mrsnesbitt's place

My Village, my World!

2009-07-06T18:37:00.003+01:00

Our Village

This is our village, home for the last 18 years. Our house is in the middle of the photograph. If you click for a closer view you just may see Jo our gander in the garden!
We are surrounded by farms and the majority of the neighbours have a large plot, just as we do.
Over the next few weeks we will be seeing the fruits of our harvests. 3 apple trees will provide apple wine, cider, chutneys. The Elderberry trees will become our Elderberry wine and winter warmer recipes, the damsons will be used for jam and again wine. My veg plot is coming along too. The tomatoes are coming along well and ofcourse our big addition is going to be the chicken enclosure. I am quite excited about this! Although we have kept chickens in the past it was the taste of our neighbours chicken's eggs which re-kindled the memories of lovely poached eggs for breakfast. I have been looking after their garden whilst they have been away, watering etc etc so it was fun to imagine getting some of our own. There is still a lot of preparation to do, involving fitting some screening wire up, getting the redundant shed looking like a hen des res and I want to build a big composting area at the bottom of the paddock........I will keep you informed!

We are quite content in our little spot! It is a wonderful little piece of heaven, so very quiet yet so resourceful.

Home
by
Edgar Guest

It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home,
A heap o' sun an' shadder, an' ye sometimes have t' roam
Afore ye really 'preciate the things ye lef' behind,
An' hunger fer 'em somehow, with 'em allus on yer mind.
It don't make any differunce how rich ye get t' be,
How much yer chairs an' tables cost, how great yer luxury;
It ain't home t' ye, though it be the palace of a king,
Until somehow yer soul is sort o' wrapped round everything.

Home ain't a place that gold can buy or get up in a minute;
Afore it's home there's got t' be a heap o' livin' in it;
Within the walls there's got t' be some babies born, and then
Right there ye've got t' bring 'em up t' women good, an' men;
And gradjerly as time goes on, ye find ye wouldn't part
With anything they ever used they've grown into yer heart:
The old high chairs, the playthings, too, the little shoes they wore
Ye hoard; an' if ye could ye'd keep the thumb-marks on the door.

Ye've got t' weep t' make it home, ye've got t' sit an' sigh
An' watch beside a loved one's bed, an' know that Death is nigh;
An' in the stillness o' the night t' see Death's angel come,
An' close the eyes o' her that smiled, an' leave her sweet voice dumb.
Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an'when yer tears are dried,
Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an' sanctified;
An' tuggin' at ye always are the pleasant memories
O' her that was an' is no more ye can't escape from these.

Ye've got t' sing an' dance fer years, ye've got t' romp an' play,
An' learn t' love the things ye have by usin' 'em each day;
Even the roses 'round the porch must blossom year by year
Afore they 'come a part o' ye, suggestin' someone dear
Who used t' love 'em long ago, an' trained 'em jes t' run
The way they do, so's they would get the early mornin' sun;
Ye've got t' love each brick an' stone from cellar up t' dome:
It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home.

For more worlds visit here

ABC Wednesday XXXXXXXXXXXXX

2009-06-30T18:57:00.006+01:00

My Menu Planning!

Today I had fun in the kitchen and cooked various meals which I then chilled and portioned up in containers which I put in the freezer.

As I put a pile into the freezer I make a note as you see above. I then go through the diary and allocate a meal for a date, ensuring there isnt duplication in any week.

Here you can see how it works in the diary.

All in all what with current freezer contents and todays cooking session results I have sufficient meals now to last until our holiday. We leave on 31st.

I even have something planned for the night we return.

It takes me about 20 minutes to sit and plan the diary but it is time well spent.

At the beginning of each week I go into the garage where the chest freezer is and take out the meals for the week, which I put in my other freezer in the kitchen.

The time it saves is amazing!

Instead of pondering over what we are having for any mealtime I just refer to the diary!

