KISSA

THURSDAY 9TH JULY - KNEEHIGH

2009-07-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday evening P and I went to see Kneehigh Theatre's production of

BRIEF ENCOUNTER.

Cameras were not allowed in the auditorium so the best I can do is give you a link. www.kneehigh.co.uk

This is a Cornish Theatre company who have been in existence for over 25 years. Each production they present is assured of being an exciting and innovative performance and Brief Encounter was no different.

I knew the outline of the story from the Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson film however in Emma Rice' 's hands this Brief Encounter was a clever, gimmicky production that had lots of humour yet the passion, tenderness and sensitivity was in abundance all done through amazingly, beautifully and convincing characterisation.

We had a great night out and we have spoken to quite a few friends who had also seen the play in Truro in Cornwall, the home county of Kneehigh and the general consensus was that yet again Kneehigh have come up trumps.

MONDAY 22ND JUNE -one Saturday afternoon

2009-06-22T03:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon found me with my husband in Pydar Street near Boots just up the pedestrian street from the Cathedral rattling our collecting tins on behalf of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. It was quite fun watching all humanity go by and quite a few stopping to pop coins into our tins and have a few words. I do get pleasure from this type of activity both the people watching and also interacting with fellow inhabitants of this our mostly beautiful planet.

THURSDAY 18TH JUNE - I'm back!

2009-06-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hi folks.

I seem to have been a bit busy lately but now I am ready to get back to blogging.

I've been to The Royal Kingdom of Fife recently to stay with my daughter. We explored an area of Scotland we have never given much time to and found some lovely corners.

The broom was in flower which gave a bright yellow back drop to the whole county.

MONDAY 30TH MARCH - Cornish evening

2009-03-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

CORNISH LADS.

Last evening we went 3 miles to a neighbouring village to see a performance by these people.
This was billed as a Musical Drama. A True Story. A World Heritage Landscape.

This was in the style of a 'radio ballad' first pioneered by Ewan McColl and Charles Parker in the 1970's.

This was the story of Cornwall from the heyday of mining through to today with the high days of wealth to the low days of mine closures the diaspora of Cornish miners all over the world from North America, Australia, Brazil and Mexico to mention a few in fact anywhere there was tin to be mined. The characters are Mary Moses - Mother of Cornwall( representing the spirit of the men,women, children and the landscape itself). Mine Captain, Young miner, Old Miner, Maggie Curnow (Bal maiden) and the Eternal mineral ( represents the spirit of an industry that thrived for over 3000 years). These were all wound into the story by the storyteller.

It was a most enjoyable evening part of the Carne to Cove programme which brings live entertainment to the small communities all around this most rural of counties.

FRIDAY 13TH MARCH - red nose day!

2009-03-13T08:44:00.001-07:00

We have just been to Scotland again to stay with our daughter. This is a part of Scotland we are not so familiar with i.e. Perthshire. We know so very well the Highlands and Islands of the West Coast but are having fun exploring and discovering the treasures that are hidden in these glens and forests.

We went to the crest of the hill at the top of Glen Quaich and this is the view that opened out in front of us across to the Cairngorm Range. It really was this good.

Having eaten our butties we retreated back the way we had come as we were warned of the hill in front of us being blocked with snow and two cars being stuck!
Not far back along the road this was the view that opened out so I just had to take a photo.

Then came Loch Freuchie with this delightful island which I felt absolutely sure was a crannog. Here is the story to go with it which I discovered when I got home.

The crannog (man made island) on Loch Freuchie (Fraochie) has an interesting dragon legend?.. the story goes that a young man named Fraoch, at the request of the lady Maidh, went to the dragon inhabited island to gather rowan berries. He completed the task and evaded the dragon but the lady insisted that nothing would please her except that he return to her with the uprooted rowan tree. On his second visit he got the tree but awoke the dragon?. who, in mortal combat, gnawed off Fraoch's arms and legs?..

Then at the entrance to the glen we found this absolutely lovely little church.

Amulree was at the junction of three major droves. It formed part of the route Highland drovers would use to bring their livestock to the cattle market at Crieff and Falkirk. Amulree Church was built between 1743 and 1752 and remodelled in 1882. Built to a simple design it has both a bellcote and wethervane. The architect was a John Douglas of Edinburgh. The Amulree church bell was cast in 1519. Amulree parish church contains copies of records of the large number of people who stayed in the area prior to mass emigration, mostly to North Easthope, Canada, in the early 19th Century. The Celtic place name was Ath Maol Ruibhe meaning Maol Rubha's ford.

This was a wonderful place, beautiful and lonely with a rich tapestry of history which contributes to it being a little gem. I intend to go there again.

MONDAY 9TH FEBRUARY - cosy

2009-02-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

At long last we have a wood stove. We have been in this house for 18 months already and we don't like using gas - tank gas being the choice here as we are too far from the towns for mains gas - and that it is a fossil fuel that grates uncomfortably on the environmentally aware part of us. Wood being a sustainable fuel we feel happier. This was the first lighting hence the untidy box and stark surrounds. Now we have a beautiful withy basket filled with logs by the side.

We draw the curtains in the evening, watch a film or listen to music all snuggled up in our cosy little house feeling happy that we are not using a fossil fuel to keep warm! Simple things please simple minds! We are running this lovely stove all our waking hours after all it is winter!

This stove is a Bohemian 40 so now you know

TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY - unexpected beauty

2009-02-03T02:36:00.000-08:00

SNOW.

Forget the woes of the world for just one day.

We awoke today to a beautiful white world.

It is very rare for Cornwall to have snow so I want to share it with you.

These photos were taken from my window.

View to the north.

View to the west.

This one was raken from my front door.
My palm tree never looked smarter or is it sillier?
Just reminds me of Dougal the dog in The Magic Rundabout.

WEDNESDAY 28TH JANUARY - a breath of fresh air literally

2009-01-28T03:27:00.000-08:00

It was a cold damp windy day with no sign of the sun so we decided to go to the cliffs not so very far from here. This is St. Anthony Head well known around here for its fabulous vistas.
As we approached the sun began to break through the heavy layer of cloud so we sheltered in the bird hide and as there was no one else wanting to watch the birds we had a flask of hot chocolate in our snug little corner!

This hide really is just that cleverly positioned between cliff and space therefore giving a fantastic view of the cliffs and their inhabitants. There are many seabirds on these rocks but it was too windy and maybe a little early in the year to spot many. There were of course gulls being battered by the very strong gusts.

The gorse is in full flower with that heady scent of coconut filling the air.

All these nooks and crannys for the birds to rest and nest.

We leant out of the hide to see the beautiful surging sea with sounds so powerful that the caressing and soothing feeling they evoke erases all troubles for the moment.

Oh and the new me has been to an Amnesty meeting with P. We sent 3 cards in support of men where injustice is happening.

Oh and I sent an email to the BBC protesting about the not screening of an appeal on behalf of the people of Gaza by the DEC.

No phone calls but I am still smiling and saying hello to new people!!

It doesn't seem to take much effort I just hope I will still be doing these little things at the end of the year.

MONDAY 19TH JANUARY

2009-01-19T06:39:00.001-08:00

I am trying to continue the self improvement regime I have set myself so here is the latest report.

On Tuesday I thought about another mutual colleague that the lady I 'phoned last week had mentioned. Daphne was the deputy head of my second school and to hear that she is nearly 80 and riddled with arthritis made me think about then happy times when I was a new girl at the school. bt.com enabled me to locate her number so I gave her a call and she was so pleased to have a chat. She remembered me and we laughed about some shared memories.

I went to the AMNESTY meeting. There were some very interesting topics covered and I signed a letter asking for release of an anthropologist being held without charge in Guatamala. I also took two info pages about two men who have disappeared one in Nepal and one in Gambia. I have sent postcards of support to people closely associated with these men.

When I went for a walk through the village I said 'hello' to a lady walking her dog and also to an old boy leaning on a wall! Two people I have never seen before and this isn't a very big village I wonder where they came from?!

Not one of these things took very long and they have got to be worthwhile. I feel good for having actually done these things rather than just thinking about them.

Then yesterday after a terrific storm over night on Saturday we went to Watergate Bay and watched two proficient Kite Surfers at Watergate Bay, Awesome!!

