John's excellent website can be found here!
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Wake up and smell the poems!
A few moments after slagging off John Hegley for not replying to my letter , the phone rings and it's John asking us if we'd like tickets for his show at Chester's Gateway theatre in the evening. His ears must have been burning! It was very spooky but after some umming and errring we accepted his kind invitation and had to put up with Hazel worrying the rest of the day whether she could drive the 19 miles to Chester without the aid of satellite navigation!
I caught up with some mail and did some collaging for most of the day and around 5.30p.m. we set off to Chester armed with various AA route maps and step by step guides downloaded from the internet. The road from here to Chester is pretty much straight forward and we got there in 30 mins. but it took us anothert 30 mins. to find a car park around the confusing roundabout and one-way systems Chester ( a walled Roman city) has devised to reduce grown men to tears!
We eventually found a carpark close enough to the town and walked the mile or so to the theatre down the narrow cobbled streets. The centre of the town is really lovely with old half timbered shops and houses and a magnificent cathedral and an equally imposing victorian town hall. The Gateway theatre however was less than imposing and was round some grubby backstreet and looked like a bit of shopping mall they'd forgotten about. We got our tickets and made use of the conveniences and got some Filet of fish and fries at the Macdonalds that seemed to be the only place open . As much as I hate Macdonalds and all they stand for they really can be counted on to be there when you are desperate for something quick and unfussy to eat. We even had Filet of Fish and fries at the most northerly MacDonalds at the Arctic Circle in Finland a few years back when hunger drove us there out of a blizzard!
To cut a long story short. John was great and depsite not having any puppets or doing any tap-dancing ( as advertised) his show was full of humour, great songs, great poems and some audience inter-action. We had to write an acrostic from the name of the town we lived at and leave them on the stage during the interval. We did a pathetic combined effort and Archie did one which John read out and got some applause. I wish i could remember it. Anyway, he didnt win ( we'd already won the tickets) and the most applause went to some chap from Warrington which mentioned Ikea.
Hazel bought John's latest book in the interval as it seemed churlish not too and at the end he signed it after we'd waited in the queue for some minutes to thank him and say hello etc. He asked if we could stay for a drink but it was getting late and we were worried about finding the car and running the gauntlet of the drunks and rowdies that roamed the streets at chucking out time.
We managed to get home o.k. and it seemed a lot easier than going but then it always does.
I caught up with some mail and did some collaging for most of the day and around 5.30p.m. we set off to Chester armed with various AA route maps and step by step guides downloaded from the internet. The road from here to Chester is pretty much straight forward and we got there in 30 mins. but it took us anothert 30 mins. to find a car park around the confusing roundabout and one-way systems Chester ( a walled Roman city) has devised to reduce grown men to tears!
We eventually found a carpark close enough to the town and walked the mile or so to the theatre down the narrow cobbled streets. The centre of the town is really lovely with old half timbered shops and houses and a magnificent cathedral and an equally imposing victorian town hall. The Gateway theatre however was less than imposing and was round some grubby backstreet and looked like a bit of shopping mall they'd forgotten about. We got our tickets and made use of the conveniences and got some Filet of fish and fries at the Macdonalds that seemed to be the only place open . As much as I hate Macdonalds and all they stand for they really can be counted on to be there when you are desperate for something quick and unfussy to eat. We even had Filet of Fish and fries at the most northerly MacDonalds at the Arctic Circle in Finland a few years back when hunger drove us there out of a blizzard!
To cut a long story short. John was great and depsite not having any puppets or doing any tap-dancing ( as advertised) his show was full of humour, great songs, great poems and some audience inter-action. We had to write an acrostic from the name of the town we lived at and leave them on the stage during the interval. We did a pathetic combined effort and Archie did one which John read out and got some applause. I wish i could remember it. Anyway, he didnt win ( we'd already won the tickets) and the most applause went to some chap from Warrington which mentioned Ikea.