I had a shopping delivery today and I had planned to have a cooking session.

Next time I shop I wont need to spend as much.

When I worked full time I was on a monthly salary.

The first week was a good week but by the time we reached a the fifth week in a long month my money managing let me down and I would find myself scrounging from mum's freezer.

Now we have our money paid every 3 months so I am really sitting down and working out some systems. By using my menu planning it does help me manage our budget and certainly illiminates any food waste.

I must admit I was worn out after such a session, especially following our hectic weekend, but now all is done and I can concentrate on othet chores!

To see more ABC's visit the ABC Blog!

Friends, Family & Flowers!

2009-06-28T12:10:00.002+01:00

Today's Flowes

Last night was a great success. I was surrounded by a great family and fantastic friends. Jon had been working this weekend but he came home at lunchtime to put up the tarpaulin so we could sit outside for the BBQ. I had prepared the salads and BBQ stuff during the afternoon. We had beefburgers, saysage kebabs, a new idea which proved popular. Sausages, tomatoes, potato, onion and tomato.We also had Chicken fillets. The first to arrive at 7 was our godson Andrew who had braved the drizzly foggy night on hs motorbike. Steph and Dave arrived shortly afterwards with this wonderful gift of flowers. My Mother in Law, the other Mrs Nesbitt came with my best friend Maria and nephews Ben and Richard. More friends, Martin and Virginia came with a beautiful necklace which matched my new top wonderfully! My sister in law Maureen and her boyfriend Steve bought me a tamborine which ofcourse I had to try out! Our neighbours came completing our night. Jon was in charge of the BBQ and the nephews all helped. All I had to do was enjoy the time surrounded by my favourite people on the planet. We had a great feast and danced into the early hours of the morning! I love times such as this and realised how lucky I am to be part of the Nesbitt family and have some of the best friends in the world. One of my very first albums I bought was Elton John's "Friends" album. The words sum up what I felt, sitting amongst this wonderful group of people.

I hope the day will be a lighter highway

For friends are found on every road

Can you ever think of any better way

For the lost and weary travellers to go

Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there then everything's all right

It seems to me a crime that we should age

These fragile times should never slip us by

A time you never can or shall erase

As friends together watch their childhood fly

Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there then everything's all right

Skywatch Friday

2009-06-26T08:31:00.002+01:00

As mentioned last week, my skywatch photos over the next few weeks will feature Isle of Man captures. Was it really only 2 weeks ago? It seems ages!

These are taken from the bench on the promenade at Port Erin, a favourite place of ours to sit and mull over the events of the day and plans for the next day.

Author: grooveysaz@hotmail.com

The sun is setting on a lonely day

The colours are splitting, the perfect way

Your strolling home as you see this too

And I watch from a window thinking of you

From this day on, Ill look forever

That magical sunset, our memories together

To help me through when my life gets tough

And when I feel that Ive had enough

The sun you see, makes me think of you

The miracle of it, the wonder too

I see you both everyday as you know

To stop seeing either, Id have to say, no

The bright colours shine from within my heart

The colours of a sunset, a special part

Of a day in my life I wish you could see

Just whats its like, just to be me.

For more skies visit here

Maroon Flowers

2009-06-25T09:54:00.001+01:00

Yesterday my best friend came over to visit.

She isn't having a very good time right now.

She brought me a lovely bouquet of flowers, burgundy!

My photography does not give the credit the flowers deserve.

I am a kind word uttered and repeated

By the voice of Nature;

I am a star fallen from the

Blue tent upon the green carpet.

I am the daughter of the elements

With whom Winter conceived;

To whom Spring gave birth; I was

Reared in the lap of Summer and I

Slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze

To announce the coming of light;

At eventide I join the birds

In bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with

My beautiful colors, and the air

Is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of

Night watch over me, and as I

Awaken I stare at the sun, which is

The only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to

The voices of the birds, and dance

To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;

I am the memory of a moment of happiness;

I am the last gift of the living to the dead;

I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,

And never look down to see my shadow.

