Friday, January 21, 2011
Time with cousin Ann
It was a good day - with lots of good social networking.
I spent a long while on the phone with Jo this morning.
She rang with sad news - the husband of one of the old Rocking Horse crew had died. Eric was very elderly and had a lot of physical problems. But he was often on Skype and we had kept in touch.
But our (mine and Jo's) sad talk soon gave way to all sorts of news, views and gossip.
This afternoon we drove to Godstone to see Bill's cousin Ann.
The low sun made the countryside look really good.
Ann is a good friend and we understand each other well. She is now 82.
It had been a day of social networking for Ann too - she had had quite a few visitors and phone calls today; indeed cousin Betty was there when we arrived.
We chatted about all sorts and Ann enjoyed looking at some family photos.
About half past five we wondered if it was time to go; Ann revealed that what with all the visitors she hadn't had her dinner yet.
Nor had we actually.
I suggested we went out and got some - and Ann's suggestion was Wetherspoon's at Oxted.
This modern purpose built pub was crowded on a Friday evening - but we didn't wait very long for our food.
I enjoyed Thai noodles with breast of chicken - it was extremely yummy.
As we talked and ate, Bill gave a running commentary on the trains that were passing through Oxted Station!
Ann and I giggled - and I mockingly said it would a point of interest on the daily blog!
Well, here it is - complete with picture of trains in the station.
Though of course it was dark outdoors when we were there.
And as we left we found pleasure in the beautiful rising moon - past full moon by a day or so now.
The stars were bright and clear too.
Clear skies on winter nights means coldness - a lovely kind of coldness.
Hope it isn't too cold in the morning.
We will be off to Ford.
I spent a long while on the phone with Jo this morning.
She rang with sad news - the husband of one of the old Rocking Horse crew had died. Eric was very elderly and had a lot of physical problems. But he was often on Skype and we had kept in touch.
But our (mine and Jo's) sad talk soon gave way to all sorts of news, views and gossip.
This afternoon we drove to Godstone to see Bill's cousin Ann.
The low sun made the countryside look really good.
Ann is a good friend and we understand each other well. She is now 82.
It had been a day of social networking for Ann too - she had had quite a few visitors and phone calls today; indeed cousin Betty was there when we arrived.
We chatted about all sorts and Ann enjoyed looking at some family photos.
About half past five we wondered if it was time to go; Ann revealed that what with all the visitors she hadn't had her dinner yet.
Nor had we actually.
I suggested we went out and got some - and Ann's suggestion was Wetherspoon's at Oxted.
This modern purpose built pub was crowded on a Friday evening - but we didn't wait very long for our food.
I enjoyed Thai noodles with breast of chicken - it was extremely yummy.
As we talked and ate, Bill gave a running commentary on the trains that were passing through Oxted Station!
Ann and I giggled - and I mockingly said it would a point of interest on the daily blog!
Well, here it is - complete with picture of trains in the station.
Though of course it was dark outdoors when we were there.
And as we left we found pleasure in the beautiful rising moon - past full moon by a day or so now.
The stars were bright and clear too.
Clear skies on winter nights means coldness - a lovely kind of coldness.
Hope it isn't too cold in the morning.
We will be off to Ford.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Social networking of many kinds.
Lazy morning - couldn't or wouldn't get going.
Never mind.
This afternoon we posted parcels and then went to see Bill's sister Jane and husband Geoff.
Thank you Jane for the tea and the cafetiere.
We chatted about health (what else?) and holidays.
It was pleasant and warm - not very warm outdoors today.
It seems that Greenwich Mean Time is up for discussion again.
I think I am happy for things to be left as they are.
Winter morning darkness is bad enough now, without adding another hour of it.
And on Winter afternoons there is nothing nicer than pulling the curtains and feeling cosy indoors. That moment might as well be around half past four as half past five really. In summer the long hours of daylight fit in reasonably well with my life - I don't need it light until 11 o'clock at night.
How about you?
Ashley has posted a good web site exposing scams.
Scams on the computer come in all shapes and sizes and facebook is not exempt from them.
I think I am good at spotting them - but got caught recently.
Somebody I trust seemed to have sent a link to something and I decided to have a look. I didn't get far - but far enough to have the same link automatically being sent to many of my contacts. I realised then that I only received the link because the same thing had happened to my friend.
