Post 31: Last a day in England for now

So here I am, at the Mitre, at 7.44 pm. in my Qantas pyjamas ( because they are staying behind), book-through bag packed and closed (without the expander), pile of clothes to wear tomorrow, only my computer, ipad, laptop and cords to go in my carry-on in the morning.  I wasn't at all sure I would manage it. My boots and  puffy jacket are in the suitcase.  A little regretfully I took both Jenny and Nicola's projects out of their smart and useful boxes. They fit more easily in a suitcase without the boxes.

I’ve checked in online and my transport to the airport is confirmed for 7.55 in the morning.

I took it very easy today. I really wanted to do as much as I could of the Herdwick project, so I started work on it straight after breakfast. While my room was being serviced I moved to the hotel lounge. It is comfortable and has good light. It wasn't warm enough for me to sit outside.

I was working on the spray of Dog Roses. It is slow work. Each petal has to be outlined in split stitch before being filled in with at least two layers of satin stitch.




I went for a couple of short walks to Gardinarium. The pub next door seems to always have customers.




The weather was sunny on and off, but with a bit of a chill in the air. It didn't stop the flowers blooming outside the pub.




I hadn't noticed the wisteria on the hotel wall before. It must look lovely when blooming.

There is also a healthy looking Fir tree, no doubt enjoying the air until required again at Christmas.







Back in my room I worked steadily on the dog roses. I finished them just after 5pm. I haven't put the flower centres in yet. They include beads and I don't want to start that in a hotel.

I'm pretty happy with it. I did contemplate taking it on the plane and continuing work on it - but common sense prevailed. It is too meticulous for the light and conditions on a plane. I have now dismantled my hoop stand and packed it all away in my suitcase.

Back to my zen project for the  plane!

My jeans came back from the laundry - so I will not have to wear my leggings for the third day on the plane.

My friend Christine Thatcher tied to phone me at the hotel last night but was told I wasn’t answering my phone. She called again this evening and was told the same. This time the receptionist came to check. The phone is not connected! I wonder how long it has been like that? We did eventually connect and catch up on my mobile.

I got to dinner in time for sunset.













There was a dozy swan


and quite a few craft on the river, narrow boats on the move, launches and a rowing boat.


One thing I’ve learnt on this trip is that Yorkshire pudding is served with more than beef! I’ve had it twice with roast pork on this visit. I haven’t made it for decades because I rarely roast beef. This is an example, I think, of migrant communities preserving traditions long abandoned in the country of origin. Next thing I’ll find mint sauce served with chicken!

In spite of the destruction of long-held assumptions, I’ve had a great month. Many thanks to all those who have helped to make it so -particularly Pene and Mark. I’ve met so much kindness and generosity. 

There will be one more post in this blog. I will post it when I get home on Thursday night or Friday morning.

Thanks for following along.

Post 25: Catch up Day

This morning I opened my curtain to find a secret visitor occupying the window ledge. In Summer she can reach the garden this way - but not today.



Pen and Mark left around 11 to their various activities and I settled down in their conservatory, with the great light to do some more work on Nicola's Herdwick sheep.



I had the sequins, a bit more on the large flower, one of the small leaves and most of the French knots left to do.

I'm pleased to say she is now finished.

I am now turning my attention to the Dog Rose leaves. It is possible, I think, that I might come close to finishing the piece before I get home.

Yesterday I omitted to tell the story of how Pene, myself and Sheila (Pene's neighbour) caused a scene at the Carriage Museum.

The Museum is staffed by many volunteers - mostly elderly. One operates a buggy to take visitors, who don't wish to walk, up the long steep slope to the Carriage House. We caught a lift back down.

Inside the Carriage House, part of the display is up a steep, narrow staircase. There is a small glass lift that can be utilised. The three of us got in the lift and Pene pressed the green button - one of those that you have to hold all the way. It moved incredibly slowly - and made a loud screeching noise. It took a good 2-3 minutes to travel to the upper floor, screeching all the way. We had plenty of time to notice the signs - one with a diagram of two people and the other saying Maximum Weight 400kg.

We realised that three of us were not meant to be in the lift, but figured our combined weight was well under 400kg.

However, as we approached the upper floor we could see the elderly attendant limping over to the lift. The screeching noise was the warning that we had overloaded the lift!
We could only apologise and assure him that our combined weight, although a couple of us weighed more than we should, was not over 400kg!  I'm afraid we did not make a good impression!

This timepiece was part of the display.

Back in Appledore today, after I had finished the Herdwick sheep, I took a stroll in the garden. From the conservatory you go outside and up a set of narrow stairs.

At the top it opens into a paved area, a path and a lawn. Right at the top is the office.

From the top, you look back at the house (cream) and the neighbour's house (white).

Raise your eyes and you look over the tops of the houses to the Estuary.

I can't resist a chimney pot.



I also failed to report yesterday on our visit to the Cinema on Monday night to see Fishermans' Friends. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a bit in the mould of Pride - a bit of history, feel-good, good performances. Well worth seeing. Warms the cockles of your heart.


I also did a bit of reading today, in particular, a book Mark lent me.

Of the 100 graves on the list, 17 are of women. Criteria for choice include accessibility, little or no cost to visit and 50% to be in London.

They include Rosalind Elsie Franklin who discovered a critical component of the DNA helix which was credited to another (male) researcher. She died aged 37 and her grave simply says "Scientist". Emmeline Pankhurst's grave simply records "Wife of R.M. Pankhurst". Hannah Twynoy (1670-1703) Barmaid, was the first person in England killed by a tiger. Jane Austen, Marguerite Radcliffe Hall, Flora MacDonald, the Brontes, Mary Shelley, Virginia Woolf and Cora Crippen all make the list (though it is known that the body buried as Cora Crippen is that of a man!). It is an interesting read, but I don't think I will be using it as a travel guide.

Tonight we are having fish and chips for tea. Tomorrow we hope to go on another excursion.