Mother's Day

Mothering Sunday and first an indoor boot sale at the Memorial Hall. Found a nice big heavy frame for my railway tickets. Painting it black ( now in summer house ). Also a double CD of old Beach Boys stuff "Friends" and "20/20" which came out in the late 60's. Overlooked at the time and contain some nice tracks not heard before. Hazel got a tin photo of a little girl and keyhole cover. Archie found a musty frame. Archie had made a delicious carrot cake with cream cheese topping which we took over to Granma's in the afternoon to have with coffee. hazel and Archie did some gardening - planting some flowers they bought. I read the local paper. News isn't good - banning parking on all roads round Hartford Station - new shopping precinct stays empty - local Tory MP gets away with murder etc. The collage above is my Mum when she was a young woman back in the 40's on her wedding day.

Amsterdam

Nice to get back to Amsterdam if only for a short weekend. Tried to recreate the photo in the middle of the bench we took 31 years ago. Not quite the same but a nice dutch girl took one for us. Great flea market reached by free ferry from behind Central Station on Saturday - got lots of bargains including a tin house, tin signal, tin rocket for Archie ( who had to stay at home and paint the bathroom floor. ) tin electric bell for dolls house? and numerous other gew-gaws and stuff. Loved every minute of it except the walking and the sore feet!

Berlin

Just a few random images from the many photos I took in Berlin last week on a 5 day (four nights) trip with students from MMU. Saw so much great stuff including the Technik Museum , Museum der Dinge ( Museum of Things ) and Berlinisher Gallery to name but a few. So warm we even had waffles and ice cream outside in the sunshine one day! It was snowing in Manchester apparently. Managed to find some nice food places too including a great pizza , celery burger and chips, a Turkish bakery where they sold cream cakes, only one cafe was rubbish so won't mention them! The hostel was OK - very cheap and cheerful - a bit noisy but Hazel told the students next door off and they reduced the noise considerably. Managed to figure out how the Ubahn and Sbahn worked and only got lost twice. Berliners are usually very helpful and speak some English so always found our way eventually. One kind lady went out of her way to lead us up lots of steps to the Ubahn platform we needed. Of the art we enjoyed John Bock's playful junk sculpture/film/installations at the Berlinisher Gallery and Christian Falsnaes videos also in the same place. Good to see again the Twombly's, Beuys and Warhols etc. at the Hamburger Bahnhof, also installation by Adrian Piper.

Indoor Boot

Nice indoor boot this morning at the Memorial Hall - lots of bargains including some old bus tickets, ephemera, dice, Coronation mug, thermometer, box with wiggly bug etc. Then to Boots to get Haze's glasses mended which took ages as they couldn't find the right screw. We waited in the Works where I got some felt tip pens ( 8 for a quid!) and then Quality Save for inner soles. Home now for egg mayo. sarnies. We know how to live

Alsager

Always a treat to see our old chums Tony and Pene in Alsager. Our last visit was cancelled at the last minute as Pene was ill with a tummy bug but thankfully she is recovered and able to cook a delicious lunch. Tony made the nut roast which was delicious also - with all the trimmings. Apple tart and selection of home made ice creams for "pudding". We had to have a walk afterwards to feel like some of the calories were burnt off! Down the Salt Line nearby for a stroll past many walkers and dogs, cyclists etc. and back again round the lake and over the fly invested field near the local tip. (This bit wasn't the best!) I shouldn't have had the beer for lunch as it made me sleepy. Archie too who was suffering from post driving stress as he bravely drove all the way. Although it's not far ( 15 miles or so ) it felt like a hundred to him! Anyway, slumped on the settee having tea and lemon drizzle cake ( back come the calories!) we watched some old video Tony had found of us back in our courting days of the 80's looking very young and fresh faced - watching the rabbit scamper across the Eve's carpet. Also old film of kinetic scupltures made in Tony's first year at Falmouth art school back in the 60's. Quite a nostalgia fest! Considering a soundbar for our less than adequate TV so Tony checked out the Which guide for best bargains. Looks like Samsung do a cheapish one. Something to consider. Back home my 4.30. Hazel drove.

February - Boot Sale

I Have been neglecting this blog rather of late. Not enough hours in the day it seems to catch up with all the detritus and details of our daily doings. Not that anyone's interested! Today it was freezing again but not enough so Hazel had to the scrape the car windscreen. The silver cloth cover keeps most of it off , if she remembers to use it. It was the monthly indoor boot at the Memorial Hall which is always fun. Some bargains today included a stack of old reggae records, a measuring device like a big wooden lollipop, some old wooden rulers, a chisel, and some sticky tape that says "Ear Muffs" for some strange reason we haven't found yet? I suppose you could wrap the tape around your head and it would approximate some kind of temporary ear muff - but not very warm or comfortable! We remain baffled but delighted to tape things up and baffle others. Archie got the chisel for two quid and had a long conversation with the friendly man who sold it about it's sharpening. The records seem a bargain at only 50p each and some according to Discogs are worth a lot more. We shall see. Hazel got the wooden lollipop measuring thingy for her summer house - a conversation piece she says. Then to the station to get Archie's ticket to Brighton on Tuesday. Home again for vege sausage sandwiches and burnt onion. Yum!

