tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6450862264700477762024-03-14T01:11:08.387-07:00Leaves In The SpringTandNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947836611397871199noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-61114113031242393962012-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:002012-06-16T07:56:50.280-07:00Book Review: The Cellist of Sarajevo<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z56IEoeVtyk/T9nA6NbedNI/AAAAAAAADX4/JH-f89Ul9gA/s1600/the%2Bcellist%2Bof%2Bsarajevo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="131" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z56IEoeVtyk/T9nA6NbedNI/AAAAAAAADX4/JH-f89Ul9gA/s400/the%2Bcellist%2Bof%2Bsarajevo.jpg" /></a>I have a lot of reading time these days. With an hour long train ride each way between work and home I get through books quicker than ever. This one is a gem.
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<b>Brief overview:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004TLNO9K/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=leavinthespri-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B004TLNO9K">The Cellist of Sarajevo</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=leavinthespri-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B004TLNO9K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> is set over a period of about a month, in Sarajevo, during the Bosnian civil war. A bakery is bombed and twenty two people queueing for bread are killed. The cellist of the title happens to be watching from his window as this happens and decides to play Albinoni's 'Adagio' in memory of victims - in spot they were killed every day for twenty two days. Also in the city are three other characters, all trapped by the siege in their own ways and all facing their own challenges.
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The story is told from the point of view of each of these three people. We see their struggles to not only survive the war but also to save a part of who they were before it.
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<b>My thoughts:</b> Excellent. I felt the tension and indecision as the characters had to choose their moment to cross an alley where a sniper may or may not shoot at them. When they were encouraged and uplifted for a brief time by the cellist's performance I felt their relief. And when they wavered between survival and doing "the right thing" in a situation where right and wrong are so difficult to distinguish, I wondered what I would do.
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One thing that struck me was the fragility of life in peace time. Some of the characters thought back on when the siege was imminent - they'd dismissed it. Surely it wouldn't come to that. Surely the world would intervene. And yet, here they were risking their lives to buy food at vastly inflated prices, walking through dangerous territory to collect water - living in a war zone.
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I love a book that challenges me. The writing is good, but not so complex it gave me a headache to read. And the Bosnian conflict is not one you find often in literature so it was good to learn more about it.
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<b>Have you read it? I'd love to hear your thoughts.</b></br>
<b>Also:</b> <a href="http://leavesinthespring.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Book%20Review">more book reviews</a>.
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<font size="1">*Amazon Affiliate Link included. Please see <a href="http://leavesinthespring.blogspot.co.uk/p/i-am.html">'I am'</a> page for more info. Thanks!</font>TandNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947836611397871199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-20064383278273550172012-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:002012-06-14T00:00:10.449-07:00Writers' Spaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-YK7fAE97Y/T9doj3FLsVI/AAAAAAAADXA/JyXDnz-z4ME/s1600/Beatrix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-YK7fAE97Y/T9doj3FLsVI/AAAAAAAADXA/JyXDnz-z4ME/s320/Beatrix.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beatrix Potter's cottage in the Lake District - <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/11/famous-writers-retreats_n_1586807.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-culture#s=1079851" target="_blank">source</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCirrMTDmSY/T9dolce3O7I/AAAAAAAADXI/I-EVegEjEKQ/s1600/Dylan+Thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCirrMTDmSY/T9dolce3O7I/AAAAAAAADXI/I-EVegEjEKQ/s320/Dylan+Thomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dylan Thomas' boat house - <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/11/famous-writers-retreats_n_1586807.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-culture#s=1079851" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6ZB7WT_Gdg/T9doob1rPlI/AAAAAAAADXY/ir3QVeIf4RU/s1600/Vita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6ZB7WT_Gdg/T9doob1rPlI/AAAAAAAADXY/ir3QVeIf4RU/s320/Vita.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vita Sackville-West's writing room at Sissinghurst Castle - <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/11/famous-writers-retreats_n_1586807.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-culture#s=1079851" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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The Huffington Post featured a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/11/famous-writers-retreats_n_1586807.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-culture#s=1079851" target="_blank">great article and slideshow</a> showcasing some of the writing spaces and homes of literary greats. And here's a bonus via <a href="http://www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Jane Austen's House Museum</a>, because what literary collection is complete without her?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a88HnE_UuPs/T9domdwyH2I/AAAAAAAADXQ/9KNEVA98wMU/s1600/Jane+Austen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a88HnE_UuPs/T9domdwyH2I/AAAAAAAADXQ/9KNEVA98wMU/s320/Jane+Austen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Austen's bedroom</td></tr>