NOT MY PIC!

MONDAY 12TH JANUARY - self improvement!

2009-01-12T02:17:00.000-08:00

Those of you have read my last posting will know to what I am referring now

I have telephoned someone I used to work with and left that place 24 years ago. We have exchanged Christmas cards every year so I decided to find her tel no and rang her she was so delighted she says she will try to get to Cornwall later this year! It was a good thing to do. Oh she lives in Ipswich which is quite a long way from here!

I am going to a meeting of the local AMNESTY group on Wednesday evening my first time..

I am learning Russian well I started this last September but this is one of my new things and it is stretching me.

This post is just about the 'things not resolutions' or self improvement?! package. Eek!

TUESDAY 6TH JANUARY 2009

2009-01-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

Resolutions are made to be broken so I haven't made any however there are things which I will try to acheive which can only make me better person.

So here are few things but not resolutions just things ?! will try to do

Everyday I will exchange at least a few words with a new person. This can be anywhere and anyhow even a new person on the phone is ok as a last resort.

Send an email or support a cause that I have meant to do and just haven't got around to. Do this every month even if this just means signing a petition.

Pick up the phone to a friend I haven't spoken to for years and restablish contact with someone different every month!

Read books which will stretch me intellectually and broaden my range.

Of course do some new things - I am about to go and do some abstract painting which I have never tried and want to try. Enthusiasm always out does reality and who knows what will be the result?!

WATCH here for news of how I get on oh and by the way

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2009!

MONDAY 15TH DECEMBER - Scotland again

2008-12-15T03:20:00.001-08:00

We live in the south west of the U.K. so as we drove north a couple of weeks ago and it got snowier and snowier by the side of the Motorway we knew we were going to have a good few days. So here are some snowy photos!

Loch Morlich - Cairngorm. at -5 degrees

I love trees when the snow has frozen to the branches.

This is so beautiful.

Scheihallion and Loch Rannoch.

I have Norwegian blood in me. My grandmother was from Gjovik so maybe this accounts for my love of northern climes and cold places.

TUESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER - music

2008-11-26T02:27:00.000-08:00

I have been behind with my blogging due to a rather busy schedule of late.
This has not all been routine but punctuated with some top quality live music and as you know you have to make the most of the opportunitieswhen they arise so we have been doing just that.

The first concert was at the beginning of November when we saw Sigur Ros in Bristol it was a fabulous experience there was even snow showered on us the audience!

A week later we say Jools Holland with his Rhythm and Blues orchestra in Plymouth and that was a really good concert too.

Last night we went to Bristol again with friends this time to see Runrig, yes again, another brilliantl live event with lots of audience involvement which makes for a great evening.

So you can see there has been a lot of important stuff happening and after all quality if life is so important!

SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER - FRANK BARRINGTON CHEDZOY

2008-11-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to a small rural village named Stoke St. Gregory which is on the Somerset Levels. I used to come here from the age of 0 until I was in my early 20's. I came to visit my paternal grandparents who lived on a small holding where I remember helping my grandad feeding the hens and collecting the eggs which were still warm, collecting tomatoes in the greenhouse when I was given a paper bag and allowed to gather the tiny little tomatoes which I recall as being treasure all of my own. There was a fruit cage where I used to help my grandfather pick big juicy raspberries as in 2 for the basket and 1 for me! The memories I have of this idyllic phase of my life are warm and full of love. I loved my grandparents but yesterday was about my grandad.

There is a local historian who has done an extraordinary amount of research into young men from Stoke St. Gregory who were touched by World War I. From the names on the war memorial he has discovered where they fought and were killed and also about those who were injured.

My personal story was about Frank Barrington Chedzoy (my grandad). He joined the army in January 1918 and was sent to northern France in April that year. He then fought in the battle of St. Armand and was injured so very badly near a farm at Quenoy. He was gassed and received 3rd degree burns to 60% of his body in fact the left part all the way down. Unable to talk, in shock and with pain controlled by morphine he must have been terriby ill.This meant he was shipped back to UK and spent time in hospital in Bradford and then was taken to Dublin for a long slow recuperation and return to health. He never returned to full health and was unable to ever work however he did use the skills learnt on the first part of his building apprenticeship which had to be interrupted when he went to war. He built the house he shared all his life with my grandmother and where I spent so many happy days of my life. Until yesterday all I had known of his experience of The Great War was that he had been gassed. Yesterday I found out so much of what this young man -my grandad -had experienced when he was only 18.

It was never spoken about and all my father was told as he was growing up ,when he had asked about the war, was the mud.

Thank to this historian I know so much more about how WWI affected my family directly. It has affected me deeply as the wonderful old man, my grandad, kept this secret from all of us except perhaps my grandmother, for the duration of his life.

It has given me so much to think about.

MONDAY19TH OCTOBER - strange but wonderful recipes - Beetroot Brownies - 1st

2008-10-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

P came home on Saturday after a cold wet morning on his sailing cruiser.

M came in hungry and wet late last night.

They both had a hot drink acccompanied by a piece of Brownie.

After all everyone loves the chocolatey richness is its collapses in your mouth and P and M were no different.

HOWEVER

the secret ingredient was revealed as something they neither of them enjoy but once disguised and adding to the moist consistency they couldn't argue that it must be a positive contribution to this rather wonderful snack.

RECIPE:

250 g good dark choc (melted)

250 g butter (melted)

250g caster sugar

3 free range eggs

150g S.R.flour

250g cooked and grated BEETROOT ( the secret ingredient!)

courtesy of Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall

Combine and cook in baking tray for 20 mins at 180C

Let it cool and then eat a small piece at a time - never guzzle but savour the flavour.

MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER - a beautiful autumn day - hidden cornwall 4

2008-10-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

The weather was too good to stay indoors so we went out doors!

to Helston which is beyond our patch so we were exploring pastures new. It is about 20 miles from home and in a direction we don't often go.

We parked the car and walked and very quickly in front of us was this ruined mine head. It is the ruins of Castle Wray also known as Wheal Pool and was a silver/lead mine belonging to Helston Valley mine company in times long past.

This is the end wall of the engine house.

Engine house from the other side stains of smoke still very obvious.
Imagine the miners.

The boggy valley where there is a mineral track lost somewhere, where trucks used to carry the ore.
October 12th - 19 degrees centigrade - gorgeous -global warming? I think so, It is all so very wrong. A great walk but what is going on with our planet?

This is Cober Valley.

SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER - hedgerows bounty

2008-10-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

There is a very cold wind today blowing rain up the valley and then beating it on the windows. It feels as if winter has arrived suddenly and without any preamble. I am just putting these photographs together and recalling last Sunday, yes just 6 days ago when we were in T-shirts gathering the beautiful, richly coloured, luscious juicy blackberries that have been quietly growing and now coming into their glory.
We found this lane not more than 2 miles from the house. The nearest habitation is Trelucky Farm so to us it is now known as Treluckey Lane seems to make sense. So armed with kilo size boxes we set to picking the fruit gathering scratches from the briars as we went.

Picking carefully trying not to fall as we stretched for the high ones which of course are the juiciest of all.

There are always huge clusters around field gates.

Just a few more then home to make the preserve.

We were pleased with the haul especially as now they would be waterlogged and so would we be if we were out there today. A good job done!

TUESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER - odd bods

2008-09-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

Last Friday morning as I was having my first hot drink of the day an article caught my ear - is there a more appropriate phrase? - and this was about the overall winner of the 30 years of the Oddest Book Title competition which is run by The Bookseller.

The winner is "Greek Rural Postmen and their cancellation numbers" by Derek Willan which has been voted the oddest title of them all in the last 3o years.

2nd was "People who don't know they're dead "- Gary Leon Hill

3rd -"How to avoid huge ships" - John Trimmer

The presenter interviewed a startled elderly 91 year old Derek Willan who needless to say was delighted with this unexpected accolade.

Here are a few past winners.

The Diagram Prize for Oddest Book Title of the Year:

Winners

1980: The Joy of Chickens

1984: The book of Marmalade

1988: Versailles: The View From Sweden

1992: How to Avoid Huge Ships

1994: Highlights in the History of Concrete

1995: Reusing Old Graves

1996: Greek Rural Postmen and Their Cancellation Numbers

1999: Weeds in a Changing World

2002: Living With Crazy Buttocks

2004: Bombproof Your Horse

2006: The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America

Comprehensive list at theBookseller.com

I'm off to Truro later today so a browse in the bookshop is a must perusing titles for their quirkiness!
Any offers?!

MONDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER - peace and tranquility

2008-09-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

It turned out to be a beautiful evening a few days short of the end of August so we decided to spend a few hours in one of our favourite places. This at The Fal-Ruan estuary which are an expanse of tidal salt marsh and mudflats. We wandered along the single track road listening to the honking of Barnacle Geese who were coming down on the mudflats for the night. Barnacle Geese fly in a raggle taggle with no apparent formation where as Canada Geese fly in a tight and well formed V shape. We were delighted to see and hear both types of Geese which will forever remind me of the classic 1971 film "The Snow Goose." I had just got a new small digital camera and was keen to try it.

The Fal ruan estuary at high tide just as the light was beginning to fade.

A tiny fern growing on the stone work of the old
bridge.

Two sedate mute swans paddling against the tide coming up to the old wharf.

This cob and pen made their way up river with the background sound of the calls of Greenshank and Blacktailed Godwit. Just a chorus of natures spectacular music.

It was so quiet that we could hear the swans snorting as they paddled by. A quiet muffled sound which is only audible when there is perfect silence.
To anyone reading this from outside the UK - The reigning monarch (Queen

Elizabeth II) owns all the swans in Britain.

8.31 p.m. and almost dark. This was handheld I had forgotten to take a tripod and just couldn't peel myself away from this most wonderful place with nature at her most beautiful. To complete the evening a Barn owl flew over the marshes. We came home and couldn't bear to put the t.v. on so sat by the open window with hot drinks and the tawny owls began to hoot.

MONDAY 25TH AUGUST - Duckpool and beyond.

2008-08-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

We live on the south coast of Cornwall which is extraordinarily beautiful but the north coast is wilder and much more rugged. We used to live on the coast where Devon and Cornwall meet so as S. and M. were home the decision was made that the good use of a dreary day was to go north. So we did!

Pasties were bought from a bakery in Bude and then we made for Duckpool a small cove very close to where we used to live. So here is Duckpool.

READ THE SIGN AND IT WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE TEMPERAMENT OF THIS COAST.

DUCKPOOL - so called because...............but today the ducks were absent.

Same place but turned through 180 degrees.

It looks good twice after all !!

Close up of the river.

Pasties eaten, stones thrown in the sea it was time to take the coast road north through Morwenstow, Welcombe and past Welcombe Mouth and along the cliffs where there was a hazy view of Lundy.
Then to Hartland Quay. This is a wild place and always amazingly impressive. All four of us just love it. You hopefully will see why.

The old street which is now incorporated into rooms for the pub.

The was a bank here which even printed its own notes. There is a lighthouse around the corner where the Bristol Channel meets The Atlantic Ocean and the colliding currents are ferocious.

Blackpool cliffs.

Astonishing geological features.

Now the end of the road.

In the 16th century Hartland Quay was a thriving port due to its remote position on the Devon coast this enabed it to service the hinterland of farms and rural occupations. In 1887 the quay was washed away by a fierce storm and then the railway was built to Bideford so all that is left today is the hotel/pub and of course the stupendously, breathtaking natural beauty of this piece of coast.

MONDAY 11TH AUGUST - 6 random things about me

2008-08-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mountainear has tagged me so here are 6 varied and random things about me.

*1. I enjoy the smell of bacon grilling in preparation for the construction of a bacon buttie almost as much as its consumption unless I am ridiculously hungry.

*2. I wish I had a beautiful singing voice that would allow me to entertain audiences in enormous venues with the voice that everyone would delight in hearing. I have a voice where cats put their paws over their ears!

*3. I like to read widely and my next challenge will be the great Russian writers, Tolstoy,Dostoyevsky and so on but I will start with Boris Pasternak as a gentle introduction.

*4. I love to eat left overs cold from the fridge they always taste so delicious.

*5. With hindsight I wish I had gone into broadcasting, radio in particular or been a cartographer although my work as a primary teacher was rewarding and fulfilling.

*6. I have seen The Aurora Borealis from here in Cornwall one night when the conditions must have been freakish, the sky was a deep red with streaks of shooting light probably shooting stars. I have seen it from North west Scotland where it was green shimmering waves but all too transient. These two events were so thrilling I now would love to see it from the very far north, well Tromso in Norway. I have never been there so that would be wonderful.

THURSDAY 7TH AUGUST - RUNRIG & Edinburgh

2008-08-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

This is my trip to Edinburgh. It was a fabulous few days. We have driven through this beautiful city many, many times but this is the first opportunity we have had to explore a little and enjoy a lot and discovered that Edinburgh deserves far more time than we had, so return soon we definitely will.
First we paid for a tour of The Scottish Parliament Building. This is a wonderful place we loved it.

As we left the building there was a pipe band just passing.

Then to the RUNRIG concert at Edinburgh castle,

this was the main reason for coming so far north.

Supprt act was Julie Fowlis - gaelic singer from North Uist. We know her music but this is the first time we have heard her live and she was lovely.

Then time for the boys!

RUNRIG played for a solid 2 hours and it was amazing.

The stage. The castle. The music. What fun we had.

TUESDAY 22ND JULY - Two excitements!

2008-07-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Last evening I went with P to his leaving evening. He is moving on after 12 years in his present job so there was a party for him and quite a few presentations and many, many thank yous too. It was so lovely to see how well he had done in this job and how many people will miss him as he moves on. I felt so very proud. Now that was one evening of excitement.

On Thursday we are going to Edinburgh for a few days. This is to go and see our favourite rock band who any regular readers will know is the fabulous Scottish band known as RUNRIG. All their concerts are fantastic but this one should be fantastic x 100 as it is live from Edinburgh Castle esplanade on SATURDAY 26TH in the evening. Now that is excitement number two.

MONDAY 14TH JULY - colour

2008-07-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

For what seems like an eternity there has been a layer of thick cloud over Cornwall bringing drizzle, hard rain, sea mist and just a layer of gloomy grey murk. There has been a need for cheer so these nasturtiums have done the job with their bright cheery colours and smiling faces. It is impossible to feel gloomy with these vibrant, vivid colours just outside my window.

It is quite a show.

TUESDAY 1ST JULY - GOLOWAN FESTIVAL

2008-07-01T03:06:00.001-07:00

THE GOLOWAN FESTIVAL (Gol-Jowan feast of St.John) is two weeks of fun and jollity every June which culminates in Mazey Day. Having never been we went on Saturday for Mazey Day. Penzance was full of the sound of live music at every corner, with people in fancy dress and fun things just happening everywhere.

The first music we encountered were The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists who were fast, racey and fun.

Then came the Procession. Here are a few of the participants. The Chinese drummers.

Stilt walkers - now this looks a challenge. Penzance is hilly and many streets are cobbled.

South American pan pipe players.

All the streets in the centre of Penzance were decorated like this and thronged with happy people.

The Golowan Band led the last procession of the day.

The serpent dance wends its way through the town from Market Jew Street right the way to the harbour and gets longer and longer as it processes along.

The end of the serpent dance at the harbour - take note of the gentleman wearing the black and yellow tartan Cornish Kilt

We were standing watching the gathering and I saw this bottle and paper placed in the little nook in the wall. I just wondered which weary reveller had put it here.

GOLOWAN FESTIVAL.
MAZEY DAY.
SO MUCH GOOD HUMOUR AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS FANTASTIC.
WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR DEFINITELY.

TUESDAY 24TH JUNE - on the headland

2008-06-24T02:06:00.000-07:00

You would have found us on one of our favourite headlands a few days ago - St. Anthony Head. Bathed in sunshine and caressed by a warming breeze, this was the place to be. Here are some photos to share it. This is not a hidden place but a very popular place for those who can be bothered to take the various ferries, drive the narrow lanes for miles or walk along the coast path however these folk disperse quite widely so there is room for everyone.

There is a carpet of clover from field edges to the cliff edge.
This beautiful thistle was close to the edge.

Yellow ?? AGRIMONY OR YELLOW RATTLE? I can't find my widflower book - any ideas?

