2019 in Review
Jan. 9th, 2020 10:24 pmThe year started pretty well but ended sadly.
I went to Spain for the first time in over 10 years in March, with my parents. We stayed in a beautiful hotel at the foot of the Alhambra (here are some photos of the hotel), visited the Alhambra on our first day and then explored Granada and Seville. The trip definitely reignited my love for Spain and reminded me why I'd learned Spanish in the first place. My parents were enchanted by the Alhambra, the food and the people. We only had one day in Seville and my parents were interested in coming back and exploring more but given political developments and the lack of a train service between Granada and Seville, that doesn't seem to be happening this year.
Dad and I discovered a new place to eat - the Queen's Arms in Kensington. It's about 12-15 minutes from the museums (V&A/Natural History/Science) and very good value for the area. We also found a new gelato place near Pierre Victoire on Dean Street so we don't have to go all the way to Victoria. We saw the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, the Mary Quant exhibition and the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters exhibition - this last one was really fascinating, as I hadn't heard of some the women featured (Fanny Easton, Joanna Wells, Marie Spartali Stillman, Maria Zambaco) even though the two Marias were artists in their own right and very prolific. Joanna Wells died after giving birth to her third child and should be better known. Fanny Easton was the only WOC who consistently modelled for the pre-Raphaelites.
I spent my birthday weekend with friends in Bristol, and we saw a wonderful irreverent production of P&P: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), where a cast of six women played all the parts (except for Mr Bennett, who was nothing but an armchair and a newspaper) while singing, dancing AND playing instruments. It was incredibly joyful and I am hoping to see it again.
We had another family holiday at the end of October where we all stayed in a big townhouse in York on Gillygate, just outside the city walls. I was able to meet![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
elisi in person for the first time and enjoy a day wandering around York with her. I introduced her to the Sapphire Blue tea from Betty's (a tea so delicious it needs no milk) and she introduced me to her family brew, two parts regular tea & one part Earl Grey, I look forward to trying this out. The day after, we went back to Scarborough, where my dad grew up. We used to go up to Scarborough to visit Nana (Dad's mum) every half term. The sad thing is that where Nana used to live, all the free parking has gone - you can't even leave your car there for 30 minutes, you need to have a permit of some kind. Mother Hubbards was still there and the food was as delicious as ever.
I lost a dear friend at the beginning of September and I'm still recovering from that. Also the general election result is just... crushing. Our system does not represent the people and I hate that the government is acting with impunity when they have less than half the popular vote. I haven't given up, though. We haven't given up.
For 2020, I hope to find a new job and get back to writing.
I went to Spain for the first time in over 10 years in March, with my parents. We stayed in a beautiful hotel at the foot of the Alhambra (here are some photos of the hotel), visited the Alhambra on our first day and then explored Granada and Seville. The trip definitely reignited my love for Spain and reminded me why I'd learned Spanish in the first place. My parents were enchanted by the Alhambra, the food and the people. We only had one day in Seville and my parents were interested in coming back and exploring more but given political developments and the lack of a train service between Granada and Seville, that doesn't seem to be happening this year.
Dad and I discovered a new place to eat - the Queen's Arms in Kensington. It's about 12-15 minutes from the museums (V&A/Natural History/Science) and very good value for the area. We also found a new gelato place near Pierre Victoire on Dean Street so we don't have to go all the way to Victoria. We saw the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, the Mary Quant exhibition and the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters exhibition - this last one was really fascinating, as I hadn't heard of some the women featured (Fanny Easton, Joanna Wells, Marie Spartali Stillman, Maria Zambaco) even though the two Marias were artists in their own right and very prolific. Joanna Wells died after giving birth to her third child and should be better known. Fanny Easton was the only WOC who consistently modelled for the pre-Raphaelites.
I spent my birthday weekend with friends in Bristol, and we saw a wonderful irreverent production of P&P: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), where a cast of six women played all the parts (except for Mr Bennett, who was nothing but an armchair and a newspaper) while singing, dancing AND playing instruments. It was incredibly joyful and I am hoping to see it again.
