~ ~ ~ MY TRUE COLOURS ~ ~ ~

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - The 'True Colours Thursday' meme has moved homes!

2010-08-26T09:31:00.011+01:00

If you love colours, please now join the fun @ Blue's Coloured Thursday, where new hosts Doyle & Mollie will welcome you.
With no pressure, I'm happy to play again - why don't you?

~~~~~~~~~~

Blue' Coloured Thursday - KIWI!
When playing any meme, it's always wise to get ones 'prompt' facts correct.
For some strange reason, till gently put right, I'd got Burgundy on my mind rather than KIWI - maybe it was because I've been enjoying tippling on red wine!!!
Anyway, had to really think about KIWI as a colour as to me, it's more a delicious fruit...
I remember clearly, my very first taste in the early 1970's of this then new luxury item, also called a Chinese Gooseberry here!!!
I was @ Technical College, my friend & I each bought one to try, and with a 'borrowed' knife from the college canteen carefully peeled back the furry coat to reveal lush brilliant green sweet succulent flesh - have loved them ever since!

As @ the moment I'm sort of living the life of a hermit, have regrettably not been down to the Covered Market's fruit stands to purchase some to photograph for today & then eat with pleasure; so it's local KIWI greens in nature looking lush after the recent continuing rains that I'm featuring instead...
I do have a KIWI coloured cake though from the Celebration Cake Shop's window - taken this year & not previously posted [I think?]...
As lately my blogging has been more miss than hit, KIWI as in New Zealander & not as in green friends Doyle & Mollie [who I suspect picked picked this weeks colour :)] have taken up the slack re me failing to post on 'True Colours Thursday' - they with my blessing now host the 'Blue's Coloured Thursday' meme HERE!

PURPLE!

2010-06-17T01:00:00.001+01:00

It's a year since PURPLE had an outing which is surprising as TCT has now being running for 19 months!
Please do remember suggestions for forthcoming colours would be extremely welcome.

On a walk to town last month I fortunately found a PURPLE car - very well polished by the rain pools on it's bonnet...Dreamingspires favoured means of transport with students with a speedy PURPLE look...And dark Lilac buds - just love the fragrance...

This very PURPLE party frock's from a 'window shopping' trip last Autumn - once upon a time I could have worn it too, now I'll just keep to that classic string of Pearls...PURPLE's also the colour of religion - as seen here giving out Christmas Chocolate money one Saturday last December... As for the cake, that shop's window showcased this one a while ago...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, on either blog so we know you are 'IN'!
Next week is colour is MANGO as suggested by Doyle & Mollie.

GINGER!

2010-06-10T07:47:00.002+01:00

Low & behold, I'm on my fourth week of staying with friends - I must be a good worker as they keep extending my visit

Now Welsh Terriers are really Black & Tan, but Taffy's paws certainly look GINGER in the sunshine...

As does his snout when thrust into my lap...And then there are his homemade doggie biscuits, not GINGER flavoured I might add...While the wood in the Log Roll edging of the shingle pathway I'm helping lay seems GINGERish in colour...

Once upon a time, Boulin was my pretty friendly GINGER tabby pussycat neighbour - she'd only drink water...

This pottery figurine I gave to GINGER Jasper's mum friend Carol to say 'Thank-you' for all the postcards she sends me...

And for my cake, what about this handbag with it's trim & handles...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Next week is colour is PURPLE!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome

RASPBERRY!

2010-06-03T10:40:00.002+01:00

Apologies for this late posting, but I'm STILL away from home helping friends out and much to every ones consternation their Internet crashed earlier in the week, the Broadband connection was only restored fully earlier today.

Now unlike 'nephew' Taffy seen lounging in his RASPBERRY coloured bed with his RASPBERRY antlered reindeer toy...I've been kept very busy so opportunities for taking photo's has been zilch, so apart from this pretty floral jug...It's been a case of delving into the archives again this week.
From when Morris Mania was in Dreamingspires in April...Flowers, name unknown from last Summer...And a keen eye & a touch of imagination is needed for this weeks cake entry...Did you spot the individual RASPBERRIES topping the three cakes on the front plate of the teddy bears picnic???

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Next week is colour is GINGER!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

CREAM

2010-05-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm still away from home helping friends redecorate, unpack & garden!

Naturally two of the first items to find a place in their new home was this light CREAM mounted portrait of marvelous Miss Molly, my Airedale 'niece'...And this fun coaster...A brief shopping trip to the local market town provided me with this CREAM house...Plus this impressive clock tower which was presented to the town in 1878 by local draper, grocer and clothier James Scott; it was renovated in 2004...And the the country style kitchen gained these useful items from the shops...

While the verges by the local dykes are full of CREAM blossom...

As are a neighbours hedge rows...

The closest to actual CREAM I have to offer is on this cake from that shop...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in the blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is RASPBERRY!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

RED & WHITE!

2010-05-20T08:05:00.002+01:00

Since the weekend I've been staying with Molly, Taffy & Monty, my doggy niece & nephews, and their humans in their new abode and we're all busy, busy, busy, cleaning, ,decorating, unpacking & soon to be gardening - all of which is leaving little time for blogging.
Also with 'rescue' Airedale Monty still being very camera shy, photo opportunities remained few & far between, so it's down to Welsh Terrier Taffy, the showman, to start this post sporting his RED & WHITE 'Walkies' Winter scarf...
And this is local cottage's window...
Hopefully next Spring the garden will boast pretty Tulips like these RED &WHITE frilly ones...
Before leaving Dreamingspires I found a new Barbers had opened with a traditional RED & WHITE stripped pole...And with the Football World Cup just around the corner, the Celebration Cake Shop had on display this patriotic Mini with the English /St George Flag emblazoned on it's roof ...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in the side bar.
Next week is colour CREAM is !
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

AZURE!

2010-05-13T01:00:00.005+01:00

AZURE is simply another name for BLUE.
And to be BLUE is to be sad.
So, it certainly is a doubly appropriate colour for me this week, since it was with an over whelming sense of sadness, still with me, that I learnt that my favourite, much loved WFT Jackson had passed away on of all days this Monday - my birthday & whilst I was in Brighton in the hope of seeing him one last time.
Now AZURE wasn't necessarily his favourite colour, like his J1, I suspect he preferred Greens & Reds, but I like to believe I, Blue was one of his favourite people and as I want to start this post with a photogragh of Jackson, here he is peaking out of his AZURE chariot...May he be running, rather than riding pain free, over @ the Rainbow Bridge with all his friends that went there before him like Oscar, Charlie & Miss Snickers and may he meet my Hero too!

On my belated Birthday lunch with Jackson's J1, she delighted me with this 'Forever Foxed' greetings card... And this great bag - both images are based on the Jax...
After our lunch together, I as usual strolled the North Lanes looking for inspiration for TCT - they never fail me!
A pretty sun dress in all shades of AZURE - if only my figure would do it justice now...And an upper shop front...
Then walking back via the sea front found the pebble beach so loved by Jackson was decked with BLUE chairs blowing in the breeze... While by Brighton Pier, there was lots of bouncing action...And, even, my hotel's restaurants tables that evening were laid with AZURE napkins for me to photo...
I've no cake, birthday or other wise to finish off with as normal.
However, pup friends Doyle & Mollie told me to buy myself a Birthday treat in Jackson's memory aka a Stuffie as he was 'the Master' when it came to their destruction, so I did...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in the side bar.
Next week is colour is RED WHITE together!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome.

COFFEE!

2010-05-06T07:00:00.002+01:00

This weeks colour sounded easy when I listed it but I confess to having struggled re posting!

Okay, I drink COFFEE - like the real article made from good quality ground beans, no instant granules in my house.

I also enjoy that occasional Cappuccino when out in town - very bad image from early photo archives...

But defining COFFEE as a colour is difficult, as we all take this beverage differently!

Is garden ornament Peter Rabbit a Latte' shade...

These odd art figurines a Black/Dark cuppa ...

What about Irish Terrier Shamus - is he a Milky Expresso & what about the WFT's prick ears being a WHITE COFFEE...At the least the Celebration Cake Shop's cake is definitely all shades of COFFEE, just wonder if the cake beneath the icing is a COFFEE flavoured sponge - it certainly should be...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in this blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is AZURE aka BLUE by just another fancy name !
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

I'm returning to Brighton today, so my visit's will be late!

CHARTREUSE!

2010-04-29T07:15:00.004+01:00

Until friend BJ suggested CHARTREUSE I'd never really thought of it as a colour, just a rather sweet French liqueur, vaguely the shade of the jacket Jackson's J1 just happened to wear to Saturdays Fox Terrier Fun Walk...And this deck-chair found on Brighton's pebble beach...

However to be sure checked Wikipedia, they describe it as "a color halfway between yellow and green that was named because of its resemblance to the green color of Green Chartreuse, introduced in 1764" - Google image...

So, I'm sticking with my other findings in Brighton - from the North Lanes, this dress...And a dark CHARTREUSE upper shop front..Finally this plant in the Royal Pavillion Gardens - no idea its name...

The cake has to come from home territory & the closest the Celebration Cake Shop could offer is this...
To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in this blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is COFFEE - make mine a Cappuccino.

And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Postscript - to all friends & TCT players sorry for lack of visits over the past two weeks - will try to do better!

PRIMROSE!

2010-04-22T01:50:00.001+01:00

As TCT participant Bodie pointed out last week ,PRIMROSE is just another name for pale yellow - he's a smart pup!

But, when I came to look for a photo of the actual flower, initially drew a blank - maybe a Cowslip is good substitute...

Then, remembered my Kensitas Silk Cigarette Card collection - the PRIMROSE is No. 46 in Series 1 [1933]...

Per which, in the 'Language of Flowers' it means 'Girlhood: Loves, Doubts & Fears' and the Greek name of a PRIMROSE was 'Paralios', so-called after a youth who died of grief for the loss of his betrothed & was changed into the flower!

And passing through the Covered Market, finally found a real, if cultivated bloom on display...

While last Saturday's 'Morris Mania' event saw these ladies parading in their PRIMROSE over-frocks in bright sunshine...After my fill of that fun, headed to the Celebration Cake Shop, that's window offered this decoration on a wedding cake...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment, so we know you are 'IN'!
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in this blogs side bar.
Next week is colour is CHARTREUSE as requested in the spirit of odd colours to challenge us all by BJ, so blame her, not me!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

TURQUOISE!

2010-04-15T05:45:00.001+01:00

Every time I re-list TURQUOISE, when I come to post I wonder why, why why???

But, it does remind me that I should buy re-chargable camera batteries!

Thankfully, just learnt my local supermarket has a re-cyclying programe re these...

This oil painting of a Scottish Loch was done by Aunt J, my late Mother's school friend, now in her Ninties...

And, it's over a year now since I went to Las Vegas & on my British Columbia, CA road trip with Little Buddy; this silk purse holds my loose change from then, it's to go to charity - the Dollar notes were long cashed in...

Never thought the cake shop would do the business but yes, a Christening Cake was sitting there waiting for me to photo..

And whilst in the Covered Market found these TURQUOISE leather Radley purses - no link as they seem to have issues...

To join True Colours Thursday, whose designated blog home is HERE, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment on either site, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next week is colour PRIMROSE!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

LAVENDER!

2010-04-08T07:24:00.004+01:00

This is not my usual tidy post as for days my Vigin cable Internet connection has been increasingly iffy, now it or my modem has crashed totally, and I can't get a technician out to resolve my problem till Saturday PM - Grrr!
I'm now surfing on Pussycat Paul's Wireless, but the signal is weak, keeps fluctuating wildly & so dumping me!
Please forgive me if I don't get around visiting & commenting til the W/E!

"LAVENDER blue, dilly dilly,
LAVENDER green
When you are King dilly dilly,
I shall be Queen.
Who told you so, dilly dilly,
Who told you so?
Twas my own heart, dilly dilly,
That told me so"
17th century English folk song

LAVENDER is a favourite herbal fragrance of mine!
I have a straggly LAVENDER bush in my garden...

Lots of LAVENDER products in my home...

A favourite postcard of mine is this of French fields..

This Spring, the Golden Cross Shopping Centre's Pitza Express has dark LAVENDER tables with matching LAVENDER Blue Hyacinths pots... And, the Celebration Cake Shop hasn't let me down either...

Next weeks colour is...TURQUIOSE

BLACK & WHITE & Early Barkday Greetings to Doyle!

2010-04-01T07:00:00.002+01:00

As a certain cute little BLACK with a wisp of WHITE ~~bird~~ doggy, told me it's his special day soon, I decided to take animals as my theme for this weeks TCT.

One of the few regrets I have about being car-less is not being able to visit Millet's Farm anymore, where I found these BLACK & WHITE beasties a couple of Summers ago...

But closer to home I have a friendly BLACK & WHITE horse...

Critter figurines...

My personal lap-top dust collector...And, finally this pouch baring my beloved BLACK & WHITE Springer Spaniel Hero's portrait - it's his spitting image...

A gift from my birthday 'twinny' Snowball, it was painted by her clever Jie-Jie, who to raise funds for Snowball's health care & a new camera is now looking for commissions - details can be found HERE on her special blog for this project.

For my cake this week, have a smug Dreamingspires graduate in his predominately BLACK subfusc attire on a WHITE cake...

And, last but not least, I have the up & coming Barkday boy [photo courtesy of his b]...

Greetings for the 4th Doyle!

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour LAVENDER!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

CRIMSON!

2010-03-25T07:00:00.004Z

It's a about a year since I did my controversial 'SCARLET Women' TCT post - it stirred up a variety of reactions/feeling amongst followers/friends and produced my third highest number of Comments ever!

So in comparison this red post will seem boring, but Little Buddy does get a mention because whilst on our holiday in Las Vegas last March he showed me around the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, with it's striking CRIMSON ceiling decorations...

And, colourful Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, then set out with Spring flowers...

Also, I do have another red convertible, however this one resides in my road rather than Hawaii...

Back to earth, with the recession biting hard Sales are constantly on...

Not that these CRIMSON accessories are on offer...

Or the Celebration Cake Shop lacks customers either, their team of confectioners are constantly busy.

Now, the Oscar film award season maybe over but this red carpet has a birthday 'Starlet'...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour BLACK & WHITE together!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

RAINBOW!

2010-03-18T07:00:00.001Z