More of Archie and Meriel's India Photos

Archie will be home soon so here's a few more snaps of the trip to Raghurajpur with the closing ceremony with some famous Indian artists and nice meals they have been having, also trips out to temples and festivals etc. They fly to Mumbai for a couple of days before returning next week. So look forward to hearing about their trip in detail and seeing more photos he took on his SLR.

Archie In India

A few snaps of our boy's adventures in India for those not on FB that can access these snaps. It's his 24th birthday today and he's celebrating in Mumbai at the moment and flying to the west coast for the 5 week craft village residency tomorrow. He and his girlfriend Meriel have already been to Goa and Kerala? for 3 weeks and traveling by train, plane and nik - nak ( what are those three wheeled put put jobs called? ) Tic tac? Anyway, they seem to be having a great time despite the heat and the mosquitoes etc. No Delhi belly as yet - fingers crossed.

Southend Art School 1965

I've probably put this photo on here before but no harm in seeing it again. It reminds me of a great time back in the 60's ( from 1963-67) when things were a lot different to what they are now. It may not look much ( this is the back entrance ) but it was a place of great creativity, freedom and friendship. That half finished block in the distance is a portent of things to come - when Southendd would become a dull grey town trying to throw off the trappings of the lively East End holiday destination and become a second rate business centre. Much of it has gone now but still have fond memories of the Garon's arcade, Garon's cinema (so many cinemas!) Keddies department store, Peter Pan's Playground, The Golden Hind, the waxworks with rats on wires, Woolworths and British Home Stores etc. etc. Not to mention all the junk shops and arcades. In 1967 the old art school was bulldozed to make way for a roundabout and road system and new block was built nearby which soon became redundant.

Blakemere Boot

Surprised to see so many at the boot sale at Blakemere this morning despite the rain showers. The sun shone whilst we were there and the heavens opened as we left - good timing! Got a few bargains including games for 50p and great Leon Redbone CD for a quid. Hazel got a few weird gadgets, coronation mugs, a crystal ball and some lead figures and objects. Went in the antique emporium afterwards and had a look round but not bargains to be found. hazel was intrigued by a strange implement for counting something or other and drew a quick sketch of it in her notebook as she didn't think it was worth £14. Also popped into the garden centre for a tons of violas. No poets to be seen anywhere.

Liverpool Biennale

Always a treat to go into Liverpool by train ( just 30 mins. from Hartford station ) and see the Biennale. Previous years have been more exciting but still some interesting work on show in various venues spread widely around the city. First we trekked over to the huge Cain's brewery complex, an old red brick Victorian edifice to the South- through some of the bleakest industrial streets and grim housing estates. Amongst all this decay are pockets of trendiness like the eatery we popped into to find a snack. All on offer were plastic containers of expensive salads with two prawns or a soup made of bacon and black pudding - yuk! It was packed out with hip young things - gawd nose where they came from as the grey dismal streets outside were empty! Anyway, I digress, the Cain's brewery was a shambles and the art on show was 6th form and foundation level at best. Some interesting videos by Ramin Haerizadeh and Co. raised the standard a little. Hazel borrowed a tablet to follow a virtual dog guide around the exhibition that vanished after metamorphing into a bunch of daffs ( or was it onions?) . Then to the nearby Blade factory and a terrible racket by Mark Leckey based on his youth around Liverpool and the music scene back in the 80's - we stuck 5 mins of the video and sound system and left to find some lunch. Which we found in the Bluecoat, and very nice it was too. We sat outside in the gardens and listened to a busker warbling plaintively in the next street, singing a song of unrequited art. Then around the Bluecoat and the patchy Young Contemporaries. Some amusing video works but most of the painting s and sculptures left me cold. Lastly the FACT gallery and some intriguing work by the American Krzysztof Wodiczko - work about homelessness, machines and gadgets to aid homeless people in their survival and communication.

