tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54858569024055176612024-03-13T03:22:27.636+00:00news from franceCooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-7090716789973628272012-07-25T15:21:00.001+01:002012-07-25T15:21:48.636+01:00<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poly Tunnel - Before</td></tr>
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Back in France after six weeks in the UK to find the garden over run with weeds. Here like most of northern Europe the early summer has been very disappointing with lots of rain and far too low temperatures. The farmers have not been able to make hay and the ground has become very wet. I have sown the beetroot seeds three times and I have only found 4 plants hidden amongst the weeds.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94jPhdej8Bk8LfWvHgGIZ_ptB1GKWsxxIwV1Hnv6nEbkFFSA7C39bHYWe-0GhI_sLIK13Dq8O8dpuy1x1vGY-4rDt68f8SRkBVGY5AHXG-jaejgAkPoi-oiYUwGyecd6I_1AdrKSK_vaj/s320/IMG00119-20120724-1007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poly tunnel - After</td></tr>
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The poly tunnel had been planted up with tomatoes and what I thought were melons. Having got the plants in early and under cover I was hoping for an early crop of melons, however on our return I have discovered that two of the melons are in fact courgettes and they had taken advantage of the warm environment to grow like triffids! I battled my way through and having tied in the tomatoes and given everything a good trim I can now walk along the path in the centre. The tomatoes have produced plenty of fruits and should ripen soon, I hope!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXcC8kd4UkC_V_GisX7jEkPv3bLiYf7tqly9bd75Zd1YdPDQvw7uliH46aH8o9eLncEJg91_vMoUsLOK2oQWQ6FVIq5fEebqXSfbM4trLWvRJSQceqaj-AUc9H0Y2HSbBsStReaLqVMsN/s320/IMG00110-20120718-1506.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pea Harvest</td></tr>
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Luckily the broad beans and peas which had been sown under fleece cloches have grown well, and I have now cleared the peas. I am sure we would have got a far bigger crop if we had been here to harvest them as they became ready, but we weren't so most were past their best and will have to be used in dishes which require a little more cooking. Nothing gets wasted though, the peas have been blanched and are now in the freezer.</div>
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The carrots that I had sown and which were coming up six weeks ago have
disappeared just like the beetroot, I don't know if they have been
washed away, rotted or just eaten by mice or slugs.<br /><br /><br />The
raspberries ripened while we were away so I was only able to rescue a
small bowl of them, however the alpine strawberries are producing
copious quantities of albeit small fruits. <br /><br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_RWJ_77zmUQ25DdSDQOtTu7ChdweHNEqHYATF8CpmHMhkeRm5ZS_QdLRlCtwBmdf-xmV5td-42qD3zcXRXDoYDCIvXxn3OFjZK4-7tcDlBlqIcSE4ayS-1jn_NxQDB9KN1YQkmseA3Ws/s320/IMG00116-20120724-1005.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangeas</td></tr>
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<br /><br /> The Hydrangeas are spectacular this year, loads of flowers and really healthy looking leaves. I think they like the cooler weather. <br /><br /><br />The potatoes have done quite well and we are currently enjoying the international kidney variety, know as Jersey Royals, when grown in Jersey. We won't go hungry this summer but we have not got the variety of vegetables I would like to have in the garden.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWXMcdcFTKekav8fucmD7D0qp08Z4l2Ne0UB0z_w8M3Sdbrhz3ny3F9L4w2_j77szBlX7SXgA-ScU1vJXXmTzJMAsD3RwBIc_-49auAjMd20OUwsfeLkMdsjOeuZ0HqIFSXvh4__GfoYD/s320/IMG00120-20120724-1008.jpg" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato Flower<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR_kSpMm8N9fWmqsoP5c15F4R0uMt7fXezNDmC_kc_yob98bPWNDwZIkTU_l0Mj8zyFKBftfwR3UxcbyQl9QjU7PRCYqa6vMXRb585J6CzWWxZVZM_TtLlu8EFYbDYgGsBDbHevvQnY5A/s320/IMG00113-20120722-1409.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bagnoles de l'Orne</td></tr>
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<br />On Sunday we went to the Vide Greniers in Bagnoles de l'Orne, where we had a stall selling our Chutney and Marmalade. It was the first really nice day and the crowds came out to enjoy the sun. We had a lovely spot near the chateau, in the open sun in the morning but in the shade of the trees as the sun went over head, keeping us pleasantly warm, but comfortable. We had several repeat customers who were pleased to find us close to where we had been last year. We still have plenty of stock so if you want some chutney or marmalade do ask for a price list.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Before returning the unsold stock to the shelves I took the opportunity to clean out the store/utility room and having cleared it out gave the walls a coat of paint, what a difference a coat of white paint does. They whole place looks fresh and clean again. Now the stock is sitting on aqua marine shelves against while walls, very chic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now the weather has finally changed, for the moment at least. It is now very warm and the farmers are working day and night to make hay from all the available grass. I noticed this morning that the harvesting of the grain crops has also started. As thunder storms are forecast for Friday the farmers and contractors are trying to get as much done as possible before the weather breaks. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For us it is a time to sit in the shade and do as little as possible. This afternoon a family of swallows are flying around our heads as the young are being taught the ways of the world by their parents. It is fascinating to watch as they seem quite unaware of us watching them. The sky is blue and there is not one cloud in the sky, how long will it last - who knows - let's enjoy it while it lasts.<br />
<br /><br /><br />Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-50661363904224706382012-05-20T15:05:00.000+01:002012-05-20T15:05:01.726+01:00A cold May<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvXLbchGxKTOiTDVYGi4ehlo7t8v3Jcs3Uco0pL1WOkmaqt7ffjaKhBgE1Fo0FhgZbERsGW0tIyLEe80LBXuptnO2EVWyEzMd4ok-vsE-nFpBmIBfDhyphenhyphen__wmIw9Ms12q0DFmOcu0KkzVg/s1600/RIMG0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvXLbchGxKTOiTDVYGi4ehlo7t8v3Jcs3Uco0pL1WOkmaqt7ffjaKhBgE1Fo0FhgZbERsGW0tIyLEe80LBXuptnO2EVWyEzMd4ok-vsE-nFpBmIBfDhyphenhyphen__wmIw9Ms12q0DFmOcu0KkzVg/s320/RIMG0064.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilly of the Valley</td></tr>
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France voted on Sunday 6th May for a new President. Francois Hollande has been elected by voters who are hoping he will scrap the austerity measures that the previous president tried to impose. Watching the television immediately after the results were announced, I couldn't help thinking that the pictures were reminiscent of last year's Arab Spring. Cars with people hanging out of the windows waving flags and hooting horns drove around the streets of Paris. Hollande's supporters had gathered in the Place de Bastille to await the results and then to celebrate his victory. Flags flying, fireworks and flares being let off setting the sky red.</div>
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Tuesday of this week saw the inauguration of the new President. A very long ceremonial process. Hollande gave a speech at the Elysee Palace after being sworn in and then later in the day after having toured the streets in an open top car in the pouring rain then gave another very lengthy speech at the Paris town hall. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAZj4VmEOzhYdxTvvLRmMFmplY9xvkBHHZtLOC2BZ-VL3gLUIaMWhDlmFqDW3GRrDUDpn-zuwQ1s3qWYMDZN1FsiJw3gNn1O2OptnM6JQds4y-Q8Pi-IcILXm2XjhTa19GVWx7JPrK8HP/s1600/RIMG0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAZj4VmEOzhYdxTvvLRmMFmplY9xvkBHHZtLOC2BZ-VL3gLUIaMWhDlmFqDW3GRrDUDpn-zuwQ1s3qWYMDZN1FsiJw3gNn1O2OptnM6JQds4y-Q8Pi-IcILXm2XjhTa19GVWx7JPrK8HP/s320/RIMG0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wild flower orchard</td></tr>
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After the wettest April on record we must be now experiencing the coldest May on record. Luckily we have a good supply of wood as from time to time we feel the need to light up the wood burning stove. Although we have had a few nice days, they have been rare. We did manage to get the grass cut on one warmish and breezy day. We have purposefully left part of the grass uncut to see if the wild flowers thrive and attract more butterflies. </div>
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It is possible that passers by just think we didn't manage to get it all cut before the rain came down again. The poly tunnel is up and the tomatoes are thriving, we even have the first flower so hopefully we will get an early crop this year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for summer, but protected from the cold May weather.</td></tr>
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Unfortunately when I sowed my cucumber, squash and courgette seeds this year I forgot to label them and now I can't identify them. After looking at a couple of websites I have now decided which are cucumbers and they have also been planted in the poly tunnel, to grow up over the metal trellis that forms the base of the structure. I just hope they are cucumbers and not courgettes, it will be a case of wait and see. </div>
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Last Autumn we planted up some fruit bush cuttings which had successfully rooted. These have now been planted along the edge of the garden which I hope will become a fruit hedge. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first shoots of a willow hedge</td></tr>
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We also put in some willow hoping to form a woven hedge, just over 50% have taken, so we will either have to wait for them to grow long enough to provide some extra cuttings or find another suitable tree to take cuttings from in the Autumn.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7UWOjFlKZf7dIsUp7JasvjpJNoaoziXpFqJ8ZJZw87c0Kq2aqliWiMv9zfp-nib9EoM8cJNSugLQyedaaOZTL3rHRUcnDdThibvpZydCkjLCJqpKu7eFRyhrQ5VwcLZqSvIods-Wbnx0/s1600/RIMG0061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7UWOjFlKZf7dIsUp7JasvjpJNoaoziXpFqJ8ZJZw87c0Kq2aqliWiMv9zfp-nib9EoM8cJNSugLQyedaaOZTL3rHRUcnDdThibvpZydCkjLCJqpKu7eFRyhrQ5VwcLZqSvIods-Wbnx0/s320/RIMG0061.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft Fruits enjoying the rain and cold.</td></tr>
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The soft fruit appears to enjoying this cool wet weather. The red and black currents
are full of fruit as is the gooseberry. The strawberries are full of
flowers just waiting to be pollinated. The raspberries are also full of
flower buds, no doubt just waiting for a little more warmth. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOS69MsSDlBUjaqEn9kRugiXBnZHYubid4fksQTmi_oxjectXib_jp0j0oWr2QdQbnvNqoURLkDlQDsWGEDcXLjE761PZRK7O-nz8q0NSvArnBZy2kleW7gix4kkStT9pq_LJB1WPO-NC/s1600/RIMG0062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOS69MsSDlBUjaqEn9kRugiXBnZHYubid4fksQTmi_oxjectXib_jp0j0oWr2QdQbnvNqoURLkDlQDsWGEDcXLjE761PZRK7O-nz8q0NSvArnBZy2kleW7gix4kkStT9pq_LJB1WPO-NC/s320/RIMG0062.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pea</td></tr>
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Despite the weather the birds are really active. Blackbirds and blue tits are nesting in the hedging opposite the kitchen door and as soon as it stops raining they are out looking for food. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU4qOLDvtUrfPslU-6lvYkLxqp9G0UirokyTDWEqoFGlOS81xHCFDf8iZ-rAylWJo7IgrtmCs5nWNIVb1FJ3mI3lGYIG95Kj2uToi54PPt-tiXO1zKeb0Vh-5REhETeEsUdkpFABkuLLT/s1600/RIMG0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVU4qOLDvtUrfPslU-6lvYkLxqp9G0UirokyTDWEqoFGlOS81xHCFDf8iZ-rAylWJo7IgrtmCs5nWNIVb1FJ3mI3lGYIG95Kj2uToi54PPt-tiXO1zKeb0Vh-5REhETeEsUdkpFABkuLLT/s320/RIMG0063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One apparent advantage of the cooler weather is that a lot of plants are still
flowering, the primroses and violets started flowering in March and are
still full of flowers now. They have now been joined by forget me nots and lilly of the valley.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfRWg2WHfZZoUxTsgL3samr1eD8D3-1knYCT6Tp430N-KIjO_8xtfXIIN7tfqMJSY3uwHnQhzeSVQ0FWilhOtybHgS6BToqidNjk7MgWEl7A_rXp__i6Q-4wYr31QC3_FC_SgVFKK_yFM/s1600/RIMG0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfRWg2WHfZZoUxTsgL3samr1eD8D3-1knYCT6Tp430N-KIjO_8xtfXIIN7tfqMJSY3uwHnQhzeSVQ0FWilhOtybHgS6BToqidNjk7MgWEl7A_rXp__i6Q-4wYr31QC3_FC_SgVFKK_yFM/s320/RIMG0064.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lillies</td></tr>
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<br />Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-12493563340620522162012-04-01T17:33:00.002+01:002012-04-01T17:33:41.535+01:00April Fool - No Asparagus!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoM__7FlripNA02H02QY2tEUL85m5mMKlx2ImxSOm7NjdtqHQ6Tt66NovPje_pAAqmT9SQRDIV4_5Ebmt32Jr79b3p4qwCkC6RiogkZSIMAg8LjnYYi8gISgbb8tueGK__o8UgktYCJU0/s1600/RIMG0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoM__7FlripNA02H02QY2tEUL85m5mMKlx2ImxSOm7NjdtqHQ6Tt66NovPje_pAAqmT9SQRDIV4_5Ebmt32Jr79b3p4qwCkC6RiogkZSIMAg8LjnYYi8gISgbb8tueGK__o8UgktYCJU0/s320/RIMG0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Asparagus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It may be April Fools Day but no this is no joke.<br />
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Our first asparagus had popped through the earth today.<br />
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I have grown these plants from seed, sown just three years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUIItvjs1Y6OW67YWGo8o30znphpYnQkvEhAtQ2EJ3DFdMO3XawbmSJ7hl8tIp7FzhDPMa39UV9uukjvqFl6LNaA5vl07p4Mw0KrOS87a8QE6LB3rYI81oAOYgFAVj1HNCRgn81vunTZB/s1600/RIMG0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUIItvjs1Y6OW67YWGo8o30znphpYnQkvEhAtQ2EJ3DFdMO3XawbmSJ7hl8tIp7FzhDPMa39UV9uukjvqFl6LNaA5vl07p4Mw0KrOS87a8QE6LB3rYI81oAOYgFAVj1HNCRgn81vunTZB/s320/RIMG0032.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qxYawauvuPCXr_T7cPCIlvK-XmKgXclVMbSEXFulrMj9CbbecPt26Q8BNMaYNig84w51zBIG3DkcOeCWkNeFj2spQawBBQeubk9oGGTvCZCpZZWOtcrsXV9756oW5lJKGJ2-kQrPmUZ2/s1600/RIMG0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qxYawauvuPCXr_T7cPCIlvK-XmKgXclVMbSEXFulrMj9CbbecPt26Q8BNMaYNig84w51zBIG3DkcOeCWkNeFj2spQawBBQeubk9oGGTvCZCpZZWOtcrsXV9756oW5lJKGJ2-kQrPmUZ2/s320/RIMG0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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We have enjoyed this first 'fruit' of the season, just lightly
poached and then topped with just a little melted butter and a
sprinkling of sea salt and black pepper. </div>
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Wonderful, let's just hope there will be more to come as the season continues.</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-69167949860228686052012-03-29T16:50:00.001+01:002012-03-29T16:50:56.470+01:00Warm weather for March<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b2X5F0Pioj8Xrr5_HyFZZv3zU0vH895nk4s4kmpj8SUp-rFrg_aG3UiydSZYSGx_oL8LotZqTQPvfMa9qQ4zmaUjLfwDVHf7H9Pw9XRPBM_RWj3aS6Lk0UBwOsPkryp42YxkncFces5R/s1600/IMG00072-20120324-1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b2X5F0Pioj8Xrr5_HyFZZv3zU0vH895nk4s4kmpj8SUp-rFrg_aG3UiydSZYSGx_oL8LotZqTQPvfMa9qQ4zmaUjLfwDVHf7H9Pw9XRPBM_RWj3aS6Lk0UBwOsPkryp42YxkncFces5R/s320/IMG00072-20120324-1337.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primroses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBmBn9sCGS3dl9_cLkkD6Sbwd9bHsUnrIRjXqkDlAy8PNVmWtOnLyQtoyCgyqlvx2JqVx-UDMWgIT2oMVF8a6vJT_01qrn5tXYjVPsZivZbL1cIRNjIFVs3ZMhZCc3QvjCzKRuQMPWGPL/s320/IMG00067-20120323-1134.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for the Tour de Normandie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It is hard to believe that it is still March. We have been enjoying the same warm weather as the rest of western Europe. Although it feels like summer the landscape has a very strange look to it. The trees are still bare and the majority of plants are only just beginning to show signs of life.<br />
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A week ago the sloes were just coming into flower, now they are full of flowers and the leaf buds are starting to burst open. The plum tree is also coming into leaf.<br />
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The cuttings from the fruit bushes that I planted along the boundary fence are looking healthy, they have good leaf growth. Last year we had a good soft fruit crop but more fruit is always nice and would mean I could use it to make jams as well as just as a treat to eat. Rather than expanding the fruit bed I decided to try and plant a soft fruit hedge. I realize it could mean that passers by will help themselves, but as we live on a very quiet road I don't see that it will be a big problem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZyGduFXfKajDsHaIue2eCmI5ZapHeZgH0FEQYpEtUx4Hl9DZVirzGn6pLCFtzR9PVNB-itk02_f0sdDVrQCoYu1oP3Dc-IoVw667YbkLAYaOYMg7_hkHBdMPyq1kQSkdyOo37bpN9_jP/s1600/IMG00068-20120323-1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZyGduFXfKajDsHaIue2eCmI5ZapHeZgH0FEQYpEtUx4Hl9DZVirzGn6pLCFtzR9PVNB-itk02_f0sdDVrQCoYu1oP3Dc-IoVw667YbkLAYaOYMg7_hkHBdMPyq1kQSkdyOo37bpN9_jP/s320/IMG00068-20120323-1136.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start Gate in Domfront </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGw5lYcDUK2vXlH-1O4CPUly-NCmgiVdZFtB4-vNIgj5vu5S83pYXHXSm1ltF4QgIlIo0451-h3nzky-1kLyCXBBcemXhjEwyAXzc7AeQKE5G7DPwrafuif8rb6dNQXnjZE1HdTbv_D2T/s1600/IMG00069-20120323-1137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGw5lYcDUK2vXlH-1O4CPUly-NCmgiVdZFtB4-vNIgj5vu5S83pYXHXSm1ltF4QgIlIo0451-h3nzky-1kLyCXBBcemXhjEwyAXzc7AeQKE5G7DPwrafuif8rb6dNQXnjZE1HdTbv_D2T/s320/IMG00069-20120323-1137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awaiting the start of the Tour de Normandie</td></tr>
