Thursday, September 30, 2004
Grieg's piano concierto by Grieg
Sorry, I always get that one wrong. Da, da, dee dum dum. Da de dum dum daaa. I'm told it was the Grieg. Sorry André.
All the right notes....not necessarily in the right order!
Poor Ruth, you sound as frustrated as André Preview when Eric Morcambe had a go at the Rachmaninov. Are you sure your new MD isn't one of these trendy young vicars doing music on the side? Lillac and slate? That's what vicars wear, isn't it - lilac shirt, slate suit and a dog collar? Check for the dog collar and get back to me on that one.
Dad, you need to stick the tooth on with superglue. I guarantee that is what your dentist will do. My boss sticks his back together quite often, whenever he has a cold ice cream at least. Yesterday he had the three front top teeth missing. Today you wouldn't have been able to tell they were not his. He carries the glue around in his pocket!
The weather here is cooling down. It's still very warm in the day and as I sit here at ten to nine the patio doors are open and I'm in short sleeves. My bare feet can tell that the cool air is slipping in, though. The 'season' is all but done but the weather at the moment is very pleasant.
By the way, although Benidorm is a British cliché it has some amazing country around it and, if you avoid the toursits even the old town is really quite special. Puig Campana, the mountain behind us is 30 metres taller than Ben Nevis and it stands like the peak of the pap with nothing else around it, less than 10 km from the coast. Behind this is Aitana which is 130m+ higher than Ben Nevis...so we are not without a few spectacular views. If you go twenty minutes inland you can get into great country and still cycle to work of a morning. Mind you, getting home could be a problem!
Look forward to seeing you all soon. Thanks for sorting the tickets from your end Steve. Where and when are we out to lunch, Ruth?
Pete and Jan
Dad, you need to stick the tooth on with superglue. I guarantee that is what your dentist will do. My boss sticks his back together quite often, whenever he has a cold ice cream at least. Yesterday he had the three front top teeth missing. Today you wouldn't have been able to tell they were not his. He carries the glue around in his pocket!
The weather here is cooling down. It's still very warm in the day and as I sit here at ten to nine the patio doors are open and I'm in short sleeves. My bare feet can tell that the cool air is slipping in, though. The 'season' is all but done but the weather at the moment is very pleasant.
By the way, although Benidorm is a British cliché it has some amazing country around it and, if you avoid the toursits even the old town is really quite special. Puig Campana, the mountain behind us is 30 metres taller than Ben Nevis and it stands like the peak of the pap with nothing else around it, less than 10 km from the coast. Behind this is Aitana which is 130m+ higher than Ben Nevis...so we are not without a few spectacular views. If you go twenty minutes inland you can get into great country and still cycle to work of a morning. Mind you, getting home could be a problem!
Look forward to seeing you all soon. Thanks for sorting the tickets from your end Steve. Where and when are we out to lunch, Ruth?
Pete and Jan
still sunny
Hi all you cold english.Ve haf the sunshine here and it is not yet 10am. Something like 20 degrees outside and I cannot see any clouds, only the great bulk of the Ventoux. They have been picking the grapes in the adjoining field, but Julian bought a box full for 10 euros and they are very sweet. late at night and early morning are a bit septemberish but we now have a wood burning stove to sit by, while watching DVDs. I have to find a dentist as my greed in biting off a piece of Montelimar nougat broke my upper left 2 tooth off my dentures and now I look like nobby stiles.
lots of love Dad
lots of love Dad
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
blog wierdness
ps the bog is behaving very wierdly and published mine 7 times and then it took me an hour to delete 6.....night night!
hello husband, are you out there?
Well it seems I have to go to the blog to get news of my husband. I guess that means you're all having a good time with your scallops and trendy mash...(grrrr). tonight I shopped at the fishmonger and at Bill's and had roasted beetroot with roasted cod and girolles so ner. Cooked on the aga and it felt like post office cottage all over again. then I watched 'swimming pool' dvd with the beautiful (role mod for us aging girlies) Charlotte rampling, One that J didn't want to see. Fab.
I have taken up my residency in Bill’s, the multi coloured grocery store and café in Lewes. There I sit and brunch with a book at a long wooden table flanked by high piles of beetroot reds and golds and abundant leaves. I drink bilberry and plum smoothies and eat art salads which never seem to make a dent in the peaked displays. This is Willy Wonka’s for vegetable lovers. I am savouring the bustling solitude and starting to digest the previous months at les Cougieux. My body is only just letting go of the scraping (different kind) and painting and scrubbing....I spent half an hour sitting on the sofa with manon when Julian was picking up Hugh and Margaret and then I had to leave the next morning. I am so jealous of you all enjoying the beautiful blue skies and the very gentle bright coming of winter. Needless to say I haven't seen the sun since I arrived.
It is the seventh day at Glyndebourne and we have already established that two of the conductors are going to drive us crazy.
The first conductor is a red headed Australian who, because of his laissez-faire attitude, I cannot take seriously as I can only imagine him on a surf-board. He says that Mozart was in such a frenzied hurry to get his music down that he didn’t care about what he wrote. This profound interpretation of the genius of all time apparently authorizes him to colour in the white notes at the end of phrases. He Like insistent runners mesmerised by one identical step after another, we are simply pounding our way to the finishing line . Sorry for you pete and jan that the orch will not sound it's best...
From the little I know of the plot (an inspiring Glyndebourne education project examining the forces of dark and light; the themes of coming of age, suffering, racial tension, and of course love with which Mozart presents us) I find myself wondering which element we are exploring as we chug out yet another page of identical quavers. Finally, in a a potentially sublime chorale, I realise that something big must be going on in the opera. I can contain myself no longer so I ask:
“Could you tell us what is going on in the opera at this point?”
“Oh, will, they are going through these trials, you know, irth, fire and wader”.
And that’s it, his interpretation of the magic flute.. There is silence. A scream surges in the orchestra’s breast. We are waiting for more, but it does not come. He smiles his beach happy smile, raises his stick and we continue. I turn round to my spiritually sympathetic colleague Jane and say:
“I guess he’s saying it’s about the chakras.”
The next day jane’s scream gets a little too near full expression for comfort and she has to leave the pit and breathe deeply for 10 minutes before returning.
Meanwhile, in La Boheme, we have the new musical director at the helm. I cannot take him seriously either. He is young and fit, and all the chorus girls have the hots for him. All middle-aged- I can see when I look at him is him walking into Gap to choose the next lilac and slate grey outfit for the next rehearsal. As he turns his best side to the in-house photographer who will project his pretty face and proclaim his new position all over the Sunday papers, he speaks to the violins:
“Find 45 for me. That was great. Just come with me for that one. I can hear you are used to someone else.”
You bet we are used to someone else. We are used to being surprised and challenged every night and of never getting ‘used to’ the music; to performances of La Boheme four years ago which tore our hears out every night; to a conductor for whom the last string fortissimo statement was a gut-wrenching scream of protestation against death, and whose incandescent colour as Mimi and Rodolfo first touch lifted us onto another level of sensuality altogether.
It’s going to be a long tour.
Looking forward to up and coming distractions, ruthxxx
ps hello julian???????
I have taken up my residency in Bill’s, the multi coloured grocery store and café in Lewes. There I sit and brunch with a book at a long wooden table flanked by high piles of beetroot reds and golds and abundant leaves. I drink bilberry and plum smoothies and eat art salads which never seem to make a dent in the peaked displays. This is Willy Wonka’s for vegetable lovers. I am savouring the bustling solitude and starting to digest the previous months at les Cougieux. My body is only just letting go of the scraping (different kind) and painting and scrubbing....I spent half an hour sitting on the sofa with manon when Julian was picking up Hugh and Margaret and then I had to leave the next morning. I am so jealous of you all enjoying the beautiful blue skies and the very gentle bright coming of winter. Needless to say I haven't seen the sun since I arrived.
It is the seventh day at Glyndebourne and we have already established that two of the conductors are going to drive us crazy.
The first conductor is a red headed Australian who, because of his laissez-faire attitude, I cannot take seriously as I can only imagine him on a surf-board. He says that Mozart was in such a frenzied hurry to get his music down that he didn’t care about what he wrote. This profound interpretation of the genius of all time apparently authorizes him to colour in the white notes at the end of phrases. He Like insistent runners mesmerised by one identical step after another, we are simply pounding our way to the finishing line . Sorry for you pete and jan that the orch will not sound it's best...
From the little I know of the plot (an inspiring Glyndebourne education project examining the forces of dark and light; the themes of coming of age, suffering, racial tension, and of course love with which Mozart presents us) I find myself wondering which element we are exploring as we chug out yet another page of identical quavers. Finally, in a a potentially sublime chorale, I realise that something big must be going on in the opera. I can contain myself no longer so I ask:
“Could you tell us what is going on in the opera at this point?”
“Oh, will, they are going through these trials, you know, irth, fire and wader”.
And that’s it, his interpretation of the magic flute.. There is silence. A scream surges in the orchestra’s breast. We are waiting for more, but it does not come. He smiles his beach happy smile, raises his stick and we continue. I turn round to my spiritually sympathetic colleague Jane and say:
“I guess he’s saying it’s about the chakras.”
The next day jane’s scream gets a little too near full expression for comfort and she has to leave the pit and breathe deeply for 10 minutes before returning.
Meanwhile, in La Boheme, we have the new musical director at the helm. I cannot take him seriously either. He is young and fit, and all the chorus girls have the hots for him. All middle-aged- I can see when I look at him is him walking into Gap to choose the next lilac and slate grey outfit for the next rehearsal. As he turns his best side to the in-house photographer who will project his pretty face and proclaim his new position all over the Sunday papers, he speaks to the violins:
“Find 45 for me. That was great. Just come with me for that one. I can hear you are used to someone else.”
You bet we are used to someone else. We are used to being surprised and challenged every night and of never getting ‘used to’ the music; to performances of La Boheme four years ago which tore our hears out every night; to a conductor for whom the last string fortissimo statement was a gut-wrenching scream of protestation against death, and whose incandescent colour as Mimi and Rodolfo first touch lifted us onto another level of sensuality altogether.
It’s going to be a long tour.
Looking forward to up and coming distractions, ruthxxx
ps hello julian???????
flights etc.
