A Postcard from Umbria by Damaris West

Written in a conversationalist style, Damaris reveals an honest approach to the trials and tribulations of relocating from the UK to Umbria in Italy. Damaris and her husband purchased a house which they renovated and dealing with the bureaucracy of such an event. Including surprises when they finally moved in!

In addition, the book reveals the frustrations of the weather, food, learning a musical instrument, developing new language skills and homesickness to build a new life in Umbria.

Whilst a short book at 60 pages I really enjoyed this one. I liked the style of the writing and the reality of the events along with the photographic illustrations. I hope to hear more of the author's experiences in Italy.

Published by Any Subject Books and available from Amazon

Disclaimer - I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Family History Through The Alphabet Challenge: I is for....

On the back of the A-Z April Challenge, the lovely folk at Gould Genealogy devised another challenge - Family History Through the Alphabet Challenge. Each week, we work through the letters of the alphabet sharing perhaps an elusive ancestor, a favourite or particular ancestor, or perhaps a heirloom.

I is for Italian

Part of my ancestry that has not been explored nearly enough is my Italian connection. I was born in England and bought up neglecting the Italian side of my heritage. Strictly speaking I am half Sicilian and my ancestors come from a commune in the middle of the Island called Sutera.

Orlando ONS
Commenced & Registered in 2002

Researching ancestors in Italy and Sicily require you to actually know the village where your ancestors live. There is no central depository in Italy. I am in the middle of a fairly large project involving this part of my ancestry which is why virtually no information is posted here, but there are likely to be some changes in the future!

I do though host a One Name Study for the Italian name in question, which is Orlando.

Family History Through The Alphabet Challenge: H is for....

On the back of the A-Z April Challenge, the lovely folk at Gould Genealogy devised another challenge - Family History Through the Alphabet Challenge. Each week, we work through the letters of the alphabet sharing perhaps an elusive ancestor, a favourite or particular ancestor, or perhaps a heirloom.

H is for Health

We take it for granted. We have access to medicines, health professionals and medical knowledge. We can access qualified professionals who, using their medical and professional knowledge along with medical technology make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. That has not of course always been the case.

Conditions such as Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Asthma, Heart issues and mental health issues have always existed and they did so without treatment because of a lack of understanding, money and knowledge. Conditions that are hereditary. Very often the unexplained condition was labelled and "treatment" was to dispatch the individual off to the local asylum. 

In my early twenties I developed a "suspect" Thyroid condition. The treatment was a partial Thyroidectomy and medication. In my early 30s I had a repeat situation and again I had surgery and the remaining lobe of my thyroid gland was removed. I will take medication for the rest of my life. 

I gave the condition no further thought. That was until I made contact with a researcher whose daughter had a Thyroid condition. Coincidence. Then about 10 years ago I made contact with another researcher from the same genealogical line with the same condition. Still a coincidence? I am not sure.

Our common ancestor is a chap called John Butcher, alias Woolgar. He was born in 1795 the son of James Butcher and Sarah Woolgar and was illegitimate, although his parents did marry when John was 6 years old. All of John's children were born in Wonersh, except for the last son.

• Charles born 1823 *  - my line!
• William born 1826 *
• Mary Anne born 1828
• Thomas born 1830
• Alfred born 1832
• James born 1835 *
• Henry born 1837
• Ellen Jane born 1841 died 1844
• John born 1844 died 1855 born in Shalford

* The represents the ancestral line of those who have a thyroid condition.

As far as I know no one else in my family has this condition so is this coincidence, or is this something that is in the genetics? Perhaps I will never know.

Sepia Saturday 134

I have missed the last few Sepia Saturdays, not intentional, life has taken over! The moment I saw the prompt for this week I knew exactly which photograph to use from our family archive.

This was taken in early 1947 and is of my Mum who was born in the big freeze. Not in a pram, Mum was quite small and was placed in a draw in the chest of drawers!

And by a way of including a baby in a pram how about this one?

I can not work out whether this little chap is about to have a really good cry, is unhappy about the sun, or perhaps snoozing.