Hazel bought John's latest book in the interval as it seemed churlish not too and at the end he signed it after we'd waited in the queue for some minutes to thank him and say hello etc. He asked if we could stay for a drink but it was getting late and we were worried about finding the car and running the gauntlet of the drunks and rowdies that roamed the streets at chucking out time.
We managed to get home o.k. and it seemed a lot easier than going but then it always does.
Friday, February 25, 2005
The Great Hoozini
Who? You mean you've never heard of him? O he was famous for his slight of hand and dexterity with snakes and the occasional dove. He used produce flags of all nations from the most unlikely places!
A bit of an altercation outside. Some women were having a slanging match with some mouthy bloke about some minor driving misshap by the sound of it. It looked like it might end in tears but they stomped off into the cars and drove off thankfully.
I went to town this morning for the exercise more than anything. I went to the post office to post a few things and the library. Bought some bread and disposable razors. Found a silly record of old childrens tv show themes but it's mostly pretty awful - no the originals but some session musicians by the sound of it.
The builder is off today but will be back tomorrow or Sunday? He wasn't quite sure when. Hazel is already planning what tiles to have and what table and workbench will fit etc. It looks very small in the garden but infact is bigger than the room I work in upstairs.
A bit of an altercation outside. Some women were having a slanging match with some mouthy bloke about some minor driving misshap by the sound of it. It looked like it might end in tears but they stomped off into the cars and drove off thankfully.
I went to town this morning for the exercise more than anything. I went to the post office to post a few things and the library. Bought some bread and disposable razors. Found a silly record of old childrens tv show themes but it's mostly pretty awful - no the originals but some session musicians by the sound of it.
The builder is off today but will be back tomorrow or Sunday? He wasn't quite sure when. Hazel is already planning what tiles to have and what table and workbench will fit etc. It looks very small in the garden but infact is bigger than the room I work in upstairs.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Carey Park and River Weaver.
Just back from a nice walk to the Anderton Lift via Carey Park which hasn't been open long. They've just built this footbridge linking the Northwich side to the Anderton side so you can walk for miles now past all these rotting industrial sites, pipes, bunkers and chemical factory right round to the Anderton Lift and Nature trail. It doesnt sound all that cellubrious but is really quite nice and attractive in parts. Even the old pipes and overgrown concrete bunker things are quite interesting. My camera was playing up so didn't take many photos of them. I think I deleted one by mistake. At one point the camera froze up completely and only started working again when I took the batteries out and popped them back in again!
It was bitterly cold with a freezing wind blowing in our faces but sheltered down by the river was warmer. We had tea and a sandwich for lunch in the Anderton Visitor centre cafe which overlooks the river. We walked back to the car which we left in the car park in town. Just painted the wall with exterior emulsion by the new conservatory as the builder says he will bring bricks and concrete towmorrow and Hazel's worried he will obscure the wall so we can't paint it later on.
It was bitterly cold with a freezing wind blowing in our faces but sheltered down by the river was warmer. We had tea and a sandwich for lunch in the Anderton Visitor centre cafe which overlooks the river. We walked back to the car which we left in the car park in town. Just painted the wall with exterior emulsion by the new conservatory as the builder says he will bring bricks and concrete towmorrow and Hazel's worried he will obscure the wall so we can't paint it later on.
Friday, February 18, 2005
300 year monopoly to end.
What a game that was! Maybe it just seemed like 300 years?
The builder has been and started on the shed demolition, most of which went yesterday. It was pretty hair raising and noisy for a while but it didn't take long to batter into submission as most of it was rotten and fell down on it's own!
Today he's filled the footings with concrete from a big lorry outside, barrowing it in. Hard work - I know 'cos I did it once to help out a friend building a garage over in Paglesham, Essex. I ached all over the next day. I suppose builders are used to it.
He's putting the first course of bricks down now. Good to see it happening so fast. The difference in extra space and light is amazing!
The builder has been and started on the shed demolition, most of which went yesterday. It was pretty hair raising and noisy for a while but it didn't take long to batter into submission as most of it was rotten and fell down on it's own!