I quickly added an IGNORE comment to what I appeared to have sent to friends and I hope no damage was done.
But I am glad that there is this website - facecrooks - which can give up to date advice.
Facebook is fun and useful as a tool for keeping communications open - but like many things which are fun we have to be careful how we use it.
Ready for bed soon - tomorrow we are doing more family visiting.
Never mind.
This afternoon we posted parcels and then went to see Bill's sister Jane and husband Geoff.
Thank you Jane for the tea and the cafetiere.
We chatted about health (what else?) and holidays.
It was pleasant and warm - not very warm outdoors today.
It seems that Greenwich Mean Time is up for discussion again.
I think I am happy for things to be left as they are.
Winter morning darkness is bad enough now, without adding another hour of it.
And on Winter afternoons there is nothing nicer than pulling the curtains and feeling cosy indoors. That moment might as well be around half past four as half past five really. In summer the long hours of daylight fit in reasonably well with my life - I don't need it light until 11 o'clock at night.
How about you?
Ashley has posted a good web site exposing scams.
Scams on the computer come in all shapes and sizes and facebook is not exempt from them.
I think I am good at spotting them - but got caught recently.
Somebody I trust seemed to have sent a link to something and I decided to have a look. I didn't get far - but far enough to have the same link automatically being sent to many of my contacts. I realised then that I only received the link because the same thing had happened to my friend.
I quickly added an IGNORE comment to what I appeared to have sent to friends and I hope no damage was done.
But I am glad that there is this website - facecrooks - which can give up to date advice.
Facebook is fun and useful as a tool for keeping communications open - but like many things which are fun we have to be careful how we use it.
Ready for bed soon - tomorrow we are doing more family visiting.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Working from home
Today was the day to say farewell to some old friends.
The blue paperweight, photographed the other day on these pages, has graced the shelves at home and in the shop. I bought it at Ford mid 2008.
Now it is packed up and addressed and will be off to a new home in Sandwich, Kent.
There was not much profit in it - but I have had pleasure.
There was considerably more profit in the Eric Ravilious sauce boat. I bought it very cheaply because the dealer at Dorking didn't recognise it for what it was.
Bill has passed on some model cars today - rather tatty ones, that he maybe had aimed to renovate some time.
He was not expecting profit from them - just his money back; but a couple of models now ready to be posted to Germany fetched more than expected.
Today has been busy with all the usual ebay tasks - and most of the items were more awkward to wrap than books.
Both of us all got busy with describing too.
Bill sorted out some badges he had on a pin board, not being looked at admired anymore. He sorted them into 27 lots and they now face their luck amongst the bidders.
One of the books I listed today has a bid already.
We already have a pile of big parcels for the post office.
And that has been our day.
I intend to make a cuppa soon and watch the play about the life of Hattie Jaques. I like biographical things.
Her life was beyond anything I would have thought of when I was young.
To me she was a fat, old person!
Not the sort of person who could have fun or be silly.
And she was quite silly - unable to choose between husband and lover she decided to set up house with the pair of them!
The blue paperweight, photographed the other day on these pages, has graced the shelves at home and in the shop. I bought it at Ford mid 2008.
Now it is packed up and addressed and will be off to a new home in Sandwich, Kent.
There was not much profit in it - but I have had pleasure.
There was considerably more profit in the Eric Ravilious sauce boat. I bought it very cheaply because the dealer at Dorking didn't recognise it for what it was.
Bill has passed on some model cars today - rather tatty ones, that he maybe had aimed to renovate some time.
He was not expecting profit from them - just his money back; but a couple of models now ready to be posted to Germany fetched more than expected.
Today has been busy with all the usual ebay tasks - and most of the items were more awkward to wrap than books.
Both of us all got busy with describing too.
Bill sorted out some badges he had on a pin board, not being looked at admired anymore. He sorted them into 27 lots and they now face their luck amongst the bidders.
One of the books I listed today has a bid already.
We already have a pile of big parcels for the post office.
And that has been our day.
I intend to make a cuppa soon and watch the play about the life of Hattie Jaques. I like biographical things.
Her life was beyond anything I would have thought of when I was young.
To me she was a fat, old person!
