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Showing posts from June, 2008

The Sunday Salon.

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This has been a busy week work wise, I'm pleased it's Sunday so we can rest.Today we're off to a friend's 60th. birthday party, it will be good to catch up with people we don't see often. On the book front I have started reading one of my birthday books, 'Rebecca', by Daphne du Maurier. Having seen the movie a few times I do know the storyline well but am still enjoying the reading. Hope you all have a good day and a good week.

Sky Watch

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'Somewhere...' Click on photo to enlarge, you never know you might see the pot of gold! More photos here

Weather stops work.

Bad day weatherwise today, driving wind and rain, therefore no more sheep shearing. So this afternoon we are off to visit relatives, hope you all have a good day.

Booking through Thursday

This week we are asked to consider What, in your opinion, is the definition of a “reader.” A person who indiscriminately reads everything in sight? A person who reads BOOKS? A person who reads, period, no matter what it is? … Or, more specific? Like the specific person who’s reading something you wrote? I have heard certain textbooks called readers.Some reading schemesare called 'readers' for children in school, but I usually attach the word 'reader' to anyone who reads.

ABC Wednesday

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On Mrs Nesbitt's blog we are up to the letter W. The farming essential! Wellies.

Busy days.

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Been busy on the farm and in the house these last few days, so no blogging. I have begun stitching again in the spare minutes . I did a lot of stitching years ago, including dressmaking but not much for quite a while. Since Sunday I've been working on a small crossstitch design, as seen in this photo. I hope to finish it soon and frame it and display it in my kitchen. Farmwise, we have been shearing sheep, well I haven't personally but I folded and wrapped the fleeces with my daughter. It all helps. Do you like the new blog colour. I fancied a change, I did try a dark blue but thought it was too sombre. Any thoughts anyone? Stitching chart courtesy of The Sampler Girl.

Book Review.

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Last night saw the finish of 'The Heart of the Lion', by Jean Plaidy. This book followed on from 'The Revolt of the Eaglets'. It concentrates on the Holy Land crusades made by King Richard the Lionheart. I didn't have much knowledge of his reign other than the fact that I knew he undertook crusades. His father and mother were Henry 11 and Eleanor of Aquitaine. These forceful characters could be seen in his dealings in the crusade. This type of life became everything to him. Consequently his marriage(to the King of Navarre's daughter,Berengaria) suffered . His friendships with various kings and courtiers also added to his marital neglect and also to trouble with his throne.Leading to his youngest brother John taking over the reins of the country, with disastrous effects. I intend to continue the Plantagenets story, with the next book in the series, 'The Prince of Darkness', which I believe follows John's reign.

15 Words or Less.

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On Laura's journal we are asked to describe this photo using 15 words or less. Here are mine, 'Through the dusty ground It struggles free Towards the sky It unfurls it's beauty.'

Weekend

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Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Photo courtesy of Free Digital Photos

Sky Watch

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I think this is such a peaceful photo. Check out Tom's blog for some great photos.

Booking through Thursday.

This is the topic for today ------ Think about your favorite authors, your favorite books . . . what is it about them that makes you love them above all the other authors you’ve read? The stories? The characters? The way they appear to relish the taste of words on the tongue? The way they’re unafraid to show the nitty-gritty of life? How they sweep you off to a new, distant place? What is it about those books and authors that makes them resonate with you in ways that other, perfectly good books and authors do not? My list of favourite authors is growing by the minute. Since joining blogland I have heard of great new books and authors. However, up until this time my favourites were, C.J.Sansom, Paul Doherty, Jean Plaidy and Agatha Christie. I have read and re read many of these books. I like the way I am transported into another place. The murder mysteries, I look upon as a challenge to seek out the murderer before disclosed in the story. In regarding the historical fictions I enjoy fol

Birthday Books.