I just really liked to look through the grass with the sea behind.

Lifting your eyes the view across the bay is glorious. The plethora of small boats, both yachts and motor boats, ribs, occasional canoes, sometimes a gig and even Ships at anchor awaiting to go to the bunkers in Falmouth make this as delightful and entertaining view. It is possible to spend much time just wiling away the hours.

The water through the grasses just caught my eye.

A Bristol channel pilot cutter was passing Black Rock at the end of an offshore race which we had been watching far away.

A really lovely afternoon.

MONDAY 16TH JUNE - Reviving Cornish.

2008-06-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Children given Cornish storybooks

A series of Cornish language storybooks for children have been written.
The picture books, written by Cornish author Will Coleman, are based in the fictional village of Porth.

Through a Bookstart partnership every Year 3 child in the county will receive one free copy of one of the six titles.

"These stories and their accompanying DVD have been piloted at both Lanlivery and Marlborough Primary Schools with great success," said Jenefer Lowe, development manager for the Cornish Language Partnership.

"Everyone who has read the books, including pupils, non-specialist staff and parents, have all responded with enthusiasm."

The storybooks - which feature a whole range of the village's inhabitants, including seagulls, crabs, teachers and boats - were illustrated by Brian Hoskin and Emma McCann.

This is interesting but whether there is enough interest in this language which has not been spoken for over a century we will have to wait and see.

MONDAY 9TH JUNE - Hidden cornwall 3 - Lamorran

2008-06-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

The sky was unblemished sapphire blue, the air was balmy and the breeze caressed.

This was a perfect afternoon to have a small walk along one of our favourite lanes.

Our walk started here. These beautiful trees on one side

and a tranquil meadow on the other.

We walked along this lane and saw one car in the two hours we were here.

There must have been a tidal mill here once
the tidal pool is still here
you can see it through the foliage.

The creek below the tidal mill.
Low water.

The bell tower of St. Moran's church is stands alone away from the main building.

St. Mloran's church.

Stately and dignified just had to show you.

MONDAY 2ND JUNE - Hidden Cornwall 2 - Idless wood.

2008-06-02T02:25:00.000-07:00

As part of our quest to discover our county we set off for Idless woods only 1 1/2 miles from Truro. We visit this city often but have never found time to explore these beautiful woods. The drive through the tiny narrow lanes approaching the woods is so typical of Cornwall with banks covered with wild flowers. How glad we were that we had given over time to discover yet another of Cornwall's secrets.

Deciduous and coniferous mixed to create a wonderful habitat for wildlife such as red and roe deer and otter, birds such as nightjar and woodlark, adders and newts. We were there on a hot afternoon so of course we didn't get sight of any of these but we see both kinds of deer from our lounge wimdow and badgers galore all over the place. I would love to return to this delightful place at twilight sometime.

This is Lady's wood there is an area known as Lord's wood and another called Bishop's wood. According to the map there is an ancient hill fort marked on the map surrounded by semi-ancient woodland. How have we managed to miss this little pocket of beauty and history? Research needed I think.

A very good year for foxgloves.

A last look though the beech trees as we walked out of the wood.

MONDAY 19TH MAY - mmm........nettles!

2008-05-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

NETTLES.

These freebies make the perfect alternative to spinach. We have plenty in our garden and they take no effort to cultivate. They are not sprayed with anything and therefore can be considered a great organic nutrient!

I have made soup with them in the past but not today as we have a cauldron of leek,tomato,red pepper and lentil which we have been slurping. So today it is Lasgne Verdi. It does take a little more time than removing it from the packet but we always make our pasta as it is only eggs, flour and water and now pureed nettles. We had a traditional lasgne last night and the excess pasta is drying so it can to be stored for the future.

and this is it!

It requires all the cake cooling racks and a great deal of work top.

We have to get on with using and preserving the results as nettles are best picked by June 1st as after that date they start to get woody and tough.
Try it but you need to be quick!

The Lasange verdi was superb!

WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY - summer and du maurier

2008-05-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned and it is suddenly summer!

This means that it is the Du Maurier festival again. This is the 10th time this has taken place in the delightful little town of Fowey on the south coast of Cornwall.

Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) wrote many of her popular books in Cornwall at Bodinnick and Menabilly both close to the town of Fowey. She is probably best known for 'Rebecca', 'Frenchman's Creek' and 'Jamaica Inn'. The festival is a celebration of her life and work with literary events accompanied by an assortment of cultural entertainment throughout the week in varied venues around the town, It is such fun and there is a festival atmosphere all week everywhere. I went with A,M and L to hear Dr. Phil Hammond talk about his book and the NHS! I am going again on Sat. eve with P. It is all good fun. The venue is delightful with views over the estuary.

Fowey River!

TUESDAY 6TH MAY - hidden Cornwall - 1

2008-05-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided to begin our personal quest to explore little corners of our home county that we have never been to, even though we have lived this way for nearly 24 years. This started with an article in the local paper about a place we have often passed but never stopped.
We browsed the map and decided the area around Belowda beacon would be our first jaunt.
About 12 miles from home we began.
We took the road to the west of Castle an Dinas ( an Iron Age Hillfort), then went via Trewolvas and into the upper reaches of the tiny River Menathyl. This was such a beautiful valley we stopped in a gateway and enjoyed pasties and a flask of tea.

This was the lane we were driving along - typical of Cornwall.

We had lunch in this gateway. The only sound was the birdsong and the buzzing of a solitary bee. The Spring flowers were such a delight colouring the verges.

Bluebells everywhere.

Celendines. too.

Gorse on the hedge tops.

Lots of Stitchwort.

We went on through the tiny hamlet of St. Wenn and past the farmsteads of Trelver,Tregolls, Tregustick Tregawne and into another very pretty hamlet of Ruthernbridge. This bridge is a pack horse bridge which I really want to find out more about.

I do like these old fashioned signs long way they remain.

We left the bridge and went up a tiny valley through Withielgoose and past Withielgoose Mill.
We found this Celtic Cross by the road near the farm called Tremore.

We then left this hidden corner and 2 miles away joined the A30 to go home.

We were delighted with our little excursion..

I saw this little blue flower and thought it was a violet at first but perhaps it is vipers bluegloss but it is very pretty.

One of the things I love about this county are the place names stemming from the ancient Cornish language.

MONDAY 28TH APRIL- the glorious garden

2008-04-28T03:15:00.002-07:00

A LOVELY WEEKEND.

The weather this weekend has been lovely. Sunny with a slight but warm breeze so last evening after an afternoon working in the garden we had our first barbecue of the year. We dug in the freezer and found the a pack of honey roast sausages and some unlabelled burgers from the local farm shop. On cooking them we were correct and they were what we had thought, that was pork and apple. We discovered a pack of rolls also in the freezer, which had been unwrapped so had got to that rather crunchy inedible state. We of course ate what we could, the mayo and tomato moistened them a bit. It felt as if summer was not far away.

Sunday - woke up late so therefore got up late. What a delightful treat.

Back in the garden yesterday. Here is the good news.

Three weeks ago (see post MONDAY 7TH APRIL) we planted lots of seeds and the shallots and they have all begun to sprout except one. Here is the list ;
spinach, rocket, shallots, spring onions, radishes, garlic, Russian tarragon, parsley, corn salad, Italian leaf salad ( a variety which I can't tell you as the packet has blown away) and the only one which is still dormant is Lollo rosso but there is yet time.

I am always excited when things begin to grow. I feel very strongly that there should be no chemicals involved in this cultivation so this is the story of my little organic garden fertilised with organic multipurpose compost and manure from a local smallholder.

Also yesterday the rest of the crunchy bread was converted into two Bread and Butter puddings - one nutmeg and orange and the other just cinnamon. Delish!

A simple but most satisfying way to spend the weekend.

THURSDAY 24TH APRIL - BJORK

2008-04-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

REVIEW: Bjork in Plymouth - Western Morning News.

Date: 23-04-2008
Rock royalty arrived at Plymouth Pavilions in a blaze of glory amid a fanfare of brass, fluttering flags and banging drums. As the Icelandic queen of avant guard pop, Bjork is never one to do things to do things by halves and she certainly didn’t on Tuesday night, giving the Pavilions crowd one of the most sonically and visually stunning shows ever staged at the venue.