Not the sort of person who could have fun or be silly.
And she was quite silly - unable to choose between husband and lover she decided to set up house with the pair of them!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday work, shopping, cat and moon.
Tuesday - housework and rest.
Not really much rest today, though we woke up quite late.
Bill, bless him, tends to be the house cleaner, while I cook and do laundry.
Today it was mostly cooking.
We have a bowl brim full of luscious stewed apples and blueberries.
And I used some apples to enhance some red cabbage, with onions, mushroom and nutmeg. Bill claims not to like red cabbage very much, so adding a bit of disguise helps it along a bit.
I also spent a little while skype chatting with Mam.
I don't know if was something I said.... but today she has set up her own email address and her own facebook page.
I think she realises that Jamie is too absorbed in work, his blogs and his immediate environment and she gets left out of knowing things that go in the family.
By lunch time the sun had appeared.
So a little later we walked into town, via the post office.
The temperature was lower than yesterday - close to freezing this evening.
But the air was fresh and good.
Our route takes us across the footbridge over the railway.
Bill looks out longingly for a train to be coming.
He was in luck today, the station announcer was informing those on the platform that the train to Victoria Station was approaching.
But watching the electric train glide under the bridge is not the same as being snorted at by an old steam locomotive, which Bill would remember at this spot in his childhood.
My mission in town was a trip to Marks and Spencers for some black tights.
We also needed a small amount of food and to save the walk to Asda, we found what we needed in M&S.
I found a few bargains - and also a few treats.
I was so tempted by many of their items.....but actually it was the pork pies that seemed to be calling to me! And for now those are off my menu for they have fat and wheat.
Once my digestion is settled then I can include such things in small quantities occasionally.
Today has brought me some tremendous joy.
After 14 years I now have a cat who likes to sit on my lap. No, we do not have a new feline friend; Harry has just realised in his old age, that sitting up close with me feels good for him.
As we travelled back from town on the bus we saw the rising moon. It looked huge above the horizon.
It is not actually full moon until tomorrow.
Bill took his tripod out to try and capture the image - he did a good job I think.
Not really much rest today, though we woke up quite late.
Bill, bless him, tends to be the house cleaner, while I cook and do laundry.
Today it was mostly cooking.
We have a bowl brim full of luscious stewed apples and blueberries.
And I used some apples to enhance some red cabbage, with onions, mushroom and nutmeg. Bill claims not to like red cabbage very much, so adding a bit of disguise helps it along a bit.
I also spent a little while skype chatting with Mam.
I don't know if was something I said.... but today she has set up her own email address and her own facebook page.
I think she realises that Jamie is too absorbed in work, his blogs and his immediate environment and she gets left out of knowing things that go in the family.
By lunch time the sun had appeared.
So a little later we walked into town, via the post office.
The temperature was lower than yesterday - close to freezing this evening.
But the air was fresh and good.
Our route takes us across the footbridge over the railway.
Bill looks out longingly for a train to be coming.
He was in luck today, the station announcer was informing those on the platform that the train to Victoria Station was approaching.
But watching the electric train glide under the bridge is not the same as being snorted at by an old steam locomotive, which Bill would remember at this spot in his childhood.
My mission in town was a trip to Marks and Spencers for some black tights.
We also needed a small amount of food and to save the walk to Asda, we found what we needed in M&S.
I found a few bargains - and also a few treats.
I was so tempted by many of their items.....but actually it was the pork pies that seemed to be calling to me! And for now those are off my menu for they have fat and wheat.
Once my digestion is settled then I can include such things in small quantities occasionally.
Today has brought me some tremendous joy.
After 14 years I now have a cat who likes to sit on my lap. No, we do not have a new feline friend; Harry has just realised in his old age, that sitting up close with me feels good for him.
As we travelled back from town on the bus we saw the rising moon. It looked huge above the horizon.
It is not actually full moon until tomorrow.
Bill took his tripod out to try and capture the image - he did a good job I think.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Pilgrim's Antiques centre West Street, Dorking
It has been a happy day of working.
The morning rain didn't keep people away - though it was busier when it is was dry with an almost springlike mildness in the air.
The takings were not as impressive as sometimes - but Bill, Monika and I took almost all the money today.