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Now I don't know if you remember but a couple of weeks ago it was my birthday. Two of my children live quite a distance from me, so this past weekend they visited and brought my presents(and Father's Day presents too). These photos show what I received from all my children and as well as other gifts there was one more book, 'The Door' which one of my daughters borrowed. Aren't these all wonderful . I am so pleased . The one I am reading at the moment is 'The Heart of the Lion'. I am spoilt for choice now! If you click on the photos the titles are more obvious.

ABC Wednesday 'V'

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So here we are flying through the alphabet. So it's 'V' for Violin. This instrument got a lot of work at one time but alas it's not seen much now. My daughters were very competent at one time, but a bit 'rusty' now and as you may see there is a string missing . More pictures here.

3WW

The words this week on 3WW are ------- Frequent, Open, Someday. Someday I'll return to the town of my birth, To see if my house is still there. Perhaps the old blue door will open. And as I step inside, The rooms that I did frequent So very long ago, Will suddenly Be there Not in my imagination But so very real!

Word filled Wednesday

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Verse and Photo courtesy of this site. More inspirational verses here.

Fifteen Words or less.

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On Laura's blog we are asked to write 15 words or less to describe this scene of Edinburgh Castle. My words are here -------- 'Stairs ascending Flanked by tower , overpowering, The jailer stands. A dark and dingy dungeon awaits.'

Weekend Wordsmith.

The Old Key. The old man fumbled in his pocket to find the front door key. This old key, this dirty key. Rusty. Dusty. He knew it was there. Digging deep , under the hanky and sweet wrappers . At last he found it. Slowly he placed it in the lock. But it wouldn't fit. As he walked up the steps he'd checked , it was no. 91 . This was it . He tried to turn the key. Nothing. OK it was an old lock, and old door and an even older house. It must turn. Please turn . I need to get in, food, warmth ,it's all in there. This is my home. Oh someone help me . It's starting to get dark. I knew I should have got a new key cut. All these thoughts penetrated his mind. Panic was gradually turning into despair when he heard a voice. 'I'm coming, hold on.' The door , as if by magic opened. Not with the key, but from the other side. From the inside. 'Yes?' questioned the young lady. 'Can I help you?'. 'Oh, ' was all he could say. She recognised him then.

Sunday Scribblings.

If only there was such a guide, A book to tell you how, To turn crying into laughter And shouting into smiles, This book could change The world as such Where wars and turmoil rage Into a peaceful haven Not seen on a front page. More scribblings here.

The Sunday Salon.

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This has been a busy week and especially the the last 2 days when my children arrived for 'Father's Day'(happy Father's Day to all U.K. Dads ).Consequently my reading has been slow. However, I have started a new book, The Heart of the Lion. This book continues on from 'The Revolt of the Eaglets'that I read a few weeks ago. It follows the Plantagenets from the death of Henry 11 and into the reign of King Richard(The Lionheart). I have just read about sixty pages, but it is proving good, as Richard's mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine is released from prison. Her years of imprisonment were the result of her husband's fear of her capabilities.

Weekend.

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Courtesy of Free Digital Photos. Wishing you all a relaxing weekend.

Sky Watch.

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This is the Bowes Museum in Co. Durham. It is built in the style of a French Chateau and holds wonderful art collections. The grounds are extensive and every year a local theatre company performs a play in the grounds. Do check out the site for more details. On Tom's blog there are links to some great photos, do take a look.

Booking through Thursday

On Booking through Thursday the following is being discussed -------- A combo of two suggestions by: Heidi and by litlove Have you ever been a member of a book club? How did your group choose (ot, if you haven’t been, what do you think is the best way to choose) the next book and who would lead discussion? Do you feel more or less likely to appreciate books if you are obliged to read them for book groups rather than choosing them of your own free will? Does knowing they are going to be read as part of a group affect the reading experience? My answers are, I have never been a member of a book club. Regarding the choice of book and leader I would have thought that everyone should take a turn .The person that chooses the book leads the discussion in the next meeting. I don't feel it would enhance my reading. In fact I really like to choose my own books , not sure I'd enjoy being told what to read. On the other hand perhaps I am missing some great reads through my fairly narrow ch

Word filled Wednesday

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Psalm 23.2-3. 'In meadows of green grass He lets me lie. To the waters of repose He leads me; there He revives my soul.' Check out Inspirational words here.