.................................................................

This concert was a surreal experience. We went with no idea of what was to come and the treat of the unexpected was truly amazing. The audience consisted of people from right across the age range and everyone certainly had a fantastic time. I would love to see her in concert again if the chance arose.

TUESDAY 22ND APRIL - more live music

2008-04-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Now if you are a regular visitor to this blog then you will know I love live music.
Well tonight we are going to hear/see something different.

BJORK

I am really excited -don't have any idea what it will be like.

I will tell all tomorrow.

MONDAY 21ST APRIL - A touch of Cuba.

2008-04-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

Friday evening saw us, with some friends, beetling along the road to The Plymouth Pavilions. The Beuna Vista Social Club were in town. Very few big name bands get into Cornwall as it is geographically such along way from the rest of the world on the peninsula. That is changing slowly as The Eden Sessions do bring bigger names here these days and this hopefully will increase.

Two hours,no interval, of lively Cuban jazz music was a great way to spend an evening. It was vibrant and a huge amount of fun.

I realise that it is not necessary to see big names and that the lesser known musicians can give every bit as much fun, but the big names should to be seen if the opportunity arises. I think every chance to experience live music is worth every minute. Big names, small names, new names it is all good.

We got back home and had coffee to complete a good evening and P. found some crumpets whch we toasted with butter..........yum. A great evening shared with good friends.We all had had a great time.

MONDAY 14TH APRIL - 6 miles to the castle

2008-04-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

Merlin's Magic Day had been advertised on posters in shop windows, post offices, garages and anywhere a poster could be stuck and on local radio too. This was a fund raising day for The Merlin project which is a fund raising group aiming to raise £2 million to build an M.S. therapy centre in Cornwall. Happy to support such a cause but to be honest the nosey side of our natures was the real reason we went to Caerhayes castle, the chance to get close to this beautiful place doesn't happen very often. So off we went.

What a delightful courtyard just a taster of what a beautiful building this is. Later on we came back here and had bread rolls filled with roast pork, stuffing and apple sauce. Pretty good.
From the lawn at the side of the castle was this view, not bad? On the lawn were various attractions story telling, puppets, Cahooty theatre company and The Cober Valley Accordian band to name a few.

I just thought this was a very Rapunzel likewindow.

It was a lovely Spring day and there were lot of people spending their money so I hope Merlin's pockets were bulging by the end of the day.

THURSDAY 10TH APRIL - Garden Party.

2008-04-10T00:57:00.000-07:00

You are invited to my Garden Party - please come suitably equipped.

I was chatting on the phone at the weekend to a rather old lady -she was 90 last October - now I have never met Kate but have chatted to her for over a year. I am part of a volunteer group who ring blind or people with failing sight, who reside in Cornwall, for a weekly chat. The idea behind this is that due to their situation they often are on their own and miss the company of others.

Kate was telling me how she had walked to the end of her garden that morning and she was pretty pleased about this so we talked on about Spring and other chit chat.

She then told me that she had had a Garden Party during the week and it had been great fun. I was quite surprised as the weather hadn't been quite appropriate for such an event. I envisaged a typical English style garden party with little cakes, (called fancies!) and of course cucumber sandwiches and people sitting around in chairs on the lawn. Apparently I was half correct - there had been sandwiches etc but only after her friends had donned their gardening gloves wielded their trowels and little forks, planted a few new plants and tidied up Kate's garden for her. She is unable to do this for herself so this was a way of getting in done in a very social way. What fun!

Then she told me that when she had last moved house she had a Hanging Party - no this of course is not what it seems on first thought but people came and hung her pictures up for her as she is unable to do this for herself.

I don't think Kate is lonely and she makes me smile with her zest for life.

I hope if I get to 90 I am as game as this one old Cornish lady. I have never met Kate and most probably never will but I enjoy our chats as much as I hope she does.

By the way she does have some sight but sadly it is fading but she does enjoy what she can still see.

MONDAY 7TH APRIL - into the garden

2008-04-07T03:40:00.000-07:00

About three weeks ago we planted some new Redcurrant bushes. We put good smelly manure into the holes, stamped down the earth around them and gave them a long drink and left them alone. They are thriving.

On Saturday as it was warmish we got down to the garden and planted some more things. First in went Spinach seeds and then Rocket seeds too.

Then Shallots were put into the ground snugly with a duvet of compost around them. Their neighbours were spring onions, radishes, lollo rosso and mixed Italian leaves whatever they are?!

Then onto the containers. We planted a bay bush which had outgrown its little pot into one in which it could spread its roots more widely. I am sure it will be happy.

Into some other containers went garlic - we eat such a lot of this but have never grown it until now but I am sure it will be easy! Corn salad in another one to add to the leaf varieties we will enjoy when the summer gets here.

The last pot had Russian Tarragon seeds which hopefully will look like this eventually.

We moved house last year and now have a small garden but want to see how productive it can be. More garden news when we start to eat the products we have lovingly put it their places.

AND YESTERDAY AND TODAY IT HAS SNOWED AND BEEN VERY COLD oh my poor babies!!

WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL - up north

2008-04-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

We had to go north to fulfill family obligations We left Cornwall on Sunday morning and set off for Leeds a drive of about 350 miles. This is mostly motorway with a bit of ordinary road each end. So it is A30 ( dual carriageway), M5, M42,M1, M621 then Leeds!

On Monday we had the morning free so we went out to Edale in The Peak District. We used to come here many years ago and hadn't been for a long time so we treated ourselves to a quick visit. It was a cold crisp day and there were not many people about so it was quiet and delightful. The birds were singing their hearts out and the signs of Spring were all around, lambs, flowers and burgeoning hedgerows.

We began our walk through the village first stop the lych gate. Then the church hidden amongst the winter trees.

The pub was not open we were too early. Had a few pints here in the past!

Beautiful Edale.

Peer at this picture and you will see a lot of paragliding folk having a great deal of fun over Rushup Edge encountered as we climbed out of Edale. It was a spectacular and colourful sight.

WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH - Plymouth today.

2008-03-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Going into Devon! Foreign parts!

Plymouth is our nearest city of reasonable size and we had to go there for something. This meant crossing the River Tamar into Devon. These two bridges are at Saltash where the railway bridge - Royal Albert bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was opened in 1859 by Prince Albert and is a fine and stately way to span the river's estuary. The road bridge was built in 1961 and is a functional suspension bridge not beautiful but necessary.

It costs £1 to leave Cornwall and nothing to get back in.

.
Oh just to make it more fun there is a tunnel under Saltash.

Having crossed back into Cornwall after completing our business the sky was amazing so I had to share it.

MONDAY 17TH MARCH - today

2008-03-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

I cast my eye across the valley this morning enjoying this view which changes each day. The gorse bush which you can see - if you look very hard - in the left hand side half way up is out now. The buds of Spring have not burst forth but it will be a glorious shade of green which will cover the valley.

I lifted my library books out of the bag and placed them in a pile to enjoy the thought of what lies behind the covers of each and every one. There are so many books to read and just not enough time.

I also ate marmite on toast, had four different people call by for cups of tea and chat, made phone calls and many other things happened but these events were not logged on the camera as there has to be something for the imagination to work on!

I had a good Monday and hope you did too.

WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH - feel good factor

2008-03-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

A friend gave me this little bunch of camellias from her garden.

That felt so good. Thank you.

P. made this scrumptious Jamie Oliver Chocolate pie. Eaten with clotted cream it was rich and indulgent. This felt wickedly decadent. Thank you.

P. is a very good chef and he made two of these pies and we gave one to a friend for her birthday. She was delighted. That felt good too well even better actually.

MONDAY 10TH MARCH - oh my gosh!

2008-03-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

The worst storm this winter - so far.

Sennen cove, west Cornwall.

The cobb -Lyme Regis.

Lulworth cove, Dorset.
North Wales.

We are beng battered again.

As I sit here at my pc in Cornwall the wind is blowing so hard I fear for the roof although it has stayed through storms before but this one is pretty wild.

The wind has been recorded at 80 m.p.h. here in the South West.

Ferries cancelled. A ship floundering in The Channel. Flights out of Gatwick and Heathrow cancelled too! Trees are down all over the place and flooding too.