Today he's filled the footings with concrete from a big lorry outside, barrowing it in. Hard work - I know 'cos I did it once to help out a friend building a garage over in Paglesham, Essex. I ached all over the next day. I suppose builders are used to it.
He's putting the first course of bricks down now. Good to see it happening so fast. The difference in extra space and light is amazing!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Nantwich and Dags Antique barns.
We had to wait in for the chap to come from Northwich Glass this morning to see that we'd emptied the shed - which we had done, about two hours before. It was freezing cold so kept running indoors to warm up on the computer.
It didnt take long to empty and now the bottom of the garden boasts a fine pile of antique wood and garden implements.
After he's gone we went to Nantwich to see the shop museum but sadly it was closed by the time we got there! Only open 9- 12. on a wednesday for some odd reason. So we found a nice cosy cafe above a bookshop with old beams and wonky flkoor to have lunch of toasted cheese sandwiches and a pot of tea. Archie had panini's and a hot chocolate as he likes to be different.
Then to a few charity shops but we didnt find much. I got a cuban diva Cd for 99p. The "cuban Edith Piaf" it says here on the label. I didnt quite see the resemblance.
Also a DVD of the Secret Policeman's Ball for next to nothing from the Booksale shop.
Then we hunted for the road to Shapely water gardens or is it Stapely? But found oursleves on the long windy road the Whitchurch which we found out was comepletely the opposite direction after we found a lay-by and consulted the map!
We found it eventually and the dags Antique barns nearby full of expensive tat to admire and ridicule. Archie found a big ol' pile of Beanos for quids and also a nice bookshop feller knocked a few quid off as he could see Archie was a collector and would be back for more.
It didnt take long to empty and now the bottom of the garden boasts a fine pile of antique wood and garden implements.
After he's gone we went to Nantwich to see the shop museum but sadly it was closed by the time we got there! Only open 9- 12. on a wednesday for some odd reason. So we found a nice cosy cafe above a bookshop with old beams and wonky flkoor to have lunch of toasted cheese sandwiches and a pot of tea. Archie had panini's and a hot chocolate as he likes to be different.
Then to a few charity shops but we didnt find much. I got a cuban diva Cd for 99p. The "cuban Edith Piaf" it says here on the label. I didnt quite see the resemblance.
Also a DVD of the Secret Policeman's Ball for next to nothing from the Booksale shop.
Then we hunted for the road to Shapely water gardens or is it Stapely? But found oursleves on the long windy road the Whitchurch which we found out was comepletely the opposite direction after we found a lay-by and consulted the map!
We found it eventually and the dags Antique barns nearby full of expensive tat to admire and ridicule. Archie found a big ol' pile of Beanos for quids and also a nice bookshop feller knocked a few quid off as he could see Archie was a collector and would be back for more.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Penny slot machine fun in the countryside.
It's about a 40 minute drive from our house to where the slot machines are, just behind Beeston Castle at the Candle Workshops. Its well sign-posted thankfully so found it quite easily despite the circuitous route down the winding country lanes, past farms and waterlogged fields. We'd not not known about it if it hadn't been for a short clip about the slot machine museum on a local news programme on television last week. For £5 you get 60 big old pennies to play with, and what great fun! The phrase "worth every penny" never seemed so appropriate!
The only thing missing really was a crane machine but they had lots of other interesting diorama's and automata that I remember from my holidays at the seaside- The Drunkard's Dream, The Haunted Graveyard, the Gillotine.
When we came out it was snowing but luckily it stopped by the time we'd got up the road a few miles.
James came over to play with Archie in the afternoon and they could be heard three or four streets away giggling and screaming and firing bits of potato at each other in the back garden.
Hazel washed the mud, leaves,twigs and accumulated debris of the weekend off the car and took it back to Audrey. I loaded all my slot machine photos onto Flickr and had fun writing suitable notes to accompany them.
The only thing missing really was a crane machine but they had lots of other interesting diorama's and automata that I remember from my holidays at the seaside- The Drunkard's Dream, The Haunted Graveyard, the Gillotine.
