Chimneys

We had a lovely day in Stratford Upon Avon today. A while ago we bought a groupon offer to go and visit the Shakespeare properties and the offer ran out next weekend- so we made the most of the good weather. We found out that the ticket means we can go back as many times as we want for the next 12 months. We will go and see Anne Hathaways cottage and Mary Ardens house on another day. We will probably visit the ones we saw today in the Spring or Summer to take photos in the garden, This one is Hams Hall- a mansion house. At the moment the top structure of the house is having to be supported by metal joists as all the woodwork on it needs to be treated or replaced.

This one is the street outside- all the streets in Stratford are wonderful.

One of the scculptures in the garden

Nash House/New Place. They are carrying out an archaelogical dig here and the archaeologist was an inspirational speaker. I love to see people who love their job. She was describing what they've found there- and that Birmingham Uni confirmed that they had discovered soil samples from an iron age settlement, They are digging in the spot where Shakespeares house once stood. The man who bought the property became sick of people knocking on the door and the government demanding that he pay a full tax on a property he only lived in for a  small part of the year- that he demolished the house! There is a mulberry tree in the garden that comes from a cutting of trees that once stood in the same grounds. The same man cut that down aswell. The archaeologists want to chop the tree down - so that they can dig around where it stands- but there is resistance and they've lost 2 appeals!

One of the water features by the River Avon. We had a lovely cup of coffee overlooking the river this morning- enjoying the sunshine.

I've wanted to see a gold post box ever since the first one was painted. Today- by chance we came across TWO! I don't know which athlete lives in Stratford- but I will look it up.

This is one of those living statues. Only this one walked around terrifying some of the female photographers who tried to take his photo!!!! He looks like the ghost of Shakespeare.

Shakespeares Birthplace- we saw the actual room where they presume Shakespeare was born. The property was originally a row of terraced houses- that they bought as their wealth grew. Inside there is a set of stairs that come from outside- and visitors used to be charged a penny to come up and see the room during his lifetime- and he'd go to collect his jar of pennies once a week!

Shakespeare Aloud! They performed sonnets and posed for photos with tourists.

We had a great day- enjoying the sunshine and a couple of coffee houses/cafes for Guy. He gets more like his dad every day!

Architecture

 

Hardwick Hall

  We had a lovely weekend visiting some old properties in Derbyshire.Old houses have always fascinated me. I could do with being a lottery winner- as I would love a nice sprawling house somewhere in the countryside. Obviously nothing on this scale- but somewhere with spare rooms for my books and scrapbooking stuff!

One of Amy's friends is studying architecture at Uni- and they had to spend 600 pound on the arty stuff she needs for the course.

Amy is really feeling the loss of Uni this year. Her friend is having a tough time settling- and I met my best friend today and her daughter is also struggling with the start of term somewhere away from home. She's missing her boyfriend terribly- and he's already been down to stay with her for a few days.

So in a way I'm glad Amy didn't go this year- as I think she'd have felt the same way. She's still struggling with her confidence issues and other issues at school. Something happened last week that I thought we should have gone into school about- but she was insistent that we didn't go in and that we would make matters worse. Whether she exagerated the issue or she really didn't want us wading in- I guess we'll never know. It's hard to know when you need them to stand on their own two feet- and when you still need to deal with issues, even though they are adult now. I wish she could find a bit of happiness- we can't seem to suggest anything to cheer her up at all.

Although I might just have found the answer today- I've been to the Cadburys staff shop with my friend. They sell discounted chocolate, Easter Eggs, promotional choccies (Olympic stuff this time), bags of flake pieces etc and stuff like Tassimo coffee pods, crisps etc. I bought Guy his mints and liquiorice allsorts that he keeps in his car, an Olympic mug with choccies for me (25p!)