Time for a comforting cup of hot chocolate.

THURSDAY 6TH MARCH - Precious Ramotswe

2008-03-06T02:28:00.000-08:00

We were very fortunate earlier this week to have a visit by Alexander MaCall Smith to talk about his books and in particular his No.1 Ladies Detective Series. He talked of the real characters who had inspired his fictional ones, his love of Botswana and how he writes. He was an amusing and interesting speaker and I am so glad I went to listen.
Cornwall is geographically at the end of the world and many people don't traverse the River Tamar and therefore perform, present, or speak on the Devon side of this boundary, so for such an eminent author to get to Truro is a real treat. His books are loved all over the world.

This is the ninth book in this series.

I just had to put some of the global covers here.

They are such gentle books and the crime is so acceptable!

WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH - Sen Piran

2008-03-05T04:29:00.001-08:00

Today is St. Piran's Day - the patron saint of tin miners and generally regarded as the national saint of Cornwall. The flag of Cornwall has a white cross of tin on a granite background. Granite being the bed rock of the county.

There will be the annual pilgrimage across the sand dunes at Perranporth beach to St. Piran's Oratory. This is built at the place where Piran landed having come from Ireland having made the journey floating on a millstone.

Cornish is a language which no one speaks today however there are ardent enthusiasts who promote it along with Cornwall's identity.

MONDAY 3RD MARCH - LOCH ETIVE

2008-03-03T03:04:00.000-08:00

We were here at New Year 2008.

Across Loch Etive from Taynuilt Pier towards Bon Awe.

Loch Etive from Taynuilt pier - looking south.

Loch Etive from the foot of Glen Etive.

River Etive with Ben Chaorach.

Just beautiful. I love the wildness of The Highlands.

TUESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY- Heligan gardens.

2008-02-26T03:13:00.000-08:00

The weather on Sunday was cold and grey so we decided to go to Heligan Gardens which is not too far away. It has a wonderful Victorian garden and I have posted a few of the photos I took at the weekend. This estate was owned by the TREMAYNE family and fell into decay in the early 20th century until 1990 when it was discovered by Tim Smit and John Willis a descendant of the Tremayne family. It is one of the favourite gardens to visit in Britain and has won many awards if not all of them.

After the ticket office this is the path through the rhododendrons amazing when they are all in flower.
This is a beautiful little corner.

The summerhouse.

The Victorian cold frames.

A Victorian cloche.

www.heligan.org.uk

FRIDAY 18TH FEBRUARY - branches entwined

2008-02-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

A tree does not move unless there is wind.- Afghan Proverb

It is impossible to have a tree this beautiful in which the wind hasn't played a part.

WEDNESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY - the difference between knowledge and wisdom

2008-02-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

I heard these few words said by Gyles Brandreth on the radio last week after the announcement of the death of this well regarded polymath, writer, broadcaster and jazz.

KNOWLEDGE is knowing a tomato is a fruit
but
WISDOM is not putting it in a fruit salad
.
(Miles Kington 13/5/1941 - 30/1/2008)

It made me smile.

MONDAY 18TH FEBRUARY - miss peapods

2008-02-18T03:23:00.001-08:00

We came here for lunch last week. This is a new cafe is situated on Jubilee Wharf in Penryn. This is an ecological sensitive building with wind turbines on the top.
Miss Peapods kitchen cafe advertises that it serves vegetarian/organic/locally sourced food.
I had fancied eating there for some while so we went.
I had roasted vegetables on a bed of couscous with salad and P had an organic beef burger in brown home made bread roll with salad.
The cafe has a recycled wood floor, from a club in London, recycled tables and chairs with recycled crockery and cutlery.
The food was delicious, the ambiance was great.,
I will be going back as soon as I can.

We didn't sit outside after all it is February!

TUESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY - SIGUR ROS - ICELAND

2008-02-12T06:12:00.001-08:00

SIGUR ROS

We saw a programme about these guys The Electric Proms some months ago and yesterday we purchased on impulse the dvd that had been featured. We rarely make this kind of purchase but we have been rewarded by this one. The photography is absolutely breathtaking and the music is exceptional. They do global tours so I intend to look out if thet come to the UK as their music has caught my imagine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZYIfUdIyfs

Click here and see for yourself. I am captivated by the sound they make.

WEDNESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY - Cornwall's tortoises crisis!

2008-02-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

Tortoises come out of their shell

A Cornish tortoise sanctuary is struggling to cope after hundreds of its residents were coming out of hibernation early by the mild winter.
More than 400 tortoises are up and about a month before.
Staff at the Tortoise Garden in St Austell had not expected to see the animals until next month.
The garden’s owner said: “To hibernate properly they need to be under 6C. Above that and they start waking up and using energy. It’s energy they can’t spare because they don’t have the body weight, so we have to keep them warm with the infra red lamps.

Mild winter convinces wildlife spring has lready started.

“They can’t go back to sleep because they would die. If they are not warm enough they will not eat or drink. So they are up and about now for the year. It’s definitely the earliest they’ve ever been awake. Most of them were still awake in mid-December because it was so mild.”

The sanctuary is home to 450 tortoises, many of which were “orphaned” after outliving their owners. The oldest, a female called Toto, is now at least 108.

“Our policy here is not to rehome - every one which comes in will stay with us. Many older people have placed them with us because they have gone into sheltered accommodation, but they don’t have to give them up completely because they can come and visit.”

I have never visited this "attraction" but it is not so far away so now I am very tempted.

FRIDAY 1ST FEBRUARY - too much weather!

2008-02-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S WEATHER!

We are experiencing too much weather here in the UK with lorries blown over, all over the place, ships wrecked, ferries cancelled,roads blocked by snow and so on. We are surrounded by sea and experience a maritime climate which at times is warm and delightful but right now it is wild, windy, snow and hail and pretty cold. Variety is definitely the spice of life but I was unaware this included the weather!

The Spinningdale fishing boat off St. Kilda in the Hebrides.
The Riverdance in the Irish sea - all crew and passengers safe.

Filey on the Yorkshire coast.

WEDNESDAY 30TH JANUARY - tibet

2008-01-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

Medicine men go wild.

The doctors were in Tibet and it was extraordinary scenery.

Medicine men go wild was on the television last night so I turned the old box on and watched. It was a fascinating programme about two young British doctors who travelled to Asia to explore how peoples pain threshold seems to be much higher than softie westerners with their reliance on pain killers. It was necessary to close your eyes sometimes while these two doctors put themselves through what appeared to be excruciatingly painful procedures e.g. needles (i.e.knitting needle type objects) through their cheeks right through both cheeks and also allowing their tongue to be pierced by aforementioned needle.
This is fabulous and educational television.

THURSDAY 24TH JANUARY - lunch

2008-01-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I met up with my Book Group.
We enjoyed a pot luck lunch,
discussed The Kite Runner : Khaled Hosseini and enjoyed each others company.
Good times like this should be treasured.

TUESDAY 22ND JANUARY - cow

2008-01-22T04:46:00.000-08:00

The Highland cow.

This is the most timid beast you will meet. They have the scariest horns but approach them on foot and when you are about 5 metres from them they run in the opposite direction so give them space and enjoy being near them in the peaceful situation where they live. We encountered many of these guys when we were up north I think they are great.

THURSDAY 17TH JANUARY - dogs

2008-01-17T09:20:00.001-08:00

EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENINGS.

Dog teams gather ahead of races

Siberian huskies, Greenland and Canadian Eskimo Dogs will feature.
Mushers have arrived in Aviemore for the town's annual dog sled rally.
About 200 teams from all over the country will do practice runs on Friday ahead of two days of competition. The event finishes next Tuesday.
Organised by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, the rally is run on tracks around Loch Morlich.
Competitors include schoolchildren and veterans who will mush teams of two and eight dogs running at up to 20mph over four-mile track.
The dogs include Siberian huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs.
Last year, due to the lack of snow, teams used three-wheeled rigs instead of sleds.

FRIDAY 11TH JANUARY -isle of mull

2008-01-11T05:13:00.000-08:00

I had such a good trip to Scotland that I thought I would share few snippetsfrom The Isle of Mull!

On the way.

