The Primitive Cornish Hovel

Happy Birthday Hubby Andy

2012-02-05T15:49:00.001-08:00

Just a quick hello to wish my husband Andy a Happy 54th Birthday....We had a busy day driving to Barnstaple, Devon, and back to look at the car. Before heading back home however we did have a lovely meal to celebrate his birthday but more importantly because we were hungry...lol...Off to bed now because we have to be up early to travel nearly five hours on a train to go and collect the car...yawn...Lots of love to my hubby...

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

More Car Trouble............

2012-02-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

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What is it with cars and The Hovel?....Oh, hello there, thanks for dropping by. Yes, car trouble visits us again...It's my hubby's birthday tomorrow and having recieved the money from his insurance company he chose to spend his day driving to Kettering, Northamptonshire....Why so far? Well, he was successful with bidding for a Chrysler Voyager on ebay, which happened to be there. He had just paid for the hire of a car when he recieved a text message from the seller to say the car had broken down so was no longer available!!!!!!!!! Needless to say hubby wasn't a happy chap. Having just paid £124.00 pounds for the hire car you can imagine....but the upside is at least he wasn't driving it home when it broke down...So a quick look around on the web was called for and we are off to Barnstaple, Devon, tomorrow to look at another one. Why waste the half tank of fuel and the use of a car that we have paid for....Lets hope the weather is ok so we can at least enjoy the day out. Although it's warmer here it is raining....

At least we are alive to tell the tale....February 4 is also the anniversary of the passing of some celebrities (my, it feels like a Obitury Blog sometimes..lol..)...

Karen Anne Carpenter ~ March 2, 1950 – February 4, 1983 ~ was an American singer and drummer. She and her brother, Richard, formed the 1970s duo The Carpenters

Wladziu Valentino Liberace ~ May 16, 1919 – February 4, 1987 ~
best known simply as Liberace, was a famous American pianist and vocalist

Ossie Davis (Raiford Chatman Davis) ~ December 18, 1917 – February 4, 2005 ~

was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.
Ossie Davis at the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C.

February 4 and December 1 is also known as Rosa Parks Day.....

Rosa Parks with Dr. Martin Luther King jr. 1955

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on February 4, 1913 and died on October 24, 2005...

It was on December 1, 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, that she refused to obey bus driver James F. Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. It was not the first time that others had done similar but it was Rosa's actions that sparked Montgomery Bus Boycott...

This act of defiance became an important symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement and Rosa became an international icon....

Rosa Parks Day was created by the California State Legislature and first celebrated February 4, 2000....

What an amazing, brave woman with a gentle presence who made a difference....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Groundhog Day and Welcome Spring.....

2012-02-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

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Happy Groundhog Day to the people of Canada and USA, hope the day is not too cold!!!!!! It's freezing here in Cornwall, saw an icicle this morning, first one for a while......

Well did the Groundhog predict a early spring or will this winter weather continue?

Groundhog Day is celebrated each year on February 2 in USA and Canada. It was in 1887 that a group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney (PA) created the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. And as a result a groundhog was named 'Punxsutawney Phil' and declared an "official" weather-predicting groundhog. Each year since that time February 2nd has been a celebrated holiday and when a groundhog emerges from his burrow a weather predition is 'made'. If the weather is cloudy then spring will come early. However, if it is sunny then the groundhog will see his shadow and retreat back into his burrow, which is an indication that the winter weather will continue for another six weeks......

Statue of groundhog Wiarton Willie in Wiarton, Ontario

As we all know this day was seen in the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andee MacDowell

And what did 'Punxsutawney Phil' predict this year? Well according to The Washington Post there is six more weeks of winter weather......and judging by today's weather and the forecast for the next week here in the UK, I can well believe that...brrrrrrrrr....

Queen Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria ~ 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901 ~)

February 2nd also sees another anniversary and that is of the funeral of Queen Victoria, who was buried this day in 1901. After being queen for 63 years, seven months and two days, Victoria was laid to rest wearing a white dress and her wedding veil. There were many mementos laid with her...one of Albert's dressing gowns with a plaster cast of his hand laid by her side. While in her left hand, and concealed by a bunch of flowers, was a lock of John Brown's hair and a picture of him. Among the jewellery items placed on her body was a wedding ring belonging to John Brown's mother, which he gave to Queen Victoria in 1883....

After two days lying-in-state she was interred with Prince Albert in Frogmore Mausoleum at Windsor Great Park. As Queen Victoria was laid to rest it began to snow....

I think it was fitting that items belonging to both Albert and John were placed in her coffin. Both Albert and John were important to her, one through marriage and one through friendship.....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Australia Day...

2012-01-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

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Just a quick hello to wish our friends across the sea a Happy Australia Day. Hope you all have a happy and safe day with your family and friends...

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Hello From The Hovel....

2012-01-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

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Hello folks....I have been trying to post here since last week but with one thing or another I have not managed to do so until now. The main thing has been my having flu and being very poorly with it, which has left me with hardly any hearing, so say what you like about me, I won't hear it..lol..

It may be because I have been ill that I feel very cold at the moment but according to The Wildlife Trust spring as come early because flowers are already begining to bloom due to our mild winter. I personally can't wait for the warmer weather.....

How did your New Year go? Well ours at the Hovel went with a bang, literally....Over the last three years we have had a sting of bad luck and I was hoping 2012 would be the start of good luck for us or at least an improvement...Wrong!!!

2012 was not quite five hours old when bad luck visited The Hovel in the quise of a drunk driver who decided to 'park' next to our car......

Ours is the Pajero on the right!!!

Fortunately that is brake fluid on the road not blood

My husband works for a taxi company in St. Ives, which is a busy place on New Year's Eve. Due to this he thought it would be safer to leave it at home.......

I decided to stay up and wait for hubby, so there I was with my feet up, mug of coffee and watching a film. At about 4.50 am I suddenly heard a sound of a car which appeared to be going very fast and then an almighty bang.....The result you can see in the photos. For legal reasons I cannot say much about the incident (I seem to say that a lot on here..lol..) but surfice to say police officiers, recovery vehicles and a clean-up crew later we were still up and wide-awake when daylight came (hubby having left work earlier than he intended due to this).....

Thankfully the diver appeared to be wearing a seatbelt

The force of the impact pushed our car onto the pavement...all I could think of when looking at this was that my house need painting..lol..

Damaged the right wheel, etc.....

These are strong, sturdy cars..

The offending car's bumper flew some distance....

Hubby Andy talking to his insurance recovery driver....

As you can imagine my husband was very upset. It was a beautiful car in great condition. These things come to try us I know but I think we would like a break now...lol...

I would like to say at this time a big Thank You to the Cornish police, both drivers of the two recovery vehicles and the clean-up crew from Cormac. All were amazing....

A lighter moment in all this however was when one of the police officers noticed my neighbour's door across the road was open....so as any good police officer would do he went to investigate. I had to laugh when all I could see was him walking up the stairs with his flashlight. They didn't wake up until he identified himself in their bedroom...lol...

BMW X5, Curtsey of the insurance company

Andy was pleased when his insurance company provided a car until is claim is successful. He is so lost without one. So we have been able to get out and about. So today, Monday, we went into Penzance to look at some cars, we are keen on either a Galaxy or Chrysler voyager, we'll see....but before we went I opened my Facebook page and was shocked to see a photo of me...lol....

Taken at a friend's flat...me aged 28 and pregnant with my son and with my own natural hair colour....do not look like that now..lol..

I have recently got back in touch with a very dear friend and he decided to post this...payback time I think, I have some photos of him..lol..But back to our trip to Penzance and as you can see the sea was very calm today...

Taken late afternoon...

Retail Therapy at the Wharfside shopping centre...still some Christmas lights up.

Andy waiting patiently...this photo does not do the lights justice, they are really pretty

I was very good, I only purchased some clothes in the sale for my grandees...honest..

On our return home while having tea we watched the first episode of the UK Biggest Looser and I was shocked to discover that Angie Dowds, the trainer in the series, had died at Beachy Head, Eastborne, in November 2011. I really liked her, she was an amazing, inspirational woman. Very sad....

Angie Dowds

On to a lighter note, I did have my two oldest grandees stay a night or two before Christmas and I took them to see Santa at Pratts Market, Hayle. Poor Korenza was very poorly but she insisted on going (it was my granddaughter's gift to me...flu) and Dylan was not impressed at all about going to see Santa but he soon cheered up.....

Dylan wrapped up warm...

A very poorly Korenza...

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

It's Official...2012 Is Here

2011-12-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

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Welcome on the first day of 2012. Yes, it's official, well in England anyway, that we have said goodbye to 2011 and we are now in 2012..There is nothing like the sound of Big Ben to welcome in the New Year. The fireworks were spectacular, well done London....Was I there? No but I watched it on TV.....

