Postcard Friendship Friday - Snodland Paper Mill Kent, August 1906

Submitted as part of Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy 

Blog Caroling!

Inspired by a post at Footnote Maven. The idea is to share your favourite Christmas Carol.

Well, being married to a Christmas baby, I can not escape the almost weekly viewing of the film Home Alone. Four films were made, we have all four, but films one and two are the favourites. Anyway, one of the Carol's sung on the film is simply lovely and I had a real challenge trying to find out what it was called and had to resort to getting the film and playing the credits!

Here is the details from YouTube - The Song is Carol of the Bells written by John Williams.

Here are the lyrics

Hark! how the bells
sweet silver bells
All seem to say
throw cares away.

Christmas is here
bringing good cheer
To young and old
meek and the bold

Ding, dong, ding, dong
that is their song,
With joyful ring
all caroling

One seems to hear
words of good cheer
From everywhere
filling the air

O, how they pound
raising the sound
Oer hill and dale
telling their tale

Gaily they ring
while people sing
Songs of good cheer
christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry christmas!

On, on they send
on without end
Their joyful tone
to every home

Hark! how the bells
sweet silver bells
All seem to say
throw cares away.

Christmas is here
bringing good cheer
To young and old
meek and the bold

Ding, dong, ding, dong
that is their song
With joyful ring
all caroling.

One seems to hear
words of good cheer
From everywhere
filling the air

O, how they pound
raising the sound
Oer hill and dale
telling their tale

Gaily they ring
while people sing
Songs of good cheer
christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry christmas!

On, on they send
on without end
Their joyful tone
to every home.

On, on they send
on without end
Their joyful tone
to every home.

Taking part in Blog Caroling, hosted by Footnote Malven

Sepia Saturday 104 - Navy Collar!

A belated post, featuring the collar line in the prompt!

This chap is my Husband's Grandfather, Ernest Goucher taken in July 1919.

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

Tea Cup Tuesday - Royal Commemoratives 1935

 This mug was made by Wagstaff and Brunt in Staffordshire to commemorate the Silver Jubilee in 1935. A lovely solid, with no damage and a lovely silver detail to the top rim of the cup. The is, as you would expect some crazing, but that is all part of the charm.

This is the last of the cups that resides on this picture window shelf in our lounge.

Submitted as part of Tea Cups Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

The Great Food Blogger Cookie Exchange 2011

I took ages to find a suitable recipe. My ongoing sciatica and the subsequent leg pain seriously impacted on the time I could stand, so I enlisted the help of Mum! Anyway, I looked on line and through every cookbook I owned and still was undecided on what recipe. Then I recalled that one of my favourite books, which is part of a series and sits on the bookcase in the hall was a novel, interspersed with recipes. A quick look and I knew that I had found the recipe. It's very title sharing the ethos of the cookie exchange.

See what mean, it was meant to be! Each hardback edition of the series has printed within the covers the quilt designs shared within the book. These is the Friendship Square design.

So to cooking -

Firstly, heat the chocolate and butter over a pan of simmering water

While that was under way, I gathered the rest of my equipment and ingredient.

The little red measuring spoons were my Grandmothers, and despite having two much newer sets, I used my old faithfuls. I used a photocopy of the recipe, rather than have any spillages on my nice book!

Then in a bowl mix the sugar and 4 eggs. Then add the vanilla essence and lastly the mix of flour and salt. After a further good mix add the cooled chocolate.

Pour the mixture into a prepared 9 x 13 tray. Lightly greased with a sprinkle of flour and decorate with the choc chips, nuts and coconut you can see in the above picture.

Place in the oven at 190c or 325F for 25 minutes.

Here we are after cooking.

Make sure that the tray has more than a slight grease! Removal was tricky and I was quite worried about cooking casualties!  - Here they are on a plate just before packing and posting.

It is a lovely recipe and one I shall try again. I think next time I shall use cake cases and then add a small plop of chocolate drops or a walnut or two, as cleaning the baking try was a bit of an ordeal!

I really enjoyed the Cookie Exchange and hope to participate again.

Here are the details of the cookies I received  - they were all delicious and a few photos too!

1. Chocolate Orange Cookies from @foodiebob
2. Biscotti from Soup-Tuesday.blogspot.com
3. White Chocolate, Cranberry & Macdania Cookies from Zenzeroni.blogspot.com

Chocolate Orange Cookies from @foodiebob

Biscotti from Soup-Tuesday.blogspot.com

Biscotti from Soup-Tuesday.blogspot.com - wrapped wonderfully - it was a shame to open them!