Window shopping is one of my pastimes, and as I've probably said before once if not twice, if not more times, Dreamingspires Covered Market is a favourite venue of mine - no trip to town sees me not walk down it's parades.

So for my RAINBOW theme, have chosen colourful sights from there.

The florists The Garden was my first stop...

Then, The Hat Box...Followed by the various fashion boutiques for their wares...

And Cardrews the specialist Coffee & Tea shop for their kitchen section's RAINBOW items...Which just left a visit to the Celebration Cake Shop's window...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour CRIMSON!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

SHAMROCK GREEN!

2010-03-11T07:00:00.002Z

Having never found, let alone photographed a SHAMROCK, or a four leafed Clover for that matter, and with the 'Luck of the Irish' not being with me so far this year, I seem to have shot myself in the foot with this colour selection.
All I can offer personally, is a pagan GREEN man lacquer jewellery box - it's from my days managing 'Otherworld , a Celtic gift shop & was a TY gift from my absentee employers...
And, as Dreamingspires is definitely lacking any early St Patrick's Day spirit, improvise I must now!
This city 'Black' cab [it's the style of vehicle] is waiting last Autumn in the Taxi Rank in Gloucester GREEN's market square, certainly has every shade of SHAMROCK in it's striking stripy paint job...Then, there is always my local EverGREEN parks flag...Won for the third consecutive year in the GREEN Flag Awards - the scheme recognises parks & green spaces across the UK that have reached a high environmental standard.
Heading through the Covered Market to that cake shop, spotted this sign outside on of the butchers...And as for my cake, I like to think that the Pony Club is cantering though a SHAMROCK meadow...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour 18/03/10 ... RAINBOW aka colourful
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

NAVY!

2010-03-04T01:00:00.000Z

I found this shade of blue quite hard on it's first outing.
But, this time I seem to have found a sort of vague photo theme - travelling!!!

My wheelie suitcase & never travelled without laptop carrier are both shades of NAVY...

Never travelled on, though always fancied a spin on - this NAVY jeaned motorbiker on his NAVY flamed power machine would do nicely for my maiden pillion ride...

Then there's NAVY bicycles a plenty in this city as they're the students favoured means of getting around Dreamingspires...

A last years Signet, now nearly a full fledged Swan, travelling downstream to new territory on the River Isis - no Photo Shop, it's just the light that gave me rippling NAVY water...

There's also, always a romantic dream of travel via this period fragrance...

Plus, my cake from the Celebration Cake Shop's window has a couple, wheeling away on their honeymoon - the ribbon is NAVYish...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is SHAMROCK GREEN, early for St Patrick's Day on the 17th!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

ORANGE & LEMONS!

2010-02-25T01:00:00.002Z

Silly me, got her colours out of sequence!

My intention was that ORANGE & LEMON'S say the bells of St. Clements from the rhyme, would feature for Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday week which was, Opps last week; but by the time I realised my error, it was too late to fix, hence all my original photo ideas have been shelved!

So, with Winter seeming particularly long this year, I've looked instead for Summer flowers in these two warm colours...My first floral tribute to my late Mother & pup Hero, after scattering their ashes on Brighton's waters edge combined them too...

And when @ the seaside, one has to eat seafood - Crayfish with a LEMON slice being my prefered choice every visit...

Now although, Easter is still quite a while away, these large laughable YELLOW chicks with their ORANGE beaks & feet are already in town...The cake not perfect, but another early Easter decoration showed up in a certain window...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.

If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, that is fine with me.

But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!

For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.

Next weeks colour is NAVY again!

And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

SHOCKING PINK, AND Happy Birthday Queen of Halloween!

2010-02-18T01:00:00.000Z

I suspect this weeks colour is going to throw up a variety of PINK shades, as Googling SHOCKING PINK, it very rarely showed up as matching my personal interpretation - to me it's a bright pink with a touch of orange as seen here...Why?
It's based on these - 1930'S chiffon hankerchiefs & a scarf of my late Mothers...I also recall her wearing a fetching cropped top in the brighter of the tones too.

Me, I think my nightdress is SHOCKING PINK...My fancy umbrella has certain elements too...As do these napkins...

And certainly this briar Rose is SHOCKING PINK...

Now, my cake from you know where, may look rather out of season & you may also ask where's the PINK too...BUT, today is my friend, Queen of Halloween's birthday.
Greetings to you, enjoy your special day.
And, check out the veins in the eyeballs bubbling away in the witches Halloween cauldron - I rest my case!

Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is ORANGE & LEMONS, say the bells of St Clements - a combination of both colours please!

And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

CINNAMON!

2010-02-11T01:00:00.008Z

I'd never really considered CINNAMON as a colour, til suggested by humorous & loyal TCT participants Doyle & Mollie.
To me CINNAMON's, Spice Sticks, as used in making Mulled Wine & Hot Spiced Cider, hence in my larder...And then there's the nice warming ground variety, used on Baked Apples & in Christmas Cake.

Little Buddy also alerted me to it, being a good tasting alternative 'sprinkle topping' to Chocolate or Nutmeg on Cappichino's & Latte Coffees; as one with Type 2 diabetes, he believes it has a beneficial effect on his blood sugar!

It's also thought to help lower Cholesterol, boost cognitive function & memory & give significant relief to Arthritis pain!

Which is why this Nestle' whole grain cereal is probably very healthy, I was given several free samples last year, but it isn't really to my liking - too sweet; hence fortuitously still having a packet lying around...

A bit more fun Web research brought me to 18 Facts About CINNAMON, well worth a read - love the idea of there being a CINNAMON Bird, sadly couldn't find one to photograph!

So, will make do with this cheeky little critter, part of my small collection of pottery animals...

Plus, a CINNAMON looking Valentines Bear - hope he finds a 'Forever' home this weekend...

And on my way to that cake shop found these wicker baskets hanging around - love baskets, own several...

As for this weeks cake, I think this Baked/Jacket Potato's skin is a fair colour match - do note the greeting...

Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is SHOCKING PINK as popular in the 1930's!

And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

PEWTER!

2010-02-04T01:00:00.019Z

Per Wikipedia...
"PEWTER - A malleable metal alloy, traditionally between 85 and 99 percent tin, with the remainder consisting of copper, antimony, bismuth and lead.

But it is a ancient component, used for cutlery & jewellery too - the earliest piece was found in an Egyptian tomb from 1450 BC."

Now I've nothing that old but I do have several pieces of this Grey/Silver coloured metal.

There's these small PEWTER photo frames enclosing magical memories - a rare shot of my beloved Hero & I together, and my Mother looking so happy pottering in the garden in the Summer sunshine she loved...

Despite how young we all look, it's hard to believe they are taken nearly twenty years ago.

I still miss them both sooo much, as nothing ever quite replaces ones Mother & that special pup!

Polish Proverb...

"The greatest love is a Mothers, next a dogs!"

How true!

Quickly, moving on... amongst my jewellery, these pieces are all PEWTER - the top two broaches both feature Celtic designs - their symbolism via never ending knots represents the the circle of life; the pendants stone is metallic grey Hematite, believed in 'crystal magic' to enhance mental awareness, reduce stress, dispel negativity & encourage optimism - much needed@ the moment; and the lower Goose pin is from the days of Canadian Airlines, it was their logo...

And, have the perfect bookmark for a dog lover - a gift from doggy 'family' Molly & Taffy...My visit to the Covered Market found these PEWTERish looking Herrings - don't their glassy eyes follow you...

But, the Celebration Cake Shop there failed me again!!!

However, this photo of a [silver] Wedding Anniversary cake, was sent to me because of my cake image feature here, so only seems right to share it today...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.

If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.

But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!

For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.

Next weeks colour is CINNAMON, a spicy suggestion from humorous & loyal participants Doyle & Molly!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

PUCE!

2010-01-28T01:00:00.004Z

Am sure many of you will have taken my name in vain re listing this weeks difficult colour suggested by Rinkly Rimes who plays TCT & again by Jeannie who doesn't but should this week!!!
But rest assure, I have struggled with it too.

I defined PUCE as a combination of RED & PURPLE.

But to be sure, I 'Googled' it & found, I needed to add TAN into the mix!

PUCE, also brought me to a blog :-

The Duchess of Devonshire's Gossip Guide to the 18th Century, as she had recently written a post on the colour.

I quote ...

"The invention of "PUCE" is an amusing story in itself.

Every fashion in France had to have a special name.

The socially awkward King Louis XVI, never knew how to tell his wife, Marie Antoinette, how to ease up on her extravagant fashions and attempted many methods that all failed.

One day when he walked in on the queen trying on a new dress, he attempted to discourage her with the mean humour common at court.

'It is the color of a flea [puce' in French!].'

The plan backfired!

His queen (and everyone else with her) loved the nickname for the colour and it stuck."
So, this is PUCE, [glad I did not know French, as not keen on Fleas!] in its wide variety of shades as found on the NET...

So what have I personally found...

A Showroom's bedroom quilts, photo'd ages ago because I was envious of the living...

A dress [bit iffy too] re window shopping...

Warming Winter soup from my favourite source...

A Orchid with traces of PUCE...

As for a cake I'd nothing to hand, so even made a special trip yesterday to look in the Celebration Cake Shop's window, as they have often come up trumps @ the very last minute.

But nothing suitable, a major disappointment [but I found lots of interesting new cakes for the future]

So, PUCE has defeated me after a continuous run of colourful cakes since 2nd April '09!

Coming home despondent - LOL - I spotted a Christmas Wreath still up & then realised it was a PUCEish house...

Eat your heart out BJ, who regularly use to feature a coloured home.

Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is PEWTER!

And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

BLUE & WHITE!

2010-01-21T01:00:00.003Z

Opps!
Blogger didn't publish my scheduled post on time - Sorry!

My digital camera's Memory Card may need replacing as it seems to have developed intermittent amnesia as the images taken for today re Delftware were amongst photo's missing when I downloaded them into my lap-top, so it was into Archives - fortunately, I did find @ least one BLUE & WHITE not previously shown or written about.

Last year, whilst staying in Derbyshire with friends, we visited Cromford Mill, where the Arkwright Spinners group regularly give displays of their skill & sell their wares.

This lady dressed in BLUE & WHITE, is spinning dogs hair - in this instant, hair brushed from a Samoyed...

The spun yarn, she then cleans & from it, creates Chan Brown's 'Pet Hair Bears' - traditionally jointed teddy bears ...

A small bear that sits approx @ 7" needs 2.25oz of hair, a big boy ie 13" needs 9.5oz.

That is an awful lot of grooming!

Now the Spinners attire, reminded me of Alice, as in "Alice in Wonderland" in her BLUE dress & WHITE pinny, as seen here looking through the glass...

And flying off with WHITE Rabbit to the Mad Hatters Tea party...The above photo's, both previously posted, come from the now defunct 'Oxford Story' that featured her & her creator - Christ Church College academic & author Charles Dobson aka Lewis Carroll in animated detail - it was an entertaining tourist attraction, now replaced by a Sportswear Shop!!!

My cake from the Celebration Cake Shop is destined to be a repeat too, there was no other choice but this one...

Previous known participants are shown in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is PUCE, a cross between red & purple - suggested ages ago by Rinkly Rhymes, who plays TCT & again by Jeannie who doesn't but maybe should next week!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

True Colours Thursday - APRICOT!

2010-01-14T01:00:00.014Z

Long standing fun participants Doyle & Mollie, selected this weeks nice warming colour.

As they are now enjoying Summer in New Zealand, I'm hoping to see the lovely fresh fruit, as I'm rather partial to it - infact I usually have the deliciously soft 'ready to eat' preserved ones to hand, but when I need a photo, their glass jar is empty - pout!

So, finding other APRICOTs in my present very WHITE world has been a challenge.

Around home, I've retrieved a childhood school form prize no less from my bookshelves, because it's cover fits the bill - it's titles appropriate too...These Carnelian crystal gemstone beads of my Mothers, remind me of small APRICOTS threaded into a necklace...This trinket tray's flowers seem the right shade...And, what about this surprisingly striking Sunrise from the morning before the snows fell...The best I can come up with re that all important cake is this, with it's APRICOT Catherine Wheels...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is BLUE & WHITE together!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

True Colours Thursday - SNOW WHITE!

2010-01-07T01:00:00.001Z

When I selected this weeks colour and commented "hopefully not here!", I obviously tempted fate - big time - a bad bad move on my part!
Dreamingspires having escaped the heavy snows that have blighted much of the UK recently, had it's first taste of the WHITE stuff on Tuesday evening.
The flakes were huge...Yesterday morning I woke to a thick blanket of snow & measured 8 inches, a record since 1981 in this city locality!
As the WHITEout is well WHITE, this is my token SNOW shot...And, because my poor sense of balance, brittle bones & inclination to be increasingly accident prone of late, makes me confess to being a total -pants re venturing out in the ice & snow these days, I'm sticking to the photo's I originally planned for this post.

This unusal SNOW WHITE wreath has been decking a neighbours door...
I spotted this window display whilst in Brighton...
While, one of Covered Markets butchers boasts this sign...
And, my final Seasonal cake from The Celebration Cake Shop is perfect too, in view of the local weather - brrr...

Trying to finish on a optimist note - as the Snowdrop, is the most welcome of flowers in January, since it heralds the promise of Spring, another card from my 1930's silk Kensitas Cigarette Collection...In the 'Language of Flowers' the Snowdrop means Hope.

It orininally grew wild in Italy & other parts of Europe, and was introduced to this country around the 15th Centuary.

The botanical name 'Galantus' comes from the Greek 'gala' - milk and 'anthos' - a flower, so means a milk WHITE flower.

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is APRICOT as suggested by Doyle & Molly!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

True Colours Thursday - PINE GREEN and Wishes for the NEW YEAR!

2009-12-31T01:00:00.013Z

This unlike me, is a very short Colours post, but for the moment, life is getting in the way of my desire to blog.

Hence, from the Photo Archives - my local park is known for it's fine, varied EverGREEN's...

It's also host to a annual Christmas Tree Recycling Point, which past experience tells me, will already be gathering once loved, prematurely ie pre Twelfth Night abandoned PINE's...

The Celebration Cake Shop is closed for the Holidays, giving it's clever confectionists a well deserved rest.

This mini cake, was taken before their Christmas window was cleared...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is SNOWWHITE!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

