Click here to join the Immigrant Stories Challenge
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Planned Reading Challenges for 2011
As the end of 2010 approaches I have signed up to the following Reading Challenges
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
AVG - Anti-Virus Programme
I have used AVG for anti-virus for about 10 years and always upgraded at the point of when the upgrades are released. This year was no exception for attempting the upgrade, the issue was the success of the upgrade.
I have spent a huge amount of the last 3 days removing the last version and installing the new version. Each time, as usual the machine needs to shut down and reboot. The problem occurred when each time the reboot happened that there was no evidence of the new version. I trawled through the online AVG forums and there were references that others had had this issue of remove old, install new, reboot and then repeat, with no success of actually loading the new program.
I was simply grateful that I was trying to update my desktop PC running XP rather than my laptop on Vista.
I finally had success - Hooray!
1. Read http://www.avg.com/ww-en/faq?num=3262#faq_3262
and check that you have administrator facilities on your computer
2. Install the 2011 programme via
http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free
3. Make sure that the files are not still lingering on your PC - check Program files AND in documents and settings deleting any references to AVG 7, AVG 8, AVG 9 and Grisoft. (I had some as Grisoft and almost missed it)
4. Then ensure that ALL evidence of previous versions is removed from the computer registry by visiting http://www.avg.com/ww-en/download-tools (use 32 bit if your not sure of 32 or 64.)
5. You MIGHT need to re do point 2 and that is fine!
I completed the above steps for my XP desktop and my Vista laptop.
Disclaimer: I am not a shareholder in AVG, just a satisfied (and temporarily frustrated AVG user!). I am no computer expert, if I had been it would not have taken me 3 days! so follow the above advice with caution and please do not email me with hate emails if it goes wrong, but I successfully managed it!
Good luck!
I have spent a huge amount of the last 3 days removing the last version and installing the new version. Each time, as usual the machine needs to shut down and reboot. The problem occurred when each time the reboot happened that there was no evidence of the new version. I trawled through the online AVG forums and there were references that others had had this issue of remove old, install new, reboot and then repeat, with no success of actually loading the new program.
I was simply grateful that I was trying to update my desktop PC running XP rather than my laptop on Vista.
I finally had success - Hooray!
1. Read http://www.avg.com/ww-en/faq?num=3262#faq_3262
and check that you have administrator facilities on your computer
2. Install the 2011 programme via
http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free
3. Make sure that the files are not still lingering on your PC - check Program files AND in documents and settings deleting any references to AVG 7, AVG 8, AVG 9 and Grisoft. (I had some as Grisoft and almost missed it)
4. Then ensure that ALL evidence of previous versions is removed from the computer registry by visiting http://www.avg.com/ww-en/download-tools (use 32 bit if your not sure of 32 or 64.)
5. You MIGHT need to re do point 2 and that is fine!
I completed the above steps for my XP desktop and my Vista laptop.
Disclaimer: I am not a shareholder in AVG, just a satisfied (and temporarily frustrated AVG user!). I am no computer expert, if I had been it would not have taken me 3 days! so follow the above advice with caution and please do not email me with hate emails if it goes wrong, but I successfully managed it!
Good luck!
Advent Calender 2010 - Holiday Parties
I think one of the most memorable Christmas Parties has to be Australia 1996.
We had only been in our current home for about 4 weeks, we were still knee deep in packing boxes in some rooms - my study especially. We left England on 19th December and arrived in Sydney on 21st December. I will never forget the flight. We flew with a Greek airline because we had had to change our travel plans at short notice as my Cousin who was getting married between Christmas & New Year had, had a change of plans. We had a direct flight, well as direct as 10,000 miles can be, with a stop over in Bangkok for a refuel. Every time the plane landed and took off there was an eruption of clapping and cheering. I put it down to Christmas spirit rather cheering successful flying! I don't recall it being exceptionally cold here that year before Christmas, but we spent 50 hours traveling door to door and left temperatures of approximately 10 degrees centigrade and arrived to about 28 degrees centigrade, and definitely over dressed! We arrived on Stuart's birthday, therefore everyone had gathered at my cousin's house for our arrival which was fantastic.
That year Christmas started on the 19th December and lasted through the arrival party, Christmas, my cousin's wedding, New Year up until we left on 19th January. Very happy memories.
We had only been in our current home for about 4 weeks, we were still knee deep in packing boxes in some rooms - my study especially. We left England on 19th December and arrived in Sydney on 21st December. I will never forget the flight. We flew with a Greek airline because we had had to change our travel plans at short notice as my Cousin who was getting married between Christmas & New Year had, had a change of plans. We had a direct flight, well as direct as 10,000 miles can be, with a stop over in Bangkok for a refuel. Every time the plane landed and took off there was an eruption of clapping and cheering. I put it down to Christmas spirit rather cheering successful flying! I don't recall it being exceptionally cold here that year before Christmas, but we spent 50 hours traveling door to door and left temperatures of approximately 10 degrees centigrade and arrived to about 28 degrees centigrade, and definitely over dressed! We arrived on Stuart's birthday, therefore everyone had gathered at my cousin's house for our arrival which was fantastic.
That year Christmas started on the 19th December and lasted through the arrival party, Christmas, my cousin's wedding, New Year up until we left on 19th January. Very happy memories.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Advent Calendar 2010 - Santa Claus
I can't remember going to Santa, but I guess I did. I asked Mum if she could remember and she said she took me when I was between the ages of 3-5 to see the Santa at the Debenhams department store in Guildford. I was apparently not keen to go and was unimpressed and she didn't take me again. Mum went onto say with a bit of a smirk that I was fairly antisocial!
Me, antisocial, surely not! Anyway, I went onto explain to Mum why I was probably unimpressed with Santa. I can't recall exactly when, but I recall waking up one year in the early hours of Christmas morning to Mum in her red dressing gown putting my stocking come pillowcase at the bottom of the bed. I guess then, my thoughts of a man with a red gown and white, bushy beard were shattered. I can though still remember this red dressing gown with small flowers on with green leafy bits and yellow petals. It was the early 1970s and I am sure Mum is delighted that there is no photograph of the said dressing gown! What is amazing is that I had never actually confessed to seeing Mum that Christmas morning until we discussed it for me to write this blog post.
Me, antisocial, surely not! Anyway, I went onto explain to Mum why I was probably unimpressed with Santa. I can't recall exactly when, but I recall waking up one year in the early hours of Christmas morning to Mum in her red dressing gown putting my stocking come pillowcase at the bottom of the bed. I guess then, my thoughts of a man with a red gown and white, bushy beard were shattered. I can though still remember this red dressing gown with small flowers on with green leafy bits and yellow petals. It was the early 1970s and I am sure Mum is delighted that there is no photograph of the said dressing gown! What is amazing is that I had never actually confessed to seeing Mum that Christmas morning until we discussed it for me to write this blog post.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Sorting Saturday - Keys.....but much more?
This random gathering of keys represents bits of our lives, both as single individuals and as a couple. I came across the pot of miscellaneous keys at the back of one of the cupboards in the breakfast room this morning. When we married we put all the keys together in a pot, not current keys, but ones we thought we perhaps should keep just incase. We have lived in this house 14 years and over the years have added to the box, but do we know what the keys belong to? It is anyone's guess., although I have a few ideas for some of the keys.
It made me think though, as individuals or couples we accumulate and gather a whole host of stuff, things we keep because they mean something to us, but perhaps not to other people. Our ancestors did it and perhaps we have inherited their collection of "stuff" and we now wonder just what that pile of bits meant to them. Perhaps we will leave a collection of things to our descendants or inheritants that are a total mystery. Every little thing our lives touch means something. Food for though.......
Advent Calender 2010- Outdoor Decorations
I am not a fan of outside decorations, but Stuart is. He loves the whole Christmas thing - music on the radio, CDs, decorations, foods and I guess cards, as long as he isn't is writing them! Last year was the first year we had an outside decoration. Even I have to say it, they were some subtle while ice lights that dripped down from the second floor windows. Alas they did not survive the untypical harsh winter and returned to the shop for a refund. We have since then replaced them with a more sturdy set ready for this Christmas but they are not up yet, but I know Stuart is getting itchy to get the tree and decorations up.
As I said in an earlier post we have a small outside tree with some suitable lights they are not up yet either, but as soon as I do there will be photos!
Back in 1996 we spent Christmas in far warmer climes; in NSW Australia with family. The street lights and decorations put on by residents in one street, Athol Street in Wagga Wagga was very impressive. I am not sure if I took photos, but I will see if there are any, there were certainly LOTS of photos of the trip and if I find one of all the Christmas lights & decorations I'll upload it.
