Saturday, September 30, 2006

Quick post

to say I'm home from Amsterdam, and pictures of my birthday and my holiday to follow!

Quick post

to say I'm home from Amsterdam, and pictures of my birthday and my holiday to follow!

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Honey I'm home!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

I am back where I belong. On the trainride home, reading a decadent copy of Venity Fair paid for my a kind gift from my coworkers, the sun came out after the train pulled away from Salisbury.

The sun has come out in me too. It's so nice to be home, as I must have said to everyone at least 100 times so far. It is though. Really nice. I walked up the road to my little house, let my self in and grinned. Home alone in my house and it doesn't feel weird. It feels like its mine.

Friday was pasta and catching up with ECS boys and drinking in the Hobbit and running home smiling.

My parents came on Saturday to drop off the rest of my stuff. Mum helped me fold everything and find a home for everything and now I have room for a whole load more of everything. I love the way my mum is like a whirlwind of organisation. In the morn, Chris and I had gone shopping as neither of us had food, and we sat on the balcony on West Quay eating grilled chicken kebab and olives, being impressed by the quality of writing in aforementioned Vanity Fair.

Then in the eve, Chris came round and I cooked Coq au Vin which whooped the arse of his packet version. I got my recipe from Allrecipes.com
and even though the wine was Asda's cheapest red, which stained the chicken radioactive pink, it was delicious.

Today has been peanut butter toast and brisk walks to run errands and buying Sunday papers.

I have a Toblerone to my self.

Its my birthday tomorrow.

I'm so happy.

Honey I'm home!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

I am back where I belong. On the trainride home, reading a decadent copy of Venity Fair paid for my a kind gift from my coworkers, the sun came out after the train pulled away from Salisbury.

The sun has come out in me too. It's so nice to be home, as I must have said to everyone at least 100 times so far. It is though. Really nice. I walked up the road to my little house, let my self in and grinned. Home alone in my house and it doesn't feel weird. It feels like its mine.

Friday was pasta and catching up with ECS boys and drinking in the Hobbit and running home smiling.

My parents came on Saturday to drop off the rest of my stuff. Mum helped me fold everything and find a home for everything and now I have room for a whole load more of everything. I love the way my mum is like a whirlwind of organisation. In the morn, Chris and I had gone shopping as neither of us had food, and we sat on the balcony on West Quay eating grilled chicken kebab and olives, being impressed by the quality of writing in aforementioned Vanity Fair.

Then in the eve, Chris came round and I cooked Coq au Vin which whooped the arse of his packet version. I got my recipe from Allrecipes.com
and even though the wine was Asda's cheapest red, which stained the chicken radioactive pink, it was delicious.

Today has been peanut butter toast and brisk walks to run errands and buying Sunday papers.

I have a Toblerone to my self.

Its my birthday tomorrow.

I'm so happy.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Long weekend

I played hostess to Chris this weekend. Which is only fair as he let me stay at the seaside for the week earlier this summer. Work kindly gave me a half day and I raced home to tidy up in his honour. Not that he was likely to notice, or think that it was especially tidy, but I assure you Chris that the fact there was visible floor space equates to tidyness in our house. It is really that bad, mainly due to the fact my mother is a hoarder!

Chris and I went to the Horse and Groom on the Friday night. The Groom, as my friends and I call it, is one of the nicer pubs in Westbury. It also has a small brewery attached, brewing real ale such as Early Daze and Bitham Blonde. Chris was disappointed that the Westbury Ales were off that night, but we settled down with a pint of Copper ale for him and Hertfordshire perry for me. The perry was lovely and complex to taste, almost like a sweet white wine at first, follwed by a creamy after taste. I was reliably informed that the Copper ale was similar to London Pride.

On the Saturday, we cadged a lift to Bath with my parents. The afternoon started with a round of adventure golf in the Royal Victoria Park. I won by one point, though I feel that was fluke as Chris was clearly of a higher standard than I. There was general mosey - ing around shops, purchasing of foreign currency for our upcoming trip to Amsterdam, and coffee and frozen beverages in coffeeshops. All very nice.

Six pm found us outside Bottelino's, a magic cave of an Italian restaurant. From the outside it looks little more than a charming shop front. Inside you are greeted by high ceilings and walls painted navy blue. These are complemented by white mouldings and decorations and huge mirrors. Our waiter was clearly the the 'daddy' of the establishment, and even though we struggled with his strong accent, his recommendations were excellent.

We shared a plate of Antipasto misto and garlic bread to start. This included prawns, hard boiled eggs, mozzerella, olives, salad greens, deep fried mushrooms and mozzerella and salami. All very simply served, but just the right amount for two. This could also be said for one of the mains! Both my mozzerella stuffed aubergines and Chris's pasta marinara could have easily served two. I am not ashamed to say that I did not clear my plate, or rather trough!