~~~~~~~

ALSO, it's New Years Eve, I have two quotes I want to share...

"Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true."

Lord Alfred Tennyson - In Memoriam

[1809 -1892]

And...

"An optimist stays up to see the New Year in.

A pessimist waits to make sure the old one leaves. "

William E. (Bill) Vaughan

[1915 - 1977]

I, for one WILL be staying up to see the demise of 2009, as I want it gone BIG TIME.
And 2010 in, in the hope that it truly turns the tide!

A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to my friends.
May this coming year & fresh decade be kind to us ALL.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Twelve!

2009-12-26T12:18:00.009Z

Host tnchick's prompt instantly makes you think of the "12 Days of Christmas", however I've gone for Stars instead.

So, from a pre Christmas visit to London in 2007, twelve stars gracing Hamleys famous toy store's frontage...

And my new, naturally blue, cosy toweling dressing gown, is also adorned with twelve embroidered stars...

It's now, my 'Seasonal' gift to myself!

But, was initially & rashly purchased in anticipation of a certain annual Christmas Box!!!

The moral of this tale, is that I, a non-gambler should remain firmly so, so not to be disappointed!

************

With the 'big day' now a distant memory, I hope everyone had what they wished for, for Christmas, enjoyed good food & fine wine and shared it with much merriment with their loved ones.

My time was quiet.

But, greatly brightened by e-mail greetings, two phone-calls and a 'Merry Christmas' text, from special friends all made via 'virtual' Blogland - I won't embarrass them by saying who they are - only, that it meant much to me that they took the time, whilst others 'real' family & friends who will remain equally nameless didn't.

Despite being solitary, I drank well - only the best is good enough once a year & it was all mine too...

And, I will be feasting of my stuffed Turkey Crown till the New Year...

Forgot to take the post roasting & pre-carving photo - maybe too much bubbly - LOL!

Happy Boxing Day friends!

True Colours Thursday - A Very Merry COLOURFUL Christmas to Everyone!

2009-12-24T01:00:00.022Z

To me personally, one of THE pleasures of Christmas is seeing delightfully decorated, fairy lit trees glimpsed through windows in homes, but as I'm not voyeuristic enough to photo those, here's three captured whilst shopping instead...Re my own tree - artificial these years despite the love of that real pine fragrance in a warm room, I don't have a favourite, particular colour scheme, as my decorations are a treasured COLOURFUL mishmash of the old & new - some dating back years...Others, more recent Seasonal Gifts from close friends like Maggie & Mitch and BJ...However, this year, things are a bit different.

I finally put up my tree on Monday, the latest ever, ever, ever!

And, it is the barest/bear affair too!

Only Santa knows why I heaved my well laden wicker Christmas Decoration hamper up into my loft last January!!!

Despite several attempts to retrieve it, I was forced to gave up for safeties sake, re being too unsteady on the ladder!

Grrr!
Thankfully, the Tree its-self, laughably called a 'Tall Canadian' - it looks nothing like Little Buddy; and it's Lights - new last year & regrettably, oh so white LED ones - how I miss that mellow candle glow, were stowed away downstairs!
So, I've decorated it with a few small teddybears, cats, an appropiate mini stocking, gift bows & a trace of tinsel...

However, as happy as I am with my result, I do miss my special ornaments!

Hence, if neighbour Pussycat Paul, calls in today, I'll probably push him up into my loft - not quite the Xmas Greeting he will be expecting - LOL, but he's a nice obliging guy, a good friend!

I leave you, with my favourite seasonal cake from the Celebration Cake Shop, which says what I wish you ALL...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Now, as next week is New Years Eve, and I imagine celebrations will abound.
But, in case you still have time to join me, the colour is PINE GREEN!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday & Color Carnival - "Away in a Manger"!

2009-12-23T07:52:00.005Z

Two fer Tuesday - Santa on the Roof!

2009-12-22T08:14:00.000Z

Seeing that again, the blow-up Santa & Mr Snowman are 'gracing' - I use the word loosley, the outside of a neighbourhood pub...

I was reminded of this Fred Basset cartoon...

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - The Salvation Army plays Carols!

2009-12-21T08:54:00.003Z

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if the Salvation Army's Brass Band weren't playing Carols outside the local Marks & Spencers store on the Saturday leading up to the holiday.

My B&W take for Aileni's Monochrome Weekly is from this year...

This second photo comes from 2007 - the less than prim 'lady' model caught overseeing the musicians made me smile...

Odd Shots home is @ Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday - A Christmas Deer Park!

2009-12-20T08:30:00.000Z

This years Christmas centre piece @ Dreamingspires Clarenden Shopping Centre is a delight.
Meet the finely furred Elk & Deer who gracefully bow & nod their heads around a elegant & simply ball decorated tree...Camera Critters host is Misty Dawn.
To access real animal shots, check out the blog HERE!

Comment Moderation Glitch!

2009-12-19T08:56:00.014Z

WOE is me this morning!
Not only do I have a raging migraine, but have had to delete yet again, a raft of unwelcome 'Spam Comments'.
However what is seriously worse, I've also accidently deleted as well, lovely greetings & words from friends BJ, Brill, Cousin Misses Peach>(^;^)<, Jeannie & Rudy re my last two posts - Grrr - I want to scream in frustration!
So, I'm am regrettably re-instating 'Word Verification' in hope of stopping the smut & so preventing klutzy me making this silly error again when her brain is not fully engaged!
Hopefully, it will be a short term measure, as know many of you hate it.

22 Christmas Questions!

2009-12-18T15:27:00.001Z

I found this fun Seasonal meme over @ Maria Berg 's yesterday, when she joined True Colours Thursday.
And, as it's been a while since I played a tag, thought I'd give it a whirl!

(1) What is your favorite Christmas movie?
'Doctor Zhivago' (1965) - Directed by David Lean and starring Omar Sharif & Julie Christie.
Okay, it's not an actual Christmas movie as such, but one I love to watch it @ this time of year - the Ice Palace is wonderful.
(2) What is your LEAST favorite Christmas movie?
'The Polar Express' (2004) but soley because I have a STRONG aversion to the actor Tom Hanks!
(3) What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Songwise - 'Last Christmas' (1984) by Wham - tacky it maybe, but I like it.
Re a traditional Carol - 'The Holly & The Ivy'.
(4) What Christmas song(s) drives you crazy?
Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' (1983) - Grrrr!
(5) What is your favorite Christmas drink?
Bucks Fizz @ Christmas Brunch time...Then, a well aged Vintage Port after my dinner!
(6) What is your favorite Christmas memory?
It always seeming to snow on Christmas Eve as a child in Northamptonshire as my Mother & I bought last minute goodies from the Market!
And, the very single good memory I have of my Father - he always woke my Mother & I on Christmas morning with a mug of hot Rum laced Tea & a box of Chocolates each!
(7) What is the best toy/gift you've received on Christmas?
My Rocking Horse as a child from my Mother - my Diamond Stud earrings more recently from Little Buddy!
(8) What is the worst toy/gift you've received on Christmas?
From childhood, a second Sewing Basket!
More recently a un-scented Olive Oil Bath Soap - YUK!
(9) What do you LOVE about the holidays?
Christmas Trees, Candle Light & Carols
(10) What annoys you about the holidays?
Rude Post Office staff when I post my cards late & the Sales starting before Christmas!
(11) Do you prefer star or angel on top of a Christmas tree? Or something else?
A Star, but mine of late has had a teddy bear taking pride of place - snap from last year... (12) What is your family favorite recipe at Christmas?
Victorian Plum Pudding, mine dates back to 1900!
Regrettably, I no longer make as it's too much for one!
(13) Are you a Grinch or a Who at Christmastime?
Err, not sure what a Who is, but am definitely not a Grinch!
(14) Christmas light displays - Love them or Hate them?
Love simple Icicle Lights - Hate Flashing Santas!
(15) Santas at the mall - Fun times or Creepy?
Fun, as fondly remember visiting him a child.
And, had a fine working relationship with Santa Maurice in his Grotto in 1985 - was his photographers assistant...