As I said in an earlier post we have a small outside tree with some suitable lights they are not up yet either, but as soon as I do there will be photos!
Back in 1996 we spent Christmas in far warmer climes; in NSW Australia with family. The street lights and decorations put on by residents in one street, Athol Street in Wagga Wagga was very impressive. I am not sure if I took photos, but I will see if there are any, there were certainly LOTS of photos of the trip and if I find one of all the Christmas lights & decorations I'll upload it.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Advent Calendar 2010 - Christmas Cards
I remember both my Mum and Grandmother sending cards, but not how many or what happened to them. I have a few old cards, perhaps the last one received from a particular relative, or those with a photograph or letter. Any that my Grandmother received I now have. Currently they are in a box packed away in a box awaiting scanning and archiving. I can't really remember where they were displayed, I suspect the mantlepiece as that is where I have mine and on the dresser and other furniture in our lounge.
I probably started sending cards when I as about 12 or 13. Mainly to school friends, but when I left home and then subsequently married to family members. In many cases a Christmas card is the only contact we have, which is a shame.
When we first set up home together and started sending cards as a couple I asked for Stuart's card list. He looked at me blankly and said he only sent about 6 cards, I was amazed, that meant the other 60 odd were mine! Since then I have written all the cards and letters and Stuart's list has not really got any bigger. My list has reduced a little bit, but not by much. Even people that I communicate with online these days still get a card in the post and they get an additional email.
I keep the email letters and file these with letters I recieve, along with any letters and cards that arrive in the mail.
I usually aim to send my cards out early December, but each year I seem to get later and later. The overseas ones always go first. I can always predict which card I receive first and sure enough my cousin and her husband's card arrived on Wednesday as predicited!
At the end of the 1980s I bought a card booklet, with the details of card and present and address. The book was set up for about 10 years. At the end of the 10 years I looked around for another book similar but no one seems to sell them anymore, so I have a bit of paper in my Christmas card box and each year tick or highlight in a pen to say that I sent the card. I really should find a better way of recording it, but somehow the scrappy bit of paper is likeable. I usually buy Charity cards apart from ones that I send to close relatives. I tend to go for the Charities whose good cause has touched our family life, mainly Cancer Research as many of my family have suffered in this way.
This following is a photograph of my Great Grandmother, Annie Prudience Butcher nee Harris,which was sent as her Christmas Card in 1955.The picture was taken in Guildford Surrey England in the prefab house the family lived in after the War.
I already had the photo scanned but not the card, which I must do and will reload the picture then. The photo was certainly sent to her children, I have my Grandfather's copy George Butcher (1908-1974) and I know of at least one cousin who has his father's copy. Do you have a copy in your photo collection? If so please get in touch.
I probably started sending cards when I as about 12 or 13. Mainly to school friends, but when I left home and then subsequently married to family members. In many cases a Christmas card is the only contact we have, which is a shame.
When we first set up home together and started sending cards as a couple I asked for Stuart's card list. He looked at me blankly and said he only sent about 6 cards, I was amazed, that meant the other 60 odd were mine! Since then I have written all the cards and letters and Stuart's list has not really got any bigger. My list has reduced a little bit, but not by much. Even people that I communicate with online these days still get a card in the post and they get an additional email.
I keep the email letters and file these with letters I recieve, along with any letters and cards that arrive in the mail.
I usually aim to send my cards out early December, but each year I seem to get later and later. The overseas ones always go first. I can always predict which card I receive first and sure enough my cousin and her husband's card arrived on Wednesday as predicited!
At the end of the 1980s I bought a card booklet, with the details of card and present and address. The book was set up for about 10 years. At the end of the 10 years I looked around for another book similar but no one seems to sell them anymore, so I have a bit of paper in my Christmas card box and each year tick or highlight in a pen to say that I sent the card. I really should find a better way of recording it, but somehow the scrappy bit of paper is likeable. I usually buy Charity cards apart from ones that I send to close relatives. I tend to go for the Charities whose good cause has touched our family life, mainly Cancer Research as many of my family have suffered in this way.
This following is a photograph of my Great Grandmother, Annie Prudience Butcher nee Harris,which was sent as her Christmas Card in 1955.The picture was taken in Guildford Surrey England in the prefab house the family lived in after the War.
I already had the photo scanned but not the card, which I must do and will reload the picture then. The photo was certainly sent to her children, I have my Grandfather's copy George Butcher (1908-1974) and I know of at least one cousin who has his father's copy. Do you have a copy in your photo collection? If so please get in touch.
Friday, 3 December 2010
Advent Calendar 2010 - Christmas Tree Ornaments
The collection of tree ornaments we have are ones that we bought from our first Christmas together. There are others that were given to us by my Mum and each year Stuart and I buy at least one ornament to keep the tradition going. We tend to go for the reds and golds but there are some others that have special meanings to us, such as a Spode china Millenium bauble which always has pride of place, and a gold bell which has a picture of a Border Terrier on the side,which we bought the first Christmas we lost our lovely Monty in 2008.
The decorations that we had as when I was a child are still with my Mum. The original fairy which I mentioned earlier this week is still in the family. I think Mum has it and she thinks I have it, and we won't know until we both put our trees up and find it! - Photos though as soon as I do. As a child we used to have chocolate ornaments on the tree which I was never allowed to have until Christmas Eve, and even then, only one. Now I don't have them as we have our current Border Terrier, Alfie just incase he is tempted by the chocolate.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Advent Calendar 2010 - Holiday Foods
My Grandmother always used to buy hamper coupons from the Unigate milkman, I don't know if she received any special discount as my Grandfather had worked for them up until he retired, but she always had the coupons and then exchanged them a week or so before Christmas for a hamper. There was always lovely boxes of chocolates, biscuits, tins of ham and deserts and a shop made Christmas pudding. I am sure that there may have been a bottle of Sherry in the hamper, even though my Grandmother was not able to drink alcohol. There was also some lemonade and dilutable juices - like Robinsons, and some fruit.
Even though we had the hamper there was also other bits bought or made. The Christmas cake, and Christmas Puddings were both home made, a delicious joint of gammon that was cooked on the stove on Christmas Eve to be consumed for Christmas Day teatime, a tin of Victoria biscuits made by McVitie's
We always had Turkey for Christmas Day along with the trimmings. On Boxing Day the usual lunch meal was bubble and Squeak with either the Turkey cold or made into Rissoles. I still have the mincer that my Grandmother used and I still do some of things that we did when I was a child, and those special moments live on for another generation.
Mum makes the most lovely rum truffles, with the proper stuff, not the cheap essence.
Every year, this rather tatty extract from a Woman's Realm Mag appears. I had chance to have a proper glance at it. The receipe is from The Archer's Country Cookbook by Martha Woodford published in 1977.
I can certainly vouch for the truffles!
4oz dark cooking chocolate
4oz icing sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons ground almonds
2 tablespoons double cream
2 tablespoons rum
chocolate vermicelli
Melt the chocolate over a basin of hot water. Beat in the icing sugar,egg yolk,almonds,cream and rum and pound altogether until mixture is smooth, and form into little balls. Roll each truffle in a little vermicelli and coat it.
Even though we had the hamper there was also other bits bought or made. The Christmas cake, and Christmas Puddings were both home made, a delicious joint of gammon that was cooked on the stove on Christmas Eve to be consumed for Christmas Day teatime, a tin of Victoria biscuits made by McVitie's
We always had Turkey for Christmas Day along with the trimmings. On Boxing Day the usual lunch meal was bubble and Squeak with either the Turkey cold or made into Rissoles. I still have the mincer that my Grandmother used and I still do some of things that we did when I was a child, and those special moments live on for another generation.
Mum makes the most lovely rum truffles, with the proper stuff, not the cheap essence.Every year, this rather tatty extract from a Woman's Realm Mag appears. I had chance to have a proper glance at it. The receipe is from The Archer's Country Cookbook by Martha Woodford published in 1977.
I can certainly vouch for the truffles!
4oz dark cooking chocolate
4oz icing sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons ground almonds
2 tablespoons double cream
2 tablespoons rum
chocolate vermicelli
Melt the chocolate over a basin of hot water. Beat in the icing sugar,egg yolk,almonds,cream and rum and pound altogether until mixture is smooth, and form into little balls. Roll each truffle in a little vermicelli and coat it.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Advent Calendar 2010 - The Christmas Tree
As a child we always had an artificial Christmas tree I think, usually a traditional styled green one with pretty coloured fairy lights and the fairy that my Grandparents used to put on their tree.
When I married we purchased a lovely and different artifical white tree which we got from the department store here in the UK called Alders, they have since gone under, but the tree lives on, albeit, in the loft.