Well off to toast the New Year with a hot lemsip...yep, had flu since Christmas day so this is my hot toddy for now. Enjoy your New Year's Day and take care until next time...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:00:00.001-08:00

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Hello from the Hovel this New Year's Eve. I wish you well in 2012 and hope it's a good year for us all. Have a Happy New Year and if out celebrating be safe....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Christmas To You All

2011-12-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

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Hello from the Hovel on this Christmas Eve. I've been a busy bee these last few weeks but I couldn't miss wishing you all a Happy Christmas....

Hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends...

Until next time, take care.... Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Birthday to My Gorgeous Granddaughter

2011-12-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

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Happy 4th birthday to my adorable granddaughter Korenza...and what a good day she had at Bombadingas. I know, what a name for a soft play area for children..lol.. She loved playing there with her brothers, parents, cousins, grandparents and friends.....

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

I took lots of photos but I was very disappointed with most of them. I don't know what I did wrong but most of them were blurred!!!!!

A little blurred but I love the look of joy on her face...

Dylan's having fun too....

The birthday cake made by mummy....and it was yummy too..

'Now do I sneak some more'

'Ok, just a little more'

'Now for an official slice of cake'

Presents from Nana & Granddad

'Oh, what is it'

'Is it what I think it is'

'Can I open it now please'

'Right, now for the next one'

It was lovely to share Korenza's birthday with her and spend time with family and friends. Children grow up so quickly and these times are precious....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

St. Nicholas Day and Other Events....

2011-12-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

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The wind is blowing, rain is falling and it's cold...brrrrrr...Hello there, yes it's me again. I'm sat here snug-as-a-bug in my lounge with the fire blazing, the only place to be when the weather is like this. It's definately winter woolies time...

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I bet it wasn't cold like this when St. Nicholas, an historic 4th-century saint and Greek bishop, was born. He is remembered each year on the 6th December, which is known as St. Nicholas Day. In many European countries a festival for children is held on this day. Now, I didn't know that until today...

What I did know however was that St. Nicholas is also known as Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Surving legends about St. Nicholas relate that, among many things, he was a bringer of gifts....

St. Nicholas ~ 270 AD - 6 Dec 343 AD ~

December 6th also marks the anniversary of the death of American singer and songwriter Roy Orbison. He performed many songs but the one that he is probably most remembered for is 'Oh Pretty Woman' released in 1964 and was forever immortalised in the 1990 film 'Pretty Woman' starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts....yes you've guessed it, another favourite film of mine...

Roy Orison ~ 1936-Dec 6 1988 ~

'Pretty Woman' ~ 1990 ~

St. Nicholas and Roy Orbison also share this day in history with a very important event that affected both Britain and Ireland....The Anglo-Irish Treaty..

The National Flag of Ireland (also known as the Irish Tricolour)

The flag was presented as a gift to Thomas Francis Meagher in 1848 by a small group of French women sympathetic to the Irish cause. It was not until the 1916 Easter Rising that it was regarded as the National flag. It was then adopted in 1919 by the Irish Republic. Although the flag's meaning is not covered by the Irish Constitution, the Irish Government has stated that the green colour represents the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, the orange represents the followers of William of Orange and the white representing peace or truce between them. I like to think so because my roots began in Ireland on my paternal side, my father being born in County Offally....

Anglo-Irish Treaty Signatures

But back to the Anglo-Irish Treaty, officially called Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland. It was in London on December 6 1921 that the treaty was signed by representatives of the British Government and envoys of the Irish Republic. This established the Irish Free State and also provided Northern Ireland an option to opt out, which it did...

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The Irish Free State created by this Treaty came into force on December 6 1922 by Royal proclamation....

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Some of the representatives at this historical event are seen below...

The Right Honourable Austen Chamberlain, Lord Privy Seal ~ 1863-1937 ~

Sir Winston S Churchill, Secretary of State for the Colonies ~ 1874-1965 ~

The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, Prime Minister ~ 1863-1945 ~

The Right Honourable Lord Birkenhead, Lord Chancellor ~ 1872-1930 ~

The Right Honourable Gordon Hewart, Attorney General ~ 1870-1943 ~

Arthur Griffith ( Art O Griobhtha), Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs ~ 1872-1922 ~

Michael Collins (Michael O Coileain), Secretary of State for Finance ~ 1890-1922 ~

Robert Childers Barton, Secretary of State for Economic Affairs ~ 1881-1975 ~

There were many clauses within the Treaty and one of the main clauses was that British forces would withdraw from most of Ireland......

British Cavalry Soldiers leaving Ireland 1922

History is made every day and we hope we learn by past mistakes. All I wish for everyone is that we can all live in peace together...Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Birthday Dad....

2011-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

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'Thinking of you on your birthday dad, we talk of you still. We haven't forgotten you, and we never will'.

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Hello from the Hovel on a chilly December day. A special day for me because it is my dad's birthday on the 5th of December. He would have been 87 if he had lived. I wish you were here dad so I could give you a hug but I send you one with lots of love......

My dad when young...

Sadly I cannot visit my dad's grave as he is buried over 3oo miles away but he is in my heart....

Flowers still blooming on the last day of November.........

What a busy few weeks I have had, especially last week. I had my son and my three grandees staying with me due to a family crisis and after ten days they returned to their home on Saturday...phew!!!! It is now quite and tidy since their return..lol..but I got to see them again today however....
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But what a week we had last week...The worst day would have to be Wednesday, especially for my two oldest grandees. The morning began very early and was hectic to say the least. My son and the little one had a hospital appointment and I was left in charge of Korenza and Dylan. The mission was to get these two little ones to their nursery in the next town... easier said than done.... Not being a driver myself public transport was the order of the day. So finally after much ado we arrived at the train station only to discover the train had been cancelled....and the next one also. No problem, contact the helpline....wrong!!! After 6 calls to the Unhelpfull helpline and with no satisfaction we were still stood on a very cold and windy station....

'Ok Nana, we're getting bored now'

Only one thing to do, phone hubby (he works for a taxi company some 5 miles away in St. Ives). Bless him, he sent a taxi for me. Only problem was it was a car and I had a double-buggy and could we collapse it....no!!

'Nana, I want to get out'

So off went the taxi...thankfully I had brought lunch with me so the grandees had 'meals on wheels'..lol..

'Ok, time to torment my brother'...

By this time you can imagine, after over an hour of waiting, my patience was wearing a bit thin. There are only so many songs you can sing to entertain the grandees....But my hubby didn't give up and sent a mini-bus, was I pleased to see that...You may ask why I didn't just go home, I nearly did, but I wanted the children to have some normality in their lives after the weeks they have had....plus I'm stubborn..lol.....

Bless them, within minutes they were asleep....No Korenza's hair didn't turn blue despite the cold weather..lol..goodness knows what it is!!!

Well, we all arrived safe at their nursery, Flying Start, in Camborne. Thanks to the excellent staff there who were understanding about our late arrival. And a special thanks to Mark of Acecars for getting us there and my hubby for arranging it...and that was Wednesday but on Friday I went to Truro....

A small stream running under the road I was walking up....or should I say hill..

My destination at the top of the road!!!

Finally arrived....

No, I'm not in trouble, my son was attending the Family Court and I joined him there for support. Good ending for the time being.....

'Oh no, I've now got to walk down the road'..lol..

Mind you, the view from the rear of the Court is good, this is Truro Cathedral

Some flowers seen in Truro late November

But not all the days were as busy. I did get to spend some quality time with my grandees...

What a smile from my youngest grandson Blake....

A visit to the park on a cold and wet day....the grandees loved it

As day turns to night....near where my son lives...

Hopefully the next few weeks will be uneventfull, I have not even started getting ready for Christmas yet....ha well. Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Thanksgiving To My Friends Across The Pond

2011-11-24T04:34:00.000-08:00

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Just a quick hello to my friends across the Pond to wish them all a Happy Thanksgiving....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

A Cup of Tea in the Rain...

2011-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

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Thanks for dropping in at the Hovel. The days are certainly wet and colder here in Cornwall, which is to be expected with winter just around the corner....

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Well, I have had a busy few weeks, especially when I was preparing to have a hand operation. Yep, back for another op. I've never been to a hospital so much as I have in the last two years, if not for me then for a member of my family. I joke I should have a room named after me..lol..

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I was only in for the day thankfully and fortunately they were able to do it this time. I was booked in to have my hand operated on in October but I had a cold so they sent me home. Luckily I only live ten minutes walk from the hospital, St. Michaels in Hayle, a lovely hospital with brilliant staff.

The reason for the op was that I had a trigger finger and a large splinter embedded in my thumb, thankfully both on the right hand...Yep it hurt when the local wore off and I also had a general anesthestic. You can imagine the fun I had with being right-handed!!!! Hubby was a gem though, especially the first few days when I had to wear a sling...

