Back In The Day

 Does anyone else remember having one of these? I picked it up last week from one of my local chazza shops (Op Shop for my international chums). It cost £3.00. I love it, because it is hand made, is of it's time and also because I had a similar one when I was in my early 20s. 

I was lucky enough to visit a few Greek Islands before the tourism boom and I can't tell you how arty and bohemian I felt with a bag like this casually (of course), slung over my shoulder. Sadly these same Greek Islands are wall to wall hotels now. oh my.

Anyway blogging chums, as I type my son is on his way over to house sit, whilst I venture forth to the freezing North. I'm off to Tromso in Norway in pursuit of the magical northern lights. I will make an effort to take some pics so I can show you all when I'm back. 

Of Cherry Fancies & Witches.

 I have had an interesting  witchy few weeks. Now I know there are some dark souls in this world but my personal interest is in the misunderstood hedge witch and white witch. Those folk who lived and live side by side with nature in a perfectly pleasing symbiotic fashion. Happily I count some close friends in this circle and it is in a way something I aspire to be better at myself. Mother Nature has all the answers if only we are prepared to listen to her.

Picture Essex in the 1640s, a young man Matthew Hopkins proclaims himself Witchfinder General. But is he on a Godly or self empowerment mission? Well I think we all know the answer to that. 

On a cold and frosty evening recently the fabulous Lesley Smith, curator of Tutbury Castle told my friends and I the story of the Witch of Manningtree, and how she and many others fell foul of said Witchfinder General. It was an extraordinary moving powerful account with Lesley in the character of the witch. A dark story based on true events, not sensationalised, it was a deeply respectful and informative performance. Although afterwards during questions, Lesley did allow us a glimpse of her wicked sense of humour.

This is a pic of Lesley in her day job. An English scholar, historian, heritage publicist and actress. She holds amongst other things an M Phil in Tudor medicine. An astonishing woman who presents costumed portrayals of a variety of historical characters. I urge you to follow the link to the Tutbury Castle website and see for yourself  what is on offer.

Lesley as Katherine Swynford.

A few days later I went on a 'journey' around the small but enchanting Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, via Eventbrite. A personal and interesting tour taken by the manager of the museum, with a close look at exhibits and history of the poor, mostly men, accused of witchcraft and who inevitably were burnt to death.

The idea for the museum was conceived by a local Folklorist and Historian, really as a way to encourage visitors to explore Iceland, but also I think to preserve local folklore.

One particular exhibit caused a bit of a stir, Necropants. The flayed lower half of a man worn over your own body and under your trousers. The idea being, by placing a coin in the scrotum whilst going about your daily business, like you do, the coins would magically increase. 

I have chosen a modest image here, but suffice it to say all the equipment needed to double your money was in tact. If you click on the museum link above you can explore a bit more and there is an option for translation to English

And finally in a caution to the wind moment, I have ordered some wonderful, but expensive cherry fondant fancies from Betty's. We're visiting some family down south and I thought these would be a nice thing to take. Apologies in advance, as I know you'll all want to order some now.

Looking at the last two images on this blog post, you can't say it doesn't have it all. Keep warm and well blogging chums.

If Politics Offends You, Look Away Now.

 I wouldn't describe myself as a political animal really, although in my younger years I did organise events and attend rallies and marches about important stuff. 

Nowadays I think it's too easy in this modern world to think of 'politics' as something separate from the way we live. As something that only concerns the powers that be, those who are in charge of running the country. But I find myself becoming increasingly interested again about the folk who hold the power in Great Britain and how they weild it. 

Post lockdown it has become clear to me that there has been a dramatic shift in our lives, it feels to me as though our great wheel has slipped out of its cog and nothing is running as it should be.

I've been following Neil Oliver (you know the coastal guy) and he seems to be talking a lot of sense about the goings ons and why we should all pay attention. As it is we who hold the power to change things or indeed to resist things.

On a recent visit to a National Trust property Quarry Bank in Cheshire, the Mr and I  were  taken back in time to the 18th century where workers in the cotton mill there were processed and used most abominably. Two thirds of the workers were children, orphans, escapees from the workhouse and some were even sent to work at the mill by their parents who thought they were doing right by them. I have often visited similar buildings before but this one made a big impression on me. I felt upset on their behalf, these poor folk who are long gone.