Our current tree is also artificial, a beautiful green one, with a hit of snow and built in lights, nice and tall, well taller than me! - Its about six foot. My hubby is the usual tree decorator in this house, I find it a bit of a performance; I am not known for lots of patience! I would really love a real tree, but we don't mainly because of mess and because they are not terribly pet friendly!
BUT, outside, on the edge of our path leading to the house we have a medium size planter situated on the end pillar. There did use to be a leaping salmon until it disappeared, despite us not living in a dubious area, anyway after spending over a year looking for a replacement fish, and failing we decided on the planter. That spent a few months empty then last Christmas we saw in the local garden centre a miniture Blue Spruz and thought why not? It sat in the planter, undecorated last year as we were not able to find suitable lights for it, but this year, well wait and see (photo as soon as the lights on and the indoor tree is up).
When I married we purchased a lovely and different artifical white tree which we got from the department store here in the UK called Alders, they have since gone under, but the tree lives on, albeit, in the loft.
Our current tree is also artificial, a beautiful green one, with a hit of snow and built in lights, nice and tall, well taller than me! - Its about six foot. My hubby is the usual tree decorator in this house, I find it a bit of a performance; I am not known for lots of patience! I would really love a real tree, but we don't mainly because of mess and because they are not terribly pet friendly!
BUT, outside, on the edge of our path leading to the house we have a medium size planter situated on the end pillar. There did use to be a leaping salmon until it disappeared, despite us not living in a dubious area, anyway after spending over a year looking for a replacement fish, and failing we decided on the planter. That spent a few months empty then last Christmas we saw in the local garden centre a miniture Blue Spruz and thought why not? It sat in the planter, undecorated last year as we were not able to find suitable lights for it, but this year, well wait and see (photo as soon as the lights on and the indoor tree is up).
Uploaded 21st Dec photo of the indoor tree, once again decorated by hubby!
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Start of the Advent Calendar of Christmas
Starting tomorrow I shall be keeping an online Advent Calendar of Christmas as "advertised" on Geneabloggers - here are the prompts:
December 1 - The Christmas Tree
December 2 - Holiday Foods
December 3 - Christmas Tree Ornaments
December 4 - Christmas Cards
December 5 - Outdoor Decorations
December 6 - Santa Claus
December 7 - Holiday Parties
December 8 - Christmas Cookies
December 9 - Grab Bag
December 10 - Christmas Gifts
December 11 - Other Traditions
December 12 - Charitable/Volunteer Work
December 13 - Holiday Travel
December 14 - Fruitcake – Friend or Foe?
December 15 - The Holiday Happenings!
December 16 - Christmas at School
December 17 - Grab Bag
December 18 - Christmas Stockings
December 19 - Christmas Shopping
December 20 - Religious Services
December 21 - Christmas Music
December 22 - Christmas and Deceased Relatives
December 23 - Christmas Sweetheart Memories
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 1 - The Christmas Tree
December 2 - Holiday Foods
December 3 - Christmas Tree Ornaments
December 4 - Christmas Cards
December 5 - Outdoor Decorations
December 6 - Santa Claus
December 7 - Holiday Parties
December 8 - Christmas Cookies
December 9 - Grab Bag
December 10 - Christmas Gifts
December 11 - Other Traditions
December 12 - Charitable/Volunteer Work
December 13 - Holiday Travel
December 14 - Fruitcake – Friend or Foe?
December 15 - The Holiday Happenings!
December 16 - Christmas at School
December 17 - Grab Bag
December 18 - Christmas Stockings
December 19 - Christmas Shopping
December 20 - Religious Services
December 21 - Christmas Music
December 22 - Christmas and Deceased Relatives
December 23 - Christmas Sweetheart Memories
December 24 - Christmas Eve
Monday, 29 November 2010
Swans on the Wey
I periodically do a Google search with the words Swans on the Wey to see what it displays. Usually I get a whole pile of entrys which reflect each of the words individually, even with the phrase in quotes, but today, I stuck almost lucky.
I stumbled across a lovely painting at a Blog called Don's Adventures
and I simply has to post a comment on that Blog.
The painting,of two graceful swans on the River Wey in Surrey England reminds me of a painting that I saw in an art gallary in the shopping centre in Sutton (Surrey). My Grandmother died in April 1995 and it was just after this that I saw the painting. I was enthralled with it. I had the feeling in the pit of my stomach that I "wanted that painting". The shop was closing so I was unable to go in. Thinking that I was "safe" I left it to the next day.
I went back the next day to find the painting had left the window, I hoped it has been moved, but alas sold and taken by the new owners. I felt almost distraught for a paining that I could never own. I wish I knew who the artist was, but alas all I can remember was the title Swans on the Wey, which was perfect as I have lots of memories of my beloved Grandmother feeding the Swans on the River Wey which was at the end of her garden.
Thanks go to Don for sharing such a lovely picture and bringing to life some lovely and treasured memories.
I stumbled across a lovely painting at a Blog called Don's Adventures
and I simply has to post a comment on that Blog.
The painting,of two graceful swans on the River Wey in Surrey England reminds me of a painting that I saw in an art gallary in the shopping centre in Sutton (Surrey). My Grandmother died in April 1995 and it was just after this that I saw the painting. I was enthralled with it. I had the feeling in the pit of my stomach that I "wanted that painting". The shop was closing so I was unable to go in. Thinking that I was "safe" I left it to the next day.
I went back the next day to find the painting had left the window, I hoped it has been moved, but alas sold and taken by the new owners. I felt almost distraught for a paining that I could never own. I wish I knew who the artist was, but alas all I can remember was the title Swans on the Wey, which was perfect as I have lots of memories of my beloved Grandmother feeding the Swans on the River Wey which was at the end of her garden.
Thanks go to Don for sharing such a lovely picture and bringing to life some lovely and treasured memories.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Who was Rani Maharaj Singh?
As I said in an earlier post I managed to photograph some images that were originally camcordered back in 1993. This is two of those images.
These photo shows my later Father in Law, Derek Goucher's first cousin Florence Ramage nee Worship along with someone called Rani Maharaj Singh. I had known from stories told to me that Florence and her husband John had spent some time in India, and there are photos to confirm that. They clearly moved in the Indian Society circles of the times - which would have been the early to mid 1950s, so just after Independence from the "British Empire"
So who was Rani Maharaj Singh? The photographs were taken to commemorate the YMCA Carnival in 1953
Rani Maharaj Singh was the wife of the first Indian Governor of Bombay (1948 - 1952), the Honorable Raja Maharaj Singh. In 1949 She led Bombay's City Council for child welfare with funds that had been pledged by UNESCO.
In 1952 Rani Maharaj Singh is mentioned in the Day books of Eleanor Roosevelt. With the entry for 11th March 1952 reading ".....We returned on time for a luncheon given by the Governor and Her Excellency, Rani Maharaj Singh. It has been a great joy to have Mrs. Pandit here, for she is the most thoughtful hostess imaginable........."
So it would appear that Rani Maharah Singh held quite a place in the history of India and it really is quite interesting how she came to meet Florence Ramage, perhaps at a fund raising event.
These photo shows my later Father in Law, Derek Goucher's first cousin Florence Ramage nee Worship along with someone called Rani Maharaj Singh. I had known from stories told to me that Florence and her husband John had spent some time in India, and there are photos to confirm that. They clearly moved in the Indian Society circles of the times - which would have been the early to mid 1950s, so just after Independence from the "British Empire"
So who was Rani Maharaj Singh? The photographs were taken to commemorate the YMCA Carnival in 1953
Rani Maharaj Singh was the wife of the first Indian Governor of Bombay (1948 - 1952), the Honorable Raja Maharaj Singh. In 1949 She led Bombay's City Council for child welfare with funds that had been pledged by UNESCO.
In 1952 Rani Maharaj Singh is mentioned in the Day books of Eleanor Roosevelt. With the entry for 11th March 1952 reading ".....We returned on time for a luncheon given by the Governor and Her Excellency, Rani Maharaj Singh. It has been a great joy to have Mrs. Pandit here, for she is the most thoughtful hostess imaginable........."
So it would appear that Rani Maharah Singh held quite a place in the history of India and it really is quite interesting how she came to meet Florence Ramage, perhaps at a fund raising event.
Goucher Video / DVD
Back in 1993 we had the opportunity to video a selection of material that my father in law had of his family.
We recorded the material initially on a camcorder tape then transfered it to Video and more recently to DVD. I have now managed to photograph the photographic images using my iPhone. Now the images are OK, not brilliant, but OK and at least I can work with them. It was a nice couple of hours having a look at the material. There was information that I had forgotten we had. Which just shows it is good to go back to basics once in a while.