The lovely atmosphere in the restaurant meant we lingered rather longer than we ought, and had to run through town for our next adventure. Bizarre Bath is a walking comedy tour of the city. The standard adult price is £7, with student concessions being £5. Let me tell you now, I'd easily pay much more. I laughed and laughed and oohed and wondered. It was a mix of straight standup, magic tricks, local themed humour and some very small bits of history, and I loved it. Any future guests of mine will being going on this too. I won't go into too much more detail so as not to spoil it for anyone else but take my advice and give it a go.

Sunday saw me waking Chris up and making him walk a total of 5 miles, first up a hill and then down. I am a cruel hostess eh? We walked up Westbury's only landmark beside the cement work's chimney, the White Horse. Highlights included picnicing whilst gazing at the view, cider lollies, and Chris finally getting his pint of Early Daze on the walk home. :-)

Long weekend

I played hostess to Chris this weekend. Which is only fair as he let me stay at the seaside for the week earlier this summer. Work kindly gave me a half day and I raced home to tidy up in his honour. Not that he was likely to notice, or think that it was especially tidy, but I assure you Chris that the fact there was visible floor space equates to tidyness in our house. It is really that bad, mainly due to the fact my mother is a hoarder!

Chris and I went to the Horse and Groom on the Friday night. The Groom, as my friends and I call it, is one of the nicer pubs in Westbury. It also has a small brewery attached, brewing real ale such as Early Daze and Bitham Blonde. Chris was disappointed that the Westbury Ales were off that night, but we settled down with a pint of Copper ale for him and Hertfordshire perry for me. The perry was lovely and complex to taste, almost like a sweet white wine at first, follwed by a creamy after taste. I was reliably informed that the Copper ale was similar to London Pride.

On the Saturday, we cadged a lift to Bath with my parents. The afternoon started with a round of adventure golf in the Royal Victoria Park. I won by one point, though I feel that was fluke as Chris was clearly of a higher standard than I. There was general mosey - ing around shops, purchasing of foreign currency for our upcoming trip to Amsterdam, and coffee and frozen beverages in coffeeshops. All very nice.

Six pm found us outside Bottelino's, a magic cave of an Italian restaurant. From the outside it looks little more than a charming shop front. Inside you are greeted by high ceilings and walls painted navy blue. These are complemented by white mouldings and decorations and huge mirrors. Our waiter was clearly the the 'daddy' of the establishment, and even though we struggled with his strong accent, his recommendations were excellent.

We shared a plate of Antipasto misto and garlic bread to start. This included prawns, hard boiled eggs, mozzerella, olives, salad greens, deep fried mushrooms and mozzerella and salami. All very simply served, but just the right amount for two. This could also be said for one of the mains! Both my mozzerella stuffed aubergines and Chris's pasta marinara could have easily served two. I am not ashamed to say that I did not clear my plate, or rather trough!

The lovely atmosphere in the restaurant meant we lingered rather longer than we ought, and had to run through town for our next adventure. Bizarre Bath is a walking comedy tour of the city. The standard adult price is £7, with student concessions being £5. Let me tell you now, I'd easily pay much more. I laughed and laughed and oohed and wondered. It was a mix of straight standup, magic tricks, local themed humour and some very small bits of history, and I loved it. Any future guests of mine will being going on this too. I won't go into too much more detail so as not to spoil it for anyone else but take my advice and give it a go.

Sunday saw me waking Chris up and making him walk a total of 5 miles, first up a hill and then down. I am a cruel hostess eh? We walked up Westbury's only landmark beside the cement work's chimney, the White Horse. Highlights included picnicing whilst gazing at the view, cider lollies, and Chris finally getting his pint of Early Daze on the walk home. :-)

Pondering

A funny old world this. Reading Lori's darling post about her wedding anniversary has given me the shivers. Nothing ever stays the same. If things had carried on the way I had mapped them this time last year, today would be just under a year away from my wedding. The 18th of September 2007 would have seen me married for three days. (Under the original plans, not the later revised ones.)

I would not have been completely happy. In the three months since I ended my relationship with Rob, I feel like I've been either reborn, or someone pressed rewind on my personal video player. This is either a completely new me, or a continuation of the me I was before Rob. The things that I really, truly adore have risen to the surface again.

My relationship with Rob was really based on lies. I tried to change myself completely to fit in with his ideal of the perfect woman. Which of course I never could be, especially as it was distinctly unenlightened in some respects. There should be an element of submission in all realtionships, but I'm not sure that the degree I took it to was healthy.

I am any man's equal. I am every man's equal. If I choose to marry and breed (as a friend of mine put it :-) ), that is my choice, and doing that does not make me any less of a person. But I should be allowed that choice.

Right now I choose to study, work and play hard. I want to see if I'm capable of getting my Phd, of an academic life. I've found this deep well of passion for my subject. This in it's self is surprising, considering how disillusioned I was during the majority of my first year. Thank goodness, my fire is back!

There are people, and one person in particular who love me for this. Who accept that my dusty books and museums are part of me. For them and him I'm very very very greatful.