White Chocolate, Cranberry & Macdania Cookies from Zenzeroni.blogspot.com

Twitter Hashtag - #fbcookieswap

In Leah’s Wake by Terri Giuliano Long

Announcing the In Leah’s Wake Social Media Whirlwind Tour!

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the In Leah’s Wake eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.

What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including Amazon gift cards of up to $500 in amount and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 16th, so you don’t miss out.

To Win the Prizes

Purchase your copy of In Leah’s Wake for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes

Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!

BONUS:  If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!

...And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Radio Interview with Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We interviewed Terri on our radio show Sunday night and have embedded the full podcast and blogged about its highlights. Give it a listen and then leave a comment on the blog post. This is a great chance to get to know more about this inspiring and friendly author. One commenter will win an autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!

Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs. The winner will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet:  In Leah's Wake has taken the publishing world by storm. Get the book for just 99 cents http://ow.ly/7WP5H #whirlwind

Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the In Leah’s Wake book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs. Three chances to win! How about that?

Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the In Leah’s Wake book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs.

Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Win a $500 Amazon gift card, simply by leaving a comment on Terri’s most recent blog post. Yup, you read that correctly—$500! How easy is that? An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About In Leah’ Wake:  The Tyler family had the perfect life – until sixteen-year-old Leah decided she didn’t want to be perfect anymore. While her parents fight to save their daughter from destroying her brilliant future, Leah’s younger sister, Justine, must cope with the damage her out-of-control sibling leaves in her wake. What happens when love just isn’t enough?  Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:  Terri Giuliano Long grew up in the company of stories both of her own making and as written by others. Books offer her a zest for life’s highs and comfort in its lows. She’s all-too-happy to share this love with others as a novelist and a writing teacher at Boston College. She was grateful and thrilled beyond words when her award-winning debut literary novel, In Leah’s Wake, hit the Barnes and Noble and Amazon bestseller lists in August. She owes a lot of wonderful people – big time! – for any success she’s enjoyed! Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

 Interview with Terri Giuliano Long

In Leah’s Wake and the Characters Who Make It a Story

Please tell us a bit about your book and what you hope readers take away from reading it.

In Leah’s Wake tells the story of a family in collapse. Sixteen-year-old Leah, a straight-A student and star soccer player, has led a perfect life. When she meets and dates a sexy older guy, attracted to his independence, she begins to spread her wings. Drinking, ignoring curfew, dabbling in drugs—all this feels like freedom to her. Her terrified parents, afraid they’re losing their daughter, pull the reins tighter. Unfortunately, her parents get it all wrong, pushing when they ought to be pulling, and communication breaks down. Soon there’s no turning back. Twelve-year-old Justine, caught between the parents she loves and the big sister she adores, soon finds herself in the fight of her life, trying desperately to pull her family together.

Parents, wanting the best for their children, often push their kids to be perfect – and push themselves to be perfect parents. It’s tempting to believe that only bad kids from bad families get in trouble. This attitude allows us to distance ourselves – this could never happen to us – and creates unhealthy competition. When families have problems, we judge and ostracize them, only adding to the difficulties they’re already facing. The truth is, when problems arise, the fallout affects the entire community. The epigraph from The Grand Inquisitor says it best: “everyone is really responsible to all men for all men and for everything.” As Hillary Clinton famously said, it takes a village to raise a child. For the sake of our children, we must all do our part to be supportive members of the village.

Although the Tyler family is far from perfect, they love one another. Had the community rallied around and supported them, perhaps Leah would not have gotten as lost. Like adults, most teens just want to feel accepted and loved – not for what they accomplish or contribute, but for who they are. I’d be thrilled if my novel inspired readers to suspend judgment, to look less harshly at troubled teens and their families. I think we owe it to our teens, to our communities, and to ourselves to work harder to support and encourage all kids, not just those who conform.

Q:  Can you tell us a little about your main and supporting characters?

LEAH TYLER:  Leah is a strong young woman, beautiful, smart, a superstar in the community. As long as she lives up to their expectations, she’s accepted, even celebrated. As soon as she tries to take control of her own life, question the rules, spread her wings, she meets resistance. When she chooses her troublemaker boyfriend over a promising college soccer career, and heads down a path of drugs and self-destruction, she rips her once happy family apart.