Cumbersome thing!!!!

The guilty hand

Thankfully it is on the mend but I am still limitted with certain actions, carrying bags, etc. But it doesn't stop me having a drink of tea or coffee, as can be seen below....

Yes, you guessed correctly, it is outside in the rain!!! But I was sat under a umbrella..lol.. I was in Camborne waiting for my son who was attending a family meeting. Yep, he is a single-parent again but with three children this time. It's been a difficult time as you can imagine but he is coping brilliantly....

At least I had some greenery to look at while waiting...

It will be sometime before I sit outside drinking tea again however...

Talking about cafes brings to mind another favourite one of mine. I have mentioned Johnny's Cafe in Hayle before but did not show any photos, so I will now....

Johnny's Cafe across from Hayle Harbour on a warmer day..

A place to relax and have a coffee and cake...Yes that is sunlight you can see!

Discovered during renovations so the owner decided to leave it like this, I'm glad she did..

Old school desk. I feel old, I had one very similar when I was a school!!

Nice rusty radiator

The cafe was originally a house and next door was a organic shop owned by the same person. The owner decided to knock through downstairs and open a cafe. As she did she discovered some interesting features and left them as they were. All furnishings are mis-matched and work well together. I would love to live somewhere similar...hang on I do, it's called the Hovel..lol..Seriously, if you like rustic you will love this place....

Another gem revealed, hidden behind years of paper and plaster..

To the Ladies we go..

On a wall inside the Ladies, an appropriate saying..lol..

Great baby-changing area..

Now I'd like to take you outside to show you where I usually sit with a hot drink or snack....

I may sit here so I can look towards the beach in the distance..

Or I may sit here so I can glance across towards the harbour to see the boats waiting for the tide to come in...

Interesting seating but I've never sat here

I love this table..

Well, unless it remains dry I will not be having tea and cakes outside for a while. Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Remembering Why We Wear A Poppy

2011-11-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

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Welcome to the Hovel on this day of Remembrance. A day where this year we remember the fallen at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011...This is why we wear the red poppy to remember those who sacrificed their lives so we could live in freedom then and now....

'With Best Love from Jack'

The War Memorial in Hayle, Cornwall
Showing the names of the men of Hayle who died in WW1 & WW11

Until we meet again I'll pray for you,

Until the clouds depart, and the skies are blue;

Dark tho' the night may be, love's star will reign,

God keep you true to me, untill we meet again.

GOOD-BYE, DOLLY GRAY

I have come to say good-bye, Dolly Gray

Good-bye Dolly, I must leave you though it breaks my heart to go

Hear the rolling of the drums Dolly Gray

Have you heard the way he died Dolly Gray

Let us also take the time to remember all the animals that took part in war

Animals in War Monument, Brook Gate, Park Lane, London
(Curtsy of www.animalsinwar.org.co.uk)

Eight million horses, mules and donkeys died in WW1 and many mules served in WW11. Hundreds of dogs and 300,000 pigeons served Britain in both world wars. Many other animals also served in these wars including camels, oxen, cats, etc....
They did not know why they were there but served with loyalty and dedication with the men and women fighting for their country's freedom...
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It is with gratitude and respect that I am thankful that they did for without them I would not have been blessed with the family I have. Thank you for allowing my child and his children to live in freedom today...

My darling grandson Dylan, that smile says it all...

My adorable grandaughter Korenza. Although a sad look I think it's a beautiful image..

Enchanting

I love the expression on Dylan's face..

Korenza with her daddy, my son Christopher....The things you do for your kids. Korenza insisted that her daddy wear this all the way home from nursery. And he did..lol..

Until next time, take care. Hugs Chrissy xx

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With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

~ Laurence Binyon ~

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2011-11-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

A Happy And Safe Halloween

2011-10-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

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Hello from The Hovel on All Hallows Eve. Just a quick hello to wish you all a Happy and safe Halloween. Enjoy tonight....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Welcome the First Day of Autumn

2011-09-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

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Hello from the Hovel on the First Day of Autumn, which you can definately feel now in the chilly evenings. Autumn is my favourite time of the year. Sunshine in the day and the warm colours of nature around us. The wind will become colder and the leaves will fall to the ground. And you know what that means.....Halloween will soon be here...

Until next time, take care..Hugs Chrissy xx

Nathan Hale, An American Hero

2011-09-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

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Hello from the Hovel. Just a quick visit to mark the anniversary of the death of an American hero, Nathan Hale. You may think it strange than a British woman would mark this day for someone who was technically an enemy of the British but as they say, that was history..lol..

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Why history you may think? Well this event happened on September 22nd 1776 during the American Revolutionary War. Nathan Hale, who was born 1755 in Connecticut, was a member of the Continental Army. He volunteered for a information-gathering misson in New York City but was captured by the British and hanged on this day aged 21. His last words before being hung were 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country'. Brave words. For this he was finally officially designated the State Hero of Connecticut in 1985. A long time coming but he was at last recognised for his loyalty. Regardless of race, colour or creed I respect courage and loyality....

Nathan Hale by Frederick MacMonies 1890. City Hall Park, New York

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

The Mayflower Sets Sail in 1620

2011-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

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Hello from the Hovel and already we are half-way through September. The nights are drawing in and there is a autumn chill in the air. My favourite time of the year, when nature's colours turn to bronze and gold...

Did the Pilgrim Fathers think this as they set sail from the land of their birth to a new life in America? These courageous souls believed so much in their faith that they braved the seas to a land where they could be free from persecution...

'The Mayflower in Plymouth Harbour' by William Hasall ~ 1882 at Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA ~

On September 16, 1620 (September 6 1620 of the Gregorian Calendar) The Mayflower set sail from a site near the Mayflower Steps, Plymouth, England. On board were 102 passengers, 25-30 crew and two dogs. There may have beeen more animals but none were noted. The significance of the Mayflower is that it transported the 37 English Seperatists, better known as Pilgrims or Pilgrim Fathers, from England to America...

The Mayflower Steps, Plymouth, England (Curtsey of RobertBFC)

Initially, the plan was for the voyage to be made in two vessels, the other being the smaller ship Speedwell. Both ships first set sail in August 1620 from Southampton but due to a leak in the ship Speedwell they had to stop at Dartmouth. A second attempt was made and both ships reached the Atlantic Ocean but due to another leak in Speedwell they returned to Plymouth. It transpired that the ship Speedwell did not in fact have a leak and it was thought by the passenages that it had been sabotaged by the crew...

Pilgrims on the deck of the ship Speedwell before their departure to the New World. Painted by Robert Weir

After reorganization the final voyage was made by The Mayflower alone. The ship however stopped at Newlyn, Cornwall, to take on water...

Newlyn, Cornwall, England

The original destination for The Mayflower was the mouth of the Hudson River but the ship went off course due to winter approaching. After a grueling 66-days the ship finally dropped anchor at Cape Cod Bay on November 21st (November 11). The journey claimed two lives and many of the passengers suffered from disease. During the journey a baby was born, who was named Oceans Hopkins...

Due to the weather conditions the passengers and crew remained on board until March 1621. During this time there was an outbreak of scurvy, pneumonia and TB which resulted in nearly half of the people on board dying. Another baby was born on The Mayflower on November 20 and was named Perigrine (meaning 'Wanderer') White...

A Memorial to the people who died while on The Mayflower, Provincetown, USA

The surviving 53 people finally left the ship in March 1621 to start their new life in America. Accompaning them were at least two dogs, a female Mastiff and a small spanial...

In April 1621 The Mayflower returned to England where it is believed it was dismantled. Another ship named The Mayflower 2 made crossings fom England to America in 1629, 1630, 1633, 1634 and 1639. Another voyage was attempted in 1641 carrying 140 passengers from England to Virginia. It never arrived and on 18 October, 1642 a deposition was made in England regarding it's loss...

Replica of The Mayflower

After World War 11, an accurate replica of the original Mayflower was designed by naval architect William A Baker and was launched on September 22, 1956 from Devon, England. It set sail in the spring of 1957 and was captained by Alan Villiers. After 55 days the voyage ended in Plymouth Harbour on June 13 1957 to great acclaim. The ship is moored to this day at State Pier, Plymouth, and is open to the public...

The Mayflower Memorial by the Old City Walls, Southampton, England (Curtsey of Alan Ford)

I salute all of those that chose to travel by sea at this time. I don't think I would have had the courage....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

'Ay, Call it Holy Ground the Soil where first they Trod. They have left unstained, what there they found. Freedom to Worship God'

~ Felicia Dorothea Hemans - 1793-1835 ~

In Memory of Patrick Swayze

2011-09-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

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In Memory of Patrick Swayze who died two years ago today. Gone but not forgotten. A talented and genuine man who will be forever remembered for his many films, TV performances, smile and love of life. R.I.P. and God Bless....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

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You can shed tears that he is gone or you can smile because he lived

Remembering 9/11...