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Last Friday we went as usual to the market in Domfront. Whilst there we noticed several motorbikes parking up outside one of the cafes, then along came several large camper vans and cars with bikes on their roofs. It was then we realised that there was some sort of cycle event on. Up on the large square at the top of the town we found the race 'caravan'. It was reminiscent of last years 'Tour of Britain' in Bury St Edmunds. There were teams of cyclists warming up and technicians doing last minute checks on the bikes. The next stage of the Tour of Normandie was due to start in Domfront. The previous days stage winner was a British rider, sorry I can't remember his name. We didn't recognise any of the names when the team were presented at the sign in. Most appeared very young. This tour is the first of the racing season, and all were enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aL3mBZDNEMUKNcNfyKfiZCs3VaOA_Y1ZrgM6omCMNvwLuQtFWqxIerVT8alqBv-ACPUp16XHVjZuj1d6Bkk2cBIgoQ1h_7998lrDyXYpM8IWUuH1GVj9M4L8MueM9y1gLNOGfBZZgBo6/s1600/IMG00073-20120324-1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aL3mBZDNEMUKNcNfyKfiZCs3VaOA_Y1ZrgM6omCMNvwLuQtFWqxIerVT8alqBv-ACPUp16XHVjZuj1d6Bkk2cBIgoQ1h_7998lrDyXYpM8IWUuH1GVj9M4L8MueM9y1gLNOGfBZZgBo6/s320/IMG00073-20120324-1337.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Sunday was Rob's birthday and to celebrate the occasion we went out for lunch. We decided it was a suitable opportunity to try a restaurant which had been recommended to us. The 'Auberge de la Mine ' is in the village of Gué Plat a village built to house the workers of the local iron ore mine. The restaurant is in what was the Cantine where single miners lived and ate.<br />
<a href="http://aubergedelamine.free.fr/page2.html" target="_blank">http://aubergedelamine.free.fr/page2.html</a><br />
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As anticipated we enjoyed a beautiful meal, scallops with asparagus for starter, pigeon for our main course, and a apple baked for 7 hours as dessert.<br />
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Yesterday we drove to the coast and enjoyed lunch on the harbour at Granville. Again amazingly warm, usually on the coast there is a breeze it was really quiet weather. Granville old town is built on a rock promontory were there are several old military buildings, a light house and the remains of WWII fortifications as well as many beautiful town houses. Should anyone be interested there is a 1960's house next to the lighthouse which belongs to the military and is now up for sale. The position is ideal for lovers of the sea, views out over the coast line on three sides. There is a garden, although we aren't sure what would actually grow on such an exposed spot, garage and light house in the grounds. When we were there it was idyllic but we can only assume that for the majority of the year it is a very wind swept spot.<br />
We had a lovely day walking around the old town, it was beautiful and peaceful and with the warm sun it really had the feel of a summer holiday. <br />
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Each year in November, there is an art 'Salon' in the nearby town of Flers. Artists from the Bocage area of Normandy exhibit their work at this show. Last year Rob asked about taking part and was told to send photographs of his most recent work for consideration. When we arrived here last week there was a letter waiting for him to say that he was invited to show some of his work to the committee. Unfortunately the date had passed and even though Rob explained that they had only given three weeks notice and therefore he wasn't here, they have said he has to reapply next year - their loss I am afraid. Hopefully we will arrange an exhibition ourselves - possibly in England.<br />
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<br />Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-81687956469020272492012-02-03T13:44:00.000+00:002012-02-03T13:44:07.094+00:00Winter hits hard<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbKq6MLoEqUHmjjHIBs8HIL-GuOIFdA0egJOAdfb4HrGfXWEMieYMxaDE-jPJohTGVPM_OvkpjTFknhGc-NGfhSBKTnH4EQKmoDxJvt4sP6nwAvwSgBtXLNcYJb7UkrXz20fSRkmropLX/s1600/RIMG0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbKq6MLoEqUHmjjHIBs8HIL-GuOIFdA0egJOAdfb4HrGfXWEMieYMxaDE-jPJohTGVPM_OvkpjTFknhGc-NGfhSBKTnH4EQKmoDxJvt4sP6nwAvwSgBtXLNcYJb7UkrXz20fSRkmropLX/s320/RIMG0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows in the corner of the field when it was snowing on Monday morning</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a very mild December and January winter hit the Orne hard on
Monday morning. We woke to find a thick layer of pristine snow and snow
still falling from the sky. The sky was thick with heavy grey snow
clouds which continued to drop the white stuff all through the day.
Sleet and snow had been forecast but more snow fell than the Méteo had
predicted. </div>
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On the main evening news our region was highlighted and there
was a report from our nearby town of Domfront. They interviewed a
local farmer and some builders who are working on a new house along the
road from Céauce to Domfront. If you click on the link and start at
chapter 4 you will see the report. </div>
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<a href="http://videos.tf1.fr/jt-20h/le-20-heures-du-30-janvier-2012-6962153.html" target="_blank">http://videos.tf1.fr/jt-20h/le-20-heures-du-30-janvier-2012-6962153.html</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KcMsBYvzJWiTg46wuRwnBbX7RahQwz8_pyp6g0arARIRXiXmbmiUylMuHa_-0DKIdd5xQmNiuFv6pBBOIJlMCgpvKJcb9sonIiEO8E5z9NACdPxUyYJRvBNiAEMV5gBuaQ2c57W2I_Vs/s1600/RIMG0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KcMsBYvzJWiTg46wuRwnBbX7RahQwz8_pyp6g0arARIRXiXmbmiUylMuHa_-0DKIdd5xQmNiuFv6pBBOIJlMCgpvKJcb9sonIiEO8E5z9NACdPxUyYJRvBNiAEMV5gBuaQ2c57W2I_Vs/s320/RIMG0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold crisp day in the countryside</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since then we haven't had any more snow but it has been very cold, in
fact it has got colder as each day has gone by. This yesterday morning the
thermometer registered -9c - it was very cold. There was even a layer
of ice on the inside of the window and the cat flap had frozen closed.
Luckily we have managed to keep the house warm by burning lots of wood
in our wood burning stove. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFGdbfWeX0zqATfWqZYLokDbK2KyfwhyQOcDgZpHAOe7q6ZGPuX3qTFc3BSD4vj08GfGAVLljOdkJ93-na2BX5r4g9d2XpfgXhL7Mn-qWpKM8aPb-ZpCHaF8IJ0qa-xTG06L_BAq9hs-q/s1600/RIMG0050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFGdbfWeX0zqATfWqZYLokDbK2KyfwhyQOcDgZpHAOe7q6ZGPuX3qTFc3BSD4vj08GfGAVLljOdkJ93-na2BX5r4g9d2XpfgXhL7Mn-qWpKM8aPb-ZpCHaF8IJ0qa-xTG06L_BAq9hs-q/s320/RIMG0050.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty to eat in the trough<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The clear crisp air enhances the beauty of the countryside and the
freezing temperatures have frozen the mud so that everything is nice and
clean underfoot. Yesterday we enjoyed a walk in the woods around the town
of Bagnoles de l'Orne, a local spa town. There was still a thin layer
of snow on the fallen leaves and it made a lovely crunching noise as we
walked over it. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We thought we might stop for lunch,
but not easy on a cold February day, many restaurants are closed for the
winter, others were closed because it was their weekly closing day and
some which should have been open - well according to the opening times
advertised outside were also closed. We rejected the pancake house in
favour of the one restaurant that was open. Sitting by the window with a
view over the lake to the casino we enjoyed a simple steak lunch,
before a final stroll around the lake before heading home to the warmth
of our house.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd_2EV0i5q1_UwRqw3fsvIzbhBsPuxZLhuQIRebWKGFNeaxvYJCWAumAdNxMx1PU6aOYTTDPRd4QJakgl7g4GUJ4JRgwjF2U-k_NC_hesvxIlUq-8ONK5hT5TtojVi1GIE1ZJftFo5REm/s1600/RIMG0059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd_2EV0i5q1_UwRqw3fsvIzbhBsPuxZLhuQIRebWKGFNeaxvYJCWAumAdNxMx1PU6aOYTTDPRd4QJakgl7g4GUJ4JRgwjF2U-k_NC_hesvxIlUq-8ONK5hT5TtojVi1GIE1ZJftFo5REm/s320/RIMG0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same cows later in the week enjoying the sunshine<br />
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This morning it was even colder - 10c. Despite the cold there were several stall holders on the market. I didn't ask but I assume that our yogurt man had not bothered to link up his refrigerated trailer to a power source, I don't think it would have had much effect. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTuZbmq4se_sGeGZvFCmZueG9DLwHVRoeyzouUXTpHu6c53Cratld8eTRUnhWvvPPl-nedBpUCpbxgfLiiJB5MEIZW8B1p6qbcPiuUh1RMavKhRhGa00V6F37J1MJzEwmvjzl9EDG1F-N/s1600/RIMG0069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTuZbmq4se_sGeGZvFCmZueG9DLwHVRoeyzouUXTpHu6c53Cratld8eTRUnhWvvPPl-nedBpUCpbxgfLiiJB5MEIZW8B1p6qbcPiuUh1RMavKhRhGa00V6F37J1MJzEwmvjzl9EDG1F-N/s320/RIMG0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across the fields<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyNy-gLc0IjApyQdf0rQsf0oQqhinCfoSCk3YZ258UB_t4I1_DfVaNqv67HbXM07hbZfpe7R1f2_abs7cAhWeabVWSl9uUN1hQoI2N8XETq_gksrm4UIWS368JahwLQ64kx8-_Zm3j1Cu/s1600/RIMG0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyNy-gLc0IjApyQdf0rQsf0oQqhinCfoSCk3YZ258UB_t4I1_DfVaNqv67HbXM07hbZfpe7R1f2_abs7cAhWeabVWSl9uUN1hQoI2N8XETq_gksrm4UIWS368JahwLQ64kx8-_Zm3j1Cu/s320/RIMG0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The veg garden with a layer of snow, sprouts and leeks still to be harvested.</td></tr>
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<br />Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-71289228703794247572012-01-29T15:21:00.001+00:002012-01-29T16:42:27.619+00:00A new year in the countryside<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year we decided against coming to France to celebrate the New Year. Instead we are here for a couple of weeks at the end of January. </div>
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East Anglia, where we live in the UK has had very little rainfall since early last year and even recently there was talk about the continuing drought and the low levels of water in the reservoirs. Here it would appear to be quite the opposite, the ground is very wet and according to our neighbour there has been a lot of rain since our last visit at the beginning of December. In fact today we went for a walk in the woods where we often go foraging for mushrooms, we have never seen the moss so green and sponge like. Even the woodland tracks were thick with mud, the ditches were full of running water and there were deep pools of water everywhere. This being the countryside it means that everywhere is very muddy. I am so pleased that we put a thick layer of gravel over our yard several summers ago, at least we can walk around outside and keep reasonably clean. </div>
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Rob has over the years read most of Casanova's diaries. He was pleased to read recently that his letters had been bought by the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and that they were part of an exhibition about Casanova being staged at the BnF. <a href="http://www.bnf.fr/fr/acc/x.accueil.html" target="_blank">http://www.bnf.fr/fr/acc/x.accueil.html</a> Luckily our visit to France coincided with this exhibition, <a href="http://expositions.bnf.fr/casanova" target="_blank">http://expositions.bnf.fr/casanova</a> so off we went to Paris last Tuesday. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnFBUAxpeXq6aI_bwv_Y-Me8BVFWdXwP2afRROptdaGxXakmswA2mYZIradKMWue_HZTINu5qAzSSSNLliva4JN5QqO5LlXFWt439JAWWkz-QN9DxS_t0melD7EnswuuAkxhhMak49b0t/s1600/BnF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnFBUAxpeXq6aI_bwv_Y-Me8BVFWdXwP2afRROptdaGxXakmswA2mYZIradKMWue_HZTINu5qAzSSSNLliva4JN5QqO5LlXFWt439JAWWkz-QN9DxS_t0melD7EnswuuAkxhhMak49b0t/s1600/BnF" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bibliothèque Nationale de France</td></tr>
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As we drove up to Flers to catch the Paris train the weather looked really promising. Clear skies and crisp air, but the forecast for Paris was heavy rain so I went armed with my umbrella. On arrival we went straight to the BnF and spent some time looking at the exhibition. As always this was a mistake even in the capital city the restaurants had stopped serving food when we came out hungry. So instead of a slap up meal to celebrate our wedding anniversary we finally found a cafe serving organic soups, pies and sandwiches. What we had to eat was tasty and well prepared but not the restaurant experience we had hoped for. When will we learn, food before culture not the other way around. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDrM33QAuX6mP9k63wXGIrUq66Pr3mHGqbU53Fcag8i0P5psXeBYAHzrtJEpMYrjOe-1wVoW2eCWVbA45Dxy_EC5ndz4j1N2C8h-XadMIqLjrSHw5gzd32RuIHFO30TuCrU2UByFTOd3g/s1600/7329588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDrM33QAuX6mP9k63wXGIrUq66Pr3mHGqbU53Fcag8i0P5psXeBYAHzrtJEpMYrjOe-1wVoW2eCWVbA45Dxy_EC5ndz4j1N2C8h-XadMIqLjrSHw5gzd32RuIHFO30TuCrU2UByFTOd3g/s1600/7329588.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural History Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHqwRiDmD3cp-VX3T84TomsYow4SWKZQle28cs_ek1M3L8d6koA3qlUoFgMmGrVgqEnw5z3SIFaMnu6zbEfycVd7MEvz5rPk9_qwKsozEGY5UC9cphTVlz_SrLjhIlvUoC_C_zJ9nOJTa/s1600/1628466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHqwRiDmD3cp-VX3T84TomsYow4SWKZQle28cs_ek1M3L8d6koA3qlUoFgMmGrVgqEnw5z3SIFaMnu6zbEfycVd7MEvz5rPk9_qwKsozEGY5UC9cphTVlz_SrLjhIlvUoC_C_zJ9nOJTa/s1600/1628466.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardin des Plantes</td></tr>
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By this time it was pouring with rain and it continued till we got home. We spent the afternoon walking the streets of Paris under my umbrella, we saw a lot of pavement and not much else as we kept an eye open for puddles. Normally a visit to the shops is not part of the itinerary for such a visit
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Eventually as it got dark we took refuge on the terrace of a cafe, totally enclosed but for a small opening between the glass walls and the canopy roofing, meaning it can be used by smokers who are banned from smoking indoors. It was however nice and warm under the heaters and we sat and watched the world go by in the rain. Before heading for the return train we had a good steak and chips which rounded off our day nicely. Nowhere is particularly pleasant in the rain and Paris is no exception. </div>
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I read in the local paper that there was a 'tricot cafe' being held in the next village, I assumed this would be along the lines of the 'stitch and bitch' groups that are becoming popular in the UK. I know I can knit and I can talk but the question was ' can I knit and talk' in French at the same time? Having nothing else planned for Friday afternoon I decided to give it a try. I arrive fashionably 15 minutes late and on entering the cafe found just one women standing at the bar drinking coffee and talking with the owner. I asked if I was the only one who had come for the 'tricot cafe', no said the lady drinking coffee, we are now two! She was very welcoming and explained that she was not a regular either and she had no idea who else would come along. </div>
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We sat down and she brought out her knitting. She was part way through a waistcoat having completed the back and had almost finished one of the fronts. I then brought out my project and she looked in amazement at my very fine wool and very small circular needle. So with our knitting to talk about we enjoyed an hours conversation about yarns, the lack of wool shops, the change in knitting habits, no longer is knitting done out of necessity as wool is so much more expensive to buy than a ready made sweater, but a hobby for those who want to make something unique. She went on to explain about her trips to the UK and how she loves the soft furnishings in English houses. It turned out that she is married to the architect we hired to do our drawings when we applied for planning permission to put windows in the roof of our barn. Eventually another lady arrived, the organiser, who had been delayed as her cat had needed an emergency visit to the vet! Two hours later I decided it was time to leave as we had friends coming for supper that evening, promising that I will attend again when ever we are in France. </div>
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For anyone who is interested they meet on the last Friday of the month at<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the </span>'Le Coquelicot' in St Fraimbault at 14.30hrs. </span></div>
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<br />Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-29421830837122639352012-01-01T15:50:00.002+00:002012-01-01T15:50:52.887+00:00Happy New YearI would like to take this opportunity to wish all our friends a very happy new year. <br />
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As for the year ahead - what will it bring? <br />
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Here in the UK we are looking forward to the 2012 Olympics. We have tickets for an evening of athletics at the Olympic stadium during the paralympic games. We tried twice for tickets to the able bodied games but were unsuccessful, so thought we would be more successful with tickets for the paralympics. However we tried to get tickets for wheel chair rugby, as one of our friends had designed one of the coins showing the wheel chair rugby, and for the same day some athletics. We have only got the athletic tickets. Never mind, the positive outcome must be that the paralympic games are proving just as popular as the able bodied games, and both sets of athletes need our support. </div>
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In France there will be presidential elections in April. The 'crisis' around the euro seems destined to carry on for some time, and it will be interesting to see who becomes president of France and what effect the results will have on their role in Europe.</div>
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The 6th November will bring the presidential elections in the USA. It doesn't seem that long ago that Obama was elected with so much hope for the future, but so much seems to have happened in the world since then, that he probably couldn't predict. Who ever is elected to office, in France or the USA, will have a difficult time, no matter what their ideals may be the world economy may dictate what they can do rather than what they would like to do. </div>