(16) Christmas cards - do you send them, yes or no?
Yes - lots but most by good old fashioned snail mail, as thats the way I like to recieve my greetings back.

(17) What is the best thing about Christmas, in your opinion?
Have to repeat myself here as it's Christmas Trees & Candles plus Cards!
(18) What is the worst thing about Christmas?
The crowds pushing & shoving when it comes to last minute food shopping!
(19) When do you put the tree up and take it down?
The second Sunday in Advent, but am running late this year due to my recent travels.
And, sadly take it down on Tweflth Night ie 6th January with a tear in my eye!
(20) Out of the 12 days of Christmas, which day and item would you want your truelove to give to you?
Seven Swans a Swimming - they are such elegant birds, but if Little Buddy's latest Las Vegas trip had reaped rewards, Five Golden Rings!
(21) What is your favorite smell at Christmastime?
A real Pine Tree.
(22) What would make you happy at Christmas this year?
Having someone I loved to share it with!
But, as that's not going to happen, will settle for roasting my Turkey Crown with trimmings to perfection!

Now, knowing everyone apart from me, is busy, busy re Christmas preparations, will leave this as an open TAG!

Hopefully some of you will to play, want to share!

Pretty please, let me know if you do.

Sky Watch Friday - Somewhere over the Rainbow!!

2009-12-18T07:59:00.003Z

From last weekend in Brighton - sitting in the bright, bright sunshine on the Peir, I looked back inland - WOW...I never felt/saw the rain, just enjoyed the rainbow.
And, with luck, my 'Pot of Gold' will be moving to Brighton next year.

True Colours Thursday - CRANBERRY!

2009-12-17T01:00:00.013Z

Whilst I was away on my pre-Christmas travels, I sort out this weeks colour as best I could.

This Brighton shop's CRANBERRY Christmas Dinner setting is festively bright...But, the genuine period glass vase courtesy of a friend, is by far finer...

And, the Nutcracker King from the same source, wears his CRANBERRY tunic with pride...A Brighton pub from the North Lanes fits the bill too...And, a Florist in the same locality, had the perfect Pointsetta door wreath on display...Plus bless him, Jackson's coat was knitted in CRANBERRY wool...

So, that leaves me with a cake!

Spoilt for choice, I have two very different offerings from the Celebration Cake Shop's range...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Now, as next week is Christmas Eve, many of you may be too busy / happy with family & friends to play along.

But, in case you want to join me, the colour is entirely your choice ie your favourite CHRISTMAS COLOUR or combination of COLOURS as suggested by the Rocky Creek Scotties!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours in the New Year would be very welcome!

You only have yourself to blame if you don't contribute & end up hating my selection!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Mini Christmas Cakes!

2009-12-16T08:22:00.000Z

The Farewell or Welcoming Tree!

2009-12-15T17:19:00.002Z

Some what sad, in my eyes, the very best Christmas Tree, Brighton had to offer, was found @ the Railway Station... I headed home from there earlier today.
Now, I need to catch up big time with sending my 'Seasonal Greetings' cards etc - all will be LATE!

Two fer Tuesday - Bears Galore!

2009-12-15T09:28:00.004Z

On Sunday afternoon I went along to Hove's Town Hall for a special event that Woodstock would have loved...It included the finalists of the British Bear Artists Awards...A winning entry in everyones eye's, including mine was Michael Jackson & 'Bubbles' from J.C.W. Bars & Furry Friends...It was my first ever Teddybear fair and I lost my heart ten times over.
In total over 28 bear makers from around the country exhibited an incredible array of 'Collectible Bears' in every shape, size & style imaginable.
Prices ranged from the acceptable for that exclusive new friend £20 - £50, to the mind boggling hundreds of pounds.
Preferring somewhat traditional designs to the wacky, here's few from my favourite stands.
Hugs Unlimited - designed by a very chatty Dawn James...
Guardian Angel Bears... Brendon Bears from Oxford no less...
And finally, LorriBea Bears, from where my new companion originates from... Meet Othello, so named as his creator Lorraine's surname is Shakespeare - just look @ his sorrowful puppy eyes... He's hand made in dark brown German Mohair with Suede pads, is highly huggable & he's a 'Growler' Bear too.
Wonder what my existing Hug will make of him???

Jonna created Twofer, which simply requires two or pairs of photo's on your choice of subject.
But, her busy life prevents her from posting frequently now a days!

A Brighton December Medley with a Mellow Yellow Middle!

2009-12-14T18:41:00.004Z

There is nothing I enjoy more than pottering around here on a bright, if cool day!

Brighton Pier has it's own Christmas Tree, one of the very few I've spied in the town, more's the pity...

Maderia Drive for once has been pleasantly quiet, after the Biker & Car Rallies on previous visits...

North Street is seasonally decorated, unlike other area's...

And, the Royal Pavilion is as elegant as ever in Winter sun...

Re - Mellow Yellow - my visit of course, included a lengthy enjoyable lunch today with JI @ Bill's Produce Store...

Then, another stroll through the quirky North Lanes...

Dusk over the relic that was the West Pier, has been particularly fine this weekend...

Plus, the Pier's tree really stands out @ night...

And, no, it wasn't taken @ midnight, the clock is 'Out of Order'!

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - Zebra Overhead!

2009-12-14T09:02:00.000Z

I'm back to the North Lanes of Brighton, because love the way they always show up something out of the ordinary...
Alieni is the creator & host of Monochrome Weekly.
Odd Shots home is @ Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday - On the Beach!

2009-12-13T18:51:00.001Z

I was more than delighted to meet up with Jackson & JI again today.
This time we headed for the seafront.
As Jackson is advised not to run for health reasons, Brighton's beach is one of the few area's he can go off leash, as those darn peebles slow him down...A while back, a lady kindly knitted Jackson a new woolly Winter jacket, so today was about a 'fashion' photo shot to send her... "Aren't I the most handsome WFT?"...Treats for being a very good boy..."Oh well, back into my carriage.
A fashion icon must have his limousine"...
Camera Critter's host is Misty Dawn, the blog HERE

The Jax Report!

2009-12-12T18:35:00.001Z

Unlike last months planned meeting with my very favourite Wire Fox Terrier Jackson, which was rained off big time - this morning, the low Winter sun graced us with it's welcome presence.
Friend JI suggested a leisurely stroll in Queens Park with Queen of Treats, owner of Jackson's 'best pal' Irish Terrier Molly who is wearing her woolly cold weather coat...

Now, Jackson like all of Us, has good days & not so good days.

Today, was an exceptionally GOOD DAY!

He was as active & as full of life as I've ever, ever seen him in two+ years of visiting, despite all his increasingly worrying health issues - even his JI was amazed by his sprightly vitality...

"I've got my eye on you Blue!"...

"Shucks!

Do I have to ride home in my carriage!!!"...

It was wonderful to see him so full of attitude & life.

Tomorrow, we're meeting up again, this time on the beach!

Hopefully he will be equally alert & well.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Undesirable & Color Carnival!

2009-12-12T08:35:00.001Z

Brighton's North Lanes have lots of crazy Art on display, as previous posts of mine have shown.

Some, may consider this Graffitti, undesirable [tnchick's prompt] but it's not to me...Even wild designs, like the above, brighten the area.
And, one never knows what colourful image the next corner may display...

Martha is the creator of Color Carnival, that simply requires a colourful photo!
She's taking a break for December but me being me, I'm still playing!

Sky Watch Friday - Brighton's Crazy Clouds!

2009-12-11T17:20:00.011Z

I'm continuing with my pre-Christmas visiting.

After spending the last week in WelshAire Country, today it was 'Farewell' Molly, Taffy & Monty.

And, 'Hallo' Brighton & hopefully favourite WFT Jackson!

Once again I'm staying over looking the seafront & the Pier.

Pure blue skies welcomed me.

Then this fascinating mix of clouds drifted in...

Sky Watch for the brave, is to be found HERE!

True Colours Thursday - AQUA!

2009-12-10T01:00:00.018Z

Like Turquoise, AQUA is something of a challenge and hard to define!
Luckily, Taffy was proud of his AQUA wubba...Then there's 'Mr Snowman' my Xmas pressie for new doggy 'nephew' Monty...Back home, had found some AQUA, in these wine coasters of mine...Plus in my Wedgewood bone china collection of 'Clementine' ...

I have been seriously asked myself, why I chose this highly unseasonal colour???
But, looking through my photo's, I did come across ones of a 2007 Christmas shopping expedition to London!

That year Selfridge's window displays included this Santa's sleigh, also baring gifts of AQUA wine glasses...

And, the Celebration Cake Shop's offering maybe small in statue - only 3" by 3, but is full of character...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is CRANBERRY like the sauce!!
And, please remember suggestions for colours would be very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday - Viewing 'my' Christmas Card to 'Auntie' Blue!

2009-12-09T08:53:00.003Z

Monochrome Monday - The Fairylit Bridge!

2009-12-07T10:44:00.000Z

After Saturday's Welsh Terrier walk, we drove cross Albert Bridge.
Due to heavy traffic by the time we reached it, dusk has tuned into dark, which is when the bridge, already one of London's prettiest spanning the River Thames, is nightly illuminated by thousands of white lights...Alieni is the creator & host of Monchrome Weekly.

Camera Critters Sunday - Santa's Terrier's!

2009-12-06T17:34:00.009Z

I'm down in WelshAire Country for my pre Christmas visit to see Molly, Taffy & Monty, my doggy 'niece' & 'nephews'.

And yesterday, went along with Taffy & his human J [H stayed home with Airedale's Molly & Monty] to join the southern group of WELTAF [Welsh Terrier & Friends] Christmas walk, to which I'd also invited along Wire Fox Terrier friends Sally & Paddy and their Diana & Chris.

This years walk was @ Battersea Park, London.

Now, I simply associated the area with the remains of Battersea Power Station & of course Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

So, was pleasantly surprised with the green space that is the park, which runs along the south side of the Thames embankment between Chelsea & Albert Bridges.

It was apparently, "conceived to offer both pleasure and the regulation thereof in one of the capital's dodgier districts, and was opened by Queen Victoria in 1858."

I wonder if She would have been amused by Terriers in Santa hats!!!

Taffy...

Sally...

Preceding the WELTAF walk in the park, Battersea had hosted it's charity Santa's Run resulting in this festive litter...

There were the usual photo calls, which included:-

Mixed terrier company in front of the dancing fountains...

Bandstand groupings - the six Welsh terriers who attended...

And, the two Wire Fox Terriers...

Plus unseasonal Welshie paddling...

I walked Sally, or rather she happily lead me along...

Here she is showing her sweetest profile...

And Paddy, bless him played stick enthusiastically with me...

Then posed too...

All in all it was another highly enjoyable fun walk despite the overcast leaden grey skies.

Everyone even had treats too, biscuits for the pups and Christmas chocolates & badge for the adults!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Curved!

2009-12-05T08:33:00.006Z

Yet again, host tnchick had me perplexed with her prompt.

Voluptuously curved ladies did spring to mind, not that I'm into that sort of thing personally, I can re-assure friends.

But, for the last week+, some Oriental soft-porn site keeps targeting me, ie leaving a 'Comment'!!!

This is an extract from yesterdays...

" 童貞を奪ってみたい女性たちは、男性にとって「初体験」という一生に一度だけの"

I of course, can't decipher it's actual content via the messages curved characters, however before deleting the very first similar comment, as it was left, as they all are, so in appropriately on my sentimental post last month about my late Mother's Remembrance Flowers, curiosity saw me I checked out the source - deletion followed immediately, yet the 'Comments' keep on coming in daily!!!

Anyway moving on, I do have a much more appropriate subject.

Seeing this curved 'Snow Angel' Water Globe, whisked me back to my childhood...

Once upon a time, I had a similar glass globe, till broken.

I was so fascinated by it's frosty snow fluttering down when shaken gently.

The above, I found the other day in Past Times,.

She is based on a Victorian image - cherubic children with wings & dressed in Winter white were very popular back then, and unlike the one I had as a little girl, this Globe when wound up it plays the carol 'The First Noel'!

Sky Watch Friday - Same Old City Lights!

2009-12-04T07:42:00.001Z

I couldn't believe when the official Christmas Lights 'Switch One' in Dreamingspires happened last weekend, that we still, had the same old dull 'bauble' decorations for the third year running...They are so bland, no wonder the City lacks Christmas spirited visitors!!!

