Feeling far above par, oh how lucky we are

The second week of our honeymoon involved a lot more of us being tourists about town. The weather wasn't getting any cooler and we learnt from some of the more exhausting days from the first week, so tempered our outings accordingly. (Again click on the photos to go and read about our days at the Occasional Tourist).

On Monday we demonstrated the importance (again) of knowing what is open on certain days of the week. Hot and humid and too long for the walks we undertook the tragically high-point of the day was our milkshakes in McDonald's at lunch.

Tuesday we took ourselves off to South Kensington and Exhibition Road. We chose the V&A as we'd both been to the other museums at some point. The V&A is huge and not a single day undertaking!

The next day we decided to go for somewhere air conditioned and took ourselves off to the movies and dinner!

After all this out and about we took a day at home and the Sofa of Sloth became our cinema, the microwave served popcorn and we caught up with the latest Die Hard movie which Husband had received for his birthday and had been waiting patiently to see!

Fully refreshed we ventured into town again to the Museum of London. A tube or train ride and travelling the right time of day a reasonable taxi fare later... the history of London laid out before you. If you're in the area take in the Barbican too the buildings and the high-walks are an experience.

Saturday was the two week anniversary of our wedding; and appropriately we were back where it all started. We went to the pub where we met and then off to the Valley to see the pre-season home friendly... and our brick that had last been laid!

Sunday was a day of rest, and Monday (the last day before I had to go back to work and the daily grind commenced again) we went to the Museum of London Docklands.

 

 

“Congratulations!

Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Me and the violin

When I was about 14 or so and studying music one of our summer holiday assignments was a whole load of questions. These questions were actually a competition being sponsored by General Electric (GE) and not only did I do the assignment I entered the competition.

I was selected as one of the many winners; the prize being tickets to see Nigel Kennedy play Walton's Violin Concerto; preceded by attending the rehearsal session... all conducted by the mighty Sir Charles Groves. The YouTube clip is not that performance but it is that gorgeous piece.

And so began my love affair with the violin. Nigel Kennedy became my hero; and his recording of the Four Seasons my top version ever (and I had to write an essay comparing four versions at Uni so I now whereof I speak!). Some friends of mine recently heard him play at the 2013 Proms and I have already set me TiVo for the showing on TV next week.

Mine were Alus not Yamaha

My guitar

When I was seven I played (as many children do) the recorder (treble and alto). The recorder played well is beautiful; the recorder played half-heartedly... well it is better left alone. Around the same time I also started learning the classical guitar; something I never got very far with.







Age eleven my parents bought a second hand upright piano and six years of piano lessons began. I got as far as my ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) Grade 5. I failed Grade 6 twice and decided that due to A-levels and other commitments that was me and the piano done. I continued Mto play and when I moved in with Husband (over a decade ago) I bought a Clavinova (electric piano) and continued to play.

My first piano teacher was also a guitar player; but the sort that strums chords to accompany signing. This use of the guitar I took to happily; as it was about this time I started my serious voice training.

All this time I wanted to play in an orchestra. I wanted to play the double bass; or at a push the cello. My parents were sensibly concerned about the continued enthusiasm of a 5' 3" teenager carting this large instruments about.

My violin is much shabbier than this

After seeing Nigel Kennedy I became determined that I should play the violin. Happily a neighbour of my grandmother was getting rid of his; and gifted it to me so no capital expenditure required.

I never became a talented violinist; I think the best we can go with is competent. I did play in my village orchestra and I did play in the school junior orchestra. I never was good enough for much beyond that and to fulfil my A-level requirements I ended up playing percussion in the school senior orchestra; something for which I had neither talent, enthusiasm or flair.

At other times I played the clarinet (badly) which I bought in a jumble sale and the mandolin banjo (like a banjo but with double strings). 

I kept up my music; spending a year doing a music degree before abandoning it for something more commercial.

Sadly now MS has taken my fingers from me; they no longer have strength or feeling which means I can't play the violin or guitar as I am unable to fret the strings. I can muddle through with the piano as long as it something slow and soothing like Satie's Gnossienne Nr 1.

More about me and music...

