tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19658290923264137132024-03-18T02:58:49.992+00:00Mum's MonkeyThe every day stories of three every day monkeys ..... embarking on a whole series of new adventures after swapping the pleasures of Wolverhampton for a more peaceful, bijoux, riverside way of life in Evesham.
Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.comBlogger4441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-23924440506094384032024-01-29T00:00:00.003+00:002024-01-29T00:00:00.302+00:00Nigel Receives A Very Wonderful Gift <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Oh my, on Friday, Rob the Postman knocked on our door with a mysterious and totally unexpected package for Nigel, from our lovely friend and follower Heather .......</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNGikf8p30kOvFSkr5nXeJvXxeifXMvIh-ThQHDwdzT_E-i3bFgEO0nhZZ8rfg8i_g7qdqAHUS-DYefPEn5JABgfGIPfe62KBAfhZVTzwcHAuZ6xctAMzVQpWzpkp_xZu0RxUlrtXpBzxme7Fm5Gn8tGhXghHDvTfoWgXyVYy94HNW3OlKNVAl0ECHj4/s448/Picture1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="448" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNGikf8p30kOvFSkr5nXeJvXxeifXMvIh-ThQHDwdzT_E-i3bFgEO0nhZZ8rfg8i_g7qdqAHUS-DYefPEn5JABgfGIPfe62KBAfhZVTzwcHAuZ6xctAMzVQpWzpkp_xZu0RxUlrtXpBzxme7Fm5Gn8tGhXghHDvTfoWgXyVYy94HNW3OlKNVAl0ECHj4/w400-h201/Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">...... inside, was the most wonderful collection of stickers, along with<i> </i>a very simple note from the aforementioned lovely Heather that said it all .........</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi8PgHVfgx_5Vg0LVsL3EgLNfiVYlnLzNeEyjm584sE4OL91dHIWaCcRQUpLPrr32JmTciTq9wbYd3zXxPvDPUysFjUQMCmk_ljs3yQtFkOwAVEFw_FsLI0gDRhyTfLLKBDGizmvNQm4N8ZuVe4SzOuVoDkaNybiLirMIAATyC0j8IY6HY9QETowu32g/s448/P1280364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi8PgHVfgx_5Vg0LVsL3EgLNfiVYlnLzNeEyjm584sE4OL91dHIWaCcRQUpLPrr32JmTciTq9wbYd3zXxPvDPUysFjUQMCmk_ljs3yQtFkOwAVEFw_FsLI0gDRhyTfLLKBDGizmvNQm4N8ZuVe4SzOuVoDkaNybiLirMIAATyC0j8IY6HY9QETowu32g/w400-h300/P1280364.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">......... they were for Nigel's beloved readers and needless to say, it got a tad emotional for the little fella ........</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsb5gmjFHPJUjdjXzrq3P39np5Sx_vbBiY1befq4hMppaaBBQXdXGzxQqr1K26cYqFvajcd6qNgdI0ZmKLgOAtAi0vpabXRhy8jidHiByN4QteqtxU-uMDjqsy5YAqU8uYu8HocZFvkMfFO7p9DMMUReHiMcuEjwlJPJG8kZIUCTPMGR-Y86aW8j1FAQ/s381/P1280365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="336" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsb5gmjFHPJUjdjXzrq3P39np5Sx_vbBiY1befq4hMppaaBBQXdXGzxQqr1K26cYqFvajcd6qNgdI0ZmKLgOAtAi0vpabXRhy8jidHiByN4QteqtxU-uMDjqsy5YAqU8uYu8HocZFvkMfFO7p9DMMUReHiMcuEjwlJPJG8kZIUCTPMGR-Y86aW8j1FAQ/w353-h400/P1280365.JPG" width="353" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">....... but once recovered .......... </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w2Ac4lRNuMYkb1NrS7xlqED4w3OO91G7rmL69nrbytRQxDqdPIIvJXuRbaAM42VEwV_ZO3ioJBHTQyKMD32goSbEhT-JneKT6zxNzO9qzW7TnMo0l5l4AfSXuptpTk3EY-UmNfi1vuqRiqHVyl00BJu_KoHSbQweKD2eRqD84h7u9brc5pdLI0RR1Aw/s448/P1270350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="448" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w2Ac4lRNuMYkb1NrS7xlqED4w3OO91G7rmL69nrbytRQxDqdPIIvJXuRbaAM42VEwV_ZO3ioJBHTQyKMD32goSbEhT-JneKT6zxNzO9qzW7TnMo0l5l4AfSXuptpTk3EY-UmNfi1vuqRiqHVyl00BJu_KoHSbQweKD2eRqD84h7u9brc5pdLI0RR1Aw/w400-h244/P1270350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">........ he couldn't wait to get to school .........</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UsABV9o_A3__Fpy-iiiwRZMnI03WYmrrm00wDinQpzFAMN1wsIfSbbn6ki9sr-VkyA6dhcwpsI-qj8hOoX2VAXBAln6EriBejr8YY9vnNaqebjtR7iWbhOmcreAUHlvfeweATYJjmUAlyeCBYp1AnQ8hIvlp4Kc6TbZCf2juVyGU6OjFj0f_sSfNGps/s448/P1270352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="448" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UsABV9o_A3__Fpy-iiiwRZMnI03WYmrrm00wDinQpzFAMN1wsIfSbbn6ki9sr-VkyA6dhcwpsI-qj8hOoX2VAXBAln6EriBejr8YY9vnNaqebjtR7iWbhOmcreAUHlvfeweATYJjmUAlyeCBYp1AnQ8hIvlp4Kc6TbZCf2juVyGU6OjFj0f_sSfNGps/w400-h288/P1270352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">...... to start sticking them in said little ones reading record books ........</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOSWlM2dnozeMb19cYq_-rR-Xj1pysWEhbjrVJVHzEu7y2Q6sifrGfVQSeKaPa_LWdMS-SVPHKXi67MXWBKhU_bnAxnq4XDgzuCwyde3PnTWRJ3uZWOBHNp_mrncjj29iwSji04a8RjOoSbimRWJfFzI3BkZAIRPwao8JgO09MuouNpT0nQqunFIJDK0/s372/P1270353.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="372" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOSWlM2dnozeMb19cYq_-rR-Xj1pysWEhbjrVJVHzEu7y2Q6sifrGfVQSeKaPa_LWdMS-SVPHKXi67MXWBKhU_bnAxnq4XDgzuCwyde3PnTWRJ3uZWOBHNp_mrncjj29iwSji04a8RjOoSbimRWJfFzI3BkZAIRPwao8JgO09MuouNpT0nQqunFIJDK0/w400-h250/P1270353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">........ alongside his encouraging</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> comments.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDnLRXQ6rRcnDiJYv2kzcQMohWF_2vTCfUD10hJD8LTIh9cR0kt_c2eAuLV_URK-a6NQd-uiGm5ZYm9uJERkeqDJTGtdf6XWMcE0-C4OfK0RlGdQYLc5a3dvLZe9ELHT8KRnQCRDh5ZxTdj4X7CRFZeHfXrv5_NuSKvSosiXVxyM9Qi5VsZZKD32Csfw/s448/P1270351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDnLRXQ6rRcnDiJYv2kzcQMohWF_2vTCfUD10hJD8LTIh9cR0kt_c2eAuLV_URK-a6NQd-uiGm5ZYm9uJERkeqDJTGtdf6XWMcE0-C4OfK0RlGdQYLc5a3dvLZe9ELHT8KRnQCRDh5ZxTdj4X7CRFZeHfXrv5_NuSKvSosiXVxyM9Qi5VsZZKD32Csfw/w400-h300/P1270351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Again, it was an emotional experience for Nigel as the little ones mulled over which stickers they wanted to either stick on their sweatshirts or tie <i>or</i> in their books, wishing Heather could see what they meant to each and every one. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1TviGjZtdCyklV7nUi-iinRwsarCFb3vI4bGlRKEEUmqXHr660P2UVXsTDsiff2FQWBYwsp2UbJf2WUu7-3opnMcCV3_X87VPgwYtYKQ3sQikr21c9pwt3f-JunIA0M_ZnKZhzOVFNIauseNeUjn7ISDRjyFSrHX1oLbm7DxIF3rg89NiTIrUe-9mJs/s397/P1270355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="397" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1TviGjZtdCyklV7nUi-iinRwsarCFb3vI4bGlRKEEUmqXHr660P2UVXsTDsiff2FQWBYwsp2UbJf2WUu7-3opnMcCV3_X87VPgwYtYKQ3sQikr21c9pwt3f-JunIA0M_ZnKZhzOVFNIauseNeUjn7ISDRjyFSrHX1oLbm7DxIF3rg89NiTIrUe-9mJs/w400-h306/P1270355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are enough stickers to last until at least the end of the school year and most probably beyond, when Nigel could quite possibly be working with new classes too .......... so goodness only knows how memories are there to be made. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgRMAUTrBcFOXtuX9k6twSKP4umimDEfOlqQN9lloOurjrhlhNqOCjSoJayidVUlaElXZCDfzL-NvrJ-I4-2XJFWxs2eJ4c0f1QDR3Ak6xisbi34O62VUZqAaH7RrTUoP4mKaSHvGLyGNFhFxhQu4VxnH2L7ldHwyfI9gUmE2owmHzo7_WvVIPbEcDN4/s448/P1270356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="448" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgRMAUTrBcFOXtuX9k6twSKP4umimDEfOlqQN9lloOurjrhlhNqOCjSoJayidVUlaElXZCDfzL-NvrJ-I4-2XJFWxs2eJ4c0f1QDR3Ak6xisbi34O62VUZqAaH7RrTUoP4mKaSHvGLyGNFhFxhQu4VxnH2L7ldHwyfI9gUmE2owmHzo7_WvVIPbEcDN4/w400-h245/P1270356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, thank you soooooooo much Heather, you've made so many small people (including Nigel) very happy with your thoughtful</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> gift, that will continue to keep on giving for an awful long time to come ......... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! </span></span></div>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-43114176083947364632024-01-15T00:00:00.002+00:002024-01-27T10:11:00.886+00:00WE'VE MOVED <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As you can see (below) all our old pictures have been restored, with very grateful thanks to nelsonkodama, one of the commenters on github.com who came with a work around ........ however, we're still going to continue with It's A Monkey's Life as we can't really afford to have any more issues like this, should Google inevitably decide to change things up again, as our poor webmaster has been quite stressed by it all. </span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although we will always have the memories of the past adventures very much safe in our minds, it's still lovely to now have the pictures back again to look back on as well .........</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">........................................................</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">What can we say, where do we start? As you can see below, we've “lost” all our pictures from as far back as we dare to look </span><em style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">and</em><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"> to make matters worse, we’ve also lost all the pictures in posts that were already scheduled for the next week or so. Needless to say our webmaster is absolutely bereft. Years and years of our adventures simply wiped out with a flick of someone's switch, without a clue of how to put it right and to be honest, without our pictures we don't have a blog.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">So what do we do? Accept this huge loss and carry on regardless by starting from scratch again …….. you'd better believe it .......</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">However, in order to do this, we've decided to have a change of name and move on to a new website, as we really can't bear to see all our old posts sat sitting bereft of any pictures ..... <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">......... so from today you'll find us as at ........ drum roll ......</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://itsamonkeyslife.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">See you on the other side!</span></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-17303258911161280882024-01-12T00:00:00.010+00:002024-01-12T00:00:00.354+00:00Sorry, Sorry, Sorry <p> Our apologies ....... we have a HUGE problem with our pictures ......... they have disappeared, well, they are still there in the background, but not in the flesh ....... we are really at a loss as to what to do ..... but will hopefully back on Monday if we can sort a work around ........ if we can't find a cure by then! Aghh</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-42431769650199386862024-01-11T00:00:00.002+00:002024-01-11T00:00:00.134+00:00FABULOUS Fabulosa!<p align="justify">Darrell couldn’t have started 2024 in, for him, a more <em>fabulous</em> way, he’d had a little money for Christmas and knew exactly what he wanted to spend it on …….. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rolvDLSHxKP-5y41Iytyrx0-V37y6JSX"><img title="IMG_5386" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5386" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11d18sXk--3HPr8i0RF099ygYxTacQHdo" width="459" height="345" /></a> <p align="justify">……. to wit, a box crammed with his very most favourite cleaning and home fragrance  products of choice, Winter Angel from Fabulosa. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10gICD_5eYJp9PPCi83lRvVYhicb4H9Fq"><img title="IMG_5388" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5388" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12p-QZ3cF3EFZEF0PqJszlPkVymtdvsrt" width="329" height="242" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WIxLgQqbqDiq_gNCZlTeNYQA_-39z5ZS"><img title="IMG_5389" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5389" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pC6RTR0mo787VlTynk6hD_AR9nixSGeF" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">What on earth is he like, I hear you say ……. it’s quite an unusual, self administered  “treat” ………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JiPSJsz9b8k95NELIZ9U9zEZAw_A3cgK"><img title="IMG_5390" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5390" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16Vm22ra48k2xZ6MVY48CTpox_Ilaen9R" width="274" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Rr2DjhiRfVTyoMS1b-8IZfEIYSZakads"><img title="IMG_5391" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5391" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X7hi8aje5km_i249YlvrTAlI4z9r9Ls0" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…… but then Darrell does derive an awful lot of pleasure from running and organising a forensically clean household ……</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17GFJq5oa1ilBpJk8mlUon8lgbl__rkIl"><img title="IMG_5395" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5395" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EQMh6LnQkxzpdn6pnsuultYPWcwmO8Hw" width="324" height="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PwlqaZO1kkohHMaN6MbJRxNcWnYGriyS"><img title="IMG_5396" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5396" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eiu476IEYyIdxkXFRSNsyYQFg8JcF4oA" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…….. so, if he can don his (pink) marigolds and clean to his little hearts content, while enveloped in his favourite lingering “ponk”…….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dGsqgCtM2oPcut-UYHveKXLiPsNHT5rk"><img title="IMG_5393" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5393" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1C6K8xEnIWaczOqlhUMbiJ8bbRiO3sRFh" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nTxRpZNV04KZV2H70FHkvWl4SxemqTkd"><img title="IMG_5399" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5399" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16W5GWaxEVZd3xlXlDeEGxV14Y2Ou7QnY" width="304" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…….. then let him be, simple pleasures with a pristine result, bless his little cotton socks.