Now if coming home to this little box full of calories doesn't make her smile!!!!!!!!! I've actually thought ahead and bought some mini bags of buttons, crunchies, Time Outs etc- for our Halloween Trick or Treaters- because I spent a fortune last year- and we almost ran out! So we have to keep this lot safe until the end of October. I have a feeling that the Cadbury's cream eggs might not make it that long- and I had a bag of Mini Cheddars for my lunch!

 

 

I've also just had a voucher for the ebook club I belong to- for one of my friends joining up. So I can pick another 5 books for my kindle- so a great day today. Choccies and books!!!! There are a few books that I have my eye on. I'm reading Summer with my Sister at the moment- and I've read a few 5* books this year.

Overgrown

Overgrown- Around Hanbury Hall in Derbyshire. It was an absolutely beautiful property. I love this look around old houses.

Guy and I went away for the weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary- 22 years. We've done this for the last 3 years running now- and it is a lovely break for us to spend a weekend together. We love Derbyshire and have returned every year. Premier Inn had a sale and we managed to get the room for 19 pound a night.

 

We also went to Hardwick Hall - which is a National Trust property. These ladies were wandering around the house and gardens whilst we were there- and they really added to the atmosphere! They kindly posed for us. It's the first time we've used our National Trust membership in ages- we really need to start using it more. We both love photography and old houses!

                                                       Hardwick Hall- a stunning property.

 This was the hotel we stayed in- The Oast House. The rooms are pretty much standard in a Premier Inn- but it was a lovely base for us to travel around from. The staff were all marvelous- from the receptionists, the housekeeping staff to the waitresses in the pub attached. They could not do enough for you. We booked a meal deal for the second night- which was very tasty!!!! We saw a lot of people from the properties we'd visited that day- obviously similar minded people!!! I managed to fall over in the car park of the first property and ended up with clay all down one trouser leg!!!! I hurt one knee and the other foot- and looked a right sight! Only me!!!

We looked at loads of leaflets whilst we were there - to decide what to see on the Sunday. I did want to walk around Dovedale- but due to hurting myself, a nice long walk wasn't really on the menu!!! So we need to leave that for another day!

 

I think we were 'housed' out- so fancied something outside. We decided to go to Twycross Zoo- which is on the way home anyway. I haven't been since the girls were tiny. We both love animals - and not really sure about zoos. Although a great zoo does so much conservation work! Anyway- we got there just after they opened and were one of the last people to leave!!!!!! We were like kids walking around! We saw so many wonderful things- by being in the right place at the right time. I love penguins, meerkats and elephants-so I will get sidetracked and spend ages just watching them.

We were very lucky to see them feeding the elephants- and discovered that they were feeding them to get them all into seperate pens for medical attention. They have been training the elephants for 4 days to put their foot up on the pen platform when asked- so that the vet can inspect and treat them easily. They tap the foot with a little rubber ended cane- they tickle the skin for them which they love. At the same time they are keeping the trunk busy and away from the vet- by eating a constant stream of tasty treats- fruit and bread. I was absolutely enthralled. The elephants want to please the keepers- so they are trying to pop their foot on the platform window all the time. One of the elephants has arthritis and the vet has to scrub the foot and take photos to check progress with the treatment. She was thrilled that the elephants had picked this up so quickly- so that she can get more involved with them.They can also be trained to put their ear through the higher slot- so that they can have blood taken. Just listening to the vet and keepers - you can tell how much they love the animals. What a wonderful job.

We also saw the keeper clearing out the llama's enclosure and he kept hugging Woody- the one llama. The llama kept going up to him for a kiss. We also saw one of the orangutans with a huge bottle of water and a blue plastic cup. He was drinking from the cup- and then tipping it upside down when he'd finished, swilling it round and then pouring himself another cup very carefully. He was soooo clever. We watched him for ages. He kept looking out at us- showing us his treasured cup. Then when he'd had enough he threw his bottle of water into the straw- but kept his treasured cup with him. One of the chimps also had a dvd as HIS prized possession. He was cuddling it up to himself- with the title showing. He loves watching Coast apparently!!!!!! Then he looked at himself in the back of the disc.