I have got a seat on the flight with Mum and Dad so will get them either to the infirmary or the taxi depending on how it goes They are having a nice time, weather is a barmy +20 degrees and not a drop of any rain. We may have to peel Dads shorts off if he isn't going to wear the same to the bash. On the menu tonight is Scallops with black sausage and garlic mash. Dad's losing weight but so is mum Doh!, she has just lost her 'Hundredweight Lady' title. I promise to bring back whats left of her.
lots of love j
ps. jeans t-shirt and birkenstocks will be my attire although I promise to press me birkenstocks
lots of love j
ps. jeans t-shirt and birkenstocks will be my attire although I promise to press me birkenstocks
Re: Flights and copy to blog
I should imagine t's got to be easy jet for electronic tickets so tell me the times dates and flight numbers you want and I'll sort it out. We'll leave it like that until you get here.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Dress code?
Having spent three hours on the internet joining various internet flight clubs that all fail to let me pay be Switch or to purchase electronic tickets for my chosen route (and who won't deliver paper tickets outside of the UK) I am now ready to gnaw off the rest of my hand. This blog is my 'wooden spoon' of insanity.
So forgive me...but I think that, assuming anyone ever gets to the family function, we should all wear smart casual attire with swimming trunks on underneath in case it gets warm. In fact, lets oil up those biceps and put on a show. Anyone else game? The full monty, I hear you cry? Ah, but alas I fear I have not lost quite enough weight for that. I still have enough adipose tissue to keep warm on a mild and sunny October afternoon but I will bring a fairly trendy casual suit to wear should the temperature fall. How's about that for advice?
Okay, so I don't have a trendy suit at the minute. In fact Jan reminds me that none of us have got anything to wear, so perhaps it is the full monty after all! You can leave your hat on.....
So forgive me...but I think that, assuming anyone ever gets to the family function, we should all wear smart casual attire with swimming trunks on underneath in case it gets warm. In fact, lets oil up those biceps and put on a show. Anyone else game? The full monty, I hear you cry? Ah, but alas I fear I have not lost quite enough weight for that. I still have enough adipose tissue to keep warm on a mild and sunny October afternoon but I will bring a fairly trendy casual suit to wear should the temperature fall. How's about that for advice?
Okay, so I don't have a trendy suit at the minute. In fact Jan reminds me that none of us have got anything to wear, so perhaps it is the full monty after all! You can leave your hat on.....
Weather! Don't talk to me about weather!
At the beginning of the month when we returned from the Ill du Wiget, it was hot and dry and so windy that lots of my plants turned brown in a week, but at least I got the holiday washing dry, then about another ten days of stair-rods all my plants now so waterlogged that that any that survived the nuclear wind, can't handle the water'as they have no leaves left for transpiration or whatever its called, but now we are back to damp days, cloud wreathed hilltops and muddy rugby boots, not to mention our paths strewn with slugs where ever we go! But seriously Nic at the moment it is quite mild, toes get abit chilly in sandals,light jumpers are required, occasional it feels cold enough for another layer. But John seems to be finding it cold all the time and keeps turning the heating on, I have to keep opening all the doors and windows! So that makes it clear as mud! Sorry. This week-end the evenings have suddenly closed in and Sunday evening, leaving at 7 pm we only just made it back from Andys barbecue before complete darkness descended, which won't mean much to you persons in foreign climes but heralds winter in my mind. So what is every one else doing about clothers for the big day, what's expected. At the moment I can't seem to think about it, without getting panicky. Its the only blot on the horizon. At present it may be unfashionable jeans on a middle aged woman who is uncomfortable with her weight!
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Sundy Ah anoon!
teashirts back on
Now then tekkies, Dad remembers getting a call from a salesman in the States and Buddy boy was calling on a local tarif, hmmm? This is chinnor days I'm on about. There's now an application for Mac or Windows, to use the net as a giant free telephone exchange. We are not sure if this is a good thing but we all need to be registered if I'm to have a go on it!
I loaded it up yesterday and paid €10 so that I could use it to call normal numbers, but I've yet to get a USB headset which is why I've not called anyone yet.
I tried it on my own mobile! and as I was playing a BBC programme on Realplayer at the time, that was what I heard when I picked up the mobile...cool!
skype
Now then tekkies, Dad remembers getting a call from a salesman in the States and Buddy boy was calling on a local tarif, hmmm? This is chinnor days I'm on about. There's now an application for Mac or Windows, to use the net as a giant free telephone exchange. We are not sure if this is a good thing but we all need to be registered if I'm to have a go on it!
I loaded it up yesterday and paid €10 so that I could use it to call normal numbers, but I've yet to get a USB headset which is why I've not called anyone yet.
I tried it on my own mobile! and as I was playing a BBC programme on Realplayer at the time, that was what I heard when I picked up the mobile...cool!
skype
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Up at the crack of noon!!!
If you're going to cater for every type of weather we might have you'll need quite a trunk!
Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, today? Who knows?
Gilets are good, (body warmer, fleecy waistcoat sleeveless top) they're warm but not too if the sun comes out or if you walk into a warm room.
Is everybody 'appy?
Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, today? Who knows?
Gilets are good, (body warmer, fleecy waistcoat sleeveless top) they're warm but not too if the sun comes out or if you walk into a warm room.
Is everybody 'appy?
Gemma used to call these 'pretty farkies'(flowers)
you need paddington bear boots for the full effect
It's not ac..tually raining as such!!!
not many punters to choose from..(I got a text from a bloke out of the army band today.. yeah Ian Young, the other drummer, do you remember Dad?)
Saturday
here's a choice of suitable outfits for walking past OUR little bit.
Suede charity shop jacket so you can dump it if sun comes out.
(we've got Marks and Spencer here you know!)
Suede charity shop jacket so you can dump it if sun comes out.
(we've got Marks and Spencer here you know!)
Big Chill
Hope Mum is feeling better, will keep this short because just spent half hour blogging to only go and loose the whole f....... thing. Kids coughing, kids whining, got that pissed off feeling.
Anyway how cold is it going to be in October, can someone upload a picture of someone dressed in suitable attire for me to get a true indication, got all the gear already just need confirmation.
Dad, we finished the HSBS Bank.
for more
Anyway how cold is it going to be in October, can someone upload a picture of someone dressed in suitable attire for me to get a true indication, got all the gear already just need confirmation.
Dad, we finished the HSBS Bank.
for more
A message from France.
We have just come to the end of our first week and it has been one of un paralleled sunshine. The winds are a bit strong though and keeping the skies free of clouds. Julian has been marvellous and has put his Megane at our disposal while he cycles the four miles from here back to his studio in Crillon. We have been over to Sault and round the back (the North) of the Mont Ventoux. We have renewed our acquaintenences with places that we love and Julian took us to Chateauneuf Du Papes yesterday to a lovely lunch in one of his favourite restaurants. The two kittens are a delight and will not let us sit down without sitting on a comforting lap. It sounds as if things are hotting up on the Manoir front. We will be returning to IOW on 9th in order to get our car and return on 11th. So we will see you all there.Love from Mum and Dad (and of course, our host.) We loved the photo of les trois soeurs.
Are school girls cute or what?
Here are our beauties ready for their first day at school this term (about three weeks ago).
Pete
Pete
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Best of the Bunch...Top of the Crop/Pops?!?
Hello Gem here checking in!
Just wanted you all to know that Clive & I were half watching BBC Oxford's Local News this evening and our ears pricked up when a bulletin concerning Monsieur Blanc was introduced. Raymond Blanc has won the extremely prestigious 'AA Chef of the Year' Award, as voted for by his peers in the industry.
He was asked by the presenter why he thought he had won the award, and what he thought his biggest contribution to the industry was:
" I think it is because We here at Le Manoir have trained 22 Michelin star Chefs (all British) and that we are dedicated to continue training and nurturing Young British talent.
Respect to da Man (youff slang!). How cool is that? The presenter then mockingly complained that you need to book early as six months in advance for some dates (cue smug feeling inside).
Aren't we lucky. So really looking forward to seeing you all in just a few weeks time (I've taken a weeks annual leave so I can make the most of you all being back in Blighty).
Temperature today was (sorry Nic, Jen, Claire & Dan) 18 degrees in Oxford, which actually felt quite warm with the favourable autumnal breeze this morning. We are getting some beautiful English sunrises this week. We must try and get some pics to upload to show you all.
Last Sunday, Clive and I walked along up to Iffley Turn then to Iffley Lock which for those who haven't been is on the Oxford section of the Thames just by Donnington Bridge. The geese, swans, moorhens and ducks were competing rather noisily with each other for the soggy bread thrown to them by the kids. The flower beds & hanging baskets at the quaint lock keepers cottage are still in full bloom, the traffic on the river was busy with pleasure cruises making their way down to Abingdon and the 'Isis Tavern' was taking a brisk trade. How 'Oxford' can you get?
A special hello to Grandma, we're all very glad to hear you are feeling better.
The update on Will is that he feels that he doesn't need to wear his sling anymore as it was giving him a Larry Grayson hand holding style but his arm is still a ghoulish green colour and he has lost some muscle mass from his upper arm. He is due at the Radcliffe for a check up X-ray this week.
Well better get to bed as I'm getting typists neck, good news is that tomorrow I only have to work till 13.15 and then its le weekend...
Love Gemsi xxx
Just wanted you all to know that Clive & I were half watching BBC Oxford's Local News this evening and our ears pricked up when a bulletin concerning Monsieur Blanc was introduced. Raymond Blanc has won the extremely prestigious 'AA Chef of the Year' Award, as voted for by his peers in the industry.
He was asked by the presenter why he thought he had won the award, and what he thought his biggest contribution to the industry was:
" I think it is because We here at Le Manoir have trained 22 Michelin star Chefs (all British) and that we are dedicated to continue training and nurturing Young British talent.
Respect to da Man (youff slang!). How cool is that? The presenter then mockingly complained that you need to book early as six months in advance for some dates (cue smug feeling inside).
Aren't we lucky. So really looking forward to seeing you all in just a few weeks time (I've taken a weeks annual leave so I can make the most of you all being back in Blighty).
Temperature today was (sorry Nic, Jen, Claire & Dan) 18 degrees in Oxford, which actually felt quite warm with the favourable autumnal breeze this morning. We are getting some beautiful English sunrises this week. We must try and get some pics to upload to show you all.