2011-09-11T15:09:00.001-07:00

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My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those who died ten years ago on September 11 2001......

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Hugs Chrissy xx

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If I should go tomorrow
It would never be goodbye
For I have left my heart with you
So don't you ever cry
The love's that deep within me
Shall reach you from the stars
You will feel it from the heavens
And it will heal the scars

Remembering my Father Today...

2011-08-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

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''To Live in the Hearts we Leave Behind is not to Die''

~ Thomas Campbell ~

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Hello from the Hovel....I post today to remember my father who died thirty years ago on August 22nd 1981. It only seems like yesterday and not a day goes by that I do not think about him. I still talk about him and ask his advice. I had a strong bond with my dad and felt cheated that he died when I was only in my twenties. He was only 56, my age now....

My parents taken about 1960...I'm the cute kid in the middle...lol..

My mum and dad with my older sister 1953

''Photographs are Precious Memories.....

The Visual Evidence of Place and Time and Relationships...

Ritual Talismans for the Treasure Chest of the Heart''

~ Robert Fulghum ~

My dad is on the left wearing the striped tie....less than twenty years old. Yes he did like a drink..

But my father would not like me to be sad and I am not. I am honoured to have had him for a dad. He's always there, just not seen.....

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I had hoped to post last week but have been very busy so I would like to wish a belated memorial birthday to Patrick Swayzee who would have been 59 on August 18... a beautiful, talented man taken too soon. Of the many films he performed in the most memorable ones for me are Dirty Dancing and Ghost. Yes, I know swooning isn't the word for it..lol..

There can only be one Patrick Swayzee...

But my all time favourite is North and South.....

Classic series...

Any style or colour of hair works for me...

In Memory of Patrick Swayzee...

Sorry it's been a bit of doom and gloom post but life can be like that. Not only was it a day to remember my dad I also visited my son and grandees. Now that is joyful and a reminded that my dad lives on in his grandson and gt. grandchildren....Love you dad x

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Talking of films I have just watched 'Wuthering Heights', the B&W version starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, the best one in my books. I have a passionate interest in anything Bronte related. What prompted me to watch this was after a conversation with another Bronte fan...

You can't beat a good old black & white film, there's something magical about them. But the next one to watch is North and South, mentioning it here as tempted me. So if you don't hear from me for a while it's because I've time-travelled back to the 1860's..lol..Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy x

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''Greive not, nor speak of me with tears but laugh and talk of me
as if I were besides you there''
~ Isla Paschal Ricahrdson ~

Sad Times For Britain But Cornwall is Still Beautiful

2011-08-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

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Hello from Cornwall, sorry I have been quite of late. The intention to blog has been there but life has a habit of getting in the way. There have been many reasons why I have not posted as regularly as I would have liked but those reasons pale in comparison to what has occured in my country this last week. Shocked, appalled, angry and disgusted with some of my countrymen is putting it mildly. The enormity of the scale of destruction was hard to comprehend. What began in London spread with such speed throughout the country and resulted in what can only be described as a War Zone. My heart went out to those innocent people who had to stand back in horror as they watched their world crash about them. Lives have been lost, people beaten up and robbed, homes, business and belongings destroyed. And all because man's greed and uncontrollable violence took over this land. Sadly our Green and Pleasant Land became Dark and Ugly.......

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One such event symbolizes the extent of the destruction. A building which housed a family business for nearly 150years no longer stands. This building which had survived two world wars and whose business had survived the 1930's Great Depression was destroyed in a matter of hours by one man who chose to set fire to it. Thankfully this man has been caught and charged. But for the Reeves family nothing will compensate for their lost....

House of Reeves 1890 (curtsey of their website)

The House of Reeves Furniture Store was founded in 1867 by Edwin Reeves, a barrel maker from Sherbone in Dorset. It was one of the oldest landmarks of Croydon. So much was it a part of this town that the corner on which the shop stood was called Reeves Corner....

(Curtsey of the House of Reeves Website)

And there it proudly stood for nearly 150 years until the day a man decided to burn it down....

(Curtsey of BBC News London)

This once Proud Building is no more (Curtsey of BBC News London)

I would like to say how proud I am of the Public Services who were outstanding, Thank You.

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Sadly the knock-on effects of this weeks events will continue for years. We are already in a economical and enviromental mess, this just might be one of the last nails in the coffin for Britain.

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Now for something cheerful because life does go on......My family are doing well dispite my son having had his car stolen and set fire to (no this wasn't the riots it was some weeks ago!!). It was a shock and I was very angry because the car obviously belonged to someone with children. But I will not rant here.....

Christopher and his partner Dee with Dylan, Blake and Korenza July 3 2011

Blake is growing well as are all of my grandies. But not content with having three young children Christopher and Dee decided to rescue two small dogs, Maggie and JD. What Maggie failed to woof in their ears was that she was with pup.....six to be precise...

The Pups are now 4 weeks old and Maggie is a brilliant mother

You would think that would be enough, they thought so too but add one ex- stepmother of Dee's to the pot and what you get is a much larger dog coming for the weekend and being abandoned.....hence Menace the Rottweiler is now part of their family..

He is a soft sweetheart

JD the Proud Daddy

So I am now the proud grandmother of nine furry canine..lol..

Beautiful Summer Scene

This beautiful photograph of my local beach was taken by Lucy, my niece's friend. Yes, my niece Beth and Lucy came from Eastbourne to spend a few days with me. They are both 16 and just left school and wanted a break before starting college in September. It was great having them and we had some fun days out. One of the places I took them too was Hell's Mouth. Although much smaller Hell's Mouth has the same reputation as Beachy Head at Eastbourne....unfortunately a place known for suicides....

Beth on the left with Lucy

A Part of Hell's Mouth, the drop is steeper than it looks here

Beth too Close to the Edge for my Comfort!!!

Beautiful but Deadly at Times

Can you see the nose at the top of the cliff!!

Cornwall at it's best

Rugged Cliff Side

Hell's Mouth Cafe where we had an ice-cream

Beautiful Wild Heather

I forget the name of these flowers, can anyone enlighten me?

Is it a Butterfly or a Moth?

Our next port of call was the Baptistry and Holy Well at Madron, near Penzance.....

Trees on the way

Clouties tied to a tree near Madron Well

Beth and Lucy

Here the walk ends I'm afraid. I will be continuing this trek shortly on my other blog Away With The Faerys. I think I've rambled on here long enough..lol..

One of the three dogs that came to say hello.

There is a story attached to this dog which I will tell you about in my next posting....Until next time take care..Hugs Chrissy x

Happy 4th July

2011-07-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

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A quick hello from the Hovel. I cannot believe it is two months since I posted here, how quickly time goes by. Been very busy and had a bout of illness but today I wanted to say Happy 4th July to my friends across the pond, hope you've had a super day....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Belated Happy Mothering Sunday

2011-05-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

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Hello again, forgot to wish my friends in the US a Happy Mothering Sunday. Hope you all had a good relaxing day.....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

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Mother

When You're a Child She Walks Before You,

To Set An Example

When You're a Teenage She Walks Behind You,

To Be there if You Should Need Her

When You're an Adult She Walks Beside You,

So That as Two Friends You Can Enjoy Life Together

~Author Unknown~

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Celebrating VE Day

2011-05-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

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Phew!! didn't think I was going to make a posting today for VE day. Excuse the pun but I was listing for England. Ebay had a free listing weekend so had to make the most of it....Yes I know some time ago I commented that I was not happy with Ebay's policies and stopped selling on there but needs must. I'm am sorting out so much to make more space so thought I would.....

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But back to the reason for me dropping in today...VE Day, Victory in Europe. May 8th 1945 was the day when WW11 Allied Forces formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces in Nazi Germany.....and I am glad they did because I may not have been here to talk to you today. Who knows what may have happened? Although my maternal gt. gt. grandfather was German I do not know from where. All I know was that he was a travelling musician. My other maternal ancesters were gypsies and my father was Irish. So a mixed bag of ancestors for me..lol..

Winston Churchill Waves to the Crowds in Whitehall on the Day he Declared that the War with Germany had Been Won...

Celebrations in Picadily Square May 8 1945. Photo taken by Sgt. James A Spence During his Service in WW11

Well, off to make a well-deserved coffee.
Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

May is a Month For Celebrations, Joy & Sadness

2011-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

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Hello from The Hovel and what a wet month of May we are having at present. So different from the May of 1984 when we had weeks of hot, sunny weather. Why should I remember the weather of 27 years ago you may ask? Well, it was on May 4 1984 that I gave birth to my son Christopher. I know I'm a day late and should have mentioned it yesterday but I was babysitting for my son & his partner so they could have a few hours break...lol.. It's hard to believe that the toddler you see below is now a father of three...Belated Happy Birthday son...