Marbury

Pleasant walk in Marbury this morning with Hazel and Archie. Quiet - just a few people with dogs, some twitchers looking for the illusive flying wig wobbler. Here they are frozen in their tracks as they spot a ooslum bird in a nearby tree. The ducks were particularly manic - hoovering up some crumbs some toddlers had dropped on the lakeside. We sat on the moss green bench to marvel at the one legged display of snoring. One flappy duck was contorting itself into strange shapes, its bill penetrating deep layers of feathers and fluff. Hazel said she was scared of feathers when she was little and had to be persuaded that they weren't alive. Also the story aboutthe digger monsters at the bottom of the garden. Her Dad had to take her down to the bottom of the garden to show her the diggers were just mechanical objects driven by workmen who came over to re-assure her. What a sensitive child eh?

Archie's Teds

These tow photos are twenty years apart. Archie collected many teddies and soft toys during his early years and now some of them need to go to a good home. He needs the space in his room so reluctantly having a clear out. So many memories attached to these little balls of fluff and fabric. Some like Dotty bear who was hugged and loved into a strange mishapen form like no other ted before or since - the mangey fur covered by a knitted Granma jumper - will be kept. The others are off to the hospice shop.

Stockport - Plaza and Hat Museum

Nice afternoon in Stockport yesterday at the wonderful Hat museum and the equally wonderful Plaza art deco cinema and cafe. We met up with Alex Woodall and had a good wander round the museum taking lots of snaps and trying on lots of hats. Fascinating videos of the ancient hat making process - those workers in Victorian times really had a hard life and health and safety was non existent! Had lunch in the excellent Plaza cafe - Cheshire cheese rarebit was rather tasty with a side salad. Hazel has a baked spud with at least a tin of tuna poured over it! All run my volunteers. Lovely senior citizen in snazzy suit and tie showed us the cinema which was terrific. Must go back and see a film and hear the organist play ( at start and during interval ) . Shame it is so far from us else we would be in there every week!

Anglesey

Nice few days in Angelsey via Llandudno. Stayed in very nice B&B in Treaddur Bay near Holyhead. Amazing views from our bay window of the rugged rocks and crashing waves. Stopped off at Llandudno first for a late breakfast in our favourite cafe. A quick walk round the shops and down the pier to play the slot machines. Walk along the prom to the car and then an hour's drive to our B&B. Treaddur Bay has excellent sand - Archie would have enjoyed the rock pools for catching crabs etc. when he was a nipper. I don't know why we haven't been to Angelsey before really - a beautiful part of the country and reminds us of Cornwall but without the crowds of holidaymakers. Went to new restaurant called the Sea Shanty which was like a small museum full of nautical stuff - boats hanging from the rafters, pulleys, old slot machines, buoys, fishing nets, jars of starfish etc. Delicious pizza for me and Hazel had the mussels. The next day we headed for Holyhead to scour the shops and walk down to the docks to see the ferries being loaded and arriving from Dublin. Next to Amlwch , a small fishing boat filled harbour with some nice cliff walks. The Copper Museum was a bit dull but we went in it anyway. The sun came out and we sat by the jetty watching people fish and looking very precarious on the edge. We had to leave as they looked like they would fall in any minute, especially the kids running round like maniacs! Then further along the coast to Bull Bay and then a small turn off lead to Cameas Bay which was a quaint little village with some interesting shops. Hazel bought a tin turtle clockwork toy in one. Tempted by the clockwork mouse on a track but it was a bit pricey. Hada ice cream and sat watching some daft dogs bounding about on the beach. In the evening we had fish and chips in another pub restaurant a bit further on round the bay. Walked back over the sand to sit on rocks and tickle limpets as the sun set. The next day we drove to Aberffraw which was supposed to have a Heritage Centre but it was closed. "open 1-5 most days" It was a tiny village with just one shop and few pastel painted cottages, a chapel and a stoney bridge which they obviously had high regard for as it featured on the postcard you could buy in the village shop ( the only shop) for 40p. Then on to the Model Village which had closed "due to retirement" and so further towards the Menai Straights - stopped briefly at Llanfairgwlletcetc. the longest place name in the UK - took photos in the station and avoided all the tourists who arrived by the coachload to by Welsh Cakes and jumpers in the Pringle shop in the station car park. Then to the Big National Trust house Plas Newydd where you could spot red squirrels if you were lucky ( none to be seen ) and walk around the beautiful and tourist clogged gardens for £8 each. Amazing views of the two bridges and other delights like the wooden leg of Earl Trumpington (just the postcard ) and roll down the hill if you are a frantic five year old looking for excitement.

Birthday and 4th Anniversary

Good to have our boy home for a couple of days to celebrate his mother's and aunties birthdays. Audrey's was first and Hazel had made a huge chocolate cake which we started eating on Tuesday and still today ( Friday) there is some left - which must be some kind of record! After Hazel opened her presents we went for a walk in Marbury Country Park where Archie found a big stick to play with. Throwing sticks into the muddy swamp is always great fun and mine won by sticking in upright - spludge! Then we picked up Hazel's sister for a drive over to Anderton and a pub lunch at the nearby watering hole . Nice fish and chips and heaps of mushy peas. Too full to have a pudding. Needed another walk afterwards to get rid of all those calories! Also our 4th wedding anniversary so plenty to celebrate.

