Sal's Snippets!

The Apron!

2012-02-17T11:57:00.008Z

I recently received an email from my lovely friend, Amanda,

who had received it from her dad.

Too good to read and then throw in the deleted bin...

I thought I would share it with you.

Enjoy!!

******

THE APRON

I don't think our children know what an apron is!!

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath

because she only had a few.

It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses

and aprons used less material.

But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion

was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs,

fussy chicks and sometimes half-hatched eggs

to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold Grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow,

bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.

After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how

much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch,

waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to

come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something

that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know (and love) the story about Grandma's aprons.

REMEMBER:

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.

Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love...

Happy Birthday Meggy!! ;-) x

2012-02-15T09:40:00.003Z

It's someone's birthday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGGY!!

Where did that year go?!!

I hope that she has a lovely day with her mummy and daddy!

We're looking forward to seeing her at the weekend.

Meanwhile , yesterday, Mr S took me to Totnes.

Totnes was very much in the mood for love! ;-)

And to have lunch out... was a real treat!

I did get flowers...and just for a laugh, Mr S got an onion

(along with a bottle of wine, naturally!)

Hope you had a good day too ;-)

Meanwhile, I have some presents to wrap, for Saturday!

;-)

Darling...I give you an onion! ;-)

2012-02-14T08:51:00.004Z

Valentine

by Carol Ann Duffy

Not a red rose or a satin heart.

I give you an onion.

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.

It promises light

like the careful undressing of love.

Here.

It will blind you with tears

like a lover.

It will make your reflection

a wobbling photo of grief.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a cute card or a kissogram.

I give you an onion.

Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,

possessive and faithful

as we are,

for as long as we are.

Take it.

Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring,

if you like.

Lethal.

Its scent will cling to your fingers,

cling to your knife.

The Vintage and Textile Fair, Tavistock.

2012-02-12T08:29:00.000Z

Let's start off with cake!

Then it will give us enough energy to journey through

the rest of this blog post.

Yesterday, we set off early and travelled across Dartmoor,

to Tavistock.

Lying on the River Tavy and on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park,

Tavistock is a lovely little town,

full of history. It also has a traditional, market hall.

Furthermore, it has this stunning town hall, which is where we spent the day.

We were there to take part in the Vintage and Textile Fair,

which was superbly organised by a lady called Sian.

I don't know how she did it but all day long there were crowds of people

coming through the doors. I was amazed!

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Tavistock too!

I took along all my vintage fabrics and few other bits and pieces.

My friend Amanda was next to me, with all her

wonderful vintage quilts, china, linens etc

There were many people whom I didn't know, stalling there

but here are some snippets of the things they had on offer, each stall

being beautifully displayed.

And then there was that cake...and more!

'More Tea Vicar' provided us, and many others, with all the nourishment

that one needed for the day.

And not just cake...home made soup for lunch, as well!

Oh..and not forgetting the home made chutney and marmalade

with which Avril was also tempting us!!

A huge thank you to Sian for organising another brilliant fair!

;-)

Birthday...and things! ;-)

2012-02-09T14:22:00.001Z

Meggy is now on her feet! She's not quite walking

...but it won't be long!!

She was my cutest present on Sunday...

...along with...

Red Tulips and a Roberts radio from Mr S.... actually an early present

as I've had the radio for a few weeks!

Helen gave me these two books, a hand

made card and some carnations.

Nich gave me a beautiful framed poster from the London Transport Museum,

a diary (an early present in Jan), some daffodils

and a card entitled, 'Before the Match'.

Lizzie, Nich's lovely girlfriend, gave me a beautiful scarf,

a tiled box, some pretty coasters and a lovely card, '.

I especially loved the card, the theme being,

'Vintage Textiles'

My sister gave me a bag of goodies...

some colourful doyleys , an Orla Kiely room spray,

some very pretty waxed dishes , cake cases,

some roses with carnations

and a pretty card, 'Lady of the Allotment'.

And if that wasn't enough, I had some money to spend, from my mum and dad!

;-)

Talking of cards...

Helen's ' little creations' are multiplying!

Meanwhile..I'm all packed and ready...

I'll be at the Tavistock Vintage and Textile Fair on Saturday!

