marvellous . I hugely value daily face time calls with my partner from halfway round the globe as she visits her son and his growing family. My brother and sister's frequent calls and visits , and sharing caring concerns for our dad, are keeping me going too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pets - our Merry with her dependable cheeriness and affection .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpQZIxBrtQDLFPjQCRbI8s1pYao-Rrd3mggQSlZCqjRT2jLKibhRtd8vF-7ELwVx2rsBwTglckHgNLV8yPoywy8mh5836irDAkI4QZLfjGbsRb5vIACKNnSVdbUwOqCWlDAvRqih-PWQ/s640/blogger-image--160226793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpQZIxBrtQDLFPjQCRbI8s1pYao-Rrd3mggQSlZCqjRT2jLKibhRtd8vF-7ELwVx2rsBwTglckHgNLV8yPoywy8mh5836irDAkI4QZLfjGbsRb5vIACKNnSVdbUwOqCWlDAvRqih-PWQ/s640/blogger-image--160226793.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The less dependable,standoffishness of Eartha .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirskF1uw5QHmFzZFgG9-AECdS3UQlZex-yZQA8Bkt1NYyZBzKmd7FMpAzgb7YttNgnflrzUmdtbNsiCh9Vj2g1rKevri7L38EArc9FBzNmyRIvD7V8eOoM35xoCBMs3xjGZc2fQNEcwRU/s640/blogger-image--1707883129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirskF1uw5QHmFzZFgG9-AECdS3UQlZex-yZQA8Bkt1NYyZBzKmd7FMpAzgb7YttNgnflrzUmdtbNsiCh9Vj2g1rKevri7L38EArc9FBzNmyRIvD7V8eOoM35xoCBMs3xjGZc2fQNEcwRU/s640/blogger-image--1707883129.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The world around in the sharp winter sunshine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5gjNrnVXM6Op5QDV5QQZ_buIJsk1MRppelaQpfI-WWFnrBJP-_Tolc4r7P1BOVKfewsSPMDyN2fG9nKMF84N8l-8GkdYEhhg7OgzfEr72WsaOxdcZ4O7XvncXbP8mrMYrquLqhzKcws/s640/blogger-image--452892350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5gjNrnVXM6Op5QDV5QQZ_buIJsk1MRppelaQpfI-WWFnrBJP-_Tolc4r7P1BOVKfewsSPMDyN2fG9nKMF84N8l-8GkdYEhhg7OgzfEr72WsaOxdcZ4O7XvncXbP8mrMYrquLqhzKcws/s640/blogger-image--452892350.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8obLLffUNBEeyilkOAwVKkIREHyDMFuru03LE-t86T5HP_Pgc7vJvV5kPIEZ45N3BbApNrIlKkaqWW-azQfRr7pZqggjdrctfAQCdr6uBSL9QZuQ6ZtThJLJQLhw6P3s8mB83TTWKXOk/s640/blogger-image-2067985645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8obLLffUNBEeyilkOAwVKkIREHyDMFuru03LE-t86T5HP_Pgc7vJvV5kPIEZ45N3BbApNrIlKkaqWW-azQfRr7pZqggjdrctfAQCdr6uBSL9QZuQ6ZtThJLJQLhw6P3s8mB83TTWKXOk/s640/blogger-image-2067985645.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Twitter and the connections to people , art, missed articles , books ,music, that it provides daily </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back to my NHS thank you. Yesterday I learnt from dad's OT that not only are dogs allowed on the stroke ward; they are positively welcomed! I couldn't believe it. And neither could dad when Merry arrived as his surprise visitor. His smile was so wide , his stroking so enthusiastic ( and with his bad hand!) . This is real person centred, involving care. Merry cheered the whole ward- patients,visitors and staff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PGytXh8T5y1iS4X0KzMYWOtl1OpPRfdp0ffyEd2LDe8ducHHJpCLizuT9TgYUKadTjlg-H79T0AelAI5dA9SaPiq62IU4axOZXztn5TIulFxHIypvvZEgj0_snUrXSWVmq5ZAfZkGf4/s640/blogger-image-649806205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PGytXh8T5y1iS4X0KzMYWOtl1OpPRfdp0ffyEd2LDe8ducHHJpCLizuT9TgYUKadTjlg-H79T0AelAI5dA9SaPiq62IU4axOZXztn5TIulFxHIypvvZEgj0_snUrXSWVmq5ZAfZkGf4/s640/blogger-image-649806205.jpg"></a></div>Thank you </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-14896210039788921542016-01-05T16:24:00.001+00:002016-01-09T23:13:30.575+00:00Loss,love,time passing - happy new year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyZyPwlQLXfdLkSP6uRkB_FvpMjZmfvQUmwzUQYdb-zYrgF1UdtwLQdZIxg1gUu6mWPpfULmbH5FacjJUdAVxNIVh-ZPZqiDEBc6TgWEq9Ayqjt2YWONmc00BwEA3TubEWGdRcb4xB4w/s640/blogger-image--1293263454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyZyPwlQLXfdLkSP6uRkB_FvpMjZmfvQUmwzUQYdb-zYrgF1UdtwLQdZIxg1gUu6mWPpfULmbH5FacjJUdAVxNIVh-ZPZqiDEBc6TgWEq9Ayqjt2YWONmc00BwEA3TubEWGdRcb4xB4w/s640/blogger-image--1293263454.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Home and hearth offer warmth ,tranquility and solace as I reflect on a year of loss and love and contemplate five days of a new year which provide for much of the same, it seems. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday I attended a funeral, celebrating the life of a well loved and respected ex-colleague who died just before Christmas. James had lived a full,fulfilling life but died far too young from cancer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwF2llVpjyM9foYBrbkSll1NdmCKP9rDANrPN8cM-2gqNFeP2JHCJ5w4xeHz_f30bLIhVeYTywAHTirAmkuGDOSMNZs1HmwseJKXDJDjIBztmXnrs3xlg7mp0dvJ5-gdBLNkkHbcnh34/s640/blogger-image-468295991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwF2llVpjyM9foYBrbkSll1NdmCKP9rDANrPN8cM-2gqNFeP2JHCJ5w4xeHz_f30bLIhVeYTywAHTirAmkuGDOSMNZs1HmwseJKXDJDjIBztmXnrs3xlg7mp0dvJ5-gdBLNkkHbcnh34/s640/blogger-image-468295991.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">James was a countryside and bird loving Scot for whom a recording of the nightingale's song provided a beautiful soundtrack for our memories and reflections. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Last year I spoke at three funerals, marking three vital lives and mourning their loss. I have got to the stage where these ceremonies are becoming too many, and outnumber any other sort of celebrations. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Mind, we celebrated the New Year, and brought it in with a lovely meal with close family, music, and laughter. We reviewed last years resolutions. One of mine had been to start retirement planning - that had turned out to be something of a prediction not a resolution! Nonetheless we contemplated a 2016 with optimism and ambition- for adventures, good health, new endeavours. For Penny ( partner) her first adventure would be down under to New Zealand to visit her eldest son, on Sunday for a month. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6wffk2FGAlnuaPX1l02PleLqLYSnHctlEiHrrioTdQEr9Tjx8WKm36cy9yhqQ5a2sTjf-usw5D50fWBPf0MKJ-GOaIuCytXWyn2jtQEJz2Oq0Egi45RppUPTfXxT1554KjMvZ1nzB60/s640/blogger-image-1742745982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6wffk2FGAlnuaPX1l02PleLqLYSnHctlEiHrrioTdQEr9Tjx8WKm36cy9yhqQ5a2sTjf-usw5D50fWBPf0MKJ-GOaIuCytXWyn2jtQEJz2Oq0Egi45RppUPTfXxT1554KjMvZ1nzB60/s640/blogger-image-1742745982.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbk681-_j3gqByPFhZfQuQkNwlzUb4U-B6i_mhtlT8IwBFE8_piEqZIUThnWD9AuSgg9hTTkg8V4mvauaGfxcqnAj8UYKxEXu4kNgW24ldWGaiJLZnMLmpjWYB-1G2bkNEhQs2ncvijU/s640/blogger-image--2097549016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbk681-_j3gqByPFhZfQuQkNwlzUb4U-B6i_mhtlT8IwBFE8_piEqZIUThnWD9AuSgg9hTTkg8V4mvauaGfxcqnAj8UYKxEXu4kNgW24ldWGaiJLZnMLmpjWYB-1G2bkNEhQs2ncvijU/s640/blogger-image--2097549016.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We visited dad in his new home on New Year's Day and planned his walks with Merry the dog over the coming days and weeks, keeping them both fit and enabling me to do some work including London trips.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiFfW6MgI77wI7sh3WvyHimfio9WuM1cAlzOEVOwMbTsAQorivMrt-jh6O5A2B0-S20o8rFZz6RlRGoZ7TojaYBdYdQ3p91esD9_5IqIzzBOt9WMjFDNJGH5yUHC98VjEV9mLuqFfFis/s640/blogger-image--1994915311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiFfW6MgI77wI7sh3WvyHimfio9WuM1cAlzOEVOwMbTsAQorivMrt-jh6O5A2B0-S20o8rFZz6RlRGoZ7TojaYBdYdQ3p91esD9_5IqIzzBOt9WMjFDNJGH5yUHC98VjEV9mLuqFfFis/s640/blogger-image--1994915311.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shockingly, on Saturday evening, at our house, dad had a stroke. I realised what was happening immediately and summoned an ambulance which came super speedily. I have nothing but praise for the paramedics, doctors,nurses, assistants and porters at the Royal Sussex (BSUH) A&E and in the stroke service. They were, and are being, marvellous. And already, lost capablities are beginning to return and assessment and therapy to bear fruit. But inevitably, this heralds a further loss for dad . Last year he lost his soul mate and wife of almost forty years; gave up his cottage and fully independent lifestyle come to live with, and then near us. Now, the future is uncertain again. How quickly things change and we lose faculties, loved ones , our independence , even purpose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I reflect with gratitude on how vital I am finding the caring and support from my brother and sister who will not leave me to cope alone . Already friends are offering practical and emotional support and all I have to do is to be ready to accept it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As if I needed reminding, all this serves to underline to me (us) how important it is to make the most of now; to value the love of children, partner, family and friends...... and to appreciate the unconditional love and good company of pets....well, the dog at least! Eartha Kitt(en) is rather too focussed on number one and her own needs ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwHGu_Mrk3XS_jcm0dz3THVqHBj04xBeNKaH21Cam7MKEzk8euT1_jrap40fzFjv4ldkd-1fMdrTDiQJ2TXVyupVUCAC5SkaV6MDvWQBhnQeK_OC5Up_u1o1yRhyphenhyphenNgOoo8q_WYxnCyjE/s640/blogger-image--1706849354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwHGu_Mrk3XS_jcm0dz3THVqHBj04xBeNKaH21Cam7MKEzk8euT1_jrap40fzFjv4ldkd-1fMdrTDiQJ2TXVyupVUCAC5SkaV6MDvWQBhnQeK_OC5Up_u1o1yRhyphenhyphenNgOoo8q_WYxnCyjE/s640/blogger-image--1706849354.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwHGu_Mrk3XS_jcm0dz3THVqHBj04xBeNKaH21Cam7MKEzk8euT1_jrap40fzFjv4ldkd-1fMdrTDiQJ2TXVyupVUCAC5SkaV6MDvWQBhnQeK_OC5Up_u1o1yRhyphenhyphenNgOoo8q_WYxnCyjE/s640/blogger-image--1706849354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT1M_rcwn424bTmzP6f5atMXcGvfIYM83eeN8u4KWUqzOs7Q3h_wW65xAZE1XhH_ts504eE5bsnXCOdJrAsBWO2CvPoVBukLH7txG6YlajhbXXhytAXrj9RR_cOIuWu4aw_Lx5Oyh79w/s640/blogger-image-1190920606.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">And whilst valuing all those sentient beings , I won't neglect to enjoy the world around me, and the wonderful sea and skyscapes I have spotted in between the downpours . </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JrqPwhTqIVizqEdOOQnUvwHv9hZC8GgslpWMUb6hWmx-4Z7WW7WgFQwxam2zZkQvBAz3eIjr6Hg5zYHU2qbak1X16sdl7ltUgyBMv9BMwZ41hWBW52X2njTmnlbV3lXWguMeaneVzKc/s640/blogger-image--1766593176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JrqPwhTqIVizqEdOOQnUvwHv9hZC8GgslpWMUb6hWmx-4Z7WW7WgFQwxam2zZkQvBAz3eIjr6Hg5zYHU2qbak1X16sdl7ltUgyBMv9BMwZ41hWBW52X2njTmnlbV3lXWguMeaneVzKc/s640/blogger-image--1766593176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT48gNfGwtCUG9Jpgq7-madaIjGYr_jdMpH9XZuZz_QXh-PLXT4ni2PjpltEX1HgxrAizKVkcFSozBtxfMcTDJRXaoP7rIqLT0YMBgU6sem3Cc9McO5RjA38COcs1Qcs7amD3G3NOd36k/s640/blogger-image--87024523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT48gNfGwtCUG9Jpgq7-madaIjGYr_jdMpH9XZuZz_QXh-PLXT4ni2PjpltEX1HgxrAizKVkcFSozBtxfMcTDJRXaoP7rIqLT0YMBgU6sem3Cc9McO5RjA38COcs1Qcs7amD3G3NOd36k/s640/blogger-image--87024523.jpg"></a></div></div> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTglGipBkuOswB0FpWcVMvCh__ci5gFNSWJDPWIsR9HH06QcS0_ubdjAM6dhrHi24nyvhLTtaxOhI09Ckp5JltFEXzrto8NnQOpzgLeopUDNW7dO1Le12vnDayS_yqSM_r9rPyITNi0M/s640/blogger-image-1182196140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTglGipBkuOswB0FpWcVMvCh__ci5gFNSWJDPWIsR9HH06QcS0_ubdjAM6dhrHi24nyvhLTtaxOhI09Ckp5JltFEXzrto8NnQOpzgLeopUDNW7dO1Le12vnDayS_yqSM_r9rPyITNi0M/s640/blogger-image-1182196140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-49243936666315259112015-12-28T16:26:00.001+00:002015-12-28T16:51:41.834+00:00Festive season- family , friends , food ....thoughts with those in the
northern floods<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Milky sun in a streaky cloudy sky provided wonderful conditions for a Hove seaside walk today (official Boxing Day) . And we were not alone in striding out with the dog; three generations and a small ball. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMvf0EiBTzyRkRZRRolvKzYdBoPRQgsUqxNYx92BXX-1bDoWWo2PO-e4WCp7xteKTcGtYRy9THY6C7WlrW1j0ogISRrb8RGujJm5i-qO7wrpway4r8c_BbMqO6DIvDMQb9bEj6bg_z8s/s640/blogger-image--225147899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMvf0EiBTzyRkRZRRolvKzYdBoPRQgsUqxNYx92BXX-1bDoWWo2PO-e4WCp7xteKTcGtYRy9THY6C7WlrW1j0ogISRrb8RGujJm5i-qO7wrpway4r8c_BbMqO6DIvDMQb9bEj6bg_z8s/s640/blogger-image--225147899.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WpPXFFamAJtNj8-astZmmqWNOFNCEJb0TIpwILQmvwEKPzgIFUoXnXsqnhXZchaj0BrYwpf6y1LvDHPgUQh13MyLF_lxZDz7kY6HQhdRVBYuIWfsCSoVASfKK9aWBSxUJfqaJxYUQzE/s640/blogger-image-216651995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WpPXFFamAJtNj8-astZmmqWNOFNCEJb0TIpwILQmvwEKPzgIFUoXnXsqnhXZchaj0BrYwpf6y1LvDHPgUQh13MyLF_lxZDz7kY6HQhdRVBYuIWfsCSoVASfKK9aWBSxUJfqaJxYUQzE/s640/blogger-image-216651995.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">All the while I was strongly aware of friends ,colleagues and thousands unknown to me , struggling against the waters that have burst banks in Lancashire and Yorkshire, bringing a hasty end to festivities. In some places, Christmas was ruined before it began. For others, formal holiday has given way to urgent volunteering or made real the truism that in some roles, you are never really off duty. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am very appreciative of a blowy bright , sun in the seaside sky day with my father and eldest son .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The week has seen a succession of festive meals , friendly gatherings and walks. Merry the dog has been living up to her name, enjoying the company and attention. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf9CKmAQCuJIYmhBbraHx_TshbpXYkwhFj6u2RaT0ynDhQwa3GeVb3q7XGqIoWdP75jP6aaKkqzGn9RdJP7d041rpUcAlsGEOKSeEfcma7MF2qbRXAt3JmICHp6N5eJjC8c9xod12ffw/s640/blogger-image-584261512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf9CKmAQCuJIYmhBbraHx_TshbpXYkwhFj6u2RaT0ynDhQwa3GeVb3q7XGqIoWdP75jP6aaKkqzGn9RdJP7d041rpUcAlsGEOKSeEfcma7MF2qbRXAt3JmICHp6N5eJjC8c9xod12ffw/s640/blogger-image-584261512.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Another walk.......another ball chase for Merry </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5DGddvLc_fy4lp5VmfeBrE0GBCg71SMqCby7MLw9M4cVU6fRz5kg7Ag4j8QbQKVrfxN64i2CPTQlNPmFKPRuxSkhyphenhyphenRVMu-0Tze8igOylAvxKCvJcFlaGvCz-jcuC42OFBYQDUlepvS8/s640/blogger-image-490353178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5DGddvLc_fy4lp5VmfeBrE0GBCg71SMqCby7MLw9M4cVU6fRz5kg7Ag4j8QbQKVrfxN64i2CPTQlNPmFKPRuxSkhyphenhyphenRVMu-0Tze8igOylAvxKCvJcFlaGvCz-jcuC42OFBYQDUlepvS8/s640/blogger-image-490353178.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div> And it's just as well we have Merry to walk , because like most at this time of the year , we have been enjoying too much tasty food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtxFJtbgBQuklu6h35CCq7Q9HaFF-dpw-RiCnjMLVQPuCnysJba9ZtfUQdZSrCVQRctSPFGZZJaRGijpK1b-XB0h3VphE8u3JuZnBdadcucQ8OlZ3Y3w3V8a1Y28vLDX4MKAq4OztWeQ/s640/blogger-image--1881630115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtxFJtbgBQuklu6h35CCq7Q9HaFF-dpw-RiCnjMLVQPuCnysJba9ZtfUQdZSrCVQRctSPFGZZJaRGijpK1b-XB0h3VphE8u3JuZnBdadcucQ8OlZ3Y3w3V8a1Y28vLDX4MKAq4OztWeQ/s640/blogger-image--1881630115.jpg"></a></div> Roasties and Yorkshires for everyone </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCeAYklacmPfFKKtqqzAvJw_mKiHfhRxuxTsdJtN9BxRkuALxRYdQloUus8nFu4eua4GlPYT8MrrD2pwJ1Y_WOReYg5TZuT6KFHYDlv2aPSu4jfswINZaIv_2Y6cXuEy87h9qbYlDgdA/s640/blogger-image-1415728205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCeAYklacmPfFKKtqqzAvJw_mKiHfhRxuxTsdJtN9BxRkuALxRYdQloUus8nFu4eua4GlPYT8MrrD2pwJ1Y_WOReYg5TZuT6KFHYDlv2aPSu4jfswINZaIv_2Y6cXuEy87h9qbYlDgdA/s640/blogger-image-1415728205.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> Parsnip&hazlenut roulade for the three out of seven veggies at Christmas dinner </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQVkDlFslPH03MCFvUQneqYes-5NZCN-vx6ShLxmoaFRgNtdN2TRgzDR1zEUn_odEq6INbsYjv3ZAa4MFljqtYAeq12e0SzN7lEcLiHRKK4rzRcFBMXUmfdbHkbHY3P7rlOIckkxfM5w/s640/blogger-image--1013549738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQVkDlFslPH03MCFvUQneqYes-5NZCN-vx6ShLxmoaFRgNtdN2TRgzDR1zEUn_odEq6INbsYjv3ZAa4MFljqtYAeq12e0SzN7lEcLiHRKK4rzRcFBMXUmfdbHkbHY3P7rlOIckkxfM5w/s640/blogger-image--1013549738.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zcBF_IIablINn4e55eJ5JokTVab0hRRIMz7r6UOocby4F1_VfUAgDuHccZDVXAGl9nF-5OdHZcjcrTDbYIOI5pw133YVwwCBHIMtnlBBvJk5SWI3xSIScMsjc70MV_LUKfIuA05Ecuw/s640/blogger-image-313706622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zcBF_IIablINn4e55eJ5JokTVab0hRRIMz7r6UOocby4F1_VfUAgDuHccZDVXAGl9nF-5OdHZcjcrTDbYIOI5pw133YVwwCBHIMtnlBBvJk5SWI3xSIScMsjc70MV_LUKfIuA05Ecuw/s640/blogger-image-313706622.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Father Christmas and Snowdog & Snowman atop the Christmas cake </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mind, on Christmas Eve Eve the wind blew and the rain poured . My first choice colour was especially seasonal . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1aqv14RofWLPMLCXzLop6dT7mqEswwgPBxVfhht8s2UnJ5qPHje73hMVG8oAcGdG0AuhLGy_AzTof_KTvVxcvIcK4inE5yC6kfPq2Lwbp-4P-509CkmEMIduGlQxONS2FsF8syTafcY/s640/blogger-image-2136861230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1aqv14RofWLPMLCXzLop6dT7mqEswwgPBxVfhht8s2UnJ5qPHje73hMVG8oAcGdG0AuhLGy_AzTof_KTvVxcvIcK4inE5yC6kfPq2Lwbp-4P-509CkmEMIduGlQxONS2FsF8syTafcY/s640/blogger-image-2136861230.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then on Christmas Eve the stockings were filled by the hearth and we didn't have anyone under 24 in the house! At what age do you stop the stocking tradition? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BW10VjRFxEAeHvRPxCRrpht5Wf8i_w2UoDxYwrVMuFjFbty13V-a-uAv4vaRUcE97Z0lM8NwMRtYJQUOWnIDQCFWkAEfGW1Ke2cb8Uui3brm2WlJUQmE93mU4lJ80rjuH-HrdN_kalY/s640/blogger-image--6803088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BW10VjRFxEAeHvRPxCRrpht5Wf8i_w2UoDxYwrVMuFjFbty13V-a-uAv4vaRUcE97Z0lM8NwMRtYJQUOWnIDQCFWkAEfGW1Ke2cb8Uui3brm2WlJUQmE93mU4lJ80rjuH-HrdN_kalY/s640/blogger-image--6803088.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>I hope you too have spent time with loved ones, sharing food ,games, gifts and a cheering glass of something tasty. And perhaps you will have shared a visit to the panto or theatre. For us, we had consecutive days of festive treats . On Boxing Day we were blown away by Pirates of the Caribina in Flown at Brighton's Dome - a mash up of circus skills, original music and tastes of storytelling . It was a total delight an an awesome spectacle from dedicated , talented , highly trained performers with a passion for their art and considerable mastery of physics and geometry . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BjjkZnfIqI4e73RdZgto4OQ8jBZ1qexIhCMlgO2ujO3kbwNvhoBUqedlJXG8-8he42saRAtrDhpXgQ7jP68BOXPR1UdV0RRqQlXixyi3X36XP5yjRR33wb-LddAsdD9QHyPLa_8yO0U/s640/blogger-image--402759278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BjjkZnfIqI4e73RdZgto4OQ8jBZ1qexIhCMlgO2ujO3kbwNvhoBUqedlJXG8-8he42saRAtrDhpXgQ7jP68BOXPR1UdV0RRqQlXixyi3X36XP5yjRR33wb-LddAsdD9QHyPLa_8yO0U/s640/blogger-image--402759278.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The stage set for Flown </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And as if that weren't enough , Sunday 27th saw us in Chichester at the Festival theatre enjoying their Youth theatre production of A Christmas Carol. This brilliant story telling production was pacey, packed with puppetry, terrific acting and marvellous singing. The enthusiastic house showed noisy appreciation for the show and we were delighted with our West Sussex jaunt. What's more we returned to be treated to a home cooked meal by my visiting son and his girlfriend - tasty and spicey and nothing required of us at all! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPZzBLbf-NRSa15QyeE_n9w70m0XlP6oZfvxWBsgH-FYBacqHSe56kIR86a39bmdisdWtBQM9A8tq0LkEhzDp9o4ZuTQCF6iiSn7WiKD7wEHZ5p6D6B8y0e8dFOTjEkPFi3ifuZ4MVo0/s640/blogger-image--1736075230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPZzBLbf-NRSa15QyeE_n9w70m0XlP6oZfvxWBsgH-FYBacqHSe56kIR86a39bmdisdWtBQM9A8tq0LkEhzDp9o4ZuTQCF6iiSn7WiKD7wEHZ5p6D6B8y0e8dFOTjEkPFi3ifuZ4MVo0/s640/blogger-image--1736075230.jpg"></a></div> The stage set for A Christmas Carol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am now preparing for an end to a challenging year of too much loss ; thank goodness for the love of partner, family and friends. Thank you all. I am weighing up how well I did with my resolutions, conjuring up my new ones and anticipating the next year. I hope any readers have also enjoyed a fine Christmas time , and will have a wonderful New Year. </div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-81051958594286047682015-12-21T13:41:00.001+00:002015-12-21T16:05:15.355+00:00The week before Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrn7IMERHZK7HvvJkyLfcu4BJ2TbYnW4xETzJ_sSeE17lf-ikXn4JdllZqh-xIE5vlWmQVsbXa2jDk6hs_VaYNPct5KQFVioSAPoq-CkrGTlPETK0JUpUCd-YL9m7WwsWqjtt_6PyVMg/s640/blogger-image-1786902078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrn7IMERHZK7HvvJkyLfcu4BJ2TbYnW4xETzJ_sSeE17lf-ikXn4JdllZqh-xIE5vlWmQVsbXa2jDk6hs_VaYNPct5KQFVioSAPoq-CkrGTlPETK0JUpUCd-YL9m7WwsWqjtt_6PyVMg/s640/blogger-image-1786902078.