This was a surprise ...........

When we pulled it at Membury Services on our way home from Southampton on the weekend, I was surprised to see Waitrose selling their wares in a service station! How the mighty hath fallen - but not so their prices. A sandwich was well out of the reach of a young family of four (or a pensioner for that matter), perhaps that's why their store was nearly empty on a busy, sunny Sunday afternoon.

Beautiful Bruge?

Yes, Bruge is still very beautiful, but -oh dear, it seems to exist solely for tourists these days. I first visited over twelve years ago and although the carefully cherished architectural treasures from the past are still - well, just that, somehow there is a sense of sadness about it all.

These photographs were taken from a tourist river boat. Since 2000 this City Centre has been on the World Heritage List. The photos I have posted on the blog certainly support that, but commercialism is rife there. To try to get a meal served without chips is near impossible! All the restaurants in the main square are advertising the same menu, Moules Mariniere with chips! It gives a feel of the place being tacky somehow.

There are some wonderful Belgian chocolate shops, all sporting grand window displays like the one posted below and are all in competition with each other.

This was my fifth visit to Bruge and possible my last, as I have no wish to see it again and to witness its disintegration from beautiful heritage to abject greed.

P.O Ship - Ventura

The photograph above is about the best I could manage while trying to take the 'Ventura' this weekend. This vast cruise ship could not be taken in it's entirety with my small camera!

Above and below are some of the decks. There are 19 decks in all on this ship which was overflowing with people on this weekend cruise. Couples, singles and families were all milling about on their celebratory weekends, and all the the 12 lovely bars were very plush and tasteful. There is an oriental restaurant, flower shop, high class jewellery shops, hair salons, dress shops, gift shops, a small hospital (complete with attached morgue), a wedding chaple and even Marco Pierre White has a restaurant on board. Not that A. and I went to any of these (thankfully with regard to hospital and annex!) but we twice visited the 785 seater theatre to see two shows and the smart casual night and evening dress night, were both catered for by on-board P.O chefs and were superb.

There are self service buffet restaurants and silver service dining rooms both of which we sampled, and both were excellent. There is even a 'Frankies Pizzerias' if that's your choice. Sadly there was not enough time to select one of the 5 swimming pools to have a swim as our schedule did not permit. From Spa's to Bars we were spoiled for choice, but not my favorite way to spend a weekend. A country cottage in Pembrokeshire is far more to my taste, but am I grateful to have had this experience? You bet I am!

P.S We met up with a couple from The Isle of Wight and formed our own team to take part in a Quiz night Friday and Saturday night. We won both nights - to the sound of huge boo's and jeer's the second night!

Medieval/Gothic Writing

Medieval Castle

Leaving college this morning put me in a reflective mood. This term has been by far the one that has passed the most quickly since I started this writing journey. Today was about planning for next term - Gothic or Medieval Crime/Insanity with a dash of passion! We have all been issued with a set of guidelines for characteristics of a Gothic story. I haven't a clue where to start!



I have no doubt that over the coming weeks and months something will pop into my head. It should include an element of some of the following: bad, nasty, evil, controlling, dominating, lustful villain (often the lust is perverse) who has the power, as king, lord of the manor, father or guardian, to demand that the female character do something intolerable. No pressure there then!

Shutter Island

It's the first time since 'The Omen' was released in the 1970's that I have left a cinema feeling scared! Me, and dozens of others leaving the Newport cinema on Saturday, were frightened for our own sanity. This was a very powerful film, a physiological mystery thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the novel by the same name, written by Dennis Lehane.

The film has received mainly positive reviews, but I think the ordinary man in the street would need to see it two or three times to fully understand it - but it has to be said - it's a brilliant piece of writing, a work of art. Disturbing definitely and it messes with your Psyche.

I went to see it with my friend thinking it was a piece of cross genre fiction for my next module at college - Gothic crime. It might fit that genre, but I could never write anything remotely like that - or want to. This was real creative writing.