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

Weekend Cooking - Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Khoo

Carrying on from last week's post  and an post from last Monday - this is another joint weekend cooking and Paris in July post

The author reveals that she leaves London to undertake a course at a well known cooking school in Paris. From that she learns that food and meals in general are a enjoyed and timely affair and not rushed.

The book reveals the use of local shops, family run grocers, bakers, deli's and butcher's. Shops that have almost disappeared from the UK high streets in favour of the large, non de-script supermarket chains we have here. What local stores there are need to be supported especially in a recession!

The recipes contained within the book, might be seen as easy run of the mill cooking, with a bit of a twist and whilst I might not cook any within the Paris in July month, I think I will give a few of them a whirl!

Each recipe is shared with a small background to it, with a hint and tip and a colour picture with little snippets of French culture and photographs of people and places in Paris.

The book layout is easy to follow with the recipe and instruction on one page and the photograph on the opposite. Recipes are presented in sections

1. Everyday Cooking
2. Snack time
3. Summer picnics
4. Aperitifs
5. Dinner with friends and family
6. Sweet Treats
7. French basics
8. Cook's notes
9. Paris addresses
10. Index of recipes

A great book and I really enjoyed reading it and noting a few recipes down. I am not sure that I would use it sufficiently to warrant purchasing my own copy, although I am very, very tempted!

Taking part in Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads and Paris in July which is hosted by Karen from BookBath and Tamara from Thyme for Tea.

Paris in July 1 - 31 July 2012

Library Loot - 13th July

Last week when I was having a wonderful time wandering around the local library I noticed a poster advertising that soon we could download library books.

I had planned on visiting the library as the book I reserved has now arrived, but I have not felt like going out and it has been raining, so I thought I would explore the downloaded library books access.

Well I was not disappointed. Once I had managed to log in I could select a maximum of 3 books and then set the access period from 7 -21 days. I opted for 21 days (3rd August) and selected 3 books.



I didn't want to access via my laptop and for copyright reasons they can not be downloaded to a Kindle so I opted for viewing on my iPad. I downloaded on my laptop and then sent via email the three files. Opened up my email on my iPad and then opened each attachment. The books are then read in Blue Reader, (which is a free App from the iTunes store). They will simply become inactive in 21 days time or disappear. I wonder if I can renew?

Taking part in Library Loot and you can read the details HERE

100 Word Challenge - Week 49

Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is to use the following prompt. Total word allowance - 100 + 10 words of the prompt.

….Murray was just about to serve for the Championship when… 

The only noise on the court was the sound of the ball as it bounced against the tarmac. It has been a tough season, and here he was at the final, he could hardly believe it.

Murray was just about to serve for the Championship when he looked down and spotted a small black mark on his shorts. Suddenly his concentration was gone. Why on earth had no one said? So here he was, about to serve in what would be the highlight of this year’s tennis and he had a mark on his shorts.

Alas, the damage was done as the ball whizzed into the net. Game over.

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #49

Memories of Renior, Monet and Piaf

Back in the Summer of 1985 I visited the Hayward Gallery in London to see the Renoir Exhibition. I do still have a selection of postcards and the exhibition guide from that visit 27 years ago.

I phoned the friend last night who came with me to that exhibition and asked if she remembered. She dug deep into her memory pocket and said she did. We had a wander down memory lane and I mentioned that I still had the items I purchased that day. I could not recall what she had purchased and asked if she could remember. She could and tells me that it is on the rear of her bathroom door, and chuckles that I can not recall it. The poster has always lived on the rear of her bathroom door of the various houses she has lived in.

Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette 1876

Just as we were closing our conversation with a promise of speaking next week I was suddenly asked if I remembered going to the Monet Exhibition. For a moment I did not recall then suddenly remembered that we had planned to go somewhere else and stumbled across the event by accident. 

Here is a picture of my favourite Monet.

Water Lilies, 1920–1926

We carried on chatting for a bit and by the way of a parting shot, she mentioned a project we had worked on many years ago about Edith Piaf.

