Family

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Entrance

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I would love to be able to make an Entrance, but I’m more the kind of person who’s prone to falling up the step and making a fool of herself.  I do know someone who can make a superb entrance though.

Lisa and Leo make the perfect entrance to married life

Lisa and Leo make the perfect entrance to married life

And she’s well equipped to make a neat exit too!

As ever, her hand sewing is exquisite.

As ever, her hand sewing is exquisite.

When I first saw the big-eyed girl, looking around the door on Jake’s post this week, I thought of the other meaning of “entrance”- to fill with intense delight”.  Lisa is well capable of this, too.

But neither of these photos are mine, so not really eligible for Jake’s challenge.  My kind of entrance goes more like this:

Entrance to Whitby harbour
A well worn entrance in Tavira
Entry to a folk ceremony in Alte, in Portugal’s Algarve
The portal of the University in Wroclaw- a grand entrance
Entrance to the town square in Guimaraes
Entrance to a lighthouse?
Fun entrance
Old entrance
Heraldic entrance

As usual, click any photo to start the gallery rolling.

I’m very late with this post, and Jake will already be working on entrancing us with next week’s theme, so I’d better hit that Publish button.  No accidents this time!

Come and meet Jake via the links or the lucky snake logo.  His graphics are amazing and all visitors are made truly welcome.

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Unforgettable

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Unforgettable, one of my all time favourite songs.  Isn’t it yours?  I don’t even have to mention Nat King Cole and it’s smouldering away in your head.  He certainly had that “unforgettable” quality.

Some of you know that I have just experienced one of the most unforgettable weekends of my life- the wedding of my daughter Lisa to Leonardo.  The honeymoon alone is worth a post, and I wasn’t even there!  But I will tell you that they had snow in Venice- a magical thought.  It swirled around the lagoon like a giant snowdome.  And the claxons sounded for Aqua Alta whilst they were at a masked ball.  The water rose and rose to the first floor of the hostess’ home in Ca D’Oro, and they had to remain till 4.30 in the morning when the level had dropped sufficiently to escape.  Never mind- the band and the opera singers played on, and the food was good.  I think that definitely comes in the category of “unforgettable”, but the memory isn’t mine to cherish.

Click on any of the photos to view them gallery style.

I’m pretty sure most of you will have unforgettable moments in your life, and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you.  Click on the lucky snake logo or the link to visit Jakesprinter with me.  Thanks Jake for being unforgettable yourself.

Six word Saturday

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I was so proud and happy

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I have already completed 2 posts full of wedding photos, but failed to exhibit the Downton Abbey frock, with yours truly inside.  So, with humble apologies, here I am.  For those of you I meet here on Saturdays, who’ve probably missed all the good photos, here is the link for To the Manor Born.  Lisa and Leo will be back from their Venice honeymoon by the time you read this, but I haven’t yet disturbed them.  Let their bubble last just a little bit longer.

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Proud and happy are also good descriptions for how I felt when I received the above award from Gallivance.  THE SHINE ON AWARD highlights bloggers who are shining stars in the vast array of available blogs.  Wow!  Isn’t that just the best of compliments?  And here I am, dressed for the ceremony.  If you follow the link you will be introduced to a feast of talent.

In accepting this award, I’m tasked with sharing seven facts about myself :

1.  I rate pretty highly on the “World’s clumsiest people” list.  I even managed to collide with one of the antique chairs at the wedding reception. (ssh! I didn’t hurt it)  A limp and a purple knee are all the damage.

2.  I love sunrises and am awake to witness them probably more often than I would like. (a very pretty one is appearing over my shoulder as I type this)

3.  I fizz and enthuse absolutely to the point of “no further” on occasion.  That warning look appears in my husband’s eye, and I’ve learnt to “put a lid on it”. (well, almost)

4.  That sunrise really IS lovely.  I had to stop typing and grab the camera.

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5.  As well as the travel bug, I am becoming increasingly obsessed with photography.  I can barely leave the house without a camera, and if I do, am constantly aware of superb photo opportunities everywhere.

6.  I’ve stopped again because I’m bathed in a golden glow from this sunrise.  Sadly it’s too bright to capture.  I’ve got sunspots before my eyes from the attempt.  My skill level in no way matches my enthusiasm.

7.  I am desperately heavy on shoes, so it’s a good job I like going barefoot.

That’s too much about me, isn’t it?  So, I’ve shared a link to Gallivance, listed my 7, and it’s time to pass on the award.  I follow so many inspirational bloggers, but I’ve narrowed it down to these 5.  I expect you already know some of them, but do spare the time to drop in.  You’ll be in for a treat.