This is wisdom which man must learn.

- Khalil Gibran

For more maroon magic visit here

ABC Wednesday....W

2009-06-23T15:04:00.003+01:00

Is for WORK!

I have been working really hard in the garden. Behind my greenhouse was an area of weeds which has now been cleared and I now have a manageable area of raised beds which I will be planting with some young vegetable plants later!

This is the view from the area, overlooking the grazing field next door to us. Often the horses come right up to the fence and peer over to see what I am up to.

More work to do......You can just make out Joe's shed here, well next to it is a spare smaller shed. We have decided to keep chickens again, so now I am concentrating on getting the area sorted, beyond the goose shed. Once the area is fenced off and ready we will get the hens....watch this space!

More work here too. The area behind the greenhouse is in need of some making over, again it is on my list of work to do!

My tomatoes are doing really well, infact today they are enjoying the sunshine as I have left the door open.

And yes, more work this week. I have to get the patio area all spruced up for our BBQ on Saturday. It is my birthday next Tuesday so we always have friends and family round the nearest Saturday!

W is also for..........WELL I had better stop blogging and get out in the sunshine and WORK!

Skywatch Friday! Isle of Man 1!

2009-06-18T17:55:00.006+01:00

The Irish Sea

Sunday 7th June

It is so hard to imagine that this time last week we had just spent a great time with Babooshka in Parliament Square, Ramsey.

As it happens an ex-pupil of mine is now manager of a bar in the very same Parliament Square so once again connections are made through networking.

I am going to join in Skywatch Friday for the next few weeks as I have some of our recent holiday to the IOM TT Races.

We sailed on the Sunday, as you can see Blue skies took us all the way to the Island and stayed with us for the entire week!

However the Saturday before we arrived saw torrential rain stopping the Saturday races.....

fortunately we brought the sunshine so racing resumed on the Monday.

This was the sky through the lounge window..

and the porthole seemed to frame this scene of excited bikers making their annual pilgrimage to the Island!

More sky photographs from the Island next Friday!

(Hope you like my new peonie header...see previous post to this to see where I my inspiration originated!)

For more participants visit the Skywatch Blog here

Hats off to Teesside Hospice Ladie's Day @ Ascot!

2009-06-18T08:55:00.002+01:00

Teesside Hospice Ascot

Yesterday @ Gisborough Hall

A ggod friend of mine Steph invited Margie and myself as her guests to the Teesside Hospice Annual Ladie's Ascot Day yesterday.

Steph, on the left and Claire.

I won a raffle prize of B&B for 2 @ Gisborough Hall.

As you can see, between us Margie and I won many prizes.

I made my own hat decoration and received many comments throughout the day!

Today the hat is back to its basic design

I now have 2 small posies as a reminder of the day!

ABC Wednesady....V is for View!

2009-06-16T14:26:00.002+01:00

Port Erin, this time last week!

I dont know about you, but when I am getting in the mood for an approaching holiday I will say to Jon....."This time tomorrow....etc etc!" So last week when everybody had been dropped off at the various kennels and cattery as Jon and I sat together in a quiet house I said..."Jon, where will we be tomorrow?" Jon replied...."Isle of Man dear!" "Why are we going to the Isle of Man Jon?" "To the TT dear!" "Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!"

Sounds quite daft really but then that's the kind of person I am! Many of you know only too well! lol! So yes, this time last week this was the view which greeted us each evening outside our hotel.

Ofcourse, we were blessed with exceptional weather. The Saturday prior to our journey saw the races cancelled due to torrential rain. Sunday, when we set out the sun shone and continued to do so throughout the week. On the Wednesday as Jon and I sunbathed in the hot sun of the grandstand, others were experiencing hail stones in Ramsey! lol! yes Babooshka, the sun shines on the righteous!