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Also: find out which Jane Austen book comes in <a href="http://leavesinthespring.blogspot.co.uk/p/books.html">my top five</a>. Which is your favourite?TandNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947836611397871199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-34299132602304072032012-06-12T05:46:00.000-07:002012-06-12T06:34:02.759-07:00New ShootsI've been thinking about writing here again for a while now. In the back of my mind new thoughts and posts have been stirred up and then have resettled. So here I am again.<br />
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I thought about starting a new blog, a blank slate to write on. But then I came back here and it felt like my corner of the internet. Maybe not exactly as I want it yet but absolutely packed with things I love and enjoy. <br />
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I'm writing from my desk at work. Since I last wrote we moved to a new house, our own little corner of the world, with a garden. The house is gradually filling with photos and our lives and the garden with plants. I started a new job in the new year of 2011 and now that job is not so new. I've read books (good and bad), cooked, taken photographs, painted pictures, visited new places.<br />
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And now, maybe I'll start writing about these things again. We'll see.TandNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10947836611397871199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-6275514528138631862010-09-14T06:15:00.000-07:002010-09-15T08:11:51.825-07:00Snapshots of ElyA few reasons Ely has made it onto my list of favourite places...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhSpyfYQI/AAAAAAAAAz0/aYba94zunbU/s1600/IMG_7885.CR2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhSpyfYQI/AAAAAAAAAz0/aYba94zunbU/s400/IMG_7885.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517157254100377858" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{The cathedral.}</center></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhY3QpcQI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Zdjfj_YLKDE/s1600/IMG_7888.CR2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhY3QpcQI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Zdjfj_YLKDE/s400/IMG_7888.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517157360795742466" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{The cathedral.}</center></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhko6Xj2I/AAAAAAAAA0E/c7G-kVDLxzk/s1600/IMG_7891.CR2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhko6Xj2I/AAAAAAAAA0E/c7G-kVDLxzk/s400/IMG_7891.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517157563102629730" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Horses in the middle of the city.}</center></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhrGYnqhI/AAAAAAAAA0M/HVT1JgAAJuA/s1600/IMG_7902.CR2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhrGYnqhI/AAAAAAAAA0M/HVT1JgAAJuA/s400/IMG_7902.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517157674093357586" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Blue letterbox.}</center></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhytB7-jI/AAAAAAAAA0U/ZPPY6C6pmyQ/s1600/IMG_7926.CR2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TJDhytB7-jI/AAAAAAAAA0U/ZPPY6C6pmyQ/s400/IMG_7926.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517157804726286898" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Peacocks Tearoom.}</center></span>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-57812340799001190522010-09-08T00:06:00.000-07:002010-09-08T00:22:04.027-07:00SlippingBlogging has been slipping away from me recently. I get annoyed when people talk about how busy they are. The truth is you will find time for the things that are important to you. You will grab the moments to blog if that is what you love. And I have a confession. I <span style="font-style:italic;">like </span>blogging. I don't <span style="font-style:italic;">love </span>it.<br /><br />I have been finding time for the things I love lately. Spending time with family, working hard at my jobs, trying new recipes. Spending time with T and our friends. Planning adventures and being creative.<br /><br />I've also been finding time for the things that are important to us. I don't love them, but they matter to me. Looking for jobs and round houses are the main ones.