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">An uninterrupted view of the West Pier is once more on view, now that the i360 works have moved land wards. This week has produced some wonderful seascape moments for those of us lucky enough to enjoy daily dog walks along the promenades of Brighton&Hove. Intermittently, the sun has shone gloriously; the wind has howled sporadically, and now it's lashing down with rain ! Nonetheless it is unseasonably mild. I applaud the world's climate change conference agreement at Paris last weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDyX3Fxp-AD34svi0sy16_uyYiwv08jdd9tN9VyoZlQUS3iG4Yc200YwjCYnE33aTVmnmhwkrE7r_72IZ6eUUy0iK7jjB0zLcG_Enq-mHqM5FaCgEI-nOr9c29LZ8_OaoCf7rz5row4U/s640/blogger-image-2095680949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDyX3Fxp-AD34svi0sy16_uyYiwv08jdd9tN9VyoZlQUS3iG4Yc200YwjCYnE33aTVmnmhwkrE7r_72IZ6eUUy0iK7jjB0zLcG_Enq-mHqM5FaCgEI-nOr9c29LZ8_OaoCf7rz5row4U/s640/blogger-image-2095680949.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Thursday we saw blue skies . Merry , a happy dog at any time , enjoyed the low tide sand and the sunshine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3T-13JjB72nI1lS0q3HOy2PmNwdFg47afAQ7yc6QWVKgRbMi16dPFHFLMIjpSzurmv69kZWmaor3iUV9-hUFz2KK7R0se_3OlSEe94skw3jF6xJB1h_q6sDezzvKZvQYLygVbbRTGo0/s640/blogger-image--700320096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3T-13JjB72nI1lS0q3HOy2PmNwdFg47afAQ7yc6QWVKgRbMi16dPFHFLMIjpSzurmv69kZWmaor3iUV9-hUFz2KK7R0se_3OlSEe94skw3jF6xJB1h_q6sDezzvKZvQYLygVbbRTGo0/s640/blogger-image--700320096.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L7teUNPZoUy1OmVbvvcQMWcFhs2brvHDJdUbv9Au0EYgDyoOnhThA1l_phJpAPGz8rNDoQnBoaHce-Rj4abhynr8X3lyjcc1gpgp2ELcRRtvDF2IacRTf7dY_qA0XzaqWSSVZv9cBP0/s640/blogger-image-191909788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L7teUNPZoUy1OmVbvvcQMWcFhs2brvHDJdUbv9Au0EYgDyoOnhThA1l_phJpAPGz8rNDoQnBoaHce-Rj4abhynr8X3lyjcc1gpgp2ELcRRtvDF2IacRTf7dY_qA0XzaqWSSVZv9cBP0/s640/blogger-image-191909788.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Against this backcloth of unseasonal weather , Christmas preparations have been well underway with presents of flowers , the delight of opening Christmas cards and catching up on news, and the arrival of a handsome Christmas tree. It's funny how my embrace of social media does not dent the joy of the analogue Christmas card ritual ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh4RtqPMCsUu31Kw0deFrMFUalSGnYuQ6q5Y-FKzn4WLHi7aKXx1yWzh0xh1S7pAOH1frIbxFiphJn1OAQaUYNyZMhGj-enoLkLTXIVPbU2O6BRTF7j2jkWCSBQ8zoBG8uTrCbnn_kyQ/s640/blogger-image-2041043274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh4RtqPMCsUu31Kw0deFrMFUalSGnYuQ6q5Y-FKzn4WLHi7aKXx1yWzh0xh1S7pAOH1frIbxFiphJn1OAQaUYNyZMhGj-enoLkLTXIVPbU2O6BRTF7j2jkWCSBQ8zoBG8uTrCbnn_kyQ/s640/blogger-image-2041043274.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wgzZonoduSJlXvC2QrfJLmvT9b5H8-8uy7PKqabBuiU5P-1MatM9kbvcS94q-KYE7PC2-snSczJ117a1uK6vkKqKKaBAacLTf5pSsF5albSEsn8Lxwmge_uSnC9z0CIz5yFg5Q9NVes/s640/blogger-image-2121237611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wgzZonoduSJlXvC2QrfJLmvT9b5H8-8uy7PKqabBuiU5P-1MatM9kbvcS94q-KYE7PC2-snSczJ117a1uK6vkKqKKaBAacLTf5pSsF5albSEsn8Lxwmge_uSnC9z0CIz5yFg5Q9NVes/s640/blogger-image-2121237611.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The week has seen quite <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a bit of early festive eating too, not least of all on Monday night with the surprise arrival of friends for dinner whom I was expecting on Wednesday! Don't ask how that happened . Suffice it to say that I took full responsibility for the mix up and atoned with the preparation of a meal from scratch using what we had in the larder and fridge! Two tapenades accompanied by avocado ,tomato & mozzarella salad , were followed by pasta with a choice of puttanesca and smoked salmon / cream cheese sauces , and meringue and compote, with cheese to finish. It went down well and I was exhausted ! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">To cap it all , when i was telling some London friends this tale over supper in Victoria the following night, it turned out that our Brighton friends were not only known to one of the company ,but were now related by marriage. It's a small world! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Thursday night provided an enjoyable night of Jazz at Smalls once more. As ever, the house band were superb ( Piers Clark, Steve Thompson , Mark Edwards) this time supporting Alex Garnett (Sax) and Freddy Gabat (trumpet). Every tune was brilliant but I'll mention Sonny Rollins' Doxy and Steve's singing of Pennies from Heaven, as standouts! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kcuwEaqX9i-4eBJar4v11VOt3j_YxrDEh1Wm8KiGq0GtQxKqQCN7s0NKu0qo4D-4m7mpPwrDboSR5BxRvfuloIBTNYbTmhHIkXuXWsbMQyV_890n3CLLpCLI7ONloDnpICu1GbDxmcQ/s640/blogger-image-1403230632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kcuwEaqX9i-4eBJar4v11VOt3j_YxrDEh1Wm8KiGq0GtQxKqQCN7s0NKu0qo4D-4m7mpPwrDboSR5BxRvfuloIBTNYbTmhHIkXuXWsbMQyV_890n3CLLpCLI7ONloDnpICu1GbDxmcQ/s640/blogger-image-1403230632.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-GjH_WUxzwsPScUtWnImakPZl6jP7CeeSFa-f6Wji9yYagz9UVIaDB0DhBy-IsidmOv5c3fdehYiVJSPC3Hzfbu2ogMo19xPlayzwYyqMLVBFCFGxEJsxhJGekVF49r_yKhttDd6oIs/s640/blogger-image--500921288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-GjH_WUxzwsPScUtWnImakPZl6jP7CeeSFa-f6Wji9yYagz9UVIaDB0DhBy-IsidmOv5c3fdehYiVJSPC3Hzfbu2ogMo19xPlayzwYyqMLVBFCFGxEJsxhJGekVF49r_yKhttDd6oIs/s640/blogger-image--500921288.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The festive season provides a lovely reason for merry making, but in our family it's also the season of birthdays. So Friday night was a 30th birthday celebratory meal for the middle one of my offspring (Joe) on the eve of the much anticipated top of the Championship Brighton&Hove Albion v Middlesbrough clash , here in Brighton. A wonderful night was succeeded by triumph for Boro and much happiness in the Thompson clan. ( Against anyone else, I'd be supporting the seagulls!) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Like so many , our family is scattered and so our Christmas celebrations have begun early, with a northern visitation over the weekend from two excited young grandchildren and their mum, fitting us into their busy schedule. More food, and also old fashioned games delighted us all. I can really recommend "Bird Bingo" as great fun for all ages, and a card memory game proved a great favourite - unsurprisingly age was no aid to success! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm conscious that </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">travelling , present buying and spending time with people you see too seldom can be stressful as well as delightful ,so I'm already appreciative of the visitors we have had so far, and the fun and joy they've brought. Let's hope the next week continues to be full of more of the same! And spare a thought for those for whom this will be a sad or trying time, my own father so recently moved and bereaved, amongst them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0UzKDFseuC1NmEcNihf8rDejBrFjktP8fTWGdkDZ7B4NHhqBHdYCnjf8GGuMzdhVmidnlpRMSAo9h3M1HsfGUn2QorGDlfpsp62Vs0PIAl5rvVhFv9nyvjiJGOw59JIfYX-3AIcUKKQ/s640/blogger-image-1643250380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0UzKDFseuC1NmEcNihf8rDejBrFjktP8fTWGdkDZ7B4NHhqBHdYCnjf8GGuMzdhVmidnlpRMSAo9h3M1HsfGUn2QorGDlfpsp62Vs0PIAl5rvVhFv9nyvjiJGOw59JIfYX-3AIcUKKQ/s640/blogger-image-1643250380.jpg"></a></div> Merry (at) Christmas! </div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-61367810250289500612015-12-13T17:36:00.001+00:002015-12-13T23:25:47.047+00:00Routines,rituals and traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_27-Qv8ZB4lX6DCZFvUwz24-EQ4lqIeq3HFu8yPfXsfxuHd26zfqC8AHiLQNYhRYuGfbKpqphPGkxTP4_OKahGFsRDAI5OAvwSsrvdA7Ssb0g3TDABWkUeQIWQHUBaLc5ZjavLcyN3Q/s640/blogger-image-1512751667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_27-Qv8ZB4lX6DCZFvUwz24-EQ4lqIeq3HFu8yPfXsfxuHd26zfqC8AHiLQNYhRYuGfbKpqphPGkxTP4_OKahGFsRDAI5OAvwSsrvdA7Ssb0g3TDABWkUeQIWQHUBaLc5ZjavLcyN3Q/s640/blogger-image-1512751667.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Every Sunday morning is comfortingly enlivened by the dependable @EastLondonGroup posting of this wonderful painting "Sunday Morning ,Farringdon Road" by Cecil Osborne which is part of the Brighton &Hove City art collection (though not currently on public display). I and the many others delighted by this regular posting, go through the ritual of retweeting it. The ELG collection of paintings has become very widely appreciated through this modern medium. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I lived in East London, another routine was the visit to Colombia Road's fabulous flower market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last Sunday I rose early to make the journey and to gather up a box of rich red Amaryllis , roses , poinsettias and Ilyx and to revisit favourite old haunts and characters. It's nice to be remembered and to gather up the wintry floral treats that have become part of our pre Christmas rituals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0Qm2zI9l-n_11ldJ6JOTh_E4NpZkjFNqTt2gwXyWDIST5oD7jEqnkKceEp-0WMavkoAgpOvwhTrujO7HqgzKSZqjkl1B0NYvjBpj1gVHf1Ybd5nyjBGriTEr2v14nM1AkdtKImOfXrE/s640/blogger-image-1056616406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0Qm2zI9l-n_11ldJ6JOTh_E4NpZkjFNqTt2gwXyWDIST5oD7jEqnkKceEp-0WMavkoAgpOvwhTrujO7HqgzKSZqjkl1B0NYvjBpj1gVHf1Ybd5nyjBGriTEr2v14nM1AkdtKImOfXrE/s640/blogger-image-1056616406.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both; display: inline !important;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sOniOZGtin6XWkEOOJt1BSHJnCj8UOnIzjxxWtJ2F57p5xNwxGDETARVGSY95l0bakd75Ljxd2I42TxkvcoKJdSuAfVwwisDjJhV62_JOLkCWqSdSLTam4VKhZ5gBWcOxIXjJKM_oT8/s640/blogger-image--1613071791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sOniOZGtin6XWkEOOJt1BSHJnCj8UOnIzjxxWtJ2F57p5xNwxGDETARVGSY95l0bakd75Ljxd2I42TxkvcoKJdSuAfVwwisDjJhV62_JOLkCWqSdSLTam4VKhZ5gBWcOxIXjJKM_oT8/s640/blogger-image--1613071791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span></font><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MnKxWZYnPZ4Wes3PpDg0ieX1E7Nwqs4MoXcGt_yzPt2AQ4Q7M5_LpFmWRYBKObhLbsHBhyLd_6WGwtH3lBAgK_vh6WcUuzcM-y0CUBV51SSw76Yu2f7JVkGiBYMGKoAS_Gl-QzPM6qI/s640/blogger-image--2040856983.jpg"></span></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sOniOZGtin6XWkEOOJt1BSHJnCj8UOnIzjxxWtJ2F57p5xNwxGDETARVGSY95l0bakd75Ljxd2I42TxkvcoKJdSuAfVwwisDjJhV62_JOLkCWqSdSLTam4VKhZ5gBWcOxIXjJKM_oT8/s640/blogger-image--1613071791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi8PNaMatOCPjdvbbakGNXevlVjgUQ8Gk3gxyaa6T1GkeSrCRJzxb57jYQoVsc_5LjOBeoYLMZ3FiLXVOWONVlpVz8j1KH41cQQX_xsHj16YmbW_qyoKedby8ru9DjbtelCJKQ511PwE/s640/blogger-image-1059858097.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhRqeIWEm7F-qOVtpm2tSo4yDpZfq6UrwmgJsn5xfs8QtCXEU8GqkaNnM_Zy7vm-QyE0aHxsMK2IRlV33aaMDu0uvJ_pZHPVNGibOdaBfNfjZd7dtss9MK9In69DQqXCxJtCGRNrKRIg/s640/blogger-image-1575737260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhRqeIWEm7F-qOVtpm2tSo4yDpZfq6UrwmgJsn5xfs8QtCXEU8GqkaNnM_Zy7vm-QyE0aHxsMK2IRlV33aaMDu0uvJ_pZHPVNGibOdaBfNfjZd7dtss9MK9In69DQqXCxJtCGRNrKRIg/s640/blogger-image-1575737260.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Lily Vanilla's delicious no meat sausage rolls and coffee were a treat after the journey , and then a further delight was to find my favourite busking musician, Brooke Sharkey, serenading the flower buyers. I'm pleased to be making a small crowdfunding contribution to her next album. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJS69Iq7moAG-gWnHOpY_w6d7JTETFpeH3MBT-gAYZSbIhUB5WDNnzSAhoF1fWDeRIlCRyRWV5IzNX4GRveVXsTVj2H0b4pPTB0o3f7yfZWUW8Nzo6ZtMJZa61T0_6RZlWZzAr_sVJkg/s640/blogger-image--2090713451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJS69Iq7moAG-gWnHOpY_w6d7JTETFpeH3MBT-gAYZSbIhUB5WDNnzSAhoF1fWDeRIlCRyRWV5IzNX4GRveVXsTVj2H0b4pPTB0o3f7yfZWUW8Nzo6ZtMJZa61T0_6RZlWZzAr_sVJkg/s640/blogger-image--2090713451.jpg"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Geubw_R0vyweZcUr9pzli1_iZjyjOv97pC94Fw96YXMjnTOV9DY13AQszkhChkCOUEXJZ3Q4joECoH4g3y262I2GtSBarO4ONz6hcXIpn5YJTTKA7Vp30WS6kcgx05KfooKBsIKFAA/s640/blogger-image-1571824165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Geubw_R0vyweZcUr9pzli1_iZjyjOv97pC94Fw96YXMjnTOV9DY13AQszkhChkCOUEXJZ3Q4joECoH4g3y262I2GtSBarO4ONz6hcXIpn5YJTTKA7Vp30WS6kcgx05KfooKBsIKFAA/s640/blogger-image-1571824165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></u></font></div>As if all this pleasure weren't enough , I then visited two of my grown up offspring in Southeast London and played a bit part in my daughter's </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">first purchase of a Christmas tree , and the start of her own Christmas routine . And then it was back to the seaside and a bit of flower arranging. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZK2yG8R4oK_K96ZTjxgJxE4wcHmSEr_mX_EsGS15Xy6mSmooBo0ryQqkiepqQyyIXHom2yJWdi_igxefxgOgk8cSJnSt9WDoOkW4I2NmgLEMB2J1aPXh4XlGBqBBX7yoroXXBMXAniA/s640/blogger-image-343292488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZK2yG8R4oK_K96ZTjxgJxE4wcHmSEr_mX_EsGS15Xy6mSmooBo0ryQqkiepqQyyIXHom2yJWdi_igxefxgOgk8cSJnSt9WDoOkW4I2NmgLEMB2J1aPXh4XlGBqBBX7yoroXXBMXAniA/s640/blogger-image-343292488.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV3Eb4l7C7Q0Sf0IU8zWTwAMAB-9JjIkgvdoJDFuZ48YK4AF5zfFJDvy5v1SGEgZfdKU9Zbk6HWIte4gqFXzsEWgcjqI6Prp20D577ko1IyUkO0UDLOn4MmkfN-Ej4tPrMTS976ljers/s640/blogger-image-1705042718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV3Eb4l7C7Q0Sf0IU8zWTwAMAB-9JjIkgvdoJDFuZ48YK4AF5zfFJDvy5v1SGEgZfdKU9Zbk6HWIte4gqFXzsEWgcjqI6Prp20D577ko1IyUkO0UDLOn4MmkfN-Ej4tPrMTS976ljers/s640/blogger-image-1705042718.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And so the Christmas preparations are well underway and present buying is something that I seek to snatch opportunities for......alongside visiting art exhibitions and other delights. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a London meeting midweek , there was a chance to get to the National Portrait Gallery and see the Giacometti (1901-66) portraits exhibition, recommended by my artist brother .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfofQcxB6auvBvhPd4Jv54e_1ZodBxmkeE6dHTjn8UgZq_KKAefXYsaXA79iBJmqd63FmcwUB6TDl9wJ0unw2Kp6gKalWA8YxPdBuiBmi_58AHk1k4Qvf97cnRD2AB16hz4efc5NZ8O0/s640/blogger-image-525934944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfofQcxB6auvBvhPd4Jv54e_1ZodBxmkeE6dHTjn8UgZq_KKAefXYsaXA79iBJmqd63FmcwUB6TDl9wJ0unw2Kp6gKalWA8YxPdBuiBmi_58AHk1k4Qvf97cnRD2AB16hz4efc5NZ8O0/s640/blogger-image-525934944.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Diego (G's brother ) in the Living Room, Stampa, Switzerland, 1922</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIciXmDKYCOIEM4eFLZ0jj_zI3Hvmlq6_fx4kY5PWzKADWO5fFnGF8uByDWH-LX8moebectlX6X-YhiZg5CRvsx01jhkTVoghbudzfHF8bGHeYp25HHAL6kTe65Q4QkrIcAW23eQmGzY/s640/blogger-image--1196228556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIciXmDKYCOIEM4eFLZ0jj_zI3Hvmlq6_fx4kY5PWzKADWO5fFnGF8uByDWH-LX8moebectlX6X-YhiZg5CRvsx01jhkTVoghbudzfHF8bGHeYp25HHAL6kTe65Q4QkrIcAW23eQmGzY/s640/blogger-image--1196228556.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Annette 1962 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The exhibition gave insight into Giacometti's development as a painter and sculptor, and I had to buy the exhibition catalogue to learn more than I had time for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also went into see Simon Sharma's "Face of Britain" and was delighted to see two fantastic women painters' self portraits. Laura Knight 's is so bright and modern ; indeed it's amazing to think that both these portraits are over a century old . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm8vytH2DpTfMsk6vqpClCLPtIR3Svxhx-sKarkZvL0zZaAm08paSKyYRCaSTMLIEjx_OCi4kWfGoJzqvKOM6Jp41npEYZPHWJZB1ciTqaVpiDn7y1wp3Wzg_bqw0wGso3uLYFWtSd-A/s640/blogger-image-123860106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm8vytH2DpTfMsk6vqpClCLPtIR3Svxhx-sKarkZvL0zZaAm08paSKyYRCaSTMLIEjx_OCi4kWfGoJzqvKOM6Jp41npEYZPHWJZB1ciTqaVpiDn7y1wp3Wzg_bqw0wGso3uLYFWtSd-A/s640/blogger-image-123860106.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Dame Laura Knight's self portrait - 1913</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRMdPwN9OzqaYeSIlCae4_AER-LkYBJ7ynaF-SemrTbbNRcS5dahg3bL9fBqpB_fvy6JOI4JXjWEvBessigQKpLgvsViAciCXahd0Syj91wKL6G4vuLgO0St1sz1d1SQPhyphenhyphenhY6TI5Y8I/s640/blogger-image-1515701669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRMdPwN9OzqaYeSIlCae4_AER-LkYBJ7ynaF-SemrTbbNRcS5dahg3bL9fBqpB_fvy6JOI4JXjWEvBessigQKpLgvsViAciCXahd0Syj91wKL6G4vuLgO0St1sz1d1SQPhyphenhyphenhY6TI5Y8I/s640/blogger-image-1515701669.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Gwen John c1900</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After this cultural nourishment it was time for a bit of early evening mother/daughter shopping, suppering and a quick revisit of the awesome Ai Weiwei exhibition, that we have both appreciated previously. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9goX_SYf4nMDA0Vf9hoW8DbbDFX5bg3IbaLs0Q2Y6BiXE7S4HR1wou1hjJY7SP98dJWa5aO4ToIdKsjEf4iAI1Pf1P_Sx6ndMYf3RZuCd4TL_ys4M7CsF90_7NMSBJXzhR37aMNbfN8/s640/blogger-image--1745243859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9goX_SYf4nMDA0Vf9hoW8DbbDFX5bg3IbaLs0Q2Y6BiXE7S4HR1wou1hjJY7SP98dJWa5aO4ToIdKsjEf4iAI1Pf1P_Sx6ndMYf3RZuCd4TL_ys4M7CsF90_7NMSBJXzhR37aMNbfN8/s640/blogger-image--1745243859.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">AiWeiwei is cut from the Chinese version of this art book (top) and yet he features in the West's version .</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipEDutc14_Qgj5AyvuDrERj2dKLC_PRryAmRKJeqPgQDxL3UXE4xteJnMcxcMIHMMpmh6k6t-J1BASHE7lKsnlimswIvvyZ1IZPPVeBH7HGQArLpv01KMEGbmA9HCT46c3jyB93MlPS4/s640/blogger-image--352845102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipEDutc14_Qgj5AyvuDrERj2dKLC_PRryAmRKJeqPgQDxL3UXE4xteJnMcxcMIHMMpmh6k6t-J1BASHE7lKsnlimswIvvyZ1IZPPVeBH7HGQArLpv01KMEGbmA9HCT46c3jyB93MlPS4/s640/blogger-image--352845102.jpg"></a></div>This weekend the Royal Academy has been open all night and I've read of visitors lying under the chandelier serenaded by an opera singer at 3 and 4 in the morning ! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJaZOvyTFc-S5oemmYa3GzJ0Rr-VFH58M7fUwz10dMLn7VZw0MoyM-nT9IZKrZXvlewOTErKAQOILMUqbaMregSRT0gGYig7yIgljkLBWHshNsXuNFuPH2llldfyVYeBnLxFayv_zD9A/s640/blogger-image-816782009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJaZOvyTFc-S5oemmYa3GzJ0Rr-VFH58M7fUwz10dMLn7VZw0MoyM-nT9IZKrZXvlewOTErKAQOILMUqbaMregSRT0gGYig7yIgljkLBWHshNsXuNFuPH2llldfyVYeBnLxFayv_zD9A/s640/blogger-image-816782009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw9vqoHQ2y6JoUii7llS7n1v2IKN960j29w21FBVXVdnTcGp2UyBcC_6EFmbmLcbz0WxoDshLvmzlgUM1vUTT0LDDwe1TmV7MYcRgblJdPHEUamFK3x0NELMGkiP9Rgq6W2pPaV_oV8M/s640/blogger-image--1498353866.jpg"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">After a lovely time , we parted and I left the bright lights to return to the seaside. I hope this mother daughter jaunt becomes a regular feature , not just of Christmas preparations . </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_LvIjnrCbLzf7cs5SWKXGVGKATqcvtK2SEbUAd3MzTum7BIYauyeIAmmTsebO4x_sOiXVepyUnoJ6sJ8SXUCBVSo0xkDj7-C5kRCjuyIcfxBxMp7T7lTIB43IkvYLItoZk4MMg61O-g/s640/blogger-image--1209358971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_LvIjnrCbLzf7cs5SWKXGVGKATqcvtK2SEbUAd3MzTum7BIYauyeIAmmTsebO4x_sOiXVepyUnoJ6sJ8SXUCBVSo0xkDj7-C5kRCjuyIcfxBxMp7T7lTIB43IkvYLItoZk4MMg61O-g/s640/blogger-image--1209358971.