Loch Lubnaig - always visit the bakery in Callander and stop 8 miles up the road to consume whatever we have bought. This has become an obligatory stop on every trip to Scotland which happen very often.

Tobermory - "capital" of Mull.

The Gribben - spectacular basalt cliffs see the tiny road below.

Empty. It was blissfully so.

Evening clouds across Loch Scridain.

It was as ever fantastically beautiful in every way imaginable. We have been visiting for as long as I can remember and it just gets better each time.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY - the castle

2008-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

Glengorm castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland.

We stayed at The Lodge not in the castle but on the estate. We have been before and it was as gorgeous as ever. It is remote and wildlife is just everywhere, red deer, buzzards, hares, rabbits, barn and tawny owls too many to list. It was a perfect place to spend Christmas, away from the world!

www.glengorm.co.uk

TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER - I'm back!

2008-01-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR and all the best for 2008!

Hello I'm back!

Two weeks in the Highlands, one on the Isle of Mull and one on the mainland north of Oban. Fantastic time more to follow.

THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER

2007-12-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

Kosenkov V. 'Winter landscape'.

Have a great time over Christmas and the New Year.

See you in 2008!

I'm off north so will be back blogging full of joy in January.

MONDAY 17TH DECEMBER - jools holland

2007-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

On Friday evening we went to see Jools Holland and his rhythm and blues orchestra. It was amazing fun!

We had front seats so were really close to the stage - brilliant evening and driving to Plymouth was worth it.

THURSDAY 13TH DECEMBER - memory is strange

2007-12-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

NORTHERN EXPOSURE
I was given a DVD box set this quirky drama set in Alaska. I watch an episode periodically and for some unknown reason I just thought of it right now. What prompts a brain to dredge up something completely disconnected from today? I think I might look at one very soon.

Season's Greetings, everybody, from KBHR, the heart and soul of Cicely, Alaska. This is Chris In The Morning. From where I'm sitting, I've got a great view of all the yuletide decorations going up all over town. That's right, everywhere I turn my head I see ebony birds roosting for the holidays. You know, twinkling colored lights are nice, and so are plastic Santas and reindeers and manger scenes, but I'll tell you something, friends... nothing like the sight of beautiful black-as-pitch raven to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Tuesday11th December - raging sea

2007-12-11T03:58:00.000-08:00

We went to the North coast on Sunday to watch the sea. We had experienced 3 days of wild weather, driving rain and gale force winds which culminated in severe weather warning on Sunday. It was magnificent as long as you weren't out there.
The foam being blown off the wave tops covered you in seconds.

It was clear it was wild as there were no surfers to be seen. There are surfers all year but not this weekend.

It was hard to stand up so these photos are full of the atmosphere which is the reason for blurring.

The UK has a maritime climate and we experience the force of the Atlantic storms here in Cornwall. I love the wind and the rain which makes this type of weather so exciting.

WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER - tulips

2007-12-05T04:45:00.000-08:00

For four consecutive birthdays I have been sent a wooden tulip from a very special friend in Finland. They sit on a small shelf with their cheery colour to brighten the grey days of winter.

I have just read a fantastic book by Swedish writer Bodil Malmsten and she told me about tulips so I thought I'd pass it on to you.

In history, the Dutch will be remembered for their passion for tulips. After 400-plus years, theirs is an enduring love affair. First introduced to Holland in 1593, the tulip has become a symbol for the country.

For the origins of the tulip, look to central Asia,the Tien-Shan and the Pamir Alai Mountain Ranges near modern day Islamabad, close to the border of Russia and China.

It feels a useful thing to know don't now when it will be needed, some quiz or game possibly.

FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER - yet another addiction

2007-11-30T04:04:00.000-08:00

Felt the need to buy some music.
I decided to look on ebay.
Oh dear I have bought a Neil Young that I hadn't got,
2 Deacon Blue,
a Leonard Cohen that I only have on vinyl
and 1 by The Waterboys.

Oh and a book for good measure -biog of Nelson Mandela.

The good thing is that it is recycling after all isn't it?

WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER - methane fires on ice

2007-11-28T02:02:00.000-08:00

A wonderful new programme has hit our screens. It is absolutely fascinating with so much information. It is called The power of the planet.

I hope you can see this click of methane fires in the arctic ice.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/sn/tvradio/programmes/earthpoweroftheplanet/video/epopatmos02?size=16x9&bgc=000000&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1

Amazing but what global consequences does it hold.

MONDAY 26TH NOVEMBER - IN THE FARM SHOP

2007-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

I found this at my local farm shop. Isn't it just amazing? Its florets are a fibonacci sequence.

Apparently it is called Romanescu.

I think this is one of nature's very beautiful creations.

I will eat it tonight.

WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

2007-11-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

I have just got a copy of 'On the road' by Jack Kerouac. This is the road to start a road trip.

MONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER - people watching

2007-11-19T03:08:00.000-08:00

We went to the beach at the weekend. It was cold and very windy.

This time of year it is only for the real enthusiasts.

There was a guy swimming with his dog.

There was a kite flyer.

There were strollers some with their dogs.

However I reckon that these chaps have tenacity they sit there for hour after hour apparently never catching anything great opportunity for thinking about life's greater issues. I wonder if they do.

THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

2007-11-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

KING JOHN.

BRITAIN HAS TOO MUCH HISTORY SOMETIMES.

This quirky little story was heard on the radio yesterday.

No market can be set up within a day's donkey ride of South Shields.
A Tyneside town's hope of setting up a weekly market has been dashed by an ancient law involving a donkey.
Since the 1200s, South Shields has the right to block rival markets being run less than a day's donkey ride, or six and two-thirds of a mile, away.
North Shields, on the opposite side of the River Tyne, wants its own market, but is blocked by the ancient charter.
Maggie Richardson said that North Shields needed a market to bring vibrancy to the town centre.
She said: "We have been trying for a number of years to get around this, but every time we have approached South Tyneside Council, they say they were given a market charter some time in the 1200 region by King John, so that no one can set up a market within a day's donkey ride.
A spokeswoman for South Tyneside Council said that the ancient six and two-thirds mile exclusion zone referred to the distance a trader was deemed to be able to travel from home, sell for eight hours, then return in a single day.
She added: "South Shields market is both vibrant and popular.

TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER - milk

2007-11-13T02:24:00.000-08:00

After many years of buying milk at the supermarket I have reinstated a house delivery and now find cold fresh milk on the doorstep for my morning tea and cereal. It is slightly more expensive but then think of the environmental savings - reusable glass bottles not recyclable plastic containers. Each glass bottle is reused average of 15 times. The dairy is in my county - jobs there and the milk is from Cornish cows feels good to support a very troubled agricultural industry. These are enough reasons to pay a little more per pint. Oh and did I mention it tastes really good too? Such a small gesture and so easily done.

WEDNESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER - LOOK!

2007-11-07T03:50:00.000-08:00

I am posting a link to a programme we are being treated to in the UK. I am not a TV fan but this is an exception.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/autumnwatch/

TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER - live music

2007-11-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

This Canadian folk singer came to our village a week ago.

She sings sweetly and is pleasant to listen to.

She will be touring her home country until Christmas so if she comes near you then go to listen and drink a beer.

MONDAY 5TH NOVEMBER - on the shore

2007-11-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

About a year ago I came upon these feral goats munching kelp on the shore of a Scottish sea loch. The delight of unexpectedly encountering unusual wild creatures in our over crowded island is always joyous.

FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER - environment

2007-10-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

living within the limits of the natural environment without compromising the needs of future generations.

Maybe a picture of this beautiful planet should be hung in every home to remind us of how lucky we are.

Treasure it.

WEDNESDAY 24TH OCTOBER - meaningful

2007-10-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

YOU GO YOUR WAY
AND
I'LL GO YOUR WAY TOO.

LEONARD COHEN

The man's a genius.

MONDAY 22ND OCTOBER - obsession

2007-10-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

We went to Bristol on Thursday evening to see our favourite band RUNRIG live at The Colston Hall. It was every bit as fantastic as we hoped if not even better.

Then we drove up to Basingstoke to hear the concert again on Saturday and it was even better!!

AND we had the opportunity to meet and chat to them after the event. What amazingly nice guys all of them.

Coming down to earth is hard but I imagine I'll get there eventually.

