Friday, 26 May 2006

A Nice Cup of Tea & A Sit Down by Nicey & Wifey


I came home from work yesterday to find that another Book Crosser had sent me, what we call a RABCK (random act of Book Crossing kindness). It is a lovely book that was on my wish list and I was unable to resist starting the book last night. Thank you redhouse!

For me, 44 pages into the book, I relived some happy memories. The book talks about storing buscuits, that accompany tea in an old biscuit tin. Old because it adds credibility.

I remembered the buscuit tin that my Aunt had when I was a child. During my last visit, when I was offered a buscuit, which I declined, and asked if she still had the buscuit tin she had always had. Although showing a puzzled look, Aunt produced the said buscuit tin. It was the same one, and it has been in use for more than 30 years.

I don't actually know when I first starting drinking tea. My grandmother always had coffee and for 11 or thereabout and a cup of tea mid afternoon. Before she went to bed she always had hot chocolate. My mum doesn't drink tea, and rarely coffee, but does make an excellent cuppa! and I always drink tea, and rarely coffee, unless a generous Tia Maria is added to it! My tea preferences are probably verging on the boring side. I like Tetley's and am not fond of flavoured teas or Earl Grey. Although I did towards the end of last year receive a book box with some flavoured teas and I did remove and drink one that was a citrus flavour.

I went on a course last year. After dinner we were offered coffee or tea. I selected tea. About 10 minutes went past and the waitress arrived clutching a nice wooden box, the sort of box that hubby would store fishing flies in!, she opened it and revealed about 20 different flavoured teas. My colleagues, knowing that I like plain tea, of which I prefer Tetley's were looking in amusement at what I would select. Much to everyone's horror I said, "I'll have the nearest to Tetley's" to a rather bemused waitress.

I like my tea to have milk added, so it is a medium to dark brown with no sugar. I am not keen on powdered milk added to my tea, long life or UHT milk. Tea made in hotels using those little pots of milk never tastes quite right.

The section about tea pots is accurate. Why do they always leak? Actually hubbys says they don't and that I pour too fast. About 3 years ago we were in the Army & Navy store in Guildford. This has been rebranded as House of Fraser. We went up to the rather snazzy resturant on the 5th floor and I had a pot of tea. It arrived in a lovely solid metal tea pot that had an oriental feel to it. I asked if they were sold in the store and was told no. I was disappointed, but left it there. Then about 4 months later we spent a day in Honiton, having a wander through the antique shops, and there I spotted an identical tea pot. I bought it, and have used it only about twice, but I like it and its a nice addition to the kitchen and it doesn't leak when I pour.



The web site that accompanies this book is HERE and Journal Entries for my copy of the book are HERE

Wednesday, 24 May 2006

Parcel from my Book Crossing Penpal

This morning I received a wonderful parcel from my BC Penpal Mary-Anne. This was a delightful surprise and I have been very spoilt, and am very touched by your generosity. Thank you so much!

Monday, 22 May 2006

Collecting the books!

We went this evening to collect the books I won on the eBay auction. Its just as well we both went. I could never manage them to the car, and we had to make two trips. A quick glance and there looks some real beauties in there!

Mood: Exhausted!

Sunday, 21 May 2006

Goucher & Goacher - Various - DBY

I stumbled across the surname index produced by Chesterfield & District FHS, which is loaded to the Derbyshire County Council web page. These are the results for Goucher & Goacher.

GOUCHER

Arthur Goucher Bapt 8th June 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Magazine July 1902
Notes - St Peters Calow

Cyril Goucher Bpt 8th Feb 1928
Source - Chesterfield Parish Magazine Mar 1928
Notes - Parish Church

Irene Goucher Marriage 4th June 1918
Source - St Thomas's Church Brampton Parish Magazine Jul 1918
Notes - James Wilcock

John Goucher Bpt 28th June 1936
Source - St Thomas's Church Brampton Parish Magazine August 1936
Notes - Son of Walter & Gladys

Lily Goucher Burial 5th Feb 1902
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine March 1902
Notes - Age 10 months. St Peter's Calow

Lily Goucher (twin) Baptised 24th April 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine August 1901
Notes - St Peters Calow

Lucy Florence Goucher Baptism 14th Jan 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine Feb 1901
Notes - St Peter's Calow

May Goucher (twin) Baptism 24 April 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine Aug 1901
Notes - St. Peter's, Calow

Reginald Goucher Married 29 December 1920
Source - St Thomas's Church Brampton Parish Magazine Feb 1921
Notes - Winifred Ethel Hubbard

Selina Goucher Bap 14 Jan 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine Feb 1901
Notes - St. Peter's, Calow

Thomas Goucher Baptism 6th Jan 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine Feb 1901
Notes - St Peters Church Calow

Thomas Arthur Goucher Baptism 25th April 1926
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine July 1926 Parish Church

Walter Goucher
Source - Newbold & Dunston Child Census 1893
Notes - P 51 Pottery Lane

William Levi Goucher Baptism 10th March 1901
Source - Chesterfield Parish Church Magazine April 1901
Notes - St Peters Calow

GOACHER

Beatrice Annie Goacher
Source - Census of Child Population 1892
Notes - Vol 8, P 26, Derby Street

Florence Goacher
Source - Census of Child Population 1892
Notes - Vol 3, P 99, Lordsmill Street

Irene Goacher Marriage 26th April 1924
Source - St Thomas's Church Brampton Parish Magazine June 1924
Notes - Frank Westbrook

John Thomas Goacher
Source - Census of Child Population 1892
Notes - Vol 3, P 99, Lordsmill Street

Levi Goacher
Source - Census of Child Population 1892
Notes - Vol 8, P 26, Derby Street

Thomas Goacher
Source - Census of Child Population 1892
Notes - Vol 3, P 99, Lordsmill Street

Jonathan Goacher - DBY - 1722

BOLSOVER - Settlement Certificate - 1722
Jon. or Jonathan GOACHER, wife and children Norton Cuckney

Saturday, 20 May 2006

Live Journal Journaleers group homework w/c 15th May

Live Journal Journaleer group homework
20 years ago I was doing, or about to do my O levels

10 years ago I had been married for 3 years and was getting our house organised. We moved from Surrey/London to Devon into our lovely Victorian Villa. Sounds grand, but its a Victorian terrace on 3 floors. I was about to go to University as a mature student and do a BA in History. I also spent Christmas with my family in Australia, boy it was hot.....40 odd degrees!

5 years ago I had finished my degree and returned to Pharmacy, actually to the company that I trained with and am still working for.

3 years ago I was still working for the same company, but had a different job.

1 year ago I was still working for the same company and had a district manager job. My boss had left and I was exceedly frustrated. My new boss arrived in August and I began to feel that as an area we were achieving things.

So far this year I have gone for two roles within the company, and got both.I've read 35 books and am feeling OK with work and feel that I am now on the right track.

Yesterday I worked from home. I went to bed early clutching a pack of night nurse (3rd really bad cold this year) and slept like a log, and the coughing didn't wake me or hubby.

Today I am am heading out for a girly day with Mum.

Tomorrow I will be clearing the study to accommodate the 600 books I bought on eBay. It needs a tidy anyway, but I'm being optimistic thinking I can complete it in 1 day!

In the next year I will have had 2 weeks holiday in Hay on Wye and will feel refreshed because I love the area, poorer because next time I just know I shall come home with more than 8 books. I shall have completed the study clearing and got my genealogical notes in order, filed and totally computerised.I shall fully understand LJ, I shall read 60 books (I hope) and will hopefully still be in the Area support manager role, gaining more experience, expecially on budgets, then perhaps I might apply for the next role up. Things are uncertain at work with the Boots merger, but only because its all an unknown quantity. It is going to be an exciting, busy and demanding time.