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Back in Brighton the city is gearing up for the festive season too. And on Friday Penny and I enjoyed another regular feature of the pre Christmas cultural calendar - the Kate Rusby Christmas concert . A wonderful folk singer from Barnsley, Kate has made the south Yorkshire pub carols her own in a number of lovely albums ( most recently ,'The frost is all over" ). Most years she does a concert tour, accompanied by wonderful brass and rhythm sections. The concert at the Dome did not disappoint. Against a backcloth of crocheted stars (made by Cloud9decor, Sheffield) Kate and the "boys" sang and played their hearts out, with many of us joining in on the choruses. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHre8mGfOXiindRuVvYoVMYgDWpMK0QWS9BVcrWNKTOtsU0oO7ptxRQh9_D4uRmY7OcgAXHpGyRebrGwVt5ck37JYSsRWeNHBKU6kVmTUR9SuccbUswVNBCnjGTTKeDn-JeaGzG7p3j8/s640/blogger-image-1177106330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHre8mGfOXiindRuVvYoVMYgDWpMK0QWS9BVcrWNKTOtsU0oO7ptxRQh9_D4uRmY7OcgAXHpGyRebrGwVt5ck37JYSsRWeNHBKU6kVmTUR9SuccbUswVNBCnjGTTKeDn-JeaGzG7p3j8/s640/blogger-image-1177106330.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s62vLYbXg8gap89Nrn0w27ZvHhrPcMiK55dzi3WthMWt8TXcpZOhMziphRsfq7j2p5oKaZuOysq5E6cbuuYbXYhUUkahvg-0ryX29FCWixFxR-_COfKVVJsSn1lp5O9-EEZALG9Icy0/s640/blogger-image-108782295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s62vLYbXg8gap89Nrn0w27ZvHhrPcMiK55dzi3WthMWt8TXcpZOhMziphRsfq7j2p5oKaZuOysq5E6cbuuYbXYhUUkahvg-0ryX29FCWixFxR-_COfKVVJsSn1lp5O9-EEZALG9Icy0/s640/blogger-image-108782295.jpg"></a></div> Kate Rusby and Damien O'Kane </div><br></div></div></div>A final tradition of this time of the year is the Santa run along Hove seafront. It was a treat to walk down with my dad on his 85th birthday to cheer hundreds and hundreds of Santas running along the seafront . I don't think he had seen anything like it. Nor had he had a Santa stop and hug him out of the blue as my friend Barbara did; a lovely moment ! He enjoyed chocolate birthday cake later too! Oh and two brass ensembles in one week was a real treat! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz0TZ42sqgIgtwCoz_nL6sULx0dwYSHWfRc1N0NXmPe3bgSTRIJsfjl8ZuNZO-YI80oRGfOAG4TkBuumtpy-uJEWgtaFAkSVd6SyzWOaMvppVfVc0m65-4OAtLeq3Z_FJmPHJX239pU0/s640/blogger-image-88130961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz0TZ42sqgIgtwCoz_nL6sULx0dwYSHWfRc1N0NXmPe3bgSTRIJsfjl8ZuNZO-YI80oRGfOAG4TkBuumtpy-uJEWgtaFAkSVd6SyzWOaMvppVfVc0m65-4OAtLeq3Z_FJmPHJX239pU0/s640/blogger-image-88130961.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquSJ3sOZEcBjZMyI2yndqBtKp1tTrwIdVpkPimQnX658R7OB16F9C5keCKD2wf61nWEfcgnIq_9-ijzg42vtFCHAanDnDK2vkdN-sq2-MEy8symDWlbL1X67OHnXrgqNgUj_I8dN9Yno/s640/blogger-image--289197796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquSJ3sOZEcBjZMyI2yndqBtKp1tTrwIdVpkPimQnX658R7OB16F9C5keCKD2wf61nWEfcgnIq_9-ijzg42vtFCHAanDnDK2vkdN-sq2-MEy8symDWlbL1X67OHnXrgqNgUj_I8dN9Yno/s640/blogger-image--289197796.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Finally, the week ended with early festive meals with friends, and the tradition of crucial Christmas shopping . What a view with which to end it ! <br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOVfL3wagfSIjiK_nQ6Ewt2HNrlU0mGs2B2_ECSQm_XNy-TQ47a57H5F7ObtYdm3tdR9CLlSnsZssd19CckYX8PRMsAu_HuzgNnYed1C9SwbIEpSipZVQ_VmXLR86UahlxMcmxNzTPZs/s640/blogger-image-187160162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOVfL3wagfSIjiK_nQ6Ewt2HNrlU0mGs2B2_ECSQm_XNy-TQ47a57H5F7ObtYdm3tdR9CLlSnsZssd19CckYX8PRMsAu_HuzgNnYed1C9SwbIEpSipZVQ_VmXLR86UahlxMcmxNzTPZs/s640/blogger-image-187160162.jpg"></a></div></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-37658068337327309962015-12-04T15:38:00.001+00:002015-12-05T19:12:50.851+00:00Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCsGpSCQd0JTnWhAKbwVmht3Y0MWQ6Oz-uJ3YBniS54ojsmi7fBAA_0cXfCsMkfT6JHop5OD79pfafxnl6e8KulW5c2BlWn5-0ES7-AwfW2BX-mDkp6ra-Q5ZW52Jq3GbkvjAkrlbWs4/s640/blogger-image--1178202324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCsGpSCQd0JTnWhAKbwVmht3Y0MWQ6Oz-uJ3YBniS54ojsmi7fBAA_0cXfCsMkfT6JHop5OD79pfafxnl6e8KulW5c2BlWn5-0ES7-AwfW2BX-mDkp6ra-Q5ZW52Jq3GbkvjAkrlbWs4/s640/blogger-image--1178202324.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Early morning New Church Rd , Hove</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I set off to London on Wedsnesday I saw the the beautiful warning morning sky. I wondered what it warned. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In fact I experienced it as a pink sky smile, a celebration of several days hard, rewarding work, supporting my dad into the new, next phase of his life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tuesday night was his first night in a new home in his new City . It was a big move. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After collecting essentials from his for sale cottage at the weekend , and having had He-Van's experts move furniture from his room in our house, it only left us to hang pictures, make the bed and tune in the radio. Sadly, the TV ariel was defunct and required a mender (tomorrow).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_ISbz4VPDig-wriQ-r9NIgO-6N3gXNHonWYaSvXEXWJqWq1BilTuGnKNqdVeinSex_Ifpq6ICXPQHvT3RLQolKb-pPbRmMhzR7tsPksW8nudroBBayM1Go70oVgIgrE8lLy46okdhEI/s640/blogger-image--526722921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_ISbz4VPDig-wriQ-r9NIgO-6N3gXNHonWYaSvXEXWJqWq1BilTuGnKNqdVeinSex_Ifpq6ICXPQHvT3RLQolKb-pPbRmMhzR7tsPksW8nudroBBayM1Go70oVgIgrE8lLy46okdhEI/s640/blogger-image--526722921.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> We transformed dad's new home from this to this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjc5y8AEI7fGiU29xar-A7rXktzm9_vWr5SFZEyEy7jPG1II8seMtIdVdehGg1j_WflrMcCNmEXLmckUrYEUXhie55iiekdZlW0fc-ZX7zx61TcoX6DQNPM1d_-JJIXALtI9wWBoQ-9k/s640/blogger-image--54298968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjc5y8AEI7fGiU29xar-A7rXktzm9_vWr5SFZEyEy7jPG1II8seMtIdVdehGg1j_WflrMcCNmEXLmckUrYEUXhie55iiekdZlW0fc-ZX7zx61TcoX6DQNPM1d_-JJIXALtI9wWBoQ-9k/s640/blogger-image--54298968.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Naturally, it was stressful and poignant - he is giving up the known and the past for the new and a future. He was widowed in February and will always be grieving. We talked about this life change but dad didn't want to dwell too much on the loss. Instead, we focussed on independence with security and support. We reflected on the conviviality and sustenance on offer - and the opportunity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt090SFWJa3KYSoIltCGDirjFdcgAT1_3Q5EBLeXDNULlmBiwwgypnv-aOOHRJPETdJVAbuZLPcS7BXLdCTEA6e6I4Agg_eXks6dxKRynpbWs8FlG8JbtKul5KL6Dw2OBLZMwmRPPugo/s640/blogger-image--539533976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt090SFWJa3KYSoIltCGDirjFdcgAT1_3Q5EBLeXDNULlmBiwwgypnv-aOOHRJPETdJVAbuZLPcS7BXLdCTEA6e6I4Agg_eXks6dxKRynpbWs8FlG8JbtKul5KL6Dw2OBLZMwmRPPugo/s640/blogger-image--539533976.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> Eartha sees the empty chair at the dining table as an opportunity too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I rode on the bus on Wednesday I wondered how the first night's sleep had gone . Vis<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">iting in the evening , all was well. The TV was working , the liver and bacon had been delicious and I was treated to a convivial glass of red. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then on Thursday, the NHS came up trumps - dad's eye appointment of Monday has led to the booking of dad's cataract removal early in January ! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The future prospect of him being able to see is exciting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This week we have experienced such kindness , responsiveness, respect from everyone from whom we have needed help and expertise - whether they were from public, private or voluntary organisations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Such behaviours were exactly the sort of thing that Cristina Odone and I had in mind when we met at the Legatum Institute on Wednesday to talk about <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> values-led organisations and parenting schemes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgxlCC6GSb-KqigEkOWRgMJbxew443NGOWPhzYJrFAatsZ2vbqAlvLX4hS-ehObwqK2WtZr7xVenq0Q0zEVLmuCdCull8gYo4Tc2jgnwqxWbL7-nc2QjNm61wvSW1J3y-BukBU9PHmSc/s640/blogger-image-725468432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgxlCC6GSb-KqigEkOWRgMJbxew443NGOWPhzYJrFAatsZ2vbqAlvLX4hS-ehObwqK2WtZr7xVenq0Q0zEVLmuCdCull8gYo4Tc2jgnwqxWbL7-nc2QjNm61wvSW1J3y-BukBU9PHmSc/s640/blogger-image-725468432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCEtzLjJB7mK6mM2xJHo700W0IW0t41Q8CnByjL26vXjsCd5OxnG5Lzqzx0rykdinbaAJq0C2uZrUO9BWqRmGidwZPo56cpkCNK_Min5llpDU0Inf3ObbkeIvbpNwaY10Al_flBnr_hs/s640/blogger-image-415206191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCEtzLjJB7mK6mM2xJHo700W0IW0t41Q8CnByjL26vXjsCd5OxnG5Lzqzx0rykdinbaAJq0C2uZrUO9BWqRmGidwZPo56cpkCNK_Min5llpDU0Inf3ObbkeIvbpNwaY10Al_flBnr_hs/s640/blogger-image-415206191.jpg"></a></div> Cristina Odone </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Core values were also a central concern for Maria and I as we reflected on the future impact of the Stuart Hall Foundation . We discussed the challenge and opportunity of her Programme Manager role and the importance for the Foundation of having explicit values underpinning behaviours and supporting shared purpose and ambition. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR2Pfd7bP1zLlspi5Udi0bwCpgDATLvgt10tkW0N9KQxgaZnD4-m86aV07i29hYUD6SuKMjIju3eMRziTYJDpJcEwnZdMg3HHzr8-TncpSzMU29nBWZt_49wa2mfn0SkLOhVMlcEuuqo/s640/blogger-image--1197633239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR2Pfd7bP1zLlspi5Udi0bwCpgDATLvgt10tkW0N9KQxgaZnD4-m86aV07i29hYUD6SuKMjIju3eMRziTYJDpJcEwnZdMg3HHzr8-TncpSzMU29nBWZt_49wa2mfn0SkLOhVMlcEuuqo/s640/blogger-image--1197633239.jpg"></a></div> Maria Amidu and her Brompton </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My Friday evening was spent with my brother, and before going to the National Open Art exhibition at Pallant house gallery, we went to enjoy the wonderful singing and spirit of the sung evensong at Chichester Cathedral. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRAXOg7H142vTAvDaPQrgOuv8NuEfczRwP8i9eCZOBgdjGldY6Xx8WZurbF2Dv9R3GRx7EaH9kQRr6Dxiak3HWs-iFiXIKPFkCcfNqhHqEGCtYMTo2TIsGh9frJxQ6MCCDGMDjzoh-_Y/s640/blogger-image--1387917870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRAXOg7H142vTAvDaPQrgOuv8NuEfczRwP8i9eCZOBgdjGldY6Xx8WZurbF2Dv9R3GRx7EaH9kQRr6Dxiak3HWs-iFiXIKPFkCcfNqhHqEGCtYMTo2TIsGh9frJxQ6MCCDGMDjzoh-_Y/s640/blogger-image--1387917870.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Glow of lights and John Piper's Tapestry always soothes and inspires</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BO4aVBE1Iw7_R7FAw0c5kvP2q9REMn8fZ_xgpT-BwqW_uDZE1gknKeJB1WxFB-GMs747rHdyqGOqarsw0iUp5tUZQlRAOBuD_8t5YTFzhhSKT4U0ON81bNwq9aVuRGLibDhj7LqwTKQ/s640/blogger-image-1776369905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BO4aVBE1Iw7_R7FAw0c5kvP2q9REMn8fZ_xgpT-BwqW_uDZE1gknKeJB1WxFB-GMs747rHdyqGOqarsw0iUp5tUZQlRAOBuD_8t5YTFzhhSKT4U0ON81bNwq9aVuRGLibDhj7LqwTKQ/s640/blogger-image-1776369905.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> First candle of Advent </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We followed this nourishment with feasting on the Open , arty conversations , and sneaking a look at David Jones wonderful self portrait. And then we headed over to see dad in his new home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe1mriZUy4h48n6EIor9lJ2tSAu9KSOkb-iW1xUupfEl39fXzo8jtcY9jmdes1AKQ78iNWiwDldmaLV4Bt_Ts0I-wb58b6KtSWZ4n2nAUWKmqFCngL9kU1Jol3d9TfBdwREQEEP5scPs/s640/blogger-image--848260353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe1mriZUy4h48n6EIor9lJ2tSAu9KSOkb-iW1xUupfEl39fXzo8jtcY9jmdes1AKQ78iNWiwDldmaLV4Bt_Ts0I-wb58b6KtSWZ4n2nAUWKmqFCngL9kU1Jol3d9TfBdwREQEEP5scPs/s640/blogger-image--848260353.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Dad and Helen </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fish and chips assuaged Pip's and my hunger ; dad was too well fed to even sneak a chip! ( A great sign) . Then , 4 days ahead of the BT promise , we were able to set up the phone . Dad is now connected to the world again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The kindness of strangers , including a range of social care and health professionals, has made this week's move positive and possible. A big thank you! </div></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-9861076177093969452015-11-28T17:38:00.001+00:002015-11-29T21:02:33.715+00:00A week of inspiration - Calder, Fookes and Hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No this isn't a blog about a firm of estate agents or solicitors (though we've had dealings with both this week!) . Rather it's a testimony to the power of art, music and creative social and political thought from three masters of their genres. Sadly only one is still living , but all three are still inspiring . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">An afternoon work assignment drew me to London on Tuesday and provided the opportunity to visit the Alexander Calder exhibition at Tate Modern, first. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8g2Gz1mklsE-zYWeK6dLadodPEFt49IeqUxM9TYv8QsQMgNFVsl0cnQOfF0tpGwMhmY5AVNfFeDUPp8g8RlA19wdAFSsVl57o5X6HPj-57QhC6NR18PXIdAm5xhl3LXUw-OAl9MmkfM/s640/blogger-image--1716368517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8g2Gz1mklsE-zYWeK6dLadodPEFt49IeqUxM9TYv8QsQMgNFVsl0cnQOfF0tpGwMhmY5AVNfFeDUPp8g8RlA19wdAFSsVl57o5X6HPj-57QhC6NR18PXIdAm5xhl3LXUw-OAl9MmkfM/s640/blogger-image--1716368517.jpg"></a></div> Goldfish bowl <br><div><br></div><div>I've long admired Calder's work , since I first saw some of his mobiles and </div><div>his stunning silver bed head at the Peggy Guggenheim gallery in Venice, years ago. </div></div><div>Calder (1898-1976) was a wonderful artist combining art and engineering in the most glorious mobiles. This exhibition gives a rich insight into his creativity and is a total delight. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dvFmhfqRXweO_57H2yku5kOwl-q8bq97xNHqyoRPY_U-kIGP8SOa7WY-khIOifgKLp7sRFKt_ujZZX-3KDdo59xokzbYahMnxjKQcwRHmoothQ5G7cPs7SigOvc5ETnpYMz_OAXT3Sk/s640/blogger-image--733171084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dvFmhfqRXweO_57H2yku5kOwl-q8bq97xNHqyoRPY_U-kIGP8SOa7WY-khIOifgKLp7sRFKt_ujZZX-3KDdo59xokzbYahMnxjKQcwRHmoothQ5G7cPs7SigOvc5ETnpYMz_OAXT3Sk/s640/blogger-image--733171084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Blue panel 1936</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGF_-T3TWKyoUTlMPgNj-qAI_wY5fl1rwQ3RUXkqwuZZ5eTn4Zp-rZnnq4hh1VFB0eeVHVL7DmnlWNeGBKZcm34iyuq2h7yNKB3v8JgIpT14EjWo3J5KjnIciI95Ya7O3d8zUKHeZtII/s640/blogger-image--46298072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGF_-T3TWKyoUTlMPgNj-qAI_wY5fl1rwQ3RUXkqwuZZ5eTn4Zp-rZnnq4hh1VFB0eeVHVL7DmnlWNeGBKZcm34iyuq2h7yNKB3v8JgIpT14EjWo3J5KjnIciI95Ya7O3d8zUKHeZtII/s640/blogger-image--46298072.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCNmnDaQOnnE02KASDJd6nikBmfgj7ex-tYrXVgDtHDy3B3p3O2tCTFq3ASBLGs40cLsX6ACnlNEhm-rI-OvfLDWmsTeiHRULYDxtRWmXHV8Ip8Qd3fHcpo3JpvtTHUyfz-pb352Lme8/s640/blogger-image--781977661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCNmnDaQOnnE02KASDJd6nikBmfgj7ex-tYrXVgDtHDy3B3p3O2tCTFq3ASBLGs40cLsX6ACnlNEhm-rI-OvfLDWmsTeiHRULYDxtRWmXHV8Ip8Qd3fHcpo3JpvtTHUyfz-pb352Lme8/s640/blogger-image--781977661.jpg"></a></div></div> A Universe 1934</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ8Hp6rrUiYmK-fgp7HYI-PZNhovQtRc1mP1LchAriZh_VW70JaY2WNjV4Q0I7m6pXTL2VHEW_OJxKJxJLlkM72lDjOq9MnspxTyrUobIMxU5CQE55GwHpovpEWlCWcNU3-VAipwdauw/s640/blogger-image--64677323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ8Hp6rrUiYmK-fgp7HYI-PZNhovQtRc1mP1LchAriZh_VW70JaY2WNjV4Q0I7m6pXTL2VHEW_OJxKJxJLlkM72lDjOq9MnspxTyrUobIMxU5CQE55GwHpovpEWlCWcNU3-VAipwdauw/s640/blogger-image--64677323.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Black widow 1948</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ultimately his work is a celebration of our universe and a reminder of our small place in it . His ability to combine creative colourful <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">art with engineering, playing with the impact of space , air and movement is inspiring , refreshing , and feels so modern. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Less inspiring on my way back through the West End , were the lights of Regent Street - not a patch on The ClockTower lights in Brighton or indeed Hackney'sTown Hall square. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiMZXez6I-IKNSMGXF0gcei7ZWm86S8t05gRJuR-JYbG9RJQkwcOKYK8_1rrYa4IIcdHrRyWlYx7N1yRaV89jGCev_f5Pdbz52FCcUkcSKUgVxyPPTJrcTFfflORq0B8e1FsafUDhWe4/s640/blogger-image--1602199751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiMZXez6I-IKNSMGXF0gcei7ZWm86S8t05gRJuR-JYbG9RJQkwcOKYK8_1rrYa4IIcdHrRyWlYx7N1yRaV89jGCev_f5Pdbz52FCcUkcSKUgVxyPPTJrcTFfflORq0B8e1FsafUDhWe4/s640/blogger-image--1602199751.jpg"></a></div> Regent Street</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mind they served as a reminder of austerity , if one were needed , in the week of the Autumn statement and the next 3-year Comprehensive Spending Review. This week we learned of a welcome reprieve for policing but a continued reduction in Government investment in local public services for which Local Government is accountable. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It is not inspiring to see support for the wellbeing of citizens who require support in the face of joblessness, homelessness, domestic and child abuse , mental Illness, learning disability,older age and infirmity, deprioritised in the name of balancing the books in quick order. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And it's not inspiring to hear the debate reigniting about the need to go again to war. But the moon shone bright that night over London and lifted our spirits. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQzwlR334M7r7IsFneOy18km2O3ucIx57xOzPeKk0BAew_kBGy3-qsD8w2i6oGUQz9RWiaA38UeatM1L2LnaSySqv8fOxK-dZwzsjKdlCEnkfQSxg7eJLwRH4hjd2-3tXpNndzsE0REk/s640/blogger-image-121483374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQzwlR334M7r7IsFneOy18km2O3ucIx57xOzPeKk0BAew_kBGy3-qsD8w2i6oGUQz9RWiaA38UeatM1L2LnaSySqv8fOxK-dZwzsjKdlCEnkfQSxg7eJLwRH4hjd2-3tXpNndzsE0REk/s640/blogger-image-121483374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And on Thursday evening the source of inspiration was some fabulous jazz. The accomplished saxophonist, Jo Fookes , fresh from dealing with the impact of Bell's Palsy, treated us to an uplifting evening. Supported by the talented creative Smalls houseband ( Mark Edwards piano, Piers Clarke guitar , Steve Thompson,double bass ) and her husband Buster on drums, the evening swung! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtrkuydA1fyS0L3sUhTl621NSy-qeZ9mnQxNUE6IJ2BcptxdNQApl05RiM-60fk8WrNCzvyxKbGrMy5stThDmyWvblfp7p7ow-1yFWRkpmxSlD5XG08HafTs4hy-RblL4NPpsoPVTpE4/s640/blogger-image-1726643631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtrkuydA1fyS0L3sUhTl621NSy-qeZ9mnQxNUE6IJ2BcptxdNQApl05RiM-60fk8WrNCzvyxKbGrMy5stThDmyWvblfp7p7ow-1yFWRkpmxSlD5XG08HafTs4hy-RblL4NPpsoPVTpE4/s640/blogger-image-1726643631.jpg"></a></div> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIOimmspn6ZNgkSKqzeTtL9-xbG0ab00geuWCmbhax0mUcR8b2sRP7nzrGpvuI4GHbOw45sq2VL0h-uvuKVl8v9XtIbaexrFKdQZRAphUA7CLs1UO4GxyOXEGL-JuKIgO7EUTzankm2o/s640/blogger-image--174926166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIOimmspn6ZNgkSKqzeTtL9-xbG0ab00geuWCmbhax0mUcR8b2sRP7nzrGpvuI4GHbOw45sq2VL0h-uvuKVl8v9XtIbaexrFKdQZRAphUA7CLs1UO4GxyOXEGL-JuKIgO7EUTzankm2o/s640/blogger-image--174926166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Jo Fookes and Steve Thompson </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And not only were the musicians inspiring as they moved between swing classics and Disney tunes that flew, so too is the impresario Dennis Simpson , who brings together such talented line-ups every fortnight in the jazz season . Come to the Caxton Arms soon for uplifting jazz!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's a labour of love for Dennis and Liz , and it certainly achieves a great sense of wellbeing in all the attendees! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyaiSsMjsb6kFsSphshZ48daQNG7AEO9c_BvMwr1sED0L7wRNzQO9w147bZD1vsfcEkhvyUZQQhwb0ZJKsW6ZAQ6tzbFs-gsxmyIJeOmDSeuR8xC0Wh2eVa2HPx87eJjovaHje3Gb4YI/s640/blogger-image--1119084474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyaiSsMjsb6kFsSphshZ48daQNG7AEO9c_BvMwr1sED0L7wRNzQO9w147bZD1vsfcEkhvyUZQQhwb0ZJKsW6ZAQ6tzbFs-gsxmyIJeOmDSeuR8xC0Wh2eVa2HPx87eJjovaHje3Gb4YI/s640/blogger-image--1119084474.jpg"></a></div> Launch of the Stuart Hall Foundation at the British Film Institute</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally, Saturday 28/11/15 ,saw an eclectic gathering at the British Film Institute, of many of the family, friends, pupils and admirers of the sadly lamented Professior Stuart Hall who died in February 2014. In his memory, a Foundation has been established " to support new generations of creative thinkers to challenge the status quo and provide original thinking ,debate and research ,illuminating connections between politics, culture and society." What a fitting mission for our times .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was an honour to be invited by my friend Maria who is Programme Manager for the Foundation and who played a vital part in the organisation of this triumph of an event. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OQIQDEKjU41syTUzu2Y-h5i_-h00mtEyHzdIr9ngZzfgcDFOviw5lyWuHOaKfzs3whMrk9MmB5fTrJY3lbN29apIf4nB4Kx58TP9C8Eh2gLCk78MvnWBCoNNK0Wl9K6mwIACrWXI8C8/s640/blogger-image--353750385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OQIQDEKjU41syTUzu2Y-h5i_-h00mtEyHzdIr9ngZzfgcDFOviw5lyWuHOaKfzs3whMrk9MmB5fTrJY3lbN29apIf4nB4Kx58TP9C8Eh2gLCk78MvnWBCoNNK0Wl9K6mwIACrWXI8C8/s640/blogger-image--353750385.jpg"></a></div> Gary Younge and Jon Snow </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And what a treat to be hosted by one of my favourite broadcast journalists,Jon Snow, and to hear the keynote speech of one of my favourite newspaper journalists,Gary Younge. His was a fantastic critique of our times, enriched by his recent return from living in the US ,in order to give a better quality of life and opportunity to his children. "US has proved a black man can reach the White House ; yet to prove a young black man can walk the street without being shot..." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X5V7cJ_Vf2mFdZ6_kZVMJ5Fee__XAOSdgDBHCklMgseMSr9I4pOwd4AmDmhu6uh0gBQ5qUop2rMDbx-9S2sn-mI0sM2ZGQpqFsqjfxRQjz-hEFRec-YvcYPGPjz-t4bejiGCLD5ejAc/s640/blogger-image--1426797171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X5V7cJ_Vf2mFdZ6_kZVMJ5Fee__XAOSdgDBHCklMgseMSr9I4pOwd4AmDmhu6uh0gBQ5qUop2rMDbx-9S2sn-mI0sM2ZGQpqFsqjfxRQjz-hEFRec-YvcYPGPjz-t4bejiGCLD5ejAc/s640/blogger-image--1426797171.jpg"></a></div> Gary Younge </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were treated to some extracts of a yet to be published memoir , read by Catherine Hall , Stuart's widow , and the author Andrea Levy . The writing is extraordinary and the readings were moving. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaexaDUmvXtJzo4PipGdA6l2Hwju46tKXYCYGiFOeTzNDwRah9H95PtpZ6JObZ93GNrI6OTD3bU8YKByKS-2-sIcm2ppsWmDKFL8jgGGGPCDw1cUJ6huMnwwiVH4_EwKefKG8Qf26c0js/s640/blogger-image--924894528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaexaDUmvXtJzo4PipGdA6l2Hwju46tKXYCYGiFOeTzNDwRah9H95PtpZ6JObZ93GNrI6OTD3bU8YKByKS-2-sIcm2ppsWmDKFL8jgGGGPCDw1cUJ6huMnwwiVH4_EwKefKG8Qf26c0js/s640/blogger-image--924894528.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Catherine Hall and Andrea Levy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stuart's daughter, Becky encouraged us to give to the Foundation and enable the first two scholarships already awarded to be built on. Becky recalled her father entreating her at the end of his life to "bring back the big beasts, Beckster" and the Foundation is a means to do this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was an inspiring afternoon. Sadly,I had to leave before tea, to return to my caring responsibilities ; I left a pledge and departed with a spring in in my step. Do look at the foundation website where Gary's </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Paper should soon be available. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbQQ1vQWJ2PX8qqyyHs5Zbezk1OOzA18IBSDdEJZ5VnYyjbZ6W87j3Il7JmXoUPGeOZwRMIEtzHAJMAlIpTYZ0Hv33qHdPa0GLxYNzc51CT7RMBgZbPCIWicCB19Ac1iAudgOB8qX28s/s640/blogger-image--628996109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbQQ1vQWJ2PX8qqyyHs5Zbezk1OOzA18IBSDdEJZ5VnYyjbZ6W87j3Il7JmXoUPGeOZwRMIEtzHAJMAlIpTYZ0Hv33qHdPa0GLxYNzc51CT7RMBgZbPCIWicCB19Ac1iAudgOB8qX28s/s640/blogger-image--628996109.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Becky Hall </div></span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-72658970879555353372015-11-22T17:15:00.001+00:002015-11-22T17:15:47.673+00:00Leading edgeThe sadness and shock of Friday 13th November with the atrocities of attacks on contemporary modern life in Paris, which was in truth an attack on the freedom, equality and fraternity off us all , has not gone away. This week we have learned the heart wrenching stories of bravery and bad luck. This week we have seen the football world sing the Marseillaise and virtually every monumental building in every major city has been lit up in the red, white and blue of the Tricoleur .<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3bnUmPutwA8d507yEh76ait70Kx5Nya3LL53BkW4pfFUBWOuWPhnazjzGOGTBl2pmYktUVYD3dsXq-KoszIPQ-YQVws-nRD-GAbpjYdw5Mpz-ouGDIRc9BIJZHuMW7ixRZKzBwHXiBM/s640/blogger-image--2078580408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3bnUmPutwA8d507yEh76ait70Kx5Nya3LL53BkW4pfFUBWOuWPhnazjzGOGTBl2pmYktUVYD3dsXq-KoszIPQ-YQVws-nRD-GAbpjYdw5Mpz-ouGDIRc9BIJZHuMW7ixRZKzBwHXiBM/s640/blogger-image--2078580408.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Guardian showed us Brazil and these other examples. </span><a href="http://trib.al/OpeDH6E" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://trib.al/OpeDH6E</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My week has been one of hard graft and few pictures. For much of the week I was closeted away with </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">twenty three other assessors and a similar number of senior police officers who had entered themselves into the Senior Police National Assessment Centre . Passing Senior PNAC,as it is known, is tough , involving a rigorous multi-tasked assessment centre , and is the only route to the High Command course which is in itself a gateway to eligibility for Chief Officer posts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I was impressed by the dedication and skill of assessors and candidates alike , and continue to believe that it is the rigour of assessment and the commitment to quality and training that gives us the high calibre senior command that lead our Police forces today. And in the face of austerity and the heightened threat to national security it's vital that we have superb leadership from the top , enjoying the confidence of the communities they serve. I'm pleased to be able to bring my long experience of public service and executive leadership and my independent views to contribute to the process of assessment. But I couldn't take those long intense days every day! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After all that, I was exhausted, and it was great to get home on Friday night, and uplifting to be driven </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> from the station by a taxi driver originally from Afghanistan, brought up in the Midlands, who </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">like us all was utterly shocked and appalled by the events of Paris, Mali and the rest. We bonded over our short drive.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And then I was able to unwind to Graham Norton hosting Adele, in a programme of beautiful music , openness and much genuine laughter . If you haven't seen it, do watch on catch up. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And after all that intense work amidst lashing rains and dark skies, it has been a delight this weekend to enjoy the big skies , long beaches and sunshine of Hove and to enjoy time and food with friends and family . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPunDHVUqmdSqsr-FYziy-36CLZUFSG2Mh__pA9lCbNbI_JZvXv8SlAAvwxHyf8AjBj76NFUFMeGiILT7bLZ142K1SfQ686K2ZYcRKl2bGOjVkZjVG570KV0dtp0wekFLEb5GHIt-Jfb8/s640/blogger-image-275370311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPunDHVUqmdSqsr-FYziy-36CLZUFSG2Mh__pA9lCbNbI_JZvXv8SlAAvwxHyf8AjBj76NFUFMeGiILT7bLZ142K1SfQ686K2ZYcRKl2bGOjVkZjVG570KV0dtp0wekFLEb5GHIt-Jfb8/s640/blogger-image-275370311.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both; display: inline !important;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfjXgQ_VFAaW2QPIpmXMCRUkZQNVp9rJwWbROkYiiHrMpghQKjTsN7kZqOaPP6J7a3rTTXvWgrLmMUYV3hrj2xjWBwECcAq1No-7MGqus_XtPCf2DgyNTHrLr3ZvevTa9-odgbLCxl7c/s640/blogger-image-1953181106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI24STu1CvEpwNmEItk-PApDJ6u8Lv3GGQppEMUBjp9r3au0nNgO0u17iPWJilcGyjdlz67GjzN9HbvXwZ5VM6Y8lbgav2iupgZDoSunPm7kaAs06JUBVHb45ykM2wLeml3zWWrLnZ6Pg/s640/blogger-image-157652882.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfjXgQ_VFAaW2QPIpmXMCRUkZQNVp9rJwWbROkYiiHrMpghQKjTsN7kZqOaPP6J7a3rTTXvWgrLmMUYV3hrj2xjWBwECcAq1No-7MGqus_XtPCf2DgyNTHrLr3ZvevTa9-odgbLCxl7c/s640/blogger-image-1953181106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfjXgQ_VFAaW2QPIpmXMCRUkZQNVp9rJwWbROkYiiHrMpghQKjTsN7kZqOaPP6J7a3rTTXvWgrLmMUYV3hrj2xjWBwECcAq1No-7MGqus_XtPCf2DgyNTHrLr3ZvevTa9-odgbLCxl7c/s640/blogger-image-1953181106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDl6BoviOJWCmqjt-0jogFeU02q3gdLG253u_ur129NxQzmZvDJAZs6I7wwCtRQJJV9Epsm4_rMKVkUVcvaQ9j4KzvahWP-88b1yuSpd7eGSqmEbJzxl2xi0CkuG7oeNzZxt3XsZOVy7U/s640/blogger-image-225266962.jpg"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfjXgQ_VFAaW2QPIpmXMCRUkZQNVp9rJwWbROkYiiHrMpghQKjTsN7kZqOaPP6J7a3rTTXvWgrLmMUYV3hrj2xjWBwECcAq1No-7MGqus_XtPCf2DgyNTHrLr3ZvevTa9-odgbLCxl7c/s640/blogger-image-1953181106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfjXgQ_VFAaW2QPIpmXMCRUkZQNVp9rJwWbROkYiiHrMpghQKjTsN7kZqOaPP6J7a3rTTXvWgrLmMUYV3hrj2xjWBwECcAq1No-7MGqus_XtPCf2DgyNTHrLr3ZvevTa9-odgbLCxl7c/s640/blogger-image-1953181106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEHPrA7f2qax1cyUwa9QMg-9aCbigbKH8X2DqVpT7fQFAQK7J7Zkwq9vW9a5cFiExCBspM55f2j1JAL5_FuLDLV9xN3VpsZfQlFf0AGVIZI1K_P4Y5qE1thRz8WB_-rPQDDIRroLLXvI/s640/blogger-image--658070012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEHPrA7f2qax1cyUwa9QMg-9aCbigbKH8X2DqVpT7fQFAQK7J7Zkwq9vW9a5cFiExCBspM55f2j1JAL5_FuLDLV9xN3VpsZfQlFf0AGVIZI1K_P4Y5qE1thRz8WB_-rPQDDIRroLLXvI/s640/blogger-image--658070012.jpg"></a></div> </div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And today , Sunday lunch at The Better Half followed by the Open House at 9a Hove Place and the purchase of a loaf from Sugardough , topped off a fabulous Hove Sunday afternoon in late November ! </div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-76038572373534119332015-11-14T07:29:00.001+00:002015-11-14T08:59:29.635+00:00Friday ,13th November 2015Fireworks last weekend were beautiful , rhythmically illustrating the music in Hove's display, orchestrated by John Kennett. These are the only explosions we expect to experience at this time of year . And yet last night, after an afternoon and evening of art and conversation and shared food ,<div>I was shocked to return to the news about horrific terrorist attacks on Paris, killing innocent citizens and visitors, and striking horror into the heart of Europe and the world. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3FQkt0gnn9X2ExHGyDrboEh-Q88jhyphenhyphen7rIx1uI2NlKE_di98-QQ4_ukVP284xZeB4wxYn6OsOtqeMlLhYM461fTKUL-GRoeRHwG1hmTMhV13oy5Aa5Y5LCgqcg3s6tUzbvlQwaLAD18E/s640/blogger-image-1955429898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3FQkt0gnn9X2ExHGyDrboEh-Q88jhyphenhyphen7rIx1uI2NlKE_di98-QQ4_ukVP284xZeB4wxYn6OsOtqeMlLhYM461fTKUL-GRoeRHwG1hmTMhV13oy5Aa5Y5LCgqcg3s6tUzbvlQwaLAD18E/s640/blogger-image-1955429898.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkx0e7XXLJwlcNAkwj1HR5UwiFJ_XYmX9AjnjMPzeg0AUkK_JH1fCzzaxX7LUZddD2-I2HPMyBJxPeKE8OEHpWcGZKgH_kjScddA-Qn61tCoe_Ch5Gsuv6Jbs2rAkg9OLx_6Sf4R7usc/s640/blogger-image-2124556145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkx0e7XXLJwlcNAkwj1HR5UwiFJ_XYmX9AjnjMPzeg0AUkK_JH1fCzzaxX7LUZddD2-I2HPMyBJxPeKE8OEHpWcGZKgH_kjScddA-Qn61tCoe_Ch5Gsuv6Jbs2rAkg9OLx_6Sf4R7usc/s640/blogger-image-2124556145.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is a profound sense of shock at the worst terrorist attack on France in modern history , with the slaughter of innocent people ...." Carnage" "Horror in the city of light" .... Are just some of the reactions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Really this underlines the importance of us supporting the Police in keeping citizens safe - sharing important information and remaining vigilant. We cannot let this defeat our democratic civil society . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8-DZkREZPMZ9ulwAjvvO6ZqKNyV93HTFnBEMx0cZL-xfcbUkP5SSXcKNO89_Pv4FItW_cOcA-FodR6cpogWIsaoDpVYoYvo_mMAT0yc9iMyWF5C0-4fjkdUSvEoN5EffZsQdgabsjCM/s640/blogger-image--1682075861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8-DZkREZPMZ9ulwAjvvO6ZqKNyV93HTFnBEMx0cZL-xfcbUkP5SSXcKNO89_Pv4FItW_cOcA-FodR6cpogWIsaoDpVYoYvo_mMAT0yc9iMyWF5C0-4fjkdUSvEoN5EffZsQdgabsjCM/s640/blogger-image--1682075861.jpg"></a></div> This international news could cause me to stop there. If I did , then the opportunity to reflect on my week would be being sacrificed to the terrorists. I won't accede to them and forego the chance to highlight the glories of Diana Athill , still writing and delighting a literary audience at 95 , last Monday . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebxRiIE32D7bPEnkVx9Gdxs6tAKL5Ur90Pypnmxuy33q1VSfBz1sNOz6LOzlIpTz0lZNG6ModCgFtzSe3N4hkb8bhX_98Ije37vZPrmO6HjZPf1rLAVJ3DJjVEB44Co1KGdnabzvzAdw/s640/blogger-image--972293272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebxRiIE32D7bPEnkVx9Gdxs6tAKL5Ur90Pypnmxuy33q1VSfBz1sNOz6LOzlIpTz0lZNG6ModCgFtzSe3N4hkb8bhX_98Ije37vZPrmO6HjZPf1rLAVJ3DJjVEB44Co1KGdnabzvzAdw/s640/blogger-image--972293272.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Damien Barr's final Literary Salon of the year at the fabulous Mondrian on the Thames below Blackfriars, was again a wonderful night with an eclectic line up of Sloane Crossley, Nick Frost and Diana Athill. A birthday treat for my daughter and boyfriend , it gave us beauty , deliciousness and intellectual stimulation .... and most of all , wonder at the human spirit . Diana Athill is a beacon of hope and a model of action for those contemplating great old age, and indeed independent,yet supported communal living. No longer is "Somewhere towards the end" her final book; she read to us from the soon to be published "Alive ,alive Oh: And other things that matter" . She especially focussed on life after the Second World War when "life returned to what it ought to be". And she told a wonderful and improbable story about the joys of an early ClubMed holiday! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Diana's an inspiration and her example provided comfort to me as I continued to explore with my father this week how to assist him in finding more independence yet within a safe and supported environment. We think we may have found it ! More in future. In the meantime, home selling and form filling is underway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmIE7GkJhaZhoCfSnvCFzyUaFvbdSc944bEBPDRLdyNairC28C7GHrxLOPbgGZYrJsAxk5RlgWL_IRs1kLAxM1oQJfnL0fTK_2wvl2IewRV254iS60cdxlc6bN-8HiwJmw06h-q8EDno/s640/blogger-image--2065444588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmIE7GkJhaZhoCfSnvCFzyUaFvbdSc944bEBPDRLdyNairC28C7GHrxLOPbgGZYrJsAxk5RlgWL_IRs1kLAxM1oQJfnL0fTK_2wvl2IewRV254iS60cdxlc6bN-8HiwJmw06h-q8EDno/s640/blogger-image--2065444588.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> View of Blackfriars bridge from the Mondrian</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another cultural highlight, closer to home , came at Smalls Jazz in Brighton on Thursday. Organised by Dennis and Liz Simpson at the Caxton Arms, it's talented house band ( Piers Clark,acoustic guitar) Steve Thompson (double bass) and Mark Edwards ( piano) provided brilliant backing to two jazz trombonists ,Mark Bassey and Malcolm Earle Smith. We were treated to an uplifting evening of freshly arranged numbers from the 20s and 30s with brilliant improvisation and a joyous spirit . These fortnightly sessions are a real treat and a labour of love from Dennis and Liz . Check out the programme! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErm6phc4QaaqJZfrKbaIVoGXNSBTSqVTtdIxjQCs6fG108MPoL9fp6Q9Sh1f3kcQFsPVA4grd4wYC43F9__JYe1D2LXtFficz1gSiT6pHyCBePLcyPLStsx-s554-_NH71W9_VrfDnf4/s640/blogger-image-1312298705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErm6phc4QaaqJZfrKbaIVoGXNSBTSqVTtdIxjQCs6fG108MPoL9fp6Q9Sh1f3kcQFsPVA4grd4wYC43F9__JYe1D2LXtFficz1gSiT6pHyCBePLcyPLStsx-s554-_NH71W9_VrfDnf4/s640/blogger-image-1312298705.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Smalls Jazz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This week of cultural creativity was topped off with a long planned and much anticipated visit to enjoy <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the current exhibitions at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. This gem boasts one of the loveliest twentieth century collections, and on top of that, consistently provides special exhibitions to delight and extend my art education. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">David Jones (1895-1974) was not known to me and yet his influences and influence are obvious from seeing his work. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E8QKENuloiW5H2uCn39IbxizEmUNVXTY2Q6KfonAOOM9ONIbEbl-ahuXz8cIbdfm_x83_a2zkVfn-fSpGN6da1fHtlgU0nadS5qQxG6B6_NYKhomGBxMbHLQnv0djZiahFPPQP73YjQ/s640/blogger-image--103674391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E8QKENuloiW5H2uCn39IbxizEmUNVXTY2Q6KfonAOOM9ONIbEbl-ahuXz8cIbdfm_x83_a2zkVfn-fSpGN6da1fHtlgU0nadS5qQxG6B6_NYKhomGBxMbHLQnv0djZiahFPPQP73YjQ/s640/blogger-image--103674391.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> The Garden enclosed </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_Q7MEirc46c6WOqMUGRidKSA1EipdLa8NNIlYGe72XMNntTnzVvFE6t8MPngEjMLctR-hBIYBF60SpiG92S_2SL6FF6Ss_bkhy1cqzLZDQI4u-hH3kF843pVacGXUEAQ2uNDESuoOEQ/s640/blogger-image-428316229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_Q7MEirc46c6WOqMUGRidKSA1EipdLa8NNIlYGe72XMNntTnzVvFE6t8MPngEjMLctR-hBIYBF60SpiG92S_2SL6FF6Ss_bkhy1cqzLZDQI4u-hH3kF843pVacGXUEAQ2uNDESuoOEQ/s640/blogger-image-428316229.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Self portrait </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then the joy of discovering Evelyn Dunbar (1906-60) was terrific. The only salaried female war artist, this accomplished graduate of the Royal College of Art , was relatively unknown and unhung when her "Autumn and the Poet" was taken to the Antiques Roadshow in 2012. This led to the discovery of a "lost studio" of 500 works in a Kent attic, and ultimately to this exhibition, a book and new admirers .....not to mention glorious pictures of the women's land army and pictures on a gardening theme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEn9D3XY8G4RX3T2DIkE6jcaryBe7PIct5UGFHb7DveZSvZzwogFk0LjB8CEwTMqjaZndpZfevuDqcC_-iRRlGXm6s9Nq9AEIdCoeoiVZUoDJPSzoK5HMU_jMnChbfYhC6WZGYw7eLFU/s640/blogger-image--983179002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEn9D3XY8G4RX3T2DIkE6jcaryBe7PIct5UGFHb7DveZSvZzwogFk0LjB8CEwTMqjaZndpZfevuDqcC_-iRRlGXm6s9Nq9AEIdCoeoiVZUoDJPSzoK5HMU_jMnChbfYhC6WZGYw7eLFU/s640/blogger-image--983179002.jpg"></a></div> Evelyn Dunbar - Autumn and the Poet (1948-60)</div><br></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmueGT3dYe25sglARhz2yOXVHbO1bQuZZlhZCnWhZAagdWsd2LiNgzhOEWTZP_hFrrZYzhytAISXtT0pGuhlcFDMZnlw8PWvMa307L-NTFZIYJNuuOhFo6DAKD_R1a525fWg1ajQn2jo/s640/blogger-image--1308410481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmueGT3dYe25sglARhz2yOXVHbO1bQuZZlhZCnWhZAagdWsd2LiNgzhOEWTZP_hFrrZYzhytAISXtT0pGuhlcFDMZnlw8PWvMa307L-NTFZIYJNuuOhFo6DAKD_R1a525fWg1ajQn2jo/s640/blogger-image--1308410481.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Evelyn Dunbar - Self portrait c1930</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZP59nOM4XtcrHPG0wZYQUcW7ZVSZ3yZ-M0zSzJrZz1rN7oh3P4-dBHJNXNjYMmjsVnkrmqfGBRyFLOcacO8qFQVgkB_bpoHxD7wqUWpNfzavGBJRdpCPyLyUdPebEYcVNnT6yGUYzlM/s640/blogger-image--1002288926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZP59nOM4XtcrHPG0wZYQUcW7ZVSZ3yZ-M0zSzJrZz1rN7oh3P4-dBHJNXNjYMmjsVnkrmqfGBRyFLOcacO8qFQVgkB_bpoHxD7wqUWpNfzavGBJRdpCPyLyUdPebEYcVNnT6yGUYzlM/s640/blogger-image--1002288926.