Sunday Social (63)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

 

1. What is something you've always wanted to do but are afraid of?

I don't really think there is anything. I'm pretty fearless - and have been lucky enough to do most things that I want to try. Things that are still on my 'bucket list' are there more because disability prevents me from doing them...

 

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I'll have just celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary! I hope otherwise that my life will be pretty much the same as it is now.

 

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013?

Already happened! The big thing for 2013 was getting married! There are a few highlights left (although none so stunning as a wedding). There are two NFL games at Wembley; seeing a show at The Globe and a few more social get-togethers and tourist trips.

 

4. What are your hopes for your blog?

I'd love for it to get a bigger audience. More subscribers maybe - and occasionally (when I'm getting serious) to make a difference,

 

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?

For sure, I love being in London - so does my husband. I can't see anywhere else we'd want to go!

 

6. What is your morning routine?

Pull myself out of bed. Wander downstairs for tea and breakfast (washing first if it's a washing morning). Go back upstairs and find what I'm wearing; hair and make up, get dressed... sit and wait for my driver...

How to not hate Sunday

From "The London Dark Teatime of the Soul" onwards Sunday has a bad reputation in our house. Husband and I generally do a good job of sleeping through chunks of it.

Today the secrets were uncovered. Get together with friends.

One of my little friends (one of the many to whom I'm fun-Aunty-Nat, or funny I'm never sure) was being christened. Church service followed by pub celebration. I renews acquaintances and made new ones. 

As that party broke up I hot footed it over to the other side of the River to meet some dear Twitter friends.

There was a glass of wine waiting with my name on it.

The only blot on a great day was the unexplained decision by Greenwich Council to dig up the bus station... again.

Bus a long walk down steps, taxi rank a route march away. I was with the Walker but still nearly had to crawl there with sit-stops every six feet.

 

Middle of the Night

Can't sleep, won't sleep? Did sleep but cold/heat/cat/pain woke you up? So tired you have entered a world beyond sleep? Hippothalmus ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamus )decides you only need 4 hours?

If my Twitter timeline is anything to go by this is a very common problem. 

Usually I wake up with cramps or spasms. Increasingly it is a failure to regulate temperature.

Sometimes it is the cat and his insistence of supplying a (loud) monologue of his nighttime activity.

Today it is the rare (and this is why it is rare) double meds dose. I kept the rule and took the 2nd dose before midday but it makes no odds.

Classic 'old lady who swallowed the fly'... or as The Verve put it; "Now the drugs don't work / They just make you worse".

Sunday Social (62)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

1. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don't remember wanting to be anything until I was in my teens. Then I wanted to be an actress, I even had a subscription to 'The Stage' (UK equivalent of 'Variety') which my newsagent ordered just for me!

2. What was your favorite way to kill time as a kid?
Computers were in their infancy so that isn't where my tech obsession came from!  I was a reader. Big time. Lying on my bed reading at any available opportunity. 

3. When did you get your first cell phone?
I was in my early twenties. I had a clam-shell that broke 3 times in 6 months and then a BT (before they sold out to O2) brick. Well over 15 years!!

4. What is your favourite magazine to read?
These days, Good Housekeeping. I'm too old or too poor for all the other ones out there, or not celebrity obsessed enough!

5. What is the one random object people would be surprised to find in your purse?
A wooden pink hand fan! Not one with batteries a Victorian laser cut one, but bright pink!

The Endless Lift

Since the start of June our lift has been out of service; it is being 'refurbished'. It was supposed to finish on 28th June, that became 5th July. I was away for most of July; I came back to work last week. Still out of service. The last date was Friday 2nd August. It still isn't working.

At least I'm only on the 3rd floor. I'd have given up if I was on the 5th floor!

The Patio Project

Once upon a time there was a small unloved space outside our kitchen. Once upon a time (before I knew it) it was a greenhouse; all that is left is the dwarf wall that supported the frame and the concrete floor. Nobody went on it much as the back door was blocked and the key was MIA. It was blocked by a bench that nobody sat on.

It stayed like that for about three or four years.
Then the kitchen was re-organised, the keys were dug out of the bureau and the patio was accessible to the back of the house.