JUSTINE TYLER:  Justine is twelve, in that awkward stage, not really a child anymore and not quite a teen. Justine is intelligent, faithful, and kind, and she sees the best in people, sometimes to her own detriment. Deeply religious, she sees God as Father and protector – a belief that will be challenged by her family’s turmoil. Her best friend is Dog, the family’s aging pet Labrador. Although only twelve, Justine is left to be the rock as the rest of her family plunges into depression.

ZOE AND WILL TYLER:  Zoe and Will are hardworking parents – too hardworking - who love and want the best for their children. Ambitious and strong, Will is willing do whatever it takes to help his children reach their full potential, even if it means alienating them in the process. He can’t sit back, watching his teenage daughter destroy her promising future. Zoe, a child therapist and motivational speaker, is a peacemaker who avoids confrontation, and thus easily falls into depression. Their divided approach to Leah’s rebellion drives a wedge into their marriage.

Rather than listen to their daughter, accept that she’s growing up, that her choices may differ from theirs, and guide her down the path that’s right for her, Zoe and Will try to take control. This is a classic problem between parents and teens. The minute we put our foot down, say no, they can’t do this or that, they tend to focus all their energy in that direction. Zoe and Will’s escalating attempts to control their daughter result in her pulling away. This is a difficult cycle to break.

JERRY JOHNSON:  Jerry Johnson, the police officer, is the only non-family member with a voice in the novel. Jerry’s work as a police officer brings him into frequent contact with the dissolving Tyler family. Though flawed like all the characters, he takes his responsibility for others to heart. He’s the connecting force in this novel.

TODD CORBETT:  Leah’s boyfriend, Todd, a former roadie in a rock band, is a modern day James Dean, a rebel without a cause. He’s been arrested for dealing drugs, so it’s easy to blame him for leading her astray; really, he’s a conduit. He makes her feel comfortable and safe and encourages her blossoming independence.

By the time Leah realizes that he wants to control her, too – albeit in a different way – it’s too late. If only she’d realized how deeply her family loves her, she might have avoided the dire consequences she suffers. That’s the central irony in the book – perhaps the irony in many relationships between parents and teens.

Q: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

Bob Sullivan, the owner of Sullivan Farms Ice Cream, and Dorothy Klein, the beautiful woman who designs the button bracelets Zoe buys for Leah and herself, are real people.

Every other character is completely imaginary. I did borrow gestures, habits, and physical characteristics from real people – the runaway arm belongs to my youngest daughter, KK; my husband is a darker physical stand-in for Will. Of course, borrowing sometimes results in unfortunate assumptions. I’m lucky – my family puts up with my thievery and ignores the conclusions readers draw.

Personality, motivation, and behavior of my characters I’m fully responsible for.

Q: Your book is set in Cortland, MA.  Can you tell us why you chose this city?

Geographically, the town of Cortland is modeled after the town of Harvard, MA. In the fall, we used to go there to pick apples. Harvard is stunningly beautiful – with the rolling hills, the stone walls, the orchards. Sometimes, Dave and I would drive there and just ride around. This family is in tremendous pain; they’re struggling. That these fierce struggles might take place in this bucolic setting felt surprising, and that tension felt important to the book.

Q: Does the setting play a major part in the development of your story?

Judging from the stories I hear, the social and political climate in the imaginary town of Cortland reflects that in many middle- and upper-middle class towns across the U.S., and perhaps outside the U.S. I’ve talked with parents who’ve expressed frustrations similar to Zoe and Will’s. Culturally – not always or only by their parents - children feel pressure to live up to impossible expectations. When children step out of line, the parents and families often feel judged.

Community plays an important role in setting expectations and shaping and maintaining connections. The expectations, the constant demand to perform, can be overwhelming. In small towns, everyone knows everyone else, by sight if not by name. You can’t hide. If you or a family member is in trouble, everyone knows it. That claustrophobia and the constant feeling of condemnation, being watched, inform the inner lives of these characters and influence their behavior.

Q: Who are your favorite characters in the story? 

My characters are all imperfect - they behave badly and they’re sometimes, perhaps often, enormously irritating - but I love them all, for their strengths as well as their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Justine is sweet and caring and kind, so she’s easy to love, but I also love Leah. Although Leah drives the parent in me crazy, her heart is in the right place. The same applies to Zoe and Will - they often make terrible choices; despite their failures, they act out of love.

In the novel, Jerry Johnson, the police officer, is the only non-family member with a voice. Though flawed like all the characters, he takes his responsibility for others to heart. I’ve always admired Gail Mullen Beaudoin, a police officer in Chelmsford, MA. Gail brings strength, dignity and grace to a very difficult job. I see police officers as the connecting force in communities. Every day they put their lives on the line. To me, they’re our real life heroes. As the connecting force in this novel and for this family, Jerry is my favorite.