Friday, 19 May 2006

Books, Books & More Books!

I've just bought 600 books on eBay. Babs posted the details to the BCUK list and when I got my email it had just over 3 minutes to go. I couldn't resist though. It is near to us in Devon, so there is no carriage to pay. I think £12.00 for 600 books is brilliant. But will hubby think the same! LOL

Hay-on-Wye weekend

We came back on Monday from being away since last Friday in Hay on Wye. It was wonderful! actually I felt more rested after 4 days in Hay than I did after a week in Scotland, but that was to do with the in laws, and another story entirely!

We stayed at the Red Lion Hotel at Bredwardine, which is just over the border into Herefordshire. A lovely 17th Century hotel, set in the country, serving lovely food, we had Gammon on the first night and the meal was delicious! The hotel also provided fishing on the River Wye to residents, so Stuart spent Saturday wading and fishing the Wye, even during the horrid downpour of rain and thunder, whilst I was in Hay at the bookshops. Alas, didn't catch anything, although he does assure me that he almost did.

I spent a lovely day in Hay, meeting with four of the Birmingham Book Crossers, Gill, Liz, Ali & Fritzi, meeting at 11am at Kilverts for a coffee, before starting the mammoth task of visiting the bookshops. The tourist information centre produce a small paper tifolding sheet of bookshops, and there are 30 bookshops in Hay, 3 auctions & bookbinders and 4 bookshops near Hay.
Together we did about 4 bookshops, although the girls carried on after I left them at 5pm and I did another one, (a biggie) on Sunday and the rest on Monday with Stuart.

I resolved myself that even though I have enough books in the house to read for the next 20 years, exlcuding all the book rings that arrive, I would still buy more books. Its compulsive, but there are more unhealthy addictions! Despite, every bookshop bursting to the seems with books, on shelves, stairs, on the floor, I did actually only buy 8 books. This was because there were so many to choose from. Here are my 8: The Castle Bookshop
The Love Letter by Cathleen Schine - 30p
More than a year in time by Jane Lassen - 50p
Stitches in Times by Barbara Michael - 50p
The Genealogists Guide by Geoffrey B Berrow - 50p
Social Register Boston (USA) 1968 by the Social Reg Association - 50p

Bookends
A kiss from Maddelena by Christopher Castellani - £1.00

Broad Street Book Centre
Fly Fishing by Stephen Windsor - £5.00

Cinema Bookshop
Heavenly Date & Flirtations by Alexander McCall Smith - £1.47

Oxfam shop at Hay
Fish Tales by Billee Chapman Pincher - £1.79

The Castle Bookshop was wonderful - set in the grounds of Hay Castle, this is a rather novel (no pun intended!) way of displaying some books, which have a fairly small value, but are a super way of using the space. The bookshelves are in the open, well most of them. If you climb the steps to the actual bookshop, there are about 10 bookcases all with open access, but with overhead cover. The open access bookshelves are open round the clock, and there is an honesty box to pay for purchases.

On Saturday evening we ate at the Pandy Inn at Dorstone. Which declared itself the oldest inn in Herefordshire. I can certainly recommend the Steak & Wild Mushroom Pie - it was delicious!. On the way back to the hotel stopping to have a look at Bredwardine Church.
On Sunday, we started the day at Brecon, then headed in completely the other direction to Bromyard the other side of Hereford. Whilst not an obvious choice for those on holiday, it is the birth place, according to the 1901 Census of Stuart's paternal great grandmother.
As we were so near, it seemed a shame not to visit and see the chuch and have a quick wander round. We did head back to Hay, and consumed a lovely ice cream from Shepherds, ice cream parlour. We ate on Sunday evening at a lovely resturant outside of Hereford, called The Bay Horse on the Kings Acre Road. The meal and the venue were delightful, and are highly recommended.

Monday once more, I headed for the bookshops. We managed to complete the rest and left to return home late afternoon.

Thursday, 18 May 2006

Celebrating Summer Not-So-Secret Exchange

Recieved details of my partner for the Celebrating Summer Not-So-Secret Exchange,
so there's another reason to go book shopping. As if I haven't seen enough bookshops.....actually there is never a time when its too many bokshops!

Tuesday, 16 May 2006

March of the Penguins - DVD

I saw this advertised before Christmas, and when I spotted it in Tesco I popped it in the trolley.

An amazing account of the Penguins and their continuing fight for survival, with brilliant camera work & photography.

Wednesday, 10 May 2006

Live Journal Journallers group - Sightseeing "homework"

Over on the Live Journal Journallers Project we had the following question, and here are my answers.

Sightseeing The fairy grandmother has granted you a wish - you can visit three places anywhere in the world. Where would you go and why? (Places not meaning countries or citys, but sightseeing highlights, for example the Eiffel Tower or Ayers Rock...)

1. Travel around Fiji. I know this is a country, but I spent time there on my way to Australia, before I was married and I would love to go back with my husband, so we could have some special time together. Actually, I would love to do the whole trip again, but with my husband this time.

2. Wagga Wagga in NSW Australia, because I have family there and I lived there for a year, and it felt a more comfortable to live than my current place of residence.

3. Sicily, and especially Sutera, because it is where my "Italian" ancestry lies.

Current Mood: nostalgic

Saturday, 6 May 2006

More books!

I went and had a trawl through the charity shops for books for the goody bags for the UnConvention. I couldn't see anything from the wish lists, but managed to come home with 7 books for my already enormous to be read mountain.

Friday, 5 May 2006

Recipe - BICERIN

BICERIN - Serves 3-4

3 ounces plain chocolate
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon flour
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 cup hot sugared coffee
3 to 4 tablespoons whipped cream

Melt chocolate over low heat.
Add milk, sugar, flour, and cream and heat gently for 1 minute.
Pour the sugared coffee in a champagne glass.
Add the warm chocolate mixture and top with whipped cream.

Delicious!

A bicerin is a short strong chocolate and espresso beverage made famous inTorino, Italy, at Caffe Al Bicerin and served in a tall glass.

TravelBlog - Travel Journals, Travel Blogs, Diaries and Photos

Travel Blog - Travel Journals, Dairies & Photos - Main site

My Travel Blog - not updated yet!

Bookprice24.co.uk

Bookprice24.co.uk - Price comparison for new and used books

Wednesday, 3 May 2006

BookCrossing Birthday RABCK Experiment

BookCrossing Birthday RABCK Experiment journal which was originally part of the Book Crossing site has now moved to a Flickr group

To Do List

What a great idea. I love lists, the help me get structured, organised and I often use one to plan my day.

Monday, 1 May 2006

Book Crossing Convention Toronto 2006


Alas, I didn't attend, but I did contribute a photo to the Book Crossing Collage. I was sent a photo of the collage by Margaret - Thanks!

Lockerbie Academy

Stuart attended Lockerbie Academy. On looking at the web page for something, I spotted the following:

Did you attend Lockerbie Academy?
If so, what was it like when you were here? When did you last sit in the Assembly Hall? Last climb the stairs of A Block; get on a school bus? Who were the teachers, and what were they like?

We're currently helping to compile a book about the history of our school - if you think you can send us your memories of school life.

http://www.lockerbie-academy.co.uk/index.htm

Sunday, 30 April 2006

NSS Goody Bags for the Book UnConvention

Today I received the details of our Goody bag partners for the UnConvention in Birmingham.
There's another excuse to go to a bookshop or two!

Tuesday, 25 April 2006

Glasgow Book Crossers for lunch!

I met up with the two Laura and Deb for lunch in a rather fun pub in Glasgow. I can't remember the name of the pub, but the Strawberry cheesecake was devine!
On the way to meet the others Laura, took me into Borders bookshop. It reminded me of my favourite bookshop Foyles in London, and after lunch, when we parted, I went back to Borders and exchanged money for some books - naughty me!
It was a lovely day. It was good to meet up girls!