The first incarnation of the patio was close-spaced decking squares (hiding the plain and ugly concrete base). Decking was a good plan because it could be sawed easily to fit. It was a big hit with the frogs (they could get under at the back door and crawl between the supports). Unfortunately the laziness that is me and the garden meant that it was never treated and eventually the decking rotted away and needed replacing. Planks kept coming up making a trip hazard and more and more frogs and toads were deciding this could make a home (but not always finding their way back out again).

Incarnation two was unsatisfactory from the outset.

No close-boarded decking available in our price range.

The wide spacing meant a constant battle with weeds growing through the gaps.

It was done properly though. The old removed, the patio swept, the new laid and treated.

It did a job, but from the day we laid it I hated it.




And then came what I hope is the final incarnation. A total refurbishment; thanks mostly to kind wedding gifts. Now it looks like a patio should look... thanks to Husband and all his hard work!

The filth left behind

The miracle transformation

Honeymooners (at last alone)

After the excitement of the wedding we stayed at Apex London Wall Hotel (fantastic hotel). We had our first honeymoon day wandering around the City seeing a few of the better known sights.

(Click on the photos to go and read about our days at the Occasional Tourist).

On Monday we stayed at home; we had memories to gather and our wedding gift delivery from John Lewis to wait for.

Tuesday we stayed local and took a trip down to Greenwich to the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College.

Wednesday was my birthday (yes four days after our wedding, Husband's birthday is four days after mine!). So we had another day at home... there were some deliveries to deal with again and I had the new Tomb Raider for my Xbox (husband bought it for me, so he was fine with the temporary dessertion!).

 

Thursday and next stop, London Zoo. Lucky we had a late start and made for Baker Street as we'd both forgotten that the Ashes were starting the 2nd Test at Lords. 

Friday, after the exhaustion of the zoo we went to the British Music Experience at The O2, another local day out - delightfully air-conditioned.

Saturday was a grey and dismal day (although still warm enough) and we took a trip on the Clipper to the London Eye and back.

To round out our week it was Husband's birthday; so we spent our time on the sofa of sloth, watching the Hungarian Grand Prix; gathering our energies for Honeymoon week 2!

Sunday Social (61)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

1. What are 3 items you can't live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don't count)?
Tech addict. My iPhone,  my iPad and my laptop. That pretty much keeps me in contact with everyone and everything.
 

2. What is your all time favourite book? Why?
So many! Gone With the Wind is my all time classic. I love the whole civilisation that is conjured and Scarlett O'Hara... I wanted to be her when I was about 12. Also when I finished reading the books I took with me to New York  I bought a copy (pre-Kindle days) and read it standing in queues for sights.

3. What is something you'd like to accomplish before the end of 2013?
I have lost sight of the rest of the year. We spent so much time focussing on and organising the wedding... I think being happy and spending more time with friends and family.

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be?
This one. Getting married and our honeymoon... I'd never get tired of that.

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?
I'd like people to know more about my MS. I'd like them to understand why sometimes I can't do all the things I'd like to; why I have to stop and rest; why sometimes I have to stay at home. I'd like them all to know it isn't them, it's me.

 

We Got Married!

Henceforth the Better-half will be known as Husband. Two weeks ago we got married!

It was the most amazing day. We were totally traditional so I stayed in a hotel the night before. The day started at the crack of dawn (I was too warm, and too excited to sleep much). Breakfast was at 7:30am and the hair and make-up girls arrived at 8:30am. Whilst they were unpacking I washed my hair.

Over the next couple of hours my bridesmaids arrived, my mum (and gran) came and went and the hair and make up girls worked their magic. During this time the photographer (and his assistant arrived) and the flowers were delivered. My brother (who gave me away) arrived too and there were moments I wondered if we were going for a 'most people in a hotel room' record. The magic happened; hair, make-up and getting into the dress (including the bridesmaids doing up 23 buttons) all were accomplished.

 

Taken by lovely Bridesmaid Liz

We were ready to leave; my Mum had gone off to help my driver and good friend Alpha attach the ribbons to his car. And then we were off... the girls in one car and my brother and I in another. A very short trip to The Valley where we were getting married.