It's going to be a good one!!

Hope to see some of you there!

;-)

Canada... and a lovely book!

2012-02-07T09:37:00.007Z

I was in the kitchen, last night, minding my own business and getting on with tidying up

when Nich comes in from work.

'I've got something for you,' he says.

And he presented me with a book!

Now, I love the way that Nich writes!

In fact he is in the middle of studying a journalism course

and taking his journalism exams so

how he has found the time to write a book, go to work and also study,

I will never know!

Anyway...last May, off he went to Canada...

Last May, I followed Nich's journey on the map and also via his text

messages and emails as he travelled around Canada!

Now to sit down and have a very, long read!

;-)

Otto Retro

2012-02-04T20:03:00.003Z

Otto Retro, Exeter...

is under new ownership.

What a very pleasing environment to be in!

Extremely colourful too!

It's well worth the walk down Fore Street!

I spoke to the owner but didn't get her name...anyway...

here's hoping that she has a very happy time there!

;-)

Vintage Children's Fabrics

2012-02-02T11:22:00.005Z

I don't sell many vintage children's fabrics simply because they

are generally way out of my league, price wise!

But, recently, I did find the next best thing!

******

Vintage Children's Fabrics

Kay Hanauer

******

She's been a collector for years and has now produced this lovely book.

She doesn't profess to be an expert and she states that she has no

knowledge of the designers or the textile mills (in the USA) that produced the fabric.

Her lovely book is arranged in themed chapters ...so here goes:

Chapter 1.School and Nursery Rhymes

Fabrics with letters of the alphabet on them were very popular

as were nursery rhyme themed fabric.

Chapter 2. Kids and Parties

(I hate, loathe and detest the word 'kids'

but that's what the book says so I have to go with it!)

Fabrics depicting images of sweet children, were very popular

and are still very much sought after.

Chapter 3. Leisure and Play

The theme of dancing is prominent on many vintage fabrics of the 1930s/40s

Chapter 4. Farmlife

Many farm scenes were depicted, appropriately, on feedsack fabric.

Chapter 5 Kittens and Puppies

The Scottie Dog became very popular during President Roosevelt's presidency,

simply because he owned one.

Chapter 6. Forest and Jungle

This seems a bit of a strange theme but there are many fabrics

which depict these scenes.

Chapter 7. Trains,Planes and Automobiles

Another popular theme!

Chapter 8 The Wild West

This has always been a popular theme!

Chapter 9 - Swatches

This chapter shows many of the small pieces

which the author has discovered over the years

Chapter 10

Larger pieces!

Just a few snippets!

The book is packed full of the most lovely pictures!

;-)

News from the craft room! ;-)

2012-01-31T13:38:00.007Z

All sorts has been going on in the craft room, just lately!

I decided to have a go at making a few brooches, from some

scraps of vintage fabric and a new jumper belonging to Mr S, which I accidentally

washed, dried, shrunk and felted!

I'm still working on those brooches. Meanwhile..

there are the fab four hippie puppets...

Groovy man...yeah,yeah,yeah! ;-)

I have to admit that they needed er umm..a little modifying as one

or two 'resembled Hitler'...so I was told!

Oh dear!

Anyway...they are all ready to be added to this crew!

Swiftly moving on... to 'Liquid Pearls'...

I've always loved using these and I discovered last week that

they have added some new, lush colours to their range:

There was another reason for needing more of these....

someone has been raiding my craft room!

My daughter's craft mojo has returned...beginning with rubber stamping

and card making:

I must fly...I have some more new fabrics to label,

for the Tavistock fair on 11th Feb...

Vintage Notions ...and a winner! ;-)

2012-01-29T11:27:00.006Z

I've found the loveliest book!! ;-)

And it really is a true inspiration!

It's the loveliest book I've seen in a long time;

I'm bowled over by its charm!

It's written by Mary Barickman, a lady very much inspired by

another lady, Mary Brooks Picken, a talented dressmaker and founder

of 'The Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences', in Scranton, California.

Each lovely chapter of this book represents a month of the year

because as Amy says:

'' Our lives are keenly connected to the change of seasons,

from the food we eat to the clothes we wear''

Each chapter starts with a lovely quote for the month.