An Ice Ring!

I was downloading some pottery pictures this morning and had completely forgotten these photos were on my camera. This is an ice ring that had formed on the top of a bucket of water in my garden. This must have been in February as my friend is holding them and I haven't seen her since then.



It is absolutely beautiful, we were both quite entranced by the sunshine reflecting on it and the formation was something that couldn't be manufactured.

The pattern is so intricate and delicate. Nature is a wonderful thing.

It is almost time to put the garden up together for the summer - that's a nice thought, sun umbrellas instead of ice rings!

Past ghosts and new horizons!

Bridgend Designer Retail Park

A shopping day in Bridgend. I dislike clothes shopping anyway, but to go to the town where my former husband conducted his affair and lunch next door to the hotel where the liaisons took place (so I was informed in my divorce proceedings) is a statement to women everywhere. You can get over these things, not that anyone would have thought it of me five years ago, its a matter of determination and strength of character over emotion. Oh yes, why was I shopping in Bridgend - or why was I clothes shopping at all? Bridgend because my friend wanted to go there and she is more important these days than the ex, and clothes shopping because I am going on a weekend cruise shortly! This is a last minute thing with the cruise - to Bruge- and I needed some new smart clothes to go. I am really looking forward to it and shall be taking lots of photos to post on the blog at a later date! Who needs a man? A girlie weekend on a P&O cruise will be just as much fun! It will just be different ....

Pleased as punch!

This is my latest pottery effort. I am delighted with this dish, it shows how much I have come on since last year. I can't say that is due to the tutor, it isn't. It is more self - taught with help from other students. But nevertheless, I am pleased with this spotty dish - and it's all my own design, not another one in class! The spots by the way, were painted on with a rubber attached to the end of a pencil!

Old days, old times .....

The Mavron String Quartet

Another lunchtime concert. I can't believe all this is happening to me!

I was taken to a lunchtime concert in St. David's Hall, Cardiff by an old friend I had met again recently. It was a 'catch up' after not seeing each other for twenty one years (so I am told). The string quartet was called The Mavron Quartet and they were excellent musicians. The first two parts of the concert they played Hayden and Schubert, but the last piece was by Alfred Schnittke. Not a composer I have ever heard of before and neither had my friend. It was heavy going Blog Followers, I can tell you.

We then went to a very nice (if somewhat pricey) restaurant next to the Theatre and most of the lunchtime concert goers were there too, but it all made for a super atmosphere and another lovey afternoon was spent in Cardiff - and the lunch was a treat from my friend for some long forgotten deed I had done for her over twenty years ago! Wasn't that kind?

Homework - The Maltese Falcon

Humphrey Bogard as Private Eye Sam Spade

I seem to find myself doing my homework at the last minute on a Monday afternoon, as I am doing this afternoon, in readiness of Tuesday. This is a shabby practise and I need to get back to basics on this and tackle it when I get home from college on a Tuesday. Last week we were shown the 1941 film 'The Maltese Falcon' and have to write a ctitique on it. What a contrast to Saturday's performance of 'Alice in Wonderland'!

The discovery of the fake falcon

Following the credits in the beginning of this older film, they screened the legend of the fictitious Maltese Falcon and I thought it was going to be a pirate film! It wasn't of course and is considered to be a film noir classic. I was completely facinated with the 'ordinariness' of the filming rather that the story (which wasn't why I was there!) It was a black and white film, shot in a studio with a small group of actors. A total contrast to what is being produced almost seventy years later. I has got me thinking; could the film makers of today bring any more to the story if it was remade for an IMAX cinema, would the story and the characters be more descriptive or more exciting in this 3D era? Somehow I think not.

The Mad Hatter - Alice in Wonderland

Yesterday I had the IMAX experience! I went to the cinema in Cardiff with friend A. to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. It was a great experience. We both felt the need of a fantasy injection into our lives and this did the trick!