 

We chose The Valley because Husband and I met after a football match and have spent a lot of time there, so we thought it would be romantic to get married there.

 

A few last minute details with the registrar and so forth and suddenly there we were, 'The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' was playing and my brother was walking me down the aisle.Time slowed down; I actually noticed all my family and friends; but mostly Husband waiting at the Registrar's table.

The ceremony flew by. The beautiful readings we had chosen, exchanging the rings, the first kiss. Then there were the photographs... we took the group shots out in the stands. It was so hot... people kept vanishing back inside where it was air conditioned! It was great for me; as I only had my walking stick I just sat there and people climbed around me.

Then it was food time... it was great, but I was too hot and still excited to have much of an appetite. I was sensible and didn't drink much either, so at least I remembered everything. 

Husband had been dreading the speeches, but they went off just fine... suddenly were taking more photos, cutting the cake and the DJ was ready. First dance time. As I can't walk unaided we had chosen a short song for the first dance (Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World). Contrary to expectation I managed the whole dance!

 

First dance

The DJ was very popular with the kids (yes 'Gangnam Style' was played). The adults mostly sat around and talked, and Husband and I did a reasonable job between us mixing with our guests.

Before we knew where we were it was the end of the day... my Mum drove us to our hotel (which was amazing) and the honeymoon started!

Sunday Social (60)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

 

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Salmon, gorgeous and good for you!!

 

2. What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?

It's a drink not a food... hot chocolate with marshmallows melted in. If I can't sleep at 3am or am under the weather it is my go to treat.

 

3. What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?

I'm not much up with the weird or crazy (maybe as I've never travelled much?) - dragon-fruit is quite weird?

 

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?

Not many, I'll eat nearly anything. I don't like tapioca (oh, bad childhood memories) and I don't like ochra (also called 'ladies fingers') - that is the comprehensive list!!

 

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?

Oh, so many. Until she died my Granny (Dad's Mum) lived with us. She was a real traditional cook. Shepherd's Pie on Monday (mince made with left over roast cut with bread) or stew with dumplings or oxtail with pearl barely.

 

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.

My pottage/soup. You can find the recipe here. The first time I made it I was living in a flat share, I was home alone sick; and those were the bits I found in the fridge. When Better-half and I moved in together I made it for him once, and it has been a firm favourite in our house ever since.

Wedding Day

Today, after over a year of planning the Better-Half and I are getting married.

Yesterday we were at the venue, setting up. Last night, in traditional manner I stayed at a hotel - the groom mustn't see the bride before the wedding!*

Now I'm just about to go and get dressed before breakfast and then the day begins!

Hair and make-up are here in two hours... the photographer a couple of hours behind.

Meanwhile; down at the venue... balloons, flowers, cakes, chair covers... busy, very busy.

Then we're of to the venue together married and share our special day with friends and family.

By the time I write here again, I'll be "Mrs"! 

The best part is that the Better-half (soon to be Husband) and I get to share this amazing day together.

Flowers from my lovely Mum to "brighten the room"

*talking on cell phones is however allowed!

Unresolved Cliffhangers That Ruined Great TV Shows

6 Unresolved Cliffhangers That Ruined Great TV Shows | Cracked.com

Earlier today my better half Tweeted this link. I popped over for a read.Well it has to be admitted that apart from 'Twin Peaks', occasional student hangovers with Spiderman and about half the first series of Stargate Universe I didn't watch these shows... but I've got a few endings of my own to gripe about... they may not have ruined the shows - but boy, did they frustrate me.

The 21st Century is hard for TV. You don't get much of a chance to make and impression, and with a few exceptions there are no second chances. When you are canned, you are canned; and the execs who hold the purse strings are not swayed by unresolved cliff-hangers. If you are really lucky you might get a short order to sort things out (Warehouse 13) or if your fans run enough of a campaign (Chuck, Jericho) you might get one last 'hurrah' to bow out with dignity.