Last Sunday, Clive and I walked along up to Iffley Turn then to Iffley Lock which for those who haven't been is on the Oxford section of the Thames just by Donnington Bridge. The geese, swans, moorhens and ducks were competing rather noisily with each other for the soggy bread thrown to them by the kids. The flower beds & hanging baskets at the quaint lock keepers cottage are still in full bloom, the traffic on the river was busy with pleasure cruises making their way down to Abingdon and the 'Isis Tavern' was taking a brisk trade. How 'Oxford' can you get?
A special hello to Grandma, we're all very glad to hear you are feeling better.
The update on Will is that he feels that he doesn't need to wear his sling anymore as it was giving him a Larry Grayson hand holding style but his arm is still a ghoulish green colour and he has lost some muscle mass from his upper arm. He is due at the Radcliffe for a check up X-ray this week.
Well better get to bed as I'm getting typists neck, good news is that tomorrow I only have to work till 13.15 and then its le weekend...
Love Gemsi xxx
Plans for the week...
Jan and I are looking into flights now that I have been given the nod from my boss. He seems fairly happy to let me off for the three days of school that I'll be missing. I guess it's because I'm working so hard to help get the school on its feet. Such is life in my new role as one of the Senior Management Team in control of Pastoral. Is that more money? I'll tell you next week after pay day.
So we plan on arriving in UK on Saturday 9th and getting a hire car from Luton or Gatwick. We'll meet up with Pam & Steve, Bev & Derek and their families at Judy and Stan's as thay all happen to be passing through Chinnor that weekend. Monday we seem to be free. Tuesday we are out to lunch with Ruth and hob-nobbing it at the Opera with Julian. Wednesday's the big day. Thursday or Friday I'd like to get out to Bewdley to see Lenny and Linda if they are open to visits. I understand they won't be at the function.
In total this means that we have Monday, either Thursday or Friday and the weekend of the 16th -17th free to do stuff with family. I'd probably like to organise a night out with friends like Kev Laxton and Eddie Young but maybe we can play a round of golf instead. I'll contact them and see what they are up to. It might be fun to meet up with Nic and Jen, Claire and Bob the Builder (alias Dan) in London and 'do' something. Maybe a meal in Soho or something. We'll also need to spend some time with Ma and Pa, Steve and the family, Cathy and the welsh fraternity, etc.. It'll be a great bash and an intensive couple of days but I'm fitness training at the moment and am sure to be ready fro whatever Raymondo can throw at me.
Will continue to keep you informed.
Pete and Jan
So we plan on arriving in UK on Saturday 9th and getting a hire car from Luton or Gatwick. We'll meet up with Pam & Steve, Bev & Derek and their families at Judy and Stan's as thay all happen to be passing through Chinnor that weekend. Monday we seem to be free. Tuesday we are out to lunch with Ruth and hob-nobbing it at the Opera with Julian. Wednesday's the big day. Thursday or Friday I'd like to get out to Bewdley to see Lenny and Linda if they are open to visits. I understand they won't be at the function.
In total this means that we have Monday, either Thursday or Friday and the weekend of the 16th -17th free to do stuff with family. I'd probably like to organise a night out with friends like Kev Laxton and Eddie Young but maybe we can play a round of golf instead. I'll contact them and see what they are up to. It might be fun to meet up with Nic and Jen, Claire and Bob the Builder (alias Dan) in London and 'do' something. Maybe a meal in Soho or something. We'll also need to spend some time with Ma and Pa, Steve and the family, Cathy and the welsh fraternity, etc.. It'll be a great bash and an intensive couple of days but I'm fitness training at the moment and am sure to be ready fro whatever Raymondo can throw at me.
Will continue to keep you informed.
Pete and Jan
driving...
understand the point about car but they have said they have no need to go home first..I think the plan is to go shopping for mum here (dad will probably be in sandals and shorts!) we would probably drive quite leisurely as part of the vacance.. thought it might keep mum from getting pre-do nerves - she is very relaxed at the moment. I will probably drive anyway so no skin off my proverbial, we could take two or three days stopping for proper lunches an'at. Dad may change his mind when he thinks about car but at least he could get rat arsed! No takers for lunch in Lewes then? three weeks plus to sort it out anyway. The other option is I get a flight with them and rent a motor. Testing waters.
No No No No!!!!
The oxygen levels in aeroplanes are reduced during flights to save fuel, so no wonder vunerable people may be affected.
It would feel like fainting.
It is probably no more than that..
Amazingly even BA do it to save fuel so I expect Easyjet are into any tricks to reduce costs.
I think you're mad to contemplate a long long drive which would be more stressful with frequent loo stops and related anxiety.
I wouldn't fancy it in the back of a car knowing I'd put everyone out!
Perhaps I could arrange to have someone meet Mum and Dad or one of us could at Gatwick if that would help.
A taxi is booked isn't it and they've still got to go home haven't they to get the car otherwise they're stuck in Wheatley without being able to please themselves.
It would be better for Mother to come home a few days earlier allowing time to recover from the journey.
She wants to be feeling all right for the party doesn't she?
If it was me, I'd come home a few days early on the Eurostar/TGV Avignon to London.
I'm sure she'd be fine on a train.
They do do offers and deals and I've heard on radio4 it's cheaper from France.
love Steve
It would feel like fainting.
It is probably no more than that..
Amazingly even BA do it to save fuel so I expect Easyjet are into any tricks to reduce costs.
I think you're mad to contemplate a long long drive which would be more stressful with frequent loo stops and related anxiety.
I wouldn't fancy it in the back of a car knowing I'd put everyone out!
Perhaps I could arrange to have someone meet Mum and Dad or one of us could at Gatwick if that would help.
A taxi is booked isn't it and they've still got to go home haven't they to get the car otherwise they're stuck in Wheatley without being able to please themselves.
It would be better for Mother to come home a few days earlier allowing time to recover from the journey.
She wants to be feeling all right for the party doesn't she?
If it was me, I'd come home a few days early on the Eurostar/TGV Avignon to London.
I'm sure she'd be fine on a train.
They do do offers and deals and I've heard on radio4 it's cheaper from France.
love Steve
meanwhile here in france..
Mum had a little turn on the plane and had to be evacuated (just a typical merrow-smith ruse for getting off the plane first!) and spent a few minutes with one of those nice medicos at the airport, a shower and straight to bed and she slept well and is now fully recovered. So I had been thinking maybe to come back in the car and bring them with me. This would mean going over the channel on the morning of the 12th (urm.. ronnie scotts a problem) and going straight to Lewes where Ruth has arranged to meet Pete and Jan for lunch. Ideal thing would be if someone else could meet us and then take mum + dad onto their hotel at wheatley, if not I have to go back in the afternoon with them and miss the opera (which is sold out and for which Ruth has bought me a ticket) and that leaves Ruth no way to get to the Manoir. Any thoughts...?
love J
ps. mum is humming away like a sparrow now.
love J
ps. mum is humming away like a sparrow now.
11th not 12th October (alteration)
I have altered the Jazz night to the Monday to allow for recovery time!
Will Nic and Jen have a sitter for Claire and Dan?
Will Julian care for a pint at Norman's?
Begin forwarded message:
Dear Steve,
> This is to confirm that your reservation for 12th October has been
> changed to 8 seats in total on Monday 11th October. All other details
> remain the same.
>
> There is no need to prepay the admission fee now and the numbers have
> been reduced. You pay at the door when you arrive.
>
> To subscribe to our free email list and be kept up to date with our
> future program, follow the link below:
> http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=12366
>
> Emails or faxes received after 6pm Friday, are not read until Monday
> morning.
>
> ****45TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE BARBICAN****
> Ronnie Scott's Club celebrates its 45th anniversary at THE BARBICAN
> HALL in the City of London, on Saturday 23rd October at 19:30 with a
> gala concert featuring the Mingus Big Band, Liane Carroll, Elkie
> Brooks, Cedar Walton Qrt. and a very special pre-concert performance
> by Ray Gelato.
> Tickets from GBP 15 - GBP 30
> Book online at www.barbican.org.uk/eticketing/
>
> Ronnie Scott's Map Link:
> http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?P2M?P=w1d4ht&Z=1
>
> ***********************************************************
> Ronnie Scott's
> Best jazz club in the World
> 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT
> Tel: +44 (0)20 7439 0747
> Fax: +44 (0)20 7437 5081
> ronniescotts@ronniescotts.co.uk
>
>
Will Nic and Jen have a sitter for Claire and Dan?
Will Julian care for a pint at Norman's?
Begin forwarded message:
Dear Steve,
> This is to confirm that your reservation for 12th October has been
> changed to 8 seats in total on Monday 11th October. All other details
> remain the same.
>
> There is no need to prepay the admission fee now and the numbers have
> been reduced. You pay at the door when you arrive.
>
> To subscribe to our free email list and be kept up to date with our
> future program, follow the link below:
> http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=12366
>
> Emails or faxes received after 6pm Friday, are not read until Monday
> morning.
>
> ****45TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE BARBICAN****
> Ronnie Scott's Club celebrates its 45th anniversary at THE BARBICAN
> HALL in the City of London, on Saturday 23rd October at 19:30 with a
> gala concert featuring the Mingus Big Band, Liane Carroll, Elkie
> Brooks, Cedar Walton Qrt. and a very special pre-concert performance
> by Ray Gelato.
> Tickets from GBP 15 - GBP 30
> Book online at www.barbican.org.uk/eticketing/
>
> Ronnie Scott's Map Link:
> http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?P2M?P=w1d4ht&Z=1
>
> ***********************************************************
> Ronnie Scott's
> Best jazz club in the World
> 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT
> Tel: +44 (0)20 7439 0747
> Fax: +44 (0)20 7437 5081
> ronniescotts@ronniescotts.co.uk
>
>
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
13th- Come back to ours after €:{
We, that's 'moi', Gemma and Clive would like to invite you all back to 'ours' after the big bash, because there'll have to be an informal debrief! Gemma is making me a 'chocolate cat cake' (family tradition)
and you've all got to have a bit!
Or we'll make you an offer you can't refuse...
signed
The Family
and you've all got to have a bit!
Or we'll make you an offer you can't refuse...
signed
The Family
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Good timing Steve, we bought the air tickets today (S$5300) so no quiting on you now!.
Our plans are so. We arrive on 7th October early morning and spend the nights of 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th in London, we are staying at the Somerset Service Apartments in Bayswater. Owned by Sinagpore company so we can get noodles airflown in for breakfast. We don't have any specific plans for london yet, will depend on the weather, but we have some friends to see.
