It has been a bit busy this week.
Unexpectedly I was hosting Bookclub - which means cooking dinner for the 5 of us so that involved cleaning up on Monday night in order to cook and host on Tuesday. And a pleasant evening was had by all.
The following day involved getting up at 5am. Never a good thing. Then catching a train to York for a conference of the National Acquisitions Group - which is a lot of librarians who deal with acquisitions. The trains all worked extremely well and I got to York comfortably by 11.30 which gave me time to have a sit in the sun before the conference started. There is a big London Eye type wheel in York so I went on that and had fabulous views over the city.
The following morning I had time to go for a walk before the sessions started and discovered that you can get into Yorkminster for free at 8.30 in the morning. It was lovely because it was so empty, with only a few people who clearly worked there around. I have been in it before but it is still wonderful no matter how often you go in. York itself is lovely and I had a lovely time pottering round before going back into librarian mode.
The conference was good in parts - some bits I already knew well anyway but there was enough to have made it worth while going.
Now we are getting ready to go and walk chunks of Hadrian's wall in a week. Hurray
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Hamlet on a Bank Holiday
Yesterday we went with some friends to see Hamlet in the open air at St Donats Castle. The production was the Globe touring company(more info here). We got there early and had a picnic supper for which Chris had done smoked salmon salad sandwiches, chicken and salad, and I had done fresh scones, clotted cream and strawberries. It was really lovely. We were so lucky with the weather because it was mild, actually quite warm and (trumpet blast here) dry!!
It was set on the top lawn with the castle behind (Bradenstoke Hall and Lady Anne tower for those who know the place) on a very basic stage which must have been similar to those used by Shakespeare's players when touring outside London during times of plague.
The production was very straightforward as you would expect with an open air play - there are few opportunities for great subtlety when trying to pitch your voice to the back of a very large lawn. There were about 8 actors and the doubling was very well done with changes of coat and hat making a more than reasonable difference. We were sitting quite a distance away but I could hear everything well, though Chris has a bit of a hearing problem so she couldn't hear much.
We had all taken added layers of clothing so added jumper, then coat, then blankets as the evening got chillier, and gradually darker. By the end of the play the bats had replaced the swallows eating the midges and you could hear an owl in the forest, and the sea from down the hill which made it really quite magical.
Earlier in the day we had gone to the Flower Festival in St Illtyd's Church which was, as usual , lovely. That was after a walk down to the beach
Brilliant day
It was set on the top lawn with the castle behind (Bradenstoke Hall and Lady Anne tower for those who know the place) on a very basic stage which must have been similar to those used by Shakespeare's players when touring outside London during times of plague.
The production was very straightforward as you would expect with an open air play - there are few opportunities for great subtlety when trying to pitch your voice to the back of a very large lawn. There were about 8 actors and the doubling was very well done with changes of coat and hat making a more than reasonable difference. We were sitting quite a distance away but I could hear everything well, though Chris has a bit of a hearing problem so she couldn't hear much.
We had all taken added layers of clothing so added jumper, then coat, then blankets as the evening got chillier, and gradually darker. By the end of the play the bats had replaced the swallows eating the midges and you could hear an owl in the forest, and the sea from down the hill which made it really quite magical.
Earlier in the day we had gone to the Flower Festival in St Illtyd's Church which was, as usual , lovely. That was after a walk down to the beach
Brilliant day
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Long time no blog....
I haven't blogged for ages, because there has been nothing much to write about. I have been going to work, coming home, doing stuff round the house, etc etc. Life as it is lived most of the time.
There have been minor family crises - Nic's car needing over £1000 spending to get through the mot despite it being the newest car in the family for instance, but nothing to write about.
So is there a point in the blog? Not really because only family read it, but although I started it to see if I could keep it up for a year, I actually enjoy doing it, so although sporadic, will continue with it.
Things happening in my life are mostly about work and family, because that is what takes up my time. I am a bit peeved that the new agreement about pensions which means I won't be able to retire till I am 65 instead of 64 ( which is when the state pension kicks in). B will then be 69 and it does seem to me that after 70 there is often less ability to have a completely full life as one gets creakier and less able to do things , so that is a potential disappointment. But as B is having such a good time writing music that even if I was retired I don't think we would spend out time doing lots of stuff anyway.
I have a new guide dog in training for August, called Mr Jeeves, and he is a lovely dog. I have had Saffy for the last two weeks as well because Kate and Carl have been on holiday, and the two dogs have gotten on very well, especially as Jeeves is so young and wants to play, but he learnt on day one not to pester her. This week he is on his own at night and I think he is really going to miss Saffy. She, on the other hand, won't miss him at all!