The 4400

 So, exactly 4400 people who have disappeared over time since 1946 all reappear in Washington non of them having aged a day, or remembering what happened including their disappearance. Of course Homeland Security gets involved and stories develop from there. The series ran on the USA Network from 2004 until its cancellation in 2007. Part victim of budgetary problems, lower than expected ratings and that famous strike of the Writers Guild of America.

Over the course of the seasons the returnees develop abilities and it is determined that this is down to a neurotransmitter in  their brains which is (of course) synthesised - Promicin; 50/50 chance that you'll develop abilities on end up dead. At the end of the last episode Kyle (one of the 4400) is seen with his father, Tom, who worked with NTAC (part of Homeland Security) giving him a syringe of Promicin telling him "It's time Dad" - cut scene to a "Welcome to Seattle" sign graffitied over with "Promise City" (taken over by the growing population with abilities). Short, confusing synopsis - it was good though. Well acted, well written. But what happened... did 'Heaven on Earth' spread beyond Seattle, did Tom take the Promicin... how did all the abilities beginning to manifest play out?

There was a campaign (similar to that which gave Jericho a second season) where fans sent sunflower seeds to USA and it's execs; but to no avail. The show remained a distant memory.

John Doe

What is it about Seattle, Washington? Back in 2002/03 a naked unidentified man wakes up there. He remembers nothing about himself; but knows just about everything else! He has a mysterious brand on his body; is colour blind (except when seeing the red scarf of a lady) and suffers extreme claustrophobia. John uses his abilities to help the Seattle police solve crimes, but in the meantime it is revealed that a sinister organisation; Phoenix are watching him. The final episode reveals that John's closest friend Digger is the head of Phoenix. I should think that the wails of frustration echoed round the world! A year later an article in Entertainment Weekly spilled the beans. I'm not satisfied. They had a year to come up with that, I find it unsatisfying and not in the least in keeping with the show to that point.

I'm not adding Jericho to my list. I was annoyed only because I kept watching as long as I did to find out the end, but then end, when it came; I could have lived without it . Warehouse 13 is on the cusp; Season 4.5 left a lot of cliff hangers out there, so if their extra order doesn't clear these up... well there will be a lot of mad fans out there.

Some shows have it easy; they have a finite run... or enough time to bow out with grace and dignity. Noteable excellent endings:- The West Wing, set some years in the future you get to see that everyone's stories resolved satisfactorily; Six Feet Under, best finale ever... as a series it had ups and downs, but the final episode was awesome.

There are some who know the end is coming, and to me don't do themselves justice with their wrap-up:- Buffy the Vampire Slayer, they're all Slayers? I'm sure there is some positive message... but really? Angel, well they go out fighting, but that is it. Deep Space Nine, fine - resolved, I just didn't like it. Lost, resolved - I just thought given all the smoke and mirrors that it was a pedestrian and unimaginative ending.

TV is subjective, not objective. We all take something different away from a series - and, it is still a universal truth... you can't please all of the people all of the time!

Sunday Social (57)

Linking up with Ashley and Neely

1. What is the best trip you've ever been on?

My trip to NYC in 1999. I'd never travelled alone before - I had the most amazing time. I was lucky enough to be able to stay with friends and family... including my Mum's flatmate from when she was in New York 30 years previously.

 

2. What is your best idea for a girls weekend trip?

Spa day, tea somewhere lovely, cocktails and dinner somewhere smart and a good hotel. Sitting around over lunch and drinks the next day - doesn't matter where, it's the company not the place.

 

3. What is your best idea for a couples trip?

For this couple it would be a two city trip to Boston and New York (maybe a day trip to DC) definitely taking in a baseball game; Red Sox/Yankees. We're not beach people, we're going places and seeing stuff people!

 

4. What is the best vacation on the cheap?

I hate the word but a 'staycation' - you'd be amazed what is on your doorstep that you have missed!

 

5. What is the place you most want to visit?

The list is very very long. Washington DC(never made it when I was in New York nearly 15 years ago and I meant to). Also Egypt and the pyramids; Jerusalem; the Burgs of the Middle East... problem is that as I can't deal with the heat and I'm scared of flying it is pretty unlikely!