Pondering

A funny old world this. Reading Lori's darling post about her wedding anniversary has given me the shivers. Nothing ever stays the same. If things had carried on the way I had mapped them this time last year, today would be just under a year away from my wedding. The 18th of September 2007 would have seen me married for three days. (Under the original plans, not the later revised ones.)

I would not have been completely happy. In the three months since I ended my relationship with Rob, I feel like I've been either reborn, or someone pressed rewind on my personal video player. This is either a completely new me, or a continuation of the me I was before Rob. The things that I really, truly adore have risen to the surface again.

My relationship with Rob was really based on lies. I tried to change myself completely to fit in with his ideal of the perfect woman. Which of course I never could be, especially as it was distinctly unenlightened in some respects. There should be an element of submission in all realtionships, but I'm not sure that the degree I took it to was healthy.

I am any man's equal. I am every man's equal. If I choose to marry and breed (as a friend of mine put it :-) ), that is my choice, and doing that does not make me any less of a person. But I should be allowed that choice.

Right now I choose to study, work and play hard. I want to see if I'm capable of getting my Phd, of an academic life. I've found this deep well of passion for my subject. This in it's self is surprising, considering how disillusioned I was during the majority of my first year. Thank goodness, my fire is back!

There are people, and one person in particular who love me for this. Who accept that my dusty books and museums are part of me. For them and him I'm very very very greatful.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Stripy Jumper



So I don't have to steal anyone elses! Based on cosmicpluto's Cloud pattern but going to be almost tunic length. That way I get to be a scenester stylist and wear it with leggings if I'm feeling brave.

The pic is how Sunday morning finds me, on the 'puter, chatting with friends, reading, and knitting. Bliss!

Stripy Jumper



So I don't have to steal anyone elses! Based on cosmicpluto's Cloud pattern but going to be almost tunic length. That way I get to be a scenester stylist and wear it with leggings if I'm feeling brave.

The pic is how Sunday morning finds me, on the 'puter, chatting with friends, reading, and knitting. Bliss!

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Frome Cheese Show



















Prize winning Stilton. Look at the moonscape loveliness of the rind.




















The view inside the cheese tent, and a stilton with plums.




















A veined Cheddar, and a beautuful Jersey cow.





















A very pregnant Fresian, and the Stilton table.


















See even Cows need a hairdresser! I was quite taken with the outfits the farmers wore to show their animals, they looked very smart, even if white isn't very practical in a cattle shed. I love how shiny the cows were.




















These are some very young famers showing lovely fluffy sheeps.













The most comical animals there were these lovely cheeky piglets, and these very friendly and cuddley looking sheep. I want to make a toy of one of these lovely sheep.




















In the horticulture tent, there were competitions for the best veg, I liked this beautiful marrow, though it wasn't the prize winner, and this octopus made from veg in the kids comp.




















This cute goat was making a racket in the goat tent, perhaps it wanted to eat the lovely beetroot...



















They had flower arranging competitions as well. The left hand image is the smallest flower arrangement I've ever seen and it was in a tiny top hat. The right hand one is called 'Strawberries and Cream'. I think I love lillies more than roses, even with their death connotations.













Eats! Lamb Kofte Sausages, salad, couscous with cumin, tsatiki, and olive oil infused bread with olives and herbs.



















More animals made from fruit and veg. A Melon turtle/tortoise and an apple strawberry and grape catapiller.


I had a lovely agricultural day, and ate far too much nice cheese. I also bought a fabulous cut glass necklace from a junk stall for £10 *gasp* but it's all lovely and iridescent and like wearing rainbows.

Frome Cheese Show



















Prize winning Stilton. Look at the moonscape loveliness of the rind.




















The view inside the cheese tent, and a stilton with plums.




















A veined Cheddar, and a beautuful Jersey cow.





















A very pregnant Fresian, and the Stilton table.


















See even Cows need a hairdresser! I was quite taken with the outfits the farmers wore to show their animals, they looked very smart, even if white isn't very practical in a cattle shed. I love how shiny the cows were.




















These are some very young famers showing lovely fluffy sheeps.













The most comical animals there were these lovely cheeky piglets, and these very friendly and cuddley looking sheep. I want to make a toy of one of these lovely sheep.




















In the horticulture tent, there were competitions for the best veg, I liked this beautiful marrow, though it wasn't the prize winner, and this octopus made from veg in the kids comp.




















This cute goat was making a racket in the goat tent, perhaps it wanted to eat the lovely beetroot...



















They had flower arranging competitions as well. The left hand image is the smallest flower arrangement I've ever seen and it was in a tiny top hat. The right hand one is called 'Strawberries and Cream'. I think I love lillies more than roses, even with their death connotations.













Eats! Lamb Kofte Sausages, salad, couscous with cumin, tsatiki, and olive oil infused bread with olives and herbs.



















More animals made from fruit and veg. A Melon turtle/tortoise and an apple strawberry and grape catapiller.


I had a lovely agricultural day, and ate far too much nice cheese. I also bought a fabulous cut glass necklace from a junk stall for £10 *gasp* but it's all lovely and iridescent and like wearing rainbows.