We were watching the children as they emerged from the experience and we commented on how much they take all this technology for granted, when we , as adults, had thought it magical. In many ways these are good times to live in, but something of real life is missing for some youngsters today. Complaints of being bored I frequently hear from my own grandchildren and other children around me; children seem to want to be entertained all the time, and yet, when treats like this film are given, it's accepted so easily and then - what's next? It seems that children are chasing the latest technology all the time, whatever happened to chasing rainbows? That's the real fantasy, something to dream about.

Bizzy Bee!

It was only when I went to Blog the entry on last night's opera that I realised I hadn't blogged for almost two weeks! I am still here Blog Follows - just as busy as a bee can be!!!

My kitchen tap decided to seize up last week, and yesterday, after a Finance meeting at Church and before I went to the opera, my landlord came to try and fix it. He couldn't, but then sliced the top of his finger right off in the attempt! He wouldn't go to Casualty and went home. He is back now and as I write and the finger is still bleeding, so he has agreed to go to the hospital but not until after he has put the new mixer tap on! It's a man thing!

Pottery was good this morning, only because I do things myself. Our 'Tutor' got stroppy with someone for asking what they should do next, there was almost a scene, but not quite! Her idea of what a tutor should do and ours is poles apart. You think she would have a clue in her job title - Tutor!

I am going to Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Cardiff for lunch on Saturday (I didn't know he had a restaurant in Cardiff), so am looking forward to that, but before I get to that point, I have a whole two days college work to complete (as a result of my full day on Tuesday) and another finance meeting, plus a morning at the parish office. I remember retiring some while back - I think - It might have been wishful thinking!

Bizet's Carmen

It was a lovely night at the opera last night. I went with three friend to see Bizet's Carmen. I have seen this opera several times before and it remains my favourite, but last night's production was the darkest I have seen. The set was dark and drab and the clothes were uninspiring until the very end and then it became the brightly coloured spectacle I remember. each production has to be different I suppose to keep attracting the crowds.

Last nights production was at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, not my favourite place, I don't see why people rave over 'the Bay'. It's all a matter of preference I suppose. Overall a good evening - to be recommended.

That is my last trip for this opera season ( I went to see Tosca last week). At almost £40 a ticket it's an expensive night out. Also I am saving for my holidays later in the year, I can't do it all sadly!

Ash Wednesday

It was really lovely on Ash Wednesday being in Hereford Cathedral with my cousin. Traditionally a day of repentance, it signals the first day of Lent which occurs forty-six days before Easter (forty days not counting Sunday). It's a different date each year as it is dependant on the date Easter falls. I have decided to give up all things 'sweet and yummy' this year, saving what I would have spent on these frivolous and unhealthy things, and will pass the money to the Archbishop for Wales Fund.

It was snowing quite heavily in Hereford yesterday when we arrived at the Cathedral and has done so here in Newport today, but fortunately, it was too wet to stick. I am personally glad about that, as I really don't want everything to come to a grinding halt again and all classes, college, theatre trips and so on have to be cancelled, so snow, snow, go away!

Thanks from the Homeless.

I thought this card was a nice touch from the Newport Night Shelter. Inside there are photos taken of the guests we housed for two months, with little notes saying 'Thank you' for giving refuge to them over Christmas, New Year and over the cold spell we had in January. It makes it all worth while for me. 'Thank you' is something that none of us say often enough I feel. It makes the recipient feel good, and especially if it is said with sincerity.

A lovely birthday party

My friend reached a milestone in her life today, she became 40 years old! I wish I was 40 again! Anyway, I was invited to her party and was there when all the flowers were arriving, balloons with cards attached, loads of food and plenty to drink, but most of all it was meeting lovely people and the whole day had a really party atmosphere.

A. thought not so long ago that she may not make 40 years, as breast cancer took its toll on her life, but make it she did, and all of us there today were so glad of that.