When we came out it was snowing but luckily it stopped by the time we'd got up the road a few miles.
James came over to play with Archie in the afternoon and they could be heard three or four streets away giggling and screaming and firing bits of potato at each other in the back garden.
Hazel washed the mud, leaves,twigs and accumulated debris of the weekend off the car and took it back to Audrey. I loaded all my slot machine photos onto Flickr and had fun writing suitable notes to accompany them.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Party hats and rain hoods.
I got back from town just as the drizzle started. This morning I put all the illustrations I'd done for Roger onto a CD and posted it along with a load of other mail. The usual haunts around town but didnt find much. Got some plastic CD envelopes cheap on the market.
This collage was another for the Kids at Frickr on the theme I devised using different "elements" I uploaded for the group to print out and use.
Can you guess the platform oddballs?
This collage was another for the Kids at Frickr on the theme I devised using different "elements" I uploaded for the group to print out and use.
Can you guess the platform oddballs?
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Sneaky snapper's shakey snaps.
Archie is still feeling unwell so reluctantly kept him off school again. Luckily Hazel was home to keep and eye on him so I was able to go into town and take advantage of the good weather to do some sneaky photos with the camera dangling on a chain round my neck. I felt very subversive taking pics of shop windows and pub signs - I don't know why. In London, no one would bat an eyelid.
This one of the special display for Valentines day in the Fancy Dress shop window came out a bit blurred because I was rushing things a bit.
It's nice not to worry about using up film and being wasteful.
Borrowed the new Jim Carey film on DVD from the library ( Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?) Awful title but a good film , it says here. Interesting to see Carey in a more serious role.
Hazel and Archie were playing draughts when I got home. The sorted the spud gun collection and Hazel put some on her Flickr blog.
Spent the afternoon catching up with mail and doing a few projects that have accumulated.
This one of the special display for Valentines day in the Fancy Dress shop window came out a bit blurred because I was rushing things a bit.
It's nice not to worry about using up film and being wasteful.
Borrowed the new Jim Carey film on DVD from the library ( Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?) Awful title but a good film , it says here. Interesting to see Carey in a more serious role.
Hazel and Archie were playing draughts when I got home. The sorted the spud gun collection and Hazel put some on her Flickr blog.
Spent the afternoon catching up with mail and doing a few projects that have accumulated.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Spud-U-Like Sunday Tip Challenge.
Not really. But we did clear some junk from the shed you'll be pleased to know, and Hazel took two loads to the tip. We wanted to go out but Archie still looking very pale and not 100% so we stayed in to do odd jobs around the house - which mostly involved traipsing mud from the garden to the inside. The slot machines of the Candle Workshops will have to wait until next week. It's amazing how much junk one collects over the years and today we found heaps of buggy wood and crusty tins of paint. Some wicker baskets of electric plugs and sockets, A plastic rocking horse. 3 bags of flowerpots. 2 sheets of ply and a cartridge in a bare tray.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Sheds and their blokes.
A great book that I bought for Hazel, or she bought for me, many years ago. Some lovely photos of sheds, mostly crammed full of stuff.
Our shed is nearly empty now ready for it's imminent destruction.
Walked into town this morning under a leaden sky. No chance to take any photos. I feel a bit intrusive taking them of shop fronts though I'd quite like to.Maybe I"ll do it on a weekday when it's quieter and hang the camera round my neck on it's chain to enable a quick getaway.
Didnt find many bargains. The Booksale shop had lots of Beanos and Dandys but Archie has them already for Christmas. Auntie "A" was miffed that now you could get them for next to nothing and she paid the full price a couple of months ago!
One of our many sheds, packed to bursting!
Our shed is nearly empty now ready for it's imminent destruction.
Walked into town this morning under a leaden sky. No chance to take any photos. I feel a bit intrusive taking them of shop fronts though I'd quite like to.Maybe I"ll do it on a weekday when it's quieter and hang the camera round my neck on it's chain to enable a quick getaway.