Q: Do you have a favorite line or excerpt from your book?

In a chapter called “Sisters Redux,” Justine, the geeky, goody-two-shoes little sister, asks Leah for a cigarette. It’s almost painful to see her trying so hard to win her big sister’s acceptance and affection. At first, Leah scoffs; then it dawns on her that Justine is actually serious and her conscience takes over. Leah has made difficult choices and been ostracized for them; for Justine, that path would be wrong. In certain arenas, dorks have the advantage, she thinks.

As she’s about to say no, it occurs to Leah that Justine has a right to make her own choices. With this insight, for the first time since they were young kids, Leah sees Justine as her equal. Despite her reservations, she gives her sister the cigarette. In a sweet moment, later in the chapter, Leah teaches Justine to dance. This love between the sisters is, to me, heartbreaking and special.

Q: If In Leah’s Wake were to be turned into a movie, who would you love to see play what characters and why?

Will Tyler – Matt Damon. Mr. Damon exudes fatherly love and protectiveness and he’s also very intense. If his daughter were in trouble, I can picture him going into overdrive, like Will, and doing whatever it takes to pull her back.

Zoe Tyler – Sandra Bullock. I see her as loving, driven and ditzy, a less strident version of Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mom she played in The Blind Side.

Leah Tyler – For the role of Leah, I’d search for new talent. Caroline Wakefield, as played by Erika Christensen, in the film Traffic, reminded me of Leah, in her all-American beauty and stunning transformation from preppy to drug-addicted prostitute. Ms. Christensen is too old for this role, but she’d be the prototype.

Justine Tyler – Abigail Breslin. Like Justine, she’s sweet and dorky and cute. She’s also precocious and strong.

Jerry Johnson – Vince Vaughn. He’s not the guy who walks into a room and gets the girl, but he’s centered and responsible, the rock for the others to lean on.

Todd Corbett (Leah’s boyfriend) – Jordan Masek. Jordan plays the role of Todd in my trailer. Jordan is actually a sweet guy, in real life. But he knows how to channel his inner bad boy. I can’t imagine a more appropriately cast Todd.

Taking part in the Novel Publicity  & Co Promotion

Advent Calendar - 2011 Christmas Gifts

When I was a child a special treat was to hold, but not play with a bridesmaid doll my Mum had. As I grew up I learnt to appreciate the soft china, the musty smelling dress worn by the doll and the fact that this was a treasure that my Mum had and still has, and held dear.

Over the weekend I asked Mum about the doll. She remembers the Christmas she received this. She was 10 years old. She had really wanted a doll and lo and behold she was given one for the Christmas of 1957. She said that a neighbour had a friend who owned a shop. He was selling these dolls and the cost was £10. That in 1958 was a lot of money. 

I asked what else she had for Christmas that year. Mum could not remember. OK, I asked, what other gifts do you remember getting for any Christmas as a child? Mum again said she did not remember. I asked why the bridesmaid doll was remembered so much, was it because she still had the doll? Mum replied no, it was because it was a gift that she had really wanted and her parents had bought it for her. One day the doll will be yours she said, but for now, it is still mine!

The pleasure for me in that story and conversation was the joy that Mum obviously had with the doll as a child and clearly now as an adult.  As she recalled that information I could almost imagine the excitable 10 year old Mum must have been that Christmas morning.

Weekend Cooking - The Big Bread Experiment

I have had a lovely couple of hours watching a programme that was broadcast on the BBC last week. I do love iPlayer!  The programme was The Big Bread Experiment. It was broadcast in three parts and I hope that the programme can be viewed from outside of the UK. Here are the links.

Part One - Starting from Scratch
Part Two - A Rescue Remedy
Part Three - Baked to Perfection

Essentially, a group of women in the Yorkshire parish of Bedale form to make a bread group. Meanwhile, a local couple own the historical mill and are planning on its restoration. The aim is that the mill will grind the flour that the bread group will use to bake the bread and for the group to form a Community Bakery.

This was a three part programme that focuses on the group, the mill and its restoration and the support given by two artisan bakers from Bath, who have written a book to be published in March 2012 and trade as The Thoughtful Bread Company.

I loved the programmes, I loved the ethos that the drive behind the Community Bakery and what it was striving to do. I love the concept of restoring the mill, which is a wonderful piece of history. I liked the support that they received from the Thoughtful Bread Company and have plans to purchase their book next spring. Just as soon as I am feeling better I might explore with my bread maker, which has not seen the light of day for quite a while!