The Twitter Diaries by Imogen Lloyd Webber & Georgie Thompson

The story follows the new friendship of @TuesdayFields and @StellaCavill who meet at a party on New Years Eve in New York. Over the next 12 months they share a daily communication using Twitter direct messages. Despite the miles and time zones the two women share contemplations, thoughts and secrets and develop their friendship.

Sadly youngsters will not experience the excitement of a letter from foreign climes complete with an interesting stamp on. The whole pen pal hype was not just writing the letter, but the waiting for the postman to arrive and then the reading and re-reading of the letter, enjoyed befor replying. 

I loved the concept of the storyline, which given the social media of today was not a particular surprise. The whole concept of Twitter and the Internet has taken pen pals to a different level, one that is sustainable on throw away sentences. 

Disclaimer - I was provided with a free copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review.

A Murder in Harlem by G.Miki Hayden

A short story of a couple from Ghana who live in Harlem. The husband then sends for a second wife, who the couple pass off as their daughter. Then the man who lives in the flat below them is brutally murdered.

The wife immediately suspects her husband and the co-wife as neither of them were home. They are interviewed by the police and the wife protects the husband and co-wife by informing them they do not speak English.

The storyline develops and the wife manages to cobble together an alibi for the family.

The story was good as a short story and I felt that it could have been developed further, although I have established that this is part of a collection of short stories involving the central characters. I would probably read the rest of the series, but can not say that I would go out of way to do so!

Weekend Cooking - Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Khoo

Carrying on from last week's post  I thought that I would share a further recipe from this delightful book.

Despite the fact that it is July and apparently a UK summers day it is miserable, chilly and wet, or at least it is in my part of the UK. So that means comfort food looks good on the menu.







Nids de tartiflette (Cheese and Potato nests) - Page 37

1 tablespoon soft butter
500g waxy potatoes eg Maris Peer or Charlotte
1 onion finely chopped
1 clove of garlic finely chopped
1 bay leaf
200g of cubed bacon
100ml of dry white wine
250g piece of Reblochon Cheese cubed.

• Preheat the oven to 180 centigrade and brush a muffin tin with soft butter
• Peel the potatoes and use the Julienne blade on a mandoline to make thin matchsticks
• Put the onion, garlic, bay leaf and bacon into a non stick frying pan and cook until the bacon is golden
• Add the wine and reduce until a couple of tablespoons of juice remain
• Stir in the matchstick potatoes and take off the heat
• Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cubed cheese
• Divide the potato mix between the 6 holes of muffin tin and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Preparation 30 minutes
Baking time 15-20 minutes

Taking part in Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads and Paris in July which is hosted by Karen from BookBath and Tamara from Thyme for Tea.

Paris in July 1 - 31 July 2012

Sunday Salon - A week of random reading

What a reading week I have had, probably the most productive in a long while!

First up was Riding the Black Cockatoo by John Danalis, that I read for Indigenous Literature Week. A brilliant book, probably one of my favourites for the year.

Next up was a review that was a little over due. You can read the review of Where the Heart Lies by Michelle Garren Flye HERE

I am also taking part in Paris in July, which is hosted by Karen from BookBath and Tamara from Thyme for Tea. So far I have read two books which fit the theme rather nicely  - Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Koo and Strangers in a Strange Land - Belgian Refugees 1914-1918 which is a loose fit for the reading challenge, but I found a reading loop hole!

I have a few more books for the Paris in July theme, so more on those next week.

I also had a rather successful trip to the library last week which you can read about here in Library Loot

Strangers in a Strange Land Belgian Refugees 1914 - 1918

Written to accompany the exhibition of the same name located in the In Flanders Field Museum in Ieper this book tells the fascinating account of the people of Belgium.

Thousands of Belgians fled their homeland to avoid the occupation of German forces during the First World War. Many fled into the neighbouring countries such as France and The Netherlands who were, in accordance with policy at the time placing Belgians of fighting age into internment camps where they could be joined by their families. It was a matter of time before The Netherlands were simply out of room and France was no longer safe and so many thousands sailed across the Channel to the United Kingdom.