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Evelyn Dunbar "Singling turnips" 1943 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And what better after that, than the wonder of sung Evensong at Chichester Cathedral . How lovely to revel in the beauty of the building , the marvels of its John Piper tapestry and the glorious singing of the Cathedral choir. What a good suggestion from my Polymath brother , who was cooking us a tasty meal with friends afterwards. (There is a lovely YouTube video on the making of the tapestry ) </div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0RIt-Pxf2IXJks-Cz-7eA8k3YzgpCOmkLjyff5K-rBuT5GfkP5BKkKTwsc7jt7Bm5lfz0BIrnNajGIkFqh-82-mj4RBOAz28Bsjmg1Nu3NWegSm-5oC1smJGRJ30emXKdGwr_SS3TW4/s640/blogger-image-1174282435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0RIt-Pxf2IXJks-Cz-7eA8k3YzgpCOmkLjyff5K-rBuT5GfkP5BKkKTwsc7jt7Bm5lfz0BIrnNajGIkFqh-82-mj4RBOAz28Bsjmg1Nu3NWegSm-5oC1smJGRJ30emXKdGwr_SS3TW4/s640/blogger-image-1174282435.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Chichester Cathedral Tapestry by John Piper </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And after art and contemplation, a shared meal and conversation provided a great end to the week, enlivened by Audrey, the Polymath's dog , who delights in company and attention. I leave her image with you , to cheer a day that will necessarily be dominated by the news of terror in France and soul searching for a road to stability, tolerance, respect and peace for all. Vive la France . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7asizhyphenhyphen94T_mahi27gX8Zojc5R_dQ6S_M7PE8zoScvBA83gpHGcLtX2Kw-JqI2BEf_oBs_pEMjKfIE5dZmeTKUY8I68dja3QYeBLXrb_ZE7Hat-ZKC7PYd7R8cD1qn11xFZVLM1g7_fI/s640/blogger-image--1885887514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7asizhyphenhyphen94T_mahi27gX8Zojc5R_dQ6S_M7PE8zoScvBA83gpHGcLtX2Kw-JqI2BEf_oBs_pEMjKfIE5dZmeTKUY8I68dja3QYeBLXrb_ZE7Hat-ZKC7PYd7R8cD1qn11xFZVLM1g7_fI/s640/blogger-image--1885887514.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Piers Ottey "Audrey" </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-8947560478941721272015-11-07T15:17:00.001+00:002015-11-07T16:20:23.398+00:00A week in the life of a "Polymath"A Polymath is how ZimmerStewart gallery of Arundel, West Sussex, describe my brother,Piers Ottey, in their publicity for a current exhibition of his paintings "Raindrops on Roses". They go on to define a Polymath as "a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas ". <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqONUgbsJqGudHtel9AOldSHDTT1g_SyZ2Ou25rIYiLYGCTHYf_XSlwZJIvUNJX-LDPAKRwArWSgndZOnxpLEMju1Jypo-Te2QzAqD3i1fHD52InVXwROLo7e3C6uMF9ZZEgcvjQqTOoY/s640/blogger-image--1232860541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqONUgbsJqGudHtel9AOldSHDTT1g_SyZ2Ou25rIYiLYGCTHYf_XSlwZJIvUNJX-LDPAKRwArWSgndZOnxpLEMju1Jypo-Te2QzAqD3i1fHD52InVXwROLo7e3C6uMF9ZZEgcvjQqTOoY/s640/blogger-image--1232860541.jpg"></a></div> They are right. Not only is he a wonderful painter of eclectic subjects, a much admired teacher of drawing and painting , he also takes apart and builds vintage Brough motorbikes, and has designed and built his studio and home. </div><div><br></div><div>Here are some pictures from the exhibition. If you can get to Arundel before November 21st, you won't be disappointed! For more information check out www.zimmerstewart.co.uk or piersottey.co.uk</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Phh1FmSr9iCB8yg4KaNjx3PYLEqxErJHsLDLopyjjwrI2hQPieapksP7UX3w3MoQ1zzMDcMXY40fxr57KpFbVkGla-mwQoXLqIfsJAYEKyNsrVqBWxlLjwLJDPjLWoHxeqUkYt9uZig/s640/blogger-image-1169163996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Phh1FmSr9iCB8yg4KaNjx3PYLEqxErJHsLDLopyjjwrI2hQPieapksP7UX3w3MoQ1zzMDcMXY40fxr57KpFbVkGla-mwQoXLqIfsJAYEKyNsrVqBWxlLjwLJDPjLWoHxeqUkYt9uZig/s640/blogger-image-1169163996.jpg"></a></div> Rome Evening</div><div><br></div><div>So it was with pride and some emotion that we attended the preview of his exhibition last Friday and took dad with us. It turned out that he had never been to his son's exhibition preview before! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8Sxhyc1ApJ1HXfwuvIaKYZ-svdvyld4TQbOZ3QD_N2zp79DOmXnwj6PeNnFGoVj7D83RE2rn1nDPNLqszUYslwJTmDnOsHZJt7r7UhwRs-DU7XNaFnQqXI9JmQNBuiGbkr2prrk3XmY/s640/blogger-image-1483830202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8Sxhyc1ApJ1HXfwuvIaKYZ-svdvyld4TQbOZ3QD_N2zp79DOmXnwj6PeNnFGoVj7D83RE2rn1nDPNLqszUYslwJTmDnOsHZJt7r7UhwRs-DU7XNaFnQqXI9JmQNBuiGbkr2prrk3XmY/s640/blogger-image-1483830202.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Piers with Ladies' Bridge (Waterloo) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM1QqJ-qAO-v4OvqeqbJ1yiH7nypLbS-FSnCudPEJF4ddgZwO6MCocp4h39LhjBgt1t7YryLGSqMQ8dueo-EBM3VmvSljHRBVXpMhISed9N4mJ-L5RAs6Mkair87vRZJKGpQdFRCd0XA/s640/blogger-image-135258017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM1QqJ-qAO-v4OvqeqbJ1yiH7nypLbS-FSnCudPEJF4ddgZwO6MCocp4h39LhjBgt1t7YryLGSqMQ8dueo-EBM3VmvSljHRBVXpMhISed9N4mJ-L5RAs6Mkair87vRZJKGpQdFRCd0XA/s640/blogger-image-135258017.jpg"></a></div> Proud father, and son </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR2Wa_cOhgzf_MepgYvjb8qfSUh-7EGjZV2q1R-ckVTjYNkNzxAB9hej3HFXCMWXw9c5Cs8DH6Rw-BmwhnmuP8H5nyyfZnv6dmL5AgVVHVKS4_tcsWXqmpOooVh0wy6rpf9kbXedP_mY/s640/blogger-image--772235892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR2Wa_cOhgzf_MepgYvjb8qfSUh-7EGjZV2q1R-ckVTjYNkNzxAB9hej3HFXCMWXw9c5Cs8DH6Rw-BmwhnmuP8H5nyyfZnv6dmL5AgVVHVKS4_tcsWXqmpOooVh0wy6rpf9kbXedP_mY/s640/blogger-image--772235892.jpg"></a></div></div><div> A London night <br><div><br></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY3Fos2G3cNq5LUto24rmv5LQcQP7ISPcB834-MpDtcjvp-CGgvnLhlUXENN6-c00Laq-buFMC4obN10eJhRK1P_ZDp4sEbn1m5MrRcc0uDjy5nipLCctpqWd4H5w2vthofMhEgNjNU0/s640/blogger-image--538404866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY3Fos2G3cNq5LUto24rmv5LQcQP7ISPcB834-MpDtcjvp-CGgvnLhlUXENN6-c00Laq-buFMC4obN10eJhRK1P_ZDp4sEbn1m5MrRcc0uDjy5nipLCctpqWd4H5w2vthofMhEgNjNU0/s640/blogger-image--538404866.jpg"></a></div> John Zimmer & Piers Othey </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the delights of having dad living with us just now is the opportunity to do more together . For Merry the dog , it means more walks and cuddles . For Eartha the cat it provides another being to be disdainful towards! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOfSCoHdwdZoxcq-Bnqhy2TKPzwZhDsxgjYNjG9E2wZVfL2_vLDuPTKVUGbY1-wLo0rXIxzmfsEo5mKdGXici0bsDJooj49Nogdmd0fRQUzaCy_YtJHIwdhobvGpQu-XUDF9N5yeb-hs/s640/blogger-image--2090104290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOfSCoHdwdZoxcq-Bnqhy2TKPzwZhDsxgjYNjG9E2wZVfL2_vLDuPTKVUGbY1-wLo0rXIxzmfsEo5mKdGXici0bsDJooj49Nogdmd0fRQUzaCy_YtJHIwdhobvGpQu-XUDF9N5yeb-hs/s640/blogger-image--2090104290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6CQSbnZzza4vmAb0HUclyZO4bP5YZi53XoDbzgrszuQuVytc9XuYDDq7JQLLf_7dnkSQWmbtufB0HqdJfV4Av8SSgING5wU-sG6nso6Dh1wbieT1AEvcUGPDiA4hVGg6znf2q0pKKcg/s640/blogger-image-463078569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6CQSbnZzza4vmAb0HUclyZO4bP5YZi53XoDbzgrszuQuVytc9XuYDDq7JQLLf_7dnkSQWmbtufB0HqdJfV4Av8SSgING5wU-sG6nso6Dh1wbieT1AEvcUGPDiA4hVGg6znf2q0pKKcg/s640/blogger-image-463078569.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> Hove beach and Merry </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX4ZT9MUIZtP5eDgcOIH7czc7yxoodsXjhlTlFTyaC4zkc2URiPLvyK4hLZTCxK7g6qLBqzTnakrY8ulcceaKqYBRSemdGg273FQXAFQa2QfWPrxRgkcnWTZrQ6yAXBcrQ_wW3Hg07b8/s640/blogger-image--1479680899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX4ZT9MUIZtP5eDgcOIH7czc7yxoodsXjhlTlFTyaC4zkc2URiPLvyK4hLZTCxK7g6qLBqzTnakrY8ulcceaKqYBRSemdGg273FQXAFQa2QfWPrxRgkcnWTZrQ6yAXBcrQ_wW3Hg07b8/s640/blogger-image--1479680899.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>In between walks and admiring Eartha sunning herself last Sunday, (a day of lovely weather ) we have been planning and preparing for dad relinquishing his home on the other side of the county, and moving closer into a more supported situation. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This has meant a lot of cleaning and clearing, and that dad and I have spent many hours this week sifting through papers and keepsakes . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And today this has meant Piers taking a break from art and leading an expedition ! At the crack of dawn the three of us set off along the twisting and turning roads of East Sussex with a tough mission before us. After 4 hours labouring and 6 trips to the dump-it site for the Polymath and I, we have achieved the clear- out of dad's packed full garage . I should have taken a before as well as an after picture . I didn't . So you just have to believe and imagine the transformation from choc full to a clean and tidy space.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCqCNyFeCpoGiozxPW-NGVLy0q8nrPOHkzHNfGuN9hI7yhaTvzbHOvQGpOmbebILG60TKH80zy4rXvWTojCBiQNB-RZNaLtFH1Rbkqgp62VZ_zmvYdr6eyyh0zq7lZIQPYd9rBtAbpEY/s640/blogger-image-224973612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCqCNyFeCpoGiozxPW-NGVLy0q8nrPOHkzHNfGuN9hI7yhaTvzbHOvQGpOmbebILG60TKH80zy4rXvWTojCBiQNB-RZNaLtFH1Rbkqgp62VZ_zmvYdr6eyyh0zq7lZIQPYd9rBtAbpEY/s640/blogger-image-224973612.jpg"></a></div> A virtually empty garage - result! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So the Polymath has added being a "man with a van " and "home clearance" to his repertoire , and I only hope he is back in time and is washed </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and brushed up for hosting of friends at his exhibition later! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-83517808699558622352015-10-30T16:56:00.001+00:002015-10-30T18:10:35.066+00:00Remembrance,reflection,reconciliation<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Remembrance, reflection , reconciliation were themes that struck me forcibly when we visited Berlin for a family 60th birthday celebration last weekend. The first building we saw was emblematic of this .<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MSvQqZpcfW6SCF_Wl9dlAdoxu7YcBoeVqq8b51EJMqW8y53Spk_LMaOlmAbZ9NeKXx4zwbVAfDhz2U-DONLyoY3f-BT6e1vPbhnzwroyPGlnd2Qj-fSOAYxxWQmHtE05Ir32PtZy4FI/s640/blogger-image-1101353127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MSvQqZpcfW6SCF_Wl9dlAdoxu7YcBoeVqq8b51EJMqW8y53Spk_LMaOlmAbZ9NeKXx4zwbVAfDhz2U-DONLyoY3f-BT6e1vPbhnzwroyPGlnd2Qj-fSOAYxxWQmHtE05Ir32PtZy4FI/s640/blogger-image-1101353127.jpg"></a></div> Kaiser Wilhelm 1 ( 1797-1888) Memorial Hall </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxs7NARlvjCwe2j-cLNvw1ZUVq0231jPcL7ao2T0JpvwTKdVpUOyytUpYMXUyy9nFN1GJij-ea3fLJERyUUlA1wReHNyd7W27e7_vRjLZwvNbjq1TP1dQx6qwaNklpJy_BQqXDWWDjAw/s640/blogger-image-1144711815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxs7NARlvjCwe2j-cLNvw1ZUVq0231jPcL7ao2T0JpvwTKdVpUOyytUpYMXUyy9nFN1GJij-ea3fLJERyUUlA1wReHNyd7W27e7_vRjLZwvNbjq1TP1dQx6qwaNklpJy_BQqXDWWDjAw/s640/blogger-image-1144711815.jpg"></a></div></div><div> </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnL6mAx7p9oUwugYywWBmDjsPZujJvR0hgsQbCtEYJLdTYw7NV8_b-NYYoc3UYUXF2oId9M-oVJj55bOlJHSsHLr5hGm-36KypbjyS-qt_G6fzZn58HRvY-4BRrvzcJbQr5os1mK9_bo/s640/blogger-image-1440361374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnL6mAx7p9oUwugYywWBmDjsPZujJvR0hgsQbCtEYJLdTYw7NV8_b-NYYoc3UYUXF2oId9M-oVJj55bOlJHSsHLr5hGm-36KypbjyS-qt_G6fzZn58HRvY-4BRrvzcJbQr5os1mK9_bo/s640/blogger-image-1440361374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Interior of Kaiser Wilhelm 1 memorial church ( built 1961) with its Karl Shuke organ ( 5100 pipes- completed 1963) </div></div><div><br></div><div> Starting our stay overlooking the City's zoo, we enjoyed the colours of Autumn in a city full of trees . </div><div>Geographically the largest city in Europe, it has only 3m residents , and this is reflected in a sense of space and green .</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGJlaRZ50jRr-RJyG5LaL7_Vu1hf1RcIK6h1bP8_S51Q9-tmrdBj4gEeowIQZeH6avrSr1SRuNuoraUfLwG_q7f52Wm-CaoMlerTEbTvC72qEkOeGXI49qoTZ9_8_dgcMdNJsASgkj8c/s640/blogger-image-1086813519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGJlaRZ50jRr-RJyG5LaL7_Vu1hf1RcIK6h1bP8_S51Q9-tmrdBj4gEeowIQZeH6avrSr1SRuNuoraUfLwG_q7f52Wm-CaoMlerTEbTvC72qEkOeGXI49qoTZ9_8_dgcMdNJsASgkj8c/s640/blogger-image-1086813519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With the zoo on our doorstep and a gloriously sunny Saturday , we took the opportunity to walk in this leafy place and see the animals and birds . Unsurprisingly, the monkeys seemed the most popular with visitors . I was taken with other outdoor beasts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA0VoIshtah0-3zh6xPoGy93SR3deDXTuB8EHrxgMFgU7ymXrE1S4lzzHgH74aOj8RPMlmdkFl3O0qkY7PhEcaJ4yHDsLbjngnjB2QSFEJ6L1xkB-XO7Gv1JlSYPOllYxH54WnWFUcXY/s640/blogger-image-1425015211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA0VoIshtah0-3zh6xPoGy93SR3deDXTuB8EHrxgMFgU7ymXrE1S4lzzHgH74aOj8RPMlmdkFl3O0qkY7PhEcaJ4yHDsLbjngnjB2QSFEJ6L1xkB-XO7Gv1JlSYPOllYxH54WnWFUcXY/s640/blogger-image-1425015211.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The condor was pretty magnificent and proudly displayed - I'm not sure that we were the desired audience ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZo0U2yV6lzr8VXdophlB1K_GtFyhce8lF8Og58soDfy8FWuOABooqmRzKBgKVTwaTWo2a7K1zzTTA4TImabiyAUiHvdIRvC2FQE1PsaxX5F7eCxsLeZroSyEjc_DUnYhxlu5iDgnxPo/s640/blogger-image-851146359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZo0U2yV6lzr8VXdophlB1K_GtFyhce8lF8Og58soDfy8FWuOABooqmRzKBgKVTwaTWo2a7K1zzTTA4TImabiyAUiHvdIRvC2FQE1PsaxX5F7eCxsLeZroSyEjc_DUnYhxlu5iDgnxPo/s640/blogger-image-851146359.jpg"></a></div> The giraffes were splendidly blending with the scenery .<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6KA4N4UUXjWs1CXAcyXptKHO2AlCWOA2GNjmxdzqOyVrqvWwRLYZSEHWpMV2CK9aofLZaujZaO8aCkSW6AwhOQ-otwc_recPhrA5I2Xzwuiu3chvE7Ys1mjUG7v1P686pgKmVmvC7Is/s640/blogger-image-875144571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6KA4N4UUXjWs1CXAcyXptKHO2AlCWOA2GNjmxdzqOyVrqvWwRLYZSEHWpMV2CK9aofLZaujZaO8aCkSW6AwhOQ-otwc_recPhrA5I2Xzwuiu3chvE7Ys1mjUG7v1P686pgKmVmvC7Is/s640/blogger-image-875144571.jpg"></a></div> Oh and the rhino ......something that takes us back millennia .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgtY78DHqc4pS-8RByS2XmEef_EZaO-jCcDWw5iPhwNMUK23F3DMJlh01cpW4PQ4BVj-9-hYczOr0SlxKgeWvYBznGRilViNBs90r5Kyn-ZQb6oWssxpk7eh4InbZNx_MWj3GWQtkDFM/s640/blogger-image--1467208136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgtY78DHqc4pS-8RByS2XmEef_EZaO-jCcDWw5iPhwNMUK23F3DMJlh01cpW4PQ4BVj-9-hYczOr0SlxKgeWvYBznGRilViNBs90r5Kyn-ZQb6oWssxpk7eh4InbZNx_MWj3GWQtkDFM/s640/blogger-image--1467208136.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The Holocaust memorial </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Holocaust memorial moved, and the museum below , educated . Queues of people patiently waited their turn for the museum , and we joined them , intent on being reminded of the terrible persecution and annihilation of peoples for being different . This powerful map locates all sites of persecution and extermination in Europe. Only the UK and Spain are untouched.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4qaB3F-Fp5MYf4HvmMRmah6EyslHPKlP-2cJ2r4XHolS-puT6xvDwd90n7cThaG_2iwvCv_LODhFjmH2wVQput4gVcaxclVxNNOPpnna1XGAa400z-QmG4QdeioCNn6-Ud0EO8kdDSM/s640/blogger-image--65529053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4qaB3F-Fp5MYf4HvmMRmah6EyslHPKlP-2cJ2r4XHolS-puT6xvDwd90n7cThaG_2iwvCv_LODhFjmH2wVQput4gVcaxclVxNNOPpnna1XGAa400z-QmG4QdeioCNn6-Ud0EO8kdDSM/s640/blogger-image--65529053.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_mVEos9reWE9eV93KItDBpJY7F-Y0T70n0VNILJKg5TN9uZCrluTIiL6o4CO2a-ehcHHOWjsxNBHzTbQvzDyxF3STcEy9ZpiWFwDMiL1cZLJ0Xe2HXVqMySaIobhLKD2RfbIqURTqZ8/s640/blogger-image--768581261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_mVEos9reWE9eV93KItDBpJY7F-Y0T70n0VNILJKg5TN9uZCrluTIiL6o4CO2a-ehcHHOWjsxNBHzTbQvzDyxF3STcEy9ZpiWFwDMiL1cZLJ0Xe2HXVqMySaIobhLKD2RfbIqURTqZ8/s640/blogger-image--768581261.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This powerful testimony by Hungarian poet Miklos Radnoti (1909-44) was one of many in the museum, Radnoti did indeed die as he foretold. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We visited the memorials to gay and Roma people too . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNC_sfIOW_HoX5guIdC3yIR4ZxVlZp0jMGZC02xRLaoaIyymIvph-KB_az7WINOJ1wx9UkyA0kuqC-ElqAA_5F5ojkJWZ7Ry1-hN1DpHRnQ08x2U00KPnMoC1xAltuR3XA3bKr1ujKt8/s640/blogger-image--1260706397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNC_sfIOW_HoX5guIdC3yIR4ZxVlZp0jMGZC02xRLaoaIyymIvph-KB_az7WINOJ1wx9UkyA0kuqC-ElqAA_5F5ojkJWZ7Ry1-hN1DpHRnQ08x2U00KPnMoC1xAltuR3XA3bKr1ujKt8/s640/blogger-image--1260706397.jpg"></a></div> Memorial to gay people persecuted by the Nazis <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TY-6oRNxn6D8ZnI6_g5ckYE1r7ZEr9tp1RawrF-OV_I7hzLC9Zoyhs7r_rouwDSLE7Op0kr_jql-VIeSDq8_Y8vLx_oDBdg1xilpV8rbCD7PBZJzr2akY9yXdBhR6pa5fbNFg6mMnIk/s640/blogger-image--2137534352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TY-6oRNxn6D8ZnI6_g5ckYE1r7ZEr9tp1RawrF-OV_I7hzLC9Zoyhs7r_rouwDSLE7Op0kr_jql-VIeSDq8_Y8vLx_oDBdg1xilpV8rbCD7PBZJzr2akY9yXdBhR6pa5fbNFg6mMnIk/s640/blogger-image--2137534352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuT6RT-pJCTa_SniO1g6HbhK9mW5ri35ZOYsmcNL8reEnnNcEk7jR_QQJZjzNKTrHGCVtL6umPGAxJQCFTdYpKnYlxSiw-QjcdNUVL6Er8raoFDuB1QYBzLYMEi-WzSDjA1W9hrzOjU4/s640/blogger-image-1990254295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuT6RT-pJCTa_SniO1g6HbhK9mW5ri35ZOYsmcNL8reEnnNcEk7jR_QQJZjzNKTrHGCVtL6umPGAxJQCFTdYpKnYlxSiw-QjcdNUVL6Er8raoFDuB1QYBzLYMEi-WzSDjA1W9hrzOjU4/s640/blogger-image-1990254295.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Unfortunately we hadn't booked in advance to actually go into the Reichstag building , which is the seat of parliamentary democracy in Germany . So we could only enjoy the splendour of the Norman Foster glass dome from afar. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Dn5xKlk5zRGde-E22A5sUwrkY3Ip9dMnyPVyQCCQpXrxErYw5xwxKWwR9kYK28jzkIjXaEdV25x1EYQN-sO3rYzCEAUSf9vyh5hZUIeUwsC1aKoC6eXCdY6Zne33T_pvF_UcRr9_OI/s640/blogger-image--1769522540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Dn5xKlk5zRGde-E22A5sUwrkY3Ip9dMnyPVyQCCQpXrxErYw5xwxKWwR9kYK28jzkIjXaEdV25x1EYQN-sO3rYzCEAUSf9vyh5hZUIeUwsC1aKoC6eXCdY6Zne33T_pvF_UcRr9_OI/s640/blogger-image--1769522540.jpg"></a></div></div> The Reichstag where the Bundestag meets and is centred. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The appreciation and value put on the democracy enjoyed by all Germans today , was evident , not least in the dedicated public buildings, exhibitions and published literature . The Deutcher Dom in the Gendarmenmarkt provides an exhibition "Milestones,setbacks,sidetracks - Parliamentary democracy in Germany" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8zU3rusy3s-zNwyqvJBXgb8mzdtqb__kXB3Qakg8z4-KhKiFfFsCGjDYO2OcNnCLOY5o7nQTh1Z8N2X52DIFJw_WBMAFcuVQugtasI5AcWo-kbUM57bAgWjtDRBzZzP4iJiuz9dBfZQ/s640/blogger-image--1920910546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8zU3rusy3s-zNwyqvJBXgb8mzdtqb__kXB3Qakg8z4-KhKiFfFsCGjDYO2OcNnCLOY5o7nQTh1Z8N2X52DIFJw_WBMAFcuVQugtasI5AcWo-kbUM57bAgWjtDRBzZzP4iJiuz9dBfZQ/s640/blogger-image--1920910546.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Stairwell in the Deutcher Dom </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4mYH99OTFL19VOOxWsS7WAFnqu94v4WXLguezTUKTCLP5YiX6QK2q5jD-PrwO8xA4dQ8viXutNIzb6Mm1RIxiP-yn6uc7mGvCtiuY98BuLMouLciKw5ekx4i7u1GgoDykMbyBj7duwM/s640/blogger-image--291976152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4mYH99OTFL19VOOxWsS7WAFnqu94v4WXLguezTUKTCLP5YiX6QK2q5jD-PrwO8xA4dQ8viXutNIzb6Mm1RIxiP-yn6uc7mGvCtiuY98BuLMouLciKw5ekx4i7u1GgoDykMbyBj7duwM/s640/blogger-image--291976152.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Domes are something that Berlin can boast a lot of . This is the Cathedral by the River Spree . A trip in the river was a great way of seeing many of the significant buildings in the centre - democratic and cultural - and enjoying the Autumn scenery .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQzRZsAft_PvMJxK14XcjMsXb_zTfxf0Q86OCHc6ZxdEsGz6Etq_60inegHz9vOEkbAT6YILgLT2PqzTEu0VPi38EjZKBCZEJqFwHtedd9c92VmIfG3CPKzZkKFgHiUgOQbxfgpaeEyc/s640/blogger-image--608477808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQzRZsAft_PvMJxK14XcjMsXb_zTfxf0Q86OCHc6ZxdEsGz6Etq_60inegHz9vOEkbAT6YILgLT2PqzTEu0VPi38EjZKBCZEJqFwHtedd9c92VmIfG3CPKzZkKFgHiUgOQbxfgpaeEyc/s640/blogger-image--608477808.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbi6X0Aty7-qgf7iYVyBIpkpg_I8hgOeDjYUUWQiOnFSmQ-6oKfwaiyGtzTJwSQzLmDP2cgphbOcMlDjQLjkTKkQDdOmeLpj2kvHbJPiuXUdyUW6zfWcYMTcLmAJowi3CVQMldnjJh1s/s640/blogger-image--1529141949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbi6X0Aty7-qgf7iYVyBIpkpg_I8hgOeDjYUUWQiOnFSmQ-6oKfwaiyGtzTJwSQzLmDP2cgphbOcMlDjQLjkTKkQDdOmeLpj2kvHbJPiuXUdyUW6zfWcYMTcLmAJowi3CVQMldnjJh1s/s640/blogger-image--1529141949.