I sold 3 items today - including 2 that were taken in only this morning. That included the curtains, that I photographed for the blog yesterday. I hope Emma, who bought them, will make something for herself at one of the many fairs that she does.
My first job was to move out a small shelf unit and replace it with a bigger one - one that I had written up as stock in the hope of selling it. I think it is more useful to me than a customer!
This then required the moving of every other single thing that I have for sale!
Some of my pictures are not the best - I failed to notice for some that the flash wasn't on.
This shows the set of three shelves on top of another set of shelves.
These shelves have been assigned to my "gentleman's den".
Next to it is "the nursery" - children's items and pretty ornaments.
Here is the kitchen.
This picture shows basically the totality of my little area.
Pretty china and other more feminine things.
Bill at ease in the front area of the shop, with his own shelves and cabinet behind him.
I like these pictures.....how arrogant of me!
The morning rain didn't keep people away - though it was busier when it is was dry with an almost springlike mildness in the air.
The takings were not as impressive as sometimes - but Bill, Monika and I took almost all the money today.
I sold 3 items today - including 2 that were taken in only this morning. That included the curtains, that I photographed for the blog yesterday. I hope Emma, who bought them, will make something for herself at one of the many fairs that she does.
My first job was to move out a small shelf unit and replace it with a bigger one - one that I had written up as stock in the hope of selling it. I think it is more useful to me than a customer!
This then required the moving of every other single thing that I have for sale!
Some of my pictures are not the best - I failed to notice for some that the flash wasn't on.
This shows the set of three shelves on top of another set of shelves.
These shelves have been assigned to my "gentleman's den".
Next to it is "the nursery" - children's items and pretty ornaments.
Here is the kitchen.
This picture shows basically the totality of my little area.
I photographed the 1950s/60s items of a pastel sort of range of colours, rather than the bright, bold colours that I have photographed before.
Pretty china and other more feminine things.
Bill at ease in the front area of the shop, with his own shelves and cabinet behind him.
Next to him is Jill and her glass and china.
I like these pictures.....how arrogant of me!
But they capture the joy and relaxed feeling that I have amongst my things in the shop.
The new look I created today is pleasing and I rest secure in the knowledge that I seem to have got things as I want them - and the customers like the way I do things.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday sorting
The hour before dawn seems such a long time ago.
We were out - at Dorking; but not for long.
Where were the regulars? Regular sellers that is.
There was almost nothing to be bought. I couldn't get up so early and go all that way for nothing.....so, my purse opened for a pretty bowl. It should make me a fiver or a tenner, I thought.
Then we met up with Monika and we all moaned about the lack of anything to buy. I told her I had just bought the floral bowl and showed her.
Then we met up with Monika and we all moaned about the lack of anything to buy. I told her I had just bought the floral bowl and showed her.
"Oh you, Muppet!" she wailed, "it's got a chip".
She had already seen it and rejected it!
And she was right.
I shall have to keep the bowl for a while and see if I can't use it for a plant or something.
I told you about the Hit Parade coasters yesterday - here they are.
I have them ready to take to the shop. The photo reminds me that I haven't cleaned the surface of the discs.
I bought this mixing bowl yesterday. The yellow interior is less common.
Yesterday, on a whim, I bought 2 photos of this bride's wedding.
People do collect wedding photos.
The other photo is behind this one - that's why there are elastic bands round it, to keep them together.
She looks lovely in this picture. In the other picture they look very formal and solemn.
I bought the curtains last week - they have since been washed an ironed.
They might date from the 1930s - or maybe the 1950s.
So, it didn't take long to sort out the weekend's purchases. There are a few more than I photographed.
I came home to be greeted by a postcard.
You may recall that my brother is sorting out some family postcards.
We can only assume that the card shown was from my grandfather to my grandmother in the very early days of their courting. It is not signed. But how many other young men from Buxted would have been writing such a card to a 16 year old girl in service?
This one moved me, but also saddened me......how come I never realised that my dear grandparents were not always sensible, thrifty old folks?
Look Grandad has written it in mirror writing - did he really think that Granny's employers would not have realised what it was?
And signed with SWAK; in my day we added an L to this abbreviation, so that it would read Signed with a Loving Kiss.
Much happened to them between this card in 1908 and their marriage in 1916 - not least, of course, the birth of Aunty Jean, their illegitimate daughter.