Didnt find many bargains. The Booksale shop had lots of Beanos and Dandys but Archie has them already for Christmas. Auntie "A" was miffed that now you could get them for next to nothing and she paid the full price a couple of months ago!
One of our many sheds, packed to bursting!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
The old giant pear joke never fails.
Archie still not very well so we kept him off another day. Hazel is at home to keep an eye on him so I was able to wander into town in the drizzle for some fresh air and a chance to try out my new camera. Took a couple of the pub signs down Witton Street for Al's Frickr group. I would have taken more but it was very gloomy and wet.
Bought some bread though sad to hear that the "seedy loaf" was no longer available. Luckily the old witch with a face like a slapped arse wasn't in today and I was served by a young girl who was quite pleasant and had manners.
Also bought some re-writable CD-R's for the audio recorder as the others were a bit scratched and jumped occasionally.
With the Times this week you can buy a DVD of Morecambe and Wise highlights for £2.99 which seemed too good to miss. Every week they are selling a BBC related DVD cheap if you buy the paper. Next week I think it's Jane Austin's "Persuasion" starring the Krankies and Basil Brush?
The surveyor is coming tomorrow to measure the shed for the conservatory so I cleared some of the junk out of it to make his life a little easier.
This afternoon catching up with some mail and various mail art related projects.
Bought some bread though sad to hear that the "seedy loaf" was no longer available. Luckily the old witch with a face like a slapped arse wasn't in today and I was served by a young girl who was quite pleasant and had manners.
Also bought some re-writable CD-R's for the audio recorder as the others were a bit scratched and jumped occasionally.
With the Times this week you can buy a DVD of Morecambe and Wise highlights for £2.99 which seemed too good to miss. Every week they are selling a BBC related DVD cheap if you buy the paper. Next week I think it's Jane Austin's "Persuasion" starring the Krankies and Basil Brush?
The surveyor is coming tomorrow to measure the shed for the conservatory so I cleared some of the junk out of it to make his life a little easier.
This afternoon catching up with some mail and various mail art related projects.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Another drizzly Sunday at home.
I ventured out for the papiers and read those in between breakfasts. Archie's friend James was staying so they were giggling away like mad, making a Flash animation about a boy whose head grows like a very tall hat and breaks the moon. Flying saucers and sputniks whizz passed and wobble by as it ascends through clouds. All to the tune of "Obo the Hobo".
This afternoon I did some collaging (one of them above for the Collage Kids Frickr group) and Hazel took some junk from the shed we are having demolished to the local tip. I was hoping to go for a walk so I could try out my new camera on ducks and other wildlife but the weather was still a bit iffy and Archie had homework to do.
I made a huge vegetable curry for dinner and now I feel very full.
Here's another collage finished today but started a while ago, for the same theme of "Valentine".
This afternoon I did some collaging (one of them above for the Collage Kids Frickr group) and Hazel took some junk from the shed we are having demolished to the local tip. I was hoping to go for a walk so I could try out my new camera on ducks and other wildlife but the weather was still a bit iffy and Archie had homework to do.
I made a huge vegetable curry for dinner and now I feel very full.
Here's another collage finished today but started a while ago, for the same theme of "Valentine".
Friday, January 28, 2005
Landing Art gallery re-opens
Most of these were put up when we first moved here 6 years ago and for the Cheshire Open Studios so about time I put some new work up.
Just trying out my new cheapo tiny Vivitar digital camera that I bought in a sale yesterday. I was taking snaps of the house and interior all afternoon trying to figure out what the best settings were etc. It only has 8mb of internal memory but with that you can store 11 photos of the less pixelated variety (as shown here) and on lower settings can store 23 which are adequate for blogging etc. I might get a memory card at a later date which would significantly boost storage capacity to 64mb. Pleased with the results so far. To see more go to Flickr.
I also bought a battery charger as the chap in the shop said it eats them! Only ten quid and so have an endless supply now which is good - I hate buying batteries. Archie's remote controlled cars get through a hell of a lot and it seems such a waste!