He may be the last guide dog I get because the trainers are emigrating to New Zealand, and there won't be any trainers living in LM, so that would be sad, as I have enjoyed the two I have had. However I have decided that the ideal size for a dog in a normal house is Saffy sized, not labrador sized. He takes up way too much space in the kitchen and he really, really moults! My black trousers are staying in the wardrobe until he goes!
I am looking forward to going to Hadrian's wall in September, though I haven't got fit(ter) as I had meant to, so I will have to try to do some exercise in the 3 weeks before we go. Otherwise I will be trailing in the rear! Also we took Jeeves for a walk in a heavy shower today and both B's and my cagouls leaked so we were soaked. We need to waterproof them before we go!
This is Jeeves
There have been minor family crises - Nic's car needing over £1000 spending to get through the mot despite it being the newest car in the family for instance, but nothing to write about.
So is there a point in the blog? Not really because only family read it, but although I started it to see if I could keep it up for a year, I actually enjoy doing it, so although sporadic, will continue with it.
Things happening in my life are mostly about work and family, because that is what takes up my time. I am a bit peeved that the new agreement about pensions which means I won't be able to retire till I am 65 instead of 64 ( which is when the state pension kicks in). B will then be 69 and it does seem to me that after 70 there is often less ability to have a completely full life as one gets creakier and less able to do things , so that is a potential disappointment. But as B is having such a good time writing music that even if I was retired I don't think we would spend out time doing lots of stuff anyway.
I have a new guide dog in training for August, called Mr Jeeves, and he is a lovely dog. I have had Saffy for the last two weeks as well because Kate and Carl have been on holiday, and the two dogs have gotten on very well, especially as Jeeves is so young and wants to play, but he learnt on day one not to pester her. This week he is on his own at night and I think he is really going to miss Saffy. She, on the other hand, won't miss him at all!
He may be the last guide dog I get because the trainers are emigrating to New Zealand, and there won't be any trainers living in LM, so that would be sad, as I have enjoyed the two I have had. However I have decided that the ideal size for a dog in a normal house is Saffy sized, not labrador sized. He takes up way too much space in the kitchen and he really, really moults! My black trousers are staying in the wardrobe until he goes!
I am looking forward to going to Hadrian's wall in September, though I haven't got fit(ter) as I had meant to, so I will have to try to do some exercise in the 3 weeks before we go. Otherwise I will be trailing in the rear! Also we took Jeeves for a walk in a heavy shower today and both B's and my cagouls leaked so we were soaked. We need to waterproof them before we go!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Eisteddfod
We went to the National Eisteddfod today.
This is a cultural event organised every year in Wales and it moves round the country every year and this year it is here, so we went.
If you want to find out more about it you can do so here
There are lots and lots of competitions, for singing, reciting, brass bands, poetry, etc etc which go on through the week - all in Welsh and is something a lot of Welsh speakers get very involved with from a very young age. We just went to look round, get the feel of it, and had a very pleasant few hours. B attended a talk about some country poets which he sort of understood enough of to make it worth attending, and I trolled round with Jeeves.
Jeeves is the new trainee guide dog, and he was being a bit of a labrador while we walked round, attempting to hoover any food on the floor, but he does get people talking to you. It was lovely.
I'm glad I went.
This is a cultural event organised every year in Wales and it moves round the country every year and this year it is here, so we went.
If you want to find out more about it you can do so here
There are lots and lots of competitions, for singing, reciting, brass bands, poetry, etc etc which go on through the week - all in Welsh and is something a lot of Welsh speakers get very involved with from a very young age. We just went to look round, get the feel of it, and had a very pleasant few hours. B attended a talk about some country poets which he sort of understood enough of to make it worth attending, and I trolled round with Jeeves.
Jeeves is the new trainee guide dog, and he was being a bit of a labrador while we walked round, attempting to hoover any food on the floor, but he does get people talking to you. It was lovely.
I'm glad I went.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Comedy of Errors
I went to see the Comedy of Errors performed by the RSC in Stratford today, Brian and I meeting Boo and Trev at the theatre. It was brilliant.
The story is basically a farce based around the premise that two pairs of identical twins were separated as babies and end up in the same city. And it was hilarious. The actors who played the two Dromios (the servants) were absolutely wonderful, and the actress who played the wife of one of them was equally good. There is a bit towards the end where she is describing all the mix ups of the day to the Duke which was a tour de force. The timing and the use of changes of tone were so expertly done, and the timing thoughout - superb.
We laughed and laughed. But the director had also given it a darkness because Ephesus (where it is based) had a Duke who will put to death anyone who comes from Syracuse (where the twins father comes from) and the father is at threat of death through the whole event, although he is saved at the end. By setting it in a modern location, and making the threat of death real it gave an additional depth to what is otherwise a very light play. It was very effective.