How wonderful that right at the end of her life we were in contact with Aunty Jean.
This afternoon I described some more books - 9 more now listed on EBay.
I work hard at EBay - and there is no way I could match Ashley's approach.
He has at least 63 parcels to post tomorrow.
At least that's 63 things less that would have to be packed up and taken to Newcastle.
There was just a hint of some Spring in the air today - it is the first time I have hung washing out for what seems ages.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Normal sort of Saturday
Up before dawn - was drizzly and damp.
But Ford was quite busy.
We didn't buy a great deal. I am interested in an item that looks like a miniature book of old 78 records - only about 3 inches in diameter.
They are in fact coasters and the titles are names of drink. Very 1950s! Would look so right on a kitsch 1950s bar in the lounge!
We breakfasted at Littlehampton. I now have a leaflet with the calories, fat content, sugar content etc etc of every single food item that Wetherspoons serve.
Calories shouldn't worry me - just my health and well being. But I can't help being a bit disappointed that after my first week of much more suitable eating, I have hardly lost an ounce. But I am delighted that my digestion is behaving better.
We chatted with a lovely couple - the sort where you feel you know each other quite well after just a fairly brief conversation.
But Ford was quite busy.
We didn't buy a great deal. I am interested in an item that looks like a miniature book of old 78 records - only about 3 inches in diameter.
They are in fact coasters and the titles are names of drink. Very 1950s! Would look so right on a kitsch 1950s bar in the lounge!
We breakfasted at Littlehampton. I now have a leaflet with the calories, fat content, sugar content etc etc of every single food item that Wetherspoons serve.
Calories shouldn't worry me - just my health and well being. But I can't help being a bit disappointed that after my first week of much more suitable eating, I have hardly lost an ounce. But I am delighted that my digestion is behaving better.
We chatted with a lovely couple - the sort where you feel you know each other quite well after just a fairly brief conversation.
We walked out to the lifeboat station - mainly to give Bill's left over toast to the swans; but this morning the swans were gathered further down stream. Maybe it was more sheltered - the wind was very sharp, despite the mild temperatures (well, mildish!).
We didn't want to be out much in the wind, so we went to Rustington to explore all the charity shops. I bought a Marks and Spencers red skirt and a lovely green top. I had already bought some white Nike trainers at the boot sale.
Then it was home to sort out items selling on ebay.
Farewell to a little ornament that has been in my stock book since August 2004! A little USSR ornament of a squirrel will be off to Scotland on Monday. It didn't actually spend much time on shop shelves - it was so tiny that it got a bit lost amongst my stuff. I had bought it in with some stuff one day when I had been on duty in Rocking Horse. I probably didn't really want it - but you know how it is, one tries to be good to people who come into shops. I sold it today for a little less than I paid for it - but the pleasure comes from finally passing it on.
I enjoyed an email today from my brother - who has some postcards from our cousin to copy - all sent to people in the family. We learn that our great grandmother had a pet name for our grandmother - "Chicks". We never knew that - do people always learn how human and interesting the previous generations were too late to do anything about it? Maybe its just me.
Looks like the weather in the morning will be sort of OK - so up early again to go buying at Dorking.
Time for bed now.!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Vanderbilt Stage Coach
It has been an evening out with the Vanderbilts - as quoted in the song "We're a Couple of Swells"; in the song the Vanderbilts have "asked us up for tea."
This evening we were entertained by the doings of a wealthy American - Mr A G Vanderbilt.
For reasons a little beyond my comprehension he left America in the late 19th century to set up a stagecoach company as a tourist attraction for wealthy Brits.Well. I guess I do understand - he just had a passion for that sort of thing. It is doubtful that he made much money at it.
He ran coaches in the summer months from London down to Brighton. People could if they chose opt to travel back by train.
We have seen pictures of his various coaches and the old coaching inns that they stooped at on the route - including our own George hotel in Crawley.
On another route the coaches stooped at The Dog and Bacon in Horsham, where we saw morris dancing on new year's day.
Towards the end of a talk we saw a picture that surprised me.
You know that we travel back and forth to Dorking very frequently - I am the passenger in the car and very able to take note of our surroundings.