<br /><br />So I will be back every now and again, and maybe in a few days, weeks, months, I will want to find the time for blogging. But until then - I'm busy doing what I love. And I hope you are too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TIc5ccpWIhI/AAAAAAAAAzM/FuV-ENKCtzc/s1600/1007+Blenheim+Palace1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TIc5ccpWIhI/AAAAAAAAAzM/FuV-ENKCtzc/s400/1007+Blenheim+Palace1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514439429627191826" /></a>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-37427418593584837922010-08-19T08:09:00.000-07:002010-08-19T08:35:13.648-07:00Cornwall Round-UpWe're heading off on holiday again this weekend so I decided it was time to round-up the last one. We spent a beautiful week on the gorgeous south coast of England. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TG1Mgfs2mBI/AAAAAAAAAys/exX_sbhpnsg/s1600/1008+Mount+Edgecombe+Park+(5th).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TG1Mgfs2mBI/AAAAAAAAAys/exX_sbhpnsg/s400/1008+Mount+Edgecombe+Park+(5th).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507142040493135890" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;"></span>{Deer park and gardens.}</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TG1MmQWEaRI/AAAAAAAAAy0/UAeLrid7mrI/s1600/1008+Geocaching+walk+(2nd).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TG1MmQWEaRI/AAAAAAAAAy0/UAeLrid7mrI/s400/1008+Geocaching+walk+(2nd).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507142139450255634" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{An old church.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TG1MwgdklOI/AAAAAAAAAy8/hMNoYVtlEBs/s1600/1008+Geocaching+walk+(2nd)1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TG1MwgdklOI/AAAAAAAAAy8/hMNoYVtlEBs/s400/1008+Geocaching+walk+(2nd)1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507142315575383266" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{A walk in the countryside.}</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-56740968602619300002010-08-14T02:59:00.001-07:002010-08-14T03:08:28.607-07:00Cotton-iversaryCan you guess what T gave me for our anniversary?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TGZpPkjCU0I/AAAAAAAAAyc/rvVeo0Tub48/s1600/1008xx.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TGZpPkjCU0I/AAAAAAAAAyc/rvVeo0Tub48/s400/1008xx.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505203310736593730" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Sewing fun.}</span></center><br />We had a lovely evening just the two of us. I made good use of my Good Food magazine and cooked pork chops with potato slices and caramelised carrots and onions. We ate with flowers on the table and the windowsil, and then snuggled down on the sofa with dessert and a film.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TGZqbRbDssI/AAAAAAAAAyk/5xeTH0t3T4A/s1600/1008+Our+anniversary.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TGZqbRbDssI/AAAAAAAAAyk/5xeTH0t3T4A/s400/1008+Our+anniversary.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505204611272913602" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Dessert, dinner, flowers.}</span></center><br /><small>{Last year - <a href="http://leavesinthespring.blogspot.com/2009/08/paper-iversary.html">Paper-iversary</a>}.</small>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-28540922383392144022010-08-13T06:19:00.000-07:002010-08-13T06:33:09.388-07:00DelayedWe've been back from holiday almost a week now and I haven't written about it. It was our second anniversary on Monday...and I haven't written about it. I read three books while we were away, have new projects on the go, and none of it has made it to here. And that's not going to change today. <br /><br />Things are busy here, everyone has deadlines looming, countdowns going and a million things to do. I remember when the summer holidays seemed to stretch ahead long and calm. Today they seem hectic and bursting - and in some ways September will be the calm after the whirlwind. It's a good whirlwind though. Some of the changes are a struggle at the moment but will be good when they come to fruition. We just have to be patient.<br /><br />In another week we'll be on holiday again - this time with T's family. I'm hoping I will have caught up with myself a bit by then. But if not, everything will be fine anyway.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TGVJYBvXuvI/AAAAAAAAAyU/380W6jaed8w/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TGVJYBvXuvI/AAAAAAAAAyU/380W6jaed8w/s400/IMG_6563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504886796663110386" /></a>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-67710031072267379982010-08-05T00:50:00.000-07:002010-08-05T00:50:00.611-07:00Book Review: Small Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TFKO7A1W7dI/AAAAAAAAAyE/1X-TIc3YJ94/s1600/book+-+small+island.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TFKO7A1W7dI/AAAAAAAAAyE/1X-TIc3YJ94/s320/book+-+small+island.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499615239460023762" /></a>I have been relishing this book for a few weeks now - it's a good, thick, well written one so although the story is compelling I didn't want to devour it too quickly. T chose it and gave it to me for my birthday. I love when he chooses books for me because they are almost always ones I would never have picked up myself but end up really enjoying them.<br /><br />Small Island is by Andrea Levy, and is set just after the Second World War in England. It is narrated by different characters, each giving their own viewpoints in a series of events that both bring them together and also tear them apart. They also reflect back on their experiences during the war, which explain how they ended up knowing one another, and the complex relationships that have developed. <br /><br />It is 1948, and Queenie Bligh takes in Jamaican lodgers. Her neighbours disapprove, but her husband Bernard is not back from the war, and she is alone. Gilbert Joseph, having fought in the RAF had high expectations of life as a civilian, as does his wife Hortense, who comes over from Jamaica to join him. However the reality is a long way from their dreams and they struggle to build a life together.