Some of the looms are still in working order and a volunteer had just a few on whilst we stood and gawped. The noise level made us both feel tight headed after only ten minutes or so and we felt the effects all day. How people survived in a mill like this when all machines were working simultaneously for twelve or thirteen hours a day is beyond belief.

It is a salutary lesson about absolute power over ordinary people. I think we should all be keeping an eye on what our politicians are deciding on our behalf. Remembering to look up from our own small worlds and pay attention and speak up if we're not happy. Today we have the power to be heard.

You Are Sparkly Stars & Beautiful Coral

 

I love to read whilst Wintering. I may even turn the heating on for a full treat, ha ha.

My latest read is by The Rev Richard Coles, it is well written and I'm enjoying its slow pace. And super smugly I've even managed to match by book mark to the author. I know, I'm so clever aren't I?

Do you recognise the fellow? It's The Skating Minister by Henry Raeburn. One of my favourite paintings which we saw recently at The Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.

I'd like to offer a warm welcome to my latest follower who I think may be called Pat? 

I'm A Luxury - - - Few Can Afford

 

Many of you kind souls who are of an age may remember this jumper worn by Diana Princess of Wales. I've always really liked it, because you can guarantee, it will bring a smile to the face of anyone who sees it. Especially as the back says 'Few Can Afford'. 

I recently discovered you can still purchase this jumper through an American company called Rowing Blazers. But, wait for it, it is £310, reduced slightly at the moment because of a sale. Well I did ponder, shall I push the boat out and make a purchase? Then I thought, I'd have to add on postage and customs which would probably push the price up to around £400. So NO. Then I had a light bulb moment. Perhaps there is a pattern available? Lo and behold YES!

Mind you the bloomin book cost me £20. But at least I have it for future makes.

I thought I might get it finished for a trip I have planned at the end of the month but I've just unpicked a large part of it because I wasn't happy with the intarsaria stitching. The trick is not to knit it too loosely but not too tightly either otherwise it buckles up. A goodly amount can be achieved when blocking garments but the standard has to be up there before that. 

This is the front, looking quite good I think. Of course all will be revealed once it's off the needles. It should be ready for another little jaunt I have planned for later on in the year.

I also have finished a crochet blanket for a local radio call out to help people keep warm in their homes.

In other woolly matters.... I was mooching around our local chazza shops this week when I had a little chuckle to myself after over hearing two friends together in a fitting room. "Where is my wool? Oh there it is". Other friend, after some muffled scrambling noises, "I'm loosing the will let alone the wool".

Hard Times

 I suppose we're all tightening our belts or at least thinking about it. Where we spend our hard earned money is important, always has been and always will. I am naturally thrifty now, after letting my spending run wild when I first started working many moons ago. I feel real satisfaction from making my cash go further and not wasting anything I have. I also feel very happy when on occasion I splash the cash for something special and worthwhile.

The high cost of food and heating of course is on my radar. Looking at blog world I see I'm not on my own.

There are many bloggers who share their tips to help folk save money. I don't purport to be an expert but I hope I can share a few things I know or do, that might help folk, or possibly just be of interest.

In my quest to capture more joy in my life it is very important to me that whilst being mindfull of not wasting money, I don't turn into someone who will not spend on a little bit of luxury now and then. I strive to experience the best at bargain prices.

We didn't have much in the way of Christmas food left over, but what we had we managed to scoff. Even the few dodgy looking but tasty sprouts were eaten, in a tuna and pasta bake. Chopped up very finely and stirred into the sauce.

I collected all the odds and ends of pasta, cheap and expensive ones and all the bits of cheese left over from the Christmas cheese board and only used one tin of tuna instead of two and you know what, it was delicious.

We cooked 'once and ate twice'. Four hearty meals made from scraps. My attention is now on my freezer. I want to use up anything I can before buying anything more to freeze. Otherwise there will be waste. A few bloggers are making lists of what they have in their freezers to do the same. I actually keep a little book of my freezer contents then I know at a glance what I have and when to use it up. It's not completely full proof as we sometimes forget to amend it, but it's a good system.

How Beautiful. Patrick Dexter Auld Lang Syne.

I'd like to take a cup with all of you wonderful blogging chums. Instead I'll try to post and interact more often. Joy to you all in 2023.

Light & Love.