The fellow from Northwich Glass came to measure our shed for possible conservatory - Hazel is desperate to have somewhere to work undisturbed. We are going to look at the showroom on Saturday.
Just trying out my new cheapo tiny Vivitar digital camera that I bought in a sale yesterday. I was taking snaps of the house and interior all afternoon trying to figure out what the best settings were etc. It only has 8mb of internal memory but with that you can store 11 photos of the less pixelated variety (as shown here) and on lower settings can store 23 which are adequate for blogging etc. I might get a memory card at a later date which would significantly boost storage capacity to 64mb. Pleased with the results so far. To see more go to Flickr.
I also bought a battery charger as the chap in the shop said it eats them! Only ten quid and so have an endless supply now which is good - I hate buying batteries. Archie's remote controlled cars get through a hell of a lot and it seems such a waste!
The fellow from Northwich Glass came to measure our shed for possible conservatory - Hazel is desperate to have somewhere to work undisturbed. We are going to look at the showroom on Saturday.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
A trip to another Planet and Jodrell Bank.
The Planet was a conservatory and windows merchant over at Holmes Chapel. hazel wanted to look at a few to see what was available,sizes and prices etc. She's desperate to get a place to work. A chap is coming over next week to look at our shed we want fetching down and give us a quote for work etc.
We saw a sign for Jodrell Bank so decided to have a look at the telescope and visitors centre which was only a short drive away. Got there just as the gates were being opened!
The main visitors centre is being demolished to make way for a state of the art one in a few years. A smaller version and cafe and 3-D theatre is all that is left. It made a nice change to see the amazing structure of the telescope again and walk in the Arboeretum.
The 3-D film was very short and was about quasars and black holes and narrated by a long necked alien creature. We had to wear 3-D glasses but the effects were few and far between. Archie bought a fossiled sharks tooth in the shop and some pens and toys for Granma and Auntie Audrey.
This collage is another for the Flickr "Collage Kids" sci-fi theme. Danny Kaye looks abit like the Little Prince with his foot on that planet?
Jodrell Bank radio telescope.
We saw a sign for Jodrell Bank so decided to have a look at the telescope and visitors centre which was only a short drive away. Got there just as the gates were being opened!
The main visitors centre is being demolished to make way for a state of the art one in a few years. A smaller version and cafe and 3-D theatre is all that is left. It made a nice change to see the amazing structure of the telescope again and walk in the Arboeretum.
The 3-D film was very short and was about quasars and black holes and narrated by a long necked alien creature. We had to wear 3-D glasses but the effects were few and far between. Archie bought a fossiled sharks tooth in the shop and some pens and toys for Granma and Auntie Audrey.
This collage is another for the Flickr "Collage Kids" sci-fi theme. Danny Kaye looks abit like the Little Prince with his foot on that planet?
Jodrell Bank radio telescope.
Friday, January 21, 2005
The tale of the Curios Dog.
This is an old mail art "dogumentation" from some years ago. Curios Thing is the usual collaged book photo-copied in small editions and sent out in the mail but this issue was based around the DOG mail art project I initiated in 1999. It includes an address list which all self respecting mail art docs. must include and 16 pages of nonsense about dogs. Having just watched a bit of Ross Noble's DVD (borrowed from library) whilst having my lunch it reminds me of his daft quiz included therein. i.e. "Pea Hair dogs in the english land have taste organs in their legs."
Also- "For the well trained dog....Make 'walkies' and travel a pleasure not a chore with these unique bladder control harnesses, designed and used by ex-carpet pile-olice."
A quiet day so far with just two packets in the post - a CD of Brian Wilson's latest from Vittore Baroni ( Goons coming soon V.B.) and an interesting compilation from Creative Thing ( CD coming soon C.T.) of psychedelia and oddness from the rock 'n' roll backwaters.
Have been listening to them and to the Mark Lamaar vintage rock show on BBC radio 2 which is always full of surprises and gems I'd not heard before including a great Moon Mullican track. Catch it on the "listen again" streaming service.