<br /><br />I found this book fascinating as it opened my eyes to the racism experienced by soldiers who had fought with the British throughout the war, and yet were looked upon with suspicion after it. It a long way removed from the society we live in now, where turning someone down for a job because of the colour of their skin would be a shocking and illegal action - yet Gilbert faces this problem repeatedly, and is expected to not only accept it but to understand it.<br /><br />Small Island is funny, sad, well written and has real depth to its plot and themes. The characters are well developed, and because they each narrate the story, you are able to understand their actions and feelings, and empathise with them even when you may not agree with them. The prizes it has won (Whitbread Book of the Year, and Orange Prize for Fiction) are well deserved and I would not hesitate to recommend it. However, I do wonder if it would be as interesting to someone who is not either British or Jamaican - the story centres so much on the two countries that I would be interested to know if a reader from the US (for example) would enjoy it as much? Let me know if you have read it - I'd love to hear your thoughts.Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-86403922987230730872010-08-03T00:26:00.000-07:002010-08-03T00:26:00.795-07:0025 YearsToday in my parents' silver wedding anniversary. Twenty five years of marriage! Congratulations Mum and Dad! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TE7CzEfwuUI/AAAAAAAAAxs/asn4pYCBicA/s1600/IMG_6166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TE7CzEfwuUI/AAAAAAAAAxs/asn4pYCBicA/s400/IMG_6166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498546377702029634" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{The card we will be giving them today.}</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-55384172852683106002010-07-30T00:58:00.000-07:002010-07-30T12:17:31.952-07:00Summer Means BooksFor me, the start of summer is my birthday at the end of June. From there is it just a few more weeks until schools break up and holidays start. The weather is already warming, and one of my favourite things is to sit in the shade of a tree with a new book and a cool drink. My birthday also helps with this because I usually get a lovely stack of new books, which I delve into, and try to save for holidays. This year I was given a lovely stack...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TFKJtin4KVI/AAAAAAAAAx0/axZENYSrvgM/s1600/IMG_6216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TFKJtin4KVI/AAAAAAAAAx0/axZENYSrvgM/s400/IMG_6216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499609510453979474" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;"><small>{Top to bottom: FlashForward, The Legacy, Redeeming Love, Small Island, The Weight of Silence, Guide to Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, The Postmistress.}</small></span></center><br />As we're off on holiday this weekend, for a week in Cornwall, I'm looking forward to getting stuck into my next couple of books, but I fear the stack will be severely diminished by the end of August when we go away again. Any recommendations to add to my summer stack?Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-90540599904239641722010-07-20T06:21:00.000-07:002010-07-20T10:51:07.377-07:00CelebrationsWe've been kept occupied the last week with celebrations. T's PhD graduation on Thursday, at which my <a href="http://leavesinthespring.blogspot.com/2010/07/revealed.html">bag</a> made its debut. We went to a lovely restaurant afterwards and spent the afternoon feeling full, sleepy and happy at his parents' home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TEXhlntluII/AAAAAAAAAxU/A5VN2AHbkb4/s1600/IMG_5762.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TEXhlntluII/AAAAAAAAAxU/A5VN2AHbkb4/s400/IMG_5762.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496046956707166338" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Marching trumpeters on loan from the Queen for the graduation ceremonies.}</span></center><br />One of the girls I used to live with stayed the weekend which was wonderful, and we spent Saturday at <a href="http://landofthelulus.blogspot.com/">Lulu</a>'s wedding, celebrating as she and her lovely new husband got married. The sun shone. Everyone smiled. We played with balloons and caught up with old friends. It was a very happy day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TEXhSxHFG1I/AAAAAAAAAxM/vXEFda2McVg/s1600/Starred+Photos23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TEXhSxHFG1I/AAAAAAAAAxM/vXEFda2McVg/s400/Starred+Photos23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496046632812485458" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Clockwise from top left: Wedding feet, tables, bridesmaid's bouquet, cup of tea, name cards, roses in the courtyard.}</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-66373357478500012672010-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:002010-07-10T14:08:35.244-07:00RevealedI surprised myself with how quickly this project came together once I got started. I bought the fabric a couple of months ago with this in mind - it caught my eye whilst I was rummaging through the remnants bin. It took me a bit longer to borrow Mum's sewing machine but once we got it home it only took me a couple of spare hours slotted in between jobs and...