The BIG Sky Watch picture, that I no longer participate in, is to be found HERE!

True Colours Thursday - CREAM!

2009-12-03T01:00:00.029Z

This apart from the customary cake, is a calorific CREAM free post, as saving my calories for Christmas!

Sadly for some, I can't avoid the seasonal subject, as @ home found little CREAM.

My only offering, being this 1940's necklace of my late Mother's...

Being desperate, I even had Merry, try to model it...

I fared much better 'Window Shopping'!

This goes into over-drive in the Stores @ this time of year.

Being very much family-less, my actual Christmas shopping is minimal.

But, that doesn't spoil my pleasure, I can enjoy the 'Season' without the financial stress/worry.

Boswells in Dreamingspires, one of the very few remaining truly independent still family run Department Stores across England, is a treasure trove @ Christmas - though regrettably this year, I did quite literally, have to 'Beg' permission from the Staff re taking photographs - it seems it's become a security issue, I might be secretly 'casing the joint' - fair enough, I guess I must look highly suspicious in my long skirt carrying a wicker shopping basket!

But, I don't think I caught a single shop camera in these few snaps taken last week re CREAM...

Next seasonal stop, the Cover Market - THE best Christmas place in town!

From the two Florists there...

Inspired by them years ago, I started to make my own evergreen garlands for my front door!

This Wreath's all mine my own handywork & was years effort, the greenery was real, collected from the hedgerows, the Christmas Roses were silk...

And of course, I need a cake to finish off with, the first of many Xmas designs to come...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is AQUA, another name for pale Turquoise!
And, please remember suggestions for colours would be very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday - The First Trees for Sale!

2009-12-02T12:37:00.001Z

Two fer Tuesday - Santa's About!

2009-12-01T15:42:00.004Z

As it's now December, I'm allowing myself to mention/post re the X factor ie Christmas!
It was actually, the other week, I was surprised to encounter this familiar looking group loitering in the city centre...The Christmas street decorations weren't even up along Carfax!!!
It was a photo/publicity stunt using students to promote this year's Santa's on the Run!
This event will help raise funds for the local Helen & Douglas Children's Hospice & takes place, a week on Sunday.
I'm actually in Brighton @ the time, hence sadly missing the crazy run here.
However, a similar event for a different charity, is happening along the Hove seafront, so will catch the fun there!

But, another 'action' Santa, has been capturing my attention every time I walk through the Covered Market, which is a lot as it's the home of the Celebtation Cake Shop!
This guy's tapping Dreamingspires Boot Shop's window with his stick no less...Sadly, his seriously costly waterproof walking shoes & fleecy slippers are beyond my slim means!
Twofer, just requiring two or pairs of images on your subject is the concept of friend Jonna!

Monday's Monochrome - Tombs & Statues!

2009-11-30T10:23:00.000Z

This subject for Aleni's Monochrome Weekly theme was destined for last Monday.
However, I didn't have to heart to post it due to Miss Snickers demise!
Taken @ the other weekend, this is St Mary Magdelan Church's graveyard - being in central Dreamingspires & nicely sheltered, Autumn comes late there, so despite the recent gales & rain, there's still or were, leaves on the trees, hence the dappled light...

Camera Critters Sunday - The Night Singer!

2009-11-29T13:36:00.005Z

This is my post intended for last Sunday!
But put on hold re a single photo because I wanted to do the 'right thing' re an image not mine!
However, since my polite email request re using this 'Copyright' photo has still recieved no reply, & having checked throughly the website of the photographer concerned, I can't find my Robin card anywhere, because it is maybe 10 years old, I'm using it anyway!

The other night & not for the first time either recently, I woke in small hours, to hear a bird singing away in the dark.
A Nightingale or Nightjar, sprang to mind but, they are only Summer visitors to Britain & should be in Africa by now.
My night-time singer is a Robin & he's probably in my garden's Apple trees.
Regrettably, this fine Robin Red Breast image is NOT mine...It's the work of a talented Oxfordshire photographer Craig Churchill.
I acquired 'Robin' as greetings card, a number of years ago - it was one, I couldn't bare to part with.
Anyway back to my songster - most days this month I've seen him with his fine red breast, which is @ it's brightest right now, flitting about the garden - he @ least appreciates it's over grown bushes & back to nature feel!
And, he's a friendly cheeky chappy too i.e. he doesn't fly off far, when I do venture down to the Apple trees, to refill my bird feeders that hang there; he's even learnt how to feed from them too - perching precariously on the one containing sunflower bird seed.
Sorry - I can't help myself - I have to say 'If only, if only I had a zoom'!
Robins are one of the few birds that hold a territory throughout the Winter, & mine is defending his bigtime!
The Tit family have regular daily run ins with him while trying to feed.
And, it's his aggressive defence of his domain that's causing him to sing @ night!
The street lamps ensure that it never gets completely dark & neighbours security lights that come on @ the slightest movement, are tricking him into thinking dawns come early, so he'd better start singing out to announce his presence.
I've also read, that unexpected loud noises @ night @ this time of year, will also disturb Robins & act as a trigger to sing out.
My 'Mr Robin Red-Breast', sings exceedingly well, and when his handsome chest's attracted a new mate, they will I imagine, nest in the rickety garden shed behind the Apple trees come Spring.

Blessings as in Awards!

2009-11-28T16:32:00.001Z

Gosh, sometimes I procrastinate too long!

Earlier this week, I received this delightful Thanks Giving award from the Rocky Creek Scotties...Thanks pups!

But, today I recieved it again, from dear Maggie & Mitch, who I planned to send it to!

I am very touched to have been awarded ie 'blessed' twice within my small blogland group of friends!

So, now who to pass it on to???

The idea is to send to who 'Bless' your blog day

Rocky Creek Scotties said ten recipients, Maggie & Mitch just five???

Okay, to start with it goes straight back to both of them both, without question!

And next, the awards originaters WFT's Jake and Fergi.

The rest is harder as I have many blog friends I consider a 'Blessing'.

BJ, & Ginger Jasper for two for sure.

Cousin Misses Peach as she is 'dear family';

Sally, Paddy & their Diana;

Agatha & Archie & their PL2 [LOL - another Diana!]

Okay, just two left...

Angie, a lady in Australia, who shares my love of Brighton!

And, Wilma, whose out look on life never ceases to amuse/inspire me!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Technology!

2009-11-28T11:17:00.003Z

This weeks prompt by host tnchick left me challenged, as my life is very low tech.

Hey, I still have a record-deck...Which I was for once actually playing last night re reliving life's past musical memories!
Had the volume maxed too, as still have an empty house one side of my terraced home & with my other adjoining neighbours away on holiday in France - why not - my walls seriously rocked!!!
And, what was I playing?
Well, it was it was a pretty diverse mix & quite a long session and included LP's from:-
Michael Jackson; Black's 'Wonderful Life'; Barbara Streisand 'Guilty'; Meat Loaf 'A Bat out of Hell' ; Al Stewart 'The Year of the Cat'; John Fogerty 'Centerfield', Rod Stewart 'Sailing'; Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours'; Donald Fagen 'Nightfly'; Mike & the Mechanic's; Chris Rea 'On the Beach'; Camel 'Stationary Traveller' & Huey Lewis & the News 'Fore'!
Artists Chris Rea & Huey Lewis I saw 'live' in concert in London in the Eighties - Wow!
Albums like Al Stewart, Camel & Donald Fagan & others relate to the time I lived with a real music buff!
Simeon, on earlier blogs called The Sandwichman, was my beloved Springer Spaniel Hero's original owner, for a while my business partner & responsible for me starting my cake concern mentioned earlier this week - he with friends in the record industry broadened my taste.

Sky Watch Friday - Lincoln's Spire and more!

2009-11-27T12:29:00.001Z

Yesterday after my 'Why I Feature Cakes' post, and TY for the kind responses re it , the cakes will definitely continue on True Colours Thursday - I hurried off to town for late lunchtime get together with Jenn, a former District Nurse friend from the days of me caring for my Mother @ home.
My destination the Mitre Inn but more of that later, is adjacent to Lincoln College, part of the University, whose most striking feature is perhaps this, it's library building, previously the 18th century church All Saints...The spire is home to a full peal of eight bells, which are still rung regularly by the Dreamingspires Society of Change-Ringers, and on special occasions, like the election of a new Rector to Lincoln's chapel.
I mention this, because I personally love the sound of the bells, ringing out across the city.
Others I know find them just an irritating noise, but not me.
If, & it is a BIG if, I'd ever had married, & an even bigger if, it had been in a church, I would have definitely wanted a special full peal rung for me on my wedding day.

Anyway, back to my lunch date!
When I read this quote recently...
"I have noticed that people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them"
E. V. Lucas - English writer
[1868 - 1938]

Former nurse Jenn instantly sprang to mind as she is habitually late.

I frequently wonder how she ever manages to run her now, private care service, as I've never known her ever to be on time!

Yesterday was no exception.

We'd agreed to meet @ the Mitre Inn on the High @ 1pm.

After waiting 30 minutes, I phoned her mobile.

"I'm on my way!" was the ever so bright response.

Eventually @ well past 2, she bounced in full of smiles & apologies.

As for me, by then I was was coffee'd out & caffeine irritable, and not for the first time!

But, we still had a good visit together, as it is genuinely nice she keeps in touch with me, even though seeing her does always bring back sad memories - of all the able nurses, who came in to help me, Jenn was the most caring, the most thoughtful re my Mother and of me and the only one who followed up after she died!

Now for a bit more local history!

Sections of the present day Mitre Inn, where we met, dates from around 1630, but there's was an inn on the site long before that.

The property belongs to Lincoln College, of the Spire, and the hostelries name probably derives from the college's coat of arms, which depicts the Bishop of Lincoln's mitre - poor image re low sunlight...

Once upon a time it was an important Coaching Inn in the city with extensive stables @ the rear; as from as early as the 17th century there were daily coaches running between London & the Mitre!

It wasn't til 1926, that it became simply a hotel & the horses stables were converted to the Turl Bar, in Turl Street.

During the Second World war when my older cousin Lucy-Lu, now in Prairieland was nursing in Dreamingspires, the Mitre Hotel, was THE place to entertain ones gentlemen friends & visitors and partake of afternoon tea, which I understand she did frequently there!

My own Mother visited there then too.

And once she moved to live with me, we frequented it together for schooners of lunch time Sherry!

The hotel business side ceased in the late Sixties when Lincoln College turned the upper rooms into student accommodation & leased the ground floor out for use as a bar & restaurant, initially a Berni Inn - it's been a steak house ever since, but many places has had to diversify re all day licenced opening, so is now once again serving afternoon teas & coffees.

I will add that Jenn & I did supplement our final one with a Kahlua liqueur!

Why I Feature Cakes on True Colours Thurday!

2009-11-26T12:09:00.003Z

I know, I should know better by now than rise to the bait of a sad Anonymous commenter, but I can never help myself when on put on the defensive!
I received this earlier today on my True Colours True - Orange post:-
"What is it with you & your bloody cakes???
Doubt that you could even bake one!"

Well, Anon, I certainly can bake cakes, so there!!!
Not for you, but for other friends who may wonder about this regular feature - here's the story behind it:-
I infact, successfully made my living making cakes & flapjacks - granola bars to some, for 12+ years!
Those who really know me, know I have the ideal surname name for a cookery concern & I used it in conjunctions with cakes to my full advantage during the 1980/90's!!!
Mine was a personally labour intensive business, I worked from home, mainly on my own & supplied daily a variety of College Tuck shops, student frequented local stores, even Dreamingpires Playhouse & the cult Phoenix cinema's cafe's.
However, bake as I could back then, and as a child play creatively well with Plasticine or Play Dough, the technical skills re icing & marzipan design eluded me, so I always ending up making the Wedding Cake & leaving it to others to decorate it - very frustrating!
Which is why, I so admire the highly artistic, talented work carried out @ the Celebration Cake Shop.
Every single day there is something colourful & new to see, via their huge panoramic windows, that mean you can watch as some of my photo's try to show the creating/decorating cake process.
This is from a while back, previously posted on Woodstock's blog...For those who wonder why I left my cake making career!
New Government legislation re 'Health & Safety', made it impossible for me to continue to work from home.
Sort of ironic as a Government Initiative grant set up 'Cooks Cakes' in business & I had meet all the requirements asked of me over the years, hence having a kitchen still with four fridges & two cookers!!!
But, I was small time, I had already adapted my home enough into a bakery.
And, there was no way could I afford a move to a costly, impersonal industrial stainless steel unit, so I called it a day!