On Monday 11th, we will be driving up to Great Milton and staying at Views Farm Barn through to to the 16th, when we may have to leave and go B&B for 2 days, or where we may stay on if they don't throw us out. Technically we should book Saturday to Saturday, but if no one wants our beds at the full rate, we can have the unit pro-rata for Saurday night, Sunday night and leave on Monday. We stay with our friends in Chessington on Monday night and fly out Tuesday night.
We have yet to book a car but will have something sexy, not a merc this time cos I can't drive them straight, perhaps a tractor would suit me better. Got the kids kitted out with proper boots, ones you can wear with socks, also rain coats, sweat shirts and all that stuff. Think they are in for a bit of a shock!. An before you all say OCtober not that cold, 29C is a cold snap here, any time of the year. Our Aircon is set at 24C and that's ccccccooolllllldddddd.
We are all recovering from coughs and the such like so will be looking forward to some clear cool air.
Definately be coming to Oxford, almost everyday unless can get "flied lice" in Great Milton.
Nic, Jen and Claire and Demolition Dan
Our plans are so. We arrive on 7th October early morning and spend the nights of 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th in London, we are staying at the Somerset Service Apartments in Bayswater. Owned by Sinagpore company so we can get noodles airflown in for breakfast. We don't have any specific plans for london yet, will depend on the weather, but we have some friends to see.
On Monday 11th, we will be driving up to Great Milton and staying at Views Farm Barn through to to the 16th, when we may have to leave and go B&B for 2 days, or where we may stay on if they don't throw us out. Technically we should book Saturday to Saturday, but if no one wants our beds at the full rate, we can have the unit pro-rata for Saurday night, Sunday night and leave on Monday. We stay with our friends in Chessington on Monday night and fly out Tuesday night.
We have yet to book a car but will have something sexy, not a merc this time cos I can't drive them straight, perhaps a tractor would suit me better. Got the kids kitted out with proper boots, ones you can wear with socks, also rain coats, sweat shirts and all that stuff. Think they are in for a bit of a shock!. An before you all say OCtober not that cold, 29C is a cold snap here, any time of the year. Our Aircon is set at 24C and that's ccccccooolllllldddddd.
We are all recovering from coughs and the such like so will be looking forward to some clear cool air.
Definately be coming to Oxford, almost everyday unless can get "flied lice" in Great Milton.
Nic, Jen and Claire and Demolition Dan
UK Calling Nic and Jen!
Have you got an itinerary, where what when etc.. who? details?
Mum and Dad are in Provence until 9th I think. Will you be visiting Oxford at all? Would love to see you.
Need any help with wadeva?
love Steve
Mum and Dad are in Provence until 9th I think. Will you be visiting Oxford at all? Would love to see you.
Need any help with wadeva?
love Steve
Oh No Lomo
Anyone Know Lomo?
Fed up with DD..digital delay?
LOMO is a Russian copy of an Olympus Trip, except the Russians can only make expensive wonderful lenses.
Mine arrived today, no vacuum packing, every item wrapped in tissue paper, batteries and wrist strap and all, and the whole package wrapped and tied with thread like a wonderful box of Belgian Chocolates.
IMG_0014.JPG
Originally uploaded by ezappy.
IMG_0032.JPG
Originally uploaded by ezappy.
Fed up with DD..digital delay?
LOMO is a Russian copy of an Olympus Trip, except the Russians can only make expensive wonderful lenses.
Mine arrived today, no vacuum packing, every item wrapped in tissue paper, batteries and wrist strap and all, and the whole package wrapped and tied with thread like a wonderful box of Belgian Chocolates.
IMG_0014.JPG
Originally uploaded by ezappy.
IMG_0032.JPG
Originally uploaded by ezappy.
Mandy say's No raw fish!
Good for our blood pressure watching these little beauties.. there's another one round the corner somewhere, but pointing a lens up to the bowl clearly doesn't mean 'smile for the camera' in fishy language it means SWIM FOR IT!
There's good news for bloggers with macs who think putting up photos is a pain and all a bit much.
On the flickr page, is a free download to help you blog pictures, so you can upload straight out of iPhoto/file/export.. don't try yet you have to do some work.
The instructions are on the page and a thankyou to Frazer wouldn't go amiss.
There's good news for bloggers with macs who think putting up photos is a pain and all a bit much.
On the flickr page, is a free download to help you blog pictures, so you can upload straight out of iPhoto/file/export.. don't try yet you have to do some work.
The instructions are on the page and a thankyou to Frazer wouldn't go amiss.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Choccy Wokky swings it
Managed to convince my god daughter Georgina to take a day off school because it'd be like school a bit.. as the waiters speak french and Uncle Peter's a teacher Ruth and Janet are musicians so that'll be like school and I'm going to chase her round the park after lunch. Also she's never spoken welsh yet so is looking forward to that and is just getting to grips with latin just now. Also a big chocolate cake helped swing the arguement 
who's that?
Dad Neil checking the blogger!Sunday, September 19, 2004
rag tag and bobtail
with all his little friends. I nearly stood on him so took a quick picture with my camera phone
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Welcome to Pam and Mike Cross
We are very pleased to welcome Mike and Pam to join us on the 13th. Mike is the son of Uncle Fred and Auntie Ruby. Fred used to pay Julian a shilling to do his impression of Blonco (Lane). Auntie Ru was Grandpa's eldest sister. Au'voir we are off to France. See you all on the 13th Oct. Dad
Friday, September 17, 2004
the terrible twins..
followed us on a 40 minute circular walk today over the big red ochre cliff behind the house just like little puppies, running ahead scampewring excitedly up trees and looking constantly for reassurance. They were all in when we got back and flopped on the kitchen floor with not even enough energy to climb the stairs to lay on the comfy bed... bless 'em.
Ruth near the top of the Demoiselles this morning..
The Demoiselles with Ruth somewhere in there for scale..
and our house (left of right with prominent chimney) with Crillon-le-Brave in the background
Re: washing machine yes and dishwasher and stonking great new stove which will do a whole sheep.. its the other normality we are missing, complete walls, floors made of things other than mud and a residents of long standing and some size who dont like us being here (most of them have 12 eyes and six legs and even scare the cats...) so just bring a jumper (it is a little cooler in the mornings and evenings, and a large baseball bat and we'll be fine.
Micky and Piet-Hein were pleased that you would be here and would like to see you - u haf such nice parents julian - so we can arrange to meet up or pop over and see them. I will dig out my NI. no. and post it. lots of love J
The Demoiselles with Ruth somewhere in there for scale..
and our house (left of right with prominent chimney) with Crillon-le-Brave in the background
Re: washing machine yes and dishwasher and stonking great new stove which will do a whole sheep.. its the other normality we are missing, complete walls, floors made of things other than mud and a residents of long standing and some size who dont like us being here (most of them have 12 eyes and six legs and even scare the cats...) so just bring a jumper (it is a little cooler in the mornings and evenings, and a large baseball bat and we'll be fine.
Micky and Piet-Hein were pleased that you would be here and would like to see you - u haf such nice parents julian - so we can arrange to meet up or pop over and see them. I will dig out my NI. no. and post it. lots of love J
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Georgina
Gemma guess what my rabbit's called... spooky ... and I swear I never knew about yours!!! you guessed it 'Magic'
Sunstar
It's me Georgina (Steve's niece).I'm writing my first blog EVER.This is soooo cool.Uncle Steve has asked me to go to his party but its on a school-day!
UH-OH!
UH-OH!
Two days to go
Bonjour, mes enfants!! Sun is shining Mum's happy and everything is right with the world. Birdie and Dave dropped in to see us yesterday pm. They are spending three days on the good old IOW. Mum said this morning "It made my day" so that is good. I think we have almost finished packing. It is not the bulk but things you miss, like passports, money, tablets. Oh! Everything elso we can buy. I phoned les Demoiselles Coiffees this morning, but I guess you are both out picking grapes. I have got a form E111 for you, Julian, but what is your NI number, which has to go on the form. Sort of AB/3112/85A,B or C, but you probobably have it somewhere. Mum's is SW/4009/75C. Also Mum wants to know if you have a washing machine, as if it matters. If it is soiled ditch it!! We have decided to travel up to Gatwick by car from the Hovercraft station in Southsea, which is not a great deal dearer than the train - and hopefully will be more comfortable. Is the 'house sit' an open invitation?
Monday, September 13, 2004
What a good read ..
Hi all
I've been out of touch with the blog for some time and just caught up with September's offerings so far. Great stuff everyone! It's all happening eh? And the clock's ticking away - we're all getting really excited.
Ruth, thanks, you're a star and we look forward to the Mozart, and MEETING YOU!!. Lunch sounds great too - will check with Pete when he returns from his meeting regarding tomorrow's first parent induction evening. Sounds painful, hope it won't be! The first of the real PR improvements that the management team have managed to put in place, so prayers for tomorrow please. You just wouldn't believe how much backlog of basic "stuff" they have to propose/get approved/implement, just to be in line with the necessities of an effectively running school. Good challenging stuff, and great for Pete's personal development too. Enough, enough.
Took some cute pics of all three girls in their uniform on their first morning - watch this space.
That's it for now - short and sweet.
Love to all
Jan
(PS - hope your arm is better soon, Will!)
I've been out of touch with the blog for some time and just caught up with September's offerings so far. Great stuff everyone! It's all happening eh? And the clock's ticking away - we're all getting really excited.
Ruth, thanks, you're a star and we look forward to the Mozart, and MEETING YOU!!. Lunch sounds great too - will check with Pete when he returns from his meeting regarding tomorrow's first parent induction evening. Sounds painful, hope it won't be! The first of the real PR improvements that the management team have managed to put in place, so prayers for tomorrow please. You just wouldn't believe how much backlog of basic "stuff" they have to propose/get approved/implement, just to be in line with the necessities of an effectively running school. Good challenging stuff, and great for Pete's personal development too. Enough, enough.
Took some cute pics of all three girls in their uniform on their first morning - watch this space.
That's it for now - short and sweet.