We had another family holiday at the end of October where we all stayed in a big townhouse in York on Gillygate, just outside the city walls. I was able to meet
elisi in person for the first time and enjoy a day wandering around York with her. I introduced her to the Sapphire Blue tea from Betty's (a tea so delicious it needs no milk) and she introduced me to her family brew, two parts regular tea & one part Earl Grey, I look forward to trying this out. The day after, we went back to Scarborough, where my dad grew up. We used to go up to Scarborough to visit Nana (Dad's mum) every half term. The sad thing is that where Nana used to live, all the free parking has gone - you can't even leave your car there for 30 minutes, you need to have a permit of some kind. Mother Hubbards was still there and the food was as delicious as ever.I lost a dear friend at the beginning of September and I'm still recovering from that. Also the general election result is just... crushing. Our system does not represent the people and I hate that the government is acting with impunity when they have less than half the popular vote. I haven't given up, though. We haven't given up.
For 2020, I hope to find a new job and get back to writing.
No retreat, no surrender
Dec. 13th, 2019 07:15 pmMy emotional journey today told through three songs
Christmas Cards 2019 Part II
Dec. 4th, 2019 03:44 pmI have now posted all my international Christmas cards (North America, Europe, Oceania). Cards to addresses within the UK will be posted this weekend. Also had a hair cut and received a £5 voucher off my next hair appointment.
Placeholder
Oct. 10th, 2019 11:19 pmI keep meaning to post about my birthday weekend (which was great) but grief has risen up and swamped me again. On top of everything else, my phone finally gave up the ghost so I have to get a new one. I will try and post a proper entry later this week.
I can't believe it's already been nearly two weeks since I found out. It's nearly been a month since she actually died. I wish I could tell her that the Democrats are finally moving to impeach Fartface. I wish I could tell her that Parliament is back in business. I wish I could tell her about my friend's new springer spaniel puppy and how adorable he is.
Subject is from a poem that was written for Watermark by Enya, but the words didn't end up being used. I've always loved this piece of music, but I listened to it last night and burst into tears because it's so wistful. Then I looked it up and found the poem. It expresses a lot of what I've been feeling recently.
I'm spending my birthday on Saturday with friends and then Sunday with family to celebrate my nephew's birthday. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend.
Subject is from a poem that was written for Watermark by Enya, but the words didn't end up being used. I've always loved this piece of music, but I listened to it last night and burst into tears because it's so wistful. Then I looked it up and found the poem. It expresses a lot of what I've been feeling recently.
I'm spending my birthday on Saturday with friends and then Sunday with family to celebrate my nephew's birthday. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend.
But I don't want to go among mad people
Aug. 28th, 2019 09:56 pmJust a quick note to say that while the country may be currently circling the drain, I am still here. I haven't gone away. I'm still fighting. When you hear the news about Mr Piffle our fake Prime Minister, please remember that the public didn't vote for him and what he says doesn't represent the country. We are protesting and we are fighting this every step of the way. Your good thoughts/prayers/wishes are appreciated at this time.
Quick Update
Oct. 29th, 2018 10:17 pmI meant to post about my job but I was sick over the weekend with a migraine, d&v. It's not very nice being sick when you live on your own but my sister came over in the evening with fruit, soup and loo rolls. Mum phoned me today to see how I was and my sister will be visiting again tomorrow evening.
Looking over my previous entries, I realised that I didn't announce the birth of my nephew, Elliot. He was born last year, two days before my birthday, by planned Caesarian section and is a very placid, happy baby when he's not teething. My parents say that Helen doesn't know how lucky she is. *snort*
Fight Against Brexit
Oct. 21st, 2018 08:34 pmSorry for the radio silence. I have been reading and commenting, just haven't felt like there's much to put here in the LJ. I have been spending more time on Twitter because my first experience of a political protest in June at the first People's Vote March was so great that I immediately decided I was attending the next one and did my best to drum up support for the one that took place yesterday. This time, our Gloucestershire-wide group had three coaches instead of two. The group from Cheltenham had SIX and the group from Bath had EIGHT. This time, my mum came with me. Despite being a baby boomer, she had never attended any kind of rally or political march before (she said she was always working) but you're never too old to start. There were so many people that it took our group four hours to walk from where we started to Parliament Square and by the time our group actually reached the square, all the speeches were over and it was time to go home! But the speeches weren't the point, it was actually being there and showing how many people now want a People's Vote on Brexit with the option to remain. Mum and I found the video on YouTube of the speeches and watched them this morning.