We recorded the material initially on a camcorder tape then transfered it to Video and more recently to DVD. I have now managed to photograph the photographic images using my iPhone. Now the images are OK, not brilliant, but OK and at least I can work with them. It was a nice couple of hours having a look at the material. There was information that I had forgotten we had. Which just shows it is good to go back to basics once in a while.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Recipe - Wheat Wine
Recipe written by my Great Grandmother- Annie Prudience Butcher nee Harris. Written circa 1965
Recipe - Wheat Wine
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest
Recipe - Wheat Wine
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest
Monday, 22 November 2010
A glimpse from the Antiques Roadshow
I was catching up with my viewing of the BBC Antiques Roadshow from last week (14th November 2010) when a rather interesting item came upon the screen.
The item was described as a ham stand, and of slickware and contained a genealogical mystery. The photo is not terribly good, although I am rather impressed with the result from a iPhone via a pause replay of a TV program!
The item was described as a ham stand, and of slickware and contained a genealogical mystery. The photo is not terribly good, although I am rather impressed with the result from a iPhone via a pause replay of a TV program!
The details on the stand are as follows:
M representing the surname and both the bride and groom had the initial of J for their respective forenames. The fish symbol implies that the groom was either associated with the fishing industry or a keen fisherman. The name of Clapham refers to the location of the wedding and the date if September 3rd, 1787.
So who were J & J M and where is the Clapham refered to on the plate?
It does stand to reason that anyone who could afford a plate that would house a ham that size would come from a household of some income and thus could be an angler, rather than a fisherman living on a tiny income, but at this stage in the research I must not jump to any concluions.
Oh, the estimate given to this rather fascinating antique was between £2,500 and £3,500.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
A Genealogical Wonder ......
Last week I heard once again from a contact in Canada with whom I share a distant connection, through the KING & EASTWICK lines of my family.
The KING daughters, there were seven of them are alike to the daughters of Mr & Mr Bennett in Jane Austin novel. All the daughters and their brother had a connection to India & the East India Company. More on that side of the family later.
The contact wrote that she had a picture of a painting that depicted three of the sisters. The painting was painted by the artist Thompson and was painted in 1795. The painting is mentioned in two books that connect to the family, An Honourable Company by Margaret Bellaisis and A Master Mariner by Captain R. W. Eastwick and has a lovely romantic story attached to it.
Thompson took a fancy to the younger of the sisters in the painting - Lucy King and proposed marriage. When Lucy declined he refused the finish the painting and retained it. Twenty five years later Lucy who by then was known as Mrs Eastwick was walking through London and noticed Thompson, she asked her son to go after him and when he saw who it was asked Lucy and her son to accompany him back to his home where he revealed the painting which had he said been completed from memory. Thompson then gave the painting to Lucy. The painting is in the hands of the family, sadly not this part of the family!
But isn't the painting a beauty?
Lucy Eastwick nee King is the lady on the far right of the painting. As I said the painting was done in 1795, and for me to now see a copy of it is simply wonderful. Thanks to my contact PP for sharing this with me.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
A quick catch up....
For just over the last two weeks I have had a dreadful cold, which has developed into a chest infection and I have felt rubbish for days. I didn't therefore do much I what I planned to do during my recent annual leave, which is very frustrating. That said I have caught up on some reading, watch this space for a review of another three James Paterson books. I have also caught up on some rest.
Last Friday there was a burst water main near us, and we were without water for about 3 hours. As we have been poorly we have had heating on a bit and the pressure on our heating boiler dropped and then ceased working. The boiler refused to work until the pressure in the system was increased and that could not be increased because of the burst water main and then the subsequent reroute of the water supply. I phoned the water company - South West Water and was told I could apply for compensation and I would receive a call within 2 days.
On Monday a chap phoned me. He was deeply sorry but we were not inconvienced enough to qualify for the compensation of, drum roll please, are your ready? £20. Yes that is right the most expensive water company in the UK can not give us compensation of £20. When I asked why the chap was simply not prepared to do the right thing, he simply said "What is the right thing" my response was if he had to ask a customer then perhaps he should reflect on his manager role.....well I assume that he was a manager he did not introduce himself at the start of the conversation nor did he state his role at the water company. For all I know he was the guy digging the hole at the burst main last Friday. Anyway, it is not about the money, I've been known to spend more than £20 on books, for me it was about the principle of the whole event.
As I was already in a grumpy mood, I then made a telephone call to the warrenty company with whom we have a package with for our car. At the end of October we took the car for an MOT and service and a few bits needed to be done, of course! - so we had a bit of a debate with the warrenty company on the deliberate vagueness of the coverage of the package we have. We agreed on a price and I sent off the paperwork as requested on 27th Oct with a note requesting "prompt re-embursement would be appreciated", so there I was realising that 3 weeks on I still had not had the cheque. I telephoned them and was advised that it takes 4 weeks to raise a cheque, when I challenged and said that we had received the warrenty book back after 10 days and that I didn't understand why a cheque could simply have not been included, I was given the complex answer of "it couldn't" I give up, in sad comprehension that for these appauling bouts of poor service I have actually paid for them.
On Monday afternoon I came across at the back of the filing cabinet in my study a pile of floppy discs, when I say pile there was about 300 of them that represent the period of 1999 - 2002 online. Copies of letters, research notes, emails and various work and professional work documents, plus all the material from my degree course. My laptop doesn't have a floppy drive and neither does hubbys. Our desktop does and might be replaced over the next few months, so I sat on Tuesday afternoon with 300 floppy disc, a cup of tea and a pile of tissues and dropped and dragged all the data from all the discs into a folder on our external hard drive. A very boring job and I probably won't even look at the data that was on those discs, but I can if I want to. I did come across a few bits of real interest, that I thought I had lost so perhaps it wasn't time wasted afterall?
Last Friday there was a burst water main near us, and we were without water for about 3 hours. As we have been poorly we have had heating on a bit and the pressure on our heating boiler dropped and then ceased working. The boiler refused to work until the pressure in the system was increased and that could not be increased because of the burst water main and then the subsequent reroute of the water supply. I phoned the water company - South West Water and was told I could apply for compensation and I would receive a call within 2 days.
On Monday a chap phoned me. He was deeply sorry but we were not inconvienced enough to qualify for the compensation of, drum roll please, are your ready? £20. Yes that is right the most expensive water company in the UK can not give us compensation of £20. When I asked why the chap was simply not prepared to do the right thing, he simply said "What is the right thing" my response was if he had to ask a customer then perhaps he should reflect on his manager role.....well I assume that he was a manager he did not introduce himself at the start of the conversation nor did he state his role at the water company. For all I know he was the guy digging the hole at the burst main last Friday. Anyway, it is not about the money, I've been known to spend more than £20 on books, for me it was about the principle of the whole event.
As I was already in a grumpy mood, I then made a telephone call to the warrenty company with whom we have a package with for our car. At the end of October we took the car for an MOT and service and a few bits needed to be done, of course! - so we had a bit of a debate with the warrenty company on the deliberate vagueness of the coverage of the package we have. We agreed on a price and I sent off the paperwork as requested on 27th Oct with a note requesting "prompt re-embursement would be appreciated", so there I was realising that 3 weeks on I still had not had the cheque. I telephoned them and was advised that it takes 4 weeks to raise a cheque, when I challenged and said that we had received the warrenty book back after 10 days and that I didn't understand why a cheque could simply have not been included, I was given the complex answer of "it couldn't" I give up, in sad comprehension that for these appauling bouts of poor service I have actually paid for them.
On Monday afternoon I came across at the back of the filing cabinet in my study a pile of floppy discs, when I say pile there was about 300 of them that represent the period of 1999 - 2002 online. Copies of letters, research notes, emails and various work and professional work documents, plus all the material from my degree course. My laptop doesn't have a floppy drive and neither does hubbys. Our desktop does and might be replaced over the next few months, so I sat on Tuesday afternoon with 300 floppy disc, a cup of tea and a pile of tissues and dropped and dragged all the data from all the discs into a folder on our external hard drive. A very boring job and I probably won't even look at the data that was on those discs, but I can if I want to. I did come across a few bits of real interest, that I thought I had lost so perhaps it wasn't time wasted afterall?
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
A pension surprise
Over the last year or so I have looked at the Financial Times online, mainly with a view to us doing some preparation for the future. This morning I spotted an article "Pensions: a long and a happy one - but not for trustees"
This article can be found at:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6353fcca-eace-11df-b28d-00144feab49a,_i_email=y.html
The article mentioned the company that I work for, but what was especially interesting was that a barrister had ploughed through old cases to provide examples to illustrate the risk of pension scheme members living longer than expected.
