Welcome to the new week. Hope all the UK types remembered to put their clocks back. We'll do it in another couple of weeks.
Didn't know you were getting new carpets, OG!
Heather: Nice that you've been busy with family once again. Sorry to hear about your daughters boiler :-(
It started out bright, here, but has now turned cloudy. My laundry is hanging limply on the line with no chance of drying, I fear.
We had a major purchase on Saturday, as we bought a "new" 2nd car. Our very very old Volvo is now literally falling to pieces (it looks worse than one of those you see in the circus, when the clowns appear and all the doors fall off, LOL!!) I'm sure it only has scrap value, but my OH is putting out an advert for it, as it still has a good engine and gearbox. Meanwhile, we have now bought a small red "runabout" car (several years old) which will be economical to drive and tax, and we can both swap about between the larger one and this, and remain a 2 car household, as we both like to be mobile. One day when we get around less, we will come down to having one car.
More of my travelogue:
There were enormous queues to see inside the monastery, and we decided we preferred to see the inside of the cathedral church, but there was a service still on there, so we went for a walk in the park opposite until it was over.
Attractive paths, and lots of benches to rest upon.
I noticed some ladies looking at something on ground level, and remarking. I came closer and it was this lovely long tailed something. It bobbed around for a bit, then flew off.
There were several art installations in the park, and this was a striking example: can't say I like it, though.
I went to investigate this interesting small building. There is a plaque beside it saying that it had been given as a present to the people of Lisbon in thanks for something or other, from the Government and People of Thailand. It was beautifully made and decorated.
Detail of the prettily done enamelling and artwork above the entrance.
My OH about to go in, to give a sense of scale and size.
Looking up, inside, we found a wonderfully decorated ceiling, including small "jewels" winking at us.
I liked the attention to detail and the intricacy. And no vandalism!!
LINDY What a wonderful building.
Had a swim this morning, then my usual coffee with a friend. Not a particularly nice afternoon so OH and I are going to see the film "Breathe". Hope it lives up to the 5 star write up it got.
Linda -These are the last three carpets to be replaced, apart from the one in J’s room which has only been fully occupied since he came back home, and seems in very good condition. Our bedroom was painted two years ago, but we are now co-ordinating floor with new textiles – shades of blue from duck egg to navy. Hall and study will be same carpet as that in the lounge (thistle) - always a good idea in a small house. Painting is the full Monty – ceilings, skirtings and walls. Hoping to get some flinging done during this exercise! Car sounds a sensible purchase – no good hanging on to something totally unreliable, and you only need the one big one.
Dibnlib – never heard of “Breathe” – hope you enjoy it.
Just chopped up and prepared a red cabbage and cooking to freeze in small reheatable portions for two of us (J doesn’t eat it). I’ve put too much spice in, so will have to get another one, cook without spice and put some of each in each meal to make it palatable! Going to spend a quiet evening after a busy day.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Morning all:
Lindybird: I remember when Tomasz was still en route, so to speak - now he's 7. And Ms. D will be 7 next March. Interesting that Matthew hates fuss: Kids can be so different, something I noticed with sister's two grandson's (siblings) when I was visiting. Fascinating how all those genes organize themselves among family members. I know what you mean about plastic toys, etc. I've decided to give Ms. D "experiences" from now on rather than toys, but books are always a great idea. Our second car is an ancient Toyota Avalon, which we bought used, has about 200K miles on it, seriously faded paint, and is a bit like riding in a boat without stabilizers. It had all the bells and whistles when new, which are still very nice. I've got a Honda CRV and I keep telling OH to use it as it's so much easier to get in and out of, but he insists he prefers "his" car. That is a lovely Thai building - and so nice that it's still intact and apparently appreciated by the locals.
dibnlib: I'm off to gym shortly, but Tai Chi class. Hope the movie is good; I also haven't heard of it.
OG: I hate to think how much work our house needs; we are waiting for Lightning to - ahem - depart. The carpet is a disaster; not to mention the chairs she likes to rub up against. We had her to the vet again last week and apart from a UTI (and a huge bill!), everything else still seems to be functioning well.
We rarely go see movies in the theatres anymore, preferring to wait for them to show up on TV or DVDs, which we borrow from the library. When my daughter was here last week, however, we both went to see Only the Brave, the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, the wildland firefighting team, all but one of whom died in that awful fire in Yarnell, Arizona some years back. It was nicely underplayed (the reality was drama enough) but very hard to watch knowing the outcome. We went to see it because my granddaughter knew some of the people involved; she's not planning to see it at all. When I was there last time, they'd opened a memorial on the spot where they'd all died. I was planning to visit it, but then found out it was a two mile hike into the scrub and at that point I didn't have the time.
Anyway, off to gym, then a massive grocery shop. Oh joy.
OG/ANNETTE Film is a new release and is the true story of Robin Cavendish and his wife Diana. Robin is a polio victim and his will to live thereafter is inspiring.It is very moving.
Thanks to all for your news! Nothing exciting happening here. Gardener has trimmed quite a few shrubs today. He looked amused when I told him that he had done them as well as my OH used to do. Anyway, I'm very happy.
Regarding carpets- all here have been in situ for twenty odd years and unfortunately show no signs of wear. I do think about changing colour schemes which would mean new carpeting but.....
PS - eldest daughter's boiler is fixed so they are away home.
Unknown said:AQ – have you previously posted a pic of that lady with the empty chair? Looks familiar!
OG - I can't have posted it before as I only saw it for first time on weekend. I guess it is a popular theme for an exceptional character!
Port Augusta is at the head of Spencer Gulf. This pic taken ½ hour south of Port Augusta and the background hills are Eyre Peninsula (I’ve never been there!).
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Next stop Port Germein where it was the day of the monthly foreshore market. With hotel & store closed, some locals are fighting back. Quirky sculptures erected, streets renamed after ships that had used the port and of course the market which was well patronised by our bus people.
Shipwreck
Cormorant
Fish
A planned walk in Telowie Gorge was pruned as we were running late. However we drove across these narrow plains between Gulf & Ranges where a twig on my family tree was growing 7-foot high wheat crops in 1906. Out on the plain at a crossroads was a former church, now private. The garden was filled with cacti & yucca.
to be continued