Christopher, so cute

I was a 50's baby

But today is the birthday of a special member of my family who sadly is not with us. My darling nephew Josh would have been 19 today if he had lived but alas he only stayed 56 minutes to say hello. Happy Heavenly Birthday Sweetheart, always here just not seen....

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The Chinese believe that the butterfly is the spirit of a loved one that has passed and that it is smybolic of rebirth after death. I like this idea and the butterfly below is not only for my nephew but for my dear friend Alma who we said goodbye to 2 years ago tomorrow....

The begining of May is also a happy time for me although busy with sending cards. The 3rd of May was my friend Hannah's third wedding anniversary and a dear friend's 27th birthday. Yes, Lee and Christopher were born a day apart and have been good friends since they were born. His mother and I worked together and are friends to this day, seeing each other at least once a year. Would love to spend more time with my dear friends but 345 miles is a long way to go..lol..

Claude Choules 1901-2011 (photo curtisey of wikipedia)

Today also marks the passing of the last first world war veteran in the world, Claude Choules. He was also the last living veteran to have served in both world wars and the last seaman from world war 1. Claude died in Perth, Western Australia aged 110. His death marks the end of a generation of men and women who lived and died during WW1. I salute you and God Bless....

Lets hope the sun shines soon. Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

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At the Going down of the Sun and in The Morning

We Will Remember Them

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A Royal Wedding and Some More

2011-04-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

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Welcome to The Hovel on this special day. A day where the whole world witnessed the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I wish this lovely couple every happiness in their life together. It was a refreshing change to see a royal marriage so relaxed and if not for the coverage the couple were like any other. Kate is a breath of fresh air in the Royal circle with Princess Diana paving the way before her for a more relaxed attitude....Congratulations William and Kate...

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The photographs below of William and Kate are curtsey of www.celebuzz.com

The Balcony Kiss

The First Balcony Kiss, Prince William's Parents 1981

A More Formal Affair on the Balcony. The newly married couple the Duke & Duchess of York 1923

A Royal wedding would not be a wedding without the traditional Balcony scene. It seems that Elizabeth and George were the first newly-wed Royals to go on the balcony to greet the public. The first recorded account of a royal member greeting the public from here took place in 1851 when Queen Victoria stepped onto it during celebrations for The Great Exhibition....

Prince George, Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married 26 April 1923 at Westminster Abbey

Princess Mary (daughter of King George V & Queen Mary) and Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood married 28 February 1922 at Westminster Abbey

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip married 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey

Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones married 6 May 1960 at Westminster Abbey

Anne, Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips married 14 November 1973 at Westminster Abbey

Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer married 29 July 1981 at St. Pauls' Cathedral

Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Sarah Ferguson married 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie Rhys-Jones married 19 June 1999 at St. Georges' Chapel, Winsor Castle

Today's marriage brought together people and nations from all around the world and for a day we were all united. I got quite emotional when I saw so many Union Jack flags flying and it made me feel very proud to be British...

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I do not wish to mar this joyous occassion but I would like to send my prayers and thoughts to the people of the US who have suffered from the devastating tornado, God Bless...

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

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A Wedding is a Fusion of Two Souls,

Two Hearts, Two Loves, Two Minds, Two Goals

Forever Into One

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Remembering My Cat Mr Darcy

2011-04-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

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Hello Everyone, just a quick visit today. I don't know if you recall my beautiful ginger puss cat called Mr Darcy but it is two years today since he passed away. I still miss him so much and feel cheated that he died only aged 7 years. But he was suffering and I could not allow that to happen. So to mark his life I am remembering him here today....

Mr Darcy, my beautiful furry friend

The other day my dear friend Hilary had a lovely surprise for me, a photograph of Mr Darcy that was given to her by a neighbour. Hilary also used to have a ginger cat that looked very similar to Mr Darcy and her neighbour took this photograph thinking it was her cat Kevin.....how do we know it's Mr Darcy? Kevin was very reserved and would never approach children. I will admit I shed a few tears when I saw the photograph but what a special unexpected gift to have. Kevin passed a few months before Mr Darcy but Hilary and I like to think that they are still playing together in cat heaven...(I have not shown the child fully in the photograph because I have not asked the parents permission to do so...)

My gentle, sweet Mr Darcy

Thank you for sharing this day with me. People who know me know how dotty I am about my furry family who are part of who I am. To lose one is to lose part of me. God Bless Mr Darcy.

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Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Easter Everyone

2011-04-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

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Happy Easter everyone, I hope you have a lovely time with your family and friends. Hopefully my three grandees will be visiting Sunday afternoon....yep I forgot to tell you that the youngest, Blake, came home from hospital last Saturday. I haven't seen him since he's been home due to my having a cold and cough, didn't think it was wize. So really looking forward to seeing them all.....

Let's hope we don't all need our brollies & the sun shines for Easter

Oh to live in a place like this...

Until next time, take care..Hugs Chrissy xx

Happy Good Friday & Earth Day

2011-04-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

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Hello from the Hobblers at the Hovel....why Hobblers you may ask? I have given this nickname to my hubby and me at the present time because that's what we are. Due to my enthusiastic de-clutting mode my personality surged ahead and my body finally protested. I knew I was silly doing what I did but my goal is to finally get the spare room, etc, sorted so I can have a proper spare bedroom for my grandees to come and stay over. I did take it steady but you know what it's like when you're on a roll....well with my various back conditions I suffered for my good intentions and thus am slowly hobbling about.

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Hubby was very good helping with small day to day chores, including playing with the dogs. One such event was a game of football!!! Going for the kick of the season hubby put all his strength into the kick and hit the concrete instead..ouch..On my advice due to a rather swollen and very brused right toe my son took him to hospital and yep he has broken his toe. Well you can imagine what the pair of us look like and the moral of this tale is to remember that we are now middled-aged and not in our twenties any more..lol..

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I hope you all had a relaxing Good Friday. April 22nd was also Earth Day, or Mother Earth as it is also called. I prefer Mother Earth because that's what it is. For without the Earth, like our mothers, we would not be here. I do try on a daily basis to help in some way to minimise the effects our modern world has on the earth. I recycle, etc, and am careful of what I use both inside the house and garden and always open to any ideas.

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With the earth in mind I would like to show you a beautiful corner of Cornwall that I visited last May along with my very good friends Una and Jan. Set in an unspoilt natural landscape is Caerhays Castle near Mevagissey...Apologies for the poor quality photos but without knowing I had not got the camera on the correct setting...

The entrance to Caerhays Castle

Just inside is this small cottage with an interesting sign on the gate

The lady in question was very nice and not at all scary..lol.
After walking up the driveway Caerhays castle was seen in the distance

The castle was owned by the Trevanion family from 1370 to 1840. Unfortunately due to being heavily in debt the family fled to Paris living everything including the family dog and horses. The bailiffs moved in and Caerhays Castle was abandonded for 13 years until a Cornish member of Parliament, Michael Williams, purchased the property and restored it. The castle has since remained in the Williams family and both the gardens and castle are opended to the public....So please join me in a tour of the castle grounds...

A splash of colour

But first coffee and cake beckons across the yard

Nearly there

What a quaint cottage. Would love to live here but wouldn't want the visitors..lol..

Doorway to shop and cafe

Some interesting items in one of the outside buildings

My very good friends Una & Jan before we set off for our walk

Shades of green, pink and white

No formal garden here, nature as it should be

Look a Fairy Door

Nature's Archway

A carpet of bluebells under the shade of a tree

Left to Nature

Splashes of colour overhanging a Cornish stone wall

The Art of Nature

The beauty of nature's own design

The Nature Trail Continues

The view through the trees

A Rustic Walkway to the Castle

The Beauty of Wisteria

The Castle awaits for our guided tour

Who Awaits in the Tower?

A last look before we go for lunch

The view as we walk back down the driveway

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There is a lovely beach belonging to the estate called Porthluney Cove and is for public use. Unfortunately my camera battery was flat by this time so I was unable to take any photos. After a great time in the grounds and castle we sat here for our picnic lunch. I would certainly like to visit here again....

Until next time take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

No Blue Skies or Sunshine Today

2011-04-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

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The sun has left the Cornish coast and left in its place that wet thing called rain. Where a cloudless blue sky was my view for nearly a week grey skies have decided to visit. Yet I mustn't complain because we have been lucky with the weather. I hope the sun shines again over Easter though, rain does spoil a good Easter Egg Hunt..lol..