The fascinating example provided was of a widow from the US called Alberta Martin who died in 2004 who had been in receipt of a war pension from her late husband who had fought in the American Civil War of 1861-1865.
This article can be found at:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6353fcca-eace-11df-b28d-00144feab49a,_i_email=y.html
The article mentioned the company that I work for, but what was especially interesting was that a barrister had ploughed through old cases to provide examples to illustrate the risk of pension scheme members living longer than expected.
The fascinating example provided was of a widow from the US called Alberta Martin who died in 2004 who had been in receipt of a war pension from her late husband who had fought in the American Civil War of 1861-1865.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Graves, Tombs & Memorials by Trevor Yorke
Graves, Tombs & Memorials by Trevor Yorke and published by Countryside Books, 2010, £5.99. ISBN - 978 1 84674 202 6
Published as part of the Britain’s Living History Series, this slim volume, for the book contains just 64 pages, yet contains a wealth of information. Written in a clear easy to read format with photographic illustrations and broken down into chapters complete with a concluding index.
This book encourages us to delve beyond the name and dates on the headstone, and to look further at the style of the Memorial, the graphics upon it and the even the types of stone used to make it. Readers are encouraged to get out and about and explore their local churchyard using the knowledge within the book to gain further information about those commemorated upon the stones.
The book further explores the how the churchyard and cemetery evolved within our Society, the styles of stones over the ages and how burial practices have changed with a the later section of the book dedicated to understanding the various carvings and what they mean, giving further information of the person they are dedicated to.
This book is a welcome addition to any genealogist and family historian bookshelf and really does encourage us to get out their and explore.
Book Review for Federation of Family History Societies book club November 2010.
Published as part of the Britain’s Living History Series, this slim volume, for the book contains just 64 pages, yet contains a wealth of information. Written in a clear easy to read format with photographic illustrations and broken down into chapters complete with a concluding index.
This book encourages us to delve beyond the name and dates on the headstone, and to look further at the style of the Memorial, the graphics upon it and the even the types of stone used to make it. Readers are encouraged to get out and about and explore their local churchyard using the knowledge within the book to gain further information about those commemorated upon the stones.The book further explores the how the churchyard and cemetery evolved within our Society, the styles of stones over the ages and how burial practices have changed with a the later section of the book dedicated to understanding the various carvings and what they mean, giving further information of the person they are dedicated to.
This book is a welcome addition to any genealogist and family historian bookshelf and really does encourage us to get out their and explore.
Book Review for Federation of Family History Societies book club November 2010.
Friday, 5 November 2010
4th of July by James Patterson
An arrest goes horribly wrong and Lindsay is being sued for not only killing a suspect who shot her but seriously hurting another suspect. While Lindsay is suspended awaiting her trial she stumbles into the crime scene of another police force and can not help herself and soon enlists the help of the Women's Murder Club, which is now reduced in numbers following the murder of one of the members in the last book.......
3rd Degree by James Patterson
Out for a morning jog Lindsay rescues a child from a burning building. The house contains 3 dead bodies, a missing baby and a missing au pair. A mystery message left at the scene of the fire leads Lindsay and the Women's Murder club members hot on the trail of a killer or two.
2nd Chance by James Patterson
The second book in the addictive series of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay and her friends are hot on the trail of the latest killer. What looks to be a random shooting is actually a vendetta against the police, again with twist at the end of the book.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
BBC - A life without work
** A life without work **
A century after a ground-breaking investigation into unemployment, the remarkable journey of one British family has been traced.
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/magazine-11584487 >
This was a fascinating account of the population and work study by Rowntree in York in 1910.
A century after a ground-breaking investigation into unemployment, the remarkable journey of one British family has been traced.
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/magazine-11584487 >
This was a fascinating account of the population and work study by Rowntree in York in 1910.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Ist to Die by James Patterson
I have had the start of this series on my pile of books to read for about 3 years. I have just started to read the series and I am already hooked.
This is starting to follow the life and detections of Lindsay Boxer, a police detective based in the US, who together with the help of a journalist,a district attorney, and a coroner they form the "Women's Murder Club"
With twists and turns Lindsay gets those responsible for the murders of a series of newlywed couples or does she?
This is starting to follow the life and detections of Lindsay Boxer, a police detective based in the US, who together with the help of a journalist,a district attorney, and a coroner they form the "Women's Murder Club"
With twists and turns Lindsay gets those responsible for the murders of a series of newlywed couples or does she?
Saturday, 10 July 2010
BBC News - National census in 2011 could be last of its kind
BBC News - National census in 2011 could be last of its kind
From the BBC website:
The national census due to take place in 2011 could be the last of its kind.
The BBC understands that the government is examining other ways of measuring population and other statistics than the survey of all homes every 10 years.
In future, data could be gathered from records held by the Post Office, local government and credit checking agencies - thought to be more effective.
The government said it was "examining" whether changes could be made but no decision had been reached.
A census has been carried out every decade since 1801, apart from during World War II.
Next year's census, sent to every household, will cost an estimated £482m. It asks for detailed information including nationality, religious faith and marital status.
There will be separate censuses across the UK on the same day, 27 March 2011, organised by the Office for National Statistics in England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
'Accurate data'
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude believes the process is inefficient and its results quickly become out of date.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "There are, I believe, ways of doing this which will provide better, quicker information, more frequently and cheaper."
Mr Maude said population counts could be done more often using various databases.
"This would give you more accurate, much more timely data in real time. There is a load of data out there in loads of different places," he said.
The BBC's Adam Fleming at Westminster says that, although work on the 2011 census is too far advanced to make major changes, it is hoped savings can still be made.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: "Work began some time ago to explore alternatives to the conventional census model after 2011, and that work is continuing.
"We are committed to making a success of the 2011 Census, while endeavouring to cut its costs, currently expected to be around £460 million.
"The expenditure already committed to the census means that the scope to make changes is limited."
Mmm, food for thought. Data becomes out of date.....yes, it does but so does an MOT which are not worth the paper they are written on, but we still have to have them!
From the BBC website:
The national census due to take place in 2011 could be the last of its kind.
The BBC understands that the government is examining other ways of measuring population and other statistics than the survey of all homes every 10 years.
In future, data could be gathered from records held by the Post Office, local government and credit checking agencies - thought to be more effective.
The government said it was "examining" whether changes could be made but no decision had been reached.
A census has been carried out every decade since 1801, apart from during World War II.
Next year's census, sent to every household, will cost an estimated £482m. It asks for detailed information including nationality, religious faith and marital status.
There will be separate censuses across the UK on the same day, 27 March 2011, organised by the Office for National Statistics in England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
'Accurate data'
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude believes the process is inefficient and its results quickly become out of date.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "There are, I believe, ways of doing this which will provide better, quicker information, more frequently and cheaper."
Mr Maude said population counts could be done more often using various databases.
"This would give you more accurate, much more timely data in real time. There is a load of data out there in loads of different places," he said.
The BBC's Adam Fleming at Westminster says that, although work on the 2011 census is too far advanced to make major changes, it is hoped savings can still be made.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: "Work began some time ago to explore alternatives to the conventional census model after 2011, and that work is continuing.
"We are committed to making a success of the 2011 Census, while endeavouring to cut its costs, currently expected to be around £460 million.
"The expenditure already committed to the census means that the scope to make changes is limited."
Mmm, food for thought. Data becomes out of date.....yes, it does but so does an MOT which are not worth the paper they are written on, but we still have to have them!
Friday, 2 January 2009
Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky
This, my first Delinsky book was devoured in three days! For me it was a page turner and thought provoking.
Dana & Hugh who are both white, are looking forward to the birth of their first child. When the baby arrives the complete family are surprised as the baby who is to be called Lizzie is black. This starts a whole host of emotions and questions. The questions are how could this have happened? Had Dana been unfaithful? What was Dana's background?, as she had never known her father. Hugh struggles to cope between the obvious love for his wife, the questions and his family who would rather believe that Dana was unfaithful than this as a twist of genetics.
Of course, there are the twists and turns to this storyline, some of which are predictable, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable read.
Dana & Hugh who are both white, are looking forward to the birth of their first child. When the baby arrives the complete family are surprised as the baby who is to be called Lizzie is black. This starts a whole host of emotions and questions. The questions are how could this have happened? Had Dana been unfaithful? What was Dana's background?, as she had never known her father. Hugh struggles to cope between the obvious love for his wife, the questions and his family who would rather believe that Dana was unfaithful than this as a twist of genetics.
Of course, there are the twists and turns to this storyline, some of which are predictable, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable read.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Wee Beastie!
Cook Haggis and break into bits with a fork.
Serve on a bed of mashed potato and mashed suede (neep)
cover with cheese sauce and a light dusting of black pepper to taste.