A Nomad in the land of Nizwa–  I love Cath’s constant exploration of the world around her, and of herself.

Another day in Paradise–  You just know you’re going to have a smile on your face when you finish reading one of Sylvia’s posts.  And the photography- fabulous!

Jakesprinter–  I first got drawn into the photo challenges thanks to the talents of this remarkable guy.  I have absolutely no conception of how he achieves his graphics, but I am in awe.

The Urge to Wander–  Madhu already has a trophy cabinet full of awards, and deservedly so, but if I’m talking about shining stars in the blogging world, I can’t possibly leave her out.

First and Fabulous–  blogs about nothing, if you take Gemma at her word, but it’s often a very thought provoking nothing, and there’s a warm heart to this lady.

As usual, I’ve used and abused Cate’s 6WS, so go and see her to cheer her up at Show My Face.  The header or the link will take you there.  My previous posts are on my Six word Saturday page or the button below.  See you next week?

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To the Manor born

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Thrumpton Hall, just south of Nottingham, returned to it’s glory days last weekend, when my daughter Lisa married Leonardo Lopez Wain.  I should have known that there was a Byron connection.  A more romantic setting it would be hard to imagine.  And indeed, a former owner of the Hall, Frederick the 10th Baron Byron, was married to Lady Anna Fitzroy, sister of the 10th Duke of Grafton, and a direct descendant of King Charles II.

An engraving of Thrumpton Hall by Wencelas Hollar in the 1600s

An engraving of Thrumpton Hall by Wencelas Hollar, 1600s (Creative Commons)

The Cavaliers would have felt quite at home at last Saturday’s reception.  My daughter loves period costume and the wedding guests were invited to indulge in the same.  Many of her friends are role players and were delighted to partake.  As one of the guests remarked to me “I just love dressing up, don’t you?”  I had to confess that it was my first time, but that, yes, it did feel good.

I had already survived the drama of arriving at the wrong church just 15 minutes before the ceremony was due to begin, and a panic stricken scurry through country lanes to collapse into my seat a bare 5 minutes before the bride.  My reading from Song of Solomon was delivered with an impassioned throb in my voice and knocking knees as I struggled to find my place in the bible.  After that, everything felt good.

Lisa and Leo leaving the church
Matron of honour, Jema and Peter, the best man
Groom James and his lady
The wedding car
A confetti moment. Did you notice the pub name? Three Horseshoes- is that lucky?
Arrival at Thrumpton Hall

The Hall was magnificent.  We gathered in the library, around an open fire.  The books and the furniture were from a bygone age.  The reception rooms were lavish, and the Jacobean cantilevered staircase, carved in wood from the estate, an object of real beauty.  The guests mingled as good guests should.  The atmosphere was as warm as the fire.

Guests assemble in the library
Lisa and Leo arrive
A quiet corner
The ladies strut their stuff
The drawing room
James in the library
His mother, “the queen”, as I was referred to all night
A close up of the cake
The fabulous Jacobean staircase
A little magnificence
Not your every day “Ladies”
This is how it looks without me

All too soon it was over, and Lisa and Leo stepped briefly out of character to fly BA to their honeymoon in Venice.  Costumes donned again, they were off to Carnaval and a masked ball.  May they always be as happy as they are today.

To see the dress and bouquet in more detail, please visit my Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : On going.  You can click on any of these individual photos to see them in gallery form.  Happy Valentine’s Day everybody.

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : On going

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I’m sharing a little luck this week, in the Chinese year of the snake, courtesy of Jakesprinter.  The theme for his Sunday Post, On going, also gives me the long-awaited opportunity to share some rather special photos.  Nothing in my life is more “on going” than my love for my children.

Lisa and brother, James- here’s to them!
Lisa, with (left to right) Jema, Amy and Eva
Bridegroom and grooms
The frock in reverse
Sleeve detail
Bodice
The motifs on the skirt,symbolising where they met, got engaged, and married
The shoes/spats
The bouquet
The cake
With Leo
Just James
And Lisa

Some of you will know that I’ve just returned from the wedding of my daughter Lisa to Leonardo, and that the guests were invited to wear historical costume.  Lisa designed and made her own costume, in totality; the coat and waistcoat Leo is wearing (over a 3 year period); the bridesmaids dresses (with help from Jema); the waistcoats of the grooms; flowers for the church, and buttonholes and bouquets.

With Jema she made and decorated the cake.  Each layer is a different flavour, progressing from lavender at the top, through Earl Grey and orange, white chocolate and almond, down to dark chocolate and cherry.  I was unbelievably proud of her efforts.