And each season has a storage pocket to stash away your own precious clippings,

fabric swatches, recipes etc.

Join with me in sharing a few of the delights of this lovely book.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

I hope you enjoyed those 'Snippets'

;-)

And finally...

The winner of my giveaway!

http://salssnippets.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-vintage-gals-and-giveaway.html

Thank you everyone for all of your

wonderful ideas!

I've put all the names in a hat and the winner is...

http://downbytheseadorset.blogspot.com/

(Please email me your address!)

;-)

All good things come to an end! ;-(

2012-01-27T13:31:00.007Z

It's been a wonderful journey for me!

Ever since I discovered this little shop in 'The Narrows' at Totnes,

I've been allowed a regular 'escape', back to my past!

The walk to the top of the hill, in Totnes, has always been worth it !

And Lesley has always had the knack of finding unique

and wonderful, childhood treasures.

But alas...all good things come to an end!

Lesley's lovely shop closes it's doors, tomorrow....for good!

Mr S and I want to wish Lesley and Paul all the very best with their

future ventures with, 'This 'n That', which will still be going strong

but in a different format.

They are the loveliest people and deserve every success.

Thankfully...

Totnes is going nowhere !

And don't forget that Lesley is organising another

Nostalgic Mix Fair...

Totnes Civic Hall , Saturday March 31st

...where 'This 'n That' will be very much present!!

I'll be back soon, with a winner of my giveaway!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

;-)

Two Stannary towns...some finds...and a sad goodbye!

2012-01-21T15:54:00.001Z

Today, we had a 'jolly jaunt' across the moors to Tavistock.

Tavistock is an old Stannary town.

If you didn't know, Stannary towns were towns where

refined tin was weighed, coined and sold.

I quite like Tavi and it is one of those places which has an old market hall

which has kept its character...unlike the market hall in the town where I live!

Newton Abbot market hall was once oozing with character but sadly

the stalls have been re-designed so that you can't

see over them to get an overview of the hall.

Tavistock market hall is much nicer and how a market hall should be...

in my opinion! ;-)

Tavistock market hall has a good range of products on offer from crafts

to vintage bits and pieces to books and foods etc etc

It's a fine place for a good old rummage!

We bumped into the lovely Sian, who is the organiser of the now famous

Tavistock vintage fairs! She has her own stall at the market hall.

We'll be returning to Tavistock on Saturday Feb 11th

as I'm doing my first vintage fair of the year

at Tavistock Town Hall.

After a wander around we drove back to Ashburton!

Ashburton is also an ancient Stannary town.

We spotted no tin but there was plenty

of vintage being shown off to its best at

The Vintage Emporium.

A gorgeous shop indeed!!

And Sarah just happened to say that they had plenty more coming in...

so a good excuse for another visit soonish!

I came back empty handed though!!

However, I have found some interesting bits this week!!

A lovely tea towel...

A book, which is on its way as I type...I can't wait to 'show and tell' it!!

Various pieces of vintage fabric...

Finally...some sadness is occurring!

If you've never been to Lesley's fabulous shop

' This 'n That ' in Totnes

then you have a week to get there!

Sadly, it is closing!

There will still be a 'This 'n That' in some form but

Lesley is taking it in a slightly different direction.

I will really, really, really miss going into this little shop when I wander along

The Narrows in Totnes . It was, after all, an 'escape' for me and

a chance to revisit my childhood.

Anyway, I wish Lesley and Paul all the very best with

their future ventures and, hopefully, I'll be nipping down

to do one last blog post before 'This 'n That' closes

its doors.

Three cheers for, 'This 'n That' and all the pleasure that

it has given me!! ;-)

http://thisnthat-totnes.blogspot.com/

Snippets!;-)

2012-01-18T08:18:00.003Z

Meggy has passed the 11 month mark and is well on her way to

her first birthday!!

Can you believe that?

She is the most beautiful and placid little girl and we are lucky

enough to see her fairly often...along with her wonderful mum and dad.

Meanwhile...

On Saturday, we paid a visit to an Antiques fair in Exeter.

It wasn't much cop, as they say ... too much jewellery and china

for my liking but I did spot this, unopened and a mere snip at around £45 :

I didn't buy it, I hasten to add!

