Blustery & About Us

After a few years of warmth in Florida, some of us forgot what it is like to be damp-cold and blustery, but no complaints.

On a whim after a local news story, we tubed (ie took the London Underground) over to the Tower of London for 'About Us' -- a FREE light show projected onto the Tower of London. It really was spectacular! See pictures below.

On to the more mundane - I finally finished this basket and am very pleased with it.  Also now done with my crochet blanket ...

Not much more to add, as we try to get on with building and repair projects - a very hard time to hire contractors in a major city - hey ho. We did some cleaning out, had the Shred It van to visit and put a few things on the pavement/in a skip (dumpster) which went within minutes to new homes - great to recycle that way!

Get a flavour (sounds & sights) with this short dinosaur video:

May not come through in email notification, but is on the blogger website:  Mini Me Moves to the Beach

gone to a new home 

Grey Dreary Doldrums

 Any idea what this is?  Well it is an eel catcher! Eels bring to mind stories told by my mother of my great grandfather. Eels once a very popular food and the mainstay of the London Pie and Mash shops.

Lots of action here in the UK - politics, economy, immigration and we are being regularly patrolled by the Coast Guard and military flying overhead along the coast and what feels like very close over our building!  And yes we have entered the damp, cold grey season after a prolonged 'Indian Summer' (originally an American term, but first used in by The Met Office Meteorological Glossary in 1916).

Doldrums defined as (1) a state or period of stagnation or depression - which adaptly defines state of my home rennovations or (2) an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms, and light unpredictable winds - OK I am not at the equator, but otherwise defines our current weather.

Grey but with short-lived rainbow

The Long Journey of the Queen

The end of an Era - 8 September 2022 with 11 surreal days of mourning 'ending' on the 19th with  her funeral.  She was born in 1926 - what change in her lifetime! A reign of 70 years more than her great great grandmother Queen Victoria who ruled for 63 years.

The rainbows at her places of residence on the day of her passing were incredible including (look closely) a double rainbow.

Although we didn't queue for 12-24 hours to see her lying in state, here is what we actually saw/experienced as her coffin was driven from Westminster to Windsor - passing nearby where we live. First our new King went by - to be ready to receive the Queen's coffin at Windsor, then 5-10 minutes later, the Queen's coffin. With so many smartphones held up, and being on the shorter side of those in the crowd, I actually had to squat and peak through the legs of those at the railings to get a real glimpse of the coffin. Almost all shops closed, a solemn crowd and a heartful respect.

Entering Windsor Castle after the long walk ... one of my favorite photos.

Long live the King!

Posted by Keli in Crafty Fun Group from this pattern.

Summer RoundUp

First an uplifting article from 31 July Sunday Times -- a good counter to the incessant news about inflation/'cost of living crisis', energy prices, drought & shortages in Europe and elections both sides of the pond.  On a local happy note ... a very small butterfly on some mint in our niece's garden.

What would you expect from a Quirky Quilter who just made her first basket - useful, I'd say ...

and beats another Quirky's husband who wore her basket as a hat! Perhaps my 'teaching days' having just started are over - ha!

found on Twitter

A surprise visit by a big red bus right past my house!

And how to you like this adaptation for old buildings?

Oh I Do Like To Be By The Seaside

 

courtesy of Thanet News - see link -->

A Little Summer Seaside Fun -- Sights and Sounds - well no sounds on this blog, but I did awake to the bandstand singer singing 'Wake Up You Sleepy Head' on a recent Saturday morning! Hee Hee ...

One of a number of English postbox toppers knitted or crocheted - read here for more like this. Very realistic as the seagulls will take the chips straight out of your hand on the way to your mouth!

Here's the sights from our recent clifftop walk - and yes those canal boats leave the canal for the sea occasionally.  But what has caused the chalky water NOW, I don't know -- never seen it quite like this before, but beautiful in a way.

We face east towards the Goodwin Sands so this is a reflected sunset at 9 pm, 

and this is a 4:50 am sunrise!

My latest, the Cozy Blanket pattern from Attic24, made by me for my niece - her choice of colours.

70 Very British Years

Yes, it was the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrating her 70 years on the throne - in the country's service - complete with a four day weekend. She is the first British monarch to be on the throne for 70 years.

Some of us celebrated with a day out at Easton Walled Gardens, whilst others held street parties - one small one on our street.

Don't you just love these large alliums?

And we had a family wedding too - congratulations to the newlyweds!

There were four days of events over this expanded bank holiday - see below for a 'taster.' The nation felt joyous especially after 2 years of COVID lockdown/restrictions.

The main events 2-5 June 2022 were:

Thursday:  Trooping of the Color with Flypast and evening lighting of 2022 Jubilee Beacons

In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.

Friday: National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's

Saturday:  Epsom Derby & Party at the Palace (concert and show)

Sunday:  Jubilee Pageant (parade) down The Mall

An amazing projection of a 25 year old Queen onto the very uncomfortable coronation carriage.

After a successful Platinum Jubilee weekend, Queen Elizabeth has shared a message of gratitude, thanking all that celebrated the historic milestone.

"When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," the Queen began.

While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.

I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.

I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."

ELIZABETH R