I know flying is disastrous for the planet, but sometimes the ends justify the means and this was one of those times.Look what you get to see!
every day this is what it looks like above the clouds. When it is dark and gloomy down here, it is like THAT up there!
Sometimes it looks spectacular from below
But always it looks amazing from above
sorry planet.
I am deeply gratified - someone has nominated me for a 'little blog award' on Dorset Cereals in the category 'Culture' - I have one vote (I am not fishing here) (honestly) (there is someone there with 96 votes and I don't know 95 people) (please don't) (thank you) (what's with the brackets?)
Anyway - I looked at my stats and spotted a hit from the aforementioned cereal people and wondered why they were visiting - lo and behold - a nomination - in 'culture'. I am astounded actually. They offer 'a really nice prize'. Do you think it is cereal? it must be mustn't it?
I don't think I have ever typed 'mustn't' it looks very strange.
Thank you to my mystery nominator - you have made me reflect on the way people see me and I'll relate this little musing of mine. I walked into my favourite cafe the other day and there was a nice person who I only know a little bit and she said 'Oh - hello Katie, how are you? ('fine' I said - blah blah, weather, autumn, pretty colours etc) 'Oh' she said again 'you always look so unique'
And I got my coffee and sat upstairs and thought about it for a while and decided that I didn't mind being described thus. Unique. Cultured. They are only words - but how they end up being attached to me is a mystery. Not getting all philosophical here - just musing out loud - feeling in a musing sort of mood. As I write a good friend is in labour with her first child and my thoughts are there, but also further afield as the cycle of life keeps turning and bringing new challenges.
I can't remember when I last wrote so much here. A picture is called for I think - for those of you who are still reading to ponder on. Enjoy your day to the full - absolutely and completely. Today, I get to drive to Cumbria with Geoff and hold the other end of a tape measure while he works. But I get to be with him today and drive through some sensational countryside and chat. It will be just wonderful.
First the electricity, then Geoff's electricity and then..... my dear computer. I am relieved to get it back this afternoon with all the glitches ironed out and new virus software on board. Thank you Computer Shop. In the intervening time I have been here
Norfolk (this is the Fruit Farm we got 48 kilos of apples and pears from) to help John move from one RSPB reserve to another and then to here
the view from the cafe in the Tate Modern where I rested my weary feet and sipped a vastly overpriced drink. We were in London to help Martha and Matt streamline their backyard into an efficient growing space - even more efficient than it already was.
Poppy came. What is she doing here?
buyring her Bonio of course!
All sorts of new and wonderful things now live in M&M's yard and the growing opportunites are mega. Many thanks to Nana and Grandad
both inside and outside - take a look at this that Nana made
hours and hours of work and love in this. Beautiful.
Back to Autumn now, yellow, brown, misty, cold, bright sunny days, early dusks. And my computer restored to health
Just look at the amount of cake!
HOORAY!
September sometimes has the most beautiful weather and we are blessed in this corner of the planet with a fantastic morning.
here is the sun rising on my little shed at about 6 o'clock this morning.
'Porridge is ready!'
so come back Poppy, breakfast!
This morning, for breakfast, Geoff and I shared the last of the peaches, a good crop this year, never very sweet and quick to go mouldy, but tasty stewed and added to porridge.
it feels really autumnal here as August gives way to September, it was dark so early last night. But now I am going to enjoy September, which can be a really surprising month, full of mellow light, fruits and vegetables a-plenty. Another good crop of courgettes. These chocolate and courgette muffins appear and disappear regularly hereabouts!
Sunny start to September here after thunderstorms for the last of August.
Owen has a new kitten - Puma. Named after the cat not the sports wear.
This comment from my Mum comes with the picture of Trafalgar Square and the memories it provoked. When I was in London recently, T Square was a building site, but here it is in all its glory
(courtesy of Wikimedia)
''The picture of Trafalgar Square brings back very happy memories. Firstly, take away the machinery and you will see the corner of the Square and Whitehall where stood Bravington's the jewellers. Your Dad and I bought our wedding ring there (£1 25) in 1944. We then went and sat in the first bench in St James Park opposite King Charles Steps without knowing that we were right where Churchill and the war cabinet spent time planning the war beneath the ground. We were on another plane, aged 19 years planning our wedding which is 65 years old this December.''
My Mum
My garden is too big for me to manage and so is very overgrown and messy. Martha and Matt have a backyard full to bursting with wonderful flowers and veg! What an inspiration!
just look what they have done with their little space!
small is most defiantly beautiful - and productive and very satisfying!
Martha and Matt live in Hackney near lovely little shops and markets, parks and the canal. So much to see and do. Martha and I explored on bikes, zipping here and there and finding treasures
so much to see
just the sort of places I love, lucky Martha loves them too - how did that happen?
and no trip to this part of the world would be complete without a pilgrimage to this place
small but beautifully formed.
no time to drool over ths though as M&M had booked our evening meal at this amazing place. Such exquisite tastes! I had courgette flowers stuffed with ricotta and aubergine with the most meltingly delicious sauce. No pictures of them, too busy eating - but look at the puddings - which one would you choose?
go on - which one would you have? Which one do you think I had?
Edited to add
well - all you meringue types - including my parents - hmmm - let me tell you all - the Berry Tart with Vanilla Custard was sublime
Back from nearly a week with my lovely Martha and Matt in London. I have had such a wonderful few days - walked miles and been totally spoiled by them - here is a flavour
Here we are reflected in the window of Liberty's - you have to make a pilgrimage to Liberty!
The Cloth House next, we had such a day - indulging all the way
Neals Yard for tea and some cheese
there is more... The British Museum where the ceiling is a work of art in itself
and where the Lewis Chessmen live,
made from whale and walrus bone and tusk, the inspiration for Noggin the Nog
Nelson in a bit of disarray as preparations for some big gathering are under way. More pictures tomorrow!
Followers of this blog will know that the elderly children are all flown away to pastures new. But every now and then, they come back and we love it and so does Poppy
just a short visit from John and an even shorter one from Owen
who is enjoying the colour coordinated effect of his leisure wear. His shoes created quite a stir in sleepy town Hexham!
Fatted calf was on the menu as usual - this time a tasty organic chicken did the job.
And the daughter I hear you ask? This time next week i will be on a train to London to complete the set! Can't wait!