Ofcourse the holiday was absolutely fantastic, great to meet up with Babooshka! My how we laughed as we sat in Parliament Square!

Returning home on Sunday yes, a little low in spirits but the sun was shining and our neighbours met up with us in Hawes and travelled home with us on their own motorbike. I couldn't help realise yet again what lovely countryside surrounds us, so by the time we arrived home I felt glad to be home.

The house was very quiet but all returned to normal on Monday after we had collected Wilma, Elsie and Ella.

So as our life fits back into a routine I feel quite excited about events to come....tomorrow I am attending a ladie's Ascot Function ran by Teesside Hospice. My friend won tickets so I will be dressing up in my best clothes and donning an exceptional hat which I will share with you later! I will take my camera along so I can share with you the details later! There are invitations to send out to my birthday BBQ on June 27th, a couple of weeks after which we will be at the Road Races up in Scarborough and there are plans to make for the first week of September when we tour France on our motorbike, together with our friends John and Trish!

So how can I feel low after such a great time with so many wonderful things on the horizon!

For some time now I have been debating about setting up a blog for the duck and now I can share the new blog, purely for his adventures from the back of a motorbike. You can see it here!

Happy ABC Wednesday!

Watch this space!

The Duck is Ready to Fly!

2009-06-05T17:29:00.004+01:00

Well here is the little fella last Sunday at Bridlington! Tonight he will be having his bath ready to look his best for our visit to the Isle of Man!

The bike will be loaded tomorrow evening ready for our early start over to Heysham!

The ferry journry will take us a couple of hours.

So what's in store for us?

Who knows?

I was reading Babooshka's blog the other day and noticed there was a very negative comment, annonymous ofcourse re the TT experience for locals, apparantly they found it noisy. Well the TT has been around for many many years and brings a great deal of revenue to the island. We know some places put up prices because they know us visitors do not have a choice. However the TT Teas are a wonderful way the residents show their appreciation for the visiting bikers. The church halls are turned into tearooms for the fortnight and the locals produce the most outstanding home baking for us bikers. It really is apprciated!

I am sure you will be seeing various events on the National News but look out for Cameron Donald! He was flying today! John McGuiness................watch out!

Stop Press...........Valentino Rossi will be riding the TT circuit on Tuesday! I'll be there with my camera!

Back soon, till then..
Watch this space!

ABC Wednesday....T is for....

2009-06-02T14:24:00.005+01:00

Well it could only be one thing! The TT! Isle of Man TT where Jon and I will be travelling to on Sunday!
The races take place on public roads, closed for the events, hence the term Road Racing. This is the same type of racing which takes place at Olivers Mount Scarborough!

We know lots of the riders but here are some significant ones...................

John McGuiness. Current holder of the Senior TT Trophy!

Ryan Farquer who we know from Scarborough and is one of our particular favourites.

Guy Martin, tipped to win last year but mechanical problems prevented his victory!

This is what I love about Road Racing! The relationship between riders and spectators!
Do you think F1 racers would pose for the camera with a duck?

Exactly!

Follow the races on ITV4!

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

Happy Birthday Jon!

2009-06-02T08:59:00.005+01:00

My World Tuesday!

I guess my world centres around the life I share with my husband, Jon! Here he is with our nephew 3, Richard! Tomorrow we will have been married for 21 years!

I love you because you understand dear
Every single thing I try to do
You're always there to lend a helping hand dear
I love you most of all because you're you
No matter what the world may say about me
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for the way you never doubt me
But most of all I love you because you're you
I love you because my heart is lighter
Every time I'm walking by your side
I love you because the future's brighter
The door to happiness you opened wide
No matter what the world may say about me
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for a hundred thousand reasons
But most of all I love you because you're you

To see more of people's worlds visit here

Skywatch Friday!

2009-05-28T19:40:00.004+01:00

Blue sky over the mountain.
Jon & Andy contemplate life and other things!