This book tells the story, initially with a series of chapters explaining the historical events and is accompanied by quotes from people who recalled the events. There are also some amazing photographs of not just Belgium, but also of France and the United Kingdom and of course the refugees.

Upon the end of the First World War many Belgians returned home and were ridiculed by fellow Belgians because they had not endured the occupation of the German forces and I was very aware of a similarity with a book I read about those who fled the Channel Islands for the United Kingdom in the Second World War.

A fascinating book, both in terms of written subject matter and photographic substance.

Paris in July  ~ 1 - 31st July

Taking part in War through the Generations and Paris in July which is hosted by Karen from BookBath and Tamara from Thyme for Tea

Weekend Cooking - Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Khoo

I spotted this in the local library and thought it would be the ideal candidate book for both weekend cooking and Paris in July.

The author reveals that she leaves London to undertake a course at a well known cooking school in Paris. From that she learns that food and meals in general are a enjoyed and timely affair and not rushed.

The book reveals the use of local shops, family run grocers, bakers, deli's and butcher's. Shops that have almost disappeared from the UK high streets in favour of the large, non de-script supermarket chains we have here. What local stores there are need to be supported especially in a recession!

The recipes contained within the book, might be seen as easy run of the mill cooking, with a bit of a twist and whilst I might not cook any within the Paris in July month, I think I will give a few of them a whirl! I had planned to review this book for this week and then other books or posts for the rest of July, but I think that I am likely to share this book over several weeks of weekend cooking.

Each recipe is shared with a small background to it, with a hint and tip and a colour picture.

Poires Belle Helene (Beautiful Helen Pears) - Page 253

1.5 litres of cold water
1 vanilla pod
150g sugar
4 firm pears (eg William) peel with stalks still attached

• Pour the water into a large pan and split the vanilla pod in half lengthways and scrap out the grains.
• Add the pod and grains to the water with the sugar and bring to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
• Add the pears and place a sheet of baking paper on top to keep them submerged and simmer for 20 minutes checking with a skewer or sharp knife if they are tender.
• Once cooked leave the pears in the syrup for at least several hours or over night so that they can absorb the vanilla.

Making the chocolate sauce
100g Dark or white chocolate finely chopped
100ml of double cream
3 cardamom pods crushed

• Put the chocolate into a bowl
• Bring the cream to the boil with the crushed cardamom pods and pour over the chocolate
• Leave to stand for a minute until the chocolate has melted
• Stir the sauce gently until smooth

• Remove the pears from the syrup standing them upright on individual plates
• Pour a generous helping of chocolate sauce over and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

• Preparation time 20 minutes
• Resting time 2 hours  - overnight
• Cooking time 30 minutes

Taking part in Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads and Paris in July which is hosted by Karen from BookBath and Tamara from Thyme for Tea.

Paris in July 1 - 31 July 2012

Where the heart lies by Michelle Garren Flye

I was recently given the opportunity to review this book. I am not a particular romance reader, but every once in a while a synopsis grabs the attention and we all can do with a feel good factor once in a while!

This is a very gentle story of Alicia, a recently widowed young women who has two young children. Her eldest child may just remember their father, but her young baby will not, as her husband was killed in Afghanistan before the baby was born.

Following the funeral, Alicia boxes up her belongings and the flag that had draped across her husband's coffin and makes the journey with her children to the childhood home of her late husband as was his wish.

Her parents in law have recently moved into a retirement village, leaving their house and bookshop business in the capable hands of their daughter in law. Over a period of time Alicia settles into small town life and is very much aware that she draws attention to herself simply because she is the widow of the town hero and because of his late friendship with a fellow townsman, a man that the townsfolk do not feel shares their values.

Despite this, Alicia is drawn to him, and they develop a friendship and he helps her get her book cataloguing business off the ground by asking her to catalogue his late mother's library. He is a lecturer at the local college and gradually Alicia learns to trust and love again.

After a bit of a reading slump this was the next book I selected to read and it was the gentle prod that needed. It is a lovely book with some sad, yet feel good moments and is about love, trust and friendship.