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What a busy time I had last week. All my good intentions to blog before now were hindered by the many things that kept me busy. The highlight of my week was a visit to the hospital last Tuesday because I got to see all three grandees...I had travelled by train and bus to get to the hospital (at times like this I wish I could drive). While sat outside waiting for my family to arrive I was reading a book and sipping hot chololate when suddenly a voice alerted me. 'Nanny, Nanny' shouted one excited two-year old who couldn't get to me fast enough. The sight of a child with such pleasure on his face warms my heart. Well for the next half-hour Dylan and I had a super time just one to one which is rare....

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My next stop was the neo-natal unit to visit my youngest grandee Blake and this time I got to hold him. What a joy to see him progressing so well with no tubes other that the feeding one at this time. He now feeds independently and could well be home next week. I feel that is too soon as he is not yet 5lbs but that is how they do it today...

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Poor little mite had just been a little sick so clean clothes

were called for but after photos..lol..

Hasn't he done well in such a short time. He has pulled the

tube out his nose once or twice..lol..

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Next stop was to go and collect my grandaughter from nursery. She didn't know I would be there. When she first saw daddy she smiled but when I stepped from behind him she jumped up and with a beaming smile proudly proclaimed to every one 'That's my Nanny' and proceeded to run towards me. I scooped her into my arms where I was rewarded with a big hug and lots of smiles. Moments like this are priceless and the joy I felt today with my three grandees more than makes up for all the stress of late....

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Next stop was for a Mcdonalds for the grandees & co and as you can see by the photos below they enjoyed it. I just wish that the little ones had a plate or something but hey....

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'This is good'

What a mischievous smile!!

That Smile! Ever the Comedium **********************

I know it's obvious that I love my grandees to bits..lol.. but I would like to show who else does, their daddy. The photos below are some of my favourites because they show the bond and love my son and his children have. Soon Blake will also have a photo like this...

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Korenza's 3rd Birthday

Taken August 2010

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As you know I am a family historian but for sometime I have not done anything. Well, that changed after watching Who Do You Think You Are USA. It only set me off again and I have been updating my Ballaam family. Thank goodness I'm a member of ancestry.co.uk, its invaluable with many, many records. The last person I was researching was a Ernest Sidney Doncaster, the son of my gt. aunt Eliza Jane Doncaster nee Ballaam. Ernest is my mum's first cousin but unfortunately died in WW1 aged 20. I would like to introduce you to him by way of showing his photograph here....

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Ernest Sidney Doncaster 1898-1918

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Talking of history I recently discovered a piece of history on the street where I live. I have only walked passed this spot many times over the last 12 years and never noticed it!!! It was only when a new splash of blue caught my eye that I stop to read the plaque. After reading about 'a national long distant milestone' I only started to look around to see where it was, what a nit-wit I am. Obviously the plaque would have been placed next to it..lol..You'll see by the photos how close!!...

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Not far from the newly sited plaque!!!

Part of a series running through Cornwall to Land's End. Early 19th century and one of four in Hayle

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Another day last week was spent with my very good friend Hilary and the weather being what it was we went for a leisurely walk and finished with a visit to a very small garden centre. It is actually in someone's garden and conveniently just behind my house.......

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Just around the corner, literally, from where I live

To the right are the greenhouses and where the

owner prepares her plants

What a great idea for an old chair

Bits n Bobs among the flower pots

Any container will do..lol..

Nice box. I have a watering can like this

Sunshine and flowers

What a great hide-away

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It's certainly been a mixed bag today but life would be boring if each day was the same. Until next time take care..Hugs Chrissy xx

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Happy Mothering Sunday & A New Grandson For Me

2011-04-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

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Hello Everyone, I hope you had a good Mothering Sunday. I have never been one for fuss on this day and I got all I needed when my son telephoned me to say 'Happy Mother's Day'

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What I did with my day however was very productive. I attempted to post here much earlier and sat down with a coffee to do so. Then I realized that one of the postcards I wanted was no where to be seen......So off I went to look through my piles of paperwork, etc, waiting to be sorted. Well, four hours later after re-arranging drawers, material, paperwork, etc I finally found the postcard. It was a job needing doing but not planned for today. So for the want of a postcard I tackled some jobs and felt good afterwards...

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It is good to be back blogging and I hope to be back on track generally with the way my life was before 35 months ago...yes I counted the months from when our string of bad luck began. Many, Many things have happened and unfortunately are still occuring but I have mentally placed myself in a more positive place. The latest thing to occur was a visit to the vets with my cat yesterday, my dog to the vets last week and the car breaking down the week before. This is nothing to what has occurred prior to this but too many to mention. The most worring however was illnesses for both hubby & I. Andy had a heart attack in October 2010 followed by myself being treated for a suspected deep vein thrombosis. Fortunately Andy is ok though on meds for the rest of his life. I have been pretty poorly since with falls, hospital procedures & generally not my usual self.......but as I said I've put that behind me & here I am..lol...

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I would like to take this opportunity to say sorry to some very dear friends in Australia & the US for not being in touch for some time. You have been in my thoughts and I will write & explain.....

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Well, less of the doom and gloom and let me tell you my news. I am a nana again for the third time. Blake Christopher Cal-el Doyle was born March 20 at 7:19 pm by emergency section and weighing 4lbs 8ozs. Despite being 8 weeks prem he is doing really well. I haven't seen him for nearly 2 weeks due to my having a cold & chesty cough so obviously could not visit the neo-natal unit. I hope to see him tomorrow.....

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Here's the little man snug in the womb before he decided to come early

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My son was with his partner for 24 hours before the section was performed. Me & grandad had the other two little ones. Below is a picture of my son in scrubs with his daughter looking very confused. It was funny afterwards because she saw someone else later wearing scrubs & called him daddy..lol..

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'Is this my Daddy?'

Blake but two hours old

Holding his own, bless him

'Is that my baby brother Blake'

Blake in daddy's arms at 9 days old, no tubes! Hurray...

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I do not envy my son the work with three young children but hes a great dad who loves his kids. I'm very proud of him.....

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PRATT'S MARKET RE-OPENS

I don't know if you recall when I posted about the fire at Pratt's Market.....I know I can hear you say that I have not posted many times in the last twelve months so how could you..lol..

In February 2010 the place caught fire and although the front part of it opened before Christmas the rear part of the building didn't. Begining of March all of the units were opened for business once again with a new look....

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Pratt's Market March 2011. Former Methodist Chapel

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At the rear of the building are three units designed just for me..lol....Beauticians, Charity Shop and tearooms. What more could a girl ask for. I enter Beautiful U for my treatments (eyebrow wax & electrolosis, painful I know!!!). Then nip into Brother Wolf charity shop. I have to support them, Sally who owns this rescues cats....I do take things in as well, honest..lol..

After all this I need a coffee & lunch. Couldn't resist if I wanted to, the aromas from this place are heavenly. Sonia, the proprietor of Duckies Vintage Tearooms, makes everything from scratch...yummy..So every Wednesday from 11 am this is where you'll find me....

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If you follow me I will take you on a tour of Pratts Market's lower floor....

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Duckies Tearooms, Brother Wolf & Beautiful U

Beautiful U

Brother Wolf

Duckies Vintage Tearooms

Sonia mumbling under her breath (she doesn't like her photo being taken!)

Tearoom Menu

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Now to the other units on the lower floor

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This unit was a sweet shop until recently.....good old traditional ones!!!

The sweet shop becomes The Sleepy Hollow, owned by my friend Allie & hubby

(I will be posting more photos for this on my blog Away With The Faerys')

The Wool & Material Shop (photo taken in December)

Very useful now I'm knitting again for the grandees..

Jewlery Shop

KUSH Kids

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Now to my all time favourite shop......And you'll see why

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Shelly is Sonia's mum...

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I have more photos of the inside of the shop but I will save that for another day. There are other units upstairs but I have not had chance to take any photos of them....

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It's great to be back and until next time take care....Hugs Chrissy xx

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

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Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day. As a child I always wore fresh Shamrock but I have not for some years. I must make more of an effort to celebrate next year...

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Until next time, which I hope will be soon, take care....Hugs Chrissy xx

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2010-12-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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As 2010 draws to a close all is well at The Hovel. I sit here with a glass of wine to welcome the New Year. I hope 2011 is a good year for us after the last two years.

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I went outside earlier and my street was quite, not even a car passed my house. It was very peaceful & calming as I stood and looked at my house. Tree lights twinkling in the windows, which for the moment disquises the peeling paintwork, the overgrown garden & the building work yet to be finished.

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I was to babysit for the grandees tonight but at the last minute my son decided to go to a children's/friends party instead. Yes I refused invites but do you know I couldn't be bothered to go out. I'm actually enjoying the night on my own (hubby's at work) with my furry family. The fire is glowing, the room is cosy & I feel content.