I also spotted and bought this bargain:

I opened it and there were some coloured candles inside.

It wasn't until I got it home that I found a

receipt inside... from January 1955.

Candles for Angel Chimes (who remembers that?!)

6 shillings.... and 1 shilling and sixpence postage!

Only three of the candles were used.

It's funny how a girl can be quite happy with a box of coloured candles...

and a tin of vintage cotton reels!!

LOL!

And finally... here's a sneak preview of some vintage fabric

which is about to be added to my shop!

All gorgeous...but not half as gorgeous as...

;-)

My vintage gals!! AND A GIVEAWAY! ;-)

2012-01-13T13:55:00.008Z

Before Christmas, I was tidying my bookshelves when this caught my eye.

'Hmmm...puppets', I thought...and then I put the idea on the back burner.

Until today.

I have quite a few vintage fairs lined up for this year

and I thought I'd make a few cheerful things for the children who

come along ... starting with some colourful hand puppets!

So...enter...my first two vintage gals...Poppy and Polly!

Well, they've gone forth and multiplied!

Now we are six....!

So all we need now are some more names!

And that's where you come in!

Thus...to win my giveaway, just comment on this blog post with

a few ideas for names for my 'vintage gal' puppets!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

;-)

Simply books!! ;-)

2012-01-06T11:25:00.010Z

There's nothing like the feel of a good book, is there?!

(Regardless of the advantages of a Kindle! )

And there's nothing like giving or receiving lovely books.

I love books!

So here are the lovely books that I have recently either received or given:

I have to admit that I love these books

by Miroslav Sasek!

If I had the room , I would collect... the whole lot!

Funnily enough (and unbeknown to me until I showed him

my London book) , Nich was given the 'This is Paris' which is in the same series.

I'll nab that when he isn't looking! ;-)

'This is London' now takes pride of place in my little classroom.

I'm itching to do some mini London projects with the children.

Moving on...I'm very inspired by some of the ideas in this lovely book:

And this next book is a joy to behold as are most things illustrated by Pat Albeck.

If you didn't already know, she is Matthew Rice's mother....

thus Emma Bridgewater's mother in law!

This book is beautiful!

More inspiration in the form of...

There's plenty to get your creative juices flowing here, that's for sure!!

And talking of gingerbread men...I gave this book to my daughter,

at Christmas:

And then bought it for myself!! I thought the ideas were brilliant

and not just for baking!

Nich received the top two of these books below, from me.

I gave my mum the Vintage Gibbons book

and Greavsie's book to my Torquay supporter nephew!

(Good job I didn't get the wrapping muddled up!!)

I already own 'Where's Your Caravan?' so didn't have to sneakily read it first!!;-)

I grabbed this next one when I saw it for snip, in a charity shop.

In my classroom, I already have some lovely Rupert fabric

which I bought from Donna, some time ago and had been looking for

a Rupert annual for ages!

Phew...all that reading lined up...and then these arrive!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!!

;-) x

A bit of simple crafting!

2012-01-04T08:25:00.005Z

Very aware that my crafting has taken a back seat for some time, I felt quite inspired

before Christmas, when I picked up 'Patch' and thumbed through it.

I made these little patchwork lavender bags for a friend's 'new home' pressy...

I hope she likes them!

The book is gorgeous ..I just love the snippets of vintage fabrics

included in the ideas and I could sit and stare at them

for ages.

So...' Start the year as you mean to go on', I said to myself!

I've tidied up my craft room, which had become a dumping ground over Christmas.

I gathered all my vintage scraps... and lo and behold...

a bit of crazy patchwork.

My New Year's Resolution...to do a bit more crafting...

along with a bit more reading!

Books next time!!

;-)

A Very Happy New Year! ;-)x

2012-01-01T11:19:00.007Z

A very Happy New Year to everyone!

Here's hoping that 2012 will be a good year for you all.

Yesterday, I did a little bit of looking back at 2011!

Jan 2011

Jan 2011 saw me looking back to 2010; visiting Bygones for another

trip into the past; enjoying the magic of the FA Cup and browsing through

an old baby book...with a new baby about to enter the world!

February saw...