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SpX6cgbasxXDme5RjwHLvR2Boe-yzo13"><img title="IMG_5392" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5392" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UhuWVd05khDWZElTflPuOG0Qj04XOFNE" width="189" height="321" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1byv0jM2j-3ihrHhzVi8rHmcOlKxYIUlY"><img title="IMG_5401" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5401" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aO2upPWA_yhmG5PEp7e9QmJiOFY87vBn" width="325" height="321" /></a></p> <p align="justify">However, I was a little dubious about the Fabulosa “Fab A LOO” bathroom spray, but with sprouts featuring quite regularly chez Towers at the moment, as a seasonal component  to our rigorous 5 a day regime, there is, in a household comprising solely of gentlemen, the very occasional, not so fragrant outage ……… if you know what I mean! </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10unxufEz8GCjhvxtf0VETeDDZ0UdO4cY"><img title="IMG_5398" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5398" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14ar_6uAP8PmSMBiFoUYelbdcLmx3fB98" width="475" height="357" /></a> <p align="justify">Darrell says he’s sorted for at least the next six month and we certainly won’t be found wanting of a Mrs Hinch type nature ……… Now, if only they made a Winter Angel candle, that he could light and then chill out, once his work was done. I think that might be a bit of an angelic overload, but I certainly wouldn’t begrudge him the pleasure is they did ………</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-87937609958050263672024-01-10T00:00:00.003+00:002024-01-10T00:00:00.141+00:00We Review Limited Edition Gin And Tonic After Eight Mints<p>Well, The Towers back to it’s normal self (whatever that is) ………..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ndEntIDHhS-ovEDJmUYnaY0rpdOKuGL1"><img alt="IMG_5371" border="0" height="441" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o8iimsoEc1r031ZRmWvowm7llNKRNSNU" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5371" width="417" /></a> <p align="justify">…… we’ve finally got the time to do the much anticipated review of the limited edition Gin and Tonic After Eight Mints, mother and daughter combo Paula and Louise sent us for Christmas.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1W-ibrWX8YL39tn97jJbY3xMWVHODHEAQ"><img alt="IMG_5372" border="0" height="306" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DM7IowUbVJlQn8F98wl1Iem1OE499-b4" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5372" width="484" /></a> <p align="justify">As we said before, how on earth we ourselves missed these on the shop shelves while we were out and about, we just can’t fathom, most unusually, we must have momentarily taken our eyes off the confectionary ball as it were ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EdK_Ah7m_wGd9xpdNB2tzU9Uj9lUQaRV"><img alt="IMG_5375" border="0" height="418" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14gSOOlBbQQ9DTz20-2_PEEQ7m6Xv3Gwp" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5375" width="556" /></a> <p align="justify">….. so “Thank You” to the aforementioned Paula and Louise for keeping us to speed as to the latest said After Eight development.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vc0L3oLlA0ePPoILBr0snZ6b2CqPs0o4"><img alt="IMG_5376" border="0" height="210" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Fp-w9FUXAkdo-eZZz1gZhoyCl_X0H--G" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_5376" width="279" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mwehXY15D7vKbGfDSWrAy5vkmao24TQ_"><img alt="IMG_5377" border="0" height="211" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_6aoykHTxPc1vZJVvCE4Bt859vPPfxDH" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_5377" width="280" /></a></p> <p>We will admit to being a little hesitant and dubious, gin not really being one of our tipples of choice, unless mixed among many others in one of Darrell’s usually very potent cocktails. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Wc44JlcfkPDL9tVm3_89-_BXb6jIsA5l"><img alt="IMG_5374" border="0" height="269" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=177CbsaMF0C5xRsoi6NB-IERkCoQD0E8t" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5374" width="615" /></a> <p align="justify">We did also wonder if the mints were a bit of a publicity stunt and if they really did really contain any actual gin and tonic, but the proof was in the reading, with natural <strike>jupiter</strike> juniper flavouring, indeed clearly listed in with the ingredients.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VtDbPu7Imt-IBsOTmCkm_sjJPDAJzHHw"><img alt="IMG_5378" border="0" height="559" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ObgnVPj0u1P9n2UhjfFIb4LY3bCM-0rD" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5378" width="420" /></a> <p align="justify">But how did they taste? Well, on first nibble, they tasted just like any other ordinary After Eight Mint <em>and</em> if we hadn’t known beforehand that they were of a limited edition type nature, I dare say we would never have been the wiser ……..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1r0NhJCNexujNZgTtq7z0hKMvrEmA8RHY"><img alt="IMG_5381" border="0" height="243" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ywZAiuGl7wM7YOEfFvCl52sLAa_4NNeq" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_5381" width="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KcmRRutfuCUnDIKt4n8xgBBYZLrzGp73"><img alt="IMG_5380" border="0" height="242" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s3B8W2N69CM9qJD4f8N7ml4Txze9sYRP" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_5380" width="321" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. however, we think that the long lingering after taste gave it away in the end, because I’m not really sure we liked it ….. as it did rather take its time loitering on our taste buds ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pd4kLDuBvgP9SEcDgm6uJxEE74Xb6phe"><img alt="IMG_5382" border="0" height="551" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BshlPpNRyUF-15_kLMRC7s-vTCpsbmcy" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5382" width="496" /></a> <p>…… which was only washed away by a good, old swig of milk ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m9I36MGikHor9QobXfQH6WF6BbGCR2Jp"><img alt="IMG_5373" border="0" height="183" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SbWrjThn9z-MO18u6t5xZJBjldglv_Po" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5373" width="509" /></a> <p>…… leading us to agree that a daily intake of two mints per portion, per person, served with a small glass of ice cold milk would be a most ample sufficiency for such a delicacy.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Av-9VNP8_sS0YcCxjqursfn1MokQljtt"><img alt="IMG_5379" border="0" height="381" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BjCszuPJj6-oC7shAGvSGRp1mIHryotN" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5379" width="507" /></a> <p align="justify">Now to our World Famous Richter Scale of Noms, with a score of eight juniper berries short of a bunch, with Darrell wondering what had happened to his prized, 10p, vintage After Eight Mint holder ……. and a message to the After Eight makers out there, that if something ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it. Your “normal” mints are perfect as they are, don’t go messing with them, just because <em>you think</em> they’ve got a bit boring, we like them just as they are, in unadulterated form and unlimited form.</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-10181464919944962862024-01-09T00:00:00.001+00:002024-01-09T00:00:00.128+00:00Waste Not …… Twas The Season<p>Christmas and New Year was, it has to be said, the mother of all seasons for leftovers ……..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16JB9udmJ9XYQeuk053kVkd-bNeNCz9tj"><img alt="IMG_5214" border="0" height="214" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v3KAZ5SC_INKWA94sav7jIt74R1DqfdX" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_5214" width="284" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ie_fG8CDOpjuje__cXq6-cjayK-XRTtO"><img alt="IMG_5213" border="0" height="214" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kbLsaQCvN1yqEWI3YjlHwb7JWz0D3kah" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="IMG_5213" width="284" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…….. which is why Darrell made sure we have more than an ample and sufficient supply of bowl covers for when putting aside a few comestible titbits to use up in one of his unbelievable bubble and squeaks, curry, rissoles etc., which, it has to be said, were almost as wonderful as his truimphant Christmas dinner! </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Da3eHQa1FLj7SdOsQX9TDA_rh7e-7W0t"><img alt="IMG_5216" border="0" height="396" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UOOU4K41nIov2Dyq6ivw1UNiUIx7pJSd" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5216" width="487" /></a> <p>However, with the season now well and truly over, said bowl covers also make ………..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IKKZhn6_Nv7B9qGfi96SVWoXJlQl4xTM"><img alt="IMG_5217" border="0" height="387" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c4viXUf7wCGA7tJm1Z9fhXUWM8RW6X0Z" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5217" width="501" /></a> <p align="justify">…… the most excellent, impromptu shower caps, BUT never, we hasten to add, the twain shall meet, there’s no way we’d ever risk any unfortunate cross contamination of a festive rogue hair type nature. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Qo71TJYmdsrCKphxgaZDAp7v798fJwLg"><img alt="IMG_5218" border="0" height="427" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sI-lRFeRZ_bDOTXKZpldio7qlhif8X1_" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5218" width="362" /></a> <p>What on (peace on) earth, are we like? </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-87842960169599487352024-01-08T00:00:00.002+00:002024-01-08T00:00:00.135+00:00Apres Les Floods ……<p>Oh my goodness, the river may almost be back to normal ………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17dwkW1XItSzJrkBjQAYztApu8HDrCFIl"><img title="IMG_4760" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4760" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Tri1gohniVJS4jauP2xuFc3cq2NlNItr" width="266" height="191" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iKjoj8fEyCrNKpuqBNAyqjrrspX6g-td"><img title="IMG_4764" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4764" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XM7QFO2ugzn1xFOztd88Se3jcausH2fz" width="276" height="192" /></a></p> <p>……. but under our “hedgehog” bridge ……………..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13Rxiknn3r1Ry7ZqTUz0GDjir9Xw6PxpM"><img title="IMG_4765" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4765" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1g7baWoj5UmtoOhNq2qUpwyLl5Rb8DOMV" width="492" height="370" /></a> <p align="justify">…… we’ve got a puddle of mahoooooosive and <strike>unpresidented </strike> unprecedented  proportions, as Nigel discovered this yesterday afternoon while he was out for a walk.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kcBB3TMlwQTs1hWp3AFFchC1K6BN_GLK"><img title="IMG_4768" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4768" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JTSrUg0dr_TVFpZHCYa0v2nFD5rPfJon" width="260" height="183" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_RF9LwFay8_ZS5grIIchEzS-MmBp8-S1"><img title="IMG_4766" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4766" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ECEK1-XSvdTKGv6P9LcBXgyYkCkwIOLa" width="270" height="182" /></a></p> <p align="justify">However, said “puddle”, according to Nigel, has enormous potential, beyond our wildest dreams,  <em>should</em> the temperature plummet to well below freezing point  ……….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NG0GeFppy2jbZDL-valvwIwhVDxPZKET"><img title="IMG_4767" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4767" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ev0copO2tjWuaMV2NEKafe1aiL-9zN3m" width="452" height="340" /></a> <p align="justify">…… because then we would, possibly, have a covered skating rink for our delectation, right on our doorstep, <em>if</em> we could avail ourselves of several pairs of skates …….. it would, according to the little fella be a veritable and very romantic  “Holiday On Ice” …….. what on earth is he like, bless him!</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-71598068702754782582024-01-05T00:00:00.000+00:002024-01-05T00:00:00.199+00:00Confectionary That Would Be Too Rude To Review<p align="justify">OMG ……. it’s hard to believe, but over Christmas we received the most wonderous package of confectionary from Hugh, Darrell’s best friend and mentor of all things bright and beautiful, who sadly couldn’t join us over the holiday, as he was in tied up in Malibu! </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18cIol7MwZkv0d22rSwIdsNhMSrfyhn3l"><img title="IMG_5437" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5437" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uNVSwWbSSrXiUKnW9KcmgCEChtAVOuoh" width="420" height="365" /></a> <p align="justify">However, to make up for our abject disappointment, before he left, he’d arranged a surprise for us, from, I can hardly bring myself to say the word …… the real life, London, Harrods! </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZnYS1ClfBKw_8Y19t1YA99ltS745GjCa"><img title="IMG_5440" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5440" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hoiFMjOCXfrob9UfALVrsA4mS3xshxJl" width="308" height="159" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q_2WY6SKKKNxmNbHmpHiD_Fa1I3s-ge5"><img title="IMG_5439" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5439" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IR3CtNsD4taxPg02pPGT2mHN3k2tsI0D" width="209" height="158" /></a></p> <p align="justify">There was a Turkish Delight Collection, in a box, according to Nigel, that needed to be stroked in a most gentle and reverent fashion. To be honest, my hands were shaking like autumn leaves, as I opened it, to reveal it’s fragrant contents. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sFcsXo0yfNbydf2t2MdecoqlQxEzJG4z"><img title="IMG_5441" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5441" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cYIq9FF8H6c7A3yRnXyW8eiQzyotIigD" width="244" height="221" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rnrXF8Y4UA20lfT_xy0E7r3rgKYqaSrs"><img title="IMG_5442" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5442" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tVFkczRsGlJ_h7hhehFBvhAMzPtWb85p" width="292" height="220" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It was tooooooo  supremely delicious for words and it was at this point that we all decided that this was confectionary too precious to sully, even with the most considered of our reviews ……</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PUzjdIvILe2E6LPHFzAkLgbQbuqNDrzm"><img title="IMG_5443" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5443" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fqQCOulwbqYrt2BoB5V8dSGT2K2GF32m" width="396" height="527" /></a> <p>It was all just too special.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vyyseJSoUl-UnKQo_bCfiGyuKgYBhX7K"><img title="IMG_5444" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5444" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XxR6TFBJqDihXNcRpuTghyCsXIxKwvIW" width="200" height="218" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XERFceI0wwEwZTUUbinegeXEJ0He0ore"><img title="IMG_5445" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5445" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q29AvoDdJTujR6VgufhbCbX_4y3aYOU8" width="288" height="217" /></a></p> <p align="justify">There was also Harrods Clotted Cream Fudge contained within a glorious golden tin.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IeMUV-M1S3mIdmuamvrE5PR9dX5UyrPb"><img title="IMG_5449" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5449" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lgKQf91Cdj-u2It25XDEnDiem9s7Lxv3" width="201" height="303" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sNoDlV1H49oNX_kWXmoyqsimPBzOPTgJ"><img title="IMG_5446" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5446" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Td9pDYXkkOUQRPOuEPKryBqrAJeQRwfn" width="229" height="303" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Now, we do treat ourselves to the occasional bag of Iceland Gold Collection Fudge (£1), but this Harrods version may have spoilt us for life …… it was crumbly, rich and ambrosial. It almost seemed wrong for a humble household such as ours to just chow on down on such delicacies  …….. but, somehow  …… we managed it! </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MKHxfqp3wFGo9IeirQ75UbaiYLlVVew3"><img title="IMG_5452" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5452" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FgrviPr_lWJ1sTPkHx2BSHrJq0SDs8nu" width="203" height="228" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1r016yE8IIbC5nehvsJCGZzrl35fGD0ma"><img title="IMG_5453" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5453" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VrGUesGWLjxgoWR0TtGfaVPmh683d__b" width="301" height="227" /></a></p> <p align="justify">And then, probably pièce de résistance, a very generous cylindrical box of Harrods cocoa dusted nuts of an almond type nature, we don’t have the words …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eHP5rxdm9DPXTqciYm35XVbX2f85eyZs"><img title="IMG_5455" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5455" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Icq-1yfFrGmfrHYULQkw-e6DVScf2SQG" width="192" height="228" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Wc9nEHcwByMpmnW9sGL681fPJL90RyfW"><img title="IMG_5454" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5454" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Pb3tnwT5v595llGZ7dkbV2Dc-hygU_iE" width="305" height="230" /></a></p> <p>Needless to say ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EkUU4KlfrKCZzvN69jbcfrB-4E9Y2SE5"><img title="IMG_5458" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5458" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OuJ3Jm3WsC9UBC2P4O4xOFjOYCRZC4m7" width="436" height="328" /></a> <p>…… with such a truly heartfelt and perfect gift ……..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LfJt3_zJTl5xEj3lplgggL6ncPn2eRGy"><img title="IMG_5461" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5461" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mCHL7Io04VM2-Eo-AquFgLMiLpqyy8oi" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Vl05Poze7JZitSb0vlj7hkW46MwR4hpe"><img title="IMG_5459" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5459" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V8DZW6PGalSP1Gl-q-R1aUilJPV9dgXn" width="348" height="242" /></a></p> <p>…… it was emotional, very, very emotional  ………</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BO46Ey1GE7V3lsLEeFFwBXL9Nm48hqOD"><img title="IMG_5464" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5464" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v-bxZvP8qZNMi-0V-uxkKtgqktCKVV4M" width="466" height="310" /></a> <p align="justify">……. but, we soldiered on, embracing all said pleasures  …… and as such, we start the New Year with just a few of said dusted nuts left to savour during one of our evenings of televisual viewing, film or programme to be decided!  Happy, happy days …… thank you sooooooo much Hugh, what can we say?  </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-90808738860578317762024-01-04T00:00:00.002+00:002024-01-04T00:00:00.314+00:00Holding Our Heads Above Water<p align="justify">Since yesterday, the river has risen at least another 4 feet and the water is racing past The Towers at a rate of knots ……</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnbijtIAMNr7o_C4IiU0AovjB8EO2i-uQB0swE5eSIuee1GP5ZqVsFaw63m6qHpjE81QPxCooJ-NQh48QJBg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p align="justify"><span style="text-align: left;">………… but we still continue to be out of harms way, despite our close proximity to said water.</span></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iXaaFgepfQoOrhdATHdZvRRNYf_HHtFm"><img alt="P1050056" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WXX2kYllIYYvoCGJ4sDAbcNMGrLPbJ4O" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050056" width="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18Y-lvrctDp1viqxUNPyqLk1LyyP5VO68"><img alt="P1050055" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c8PZtEirRej4YfN2S_x5U9JHSD4avD1e" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050055" width="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It would have to rise a good few feet more before we’d need to venture upstairs to ask our “neighbour” if we could seek refuge chez’im, along with several suitcases, a sofa, three beds, a dining table with six chairs, one or two lamps, ornaments and a picture or two!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k1S6GrSzOq39L7KNzLNnoOrbBB7g9stK"><img alt="P1050005" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uOesEr6z7x-2CpGAP74msDmErnMbdcMO" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050005" width="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ax-R7S_Koh4GHGrF0T4QRLFRaABnY06l"><img alt="P1050006" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o-M05lehB3hdiNddeEZfbMXr7G5TWWBq" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050006" width="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">As you can see, a now fully recovered (unsinged) Nigel ventured out a little gingerly, to find that the water had risen to the middle platform of our steps.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V7OC3WH8KZLRotca2VaPu6qWYcwz5lru"><img alt="P1050009" border="0" height="190" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kQ4NBucatZcMAi8SIaaL9cQI-s2cSmb_" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050009" width="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K0aFlrTWbbb2PQOmk_PMhxSjhfMVltIN"><img alt="P1050008" border="0" height="190" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mCgBgQyr888mSwOR77mOktvk8OBKVERq" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050008" width="306" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. with no sign of the footpath and hedges along it, the water now reaching almost to the top of the fence posts ……….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12qjwXoH3uoZ1hTzA4wXBHN1KDhH5dLj0"><img alt="P1050016" border="0" height="245" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15Y92iuvOEgA87vHRcjbhjeyqZtALXH6d" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050016" width="325" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ey7HfVD71HpfnCj9kI5RtRl6cVRC0x8U"><img alt="P1050022" border="0" height="244" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DcXYr7yfxCqiJVkmFu7vLWB9m8bCp9Wp" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050022" width="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">….. and trees that were once on the edge of the river bank seeming a million miles away.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ogXlWKF-Ttx6VRlStYzzyobZfkyEiy6V"><img alt="P1050023" border="0" height="363" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1O3wisQvmVG1A5IHipZgijxM9OFWNxJho" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050023" width="461" /></a></p> <p align="justify">On the caravan park, the caravans right on the river are now teetering on the very cusp ……..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13EOUTY_iw9QjrJ6to-65LdavudtgjED9"><img alt="thumbnail" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17HlZ14eDyFMIZAp0cU3OEZt5gAndW3xX" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="thumbnail" width="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q6GEYqvsSRTZNq35CAVvjHP8JdHNi8N3"><img alt="thumbnail (1)" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17czMuffDr3HCNznzHZwTtlQwzjxJRZ_j" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="thumbnail (1)" width="244" /></a></p> <p>…… and as for the tent seen floating past the marina???? We have so many questions! </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jG8xwd0wyN5S7hhXiNOdbmp7wIoXmNA9"><img alt="P1050033" border="0" height="185" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MlSOxkET-cN9wcY-F34ivZl_-FLfLbo3" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050033" width="279" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HJEYOUwEGVgm1eRFieyf2rGECbX7hPjr"><img alt="P1050021" border="0" height="186" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1u91QeQXMcxg_XnkE_1IhvuYglOup4UtH" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050021" width="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">As for “our” park, the scene of so much frivolity just two nights ago…….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WsRrcZ2_O9rM40MzlrpExaa34ThHp8k0"><img alt="P1050029" border="0" height="306" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Cor1StU6b5VSWr-qLdgSJwy3RxH0Ov8w" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050029" width="489" /></a></p> <p>…….. during our obligatory and tradition New Years Midnight walk …..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12tJgcfM4RP_zqKCOA7GGdc06dk6EamHy"><img alt="thumbnail" border="0" height="419" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1z8b_fdNP14akPB8bpm7YUouw16judrYP" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="thumbnail" width="557" /></a> <p align="justify">…… well, there’s no chance of playing hid and seek in the trees now, unless you’re all kitted out in frogman’s garb!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xsx_xkkcfMvg30Bx82oGuzNNC4luyo6u"><img alt="P1050026" border="0" height="168" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12QgUjp5sRQHRIoDHuQAbFtLvRRkERY-Q" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050026" width="316" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oyNGHaPtS2Ab2fQxVvh7IYEHvFTsuvWR"><img alt="P1050028" border="0" height="169" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18oZROgVQixOBkXmeH_q3-OlgTrfergyB" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050028" width="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">And, where we all sat on a bench, happily embracing the dunking of Hob Nobs in steaming hot chocolate without a care in the world ………..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hjweA0HH6scE_UuCdCAl941sM48MuDOj"><img alt="P1050035" border="0" height="201" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v0NMoFDZ0VfMaSMGvfIN_eiA716ibm8u" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050035" width="267" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eNx2EOfUjqrlnQZXdl1qP0W_RjZbnO6u"><img alt="P1050036" border="0" height="202" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1btZEw8ZBpIsDXTTP6gNDAEdHyWBENSq2" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="P1050036" width="268" /></a></p> <p>……’tis now the playground of ducks! </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rkqa1GyQlDYpzRMtySkyqr1i0fLIu-6E"><img alt="P1050032" border="0" height="343" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GutWp-6aeWz4KwItH9B__5MtkgyUqQ0n" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1050032" width="486" /></a> <p align="justify">Hopefully, by tomorrow, it will have ebbed a little and be a little less tempest tossed, but rest assured, as and when, you’ll all be the first to to know of any further developments ……… but fingers crossed, we won’t have been forced into becoming strange bedfellows with those above!!!!!</p> <p align="justify"><font color="#000000"><strong>THANK YOU JAN THE FAN ………. brilliant pictures eh, even though it’s now very obvious that Nigel needs a bit of a trim!</strong></font></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-46754708439844571302024-01-03T00:00:00.007+00:002024-01-03T00:00:00.129+00:00The Tide Is High ……….<p>Oh my goodness …………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1M76hY9Hf7Dp2KcPH5clIaCrwamlO0MCF"><img title="IMG_0083" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0083" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CKAHIQ1HkqLq0Jz3QC3tVfU6Vr-nihI9" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AXgYBjwsWoX8RVGItMKbgiwtGg1zecvE"><img title="IMG_0084" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0084" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Huo9Hioj4bORu1zaPyi5vmkeyNVrXUjo" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>……. as you can see, we’re having a very damp start to 2024 ………..