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In the background I have the TV on, listening to the build-up to the New Year. I have had many New Year celebrations out on the town & at parties but tonight is special.

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Big Ben is chiming to welcome the New Year. Goodbye 2010 & Welcome 2011

Hugs Chrissy xx

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Happy Christmas Everyone....

2010-12-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

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Christmas wouldn't Christmas unless I dropped in to wish everyone a Happy Christmas......

It's sometime since I've posted seriously on here and for that I apologise but life has been quite hectic in more ways than one!!!!!!

I hope to get back on track and start doing my blog again

Until then Take Care & enjoy the holidays

Hugs Chrissy xxx

Remembering the Fallen Both Past & Present

2010-11-11T13:11:00.001-08:00

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Celebrating VE Day and Flora Day.....

2010-05-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

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Hello everyone on this day of celebration, the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe. know I haven't been blogging for a while and I am sorry for this but I thought I would make an appearence now to mark this day. I have been very busy but today I have time as I am taking it easy for a few days as I underwent a minor procedure Friday...(I had a lump removed from my 'nether region' and they had a look around my womb..lol..) so I have a few stitches...ouch... Thank goodness I was out of it, which saved me feeling very undignified..lol.. But back to the reason for this post....

Four year old Jeannie Lebby celebrating VE Day 1945, Battersea, London

Sadly she died a rew days later from meningitis..(Imperial War Museum)

May 8th 1945 was the date when WW11 allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Millions celebrated in the streets to mark the end of the European part of the war....

Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall on the day he broadcast to the Nation that the war with Germany had been won, 8th May 1945 ~ wikipedia ~

In London King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by PM Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the Palace before the cheering crowd.....

Harry S Truman ~ Truman Library ~

In the United States President Harry S Truman, who turned 61 that day, dedicated the victory in memory of his predcessor Franklin D Roosevelt, who had died less than a month before.....

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Many places around Britain celebrate this day with wartime events and I was lucky enough to be in Nottingham around this time in 2008. I was therefore able to visit such an event at Nottingham Life Museum at Brewer's Yard....I would like to share with you the photographs I took then...

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Getting ready to stand on Parade..

A vintage van full of goodies

Troops at the ready...

Wouldn't be an event without a Spiv...

Now that is what you call a pinny...

This dear lady was in the Land Army during the War

These girls could sing...

I've got a tub and scales like these..lol..

These two gentlemen were a pleasure to talk too

The gent on the left was also wearing his father and grandfather's medals

Aussie Digger

Where would we be without our farmers

Chrissie & Ruth, two lovely ladies I got chatting too

Now this is what you call a car

ATS Standing proud

Nice vintage pushchair. This gentleman and his wife below

had a large collection of prams, these were just two of them

What a beautiful pram. Give me a Coach pram any day..

Having a rest..

What a collection..

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Not only is May 8th VE Day but here in Cornwall it is also Flora day. The Flurry Dance, as it is known, takes place each year on May 8th unless it falls on a Sunday or Monday, then it will take place the preceding Saturday. It is a pagan celebration and the day starts with the first dance at 7 am, continues with the children's dance at 10 am, followed by the midday dance and the final dance is at 5 pm.....The midday dance was traditionally the dance of the gentry and today the men wear top-hat and tails and the ladies their finest frocks...

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Flora Day is held in Helston and we last went to see the dance in 2003, can't believe it's 7 years ago....The photographs shown here are from that time...

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Ladies and Gents dancing through the streets

There was so many different style's of dresses and hats seen this day

Traditionally the dancers wear Lily of the Valley, the symbolic flower of Helston. The gentlemen wear it on the left and the ladies on the right........

Lily of the Valley

These gents and ladies must be tired at the end of the day..lol..

A glimpse of how busy it is..

Unfortunately we missed the children's dance, which consists of many children aged 7-18. All wearing white with Lily of the Valley buttonholes. Four local schools take part with a different school leading the dance each year. The boys wear their school colors in the form of ties and the girls wear matching coloured flowers....

Blue Cornflowers for St. Michaels School

Forget-me-Nots for Helston Community College

Daisies for Nansloe School

Poppies for Parc Eglos School, in their hair..

(Information for Flora Day curtsey of wikipedia)

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Helston is beautifully decorated with garlands and flowers and the music is played by Helston Town Band and other local bands. There are stalls and other events and a fair...In 2003 we took along with us Vikki, the then girlfriend of my son Christopher who was away in Nottingham at the time....So off to the fair we went...

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Vikki with the skeleton we got for Christopher...

We aptly named her Flora Bones...lol...

Andy and Vikki leaving the Waltzer...

I declined, I prefer taking piccies...lol..

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Well my friends, that's it for now. Hope to be back soon with my ramblings. Got lots to tell you but that's for later...Take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

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The Sun Shines for St. Piran's Day.....

2010-03-05T14:55:00.001-08:00

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Greetings from the Hovel on March 5th, St. Piran's Day and what beautiful sunny weather we have had despite it being cold. Thankfully it didn't rain because throughout Cornwall different events and parades would have taken place to mark this special day.

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St. Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall and tin-miners. According to legend, St. Piran was born in Ireland in the 6th century and possessed miraculous powers. The Irish kings grew afraid of his powers and cast him out to sea tied to a millstone. Despite the treacherous waters St. Piran survived and was washed ashore at Perranporth. To promote Christainity he began to build a Oratory, which is now preserved in the towans at Perran Sands......

St. Piran's Oratory (Photo by Tony Atkins)

In Grass Valley, California, St. Piran's Day is also celebrated to honor the Cornish miners who helped in the mines in the mid 19th century. A much closer venue for a parade was in Penzance but due to an appointment I was not able to go......

St. Piran's Day Parade, Penzance 2006

One event I was able to attend however was my grandson's birthday party held last Saturday and what a busy day it was......made so much easier thanks to my dear friend and 'adopted' daughter Vikki.........

Vikki on the left with friend Hannah...

I have known Vikki for about 8 years and was in fact a former girlfriend of my sons. Thankfully they have stayed good friends and I regard her like a daughter.....Now Vikki can be bossy..lol...but with a heart of gold and boy is she organized. Arriving mid-morning armed with bouncy castle, slide and other playtime goodies, she promptly set about preparing food. Charlotte and I were appointed kitchen porters, food and toy transporters. Thankfully the party was held across the road at the scout's hut so we didn't have far to go...lol...

Korenza loved going on the bouncy castle....

My dear assistant Nutty Nanny, aka as Charlotte, was in charge of music and lighting........

She did a great job...

And the party went with a swing...lol....
I have not posted the photos of the other children at the party because I have not asked their parents if it is ok. They all had a great time....

'Ok, so what do you do with this ?'...

Christopher and Dylan....

Christopher and Korenza...

'Aren't I a good sister helping Dylan with his presents'....

'Ok sis, where do we start'...

Always a little boy at heart...lol...

Hubby took a few days holiday off work this week and would you believe it he caught a cold and had tennis elbow...typical....but we did maanage to have some time to ourselves. Yesterday we went to one of my favorite beaches, Praa Sands near Helston......

It was a lovely sunny day....

While there I got talking to a local man who kindly showed me his garden, part of which overlooks the beach, the boundary can be seen in the photo below...I sat on a bench and it was heaven relaxing there and taking in the beautiful view of the beach and sea. What a great place to live...

The bench was just behind the fence...

Peaceful...

Calm for the moment...

Water flowing gently over rocks and sand to form a stream....

then gently flows into the sea....

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After a walk along the beach we finished the evening with a meal at the Sandbar at Praa Sands which also looks over the beach....It's great that the evenings are getting longer and that we are blessed with winter sunshine. I hope it's a hint of a good summer...until next time...Hugs Chrissy x.......

Happy First Birthday to My Darling Grandson....

2010-02-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

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Hello everyone, thanks for visiting on this special day. Yes, my darling little grandson is one today and what a happy little soul he is. I am very lucky to have this little man living with me at the moment. The joy I feel as I see him grow and blossom into the sweetest little person.....yep, I do so love this grandson of mine, can’t tell can you..lol.......

What a smile... This was taken today at the Sea Aquarium at Newquay where Dylan went with his sister Korenza and his daddy and mummy to celebrate his birthday. I stayed at home to prepare for his party tomorrow...yes I had the joy of shopping, etc!!! Also it was nice for them to have time together as a family.......

The Sweetest Granddaughter anyone could wish for.
She has some amazing expressions.....

Well these two seem to be enjoying theselves looking at the fishes...

'Whats that Korenza'....

They had a lovely time and it did my son good to be able to get away and have a normal day out. Things have been a bit tough here and my son came back more like his old self......hope it lasts..lol..