February was dominated by the arrival of a certain little lady,

Megan Amber, daughter to Helen and Ben.

Thus, we became grandparents!

There was a birthday visit to Bath; a wander around Exeter and a

number of books waiting to be read.

March soon arrived...

Much happened in March!

We played Chess in Torquay!

Nostalgic Mix, Totnes added a new dimension with its

' Guy's Stuff' stall!

Powderham and Widecombe were on the agenda...amongst other things!

April entered...

Mothering Sunday with my gorgeous son and daughter;

a visit to fairs in Portscatho, Frome and Chipping Sodbury; the wonderful

'Blood Brothers' at the theatre and enjoying the sights of Newton Abbot!

May was about to nudge April out of the way and visit us...

Now we're cooking'!

Things were getting interesting in the garden!

Nich left for Canada...leaving me in total charge of his garden!

Hill House was delightful and we came back from a garden fair

at Chagford, laden with vintage, garden goodies!

Roll on June!

We enjoyed a lot in June!

A La Ronde at Exmouth; the pretty village of Kenn; fab Ashburton;

a celebration of 100 years of Decoy Primary school and two vintage fairs

at Tavistock and Chipping Sodbury.

July surely couldn't live up to that?

RHS Rosemoor Gardens were 'to die for' and who'd have thought that Trago Mills

would push the boat out with their garden displays?

We added a lovely summerhouse to our garden... and Meggy

was growing up fast!!

What did August have in store?

August was pretty! Especially The Garden House!

We did the Portscatho Homespun Fair

and I found myself next to an onion man at

'Vintage in a Teacup'

September was looming.

Another wonderful Nostalgic Mix; that stunning display of

Rudbeckias at Cockington ; a stroll around Dartmouth.

Autumn had arrived!

And with it came a letter from Canada,with a gift.

Just when I was thinking of giving up blogging...saved by that letter from Gray!

Our Wedding Anniversary was absolutely lovely and we lunched

at The Redcliffe Hotel, by the sea, in the sun!!

There was another fine Vintage Bazaar in Frome.

But November was near...

I treated my oven to a top class spruce up!!

I treated Meggy to one of Hen's lovely doll's cradles!

So much happened in December that we almost

needed to add to the 31 days in order to fit it all in!

Getting ready for Christmas;

The V&H Christmas fair; an overnight stay in Totnes; Christmas Eve in

Topsham; a visit to the fabulous RAMM; Exeter and Ashburton!

I'm left wondering what 2012 will bring...!

Meanwhile, I wish you all the best for 2012!!

xxx

There was this tree....

2011-12-30T13:57:00.011Z

Now here's a strange thing!

This morning, we made a quick trip down the A38 to Ashburton.

When we got there the little town was busy...but alas

some shops had decided to stay closed.

Oh well...their loss!!

That said, one of my favourite shops, 'The Snug',

was open!!

And in pride of place at the front of the shop was this beautiful vintage tree,

full of the loveliest, vintage decorations.

No photos can do this justice as it was stunning!!

As was the rest of the shop...well that was displayed

in true Ros style...

But it was that tree which I could have gladly brought home with me!

I couldn't have the whole tree but I did buy a tiny part of it...

Exeter had better be open tomorrow !

And Mr S is cooking New Years Eve dinner...so

do expect culinary delights on the blog, very soon!

;-)

The wonderful RAMM !!!

2011-12-28T15:26:00.019Z

Just over four years ago, I opened the door to my blog!!

http://salssnippets.blogspot.com/2007/11/adventures-behind-door.html#comments

It's been a fun four years!

But as one door opened, another closed....for four years!

Everything was stored away and a grand refurbishment began!

And just about two weeks ago, four years on, on Dec 15th 2011,the doors opened again!

I'm talking about the fabulous RAMM!

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

It's been a long wait and I've been longing to see inside this fabulous old building!!

This morning, I jumped on the train with Nich and we ventured

to the city that I love!

Our sole aim was to visit the RAMM.

We'd forgotten that a few thousand children

would be doing the same and so it was...rather noisy!

Anyway, here are a few photos of what's on offer...and of course it is

all there to see, for free...including:

The Romans; The Middle Ages ; World War1 and World War 2;

Ancient Civilisations etc

It was certainly well worth the visit! Do go along if you can!