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1M7kVIYINwQZoWdR_HXTs8pHqxnHQhe3p"><img title="IMG_0089" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0089" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oLlV3bMSjA2_ZdzhFxTL08DHMZxSyEbA" width="323" height="246" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15XsmUusVIXbL_y8NcXG3MPQK31-P9rV7"><img title="IMG_0090" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0090" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XT2vIRTl1uW1mdcaDGe0NRmVBuDOFGhS" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……… the river (Avon) is high, having reached the bottom of our steps leading to the footpath ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q9fYs_yFFAdJNyUioumoVHbWDkNbmClV"><img title="Picture1" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Picture1" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yoUGTs6yo7DCjJsdKJf1zyfgMu4pp3Du" width="467" height="351" /></a> <p>……. so obviously we are on river watch.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vdqOmJHckIzNEA4o5PabXMyqwZV6RZ3B"><img title="IMG_0091" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0091" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vo9OmsGfvKNoNRGp6Z9cc8x5cRncZIcM" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QEqsMv3t1bvW4KWNh-GppzOUBtl7qSOh"><img title="IMG_0092" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0092" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yeW365NSD2_rm-6G0ppKv83RP1Wa3Eg8" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>We really don’t want much more rain …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PHZcjIa6Y4sjSvM1QdiZjPbf_8gIEiVu"><img title="IMG_0086" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0086" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tBpyByp3wsHnj0JCVOk6RP9Zm8sMcUsD" width="455" height="342" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…….. however, The Towers is at the top of a very steep bank and if the water did get to the top of it (a once in a hundred years risk),  the whole of Evesham and for that matter Worcester, would be in very serious trouble, but, for the moment, we have an ample supply of sandbags if needed.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uSbOoGjGa_FY7vty3uaAUcuwIwBXzZiA"><img title="Picture2" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Picture2" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_vuxWCtXtTunqanbrLWpwz9H06TNtYP9" width="468" height="352" /></a> <p align="center"><font color="#800080">Picture :- </font><a title="https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/" href="https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/"><font color="#800080">https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xaEDfzdiPgqlMNR2gmJTeswVdL9LcfxO"><img title="IMG_0094" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0094" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lKmBwDCunzwitWs_d7A9V1qICO-taiN6" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MDS13QShj4nxMK31BoG70MVyj6-U7ghw"><img title="IMG_0088" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0088" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K3LR2V8fq2eFDIHmu6YcI5RQEg7HEWOA" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">If it gets much higher, I think that the marina may have to move some of its ships into the basin, although looking at the pictures of our park, the river has already breeched the caravan park across the way.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZFLroB4qqI3UflaSRDmboF3WkYoVjD0D"><img title="Picture3" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Picture3" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1b3CvvG37KUZFLYLuqUkR9NaXUYQVeLE9" width="345" height="459" /></a> <p align="center"><font color="#800080">Picture :- </font><a title="https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/" href="https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/"><font color="#800080">https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/</font></a></p> <p align="justify">……. and no doubt, if the rain continues, our garden will be the scene of much serious debate of a Network Rail type nature, to see if the railway bridge needs to be closed should the water rise above it’s central island.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aXLRDP8slnr7PIRNA4_vWaW_Tyqr5X0q"><img title="thumbnail (3)" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="thumbnail (3)" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ipJklGmXAAoeXTPlbpzoWJVCpK0GZ98j" width="495" height="280" /></a> <p align="center"><font color="#800080">Picture :- </font><a title="https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/" href="https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/"><font color="#800080">https://www.facebook.com/SimonBrainPhotography/</font></a></p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uJGCW_K4gGDn90ax5ZzyXvJicff8IqR1"><img title="IMG_0087" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0087" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n4uOfXUK_I7qMFMf-knyVNF9XqqCmk-u" width="476" height="358" /></a> <p align="justify">Needless to say, we’ll keep you informed of all developments, but for the moment, I think we are pretty OK, although we won’t be venturing too far while it’s so wet and murky! </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-44416769348761003552024-01-02T00:00:00.003+00:002024-01-02T00:00:00.284+00:00New Year Sleepover ......... The Aftermath …….<p align="justify">Well, we’ve finally got it together after another glorious New Years Sleepover with our beloved niece and nephew, it was a triumph in every sense of the word,  but sadly, now ……. the party's over, although, no one’s burst our balloons!  </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cQBCw-OPUiXOgJJz60sXl1R9i2AWVZiF"><img title="IMG_0078" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0078" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AjW-LZNc0gcauduew6PRDRqlbT_OFWy4" width="424" height="319" /></a></p> <p> However, the was one …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IMQbO_nLZgc-QYEMsddrcE7EZZ_MxtYC"><img title="IMG_0059" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0059" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1w7F3Z15BHZCpBFDzscg2J7eHdFDjE1Jf" width="328" height="243" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12T9mTSFFGNuxqDBnzp1R_zRiTGpBzCjr"><img title="IMG_0060" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0060" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nhqn7QLV-2FISF9Ar5c2GPV2Z1W4_Hog" width="205" height="244" /></a></p> <p><em>…….. </em>minor casualty ……….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-DdjJfrhxokR3CkLH_WvIaECmeDU7xr6"><img title="IMG_0061" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0061" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hOq_7vphY5OScfXkErNJiDZHG69Sh35J" width="202" height="173" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_dJZx3T8yyDpWvCI1HnaSjJ3ttvqihyC"><img title="IMG_0063" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0063" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VWCPTTM6i5uOISGfm7rqJBHNUdBxDPP-" width="294" height="173" /></a></p> <p>……. poor uncle Nigel! </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BSkung3CoWatEmuxpQdIypNEJ7mIB6EP"><img title="IMG_0047" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0047" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1H2LTbyXRg0Hf12bKWuKf01kNaIxI1wdT" width="428" height="312" /></a></p> <p align="justify">We couldn’t have wished for a more wonderful and perfect (6.30pm) Midnight Walk (especially after last years was a total wash out when rain stopped play) which included, for the first time ever, (drum roll), mini flashing balls in place of glowsticks to pave our way to the park and then, as we gathered them back up, guide us home, <em>as well</em> as several packets of sparklers  …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10bG1cic5JBHobmgq2gBtL0YXNGo_VwK-"><img title="IMG_0055" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0055" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14qwPt-qQf-V1ErPC4N3NTQdXym_sJXqK" width="294" height="242" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MYDwuwll0-rfSqiQ9FhBXQHblWK1rjtl"><img title="IMG_0057" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0057" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-NthTFBVjf8LMcu0-m_OVItGiqzGcQND" width="234" height="244" /></a></p> <p>……. the squeals of delight were magical ……. </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bhhxrZiw3TvLaWBNv_S7GHTNS4EQk-Ja"><img title="IMG_0058" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0058" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FjuHd1DI-ZssJCXgmxies3poIfd_c_l_" width="466" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. as well as, obviously, emotional.  As the last sparkler petered out, Nigel suggested we place an aforementioned flashing ball on each of the fence posts in the garden to help flash in the new year …….. it looked lovely, even if “him what oft finds fault”, complained that such an unfettered and abundant unsolicited “runway” could confuse low flying airplanes in the vicinity…… with disastrous consequences!</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NtEGqwROoPp7BW6TK9GVgZKWXKeTeNx_"><img title="IMG_0052" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0052" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=102Ae-QQvxwL3cGZ-sT4UDkP3p5D44i2U" width="473" height="356" /></a></p> <p>Then as the last light was laid …….</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n8D8E-CPD_9dX2RSVv7Sik-BBcju-9qM"><img title="IMG_0054" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0054" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-jDBOATBV3JbGyYstZy0imZDfixS9VAj" width="478" height="332" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. poor Uncle Nigel went a*** over t** on the slippery, wet, sodden ground ……</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s6TitZSV-JOkLaKweakmcsuPU2u8-vu0"><img title="IMG_0064" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0064" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LbGC8tWbrXnm66MT8cP3MlrUKfk5HYVy" width="489" height="368" /></a> <p align="justify">……. fortunately, no bones were broken, just a pair of very muddy knees and a nose to match, but as little fella so philosophically said, his tumble simply added to the romance and memories of a truly epic evening, he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18IV2Jh0mFhk5uGRJnJWMh1l4jbGH3G5d"><img title="IMG_0068" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0068" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18bkK3-8PwJlDSq-GUUbXLrCbEmwwf4uK" width="236" height="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14iBVk725zZQB9UDl66-3HKu5vzH7WL-3"><img title="IMG_0075" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0075" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pTT6leNJCGPXM40_hD7v2Mvi94YMowD-" width="239" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">This “adventure” lead to our tradition, crazy foam bath, being brought forward from the morning to the evening, to help facilitate the cleaning up of Unc Nige ………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10b26rKjlDFM_YaSfUd16mBKFqOB4feld"><img title="IMG_0073" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0073" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12Co8-UjstGhhn97gDvjaDJuwZnTbxB3e" width="272" height="243" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14CgRt3In9YZYGSs4l9d-LhRwAEhWKZFN"><img title="IMG_0077" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0077" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pDpyWnY-rd8_mTksiRxs2onxGY87dPX2" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. including a seat of your pants, facsimile, wasp nest construction competition, which was diplomatically declared to be just too tight to call …… so the Milky Bar prizes were on me! </p> <p align="center"><font color="#800080" size="5"><strong>HAPPY DAYS OF HOPEFULLY A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL 2024</strong></font></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-36614497153426051122024-01-01T00:00:00.004+00:002024-01-01T00:00:00.416+00:00Happy New Year ……. It’s 2024<p align="justify">Our apologies, we’re a little tied up at the moment partying on down with our beloved Iris and Bertie for our traditional New Years sleepover. Let’s just say, that though our heads may be aching just a tad, we’re very happily exhausted and promise to bring you pictures etc. in the next day or so, <em>once</em> we <em>and</em> The Towers have returned to a tidier, quieter, more normal and gentler footing.</p> <p align="center"><font size="7"><strong><font color="#00ff00">H</font><font color="#0000ff">A</font><font color="#ffc000">P</font><font color="#ff0000">P</font><font color="#ff0080">Y</font> <font color="#8080ff">N</font><font color="#008080">E</font><font color="#0000ff">W</font> <font color="#00ff00">Y</font><font color="#f79646">E</font><font color="#8000ff">A</font><font color="#ff80ff">R</font> </strong></font></p> <p align="justify">However …….. in the meantime, may we bestow upon you a snippet of import with which to start 2024 ….. either with a bang <em>or</em> damp squib …… it’s for you to decide…….. </p> <a href="http://www.OpenLiveWriter.org"><img alt="skynews-olly-alexander-mtv-europe-music-awards_6395462" border="0" height="490" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K-GOWqYwCBPkYBe8HZ411xc1sMbKvWTa" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="skynews-olly-alexander-mtv-europe-music-awards_6395462" width="342" /></a> <p align="center">Picture :- <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/years-years-olly-alexander-named-as-the-uks-eurovision-song-contest-entrant-13032329" title="https://news.sky.com/story/years-years-olly-alexander-named-as-the-uks-eurovision-song-contest-entrant-13032329">https://news.sky.com/story/years-years-olly-alexander-named-as-the-uks-eurovision-song-contest-entrant-13032329</a></p> <p align="justify">To wit, bit of a drum roll , (we know it was announced at the Strictly final, but as we’ve gone off the programme a bit, we’d missed it, <em>so</em> it’s is new news to us) ……. Olly Alexander (no, not us either) is to fly the flag for the UK in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malo, Sweden, on Saturday 11th May 2024, our most favouritist televisual event of the year. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jm_qAt4bD2sKskT72kH6I47hjE8KRBt0"><img alt="ESC United By Music" border="0" height="278" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tuTL9um1S5g2Qtvo7CIfpcwbLh9vZi61" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ESC United By Music" width="492" /></a> <p>When our heads are clearer, trust us, we will bring you all the math and our considered opinion.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67731243" title="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67731243">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67731243</a></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-83645287527209796972023-12-31T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-31T00:00:00.350+00:00Our New Years Eve Preparations<p align="justify">Well, we’re not going to found wanting for our traditional Iris and Bertie New Years Sleepover ………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c6JAIMpBvrdsjJa5OUuWQ2Jr7MzZngZ2"><img title="IMG_0005" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0005" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1i6FqrkPFDQ9YPlmCaeocIH9pir-pY0N1" width="244" height="267" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YU4EICFGKnl6J3rZHoVe0JC0i4xuD9gh"><img title="IMG_0006" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0006" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ktumiP-gKXFelLhHQz7CmM57_s2Arusn" width="202" height="268" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Darrell and Nigel have been honing their balloon modelling skills like there’s no tomorrow  …….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iF-G62MUzemSOmsavlIOz1LV508pU5j5"><img title="IMG_0008" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0008" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17Eb7eNhRzud0fvJiITMHbe7cQKn7pyKw" width="354" height="388" /></a> <p align="justify">……. as long as our beloved niece and nephew only ask for swords, we’ll be quids in!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VpvPVyh7SZiQKQXaA9MIoXCY5evv3lN-"><img title="IMG_0010" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0010" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PWpMeDNbv6KoukznxUmpltr82j-hMEtx" width="257" height="194" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ci7_m_YL9J_Wb_e3gVune8Qkj7-f7q5F"><img title="IMG_0011" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0011" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19gq3DxWEAKTiuSo1WIr31xcb1CF290fL" width="244" height="194" /></a></p> <p align="justify">A Chinese feast was ordered last week (a final hurrah to calories, before our new health regime kicks in) as our Chinese eatery of choice (The River Avon) will be turning off their phones early tonight, otherwise, they say, the ringing will never stops and there are only so many meals they can cater for, as well as keeping their restaurant running smoothly.   Lu is poised, like a panther in wait, to collect at 5.30 sharp!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CRppMu2X0xENRz0I7uQETdl7s89boHiC"><img title="IMG_0012" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iWrUT9kH094xHb8ONkUTq8XeWUekQIgp" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10QeqakP_gSyj6gTykOSykjQv7rYiHqb4"><img title="IMG_0013" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0013" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16IVLEQziGCMJevCvEnEd3uDH71eG86LQ" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">“Bertie’s Cocktail Bar” is ready to open, with a new basket of goodies waiting for the maestro to work his magic, coming up with all manner of <em>innovative</em> and <em>interesting</em> concoctions to end 2023 in the style he’s entertained us with throughout the past year ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JgI6Wto6k6ol0SnkAG7DnYW7HuWJ9xAM"><img title="IMG_0014" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0014" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_qT6yBXdsYabbWwLmzfUN2oNy-BbwNnC" width="464" height="349" /></a> <p align="justify">….. and then, as midnight approaches, with a bang, as we enter a hopefully, very happy and adventure packed 2024.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xUAx_JlRPL0-dF2dK2qU-OWOpJwCP0WO"><img title="IMG_0015" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0015" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MltjT0cuzMURn5vOH9ys6LcyzHwbpANc" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c__KXh90x9GbzGPuJ_LU5_WZPeQtFTRG"><img title="IMG_0017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0017" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10D77XMEx1mlnob2aQFo_roc6ehzUkifZ" width="279" height="183" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Nigel is in charge of the celebratory “Pic n Mix”, to accompany our last film of choice of the year.  He is doubly excited as he can’t wait to see Iris and Bertie’s faces when they see the new gum ball machine he found in a charity shop in Worcester for just £1.50, it’s brilliant!  </p> <p align="justify">Stockings have been hung </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yDGjdGroErusmFKAsSE1BqhNWPsmf9lt"><img title="IMG_0020" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0020" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cDzJ5DHjccwXV7Y5j7HD8zAxQ1t5r4cz" width="422" height="333" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…… with a few presents put aside especially for the night, the bubble machine will be blowing akimbo and there will be mini flashing balls to be scattered along the route of our much anticipated spooky midnight walk (usually at around seven o’clock, weather permitting) with a flask of hot chocolate ………  and perhaps even a few sparklers ………..</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YOtHKK3NysJA8R5_GAN4syjN3TYHeGyt"><img title="IMG_0018" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_0018" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rxFzQpC9iYJdXEBI1aET1UVw7QCGHGyK" width="450" height="292" /></a></p> <p>It’s the most wonderful way to end the year, bring it on …….</p> <p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3" size="5"><strong>A Very Happy New Year to you all …….. Hopefully, we’ll see you on the other side …… in 2024.</strong></font></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-60114014219895703142023-12-30T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-30T12:19:03.340+00:00Honorary Hungarians Of A Festive Type Of Nature<p align="justify"><strong><em>Please be warned, this post contains a mahooooooooosive faux pas in our usually flawless continuity! Our apologies to the more purist of our readers, especially our much loved Mr D, in wonderful and romantic Mexico, who will no doubt spot our error within seconds!!!!! What can we say, except, on this occassion, we’ve been found seriously wanting!</em></strong></p> <p align="justify">On Christmas Eve we became seriously, honorary Hungarians, coming to the festive aid of Kata, our beloved neighbour across the hallway.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YwuR3YWNwsH3H5TXp9sCDwhZ4SSxPps1"><img title="IMG_5467" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5467" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1D9oA45yKz0d4fzbHPEQurF9Qfik2oR6y" width="273" height="215" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tjn0QGZKOOgaIh_EtqFjcwCW3N45yMym"><img title="IMG_5466" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5466" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11ccjQpLzzOeEWjH6Xe3KPVI6ftmKeqnT" width="243" height="214" /></a></p> <p align="justify">In Kata’s “family”, the tradition is, that while the family are out on Christmas Eve (in this instance, Laci, her husband, taking their little boy to see the Christmas lights <em>and</em> Kata supposedly “just nipping up to Lidl”), the angel would come, leaving a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with presents carefully arranged under it …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rY1eXgDL5Du97KAH6yP6GtXArous-Xlg"><img title="IMG_5469" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5469" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ippVTPENf3l79LADY9qgRvS89mcl1H6U" width="479" height="360" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. <em>and</em> we had just half an hour in which to “create the magic” ……… </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jxVRM8rHRoiCUtk7WgAaD6gDJfCLgSCr"><img title="IMG_5470" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5470" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WkoYpXuNLwf6Cwm29WUymjzRhRpmAuGL" width="287" height="216" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1u_QBIV46isvKCp6un6-zJQjy_ARe5KlG"><img title="IMG_5472" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5472" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HCihdHOTouIQTvu3s7K7KLSVLLBXDHmt" width="288" height="217" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Darrell got all of Krisztian’s presents from our bathroom, where we’d been harbouring them in the bath for the past few weeks, but fear not, we were still able to use the “spare” ensuite shower in the meantime, so our festive hygiene was in no way compromised by such guardianship.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12nRE9Lw16DK945xqmIq_J5KGC7y-wF0o"><img title="IMG_5473" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5473" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nvRYCw83HUOWFamTU2df_lYd57uYcG5c" width="219" height="243" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wNUytc6pwP6Oeb7tWboq3FTAYkXF46LI"><img title="IMG_5474" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5474" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12Jok8UOm_6JkOzkJKcxNVqXtWZU5qWPi" width="308" height="243" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Once the tree was released, unfettered from it’s netting, the lights were quickly added, followed by all the baubles, some from actual, real life Hungary and Kata’s childhood.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LNgTbuyJCn_rCdCPBEek243sbjrAueYi"><img title="IMG_5476" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5476" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16E93vJIF5C64lynfYYCX8YhfZNSmuafh" width="261" height="197" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mwceo6ppoi0X1Z0BS3-aL3L6H6GQk144"><img title="IMG_5475" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5475" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DjRh8JrxGdUfooofLBTYpeaWvhIas2Em" width="268" height="246" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Naturally, Darrell wanted to primp, fuss and twiddle with said baubles to give perfect balance and symmetry ………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19MtSOuXG_Z6XKJySvw78fY0udlvnPAdS"><img title="IMG_5483" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5483" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12b0CKpfgr0PDOFY03W8q60wzrAp4M-pU" width="317" height="239" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WM8qcNfrDlzk4EquWYIm6HLeSoRT2L7I"><img title="IMG_5477" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5477" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FxwLlbvouvMWeDYZTiqBkXfb0sZvL-Ot" width="244" height="240" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…… but when the immanent coming of an angel is involved, <em>time</em> is of the essence.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qfiyaAmtRdq8K3PTPggmflUtJE1Ei9eS"><img title="IMG_5485" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5485" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11iGlBmIkk_A2yVQNROvAbYBP0V6pkrsd" width="204" height="298" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KnB0z0CizjldeJJc4ZPneotFulyBpFff"><img title="IMG_5486" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5486" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1e1ucmlOFW_sdYpK5DmZoz9vuph7aq0yK" width="321" height="299" /></a></p> <p align="justify">However, I still think we gave a most excellent account of ourselves, it was indeed magical, especially for a small boy, with dreams of a mountain of Hot Wheel cars.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zsNdorf6gV9byM6KCaI7fLO3ol7mFDwB"><img title="IMG_5480" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5480" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cLMTOb_BQ0y6qmcDONiZeU-nQKySn1Qq" width="312" height="227" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OwyCHwI_dXI54f2EDVTm0e5qkz7iHfS2"><img title="IMG_5477" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5477" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rs8-o4azfvWV1DJFX6SwZE8xsSQ69wGa" width="232" height="228" /></a>   </p> <p align="justify">We were left with just enough time for Kata to quickly place a piece of traditional poppy seed and walnut roll in our hands (the poppy seed, symbolizing richness and good health and the walnuts to protect us against bad luck), before hurrying us out of the door, as the return of Krisztian and his dad was all but seconds away <em>and</em> we were not to be seen.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oBMw6dHtY5K64X7de_G0i8rtkydrhSHA"><img title="IMG_5479" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5479" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1d7_yVokk02qye5kqAj5RjD7EgGJ-8ZFi" width="509" height="444" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Let’s just say ……… it was emotional …… and made us soooooooo glad that for our own Christmas Eve, all we had to do was just put a tray out for Santa, leave some carrots for the reindeer and then go to bed ……… knowing that he would do the rest!    </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-33583354414744659192023-12-29T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-30T13:37:33.079+00:00A New Year Top Tip ……<p align="justify">With our traditional, annual Iris and Bertie New Year’s sleepover, there won’t really be time for us to be partaking in any first footing, however, if you are, <em>but</em> your coal is looking a touch on the lacklustre side ……</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TFILDN4x7v1C_QHvakkaxgmaNMVEzn-S"><img title="IMG_5315" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5315" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17FyBsg_J8mlmIhgqT-Ir5P6F_blzOSzD" width="450" height="338" /></a> <p align="justify">……. look what Nigel has found, so that your aforementioned coal won’t be found wanting in the presentation stakes, on the cusp of a brand new year.