Sunday, 23 April 2006

Caerlaverock Castle


Situated in Dumfries & Galloway (South West Scotland).

We were in a bookshop in Dumfries yesterday and Stuart spotted a lovely postcard of the castle. It said Dumfries & Galloway on the back, so we decided to locate the castle and visit. We took the A725 out of Dumfries and the road follows the River Nith. Just outside of Glencapel we pulled over and looked out at the lovely view. The river was calm, it was a beautiful day - sunny with a gentle spring breeze. The locals have started, what was described by the lady in the papershop as the Nith clear up, the removal of the rubbish from the banks of the River Nith. As we drove on, following the river, the river the widened, leading out to the Solway, and out eventually to sea. The road that lead to the castle turned inland.

Following a nature trail will lead to the ruins of
an earlier castle, which was sited closer to the Solway and abandoned 50 years later, because it was too close to the river. The castle itself was lovely, they built their ruins well! Including some grafitti, dated from 1820! Swans occupy the moat, and even a few fish.

Saturday, 22 April 2006

The Galloway Falcons

In the town centre of Dumfries, by the fountain was a display with the Galloway Falcons centre. The Falcon, known as awkward was on proud display....a very beautiful and graceful bird.

Tuesday, 18 April 2006

Yothu Yindi - A Band with a Vision

I was in Australia as Yothu Yindi released their album Tribal Voice, and bought the tape before coming back to England. Now we're in the aged of music CDs and a few have joined my collection.

Homeland Movement (1988)
Tribal Voice (1991)
Freedom (1993)
Birrkuja Wild Honey (1994)
One Blood (1998)
Garma (2000)

Here is the band's web page
Yothu Yindi - A Band with a Vision

Monday, 17 April 2006

The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant - TV Drama

Although I'm not a real Telly addict, I spotted the advertisment for the Drama of The Incrediable life of Mary Bryant, a convict from Cornwall, who is sentenced to death, but receives a pardon and is transported to Botany Bay. She manages to escape and after some time is recapured. Upon her return to England she is labelled a hero, and is pardoned, and returned to her native Cornwall. A sad story having lost her husband and children through the events.

The story line grabbed my attention as, I read recently, The Girl from Botany Bay, who although is refered to in the book as Mary Broad, is indeed the same person. The drama had been jazzed up slightly in places from the book, but, nevertheless was a very good drama and was well worth watching.

Fishing in Dumfries & Galloway

River Nith Improvement Association.

ooohhh the pain!.......

I got out of the car last Tuesday and felt a twinge, by Thursday I was really struggling and in a lot of pain in my back and the ribs, basically all the bits that were injured when the Nissan Micra wrote our BMW off in Dec 2004.

Thankfully, I was off Good Friday, the weekend and Easter Monday, so reached for the Co-proxamol and Ibuprofen 6oomg. All prescribed following the accident, which rended me off work of 3 months. The yesterday (sunday) I noticed my ankles swelling.....so I laid off the tablets to see if there had been any improvement. I woke at 4 o 'Clock this morning in pain, so back on the pain killers and anti inflammatories. After taking them, I decided to locate my aging BNF in the study and note that the Ibuprofen has the potential side effect of water rention, ankle swelling. Judging by the size of mine, I won't disagree with that!

Blogs/Live Journal Questionaire

I was reading ncot's LJ and spotted the link to the Save Live Journal (and me!) posting
I thought that I would answer the questions and, using the belt and braces approach record the details on both my Blog and my LJ. (I'm still struggling with LJ!)

1. How did you find out about LJ?
Through the BookCrossing UK mailing list

2. Why do you keep a Journal?
To record events, thoughts or just bits I want to save. How many of us see something that we want to make a note of then loose the note, or find their desk covered in post it notes? To me a Blog/LJ is somewhere I can record them. They show that a particular thing was of interest to me, and I guess enables a reader to build a small profile of me.

3. Do you also keep a paper diary?
Yes, two of them. One is events and appointments, the other is a handwritten and records all sorts of things, that I want to record for the future and so I don't forget them. I've kept every journal,notebook and diary I've written since 1982!

4. How long have you had an LJ? How long do you think you'll keep writing in it?
I've had my Blog since August 2003 and my Live Journal since September 2005, and Shhh I prefer Blog!

5. Have you ever lost whole LJ entries or parts of them? How did you feel about it?
Touching lots of wood, no I haven't, but the thought of loosing part of my Blog or LJ gives me a really sicky feeling.

6. What's your favorite thing about LJ? Your least favorite?
My favourite thing about the concept of LJ & Blogs is that I can, and often do get lost in them. You can start reading and follow a link and read about something that is personal and important to someone else. This is actually a really good example. I read an email on the BCUK mailing list by ncot and followed the link to her LJ, which then lead me to this questionaire.
My least favourite thing about LJ specifically is that I find it more complicated than Blog.

7. Would you want all or part of your LJ to survive you? Who/where would you leave it to?
I want it all to survive. As a historian I love reading journals and papers that have survived from previous years. I want my research notes, and there are lots of them, and both my written Journal and online Journals to survive the test of time. Its my way of saying I was here, and this is what I felt, did and thought. I would like to leave it to my cousin's daughter. She is a very special young women with a family of her own.

::ETA:: If an archive or library asked for a copy of your LJ for research purposes, whould you give it to them?
Yes, I'd be happy to. What is important to remember is that a LJ or blog may look boring or dull, but it means something to the person who it belongs to. A peer to Samuel Pepys may have thought his Diary boring, but look at historical value they have now.

Sunday, 16 April 2006

NSS Easter Bunny Pressie

I opened my NSS Easter Bunny pressie. Thanks to bookfrogster.

It contains three books from my wish list and my favourite bar of chocolate.

Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline
Paradise Fields by Katie Fforde
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich

Thanks so much bookfrogster, I am delighted. Happy Easter!


Saturday, 15 April 2006

Chatting to LyzzyBee!

I saw that LyzzyBee was going to be on MSN messenger, so joined her online for a chat, for about half an hour. We're both looking forward to the BCUK Birmingham meet in Hay On Wye....I mean, where else could a group of booklovers meet, but somewhere that has 39 bookshops! On a month to go to Hay on Wye!!

Into town..

Mum and I wandered into town today. I didn't really need any groceries. I went to Tesco earlier in the week and had no intention to go today, and battle with everyone buying enough groceries to feed an army. We popped into the charity shops in town, my there are loads, to look at the books. Out of 5 or 6 shops I bought one book and even that isn't for me. I bought a rather aging book called The Fish we catch by W E Davies for hubby, another one for his collection of angling books. Town was fairly busy, lots of people down for the Easter weekend and school holidays. The sun even managed to put in a brief appearence.

Guild Journal arrives........

Well, it did earlier in the week, but I didn't get chance to read it until Good Friday, because, the whole population goes completely mad, and pharmacy is tremendously busy Easter week. There was an interesting article about Blogs, and creating one, for a one-name study. I've been cogitating since yesterday. I already have a perfectly good blog, albeit, it may be on the boring side to most people, it does actually mean something to me! To have a blog for my two one name studies.....might be a good idea......watch this space.......

Go on then.....I've given in.

ORLANDO

WORSHIP

Tuesday, 11 April 2006

Saturday, 8 April 2006

Grand National Flutter!

I'm not really a gambler, but I do always splash out with a pound each way on two horses for the Grand National. I dislike going into bookmakers, so have an online account with a well known one and each year have to look up the passwords! Anyway, mum and I both had a small flutter, for a bit of fun. My horses were Amberleigh House and Hedgehunter. Hedgehunter came in 2nd. woo hoo! Mum's horses were Hedgerhunter and Clan Royal, which came in 3rd.....so Mum can obviously pick 'em! Now, how are we going to spend our whopping three quid each!!.....Its the taking part that counts!