Weekend Cooking is hosted by BethFishReads

52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History - Wk 50 - Holiday Gifts

Week 50 - Holiday Gifts - Describe any memorable gifts. 

Challenge is open from Saturday 10th December until Friday 16th December 2011

When I was a child a special treat was to hold, but not play with a bridesmaid doll my Mum had. As I grew up I learnt to appreciate the soft china, the musty smelling dress worn by the doll and the fact that this was a treasure that my Mum had and still has, and held dear.

Over the weekend I asked Mum about the doll. She remembers the Christmas she received this. She was 10 years old. She had really wanted a doll and lo and behold she was given one for the Christmas of 1957. She said that a neighbour had a friend who owned a shop. He was selling these dolls and the cost was £10. That in 1958 was a lot of money. 

I asked what else she had for Christmas that year. Mum could not remember. OK, I asked, what other gifts do you remember getting for any Christmas as a child? Mum again said she did not remember. I asked why the bridesmaid doll was remembered so much, was it because she still had the doll? Mum replied no, it was because it was a gift that she had really wanted and her parents had bought it for her. One day the doll will be yours she said, but for now, it is still mine!

The pleasure for me in that story and conversation was the joy that Mum obviously had with the doll as a child and clearly now as an adult.  As she recalled that information I could almost imagine the excitable 10 year old Mum must have been that Christmas morning.

Ramblings from my Desk.....(4)

I think it is confirmed. I am married to a Christmas Baby. Not just one who has a special birthday a few days before Christmas, but one who can be heard singing various Christmas songs the length and breadth of the house. Irritatingly, he can actually sing, which is more than I can do.

So, we have the tree up. Much to my disgust. It is far too early. The tree completely decorated my hubby. Although I think it is too early, it does look nice!

Hubby has also been enjoying his collection of "snow" covered Lilliput Houses.

This week I have had more physio. Having waited weeks before my NHS appointment came through, I did have a few private sessions. I chuffled my way across to the physio. It does pain me to say this, but what a waste of my time and energy. The first NHS appointment was as you would expect case history, understanding the pain and my mobility. I left with a series of exercises which I have been doing. All 5 of them three times a day. I arrived to appointment two, to more case history, a few more exercises and the sounds of the physio telling me that my Sciatica is gone. I disagree.

When will fellow health professionals listen to their patients. I agree the pain has changed, but that is not unusual. I have had the pain since May and been continuing to work. It eases with rest. I have a job where I am on my feet for at least 10 hours a day and I do not usually get sufficient rests - OK I am the boss, so that is my fault, but clearly something is pressing on my Sciatic nerve.The physio is going to request a series of X-Rays and speak to my GP. Meanwhile, I have another appointment with my GP and a referral for the end of January with the spinal unit.

So, I am now not only fed up and in pain. I am now angry and frustrated. The following day after the appointment with the physio I had the most dreadful pain and I am back to the end of October as far as the pain is concerned. I have had a tightness in my back since I started my sickness absence. The only physio to touch my back & perform any treatment has been the physio I paid privately to see. I am obviously paying my NHS contributions so I can sit in an NHS chair for 30 minutes and be talked too.

That is how annoyed I am. - VERY!

This week, Alfie our Border Terrier, who routinely puts in an appearance on this blog had a vets appointment. It was boaster time last week and he merrily has a jab and a snort of Kennel Cough treatment and is very good. This week there was surgery, in the nether regions of Alfie. So he is in discomfort and has been fairly poorly following the surgery.

Here he is, cuddled up with hubby on the settee on his bed. That blue bunny I made at school when I was about 14 years old, and now it is loved by Alfie, although he can not run and play with it at the moment.

And here he is at bedtime. What a sad face. He was thoroughly unimpressed with that busker collar I can tell you, but he can not be trusted, he is a nibbler and has stitches. Not a good combination!

So a household of three; two humans and a dog - the only cheerful one in the building is hubby singing Christmas tunes. So, in true school report style "there is room for improvement" and I would agree there is!

Until next time!

Joining the 2012 Foodies Read 2 Challenge

Hosted by Joyfully Retired for 2012 is the Foodies Read Challenge. Click HERE to sign up

I am committing to reading 3 books for this challenge across the year, known as Short Order Cook! This will allow some overlap between the other challenges I am taking part in to combat the over flowing pile of books that I have ready to read.