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1j8kNjGOqOiwdELFc3IDdLHUT2ytVrIsZ"><img title="IMG_5316" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5316" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bOhRyvsFTEsWKi5cNVLqWgfSjG4UzK2Q" width="416" height="553" /></a> <p align="justify">Who knew there was such a thing as coal paint <em>and</em> then trust Nigel to find it!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gih4HXm6xfxVOg0tw_LeFBDlZkypp5dM"><img title="IMG_5314" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5314" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v27uSMiW80QVPLSOw7l_fB-g00ne7QFt" width="430" height="324" /></a> <p align="justify">This could be a New Years Eve/First Footing dull and dusty coal predicament game changer! What are we like? </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-24424726825390422812023-12-28T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-28T00:00:00.129+00:00Well, We’ve Scratched ……..<p align="justify">Well, we’ve scratched with an expectant and unfettered hope in our hearts like there’s no tomorrow …… using lucky old pennies, 2p coins, the blade of a knife, a nail file, even our fingernails ……</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1P1J59wSVcera-zYAq6Vvml3tKUgjDmjh"><img title="IMG_5350" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5350" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1adbYGE6ZbiYuuaMuzX27u65wqoRPECT-" width="330" height="490" /></a> <p align="justify">…… however, sadly we won’t be ending 2023 and starting 2024 in the style in which we would very much like to become everso slightly, but not too life changingly accustomed too ……</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1t8IM1Rqifh-6ss8COll6CNUcu4NApvwh"><img title="IMG_5351" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5351" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14yrZKOmWJauIdFOKCT5agYRDaR_XDKBN" width="240" height="318" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JMj2lrvIq-uh4_uRm3h4RptqpU56Nb1-"><img title="IMG_5352" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5352" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kdWBYu4k_q7vzp0iDCy35jYbA88Q9ktJ" width="232" height="318" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. but a HUGE “thank you” to our beloved No. 1 Fan, Jan the Fan for bringing us so much expectation and optimism every single morning of Advent.  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OLPBhhrDiyhefG-1KWmrTm0bAKSnEb5u"><img title="IMG_5353" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5353" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15yNn6W-vmT5Iy64V6Pb5v-8fOQogmJaP" width="364" height="485" /></a> <p align="justify">It’s been a wonderful, as well as emotional, rollercoaster of dreams, but on this occassion and this card, sadly no prize has been won to warrant our dashing up to town to claim …… another day perhaps, when we get that feeling in our water that maybe, this time, lady luck will be smiling down on us!</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-6770572653551538552023-12-27T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-27T00:00:00.151+00:00Wonderful Presents From Paula & Louise in Romantic Plymouth<p align="justify">Christmas morning can sometimes be a bit full on, so we like to keep a few presents under our festive branches for the evening, when we’ve calmed down a little and resting our tummies after yet another of Darrell’s triumphant Michelin Star worthy Christmas dinners, which was once again was too fabbbbbuuuuuulous for words!!!!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1h1MR_HV7Xbu1OOZMshaYFfYwusyloCDn"><img title="IMG_5336" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5336" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yP4R7JxuxIagL6VE4UDgaIZz9QzX5Uw2" width="358" height="422" /></a></p> <p align="justify">So when the last plate, bowl, knife and fork had been carefully put away, it was time to open our presents from our lovely friends, mother and daughter combo, Paula and Louise in romantic Plymouth.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GWJA6dvjy0E45TnIoTspg48VQ-hDGJQE"><img title="IMG_5337" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5337" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HXnD0m2ngvI3EEpS1_B6WFHg1dBcuRs4" width="180" height="136" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TQOK19CBTHGZf5takXd6yM_B_X13oHDx"><img title="IMG_5338" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5338" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kXanvLgAD2tHNV_fSXd7eSyo1r0KCBjG" width="338" height="138" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Their card made us laugh ……. with it’s strong hedgehog reference,  the little creatures seem to be haunting us at the moment, <em>but</em> not of course, of a spooky, late, great Derek Acorah (RIP) “haunted” type way.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KaZmPMJ3Cbi0ClHZ05DkzPDvnHlaGHmu"><img title="IMG_5339" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5339" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pkWQ8edthQ9BDJrIPweP8EH4u_UCm2pb" width="272" height="213" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cEZsuUQgFph4ZKOJJoPvF95DO81o_nC_"><img title="IMG_5340" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5340" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15PcFpL72nDxiEqahN2hatHoJIKoMvfFi" width="230" height="213" /></a></p> <p align="justify">For Darrell there was a light up house tin, containing hot chocolate, a very welcome gift, taking in all the full on, festive, hot chocolate he’s been making of an evening, complete with a cheeky shot of Bailey’s, a mountain of squirty cream, candy canes and enough sprinkles to sink a battle ship! We’d very nearly run out of said hot drink, so thank you sooooooo much xxxx</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vvuRFvdUgIp4S1EeuRHh_3rOdCr3uyI8"><img title="IMG_5341" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5341" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nTuiApn2T0f9noxwMl0lz61E-LU2EplQ" width="198" height="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wwsRgrxdyLLXHyx6BP584-i1daK0tTT_"><img title="IMG_5342" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5342" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fXhiQLt37waYkQDZ6UiedpPS5T7ZQf4E" width="275" height="245" /></a></p> <p align="justify">For Nigel ……. there was …… <em>only</em> a box of limited edition Gin and Tonic After Eight Mints!  How these have flown under our new and different confectionary radar, goodness only knows, but you can now bet that before the festivities are over, one of our world famous confectionary reviews will be in the offing!  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GqNj6oRIUtMeOmAkbVv8ny5RO08Suox_"><img title="IMG_5344" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5344" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PeXzI6Jv9oY8slsXI5ns-3hevOGk6RH3" width="250" height="205" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SubA9Ke-1l07q16Xc58Gzwpr-C74p5_7"><img title="IMG_5345" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5345" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TRFffwZvHgmepgSWpnqqlLUJUhaIVZqK" width="244" height="205" /></a></p> <p align="justify">And for me …… there was an exquisite, jewel encrusted musical box, containing the most beautiful and delicious smelling soap……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MjyewVUh3T6Yxsek5CwwUPtFGg4i_Vme"><img title="IMG_5346" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5346" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1l6gI57oZPhKhERxXoIDnW6f_sLG9mSss" width="492" height="472" /></a> <p align="justify">…… and as you all know, we very much love a fragrant soap to help keep us in tip top aromatic condition!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DC6ASaZI_QVCzNOPTa98-fUvFCiTvQqU"><img title="IMG_5348" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5348" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KkMsbWMHcXnTh5OCZGIpx15Jy1-Eaqxk" width="446" height="323" /></a> <p align="justify">It was all rather emotional, realising just how well Paula and Louise know each of our little <strike>penguins</strike> <strike>peculiarities</strike> <strike>perpendiculars</strike> peccadillos. What can we say, thank you doesn’t seem enough …….. but </p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000a0" size="6">XX Thank You SO SO Much XX</font></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-52365535218444926002023-12-26T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-26T00:00:00.254+00:00Pulling Out All The Stops Of A Debonair Knitted Type Nature ……… On Boxing Day <p>Have we <em>EVER</em> looked quite <em>this</em> handsome?</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16CPVuSp7neQpXVUhJF4XQ_lJi7dOVqUc"><img title="IMG_5326" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5326" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XuSr39yUznFU9Pa8I-qcyLRZuSgUd24q" width="434" height="355" /></a> <p align="justify">Let’s just say that once we’d managed to compose ourselves after unwrapping our beloved No. 1 Fan, Jan the Fans presents on Christmas morning ……….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1F-PTERaBgpBPFYedftArjI3VOIwSkdv9"><img title="IMG_5335" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5335" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vKpwcBToOT33eHbsKY15HdMz9AhQieOK" width="478" height="348" /></a> <p>……. there had to be the grand try on ………</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GPkvnzC_tR9_gVYo0WrAPMVfrShZsoRl"><img title="IMG_5327" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5327" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1INLJ6snWpKioeqgaxcSjqxk4uJpR_3Vq" width="204" height="277" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Hel7XgW_EDIHlCgoFSUQrHYPJ4zqOMYF"><img title="IMG_5332" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5332" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o7-g5uy1Qpi0p-71As1blO9CqKchkmog" width="216" height="275" /></a></p> <p>……. and impromptu photo shoot.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rgyxIt7NGbi0JHPg8XQbtVLbdtMqo3hg"><img title="IMG_5333" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5333" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=164TxnRajWgLVcxcpy4FX16s24T6L5_dJ" width="346" height="349" /></a> <p>I think there can be no doubt that we rocked it …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1THlf0VTivunpbVyrrYW8PaOOvPk9ASqX"><img title="IMG_5328" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5328" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DaLk0hj381idsXtqlLm0KCSptj-aguoF" width="260" height="275" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RvVl29dYMlMrjUMA5fO9nDoLLh2q0Ouc"><img title="IMG_5329" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5329" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K6D_nQPZXmRZGqRXMSc1gPBPVkXMIvrN" width="231" height="275" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. and never has the title “Mr Knitting Pattern Model of the Year” been more apt and suitable for each one of us.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ChSEM8phpYapXDHXdcjUVz6dkajMtKt1"><img title="IMG_5330" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5330" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10_GDLrS4tz5AuNcaeDrZZ7U-2J2KwPWP" width="254" height="274" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1acIxFg95UpnUjQYcBhh4Y9iXkaoy6I_h"><img title="IMG_5331" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5331" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WSIgEcKrCEUac0kXjtV_4g8VyMRhucgA" width="259" height="274" /></a></p> <p align="justify">We look gorrrrrrrrrrgeous! When Gucci, Dior or Paco Rabane get a whiff of these pictures, they’ll all be fighting to put our faces/bodies on next years Christmas perfume adverts, you mark my words! Darrell is certain that fame and fortune is just around the corner after all these years………. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16nmCSXUVYxNAcQaEMh7DOpjcjX8UFzGu"><img title="IMG_5334" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5334" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QzpqcIJ9U2Vcc4g6N12r5dIMW1on4wDg" width="490" height="403" /></a> <p align="justify">……. and it’ll all be down to Jan the Fan ……… who we’ll never forget and will always be grateful to, even when the jet set lifestyle becomes our new norm!  What are we like?</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-25493650008342309212023-12-25T00:00:00.020+00:002023-12-25T00:00:00.144+00:00It’s Christmas Day ……. And .......Yes ........ He’s Been!<p align="justify">Oh my goodness, Nigel stirred at around four o’clock this morning, it was hard, but Darrell and I both gently persuaded him to try and go back to sleep for a little while longer, <em>just in case</em> Santa had been delayed for some reason ……. he lasted until half past five and then …. that was it …….. and yes, <em><strong>he’d</strong></em> been!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ax8qUbba6Y_pTvC4PIecEo-He-evxV21"><img alt="DSC05191" border="0" height="204" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jPGGI3n5XQMBvM0SWyd5KZDobnWcTTSl" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="DSC05191" width="271" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SESLWmopXHteixAHsBgSPUb2zghW2ygj"><img alt="DSC05193" border="0" height="203" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Jpv7uhK__YAvJaHwhKQRI52OwWrIIyqj" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="DSC05193" width="269" /></a></p> <p align="justify">At the end of the bed we found the wonderous new camera we’d asked him for, so that we can continue to record all our adventures in the new year and beyond, it was …….. emotional!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jut9uft2CLoHarb0ddDMLLXI0Aep-w1j"><img alt="DSC05190" border="0" height="371" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=172QFFp4yDmep-iqzbkBtfOGtFamVXyCj" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05190" width="493" /></a> <p align="justify">There was also a mahooosive box of our very most favouritist posh chocolates, as our comestible wish. Let’s just say Christmas night is going to be a pretty nomtastic occassion, with big choices to be made re: centres …….