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With 3 years 364 days to go before 2015 when the UN hopes to have reduced by three quarters, (from 1990 to 2015) the maternal mortality ratio and to increase the number of births attended by skilled health personnel, we still have a very long way to go. If you would like to know more the Every Mother Counts website has plenty of information. You can also follow them on Facebook. <a href="http://everymothercounts.org/issue" target="_blank">http://everymothercounts.org/issue</a></div>
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On a more happy note - it is time to plan the vegetable plot for the coming summer. I must sow the onions and leeks this week. Last years harvest was really good and I am determined we will be self sufficient in onions and leeks this year. </div>
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May I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.<br /><br /></div>
<br />Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-34476158404442574202011-12-16T14:46:00.001+00:002011-12-16T22:51:18.105+00:00Christmas is approaching fast.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just nine days to Christmas 2011. I have to admit to been a little lazy recently about updating my blog I suppose although we have been busy with lots of activities I haven't considered them really newsworthy. </div>
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We did spend about 10 days in France at the end of November. There we spent time tidying up the garden in readiness for the winter. Several branches of the 'Calville' apple tree had broken under the weight of the fruit in the summer and they needed to be cut back to prevent the tree from rotting. The poly tunnel needed to be taken down as it is a simple improvised construction which had worked really well. We will certainly put it up again next year, but will try and get it into production earlier in the year and hope that we can get some melons ripened before the end of the summer. At first glance I thought we only had a harvest of weeds but on closer inspection found that we had lots of vegetables ready to eat. The only disappointment were the brussel sprouts which although they looked healthy the actual sprouts hadn't formed a nice firm heart. We have left them in the hope they will improve - if not they will be shredded for a stir fry. </div>
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Several wheelbarrow loads of farmyard manure have been put on the garden and all bare areas have been covered with black plastic. Hopefully the worms will work the manure into the soil and it will be nice and fertile for next spring.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmyXCo8fZweea0CiT4-KxHlK4coe_64dZkDBxXgDC3jocDSj4DJ8-VZDZSZ0S7mH9eBUx_MqqOmezdQvYaO-d_6Lyb-6LlFvTffV5OHxYS66S7lehv0SUarMQMBVt8BWp_Un2-jbRSb-o/s1600/RIMG0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmyXCo8fZweea0CiT4-KxHlK4coe_64dZkDBxXgDC3jocDSj4DJ8-VZDZSZ0S7mH9eBUx_MqqOmezdQvYaO-d_6Lyb-6LlFvTffV5OHxYS66S7lehv0SUarMQMBVt8BWp_Un2-jbRSb-o/s320/RIMG0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supper!</td></tr>
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We managed to get out and do some foraging for mushrooms. We found plenty to eat and many more which we couldn't identify, but that's the way it goes. It is always satisfying to comeback from a walk in the woods with enough fungi to make a meal and even better when there is enough to dry for another day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magical Woodland Scene (not edible)</td></tr>
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We even found quite a few mushrooms along the lane where we live including a beautiful Wood Blewit. <br />
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For the past few years we have been using the SeaFrance ferries to cross from Dover to Calais. The company has been in financial difficulties for some time now but has survived as it is part of the French railway company, the EU has now ruled that the state support that SeaFrance has been receiving is not legal so the company has been put 'up for sale'. When we travelled a few weeks ago their ferry boats were tied up in the port of Calais as the company was fearful of a walk out by staff as discussions on a take over were taking place. It now appears that the take over offer has been withdrawn and the company could fold as soon as next week. SeaFrance arranged for us to travel with DFDS via Dunkirk, but that added an extra 30 minutes to the crossing and another 20 minutes of travel on the French side. With the number of ferry companies dwindling and with the increase cost of fuel the ticket prices are rising rapidly. We will have to study the various options that the ferry companies offer before we go again in January. There are definitely less people travelling across the channel - the boats are never full, so perhaps there may be some good deals to be negotiated.</div>
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December is the month of Christmas parties. I started with our Moreton Hall WI party. A really good evening with good food, craft (OK, not my forté) limerick writing which was fun and lots of chatter and laughter, in all a good event.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i6sIWY3tyxB2rE06qXNLNeVroXcyLk3M2ANwxhNgONpBdTYGJ-FwHE5xWQS8JKPrp9LLjhVpAzmYnBTxMhtqGsD5KnsEJmHB098My68tXPesYlWuhW21v8ID3oISlKCdQIufZYwXP065/s1600/gullwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i6sIWY3tyxB2rE06qXNLNeVroXcyLk3M2ANwxhNgONpBdTYGJ-FwHE5xWQS8JKPrp9LLjhVpAzmYnBTxMhtqGsD5KnsEJmHB098My68tXPesYlWuhW21v8ID3oISlKCdQIufZYwXP065/s1600/gullwing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Then we had the Bury Heritage Guides Party, again lots of good food and good company and a chance to inspect our hosts vintage cars and drool over the more modern ones, in particular a beautiful 1956 Mercedes similar to the one in this photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw2LYUJHYEsQbauf9aM2Cy1uSFeFMZ7Lcqj1pD6a4LrJUXEMFfwPk88ZIUnJPxfuBAHjsiGwWEpoTBZ3qCGw2_6iJViqGzX-_YsCuuhAk4mJ0JSS2l5Cs2LmAMxG0D6Zpiovd8wZ8x7yr/s1600/IMG00024-20111214-2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw2LYUJHYEsQbauf9aM2Cy1uSFeFMZ7Lcqj1pD6a4LrJUXEMFfwPk88ZIUnJPxfuBAHjsiGwWEpoTBZ3qCGw2_6iJViqGzX-_YsCuuhAk4mJ0JSS2l5Cs2LmAMxG0D6Zpiovd8wZ8x7yr/s200/IMG00024-20111214-2036.jpg" width="196" /></a>The WI held its annual carol concert at St Mary's Church, this last Monday evening, which as usual was well attended. At this time of year I bring out my red 'fur' coat which I wear to parties and, what has become a tradition, to the Carol Concert. I think if I turned up in another coat there would be complaints from my friends. Also this week we had the flower club Christmas meeting which again saw us tackling a craft project. This time angels to hang in the Christmas tree which will be decorated as part of a tree festival. I was quite impressed by the results this time.</div>
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This year I have been a little late in getting the Christmas cake made, but finally this week I set aside a baking day, I got the cake was baked and the Christmas pudding mixed. This has now been steamed and is ready for the final steam on the day. Alexander helped me make lots of mince pies which are now in the freezer ready to dip into as needed. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FjXrUBAxdG2tcU3d_gFYegztaQAqhXlwNm7DUtUZ5wjXAzzqRlhY9Uvf7F7zvODOvGznixukul8NdGKEqnD8mxdMRF0awao7EExGa61YAgiun39WeuWc4kTdtZ9SG7ibn5n3pne1T6-Q/s1600/Liz+in+Op+Theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FjXrUBAxdG2tcU3d_gFYegztaQAqhXlwNm7DUtUZ5wjXAzzqRlhY9Uvf7F7zvODOvGznixukul8NdGKEqnD8mxdMRF0awao7EExGa61YAgiun39WeuWc4kTdtZ9SG7ibn5n3pne1T6-Q/s320/Liz+in+Op+Theater.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the operating theater, sewing up the duck</td></tr>
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Last week while I was watching Michel Roux Jr give a masterclass I was inspired to copy his 'dodine de canard'. Basically a duck filled with a meat farce to make a duck paté which you can slice when cold. I have to say it looks beautiful, just like the one Michel Roux made. Just hope it tastes as good as it looks. </div>
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I also have a piece of beef marinating in spices which will be lightly cooked after another 4 days of curing and a piece of salmon in a gravadlax cure. Definitely feel good about these dishes, they should be tasty without being too filling. Just in case my sister is reading this - it's OK I will get a turkey for Christmas day!</div>
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So much about food - well it is a time of year to cook both traditional dishes and to try something new. All that's left to do is get a tree, that is easy here as they grow locally, just a couple of kilometres up the road and buy a couple of small gift items. </div>
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Happy Christmas to you all.<br />
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</a></div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-35429089807131997822011-10-13T22:15:00.001+01:002011-10-13T22:32:20.429+01:00Where has the time gone<div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know where the last few weeks have gone. We have been busy with meetings and trips out. I have done some dress making. We spent a day in Colchester visiting the new Firstsite Art Gallery. Rob had a day in London. I visited the Budhist centre in Norwich with a group from the WI, and yesterday I went to a conference in London of which much more below.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After an early start Jill Newell and I arrived at Victoria Coach Station London, where we immediately sought out a small cafe for a much needed coffee and toilet stop, before heading off the the Home Office. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Airport style security is the order of the day to get into government buildings these days. Jackets off, all bags and small items removed from pockets and placed into plastic trays ready for screening and then through the security arch. All OK so far, given a ticket to indicate we had passed security and then on to the reception desk where we were given visitors passes for the conference facilities.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We joined about 50 women for a preparatory meeting ahead of the 56th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which will be focusing on ‘What are the priorities for women in rural communities?’. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The meeting was opened by Helene Reardon-Bond OBE, Head of Gender Equality Policy and Inclusion at Government Equalities Office. She then quickly handed over to Lynne Featherstone MP, Minister for Equalities who spoke about the importance of hearing from rural women themselves about the issues that concern them. She said she could not promise to make any decisions based on what was said at the meeting but she would try and bear our points in mind when dealing with issues that concerned us. She explained that she did understand what it was to be a working, single parent and that life is a juggling act. She told us that said had arrived home at 11 p.m. the previous evening to find her daughter not well and the dog sick and in need of the vet. So arranged an out of hours vet for the dog and picked up some medication from an all night chemist for her daughter on the way back from the vets. She does live in London, not sure how easy it would have been in rural Suffolk. She stayed for just a short while before dashing off back to the House of Commons. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Helene Reardon-Bond then went on to introduce the CSW to the group and explain the role of the UK Government Delegation. Each area of the world has a number of delegates, Africa, Asia, Southern America, etc and explained that the UK is in a group with Europe She explained the procedure for the conference in New York and how we fitted into the picture. We will be asked to put forward points to be taken into consideration and a small work group will discuss these points further before presenting them to the delegation from our area. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sarah MacAdam the Head of Policy at Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) gave a very interesting presentation. The main topics which she thought were of concern to rural women, matched those that had been presented to me when I had canvassed opinion prior to the meeting. It was reassuring to know that we were all thinking along the same lines. Of course she discussed the statistics of the rural communities, but one statistic stuck out for me. Women in rural communities are more likely to be better educated than those living in towns, and have higher qualifications that men living in rural areas - I knew we were a clever bunch, and statistics prove it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leo Thomas, Inclusive Growth Advisor, with the Department for International Development (DfID) then spoke about the priorities for women in particular with reference to the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. He spoke about his four main priorities: Delaying first pregnancies, tackling violence against women, and girls, working towards all girls/women receiving a full primary education. the economic empowerment of women, ensuring that they have rights to land ownership, and access to their own money and bank accounts. He had been working in Afghanistan for two years prior to taking up his present position and had seen how when women where in control of projects and cash that the money was always well used and projects succeeded.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We then broke off into groups where we gathered around flip charts and threw ideas at each other. Lots of noise and banter, but Jill and I did make sure the “WI” kept being mentioned. Reporting back to the meeting we were pleased that our note taker mentioned the WI three times in her report. We were the only organization to get mentioned. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Before the close of the meeting we had another presentation, this time by Polly Gibb, the Director of Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE). She explained the work of WiRE, how it supports rural women, through mentoring and peer support groups, who are setting up and running rural businesses. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Helene Reardon-Bond had to leave before the end of the meeting as she was expected to be at an event in Downing Street with the Prime Minister so her colleague Celia Reed closed the meeting. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Reflecting on the meeting it was clear that many attending were not from rural communities and had no idea of rural life. One women remarked that rural women didn’t have access to democracy, had no idea how to access resources and basically wanted to say that they were a little ‘backward’. A couple of women of African origin and a women from the Indian subcontinent kept returning to the problems faced by women in Africa and Asia, which although important was not the focus of this particular meeting and did not really warm us to their plight.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Those women we did meet who had come from more rural areas had similar concerns to us and we were all similarly motived to get things done. As one farmer from Essex who was representing farming women said we, all women's groups must work more closely together to prevent repetition and be stronger as a group.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It was a very interesting meeting and as the only two representatives from the WI we felt we had made a significant contribution. Whether we will be asked to be on the small working party - probably not as there was a small group from UN Women who regularly attend the CSW in New York and all know one another. In any case watch this space as we may get feed back about the issues we raised. I don't think we will be going to New York though for the conference.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-46850535748237586632011-08-22T14:35:00.000+01:002011-08-22T14:35:18.024+01:00Maastricht, Strépy-Thieu, Saint Fraimbault and more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As it pours with rain outside and thunder can be heard all around - it is time to catch up with my blog. It has been one of those unsettled summers, rain one day - hot dry sunshine another. It has just been so unpredictable it has been impossible to plan ahead. The thunderstorm seems to be getting nearer which will probably mean the internet connection will go down and possibly also the electricity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are just back from a short trip to the Netherlands. Setting off from here in warm sunny weather which stayed with us all the way to Maastricht. Here in our region of France there is very little traffic and it is only when you get onto the Paris - Calais motorway that the traffic becomes busier. We were driving across Belgium towards the southeast of the Netherlands so were lucky to avoid any really heavy traffic till we came to a stop at the end of the motorway on the outskirts of Maastricht. There the motorway ends and becomes a dual carriageway with traffic lights as the road passes through the town. Preparations are underway to build a tunnel to take the motorway underground, but it will be many years before the road is completed. Luckily for us we were leaving the road at the first junction but still had to wait sometime just to get to the slip road.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the time we arrived at out destination the temperature had risen to 28C and it was very humid and muggy. After taking a walk along the river bank it grew very dark and we could hear thunder approaching in the distance. Luckily for us we were indoors when the storm broke, but a pop festival in nearby Belgium was hit by the storm, the podium was destroyed and tents flattened by the rain and wind. Several people lost their lives. Some of the staff from our niece's restaurant were attending the festival but were lucky to escape unhurt. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14586001">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14586001</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silkie chicken drinking water. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Saturday we enjoyed a walk in the area around Teuven, Belgium. The area is very similar to Suffolk with soft undulating hills. We walked through farmland, woodland and through orchard lined lanes in the warm sunshine, before enjoying a meal and a drink on the terrace at Moeder de Gans. Teuven is close to both the Dutch and German boarders so the clientele tends to be multi national. In addition to the humans enjoying the sun on the terrace there are chickens roaming freely around the premises. <a href="http://www.moederdegans.be/English_website.htm">http://www.moederdegans.be/English_website.htm</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"> On the way home yesterday we stopped off to visit the boat lift at Strépy-Thieu. This lift was opened in 2002 enabling large 1300 tonnes barges to be raised 73 m. The construction is amazingly large. We visited the visitors area above the machine room at the top of the building. Again - worth a detour if you are in the area. There are also four more boat lifts in the area, which were built in the early 20th century but are much smaller and can only take small barges of maximum of 300 tonnes. </div><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Str%C3%A9py-Thieu_boat_lift">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strépy-Thieu_boat_lift</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW Frazer Nash</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Every year France closes down on the 15th August for the Feast of the Assumption. Our neighbouring village of Saint Fraimbault holds its annual 'event' on this day. There was a display of old agricultural equipment and there was the usual vintage car rally. This particular car was interesting, a BMW Frazer Nash.</div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_KR200"></a><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frazer_Nash">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frazer_Nash</a><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_KR200">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_KR200</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messcherschmitt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost finished - the highest point</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">After many weeks of very hard work, Rob has almost finished the re-pointing of the building in the centre of the yard. It has taken much longer than he had anticipated when he started. The result is really good. The new lime mortar really shows off the colour and shape of the stones - a real work of art!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_KR200"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhit-lTA3j1BIAIEWO7p3WtPMRj0KIH7QFM6SYENrfvccH2a8SJzEj7unbi45VjlX6zIz7gbgwOpqwws6iP9tPQeA_QJn2TriOOkDFd0Acl5n89TYDB4fMDp9FYtvPS07WcgOZ2D7JOwOex/s1600/Image013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhit-lTA3j1BIAIEWO7p3WtPMRj0KIH7QFM6SYENrfvccH2a8SJzEj7unbi45VjlX6zIz7gbgwOpqwws6iP9tPQeA_QJn2TriOOkDFd0Acl5n89TYDB4fMDp9FYtvPS07WcgOZ2D7JOwOex/s320/Image013.jpg" width="320" /></a>A while ago we visited Forges de Varenne. One of the iron ore sites which we have here in the area. Last year we visited a village which had been set up specially for the industry. This site is much older, 17th century. The furnaces are in the grounds of a small chateau which is now used as a family home for handicapped young people. It is a site well worth visiting if you are in the area. </div><br />
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<a href="http://www.champsecret61.com/index.php/decouvrir/patrimoine/les-forges-de-varennes.html">http://www.champsecret61.com/index.php/decouvrir/patrimoine/les-forges-de-varennes.html</a><br />
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It is still raining and the temperature is falling. Hopefully this is not the end of 'summer' but one does have the feeling that a real Autumn may be a better option than this type of weather.<br />
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</a></div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Str%C3%A9py-Thieu_boat_lift"><br />
</a>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-76643803439735373662011-08-08T14:22:00.000+01:002011-08-08T14:22:03.243+01:00Rainy August in France<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who ever started the discussion on Global Warming, needs to have another look at their data. I am not saying that I want to stop recycling or being more careful about the amount of fossil fuels I consume, but really...... when I was younger, much younger than today.... August was a summer month. Warm days, even warm nights, pleasant weather for camping and being outdoors. I remember cycling in the heat of the summer in the Loire department when visiting our French friends. Then August afternoons were for spending indoors in the shade and cool of their old house, before emerging later in the afternoon to sit in the shade. Now, August seems to mean spending time indoors to avoid the rain, and when you can venture out it is cool and grey. Luckily this morning remained dry and was also very windy which meant the clouds were wizzing by overhead and although some of them have been dropping the wet stuff from time to time it looks as though it may stay dry all day. Oh no... it rained heavily but only while we were eating lunch. Now the sun is shining again. Rob is taking every opportunity to continue his outdoor work as he has had so many interruptions it seems that the task will never be finished. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bardsey Apple Tree laden with fruit.</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">By now we should be enjoying the tomatoes we have growing in the garden but, they have enough water and there are plenty of tomatoes on the vines, they are just not ripening. Two plants out the front of the house, which in previous years would have produced ripe fruits a couple of weeks ahead of those in the garden now have some reddening tomatoes, but they are still not ripe enough to eat. Even those in the poly tunnel aren't ripening. Warmth is obviously not enough. Despite this the cucumbers which are also growing in the poly tunnel are very prolific, at least one cucumber per day - today I picked 2 large ones. We even have a melon, but it is still the golf ball size it was last week, still there is still hope we might get one to eat this summer, which is one more than last year. Sun please come back and warm things up.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wall paintings - 'Hell"?</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yesterday we visited Lassay le Chateau with my father. There is a building currently being used as an exhibition space which has these very old wall paingings. From the shape of the windows and the topic of the paintings we assume it must be a chapel and the young lady on reception also called it a chapel, but when I tried to discover more about it on the internet I only came accoss mention of it being a jail. Of course it has probably had many uses over the years.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fJSG_QQm1QvgGu6DA-RZgJibzI3h2-KocZtbJUwioe6dDpZytxF4K6jTfuTAb3GNx7p5JJzjWh7f0ZbJribbviriKqIyI6xwuSoVRJoP0umcKjV1BqsN3u6Hd-pjNXwviI0YBzJu9DcJ/s1600/RIMG0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fJSG_QQm1QvgGu6DA-RZgJibzI3h2-KocZtbJUwioe6dDpZytxF4K6jTfuTAb3GNx7p5JJzjWh7f0ZbJribbviriKqIyI6xwuSoVRJoP0umcKjV1BqsN3u6Hd-pjNXwviI0YBzJu9DcJ/s320/RIMG0022.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail of same wall painting</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another interestign fact I discovered was that Camille Pissarro, one of the impressionist painters visited his friend and fellow painter <span class="Style40"><span class="Style23">Ludovic Piette in </span></span>the area between Lassay le Chateau and Ceauce.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.petit-patrimoine.com/fiche-petit-patrimoine.php?id_pp=53149_1"> http://www.petit-patrimoine.com/fiche-petit-patrimoine.php?id_pp=53149_1</a>. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you have been watching the BBC series on the impressionists you will have heard about him. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sculpture on view in gallery!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Raining again!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This last weekend was the 15th '</span><span style="color: #663300; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Les Médiévales de Domfront'.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #663300; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> <a href="http://domfront-medievales.com/">http://domfront-medievales.com/</a>. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #663300; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This event is held bi annually and the old part of the town is filled with stalls selling locally produced craft and food items. There is also typical medieval entertainment. A couple of weeks before the event a shop opens in town where you can go to be measured for a costume. Not everyone dresses up but many do. Some interesting combinations - modern shoes and specs often accessorising the outfits.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #663300; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We have been there when it was warm and those wearing heavy costumes where suffering in the heat, however on Saturday when we were there it was a question of avoiding the rain showers. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #663300; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One really interesting display was a man and his geese which he controled with a 'sheep' dog and a whistle. The geese were amazingly responsive to the dog and moved a one body when the dog moved around them.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Man on right with stick the 'Goose Herder'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">We did make a few purchases from a sculputer, one piece of a women balancing a ball on her ankle, I bought some wooden ear rings and we bought my sister a birthday present, which will for the moment remain a secret as although it is her birthday we haven't been able to send it to her as yet.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliFJRLR09k1Q61GqtPCuIIvzToPLuqxMfb2L-ew-jBkh7IpvW0h-02Ak83mWc0Hv8y3B8eS_dlaoLRlmBtbFHtDNs9QrdU2Qlgyu6dha5v-wHgI0chuNG_OjG8j5SJgilxuQRb0EkJNrG/s1600/RIMG0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliFJRLR09k1Q61GqtPCuIIvzToPLuqxMfb2L-ew-jBkh7IpvW0h-02Ak83mWc0Hv8y3B8eS_dlaoLRlmBtbFHtDNs9QrdU2Qlgyu6dha5v-wHgI0chuNG_OjG8j5SJgilxuQRb0EkJNrG/s320/RIMG0018.JPG" width="315" /> </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the 'Goose Herder'</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't know how succesful the event was, a lot of time and effort goes into organising these events and it will be a shame if the stall holders were out of pocket at the end of the weekend. I will ask our neighbours who have a shop in the town selling replica mediaeval items and local crafts.</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please can I have one too, but more sun too?</span></td></tr>
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Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-40235122728059848372011-07-27T20:19:00.000+01:002011-07-27T20:19:25.881+01:00Bagnoles de l'Orne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic lunch in Bagnoles de l'Orne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having our picnic lunch on the job.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday saw us at the Vide Greniers in Bagnoles de l'Orne, a spa town close to us. It is a huge two day event and for the second year running we had a stall on the Sunday. I had made a large batch of Lemon Curd to sell on the stall as we had run out of stock at the last sale. Sales were steady throughout the day and even as I was packing up I sold a few more jars of chutney to a lady who is based in Paris and is setting up a course for school children - teaching them about the different tastes of France. She thought my lemon curd and chutneys were an interesting addition to the Tastes of the Orne. We also met up with several of our neighbours who were enjoying a Sunday out in the sunshine, a rare sight these days - the sun that is not the neighbours. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaipur Maharaja BrassBand from Rajasthan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Each Sunday afternoon in July and August concerts are held in the park of the chateau. They vary considerably in style - last Sunday it was a brass band from Jaipur. They played music and there was a female dancer. One of the troop also did circus style acts balancing a pot on his head while dancing to the music and walking bare foot on a bed of nails. These events are always well attended, it may be because they are free and in the open air. After packing up our stall we spent some time watching the band. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rob happened to be walking outside the house one lunchtime and found a cow had escaped from the field opposite and was wondering along the road. Just as we were looking up the phone number to call the farmer he came along with assistance and they quickly rounded up the cow and fixed the fence. No doubt she thought the grass was greener on the otherside and pushed her way through the barbed wire to get to it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are still waiting for summer to return. The only plus side of the weather is that the mushrooms are flourishing. Yesterday evening while strolling up the lane to visit a friend we found 7 parasol mushrooms just in the grass at the side of the road. We quickly harvested them for our dinner this evening. Luckily I don't think anyone else had noticed them as they were well hidden in the long grass. </div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-33334025421408571022011-07-18T21:50:00.001+01:002011-07-18T21:53:39.464+01:00Chutneys, Marmalade and Lemon Curd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUlYQz8MaOzrdT5Opyb7nOIdbgq61Ulet7AQdJnFtjRsb0yst6saQtAN5AwwTr-apsCRLZpwW3MtDsIWvWRoYFOvcp7T30XozrsdQFgT84WRnewHxXNZQ-89zp8-MHX1vkI7sZMicx675/s1600/RIMG0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selling Chutney</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Last Thursday, 14th July, I had a stall at the 'braderie' in Domfront. It is a large event with both commercial and private individuals selling their wares. Most people are selling 'car boot' type items but I was there with my chutneys and marmalade. We also have a selection of English language paperbacks, books which we have read and then sell on to other local English speaking people.<br />
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I had booked a place in advance, and when I queried the 7am start I was told it was imperative that I arrived then and no later as the roads in the town would all be closed off later. Of course with hind sight I realise I should have tried to find out where I was being placed, so when we arrived just after 7 on Thursday morning, I found that my spot was along the main road running through the town and we could have arrived at any time as it is the main road from Alençon to the coast and would remain open all day. For the first couple of hours it was very quiet and very chilly. Then about 9 am people started to arrive and within a short while I had sold all the Lemon Curd. Throughout the morning I had a steady stream of customers, some new and some I had met before. One older gentleman explained that he had left his wife at home while he was looking around the stalls. He asked where we lived and then explained he knew our house and our neighbours and that he lives in the village next to the Marie, small world!<br />
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Eventually about 1pm the sun came out and it warmed up - and the afternoon was pleasantly warm. In the morning the people milling around were mainly older couples and many expats, but plenty of them were out to buy. In the afternoon the crowds changed to families with children who were there to enjoy the sun, but not much business was being done. Eventually around 5 pm we packed up and went home. I was very satisfied with my sales. Next week we will be at the Vide Greniers in Bagnoles de l'Orne. I have already made another batch of Lemon Curd as many people asked for it last week.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">This last week has been particuarily wet in fact last Tuesday we had 30ml of rain and over the last week we have had about 50 ml. The garden is really wet. The potatoes seem to be happy with this rain, as are the asparagus plants, they continue to send up small spears. The plants are now two years old so we still have a few years to wait before we can eat it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George sleeping under the hedge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>George, our cat, often sleeps outside, even in the rain, so long has he has a relatively dry spot to sleep, in England he sleeps under the garden table, here he sleeps under the hedge. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoking some mackerel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">For many years now we have been smoking our own fish. We have struggled to make a contraption that will produce cold smoke rather than hot smoke. Finally we have almost got there. See the contraption left. Still the smoke is a bit too warm, so we need to find some more piping. But we are pleased with the design so far. From left to right, our old barbeque, two pieces of piping linked at both ends with curved pipes all found in the metal container at the déchtèterie (recycling centre). The piping is still not long enough to cool the smoke sufficiently so we need to find a couple more pieces. As it was raining when we were preparing supper we set it up under the chimney in the barn. The mackerel was really delicious a good smoky flavour and just very gently cooked in the warm smoke.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rob has continued with his re-pointing of the walls of the outbuilding, while I have continued with the redecoration of one of the bedrooms. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning while painting the ceiling I listened to Women's Hour on Radio 4 and there was a very interesting piece on the WI focusing on the Shoreditch Sisterhood WI in East London. They are a new WI and are keen on crafts but are also very interested in the campaigns of the WI and are linking these interests in a 'Vulva Quilt' which they will use to raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">See these websites for more information. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://shoreditchsisters.blogspot.com/">http://shoreditchsisters.blogspot.com</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/shoreditchsisterswi?sk=wall">http://www.facebook.com/shoreditchsisterswi?sk=wall</a> where there is a link to BBC iplayer. Great to hear that they have a campaigns officer on their committee, just wish a few more WIs were so interested in Public Affairs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32, UK52.248726 0.7059329999999590724.910136499999997 -59.059692000000041 79.5873155 60.471557999999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-44821247285488454572011-07-09T11:27:00.006+01:002011-07-09T12:08:08.308+01:00Tour de France 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rob and I spent Thursday along side the road waiting and then briefly watching the Tour de France. Had to come home to follow it later on television. The majority of photos are of the caravanne which precedes the tour by about an hour. Hats, tooters, cakes, crisps,newspapers, key rings etc were thrown from the passing vehicules at fairly high speeds.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbyIeuE13qC1Cb8uD9xy4C11Iu_03mrXTRbr_8cvQfH9R9bxLHaXjrEXACrzF4-sZTMsPWlMcUWXrx0KrehTqAYzNAPXTqkZ-mFWevWrMOH6g2LnPwppXpR2OhVNvo6b3Ugl8n_bA1cGA/s1600/RIMG0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbyIeuE13qC1Cb8uD9xy4C11Iu_03mrXTRbr_8cvQfH9R9bxLHaXjrEXACrzF4-sZTMsPWlMcUWXrx0KrehTqAYzNAPXTqkZ-mFWevWrMOH6g2LnPwppXpR2OhVNvo6b3Ugl8n_bA1cGA/s320/RIMG0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No not a real rider!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhxx8HAT__6WToH82D3ObiAIygBu2wZJttYhI3T5jR3xoZVW6CCJL2oi_Pe-PEv3LF6klOYopl1YOTc-CZ-IbZnCOMoHXXFHW5XU1La8YMCmtRBUccFdSWrAWQBGmOrNe6PhfPnunQiHu/s1600/RIMG0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhxx8HAT__6WToH82D3ObiAIygBu2wZJttYhI3T5jR3xoZVW6CCJL2oi_Pe-PEv3LF6klOYopl1YOTc-CZ-IbZnCOMoHXXFHW5XU1La8YMCmtRBUccFdSWrAWQBGmOrNe6PhfPnunQiHu/s320/RIMG0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather large dog?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes he was real!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the caravanne, waiting for the tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3rmfmzGtzQVlQpu2fWBi7M57rM-YA_d52IlgOlmb2aAKkm8rgoiPmtT8SOcf0TRSW61fTwleVAWTldDvQyUlt-KOZo83D3DPUpeHkXZyTNiIuPu_tGL1zA58c5FuoBTEnWz0Da5MWLk1/s1600/RIMG0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3rmfmzGtzQVlQpu2fWBi7M57rM-YA_d52IlgOlmb2aAKkm8rgoiPmtT8SOcf0TRSW61fTwleVAWTldDvQyUlt-KOZo83D3DPUpeHkXZyTNiIuPu_tGL1zA58c5FuoBTEnWz0Da5MWLk1/s320/RIMG0066.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything coming?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jK1HfSTN3Gvn9whiUnT3Gtuo81XA-o0kZIntSAJ3fFj-BMTolT1Bd2G_NB63RvIG0Ly3DB_xnmCbADhYvlbywgiqQO2pwCpJ9xB3xPMCUhg7CzMRjLj70zsTXZmWmGIrqOlv5xMzRWxt/s1600/RIMG0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jK1HfSTN3Gvn9whiUnT3Gtuo81XA-o0kZIntSAJ3fFj-BMTolT1Bd2G_NB63RvIG0Ly3DB_xnmCbADhYvlbywgiqQO2pwCpJ9xB3xPMCUhg7CzMRjLj70zsTXZmWmGIrqOlv5xMzRWxt/s400/RIMG0068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front runners.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjzkCJMwd3GsJlSaUPLhu-IOxBh1Y-qDzPaaqXMNGNlWp8yMdnPW5yZQvrLNTl0N07j2DOJuHJLmguPrw74f_z4rfZoum0_jrR0KvgIyD6H40z8bd8zGxTXM5ZOWqJLouFxFC6aU3CIf4/s1600/RIMG0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjzkCJMwd3GsJlSaUPLhu-IOxBh1Y-qDzPaaqXMNGNlWp8yMdnPW5yZQvrLNTl0N07j2DOJuHJLmguPrw74f_z4rfZoum0_jrR0KvgIyD6H40z8bd8zGxTXM5ZOWqJLouFxFC6aU3CIf4/s320/RIMG0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then a gap - filled with support cars</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyeIvGTUx2WcN0wKPP2kL-LyVrmP7RE0W2A-s30exGha5VD66U8ShltShQsrSx-AExzpx97r3S1_rCDX37fw9KTLiRo3tJk7KcexZgFIiHbE5ukRUd6it7wdXwr5kT0_dijAE5v35CBX9/s1600/RIMG0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyeIvGTUx2WcN0wKPP2kL-LyVrmP7RE0W2A-s30exGha5VD66U8ShltShQsrSx-AExzpx97r3S1_rCDX37fw9KTLiRo3tJk7KcexZgFIiHbE5ukRUd6it7wdXwr5kT0_dijAE5v35CBX9/s320/RIMG0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Board has numbers of those in the breakaway group, looking up to the helicopter above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbaqO_JYYBRJLuPTyUy0FXxJzv6KAl6G5OlHk3tkKfG3WqQOfxAvqBCEHEQqCKdWcMjGDYchLWioNAy_gg8p3jXBwCkMebFgv6ZNYwF2k_xWhNoeXRsd-hHtxlOa8VL94pgJVejk-_Hoj/s1600/RIMG0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbaqO_JYYBRJLuPTyUy0FXxJzv6KAl6G5OlHk3tkKfG3WqQOfxAvqBCEHEQqCKdWcMjGDYchLWioNAy_gg8p3jXBwCkMebFgv6ZNYwF2k_xWhNoeXRsd-hHtxlOa8VL94pgJVejk-_Hoj/s640/RIMG0072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Peleton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFB8oeN0yikTXm5DrHWs9xgHrLhriXjfFQL8csI7HuMAN1FtH8jHU_D5pXyyTFRX4U6YMBMr9Rmd8rD7k9MkOZi8ig9_I38r5TC48B0pHjJuIBbIX4g5Y8B2hgO-uymQhxA6nRLfpdUYG/s1600/RIMG0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFB8oeN0yikTXm5DrHWs9xgHrLhriXjfFQL8csI7HuMAN1FtH8jHU_D5pXyyTFRX4U6YMBMr9Rmd8rD7k9MkOZi8ig9_I38r5TC48B0pHjJuIBbIX4g5Y8B2hgO-uymQhxA6nRLfpdUYG/s400/RIMG0073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> As they pass by.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dywhXjoxAnDq-LXPAwTRjBAbGMZGFNLKH7UlXxMFaBUUQS7eyfNWluT9S1pn0IqgKRtyyXTJEKuI5Yqx7_mgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This video gives an impression of the caravanne racing by. It was very windy and the background noise is the wind not my breathing. You will see why you need to look at the photos - it is almost impossible to see what is wizzing by.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwUndVltECjYNBod5_wSHmH_A3eW7k65Eg9UTB2zFFhyT6R0P_eWWXKixPQV6z20cG436haTgR7e6H3xbXOuQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Video of the event, terrible pictures but an idea of what it was like to be there. </div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-59082718506364338842011-07-06T16:57:00.000+01:002011-07-06T16:57:56.266+01:00Work in progress<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa5ges7cly8ZENGgdRH05GcPcoPRXF3tXYb7RLWsaQ3jNpklGSw1Ix4k3DPlBkFqVKq69imd807bWsWfmJSDMDNC-8JXkay7VK-qi9lHu0L8Hf4aJ6esNVshHn7QzU4JFiWxpi_detXmt/s1600/RIMG0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa5ges7cly8ZENGgdRH05GcPcoPRXF3tXYb7RLWsaQ3jNpklGSw1Ix4k3DPlBkFqVKq69imd807bWsWfmJSDMDNC-8JXkay7VK-qi9lHu0L8Hf4aJ6esNVshHn7QzU4JFiWxpi_detXmt/s320/RIMG0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Redstarts hiding behind the vine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV5LQ-sjtiJoSyaMDiQyBybqAA2at8yxFoHm187vOWolJqi1Z4mcAW94Hg9lBl6kAqieit0fRlrzZz4etaRIVFjg3wOzNRd_2UIsY6wlQZhGvR5b1huo12XO-fiBcXA3FASJNE-C0ucEE/s1600/RIMG0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV5LQ-sjtiJoSyaMDiQyBybqAA2at8yxFoHm187vOWolJqi1Z4mcAW94Hg9lBl6kAqieit0fRlrzZz4etaRIVFjg3wOzNRd_2UIsY6wlQZhGvR5b1huo12XO-fiBcXA3FASJNE-C0ucEE/s320/RIMG0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of our 'babies'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The birds have been very busy these last few weeks. We have several house sparrows nesting in holes in the walls of the outbuildings. Somewhere locally a black bird is nesting and often sits on the roof of the cowshed singing. Last year we had a pair of Redstarts nesting in a hole in the wall, about 90cm from the ground. It wasn't a very safe place to raise a family as George (the cat) soon realised he could sit under the entrance and watch the parents flying in and out. Luckily he didn't catch them. This year we have had a pair, possibly the same ones, who have built a nest in the vine climbing on the side of the outbuilding where we have our laundry room and pump house. A much safer place to rasie a family but still low enough for us to see the chicks when they had hatched. Just after these photos were taken they started to strectch their wings and then the next morning, just after breakfast the two largest fledged. Unfortunately we missed them leaving. The smaller one remained in the nest and I assumed it wouldn't fledge that day but when I checked after dinner it too had gone. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The sparrows are still busy with their families no doubt they will fledge soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHMNtFYcNVkGEiuXLcr8okKdVVvDWpnhQuAM6wXyXvjBZnbFno8z2uYXiXGEsv3JR3kSEA4WnBan14uOuYs-utsNjoKqtar0Pt11fc-PyuLmDPPXCc1q_aKxtguY6GFLIIJuzNMJu1mz9/s1600/RIMG0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHMNtFYcNVkGEiuXLcr8okKdVVvDWpnhQuAM6wXyXvjBZnbFno8z2uYXiXGEsv3JR3kSEA4WnBan14uOuYs-utsNjoKqtar0Pt11fc-PyuLmDPPXCc1q_aKxtguY6GFLIIJuzNMJu1mz9/s320/RIMG0002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob re-pointing the walls of one of our buildings</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Rob has started to re-point the walls of the outbuilding. He is using a lime mortar and has a reference book which was also used by the builders who built the millenium tower on St Edmundsbury Cathedral. However, I don't think Prince Charles will be popping in to see the progress of this project as he did in Bury. After a few trials he has perfected the mixture and is happy with his work to date. It will be a long job as he has to clean out the old mortar and in someplaces add small stones to fill up the holes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He is currently working his way around at ground level and then will move on to a platform to work on the higher areas. He has completed two sides so far and will tackle the back of the building next - giving the birds time to vacate their maternity accommodation. </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have started work preparing one of our spare bedrooms for redecoration. So far I have stripped the walls of the old wallpaper and carpet. This means that one bedroom is out of action for a while but we still have one double for visitors, and hopefully it won't take me too long to finish my project. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-16932512954308624722011-06-10T15:30:00.000+01:002011-06-10T15:30:00.478+01:00NFWI AGM<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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Just back from a two day trip to Liverpool were I attended the NFWI AGM along with more than 4,500 other women.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I travelled to Liverpool with the crowd from Suffolk West, delegates and observers. Tuesday afternoon we took a ferry across the Mersey, and back! Must admit we didn't do much singing, but it was a lovely afternoon. Unfortunately it did rain on the way back towards Liverpool, but it dried up and the sun came out as we arrived back on the Pier Head. Our group were staying in an hotel near the airport so after the ferry trip the coach then took them to their overnight accommodation. As I had booked late I was staying in a different hotel and took the opportunity to explore Liverpool.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGEhyphenhyphenBJK6hDsUen1VQqCpwFjz3ehJFzPQOv9tRa-sjIpPtpOd-RhQgD9242msSGVVBGivlHjra-t4_TukS0SYTP3QFYddrmQT9DOGcFDPmsIbYMPIya7FhNtkkvNQNHJYnU-JjMhq4RBZ/s1600/glassdresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGEhyphenhyphenBJK6hDsUen1VQqCpwFjz3ehJFzPQOv9tRa-sjIpPtpOd-RhQgD9242msSGVVBGivlHjra-t4_TukS0SYTP3QFYddrmQT9DOGcFDPmsIbYMPIya7FhNtkkvNQNHJYnU-JjMhq4RBZ/s320/glassdresses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I managed to visit a gallery in the Walker Art Gallery, and saw the exhibition 'Dare to Wear' Dresses and corsets made of glass. <a href="http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/daretowear/#Videos">http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/daretowear/#Videos</a>.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaC6YGKHAFyjoUOlAZU2gTlffCDfwn1DSMAJQhGJi01FaJid301zeGDz3_CEFLvC7lWF2wOjdZKJ7HA70pF58ALYkq6VGJqW0cUw-COxVJkUzkhEmLShH7_ITLosPnLJ1xuQJP4SivCJv/s1600/Liverpool_Metropolitan_Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaC6YGKHAFyjoUOlAZU2gTlffCDfwn1DSMAJQhGJi01FaJid301zeGDz3_CEFLvC7lWF2wOjdZKJ7HA70pF58ALYkq6VGJqW0cUw-COxVJkUzkhEmLShH7_ITLosPnLJ1xuQJP4SivCJv/s200/Liverpool_Metropolitan_Cathedral.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"> From there I walked to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral which is known locally as Paddy's Wigwam. <a href="http://www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk/">http://www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk/</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">My walk then took my along Hope Street, a road lined with beautiful large houses, many of which are now boutique hotels and restaurants. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_Street,_Liverpool">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_Street,_Liverpool</a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUjkD7DMp97kgBoTCZZKACYzg2PaI62PRQqu5qa6IrKg3ILNfjgrFqhDcj-q22qOhrB-7b8TEKgX00TRIlUg5Y1vRDvdMBHJQS4tW1Pnxn5eI5QckvEEKaU2yNRDl9DIc88S1_PCgCnVW/s1600/cathedral.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUjkD7DMp97kgBoTCZZKACYzg2PaI62PRQqu5qa6IrKg3ILNfjgrFqhDcj-q22qOhrB-7b8TEKgX00TRIlUg5Y1vRDvdMBHJQS4tW1Pnxn5eI5QckvEEKaU2yNRDl9DIc88S1_PCgCnVW/s1600/cathedral.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anglican Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I continued until I came to the Anglican Cathedral, much darker and somber compared to the more modern Catholic Cathedral.<a href="http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/"> http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk</a> It is situated high up above the city with magnificent views towards the Mersey. Also along side it is the graveyard with is deep down in what appears to be a quarried area. <a href="http://www.stjamescemetery.co.uk/">http://www.stjamescemetery.co.uk/</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I continued my walk back into the city centre - there was so much more to see but by this time the feet were feeling just a bit tired. Definitely need to return to do some more site seeing.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I went into the Albert Dock area in the evening is search of a restaurant. The Albert Dock has been regenerated, and now has restaurants, bars, hotels and galleries. Every bar and restaurant was full of women, yes WI members everywhere. The waitress in the restaurant said she had never seen so many women in the place. Over dinner I chatted with three women from Sussex.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday morning needed yet another early start. Shared a breakfast table with women from Worcestershire Federation, before heading off to buy a picnic lunch for later in the day. Then it was off to the Echo Arena for the AGM.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Coaches were pulling up at the drop off point and swarms of women were closing in on the various entrances to the building. Quite an operation to get 4,500 people in to their seats. I queued up on the riverside with friends from Suffolk East Federation. Luckily everything was really well organized and it didn't take long to get in. It was quite a breezy spot on the banks of the Mersey.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx9n61qlFBLZ_ez7BxXuDFJWNZlWmwRQA52Vhawnhyphenhyphena9rJtevE2amqORTmuV297yDkRhONFXM1tL9gwOo4JoFct7ucFxA-1HQLltTEfF5rwrQzafI9_msuiODj4D8ujVdHOywV-QGoAL2/s1600/Liverpool-Echo-Arena%25233%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx9n61qlFBLZ_ez7BxXuDFJWNZlWmwRQA52Vhawnhyphenhyphena9rJtevE2amqORTmuV297yDkRhONFXM1tL9gwOo4JoFct7ucFxA-1HQLltTEfF5rwrQzafI9_msuiODj4D8ujVdHOywV-QGoAL2/s1600/Liverpool-Echo-Arena%25233%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echo Arena Liverpool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The meeting got off to a good start with the singing of Jerusalem. Ruth Bond, National Chairman, then spoke about her two years in office, giving details of some of the events she attended in her first week. She explained that she spends a great deal of time away from home and even on the days she does get home she often arrives home very late. A comfy pair of shoes are essential as she often has to dash from one event to another. Ruth explained that in 2015 the WI will be celebrating its centenary and they hope to hire the O2 Arena in London, but as this will be a very expensive venue tickets will cost more and they will need 15,000 women to fill it, is it possible? She would like feed back. Despite meeting many famous and influential people she stressed that she and the other members of the Board of Trustees are just ordinary women like all WI members. She spoke passionately about sisterhood and friendship in the WI.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Aleathia Mann, Honorary Treasurer, then presented the financial statement. She was pleased that membership continues to rise as many of our costs are increasing but as many are fixed costs an increase in membership does really help with increasing funds.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The first guest speaker of the day was Erwin James, Guardian columnist and former prison inmate. He spoke clearly and without notes, giving us an insight into his upbringing and subsequent conviction for murder. He explained that he had taken the opportunity offered to him in prison to continue his education and found that for once in his life he found something he was really good at, English language and literature. He was encouraged to take a course in Journalism and he obtained his degree through the Open University. While still inside he began writing a column for the Guardian Newspaper. Since his release from prison he has continued to write a column and has written several books. He has also become involved with the Prison Reform Trust and is one of their trustees. <a href="http://erwinjames.co.uk/">http://erwinjames.co.uk/</a></div><br />