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Seven Sisters (Benni Harper Mysteries) by Earlene Fowler
Not my most favorite of the series, but nonetheless enjoyable.
Benni's stepson announces that his girlfriend is pregnant and that they plan to marry. The girlfriend is none other than one of his father's fellow police colleagues.....at the party planned for their engagement one of the future relatives is found shot dead. Benni does resist in getting caught up with this mystery of who did it, but is back in the centre of it all, due to the police officer investigating the case. The new police officer had an appauling amount of people skills and I found him to be very irritating. Due to an impending wedding, Gabe finds that he is spending time with his ex wife, and I found that Benni was very controlled over this and I just wanted her to be more challenging with her hubby! What unfolds is a very sad and tragic story....
Benni's stepson announces that his girlfriend is pregnant and that they plan to marry. The girlfriend is none other than one of his father's fellow police colleagues.....at the party planned for their engagement one of the future relatives is found shot dead. Benni does resist in getting caught up with this mystery of who did it, but is back in the centre of it all, due to the police officer investigating the case. The new police officer had an appauling amount of people skills and I found him to be very irritating. Due to an impending wedding, Gabe finds that he is spending time with his ex wife, and I found that Benni was very controlled over this and I just wanted her to be more challenging with her hubby! What unfolds is a very sad and tragic story....
Thursday, 23 October 2008
The Quilter's Kitchen by Jennifer Chiaverini
The latest book in the Elm Creek series is a small one, not just on size but also content, with just 214 pages which also includes the recipe index. The story is essentially focused on two of the Elm Creek Quilters, the new cook Anna and Sylvia sorting through the historic kitchen ready for a refit. What they find along the way sends Sylvia back to her memories some of which are shared within the confines of the book. Each chapter is given to a family feast and then concludes with a series of recipes before moving to the next chapter.
The recipes are a nice touch to the book, and although I enjoyed the book, there were either too many recipes or not enough story, and I found that I was left wanting to know more.
The recipes are a nice touch to the book, and although I enjoyed the book, there were either too many recipes or not enough story, and I found that I was left wanting to know more.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Christmas Cake
It is that time again, when we plan to make the Christmas Cake & Puddings. Each year Mum asks what size I am planning to make etc. We usually make then together and have a girly chat.
Mum has used the following recipe since the early 1980s, actually my Grandmother spotted it in a copy of Woman Magazine, and since then we have used this one, albeit, the copy does look in rather a sorry state! The actual date is gleened from a book review on the reverse of the recipe - 1983!
Mum has used the following recipe since the early 1980s, actually my Grandmother spotted it in a copy of Woman Magazine, and since then we have used this one, albeit, the copy does look in rather a sorry state! The actual date is gleened from a book review on the reverse of the recipe - 1983!
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Tainted Tree by Jacquelynn Luben
I came across this book purely by chance and am so glad that I did. I was looking on Google to see what books were set in Guildford and noticed that this one was and available from a local publisher. It appealed to my genealogical mind, so I ordered it and it arrived on Monday just in time for a business trip. I devoured the book during my 6 hours traveling yesterday.
Addie inherits a lovely house in Guildford from someone she does not know,but she understand that the deceased has links were her mother, who died in childbirth with Addie, In America. The people that Addie's mother was living with write to advise the would be grandparents of the death of their daughter to find that they do not want to accept responsibility for the child,and after a period of time, Addie is adopted by the couple. Addie has a happy and loved childhood, but finds that she has questions of her heritage and wants to "know" her deceased Mother, and she has no idea who her father is.....Inheriting the house is a catalyst for discovering the answers.
The link is the Addie's mother was god daughter to James, and it is his house that she has inherited. Addie sets out on a journey of discovery, and as with most genealogical type searches Addie soon finds that she has more questions than answers, and that she has to live with the decisions that her ancestors made.
The author has done obvious research into genealogical searches and mentions the huge references of birth,marriage and death records at St Catherine's House, of course they are not longer available in the serch room by that has occured since the book was published earlier in the year, and the reference to it in the book reminded me of days lifting those heavy books and battling for space with other researchers. Also the use of the surname of Daborn a very Surrey name!
Addie does meet living relatives, including her great grandmother, who she discovers was illegitimate and has spent the majority of her life in a hospital simply for having a child out of wedlock. There are tears of joy as the elderly lady realises that the young woman standing with her is not simply a stranger from the social but a relative, a descendant of the daughter she had been told had died. I could almost feel Ada's pain and anguish.
The genealogical search is just like a jigsaw, gathering the facts and placing what you know into the mix to build the picture, and that was done as we read of Addie's search.
Quite simply I loved this book, not just for the subject matter, but the way the story unfolds and evolves. I was there, within the pages.
Available from the publisher's website
Signed by the author.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Tuesday Night at the Kasbah by Patricia Kitchin
There was something rather fun about this book. A group of women, all yearning in someways for something they haven't got, meet at a belly dancing class. The group forge friendships at varying levels as they struggle with their own personal crisis, which seems to involve the men in their lives......
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
The concept of this book was that there should have been five parts to the book, instead there are only two.
The author was a Ukrainian born Jew and did not survive the Second World War. For me, that was an incredibly powerful set of statements, as indeed was the book. To have lived in a Country occupied by another is incomprehensible, and very thought provoking.
The author was a Ukrainian born Jew and did not survive the Second World War. For me, that was an incredibly powerful set of statements, as indeed was the book. To have lived in a Country occupied by another is incomprehensible, and very thought provoking.
Dakota Born (Dakota Trilogy #1) by Debbie Macomber
I loved this book. A typical Debbie Macomber, a light and comfortable read. I enjoyed it so much that I read the preview of the second in the series.
Lyndsay has been let down in love, or so she thinks. To mend her broken heart she returns to the town that was home to her grandparents where she becomes the school teacher. Thinking back to her childhood Lyndsay recalls her grandmother hiding something in the fireplace and seeks to discover what it was....
Lyndsay has been let down in love, or so she thinks. To mend her broken heart she returns to the town that was home to her grandparents where she becomes the school teacher. Thinking back to her childhood Lyndsay recalls her grandmother hiding something in the fireplace and seeks to discover what it was....
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
French Pressed (Coffeehouse Mysteries) by Cleo Coyle
Clare is in the early stages of a relationship with Mike the new policeman in her life! Just as Mike and Clare are settling down for a romantic interlude, then Clare's ex husband enters the scene, followed on by two murders and Clare's beloved daughter in the frame for them both. Clare puts romance on the back burner and engages Mike to help her prove her daughters innocence.
Another nice addition to the coffeehouse mystery series.
Another nice addition to the coffeehouse mystery series.
Murder Is Binding (Booktown Mysteries) by Lorna Barrett
This new series is off to a good start....
Tricia opens wonderful mystery bookshop in a bookshop town, that is set upon Hay on Way. The local book sellers are feeling the pinch as the local land agent wants to increase the rents. The owner of the cookery bookshop next door is in fierce dispute. Following a brief visit from Tricia the cookery bookshop owner is murdered. All the local eyes turn to Tricia and when the police chief appears to have stopped looking for an alternative suspect Tricia knows she must work hard in an attempt to clear her name.....
Tricia opens wonderful mystery bookshop in a bookshop town, that is set upon Hay on Way. The local book sellers are feeling the pinch as the local land agent wants to increase the rents. The owner of the cookery bookshop next door is in fierce dispute. Following a brief visit from Tricia the cookery bookshop owner is murdered. All the local eyes turn to Tricia and when the police chief appears to have stopped looking for an alternative suspect Tricia knows she must work hard in an attempt to clear her name.....
The Blood Detective by Dan Waddell
I saw a review of this book several months ago in a genealogical magazine, it appealed to my genealogical mind and once it had arrived from Amazon, did not sit on mount TBR for long. Written by the man who wrote the Who Do you think you are series, this obviously links into real genealogical sources.
The story is centered around a chief inspector who is required to investigate a murder. The evidence does not seem to add up, and before long the inspector and his team are taping into the knowledge of a genealogist who discovers that the current series of murders are linked back to a series of Victorian murders. The genealogist spends lots of time looking into one of the most under used sources there are...newspapers, and sadly discovers that the man, who was tried by the victorian court was not guilty, so is this a crime of retribution?........
The story is centered around a chief inspector who is required to investigate a murder. The evidence does not seem to add up, and before long the inspector and his team are taping into the knowledge of a genealogist who discovers that the current series of murders are linked back to a series of Victorian murders. The genealogist spends lots of time looking into one of the most under used sources there are...newspapers, and sadly discovers that the man, who was tried by the victorian court was not guilty, so is this a crime of retribution?........