As many of you know I haven't been blogging as much of late due to wedding commissions which I need to complete and deliver. One down one to go and then I can begin on the preparations for our visit to the Isle of Man! We are so so excited! I will be sharing more later but for the moment enjoy the view!

For more skywatchers visit here!

ABC Wednesday...S is for....

2009-05-26T16:54:00.002+01:00

Stationery!

Many of you will know I design and make wedding stationery. My latest commission is for a couple who are having the Wedding Reception aboard the Yorkshire Pullman Dining Car owned by North Yorkshire Steam Locomotive Preservation Society.
The brief was to have a railway theme......so what do you think?

You can see more of my commissions here

I am very busy with my wedding stationery right now, hence my lack of blogging posts, I just do not have the time. I have 2 commissions on right now which I want to complete and deliver this week so I can then start preparations for our visit to the TT on the Isle of Man.
I do however keep up occasional bits of news over on Facebook, so do pop over some time.

ABC Wednesday...R is for...Ruth!

2009-05-19T19:02:00.003+01:00

Ruth and Joe, last Saturday!

In our village church, check out the lovely dress!

Notice the flowers on the end of every pew, 20 in all.

The flower arrangements...euphorbia from our garden and lilacs from Ruth's grandad's garden, two houses up from ours.

I made the arrangements and posies, so now you know why I was so busy last week. I made the invitations and orders of service too. I am very busy with quite a few weddings right now but love every minute of it.

Ruth's wedding was special however. We have known Ruth for nearly 20 years and were thrilled when she announced she was going to marry Joe.

So to Ruth and Joe, congratulations, as the vicar said, two beautiful people.

One of the hymns we sung was one which Jon and I had at our wedding. Apparantly it is called the "Engineer's Hymn" on account of verse 2, which is precisely why we chose it.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

ABC Wednesday.....Q is for.....Quiet!

2009-05-12T18:22:00.003+01:00

Peace and Quiet!
I feel like a plate spinner right now.
There is so so much going on I just need to find a quiet little space.
One of my all time favourite songs is by Supertramp......enjoy!

I know that theres a reason why I need to be alone
I need to find a silent place that I can call my own
Is it mine, lord is it mine?

When everythings dark and nothing seems right,
Theres nothing to win and theres no need to fight

I never cease to wonder at the cruelty of this land
But it seems a time of sadness is a time to understand
Is it mine, lord is it mine?

When everythings dark and nothing seems right,
You dont have to win and theres no need to fight

If only I could find a way
To feel your sweetness through the day
The love that shines around me could be mine.
So give us an answer, wont you,
We know what we have to do,
There must be a thousand voices trying to get through.

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

My World Tuesday

2009-05-12T08:26:00.004+01:00

View from our window

It seems quite a while since I wrote anything here on my blog and I guess that pretty much says a great deal about my world right now....as there seems to be so much going on. I try to speak to my friend Maria every day following the loss of her partner Phil, Wilma needs her daily walks, I am getting stuff together for a carboot sale on Thursday, Garden chores are knocking on the door and I have quite a few wedding commissions on the books too. Saturday sees a village wedding so on Friday, together with some neighbours I am decorating the church with flowers ready for the big day. Our holiday to the Isle of Man is not far away so today Wilma, Elsie and Ella are all off to the vets for various booster jabs ready for their stay in the bording kennels and cattery....this sums up my world right now but despite what is going on at least I can look out of the window and get everything in perspective!

My World Tuesday.....see others here!

Fisherman's Blues

2009-05-06T18:39:00.005+01:00

Sing along!

I wish I was a fisherman
Tumblin’ on the seas
Far away from dry land
And it’s bitter memories
Casting out my sweet line
With abandonment and love
No ceiling bearin’ down on me
’cept the starry sky above
With light in my head
You in my arms
Woohoo!