The displays are superb !

Today's visit was really to get

an overview and I will probably dive into the RAMM every time I visit Exeter,

in order to concentrate on one section at a time.

There was so much to take in!

Happy Christmas everyone!!

2011-12-24T17:47:00.009Z

I'm waiting patiently for this thing called Christmas!

I've been told it's my first Christmas!

I don't really know what Christmas is but I have heard

that I'll like it when it comes!

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for my visitors to arrive.

I reckon they have stopped off here for lunch....

And knowing my Grandad...there will be Guinness involved!

And knowing my Grandma...some window shopping, after that!

My Grandma says that she loves the fact that we live near to Topsham!

Ah..I can hear the doorbell...that must be my visitors ...so

...bye for now...and I hope you all have a very happy Christmas...

whatever that is!!

Meggy xxx

;-)

Merry Christmas to you all!

2011-12-23T07:44:00.017Z

The bells of waiting Advent ring,

The Tortoise stove is lit again

And lamp-oil light across the night

Has caught the streaks of winter rain

In many a stained-glass window sheen

From Crimson Lake to Hookers Green.

The holly in the windy hedge

And round the Manor House the yew

Will soon be stripped to deck the ledge,

The altar, font and arch and pew,

So that the villagers can say

'The church looks nice' on Christmas Day.

Provincial Public Houses blaze,

Corporation tramcars clang,

On lighted tenements I gaze,

Where paper decorations hang,

And bunting in the red Town Hall

Says 'Merry Christmas to you all'.

And London shops on Christmas Eve

Are strung with silver

bells and flowers

As hurrying clerks the City leave

To pigeon-haunted classic towers,

And marbled clouds go scudding by

The many-steepled London sky.

And girls in slacks remember Dad,

And oafish louts remember Mum,

And sleepless children's hearts are glad.

And Christmas-morning bells say 'Come!'

Even to shining ones who dwell

Safe in the Dorchester Hotel.

And is it true,

This most tremendous tale of all,

Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,

A Baby in an ox's stall ?

The Maker of the stars and sea

Become a Child on earth for me ?

And is it true ? For if it is,

No loving fingers tying strings

Around those tissued fripperies,

The sweet and silly Christmas things,

Bath salts and inexpensive scent

And hideous tie so kindly meant,

No love that in a family dwells,

No carolling in frosty air,

Nor all the steeple-shaking bells

Can with this single Truth compare -

That God was man in Palestine

And lives today in Bread and Wine.

John Betjeman

Say, 'Yo! Turkey, I'm on your side!'

2011-12-17T07:52:00.004Z

'Talking Turkeys'

by Benjamin Zephaniah

Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas

Cos' turkeys just wanna hav fun

Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked

An every turkey has a Mum.

Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas,

Don't eat it, keep it alive,

It could be yu mate, an not on your plate

Say, Yo! Turkey I'm on your side.

I got lots of friends who are turkeys

An all of dem fear christmas time,

Dey wanna enjoy it, dey say humans destroyed it

An humans are out of dere mind.

Yeah, I got lots of friends who are turkeys

Dey all hav a right to a life,

Not to be caged up an genetically made up

By any farmer an his wife.

Turkeys just wanna play reggae

Turkeys just wanna hip-hop

Can yu imagine a nice young turkey saying,

'I cannot wait for de chop',

Turkeys like getting presents,

dey wanna watch christmas TV,

Turkeys hav brains an turkeys feel pain

In many ways like yu an me.

I once knew a turkey called...Turkey

He said "Benji explain to me please,

Who put de turkey in christmas

An what happens to christmas trees?",

I said "I am not too sure turkey

But it's nothing to do wid Christ Mass

Humans get greedy an waste more dan need be

An business men mek loadsa cash'.

Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas

Invite dem indoors fe sum greens

Let dem eat cake an let dem partake

In a plate of organic grown beans,

Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas

An spare dem de cut of de knife,

Join Turkeys United

an dey'll be delighted

An you will make new friends for life.

I use this poem during a lesson, last night and thought I'd share it with you!

;-)

The Totnes late night 'experience'!

2011-12-15T07:41:00.012Z

Totnes late night shopping evenings seem to come around so quickly!!