True Colours Thursday - ORANGE, AND Happy American Thanks-Giving Day!

2009-11-26T01:00:00.026Z

I selected this colour, perhaps more associated with Halloween than Thanks-Giving for today, because having personally celebrated a Canadian Thank-Giving, which occurred last month, I fondly recall my Prairieland cousin Headmistress making an ORANGE table decoration, the finished result was much finer than this scanned photo shows...And, she baked Squash & yummy, yummy, yummy Pumpkin Pie for the family feast - I loved both!

So, here's wishing my many good friends in the States a Happy Thanks-Giving with a blast of Pumpkin ORANGE...

Continuing with the Kensitas Cigarette Silk Flower cards, this from the 1933 Series is appropiately, an American bloom - Eschscholtzia, more commonly known as Californian Poppy ...Apparently, the flowers formal name comes from a Dr Eschwholtz who explored the botany of California in 1815 - while early Spanish explorers noticing the ORANGE poppies, native to the area, called the California Coast 'the land of fire'.

And, my own garden's version from this years, now distant Summer... I do have a Pumpkin Cake, but as it's greetings read 'Happy Halloween', I've opted for this dark ORANGE guitar instead, snapped through the Celebration Cake Shop's window just a few days ago...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is CREAM & I'm NOT thinking calorific sort!

Wordless Wednesday - Family Pedal Power!

2009-11-25T08:17:00.003Z

Today's Flowers on Tuesday - A Cyclamen Delight!

2009-11-24T14:35:00.001Z

One of the few, very few pot-plants that I have, that have survived, along with my Orchid from last week, my total lack of 'Green Fingeredness' - is this Cyclamen, once a very much, nutured green / hot-house flower of friends, who gave it to me when they moved, not knowing my non existant gardening skills...I love it's vibrant colour, that brightens my kitchen window on another damp grey, wet day like today.
Just hope I can keep it flowering for another year, this is amazingly my third - Wow!
All I can add is, Cyclamen are a LOT hardier than they look!
Today's Flowers home is HERE!

Barkday Greetings to Mitch!

2009-11-24T08:52:00.008Z

After the sad demise of Miss Snickers, it feels good to have something to celebrate!
I, who for personal reasons chooses to remain dogless, takes her friendships made via Dogs With Blogs very seriously, as many have become the real thing, as is in the case with Mitch & his family, even though we will probably never meet.
From the moment I saw him, now many, many moons ago, I've always loved the winning look in this rather special Airedale boy's bright appealing eyes - just look @ them - the innocence - they can melt hearts & certainly do mine [Mitch's photo is courtesy of his Mom & sister Maggie]...And, as I know, he loves Apples big time, I'm 'virtually' sending him a few from my own garden!
Hope you get the real thing thing too and ice-cream and pizza!!!
A very Happy Barkday Mitch!

Farewell Miss Snickers!

2009-11-23T07:55:00.034Z

"You think dogs will NOT be in heaven?
I tell you, they will be there long before us!"
Robert Louis Stevenson
[1850 - 1894]

I've come late to yesterdays distressing news re Miss Snickers.
I only learnt this morning that her much wished for 'miracle' didn't happen.
Despite last Saturday's 'Worldwide Moment for Snickers', she finally lost her brave battle for life.
My heart aches for her family, who let her go out of love.
May plucky Snickers who wore such pretty outfits made by her Moma, be running happy & pain free over @ the Rainbow Bridge, with my childhood WFT 'sister' Judy, who also wore dresses - my baby / dolls clothes with a 'smile' too!
And, I know all the other wonderful 'fur-kids', we have ALL loved & lost, as their lives are too short compared with our own, will have welcomed her too.

It is amazing how grief stricken you can feel about a pup you don't physically know?
That is the closeness of the DWB community, of which I am a proud honorary 'human' member.

'Copyright'!

2009-11-22T15:05:00.001Z

My post today is on hold.
Why?
Because of 'Copyright', on a particularly fine photo of a Robin that isn't mine!
In this case it belongs to a professional photographer, who I understand wants to protect his images, his living, so I have sort his approval.
But, I do note that using pictures that are not your own seems to have become a major issue!
I've never thought it necessary to safe guard my own, they're just snaps to me!
But, I'm beginning to wonder, as every time, I turn round re using, innocently on my part, a photo of others on my Blog, despite always making a point of giving Credits/Links to their source I find 'Copyright Restrictions' attached.
And, I will add this is not an attack @ the photo permission I am waiting on - it's a personal reflection!
However, I do begin to wonder about my own photo's posted daily on my blogs???
Okay, most are just simple digital pictures, quickly taken, but some I am seriously proud of, yet I've never thought to protect them.
I photo for the fun of it - it's my hobby/my pleasure - my blog's my beneficiaries!
I'm proud to see / share my photo's elsewhere!
Unless that was, to a commercial money making site using them without recommence to me, when I so, need cash.
Not that has happened or is likely too!
BUT, I guess that is the concern!
We share images freely here, but where do they end up via Blogger???

Saturday Photo Hunt - Bird(s), PLUS Color Carnival & Camera Critters Sunday early!

2009-11-21T09:14:00.000Z

Three memes in one today, with just a single photo, that has to be a first, even for me!
Now, since there is no way I can capture close ups of small birds like Blue-Tits or Robins, imagine my delight, when visiting the Garden Centre in Kent the other week, to find these...No zoom lens was required & pleasingly, they did not fly off when approached!

Tnchick prompt's Saturday's Photo Hunt.
Martha is the creator & host of Color Carnival.
And, Camera Critters is Misty Dawn's creation - the blog is HERE!

Children in Need 2009!

2009-11-20T14:53:00.013Z

I openly admit I am not child friendly - no maternal bones in my body unless it's an animal!

But, the annual Children in Need charity appeal run by BBC tv to raise funds for dis-advantaged children in the UK does generally get my support - maybe it's because as a bear lover, of their mascot Pudsey, seen here with Woodstock...

But, I like to think I am not quite as shallow as that???

For once, Dreamingspires had no active fund raising in the city, so will do my bit via the TV telefone programme tonight.

Sky Watch Friday - St Aldates!

2009-11-20T08:12:00.006Z

It's been an odd week weather wise!
A mixture of pleasant blue skies one minute, then grey with strong, strong winds & heavy rainfall the next and more of the same is forecast for the days ahead.
Thankfully, no floods have ensued locally, unlike elsewhere in the UK, particularly Cumbria where hundreds of people were rescued last night from their homes due to rising water levels.
And, a Policeman helping evacuate folks, was swept away when a bridge collapsed beneath him!
The Winds, I'm not enjoying - as several of my window panes rattle worryingly!!!
I know I should have had them re-puttied this Summer.
Tutt -Tutt, on my part!
This quote describes me & my increasingly dilapidated terraced home to a T...
"Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed by them."
Henry David Thoreau
[1817 - 1862]

Moving on - hopefully next year to Brighton[!]...
I only made it into town when it was briefly sunny, and when my aches, pains, & bruises, a consequence of my stupid fall last weekend due to wet slippery leaves, let me.
TY for all the kind words re this latest mishap of mine - I am OK - just a clumsy Clutz!
This is from my one walk up St Aldates - the turret on the right is part of Christ Church...And the gated archway, is a side gated entrance to the college, used in the days of 'Coach & Horses', when the carriages of wealthy parents came calling on their academically blessed prodigy...
For more interesting skies from around the world - ALL 349 plus of them, last weeks total, the designated blog is HERE!
Skywatch it seems, is now even on Facebook!

Purr-day Greetings to Ginger Jasper!

2009-11-19T09:00:00.006Z

Now, I still have to personally encounter this friendly furball of a blogging pusscat, but having meet Ginger Jasper's great folks Carol & Barrie, the other month when they visted Dreamingspires, I feel we have a connection.

And, even more so because of this...

Yes, it could be a portrait of Jasper & I've lived with it for many, many happy years!

I gave up attempting to photograph 'him' in location, ie on my living rooms wall, due to the **** flash reflection on the Clip-Art glass frame, so the above is a scanned image of this delightful Birthday Card given to me by my Mother in 1988!

The work is by artist Patrick, copyright Gorden Fraser Cards.
My Mother & I, though both doggy people, loved the picture, hence framing the card all that time ago.

Happy Purr-day Jasper!

Photo courtesy of his 'Mum' Carol.

True Colours Thursday - LAPIS LAZULI!

2009-11-19T01:00:00.027Z

In the world of gemstones, after Diamonds - well, they are said to be 'A Girl's Best Friend', and monetarily I do believe it - I adore the bright blue of LAPIS LAZULI, which takes it's name from the Persian word 'lazhuward' meaning blue - present day war torn Afghanistan is still the primary source of this gemstone.
From my enjoyable time managing Cetlic/New Age business 'Otherworld' & selling crystals amongst many other things, I have have two pieces of LAPIS LAZULI.
This blue rock, is it in its very raw state...The next piece has been polished, so the gold flecks of Iron Pyrite sparkle through...The ancient Egyptians believed the flecks in the deep blue stone resembled the the stars in the heavens!
And, in the world of 'Crystal Magic', LAPIS, is believed to expand both the awareness & intellect of the mind, bringing clarity & understanding, as well as helping over come depression!
I should therefore, wear my prized ring much more often...I bought it with Christmas gift money from Little Buddy because I loved the shape & colour.
But, memories of our time together in Italy, are to be found in another present.
On this occassion actually purchased by him, with the aid of a few none to subtle hints!
These vibrant, extremely soft supple Italian leather gloves lined with warm cosy Cashmere, come from Giorgio Sermoneta, the specialist glove makers found @ the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome, the match shawl is my addition...Keeping things current, Notcutts Garden Centre provided these LAPIS pots to brighten any patio...And, I also have another Kensitas Cigarette Silk Flower card, this time Phlox, No 43 from Series One... Per the cards quote, Longfellow wrote...
"Gorgeous flowerets in the sun light shining,
Blossoms flauting in the eye of day"

This week Celebration Cake Shop's offering is about sailing the bright blue seas, which the cakes recipient must enjoy....

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is ORANGE for Thanks-Giving!
And, PLEASE help me with colour suggestions for next year, other wise you only have yourselves to blame!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Charity Work!

2009-11-18T10:01:00.001Z

Two Fer Tuesday & Today's Flowers - Orchids!

2009-11-17T07:52:00.001Z

As I said yesterday, Garden Centre's never fail to interest me or further my love of flowers.

Last weeks highlight re my visit to Notcutts was the wonderful Orchid House display, perfect for a Today's Flowers post...I do find Orchids intriguing & actually have one of my own...A 'Thank-you' cat minding gift from Pussycat Paul & family, it incredably, two years on, is still blooming well, despite my frequent neglect..Jonna created Twofer, but her busy life prevents her from posting frequently now a days!

Mellow Yellow - Being Garden Co-ordinated!

2009-11-16T14:27:00.003Z

Despite NOT being green fingered, I always enjoy looking around Garden Centres.
They have a certain crazy appeal to me, a case of 'If, only, if only I could plant...'!
And, my recent stay @ WelshAire Country, entailed a visit to the local Notcutts.
This time, one of their outside features was colour co-inordinating your planting with your garden bag...
This photo seemed destined to be a 'Mellow Yellow' post - the flowers come tomorrow!

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - Me & My Shadow!

2009-11-16T07:38:00.004Z

From my recent stay @ Molly, Taffy & Monty's - this is probably the one & only image, you will ever see in Blogland of my friend H, their 'hooman', and I'm 'whispering' here, she's the one on the left...Ouch!
And, she's just delivered me a sharp 'virtual' kick on the shins for naming her & posting it!
Sorry, but I just couldn't resist!

Alieni is the creator & host of Monochrome Weekly.
Odd Shots home is @ Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday - Not Today!