You can look back at my entry for 24 June 2016 and see how devastated I felt after the result. For two years, I despaired of my country's future and the corrupt, incompetent government that was selling us out for money/political power. Well, after marching on 23 June 2018, I began to feel some hope again. I realised that I wasn't alone, there were many people who felt the same way. And after yesterday, I know that number has only grown. It is such an inspiring, heartening experience to march with people who ALL feel the same way you do and who want to do something rather than just moan/complain. We're a total mess, a global laughing stock, and most MPs are too scared to point this out. We will keep pushing for a vote on the final Brexit deal with an option to remain.
( Birthday )
I will be posting more about my job in the next entry.
You can look back at my entry for 24 June 2016 and see how devastated I felt after the result. For two years, I despaired of my country's future and the corrupt, incompetent government that was selling us out for money/political power. Well, after marching on 23 June 2018, I began to feel some hope again. I realised that I wasn't alone, there were many people who felt the same way. And after yesterday, I know that number has only grown. It is such an inspiring, heartening experience to march with people who ALL feel the same way you do and who want to do something rather than just moan/complain. We're a total mess, a global laughing stock, and most MPs are too scared to point this out. We will keep pushing for a vote on the final Brexit deal with an option to remain.
( Birthday )
I will be posting more about my job in the next entry.
February Update
Feb. 25th, 2018 10:57 pm- I still haven't seen Black Panther yet but hoping I can see it either this week or next.
- We went to Foston's Ash for Mum's birthday - my beef was dry but the dessert was nice. Everyone else enjoyed their meals.
- I've decided to swap my electricity provider from Ecotricity to Bulb. I really liked being a customer of a local green energy company but the costs kept going up and up. I realise some of that is due to our backwards, fossil-fuel loving government but I couldn't keep paying over £50 each month. With the new company, I'm paying almost half of that and it's still green energy. I don't have gas and I have an Economy 7 meter so that helps.
- Went to The White Spoon in Cheltenham with my friend Claire from work. I had skate wing, green curried vegetables, lentils, sea kale & smoked bacon; Claire had shin of beef with root vegetables and miso broth. Not only was the food delicious, the atmosphere was really cosy and welcoming. We are hopefully going back there in September for our birthday meal.
- I have been looking at places for sale. I have lived in this flat for 10 years and I feel like that's long enough.
- Films I have seen this month: The Post and The Mercy.
May/June Update
Nov. 18th, 2017 03:00 pm- Went up to see my friend in Twickenham and we visited the Dulwich Picture Gallery to see the exhibition about Vanessa Bell (sister to Virginia Woolf). I wanted to go and see this on April Fool's Day but parents were not enthusiastic and this was the only weekend my friend was free. They not only had paintings but lots of her furniture and crafts and letters. There was also a room dedicated to Patti Smith's photographs of Charleston where Bell lived and worked for over half her life (more info). There was so much to take in that we were overwhelmed and had to leave and have a picnic in the fresh air to recover. The house looked better, more put together. The visit ended on a rather bum note because my friend was going to a brunch on Sunday and so I felt like I needed to leave quickly in the morning. We agreed to go to another exhibition at the same place later in the year.
- Drove down to Cornwall for my May holiday by myself for the FIRST TIME. The M5 was actually accident-free for once but it seemed to take forever once I actually hit Cornwall and went back onto the A-road. The infamous mist descended once I reached Bodmin and I am not surprised there are so many folk tales about it because it kept shifting and moving and you could see shapes in there. I was very glad I was in a car. There were roadworks so I had to keep to 40mph, which was lucky as I didn't feel happy driving any faster due to the total lack of visibility. The journey was also full of long hills, which my poor little car found rather hard. I was very glad to reach my B&B. It was a converted 1930s doctor's surgery, with free off-road parking and two cats (one friendly, one not). The weather was fairly miserable for the whole time I was there but I went to the Eden Project anyway (can finally say I've been there) and also visited Charlestown for an evening meal. I drove to Liskeard and took the scenic train to Looe (even on a rainy day, it was a nice ride). Looe was out of season and not particularly busy but I had some very nice fish and chips! I hope to go back to Cornwall next year at a time when I have some more money and the weather's better. I want to see the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Hopefully I can stay in the same place as it was so convenient and the owners were so nice.