Love to all
Jan
(PS - hope your arm is better soon, Will!)
housesitting
yes dvorak is a winner, hugh, although the cello concerto runs thin after 30 years of miserable auditions and an unplayable octave passage.....great folkey tunes though. Do you know the quartets? If you like em folkey you could try Janacek next - quite off the wall and daring but amazing! Go on....! beautiful quartet called 'Intimate letters' in which the viola 'plays' the voice of his beloved.
just so there can be more limeys in amongst the frogs, who wants to house sit while julian is away in november seeing his beloved wifey? there are two deeeelish kittens to cuddle and the house sleeps 6 comfortabley. dates are nov 15-23 and a car can be made available, or even better car exchange with keyswap at gatwick. someone must want us as flights to marseille are aboput £3 at the moment!
did anyone know that rowan atkinson skit/song?
'they all wear berets and they're all called jacques; they even steal from us the words they lack; le weekend, le camping and cul de sac; that's why i hate the fremch, mmmmmmmm, that's why i hate the french.' when i was 16 i was in love with him and used to hand outside the shaftesbury theatre after his show wearing a ridiculous outfit hoping he would notice me!saddo. luckily julian rescued me from such behaviour.
pete and jan - 2 free tickets organised for the mozart on 12th. i have a rehearsal at 4 but maybe we could have lunch? i will try and buy a ticket for julian.
i leave sunday for three months. eeeek. a bientot, rx
just so there can be more limeys in amongst the frogs, who wants to house sit while julian is away in november seeing his beloved wifey? there are two deeeelish kittens to cuddle and the house sleeps 6 comfortabley. dates are nov 15-23 and a car can be made available, or even better car exchange with keyswap at gatwick. someone must want us as flights to marseille are aboput £3 at the moment!
did anyone know that rowan atkinson skit/song?
'they all wear berets and they're all called jacques; they even steal from us the words they lack; le weekend, le camping and cul de sac; that's why i hate the fremch, mmmmmmmm, that's why i hate the french.' when i was 16 i was in love with him and used to hand outside the shaftesbury theatre after his show wearing a ridiculous outfit hoping he would notice me!saddo. luckily julian rescued me from such behaviour.
pete and jan - 2 free tickets organised for the mozart on 12th. i have a rehearsal at 4 but maybe we could have lunch? i will try and buy a ticket for julian.
i leave sunday for three months. eeeek. a bientot, rx
You couple of stupd b................
We both had a laugh at Steve's moan and Pete's answer. What a sense of humour you all have. Can it be me? I also laughed at your butcher, Ruth. Naughty Man!!
We watched the "Last Night at the Proms" on Saturday and we were treated to Fiona's opinions on Dvorak. Did you see your stepma, Ruth? The music was from my favourite composer, little Antonin, who wrote such wonderful music, from his violin and Cello concertos, through the Slavonic Dances to the wonderful 9th Symphony in E, From the New World. Not forgetting my favourite operatic aria, from Russalka, the glorious "Song to the Moon", which I am happy to say we hear quite a lot on Classic FM. My love of Dvorak started with Chinnor Operatic Society performing a rather trite fantasy, based on Dvorak's journey throughout the USA in the middle of the 19th Century, but using his fabulous tunes even if a little bastardised. The opening male chorus of 'Fla-naghan's trees' was from the Cello Concerto 'Da diddy da- da diddy dum.' The finale was from the 'New World', with all the other songs and dances spread through the story. Just heard a news item on Southern Radio about a couple of girls being attacked in Whitehill, along the road where you used to live, Steve. Mum has started packing, so I had better put in my undies. Cheers - see you on Saturday Julian and Ruth. Love from Dad/
We watched the "Last Night at the Proms" on Saturday and we were treated to Fiona's opinions on Dvorak. Did you see your stepma, Ruth? The music was from my favourite composer, little Antonin, who wrote such wonderful music, from his violin and Cello concertos, through the Slavonic Dances to the wonderful 9th Symphony in E, From the New World. Not forgetting my favourite operatic aria, from Russalka, the glorious "Song to the Moon", which I am happy to say we hear quite a lot on Classic FM. My love of Dvorak started with Chinnor Operatic Society performing a rather trite fantasy, based on Dvorak's journey throughout the USA in the middle of the 19th Century, but using his fabulous tunes even if a little bastardised. The opening male chorus of 'Fla-naghan's trees' was from the Cello Concerto 'Da diddy da- da diddy dum.' The finale was from the 'New World', with all the other songs and dances spread through the story. Just heard a news item on Southern Radio about a couple of girls being attacked in Whitehill, along the road where you used to live, Steve. Mum has started packing, so I had better put in my undies. Cheers - see you on Saturday Julian and Ruth. Love from Dad/
Sunday, September 12, 2004
The French Connection
Su, yu sort yu coud av a sheep billet to Waterloo, eh? Well, you cannot, okay! We Frenchies don't want you horrid little Inglish persons travelling on our trens at half zer price, so we make it twice ze price to get to Avignon in ze first place. Aha! You bleeding Inglish sinks you nose every little thing eh? Get you own stupide tren. You alreadies av your own Waterloo! Pah!
Avignon to Waterloo
I've heard it's half the price to travel France to uk rather than otherway round on Eurostar.
I've had a look but the buggers seem to know what I'm doing! and it works out the same!
Qu'est ce que c'est que ca?
I've had a look but the buggers seem to know what I'm doing! and it works out the same!
Qu'est ce que c'est que ca?
Friday, September 10, 2004
loaves and courgettes
nice courgette story, steve, here's one from our local organic butcher (3 mins down from crillon and 40 mins up!) while i take a break from filling:
i went in to get the old sossies for the barB and informed our lovely ex-local butcher that we had moved to bedoin. he asked me when we would be having our 'cremaillere'. Since i did not know what this meant i asked him, and he informed me that it was when you get your oven in your new house and you have a big party where everyone drinks lots of pastis and sleeps with each other's wives. could he come to ours?, he asked. i said "yes, so long as you bring your 'saucisses'. because of the silent s in the plural of sausages this could easily have been taken for singular. His response was a wry raise of the eyebrow and "I never go anywhere without my sausage"
Now we have our oven, is it time for the cremaillere, I wonder?
back to filling.
rx
i went in to get the old sossies for the barB and informed our lovely ex-local butcher that we had moved to bedoin. he asked me when we would be having our 'cremaillere'. Since i did not know what this meant i asked him, and he informed me that it was when you get your oven in your new house and you have a big party where everyone drinks lots of pastis and sleeps with each other's wives. could he come to ours?, he asked. i said "yes, so long as you bring your 'saucisses'. because of the silent s in the plural of sausages this could easily have been taken for singular. His response was a wry raise of the eyebrow and "I never go anywhere without my sausage"
Now we have our oven, is it time for the cremaillere, I wonder?
back to filling.
rx
Mr Toad
I've found the close up setting for my camera and the original tenant! This little fella was outside the back door after the little downpour this morning.
Later I took a walk up to the bakers (37 paces approx) for my wholemeal and freshly laid eggs and had a chat with the proprietor re allotments as she had some slightly overgrown corgettes on the counter. "Are they little marrows or big courgettes?"say's I. "They're me 'usband's" said she, disappearing into the back, emerging in a moment with the exclamation and a proud 5lb monster, "This one's mine!"
Visited by hedgepig too the day before munching through god-knows-what covered in his little friends.. photo coming soon
Later I took a walk up to the bakers (37 paces approx) for my wholemeal and freshly laid eggs and had a chat with the proprietor re allotments as she had some slightly overgrown corgettes on the counter. "Are they little marrows or big courgettes?"say's I. "They're me 'usband's" said she, disappearing into the back, emerging in a moment with the exclamation and a proud 5lb monster, "This one's mine!"
Visited by hedgepig too the day before munching through god-knows-what covered in his little friends.. photo coming soon
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Rock'n'Roll!!
Er, Hello to you all! Sorry I've left it a while to get on this here blog thingy but now I've time on me hands, or rather hand, I thought I should show up on the Merrow-Smith Radar. Other than my recent winging at the Leeds festival (attempting to put chip tray in bin during freak weather conditions - last time I try to be socially responsible I tells you) things are going well. Still at Borders, although this will change as soon as I get back there with all limbs intact. I've got this band going - we're working on a website at the minute with a few tunes for all the cool kids out there to listen to. Anyhow, hope you're all well and I hope to see you at Le Manoir in a couple of weeks.
Rock(!) On(!)
Will (via The Dad's email)
Rock(!) On(!)
Will (via The Dad's email)
The famous five go back to School
It's real Enid Blyton stuff. Me, Jess, Beth, Jan and Amy all went to school for our first day today. Amy started school on her third birthday, bless her. We haven't told her that though. We are celebrating her birthday on Saturday! What rotters, I hear you cry, but let me explain.
We are all pretty whacked as I have a new role. I have taken on the position of second in charge behind my more experienced colleague, Iain. In truth we are not in charge at all as the school's owner, Duncan, can overturn and reverse any decisions we make...but we like to think we are in charge. Together with one of the Infant school teachers, Clair, we form the Senior Management Team for a school of 18 teachers, most of whom are alot older than us. We are the keen young blood and getting the staff to bend to our new fangled ways has been the cause of our late nights and exhaustion. We have worked very hard over the last week to make today run smoothly and, indeed, it was a real success. The pupils have certainly gone home with a few things to think about as we try to erradicate the youth club atmosphere that had set in with the rot. The teachers are beginning to wake up to the cause and the mañana attitude is slowly being 'excited' out of them. We have our sceptics, but sceptics I can cope with for a bit of extra money!
Jan is working as the school's English typist in the afternoons. Hurray, more money! Amy, Jess and Beth all get free schooling, which is great, and if Iain, Clair and I get it right (and if Duncan doesn't overturn all our ideas!) we think the children will be rightly proud of the new image of our school. I could go on, but I'd probably bore you, so I won't. No more need be said than we are all well, mostly contented (Jan is getting a slightly raw deal with my new hours) and are all looking forward to a weekend of well deserved rest, birthday and wedding aniversary celebrations. 16 years tomorrow, if I'm not mistaken. Unfortunately this will take second place over my 'A' level course that I must plan tomorrow morning before I see the students at ten!
Love to all, Romeo (you know, the 'wherefore art thou' chappie).