Marylyn Haines-Evans, Chair of the NFWI PA Committee gave an update on the campaigns, see her report on the NFWI website link below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The debate of the resolution, Closure of Local Libraries then started with expert speakers both for and against. Once the debate hit the floor, it did seem as though most members were more concerned about literacy, possibly something to do with the guest speaker, but still did make one consider if we had the correct resolution. After an orderly debate the voting took place and the result would be announced later in the day after the count had been confirmed.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We then had an update on Denman College by Anne Harrison, NFWI vice chairman and Chair of Denman College. Anne explained that there had been extensive renovation works in the guest accommodation and that the shop and reception areas had been changed and improved. She then went on to explain that the heating system in the house were approximately 80 years old and in desperate need of replacements. Plans are being made to install Photovoltaic Cells and a new heating system, but this will be a very expensive project. She has asked all members to help raise the funds to finance this project, by selling cups of tea for £1. She would like us to have tea/coffee mornings selling cups of tea/coffee at £1, inviting friends and family. If we all do just a bit, we should be able to raise the necessary funds quite quickly, so if I invite you around for a cuppa, don't forget to bring some cash with you.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">After a sandwich lunch outside the arena with Julie, our Federation Secretary, the afternoon session continued with the introduction of the new NFWI Trustees.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The meeting then went on to the debate on the second resolution on Proposed Mega Farms. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ktClRD67cSv2oqDyaD8-Uv01azV9Vkwb_j2Ob0fcvtZnkLhX2oKYLp1LdhKnIhTHrRQpAK9u6XdYgQnRR_za9wmHJ7M4JsazyJLQkULRxIb-i4w-sLwd5RXAYXZzlxmJvfYO7iuOOi9W/s1600/helen+browning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ktClRD67cSv2oqDyaD8-Uv01azV9Vkwb_j2Ob0fcvtZnkLhX2oKYLp1LdhKnIhTHrRQpAK9u6XdYgQnRR_za9wmHJ7M4JsazyJLQkULRxIb-i4w-sLwd5RXAYXZzlxmJvfYO7iuOOi9W/s1600/helen+browning.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen Browning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had two very good speakers on the subject, Helen Browning, Director of the Soil Association spoke first. She is an organic tenant farmer, with 1,300 acres, with a mix of livestock, dairy and beef cattle, pigs and arable land. She spoke really well and was very passionate about farming, but does believe that farmers do need to expand to be profitable. When she and her father started farming a farm needed either 100 milking cows or 100 acres of arable land to support a family. She thinks the same applies today, her farms supports one family per 100 acres of land.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVHS5ZdIOjZyiYkRUaqCglyfSVr7F_ERl1sXXqEOMYKrKyGwPeAZrno2quWZ20nj4YezI0vBVbsXYy0_fpik12qonsSdevwZ7RgTaXWt9Tyqfvy-8U1YQI7yq6KgGXX0DsON0Fo-9jNmH/s1600/Peter-Kendall-corn-184275.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVHS5ZdIOjZyiYkRUaqCglyfSVr7F_ERl1sXXqEOMYKrKyGwPeAZrno2quWZ20nj4YezI0vBVbsXYy0_fpik12qonsSdevwZ7RgTaXWt9Tyqfvy-8U1YQI7yq6KgGXX0DsON0Fo-9jNmH/s1600/Peter-Kendall-corn-184275.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Kendell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then the NFU president spoke and again gave a very powerful argument this time against the resolution. The debate continued from the floor and all seemed to be well until the chairman announced it was time to vote. At which point one of the members got to the floor and asked for the meeting to move on to the next agenda item. After some confusion, as the microphones had been switched off, she was finally allowed on to the stage to make the proposal that the meeting move on to the next item. The purpose of this was that the feeling in the hall was that the resolution was very badly worded and if it were voted on would either leave us with a resolution which may back fire on the WI if passed or if rejected would mean we would not be able to redraft it and present it again in the near future. By passing it over means that if the WI feel strongly about the topic it can be reworded and presented to the meeting at a future time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After this was proposed a seconder came forward and again there was a debate from the floor. By this time the atmosphere was electric and the delegates sitting around me were asking if this happened every year, no - this was quite unusual. The proposal was passed with a large majority and much pleasure from the members.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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Here are links to the soil association <a href="http://www.soilassociation.org/Whyorganic/Blogs/HelenBrowning/tabid/1406/Default.aspx">http://www.soilassociation.org/Whyorganic/Blogs/HelenBrowning/tabid/1406/Default.aspx</a>and the NFU <a href="http://www.nfuonline.com/News/WI-statement-on--mega-farms--vote/">http://www.nfuonline.com/News/WI-statement-on--mega-farms--vote/</a> with their comments on our meeting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6ygdYuJv-bPe5Mej1uhQinazdsM9AM5GNvBrXdbe-o6j8QxiDGpfgfQA_mebW6v7IkdmFrYYNpVtgogsh0Pl4jvv6xtiH0Yg0pFzYvxbFsUaAYEHuj2GD8xt5qsatxTLxYx_PUMidkmG/s1600/%257B92E4BBEE-D4A2-4D44-BB55-00B773839E6B%257DOneP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6ygdYuJv-bPe5Mej1uhQinazdsM9AM5GNvBrXdbe-o6j8QxiDGpfgfQA_mebW6v7IkdmFrYYNpVtgogsh0Pl4jvv6xtiH0Yg0pFzYvxbFsUaAYEHuj2GD8xt5qsatxTLxYx_PUMidkmG/s1600/%257B92E4BBEE-D4A2-4D44-BB55-00B773839E6B%257DOneP.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr Rita Gardner</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">After all this excitement we than had another very interesting presentation by Dr. Rita Gardner, CBE, Director of The Royal Geographical Society. She gave an illustrated talk on landscapes and was both entertaining and informative. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The final guest speaker was Sir Steven Redgrave, he had been invited to speak in his role as Fair-trade Ambassador. We watched films one about his time as a sportsman and another about his work sourcing fair-trade cotton for his clothing line. He then spoke a little about Fair-trade. Unfortunately after so many excellent speakers he really wasn't very good. He had not prepared his talk and kept stumbling over his words and kept repeating himself. One good point was that he hasn't been lucky in the ticket ballot so no Olympic tickets for his family as yet, so in that respect he was just like the rest of us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can read, it was a busy few days in Liverpool, but very enjoyable. A Yorkshire born girl, living in Suffolk, had supper with women from Sussex, breakfast with Worcestershire, queued with Suffolk East, met fellow Women reaching Women promoters from Somerset, Jersey, Berkshire and Huntingdon chatted to Somerset and Anglesea and sat in the arean amongst a friendly group from Lancashire. Of course mustn't forget the coach load of friends from Suffolk West.<br />
I am sorry if I have missed out anyone from another county.<br />
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If you would like to read more about our AGM click on this link. <a href="http://thewi.org.uk/standard.aspx?id=12618">http://thewi.org.uk/standard.aspx?id=12618</a> </div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-43332762751830262042011-06-09T16:41:00.000+01:002011-06-09T16:41:23.128+01:00Bury Society<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNtRpyVY718MyJiFejaMN5MApd_wkhPYJtk3o_VTpgaNKDPvPs-k3qk8ngMLkoqq6psolzPl24hJyslRXx-TvNtg0Quqnl7DtsjVMViTBrSi7Lq7cIjzchpyjqGdjgvK5mKWWMx4joOdG/s1600/Skinner+street%253A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNtRpyVY718MyJiFejaMN5MApd_wkhPYJtk3o_VTpgaNKDPvPs-k3qk8ngMLkoqq6psolzPl24hJyslRXx-TvNtg0Quqnl7DtsjVMViTBrSi7Lq7cIjzchpyjqGdjgvK5mKWWMx4joOdG/s400/Skinner+street%253A1.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinner Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">As part of its 40th anniversary celebration the Bury Society organised a photo competition, titled 'My Bury St Edmunds'. Rob and I both entered and I was the lucky winner. The prizes were awarded at the AGM last week.</div><br />
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<a href="http://www.burysociety.com/">http://www.burysociety.com/</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UNq91QhhWPo1SgbMK07XbO5Vh7M7MONwHlMGO5XVfCnYV9fnasciPlTDvV-GWdTA1e8bV69eXsQmtgDcln4fjfrHzDoa8xqr3sFMzFg5AOB0T-EbVX-eNpKYmJrqlykukhgR15kB7uTr/s1600/RIMG0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UNq91QhhWPo1SgbMK07XbO5Vh7M7MONwHlMGO5XVfCnYV9fnasciPlTDvV-GWdTA1e8bV69eXsQmtgDcln4fjfrHzDoa8xqr3sFMzFg5AOB0T-EbVX-eNpKYmJrqlykukhgR15kB7uTr/s320/RIMG0002.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving my prize</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-50126869249888751072011-05-23T14:55:00.001+01:002011-05-23T14:56:39.317+01:00Busy week!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qE7O-vhef8hex50kZYqCzMC0-WPVR178M61tYRAxyCExOOSfDftndDfoNvkTIMhXdwmd6U88kS6AN6Mr4aTwr0LtvpkAmgnl71slGzirW6SIKropp1lGWzmc1gwY9PluhMxq9Qr4Gx3t/s1600/RIMG0009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qE7O-vhef8hex50kZYqCzMC0-WPVR178M61tYRAxyCExOOSfDftndDfoNvkTIMhXdwmd6U88kS6AN6Mr4aTwr0LtvpkAmgnl71slGzirW6SIKropp1lGWzmc1gwY9PluhMxq9Qr4Gx3t/s320/RIMG0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with school children</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwWeosx_P3jL-JM6KEVYjqdBbvZJXW6A4A8nEWiybjs98Qb2GQPlXq64hZwcOoRXzEeTo17PaFvnvFC0mXinvq0gVQI5O1HpNIHbOWg0WvwyzfGqi9IRjAqW_umOnVxC-guso-QdBhyphenhyphen3i/s1600/RIMG0007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwWeosx_P3jL-JM6KEVYjqdBbvZJXW6A4A8nEWiybjs98Qb2GQPlXq64hZwcOoRXzEeTo17PaFvnvFC0mXinvq0gVQI5O1HpNIHbOWg0WvwyzfGqi9IRjAqW_umOnVxC-guso-QdBhyphenhyphen3i/s320/RIMG0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children at Mediatheque</td></tr>
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Yet another busy week behind us. Tuesday we popped in to the Médiatheque to check on things there and found a small group of children in the exhibition space. These four children where sitting on the floor drawing. Three were making copies of the drawings and another little girl was drawing one of the 'ouvertures' an image of a door frame. They were really very good.<br />
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These children were really excited to be photographed with the 'artist' himself. Rob had declined the opportunity to give a talk to the school children but was happy to chat to them when he saw how enthusiastic they were and there were only four the rest of the class were in other parts of the building.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOrOObwlQb5wB3JiHiu2YIkHKkJtg-CsVUU2KZcWBAPDCC_qP448SIdD1PWWuNDqFQoIYS7EqeQW020RBHytUYRqPlhiSGwqr7WoRkU0XyuFHbK2CFUxCnK1CwH5MR7VkEhxyQ3rDWhGB/s1600/RIMG0008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOrOObwlQb5wB3JiHiu2YIkHKkJtg-CsVUU2KZcWBAPDCC_qP448SIdD1PWWuNDqFQoIYS7EqeQW020RBHytUYRqPlhiSGwqr7WoRkU0XyuFHbK2CFUxCnK1CwH5MR7VkEhxyQ3rDWhGB/s320/RIMG0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy copying a 'master piece'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered Spring at the Chapelle de St Antoine </td></tr>
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Wednesday we went walking in the Foret de la Motte, just to the east of Bagnoles de l'Orne. We started to follow a circular route and part way around we stopped at the Chapelle de Saint Antoine. <a href="http://www.petit-patrimoine.com/fiche-petit-patrimoine.php?id_pp=61243_1">http://www.petit-patrimoine.com/fiche-petit-patrimoine.php?id_pp=61243_1</a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E7CHuHcrKSz39LfwSreNPmQuANGNiNisHwhRlGlG6Gajyk6xa4rccXV8HqtTl3EHL8QGlGMkIlpwYTBIerYeOL9LDzWIv7tr9nwYtSSo66D7qsRc-_c-vRsNZWzwhA4B8CmLiFeaoHJF/s1600/RIMG0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E7CHuHcrKSz39LfwSreNPmQuANGNiNisHwhRlGlG6Gajyk6xa4rccXV8HqtTl3EHL8QGlGMkIlpwYTBIerYeOL9LDzWIv7tr9nwYtSSo66D7qsRc-_c-vRsNZWzwhA4B8CmLiFeaoHJF/s320/RIMG0016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapelle de St Antoine</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We had been to this little chapel with its well some years ago, parking the car at the top of the hillside path and walking the short distance to the chapel. This time we included it in a longer walk. Again it was a beautiful day and the walk through the forest was ideal as we were in the shade of the trees for the majority of the time.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5kkw4q7YJXjE_VfJp0NlXsDp9uG3Tbi_uTjAIXoFWP1_SKtWPIWZSU_3BQckIpsPK9ShTJxTi-elg2SstJDlXKGnrKnpCo4EnlrnKAMACWFjpLPPaxeyPKRMeyg50QXfREbw68yyzVwk/s1600/RIMG0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5kkw4q7YJXjE_VfJp0NlXsDp9uG3Tbi_uTjAIXoFWP1_SKtWPIWZSU_3BQckIpsPK9ShTJxTi-elg2SstJDlXKGnrKnpCo4EnlrnKAMACWFjpLPPaxeyPKRMeyg50QXfREbw68yyzVwk/s320/RIMG0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonflies</td></tr>
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As we walked along the banks of the river we watched the dragonflies flitting to and fro in the sun, and mating on the branches overhanging the water. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQbL3p8e0mRcye3C695hrgzxCpFGqyMvCBtY3K86Zs0BufBXDWVXxAHWdn3meA8b6FXnppTd5gndjwlK8_y3axcs4cULmkHcVXAfm0dK4FodCoyBeQuIutivc5iEE_GfDwdmSCsIxegwi/s1600/RIMG0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQbL3p8e0mRcye3C695hrgzxCpFGqyMvCBtY3K86Zs0BufBXDWVXxAHWdn3meA8b6FXnppTd5gndjwlK8_y3axcs4cULmkHcVXAfm0dK4FodCoyBeQuIutivc5iEE_GfDwdmSCsIxegwi/s320/RIMG0029.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchid</td></tr>
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The grassy sides to the roads are covered with wild flowers including this small orchid.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We also came across a Bay Bolete Mushroom, we normally find these at the end of the summer or early autumn. The books do say they can be found from early summer onwards but we have never found them this early. Bay Boletes are one of the mushrooms we enjoy eating and have found them both in France and in England, often very plentiful.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVnaMfgq3Yzh9pGdTrVH2CJWR6A5nDYSU353fiXcmHO0z1H4JcrXzQ27HOeFOvmGNCPWaWZWUmrOD1VKlh90K5AMcsieXlgoc0xEObKL9reEM4XUstD-kQK1QMkTC5V-pDqCYdAAA0Lio/s1600/RIMG0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVnaMfgq3Yzh9pGdTrVH2CJWR6A5nDYSU353fiXcmHO0z1H4JcrXzQ27HOeFOvmGNCPWaWZWUmrOD1VKlh90K5AMcsieXlgoc0xEObKL9reEM4XUstD-kQK1QMkTC5V-pDqCYdAAA0Lio/s320/RIMG0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting after our picnic lunch </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfg_U8kptSw1Lz7TN-P16tetXtC5Ax7I-3Ki7BkIGeNjQF1m5HdXmNUcOqlgAZaq9Sc1HODx4f1KAvOtuNWkZDntYgLwFIo96yYpwTgj3Vs76fJMQ3tItfzoCRx2MpeRMNeXLVfDyMqvxH/s1600/RIMG0034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfg_U8kptSw1Lz7TN-P16tetXtC5Ax7I-3Ki7BkIGeNjQF1m5HdXmNUcOqlgAZaq9Sc1HODx4f1KAvOtuNWkZDntYgLwFIo96yYpwTgj3Vs76fJMQ3tItfzoCRx2MpeRMNeXLVfDyMqvxH/s320/RIMG0034.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross dates 1624</td></tr>
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On our way back we took a side road and came across this roadside cross. We had seen a similar one just a few kilometers away, but this one is of particular interest as the date carved into the stone is the same date that is carved on a stone we have at the entrance to our house, 1624.<br />
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Next to this cross was a notice explaining that it had been erected by Alexis Bignon in thanksgiving for being saved from the plague. So far we haven't found any more information about this other than what is carved into the stone itself. The neighbouring farm is called Bigonntierre and it could be on one of the old roads leading to the Mont Saint Michel. Further research is needed.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCVlODogG8Cro5Eo9fquCB8d4g2bji5q3H4a2KG_NvDybb-OYHs6Q9jHwbZ9RZf9TYmUVNH5lNMZTTNhzfRlizQesKE34Kv7yk1O8PHetVjGQFQ7Q0SFDajXUSGd2wI4GvR9KDq_XUZVe/s1600/RIMG0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCVlODogG8Cro5Eo9fquCB8d4g2bji5q3H4a2KG_NvDybb-OYHs6Q9jHwbZ9RZf9TYmUVNH5lNMZTTNhzfRlizQesKE34Kv7yk1O8PHetVjGQFQ7Q0SFDajXUSGd2wI4GvR9KDq_XUZVe/s320/RIMG0047.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying the quary</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Thursday we drove over to Melle 30miles (48 km) away to the west, to visit family friends, from Yorkshire. After lunch we walked in the nearby woods and visited an old quarry, now disused. However, there is still a stonemason working near by, who had worked in the quarry until it closed. He now works to order for local people. He had just finished a door frame in stone, and was waiting for his client to collect. There is still plenty of granite lying around which he can use and he had produced some really nice work despite working in the open with only a corrugated iron shed for shelter.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TIQ-v8h4OmQ6n0vZnj51ThIxTFHi6FvoFQRGhs4Ximty7SzhAk36e6JqI_s1kpEjsev2iqnWBLYn3OlCEbFy-NEeooIYQEFBj4IKLj6tWsv_niHDKySIEq1RchDiHKMQI3xBEH18jacg/s1600/RIMG0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TIQ-v8h4OmQ6n0vZnj51ThIxTFHi6FvoFQRGhs4Ximty7SzhAk36e6JqI_s1kpEjsev2iqnWBLYn3OlCEbFy-NEeooIYQEFBj4IKLj6tWsv_niHDKySIEq1RchDiHKMQI3xBEH18jacg/s320/RIMG0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone masons shelter </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1Ac0UD0Pjh-U6QxmIDxubt3ETPq5kU7zt2x-8YGoWuNABziW1cSo6NGQjlOx0zuQd4-06f7VcEo_JGvYEF6OAKXCDiD4f4ww0ox2jYpwm4tcbeQy2iU-LOjnPoRFU1Mkxmeh8BX5ArVN/s1600/RIMG0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1Ac0UD0Pjh-U6QxmIDxubt3ETPq5kU7zt2x-8YGoWuNABziW1cSo6NGQjlOx0zuQd4-06f7VcEo_JGvYEF6OAKXCDiD4f4ww0ox2jYpwm4tcbeQy2iU-LOjnPoRFU1Mkxmeh8BX5ArVN/s200/RIMG0050.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Swallows </td></tr>
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Here at home the birds are busy with their nests and feeding their young. We had a nest of great tits in a hole in one of the walls. The parents were very busy flying in and out with food, and the young were really noisy and then suddenly one day all was quiet - we assume they had fledged while we were out. The sparrows are still busy feeding their young - we have several nesting in the walls. We also have a pair of swallows who are determined to nest, preferably indoors. Whenever we leave a door open in they come, flying around presumably checking out the location and local amenities. In the garage they were found perched on the frame of the hammock, they also like the inside of the cow shed and in this photo were resting on this rake in the 'tool shed/ water pump room'. They have even taken a liking to our kitchen/living room. Could be interesting to have them nest inside, but I fear for the mess and we can't leave the door open all day for them. George I am sure would be happy to share his home with them!<br />