As the book drew to a close I felt that I would like to know how their relationship develops and how they might over come the town prejudices.

Riding the Black Cockatoo by John Danalis

I selected this book, somewhat tentatively to read as a contribution to Indigenous Literature Week. I am so glad I did. It was a great choice and this is a book that I know I shall read again.

Firstly, this is a story that is currently on the UK senior school reading list. It makes a refreshing changing from Hamlet and Mice and Men which were on the reading list when I was doing my English Lit exams in the mid 1980s. Secondly, as I got into the story I felt that I needed to read with a paper and pen at my side to jot down some things that I could look up.

The story is essentially triggered by event that happened when John was a mature student at university in 2005. He selected a class that focused on Indigenous reading as he had several times in the past. Each previous time he had changed his mind and moved to a different class. This time it was different.

As so many of us do, John spoke something and then wished he had not.What he shared with his fellow class mates was that as he was growing up, his parents, well actually his father, had acquired the skull of an Aborigine. The very moment he says that sentence the eyes of his class mates are upon him, each one showing their horror at the fact.

The skull had been nicked named Mary, although it was later established that the deceased individual had been male and had died from syphilis. What follows next is that John seeks the skull at his parents home whilst they are away and then begins the journey on recovering the skull from his parents and returning the skull to the area and tribe that he came from.

The journey of research and determination is an informative one and that was probably one of the things that drew me to the book, the research and the question of would it be possible to return the skull to the land from where it came? John starts with the department at the library whose focus is on Indigenous Studies, from there he is directed to various archives and people who assist him and point him the direction to succeed in his quest. There are similarities and coincidences throughout the journey and as the story unfolds John develops further as an individual, learning about the importance of "Mary" finding the way home.

Throughout his research John is told of the events and challenges faced by the Aborigines, the fact that a nameless individual appears on the back of Australian coins in much the same way as the kangaroo and Koala does. He is also told of the tragedy of the "Stolen Generation" and the very fact, which I found very sobering that it is easier to track the fate of someone through the camps in Nazi Germany during the Second World War than those affected by the policy of the "Stolen Generation".  Mary was identified as being from the Wamba Wamba tribe, in the Swan Hill area.

John felt a degree of curiosity, yet acknowledging respect for the beliefs of the Indigenous Tribes, and it is the way his journey and his research are displayed through the book that makes this a great book. The kids that will read this through theIr studies are very lucky. That said, this is not just for kids. It is a great book with an amazing amount of depth and provides lots of information and angles for exploring for those interested in the Aboriginal culture.

Further Information
Book Review - The Independent Newspaper (UK)
Photographs - Allen & Unwin
Mary's Reburial Song - Written & performed by Jida Gulpilil

Taking part in Indigenous Literature Week hosted at ANZ LitLovers.

Library Loot - 2nd July

Last year I was regularly taking part in a "In my mail box" post and then slackened off towards the end of the Summer. I have always been amazed at the wide variety of books that Marg at Intrepid Reader seems to gather from her library and thought that I would start by sharing my recent successful visit whilst taking part in Marg's weekly meme. You can read the Library Loot details HERE

I had not been to my local library for months. Mainly because of being laid up with my back and leg and relying fairly heavily on Mum or husband when he remembered to collect or return books. So this was my first proper visit since last Summer. Well, I had a lovely 40 minutes in the library and left with renewed enthusiasm for my local library.

The library has reduced its hours, not by much, just 9 hours a week. They have removed the swinging stands in the middle and placed the books in the alphabetical shelves which is great. They have also swapped the rather large and formal desk with a series of self service machines and shelves which hold books reserved. The librarian counter is open planned and there is of course internet access, the reference section and catalogue accessible via the internet. There was not an obvious reduction of staff, which were friendly and informative as always.

Just inside the door was a stand promoting reading with a themed link to the Olympics and Paralympics. You can read the details HERE.

I selected 10 great books. I already had one at home and have to leave the last space on my library card for a book I reserved last week. So here is what I picked up.