Dylan certainly seemed to enjoy himself.

For one so young he looks so engrossed with the sealife around him......

I love this one...

'Ok, What do I do Now'....

The centre being quite at this time of the year gave the children more room to enjoy it. Korenza certainly took advantage of it according to Christopher. Judging by the blurry photographs of Korenza I saw earlier she was going at some speed as she ‘fled’ down the corridors...freedom..lol...She is a darling, I love her to bits...

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Below is a beautiful, almost surreal, photograph of Korenza that Christopher took while experimenting with my camera. I think its lovely......

Those Eyes....

The photograph below made me laugh. Now believe it or not but Korenza was actually going to hug Dylan.....lol...Christopher said it reminded him of a scene in ‘Rocky’....lol.......

'Honest Bro, I only want to give you a hug'....

Now on this particular day the centre decided to paint some areas and as they were leaving my dear little granddaughter decided to leave her mark... quite artistic I think, don’t you...lol......

Modern Art...

Just outside the aquarium is a beach well known for its surfing. Taken by Christopher as they were leaving it shows the incoming tide. I have been here myself many years ago and when we visited the building on the top left of the rocks was a cafe. Now I love my watering holes but I was not tempted to cross that bridge for a drink...would you!!!.....

There has been a lot going on this week which I will tell you about later but one thing I will mention before I close is about the fire that occurred in the former Methodist Chapel just around the corner from me. It now houses different businesses such as an art gallery, beauticians, hairdressers and a beautiful shop that sells shabby chic and vintage items (I have lots of pics which I will post over the weekend, some lovely items or were) to name but a few. Although the outside appears undamaged the inside appears to have suffered greatly according to some comments. I know many of the retailers and feel greatly for them. I went past that at 4.45 last evening and saw my beautician waiting outside with other shop owners. Naturally they were not allowed inside so have no idea what as happen to their businesses. The fire fighters were there all day and a police car was seen parked outside last night......

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/latestnews/crews-tackle-indoor-market-blaze/article-1867045-detail/article.html

Pratts Market, formerly a Methodist Chapel....
Thankfully no one was inside when the fire began.

A lovely old building.....

Well I must be off, still things to get ready for the party tomorrow. Luckily we are having it in the Scout’s hut just across the road. It should be fun with all the little ones. It’s been some years since I helped get a party ready.....if I remember it’s the cleaning up afterwards that I didn’t like..lol...Hugs Chrissy x

Happy Valentine's Day.....Hello from the Hovel

2010-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

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Hello Everyone, yes it’s me...What can I say!!! MIA is not the word. I have been so BUSY the last six months that sadly I have neglected my blog. I have wanted so much to post here but at the end of a day I have been so tired that all good intentions to do so have been lost in my need to sleep......poor excuse I know but true all the same.....But here I am and on a special day also. Not only is it a day for romance but my 55th birthday (did I really say that!) and my 14th wedding anniversary...phew that’s an achievement.....And what a good day hubby and I have had. It’s been a while since we have been able to spend a relaxing day together...alone. Yes, we still have our son and two grandchildren living with us. Love them to bits but time alone is very rare..........

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Can’t beat a bit of chocolate....mmm....

Should have seen the state of Charlotte’s hand, Dylan only wanted to share his chocolate..lol..

Ok so the bib is pink but the t-shirt was safe..hehe.......

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This girl knows how to eat chocolate.....

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The weather here was cold but dry with a nice winter sun. My pleasure today was walking along our local beach. I felt so invigorated afterwards I forgot my advancing years........

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Godrevy Lighthouse can be seen in the distance

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The above view greeted us as we walked towards the beach. Godrevy Lighthouse, which first operated in March 1859, inspired Virgina Wolfe to write her book 'To the Lighthouse'.....

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Beautifully carved stone seen in the sand dunes....

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Dynnargh
Saint Gothian Sands
Local Nature Reserve

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Walking back to the car
St. Ives can be seen in the distance

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No Valentine’s Day would be complete without a romantic meal out so we went to our favourite place The Baltie King. Here by chance we bumped into Charlotte’s brother Ben and his fiancée Steph and so we joined them at their table. It was a great night with lots of laughter. You may remember Charlotte, my assistant Nutty Nanny...lol.......

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Steph and Ben...Ben doesn't normally look this Dreamy...lol...

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Yes I got some flowers, a lovely bouquet from Charlotte’s mum and dad....

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I do have lots to tell you and I hope to keep my blog up to date from now on....There has been some good times which I hope to tell you about over the next few weeks.....

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Until next time take care....lol...Hugs Chrissy x

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Greetings on All Hallows Eve.....

2009-10-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

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Hello everyone and a Happy Halloween to all........Yes I know I have been MIA for quite a while but believe me there has been a very good reason. For legal reasons I am not able to say why but suffice to say I have my son and two grandees living with me!!!!. What a busy couple of months I’ve had...phew! but what a joy my grandson and granddaughter are despite the hard work, you forget...lol...

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Me and the Grandees......

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This is just a quick visit to wish you all a magical time this All Hallows Eve.....Until next time take care and beware of low-flying brooms...lol... Hugs Chrissy x

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Hayle Town Carnival....

2009-08-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

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Hello everyone, hope you all had a good weekend. I was particularly busy with sorting out my shed and didn’t I find some great forgotten vintage treasures...yes I will be showing pics in another post... Despite my busy weekend I did find time to go and see the Hayle Carnival on Saturday evening, which passes at the end of my road. Fortunately the weather was sunny and dry, unlike today...lol...

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A carnival is held in Hayle each year in August and December. Local groups and families get together and work very hard to do this and a lot of people turn out to support them. The carnival starts at the recreational grounds at the far end of Hayle and proceeds along the main road to the foundry part and then back again. It is a long walk, I know because I did it with the Slimming World group...lol... They have my utter most respect and support. I did manage to take some photographs but sadly some were too dark to show and I used my mobile. My photographs do not do the floats, etc, justice but I thought I would show you anyway.....Hope you enjoy them, there is a lot......

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The Hayle Town Band Leading the Carnival

They are a very successful talented band

One of the many groups of children who took part

Thank goodness it was sunny but it was also a little chilly

Love their mop caps...

What a magical group to belong to...

Local Lifeguards....poor girl..lol..

More lifeguards...hehe...

Surf Club...

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We certainly have an active group of children and young people in our area. I can remember when Christopher was in the Boys Brigade, Bible Group, Judo, ect. I have been to many parades, sports matches, jumble sales, fetes and various events.....Hard work but fun...Talking of jumble sales, do we have them any more in the UK, I haven't seen any for a while....

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Army Cadets on The British Legion Float...

Proudly holding the British Legion flag....

Just look at that nurse's uniform, isn't it great...

Standing proudly.....

Fairy King and Queen.....

The photo of the carnival King and Queen was too dark

Hayle Judo Club

My, he must have been hot in that suit...

Look at that vintage bike and sidecar...

A monkey collecting donations, who else...lol..

The funds go towards the many activities and work The Lions Club and other volunteer organizations do throughout the year. They do marvelous work and it is thanks to them that Hayle have superb Christmas lights

There are fantastic Heritage and History groups in Hayle.

Note the 40's style tractor and driver. There was a lady dressed in a fully pinny and headscrarf, just like in the 40's. Didn't manage to get a photo unfortunately

Even Noddy and Big Ears decided to join the carnival...

They must be tired, and they still have to go back the way they came...

These poor guys did the Three-Legged walk, they must have been shattered.

Good for them..

This band was amazing, mixed instruments and steel drums.

Very uplifting, made you feel like you wanted to jig...lol...

Child Centre

Mothers and children...

Robin Hood came to Hayle

'Bye Baby Bunting'

Representatives from The Cinnamon Trust

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What a beautiful pair of dogs...

'The Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems, and sometimes injustices, faced by elderly and terminally ill people and their pets.

The Trust was founded in 1985 by Mrs Averil Jarvis whose determination and dedication has ensured that the manifest need is fully addressed.

Just as Mrs Jarvis was starting her work to develop the charity, her beloved Corgi, Cinnamon, died in her 17th year. It seemed appropriate to name the Trust in her memory.'

http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/ctrust.html

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I remember my son on a float similar to this when he was 3 years old,

he was a blackbird....

The group was amazing, I believe they were representing

the Lions Club. They chanted and danced, very good...

Last but not least we have 'The Wizard of Oz', no Wicked Witch of the West though...

I should have jumped on board...hehe...

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I hope you enjoyed your time at the carnival, I know I did. While there I met my very good friend Kathy and her young daughter & friend. After the carival we all went to the Salt Bar for a hot Chocolate...yummy... then back to her house for a chat....Made a nice break from all the dust and cobwebs in that shed of mine.......Take care until next time...Hugs Chrissy x