One of the best aspects of the wedding, for me, was to see her together with her brother, James.  There are 19 years between them in age, and many miles in distance, so they spend very little time in each other’s company.  My pride and joy at seeing them together on this very special occasion was immense.  Can anything be more on going than love for your children?

Thank you so much, Jake, for the opportunity to share this snippet of my daughter’s wedding.  And for the new logo to brighten up my posts.  I hope everyone will follow me to your Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post to admire your amazing graphics and read the other posts.

Click on any of my photos to see them in slide show, and the lucky snake or links to take you to Jake’s page.  Many thanks.

Cee’s fun foto challenge : wood

When it comes to the elements, I’m definitely drawn to water the most, but I’m also quite a tactile person.  I can never resist stroking a gleaming wood carving, in a park, or museum.  Tree bark often attracts my finger tips, especially the coppery hue of the Tibetan cherry. Cee’s fun foto challenge this week has me looking at photos related to Wood.  It surprised me to see just how many uses we have for it.

Wooden rocking horse, Newstead Abbey
A wooden barco rabelo, once used to carry port upstream
Porto’s beautifully fitted and upholstered trams
Chess pieces by the lakeshore at Fuschl, Austria
Immaculate Turkish gulet
A wooden bench fit for Queen Victoria
What the well-dressed tree is wearing nowadays
Carollers in the richly panelled Great Hall, Newstead Abbey
Punts on the river at Cambridge
Shade giving trees in the chapel gardens, Tavira
Tudor style timbered building in York
The boardwalk at Cabanas

Click on any of the photos to start the gallery rolling, then head over to Cee’s page to see the many different interpretations of the challenge.

H is for Hotel

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You may remember, when I started my personal A-Z challenge on Poland, I gave you the briefest of introductions to the Polish Alphabet?  Well, “h” is one of those letters that is very little used, at the beginning of a word, in Polish.  More often you will see “ch”, which is pronounced as in the Scottish word “loch”.  Thus “chleb” (bread- very delicious in Poland!) sounds a little like “Hleb”.

Are you following me so far?  When it came to choosing a word to represent “H” in my A-Z, I had few choices.  My first thought was “Historia”, but it would take a far better woman than me to tackle Polish history in a single blog post!  So, I had “Hiszpania” or “Holandia”- not very appropriate in a blog about Poland?  Or “huśtawka”- a lovely word that means “swing”; “hokej”- a game I was rubbish at in my schooldays, or “humor”- couldn’t we all use a little of that!

Dad with cousin Irena, on the swingseat (hustawka) on her patio

Dad with cousin Irena, on the swingseat (hustawka) on her patio

It was when I thought back to my first ever Polish lesson that the solution became clear.  I pounced with delight on the word “hotel”, leaping out of the text to embrace me.  Pronounced, of course, in the Polish way, but a familiar and welcome sight, never-the-less.  It is one of a dozen or so words that have been adopted into the Polish language.

To date, I have stayed in three Polish hotels.  I mentioned one of them in my post B is for Belchatow.  Because I am visiting family when I go to Poland, and am made very welcome in all of their homes, I seldom have need of an hotel.  When my husband, Michael, accompanied me, on the occasion of Krzysztof and Marzena’s wedding, we needed a little privacy, and opted to stay for a few nights in the Sport Hotel.  Large and central to Bełchatów, it made a great base for exploring the town.  But then, as now, my Polish was a little shaky, and on a sweltering hot day we were served piping hot soup with our breakfast.  Michael’s faith in my ability to negotiate the Polish language was severely dented.

Water features in the park at the centre of Belchatow

Water features in the park at the centre of Belchatow

Visiting family in Wrocław with my Dad, I again stayed in a local hotel, though Dad managed to squeeze in with the family.  Living in a 3-bedroomed flat, with 3 children, dog, cat and terrapin, private space is a luxury for my cousin, Wojtek and his lovely wife, Agnieszka.  Despite this, I have seldom met a happier, more close-knit family.  I could not have been made more welcome in sharing meals and family time with them.  Both work, but were at great pains to show me their beautiful city, and once I’d got my bearings, set me loose to wander, returning when I was hungry.  I’m not known for my sense of direction, so this sometimes took longer than planned.  I haphazardly changed trams and buses half a dozen times, and walked and walked till I found them again!  But a smile, a hug and a plate of food always awaited, before I returned to the hotel for the evening.  I never ate breakfast at the hotel- goodness knows what I might have ordered!