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIAN9WoMJI/AAAAAAAAAwA/Y2lIm-Bj5r0/s1600/IMG_5571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIAN9WoMJI/AAAAAAAAAwA/Y2lIm-Bj5r0/s400/IMG_5571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490451135525826706" /></a><br />I'm looking forward to it's first outing of the summer - T's PhD graduation in just under a week!Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-92228792565705287562010-07-07T09:01:00.000-07:002010-07-07T09:01:00.454-07:00Birthday Weekend PhotosA little late but here they are...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIIq-Q3LMI/AAAAAAAAAwI/fjwikgBxdXs/s1600/Starred+Photos19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIIq-Q3LMI/AAAAAAAAAwI/fjwikgBxdXs/s400/Starred+Photos19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490460430079306946" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;"><center>{A walk in the woods.}</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIIzvBV4TI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/eCF8e-vnXQA/s1600/Starred+Photos20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 146px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIIzvBV4TI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/eCF8e-vnXQA/s400/Starred+Photos20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490460580606501170" /></a><center>{The beautiful garden.}</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDII8sLZjbI/AAAAAAAAAwY/USsRBpulxtI/s1600/Starred+Photos21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDII8sLZjbI/AAAAAAAAAwY/USsRBpulxtI/s400/Starred+Photos21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490460734462201266" /></a><center>{A barbeque.}</center><br /></span><br /><br />It was a perfect way to spend my birthday weekend.Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-19898822202332509582010-07-05T09:57:00.000-07:002010-07-05T10:01:29.845-07:00June in Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIPRgdqoRI/AAAAAAAAAwg/IlDycsjmC9s/s1600/Starred+Photos22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TDIPRgdqoRI/AAAAAAAAAwg/IlDycsjmC9s/s400/Starred+Photos22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490467689164611858" /></a><small><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Dragonfly on a walk, seagull in Wales, cygnet at Beaumaris castle, feet in the woods, sausages on the beach, wine in the garden, sand sun, Beaumaris castle staircase, sewing project, sunset on Anglesey, birthday tulips from T, raspberry muffins, butterfly, rose, sunset at home, Welsh flag, seahorse, Wales sunset, white rose, shadows pagoda.}</span></center></small>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-43882407311943230002010-06-30T06:21:00.000-07:002010-06-30T06:27:15.192-07:00Sneak PeekI have a new project starting up. Just like the painting I embarked on at the end of last year, sewing has never really been <span style="font-style:italic;">my thing</span>. But why say "I can't" when an idea has popped in to your head...?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TCtGDZbLGXI/AAAAAAAAAv4/6X6ydWBh57I/s1600/IMG_5411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TCtGDZbLGXI/AAAAAAAAAv4/6X6ydWBh57I/s400/IMG_5411.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488557595059493234" /></a>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-35405761248543708492010-06-25T05:28:00.000-07:002010-06-25T05:40:16.372-07:00Weekend Plans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TCSiJNMj4HI/AAAAAAAAAvw/FzC0f35ouaw/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TCSiJNMj4HI/AAAAAAAAAvw/FzC0f35ouaw/s400/IMG_5264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486688525088972914" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Taken on a walk last weekend.}</span></center><br />We're going away this weekend to stay with my family. We have three birthdays to celebrate (including mine on Sunday!) and a whole weekend to spend together doing it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Enjoy the weekend everyone!</span>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-89660816803063458702010-06-20T02:19:00.000-07:002010-06-20T02:33:35.429-07:00Scenes from the Holiday Part 3<center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY SIX</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3ec1dDboI/AAAAAAAAAvI/wJ_B9JtAnhI/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3ec1dDboI/AAAAAAAAAvI/wJ_B9JtAnhI/s400/IMG_4840.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484784508173774466" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{A walk at Penrhos Country park - on the beach.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3eR-RmhyI/AAAAAAAAAu4/qKzbkFs3w6M/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3eR-RmhyI/AAAAAAAAAu4/qKzbkFs3w6M/s400/IMG_4812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484784321563100962" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{In the woods we found these vibrant fuchsia trees.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3eZepqEMI/AAAAAAAAAvA/NpkBcddiXnQ/s1600/IMG_5055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3eZepqEMI/AAAAAAAAAvA/NpkBcddiXnQ/s400/IMG_5055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484784450513014978" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Sunset.