We normally go down on the train and every year as we're shivering

on Totnes station, waiting for the train back home, I say,

' I wish we could stay down here for the night!'

Well...guess what?

That is what we did on Tuesday!

We arrived in Totnes at around 3pm .

First stop..a very leisurely and rather fine afternoon tea! ;-)

http://vintageteatotnes.co.uk/

(He is one customer, waiting patiently for his Devon Cream Tea! ;-)

Vintage Tea is how tea rooms should be!

The food was 'to die for'!

We'd booked into 'The Seven Stars Hotel' for the night ...

and that didn't disappoint either!!

It was lovely.

The service was excellent, the people were friendly

... and the food, superb.

Thankfully, the weather stayed dry as we were

wandering around the town.

The usual suspects were there...

And it was so easy to get into the Christmas spirit!

Lesley's lovely shop never fails to disappoint and it was lovely

to see her for a natter.

And...

then there was display of trees in the church!

All decorated in different themes, by different organisations,

these are a delight!

There's one more chance to get to Totnes late night shopping ...

next Tuesday, 20th!

But if you can't get there, then I hope you enjoyed our little trip!

;-)

On the move!

2011-12-11T08:41:00.005Z

Hello everyone! It's Meggy here!

I'm 10 months old now!

I know that's old, cos I heard mummy say so!

I also keep hearing this word...

'CHRISTMAS'

I know that it's special as mummy keeps getting excited

and daddy keeps telling her to calm down!

I went to see my Grandma and Grandad, yesterday and imagine

my surprise when I saw....

Shiny shiny!!

And all over the house were these lovely Christmas things.

Even Uncle Nich had decorated his room!

And finally...

I have some exciting news!

I am on the move!!

I don't mean that I am moving house...I mean that

I can now crawl!!

I only started this week but I am getting quite good at it already!

Poor mummy and daddy! ;-)

Bye for now...

Love, Meggy

xxxx

My first Christmas newsletter has arrived!!!! ;-)

2011-12-08T09:25:00.006Z

Well...it's time for all those Christmas cards to drop through the letter box

and you know that my faves are the ones which include those newsletters!!

Oh look!! One has just landed on my door mat as I type...

let's read it together, shall we?

*************

Dear All,

Well what a fabulous year it has been, once again!

I've acquired many expensive and wonderful things, about which I must tell you.

The new, top quality Axminster throughout the house has made the world of difference.It cost a fortune, mind you, but the pure gold fleck in it is a joy to behold! Just one little sign of our wealth!

We have also treated ourselves to a new extra large, three piece suite; ( recliners naturally )

posh Italian leather, of course....and not forgetting the two, matching pouffes!

Neville has acquired a bigger and better 'sit on' lawn mower, which helps him no end in mowing the absolutely acres of land that we possess. Our new summerhouse with the added luxury of a kitchen extension, makes the garden...and seats 40 people.

Miles gave us a top notch barbecue for our anniversary so we are well set up for summer evening social gatherings.

Meanwhile,we have taken 4 holidays this year.

Miles and Piers accompanied us to The Seychelles where we spent three weeks doing little but wining and dining every night . Gloria and Gordon came with us to Brazil...a shorter trip but well worth it if only for the coffee. And last January we went skiing in the Swiss Alps. We stayed in an exclusive, little village and dined every night in a very classy restaurant where the cuisine was superb!

Finally, we had a fortnight in Torquay in the summer...not my choice you understand but Neville wanted to 'do Devon'. I thought it all rather quaint but somewhat common. Mind you we did have some good weather and were able to take the boat across the bay quite a few times and mix with some very fine, upper crust people from the Torbay yachting fraternity.

The grandchildren are all doing very,very well. Crystal has gained a place at Oxford to read Law and her twin brother, Quentin, has secured his place at Edinburgh to read Medicine. Both gained top marks in their A levels and we've bought them each a house to live in, whilst they study away from home.

In September,Neville came home with a new 50 inch tv and at the same time he presented me with a gold bracelet as it was our 40th. My gift to him was the top spec BMW with all the trimmings,if you know what I mean. The personalised plate was the icing on the cake. He was thrilled. I think his parents chose wisely when they named him Neville Oscar - Blakely...don't you?