24-7 Family History Circle

Ancestry.com blog - 24-7 Family History Circle

The Original Record

I saw details of this somewhere on the web. I've had a quick look at it looks a useful site. Even finding a few Orlando references.
The Original Record

Missouri State Archives - Death Records Certificates

Missouri now has Death Certificates from 1910-1955 are online. The url also contain digital images from 1910-1920. The online certicates are searchable by name, county or month and year. Also the database includes info on occupation, parents, birthplace and marital status.
Missouri State Archives - Death Records Certificates

A quick search for my Orlando one name study revealed 53 results.

Avon.....why do they do that?


Why do big companies keep discontinuing products that sell? I simply love the Planet Spa, South Pacific range sea algae body wash, and have been buying for about a year, I went to order last month and there was none in the book,that sometimes happens. I tried to order from the latest book and still none. I checked the Avon web page, and its not listed. I contacted Avon, who announce its discontinued. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, They usually state in the book that it is being discontinued. Incidently, the item number was 06502

The really annoying thing is I bought some items from the Planet Spa range, but not the South Pacific, to send to someone in the US, as that had been discontinued, at that time they still listed my product and I didn't buy any.

Drat, Drat Drat!

Monday, 3 April 2006

All things Sicilian

A site after my own heart!

Italian food online, Italian recipes, Sicilian food recipes and much more!

Sunday, 2 April 2006

Easter Bunny!

I completed buying the goodies for my Book Crossing NSS Easter Bunny pressie, so now all that is needed is something suitable for posting and it will be off in the post. I really enjoy buying for the BC NSS events. Selecting the book or perhaps books, the chocies and other bits. They are not compulsory to members of the BCUK list, but is a really nice addition to the group, and such fun!

About Daylight Saving Time - History, rationale, laws & dates

As we changed the clock last weekend here in the UK, and they change this weekend in the US, it seemed appropiate to blog this really useful web page about - Day Light Saving

Saturday, 1 April 2006

Preserving our Heritage - Special Things


When I was about 2 or 3 my grandfather gave me a small leather purse, measuring about 1.5" x 1". Inside was a small coin, which is square. Its a little tarnished, but from research I did about 15 years ago, It was given to soldiers in Holland during WWII.

Anyway, thanks for this thread on the mailing list and for reminding me of such a happy event, my grandfather died in 1974 and I have treasured this little purse and unusual coin ever since. I might see if I can find more details online about it.

I had a closer look today, and for the first time noticed that on the back is some writing. At the top left it says Watchmaker. Scrolled across the middle it reads H Venables and at the bottom right it gives the address of Market Street Guildford.

According to the Kelly's Directory of 1963, H Venables was a jewellers whose premises was at 22, Market Street.

The coin has been difficult to photograph, even with a good camera, it has not been easy to get a close up of it. On one side is 5c with the date of 1939 and on the reverse KONINGRIJK.DER.NEDERLANDEN.

The great individuals on the BookCrossing UK Yahoo list have told me that that translates to Kingdom of the Nederlands.

Friday, 31 March 2006

Preserving Our Heritage

Each month a member of the group offers to lead the discussion on a particular theme. I had a look through the list and decided to volunteer for the topic titled "what to do next" at the end of November.

One Scrappy Site - Scrapbooking Idea Resource

One Scrappy Site - Scrapbooking Idea Resource

Thursday, 30 March 2006

The Chocolates arrive!

The Chocolate I ordered from The Tasting Club have arrived. I had a quick sample to check they were OK for hubby to consume......and they were!

They were delicious! and come recommended.

A nice cup of .....tea, coffee, chocolate .....

I saw this book in Past Times last summer and it was one of thost books that I simply *had* to buy. This is a delightful little book. Illustrated with cups and saucers, proverbs, sayings from writers and some little pop ups!

One of my favourites is the chinese proverb:
"better to be deprived of food for three days than tea for one."

It is such a lovely little book, it deserves to be read by others, so having enjoyed the book for several months, it is now heading out on a bookring

Sunday, 26 March 2006

Singer Hand Sewing Machine - 1911

The machine displays a small plate with the serial number of F1985736. Research shows that this machine was one of 2,000 that was made at the Singer factory at Clydebank, Kilbowie, Glasgow during the period of July to December 1911. I am not too sure, but I believe this to be model number 99K. Out of interest by 1913, some 3 million Singer machines had been sold worldwide. The factory at Kilbowie opened in 1884 on a 46 acre site, emplying 7,000 people and finally closing its doors in 1980.

Obviously the machine and the lid does show some signs of use, after all, it is 94 years old! Some of the gold guilding has disappeared, and I think that possibly there should be a cover to the area where the handle folds into, as there is a small lip at one end. The metal plate that would cover where the spool goes is missing. There is a small area, about an inch square on the side of the lid where the veneer has been lost. On the side there is a lovely decorate silver plate, I have the original key, some spools and two packets of needles.

Thursday, 23 March 2006

Chocolate....

I blame it on those BCUK'er! There was mention of the Chocolate tasting club. They rather helpfully provided the URL to the web page The web page said they operated a tasting club, so I signed up......I'm doomed!

Saturday, 18 March 2006

Sicilian language course on line

Sicilian language course on line

The Girl From Botany Bay by Carolly Erickson

I was so looking forward to this book, following a review in "Your Family Tree Magazine" (a UK family history publication) that I ring jumped it....shhhh, don't tell anyone!!

I wasn't disappointed, It was a book that I was reluctant to put down and I've finished this in a couple of nights. Written in such a way that I became very absorbed in the story of Mary Broad and found the notes at the back of the book a useful reference point for further reading, as I have a interest in transported convicts of this period. Certainly one of my top ten reads for the year.

Here are the Journal Entries

Book Crossing - Not So Secret Easter Bunny!

The name of my NSSEB partner arrived today. Another excuse to send a book or two and a few goodies to a fellow Book Crosser. Now off to hunt for the goodies!

Sunday, 12 March 2006

The Red Lion Hotel, Bredwardine - Near Hay-on-Wye

The Birmingham group of Book Crossers are having a day in
Hay on Wye; I've always wanted to go and wander around all 39 bookshops. Booked the accommodation today!

Bromyard History Society

Having found reference to Sarah Good recorded in the 1901 census as being born in Bromyard Hereford I did a quick Google search this morning and found a reference to the History Society.

Saturday, 11 March 2006

Goucher/Good - Scarcliffe Derbyshire 1901

In 1995 we made a video of the documents held by my father in law relating to his parents. My husband's paternal grandfather had served in the First World War and later spent some time in Canada, so there was some interesting documents.

This morning I sat and watched the video. There were some photos on it of the Hindle/Rhodes connection then migrated to the US, and I wanted to refresh my memory. I was sidetracked. On the video was the details of the Passport that Ernest Goucher travelled on to Canada. I had a quick look on Ancestry.com to see if there was any passenger lists for 1932. I didn't think there would be, but worth a try. Anyway, I popped the name into the search engine on Ancestry and it showed the 1901 census image for Ernest (RG13/3133/97). Nothing new; I'd seen it before and have a copy in the file, but I suddenly noticed something.

Samuel Goucher, Ernest's father is recorded as a widower. Strange, he had remarried, after his first wife's death. Ernest's birth certificate for 1898 showed that. Mother Sarah Goucher, Late Goode, Formerly Davies.

I decided to search the GRO Indexes for the marriage of Samuel Goucher. Well, I searched the indexes from 1896 to 1906 and can not find any reference for a marriage for Samuel Goucher. On the 1901 Census details, I noticed something else too, Sarah Good born Hereford, Bromyard.