 

We had a really busy weekend- but it was lovely to be able to spend some time together and visit some lovely places without the girls moaning about being bored! It really does us good to have a little break- so thanks to my parents for having the girls. (Emma really- Amy could have spent the weekend quite happily at home!).

Negative space

I know this isn't what was meant by Negative space. But there are various 'negative spaces' in our house that need desperate attention. I've been trying to strip the stairs wallpaper for ages- but it's not giving up without a fight. It's had years of paint over the top of  the paper and the top layer does not want to come off. So I have spells where I try to make an impression and then as it's not my favourite diy job- I give up again. For me it's a negative space- because every time I go up the stairs it screams 'failure'!!!! It needs brightening up and a nice new carpet. Anyway- this week Guy has finally decided he would paint it- and he's realising that the stripping the paper is actually hard work- but because he's decided it's getting done he's achieved more than I have in ages!!!!!!! We've even been out to pick paint colours. Unfortunately we don't agree on colours. I liked some - but he was looking at the other end of the spectrum. Unfortunately I have to agree with him that it needs a very pale colour as terraced houses don't let a lot of light in - in a confined space. I fancy a 'coffee' range- what we've bought testers for is basically magnolia with another name! Once it's painted we can look for a nice new carpet and it will finally be somewhere that won't make me cringe!

I have also been trying to get somewhere painting the outside masonry. Most of the houses have been painted cream. Ours has always been the original pebbledash. I did paint the garage and the front of the house- as that is only below the faschia boards. But that also is a nightmare job- as the paintbrushes don't go into the little pebbles easily. I started the job- but it's taking forever and I'm wishing I hadn't started. Every little patch takes me ages- so I am trying to aim for about 30 mins a day. We are going to have to get someone in to paint the top half and it would probably make more sense to get them to do the lot.

 

Ground level- the garden is also under 'planning stage'. I wanted a pebble border done over the summer - but it didn't get past the planning stage. But last weekend Guy dug out the flower beds- which should make it easier to start this!!!!!!! It's made the fence panel that was never painted due to shrubs, glaringy needing some treatment!!!!!!

Leaves

I've decided to jump back into the challenge from today again and not stress about the photos I've missed. I take plenty of photos- so still feel like I've taken one every day- just fallen off the wagon posting them here!!!!! There are a few things flitting around my brain that are obviously using up more room than they should be. Nothing major - but obviously whirring around in there! These leaves are the only 'live' thing in the hanging baskets now. Think I need to buy some winter pansies- or wait for Costco to bring their winter baskets in- instant colour with minimal effort!

Anyway- thanks to Lynn and Borqna for prompting me to get back into it!

Last night we had a lovely evening celebrating my parents golden wedding anniversary with them. My niece wrote a wonderful status update on her facebook page. She said "Forget famous people and sports stars- my nan and grandad are my role models". My parents are the loveliest people you could meet- obviously I am biased there. But all of my cousins love 'Aunty Betty and Uncle Maurice' and her best friends daughter asked mum to be be godmother to her baby.

We had a meal at The Plough in Shirley - and the main waitress we had was absolutely fantastic. She was called Holly- and couldn't do enough for everyone. She took this photo stood on the table- and I am in it because she noticed 'me' taking the photos and took my camera! She then had to take a parade of cameras! This was at the end of the evening when everyone was trying to escape and I wanted to take a 'group' photo. Everyone is holding the little cupcake boxes- we decided to go with those rather than a cake- as they weren't going back to my parents. They were all like children at a birthday party opening the little boxes to see what was inside!!

This is my lovely mum and dad. Unfortunately I didn't take a great photo of them all evening. My dad looks rather startled here! Mum's dress was a similar colour to her bridesmaids dresses.

I love this one of my daughter Emma. It's salvaged from an average photo which is why she's not central. But it is virtually impossible to take a good one of her when we are out somewhere as being autistic, unfamiliar surroundings really stress her out. This restaurant put our group in their own little alcove at the back of the restaurant- so there were no other diners near us.