Paris in July 2012

Paris in July 1 - 31 July 2012

Paris in July is hosted by Karen from BookBath and Tamara from Thyme for Tea. I had contemplated joining in the fun, then decided against it. That was until I was in the local library and spotted a rather fun looking suitable candidate.

This looks rather an interesting read and I look forward to posting a review in due course. A quick glance and some the recipes look great, although I don't suspect that I will be cooking any of these soon.

For those of you that can not resist Karen has placed a Mr Linky HERE where you can sign up.

There is no specific rules in order to be a part of Paris in July - simply blog about anything French and you can join in.  Bookbath has given some ideas for the month which might include:

- Reading a French book - fiction or non-fiction

- Watching a French movie

- Listening to French music

- Cooking French food

- Experiencing French art, architecture or travel (or remembering travel experiences)

100 Word Challenge - Week 47

Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is to use the following picture

The very moment I saw this prompt I was cast back to my childhood.

I have wonderful memories of my Great Aunt singing to me, complete with hand gestures.

“I am a little teapot short and stought

Here’s my handle, here's my spout,

Lift me up and pour me out”

I guess I was about two or three years old and it somehow seems rather comforting that 40 years later I remember those happy days of my childhood and wonder if my Aunt had any idea that those early memories would be with me all these years later.

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #47

Indigenous Literature Week 1 - 8 July 2012

I am taking part in Indigenous Literature Week hosted at ANZ LitLovers. I have long been an admirer of Lisa who writes at ANZ LitLovers. Lisa has a real passion for the books she reads and reviews and my own wish list has increased several times due to the review that Lisa has posted.

You can read about the project, see the various lists of suggested reading and sign up HERE. (You will need to click on the words "Mr Linky")

There is also a further reading list HERE.

The book I have selected to read is Riding the Black Cockatoo by John Danalis

Sunday Salon - Bookish Thoughts, Planning & Library Thing

I have not taken part in Sunday Salon for a while. I've been busy. Busy thinking, planning and doing the task that has bugged me for months, actually years. I have mentioned before, numerous times that I have lots of books. Perhaps too many and I needed to catalogue those I had and make some decisions about others. I also have to many lists. Lists of books read, and lists of those I want to read. The lists and book journals go back 20 years. So not only did I have a book decision to make, but I needed to be sure that I wanted to remove the book lists from the numerous places.

Back in 2005 I joined Library Thing. I used it a little, added a few books and pondered. I then did nothing with the facility until about 4 months ago when I explored the potential of the site and and worked out a plan.

I then tentatively played with the site more, uploaded details of a few books, and then sat and devised a plan of attack.

The first thing I did was to pay to upgrade my account to a lifetime account. I also purchased one of those little mouse gadgets for scanning the bar codes. I then set about deciding upon collections and how I planned to use them. I have six collections - 

1. My Library - includes books that I own, books and e-books.
2. Read but unowned - books that I have borrowed from friends or the library, and books that I did own but no longer do.
3. Currently reading - Books that I am currently reading - usually just one, but on occasions there are more.
4. Book Reviews - these are books that I have been sent to review. Once read the book review is then added to Library Thing.
5. Wish List - this is book titles listed in an note book and those listed on my Amazon wish list. Then as they are read they are moved from this collection into the library or read but unowned collection.
6. SPG - these are the numerous books that my husband owns. They are all angling and fishing related.
7. Current Library Books - this collection is to help me keep track! - Once a book is read and reviewed, the book is moved from this collection to the Read but unowned collection and the book returned to the  library.

Each book is then given a series of tags. I have tried to limit the tags I have used, and to keep it simple and easy to use. There is no point in cataloguing a collection of books to then use so many tags it is impossible to locate the book.

So far I have completed two book cases in my study and have one left to do before I move onto book cases in the rest of the house. I have also catalogued articles that I have kept. These are mainly articles and papers relating to the day job. I have also catalogued microfiche which relate to various genealogical records. All things which reside in my "Library" so I guess I took the name a stage further!

For those that are interested you can look at my Profile and Library HERE. It is though, very much a work still in progress.