- I attended the AGM of Woodford Court's management committee for the first time. It was an interesting and useful experience. I felt as if I were masquerading as a grown up but nobody guessed I was an impostor!
- Went to see a live production of Measure for Measure with my friend Hilburn at the Parliament Rooms/ in Gloucester Cathedral. The production moved between all three rooms, and since we were constantly standing or sitting so near the actors, it felt like we were taking part in the play (which led to some very tense moments). The guy who played Angelo was so tall and good looking that when he walked into the room, Hilburn and I instinctively looked at each other with raised eyebrows. He had a beautiful deep voice as well. Good thing he was at college and too young for me.
- Father's Day meal took place at The Bell at Sapperton, which Helen and Dave had been meaning to visit ever since they moved to Stroud over a year ago but had never found the time, so at least I gave them that opportunity! The Sunday lunch was very good and Maddie behaved beautifully.
Testing, testing
Nov. 17th, 2017 06:26 pmSorry I went silent for so long!
March/April update:
March/April update:
- We had a bin audit because someone had reported that the bins were a mess and we actually had someone from the council turn up for this. It was pretty hilarious because all the people who actually showed up to the audit already recycled as much as we could. The council rep made noises about having food recycling back but we told her that wasn't going to happen because until they collect all our non-perishable recycling every single time then we are not going to stick out old/decomposing food to attract rats and foxes.
- I had a smart meter installed so I can keep better track of my electricity use.
- Saw the version of Twelfth Night with Tamsin Greig as Malvolia, which was incredible. Also saw Dan Radcliffe in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Probably should have re-read Hamlet first as I'm not that familiar with it but it was still very funny.
- We went back to Bisley House for Dad's birthday meal as he liked it so much last year. This time I arrived by myself, although I was still puffed out at the sheer climb.
- My sister confirmed that she was expecting a baby boy.
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If you're not leaving LJ, consider posting this link publicly so that our Russian friends on the site can see it, and get help if they need it.
February Update
Mar. 6th, 2017 06:10 pm- Spent the first two days of February sick. Yaaaay. I'm really hoping that I don't have to take any more time off for at least the next two months.
- Forgot to mention that I went to Sunday lunch at my friend's house in late January. Similar to my previously mentioned friends, this couple moved into their cottage in the Forest of Dean last year but have only just felt able to invite people around. The cottage is mahoosive and Edgar, their toddler, is a cheeky chops. The roast was amazing.
- Had Mum's birthday at The Suffolk Kitchen in Cheltenham. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed the food. Mum liked it so much we went back a couple of weeks later to take advantage of their early bird offer - £10 for three small plates or £14.95 for a starter and a main. I had leek and potato soup, then fish of the day. Mum had cured mackerel with horseradish creme fraiche and citrus salad (segments of grapefruit and orange), then mussels in white wine & garlic sauce with chicken goujons.
- I finally ate out with my friend again after she spent January fighting a resurgence of Crohn's disease. We went to the JRool Bistro in Stroud. We were the only customers in there from the time we arrived (just after eight) until we left (just before ten). Slightly worrying. I hope this was because it was a Thursday evening as it's a great place to eat.
- I have finally decided that I will go to Cornwall for my holiday this year, but ALONE this time. I realise I didn't actually make an entry about what happened when I went to Cornwall with my friends in September 2015, because it ended up being exhausting on both a physical and emotional level. I may write one later just to get it all out. This time I will be going down by myself and staying in a nice B&B in St Austell, five minutes' walk from the train/bus station.
- I just found out that the Dulwich Picture Gallery is hosting an exhibition of Vanessa Bell's paintings COMBINED WITH Patti Smith's photographs. I have now bought a ticket to London for April Fools' Day on National Express to see this.
January Summary
Feb. 19th, 2017 07:53 pm- I managed to lose weight over Christmas somehow. I think it's because I eat less processed food at my parents and I do more walking. Must try and up my physical activity in Gloucester.