My other daughter is in the white dress with the red top on. She's concerning me at the moment- she had her braces removed recently and seems to have suffered a total image crisis. She is now concerned that she is too ugly to be seen in public. She is worried about her additional year at school and all the issues are twirling round. She usually turns away or hides her head when I want photos. So to get this one where she actually looks like she has 'permitted' a photo is wonderful!

We managed to find a few colour slides of my parents wedding that mum's next door neighbour had taken. So I got colour copies of the 6 we had made for my aunts and uncles to keep and some to put in an album to pass round for everyone to look at. At the time most wedding photography was black and white- so they were all thrilled to have colour copies. My niece thought they all looked like dolls in this photo. You can almost imagine a Barbie doll outfit and shoes!

The Paralympics

 

We left home at 5am and caught the train at 6. We had a bit of time to look around Stratford Shopping centre before heading to the Olympic Park. It was really busy- much busier than it was in late July.

We were in row 74- one from the back!!!!!! It was quite a trek up to the top. But it was an absolutely scorching day- and when we came back down the stairs we realised what a blessing being under the canopy had been. We'd have been fried sitting a little further down.

This was the closest we got to the Olympic flame. I was a bit disappointed that it was behind the large screen- but we were as far as we could be away!!!!!!

Guy and his mum sitting in the stands! We were absolutely enthralled watching all the events- and the blind long jump was just amazing to watch. The blind athlete listened to a guide clapping or calling near the 'pit' and the guide steps aside just before they leap. They asked for silence whilst each jump went on - so that the athlete could hear the guide. Each one of the athletes that won a medal in this event thanked the audience as they collected their medals. It was lovely.

 This was the guided blind 100m event. The guides must be super fit too!!!

 This was the statue that I wanted to see. It was outside the Copperbox

Guy's mum posing by one of the red telephone box displays!

 Infront of the golden barge- and one of the beautiful lilies in bloom. The meadow of wild flowers had long finished- I wish Guy's mum had seen that at it's height as it was beautiful.

The Orbit tower in the sunshine- it really was hot. We wished that we'd got tickets for this aswell as the views would have been much better today.

 

We had originally planned to go with Amy- but because she had a complicated timetable to organise she decided she really couldn't afford to be away from school. Unfortunately the teachers didn't organise anything that day for her- so she could have gone! Guy's mum really enjoyed the day- so we were really pleased that she could come along and use the tickets.

 

Amy has had her brace removed and hopefully she'll allow us to take photos again. Unfortunately the retainer she's supposed to wear 24/7 this week is cutting her gums- so she's going to have to go back and see what they can do.

Twisted

I'm making a back to school resolution to try and keep up with my blogging and photos! I really don't know what's happened over the summer.

We had an absolutely fantastic day at the Paralympics yesterday and think I'll blog it seperately. It was a scorching day and I've got to include this poor mascot for something you wear!!!!! It was sooooo hot- he must have been sweltering! He definately drew the short straw.

 

The perfect quote for yesterday- The Orbit Tower has loads of twisted bits. We went up this tower back in July- but we would have had much better views yesterday. I must admit after the trek to the very top of the Olympic Park (row 74 of 75) I was glad I wasn't doing the additional 400 steps.

 

 

 

A catch up collage.

 

It includes a ribbon bow, slow tortoises, thorugh a window, out shopping. edible (party food), thriving lily, purple toy hamster wheel, my mum's ironing basket!

 

Holly is going to go on long term medication for her arthritis as it has helped a lot over the last couple of weeks. The vet insists that Holly must reduce her exercise- but also needs to cut a kilo!!!! She'd put on a kilo in a very short space of time. My parents are a bit guilty of being indulgent treat givers and Holly makes the most of it. So we need to be a bit stricter with the grandparents and find a fine line for Holly's exercise. Holly LIVES for chasing and catching balls and loves to run- the vet wants her to have a more sedate lifestyle. So have to decide how to make Holly AND the vet happy.