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The other morning I spotted a hare walking down the road, yes, walking at a gentle pace down the middle of the road as though he owned the place. We haven't seen him since, but one evening last week George suddenly started hissing at something as he was sitting on the door step, Rob could only catch a glimpse of the animal, and thought it could have been the hare which George was sending on its way.</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-61372996792396763632011-05-15T21:41:00.000+01:002011-05-15T21:41:06.858+01:00Meet the Press<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeYRlc66HgwmoT2MrVvmFW4o2LvN8HUUT_0jKwPa-Mm91ZBuUKWZ7SXsUqdopoCoGFfqeZdkT4IyN5jJC3uQHu660q7j8ll36ZbKaQsAgdDYUQeRirrW3hHQB-zmkBBW6a0w2S8p5Mb7H/s1600/foto+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeYRlc66HgwmoT2MrVvmFW4o2LvN8HUUT_0jKwPa-Mm91ZBuUKWZ7SXsUqdopoCoGFfqeZdkT4IyN5jJC3uQHu660q7j8ll36ZbKaQsAgdDYUQeRirrW3hHQB-zmkBBW6a0w2S8p5Mb7H/s320/foto+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob holding a copy of the Publicateur</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We have been very busy these last few weeks. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last Saturday Rob was interviewed by a journalist from the regional newspaper 'Ouest France' at the Médiatheque. Wednesdays edition carried the article and a photo of Rob in front of one of his exhibits. On arriving home there was an email from another journalist this time from the local rag, 'le Publicatuer' asking for an interview on Tuesday. This interview and photo were in this weeks edition and if you look carefully you can see the photo in the newpaper Rob is holding here. </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture in the grounds of the Chateau in Flers<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">On a recent visit to Flers we wandered through the gardens of the Chateau where there was a temporary sculpture exhibition, this one was particularly interesting. Thin slices of a tree trunk had been painted with vivid green paint and then set out under the trees near the entrance. It was really simple but very effective.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfBQaYKVKgQN6QTTFUkmV753gnDIuDONtomRvVb3WJVwVIvx1rt438bsIKzvMcahL_nIHzJaBkwj5rSeM7eollooSf8D5MHWQZ7wD3MbeipahL1nikrCVg3N5Z_x5Mpry7B8KRD8f-6wJ/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfBQaYKVKgQN6QTTFUkmV753gnDIuDONtomRvVb3WJVwVIvx1rt438bsIKzvMcahL_nIHzJaBkwj5rSeM7eollooSf8D5MHWQZ7wD3MbeipahL1nikrCVg3N5Z_x5Mpry7B8KRD8f-6wJ/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New mini poly tunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">We have set up a mini poly tunnel, made with a metal grid which I think are for re enforcing concrete in the building trade. This covered with thick plastic sheeting. We got the idea from our friends who were erecting one in their garden, they had bought three of these grills but had decided two were sufficient so we took over the extra one. Tomorrow I will plant it up with cucumbers and aubergines. My melon plants are still too small, they are still in pots in the mini greenhouse. Hopefully this poly tunnel will give the plants some extra heat encouraging them to give earlier and bigger crops. We will have to see how this works out as of course the plants will need extra watering and we will have to open it on warm days to encourage the bees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are plenty of bees around - the raspberry canes are covered with them, hopefully this means that bees are thriving in this area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaAuzGj_prjqChNHuA0c6xOs_rmjpukAupUA_3yLcgIYmc9k6qxzG1z9PlTmT6_eMgoPk6YwJjAZUPrigM3KKrNXtiyvXR4pvdnqWaFkTEFNy8lVdt-at1q8O4iLVo6WJ6fVuUA_deCy_/s1600/RIMG0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaAuzGj_prjqChNHuA0c6xOs_rmjpukAupUA_3yLcgIYmc9k6qxzG1z9PlTmT6_eMgoPk6YwJjAZUPrigM3KKrNXtiyvXR4pvdnqWaFkTEFNy8lVdt-at1q8O4iLVo6WJ6fVuUA_deCy_/s320/RIMG0016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcella capturing Wim at the exhibition</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Rob's sister and husband have been visiting for a few days. They came to view Rob's exhibition en route to the south of Italy, some detour from Holland! It was lovely to see them and I think they thought it worthwhile.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxaKFEnS077vaB50doJC5aIY703CyXduUnJewstn5vw__WfVNa9szRTeKSJ4LlwmOkQ2PkhoajjisHWRZ6jGIlMl8PqLyIKxTYuVKsvtXsSxtPMjdtq5SG8ORA_o6WcsrdtN_-Y2AVvdV/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxaKFEnS077vaB50doJC5aIY703CyXduUnJewstn5vw__WfVNa9szRTeKSJ4LlwmOkQ2PkhoajjisHWRZ6jGIlMl8PqLyIKxTYuVKsvtXsSxtPMjdtq5SG8ORA_o6WcsrdtN_-Y2AVvdV/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two sows with their young enjoying an afternoon nap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qYiuGgyrMlIFnJwoTGuB-VkiL-K_9Gijvl6f8znT9XtjBX1VJFaugVHn85tWzSraOsK44hx50SBhTdZzG7uc1A8QqY5Nag8ZgZBB-1zgoTd5hYK-BpkDzMvNB2SLPq2KrfX1DFWYZFHe/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qYiuGgyrMlIFnJwoTGuB-VkiL-K_9Gijvl6f8znT9XtjBX1VJFaugVHn85tWzSraOsK44hx50SBhTdZzG7uc1A8QqY5Nag8ZgZBB-1zgoTd5hYK-BpkDzMvNB2SLPq2KrfX1DFWYZFHe/s320/IMG_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking advantage of the facilities at the Féte de la Bio, </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday we spent at the Fete de la Bio, an agricultural fair organized by the regional Organic Farmers Union. It was held at a farm not far from here. We had a good look around at the demonstrations and inspected the food stalls, tasting as we went. We enjoyed a simple lunch of galettes whilst sitting under the trees watching the world go by. I met several people I knew from the cheese making course I had been on earlier in the year. After coming back home for an afternoon in the sun, we went back in the evening for the dinner. More than 600 people had supper in a large circus type tent, with music from a local jazz band JLS (Jazz du Lundi Soir). The jazz band improved as the evening went on. These suppers served under canvas are a regular feature of local fairs and fetes and we have attended quite a few in the past, but I think this was probably the biggest we have been to so far. So glad we weren't involved in the catering. A local restaurant coordinated the volunteers from the farmers union, and the ingredients had been locally sourced from members. A list of suppliers was displayed at the entrance along with the menu. It was a good day and we all enjoyed ourselves.</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-51239392418811110202011-05-01T15:59:00.001+01:002011-05-01T16:00:34.569+01:00So much to tell, Ouverture, Tripes and BAMSToday is the first of May, and I haven't written my blog for a long time. As it is now raining, the first rainy day for quite some time I will take the opportunity to catch up with our news.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">For a start it has been unseasonably warm, we have enjoyed some really lovely warm days and some which were better than most average summers. We have enjoyed ice creams in the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds, and while walking around Oxford. Here in France we have spent many afternoons sitting outside relaxing, and have enjoyed many meals outside too. Not only lunch in the sun, but several evenings we have used the BBQ and benefited from the warm light evenings.</div><br />
Well, what else have we been doing?<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The BAMS (British Art Medal Society) Conference was in Oxford this year. We were very lucky to be able to stay at Worcester College. The college is just down the road from the Ashmolean Museum. It is set within the most beautiful grounds with a small orchard and wild flower garden, beautiful lawns running down to the lake, as well as the manicured lawn in the quadrangle, which you can only look at - it is forbidden to walk on the grass, but I suppose that is why it is so perfect.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Our third floor room had a twin aspect - one side overlooking the gardens and the other side overlooking the castle. All meals were taken in the dining hall, a very grand formal hall. Universities may take girls now, but the colleges are still very male orientated. I arrived for dinner on the first evening in a skirt and high heels, only to find that we were sitting on benches at the table. I managed to sit down eventually, but it wasn't easy and certainly not elegant. Decided to remain seated until the end of the evening as there was no way I could get out again. Now I know why the girls wear their gowns over their dresses when eating in the dining hall, not to protect their dresses from spills but to preserve their modesty.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Saturdays lectures where held in a room at the Taylorian Institute, next door to the Ashmolean. In the afternoon we had a guided tour of the museum and were taken into the coins and medals room to examine some of their medal collection. I hadn't been in the Ashmolean before but it has recently been renovated and there are some beautiful light open spaces. The layout of the displays have been altered to make use of these new areas and the curators now try to link displays not only on each floor but between the floors.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg0SViBkaBBl-v0owFmCmGyO1r4JcN80D_tQfxw7-pTo0gM3uQCQBUmxlTI8FI9o_NQiesOcY-3QxSB-zzyFrl8r3uMAdpU6TLvAjLk480btbZaxe8buTJY1PY07Ya3EWNqpCNrn7Pgbj/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg0SViBkaBBl-v0owFmCmGyO1r4JcN80D_tQfxw7-pTo0gM3uQCQBUmxlTI8FI9o_NQiesOcY-3QxSB-zzyFrl8r3uMAdpU6TLvAjLk480btbZaxe8buTJY1PY07Ya3EWNqpCNrn7Pgbj/s200/Untitled.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MDG5 Improving Maternal Health </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday morning took us to the Ruskin School of Art for a talk by our friend Jane McAdam Freud. Jane then led the workshop, where we used paints to create free thought images. We dribbled poster paints on to paper and then either folded the paper or pressed another sheet on top and then peeled it back to reveal........ our piece of art. I enjoyed the workshop and even managed to create a 'logo' for Maternal Health. I hope you see what I can see in this image, yellow sun, belly of pregnant women, red blood. Thanks Jane for a really good morning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As usual the conference was really enjoyable. It is always nice to meet up with friends from the BAMS each year. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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Then it was time for me to attend the closing conference of Women Reaching Women at the Commonwealth Club in London. It was a really good day with a variety of speakers amongst others; Barbara Stocking, Cheif executive of Oxfam GB, <a href="http://www.moneyweek.com/news-and-charts/profile-of-dame-barbara-stocking-of-oxfam-51541">http://www.moneyweek.com/news-and-charts/profile-of-dame-barbara-stocking-of-oxfam-51541</a>. and Department for International Development Minister, Stephen O’Brien MP, <a href="http://youtu.be/T5-uLLHqHcs">http://youtu.be/T5-uLLHqHcs</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although this was the 'closing' conference, it is expected that a small group of 'guardians' will continue to keep the progress of the MDGs in the public eye until 2015 when it is hoped the goals will have been achieved. Watch out for more on this in future blogs. The MDGs have not gone away!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have been in France now for a couple of weeks. We got here just in time to see the apples trees still in blossom. The pears blossom has already finished.<br />
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My first task was to peel back the black plastic covering the vegetable garden and prepare the ground for the growing season. In the winter we had put a large quantity of farmyard manure (muck) on the major part of the garden and then covered it with a sheet of black plastic. Luckily the worms had been hard at work and most of the muck had been incorporated into the soil. It was also weed free!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FiTHg4jsQce1stgYQE5igoLeubCACju-1tYrTMaitivrMEnqISfmsadQ3e0xpFPNnH14Wek0EdXeCtloQLD4aMg3aX7_EHQBL-GoCwxfVu8DR6YOVYTnyhyglnWnRUQHslLWMHQCnOXN/s1600/RIMG0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FiTHg4jsQce1stgYQE5igoLeubCACju-1tYrTMaitivrMEnqISfmsadQ3e0xpFPNnH14Wek0EdXeCtloQLD4aMg3aX7_EHQBL-GoCwxfVu8DR6YOVYTnyhyglnWnRUQHslLWMHQCnOXN/s320/RIMG0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqEaHyxlt1ZS83kBPAqgnlp-8JacNv36o0O1M0mJkj5uYa679XJmSSWtw2Ol3t2tpu2hlhSo9Oc9WrsPCRNRhYp7CVayNc8C-eyPwof_qU3pmFCI4ti-0yerY-oXV8QgW1nQ0vvMTWs37/s1600/RIMG0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqEaHyxlt1ZS83kBPAqgnlp-8JacNv36o0O1M0mJkj5uYa679XJmSSWtw2Ol3t2tpu2hlhSo9Oc9WrsPCRNRhYp7CVayNc8C-eyPwof_qU3pmFCI4ti-0yerY-oXV8QgW1nQ0vvMTWs37/s320/RIMG0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Calville' Apple tree in blossom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The swiss chard has survived the winter and is growing strong. The spinach has also grown well, as has the celery. We may not have an abundance of fresh vegetables but still enough to provide some variety and they are versatile enough to be a welcome addition to our menus.<br />
The herb garden is looking good. The sorrel is abundant so we have had sorrel soup, and as an accompaniment to new potatoes, bought ones unfortunately as ours have only just gone in the ground. The tarragon which we planted last year has really done well and is now big enough to be useful in the kitchen. The chives are also looking healthy and we have already used a lot of them.<br />
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As this is our first visit since the New Year I am a bit late getting the potatoes in the ground. But as tradition has it Good Friday is the day to plant. With Easter being late this year, I managed to get all the potatoes in the ground before Good Friday, but it is at least a month later than last year. However, we had a late frost last year on May 15th with killed off the young growth on the early potatoes and they never really recovered, so maybe this year will be better. Peas, broad beans, borlotti and climbing beans have all been planted and the peas and broad beans are now coming through. Beetroot and Koolrabi which I had planted in modules in Bury have now been planted out and seem to be doing well, with new leaves coming on the plants. The sprouts, which again were sown in modules, are in a temporary bed and again are thriving - they seem to have grown a lot in the last week.<br />
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I have put up a small portable green house as we have brought lots of small tender plants with us. I kept most in small modules where they had been sown, until we got here as the car was full with Robs' paintings. These small plants have now been potted up and I have also sown seed for the courgettes, squash, melons and cucumbers, These are all now starting to pop out of the soil, always a wonderful site. The alpine strawberries I sowed in the early spring have also been potted on - they still seem very small, but hopefully they will soon be big enough to plant out in the garden. The weather has continued to be glorious and it has been hard to refrain from planting up the tubs and window boxes. I keep reminding my self that it is still early in the year and we may yet have a frost or two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQLZtC5W8f9t3Xf2Hh129q5ZXjcnG3CujRPvlHwhCTJSBfGPWUunNjREZ3UbguroW9LONrjRfNhuszppZHNWtBVQ17K_kg-ytueWKVCvNNKVo00P_-A8Q2Ssty3ZTDEAZ0XhmORwEIzy9/s1600/RIMG0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQLZtC5W8f9t3Xf2Hh129q5ZXjcnG3CujRPvlHwhCTJSBfGPWUunNjREZ3UbguroW9LONrjRfNhuszppZHNWtBVQ17K_kg-ytueWKVCvNNKVo00P_-A8Q2Ssty3ZTDEAZ0XhmORwEIzy9/s320/RIMG0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Lansman, April 27th 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table> While I was busy in the garden Rob was busy with the final preparations for his exhibition. Last Tuesday, 26th April, we hung all his works. The theme to his first public exhibition is 'Ouvertures' or 'openings'. The hanging went more smoothly than I had anticipated. We started on Tuesday morning and then continued in the afternoon. The exhibition space is a side room in the Médiathéque in Domfront. The ladies from the library have been very welcoming and yesterday we found they had put a vase of roses on the table where we have the visitors book. As well as the paintings with the theme 'ouvertures' Rob also has a wall of his drawings. These are portraits of well known or in some cases not so well known people. These are hanging against a stone wall opposite the other paintings and the whole works really well together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with some of his paintings at 'Ouvertures' Domfront.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Lansman, Acrylic on Paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">' Rob Lansman, Acrylic on paper, </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob, 'Ouvertures', Domfront.</td></tr>
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One of the 'highlights' is that Rob's exhibition is <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob in front of the electronic board in Domfront, Orne.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>advertised on the electronic board which is in the centre of Domfront where all passing traffic can see it. We have lived here now for five years and consider that it is quite an achievement for Rob to 'get his name in lights' so soon. We haven't as yet heard about any road closures or any stories of the police being involved in crowd control because of the masses of people turning up to view the exhibition, but there is still time - it is on until May 27th.<br />
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A few people have visited and signed the visitors book and yesterday we met some friends there who wanted to have a viewing with the 'artist'.<br />