3WW

The words this week on Three Word Wednesday are Key, Change and Dizzy. So here we go ----- 'When you reach the dizzy heights of true love, Don't change the key to your heart'.

ABC Wednesday 'U'.

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We are up to 'U' on ABC Wednesday. this week . This one was a little difficult . Uvula is the fleshy protrusion hanging down from the roof of the mouth. This photo is courtesy of my daughter!!!

My prize has arrived !!

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This is what the postman delivered today. Aren't they all fantastic. The socks were an extra prize, they are so cute. All this came from Gracious Hospitality. The lady running this blog organised a draw of all the people who had contributed to her blog about afternoon tea. I was the lucky winner. Thankyou Gracious Hospitality, I love my prizes.

Book Review.

As promised here is my review of The Door. This novel is written by Magda Szabo , a renowned Hungarian author. It follows the relationship between a struggling writer and a woman she employs to help her in the house. Emerence , the lady who is employed, is a very hard worker. She believes nothing can replace manual work, no amount of words or writing are necessary in her world. This elderly lady has lived a traumatic life and this shapes the way she lives her life now. The writer, on the other hand, struggles with her words and never seems to accomplish much in the beginning of the book. Whereas Emerence's toil can be seen far and wide, her street clearing and caring for neighbours is well known. However,the old lady's personal space; her home is very secretive, very private. As the book unfolds the writer intrudes into this space with disastrous consequences. There was so much to take from this book, this small book, only 262 pages. Once I started reading I felt compelled to

The Sunday Salon

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This week I have read 'The Door' by Magda Szabo,an Hungarian author who died last year at the age of 90 years. This is the only one of her books I can find that has been translated which is such a pity as she is a powerful writer. Today is a busy day for me so I will have to leave the review till tomorrow, but I will 'whet your appetite' by saying that it was a most compelling, moving books I have ever read.

Sunday Scribblings.

Nights. My nights, or night time rituals have changed over the years, the same can be said of most people I'm sure. As we grow older our days and nights change to compliment our lifestyle. In this topic I begin with memories of my childhood . I attended a boarding school and our bedtimes began with working along a corridor to get water which was then taken back to our cubicles to wash. This sounds'Dickensian' in a way, but actually it was quite acceptable, quite normal. This was the early 60's. Jump on 10 years and I am at home with my Mum watching t.v. Every Tuesday night there were romantic movies shown. The one in particular I remember was' Love is a many splendoured thing', starring William Holden. I loved this film. When it finished , although we were both trying not to cry, Mum and I both burst into tears. That was such a girlie night . Another decade passes and my chosen path is nursing and I am on night duty in a hospital in Durham City. A wonderful hosp

Weekly geeks wrap up post.

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Here is the post to wrap up all my book reviews. The Apothecary Rose. The Memory Keeper's Daughter. The Revolt of the Eaglets. Revelation. The Thirteenth Tale

Weekend.

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Hope you all have a relaxing weekend. Click on photo to enlarge shot of Lake Windermere.

Weekend Wordsmith

Slumbering Feline. She wandered through the kitchen, And meandered through the hall, The open door was beckoning. And as the sun fired up the path, This furry queen, Just knew that soon, The birdsong would begin, This boring chorus, She'd heard so many times, Harmony? as such Was just the lullaby, She needed, To close her eyes, And drift into her catnap. " This week on Weekend Wordsmith the word is catnap.Check out more wordiness on Bonnie's page.

Sky Watch Friday.

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Another week has gone by and we're back to photography. These photos show the Theatre Royal in Newcastle-upon- Tyne.It is an impressive building,dating back to it's opening on February 20th. 1837. More photos here.