So, all in all a very good year indeed.

Wishing you a happy Christmas and all the best for 2012!

Serena Nadia Oscar - Blakely

;-)

Sal's Lens...at The Vintage and Handmade Christmas Fair ;-)

2011-12-04T01:19:00.003Z

Sir Bruce: Good evening everyone!

Nice to see you to see you ...NICE!

And what a show we have in store for you, tonight!

Tonight's theme is 'VINTAGE'

(A bit like me..har har har! ;-)

So, without further ado, let's meet our rather extended panel of judges.

(What a rabble!)

Sir Bruce: First up, are our professional dancers with

The Dance of the Vintage Tea Cup

Sir Bruce: Well, DIDN'T THEY DO WELL?

That was quite a start to the show and didn't our

costume girl, Hen, do a great job too.

Give us a twirl!

(No, not you Hen! I meant the dancer!)

Let's have a round of applause please!

Sir Bruce: The first of our contestants tonight, will be

dressed as...oooh... snowmen...

which reminds me... time for a joke...!

How do snowmen greet each other?

.....

'ICE to see you, to see you ICE!'

(Guffaw , guffaw)

Sir Bruce : Great stuff...I wonder what the audience thought of that?

Hmmm, the audience look a bit like the judges, don't they?

Oh well..never mind.

You're such a lovely audience..much better than last week!

(Lies through teeth!)

Let's ask Craig Revel Horwood what he thinks.

Over to you Craig.

CRH: Darling, I thought it was a bit flakey in places, your hip

action was a bit slushy and your expression was a little cold

but apart from that I liked it!'

(Boo Hiss etc)

Sir Bruce: Before I move on, I would like to say that

tonight, our judges have been given some rather nifty,

festive clipboards on which to write their notes.

Thanks to Sal in the props dept!

Sir Bruce: Our next contestants tonight are dressed as vintage elves

and they are doing

the very quick quickstep with a few antics thrown in.

Sir Bruce: Let's ask our judges what they think. Bruno?

Bruno (stands up, gesticulates) : Ooooooooh you little rascals!

How I would like to slip and slide all over the place with you...you were

nifty and naughty and I loved you! ;-)

(Len smirks)

Sir Bruce: Good game, good game...now next up is the Minute Waltz

Great props for this one...

Sir Bruce: Let's ask head judge, Len what he thought of that waltz.

Len: I thought it was a little wooden in places and

they danced by the...ummmm.. book...

Sir Bruce: Moving on, we have a solo number from Clare, our professional.

(Rousing applause for Clare)

Sir Bruce: And now we have 'The Dance of the Vintage Junk'

Performed by Lesley and Paul!

Sir Bruce: What style eh, Alesha?

Alesha : 'You absolutely owned the floor (and all that vintage junk)

You bossed the dance, throughout

and I think you are getting better and better.

Remember, Paul...keep those arms straight and Lesley, try not to

grin so much as you glide around!

Sir Bruce: And next up is the Dance of the Sparkley Baubles...

when I was told I had to announce this, I said to the producer,

''You leave my sparkly baubles out of this'

But did he heck?

Sir Bruce: Great dance! Craig?

Craig: You can't get enough sparkly baubles, darling.

Bruno : I second that!

(Len grins ; Alesha groans)

Sir Bruce: And for our penultimate dance...here comes

The Dance of the Crotchet

Oh for heaven's sake...who made that clanger on my autucue

..it is meant to be Crochet...!

Sir Bruce: Len what do you reckon? Great dance?

Len : I loved the way that you hooked your bodies around each other!

(Craig looks on admiringly; Bruno faints and Craig has to revive him

...trying not to enjoy it!)

Sir Bruce: And finally, to round off the evening's entertainment...

The Polka

Performed by our Polish dancers

Sir Bruce: What a show...and don't forget to tune in tomorrow

to find out who goes through to the next round.

Meanwhile...

KEEEEEEP DANCING!

Da da da da da da da....da da da da da

Tee hee...Many thanks to Michele and Jayne...who organised another

wonderful Vintage and Handmade Fair...and...lets face it...

without them this load of tripe would not have been written!

So blame them!

;-)