It just shows that it is certainly worthwhile going back over old ground, something new often rears it's head.

Thursday, 9 March 2006

Finally caught up!

I have finally caught up and got three book boxes ready to be collected, and several books that were waiting to be posted. I hate having things hanging around the house, but the last few weeks have been frantic, then I've been off sick again. Second bout of Tonsilitus since Christmas, and hopefully I can now get back to normal.

Current Mood: accomplished

Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Create & Craft

Completed - What BC means to me Journal

Well, I finished this at the end of last week. I loved it. I've added a few pages of my ramblings and a few post cards and a few other bits. Don't want to say to much as caffcaff reads my Live Journal(and maybe Blog) and is the person after next for the journal, and there has to be a few nice surprises in life!

One of my statements in the journal is this "Books are so powerful, and to me a wonderful book is one that will leave a bit with you long after you've read it"......isn't that so true?

Current Mood: satisfied

Monday, 6 March 2006

Parslow Banjo


I was in the middle of looking at my PARSLOW information, spurred on by emails from someone I met via Rootschat. One of my Parslow's from Kinston Upon Thames was a banjo maker. I have been looking for an example of one for ages, not that I can play the banjo, but it would be lovely to see what one looked like. As luck would have it, I came across a photo.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Live Journal, Journaleers Group - Favourite Artwork - Feb 27, 2006

What is your favourite piece of art? It can be either a painting, drawing, graphic or sculpture. Please describe it and why you like it so much. What kind of feelings does it evoke in you? Do you know the story behind the picture? If not (and even if), make up your won story. When and where did you see this piece of art for the first time?

I wouldn't call this favourite, I would say special piece of artwork.

My beloved Grandmother died in 1995 and at that time lived in Sutton, ooh, about 25 miles from Guildford, my home town and that of said Grandmother. I was walking through the shopping centre and in the window of an art shop there was the most beautiful picture. An original. The picture was called Swans on the Wey (named after River Wey which runs through Guildford) and showed, obviously a river and two very beautiful, graceful swans. It was a really special piece. As the shop was closed, I vowed to go back next morning and make the purchase. I got to the store about 9.15 the next morning and in that 15 minutes of the store opening someone had bought it. I was really upset and the poor women behind the counter must have thought I was barking as I dissolved into tears. In someway it felt just like loosing Grandma all over again.

Saturday, 4 March 2006

Devon BC meet

TutleyMutley arranged to meet today for a chat, a cuppa and for me to pass on the book that I caught at Osytercatcher's several weeks ago. We turned up at Osytercatchers to find it closed. oh no! Anyway, we wandered across the road to the rather snazzy cafe which was decked out like an American diner.

After a natter and a late lunch I passed over the said book, and the recent book by the same author that one was of the Inspired reads with The Times.

Mood: Happy!

Tuesday, 21 February 2006

Busy, Busy, Busy.....

Last week and this week have been frantic, I went to Head Office on Friday, so that was 6 hours in the car and two in at an informal interview, then back to Devon. On Monday and Tuesday I was away on a course in Southampton. I had too much wine on Monday night, even though all my colleagues thought being on a course with my boss would cramp my style and the evening jollys....oh no it didn't! Then back on Tuesday night, to piles of emails and "proper" mail which included a few books.

Waiting amongst the pile of mail was this from a fellow Book Crosser, with a lovely Journal Entry. Thanks LyzzyBee. This just demonstates how lovely it is to be involved with Book Crossing, and the wonder of such friendships.

"Friendships are glued together with little kindnesses" Mercia Tweedale
(b 1915)

Saturday, 18 February 2006

What it is to be British

One of the British national daily newspapers is asking readers "what it means to be British?". Some of the emails are really very funny but this is one from a chap in Switzerland ...

"Being British is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgian beer, then traveling home, grabbing an Indian curry or a Turkish kebab on the way, to sit on Swedish furniture and watch American shows on a Japanese TV. And the most British thing of all? Suspicion of anything foreign".

Great isn't it?

Comments on the What BC means to me Journal?


I've just read through the journal and its great. I'm going to really enjoy putting things into this. Perhaps we should start one for BCUK?

BC is to me a really friendly community. I share the same comments as other BookCrossers, meeting people and reading books that I would not normally have read. Others have put all sorts in the journal and I think it is great. I am wondering what "bits" I can put in. Some postcards and a couple of bits from my local paper.

Some LJ Success

I've only made three posts to LJ. I wanted to copy the post from Blogger to LJ about my NSSVS pressie. I managed the post, but could not load the photo on 14th.

On 16th I managed to work out how to load photos to LJ. So there has been some success. I still can't work out how to add photos to an edited entry on LJ, but I can't have everything!

Friday, 17 February 2006

Embroidery Table Cloth

I bought a great collection of material from eBay. Amongst the two suitcases of material was a lovely embroidered tablecloth. Pre printed with Little Bo Peep ready to be embroidered. Some of it has been done and some hasn't. The material is a bit grubby, but in a shade of pale pink. There are no marking of manufacturer, but I suspect this dates from the 1940s. I've shown the material to Mum and she thinks that it is a cotton linen mix. The material reminds me of something that I have seen before; I suspect it is a peice of material that my grandfather embroidered during 1940 when he was in Africa. That particular peice of material has been professionally framed and hanging on the landing.

Thursday, 16 February 2006

What BC is to me Journal?


I am taking part in the "What BookCrossing is to me Journal" book ring. The journal arrived today with a few other packets, but this is the one I'm the most interested in!

What shall I put in it?
Here are the Journal Entries

Tuesday, 14 February 2006

NSSVS


My parcel arrived today from Tiggysbabes.

Thanks so much for a lovely pressie.

Monday, 13 February 2006

Border Terrier Cross Stitch



I spotted this great cross stitch patten of a Border Terrier on eBay and simply had to have it! Whether or not the finished version will actually look like this remains to be seen!

Monty Napping!

Doesn't he look beautiful?

I couldn't resist taking this one, with his little teeth showing. He was obviously dreaming about something as his little jaws were moving frantically!














Napping this morning on the settee, with his blanket.

Sunday, 12 February 2006

CRAFTY Little Devil!

I was delighted to see that this crafty shop had opened in Town.
CRAFTY Little Devil!

As I walked past earlier I see they run two classes, one for Craft and one for scrapbooking, which typically I missed last week.

I've Caught a book!


A friend rang me today and we arranged to meet. There is a cafe in town and, as I ordered us some tea spotted a book under a pile of newspapers. I caught a book from here last year, so I delighted to find another!

Saturday, 11 February 2006

Poem - Unknown Journey

I do not know where it will end, this journey I am on.
I only know that it will end just as it has begun.

I do not know what lies ahead or which path I should choose.
I only know some times I'll win and some times I will lose.

I do not know whom I will meet, who will affect my way.
I only know how I react to those I know today.

I do not know what each day brings when rising up at dawn.
I only know of yesterday and it's already gone.

I do not know what thoughts will come when pondering my fate.
I only know of memories and those you can't escape.

I do not know if all my plans will work out for the best.
I only know to make them now and time will be the test.

I do not know if all my dreams will ever come to me.
I only know you strive for them and what will be--will be.

I do not know whom I will love or love me in return.
I only know that I will love and love is what I yearn.

I do not know whom I will need when troubled unaware.
I only know that I will want someone to come and care.

I do not know how I can help if one is in distress.
I only know I will be there to try to do my best.

I do not know who'll come to me and need a helping hand.
I only know how I respond will measure who I am.

I do not know whose life I'll touch, how affected they will be.
I only know the ones I meet will also affect me.

I do not know the time that's left, I do not have a hint.
I only know the time I've had and that's already spent.

I do not know the distance or how long my trip will last.
I only know to forge ahead and not live in the past.