We are all pretty whacked as I have a new role. I have taken on the position of second in charge behind my more experienced colleague, Iain. In truth we are not in charge at all as the school's owner, Duncan, can overturn and reverse any decisions we make...but we like to think we are in charge. Together with one of the Infant school teachers, Clair, we form the Senior Management Team for a school of 18 teachers, most of whom are alot older than us. We are the keen young blood and getting the staff to bend to our new fangled ways has been the cause of our late nights and exhaustion. We have worked very hard over the last week to make today run smoothly and, indeed, it was a real success. The pupils have certainly gone home with a few things to think about as we try to erradicate the youth club atmosphere that had set in with the rot. The teachers are beginning to wake up to the cause and the mañana attitude is slowly being 'excited' out of them. We have our sceptics, but sceptics I can cope with for a bit of extra money!
Jan is working as the school's English typist in the afternoons. Hurray, more money! Amy, Jess and Beth all get free schooling, which is great, and if Iain, Clair and I get it right (and if Duncan doesn't overturn all our ideas!) we think the children will be rightly proud of the new image of our school. I could go on, but I'd probably bore you, so I won't. No more need be said than we are all well, mostly contented (Jan is getting a slightly raw deal with my new hours) and are all looking forward to a weekend of well deserved rest, birthday and wedding aniversary celebrations. 16 years tomorrow, if I'm not mistaken. Unfortunately this will take second place over my 'A' level course that I must plan tomorrow morning before I see the students at ten!
Love to all, Romeo (you know, the 'wherefore art thou' chappie).
cooker at last
julian is too knackered to write and i tried last night but it all got cancelled so here we are again. julian says he misses driving down the A21 in the rain in my saab listening to bob harris after a concert..but actually we are doing fab, in the house at last, and the cooker (our only real luxury which mr plumber/electrician/ plasterer/bricklayer cum artist chef deserves more than anyone I know) arrived today. A real stainless steel range cooker with 5 burners, and before you dare gasp in shock, take a minute to think of all the fabulous meals we will all have as a result! (tonight's debut being chicken breasts with ceps and spinach...mmmm.). it's 30 degrees in the shade here at midday with crispy bright rays creeping in over the mountain in the morning. the cats are happy even if they have painted noses, filled nostrils and have already encountered ralph the local scary tom, a passing (along with jogger parents) alsation and a wild boar skimming accross the field. it is magnificent and we are terribly happy. there is still tons of work to do, but i am trying to persuade julian that we should relax into my last week here before i leave for 3 months in to die for september light - sit backand enjoy the work we have already done...hope that's ok with all of you???? it may be less perfect than we hoped for you h and m but poor jullian really needs a break and will be fresher for it! you will love it here i am sure. you just have to go out and sip coffee from the gaggia handpump chrome machine in the morning and watch oscar and manon backlit purple against the blue mountain and you'll get the magic creeping into your bones! our friends in the auvergne are collecting ceps by the 50 kilo sack and all we have to offer is shedloads of mink shit from a beastie which lived in the roof many moons ago, i hear it fetches a premium in the more organic scieties and that it makes nice alternative coats....? pete and jan i have put in your glyndenourne request. i'll keep you posted. julian meanwhile sends tired but happy love along with the fig (shaped remarkably like mikshit) he just placed on my keyboard.rxxxxxxxxxxx
Interesting Web deals Accommodation
Book online for the "Days Inn" which is very nice inside doing a £40 odd a night deal online. That's normally £59 a night for family of up to four sharing. On site at Wheatley is KFC and Cafe Nero and a Mac and Donald or something similar, newer nicer but a bit more hemmed in traffic-wise. I was quite impressed with the rooms at the Days Inn and took somephotos of the rooms.
Wheatley Travelodge also doing £40 a night family rooms. It's normally £55 a night and it's right next to Asda and the Harvester Grill. It was the Bridge Hotel three doors up from the bungalow Uncle Dennis lived in next to Ron Atkinson when he was at Oxford United. That's clearly more yer typical UK version but more of the landscape than the other being jammed between the M40 intersection for Thame and the A40.
The two places are a mile apart and ten minutes from the Manoir.
Wheatley Travelodge also doing £40 a night family rooms. It's normally £55 a night and it's right next to Asda and the Harvester Grill. It was the Bridge Hotel three doors up from the bungalow Uncle Dennis lived in next to Ron Atkinson when he was at Oxford United. That's clearly more yer typical UK version but more of the landscape than the other being jammed between the M40 intersection for Thame and the A40.
The two places are a mile apart and ten minutes from the Manoir.
Bank account
The best way to pay any balance is to credit the account where all the funds are kept as follows;-
Bank and branch;- LloydsTSB, Thame Oxon
Sorting code;- 30 98 56
Account in the name of P H Merrow-Smith
Account number
It would help if you make clear the name of the person paying in the funds.
Alternatively, send a cheque for the balance to
Mr. P H Merrow-Smith, 92, Station Road, Wootton Bridge, Ryde IOW PO33 4RG.
I will acknowledge on the blogger. http//merrow-smith.org?
Bank and branch;- LloydsTSB, Thame Oxon
Sorting code;- 30 98 56
Account in the name of P H Merrow-Smith
Account number
It would help if you make clear the name of the person paying in the funds.
Alternatively, send a cheque for the balance to
Mr. P H Merrow-Smith, 92, Station Road, Wootton Bridge, Ryde IOW PO33 4RG.
I will acknowledge on the blogger. http//merrow-smith.org?
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Manoir Budget Account revamped!
This is the latest for who's coming...
The total adults 27
children 11
Roomhire £350 divided by 27 adults works out at £13pp. Therefore food is £62.50pp + £13pp=£75.50pp(adult)
Children=£20 for meal
Family and friends..................paid.................to pay.......in credit
Steve Gem,Will Clive..............£250.................£52....................
Hugh, Margaret.......................125...................26....................
Graham, Josie............................60...................91...................
Dororothy.................................30...................45.50...............
Pam..........................................30...................45.50...............
Tina..........................................30.......................................£30
Fay...........................................30....................45.50................
Cathy,Edmund,Thomas,Kate....100...................35.50...............
Nic,Jen-Hwe, Claire, Daniel......250.....................................£59
Julian, Ruth...............................60....................91................
Pete,Jan,Jess,Beth,Amy.............481.99...........................£270.99
Valerie,Neil,Georgie, Jamie......120....................71......................
Mandy, John H..........................60....................91......................
Steve & Elaine Holt....................60....................91......................
David & Cara.............................60....................91......................
Nikki & Freya..............................0....................95.50.................
Suggest that being as Nikki and Freya are now going to join us that we fully reimburse Tina.
It would probably be easier if we collect the above outstanding from everyone before the 13th and then split the drinks bill between the adults ie 27. Think this would make it much simpler for all on the day.
Sorry this doesn't line up but as Dad knows it's a b*gger!
The total adults 27
children 11
Roomhire £350 divided by 27 adults works out at £13pp. Therefore food is £62.50pp + £13pp=£75.50pp(adult)
Children=£20 for meal
Family and friends..................paid.................to pay.......in credit
Steve Gem,Will Clive..............£250.................£52....................
Hugh, Margaret.......................125...................26....................
Graham, Josie............................60...................91...................
Dororothy.................................30...................45.50...............
Pam..........................................30...................45.50...............
Tina..........................................30.......................................£30
Fay...........................................30....................45.50................
Cathy,Edmund,Thomas,Kate....100...................35.50...............
Nic,Jen-Hwe, Claire, Daniel......250.....................................£59
Julian, Ruth...............................60....................91................
Pete,Jan,Jess,Beth,Amy.............481.99...........................£270.99
Valerie,Neil,Georgie, Jamie......120....................71......................
Mandy, John H..........................60....................91......................
Steve & Elaine Holt....................60....................91......................
David & Cara.............................60....................91......................
Nikki & Freya..............................0....................95.50.................
Suggest that being as Nikki and Freya are now going to join us that we fully reimburse Tina.
It would probably be easier if we collect the above outstanding from everyone before the 13th and then split the drinks bill between the adults ie 27. Think this would make it much simpler for all on the day.
Sorry this doesn't line up but as Dad knows it's a b*gger!
RE: [merrow-smith.org] Pun Alert WARNING
Eggs actly right bro you've got eggs tra portions anyway as you're coming the furthest. Mama and Papa are booked in at Wheatley Travelodge for the twelfth and thirteenth and that is bang next door to a Harvester Grill bar Restaurant and stumbling distance from Wheatley Wall Mart. It's about ten minutes from le Manoir. In fact there's a little narrow country lane from Great Milton to Wheatley or one stop on the M40 to Milton Common and off towards Stadhampton past the windmill turn right and there you are! Where are you?
big tukka
We will have what you're having Steve, any news on the entertainment? or "do we have to dad" provide it ourselves?
Jen and I discovered Kobe Beef at the weekend, good if not better than the pan fried goose liver, but anyway, we'll have what you're having, but with an egg. Bird flew and all that here, eggs are in short supply :) simply dieing for fresh farm eggs (les oef a la ferme?) best practise my french.
Nic
Jen and I discovered Kobe Beef at the weekend, good if not better than the pan fried goose liver, but anyway, we'll have what you're having, but with an egg. Bird flew and all that here, eggs are in short supply :) simply dieing for fresh farm eggs (les oef a la ferme?) best practise my french.
Nic
MENU
At last the menu for the 13th October 2004
You can have whatever you want, as long as it's the same as everyone else, and it's what I'm having :)
You can have whatever you want, as long as it's the same as everyone else, and it's what I'm having :)
Panic setting in!!
We are traveling to Marseilles on 18th September. What are we doing about food at the Manoir. Perhaps we should have an idea of what we are to eat as our 'punters' may be getting worried. Tina is not coming so we have a fairly free hand although we are constrained by shortage of funds and also by long (for us) car journeys. Cathy is having a talk to head teachers to see how much time the boys can be away from school. Nic has booked a small apartment in Great Milton (Views Farm Barns) He is concerned that we may well be too far away from each other. Pete will be at Stanleys. I don't know if Julian is staying locally or if he is going to friends in Lewes. I am considering asking Ken Mason in Thame for accommodation (as they always say come and stay). I may try Sally Gomme as she says she has plenty of room (I was thinking of Cathy) We will be returning on 9th October, which does not leave us long to re-adjust. Things will have to be finalised soon!!