I wish I was the brakeman
On a hurtlin’ fevered train
Crashing a-headlong into the heartland
Like a cannon in the rain
With the beating of the sleepers
And the burnin’ of the coal
Counting the towns flashing by
In a night that’s full of soul
With light in my head
You in my arms
Woohoo!

Well I know I will be loosened
From bonds that hold me fast
That the chains all hung around me
Will fall away at last
And on that fine and fateful day
I will take me in my hands
I will ride on the train
I will be the fisherman
With light in my head
You in my arms

ABC Wednesday.....P!

2009-05-05T17:40:00.006+01:00

(The Teacher logo, designed for "Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd)

When I was in junior school one particular teacher sticks in my mind for all the wrong reasons...Mr. Pallister!
I was on free meals at the time, being from a one parent family this was one of the benefits.
Now really there was not much I did not like when it came to food but two particular dislikes of mine were cheese pie and coconut pudding!
On one such fateful day both were served....cheese pie as our main course, coconut pudding for desert. I tried in vain to hide the cheese pie underneath the potato but the pile loomed on my plate and as we were not allowed to leave any my plate found its way back to the table with strict instructions from Mr. Pallister that I had to clear my plate.
I tried in vain to enjoy the cheese pie, with each mouthful I felt the reject signals coming from my stomach. The empty plate was returned to make way for desert.
This time I felt myself wretching at the mere thought of the coconut pudding.
Mr Pallister was watching me and came over to the table.
I told him I did not like it and he replied something to the tune of...
"People like me(him) payed their taxes so people like me could have privelages like free school dinners, and we didn't have a choice in the matter.
Totally embarassed and mortified by his comment (I was only 8) I forced the coconut pudding into my mouth!
Moments later whilst skipping (wrong choice) I felt the contents of my stomach beginning to rebel, and very soon appeared on the playground surface.
I was so scared incase Mr Pallister discovered this and would point out that people like him payed taxes so people like me were not allowed to be sick I ran home to Auntie Dot's.

Auntie Dot was baking at the time, rolling out pastery on the kitchen cabinet unit.
I was sick again and after I had cleaned up I told her the tale.
Armed with the rolling pin she left for the school.
I do not know what she said, but I do know Mr. Pallister never demanded I finish a plate again. The family took me off free meals and from then on we found the money to pay for my dinners.

Mr Pallister was my class teacher for 2 long years. He made a lasting impression on me. Later when I became a primary school teacher I vowed I would never be such a bully to any pupils who came my way, never insisting they eat something they did not like with a vengence.

Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 (Waters)

We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

"Wrong, Do it again!"
"If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you
have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?"
"You! Yes, you behind the bikesheds, stand still laddy!"

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

Away Beyond the Blue!

2009-04-30T19:09:00.004+01:00

A lovely sky for a lovely person.
My very best friend's partner died yesterday, so Philip Argument this is for you! RIP!

Away beyond the blue
Away beyond the blue
One star belongs to you
One star belongs to you

And every breath I take
And every breath I take
I'm closer to that place
I'm closer to that place

Yeah baby, I'm gonna meet you there
On the outskirts of the sky
Yeah baby, I'm gonna meet you there
And we will fly

Away beyond the blue
Away beyond the blue
One star belongs to you

This life is but a dream
This life is but a dream
Go gently down the stream
Go gently down the stream

Skywatch Friday

ABC Wednesday....O is for outdoors!

2009-04-28T17:04:00.002+01:00

As a child being brought up in North Riding of Yorkshire I was fortunate in having such wonderful places right on the doorstep. Holidays and weekends were always spent on the beaches and when Uncle Moss bought his Austin A35 we would often tootle around the moors. I moved away from the area in order to take up my first teaching post and really missed the scenery! Now back home, where I belong I take in the surroundings every time I am out with Wilma or exploring with Jon on the back of the motorbike!

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

True Colour for Thursday...Rust!