Booking through Thursday

This week on Booking through Thursday the theme is Trends ---- Have your book-tastes changed over the years? More fiction? Less? Books that are darker and more serious? Lighter and more frivolous? Challenging? Easy? How-to books over novels? Mysteries over Romance? I don't think my reading tastes have changed that much over the years. I have always liked historical and mystery books. After saying that I have expanded the authors in these categories that I read. Years ago my favourite authors were Agatha Christie and Jean Plaidy/Victoria Holt. Nowadays I still read and reread Jean Plaidy but Agatha Christie has morphed into many other authors, Paul Doherty, C.J.Sansom and Candace Robb, to name a few. More discussions can be found here.

3WW

On Three Word Wednesday the words given this week are -------- Smile, Deny and Uncomfortable. Here is my attempt at composing a few lines to include them. 'The train moved slowly out of the station. She watched him out of the window , his smile slowly drifting out of sight. That smile that once had made her feel uncomfortable. Why? The smile that made her wish to leave her husband and family. To deny her marriage and follow her own way. Deny is such a strong word she thought. And an even stronger action. She should have not got on the train, she needed him , this man this person she left standing.'I could get off at the next station', she texted urgently, pleadingly. Uncomfortable silence followed. His phone was switched off...'

Word filled Wednesday.

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'But Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His last.' Mark 15:37 (The Jerusalem Bible.) Word filled Wednesday.

ABC Wednesday

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'Anyone for Tennis.' So as I'm sure you've guessed it's 'T' in the theme this week. With Wimbledon just a couple of weeks away I thought this was quite topical. There are plenty more'T's over here.

'I remember Laura.'

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On Miss Sandy's blog there is a new blog-a- thon starting this week in remembrance of Laura Ingalls Wilder. This first week the topic is quilts and any special details and memories we have of them. Check out Miss Sandy's blog on Quill Cottage to find out the details. Here are a couple of pics of my treasured quilt. This is handquilted in three sections and it too about one year to complete with two quilters working. It was made for my parent's wedding on December 28 th 1948.by two of my father's aunts. Although the photo shows it on a bed I don't use it as such as it's too precious.

Spring reading challenge complete

So here are my reviews, all together. Revelation. The Thirteenth Tale. Memory Keeper's Daughter. The Revolt of the Eaglets. The one book I didn't complete was 'My heart is my own' by John Guy.

The Month of June

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Photo courtesy of http://www.bigfoto.com/themes/nature/flowers/index.htm "It's beautiful the Summer month of June When all of God's own wildflowers are in bloom And sun shines brightly most part of the day And butterflies o'er lush green meadows play. Light hearted skylark songster of the wing High o'er the quiet and lonely moorland sing Above her nest cloaked by the tangled heath Her charming song so exquisitely sweet. So mellow the gentle breath of june day breeze The birds rejoicing on the leafy trees And dappled trout in pool bed of the stream Bask in the sun their spotted skins agleam." - Francis Duggan, June More June poetry here.

Sunday Salon.

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Today I'm reviewing 'The Memory Keeper's Daughter'. by Kim Edwards. I'd read many reviews on this book before starting it. Consequently, I was very keen to read it. I don't want to include any spoilers here, so I'll be brief with the plot. A doctor delivers his wife of twins one night. One of the babies , a girl has Down's Syndrome but otherwise appears to be healthy. Due to his own past experiences of disability he hands this baby to the nurse to take into care and explains to his wife that the child had died. A horrendous act of betrayal is continued throughout all their lives. Imho this book shows the value of human life, and dignity that disabled people should receive. After saying that I was a little disappointed as I found that the story slowed down in the middle. I felt after the first hundred or so pages that I guessed what the ending would be and I was impatient to reach it. A good book, but I didn't find the 'Wow' factor that many

Weekly Geeks # 6.

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On Weekly Geeks we are asked to catch up with book reviews. I only have one review outstanding, so I will try and get that written today and then wrap up all my reviews on Weekly Geeks' later in week.