2009-11-15T07:55:00.002Z

Yesterday, my intention was to head off to the Discover Dogs Show, hosted by the Kennal Club @ Earls Court - where I was to meet up with friends JI & Queen of Treats, who's mother to Jackson's Irish Terrier pal Molly.
However, after Fridays night of torential gales & rain, clutzy me - grrrrrrrrrrrrrr - slipped on slimmy leaves as I hurried to catch my coach to the Capital - Crash, Bang, Wallop I went down on the pavement yet again!!!
All I can say is my Calcuim tablets must be working on my brittle bones, as nothing seems broken.
But, I hit as usual my left knee, wrist & turned my ankle - so, I limped home instead of going on to London!
Today I'm just very sore & stiff & still grieved, as instead of loads of pups photo's for Camera Critters I have zilch!
Since last year, I was unfortunate enough to have my old digital camera knocked out of my hands & smashed to the ground @ Discover Dogs, I'm trusting next year all will go smoothly re my visit there - one can only hope re 'Third Time Lucky'!

A Worldwide Moment for Miss Snickers!

2009-11-14T10:48:00.004Z

Being a dog-lover, most of my early blog friends belonged to the group DogsWithBlogs, and because of fond memories of my childhood 'doggy sister' Judy, the majority were Wire Fox Terriers.

One of this special group close to my heart, is Miss Snickers, who for sometime has been battling with the 'seizure monster'.

However it's now not her epilepsy that is making her seriously ill, but suspected Lymphoma Cancer!

Fellow WFT's Jake & Miss Fergi yesterday put out an urgent appeal to all her friends and all animal lovers!

In their words:-

"Before you read on,
We ask you to please help spread this message
as quickly and as far as you can
So as many dogs and cats and families as possible
Can read it prior to 5:00 PM, Saturday, 14 Nov 09, Iowa Time
(11:00 PM, 14 Nov 09 GMT)
Copy it.
Paste it.
Link to it.
Whatever.
Just please help us get the message out.

As you may know
Miss Snickers is struggling mightily
Along with her family.
(The best place to keep up with updates is her Gussie’s blog.)
Last night looked as if it might have been her last.
This morning she rebounded with improved symptoms.
She is far from out of the woods
But she and her family
Including her gentle and loving brother Butchy
Have been granted another day.
We can’t help but believe
that part of the improvement is because of
The support and love that have surrounded her
From all around the world
Thanks to the linked paws
Of her blogging friends.
The Power of the Circle of Paw We are asking everyone to set your alarms
And at exactly 11:00 PM GMT on Saturday 14 Nov 09
(Go to this link to find what time that is for you)
5:00 PM Saturday evening in Iowa
as Snickers' family sits down to eat
Turn toward them (in the central USA)
And join together in a silent minute
Of prayer, meditation, contemplation, reflection
Whatever feels right to you.
Followed by whatever means of communication
You choose.
Arrooing
Barking
Howling
Yipping
Yapping
Wooing
Meowing
Mewing
Purring
To wish and send Miss Snickers and her family
whatever is in your hearts
That will help them feel the Love and Support
They need right now.
Personally, we’ll be praying for a Miracle.
Then
Blow a Kiss
and send your Love and Prayers and Best Wishes
to Miss Snickers and her Family
and they will feel their arrival in the breeze.
OK?
We believe it will help.
And we'll do anything in our power right now to."

As I did last year for Jackson re his surgery, I'll be wishing on the Dog Star along with Asta, for this brave & very plucky WFT Miss to make a full recovery...

If you are a dog/pet lover please join me!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Music!

2009-11-14T08:00:00.003Z

Tnchick's prompt this week, had me think of the many Street Artists who perform locally!

And thankfully, most are blessed with musical talent, as was this guy playing the Saxophone...

He was doing his own excellent rendition of 'Bakers Street', a favourite music track of mine from Gerry Rafferty's 1978 album 'City to City'.

For those not familiar with the piece, it can be heard HERE on my 'Films, Memories & Music' blog post for today!

Friday, the 13th AND Color Carnival - Brummel!!

2009-11-13T14:01:00.007Z

Today's a seriously bad day for the superstitious & 'Triskaidekaphobiacs', ie those who have an unreasonable fear of the number 13, particularly Friday the thirteenth - not me, but I am interested in the mythology associated with the date!
Legend has it that, Christ was crucified on Friday; there was 13 @ the Last Supper & according to ancient Viking myth, the spirit of evil was the 13th guest @ the Valhalla banquet.
Which is why, many people reluctantly sit @ a table laid for 13 diners - so much so, London's Savoy Hotel, reputedly has a 3ft high model cat called Kasper, who is sent to the dinning room if there are 13 guests!
He's placed on the 14th chair with a napkin around his neck & served every single course!
I hope he looks like Brummel, from Brighton's Museum & Art Gallery, in the Royal Pavilion Gardens...This colourful cat figurine, since 1998 has stood @ the Museum's entrance to raise funds to maintain the museum.
And, is modelled on a pair of French Chinz China Cats to be found in the Chinese Exhibit.

Martha is the creator of Color Carnival, that simply requires a colourful photo!

Sky Watch Friday - Autumn Market!

2009-11-13T07:48:00.004Z

Gloucester Green in central Dreamingspires, is home to a new development of modern designer apartments...I do like the 'look', as fancy flat living, but perhaps not the location so much!
It was though, thoughtfully tree'ed for Autumnal colour...Every Thursday it's central square, hosts an Antiques [& Craft] Market.
I regularly check it out....All these shots were taken yesterday morning, before the skies clouded over & we, locally battened down the hatches for a long weekend of torrential gales & rain - Yuk, yuk, yuk!

Sky Watch for the brave, is to be found HERE!

True Colours Thursday - VIOLET!

2009-11-12T01:00:00.009Z

Does anyone else, apart from me, remember from when they were young, 'Parma VIOLETS' - delicately perfumed little VIOLET sweets in a narrow clear cellophane tube, as seen here via Google Images...Maybe they were just a British phenomena, as they were manufactured by Derbyshire company Swizzels Matlow.

I clearly recall, you either loved or hated them!

Back then, I had a sweet tooth, was a fan and bought them regularly from my school's Tuck Shop.
But now - yes, the are still available according to various retro Candy/Sweet web sites - I'd probably be a loather!

Continuing with the nostalgia, but definitely NOT for the smoking element of it!

In days gone by, cigarettes cards were a feature of every packet of cigarettes bought & Brighton's North Lanes antiques/curio shop the other week, reminded I have quite a collection, as my late Mother had her time as a 'social smoker'!

The ones I most interested in & treasure are the unique 'Kensitas Flowers' that were woven from silk & given away with Kensitas Cigarettes in 1933 & 1934.

This one from Series 1 [1933] is the Scabious, which in the 'Language of Flowers' means 'unfortunate love'...My own personal VIOLET, has to be a favourite T-Shirt & piece of jewelery.

The Dragonfly pendant was crafted by a Saskatchewan, Canadian artist & was a gift from Nellie in Prairieland...And, this 'Monet' phone notebox & pen set fits the bill too...

As a challenge to friend BJ re her 'house for every colour', I have this from Dreamingspires Golden Cross Yard...

However, the best I can come up with cake wise, is these VIOLET hearts in waiting to decorate ...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is LAPIS LAZULI, bright blue!

Postscript!

Suggestions for next years colours would be very, very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday - We Shall Remember Them!

2009-11-11T11:00:00.000Z

Sweet Autumnal Pleasures!

2009-11-10T16:58:00.010Z

Coming home, even after only a few days away, usually means finding a pile of bills & junk mail as we all know!
The 'Royal Mail' postal strike, now thankfully resolved, did have it's plus side!!!
However, today I found a packet awaiting me!
It had been sent 'Recorded Delivery', so really needed to be signed for, but imagine my friendly Ozzie Post Lady, who knows I'm frequently 'out & about' cheated the system for me, so saving me a trip to the 'Reclaim Office' - bless her!

Delightfuly creative friend Helena, Mummy to fun bloggers Bob T Bear, Esq & Dilly's Castle, had hand crafted this wonderful Autumnal card especially for me...And, as she knows, like her, I hate the darker evenings, she included an'Emergency Chocolate' bar to make me smile!
The 100g of Swiss 33% Cocoa Milk Chocolate will bite the dust tonight.
THANK-YOU Helena!

Postscript
After Helena, sent me this thoughtful gift, her Mother suffered a mini Stroke.
Knowing first hand, the worry of 'caring' - please, go & give her your support.

Two fer Tuesday - Molly & Taffy!

2009-11-10T08:48:00.003Z

Found I had taken a couple more images of Molly over the weekend.
Guarding the Terrier-mobile...
Relaxing @ home in a her most lady-like fashion...
And, two of Taffy.
With 'heavenly rays' whilst travelling - he must be a 'saint' as this is the second time I've captured them ...Posing @ home...
All the above were taken out of Monty's presence so not to scare him, as, as I explained yesterday, Monty is @ present exceedingly camera shy as far as my equipments concerned!
Twofer is blog friend Jonna's meme.

Molly & Me!

2009-11-09T16:35:00.008Z

My Airedale 'niece' Molly quite often misses out on the photo & post stakes when I visit, as Taffy is such a showman!

Today with the sun low in the afternoon sky, my attempt to photograph her produced this rather nice, if Odd shadow Shot of the two of us...

For friends wondering why so few doggy photos this time whilst @ WelshAire Country & why none of my new Airedale 'nephew' Monty, a two & half year old 'Rescue Pup', who is still settling into his 'Forever Home'.
He is adorable, but timid, making him very weary of strangers - he has been as close to me as to sniff my toes & survive!
And, shy Monty's also frightened of sudden movements, strange sounds & unfamiliar objects like my silver camera, so to avoid distressing him I've not been snap happy.
Hopefully, another time he'll be more comfortable with it & me and I'll be able to capture his handsome features!

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - Tree Profiles!

2009-11-09T08:45:00.002Z

From Saturdays walk around Knole Park... The Conifers dark profile against the sky just seemed to lended itself to a Black & White take for Monochrome Weekly, created & hosted by Alieni.

While, as soon as I espied this odd tree in the deer park, my fertile imagination saw the shape of a Stags head, antlers & all...

Odd Shots home is @ Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday - Dogs & Deer!

2009-11-08T15:13:00.010Z

Yesterday, I went along on another walk organised the Southern branch of WELTAF [Welsh Terrier & Friends] & this time lead by by Taffy's humans my friends H & J, who organised a fine late Autumn day too.

The latest venue was Knole Park, covering 1000 acres...

Little has changed there in the last 500 years; though, signs of the damaged wreaked by the Great Storm in October 1987, when apparently 70% of the ancient trees were lost, can still be seen...

In total eight Welshies, one Airedale Molly & a Cain cross Robbie, with their attendants enjoyed a great walk...

Knole, is a interesting park, created in the 15th Century for the Archbishops of Canterbury to have somewhere away from Court for hunting, it is one of the few surviving medieval deer parks in England and the only one in Kent...Today, a 600 strong herd of Fallow and darker, smaller Japanese Sika deer roam freely.

And, they were surprisingly tame around humans & dogs...

Camera Critters is Misty Dawn's creation, the blog is HERE!

Sky Watch Friday - Nellie!

2009-11-06T13:19:00.001Z

The following photo's were taken on a previous visit to my friends area near the South Downs but are typical of today...And, can you see her???"Nellie the elephant, raised her truck,
And waved good bye to the circus!"
Okay, I have plagiarised the rhyme to suit my purpose.
It really goes like this:-
"Nellie the elephant packed her trunk
And said good bye to the circus...
Off she went with a trumpety-trump
Trump, trump, trump."

True Colours Thursday - CANARY YELLOW, Take 2!

2009-11-05T15:59:00.004Z

Having reached my latest destination, WelshAire Country, I couldn't resist including this photo of 'nephew' Taffy's elongated CANARY YELLOW tennis ball...

This Welsh Terrier, who's always ready to plays idea of a perfect greeting, is to immediately fetch you a toy.

And, how can one resist such an approach when offered by such a cute nose & those pearly white little teeth???

True Colours Thursday - CANARY YELLOW!

2009-11-05T01:00:00.000Z

I always say, my first ever family pet was Wire Fox Terrier 'Sister' Judy.