2009-04-23T09:38:00.001+01:00

Being married to a tinkering engineer there are various implements around the place, many which I try to incorporate in the garden. This part is from a Fordson tractor if I remember correctly! The picture itself annoys me as I can see a huge weed right at the front! Hopefully the lovely colour of the tulips will distract your eyes! lol! For more rusty examples see here

Talking of weeding, yesterday I worked all afternoon digging up some dandilions and wild daisies from part of the garden where I want to plant bulbs sometime soon. I planted 100 bluebells too, so I am looking forward to the flowering period, not sure when, but that is the fun of the garden I guess.

One of my very favourite houses in the village is up for sale. Parkhouse Farm, details here
It is an entire farm consisting of many buildings, a wood, a bungalow as well as a wonderful house. Sadly it is £1.2 million! It made me look at our own home and appreciate it more than I have been. hence the work in the garden! Sometimes the size of the garden overpowers me but once I sit and do some thinking I partition the many chores and feel more in control! We have plans for the paddock which involve some digging, construction of a wall to terrace what is an awkward slope, a veg plot and the erection of a chicken plot which is really exciting! We have had hens in the past and when the last ones died we decided to have a break. However this week I have been looking after our neighbours hens and the taste of a fresh egg every morning has brought back lovely memories, so once we return from Isle of Man on June 14th we will sort out some hens. We have a spare wooden shed and will modify it with nesting boxes and will sort out a fence to contain the hens. We have over 1/3 of an acre so they will have sufficient room to scrat about, as hens like to do!

Watch this space.

ABC Wednesday...

2009-04-21T19:05:00.002+01:00

Nesbitt Clan Tartan

“The thing that a lot of people cannot comprehend is that Mother Nature doesn't have a bullet with your name on it,
she has millions of bullets inscribed with 'to whom it may concern”

Do you like your name?
I love mine, I love being Mrs Nesbitt.
As a child I had a surname which meant nothing, as it originated from a man who caused much distress to the lives of mum and I,looking back, I could have changed my name but it never really occured to me at the time.

Recorded in the varied spellings of Nesbit, Nesbitt, Nesbet, Nesbett, Nesbeth, Nesbath and Nesbut, this unusual name is both locational and Anglo Scottish. It originates from either the barony of Nesbit in Berwick, or the villages of Nesbitt or Nesbit, in Northumberland and Durham. However spelt the origin is Olde English pre 10th century "nesebit", a word which describes a steel bit which joins the cheek pieces together. This would suggest that either the villages were originally famous for manufacturing this type of bit, or that second element does not mean bit but bight, a north country word for a bend, meaning that the villages stood on "noselike bends" of a river? What is certain is that the villages were recorded as "Nesebit" in the 1242 Court Lists of Northumberland, and as "Nesbitt" in 1311. The surname has remained largely true to the village name over these past seven centuries, almost a record in itself. In the Feudal Rolls of Durham, William de Nesbite appears in 1250, in the reign of King Henry 111. He is believed to have been a Knight Templar (Crusader), although this is not proven. A later Nesbitt showed equal enthusiasm for a cause, one John Nesbitt of Edinburgh (1661 - 1727) displaying rather too much protestant zeal, and in consequence he was forced to flee to Holland. He returned with King William 111 of Orange in 1689, and was given various posts in London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Nesbit, which was dated 1160, A charter witness at the Abbey of Kelso, Scotland, during the reign of King Malcolm 1V of Scotland, 1153 - 1166.

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2009-04-20T09:44:00.003+01:00

Odd or not this little device is going to be popular over the next few days as I strive to de-clutter and have a spring clean! The sun is out and there are jobs to do both inside and outside the house!

Watch this space!

Spring cleaning time! Emerged from winter’s slump
We’ve trucked a load of refuse to the dump --
Old things once valued, bought with hard-earned cash,
Mementos of our lives, devolved to trash.