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Tomaree by Debbie Robson
This is the story of Peggy who meets and falls in love with an American serviceman stationed in Australia during the Second World War. At the war end, after they had married Peggy leaves for America to start a new life. Some thirty years later, Peggy returns to Australia for her mother's funeral. Sorting through her mother's belongings allows Peggy to cast her mind back over the years, as she relives the romance with her husband, her relationship with her late mother and the coming to terms with her relationships with them both, and how she deals with the journey of discovery and the secrets she finds along the way.
Written by a fellow Book Crosser, who I met at the Convention!
Written by a fellow Book Crosser, who I met at the Convention!
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Mariner's Compass by Earlene Fowler (Benni Harper mystery)
Oh my, the best of the series....yet!
Benni inherits all the worldly goods of someone who has recently passed away; the only problem is that she has no idea who he is?.....Then Benni hears that to claim the estate she has to move into the house she is due to inherit for two weeks. Benni is curious, why all the secrecy? Who is this man and why? All the questions and answers which of course lead to even more questions and general investigating, which leads her to question her own family and those she called Mom and Dad......
Benni inherits all the worldly goods of someone who has recently passed away; the only problem is that she has no idea who he is?.....Then Benni hears that to claim the estate she has to move into the house she is due to inherit for two weeks. Benni is curious, why all the secrecy? Who is this man and why? All the questions and answers which of course lead to even more questions and general investigating, which leads her to question her own family and those she called Mom and Dad......
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Dove in the Window (Benni Harper Mystery) by Earlene Fowler
Another great one in the life,time and tribulations of Benni Harper. A party and shindig at the ranch owned by Benni's father results in a murder and later a follow up. Benni's former brother in law is in the frame and much to the dislike of Gabe, Benni sets out to prove he is innocent......
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
The Binding Chair by Kathryn Harrison
I have read back through the two sets of Journal Entries and the website that was placed in one JE about foot binding, as I could really "visualize" the process from the description in the book, and for me that was crucial to understand the storyline.
Essentially, this is the story of Mae who is married to a silk merchant and is his fourth wife, she flees him to a life in a Shanghai brothel, which is preferable to her married life. In 1899 she meets and marries an Australian called Arthur. The time line does flit from past to present, which I found in part irritating,but nonetheless,I continued to read.The ending is both dramatic and unexpected.
Essentially, this is the story of Mae who is married to a silk merchant and is his fourth wife, she flees him to a life in a Shanghai brothel, which is preferable to her married life. In 1899 she meets and marries an Australian called Arthur. The time line does flit from past to present, which I found in part irritating,but nonetheless,I continued to read.The ending is both dramatic and unexpected.
Monday, 11 August 2008
The Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
There was something of a charm about this book,and as I predicted when the book arrived,it was devoured quickly,and ring jumped two books, shh, don't tell anyone!
Essentially set in Northern Ireland and covers the lives,loves and tribulations of some of those who frequent a tea shop. Some of the characters were horried, and others remarkably sweet - the story of Clare and Peter! There was a familiarity with this storyline - it reminded me of The Hat Shop on the Corner by Marita Conlon-McKenna, albeit,that was set in Southern Ireland.
Does anyone fancy reading The Hat Shop on the corner?
Sunday, 10 August 2008
The Winding Ways Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini
The latest in the Elm Creek Series. Several of the Elm Creek Quilters are moving on, Gwen's daughter Sommer who has been working before heading back to university and Gwen's friend Judy who moves out of town with her family. Despite Sarah and Sylvia being sad, Sarah has some news of her own.....an addition or two to the residents of Elm Creek.
Lesa’s Book Critiques
I came across this fascinating blog, with lots of recommendations for books, as if I needed any more!
Friday, 1 August 2008
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
Synopsis
Anne Marie Roche is a young widow who manages Blossom Street Books, two doors down from A Good Yarn - the Blossom Street store featured in Wednesdays at Four. Separated from her husband at the time of his death, Anne Marie is grieving his death and has found solace in friends who have also experienced the death of their partner. Together they've created an informal widows' support group and as part of their therapy, each woman in the group makes a list of twenty wishes.Anne Marie's desires include falling in love again, learning how to knit (which is where Lydia from early Blossom Street titles comes in), and becoming a volunteer. In fulfilling her wishes and with a little help from her friends, Anne Marie builds on her relationship with her step-daughter, comes to terms with not only his death, but also her husband's betrayal.
A lovely story, devoured very quickly whilst in Glasgow last month.
Anne Marie Roche is a young widow who manages Blossom Street Books, two doors down from A Good Yarn - the Blossom Street store featured in Wednesdays at Four. Separated from her husband at the time of his death, Anne Marie is grieving his death and has found solace in friends who have also experienced the death of their partner. Together they've created an informal widows' support group and as part of their therapy, each woman in the group makes a list of twenty wishes.Anne Marie's desires include falling in love again, learning how to knit (which is where Lydia from early Blossom Street titles comes in), and becoming a volunteer. In fulfilling her wishes and with a little help from her friends, Anne Marie builds on her relationship with her step-daughter, comes to terms with not only his death, but also her husband's betrayal.
A lovely story, devoured very quickly whilst in Glasgow last month.
Summer at the Villa Rosa by Nicky Pellegrino
Synopsis
Raffaella Moretti, by far the most beautiful girl in the southern Italian town of Triento, is about to marry the only boy she has ever loved. It seems that nothing but happiness lies in store for Raffaella. Yet, just one year later, she is a widow, and has had to take a job as housekeeper in the Villa Rosa, for the young American who is temporarily working in Triento. As Raffaella struggles to recapture her own lost happiness she starts looking for ways to help those around her to do the same. There is Silvana the baker's wife, her passion barely hidden; Carlotta the gardener's daughter with her mysterious grief, and the kind and gentle owner of the Gypsy Tearoom who offers Raffaella friendship. As the lives of these villagers interweave, Raffaella is pulled into the centre of a conflict that threatens not only to divide Triento but also to destroy all she holds dear. Filled with food, love and longing, SUMMER AT THE VILLA ROSA is like taking a seat in a sun-drenched piazza, and becoming a tiny part of the endless spectacle of life there.
Raffaella Moretti, by far the most beautiful girl in the southern Italian town of Triento, is about to marry the only boy she has ever loved. It seems that nothing but happiness lies in store for Raffaella. Yet, just one year later, she is a widow, and has had to take a job as housekeeper in the Villa Rosa, for the young American who is temporarily working in Triento. As Raffaella struggles to recapture her own lost happiness she starts looking for ways to help those around her to do the same. There is Silvana the baker's wife, her passion barely hidden; Carlotta the gardener's daughter with her mysterious grief, and the kind and gentle owner of the Gypsy Tearoom who offers Raffaella friendship. As the lives of these villagers interweave, Raffaella is pulled into the centre of a conflict that threatens not only to divide Triento but also to destroy all she holds dear. Filled with food, love and longing, SUMMER AT THE VILLA ROSA is like taking a seat in a sun-drenched piazza, and becoming a tiny part of the endless spectacle of life there.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Goose in the Pond by Earlene Fowler
Alas devoured in almost one sitting. Gabe & Bernie are jogging in a local park when Bernie gives up running and starts to rescue a duck who is caught up in some rubbish. As she bends forward to help the duck, Bernie spots a dead body, someone she knows from the library.
So, as if Gabe doesn't have enough to do, solve a murder and keep Bernie under control! his long lost son turns up followed swifly by a relative of Bernie, then Bernie's grandmother moves in......
So, as if Gabe doesn't have enough to do, solve a murder and keep Bernie under control! his long lost son turns up followed swifly by a relative of Bernie, then Bernie's grandmother moves in......
Saturday, 26 July 2008
So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading by Sara Nelson
A fascinating account of the how the author deals with her challenge of a book a week for a year. The book is full of personal stories and snippets and books titles and authors. I read the book over about a week and made a note of all the books & authors she mentions and may well attempt a challenge of my own!
The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman
I really was looking forward to reading this book, I loved the concept of the storyline, as I enjoy these types of historical novels. Sadly the writing style spoilt the book for me and I gave up reading it.
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O 'Farrell
A really thought provoking,enjoyable and fascinating read.
Esme is a girl with ideas ahead of the times. Her behavior is unacceptable to her close family, who decide to have her confined in a mental asylum at the young age of 16. Sixty years later the asylum is due to close. The officials of the hospital manage to track down Esme's great niece,Iris, who up until this point knew nothing of Esme's existence. Iris is both in denial of the relationship and yet fascinated in what has happened in the family, 60 years previous. Despite, feeling that Esme is not her responsibility Iris is unable to walk away from her.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Sins of the Fathers by Patricia Sprinkle
Katherine heads off on a genealogical trip with Dr Flo Gadney. The purpose of the trip is to research to see if those named on a headstone in a family churchyard are indeed the ancestors of Dr Flo. Several murders later and lots of gun fire and the two women establish the truth. Lots of use of genealogical sources which is good and readers can identify with.
Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr
This was a lovely book. The last few months have been fairly hectic for me, and strangly my reading has almost come to a standstill. So it was lovely to receive this in the post and for this to be the book that splurted me back to reading again - thank you!
June Hudson is a Doctor. She needs help to keep the town healthy. She interview a Doc who appears to good to be true, then she hears a comment from a patient and starts to doubt her colleague....June is lonely, she only has a work and the locals in the community for company then she meets Jim, who is not all he appears to be,and romance is in the air.
This is a start of a trilogy, I'll see if I can locate books 2 & 3.
June Hudson is a Doctor. She needs help to keep the town healthy. She interview a Doc who appears to good to be true, then she hears a comment from a patient and starts to doubt her colleague....June is lonely, she only has a work and the locals in the community for company then she meets Jim, who is not all he appears to be,and romance is in the air.
This is a start of a trilogy, I'll see if I can locate books 2 & 3.
The Main Corpse by Diane Mott Davidson
Finished several weeks ago. This was not the first I have read in this series, and I found this one to have a slow storyline.
Caterer Goldy, can not keep out of trouble, despite being married to a policeman! Her good friend is accused of murder but Goldy can not believe this and tries to help her friend establish the truth. In the meantime, Goldy becomes a fugative herself!
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Inheritance by Livi Michael
This very gentle book was devoured whilst on a recent business trip. I enjoyed the storyline, it appealled to my genealogical mind!
It is the very gentle story of Louise, who, upon the death of her mother inherits very little except for what I would consider the most valuable of all, lots of memories and a box of photographs. Louise heads to Lancaster, where she attempts to understand the lives of those ancestors who went before her. There were chapters interspered with family trees, and those of the life of Great Aunt Martha.
The Hat Shop on the Corner by Marita Conlon-McKenna
I really enjoyed this one and read on a business trip to Belfast, not Dublin but nonetheless, Ireland!
This is a gentle story. Ellie has inherited her mother's hat shop, as she debates whether to sell up or carry on, she is encouraged by her friends to follow her heart and believe in herself. She meets and is charmed by Rory, but he is not the man the for her!
Note to self to look out more from this author.
This is a gentle story. Ellie has inherited her mother's hat shop, as she debates whether to sell up or carry on, she is encouraged by her friends to follow her heart and believe in herself. She meets and is charmed by Rory, but he is not the man the for her!
Note to self to look out more from this author.
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Things I want my Daugters to Know by Elizabeth Noble
This was a beautiful book. Barbara has been diagnosed with cancer. Various therapy have not been successful, and she therefore prepares herself and her family. Barbara writes a series of letters to her 4 daughters - Lisa,Jennifer,Amanda and Hannah. Each one has problems that they can not face, yet the letter they each receive from their mother upon her death is pivital in their moving on through the grief to a happy future.
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Going Dutch by Katie Fforde
When Jo's husband trades her in for a younger model, she suddenly finds herself living on a barge near the Thames. Used to being a kept woman, she soon realises she'll need more than a few culinary skills to keep herself afloat. Aware she was about to make a terrible mistake, Dora has fled from a huge wedding, her fiance, her mother and a very critical village to come under Jo's protective wing. While offering mutual support, Dora gets a job where she has to row to work and Jo works out how to make a living. And though they may not know much about boats they're determined to make the best of things. One thing's for certain, though, they've both sworn off men for good. Unfortunately, life has other plans and inflicts arrogant but attractive Marcus, who's the oracle on all things nautical, and laid-back, charming, jack-of-all-trades Tom on their ordered lives. And as if they didn't have enough to worry about, they've discovered they have to take the barge to sea...
Monday, 28 April 2008
When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Bk 1) by Janette Oke
I really enjoyed this book. Set in Canada in the early 1900s. Elizabeth, a teacher in Ontario is encouraged to visit Alberta where her half brother resides with his family. After consideration Elizabeth makes the trip West, to rural Canada where she accepts a teaching post. She meets and falls in love with a Mountie called Wynn, who firmly believes that he should not marry because of the harshness of the terrain, but can Elizabeth encourage Wynn to change his mind.
Divas don't knit by Gil McNeil
I thought this would be very chick litty, but it was a lovely read and as a reader it was easy to identify with the main character.
Jo is the mother of two young boys, her husband a reporter who spends lots of time away from home announces that he wants a divorce. As he leaves Jo he has a fatal car accident. Jo discovers that her husband has managed to take a second mortgage out on their home....Jo tackles the chaos of her domestic life by moving out of London to the coast to take over and run her grandmother's wool shop which she renames McKnits. Jo is about to start of a new beginning and make some fascinating new friends.
The characters have a real feel to them as does the storyline, we can feel Jo's pain and concern through the pages of the book. A lovely, gentle read which I am pleased to say has a sequel.
Author's Web Site
Jo is the mother of two young boys, her husband a reporter who spends lots of time away from home announces that he wants a divorce. As he leaves Jo he has a fatal car accident. Jo discovers that her husband has managed to take a second mortgage out on their home....Jo tackles the chaos of her domestic life by moving out of London to the coast to take over and run her grandmother's wool shop which she renames McKnits. Jo is about to start of a new beginning and make some fascinating new friends.
The characters have a real feel to them as does the storyline, we can feel Jo's pain and concern through the pages of the book. A lovely, gentle read which I am pleased to say has a sequel.
Author's Web Site
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Irish Chain by Earlene Fowler
An old boyfriend returns home to visit his uncle, nothing particularly odd, until the uncle and another resident are discovered murdered. Benni can't resist.....meanwhile, Benni is asked to gather some data for a local history for publication about the Japanese community during the war, a fascinating subject with secrets as Benni soon discovers....
Saturday, 12 April 2008
As Always, Jack: A Wartime Love Story by Emma Sweeney
Emma following the death of her mother stumbles across a series of letters which were sent from her father to her mother in their courting days, at the backend of World War Two. After 6 months of corresponding, they had in reality only spent two weeks together. Upon being decommissioned and returning to the States Jack immediately visits the father of his sweetheart to ask for consent to marry. They did marry and had a family together, the author Emma was still being carried by her mother when her father died. To all intents and purposes, Emma did not know her father, but as she grew up developed a picture in her mind of the type of person he was. The letters that she found enabled Emma to flesh out the character he had. Emma does in order to find more answers about her father's life visit his family home, and meets several Aunts and the area where they grew up. I would have liked to have explored that a bit further, and perhaps there is scope for another book....The book overall was an enjoyable one, this edition had some lovely illustrations and background paper reinforcing that this book was essentially a series of letters, from an era when communication was about writing letters, involving pen, ink, paper & stamps and not our modern methods.
This book also made me think of my grandparents. They married in September 1939 and by November of the same year my Grandfather was in the Army stationed in Africa. There is very sadly, no letters from this time of separation, in fact there was very few photos, not even of their wedding. There is one though which I have inherited of my Grandfather in a relaxed portrait with written, on the back "Your love one, George X"
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Morning Comes Softly by Debbie Macomber
As I had to spend 4 hours on the train today, I thought that I would read a light enjoyable book to ease the journey.
Travis is grieving for the loss of his brother and sister in law. Now the sole guardian of his two nephews and a neice Travis realizes that if he can not find a housekeeper he should advertise for a wife. Mary replies to the advert. A slightly frumpy librarian, who does not want to be left on the shelf. Following their marriage, Mary and Travis realise that they do love each other and the children.
This has a different slant to many of Macomber books, but what a lovely way to spend a train journey!
Travis is grieving for the loss of his brother and sister in law. Now the sole guardian of his two nephews and a neice Travis realizes that if he can not find a housekeeper he should advertise for a wife. Mary replies to the advert. A slightly frumpy librarian, who does not want to be left on the shelf. Following their marriage, Mary and Travis realise that they do love each other and the children.
This has a different slant to many of Macomber books, but what a lovely way to spend a train journey!
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Continuing with the eventful life of Stephanie Plum, this time with Diesel, with only vague appearances of Ranger & Morelli. I can't believe though, that we have made it through a Plum book with no car blown up!
Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran
The very gentle story of three sisters who flee their home Country of Iran to start a new life in Ireland, via London. Establishing yourself in a foreign country is never easy, and given the turbulant times of Iranian history, the sisters have their work cut out for them as they try to be accepted into the local community. What better way than through tempting the community with aromatic foods from Iran. Interspersed with recipes, which sound delicious!
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