Then we went and had a cream tea which was excellent.
Now we are home and I have a glass of wine, Brian has a beer. Brilliant.
The story is basically a farce based around the premise that two pairs of identical twins were separated as babies and end up in the same city. And it was hilarious. The actors who played the two Dromios (the servants) were absolutely wonderful, and the actress who played the wife of one of them was equally good. There is a bit towards the end where she is describing all the mix ups of the day to the Duke which was a tour de force. The timing and the use of changes of tone were so expertly done, and the timing thoughout - superb.
We laughed and laughed. But the director had also given it a darkness because Ephesus (where it is based) had a Duke who will put to death anyone who comes from Syracuse (where the twins father comes from) and the father is at threat of death through the whole event, although he is saved at the end. By setting it in a modern location, and making the threat of death real it gave an additional depth to what is otherwise a very light play. It was very effective.
Then we went and had a cream tea which was excellent.
Now we are home and I have a glass of wine, Brian has a beer. Brilliant.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Olympic opening
Well done Danny Boyle.
I am not that keen on watching sport, and not really very interested so the Olympics are lower on my radar than on many others (the likes of my son in law for instance). However I have been impressed by the torch route and the efforts to make in involve so many people, and have been curious about the opening ceremony since I heard Danny Boyle was doing it. The Chinese reached the limit of marching bands and synchronised people so what next? After our acceptance bus with Boris anything would be an improvement, and I think it took some vision for Coe to give it to Boyle and let him get on with it.
I thought overall it was brilliant.
I loved the opening film sequence from the source of the Thames, and then we had the horses and maypoles plus cricket as promised. But the change to the industrial revolution, the forging and flying of the rings were stunning. The use of the lights in the audience was genius. Mr Bean was hilarious. Liked the drumming, the kids choirs (noted that the Welsh one was the only one singing in harmony).
Got a bit bored by the story and the journey through pop music, and think they should have left Paul McCartney off the end because it was so stunning up to then that he was - old Beatle fan that I am - a bit of a letdown.
To my surprise I had tears in my eyes when the people were announced who were carrying the Olympic flag.
I love, love love the cauldron, made by the kettles carried by every nation.
I loved the youngsters lighting the cauldron.
Loved James Bond, especially the helicopter flying through Tower Bridge.
It was original, some of it much too British for others to understand but - so what!
It was inclusive of lots of people who will never achieve sporting excellence, or gain fame and celebrity which was refreshing.
I shall set the tv to record the cross country event on Monday while I am at work, and watch it when I get home (equestrian) and maybe see Nic who will be there. I like the horses and the gymnastics, and the rest will watch the highlights so I can see the exciting bits (I am someone who thinks all football matches should be penalty shoot outs).
Plus the National Eisteddod is taking place in Llantwit Major this year. This is an annual celebration of Welsh culture with competitions for poetry, prose, singing, speaking(public), visual arts, and lots of other things. It moves every year, one year in S Wales, next year in the north, and this year it is here. Although I don't speak Welsh I will go next week when it opens, because it is a little like the local cultural Olympics. The main tent is brilliant - literally - because it is vivid pink and looks like it escaped from Disneyland. Pictures to come.
I am not that keen on watching sport, and not really very interested so the Olympics are lower on my radar than on many others (the likes of my son in law for instance). However I have been impressed by the torch route and the efforts to make in involve so many people, and have been curious about the opening ceremony since I heard Danny Boyle was doing it. The Chinese reached the limit of marching bands and synchronised people so what next? After our acceptance bus with Boris anything would be an improvement, and I think it took some vision for Coe to give it to Boyle and let him get on with it.
I thought overall it was brilliant.
I loved the opening film sequence from the source of the Thames, and then we had the horses and maypoles plus cricket as promised. But the change to the industrial revolution, the forging and flying of the rings were stunning. The use of the lights in the audience was genius. Mr Bean was hilarious. Liked the drumming, the kids choirs (noted that the Welsh one was the only one singing in harmony).
Got a bit bored by the story and the journey through pop music, and think they should have left Paul McCartney off the end because it was so stunning up to then that he was - old Beatle fan that I am - a bit of a letdown.
To my surprise I had tears in my eyes when the people were announced who were carrying the Olympic flag.
I love, love love the cauldron, made by the kettles carried by every nation.
I loved the youngsters lighting the cauldron.
Loved James Bond, especially the helicopter flying through Tower Bridge.
It was original, some of it much too British for others to understand but - so what!
It was inclusive of lots of people who will never achieve sporting excellence, or gain fame and celebrity which was refreshing.