}</span></center><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY SEVEN</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3fmq1d-qI/AAAAAAAAAvg/ifi5I8vygQw/s1600/IMG_5078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3fmq1d-qI/AAAAAAAAAvg/ifi5I8vygQw/s400/IMG_5078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484785776633707170" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{A seagull we startled at the beginning of a coast walk.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3fuksBE2I/AAAAAAAAAvo/civ2-u1R4cI/s1600/IMG_5114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3fuksBE2I/AAAAAAAAAvo/civ2-u1R4cI/s400/IMG_5114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484785912422404962" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{South Stack lighthouse.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3fgRtIRiI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/iGoEdbEj_4s/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TB3fgRtIRiI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/iGoEdbEj_4s/s400/IMG_5145.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484785666808628770" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Anglesey sea is always a beautiful deep blue in the sunshine.}</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-25229055117609625962010-06-18T05:06:00.000-07:002010-06-18T05:30:49.536-07:00Scenes from the Holiday Part 2<center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY THREE</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtivtZzHOI/AAAAAAAAAtw/-JvGOZtpUyk/s1600/S7005853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtivtZzHOI/AAAAAAAAAtw/-JvGOZtpUyk/s400/S7005853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484085543034887394" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{I went horse riding with one of the girls so photography was a bit limited!}</span></center><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY FOUR</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtjWULynNI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ER8g-FBexWg/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtjWULynNI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ER8g-FBexWg/s400/IMG_4471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484086206280146130" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Waves coming in on the beach.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtjSRXJ63I/AAAAAAAAAuA/oWKyvgUirJA/s1600/IMG_4564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtjSRXJ63I/AAAAAAAAAuA/oWKyvgUirJA/s400/IMG_4564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484086136803027826" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Skimming stones splashing into the water.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtjM8Gww-I/AAAAAAAAAt4/WTT6RhKJryI/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtjM8Gww-I/AAAAAAAAAt4/WTT6RhKJryI/s400/IMG_4453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484086045197779938" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Blue railings round the local beach front.}</span></center><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY FIVE</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl9NJ4AhI/AAAAAAAAAuw/r9DBip8HRQY/s1600/IMG_4683.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl9NJ4AhI/AAAAAAAAAuw/r9DBip8HRQY/s400/IMG_4683.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484089073431216658" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{We went to a sea life centre - starfish on the side of a tank.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl6BbThuI/AAAAAAAAAuo/Q8B-M6EItS4/s1600/IMG_4726.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl6BbThuI/AAAAAAAAAuo/Q8B-M6EItS4/s400/IMG_4726.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484089018743490274" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Ray camoflaged in the sand.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl3Z6X0sI/AAAAAAAAAug/cytXpsNox2I/s1600/IMG_4741.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl3Z6X0sI/AAAAAAAAAug/cytXpsNox2I/s400/IMG_4741.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484088973776638658" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Seahorse swimming.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl0DA4H5I/AAAAAAAAAuY/60iVfDKNmzE/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtl0DA4H5I/AAAAAAAAAuY/60iVfDKNmzE/s400/IMG_4751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484088916090298258" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{A swooping ray and his reflection.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtlw1LE76I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/o4z2fHUPMwk/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBtlw1LE76I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/o4z2fHUPMwk/s400/IMG_4757.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484088860835377058" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Fish egg cases - called mermaid's purses.}</span></center><br />Final part coming soon...Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-17086347096310594332010-06-17T08:53:00.000-07:002010-06-17T09:13:56.308-07:00Scenes from the Holiday Part 1<center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY ONE</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpHqwW3mgI/AAAAAAAAAtI/SwNrxubmBNw/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpHqwW3mgI/AAAAAAAAAtI/SwNrxubmBNw/s400/IMG_4243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483774296137898498" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Sausages cooking on the beach.