TUESDAY16TH OCTOBER - AUTUMN

2007-10-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

Maybe the autumn is arriving, today we woke to this. It has been warm and no sign of the wind and rain until today. Still quite warm. Unusual. Is this a sign of global warming? can't help wondering.

WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER - Debra Damo

2007-10-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

This door is 18 metres above the ground.

I am reading the most fascinating book and have just read about this most curious place. This is an all-male area. A sign down by the creek said, "No females of any species allowed beyond this point." A similar sign appears near every Ethiopian Coptic monastery. If a female were to be so rash to come this far, the rope simply would not be lowered for her.

MONDAY 8TH OCTOBER - bliss

2007-10-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Just a great place to spend a few hours dawdling and dreaming on a Sunday afternoon.

THURSDAY 4TH OCTOBER - Today's puzzling thought.

2007-10-04T03:36:00.000-07:00

When your plane arrives at the destination and the seat belt sign is switched off why do people feel obliged to get off before everyone in front or behind them? I have discovered that waiting until the everyone is off , then disembark walk casually through to baggage reclaim and meet up with your fellow passengers.
No stress involve just a leisurely arrival at your destination.
Why the haste?

TUESDAY 2ND OCTOBER - music / RUNRIG

2007-10-02T03:31:00.000-07:00

The guy in the middle is presenting them with a platinum disc, in Denmark, he is not in the band!

The best Scottish folk/rock band starts its English tour tonight in York.

I am going to see them on 18th at Bristol. Bit of a trek mid-week from Cornwall but somethings are just worth it. Saw them last time they werein Bristol, it was the best gig ever.

Their music is fantastic but their lyrics are amazing too.

http://www.myspace.com/runrigofficial

just take a short listen!

MONDAY 1ST OCTOBER - grey seaside day

2007-10-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

It was grey, it was windy and still the Brits go in the sea. Surfing well bodyboarding, swimming and wind surfing right across the bay.

There were plenty of folk walking above the strand line well wrapped against the strong westerly wind.

This is Gyllingvase beach.

THURSDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER - solidarity

2007-09-27T03:28:00.000-07:00

I have just received a message from Sweden to say wear RED tomorrow to show support for the brave people of Burma.

WEDNESDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER - dream on

2007-09-26T02:47:00.000-07:00

I woke in the night and while I was waiting for sleep to return I thought of sitting outside and drinking a beer. Lapin Kulta of course and fell asleep happy.

TUESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER - happy new year!

2007-09-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Ethiopia celebrated the new year yesterday.

HAPPY 2000!

The coming into the 21st century 7 1/2 + years late by our calendar but right by theirs .

MONDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER - freedom

2007-09-24T03:06:00.000-07:00

We have enjoyed nearly 20 years of freedom while the people of Burma have been hidden from the world by an opressive regime.
Now it seems as if the people of that country are speaking in a very powerful way.

Peacefully.

Some 100 nuns joined the budddhist monks along with 20,000 members of the public to march for freedom on Saturday in Rangoon.

A leader of the march said, "We want national reconconciliation, we want dialogue with the military, we want freedom for Aung San Sun Kyi and other political prisoners." What a brave lady she is, how much she has given up in the pursuit of freedom.

Tentatively human rights activists have started to refer to this movement as "The Saffron Revolution."

We can only hope that there is not a bloody crackdown by the dictatorship.

Should make us think about how fortunate it is to have been born in a democracy. I shall try to think of this when I get irritated by something trivial today.

THURSDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER - theatre

2007-09-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Went to the theatre yesterday to see The History Boys by Allan Bennett.

He is a great contemporary writer here in the UK such a talented wordsmith.

This was thought provoking and very entertaining.

I just love live entertainment can't be beaten.

TUESDAY 19TH SEPTMEBER - good news

2007-09-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

In amongst the doom and gloom in the newspapers I found this little gem.

BLACK-THROATED AND RED- THOATED DIVER NUMBERS ARE ON THE INCREASE.

Two rare diving birds are on the increase in Britain - despite being on the decline across Europe, a survey has revealed.

Both black-throated and red-throated diver numbers have increased
Man-made rafts planted with turf and heather to look like natural islands, anchored in remote Scottish lochs to protect the nesting birds from flooding and predators, have contributed to a rise in the number of breeding pairs from 187 to 217 since 1994.
The red-throated diver has increased its numbers from 935 breeding pairs to 1,255 over the same period, a boost of 34 per cent, despite fears that warming of the North Sea could reduce stocks of the fish it feeds on.

These birds featured significantly on my Finnish trip. Love the sight and sound of them evocative of the wild so very glad that they are thriving here.

MONDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER - cheese

2007-09-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

In this little bag are purchases from my very favourite shop in town.

Brie de meaux

Emmental

Gruyere

Gjetost

Sharpham Rustic locally made in Devon.

I love a slice/piece of cheese for lunch on an oatcake with a small side salad of leaves,tomato and cucumber. I am but a simple soul.

FRIDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER - ancient menu

2007-09-14T03:15:00.001-07:00

ROAST hedgehog was once as popular a dish in Britain as roast beef is now, research by Welsh academics suggests today.
Researchers from Uwic have found that roasting hedgehogs was very common in Neolithic Britain (about 6,000BC).

Heard this item on the news this a.m. They look sweet but are covered in fleas.

Could they be tastier than cows or pigs? I reckon they won't catch on because supermarkets just won't be adventurous enough.

THURSDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER - wood

2007-09-13T02:34:00.000-07:00

While on my last trip to Finland I came across this extraordinary museum at Paateri to a wonderfully talented wood sculptress by the name of Eva Ryynanen. She was so in tune with her suroundings that this was a wonderful atmospheric place to feel privileged to visit.

This bear was 1.5 metres high and has a gorgeous expression.

TUESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER - PEA SHOOTS!?!

2007-09-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

Pea shoots?
What does Pea shoot?
Read on.
'Pea shoots' amongst the salad leaves in the shop.
What an idea........... so had to buy some.
Imaginative marketing there.
Great idea to eat as much of the plant as possible.
They are really quite good.

MONDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER - music

2007-09-10T01:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night we went to The Sterts Theatre.

Great venue - outdoor canopied amphitheatre set among the granite walled fields high up on the edge of Bodmin Moor.

Music - Show of Hands Folk music from a Devonian Duo.

A good evening but the musicians were lacklustre maybe they had worked hard with a summer of festivals. The evening was fun but then live music is so much better than staying in without a doubt I think.

FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER

2007-09-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

I am reading The Spirit Wrestlers by Philip Marsden.

Incredible people discovered and talked to in the old Russia. These people I am reading about are the Molokans in who live in the Caucasus mountains. They are known as the "old believers."
This is a closed society who can be considered as the Russian equvalent of the Armish in America. www.armeniapedia.com

I am very interested in minority peoples and I had never heard of Molokans and can't wait to find out more.

I read lots but although fiction has its place a book with "meat" is far more satisfying.

Have you got any suggestions?

WEDNESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER - delicacy

2007-09-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

I managed to bring home some food from Finland, bread and chocolate but on the last evening after a wonderful meal my friend went to her freezer to get some cloudberries :lakka: squashed them into a jar with some sugar.

I transported them through all the baggage handlers safely and to Cornwall.

I ate a few teaspoonfuls last night with ice-cream.

They are a wonderful food.

We can only buy them as very sugary jam in IKEA here in the UK which just isn't good enough.

Oh well the excuses to return to gather them in the wild.................

SUNDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER - home

2007-09-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

It is so difficult to wind down after a fabulous holiday don't you find?

The last fifteen days in Finland has been so fantastic that coming back to the real world makes it feel that I have had the best dream ever but it was REAL.

The need to return is very strong which is why I do just that. The log cottage by a lake, the rowing boat, solitiude and peace but best of all sauna and swims daily, combine to make this wonderful experience almost perfect. Oh and the loads of friends we have there too. We even heard wolves nightly when we sat out drinking beer, by candlelight, in the dark.

No photos yet as I have to just look at them today.

Kiitos!

WEDNESDAY 15TH AUGUST

2007-08-15T01:46:00.000-07:00

There will be no more posts on this site until September as I am off on my hols. tomorrow. Bye for the moment!