But, it was in truth, it was Joey, a YELLOW Canary.

I can just remember him, singing sweetly everyday in the window, when the sun shone brightly into his cage.

And, then he was gone???

My Mother explained, that come one Winter, the cold gave him Bronchitis, so his little spirit flew away to sing elsewhere.

Guess, that's why I have a fondness for 'Tweety Pie'...

Moving on - whilst away in Brighton, I was of course, in search of CANARY YELLOW!

I found no Canaries but these 'caged' swimming marker balls waiting for their time again next Summer...

'Noddy' in his car with his girlfriend in the Pier's Amusement Arcade...

And, these blooms @ my favourite florist, from where I always buy my 'Remembrance Flowers'...

Then, last Sunday's Veteran Car Run provided Marshall's in noticeably YELLOW wet weather attire...

Immaculate vehicles...

That looked so much brighter, when the rain finally abated & the sun shone...

And, more than a few bikers were parked up in Town, as they are every weekend...

Now okay, my cake today has only an element of YELLOW!

But, I had to feature it, as it is the 5th of November - Guy Fawkes/Firework Night of 'Gun powder, treason & plot'!

It was today in 1605, that Guido [Guy] Fawkes, Robert Catesby & others, failed to blow up King James the 1st & the Houses of Parliament.
The capturing of these plotters has been celebrated enthusiastically across the country ever since, with spectacular fireworks displays & huge bonfires, on which a 'guy' is ceremonially burnt.

However, back to the cake, @ least one of it's Catherine Wheel's elements is YELLOW, as is the Rocket's tip...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that's fine.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is VIOLET!

NB...

Although, I've only been home a day, I'm heading off again!

This time, I'm going to WelshAire Country to see Molly, Taffy & Monty.

Same rules apply as last week - I will not be visiting anybody's post till after arriving there in the afternoon!

Wordless Wednesday - A Fishy Tale!

2009-11-04T07:51:00.002Z

Two fer Tuesday - York Place!

2009-11-03T17:29:00.008Z

On a mission yesterday, instigated by Angie, who now lives in Western Australia, but was born in Brighton - I went in search of her birth place.
She, in a blog 'Comment' to me, said if I was walking in the vicinity of York Place, check out No 13, as she was born there on the 2nd floor, & jokingly added "not on the actual floor"!
And, since it's been a while since she has been back to Brighton, she was curious to know if 'Grubs' an original 1970's Burger Bar was still flourishing below her one time home.

Now, that sounds, a simple enough task to complete, but sometimes my 'Senior Moments' get the better of me!

In my mind, it wasn't No 13, I was in search of but No 3, which which proved to be opposite the impressive St Peter's Church, re-opened this Sunday after extensive structural renovations...

And, No 3 York Place, is now a family run chemists - so in my misguided quest, I went into enquire if the upper floors were still lived in...

An interesting conversation with the current, second generation owner ensued.

He said that the pharmacy was initially set up in the early Sixties, by a Mr Ross, still a live today but over a 100, who eventually sold the business onto his own father after he completed his training as a chemist!

He understood that before that, the premises had been a Gentleman's Outfitters or Haberdashery Store, as under the present modern shops fixtures & fittings, the original facade still lurked - and old grates & gas points are to be seen on the upper floors now simply used as storage space.

He was most intrigued by my tale of a friend being born up there in the mid 1930's!!!

And, I was soooo pleased with myself, till I re-read Angie's 'Comment' later in the day, and I realised I was ten numbers out!

DRAT, drat, drat!

So, not to be beaten, I've returned to York Place and found No 13...

Yes, it still looks inhabited by the bamboo window blinds on the first & second floors.

And 'Grubs' is still serving 100% British Beef burgers plus a Vegetation option, however the kids working there, weren't interested in talking to me!!!

So there Angie - mission finally accomplished.

Twofer is a meme started by another blog friend Jonna!

Remembrance Time!

2009-11-03T08:32:00.006Z

Today is, what was, my late Mother's birthday!

She, we spent, shared, many such happy celebrations here in Brighton - which is why, as old friends know - two years ago on what would have been her 90th, I stole down to the foreshore, to scatter her ashes along with my Springer Spaniel Hero's on the waters edge, with flowers, for the ebbing tide to carry away!

Since then, on every visit, I cast, two similar single blooms ribboned together, on the water in remembrance.

But, today's act is always the most poignant, the hardest, the one most emotionally charged with memories.

This anniversary, I bought my mini bouquet early, so I could enjoy/share them during my stay...Now though, the time has come to part with the flowers, the Rose for my Mother & the Gerbera for Hero and I can only blame my leaky eyes for me not focusing this image properly this morning!

"They are all gone into the world of light,

And I alone sit lingering here;

Their very memory is fair and bright,

And my sad thoughts hold them dear. "

Anon

Poscript...

As the tides swell remains strong, I knew my fragile flowers would be battered & brocken before going out to sea.

So, for the first time, I went along the length of Brigton Pier, and cast them away from there!

Mellow Yellow Monday - 'Rock On' ; But First!

2009-11-02T17:23:00.004Z

Wow!
What a huge difference a morning makes...After taking the above photograph & yes, I have cleaned & polished my camera lens - as I had a lunch date @ Bill'sProduce Store with friend JI - my Brighton visits have rituals that must be observed - LOL; I headed to the North Lanes, which can always be relied on to produce something different, in this case for a 'Mellow Yellow' post...I just love the quirkiness of Brighton, which is why I must get my act together regarding moving here!

Waves and Wet Cars!

2009-11-02T09:46:00.010Z

Yesterday I had a seriously busy day planned out.

No visit to Brighton is ever complete without seeing my favourite WFT Jackson.

Therefore, the mornings first plan of action was, that I accompany him & his JI on a leisurely walk.

Next, was to meet up with blog friend Dina & her husband Mick for the first time.

They were driving down for the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, now in it's 79th year!

Both meetings, promised lots of photo taking opportunities.

But, things did not go quite to plan regarding the first!!!

The previous night, I was woken by the sounds of a ferrous storm battering my hotel bedroom's french windows.

So much so, I feared their latch's wouldn't hold & I might be blown away!

The wind & rain didn't abate in the morning, the wild sea lashed the promenade with vengeance!

Jackson's walk was put on hold re a lull in conditions.

A brief respite, saw me dash across to the Palace Pier in hope of capturing the storm waves, which I did with mixed results.

As it's Monday, I'll start with the Monochrome Maniac's take...

The sea breaking over the groyne was spectacular...

However, the sound of the surf, violently crashing on shingle, meant I didn't hear calls from JI.

Subsequently, she & Jackson did their walk without me & got exceedingly wet doing so!!!

I was [still am] grieved, to have missed my one chance to see the Jax this stay, but it was my own fault.

The weather having taken another turn for the worse - more torrential driving rain, with winds strong enough to almost blow one over, I retreated back to my hotel, from where I checked on Dina's whereabouts - they were on the outskirts of Brighton.

So, out I went once more, this time to way lay them, as they drove towards the seafront!

As, the Veteran Car Run takes place what ever the weather, spotted this one driving past the Pavilion as I waited...After flagging their Land-Rover down - I was easy to spot, a solitary, rather damp disheveled female, we found dry underground parking & said hallo properly.

Then, it was out to brave the elements again.

After battling along the promenade to Madeira Drive, we watched the cars arrive @ the ceremonial finishing line.

It says a lot for these fine old vehicles engineering, all are pre-1905, for them to have made the run in good time, in such adverse weather conditions.

However, never ever, have I ever, seen such bedraggled, be sodden drivers & passengers.

But, they waved brightly on arrival and we clapped & cheered them in!

I, as usual snapped away...The original Genevieve, made famous by the film of the same name, was there again...

I found a blue car for me...

And, a green jacketed Dina...

And, although some photo's look very atmospheric re the rain/sea mist, the soft [fuzzy] effect's are actually due to moisture having got under my camera's lens shield whilst on the pier - hence no crisp shots.
I spent last evening, deleting, deleting deleting - one of the merits of digital photography!

On the positive side, the day did clear up, & the sun broke through by late afternoon...

And more importantly, meeting, Dina & Mick was a genuine pleasure, another fine example of friendship made by blogging, working.

Just wish we had, had longer together, as they had to head home early.

But, hopefully there will be a next time.

Color Carnival - Rocky Horror's Timewarp!

2009-10-31T20:03:00.003Z

Brighton is always full of crazy surprises, which is one reason I love the place!
Innocently, walking along the sea front's upper promenade this morning in the direction of the skeletal West Pier, I suddenly felt as though I had accidentally stumbled into a strange world, a time warp...And, I was sooooooooooooooo right!
The latest adaptation of cult roll & roll musical 'The Rocky Horror Show' is on tour.
This week, it's home is Brighton's Theatre Royal.
And Brighton, being Brighton, hosted today, a Guinness Book of Records attempt @ the largest 'Time Warp' dance.
How perfect is that for Halloween?
Thousands of 'Rocky' fans - organisers said 1,570 people officially participated, I'll easily believe that too - dressed in anything from brilliantly colourful feather boas, fishnet tights, g-strings, bodices and high, high heels, whether male or female did two five-minute dances...They were lead by the shows creator Richard O'Brien and the current stage cast...
It was a hilarious, infectious fun, foot tapping event.
One, you just wanted to be dressed to take part in.
Or, @ least I did, hidden by make-up & a costume of course!
Birdling, my younger Canadian cousin, an extremely inventive theatre designer, who did the costumes for last production of 'The Rocky Horror Show' in Toronto & to tour across CA, would have been in her element!
The mass Time Warp attempt was filmed for the Paul O'Grady TV show on Channel 4, will have to try & watch it.
As I've never seen the film or the show - tutt, tutt - I did check to see if tonight's two performances had any seats left.
Sadly, 'No' was the answer @ the theatre's box office door!

Martha is the creator of Color Carnival, that simply requires colourful photo!

Happy Wedding Day Miss Peach!

2009-10-31T08:30:00.006Z

'Reality' takes a back seat & 'virtual fantasy' rules here today!

It's about celebrating the creative FUN that is blogging, connecting, sharing, and letting your imagination run roitessly free!

I use to do it often on my earlier blogs, now Sir Woodstock is my such outlet!

For those who don't already know her, this is sweet Miss Peach>(^;^)< , a genteel ginger pussycat, in the mellow Autumn of her years, who a while back told me I was related to her...

She is really...And, my 'Peculiar Aristocratic Title' is amazingly:-
"Most Noble Lady Blue, the Mirthful, of Bow under Bumpstead"!!!

We, subsequently declared our-selves long lost 'Cousins'!

And, a genuine & really close friendship has developed as a consequence.

So, as 'Family' I've been invited to share in her, very special Wedding Day!

Yes, 'Cousin' Miss Peach is getting married to her beloved, betrothed Mickey, the Black Cat!Their 'love' story, Valentine's Day engagement, wedding preparations and friends involvement leading up to today's proceedings and the event it's self is to be found on Our Vintage Wedding, a wonderful, fairy tale blog.

And, 'friends' Asta as Bridesmaid & Dilly as a Flower Girl, will I'm sure be posting too!

For my part, I've already sent Miss Peach 'Something Blue' to wear as in Blue Roses... And, a card, I actually crafted myself, just for the fun of it... Plus, since her favoured colour is Purple, I've abandoned my Blue wardrobe.

Instead, I've been alternative 'window' shopping for my Wedding attire... Woodstock, attending as 'Master of Ceremony' has donned his black silk cravat, Blue Rose button hole & sampled the 'Bubbly' for the Wedding toast...

And, Ginger Jasper flew in on his magic mat to join the celebration...

Happy Wedding Day dear Miss Peach, may your dreams be purrfect... And, if romantic, Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany is your final honeymoon destination, my spirit will be with you, as Little Buddy & I were there "Once upon an Autumn time"...

Sky Watch Friday - A Brighton 'Indian Summer'!

2009-10-30T08:55:00.000Z

It seems no time @ all since I was here...And this time, I actually, have a 'room with a view' too - wow -this is it...Yesterday, was amazing, more like June re temperatures than the end of October.
The sky was as blue as blue could be, as these photo's from my pier walk suggest...And, people were enjoying the beach too...It is School Half-Term & what better place to spend it!