0510 and cant sleep
What lovely photos and a lovely reminder of good times. Well done Nikki. We met a gang of 20+ of our friends out at the Crown in Shorwell (its that beautiful little pub where I shouted at some noisy kids, Steve) Trouble is we had to dash away at 2.15 to get to M's hair appointment in Wootton. Besides our gang there were people dining out of doors in the hot sunshine beside the little stream, with loads of mallards.(uncooked). love y'all Dad
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
FW: [merrow-smith.org] 35 days to go and counting
-----Original Message-----
From: "Patrick"
Sent: 08/09/2004 11:36:00
To: "ezappy@orange.net"
Cc:
Subject: [merrow-smith.org] 35 days to go and counting
The following is the situation regarding our PARTY FUNDS. We have already paid £900 deposit, so the room is booked all day, and anyone who wants to join us is welcome to. We could, for instance, meet for coffee at 10.30, 11.00 etc. There is a lovely garden to look round. Anyone who wishes can send me funds which I will use towards the meal, which we think will be about £62.50 - say it quickly and it doesn't seem so bad. Children's meals will of course be a lot less. The high sum against Pete's name I am saving for him to use when he comes to Chinnor.
Family and friends Paid deposit paid balance. Total
Steve 30 32.50 62.50
Gemma 30 32.50 62.50
Will 30 32.50 62.50
Clive 30 32.50 62.50
Hugh 30 32.50 62.50
Mum 30 32.50 62.50
Graham 30 30
Josie 30 30
Dorothy 30 30
Pamela 30 30
Tina 30 30
Fay 30 30
Cathy 30 30
Edmund 30 30
Thomas 20 20
Kate 20 20
Nic )
Jen-Hwe ) 120 130 250
Claire )
Daniel )
Julian 30 30
Ruth 30 30
Pete 30 90.50 120.50
Jan 30 90.50 120.50
Jessica 30 50.33 80.33
Bethany 30 50.33 80.33
Amy 30 50.33 80.33
Valerie 30 30
Neil 30 30
Georgina 30 30
Jamie 30 30
Mandy 30 30
John H 30 30
Steve Holt 30 30
Elaine 30 30
David 30 30
Cara 30 30
Nikki (possibly)
TOTALS £1090 £656.99 £1746.99
--
Posted by Patrick to merrow-smith.org at 9/8/2004 11:35:43 AM
From: "Patrick"
Sent: 08/09/2004 11:36:00
To: "ezappy@orange.net"
Cc:
Subject: [merrow-smith.org] 35 days to go and counting
The following is the situation regarding our PARTY FUNDS. We have already paid £900 deposit, so the room is booked all day, and anyone who wants to join us is welcome to. We could, for instance, meet for coffee at 10.30, 11.00 etc. There is a lovely garden to look round. Anyone who wishes can send me funds which I will use towards the meal, which we think will be about £62.50 - say it quickly and it doesn't seem so bad. Children's meals will of course be a lot less. The high sum against Pete's name I am saving for him to use when he comes to Chinnor.
Family and friends Paid deposit paid balance. Total
Steve 30 32.50 62.50
Gemma 30 32.50 62.50
Will 30 32.50 62.50
Clive 30 32.50 62.50
Hugh 30 32.50 62.50
Mum 30 32.50 62.50
Graham 30 30
Josie 30 30
Dorothy 30 30
Pamela 30 30
Tina 30 30
Fay 30 30
Cathy 30 30
Edmund 30 30
Thomas 20 20
Kate 20 20
Nic )
Jen-Hwe ) 120 130 250
Claire )
Daniel )
Julian 30 30
Ruth 30 30
Pete 30 90.50 120.50
Jan 30 90.50 120.50
Jessica 30 50.33 80.33
Bethany 30 50.33 80.33
Amy 30 50.33 80.33
Valerie 30 30
Neil 30 30
Georgina 30 30
Jamie 30 30
Mandy 30 30
John H 30 30
Steve Holt 30 30
Elaine 30 30
David 30 30
Cara 30 30
Nikki (possibly)
TOTALS £1090 £656.99 £1746.99
--
Posted by Patrick to merrow-smith.org at 9/8/2004 11:35:43 AM
We loved our holiday!
Kate and I are just looking at the blogger, when we should be doing 'bedtime', and Kate would like to type something in, so here goes! I had a great time on Ilse of Wight, it was great to see Grandma and Gandad, and I loved staying in the caravan. In the brochure it said we would have a sea view but just above the cliff tops we could only see a little bit over the sea, but we didn't care, although I thought it was a bit funny!!! Back to me(Cathy) I sorry to hear that William is unflateringly multi coloured, I hope its not to painful, is it in plaster? we are having an Indian summer here so if Oxford is the same perhaps he should be laying in dappeled sunlight on a tartan rug by a riverside looking pale and interesting, and reading poems, (or at least Philip Pumans trilogy His Dark Materials, its a jolly good read, written for children,set in an alternative Oxford, a ripping good yarn, but not for those who are worried by attacks on orgaized religion, or who can't take fantasy. Its what is called these days a 'cross over ' read.Steve we never discused books but I think you might like it/them). Oh no its 8.57 passed bedtime, must fly. love you all.
La familie Merrow-Smith sur la plage!
I think Edmund and Kate were building sandcastles when this was taken, and Hugh was invisible (but was there, honest!)
The infamous yellow dinosaur
Blackgang Chine....this dinosaur was there 26 years ago, when I was photographed astride this in a similar fashion to Edmund, Thomas and Kate. We only went to Blackgang Chine for this photographic opportunity (oh...and Water Force too !)
tekkno wiz
You need to up load photos to Flickr, so I've set up an account.
You should get an email from them telling you what to do next on yahoo email.
good luck
I've used the same username and password as the email.
You should get an email from them telling you what to do next on yahoo email.
good luck
I've used the same username and password as the email.
Holiday snaps!
Hello all you Merrow-Smiths! It's Nikki here, adding to the blog via Cathy's account....hope that's OK.
Had a fantastic holiday on the Isle of Wight and thank you to Steve and Hugh and Margaret for their great company...already this morning John was talking about booking up a house for next summer, if not sooner!
Thought I would post up some holiday snaps to relive the memories! However, I can't work out how to do it....could one of you technowizards (Steve?!?) please email me with instructions and then I can post up some great snaps of Edmund, Thomas and Kate.
Hurrah!
Had a fantastic holiday on the Isle of Wight and thank you to Steve and Hugh and Margaret for their great company...already this morning John was talking about booking up a house for next summer, if not sooner!
Thought I would post up some holiday snaps to relive the memories! However, I can't work out how to do it....could one of you technowizards (Steve?!?) please email me with instructions and then I can post up some great snaps of Edmund, Thomas and Kate.
Hurrah!
Monday, September 06, 2004
wingy
Will's just called to say he's signed been off for 3 weeks and there's a bit of progress as he can now manage to put a t shirt on.. although the bruise is now going yellow.. oohoo hoo or in spanish ooxxoo xoo.
Poo Chi Knee...
Am ashamed to say I nearly nodded off during la Boheme when I saw it in Vienna in 1970 but hey I've got degree now so I'm more properly edumicated ..and that!
(thinks)
so maybe we could do Ronnies on 11th or 12th as it's so easy up to London on the Oxford Tube from Oxford or Lewknor. Plus, and it'll be alright to have a drink (in a proper English boozer) and get home safely in a reasonable state for the Golden Onion (reunion). THEN go to Glyndebourne on the 14th to see Ruth perform.
It is a 2 and a bit hour drive to West Sussex from here and 'one' will require to be sensible drinks-wise won't 'one' hmm?
It's a shame Ruth you're not doing Grieg but he'll probably be out skiiing!
(thinks again...) mentioned to Gemma it might be nice for the hard core if we could sort out a little souree chez Bonkinkosi after le Manoir for those who've not had enough... (house meeting!)
And Finally
Happy Birthday Jessica and Amy. Pleased cards arrived in a big sack Daddy say's.. love Steve with kisses on the bottom!
Poo Chi Knee...
Am ashamed to say I nearly nodded off during la Boheme when I saw it in Vienna in 1970 but hey I've got degree now so I'm more properly edumicated ..and that!
(thinks)
so maybe we could do Ronnies on 11th or 12th as it's so easy up to London on the Oxford Tube from Oxford or Lewknor. Plus, and it'll be alright to have a drink (in a proper English boozer) and get home safely in a reasonable state for the Golden Onion (reunion). THEN go to Glyndebourne on the 14th to see Ruth perform.
It is a 2 and a bit hour drive to West Sussex from here and 'one' will require to be sensible drinks-wise won't 'one' hmm?
It's a shame Ruth you're not doing Grieg but he'll probably be out skiiing!
(thinks again...) mentioned to Gemma it might be nice for the hard core if we could sort out a little souree chez Bonkinkosi after le Manoir for those who've not had enough... (house meeting!)
And Finally
Happy Birthday Jessica and Amy. Pleased cards arrived in a big sack Daddy say's.. love Steve with kisses on the bottom!
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Off to work...
Back to work now, and it's a bit more exciting as I now have a post with additional responsibility - more money (hopefully) but also more hours. I have yet to see the contract, but it looks like after years of obscurity in Africa I may have gained some recognition at last. Still, I wouldn't have it any differently. We played marimbas in the park last week at a church social. Next summer we may go on tour - the Von Merrow-Smith Family Players .... or is it the Van Merrow-Smiths? After all we will need to get a Ford Transit by then.
Here is my school web site, though it's out of date and rather boring. You don't have to go there, I was just playing with the buttons that I couldn't get when I was using Safari. Steve's recent blog got me interested in searching around for how I could do the links. I say's to myself, I could do that...gissajob.
Regarding Glyndebourne, Ruth, we think that Mozart on the 12th is a good first choice (though we won't get to Ronnie Scotts too) and 2nd choice would be Puccini on 14th. We won't need two seats as I have lost so much weight cycling that we can now fit on the same chair ... still, perhaps as we will have farmed the children out two seats would be more comfortable after all. Does that sound possible? We are really excited about making it there, as the last time we both went to the theatre together was to a 60s Review in Jo'burg about 6 years ago, when we saw actors singing famous songs (Beatles and such) or reciting Roger McGough poems ... not that we're old enough to remember the real thing! I do recall hearing "O bla di, O bla da" on one of our holidays ... was it the New Forest, or the "this way for the speedboat, lovely on the water!" holiday? "Where's your mama gone" also brings back vague and distant memories. Jan says she remembers "Penny Lane" on the hospital radio when she had her tonsils out, but she was probably delirious at the time.