Last Monday as we whizzed along the dual carriage way at Holmwood I suddenly caught a glimpse of a memorial behind a fence that I had not spotted before.
One day, I thought, I should see what the memorial stone is for.
Tonight I was told.
The inscription reads......
"In Memory of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt a gallant gentleman and a fine sportsman who perished in the Lusitania May 7th 1915. This stone is erected on his favourite road by a few of his British coaching friends and admirers"
It is a quirk of fate that took him down with the Lusitania.
Three years earlier he had intended to return to America on the Titanic - but circumstances forced him to change his mind at the last minute.
And then it was time for the raffle to be drawn. If only I had been more generous!
We raise money for St Catherine's Hospice and this evening I decided to buy two strips of tickets instead of one - in memory of my nephew Cameron, who died in the hospice 11 years ago today.
Just one more strip and I would have won a fantastic book about postcards.
Instead I won a glass decanter and a set of glasses.
I doubt that the quality is very special - but it will be sold some time, somewhere.
Tomorrow we will be up early and out hunting at Ford.
I am looking forward to it.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Athletics duties.
Late getting to the computer this evening.
We have been out.
We have been providing the times for the sprinters of Sussex - running indoors.
The indoor track at Broadbridge Heath allows for 50 metres. I have not yet seen a sub 6 second run, though it has been achieved during the years when I was too ill to attend.
I was the chief timekeeper for the evening - there were 5 of us all together.
It was good to see lots of the athletics crowd again - last together at the end of August.
We have a number of meetings coming up - indoors.
We came back home and watched the hour long Emmerdale, which was recorded.
It was a dramatic episode tonight.
We have been out.
We have been providing the times for the sprinters of Sussex - running indoors.
The indoor track at Broadbridge Heath allows for 50 metres. I have not yet seen a sub 6 second run, though it has been achieved during the years when I was too ill to attend.
I was the chief timekeeper for the evening - there were 5 of us all together.
It was good to see lots of the athletics crowd again - last together at the end of August.
We have a number of meetings coming up - indoors.
We came back home and watched the hour long Emmerdale, which was recorded.
It was a dramatic episode tonight.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Pottering through Wednesday.
I thought you might like to see this modern art glass paperweight, which is now for sale on Ebay. I have held it back for quite a while because I like it. But it is time to move it on and have something else to like. It was made at a Cumbrian glass studio.
Bother - it was raining when we woke up!
I shouldn't grumble about the rain of course. It all leads to the Spring time that we covet; and anyway however tedious it is, there is no danger.
The entire community of Forest Hill was airlifted out of the flood-hit town yesterday with more evacuations planned for Laidley and Grantham during the Lockyer Valley's devastating floods.
This is from an Australian newspaper. I don't know exactly where Dad's cousin Phyllis lives - but we send to a Forest Hill PO Box number.
And today I read of deaths in Brazil from flooding too.
In fact, later in the morning the rain eased for us. We drove into town to do a bit of Asda shopping - healthy foods for us and Dreamies for the cat.
We found he loved Dreamies just after George cat died and we felt so sorry for Harry, we treated him. Now his regular routine is that he miaows and squeaks at us as soon as the computer is switched off (he knows that little tune) , not believing that we would abandon him for the night without a few Dreamies!
Then we walked over to the mall and into Boots to talk to the pharmacy department again.
No, they do not have vitamin D injections.
They will try again in February!
Time to go and see Dr O, I think. Or do I just have to wait? I might ask him for the next prescription so that they can supply the next dose straight away. I probably don't have to talk to him about diet - after 5 days of restraint, my digestion has settled.
We met an ex neighbour at the pharmacy, who I haven't seen for years. The last time, I think, she was with her daughter and grandaughter was in a pram. Grandaughter is now 16! Roger would recall the neighbour's ex husband - his name was Clements and had a nick name, which I forget. But of course we didn't talk of him - the divorce was a very long time ago.
This afternoon I described and listed the remaining 9 items in the box.
I am looking forward to seeing more bidders than watchers.
I also cleared the dining room table - last weekend's purchases are now written up, labelled and stowed on the shelves in the garage.
Weather tomorrow will be greyer and gloomier than today - but it looks like Saturday could be OK. I hope so.
We will be timekeeping tomorrow evening - indoors.