Here are my books -

1. Gypsy Feast: Recipes & Culinary Traditions of the Romany People by Carol Wilson (Published 2004)
2. Master Chef Tom's Burns Night by Tom Bridge  (Published 2010)
3. TBC

Postcard Friendship Friday - Guildford High Street 1905

Back in October I started a project entitled Guildford and District. Based loosely on an earlier shelved project. This postcard can also be seen over on that site, with quite a few others already posted and more to come!

This postcard intrigued me. It was not just about the view, which is always lovely to see, but it is about the people who sent the card and the journey they were physically on, its about the message they sent and the person they sent it to. So many questions......

The Message
"We spent the day here & had a lovely time - came to London July 25th will sail for home Sept 29th if all is well. Aunt Lina (or Ina)."

The Address
Miss Anna Davis
Lansford
Pennsylvania
U.S. America

The Details
The front postmark is dated 1.30pm on Aug 8 1905 with a Bournemouth stamp.
The rear stamps show again 1.30pm on Aug 8 1905 with a Bournemouth stamp and shows it arrival in the USA with the stamp of Lansford PA Aug 19 1905 at 8am

The Research
I searched the nearest US Census to the postage date which was 1910. The census revealed for Lansford, Carbon County a William S Davis aged 44 years. Born in Wales. He migrated to the US in 1869. His occupation is described as a foreman in a coal mine. Residing with him with was Ella Davis his wife aged 41 years who was born in PA and a daughter Anna aged 19 years, born in PA and a further two children - Ada aged 13 years and William aged 7 years. Both born in PA. The formal address was Banks, Carbon Pennsylvania.

I stepped back to 1900 and looked at the Census again. The were recorded as Banks, Carbon, Pennsylvania  and William and wife Ella are described as being married for 11 years, making a marriage circa 1889. The household consists of William's mother Annie Davis aged 61 years and born in Wales, William S is recorded as aged 35 years, Ella aged 31 years, Annie S is aged 10 years and Ada is aged 3 years.

The Census for 1920 reveals a new address - Altoona Ward 7 Blair. The head of the household is Ella Davis aged 65 years. Living with her are Sarah E Davis aged 30 years, Anna M Davis aged 29 years and Charles E Weaver aged 20 years recorded as Grandson and a truck driver.

So that is as far as I have researched. Perhaps someone with a connection to the family will step forward? Are there any records of Lena's trip? Would descendants like the postcard?

Submitted as part of Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy 

Tea Cup Tuesday - Royal Commemoratives 1897

This is one of my favourites. Made by Foley for the 60th Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The number displayed in the last photo, represents the year it was made which confirms 1897.

I am not sure what the pink swirl is on the middle photo. When I purchased the cup about 10 years ago it was there, and on looking at it again, as I write this post I wonder if it is dye from the pretty pink floral design that can be seen on the first photo, but then again, should that have been there? Or is this an 1897 rejects piece? There was a lot of crazing on this cup, but that adds to the appeal, it shows that it has been treasured and loved before I purchased it.

Here it is, sitting on the shelf that I have been featuring recently.

Submitted as part of Tea Cups Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

100 Word Challenge - Week 22 - Is that Bells I hear?

Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is 


......is it me or are bells ringing?......

They were walking arm in arm, just the two of them and their dog. Wrapped up warm; with gloves, scarf’s and hats. The air was so cold their breath drifted in front of them. Just as they approached the brow of the hill she said is it me or are bells ringing? They stopped to listen. The sound was just faint, but the closer to town they got the louder the sound. The sound of the bells filled the evening sky with a familiar and festive ring. The sound of hope; they shared a brief kiss before continuing their way home.

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #22

Joining the Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge

I truly need to make a serious dent in my mountain of books to read. The honest thing is that they do not live on a shelf, but in a blue crate. Yes one crate that is at toppling point. It can not be allowed to continue can it So, the plan is to take part in this challenge that can overlap with several other challenges that I have signed up to. So here goes! 

• I am signing up to read 30 books from the mountain during 2012 - Making a dent level!

To make the challenge more interesting will focus on books 

1. Books with an Australian theme, to compliment my trip in the Autumn!
2. Books with a UK theme
3. Books with a USA theme

To take part visit the sign up page HERE

Advent Calendar - 2011 Christmas Tree Ornaments

Originally posted in 2010, with some minor alterations.

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.

We also have a lovely set of the Lilliput Lane tree decorations as Stuart collections the lovely houses, and especially the snowy and wintery ones.

The decorations that we had as when I was a child are still with my Mum, including the fairy that my Grandfather purchased.

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.