Sorry to hear about the arm Will. I broke a finger nail playing cricket today. Something must be going round. Maybe you'll find time to do some blogging? Get well soon, chap.
Time for bed said Zebedee ... I've got a 20km cycle ride in the morning and the alarm is set for 6.00 am.
Goodnight John-Boy, goodnight Jim-Bob, goodnight Mary Ellen etc...
Here is my school web site, though it's out of date and rather boring. You don't have to go there, I was just playing with the buttons that I couldn't get when I was using Safari. Steve's recent blog got me interested in searching around for how I could do the links. I say's to myself, I could do that...gissajob.
Regarding Glyndebourne, Ruth, we think that Mozart on the 12th is a good first choice (though we won't get to Ronnie Scotts too) and 2nd choice would be Puccini on 14th. We won't need two seats as I have lost so much weight cycling that we can now fit on the same chair ... still, perhaps as we will have farmed the children out two seats would be more comfortable after all. Does that sound possible? We are really excited about making it there, as the last time we both went to the theatre together was to a 60s Review in Jo'burg about 6 years ago, when we saw actors singing famous songs (Beatles and such) or reciting Roger McGough poems ... not that we're old enough to remember the real thing! I do recall hearing "O bla di, O bla da" on one of our holidays ... was it the New Forest, or the "this way for the speedboat, lovely on the water!" holiday? "Where's your mama gone" also brings back vague and distant memories. Jan says she remembers "Penny Lane" on the hospital radio when she had her tonsils out, but she was probably delirious at the time.
Sorry to hear about the arm Will. I broke a finger nail playing cricket today. Something must be going round. Maybe you'll find time to do some blogging? Get well soon, chap.
Time for bed said Zebedee ... I've got a 20km cycle ride in the morning and the alarm is set for 6.00 am.
Goodnight John-Boy, goodnight Jim-Bob, goodnight Mary Ellen etc...
Saturday, September 04, 2004
glyndebourne
ok guys, you've all gone very quiet on the glyndebourne front so here are the options:
12 oct Magic Flute by Mozart
14 oct la Boheme by Puccini
15 oct magic flute by mozart
16 matinee of pelleas et melisande by debussy.
i can get one or two free tickets probably but might be able to get reduced the week itself. it's not prohibitively expensive like the summer and worth the trip to compliment the 4 saisons.......let me know!
we are trying to move in but failing a bit as there is still much mess and noise to make before oscar and manon arrive, however tomorrow may well be the first night....
not wanting to leave this heaven now home is being created and is inviting and we start to imagine last morning coffeees outside, winter chills and a warm fore and stews riding on the odd september breeze.
i loved your cycling stories pete and got into a lovely rhythm too this summer - of cycling to the new house (part way up the ventoux so no mean feat) via the olive groves, plum trees heavily pendulous and cherries still hanging on to their leaves, ochre boulders and wheat fields, the grape selling man and the boulangerie, via also a kilometre splash (breast, back and crawl) in the emptying and now unfortunately shut bedoin municipal pine lined pool. felt pretty strong and ready for work after a hunk of juicy melon at about midday!!!!
steve, when ARE you going to come and give your poor brother a hand????????????????
hugh and margaret, why are you arriving the day i leave? i am trying to persuade julian to arrange for you to come a day earlier so at least we can all have dinner together in the new house?????
questions questions. answers please.
12 oct Magic Flute by Mozart
14 oct la Boheme by Puccini
15 oct magic flute by mozart
16 matinee of pelleas et melisande by debussy.
i can get one or two free tickets probably but might be able to get reduced the week itself. it's not prohibitively expensive like the summer and worth the trip to compliment the 4 saisons.......let me know!
we are trying to move in but failing a bit as there is still much mess and noise to make before oscar and manon arrive, however tomorrow may well be the first night....
not wanting to leave this heaven now home is being created and is inviting and we start to imagine last morning coffeees outside, winter chills and a warm fore and stews riding on the odd september breeze.
i loved your cycling stories pete and got into a lovely rhythm too this summer - of cycling to the new house (part way up the ventoux so no mean feat) via the olive groves, plum trees heavily pendulous and cherries still hanging on to their leaves, ochre boulders and wheat fields, the grape selling man and the boulangerie, via also a kilometre splash (breast, back and crawl) in the emptying and now unfortunately shut bedoin municipal pine lined pool. felt pretty strong and ready for work after a hunk of juicy melon at about midday!!!!
steve, when ARE you going to come and give your poor brother a hand????????????????
hugh and margaret, why are you arriving the day i leave? i am trying to persuade julian to arrange for you to come a day earlier so at least we can all have dinner together in the new house?????
questions questions. answers please.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Back to Work
Just about finished settling-in after the move, in time to go back to work! but I was determined to cram something arty in since the Provence trip's put on the back burner for a week or so.. so on a whim I drove up to Tate Modern Thursday evening to see the Hopper and parked under the London Bridge railway arches by Vinopolis wine bar, got there about 8.30 in the evening..late night night opening 'til 10! No tickets left! Earliest was sunday night just before it closes for good...cut a long story got in anyway (in the out) and home by 11pm. It was packed in there! schwwwwwooo!!!! Bish bosh! Sorted. And.. didn't buy the catalogue, so that was good of me.
I'm doing driving weekends now leaving Monday to Friday free for more interesting activities...
Have got my first 'commission' which is sort of my "Art by the Yard" (or metre) idea.. Fay and Pete Hayes want a smaller version of Phil Kelly's huge fantasy in yellow Seafood Restaurant painting which Rick Stein's got down in Padstow.
(a teeny tiny taster) so wish me luck!
Anyone else fancy Ronnie Scotts on 12th Oct?
Vital Information is an old favourite lead by drummer Steve Smith (no relation). We'd have a good chance of getting in on the Tuesday night rather than later in the week and another old favourite Jim Mullen is in support. Meet in the Coach and Horses at nynish.
Clive's birthday today.. Gem took him to Legoland yesterday as part of her 'new fogey' image. Apparently bowls bingo and caravanning are hip again thank heavens.
Will's busted arm looks good, forty shades of green above the elbow, right arm, fell down at the Leeds Music festival NOT drunk I'm told.... yeah yeah so he's off work for three weeks. Can't do nuffink and really bored. address is 18 Dale Close OX1 1TU.
aerial photo for Mum down by Folly Bridge..
and I LOVE you all....! dun diddle'un diddle'un diddle 'un...etc
I'm doing driving weekends now leaving Monday to Friday free for more interesting activities...
Have got my first 'commission' which is sort of my "Art by the Yard" (or metre) idea.. Fay and Pete Hayes want a smaller version of Phil Kelly's huge fantasy in yellow Seafood Restaurant painting which Rick Stein's got down in Padstow.
(a teeny tiny taster) so wish me luck!
Anyone else fancy Ronnie Scotts on 12th Oct?
Vital Information is an old favourite lead by drummer Steve Smith (no relation). We'd have a good chance of getting in on the Tuesday night rather than later in the week and another old favourite Jim Mullen is in support. Meet in the Coach and Horses at nynish.
Clive's birthday today.. Gem took him to Legoland yesterday as part of her 'new fogey' image. Apparently bowls bingo and caravanning are hip again thank heavens.
Will's busted arm looks good, forty shades of green above the elbow, right arm, fell down at the Leeds Music festival NOT drunk I'm told.... yeah yeah so he's off work for three weeks. Can't do nuffink and really bored. address is 18 Dale Close OX1 1TU.
aerial photo for Mum down by Folly Bridge..
and I LOVE you all....! dun diddle'un diddle'un diddle 'un...etc
Thursday, September 02, 2004
No blogs since 26th August, so I thought I would put in some of my diary notes.
31st August. More work on the garden, finishing off the edges of the new lawn. Looks very nice. I will have to spend some time tomorrow cutting the grass as wet weather feeds the lawns and sunshine makes it grow. Cathy et al arrived from Niton, at 11.30am, having come to the end of their very enjoyable holiday. All looked tanned and rested after 10 days in the caravan. Never seen John looking so happy. He is really sold on the IOW, especially along the south coast. A beautiful summers day – sod’s law- the end of the holiday, so I decided to cut the lawn, but Cathy had left her bracelet and ear-rings in the caravan, so after they left to catch the 1230 from East Cowes, we went off after lunch to retrieve them. A nice journey down to Niton and bought some peppermint oil tablets at the pharmacy, to try and cure M’s IBS. Went into the PO and sent the bracelet &earrings off to Wales. Weather was still good so we decided to cut the front lawn. It looked so nice after the cut, that I cut the side lawn. Then I thought I had better cut the new lawn and finished off by cutting the back lawn. What a day. Discovered a large toad in the greenhouse. Nicknamed Horace Horsecollar. The children were intrigued. We left the door open in case he wanted to get out looking for whatever toads eat. We have a new baby squirrel – very dark brown but full of fun and he keeps us all amused.
September came in like a lion and we had sunshine all day. Had a very nice, expensive lunch at Daish's Restaurant. They certainly load up your plates down here. Mum was stuffed - so was I!
31st August. More work on the garden, finishing off the edges of the new lawn. Looks very nice. I will have to spend some time tomorrow cutting the grass as wet weather feeds the lawns and sunshine makes it grow. Cathy et al arrived from Niton, at 11.30am, having come to the end of their very enjoyable holiday. All looked tanned and rested after 10 days in the caravan. Never seen John looking so happy. He is really sold on the IOW, especially along the south coast. A beautiful summers day – sod’s law- the end of the holiday, so I decided to cut the lawn, but Cathy had left her bracelet and ear-rings in the caravan, so after they left to catch the 1230 from East Cowes, we went off after lunch to retrieve them. A nice journey down to Niton and bought some peppermint oil tablets at the pharmacy, to try and cure M’s IBS. Went into the PO and sent the bracelet &earrings off to Wales. Weather was still good so we decided to cut the front lawn. It looked so nice after the cut, that I cut the side lawn. Then I thought I had better cut the new lawn and finished off by cutting the back lawn. What a day. Discovered a large toad in the greenhouse. Nicknamed Horace Horsecollar. The children were intrigued. We left the door open in case he wanted to get out looking for whatever toads eat. We have a new baby squirrel – very dark brown but full of fun and he keeps us all amused.
September came in like a lion and we had sunshine all day. Had a very nice, expensive lunch at Daish's Restaurant. They certainly load up your plates down here. Mum was stuffed - so was I!
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