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=122x_Mwtjw77l6JFX-0XFoXyGQQ303UkJ"><img alt="DSC05195" border="0" height="412" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ry-5N5p_rgT8nQuzIlk_TCbwZDRcZeb6" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05195" width="464" /></a> <p align="justify">…… to be washed down with a cheeky, little Cherry B cocktail (a la Darrell), our festive quaff of choice, Santa knows us sooooo, sooooo well. We were overcome, goodness knows how he does it, but he always gets it soooooo right. He’s a very special man!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1brKeRZH-AYWKrSCES7pC9tOpWUMO0bIy"><img alt="DSC05196" border="0" height="400" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1l-tzUH8rx0Y4VsNozDfr0wprMGm-KGDF" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05196" width="501" /></a> <p align="justify">And then, there was the parcel from Jan the Fan, we were already emotional by this stage, but somehow managing to hold it in, but I’m afraid that what was concealed within its festive wrappings, finally opened the floodgates.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JGiV60VnLjK4q9JqdUEyQFav1cDmfn6J"><img alt="DSC05197" border="0" height="345" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16QpsRndBwAbZ03jLOSumZ8j-lyPyEOXl" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05197" width="459" /></a> <p align="justify">Inside were three packages, one for each of us, with a poem on the front to help identify the recipient ……. can you imagine?</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ICq5nlhtYKDeNLn6C42tq822Y3j1U9Bl"><img alt="DSC05199" border="0" height="362" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wgcuN-ILsY-Blm0tq9bk_a13jFheaY0_" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05199" width="481" /></a> <p align="justify">I have a feeling that Jan the Fan must know all our little foibles and peccadillos almost as well as Santa ……</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14Bwe7IkDvFYPzTBOCb7Wyo2c1oW_5TOm"><img alt="DSC05200" border="0" height="353" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1USwqAosLlaO8-fa8gdYeuqZKscZcVUGB" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05200" width="469" /></a> <p>…… she got us all to a tee …..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OhM4hfKqinV487fphQ7WOECYheW_sj2V"><img alt="DSC05202" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Nak9TOoAxGF6bpg8_k-8ykf82vKRD6NW" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="DSC05202" width="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cM33IMw-shsl6wNY3HerLDHwjmtxwqYe"><img alt="DSC05203" border="0" height="184" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kjRxXjh8bKDBGAqelhVB6CUh2k-XJ0w8" style="background-image: none; display: inline;" title="DSC05203" width="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">….. and inside each package …… was a beautiful, personal, real life, hand knitted waistcoat …….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iTcxEbVeCNZ5-H3J2EjUgXO0fls8Iv4z"><img alt="DSC05207" border="0" height="440" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lBHZt-qcmViXKEmvO5q7cFOJbkJd5ORX" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05207" width="331" /></a> <p align="justify">…… again, perfectly suited to our personalities, flamboyant patches and patterns for Darrell, fun, sunny and adventuresome for Nigel and a comfy tweed with a faux pocket watch and sensible bow tie for me! Trust us, a fashion shoot is on the agenda (using our new camera of course) as soon as we are suitably composed and the festivities have died down a little. however, our previously meticulously planned Christmas outfits have been completely blown out of the water ..... and once on, goodness only knows when we'll ever want to take them off! </p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10T8CYbpZOzt5BZ9NYpyUuH23RzamnwuI"><img alt="DSC05201" border="0" height="344" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A05zH-ZfHqPZMSR7jh_QYjFSPzB9uCma" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC05201" width="458" /></a> <p align="justify">What more can we say? So much unbridled and unfettered emotion, joy, gratitude all in one amazing morning ……. and never has Darrell’s festive full English tasted soooooo good! </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ff0000" face="LW Halloween" size="6">A Very, Very Happy Christmas From The Towers to You All.</font></strong></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-57235344302766394472023-12-24T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-24T00:00:00.136+00:00‘Tis The Day Before Christmas<p align="justify">‘Tis the day before Christmas ……… the most wonderfulist day of the year (tomorrow, <em>not</em> today, although it has to be said, that today’s turning out to be pretty terrific too). You find us <em>trying </em>our best to be calm, but there is still a tangible and palpable excitement running rife and thronging unfettered throughout The Towers.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A3_oW83yUvSPsZhYUKtSlihMQ6x2FpXM"><img title="IMG_5299" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5299" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1g2yl9eFrnaSHs4TuqD2Lz1gjAv8xl0aw" width="330" height="439" /></a> <p align="justify">We’re still very much stirring at the moment, patiently waiting our turn for the shower, as we really want to give a good account of ourselves in the personal hygiene stakes, before we are finally ready to don our PJ’s ……….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ctu4omvXv53N4IU4Y0DSrthmSdGtRpW6"><img title="IMG_5295" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5295" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XYHyOfYDNSGIut91Y_p4hSsrHyUOFq96" width="527" height="510" /></a> <p align="justify">……. for an extra early bedtime, in anticipation of the big man himself to pop by.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aaMxUDodjxXQm5gsRqpy8a0p5nC9wGUD"><img title="IMG_5294" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5294" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1klhcLkQBTcI4x27jNZPSOc29QGw3ZcVE" width="268" height="321" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N_hZ_J9Mt1P_ErTUGrmmsHINqtKmAesN"><img title="IMG_5293" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5293" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dlnkrBbSs0DFdJ4_XJ2L6ZFhGSdIibke" width="255" height="321" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Having no chimney, Nigel has carefully put our magic key on the handle of our front door ………</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DVIPeSbGbnodorquBm5mWA9zgqDAm5J2"><img title="IMG_5291" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5291" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A-R4HTi8rQ9d3h8vZ0E4D8r9o1KIuWWj" width="501" height="377" /></a> <p align="justify">……. while Darrell has made sure that our stockings have been hung with military precision, in the hope that we will find them bulging in the morning.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17_iZfCvcv_sTWCLqktWC6GuWJrkRcoEo"><img title="IMG_5302" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5302" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15ZSvxJWik47zWU1H8FpaFK3bCszrnV6a" width="512" height="385" /></a> <p align="justify">We have laid out only the finest of  “Lawrence’s” mince pies (Evesham's much loved bakery) for Santa, as well as several kilos of prime Waitrose carrots  for his reindeer, leaving them outside in the communal garden for their delectation. No doubt <em>someone</em> will feel the need to complain if there is any evidence of the tiniest carrot crumb left behind, sleigh marks on the lawn  or, heaven help us, poop! However, we’ve left a note to forewarn Santa, so he can magic everything away, if need be!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V2DB3sGgz2KHnOnnFpNqhqkUNyQBLrv5"><img title="IMG_5301" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5301" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10ObWrQs6ZSg5gT4YpQwR577urZrtFshP" width="480" height="361" /></a> <p align="justify">Darrell has put out a suitable tipple for Santa, to wit, a miniature of a particularly fine, local ouzo bought back from our last Greek Oddity, something easy for Santa to slip in his pocket and savour when he gets back home, as we’ve found it’s a bit on the strong side. (we’ve also added this information to our aforementioned note!).</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1u9TZyBXTLnoaYW5OIGhjrKlH7Id8dwZM"><img title="IMG_5296" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5296" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NGPXq7jfsm5exRBcQUR6fiGyRlhbLYvX" width="360" height="271" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=108qdCuvePjvAuycmMLhAbVLIyoEbBbfT"><img title="IMG_5297" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5297" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Jbajr2US1VmNr5h53-sxK_NhsiXwarKB" width="109" height="272" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Then, finally, our special candle has been lit to remember all our loved ones who sadly are no longer with us to share in this special time ………</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eEtvSP0Gfxn-8JQBhhh4xxwsvSVdlRLm"><img title="IMG_5298" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5298" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GhrLtmBo-3G8KpOeMkFChNFBX9PRTx4H" width="336" height="447" /></a></p> <p align="justify">……. but who are always, always in our hearts, wrapped up in so many happy memories of Christmases past.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PKGNXnrTpXEoJQz-GzYllqCaBjwZm4XI"><img title="IMG_5300" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5300" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_IZz9dYWcSYd6VdnCPyJ_Jf9I9NFyYYw" width="459" height="479" /></a> <p align="justify">So with all that being said, we hope you have the safest, peaceful and happiest Christmas ever. May your Christmas Eve sparkle and your Christmas Day shine ……<em>and</em> may your pigs in blankets come out just as triumphant as Darrell’s!  Happy Christmas xxxxx  </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-8812484119494018332023-12-23T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-23T00:00:00.127+00:00Our Letter To Santa<p align="justify">Last evening was that most wonderful night of the year when we finally all sat down together to compose our much considered and anticipated letter to Santa ……</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-JnHxg_otI-97NJe4zVCjceKwq7nmNXA"><img title="IMG_5269" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5269" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v0MYjBXLdCBJgeCAr0x6o5xklWBLxHGZ" width="484" height="328" /></a> <p align="justify">….. and in the time honoured, tradition style we adopted a couple of years ago, we wrote a shared letter ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pLfS9RaqwFYRJEBHSvsbXs6Xlws5U4HN"><img title="IMG_5271" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5271" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=181NPmk73-ZjADbBkUYYSqW-I_RZYw1T5" width="470" height="313" /></a> <p align="justify">……… as there’s really nothing we would individually like to ask for, but, there are plenty of things we would like to share.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XFTizs6_DQqdf2XANcNG0Rr_yyTStFqZ"><img title="Picture1" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Picture1" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VMxA_Nfm1Hl4CdJrnRk8KI7HSh-RM8bw" width="543" height="224" /></a> <p align="justify">To wit, if space wasn’t an issue Chez Towers, this (above) would definitely be at the very top of our list ……. just how brilliant is this? If we were back at Castle Greyskull, this would have gone in our front room, not only helping us save towards our holiday jaunts in 2p form, but also honing our skills at getting the coins and other novelties over the edge to perfection as well! </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LsZ6lw6B3FE6Um36MV8AMXl9Ak7L8GCj"><img title="IMG_5272" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5272" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rrGAow-X3dYfV3vymNqJ9SwtDeKywoOU" width="534" height="357" /></a> <p align="justify">However, these days we have to be a little more restrained, sooooooo we decided to ask Santa for a new camera, so that we can keep on blogging our adventures. As you may have noticed, some of our more recent pictures of late have been on the slightly blurred and shonky side, as our old, faithful camera hasn’t been quite the same since it got a trifle damp when Darrell filmed Nigel in the sea, on our last Greek Oddity in Hanioti!  Lesson learned!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qAkBtb6mNiR3B-P5m0M_WhLV07956MfE"><img title="IMG_5274" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5274" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q-UQk6LNaqvpV_UJwISyuQNGHDtMm4TU" width="460" height="626" /></a> <p align="justify">And then, we thought we’d ask for a treat to eat, drink and/or perhaps take into the shower, because as you know, we are very fond of our stomachs as well <em>as </em>being fragrant at all times!  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JtqiUe9AaBJwLfhSNJMpZJoN7O2UDqG9"><img title="IMG_5275" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5275" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RtkPlkjXsA6_Osmc0zev4MQSc7IpiFZx" width="511" height="355" /></a> <p align="justify">We didn’t stipulate anything specific because Santa ALWAYS gets it right …… he knows us so well and we do very much like a Christmas surprise. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1otzQqG7LYakt8mZemsPu-AgBXfdV_KNv"><img title="IMG_5277" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5277" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OvEUmmbxumMqWDUoyXghdLoegAndEiAM" width="224" height="298" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lQWrQyVCslOjR6xmA3GZ9li_0rfRF93F"><img title="IMG_5276" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5276" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zmg9GbpVmFQUtbLlwmLRKtYCufTtqVJO" width="224" height="297" /></a></p> <p align="justify">When our letter was written, signed, then witnessed (by our lovely neighbour Kata across the hall), sealed and sent on the wind, Darrell prepared hot chocolate, with candy canes, squirty cream, marshmallows and enough sprinkles to sink a festive battle ship. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10vxsMzBMPjOIZJIJzfP6hcbN7AHjnR0O"><img title="IMG_5278" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5278" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SqT_3n3raPN3fMcRCPIe6yz3Rl9VWsw6" width="467" height="311" /></a> <p align="justify">It was, needless to say, an emotional evening and it <em>really</em> did feel like the start of  “proper”, real life Christmas, with not long to go now ……. <em>if </em>we don’t all burst with excitement beforehand!</p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-26057875456436184582023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:002023-12-22T00:00:00.131+00:00Nigel’s Knitted Nativity<p>Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas ………..</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10MwyKaYdMwYzvYHDGkO8z8EsqGM5Hbyy"><img alt="d81aae57-2ada-42e6-92ec-67e145263a05" border="0" height="242" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Jzm5K4cPUosNrgTN0AAMNbNmm_m1y4Th" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="d81aae57-2ada-42e6-92ec-67e145263a05" width="478" /></a> </p><p align="justify">……. without Nigel’s very own knitted Nativity being very much part of our festivities ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Hnpq_u3anMYtEUNPU-TJKiblDIZJyH6m"><img alt="3e7e8198-0242-4cb8-8fa9-9af83accb1df" border="0" height="317" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cVci5rowAu8yZDhctofRlbAq_UM7W99R" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="3e7e8198-0242-4cb8-8fa9-9af83accb1df" width="533" /></a> <p align="justify">…… a wonderful gift from our beloved friend, Seaside Karen, who felt just how much the little fella was pining for such a scene, since our move to Evesham, and later, when he learned of the sad demise of Motorworld (RIP), now reincarnated as a Dominoes Pizza ………. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1epEdpYOtnMD_0U8RUcqwpHrqIKSSwXao"><img alt="2de9a9e2-d084-4de2-92a4-ce0eebbf3db1" border="0" height="315" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Y8EnRYIS9xE2ufV8DoBdG_B3M5_VL9C3" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2de9a9e2-d084-4de2-92a4-ce0eebbf3db1" width="526" /></a> <p align="justify">So when Karen downsized herself, having little spare space, she chose to pass on her own, much loved, knitted nativity into Nigel’s loving and tender custodianship …….. let’s just say, it’s arrival was emotional, very emotional, as is it’s unwrapping each year.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16cEdBNUcfYJV7FU75xi-rA2Fwk5-CPye"><img alt="9fed5b43-191f-41c4-a2fb-78e955a99d0b" border="0" height="242" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_Awz8Mo6hr2xaor40AimKm-qrXEyD782" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="9fed5b43-191f-41c4-a2fb-78e955a99d0b" width="519" /></a> <p align="justify">Thank you, doesn’t come close enough of how we all feel, but Karen, all the presents from Santa don’t even come close to this gift from you for our Nigel. </p> <p align="center"><font color="#800080" size="7">xxx Thank You xxx</font></p><p></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-41717189285051854912023-12-21T00:00:00.003+00:002023-12-21T00:00:00.144+00:00Love Actually ……. Be Still Darrell’s Beating Heart<p align="justify">OMG, can it really be 20 years since the release of Darrell’s most favouritist Christmas film of all time, ever, ever, ever? </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fCkOI2l6KSjTyE7ndSyjseS8Hy6XsLji"><img alt="IMG_5263" border="0" height="434" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kN05_RYn02RZYcLL4yBwFd0LSgmXMPfP" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5263" width="471" /></a> <p align="justify">Goodness only knows how many times he’s seen it over the years, tissues at the ready, for an indulgent festive afternoon, losing himself in the various scenarios, when he knows he can have a manly sniffle without generally being disturbed …… what is he like?</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EvCpsjsyd7Fj63y8EsfR7_h4RNPshghE"><img alt="IMG_5264" border="0" height="387" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tXnOOzKjtwU0BgHyTD24DNppXMUci1_X" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5264" width="515" /></a> <p align="justify">So, to see that it’s returning to cinemas to celebrate said 20th anniversary has just made Christmas all the more wonderful for our resident, truly romantic soul …….. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JW3g3pxNNabJ0oQxkTewBwsY0V0ngyf5"><img alt="IMG_5268" border="0" height="371" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GRr-gC0WhUAYByGsnjhh8RyR6gVFFXUw" style="background-image: none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5268" width="493" /></a> <p align="justify">It’s a no brainer and it would only look rude not to get the popcorn out, as we've at least one copy in our DVD drawer (one and a spare, just in case!), happy Colin Firth bonanza days!!!! </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-22524660663644720892023-12-20T00:00:00.001+00:002023-12-20T00:00:00.141+00:00Nigel Finally Gets A Warm And Fuzzy Sort Of Feeling …….<p align="justify">It has to be said that the Christmas shop window displays of Evesham have left Nigel’s usual viva la awe and wonder, sadly, very lacking this year, as you might have noticed, however …….</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent.flhr4-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/326361761_715159570241950_3608910517918232010_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p640x640&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=783fdb&_nc_ohc=0jrsZb5fs-oAX-x-NhJ&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr4-4.fna&oh=00_AfAbWoKVgacK803-51p8_XWejBOv-nD6W6PRVQo3D7CNqw&oe=657D2C74" width="505" height="224" /></p> <p align="justify">…… a cheeky visit to All Saints Church in town on Saturday  ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DQNkHV0qD42zkNVHHp_kuog5qM5nN44o"><img title="IMG_5212" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5212" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cV2WGJzsEnW3C6e7126rGKcpXqKD_ZBm" width="473" height="356" /></a> <p align="justify">…….. certainly made up for any dip in his usual visual festive pleasures …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zX8VPB3Kqb96JEz6M342ZDsGbOAsAQ1U"><img title="IMG_5192" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5192" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FmzJwvckw4T8Mhq-AFDjccZs8Fy6Xmxa" width="219" height="223" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1O_NLYjhGgSJhR0fc0GxcNnMcZS7PDHCu"><img title="IMG_5193" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5193" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CWR_LrbmVimYFxlThFHC5_SC6A24I3fh" width="301" height="227" /></a></p> <p>…… in the guise of their annual Christmas Tree Festival ……… </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11LDymt_LvBeqzwRqT0GkW5H41Zsc_zsb"><img title="IMG_5194" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5194" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-hIVWIBdy3GvysC2YYvWK4jcHWQa-3y1" width="278" height="167" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1F40I4SpxZQKLvMTIEwQF-u3sCNenCKM9"><img title="IMG_5195" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5195" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RX9z19I5O41DKNbnFmBcjgj46hrFOJyk" width="221" height="167" /></a></p> <p>……… which was truly spectacular, in a modest sort of way …..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BaJvWFawZtMc2MsonptApVx87Ar9szkA"><img title="IMG_5196" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5196" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1y4WNLt4cjofWeZ314_B15UN3dFtgjK-D" width="252" height="190" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fd89i8sRXLXYvGVVjWJ18G9qB6ywPci8"><img title="IMG_5199" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5199" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z9R6hyv0KPV2e_zHXj6XOEYUI770WFmU" width="250" height="189" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…… with businesses and local groups like the Brownies and Guides and playgroups etc., to name but a few  …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11oS8Ypc_Ogu4DeonkFKqkEqJf0FBvUNZ"><img title="IMG_5200" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5200" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ldlw418Sfcuxfkj7HLYqFQdgyLUbFTXF" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tVINbfrxXX5zPMTfgVVC6LkoAS0Mj9Be"><img title="IMG_5205" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5205" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TYXS7c3mYmTY75VHKJYd15L4SwB0DA2A" width="270" height="185" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…… all decorating a tree  to showcase their aims and work, filling the church in a most glorious fashion.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YEJLfhUg3nn95F4MbSbPkuP5Cux_ZGp0"><img title="IMG_5203" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5203" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ylp28HXITXULNQeMzvG1oB4lLFk0MwQx" width="234" height="202" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N0uAhRPT5Ch5oUgD6DizgRRwpeeO2BJX"><img title="IMG_5210" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5210" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1niVdgn_-L1PpeJ4dhPjCOjtrSm_n6akq" width="288" height="203" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It was, he said, “emotional”, something he’d been really waiting for, to get him in a  true, warm and fuzzy festive mood.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wR6GdNyN4ynmfVtg4WRUg6ccn3BVuY_Q"><img title="IMG_5207" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5207" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m__MF3AJIelqIvo5hmr_QzEL_CW1cM0F" width="472" height="355" /></a> <p align="justify">But, there was more, the fairy on top of the tree, as it were  …… because in the middle of the church were lots of little stalls, where he was able to purchase one or two little things, including a small jar of courgette pickle for Darrell’s cold cut lunch on Boxing Day, as well as a few homemade mince pies to eat on his way home ……. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NioBYgOgCmY9STnugiPZtVJ95zFQRHoW"><img title="IMG_5204" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5204" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WwsmipGcpQBZ6ZoZOfuXRjvlnklcN0X-" width="465" height="367" /></a> <p align="justify">……. as well as chance his hand on the Christmas tombola, although on this occassion he didn’t win the huge box of chocolates or hamper that had his eye on, because the required tickets bearing a 0 or a 5 evaded him …….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_id3w7rS3Q0B-aG4S_QBRboREFh1iD5f"><img title="IMG_5206" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5206" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1l4ef9cDV2QgXbqdxpMbwnRtO6JFt2KVg" width="459" height="345" /></a> <p align="justify">…….. but, to be honest, the event itself was more than enough for the little fella ……..</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1R5uxkBVN9QXR0M7XoSMKnyayTF2kTez9"><img title="IMG_5198" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5198" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tgiBah4U16345n1Q4KD_Jr4nzMsLysuC" width="445" height="520" /></a> <p align="justify">….. with dreams of perhaps even “entering” his own tree next year, if he is allowed!  What is he like? Happy, whimsical and magical days that truly make December our most favouritist month of the year!  </p> <p align="justify"><a title="https://www.facebook.com/EveshamChristmas/" href="https://www.facebook.com/EveshamChristmas/">https://www.facebook.com/EveshamChristmas/</a></p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965829092326413713.post-60394669207177494342023-12-19T00:00:00.000+00:002023-12-19T09:18:06.591+00:00A Most Wonderful Festive 3 for 2 …….<p align="justify">Ta dah …….. so that’s Christmas Eve, Christmas Day <em>and</em> Boxing Day very amply sorted …….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UCWBVR_wJCT3X9C8LKDK57VZ5U-9Pheh"><img title="IMG_5154" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5154" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZjX2DZ6AURGs2RFf6ZoAFrikh4qfGH3A" width="201" height="244" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fWk7qchMCKBrecCb_KGU7AwSVRKvk9jm"><img title="IMG_5155" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5155" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aoKfLp5ARmhZY983jWgmBaf6TjWdd3PB" width="323" height="243" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…… with a 3 for 2 offer on Maltesers in Iceland (the frozen food centre, not the large island in the northern Atlantic between Greenland and Scandinavia) …….</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZcTdq0DJFTm_CLrQcwfqT1PU1I8srlPd"><img title="IMG_5156" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5156" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PEzMV-sln8YYYnVI4GX4buJpClmm10U3" width="451" height="339" /></a> <p align="justify">……. plus a bag of their Gold Collection All Butter Fudge on top, for good measure ……</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zZB1FdE21dSZL1RqM4M3Z7HB8bX1oIyp"><img title="IMG_5158" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5158" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OvwGN9hxJtwswfTdSa_9GrfZb2agK6Wb" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1luqL2QJvDbD77Kmi5SuCgWnVot142y3Q"><img title="IMG_5157" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_5157" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1E6g8DYcNXatjCej8IfvfXA0DkqlMvEQe" width="276" height="185" /></a></p> <p>Well, at this time of the year, it would look rude not to! Ho Ho Ho!What are we like? </p>Its All Fiddle Farthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810067462376898315noreply@blogger.com3