I do not know within myself if there will be tomorrow.
I only know I have today and even it is borrowed.

I do not know what they will say when my journey's through.
I only know there will be some who say, "oh, him, we knew."

I do not know who else will know when my journey's done.
I only know there will be some that know I've come and gone.

I do not know if some will mourn when at my journey's end.
I only know that on this trip I tried to be a friend.

I do not know what road you're on as you travel on your way.
I only know that it will end and it could be today.

I do not know where it will end this journey that I'm on.
I only know that it will end just as it has begun.

Unknown Journey © 1998 James A. Kisner

Reading - The Salt Letters


Here is the Synopsis from Amazon

"It is 1854, and with the certainty of land behind her, Sarah flees her home for the uncertainties of life in the new colony. In steerage, she joins the other unmarried women, where the horrors of their close confinement bring an unraveling of secrets no one can control"

Frankly I was disappointed with the book. The story wandered back and forth through the book and various threads were left dangling. This is such a real shame. It is wonderful that letters and other primary source material sent at the time (1854) have survived, and could have been put to much better use. I was irritated by the error on the first page that Birkenhead is near Portsmouth!

I had ancestors that left England for Australia as assisted migrants in 1854, and I had high hopes for details of what the voyage was like, and there is lots of details about this, but on the whole, for me, this book was disappointing.

The Journal Entries are HERE
The Journal Entries for the 2nd copy, which is out on a bookring are HERE

Live Journal

Ok, I've given in......I'll have a look at Live Journal. I did make my first journal entry. It is more complicated than Blogger and I prefer this, but there are lots of Book Crossers on LJ.......See, I'm weak I 've given into to peer pressure...LOL!

Live Journal

Friday, 10 February 2006

Haggis Pie

A colleague told me how to make Haggis Pie - nothing difficult or time consuming. As luck would have it, lurking at the bottom of the freezer was a Haggis.

Cook Suede and Potatoes
Defrosted Haggis (took from freezer yesterday) and then cooked for about 3 minutes in the microwave
Cut Haggis into sections and place in bottom of a dish, I use a Lasagna dish
Mash Suede and place on top of Haggis
Mash potatoe and place on top of Suede.
Place in Oven for (mine is fan assisted) so 20 mins until nice and brown.

Verdict: Delicious!

Frustration update!

I've spent some time today restoring the computer and uninstalling and reinstalling various things. I then finally decided to restore the PC back to mid January and gradually reinstalled the few things that I had installed since then to see if I could establish the problem. My gut feeling is that the anti virus is at the bottom of the problem.

Just caught up on journal entries for books and my backlog of books will be in the post next week.

The readers of alt.pcnews & soc.genealogy.computers were brilliant - if your reading this Thank you!

Book Crossing Frustration

I've been happily accessing the main BookCrossing web site for over a year, then about three weeks ago, it stopped. Clicking on the URL gave me the "We can not access the page...."
Last week it was back, as I posted previously it was anti virus....well, it wasn't, because access has gone again.

I've updated the anti virus, scanned the computer, pinged the machine (whatever that is!)
checked the URL is on the accept list for IE. I've even downloaded another browser, but still can't access the site.

I've now gone over to the newsgroups - alt.pcnews & soc.genealogy.computing for help.

Frustrated!

FIBIS Transcription Project 2006

I emailed the Society and volunteered to transcribe a small section. Yesterday, or perhaps the day before I received the email copy of the template, and example and the important instructions. Now just waiting for the actual sheets and then I'm off!

Sunday, 5 February 2006

Book Crossing Devon Meeting - Walk from Castle Drogo to Fingle Bridge .....and Back

It was a beautiful day for a walk. There was twelve of us, including a well behaved 9 year old and four dogs. We set out from the car park at 11.15 and walked the mile down to Fingle Bridge. We all sat outside and had a rest and refreshment and of course had a look at a few books. The view on the way down was lovely, really breathtaking.

On the walk back, we walked along the river and then had the STEEP climb back to Castle Drogo. I became seperated from the group as I went back to see where my husband was. He had, I eventually deduced walked back the way we had come down, not realising the walk was circular. While hubby was walking back the way we came, I was walking along the river. This route was slightly hazzardous if, like me you are unfit! - Anyway, I didn't catch up to the others, but knew they were in front, by the messages they left with other walkers coming the other direction. Having negociated several hazzardous sets of steps, I started the steep climb up to Castle Drogo and the walk to the car park, where I was greeted by some rather worried Book Crossers and of course Hubby. Nevertheless, the views and River are lovely to see, especially as the sun shone through the trees onto the River.

I am exhausted, I've worked muscles that I'd forfotten I had. It must be 20 years since I had done this kind of walking.....A quick look at my CV shows I did my Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award in 1985!

The Wagga Quilt

I am in the process of thinking of making a quilt for one of our spare rooms. I was having a look online for quilting and stumbled across a reference to a Wagga Quilt and thought this would be a good one to find out more about, especially as I have lived in Wagga Wagga NSW, and some of my family still do.

A Wagga is a very basic rug made from recycled materials like old curtains and clothing. The term dates back to the 1880s when a couple of bush workers sewed some wheat bags together to keep themselves warm.

Further details:
National Quilt Register
http://www.ozquiltnetwork.org.au/archive/brown_quilt_gallery.htm
Australian Country Threads
Wagga Rugs

Saturday, 4 February 2006

South West Sound FM (SWS)

South West Sound FM (SWS): "Ceilidh with Karyn McCulloch
Saturday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM"

Friday, 3 February 2006

Time Watch Programme - The Floating Brothel

Time Watch broadcasted their programme called "The Floating Brothel" here in the UK at 9pm. I remembered to video the programme for a member of the GOONS list who resides in paradise, oops, Australia!

What a great programme. Incredibly fascinating. It was well put together and a pleasure to watch. What was interesting to see was the visit to what is left of Newdigate Gaol. There is a Henry Goucher who was tried and convicted and received the punishment of death in 1811. His sentence was commuted to transportation to Australia and he sailed on The Guildford in 1812. The explaination of the Gaol was therefore of interest as it fleshed out the last days of Henry's life in England.

Here is a link to the trial details on the of web site of the
Proceedings of the Old Bailey 1674 - 1834

Sadly, we can not "claim" Henry, but it is fun to try and establish his origins.

FIBIS Transcription Project 2006

I saw a posting on the India list, hosted by Rootsweb, earlier in the week about a Transcription project. A trawl of the Archives today found the posting. I must have been delete button happy and deleted the posting. Lucky we are early in the year, otherwise there would have been loads to read through. Anyway, here is part of the posting

"FIBIS has negotiated with the British Library that our transcription Project for 2006 shall be the 'Arrivals & Departures' (Shipping Lists) of passengers to and from India. We shall be starting with those from theMadras Almanac, commencing in 1811. We are very fortunate that many of our team from earlier years have kindly volunteered to help once again. However, we would always be grateful for any further volunteers. All you need is a spreadsheet (Excel, or compatible), enthusiasm and a little spare time. We issue the data in the form of photocopies, by snail-mail, and a template with instructions on how to transcribe, by e-mail. You then return the completed spreadsheet by e-mail. If you would like to volunteer, would you kindly confirm by return of e-mail and I'll include you on the list.Please indicate your snail-mail address in your message. The photocopies are scheduled for mailing out in mid-February and the templates (in Excel) with full instructions for their completion, will be issued by e-mail once the final list of volunteers has been established. As you know, these transcriptions are placed in our searchable databases on the FIBIS Web-site for all to have access free-of-charge. Your efforts are therefore very much appreciated by the increasing numbers of family historians researching their ancestors who lived and served in India & South Asia."

Families in British India Society

Just how I am going to do I have no idea, but this is a worthwhile project, so I may volunteer.