- Spent New Year's Eve at my friends' new house in Twickenham. They moved in late last year but New Year's Eve was the first time they'd had people round. My friend invited loads of people but in the end, only seven of us were there. That was fine with me but I felt sad for her. They have a rooftop terrace so at midnight, we went up and watched about 10 different fireworks displays from the terrace in a 360 degree surround experience! Amazing. She said I was always welcome to drop in but I've heard too many horror stories from her twin about going to stay with her and then being told that someone else is staying or that they are away for me to really feel like I can just turn up whenever I want. Plus it's over two hours away and a long drive down the motorway.
- I watched 13th, which was really eye-opening and saddening. Recommended!
- I gave blood for the first time in nearly 10 years. Mainly because whenever I've tried to book in an appointment, I can't get it for the time I want (the blood donation centre is always fully booked) or they cancel it because they don't have enough staff. It's a lot more hi-tech now - they have rollercoaster-esque blue chairs that swing back to the correct angle and a machine that rocks the blood bag until it's done. They also give you a card which has exercises for you to do while giving blood to maintain your blood pressure so you don't feel dizzy and weak after giving blood. And the exercises actually worked! Last time I gave blood, I had a horrible attack of dizziness afterwards and I barely made it to the bus station. This time, I was fine and only had a small attack of dizziness hours later, when I was at home and could sit down.
- I had to take my car to Halford's because the back box came off and it sounded like a motorbike. This wasn't a problem except it took over five hours for them to call me about it. -_- Then I had to get a taxi to Halford's before they closed to pick it up. At least it cost me less than £100.
Referendum
Jun. 24th, 2016 08:02 amI'm so sad. I feel sick and frustrated that old people have been allowed to vote us out of an organisation when they're not the ones who'll have to deal with the consequences. I don't want to go to work and have to deal with people gloating over leaving when it's the last thing we should be doing. Most of all, I want a recount. Seriously considering leaving this country.
Return of the Wanderer
Jun. 19th, 2016 10:18 pmJust got back from a week in Cyprus with the family, which was lovely but had very limited internet access so will be catching up on entries and commenting today and tomorrow. Aside from a three hour delay on the outward flight(!) due to poor weather conditions and then debris on the runway (caused by an Airbus CRACKING THE TARMAC according to Twitter), we all had a good time. Madeleine behaved so well, honestly could not have asked for more from her, she was so sunny and happy despite the change in time zone and the heat. I don't think my sister will suggest going there in June again, haha.
It's springtime
May. 28th, 2016 05:38 pmI have been sick on and off since my last entry so I'm sorry to have been absent. D&V, plus fever, plus hot and cold rushes. Joy! This has also interrupted my gym sessions because if I can barely manage going to work, I'm not going to the gym. Back on track now and hoping to stay there. Getting sick so often is frustrating because I couldn't plan for anything. Overtime? Nope. A meal out with friends? Nope. Cinema? Only if I take a whole box of tissues and prayed my throat didn't get too dry (which is how I saw Zootropolis aka Zootopia and The Jungle Book). I loved them both by the way.
I've also seen Civil War, I Saw The Light and Miles Ahead, feel free to ask my opinion.
Recently rediscovered the album Tiger Bay by Saint Etienne. Originally released in 1994 (*sob*), the version I have is the 1996 re-issue, which I bought in 2004. The re-issue includes the band's biggest commercial hit He's On The Phone. The song embedded below perfectly captures springtime for me.
I've also seen Civil War, I Saw The Light and Miles Ahead, feel free to ask my opinion.
Recently rediscovered the album Tiger Bay by Saint Etienne. Originally released in 1994 (*sob*), the version I have is the 1996 re-issue, which I bought in 2004. The re-issue includes the band's biggest commercial hit He's On The Phone. The song embedded below perfectly captures springtime for me.
I started shivering and aching yesterday which meant I had to miss work today. I'm annoyed mainly because I'd signed up for some good overtime which I now won't be able to cover. I'm also missing Deadpool, which is less irritating but still frustrating. If you need me, I'll be huddled under blankets with hot water bottles.