Wroclaw's colourful tram junction

Wroclaw’s colourful tram junction

You might know I'd squeeze in a boat or two

You might know I’d squeeze in a boat or two

Qubus Hotel, Wroclaw

Qubus Hotel, Wroclaw

The foyer in Hotel Jan Pawel on Ostrow Tumski

The foyer in Hotel Jan Pawel on Ostrow Tumski, Wroclaw

Super stylish Hotel Monopol

Super stylish Hotel Monopol

Agnieszka and youngest daughter, Kasia, on Hotel Monopol's rooftop terrace

Agnieszka and youngest daughter, Kasia, on Hotel Monopol’s rooftop terrace

Rooftop view from the Hotel Monopol

Rooftop view from the Hotel Monopol

My third hotel experience occurred in the small village of Poronin, in the Tatry Mountains area, and was the most joyous of occasions.  Not unlike a large Swiss chalet, the Hotel Weronika (don’t forget to pronounce the “w” as “v”) provided food and shelter for a huge gathering of us on the occasion of Adam and Marta’s Silver Wedding.  The setting was beautiful, and the hotel grounds provided lots of space for the youngsters to use up energy. (theirs, and ours!)  And then, in good old Polish fashion, we ate, danced and drank till we could do it no more.  Adam’s oldest daughter, funnily enough called Weronika, is getting married in May 2014.  What a celebration that will be!

View from our hotel gardens of the church in Poronin

View from our hotel gardens of the church in Poronin

I think that’s enough to tell you about my hotel experiences in Poland, for now. You can find more of the ups and downs of my reunification with my Polish family on my personal A-Z of Poland page.  Meantime, if you’d like to join in with Julie Dawn Fox’s A-Z challenge, the banner below will take you to the main site, where you can have a good look around.

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F is for Food (jedzenie)

The problem with taking the alphabet out of sequence is, of course, that you’re inclined to forget which letters you’ve visited.  Discovering that my “F” had been neglected, and with Christmas just around the corner, I thought a little food might be in order.  Anyone hungry?

Some of my Polish family, waiting politely for the food to arrive

Sniadania is breakfast in Polish.  One of my greatest surprises was drugie sniadania– second breakfast!  Healthy appetites, indeed.  Having eaten a continental style breakfast, with lots of choices of bread (Adam’s a baker, remember), ham, cheeses and homemade preserves, some time after eight, by eleven o’clock Marta would be offering us something more substantial.  Soup, or pierogi (delicious dumplings with either sweet or savoury fillings), often after we’d already had coffee and cake at ten.

I had already learnt that ciastko, cake, appears at every possible opportunity in a Polish household.  I felt quite ashamed of my lazy English ways.  Polish wives are constantly baking, cooking or preparing food, even when they have busy jobs outside the home.  Maybe the younger generation will have a more relaxed attitude to housekeeping.

Zupy (soup)

Barszcz z uszka- beetroot soup with ravioli

Rosol z makaronem- chicken soup with pasta

At my first Polish meal I was a little surprised to sit down to a dish of plain spaghetti, but all became clear when the tureen of consome went the rounds.  Very often soup has rice or pasta added, making it a substantial meal.  With chleb (bread) of course.

Dania drugie (second, or main course)

Ryby (fish)

Sledz- rolled herring

Makrela z smietana- mackerel with cream and corn

Mięso (meat)

Grilled kielbasa

Kotlet schabowy- pork cutlet, egged and breadcrumbed

I have included kiełbasa in the mains but this savoury sausage can appear at any time of day, breakfast, lunch or supper.  I very much like żurek, a creamy soup with pieces of kiełbasa floating in, or even a whole sausage.  Polish main courses are usually pork, veal or chicken accompanied by ziemniaki (potatoes).  You will usually find a huge bowl of warzywna z majonezem (vegetable salad), sliced pomodorów (tomatoes), and ogórki (gherkins) on the table.  Occasionally there might be cooked vegetables.

Bigos- cabbage, meat and spices

Kotlety mielone z buraczki- meat cutlet and warm beetroot salad

Obiad, or lunch, the main meal of the day, is usually served around 2.30- 3.00.  Obviously this varies with working patterns and the school day.  Other favourites of mine are gołąbka, cabbage leaves stuffed with mince and rice, and nalesniki.  These are pancakes, often with cream cheese (z serem) or sour cherries (wiśnia).  Fabulous!

Desery (dessert)

Szarlotka- apple cake

Karpatka- a regional favourite

No Polish meal would be complete without something sweet, so dessert is almost mandatory.  Sernik is a delicious cheesecake.  On a recent visit my cousin Grazyna, a wonderful cook, brought carob cake with her.  I could have a new favourite every day!  They are served with kawa (coffee), herbata ( tea) or kompot (a brew made with fruit).  Sok (juice) and woda (water) are always available on a Polish table, and afterwards a little koniak (cognac) or wodka might be taken.