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Last week we went with these same friends to La Férte Macé to eat Tripe. It is a speciality of the town and we ate in the Salle de Dégustastion, of the main tripe maker in the town. We phoned the day before to book. We were welcomed by the co-owner, who first brought us a selection of charcuterie from their shop next door, along with fresh bread, butter, gherkins etc. We helped ourselves to the two pates, and several different saucisson sec and andouille, a local sausage. We could easily have made a meal of just this course, but there was more to come. I have to admit that I really wasn't looking forward to eating tripe - I have memories of seeing it hanging on hooks in the market in Keighley when I was a little girl. Well, what a surprise, a dainty portion of 'tripes en brochettes' was served on a square white plate. Beautiful golden brown outside and a golden jus surrounding it. It was so meaty in texture we thought it was wrapped in lamb, but no as the lady explained it comprised layers of the different stomachs and then rolled up like a swiss roll and held in place with a small stick. It is then cooked in a special casserole for many hours - at least 12. The result was a very tender and tasty dish with a light, clear but rich sauce. I have to say it is something I would eat again, but suspect will be disappointed as I think we have probably eaten the best that La Férte Macé can offer. We finished with cheese, again a selection from their shop and then dessert and coffee. If you have ever read Elizabeth David's books on French cooking she often writes about eating lunch in small french restaurants where the hostess served the most wonderful simple food. This meal was very reminiscent of these passages from her book. No menu to choose from - we ate what we were offered. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and it restored my faith in the French cuisine.<a href="http://maisondelatripe.free.fr/">http://maisondelatripe.free.fr/</a><br />
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</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-75474769482552361702011-03-27T23:01:00.000+01:002011-03-27T23:01:49.758+01:00Sun, Silks and Census<div style="text-align: justify;">Today we enjoyed a supper of Brancaster mussels, the last of the season. As much as I enjoy them I am pleased that there is a closed season. We are finding the mussels offered for sale in our region of France are very small and lack flavour. We think this is probably due to the fact they are being harvested all year round and most of them are still immature when harvested. A big fuss is made about the fact they come from a registered area around the Mont Saint Michel, but I think it is time they go back to some old traditions and give them some time to mature.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Today is census day and we have submitted our form online. Really easy to do and online the questions are sifted out for you, as you answer each question. It is interesting to see the differences in some of the questions from the 1881 census with today's. For instance then you were either married, widowed or single, and for women that meant being described as a 'spinster'. Now you have a choice of 9 options including 'formally in a same-sex civil partnership which is now legally dissolved' how times have changed!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">On Wednesday gave a presentation on the use of the WI website, the mobile broadband signal has certainly become stronger in the area and I was able to do the presentation 'live' with the use of a dongle. It wasn't so long ago that I had problems getting a mobile signal in our house. I think that even more or stronger transmitters have been installed. I do hope it is like this all over the county as it will make giving presentations much more interesting.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We had a day out in Sudbury on Friday as it was Rob's birthday. We visited Gainsborough's house, where there was an exhibition of Alfred Munnings landscape paintings. It was very interesting as I was only aware of his paintings of horses, and as I am not a horsey person, wasn't particularly interested. However his landscapes are very interesting and well worth a visit. This is a temporary exhibition - these paintings are normally kept in store and not on view to the public.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">While in Sudbury, popped in to Vanner's factory shop and picked up some lovely pieces of fabric. Now busy creating a stunning silk jacket. Rob found a lovely tie so we were both happy.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Finished off with lunch at the Angel - found the restaurant by chance and had a lovely lunch, well worth trying if you are in the area. A 2 course lunch menu for £10. We have had a week of lovely warm spring weather and we had not expected it to last till Friday but it did so we had a lovely end to a beautiful warm week. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Now of course much cooler, but it is still only the end of March - plenty of time for the temperature to warm up again.</div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-70938513170010838912011-03-15T15:12:00.000+00:002011-03-15T15:12:07.880+00:00Homemade Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last Friday 11th March I heard Lady Antonia Fraser interviewed, at the Essex Federation of Women's Institutes, about her recent book on her life with Harold Pinter. She explained that everything in her book had been taken from her diaries, which she had written for very many years. She said it wasn't necessary to write every day but on a regular basis. This reminded me that although I don't keep a diary and never had, my blog was a type of diary in that it records events and memories which would otherwise be easily forgotten.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week we were in London, and visited the Modern British Sculpture exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. There were some very interesting pieces but also some which needed more than a little imagination.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/modernbritishsculpture/about-the-exhibition/">http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/modernbritishsculpture/about-the-exhibition/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While in the area we also visited the Aktis Gallery, where there is a showing of 20th century Russian artists. Well worth the visit if you are in the area. <a href="http://www.aktis-gallery.co.uk/">http://www.aktis-gallery.co.uk/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our day ended at the BAMS where the winners of the student medal competition were presented with their prizes. It was so nice to see so many really good medals and the enthusiastic young artists were in awe of the surroundings at Cutlers Hall.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small cheese 175g approx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Several weeks ago I made some cheeses, and I decided it was time to cut into the smallest one, which appeared to be ripe and firm and had a pleasant aroma. We were not dissapointed, in fact I was really pleased with the result.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9F9jj737NJQutSafj22Ga5tKEZ9eZqhkKTpv8fEhaGChNlFXTNRAxXbiZ162-qAHc8VNgT0EFjuOrCP8RsmxlwlXfDjV9Jv0b638lJo7T90JnzAKwOeFKbV35cc_nRZCmbLFB4qR3twZ/s1600/Image003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9F9jj737NJQutSafj22Ga5tKEZ9eZqhkKTpv8fEhaGChNlFXTNRAxXbiZ162-qAHc8VNgT0EFjuOrCP8RsmxlwlXfDjV9Jv0b638lJo7T90JnzAKwOeFKbV35cc_nRZCmbLFB4qR3twZ/s200/Image003.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another image of same chees</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a rich buttery yellow colour and has a smooth firmish texture, with no air bubbles, or other imperfections. Perhaps a little salty but nothing to spoil the flavour. This cheese was made with 1 litre of full cream pasteurised milk. See photos.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I am busy making another cheese. Just hoping that I have used the same method as before. The advantage of a small cheese is that they mature quickly, but of course that means it could become dry and hard if left for just a little too long. Unlike a very large cheese, the small size means that it will never develop a really strong flavour as it hasn't the time to develop. However this first cheese is a resounding success. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The larger cheese I made about seven weeks ago is still ripening. I think I will leave it at least another three weeks before we taste it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-65295752128190097492011-02-25T17:52:00.001+00:002011-02-25T18:13:06.642+00:00WrW Maternal Health<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjKUf8GcTMfTFKAgWKLy5bdWLo8-IIm5ffmphyphenhyphenrnhWirpf-68fzYjw_k3DPOixQx0LNey2cQp_A64dX0ouKAdopyl85AAlv98oyY6fz303X3wFgVqP6LLUt6YlpjB40o0tEUCtycPFP1T/s1600/RIMG0028.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577311871911541426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjKUf8GcTMfTFKAgWKLy5bdWLo8-IIm5ffmphyphenhyphenrnhWirpf-68fzYjw_k3DPOixQx0LNey2cQp_A64dX0ouKAdopyl85AAlv98oyY6fz303X3wFgVqP6LLUt6YlpjB40o0tEUCtycPFP1T/s200/RIMG0028.JPG" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
What a busy day I had Wednesday. First a drive down to Ipswich for an interview on Radio Suffolk's mid morning show.with James Hazell. That went well, in fact better than I had anticipated. Came home to find emails from friends who had listened to the show and they were all pleased with what I had said. Rob had recorded the interview so I was able to listen myself, very odd, it didn't sound like me at all. Click on the link below to listen for your self. Start at 2 hours 11 mins.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00dv96x/James_Hazell_Show_23_02_2011/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00dv96x/James_Hazell_Show_23_02_2011/ </span></a></div><br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Public Affairs committee all turned up on time as usual to find that the hall was more or less ready to go, as Rob, Alex and the speakers we had collected from the station had set to putting out the tables and chairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHs3JA4WJRJ0uwBhZpLQoDMr85BCu8kX5uQbZmKV2IzdmHrtAULGKSjMDhyphenhyphenlHwQgSGeqJC5EeIIryVF2ev6VgzOTEda877Y7ZnqB3aNHp6ec2eFHf00HGMg5cfTYKL8hgVoirXY5Ucdtj/s1600/RIMG0016.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHs3JA4WJRJ0uwBhZpLQoDMr85BCu8kX5uQbZmKV2IzdmHrtAULGKSjMDhyphenhyphenlHwQgSGeqJC5EeIIryVF2ev6VgzOTEda877Y7ZnqB3aNHp6ec2eFHf00HGMg5cfTYKL8hgVoirXY5Ucdtj/s200/RIMG0016.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
We made a prompt start at 7.30 and Maria Pawlowska gave the first presentation. Unfortunately she hadn't got very far when one of our members was taken ill. Luckily we had two doctors 'in the house' and another guest quickly phoned for an ambulance. After a short time the lady was seen by the paramedics and taken into the ambulance for tests. Luckily she had recovered and didn't require hospitalisation but was taken home by one of my friends.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_SYjaiqr2ac5jNcbbYUmXkfXEEHvyggkwQuKWemhNKMp-b6eyx0vd9Z4OnZGuOtq_eI-ouvotWlB6FR1XhTGv4eUnpOCNHmH9BC-Qr9yLBlbOvmCu-f8Ov8ttoYl5j-rSp8GmfsooBww/s1600/RIMG0017.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="294" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577319358486542242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_SYjaiqr2ac5jNcbbYUmXkfXEEHvyggkwQuKWemhNKMp-b6eyx0vd9Z4OnZGuOtq_eI-ouvotWlB6FR1XhTGv4eUnpOCNHmH9BC-Qr9yLBlbOvmCu-f8Ov8ttoYl5j-rSp8GmfsooBww/s320/RIMG0017.JPG" style="height: 184px; width: 200px;" width="320" /></a>The evening continued. Maria was followed by Jenny Newell a local doctor, who gave a report on work being carried out in Bangladesh by one of her friends who has been working there for many years. The work being done in the Lamb hospital has reduced maternal mortality dramatically and is now significantly lower than in others regions of Bangladesh.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmIiaMpzk_yOWbXo9JUc8WOTf7mtMfq5QKNMbGkKwSX2r_1BnmVIMz9nSUBBHs_44e4ycJRgu6qfQ2bSEbMxT0xWGgIpn05p2UEqr87Xw1vzc2xFk9905o-DDMCC3BGbjZLThJ5uGtn6K/s1600/RIMG0019.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="191" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577319352877946178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmIiaMpzk_yOWbXo9JUc8WOTf7mtMfq5QKNMbGkKwSX2r_1BnmVIMz9nSUBBHs_44e4ycJRgu6qfQ2bSEbMxT0xWGgIpn05p2UEqr87Xw1vzc2xFk9905o-DDMCC3BGbjZLThJ5uGtn6K/s200/RIMG0019.JPG" style="height: 191px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a>Adam Musgrave from Oxfam GB followed giving information on how governments are involved in implementing the MDGs and gave some very practical examples of why health care is not always accessed even when it is available. For instance in many countries health care has to be paid for in advance, and he gave one example of where the cost of a hospital birth equates to half the average annual salary. He put it to us that if he was earning £24,000 here he would not be prepared to pay £12,000 for his wife to give birth to their child she is expecting, even though he loves her dearly. I think everyone in the room agreed with him. He gave examples of how Oxfam uses publicity to raise awareness of issues.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxM893-cp5hvjUyE0ddmv-JHmxL8nYdPes5Tdq9YF1q6Q7dg549H8ipNRZB_MxyfCGl_FqPN07r6EKcsT64RBH2Z5rviRTWE0WwaMu144vQyNBbLYQ1KJVSxr4PBBbIx8PZSww16AmdMj/s1600/RIMG0025.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577319338715733762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxM893-cp5hvjUyE0ddmv-JHmxL8nYdPes5Tdq9YF1q6Q7dg549H8ipNRZB_MxyfCGl_FqPN07r6EKcsT64RBH2Z5rviRTWE0WwaMu144vQyNBbLYQ1KJVSxr4PBBbIx8PZSww16AmdMj/s200/RIMG0025.JPG" style="height: 200px; width: 196px;" width="196" /></a>On a different note Vicki Morris spoke about her work with young parents in Suffolk. Since the beginning of her project they have reduced the number of teenage pregnancies quite considerably. They have also succeeded in getting a large number of the young mothers back into education or into work. They have also succeeded in preventing them from going on to have subsequent pregnancies. A very worthwhile project - however due to funding cuts her job has been axed. Luckily for Vicki she has been accepted onto the degree course to study as a midwife, so will take this opportunity to make a career change.</div><br />
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A total of 78 people attended the eventing and this morning I received several emails thanking us for a very good evening.<br />
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Popped into the WI office this morning to return some equipment and they too had had calls thanking them too.<br />
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</a>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-18786308050109496192011-02-13T13:06:00.002+00:002011-02-13T13:26:27.935+00:00The Big Society<div style="text-align: justify;">Watching Question Time on Thursday I was really annoyed when the so called 'experts' were discussing the 'Big Society'.<br /></div><br />I must be simple as I thought we all knew what the 'Big Society' was when David Cameron announced it last year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Big Society - the general public doing volunteer work in the community, helping their neighbours, running scout and guide groups, running sports clubs, sitting on committees of village halls, churches, local museums etc for FREE. I seem to have misunderstood, it seems that the Big Society is another name for local government, surely not!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All we hear about is how much money will the 'Big Society' get - sorry but the idea of volunteering is to give your time and energy for 'FREE'.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously there is going to be less money around over the coming years so volunteers will have to step in and do more. Locally parents are up in arms about the potential loss of Lollipop (wo)men, some parents even expect them to be provided within 20 metres of a pelican crossing. Surely it would be better for these parents to teach their children to cross the road safely using the facilities provided. Those whose children attend schools where there is no pedestrian crossing should volunteer to man a lollipop crossing themselves. Youth clubs are threatened with closure as funding is withdrawn unless the paid youth workers are replaced by volunteers, but parents don't have time! Oh, but I keep forgetting the currently way of thinking is that it should always be someone else who should offer these provisions, not us the general public.<br /><br />I am not saying that those who lose their jobs will be pleased with the cutbacks, I do hope they find alternative employment, but I do think we should all think carefully about what needs to be done by paid employees and what can be done by genuine volunteers.<br /><br />I think it is an insult to all those who already give their time to the 'Big Society' to imply that their work is paid for.<br /><br /></div>End of todays rant!Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485856902405517661.post-39073594864405803232011-02-13T12:48:00.004+00:002011-02-13T13:05:27.248+00:00The Guildhall ProjectYesterday we visited the Guildhall in Bury St Edmunds, with a group from the Bury Heritage Guides.<br /><br />There are plans to make the Guildhall into a new Heritage Venue, and we had the opportunity to look around with Matthew Champion, the project manager.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It had been assumed that the Guildhall dated back to around 1250 but after recent surveys for the new project it is now believed to be even older, possibly 1180. The Guildhall is thought to be the oldest civic building in England. At the front of the building, is covered with brick work which covers the original flint structure. At the rear the flint banding is clearly visible and apparently there are several churches in the area which were built in the same manner leading the experts to think the building now dates from the 12th century. In the rear courtyard is the Tudor kitchen, which had been thought to have been rebuilt in later times, but after close inspection much of the original building is still intact along with the covered corridor from the kitchen through into the main banqueting room.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Upstairs where the scouts currently have their shop, is the Royal Observer Corps 'Ops Room'. This has remained unchanged since its decommissioning in the 1950's. It is hoped to replace the furniture as it was used during the war. Several people have already come forward who worked there including the carpenter who installed the raised balcony area above the 'ops' table.<br /></div><br />A very interesting visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.burysociety.com/Guildhall/Press_release/press_release.html">http://www.burysociety.com/Guildhall/Press_release/press_release.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Cooking Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14773391602463325467noreply@blogger.com0