Thanks - yes, I'm so lucky to have all this on my doorstep, so to speak.
It's an old warehouse, BL, now turned into flats. The narrowboats used to turn in to that arch and unload their goods; the builders' merchant occupying the land next door is still called Navigation Supplies. "You'll get it at the Navvy" is a phrase I had to have translated when we first moved here. The canal opened in 1798, crossing the Pennines between Manchester and Halifax. It was really important for transporting coal (100,000 tons per year in the 1820s), grain and cloth, until the railways came later in the 19th century. It was in disrepair when we lived here in the late 1970s, but was restored and re-opened for pleasure boats around the Millenium. You really get a sense of the history when you walk the towpath; the cobbles are worn down by horses' hooves, and there are deep grooves in the stonework of the bridges where the towing ropes rubbed.
- not taken today, obviously... rather a lot of leaves.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
Thank you, Liri. That was interesting. I went on a canal holiday when I was in my teens. The narrow boat was pulled by a horse.
There were cardboard boxes in the garage but I gave them to a lady who packs up clothes for refugees. I've only wrapped the handles and I'll bring them out at the last minute. Son and DIL are getting photos for the big pot of bulbs and the trough of violas for their terrace as I am leaving them outside, damp and heavy.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Young lad, about 17 or 18 came to the till . Packet of 12 condoms and 2 little bottles of coke.
I discreetly served him, put the stuff down and he paid me. I gave him his receipt and he said thank-you. As he turned to walk away I said ........ " Enjoy" He just tittered as he walked away. Made me laugh out loud I have to say.
I have to admire his confidence buying a pack of 12. bless'im.
More woodchip delivered today so that'll keep me busy tomorrow on my day off.
Tried to keep up with you all but not a lot of time to read back properly. Apologies. ?
Had a super day with Charlie yesterday, 8 hours at the Snow Village & Christmas market at big local town. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it. All the more poignant to then hear about Berlin. Charlie had huge cuddles today. ?
Now on a mammoth house cleaning/ironing/organising paperwork mission ready for Xmas followed by Boxing Day trip to the UK for 5 days.
Tricky Xmas for me this year obviously, but will see Charlie Xmas Eve, I'm staying there (ex OHs house) overnight too so will see him open his presents, all a bit strained but the best option for Charlie this year. I'm having dinner at a friend's house but she has just had a massive row with her mother so also a bit strained. Am slightly inclined to hide at my own house with a big box if chocs, a snuggly blanket and control of the remote. Sadly I'm not brave enough to be that anti-social. ?
Really looking forward to trip to UK though, catch up with old friends, staying in one town only this time at a friend's house. All Charlie's old school friends organized to meet him. ?
Now must tackle that mountain of ironing. ??
Good evening all. ?
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
Don't worry DD - you'll quickly learn to be anti social!
Seriously - Christmas will be quite stressful under the circumstances, so be kind to yourself, and if that means a box of chocs and a blanket in front of the telly, you crack on and do exactly that.
I'll possibly be joining you
Hosta - you are naughty. Poor lad...although I think fidget might not be far from the truth
At least he's/they're being responsible
Daughter is making brioche buns. The dough 'proved' rather excitable (do you see what I did there?) and it overflowed slightly. It was like Quatermass on the wooden floor....
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Berlin news awful. Went to that market a few times in 2013 - one of the prettiest. Such pointless violence.
Back from a great couple of days in London - cracking meal out last night, and muchwandering today in the sunshine. Went to the new Design museum - very good. Lots on sustainability and the challenges of climate change, so I was all eyes and ears.
Posts
Thanks - yes, I'm so lucky to have all this on my doorstep, so to speak.
It's an old warehouse, BL, now turned into flats. The narrowboats used to turn in to that arch and unload their goods; the builders' merchant occupying the land next door is still called Navigation Supplies. "You'll get it at the Navvy" is a phrase I had to have translated when we first moved here.
The canal opened in 1798, crossing the Pennines between Manchester and Halifax. It was really important for transporting coal (100,000 tons per year in the 1820s), grain and cloth, until the railways came later in the 19th century. It was in disrepair when we lived here in the late 1970s, but was restored and re-opened for pleasure boats around the Millenium. You really get a sense of the history when you walk the towpath; the cobbles are worn down by horses' hooves, and there are deep grooves in the stonework of the bridges where the towing ropes rubbed.
- not taken today, obviously... rather a lot of leaves.
Beautiful tranquil scenes Liri. Very fortunate to have on your doorstep plus Lismore
Thank you, Liri. That was interesting. I went on a canal holiday when I was in my teens. The narrow boat was pulled by a horse.
There were cardboard boxes in the garage but I gave them to a lady who packs up clothes for refugees. I've only wrapped the handles and I'll bring them out at the last minute. Son and DIL are getting photos for the big pot of bulbs and the trough of violas for their terrace as I am leaving them outside, damp and heavy.
Evening all.
It's going to be a cold night tonight. Keep safe and warm!
evening all.
Young lad, about 17 or 18 came to the till . Packet of 12 condoms and 2 little bottles of coke.
I discreetly served him, put the stuff down and he paid me. I gave him his receipt and he said thank-you. As he turned to walk away I said ........ " Enjoy" He just tittered as he walked away. Made me laugh out loud I have to say.
I have to admire his confidence buying a pack of 12. bless'im.
More woodchip delivered today so that'll keep me busy tomorrow on my day off.
Two each for half a dozen of them hoping to get lucky at the christmas party. He probably got the short straw, and had to make the purchase.
Evening all. ?
Tried to keep up with you all but not a lot of time to read back properly. Apologies. ?
Had a super day with Charlie yesterday, 8 hours at the Snow Village & Christmas market at big local town. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it. All the more poignant to then hear about Berlin. Charlie had huge cuddles today. ?
Now on a mammoth house cleaning/ironing/organising paperwork mission ready for Xmas followed by Boxing Day trip to the UK for 5 days.
Tricky Xmas for me this year obviously, but will see Charlie Xmas Eve, I'm staying there (ex OHs house) overnight too so will see him open his presents, all a bit strained but the best option for Charlie this year. I'm having dinner at a friend's house but she has just had a massive row with her mother so also a bit strained. Am slightly inclined to hide at my own house with a big box if chocs, a snuggly blanket and control of the remote. Sadly I'm not brave enough to be that anti-social. ?
Really looking forward to trip to UK though, catch up with old friends, staying in one town only this time at a friend's house. All Charlie's old school friends organized to meet him. ?
Now must tackle that mountain of ironing. ??
Good evening all. ?
Don't worry DD - you'll quickly learn to be anti social!
Seriously - Christmas will be quite stressful under the circumstances, so be kind to yourself, and if that means a box of chocs and a blanket in front of the telly, you crack on and do exactly that.
I'll possibly be joining you
Hosta - you are naughty. Poor lad...although I think fidget might not be far from the truth
At least he's/they're being responsible
Daughter is making brioche buns. The dough 'proved' rather excitable (do you see what I did there?) and it overflowed slightly. It was like Quatermass on the wooden floor....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Have a great trip catching up with old friends DD
Berlin news awful. Went to that market a few times in 2013 - one of the prettiest. Such pointless violence.
Back from a great couple of days in London - cracking meal out last night, and muchwandering today in the sunshine. Went to the new Design museum - very good. Lots on sustainability and the challenges of climate change, so I was all eyes and ears.
And a couple of postcards from my trip - one day, one night