I made a quiche this morning to take with me, and after I made it I thought, not for the first time, why do I go and buy these sunken, soggy things from the supermarket when for 20 minutes of my time I can make one that looks so much nicer?

So A's fortieth has come and gone as I have been praying that it would. With the strength of character, determination and sheer zest for life she has, I will wager a little bet we will be celebrating 41 years next year. Please God - let it be so.

Cardiff Coffee Concert

Another interesting day today. I went to my first ever coffee concert which was held in Cardiff Museum. I went to see Llyr Williams play Sonatas for piano and what a superb pianist he is. He played three Sonata's written by Beethoven. After Beethoven finished them he said about the piano that 'after all an unsatisfactory instrument'. He couldn't have got it more wrong, the piano is a wonderful instrument and this man made it talk. I was enraptured. I was amazed, as someone who knows very little about music, that I could sit through and hour and a quarter of listening to someone play the piano. This young man, only 33 years old, is really on his way to being a genius. I can only imagine how he will play in 2o years from now.

Sitting and chatting over lunch with my friend, I noticed a fellow diner whom I had known twenty odd years ago. I was amazed to see her and even more amazed that she remembered who i was. All in all a nice day!

A Hungarian Holiday.

Debrecen

After much persuasion, I decided to go and visit Miss A when she goes home to Hungary later in the year. The small town where I am going is Hajduszoboszlo, near Debrecen.


I fly to Budepest from Bristol in July and then take a pre booked car to Hajdusobozolo, which is cheaper than the train. Miss A will already be there of course.

One of the many Water Parks in Hajduszoboszlo.

I am told the small town of Hajduszoboszlo is 13 miles South West of Debrecen (pop. 24,260). In 1925, after boring down 3,580 ft, water with a temperature of 73 degrees was discovered, as a result this small town was transformed into a popular Spar resort. Today nearly one and a half million tourists flock to the town to the baths.


Not the kind of holiday I had planned, but it will be a different experience and interesting to see a former communist country.


I hope to go back to Pembrokeshire again with my cousin later in the year, so its good to have things to plan for.

Another Musical Evening.

St. David's Centre, Cardiff

Friday evening was a really super evening. Yet again I had the opportunity to go to the theatre because someone else had dropped out. This time I was seated up in the God's but to hear a symphony orchestra play it really doesn't matter as you go for the music, and you can hear that wherever you are.


The programme consisted of Elgar and Mendelssohn conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy which was wonderful. The violin concerto was superb (can't remember the name of the musician who played it.) It was a truly fantastic evening for all who attended.

Vladimir Ashkenazy

Still studying Mr Holmes!

Sketch of 'Sherlock Holmes' as portrayed by Sidney Paget.

I have spent most of Sunday writing up my comparisons between the original Sherlock Holmes and the one portrayed in the film I saw yesterday. The more I wrote, the more I realised that the character hadn't changed at all , it was the portrayal of him, his character, that was different. Instead of being an upright citizen, upper class and considered a gentleman, he had been portrayed more recently still as someone with a brilliant mind, but of some dubious character.

Holmes occasionally used addictive drugs when lacking stimulation in cases, and is a regular user of of morphine, but is strongly opposed to using opium. All three were legal in the late 19th century, and this comes over particularly in this latest film, whereas in earlier films and books these is just a hint of this.

Conan Doyle, Holmes creator, said that the character of Holmes was inspired by Doctor Joseph Bell, for whom he had worked for a while as a clerk in Edinburgh infirmary. Bell, like Holmes was noted for drawing large conclusions from the smallest observations. I sincerely hope I can get my Detective to do the same as Holmes, because I have only 1500 words to tell a tale of murder, then describe the characters and victim, while explaining how the detective and side kick pull their clues together. I think I might need a little help from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!

* I cannot seem to get Blogger to recognise the parpgraph spacing this week. Sometimes it happens like that - so apologies!