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrzHs0nKrpIYtRCtraZPEWRc_J-bNGQ3-aMTM_fC3XDR5Tbzvy29stAmu6kZB7IPSobDNR1NdsRUzOsRjtchazHIJePko3ozxNNcNDGQIHhakS9Ji3DD2Ip09uhH3gA8PH7cvxAbK3U4/s640/blogger-image-1859748828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrzHs0nKrpIYtRCtraZPEWRc_J-bNGQ3-aMTM_fC3XDR5Tbzvy29stAmu6kZB7IPSobDNR1NdsRUzOsRjtchazHIJePko3ozxNNcNDGQIHhakS9Ji3DD2Ip09uhH3gA8PH7cvxAbK3U4/s640/blogger-image-1859748828.jpg"></a></div>And after the river , what better than coffee and cake. The sparrows approved of the choice ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Berlin does things on a grand scale and the Brandenburg gate at night epitomises this .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW3M9GLPr3Aq6oSkyCnq_wZ6cpDC3zYuP0w6uyDCD7Ia2j_a8D9NyzCzyI0KQ7tDK0_ilqzoW8NgFGRv7TpuERL-aNEbIeZSOzQ_ZXHZoHbOqkhfUTLQs3NM47oSnOiBe31vtkma29aA/s640/blogger-image--886161004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW3M9GLPr3Aq6oSkyCnq_wZ6cpDC3zYuP0w6uyDCD7Ia2j_a8D9NyzCzyI0KQ7tDK0_ilqzoW8NgFGRv7TpuERL-aNEbIeZSOzQ_ZXHZoHbOqkhfUTLQs3NM47oSnOiBe31vtkma29aA/s640/blogger-image--886161004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Brandenburg gate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I said that this was a birthday celebration. Sadly, in the event, due to an unforeseen accident, the birthday girl couldn't come , and we had to celebrate without her! You couldn't make it up! Happy birthday Netty! X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-4274509017644251712015-10-23T15:59:00.001+01:002015-10-23T16:10:33.816+01:00All the generationsSheffield , the biggest village in England , welcomed us back for a heartwarming family visit last weekend . The city centre had an Autumnal feel . The grandchildren were full of stories and play, enjoying kicking the crisp and yellowing leaves along the path and delighted to see Merry . <div><br><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGh5dgigvOvWc7JS7bm0OEbQ31544UsakEhwLscwXwaFC37sWoaMMEz41XduyEyJj8gkvN2jefbs3o7rlcm6QJjltGa9csp-f44JDOG5w5BiE5DHvOMB6huBKLlh9jY6Cz751U6CfjvU/s640/blogger-image--476674237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGh5dgigvOvWc7JS7bm0OEbQ31544UsakEhwLscwXwaFC37sWoaMMEz41XduyEyJj8gkvN2jefbs3o7rlcm6QJjltGa9csp-f44JDOG5w5BiE5DHvOMB6huBKLlh9jY6Cz751U6CfjvU/s640/blogger-image--476674237.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGh5dgigvOvWc7JS7bm0OEbQ31544UsakEhwLscwXwaFC37sWoaMMEz41XduyEyJj8gkvN2jefbs3o7rlcm6QJjltGa9csp-f44JDOG5w5BiE5DHvOMB6huBKLlh9jY6Cz751U6CfjvU/s640/blogger-image--476674237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2uf2mgNO4g6FsGO5yQ2NwSnNpwyGu8vaP2MWTxWbE4bji5gaEQ-vcKcj80oausaKeGwThcYmv7O7-CG6Dr4wgo8oXnao3VjwR01Fb1Jx-sxk-_XIS5itAEOkobguPmaUseqX8_oQyJU/s640/blogger-image-1965970717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2uf2mgNO4g6FsGO5yQ2NwSnNpwyGu8vaP2MWTxWbE4bji5gaEQ-vcKcj80oausaKeGwThcYmv7O7-CG6Dr4wgo8oXnao3VjwR01Fb1Jx-sxk-_XIS5itAEOkobguPmaUseqX8_oQyJU/s640/blogger-image-1965970717.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Peace Gardens , Sheffield </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A family dinner celebration marking the loving marriage of Kate and Sam over the summer, was as delicious and special at ever at Tessa Bramley's " Old Vicarage " at Ridgeway. Warmth and colour are a mark of the welcome, setting and delicious food. It never fails to be a special and memorable treat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteVuOmrQM-saikrhJDe-TqkP2m3apZf2g3vquxM7bmskQpMZTlP_XIPcKMCYwy6jme-xGNUM7phRkBnSfOcBbhtEcnFyI8KzD8TrGxA0ZQYZTJrWh49vSz0rSd-rccIT5kZtd6OBu9rA/s640/blogger-image--945086949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteVuOmrQM-saikrhJDe-TqkP2m3apZf2g3vquxM7bmskQpMZTlP_XIPcKMCYwy6jme-xGNUM7phRkBnSfOcBbhtEcnFyI8KzD8TrGxA0ZQYZTJrWh49vSz0rSd-rccIT5kZtd6OBu9rA/s640/blogger-image--945086949.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Kate and I enjoyed a delicious veggie main course </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Sunday , the Peak District was colourful, it's fresh air and the paths of Longshaw offered a lovely setting for a good brisk country walk. Sheffielders are so fortunate to have the Peak District on their doorstep , much as we benefit from the Downs so close to Brighton&Hove. Interestingly, the Universities of both cities have high staying on rates , is this partly the joys of country and city ? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65KoCzt12JyTBb-_XvGRxz892UjJxebqblAhiA15O-JAbBvn1vMgS6MvMzJMB8Nvbn_IznBk533xoMAMlKDIe1c3eURO84_znPAqb2Mqq8gPE5WZLc-IL_jdt6m-jOMz3S_zC_EizPN4/s640/blogger-image--1161694466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65KoCzt12JyTBb-_XvGRxz892UjJxebqblAhiA15O-JAbBvn1vMgS6MvMzJMB8Nvbn_IznBk533xoMAMlKDIe1c3eURO84_znPAqb2Mqq8gPE5WZLc-IL_jdt6m-jOMz3S_zC_EizPN4/s640/blogger-image--1161694466.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhH6gLSj7OGEV4db0bgjXR42XYThEerumzTRD-dO2cE2DroaQQgbbdP-AwTDFeQJvJrGvhKFTjgUut8VxScWTOFUvJKoILeuyWQUzeofH6HIlvTadj7qysDePi9nzA_kGsTLb-O2t-bA/s640/blogger-image--1622244775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhH6gLSj7OGEV4db0bgjXR42XYThEerumzTRD-dO2cE2DroaQQgbbdP-AwTDFeQJvJrGvhKFTjgUut8VxScWTOFUvJKoILeuyWQUzeofH6HIlvTadj7qysDePi9nzA_kGsTLb-O2t-bA/s640/blogger-image--1622244775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJQy1hZV0GUU58PNVO9Xd4SaQwo_o__tJYZHQ-0lyoNKhHXi1be-t-R9rSXpckYELseDyUEXzbJmyCIc6Dbn2bpfkIL4sFJaBYho3gahLHIi8ln3Ve2jO4b9-r74cXqRJjdIkC0-NHOs/s640/blogger-image--111330842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJQy1hZV0GUU58PNVO9Xd4SaQwo_o__tJYZHQ-0lyoNKhHXi1be-t-R9rSXpckYELseDyUEXzbJmyCIc6Dbn2bpfkIL4sFJaBYho3gahLHIi8ln3Ve2jO4b9-r74cXqRJjdIkC0-NHOs/s640/blogger-image--111330842.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">London on Monday brought another, a very different treat. In between a day of meetings and a <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rendezvous with my eldest son for early supper, I managed to visit the Royal Academy and to see the Ai Weiwei exhibition. It is quite astounding. It manages to challenge and provoke whilst delighting with his artistry . Words ...my words, cannot do it justice. And it will require a revisit. Discussing with my friend who saw some of the exhibits in New York , it is worth seeing in London, additionally. What a talented,courageous artist. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXwDZp4Hck3C7_OuzUcRLj7lR_GnGlmjdJFpozvZDLBjxMOQt7ww1uakP0lbiI7pL_gx_9G39iIeHCa5N9qpX4Mi9rtgyel2ITt2_wpaJvWQ0NSnmak03k8eGC11Xxi081c1PXe2O304/s640/blogger-image--1953910420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXwDZp4Hck3C7_OuzUcRLj7lR_GnGlmjdJFpozvZDLBjxMOQt7ww1uakP0lbiI7pL_gx_9G39iIeHCa5N9qpX4Mi9rtgyel2ITt2_wpaJvWQ0NSnmak03k8eGC11Xxi081c1PXe2O304/s640/blogger-image--1953910420.jpg"></a></div> Courtyard trees construction </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0oX_50xAdRwYrCTe-PgznLRTxoz_yCWRnVE0_yx3KtACk2TxUQ0VJOtcHadTJ6x7lxhKlmrbOllpryUNC34_OVlbwJN36rDHyunISTpAW3AJFuWwMub-yvzwSOA2JXAS3KTP-Lm-V7o/s640/blogger-image--436693835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0oX_50xAdRwYrCTe-PgznLRTxoz_yCWRnVE0_yx3KtACk2TxUQ0VJOtcHadTJ6x7lxhKlmrbOllpryUNC34_OVlbwJN36rDHyunISTpAW3AJFuWwMub-yvzwSOA2JXAS3KTP-Lm-V7o/s640/blogger-image--436693835.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Marble buggy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn47KjBLs7CqkUJoSJTQKHGGkpptUaHQGniesrAVhDzL03Tvfc8E5LsbkWkvAue6xuSQvjMZLPRcCPZbKZqYwCs7xB0OKvPnp0n4VX7Iljg7OfwC_rCJThg9kdb918i670gPmdozBihQ/s640/blogger-image--1597296791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn47KjBLs7CqkUJoSJTQKHGGkpptUaHQGniesrAVhDzL03Tvfc8E5LsbkWkvAue6xuSQvjMZLPRcCPZbKZqYwCs7xB0OKvPnp0n4VX7Iljg7OfwC_rCJThg9kdb918i670gPmdozBihQ/s640/blogger-image--1597296791.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> One of a series of lifelike models from solitary confinement </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to cap it all, i espied one of my heroes, Professor Mary Beard , resplendent in yellow, giving an interview in the Courtyard, as I left. She cheerily agreed to a photo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGdKyTroywcByXdWLA3EEQeRt-YlhivaDN7yDVAL539dZOK4zuPJuLu0EmW-sEqNpLLuNUEjiZnhtgi7xSOz7obhl8JiOg1glNUS9RX1itY9Dl6tJsaIHfs0BJXx16neJORWOL2L4rEU/s640/blogger-image-297974434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGdKyTroywcByXdWLA3EEQeRt-YlhivaDN7yDVAL539dZOK4zuPJuLu0EmW-sEqNpLLuNUEjiZnhtgi7xSOz7obhl8JiOg1glNUS9RX1itY9Dl6tJsaIHfs0BJXx16neJORWOL2L4rEU/s640/blogger-image-297974434.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Professor Mary Beard </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rest of the week has been taken up with family too. This time we have been visiting our aged parents - we each have one surviving into grand old age. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the case of my father , the visit was to collect him from " respite" and bring him to live with us whilst we plan with him for the best means of sustaining his independence but with more company , care and safety than his last few months alone have afforded him. He was delighted to be coming to us,and was also really appreciative of the lovely caring stay he had received in a care home , following the terrifying ordeal of a robbery at home. Of course, the cost of the care home had been a shock, and the regularity of meals was a novelty, and he did not want to be in an institution, but the kindness and care of every single member of staff was fantastic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He is still grieving from the death of my stepmother on Valentine's Day, and I brought a painting of her and a painting by her, for the walls of his room. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I shared the image below to comfort a grieving friend . I must show it to dad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRKtHcA7nxwB3crKwDTMTkDsEzEP5vs8-kd-pHHitqW5I5b3ZGdKrcmCBz7Wz-CiWnp3xotj4TGn8BkBo-r48hz-LQtYA7C1XgihNpfIzrzRBcA3ZAjzxlyq7K7Xlt2pjnd_oDCm6pVg/s640/blogger-image-17541629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRKtHcA7nxwB3crKwDTMTkDsEzEP5vs8-kd-pHHitqW5I5b3ZGdKrcmCBz7Wz-CiWnp3xotj4TGn8BkBo-r48hz-LQtYA7C1XgihNpfIzrzRBcA3ZAjzxlyq7K7Xlt2pjnd_oDCm6pVg/s640/blogger-image-17541629.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-59848811844170093812015-10-16T19:36:00.001+01:002015-10-16T22:30:05.017+01:00Connecting and Learning<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJgDxhOwGckICLF_HH94npoLC8maKHfJy_hzUmrTU0LQA3YRfZLuQ0yF65iYeboIbbqLIa6zZYy0UO9FRvsMODCrb4tEYMPyZTO1sBbPY1IKzcHPEUfAYbOoin3UN6lSKEQjC4P4r0T8/s640/blogger-image--967794692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJgDxhOwGckICLF_HH94npoLC8maKHfJy_hzUmrTU0LQA3YRfZLuQ0yF65iYeboIbbqLIa6zZYy0UO9FRvsMODCrb4tEYMPyZTO1sBbPY1IKzcHPEUfAYbOoin3UN6lSKEQjC4P4r0T8/s640/blogger-image--967794692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Up at Devil's Dyke on the Downs </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div>Re-connecting with home, friends and family this week has been a joy. Back on the beach and up on the Downs has been a delight. The bright dry Autumn is a boon .</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6k2FV6Gdsd3CqN_voK6VYXgrsk1-g9i66vEgVoFgnMtRtUMz9cOV8XiJyaExE8aVjUY5L_k8i-M2F8t54VP9W4R2N9x3_7WCxjT4Yr84mClClyxUfnqFng378Urqc-ZKacISHpAplLk/s640/blogger-image--621915855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6k2FV6Gdsd3CqN_voK6VYXgrsk1-g9i66vEgVoFgnMtRtUMz9cOV8XiJyaExE8aVjUY5L_k8i-M2F8t54VP9W4R2N9x3_7WCxjT4Yr84mClClyxUfnqFng378Urqc-ZKacISHpAplLk/s640/blogger-image--621915855.jpg"></a></div> Hove beach </div><div><br></div><div>London called last Saturday and we spent a lovely afternoon with daughter and boyfriend in Camberwell exploring the area . After an urban walk and visit to it's church , we enjoyed the local pub, the Crooked Well, downing a hearty broccoli soup.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_YV7l7LABl8H5Gq5J4Tgif8Wg1QUf2U9scTpihPIQ6E1z7FsY6HE69d7YTuHuV2FAyxgeCNuS6Pc-J4iYhzmX9A58wH_sd5t1bKXSIp4ViKcjfvKTEP8gpmxJkiniF0eV8vmtnI3ShA/s640/blogger-image--1720734019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_YV7l7LABl8H5Gq5J4Tgif8Wg1QUf2U9scTpihPIQ6E1z7FsY6HE69d7YTuHuV2FAyxgeCNuS6Pc-J4iYhzmX9A58wH_sd5t1bKXSIp4ViKcjfvKTEP8gpmxJkiniF0eV8vmtnI3ShA/s640/blogger-image--1720734019.jpg"></a></div> St Giles Camberwell </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Later, leaving Merry the dog in good hands, and armed with the Citymapper app (new to us) ,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">we strode off and caught a bus up to town. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTyybNqKQZV9QOIZ0ekVLRIDC4_nUG5exC2UNPYgwxkbBX3wVn0FmseBqpmV6MYQOmildMdjLVhCCcs9uerfn_nXf1z5KXHD9wTdiI0T1Iw-UbmaChaHM42JBG-R-hSUks7BzbaRAslc/s640/blogger-image-647721943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTyybNqKQZV9QOIZ0ekVLRIDC4_nUG5exC2UNPYgwxkbBX3wVn0FmseBqpmV6MYQOmildMdjLVhCCcs9uerfn_nXf1z5KXHD9wTdiI0T1Iw-UbmaChaHM42JBG-R-hSUks7BzbaRAslc/s640/blogger-image-647721943.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> Merry at home, away from home </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We partied in Covent Garden- a joint 90th birthday (50+40)-marvelling at this cake and meeting friends new and old, before sampling "Uber's" taxi service back south of the river. Happy birthdays K&G. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfggBDOia2lNpmYGx4Agqc54JZagjaiEloCysYOtME1odGFMHev7mno0IcCKAZJaTOAZ31YCyLcdoB7LDqT2UWYaNQRnk9y-ncqH_jPlPisHmceZl3N2fMTm0AdNZCSCtaq-8lYPyYuw/s640/blogger-image-2014647702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfggBDOia2lNpmYGx4Agqc54JZagjaiEloCysYOtME1odGFMHev7mno0IcCKAZJaTOAZ31YCyLcdoB7LDqT2UWYaNQRnk9y-ncqH_jPlPisHmceZl3N2fMTm0AdNZCSCtaq-8lYPyYuw/s640/blogger-image-2014647702.jpg"></a></div> A cake - really it is! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All this has been great. But alongside the fun has been the sad challenge of planning with dad for his future. Sadly whilst we were away he was robbed at night at home. Happily he is unhurt physically but the experience left him, my brother and sister, and the Police concluding that he is not safe to live alone in his home any longer. He is receiving caring respite and next week will come to us for a time whilst we seek supported independent living . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi9foFT7HHlMi6ZuMdrrfqVRwwiU83ShsRS7Ytc1j7y5f-sMvkYqtYNN-rpTq78ajGQrETdi46gFw-R0LnW1GJ5hgip1o6tf2lskkdNYYe-mjGupSPbIHdwodBe4GgvuKyonpfZGkJ5w/s640/blogger-image-201694564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi9foFT7HHlMi6ZuMdrrfqVRwwiU83ShsRS7Ytc1j7y5f-sMvkYqtYNN-rpTq78ajGQrETdi46gFw-R0LnW1GJ5hgip1o6tf2lskkdNYYe-mjGupSPbIHdwodBe4GgvuKyonpfZGkJ5w/s640/blogger-image-201694564.jpg"></a> </div> Borrowed beach hut forcontemplation in the sun </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dad has been stoical and appreciative despite his fears. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My family have been wonderful managing the crisis and not spoiling our holiday. And the Police were fantastic . They would not leave dad alone. They drove him through the night to my brother. They are investigating thoroughly, however unlikely it is that they will catch the culprits. We are grateful . We and they are dismayed at such a crime . </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And whilst I planned with Dad and our family for dads future I also had to honour a commitment in the last half of the week . I headed north to Durham . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bbyNT89FDmiu8oMgRGfFZNy6smWEfVG621pZJ37Mz_w7v4DTUyjaJGyJ1SefAgfd710c9GRQ-Q4RWh_J4j_RPuMYmWxETNoMZImavweHYIHSk8O5fBhdpu_4FsyE6AqlaA998qQCTNk/s640/blogger-image-189770122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bbyNT89FDmiu8oMgRGfFZNy6smWEfVG621pZJ37Mz_w7v4DTUyjaJGyJ1SefAgfd710c9GRQ-Q4RWh_J4j_RPuMYmWxETNoMZImavweHYIHSk8O5fBhdpu_4FsyE6AqlaA998qQCTNk/s640/blogger-image-189770122.jpg"></a></div> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Kings X-Durham bound </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div> We live in such a beautiful country and the journey showed this to good effect. My landing place wasn't the City with its magnificent cathedral , but the College of Policing in the Durham countryside .</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ4hj1GkfagJy-Z3Rg1qHoyNmCPjAUN2n2KuouTZRkv31XKYf5KdVvRqNHEBHFB7fT9HxOhvsJ6pJDn4L3lKC4vqHrc6hatL-FP0irABODHU9XMmUnn0G4PF_XJZdtIVb5n1htYb2DzA/s640/blogger-image--1666540645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ4hj1GkfagJy-Z3Rg1qHoyNmCPjAUN2n2KuouTZRkv31XKYf5KdVvRqNHEBHFB7fT9HxOhvsJ6pJDn4L3lKC4vqHrc6hatL-FP0irABODHU9XMmUnn0G4PF_XJZdtIVb5n1htYb2DzA/s640/blogger-image--1666540645.jpg"></a></div> Crook countryside, Co Durham </div><div><br></div><div>I was heading for an intensive training course to learn<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> about the demanding assessment process for officers aspiring for the High Command of the Police . I and others were being trained by psychologists to be independent assessors alongside serving Chief officers. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiP0d2KzYDqzHqogezf6AVaIVtBF7jT-mOxmNfOth98ObaZ_kc2r1UllFD3c9FYFQbMn6gIoZTMXNycWRRDk0ZS1ZaX3B91Mp94shQrfXL-C4cmhRsolqU8GAKk6eYz4InIR01HsC5Bk/s640/blogger-image--690175733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiP0d2KzYDqzHqogezf6AVaIVtBF7jT-mOxmNfOth98ObaZ_kc2r1UllFD3c9FYFQbMn6gIoZTMXNycWRRDk0ZS1ZaX3B91Mp94shQrfXL-C4cmhRsolqU8GAKk6eYz4InIR01HsC5Bk/s640/blogger-image--690175733.jpg"></a></div> Autumn outside the College of Policing in Durham </div><div><br></div><div>I really enjoyed the challenge of learning , and meeting a new group of senior independent people who share a wish to make a valuable contribution to the identification and development of senior police officers. The approach was incredibly rigorous and evidence - based and we worked hard at our exercises over the two and a half days . </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PvS-WZnUDJkOh4-T0I6cgON5jbnHjhoGp8Q4edPVkdO-t0sY5JUzYddCMAOI4eu_JtZFrhUyxA-9dWJxZ59XjVD-lw1g6xHD5MxEONDRVxSQpe0SLYzmxwTPuYmMqEVBg69PHUZ_DWo/s640/blogger-image--1309837118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PvS-WZnUDJkOh4-T0I6cgON5jbnHjhoGp8Q4edPVkdO-t0sY5JUzYddCMAOI4eu_JtZFrhUyxA-9dWJxZ59XjVD-lw1g6xHD5MxEONDRVxSQpe0SLYzmxwTPuYmMqEVBg69PHUZ_DWo/s640/blogger-image--1309837118.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Durham station </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>I've ridden the train south to be reunited with my partner and dog , and to see some of our family in Sheffield, ready for a rest. Along the way I've delighted in my introduction to WhatsApp - a new find on social media ( second new app in a week) . </div><div>On arrival, instead of a rest , I receive a loud warm , children and doggy welcome, a tasty supper and requests to draw and read stories . The particular request is to draw myself as a princess! I do and there is no better way to unwind. As I put the children to bed, they ask if its the weekend tomorrow . It is. We are all delighted. </div><div> <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gEMhmxMWxsEx5DIlbKE4wbddgnb799zRBMSYQCOA7adpbHWSxLuQuJF1KMzb2DOXlx71pYscjbFMWOkzTTJFn8M9BYvOI3XYq2qURxVq9VYc_5zJRj9NhkRnjqBqb9a-LsK98CRDw3A/s640/blogger-image--1930146683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gEMhmxMWxsEx5DIlbKE4wbddgnb799zRBMSYQCOA7adpbHWSxLuQuJF1KMzb2DOXlx71pYscjbFMWOkzTTJFn8M9BYvOI3XYq2qURxVq9VYc_5zJRj9NhkRnjqBqb9a-LsK98CRDw3A/s640/blogger-image--1930146683.jpg"></a></div> Princess Penma </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-5565033671094359832015-10-09T19:29:00.001+01:002015-10-09T21:28:14.218+01:00Coming homeA highlight of our Newport , Rhode Island, experience came last wet windy Saturday night when Hurricane Joachin's impact caused us to stay in our hotel. It started with a paella topped with a whole lobster! A bit much really. It ended with a wonderful evening of feelgood, folk and rock music from the accomplished Phenix Avenue . Some self penned songs from Daniel Durand ( whose CD "the Long ride home " is great) were interspersed with Carol King , James Taylor, Neil Diamond and many favourite others from our long era! We had a fab time and we thank them .<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4BpVfR4YgY5cUkomxUq09JX5rTVbHaHdTHeQTCKiXBGKgiS_edg4A1F7Ie76N-7c-CeV_kEJARf3jL-xOZt3ZUm_HKgISiV2bRXuXxF-BBUFYq3Sp39I1lN8f4XVecYtTDavSRX6-pY/s640/blogger-image-176748542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4BpVfR4YgY5cUkomxUq09JX5rTVbHaHdTHeQTCKiXBGKgiS_edg4A1F7Ie76N-7c-CeV_kEJARf3jL-xOZt3ZUm_HKgISiV2bRXuXxF-BBUFYq3Sp39I1lN8f4XVecYtTDavSRX6-pY/s640/blogger-image-176748542.