The treasures tykes unwrapped one Christmas morn
With shrieks of glee, are disused and forlorn.
Bent rackets, a deflated basketball,
A battered box of battered Barbie dolls,

A chipped, old conch shell from some tropic isle,
A beat-up, floral couch long out of style,
A bicycle, a lamp, a plastic Jeep,
Lie broken and discarded in a heap.

Once prized possessions, now computer junk,
Land in the trash pile with a sullen thunk.
There goes that printer – and if truth’s to tell,
The darned thing never did work very well.

A bust of Elvis with a busted nose
Begs, “Don’t be cruel!” -- but to the landfill goes.
A fond reminder of their childhood past,
Our kids’ old booster seat gets chucked out last.

A hunk of scrap is much more than it seems.
Here in the bone-yard of our worn-out dreams
The crunch of boots on shards of broken glass
Reminds us that, tout passe, tout casse, tout lasse.

Neil Harding McAlister

For more odd shots see here!

ABC Wednesday

2009-04-14T17:51:00.003+01:00

M is for...Mirror Mirror on the Wall I am my mother after all!

It's another grey day!
Why oh why did I rush to get the washing out yesterday only to be rained off?
I could just as easily hung it on the airer in the warm kitchen, as it happens I had to do eventually when for a split second I did not look outside to see the lovely drying day had turned into a rainy dull episode!
But, when the wind is up I insist on it being a good "Drying Day" and set forth to wash for the nation. Indeed if there isn't sufficient laundry in the basket I go in search to justify a full load for the washing machine.
I guess it is one of the many facets of my nature which although I find strange, I know I am not alone and know where I get it from.......my mum!

Do you ever find yourself saying something and remembering your parents said exactly the same things?

I do frequently!
Is it my age? LOL!

A few years ago when I was teaching full time I was attending a management course at a local stadium. I hasten to add we were using their conference facilities, not the training area! LOL!

Talking amongest ourselves later on one of my colleagues announced she was going into the town to do some shopping! I said I was doing the same, I needed some new slippers.
"Are you getting Mules?" She asked.
"Mules? You can break your neck in a pair of mules!" was my reply.
We all laughed as others recognised exactly why I had retorted in such a way.

The words had been said many times and many years earlier to me by my mum.
What is more I remembered them and have never bought mules! LOL!

On another occasion, only a couple of weeks ago, I had to take a delivery from Jon's workshop to one of his customers.
I delivered what I had to and thought I would pop into the local shops and get one or two bits and bobs.
It would be about 11am.
As I packed away my shopping I said to the girl at the till,
"Well once I get home and put this lot away I am in for the night!"

It was 11am in the morning for goodness sake and there was I saying such a statement....
again a phrase from mum.

Other phrases I remember.......

"If you think for one minute that I'm letting you out of the house in THAT, you've got another thing coming... "

"Wipe that smirk off your face!"

"Don't make me come up there!"

"When I was your age I could have shown you a thing or two!"

"Money doesn't grow on trees!"

"Do you think, we live in a field? Close the door!"

" Do I look like I'm made of money???"

"Just wait till we get home!"

"If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times..."

"This place is a pigsty."

A particular favourite one, when I had not buttoned a blouse or coat right up to the very top button...

"Cover that bare chest up! You will catch a cold!"
LOL, the mere thought eh!

When I do find myself saying such words I smile, and just remember mum.
It is a part of her which will never disappear as it is in the very marrow of my bones.

As we enter another working week following the Easter break day, the sky may be grey but I have lots to be getting on with.
I have washing I need to dry and another load to deal with....and dry on the airer and I have housework to do.

Once all this is done, the dog is walked, the goose is put in his shed, Jon is home from work we will be in for the night!

Yes, mum will have smiled!

The Images of Mother:

4 YEARS OF AGE
My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE
My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE
My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE
Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE
Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE
That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE
Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE
Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE
Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE
Wish I could talk it over with Mom.....

Author unknown

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