Here's another from the mid 90's. An android and eccentric invention issue to coincide with Hazel's exhibition at the Young Vic.
Also- "For the well trained dog....Make 'walkies' and travel a pleasure not a chore with these unique bladder control harnesses, designed and used by ex-carpet pile-olice."
A quiet day so far with just two packets in the post - a CD of Brian Wilson's latest from Vittore Baroni ( Goons coming soon V.B.) and an interesting compilation from Creative Thing ( CD coming soon C.T.) of psychedelia and oddness from the rock 'n' roll backwaters.
Have been listening to them and to the Mark Lamaar vintage rock show on BBC radio 2 which is always full of surprises and gems I'd not heard before including a great Moon Mullican track. Catch it on the "listen again" streaming service.
Here's another from the mid 90's. An android and eccentric invention issue to coincide with Hazel's exhibition at the Young Vic.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Twenty different kinds of sleet.
The lights flickered omniously yesterday but the power stayed on thankfully. Several thunderstorms and hail,sleet,rain and drizzle later I watched the news and traffic reports to see why Hazel might be stuck at in Manchester. But, she was only 30 minutes late which isnt too bad considering.
Earlier I had gone into town- crunching through the slush and looked round the library. Borrowed Shrek 2, mainly to see the "extras" like making of, out-takes etc. which are always fascinating. The extras here though were mainly aimed at 5 year olds unfortunatley and consisted of dull "inter-active" maps and jukeboxes where you replay clips of the film you have just watched! Even a five year old would tire of these very quickly!
Also bought some cox's apples and a seedy loaf.
The childrens drawing here was voted a atop favourite at Flickr out of all the images I've uploaded. I can see why. Archie's teacher made them draw themselves and he compiled this great picture of the whole class for an end or year calendar. I just love the range of drawing abilities from simple stick figures to more sophisticated efforts with shoes and hairstyles etc.
Earlier I had gone into town- crunching through the slush and looked round the library. Borrowed Shrek 2, mainly to see the "extras" like making of, out-takes etc. which are always fascinating. The extras here though were mainly aimed at 5 year olds unfortunatley and consisted of dull "inter-active" maps and jukeboxes where you replay clips of the film you have just watched! Even a five year old would tire of these very quickly!
Also bought some cox's apples and a seedy loaf.
The childrens drawing here was voted a atop favourite at Flickr out of all the images I've uploaded. I can see why. Archie's teacher made them draw themselves and he compiled this great picture of the whole class for an end or year calendar. I just love the range of drawing abilities from simple stick figures to more sophisticated efforts with shoes and hairstyles etc.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Superstitious nonsense.
Walking under magpies, throwing spilled mirrors over your shoulder, spitting through the rungs of ladders etc. supertitious nonsense or olde worlde charm? Hence the collage for the Frickr group Collage Kids this week.
Yesterday a pleasant walk around the mere at Shackerly. Archie had spoiled the ducks rotten with a brand new white loaf he bought for 17p at Tescos. In the local corner shop they are 97p! The swans,geese, moorhens etc. didnt mind either way - they woofed it down like it was the last bread they'd see for some considerable time. I'm amazed they could float afterwards!
In the afternoon we went to help Granma and Audrey dispose of a Buddlia? that had blown over in the gale. We arrived to find Audrey sawing away with the tiniest saw imaginable - one from a midgets play set! "It's taken me ages!" she wailed. "No wonder!" we rejoindered, " couldn't you find the nail file?"
Anyway, after Hazel made quick work of it with a proper saw, we put the branches and twiglets into sacks and took it to the tip.
Today was very rainy and windy so stayed in to fiddle with the PC plug. Discovered it didn't need a new fuse but had merely needed to be pushed firmly into the socket from which it had become disengaged! I did feel a fool!
Archie feeding the ducks,swans,geese etc. at Shackerley Mere.