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Phenix Avenue </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sandwich , Cape Cod was our final staying stop . Here the Dexter Grist Mill , 1659, was proudly explained to us by Lee , who demonstrated the art and science of grinding the best corn flour. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5lmuJG9DIsuQrsp3jCcSuiyYwGr36-Ny8gVBV8xvbsGaQZmTlfyK9R89WvueSozVhBZAtOONSUprlSx758eXO6xzyVjEx72e3C7iI8EDSXioQbwhEtksfC7xo5SfZ1Ii0U8GNnEiBS8/s640/blogger-image--1757151796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5lmuJG9DIsuQrsp3jCcSuiyYwGr36-Ny8gVBV8xvbsGaQZmTlfyK9R89WvueSozVhBZAtOONSUprlSx758eXO6xzyVjEx72e3C7iI8EDSXioQbwhEtksfC7xo5SfZ1Ii0U8GNnEiBS8/s640/blogger-image--1757151796.jpg"></a></div> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Lee demonstrates Dexter Grist Mill</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sandwich also boasts salt flats going down to the sea, and our heron spotting was very exhilarating and successful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfZLO0DOlhU3-Yc1rC41gZ8ifyBgPr3Bplv4Jqm6aEhxQKOFcfL4lUD0FxBtRDMmYJ3Q5YXPjRXwxDgNoO5Urc6skgaWple1ISTae01nbyXdWqRyK_Fqq2QjJp5f_v90uBI9lkPDIOsU/s640/blogger-image-1393337804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfZLO0DOlhU3-Yc1rC41gZ8ifyBgPr3Bplv4Jqm6aEhxQKOFcfL4lUD0FxBtRDMmYJ3Q5YXPjRXwxDgNoO5Urc6skgaWple1ISTae01nbyXdWqRyK_Fqq2QjJp5f_v90uBI9lkPDIOsU/s640/blogger-image-1393337804.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfZLO0DOlhU3-Yc1rC41gZ8ifyBgPr3Bplv4Jqm6aEhxQKOFcfL4lUD0FxBtRDMmYJ3Q5YXPjRXwxDgNoO5Urc6skgaWple1ISTae01nbyXdWqRyK_Fqq2QjJp5f_v90uBI9lkPDIOsU/s640/blogger-image-1393337804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important;"> </div></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgO3ukzTR8CzyVhZnmTLk-Ku8vB-lRQavp7hYKBJpISZA2GHilIMqXurzIlJPq6bcIUeIrtxVmTKNR9HRoGDV0ueMIjwjD9yKV3JL3SYaXG6DpwRsLbWPt2wltDVkG_MLjRwhEkXfhjM/s640/blogger-image--93645897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgO3ukzTR8CzyVhZnmTLk-Ku8vB-lRQavp7hYKBJpISZA2GHilIMqXurzIlJPq6bcIUeIrtxVmTKNR9HRoGDV0ueMIjwjD9yKV3JL3SYaXG6DpwRsLbWPt2wltDVkG_MLjRwhEkXfhjM/s640/blogger-image--93645897.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Heron at Sandwich </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Sunday we visited Provincetown at the further most tip of Cape Cod . A bit of Brighton meets San Fran, it was a buzzy little, sandy beach town, on a crisp bright day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPjhlKA0aV9M6LMqX95-tV_PHZvhezy79Q4U0-4os_KFXDAsMLLBOhlUqvJG_xFNQX1M6kMZ7mnI_5AbDVXbG4wU-j7yEVaNrLDUsxf_W43yT_86M8OGhvVnKJFYurB8qnhNqEN2iFO0/s640/blogger-image--915252036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPjhlKA0aV9M6LMqX95-tV_PHZvhezy79Q4U0-4os_KFXDAsMLLBOhlUqvJG_xFNQX1M6kMZ7mnI_5AbDVXbG4wU-j7yEVaNrLDUsxf_W43yT_86M8OGhvVnKJFYurB8qnhNqEN2iFO0/s640/blogger-image--915252036.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIOkEr6hC-eUTQLLSjAelehd9OekhHEb0MG3BVui_B0PbYpsMBT2qwQfhGe8jvJs3BhSriDMaQ7aXM-AqSt7sJMFRANTEUOjeZwyOilpyFweXu5C9hCV1AbYm2wII7vS2l5XXfVwQkmo/s640/blogger-image--235733083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIOkEr6hC-eUTQLLSjAelehd9OekhHEb0MG3BVui_B0PbYpsMBT2qwQfhGe8jvJs3BhSriDMaQ7aXM-AqSt7sJMFRANTEUOjeZwyOilpyFweXu5C9hCV1AbYm2wII7vS2l5XXfVwQkmo/s640/blogger-image--235733083.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4bcGbQ9PN2T6sIAD7TnKv0iqeoyelZPn25qNbsbZy084kf21V8post9YHFd-t18jym_vVbuG9Zef6ENXFmXKiuKK46V8WJj7-OeD4TGPDjX55XVl-rzmGP6zAAJ7JgU04MjsaarLi0s/s640/blogger-image-654472346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4bcGbQ9PN2T6sIAD7TnKv0iqeoyelZPn25qNbsbZy084kf21V8post9YHFd-t18jym_vVbuG9Zef6ENXFmXKiuKK46V8WJj7-OeD4TGPDjX55XVl-rzmGP6zAAJ7JgU04MjsaarLi0s/s640/blogger-image-654472346.jpg"></a></div> Scenes in Provincetowm,Cape Cod</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Monday was home day and required a return to Boston. We had been struck by the Beacon Hill/Charles street/public gardens area and duly returned for a last look. We were not disappointed .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi5N7Y5yjJUX0SxuBcVb0XZrY5tuyw9__b8xw6WCMdyo9HBHd6YNQhxlRZVXcS_NEzpf4tdAbNESt5hTX2QFIO_bI_juh-4mWb9EmztvijjHd9Qj-AZ4LPifTfXBFzB8ByJbndbLrd08/s640/blogger-image--957839822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPi5N7Y5yjJUX0SxuBcVb0XZrY5tuyw9__b8xw6WCMdyo9HBHd6YNQhxlRZVXcS_NEzpf4tdAbNESt5hTX2QFIO_bI_juh-4mWb9EmztvijjHd9Qj-AZ4LPifTfXBFzB8ByJbndbLrd08/s640/blogger-image--957839822.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Nancy Schon's mother duck and ducklings sculpture in the Boston Public Garden , celebrating the 1941 storybook "Make way for the Ducklings " by Robt McCloskey </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDzz7Hd1ntjorTc8i0gZOBcaIQLfAqygSIqOJFvn0y00MVr82gKLOsIZL-PhU3_Sv4q6ZaI3BF5Ksf9dGm8v-bPoRHUkYnAh-igYyHrYFG7W3PpfNPHuZGQx45_u80UKbBDnO23ScCkM/s640/blogger-image-714681448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDzz7Hd1ntjorTc8i0gZOBcaIQLfAqygSIqOJFvn0y00MVr82gKLOsIZL-PhU3_Sv4q6ZaI3BF5Ksf9dGm8v-bPoRHUkYnAh-igYyHrYFG7W3PpfNPHuZGQx45_u80UKbBDnO23ScCkM/s640/blogger-image-714681448.jpg"></a></div> A rare treat in the US - a decent cup of coffee -thanks to Tattebakery.com</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtXHgpd6TXknRxqx7-77f42lJAaubMxYc9efVj9fPcCRSJ5QbXar6zvu9VVxYoCWUlRHd4z8HpjNd_CgSjMcLhlwVOx4iyynMhHTTgf1ygLlA0u6eNtY2NQUz8qQKNLxBYjI3fhlN8kk/s640/blogger-image--891165530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtXHgpd6TXknRxqx7-77f42lJAaubMxYc9efVj9fPcCRSJ5QbXar6zvu9VVxYoCWUlRHd4z8HpjNd_CgSjMcLhlwVOx4iyynMhHTTgf1ygLlA0u6eNtY2NQUz8qQKNLxBYjI3fhlN8kk/s640/blogger-image--891165530.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> A Beacon Hill flower shop </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd0qg-ctF5kX0tDzZ3-d2634RdBvRXNCkasLz1jTYnLct3TDeS0wKnDZWiN40iN0xUvrMSb7vwt6oABs5B9j9t438UqqQPfnyocDI9Ra3MX2ZUa2n7-JkfLODkWjVAWXHfT1B820aOXU/s640/blogger-image-728035373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd0qg-ctF5kX0tDzZ3-d2634RdBvRXNCkasLz1jTYnLct3TDeS0wKnDZWiN40iN0xUvrMSb7vwt6oABs5B9j9t438UqqQPfnyocDI9Ra3MX2ZUa2n7-JkfLODkWjVAWXHfT1B820aOXU/s640/blogger-image-728035373.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd0qg-ctF5kX0tDzZ3-d2634RdBvRXNCkasLz1jTYnLct3TDeS0wKnDZWiN40iN0xUvrMSb7vwt6oABs5B9j9t438UqqQPfnyocDI9Ra3MX2ZUa2n7-JkfLODkWjVAWXHfT1B820aOXU/s640/blogger-image-728035373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMZEs5nwVZK10ehpVYPKAbAIKrXZRFIHdIDrx79AikcETu6V7ai9DDsRyddkay34rvEGtKFPV22xzmhvKuwKBSPhz1zHm_ckzGCmzizOx-mkPgUr5T3g6-Fl2waeRjSyMEIYRVSq3-7A/s640/blogger-image--814178394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMZEs5nwVZK10ehpVYPKAbAIKrXZRFIHdIDrx79AikcETu6V7ai9DDsRyddkay34rvEGtKFPV22xzmhvKuwKBSPhz1zHm_ckzGCmzizOx-mkPgUr5T3g6-Fl2waeRjSyMEIYRVSq3-7A/s640/blogger-image--814178394.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Beacon Hill window boxes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GBXgyXAvOaahz11PILTyvaAwX1ccXmcXnDqsF_Ps0LRb68QEz535aEcYXt2sPeho8J9lsYgVykZNF3V73b9m6DMr2yypLOYTd2DrNAAI5eh745U_-fGbL7y2zxMWeUjgAoBZ4_oa_zo/s640/blogger-image-1883488842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GBXgyXAvOaahz11PILTyvaAwX1ccXmcXnDqsF_Ps0LRb68QEz535aEcYXt2sPeho8J9lsYgVykZNF3V73b9m6DMr2yypLOYTd2DrNAAI5eh745U_-fGbL7y2zxMWeUjgAoBZ4_oa_zo/s640/blogger-image-1883488842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Gas lamp on W.Cedar street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjQw7GGITa8zUIgTDNZTiyqEX8y4S5xbtN7zudqHurbeWh1uU2jjmRPe7Gyoyv2YHoneWus8nHzbXpAieLt3wefQqz3fKXnrvZSxbsXboCsJ6wG7E27DDpr6XYTVjEu2H_t21Csz9Zzg/s640/blogger-image--477345696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjQw7GGITa8zUIgTDNZTiyqEX8y4S5xbtN7zudqHurbeWh1uU2jjmRPe7Gyoyv2YHoneWus8nHzbXpAieLt3wefQqz3fKXnrvZSxbsXboCsJ6wG7E27DDpr6XYTVjEu2H_t21Csz9Zzg/s640/blogger-image--477345696.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Home-moving Boston style</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapwAHWIaXgJrxEiJkkMtfvqcY71EYjnmnFtajW0UIMod2yrQB8EqyuikOdNfI2oBurBGkZEIp1GtJm8g0Uc1CtvXNe7hKkl_qwOcNw5OqKJ6mMBAe4ZyXiHAHhM2xsPhYRFNUiFFMwfM/s640/blogger-image--489269525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapwAHWIaXgJrxEiJkkMtfvqcY71EYjnmnFtajW0UIMod2yrQB8EqyuikOdNfI2oBurBGkZEIp1GtJm8g0Uc1CtvXNe7hKkl_qwOcNw5OqKJ6mMBAe4ZyXiHAHhM2xsPhYRFNUiFFMwfM/s640/blogger-image--489269525.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Boston 's Charles river </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukuzWWe5SzqrdZws_MYTXCWCGSoZLpwSIx5UrQLYfSDsemIFQ94Z14Cq0Pg8l3-3UgsptasV5rLXzR9q2B25Z-ZJXl6gq9DB16z3H7Y7FlcK8H39bYZWqg4qwC3Suq58bsqAJr_wviSI/s640/blogger-image-2106216721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukuzWWe5SzqrdZws_MYTXCWCGSoZLpwSIx5UrQLYfSDsemIFQ94Z14Cq0Pg8l3-3UgsptasV5rLXzR9q2B25Z-ZJXl6gq9DB16z3H7Y7FlcK8H39bYZWqg4qwC3Suq58bsqAJr_wviSI/s640/blogger-image-2106216721.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Arthur Fielder - musician- 1895-1979 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjZ4ENOCMsio32dDNw2Qwy8oDOOuB5N-4Zea1ExB6_oLGZ7TpBY5gMwgbWPElVGtHXkwBT5t9OCTGQe3oeIf1btLHDylAxAxO-I5YO7juiuUdca8tcmScN-NiBfvNlT5l2UAumic0SGI/s640/blogger-image--1996700144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjZ4ENOCMsio32dDNw2Qwy8oDOOuB5N-4Zea1ExB6_oLGZ7TpBY5gMwgbWPElVGtHXkwBT5t9OCTGQe3oeIf1btLHDylAxAxO-I5YO7juiuUdca8tcmScN-NiBfvNlT5l2UAumic0SGI/s640/blogger-image--1996700144.jpg"></a></div> Riverside park cycle pump for public use </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our final scenes of Boston were of a wonderful sky from the airport .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_Oro5IYTUxhUMYeNOJpi5P3MkZ4UZpr8JCEC5TZ7_c5B3ufJx9RVogKseNc3_o7aO3NXPK0ErOEnFFVs4vNiHb8XdoGNNhE5tFIHjxKzw1jvTOLNdvRFlzHoKQqgBF_rm34XEgoJ6C4/s640/blogger-image--2141002048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_Oro5IYTUxhUMYeNOJpi5P3MkZ4UZpr8JCEC5TZ7_c5B3ufJx9RVogKseNc3_o7aO3NXPK0ErOEnFFVs4vNiHb8XdoGNNhE5tFIHjxKzw1jvTOLNdvRFlzHoKQqgBF_rm34XEgoJ6C4/s640/blogger-image--2141002048.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj1Gym-sBXbTJc5HuOi-hZO8eypZdA473BJQ13DJIN3XYa8S9cizKp0TdThIrOthKHL25NaMDPCkp_gIwLCDTHKRslTDgwDOmFT5Pe7yJ95qRS1m4rWXbGIe4C0WoFkSopcFoXH-mjnw/s640/blogger-image-1289704810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj1Gym-sBXbTJc5HuOi-hZO8eypZdA473BJQ13DJIN3XYa8S9cizKp0TdThIrOthKHL25NaMDPCkp_gIwLCDTHKRslTDgwDOmFT5Pe7yJ95qRS1m4rWXbGIe4C0WoFkSopcFoXH-mjnw/s640/blogger-image-1289704810.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And then five hours later , we were above the clouds and not far from home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUca_QWkFZNY304ky0AnRGhMfZ0Yn1G0wccO-aoHFY2fojMssPCbCJBYbQRRdK7alNwOwl40IdNZExpTfIc4OeLBGuHsPokgPbnQ1gNdrbrDo-_s40NZX6lTXGuKzwCWHZxj5_klWLr_c/s640/blogger-image--610360860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUca_QWkFZNY304ky0AnRGhMfZ0Yn1G0wccO-aoHFY2fojMssPCbCJBYbQRRdK7alNwOwl40IdNZExpTfIc4OeLBGuHsPokgPbnQ1gNdrbrDo-_s40NZX6lTXGuKzwCWHZxj5_klWLr_c/s640/blogger-image--610360860.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And back home,we have had lovely days, sand on our mainly pebbly beach , and a fresh haircut for Merry , the dog ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ7SH2GFvkQLLB7RYbl1LNfkJQWl03TiNfr7fTgduvDDUO4wMR0YdxgsP5AkunIHP_oG6P_98uflDK7y938_RstKe6xZEUpF_dNnDe0iIgPPk9GtT2ew0KXAHe873unnK2k_ArvBg6-I/s640/blogger-image-1562094399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ7SH2GFvkQLLB7RYbl1LNfkJQWl03TiNfr7fTgduvDDUO4wMR0YdxgsP5AkunIHP_oG6P_98uflDK7y938_RstKe6xZEUpF_dNnDe0iIgPPk9GtT2ew0KXAHe873unnK2k_ArvBg6-I/s640/blogger-image-1562094399.jpg"></a></div> Hove on Tuesday - trying to stay awake- me , not Hove! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6JEE_sJJsHDI25ZJopj9vDWzYZRIVpRP71Yf08VKBmaO3N4QjSFIlYB6W64mIBLWt6QWAPcTVxlQvo8rM-qQ8LVIZrIVH-laxa85xbL9sYCMWRQViz677uBb0NMRmlC_Kvu2PzEuo70/s640/blogger-image--1248529223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6JEE_sJJsHDI25ZJopj9vDWzYZRIVpRP71Yf08VKBmaO3N4QjSFIlYB6W64mIBLWt6QWAPcTVxlQvo8rM-qQ8LVIZrIVH-laxa85xbL9sYCMWRQViz677uBb0NMRmlC_Kvu2PzEuo70/s640/blogger-image--1248529223.jpg"></a></div> Merry, fresh from her lovely Dogs Corner haircut today </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6TWehQLOEtgGrUrno8ygbLqzXgOe9CP99cHLyb7ylv5soHP9qhTn15FZRKcsmQauxbXaJGK93uFaOUMFlO-6PimkXQbd_DRH-6PJO4gqTJTt1cO6B2SMBru9phNEBkkIeaOkUKPdGpo/s640/blogger-image--1807479077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6TWehQLOEtgGrUrno8ygbLqzXgOe9CP99cHLyb7ylv5soHP9qhTn15FZRKcsmQauxbXaJGK93uFaOUMFlO-6PimkXQbd_DRH-6PJO4gqTJTt1cO6B2SMBru9phNEBkkIeaOkUKPdGpo/s640/blogger-image--1807479077.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Who says we don't have sand? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi136ALgcYNzIG3xjSpW9U7piVMErRnQbQM2gid1GXhZChvB6Qrmy6LQFfblYJRF99Ah-YfKNCxwA4bZs9EyTVQL3ikF5IwKmhNIkN1DIeK7z2mcHdSLdOULUPeVQ5gUTgiS-uyf2fESV0/s640/blogger-image--1413519352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi136ALgcYNzIG3xjSpW9U7piVMErRnQbQM2gid1GXhZChvB6Qrmy6LQFfblYJRF99Ah-YfKNCxwA4bZs9EyTVQL3ikF5IwKmhNIkN1DIeK7z2mcHdSLdOULUPeVQ5gUTgiS-uyf2fESV0/s640/blogger-image--1413519352.jpg"></a></div> Sun setting on Hove and settling us back into home </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And lasting conclusions from our New England adventure ? In no particular order: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-we were a bit early for the full spectacle of the Fall colours </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-customer service was first class overall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-friendliness was the order of the day </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-food helpings tend to be too large</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-decent coffee is hard to fine and good tea even rarer ( except for Dunbar tea rooms in Sandwich and Tatte cafe in Boston)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-there is spectacular nature to be found - whales, bald eagles, seals, in particular </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-roads are relatively empty and great for a driving tour - to say nothing of the cost of petrol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-the appreciation of history was powerful everywhere </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-national pride is sincere and evident </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-Halloween and fall have become intertwined to provide a much celebrated season </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-television is woeful ; thank goodness for BBC radio podcasts! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A fab trip we had . And now we are home and happy to be. That's how a holiday should end . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div></div></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6378297189463138214.post-74724952475580648192015-10-02T15:11:00.001+01:002015-10-03T04:44:28.811+01:00The New England nature and art adventure continuesTraveling from Jackson , we stopped at Canaan last Saturday . Later, we ate hummus bought in Norway at a farmers' market . We were on the way to Woodstock via Lebanon! <div>Well that's a set of sentences that I hadn't expected to write , and is illustrative of the extraordinary mix of place names we have found in New England, USA ! Later in the week we stopped for coffee and book buying in Manchester . I could go on but I won't ! Do look at a map and see the scattering of UK place names.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt_lsl-EWpgzCD06N1u3vdbLZr8RCIJ_dO-_mfCRSea6Vn2-pRGqjvLC3Aks5Dm0xf1jk679JOT6FzOWb8fhS5KUHO9f1RWJexHSMqNWaCsG4WsoyHiLD5pWgMPhexoOZTctuA64iEgo/s640/blogger-image-1960975751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt_lsl-EWpgzCD06N1u3vdbLZr8RCIJ_dO-_mfCRSea6Vn2-pRGqjvLC3Aks5Dm0xf1jk679JOT6FzOWb8fhS5KUHO9f1RWJexHSMqNWaCsG4WsoyHiLD5pWgMPhexoOZTctuA64iEgo/s640/blogger-image-1960975751.jpg"></a></div> More of the hummus being eaten in Woodstock </div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Our trip continues to the themes of art and nature , with a strong seam of local appreciation for the past, and patriotism thrown in. And of course we have charted the colours of the leaves and realised that with the gorgeously warm weather, has come some delay to the full reddening of the leaves .</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViZJT3msoIilEyA1B9FZ0fnjEb2YVABMgCe9pPXA21NTAVbgbg2thqfRZtr754Bt54G5id-sVpk1-t_qfYSRLg4G5TXF5PjmGBMs2OHeiPck5Pik_beJ4kW6kJWxJoNmqXuT6GxNogvY/s640/blogger-image--1583776691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViZJT3msoIilEyA1B9FZ0fnjEb2YVABMgCe9pPXA21NTAVbgbg2thqfRZtr754Bt54G5id-sVpk1-t_qfYSRLg4G5TXF5PjmGBMs2OHeiPck5Pik_beJ4kW6kJWxJoNmqXuT6GxNogvY/s640/blogger-image--1583776691.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Leaving Jackson, Maine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Art comes in many forms and we enjoyed the Pentangle Light Garden in Woodstock with its completion for the best light sculpture; sadly we did not learn the result. I'd have given it to the balloon sculpture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtR73Bdat52oX393arqXIJi593vM2QAZE_rtfefu4lDZTDh3dFluCpJ2IE-jHbp1NyUk-Vh0As4aMeoO_eqFEuHsgte5fgEADuH1txifw87eCW4aHv-2SpqDW6KZXyeYzjZ6XGWUY_lI/s640/blogger-image--1752005705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtR73Bdat52oX393arqXIJi593vM2QAZE_rtfefu4lDZTDh3dFluCpJ2IE-jHbp1NyUk-Vh0As4aMeoO_eqFEuHsgte5fgEADuH1txifw87eCW4aHv-2SpqDW6KZXyeYzjZ6XGWUY_lI/s640/blogger-image--1752005705.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Pentangle Lights in <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Woodstock public garden square </span><br><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Throughout the week we have<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> continued to see wildlife though they have been less dramatic species than last week ( when whales,eagles and seals were so impressive.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">No, this week it's been small rodents that were the revelation. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ypa1Bx7T6TLDERSLHUdELXq2BGhRB41tAwZQ00oy4DZ3gRfndznYF3BFCvccGQheJCCKA6UbCyw_i0Tlm0alT-7ekykvyOYYq4c94N3sZ2hqMFAiQGTfJW8ceC3DKiRcjP7jBhstW6g/s640/blogger-image-431535114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ypa1Bx7T6TLDERSLHUdELXq2BGhRB41tAwZQ00oy4DZ3gRfndznYF3BFCvccGQheJCCKA6UbCyw_i0Tlm0alT-7ekykvyOYYq4c94N3sZ2hqMFAiQGTfJW8ceC3DKiRcjP7jBhstW6g/s640/blogger-image-431535114.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-FKQyx9kCdL1dMuj26KR4HtrPMb_-3L4nny2j0fbj4S61tlaunJK3Pjv4vx22nOdsALYD6_z1QedsLqCLNrp2x2jH3SlV0HQWrkHaEbcqBhqSuGbwdIrVfTIMzkoJlp5wxJJ4V9X9-Y/s640/blogger-image--259578704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-FKQyx9kCdL1dMuj26KR4HtrPMb_-3L4nny2j0fbj4S61tlaunJK3Pjv4vx22nOdsALYD6_z1QedsLqCLNrp2x2jH3SlV0HQWrkHaEbcqBhqSuGbwdIrVfTIMzkoJlp5wxJJ4V9X9-Y/s640/blogger-image--259578704.jpg"></a></div> Chipmunks in Woodstock </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div></div>These are chipmunks and they were busily and successfully foraging for acorns in Woodstock. They are delightful little things, quite unperturbed by us. We also saw red squirrels in the forest,but they were shy and we were unable to capture a snap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been told of bears in the national parks of the white and green mountains, but the closest we came to a sighting was this! We may not have seen bears, but a sprinkling of rain on a close day brought the mosquitoes out in the forest and my ear and neck were food to several ! I'm still suffering. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWevEP7jm4N4M6n8S-F8mwlcw6bKTYbrTysvRsO9Q3lA1S0iYtmDj3cigOd6_zdM5ZyZjs65VZKFiiN4Xctx5JlsVlD3i_B-k04ndBnxYBiBv1ivVry1-tDWG6RJeU2MtVfu9QM_NXPEQ/s640/blogger-image-1082759501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWevEP7jm4N4M6n8S-F8mwlcw6bKTYbrTysvRsO9Q3lA1S0iYtmDj3cigOd6_zdM5ZyZjs65VZKFiiN4Xctx5JlsVlD3i_B-k04ndBnxYBiBv1ivVry1-tDWG6RJeU2MtVfu9QM_NXPEQ/s640/blogger-image-1082759501.jpg"></a></div> Be prepared! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At Billings farm, Woodstock , a working farm and a heritage site charting farming and conservation in the area , we saw sheep,chickens and learned a great deal about cow care from enthusiastic George. We enjoyed apples from the orchard , pumpkins growing overseen by a scarecrow and bought spoons and a cheese board from wood turners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdgyazZkcWdUeADd-wusbcagiyXQ2LUVxUIDXNgkrCRcZ4sGMSIITZZsabYSudz11W1lTj1amGEqqm0VqtMZp5cGNw4DuOQkVHgQQ5aQZZ0_8KetI6ZFSeSorjsmKc74HlTElvVf0RDk/s640/blogger-image--1864370229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdgyazZkcWdUeADd-wusbcagiyXQ2LUVxUIDXNgkrCRcZ4sGMSIITZZsabYSudz11W1lTj1amGEqqm0VqtMZp5cGNw4DuOQkVHgQQ5aQZZ0_8KetI6ZFSeSorjsmKc74HlTElvVf0RDk/s640/blogger-image--1864370229.jpg"></a></div></div> Billings farm </div><div><br></div><div>The purchase of the day though, was our replacement Mr Fox for Merry, our dog, when we get home. Her current Mr Fox, a favourite toy since day one, has been resown many times and is dog eared . We hope she will like the new Mr Fox .</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPhFjUqrNu_URosYJytf0L6S0xK98yP8EFQrj3rOCLyDdMipWVnWZMEhaLZ00kyp520DHT64pfTbXAj8kcduJt89AC1jWQW1vZbL_jKi25zOZemDQHuLNIqSfJAwTCDbm8nV5ndC9FWQ/s640/blogger-image--6348017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPhFjUqrNu_URosYJytf0L6S0xK98yP8EFQrj3rOCLyDdMipWVnWZMEhaLZ00kyp520DHT64pfTbXAj8kcduJt89AC1jWQW1vZbL_jKi25zOZemDQHuLNIqSfJAwTCDbm8nV5ndC9FWQ/s640/blogger-image--6348017.jpg"></a></div> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mr Fox with Penny in Woodstock </span></div><div><br></div><div>Sunday night brought not just the eclipse and the red moon . Whilst watching in the crisp cold night by an open air wood fire , we bonded with a great trio of women also visiting Woodstock from New Orleans. Gwen managed to find "Moonlight in Vermont" by Willie Nelson as requested by Cookie, and we swayed to the eclipse and shared the delight as the moon later turned red. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXAxapiz_2Mj9RwRWJKJVArlrpK_rp-4Ma6UA_8Id0syZthL4XAziZ94kJQmmWdyBqhPCXdLJB-W7ROU2H40FBKh3Oc-fmwzqA9HXzv3-85-kZbCedISgvijptmlIKYpateyeI6iOMY/s640/blogger-image--1870223498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXAxapiz_2Mj9RwRWJKJVArlrpK_rp-4Ma6UA_8Id0syZthL4XAziZ94kJQmmWdyBqhPCXdLJB-W7ROU2H40FBKh3Oc-fmwzqA9HXzv3-85-kZbCedISgvijptmlIKYpateyeI6iOMY/s640/blogger-image--1870223498.jpg"></a></div></div> Red moon by iPhone </div><div><br></div><div>These resourceful, positive business women shared stories of family life and work in New Orleans and Texas . Our conversations continued the following night . To hear first hand of the devastating experience of Hurricane Catrina a decade ago , was moving and inspirational. Gwen and her husband had to endure a year out of their house whilst it was rebuilt . They lost everything. Yet she did not complain but was grateful that she had been able to afford insurance, and that they were evacuated and survived unscathed; 1100 citizens died. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_EMbdXdUNu42p6a7Fp2wCum_BHekTU4D7PQQoMhk_wzhudgrqUgvn5764iFGVv44cnw3sQl_kPGqBupzWb9dHrrWnmfj4WvGi0GRsvuWxkeZVRJQnHmTpLDezazbpOJ00kAK1IfL17Y/s640/blogger-image-1495533998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_EMbdXdUNu42p6a7Fp2wCum_BHekTU4D7PQQoMhk_wzhudgrqUgvn5764iFGVv44cnw3sQl_kPGqBupzWb9dHrrWnmfj4WvGi0GRsvuWxkeZVRJQnHmTpLDezazbpOJ00kAK1IfL17Y/s640/blogger-image-1495533998.jpg"></a></div> Gwen, Cookie,Penny and Candy </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_ya2KQzOMc8GCvcbUSZjs1sXIiiaKVGhUjlJl7TiAek94RZYV6RRI3sum5ILZHYlN1zDikHBH4Sx_vbKVF4pvd5f4H3jFyzY24jFRS1RHxV8NbfOW9XJtdnVBh3Go97koEOnnz-sDY8/s640/blogger-image-132908517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_ya2KQzOMc8GCvcbUSZjs1sXIiiaKVGhUjlJl7TiAek94RZYV6RRI3sum5ILZHYlN1zDikHBH4Sx_vbKVF4pvd5f4H3jFyzY24jFRS1RHxV8NbfOW9XJtdnVBh3Go97koEOnnz-sDY8/s640/blogger-image-132908517.jpg"></a></div> The hearth we chatted by at the highly recommendable Woodstock Inn</div><div><br></div><div>We enjoyed the turning <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">colours of the trees on the journey from Woodstock, Vermont to Stockbridge, Massechusetts .</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimILOOO8BbbHcIAxdj9CGnrGHMbUHfjs31wCBZNBKdIONSwlPMqiQWXMuFyODwDlYOwtxFzvjywPQVUDNP4fx2urrfSzrTFZTVnVd4BVMb96GczbMvTjMsL66LKLgTGq_WFlOiMYQXjW8/s640/blogger-image-296880869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimILOOO8BbbHcIAxdj9CGnrGHMbUHfjs31wCBZNBKdIONSwlPMqiQWXMuFyODwDlYOwtxFzvjywPQVUDNP4fx2urrfSzrTFZTVnVd4BVMb96GczbMvTjMsL66LKLgTGq_WFlOiMYQXjW8/s640/blogger-image-296880869.jpg"></a></div> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNZPBf9hSxXLzwtkRlk4AZ_7AFkje9PJFS8XiyGxFmpwQ4BS8NriA4xSpxval-9qy9F5YWFfSp9whu_C2_bACm5INagCFIArGtZKJ902eX7thQDphSs_FM0u4sZFugLbyosuPnjIOkwE/s640/blogger-image-1250910914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNZPBf9hSxXLzwtkRlk4AZ_7AFkje9PJFS8XiyGxFmpwQ4BS8NriA4xSpxval-9qy9F5YWFfSp9whu_C2_bACm5INagCFIArGtZKJ902eX7thQDphSs_FM0u4sZFugLbyosuPnjIOkwE/s640/blogger-image-1250910914.jpg"></a></div></div> Fall is coming </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The visit to Stockbridge in the Berkshires started with a very welcoming small Inn whose engaging hosts took great care over afternoon wine and cheese; the quality of coffee; and inventive tasty breakfasts. This was a memorable place to stay. It also gave us the chance of an immersion experience with the art of Norman Rockwell ( 1894-1978) , illustrator and artist, and chronicler of the development of modern America and its people. His magazine covers found a huge audience and wide appeal. His methods were painstaking , involving models, sets and many preparatory drawings. He said that he liked to tell stories with pictures and he succeeded. I was particularly struck by his illustration of President Roosevelts commitments to "four freedoms".</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8j6dMFtjm2OE3bsfc4XfSrTtHyBKRH3qZxZWAc9vmukxahqt6DsWnMvaz8erb2wzKnOiQpMsvlso6Uy55y-7iIKEJQziHwi6X32dJiexQ7A2W1pgMBAuywQ5yNFrL7a1GSRZtKUMfwc/s640/blogger-image-1220459242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8j6dMFtjm2OE3bsfc4XfSrTtHyBKRH3qZxZWAc9vmukxahqt6DsWnMvaz8erb2wzKnOiQpMsvlso6Uy55y-7iIKEJQziHwi6X32dJiexQ7A2W1pgMBAuywQ5yNFrL7a1GSRZtKUMfwc/s640/blogger-image-1220459242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Freedom from want </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcO6nJsJMseLOvPgTEsoSgz4Ix0dAmX-gv1uJOmv2BqXTWLaoq2_Hg9MKclB61Bma0AAppslrSZgjo1LVgX1XCEbDV_Kwoq4yeFfWrvAMl_yZjyvTh8v0axdYZ_YKiMK80Y8SZo44kXo/s640/blogger-image-396972123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcO6nJsJMseLOvPgTEsoSgz4Ix0dAmX-gv1uJOmv2BqXTWLaoq2_Hg9MKclB61Bma0AAppslrSZgjo1LVgX1XCEbDV_Kwoq4yeFfWrvAMl_yZjyvTh8v0axdYZ_YKiMK80Y8SZo44kXo/s640/blogger-image-396972123.jpg"></a></div> Freedom from fear </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk_me_cD7hpN4UgPKqo07CbIvEahVBAGQshx6-p8X2b6pvr8bMJlFvrBLnLHeG26oqtGCxcfg6aZNjjmvCLRC1ntOkDYbFXmRG_lbE02Wyzg2LiYzquwzYqbF2NXvT6XkrsTtwWIoo84/s640/blogger-image--1497206228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk_me_cD7hpN4UgPKqo07CbIvEahVBAGQshx6-p8X2b6pvr8bMJlFvrBLnLHeG26oqtGCxcfg6aZNjjmvCLRC1ntOkDYbFXmRG_lbE02Wyzg2LiYzquwzYqbF2NXvT6XkrsTtwWIoo84/s640/blogger-image--1497206228.jpg"></a></div> Freedom of worship </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyYZXtwQ1sNUpab9wy-OqbxY2yNmeDP9jljOUFsCMDFMGJMttwM-IWCMPP9284EXrd1XO4zHPUO77XfqqyBr8n61OVsPva5Zm3wIrLk_7Tbtul7SW9PvAO2no3rqUtgDG_wcntIagtfI/s640/blogger-image-1827695012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyYZXtwQ1sNUpab9wy-OqbxY2yNmeDP9jljOUFsCMDFMGJMttwM-IWCMPP9284EXrd1XO4zHPUO77XfqqyBr8n61OVsPva5Zm3wIrLk_7Tbtul7SW9PvAO2no3rqUtgDG_wcntIagtfI/s640/blogger-image-1827695012.jpg"></a></div> Freedom of speech and expression </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For me, the most powerful picture I saw was of Ruby Bridges, painted for "Look"magazine cover in 1963. It tells the true story of the young,black Ruby Bridges, being the first non white child making her way into a newly desegregated school in Louisiana. She is accompanied by US marshalls and stays close to them. The picture is rich with symbolism - of both prejudice, and its rejection - by a country now tackling racism and inequality. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBiFFqNOh9Y1muQXEMSGDnIPfphDkpHl0WZRr8d7s42UMyNy-tM146vpWj6MCJPZK3ieB0nE4eXXoUl8t2RkvSwzjBaz7ltaLV1I-4oFQgfl6LHf9zTH2lgXNBhSsH6esVzYf2dz8x-I/s640/blogger-image--1028726684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBiFFqNOh9Y1muQXEMSGDnIPfphDkpHl0WZRr8d7s42UMyNy-tM146vpWj6MCJPZK3ieB0nE4eXXoUl8t2RkvSwzjBaz7ltaLV1I-4oFQgfl6LHf9zTH2lgXNBhSsH6esVzYf2dz8x-I/s640/blogger-image--1028726684.jpg"></a></div> "The problem we all live with " 1963 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">En route to Newport, Rhode Island, we stopped by the living museum of Old Sturbridge village , telling the story of a rural working village from the 1830s . Peopled by historian actors we saw many crafts in action- potting, black smithing, preserving and cooking. We also enjoyed the farm animals especially the black pig and horned cattle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj95SOyaVQrRJeAOJIc4Iip63SwYK5bNUsA3ebuXIibxUjxW9hyj5uYk_EImcrZSYiRxz2q5tZ8MAWPd77bvh7YV47jm1odWZXnFSnsZtG5b977ln5rj7uXj9OYjJXJ3rnr3FAxudm_Y/s640/blogger-image--841308957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixj95SOyaVQrRJeAOJIc4Iip63SwYK5bNUsA3ebuXIibxUjxW9hyj5uYk_EImcrZSYiRxz2q5tZ8MAWPd77bvh7YV47jm1odWZXnFSnsZtG5b977ln5rj7uXj9OYjJXJ3rnr3FAxudm_Y/s640/blogger-image--841308957.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwWCc-9gaEXG6sPG9j2UjdPMhPSBO1sSJZ0NtHXrc4tidrEjQpj9KREDpGu47YkHbS0nooYcGR7sxoiUqedZxqzZ_Klt3q7q4yR9mjrwlAgwYgAEQicbHlCiimc-zh4s4Z5tf5KBSRtg/s640/blogger-image-732585914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwWCc-9gaEXG6sPG9j2UjdPMhPSBO1sSJZ0NtHXrc4tidrEjQpj9KREDpGu47YkHbS0nooYcGR7sxoiUqedZxqzZ_Klt3q7q4yR9mjrwlAgwYgAEQicbHlCiimc-zh4s4Z5tf5KBSRtg/s640/blogger-image-732585914.jpg"></a></div> Farm animals at Old Sturbridge village </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The Fall colours were lovely to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzAyiLton2otnFuVjjMytHKlGT7oroHQkOFaI5nLhPGzd3r-B4Dcwma-vC7BvN_KAstQqjpNhgkfQaECDXxW7OCgm24lYJfXuxK7g3aP9YT1cIpppOo7C6Kmf-fSCMwd2M_QHUx0V-rU/s640/blogger-image-1912596882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzAyiLton2otnFuVjjMytHKlGT7oroHQkOFaI5nLhPGzd3r-B4Dcwma-vC7BvN_KAstQqjpNhgkfQaECDXxW7OCgm24lYJfXuxK7g3aP9YT1cIpppOo7C6Kmf-fSCMwd2M_QHUx0V-rU/s640/blogger-image-1912596882.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS8ShUc1eLF0y8ulyrD2VCzMHJXIF9G0mvsQfNIt0IZfaqU4CI52PX5kqRve5s8mJ5iyyBhdlHhP8czGLgSl9oMyvvnzG8TWrBhhK8VqA_erXtpOcLir5I8mq5GG2B5o49V-obHrej_4/s640/blogger-image-279947001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS8ShUc1eLF0y8ulyrD2VCzMHJXIF9G0mvsQfNIt0IZfaqU4CI52PX5kqRve5s8mJ5iyyBhdlHhP8czGLgSl9oMyvvnzG8TWrBhhK8VqA_erXtpOcLir5I8mq5GG2B5o49V-obHrej_4/s640/blogger-image-279947001.jpg"></a></div> This is Thompson bank in Old Sturbridge !</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> It turned out that a short lake boat trip would signal the beginning of the end of the fine weather for this trip. We learned about beavers wreaking havoc on the trees ,but saw none of course. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6msFdPxa0JNLNf9J69BR-_dpZ5pxra0JV-y8mxFI3CcI_JPlVt6FXJP_85HL_3AzsgGk0eATr_JopUTQX1qXAhPlLYyevYjciLLog6YR5X4PPmozesETqqVZtvqV9sG5B29X8yV7kJU/s640/blogger-image--1806323668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6msFdPxa0JNLNf9J69BR-_dpZ5pxra0JV-y8mxFI3CcI_JPlVt6FXJP_85HL_3AzsgGk0eATr_JopUTQX1qXAhPlLYyevYjciLLog6YR5X4PPmozesETqqVZtvqV9sG5B29X8yV7kJU/s640/blogger-image--1806323668.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLGKquKQFl3TEwuFbK96WjE_GoouEen59Suk6MtHBqYrOdRj2oF8Wr7ImcupkJhLvoPrk76es8DgqaFJPdnNrm0p_16yEhNwGtYod-OnI3LfqODwL0f3zYwJN-gCZnPLVfHWBzxjTs1A/s640/blogger-image--847751096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLGKquKQFl3TEwuFbK96WjE_GoouEen59Suk6MtHBqYrOdRj2oF8Wr7ImcupkJhLvoPrk76es8DgqaFJPdnNrm0p_16yEhNwGtYod-OnI3LfqODwL0f3zYwJN-gCZnPLVfHWBzxjTs1A/s640/blogger-image--847751096.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> A boat trip on the lake at Sturbridge </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Soon we were on the road again and the rain had begun. We motored in lashing rain, to the Rolling Stones as our soundtrack And the rain continued , marring spectacular views from the bridges we crossed to reach Newport , and reminding us that we have been supremely lucky to have had such unseasonably warm,dry weather for the trip thus far. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Newport is a well appointed seaside destination on Rhode Island ( the smallest US state) - home to yachts, mansions , a University and a naval college. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbUgeWSGeyp23P82F3eWyB8mhU3IJGbFe6Mb8sWSC4TwNH5Y-qXHKjEmlDy5OLgGIyEGaqP99VgpsRLBBjwIyCNTcfALT83ghb0kIbqxp3AM1aHtQI0YGCPE4BXYglSgfC2RD9B-TnRo/s640/blogger-image-399454751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbUgeWSGeyp23P82F3eWyB8mhU3IJGbFe6Mb8sWSC4TwNH5Y-qXHKjEmlDy5OLgGIyEGaqP99VgpsRLBBjwIyCNTcfALT83ghb0kIbqxp3AM1aHtQI0YGCPE4BXYglSgfC2RD9B-TnRo/s640/blogger-image-399454751.jpg"></a></div> Church and state </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs987Zq1wCklwVrhmG7IHWY4zxUUWa1rEot-hJcn3y6KQjg-wdztgVqsTHC6p9l7BMaXnuL80B-U7mj11zWGSPVyEY8eSHBd1SDdAwpdIUXa0do1Hwb8ls0hhS00VYrNKAMWgGOI6k5qM/s640/blogger-image--1000408878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs987Zq1wCklwVrhmG7IHWY4zxUUWa1rEot-hJcn3y6KQjg-wdztgVqsTHC6p9l7BMaXnuL80B-U7mj11zWGSPVyEY8eSHBd1SDdAwpdIUXa0do1Hwb8ls0hhS00VYrNKAMWgGOI6k5qM/s640/blogger-image--1000408878.jpg"></a></div> Newport in the gloaming </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxXuo7ouZXAgqRUysWgei5tZFg4KRn3-jISuEKozF9ZwnaRaHLAFNtt0wOcGzUsv9M2r9g7eXnhPy4s8zByg69Jo0Nw6rCZKz1b7-7PvBKFg6HxgHthCCC7kZA482N-PPdDryVJx8dIg/s640/blogger-image-1839635623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxXuo7ouZXAgqRUysWgei5tZFg4KRn3-jISuEKozF9ZwnaRaHLAFNtt0wOcGzUsv9M2r9g7eXnhPy4s8zByg69Jo0Nw6rCZKz1b7-7PvBKFg6HxgHthCCC7kZA482N-PPdDryVJx8dIg/s640/blogger-image-1839635623.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Newport proudly marks the first street gaslight in the United States , thanks to David Melville in 1806.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today , Hurricane Joaquin is somewhere off Boston and the result has been incessant rain. Not put off, we have explored the environs . Penny found her best BLT ever in a cafe outside Portsmouth. We then visited Newport Art Museum and found a beautiful building and a couple of gems . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGCZwWV8NmieG9blY8sZYf28kZqPEC8iiThy_qhRL7vHvxxvoEyCn8vFNOpIH4xHga7wNRKFLVtmEBci2vc_wwcEu19DHjB3gwei2LncEgbERc4h4rY5H4RvWp2kBt0vP2AojiybhnI8/s640/blogger-image--653561610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGCZwWV8NmieG9blY8sZYf28kZqPEC8iiThy_qhRL7vHvxxvoEyCn8vFNOpIH4xHga7wNRKFLVtmEBci2vc_wwcEu19DHjB3gwei2LncEgbERc4h4rY5H4RvWp2kBt0vP2AojiybhnI8/s640/blogger-image--653561610.jpg"></a></div> Julia Overing Boit (1878-1969) Interior, Spixworth Hall England, c1924</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjsYp9cOZsatLkJhy3ksbkWqZ6nlSTBlHOrfQi6p0-fG1cGHBVsHCzNdC0dbiWsIRoqUxOBJ7DP14tEG6o7-Qk_xjJ9exOfcvgtKE7d8X_6jKWTYK9DtnqPhEx9YqSY5M7AJqI3MGSlU/s640/blogger-image--780405497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjsYp9cOZsatLkJhy3ksbkWqZ6nlSTBlHOrfQi6p0-fG1cGHBVsHCzNdC0dbiWsIRoqUxOBJ7DP14tEG6o7-Qk_xjJ9exOfcvgtKE7d8X_6jKWTYK9DtnqPhEx9YqSY5M7AJqI3MGSlU/s640/blogger-image--780405497.jpg"></a></div> Dora Atwater Milliken - Steel </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The floors,staircase and ceilings of what was built as a summer "cottage" for a wealthy New York family in the early nineteenth century were beautiful .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTpP3bpU08Xaj88zsKKUlez1yYAI7kprIsDpD5GiFt1vUGJGKFiYfEHqIz31syFahHI7yAb2nc7dwlhnkLBgM2Hga3zhn4ITNWFctTroxyXua5HVu7V7JUJCiI9Segkbj9X0VhXos4V0/s640/blogger-image--1545664159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTpP3bpU08Xaj88zsKKUlez1yYAI7kprIsDpD5GiFt1vUGJGKFiYfEHqIz31syFahHI7yAb2nc7dwlhnkLBgM2Hga3zhn4ITNWFctTroxyXua5HVu7V7JUJCiI9Segkbj9X0VhXos4V0/s640/blogger-image--1545664159.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTpP3bpU08Xaj88zsKKUlez1yYAI7kprIsDpD5GiFt1vUGJGKFiYfEHqIz31syFahHI7yAb2nc7dwlhnkLBgM2Hga3zhn4ITNWFctTroxyXua5HVu7V7JUJCiI9Segkbj9X0VhXos4V0/s640/blogger-image--1545664159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyVQxJzn97eKgjOZbb3EixMZ-t3O14uxFPJrb7t02DGBs8Huz2jEG2dhB6-U1pFK5JC7rxebxjNPPom-iw6fosV_WQpDJa_ALHYQkd-l-dSA87tcwbSo0zWtwAbjnEL393adIYpjaHno/s640/blogger-image-90606682.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> Newport Art Museum interior </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">We also enjoyed an exhibition "Reviving Durr Freedley(1888-1938)- Newport's forgotten artist" .</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">I especially liked this portrait.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9rztTRy2Fh04k-Xyk4jrZ_5yppuzyk10X3xKOqc0FPQxqjwbzTKaRC8wdreMoNKH98SG2ZzLuMN_nmRsG8ixPIxwPIZ6EpM6SpLIqXkdYDWopXyxeaZcyXxVeCeuhRRI1qeCGTnEw44/s640/blogger-image-380608241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9rztTRy2Fh04k-Xyk4jrZ_5yppuzyk10X3xKOqc0FPQxqjwbzTKaRC8wdreMoNKH98SG2ZzLuMN_nmRsG8ixPIxwPIZ6EpM6SpLIqXkdYDWopXyxeaZcyXxVeCeuhRRI1qeCGTnEw44/s640/blogger-image-380608241.jpg"></a></div> Eron, cotton plant, Mississippi, 1927 </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6Y9vBuJjb41OK07dWfbBk5bfJJLPHOuZLD_K5wpDH7dS_cDVbfWiY8YPNQKHKmJTliQyJU5eclwv_7GKD5fiZ4YP7AK3xCB6PA9tm_N6ZGvllBF7X72Du5KMxr28Zo2i_Q_i2q-j7oo/s640/blogger-image-1603031271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6Y9vBuJjb41OK07dWfbBk5bfJJLPHOuZLD_K5wpDH7dS_cDVbfWiY8YPNQKHKmJTliQyJU5eclwv_7GKD5fiZ4YP7AK3xCB6PA9tm_N6ZGvllBF7X72Du5KMxr28Zo2i_Q_i2q-j7oo/s640/blogger-image-1603031271.jpg"></a> </div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"> Ethel King Russell 1928 </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The torrential rain had put us off undertaking the whole of cliff walk we had been told about , but a drive to see some of the famous Newport mansions offered the opportunity to brave the rains at least for a part of the walk. The result was a great picture if the Vanderbilts' home, Breakers , and getting soaked through to the skin! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu1UExB7TG8NyeDlvnC7G3xvCL6S82c16VGMhUz6MHBsEiOgT8JvjEetiH2s8410PcbgfBN7AsNPnM-AWgkwPcOneXnxO6A9Z-yB1FzZb995Hko4rHrzDKqbA_muIKyWpXNCGSdB6AgU/s640/blogger-image--709479869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu1UExB7TG8NyeDlvnC7G3xvCL6S82c16VGMhUz6MHBsEiOgT8JvjEetiH2s8410PcbgfBN7AsNPnM-AWgkwPcOneXnxO6A9Z-yB1FzZb995Hko4rHrzDKqbA_muIKyWpXNCGSdB6AgU/s640/blogger-image--709479869.jpg"></a></div>"Breakers" a Newport cliff top mansion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q0kJggq6Zoyu2UwRM2fhg4Bt0bDfYcXXuOKl0it4ap-5XkaClR8wQWBcJFJPbw619WSKO5MCNgctHX23IlWDEIV6RAcSDUEP42NCLE-tNuT4Ijlb2dOlHujoV1tTxjVuObFPMqVkx7Y/s640/blogger-image-1576484466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q0kJggq6Zoyu2UwRM2fhg4Bt0bDfYcXXuOKl0it4ap-5XkaClR8wQWBcJFJPbw619WSKO5MCNgctHX23IlWDEIV6RAcSDUEP42NCLE-tNuT4Ijlb2dOlHujoV1tTxjVuObFPMqVkx7Y/s640/blogger-image-1576484466.jpg"></a></div>The cliff walk in lashing rain </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXODLhXwezSJxzwWdxuiGoezDAILh5xWMwqD5OMzUL89DTnDYU0puAmD-3zcFAnuHALtz9sY6U73NSOmWzcUubs0sMrrK4jzDHZ34ZEtiaeR7ITW2Ecx6WoCuOldL94TGoRJQkAEH0sOE/s640/blogger-image-2027711494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXODLhXwezSJxzwWdxuiGoezDAILh5xWMwqD5OMzUL89DTnDYU0puAmD-3zcFAnuHALtz9sY6U73NSOmWzcUubs0sMrrK4jzDHZ34ZEtiaeR7ITW2Ecx6WoCuOldL94TGoRJQkAEH0sOE/s640/blogger-image-2027711494.jpg"></a></div> Cliff path plus wet intrepid walker ! </div><br></div>And so we end the week with the last leg of the trip in sight . Tomorrow we will be heading to Sandwich, Cape Cod , and on Monday back to Boston and the return home. It's too early to reflect on the whole heady adventure in New England ; except to say it's been fab! However , we will be ready to get back into our own home , to cook again and not just assemble picnics. Most of all we will be pleased to see our beloved offspring, rest of our family and friends. </div></div></div></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06014505710380241532noreply@blogger.com0