Brighton

Nice couple of days in Brighton to see our boy and eat lots of interesting food. We went down mainly to take some suitcases ( one inside the other - Russian doll style ) and helped Archie move some stuff back to our place as he is leaving Brighton soon and he's off to India with his girlfriend. The trains were a bit rubbish as usual, especially Southern Rail which has cut back it's services despite more and more people wanting to travel to all those seaside destinations and places like East Croydon ( eh?) and the Airwick at Gatport. The weather wasn't as bad as we imagined so didn't really need the raincosts and boots until the Tuesday afternoon when the heaven's opened. Went round lots of antique shops and flea markets. Didnt buy much but Hazel got a clockwork crocodile in it's original box which was the bargain of the day. Went for fish and chips and Mexican meal which was interesting though a bit stodgey for my taste. A cheeky seagull swooped down as I at part of a slice of pizza for lunch sitting outside and snatched it from my trembling hand! Luckily I'd had a big breakfast at the B&B we stayed in so didn't really miss the rest of it. Strolled along the pier and watched people sticking their heads through a "I Won A Minion" cut out ( stick your head through) photo opp. doo dah. Amusing to watch. Also the overheard conversations on nearby seats. The B&B was very comfortable and done up like Liberace's bathroom - all chrome and glass art deco! The only annoying thing was the fire alarm went off by mistake on out last morning at 6.30 and made us jump out of bed for no reason. It made Hazel very nervy and she had a migraine for the rest of the day. The photobooth pic. was taken in Snooper's Paradise indoor junk and collectables shop.

Liverpool

We went to Liverpool by train on Saturday to march in the Support Jeremy Corbyn rally and look around the galleries. It was a day of sunshine and showers so we took our coats and brolly. First to the Walker to see our favourite exhibit - the loophonium. Had a look round the Pre-Raphaelites and modern galleries - mostly stuff we'd seen before. Then went looking for this illusive rally. It wasn't where we thought it was so had a wander about the streets listening out for chanting and clapping. Eventually found it quite by chance as we'd almost given up looking behind the Bluecoat gallery. Quite a decent crowd considering the weather - nearly 2,000 it was said. Inaudible tannoy/megaphone which was annoying but we clapped along and booed in the appropriate places - we assumed the one's at the front could hear and we got our signals from them. Eventually after having a hasty sandwich on the hoof we walked and chanted to the main drag and stopped outside Primark for more speakers to murmur in the distance. "Tories OUT - Corbyn IN!" was a favourite, as was "Corbyn, Corbyn, Corbyn, CORBYN!" Amused to see a nun with a Corbyn mask on the back of her head. She gave Hazel a nice smile and was overheard to say the austerity marches were rather poorly attended compared to this. We drifted away from the main rally to sit down on a bench nearby and eat our remaining sandwich and crisps. Then into the Bluecoat as the rally broke up to grab a quick coffee before more Corbyn fans came in and joined the queue. We felt good we had supported him and hopefully his fellow Labout MP's who have deserted him will see sense and get their act together. Then to the craft shop where Hazel chose some earrings for her upcoming birthday present. They were rather like small acorn cups made of silver with a gold leaf interior. The other galleries including the Blucoat were getting ready for the Biennale at the end of the month so not much on. We went back to the station and luckily a train was just about to leave. Home by 3pm.

Squirrel Cake

Busy day doing some shopping and finding things to do. A cheeky squirrel came into the garden - a regular visitor to attack our bird feeders and fat balls. He froze for a while looking over next doors - maybe a cat? Anyway, he nibbled some seeds and knocked the fat ball holder to the ground and then scampered off only to return some minutes later with glint in his little beady eye. Two fat pigeons frightened him off eventually. In town I did the usual charity shop and market rounds. Didn't find anything. Bought some Twinings tea and a washing line to hoist up bags of stuff into the newly boarded attic. Hazel is afraid to go up there. She thinks Tim Peak is up here still but just heard he has arrived down again and being wheeled about in a barrow until his legs get stronger. We popped into Sainsburys for some delicious Mozerella burgers and ice cream ( not on the same plate ) and then to B&Q and Argos for a new kettle and white paint for the summer house ceiling. Hazel made a yummy looking birthday cake for me this afternoon with dark chocolate, cream and strawberries. Yum! Taking it over to Granma's tomorrow as Monday will be too busy on the roads around Lostock due to the Cheshire Show. She let me lick the bowl out.