Yesterday a pleasant walk around the mere at Shackerly. Archie had spoiled the ducks rotten with a brand new white loaf he bought for 17p at Tescos. In the local corner shop they are 97p! The swans,geese, moorhens etc. didnt mind either way - they woofed it down like it was the last bread they'd see for some considerable time. I'm amazed they could float afterwards!
In the afternoon we went to help Granma and Audrey dispose of a Buddlia? that had blown over in the gale. We arrived to find Audrey sawing away with the tiniest saw imaginable - one from a midgets play set! "It's taken me ages!" she wailed. "No wonder!" we rejoindered, " couldn't you find the nail file?"
Anyway, after Hazel made quick work of it with a proper saw, we put the branches and twiglets into sacks and took it to the tip.
Today was very rainy and windy so stayed in to fiddle with the PC plug. Discovered it didn't need a new fuse but had merely needed to be pushed firmly into the socket from which it had become disengaged! I did feel a fool!
Archie feeding the ducks,swans,geese etc. at Shackerley Mere.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Seamus Heaney was a meanie.
Seamus Heaney was a meanie
Always playing naughty tricks.
Putting worms in my lunch-box
And flicking me with whippy sticks.
Teacher gave him fifty lines
For writing words upon the wall.
But all the punishments and fines
Could not stop him, not at all.
He put a ferret down my trousers
Where he got it, heaven knows.
He smashed the windows of our houses
And trod on Wendy Cope's toes.
A quiet day wrestling with computers and pulling out hair when they don't do what you want them too. I think a fuse must have blown in a plug or soemthing 'cos the PC just won't work atall now - not a flicker!
Also had trouble burning some MP3's to disc on the mac. Not enough room for files it says though one lot fits fine on one disc so why it wont transfer heaven only knows? Does it accumulate files in the transfer process? I'm totally baffled and not for the first time!
Always playing naughty tricks.
Putting worms in my lunch-box
And flicking me with whippy sticks.
Teacher gave him fifty lines
For writing words upon the wall.
But all the punishments and fines
Could not stop him, not at all.
He put a ferret down my trousers
Where he got it, heaven knows.
He smashed the windows of our houses
And trod on Wendy Cope's toes.
A quiet day wrestling with computers and pulling out hair when they don't do what you want them too. I think a fuse must have blown in a plug or soemthing 'cos the PC just won't work atall now - not a flicker!
Also had trouble burning some MP3's to disc on the mac. Not enough room for files it says though one lot fits fine on one disc so why it wont transfer heaven only knows? Does it accumulate files in the transfer process? I'm totally baffled and not for the first time!
Friday, January 14, 2005
I got Friday on my mind.
Another week nearly over. I went into town, mainly for the walk and the exercise and some fresh air to try and blow this headache away. I should'nt have had that fizzy beer last night - it was only one can but it seems to disagree with me. It must be the widgets!
Didnt find much in the library. The woman in the bank lectured me on keeping my card and cheque-book sellotaped together. My explaination that I found it easier to find them both did not seem to ease her fears. I didnt want a card in the first place - the bank forced it on me.
Found some cheap CD's- the sort they give away in the sunday papers. Brian Wilson sings the Surfin' Hits - Live! What a treat and only 20p! Also found a giveaway DVD of that great british comedy written by Alan Bennett "A Private Function" with Michael Palin and Maggie Smith etc.
Also bought a cheap copy of Black Adders second series with Rowan Atkinson as Archie was complaining that he had "nothing to watch" when having his breakfast in the mornings!
Didnt find much in the library. The woman in the bank lectured me on keeping my card and cheque-book sellotaped together. My explaination that I found it easier to find them both did not seem to ease her fears. I didnt want a card in the first place - the bank forced it on me.
Found some cheap CD's- the sort they give away in the sunday papers. Brian Wilson sings the Surfin' Hits - Live! What a treat and only 20p! Also found a giveaway DVD of that great british comedy written by Alan Bennett "A Private Function" with Michael Palin and Maggie Smith etc.
Also bought a cheap copy of Black Adders second series with Rowan Atkinson as Archie was complaining that he had "nothing to watch" when having his breakfast in the mornings!
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