Kolacje – anyone still got room for supper?  You’ll be pleased to know that it’s a simple meal of bread, cheese, ham- whatever hasn’t been eaten in the day.

Swieconka- traditional Easter basket with sausage, eggs and bread

Food is an integral part of Polish celebrations.  The święconka basket, shown above, is traditionally taken to church to be blessed on Easter Saturday, ready for breakfast on Sunday.  I have yet to experience a Polish Christmas, but the meal is eaten after the church service on Christmas Eve, and is comprised of 12 courses, but no meat.  It might take a little while!

All of the food photos are courtesy of Wikipedia.  I was far too busy eating and drinking to point the camera.  It just remains to thank Julie Dawn Fox for allowing me to contribute to My Personal A-Z of Poland.  The banner will take you to the main site, where you can check out the many other contributions, or maybe even join in.

Six word Saturday

Not going to panic, just yet!

It’s fun to shop for a wedding outfit, isn’t it?  I keep repeating that to myself.

The following video features Jema Hewitt (aka Emily Ladybird), who will be my daughter’s matron of honour at her wedding in February, explaining just what is meant by Steampunk fashion.

http://www.themuse.tv/2012/11/gothic-glam-steampunk-fashion-part-1/

I know- it stops short right at the point where you could look at some of Jema’s designs!  I’ll have to hunt down Friday’s edition of the show.

You see, I had in mind an Ossie Clark style, fitted, floor length frock, with tiny covered buttons, long close fitting sleeves, maybe in cream or a pastel.  Although I much admire my daughter’s style of dressing, I’m not sure that I can carry it off.

As Jema says, you can adapt it to yourself, but so far I’m not having much luck with the shopping.  Lisa has almost finished sewing her wedding gown, but then has a bridesmaid’s frock and waistcoats for the grooms to do, with Christmas looming.

I guess I just need you to wish me luck.  I don’t have any skills with the needle, and am online hunting for something suitable whenever I can.

Before I go this morning, I’d just like to send my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to Viv Blake.  I understand that she’s in hospital undergoing tests.  She’s too far away from me for a hospital visit, and will be sadly missed on this week’s Six word Saturday, so get well soon, Viv.  As always, grateful thanks to Cate at Show My Face for the opportunity to share my six words (and more).  Follow the links for details.

Related articles

Sunday Post : Wonderful

Jake’s back, and how wonderful that is!  In case you’re “wonder”-ing, yes, I did go to the fireworks last night.  The tide was coming in as I walked along the promenade, and there was a delicious whoosh as the sea met the shore.  The white caps in the darkness were beautiful- just one of the many wonderful sights that make up this world of ours.

I’ve never witnessed any of the spectacular world-renowned sights that fill our world with wonder- the Grand Canyon, the Great Wall of China, Macchu Pichu…  I’m going to start small, with the things that are wonderful to me.

Lisa, on the beach at Scarborough

My wonderful firstborn child.  I make no apologies for the quality of the photo, which is 38 years old.  What you can’t see from this shot is the absolute fear which gripped me that day, as I thought I’d lost her, there on the beach.  Or the relief when she was returned to me, wailing, as I frantically combed the beach.  Or the wonder that she is now a fullgrown and beautiful woman.

James, by the lakeshore at Fuschl, in Austria

Nineteen years behind his sister, James brought his own wonder.  Here, I think he’s wondering which piece to move next?

When it comes to family, it doesn’t get more wonderful than the reunion that brought my Dad together with his brothers and sisters in Poland, after 64 years of separation.

Together, at last, in Poland

So that’s the sentimental part.  For me, it’s always wonderful to wake to the sun, rising in the sky.  The sky and the cloud formations are endlessly fascinating as the sun climbs up through them. 

An Algarve sky has a different quality.  The view from my Tavira rooftop is wonderful to me.

And the sky so often ends up purest blue, reflected in the sparkling sea.

Just now and then, I can capture some clouds.

Often they build towards the end of the day, then it’s over, as wonderfully as it began.

What do you find wonderful in the world?  There is so much to celebrate, and Jakesprinter works hard every week to share with us his talent.  He would love you to share your world too.  Don’t worry- he’s always kind.  Follow the flying dragon or the links to join us.

No song this week?  My friend Madhu says “What a wonderful World”, but I was singing that old Jimmy Ruffin song.