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpHmKxMFZI/AAAAAAAAAtA/T1cw7EKRa9Q/s1600/IMG_4206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpHmKxMFZI/AAAAAAAAAtA/T1cw7EKRa9Q/s400/IMG_4206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483774217328268690" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{The one crab we caught.}</span></center><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">DAY TWO</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI-GXh89I/AAAAAAAAAto/UDnnVkQ1kV0/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI-GXh89I/AAAAAAAAAto/UDnnVkQ1kV0/s400/IMG_4323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483775727975396306" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Beaumaris castle which we visited.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI7EEpa1I/AAAAAAAAAtg/GzS_vRLW7xU/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI7EEpa1I/AAAAAAAAAtg/GzS_vRLW7xU/s400/IMG_4368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483775675819715410" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Swans and gorgeous fluffy cygnets in the castle moat.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI4YoEsQI/AAAAAAAAAtY/_x_S9pWLx-Y/s1600/IMG_4380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI4YoEsQI/AAAAAAAAAtY/_x_S9pWLx-Y/s400/IMG_4380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483775629797404930" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Red benches on the pier.}</span></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI01r8FqI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/CmY4w3oyeMg/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TBpI01r8FqI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/CmY4w3oyeMg/s400/IMG_4438.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483775568878769826" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{We finished off the day with scones, jam and cream.}</span></center><br /><br />More to come...Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-5566886876694974002010-06-11T00:06:00.000-07:002010-06-11T00:06:00.306-07:00Sunset<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjceUcTtfI/AAAAAAAAAs4/neLYGdqmenI/s1600/S7001903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjceUcTtfI/AAAAAAAAAs4/neLYGdqmenI/s400/S7001903.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478871360137836018" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{One of my favourite sunsets ever. This was also taken on the boating holiday with my family.}</span></center><br /><small>I hope you have all enjoyed the photos this week. I'm back tomorrow, so this is the last one!</small>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-22357006265287410822010-06-10T00:06:00.000-07:002010-06-10T00:06:00.314-07:00Sunlight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjbTz6ODpI/AAAAAAAAAsw/tKgX87o3egA/s1600/S7002044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjbTz6ODpI/AAAAAAAAAsw/tKgX87o3egA/s400/S7002044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478870080094604946" /></a><br /><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{A few years ago we went boating with my family. On the last morning we were moored up and I took my tea outside. Across the canal were these horses frolicking in the sunlight.}</span></center><br /><small>I have very fond memories of this holiday - it was when T asked my Dad's permission to ask me to marry him.</small>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-73949156695840991072010-06-09T00:05:00.000-07:002010-06-09T00:05:01.013-07:00The Bluest Blue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjXcMyRz5I/AAAAAAAAAsY/RM8ZZaNmZrQ/s1600/IMG_7612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjXcMyRz5I/AAAAAAAAAsY/RM8ZZaNmZrQ/s400/IMG_7612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478865826164625298" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Last summer, for our anniversary T and I took a picnic and went off on a cliff top walk. We sat down for our lunch and watched the waves come crashing in, and the boats bobbing around in the bay. It was just perfect, and isn't the colour of that sea gorgeous?}.</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-10835942965195889132010-06-08T00:05:00.000-07:002010-06-08T00:05:00.305-07:00High as a Kite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjZ0fRkS5I/AAAAAAAAAso/XajKQ8J5G8U/s1600/IMG_8044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjZ0fRkS5I/AAAAAAAAAso/XajKQ8J5G8U/s400/IMG_8044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478868442467814290" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{Another Cornwall photo. We climbed a hill and flew our kite one blustery day last summer. The views were amazing.}</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-645086226470047776.post-70336201508714751312010-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:002010-06-07T00:01:00.079-07:00Crabbing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjWfBzQsGI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/Bj-6PeFCu6A/s1600/IMG_7659.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zCR9KxJCjEg/TAjWfBzQsGI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/Bj-6PeFCu6A/s400/IMG_7659.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478864775243935842" /></a><center><span style="font-style:italic;">{People catching crabs off Beaumaris pier. The crabs swarm to this area for the food on the lines - they've obviously learnt that being kept in a bucket for an hour or so is worth it!}</span></center>Bluebellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18097294497443089073noreply@blogger.com0