I shall set the tv to record the cross country event on Monday while I am at work, and watch it when I get home (equestrian) and maybe see Nic who will be there. I like the horses and the gymnastics, and the rest will watch the highlights so I can see the exciting bits (I am someone who thinks all football matches should be penalty shoot outs).
Plus the National Eisteddod is taking place in Llantwit Major this year. This is an annual celebration of Welsh culture with competitions for poetry, prose, singing, speaking(public), visual arts, and lots of other things. It moves every year, one year in S Wales, next year in the north, and this year it is here. Although I don't speak Welsh I will go next week when it opens, because it is a little like the local cultural Olympics. The main tent is brilliant - literally - because it is vivid pink and looks like it escaped from Disneyland. Pictures to come.
Friday, July 20, 2012
What I did on my holidays
Actually - a surprising amount. It includes the following , which is not a complete list as I have left out a lot of stuff about shopping, cooking, reading, tv etc.
Saturday - went to RSPB sanctuary in Newport, bought my monocular (joint birthday present) and had a lovely walk round.
Monday - painted the bathroom
Tuesday - tidied under the stairs, the office, cleaned (really well) my bedroom
Wednesday - packed, drove to Pembs, went for a walk to join up two bits of coastal walk
Thursday - went to a concert given by the local junior school, with B's recorder piece being played. He got given a big thank you card and 6 bottles of beer
Friday - long walk between Strumble Head and Goodwick. With mist and a lot of mud. Was heartily grateful to get into into the tea shop at the end.
Saturday - attacked the garden. We pruned, weeded, planted and moved things. It looked a lot better by the time we had finished
Sunday - nice weather, sat in the garden and read
Monday - wet. Sorted out Choir Tour photos
Tuesday - home for Nic's birthday supper. Too much Chinese, but lovely evening.
Wednesday - Went to Hereford Cathedral (excellent), Leominster ( bit blah) and Ludlow (lovely). Stayed near Ludlow overnight
Thursday - went to Presteigne (nice little town), Hay on Wye (lovely). Went to Capel -y- Ffin (really lovely) then Llanthony Priory ruins (beautiful) then to Tretower Court which really could show Hampton Court how to present a kitchen. It was brilliant. They have made oak cupboards and chests, and had lots of stuff out. Really excellent. The to Usk for a pint in the sun before home (traffic jam in Newport)
Friday - art exhibition in Newport by friend of B which was worth going for even though we got lost coming out of the car park and wandered round Newport for 15 mins before finding the gallery again. Interesting exhibition with thought provoking pictures. The on to Slimbridge Wetlands trust to wander round looking at birds. Very entertained by the number of pigeons around who get near the water as if to say - look, I'm a water bird, feed me too. The another drink in a nearby pub and another traffic jam in Newport before home.
i think we will have a quiet weekend before going back to work on Monday.
Saturday - went to RSPB sanctuary in Newport, bought my monocular (joint birthday present) and had a lovely walk round.
Monday - painted the bathroom
Tuesday - tidied under the stairs, the office, cleaned (really well) my bedroom
Wednesday - packed, drove to Pembs, went for a walk to join up two bits of coastal walk
Thursday - went to a concert given by the local junior school, with B's recorder piece being played. He got given a big thank you card and 6 bottles of beer
Friday - long walk between Strumble Head and Goodwick. With mist and a lot of mud. Was heartily grateful to get into into the tea shop at the end.
Saturday - attacked the garden. We pruned, weeded, planted and moved things. It looked a lot better by the time we had finished
Sunday - nice weather, sat in the garden and read
Monday - wet. Sorted out Choir Tour photos
Tuesday - home for Nic's birthday supper. Too much Chinese, but lovely evening.
Wednesday - Went to Hereford Cathedral (excellent), Leominster ( bit blah) and Ludlow (lovely). Stayed near Ludlow overnight
Thursday - went to Presteigne (nice little town), Hay on Wye (lovely). Went to Capel -y- Ffin (really lovely) then Llanthony Priory ruins (beautiful) then to Tretower Court which really could show Hampton Court how to present a kitchen. It was brilliant. They have made oak cupboards and chests, and had lots of stuff out. Really excellent. The to Usk for a pint in the sun before home (traffic jam in Newport)
Friday - art exhibition in Newport by friend of B which was worth going for even though we got lost coming out of the car park and wandered round Newport for 15 mins before finding the gallery again. Interesting exhibition with thought provoking pictures. The on to Slimbridge Wetlands trust to wander round looking at birds. Very entertained by the number of pigeons around who get near the water as if to say - look, I'm a water bird, feed me too. The another drink in a nearby pub and another traffic jam in Newport before home.
i think we will have a quiet weekend before going back to work on Monday.
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