Thursday, 2 February 2006

Time for a nice cup of tea ? - How do you take your tea?

Following a recent discussion on BCUK about how we each take our tea, nice_cup_of_tea has got various comments on her Live Journal.

Time for a nice cup of tea ? - How do you take your tea?

I've even made a comment, and everyone knows I'm not keen on LJ!

Preserving Our Heritage

I've belonged to this group for ages, but find I struggle to keep up with the postings.....its an active and friendly list. Each month there is a share an ancestor spot,where a list member volunteers to share all known details of a given ancestor and everyone else on the list helps with research, suggestions and so forth. I've volunteered to present an ancestor in October.

What has happened to Blog?

07.43am
Oh no, what has happened to my blog? I seem to have acquired a photo of a lady all down the left side of the my blog. I have no idea who she is or how this happened. Yesterday, I read somewhere that there had been some issues over a blog server update. I didn't take too much notice of it, as I had not been affected.....Drat. Now where was that information.

08.15am
I've just emailed support and then checked blog, and guess what the picture that had been on the site has now gone. Support will think I am a complete twit! It must have been a glitch on the blog server. I still haven't found the web page I spotted yesterday.

08.20am
A quick Google and I located the page - Bloglines

Wednesday, 1 February 2006

I was born in the Year Of The Rooster!

1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people¡¦s emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

Tuesday, 31 January 2006

The Floating Brothel by Sian Rees


This was a fascinating book that I bought from Waterstones in the Autumn of 2004.

The Journal Entries on Book Crossing are HERE

Now Timewatch on BBC2 on Fri 3 Feb at 9:00 pm is running the following programme.

The Floating Brothel In 1789, England's first all-female transport ship set sail for the other side of the world - the struggling penal colony at Sydney Cove. Timewatch follows three of today's high-flying Australian women as they trace their ancestry back to a mischievous prostitute, a little street urchin, a wheat thief - and the extraordinary tale of the "Floating Brothel". Reprieved from the death sentence, and free of the stench of London, these young women from the Georgian underworld made the most of their voyage on "The Lady Juliana". The boardwalks became catwalks as they turned to prostitution to ensure that they arrived in the desolate Australian colony fit, fat and rich. Unearthing diaries, court records and documents, their descendents reflect on their twenty-first century lives, and discover they have inherited not just their genes - but also the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of their forebears.
Timewatch Website

Breakthrough Generations - The UK study of the causes of breast cancer

Breakthrough Generations - The UK study of the causes of breast cancer

Live Journal - journaleers - Community Info

journaleers - Community Info

I am not a member of this group. Although I have a Live Journal, I don't find it very comfortable to use, so I am sticking with blog! Looks an interesting group though.

Reading - The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas


This bookring arrived at the end of December. I was snowed under with bookrings; their like buses and all arrive at once! I started this and found the first 50 pages or so a bit slow. Well, I started again yesterday afternoon and have just finished it. I loved it!

Its a story set during the 1930s in America, money is tight and there is limited amounts of work. The Persian Pickle Club is a small group of town women who meet and stitch. Its a story of friendship, kindness and loyalty.

Here are the Journal Entries

Sunday, 29 January 2006

Problems accessing the BookCrossing site


Its been driving me potty! Intermitten access to the main
Book Crossing site (www.bookcrossing.com)
Then this morning it started to load, but v e r y slowly,
and I wondered if it was my anti virus software. So I turned
it off and hey presto! access to the main site. So it looks
like, at least until my next anti virus update, that I may
have to turn off the anti virus to use the site then put it
back on afterwards. Fingers crossed the next update will
solve the problem.

31st January 2006 - The next anti virus update solved the problem, which is excellent news.

AngelSan Creation - Stitching Bloggers Webring

AngelSan Creation Stitching Bloggers Webring

Saturday, 28 January 2006

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Your Birthdate: October 10

Independent and dominant, you tend to be the alpha dog in most situations.
You're very confident, and hardly anything ever shakes you.
Mundane tasks tend to drain you - you prefer to be making great plans.
You are quite original. When people don't "get" you, it bothers you a lot.

Your strength: Your ability to gain respect

Your weakness: Caring too much what others think

Your power color: Orange-red

Your power symbol: Letter X

Your power month: October

Making Rugs

There was a posting on one of the genealogical mailing lists that I belong to on making rugs. It set me thinking about the rugs that my great grandmother, Annie Prudence Butcher, nee Harris who lived in Surrey, used to make.

She used to use string instead of knitting wool then somehow used carpet wool cut in lengths which then allowed the string to be able to be attached to the hesian back using a sacking needle. Looking front to back there was the wool at the front, string in the middle then the hesian back.

I might try and make a very small one as a sample, so that I can see the process that was used in making a rug in this tradtional way.

Book Crossing NSS Valentine

Completed my shopping for my Not So Secret Valentine present. I really enjoy pulling together these parcels. This will be in the post on Monday 30th to ensure it arrives in time for the 14th February.

Friday, 27 January 2006

Two Tier Fiction Book Box

To celebrate my first Book Crossing birthday I decided to organise a book box.
There are two tiers:
1. A book box that will travel - UK only
2. A book box that is virtual - for those who might be restricted by geography or just fancy a book box without the logistics of getting the box to the Post Office, or you can play both!

Here are the Journal details so you can see where the box travels and what books are removed and replaced in the box.

I spent an hour this afternoon looking through the books in my study choosing what to include in the box, then doing the journal entries and getting the box ready. It will be off on its travels in the next week or so.

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956 by Alexander Solzhenitsyn

I've had this book 20 years and the time has come to pass
it on through Book Crossing. I was just about to package
it up, ready for its trip across the Atlantic when I spotted
the following dedication

"I dedicate this
to all those who did not live
to tell it.
And may they please forgive me
for not having seen it all
nor remembered it all,
for not having divined all of it."


Isn't that a really beautiful passage? If you want to track
the book further here is the Journal entries.

Saturday, 21 January 2006

F Worship - Sheffield England

Before Christmas last year Channel 4 (in the UK) ran a series called Not Forgotten about those who perished in the First WorldWar. There web site at http://www.channel4.com/ has a search facility where you can check not only for those who lost their lives, but also those who fought and returned from the war. A search of the site revealed there was only one Worship listed, an F Worship who appears on the memorial of Sheffield & Ecclesall Co-operative Society.
(Added to the One Name Study)

Monday, 16 January 2006

Rhodes, Worship & Hindle Research

I've had a great time this weekend researching the family of Annie Rhodes.

She's my father in laws maternal grandmother, who divorced Charles Arthur Worship sometime between 1901 and 1905. Annie moved to Philadelphia PA, USA and married a Henry (Harry) Hindle, they had one son who was christened Henry (Harry) Rhodes Hindle. I already knew that there had been a divorce and a remarriage in the US and that the Hindle's had a Fruit and Veg Merchant business in Philadelphia, so I knew where to research in the US. Without those details it would have been nigh on impossible. There are also photos of the Hindle's in the US that were sent back to the three children of Annie that sheleft behind, although there were adults, it must have still been difficultto adjust to, America was not as near as it is now in 1905! -

Anyway, digressing, I had a search through the immigration records for PA and found that in 1921 Annie now a Hindle and son Harry and travelled back to the US from Liverpool, so the family did keep in touch. A quick thought yesterday for the surname of Worship, well, I was glad that I had searched as it found Annie's eldest daughter Emily aged 23 heading off to the US in 1914. I don't know if this was a holiday to visit her mother or for good. A thorough search of the US census from 1870 located Henry Hindle Senior and then that of Henry & Annie together. Research also found Annie as a child in Manningham Bradford Yorkshire and that of her father Joseph Rhodes a young man in Manningham aged 17 in 1851.

I am delighted with my new Ancestry subscription!

KnitKnack PaddyWack Give a Blog a Home

Blog belong to one of my BookCrossing chums
KnitKnack PaddyWack Give a Blog a Home

Sunday, 15 January 2006

Book Crossing 1st Birthday

I celebrate my first BookCrossing birthday today. I have been overwhelmed with the friendliness, generous and total accepting of fellow BookCrossers. What must be remembered is that we are virtual strangers, who come together, online through our love of books and reading.

Some of us do meet, but more than that, we pass books along either as part of book rings, rays and book boxes. We also leave books in the wild.

In short I have met, both virtually and in reality some great people, from all across the globe and read some great books. Thank you fellow Book Crossers!

Saturday, 14 January 2006

Book Crossing Not So Secret Valentine!

The name of my NSSV partner arrived today. Another excuse to send a book or two and a few goodies to a fellow Book Crosser. Now off to hunt for the goodies!

Monday, 9 January 2006

Ancestral Paraphernalia or Scotland again!

We took the in laws home this weekend. Having spent Christmas & New Year with us, my father in law was keen to show me several bits that had been passed down from his mother and maternal grandmother. The surname in brackets indicates which ancestral link each bit pertains too.

Here are the brief details, I intend to do some research on these.

1. A table knife. Marked on the back with R McQueen, Newcastle (WORSHIP)

2. A spoon with the initial of W on the top of the handle. Marked on the back with R McQuade (WORSHIP)

3. A delightful butter knife with the following details on the back
PAT MAR 2 -15 1881 {R} Rogers {R} A1 (RHODES>WORSHIP>HINDLE)

4. One of the delightful implements used for unhooking ladies boots. No markings specifically, The Celtic patten is the same on both sides, and the word Sterling appears on the handle. I don't feel this indicates steriling silver, my hunch is that it was made in Sterling. (RHODES>WORSHIP>HINDLE)

Sunday, 8 January 2006

Loch Maben

My in Laws live near the small town of Loch Maben in South West Scotland. One afternoon we stopped by the small loch and could see all the swans and ducks bobbing about on the water, well we could see them on the bit that wasn't frozen! Here are a few pictures taken.

Sunday, 1 January 2006

New Years Resolutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Every year I make resolutions and never usually achieve them, so this is hopefully going to be a year with a difference!

1. File and tidy my bursting study. If there had been a contest for the study with the most piles of papers I would have won it!

2. Keep up with my emails. I have a backlog of about, ahem, lets say several months. I want to respond to all those who have waited patiently for a response and then keep up to datte.

3. Clear out wardrobes, cupboards and remove the things that we have gathered over the years.

Saturday, 31 December 2005

Cousin Lesley

We had a telephone call today from my father in law's cousin Lesley. She a descendant of the Worship family and used to be an actress. Now in her mid 80s, she sounded very elegant and I intend to find some of her films and watch them!

Thursday, 29 December 2005

Top 10 books for 2005

In 2005 I read a total of 108 books.
You can see the complete list HERE, but the following are my top 10 reads, ranked in no particular order.

1. Home, The story of everyone who ever lived in our house By Julie Myerson
2. Magyk by Angie Sage
3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
4. 84 Charing Cross Road by Helena Hanff
5. Stasiland by Anna Funder
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling
7. The Guests of War Trilogy by Kit Pearson
8. I have lived a thousand years, growing up in the Holocaust by Livia Bitton-Jackson
9. The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
10. The Namesake: a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri
Books read in 2006

Sunday, 25 December 2005

BookCrossing UK Not So Secret Father Christmas


I have unwrapped my wonderful NSSFC pressie and I am delighted. I received:
1 bottle of Italian olive oil
1 packet of Italian speciality spagettia
box of Almond Biscottia
set of coasters in a beautuiful lilac bag
a big bar of Whole nut
Indexers & Indexes in fact & fiction by Hazel Bell
Blowfly by Patricia Cornwell
Christmas card

Thanks so very much Tehuti. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

BookCrossing International Secret Santa


I took part in this and received several books from my huge wish list. Inside the parcel was a lovely card and a peice of Christmas cake.

Inside the card was the details that the cake was made using a receipe that originated with the lady's husband's grandfather, who had taken the receipe with him to Canada from England. Family history says that the same cake receipe that was served at the Wedding of Queen Victoria, and that it was fitting to send a peice of the cake back to England. Isn't that just lovely, especially as I have an ancestor who worked at the Royal Household and who emigrated to Canada in 1903.

Thanks so much Wendy, the books are great and the cake tastes wonderful!


Cheeky me, emailed Wendy and asked if I could have a copy of the receipe; and Wendy very kindly sent it to me. I'm going to try the receipe and see how I get on.




Saturday, 24 December 2005

Jennifer Chiaverini

Published Order

The Quilter's Apprentice (1999)
Round Robin (2000)
The Cross-Country Quilters (2001)
The Runaway Quilt (2002)
The Quilter's Legacy (2003)
The Master Quilter (2004)
The Sugar Camp Quilt (2005)
The Christmas Quilt (2005)
Circle of Quilters (2006)

Chronological Order

The Sugar Camp Quilt (2005)
The Quilter's Apprentice (1999)
The Christmas Quilt (2005)
Round Robin (2000)
The Cross-Country Quilters (2001)
The Runaway Quilt(2002)
The Quilter's Legacy (2003)
The Master Quilter (2004)
Circle of Quilters (2006)

Author's web page - http://elmcreek.net

Friday, 16 December 2005

Scotland

We're in Scotland, just for weekend collecting my inlaws who will spend three weeks with us in Devon, so they will be with us for Christmas & New Year and a week of normality! The motorway was horrific, It took us 10 hours to get to Southwest Scotland, and thankfully only 6 and a half hours to get back to Devon.

While in Scotland, we went to the cinema to see The Nardia Chronicles: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, in, what has to be the smallest cinema I've been in, In Annan. Lovely friendly community and a super film. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, as during my childhood I couldn't get into the books and don't remember any television series. It was an excellent film and well worth watching.

Tuesday, 13 December 2005

Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey

Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey by Lou Monte 1967 - MP3 Song

Now you can sing along!

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Santa's got a little friend,
His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey,
You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons,
With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot,
Climb the hills of Italy.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Jingle bells around his feet,
And presents on the sled.
Hey! Look at the mayor's derby,
On top of Dominick's head.
A pair of shoes for Louie,
And a dress for Josephine.
The labels on the inside says,
They're made in Brooklyn.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Children sing, and clap their hands,
And Dominick starts to dance.
They talk Italian to him,
And he even understands.

Cumpare sing,
Cumpare su,
And dance 'sta tarantel.
When jusamagora comes to town,
And brings du ciuccianello.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Hey! Domini

Buon Natale

Friday, 2 December 2005

Worship One Name Study

I Registered with the Guild of One Name Studies the name of WORSHIP, which is the name of my husband's paternal grandmother. I've also registered the varients of WURSHIP, WORSHIPS, WORSHIPP. The database is a new one, but is gathering information from all across the globe.

Thursday, 17 November 2005

I've been given BookCrossing wings!

Today, a very generous, unknown Book Crosser gave me wings! - Thanks so much for your generosity. Please drop me an email, so I can say a proper thank you.

Annual Christmas Ornament Exchange


Here is the lovely gift I received from Canada.
Thanks Lynda & Happy Christmas!

Thursday, 3 November 2005

Genealogical Journal Book Ring

Recycling Stamps for Charity

Guide Dogs for the Blind
P O Box 130
SLOUGH
Berks
SL1 4PU

OR

Post Pals
PO Box 278
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT23 4WN

OR

Handicap International UK
Waterman House
101-107 Chertsey Road
Woking
Surrey
GU21 5BW

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